[INTRO] they probably hate having to get used to a new place

[mercybutton]

Nooooo.

[aaaaaa. uuuuugh. What bothers them most right now isn't that they're suddenly someplace they don't know and thus are not at home, it's that they're suddenly someplace they don't know and thus is going to bump into literally Every Single Obstruction that exists here. Honestly, they'd be more concerned about being displaced from their family if they weren't annoyed about the prospect of having to get used to a possibly enormous place. Nobody better move the furniture around.

After a solid minute of laying on the ground they sit up. Feels like grass, sounds like water is rushing nearby. A park? Frisk stands up and starts shuffling around, trying to get used to their surroundings, finding one of the paths winding through the gardens. Then they start walking, gaining more confidence, and then-



trip right into a fountain. Curse their recklessness.]

Comments

[trombones]

"Yep."

The skeleton nudges them lightly and takes a few steps ahead - but watches to see what they do. He's not used to Frisk being blind, and he wouldn't know how long it's been a thing. Still, he knows better than to assume what they can and can't do.

"'Til we find some blankets. We don't have towels here. You, uh... need an arm, or no?"

Just in case. Hanging out with Doggo enough taught him that you're supposed to ask when you're not familiar with somebody. Or in this case, not familiar with your already-familiar friend's blindness.

[mercybutton]

They shuffle forward a little, feet making sure there's nothing in their way, arms outstretched so they don't knock into a wall.

They're glad when he offers to be a temporary guide. Honestly, they wouldn't be able to make their way around very well if they had to follow only his voice, nor would they work up the courage to ask for something physical to hold.

"Yeah, I'd like an arm. Thanks."

[trombones]

"Ayup."

Sans took a couple steps backward and took Frisk's hand, setting it up to his bony arm and letting tem do the rest. He's slightly less fluffy, now that he's not wearing a jacket.

"Sorry. You being blind's actually a new thing for me."

Might as well start his explanation like this.

[mercybutton]

"That's fine."

They take off their sweater, showing a light blue T-shirt underneath. They put his jacket on, because it's actually a little cold for them, being wet and all.

"Where are we going?"

[trombones]

That works. It'll dry off quickly enough when it's back on Sans later.

"The castle. There's some blankets inside we can dry you off with."

With Frisk situated, he walks toward one of the openings inside.

"So... there's no better way to say this, so I guess I can't dice it. The Frisk I know isn't blind."

Which is nothing against this Frisk's blindness, but he had to start explaining the whole timeline thing somehow.

[mercybutton]

"I kind of figured." You were being pretty transparent, Sans. One could even say… they saw right through you.

They follow, listening to their footsteps.

Honestly, they just worry about being a burden and a drag. There's already another Frisk by the sound of it, and can has sight to boot. Why should they be here? It's like getting a downgrade of something you already have.

It's not fun, thinking like this, but they can't help it.

[trombones]

NICE ONE.

If Sans knew how Frisk felt, he would have tried to reassure them that they were fine. By the way they say it, he can tell something about that bothers them but... well. Maybe it's best that he explains himself first.

Regardless, he keeps his arm out and hope it lets them know that he's still here for them.

"But there's another Frisk here too. Same exact kid, striped sweater and hankering for hot animals and everything... just two of you." Disclaimer: Hankering for hot animals not required. "Technically, though... they're not the Frisk I know either. Sort of."

He shrugs.

"Give or take a few weeks of being on the surface."

[mercybutton]

They have a bigger hankering for sweets than hot animals, but those are also great. "Maybe I could wear something so people can tell us apart at first glance. Like a hat, or something."

[trombones]

That's fair. Water sausages in a bun don't hold a candle to actual cooking.

"If you want to," said Sans, shrugging again. "Point being, there's more than one of a few of us here. I know I'm not the only Sans, either."

"From what I can tell, it's not exactly... time-traveling, like you can do. It ain't that. It's more like a bunch of timelines got together in the same place."

[mercybutton]

"Weird," they say, and that's all on the matter as far as they're concerned. They're gonna have to learn the subtleties of all their voices to tell 'em all apart.

"How many from our world… s?"

[trombones]

"No idea."

Sans voice starts to echo as they step inside the castle, though the stone footsteps should make it obvious they're going inside anyway. The bedrooms aren't far off.

"More than a couple, from what I can tell. Somebody told me something about a... 'king' Mettaton?" He makes a face. "Never met 'im."

[mercybutton]

King Mettaton… oh, they know that ending. It wasn't very happy.

"Oh. " Frisk frowns visibly. They always wondered what happened to BP... and alas, the power of a king was too much for Metta to handle healthily. They bury themself further in his hoodie, feeling bad about achieving that end at one point. Getting chewed out by Undyne after… well, it wasn't fun.

"Have you met any one of yourselves…?"

They're tryimg to make conversation.

[trombones]

Sans wouldn't know. Even if it did happen where he came from, he wouldn't remember it. So the whole idea of Mettaton being king to him was... well. He can put together how it might happen, but it's still pretty weird.

"Yeah, one of 'em. He's from a... not-so-happy version of things, so." Sans is quiet for a moment. Then he shrugs. "Think he stole my whoopee cushion, though."

[mercybutton]

"Then you gotta get it back!" They make that motion where you pound your fist into your palm. "Come on, you're the prankster king as far as the Underground is concerned." Revenge!

Frisk loves that whoopee cushion. Don't ask why.

[trombones]

"Heh. I like your style, but nah," Sans says, grin returning. "The other me's been through enough, he can have it. I might as 'im for joint custody, though."

He loves it too, don't worry.

[mercybutton]

"Mleh." They can see his point, though, about givin' the guy a break. Still. Seeing as it remains in the hands of a Sans, they expect that cushion to be placed in various strategic spots around the castle.

Have you ever used rubber chickens?

[You know. The screaming ones.]

[trombones]

"You kidding? What self-respecting comic would I be if I didn't have a dozen rubber chickens in my ribcage?"

And there they are. They come up to the same bedrom the other Frisk led him to a day ago. He gently turns in and let's them go.

"This is one of the bedrooms. I'm just gonna grab a blanket. Next best thing to a towel around here."

[mercybutton]

The thought that Sans keeps a dozen rubber chickens in his ribcage at all times... it fills you with determination. Your dunkle is amazing.

"Okay, as long as no one minds. I don't want someone sleeping with a wet blanket 'cause of me."

[trombones]

HELL YEAH HE IS.

"Nah. They'll dry." Sans yanks the comforter off the bed. "Even if they don't, chances are... anyone who sleeps with this is probably a wet blanket themselves."

Bad-dum-tish. He sets the comforter in Frisk's hands.

[mercybutton]

"I knew it." Wet blanket jokes ahoy.

Frisk takes off Sans' jacket and gently sets it on the floor, then take the blanket and uses it to vigorously dry their hair. It's gonna end up in a mess with a lot of flyaway later, but lmao whatever.

[trombones]

"Yep."

Sans lets Frisk dry themselves off on their own. He picks up his jacket and turns it over. A little damp now, but he didn't care. For a momet, he's quiet.

"... Hey. Lemme know if this ain't any of my business, but... can I ask about your eyes?"

His tone his a little gentler, less jokey - just to let Frisk know that they don't have to answer if they don't want to. Sans won't push it.

[mercybutton]

[They're still a little bit when he asks. They look up, offset a bit from his actual direction. Frisk looks a but goofy with the big floof blanket draped over the back of their head.

Sans deserves to onow- he's family. They don't plan on spilling everything, but enough for him to get the gist.]

… yeah. Shoot.

[trombones]

Sans nods gratefully - not that Frisk can see it. The goofy look with the gigantic blanket helps ease the situation a little, and he gives a somewhat contented sigh.

"Well. Like I said, you're a little different where I come from. It ain't a bad thing, I'm just not used to it. So, uh. Has it always been like that for you, or did something happen?"

[mercybutton]

"Something happened. It was an accident."

Frisk wraps themself in the big blanket, which slips off their head to fall around their shoulders.

[trombones]

"Oh."

Well, that answered part of it. Sans sits down on the bed. Despite being... you know, a skeleton, somehow the mattress still creaks under his weight.

"What happened?"