AN: I'm back!

(That's it. That's all I can say)

NOTES!

Modern AU

(Let it be known that in my ModernAU, Geno doesn't have his slash wound because, again, it wouldn't make sense)

WARNING!!!

-Abuse

-Implied self harm

-Mentions of alcohol

-Mentions of violence

-Mentions of death

-Blood

-Vague stages of grief

>>>Read the warning first!<<<

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#04 Denial

Sans didn't mean it, Geno kept telling himself.

As he watched himself in the bathroom mirror, he notice a new bruise marring his face, on his cheekbone and just under his visible eye.

Geno is just glad it blends well with his eye bag.

Last night had been rough. Sans was drunk and wasn't in his right mind.

He hasn't been for a while.

Geno sighed as he turns the tap on and splashes some icy water on his face. The coldness felt nice and refreshes his sleep-muddled head but wasn't enough to rid the fatigue clinging on his body.

Sans is a good friend, really.

It's just that... he's been going through something tough lately and Geno is doing his best to provide support.

He double checked the small bruise and sure enough, it could pass off as an eye bag.

He usually avoided being hit on the face as it is difficult to hide but it seems as the beer bottle nicked him even though he raised his arm to protect himself.

It wasn't Sans' fault, Geno kept telling himself.

Sans has been having some anger management issues. Whenever Geno would confront him, no matter how soft and gentle his approach were, would almost always snap at him.

Things would turn violent.

He turned the tap off, flicked the light off, and exited the bathroom.

It's still too early in the morning and the apartment is soothingly quiet compared to the last night's event.

Geno is almost scared of making a noise.

He made his way to the kitchen and made himself some coffee.

He have work in two hours. He couldn't afford to be late again.

Muffet is a really nice lady but business is business.

She's been worried about him as well. He tried to explain what was going on and Geno considers himself lucky to have a very understanding boss.

While Sans'... well.

Sans, Grillby said, hasn't been acting like himself lately and even though the bar owner knows why, he couldn't risk his business' reputation to go down any further.

Grillby is a single father. He needs his bar to earn money to pay for his daughter's tuition.

But Grillby couldn't say that to Sans. Not while Sans is going through hard times. And so he talked to Geno.

And Geno talked to Sans.

Basically, they made Sans believed that he quits rather than fired.

Geno also thinks it's a good thing. Sans needed some time off to put himself back together.

But that also means the responsibility of paying rent and other bills now falls onto Geno's shoulders.

Geno didn't think it matters. He can handle it. Sans really needed some time for himself.

After all, it's only temporary, right?

Geno was starting to doubt that.

As he sat in the kitchen table, a steaming mug of coffee in between his bruised hands, Geno is starting to doubt that this ordeal will be over soon as Sans isn't showing any signs of getting better.

He knew Sans had it worse but...

Geno is tired.

The warmth that the coffee mug emits in his hands is so comforting, so soothing that Geno wanted to curl around it, close his eye and just relax and fall back to sleep... but he couldn't.

Geno resisted the urge to even rest his eye no matter how heavy it felt.

He have work in about an hour, Geno reminded himself.

He hasn't been sleeping well in a while. Not since he took another part time job on top of a full time at Muffet's cafe.

He needed to earn enough by the end of the month and it doesn't help that Sans has a growing debt at multiple bars.

Geno had tried to talk some sense into Sans.

It didn't go well. Sans grew upset and yelled at him about how he doesn't understand his situation.

But Sans immediately regretted his action and locked himself in his room all day.

Sans apologized after, Geno told himself.

Sans always does.

He downed the rest of his coffee before it gets too cold and heads back to his room to get ready for the day.

He passes by Sans door and took a moment to check on him.

Sans is curled up in his bed with his back turned on him but Geno could smell the strong scent of alcohol lingering in the air.

Pity, concern, and even guilt swells in Geno's soul. Sans looked so small and lonely.

Geno didn't know what to do with him anymore. It's as if everything he does only makes things worse.

He decided to make a real breakfast.

Not for himself. He felt nauseous and he didn't think he can keep anything down.

It's for Sans. Geno doubts Sans could make himself something to eat under his... condition.

After wrapping up the meal and writing a short note, Geno is off to work.

Work is as hectic as usual even at Muffet's small cafe.

Geno noticed a lot of customers were eyeing him, specifically the area under his eye but none of them said a word about. Which Geno was glad about, by the way.

Except for Reaper.

Once the chief cop noticed the discoloration, he immediately went to inspect it.

Geno could've easily fooled him if Reaper didn't pressed his thumb onto the spot, emanating a wince and a yelp from him.

Reaper quickly pulled him out of work and into the employee's break room.

He then began searching him for more and it is unfortunate that he did found more.

Littering his arms, and even some on his back, were bruises of various shades of purple and blue and in different stages of healing.

"Who did this?!" was the first thing that came out of Reaper's mouth. "How long has this been going on?!"

He sounded angry and Geno couldn't bring himself to tell. It wasn't Sans' fault.

"He didn't mean it," Geno weakly reasoned and Reaper bristled in anger.

"Who did?!" Reaper demands and immediately regretted it when he saw Geno flinched.

But Geno steeled himself and defended Sans. "He said he was sorry!"

And Reaper didn't like that sentence at all.

"How many times did he say that?!" Reaper harshly yelled. "How many times did he say he's not gonna do it again?!" Reaper is now screaming.

Because Reaper is terrified of what is happening.

"Gen," Reaper said after a pause and knelt down before the smaller. "I've seen this happened too many times and I don't want it to happen to you." His voice is softer, gentler, as if he's pleading to the other.

But Geno looked away, fists clenched at his side. "It's not like that at all," he denied and Reaper frowned. Another protest on his lips but...

"Look," Geno began before Reaper could. "Sans is going through-"

"Sans?" Reaper seems surprised as he pushed himself up to his feet.

"Sans," Geno repeated firmly, "is going through something tough lately."

Reaper's mood immediately darkened. "That doesn't give him an excuse to be an ass-"

"His brother just died in a car crash accident!" Geno quickly cut him off, offended by Reaper's words. "He's grieving! He's not okay!"

"He's taking out his anger on you!"

"Wouldn't you have done the same if the same thing happened to you?!"

Reaper was horrified at that. "No!" he exclaimed. "Of course not! I would never hurt you! I care for you!"

Even if his own brother died, Reaper would never even dare hurt as much as the tip of Geno's finger because he deeply cared for the other.

And Geno stubbornly refuse to admit that he's wrong. He refuse to admit that Sans was wrong because Sans has been hurting even more than him.

Even when he started to doubt himself. Even when the tears started welling in his eye. Even when his shoulders started trembling along with the rest of his body. Geno still strongly believes that Sans wasn't at fault.

He felt Reaper pulled him into a hug, his arms wrapped around him tightly and Geno couldn't do anything but lean into the much needed comfort, his bruised hands latched onto Reaper's sleeves as he finally falls apart.

All the stress, lack of sleep, and piled up responsibilities have finally brought him down to his knees and Geno is unable to hold it together anymore.

He cried onto Reaper's shoulder, letting out all his pent up frustrations and the only thing left holding him together was Reaper's comforting embrace.

He cried until his throat is raw, until his eye is red, and until there's no more tears left to cry.

Muffet have given him the rest of the day off and Geno took his time cleaning his reddened face in the restroom even though Reaper assures him that he looked decent enough.

Reaper led him through the back door and into his sleek black car.

He thought Reaper will drive him back to his apartment but was pleasantly surprised when they stopped by a fairly large house.

Geno didn't know if he should be upset because he didn't give Reaper permission to take him home or be glad because he didn't think he can handle a confrontation with Sans too soon after a meltdown.

"I'm not letting you go back there until Sans pulls his sh*ts together," Reaper said and Geno didn't even have enough will to scold him of his foul language.

Reaper welcomes him into his home and let him have the guest's room.

He made him something to eat in generous amount, he prepares him a warm bath and even let him borrow a set of his clothes.

All in all, Reaper turned out to be a really caring person. As opposed to what he usually shows in public.

Reaper used to be the sadistic, flirty jerk that enjoys other people's misery. At least, that's how Geno used to see Reaper.

But now, Reaper seems like a very different person.

It's strange, really. For Geno, that is.

How the person he used to hate is now taking care of him while his best friend whom he shared most of his life with is hurting him.

It wasn't on purpose, the small voice in Geno's head said.

As Reaper took care of his cuts and bruises, he interrogates him. Asking him all the details about the abuse.

Geno still strongly believes that Sans absolutely did not abuse him. At least, not on purpose.

Reaper simply made an act of rolling his eyes.

Nonetheless, Geno answers Reaper's line of questions. Albeit reluctantly as he's afraid of what Reaper might do.

Reaper is the chief cop of police, he can have Sans arrested especially with all the evidences plastered all over Geno's body.

Geno tried to reason with him before Reaper could make up his mind. Sans just needs some time for himself.

"Exactly. That's why you're staying here until I say so." Reaper finalized as he finished wrapping the gauze around Geno's cracked wrist.

And Geno could no longer argue with that.

He's tired. Physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The idea of going back to his apartment and confronting Sans feels so... sickening that Geno wanted to throw up.

Sans is his best friend and 'sickening' is the last thing he should think of him.

But Geno could no longer deny that Sans isn't who he used to be. He changed.

Can he really blame him? Geno didn't know anymore.

He must've dozed off on the couch because the next thing he knew, he's in Reaper's arms and being carried up the stairs.

Reaper hushed him back to sleep and Geno didn't even spared it another thought as he closed his eye and sunk back into the much needed rest.

Geno slept the rest of the day off and Reaper only woke him up to have dinner before he fell back to sleep almost instantly.

The next morning, he found Reaper fussing over him; saying that he's been asleep for too long and had developed a small fever during the night.

Geno is still too groggy to comprehend a single word that Reaper had just said until Sans entered his mind.

All the remnants of sleep immediately left him as he shot up on the bed. He forgot to call Sans.

He hurriedly scrambled out of bed, much to Reaper's protest.

He needs to check on Sans, Geno kept telling Reaper but Reaper is firm with his words.

"I am not letting you go back there alone! It's not safe!"

And so Reaper came with him, dressed in his police uniform, and armed with his pistol.

Reaper wasn't so happy to see the condition of Geno and Sans' shared apartment.

It was an utter mess. It doesn't help that there's beer bottles everywhere which makes it a lot more disturbing because Reaper had seen this scenario way too many times.

As Geno moves around, looking for Sans, Reaper follows, keeping an out for any sign of danger.

They found Sans in Geno's room, sitting on Geno's bed with the kitchen knife in his blood-stained hands.

Reaper immediately shoved Geno behind him as his hand flew to his gun strapped on his belt. He would've pulled out if not for Geno's quiet protest.

"Sans?" Geno hesitantly called from behind Reaper.

Sans didn't even looked up, his eyes trained on the blade, as he smiles and greets him back. "Oh hi, Geno. I've been waiting for you."

Reaper's soul quivers as his fingers wraps around the handle of his gun while his other arm further ushers Geno behind him, enough to hide him from Sans' line of sight.

"Sans," Geno began. "I'm sorry, I-"

"Drop the knife, Sans."

The new voice peaks Sans' curiosity as he finally looked up. His smile momentarily disappears as he met Reaper's eyes before it came back wider than before.

Sans stood up and Reaper backs up out into the hall, keeping Geno at a safe distance.

Sans nonchalantly waved the knife in the air, showing more of the bloodstains on his jacket's sleeves. "This?" He asked almost mockingly and Reaper eyed him carefully.

"This isn't for you," Sans said and drops the blade. It clatters loudly against the floor right by his feet and there it stays as Sans took a step forward.

"Geno-"

"Don't come any closer," Reaper warned.

Geno is trying to move around Reaper. "Let me talk to him," he whispers to the cop and Reaper is strongly against it.

"I just wanna talk to him," Sans assures as he raises his hands over his head in a surrendering manner, showing to Reaper that he's unarmed and harmless.

Reaper greatly doubts it but slowly, cautiously, lowered his arm that is holding Geno back and stepped aside but his other hand never leaving the pistol on his belt.

"Sans, I'm really sorry," Geno began. "I forgot to call-"

"No, it's okay," Sans cut him off as he lowered his arms back at his sides. "I understand," he said and Geno's eye widened in surprise.

"I should be the one apologizing," Sans continues and Reaper tightened his grip on his gun.

"I just realized a lot things while you were gone." Sans thought Geno left and wasn't coming back.

He took Geno's hand in his, frowning when he saw the bruises and the bandages peeking from under the sleeve. He knew he did it. He inflicted it on him.

"I've been an ass. I shouldn't have put you through that. You didn't deserve that."

Geno's soul skipped a beat before it swelled with joy and tears began burning his eye.

"I just wanna say," Sans placed his other hand on Geno's shoulder, then moved to cup Geno's cheek. "Thank you. For everything you've done for me. I think... I think I'm ready to get some help." Sans finishes and Geno didn't waste another second as he tackles Sans into a hug.

He waited so long to hear that. Geno is just so happy Sans is coming back to his senses.

Geno have been under so much stress lately and this was the best thing that could happen. He felt Sans hugged him back and Geno didn't think he can be any happier. He finally have his best friend back.

Reaper visibly relaxed but didn't lower his guard.

After the heartwarming reunion, Geno helped Sans packed his bags and Reaper stays on watch the entire time.

Sans barely paid the cop any attention as his focus was solely on Geno.

After packing his things, Reaper drove them to the nearest mental institution and admitted Sans in it.

Sans made it clear that it's his own choice and that Geno shouldn't feel guilty about it.

Geno promised he'll visit him but surprisingly, Sans didn't want to.

He reasoned that Geno had bared enough burden for him. Plus, Sans didn't think he can handle the constant guilt trip whenever he sees Geno and remembers all the horrible things he did.

Sans also mentions that he'll pay for his own treatment.

Which Geno greatly doubts because he's currently unemployed but Sans assures him that it's fine. He'll figure it out on his own.

Geno, albeit reluctant, agrees and gave each other one last hug and promised to meet when Sans is released.

They parted and Geno watched as Sans is escorted deeper into the building.

After that, Reaper drove Geno back to his apartment.

Geno expected Reaper to leave. He thanked him for the ride, for letting him stay for the night, and everything else. He was surprised when Reaper followed him inside.

"I can't let you stay here under this condition," Reaper reasoned as he gesture a hand to the cluttered apartment.

"It just needs a little cleaning," Geno said as he immediately began picking up the beer bottles one by one.

After all, it wasn't always this messy.

"That's not what I meant," Reaper said and Geno blinked at him. "How about you move in with me?"

Geno's face heats up fast and quickly looked away. "We're not even together," he deflected, earning a smirk from the taller.

"We can be."

"Reaper, I'm not interested-" Geno began but was shortly cut off when Reaper took his hand and knelt on one knee before him. An act that greatly resembles someone proposing to their lover and Geno could feel his face burned hotter.

"We can try, please?"

Geno is confused, and not to mention flustered, by Reaper's sudden insistence. "What's with the sudden-?"

"Just for a while," Reaper interrupts, looking up at Geno with big pleading eyes. "We can try it just for a while and if you don't like it, if you think it's not gonna work, you can leave anytime and I won't stop you. But please..." Reaper pleaded with all of his heart. "Give me a chance."

A chance to prove himself worthy to be Geno's partner. A chance to prove his love and loyalty for the other. A chance to make Geno his and his alone.

"All I need is a chance."

And Geno thinks he has nothing to lose. After all, it was Reaper who took care of him when he needed someone to do so.

Geno had never seen Reaper smile so bright when he said yes.

Reaper tackled him into a hug, lifted him up in the air and spins him around before he slips on one of the bottles lying around.

Reaper ended up taking most of the impact as he, with his fast reflex, wrapped his arms around Geno to protect him from the fall.

Other than a loud thud that must've alarmed the neighbors, nothing serious happens.

They laughed at their own silly antics and spends the rest of the day tidying up the apartment and packing Geno's stuffs.

Geno decided to keep the apartment because he wanted Sans to have a place to come back to once he's out of the mental hospital.

Mere days since Geno moved in with Reaper and Reaper has been treating him like a queen. Especially since his bruises are still present and on the verge of getting sick. Again.

Reaper has become an extra caring person and Geno would be lying if he says he doesn't enjoy it.

He loved the feeling knowing someone cares for him, knowing there's someone he can lean on when he needed comfort, and the warm cuddles during cold night made him feel less lonely.

Geno admits, he thinks he finally fell in love with Reaper and in such a short amount of time, at that.

Reaper had tried to convince him to quit his job at Muffet's cafe since, Reaper said, he earn enough for the both them. Also because Geno isn't healthy enough to be working at all.

But Geno didn't want to. He'd rather work that to be left all alone at home.

Months passed by and Geno kept in contact with Sans through phone calls.

Sans still didn't want to personally meet since he still feel guilty about what he did even though Geno assures him many times that he had long forgiven him.

But then, Sans stopped calling.

It made Geno worry but he didn't want to initiate first contact, he never did, because he didn't want to pressure Sans.

Geno wanted Sans to take his time.

Then one day, Geno is pleasantly surprised to see Sans.

It's during work hours and Geno is in the middle of serving a customer their orders when Sans walked through the door. His once bright blue jacket now worn and faded.

"You didn't tell me you're out of the hospital," was the first thing that came out of Geno's mouth, accompanied with a wide welcoming smile.

"Heh," Sans laughed as he scratched the back of his neck. The act pulled Geno's eye to Sans' hood and the way he wears it like Reaper. "I wanted to surprise you," Sans said and Geno couldn't help but notice the bright red ring around his left eye light.

The talk was short, time is limited after, and Sans mentions that he have some place to be and doesn't know when he'll be back. But,

He took Geno's hand in his, brought it upon his lips, and pressed a gentle kiss.

Geno's face heat up fast especially with the amount of curious onlookers around them.

While Sans seems unfazed by them as he looked up, meet Geno's gaze, and promised: "I'll pay you back someday."

With that, he left. Leaving a stunned and flushed Geno in the middle of a whispering crowd.

Geno wasn't sure what just happened.

When he got home, he was excited to tell Reaper the good news when he found him sitting on the couch, looking grim and restless as his leg bounced at his side. There's a manila folder in front of him, set on the coffee table. Which was odd because Reaper didn't like taking home his work.

Reaper shot up to his feet the moment he saw him, he rushes to his side and began checking him all over.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Reaper kept asking and Geno doesn't understand why.

Geno brushed him off. He have good news! "Sans is released from the hospital!"

Reaper frowned. "He wasn't released," he said and Geno is lost. "He escaped."

Escape isn't the only thing he did. He killed 7 fellow patients, 5 staffs, and 2 security guards. 8 more staffs are injured and 3 are in critical condition.

Sans is now a psychotic murderer on the loose.

Reaper is just so glad he got Geno out of his and Sans' situation before things gets ugly or else Geno would've been the first victim that falls in Sans' hands.

Reaper's soul quivers at the mere thought.

The police were on the move, investigating the crime scenes and checking the security cams. They're doing their best to track him. They couldn't let him leave the city.

Geno couldn't breathe. He refused to believe it.

Sans was getting better. Sans was supposed to get better in the hospital. The doctors promised. They assured him. What happened?

Reaper took extra precautions to lock and double check every doors, windows, and other openings in his house. He spends the entire night doing what he can to comfort and soothe Geno.

He also called Muffet and informed her that Geno won't be able to come to work for a while.

Reaper didn't care is she fire Geno. In fact, he'll be glad if she did. Because then, he'll be able to keep a better eye on Geno.

Reaper promised, he'd keep Geno safe. He would never even let Sans touch as much as the tip of Geno's finger.

Reaper swear, he'll protect Geno with his life.

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AN: This is the beginning of DustAfterDeath! MWAHAHAHA!

(even though the ship has existed for years) <insert disclaimer here>

And yes, Sans turned to Dust.