You Can Never Go Home

Budding Love

Sleep came and went, a small reprieve as your injuries slowly healed and memories plagued your thoughts. Healing, you reminded yourself, was never fun. Not only did the fight with Undyne leave you more than a few cuts and bruises, but it also drained your magic. Your body ached incessantly as your body tried to rapidly replenish the magic in your soul and each time you were pulled from the depths of sleep, you could feel the slow, agonizing process of your injuries knitting back together.

It was a small consolation that, as an elemental, your body healed faster than that of a normal person. Luckily for you, Sans (who also was unsurprisingly unable to sleep) managed to find something called monster candy.

The small candy somehow contained magical properties that significantly boosted your body's regenerative capabilities. At first, when he presented it to you, you were hesitant, but after he teased you for being scared you relented. Albeit skeptically, you put it on your tongue, and as it melted, warmth coursed through your veins, the magic within you seeming less depleted them before.

This morning, Papyrus generously let you sleep in, choosing instead to go on a solo run. While you felt a rush of disappointment for not being able to join him in your daily training, you knew deep down that, in your condition, you would be little more than a useless sparring partner. Your body needed time, and you had to accept that, no matter how frustrating it was.

You snuggled deeper into the oversized jacket, goosebumps prickling your spine despite the layers. It was late in the day, and you and Frisk were strolling through Snowdin. The sharp chill in the air nipped at any exposed skin, and even though each step caused a small twinge of pain, you couldn't stay trapped in the house any longer.

The buildings were quaint, their roofs adorned with a soft layer of snow, and icicles hung like shimmering daggers from the gutters. You exhaled, watching your breath form a misty cloud, and a smile tugged at your lips as a group of monster kids chased each other, flinging snowballs that exploded into puffs of white.

As you walked, you waved at familiar faces, each greeting you with a smile or a nod. Luckily, the townsfolk's initial surprise and wariness of you had faded, replaced only occasionally by a lingering stare. You understood the curiosity; after all, you were probably the only adult human they'd ever seen.

Anyway, it's not like I don't stare every once in a while. You thought absentmindedly. Frisk tugged sharply at your sleeve, pulling your attention to the side. Following their pointing finger, your grin widened. Nestled under the shade of tall pines, a gentle rabbit monster and their young child were meticulously sculpting a snow creature.

The child's laughter echoed as their dad dumped snow on their head, their tiny nose crinkling as they attempted to throw snow at the older male. You chuckled, shaking your head in amusement. Lost in the moment, you collided with something soft and fluffy, immediately stepping back, a flurry of apologies spilling from your mouth.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going!" You looked up, eyes widening in surprise. Two giant dog monsters stood before you, both white with dark brown, curious eyes. The male dog, wearing a collar with a small bell, tilted his head at you, his nose twitching as he leaned in to sniff your hair.

You stiffened, feeling his wet nose tickle your cheek. Unsure you steal a glance at Frisk, deadpanning when you notice they are attempting, and failing, to stifle their laughter. After a long. uncomfortable second, the monster pulled back with a soft bark, a toothy grin spreading across his face.

"Don't worry about it! You must be the bigger human everyone's been talking about!" His deep voice was low but playful. The female beside him wagged her tail and gave a warm, gentle bark, her eyes widening. Her heart-shaped tag on her collar jingled as she leaned forward to sniff you too, though thankfully this time the experience was quicker as she swiftly pulled back.