Red Echoes - Undertale (12+)

Chapter Twelve

"Don't worry Paps," Sans managed to say through the raging blizzard around him. "Just . . . a little . . . bit longer, and then we'll find somewhere warm, alright . . . ?" Sans and Papyrus hadn't been able to attend school for almost a week. Social services continuously came knocking at the door to the lab, but Sans had never dared answer. He knew it was likely that would only make things worse, but . . . if he answered, he knew, he and Paps would be split up. There was only two orphanages in the Underground, once for kids Papyrus' age and one for kids closer to Sans' age, which meant they would most definitely be put into separate homes, possibly even permanently lose contact with each other. Sans refused to let that happen, after all he had done for Paps. Paps would never make it in a place like that without Sans. But, Sans knew that staying at the lab also wasn't an option. Sooner or later, they would be found out. Staying at the lab would be no better than just giving up and going to those homes.

The two of them had already walked all the way to Snowdin, only, it had been foolish to come here so close to nightfall. Now, it is too late to turn back, but night will only make this blizzard colder. Poor Papyrus hadn't eaten in almost two days, and Sans couldn't even remember the last time he'd eaten. He'd used up what little food supply they had left to make sure Papyrus was fed, and having gone so long without food was really starting to take a toll on Sans. But, they were so close to town . . .

Papyrus let out a little sob, then crossed his arms, trying to preserve what little heat he had left. "B-but . . . I'm so hungry . . . a-and c-cold . . ."

"Me too bro." Sans got down onto one knee, putting his hands on Papyrus' shoulders. "But, we've got to stick through this. We're almost at town. We can find an inn to say at, and some food to eat. But you've got to trust me. It will be okay, alright?"

Papyrus nodded, and Sans stood up, taking Papyrus' hand. "Alright, let's keep walking. We're almost there. Just a little farther." Sans was the only thing at this point that could encourage Pap to keep going, and vice versa. Since the very beginning, they had been all each other had. Sans was trying so hard to preserve that. But, his encouragement was only really working on Pap. Sans tried to make himself believe that they would soon find food and warmth, but, he didn't exactly know what he could buy with just 2g.

Finally, they made it to town.

"Paps, I need you to go to the inn. Stay inside for a few mintues, okay? It'll be much warmer than out here. It's on the other side of town, but I need to go find us something to eat. Be safe, okay?" Papyrus nodded, and Sans took off his jacket and slid it around Paps to keep him warm until he got to the inn. Once he had made sure Pap was heading in the right direction, Sans approached a large restaurant with an orange glow visible through the windows. The door jingled as he entered, and he could see many monsters all gathered around tables. Some were playing cards, while another group of monsters were drinking themselves wasted over in the corner. There was a jukebox blaring in the corner. At this volume, it looked as if it was about to blow at any moment, and the thing looked much too big to carry, meaning it would probably be there forever, even after it broke. Sans walked up to the counter, where there was a tall, dark-red monster made of fire. There was a brutal scowl on his face, and he was actually quite intimidating.

"Excuse me sir, b-but . . . u-um . . ."

Sans stopped mid sentance as the fire monster bent over the counter, glaring down at Sans. The fire monster was almost three times the size of Sans.

"A kid like you shouldn't be in here. Get out. Now." The monster's voice was deep and gruff.

"B-but sir, my brother and I-"

"I don't care about you or your pathetic brother! You are disturbing me and my customers! Now get out, before I make you!"

Sans sat still, shocked for a moment, then let his arms fall to his side and slowly turned around. He made his way back out the restaurant, a bunch of people staring at him as he passed. Right before he stepped out the door, he cast one more look back. There was a door in the back, probably which led to the kitchen area. There was a teenager peeking out of it, another fire monster, but orange this time. He was wearing glasses, looking sympathetically at Sans. "Grillby! Get back to work!" The red monster snapped, and the teenager disappeared back into the kitchen.

Grillby? But isn't that the name of the restaurant? Sans wondered. He shrugged it off and left the restaurant. Maybe the owner of the restaurant had named it after his son? Or, maybe the son was named after the restaurant? Either way, it meant one thing.

Another day without food.

"Hey! W-wait!"

Suddenly, someone came racing up to Sans. It was the orange fire monster Sans had seen inside. He was carrying something wrapped in a paper bag.

"H-here!" The fire monster, which Sans assumed was named Grillby, since that was what the other monster had called him inside, handed him the bag. Inside, there was a burger, only slightly burnt around the edges. "Take this."

"Oh, b-but . . ." Sans rummaged around in his pocket, taking out what remained of his gold. "All I have is 2g . . . I'll never be able to pay for it . . ."

"No, please. Keep it. I heard you talking to my dad, and . . . well, I could never let anybody starve! I . . . hope you don't mind it's a bit burnt. My dad is really picky about the food he serves to his customers, and I needed an excuse to take it out."

"Nono, it's fine." Sans stared down at the burger in his hands. So, this restaurant belonged to Grillby's father, which without a doubt was the monster at the counter. And . . . Grillby had been nice enough to sneak Sans and his brother food. "Thank you . . ."

"Don't worry. It's perfectly alright. I'm Grillby." The monster extended a hand. Sans hesitated for a moment. After all, this person was literally made of fire. "Oh! Don't worry. The fire won't actually hurt you." Sans shook his hand. "I'm Sans."

"Well, I have to get back inside, or my father will probably punish me." Grillby briefly shuddered, and Sans wondered how that was actually possible. "Uhm, I'll uh, see you around?"

"Maybe." Sans sighed. "Likely. Bye, Grillby. Thank you!"

"No problem!" Sans watched as Grillby rushed back inside. Sighing, Sans trudged the rest of the way through the snow to the inn, where Paps would be waiting. His stomach (PLEASE go with it I know skeletons don't have organs but it's so hard to write this stuff for a skeleton) grumbled as he walked. But, he could eat later, when he got more gold.

"Sans!"

Papyrus came running up to Sans before he was even through the door a jumped into his arms. "Did you find us anything?"

"Yeah, bro. Look what I got for you!" Sans held up the bag, which Papyrus opened. "Thank you Sans!" He said with a gasp. His expression faded into worry. "Don't you want any? We can split it in half . . ."

"No Papyrus, you need it more. Besides," Sans said. "I'm not hungry."

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Me cry   ;~;