'Are you okay Sans? - Papyrus'

'You've looked really uncomfortable this entire time, we can leave if you want. I know you have a hard time with new people. - Papyrus'

Naturally, Papyrus had observed when his brother was uncomfortable. While he had a hard time understanding some other people, he knew Sans. No doubt he had thought the first two meetings were of Sans being caught off guard, but with the repeating behavior, Papyrus noticed that Sans was not happy being here.

Sans looked down at the messages, sighing to himself. Papyrus was so considerate that it sometimes hurt. Sans really didn't want to throw Papyrus into his parents grasp, he didn't want to expose his brother to what they've done. Could he really stop this, though? They had everything, and he had nothing. The best Sans could do was suck it up and be with his brother to make sure they didn't try to pull anything.

All he could do was play their game, in the end. And they knew it.

'nah bro, im fine, just a bit sleepy'

The entire trip so far hadn't really been productive for Sans. They weren't directly saying anything that made him suspicious. It just felt like they were actually trying to bond, which threw Sans off, because he seriously thought there would be more to this trip. Their parents managed to get them alone, why weren't they trying anything?

It was frustrating, because of how normal they were acting. There wasn't any underlying motivations behind their words, no trying to learn more about their friends. They were simply trying to bond with their children.

Sans didn't know how to feel.

When they walked, Sans trudged behind his brother, hands in his hoodie pockets as he simply let the conversation flow without him. Papyrus tried to include him, but his efforts were fruitless, as Sans wasn't much in the sharing mood.

Their topics were never focused on one thing, instead drifting along with each exhibit they passed. Sometimes an interesting conversation would take hold, and joking opportunities would present themselves to the short skeleton, but Sans never took them. They felt a little too convenient, and were from his parents. They were purposefully trying to get him to be more social, to learn more about him, but he wasn't having it.

Sans wasn't here to bond with his parents. He didn't like them, and he never would. They were insane murderers who kidnapped and brutally stabbed people, and for what?

Well, Sans wasn't sure. It had been a long time ago, and the speech his Father had been giving was slightly fuzzy. But he was fully aware they were a cult, and that they were definitely abusing their power and money to keep their cult hidden.

Jandle tilted her hands into her jacket pockets, smiling gently at a painting in front of her. "It's so beautiful, isn't it sweetie? Reminds me of the days before the war."

War?

Sans snapped his attention from his phone, looking at his Mother. It shouldn't be a surprise, really, they were that old. But, of course, his curiosity did get the best of him. What exactly would drive a monster to start a murderous cult? Monsters, by nature, were creatures that needed love to survive. The more L.O.V.E they obtained, the more they lost themselves, until they were an empty shell of nothing but violence and blood. How would they manage to survive this long without their souls giving up?

"What was it like, before the war?" Sans asked her.

"I'm not sure, why don't you tell us about what it was like Underground?" Jandle responded, looking to the side at her eldest.

That's what she was going for, then. An exchange. If he told his parents more about himself, they'd quench his curiosity by answering his questions. They were good.

It was just a repeat of events, wasn't it? Sans' curiosity was what led him to his basement, all of those years ago. And now, his curiosity was going to be his downfall yet again.

"It wasn't very easy," Sans said, "You guys almost caught us a few times. One time it was Muffet, another time it was one of my Uncles... but the closest time was when I recognized your car at a store. I hid under another car to make sure you guys wouldn't see me."

They couldn't directly talk about anything, judging by how they were in the open, surrounded by other people, and were in front of cameras. That's why Sans resorted to simply talking about his escape, something that would definitely gain his Mother's interest, but keep him distant enough.

"The surface before the war was interesting. Gaster and I had been married for a long time, and we spent a lot of time together." Jandle tilted her gaze towards the painting before them. "We had a big house, and we set up a baby room just for you. We'd been planning my pregnancy for years, but the war really threw us off. Our house is always open for you and your brother, Sans. We're always ready for when you two want to come home."

Just as Sans did, Jandle kept her response distant, only intended to rise Sans' interest and curiosity over the answers he's pondered for years. Then again, weren't his parents in the same boat? They had to wonder, for all of the years while Sans was away, what he and Papyrus were like. How they managed to avoid being seen, how they were growing up, how they were doing. Sans sat on his own questions just as long as they sat on theirs, naturally they would want a trade.

The more information Sans gave about himself and his brother, the more information she would exchange. Jandle was letting Sans play the game, it was his choice as to how many questions he'd have answered.

Was it worth it, though? He could be risking his, Papyrus', and his friends lives over a stupid curisoity? However, it was a curiosity that, once settled, could make a difference. If he found out how his parents survived this long with their L.O.V.E undoubtedly high, he could potentially find a weakness to exploit.

"That will never be our home," Sans whispered, not risking a glance towards the woman.

"And would you rather call your house your home, then?"

She hit the nail on the head.

Admittedly, Sans hated the house he had moved to. Underground, he liked Snowdin, and he liked the house they shared. With only Papyrus, it was nice, it was a home. On the surface, the new house wasn't a home that could compare. It was old, falling apart, and while he did enjoy Toriel and Frisk, living with them made it feel too crowded. He hated the street they lived on, and he despised the terrible view of the stars. Obstructed by Mount Ebott, Sans could barely see them, leaving his only view of half of the sky to be from his roof. The skeleton didn't even feel comfortable enough to leave his socks around. He was a guest in his own house, it felt like, as if he and Papyrus were having an extended stay with Toriel.

Jandle took the silence as a win, because it was. "Like I said, your home will always be open, with your family. With me, your Father, and Papyrus. You want him to be happy, don't you? He deserves an open home, and he deserves a chance to bond with his parents. Just like you do. Don't you agree?"

"He deserves parents that aren't... crazy." Sans didn't know what word to use, instead settling for such a weak insult it was almost pathetic.

"Mental illnesses are impossible amongst skeletons, we don't have minds or chemicals that can be unbalanced," Jandle said, "We're soul focused creatures, based on love. So is Papyrus. He's so loving, and he deserves love and praise. We can give that to him, and to you. Don't you want Papyrus to be loved?"

"Of course I do," Sans mumbled, "Away from you guys."

"You'll come around, sweetie, I know you will," Jandle said, "We can give you guys everything you need. A family, a home, protection and money. Don't you want that?"

"Mom, Sans! We found the door, it turns out the map was a little old and they haven't updated it yet!" Papyrus explained, rounding the corner with Gaster before Jandle could get an answer. "The star exhibit is this way!"

Sans wasn't sure if he wanted to cry or laugh from his relief. Instead, he simply nodded, shuffling away from his Mother before she could add another word.

Papyrus did deserve love. He was innocent, a little naive, but Sans loved him still. That's why Papyrus deserved love away from his messed up family, where he could be properly loved, not the twisted sense of love Sans held.

Papyrus didn't deserve that.

~~~~~~

Naturally they had picked the museum first.

The original tour around the museum had managed to calm Sans out of his paranoia. Not entirely, but enough to where he wouldn't duck down onto himself whenever he was faced with his parents. Papyrus' presence certainly helped in that regard, and the conversation he had with Jandle was still very present within his mind.

What really broke Sans out of his shell, though, was the star exhibit. It didn't have any major impact, but it ripped Sans' attention and worry from his parents, finally allowing for them to stand close without him flinching away. He still wouldn't talk to them, but that was fine. They made good progress today, considering how they had only found them yesterday.

It was risky to push, but it was also risky to leave the ideas sitting inside of Sans' head. Poor Starlight, left to sit with those memories that no doubt traumatized him. They would have to talk about it, one day, and what better day than today?

Everything had been planned, and naturally everything was going well. The original trip had eased Sans into a sense of security, which was justified. With his parents, he always would be safe. His and his brothers safety was always their first priority, Gaster and Jandle would never hurt them. Now that Sans better understood that, they could finally discuss what he saw, all of those years ago.

"I-I can have a tour of the kitchen?"

Papyrus looked so caught off guard, pressing his hands against his cheekbones with an ecstatic look. Jandle smiled at the waiter as they served their ordered food.

"Mrs. Font had been one of our original founders for our restaurant, we still use a lot of her recipes," The waiter explained, setting down an extra bottle of ketchup. "Even when monsters went Underground, our establishment will never forget how much of an impact Mrs. Font has made."

The red curtain behind him rustled, and it finally did dawn onto Sans that he was going to be secluded with his parents. Their location had changed to a restaurant, a very fancy one, with enough good reviews to go around and more money then what Sans probably had. Their booth had been reserved for only the skeleton family, even after all of these years. Tucked away in the back, where no one could see, or hear them. Frankly, a perfect area for them to discuss family matters. Their children's house wouldn't work, as it was bothersome to try and dodge around Toriel and Frisk. Their own house wouldn't work because Sans wouldn't feel comfortable enough. This was the perfect chance to have Papyrus happily explore his hobby and give them the chance to talk to Sans about the... event.

Sans must have realized that he'd finally be stuck alone with his parents, eye sockets widening as he slightly lowered in his seat. How adorable. He was, no doubt, the cutest in the family. Who could resist pinching a cute cheekbone like his?

Papyrus eagerly trailed after the waiter, disappearing from sight. Leaving his defenseless brother utterly alone. Then again, Sans would be safe with his parents. Papyrus would never have to worry about leaving him alone with them. Other people, though, were dangerous.

"Now that we're alone," Gaster pushed aside his own beverage, crossing his hands onto the table. "I think it's finally time we talk about how you saw us kill someone, don't you agree?"

"I do agree," Jandle added, "It's about time we faced it."

"I'd rather..." Sans trailed off, glancing towards the door like he might make a run for it.

"You wouldn't want to leave so soon, would you? Papyrus is gaining valuable insight to the inner workings of a kitchen, not to mention you'd leave him all alone when he gets back. Aren't you curious, as well?" Jandle cocked her head. "I thought you'd want some answers."

Sans grumbled undefinable noises, but stayed put. Curiosity was the best weapon.

"Well... I think we all know that yer guys are a part of the Sunny Family Cult going around, and that whatever you were doing that night was a part of it. Am I wrong?"

"No. But the Sunny Family Cult is, in itself, a pathetic name to give us. It does somewhat suit us, I presume. Then again, we never were intended to have a name like a basketball team does in high school, so no name would perfectly suit us. Yes, to summarize. We are the cult, if you want to use simplistic, societal terms." Gaster placed a finger on his chin as he finished. "We are responsible for the 'Sunny Family Cult' killings, and you had witnessed one."

"And all of our 'aunts' and 'uncles' are your members?" Sans asked, eyeing his burger like it was poisoned.

Gaster picked up his own burger. "They are members, but they are family. In the sense that Frisk and Toriel are family. Not related, but we do consider each other family."

"Family, sadistic cult... easy to mistake those, isn't it?"

Sans finally was showing some backbone in him, replying with sarcasm. No doubt the anger and confusion that had built over the years was now starting to crumble, bursting out without any constraint. Sometimes, it was good to let one's walls down. Gaster was glad Sans was finally letting his true self out, letting his walls crumble around his parents. Once all of the hatred and anger from the years bled out, they could fill that void with the love and protection he was ignorant to.

"You were a smart child, and I have no doubt that your intelligence has carried into adulthood. Sans, do you explicitly remember that night?" Gaster asked.

Sans nodded. "'Course."

"And do you remember what the 'victim' looked like?"

"He was a bunny monster, you guys dragged him in with a bag on his head. He was covered in blood, too."

"Sans, you see, we struck his head from behind. While knocking him out, there should have been barely any blood. Did you notice his hands were bloody?"

Another nod, suspicious this time.

"He never fought back against us. Starlight, we had picked him up that way. It makes you wonder exactly what happened before we found him."

"Haven't you ever wondered why we never let you out of the house? Dear, it was because of people like him." Jandle pierced her fork onto her plate, scooping a generous amount of rice onto her main dish. "We found him drunk, stumbling along the street, with bloody knuckles. He likely got kicked out of a bar for hurting someone."

"That doesn't excuse murder!" Sans said, dropping his own spoon. "Sure, he might'a gotten into a scuffle, but he was drunk. You guys dragged him to the house and just killed him wearing those stupid masks and talking about... whatever weird cult things you were talking about."

"Our family is full of people who had no place in society. Outcasts, people who were turned away for not fitting the norm. We're a family, and we get rid of bad people who follow society and use it to better themselves and hurt others. Friends don't stay, but family does."

"That ain't a family, it's a demented cult. You approached them when they felt like they had no other choice and brainwashed them."

"We did no such things," Gaster said, "There's no brainwashing involved. Sans, would you claim that Asgore is a good King, and that he has done this Kingdom good?"

"He ain't perfect, but he sure as hell doesn't go around kidnapping and killing people."

"As we thought. Gaster, please?" Jandle turned towards her husband.

"Of course, honey."

Sans eyed them warily as Gaster produced a thick folder, several papers practically spilling out along the edges, yet it still held a neat and retained look to it. From what little memories Sans hadn't shoved down over the years, his Father's organization was one of them.

"We haven't been around as long as Asgore, but we have been around long enough to witness his rule. Go on, take a look. I'm sure you'll find some evidence interesting of what Asgore's been up to. Toriel, as well, if I were to point out."

Hesitantly, Sans took the folder, setting it aside. "How do I know this isn't fake?"

"We've been collecting these for years." Gaster gestured towards the papers. "Those are mere copies, but they are real. We've worked on the Royal Advisory for quite a long time, and some of them are even recent. I'm sure you're interested in knowing what Asgore has done, and what he is currently doing with your tax money. No?"

Once again, they were twisting Sans' curiosity onto itself, using the double edged sword to knock him back. For all he knew, it could be fabricated, but what would they gain from that?

"We aren't saying what you should and shouldn't believe in," Jandle said, "But we are saying that you should first gather all of the information on people before you make assumptions. The six human children weren't the first, dear."

When Sans eyed the folder again, his curiosity settling in, they knew they had him.

They had him the moment Toriel uttered his name in that store.