AN: Technically, it's still the 'next' week. 

I made it on my deadline so STOP SCREAMING!

Enjoy! ^-^

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Chapter 35: Forgiven Or Not?

Third POV

There was a tense silence enveloping the house of Sans and Papyrus and a gloomy atmosphere hanging over their heads. None dared speak a word nor break the silence for Ink was there, watching over them with a disappointed look in his mismatched eyes.

Ink had taken it upon himself to clean up their mess. He 'painted over' the damages, magically fixing them and returning them to their original state. If not, maybe even better and as it seems the carpet had gained more attention than the others as not only it was whole again but also looking newly washed. Soft to the touch like silk, free of grime and dirt that had collected through the years, the colors were brighter and smells like a detergent.

Papyrus had been so enthralled at the 'painting' process that he just had to ask Ink to teach him how to do that. Unfortunately, Ink said it was impossible since it was not a skill anyone can learn. Papyrus was greatly disappointed.

Feeling a bit sorry, Ink offered to grant a few requests from the younger skeleton and Papyrus' mood bounce back up. The first 'wish' was a sun.

Yes, a sun. In the middle of the living room, Papyrus requested a small sun to act as the main light in their house.

Ink was ready to turn down the request as a small sun -an actual burning star- was not safe inside a wooden home, a small one at that, and can literally burn them alive but an idea popped into his head. With a swish of his brush, a huge crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, twinkling like a cluster of stars and together, burning intensely with a warm yellow glow.

Papyrus was jumping with joy, thinking it was an actual sun, and throwing his hands up in their air as if reaching for it. Well, it's not like had seen a real one and in the underground, stars were merely crystals embedded in the ceiling of this enormous cave. Furthermore, Ink was sure Sans had informed Papyrus that the sun was actually a star.

Therefore, Papyrus believed that a sun was a giant crystal.

It even caught Blue's attention, despite his worries over his brother's, Stretch, wounds which Ink had refused to heal for a reason no one would tell him. Blue had begged Ink, Sans, and even Fell but they wouldn't even try to help him. His brother was bleeding!

Stretch wasn't surprised by it though. He had betrayed them, he broke their trust and it was just right for them to refuse to help him.

Stretch had expected this. He was prepared to face the consequences. The moment he attacked his friends, he made a decision to damage their friendship but in his defense, he did it in order to save Blue from Error's clutch.

But it seems to be unnecessary as, according to Blue, Error let him go. Blue had described the event as Error was so angry, for a reason Blue didn't know, and he threw Blue out the white dimension. Blue then found himself in Fell's universe and was left alone to fend off for himself.

The residence of the Underfell universe found him, thinking he was Fell and brought him to his 'brother', Edge.

Thankfully, Edge recognized him, since they have met each other once when Fell wandered into Underswap. Edge had changed since then but it was subtle since he still has to keep the tyrannical image he held over the underground.

Edge agreed to help him get back, even though he has no idea how but Blue thought of a genius way to call for help. He asked Edge to buy him a bucket of paint, by which Edge was so confused about and even more so when Blue dumped all the content on the ground.

Edge was ready to snap, thinking that he bought the paint for nothing, before another Sans with a giant paintbrush rise from the shallow puddle of paint as if it was a deep pond. Edge wasn't sure of what's happening anymore.

Blue then thanked Edge a lot before taking Ink's hand and diving into the puddle of paint and then they appeared in Undertale Sans and Papyrus' house.

After hearing the story, Stretch couldn't help but further regrets his decision to act so soon rather than listen to Ink to wait.

Stretch felt like a total idiot for not trusting his own friends, specifically Ink out of all people. The only one who can go one-on-one against Error. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

And oh stars, how was he going to face Geno now? After all the horrible things he had said, Stretch was sure Geno would never forgive him. But was it unexpected? No. It was completely reasonable. He just wished he could go back in time and change everything. If only.

He planted a hand on Blue's shoulder, stopping the latter from begging the others to help him, it was useless anyway, and when Blue turned to face him, Stretch saw tears collecting in his eyes. Stretch reaches out with his other hand and wiped them away while soothing his little brother, assuring him that he's fine, a little light-headed but fine.

Blue tentatively nodded and proceeded with healing his brother on his own with the best of his abilities. He's not the best healer but he'll do what he can to help.

At least Stretch was given the comfort of the couch, Blue was thankful for that.

Sans and Fell sat next to each other on the floor, across the room just under the upstairs banister. Leaning their backs against the wall that divides the living room and the kitchen. By which Papyrus, along with Frisk, had chosen to renovate in accordance with Ink's offer.

Sans' arm was still broken, Ink refused to heal it. In fact, Ink refused to heal any of them. After learning about what had happened, Sans was sure Ink was infuriated. Knowing how protective he was of Geno, Sans wouldn't be surprised if Ink resorted to violence to discipline them.

Sans sighed. If only he was stronger, he would've been able to protect Geno. He winced, feeling his arm throb in pain and he nursed it with the other by using a bit of his healing magic. He really should pay Alphys a visit but not now. He's waiting for Geno.

He wanted to know if Geno was okay. Even though it was obvious that Geno wasn't, Sans just needed an excuse to talk to Geno; to soothe him, comfort him, tell him everything's gonna be okay. He just... He just wanna be with Geno.

Of course, he's well aware of Reaper and Geno's relationship but he's still Geno's friend. He's not trying to get in between them again... was he?

Another throb, another wince. Sans didn't know how much longer he can endure the pain.

Thankfully, Fell noticed his discomfort -it was pretty obvious anyway- and scooted closer to aid him. He showed Sans how to use his jacket as a makeshift sling to cradle his broken arm. Fell has plenty of experience in improvising medical supplies. After all, he grew up in a brutal universe of kill or be killed; where everyone was trying to murder anyone for the pettiest reason.

Fell also helped ease the pain by using his own healing magic. He hovers his hand inches from the injured limb and Sans watches as the green light practically poured out of his hand. Fell was actually good at this.

Considering the nature of the universe he was born in, it wasn't a surprise. Although, Sans found it concerning, how many times Fell had been beaten and healed himself alone with no one else to aid him? Not even his brother.

Slowly, the pain ebbed away, allowing Sans to calm his nerves and breathe easier. He muttered a small thanks to Fell who merely nodded in return.

30 minutes. Sans has been counting.

It's been half an hour and Geno and Reaper weren't back yet. Sans was starting to think that maybe they already left his universe but, after asking Ink, Sans was mildly relieved.

Ink said they haven't left the universe, no one knows how he knew that and nobody questioned him.

After the small talk, everything went back to silence. After fulfilling Papyrus' requests, Ink went to watching over his 'children'. Making sure no more fights will break out.

Not that any of them will try to. Sans was pretty sure Stretch had got what he wanted so there's no reason for him to throw another 'tantrum'. Papyrus had decided to help Blue in taking care of Stretch's wounds; retrieving rolls of bandages from the medkit, as well as antiseptic to prevent infections.

Stretch was thankful for the other's help, by which Papyrus was glad to give. It was the duty of the royal guards! To help those in need!

Frisk wasn't too happy about it. She doesn't like Stretch, she doesn't like all the things he said about Geno and she didn't like how kind Papyrus was treating him. It wasn't fair! It was Stretch's own fault! He deserved that!

Nevertheless, she remained quiet. Sitting on the floor, her arms crossed over her chest and grumpily leaning back against the wall.

"What's wrong with you, kiddo?" Sans asked from next to her.

Frisk pointed an accusing finger across from them, at the couch, and said Papyrus shouldn't be helping Stretch. He deserves pain!

She receives a pat on the head. "Just let him do what he wants," Sans replied, "it's not every day that he gets to respond to an emergency like a royal guard."

Frisk unhappily sat back, refusing to accept Sans' explanation and scornfully watches the three others from across the room.

One hour. They've been waiting for a whole hour and Sans was starting to get anxious. Wondering if maybe they had encountered Error out there and they weren't there to help them. But as his gaze landed on Ink, who was intently watching over them, an internal conflict would erupt in Sans.

Surely, if Error entered this universe, Ink would know. He always knows. If Ink was this relaxed, minus the disappointed face, that means things were good, right?

Papyrus and Blue had finished bandaging Stretch and had moved aside to talk to get to know each other and became immediate friends upon learning that they share the same life goals.

Frisk, the naughty child, went up to them and told them why they shouldn't have helped Stretch. He's awful! He hurt Geno! He hurts Sans and Fell and her and everyone!

Blue, on behalf of his brother, sincerely apologized while Papyrus was quite disturbed at what he learned. But still, everybody deserves a second chance.

Before Frisk could argue, she felt the familiar tug on her soul and then she was dragged back against the carpeted floor. She struggled, whining like a baby with her limbs flailing around uselessly.

The moment she felt the magic let go, she looked up to find Sans' face looming over her. "What are you doing?" Sans asked, his tone turning suspicious.

Frisk shove Sans away, clambered onto her feet and ran to Ink while wailing like a scolded kid. She tugged at Ink's scarf and begs to take her to Geno. She wants Geno!

Geno was so much nicer, and reasonable, and he let her do what she wants and most of all, reasonable!

Unfortunately for her, Ink didn't want to. He said Geno needs some alone time.

By which Frisk completely disagrees. Geno had been alone for sooooo long in the Save Screen, he doesn't need more!

Frisk pouted and glance out the window. For a brief moment, she considers going out and searching for him herself. Except, she has no idea where to look. The underground was massive, he could be anywhere. Plus, he has teleportation powers, which means he could easily appear and disappear from one place to another. Not fair!

Defeated, she dropped down on her butt, crossed her little arms and let out a grumpy huff. Unhappy about her current circumstances.

Thankfully, she didn't have to wait any longer for she noticed a spark of magic in the air, collecting in the middle of the room and with a bright flash of blue light, Geno and Reaper were back.

Geno, dawning Reaper's cloak, looked around the interior of the house and was amazed to find the whole place in pristine shape. There was not a single trace of the recent battle.

Too bad he couldn't examine the smaller details for the moment they appeared, Geno was immediately crowded by almost everyone. Fell doesn't really have anything to say to Geno and Ink knew to give the couple some space. But the others have a more pressing matter to discuss with Geno; like Stretch and Sans.

They closed in on him, trapping him in a tight space with their voices practically screaming at him. Their sentences mixing together, making it almost impossible to discern what were they saying. It's all just a jumble of words, incoherent messages, and very, very loud noises. But one thing was obvious, they all wanted his attention; they were demanding for it.

Even Blue and Papyrus, who has nothing to do with any of it all, were fighting for his attention.

Geno staggered back, overwhelmed, before he turned away and ran to Reaper. Hiding away in the safety of the god of death's arms.

One glare was all it took, from Reaper, to instantly silence them all. Securing Geno in a protective embrace, Reaper turned away from them, distancing himself and Geno from everyone while soothing the smaller with sweet words.

The rest stood back, gawking in silence and immediately regretting their actions but in their defense, it was for a good reason.

Sans wanted- no, needed to know if Geno was okay. He needed to talk to him; make sure he's fine, say sorry for not protecting him, he just... Sans just.... he just wanted to make things better between them again.

Blue and Papyrus, after hearing the story from the human child, wanted to voice out their concern for Geno. Also, Blue wanted to apologize on behalf of his brother. It wasn't Stretch' fault, Error was forcing him to do it!

Stretch was on a completely different matter. He was drowning in guilt and regret. He had done some terrible things. He knew a mere 'sorry' wouldn't be enough, he wasn't even expecting to be forgiven, but all he wanted was to apologize; to show him that he's sorry for what he did, that he truly regretted it.

Stretch wasn't going to beg for forgiveness, he knew Geno probably won't give it to him and that's understandable. But all Stretch wanted was to say sorry.

If he doesn't, his conscience would never stop nagging him.

He and the rest of the occupants of the house watched as Ink talks to Reaper and Geno with the former never letting the smaller go. The talk was quiet and short, then Ink turned to the rest of the crowd and announced, "Guys, I'll be back!" and from behind him, Reaper began opening a portal.

They're leaving?! Stretch panicked and limped forward with Blue aiding him in walking. "Wait!" he cried and was surprised to hear an echo next to him. It was Sans. Stretch barely paid him any attention as there was a more urgent matter at hand. He can't let them leave yet!

"Reaper, please let me talk to him," Stretch pleaded, gaze landing on Geno for a second before meeting the god of death's piercing glares.

"No," came an instant deny of his request from Reaper before turning to the portal, ready to step through.

"Please, Reaper. I need to talk to him!" Stretch begs, desperate to apologize knowing he might never be able to speak to Geno again. This might be his only chance to make things right.

"Reaper, I'm begging you." It was Sans. "Even for just a minute, let us talk to Geno."

Stretch hoped that was enough to get through the god of death. He looks at Ink who seems to have doubts about leaving as his mismatched eyes were darting back and forth between the two opposing teams. Stretch felt his hope rises, Ink was on their side!

"I. said. No!" Reaper practically growled and sent them a menacing glare that immediately shut them up. His voice cold, merciless and firm, finalizing his decision, before stepping through the portal and taking Geno with him.

Ink sends them a pitying glance before following the two through.

Sans was ready to argue, beg more if he has to, he just has to talk to Geno! But a hand landed on his shoulder, abruptly stopping him from taking a step forward. He looked back to see Fell. "Just let him go," he said, uncharacteristically soft, "he obviously doesn't wanna talk." Fell didn't mean it to be discouraging nor a form of scolding, but enough was enough.

Sans glance back at the closing portal, the dawning realization that he didn't know when will he see Geno again hit him hard that it made him tear up. Seeking comfort, Sans tackled Fell into a hug, willing the presence of another to chase away the growing loneliness inside. Fell hugged back.

Stretch, however, was a different case. "Blue, help me," he urged his brother and the younger did aid Stretch into limping towards the closing portal. Pressing his hand against the invisible wall that prevents him from going any further. "Geno, I know you can hear me," Stretch called.

He saw Geno's shoulders tensed up, even if he was mostly hidden in Reaper's arms. Yes! Geno can hear him and so Stretch proceeds; ignoring the warning look in Reaper's eyes.

"I just wanna say..."

The portal was getting smaller and smaller fast.

"I'm sorry."

The portal closed and vanished with a tiny spark of magic that diminished in thin air.

But Stretch swore he saw Geno turned his head ever so slightly, just enough for his one eye to peek at him. It was just a brief moment when their eyes met but Stretch still saw it... Geno's eye was soft and not full of spite as to what he had initially expected. Geno wasn't mad at him.

Even though it wasn't confirmed, Stretch subconscious immediately clung onto this piece of information, desperate for some kind of relief after all the stress it had been through. And that it did and Stretch felt the sweet relief came flooding his system, crashing down on him like soothing warm water and he melted like butter.

His legs felt like noodles and it wasn't long before they buckle under his weight, alarming Blue but Stretch assured him that he was fine.

Stretch's conscience was finally at ease. His message has reached Geno. Although their friendship might be forever broken but at least, he got to tell Geno that he never want that to happen either.

To be continued...

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AN: ahaHAHAa I made it on my deadline, I'm so proud of myself UwU

Next week? yes.