Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The daring rescue Sans thought this would be turned more into a relaxing walk.

He’d rushed out of the house thinking there’d be a time limit, but… well, they spent more time figuring out which way to go than anything else. Sans would walk down one way but have to turn back when either Pop or Tin would get confused or lost.

Sans should be frustrated but was actually surprised to find that he’d missed the outside. He was enjoying it more than he thought he would.

So, yeah. He wasn’t too bothered by the backtracking.

They wandered through the blocks of housing in his neighborhood. Sans saw more than a few people out and about enjoying their day, either by themselves or with friends. It got a bit crowded when they stumbled into the city park. Sans felt wary of all the new people, but Tin and Pop said it was usual around this hour.

Tin and Pop gave him a tour. Showing the bush they’d been sleeping in for weeks, the water fountains, and the large playground. There was even a hot dog stand that Tin and Pop would steal from. It was actually one of the reasons why they had to leave, apparently. The cops had been called one too many times and a dog catcher -whatever that was- had been sent to look for them.

It was manned by a young purple-cloaked skeleton with a large scar on his eye. Who grinned cheekily and made a lot of jokes. Sans stopped for a moment to buy them all hot dogs while Tin and Pop figured out where to go next. It was good and gave Sans a reason to rest his feet.

Pop and Tin enjoyed their hotdog with ravenous greed. Sans couldn’t help but snort and take a few pictures, while they told him various stories from their ‘freedom adventure’ as stated by Pop.

Like dodging wild dogs, digging through dumpsters, or escaping a large hawk by the metaphorical skin of their teeth. Sans couldn't tell if they were exaggerating or not. Either way, it was a good way to pass the time.

Surprisingly no one took a second glance at him or the tiny skeletons riding upon his shoulder. It was only confirmed later that it wasn’t all that uncommon. Sans saw a few other tiny monsters riding along with others. Either on their shoulder like Sans, or carried in hands, on backpacks or purses.

It was… a more common sight than Sans thought they’d be.

It wasn’t just skeletons either, although they were the most populated. Sans spotted a fish monster, albeit from far away.

A couple of people, human children Sans winced internally, pointed and cooed at his companions.

It was weird, but Sans didn’t give it much thought.

Eventually, they moved further into town.

Large buildings seemed to pop up around them. Sidewalks and streets filled with people and cars. Pops of greenery were planted here and there to break up the monotony, trees growing in holes along the pavement with colorful streamers decorating poles and signs. It was loud, bright, and colorful.

It reminded Sans of New Home in an aching way.

Some of the buildings were run down, closed up with boards or foreclosure signs. A couple seemed to be spray painted in bright colorful pictures. Sans took a few pictures while Tin and Pop argued about street corners and something about a cat.

Eventually, they rounded said street corner coming into a main square surrounding a single building. If Sans had to guess it must have been the law house or some kind of court office. Looking out he could see businesses and shops set up in lines, all connected together in rows for window shopping. Several areas broke off into tiny alcoves for eating or resting.

“We almost there?” Sans asked a little less patient than usual, stopped at the foot of a traffic sign. He didn’t mind this walk, but they’d been at it for a while now and it was getting on in the day.

“Yes!” Pop cheered and Sans raised his eyebones in surprise. Pop bouncing on his shoulder precariously, pointing at one of the long strips of side businesses, “It’s Right There! See!?”

Sans looked over, but without any indication, he had no idea which shop it was. “Er.. Which one?”

“The one that says Bitty Emporium, obviously.” Tin grumbled with a scoff, “What are you, a fuckin’ idiot?”

Pop gasped scandalised. “Tin, That Wasn't Nice At All!”

Sans felt Tin shuffle, then murmured a quick and blunt, “Sorry.”

Sans sighed and started walking over.

It was a good sized building sat on the last end of a row. Large white lettering on the top of the building stated Bitty Emporium, it was a little faded but still pristine. Large bay windows opened into the shop with two double glass doors.

Several flyers and signs were taped onto the window, half obscuring the inside, advertising all kinds of things.

If Sans craned his head he could see that the inside was clean and fresh. Long white rows of shelving lined up to lead to a backspace Sans couldn’t quite see, but thought might be the cashier. It wasn’t too crowded, but he could see a few people here and there.

If he squinted his eyes and really, really, looked he could just see the outline of things moving inside tiny pens..

Sans paused for a long moment, ignoring Tin and Pop's planning whispers.

It wasn’t what he was expecting.

It was a pet store, or that’s what he thought it was. They didn’t exist in the underground.

Sure, Sans had Rocky, and while he was a good member of the family, he was just a rock. Not even a sentient on either. Just a plain, non-magical, rock. Papyrus had picked him off the ground near Waterfall for Sans as a birthday present, with a comment about building responsibility and emotional support.

That was the general extent for most of the underground. It’d been a fad when they were teens, something about some papers talking about pets above ground. That's how it usually went with these things, but that's all it’s been. It just… didn’t work with the underground.

Everything that was considered a pet above ground was just beings underground. Birds, cats, dogs, any kind of reptile or fish. Sure some monsters were less… intelligent than most, but they were still monsters. Just as deserving of love, respect, and care as any other. From what he heard Humans treated pets differently than babies or other humans.

The King had set up programs and foster agencies to make sure they were safe and that their kind would be preserved despite their unnatural environments. It had worked so well certain species have gone back generations of living together, forming an extended family.

If Sans remembered right Paps had even wanted to join it, but had decided not to given that ‘Sans was enough of a responsibility anyways.’

Thanks, bro.

So…

Faced with this Sans felt something in his chest drop a little. A nervous sweat popped up on his forehead.

“Hmm,” Sans hummed consideringly, shifting slightly.

Tin grumbled, a little agitated from arguing with Pop. He must have noticed Sans's disposition though, because he popped off -heh-, “What? You look like you’ve never seen a Bitty shop before.”

“Cause I haven’t,” Sans muttered, a headache blooming between his eyes.

“Wait, Really!?” Pop squeaked, leaning down on Sans’s shoulder to look him in the eye.

Sans grinned, despite himself. “What can I say, I was living under a rock.”

He let out a chuckle despite their absolute confusion. A pun was still a pun even if no one got it. Sometimes those were the best, they usually came back around a while later to get everyone going.

“Ugh. Can we just get this over with?” Tin grunted, done with the situation.

Sans blinked in surprise when he felt a kick against his scapula but rolled with it. Literally, he half rolled his shoulder blade to get rid of the ticklish-itchy feeling.

“Yeah, alright.” Sans steps forward towards the door, dodging an annoyed looking citizen, but stops at a little sound from his shoulder.

“Erm…” Pop mumbled.

Sans pauses just before the door. “What?”

“Well-.. Well, We Can’t Go Back In. Not Like This, They’d See Us.” Pop declared, hunching down under Tin’s arm.

“You think they’d still recognize us? It’s been weeks. There must have been a dozen other Bitty shipments and sells by now.” Tin asked in disbelief. “Who’d care about two Sansys out of a hundred others?”

What did he mean by shipments? Like-... Shipments of pets? Were Bitties pets?

Sans supposed that made sense. Although he didn’t know how Crack and the others were involved with that. Maybe they had some pets or something… Like a mafia situation? Er. No, those were just human films, right?

Sans couldn’t quite get it.

Pop nodded quickly anyway. Fidgeting so hard he almost rolled off Sans's shoulder, he would have if it weren’t for Tin’s stronghold on his arm. “You Know Dream And Blue, They Never Forget Stuff Like This!”

Tin went to protest, but Sans interrupted.

“Do you two want to wait outside then?” Sans asked, curling his fingers in his jacket pockets.

They could hide behind some bushes or sit on the bench outside if they want. Sans didn’t mind leaving them outside the shop and go look for Crack himself if they were that worried. It’d be harder, but Sans was sure he could find him.

The two were quiet, silently looking at each other. Sans waited a long moment, but eventually Pop shook his head and Tin wrinkled his nose.

“I’ll take that as a no.”

Tin furrowed his bonebrow, “Still doesn’t help the situation.”

Pop's face dropped a little.

Sans resided the urge to shrug, lest he flings his new companions off, and thinks quickly. “Alright, why don’t you stay tucked in my hood? That way you can ride along and give me directions, but you can hide from others.”

Tin and Pop looked at each other again, but it didn’t take nearly as long for them to grin and shimmy down into the hood. Sans waited for them to settle before glancing over his shoulder to make sure they were fully hidden.

“You sure that’ll work?” Tin asked dubiously, voice muffled but still audible.

“Yeah, as long as you stay still I doubt anyone will notice,” Sans confirmed.

They really were small. He examined himself in the reflections of the window. While there was a slight bulge from the two it wasn’t all that noticeable unless you were looking for it.

“You guys comfy in there?” Sans question, a little amazed.

“Yup,” Tin grumbled while Pop exclaimed cheerful, voice a lot louder than Tin’s, “Yeah!”

“Cool, entering the store now.” Sans stepped forward and opened one of the doors. He winced when a bell overhead and with a high-pitched chime that made his hearing ring.

The first thing noted was how cold it was in the store compared to the outside, the second was how well-lit everything was.

It was bigger than what it looked from the outside. Row upon row of shelving units were set up. People talked in low excited voices.

Wow. None of the stores in the underground were ever like this.

Sans blinked a little but padded into the store. Glancing at racks and shelving along the way. Each was full of a selection of tiny things and objects…

Maybe this wasn’t a pet store, but a store for tiny monsters like Tin and Pop.

That felt more comfortable in Sans's chest than anything else.

Various people, both monsters and humans, walked among the shelves. There were a couple of what Sans assumed to be employees stocking shelves or answering questions.

His magic pinged against each of them as he walked by, but he barely took notice of each check. Sans noted tiredly, that there were several human children as well. He did his best to avoid them, and the others, to make his way forward to the back of the store.

Entering the cleared section he noted before Sans noticed two large playpens were settled a few feet away from the counter. Little signs were on the edge stating names like Baby Blues, and Edgies with small pricetags.

So… not just a store for tiny things then?

Sans peers into it curiously, sidling up to the side between two teens. Then did a double take as he spotted several tiny look-alikes.

He froze, breath short in his chest as he stared at the several pairs of familiar, very familiar, skeletons who were walking around, playing with items, or sleeping at the bottom of the cage. Several people were sticking their hands in to interact with them or talking to them in cutesy voices.

Some identicals looked exactly like Pop and Edge. Same colored scheme, outfits, and body shape. Hell, as Sans watched with drawing horror, they all interacted the same too.

The ones like pop were energetic and excited, running around and smiling at everyone with a happy face. The ones like Tin were grumpy and agitated, going so far as to flip off anyone who came close.

There were other variants as well, colored in green, purple, and blue. Sans had no baseline for them, but they all had to be similar too.

Sans felt sick.

A Pop look alike noticed him and jogged over to him. Sans’s magic pinged dully in agitation.

* Sans- ATK 5 DEF 5 Hp 5/5
* He’s very excited to see you!
* His favorite food is Tacos!

Sans watched silently as the tiny skeleton waved at him excitedly. When Sans didn’t react the Skeleton tilted it head but shook the rebuff off and ran towards a young duck monster petting several other Pop and Tin look-alikes.

Sans watched it all, head whirling in thought.

What was this? A cloning operation, some kind of slavery maybe? That-... That didn't make sense, what use would tiny skeletons be? How the hell did all this happen? They were selling sentient skeleton monsters, why wasn’t anyone else freaked out about this?

Did the tiny being care? Tin and Pop had to right? They ran away…

How-... Why?

Sans turned his head away, nausea rolling up his spine in sickening twists.

“Are You Alright!?” Sans let out a startled breath at Pop’s hushed yell.

“Yeah,” Sans mumbled quietly, “Just… Just weird.”

“Fuck yeah, it is,” Tin whispers back grumpily. “Creepy as shit when you really think about it, right?”

“Are any of them Crack?” Sans whispered under his voice.

He felt a shuffle against his back. Little feet poked into his shoulder blades and then a dip on his left shoulder.

Then a soft, but no less enthusiastic, no came from Pop.

“Try behind the counter,” Tin grunted out nervously, clearly unhappy. “That's where they took him after-... after the accident.”

The counter huh? Sans took a deep breath and turned towards it, stemming his headache. Clearly he should have done more research before settling down.

As he took the few steps there he noted the counter. It was a simple U-shaped table with little shelving along the bottom that had various trinkets for sale.

It was manned by a single skeleton.

He was about as tall as Sans was, maybe a little taller, with yellow eyelights. He had on an apron and below that a yellow collared T-shirt. Hunched over himself and leaned onto the counter with his palm under his chin. There was a notebook in front of him. He looked bored, maybe a little sad.

Sans knows what a fake smile looks like.

“There’s a skeleton monster there.” Sans states, finally getting ahold of himself.

“That's Dream!” Pop whispered, apparently not having tucked himself back yet “We're Going To Have To Distract Him!”

“It’s Wednesday, right? He must be taking over for Blue.” Tin grumbled.

Sans nodded, he had no idea who either of those people were, stepping towards the counter. Only a few feet away Sans could see what Tin meant.

Behind the counter on a shelf was a simple metal cage with a sign stating “Not for Sale.” Inside were a couple of plastic hide homes and woodchip bedding. Tilting his head Sans could just barely see the faint outline of two tiny beings.

Crack must be in there.

Welp. Sans thought to himself. Here goes nothing.

He made sure Pop had actually slid back down before he widened his own grin and stepped up to the counter. Dream paused with what he was doing, and then looked up at him with tired surprise.

“Ah, excuse me I was just putting down the records-”

Sans looked at the delicate cursive like font as his magic reached out with a dull, tired, ping. It was getting a lot of use today.

* Dream- LV1 ATK 10 DEF 8 HP 50/50
* The manager of Bitty Emporium
* He doesn’t seem to be having a good day.

So he was the boss?

“No worries,” Sans assured, feeling the restless shuffle in his hood with an internal sign. He thought he told them to keep still. “Take your time.”

“Oh, I can do it later.” Dream said back, closing the notebook and hurrying to fix up the station. “What can I do for you?”

“Ah,” Sans stalled.

That is the question, huh.

What Sans really wanted was so to grab Crack and get out of dodge. Maybe just forgot this whole thing happened and high tail it out of this universe like he had any other.

But to do that Sans needed the guy to leave, and for that to happen… well, San wasn't quite sure.

He couldn’t just ask questions, although San had a lot right now. He needed to stay here for the plan to work, or he guessed he could dump Tin and Pop and let them do the rescue while he became the distracted. Ugh. This is making Sans remember why he took up guard stationary work instead of investigations.

This was all too complicated for him.

Maybe. Maybe he could just get Dream to show him something, or get him something? Yeah, that could work. It’d have to be somewhere Sans wasn’t allowed to go to, or maybe something Dream would have to retrieve, like a key or something.

What would they have in the back? Old supplies, medical gear, equipment, food supplies…

Maybe he could tell him something was wrong with the playpens.

That might not get him far away enough. How about saying someone was trying to swipe something, or maybe they were causing a ruckus?

Er, it might work, but it could go either way. He might get dragged along if that's the case, and, again, he needed to stay here for the plan.

…Eh. Sans thought. He’ll just wing it like always.

Sans relaxed his grin, pulling on a sheepish expression, “Sorry, this is all new to me.”

“Oh.” Dream said confused, “What’s new?”

What wasn’t. Ugh.

“Heh, seems a bit dumb but I’ve never seen… these tiny skeletons before.” That was the understatement of the century. Sans still felt a little sick thinking about this all.

Dream’s eyebrows raised, mouth dropping open a little, “Wait, really?”

“Honestly, It’s a bit weird to see.”

Dream snorted, “Yeah, I could see that. Never seen a- Are you sure you’ve never seen a Bitty before? They’re really popular. They’re all over the internet too, and just about everyone I know owns one.”

A Bitty, huh? That would explain the shop’s name.

He-... He doesn’t know how he feels about that. Dream said ‘everyone’ has one. Did that mean this society just accepted tiny skeletons as pets? Were other tiny monsters considered pets here too?

Was this… some kind of dystopian universe?

Sans thought for a long moment but finally managed to bite out, “Eh, I don’t get out a lot.”

“Clearly.” Dream states, and then blushes bright yellow, “Oh, sorry. That was rude of me.”

Sans waves it away, he’s had way worse. “Nah, It's all good. I must seem like a total bonehead if they’re really that popular...”

Dream shakes his head vigorously, not seemingly getting the pun. “No- No, you just surprised me is all. I grew up with Bitties so it's a surprise knowing somebody didn’t,” He grins assuredly at Sans, “You came here for information and I’ve just been a real- Well, It doesn’t matter. You needed help with something?”

Sans nodded, “Yup, I found a couple of… Bitties in my house. Got some instructions to come here.”

The instructions were from said Bitties, and for an entirely different reason, but Dream didn't need to know that. Besides, the best lies were those shielded in truth.

“Well, You came to the right place.” Dream announced, seemingly brightening up a little. “I am always here to answer any question you have-”

Only to be interrupted when a bright and cheerful voice exclaimed, “Wowie, Is That A New Customer!”

Sans soul skipped a beat. His magic readied for attack, reaching out-

* Blue - LV1 ATK 10 DEF 8 HP 25/25
* He’s really excited to meet you!
* Just wants to help!

Sans magic drifted away in a fizzle, confused to find a font similar to Pops drifting around him.

“Blue!” Dream chastised, “I told you, you can’t just sneak up on people like that!”

“Sorry, Dream-” Blue conceded, but continued to literally vibrate in place. It reminded Sans a lot of Pop, again. Why were there so many look-alikes? It was starting to grate on Sans's nerves. “But I Was Just So Excited! It’s So Rare To See An Unfamiliar Face Here!”

Dream sighed, putting a tired hand to his face and then collecting himself with a breath. “Okay, but please be more aware of yourself. Some customers don’t appreciate being startled or scared like that.”

“Of Course!” Blue nodded excitedly. Then turned to Sans, “Did I Hear You Say You Have Questions!? Because I Just Read This Amazing Book On Bitties And I Think You Would Really Love It!”

“Blue-” Dream started, but Blue carried on, weaving in beside Sans and then behind the counter with Dream in a quick decisive motion.

Sans watched, a little dumbfounded by the energy all of a sudden, as Blue dug into some hidden shelves behind the desk. Only to see him pop up, a comedic look of distress on his face.

“Oh! Oh, no!” Blue squeaked, he looked at Sans while Dream sighed tiredly yet again. “I Think I Left It In The Break Room! One Second New Friend!”

He zoomed into the back room before Sans could get a word out. Sans blinked a little in shock.

Er… one down? That was… That was fast.

“Sorry about that, Blues one of our newest employees.” Dream stated with a fond but exasperated look. He smiled wearily at Sans, “He can be a bit much, but he means well.”

Sans nodded, hearing Tin give a big snort. “No harm, no fowl.”

He was a bit worried no one would catch the pun, but Pop grumbled a little and Tin gave a cut-off snort.

Dream must have caught it too because he gave a sudden blink and then smiled wider. He was about to say something back, but then there was a large crash somewhere off it the distance and he winced.

Dream looked back at the break room for a long moment, but then gave in and sighed. “Er… Sorry, I really need to see what he's up to.”

“Oh, yeah, alright,” Sans answered awkwardly.

Dream nodded again and then disappeared with a pinched look.

…Success?

Sans stood there silently for a moment, taking in the past few… seconds. Well, however long that was. Then another large crash sounded off and a couple of exclaimed but muffled words filtered into the air.

Huh.

It must not have been unusual, because when Sans turned to check on the other customers no one, not a single person, had looked up.

“Masterfully Done Giant friend!” Pop squeaked, almost startling Sans.

They really did weigh nothing. If it hadn’t been for the horrifying situation Sans might have forgotten they were even there.

“Fuck-” Tin grunted, Sans could hear the nervous relief in his voice.

“It… wasn’t like I did anything,” Sans murmured with a sigh. “Alright we only have a minute, we better get this done before they get back.”

Pop and Tin warily scurried out and onto his shoulder while Sans scooted as close as he could to the counter. He’d jump it, but that might draw too many looks. He didn’t think it’d go down as smooth trying to talk down some other employee or righteous citizen.

With some luck, and good confidence skills -if you look confident no one will care- Sans and his companions should do alright.

Ideally, San noted that the distance between himself and the cage was too large. If he strained he might touch it, but its be a lot easier to just use magic. Careful to keep his hands out of view from the other customers he summoned a little blue magic, grasped the handle of the latch to the door, and twisted. It stuck, Sans tried wiggling his magic to loosen it up.

“What the fuck!?” Tin cried startled, and Pop went to shush him. “No, wait! How did he-”

Pop made another shushing sound and Sans felt the two tumble into each other on his shoulder, Pop hushing him angrily. “Do You Want To Get Caught!?”

Sans, while cringing from the noise, didn’t have time to think about that response before the door finally tugged open. Almost immediately one of the tiny forms appeared at the entrance, looking down at them with narrowed eyes.

A sense of dread formed in Sans’s gut as he stared up at the little skeleton.

That was… Holy Stars Above, that was a Mini-Him. As in, that was Sans himself but smaller. With the plain white eyelights, same facial features, and a large round head. He even had a tiny jacket to match!

Sans felt like a malfunctioning computer. Brain short-circuiting as he stared blankly at them. His magic reached out slowly, almost as if it too were in shock.

* Sans - LV1 ATK 5 DEF 5 HP 5/5
* Surprised to see his friends after such a long time
* Wary of you

“Crack?” Pop whispered, not having noticed Sans’s reaction at all.

“Pop?” The voice asked. Their voice was just as monotone as Sans’s was. Their font looped out in front of him, Comic Sans too. Sans swallowed harshly, a little lightheaded.

“God damn man!” Tin cheered, standing up on Sans’s shoulder, “Didn’t think I’d see your ugly mug again!”

Sans blinked and- well, he really didn’t know how he missed it. -That was a lie, he did but he was shoving that way down. Way down.- There, below Crack’s right eye, was a large splittering crack.

Starting from the corner of his left eye, spanning the smooth curve of his cheek, and ending in a sharp dip just below his chin. Sans had dealt with his fair share of cracks, but that was a doozie. It was formed more like a pressure wound than a cut or bullet injury. Like he’d smashed his head against something.

It must be his namesake. Sans would wince if he wasn’t so drawn.

“I didn’t think I’d ever see you again either.” Crack states. Grinning lazily, almost sardonically. “Honestly, I didn’t think I’d see anything after today. Kinda hit the deadline didn’t you?”

“We Told You We’d Come Back, Didn’t We!?”

“Yeah, you did.” Crack shrugs dully, and then tilts his head, “Soo… got an owner huh?”

“No!” Tin shrieked, Sans could feel his tiny claws catch against the side of his head from where he was leaning for balance.

“He’s A Friend!” Pop protested cheerfully.

Sans winced and broke the thought, “Yeah, not my kind of jam. I’m more of a trombone player if you get me?”

Pop groaned in his hoodie, but Tin seemed to relax a little. Claws lessing up on their hold in his head.

Crack paused then snorted at the pun, “Cool, guess you could say I was just trying to rib ya.”

“Urgh!” Pop screeched loudly, despite Tin’s very loud protests. “We Don’t Have Time For Your Silly Puns!”

They really didn’t. Who knows how long Dream and Blue would be back there looking for a book? Sans hopes they’d hurry this little meet and greet up so they can get going.

He was completely dissuaded from this notion when another voice popped up.

“Cr- Crack?”

The voice was hoarse and small. The font is thin and crackling, almost like-

Sans soul beat a little faster. Stars, please don’t let it be-

The skeleton's face popped through the tiny hide-y home. Long and thin. Two black sockets, a fuzzy hood framing in their sharp cheeks. Two golden canines glinted back at Sans.

Sans soul skipped a beat then dropped low in his chest. It wasn’t a mini of his brother.

Why-… Why did that disappoint him?

His magic reached out timidly.

* Papyrus - LV1 ATK 10 DEF 10 HP 15/15
* He just woke up from a long nap
* More worried about Crack’s reaction to you than your presence

Crack turned back, looking down at the new skeleton monster, “Yo.”

“Who the fuck is that!?”

“You know.” Crack took a step towards the other skeleton, hovering beside him like he was trying to block him from view. “Just a new friend.”

“Friend?” Pop questions, craining his head to get a good look.

“Er-” Sans tried to breathe.

“Everyone, meet Mutt. Mutt-” Crack looked back, waving the new skeleton further. “These are the guys I told you about.”

Mutt scooted out further despite Crack's continuous stiffness, revealing his long body and thin arms. He looked upon them curious, but tired. “Er, Hello?”

Tin growled low in his throat, causing Sans to grow a bit stiff, completely ignoring the new skeleton. “The fuck is this Crack!? You had to go and replace us or what!?”

He shook his hands at Mutt. Sans readied his hand to grab him, a bit worried he might fall off, but Tin managed to stay balanced.

“Tin, That's Not-” Pop cried, but didn’t get a chance to say anything more before Crack argued back.

“Dunno what you want from me, bud. It's not like I went prowling around for new buddies. He ended up in her after the last shipment went wrong, couldn’t just ignore him like you would. Besides…” Sans looked at Crack’s face, cold grey eyes and a low grin. Sans half wondered if the same expression came across his own face like that. “You were the ones who left me.”

Mutt made a low sound, looking up at Crack with a furrowed brow.

Pops fist tightened in Sans’s jacket, “I Didn’t Want To- Er, We Didn’t-”

“Save it Pop,” Tin growled, teeth clacking together as he turned to Crack. Hurt soaked his expression. “We had a fucking plan, dickhead. It was fine, but you know what! You- You fuckin’- You would have been right there along with us if you hadn’t got all buddy-buddy with that fucking giant and-”

Crack’s eyes faded out, “You really want to go there.”

Tin faltered, sound cutting out in his throat.

It was silent for a long erie second. Sans glances at the backdoor nervously, resisting the urge to tap his fingers or feet. Dream could be back any moment and all these guys could do was argue.

Ugh.

Sans sighed long and low, before looking back at the stalemate. Pop, too guilty to say anything, and Tin and Crack share a common glare.

“Crack,” Mutt whispered, breaking the silence and laying a hand on Crack’s shoulder. “Don’t listen to him, it wasn’t your fault.”

Said Skeleton stayed stiff but leaned into the hand with a dark look.

Sans took the moment to really look at Mutt and noticed how he was sitting. Almost completely to one side, leaned against the wall of the hide-y home. When he shifted or moved the tiny skeleton would slightly wince or grunt like he was in pain.

He must be in the no-sell cage for a reason. It's obvious why Crack was there, but Mutt….

Sans’s eyelights lowered to his legs, but from his position, he couldn’t see anything. If there was something wrong with Mutt’s leg, or maybe his pelvis, that could ruin the plan. Was it even safe for him to move? If it was a spinal injury any movement could cause untold amounts of damage.

Then again he had dragged himself there so it couldn’t be that serious.

“Whatever.” Sans heard Tin spit out, finally breaking the stalemate.

Crack mumbled something back, but Sans didn’t hear it. Mutt gave a little huff of laughter, so it couldn’t have been too bad.

A clatter from behind the back door sounds out through the room. His companions must have either ignored or didn’t register it as they didn’t react.

Sans grimaced internally. He closed his eyes for a long moment, headache pounding at the inside of his skull insistently. Alright, time to get this moving. If he didn’t jump in they’d just continue with this stalemate and they’d all get caught red-handed.

Tin more than other, heh.

“Alright. If you three are done, we don’t have much time left.”

“Oh, You’re Right!” Pop quickly jumped onto the idea, regaining his vigor, “We May Have Failed As You’re Friends Back Then, Crack-”

Tin hissed, “Hey!”

“But We Are Here Now! This Giant Has Agreed To Help Us Save You!”

Crack warily regarded them and the distance between them.

It was Mutt who actually spoke up, voice quiet and dull. “We can’t be sold. We’re broken.”

“That’s Why We Are Stealing You!”

“Shhh-” Tin cried, “Don’t say that shit out loud.”

Sans winced and turned, looking out at the people behind them, ignoring Pop and Tin's continued squeaks of arguments. He scanned the area, but if anyone did they weren’t obvious about it. He turned back to the cage, “Okay, we really have to hurry now.”

Especially since he could hear footsteps rapidly approaching from behind the backdoor. Dream was chastizing Blue again it seemed.

He raised his hand. Nowhere near enough to grab, but that wasn’t what he was planning.

Just like when he raised his hand to Pop and Tin, he saw something similar in Crack. While Mutt didn’t so much as flinch, Crack took several large steps back almost tripping over the sitting skeleton. He must have the same aversion Tin and Pop have to be picked up, even more so.

It made him pause for a half second, sweat suddenly beading on his forehead, but he could stop now.

“I won’t drop you,” Sans assured firmly as he sent his blue magic forward. He could hear the bling of music as the fight commenced, but he already had the other’s two souls in hand.

Immediately Sans saw them panic. Eyes going wide in shock and panic. He held them both still so they couldn’t bump into or grab anything, but that didn’t stop them from wiggling in his grasp. Both Tin and Pop gasped in shock, but Sans flicked his other hand's fingers and grasped them up as well.

Simultaneously he flicked Tin and Pop back and down into his hood, while also bring Crack and Mutt in his hand.

As soon as the Blue magic was free Mutt sunk his teeth into his thumb while Crack scrambled at his fingers trying to get free. Sans winced, watching his Hp tick down by 0.2 points, but hand no time to explain or assure them any further before sticking them into his jacket pocket.

Sans only had a moment to feel guilty before Dream and Blue were bursting out of the back door.

Sans could see that while they were a little ruffle, they had been successful in finding the book. In fact Blue had a couple of books in his arms, along with several papers and pamphlets. Dream was explaining something about fire and liquids to Blue as said skeleton slid the stack onto the counter with a soft thunk. He let out a breathe and smiled at Sans, completely ignoring Dream.

“Here We Are!”

Sans responded back with his usual grin. Dream huffed, but let it go, taking position in front of the register again.

He felt Tin and Pop squirm in his hood, reeling from the sudden position, but quiet from the sudden appearance. Similarly Mutt and Crack must have settled down. While Mutt still had his teeth in Sans’s hand, Crack had stopped clawing at him. From what Sans could feel the tiny skeleton must have curled up. Either out of fright or to make room for Mutt.

Sans tried shifting his fingers to give them more room, but immediately stopped when it made Mutt clench down harder.

So… His hand was going to stay there for awhile, huh?

Ah, well. Sans takes a step back from the counter, nonchalantly sliding back in front of Dream acting like he was just perusing the… were those tiny rainbow wigs?

What on earth-

“Sans-” Tin growled, voice low and muffled, and then kicked his shoulder.

Sans blinked up and looked at Dream and Blue. Had they been speaking to him? “Hey ya, pals.”

Dream stared at him curiously, but Blue only smiled back. He gestured to the pile.

“Wow,” Sans announced, trying not to move to much. “That’s a lot, I don’t know about you but I'm a bit stationary, if you get my drift?”

Heh, double-y so.

Blue paused, laying a hand on the pile. “Oh. Er- Sorry. I Got A Bit Excited-”

Dream gave a snort and Blue paused, before a horrified look came onto his face. One of pure shock and disgust. Sans had a moment of pure delight as Blue’s brain registered the pun.

Dream smiled, happier now, and turned to Sans, “I’d answer back with another, but I’ve never been too good at puns. Blue, though, hates them.”

“Eh,” Sans shrugged, “Practice makes purrfect.”

“Oh God-” Blue complained. It made Sans heart swell in pride. “We Don’t Even Sell Cats Here!”

Dream chuckled at that one too.

“A petshop is a petshop.” Sasn grinned lazily.

Sans’s delight was cast away when one of the skeletons in his hood shifted and then wiggled up like they were trying to get a look. Sans stiffed a little, but forced the feeling down.

Were they really trying to get caught? First the arguing, then this?

Sans shifted sideways, leaning on the counter a little. Hiding the akward motion by looking down at the book with false curiosity. Blue took that cue to open it, already pointing at pictures of sleeping skeletons or fact blurbs for Sans took look at.

Dream hummed, but carried on, “Bitties can purr too, Blue.”

“Wait.. Really?” Blue asked, pausing his excited speech, and Sans had to agree.

He expected more bone-rattling and eye lights. Then again Tin was growling and snarling earlier. That and he saw a tiny fish monster too. Did Bitties only encompass tiny skeletons, or were there a whole slew of tiny monsters on sale.

“Yes. Its a deciding factor for a lot of people when choosing to buy a Bitty,” Sans tried not to wince at that, “You can find videos online if you look it up.”

Blue bounced, eyes gleaming. “Thats So Cute!!!”

Dream smiled at him and then turned to Sans and pointed to the page. “We just recently ordered these online for the shop if you want it, from what I’ve heard they’re useful for both new and expert Bitty handlers-”

Blue cut in, pushing the pamphlets forward, “These Are Good Too! They’re what we usually recommend for people buying their first Bitty!”

While Dream sighed and pinched the bone between his eyes. Blue only hummed and looked at him innocently.

Sans took the moment to glance at the pamphelets. If nothing else they may help him catch up with this world.

Sans picked them up, glancing at the pictures and blurbs, but didn’t see anything interesting or exciting. Still… these were all about bitties. Were they really that popular? Dream said everyone grew up with them, but Sans had been here for two weeks and he’s seen hide nor hair of them.

Looking up Sans addressed Dream. “Thanks. Do you-... Do you often get people buying Bitties?”

Dream paused, “Around here? Not really. We’re a small town, so everyone whose already wanted a Bitty has one. We mostly get people coming in to buy supplies or pet the new shipments.”

Sans hummed consideringly.

He supposed that made sense. He did choose this place because it was small and quiet. Maybe he just got unlucky. Then again it wasn’t like he did anything more then sit on the couch and vegitate for the past few weeks.

Blue pitched up again, “It's Why We’re So Happy To See You!”

“Huh.” Sans muttered and then nodded at the book, “Why not.”

Even if Tin and the others don’t stick around its probably wise to read up on Bitties to get a lay of the land here. Either way Dream nodded and started to ring them up.

“What Kind Of Bitties Do You Have?” Blue asked.

“Blue.” Dream started in but Blue cut him off, quick to explain.

“Sorry- I know I’m A Bit Overbearing, But I Never Get To Talk To Other People About Their Bitties And- Oh, Er, There's A Guide In There-” He pointed to the other pamplet before opening it to show a big row of various bitties. “In Case You Don't Know All The Types! I didn’t When I Started!”

In the Second it took Sans too look down he knew he was going to regret it, and he did.

The page was very colorful and helpful, laying out various different monsters in rows upon rows of each other. Anything from skeletons, to elementals, to fish and goat monsters.

Horrified Sans sees versions of each of his friends and family in there. Papyrus, Toriel, Undyne, Mettaton, Gastor, and Grillby. Hell even Asgore and his children were on there.

Sans blinked hard, grin on his face tiking down into a tense line. Nausea rolling in his guts as he forced his eyes away.

Oh.

It was that kind of universe.

All his friends were pets. They weren’t here because they’d been broken down into species as sentient pets…

Blue carried on like this wasn’t some huge revelation, “There's Just So Many Kinds, And They’re All So Cute! We Only Sell Sansy And Papy Types Here, But In The Next City Over There's A Really Big Bitty Emporium That Sells All Kinds! I’ve Always Wanted A Bitty Of My Own, But With My Schedule-... Euh, Well, You Know!”

Sans swallowed hard, the headache had started blaring again.

Dream must have notice, but probaby thought Blue was overwhelming him, “Ah, You don’t have to answer him if you don’t want too. We get it, a lot of people keep that stuff private.”

Sans shook his head. Clearing his non-existent throat Sans forced himself to look down and stuff the feeling down. It wasn’t a big deal, in other universe his friends were actively killing each other. This was nothing compared to that.

He forced his sight down at the page and actually looked at the names this time. “Er- It’s fine. I have a Sansy, a Baby Blue, an Edgy, and a…” he looked at the other page, “A Mutt.”

So… Sans thought slowly. That wasn’t even his name, it was a designation. Maybe what might have been his species? Type?

Blue nodded vigorously, hands vibrating at his sides.

Sans saw something glimmer in Dream eyelights, but it was gone too fast for Sans to figure out what it was. Dream only nodded, not looking too surprised by the announcement.

“Not too surprising. Skeleton Bitties are the most popular.”

Sans tried to widen his grin, but it felt weak even to him. He was still set back a little, despite his resolve. Today has been… a lot. He was ready to go home now.

Dream finally rung everything up, “So, that will be-”

Blue interjected again, “Wait! Do You Need Help Picking Up Supplies? It's Okay If You Do, New Bitty Owners Usually Do.”

“Blue, please-” Dream tried, but was interrupted again.

Before Sans could protest or say no Blue was already walking around the corner and waving him along to one of the side aisles.

“It’s Fine, Dream, He Came Here To Get Help Right?” Sans blinked at the sudden whirlwind of what was Blue, but nodded nonetheless, “See! Besides, I Can Tell You All About What To Expect In The Coming Weeks! Dream’s Been Helping Me Learn!”

Sans shifted, a little unsettled. Even his tiny companions had frozen against him. Wait, what? He looked back at the counter, “Don’t-… Don’t you need to man the counter? What if someone needs to buy something before me?”

Dream sighed, “I’ll just cancel it until your done, its only the books and they’re easy to scan. The pamphlets are free.”

“See! It’s All Good, Let's Go!” Blue cheered, walking backwards towards the middle of the aisle, narrowly avoiding stepping on a few children.

Sans shifted on his feet, feeling the nonexistent weight of the tiny skeleton around him. He really just wants to get out of here. Besides, the more time he spends here the greater the chance they’ll get caught.

Then again…

Would it be weird for him to just leave with the book? He did come here to learn more about them and this universe, and it would seem irresponsible for him to just leave without any supplies for his new.. Pets. Ugh.

If he left and Dream found out he stole the skeletons would the guard be sent after him, er… the police? Would they do that here? The guard came right up to you in the underground, but it seemed less personnel above ground.

Would they even know who and where he was?

Sans huffed, but felt Mutt and Crack shift in his palm. Relaxing a little and letting go of their hold on his hand.

They were injured. Sans didn’t know how badly, or even if he could do something for them, but he might be able to help before they leave on their way.

Would they even be able to leave at all? If their injuries affected them so badly that Mutt couldn’t even sit properly they wouldn’t make it out in the wild like Pop and Tin did. Hell, from what Sans heard they barely survived at all.

Would it be irresponsible of Sans to let them go? Would it just be a death sentence cut by Sans’s own hands…

Its not like he could keep them in his house, or that he wanted to. They’d just run away, and Sans wanted no part in caging them up. Maybe… Maybe all he could do was provide them items and a safe house to sleep in. A place to get medical attention or food. Sans could do that. It would be simple enough.

It would have to do, wouldn’t it.

Yeah, alright.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Dream stated assuringly, taking his silence for what it is. “He’ll take no for an answer, I promise.”

Sans sighed and shook his head. “It’s fine.”

Dream gave him a surprised look but left it be. He only nodded and started unscannign the items.

“Well, What Are You Waiting For!?” Blue called and Sans padded towards him.

Tin and Pop made low discouraging sounds at him, but Sans just ignored them. It’ll be a good lesson about not arguing in stressful situations like thye were prone to apparently. Besides he’d feel bad if he just left, Blue seemed really excited about this for some reason. And if they’re found out he could just make a run for it.

It wouldn’t be the first time.

“Okay, Where Should We Look First!?” Blue asked himself, and Sans paused for a long moment. He spotted a little basket on the ground and scooped it up with his free hand. Even though Mutt had let go, he didn’t want to displace and make them resettle all over again. “Hmm, Oh! I Know! They’re Probably Runaways Or Strays Right?”

Sans blinked as Blue turned to him. “Uh..”

“Cause They Were Outside And Then They Found You, Or- No You Said In Your House. So Maybe They Were Left Behind By Their Past Owner. Oh, That's Sad-”

“Yeah, they were.”

Well, to the first part. He was pretty sure his companions have never been bought before… maybe.

Blue stopped and nodded, “Right! So They’re Probably Sick Or Injured. Maybe They Need Some Vitamins!”

Sans shrugged, “I didn’t get much chance to look at them.”

He could feel them squirming against him, though.

“Off To The Medicine Aisle Then!” Blue said and swerved to the right, avoiding people and weaving in and out of groups. Stopping beside a shelf of what looked like food and vitamin supplies.

Convenient, San thought.

“Do You Have Anything For Them Right Now?”

“Er, no.” Sans barely had stuff for himself let alone four other people. If he was really planning to put up a place for them that should change right?

Ugh, work.

Blue nodded, “So A Little Of Everything Then, Huh?”

Sans paused and then nodded. It was probably a good idea.

“You Have Four Bitties, Right? That's A Whole Batch By Itself.” Blue muttered to himself, before turning to Sans. “Dream Says They Only Recommend A Max Of Two For Beginners, But Circumstance Begets Circumstance Right? Do You Have Any Family?”

Sans winced.

Blue paused, a flash of worry coming onto his face before he carried on like he hadn’t seen it.

“Dreams Been Teaching Me All About Bitties And Their History.” Blue said slowly, “I Could Tell You What I Know About Your Bitty Types So Far If You Want?”

Sans looked at Blue for a long moment before looking at some of the snacks on the wall. “Sure.”

Blue smiled, “Well, A Sansy Is A Really Good Start For A First Bitty! It’s What Most People Go For Given How Laid Back and Casual They Are. They’re Good For All Kinds Of Environments and People.”

Sans watched as Blue pulled on a few bags, looking at labels and ingredients. Sometimes he would set one aside, but most of the time he’d throw them back onto the shelf.

“Baby Blues Are Also Really Popular, Especially For Kids Given They’re High Energy And Their Need To Be Helpful. I Could See Them Helping With… Emotional Support As well!” He ended the sentence by sending Sans a comforting look.

Sans ignored the comment, though, focusing on how Pop was sticking his head up a little too far for Sans comfort.

The skeleton was asking to be caught, wasn’t he.

He tried getting him to back down while Blue carried on. Thankfully after a few words Tin grumbled and grabbed him up, burrowing deep into the hood with several long stringed cusses.

“Mutts Are A Bit Of A Wild Ball. Their Personalities Can Be A Bit Unpredictable And Vary A Lot. Their Reactions And Interests Change Too. Some Are Really Out There And Flirty, but Others Can Be Shy And Timid. It Just Depends, I Guess?”

Sans could see that happening given that they were just monsters, but what did Sans know. He had no idea what's going on here.

Blue started the next informative spewl, “Edgy’s Are A Bit Advanced Though. I Hope You Don’t Have Too Much Trouble On Your Hands! They’re Prone To Biting So Even Though They’re So Popular, A Lot Of People Avoid Them On Their First Buy And Go For Cherries Instead.”

Sans raised an eyebrow, given that Mutts have been the only one to bite him so far he thinks he’ll be okay. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“Of Course!” Blue assured him and then carried on, smiling as he pulled out a small bag of what looked like star shaped kibble. It said extra nutritional on it in bright lettering, a little skeleton on the packaging was apparently meant to be exclaiming it… or something.

“Here We Are!” He showed it to Sans. “This Is What Dream Usually Sends Out To The Clinics When They Get Bitties Found Off The Street! It’s Got A Lot Of Extra Nutrients In It So It’ll Help Them Recover Anything They’ve Lost! I’ve Given It To A Few Bitties Around Here And They Say It Tasted Great Too.”

“Can’t they just eat regular food?” Sans questioned.

He hadn’t though of that before. They seemed to have handled the hotdog well, but dietary problems were not a new concept to Sans. None of the dogs at Snowdin could eat chocolate, garlic, or onion. Everyone had made sure to keep them safe by keeping those ingredients away from any food or garden.

Blue nodded despite Sans worries.

“Of Course, In Fact! It's Highly Recommended To Eat Together During Meal Times. All Of These-” He pointed to the shelf, “Are Just Supplements Or Vitamins For Deficiencies, Maybe A Healthier Options Or Varieties For Bitties. Especially For Those Who Need More Of Something That Can’t Be Provided For In Regular Non-Bitty Food.”

Sans nodded, that did make sense. In the underground special dishes or vitamins were made for certian species so that they’d get everything they needed too. It’d been a serious health concern for awhile. Not everything can be grown or made in the Underground. A lot of monster species died because of it, but after awhile they figured out how to properly supplement monster diets.

He raised the basket and Blue put the bag in.

“Anything else from this aisle?” Sans said, gesturing to the large pile on the floor. Blue immediately grinned and began pulling each bag up to describe them.

There was a cylinder of tiny white nuggets that advertised a white chocolate taste, but were for bone density. Several chip bags of several different flavors. Tiny oatmeal boxes and ceral brands. A box of tiny bottles that had ketchup flavor written on the top, then another with mustard and barbeque.

“These Are Really, Really, Popular With Sansy And Mutt types. I Don’t Know Why, Eating Straight Condiment Is Disgusting!” Blue said as he wrinkled his nose.

Sans snorted, choosing to stay silent on that topic.

He did have to say they were pretty cute, even though it would be more convinced to buy big bottles. “Why not just buy the big ones?”

“We Get That Alot, But These Are Healthier Than Store Condiments.” He said, “They Also Have Some Magic Imbued Into Them To Help Heal Any Scratches or Dents.”

So monster food huh?

“Useful.” Sans adds it all to the cart, and also grabs a bag of ketchup flavored chips for himself.

Blue added quite a few more bags before leading him to another aisle past a wall of limited cages.

Sans took one glance -rows and rows of little cages with bedding and table in them and two bigger kennels for a ‘play area’ all the while little face stare at him curiously- before looking away, not wanting to have any more revelations or moral dilemmas today.

This aisle had a few people in it who steadily ignored them much to Sans’s delight.

“This Is The Actual Medicine Aisle!” Blue stated, alreayd leaning down to pull this from shelves and off hooks. “With Your Bitties Coming From Outside They’re Probably All Banged Up And Sick! We Don’t Carry All That Much, So If It’s Anything Serious You’ll Have to Take Them To The Vet. It’s Probably Best If You Do Anyways!”

He looked at Sans with a helpful expression, head slightly tilted. “I Can Give You The Number To The Vet Dream Uses If You Want?”

Sans shrugged, not leading down in chase it's scrunch up any of the bitties. “If you want, I’ll… look in to it.”

It was a good idea, but he seriously doubted any of the skeleton he was carrying would let him. It doesn’t exactly seem like something they’d be up for.

Blu nodded, then pulled out what looked to be a well stocked first aid kit, “This Is A Bit Pricey Compared To The Others, But That’s Because It Has Everythign You Might Need!” Blue explained, pointing to a label on the back with a rather long list of items, “Bittities Can’t Take Regular Medicine Because They’re Just So Small. A Lot Of People Just Give Their Pets Children’s Medicine, But Even That Can Be Too Much Sometime And They…!”

“It’d give them an overdose.” Sans finished his thought and Blue gave a solem nod.

“Dream Is Always Having To Deal With People Who Are Angry About it. We Get A Few People Who Only Complain About The Prices and Inconvenience, But I’ve Heard Stories Of People Trying To Sue The Companies Because They Made A Mistake And Need To Take Their Bitty To A Vet… Usually The Bitties Are Okay, But Sometimes The Stories Don’t Have Happy Endings, So I Always Try To Warn Customers.”

Sans nodded. That was real nice of him.

“Anyways.” Blue carried on and Sans let him place the kit and several other things into the basket. They were about ready to move on, but Blue noticed how filled the Basket was. “Oh. Well, Nothing To It!”

Sans watched amused when Blue rushed around to the side of the aisle and grabbed up two baskets of his own, one on each arm. He posed heroically and giggled. “I’ve Returned Bearing Gifts!”

“Ready?” Sans chuckled, soul stinging a little in his chest. Oddly Blue reminded him a lot of Paps…

Blue nodded with a sharp grin and marched down the lane to another aisle That seemed more popular given its close proximity to the playpens. “Onwards And Upwards!”

A few kids, and a stressed out adult, ran past. Blue smiled softly at them, but returned his full attention to Sans. He posed again, putting out his arms to gesture to the whole aisle.

“Welcome to the bedding and toy aisle.”

Sans peered down towards the other end, admiring the large selection. A couple and a Bitty where looking at something on the very end too.

It was exactly as he said. Divided down the middle. One side held tiny beds, blankets, and pillows while the other had rows and rows of Miniature things.

From just looking Sans could see paint sets, crocheting and knitting needles along with rows of yarn. There were a couple of plastic knives, swords, shields, and guns. Target boards and dummies. A few tiny dolls. Crafting supplies and mini puzzles. Gardening kits. Clay. Embroidering, sewing, books on astronomy and other physics, sports gear, little dancing themed items so on and so forth.

All layered in neat rows or on hanging rods.

“You Should See What They Have In The City!” Blue Exclaimed wistfully. “Dream Tries Getting A Good Selection, But Because We Are So Small We Don’t Get As Much Allowance. They Have Everything up in Recondite City!”

Sans hummed. “What do you.. Where do you even start?”

“You Have A WIde Range Of Bitties So Getting A Variety Of Things Would Probably Be Best!” He explains, alreayd picking things off the shelf and settling them into the baskets, “I Know Baby Blues Love Dueling Though, So It Could Be A Good Idea To Get A Few Of Those!?”

He pulling down what looked to be a pair of foam swords and a tiny dummy. Sans snorted as Pop squirmed and made excited noises in his hood. Tin, though, ckeary disagreed as he quickly started making hissing noises.

Sans grinned and nodded, letting Blue put the packets and several other into his basket. Call Sans cruel, but Tin had gotten on to his nerves earlier, just a little. Maybe being subjected to his friends grueling regimen with kick him back into shape.

In the basket went drawing, painting, and crafting supplies, some knitting needles, and anything else Blue sought fit to add. He seemed rahther enthusiastic when they got to the end and they simply turned to look at the shelving of blankets and bed.

“Even Though Companies Claim Bitties Have Complete Personalities And Interests There Is A Lot Variety When You Get Down To It.” Blue says gesturing widly, baskets spinning this way and that on his arms. “It’s Recommended To Go Shopping With Your Bitties To Not Only Bond, But To Make Sure They Get What They Want!”

Sans nodded dully, ideally petting a blanket.

He turned when Blue spoke again, seeing him pull down a fuzzy blanket lined in pale blue and white bones, “What Do You Think About This One? It’s Really Cute!”

Sans was about to just say sure, he didn’t care either way, but Tin gave a sharp kick to the his spine. Sans winced a little and Blue hummed. “Not That One Then, Huh?”

He folded and placed it back as Sans shook his head. “Eh, maybe something more…” What would Tin even like? “Red?”

It must have been satisfactory as Tin said and did nothing else.

Blue paused, thinking for a long moment, then smiled and pulled down a long red scarf. “This One Is Always Popular With papy And Sansy Types… Oh, No. Are You Okay?”

Sans didn’t realise how stiff he’d gotten until Blue voice spoke. His eyes glued to the long cloth. He felt something he’d long thought he’d crushed down bubble up in his chest. Thick and undulating against his soul like a sickening sludge.

Sans swallowed, nonexistant throat convulsing, finger reflexively twitching. He only stopped when Mutt reacted with a sharp nip on his finger, causing Sans still and take a deep breathe.

He quickly turned his head away before the sight could catch him again, and spoke a firmly as he could. “Yeah.. not that one.”

He didn’t see Blues reaction, but he looked up the scarf had been replaced and Blue was staring at him with worried assurance.

“How About This One Then?” Blue held up a fluffy cloud, Sans blinked at it a little shocked at the shape. It had little stars and moons printed onto it. “Most Sansy’s Like Stars.”

Sans rubbed his free hand against it, trying not to knock Blue with the basket. Marveling at how soft it was. “Yeah, that’ll do.”

Blue slide it into his basket with a slow motion. Giving Sans one last concerned look before moving on. With a little more pep he pulled various items off the shelf..

In the end Sans ended up with half a dozen or so beds. He was pretty sure Blue was just picking out the ones he liked. Two of the beds were pillow like, one in a deep blue that looked like a seat cushion and the other a grey and gold plushy cushion. Three came in a pack, all matching in soft pastels with shapes and patterns on them. He was pretty sure they went on the floor as they had a rim along the edge to keep anyhting from falling out. The last was that cloudlike creation of fuzzy material.

Blue had also picked out three different blankets with various patterns, and a couple of small throw pillows to place on said beds.

Nothing red or scarf shaped.

Sans was grateful of that.

They finally made it to the other side of the store.

“Clothing Section!” Blue cheered yet again, “Although. Um, How Tall Are Your Bitties?”

Sans paused. Hadn’t thye screamed something about that this morning… er. Oh, yeah. “Around four inches, 5 centimeter. Ones a little shorter though. The… er, Mutt is average?”

He couldn’t quite tell with the whole not standing thing. If they didn’t fit Sans was sure he could build the tiny skeleto his own set of clothing. He’d gotten quite good a sewing over the years because of Pap and Undynes constant duels.

“About Average Huh? That’s Good, Usually People Have To Hand Sew Their Bitty’s Clothing, Or Buy Off An Online Store If They’re Out Of The Usual Range. They Can Be So Cute, But So Expensive!”

“Aw, well it can be accrual world. Evey clothing piece must be account-ed for, huh?”

They weren’t his best puns, but Sans still got a glare for his effort.

Blue gave one last shudder, but carried on like he’d said nothing at all. He pointed at the display of clothing items, gaining back a little giddiness. “Anything You Think They Might Like?”

Sans looks ideally.

It oddly looked like that miniature stuff shelf. Tiny packets of premade outfits placed in racks or on hanging hooks. They were mostly what he’d already seen on the other skeletons in the pens, but there were a couple other things like pajamas, sweats, and t-shirts. There were a lot of punny t-shirts actually.

Sans was a bit sad they wouldn’t fit him if he was being honest.

There were also costumes for what looked like parties or themed events. Sans ignored those, even if Blue was looking at some of them with dazzled eyelights, he doubted his companions would even consider wearing them.

He didn’t see anything that stuck out until he saw a tiny pair of cyan boots.

Sans couldn’t help the snort, pointing to the pair so Blue could see them, “Yeah, a couple of those actually.”

Blue raised an eyebrow,, “There Has To Be A Story Behind That!.”

“Ah, you know, it’s a bit of a converse-ive topic.”

Blue Blinked and then looked aghast, “Never Mind, I Don’t Want To Know.”

Instead Blue grabbed up several pairs and dumped them into his own basket. Perusing the shelf and dumping in a few here and there grumpily.

Sans sighed, looking at the baskets and feeling the ever growing restlessness in his hood. It was… time to leave. His energy level, despite the puns, were dropping to an all time low and as much… fun as this was. It was becoming too much.

“Okay.” Sans murmured, “Probably need to get back… you know, Bitties.”

The word still sounded odd on his tongue, but he forced them out anyway.

Blue looked a little surprised, and then a bit sad, but nodded in agreement. “Of Course, Valued Customer/Friend!”

Sans kind of blink dout the next few moments. All he knew was they traversed the store back to the register while Blue blurted out fact after fact of information. Sans tried blocking it out, feeling more than a little overwhelmed.

They reached Dream in no time, who seemed to have had no problems. The second he saw them he dawned on his smile and started rescanning the books. He only paused when Blue dumped all the baskets onto the counter.

Dream eyed his stuff in astonishment, “Wow… that’s a lot.”

Blue hummed, “Yes… You Can Pay For This Right?”

Before Sans could answers Dreams mouth dropped in shock, “Blue! You didn’t ask before grabbing everything?”

Blue looked shocked and then extremely sorry, “Oh No? Should I Have, I Just Thought He’d.. Y’know!? Tell Me He Couldn’t?”

Dream sighed, but said nothing more to Blue. He was about to cancel the order and say something but Sans waved him away.

“It’s fine, I can pay.”

Dream blinked at him. “Wait-... really?” He looked at the baskets, “There- There has to be at least a couple thousand of dollars here.”

That meant nothing to Sans, as in he literally didn't know the gold to money ratio. He could calculate it, but he hadn’t been paying attention when the exchange happened so.. He literally had no idea. It was apparently a lot? For what he was getting it couldn’t be too bad. It wasn’t like he was buying out the store or anything.

Maybe a hundred gold? That sounded fair enough.

Still Dream warily watched him as he rung up each item. It took a long while. He was even more wide eyed when Sans swiped the card through the machine and it went through.

“Oh, wow.” Dream said almost shell shocked at the beep, “Thats… wow.”

Blue smiled, gathering up teh bags in one hand to hold out to Sans. “Your Bitties really lucked out on you didn’t they!”

Sans shrugged, taking the bags, He almost dropping them when he realized how heavy they all were. Sans internally sighed, he needed to get out fast and store these in his inventory. “Eh, who knows.”

Dream hummed, then turned the monitor towards him, “Do you, uh, want to make an account with us? It’ll give you advertisements and tell you about sales?”

Sans shook his head, he doubted he’d ever come back. Who knows what connection Dream and Blue made between him and the missing skeletons. It was better to just stay away. “Nah, see you later.”

Blue blinked at him, then nodded enthusiastically, “See You Later!!”

Dream waved at him with a soft smile. “Good luck.”

Sans only nodded before high tailing it out of there. The second he was out of view he shoved the heavy bags into his inventory. Almost immediately Pop and Tin were up and squeaking away in his ear.