115

To Protect Oneself and Others

Sans joined everyone for dinner. He could feel Karla's eyelights burning into his skull. He gave her an easy-going grin, daring her to try again. The game was starting now and this time Sans was ready to play. He was ready for whoever she sent after him next. Sans managed to get a seat near Zilla. "Hey Sans." Shd greeted him with a smile. "sup m'lady? have a good day today?" She shrugged. "It was busy. I may just take tonight to myself, all these males are getting suffocating." Sans nodded. "i get that." He agreed. "everyone needs their own space." Sans heard an irritated huff and looked over at the Lord and his Lady. He was giving her a stern look while she was glowering at Sans. "... I wonder what's up with them?" Zilla questioned, also noticing her parents as they excused themselves. "i... don't think your mom likes me very much." Sans said slowly. "i don't want to cause problems, but at the same time, i don't want anyone harming my bestie either." He looked at her. "Your stats though? What could you do about it if someone else were to do something? I don't mean to sound rude, but you nearly died last time... I don't want my friend hurt either.." Sans closed his sockets. "let's protect each other until you find the right guy then, huh?"

115

"sorry i am causing problems." Noto looked at Sans, startled that the young bachelor found him. Not many knew of the old bridge a mile from his home. He came here whenever he was stressed to watch the world go by him. "It is fine. While my wife is less than pleased by you, Zilla is happier with you around, that I can see. It is all I want for her." Sans stood a small distance from the Lord, looking out with him. "that's admirable. i want her to be happy too, whoever and whatever she chooses. i don't think that is in your wife's interest... sorry if i'm overstepping a boundary." Noto sighed. "You are not wrong... I cannot do anything yet, she's done nothing wrong herself, but my wife is... irrational. I fear what she will try to do something. Can you protect yourself?" Sans nodded. "i'm stronger than i look. i don't want to hurt anyone if i don't have to, but for zilla? i'll protect her even if it means breaking the rules." Noto chuckled. "At least you're honest about it."

115

Sans went to his dad who had decided to stick around to catch Karla. "What can I do for you, Sans?" Sans hesitated to ask, but if he was going to protect himself and especially Zilla, he needed to sharpen his skills again. "i want to train my magic again." Dr. Gaster paused in his work as he looked back at Sans in surprise. "But you haven't trained in years Sans. What made you want to pick up again?" The scientist questioned though the smile on his face told Sans he already knew. "... you're gonna make me say it?"
"I need to hear it, Sans." Sans heaved a sigh. "i want to keep myself and zilla safe. since karla is after me and noto said i make zilla happier, so i need to keep myself safe as well." Sans explained. "so please, train me again." How could Gaster say no? "I know a private area where we could train away from prying eyes." Sans grinned. "great, cause this is really one of my only good cards and i don't need my enemies knowing about it."