Welcome to Grillby's

And as soon as Grillby left for the kitchen he was left to his own thoughts, the remaining shock that Grillby had confessed to him and he himself vocally returned the feelings. It wasn’t that he felt low that he didn’t deserve this but it was the whole idea that Grillby seemed perfect to him. Sure he knew the guy had his own struggled but Grillby was loved by all of Snowdin. He provided them a warm friendly environment and good food. Grillby provided Sans with a reason to have hope.

As soon as the food was brought out Sans could smell ketchup. And a lot of it for that matter. Not that it was a bad thing. But he did recall Grillby making comments before about how he hated the condiment and even refused to try his own ketchup cake creation when Sans offered Grillby a bite of it. From the looks of it the sauce on the spaghetti and for the bread sticks were made from ketchup. Grillby hated the stuff so the skeleton was fairly surprised when he saw there were two plates of food sat down.

Once Grillby had returned a second time and rejoined him at the table, Sans mimicked him in laying the napkin over his lap. He hadn’t remembered the last time he had a fancy dinner. Sure he ate at MTT resort back in his timeline a few times when he was working there but he never felt the need to force himself to be proper. Not that he was particularly messy or undignified when eating but he didn’t exactly have class. 

“Heh you know me… I enjoy anything you make, and the fact that you went out of your way to make me something special makes it all the better.” It wasn’t a lie. It wasn’t just the fact he had just said yes to going out with the bartender. Grillby’s food always seemed to make him feel better and brighten up his mood. The fact it was a meal just for them made it all the better.

Taking his fork and digging into the pasta Sans took his first bite. It was perfect to him. Then again Grillby had combined two of his favorite things, ketchup and spaghetti. Even if most of Sans’ experience with spaghetti had been hiding the food somewhere before Papyrus noticed. It reminded him of happy times with his brother. The skeleton was practically beaming by the next few bites. “You’ve outdone yourself as usual Grillbz.”

It was common knowledge that Grillby just couldn’t eat food made for monsters or humans. He required sustenance in the form of flammable liquids and wood, or anything used to fuel a fire. Technically, he didn’t even have to consume very much because maintaining his current form was not taxing at all- however, if he wanted to increase his size, that’s where all his energy went. By putting these things into his mouth, of course it’d make things smell. His favorite tended to be applewood, since it was so sweet. Food tends to leave an acrid scent in the air and Grillby was positive that ketchup would be the worst.

He knew that if he didn’t eat, though, it’d probably be awkward for Sans. It would also seem like he was disinterested in them eating together. In the end, Grillby stuck to cutting small pieces of his meal to quickly shove into his mouth, hoping that the smaller the bites, the less the horrid smell filters through the air. He tried not to seem like he was rushing it, though, because he didn’t want to make the skeleton think he had to be as quick to eat.

Grillby absently thanked whomever made him or summoned him that he couldn’t taste. He had no doubt in his mind that ketchup was something of an acquired taste. While Sans ate other things, it was no secret that ketchup was his favorite. It didn’t even take a month to realize that and Grillby was nothing short of observant. Even if it seemed like a weird choice of food to enjoy, it wasn’t like he could say anything about it- it’s not like other monsters were out there drinking kerosene or munching on small round pieces of charcoal like they’re biting out a chunk from an apple.

“You’re biased, Sans,” he pointed out. He knew he wasn’t a bad cook- evidently, because everyone keeps coming back for more- but he still wanted to be modest. Learning a skill that he didn’t need, personally, had been time consuming. Made worse with the fact he couldn’t taste, it had taken ages to get good. He honestly feels sorry for the taste testers that he’s needed over his lifetime, Gerson having been one.

In Character

Set name as:

URL_CharacterName

ex. BonefiedBrother_Sans

No OCs

No Genderbents

Undertale only

“Grillby– Its not that I… The things is…”

The skeleton trailed off, bringing a hand up to his face to try and wipe away the tears. Despite what Grillby may have thought he was tearing up because he was upset or sad. He was just overwhelmingly happy that he started to cry. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt this happy. No one had even done something like this for him, confessed in such a way. The white light of his eyes returned after the initial shock had settled, giving a genuine smile to Grillby, though it still looked like he might start tearing up again. 

“I love you too Grillby… I don’t exactly know when it started but… You mean the world to me. I don’t know where I’d be without you…I… Heh…  You really light the fire in my soul you know.”

The offered napkin was finally picked up so he could wipe away any of the remaining tears off his face and hands before setting it back down on the table. Grillby really had gone far out of way for all of this. Not just the confession and dinner, but going out of his way to write him a song and everything.

 God he was lucky to have Grillby in his life.

“Dinner sounds great… and heh… I don’t get to hear you play too much so how could I say no?”

“We’ll take it as it is, if you want, Sans. Slow and steady wins the race, right?” He couldn’t keep the giddy smile off his face, despite knowing how weird his facial expressions form when he used his mouth (the teeth were scary, no?). “For now, we should focus on eating. I will return in but a moment.”

As he says this, he sweeps away from the room and heads back into the kitchen to the plates of food. He picks up the plates of breadsticks and spaghetti, keeping his hands at the bottom of them so he could heat them up. They had been sitting in here since the whole thing began and it wouldn’t be a very good date if he served cold food. 

“Careful, they’re hot,” Grillby says as he sets the plates down on the table, next to napkins covered in silverware. He isn’t looking forward to eating his own creation, but he goes for ridiculous lengths to please this skeleton and he’s not going to make him eat alone. Though he had been tempted to shovel the spaghetti right through his head and down the back of the chair, where he could have stealthily put a small trashcan, but getting caught shoving his arm into his face would have made things awkward.

He sweeps back into the kitchen to bring out the drinks as well and once everything is set up, he takes his seat in the chair and scoots himself back up to the table. There, he picks up the spare napkin on the other side of the dishes, and folds it over his lap. 

They were pulled to his chest, fingers running over the petals idly, finally starting to relax. Well as much as someone could relax in his sort of situation. At least he didn’t feel like his soul was going to burst out of his chest to the point it was worrisome. 

His gaze eventually returned to Grillby. Honestly it was a surprised the skeleton hadn’t cracked some sort of joke or pun yet involving the entire situation. Or even spoke more than a few words to the bartender. Even if he could find the words he couldn’t bring himself to interrupt Grillby. The idea of leaving was confusing to him. Did Grillby really think he would would want to leave after seeing all the effort that went into this night? How obviously hard this was for the fire elemental? He didn’t say he was going to stay or leave but he hoped his awkward yet full attention on Grillby would be answer enough.

It was obvious what Grillby was getting at honestly. Even if somewhere in his chest he wanted to deny it. That this wasn’t happening to him. He didn’t hate his life. He didn’t think he was the worst off but he was used to taking whatever life gave him, which wasn’t much. And even then those good things were usually taken from him. Grillby was the one thing in life that he honestly loved. The one thing that couldn’t be taken from him so easily. The one monster who after the resets actually gave him some sort of hope.

Grillby meant the world to him, and knowing those feelings were returned. He couldn’t figure out what he was supposed to feel. Obviously he was overjoyed but he couldn’t exactly piece them together at the moment. What was he supposed to say? Of course he wanted to reciprocate the confession, too bad Sans found himself speechless. He just hoped Grillby wouldn’t take the silence as any sort of rejection.

“I suppose it wouldn’t make things better if I said I had a meal put together and that I wrote you a song, would it?” He asked, trying to keep his tone lighter. At this point, he would pull out all the tricks in his sleeve if it meant he could get the skeleton to stop crying and instead start smiling. He can’t believe he’s so bad at this whole comfort thing.

However, it was true. He’d spent many of his nights stringing enough notes together on the piano to sound semi decent. Even though he wasn’t entirely happy with it, it was something. He couldn’t keep putting all of this off. It wasn’t like him. Not one bit.

Eyes were giving the bar another look over before Grillby finally emerged from the kitchen. The light beating of his soul stopped almost abruptly when he saw the fire elemental. It was weird to not see him in his usual bartender outfit. Honestly he wondered sometimes if he even had other clothes, though it seemed as though that question was answered now. Even without his usual clothes Grillby seemed to wear something that look just as nice. Which brought him to look down at his own. Pink fuzzy slippers, loose black shorts, a white T shirt and a heavily worn hoodie. It was burned in several placed and even had a hole going right out the back. Compared to Grillby he looked like he just rolled out of the dump. Sure his clothes were clean but couldn’t Grillby of mentioned he should try and dress somewhat nicely?

The skeleton could feel his face heating up, blue dusting his cheek bones as he stared at Grillby. Sure he was aware the other wouldn’t judge him for his appearance and Sans never had much of a reason to try and impress Grillby with how he looked but now he was regretting not asking the monster who delivered the letter what it was about. God he felt stupid and embarrassed. He even had half a mind to just teleport right out of there and back home to make himself seem somewhat presentable.

“Uuuuh….”

Whatever he was attempting to say didn’t come out. Any words he had thought of had left his mind, though at least he had enough thought process to slowly make his way over to the table, eye sockets never leaving Grillby. Even after he had taken a seat in the chair that had been pulled out for him. The book he had previously under his arm pushed into his jacket and dropped into his inventory so it wouldn’t get in the way. Once that was squared away small bony hands moved to rest on his lap as he waited for some sort of direction.

There was an awkward pause as Grillby tried to gather what he should say. He shifted and pulled out a few note cards from his pocket, trying not to seem too obvious that he had them in his hand. He skimmed over his bullet points, letting out another soft sigh. He shifted awkwardly and tried not to recall the last time he’d confessed to someone. He looked at the cards one last time, shoving them back from whence they came where he was sure what he had to say.

“Before I begin, I’d like to say that you are free to leave if it’s..uncomfortable for you to listen to. I’d never want to knowingly put you into a situation like that, much less ever make you do something you don’t want. What I’m about to say will perhaps change how things are between us, but I hope in a good way. It might also get a little bit lengthy, but I’ve been preparing to say this for ages.”

He paused, letting that sink in, before he decided to continue on with his speech. 

“When you first came to this bar, I had my doubts about what you’d be like, and certainly I never would have expected that we’d be such fast friends. The more time we spent together, the more certain I became- of my feelings, that is. At first, I tried to deny it, but it’s no use anymore, and I don’t want to regret not telling you. You are much more than you could ever think you are. I want you to know just how much you mean to me, and just how important you are in my life.”

He stopped, adjusting his glasses as if doing so would hide the embarrassment on his face. He pulled them off and stared over at the skeleton, gazing at him seriously. He set them down in front of him, clasped his hands over his lap, and with one last final push of bravery, said what he had been meaning to when he planned this date night.

Sans wasn’t even able to get much out before the letter was pushed into his hands. Before he knew it the monster was waving good bye and heading off into the snow, far gone before he could even ask who it was from. Most of the people he knew had his phone number or Undernet to contact him. Letters were much a thing of the past he figured. Especially if you had to cross timelines just to deliver it.

His book was set the to side. It was something related to astronomy and the like. Opening up the letter Sans read over the words, a confused expression crossing his features. Sure he knew Grillby enjoyed his company, or he liked to think he did. Grillby did let him get away with the tab and spend time after hours there. But the idea Grillby would actually request him there was entirely odd. Sans has just been there last night, and he planned on going tomorrow, though it seems there was going to be a small change of plans. Not that he minded. If Grillby wanted him there then it was most likely important. 

Standing and cracking a few bones in the process, Sans took the letter and pushed it into his pocket, picking up the old book and tucking it under his arm. Better not keep the man waiting. Didn’t want the fire elemental to get too heated by taking too long. Seconds later he was engulfed in a blue light, teleporting him to Grillby’s timeline near the bar. 

The bar looked lit up as per usual. Nothing out of the ordinary from the outside, and by that it didn’t seem like the place had caught fire thankfully. Not that it was his immediate thought when Grillby sent the letter. The door was pushed open, the skeleton speaking before he even registered the entire layout of the bar had been changed. He was a little more worried about how long ago the letter was actually sent out and if he had been keeping the fire monster waiting long or not.

“Whats cookin’ Grillbz? Ya miss me that much?”

Suddenly his body was tensed up when he noticed the usual tables were all gone aside of one in the middle that seemed a bit more dressed up then the set ups usually were. The bar almost looked entirely different inside. Sure the bar was always nice and clean but there was an extra shine to it. Nothing seemed out of place. 

If he had any blood it would have run cold by now. Panic and confusion setting in. Somewhere in the back of his mind he could easy see what was going on but he couldn’t exactly let it fully register yet. The only movement he made was to step further inside, allowing the door to shut behind him.

He took in a deep breath of air that he didn’t really need and adjusted the clothes he’d switched his bartender out for. He’d remembered only after he sent the letter out that he didn’t say Sans should wear something formal, so he had ran to the back rooms where his closet was, to find something somewhat fitting for both casual settings and a formal date. In the end, he chose a casual button up, a tie, a cardigan he was surprised still fit him, and some jeans. They were slightly tight, but well, it had been years since he wore them. He wanted to look good for Sans.

He skimmed over his appearance in the reflective surfaces in his kitchen as he walked to the door. When he hesitated once more at them, he decided it’d be his last. There would be no more cowardice. Tonight was the night and he had to do this. No backing out, he thought. He picked up the artificial flowers he’d picked out at the store (no sense in giving something that would only die in his grasp, right?), hoping Sans liked red camellia. 

He stepped out of the kitchen and spotted the skeleton standing over by the door. Lifting a hand, flowers raised to his chest in a semi-defensive stance, he greeted the skeleton with enthusiasm. He certainly had gotten there rather quickly, he thought to himself, walking over to the table. He pulled out one of the chairs and gestured for Sans to sit. 

Set your name as:

URL_CHARACTER NAME EX. BONEFIEDBROTHER_SANS

Undertale only

No OCs

“Exciting.” Sans released a laughing sigh, running a hand over his brow. Yeah. Knowing Grillby might be dead tomorrow sure excited the hell out of him. Grillby had the distinct advantage of having no idea that a serial murderer might be lurking right around the corner. Sans didn’t even try to deny that he was jealous. He wished he could be one of the unknowing victims. Better than being useless as far as protecting them.

“I, uh…don’t wanna be ungrateful, Grillbz, but. There’s nothin’ ta be proud of.” Still, he tried his best to return the smile, knowing it was meant with the best intentions. “You’re a real legend, buddy. How’d ya end up way out here with such crappy company? Snowdin ain’t exactly as lively as Hotland.” If he wanted, Grillby probably could have prospered there, or in the capitol. Sans always felt a bit guilty that he was stuck in the boondocks where people didn’t pay their ketchup tab. Not that he ever in a million years would want him to leave. Hell no. Then again…maybe he’d be safer out of Snowdin.

Who was he kidding. No one was safe from that maniac. Sans had tried so many times to figure out a way to end the cycle, but as long as they kept resetting, none of it mattered. Why even try. 

“I suppose there are things I haven’t yet told you, huh?” He realized, as soon as Hotlands was brought up. He made a face at the bar counter, movements hesitating for a hot second. “Lively wasn’t what I was looking for when I realized that I couldn’t stand remembering unpleasant times. I am, after all, a lot older than anyone gives me credit for. There are lots of things I have done that I can’t ever make up for. Sometimes, I don’t think I’d want to. Snowdin has become very much my home and I’ll do what it takes to keep it that way.” His flames flared for a second before he coughed politely into his hand and ‘returned to normal’. As normal as a fire could be.

“Though I am flattered you’d think that I would ever make it big. That’s just unfathomable,” he smiled a little at the thought. There was nowhere he’d rather be. A small community made it easier to make connections and friends were all he’d ever longed for. Hotlands was too much of a city to settle down in and it made it raising his daughter far too complicated, though she chose a boarding school there anyway.

He paused, hearing Sans admit to the nightmare. He stopped what he was doing for a moment to process that. He nodded in understanding and stood up straighter, placing his hands down on the counter as he leaned on it. “You know, Sans, the future is a very changeable thing. Say you went through a specific day doing the same things over and over again. If you were to take a different route along one of those paths, do you think you’d end up in the same place?”

“SANS I SWEAR IF YOU’RE IN HERE BEING LAZY AGAIN I’LL–”

There was a short pause, looking around the bar only to realize Sans wasn’t in view at all.

Despite Grillby’s initial surprise, he sets down the glass he had been collecting and places his hands on the counter. He looks around his bar and even under the counter before turning to Papyrus, shaking his head.