#nicecreamguy

He stepped out of the shortcut about a block away from the school. Slowly meandering his way towards the crowd of parents picking up their children. He looked through the crowd if he spotted Sansy.

Nova would hopefully be thrilled that he was here to pick him up as well. He wondered what he had got up today. It was a Friday, so that meant free picking of activities. Which also meant, one of three things. Nova had gotten to play with the Sandbox, so his clothes needed to be washed. He did some painting again..which also meant the clothes needed to be washed. Or he played tag with the other children…

Well, it basically meant that Friday was the day that his son came out very messy and in need of a shower. But also with a big grin on his face, and maybe even a project he had worked on. And he was excited to see what it was this time.

He finally saw Sans leaning on the fence of the playground around the school talking with Napstablook. The smile on his face came a bit easier, and some tension melted away, stepping up beside his husband, wrapping an arm around him.

The collar around his own neck let out a pleasant hum, as he nodded towards the shy ghost. Who had seen him do this enough times, that he only turned a tiny bit transparent, instead of up and disappearing completely.

And he tuned into their conversation.

“Sooo….yeaaah.. We hope… we can get Dawn…enrolled… next year.”

“Yeah, I think it will be fine pal,” Sans responded.

“And if for some reason it doesn't work out, look for me at Grillby's on Wednesdays, Me and Red still have some stuff for when we were looking into clubs for Nova”

Blooky nodded happily

“Thank…youuu….you really are…kind….you…still play…trombone…at Grilby’s?”

His mate laughed.

“The whole reason I am there,”

then leaned forward to the shy ghost

“And if you and Shyren even wanna perform, just say the word,”

The shy ghost turned more transparent

“Ohh….nooo… I dunno.. I have to go….my friend….meeting…nice..to see you…Bye, Sans…Bye Red”

He raised his other arm and waved, as Napstablook floated towards the school, where a teacher seemed to be waiting for him.

“So, him and Shyren settling down after Mettanton's next tour?” he asked his husband who had crossed his arms to lean more on the fence.

“Looks like it, don’t wanna be touring all over, with their kid growing up. They want them to have friends”

He nodded. Nova was starting to make his own friends, and it was a joy to see. These would be people that he chose himself. And not. Happenstance cause they are the only couple of their age group around the block. Or within their parents' friends circle with kids which weren't many. But people his own age he could relate to and hang with. Still limited to a small class size of course but more choices than he ever had

He had heard all kinds of names come and go these first few weeks. But not yet a consistent name. Nova seemed to play with someone new every day, and he was happy to see that his son was so social. Even as it made nerves crawl at his spine sometimes.

Sans gave a short soft squeeze at his spine. Right. Nothing to worry about.

“I never get why, he is so nervous about performing at the bar, they perform for millions with Mettaton” he continued their conversation instead. Gesturing towards where Napstablook had disappeared

Sans shrugged, leaning more against him.

“Maybe it’s cause it is filled with familiar faces”

He let out a hum.

“So, how come you so early?”

The other asked while leaning over to peck his cheek.

“The workers installing the new airco for the server room came early. So we shut down so that they could start. And then we could hopefully get everything back online today instead of tomorrow”

Sans hummed.

“ Will That be your job later?”

He shook his head

“Nah, it’s Frank’s, only on call in case something goes wrong”

Sans straightened himself. And they both noticed the small heads of the children in front of the windows. He noticed children sitting next to the window peeking outside every now and then, looking for their parents instead of paying attention. It made his heart grin. He had barely any memories of going to school himself. He was sure that he did at some point, but mostly it had been Gaster teaching him.

He wouldn’t have stood for being distracted, He saw one kid stare at him through the window. Probably staring at his prosthetic arm, He leaned more on the fence bringing it more into view. Slowly swaying it back and forth. Seeing the kid follow it with his eyes. Then the kid snapped his head back. Looks like he was caught by the teacher.

Sans chuckled,

“You shouldn’t distract them”

He shrugged in response

“Not my fault, they think my arm is cool looking”

“Fair enough”

There was a brief silence, then was filled by the gentle buzz of other parents' conversations that he half paid attention to.

“By the way, Is Blue still coming over later? “ he asked remembering suddenly

“As far as I know, yes “

“So Taco’s tonight?”

“Unless our brothers bring leftovers, yes.”

“Sweet, it’s been a while”

It really had been. Blue had been back in underswap for a while. Having missed some bestie time with his Alphys. Stretch had certainly missed his younger brother. And Edge and Pap had been very busy between work and the twins. It helped of course that Stretch stayed home. But two young monsters that started to develop their magic? It had been hard with just one. The guy deserved some relaxation

“Probably means Nova gotta bath twice today”

“Wow, it would be the lowest record, we’ve set in months, Ow..Hey!”

His husband had shoved him out of his personal space

“Behave you”

He gave a gentle shove back. His lover rolled his eyes at him, as they got interrupted by the school bell.

They both straightened themselves and walked closer to the gate, waiting for their son. More and more children walked by. And as the minutes ticked on…he was slowly growing more worried

“I think I saw some of his classmates…”

He pointed out.

“Yeah…he might still be inside?” Sans stated but it came out more of a confused question

Why tho…? went through his mind

There were still quite a few people around…but most were parents with older kids.

“One more minute..and then we check?”

He asked, sticking his hands in his hoodie and Sans gave a nod of agreement Nova probably got talking with a classmate..it happened last time he was late. They were both probably worrying about nothing. But maybe he got in trouble with the teacher?

“Okay,...let’s go”

He gave a nod and followed behind Sans. Slowly they made their way through the hallways, some of the older kids running by. As their son's classroom came into sight, at the door was Toriel taking to two other adults. A blue bunny monster and an orange cat monster.

Oh, that is the guy that sold the Nicecreams. And the guy that used to sell the burgers at MTT resort back underground. At least…he looked like a grown-up version of that kid from his dimension. And unlike Stretch and Blues Home. Most lookalikes were pretty one-to-one here.

Toriel turned to face us

“Oh, Sans, Red, good to see you both”

She greeted the both of them with a warm smile, She didn’t seem to be panicking so that was a good sign. Nova was likely still here. But he also knew the boss monster poker face could be really good.

“Hey, Tori, Nova hasn’t shown up yet, is he still here”

Sans asked her with an air of familiarity that some people found rude to speak with the former queen. No matter how long it has been or how she insists that people act casually.

The boss monster gave a nod, and he felt his own chest ease

“Yes he is, I made him help clean up, as he and Roman have been getting into some spats all day”

The Nicecream guy smiled apologetically

“I am so sorry for the trouble miss Toriel”

She turned to the other pair of parents with the same patient smile.

“Oh don’t be dear, It’s a good teaching moment, and your kids aren't the first, and won’t certainly be the last,”

“What made them start fighting?”

He asked her. As far as he knows. Nova hadn’t gotten into any fights before today. Well nothing more than what could have been resolved at the end of the day Toriel made a sound between a sigh and a chuckle

“Roman was convinced someone had stepped on his cape. Nova pointed out it actually got stuck between some bags. And basically been a back and forth ever since, nobody could back up either one of them”

The orange monster nudged his partner.

“Told you the cape was a bad idea”

The blue one rolled his eyes in response. They got interrupted by shouting coming from the classroom they stood in front of.

“No, I AM not!”

That was their son's voice.

“Yes you are, you are just jealous!”

Came a different child's voice

“Noooo!”

“Yess!"

They all glanced inside as Toriel sighed, and stated the rather obvious.

“They are it again”

The five of them walked into the classroom. And in the center of the room were the two children. Nova seemed to have thrown a rag on the ground, the sleeves of his dark purple hoodie a bit wet from cleaning. Across him was a blue-haired cat monster. Who was wearing what looked like a handmade prince costume. Complete with a handmade paper crown and a toy sword. And of course, as indicated before. There was a bright red cape strapped to his shoulders

Toriel stepped forward and spoke up using her teacher's voice.

“Boy’s, this doesn’t look like cleaning”

Both boys crossed their arms and looked embarrassed.

“But miss Toriel.” Nova started

“No Nova, It doesn’t matter who started it, you were supposed to work together”

Nova crossed his arms again and sent a glare to the side. His eyes looked back every once in a while like Sans also does when he is frustrated.

“I am not working together with someone who calls me a poopyhead” he muttered

And the other kid let out a loud gasp

“Well, I am not working with someone who calls me a dumdum!”

He puffed out his chest as he turned away. Nova turned back in response All of them tried to hold back some giggles at their children's small argument and childish insults. As Nova turned back around angrily. Getting right back to the argument

“Well, maybe you should listen to Miss Toriel. So I don't need to repeat it"

“And last time I checked, you aren’t Miss Toriel so I don’t gotta listen to you”

The blue monster stuck out his tongue

“Yeah you do, I am older!” Nova argued

“I am taller!” Roman responded

“My pops is friends with Miss Toriel” Nova pointed at Sans who could only shake his head in amusement

“Well my dad makes ice cream, which is way better” The child waved his arms toward the blue bunny monster next to them

“Kids” Toriel spoke up. Trying to cut in between their arguments. But both kept going

“My dad has a cool robotic arm,” Nova said pointing at him

“My papa wrote Mettaton's best play!” The blue-haired child said pointing at the orange one of his two fathers

“My dad's a better fighter!”

“My dad taught me how to fight!”

“Pops did too!”

“Oh yeah! Bet you are bad at it!”

“nu-uh!“

“Ye-ah!”

“Children, please” Toriel sighed impatiently

He had to suppress another chuckle. It’s kinda funny their fight was basically seeing which of their parents was better. Also, it was kinda sweet to hear what they found cool about each of them.

“That’s it! I challenge you to a duel!” The young cat monster declared

“I accept!” Nova quickly answered with no hesitation

He felt himself freeze, as he heard those words, the grin dropping from his face as he stared at the two kids. Beside him, the Nicecreamguy stepped forward.

“Roman come now, there is no need for that"

"Actually I think it's a great idea!" Toriel said. And everyone in the room turned to gape at her.

“You mean that Miss Toriel? "

The young cat monster asked, stars seeming to fill his eyes

“of course my child, I think it would be a good opportunity for the both of you"

Toriel said while continuing to smile kindly. Meanwhile, the feelings of dread didn't subside The young cat monster let out a small cheer and then pointed at Nova with a sneer.

"You will taste my crushing defeat, you foul beast"

Foul beast!?! What kind of language was that? No monster called another one a beast unless they wanted to be like the humans that still tried to drive them back underground. He was shocked at the kid's language but was even more surprised when Nova only rolled his eyes. Was this kind of behavior normal?!

Then the orange cat monster that stood next to him spoke up gruffly

"Roman! That was not very princely of you. Was it now?…you know better. What does a prince do?"

The kid's ears flattened and suddenly looked quite embarrassed. And inwardly he sighed as he felt Sans settle a hand on the low of his back.

"Always be kind, even when fighting you don't go for the same tactics as the villain"

The monster next to him nodded. While the blue-haired one let out a chuckle in between font and tired. Like this was something they had to deal with regularly

His eyes flicked between the kid and his parents. As he took in the uniform of the orange guy. It was of one of the employees of the theatre. And he started back at the child's costume. And it all just clicked

The kid was not a bully. Just a theater kid with the flair of the dramatic.

He looked at the kid again. The young child was probably just parroting what he heard from plays and movies Not yet fully realizing what all the things he said could mean. Luckily Nova didn't seem bothered by the name calling so he could let it slide.

"Tori, don't like to be the skeptical one. But you are sure this is safe?" Sans spoke up beside him as they all looked back up at the boss monster who simply clapped her hands together delighted.

"More than my good friend, I wouldn't suggest it, if it wasn't. But the classroom is hardly the place for a friendly battle. Let us go outside "

The grown-ups gave some skeptical looks all around and followed the two excited kids and boss monster outside to the outdoor field.

Toriel grabbed a stick from the ground and drew two lines in the sand. And directed both children behind one each. And both took their position, bouncing excitedly.

Toriel stood in the middle overlooking the would-be battlefield, addressing them all.

“Okay, I am laying out the rules. And if they are broken that means you have lost the duel. Understand boys?"

"Yes miss Toriel,” both boys said.

He shifted uneasily, as Toriel had herded the four of them behind her. A good view, but not one that could easily interfere with the battle. He could feel the nervous energy around them. He trusted this Toriel. She was kind and had taught many kids over the years. She knew what she was doing. Didn't mean he had to like it.

“First. We are only using magic attacks. No objects are to be picked up and thrown or any form of physical contact. Only throwing magic attacks Am I clear?".

Both boys nodded.

'We are just going for one point. So focus on dodging each other's patterns. So the first hit wins."

Nova nodded again. But slowly the other kid raised his hand.

"We…we are only trying to get a hit in…and not like…not take hp off right?"

He fidgets in place. Ears flicking back and forth.

"Because… I don't wanna … " the boy trailed off looking worried.

He gave a half smile, seemed he really misjudged that kid at first glance, man he was getting rusty. Or he was doing the overprotective parent thing again. Likely the latter.

But his son's response kinda shocked him

"What? Suddenly afraid to hurt me!? " Nova slapped his own chest. "Don't you dare underestimate me! I am sturdy!"

Sans sighed beside him. And he himself let out a little hopeless laugh. Sans seemed intent on speaking up. When Roman cut him off.

"We all know you got the lowest hp in our class! You may be a meanie but I don’t wanna send you to the hospital!"

The kid genuinely looked distressed. And it made something awkward stir in his chest. He knew how Nova felt about his low hp. He also hated what people thought of he, or sans for that matter were fragile for their single hp.

But it also soothed him that this kid was looking out for Nova. Probably aware of how much damage an attack could actually do and what that could mean. It was a rare trait to find, especially in kids.

The Nicecreamguy leaned over and nervously asked Sans.

"Sorry to ask like this…but how much hp, DOES he have?"

He turned to glare at the tall bunny. But was surprised by Sans strong hold on his spine and answering honestly before he could tell him to mind his own damm business.

"Five….and Roman?"

To his surprise, the blue guy let out a sigh of what seemed relief. While the orange cat looked mildly horrified.

"Thank goodness. The highest damage Ro can do is three. Then I ain't too worried and Roman sits at eighteen"

Wow…pretty high for a kid that age, he thought as the blue guy's partner stuttered.

"five…just five…? That's…"

He cut him off with a growl

"More than we thought he would ever have"

The cat's jaw clicked shut. And to his surprise, the bunny chuckled

"Don't worry Cal. If Sans could handle Papyrus's teenage energy with less hp than that. Then I am sure his son can too"

The orange monster stared between his own husband and Sans with wide eyes. And Sans gave a hearty chuckle

"Not just Paps. I remember you and your siblings chugging a few attacks my way back then as well Felix"

“Sucks to be the oldest.”

"Oi, you weren't the youngest either." Sans accused him and the blue bunny shrugged.

"Not the oldest either. So your brother got younger sibling solidarity"

The two of them gave each other what seemed a fist bump of understanding. While he and the orange guy just gave each other a look of mutual confusion.

He had personally never hanged with the bunny's back when he still was in Underfell. But then again. There had been a lot more territorial spats between the bunnies and dogs. Long before he and his brother ever arrived in Snowdin.

Here the two groups of monsters seemed to get along. At least from what he could tell when he visited Sans at Grilby's for his jig. But the dogs seemed to invite every and anyone into their game nights anyway.

They all looked up when Toriel coughed loudly.

“If the audience would be silent, we are about to begin.”

The woman had a small grin that told him that she was enjoying telling them off. Especially as the two kids snickered as well. It seemed the boss monster had managed to settle the situation between the kids as well as they had been talking.

Toriel turned fully back around.

“Any more questions?”

Both kids shook their heads and steadied themselves.

“Begin”

The soft pressure of a battle starting began to fill the air. And Nova had the first move, it surprised him for half a second before realizing it had been Roman who challenged him and not the other way around. Nova took a deep breath. Placing his hand on the ground, and summoning three small bones in a line sending them towards Roman.

He gave a proud groin as the summoned attacks held. And watched as the cat’s eyes widened but managed to jump over them easily. Responding with a simple round magic bullet most kids learn early on. It didn’t have a lot of speed so Nova stepped out of the way easily as well.

He was feeling a weird combination of tension and calm. He had the feeling he had to be looking everywhere. That everyone here was a threat, and could any second. Would step in and interrupt the battle. Making it much more dangerous.

He never really got used to the turn-based system they had here. But at the same time. Seeing how small and weak the kids' attacks still were. Made him ease. It was like seeing Nova roughhousing with kids in the neighborhood the first few times. Nervewerking sure. But you slowly learn when the play fighting stays that way or turns into actual fights.

A couple of turns passed like that. Both kids easily avoid each other's attacks. Both only used small white bullets. After Nova’s first attack. He wondered if Nova had tried to imitate their ‘strongest attack first’ strategy from stories he must have heard from his Uncles at this point.

It was Roman’s turn again. Who was looking at his paws frustrated. Beside him, he saw the blue Bunny’s arm rise up. Before being quickly halted, by his orange-haired partner.

“He gotta do it himself, Felix. No hints”

“Right…Right, sorry..”

Sans's hand had migrated from his spine to around his hips during the battle but was now warming itself inside his hoodie pocket right now. Where his own clenched fist was hidden.

He gave a quick glance at his husband, but when he felt the hand move in the limited space his grin turned up a grad.

Seemed the Blue guy next to them wasn’t the only one who was having trouble keeping down the hints. As he slowly intertwined their fingers together to stop the hand signs at all.

Roman let out a grow of frustration as he shot off another pattern of bullets. They were a bit more erratic As the frustrations messed with his aim. Nova managed to dodge out of the way of all of them, but only just so. The last one had nearly hit him. He stood still just in time for it to fly past him.

He felt his own soul almost jump out of his chest as he saw it nearly hit his son in the side. But somehow managed to not move an inch forward even though he really wanted to. Nova panted a few times with a scared look in his eyes. But then a grin overtook his face that reminded him of his own.

Nova was having fun.

Nova was having his first actual battle, and he was clearly having the time of his life.

“Almost Got me. But it aint good enough! Prepare yourself!” Nova Declared.

He took a deep breath. And Nova’s eye flashed for a second. Which made his soul thrum anxiously and excitedly. Nova spread his arms beside him and summoned two really big bones taller that were than himself. One on each end of the battlefield only leaving space in the middle to pass through. But it was smaller than Roman could fit.

Sweat was breaking out of his son's face. Struggling to keep the bones summoned. Then with all his might, he swung his arms forward making them move towards the blue cat boy. Nova was shivering as he did it. And they were not moving quickly at all. But Roman had nowhere to run. Unless he wanted it to count as fleeing

The kid's eyes looked scared for a brief moment. The parents beside them trembling with probably the same feelings of wanting to step in and interrupt. But then the young boy's eyes filled with determination. And what surprised everyone he ran towards the moving bones.

“Roman?!” The blue-haired father of the boy suddenly exclaimed in panic

“What is he?!” Sans muttered worriedly.

All of them had taken a step forward. But where stopped when Toriel had held her arm out. Making them all pause. He saw the young cat monster near the gap, Surprised that Nova didn’t let the wall fall at all. Out of exhaustion, surprise, or both. No, he was shaking badly. But he kept the attack up. Heels digging into the ground. His other eye started blazing as well with the magic input. Giving up a dark-blue nearly purple glow.

Roman got closer and closer. Then he jumped and twisted his body a bit. But then…Roman just…squeezed through the widest part near the top. His body seemed to morph into just a little so that he could slip through easily. He landed on all four of his limbs before standing up with a smile. His Crown has flown off in his sprint.

Beside him, he heard a loud groan and grew worried as the tall bunny fell to his knees hand over his heart.

“Shoot…right..he’s part cat..how do I keep forgetting”

His partner laughed at him. But it had been filled with anxiety. “Dunno babe, you’ve seen him slip through tighter spaces.”

“Uugh, kindly shut up love.” the taller one said as he got back up. Still shaking lightly

His own arms were trembling. But that exchange made him grin a bit. It seems the four of them were way more terrified then. The children and the teacher in front of them.

He stared back at the battle. Both boys were panting, and also slightly shaking. The end of the battle was approaching.

“My-My…My TURN!”

Roman said in between pants. Holding his hands together. Exclaiming a shout of triumph as he suddenly held something round and white in his hands. Seemingly having conjured his own attack this time. instead of the standard bullet.

"Take this!"

The blue cat threw whatever he had made. It was a bit powdery, and flakes were falling off.

“Huh..wait what?!” the kid seemed suddenly confused. Under what Roman had just thrown, patches of ice were forming where the flakes were landing.

But it mattered little as Roman was of course now closer than he had been before. Nova had no way of avoiding the incoming snowball and threw his hands up instinctively. Making a small bone appear and it was sent hurling towards Roman as well.

“Ah!"

"No!"

Nova hadn’t been quick enough to catch the snowball and it hit him square in the face making him fall backwards. At the same time, the young cat tried to step away from the accidentally thrown bone, slipped on his own ice landing face-first into the dirt.

The feeling of a battle stopped as they both hit the ground. All four of them quickly rushed forward. But before any words were spoken by the adults

Nova had sat back up with wide star eyes, looking towards his fallen-over opponent.

“Dude you can make snow?!”

The cat monster was slowly getting up but slipped again. Falling into the dirt again, with a little groan.

“Ow…ye-yeah?”

They all stood still as Nova quickly got up and rushed over to Roman to steady him as he got up a second time. There was some dirt stuck to his fur, but he seemed fine

“That is so cool! You can have a snowball fight every day!”

The Cat boy grinned.

“Me?! What about you?! How did you make that huge attack?! Darwin is always bragging about making the biggest construct but that was way cooler! Why have you never shown it before?! “

“That was my first time doing it” Their son exclaimed proudly.

“No way!? I don’t believe you” Roman was gaping

Nova scratched the back of his head sheepishly

“I haven’t. Truly. My uncle has been trying to teach me how to make this like…Really tall bone. Just like he can. That is part of his. ‘Super cool regular attack’ But I never managed anything bigger than my leg. Let alone two! But you got me really fired up with that wild attack pattern! I just had to try!”

He let out a shaky laugh. A few seconds ago they had been at each other's throats but now they were both gushing about each other's moves. Toriel was smiling satisfied.

Right… battles were meant to forge bonds of friendships. Not like where he was from. Where everything was kill or be killed. Isn’t that why his Edge and he still sparred regularly? They might say it’s because no one else could keep up with their style of fighting. But that was just not true. It was their own form of bonding. Even if it left a lot more bruises than anything the kids here could come up with.

Nova got rid of some of the dirt on top of Roman's head.

"Also look at all this ice!", Nova pointed behind them. Continuing on excitedly "I don't think I ever saw you do that in class?"

"That has never happened before. I didn't know that. Could happen" The boy stared at the small patches of ice

"Never?"

"Never" he shook his head to confirm

"So cool!" Nova muttered. And the other boy flushed proudly.

Nova had wiped away the last of the dirt and now seemed to be absentmindedly playing with the kids' ears. Clearly finding them interesting

“I didn’t hurt you? Did I? I didn’t mean to throw that last attack!”

The young cat's ear twisted, leaning slightly into the light petting he received happily... And shook his head

“No not at all!” then seemed to pause for a moment and said with a huge toothy grin. “I’m sturdy”

Both kids burst out laughing, holding each other up through their giggles.

Toriel walked towards them and gently grasped both their shoulders. And knelt between them.

“You both did very well, I hope this has settled everything”

Both boys nodded excitedly.

“Then it is time for both of you to head home, don't you two say”

He smiled as Nova, locked eyes with them. Stars in his eyes. Clearly very eager to start gushing about what just happened.

“Uh…Nova..wait..please”

They all looked at the small cat monster, whose ears flattened as all eyes landed on him when he spoke. He clearly was surprised that everyone looked but he took a step forward and addressed their son.

“Uh…I’m…I’m sorry for calling you names all day. I just….well..” He bristled and shrugged

“Dunno…I was really convinced someone had stepped on the cape…And thought you were suggesting I was dumb. But you are pretty cool. So..yeah...Sorry..”

It was quiet around them for a couple of seconds. Before Nova rushed forward and enveloped the other monster in a hug.

“I’m sorry too. You aren't dumb. I was just trying to help. And didn't want anyone getting accused of something they didn't do”

The young cat looked happy, then guilty, and then happy again

“Hey…how about next week we play together!” He said as Nova pulled out of the hug, keeping a hold of Nova’s shoulders.

“Yeah! That be awesome! I would love to see you make that snow up close!”

“Sure!, but then you gotta try and make another big bone wall!”

“Deal!”

Both kids stepped fully out of the hug and shook hands like they just made a business deal instead of a playdate.

Before both let go and ran towards their parents. And he couldn’t help but smile at his son’s beaming face.

“Dad, Pops! Did you see how big that attack was? It was almost as big as Uncle Paps! “

It hadn’t been. But he wasn’t gonna burst that bubble. Sans chuckled picking up their excited child. And nuzzling his skull affectionately

“It sure was, little star”

He gave Nova a firm affectioned rub on his back

“Well done Starburst, Also excellent evading skills. Have you been practicing when we weren't looking”

Nova nodded.

“I let Selene and Solis throw cushions at me and avoided them!”

Oh boy…so that is why the twins were giving their parents such a hard time. He and Sans shared a look that went over their son’s head. Seemed they needed to have a conversation with their kid in the future about not Involving his younger cousins in training when they haven’t even learned to summon to control magic yet.

“I can’t wait to tell everyone! We are gonna see them this weekend right?!”

Nova swung his head between the two of them. Trying to see who would answer. Still bursting with energy that only a five-year-old can have.

He gave his son a smile

“Well, your uncle Blue is coming home early so-”

“YAy~!”

His son's cheering cut him off causing him to chuckle. Nova loved family nights, but most of all surprise family nights. And after a day like this, he was sure, his son was gonna talk everyone's ear off the second he had the chance.

They turned to face the other small family. Roman was being held against the blue bunny’s hip, much the same as Nova was. The young boy also still smiling ear to ear.

“It was nice to see you again Sans. I am sure this isn't gonna be the last” The blue bunny said with a smile.

Sans laughed,

“No, I think not. We’ll come by the shop sometime.”

Both boy's eyes widened

“Really!”

“Promise?!”

Both of them exclaimed. He sighed at the kids' enthusiasm. And he answered

“Sure, Well buy you something as a treat for an amazing fight from both of you”

The orange cat scoffed. As the kids gushed excitedly

“You might wanna make it a treat, but this one ain't gonna let you pay, and make it his own treat instead.” He pointed his thumb at his husband. Then he tried to soothe Roman's excited wriggling so he wouldn't fall out of his father's arms.

“Callied…please” The Nicecreamguy rolled his eyes.

“What I AM, right? Ain't I Felix?"

“That isn't the reason and you know it” the blue-haired guy sighed again.

“Still right you ain't gonna let them pay. Are I?"

His partner didn't deny it.

He liked the rough orange guy he decided The guy seemed fun from everything he heard him say today. Plus he respects a guy that didn’t mind calling people out on their shit. Be it good-natured or otherwise.

They all waved and said their goodbye Nova finally grew tired in Sans's hold, leaning against his chest sleepily. Not surprising with how much magic he had used. Especially for that last attack.

As Sans stood still just outside the gate. So he could hold him a bit more securely around his hip. While he tugged his son’s hoodie a bit more around him. As he slowly dozed off. Giving his skull a brief kiss. Meeting Sans's eyes for a second.

“Yeah…yeah, I know he’s fine. Not even a single hp was taken off. “

He mumbled at the unasked question

“I ain't judging you Dear. I nearly ran in myself a couple of times”

He eyed his mate again, who raised him a single browbone. Trying to dare and contradict him

“It didn’t show Sweetheart, probably for the best…for his sake”

Nova let out a soft grumble and then snoozed on.

“Probably, wouldn’t have wanted to interrupt that”

No…it was a good thing for their son to learn and fight his own battles. Friendly or otherwise. Knowing that in the future could handle himself. Even if I did now it had happened in a controlled environment. Still hard to stand there and do nothing the entire time.

He nodded. And they walked home.

Seeing his son fight had been nerve-wracking. Downright bone-chilling and made his soul give out nearly five times. But he was also damm proud he had seen it. The smile on his son’s face. The way he was now lying so satisfied in their arms. How neither He nor the young cat monster had cared who had won in the end. Both were just excited that they had been allowed to have a friendly battle at all. It all made him just that more thankful that he could have these moments.go, witness.