You sat at the bar, stirring a virgin Pina Colada rhythmically as your coworkers celebrated around your. "Another round Grillby! Today was a huge success!" A guard named Doggo called. "To our favorite brute, the Negotiator!"

You rolled your eyes and flipped him the birdie. "Whatever Doggo! I just got a bad reputation." You paused a moment then smirked. "But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy knocking heads where needed."

A thunderous roar rolled over the room and dissolved into groups as alcohol passed around. Frisk sat beside you joyfully munching on his burg with a tall glass of chocolate milk, special request from you to Grillby. He looked at you happily and grinned. "Wow, you really fit in huh?" He gawked. "You're a part of the family now!"

"Whatever it takes to contribute my share." You agreed, ruffling his hair.

"You've done a lot more than your share." A new voice but in. "At this rate you won't need to stay at our place anymore."

You looked back and smiled coyly at your short blue friend. "What are you talking about Sans? You trying to kick us out?"

He chuckled, shrugging as he sat on your other side. "Well I'm just saying." He teased. "It's only been 'bout six weeks and you've shot up through the ranks. The whole Negotiator thing has caught on too. Paps and I ran into some crooks earlier and I heard 'em talking about how you were such hot stuff. Of course when I stepped in, their words became quite different. Funny how fear is so effective in getting information."

"I already knew that." You laughed. "My negotiations aren't always peaceful."

Your eyes glanced to Frisk and you rushed to correct yourself. "Of course that's only when I can't talk through the problem."

He smiled innocently and you sighed. Frisk had seemed happier since you settled into the skelebros' home. He hadn't had another attack since the time he bit you. Funny how the most violent environment kept his violent side at bay.  

"Wow..." You mused. "A month and a half ago I was as hostile as a rabid wolf, now I'm known for solving situations without throwing a single punch." You snickered. "Funny how so little time changed me so much."

"Yes Kitten! Now you are the second most amazing person in our household, second only to I, the Great Papyrus, of course." Paps boasted proudly.

You laughed, nodding happily. Whoops and hollers echoed loudly throughout the bar. Tonight was a celebration of your latest success, a deal make with an exceptionally hard bargain between Asgore's gang and the Temmie crew. You never expected such an adorable creature to be so stubborn in its say. But after hours of negotiations and explanation, you were able to make an acceptable deal and Asgore once again was pleased by your work. Tonight he agreed to pay all the tabs we had at the bar, Sans' own tab not included due to its extensive amount owed. 

Tonight was a night of camaraderie and drinking. It was a happy time. Even Asgore and Toriel made their appearances, not together though. You couldn't help but flashback to the images Gaster had shown you. Thinking that they had been so torn was a pain,  but nothing a meal couldn't soothe. You watched from your tall bar stool over the swaying crowd of rejoicing. The grin on your face for once wasn't faked. You felt free for the first time, forgetting your past and enjoying the moment. You beamed like a fool, almost not believing this was real. 

Sans looked at your smiling face and he visibly seemed to relax. It was as if seeing you happy was enough to make him happy as well. You glanced at him, eye glimmering with blissful tears. He froze with you as you locked gazes. You didn't expect it, maybe it was the buzzing atmosphere, but watching his eyes made your heart race. It was as if looking at his gaze released a million race horses in your chest, all of them trampling your lungs and leaving your breathless. Blue painted his skull just as your own face lit up red. You both looked away hurriedly and your continued to stir your drink. 

Frisk poked your side playfully and you rolled your eyes, slurping up your drink as a distraction. "Were you making googly eyes at Sans?" He purred, continuing to tease you. 

"I was not making googly eyes. We just happened to make eye contact." You muttered,  poking his nose. "What do you know?" 

"I know that you mutter 'Sans' in your sleep sometimes." He pressed. 

You blushed, hitting him lightly. "It's not like that! It not like I love him or anything. He's just a really good friend. I trust him." You sputtered. "You mutter names too ya know." 

"Yeah, your name. You know, the name of someone I really care about. You totally like him!" 

"We've only known each other for six weeks!" You countered. 

"Love only needs an instant!" Frisk pointed out. 

"That's true kid, but uh, who's in love again?" 

You almost jumped from your chair when Sans' voice came from behind you. He swiftly caught you and helped you balance yourself, laughing as he did. "What's wrong Kitten? You're awfully jumpy." 

"You told me to be vigilant, but I didn't expect you right behind my ear." You pouted, rolling your eyes. "Don't sneak up behind me! One of these days it's not going to end so light-heartedly." 

"Don't worry. I think I can handle myself." He reassured.

"The question is can you handle me?" You joked.

He fell silent a moment, blushing. You thought the sentence through again and erupted into red. "W-Wait! Not like that! I didn't mean-"

"GIVE ME THE NEGOTIATOR!!!" A loud voice boomed.

Saved by the bell.

You looked in the direction of the commotion, but found yourself too short to see. You could however hear Asgore trying to speak to them. "I'm sorry sir, but Ms. Negotiator is currently-"

"Shut up old man. I'm just here to settle old ties." He barked, surveying the crowd. "I know she's here."

You and Sans exchanged and look and  you shrugged. Standing on the bar counter, you tiptoed around the glasses and pushed your way to the front.

"Sir, I believe you owe an apology to my superior before even being considered for my time." You said briskly, keeping your eyes downcast at your hands so not to see him.

"Aw, so I see you really are the Negotiator then. The little-"

"Aaahhhh! No talking to me 'til you've properly apologized to Asgore. We are not people without manners." You repeated, yawning to emphasize your boredom.

He growled. "Fine." A few steps and he faced Asgore. Bowing his head, he muttered a proper apology.

You smiled obnoxiously and finally looked up at the newcomer. "See! Now it wasn't that hard was it? What can I do for-"

You froze, pupils shrinking as your mouth fell open. The man towered over you, looking down at you and grinning maliciously. "Aw, so you finally remember me? I've been looking for my package for quite some time now..."

The monsters around you remained confused as you shuddered. Your gaze turned poisonous as you coughed and straightened your posture, trying not to shake.

The man before you wore a pressed, pinstriped suit with a loud red tie. His shoes were bright with polish and his hands were manicured to perfection. His face held a relatively rugged look to it, but felt chiseled and was cleanly shaven. His brown hair was slicked back, nothing left to hang over his cold, blue eyes.

"Kitten, who is the person?" Asgore implored, watching him suspiciously.

"I'm sorry Asgore, but I'll have to take this discussion outside." You said quietly. "I'll come back in a little bit."

The man nodded, grin curling even more. It was like looking at a human Cheshire cat. "Aw what a smart choice Kitten? Shall we be on our way?" He asked.

"Just go." You hissed, pushing him outside and following close behind. You led him across the street from the bar and leaned against a lamp post as you watched him warily.

"W-What are you d-doing here?" You stuttered, lacing your fingers so he couldn't see your trembling hands.

"What? Are you not happy to see a familiar face?" He asked, gripping your chin aggressively.

You ripped your face away, glaring at him and gritting your teeth. "I have no buisness with you! Leave this place!" You barked.

He cackled, holding his midsection like this was the best joke he'd ever heard. "Oh the traffickers didn't tell me you were funny!" He laughed.

You felt sharp pain in your gut and you double over, holding a hand over your mouth to catch the glimmering red. He'd punched you in the stomache. He gripped your shoulder painfully and you bit back a hiss of pain. "I'm not happy (Y/N). Not. At. All."

"Not. My. Problem." You snapped back, trying to pull away but failing.

"You see (Y/N), I ordered two servants. Two people to work at my estate of generous accommodations and had a surplus of free time. I ordered two servants and do you know what I received. I received an empty box. Do you see the problem there?" He asked.

"You failing to be a human being?" You spit, swinging your leg at him.

He let go and you stumbled back but he made your freeze with a single gesture. "No no no! Be careful (Y/N). Wouldn't want to get your friends in there in any trouble now would you?"

You remained still, defensive posed. "What did you do?" You asked in a low tone.

"Oh, just a little shooting squad. Nothing much. But I have their targets set for this very bar. One wrong move and I'll have every monster in there murdered. Your choice..."

You clenched your fist and relaxed. Standing straight, you let your hair cover your face as you looked him in the eye.

"Just tell me what you want..." You said solemnly.

"I want my money's worth. I want you and the child I was promised." Your throat constricted with panic and you glanced inside.

I knew this would happen. At my highest point I get knocked down to my lowest. Why did I even hope?

"Well," you hummed quietly, heart heavy. "My name is the Negotiator. Let's make a deal..."
______________________________________________________________________________
You nodded quietly, leaving him at the corner as you numbly entered the bar. Silence swept the room as everyone turned your way. Every other person gasped at the sight of your bloody mouth from his jab. You brushed it off, hiding your eyes in your hair as Asgore approached you.

"Kitten! What happened? Who was that guy?" He asked. 

"I apologized Mr. Dremmur." You said in a cracked tone. "But I'll be leaving your service effective immediately."

He gasped, along with every other breathing thing present. "What?!" A small voice cried.

Frisk pushed his way through and tugged at your arm aggressively. "Where are we going?! I thought this was our home! We can't leave now!" He pled.

Sans and Papyrus appeared behind him and you turned your face down to the floor. "You won't Frisk. You're staying right here." You reassured. "But I have to leave..."

"What?! (Y/N) you can't! I thought you were happy here! You were smiling! You're finally free! Why don't you-"

"Because I'm not!" You snapped, clutching a fist. You sighed, breath shaking and breaking. "Because I'm not free, I have to go now and do what I must."

"Kitten... what will we do without our Negotiator?" Papyrus whimpered, looking down at you. "We need you!"

You smiled weakly, hugging him. "Don't worry Paps. You'll find another one. I just can't be here anymore."

"Kid." Sans said hoarsely, eyes hidden by his hat. His voice dropped to a whisper as he spoke to you. "What's happening? Why the sudden change of heart?"

You choked on the lump in your throat and instead laughed. "Make sure you take care of Frisk alright? If he has a breakdown just... hold him, and give him something to bite on. Keep him away from sharp objects too."

"Kitten please..."

"And make sure he's eating well. Test all the food before you give him any. I couldn't stand it of he got sick."

"Kitten stop."

"But if he does get sick ask Toriel. She'll know something to help. He needs to be happy, so make sure you play with him. Continue to teach him piano. He loves piano."

"Kitten!"

"And please God watch him when he goes out to play. He's too friendly and always gets into trouble. He needs to be safe and all times and," You sniffled, tears rolling steadily down your face. "Make sure he grows up well. I don't want him to suffer so much as I have..."

"(Y/N)!" Sans snapped. "Tell me what's happening?!" Sans begged.

You offered a broken laugh and wrapped your arms around him neck. Whispering, you muttered in his ear before releasing him. As you left the awestruck Sans, you stopped and pressed a kiss against Frisk forehead.

"I'm going to miss you Lil' Pup. Be good for Papyrus and Sans..."

As quickly as you could, you ran from bar where a waiting car had just pulled up. You swung in smoothly, not bothering to wipe your streaming tears. The man laughed, laying a package wrapped tightly in brown paper over your lap. "Here's the new uniform. Welcome back to work." He teased.
______________________________________________________________________________
(Y/N) wrapped her arms around me before whispering in my "ear", leaving me shocked.

"I told you, I'm not really free.  I never will be. That life still has its shackles in me, I can't escape. Take care of Frisk for me, and everyone else too."

She pulled away and walked off, pausing only to kiss Frisk on the head. Then she was gone, crying as she was rushed away from her one true family. It felt like I'd been frozen in time as I raced after her. I watched the car pull away with the girl I cared for most inside. I barely glimpsed the license plate as the taillights blinded me.

"(Y/N)!!!"