#papyrus&reader

“Papyrus?”

“WHAT- OH HUMAN! WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE TO BE MEETING YOU IN A PLACE LIKE THIS!”

You’ve been waiting for the train to arrive on your platform, bouncing on your feet, giddy with a smile on your face. You couldn’t wait to go home to your skele-friends (and.. more....? ... Hopefully?) to finally get some rest.

When the train came and the door opened... You were surprised to see the tall, sharply dressed skeleton, in a grey suit and pants, a white dress shirt and an orange tie to finish it off, his gloved hand hanging off the train handle, with a smart briefcase in his other.

The pinnacle of professionalism, all he’s ‘missing’ is a brimmed hat to go with it all.

“Why are you on the train today, Papy?” You ask him merrily while you gratefully loop your arms around one of his holding the briefcase, the train car being full that you couldn’t reach any handles nearby. “What about that slick car you have?”

“AH, YELLOW STRIKE IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP!” He makes a sheepish smile. “I DID NOT CRASH THE CAR AS... RED WOULD PROBABLY TELL YOU...”

“He did not.” You giggled, knowing fully he definitely would. “I... I didn’t know you’d stop riding your car.”

“HAVE BEEN SINCE LAST WEEK, IN FACT,” He looks away for a bit before looking back at you. “YOU MUST’VE NOT NOTICED SINCE YOU’VE BEEN INDOORS A LOT.”

... You felt your cheeks pink in embarrassment while you hide your face a bit. You’ve... You haven’t been outside a lot, haven’t you?

But that’s going to change. You smile to yourself.

“But that’s going to change.” You said aloud this time, to him.

You saw Papyrus’ neutral face shift, his ‘eyes’ glowing, grinning widely and a happy blush on his cheeks, fully faced to you.

“IS IT NOW? WELL NOW YOU MUST TELL THE GREAT PAPYRUS ALL ABOUT IT- NOTHING LESS, HUMAN!”

........

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

tick, tick, tick... Sans looked as his watch, sighing and trying his best to calm his beating soul.

You hadn’t answered him.

About an hour earlier, you’ve texted him about the fact that you were finished, and he quickly texted you back, but...

Wife I’d Like to Marry: Sans

Wife I’d Like to Marry: I’m ddone

Wife I’d Like to Marry: It’s ocld

You: (y/n)

You: how did it go

You: hello (y/n), you still there

You: hello

You: you ok, how did it go???

Sans had quickly gone into a bit of a panic mode when you hadn’t answered him for close to 10 minutes, wondering if... Something happened, if you weren’t answering him on purpose, if you were upset with the results and isn’t feeling up and up...

Or you could just be not answering him because you put your phone in your bag or something.

... but what if-

He quickly checked your location, if you were in the right place, in the right direction... And sure enough, you seemed to be on the train bound for Ebott-Edge.

... Yeah, Asgore was still naming the places... Though at least it sounded cooler? Maybe?

So. You weren’t kidnapped or anything.

... No, that was not what he was worried about always worried about when you go out alone.

... Ok, you didn’t go out of the house that often, he wasn’t used to it, that’s why he worried a lot.

...

Today...

You had an interview. A job interview. A job interview for a position that you really liked. And because you put so much hope onto it... You had been nervous.

Red being Red, overflowing with confidence, and especially having a lot of confidence on you, hadn’t seemed to be worried for anything. Always behind your chair while you were working on the important documents, always making it that it’ll be the easiest thing in the world to you, you’ve prepared a lot.

Sans had been there to practice with you, throwing curveballs at you and feeling proud when you could answer them easily. Red was right, you wouldn’t have any trouble.

Axe was... Axe was your emotional support, to put it simply. The night before the interview, everyone could see the nervousness in your eyes, the way you looked at the notes you wrote yourself while you were practicing with him, the way you looked close to tears. Axe had quickly and silently picked you up from your position in the middle of Sans’ and Red’s seats while they were patting your back and giving encouraging words, walked to your bedroom and laid you there, telling you to-

“sleep.”

Needless to say, he laid in bed with you while you spilled all your nervousness out to him and clutched his chest, while he gently brushed your hair and listened to it all.

This morning, Papyrus had given you a quick pat on the shoulder while you were eating a hearty breakfast, courtesy of Axe the “you have to eat now” Skeleton, since he worked earlier before your interview- and Edge had left a sweet note on the table saying that you were the greatest human he knows, and no doubt a human he deems as the greatest will get the job- since he worked so early.

The three Sanses and Crooks had been there to see you off, in thick jacket and a scarf (you were going to take them off at your work place) head seemed to be held high, giving them a a wave goodbye.

Honestly, Sans (and Red and Axe) had wanted to see you off at the station... But then they’ll also want to see you off to the work place, with Axe possibly asking, no- demanding to go inside to see if the interviewers are to be trusted. And having three skeletons all nervous and fidgety wouldn’t be so... Good on your own confidence while you walked all the way to the workplace.

It was quite deep into the city, a bit far but not too far from the suburbs where you lived with them, a bit of ways from the house. Sans had been a bit sad that you’d work a bit far away but- he knows it’s no real problem.

It’d taken time for you to finish, it was late in the day now, sundown. Sans had just gotten home from his own job, which is why he even had the watch on his wrist right now... Red was pacing behind the couch, finishing his own job a bit earlier than Sans- showing his own anticipation for you that he never shown in front of you, worrying just right the rest. But Axe- Axe had seemed to take it the hardest, he had been sitting on the couch about an hour before you even texted Sans, the TV off while his eyelight stayed glued on the door- and with him being a skeleton, he didn’t need to blink. He just.. Stayed there... Seemingly in his thoughts, the same as the rest, thinking the same.

let her get the job, let her get the job...

Red had felt worried seeing you so nervous. He knew a birdie like you would sing well to anyone, pleasing and pretty sure most people would hire you in a heartbeat. But with you so nervous like that... He was worried your lips would wobble, if you’d need help with pushing yourself through the doors of the building, if you were going to be too nervous and in your head thinking about all the things that could go wrong- which, in itself, was him thinking of the ways it could go wrong. He wouldn’t usually, but... You had started to rub off on him, though he worried about your confidence rather than you actually getting hired.

And Axe? He was just imagining all the different ways he could kill the interviewers should they be assholes, or if they didn’t hire you for a petty reason, you don’t get to make her nervous and just-

“Hi!” You appeared at the door, Papyrus right behind you.

“HELLO BROTHER...S!” Papyrus waved, one hand holding you. “WE’RE HOME!”

“( y / n ) -”

Sans had tripped himself while he teleported to you, falling on you when he reappeared, you letting go of Papyrus’ hand to catch him.

“(y/n) why didn’t you answer me, i was so worried-” Sans had quickly babbled, a hand roving over your face to check for anything that... You’re not even sure what he’s looking for.

“What? Answer what?” You asked after pulling yourself away from him.

“i asked you how was it, what happened?”

“You... You texted me?”

my dear love of my life who is so pretty and smart but does the tiniest thing that send me to my death-

“i- i did,” His brows furrowed, frown twisting further.

“I... I’m sorry, I put it in my bag...”

honey, sweetheart- everything red calls you-

He panted as if he’d just ran over to you, sighing at the end. “you’re going to give me a heart attack, (y/n)... and i don’t even have a heart,”

You were about to giggle when Red had pulled you inside, finally moving from the door with Papyrus closing it and locking it behind you.

“sweetheart- so how did it go, you in? yer in right? please darlin’ i’ve been waitin’ on ya all day i need to know-” Red had you by the shoulders, red eyelights intense in a... Comedic way, to you.

“Uh, whoa whoa guys, what’s going on-”

“(y/n), where’s the address” Axe’s voice came to your notice when he was suddenly directly behind you, “did they treat you right? did they ask you weird questions- are they old men who made weird comments-” Axe spun you around to face him.

.... You’ve... Never seen a scene quite like this... All three of them, eyelights contracted, all looking at you as if you were going to tell them their pet goldfish ‘goldie’ died.

“..... I got in!” You smiled cheerfully to them, putting your hands on Axe’s large hands on your shoulders.

Your smile shined like a thousand stars- attracting the Sanses like moths to a flame, and it only took a second before you were smothered by the three of them in a tight-knit hug, all making sounds of joy while Papyrus watched on with two hands on his hips, a happy smile on his face.

Sans got your left and Red got your right, 3 sets of arms wrapped around you like a bony burrito, Sans rubbing cheeks with you and Red giving quick, unafraid kisses to your head while Axe practically squeezed the lungs out of you while he pressed his nasal to your forehead.

It was all overwhelming on the senses- from love.

“O-Ok ok, thanks for the hug guys but I really need to breath- Gah!” You heaved when they all picked their hands away from you, comedically all in a ‘surrender’ position.

“ah, i knew ya could do it babydoll.” Red’s eyesockets lidded, a look of pride in his eyelights.

“you shouldn’t hold our souls in custody for too long, kiddo,” Sans gave you a meek look, seeming to be tired. “might’ve dusted the one of us from anticipation alone.”

“NYEH HEH HEH! THAT’S WHAT YOU GET FOR BEING LAZY AND TELEPORTING EVERYWHERE WHEN YOU COULD’VE GOTTEN A CHANCE TO GET THE NEWS EARLIER!” Papyrus boasted, attracting all eyes on him.

“Yeah, I went home with him today, heheh.”

“huh? where’d ya meet ‘im?”

“WE MET ON SUNSET STATION!”

“And I was happy to regale all that I did to dear old Papyrus.” You chimed, holding his hand and bowing to him.

“OH, YOU FLATTER ME WITH EARLY ACCESS TO SPECIAL INFORMATION!” Papyrus laughed, a cute orange blush on his cheekbones. “SO NOW, YOU BONEHEADS!” He pulled his hand away from you, turning to the rounder skeletons who had only been watching, “WHAT HAVE YOU PREPARED FOR THE LITTLE LADY, HUH?”

“... huh?” Sans echoed, tilting his head to the side.

“... SIGH.” Papyrus actually said, “HOW CAN YOU LOT NOT BE EDUCATED IN THE SCHOOL OF DATING? YOUR OBJECT OF AFFECTIONS HAVE GOTTEN SOMETHING GREAT BY THEIR OWN DOING, ARE YOU NOT GOING TO CELEBRATE IT?”

It would be fun to see the three skeletons turn two shades of blue and the other turn a light coral... if you yourself hadn’t turned red from Papyrus’ proud announcement. Y-you weren’t dating any of them... At least... Not yet..?

“Th-this isn’t a competition or anything, Papyrus!” You spluttered to him, tugging on his sleeves.

“OH HUSH NOW HUMAN, I AM MERELY TRYING TO TURN MY BROTHERS INTO BETTER DATERS. OBVIOUSLY NO ONE WILL BE BETTER THAN I, BUT THEY CLEARLY NEED SOME HELP SOMETIMES.” He sighed, looking back at the 3.... colorful skeletons.

“i mean... he’s not... wrong...” Red was the first to speak, quickly rubbing his cheekbones. “a lady like you should get a lot of... services... for accomplishing such a feat.” He said as he approached, that flirty smile of his back on his face.

“... yeah you’re right paps, she deserves so much,” Sans shrugged, following closely behind.

“i’ll make the food-”

Both Sans and Red got quickly pushed away by Axe who had quickly scooped you up and ran to the kitchen, in yet another act of human thievery.

“hey- stop hogging the hot girl-” Red had quickly poofed into the room, Sans again, the last to appear in the kitchen.

...

They...

They did good.

First and foremost was another warm feast provided by Axe and Crooks, who had appeared midway through the Sanses’ bantering and chiding at Axe for stealing you so often (though Axe had just watched the other two with a smug smile). It was the perfect thing to do first, since you could feel the temperatures dropping that day- and you were thankful that Sans had advised you to put another layer of clothing over your suit, saying “you can just clean up after yourself when you get to the toilet in whats-the-place if you’re so worried about it.”

Next had been an aromatic bath provided by Red... When you finished and started walking towards the bedroom to change, you had smelled... A scent wafting through the hallway, with the crack in the doorframe of the bathroom. When you opened it, there he was... Red, in only his boxers, sitting on the seat of the toiler, the bath almost full to the brim, actual petals of... Rose(?) on the surface and a bottle of bubble bath soap on the side.

“wanna get wet...?” “oW-” He had sounded when you accidentally gave him too hard of a slap across the cheekbone- it was meant to be a joking one.

After the... lovely bath (You did not get into the bath with him), you walked out with the towel still on your hair, to the couch, sitting in the middle of all of your favorite skeletons, when Edge finally showed up at the door.

“HOW DID IT GO?” He asked- still wearing his dark navy guard pants and belt while his top was a red-brown-black sweater with a scarf around his neck... Which didn’t look that mismatched. You were going to answer when he gave a quick sniff and raised a brow at Red.

“RED, WHY DOES THE HUMAN SMELL LIKE ‘SEX ON PETALS’?”

Your face fell while Sans and Axe both snapped their skulls to Red- who’s eyelights have gone, his grin failing- looking to the three of you who were now looking at him with concern on different levels.

“That was ‘Sex on Petals’?” You asked. Well... There were petals, he was shirtless... It wasn’t that... Far of a stretch....

“l-look- hey, don’t lookit me like that!” Red snapped, an embarassed shade of red on his face, “that’s the name of the fuckin’ fragrance oil- and yes, it was specifically fer baths!”

“be honest red, you wanted that.” Sans deadpanned to his golden-toothed counterpart.

“i mean- yes, but you want that too, vanilla.” Red retorted, which in turn left Sans speechless with the same intensity of blue on his face as Red had.

“AH, WHATEVER. SEEING YOU ALL SO HAPPY, I MUST BE RIGHT, YOU HAVE SUCCEEDED WITHOUT FAILURE!” Edge patted you on the head just a tad bit too hard.

“succeeded without failure...?” Sans turned to him when Edge walked behind the couch to go to the kitchen.

“SH-SHUT UP TURQUOISE WORM! EVEN THE GREATEST OF ALL CAN MAKE MINOR MISTAKES!” Edge huffed, slapping Sans with a bit of his scarf.

“... i’m not even turquoise...” Sans whispered quietly after Edge went into the kitchen, leaving you to bend to your knees, Red snickering and Axe just happy to watch.

“Hahah, no, you’re more of a... cyan?”

“just blue.” Sans shrugged.

The four of you fell into comfortable silence after that, watching the TV light up your face with the lights turned off- a movie was on. The night, the warmth of the house and the bony yet fluffy skeletons surrounding you... You started to lean onto Sans, eyes drooping.

“... hey, kid.” Sans nudged you. “you should go to sleep.”

“... Don’t wanna move...” You replied honestly, closing your eyes to prove a point.

“which is exactly why you need to go to bed. you’ll be asleep if you stay longer.”

He slowly hooked his arms under your back and your legs, picking you up so that you were still in a sleeping position. You just groaned and wrapped your arms around his neck, putting your face on his clavicle- and he made a choked noise.

“o-ok, you must be really tired to just do that to me.” Sans would’ve been rubbing the back of his neck if his hands weren’t occupied. “time to go to sleep, working lady.”

You smiled and hummed at that, sleepily.

“g’night darlin’, dream of that fragrance oil~” Red snickered, while you hid your face more onto Sans- just because you were sleepy didn’t mean you didn’t register what he said.

Axe slowly stood up, making his way over to his tinier self with you in his arms... Giving you a quick kiss to the head. “goodnight, petals.” Axe chuckled when you whined at him, shifting in Sans’ hold.

“Am... Am I your kid or... What is this right now,” You looked wearily at them.

“well... ya can call me daddy-”

“okay, that’s enough for tonight.” Sans cut in and jumping straight into your room.

“... Ok indeed.” You raised your head from his hold, blinking while you registered what Red just said.

“calling him daddy?” Sans raised a concerned brown at you while he lowered you to your bed.

“N-No- I mean- technically yes but- I mean- ‘Ok’ that that was a- Ah nevermind.” You quickly gave up trying to explain, letting yourself go limp on his hold while he gently lowered you onto the bed.

“heheh. alright kid, i’ll tell him that.” He smirked, tucking you in.

“No! Don’t tell him that!” You fumed a bit, while gratefully snuggling under the covers.

“ok, i won’t,” Sans raised his hands in a surrendering gesture, “but if you want me to keep my promise, you have to kiss me.”

“Ok- wait what?”

Sans chuckled, throwing a hand in a ‘whatever’ motion. “joking.”

“...” You squinted at him... And you pulled his skull closer to you with a hand, pressing a quick kiss to his cheekbone. “There. I kissed you.”

... Sans turned a bright cyan at that holding the cheek you’d kissed him on.

“... Had to make sure.” You grinned back at him, pulling the covers around you more. “... I knew you’re more cyan...”

“wh- uh- hahahah, uh what,” Sans’ eyelights shifted this way and that, before breaking into a more sincere laugh. “well, i guess my cheekbones are right now, but i am just blue, ok?” He tittered, slowly thumbing your cheek.

“... well kiddo? good luck on your job. if your boss ever gives you any shit, don’t hesitate to tell me ok? ... and just me, because... red doesn’t use subtlety when it comes to people like that and axe... well... he’ll want murder.” Sans sweated a bit, smile crooked. “but-! if you really say it’s as good as it is, i’m sure we’ve got nothing to worry, right?”

“Yep! They were really nice today, patted me on the back when I was nervous,” You reminisced for a second, before shifting your focus back to the... charming skeleton in front of you. “Thanks for worrying, Sans.”

“hahahah, i should get thanked more...” Sans rubbed his neck, before shaking his head when he saw your concerned face. “ah, it’s ok kiddo. i’m good, we’re good.”

“Ok...” you laughed softly.

“... ok, i should really leave before this conversation sends us to 2 AM.” Sans looked at the watch still on his wrist, reading 12 AM. “so... goodnight, (y/n).”

“Good night, Sans.” You answered while he turned off the light. “... Ok, I really feel like a kid right now- I’m not your guys’ kid right?”

“hahah, no. and- you don’t have to call me daddy.” He winked- having eyelights for eyes, visible in the near darkness while your eyes hasn’t adjusted to the change in brightness.

“Pff- ok ok, good night Sans.”

“good night.” Sans chuckled, turning to leave... But then changing his mind and turning back, giving you a quick kiss to the temple before disappearing into thin air.

...

You were rudely awakened by the covers being pulled from over you, and the curtains being swept away, letting the morning sun in. It would be more pleasant if it was you doing it instead of suddenly waking up to this by...

Sans?!

“morning sweetie.”

You made a hiss and hid your face in your hands, turning around in your bed to face downwards to keep your eyes away from the assault the sun was putting on it.

“It’s early...”

“It’s 9 AM.”

... Well, that wasn’t too early, but since you’ve been waking up at noon all this time... It felt like you were waking up at 7.

“Let me sleep a bit more...” You mumbled, waving a hand at your skeleton man and let it fall back to the bed.

Sans sighed. man, i feel the same but... it’s my human i’m talking about. i can’t let them be like me.

“no no, baby.” Sans came over the bed and promptly flopped on top of you, making you squeak and wake up immediately, struggling underneath his weight and size completely covering you. “Sans what the- mmmf- you’re heavy get off-!”

“you have to get up, love.” Sans told you teasingly.

“Mmf- Well I can’t get up with you on top of me! Saaaaans!!!!”

Sans chuckled and slammed onto the bed with both of his hands and making you squeak again, pushing himself off the bed and laughing at you with that deep voice of his, unfortunately dragging a pink shade over your face.

“there. now will you get up?”

You weren’t even looking at him, but you could practically hear him winking at you.

You groaned. “Yeah yeah, here I am.” you said as you stood up, your eyes still having bags under them.

“you slept enough babycakes. i miss you when you’re in dreamland without me.” He had quickly pulled you into an embrace.

Another delicate blush had covered you- what’s with him today?? Why is he being so smooth- the dumb, blue cladded, pun-loving, handsome... Skeleton..?

You couldn’t help but dig your face into his shirt a little- smelling a bit like ketchup- but most of all having his scent on him, comforting and lulling you. Sans laughed again, the sound full of adoration as he looked at your tiny form, your nose pressed against his ribcage and your eyes closed like you were smelling flowers or something. so cute. He started to brush his phalanges against your hair.

“Mmm...” You mumbled against him, “What if I was dreaming about you, though?”

.... Hm.

“well... if we were sleeping together, then that’d mean our dreams connect.. because i dream about you too.” He gave your head a little peck, your scent filling his skull and pulling a wide, lax smile on his face. “but when i’m awake, i’m not with you anymore. i still want to be with my love... you can’t do that on your own.”

You seemed to choke a bit when he said that, rubbing his hand on your back, your eyes popping open.

“... Ok, ok! I’m awake, ok Sans?!” You dug yourself further into his shirt, trying to hide the progressing blush on your face and pulling another bout of laughter from your skeleton. “What do you want to do now, Sans?”

“picnic.”

“Huh?”

“HELLO, HUMAN!” You heard Papyrus’ voice from... somewhere in the house.

“Papyrus??” You called out to him.

The door promptly flung open and there was your lanky brother-in-law good friend Papyrus, his grin stretching from where his metaphorical ears.

Papyrus picked up a basket, an actual, traditional picnic basket- That one with woven wood(?) and a red and white checkered cloth inside- with two flaps for openings on the top.

... You never actually saw one like that. Just... A picture perfect picnic basket.

“BE OUT IN 30, SANS! I DON’T WANT THE DAY TO GET HOTTER BEFORE WE GET TO THE PARK- I WANT TO GET THAT BREEZE!”

“of course paps, just don’t freeze in it.”

Papyrus was just about to turn before he looked back at Sans. “WHAT?”

“... freeze.... from the breeze...”

...

“THAT WAS SO BAD... IT DIDN’T EVEN MAKE SENSE!”

“well it made a little sense, did it?”

“Maybe.” You piped up, pulling Sans’ gaze to you- and when he did face you, you quickly pecked him on the teeth, making his sockets go wide and his eyelights shrink. He was apparently so shocked that his hands went limp and you had easily come out of his hold, going to your closet and quickly choosing clothes for the occassion.

Sans was still staring in shock, his grin gone with those white lights just a prick, a light blue hue on his cheek bones. You pulled out your clothes from the closet and slung them over your shoulder, putting a hand on your hip.

“So... You’re just going to watch me... change, Sans?” You smirked at him, eyes lidding.

He was just about to answer when his jaw closed again with a clack, a deeper blue hue tinting him.

“ah, uh, mmm, i mean, no, uh yeah, i’ll leave you be, then.” He stumbled on his words, quickly rushing out of the door and closing the door, his blush still not disappearing as he did.

He could hear your soft, gentle giggle when he left, starting to change clothes. He was still looking back at your door, impure thoughts starting to come across his mind from the suggestive look you gave him- when he bumped into the ribcage of his brother, staring at him blankly.

“p-paps?” He sweated.

Papyrus was quiet for awhile... Then he spoke.

“... I See That Two Can Play At That Game.” Papyrus gave his older brother a cheeky smile that made Sans blush indignantly.

“they’re my soulmate paps, of course it can go both ways. they were made for me... they know how to push my buttons.” He dragged a bony hand down his face.

“Heh... ‘Push Your Buttons’, Huh...” Papyrus was still smiling mirthfully, checking around his basket and moving around to get the things he need.

“paps....” Sans steamed, unable to stop moving from how embarassed he felt.

... You were really something to him. So lovely. So kind. So wonderful.

He’s so happy he has you for a soulmate. Never expected he’d have one... And such a wonderful human at that.

... Papyrus couldn’t stop smiling at how lovestruck his brother seemed to be, just sitting on the chair in the kitchen, facing it’s back and setting his arms on it, smiling and looking everywhere as if he were a young monster in love. He’s happy he could be like this with you... It’s been long since he’s seen his brother so happy like that, so giddy and actually carefree, his mind filled to the brim with his adoration with you.

It’s when he was done packing stuff in when you’ve come out your door with very cute clothes, a plain white shirt, some shorts, and a jacket slung on you- though they were different colors, they seemed to be similar to what Sans wears everyday- and Sans spat out and spluttered when he saw you, another blue hue coming onto his face.

You gave him a gentle smile that could melt any monster’s soul.

“Sans, What’s Wrong With The Human?” Papyrus hushed to his brother.

“... i dunno paps,” Sans shrugged, but couldn’t hide the concerned look on his face as he looked at the human, sagging on the couch. “something must’ve happened?”

“like what?” Red was suddenly at Sans’ side, making him jump.

“what the fuck, red, don’t do that-!” Sans hissed.

“i don’t care, what’s wrong with (y/n)??” Red shot back. Classic can think about that later- he wants to know what’s wrong with his doll.

“Why Don’t You Just Go Ask Her, Brother,” Edge strolled to Red’s side, a scowl on his face, feigning ignorance- despite the fact that he was also speaking in a hushed tone. “Then You Can All Stop Worrying And We Can Stop This Tedious Hiding, You Cowards,”

“Oh, That’s A Good Idea, Edge! Why Don’t You Go Do It?” Papyrus clapped his hands together cheerfully.

Edge spluttered. “M-ME?!” He covered his mouth, “I-I Do Not Care How The Human Feels, You Sanses Should Do It, You’re All The Ones Who Is Trying To Date The Human At The Same Time.”

Sans and Red both turned into a flustered shade of blue and red respectively. “god dammit edge, will you stop that!” Sans snapped quietly.

“w-whatever, it doesn’t matter who’s gonna ask her,” Red took a breath, recomposing himself, “i can’t let her stay down like that.” His brows furrowed, sharp teeth in a frown.

“... OH, LOOKS LIKE YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ANYMORE,” Papyrus suddenly spoke in his full volume, “LOOK!”

Sans and Red both looked away from their respective brothers, back to the human- and oh FUCK Axe’s beat them to it-

“... (y/n)?” Axe carefully rounded the couch to your slouching form, looking as blue as Classic’s jacket, “you... you ok?”

“Oh, Axe!” Axe couldn’t help but feel a little bit of pride swell in him when you lit up a little when he came, “I’m... I’m ok. Just down, I guess.” You exhaled.

“something... happen?” He sat down heavily beside you, his largeness filling up a lot of the space on the couch, it bending down from his weight, causing you to slide onto him unintentionally. Axe’s soul flipped at the closeness.

After blinking a few times, you spoke. “... Yeah, I guess you can say that.”

“Just... I can’t believe my coworker would steal my credit like that,”

what? Axe blinked.

You were making a project for the bosses that time, and despite your partner lazing off and doing the bare minimum- you managed to get the product done on time. You were up to present for it- when your asshole coworker decided to be a good coworker for once, and presented all about the product that you mostly did the work before hand. And they did it well too! They were just observing you, and not helping at all. And now it looked like you didn’t do your part in front of the bosses- what with the asshole stealing all you wanted to say, cutting you off when you managed to say a sentence.

“...” Axe stayed silent. Maybe... He didn’t understand. He never had an office job, so it might not make sense to him... But that’s ok. He stayed there to listen as you complained a light problem to him. You were just annoyed, that’s all.

... You hoped he wouldn’t be upset, knowing his history, that this was a really light problem-

i’m gonna kill them, Axe thought in his mind as he just continued to stare at you, looking up at him, where do they live, i can get rid of them.

“oh.” Was what he said out loud. “... do you have their business card, or somethin..?” He asked innocently, “maybe you can file a complaint about them to your boss...”

You blinked your eyes. Axe hates being formal like that, he sure as hell wouldn’t want to give respect to your bosses he barely knows.

“... No killing.” You said.

Damn. You caught him. You know him... Axe was disappointed, but he liked that you knew him enough to catch him.

“but they deserve it,” Axe mentions plainly.

“... Maybe,” You joked, probably not serious, with a cheeky smile on your face. He adored that smile. how fucking dare they try to wipe that smile of your face. He wanted to kill them.

“well, guess i can’t do anything if you don’t let me.” Axe shrugged, pulling you close to hug you. “wanna sleep it off?” He offered.

“... Ok.” You agreed immediately, leaning against him, shutting your eyes to just forget the stress.

...

“god damn it!” Red hissed, looking at you practically melting onto the human eater beside you. Axe’s smile had blown wide, that giant red eyelight fixed onto your head as he tucked you to him. “why does he get to touch her all the time?”

“because he doesn’t grab her ass,” Sans retorted, the same bout of jealousy building up in him. Not like he doesn’t agree with Red, but... He couldn’t help but take a jab at his edgy counterpart. Red just rolled his red lights at him.

“Hello, Everybody!”

The Sanses, along with their brothers, looked back. Crooks was there, waving happily to the group of skeletons.

“Why Are You All Looking At My Brother And The Human Like That?” He tilted his head, specifically eyeing the two alternates of his brother with his shrunken eyesockets.

“u-uh,” Red stammered before Sans quickly rushed in front of him. “h-hey, crooks! what ya got there?” He quickly tried to cover himself up. Crooks was carrying bags of groceries in his other hand.

“Oh, YES!” Crooks used his volume fully, making the others flinch and look back to the couch, seeing Axe had fallen asleep on (Y/n).

... Both Sanses seethed at the scene, making Papyrus chuckle, Edge shaking his head disappointedly, and Crooks tilt his skull.

“UM...” Crooks continued, “I BOUGHT FOOD- BUT!” He raised a pointer finger, “I ALSO BOUGHT BAKING SUPPLIES!”

“BAKING? I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY THAT!” Papyrus beamed, eyeing the groceries eagerly. “ARE YOU GOING TO TRY TO BAKE TODAY, CROOKS?”

“OH, NO,” He answered, looking at the bags as well, “I HADN’T THOUGHT OF ANYTHING TO BAKE YET... I JUST SAW THEM ON THE WAY TO THE CASHIER AND THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE FUN!”

“OH? WHAT A SHAME.” Edge voiced, “YOU MUST TELL THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE PAPYRUS WHEN YOU START. I WANT TO SEE YOU FOOLS MESS THINGS UP.”

“OH SURE!” Crooks replied happily, used to Edge’s snarky remarks, “I PLAN TO TRY TOMORRO-”

“today is good.” Red cut Crooks off. “ya got anythin’ that can bake a cake, crooks?”

“OF COURSE!” Crooks tilted his head, “... YOU WANT TO BAKE, RED?”

Red flushed.

“me too,” Sans stepped up, “i wanna bake too.”

“can we give it to (y/n) too?” Red asked, already moving to the bags.

“WHY NOT? SHE LIVES IN THIS HOUSE TOO!” Crooks asked, looking at his brother protectively cradling (Y/n) in his arms, making her look small compared to him from the size difference. “... WHY SO SUDDENLY, THOUGH?”

“OH, YES, CROOKS!” Papyrus grabbed Crooks’ attention, “YOU SEE, (Y/N) SEEMS TO BE DOWN IN THE DUMPS TODAY, AND WE’RE WORRIED ON HOW TO CHEER HER UP!” He clasped his gloved hands. “AND SINCE AXE HAD A NICE TIME WITH HER, OUR BROTHERS DON’T WANT TO GET BEHIND ON THE COMPETITION!”

Splutters from both hoodied skeletons. Sans looked up at his brother in disbelief, and Red cringing into his hoody.

“OH, THAT’S EXCITING!” Crooks beamed, causing the shorter skeletons to flush indignantly, “THEN WHAT ARE YOU TWO WAITING FOR? YOU AREN’T GOING TO STEAL HER FROM MY BROTHER, BUT-” Edge and Papyrus shot challenging stares at Crooks, making him smirk, “I’M SURE WE CAN MAKE THE GREATEST OF CAKES WITH ALL OUR SKULLS PUT TOGETHER!”

“WITH THREE PAPYRUSES!” Papyrus clapped excitedly.

“AND... WITH OUR GREAT BROTHERS!... THAT ARE LESS GREAT THAN ME, OF COURSE.” Edge couldn’t hide his excitement.

Sans and Red covered their face embarrassedly as they went into the kitchen, their taller brothers chirping excitedly as they took out the ingredients. Sans thanked his lucky stars- They might not be great at cooking pasta, but in baking the Papyruses hit it out of the ball park.

......................................

“YES, IT IS DONE, BROTHERS!”

You blinked awake from the voice of Papyrus in the kitchen, along sounds of metal clanging.

You yawned and moved to sit, but realized you were... Being held.

In your sleep, Axe had moved your entire body up to his lap, and he had a gentle yet firm hold on you, his arms securely circling your body, covering your own arms. Your heart beat faster at the intimate position. And Axe himself was asleep. Did he move you while he was awake or not?

... You kind of wanted to sleep again, he was just so warm and comfortable and protective...

“Psst. Human!”

Crooks’ skull was peeking out of the hallway that lead to the kitchen. He took in the sight in front of him, and a bigger smile had formed on his face as he stepped out into the room.

AW. He smiled. He hasn’t seen his brother this affectionate towards anyone else other than him. He looked like he was treating you with care like how you would a baby.

“... Do You Mind Coming To The Kitchen? We Have Food!” He beamed, crouching in front of the sofa.

An inviting scent wafted into the room as soon as he said that. It was sweet and homely.

“... Mmm.” You hummed, feeling Axe stir behind you a little. “That smells really good.”

You looked back at Axe, who still hadn’t roused yet. “But uh, Crooks? Your brother is still asleep,” You smiled softly, looking up at the big bear-skeleton cradling you.

“... SO HE IS,” Crooks sighed, letting himself get louder so he could wake his brother. “BROTHER! WAKE UP! YOU ARE BLOCKING THE HUMAN’S PATH FROM FOOD!” He patted his brother’s shoulder.

Axe blinked his sockets out of sync, eyelight fuzzy from drowsiness. “food...?” He questioned, “human... food... why’re ya eating human, paps?” He pulled you closer to his chest, protectively.

You blinked awkwardly, staring up at Crooks who’s mouth fell open in the same level of awkwardness as you did.

“N-NO, BROTHER! I SAID THE HUMAN NEEDS TO EAT,” Crooks had an indignant faint orange blush on his skull which he quickly brushed away. “I KNOW YOU LIKE THE HUMAN, BUT YOU’VE GOT TO LET HER GO.”

“mm... no... my human,” Axe blinked drowsily, voice slurred as he sank back into the couch, bringing you with him.

“Um, Axe?” You squeaked, embarrassed. “But... Don’t you want food?”

Axe blinked fully awake. “oh right. food.”

That wasn’t like him. Anyone from their universe would pounce at the subject of food.

For once, Axe felt... Satisfied.

“why didn’t you say so, paps?”

“I DID!” Papyrus huffed as Axe sat up, making you sit fully between his legs, making you blush in the slightest. Axe yawned, letting you go.

“smells good. food good.” Axe drawled, eyesockets lidding lazily.

Crooks cheerfully took your hand and lead the two of you to the kitchen, where the scent grew stronger and stronger. You went into the kitchen-

And saw a shipwreck, as usual. There were unidentified splotches everywhere, on the walls, near the sink, on the fridge and oven- Sans, Papyrus, Red, and Edge were covered in them too. Although the Sanses had less of it on them. Papyrus was beaming proudly, Edge was scowling, as usual. Sans and Red were... Smiling nervously. You looked at the island in the middle of the kitchen.

... A cake was on it. Pristine and perfect. It smelled strongly of vanilla, and had two layers. Cream in the middle, and perhaps icing on the layer above, with a cherry on top.

“ya... ya like that?” Red all but squeaked at you, eyelights going back and forth from the cake to your sleepy face.

“it’s for you, (y/n).” Sans walked up nervously to the island, picking the plate with the cake up, walking to you and holding it up for you.

“IS IT TO YOUR LIKING?” Papyrus asked.

“IT MUST BE, HOW CAN YOU NOT LIKE SOMETHING MADE BY ME??” Edge pressed.

You hadn’t reacted, just blinking away the sleepiness as your eyes darted from your skeleton housemates back to the cake and forth.

“... Oh my god,” you breathed, “You all made this... For me?”

“OF COURSE!” Crooks sounded triumphantly, “TALE AND RED WERE ESPECIALLY EXCITED TO MAKE THIS FOR YOU.”

Sans shrunk into his hoodie, while Red was looking away from you, at the wall. He walked to you slowly, averting your gaze.

“w-well.” He shut his sockets, before setting his eyelights on you. “give it a try, sugar.”

You blinked, and a smirk came across your lips. Sans and Red blinked in confusion. They were standing side to side, and white cream were on their faces, so...

You pulled both your hands out and took them off their faces, popping your fingers in your mouth, thoughtful expression on your face. Their reaction was priceless.

... Oh, that was good.

“It’s... It’s delicious, you guys!” You beamed, face lighting up from the sugary taste. It was sweet, but not too sweet. Perfect.

“... WHAT WERE YOU DOING TEASING MY BROTHERS LIKE THAT??” Edge stomped his foot, scowling annoyingly as red and blue was seeping across the Sanses’ face.

“Well,” you smiled coyly, “This is a whole cake, you hadn’t cut it or given me a fork or anything. What, you wanted me to grab at it with my hands and destroy how perfect it looks?” You shot.

Edge shut his mouth, then eyed his brothers, specifically towards Red. “SANS, WERE YOU TRYING TO GET THE HUMAN TO LICK YOU.’

“no boss!” Red sweated, “i mean, i want her to lick me-”

Sans punched Red on the ribcage, causing him to recoil. He was about to react when you giggled.

“O-oh my god,” You wheezed, “Let’s just. Let’s just eat, shall we?”

Axe eyed the cake, then back to your bright face. “please, go ahead,” He gestured, walking past the group to the fridge. “you guys get on on the desert-turned-appetizer while i cook a real meal. not a snack.” He grinned wider, red eyelight studying the food in the fridge.

“oh no you don’t,” Sans challenged, handing you the cake. “you don’t get to say that. let me help.”

“no.”

“i ain’t done with ‘er yet,” Red smirked, giving you a confident smirk and a pat on the shoulder, traces of nervousness gone as he walked up to Axe beside the fridge. “let me help.”

“... no,” Axe said again.

Your eyes pop awake, as if you were startled.

...

You blink a few times, not knowing what had urged you to awake so quickly. The sun was still pretty dim, flowing in through the small gaps between your curtains. Your eyes dart to your digital clock.

6:04

Wow... Why am I awake? You stare blankly at it. Why does your body do this some time? You feel awake and alert, for no reason. You feel bored already, thinking of closing your eyes and trying to drift to sleep.

The moment I get some time to sleep, my body decides to get up... You grumbled to yourself as you automatically walk towards your door, heading to the Sanses’ room on instinct.

You lean in to their door...

Only to hear nothing.

...

Oh wait- you can hear a snore- probably Axe’s, with the deepest and loudest voice.

You giggle... He sounded so cute and innocent when he’s sleeping.

You sighed, resigning yourself to your bed, doomed to sit on your bed and look at your laptop, phone, whatever- until someone wakes up-

“... You... Try... IT!”

You hear Papyrus’ voice, coming from the living room.

“Maybe... Brother... Don’t Know,” Came in Crooks’ voice.

...

Maybe you weren’t cursed to be alone this morning. You walk towards the living room to find all of the Papyruses (Papyri?) standing in a circle, all wearing casual sports clothes.

“... OH, HUMAN! GOOD MORNING!” Papyrus was the first to notice you, waving at you enthusiastically, prompting the other two to turn their skulls to you.

“TCH, THE HUMAN.” Edge grumbled, crossing his arms and looking away from you, the big tsundere that he is. You giggled in your mind.

“O-OH, HUMAN!” Crooks’ stammered, a muted orange blush tinting his cheekbones, “DID... DID WE WAKE YOU UP? I’M SORRY, I TRIED TO TALK IN AS LOW AS A VOLUME AS I COULD!”

“No, you’re ok Crooks, Papyrus, Edge,” You gave a long stare to the sharp-toothed softy trying to look like he hates your every being, “I woke up on my own, for no reason... And now I’m just bored. What’re you guys up to?”

“AH, SEE, ME AND EDGE ALWAYS GO ON A MORNING JOG EVERY DAY! CROOKS HERE WANTED TO JOIN BUT... HE HADN’T DECIDED YET, SINCE AXE HADN’T GIVEN HIM THE GREEN LIGHT,”

“YOU MEAN THE RED LIGHT,” Edge butted in.

“RIGHT RIGHT... THE RED LIGHT,” Papyrus rolled his ‘eyes’, though the grin on his face was widening, “BUT HE REALLY WANTS TO COME WITH- HE HADN’T DONE SO SINCE... WELL, THAT IS, SINCE...”

“SINCE THE CORE BROKE IN MY UNIVERSE!” Crooks finished enthusiastically, sending the rest of the group to glance awkwardly away from him.

“I’VE ONLY DONE PUZZLES AND TRAPS, WITH THE QUEEN BEING SO DEMANDING I DIDN’T HAVE TIME FOR JOGGING...” He says regretfully. “SO I WANT TO GO WITH!”

“Then why don’t you?” You ask.

“WELL, AS I SAID BEFORE,” Crooks started, “I DON’T KNOW IF MY BROTHER APPROVES-”

“YES, BUT WE KNOW THE SURFACE IS SAFE,” Edge rolled his eyelights, huffing annoyingly, “BESIDES, IT IS QUITE POSSIBLY 6:10 NOW! WE’RE LATE BY TEN MINUTES, AND THE TERRIBLE PAPYRUS CAN NOT HAVE THAT! CHOOSE NOW, CROOKS!” He demanded.

“Uh, before you choose...” You piped in, “I uh... Can I join you?”

Crooks blinked, Papyrus beamed, pressing his gloved hands to his face with his eyes shining happily, while Edge’s brows picked up.

“OF COURSE, HUMAN!” Papyrus smiled, “YOU WILL BE VERY WELCOME TO JOIN US!”

“THAT IS...” Edge looked to the side, hand on his chin, “IF YOU CAN CATCH UP WITH US... YOU BEING A PUNY HUMAN, HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY RUN WITH US?”

“...” Crooks went silent as he stared at nothing. You noticed this, and you felt a little concerned.

“Crooks? Is there something wrong..?” You peeped, looking up at the crooked-teeth skeleton. His eyes finally flick to you, and a grin stretched out on his face.

“WELL... YOU CAN GO OUTSIDE RIGHT?” Crooks seemed to be piecing together something as he looked at you, “AND MY BROTHER REALLY DOESN’T WANT THE ONES HE LOVES IN DANGER, AND HE DOESN’T SEEM TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH YOU LEAVING.” He continued, completely ignoring how red your face turned at the casual mention that Axe loved you, “THEN SURELY I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, WHO IS MIGHTY AND STRONG! WILL BE FINE TAKING A JOG WITH TWO OTHER PAPYRUS- AND I NEED TO ASSIST THE LITTLE HUMAN ANYWAYS, RIGHT?” He smiled at you.

“IF YOU CANNOT CATCH UP WITH US, I SHALL CARRY YOU, (Y/N)!” He bounced, swiping you off your feet, holding you out to him like a baby.

“OF COURSE THE HUMAN WOULDN’T CATCH UP,” Edge scoffed, “I DON’T KNOW WHY YOU BOTHER TO BRING HER ALONG THEN.”

“WELL,” Crooks picked you up in one hand, around your stomach as he put you to his side like a bag, hands and feet dangling below you while his other hand, in a fist, was put on his waist. “I MUST BE A BIT RUSTY IN THE SPORTING DEPARTMENT, SO I MUST TRAIN EXTRA HARD NOW!” He declared, “AND WHILE THIS HUMAN IS LIGHT FOR SOMEONE AS GREAT AS ME,” He demonstrated by throwing you up a little in his hand, “A LITTLE BAGGAGE WILL SURELY HELP ME GET INTO SHAPE QUICKLY!”

“You mean... You’re gonna use me like a weight?” You quirked your head up at him, a weird smile on your face.

Oh boy.

“PRECISELY!” Crooks nodded, before looking down on you worriedly, “NOT THAT I’M TRYING TO CALL YOU HEAVY!! THAT DOESN’T MATTER AS LONG AS YOU’RE HAPPY!” He smiled at you. You laughed.

“No no, don’t worry, I don’t care about that.” You shrugged. “If I’m gonna be a figurative weight while you guys sprint, might as well be some literal training weights, right?”

“YES!” Crooks, relieved, closed his sockets at you, “THAT WAY I’LL BE JOGGING AND WEIGHT LIFTING, NYAH HAH HAH!”

... Edge stepped forward to the two of you, scowl on his face.

“CROOKS,” He frowned, “GIVE THE HUMAN TO ME,”

“WHAT?”

“I CANNOT LET YOU OUTSHINE THE GREAT PAPYRUS!” He grumbled, “I MUST CARRY HER!”

You looked up at him... And a faint red blush was coming across him.

“NOT! THAT I! WANT TO CARRY HER SPECIFICALLY!” He tried to cover himself, sockets widening and sweat appearing on his skull, “I... I AM NOT DOING THIS FOR YOU, HUMAN! I AM SIMPLY USING YOU TO STRENGTHEN MYSELF!”

You giggled. “Sure sure, Edge.”

“NYEH HEH HEH...” The three of you looked up to Papyrus, who has been watching the whole scene happen before his eyes. “LOOKS LIKE YOU’VE MADE OUR MORNING JOG MORE INTERESTING, HUMAN!”

“AND SINCE WE’RE SLIGHTLY LATE FROM THE WHOLE DEBACLE EARLIER, WE MIGHT GET LATE COMING BACK HERE IF WE WANT TO TRAIN OUR BODIES FULLY...” He pressed his hands together, a sly grin on him.

“... UNLESS WE HAVE SOMETHING... SOMEONE EXTRA TO HELP OUT TO CHASE THE TIME.” He finished. Then...

You were yoinked out of Crooks’ hold before Papyrus dashed out the front door, morning air brushing your face as Papyrus ran in breakneck speeds- holding you by the stomach like Crooks did, but this time your head was looking behind him and your butt at the front, again, like you were a bag or a doll or something. Behind him, the other two had broke out of the door, chasing after your skeleton ‘kidnapper’.

“NYEEEEH! PAPPY!!!” Crooks called, a distressed look on his face, “YOU CAN’T JUST STEAL THE HUMAN FROM MY HANDS LIKE THAT!”

“NYEARGH, I WILL BE THE ONE TO CARRY THE HUMAN!” Edge screeched as Papyrus ‘NYEH-HEH-HEH’ed away from them, trying to keep you with him as Crooks and Edge caught up.