Motion sickness rocked you as you reappeared in a new location. The furnishing around you seemed to be the usual setup. A couch against the main wall, a curio containing small items, and a piano tucked into the corner of the room. You set Frisk down as you tried to collect yourself. Sans chuckled and walked around you, Papyrus close on his heels.

"Stay here humans! I shall gather you some refreshments!"

You nodded and leaned against the couch, a hand massaging your oncoming headache. Frisk stood next to you, staring at you. You smiled gently and he signed at you. 'Are they going to be our masters?' He asked.

You shrugged and squatted so you were on his eye level. You signed back. 'I don't know Frisk. We'll see how this works out.'

The tall skeleton returned with a two cups and a small tray. You took the cups and sipped at its contents before handing one to Frisk. He took his cup happily and drank heavily. You too drank it happily after you confirmed it was water, though you drank in sips so he wouldn't have to run back for more right away. You looked at the tray and saw a small bowl of individually wrapped candies. You took one that looked like a butterscotch and handed another one to Frisk. Papyrus smiled apologetically and laughed.

"I apologize for the lack of choices, but I've never catered to humans before. Monster children seem to like candy so I guessed you might." Papyrus explained.

You smiled and nodded, popping the candy into your mouth. Frisk followed your actions. You ruffled his hair and picked him up, holding him like a stuffed animal. He seemed to enjoy it. After crunching loudly on his candy, he yawned and leaned against you, closing his eyes. You flipped the hardcandy in your mouth and sighed.

You signed to Papyrus how you needed a place for him to rest. He nodded and took your free hand, leading you through the home. You looked around as he led you, looked at old photos and admiring the old-theme throughout the house. He brought you to a flight of stairs and looked back at you. His eyes fell to your thin legs and he turned.

You started to sign but were interrupted as he lifted both you and Frisk up. You rolled your eyes but let him carry you the way up. After setting you down, you looked at a solid oak door. He opened the door for you and you marveled at the neat room.

"We only have the one room but you are free to occupy my room as you see fit." Papyrus reassured.

You shook your head and signed. 'We'll be okay with the one room.'

He smiled triumphantly and left. You entered the room and laid your sleeping companion on the bed gently. It was only a twin-sized bed but it was bigger than you'd ever encountered on your memories. You placed the one pillow beneath Frisk's head and tucked the blankets around him. He snuggled into the warmth and a quiet sigh left his mouth.

You smiled and pet his hair silently as you watched over him. Eventually your candy was gone and you felt restored, though drowsiness tugged at you. You curled into a ball in the mattress, leaving the blanket to Frisk. After all, he still had a chance of an okay life. You slipped into a light slumber, your breaths becoming soft as you bent to its will.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Quieting sobbing grew louder and louder as the heavy arms of sleep fell away from you. You sat up and looked for the source of the small cries, landing only Frisk. In his sleep he cried. It had become a normal occrance. You sighed and took the small boy in your arms, enveloping him in a hug.

Softly, your voice melted into the hair in a silky tone. You began to sing a well-known lullaby your mother would sing to you. It always calmed him down.

🎶You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.🎶
🎶You make me happy, when the sky's are grey.🎶
🎶You'll never know dear, how much I love you.🎶
🎶So please don't take... my sunshine away.🎶

You continued to hum the tune and rock him until he sniffled and fell back into his usual sleep. Sighing, you stretched out next to him and placed his head on the pillow again. This time the blanket fell over both of you and you head rested on your arm. Your body was curled around him protectively, as though your presence would ward off bad dreams.

A girl can wish, right?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
You woke again at the crack of dawn, a habit that you would probably never rid yourself of. Frisk was still soundly asleep so you moved slowly to avoid waking him. You perched yourself in the corner of the room, watching over your surrounding like a guard dog. Frisk was exhausted from the things he'd been through. He needed this chance to rest.

The door began to creak and you leapt deeper into the shadows, sitting in a rocking chair while shrouded in darkness. Sans peered through the door, Papyrus looking through over him. "See Pap, the human's fine. He's not crying." Sans said nonchalantly.

"But Sans, I heard sobbing through the wall. Maybe the bigger human calmed him..."

As though cued, the rocking chair creaked and both of the skeletons jumped, gaze shifting to you. You remained still, gaze locked protectively on Frisk's small form.

"Wow there kitten, ya scared us." Sans chuckled.

'Sorry, it was an accident sir.' You signed.

The words were automatic, burned into your brain after so many years of work under different masters.

"Sir? Come on kitten, cut the formalities. We didn't keep you for indentured servants or anything. You're here outta the goodness of our hearts." Sans replied.

You raised a brow and started to move your hands again. 'Forgive me if I call you sir. After years in the practice of being a human maid I kind of imprinted a few things on me.'

Papyrus looked at you sadly but you quickly continued. 'But I'm fine! As long as Frisk is happy, I am too.'

Sans shrugged and turned away from the door. He started to walk away, yelling as he got farther away. "By the way kid, Nice song. You should talk more often."

You blushed slightly and hid your face in folded arms. Papyrus chuckled and stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. "Well, while I'm here I'd like to ask you a few questions."

"Go ahead." You said clearly, making eye contact. He seemed surprised you'd chosen to speak. A weak smile made its way across your face and you snickered. "You've heard me speak before Papyrus. Don't act so surprised."

Papyrus laughed loudly and Frisk groaned in his sleep. Your eyes widened and your made 'quiet' motions at Papyrus. He nodded.

"Sorry Kitten, I've been known to be a bit on the loud side."

"Don't worry Papyrus, as long as you don't wake Frisk." You assured.

He nodded and squatted so he was on eye level with you. "I wanted to ask about what you humans need exactly."

You panicked internally and glanced at Frisk. Before he got back to his family, he'd need to taken care of. "Well, humans are easy. We only need three things. Sustinance, shelter, and clothing. I don't really eat much and I'm satisfied with what I've got so really it's what Frisk needs. We can eat a lot of monster food. In fact, that's what they fed us in the buisness. If you're unsure if he can eat something, ask me. I can't return him to his family if he's in rags, that would terrify them. He needs a proper outfit for a child his age. I'll pay you back, I promise."

Papyrus chuckled and laid a hand on your shoulder. "There is no need to pay me back Kitten. I'm merely helping a friend."

You flinched at his words, but a smile found your lips. A yawn filled the room, accompanied by soft words. "(Y/N)..."

You looked over and saw Frisk rubbing his eyes sleepily. He looked at you and climbed off the bed, sitting himself in your lap.

"Good morning Lil' Pup!" Papyrus greeted.

Frisk looked at him and smiled. "Good morning Pap!"

You hugged Frisk and ruffled his hair. "Hey Frisk, how'd you sleep?" You asked, already knowing the answer.

"I had a nightmare." He admitted.

"Same one?" You asked.

He nodded and hugged your torso as you looked at Papyrus. "Excuse the crying from last night, Frisk tends to get this reoccurring nightmare."

He waved it off and out his skeletal hand on Frisk's head. "Don't worry Lil' Pup, we all get nightmares, even me and Sans do."

You laughed to yourself, imagining Sans curled up like an infant crying and sucking his thumb. You nodded to Papyrus as a silent thanks for his support. He stood up straight and offered a hand to you.

"Come! I shall make a wonderful human approved breakfast for us!" Papyrus boasted.

You giggled and stood. Frisk attached to your hand. Papyrus lifted you on to his shoulder and you squeaked in surprise. He jogged down the stairs and you appeared in a kitchen. The floor was checkered with black and white tile and the counter were topped by black slabs. The cabinets were all made of spruce wood and shiny appliances accompanied the set up. Papyrus plopped you down on the table.

"Wait here and watch as I prepare the most delicious meal of all time!"

Frisk giggled and you smiled, placing him in a seat and waiting patiently. You examined your damaged hands while Frisk and Papyrus spoke merrily. Underneath your ragged sleeves many scars sat, curving and gnarling your skin in a twisted manner. You developed the habit of tracing them when you thought. Frisk didn't like it but you'd accepted all of your scars.

Aggressive tugging pulled you out of your thoughts. Your eyes focused and you saw your small friend trying to get your attention. "What?"

He huffed and pointed at the table. In front of you sat two plates of fresh hotcakes. You looked at Papyrus and smiled. He sat with his own plate after putting some in the microwave for Sans. You nibbled on one and smiled. Mostly you watched Frisk devour his stack. Papyrus tapped your shoulder and raised a brow. "What's wrong kitten? Are you okay?"

You looked at your almost complete stack of hotcakes and made an 'oh' face. "I apologize Papyrus, I'm just not used to such portions. I used get about an eighth this size at meals. It'll be a bit before I can stomach this much at a time. Frisk however seems to be adjusting just fine." You chuckled, trying to divert to subject from you.

Both you and Papyrus watched as Frisk horked down another hotcake and looked at you. He swallowed and looked back at you curiously. "Huh?"

You laughed and wiped the crumbs off his face. He giggled and returned to demolishing the tasty breakfast. You continued to nibble on yours until you got through an entire hotcake. (Wow!) You let Frisk pick off your plate and watched him happily. This was something he deserved. A full stomach and a warm home. Now he needed a family and clothing.

Papyrus took the dishes and placed them in the sink. "Okay humans! What would you like to do?"

You fell silent and looked at him curiously. "What do we want to do?" You repeated.

He nodded and looked at you expectantly. Frisk jumped up and grabbed your sleeve, dragging you out of the kitchen. Once again you were in the living room. Frisk marched you to the piano and pointed at it excitedly.

"You play piano Kitten?" Papyrus asked.

You nodded mechanically, your response automatic and monotone. "Yes. I play the piano well among several other favorable traits I was trained in."

Frisk elbowed you and you snapped from the haze. "I- I mean yes, I do."

You slid on to the bench and moved your hands over the keys. "Any requests?" You asked.

Papyrus shrugged and Frisk sent you thumbs up. You rolled your eyes and sighed, mulling through your head and selecting a tune you'd taught yourself. You'd always loved the song, even if it didn't relate to you directly. Your fingers danced over the keys gracefully as the song began.

🎶Once I was seven years old, mama told me,
"Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely"
Once I was seven years old...🎶

🎶It was a big, big world but we thought we were bigger.
Pushing each other to the limits we were learning quicker.
By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor
Never rich so we were out to make that steady figure🎶

🎶Once I was eleven years old, daddy told me,
"Go get yourself a wife or you'll be lonely"
Once I was eleven years old...🎶

🎶I always had that dream, like my daddy before me.
So I started writing songs.
I started writing stories.
Something about that glory just always seemed to bore me.
Cus' only those I really love will ever really know me.🎶

🎶Once I was twenty years old, my story got told,
Before the morning sun, when life was lonely
Once I was twenty years old!🎶

🎶I only see my goals, I don't believe in failure
Cus' I know the smallest voices they can make it major
I got my boys with me at least those in favor.
And if we don't meet before I leave I hope I'll see you later.🎶

🎶Once I was twenty years old, my story got told.
I was writing about everything, I saw before me.
Once I was twenty years old🎶

🎶Soon we'll be thirty years old, our songs have been sold.
We've traveled around the world and we're still roaming.
Soon we'll be thirty years old🎶

🎶I'm still learning about life.
My woman brought children for,
So I can sing them all my songs and I can tell them stories.

Most of my boys are with me
Some are still out seeking glory
And some I had to leave behind me brother I'm still sorry.🎶

🎶Soon I'll be sixty years old, my daddy got sixty-one.
Remember life and then your life becomes a better one.
I made a man so happy when I wrote a letter once.
I hope my children come and visit once or twice a month.🎶

🎶Soon I'll be sixty years old, will I think the world is cold
Or will I have a lot children who can warm me?
Soon I'll be sixty years old🎶

🎶Soon I'll be sixty years old, will I think the world is cold
Or will I have a lot children who can warm me?
Soon I'll be sixty years old🎶

🎶Once I was seven years old, mama told me,
"Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely"
Once I was seven years old...🎶

🎶Once I was seven years old...🎶

You tied the song nicely with a repeat of the intro measures and letting the last note ring. Frisk and Papyrus clapped. You bowed your head and stepped away from the piano liked you'd been trained. A grin danced on your face and you looked down at Frisk. A seemed happy that you enjoyed yourself. Frisk sat at the piano and started to play the simpler tunes he'd learned, things like hot-cross buns and such. Papyrus would help him as you watched the two of them play. It was nice to see Frisk so elated. This was a great way to ward off his nightmares. After ten minutes, you were trying to teach Frisk a new song when the front door swung open. In walked two monsters, one familiar and the other new.

Sans waved non-chalontly and closed the door behind the newcomer. She was a tall, white-furred goat woman. Her magenta eyes held a certain gentleness in them and she seemed rather motherly.

"That's them, next to the piano." He said, gesturing to us.

Frisk turned am stood, clinging to your side. You lifted him on to your hip and looked at the monster with your usual greeting grin. She looked at you and gasped in horror.

"My goodness! Your almost wasted away!" She cried, rushing to you. Frisk hid his face shyly and you took the stage.

"Excuse our appearances. Compared to the others in our age divisions, we actually look okay in that horrid business." You joked. "Luckily Frisk was new and didn't have to suffer long."

She scanned your body like a robot and shook her head, grabbing your wrist. "Come with me," She said briskly. "We can't expect these two to get you back to proper health. You can live with me for the time being."

Frisk looked at your and shook his head raidly, his gaze turning in rounds between Sans and Papyrus. You yanked your wrist away and bowed your head in apology.

"I apologize ma'am. I have to decline your order in the benefits of Frisk." You said calmly.

She was surprised by both your automatic tone and your refusal of her. "What? Why?"

You put Frisk down and he ran to Papyrus, wrapping his arms around his leg. Your gaze lightened immediately as his eyes lit up when Papyrus lifted him. "Frisk likes it here, and I stay with Frisk."

She paused a moment and turned her attention to the two skeletons. They both gulped and approached her steadily. In a flash she knotted their shirts in one hand - like paw and began to draw them away.

"Come here you too, I'm going to teach you how to PROPERLY care for a human."

They seemed to be in danger but you could tell neither one wanted to. Shrugging, you returned to the piano and Frisk joined you. As Toriel ran a crash course on human needs, you gave Frisk a piano lesson. You didn't even think that the events to come were even possible, at least not then.