What is Family for? [UNDERTALE] (COMPLETE)

[14] Pulse

im gonna weep ive been waiting for this chapter for months

have f u n =)

--x 

He arrived at the hospital soon after - sweaty, scared, probably having broke a few driving laws on the way there, etc. Sans faltered in his hasty steps when he noticed the usual area outside Frisk's room was cleared out - no pacing Undyne, no Asgore twiddling his thumbs. Papyrus was not in his usual spot, planning, either. He followed quietly alongside Sans, also proceeding mechanically to where Frisk lay. Or, used to. Maybe? Was he too late? Maybe he didn't even get to say goodbye. 

He doubted that Frisk would really want to see Sans in their final moments, anyway.

This was his fault, he reminded himself. He'd shut the thought out for nearly 3 months now but he was ready to scream it out - my fault, my fault, my fault.

He surprised himself when he knocked on the door calmly, the sound echoing in the silent hallway. He thought he'd knock it down, really. From beyond the door, mumbles erupted and faded, and the door clicked open after a moment. 

Frisk looked small. Their chest rose and fell in heavy steps, as if merely breathing was like carrying a boulder. Their usually tan and freckled face looked pale and sick. They didn't seem to have the energy to talk to Sans or greet him, as the moment their frail voice came out of their throat they let out a harsh, wet cough, doubling over. They still smiled at him. They didn't hate him.

In fact, their grin grew marginally - though it looked out of place and odd on their chapped, pale lips - and waved him over. 

"H-Hey, kid. How're we doing..?" Sans said, voice cracking slightly. As if it wasn't obvious enough what was going on. They raised an eyebrow at that, quirking a small smile. Of course. Of course Frisk would joke in their deathbed. 

Their fingers rose, forming a few shaky words:
"I don't want you to blame yourself. This wasn't your fault."

This can't be happening again. They can't be sitting here again, Frisk lying down and mumbling that it wasn't his fault.

First, in the hall.
Then, in their bed at home.
Now, and finally, here.

This was about the point that Sans' walls shattered down and a tsunami of tears dripped down his face, voice coming out a choke. Frisk leaned up, the very action draining to them, based on the heavy breathing, and wiped away a bit on Sans' cheeks.

"I never wanted this. I didn't want to hurt you. It's... it's all I've ever done to you."

"Please don't cry." Their fingers signed out, eyes puffing out and filling with shiny drops.

"I'm so sorry."

"I'm sorry too. Please don't cry. It's not your fault."

"How is this not my fault?"

"You never meant to hurt me, I know. You never hurt me, then. Not really. Please don't blame yourself."

"This was all I ever wanted. I wanted a mother and father. I wanted aunts and uncles and a warm bed to go home to. It's all I've ever wanted - and all of you gave me nothing but that. You loved me, and held me, and are here with me now. I thought... I thought I'd die young and alone and miserable."

"But I'm not, anymore."

"I'm happy. I'm okay, finally." They sobbed, words becoming almost illegible in the shaking of their hands and chest. "Please. Think of this not as a mistake of yours, but as the time I thank you for all you've done for me."

"You were never a burden. We love you, so, so, so much. Please... please stay with us." Toriel choked, placing her hands on Frisk's forehead. 

"I can't believe I'd ever wish to reset again, but... I would to it forever for you." Sans mumbled, chest heaving sporadically. "Don't forgive me for this, kid."

"I'm going to have to. You won't if I won't. Someone has to make sure you can move on and be happy. I'm glad I got to teach you something." 

"I'm happy of all the nights I spent cooking with you,
being read stories, 
laughing and crying and holding eachother...
Thank you for every episode of anime,
Every cup of tea... 
Every hug and laugh... I can thank you for it now."

"Frisk..." Alphys said, voice shaking, barely audible under the whirrs and beeps of the room.

"I know what family is for, now. It's not a lie. It's not being left behind or hoping to one day wake up somewhere and someone else. It's... loving yourself. It's loving others. I... can die happy." Frisk sniffed. "I never thought I'd have that when I went to Mt. Ebbot." 

"Thank you, Frisk. For everything. You... deserved better than this. You didn't... you shouldn't have..." Undyne groaned, face hid behind her palms.

Frisk's voice, shaky and rough, croaked out a soft, barely audible -
"I love you. I can never thank you enough."

There was a soft, quiet moment, then; everyone's hands held on Frisk's chest, crying their own tears and their own story.

"I can never thank you enough. I wish it... it could be different. I... " Sans said, inhaling shakily. He couldn't say it, yet, but... He had to. It was now or never.

"Goodbye, Frisk. I... love you, kid. Thank you."

Frisk smiled, something stronger in their eyes, speaking firmer before the heart monitor beeped in alarm.

"Of course. After all, What is family for?"