Crossing Borders

by TheOwlsArchive

Summary:

Cassidy always found herself entranced by the idea of her soulmate. Fantasized about just sitting with whoever they were in cozy company, especially after finding herself homeless in Ebbot City. Not even the emergence of monsters could hurt her hopes to one day find them and just have someone be there for her and her returning the favor.

When less than ideal circumstances do arise in which she meets him though, she can't bring herself to find him again after parting.

Why would she when the first time meeting her soulmate results in a death threat?

Chapter 1: Soulmate

Notes:

Hello hello! Yes, another new fic, but I couldn't help it. I've been hyperfocused on this idea for a few days, and it's another case of "couldn't find the story I want to read, so I'm going to write it." It is pretty self indulgent, honestly, but I still hope you all can enjoy. <3

The woman sat in the alley shivering beneath her tattered blanket, her hoodie and puffy vest only doing so much for a cool autumn night. Her stomach was painfully empty despite the can of cold soup she'd eaten earlier before curling up in her makeshift shelter for the night. Usually she could sleep through it and try again to scavenge up some food or money the next day, but tonight she was restless. 

She didn't understand why. She simply couldn't sleep. Perhaps it was just paranoia? Maybe because this was the closest she'd ever been to the border between the human and monster portions of the city? The monster race had only been up on the surface for a few months, and she prided herself on having an open mind about the whole thing since they'd surfaced with a human child leading the way, but sitting here in the dark and chilly air, she supposed it was hard not to be spooked by the rumors and horror stories spreading around.

So many people fretted and whispered about how the monsters were a violent people. Littered with scars and harsh words and tempers. Honestly though, Cassidy couldn't help but point out that plenty of humans were like that as well. Harsh circumstances bred harsh personalities. Besides, in her philosophy, everyone had the same potential for good or bad. Monster and human alike.

A gust of wind blew through the alleyway, making the woman shiver a bit more as she let her mind shift to somewhere warmer. A nicer place to distract her from the bad circumstances she found herself in. Somewhere where she was curled up, maybe by a fireplace, maybe with a cat or dog in her lap, or maybe… maybe curled up with her soulmate as they sat and watched the flickering flames in quiet company. 

Her hand moved to touch her soulmate mark, a black handprint on the back of her neck with long and slender fingers, and imagined her soulmate rubbing right there. Massaging out an ache or just pulling her closer. Soft hands, or maybe rough working hands, but either way gentle and caring and considerate. Her mark would be his favorite color, and his mark her favorite in turn, covering his palm and fingers in a lovely shade of spring green.

Cassidy had never been able to imagine a face for him. Or her, considering she wasn't concerned with such things. The world works in such mysterious ways after all. Still though, she could always imagine and always craved someone just being there.

Her mind was regrettably pulled back down to reality as she heard something clink and clatter at the entrance to the alley. When she turned to look, she saw a glass bottle had been tipped and had started rolling right to her. Following its path though, she found someone standing in the opening between buildings, sharp teeth grinning from a long snout, and what looked like a dog treat caught between them like a cigarette. Piercing yellow eyes stared her down, and a chuckle that sent a chill up her spine rumbled from the monster’s chest.

“Well well well. Look what I found, boys,” the dog snickered, throwing the words over his shoulder as another dog monster came into view. “Fresh meat.”

Cassidy’s eyes widened as she climbed out from beneath her tarp tent and stood slowly, not bothering to grab her pack. She knew a bad situation when she saw one, and that bag was not worth her life if she had to run. It would only slow her down. She had a few ideas of what he meant by fresh meat , and none of them were good. She took a step back. Then another. And another. Glancing behind her, she turned back to see there were three of them now. What were they doing? Didn't the monsters themselves instate a curfew for their people to stay on their side of the city after dark? The streetlights were the timer she thought…

They all seemed to snicker and laugh at her reaction, the first dog taking his own step forward as his grin turned even more nasty. “Run, rabbit, run,” he growled, seeming highly entertained by the homeless woman's terror.

It was one of the other dog monsters howling that set her off. She spun around and bolted for the other end of the alley. Something in the far back of her head said it was a bad idea to run from dogs. Something about prey drive and chasing instincts, but she couldn't stop herself. She could hear them take off after her, barking and snarling, getting closer and closer before they seemed to drop back for whatever reason. 

As she sprinted out the other side of the alley, she found herself swerving to avoid the snap of jaws waiting for her at the end with a shriek. The change in direction sent her down the street. She raced beneath the streetlights as more monsters joined the chase. They kept popping out. Alleys, garbage bins, behind cars. She had to switch direction more than once, and she was quickly running out of breath.

Cassidy didn't even have the mind to question why they hadn't caught her yet. They were faster. Surely they had more stamina as well. It didn't matter to her as she ran, but she would certainly question it later. If she survived.

The woman hadn't even noticed she'd passed through the invisible border to the monster side until it was far too late. She rounded a corner, a stitch in her side that was becoming worse by the second as she fought for breath beyond the sprinting panic. She had no time to react as something sprung up from the ground, what she would later identify as the top of a bone, and tripped her. 

She fell hard, hitting the ground and skidding slightly. Her hands were scraped badly, and something sharp caught her cheek, ripping it open and allowing blood she couldn't feel yet to spill on the concrete. When she coughed and looked up, trying to scramble to her feet again, she couldn't believe her eyes.

Standing before her in the light of a streetlamp was a skeleton. One with a tall stature, sharp teeth, scarred face, a cracked socket, and burning scarlet lights serving as pupils. A red scarf was wrapped around his neck, complimenting the ensemble of what appeared to be black armor and equally red leather gloves, though his spine was left only under a thin black fabric that wouldn't offer much protection.

Cassidy was left staring up at him as he glared down at her with a disdainful superiority. Her staring didn't last long though as howling started again and she broke from her trance, rocketing to her feet as she looked back the way she'd come. The woman glanced between the skeleton and the street behind her with her breath hitching. She was trapped. Nowhere to go. 

She didn't see how the skeleton raised a brow at the sound of the dogs and rolled his eyelights, or when he gave her a somewhat pitying look while her back was turned.

Cassidy made a strangled gasp as she was firmly grabbed by the back of her neck and pulled, her hands reaching up to scramble and push against the arm holding her in a vice-like grip. Tears pricked her eyes as her breathing reached a hysterical speed and she was yanked to stand right beside the large skeleton.

“If you wish to keep your life, you will stand right here and not move,” he leaned down to hiss in her ear, freezing her in place while her hands slowly released his arm behind her, though his own hand didn't relinquish his grip in the slightest.

She trembled as her pursuers came around the corner, almost taking a step back until the skeleton squeezed her neck again, the leather creaking with the motion, and she froze once more. “Please,” she whimpered in a small thin voice, though she wasn't sure who she was begging at this point. She didn't think anyone heard her anyway.

“What is the meaning of this?” the monster at her side demanded, his voice gravelly and sharp in the night air. The dogs practically skidded to a stop as soon as they heard him, looking between each other with a new almost uneasy air.

“C-Captain Papyrus,” one of them stammered, the first one who had found Cassidy and apparently the leader.

“I did not ask my name,” Papyrus snapped. “I asked what in the blasted world this is about,” he reiterated, gesturing at the woman with his other hand. 

The leader of the pack, now proving to be ten total in number, smacked his forehead and tried to give the skeleton a grin. “Oh! Her. Right, sorry. We were just trying to help, captain! We found her wandering in our territory and wanted to have some fun with her before turning her over to you and Undyne.”

Cassidy’s eyes grew wide again as she glanced up at Papyrus. She knew Undyne’s name, sure, and she'd known there was another co-captain of the monsters’ Royal Guard, but she'd never thought she'd actually meet him. This was hardly the ideal way to run into such a high status monster as well, and if he thought the dogs were telling the truth and she'd trespassed…

The skeleton glanced down at her before turning his gaze back to the other monsters. “I find that incredibly hard to believe considering I could hear you all howling beyond our border,” he snipped, making the woman think there may be some hope of survival after all, though she still wouldn't place money on it considering how Papyrus was still gripping her. 

She honestly wondered if that grip would bruise. 

“I know how you mongrels work. You forget I was the one who tested and turned you lot down for the Guard. You pack hunt, and herd your target to a choke point. However, you fail to listen to instruction. And you lie. You were planning to kill her,” he accused, which made the woman’s stomach roll.

The dogs collectively huffed before the leader spoke again. “Fine. Yes. So? She's just one little human girl. Homeless! No one would notice her go missing,” he retorted.

That… Stars, that hurt. Not so much that the canine had said it, but the fact that he wasn't entirely wrong. No one would notice her go missing. No one but maybe the few tentative friends she had who were also on the streets. Just the thought had new tears forming in her eyes, though this was hardly the appropriate time to be wallowing in self pity. She concluded it must be the hysteria and surrealism of the situation now that she wasn't running for her life.

“It does not matter who she is or is not. She is human. If we killed her and the other humans found out, there would be no peace. And in case you didn't notice, the humans still out number us by a wide damn margin,” the captain scolded with his own huff. “Leave. All of you. I have had enough of this trivial chatter. You will leave, and she will return to the humans. Am I clear?”

A few of the dogs growled, but were quick to stifle the sounds as Papyrus gave them a sharp stare and his own snarl. “I grow tired of looking at you mongrels,” he warned lowly. Something crackled in the air and around the skeleton in particular, Cassidy’s skin breaking out in goosebumps as she stiffened. Was this what magic felt like? Like the moment before a lightning strike?

Thankfully, she didn't have to find out as the dogs finally seemed to get the message. Though they still looked pissed, with plenty of their stares on the human woman, they started to back off. It wasn't until they had all disappeared though that she finally was able to take another hitching breath, her knees buckling as Papyrus let go with a grunt. 

“Go back to where you came from, human.”

Cassidy nodded, but took another stuttering breath instead of getting up as she covered her mouth with one hand. Stars, she felt sick. Her tears were falling in earnest now as she sniffled and hiccuped.

Papyrus growled above her, and before she knew it she was being lifted up by the back of her vest and shoved forward so she was forced to catch herself with a few steps. “Enough of your pathetic sniveling, woman. You are alive. You may not stay that way if you continue to sit there whining,” he snarled, which had the homeless woman turning and staring wide eyed up at him before she looked away and started back the way she'd come at a fast paced walk. She turned around to look back only once to see him still standing there, watching her go with those scarlet eyelights and crossed arms. When he saw her look, he simply made a shooing motion with one hand and scoffed, but…

“Th- Thank-k you,” Cassidy managed to stammer out, though her voice was still small and hitching. She couldn't leave without thanking him, but apparently he hadn't expected that, blinking and tilting his skull to study her for a moment before huffing and looking away. 

“Do not thank me until you are across the border, woman. You never know what lurks in these shadows,” he stated, meeting her eyes with his own more solemn expression while making that same shooing motion yet again.

Cassidy only nodded before taking off down the sidewalk again, her pace quick, but far from the mad dash before. She was trying to follow the same path, but her memory was fuzzy, clouded by her panic. Finally though, she found her way back to a familiar landmark with the border between territories just a few feet away.

She took the time as she walked to think. A dangerous pastime, sure, especially late at night after such a harrowing chase, but considering she definitely wouldn't be sleeping tonight, she figured it was the only one she had. This whole night was starting to feel entirely surreal. Like a dream. A weird, terrifying, way too fast paced dream. Her feet felt like they weren't touching the ground. Was this shock? First being chased by oversized dogs thinking she was going to die or worse, then partially meeting one of the captains of the Royal Guard, then being saved and let go by said skeleton monster. It was hard to believe any of this was real…

She had no choice but to believe it though as she was slammed into from behind, scraping her still raw skin on the pavement yet again with a cry of equal parts pain and surprise. Scrambling onto her back, she looked up only to find that same ringleader who had started the chase before. Her eyes went wide as she saw the other dogs crowding around her in a ring, trapping her inside. She gave a pathetic little whimper while the leader approached her, crouching down to get in her face and letting his sour breath wash over her.

“Bitch. You got us in trouble with Papyrus. Don't know why he'd save a worthless little pup like you though. Sure, war this and war that, but if you ask me,” he snarled in Cassidy’s face, making her flinch away with another breathless squeak, “You humans are better off dead.”

When he moved next, the woman caught the flash of silver in his oddly anthropomorphic hand. A knife. Why did it have to be a knife? 

Even as she tried to scoot away, he reached forward with the blade, sharp tip lightly and even teasingly grazing along the side of her face that hadn't already been cut open. “Should we make this side match the other?” He chuckled as his posse gave him various yips and growls in agreement and wound up to bring the knife down…

But then all hell broke loose. 

The leader's ears went straight up in alarm as there were a number of yelps from his crew. Just as he turned his head to look though, a bone came flying through the air like a bullet, sharp at one end and piercing through the dog's neck with ease. 

There was noise everywhere, but Cassidy could only stare as the dog sputtered and coughed, clawing at the bone stuck in his throat before slowly, or at least it seemed slow to the woman watching, he began to crumble. His fur turned an ashy gray when it had been white before, and pieces of him started to flake off. It picked up pace the longer she watched, and soon enough the dog leader had… turned to dust.

Dead.

A sick sort of numb feeling washed over her as she slowly turned her head to see what was going on around her. Some of the dogs were running, but the ones who weren't… They were fighting for their lives as a very recognizable skeleton attacked without mercy.

Every hit he landed was fatal or one extra hit away from it with the sharpened bones he used as swords or batons. He moved with the fluidity of a dancer, but with the power and precision of a career fighter. His fangs were bared in a snarl as the lights in his sockets screamed a sharp and bloody scarlet and he cut the dogs down one. By. One. 

The fight couldn't have lasted more than a minute, maybe less, but to Cassidy it felt like she'd been watching for hours before the street was empty again and Papyrus finally stopped, breathing only a touch harder than when they'd met the first time as the bones he was holding dissipated in a puff of red smoke. The skeleton looked down at his uniform and huffed, pinching at the black fabric with a tsk.

“Damn it. I just had this cleaned,” he muttered, letting go of the spot with a sigh and attempting to brush away the worst of the dust. Monster dust. Their remains. 

How… How could he be so casual about this?! He just killed at least six monsters. Their remains were on him. And… And they were on Cassidy too.

The realization made the woman look down at herself in horror while she tried to brush the monster dust off of her clothes with a choked sound. It only seemed to cling harder to the fabric though as she tried to move it and her stomach started to roll. 

She tried to stop herself, she really did, but she couldn't hold her dinner any longer. The soup came right back up as she vomited off to the side, tasting the bile and the overly acidic tomatoes accompanying the other vegetables. Tears were streaming down her face all the while, and it was finally starting to make the cut she received from tripping earlier sting like a bastard now that the adrenaline was almost dried up.

“Tch. It is not even proper gore and yet you still have this reaction. You humans are so damn soft.”

Looking up finally, Cassidy saw Papyrus looking down on her with that same unimpressed scowl as before, eyelights studying her sharply.

He tsked again before starting to take a few steps closer. “Whatever. Now let me see your injury,” he demanded, gesturing to her cheek and looking thoroughly unamused when the homeless woman started to scoot away. “Stars above, do you want that to fucking scar?”

Cassidy could only continue staring though, slack jawed and terrified all over again. She just watched this man kill people. Who kills people and then worries about their outfit?! Who was that callous?!

The staring only seemed to irritate the tall monster as he huffed and clenched his fists at his sides. “Fine then.” With that, he marched up to and past the woman as he grabbed the back of her hoodie while he walked. He picked her up with ease, her feet dangling off the ground as she squawked and struggled in his grip. He didn't have her in the air long though, only a few long strides before he set her down in front of him, his hand still bunched in her clothes to keep her there.

Looking first to his face then to her surroundings, she actually found herself on the human side of the boundary, marked by a graffitied telephone pole a few feet away. What…?

“Listen to me very carefully, human,” the captain growled as he bent down to her level to meet her eyes. He was just as close as the dog had been. Distantly, in a tiny part of her mind that was still trying to convince her this wasn't actually happening, she noted his breath smelled far fresher than the dog's. Like wintergreen. “When I let go, you will turn around and get as fucking far away from this boundary as possible. You will not look back, and you will not come back. You also will not be telling anyone about what transpired here tonight. If you do, I will find out, and there will be… consequences,” he stated, giving a dramatic pause to look behind him at the dusty street as if to prove a point Cassidy really didn't think she needed a reminder of. When he met her gaze again, he huffed, his expression turning to something more… tired. “I am working too damn hard to create a better life for monsterkind among you humans to have it all ruined and undone by some homeless wench looking for a damn payday selling this to the news. Have I made myself clear?” He finally asked, the more intimidating expression making a return as he finished.

At a loss for words, Cassidy nodded dumbly as she shrunk down and leaned back as far as she could away from the skeleton. She didn't need to be told twice. As long as he let her go, her lips were sealed. He'd never see hide nor hair of her again.

He studied her face a while longer before giving her a simple nod and standing to his full height. “Good. Now off you go,” he said, finally letting go and shooing her away like an irksome dog.

Cassidy didn't complain as she slowly turned around and took a few stiff steps back toward the human part of the city. Her pace ended up picking up though until she was almost sprinting away again. She only slowed for a moment to retrieve her pack, which was miraculously still there in the alley, then hightailed it for the other side of the city where she hoped a friend was staying near the park. 

He of course was a bit surprised to see her, and he was apparently keeping an eye on a new twenty-something who had also found themselves on the streets recently, but he hadn't turned Cassidy away. Especially not when he saw the gash in her cheek.

“Damn, girl. You’re lucky this isn't deeper. It'll scar, but you don't need stitches,” the older man stated as he finished bandaging her face by a streetlight. “How did you say you got it? And these nasty scrapes?”

Cassidy sighed again, recounting the tale she had told the old veteran earlier. “Almost got jumped, climbed a fence, and lost my footing when I landed. The cheek was broken glass, and the scrapes are from the fall.”

The man hummed, and she knew he could tell there was more to that story, but he simply shrugged. “If that's the story you're sticking to. If someone tried to jump you, then you can stay with me and Cole over there. He's a good brat. Won't touch ya, and I'll break his fingers if he does,” he claimed, raising his voice so Cole could hear him a little clearer, who only gave the two a nervous thumbs up.

The woman let out a relieved breath. “You're the best, Tommy.”

“I try,” the gentleman replied with another shrug before he seemed to see something and leaned in closer, looking at her neck. Damn it, did she get cut up around there too? Or was she already bruised? “When did you find your soulmate, sweet pea? Why aren't you staying with them?” He asked, sounding a little shocked and more than a little curious.

Blinking and tilting her head, Cassidy furrowed her brows. “What do you mean, Tommy?”

“…Don't tell me you didn't know, sweet pea,” he answered, his expression turning sympathetic as he dug through his own bag for a hand mirror he used to shave. Handing it over to her, he pointed to her neck. “Take a look.”

Taking the looking glass with a bit of trepidation, she turned to see what Tommy was talking about only to gasp and cover her mouth when she saw it. Her soulmate mark. What had once been a black hand print was now an orange gold, like the color of a sunrise.

Right where Papyrus had grabbed her.

No.

Oh no…

Notes:

For anyone wondering, Papyrus did not notice the mark change since that was not his priority at the moment. He did notice his own soulmate mark had changed when he got home and took his gloves off though, and pretty much had the same reaction Cassidy did, but for a totally different reason.
This fic is going to have an interesting kind of homeless community going on too, hence introducing Tommy right away. I don't know how accurate it will be to real life, but this is a fanfiction involving magical skeletons, so I'm not changing it now, lmao.
The next chapter is going to be a pretty hefty timeskip, just to warn you all.

I hope you all enjoyed this introduction to the world, and thank you so much as always for reading!

Chapter 2: Hourglass

Notes:

Hey guys! This was posted from my phone, so if anything looks a little funky, that's why and I'll fix it as soon as I am able! Hope you enjoy. ^^

A lot can happen in two years. It was really a bit of a miracle sometimes just how much change the world can go to in the span of only twenty four months. Monsters can apparently start to move into human society. Humans can start to accept them as well. It was still rough, and at times a bit touch and go with protests and extremist groups, but monsters had slowly started to integrate. Especially in Ebbot, where they'd originally come from. 

Monsters could get jobs, run businesses, buy houses and land, rent, have families… And in some cases finally find their soulmates.

Cassidy wasn't the only human with a monster soulmate. It was a hard thing to grasp for many at first, but soul connections typically won out in the end against the disbelief. People found their lovers and partners and that was good enough for them. Even the monsters had softened a bit more toward the human race when they found out they could be soulmates. Something about proving their souls and human souls weren't entirely different. Everyone started seeking each other out again and life almost went back to normal for most.

That being said though, Cassidy was definitely not one of the ladies looking for her soulmate. She had seen him on TV a few times, but she was not in any sort of hurry to see that skeleton any time soon.

The idea that a monster could be her soulmate when she'd never heard of such a situation before then had come as such a shock that she'd almost spilled the beans to Tommy on just what had actually happened on that same night, but managed to keep her mouth shut. The mark did bruise around the sunshiney color as well, which didn't make her feel much better about her state of things, nor did it make Tommy stop questioning her about how and when she met her soulmate. 

The old guy was a good egg. Served overseas, so he knew how to handle himself. What he also did, however, was keep an eye on the kids and women who ended up on the streets with him. He had a code of honor about that, and he wasn't afraid to beat the holy hell out of someone if they touched or looked at his people wrong. 

Even with his pressing though, Cassidy was able to keep her soulmate a secret. She didn't tell anyone about that night, and she didn't plan on seeking out Papyrus any time soon either. Even two years after that night, she still had nightmares. Still worried at times she would one day see two scarlet eyelights glowing from the dark, watching her with that disdainful look. Still hated going out at night, even if she was in a well lit area or around a bunch of people. There had even been a few times she could practically hear his words again. His voice.

Granted, the years that passed hadn't been all bad. She had been able to get a receptionist job, finally, about a year ago and… another job she didn't like to think about that she quit as soon as she could afford the security deposit for an apartment. A scummy apartment with an equally scummy repairman who only barely fixed anything, but it was still better than the streets and was located as far from the monster epicenter as she could find. It had a bed and a real non-public bathroom and everything. She could shower whenever she wanted to.

As long as she could keep making rent anyway.

Times had gotten hard again. She had been applying for a second job for a few months to help, but nothing yet. She hardly had groceries. Barely any entertainment besides free videos from the internet. She'd even stopped her weekly visit to her favorite coffee place to keep her spending as minimal as possible.

What she did have an abundance of though, if not money, was free exercise. When she wasn't working or sleeping or doing chores, she was out of the house walking. It kept the electricity bill down, kept her fit, and let her see some of her old friends and help out if they let her. Helped clear her mind too, which was a bonus.

The only issue with walking around was the huge influx of monsters in places she wasn't used to monsters being. It ashamed her to say so, but she hadn't been able to look at certain monsters the same way since that night with Papyrus and that pack of dogs. She didn't hate them all, of course not, and with her job hiring a few monsters themselves, she had gotten a little better with different monster species. They couldn't help it, and they did deserve the same rights as humans as well as the acceptance. Still though… she always felt a little ball of self loathing settle in her stomach whenever she crossed the street to avoid an incoming monster. When she walked a little faster to avoid being caught in some sort of bind her mind came up with on its own. When she knew her smile was a little forced when they came into her work. Large monsters were typically the ones to cause her the most anxiety, but especially dogs. She was ashamed to say it, but she practically tried to avoid dog monsters entirely.

They were small things, but they still made her feel like a piece of crap for probably overreacting over one incident. Even if that incident almost cost her her life. The whole of monster kind didn't deserve that treatment, but how was she supposed to stop when she almost had a panic attack every time she had to share an elevator with a large monster? When she couldn't help but feel like that same weak and insignificant human who could be torn apart so easily by a monster’s magic, or even their bare hands and claws? When the sight of a small dirt devil of plain old regular street dust made her want to throw up?

She had to get over this. She knew she did. She wanted to. She just… didn't know where to start. Her soulmate was definitely out, considering the last time she saw him he threatened her life, but… 

She sighed, pulling herself out of her thoughts to look around as she found herself not paying attention. Maybe she should ask Tommy next time she sees him. He might know a thing or two about what to do with herself over something like this.

Cassidy looked around, pausing her music from the ear bud in her right ear and checking her phone for the time only to find she'd wandered a bit farther than she'd meant to. She was past the park now, almost to her favorite coffee place, actually. She almost considered going just to lift her spirits before work later, but that was an unnecessary expense she couldn't afford at the moment. Instead, she simply sighed again and turned around to go walk a few more laps around the park, maybe see if Tommy was around or even good old Johnny Boy. When she did turn though, she froze in her tracks, eyes widening as she felt like her heart stopped in her chest.

There behind her, walking with a purple fire monster, was another skeleton. Not Papyrus. Definitely not. Too short, even if he was still taller than her, and too round. His teeth were sharp like Papyrus’ but he was missing one, replaced with a gold replica. He wore a puffy coat with faux fur around the hood, his broad shoulders filling it out easily.

She realized she had stared a little too long far too late as the skeleton noticed her, their eyes meeting for a few seconds before his sockets narrowed. His smile drew tighter, which seemed to draw attention from the fire monster with him, who glanced over, raised a brow, and shook his head, pulling the skeleton over to the side Cassidy wouldn't pass them on. He seemed to share a few short words with the skeleton before they continued on their trek. Right toward her.

Fuck, she wasn't sure what to do. She couldn't cross the street. Not after that. He clearly already thought she was rude, and she couldn't argue with him on that. She shouldn't have stared. It had shocked her to see another skeleton with those eyelights again, but she still shouldn't have stared. She was going to have to walk past them at this point. She didn't want to. Her breathing was already threatening to fail her even as she forced it to be deeper.

It was just a few steps. That's all she needed. Just a few steps past, and she'll be okay. Right? What's the worst he could do? They were out in public. Broad daylight.

There will be… consequences.

Internally shaking herself, Cassidy forced herself to start moving. Her gait was a little stiff, and her arms were crossed protectively at her waist, but she tried not to look too pathetic. She still couldn't meet their gazes as she approached though. She kept her eyes on the park, pushing air in and out of her lungs. They weren't going to touch. The sidewalk was plenty big enough for them not to come in contact. 

She thought she'd made it and could breathe again when she finally got past the two, but apparently one of them had something to say.

“Racist bitch.”

“Sans,” the other admonished. “Ignore them. They aren't important.”

“Still don't give ‘em the right ta fuckin’ stare.”

“I know, Sans. I know.”

Cassidy shuddered, holding her arms tighter as she felt her stomach drop. Was she racist? She didn't want to think so… But was she? 

She was, wasn't she?

Caught in her self loathing, she didn't realize the skeleton behind her had looked back at her again, sockets still narrow as they rested on the soulmate mark on her neck. She did, however, hear his final comment on the matter.

“Feel sorry fer the poor sap who's gotta be her soulmate.”

Tears gathered in her eyes as she just kept walking. Forget the park. She just wanted to go home and get ready for work. Maybe read something or watch a video on her phone.

Which was exactly what she did. Upon reaching her bare bones apartment, she was quick to put her headphones away and change into her work uniform. It was just a simple collared short sleeve shirt with nice dress pants, but it looked nice. She let down her hair from the low ponytail she kept it in to keep it out of her face as she walked, purposefully grown long to cover the orange gold mark and cut down on how many times she would get asked about her soulmate at work. Then, once she finally felt like she wasn't going to cry and ruin it, finally came the makeup to mostly cover up the scar she still wore, and she was ready for work.

Moving to the kitchen, Cassidy spread a dollop of peanut butter across a tortilla, drizzling the layer with some honey she used sparingly and rolling the whole thing up together to eat for lunch. She wouldn't eat again for a few hours, so this would have to do. If she watched a video while she ate though, she probably wouldn't realize she was still hungry afterward. Probably.

All in all, while she felt a bit better about life after the snack-lunch and the video from her favorite movie gossip channel, the time went far too quickly. Before she knew it, she was packing her small tote and getting ready to walk to work for her closing shift. She didn't put in her earbud this time, trying to just focus on enjoying the little spell of warm weather the city had been blessed with despite the late autumn breezes. It wasn't too far to walk, thankfully, but considering she'd accidentally left a bit late, she had to pick up a decent pace.

She made it on time, but just barely. It was a rush to put her stuff away in her cubby, punch in, and join the other receptionists in their little room surrounded by glass windows. Three of them were on the closing shift in total today, not including the two optometrists the three of them worked for. Cassidy herself, another human woman, and a male bunny monster Cassidy had warmed up to a bit since he started a few months back.

“Cutting it a little close today, aren'tcha?” The rabbit, Berry, greeted her with a sly grin.

Cassidy simply rolled her eyes with a small smile and shook her head. “So? I don't see you complaining when you're the one asking me to punch your card right as you walk in,” she snipped back, though it was in good fun.

“You still don't do it even if I ask nicely though,” he pouted.

“Yeah, cause she doesn't want to get in trouble,” the other woman chimed in as she waited for something to print at the photocopier. She was a taller woman, but also older than Cassidy with graying hair always tucked up in a tight little bun. Despite looking like a strict teacher, she was warm with her coworkers and one to defend their decisions when a patient got a bit too crabby.

“See? Thanks, Linda,” the younger woman called out, chuckling as she received a wink in return and the rabbit groaned. 

“Why are you guys always so mean to me?” He huffed, but he couldn't hide his smile and twitching nose.

They all shared a laugh before getting to work, Doctor Johnson poking his head in at one point to call Cassidy over to his office where he gave her a paper bag of food, ordering her to eat. He had apparently noticed a few things about her demeanor as the days went by, and considering where he knew she lived and what circumstances she came from, he had wondered if she'd been eating enough. Just the thoughtfulness alone was enough to bring tears to her eyes again, threatening her makeup, though she didn't really care. A small part of her pride wanted to deny a hand out, but it wasn't a hand out, was it? It was just her boss looking out for his employee…

She ended up eating in his office before going back to work, and stars what a difference it made to actually work with a full stomach. She felt she could focus better even as the shift went on. Her mind was more clear and her mood far better. It seemed her coworkers noticed as well, more laughter and teasing being shared between the three of them than usual.

If only that jovial mood could have lasted.

Cassidy was just coming back up the hall from escorting a patient back to one of the rooms away from prying eyes. She had just come up with a quip in response to one of Linda's sarcastic remarks from earlier when she heard her fellow receptionists talking to someone up front and stopped to listen in.

“Good after… noon. Oh, wow. It's been a while, sir. What can I do for you?” The rabbit greeted, making Cassidy pause behind the door to the reception room.

“Chokeberry. It has been a long time, yes. You have been doing well, I hope?”

That voice made the woman's blood run cold. Gravelly. Loud. She could practically see his red lights staring her down beneath the streetlights again.

I will find you…

She missed the pleasantries Papyrus exchanged with Berry, but came back to herself a bit as Doctor Marcy came up next to her.

“Cassie? You okay?” She asked quietly, her voice soft and expression concerned as Cassidy swallowed, but nodded slightly. Physically, she was okay. Just trying to stomp down her panic, that's all.

“Well, in all honesty, I came in because I was looking for someone,” Papyrus stated from up front as the shuffle of papers also reached the petrified woman's ears. “The photo is not perfect, and it is old, but do you recognize this woman?”

“Sir, my apologies, but we cannot help you find someone if they are a patient or staff member,” Linda chimed in, sounding like she was behind her own desk and window on the other side of the room across from Berry. “It's against policy and HIPAA.”

It sounded like Berry made a soft squeak, one Cassidy knew as the sound he usually made when he figured something out or recognized something. “Uh… Did she do something? Is this Guard work?” He asked, sounding a bit uneasy.

“No. No it is not anything to do with my job, or else I would be in uniform. No, this is… personal,” he corrected carefully. The sound of creaking leather made its way to the hallway. The same creaking she heard from his gloves before. “She… She is my soulmate. I have been looking for her.”

Cassidy paled with his last words. Looking for her? Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck. She had to put a hand over her mouth to stop the strangled sound trying to come out of her throat, taking a step back from the door and almost running into Doctor Johnson as he came up behind her to see what the problem was as well.

Marcy had taken a step in front of the panicking woman, her brows furrowed and hands hovering. “Cassie?”

“Viper,” Cassidy managed to whisper, swallowing as Marcy jolted and looked up to meet Johnson’s eyes as well.

Johnson on the other hand took only a moment before straightening his clothes and leaning down next to Cassidy's ear. “Take the back way out. We'll handle this. Keep your phone on, and I'll keep you updated, okay?” When she only nodded stiffly, he turned to Marcy next. “Marcy, go with her. Make sure she gets past the alley, then come back. We're going to fall a bit behind while we figure out what's going on.”

“Can do, J. Come on, Cassie,” the doctor prodded gently, and it took everything in Cassidy not to bolt down the hallway as she felt finally free from that spot.

Thank the stars for their code words. Each person working in the office had one. A code for I need to leave or I'm in danger. The code system had actually been one of her biggest selling points of the office. Knowing she would only have to say one word, and the others would help her out of there without question. That she could get out if someone who didn't like her on the street came in, or someone from her old job, or in this case one of the captains of the Royal Guard.

As promised, Marcy took her to the back door, then to the sidewalk beyond the alleyway. Looking around both corners, Cassidy took a deep breath and turned to the doctor.

“Thank you. I'm sorry for leaving early…”

Marcy smacked her arm, though it didn't really hurt. “Don't you dare apologize, Cassie. You called viper. That's the entire reason we have those codes,” she scolded before she softened and glanced back toward the building. “Cassidy… Do you know the man who was in the lobby?”

The woman winced and looked away, but nodded.

“...Are you afraid of him? Because he's a monster? I recognized his voice from the news…” She asked gently, but Cassidy was afraid there was some judgment buried beneath that genuine voice.

She shook her head this time. “It's not because he's a monster,” she corrected softly, and it was the truth. She'd be just as afraid of him if he was human after what she'd seen.

Marcy hummed, her expression somehow more concerned than it had been before. “Did he do something to you, honey?” she questioned, her voice dropping to something softer.

Cassidy opened her mouth to reply only to close it and look away. “…It's complicated. I don't like to talk about it,” she finally settled on.

“…Okay. Just remember we're here for you, honey. Promise. We'll take care of it. We won't call any police or anything until we get your okay, even if I have to hold Johnson down to keep him from doing it himself.” The doctor finally gave Cassidy a small smile and a wink as she gave the receptionist a gentle nudge back toward the sidewalk. “Go home. Stay safe. We'll let you know when this all blows over.”

With a grateful look, Cassidy grabbed her boss’ hand with a gentle squeeze in gratitude before hurrying off. God, this day couldn't get any worse, could it? 

She shouldn't have asked.

“Just give me your cash, and I'll back off, buddy.”

God damn it, she knew that voice. It came from the next alley past the one she just left. With an irritated grumble, she peeked around the corner to find pretty much exactly what she figured she would. One of the new street kids, no older than seventeen and all lanky awkward limbs, was holding someone at knife point.

She knew this one, and unluckily for him Tommy was supposed to be handling his transition to life on the streets. When the old vet hears he's mugging people, he is not going to be pleased.

She only hesitated a moment, debating on handling her own issues first, but she couldn’t leave the kid to get in more trouble than he was already going to be in. “Jeremy, get over here you fucking moron,” she found herself calling down the alley. This shit pissed her off, honestly. It always got the cops called on pretty much all the homeless in the area.

Jeremy jolted and spun around, wide eyed with knife in hand, and Cassidy got her first good look at who he'd been targeting, her heart sinking in her chest. This suddenly became about more than just helping the victim and scolding an ignorant teen. With the idiot's target being the skeleton from her walk earlier, this became just as much about keeping the kid alive. She knew what a skeleton's magic could really do. She saw it first hand after all.

“C- Miss Cassidy,” Jeremy stammered dumbly, still staring at her for a moment.

“Don't Miss Cassidy me. Get over here,” she commanded again, glancing at Sans to find his brows had shot up with a seemingly entertained smirk.

Jeremy finally winced and walked to her obediently, closing his pocket knife and sticking it back in his pocket along with his hands as he sent one more look back at the skeleton who thankfully hadn’t even twitched. “Cass, it's not… I wasn't actually going to–” 

She cut him off by grabbing the shoulder of his jacket and yanking him the rest of the way to her, getting in his face. “Do you know what Tommy is going to do when he finds out I caught you pulling this shit?” She growled, adrenaline spiking in her veins as she probably raised her voice more than she really meant to. “You're going to get everyone in this area in trouble, you fucking idiot.”

“I'm fucking hungry,” he snapped back even as he cringed, but didn't try to pull away. 

“So are the rest of us, shithead! That's why we talk to each other. Did you forget we're supposed to be looking out for our people? No one else is going to! You could have, oh, I don't know, gone to Tommy for some scraps? Or panhandled like the rest of us? Anything but this shit,” Cassidy exploded, gesturing irately into the alley. These new street kids, she swears. Even when she was just starting out she wasn't threatening people. Sometimes she thought these kids think this life was all one big movie or game.

Huffing, she finally let go and dropped him, digging in her pocket to see if she had some cash on her. Thankfully she tried to keep at least a little bit on her for the panhandlers. She shoved six single dollar bills at the seventeen year old, to his obvious surprise as his eyes widened. “There. Buy a jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread. Cheapest you can get. That'll take the edge off and keep you going for a while. Now beat it.” she hissed. 

“I-I… Thank you,” he said softly before glancing behind him and quickly running off.

Running a hand down her face, Cassidy turned to try to perform some damage control despite the anxiety in her gut, but she was shocked to find the skeleton had… Disappeared?

“Well that was an interestin’ show, lady.”

With a surprised shout, the woman whipped around to find Sans standing behind her, and far too close. He only chuckled darkly with a matching sinister smile. He took a step forward, forcing her to step back. Then a few more until she was properly backed into the alley with her heart racing in her chest.

Fuck. She was so fucked.

 

Notes:

Well, it's not the skeleton anyone was expecting first, lol. And yes, Grillby is absolutely Sans' soulmate. I love the ship, sue me. Sorry if this chapter seemed a bit... exposition-y. I wrote it easily enough, but I didn't realize how much I was info dumping. Whoops ^^'

In any case, I hope you all enjoyed the update! Thanks for reading!

Chapter 3: Cornered

“Interestin’ thing, you comin’ ta save a monster from getting mugged, lady,” the skeleton drawled, his gold tooth glinting in the muddled light of the dead end alley. “‘Specially since you was lookin’ at me an’ my soulmate all sideways this mornin’.”

Cassidy swallowed and licked her lips nervously, her mouth dry as she was practically backed into a corner. “I'm sorry,” she managed to get out. “I didn't mean to stare. It wasn't because you were monsters, I swear,” she tried to explain, only to shrink a bit as he raised a boney brow, his face turning to one of suspicion.

“Find that hard to believe, lady.”

She looked away, unable to meet his eyelights as she tried to figure out some way out of this. “You… You're a skeleton,” she murmured slowly, watching him roll his eyelights and give her an unimpressed look before she went on. “I haven't seen a skeleton before. Other than Captain Papyrus on the news…” she finished and trailed off. A half truth, hopefully to make it more believable.

Sans gave her an odd look before his chest started to rumble, his grin quirking up. Soon, the rumble turned to a chuckle, then a laugh as he couldn't seem to help himself. 

Cassidy shrunk even more, stepping back again into the wall of one of the buildings on either side of the small area as he basically boxed her in with another step forward and a sharp turn. It didn't sound like a joyful laugh, but something condescending. Something to mock her. His eyelights still blazed a dark cherry red as he looked her over. 

“That's fuckin’ great,” he finally huffed out. “So you go from racist to zoo tourist, is that it?” When he finished his expression stiffened and his eyelights disappeared, which only made the dangerous atmosphere feel more suffocating. “Let me give ya a word of advice, lady. When ya look at someone like a sideshow attraction, an animal , ya shouldn't be surprised when they bite,” he growled. 

The air crackled. Inside the skeleton’s left socket a bright red orb began to glow and pulse ominously, a dark smoke starting to pour from the inside.

Cassidy couldn't breathe. This was different from the magic she'd felt with Papyrus. Despite giving her the same goosebumps and giving off the same crackling sound, it was heavier. It was cold. It was predatory. Like being stalked and knowing she couldn't escape. It was cold, alien, and she couldn't breathe or move.

It felt like an eternity trapped in that suffocating circle of aggression, but finally the feeling of Sans’ magic trapping her there started to slowly dissipate. The glow in his socket subsided, replaced by his original eyelights once again. The tension of his jaw relaxed, and the crackling stopped while he leaned back with a smirk.

“Ya catch my drift, bitch?” He asked, voice somehow light and warning at the same time.

Cassidy could only nod dumbly as she continued to lean against the wall of the alley, trying to keep as much distance between herself and the skeleton as possible while also trying to keep her knees from buckling beneath her as she took in gasping breaths. She was shaking everywhere, lightheaded, and trying to stop her vision from swimming. She wanted to disappear. Go home. Just be anywhere but right there with another clearly dangerous skeleton monster.

That answer seemed satisfying enough though as Sans chuckled and shoved his hands in his jacket. “Good. Cause I don't like repeating myself.” He turned to walk away, as if that was the end of the interaction, but before he could get far he stopped in his tracks to listen as a voice cut through the air from the street.

“Sans? Where did you go, lazybones?”

Papyrus’ voice again made Cassidy freeze and pale. The universe hated her. She was sure of it.

The smaller skeleton turned back to see her reaction as his smirk turned a bit more wicked. “Over this way, boss. Got a little, heh, distracted,” he called back.

“What in the blazes could you have been distracted by this time?” Papyrus shouted as his footsteps came closer to the entrance, already sounding annoyed. 

With no other option and no other escape, Cassidy backed up to the very end of the alley. She didn't care as Sans watched her squeeze herself between two trash cans, hoping to stay out of sight even if that look he was giving her very clearly told her she wouldn't stay hidden for long. She tried to cover her mouth to muffle her breathing, but with each rapid beat of her heart she lost a little more hope.

Sans shrugged as the taller skeleton finally stepped into the area. “Well, I was getting mugged, but then I came across a little lady who needed ta learn some manners about staring,” he answered.

Papyrus gave him an unimpressed look. “Sans, I am certainly asking for more details on the mugging part later, but we've talked about scaring humans who are simply shocked by our appearance. Do we need to look at more depictions of their idea of the Grim Reaper for you to understand?” He huffed, rolling his eyelights and crossing his arms. He wasn't wearing the armor this time, but a white t-shirt beneath a leather biker jacket studded at the shoulders and faded black jeans. The scarf was still there though, as were the gloves. “Well, where is she? Or where did she go? I wouldn’t be surprised if she ran off after whatever has you looking so smug. I'm sure I will need to apologize for your foolishness yet again.”

“Bro, it was the same chick who was staring at Grillby and me on the street this morning,” the second skeleton stated, almost defensively. “Ya know I don't play when it comes ta Grillbs.”

Papyrus sighed and pinched his nasal bridge. “Meaning you probably scared the daylights out of the poor woman,” he grumbled.

“Yeah. Obviously. I won't deny it. She didn't run like the others usually do though,” Sans started with a shrug before he turned halfway and pointed with his thumb directly at Cassidy’s hiding space, making her heart drop. “She's actually right over there still. Heard ya comin’ and totally froze up. Pretty funny if ya ask me.”

“…Would you be this proud of yourself if Grillby knew about this?” The taller skeleton asked after a pause.

The smaller monster paused as well, seeming to actually think about it before sighing and groaning. “No…”

“I thought not. We can discuss this further at a later time,” Papyrus stated briskly before straightening himself and turning his gaze over toward where Cassidy was still crouched. “For now… Miss? Would you please come out? I mean no harm. You have my word,” he coaxed, taking a few steps past Sans to put himself between her and the gold toothed monster. When she didn't move though, he sighed and knelt down on one knee. “You have my humblest apologies for my moron of a brother. Please, at least let me make it up to you somehow,” he pressed, his tone oddly… gentle. It wasn't the same harsh bark as before. Like he was trying to coax out a scared animal, which could have been incredibly demeaning in any other circumstances, but Cassidy wouldn't deny that was exactly how she was feeling at the moment.

She was still tense, but seeing as she wasn't likely to get away without him actually seeing her, she slowly and carefully creeped out into the dim light again, no longer concealed by shadows. She wouldn't meet his eyelights, instead looking down at the ground. She was clean, her hair was longer, and her scar was only slightly visible beneath the make up, so maybe if she was lucky he wouldn't recognize her…

He seemed to breathe a small sigh of relief. “Thank you, miss. I am Papyrus, second captain of the Royal Guard,” he introduced himself, standing and approaching on light feet only to stop in front of her when she took a half step back.

“…Cassidy,” she whispered back in response. 

“A pleasure, Miss Cassidy. I can see you are a bit shaken. Would you like to take this conversation elsewhere? Perhaps without my brother’s presence,” he asked, glancing back to give Sans a pointed look.

“‘Ey! I didn't even fuckin’ touch her! Not my fault she's all soft. And I thought we was in the middle of somethin’!”

The raised voice made her jolt, eyes instinctually raising to catch Sans throwing his hands in the air in exasperation. Her gaze next moved to Papyrus, meeting his eyelights and unable to pull away. The tall skeleton started with a polite smile and a nod in greeting, seeming pleased with her finally looking up at him, but soon his expression… shifted. His sockets grew narrower and his grin faded a bit as he appeared to study her.

“…Oh, sweet angel above,” the captain finally whispered, his sockets widening as far as Cassidy thought physically possible as he took his own step back in apparent shock.

Busted.

“Uh… Bro? Somethin’ wrong?” Sans asked, his sockets narrowing at Cassidy as she desperately tried to come up with something to say.

She snapped her gaze down again, arms moving to cross protectively in front of her chest as she squeezed her upper arms. She shuffled a bit, not sure whether moving was a good idea or not. Finally, she was able to force something out of her dry throat.

“I– I didn't tell anyone.”

She flinched as a sound between a gasp and a cough came from the taller skeleton. Distressed? She wasn't sure, but soon after her chest started to ache. Or perhaps burn. Heartburn? 

“Miss… Cassidy, I…” Papyrus trailed off, seeming to have trouble finding his own words. To Cassidy's surprise, and apparently Sans’ as well judging by the small grunt he made, the captain slowly knelt down again, though this time on both knees as he sat before her, looking slightly up instead of down at his soulmate. His brows appeared furrowed, his teeth drawn in a tight frown. “I am so very sorry.”

“…Boss, get up,” Sans muttered after a minute, glancing toward the opening of the alley as he shifted behind the taller skeleton, almost like he was trying to block the view of anyone who would pass by. “People ‘re gonna see.”

Papyrus ignored him, however, still looking up at Cassidy with his eyelights soft around the edges. Gazing at her instead of piercing through her. The look wasn't sharp, or disdainful, or superior like she'd always imagined. It was… gentle. She would almost call it pleading if she were in a calmer state…

“Papyrus,” Sans hissed, taking a step to be right beside his brother, which made Cassidy take a startled step back again. “The fuck is goin’ on? Why you kneelin’ to a fuckin’ racist bi–”

“If you finish that sentence I will clobber you so hard Grillby will feel it for the next week,” Papyrus cut his brother off with a snarl, face hardening again as he snapped his skull up to bare his fangs at the other.

The gold toothed skeleton blinked and flinched back with wide sockets, clearly not expecting his brother’s ire so harshly. “Whoa. Take it easy, boss. I just wanna know what the fuck is goin’ on,” he tried instead, losing the attitude pretty damn fast for someone who seemed to have quite the mouth on him.

Papyrus huffed and looked back to Cassidy again, expression softening again and no doubt noticing the renewed anxiety in her eyes from his outburst. “This is my soulmate, Sans, and I have done a shit job of acting like it.”

There was a long pause at that statement. The silence grew deafening as none of them seemed to breathe, though perhaps Cassidy was the only one who needed to. It was a stifling quiet, only broken by the sounds of the world continuing around them outside the alley.

“Oh hell nah,” Sans finally growled, taking a few steps forward past Papyrus as he reached for Cassidy.

Her eyes went wide as she gasped, hurriedly moving back and trying to dodge his grasp, but finding she wasn't at all fast enough. She let out a small shout as he grabbed her upper arm, a grip she had no doubt would bruise clamping down that had her scrambling against him with her other hand.

“Sans, what are you doing?” Papyrus yelled as he rose quickly from his knees and rushed forward, moving to grab his brother’s shoulder and yank him away, but Sans didn't relinquish his grip, instead grabbing Papyrus' arm as well. The taller skeleton’s sockets widened, seeming to recognize what Sans was doing. “Sans, don't you da– ”

Papyrus was cut off as the world suddenly shifted. Everything went dark as Cassidy’s stomach somersaulted. It was cold. She couldn't breathe. There was no air to pull in. There was pressure and ringing in her ears. She could still feel Sans’ hand on her arm and the same feeling of predatory magic that came with the shorter skeleton, but nothing else. Where was she?! What was happening?!

Everything came back in a blinding flash of light and a burning breath. Her lungs didn't know how long they were deprived of air, stinging with each intake while her eyes watered. Her feet were on the ground again, but it felt different. Softer. She was nauseous, but worst of all, she was lightheaded. Some part of her mind screamed not to pass out, but it simply wasn't loud enough to get past the ringing in her ears.

Only catching the small detail of a single sock against a floor of carpet, she pitched forward and her knees buckled, unconscious and unaware of the arms that had reached out to catch her.

Notes:

So... Yeah. Sans is a bit of an ass here. His accent also depends heavily on how intimidating he's trying to be. Papyrus is not impressed with his older brother, I assure you. Also, wanted to make it clear now that Cassidy didn't pass out just because of the shortcut. It was just the thing that tipped her over the edge.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Thank you for reading, and I'll see you in the next update. ^^

Chapter 4: Papyrus

Notes:

Hey, y'all! This was a beast of a chapter to write, but I'm happy to present a bit of a perspective change. Here we get to see how Paps is feeling in the midst of all of this. 7.5K words, so it's a pretty big one, but I still hope you guys enjoy!

To say Papyrus was pissed would have been a severe understatement. 

As soon as Sans’ shortcut landed, he was immediately concerned for the human woman they had taken with them. His soulmate. His eyelights immediately turned to her and shrunk seeing her teeter and fall forward, rushing to catch her before she could hit the floor. 

Feeling her limp dead weight against him, he hurried to rip off a glove and feel her throat for a pulse. His clenched soul released slightly as he felt the steady thump of a human heartbeat and he let out a relieved sigh, shoulders slumping. Not looking at his brother yet, no matter how much he wanted to glare at the idiot, he wrapped one arm beneath her knees and the other around her back, standing up with her tucked securely against his chest. 

He saw Sans had brought them to their old house underground. For what reason he couldn't at all fathom. It was colder in the living room now, the lack of fire in the abandoned fireplace allowing the cold from outside to creep in despite the magic imbued in the insulation. For the skeletons, it was fine, but for Papyrus’ soulmate he feared it would bring some harm. Human skin made them so much less resistant to the chill.

That in mind, he walked quickly over to the old couch the brothers had left behind, setting Cassidy down carefully and taking off his jacket to lay over her. Hopefully they wouldn't be here long enough to need more than that, but perhaps he should still see if they left a blanket around somewhere…

“…Well, I wasn't expectin’ her ta pass out.”

With his soulmate set down and as warm as he could keep her for a while, Papyrus snapped his skull around to glare at his brother with an uncharacteristically vicious snarl directed at the older monster. It seemed to take Sans off guard too judging by the widening sockets, sweat beading on his skull, and raised hands. Good. The moron could at least partially grasp just how much trouble he's in.

“Whoa, now, boss, no need ta give me the look of doom,” the idiot stated with an infuriatingly nervous smile.

Standing and walking briskly over to his older sibling, Papyrus snatched the shorter monster by the front of his jacket and started dragging him along behind him and up the stairs, Sans wisely choosing not to struggle with the mood the younger was in. Reaching Sans’ old room, the taller skeleton shoved the door open and threw the offending sibling inside.

Sans’ room was the most soundproof room in this old house after all.

Sans managed to catch himself without falling, turning to face his younger brother as the door was slammed behind them. “Okay, okay, I know you're pissed. I probably took it a little too far–”

“You think?!” Papyrus screeched, making Sans wince and stuff his hands deep in his pockets. “What the fuck was that, Sans?! She was fucking terrified! And now she's unconscious on the couch somewhere she had no idea even existed! What were you thinking?!” His soul was still tight in his ribcage. He didn't know what to do. He'd imagined the reunion with his soulmate for two years, but this scenario was absolutely unprecedented.

That first night he met the woman had been a rollercoaster in itself. He'd been annoyed to hear the rejects of the doggi division howling beyond the border on his nightly insomnia induced patrol, surprised when a dirty human woman came bolting around a corner, and annoyed to find his suspicions had been right about the reject pack’s nightly activities. They'd been hunting humans. Driving them into monster territory so they could get away with it if they were caught.

Defending the woman from the dogs had been the only option. Who knew how many humans the pack had killed already? If that became a problem, then perhaps saving her would give the captain an edge and a witness to prove not all monsters agreed with such customs. It was strategic. Sure, he may have been a bit… rough when he grabbed her, much like how he typically grabbed Sans when on edge or annoyed and they needed to keep close in public, but at the time he couldn't have her bolting. 

He'd seen it in the dogs’ eyes that they wouldn't stop despite the captain's warning before they slunk away, however. If Papyrus actually left her, they would just attack her again or pick another human target. Therefore, still practically fresh out of the Underground, the skeleton had to be sure he got his point across with examples of what happened when he was crossed. 

After some internal deliberation, he let her go alone instead of escorting her as he'd originally planned, using her as bait to draw the dogs back so he could deal with them. He could play it off as hearing the struggle and coming to help her, after all. She would be too disoriented and high on adrenaline to question otherwise.

His emotional reaction to seeing her surrounded and pinned had been anything but expected, however. He didn't question it in the moment, but seeing that dog brandishing a blade so close to her face had made his marrow boil. He'd only planned on killing the leader and one or two of his most loyal lackeys, but was carried away by his own irrational fury. Six went down instead of three. 

Once he'd finished with them, he had genuinely wanted to help her. Heal her. Something he really only reserved for family or his closest allies. He didn't even think about it. It was automatic. Which was why it had irritated him so when she backed away instead of letting him mend the gash in her flesh. His realization that he'd offered it alone was enough to irk him and question what had gotten into his skull, but when she refused, he was hurt, irrationally so, and he had no way to express it besides the typical annoyance and anger he was used to falling back on.

The threat had been overkill, and he knew it even as he made it. He regretted it immensely only a few seconds after it was uttered. Some rotten attempt at diplomacy that was. What was wrong with him? He was supposed to be trying to improve monsterkind’s relationship with the humans. That woman could have been an asset!

And why did his chest hurt?

The questions plagued him for his entire walk back to his, Sans, and Grillby's temporarily shared two bedroom apartment. When he walked in, he moved as quietly as he could to his room, removing his armor and tossing the outer layers in the hamper he had specifically reserved for work clothes contaminated with dust or blood. He removed his gloves as well before pulling on a pair of athletic sweatpants and a red long sleeve shirt, the fabric comfortably fitted to his unique physique.

Making his way to the bathroom and closing the door with a quiet click, he started with brushing his sharp teeth to remove any dust that may have become stuck in between and went to wash his hands afterward. That had been the moment to send him spiraling into his desperate two year long search. The sight of his left hand covered in a spring green where his soulmate mark resided being illuminated by the yellow lights above the sink.

“I was thinkin’ that if anyone passed by and saw the second captain of the Royal Guard kneelin’ ta some human that we'd be in big fuckin’ trouble,” Sans finally answered in a grumble, breaking Papyrus from his reflections. “Then ya said soulmate an’ I just… I dunno, bro, I freaked out. Shortcutted to the first safe place I thought of.”

“That much is obvious,” Papyrus huffed. “Brother, you have just made my earning her trust that much harder,” he griped with a frustrated growl.

Sans was quiet for a while, and Papyrus almost turned to leave, thinking he wouldn't get any more out of his older brother without significant prodding the younger skeleton didn't have time for at the moment, but before he could take a step he was proven wrong.

“Maybe that's fer the best,” Sans muttered, not meeting his taller sibling’s eyelights as they grew in shock.

The shock didn't last long and Papyrus’ sockets narrowed. “What is that supposed to mean, Sans?” He asked with another growl, his voice low and warning.

“Jus’ what I said,” Sans snapped back, skull finally snapping up to meet his gaze with his own angry eyelights. “Maybe it's best she don't trust ya. Maybe it's best that she leaves us the fuck alone. She ain't worth it, Papyrus. She's just gonna hurtcha or get ya killed,” he growled.

Papyrus only stared at his older brother for a few seconds, needing to process just what lunacy his own brother was on about. “Are you fucking serious right now, you imbecile?” He screeched, his teeth contorted into a snarl as he suppressed the urge to strangle the shorter skeleton. “This is not your decision! Nor is it up for debate! She is my soulmate –”

“And she's fuckin’ human. She don't even get what soulmate fuckin’ means! She don't get how important it fuckin’ is!” Sans yelled back, cutting Papyrus off. 

“You already knew she was human! I told you everything that happened! I spared no detail!”

“Well I didn’t think ya’d actually fuckin’ find her!” Sans snarled, only to realize what he'd said too late. His sockets widened and he leaned back a bit. “Pap… I… I didn't mean ta say that…”

But the damage was already done. Those words hit like a slap to the face as Papyrus’ own sockets widened as well and he stood straight up again, recoiling. He didn't let the betrayal stay in his expression long, steeling himself again with a swallow and a squaring of his shoulders.

“Then why did you help me look?” he asked, his voice quieter now and devoid of emotion.

Sans winced, his shoulders hunching in as he looked away again. “Because… Because it was important to ya. I didn't have the soul ta tell ya she probably skipped town,” he answered before looking back up, his sockets imploring. “Look, bro, it's not just the human thing. Well, it kinda is. Ya know I don't really mind humans who mind their own business, but this… a soulmate? Papyrus, if your soul connection clicks, you know what will happen.”

“I do. And I would welcome it,” the taller skeleton answered, his eyelights steady, defiant, and determined. “I would welcome the chance to be so close to someone in such a way.”

“Papyrus, think about it for a minute–”

“I am thinking about it, Sans,” the captain interrupted. “I am thinking about everything. I have been since I realized what happened. I am thinking about how scared she is. I am thinking about how I wasn't there for her for two years. I am thinking about what kind of danger she could have been in while I was not there. I am thinking about how I was trying to resonate with her in that alley and only found that her soul, my soulmate's soul, has shut me out and deemed me a threat. I am thinking about how hard it will be to change that,” he ranted, his eyelights growing harder and sharper even as magic started to well in his sockets and his nasal cavity burned. “But you know what I am not thinking about? I am not thinking about letting go and giving up. I have wanted something like this for so long, Sans. I am not thinking about turning my back on her just because it will be hard, and you can fucking deal with it.” 

He didn't elaborate on just how jealous he had been of his brother. How long he'd wished he could connect to someone in a similar fashion as his brother had been able to. Didn't mention how he'd pushed the idea begrudgingly aside so he could perform his duties as a Royal Guardsman. A captain like he'd always wanted. He would never admit to the feeling of longing that settled itself in his soul every night while laying in his empty bed thinking of his brother and brother-in-law. Alone…

Sans couldn't look at him by the end of his tirade. “Papyrus… Your life…”

“I. Don't. Care,” the younger emphasized. “Would you care about having your lifespan cut short if you still had Grillby?” He asked, just trying to make his brother understand.

“…No,” the older replied softly.

Papyrus gave a single nod and a huff. “I thought not. Brother, I am doing this with or without your support. Please pick a side sooner rather than later,” he requested before sighing and turning on his heel as Sans’ phone rang in his pocket. Grillby's ringtone. “Now, if you will excuse me, I need to check on her, and you should probably answer that.” Without another word, the taller skeleton walked out into the hallway, being sure to wipe his sockets of any magic and just catching the beginning of his brother’s conversation with his soulmate.

“Hey, babe… Nah, not really… Got into a fight with Paps…”

Closing the door behind him, Papyrus sighed again, feeling just as awful as he usually did after one of the brothers’ rare screaming matches. Maybe Grillby could get through to his older brother in a way he couldn't himself. Sans’ soulmate had always been good at that.

Straightening up, he finally braced himself and moved to the railing to look down. Cassidy was right where he left her, but she was sitting up now, apparently conscious, but she kept one arm on the back of the couch and the other on the cushion beneath her. Her head was between her knees, and he could hear her taking slow and deliberate breaths. Still feeling faint? Dizzy? Or perhaps nauseous?

Clearing his throat and letting his boots thump a bit harder against the floor than usual to announce himself, he walked over to the stairs and made his way down, gripping the railing. He saw her tense up and her head snap over to him, her eyes seeming to unfocus for a moment as she tipped slightly before steadying herself against the couch again. Dizzy then.

“My apologies. I did not mean to startle you,” he apologized softly, keeping his voice low and hopefully more approachable.

She stared at him for a while as she pulled her knees a bit closer, his jacket covering more of her as she curled under it. “Where… Where am I?” she stammered, her voice quiet and apprehensive while she watched him approach, though he placed himself on the opposite side of the coffee table from her. A barrier for her comfort.

“Underground, I'm afraid. Snowdin to be more precise,” he sighed, pinching his nasal bridge. “My idiot brother brought us back to our old house. Angel only knows why.”

She shivered, but something told him it wasn't just because of the cold. “…What happens now?” she asked, barely audible.

“Now, we take you back up to the surface and get you home,” he replied quickly, hoping his swift and unhesitating answer would reassure her while clasping his hands behind his back in a formal gesture to mask his lingering upset with the skeleton still on the second floor. “And apologize again for our sudden relocation. I know my brother’s shortcuts, as he calls them, are not exactly pleasant the first few times. Especially when one is not expecting it,” he added with a sympathetic look. “How are you feeling, miss?”

He didn't really expect her to answer entirely truthfully, so he wasn't surprised when she only shrugged, not meeting his eyelights. “I'm fine…”

“Hm… Hold on just a moment,” he requested, moving through to the old kitchen. He hoped they had left some… Aha! They did. He returned to the living room carrying a sealed bottle of water and set it on the table. “Here. I know I was nauseous the first time. I was not expecting it then either. This might help,” he explained, hoping she'd take the tentative peace offering. Desperate to get something right. He needed to salvage this second meeting somehow…

Cassidy gave it a dubious look as she tentatively reached out for the water, each movement slow and careful while she continued to glance up at him. She studied the cap for a while, turning it this way and that while running her thumbnail over the seal, likely searching for openings. Finally though, even he could hear the crackle as the lid broke away from the plastic ring. Apparently satisfied, she gave a small nod and took a sip, holding the scant liquid in her mouth for a few seconds before swallowing.

Something twisted in Papyrus’ soul watching her methodical approach though. The way she studied it seemed so practiced. The way he could only assume she was tasting it for something amiss. What kind of situation had she been in for her to be so proficient in checking a water bottle of all things? Was it just because it came from him?

She took another deeper swallow before replacing the cap, glancing up at him for a moment. “Thank you,” she said softly, looking down again. “I… I really didn't tell anyone. Swear it.”

He winced at that, sighing as he lowered himself to the floor and crossed his legs so it was only his skull and torso visible above the coffee table between them. “Cassidy, I do not care about that anymore. I never really did,” he murmured, just loud enough he knew she could hear as it was his turn to look away. “I am sorry I ever said any of that. It does not excuse me, and I know that, but if it brings you any comfort, I would never have gone through with what I threatened. Soulmate or not,” he tried to explain, hoping she would understand just how sincere his regret was. “I… I was trying to keep my people safe, and I took that much too far.”

She was quiet for a while, her brows furrowed and seemingly deep in thought before she nodded her head ever so slightly. “Okay,” she whispered, but he couldn't tell if she truly believed him or not. If she knew what he said was true, or if she was simply trying not to upset him while she was, regrettably, at his mercy. Again.

But, if that were the case… That was still fine. She didn't have to believe him right away. She didn't have to forgive him immediately. He was the one who fucked up. She just… needed some time, right? Time to process, time to forgive… Time for him to prove himself to her. It just… These matters take time.

Even as he tried to assure himself, his soul was clenching in his ribs. She was finally here. She was right in front of him, and yet… He still felt he was failing. 

Swallowing, Papyrus looked her over one more time, trying to see if there was anything he could do to help right now. He would be the first to tell anyone he was not the most patient monster, but for her he would have to slow down. Little things first. Little things…

“…Are you warm enough?” he finally asked. Something practical. Something simple.

She seemed startled after the long silence between them, and perhaps even a bit confused by the question itself, but she slowly nodded regardless. “Yes. I'm fine. This is… warm,” she answered awkwardly, gesturing to the jacket.

He nodded, a bit relieved she was even willing to talk to him despite the anxiety clearly clinging to her. “It is. Most of my clothes are enchanted with some little bit of fire magic. Handy when living in a region where the ground is always covered in snow, and a perk of my brother-in-law being a fire monster.”

“It does sound nice…” she murmured, truly looking at him for the first time instead of only giving him a quick glance now and again, her expression imploring. “I really didn't mean to stare at them this morning…”

“I'm sure you didn't,” Papyrus answered with a soft and sympathetic, though slightly self conscious chuckle. “It was Sans, wasn't it? Your first time seeing a skeleton monster other than myself, correct?” He asked, hoping his smile came across more welcoming and humored as she nodded sheepishly. He leaned back on his hands, glancing up to be sure his older brother wasn't watching from the balcony as the smaller skeleton would often do when Papyrus had company before making it to the surface. “Unfortunately, my brother has a nasty habit of jumping to conclusions. He sees a human staring at a monster, and immediately assumes they mean offense. Especially when he is with Grillby. I feel sometimes he forgets his soulmate works at a bar, not to mention ran a bar down here. He can take care of himself without my brother's overprotective coccyx mucking things up for everyone else trying to do damage control,” he huffed.

“…Damage control?” Cassidy asked after a pause, her tone apprehensive as she glanced up as well, following where Papyrus had looked before.

“The diplomacy part. The part where we try to make sure he hasn't ruined someone's view of all monsterkind. Nothing too serious, I assure you,” he was quick to answer, remembering she had been left alone with a pissed Sans before Papyrus had reached her. “It is a fine line to walk now that we are on the surface, being intimidating enough others will not try to attack us but also welcoming and friendly enough to also not be attacked on sight. Unfortunately for my brother, he is about as skilled at tightrope walking as I am at baseball. Meaning, of course, not skilled at all,” he added, hoping the joke would ease the tension before he turned serious again. “That said, he will not bother you again, Cassidy. If he does, I will handle him myself,” he promised.

She again didn't seem entirely comforted by that, but she nodded anyway in acknowledgement. It seemed she was out of things to say, much to Papyrus’ disappointment. If she didn't speak, if he couldn't get a true idea of what was bothering her, he couldn't fix it. He couldn't dispel her fears. Her anxiety. The first impression she no doubt still carried of him considering how long she'd hidden from him.

That in itself though was impressive. No less upsetting, but impressive. He was a thorough skeleton. Had to be. It was his job to notice things. To take care of things. To find things. He researched extensively when required, and had experience in finding people. Knew what to look for and where. A name was typically all he needed. A name or an image and the right avenues to ask along. But even so…

He hadn't been able to find her. He didn't have a name, but an image from a security camera he had acquired under the guise of Royal Guard business. Granted, for a while, he had actually assumed she might seek him out, so his search did not start extensively and in full until a month or two after their first encounter when he finally realized that even if he was on the television for every interview, for every live press conference, she still would not seek him out. Still, he had assumed in those early months that she just needed to come to terms with the idea, then she would make herself more easily found.

Arrogant. That is what he'd been for the first two, three, even as many as seven months. So sure his greatness and their shared soulmate marks would bring her back. So sure she wouldn't be able to stay away, and then frustrated when she still did not turn up. 

It had taken more time than he was proud to admit to finally get some perspective on why she would not seek him out as fervently as he did her. When other monsters started finding their own human soulmates as well, the discovery of how humans viewed soulmates threw every monster for a very confused loop. To find they did not feel the connection as deeply or as strong as the monsters at first. To find that even if a human did find their soulmate, they weren't guaranteed to stay with them. They saw it as more of a cosmic suggestion. A sort of nudge toward someone who could possibly make them the happiest they could be. And to find that some humans had the capacity to abuse their soulmates as well…

Well, that shed a whole new and sickening light on what Papyrus had done and said to his own.

Both of their attentions were caught again by the sound of a door opening upstairs, Sans coming to stand at the balcony railing with slumped shoulders and a sigh. Papyrus raised a brow at his brother's weary expression, but he was still pissed enough that he didn't really have much sympathy for his older brother at that moment. The smaller skeleton could clearly tell too, considering he didn't meet the younger's eyelights. Instead, he had his focus on Cassidy and the couch below him, brows furrowed and smile gone as he didn't quite glare down at her, but his expression was far from friendly.

It was then that Papyrus looked back down at his soulmate, finding her posture had gotten impossibly more scrunched. She was staring up at Sans, her eyes wide as she almost seemed more afraid of the elder sibling than Papyrus himself.

Was it bad that it made him feel just a bit better? That he could tell she was more afraid of something else that wasn't him?

Regardless, Papyrus was quick to clear his throat, getting his brother's attention off of the human on their old couch as Sans winced and finally looked at him. “Did you have something to say?” The younger asked in his most deadpan voice.

“…I guess. You guys ready ta head back up topside?” He asked, far from the apology Cassidy deserved, but Papyrus would let it slide for now. He did want to get his soulmate out of this house, back somewhere warmer as well as back under her own power, as soon as he possibly could. The poor woman had had enough of a heart attack for one day to be dragging it out much longer. 

Seeing her minute nod, Papyrus gave a more firm nod himself. “Yes. It is time to go back,” he confirmed aloud, standing slowly yet gracefully from the floor. She was quick to stand as well, definitely desperate to get out of the house and back to more familiar surroundings. And likely away from the skeletons, though Papyrus did his best not to let that hurt him too badly.

Once Sans made his way down the stairs, he immediately attempted to approach the understandingly hesitant human, but he didn't reach her before Papyrus had him by the hood of his coat. Pulling his older brother back and to his side with a huff, though he noted Sans’ sigh and lack of protest, the taller skeleton looked again to Cassidy with a softer expression, holding one of his own hands out in offering. 

“I am afraid he will not be able to shortcut us without direct contact,” he admitted apologetically. He noticed her hesitance regardless, attempting to offer a small reassuring smile. “Now that you have been through one, it will hopefully be easier. It will help if you close your eyes during the shift, however.”

“If ya don' wanna make the whole damn trek through the underground, ya gotta take the shortcut,” Sans grumbled, looking down at his shoes. “An’ ya definitely ain't dressed fer Snowdin,” he added, glancing at the leather jacket still wrapped around her shoulders.

She seemed to follow his eyelights as she looked down at herself as well with a wince. “I… I guess not…” she answered softly. 

“C'mon then,” Sans said, holding a hand out. “Back ta the alley topside. Make it easier ta get yer bearings. Then we can be done with this whole mess.”

Papyrus certainly did not miss the look his older brother gave him at the end of that sentence. Hopefully the side eye he returned would portray his displeasure enough for the moment with his nervous soulmate still in front of them. He would rather not thump his brother in front of her just yet, thank you. Perhaps when she is a bit more comfortable around them…

Regardless of whether she'd picked up on the siblings’ silent conversation though, she did eventually nod and shuffle in place a bit before slowly moving around the coffee table herself. She stayed out of reaching distance at first, but finally she removed Papyrus’ jacket, folding it neatly in half as she held it out in offering for Papyrus to take. She shivered as her skin was exposed to the cold again, small dots covering her in a wave of goosebumps. “Thank you…”

With a soft look, the taller skeleton reached for the jacket himself, gingerly taking the garment and draping it over his own arm. “Of course. Now, let's get you out of here.” 

With a nod, Cassidy eyed Sans’ skeletal hand before taking it gingerly, looking one sharp movement away from jumping away from the contact. She was visibly willing herself not to shake, but there was still a fine trembling in her muscles as she continued to glance between the brothers. 

Despite the older skeleton giving him an expectant look, Papyrus kept his own hand to himself for the moment. “Close your eyes, miss. It will be less disorienting,” he instructed gently. Glancing over, he leaned toward the coffee table again where her bottle of water had been deposited, grabbing it just in case she needed it again. She watched him carefully when he moved, but didn't shy away when he returned to his original position.

With a final deep breath, she closed her eyes tight, muscles tensing in preparation for her second trip through the void. It was only then that Papyrus noticed a mark on her arm. A slowly blossoming bruise on her skin, the size and shape of a hand. Sans’ hand.

Forcing down the growl that tried to take root in his throat, the taller skeleton finally placed his own hand on his brother's shoulder with a tight and rough squeeze and another glare. The shorter monster blinked in surprise, brows furrowing as he glanced between Papyrus and his soulmate. It took the younger brother pointing out the blemish on the woman's arm for Sans to see what had the larger so upset, but when he did, he blinked, sockets widening and looking puzzled, but didn't say anything else before nodding, wrapping his fingers around Cassidy's hand, and pulling the three of them through another shortcut.

Papyrus had long ago gotten used to his brother's special ability. The only time it disoriented him anymore was when he didn't expect the sudden relocation, but even then he no longer experienced the panic or the nauseous effects afterward. His soulmate was unfortunately not so lucky, and he was ready to catch her again should she have the same reaction as before. Thankfully though, she did not have as difficult of a time when they landed. She gasped and wobbled a bit, but despite Papyrus’ hands hovering in case he needed to steady her, she remained upright.

As soon as she apparently felt the ground beneath her, she was quick to yank her hand away from Sans, who let her easily. Blinking rapidly, she made a soft noise of discomfort, bringing a hand halfway to her mouth. Her eyes were unfocused for the moment as she staggered, but recovered her balance swiftly.

Seeing her so disoriented, Papyrus gently nudged the water bottle into her hands. “Easy. Here,” he offered softly, trying to be soothing and quell his urge to reach out and hold her against him until she fully recovered. He knew she wouldn't appreciate such a thing from him, but the desire to protect his vulnerable soulmate was no less insistent. 

Thankfully she took the water without fuss, breathing slowly and deliberately through her nose as she took a small sip. Her limbs still seemed shaky, but Papyrus could tell she was more stable the longer she stood there on solid ground. They all waited in silence for her to get her bearings again, Sans having kept true to his word and taken them right back where this whole ordeal began.

Finally, she heaved one final sigh and emptied the bottle, her eyes more focused as she glanced around and seemed to relax minutely. Just a small decrease of tension in her shoulders, but better than the locked up position they'd been in before. When she finally looked back up at them, while there was still that ever present anxiety, there was also just a smidgen of relief in her eyes.

She hesitated, looking off to the side briefly before meeting Papyrus’ sockets briefly again. “I… Thank you,” she murmured.

“Of course,” Papyrus responded solemnly, his voice carrying his regret and sincerity without his typical mask of arrogance. “It is the very least we can do after… Well. That. Are you feeling any better? The symptoms of the shortcut, I mean,” he clarified.

She nodded as she fidgeted and squeezed the water bottle briefly, flinching at the crackle of thin plastic. “I think so. Enough to make it home.”

Papyrus nodded slowly before observing the sky with a slight narrowing of his sockets. It had already been late afternoon when they'd first run across Cassidy in the alleyway. Now, with the change of season, sunset was already well on its way to finishing. Twilight hours. It would be dark soon…

“Cassidy, you are free to reject the offer, but would you like an escort to your home? I am aware the city is not the safest place once the sun goes down…” he trailed off with an internal cringe. Of course she would obviously know about the dangers of the city at night. She lived here, and the danger had been the catalyst to their first meeting after all. Perhaps he should have stopped speaking at the offer itself.

The woman winced subtly, but Papyrus definitely noticed, and shook her head slowly. “No… No thank you. I'll be okay from here,” she answered softly, her hand reaching up to grasp at something just below her neck, though there was nothing there except her own shirt. Perhaps she usually wore a necklace? It seemed to be a habitual motion regardless.

He really should stop observing her so closely. Stop making guesses about a woman he in truth knew next to nothing about. Still, he couldn't help it. She was his soulmate. He wanted to know everything about her. What made her smile. What made her laugh. Her little habits and quirks. He could feel his soul trying to latch onto the soul connection that was supposed to be there, but it was a two way street, and her soul certainly wasn't reaching back…

Yet. She wasn't reaching back yet. He had to think maybe he still had a chance. He didn't think he could take it if he'd already ruined his chances. 

“Very well. In that case, I wish you safe travels. Perhaps… we can speak again sometime. Under better circumstances, hopefully,” he finished with a mutter, looking down at his own feet and as he pondered how rare it was for him to be at such a loss as this in any given situation.

Sans sighed heavily beside the taller brother and leaned over to give Papyrus a nudge. “‘Ey, the card,” he mumbled.

The younger brother blinked at the older before he perked up. “Ah, yes. Right,” he responded as he reached around to his back pocket for his wallet. He knew exactly what he was looking for, and found it perfectly pristine in its designated place as he pulled out a small piece of cardstock. Rereading the information yet again to be sure it was correct, he deftly flipped the leather wallet closed with one hand and put it back in his pocket. “Here. These are the numbers for both my work and personal phone. Just in case…” 

In case of what? In case she needs him? In case she wants to talk to him? Wants to get to know him better? 

He cleared his throat after likely too long of a pause as he held the card out to her, praying to the angel she would take it. “You do not have to use it at all if you do not wish to, but I would like you to have it regardless. Should you ever need to contact me for any matter, I would… I would feel better if you had a reliable means to do so.”

She paused to study him for a while, and for one soul wrenching moment he thought she would refuse, but to his immense relief she reached forward and took the plain black and white card gingerly. She didn't say a word, but she did nod slightly as she read over the information on the card and flipped it over briefly to check the blank back side. After pocketing the paper, she looked back up at Papyrus and Sans before her eyes strayed to the entrance of the alley behind them. Papyrus’ time with her was officially up.

With a deep breath, the taller skeleton stepped off to the side with a weak smile, pulling his older brother with him to give her plenty of space to get by them. “Goodnight, Miss Cassidy. May the angel guard your path,” he said softly in farewell, being sure to make it clear he was letting her leave if she was ready.

Cassidy looked between the skeletons and the exit almost disbelievingly for a few moments before she jolted. Seeming to realize this was truly happening, she took a few cautious steps around the monsters and breathed what was likely meant to be a subtle, easily missed sigh of relief. Before she left fully though, she paused, turning back to them even if she didn't meet their eyelights.

“Uh… Goodnight. And… Same to you,” she returned the farewell politely, if not haltingly. Regardless though, the fact she stopped instead of simply running away made something in Papyrus’ soul ease, a small smile quirking his teeth.

As she finally left though, his smile fell and his brows furrowed. He took a look at the sky in between the buildings again. It really was getting dark… Crooks were much more likely to attack when they thought they couldn't be seen. Cassidy didn't seem to have any sort of weapon on her person to defend herself, or else she may have tried to use it on the skeleton brothers. He knew she had turned down an escort, likely not wanting to reveal her place of residence, but…

Looking to the rooftops, Papyrus hummed quietly before allowing his magic to pool in his feet. Taking a step, he landed on a solid foothold a few inches off the ground. He continued confidently, walking up his invisible staircase until he reached the roof and dissipated his magic again. His brother had followed him without prompting, though he shortcutted up instead. Both were unusually quiet as they caught sight of Cassidy again a few blocks away on the sidewalk below and started to follow without a word to each other, moving from rooftop to rooftop as they did so.

The further they walked, the more uneasy Papyrus became. As they passed by the park, they were officially coming up on the rougher side of town. A place Papyrus had rarely visited himself. This part of the city was more run down than the rest. A space almost reserved for those who were struggling or those who had… less than legal businesses. He'd always classified this neighborhood as one of the more dangerous in the city of Ebbot. If his soulmate lived here…

And of course she did, much to the taller skeleton's dismay. As she finally came to a stop in front of an old apartment complex, looking hesitantly around as she pulled out a set of keys to let herself in, Papyrus’ concern only grew. Was she struggling? Did she choose this area to avoid him? Is someone making her stay here? A family member or abusive roommate or–

“Huh,” Sans muttered, breaking Papyrus out of his spiralling thoughts. “Didn't ‘spect her ta live ‘round here,” he commented, receiving a slight glare from his younger brother for a moment before the look wasn't dropped with a sigh.

“I did not either. I… do not like it,” Papyrus admitted. “This part of town is not entirely safe.”

Sans shook his skull, agreeing with the taller skeleton. Furrowing his brows, he seemed to contemplate something before releasing a long groaning sigh. “If ya ever need ta get here quick, I can shortcut ya now,” he offered, though his tone was just as begrudging as it was sincere. With Papyrus’ surprised, though no less grateful expression as he nodded, really having not expected his elder brother to offer, Sans took another deeper breath and looked away, pulling a bit at the gold chain around his neck. “Uh, and I didn' mean ta bruise her. I really didn’ think I grabbed her that hard. And she's awful light. Shoulda taken more effort ta pull her through my shortcuts,” he admitted, clearly trying to make up for what had transpired by sharing his observations.

Papyrus nodded slightly. “I noticed her weight as well. I am concerned. On a number of levels,” he admitted, tentatively accepting Sans’ olive branch after their earlier shouting match.

“…Ya don't wanna leave her yet, do ya?”

“…No,” the younger skeleton answered softly, staring down at the door Cassidy had disappeared behind.

Another long suffering sigh made its way past Sans’ teeth and he rolled his eyelights, but his expression was softer. Clicking his tongue, he pulled out his phone and walked to the edge of the rooftop, sitting down on the ledge and pulling out a pack of cigarettes as well. Easily slipping one of the smokes between sharp teeth, he started typing something with one hand, leaning back on the other.

Papyrus raised a brow. “Sans? What are you doing?”

“Textin’ Grillbs. Tellin’ him I'll be home late,” he claimed, as if it were obvious. At his brother's confused blinking, the older monster rolled his eyelights yet again, shrugged, and put his phone away, instead pulling out a lighter. “You wanna keep an eye on her place fer a while, I owe at least a day's worth of bodyguardin’ ta the lady considerin’ how I handled her an’ the whole issue. Kill two birds with one stone, yeah?” he asked as he lit the cigarette and took a drag, getting comfortable on the ledge.

The younger took a moment to process that, but his shoulders finally relaxed and slumped. He let out a soft breath as he settled himself down next to his brother, pulling one knee up to hold against his chest while the other dangled off the side of the building, not even trying to disguise the mental and emotional strain of the past hour or two. It had been so much so fast. Finding Cassidy, the argument with his brother, trying to keep his soulmate calm and convince her she was safe with him… 

He was glad for the darkness that obscured his more vulnerable state, as well as for his older sibling’s presence in this. While he was still upset with the other, and there was sure to be another serious discussion about this whole situation, he was still immensely grateful Sans hadn't left him in his turmoil alone. Not when his soul was still raw both from Cassidy's reaction to him and the argument. He didn't want to be alone, though he'd never admit it out loud. Thankfully, he didn't have to. 

Sans had always been able to easily determine what Papyrus needed seemingly with only the subtlest clues. It wasn't always intentional, but the older could just… tell. Even when Papyrus had been forced to take on his much harsher persona, the shorter was never fooled for a second. He knew when the younger skeleton was feeling fragile. When he needed the attention off of him or when he just needed someone at his back. When he needed to have company to keep his treacherous mind from wandering too far.

Even if Sans didn't approve of the situation, the smaller monster still stayed. Still cared. Still wanted Papyrus to be okay. Still made sure the younger had what he needed and tried to do something to help. It meant the world to Papyrus in this quiet moment.

So, sitting on that rooftop, the skeleton brothers sat in careful silence, allowing the night to go on as they kept watch just like old times.

Notes:

Oh my gooooosh, I love these boys. I really wanted to focus on their characters in this one as well as touch a little bit on how Papyrus has changed since the first time he met Cassidy. This poor guy has so many insecurities. That said though, while his brother is a bit of a dick, Sans' soul is in the right place. He just wants his little brother to be safe and okay in the end, he just struggles with finding the best way to do that on top of still healing from Underground trauma. If anyone has questions or if I left something unclear, I would be happy to answer questions in the comments!

Thank you all again so much for reading!

Chapter 5: Influence

Notes:

Hello, everyone! Back to Cassidy's perspective for this one, but I promise there will be other perspectives in the future again. :3
Anyway, another longish one at roughly 6k words, so I hope you all enjoy! A lot of dialog in this one, but I thought it was necessary to give Cass a bit of a nudge in a certain direction. ;)

Also, trying a new editing method, so hoping that will cut down a bit on mistakes and make the narrative a bit more consistent and clear. Guess we'll see how that goes, right?

Words couldn't describe just how much Cassidy appreciated her bosses in the next few days. They'd called her the day after the whole ordeal just to make sure she made it home and ask what she wanted to do about the situation. They gave her plenty of options. They offered to call the police or the guard, or help her get a restraining order, or simply trespass him from the office. Johnson was determined to go to the police himself, but he ultimately backed down when Cassidy insisted she just wanted the situation behind her and left alone. 

While she appreciated the sentiment, there really wasn't anything she thought any of them could do. Getting the police or Royal Guard involved would only mean she would be more likely to meet Papyrus face to face again. She wasn't sure if a restraining order would even be viable either. She didn't really have any evidence or proper reason to put one in place, right? She'd only briefly looked into restraining orders once for another man, and she'd quickly decided against that one as well so she really didn’t have any sort of in depth knowledge on the matter. Banning Papyrus from the office wouldn't do too much either she didn't think. She wasn't sure the skeleton even knew she actually worked there, so it would be pointless anyway.

Regardless of her reluctance to do anything in a legal sense about Papyrus’ unexpected reappearance, her bosses did still insist she take a few days off. The first two would be paid days for the hours they had her scheduled for, but Cassidy honestly didn't want to use up too many of her paid days for the year. Even so, they still encouraged her to take as many days off as she needed, and that was just as well in her opinion.

She wasn't too proud to admit that she had been a mess for a few days after her run in with Papyrus and his brother. She was jumping at shadows. Seeing scarlet red lights in every dark corner. She didn't even leave the house. The woman stayed cowering in her apartment as she tried to process the whole interaction. It was almost as bad as the fallout of her very first encounter with the sharp skeleton. This time though, she blessedly had a set of walls to give her at least a modicum feeling of security.

She only became more frustrated and uncertain with the mixed signals her mind and memory were giving her as time passed though. Her recollection of what happened was surreal at best. High stress and highly emotional situations never failed to cloud her mind even after they were said and done. Trying to tease every detail out of the encounter was painstaking and left her feeling exhausted, not to mention questioning if she had remembered things right in the first place. Had Papyrus actually been trying to be kind to an unknown woman in that alley, or was he doing damage control? Had he caught her before she passed out, or had she hit the floor despite her lack of bruises? Had he really been as genuine as she thought his expressions made him out to be? Of course, it could have all been a ruse to convince her to lower her guard.

She couldn't be sure of any of it. Her judgments had been clouded regardless of what Papyrus’ intentions could have been, and the one thing she was certain of was that Sans had at least had it out for her. She remembered the feeling of his magic snapping at her vividly. The cold and predatory feeling that clung to her in nightmares newly awakened and fresh since the encounter. The bruise he'd left behind on her arm from his grabbing was still tender. Her treacherous mind had to question though whether he'd meant to grab her harshly or if it had been the result of her peachlike skin–easily marked and bruised–considering how much more reserved he'd been after she'd woken up on that couch.

Honestly, she would have questioned if that could have been a dream as well if it hadn't been for those shortcuts or whatever the two called them. Those had been plenty real.

Despite not having a clear understanding of what had happened, Cassidy still eventually had to go back to work. She couldn't afford to miss more than one day of pay after she spent her paid days at home. She had rent and groceries to make after all. Even going back though, she remained more cautious than usual. 

She gave alleyways a wide berth on her way to and from work now, and although she usually didn't wear it to work, she didn't leave the house without her tactical knife around her neck. A gift from Tommy, the blade could be pulled from the sheath connected to a chain necklace with a sharp tug. She usually only wore it when she would be going out at night, but with the recent meeting, abduction, and subsequent return, Cassidy was loath to be caught on the street again without at least some sort of weapon. 

No one questioned the blade at the office if they saw it before she took it off and slipped it into her purse. Everyone who hadn't been on the schedule the day of her surprise reunion seemed to have gotten caught up on the workplace drama. Thankfully no one questioned her on it, though she had a sneaking suspicion the doctors had warned them against it for now. A few asked if she was alright, especially when they caught her jumping any time the bell rang up front when she couldn't see the windows or the door, but for the most part they at least tried to act normally with her. 

Everyone except for Berry.

Over the passing weeks, whenever Cassidy and Berry were on the same schedule, the rabbit was giving her odd looks. Mostly when he thought she couldn't see him, but a few times she'd caught him openly staring with the most confused look on his face. Confused or otherwise bothered. She couldn't always read him, which only made her more anxious since he'd been the one to actually interact with Papyrus when he came in looking for her. The captain had also called him by name, so it was more than possible they knew each other…

Despite the somewhat tense atmosphere at work though, Cassidy was gradually managing to relax again. The longer she didn't see the skeletons in passing, the better she felt. That said, the passing time also meant the seasonal change was approaching. The time had come when she needed a jacket if she had an early morning shift or if she was going to be walking home in the later parts of the evening. 

Despite her recovering confidence, she still avoided walking after dark if she could help it. Most of her driving coworkers didn't mind giving her a lift every now and again, so it wasn't a big deal to ask. Usually anyway. There were of course some times when she had to suck it up and just brave the dark city, and she had made it home just fine each time.

The real pain was when the weather turned though. The wind picking up during her walk was inconvenient, and the quick drop in temperature after dark was uncomfortable, but the rain was the worst. She couldn't remember a year here in Ebbott where it had rained this much in the fall, but it wasn't like she could do anything about it other than try to pick up a lift home. 

“Hey, you need a ride?”

The question made Cassidy jump as she turned to see Berry had come up behind her while she stared out the window at the falling drops. He had his small backpack in hand, holding it by the top loop with two fingers over one shoulder. His expression was unbothered, even with a barely there smile. At the same time though, there was something calculating in his eyes. Eyes that were too sharply focused on her for the offer to be purely altruistic. He was trying to be too casual after weeks of strange looks and staring. There was another motive there despite his lazy slouch.

And she had an idea of what it was.

“If you want to talk to me, just say so,” she murmured, glancing behind him at their coworkers still helping patients get checked in and out.

His response started with a nod, one ear turning back toward the office while the other stayed perked up and facing her. “Then I guess I wanna talk with ya,” he answered, just as quiet as her own voice had been. Clearly he didn't want this conversation overheard either.

The woman nodded herself and gnawed at her lip, looking away. “Business or personal?”

“Personal.”

“Is this about Papyrus?” She whispered finally, giving her coworkers a bit of a side eye. She'd expected he'd want to talk about the encounter sooner or later, but she hadn't really expected him to be almost sneaky about it. She expected him to be more direct, starting with something light. A joke to see how she reacted to the subject. She didn’t expect him to try and lure her into the discussion using something like a ride home.

He hesitated before nodding again, his brows pinched as he more openly studied her reaction. “Yeah.”

She didn't meet his gaze for a while, instead looking out at the rain again. She trusted Berry, she really did, but did she trust him enough for this? A large part of her was reluctant to get anyone else involved, both for their safety as well as her own well being. Especially with a monster. She didn't want her side of the situation dismissed just because Papyrus was a monster or a leader of the Royal Guard. She'd dealt with plenty of high status men, and they had the tendency to slip away from trouble no matter what evidence or story was brought against them. 

She didn't want to be invalidated by another he said-she said situation just as much as she didn't want anyone to get hurt trying to go after Papyrus on her behalf either. She knew Berry wouldn't let up until he had some idea of what was going on though. She was stuck between a real rock and a hard place.

She mulled it over for a while longer, further unnerved by the fact Berry wasn't trying to rush her as he usually would have and simply stood quietly waiting for her to make a decision. Finally, she sighed and her shoulders sagged as she leaned down to pick up her own bag.

“I guess I can't really wait for one of the others to get off,” she relented. “Let's go.”

Berry didn't comment on her less than enthusiastic tone, simply moving forward to open the door for her and opening his umbrella for the two of them before they stepped out from under the awning above the entrance. He led her through the tiny parking lot to his old truck. Cassidy could never remember what make or model Berry said it was, but it was vintage, and it was his baby. She could still hear him going on about it from the first time he drove it to work, absolutely ecstatic about his first big recreational purchase on the surface, and even now she could see the pride light up his eyes just a smidgen as they approached and he opened the passenger door for her.

He sighed as he climbed into the driver's seat a few short moments later, shaking his head vigorously as he closed the umbrella and the door behind him. “Ugh. There's a reason us rabbits stayed out of Waterfall,” he griped as he buckled his seat belt. “If I have to take a shower, I want it warm and close to a blow dryer.”

Cassidy couldn't help but huff a small chuckle at her companion’s expense. It wasn't the first time Berry had complained about the damp weather, and she couldn't really blame him. With his fur being as dense as it was, it would definitely take ages to dry on its own. That said, she couldn't help but latch on to what he'd said about rabbits staying out of Waterfall.

“Waterfall was the kind of lakey or swampy area down there, wasn't it?” She asked. Usually she steered clear of the topic of what it had been like for the monsters in the Underground since many of them acted like they wanted to put that part of their lives in the past, but she wasn't immune to natural human curiosity. If Berry brought it up, it should be fine to ask just a couple questions, right? 

He nodded as he put the truck in gear and started pulling out of the parking lot. “Yep. Super wet and raining pretty much all the time. And humid as shit. Not much fun for those of us with thick fur. Great for aquatic or semi aquatic monsters though. That's why Waterfall was part of Captain Undyne's district once captain duties got split up. Waterfall and New Home.” 

When Cassidy only hummed an acknowledgment, the two fell into a more comfortable silence for a while. While she watched out the window and the buildings passed by, Cassidy mulled over her thoughts on the monsterkind’s other captain. She'd never been able to exactly place what kind of fish the tougher woman resembled, but the blue scaled monster had always reminded her of something between a piranha and a shark. Her bright red ponytail was an iconic calling card along with her eyepatch, but despite her missing eye, Undyne never seemed bothered. She was just so loud and bold in everything she did. 

Cassidy would readily admit she admired the monster's confidence. Never backing down from a fight. Never showing any sign of apprehension or fear. She supposed part of that came from being one of the most intimidating monsters to come out of the Underground both in temperament and appearance, but the human looked up to the captain regardless.

“Did I ever tell you I was part of the Royal Guard for a while?”

Berry's question breaking the silence broke her out of her musings as she looked over with a curiously raised brow. “No? No offense, but it doesn't really seem like your kind of thing.”

He chuckled and glanced over at her with a wink. “None taken. You're right though. Generally it wouldn’t have been my cup of tea. Not much of a fighter. Sure, I can scrap if I have to, but I'd rather avoid a fight if I can help it. I was never hard core enough to think brawls were fun,” he admitted with a shrug. “That's why I wasn't in the soldier division though. Well, that and the fact I was still in stripes. I was just a messenger.”

“That… makes a little more sense. So, what, did you just take messages back and forth between the captains?” Cassidy asked with furrowed brows, trying to piece together what her coworker's job had been before. She paused and blinked after a moment though, her eyes widening as she remembered what stripes meant in monster culture. “Wait, wait, are you saying you were part of the Royal Guard as a kid?”

“Yep,” he replied, popping the p. “Sure was. Not exactly by choice, but also kind of by choice? It's complicated, but I'm getting there,” he promised with a small awkward smile. “I might have been a kid, but honestly, that might have been the best place for me at the time. Kept me out of trouble. And it kept me out of my dad's house. He was a mean son of a bitch.”

“…I'm sorry to hear that,” Cassidy responded hesitantly, not exactly sure what else to say as she winced and looked out the window again.

Berry only shrugged again. “It's fine. My sibs and I have been working through it, and it’s easier up here to move on than it was down there, so it's pretty much in the past. Anyway, not the point. I wasn't in a ton of danger in all honesty. I was just supposed to be delivering letters back and forth between Royal Guard posts and bringing reports back to Undyne. Even if I wasn't a fighter, the other guardsmen were under orders to protect me as their coworker anyway. Add in the fact I was still in stripes, and most people left me alone.” 

Cassidy nodded along as she listened. Everyone knew the Underground had been a harsh social environment for the monsters. Their mannerisms upon first reaching the surface was testament to that. It was different though hearing about life underground from someone who had actually been there. Hearing a first hand account made it seem more real. She wasn’t sure she could even imagine how some of them had to not only live, but grow up down there.

Berry’s tone shifted just as they turned down Cassidy’s street, his expression darkening as he frowned and his ears laid back on his head. “You know, I really don’t know if I woulda made it up here without that job. My sibs either. The money I got doing that was the only reason I was able to afford to get them out of that house once I was out of stripes myself. And to think that job didn’t even exist before me.” He pulled up and parked in front of her apartment building before turning to her, no trace of humor in his eyes. “I have Captain Papyrus to thank for that.”

Cassidy blinked, reminded finally of why Berry had offered to drive her home in the first place. She shifted uncomfortably in the seat, brows furrowing as she tried to decide how to react.

“What do you mean?” she managed to ask eventually, her voice small and quiet in the cab.

“I mean, he’s the one who convinced Undyne to add a messenger to the guard to begin with,” he answered immediately. “He wasn’t a captain yet, but he was in the guard for a while before we met. I was outside after curfew. Not even stripes could keep you safe after curfew, but I was trying to stall so I didn’t have to go home. He was in the middle of a patrol, so he could  have just smacked me upside the head and marched me back home to face the music, but he didn’t. He looked at me, asked me what I was still doing out, and told me to follow him,” he explained without meeting the human’s gaze, instead staring past her. It was as if he was reliving the memory in his mind’s eye.

“Did you actually tell him why you were out?” the woman asked, bringing his focus back to her.

“Absolutely. What would I have had to gain from lying? If I would have gotten caught in it I would have only been in more trouble. Everyone knew what my dad was like anyway, so I figured the excuse was plenty believable,” He explained with a wry look. “Anyway, he didn’t take me home like I was afraid he would. That would be all I needed. Getting brought back by a guard so they could tell Dad I was out and about getting into trouble? No thanks. No, but he actually brought me back to his shed. Well, his ‘torture chamber’ is what he usually called it,” the rabbit continued, snickering and using heavy air quotes around torture chamber, though it didn’t really make Cassidy feel any better about the title. “Gave me a plate of leftovers, some water, and then locked me in the little cell he had sectioned off. 

“Now, don’t get me wrong, I was scared shitless. I had no idea what he was gonna do to me, and even less of an idea what Sans was gonna do. The skeletons had themselves a pretty wicked reputation down in the Underground. Both of them were pretty mysterious and ruthless, but Sans was definitely the scarier of the two if you asked any of us kids at the time. With Papyrus we at least knew he was always doing stuff by the book and followed the rules to a T. Little did I know, Papyrus was just planning to take me to Undyne first thing in the morning, which was equally terrifying, but you know.” He paused, shaking his head quickly. “Sorry. Tangent. Lost where I was going with this for a minute.”

“You’re fine,” Cassidy replied automatically. Internally, she was glad for the brief pause as she tried to process all of that. She really wasn’t sure what point Berry was trying to reach anymore. At first she thought he was maybe trying to defend the lanky skeleton, but the more he talked about Papyrus’ reputation, the less comfortable she felt about her soulmate. No one got a reputation like that without doing something to cement it in people’s minds. She had already seen how callous the captain was when he killed those dogs, so it didn’t take much to imagine all the other awful things he could have been doing.

He studied her for a minute, sighing as he likely saw how uneasy she’d become with the conversation. “Okay, for real this time, the point is that Papyrus saved my life, okay? I don’t know how he did it, but he convinced Captain Undyne to create an entirely new job just for me,” he quickly explained. “No other guard would have done that, trust me. At best, they would have sent me home and told me not to let them catch me out that late again. No one else would have given me a place to stay for the night away from my parents’ house, or fed me, or tried to get me a position that would get me out of harm’s way for a while. Sure, he looks scary, and at times he really kind of is, but he’s fair. I think that’s why Snowdin respected him so much even before he was leader of his own district and why Undyne likes him as an ally and a co-captain.” His nose twitched as he rubbed his face with one hand and fixed her with tired eyes. “Honestly, I owe him a lot. So, if I can repay him in some way, I’d like to.”

Cassidy nodded, now starting to see where he was going with this, though she didn’t much care for it. “So… What does that have to do with me?” she asked suspiciously.

Berry sighed again, knocking his head back and accidentally banging his head on the glass behind him with a curse as he rubbed the new sore spot. “Ow. I think you already know that considering the way you’re looking at me. Please don’t take this the wrong way, Cass. I’m trying to do this for both of you, not just him. I like you as a person and a coworker, and I think you’d feel better if you had a better idea of what’s probably going on in his head. You humans just… Don’t really know what soulmate means to a monster. And that’s not a dis against you, I promise,” he added quickly as she narrowed her eyes. “Listen, I just want to know what it is about Papyrus that freaks you out bad enough to call your code right after he came in so I can try to help. I don’t think it’s just that he’s a monster, cause you don’t really seem to have an issue with other monsters. Except dog monsters, I guess, but I thought that might just be a dog phobia thing some of you humans have. Is it that he’s a captain? Is it that he’s a skeleton? I won’t judge. You’re a chill chick, so I’m sure you have a reason.”

Cassidy looked away again as she pursed her lips, debating how much to tell him about the situation, or even if she wanted to tell him anything. He seemed genuine…

“He… Threatened me. When we first met,” she finally decided to admit. She didn’t want to give him too many details, just in case. That much should be enough, right?

Berry was quiet for a while, but eventually he snorted and she looked over to see him with a barely there grin on his lips. He found this funny, huh? Did he think she was overreacting? Her own expression darkened, and with a huff she grabbed her purse from between her feet and turned to pop open the door as she felt her chest tightening. This was why she hadn’t wanted to talk about this to begin with.

He was quick to reach across her and hold the door closed though. “Wait, wait, wait. It’s not that I think that’s funny. It’s ironic. Stupid ironic. Let me ask you this. When did you two first meet?”

“What does that matter?” she snapped back, her voice tight as she glared over at the rabbit with a burn in her nose and betrayal in her eyes.

“It matters because if you guys met close to when we came up to the surface, he was probably on the defense. That, and if your first meeting happened and the two of you only realized after you left each other that you were connected, then he never got the chance to explain or apologize. Not saying that would make it all better, don’t get me wrong. It’s just… Really hard on a monster to be avoided by their soulmate,” he tried to explain, brows furrowing as he tried to put his words together. “And it’s only ironic because most monsters ended up threatening their soulmates before even knowing that they were soulmates underground. It was kind of a dark joke down in there. Probably would have been a meme if soulmates weren’t such a serious thing,” he added.

“Being soulmates doesn’t suddenly make everything all better,” Cassidy retorted. 

“No, it doesn’t. Not for humans. I’m not saying to forgive him just because of that,” Berry assured her, raising his hands placatingly as he moved back over to his side of the cab. “I know your kind and my kind are fundamentally different when it comes to this stuff. Again, nothing against you guys. It’s not your fault. It’s literally a biological difference, and it’d be like us guys blaming you ladies for having your time of the month.”

It was Cassidy’s turn to sigh, rolling her eyes, but begrudgingly accepting the fact that this conversation was going to happen whether she wanted it to or not. She was also able to admit to herself though that his talk of some sort of extra biological difference between humans and monsters made her just a bit curious. “What are you talking about?” she huffed bitterly.

The rabbit looked around outside before he answered, his voice considerably lower despite no one else being around. “I’m talking about souls. You didn’t hear any of this from me, alright? I don’t want the royals sending their hit team out on me. We aren’t supposed to tell humans about soul stuff unless they’re our soulmates, and even then the humans are pretty much sworn to secrecy. The king doesn’t want you guys to know about a lot of this stuff.” 

The woman blinked at the sudden shift in Berry’s demeanor. She’d never seen him so affected before, even when faced with aggressive or angry patients at work. Seeing the intense way his eyes roamed the empty street almost made him seem like a totally different person. More nervous. Shifty eyed. Clearly it was a big risk to tell her even this much.

The human public wasn’t totally ignorant of their souls. There had been a few press conferences and speeches the monster royalty had given alongside their royal scientist that covered the topic, but thinking back on them, how much had the humans really been told? She remembered catching snippets about soul traits and a semi-confirmation of where the human belief of theoretical souls persisting after death came from, but not much more. Granted, most of those had been from watching through storefront windows as she passed by. Perhaps she should go back and see if she could find recordings of those conferences sometime. Just to see if there was more she missed.

“Okay… I won’t say anything,” she promised.

His shoulders seemed to lose a bit of tension and he gave her a grateful look, though he was still glancing around at the street. “Thanks. So, I can’t tell you everything. Some things you really would have to hear from a soulmate, ‘cause it’s kind of personal, but I can tell you this. For a monster, a soulmate isn’t just some cosmic suggestion. It seriously and physically affects a monster’s soul. You humans don’t react the same way since you guys aren’t as well in touch with your own souls, but finding your soulmate means everything to a monster. To the point that even considering hurting or leaving them makes their very being ache. It’s a super instinctual and emotional thing. Like, if anything happens to my soulmate I will kill everyone in this room and then myself kind of emotional. I’m not even exaggerating. That’s actually happened before.”

Cassidy raised a brow, a bit skeptical of the last part. “And him threatening me shows that how?”

“He probably didn’t know you were his soulmate at the time,” Berry responded with a shrug. “Like I said, a lot of soulmates in the Underground threatened each other before they knew they were soulmates. That’s just how the Underground was. Kill or be killed, but protect your family and allies at all costs. It caused a lot of fights, but everyone understood that’s just how it was. No one really held grudges against their soulmates once they actually got together because it was all survival. Plain and simple.” He turned to meet her gaze again finally, expression serious. “Then we came up here and the rules changed. It took some of us a while to adapt, and especially those of us in the guard. Some of us, including civilians too, are still struggling with it even. Lots of PTSD and trust issues. Then on top of that we start finding soulmates who don’t understand what that means to us and… Yeah,” he finished lamely.

“…That still doesn’t make it okay,” the woman maintained firmly, though her voice was quiet again. She felt for the monsters, honestly she did, but that didn’t excuse the treatment she received from the one who was supposed to care about her to such a degree. She refused to be walked on or dismissed again over such an excuse. 

The rabbit shook his head. “Again, that’s not what I’m trying to imply. I just want you to understand. Have all the facts so you can make a call on how you want to handle it going forward. If I can be honest… All of us monsters were pretty floored when we heard the kind of shit some of you humans are capable of doing to your soulmates. It’s… Kind of sickening to be honest. None of us could have imagined anyone doing that to their other half.” He took another deep breath, expression softening again. “Listen, all I’m asking is that you think about all of this. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, and I’ll drop the subject unless you want to talk about it some more later. If you do consider trying to interact with him again and let him explain, cool, but if not, then I guess you can keep going how you have been,” he finished, though he was clearly far less enthusiastic about the latter option.

Cassidy looked down at her hands as she mulled it all over. She still wasn’t sure. That was… A lot of information. She didn’t know what to think of it all yet, and she was still a bit bitter that she’d been pressured into the conversation.

“I… Don’t know yet. I need to process,” she finally responded with a sigh.

Berry shrugged again, but the human noticed his ears drooping. “That’s fair. Just consider it, yeah?”

The two fell into a not quite comfortable silence, the weight of the conversation weighing on both of them. After a while though, Cassidy noticed it getting brighter outside the car, and she looked out to see the sun shining through a break in the clouds. It had stopped raining for a moment, though it seemed that it could start back up at any time.

“I should probably head inside,” she murmured as she picked up her bag again.

“Yeah… Yeah, okay. See you tomorrow? I think we share a shift again.”

“I think so. Yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow. And, uh… Thanks, I guess. For the information,” she added, feeling she should at least acknowledge the conversation they just had before she left.

The monster nodded slightly with a sad sort of smile. “Thanks for listening.”

She nodded back before she finally stepped out of the truck, closing the door firmly as she walked up to the apartment complex. Walking into her apartment, she glanced at the junk drawer where she’d put Papyrus’ card in the kitchen as she set her stuff down on the counter. There were a lot of mixed emotions she was left with after her talk with the rabbit monster, but was she really willing to consider contacting the skeleton captain again?

It was a question that plagued her for days after as she continued to waver back and forth on her answer. It took a lot of willpower and a few days alone just to set aside her annoyance at the conversation being sprung on her to actually logically think about the information she’d been given. Despite her reluctance to admit it, some of what Berry had told her probably did deserve some consideration and extra thought. What he said could be possibly cross referenced with what Cassidy had seen from Papyrus as well. 

Eventually, she had taken the card out of the junk drawer, but she didn’t do anything with it for a while besides put it on the fridge. She stared at it daily as she agonized over whether or not to add the number to her contacts, until one day she was fed up with herself and just did it. She still didn’t do anything else with the number just yet though, simply letting it collect digital dust in her phone files. 

There was a lot to consider when it came to the idea of contacting her soulmate. Whether she was willing or not to face him again. If Berry had been telling the truth about all that soulmate stuff, or if he’d just been trying to pay back Papyrus. If she trusted enough that the captain wouldn’t do anything untoward if they were to meet up.

At the same time though, she admitted it could be such a relief to her frazzled mind if he proved to be a decent man. Or even if he didn’t, then it could at least provide her some real clarity on the issue. Certainly one conversation wouldn’t be enough for her to consider pursuing a real romantic relationship, but depending on how it went maybe they could at least be acquaintances? Friends eventually? She wasn’t sure, but they’d already crossed paths a second time and she’d managed to get home mostly unscathed…

Fuck it.

Tired of the wishy washy anxiety over the matter, she finally opened her contacts after work and started a new text conversation. Her stomach twisted as she wrote, deleted, and rewrote her message, unable to trust that she’d be able to keep her nerves in check if she called him and he picked up. When she was mostly satisfied with the short and to the point greeting she came up with, she took a few deep breaths, trying to quell her anxiety as she reread what she typed one more time. Finally, she closed her eyes and hit send.

“Hello, Papyrus. This is Cassidy. Did you still want to talk?”

Notes:

Finally Cassidy gets a little bit of a look into the different standards monsters have for soulmates. Still missing a few bits and pieces, and still pretty nervous and hesitant, but it's something, right? That said, Chokeberry definitely could have gone about this in a different way. He really does have the best intentions, but he is still a Fell, so... Ya know, lol
Just a bit of a heads up, there are probably going to be quite a few time skips up ahead. I don't want to rush anything with these two, cause that just wouldn't feel genuine to Cassidy's character. She's an analyzer (much like a certain skeleton captain ;3), and she's slow to trust. Papyrus has a lot of work to put in to get her to relax with him.

All that said, I hope you guys enjoyed the update, and as always thank you so much for reading! <3

Chapter 6: Coffeeshop

Notes:

Hey everyone! Happy to give y'all another soulmate update, so I hope you guys enjoy. ^^

Cassidy fussed over herself in the full length mirror of her bedroom for what had to be the fifth time since she’d made her final decision on her outfit only an hour before. The black hoodie was just a bit oversized, but comfortably so. The jeans were a bit looser as well, not baggy, but not skin tight, and her simple boots came up to the middle of her calf beneath her pantlegs. She didn’t wear any make up or flashy jewelry, only the knife tucked safely away into the collar of her hoodie attached around her neck and a simple watch hidden in her sleeve.

Overall, she was happy with what she picked out. It seemed appropriate for a simple coffee shop meeting. She didn’t look like a total slob and she was comfortable, but she also didn’t look like she was looking for anything… more.

It was not a date. She was adamant about that, and she politely but firmly made sure Papyrus knew it in no uncertain terms when they set up the encounter. 

When she’d texted him the first time, it had taken him hours to respond, which didn’t at all help her anxiety with the way it grew the longer she had to wait. Eventually though, when he was finally able to answer on a break at work according to his swift and apologetic reply, he’d sent her an absolute confirmation that yes, he would certainly still like to talk with her. Both of them agreed the conversation would be best had in person, and Papyrus actually placed the ball in her court, requesting she pick the place.

Honestly, that had been a relief. Cassidy had already been planning to be the one in control of the meeting as much as she could. The last two times they’d met on the streets had given the skeleton captain almost all the power over the situation, not to mention her surprise shamefully turning her into an almost textbook example of the freeze and faun response. Now though, they were meeting both on her terms and in her preferred spot. She could take some comfort knowing she would be holding at least some of the reins this time.

Despite that reassurance though, she still stood in front of her mirror with furrowed brows, happy with her outfit, but unable to figure out what to do with her hair. Maybe she was overthinking it, but considering where her soulmate mark was, it felt like an important decision. If she kept her hair down, it would cover her mark, which had her worried about Papyrus assuming she was entirely closed off and uncaring of their soulmate status. If she put it up though, leaving the handprint on her neck on display, would he assume she was ready to immediately accept him as a soulmate? Ready to sweep everything up until now under the rug?

Realistically, Cassidy knew she was probably looking too far into what to do with her hair, but… She couldn’t help it. Her anxiety had her whipped up on the inside already, and she didn’t know just how observant the skeleton would actually be or how much he would read into her appearance. With him being a captain of the Royal Guard though, she was willing to bet he noticed and caught more than the average joe. She really didn’t want to make the wrong impression…

With a huff and a more critical look through her basket of hair styling supplies sitting on her bed, she found a loop tool she hadn’t used in a while toward the bottom. With a considering hum, she took it and fidgeted with the plastic cylinder that would loosen or tighten the loop. She hadn’t put her hair up like that in a while, and it wasn’t necessarily a flashy look or anything. It would be simple enough.

She sighed and nodded to herself before setting the tool down and picking up her comb. Quickly pulling her hair up into a low ponytail, she didn’t tighten the elastic holding her hair in place, but instead used the loop tool to grab and pull her wavy hair through at the base. Using both the mirror and her phone camera, she adjusted the flow of her style to mostly cover the mark, but let the tips of the fingers and the heel of the palm poke out. 

Hopefully the style would properly portray how she felt about this whole mess. Mostly still wary about accepting the soulmate status, but willing to possibly give it a chance if cards were played right and the proper apologies were given.

With a final look in the mirror, Cassidy took a deep breath, still trying to steady herself and her anxious heart, before walking out of her sparsely furnished bedroom and into the main part of the apartment. As she got ready to go, checking the time to make sure she would still arrive early and maybe get a table before Papyrus made it to the cafe, she reflected briefly on how no one in the past had really questioned how thin the fingers of her soulmate mark had been.

She herself may have questioned it for a few months right after the mark had appeared around her eighth birthday, but that concern fell by the wayside when she decided to step up around her parents’ house. After that, her questions had mostly been replaced by thoughts of what her soulmate would be like and how she hoped they would be. The fantasies only got more hopeful and wholesome as the years went on and she kept using them as a sort of escape.

She certainly never imagined they would be an actual skeleton though. And a terrifying one at that.

As Cassidy left the house, she locked the door and started trudging down the sidewalk, forgoing her walking earbuds in favor of preparing herself for whatever conversations were to come of the meeting. She didn’t even know where to start. Would Papyrus appreciate small talk, or would he rather get to the heart of the matter right away? How personal would he want to get? 

She could adapt. Of course she could. She wouldn’t have made it through the last few years if she couldn’t. She would have ended up dead or worse if she hadn’t been able to adapt to her past meet ups with practical strangers, but Papyrus wasn’t a client, was he?

He was her soulmate, making the issue far more of a personal matter than anything she had been faced with before. That was the worst part, really. If it wasn’t such a major and possibly life altering situation, she could put on a mask. One of the many she had perfected. With her soulmate though, she didn’t necessarily want to put on a mask. She would if she had to, but… It wouldn’t be the ideal outcome.

The woman tried to shake herself out of her thoughts as she passed the park yet again and her favorite coffee shop came into view. She picked up the pace with the ghost of a smile on her face, walking in and relishing in the extra warmth of the small business from the kitchen bakery in the back with closed eyes. The smell of coffee and the sound of the machines washed over her and she could feel some of the tension in her shoulders relax. 

“Cassidy! Hey, girly. It’s been a while.”

Opening her eyes again, she was practically beaming as she met the gaze of a younger woman leaning over the counter. “Way too long. How’ve you been, Jenny?”

Jenny tilted her head back and forth in a so-so gesture, but she was still grinning as her curly brown hair bounced in the bun she had it up in. “Oh, you know. I’m surviving. How ‘bout you?”

“About the same, but thanks,” Cassidy replied, her smile growing slightly strained for just a moment before she sighed and approached the register. It wasn’t too busy in the cafe at the moment, so she didn’t feel too bad about chatting with her fellow previously homeless girl. “I’m actually supposed to be meeting someone here in a bit, so…”

Jenny furrowed her brows with a frown, glancing over at the door as she leaned in closer. “Want me to keep an eye out? I thought you were done with that kind of thing,” she offered, concern in her expression as she clearly got the wrong idea.

“I am done with it. This isn’t anything like that, I promise. I don’t really expect trouble this time, so don’t worry,” Cassidy tried to assure her with a soft smile. “I appreciate the offer though. Good to know someone has my back, ya know?”

“Always, girlie pop. You don’t even have to ask,” the barista replied immediately, and it seemed she was able to relax a bit with the older’s assurance as she smiled again. Her expression soon took on a more teasing look though. “So… Am I about to witness a date? Do you need some mood music? Maybe some advice?” she asked, moving to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear even though there was no hair to tuck.

Cassidy raised a brow and rolled her eyes goodnaturedly with a snort. “No, it is absolutely not a date. Just meeting someone to talk about a few… things,” she responded, slowing down and blinking as she noticed something about her friend. “Wait a minute. That was not there last time I was here,” she exclaimed as she stared at Jenny’s arm where her sleeve had been rolled up. There was a handprint on her forearm. One Cassidy had seen before, but this time it was a bright pink instead of black.

Jenny’s smile widened into a sort of manic glee. “I know, right?! Very recent, and she is very adorable,” she practically squealed with a little hop that again made her curls bounce.

The other woman found herself beaming back at Jenny’s excitement. “Oh stars, I’m so happy for you, Jens! She sounds like one lucky gal. What’s her name?” she pried, both excited for her friend as well as gathering information on the woman who had captured Jenny’s heart. Just in case.

“Oh, now don’t start that,” Jenny teased goodnaturedly. “That is exactly how Tommy started his little interrogation. None of you are slick. I can see it in your eyes,” she accused, mirth still in her own eyes.

Cassidy couldn’t help but chuckle, holding her hands up in surrender. “Alright, alright, you got me. Can you blame us though?” she asked in response. She didn’t miss the way Jenny’s eyes flicked to the bit of Cassidy’s soulmate mark that was poking out beneath her hair and the brief flash of sadness in the younger woman’s eyes before it seemed to pass just as quickly as it came.

“Heh, no, I can’t,” she chuckled as she shrugged her shoulders and leaned further on the counter. “Her name is Ruby Thompson, if that makes you feel better,” she offered with a wink. Her eyes flicked over Cassidy’s shoulder and she stood up abruptly straight with wide eyes. “What the heck is he doing in a little place like this?” she mumbled absently before she looked back to her friend with a tense smile. “Sorry, customer coming in. Celebrity customer apparently. We can talk a bit more after he leaves if ya wanna take a seat. Shouldn’t take too long,” she got out in a rush just before the bell rang above the front door and she turned fully to the new customer walking in with her best I’m not anxious at all customer service smile. “Welcome to Mellow Grind, sir. I’ll be with you in just a moment. Anything else, ma’am?” she asked, turning to Cassidy again, but Cassidy wasn’t paying much attention as her eye quickly found the counter top.

She didn’t have to turn around to see who had come in with the decorative mirror on the wall behind the counter, placed so patrons could watch the baristas make the drinks. Her eyes hadn’t been drawn to the machines though. As soon as Jenny had looked over Cassidy’s shoulder, her own gaze had found the mirror to check the cafe behind her without turning around. Of course, her eyes had been met with Papyrus. He’d quickly caught her looking in the mirror as well when he walked in, hence her staring at the countertop to avoid his eyelights while Jenny gave them an increasingly concerned inspection in the growing silence. Finally though, Cassidy gathered her courage enough to turn and face her soulmate, expression wary, but not hostile.

He was staring at her, an almost disbelieving expression on his skull, but her turning seemed to break his stupor as he blinked and straightened himself up just to give her a small bow. “Miss Cassidy. Good morning.”

“Hi, Papyrus,” she answered, her voice quieter than normal, but steadier than even she’d expected it to be. “Just Cassidy is fine,” she added as her arms crossed in front of her in a protective gesture.

“…Okay. Cass, girlie pop, babes, are you telling me you know one of the captains, and you never told me?” Jenny asked after an uncomfortable pause, prompting Cassidy to turn slightly toward her again. Her tone was near teasing and light, but too light. The younger woman’s posture was certainly meant to look relaxed, but it was stiff to Cassidy’s eyes. Her gaze kept shifting between Cassidy and Papyrus, guarded and studying. Vibe checking.

Cassidy sighed and gave Jenny a small smile. “Yeah… Sorry ‘bout that. To be fair, we only actually met a couple times.” 

“Oh, you know I’m going to be asking about that later, Cassie. Later though. For now… Would you like anything else before I take his order?” Jenny asked again, though she threw Papyrus one last odd glance before focusing entirely on Cassidy again, her eyes intense and questioning.

Cassidy turned to fully face Jenny once again, looking up at the menu without reading it as she gave two sharp raps on the counter. Stand down. “Oh, I think just my usual today, Jens.”

“Alrighty then. Total comes to–”

“Ah, I apologize for interrupting,” Papyrus cut in, making Cassidy jump and glance at him again, “But if you wouldn’t mind, you can add her total to mine,” he requested, polite despite his interference.

Cassidy’s eyes grew hard as indignance bloomed in her chest. “I can pay for my own coffee,” she stated coldly, noting how Jenny had winced and pointedly looked away. Papyrus though only seemed confused, and even a bit taken aback, brows furrowed as his hands half raised in a sort of odd surrendering motion.

“I was not attempting to imply otherwise?” he stated, though it sounded like more of a question as he studied her expression. She thought she could see some anxiety flash briefly in his eyelights.

After a few moments of awkward silence and staring, Cassidy took a deep breath and squeezed her arms, looking away yet again while she tried to settle herself and cool the unnecessary boil in her blood. It was a kind offer. It was. Her insecurities didn’t change that. She was on edge, but she didn’t need to snap. They met to talk, and he wasn’t going to be able to really hold one coffee over her head.

Letting out her breath, she turned to Jenny with an apologetic look. “Okay, that’s fine.”

Jenny’s brows were furrowed as she looked between the two again. “You sure, Cass?”

The question actually got Cassidy to smile softly. Jenny understood. They had both been in the same boat once. She knew about the security one felt when they were able to pay for themselves and didn’t have to rely on someone else, as well as the nasty feeling of someone paying their way out of pity.

“Yeah, it’s okay,” she confirmed with a nod.

“Alright…” the younger woman agreed hesitantly before turning to Papyrus. “And for you, sir?”

Cassidy moved away from the counter so Papyrus could see the menu and went to the small bar in the corner of the front room where she usually waited for her drink to finish, leaning on the wall as she watched and only sort of listened in. She found he had almost ordered her exact same drink, with only the slight variation of ordering a white mocha as the base instead of a plain. He also requested an extra shot of espresso, which Cassidy usually didn’t order. Huh. Weird.

She was also watching how he acted with Jenny. If he was a rude bastard to retail or food service workers, they were not going to get along at all. To her relief though, he appeared to treat her with respect and thanked her on multiple occasions when he asked questions. He seemed to be one of those people who wanted to know everything about their options before they picked, which could be annoying on a busy day, but he was at least gracious about it and thankful for the answers he got. Better than most of the rich pricks she’d brought here before.

By the time he finished ordering and Jenny gave him the total, Cassidy had composed herself properly and found herself more at ease as she focused on the atmosphere of the shop with its various potted plants and light streaming in from the wall of glass windows in the seating area offshooting from the front counter. When she heard the total though, she raised a brow in confusion. It was more than what those two orders should have cost. She managed to catch Jenny’s eye as she came back out of the kitchen from passing the ticket along to the cook in the back, but the younger only gave her a mischievous grin and a wink.

If she put some weird fee on Papyrus’ bill even after he’d actually been a decent customer, Cassidy was going to give her the lecture of the year. The older human may not be the captain’s biggest fan currently, but that was no reason to punish him for that. Whether he knew about said punishment or not.

She tried to keep her eyes mostly on the mirror again, this time to actually watch Jenny make the drinks, but she couldn’t help glancing at Papyrus every now and again as he came to lean on the wall next to the bar on the left side while she stayed on the right. He didn’t look too bad himself, really. It seemed he’d taken a similar approach she did. Not really formal, but put together with his jeans and plain gray sweatshirt. He still wore the same scarf, but he didn’t have his gloves this time, displaying the green covering his palm and fingers clearly. If he’d thought about it as much as Cassidy did, then he could be putting his interest or acceptance of their status into view.

She doubted it though. She was an anxious mess, and was definitely overthinking the hair thing. He seemed composed and calm despite the tension between them. If she didn’t think about the anxiety she thought she saw when she confronted him about paying anyway.

Eventually, on one of her subtle glances, she caught his eyelights as he seemed to be doing the same, and both of them jumped. Or Cassidy did anyway. She was probably imagining he did the same as she quickly looked back to the mirror while her skin grew a shade pinker in embarrassment. 

The awkwardness was eventually cut by Jenny calling out for Cassidy to come up and get her drink. The ceramic cup warmed her fingers and she sighed with a soft smile as she was able to get away from the skeleton captain for just a few more moments before she had to lock in on the incoming difficult conversation. 

Jenny gave her another concerned look. “I’m guessing this guy is the one you were meeting?” she asked in a low voice, trying to keep the question between the two of them in the echoey cafe. When Cassidy just nodded with a slightly defeated look, Jenny nodded back. “Cool. Your usual table is open if you want to go take it. I don’t think we’ll get too much busier for another hour. You should have time to take care of business.” She hesitated, biting her lip and looking away before looking back. “You were serious about this not being another client meeting right?”

Cassidy softened and put a gentle hand on her friend’s arm. “Promise. I’m okay, and this is nothing like that.”

Jenny nodded with a sigh and gave her a small worried smile. “Alright. Sounds good, girlie pop. Go ahead and get situated. I’ll finish his drink and send him your way.”

“Thanks, Jens,” Cassidy murmured, smiling back with a grateful expression. “I’ll explain one of these days. I just… Can’t right now. Probably won’t be able to for a while…”

“That’s alright, babes. I can be patient.” Jenny winked at her again before shooing her away finally and getting back to making the next drink.

Turning to the seating area, Cassidy looked over again to see Papyrus studying an apparently very interesting spot on the wall with furrowed brows. Hesitating for only a moment, she took and released a deep breath and changed course, approaching the skeleton until she was just out of his reach. His attention must have been caught by her movement as he turned back to her, tilting his skull slightly as he regarded her.

“Hey, I’m going to get us a table. Jen should be working on your drink next, so… Just come find me, I guess?” she finished, shifting her weight and cursing herself as she lost her confidence and nerve with his eyelights on her.

He nodded regardless of her overexplaining, even with a flash of something in his eyelights that could have been relief or gratitude. Maybe both. “I will meet you shortly then,” he replied simply as he continued leaning against the wall, seeming relaxed if not for a weird tension in his shoulders Cassidy couldn’t place.

She didn’t really give him time to say anything more as she nodded back and tried to walk at a normal pace through the door into the sitting area of the little cafe. Just as Jenny said, her favorite table was open. One with only two chairs placed along the wall of windows and close enough to the outdoor exit for a quick getaway if needed. The placement also gave her a view of the entire room, which meant she was able to spot any unsavory characters or friends if they entered.

Cassidy sat down and sighed heavily, though silently, as she let her shoulders slump a bit over the drink in her hands on the table. So far so good, but… They hadn’t really talked yet. They’d exchanged a few glances, and she’d snapped at him, but nothing else. She was again faced with the reality that she had no idea what she was doing in the situation, and it made her stomach twist even as it grumbled. 

She’d been too anxious to eat this morning, but that was fine. It would save her money at least.

It wasn’t long before Papyrus came in with his own drink and she straightened her posture again. He seemed to take in the room as he walked over, sharp eyelights roving over the decor and lingering on the exit with a small nod that appeared to be mostly to himself. As he approached, he pulled out the chair opposite her and slowly sat, but didn’t meet her eyes yet.

She didn’t make the effort to meet his gaze either as they sat in a strange silence, her thumb tracing the handle of her ceramic mug while the glazed texture soothed some of her anxiety while she fidgeted with it. Finally, Papyrus broke the silence with a clearing of his throat.

“Thank you. For meeting with me, I mean. I… was not sure we would get the chance to talk like this,” he admitted as he continued to look anywhere but her eyes. “This is a charming establishment. The atmosphere is quite welcoming,” he added, clearly trying to move on from the awkward mood clinging to both of them by changing the subject.

“Yeah… There’s a reason it’s my favorite place,” she allowed, glancing around herself. “The atmosphere and the people, really. Plus they make good drinks,” she stated, gesturing a little with her mug in example. Finally deeming the drink cool enough to sip without burning herself, she lifted the cup and took a drink just for something to do with her hands. She had to fight back a groan of appreciation. It had really been a long time since she’d been able to get her coffee…

Papyrus nodded with a hum. “I did notice you and the barista seemed to know each other,” he commented, looking into his own drink with a strangely suspicious look.

“Yeah, we’ve known each other for a few years now,” she responded with her own nod as she watched him study the drink with a raised brow. “She’s a good friend. I’d almost call her a little sister.” The woman paused with a huff. “Are you worried she picked up on the… Weirdness? She wouldn’t poison your drink, dude,” she stated bluntly with a hesitant attempt at a smile, trying for a clumsy joke to break a bit of tension and gauge his reaction.

He blinked a couple times as he looked up at her again with his own raised brow, the corner of his sharp teeth slowly quirking up in a small smirk. “Oh, I have no doubt she noticed the weirdness, as you put it. But no. I do not think she poisoned anything. I am… admittedly a bit dubious when it comes to new coffee shops,” he admitted with a sigh as he looked down into the mug again with a crinkled nasal ridge. “Many I have tried go overboard with the flavorings. The drinks come out too sweet, and I have to order an extra shot most times just to be able to taste the coffee.”

That actually pulled a snort out of the woman that she tried unsuccessfully to hide with another sip of her coffee. When he looked up at her with a deadpan expression and another raised brow, she couldn’t help the full chuckle that escaped her, both disbelieving and more than slightly amused. 

“Coffee snob,” she accused as she put down her cup with a knowing and almost teasing sort of smirk. “Me too though,” she appeased at the offended pout she received, which she was sure he would deny was a pout if she asked. “Yet another reason I like this place. Go on. Try it. I think you’ll be surprised.”

He studied her for a moment before he finally lifted his own mug, taking a deep breath through his nose–nasal cavity? Regardless of anatomical confusion, he took a small experimental sip. It took a moment before he reacted, but when he did, it was enough to put a victorious grin on Cassidy’s face when he perked up with both brows raised and wide sockets. His own teeth stretched into a sincere and almost excited smile he shot to her with another nod.

“You were not wrong. I am more than thoroughly surprised. It is almost the same as I make at home,” he complimented as he took another drink.

“If you really want something special and are willing to try something new sometime, you should ask Jen to surprise you. She’s a natural at pairing weird flavors. Oh, or ask Rosie for her specialty if you ever catch her behind the counter. Older lady with gray hair and an attitude. Can’t miss her,” Cassidy supplied with a sincere grin herself as she praised her friends.

“I will certainly keep that in mind,” he replied, finally seeming to relax as he sat back in his chair, fully leaning against the back rest instead of sitting stiffly straight up.

They fell into a much more comfortable silence for a while, each content to sip on their drinks. Cassidy would question later how she had been able to flip the switch so quickly from being wary of the skeleton to being almost at ease with him sitting across from her, but for now she would brush it off and enjoy her long awaited coffee. In all honesty, she didn’t even consciously notice anything had really changed while she was in the moment. It happened almost naturally.

The quiet enjoyment of their cups was broken when the food came.

“Oh, look, Felix is out of his dungeon,” Cassidy snarked as she saw the cat monster bringing Papyrus’ food along with Jenny. He growled, but she could tell there was no heat behind it.

“And look which princess decided to come down from her tower to visit us lowly peasant folks,” he snipped back, though she could tell he was trying not to smile.

“Oh, one silly little critique, and now I’m some spoiled princess,” Cassidy griped, turning to Jenny as she jabbed a thumb at the cat. “Can you believe this, Jens?”

Jenny laughed as she set a plate down in front of the human woman. “Oh, I can believe it. Careful, if he thinks you’re getting too powerful, he’ll have you doing dishes for a month,” she stage-whispered as she winked in response to Cassidy’s shocked expression at the food placed down in front of her. She didn’t order any…

The extra charges to Papyrus’ bill. Stars damn it, Jen.

Felix rolled his eyes, certainly noticing something off, but not asking. Instead, he simply grumbled goodnaturedly again. “Ladies, right?” he asked as he turned to Papyrus only to stall and seem to choke on his tongue while his voice rose an octave. “Ack– Pa– Captain!”

Papyrus scoffed, though he looked decidedly more amused than anything. “It is Papyrus outside of work, Felix,” he corrected with a smirk even as the cook looked suddenly far more nervous, which caught both Cassidy and Jenny’s concerned attention as they both tensed a bit. “Relax. I am here on personal matters, not business,” Papyrus added smoothly, still looking calm as ever, though his eyelights were a touch sharper. Searching.

“I… Of course. My apologies,” Felix answered with a weak smile, his eyes darting around.

Papyrus shook his skull. “No need, sir. No need. You are looking far better than the last time we spoke, might I add.”

“Oh… Oh, yeah. Uh, the fur is finally growing back. It’s… nicer with the weather turning again,” the feline replied, his shoulders slowly relaxing as Papyrus remained still and in his chair.

The skeleton nodded. “I am sure being away from all of… well, that mess, has helped considerably,” he commented with a sympathetic smile.

Felix nodded and looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah… Working here is definitely better than working under him. It’s nice to go by my name again. No one’s called me Burgerpants since the job change, so, you know, it’s nice.”

“Of course,” Papyrus agreed simply, seeming to wait for something with a patient and polite smile.

Felix opened his mouth again only to snap it shut as a timer went off in his apron pocket and he cursed. “Shit. Sorry, I don’t mean to run–”

“Please, go take care of your business. Though, if you could leave my order with me, I would appreciate it,” Papyrus stated with an amused grin as the cat made a small chirping noise and hurriedly put the skeleton’s plate down before dismissing himself and scurrying away.

While the captain chuckled and resituated himself to face the table again, he raised a brow at the ladies both staring at him. “Yes?”

“You know Felix?” Jenny asked first, her eyes wide and blinking in shock.

“Of course. I passed him many times taking reports to the castle in the Underground. And I loosely knew his last employer, but that is certainly not my story to tell,” Papyrus answered mildly, though his expression darkened as he turned his gaze out toward the street beyond the window. He sighed finally, looking back to the women with a tired smile. “Regardless, I am more than glad to see he is doing better now.”

Jenny and Cassidy exchanged a glance, having already known full well not to ask the cat about his past now unless he offered the information himself or asked to vent. They had discussed Felix seeming a bit off and jumpy when he first started before, but it was the code they followed that stopped them from looking further into it. You don’t ask if they don’t want to tell.

“Yeah… When he got here he was super jumpy. He’s leagues past where he used to be now. Even banters with regulars,” Jenny chuckled, nudging Cassidy knowingly. “But anyway, I guess I’ll stop yapping and let you guys get to it. It was nice chatting with you, Cass.”

Cassidy waved as her friend backed up to leave. “Same to you. Thanks for the drinks!”

“Anytime!”

With a small smile as she was left alone with Papyrus again, Cassidy tried to shake off the renewed trepidation that had come with Felix’s anxious reaction to Papyrus and turned to the food placed in front of her instead. A breakfast burrito with a green tortilla, split in half and served with a small cup of salsa she knew would be mild. Despite the inherent feeling of wrongness that came with knowing Papyrus had been tricked into buying it for her, it smelled amazing.

“So, you vouched for the drinks, but what of the food?” Papyrus asked once Jenny had disappeared back to the register as he studied his own food. A simple breakfast sandwich with egg, sausage, and cheese served with a couple hashbrown patties.

Cassidy shrugged as she picked up one half of her late breakfast. “Not bad. I’ve liked everything I’ve had from here, but I don’t get the food very often. I like their coffees best,” she answered as she poured a bit of the salsa over a section of her burrito and took a bite, shoulders relaxing again as she relished in the taste of food that wasn’t mostly peanut butter or rice.

Nodding, Papyrus took his own cautious bite before humming and setting it down. “Agreed. The food pales in comparison to the coffee, but it is certainly still good in its own right.”

The two fell into another silence as they started eating, Cassidy forcing herself to eat slowly and intersperse her bites between small sips of her drink. She was trying to make it last. She often couldn’t afford pre-made food from restaurants, so this was a rare treat. She still felt uneasy about the fact it had come off of Papyrus’ dime, but that didn’t stop her. She’d just note down how much it was and pay him back later. No big deal.

As she finished the first half of her burrito, she paused before picking up the other half, brows furrowing. This… wasn’t just supposed to be a breakfast meet and greet. They were supposed to be discussing things. Important things. Instead, so far they’d just talked about coffee and food. Maybe they should get to the point before they ended up avoiding it altogether…

As much as she wanted to simply continue enjoying the comfortable silence, Cassidy braced herself with another breath, schooling her expression before raising her eyes. “Papyrus?”

The captain froze, catching on to her tonal shift right away as he immediately put down the fork he’d been using to cut the hashbrowns and furrowed his brows. “Is something wrong?”

“I… Just…” Cassidy trailed off and ran a hand over her tied back hair, hand resting against the back of her neck as she tried to figure how to approach the subject. Bluntly was what she finally decided would be best. No more beating around the bush. “We came here to talk about… this,” she started again slowly, noting how he winced as she tapped the hair resting above her soulmate mark.

“Yes…We did,” he agreed hesitantly, sounding unsure of himself.

“So… We should probably do that, right?” she asked quietly, glancing over to the exit door out of nervous habit.

“We should,” the captain agreed just as quietly, his gaze flicking toward the door to the front room himself. “There really is a lot to discuss and explain.”

“Great… So, where do we start?”

Notes:

And so begins these two actually talking like semi-normal adults! :D
Honestly, this chapter was actually supposed to include their soulmate conversation itself as well, but I really didn't count on Felix and Jenny taking up as much dialog as they did. Not complaining, because I loved playing with them and their dynamic with Cassidy and Paps, but it just got a bit longer than I felt comfortable tacking on such a major talk at the very end. I didn't want to rush it, so... Unintentional cliffhanger!

That said, I had to break the tension at least a little bit in this one. Cass was more prepared and ready to face Papyrus this time instead of it being a surprise. Plus, now begins the real push and pull between the natural effect of the soul with a soulmate in conflict with the logical hesitance Cassidy has. Even for a human who isn't quite as in touch with her soul, the fact that she has a monster soulmate means her soul will have a bit more pull than it would if she was soulmates with another human. Also loving dropping little hints at her past as well as her soul trait, which I'm not planning to reveal for a while. >:3

Anyway, thank you guys for reading, and I'll see you next time!