Reset (Sans x Older!Frisk)

13- Fall

For a long moment Frisk just stood there, paralyzed, but then Sans broke into a grin.

"Hey kid. This feels familiar, doesn't it?" he said, as if their meeting in this place was just a funny coincidence. As if they had never been here before, when just one reset ago he had killed her in this very spot again and again.

Of course, the very fact that he was saying it at all meant the opposite.

"Yes. I wish it didn't," Frisk responded somberly, holding his gaze.

She could remember the first time she'd met him in this room, when he'd told her he believed in her. Back then, his smile and his trust had both been genuine, and he had given her the strength she needed to face Asgore. She had only been a child then, but he had taught her to stand up for her own convictions.

She could remember the second time she'd been here as well- faintly. She had lost control to Chara and killed one monster, one that she could hardly remember, and the disgust in his voice and his words had been palpable. She had promised herself she wouldn't let it happen again. Just one more reset, she had promised, to get them the happy ending they deserve.

But there was no happy ending. She'd ended up here over and over, each time less as herself and more as a shadow. Just a spectator watching a game she should have been playing. Chara may have been the one to kill everyone, but Frisk was the one who allowed it. She should have fought harder, sooner. While there was still a chance.

"Let's get to the point," Sans said, smile disappearing, "You haven't killed anyone. But you want to, right?" Frisk's eyes widened and she began to choke out a response, but he beat her to it. "Or at least, Chara does."

A series of protests rose in Frisk's throat- that she and Chara were not the same, that she could control Chara, but they all fell flat. For once, her mind was completely silent- even Chara seemed to be holding her breath in anticipation.

"Yes," was all Frisk said, "She does."

"But you can stop her," Sans answered. It was a statement, not a question, and his faith in her made her want to smile. But it wasn't enough.

"Yes."

"So what are you planning to do now?" Sans asked, a hint of a smile reappearing on his face.

"I'm going to let Asgore kill me and take my soul," Frisk said intently, voice unwavering, "The barrier will be broken and the monsters can go to the surface."

Sans was shocked silent, and Frisk began to walk past him, but in a lightning-fast motion he grabbed her sleeve. His eye-sockets were black. "It didn't work before and it won't work now."

"I lost control then," Frisk argued, "I slipped. I shouldn't have let Chara heal me."

"You know that's not what I meant." Sans' voice was tight with anger and desperation. "What will it take to show you that your death isn't the answer?"

"Then what is?!" Frisk burst out, then lowered her voice. "I thought you would agree that this is the only way."

"I can't," Sans replied, voice breaking uncharacteristically, "I can't let you do this. I love you."

For a moment, Frisk couldn't speak. She just stared at him, gaping like a fish. "I-"

"Don't say anything," Sans said, cutting her off, "Give me your answer when we reach the surface together."

"You already know my answer. You always have," Frisk said softly, leaning in and kissing him on the mouth. She felt his grip on her sleeve loosen, and gently pulled away. "I'm sorry."

She walked past him, through the judgement hall and towards the throne room. Her footsteps sounded eerie and unreal in the heavy silence.

"Frisk," Sans called after her, voice sounding thick with tears, but Frisk didn't turn around. Only one more time, she reasoned with herself, I have to break both of our hearts once more. Then this will all be over.

"Please."

"Please, don't."

"I'm sorry," Frisk whispered again.

She didn't look back.

A/N: Hold on tight guys, it's just getting good now >:)

As always, thanks for reading, and see you in the next chapter!