#2-p

This seems to upset 1-S, “you mean you could’ve just used them this WHOLE TIME?!” The drill cuts him off before he can say anything more. A moment later, another screw clatters onto the table. 

“He’s using them now!” 2-P calls out from behind him. “And he’s been doing a whole lot better, might I add! When was the last time he hurt us?”

1-S can’t help but sigh, “I know, but just-”

“Three whole weeks!” 2-P quips. “Or- more than that. Almost a month, I believe!”

With two more rounds of drilling and two more screws removed. The screwdriver is placed onto the table. In a quiet moment riddled with anticipation, a sheet of metal joins the screws on the table.

 ‘WDG-2 P’. 

2-P stands up after Gaster’s healing magic takes effect, studying his newly freed hand. Gaster looks up at the smaller skeleton, “You’re next, 1-S.”

When 1-S doesn’t come to him, Gaster lets out a huff. “Do you want it off or not?” 

That seems to do it. 1-S goes and sits down where his brother had, Gaster now taking the screwdriver and meticulously aligning it with one of the handplate’s screws. When the first round of drilling passes, 1-S sits up straight. 

“Why the change of heart, anyway?”

“We all know, brother!” 2-P takes his attention off of his hand. “He’s been improving! He’s been gradually coming to terms with his actions, and making amends for them!” 1-S narrows his eyes at Gaster. 

“It’s more than that.”

The old skeleton removes two more screws before answering. He pauses, his tone softening ever so slightly, “I failed to do what I needed in time.”

“In time? So there was a time limit for how long you had to torment us?” the snarky side of 1-S returns. 

“I suppose,” the doctor finishes with the last screw, and with it, the plate comes off. ‘WDG-1 S’. 1-S retracts and studies his hand once it’s healed. It feels so much lighter.

“So everything you did to us was really for nothing, huh?” 

“It is now.”

“What happened, then?”

Gaster pauses again, “hm?”

“What happened to make things too late?” 1-S leans back in his chair, studying the weary skeleton. 

Gaster takes in a long moment of silence, turning off the drill and putting the screws away, “that doesn’t matter.”

“Well that doesn’t answer my question.”

2-P cuts in, “what matters is that he’s changed for the better! He didn’t have to take these off! And he even gave us books and photos about the outside!”

Gaster takes 2-P’s cut in to get out of the conversation, “I’ll be a few minutes. Stay here.” He leaves 1-S and 2-P alone in the open room. After a moment of silence, 1-S spins his attention to his brother.

“The exit should be where he left, right? C’mon, we don’t have much time.”

“He’s been good to us, why would we need to escape?”

1-S starts to hurry out of the room,“he could relapse, that’s why! Sure, he’s changed, but no way am I taking any chances with him, alright?” 

In a moment of pressure, 2-P follows his brother. 

The old skeleton stands near the exit, packing things into bags. Gaster grumbles when he notices the taller 2-P peek around the corner, “what did I tell you about staying put?” When 2-P retreats out of view, Gaster lets out a tired sigh. “You know what? Both of you just stay here…”

Both skeletons come back into view, now curious at what Gaster was doing. He had two full backpacks ready. A pair of clothes laid on top of each bag. 

“Get changed, you two.”

Both skeletons are puzzled, but change from their gowns to the jacket, pants, and shoes anyway. 1-S narrows his eyes as he looks inside one of the backpacks, “What’s with all of this?”

“Someone else did what had to be done. I have no use for you two anymore. I’m sure you both want nothing to do with me, either.”

2-P lights up, “you mean you’re letting us outside?”

“Yes.”

1-S is in disbelief, “Just like that?”

“The backpacks will have everything you need,” Gaster lets the two smaller skeletons pick up the bags as he turns to the door. Placing his hand on the sensor, the door slides open, revealing the volcanic landscape of Hotland. 

A moment of stunned awe passes through both 1-S and 2-P, before they both rush out to experience the outside for the first time. While 1-S fully basks his attention at the first taste of freedom, 2-P glances back at Gaster. He’s still standing in the lab. 

“You’re not coming with us?”

“It’s better this way.”

“That’s okay! Maybe we can see eachother again!”

But 2-P’s brother stops that thought, “I don’t think that’s happening, bro.”

“Your b-... Your brother is right, 2-P,” Gaster is still processing everything that was happening. So much was changing, and so fast. 

“So that’s it?” 1-S is also processing the situation, “we’re both free now?” 

“We’re all free now.” 

Gaster closes the door, leaving his two former subjects outside. 

-END-