Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Since the monsters were released from Mt. Ebbot, a mountain whose significance had been lost to time, my life has undergone a transformative journey, leaving me uncertain whether it has improved or worsened.

Five years ago, the monsters were unleashed, unleashing a powerful shockwave of magical energy that spread across the globe. This energy affected anyone with even a hint of monster lineage, transforming them into a subspecies. For me, this transformation resulted in me turning into a skeleton monster.

As a human, I was already tall, standing at 6’7”. However, with the changes to my body, I grew even taller, surpassing my wildest expectations. Now, I stand at an imposing 9’ tall, exuding an intimidating presence.

Apart from the absence of skin, which was not entirely new, I now possess an extraordinarily long tail composed of twenty-four segments of bone. This tail has gradually grown since my transformation, adding to my intimidating appearance. Additionally, I have three rows of razor-sharp teeth and retain my piercing eyes, capable of metaphorically piercing through people’s flesh.

Our kind, known as invertos, are past humans who were transformed into monsters during their release. We were swiftly gathered and placed in facilities for close monitoring and constant surveillance. Regrettably, they lacked the resources to hire non-prejudiced humans to work in these facilities, resulting in a less than ideal environment.

Slowly, the invertos started to be released. They were hosted into monster families where they would teach you to control your magic and how to be a monster.

But not me. I’ve been here for five years. I’ve built up scars to protect my two sons, Alvaro and Destrí. I had a child before I entered the facility. He was only six months old at the time. I tried to run and hide, but they found me and dragged me here.

I was also pregnant with another child. Their father was out of their lives, thank goodness. He was a terrible person. I had him inside the facility.

Alvaro really stepped up to be a good big brother. He always helped out when I was too tired. He was a blessing to his little brother, Destrí. They were mine, and I would protect them with my life.

Now, my boys have grown up and into themselves. I’ve gotten to watch their personalities blossom. Alvaro is six years old now. He’s as kind as they come with a bubbly and friendly attitude that’s slowly being smothered by this place.

He’s also incredibly smart. Destrí is five and just as smart. He’s always looking for constant stimulation, so I do my best to provide it for him. I teach him about robotics and wiring, while Alvaro takes up an interest in my past profession, astrophysics. Destrí always has a smile on his face and finds joy in smiling from acoustic meatus to acoustic meatus.

I taught them everything I know, and with a designated school time for them, I provided an education. I split my scant portions of gruel and starved so that they could have a little more to eat. I became a mother to them. A very protective one as well. I didn’t let them go outside the room without me. The guards wouldn’t care whether you were old or young. They would beat you within an inch of your life and wouldn’t be liniant.

My childhood was marked by a dark and horrible experience. Growing up in a household where my siblings and I were unloved and subjected to physical abuse, I endured unimaginable hardships. My parents, devoid of any kindness or compassion, would tie us up and inflict unspeakable acts of violence upon us.

The aftermath of this torture left me with a disfigured face, devoid of cheeks and adorned with a carved smile that exposed my teeth constantly. The numerous scars that marred my body caused excruciating pain at times, causing my body to lock up and rendering me immobile.

On such days, my children and I would seek refuge in makeshift shelters using the limited resources we were provided, hiding away from the harsh realities of our existence. If only someone were there to rescue us from this place, to offer my boys their first glimpse of freedom and safety, or perhaps this was the best we could ever hope for. I fervently pray that it is not.

Chapter Text

Today started like any other. With me tiptoeing around trying to get breakfast for my boys consisting of delicious (not) mush that they insisted was some form of oatmeal.

Other invertos skittered around me. I had quite the reputation around the place. Known for attacking guards and fatally injuring them. Also snarling and attacking anyone who came near me or my boys when we were out of our cell.

I claimed the sustenance for today with a grimace. I swear the portions are getting smaller each day. The cold unfeeling canteen with its too bright lights seemed to stare and follow me as I walked quickly back to our cell. Feeling uncomfortable leaving my boys unprotected an uneasy feeling crawling up my spine. I walked a little faster.

I heard a commotion coming from my family’s cell. My sockets widened in horror as I skidded to a stop outside the cell. A guard had Destrí by the neck and was trying to shove him into an electric cage that was already crackiling threateningly. Insults were being shouted at him bringing tears to his sockets that were beading on the edges and threatening to fall. Alvaro was on the floor and not moving he was unresponsive as the guards spat at him from above and nudged him with their filthy boots. He was bleeding marrow and mana at a worrying rate from a head wound that seemed to cave in his skull. My own skull pounded in sympathy pain.

I let out a growl and leapt and crashed into the guard holding Destrí by the neck. Destrí fell to the floor with a yelp as me and the guard slid across the floor and crashed into the adjacent wall. The male guard tried to stand and when he succeeded I kicked him hard square in the chest where he went flying into the other guards standing around stunned from my sudden enterance. I crouched over Alvaro and dragged Destrí by the collar of his cream coloured facility issued rags where I dragged him to be underneath me and safe. One wrong move from the guards now would result in me attacking.

An inexperience guard, one I hadn’t seen before made the first move. He rushed towards me intent on taking me down and shocking me with his weapon of choice an electrical prod. I leapt and met him head on where I coiled around his much smaller body and used my momentum and weight advantage over him allowing me to fling him back and crash against the wall.

The second guard that came towards us, a woman this time, was sent out the door taking two other guards down with her as I picked her up and flung her like a doll. The rest of the guards surrounded me hoping to overwhelm me. I jumped at the first guard biting down and into his shoulder causing him to yell in pain and fall backwards I quickly leapt onto the other guards biting them both and kicking them towards the enterance. They ran away after that. A smart move in my books. I finished off with a huff and then turned back to my boys.

Oh my sweet beautiful boys. Who would never hurt a fly now down on the ground and injured. Alvaro was still unresponsive and bleeding. Destrí was full on crying now. Shaking and hiccuping. I looked over at our nest in the corner and took his small hands in mind “ Oh sweet thing no need to cry now I’m here. I’m going to keep you safe I promise. I need you to get into the nest while I get your brother can you do that for me sweetie” he shakily nodded and limped over to the nest. I scooped up Alvaro supporting his head and dived into the nest where I covered us up and created a barrier between us and the outside.

Since we didn’t have an extensive med kit on hand I had to make do with what we have. Which is nothing. Invertos that got hurt by the guards wasted away in their cells to heal on their own. Only the prejudice driven guards got medical attention.

I knew the first step to treating wounds was always disinfect them. The only option I had was to shred one of the blankets in here and venture out to the water basin in the corner and use the rags to clean the various wounds by boys had built up.

I returned from getting the water and settled Alvaro on my lap where I leant back and washed out the wound on his head with the cloth. Taking extra care that no water got into his head. Knowing how annoying it is just to get it on your eye sockets. I can’t imagine how uncomfortable it is to get it into your head.

Dipping it constantly to circulate new and clean water. Once I had as throughly as I can washed out the wound. I wrapped his head in a blanket as tight as I dared and swaddled him and set him down with extra padding supporting his head and keeping him elevated.

Next for my second child. Destrí was in hesterics. He was crying and wailing and was very distraught. It hurt my very soul to hear him cry like this. He sounded so heartbroken. I tired to pull Destrí closer to me but he began to fight me too distraught to see it was me and the tormentors were taken care of.

I calmed him down the way I do with both of my boys when they are crying. I sang him a lullaby. A beautiful song that I held onto before we were locked away in the facility. I rubbed small circles into the small of his back, rocking him back and forth. He slowly came back to himself and when he did he clung to me as tight as he could.

"T- they came out of nowhere, t-they tried to t-take us away in strange metal cages that zapped and crackled and h-hurt a-and a-alvie tried to fi-fight back and they HIT him with an AXE and he he fell down and d-didn’t get back up!”

l shushed him as he had begun wailing again in distress

“ Mamas here she’s here and she’s going to keep you safe. No one’s going to hurt you not as long as I’m alive and breathing.”

He clung to me tighter but flinched when I brushed against his right arm. I frowned and gently tugged at the limb as he reluctantly let me check it.

I rolled up his sleeve and revealed a spiral fracture spanning both his radius and ulna. I cooed at him to sooth him as I gently and carefully began to clean the wound and wrap it.

“ My sweet boy are you injured anywhere else other than your arm and neck”.

He looked sheepishly up at me and pointed to his left leg and his lower ribs. “ Thank you for telling me mo tine beag now after I clean these wounds you can go and sleep. Does that sound like a plan.”

After going through such an intense rollercoaster of emotions in such a short amount of time Destrí’s eyelids were drooping and his head bobbing trying to keep awake. He was already halfway to dreamland but he still answered with an “ okay mama”.

I knew the sleepiness wouldn’t last long though once I started cleaning his wounds and I was right. As soon as the cloth touched the radial fracture in his left leg. He let out a whine of pain

“ Oh I know I know just bear with me here and it’ll all be over soon”

Destrí let out another whine that tugged on my soul strings. He still managed to arrive at dreamtown about halfway through me cleaning his wounds. Too tired from the stress of today, the pain from his wounds and his roller coaster of emotions that he had to work through today.

I wrapped him up as well in a blanket to keep him warm and safe and placed him with his brother where they subconsciously wiggled to be as close as they could to eachother. I kissed both of their foreheads in a loving manner and left them to rest. Curling around them protectively and using my body as an extra measure of protection against the outside world.

I had the boys sitting in front of me. It was our time of the day for school. A few hours set aside for five days like a normal school week. Destrí was revising different ways and solutions to get rid of a virus manually off a computer. Essentially how to out code a file injector virus. Alavaro was sitting cross legged to me and was reciting the journey from a new born star to a red giant.

“ …as the nuclear fusion in the star slows down its reaction from using a certain amount of hydrogen and helium the star expands but cools to become a red giant”.

“ Very good Alvaro. Very good indeed I believe that is you done for the day. Destrí once you are confident enough on that process then you will try to recite it to me. It does not have to be word for word. Just give me the general idea. Alvaro I release you from your bonds so that you may play”.

Alvaro giggled and ran off. Destrí pouted

“ Oh come on baby boy it’s not that bad you can go once you have revised this and who knows maybe we can install one onto the guards computers again. Wouldn’t that be fun”

He excitedly nods his head and goes back to revising. I glanced over at Alvaro and back and then glanced over again. My intelligent boy on par with my intelligence was playing himself in a game of tag. He looked like a dog chasing its own tail. I barked out a laugh which caused him to look at me and go back to his game as if it was normal.

I wished I had a camera for moments like these. To capture moments of my boys growing up but alas. Then the white walls of our cell started to drip away exposing grimy walls slick with water and heavy with mould. As the rest of the pristine white was replaced by this slick disgusting brown. Even the floor dripping away down a vent in the centre of the room.

There was no features and my boys were gone it was just me in an empty dirty room with my hands chained above my head in a set of manacles that I know far too well. I looked to my right in dread there sitting starved and dirty was my biggest source of sorrow. His gaunt and shallow face came into view. He asked quietly at first whispering something I couldn’t make out and then it got louder until he was screaming at me

“ why didn’t you save me!” The face started to rot away skin started to slough off and hit the ground. He turned into a zombie. A green skinned hand extended outwards towards me “ help me”

Reality came rushing back to me and I jerked awake on the attack. I snapped out of it though when I felt a tiny hand on my shoulder and whisperings of mom. I snapped my head to look at… Alvaro. My sockets widened as I took in my previously unconscious child’s form.

He was leaning heavily on my shoulder trying to support himself and keep himself from collapsing. He was panting from exertion and his eye lights were barely lit showing his extreme exhaustion. He was opening and closing his jaw repeatedly trying to say something but the words got caught in his throat.

Finally he managed to rasp out

“ D- destrí is s-something” his jaw clicked as he swallowed “ something i-is wrong with D-destrí he smells b-bad”

Usually when my boys say that I would take it as an insult to eachother. But the way Alvaro looked I doubt he has the energy to joke. So I smelt the air and it reeked of sickness. I got up quickly and made my way over as swiftly as I could. I felt his forehead quickly confirming my fears Destrí was burning up with a fever. He was sweating profusely as well. This was not good. Not good at all.

I looked at Alvaro to ask him how long ago this started but he had collapsed where he stood without me to support him. That was also not good. I hate putting my boys in priority but it was for their own good.

First priority is Destrí. I leapt out of our nest ignoring the bloody splotches that were the guards blood that I attacked yesterday. I went and got the cool water from the baisin and brought it back fresh. I made a cold compress out of a rag and placed it on his forehead.

Destrí whined in discomfort at the feeling but settled after a few strokes to his knuckles with my thumb. Next was Alvaro. I went over to him and situated him so that his back was against my chest. I tried shaking him awake. I know that after head injuries you’re supposed to stay awake and aware. Asking the patient questions on how they’re feeling and do they know where they are.

I tried shaking him awake I got nothing I even tried pinching his cheekbones because I know he hates that. But I got no reaction other than a half hearted twitch or eye sockets opening but they were empty. I determined that if he had the motivation and the memory to get up and tell me that Destrí was unwell. He was doing just as fine as he could be. It looked like I had gotten my sleep for tonight my new job was keeping Destrí’s temperature in check and monitoring Alvaro.

Chapter Text

This went on for three days. Alvaro slept a lot. He was in and out of it. When he did come around he had fuzzy recollections of the event. Not really remembering what happened up towards his injury. Only remembering me leaving to get breakfast and him and Destrí going back to the game they were playing.

He also had gone into a near permanent sensory overload. He had to buried in the nest constantly to keep out the light and the noises. Even the simple hum of the AC was enough to annoy him.

Destrí’s fever raged and wracked his delicate body for three days. After his fever finally broke he was listless. I was sitting by the nest. I was holding and rubbing his hand for comfort. He was weak and whined in pain every time he moved to change his position.

He was restless, sore and hot and he was frustrated. But I got see those beautiful ruby red eyelights again that I missed so much. I was exhausted from taking care of my two boys for three days with no sleep. I was up all night regulating Destrí’s temperature and calming down Alvaro from nightmares that seemed to happen regularly now.

Since I was exhausted I think I could be excused for nearly killing a man that entered our room without warning and proceeded to stand beside my very vulnerable children. So smothered in protective instincts that I was I lashed out at him and caught his arm. I felt my claw tear through flesh.

He reeled back and exclaimed “You bitch!” He shouted holding his arm and reaching for the panic button outside the cell. He was going to call the guards. He was going to bring them here. I wouldn’t be able to take out that many.

I put my hands up and retreated back to the side of the nest. He stopped in his tracks and dusted off his suit. “ That’s right bitch back in your place, there’s people here to see you”. He spat the word people so I’m assuming they’re monsters. “ Be ready when I next come get you. You will meet these people shortly”.

He then turned on his heel and slammed the door behind him. Making Alvaro flinch and whine.

Shortly. Shortly. You’ve gotta give me more than that. You can’t just dump this on me and leave. The boys can’t move. They just can’t. Alvaro couldn’t go out of the nest without falling to the floor in pain from a migraine that hits him like a freight train and Destrí is still sick and too weak to move.

For the boys safety I couldn’t take them outside this room in this state but if I were to refuse the guards would come in and force us out. I had no choice but to go. Time to get creative.

Since the boys can’t walk and Destrí is the least critical right now I figured creating a sling that would hold him close to my chest would be best and more practical. Alvaro could go inside my rib cage. Not only will this block out the worst of the stimulation from outside but also it would bring him closer to my soul where I could try and calm him with my comforting intent.

So I got two blankets and tied them together at their ends I then winded them around myself with a little hammock shaped pocket at the front. I picked up Destrí apologising and giving him constant forehead kisses. He needed as much rest as possible and here I am disturbing him.

I slowly manuvered him into the pocket. I tucked all his limbs in being extra careful with his injured ones until he was fully and comfortably in the sling.

Next was Alvaro where I picked him up and rode up my T-shirt so that the bottom half of my rib age was exposed. The only problem getting him in there was there was an exposed nerve ending on one of my ribs. Making it extremely painful to touch. If Alvaro touched it I would double over and risk dropping Destrí. I would just have to be careful how I place him in here.

I gently ever so carefully placed Alvaro in my rib cage with his skull resting on the column of my spine and his feet touching the crests of my pelvis. I shoved my T shirt down just in time for the man from earlier to walk back in. He now had a pristine bandage around his arm and I scowled.

He a racist who sees us as nothing but animals instead of the sentient beings we are. Gets the good treatment the good resources. While I am forced to resort to rags to bandage my boys wounds. A child’s wounds.

The guards surrounding him have the “equipment” that I need to put on for safety reasons. The equipment consisted of a muzzle that dug in painfully where the straps were and a pair of handcuffs and leg cuffs joined together that restricted movement to an almost painful degree.

I couldn’t do anything though. Not with the boys so close and a very high risk of them potentially getting hurt more. I stepped forward and got down to their level where the put the equipment on me. I winced when the muzzle was tightened to the point of bruising.

A chain was attached to the front of the muzzle like one might lead a bull with and was placed in the hands of the man who addressed me the first time. I was yanked forward and forced to walk never once stopping my comforting intent that was pulsing from my soul to my children’s souls. Both Alvaro and Destrí were asleep.

I was glad that they were. I didn’t want them to witness their protector trussed up and treated like a savage beast. I was walking at a slow shuffle which was the fastest I could go, down the barely lit hallway and into the cold cafeteria. I ducked under the entrance way where I was met with.

Two sets of sockets. Both going wide upon seeing me. After staring at eachother for an awkward amount of time. The taller of the two who had a long face and was wearing blue jeans, a plain white T shirt and a red scarf walked forward introducing himself rather loudly.

“HELLO I AM THE GREAT PAPYRUS. IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU.” This Papyrus said with such enthusiasm it reminded me of a golden retriever.

Alvaro writhed and whined in discomfort before settling again. I chuffed at him in greeting not being able to speak because of the muzzle being pulled so tight.

A guard poked me from behind with an electrical prod shoving me forward. I tripped on the manacles but managed to catch myself from falling at the last minute. I spun around and swiped and growled at the guard. He stepped back while the man who wore the grey suit stepped up and opened his lying mouth again.

“ I’m terribly sorry but we did tell you. The subject is almost feral and will attack anything that moves.

The use of the words “the subject” stung like I had been stripped of my humanity and was nothing more than a lowley animal that needed to be put down.

“I don’t know about that Mr. She only reacts there because the guard poked her with that fancy stick you got there”.

The short one spoke up. He had a rounder face that looked delightful to squeeze he also had black and white basketball shorts and a plain white T shirt and a blue jacket on top.

The man looked stunned and tried to quickly safe himself. “ Really I didn’t see any guard poking her. I’m terribly sorry for that. No one should be provoked in this space.”

Wow that was a real change in tune. The shorter one seemed to notice this as well as he raised a brow ridge at him.

“ yeah whatever you say buddy”. The man swallowed thickly before going over to a table and gesturing towards some paperwork.

“ If you could please complete this. It’s a document starting that you will be …”. I lost track of the conversation as the taller one was speaking again.

“WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO REMOVE YOUR RESTRAINTS MISS?.” I had to do a double take. I looked at him like he had grown a second head. Remove my restraints. Everyone stiffened except for the two new comers. The pompous eijit from before came back and announced

“ You can’t do that. This animal needs to remain restrained for your safety. For all of our safeties. She will attack”

Untrue I just attack anything that threatens me or my children which is about everything in this place. But something about this Papyrus in front of me is different. I somehow knew that he was of no threat to me or my family.

The shorter one spoke up again “ She seems calm right now. Let my bro try”. So their brothers cool. The man sputtered trying to find some sort of excuse to keep the equipment on me. Papyrus took the silence as a go ahead signal and approached me rather suddenly.

I stepped back and growled out of instinct. The guards lining the wall of the cafeteria raised their weapons. Papyrus started to approach me again but slowly and with his hands up. He asked in a much softer voice than before. “ Can I remove your restraints miss?”

I took a deep and steadying breath and nodded to him. He walked the rest of the way to me and stood directly in front of me. I leaned down allowing to reach around the back of my head and unlock the muzzle. The muzzle fell to the ground with a clang.

I reached for my face not quite believing that someone had just done that. All ready there was lines of irritation and they were tender. With my face on full display they could see the gruesome scar that stretched across the entirety of my face. Carving a smile that stretched ear to ear on it. Another result of my childhood.

Papyrus stepped away from me but his eyes never left my chest. First of all rude second of all I moved to cover Destrí from his gaze. He seemed to break out of his trance

“ I’m sorry for staring but I’ve never seen a babybones before.” Aww that’s is an adorable name for children. He was speaking much more softly now that he had seen the sleeping child.

“ I can’t believe it an actual babybones.” He was in absolute amazement. His brother must have noticed how he had gone still and came over. My eyes lights locked with his as he slowly came over as well. Not trying provoke my ire. He raised his hands also which I quickly checked for any weapons. But no they came up empty.

The shorter brother finally came to crouch by Papyrus and looked at Destrí. His sockets widened and then he set them in a look of determination.

“ Names sans kid Sans the skeleton. We’re gonna get you and the kid out of here.” So he hasn’t noticed my other one kinda hard not to when his foot was slowly sliding out and poking through my T shirt. But I’ll take it.

Wait did he say get out of here. I looked to Papyrus who nodded in confirmation. They were going to get us out of here. Now. After five years of confinement. I could hardly believe what my nonexistent ears were picking up.

“ I take it that you’re happy about the news then kid.” Damn straight I was. My tail was swaying side to side rapidly as I thought of all the things that my boys would get to experience now.

“Great we will be them ready for transport then.” The man from earlier was back with a shit eating grin. Something bad is about to happen to me isn’t it and he couldn’t be happier about it.

“ What do you mean get them ready”. Sans asked sceptically “ This wasn’t mentioned at all”.

“ Why yes it isn’t usually a part of protocol but with a violent thing such as this is better to put her to sleep for easier transport.”

“Yeah sorry man but we aren’t doing that.” Sans said stepping in front of me. It’s a sweet gesture but there was nothing that could stop these trigger happy cretins once they were given the opportunity to shoot something.

A guard stepped forward pointing his tranquilliser gun at me. I growled and stood up from my crouched position. Five others started to advance as well. Causing my growl to progress to a snarl. I was warning them they were stepping on eggshells.

My ribcage rattled with the noise. This was the last straw that broke the camels back for Alvaro. He wailed from inside my rib cage. I don’t blame him. I took him out of his safe space forced him into a cramped space, the noise, the lights and the smell from the disenfectant in the cafeteria set him off into a meltdown.

The wail from Alvaro woke up Destrí and he reacted to the heightened stress levels of both me and Alvaro. He started to get himself worked up. Wiggiling in his sling and struggling.

The guards stepped forward further towards us. Sans and Papyrus were trying to get them to calm down and to put their guns away but there was nothing they could do. All six guards shot at the same time lining my body with needles filled with a special monster tranquilliser.

I stumbled and then crumpled to the floor being pulled towards unconsciousness quite quickly. The last thing I saw was Papyrus stepping in front of my body protectively stopping the advance of the guards on my near unconscious body. I can only hope that they’ll be gentle with us.

Chapter Text

Skeletons were strange when they slept. They started to lose their ability to thermoregulate to the stage of hypothermia. The process was only sped up when there was drugs involved. That why currently our new charges our bundeled under a mountain of blankets.

We were unprepared for this. We thought it was only the mother we were taking in. We didn’t expect kids. We were never told about any kids. I pinched my nasal bridge trying to stem the oncoming headache that was steadily forming.

Time to face the storm I thought as I exited our charges room and headed down the spiral staircase. I was thinking of what to say to the others especially the younger ones. Should I tell a half truth or sugarcoat it or tell them the whole truth? I met Wine at the bottom of the staircase who was pacing before he noticed me.

Wine was the eldest skeleton in the house by a few years. He has a mother hen complex from looking after his autistic little brother Coffee. Coffee was one of the youngest members in the house. He has been pacing and worrying since he saw the child with the head wound in my arms.

A kid who had been mercilessly beaten and systematically starved. The mother definitely took the brunt of the attacks and redirected the speciest guards attention to her. Even at that though the first one had a caved in skull. We had to do an emergency magic transfusion for him as he was still leaking magic.

The injury had to have been recent for him to have lost that amount of magic and not recovered it by now. The pair of brothers Blood and Sweets were especially distressed over this. They starved a mother and her children and hunger was a bit of a trigger point for them.

Those who had high LV needed to be stopped from going on a happy murder spree on their behalf. We barely stopped them as is with the promise of helping bring them down later on.

After the mother went down from the tranquillisers th two kids made an appearance. Two! It was more than enough of a surprise with one but two was simply amazing. They were wailing in distress picking up on the stress of the atmosphere and the point where there sole protector was on the floor and unresponsive.

The one in the sling had gotten out and limped over to his mother’s head shaking her. The one inside her rib cage had curled up on the floor trying to block the lights out of his sockets due to what looked like sensory overload and crying.

The guards who had shot were reloading and moving in towards the children and would have shot them point blanc if it wasn’t for me and my bros intervention. Intervention being picking them up and holding them close and shielding them from the trigger happy guards.

They wouldn’t let us leave though until they stuck them with needles filled with sleeping agent. Both kids struggled in our arms. My bro was having a hard time holding back his tears. It was extremely distressing for him and me.

How could someone do this? Be this soulless as to hurt young babybones and not even bat an eye. After they were off to dreamland forcefully, the facility staff still insisted that we put safety equipment on them which consisted of metal muzzle and restraining jackets. On children. I grabbed my bro and the mother and I teleported out of there.

We didn’t stick around either. We loaded them into the van as quickly and as comfortably as possible and booked it out of there. I was furious the whole way home and I’m sure my bro felt the same way. After i told the gist of what happened they were also furious on their behalf. Their souls must be black to have done this.

What happened after we brought them home. Me and my bro both pulled up into the driveway of our massive home. We were both livid. Having had to indure the speciest comments of the guards as the blatant racism that that man showed us.

During the drive home Papyrus was texting the family group chat informing them of the terrible state that we found both mother and the two unexpected children. The groupchat blew up with text messages on where the people that hurt them were.

Since the condition of the mother and the children were quite upsetting Papyrus and I suggested that the younger members of the house go into the living room or their rooms to avoid the upsetting situation.

My bro messaged Mutt and Hound privately saying that we needed their help carrying the mothers indoors and up the stairs. Everyone’s reactions to the children varied from worried to ecstatic. They were all very excited to have children in the house anyway. It was just higher LV ones worried that they would hurt them.

I’m the group chat though the other stone was dropped telling of the full condition of each and every charge. The children were described first saying that they had grey bones which was a sign of long periods of malnutrition and starvation.

The first ones skull had been caved in. He seemed to be in the early stages as well which is constant sensory overload and confusion bouts.

The second child’s state was he had multiple injuries we did not know the full extent though as we had to get out of there fast. He seemed to have also caught a fever most likely from an infected wound.

The mother’s state was horrific even at a cursory glance you could see she was not doing well. Her bones were a dark shade of grey and there was countless scars all over her body. Her face though seemed to have been carved to look like a permagrin. It was painfully stretched and a shoddy job. Like someone had taken a knife and hacked away at her face.

There was questions on what the skeletons back at the house should do and set up to help the charges. Wine took control on that effort saying that they can get cool compresses, bandages, disenfectent and warm blankets and lot of them.

He then sent a message to us to not worry about anything they’ll set up the house just you focus on the road and getting here safely. By the time we pulled into the driveway Mutt and Hound were already by the door waiting for us.

They rushed over once we pulled in and stepped out. Our feet crunching on the cream stone gravel. We hadn’t told anyone about her size. Thinking it would be a fun surprise and the reactions were priceless. As I swung open the door, Mutt had stopped mid sentence with his jaw open and Hound and had his jaw dropped too.

The only ones really on par with her size would be Sniper and Sweets. The two of them exploded with questions but we quickly hushed them afraid that the drugs had worn off and that they would wake up. It was a long drive from here to the facility.

Mutt and Hound would get the mother and carry her up while me and papyrus got the kids. I went first with papyrus behind me. They were an adorable family though just looking at them. The mother had subconsciously shifted to be curled up around them and the kids were in two little balls as well.

Or it could be an attempt on the mother’s behalf to protect them. I very gently very slowly picked up the sick child and passed him to Papyrus. My bro instantly went and supported him with one hand on his back and one holding his head and protecting his neck vertebra which had turned an almost purplish black with a bruise I was not liking what that was implying.

I lifted the child with the head wound and supported his head and back. He whined when my fingers got close to the wound on his head. I quickly retracted them it was obviously a little tender still nothing a good heating pad wouldn’t fix.

Once we were out with the children Mutt and Hound moved in to lift the mother. There was a shout suddenly from in the van. I turned around sharply thinking that the mother could have woken up and started attacking. That didn’t seem to be the case though as I looked to Mutt who was being coiled around by the mother. She looked like a snake.

I chuckled and left them to deal with it. Me and Papyrus moved towards the door with the other two not far behind. We were immediately met with Wine who did a quick cursory check over each of the small families injuries and states.

He then adressed us in a low tone giving us a run down on how they prepared. “ All the younger ones have been put collectively in the living room. Except for Blue and Coffee who are up in their rooms. They are both sleeping. The rest of us are up preparing.” As he was talking we were going up the stairs into the pre prepared room.

Well it wasn’t a room more like a guest suite. Made to house multiple people it would do well to house the family efficiently. It was the only bedroom in the house that was left empty.

The room was painted in a deep navy blue with gold accents running the length of the edges of the room. There was a low bed in the centre of the room. There was doors beyond that leading to a living room and a bathroom beyond that storage. They were all painted the same. Except for the bathroom which was done in black and white marble with a bathtub and shower separate.

When we entered we were met with a sea of activity. On the right of the door off to the side were Red and Edge holding spare blankets looking lost on where to put them. The rest of the house was busy with cleaning, moving their bed around to a more secluded location, creating a nest in freshly washed blankets taking extra care to not get their scent on them and sorting through medical supplies and getting them organised and set out like bandages and disinfectant.

The child in my arms began to whimper grasping tighter to my shirt. I was suddenly reminded of when Papyrus was this small and had nightmares he would have the exact same reaction. This I believe was for a different reason other than nightmares. It was from a blinding headache no doubt caused by the head wound.

The child started to struggle and open his sockets he fisted his hands in my shirt and started to whimper louder reminding me of a kitten almost. Blood came over with Sweets behind him balancing on his cane. Blood made an answering call to the child instantly soothing his growing distress. The kitten sounds must have been him calling out to his mom but she was still very much asleep.

Blood moved forward and rubbed the tender edges of the head wound. He then looked down at me and said with urgency “ We need…to get everyone…out. Too…loud”. I nodded and so did Wine. I went over to Red and Edge who looked shocked at the state of the child in my arms.

“It’s too loud in here for him. He has developed a migraine. Can you get everyone out of here. Quietly”.
“Of course” Red and Edge set off around the room. Wine was also doing the same.

Once everyone was on their way out. I went and placed the babybones on the low set bed pillowing and elevating his head. Papyrus set his child down and placed the cold compress on his head. Next Mutt wobbled over completely off balance from the mother who was still wrapped around him like a boa constrictor.

As soon as Mutt leaned down though she curled around her children. Her protective mother instincts in the driving seat. Wine went over to inspect the child with the head wound but a loud whine erupted from the sick child. His sockets were wide open revealing ruby red eye lights that were brimming with tears.

A combination of the tranquilliser, a high amount of stress and infection made the low grade fever from earlier start to climb to a high grade. The child started struggling and whimpering. Not recognising where he was, was beginning to panic him. Papyrus picked up the child rubbing small circles into his back and bouncing him trying to get him to calm down.

Wine turned back to the other child on the bed. He checked over the little ones skull. Feeling for irregularities and cracks but finding none. He then gave his conclusion “ I feel nor see any more injuries on the skull apart from the obvious one. This cave in though was recent very recent. I’m willing to bet he needs a magic transfusion and a head scan. Just to make sure he is well out of the danger zone.”

The thing is with head injuries on skeleton monsters is that not only are they detrimental to their health but also fragments of bone can be caught inside and disrupt the inner workings of the skeletal skull. Like it could sever ley lines and magic connections within the skull which could lead to speech problems, sight problems and in some cases brain death. That’s why it was so vital for Wine to be able to check this to make sure nothing is damaged the only one more qualified for this would be Doc but he’s not here right now.

Blood was busying himself with setting up the magic IV attaching the magic bags to it so that once the solution comes into contact with a monsters magic it will automatically become compatible to them. Blood passed the needle to Wine who rolled up the boys slieve and disinfected the area with a cotton swab then proceeded to slowly push in the needle on the boys upper humerus.

The boy grunted and jerked when the needle went in but a few comforting words and forehead pets from Wine had him settling.

Red and Edge came over after shooing everyone out and closing the door began to check the mother over. Starting with her limbs and not daring to go any further without her consent.

I went over to my bro who was crouching by the medicine box with the little one in one arm and the other searching for something. “ Anything I can do bro” I asked quietly noticing that the boy was asleep once more. “Yes brother if you could grab the thermometer, this one’s temperature needs to be checked immediately.”

I nodded and found the thermometer that was lurking in the depths of our medicine box. I extended my hand out for Papyrus to take it and he did and stuck it in the boys acoustic meatus. His nasular ridge scrunched upon discomfort.

He held it there firmly for a minute until it beeped and he took it out and scrutinised the results and tutted. Moving to put the boy back into bed as he had now calmed down. I looked at the thermometer it displayed a temperature of 103.6.

Papyrus put a cold compress on his forehead. Seeing nothing else he could do for him sickness wise. He started to check the boys bones over. Lightly pressing and squeezing down the boys body we found a a fracture in his right arm that spanned the ulna and the radius, three cracked and broken lower ribs, a nasty looking spiral fracture in his left leg and the nasty developing bruise on his neck .

The injury in his leg was lazily oozing and dripping off red magic and marrow. The little one whined as I tried touching it to examine it further for discolouration but with out a doubt this was infected. Papyrus went and retrieved gauze pads and disinfectant and handed them to me. After that he went and steadied the boys legs so I could disinfect the wound unbothered.

I poured a generous amount of rubbing alcohol onto a fluffy gauze pad and pressed it tightly agianst the wound. The boy immediately began to struggle Papyrus doing the job of holding him down and soothing him simultaneously.

Suddenly there was a deep growl and snarl from beside us and we were thrown away from the boy. We looked up to find the mother awake and very not happy. She was struggling to get up the others backing away from around her. Not willing to get in between her and her child. The mother looked at us with hazy and unfocused eye lights as she snarled and spat. The great tail behind her rose and circled around her kids.

I opened my jaw in hopes of explaining things but she seemed to take it as a challenge trying with renewed vigour to get up but all she manages was to spit and snarl. The tranquilliser was still heavily in her system and was making her quickly fall back down into unconsciousness.

We made a silent executive decision to retreat and leave her to calm down. We all exited the room silently and went downstairs to deliver reports on the states of our new charges.

Chapter Text

Sans POV

The remaining skeletons gathered in the living room where everyone had gone after being showed out of the room. We informed everyone of our new charges condition.

I told them all in full detail about their condition. I figured that it was better than sugarcoating it. For them and our new residents. If they weren’t properly informed of their condition they could end up hurting them.

So I told them every detail. There was two children that we didn’t know about. The mother which we did know about was in bad condition. The facility has systematically starved all three of them while inflicting violence on them as well. From the evidence presented in the form of actual injuries no one was off the hook.

They all require medical attention. When Doc is home we will ask him to look at them. Hopefully in an environment where she’s safe and her children are safe she’ll come out of her feral state and let us help.

“Hopefully when we show that we are of no harm to her and her kids she’ll be more lenient to us being around her and helping her.”

I looked around the room gaging people’s reactions. It was a mix of horrified and anger between all of them. The twins Razzle and Dazzle had tears brimming in their sockets as two of their hands intertwined while the others were across their teeth in shock. Children were a weak point for them. Every time a child being hurt was mentioned they got quiet and reserved. They never had told us why. Wine went over to comfort them. Putting his hand on either skull and pulling them inwards towards his sternum.

Sweets was being comforted by his brother Blood. They were over in the corner in Sweets’s special chair designed for him to help support his back. He was horrified that something like that could have ever happened.

Cannon and Sniper were angry both were clenching their fists in anger. They may have been mafia dons but they never strayed into trafficking of people or unwilling sex work. They were good people just trying to make a living the only way they know how. They were both angry if we biologically could they would be steaming from the ears.

Stretch was sat down on the couch with his brother Blue who was leaning heavily against him. Stretch looked solemn and resigned. Blue was lost in his own world. His eye lights from my point of view were hazy. I doubt he comprehended anything I said so hopped up on pain meds that he probably was.

??? POV

I collapsed as soon as the door closed. My head snapped over to look at my boys. Alvaro was hooked up to a IV of sorts with sapphire blue magic running down it and into his upper arm. Destrí had become sick again worse than last time and his pant leg was rolled up to expose the wound there.

Waking up to Destrís screech of pain had me panicking. Throwing me into visuals from the facility, none of them good. In my mind my children were getting hurt and I had to protect them.

I felt sorry for my actions after they had left. They were only trying to help. My kids came first though. The world was turning black around me. No matter how much I wanted to stay awake the tranquilizer was still heavily in my system and I was failing to stay awake.

As the world faded and spun around me I curled around the bottom of my children, protecting them in their most vulnerable moment.

Wine POV

It had been exactly three hours and fourty six minutes since we last disturbed our charges. We were bringing up dinner to them. Not knowing the last time they ate. It could have been days if the facility had anything to do with it. We figured that we would start them on liquids like broth and soup.

It would be easier for the smaller ones to eat and to also start introducing healthy magic packed meals to their ecto stomachs. I was bringing Blood and Papyrus with me. Anybody unfamiliar I fear would freak the mother out.

I knocked on the door leading inside to the bedroom. I got no response. I looked to the others and slowly opened the door. We were met with three slumbering bodies all curled around eachother.

I was reluctant in waking them as the family was in desperate need of a peaceful rest. They were also in desperate need of good warm food.

We decided to let her wake up on her own. As the smell of food permeated the air it roused the mother. She smelled the air deeply and with wobbly and weak movements managed to sit up.

Spiralling her head around like an owl her now sharp emerald eye light met ours. It was strange only one was lit. Maybe it was due to low magic. She made no move to attack us only to look at the food in my hands. She settled again looking sheepish.

She opened her mouth as if to speak but she only got a husky noise out. She looked suprised cleared her throat and went again. This time she managed to rasp out. “ I’m sorry for the freaking out thing. I didn’t mean to”

She swallowed thickly after that despite us having no saliva to do so.

I stepped up to her bed “ There is absolutely no need for you to apologise. You were only protecting your family dear.” She perked up at the nickname and made a move to get up.

Once she had untangled herself from her covers she stretched to her full height still a little wobbly on her feet. She went to sniff the food in my hands. She tilted her head and scowled. “ This smells weird”. Her voice was coming back stronger but still raspy.

I explained to her why it did “ Yes it smells weird as it’s full HP food. The amount of magic stuffed into it permeated the taste and makes it quite plain but it will help you and your children on your road to recovery.”

She studied us for a moment more before turning back to the bed motioning with her tail to come closer. We did and watched as she nuzzled her children’s foreheads trying to rouse them from their deep sleep.

As she did that I noticed that I few things needed to be changed. The head wounded child needed to have his IV pouch changed as he had drained it dry. I would like to get two or three into him before I’m even comfortable with letting him be.

The sick ones wounds needed to be dressed properly and cleaned out thouroughly. Also the cold compress needed to be changed.

The mother also needed to be checked over as I would like to give a report for Doc to work with when he gets home. Red and Edge had informed us in the meeting downstairs of what they saw. They only managed to check her left arm and her legs. There was cracks and burns everywhere to the point where she would feel pain every time she moved those limbs.

The babybones were now awake and looking for the food eagerly. Poor little ones must have been starving. We watched as they tried to get up to be closer to the mother who was now balanced on the edge of the bed.

The head wounded child didn’t get far as he was brought up short by the IV stuck in his arm. The sick child didn’t get far either too weak and too sick to get up. They ended up just reaching out for the mother.

The mother obliged and picked them both up and settled against the farthest wall with them both curled up in her arms. They looked adorable. Still it broke my soul to see them in such a state. They were just children they should be jumping around the place and enjoying life instead of sitting here miserable and sore.

Since the bed had no headboard they were exposed from all sides. Papyrus went to help the sick one as he was more familiar with them. Blood went to encourage the mother to come forward and to let him help her and I went to the head wounded babybones

We really have to find out what their names are. I hate calling them head wounded and sick. As I went over and started to replace the IV pouch.

Blood had went over to the mother and had somehow convinced her to let go of her children though she seemed reluctant and Blood was stroking her spine for comfort.

Papyrus went over and started to pay attention to the leg wound. Redisenfecting it again before trying to wrap it. The babybones let out a cry of pain as Papyrus disenfected the wound. The mother struggled and raced back to her child’s side.

She started to stroke her child’s forehead and cooed into his audio canal “It’s alright my sweet boy”

“Momma”

“Yes it’s alright Destrí my lovely boy”

Her voice now fully recovered was a smooth as honey. We also had a name.

She continued her ministrations as Papyrus continued cleaning out the infection in his leg. She squeezed his hand as the pain reached a peak and he cried out more.

The poor boy had passed out from the pain as he was completely exhausted. The mother never stopped her ministrations. Papyrus went on to the rest of him as well. Splinting the broken lower ribs and treating his arm to the same treatment his legs got.

Blood had began to pull her away from her now sleeping child after Papyrus was done, going slowly as to not make her think that we were going to take her child away forcefully.

I was done with replacing the IV bag. There was nothing else we could do for him except wait until he wakes up and shows he’s fine or until he gets a head scan from Doc. Preferably both of those things.

I walked over to the mother who was now leaning against Blood her eye lights glued to her kids. It was the mother’s turn to be looked over and I have a feeling I wasn’t going to like what I see.

I approached her with both of my hands in view. Projecting from my soul comfort and concern. “ Now dear your children have been looked over and cared for to the best of our abilities but there is still you to go”.

She shifted from where she sat on the ground looking uncomfortable. Blood purred it vibrating through her and soothing her to a degree.

“ May I take a look at you?” She looked uncomfortable and confused. She was probably used to people pinning her down first and never once asking permission.

“ As long as you’re gentle.” Her voice was meak and shy. She sounded so young. I replied without missing a beat.

“ of course” not that I planned to be rough with her at all. It just unveils the treatment they went through.

I moved forward all the way till I was standing below her and kneeled down. Telegraphing my movements for her. I started with her right arm. It’s best to start small on check ups on nervous patients. I’m speaking from experience. It’s also good to talk to them during as well. Helps distract from the pain and lessen anxiety.

I look her in her eyelight as I slowly roll up the sleeve of her facility issues clothes. “ So darling your file didn’t include any names for you or the kids. Do you mind telling us?” She looked wary but ultimately came to the conclusion that there was no harm.

“ I’m Esmée. My youngest is Destrí and my oldest is Alvaro.” She pointed to each as she went signifying which was which.

“ Those are wonderful names.” I praised her
“ Yeah i thought they were nice”
“ They are indeed”
I kept up the conversation with Blood occasionally chiming in. Blood eventually had to take over as I began to treat her various wounds and test reaction times and brittleness levels.

Her right ulna, radius and her entire hand were especially brittle like they had been exposed to the elements for an extended amount of time. Her left arm was fractured 12 times and broken 7 she said a guard had repeatedly stomped on it when she spoke out of turn. After they shocked the life out of her with electrical prods.

Her legs had stress fractures and burns. Her rib cage was warped and distorted from what I could only assume was torture. I wrapped all of the injuries. Put burn salve on the burns. Splinted the bone that were fractured and or broken. I made a note of all of them as well. Cataloguing them away to repeat them to Doc.

After that was done. I offered them a change of clothes as holding even the sleeve of the T shirt was enough to make me want to scratch my hand off. She couldn’t have looked more thankful.

I asked Blood if he could ask his brother for some clothes and also to steal a few of Blues for the children. He raced off eager to do whatever he could to help. They had been here four hours and they already had him wrapped around their phalange.

About five minutes later Blood was knocking on the door again with a pile of clean clothes in his arms. He also had taken the liberty to get them sleep clothes as well.

She cooed at the cute designs on the onsies they were given and quickly stripped her children and put on their new clothes. We turned away and she covered them with her body for some privacy. We also turned away for Esmée to dress. She was grateful.

She tossed their old clothes into the furthest corner of the room. The boys were wearing matching sets of pyjamas with designs of rocket ships and stars on them. They were a bit too big for them so Esmée rolled up the sleeves and pant legs. Esmée was wearing a plain blue top and blue shorts.

After all this I forgot to give her the food. It was probably cold right now. I sighed and she cocked her head “ I forgot to give you your food. The entire reason for us to be here”. As I looked around though I couldn’t seem to find the bowls that had their food in them. I also didn’t see Papyrus.

Conveniently though Papyrus came in with the three bowls of broth. All steaming hot. “ Sorry I went down and reheated them for you. I’d noticed they’d gotten cold”.

“ Thank you Papyrus I completely forgot.”

Esmée stepped forward to receive the bowls. Papyrus handed one over and went to the kneel beside Destrí. He was going to feed him then. He had taken the liberty to get cloths as well as this feeding process is a little messy.

I took the other bowl and kneeled beside Alvaro. I put a cloth under his mandible. It was there to catch any pieces of broth this boys magic didn’t immediately latch onto. I needn’t have bothered though as his magic drank every last drop. Destrí had a few accidents but that was because his magic was on the fritz with the illness.

Esmée licked her bowl clean. After we were done feeding them she thanked us and handed Papyrus her bowl. She then swaddled her children in blankets and collapsed completely exhausted. I don’t blame her. Blood was there to make sure they all ate well.

We left after that. Flicking the light switch on our way out bathing them in darkness.

Chapter Text

I took in the state of my boys bones. To say the least they looked filthy and their joints full of grit. Mine were the same but my first priority are my children. So I went exploring.

Our room was large. It looked almost like a suite in one of those really fancy hotels. It’s was painted a dark navy blue all around with gold accents going around every edge of the room. It was beautiful. We were in the bedroom and there was two doors one led to the rest of the house and the other what I’m assuming is the rest of the suite.

I was not ready to leave my boys vulnerable to prying eyes so no going further into the house. I went to the other door and twisted the knob on the door. Very fancy.

I swung open the door as wide as it would go. Beyond was a seating area fully furnished and in the same colour scheme as the rest. Blue and gold. There was another door beyond that which I was hoping was the bathroom.

So when I swung that door open never closing a door behind me(I do not want to get trapped)I was met with what I was expecting, a bathroom. Complete with a shower and a bath. I was very grateful for both at the moment.

I turned on both taps testing the water regularly and turned off the taps when it was at the perfect temperature in my opinion. I huffed happily and padded my way back to my sleeping babybones where I began to gently shake them to rouse them from sleep.

Destrí groaned raspily still sick and feeling the effects and Alvaro was just grumpy from being woken up. “ oh I know my sweet boys but are you feeling up for a bath?” Alvaro rolled over which was hard to do considering the tube in his arm. Destrí looked up with hazy eye lights signifying that he was completely out of it but this wash will help him feel better.

It’ll will get the sweat of his bones and he’ll feel as good as he can at the moment. I whispered to Alvaro that once I was done with his brother I was coming back for him and that he is safe.

My boys had extreme separation anxiety but Alvaro couldn’t move as of now so all I can do is come back to him regularly and remind him that we are free from that awful place. I picked up Destrí going slow to avoid nausea and brought him to the pre made bath. The water was shallow only really reaching a good five inches above the top.

I started to unwrap his wounds. Starting with his neck. The nice ones from earlier did place a loose wrapping here coated with gel. I took it off and saw a very dark and very painful looking bruise. I touched it ever so gently but it was very tender still despite being inflicted 5 days ago. Destrí flinched away I let out a sigh as he hit my shattered arm. Man that really hurt and continued on.

There was some that I couldn’t unwrap like his broken rib at the bottom of his rib cage. I’ll just go over that then when I’m washing him. His leg was the final wound and as I took off the wrappings around it I noticed that it still looked inflamed and there was still some seepage from the wound but much less than before.

I gently lowered Destrí in resting his head against the cold porcelain and got to scrubbing. I went gently in between joints and up and down bones. Wiping the sweat off his forehead and cleaning the grime off his body.

I was talking absentmindedly to him when I was doing this. Comforting words came out automatically even if Destrí didn’t seem to hear them. When ever I touched a sore spot or bruise he would whine and I would tear up.

I don’t mean to hurt my boys intentionally and this should have never happened and now because of my negligence they have to suffer all the more. This was all very emotionally taxing on someone.

He whined again as I hit another spot on his bones that seemed to flick up and catch on the sponge i was using. “ sh sh I know I know I’m right here babybones I’m right here” tears started to form and I wiped them away gently sooting him more” I know it hurts baby. Just bear with it a little longer alright”. He whined and squirmed again borderline thrashing and that’s when i could not go any further. He had reached his limit.

“ okay okay I’m getting you out of here now”. I grabbed a fluffy towel. One of the softest things I have ever held and wrapped it around him in a burrito esk style. He snuggled down into it while I placed his clothes on the radiator to make them extra warm and comfortable.

The pyjamas I chose consisted of a onesie that represented a panda in appearance and his red star and rocket ship patterned pyjamas as well as they were still relatively fresh but first it was time to wrap his wounds again.

The nice skeletons from earlier left their medicine box here so I had plenty of fresh bandages. I pulled out the roll and quickly tied the bandages around Destrís wounds.

He was out of it again. Back into his state of delirium which was worrying I’m gonna have to ask the skeletons in the house if they have any medicine because this is not gonna go away without a fight it seems.

I lifted Destrí again and sat him on my lap where I began to dress him again into warm clothes as he slumped boneless into me too tired to keep upright himself anymore.

I returned him to our room bouncing him on my hip and humming a song I used to sing them asleep to when they were young. I returned him to the bed checking on my oldest afterward he was awake but seemed distant.

I rubbed my thumb up and down his cheekbone and started to sing the song again. He came back slowly his dark blue eye lights slowly returning and focusing out of their haze. He teared up afterwards confused and overwhelmed.

He made grabby hands for me and I lifted him up carefully as to not tug in the IV in his humerus and cradled him to my chest rocking him back and forth. We stayed like that until I felt him go limp against me asleep once more.

I looked back to see Destrí in sleep but it seemed fitful. His sockets were scrunched up and so was his nasal ridge. His tiny hands balled up by his sides. I situated myself in the middle of them both. So I could still have Alvaro in my lap and comfort Destrí at the same time. I felt my sockets start to close and I drifted off once more into heavenly darkness.

Wine POV
We were really hoping that they would come down to join us for breakfast but they were a no show. To be honest I was expecting it. They are injured, confused and scared and if were them I’d be hiding away too.
Papyrus and Blue were confused as to why they weren’t down yet. They had made soup for the young boy named Destrí and magic packed food for the other ones.

We had called the family’s resident doctor to come and help and had explained the situation. Doc who had trained to be a doctor and was now head of the department of monsters at Crescent hospital was our go to for these sorts of things.

Sure many in the house could heal too a certain extent but more severe and long lasting injures he’s our guy. He comes regularly to do routine check ups on Sweets and Blood. He stated he will come as soon as possible as he has an influx of critical injury cases and will be home later on.

For now though it was time for breakfast Sweets and Blood were already biting at the bit to get to them to make sure they have eaten. I plated three bowls of soup and i ascended the stairs with my brother at my heels.

I turned around “ Dear brother how can I help you? Do you need something?” He sounded back a series of clicks and trills. Our language between the two of us. My brother had a hard time communicating with his voice to shy to do so usually so we created a language between us in the underground. Our underground anyway.

He was saying that he wished to help and that the dogs were keen on going too. I looked sceptical introducing new people so soon to them. Especially when they were all vulnerable and hurt but I trusted my little brother I also trusted the dogs. So I nodded and explained

“ you may come up. But you have to be quiet and no approaching until she gives the go ahead. She is hurt and so are her kids and one wrong move could result in injury for both parties. Understand” he nodded vigorously and whistled for the dogs to come.

They did so quickly and were very happy to get to come. The three started to converse in sign language. While I focused on balancing the plates brought up the stairs.

Once we reached the fourth floor we could hear wailing it sounded like one of the younger ones was set off somehow. I was willing to bet it was Alvaro. His head wound must be causing him egregious pain I knocked and opened the door to the sight of Alvaro in Esmée’s arms buried in her chest while we could feel her soul fluctuating across the room trying to push out intent but failing.

Intent not only takes concentration on the emotions you want to project it also takes a massive amount of magic to keep going for longer periods of time and our mother did not have that to spare. I came up to her surprising her and getting her to stop she scrambled back and growled viscously which made Alvaro cry more.

She looked lost on what to do backed up into a corner and with people blocking her exit. I held my hands up placatingly hoping this will ease her some.

“ Darling we have not come here to hurt you. We have got food from this morning that will help with recovering your magic levels and helping your children. I can get painkillers as well for this one”.

She held Alvaro protectively and pointed to the other ones behind me “ ah yes how rude of me this is my little brother pup or coffee he will do you no harm behind him you will see Mutt and Hound” I pointed to them respectively and they each have a little wave in return.

She huffed in greeting and reached for the food.

“ I’m sorry if he disturbed any of you. He’s in pain and he says it won’t lessen. Like his skull is exploding from the inside.”

Her voice was shaky and cracking constantly but she spoke to us which is good it means that she trusts us enough to help.

I hand her the food with no quarrel from her and she started eating slowly then with vigour. She still rocked and shushed the babybones while she was eating when she polished off the plate and licked it clean.

She started to try and coax her children to eat. Destrí said nothing and reacted to nothing which seemed to worry her and me simultaneously.

Docs gonna have to look at the child’s leg again it was maybe more of a deep rooted infection than we first thought. The dogs and my brother moved forward to help. Mutt helped me with unraveling the bandages around Destrí’s leg I had to check if it was still weeping marrow.

While my brother and Hound were off to find some temporary pain killers in the med kit we left up yesterday it would hopefully do something to relieve the little ones pain.

Esmée POV
Alvaro was getting distressed from the extra noise and new people so I had to do something I grabbed the covers of the bed and the extra blankets that were given to us yesterday and created a ball out of them. I placed Alvaro in the middle of the ball and started to cover him this should help some. It did back in the facility.

I watched as Wine and Mutt touched my other child Destrí who had no reaction. That was really starting to worry me.Alvaro still had a vice like grip on my hand from inside the ball of blankets so I couldn’t let go. I stroked my thumb over his tiny knuckles and let him grip my hand. “Dear” the older one Wine had addressed me “ how old are these kids?”

Oh dear why had they asked that. Is he gonna address that I’m a terrible mum because I let them get hurt when they were so young. Was he gonna take them away from me? Was he gonna turn against us and hurt us? Was he going to send us back? I shook my head. I had to have a little faith in these guys.

This is just my tendency to overthink again I’ve just gotta go through the process. Calm down and analyse the situation.

Wine in his skull features had creased browbones where he was expressing…concern and his mouth stretched and drawn back. He is worried the other one was much the same. Thank everything in me that took that facial expression course. Giving their age was not for concerns against me it was just information.

They’re gonna learn more about the kids anyway if we are living in their house. I took a steadying breath “ Destrí is my youngest at 5 and Alvaro is my oldest at 6”. Wine covered his mouth in shock while Mutt seemed to get angry as he puffed up like an angry cat.

“ Mutt if you can’t keep your LV contained then I must ask you to leave”. LV like level in a video game? What does that mean? Mutt didn’t leave though he took a deep breath and started to walk to stand guard by the door. Barring anyone from entering. Oooo I like him.

Wine had gone back to applying a gel to Destrí’s wound and was rewrapping a bandage around his leg.

“ thank you for telling me that darling. We have a family member that is a doctor who requires a bit of personal information about them to treat them. He is coming in the late afternoon so he can take a proper look and give some medicines to us.”

I sighed hopefully this doctor can help Destrí become responsive again and bring him out of his delirious state. Also he can hopefully have some stronger pain pills for Alvaro.

The other two choose that moment to come back in and they produced pain killers. They were in pill form and it would be a pain to get Alvaro to swallow them but it’ll help him immensely. I accepted the pills greatfully from Hound while the other was busy getting another pouch of that weird blue stuff that they’re pumping into Alvaro.

I started to unravel the layers of blankets surrounding Avaro. I squeezed his hand as he was coming out of it as he had started to tear up again from the sudden intrusion of light.

“Come here sweetheart you’re alright.“ I slowly pulled him into my lap where I quickly covered his head again with a blanket to block out the worst of the stimulation around him. I then held up the water bottle we were given and the pills and tipped his head back.

He startled a bit but remained calm. “ open your mouth wide sweet one” I asked and he did as told a little confused as to what was going on. I placed the pills in his mandible and manually closed his jaw after flowing some water in as well. “ now swallow the water love. That’s it you’re doing so well”. Alvaro was swallowing the water and with it the pills hopefully he’ll start to feel better now.

I placed him back in the middle of the nest where I started to cover him up so he could rest in silence and peace. I began to pull Destrí towards me as well as I needed to keep him close and safe within my confines and curled up around him while still having my hand gripped by Alvaro.

I watched the others for a while as they seemed to settle down with us. I wasn’t to sure how I felt about that action but it’s their house and we are just living in it as far as I’m concerned they’re the boss not us. There is no privacy if they don’t want us to have any. There is no nothing without their decree. But they are less controlling as what I was expecting maybe ,maybe we might be more free than I thought.

As I felt my children’s breathing settle and Alvaro’s death grip on my hand loosen. I started to drift off to sleep. My eye lids like leaden weights forcing my sockets to close. No longer able to think beyond the blanket of sleep.

Chapter Text

Doc had just come through the door and was looking rough. Everything on him was askew to a degree. His coat was sliding down his shoulders, the glasses on his face seemed to be upside down and he looked run down.

I wonder what caused that influx in cases. Speciesism rates have been up. We’ve had to implement the buddy rule again. No one was to walk to work or go out alone when the buddy rule was first made up. As the city got safer we stopped using it but we had to bring it back after the incident with Blue.

Blue got cornered by racists in the south side of the city after he finished up his patrol. He was just heading home. He did nothing wrong. We later found him after he was missing for over three hours. Injured critically and lying motionless. The mafia bros found him like that. They took him to their hideout to see the doctors there and to give him emergency treatment. The recovery was a long journey mentally and he was still recovering physically.

Doc walked in the door and demanded to see the new ones straight off. But we couldn’t let him do that. He looked ruff and needed a rest before looking at them. I called Wine down from upstairs and got him and my bro to convince doc to clean up first and then get a meal. A nice warm meal.

That sounded good right now. Just back from my job as well at the university. The house is going to filing up now they were all itching to get home last night but not everyone got to be home. Some people needed to work late at night and were too tired when they got back home to hear what we had to say.

Now everyone would get a full brief tonight about our new charges. Doc stumbled down the stairs with Wine behind him and Papyrus trailing down afterwards. Papyrus grabbed docs arm and lead him over to the bar stools in our industrial sized kitchen. He placed a bowl of steaming hot pasta carbonara infront of him and ordered him to eat. He picked up the spoon and grumbled about going up to do his job after this.

I went into the living room where I found Stretch curled around his brother Blue who still had patches on his head and arms from the attack. Red and Edge were watching the twins play a racing game on the TV. I moved to sit down beside them and settle in for my sixth nap of the day by my calculations I’ll wake up just in time for everyone to arrive

Wine POV

I opened the door carefully and instead of seeing Esmée towering over her babybones she was still asleep in the same position that we left her in. She seemed peaceful with her hand still in the blanket bundle.

We gave Doc a full rundown on injuries and names but the mother still may have more. We didn’t get the chance to do a full exam yet.

We went to wake them up first because if Esmée didn’t wake up without both of her children beside her she will most definitely attack.

We shook her gently being mindful of her shattered arm and she woke up slowly. Eyelids fluttering and eye light guttering to life as dim emerald. She huffed to acknowledge us.

“ Good afternoon dear. As said earlier we do have the family doctor here. He’ll help you and your kids to feeling 100% again. We wanted to wake you up first and do them in order of urgency. I believe Alvaro is first then you and lastly Destrí”.

She shook her head at that her voice sratchy and sore sounding “ I’m fine do the kids first”

“ You are very not fine and I must insist we stick to the order”

she again refused and said “do the kids first “.

I sighed knowing I’m not going to get anywhere with this and motioned for Doc to make himself known. “ Alright since the boy with the head wound is of top priority I will need to see him first.”

He said this while getting the equivalent to an MRI machine out only much smaller and looked like a handheld scanner. After that he took out tweezers, supports meant for the inside of the skull and a special bandage that looked like a hat to protect the skull after the procedure.

Esmée was slowly pulling Alvaro from the pile focused on not waking him up and then placed him on her lap. “ Right skull first. First order of business is to scan the inside of his skull to make sure any pieces that fell in at the time of the shattering are either still not in there or have not done any damage. I do expect some damage to be done but not detrimental damage like speech loss or memory issues. Broken ley lines and disrupted magic connectors at most”

Doc while also explaining this all to the occupants in the room was also recording into a small black handheld device for research and notes later on.

“ The inside of the skull is like the human mind but also very different. Instead of having a brain the inside of the skull acts like the conductor for magical pathways and ley lines our equivalent to nerve endings allowing them to bounce off and form connections between them. When the skull is broken a massive amount of magic escapes not only in the form of marrow and magic discharge but also the magic holding together those connections leading to long periods of unconsciousness, memory loss from the period of the incident, irritability and bouts of confusion. Less common effects include blurry vision, poor coordination and balance and seizures. Those are less likely to happen though.” He assures.

The mother was drinking the information in and focused intently on what Doc was saying. He proceeds further into the examination.

“ First I’ll scan his head for broken ley lines and fragment debris that’s possibly still there.” He advanced on the babybones and pointed the scanner at his head and scanned it and studied the results.

Alvaro had started to stir, Esmée was trying to keep him asleep by petting and stroking his head.
Doc had scrutinised the results by then and gave us the conclusion.

“ Yeah the little man has a few bits in there that need to be manually dissolved and a few broken ley lines but those should be able to heal them selves. Then I’ll test if the wound boughs when I press on it. If it does then I’ll need to put structural supports along the inside to stop it from caving in. Right now I’ll get a flexible special endoscope to go into the wound this will not only sterilise the inside of the skull getting rid of any foreign bacteria in there and then we can go from there and put this lovely head wear on huh little man.”

Alvaro's sockets were wide open taking in this new skeleton. “ this is the doctor he’s gonna take a look at you and make you feel better” Esmée explained to him. Alvaro shied away a bit after that. Either not used to doctors or scared at the idea of them.

Esmée rubbed his back and purred into his head on the non injured side. He backed further into her chest and gripped tightly to her shirt. “ I’m afraid the little man will need to be asleep for this. I can’t risk him moving and destroying more ley lines in his head. So we’ve got two options wait until wee man here falls asleep naturally or unnaturally.” Esmée growled at that. So the first option it was.

“ Right then next is Destrí if I’m correct and we’ll get started on temperature first then medicine second.” Again Doc went back to his bag where he got forceps, disinfectant, thermometer and a needle. He picked up the required tools and went to knell beside Destrí. He pointed the thermometer at his forehead again it was shaped like a scanner read the results and frowned.

“ His temperature is up at 104.3 F. We will need intravenous fluids immediately Papyrus if you will be so kind as to get them for me. Now I have reason to believe that the source for his sickness is from a nasty wound on his right leg so pulling up his onesie I will inspect the wound and lance out the infection. Which involves lifting the surface bone with forceps and manually removing either pieces of infected bone or sucking out infected marrow. This will need a general numbing agent to the area. This is essentially surgery I’m doing on him. Soo I’m going to need a sterilisation kit. Which we have in the bathrooms.”

Papyrus set off getting both requested items for Doc while we hooked another IV pole up and stuck the needle in Destrí’s hand. Destrí was awake but barely and was babbling away to himself.

Doc also took a look at his neck bruising which was making it hard for Destrí to breathe. “ Not much we can do for it I’m afraid it’s bruising there’s no damage there really except for surface damage. All that you can do is put an ice pack on that too. Reduced the swelling and the pain for the inevitable irritated and sore throat. For the lower ribs Wine did a brilliant job splinting them so they do not need my attention as for his arm. It’s just a spiral fracture. I’ll give you some opioids that he’ll have to take to ease the pain. He will take them 2 times a day for a week and then after that tyenol should work fine. We will get started on Alvaro now as he has fallen asleep once more and he’s an urgent case.” He stroked Destrís forehead and then quickly went back over to Alvaro.

He prepared the endoscope and flicked a switch on at the base. It started humming with power. “ I need someone to stabilise his skull so he doesn’t move. If he moves I could do more harm than good. I have to warn you as well. This process can feel extremely uncomfortable for the patient. Bordering on painful. He will most likely wake up and start thrashing but once I’m in I can’t take it out.”

Esmée took a steadying breath and put Alvaro’s skull on her chest with her tail securing him to her chest. Doc reached over and got into Esmée’s personal space and started to push the the endoscope in through the injury. Alvaro grunted but didn’t wake up thankfully.

The endoscope made contact with the bottom of the skull and proceeded to dissolve the fragments of skull that had fallen inside. That was apparently the easy part as doc let us know. The hard and uncomfortable part was getting it out and disinfecting it.

“ The skull holds so much magic that the consistency is like quick drying cement. When something is introduced and stays there for a short period of time. The magic in the skull forms around it and holds on tight. All that can be done is to slowly manuver it out.” He started to pull, inch by inch it came out. Until finally with a pop it came free.

With it Alvaro woke up again clutching at his head. Doc immediately grabbed a hold of his hands. “ Sorry little man I can’t let you touch it. It might get infected if you do.” I gently took his hands from Doc and held them to his chest. Holding him down and simultaneously grounding him. He just needed a little time to calm down.

Doc had gone to prepare the disinfecting solution. I was grateful for the time he gave me to calm him down. Alvaro was breathing heavily and thrashing. I spoke to him rubbing his knuckles with my thumb.

“ I’m here I’ve got you. Just try to breathe okay sweetheart breathe like me. In… and out”. I did this while exaggerating my breathing so Alvaro could copy it.

It worked with him slowly calming him down. He went lax in my grip and slumped exhausted from not having a lot of energy in the first place and exhausted from pain and the thrashing.

Doc had come back with cotton pads and the disinfectant. “ Now I’m going to rub this all around the edges of the wound and put some inside after wards. It’s not going to be pleasant. Just try to breathe through it and copy your mums breathing okay”

Alvaro nodded and held my hands tighter and squeezed his sockets closed. Doc started to disinfect it. Alvaro whined and pressed deeper into my chest hoping to escape. Doc then poured some inside his skull and instructed Alvaro to lean forward and let it run out naturally he put a bucket underneath to catch the solution.

Alvaro coughed a few times then once I was sure the solution was out I leaned him back against me rubbing his upper back in small circles. He was still coughing but when an abrasive and awful tasting liquid is put through your mouth you tend to cough.

“Well done Alvaro very well done now to put this special hat on you. This will stop us from having to do this again.” The hat slipped on over Alvaro’s head completely covering the wound there. It was tightly weaved with multiple layers and was bright red. At least he’ll be easily identifiable.

He snuggles into me. Very not keen on letting me go. I don’t blame him I would be exactly the same. I let him cling to me as I wrap my tail around him to keep him secured to my chest as I sit by Destrí getting ready for this roller coaster. Destrí shouldn’t react the same but is would still hurt.

Doc unzipped the sterilisation kit and he and Papyrus lay out a clear plastic sheet over the top of the mattress. Protecting the mattress beneath and sterilising it at the same time.

Doc flicked the needle which got rid of the air bubbles and pointed the needle at the inside of Destrí’s leg wound. He then pierced the soft layer of cancellous bone that became exposed when the compound bone broke away. Destrí jolted and huffed but didn’t have much of a reaction.

Doc frowned again but ultimately let it be as he was now moving on to peeling back the later of compound bone with forceps and scraping away the infected layers of bone underneath. There wasn’t much infected marrow to be done away with so he didn’t suction any out.

After 10 minutes of removing infected pieces of bone he sat back and looked pleased with his work. He felt Destrí’s forehead again and took a new reading for his temperature it had gone up minutely now at 104.7.

“Right medicine time. This is strong stuff” he said pulling a bottle out of his bag. “ He takes this twice a day. It’ll make him sleepy he won’t want to wake up but it should clear this fever within days.” Esmée nodded and took the bottle from Doc holding and twirling it in her fingers.

“Now it’s time for your turn mom. Wine has already done the majority of it for me but he has expressed concerns about that eye of yours. Frankly I’m concerned as well”. She looked amused which was concerning and then proceeded to say a very shocking sentence.

“ oh yeah don’t worry about that. My father jammed a screwdriver in it when I was about three haven’t been able to see through it since.”

She shrugged after that like it was the most casual sentence in the universe while me, doc and papyrus had our jaws hanging open. “ By your reaction I can tell you don’t hear that a lot.” I was speechless. It was not often that happened but it was happening. How can someone just leisurely brush off their trauma like that.

“Oh my dear. I’m so sorry” < /p>

“ What for you didn’t do it”.

“I’m sorry that you had to go through that. Especially when you were so young.” She looked confused and nervous like she had never received any comfort before this.

Oh we are so going to change that. She hastily said “ Okay the point is that the eye is destroyed it’s not coming back and we don’t have to talk about it anymore.”

Doc spoke after though “ I would still like to check it. No matter how long ago it happened there still could be lasting damage inside the skull. I would like to check it before moving on to the subject of your scars.”

She allowed Doc to come forward and shine a light into the dead socket and feeling with his finger (he put on gloves) around the back of the socket. Finding no cracks he went on to do a full check of the skull. Finding more and more worrisome long lasting injuries.

She was deaf in her right audio canal and had severe tinnitus in it. She said she heard it all the time and yeah while annoying you get used to it after a couple of years.

We also found while looking at the smile scars that she was hesitant for anyone to touch them and she didn’t want to talk about them. She was obviously still traumatised from that. So we let it be. There was no infection and they were also old so there was no reason to check them.

For apart from making food a little hard to eat they were just aesthetic. The second last to check was the shattered arm. I had noted and explained to Doc that it looked like it had been inflicted a while ago. Doc unwrapped the bandages around it and looked at the shattered arm and hissed in sympathy.

“ yep that looks painful to all heck.” He manipulated each joint to hear out for clicking which means a fragment of bone was stuck in between that joint and needed to be removed.

“ Right sounds like there’s a few clicks in a few joint so I’ll remove them in a minute but first I’ve got to shift the bones around a bit. There’s a few out of place ones that I wish to correct. Would you allow me to do so?”.

She nodded hesitantly and braced for the pain. Doc gently put his hands on her ulna and twisted they went into place with a sharp crack and then in succession another sharp crack. Me and Papyrus winced in sympathy. She didn’t even move she squeezed her sockets a little tighter and that was it. No reaction.

Doc then wrapped it and put a waterproof sleeve on it to protect it from infection and outside forces. Now for the last problem her spine. More specifically her upper spine. Her vertebrae seemed to have melted together and the layers burned away over time and weathered due to repeated exposure to the elements.

Doc asked her about it she didn’t say. She clamed up completely. It seemed to send her into a flashback. She went rigid and a horrified expression overtook her features.

Doc quickly back tracked in his questioning “ Alright alright. You don’t have to tell me. It was only a query” she seemed to settle but remained rigid in her composure.

“I have a corrosive gel here. It’s meant to separate fused joints like this. If I know any better that has to hurt anytime anything touches it. Am I right?” She nodded her skull.

“Then we have to get it fixed asap. The first step of it is putting this corrosive gel on here and letting it do its thing. It should separate the segments into individual pieces which should eliminate the stiffness you have in your neck and shoulders. The next step is to put a cover on it to protect the nerves and wait till the bone grows back. I will need you to brace for pain though this is extremely painful as it’s rotting away your bone and nerves.”

She squeezed her sockets closed once more as he put gloves on and smeared a healthy dose of the gel all over her upper spine. She yelped but quickly covered her mouth to not disturb her children. Papyrus came over and placed a hand in hers for her to squeeze. Once it was all over which took a few minutes Doc wrapped a bandage around it thickly and tightly.

We left her alone as she was swaying from exhaustion. We assured her we would be back later and stepped out of the room for a break.

Doc slumped against the wall sliding down it with his face in his hands. I joined him instantly worrying if we pushed him too far. Asked to much of him.

“This is a disaster” he finally said after me and him were sitting by the wall for 10 minutes. Papyrus had gone to his room to unwind. “ How could someone have done this. Treated another being this badly. Their wounds were horrendous. The scars on Esmée nearly want to make me throw up.

They’re so extensive. She’s got to be in pain every time she moves. Even while lying still she has to be in pain. Half of the scars aren’t even from that place it’s from another and her parents did them…” I stopped him in his ramble. I noticed his stressed tics. Him picking at the tips of his phalanges his right eye socket twitching. I sent him to bed. He was too tired and stressed to be doing this right now.

Chapter Text

I woke up aches and pains all over but whole. I noticed that my babybones had moved to be on my chest during the night. Despite the fact that they both had IVs in. I sighed this was going to be a long day.

I knew as soon as my boys were up and coherent they would want to explore. I would let them of course but we are in an unknown environment with unknown people. Even if the people here were proving to be nicer than though.

For now I would just bask in the peace and look around. It wasn’t often that I didn’t hear anything apart from the ringing in my ear but that is what is happening. I don’t hear anything else. It’s quite lonely.

I’ve always heard the shuffling of covers as my boys try to find a comfortable spot. I’ve always heard the clanging of metal doors and the chatter of inverts as they walked past. Now nothing. Hmm

I’d try to get back to sleep again but I don’t think I could. I slept enough yesterday. I think for now though I’ll just cuddle my boys and hum a tune to them. They always liked that. It settled them every time. No matter how fussy they were.

I couldn’t tell how long it had been before a knock sounded at the door. Destrí shot up eye lights wild. Looking around frantically for a threat. When he didn’t find one from his search he looked to me.

His ruby eye lights wide and hazy like he wasn’t fully there. I was surprised he was even responding at all. What the doctor did yesterday was working miracles. Speaking of I think it’s about time for some medicine.

He was still out of it by the looks of it. The knock came again and I sounded out for them to come in. They opened the door slowly to reveal the two twin skeletons that came up yesterday with the shy one.

What were there names again? Mutt and Hound. Yeah Mutt and Hound that feels right. They cautiously entered at seeing me awake though they paused. They looked at eachother as if silently twin communicating.

“ Hey momma. How are we doing today?” Said the one with the golden tooth on his top jaw.

“ We are tired but whole. Thank you for asking. How are you?” They looked taken aback but answered anyway.

“We’re good darling.”

“ I’m taking its breakfast time of youre up here”. They revealed three plates from behind their back. “ Did you smell it?”

I laughed a good laugh. One that wasn’t forced for once and said”yeah yeah I could smell it”

They gave it to mé. It was a rich broth made from chicken. Syrupy and golden and very tasty. I drank it back quickly. Destrí and Alvaro had started to stir from the noise.

I could tell Alvaro was about to go into a fit of sensory overload. I set down my bowl quickly startling the two skeletons beside me.

I quickly covered his eyes again with a blanket. It seemed that touch was too much for him this time though. As he tried to stand up to minimise the surface area of his body that was touched.

It didn’t go well. With me trying to get him to sit back down and him tugging at the IV in his arm trying to rip it out. I wanted to take his hands in mine but that wouldn’t work it would just make him flip out more. He struggled and then went still.

Frighteningly still and then he started to cry. “ Oh my dear boy. It’s alright breathe and try to keep still okay. It’s going to get better this is only a moment in time.” Alvaros breath caught in his throat and he started to cough and choke.

I sat behind him and lifted him into my lap he struggled but calmed down too distressed coughing to protest. “Alvaro you need to breathe. Come on, come on I need you to breathe Alvaro” He finally took in a breath broken and strained but it was there. I encouraged him to take another and another. Until he was breathing again but with a raspy quality to it.

I sighed in relief. Alvaro had started to crawl away trying to get away from the touch and trying to stand again. He’s really not gonna like me for this. But. I grabbed him all of a sudden bringing him back flailing. I clamped him to my chest and didn’t let go.

After five minutes of thrashing he had given up panting like he had just run a marathon. Mutt and Hound came over with the medicine that we all needed to take. I told them to leave it by the edge of the bed. Alvaro was fragile right now he just needed a minute.

Alvaro had calmed down enough but he was irritable and sensitive. He was having a bad time of it this morning. Poor baby I can’t do anything but try to help.

Mutt spoke up “ Is it his head that’s hurting him again?” Having watched the whole ordeal with the other one. He was confused.

“ No he’s gone into sensory overload again. He needs a couple of minutes just to calm down. It’s disorienting for him and he gets confused and frustrated.”

The boys seemed to think for a minute or two and then started to move around the place. I was confused at first but then I saw them creating something like a nest of sorts but also not.

It looked like a volcano like structure but open at the top. The top in a cradle like fashion. I inspected it once they stepped away looking very proud of themselves. I reached in and touched the base. It was warm, comfortably warm not overbearing. It was perfect.

I trilled at them and slowly placed Alvaro in the centre. He whined ultimately to sick to move but he relaxed slowly in the nest that the boys created. I stepped away from him slowly.

“ Thank you thank you so much. That was amazing.” They rubbed the back of their neck vertebra a little nervous or maybe it was confusion. “ No worries but it is medicine time and that one over there looks like he needs it.”

I looked to where he had pointed at Destrí. His face flushed with a ruby red glow. Mandible hanging open and panting. Grey bones sweating profusely. Bandages seeping through and clothes sticking uncomfortably to his bones.

He wasn’t doing too good. I leapt over to him using my nimble feet to launch myself from the floor to the side of the bed. I felt his forehead worried that the temperature might have gone up overnight. It felt the same which was a relief.

The only problem was getting the medicine into them now. I took the oral pills that were named codeine and did the same process with Destrí that I did Alvaro. Tipping his head back I placed the pills in and after trickiling water down his throw he swallowed instinctively and with it the pills.

Hound came over with a fresh cold compress and I thanked him and swapped the old one out with the new one. That should help with the pain but now the liquid medicine for the fever. I want him to eat first though. I reached for the bowl of broth on the side but was stopped and told by Hound

“ i got this go take care of your other kid.” I was reluctant but I knew that Alvaro needed a little extra care now more than ever. So I left him with Destrí to feed him.

I grabbed the meds for Alvaro. He had gotten comfortable curled up on his side his hands fisted up around the blankets. Mutt was by his side watching him. He was obviously a very protective individual.

The way he sat by the door yesterday and is now looking after my boy when I have my attention divided. I really like him. He would have been useful to have at the facility if only but alas.

At least we are here now. Injured but alive. I had brought over Alvaro’s breakfast and was hoping it would wake him up. It did as he stirred and sniffed the air. He whined being brought back to reality and the pain. It will hopefully end soon though after I give him pain relief.

He was too tired to feed himself. He could barely lift his arm and his hand was shaking violently. Never mind sit up on his own so I had Mutt hold him up while I fed him. Mutt was ecstatic to be trusted like this. Alvaro was half asleep by the end of it. Sockets lidded and head drooping.

Time for medicine then. It was liquid this time with a strong smell off it. I poured out the correct amount and poured it into Alvaros mouth. He swallowed and coughed at the strong and burning sensation and then he was out like a light again. Mutt gently lowering him down into the base of the nest once more.

A knock came from the door I chuffed my acceptance for them to come in. They opened the door to reveal a very large skeleton. One I hadn’t seen before. He was almost on par with my size. He had braces on his teeth and a cane in his hand that was shaking as he panted with effort. “ Sweets you shouldn’t be up here.” Hound snapped his head around when he heard the name Sweets.

Is he good or bad. He looks good but I don’t trust on looks alone. “I wanted to see our mother there and hopefully have a chat about something.”

Mutt looked back to me and I looked at Mutt. “ Can he come in?”

“ It depends he good?”

“Yeah he’s really good”. I nodded my acceptance then and went over to take my medication next. Uh. I hate medicine. I swallowed the pills dry and curled up. Tired already from the minimum amount of movement I had done.

Sweets came over to sit beside me. He was obviously having a little trouble so I helped him. I wrapped my tail around his waist and supported his back as I slowly lowered him down. He sat and got comfortable. “ Thank you for that dalring.” I huffed and collapsed again on the bed. Exhausted.

This sucked tremendously why did I have to be so tired all the time. “ What’s wrong?” I looked over at him having to turn my head as he was in my blind spot.

Am I really that obvious? I sighed “ I’m tired all the time I don’t want to be tired all the time. It’s frustrating.”

“ Well you are healing from a traumatic experience and also you are hurt. Quite badly from what I hear. Also you are allowed to be tired it’s your bodies way to tell you to relax for a while.”

“Your surprisingly wise”

“ Why thank you maybe that’s why I’m a therapist”. I huffed out a laugh and flopped onto the mattress again. Destrí whined calling out to me with kitten like mewls. I sighed and got up lifting him up and sent out a chuff to confirm that I was here.

I crawled with him in my arms over to where Sweets sat and sat beside him. Destrí curled up in my arms. Sweets was looking at him with wide sockets. It seems this is a first time seeing a child of their kind for everyone.

He reached out and then stopped and looked at me “ May I touch him please?” I nodded my go ahead and he slowly placed his hand on Destrís head. He shifted and leaned into the touch.

Sweets laughed. I don’t think he believed what he saw. I watched his facial expression light up as he touched Destrí. Rubbing his cheekbone as he leaned into the touch. I sighed slumping just so exhausted.

“ Do you want me to hold him for a while. You can get some sleep.”

“No!” I said quickly almost yelling. I covered my mouth quickly. “Sorry I’m sorry I didn’t mean to shout and you’re being so nice to us and all I’m being is a big mess and getting in the way and taking up space. I’m here yelling at you and you offered to help carry Destrí and..and..”

I broke down into tears. Emerald tears were like a river running down my face. Once they started they wouldn’t stop. I tried desperately to rub them away. Away and to stop crying in front of my children. I had to be strong for them. But the weight of my burden had collapsed on top of me and I could hold it up anymore.

I cried and cried until I couldn’t anymore. Where the only sound out of me were weak rasping sounds. I could feel Sweets hand on me rubbing my back. Destrí had clung on to my t shirt.

I wiped my face roughly and looked up at Sweets. “You knew I needed to let that out didn’t you”

“ I most certainly did”. I sighed. I looked to see the two skeletons from before had left. Both my kids were still asleep.

I lay down. “ I’m still sorry I yelled. It was a response that I have developed. If no one but me touched them or lifted them they would never get hurt by nasty people.”

He hummed in understanding. Wine came through the door then. “Sorry darling I was resting.” I cocked my head to the side. Why is this skeleton apologising for resting. I quiried him about it. “ I’m only apologising because I know you’re stressed and familiar faces help and Mutt and Hound weren’t familiar enough with you for it not to cause some stress”.

“ I’m alright though. I like Mutt and Hound they are protective.”

“That they are. How are the little ones today?”

I looked at Alvaro who had settled in the nest and Destrí who was panting and sweating. “Same but also worse. Alvaro went into a fresh sensory overload but this time had an aversion to touch. Mutt and Hound were a godsend and built that nest with a heated blanket. He settled down after that. His IV area might be bleeding a little he was trying to tug it out. Destrí is still sick but slightly more responsive. He’s sleeping a lot he’s sweating profusely and his bones are greyer than normal. We took all of our meds.”

“Good that’s good you look exhausted though how are you doing?” Truthfully I just wanted to keel over and sleep for a week. I felt like I was failing at everything. Being a good mother. A good sister. At being alive. “ I’m good a little sore. “.

Sweets looked at me disapprovingly and said “ She is exhausted and feeling like a failure. She cried for a good solid 40 minutes there. She’s hurting all over. That corrosive gel on her spine is sapping her strength rapidly and hurting extremely badly.” Did I say all of that when I was crying? I don’t remember.

“ Is that true darling? You don’t have to lie to me. I won’t hurt you I would never dream of such a thing.” I nodded slowly. “You are not a failure. You have raised two beautiful children all on your own in a hell scape. I know you were there for every turn and bad event. I know you were there for everyone moment of their lives and I know that you tried. You tried so hard to keep your kids safe fed and happy. So don’t you ever say you are a failure.”

I nodded and when Sweets had to be taken back downstairs I nuzzled him goodbye. He went out the door with Wine promising that he will be back. I all of a sudden got a head rush. The world fizzled out around me and my face went cold. I dropped suddenly landing harshly on my knees not feeling the pain or registering the pain in my knees or recognising the voices sounding out around me.

I sucked in a breath and kept my breathing steady and slowly my head cleared. Wine was crouched in front of me holding my hand. Asking what had happened still a little confused the tinnitus in my ear increasing so I could barely hear.

I was lead to sit down on the bad and was guided to lay down. Something cold was pressed to my chest. Making me gasp and snap out of it. “ Oh darling you can’t seem to catch a break can you. You fainted momentarily there scared me and Sweets.” I mumbled out a sorry.

“No need to be sorry dear. No need. Do you know what could have caused it?” I thought about it for a moment. What could have caused that. I really had no idea. Unless it’s that. I shook my head. Wine hummed “ Could I preform a check on you dear? You know what that is right.” I shook my head again.

“ A check on a monster is a showing of their statistics. For example their health, love and battle statistics. I will only be looking at the health part of your check. It will also show us your soul. May I?” I could see no reason not to do it so I agreed.

I felt a wave of magic run over me then a little box appeared in front of Wine. It said my name at the top and then my statistics. Cool. Magic was weird but cool.

He frowned obviously seeing something he didn’t like. Sweets meanwhile was staring at my soul. I’m not sure if that was taboo or not. I looked down at my soul which had come out of my chest.

Sweets looked like he saw a murder happen right in front of him. Yeah I know that the white surface of the upside down heart had gotten grey and cracked over the years.

Yes it hurt occasionally and I knew it was bad but what could I do about it. I wasn’t a soul expert and I hadn’t died yet so I figured it was fine. Apparently not.

Wine was mumbling to himself about my stats which were very concerning judging off his facial expression. Sweets had come over balancing on his cane, he examined my soul closer and reached out to cup it in his hands.

I knew he wouldn’t realistically hurt me but having nothing but rough interactions for the past five years had me pulling away and scooting further back from him.

He seemed upset but for what reason I didn’t understand. I know my actions caused him to be upset but what set it off? Is it because I blatantly showed I didn’t trust him. Maybe but I just met the guy and he’s exactly what his name suggests but all people have two sides.

I turned around and fussed over Destrí. Tucking him in and wiping away sweat. I figured if it was important they would tell me rather than keep me in the dark. Even if they did I’d find a way to know.

I curled up after that just feeling nauseous I shivered as well. Oh no. I know what’s going on I’m getting sick. How could this have happened? I was so careful. Fuck. I can’t afford to get sick right now. Even if I do I can’t risk letting them know.

They could not know. What if they take advantage of my state and hurt my boys. Take them away from me like the facility was going to. If I hadn’t arrived there in time. They would have been hurt a lot worse. I could have never seen them again! Or this could be the cause of something much different indeed, but what?

I tried to school my expression into something that wouldn’t scream panic. Wine broke me out of my train of thought. “ You’re in worse condition that we feared darling. Your soul is cracked to a point that we call marbled it’s a point of no return. A soul is a very delicate thing if something is too hard for it to take, it simply can’t get back up again. Your HP is also really low. Worryingly so especially with that full HP food we gave you on your first day here. Something must still be injured quite badly for it to go down that rapidly. Is there anything you would like to tell us darling?” He looked at me fondly there was no malice in his eyes or his tone.

I looked away because I knew exactly what it was now. I didn’t want them touching there though. It was weird and I really didn’t like it. If it was anything like last night where they diligently worked over the bone then I want no part in it.

“Despite what you think darling I can read you like an open book. What’s wrong? If you don’t tell me now I’m going to find out later and it’s going to be worse and take longer to recover from. Please, nothing good comes from hiding injuries.”

I whined in my head. How could they read me that easily? He was speaking the truth though. This problem is only going to get worse the longer I leave it soo time to face the music.

“Fine I’ll tell you but I don’t want a fuss over it it’s just a simple fracture alright.” Wine looked incredulous that it was just a simple fracture but he nodded his head to show he understood. Sweets did so too.

My breath came out shakily as I slowly rolled up my pant leg to show my femur on my left side. I angled it slightly so they could see the fracture that nearly split the bone in half. The fracture went all the way up into my hip.

Wines next sentence caught in his throat. Sweets left to go get Doc. “ Alright that’s a big fracture. You want to tell me how it happened”. I shook my head. “ Okay that’s perfectly okay. It must hurt a lot though no. When did it happen?”

“It happened 7 days ago. Just before those injuries were inflicted on my children.” I very suddenly didn’t want to talk anymore I just lay down and faced away from Wine. Overwhelming guilt and sadness was all I felt.

I didn’t respond when Doc came in and looked over my leg. I flinched when Wine touched my skull but persisted until he was petting me. I flinched again when Doc started to bind the fracture. I just want to go back to sleep. Everything aches so badly. I passed out when warm magic suddenly flooded my upper spine.

Chapter Text

I woke up again to Destrí shoving his fist in my eye socket. Sadly it was familiar by now he loves to wake me up like that. I smiled as I gently tugged the fist out of my socket. “ Hey little bean. You alright?” He nodded and pointed to his throat. Ahhh it must have started to hurt him. He had a bit of his energy back.

I did a quick once over of him. He whined and swatted at me but he let me do my thing largely. Though once I brushed my fingertips over his right leg. He tightened up in pain. I apologised quickly and pulled him into my lap.

He settled down quickly. I was getting antsy though so I decided to stand up and walk around the room for a bit. As soon as my legs were in view I looked to my left femur. The fracture was covered in gel. Thick and sticky. The majority of the gel though was underneath a very thick layer of bandages. I sighed.

I wonder what they were thinking. Too weak to stay awake. Grumpy bitch who sits up in her room all day. We should send her back. What if they send me back. Send us back. I couldn’t bear the thought so I didn’t think about it. I cuddled Destrí who was very happy with the attention.

Alvaro was still in his nest and curled up. He had also buried himself under the blankets. All that was discernible was the bright red hat that Doc gave him. I whined and lay back with Destrí on top of me. I was still exhausted. I tried to fight sleep but it was refusing to leave me alone.

I heard muffled voices around me all of a sudden. I was too exhausted to get up though. I was sitting there listlessly until Alvaro let out a cry. I shot up then swayed. With what little energy I had I crawled over to Alvaro peeking in the nest.

He reached up with his tiny hands signalling he wanted to be picked up. So I did. Somehow Destrí had crawled into my rib cage and settled down there so I could easily pick up Alvaro. The voices came back stronger. But they just seemed underwater.

Alvaro was looking up at me with big concerned sockets. His sapphire eye lights repeating the word “mama”. I went over to get more water from the basin in the corner. I was really thirsty.

I got up fully expecting to stand but I crumpled like a tin can. I fell to the floor on my knees and stayed there. What’s wrong with me? There was a hand on my shoulder and then on my face guiding me to look up. The scared eye socket and the sharp teeth. I recognised that. Wine. Why was he in the facility?

I made a curriping noise he started to talk. I couldn’t make it out. The tinnitus in my ear increasing. I felt my self being lifted up and put back on the bed. The sound of Alvaro still saying mama. The repetivness was working. Bringing me out of it. Good boy he remembered what to do.

Repeating the word over and over again brought me out of this episode of dissociation. I sat up and grabbed the kids and pulled them far away from the new people. The only one I recognised was Wine. A hulking figure was at the end of the bed. I didn’t recognise him he wasn’t Sweets.

“mama”. Alvaro sounded out much clearer. I shook my head. I blinked three times and everything was in focus once more. Alvaro and Destrí were squished together. Their IVs had fallen to the floor unable to keep up with the quick movement of them being pulled.

I looked around confused. I was so confused. Wine was there yes at the back of the room. The one who had lifted me though was dressed smartly in a suit of red and black pin stripes with black trousers and a black fedora. He had sharp teeth with one golden. What is with this house and golden teeth.

He was large. Not only was he I don’t want to be insulting big boned but he was also really tall. Not as tall as me or Sweets but still tall. I didn’t know him though. I didn’t trust him. Coming out of a dissociation episode to find a new person in your personal space and close to touching your vulnerable children. I was on edge.

“Darling can you hear us now? Are you alright?” I took a deep breath “ I can hear you. I’m alright but at the same time not alright. I’m sorry I zoned out in you I didn’t mean to be rude I just…”

Wine had held up his hand to me halting me in my word vomiting session. “ You have no need to apologise. You were going through an episode we all understand and we are not angry. We were just worried.” I was confused once more why were they not angry? Who understands?Who is this well dressed skeleton in front of me?

“We will continue our conversation later Cannon. I do apologise but I want to tend to her first before coming down. I hope this does not cause any inconvenience”.

“Not at all Wine. I’ll see you later”

He turned to me and lifted his fedora and bowed then turned towards the door. Good to know he has manners. He seems nice.

I checked over my kids. Alvaro looked like he was struggling to stay awake. I cupped his skull in my hands and tilted him up to meet my eye lights.

“You did so well mo grá so incredibly well. Thank you so much. You have done your service valiantly. If you want to drift off in to the shifting sands of sleep you are welcome to. If you want to stay above the water and listen to my words. If not do not stop yourself from drifting lower and lower into the water. You feel your senses fading away and dulling. You are delighted.”

Alvaros eyes closed and he slumped once more into my chest. I rocked both of my children back and forth.

“ Dear I think you could benefit from some sleep as well. I can keep guard if you want while you sleep. I’ll watch over you and the children and make sure no one gets in.”

As much as the thought delighted me. That there was someone out there willing to look out for us in such a way. I couldn’t let go of my anxiety that something would happen. “ I’m sorry Wine it’s nothing against you. It’s just I don’t feel safe leaving someone to watch over us in sleep. I’m sorry”

It’s okay dear you have no need to apologise. I’ll wake you when it’s time for another meal okay.”

I nodded and settled down. With both of my children nestled in to my spine. Destrí fussing a bit but ultimately went to sleep. When i heard the door click shut and steps leaving I fell asleep. So so tired.

Razzle and Dazzle POV

Everyone was downstairs. No body knew where we were. But I wanted to see them. We both did. So we climbed up the stairs as quietly as we could.

We crept past doors to bedrooms and into the dark corridor of the top most floor. We did have a purpose to being up here. Even though darling Wine said not to go up there. We had to.

We were curious and we were wondering if we could get their clothes size. The can’t keep borrowing clothes from Sweets and Blue.

Me and Dazzie own a clothes store. It was always my dream to become a tailor so I opened a store on the surface. It was the second happiest day of my life. The first being when both my date mates said yes to dating a broken soul.

Later on Dazzle joined me in my business and we now run the biggest diversity clothing business in the state. We had sizes for everyone. Clothing to suit any body style.

We were also very excited to have our first girl in the house. All the different ways we could dress her up. The possibilities had us shaking with excitement. We opened the main door and went straight to the bedroom.

Wine told us that there was no evidence that they explored any further than the bedroom. We weren’t going to sneak in there. We wanted her to be aware when we entered we weren’t going to stare at her like creeps.

We rapped on the door and waited for an answer. A tiny noise came from behind the door. It sounded like a kitten. It came again. We were pretty sure none of the cats were kittens in the house. Was that one of the children?

That is adorable. It came again. Louder like it was sitting by the door. A boomf answered it. It was deep and shook through you. A warning or an answer.

I asked this time. “May we come in Esmée?”There was hurried footsteps and the mewling got futher away. “Come in” a voice came from behind the door.

We opened it excitedly. We saw Esmee sitting up in bed against the wall. With two children. Now we were told if their condition and knew to keep a distance.

The two IV poles sat either side of them. One of each going to a child. They all looked tired but the smaller one who was squirming in her arms. That must have been the one who was making all those sounds then.

“I don’t recognise you. Who are you?”

“We are Razzle and Dazzle. We came to you to address the problem of clothes. You all need a couple of pairs and we can help with that”

“What do you need from us?”

“Ages of the children and roughly how tall they are. It just helps with sizing for the clothes. Same information for you I guess.”

“Okay they’re 5 and 6 roughly 4’9 and I’m 22 and 9’. That okay”

We paused she was 22. She was so young and she went through all of that. She was 16 when she had her first kid as well. What the hell is the story there?

“Guys is there a problem?” She was getting apprehensive. To be fair to her we had just been leering at her for a few minutes while we took in that information.

She had backed up a bit expecting an attack. Oh dear we better say something quickly.

“ Yes yes everything is fine. We will get a wide collection for you just two more questions and we will be done. Number one what gender of clothes do you lean towards? Number two may we come over and say hi to the kids? We would love to meet them.

“What do you mean gender? I’m female they’re male”

“No we mean do you prefer a more masc type clothing style. Like trousers, shorts and t shirts or do you prefer dresses and tights.”

“ We all prefer masc then. As to answer your second question. Only if the boys want you close and right now I’m not keen. I don’t know you.”

“We understand and thank you for telling us. We will come back with a full wardrobe for you and the kids.” We turned to leave.

“How do I pay you back?” We turned around confused surely she knows that everything is free she doesn’t have to pay us back a dime. Please let her know that.

”Pet you don’t have to pay us back for anything. You deserve to get treated nicely. So that’s what we are doing. The more you resist the more we will get. Sound fair.”

We didn’t give her a chance to respond and marched out the door. Thinking it was a very productive encounter. We didn’t realise however that we had let the door open for worse to come.

Stretch POV

I was making my way up the stairs. Dragging every step. I was exhausted. Blue was attached to my front refusing to let go. He looked like a koala. I was going to put him in his bed and pass out.

Swinging open the door to my bros bedroom. His rocket ship bed lay waiting for him. This was the most it had ever been used. Blue constantly being tired from his injuries and the period of rest that was needed to let the broken bones heal.

His chest heaving with each breath and me at his bedside holding his paler than white hand. Praying to the stars that he would keep fighting.

I was confident enough to leave him alone now. Whereas the start i barricaded up in my room and didn’t let anyone but Edge and Wine in to bring essentials. I didn’t let either of them stay longer than half an hour.

I was driven up the walls with instincts to protect my younger brother. I still am but much less than before. I left my brothers room full intending to crash in mine. When I heard a crash and then a thump.

Which was strange because no one was walking around upstairs. A few were sleeping upstairs but no one up and walking around. I opened the door and stepped out onto the darkened landing.

I looked up and down the landing. A few others had come out of there rooms also investigating the source of the noise.

There was a whimper from behind me. I slowly turned around and came face to face with one of the children we had brought in.

There was ruby red tears brimming in his eyes as he once again whimpered when he saw my honey coloured eye lights.

The crash had been his IV pole falling over. I froze not exactly knowing what to do. The kid still had a fever and was shaking. Either from exertion or fear.

From the videos I had watched from hacking into the surveillance from the facility. This babybones name was Destrí. He was also the youngest at five. Crimson had come up behind me to see what I had froze at

As soon as he came into view the child squeaked and ran. He didn’t get far though because Edge came out of his room next and accidentally blocked his path.

The kid skidded to a halt and fell backwards awkwardly onto his pelvis. We all heard the crunch. He cried in pain and curled up. He was crying now thick ruby red tears ran down his face and poor Edge looked lost and confused.

Me and Crimson were just stuck staring. Crimson moved first he went over to the babybones and leaned down. Putting his massive hand onto the length of his spine trying to calm him down and to uncurl.

We couldn’t get Wine as he was at work. We couldn’t pull him away from it either. We had to go for the next best thing then Blood.

He was here when she first arrived he would be able to handle one of the kids. I sprinted down the stairs on my way to get Blood.

I found him with his brother in the living room on the first floor. He was helping Sweets place a heating pad on ios spine. Once I burst in thoigh he stopped and cocked his head to the side at me.

I was breathless but pointed up the stairs “One of the kids is out. I don’t know how… he reopened one of his wounds. He’s calling out for his mum”

Blood moved with such speed I got whiplash trying to follow his movements with my head. I ran up after him. I could hear the mewls the kid was making to sound for his mother.

Blood had grabbed a blanket while he was running. He dropped down to his knees infront of Crimson. Crimson had managed to get the kid to unfurl from his clamed up state. We could see where the injury was now. It was his lower ribs.

The ones that had been broken by that guard. Crimson was suprised when Blood came into view but then stepped back to allow him access.

Blood quickly swaddled the boy and raced up stairs taking the IV out of his hand. He didn’t really need it anymore. He disappeared up the stairs with the child in his arms. We were left staring at the puddle of marrow on the floor.

Chapter Text

Sans POV

Being told in the group chat that one of the kids
had gotten hurt was terrifying. I was in the middle of my break when my phone dinged.

It was a message from Stretch saying that one of the kids had gotten loose had somehow made it down two flights of stairs with an IV pole before running into him, Crimson and Edge.

He had re broken his two lower ribs and the mother was angry. She apparently had started nesting. Which was a basic monster instinct that when anyone of their family members were hurt badly enough to not be able to defend themselves. The monster who was capable would hole up in one room making the injured as comfortable as possible but descending to baser instincts and would lash out at anyone who came close that they didn’t recognise.

This was bad really bad. We took them away from that place so they wouldn’t have to experience pain again. Then this happens.

Wine wasn’t careless either so who opened the door to their room and left it open. It was baffling. Now because of their negligence Destrí had been hurt again and the mother reverted back to her feral state.

I teleported home after taking a half day off with my boss and rushed into the living room to see the glitter twins clinging on to Wine crying. They kept repeating they didn’t mean to.

Wine was kneeling on the floor with them and holding them as they cried. Sweets and Blood were over in their corner. Stretch, Crimson and Esge all were to a corner as well Wine and the glitter twins were in the middle. All missing skeletons were at work.

“I’ve called Doc again and explained what happened. He says he’ll come as soon as possible. It alright you were just trying to help.”

“ But we hurt them”

“No buts it was avoidable yes but you had good intentions”

They were still crying. I went over to the group in the corner. I was going to get a story from them. Stretch looked at me as I approached. “So what happened?”

“Destrí wandered out from their room. Razzle and Dazzle had been up there earlier without any of our knowledge and left the door open for the kids to get out. He somehow wandered down two flights of stairs with his IV pole it fell down and that’s how we all found him.

The kid got spooked and ran for it but tripped and landed awkwardly on his lower ribs and spine. He had rebroken them by the amount of marrow that was pooling under him. I got Blood and he raced up the stairs with him in his arms.

He came back down to say the mother was furious and that she had started nesting.”

“I’ve contacted Doc he’s on his way now not wanting to risk the babybones waiting longer and suffering.”

Just then the door opened wide and Doc came racing through with his medical bag. He looked frenzied. Stretch went over to calm him down.

Wine had led the twins upstairs and to their bedrooms. Doc and stretch followed them upstairs. It was better to just let them be and they can give us a report later.

I sat down and waited for the others to get home. They were all anxious to return home. The dogs should be getting home from the shelter soon. They were the most anxious out of anyone.

I sat down with a sigh throwing my head back and silently worrying. Ever since we brought the charges home life has been moving on. We were going to be patient with them. Hurrying them would make it worse.

It had been 10 minutes before my bro and the dogs came in. They spotted me in the living room and I was immediately hounded by questions about what had happened.

I explained it all. How the door was left open. How the kid went on an adventure and how it all ended.

With the kid hurt, the twins in great distress and Doc having to be called. Mutt and Hound went upstairs to console their brothers and to make sure they were alright. My bro sat down beside me. Placing a hand on my shoulder.

I looked up at him and he looked down at me in concern. I waved him off “ I’m fine bro a little stressed but I’m good”

“ you better be. What happened wasn’t preventable well it was but at the same time wasn’t.”

“Yeah I know bro. How was your day?”

“A very long and productive day of learning brother. I first went to have my lecture with prof…”

Papyrus told me all about his day and his classes in mechanical engineering and physics. I was so proud of my bro. He had come a long way.

Wine POV

Me and Doc cautiously approached the door. If she was nesting then we were either going to have to fight her or hopefully she would recognise us and let us help.

It neither of those two options. We found her on the floor cross legged and cradling Destrí in her legs. His head was on one knee and the rest of his body was sprawled out.

He had a folded up blanket under his head to make him more comfortable. His T shirt was gone revealing the source of his injury. The two lower ribs that I had casted when they first arrived had broken again.

Despite being in a cast the cast did nothing to stop it from moving about. It only helped the bones stay in place it was very easy to rebreak the bones in their.

There was also a tiny crack in his spine but it was like a surface wound to us. It could have been much worse but thankfully it wasn’t.

She recognised us instantly which was a relief and allowed us to come over. Alvaro was wrapped up in a blanket with his head poking out of the top. We could only tell due to the identifying red hat on his head. He was sound asleep.

Blood was right when he said she was furious though. She understood it was an accident but it could have been preventable. She cooled off though when I said that the twins were really sorry.

The entire time Doc was fixing Destrí up her tail was whipping from side to side and she was growling. Her instincts were telling her to get us out.

We could tell we were overstaying but Destrí needed a little bit more care. He needed his ribs fixed and we needed to see if he would wake up.

Passing out this much wasn’t good for him. Doc had him on pretty strong painkillers though. She growled and snarled whenever Doc lay hands on Destrí to do anything.

She was managing to hang onto rational thought though. Doc finished up and picked up Destrí cradling him in his arms. He placed him on the bed quickly and backed up straight after.

If she was snapping and snarling at one child then she would attack at two. She leapt onto the bed and curled around her children and on cue her stomach rumbled.

“ I’ll come back up with food alright dalring and then I’ll ask the twins to come in. They just returned from their shopping trip and they have quite the collection. They want to give it to the kids and I believe a change of clothes are in order for you”

We headed out after that not wanting to push her rational thought out the door and let instincts take over. I saw Doc off to the living room where he would tell everyone the state of the child.

I saw that the dogs and papyrus all got home safe. That was good. I fixed up some leftover dinner which was very rare to have and split it between three bowls.

I then made my way up the stairs again and went to Razzle and Dazzles room. That I shared with them. I went in to see the two of them curled up in the loveseat together surrounded by clothes from their store.

That must be the clothes for the kids and mum. She’s gonna love them. They have the best taste. I quietly went over to them and stroked their skulls. Waking them up. They looked up at me with two sets of tired sockets.

“ I bringing food up to them. Destrí has gotten treated he’s resting. Doc said it wasn’t too bad. Esmée is not angry at you but she does want to see you. She understands it was an accident. Do you want to take the clothes up to them? I think she would really like it my loves.”

They nodded and helped each other get up. I placed a skeletal kiss to the top of both of their skulls. They went and picked up the different piles of clothes and were set to go after a few moments.

We made our way up into their room. I knocked on the door and opened it carefully. She was there sitting up ram rod straight with her every available limb wrapped around her children.

“Hello dear. Is it alright if we come in? I have food and the twins have brought clothes. They wish to see them on you all.”

“Yes it’s alright. I’m starving and so are the kids. I want to see the new clothes as well. I hope there is a collection of cute items. I have never seen my boys in anything but those drab, grey, itchy and issue ridden clothes the facility gave us”

I stepped in and motioned for them to follow. They did and came into the room with their haul of clothes. She blinked in suprise obviously not expecting that much. Too bad we were going to spoil her and the kids so much now.

We didn’t dare go near her bed we could already see the beginning signs of a nest. Occupants in the middle, a healthy one curled around the weaker ones, defensive and blankets shoved into every which corner.

I went as close as I dared to the nest and set down the food. Alvaro was awake and was staring at us. His sapphire eye lights brimming with curiosity. He was still wrapped in that blanket and looked content to stay there.

He came out slightly to make a grab for the food. Esmée gave it to him without much fanfare. He started to eat it quickly Esmée was also wolfing down her dish. After she had finished she fed Destrí who was lying shirtless and sprawled out. A pillow under his head and a blanket over the lower half of his body.

Razzle and Dazzle in the time it had taken them to eat had started sorting out all the clothes they had bought into the wall in wardrobe. They came out just when they finished eating.

It was Razzle who broke first “Esmée we are so sorry. We didn’t mean to leave the door open. We are so sorry that the babybones got hurt. We understand completely if you don’t want us to be around your children anymore. Please forgive us!”

When the outburst from Razzle was done and we were left in silence. Reigning scilence no one moved or talked. Esmée blinked a few times before saying “ Did you honestly not know to close the door after you?”

Dazzle looked up form where both of them had hung their heads. “No we didn’t but we know we should have not come up without permission.”

“What the heck are you apologising for then. If you didn’t know you did nothing wrong. I’m not some wild creature upstairs. I can think for myself. You’re not in the wrong here. You tried to do something nice and it worked. You didn’t know and that’s not your fault. Simple as that.”

The stress of the moment and the tense atmosphere from today. Made the twins break into near tears again. They went over to Wine and he hugged them and led them out of the room.

“ You get some rest darling I’ll see you later” and with that he closed the door.

I did in fact not rest. I didn’t feel particularly bad about it as I never promised anything. I went to explore the clothing in the now only discovered walk in wardrobe.

It was huge. Who needed that much clothes. Us apparently because every available place now was filled with clothes. I had to take a step back and just observe for a minute.

Everything was organised which I greatly appreciate. I might have to organise the different sections into subsections later. Like colour and texture. Right now though my mission is to get fresh pyjamas these aren’t ours technically.

I say that because these aren’t ours either. They were bought by someone else using someone else’s money. I still feel bad about that. I’ll have to pay them back later.

I found the pyjama section and started shuffling through it. I picked some plain pjs out for me and onesies for the boys.

Alvaro got a red panda onesie that came with a hoodie that had little ears on it. Destrí got a turtle onesie that zipped up at the front. I figured it would be the best choice if Doc wanted to look at his injuries again.

I tugged out a dark blue top that had lettering on it “Sleeping all the time” and matching trousers. I spent a bit more time in there looking at all the different clothes. I also pulled out in my opinion the best clothing item out of them all. Socks

I went back into the bedroom with the new clothes piled in my arms. I looked at the state of the bed and figured it needed more blankets than it had already.

I needed to pile them high and hide my boys under them. Bury them and keep them hidden. Not allow any to seem them. Protect them.

I got back into bed with them and smiled at Alvaro who had somehow managed to make himself a skeleton burrito with multiple blankets he looked very comfortable.

“ how did you do that sweet boy? Do you want a change of clothes?”

He just smiled and nodded at me. He got stuck on the third blanket of unravelling himself. “A little h-help momma”

“Of course my sweet boy. Are you feeling all right?”

“I’m really sleepy and sore momma”

“Where are you sore. “

“My head hurts the most but also my tummy”

“Okay I’ll get you something in a minute”

I helped him unravel himself and situated him against my chest where I helped pull off his old t shirt over the hat on his head. The t short was stretchy enough to get it over his head without issue. So we have that to be thankful for.

The onesie was one piece so I carefully guided his feet into the sleeves meant for them and slowly pulled up. Not jostling him to much and being careful of his scars. He eventually was zipped into it and he crawled over to his blankets to wrap himself up in them once more.

Destrí was still out from the incident earlier. No doubt he’s going to wake up in a panic. It’s going to be a mess. This had happened before in the facility. Destrí went to explore when me and his brother were asleep. He was always the more adventurous of the two.

This was our third year in if I remember correctly and it was the scariest as well. A guard found him wandering the halls and knew exactly who he belonged to. The guard coerced him into following him. He led him to a room full of tithed guards.

Destrí told me they held him down and burned him with white and brown sticks which I’m assuming are cigarettes from the burns on him they also they electrocuted him till near death.

He screamed and couldn’t tell me anything beyond that point. I was so so angry. As soon as Destrí and Alvaro were both asleep and safe. I went on a murder spree. I found every guard I could that was involved. I killed them and left their bodies in my wake.

People learned not to bother me after that and the kids were left alone by the other invertos, the guards still pushed the line from time to time though. Stupid imbecilic people.

The day after Destrí woke up from nightmares and screamed and screamed until he passed out from exhaustion. It repeated for nearly a week before I managed to get through to him. Even at that he was scared out of his mind. Alvaro was a really good big brother in those times.

Cuddling him and dragging him down for naps. Playing with him when he was bored. Making sure he ate everything on his plate to keep his strength up. Giving him back his confidence.

I carefully lifted him up in my tail. My tail going underneath his armpits and hoisting him up. I was able to change his clothes with out incident and zipped the onesie up at the front. I then got changed.

Now all of us were in fresh and comfy pjs I carefully folded are other ones and placed them outside the door. I went looked for extra blankets.

I was in the living area with the couches and saw a door that u didn’t see before when I was taking Destrí for a bath. I opened it to reveal a boiler and multiple stacks of blankets.

This is brilliant and perfect for protecting my boys from the outside until they were all healed. I took the stacks back to our room and built a nest that was driven off of instincts.

I piled all the blankets to form a circle like barrier around the bed and then used more blankets to build one side higher than the other. I used pillows for the bottom to cushion it. I then placed the occupants inside.

The entire time I was making this. Alvaro and Destrí were wrapped up in my tail being lifted and shifted out of the way. I was done with the base of the nest.

I placed them in the middle where they held onto each other I placed a blanket around them bunching them around them to secure them in place and keep them warm and comfy.

I left an outer layer for me to lie down in and an inner layer so the boys could get in and out as they please.

The nest had a barrier of blankets one piled higher than the other to block peoples view. It then it had three rings going further and smaller. I was on the outer and the boys on the inner. The middle ring was for them to move about in and stretch out.

I settled down in the outer layer and lifted my tail over to cover my children. I have them each an extra blanket so they can cover themselves up so they can’t get cold and slowly went to sleep.

A voice was heard a few centimetres away from my audio canal. I swiped out at it only to connect with a dark mist. I swiped and clawed but nothing came of it.

There was that voice again. I couldn’t make out what it was saying no matter how I strained. I just put my hands over my canals and tried to block it out.

There was a stinging pain in my side I yelped and skittered away like a frightened animal. I looked down it was a whip mark. Where did it come from? I looked around frantically everywhere and anywhere but there was nothing to see.

It was just the black mist all that I knew was the black mist. It was slowly crawling up my limbs and worming its way around joints. It was especially tight on my right skeletal arm. As if reminding me what I had to do. To feed my self down there as well as my brothers

A sacrifice needed to be made and I was happy that I could take it in place of my older brother. It pulled taught every limb was now in overly tight restraints.

The whip came again and it didn’t stop coming this time. Everytime it struck I jerked. I refused to make any sound. The whip stopped finally but the whipper was just moving around to my front.

I finally saw my tormentor. Who would have guessed dearest old dad. This was his favourite pastime tortures. If I remember correctly though the whip has pieces of glass in it to make it hurt more.

He whipped me again. Oh there it was. The glass hurt just as much as I remembered. I doubled over and coughed up blood ooo he got me good.

Wait blood. I bleed marrow and magic now not blood. That’s when I woke up. They say when you become aware of your dreams you wake up. Well I sure did wake up with a bang.

Quite literally apparently I twisted and turned so much and woke up with a start that’s all I needed to go to the floor. I rubbed my head where I got on the floor and groaned. I’d just woke up and was so done with today.

I climbed back into the nest. Alvaro had stretched out into the middle layer and was buried. Destrí hadn’t moved from where he curled up.

I sighed knowing I wasn’t going to go back to sleep. I stood up wincing when I put pressure on my fractured leg. I wonder if Alvaro who like to have a bath now.

That would mean leaving Destrí alone when he was unconscious okay maybe not the best idea Esmée, the next idea I had was to explore a little more.

What’s beyond all the doors in here. I know that there is three rooms in here. Bathroom, living room and then bedroom where we reside. I’ve not opened one door though. It leads to the rest of the house.

I wonder what everyone’s doing. I obviously won’t go far but I want to see what’s out there. I’m not doing anything else so I might as well.

I walk out of the bedroom and to the door that I knew had been opened by many skeletal hands but mine. I slowly turned the knob.

I swung the door wide open. As wide as it would go. Took a steadying breath and stepped out into the surprisingly cold and dark hallway. I took each step carefully and calculated each breath I took. Not wanting to set off any traps that might have been in place.

I stepped out into the landing and looked down over the stairs. We must have been four stories up which is a ridiculous amount of floors for a house. Unless there was a lot of people in my case skeletons in it.

I peered over the stairwell that went in a spiral all the way down. I made my way down ever so slowly until I reached the third floor. I saw a line of four doors each engraved with their own symbol. There was a broken bone on the furthest door to the right. The second furthest door to the right had crossbones on it. The furthest door to the left had a sort of condiment bottle on it and the second furthest door to the left had a lightning bolt on it.

I heard a creak of a step and snapped my head around to locate where the noise was. The creaking was persisting so that must mean they were coming up the stairs. I went to the stairs to ascend and took them two at a time.

When I was at the landing of the fourth floor and looking down I saw a short skeleton. He had the same red eye lights as Destrí. He was drinking from a condiment bottle. I grimaced how did that taste good? So he must own the bedroom with the condiment bottle engraved on it. Cool.

He had an edgy sort of appearance to him. His teeth were as sharp as a sharks and his clothing was consisting of dark and broody colours. He was looking around and scratching his head. I think he heard me when I bolted for the stairs. Damn it.

He shrugged and went to the room with the condiment bottle on it. My theory was correct. I went back to my room when I got closer to the bedroom again I heard the mewls of one of my kids cali g for me. Duty calls.

I enter the bedroom quickly and see not who I expected Destrí sitting up with tears leaking out of his sockets and trailing down his cheekbones.

“Oh my love. What’s wrong wee one?”

H-hurts mama make it s-stop hurting”

He accented this sentence with making grabbing hand motions at me. So I complied lifting him out of the nest where he cling on tight to my collarbone and buried himself in my shirt.

I rocked and shushed him as I went over to the medicine we were prescribed and pulled out the codeine that was for Destrí. I tipped his head back and got the pills into him.

I sat back down on the bed as my leg felt like it was on fire and rocked him more there. He stayed like that for the next couple hours. Clinging to me and telling me how afraid he was when he met the dark skeletons in the hallway.

I told him that there was nothing to be afraid of. I was suprised that he had managed to stay awake that long. As he was still overly exhausted from his sickness. He was getting better by the day though. As he was getting better though the pain decided to rear its ugly head.

Chapter Text

I woke up to bloody murder. I didn’t even realise I had fallen asleep. Destrí was fisting my shirt and crying extremely loudly. I panicked and took his skull on my hands and forced him to look up at me.

“Destrí honey what’s wrong?”

When he persisted crying and wouldn’t tell me what wrong. I did a physical check on him. Running my hands along the injuries that I knew about. I pressed lightly down on them.

He cried louder when I pressed down on his left leg and his lower ribs. The pain must have flared to much for him to ignore. I reached over for the medicine again to help regulate the pain. He refused to take the pills thoigh. So I had to coax him.

“Come on sweet thing you’re alright. These will make you feel loads better alright. You are stuck in the throes of pain you need something to calm the storm. Tip your head back and relax let mummy do the work alright”

I slowly tipped his head back keeping my hands on his forehead and under his mandible. I could feel the heat of fever under my hands. Warming up his small and delicate body to unbearable heats.

He was clearly very distressed and kept trying to force his head forward again. I sighed knowing that if i tried to give him the pills now he would choke.

So instead I lay him down and put one hand where his tummy would be and the other still on his forehead. I stroked and massaged him while he was still crying.

“I know it hurts love I know it does. Bear with it a little longer. I’ll get you sorted soon.”

“H-hurts m-mama”

“Oh I know love i know I’ll get you sorted in a minute though yeah and you can sleep once more. You must be exhausted hmmm.”

I tried the pills again. Destrí put up a fight towards them. So I was going to play a trick on him. I put the pills aside and grabbed the liquid tyenol for his fever. I ladelled out the correct amount and fed it to him. He swallowed without hesitation.

“Here comes another one little man”

I picked up the pills again along with the water and poured both of them in at the same time. He swallowed and coughed and choked but it eventually went all down.

Alvaro had woken up during this fiasco and settled his tiny hand on Destrís fibula. He was still crying but it was reduced to sniffling and hiccuping now.

“What brought that on huh love.”

“It hurt s-so bad momma. My leg hurt the most though. Why does it hurt so much momma?!”

He was crying again. I held him close and dragged Alvaro up aswell so he could get a better hold on his brother.

Destrí shifted and winced with every movement. He was sore that much was for certain. I want to check his wounds then something must be wrong if they are still this sore.

The medicine should kick in and start having an effect in another twenty minutes or so. I’ll check them then. Alvaro had started to nuzzle his brothers cheekbones wiping away his tears.

I leant back against the wall with them both and stroked their skulls soothingly until I felt their breath even out and settle. I then got to work unwraping what could be unwrapped of Destrís wounds.

The binding on his neck came away to reveal the ugly bruise. It had faded but not by much. There was still patches of dark blue and purple but it was slowly fading to become more of a greeny yellow.

I figured I would just replace bandages while I was here as well. Get ahead of it while I can. I unzipped the front of the onesie and slowly pulled his right arm out into the open.

The bandage around it was hiding the spiral fracture. Around it though was irritation marks and red discolouration. It must be agitated by something then maybe Destrí has been having a go at it. It looks itchy and I don’t blame him if he can’t resist.

I go to the medical box again and retrieve the sticky gel and the bandages then make my way back to the room. Where I start to apply the gel and wrap his wounds.

I redid mine as well just while I was here I may as well. Destrís left leg had discolouration around it as well. I would have put it down to irritation but with how it was infected before hand I’m not to sure. It could be something worse.

When Wine next comes up I’m going to have him look at it. Hopefully Destrí won’t wake up screaming bloody murder again. I’m not so sure my hearing can take it.

I settled my boys down into bed agajn. Alvaro looked like another sensory overload was coming on by his scrunched up nasal ridge and furrowed brow bones. So I preemptively put the heated blanket over him. Covering his eyes and head and letting the heat sink in and relax him.

I put Destrí tucked away where my stomach was so I could warm him while both him and I slept. I was tired from waking up so soon and so abruptly so I promptly collapsed and went back to sleep.

Wine

I slowly opened the door and crept in. Our mother had been busy apparently I couldn’t see them within the nest as there was a wall of blankets blocking my view.

I motioned my brother to come in quietly he did so and sat in the far corner away from them with his emotional support cat, Chips.

Chips was my brothers emotional support cat. He was a calico mainecoon and was trained to do many things including alerting me or someone trusted when my brother was having a panic attack.

He understood then that currently she was in a delicate position and would lash out if disturbed so he didn’t dare go near her. The cat was sniffing the air curiously though.

I couldn’t leave him alone right now though. Chips alerted me and Edge this morning in the kitchen that my brother was having a panic attack so he was also in a delicate position and was currently stuck to my side.

Not that i minded it just wasn’t perfect timing but I can’t fault my brother. The purpose of me coming in here is to check in them. It had been exactly 3 hours since I had last done it.

Clearly she had done a lot in that time. Building a nest and from the pile of dirty bandages off to the side. She had changed hers and Destrís bandages.

I quietly crept over and peeked over the wall. I was met with all of them slumbering. Esmée had pulled Destrí to be by her stomach. She had her tail curled around his ankle and her hands on his legs.

Alvaro was in the center of the mest with the heated blanket on him. His face was one of unease and he was twitching and shifting around. He looked like he was in the throes of a nightmare.

Poor wee one. I wanted to do something but I wasn’t going to risk getting mauled. I speak from recent past experience. When Stretch was nesting with Blue and I tried to disturb him he would lash out violently and try to rip chunks out of me.

It wasn’t like him at all and I don’t fault him for it. He was just smothered in instincts and couldn’t think straight. I felt a tap on my shoulder. Esmée was awake. I was leaning over a bit to try and see Alvaro better to see if I could help in any way.

Esmées large hand went and covered Alvaros head and rubbed circles into it. Alvaro slowly relaxed and unclenched his fists from the death grip he had on the heated blanket.

“Sensory overload again.”

Her voice had a bit of a growl to it. I backed up and gave her some space. I didn’t want to antagonise her or push my luck with her. She hefted herself up and situated herself on her elbows.

She looked at me and then Coffee behind me he gave a small wave. She smiled back and did the same. I had a look at her to see if her bones had improved from the grey that they were. Even minutely was a massive step towards recovery.

They hadn’t changed though from their dark grey. Speaking of neither had the children’s. We had been packing the food with soo much magic though that it wasn’t sustainable for the people in the house.

Papyrus had become exhausted with it and I couldn’t blame him. After a week of being away from that hell hole though there was supposed to be a difference even if it wasn’t physical.

Higher energy levels, better temperament, faster healing from injuries and brighter eye lights they are all symptoms of recovery. We might have to order a Ecto check to see how extensive the effects are.

An Ecto check was where we could force parts of the ectoplasm our bodies generate into form to check injuries or conditions. With Blood and Sweets first arrived we generated the technology so they could how healthy they were getting and to see how severe the starvation was. It had come in use many other times after that as well.

The only down side to that is we have to go to the hospital for that. Doc can get us in easy enough being the head of the monster ward but Esmée would not be keen going anywhere but their room.

She would most likely fight us on it but I believe it would help in the long run. I looked back to her as she settled on her elbows. She had pulled Destrí up with her I could see also that he had his bandages changed.

Regardless whether or not they had been changed I want to have a look at that infected leg again. To see if it had gotten any better and also to see if that was the reason for the continued discolouration in his bones.

“Darling can i touch the babybones. I need to check on a few things. Just to make sure they are okay. That’s all. I’ll do nothing more than that I promise.”

She looked at me uncertainly looking me up and down for anything that could potentially harm her children. She took a breath then two and slowly nodded.

I approached slowly and reached out for Destrí first. He was attached to her chest and still had a slight fever from what I could tell from the flush on his cheekbones.

I lifted and turned him so he was situated in my lap. Esmée followed me and was nearly on top of me. She lay her head down on the floor and stared intently at me. I see she had changed their clothes as well.

The turtle outfit suited this little one quite well surprisingly. I unzipped the front of it and pulled it off of him to reveal his right arm and his lower ribs.

The lower ribs were in a bad state they were in casts right now which have structural supports on the inside to help the bones heal properly and correctly. They no doubt were uncomfortable and painful to the babybones.

The spiral fracture was irritated. It usually meant that it was healing and the healing gel can dry on bones and make them itchy so it wasn’t much of a concern.

The infected wound on his left leg was slightly raised and was also irritated. The irritation was expected after the surgery. The slight raise was just the build up of natural healing fluids.

As far as I was concerned everything was healing well with Destrí and there would be no dips in his health if he was left alone, which was a relief. Next was Alvaro. There wasn’t much to check excerpt the head wound and I was reluctant to remove the medical hat.

I decided to leave him alone. I wanted to see if I could do something with Esmée she was the most injured out of them all after all. I turned on her from where her skull was still on the floor watching me.

I placed my hand on her skull and petted her. She relaxed into it and we got our first rusty purr from her. It was deep and shook her entire body.

Destrí reached out from my lap to touch Esmées nasal ridge. He relaxed as he felt her purr. If she was happy so was he apparently. I felt down her skull to her top vertebrae where the corrosive gel was still working on her spine.

I scooted forward a bit so I could get a good look at the work it was doing. Destrí was now laying on top of her skull. She didn’t look like she minded so I wasn’t going to correct him.

I found the end of the wrappings for the bandages and cut through the layers with my claws. I wasn’t going to try and unwrap them. We would be here a while if I tried.

I peeled away the bandage and looked at the damage underneath. A layer of dust was falling but that was expected as we are separating the segments that had fused together, caused from what we are guessing is heat and lots of it repeatedly.

The very sensitive spine was red and inflamed. She flinched at the now exposed spine was hit with cold air. She whined obviously in pain just from that small amount of exposure.

“I’m sorry darling. I’m going to be clearing the dust from your spine and then rewrap this wound. It needs a little more time.”

She huffed in annoyance and agitation. I don’t blame her. This was a lengthy and sore process but it was necessary. I put my hands on the vertabrae just up and down from the fused vertebrae and applied heat magic to it.

She melted into a puddle on the floor and atarted purring louder. Almost vibrating the floor. She moves to be in my lap her head resting on my knee. I smiled slightly. She was starting to trust me more. Hopefully with time and patience she will learn to trust all of the house.

The corrosive gel that needed to be applied required special gloves if the applied didn’t want their fingers melted off as well. I snapped them on. Apologising to her for the loud noise and applied the cream again.

The purring stopped as she started panting instead from the pain. It always hurt the most when first applied. I did it as quickly as possible. I wrapped it quickly but thoroughly and left her to rest.

She was panting and whining. I felt bad subjecting her to this, maybe we should have waited until she was stronger. If we waited any longer though she could have had long lasting damage like difficulty moving or pain when walking constantly.

She seemed to have been living with this for a while though. She must have been in constant pain poor girl. I let her stay like that for a while to calm down from the pain and to soak up some comfort she needed desperately.

We were informed of how young she was by the twins. Only being 22 which was almost nothing to my 324 and half of the houses 267. So yeah by our standards she was barely a toddler the kids were new borns.

The whole house while being furious on their behalf for the treatment they received as we funded those facilities along with the royals.

They were also becoming very protective of them. Despite whether they met them or not hearing how young they were set off instincts to protect. That could either turn out to be a disaster or work out alright.

She started to move and crawl back into the nest bringing Destrí with her. She curled around him and settled shifting still obviously in pain. I motioned for my brother to come over.

He did quickly and settled himself right next to the nest. “Can you stay with them while I get a hot water bottle for her brother? I know you don’t want to leave my side right now but she needs someone with her right now”

He looked a bit panicked and while I hated to see that look on his face but she needed someone with her. I squeezed his clavicle three times our way of telling eachother I love you and set off intending to get back as quick as possible.

The hot water bottle was all the way down in the kitchen. I boiled the kettle and uncorked the top of the hot water bottle. Right now as I waited for the water to boil I thought about a new situation that had arose.

Stretch had come to both me and Sweets holding some disturbing information about the facility. He was fuming over it. He was so angry about what a specific group of guards had done.

I had given the go ahead for him to hack into the security systems in the facility to find the full extent of what was done to the small family in there and to see if we could find any triggers that we could avoid.

He was unearthing a lot of disturbing and distressing stuff. As he was gaining more evidence though we had high hopes that our lawsuit that their grandchildren would feeling the effects of would go well. I was already filing the papers for it. This by far though was the worst.

Three years into their stay Destrí was attacked after he had wandered out of the safety of his mother. A guard led him to what we are assuming the break room and held him down.

They burned him with cigarettes and electrocuted him with those cattle prods repeadetdly when he even so much as twitched his finger. He passed out as he stopped moving after a while. It’s what happened after that had my LV exploding out of me in a destructive wave of magic.

They tied him up in ropes that exposed him in a very delicate way. His legs were hiked up and out of the way in a position that was surely cutting off the magic flow to his legs.

I don’t even want to think about it it’s so disgusting. They had him tied up for hours before they eventually got bored and threw him back in with his mother. Who was tearing apart the place to find him.

She eventually made her way out that night and went on a killing spree. She found every guard she could that was involved in the incident and severed their head from their bodies. Good riddens if you ask me.

The boiling water bubbling in the kettle brought me back to reality. I poured it in carefully doing it over the sink to catch any spills and corked it up afterwards.

I went to the drawer that had our variety of covers in it. I picked a fluffy cover with two grey Pom poms hanging from a thread at the top. It made sure that she was protected from the brunt of the heat while also serving as something comfortable to feel along her back.

I quickly climbed the stairs again and crept into her room. Coffee was still by the bed playing a game on his console. I could hear the soft sounding sound effects from here.

The thing that had me stopping in my tracks was Destrí peeking out from behind my brother to watch the game. His ruby eye light glittering with amazement and I could see they were trying to wobble into stars.

I purposefully scuffed my shoes against the floor as to not startle the boy with my sudden appearance. He shies away immediately and went back to him mum curling up within her safe confines.

My brother also looked up visibly happy that I was back. I smiled at him and rubbed his skull (one of the few that could do it) and went over to our mother. She had had time to calm down from the pain but she still looked visibly uncomfortable.

I ran my hands over her shirt not wanting to startle her with the sudden heat rise. “Hello darling. I’ve got the hot water bottle. This should help in easing that pain. You’re going to feel a sudden increase in heat. Don’t freak out on me.”

I placed it directly over her injured spine and let it rest. She opened her sockets and looked around seeing me backing off towards my brother. She took in where her children were. Destrí hiding in her shirt and Alvaro wrapped up like a burrito again.

She let her skull rest on the floor before wiggiling deeper into the blankets letting out a pleased hum as she sank further down than what I thought was possible and completely melted. I’m taking that the hot water bottle then was a success.

Small victories. My brother was at the end of his rope today though. I could tell by the way he twitched and shifted from foot to foot he was getting antsy and agitated.

I understood after all. He just needed a dark room to collect his thoughts for a while then he would be alright with me by his side again. After I did one last cursory check of our charges I left them in peace.

I escorted my brother to the library where a nest was waiting for him to settle into and calm down. I flicked all the lights off except for a singular lamp. Remembering my brothers aversion to the dark.

I stayed with him till he fell asleep then exited to give him space. I put a sign up on the library door saying that it was in use and not to disturb.

I figured I would check on Stretch next. He has been staying up later and later each night to try and dig up as much as possible on the treatment they had to endure.

I knocked on the door I got a faint come in from the occupant inside. I opened the door and saw stretch hunched over his laptop his face bathed in blue light.

“Stretch how long have you been like this. You know it’s not good for you.”

“I know I know. I’ve got a few more files to decrypt though before it turn in for the night.”

He turned around so I could see the full extent of his face. His eyes had honey coloured bags under them. He was in the clothes he wore three days ago. His glasses hung limply off his nasal ridge. Yeah he needed to go to rest.

“Yeah come on you’re done. To bed with you. “

He tried to protest but I yanked him up by the back of his collar and lead him to bed.

“You better be asleep by the time I reach that door if you’re not I’m drugging you.”

“Yes mom.”

He begrudgingly turned over and went to sleep. I shut off his many computer displays and closed the door quietly behind me. Dinner was going to be in an hour or so. So until then I might as well settle down and read a book.

I descend the stairs taking my time and walk into the living room to see Sweets on his specially made chair and Blood at his feet curled up and snoring. I smiled softly thinking about how far these two had come.

They were very much like our mother when they came in first. Skittish and protective if not a little bit more violent. Wouldn’t let anyone see them sleep. They had alternating shifts going on so always one of them would be awake and protecting.

Now though five years later they were relaxing much like everyone in the house. They were eating healthier they got the medical attention they required and are now going to lead happy and healthy lives. To see the trust that it had taken to get them both to sleep openly like this brought a smile to my face.

I draped a blanket over Blood a thick quilt which was one of his favourites. He opened a blood red eye after seeing it was me he closed it again and purred louder. I huffed a laugh and settled down on the couches to read for a while

Chapter Text

Loud wailing crying echoed on the forth floor of the house. Someone trudging up the stairs with multiple food bowls in their hands. They were all clinking and clanging.

They scuffed their feet as they pushed open the door to warn the occupants inside that they were coming. It was raining outside the constant pitter patter surrounded them and echoed in the room.

The loud crying was from Alvaro. He was clutching his head as he tried to rock himself while he was held tightly in his mother’s arms. The rain seemed louder up here than anywhere else in the house.

To us the rain would relax as it was a gentle pitter but to a child with sensory overload it was thumping at the windows and it was tumultuous. It would almost seem as if it was pounding at your skull. Hitting it over and over again.

Blood hummed in concern when the boy wailed louder as the mother tried to curl around him to block out as much stimuli as possible. It was when the child dug his fingers into his skull and strarted to rake down them that Blood moved forward to invertvene.

He approached the nest and reached his hand out to grab Alvaro. A savage snarl tore from Esmées throat as he laid a hand on Alvaros head. She took a swipe at him. Positioning and moving herself for her to be in a better position to protect her children.

She growled again not recognising Blood and wanting him away from her children. Alvaro was still raking lines down his skull. Blood had to do something fast. He up my hands placatingly and reached again. She followed my movement still growling until he finally reached Alvaro.

He was whimpering and whining squirming where he sat trying to get rid of the noise. To block out more of the noise. Blood gently tugged his hands away then held them as he struggled to put them back to cause the pain again.

Blood held firm even when Esmée started breathing down his neck. It was too loud in here. They needed to go somewhere quieter. The library could do but it had the out of order sign on it.

Everyone had mostly gone to their jobs except for Blue, Papyrus and my bro Sweets. Sweets room is quiet and he’s resting right now he doesn’t need to be awoken it’s his first peaceful rest in days. They needed somewhere quiet for the little one to calm down and stop hurting himself. Blood had the perfect space.

“I know…somewhere quiet. Come with…me.”

She seemed hesitant as she didn’t move a muscle and looked like she was about to kill me. She sighed though and stood up. She picked up Destrí and Alvaro. Destrí climbed into her ribcage while she supported Alvaro against her chest. One hand cradling his skull

“Let’s go then.” A determined look set on her face.

Blood led the way down the stairs Alvaros crying had slowed to hiccups and he was no longer loudly wailing. Emsée was cautious with every step she took, every breath she had to take was calculated.

She was on edge being down here and Blood couldn’t blame her. As she was going slow so was he . He still had the food with him balancing it precariously. This food was not pumped full of magic so it wasn’t tasteless this time.Wine cooked this morning as well so they were in for a treat.

Blood couldn’t wait to see them eat it. Their first ever tasteful meal. It was very exciting.

He led her down to the movie room. The movie room consisted of 12 super comfy chairs that spanned the length and breadth of the room. There was a large 97’ screen spanning the wall facing us and everything was super dark.

It also had noise cancelling walls so unless someone went in here no sound is getting in and that’s exactly what Alvaro needed right now. Blood vaguely remembered the early days of his head wound.

It was sore. So so sore, he was in constant pain and got the sensory overloads too. They were much less and much further apart now then they were back then but he still has foggy memories of him screaming into his bros arms from the pain.

He could sympathise with Alvaro. Maybe that was my the mother was following him so easily away from her safe space. She saw my gaping head wound and knew he had been through this before.

She followed me in to the darkened room with Alvaro in her arms clinging to her chest and Destrí inside her ribs. He saw him quickly climbing in when we were getting up to leave.

He let her settle wherever she thought was good and then gave her food. She took a bite of it and he watched as her face lit up. She distributed out the food to her children.

Destrí’s eye lights turned to stars having probably never tasted anything as good. Alvaro was still curled up in his mother’s chest but after smelling the food and trying it he must have noticed his hunger.

Esmée was scarfing it down. Desperate to get as much in her as possible. Wines cooking was the best no doubt about it. He left them be to settle down. He closed the door behind him off to see where the dogs were.

He found them out on the porch basking in the smell and sound of the rain. They were smoking some dog treats yellow and brown magic floated in waves off of them. He hung back a bit not keen on inhaling any of the smoke.

Doc said that me and my bro are to avoid any type of cigarettes he can’t remember the reason something to do with the better meant of his health. He stuck with it though because his bro was so hopeful that we were finally getting better and forebade him from ignoring the doctors orders.

So he hung back until they noticed him. They did eventually. Hurriedly snuffing out their dog treats and clearing the smoke into the air. Only after that did he move forward to stand beside them.

“What’s up big guy?”

Mutt was confused as to why Blood was there. Sweets having informing everyone it was a bad day for the both of them. Sweets was asleep his legs locking up from the cold weather. Blood was usually by his side for the rest of the day.

Blood had wandered truthfully though and Edge gave him food for the new charges as he went out the door dressed up in his uniform. Shiny badge polished with great pride. So Blood differed to taking food up for them.

That leads to this situation. He has to go back to his bro but he had to inform someone as well that the mother has come down less someone walks in on them. That wouldn’t end well at all.

“The mother and … babybones… have come down. In movie… room.”

They both went slack jawed obviously not expecting that.

“You’re kidding right. They’re down here. Why are they down here? They are still injured and sick.”

Yep not expecting that. “Rain… was too loud.” Blood deadpanned.

“Alvaro must have freaked out then. Well at least they’re somewhere comfortable. Wine would probably want to know. I’ll go do that now. You go back to your brother Blood”

He nodded and left silently. Closing the double doors and shuffling to me and my brothers room. His bro was still sleeping with his heated blanket switched on. His legs were causing pain again and locking up.

When this happened he could not feel anything below his femurs. His legs were also in a fair bit of pain aswell. Heat helped but he was confined to his bed for now. He was sleeping peacefully his face and features relaxed.

Blood sat down by his bed side his upper half leaning on the bed and started to doze.

Mutt peeked his head in through the doorway spotting them almost instantly. The mom was curled up on the floor at the very end of the room. Her kids curled up with her. Alvaro cuddled close and Destrí on top of her ribs rising and falling with her breath.

The click of a camera was heard before the clacking of bony fingers against a glass screen. Mutt had taken a picture and was sending it to Wine.

Wine wanted to be updated on anything that might happen including the mother and her children. He had grown very protective over them and had completely taken over what was supposed to be Classics responsibility.

Classic had been with university reports and his own little side project. The message was sent with a woosh. Mutt and Hound lingered in the doorway unsure of whether or not they should leave them be or risk finding out if they needed anything.

They ultimately decided to leave them be though and go back outside. They’ll check up on them in an hour or so. They went out to the sound of the soothing rain and lit the dog treats again. Hound started sucking on his immediately. He was stressed from his day at the shelter. We all were.

Two shit stains of humans threw a mother cat into the river to try and drown her. They threw them at our doorstep afterwards. Sending a message to the monster freaks that worked there. “See if you can save this one”. They wrote on a note stuck to the bag.

Orla a young girl only 16 but had been there for a while longer than us took charge and did emergency treatment. Getting her lungs to start working again. Getting her to fight. A lovely oriental tabby mix. Orla named her Lydia.

She’s now fighting for her life and the life of her kittens in an ICU bay. Pup was taking it hard. There was nothing we could do for him apart from leaving him to get some sleep and giving him some space.

The puffing of smoke started up again. Soothing over the rage that bubbled in the both of us at the injustice of it all. We stayed out there listening to the rain. Idly chatting to each other.

After we had finished another round of cigarettes we made our way into the kitchen where we sat at the barstools and basked in the silence.

It wouldn’t last long, today everyone was at their jobs except for Sweets and Blood. Mutt, Hound and Coffee were given the day off though. Then Blue as well as he was still too out of it and too injured to go back into the line of duty.

Their boss a kind elderly and wise woman knew something was going on at home so she let them have a full pay day off.

The silence in the house rained until bony feet were heard descending the stairs. The only one upstairs would be Blue and he’s not supposed to be moving around anywhere without assistance.

The fucks that beat him up went for the legs first leading to a shattered patella and broken femur. How he’s walking at all is solely down to the pain meds blocking out the intense and searing pain.

Hound got up to help him and so did Mutt. We rounded the corner to see him clinging to the banister with his sockets screwed up. He took another shaky step down.

“Enough Blue. You’re supposed to be resting not pushing yourself to make your bones break more.”

He snapped his head up. Looking guilty “BUT I WANTED TO TRY GUYS. STRETCH WONT LET ME MOVE ANYWHERE. IM GOING CRAZY”

“Yes it’s for a reason that he won’t let you move.” Mutt sighed running a hand down his skull. He didn’t need to be dealing with this. Blue was a petulant child sometimes.

He picked him up off the stairs and marched to the living room where he tied and tangled him in blankets to the point where he couldn’t move. Collapsing on the floor at his feet making sure he didn’t escape when our backs were turned.

He huffed in annoyance but we could see the see the minute shaking in his hands from the pain of it all. He relaxed though sinking into the couch. We weren’t going to deny him a change of scene though. Staying stuck in that room all day. With no company.

Hound went over and turned on the TV and put on one of our more adrenaline pumping games. “Ready ta get ya ass beat”

“Big talk little man”

We started to play, battling it out to win. There was a reply message from Wine the reason we knew that was the ding distracted Hound causing Mutt to win the game.

“Tha’s not fair. I wanna rematch”

“Sorry fair is square.”

Mutt picked up his phone and looked at the message.

‘That’s unusual I didn’t expect them to be out for a while. The rain on their skylights must have drove them out. I’ll talk to Connon and Sniper about getting some materials to stop that. Make sure they take their meds on time please. Otherwise from that leave them be. If they want something I’m sure they’ll ask for it.’

He shot off a quick reply back making sure to use the nickname mom for him and set off to get their meds from upstairs. Mutt left Hound to watch over Blue.

Pup came out of his room then and Mutt asked if he wanted to join me. Mutt ignored the tear tracks underneath his sockets. He can’t blame him.

He nodded and attached himself to my side as we went up the stairs. We entered the bedroom seeing the nest that she had built. She must be feeling vulnerable now. Making her more susceptible to attack.

We spotted the meds on the floor by her nest. We gathered the pills in our arms and headed towards the movie room. On the way Mutt filled in Coffee as to where our charges were and the story behind it.

We slowly crept in to where the mother could be seen in a far away corner. Her emerald eye light lit up and illuminated the space around her. It was tracking our every move.

We could see Alvaro twitching and shaking. Destrí gasped cutting through the slience as shuddered and grasped just above where his broken ribs are. Esmée curled tighter around the babybones.

We slowly approached making sure she knew our every move. Alvaro poked his head up from where he was laying down. He made a noise like a kitten squeak and reached for us.

Everyone was suprised by that. The child recognised us. He was obviously in better spirits now that it was quieter. Hopefully with Wine on the case we will be able to block out the noise effectively so they won’t have this problem again.

Esmee put her hand on his back holding him back from what he wanted to do which was leap at us. I huffed a laugh and kneeled down next to him.

“ Is the little one feeling a lot better. No more headaches huh”

He shook his skull and then gripped on tight to his mother as he stumbled a bit presumably thrown off balance from shaking his head.

He sat down on the floor to ground himself. Mutt took out his meds and motioned for Pup to do the same with his load. He measured out the amount that Wine had told us they needed to take and offered it to them with a bottle of water.

The mother begrudgingly took them dry swallowing them as quickly as she could then turning and postitioning herself to support her two babybones.

Destrí was first tipping his head back where she held him while she drizzled water down his throat and dropped in the pills. He swallowed them without an argument.

Alvaro looked sceptically at them. The mother gave him a soft look stroking his neck vertebra and soothing him. She started humming and she pulled him on to her lap. Rocking him back and forth.

His eye lights got fuzzy as slowly he was lulled into a doze then he had his head tipped back and the same process with Destri began to get him to take the pills.

He coughed for a bit when they went down a few soothing circles on his back though calmed him down. The mum collapsed breathing laboriously. The two kids curled up with her.

She wasn’t ready to move from upstairs. She’s drained,exhausted and on edge. I don’t blame her. Taking extensive injuries like that for five years and then going from a dingy cell to a clean room and having her needs finally met. She would need to crash for a while.

She reminded us of a cat that we once rescued. The silky black and orange tortoiseshell had come in. Her back legs were broken and her fur was matted to the point where it was painful for her to move.

We had to shave her hair down to the skin and cast her legs leaving her unable to walk. She was listless like she had completely given up on the world. The mum looked similar to that. Listless and in so much pain.

Pup sat by her head feeling a compulsion to sooth her and comfort her. Mutt felt the same. Slowly ever so slowly I laid my hand on her head and started stroking.

She whined and curled up tighter to protect her children. She didn’t know who was petting her she needed to be careful in case they were dangerous. What if they try to take the kids?

Her phalanges twitched and moved to take a swipe at us. Mutt moved down to her neck vertebra and all the fight left her. Her hand dropped and she purred.

Vibrating and rattling through Destrí and Alvaro who had also started to purr. Destrí couldn’t purr due to his broken ribs. The vibrations settled him though. Memories of good time in the facility springing to life.

Mutt and Pup stepped back to allow for some room as the medicine took effect leaving their limbs heavy and unresponsive. Mutt messaged Wine again. Letting him know about the status of them and medicine they had taken.

All of them had taken the codeine. Destrí had taken his opioids to help battle his infection and fever. Alvaro had taken his additional nourishment medicine to help with bone growth to try and diminish the look of the scar. Doc and Wine are not hopeful that they can close it over but they can try.

Destrí wanted to play with Mutts fingers as he kept holding on to them and manipulating them. It was good to see he wasn’t scared of us after his little adventure. He was growing tired quickly though. His drooping sockets an indication of how fast he was going.

Alvaro was curled up face no longer scrunched up in discomfort. We stayed like that interacting with the kids for a while under the watchful gaze of mum. Pup stayed back afraid of hurting them. They eventually stilled though and their breathing evened out.

We left and closed the door as quietly and as softly as possible. We went back to the living room with Hound and Blue and found the latter sleeping.

Hound was playing on his phone tapping away at something on the screen. He looked up when we came in perking up when he saw pup with me. He patted the floor next to him and Coffee flopped down next to him picking up the control and challenging him.

He took the challenge with an enthusiastic whoop and Mutt settled in to watch. After a while skeletons started filtering in through the door. First Crimson then Stretch, Edge, Razzle and Dazzle and finally Wine and the mafia brothers.

Everyone had been informed that the movie room was currently occupied with our charges and the reason why. Which is why Cannon had soundproof covers and blackout curtains in his arms.

Barely a week in to having them and they were already doing anything asked of them for them. Wine had went in and checked in on them immediately after coming home. He then went to his brother and looked him over.

After determining he was okay he gave his head a bump and went upstairs to change. The house was now bustling with noise once more. Blue having woken up and greeted his brother.

When the smell of dinner was wafting through the air drawing in everyone from where they resided there was a high pitched squeak and the valiant attempt at slamming the door.

Everyone stilled before Mutt moved inward towards the movie room door which has just been closed rather hurriedly by a pair of small bony hands and frightened sapphire eye lights.

He hopped off his bar stool before moving inwards towards the door. Where there was kitten squealing followed by deep clicks. It was remarkable how alike the sounds were to a kitten.

Mutt knocked on the door and entered. There holding on to his mums sleeve was Alvaro. He was tugging on it and making those noises. Esmée was answering back with loud clicks. Destrí was hiding behind a chair sitting on the floor his fists curling into a blanket that was wrapped around him.

Esmée was standing tall and locked eye lights with me. They were in slits. Wine came up behind me and her eye lights went round again and she rumble in recognition. Mutt stepped back glad not to be dealing with this and let Wine enter the room.

Wine closed the door behind him and walked up to her. Alvaro had run to be with his brother where they were both cowering in the corner. Esmée turned away from me to encourage the children forward.

“There’s no need for that now. You know him remember he helped you feel all better and not sore.”

They still shied away from Wine but we’re now clinging to their mothers legs. She leaned down and picked them up facing Wine again.

“Hello dear. I was informed that you moved down here to escape the noise. I’m sorry that happened it escaped our foresight. We are fixing it now. Is everyone alright otherwise?”

Esmée sighed and sat down again. Her left leg was shaking the one with the terrifying fracture. Esmée really shouldn’t have been standing on it will only make it worse.

“Still in pain. Alvaro panicked from seeing the amount of people out there. I was planning to be back upstairs at that time but alas not much I can do now. They’re all unfamiliar to them they are uncomfortable”.

Wine thought for a moment before producing his phone from within his jeans. He unlocked it and flicked through his photos until he landed on a montage that showed off all the members of his family.

“ I’ll introduce then. Even if it is through a phone it might help make some familiar faces and connections for the kids and you.”

She nodded thinking it was a good idea and scooted over with the children in her lap. Hanging onto her for dear life.

“Hello sweet ones. There is nothing to be afraid of. I’m going to show you the different members of our family. We can make it a game if you like. Let’s see who can recall the most names and put them to the correct faces. How does that sound?”

Esmée giggled and smiled. The boys nodded enthusiastically and set their now rapt attention on the first picture.

It was of my brother when we first arrived at the house we live in today. He was shying away from the camera wearing a gaming hoodie with a very long hood that was partially concealing his face. You could still see his golden braces binding his front fangs.

I was standing front and centre in the picture in a royal purple suit that complimented my eye lights beautifully as quoted from Razzle and Dazzle.

“This is me obviously and my brother Coffee or Pup. My brother as you have met before is incredibly shy. He wasn’t always like this but due to events happening when he was younger he drew into himself and still hasn’t come out. He has a calico Mainecoon that helps him with his anxiety. She’s called Chips she is trained to seek out me or Edge in case of emergencies. She’s helped him a lot.”

Wine swiped on the phone to the next picture. The kids nearly hopped over her arms that had encircled them when Papyrus and Classic came onto the screen.

Papyrus was in the background sitting at the bar with his glasses on studying his course material. Sans was looking a bit ragged having just woken up on the couch. His ever present bags still hanging low underneath his sockets.

“You know these two already of course with them going to pick you up from that wretched place. They are both rather busy at the moment. With Papyrus still at school and Sans working on his side project at the university. They should be home now though. They can’t wait to see you again.”

Wine swiped to the next photo that was of Sniper and Cannon who were both dressed up in fancy suits of red and black pinstripes. Cannon wore his signature bowler hat and was flashing a smile that showed off his gold tooth. Sniper had crossed his arms infront of his chest and was standing proudly in front of his new black SUV.

“You haven’t met these two. They’re both… entrepreneurs and run a business together which is very successful. They won’t be here as much because of that but do come home for meals. The taller one is Sniper. He’s a softie but don’t go around telling people that and he can’t wait to meet you little ones. Cannon is the shorter one. He’s got a bit of a temper but manages it well and is very courteous.”

The next ones were Stretch and Blue. I considered showing them the injuries on Blue and his time in the hospital. I couldn’t sugar coat this one though they needed to know to keep Blue safe.

“ this is Stretch and Blue. Blue is the younger one of the two and is a detective in EMPD. Standing for Ebbot Monster Police Department. It’s run to help and protect monsters and take on cases that some other precincts might not just because the victim is a monster. They’ve done a lot of good in the city which puts targets on their backs. Blue was recently attacked and hurt badly by anti monster thugs.”

I swiped to a more recent photo of him in his hospital bed after we found him. Tubes were running from his small frame to a network of machines around him. He had a magic emission mask over his face to help him breathe. His entire form was under bandages. The variety of get well soon cards by his bedside that were sent from the rest of his team. Humans and monsters alike.

Stretch didn’t leave his bedside for weeks he had to be dragged away from his bedside to get some rest. Which of he only got an hour or two before being straight back to his brother. It was a rough time for everyone.

“ He’s come home now but is still in rough shape. I ask that you be gentle with him whenever you see him. Stretch has also become very protective of him as well. Don’t be intimidated if he does glare a bit. Give him a sweet to become his friend he’s got a massive sweet tooth.”

Next to introduce was Razzle and Dazzle. They were both posing in the picture in bright neon colours. They were going to a neon concert that evening in Ebott park. It was a great experience for all that were involved. They were dressed in neon green and purple with differing headbands to identify which one was which. Razzle was wearing a bright yellow one and Dazzle and bright blue one.

“This is Razzle and Dazzle. I’m sure they told you all about their clothing store. They are both very proud of it. They’ve located in the big mall in the centre of Ebott and have become very popular among the fashion community.”

Mutt and Hound made an appearance next. They were in the garden play fighting with each other to burn off some energy rolling around the place and getting filthy but it was worth it to see them smile.

“These two you already know as well. They are our most rambunctious two. They play fight like this regularly and are best friends with eachother. Mutt, Hound and Pup are inseparable these days and seek comfort from eachother so it’s not unusual to see them together or for them to support eachother. They work at a cat and dog shelter together.”

Next in my lineup was Edge and Crimson. They were sitting together in the living room both looking unimpressed at the camera before them.

“These two are big softies all though you wouldn’t think it. Edge is a lieutenant in the police force and has made headlines with how fast he has risen in the ranks. Red has a degree in mechanical engineering and is working as an aeronautics engineer. “

The last photo was of our most injured residents. Blood and Sweets. It showed them on one of their worst days. Where Sweets was bed bound and unable to move. Blood was in the corner his one eye light warbling in warning at me as I took the photo. He was extremely protective of his brother when he was weak like that.

“I’m sure you are familiar with these two by now as well. Blood and sweets.”

Alvaro chirped at me from where he was sitting on his mums lap. Destrí touched his own skull in sympathy for Blood he looked out of it.

“These two have what we call bad days. It’s when neither of the two of them feel very well and either can’t move or can’t leave their section of the house. Neither of them are recommended for stairs as Sweets has back problems and Blood is likely to forget where he is. So they have a closed off section of the house specially built for them to keep them safe”.

Wine POV

Esmée looked like she was thinking leaning back and staring off into space. I gave her time to process this. Everyone’s names and details were a lot to take in. The kids were jumping in her lap eager to recite the names of those that they remembered.

It’s good to exercise their brains, I wonder what education they had received in the facility. Probably none if I’m guessing correctly none of those racist bastards would ever bother with it.

I’d prefer that they show their excitement in a different way though than bouncing on her leg. They might stress out her fracture and make it into a break. I really don’t want that to happen.

I was saved by Hound though as he poked his head in the room. He darted his eye lights around till he found us in the dark of the room. The kids stilled hiding behind their mums arms.

“Dinners ready. If ya wanna come now.”

“Thank you Hound we will come now.”

I paused and looked over to them to address them.

“Looks like we will have to play our game later sorry little ones. We have food read though you want to come out and meet everyone.”

They looked nervous and anxious but it was better for them to be exposed sooner rather than later. They had to meet everyone eventually. The babybones nodded and got up slowly and arranged themselves so that they were holding on to either pant leg of Esmee’s pyjamias.

Chapter Text

Wine POV
I stood up with the charges following after me. The little ones were scared out of their minds and the mother driven wild with instincts but no one here wants to hurt her hopefully she will realise that and go willingly.

I opened the door to see everyone had gathered around the table and were already tucking in to dinner. They had taken the liberty to put three extra chairs at the table and left my usual spot by my brother open.

The door swung fully open and I stepped out striding to the dinner table to take my place by my brother. He squeaked at me not only welcoming me but alerting others to my presence.

While everyone was looking at me and my emergence no one was taking any notice of our charges which I was grateful for because they were all shaking like leaves and Esmée seemed on edge.

Which was in perspective not a good thing. Half the people around the table she had already met. So I’m just hoping that the people she knows will be enough to ease her.

Esmée POV

I didn’t want to meet any of them at all. My kids were shaking and on the borders of whimpering in fear. They were clinging to my clothes so tightly that their joints that were usually flushed with colour were turning to white.

I was breathing fast myself panicking I never did develop crucial social skills. Being held in a basement for nine years of your childhood tended to cripple you socially.

When I got out I didn’t really help myself either in that department. Hid myself away and didn’t interact with anyone. Too busy building my machines.

One step at a time Esmée. Cmon you can do this. I walked slowly out into the light. One foot in front of the other bringing my children out into the light with me. I could see all the skeletons in the picture at the table. Happily chattering.

I could see seats open for us and plates for us. So they expected for us to eat down here. Alvaro was losing his will to keep by my side as we got closer. I’m surprised he didn’t just run when confronted with this situation.

He was being so brave. We made our way over and sat down. Everyone has stopped talking by now and was staring at us. I stared at them back narrowing my sockets.

I gathered both of them in my arms which is kind of hard to do when you have a sling on one and made my way over. Alvaro had his his face in my sternum. Destrí was looking at all the different monsters that surrounded him.

I sat down gingerly in the middle of the three chairs. The silence was broken by the one I recognised to be Papyrus.

“HELLO YOUNG ONES AND SLIGHTLY OLDER ONE. WELCOME DOWNSTAIRS AND TO YOUR FIRST DINNER WiTH US. “

He spread his arms out wide nearly hitting the people opposite with his hands. He was beaming apparently really happy we were here. As if sensing our anxiety.

“Darling it’s alright if you don’t want to be here. We all understand that you are feeling a bit anxious. Do not stay here because you feel like you have to, you owe us nothing.”

I was looking down at my lap with my hands folded and placed neatly a little out with my sling in place. Alvaro and Destrí were looking up at me for guidance in the situation.

I couldn’t run away from this. I needed to be a good role model for them. Show them how to deal with social situations. Be a good mom.

“I’ll stay if you all don’t mind. I’d like to meet the people I’m living with and I think it’s good the kids get to know you too.”

At the mention of them they hid away. Destrí made an effort to shyly peek up and see the skeletons that surrounded him. Alvaro couldn’t bring himself to do it.

He flinched when I gently put a large hand on his back. Trying to comfort him with the warmth from my hand. He looked up at me with sapphire eye lights that’s were brimming with tears and how stressed he was at the situation.

I looked back at him with an adoring eye light and not wanting to push him any further I opened up my rib cage to him to allow him his own space.

Several skeletons pointedly looked away while several others snuck a peak. I quickly growled at them and they averted their eye light very swiftly.

If I hadn’t have growled at them Wine looked ready to jump across the table at them along with Razzle and Dazzle which I was deeply appreciative of.

Alvaro settled inside with a bit of wiggling and sniffling trying to hold back his tears. He was suppressing his emotions again to when it was more convenient for others. Either that or he didn’t know how to process this particular emotion, leaving him stuck feeling an incredibly powerful emotion which he didn’t know how to react to. We were going to talk after this.

Everyone had settled back to eating their dinner while I sat awkwardly not knowing where to start. First of all the table was huge. Well I guess it had to be to sit 15 skeletons. I had never seen the likes of it before though. It was astonishing.

Second of all every available surface was covered in food. Whether it be the potatoes at the far end stored in a mineral blue Priceline bowl that looked hand crafted or the rice puddings on the other end stored in a woven basket. There was an overwhelming amount of food and I didn’t know where to start.

I never had much to eat. Even before I was stuck wandering the streets unwilling to go back to the orphanage where there was only meagre scraps. My parents just about remembered to throw us a few crumbs of whatever mouldy thing was out of date next before it was on to another torture session.

The facility fed us gruel which was barely enough to feed a mouse never mind small skeleton children. That’s why I sacrificed my food for them so they could feel a little fuller and to take the edge off the hunger.

Point is I never had any food so with this much infront of me assaulting me with all the smells and looks of it. Strangely enough it wanted to make me vomit. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t lift a fork or a spoon to serve some food up for Destrí let alone myself.

I was overwhelmed and it was quickly beginning to become too much. Two plates were placed infront of me. Each stacked high from items around the table. A smaller plate for Destrí and a bigger plate for me. I looked over at Hound who was smiling at me and held the last plate piled high with food for Alvaro.

I smiled weakly back still reeling from my little panic not even seconds ago. I then encouraged Destrí forward which he protested by clinging to me and whining. Refusing to be pushed forward to be able to reach the food.

I didn’t push him recognising the behaviours as he needed a minute to collect himself. I pulled my plate towards me and started nibbling this had to be brought up of course.

“Is something wrong with the food?”

I was addressed by a large and edgy skeleton who by the photo montage I gathered was Edge. He looked worried. Oh no was he the cook and I was silently insulting him by nibbling on his food instead wolfing it down.

“I promise there is nothing wrong with the food. It’s delightful actually but I’ve just got to get used to it. You know the amount of food it enormous compared to what we used to have.”

Everyone stiffened at that and a few looked wearily over at Blood and Sweets. Sweets looked like he was about to cry and Blood whined loudly before getting up and crossing to where we sat.

He whined again and stared at me intently his red eye light swirling and swollen to double its original size.

“Darling if you could eat as much as you can it would be fantastic. A good meal could go a long way in healing you fully. You are allowed seconds we do not restrict food in this house and you may eat freely.”

Blood picked up my fork and got a forkful on before offering it to me. I took it and shoved the food in. Letting the flavours melt and mix on my tongue. I scooped up another fork for me. Looks like we are doing this till the plate is empty.

I didn’t want him to lose out on his own meal though so moving slowly. I grabe his wrist firmly yet gently and looked at him with soft sockets.

“Thank you Blood. I do not wish for you to miss out on your own meal. Please I am okay now. Thank you for your help.”

He slowly rose and bumped our foreheads together. He chuffed against my head before heading back to his own seat settiling down once more. Everyone had watched the little exchange and were apparently waiting for me to take my first bite on my own.

Destrí had moved forward on his own accord and had taken his fork signalling he was ready to eat. Following his lead I picked up my fork and ate the plate. I let the flavours and tastes mix and meld together on my tongue. It was heavenly.

Destrí having taken his first bite of his meal melted into me. I was pretty sure if I wasn’t holding him up he would have slipped right off the chair with how relaxed he became.

Alvaro was still sitting inside my rib cage. I could feel his little soul pounding away erratically. He wasn’t doing too good. I would have to finish up here quickly and get him fed and upstairs to calm him down.

Any severe stress I’m worried might have an adverse effect on his health. Which he could not afford right now. Destrí had fully sunken into my lap now. Completely relaxed and willing to merge with my clothes.

I ate the rest of dinner quickly listening to the conversations around us. Sans, Crimson and Stretch were all huddled together chatting about something. Wine, Razzle and Dazzle were taking animatedly about some job they have with a wedding. Blood and Sweets were staring at me. More specifically the plate for Alvaro.

I had tried to encourage him out but he just pressed himself tighter into my spine. I might have to go away and then come back for even a chance at him eating that plate of food which he sorely needs.

He won’t ever feel hungry again when I’m around. Never again. I had cleared my plate of any scraps. It was as clean as though it was freshly washed. Mutt and Hkund beside me were also licking their plates clean.

I got up to go around the corner to see if Alvaro was coming out. Or to see if I could get him out. Wine, Mutt and hound got up with me and I froze. They all stared at me I had eaten everything. What was wrong?

“ Dear is Alvaro going to come out. He needs to eat for his strength to keep building. Is something wrong?”

Doc perked up at those words fork half to his mouth. I could feel Alvaros soul beat speed up from within my rib cage. If he wasn’t panicking before he was now. I slowly backed away from the table. Wine and docs eye lights following me.

Mutt and Hound moved with me. Freaking me out a bit. They looked concerned, concerned for me.

“Mutt, Hound back off. She needs a little space.”

Now was my chance I grabbed the plate made for Alvaro by Mutt and Hound and booked it up the stairs. I heard them try to follow but was stopped by Wine. Bless that male skeleton he’s a wonder.

I closed the door behind me and set Destrí on the nest. I put a hand on his chest and signaled for him to be quiet as I slowly reached in for Alvaro. Alvaro was panicking. He was sweating bullets of sapphire sweat. His breathing was erratic and his hands were raking at his head again.

I pulled his hands away as I sat down on the floor with him. I held him tightly to my chest and placed one of his balled up hands over my own soul so he could hear and hopefully recognise me.

I expanded my rib age with breath making sure he moved with the intake of breath. Helping him calm down and settle into a normal pace of breathing again. Destrí when I glanced was looking over the side of the nest worriedly.

Alvaro was catching his breath with my help. There was moments where he gasped but he was calming down gradually. Once he settles I’ll give him some food.

I looked around at the blackout curtains in the room and sound preventative measures they placed up and around the place. It was an amazing job.

I will have to commend the ones who did it. Alvaro had fully settled back leaning against my chest and slumping. He must be exhausted and I don’t blame him. Destrí was trying to climb out of the nest. Key word is trying.

The wall facing the door and blocking everyone’s outside view in was too high and he was struggling to get over it. He was determined though and tumbled to the floor in a heap.

He got up and shook his head and toddled his way over to us. He flopped down before my crossed legs and rested his head in Alvaros lap and placed his hands over his.

Alvaro made an effort to look at his brother before flopping back. I hate to do this but Alvaro needed to eat his food before he rested. I placed my chin on top of his head and offered the bowl to him. He turned away.

“Sweet one you need to eat for me. Come on it’s not that bad.”

“Sick mommy”

“I know but you have to have something in your tummy to fill it. Please.”

Alvaro huffed but took the bowl and licked it clean. He was hungry but the sick bit worried me. Why was he feeling nauseous. Is this another side effect of his wound. The doctor did say that didn’t he.

Destrí and Alvaro rested after that falling limp as they drifted off into sleep. I was close there myself and I would have nodded off if there wasn’t a knock on the door.

I had moved us all to the nest when Alvaro fell asleep first. My head raised from where it was resting on top of Destrís leg. Wine entered not too soon after. He looked worried and Sans was behind him.

I chuffed in greeting my tail raising behind me to also give a pseudo wave.

“ I’m sorry to disturb you darling but we had a worry or two and wanted to address it with you instead of having conversations behind your back.”

That implied something that I didn’t want to think about so I nodded for them to come in. They both walked in. Wine striding and Sans trudging behind. I cooed at Sans.

He gave me a lazy grin and a half hearted wave.

“Sup kid.”

I got up onto my elbows resting my head on the wall of the nest. Wine came over and scratched at my temple and as a result I purred. He looked over the wall trying to see the kids and I blocked them with my tail.

“Is there something wrong with Alvaro dear. we need to know.”

I huffed and retracted my head. They have no business touching my kids nevermind handling them. He’s not going to get close.

“Kid we really need to see him if he’s not doing so hot.”

“He’s just nauseous that’s all. He also has never been around that many people before neither of them have. He got nervous and panicked that’s all.”

I responded curtly to them. I was tired and I would probably say sorry in the morning to them about my behaviour. Right now though I didn’t care. I just wanted to pass out.

“I would still like to see him darling. I just want to check if anything’s wrong.”

Wines really pushing this isn’t he. Just got to keep a level head Esmée. He has done nothing to hurt or harm us. He’s given us everything we would ever need and more. The least you can give him is this.

I moved back and picked up Alvaro. He was limp in my grasp as I brought him over to the edge of the nest. Wine and Sans crowded around to better see him as I settled his asleep body to sprawl across my lap.

He shifted a bit to turn towards me and fisted my shirt. He whined and moved a little more obviously uncomfortable. He jerked awake though as Wine laid a gentle hand on his ribs.

He shot up towards me. I caught him before he could knock his injured head into my jaw. He was breathing erratically again trying to calm down after being scared awake.

I laid him on his back in my lap. Tilting his head back and putting his arms in the air to enable him to breathe easier. I had no idea if it actually worked now since we were skeletons.

Wine and Sans had stepped back allowing some room when Alvaro woke up. Wine now was moving in again and was nearly on top of Alvaro. He reached forward and put his phalanges on his neck.

I growled at this how dare he touch my son’s neck. A very vulnerable position for him to be in and while he was panicking. I was going to snap at his hand but instead I let him be when I saw what he was doing.

He was massaging his neck and working his fingers into the grooves that made up the jointing parts of the vertebra. Alvaro quickly started breathing easier and calming down.

Once his breathing settled he was disoriented his fuzzy eye lights and his swivelling head. I don’t think he quite knew where he was. It was when he started tearing up did I speak up and comfort him.

“ Hello sweet one. Do you think you’re a bit confused?”

He looked for me even though I was right infront of him. So I just held him in a sitting position against me and let Wine have a look. He lifted the medical hat ever so slowly peeling it off.

He eventually took it all off and inspected the chasam in my oldest head. I don’t think I realised so in shock at the time how big of an injury it was. The crack went down to the top of his left eye socket and ran in a straight line nearly all the way back to the base of his skull.

Alvaro jerked when Wine touched the wound. He apologised and rubbed around it to soothe him while I took his tiny hands in mine and rubbed his knuckles. Sans came forward with a green glow around his hands and put it on my sons head.

He melted and started purring quietly. I smiled at Sans before gently petting my sins skull while Wine proceeded to manipulate his head to check the wound. He pulled back eventually and let us have the verdict.

“His magic is agitated in there. That’s probably what causing the nausea. You were right dear nothing to worry about. He might just feel sick for a few days. We did have a reason for coming up here Esmée. We wanted to feel out how you would react to going somewhere. Away from the house.”

Leave the house and go outside where anything could hurt my sons. Not keen on the idea no. I know for a fact though that Destrí is going stir crazy from being in bed all day and so am I. I needed to move and get about.

It would be good to get them outside and into fresh air. They are eventually get out anyway and I can’t let myself get in the way of them exploring. Alvaro was still tired and listless all the time. I can carry him around though easily. I have been doing it since he was born.

“I would be open to the idea. Where do you plan on going?”

They looked suprised by my answer but quickly recovered. Sans spoke this time

“We plan on going somewhere engaging it’s exciting for everyone but at the same time easy on the kids and you.”

“Dosent matter about me. It’s a nice idea we would love to come along if you’ll have us.”

Wine reached and grabbed my hand that was stroking Alvaros head.

“You matter too dear. You’re just as important.”

“I’m telling you Wine. I’m not I’m really not. I have done horrible things unspeakable things. My children are pure and clean while i am damaged and broken. I do not matter. As long as they live to their fullest and are happy. I do not matter.”

He looked forlorn and Sans looked shocked that i would even suggest the mere thought of myself being worthless. Wine sighed and held my hand tighter.

“When are we going anyway so I can prepare in advance.”

I say this as I pull my hand away and shift Alvaro to lay beside his brother. Destrí was lying sprawled out on his back. His flushed face so much clearer now than when he arrived. His fever had broken just last night. He was on tyenol now to keep the fever away.

“ We are going tomorrow dear and if you have any doubts or none of you feel well enough, do not be afraid to say you can’t go anymore.”

I nodded my understanding while Sans got up and left excepting that I wasn’t going to talk anymore. He left with a bye kid and closed the door tightly behind him. A little rude that he didn’t chat to us more. Wine stuck around though.

He checked on the kids from afar but I could tell he was itching to do more for them. He had shown nothing but care and concern for us since we arrived. Everyone had but I trusted him the most. I picked up Destrí gathering his way ward limbs into my arms and I passed him to Wine.

He looked at me like I had grown a second head as I offered my youngest to him. He took him as my arms started to shake and held him like I did when he was a baby. He obviously had no idea how to hold a toddler but it was good enough this I left it. Either that or he was too shocked to hold him right.

He checked him over quickly and thoroughly feeling down clothed limbs with the softest of touches. I was reluctant to handing Alvaro to him but I did it anyway. He checked him over to despite doing a smaller, sedate version of it not too long ago.

He handed them back to me with a grin on his face that lifted the creases on his face. He left us alone after that. Shutting the door quietly behind him to let us rest.

I flopped on the bed and curled up. As my sockets drifted shut I couldn’t help but look forward to the next day.

Chapter Text

Esmée POV

Alvaro had woken up from a nightmare kicking and screaming. I was inadvertently holding him down while his brother got far enough away he would accidentally hit him and injure him further.

I was shushing him and stroking his skull. That didn’t work so I picked him up and told Destrí to go back to sleep. His small sockets were already drooping but I could tell he wanted to stay up just to make sure his brother was alright.

I took him outside to the living room with him crying into my shoulder he was still wailing. His dream must have really upset him. I was rubbing his back in small and tight circles.

When that didn’t work I let him know I was there for him and let him cry himself to exhaustion. When he was reduced to a weak grip on my shirt and hiccuping through his cries. I spoke to him.

“Oh my sweet one. It’s alright. It’s over and it wasn’t real. You can relax now nothing happened and we are all safe and away from that place now.”

He let out another wail at the mention of the facility. It must have been a memory of the younger years. They were the worst years. The guards intent on getting my children and hurting them or worse.

As Alvaro tightened up from the expected headache that will probably hit him like a freight train. I held his hand tightly prepared to ride out the waves of pain with him and hopefully encourage him to sleep.

“It’s alright I’m right here with you. I’m not going anywhere. You’re not in this alone my love.”

With that I settled back with him on top of me and let him cry and cry some more. I wasn’t sure how he had any tears left to cry but they kept flowing down his cheekbones as he was hit with fresh waves of pain.

I knew crying would only aggravate it but I wasn’t about to tell my beloved son to stop crying. That wouldn’t help anyone. I let him cry himself to exhaustion. The point of exhaustion where you could no longer keep your eyes open any longer and you pass out.

We are going out tomorrow as well. It’s going to show that we haven’t slept in the morning. They’re going to be concerned and ask questions which they are allowed to do and are totally entitled to.

I sighed dragging a bony hand down my face in exhaustion. I got up slowly to not disturb my sleeping child and made my way back into the nest. Where I collapsed into a heap around my children.

I fell asleep almost instantly but always making sure my boys were warm and sleeping as peacefully as possible. Wrapping my tail around Destrís delicate wrist and pulling Alvaro closer to my chest. I passed out as soon as my skull landed on the mattress with a bounce.

Destrí’s POV

I woke up like I did every morning. In pain and so so tired. But today I had a bit more energy. I heard from mummy and the really nice skeleton. What was his name again? Wine. That we were going out exploring.

I’d never been anywhere outside before. Not unless it was to walk us on leads. Mummy always fought the guards on that. I hid in the nest with big brother. We were always too scared even though mummy says we are big and brave.

I explored for a bit. Running around the nest and peaking over the walls to see more of the bedroom. I quickly tired though and curled up by mummy’s face. She was sleeping peacefully instead of her usual scrunched up face.

Whenever I ask her about it she just says she’s having such a good dream it shows on her facial expressions. I don’t think that’s true though.

I reach out to her face and place my tiny hands on her forehead. Feeling the heat and the smoothness of the bone underneath. I wondered what it would have felt like with skin.

Rubbery, rough or just as smooth just more slippery with grease and body fluids. Me and Alvaro were told that we were supposed to be human. Alvaro was at one point. When he was really tiny.

Then we changed. I like being a skeleton though not when we could have turned out like them humans back at the facility. Who knows maybe we would have ended up at a facility anyway. No one really knows. The universe works in strange ways as my mom always says.

I watched mummy for a little while longer not often do I get to see her sleep. She was always up and about by the time we got up. With breakfast and waiting for us with as much as a smile as she could.

Her smile scars stop her from smiling as much as she could. Sometimes I even see the little winces of pain she does when she smiles to widely.

A knock on the door sounded. I jumped up mummy didn’t hear the knocks she wasn’t getting up. I was unkindly forced to remember a day where the guard poked mummy with those sticks that crackled for so long and so loudly. They did it for so long she fell to the floor and wouldn’t get up.

I shook my head remembering mummy’s new mantra. We are out of there. We are safe. I repeated it to myself for a while. The door opened revealing the really nice skeleton. He was the one that helped me when I was really sick. I like him.

I got up and rushed over to the wall of blankets and peeked over at the nice skeleton that was entering. He was being very cautious. He was walking in the balls of his feet making the least amount of noise possible.

Once he spotted me which was very quickly. Too quickly almost he widened his sockets in surprise.

“Hello little one. Are you the only one up?”

I nodded shyly as he approaches the edge of the nest where Alvaro was lying with mom to his chest. I rushed over to them. Spreading my arms out protectively and trying to get him to not disturb my mom and brother.

They needed as much rest as possible after last night. I may have gone back to sleep quickly after it happened but I can still remember hearing Alvaro’s loud wails from behind the door.

The nice skeleton came over and sat on the edge of the nest. He raised his hands placatingly

“Don’t worry I won’t touch them little one. I’m just checking to make sure if they are alright. I take it was a bad night for these two huh.”

He looked to me for an answer. I was nervous about speaking to him. In all reality I really only met him yesterday. The rest of the time I was out feeling horrible and sore. I still do but it’s not all consuming anymore.

“ Alvie woke up from a bad dream. Mummy picked him up and went into the other room to calm him down. I was the only one who got a full night sleep last night.”

He hummed in recognition and reached for my mom’s head. I growled at him and he stopped and recoiled.

“You have my apologies little one. I should have asked before touching. I will endeavour to ask next time. May I touch your mom’s head?”

I puffed up at the sentence. Damn right he will ask. He’s doing better than the guards they touched what they wanted when they wanted no questions asked.

I nodded my permission and retreated back into the nest while he leaned forward to scratch at my mom’s skull. She seemed to like it. Her face relaxing more and she had begun purring her deep rumble.

Alvaro as a result started to purr as well. The nice skeleton beamed at the response as I curled up in the arms of mom again. I was tired after our chat and wanted to drift off again.

Mom shifted though. Looked like she was waking up. I stayed in her arms though she wouldn’t move me unless she wanted to. Which was not often.

Her eye light sparked to life the damaged one forever empty. She looked at the hand petting her and then to the Skelton said hand belonged to.

She got up quickly after that pulling us closer to her and tucking us in under her spine. She stared at the nice skeleton before greeting him.

“Good morning Wine. How are you?”

“I’m doing quite well thank you. How are you? I heard from Destrí that you had a busy night.”

She looked at me and I shrugged before lying down to face Alvaro who had the same bags under his sockets as mummy. They both must be very tired.

“We did and I’m sorry if we disturbed anyone. Alvaro had a bad dream and woke up panicking. I calmed him down but not before we post a large chunk of sleep. We are fine for today though. We are actually quite excited for it.”

She looked at me when she said that. I slowly came out from under her to sit infront of the nice skeleton. Or Wine as mummy had called him.

“Do you want to get changed then. We leave in an hour. Remember you can stay here if you want to. If Alvaro is too tired or distressed to go.”

“No we will go. We are all very excited and grateful that you have allowed us to go with you. Isn’t that right Destrí.”

I looked up at her. Before looking

“ Yes mom.”

She smiled at me encouragingly as I looked away burying my head under the covers. I listed to the rest of their conversation but couldn’t really catch anything said. Alvaro was shifting beside me. I placed a hand on his skull and stroked it like mom did when she was trying to comfort him.

He settled and eventually the nice skeleton Wine left us alone. Mom encouraged me up to change clothes from the turtle onesie that I was wearing into some outdoor clothes.

They were colourful and my hoodie had a little frog on the front riding a skateboard. Logically I knew frogs could ride skateboards but I suppose it was just to add a fun element to it. I decided I liked it.

Mom left me alone after she gently dressed me. Being careful of the swathes of bandages that covered me. She picked out some clothes for Alvie as I followed her back to the nest.

She gently picked him up rousing him from sleep to gently dress him as he seemed to out of it to do so himself. She then changed herself going into the walk in closet to do so.

In the meantime I had gone over to Alvie to sit beside him. He wasn’t going to wake up anytime soon that much was apparent. Exhausted from his night time scare.

I don’t blame him so I lay down beside him. Meeting closed sockets with my own open ones and held his hand when his nasal ridge scrunched up from discomfort.

Hopefully it’s not one of those sensory overloads. I don’t like those either. Those sheets back at the mean place always set me off. Too scratchy and heavy. Too much light getting in through. They were awful.

Mom came over and picked Alvaro up and encouraged me to my feet. My leg stung harshly and I yelped as I fell to the floor. Mom was at my side in an instant. Picking me up and wiping away the beads of tears that rose from my eye sockets at the pain.

She looked concerned at me. I don’t understand. My leg was feeling better I swear it.

“Do you really feel well enough to go my sweet one? Please do not lie to me about this. It is very important that you heal fully first before doing anything strenuous. If you’re not careful it could get bad again. You could get sick again.”

I nodded fiercely at her. I do not want to go back to bed and rest more. I’ve been cooped up for five years. I never really got a glimpse at the outside. I only ever got outside when the guards took us out for walks. Even at that they just dragged us around on leads and collars.

I never had a chance to run to hop to skip. Never. I wanted to get out and now. I don’t think I could take it any longer when the sweet release of the outside is so so close.

I took one step then another and soon I was walking fluently. The only challenge was the stairs. Mom had to lift me down those. With Alvaro cuddling into mom’s chest it was a little bit of a squeeze but mom got down then quickly enough and released me.

The only other problem now was the other skeletons that now crowded into the foyer. I felt that nasty feeling again. One that started in my rib cage and made everything feel too tight and made me feel small.

I hate feeling small. Mom had started movie towards two other skeletons that were gesturing for us to come over. They were the ones that were named after dogs. Mutt and Hound. They were strange names but I guess you don’t hear many Destrís or Alvaros either.

Mom sat down next to them on a high stool. I couldn’t reach from being so short so I stood on a silver bar and hid behind my mom’s legs. I listened in to the conversation.

“Is it usually this busy around here?”

“Not really. Only when we are going out for events and family outings. We are a rather large gaggle of skeletons. Getting organised is a hassle.”

“If you need to do anything. Don’t be obligated to sit with us. You get organised.”

“Nah you’re good. We just bring ourselves and that’s enough.”

Hound had spotted me and was staring at me. I squirmed under the attention I didn’t like it. Mom had noticed my discomfort and looked down and followed my gaze to Hound. She cocked her head at him.

“Wa’s jus wonderin darlin is he al’ight to be with us. He’s still injured fr’om what I ‘ear?”

“He is but he’s assured me he’s well enough to walk for a while. I may end up carrying him but that’s alright. I don’t mind.”

I looked indignantly up at her. I crossed my arms and pouted and squeaked out.

“I can manage walking for the whole journey mom. I’m not that sore anymore!”

She quirked her brow bone at me.

“Then what was that this morning then?”

“That was a mere fluke. It does not reflect the state of my own health.”

She chuckled and rubbed the top of my skull. They continued their conversation while I looked around. Everyone was busy doing something except for the pair in the corner. Sweets and Blood.

I remembered their names from the game. I was very proud of myself all of a sudden for remembering. I snuck out from under mom’s legs and went over to them. I wasn’t very sneaky as mom’s head snapped to me as soon as my hand left her leg.

I could feel her eye light watching me as I went over to them. They were relaxing against eachother. Basking in the artificial lights that adorned the ceiling.

They were different from the standard LED bright while lights in the facility. There were warm white instead and not blinding. I wondered what kind of wattage they had on them. Going through a list in my head of all the different resistor combinations I could make up to get that wattage.

I was having fun with my little game as I went to sit down by their legs instead. Blood was staring at me with his red orb. I liked that red orb. It showed his uniqueness. Sweets had also started to look at me.

“What are you doing here little one. Should you not be with your mother?”

He looked over to my mom where I could still feel her staring. I had no doubt though that I was safe. Not only could mom leap across the space separating us with ease but also no one had attacked us so far so I’m putting my fragile trust in their hands.

I sat down on the floor and rested my skull on one of their femurs. I was guessing Blood because it was thicker than the other pair of legs that I could see. I leaned back and rested staring at the ceiling as well. Copying what they were doing earlier.

I could see why they were staring now. The ceiling pattern was made up of thousands of little artex swirls. I liked those. They were entertaining to count.

I counted in my head how many times the line went around to create the swirls and then counted how many were in a small area then averaged the length of line it would take to make up that many swirls.

I was interupted when Blood put his hand on my skull. I started out of my calculations. A little annoyed I had been disturbed. Blood started petting and stroking my skull and all annoyance disappeared.

I started purring and melting into the floor. Sweets chuckled above me. We sat like that for 10 minutes while everyone bustled around us. Eventually Wine came front and centre and announced that it was time to leave.

Blood stopped petting me as mom came over to me and took my hand helping me up and allowing me to cling to her leg. Blood came up by her side and smiled at her as she started to shy off. Leading the way to a car I believe.

I had never been in a car. This car was massive as well. My head barely reached the handle of the door. Blood opened the door letting it slide back and stepping in. Mutt and Hound were with us as well as Crimson and Edge.

We went into the back. Mom nearly folding in half to fit in properly. There was a bench in the back and we were guided there by Blood. I was lifted by the back of my T shirt up onto the seat while mom folded herself being mindful of Alvaro into the tight space.

The door closed with a bang which made all of us jump. All the skeletons situated themselves around us. Blood being the closest to us. Sweets had separated off from us to go to a smaller car.

Two skeletons got into the front. Wine and Papyrus. Wine looked back at us from the front.

“Everyone settled. You alright dalring?”

Momma smiled at him

“Yes Wine seatbelts and all.”

“Let’s head then.”

The vehicle jerked and roared to life. I shrunk into myself and whimpered. I clung on to mom for dear life. My sockets stuck in a wide post Orión I couldn’t see anymore so I’m pretty sure my eye lights went out as well.

I could feel mom pull me in close as my entire body tensed at the touch. How was I sure that it was mom. It could be one of the guards! How did they find us? Why are they back? I could feel my breathing picking up.

I was thrown back into a memory of the facility. Alvie was still asleep in the nest. Me and mom were up doing a bit of school time. She was teaching me about Sin, Cos and Tan. Using things around the room and setting them into right angled triangles.

Leaving me up to my imagination to do the rest. I was on my fifth question when a group of guards walked by. I went quiet as we usually do. Mom’s fifth rule of this place was to not draw undue attention to yourself.

The guards spotted me anyway and started to walk towards me grabbing me. Mom leaped in front of me on all fours growling and snarling. I ran for the nest as I heard the electro sticks go off.

They were electrocuting mom there was nothing I could do as I saw the room light up. The loud cracking of the sticks scared me aa the sound etched itself into my mind. Mom refused to go down though and stood her ground.

She growled and snarled and presumably lashed out at the guards. She couldn’t hold them all of though. One of the guards had gotten around her and reached into the nest grabbing me and pulling me up and out into the open.

I saw mom still fending off the other guards even when they smiled evilly noticing what their colleague had been doing.

I heard the cracking of the electo stick behind me. I felt my soul drop with fear. They were going to use it on me.

“Hey freak! Look what I got!”

The shout startled mom as she whipped around to the guard holding me she only had a second to lunge for me as I felt the stick connect with the side of my ribs.

I screamed or I think I did. I only knew the sensation of dropping to the floor and then my vision working again to see the worried face of mom looming over me.

Again my vision cleared to see mom looming over me only with a second skeletal face next to hers. I recognised it as Wine. My head fell into my mom’s as she held my head up as I was now exhausted.

I felt phalanges tapping my squidgy cheek twice.

“Destrí. Wee one come on. Are you back with us?”

I groaned miserably as I felt my non existent stomach churn. I breathed deeply trying to reorient myself and calm down. It was working but slowly. I was lifted into my mom’s arms and cradled there while I regained my composure.

I hated coming out of flashbacks. It was the worst not that I ever told mom about it she didn’t need to worry she’s got enough on her plate. Wine who was peering over her shoulder at me looked concerned and nervous.

“Is the little one alright now? I’m terribly sorry we should have warned you all about the noise or any possible triggers that could happen.”

Momma tried to soothe him of his worries. There was no reason to worry about something as small as a flashback. I was still disoriented from coming out of it. I was orienting quickly though and was starting to look around.

We were in a very large place. It was full of not soo big cars. They were tiny compared to ours seemed to have less seats too. Just beyond that then was a massive colourful building with the words. “Colorado national aquarium”

What’s an aquarium? Alvaro had woken up and was wandering around the general space of Mom. She clicked at him to stay near. He immediately came over and clamped his hands around mommas leg. Keeping close to her.

“Are you alright now Destrí?”

I nodded determinedly. She smiled gently down at me and set me on the ground where I found my two feet. Everyone else had gone on already as Wine and the occupants of our big car followed us.

No

The skeleton group made their way over to the enterance. Wine and the others had paid for tickets in advance to going here. It was their perfect place to take the new charges out for their first trip.

There was lots of places to rest and eat and no matter how many times we go here we are mesmerised at the sight. Never mind the kids who had never been out. Or not old enough to remember.

The ticketer regarded us all with caution. He was scrawny and freckled and very not used to seeing monsters as big as Blood and Esmée. When Blood and Esmée came in to view he started to sweat and tremble.

He trembled as he handed over the required amount of badges for us to enter. Esmée regarded the pins with curiosity turning them over in her hands. The kids copied her.

She knelt down and helped them attach them to their clothes. They all walked forward after getting their badges attached to join the rest of the skeletons that were near the exit.

Alvaro broke off from Esmées leg as she clicked worriedly at him. Telling him to be careful and not to run. In case he lost balance, fell and injured his head more. He couldn’t afford that.

He slowed down though OMC he reached a large circular tank in the centre of the room. It stretched floor to ceiling as colourful fish of all types and colours swam around.

It was mesmerising to the boy that had never seen anything like this. Destrí who had been squirming in his mommas arm. Got put down and joined Alvaro at staring dazedly at the tank.

He started to run around it following the fish and giggiling as he went. Alvaro not ready quite yet to run followed a bright yellow fish with his eyes as it darted in and out of its surroundings.

Everyone had spread out leaving them alone. Mutt, Hound and Wine stuck with the charges making sure they were okay and that no humans came along and messed with them.

Stretch and Edge were already on high alert with Blue. Blue was hard enough to convince to get out. It was for his own good though. He can’t spend all day resting. He needs to become active again.

They were mesmerised the kids I mean. Esmée was prowling around looking out for dangers but she too eventually came over after deeming the place they were currently in safe.

She lifted Destrí up on her shoulders and followed the yellow fish with him as it went higher in its tank. Alvaro had made his way to go further and deeper into the aquarium.

Esmée hurriedly after him with Destrí on her shoulders. The rest of the group moved with her. She stopped abruptly when she came to the bigger area filled with reef fish.

Alvaro and Destrí hurried on desperate to take in as much as possible. While not letting the kids out of sight. She reached down and tightly hugged Wine. He was suprised but eventually returned it.

“Thank you so much.”

“It’s no problem dear. You all deserve this.”

Tears welled up in her socket. The other remaining bone dry. She then hurried off after her children. Her bone tail wagging happily behind. Mutt and Hound made their way after them. Happily chasing and joining their antics.

They were surrounded by a spectrum of colour. It was dazzling and blinding and beautiful. Jellyfish caught the children’s attention first as they plopped down beside the tank.

Watching the jellyfish swim was outwardly calming to the children. As if they were hypnotised the children’s shoulders relaxed and as their heads tracked the jellyfish. They almost didn’t hear their mother calling for them to move on.

They scrambled to get off the floor and over to their momma as soon as possible. When she called you always had to rush as fast as possible to her. It was the rules.

She picked them both up when they rushed into her arms and lifted them high as she excitedly said

“Look at this boys. Can you spot the catfish?”

The boys both looked simultaneously at the information board next to the tank. Identifying the cat fish and combing through the tank to find it. Alvaro find it first and excitedly pointed it out to the others.

“Well done Alvaro. Destrí you can find the next one. Could you find the pufferfish please?”

While Destrí searched for the puffer fish Coffee had slunk his way over to his brother. Wine let him nuzzle into his hand. Knowing how he gets in public spaces. Nervous and uptight.

He was obviously needing a bit of comfort and Wine was happy to give it. A few of the others from the skeleton household were also milling about the fresh water part of the aquarium.

Some of the them were doing imitations of the fish. Making strange faces at them. Some lf them were racing about the place trying to find as many as possibly and match them up to the types of fish on the board.

Wine scratched at his temple letting him go and meet up with the dogs before moving over to their charges whom with one of them was pointing excitedly.

Destrí began excitedly pointing and clicking once he had found his designated fish. Wriggling in his mom’s arms in order to get down and follow it. She allowed him to with ease. She also offered Alvaro a chance but he clung to her like his life depended on it and whimpered.

She cocked her head at him as she lifted him up and close to her. Whispering in where his ear would be.

“Are you alright my sugar skull?”

He just whimpered and clung to her more. Little claw like phalanges pulling at her shirt. She didn’t understand what he wanted but she would let him come to her in his own time. He was obviously a little stuck for words and that was alright.

She held him with one hand under his pelvis and one on his back. She rubbed circles into his back as he snuggeled close. She made a move towards another tank with a small school of fish swimming fast lines up and down their large tank.

Mutt, Hound and Coffee flanked her as she moved her way over to the new tank. She immediately picked up in their presence and trilled at them. Destrí ran ahead making excited gestures towards the fish.

They peeked over her shoulder to get a look at Alvaro. Always keeping an eye on the most vulnerable of them. When they were out with the family they would usually circle around the weaker ones to make sure they were safe.

Lately it had been Blue, Sweets and Blood. They had already accepted the little ones and Esmée as soon as they were carried through the door on their backs. They accepted and treated them like family in a fortnight.

As they got a glimpse of Alvaro on his chest resting on Esmées shoulder and his tiny hands clasped onto the neckline of his mommas t shirt, Esmée stopped and turned to where Hound was looking.

She softened her eye lights as she seemed to understand that they were worried about Alvaro. She was building her trust in the skeleton family. Slowly but surely it was happening.

She got down to sit on her haunches and allowed them to see Alvaro who was blearily looking around him with his Saphire eye lights.

Once Destrí had realised that everyone had stopped he had raced back over to see what was going on. He put his tiny palms on his mums patella and looked over where Hound was near touching his brother looking over him. Making sure he was just tired and not anything else.

Alvaro whined at the close contact with Hound but settled soon after. Snuggling further in to her. Esmée just concluded that he was tried despite the short amount of time they were here for.

Destrí figuring out nothing exciting or worrying was going on and went off to count the fish in the tank swimming around in circles. Esmee got up and went after him where they figured out the average speed and acceleration of the majority group.

Mutt and Hound sat back not having a clue what they were talking about also wondering how kids that young would know these cacualtions. They were mesmerised. The kids spouting out numbers faster than they could comprehend and the mother keeping up with them.

Coffee had sat beside them ans started writing to ask questions. Destrí was the closet to him Alvaro still sleepily clinging to his mom’s shoulder. He turned his notepad around which read “ Do you want to go and see the shark tank with me?”

Destrís red eye lights exploded outwards to where they were almost the size of Bloods eye light. He started shaking and bouncing excitedly on his feet. He turned to his mom and looked at her asking silent permission. She nodded at him before standing up straight and gesturing to Coffee to lead the way.

Mutts POV

The little one was off again. Running everywhere and drinking in everything his little sockets could take in. Whipping his head back and forth like he had never been outside.

He probably hasn’t been outside ever. That stars damned facility was probably keeping them in that tiny cell of theirs. Cramped and scared. If you did one wrong thing you were beaten to within an inch of your life.

I looked to Hound who was following closely behind me. He had gone wild with instincts recently. He was calming down but he was dead set on protecting these children from the cruelties of the surface.

There was still a lot of racist bastards around the place but Wine and Stretch were on the lookout so we were okay for now. It’s only a matter of time really. Hopefully not today though. Hopefully.

Hound had slowed down to be beside me as we walked to the shark tank. The shark ta k was as its name suggested. A massive tank filled with sharks of all kinds. It was Pups favourite place to go in the aquarium. It was of course where he wanted to take them first.

As they made their way through the various tanks. Hound breaking off to go with them after a bit of hesitation on his part. I went to check on the others. Sans and Papyrus were marvelling over a moray eel they had found peeking out of the rocks.

My bro and Dazzle had gone off somewhere with Wine. Probably to the sea snake section. They loved that. Blood and Sweets were taking their time making their way through the exhibits. Poor Sweets was exhausted and sore today. Having a bad night filled with nightmares.

Stretch and Blue had found somewhere to sit down with Blue sleeping on his shoulder and Stretch keeping a vigilant watch over his younger brother. Crimson and Edge were also MIA but that was not unusual.

I circled back around everyone making sure they were all right and unbothered. Finding my bro, Dazzle and Wine in the sea snake section as I had expected.

I made my way towards the shark tank to see a truly adorable sight. Esmee was sitting on the floor enraptured by the swimming sharks. Alvaro was sitting in her lap and following the shark with one outstretched phalange and Destrí was limping about giggling as he tried to keep up with the sharks above him.

Coffee was also sitting on the ground near Esmée writing on his notepad where his favourite sharks were and Hound was keeping an eye on them all.

I snapped a quick picture of them and sent it to the group chat as they would no doubt want to see this sight. I then walked up to them and joined them on the floor. I wasn’t picky about the potential germs on the floor anyway.

I let Esmée notice me in her own time and when she did she turned to me and trilled happily. Alvaro was looking at everyone and everything through half lidded sockets.

The little one was tired and all I wanted to do was wrap him up and cuddle him to make him feel safe. If I tried that though I would probably get my hand dusted along with my entire arm. She had made it very clear that no one was touching her kids except her.

He was tired that much was evident but I wonder what else might be at play here. I know he has a head wound saw it with my own two sockets. That was most likely to be playing into this.

We looked over at the group of humans that walked past us. They were all looking at us. Hesitant to approach us. I don’t half blame them we were a scary bunch. Destrí raced over to us and went straight for his mom.

Esmées head had snapped to the group. You think she would be more trusting as she was once human. She had seen the horrors of humanity and having been abused by her own kind in the facility I say any trust she had in them was long gone.

She watched them carefully as they passed. They watched her back. That was until she bared her teeth a little at one of the humans that seemed to approach just a little too close.

The human recoiled and silently walked away. I was about to sigh out in relief. That could have been a close one. Another human approached a woman with dirty blonde hair in a bob cut. She had a pinched face and looked like she was permanently scowling.

Here was trouble. There’s always one. Me and Hound got up to step in front of the kids, Esmée and Pup. Pup couldn’t get up to defend us even if he really wanted to. One hit with harmful intent could send him to the ICU or turn him to dust. We couldn’t let that happen.

The woman sneered and screeched out “ Shouldn’t exhibits be behind the glass?”

Hound snapped back “Shouldn’t hogs be outside?”

The woman looked outraged and made a move to step forwards once more to have a go at Hound. A deep snarl reverberated around the space. Warning and threatening. One more step and this woman would be toast.

Her group was watching from further away. Sneering and cheering her on. The bastards. Esmée rose to her full height with the kids on the floor. Backs pressed against the glass. Esmée snarled again and loomed over the woman with open jaws.

She opened wide letting out another deep and echoing snarl. She revealed three rows of sharp teeth and licked her open mouth. Going over every individual teeth.

The woman had stepped back from Hound now and was retreating into herself at the sight above her. All attention was now on Esmée and her threatening display.

“I’m warning you now beast you do something and I’ll… and I’ll.”

The woman seemed to be at a loss for words before she glanced behind her and an evil smirk grew on her face.

“Or I’ll do something to those tiny freaks behind you.”

There was a yelp from Pup that had my head whipping around. What I saw made my marrow run cold. One of the group’s associates had broken off and snuck around the back of us while we were occupied by the main aggressor.

He had grabbed Alvaro and was now holding him by his neck while he struggled and whimpered. Esmée whipped around with such speed at the sounds of her child in distress. Her tail made a sound akin to a whip being cracked as her turned.

The filthy human dug his disgusting nails into the hat that Alvaro was wearing. Finding the wound and pushing inwards. Making Alvaro yell out in agony and despair before bursting into tears.

Esmée was furious. She didn’t even wait before she lunged at him and knocked him to the ground without hesitation. Grabbing her child in her jaws as she did quickly transferring him to her tail. She pushed her clawed hands into his shoulder and roared in his face.

It was like a banshee screaming breathless and loud but with an underlying animalistic sound. It was terrifying. She doubled back quickly to grab Destrí and Pup and bolted off.

This was not good. The woman was yelling now about how she was going to call the cops on us and get that animal arrested. The man who had grabbed the babybones was also making threatening advances.

Just in time though Crimson, Papyrus and Edge showed up. Skidding around the corner and rushing to defend us and get the speciesist humans to stop yelling at us. I could tell Hound was about to snap.

I couldn’t move from where I stood stuck staring at the hallway where Esmée had bolted to. She took Pup with her. Pup dosent like to be touched suddenly. He’s going to freak out.

This was not going to be good. As the others backed the humans off. As soon as I was given an opening I darted after them Hound only taking a second to catch on to what I was doing before he was speeding after me.

The others yelled for us to come back but we couldn’t stop not if we were going to find Esmée anytime soon and we had to do it quickly.

She was panicking that much was apparent. Why did she grab Pup though? It was confusing me was it to make sure that others stayed back or did she pick up that he needed to be protected as well.

Any which way she was panicking and a panicking monster without of control magic in a public area spelled disaster. She would get thrown back into that hell hole where we got her from and we won’t be able to get her out.

As me and Hound raced through the aquarium dodging bewildered humans and a couple of confused monsters we finally found her. It wasn’t good. She had crammed herself and her kids into a small tunnel that covered them from the back and she was guarding the entrance to said tunnel with a bone wall.

She must have done it in desperation and panic. The bones were raggedy and crooked. Not at all like the practised and organised bones that come from an experienced magical wielder. They were all over the place allowing for an eye light or two to peek in and assess the situation from inside.

There in the darkness was Esmée her eye light were slits as she held Alvaro and rocked him back and forth. Trying to sooth the no doubt burning pain coursing through his head. Destrí was tucked in close to her. Sitting and resting against her chest and concealed by her large legs that were nearly up to her acoustic meatus.

Coffee was sitting by the entrance to the tunnel. Clearly shook but he was whole and safe for now. I looked over at Hound unsure of what to do and how to go about this. Usually Wine handles these sorts of things. Not us. We are the worst skeletons for this. Two of the highest LV members in the house.

I took a calming breath. Hound was going to be able to do it. More unstable than me so it was up to me to be able to keep everything calm and under control until Wine could get here and properly calm our mother down.

I whispered to Coffee who was just within earshot.

“You alright pup”.

He stiffened before subtly signing with his hands that he was alright and that she was protecting him by taking him. I smiled at that and let out a sigh of relief.

I knocked on the bone wall next hoping to get mommas attention and boy did I get it. She let out another screech that shook the walls and a snarl to follow it up.

“Now that I know I got your attention darling you mind giving us our puppy back. We won’t touch the kids or take them from you we just want Pup back.”

Her eye light flashed in brief recognition before she moved closer to us so she was staring back at us through the wall.

“Just focus on getting rid of these bones and your magic should do the rest.”

She reached out through the bone wall making us step back afraid she was going to swipe at us. She surprised us by grabbing hold of one of the bones and yanking on it. It gave way with a crack and burst of dust.

She did it repeatedly until there was a large enough hole in the bone wall for Pup to climb through which he did almost immediately, letting Hound check him over for himself in order to settle his LV.

Esmée retreated to the depths of the tunnel again where they could hear the kids calling for her to come back. At least Alvaro had slowed down in his crying.

From the wails of agony to the sadness filled crying. Poor kids couldn’t catch a break. Wine rushed around the corner with Dazzle in tow. Razzle had probably stayed behind to calm things down. My bro was the coolest.

We stepped back letting Wine deal with this situation. Dazzle pulled all of us close and as twine stepped forward cautiously approaching the tunnel. He sent us off to get rid of spectators.

Pup stayed with Dazzle. Not keen on leaving a trusted ones side so soon after an attack. The ones with phones were the first to be turned away. I couldn’t believe it. They were filming a traumatised mother and her more than likely traumatised sons in distress it was sickening.

Once they were shooed away with some growls and glares. Then me moved onto the stragglers watching for curiosity and shooed them off. We met a little resistance but overall they went away easy.

The little resistance was from the awe of Esmée emerging from the tunnel. She was snarling again but it wasn’t as severe as with the racist humans. She was warning Wine to back off or she will attack. The kids weren’t with her. I could still hear Alvaro though hiccuping. I could hear his soul call out ful of pain and sadness.

Once everyone was cleared and no one remained we hung back with Dazzle and Pup making ourselves as small as possibly while Wine faced a very angry mother.

Wine POV

I didn’t expect it to happen this soon. Maybe a couple of glares when we went out the door but never to this extent. A full out attack on a monster child.

When I arrived at the shark tunnel I was expecting to see one human raging on how our “existstance was a mistake and how we should go back to where we came from” The usual speech no matter how much it infuriates.

We’ve all had our fair share of encounters that can be recognised. Even Esmée had to endure it in the facility. An attack on her child was bound to set her into overdrive. Finding out that she had taken Pup was only proof of that.

She recognised weak monsters that needed protection and took off. Perfectly understandable It was still viral to go after her as fast as possible. She could injure someone, she could destroy facilities or she could hurt herself her spinal vertebra are fused together. It’s a miracle that she’s walking at all.

I stopped to a halt when I saw Coffee crawling through a hole in a bone wall and safely into Hounds arms. I visibly sagged by brother was okay. Now for the hard part. Convincing Esmée that she and the kids are safe.

I wasn’t told any specifics as I approached. I could see Esmee’s green eye light as I approached. Only that Alvaro was picked up if he was assaulted it was safe to say that she’s angry and protective. If any pressure was put on that skull of his then it was most also likely bleeding. Which would explain the hint of metal in the air.

She snarled as I got close. Deep and guttural. I don’t think she recognised me. This isn’t her. I’ve seen glimpses of her under that rough exterior of hers. Shes bright and playful not at all a tough and violent person.

I approached closer till I was at the lip of the tunnel. I looked inside to see Esmée curled up at the very back with the kids no where to be seen. Her tail was standing ram rod straight with it pointing straight at me.

She hated her teeth and hissed. Curling up tighter stoping when one of the kids mewled. I still melted every time I heard that sound.

“Hello darling. I am so sorry that this has happened. Is Alvaro alright? I know he was lifted.”

She shook her head which worried me. I wondered if Alvaro had gone unresponsive again. Like when he first arrived. He wouldn’t wake up the light was on but nobody was home.

“Alright. Okay. Is everyone else alright? I know that this is scary but we are leaving now. Don’t you want to go home to your nest. Nobody will get the children there will they. We will get doc to take a look at Alvaro and make sure everything is alright.”

She nodded and inched her way forwards before going back and whining. She really didn’t feel safe coming out. It was going to be a fight then.

“Dear i know you’re scared. You’re just trying to protect your kids. No one’s going to stop you from protecting them. But if Alvaro is hurt I need to see him”

She whined louder looking around. Mutt had cleared all the spectators from loitering. She came forward again and I could see the babybones. They were both tucked tightly against their momma.

I could see the red hat was stained purple with mana and marrow. Poor one was in pain that much was obvious. His tiny hands were scrunched tightly in mommas shirt. He was hiccuping slightly still in some distress.

She finally came all the way out and stood to her full height. Holding her children close. Destrí was looking around nervous and apprehensive. Alvaro hadn’t moved.

Esmée moved forward slowly unsure of what to do. She still wanted to hide that much is apparent but she came out that’s what maters. First order of business was to get back to the cars as quickly as possible.

Edge being a luitenent in the police force should help in settling all of this. But we had to walk back through the shark tunnel to get there. Hopefully they had cleared the racist human group.

Crimson was very good at intimidating people out of the way. Everyone had hung back. Allowing us to come out and back in our own time. Sans had turned up though as her legal guardian and caretaker he had to be there at any accident that ms happened.

He saw her coming out and strode towards us. Esmée shrunk back hiding from him. She must think he’s going to send her back after this.

“Oh no no no dear. It’s alright. He’s not going to do anything. He’s just here to make sure you’re safe. I promise.”

I threw a glare at Sans which stopped him in his tracks and signed back to him. Back off. He seemed to take the message in the tone that it was given seriously.

“How about we go home. Back to the car.We will leave and get Alvaro feeling better. I’m so sorry this happened Esmée truly I am.”

The words seemed to be working. Her coming forward again and Destrí staring straight at me. I did a quick once over of him. He didn’t seem t be hurt. In distress yet but thankfully no more injuries. I’m not sure his body could take much more.

I started walking towards the group and she followed as I hoped she would. She readjusted Destrí a bit to relieve pressure off her shattered arm. As we walked forward the others did too.

Mutt and Hound were sniffing around her and locked on to Alvaro. They could smell he was injured and they were worried. We had to get him to Doc and so soon after he was treated as well.

We all got to the cars pretty quickly after that. After a little hesitation from Esmée going through the shark tunnel. She curled up in the back of van that we bought so that all of us could go out without bringing multiple cars along.

She looked lost in though she help Alvaro and Destrí close though and didn’t let any one close. Not that we expected her to she was shown and proven that she was a very protective mother.

We pulled up into the driveway and let everyone go through and into the house first. I got up and lead her into the house and settled in her room again. They all had dots of tears in their sockets.

Alvaro still had not taken his face out of his mom’s shirt. He was scared still stuck in that moment where he was grabbed and that filth pile stuck his fingers into the healing matrix in his skull.

Worst case scenario is that we will have to the disinfecting the wound again which will make him sore and irritated again. With the constant sensory overload he’s having it’s not a good idea to disturb his skull again.

I gave doc a call.

Chapter Text

Doc was to say the least furious over the phone. Everyone was, the fact that someone had attacked and hurt a child who had previously been injured. Edge was working currently with Cannon and Sniper to dish out some justice. I might join in.

Doc was yelling about how delicate that child’s skull was and how it could have dusted him. If not from the attack then from the stress of caused him. My soul stopped at those words. Were their states that bad.

He insisted and pleaded with me to take them to the hospital. To do an ecto check and to check Alvaros skull and mana levels. I said we would have to ask Esmée. I had just got her up there as well.

Hopefully she would agree as me and Doc opened the door to the room. Alvaros now purple hat stayed on as he clung to his mom sobbing his sockets out. Destrí was close by also crying into his mom’s femur. She had one hand on Alvaros back rubbing circles and one hand on Destrís head soothing him.

She relaxed looking relieved when she saw us both. Destrí stiffened beside her

“Shhh shhh little one it’s alright. We are not there. We are here in the now. Nothings going to hurt you. “

She looked at us as she signed flashbacks with her hand that she took off Destrí for a moment before immediately soothing him again.

Flashbacks were dangerous but we had both dealt with our fair share of them. Doc went over to Alvaro who flinched violently when he sensed a presence next to him.

He whimpered and struggled and cried more. Esmée looked ready to cry herself before she toughened her resolve and started to sing.

It was gentle and calm. No of us understood the words though. They were in a language I couldn’t understand.

The babybones started to settle and Alvaro promptly passed out from sheer exhaustion. Destrí was still awake but he was starting to feel the effects of exhaustion as well.

Esmée sighed at the end of her song. Long and suffering and looked down at her children. Doc came forward. Eager to check out Alvaro. Esmée let him take her child which I was very surprised at. I came forward to comfort Esmée reaching out with my hand to grab her own.

She looked at me and gave me a weak smile. Doc was whispering to himself as he slowly and gently took off the purple hat.

The sight underneath was not pretty. His head had started bleeding again as it was now running down his face no longer being contained by the hat. Doc cursed as he tried to contain it as much as possible. Esmée squeezed my hand and as I looked up I saw emerald tears in her one socket.

As doc continued to try and control the bleeding we saw that the crack had widened. It was now able for me to ball up my hand and put it in whereas before I was only able to fit a phalange or two in.

Doc looked at me desperately he was running out of ideas on how to slow the bleeding I needed to go ask the question.

“Esmée, we don’t have the supplies to treat Alvaro properly here. He needs a hospital. Doc is the head of the monster ward and can get us anything with a snap of his phalanges. Alvaro needs extra care to stop that bleeding.”

She had paled as I expected her to her tears were now freely running down her skull. She nodded shakily her permission to Doc and he was off. Calling one of the teleports in the house to take him there.

He would call upon Stretch for that as he is known to have the smoothest teleports in the house. I knew Esmée wasn’t going to sit around so I called for Mutt and Hound to take us as well.

Esmées POV

We arrived with a pop. With me stumbling forward but catching myself with Destrí in my arms. He clung tighter whimpering. Wine, Mutt and Hound guided me along until Docs office came into view.

I tried to push inside as I could see Alvaro and multiple people around his head. I growled and my tail whipped.

“Darling I know you don’t like other people touching him. They are all there to help him though. Please understand.”

Wine had put his hand on my shoulder. I forced myself to calm down. It was not fair for me to stop him from getting the medical care he needs. Doc was there as well overseeing the care. It was only when they put an injection into his arm that I really started acting up.

I started pacing with my tail whipping side to side violently. I was so angry. How could I have let this happen. To be so stupid as to let my guard down for one second.

A while later I had collapsed against the wall of the doctor’s office. Destrí had clung on to my sleeve trying to comfort me and calm me down. Wine had sat down beside me as well trying to calm me down as my skull was in my hands.

Doc opened the door looking tired but relieved. I shot up and immediately making my way towards him. Worries spilling out of my mouth before I could stop them. Doc held up his hands.

“Woah woah woah. I get your worried I would be to. I’ve seen plenty of worried parents so I’ll get straight to the point. Alvaro is alright. He lost a lot of mana and magic but he will make a full recovery. We had to put him under in order to cauterise the wound. He’ll be listless and confused when he comes around. He’ll be fine though and will make a full recovery. I won’t keep you any longer but just keep quiet as much as you can please.”

As if I would be anything but. He gestured to the open door. I almost ran into the room. Letting Destrí run ahead of me. He was also immensely relieved that his brother was okay. Alvaro was lying on the a bed in the middle of the room. wires and electrodes on his head to monitor activity and an IV feeding mana to him.

I knelt by his bed side. Providing a climbing frame for Destrí to climb to see his brother better. I reached out to stroke my boys cheekbone. Not daring to anywhere near his head lest I dislodge something. He didn’t react as he would normally at it broke my soul.

Destrí had started crying again. I started to soothe him.

“It’s alright mo grá. Please don’t cry. Alvie is just sleeping he’ll come back to us. He’ll be delivered from the arms of sleep into ours and he’ll be better again I promise.”

Wine had come in to stand by me and offer a comforting hand. I looked at him softly Doc was standing beside him with a handheld device in his hand.

“ I know this is hard right now Esmée but do you mind if I run some tests on all of you?”

Wine glared at him which made me immediately distrustful of his intentions.

“That was a bit soon don’t you think. Give her some time with the babybones then you can ask.”

“I’m afraid not Wine. Something could be seriously wrong and we will have no idea, if we do these tests now though they’ll be out of the danger zone.”

I sighed cutting them off. “Do your test Doc but I want to see everything that’s happening. Are we understood.”

“Yes of course Esmée I’ll get everything set up.”

He set about pulling machines over to a spare bed in the corner. I dropped by head into my hands and said quietly “How could I have failed this badly?”

Wine touched my face gently tilting it towards him. “Darling I would appreciate it if you stopped talking like that to yourself. You did not fail. It’s the scum out there that think they’re better than us, that think they can hurt us without consequences. They are to blame.”

Destrí was curled up in my arms while Wine was comforting me. Doc called us over suddenly jerking me out of my daze of watching Alvaro’s chest rise and fall. Confirming that he was still fighting his way back to us.

I got up and walked over sitting on the bed that was just as clinical as the ones back when I was rescued all those years ago. The leather crinkled and crunched. I set Destrí down next to me as Doc came over and scanned us both.

The data gathered from the scanner went to a screen on the opposite end of the room. Immediately red warning symbols popped up pointing to different parts of our bodies.

As Doc went over and studied the screen. Destrí leaned on me and started to fall asleep. I don’t blame him. I’m actually surprised he didn’t fall asleep sooner. I laid him on his back and I lay beside him curling around him.

He snuggled in as Doc came back over with results. “Your fracture on your leg is stressed out and Destrís right leg might need draining again but apart from that everything looks good. There is something I would like to address though. My scanner has picked up numerous scars everywhere on you. The most worrisome of them is on your neck. It doesn’t show on the bone but with an ecto scan we can see the full extent of it.”
______________
I knew about them. The bane of my existence those. Those particular scars he’s talking about were caused by my dearest mother. I had managed to spit on her as she was torturing my brother. Enraged she sliced through my throat to the major veins. She then peeled back the layers of skin so you could see them pulsing and kept it peeled back for weeks.

Even after I got out of that place they would get infected and cause egregious amounts of pain. I tried to fix them key word tried the only thing that helped was compression and even at that the pain relief was minimal. I didn’t want to feel that pain again. The pain that kept me paralysed for days as it raged.

I shiver involuntarily thinking about them. Of course Doc picked up on this. “You know about them don’t you. I take it’s not a pleasant experience.”

I sighed wondering if I should tell him or not. Probably not. I haven’t told anyone. But if he was going to forcefully summon my throat then I don’t particularly want to be here to feel that pain.

That means though going under, not only am I terrified of that but it would leave me and my children vulnerable. Wine is here though and has shown nothing but kindness towards us. Maybe just this once I can take a chance and trust them.

Just this once. “I do. If you are going to forcefully summon them though. I do not want to be present for that. They hurt.” I said that last but quietly into myself but I pretty sure Doc still heard it.

“You know the only way to avoid the pain is to go under.”

“I’m fully aware. Im hoping I can trust you enough.”

Wine smiled she was finally trusting them.

“Of course dear. I’ll look out for the two of them and they’re familiar with the dogs so they’ll be in here too.”

I nodded to him and shakily relaxed while Doc got a sedative. I forced myself to calm down and allowed Doc to get close to my neck and inject the sedative. Almost immediately I could feel myself slipping away. I was less panicked this time though. I just felt overwhelming clam swallow me before darkness took hold.

Wine POV

Destrí had to be moved if we were going to do a full examination on Esmée. As i gently lifted him up supporting him by his pelvis and back he clung and curled into me. Not willing to let go. I sighed accepting my fate. Hopefully he won’t wake up too scared seeing me holding him instead of Esmée.

Doc pulled the machine overhead getting ready to force the ecto into place. I was almost horrified to see what will be revealed. Those scars on her face already. Jagged and sore must be so painful for her to deal with. Losing the ability to smile is painful in more ways than physical.

The machine hummed with power as doc turned it on and brought it close to Esmée’s chest. I looked away out of respect as her shirt was removed. Doc was strictly clinical so I trusted him enough. The dogs were still outside and will be brought in after this to save her some dignity.

As I looked as her chest was summoned and ecto breasts formed. I was horrified by the sheer amount of scarring that had appeared. It ranged from burns to gouging deep scars. Her breast on her right side was completely mauled and her left side had a painful looking chunk taken out of it.

How did she feed her baby bones when they were just born? Was the facility kind enough to provide formula. I highly doubt it. It must have been extremely painful for her every feeding.

After a while Doc of taking down notes on her upper chest area. Doc moved up to her throat to see the scars there. The ones that were so reportedly sore by Esmée she would rather be knocked out than experience them again.

I was kind of glad she was out. She didn’t need any more pain in her life. The scars were wide. If I didn’t know any better I’d say they were still fresh wounds. We could see the inner workings of her throat. I had to look away so horrified by the sight.

Doc moved down to her stomach quickly after that. We would get to see how extensive this starvation was. As her emerald green fake flesh summoned her stomach it was just as unhealthy as I thought it would be. It was gaunt and faint like I expected. Healthy flesh you should not be able to see the ribs once summoned, now though I could count every rib and see every bone jutting out through her ecto.

The damage was severe. Doc was taking notes on a screen that would later go into her file. I reached up to Esmée’s face to pet it. She didn’t deserve this. No one did. I knew she was nervous. Her entire body screamed at us that she was scared with what was happening. Even if she was out I was going to comfort her.

Starvation aside. There was deep and gouging scars ranging up and down her torso there was flesh missing in some places from where it appeared as if someone carved her open in multiple places.

There were burns from electricity. There was scars that raised up and rolled down her like mountain ranges. There were stretch marks no doubt from her past pregnancies.

There were words scratched into her hip bone as well, which was odd. Doc asked my assistance with rolling her over to see what was inscribed.

Once I had set Destrí down with his brother. Curled up under the blankets did we grab ahold of her hips and turn her gently onto her side. Here inscribed on her hip bone was the names Cameron and Kennedy and then underneath it the disgusting words torture pet.

Doc sprung away from her like he had been burned. I was stuck staring at the engraving that looked like a three year old child had done it. I let her go gently letting her rest on her back once more. Before calmly walking out the door and into the other room. Ignoring the dogs queries and only stopping when I heard my brother calling for me.
______________
I only acknowledged him before I went to the LV chamber. Designed to hold the more volatile of us if we ever get angry enough for us to lose control of our magic. As it sealed behind me I let out a yell of pure unrestrained rage before a burst of magic exploded out of me.

I continued to yell and release my magic violently until wave after wave I felt my resolve move back into place and my anger dampen. Only dampen, it would never be gone.

The door released and I collapsed on the ground in front of it. Mutt and Pup were already there with monster food to replenish my energy. Having outbursts like that always drained me beyond magical exhaustion. Looks like Razzle and Dazzle get plenty of snuggles tonight.

I ate the food quickly to get back to Esmée quicker. She entrusted me with looking after her kids and I just left them alone. Well not alone but with people she didn’t know as well as she did me.

She trusted me but I needn’t have worried as Hound was already with an awake Destrí in his arms and a stirring Alvaro right beside him. He looked up at all of us when we entered. His dog like tail wagging behind him as his face lit up in a childish grin.

He was just happy one of the kids chose him to snuggle with. He always liked children but he was either too scared of hurting them or they were scared of him. Now though Destrí seemed content to snuggle with him.

Esmée was covered modestly as Doc continued his examination shaking loose the shock that comes with finding someone was branded. Who were they though. Filthy beings obviously. I wonder if the mafia brothers can do anything for me. Dig up their address so that they can have a bad time.

For now though back to examination. By the looks of it Doc was nearly done. Mutt and Pup went over to join Hound and Destrí. As I walked over Doc was trying to roll her over on to her belly. Presumably to check her fused vertebra. I lifted her with blue magic and quickly put her back down. I have a feeling she wouldn’t appreciate being lifted without her knowledge.

As Doc cut away the thick bandages covering her spine. We got to see the progress made by the corrosive gel. It was doing its job that much was certain. The spine vertebra was breaking apart but it was inflamed and angry.

A mewl like sound called out in the silence of the room. I looked around at Destrí only to barely see him tucked away in Hounds fluffy jacket. I looked over to the bed where my wine red eyelights met sapphire blue.

Alvaro was awake and calling for momma. She couldn’t answer him right now though so I had to step up.

I approached him slowly and spoke softly.

“Hello little one. Mums not available right now she is asleep and needs the rest. Is there anything I can do.”

I had come around to sit down on the edge of the cot he was on. He looked fearful. His mom was always around. She always had time for him. She had never not answered a call. What he wants was certain. He wanted him mom.

She was under the influence of sedatives though and wouldn’t be able to get up and assure him he’s safe. He clicked and made strange sounds in his throat. That I was sure were not natural.

Destrí suddenly popped from Hounds jacket got under the covers of the bed and traveled his way up to Alvaro peeking his head up from under the sheet in the cutest display I think I’ve seen from him yet.

He answered with some weird clicks of his own and snuggled up under Alvaro’s arm. Settling and starting to purr.

Something happened between the two of them. A secret conversation that I could never hope to understand. Doc had finished with his exam and dressed Esmée again. Next was Destrí if I believed correctly though we promised not to do anything without Esmée around so we held off and just relaxed around the room until Esmée woke up.

Time skip

She came to with a start. Her tail lashing out and hitting a tray as she got off the bed as fast as she could. The tray fell with a bang. Waking up her children and Mutt who fell asleep.

“Easy Esmée everyone’s safe. You’re safe.”

She was looking around wildly until she spotted her children. She then gave a massive sigh in relief. She walked over to them unsteadily which Doc discouraged saying that the drugs were still in her system and her freshly bandaged spine should be resting.

I helped her walk over and she flashed me a grateful smile. She climbed onto the bed surrounding her children with her body. Hugging them tight and checking them over.

Alvaro was still weak but he was blearily opening his eyes at his mother’s ministrations. She was stroking his cheekbone and placing skeletal kiss after skeletal kiss all over his forehead.

He whined at her to stop she just kept going though. Doc stepped in and said he wanted to do the examination on Destrí next. She complied happily and picked up Destrí who squirmed.

“Now when I force your ecto into place it’s going to feel weird and there’s going to be a pinch alright. Your momma will be there in case you need a hand to hold.”

Destrí nodded and grabbed ahold of Esmée’s hand. I came over to watch and supervise. Doc doesn’t read facial expressions well. So if Destrís in pain I will be able to stop him and discourage him from going further. Until Destrí has had a break.

The machine hummed once more with power as Destrí’s shirt was pulled up and off him. The machine was lowered and ecto forced into place.

Ruby red ecto appeared if not a little more opaque than the mother’s. His ecto stomach had started to rise as well. Meaning that his soul was observing the magic in the food and reversing his starvation.

There was circular burns in his collarbone and his stomach had a few deep scars. On his legs there was the breaks and then flesh wounds caused by the break which Doc healed swiftly. There was also irritation and more circular burn marks. Doc concluded though that the leg didn’t need extra draining again. Which I sighed in relief at.

The more I looked at those burns though the more they looked like cigarette burns. After Doc had taken all of his notes he turned the machine off and let the magic rest.

Esmée was nuzzling Destrí telling him how well he was doing and how brave he was. Destrí was squeezing his mom’s hand tight. He was able to get through the entire examination without taking a break.

Though he was exhausted after it. Falling asleep in his mom’s arms on the way back to the bed after he put his shirt and jeans back on. Now was time for Alvaro. Now that he was awake he didn’t need the electrodes on his head.

Doc removed them swiftly and set up the ecto machine so that it was standing over him. Esmée held his hand as Destrí was still attached to her like a koala bear.

The machine hummed for the last time. Sapphire magic jumped to life. Alvaro groaned not so much in pain but more like confusion. He squeezed his mom’s hand tight.

Alvaro’s chest was littered with tiny scars. On his stomach there was a massive burn like he had been hit by an electrical wire. His legs were covered in tiny scars as well. On his ankles were the worst damage to the ecto though.

There was irritation from ropes and a knife slash from the top of his ankle bone all the way around. Like someone tried to sever his foot from his body. I’ll have to ask Stretch if he has any info on how that happened.

Esmée flinched when she saw it. It was another horrid memory for her. I wonder if there were any good memories of them. Playing around in their cell. Making up games. Doing anything that vaguely resembles a childhood. It was probably just wishful thinking on my part though.

Now that all the examinations were done and over with. We had to let Alvaro rest for a while. Having lost all that mana was really taking a toll of him. Esmée was still exhausted from the sedative. Her sockets were drooping from where I stood.

I went around her to place a hand on her skull and gently guide her down to curl up around Alvaro. Destrí was not ready to sleep and was already on the floor. Moving about. Esmée collapsed next to Alvaro and was out within a few minutes with comforting pets and assurances.

Destrí was toddling over to where the dogs sat watching it all. He went over to Hound and started climbing him like he was a jungle gym. I huffed out a laugh and sent a picture to the group chat much to Hounds chargin and mumbles about his reputation being ruined.

He let the child climb him anyway. Perfectly content. As I went outside to make a phone call.

Edge POV.

I was standing beside the mafia brothers as their intelligence agency worked on finding these pricks. We had heard from the family group chat that Alvaro was rushed to the monster ward upon returning home.

Which meant that prick had done enough damage to seriously injure that sweet child more. I was surprised the little one hadn’t crashed sooner. He was tough that was for sure.

On top of rooting out the facilities scum we also had to now find these guys. It was no amount of hard work though. Everyone in the family was behind these kids and their mother. We had no shortage of aces up our sleeves because of it.

Sniper was working on directing their intelligence to find out addresses and blackmail. Cannon was working on the more practical side of things. I was just there to supervise to make sure they didn’t do anything too illegal and also to maybe have a bit of fun myself.

The law and order service was good yes and it did some serious and good work in the community. It was all a bit tedious after a while though. Not like in the underground there you could really let loose.

It was a bit of a downer to find out murder was illegal on the surface. Didn’t mean you couldn’t find ways around it. What better way to do so than to rid the Earth of just a bit more racist trashbags.

The call from Wine was unexpected though. Usually he turns a blind eye to these things being a lawyer and all. He was just as determined to find justice for them as all of the rest of us.

As Sniper barked out another order behind me in his Brooklyn drawl. I answered the phone to Wine.

“Have you found anything yet?”

“As a matter of fact yes we have. Those two scumbags that attacked the kid were part of an anti monster group well known around the city. They were sent there to antagonise monsters. Not target just antagonise. Turns out they got a little bit carried away. How are the kids and mom?”

“They’re as alright as they can be. Alvaro is stable once more. Destrí is up and playing about and Esmée is watching it all. We did ecto checks it’s really not good.”

“That’s worrying. We have already found half of the guards address’s we will get them all soon enough. It’s unfortunate that this has happened we will get to them soon though. They can’t hide forever.”

“Indeed they can’t. I’ll leave you to it then. Don’t do anything to harmful and tell those two don’t forget dinner. It’s not healthy”

Sniper who was listening in shouted back

“WE WILL NOT WINE THANK YOU!”

I heard a chuckle

“Yeah yeah I just care”

“Thank you Wine I’ll drag them home if I must. That is a promise.”

“Understood”

The call stopped just as Cannon walked back in knuckles dripping.

“Don’t let Wine see that.”

“I tend to clean up after myself you know. I’m not a total scumbag. What was mother hen saying?”

“Make sure you don’t miss dinner and that the kids are alright. So is mom.”

“That’s a relief.”

He said as he walked away.

“I’ve got a new lead you coming edge lord.”

“Oh you can guarantee it.”

Esmée POV

Everything aches. I pretty sure I should be used to it now. I got up slowly smelling the foreign surrounding. Everything was too clean. Desrtí out of the corner of my eye was playing hide and seek in the very small room with the two other large skeletons

Doc was at his computer typing away probably the results of the tests they did. I know he saw everything along with Wine. The burning sin that was the inscription of their dirty names on my hip burned at the thought. I wonder if he saw the mess that is my chest as well.

Stars was that painful to endure. I just want to forget about it. After all this action today my joints are going lock up and I’m going to be in pain for a few days.

I’m going to have to prepare my boys. I only hoped that Wine was not acting. That this kindness is true. It’s not just some weird freaky dream. I’ll tell them tonight that it’s emergency protocol 2.

Emergency protocol 2 was meant for when I go into a lock up. The boys will hide together and protect each other while I’m out. I will suffer while they stay protected. If they were ever found they run to me and I’ll put myself through excruciating agony to protect them.

It’s happened before and they’re well versed in this. I can only hope that they can stay hidden long enough. Looking at Destrí now though he’s laughing and running about.

He’s enjoying himself with these two other skeletons. It’s quite remarkable I’ve only ever seen him play like that with Alvaro. He’s never had anyone else. I guess now was a time for expanding that circle.

Wine sat next to me and reached out. I flinched away a little. He still picked up on it though. He held his hand out flat and allowed me in my own time to relax into his hand.

I did slowly reach out and put my heavy skull in his hand. I huffed and began to purr as I fully relaxed after all the stress. Alvaro came up behind me and rested his now freshly bandaged and hat done head on the side of my rib cage.

The hat was knitted in blue and white fluffy thread. The hat was also covered in skulls and crossbones and on the side stitched in silver thread is the name Alvaro.

Apparently Papyrus had been knitting it for a while. He said that most of the clothes that Razzle and Dazzle had gotten don’t go with a bright red hat so he made one that was more neutral.

He loved it the second he lay his sapphire blue eye lights on it. He hugged and cuddled it for a while before enlisting the help of Doc who I thought might never stop writing notes to put it on.

He smiled and wriggled in happiness before going around the room and showing everyone. Bounding with joy and giggling.

Doc said we could go home soon. We would have stayed the night under observation if we didn’t have a resident doctor in the house. We were apparently very lucky. As Doc straightened his tie and glasses.

I thanked him for helping and treating us. He lit up like a lightbulb as I was worried if I had somehow broken him. Wine waved off my concern though. Saying he’s not used to compliments.

Which I was appalled at. All the hard work he’s doing and he never gets appreciated.

“I don’t do it for the appreciation though. I do it to see the smiles on other peoples faces.”

I was quick to say back “But not your own.”

A brief look of conflict came across his face but as soon as I recognised it. It was gone. I decided to leave it. It wasn’t worth poking a bear.

Stretch entered the room from the door furthest to us. Had he been here the whole time? I looked to the others in confusion they all just seemed as confused until I looked at Wine.

He had a smile on his face as he got up to go out the door with Stretch. He had to be pulled away a little as he kept staring at me. I bared my teeth a little and he was quick to go through the door.

I was curious as to what they were talking about so I let the others continue with their business and I put on a display of going back to sleep. In reality though I was engaging my hearing to hear the conversation outside. I knew it was rude and that I shouldn’t be doing it.

I wanted to know what they saw when I was out. What secrets had I just revealed?

“….there was nothing on those names. I passed it on to the mafia brothers Wine. I even did a bit of digging myself. There was no major incidents or police reports involving a Cameron or Kennedy.”

I tensed and then quickly forced myself to relax. They saw that. They saw that. Oh no. Even thinking of their names makes me shiver like something icy has just drenched my body.

Makes sense though that stil after all these years that there is no trace of them. I am the one to have ended their lives after all. I am the one of deleted any electrical or handheld trace of them.

The only one that would have any access to that case and the records would be precinct 43. Depends if the sergeant is still there or not though. Most of the people retired after my case. Too screwed up and too cruel what was fake to those children to continue on.

The sergeant though he is my guy. He still continued on with the police force after my screwed up case. He even visited me from time to time. No one did that, ever. I was too creepy and weird to be around.

He showed kindness to me though. So I gave him anything and everything he asked for. A copy of my case included. A luxury hospital for his wife to give birth in. It was given to him without a second glance because he was my friend.

I wonder if I could get back in contact with him. It had been so long. I want to introduce him to my kids.

Wine and Stretch were still talking in the hallway but more pressing matters were grabbing my attention. Like Alvaro tugging on my dead socket.

I lifted my head and rolled around trapping him under me as I groaned. “You know that hurts sweet pea.”

He giggled and pointed at Destrí who I had failed to notice was under the sheets until he jumped out at me and landed on my face.

I groaned again as he tried to climb and playfully batted his sides with my hands while wriggling being careful of Alvaro.

“Uhhh I’ve been defeated by the might Destrí what ever will I do.”

He laughed victoriously while letting out a shout

“Except your fate mother. You'll never defeat me."

"Is that so huh."

"It is so."

"What if I do this then."

I grabbed his T shirt in between my teeth and rolled away from Alvaro. Getting off Alvaro but bringing Destrí under me as I rolled onto him.

He laughed and giggled as i got up and started tickling his ribs. he had gone from laughing to squealing as i tickled him.

"n-n-noooooo staapppp it"

"Nah don't think i will little Monkey"

He continued to laugh and howl until Wine came back in with Stretch in tow. I eventually stopped my tickle attack and let him pant and gasp on the bed while i brought Alvaro up beside him and collapsed into our little made up bone pile.

They groaned but eventually settled as i lay on top of them. Wine came over and sat on the bed he reached out and touched my spine. i flinched a little before looking back at him and smiling before flinching again at the pain that caused.

I smiled all the same though.

"Are you ready to go home Esmée. Doc has cleared Alvaro to go home. He requests though that he doesn't strain himself and that he also continues taking his medication. With just a little increase.”

Okay I could do that. I nodded at him to signify that we were ready. Mutt and Hound stood up at the nod and as I held my two children in my arms. One cradled in a sling. I reached out to take the outstretched hand of Mutt who in a flash had us standing in our room again.

That was a fantastic trick. Would I be able to do that once I had control over my magic? It would be so cool if I could. Imagine how easy hiding would be then.

I settled in to the nest as everyone left us to rest. I sighed though knowing that we weren’t going to get much. It was time for emergency protocol 2

Chapter Text

Alvaro POV

She had initiated protocol 2. Mommy only did that when she was still for days and in pain. With these new skeletons about though it would be a gamble for whether she would get beaten because of it or taken care of.

Depending on which they showed is determining whether we show ourselves over the past few day or not. We were going to sneak down tonight to get some snacks. Those will keep us fed.

Mom was already starting to lock up though. Even if she won’t show it we could feel it in her movements. The way she would just stop sometimes or stumble when her leg locked.

It wasn’t fair and I just wanted to tear at something for the injustice of it. My mom hurt and beaten by those worms had to suffer life altering conditions like chronic pain where those disgusting fish walk off scot free and with a pay check

I wanted to yell and yell until my non existent lungs gave out. If I did that though my head would just hurt more than it already did.

Maybe when my head is better. For right now though. Grabbing snacks. Mom was reading the post it notes on the cupboard trying to decern which cupboard was which. I knew the big sliver thing in the corner was a fridge.

Mum had described it to me as we snuck down the stairs that night. I went to that first. It will probably have bottles of water in it that we can grab. Never food though. It’ll go bad and make us sick.

Mom had opened a cupboard far above my head and was pulling non perishables out and filling in the gaps the items left behind. I struggled to open the door but eventually it gave way with a strong tug.

I shivered as a blast of frigid air came at me. I persevered through getting water for me and Destrí enough to last a few days.

Destrí was by the entrance to the kitchen which was in the shape of a massive arch to keep guard. He toddled his way over to us and pulled at mom’s leg. She whipped around and grabbed both me and Destrí from the floor.

She vaulted over the island in the middle of the room and ducked behind a very large dining table. The same one we were at once we came out of the movie room.

The front door was opened and in lumbered in some of the skeletons. These ones were big and tall though. Almost rivalling the size of momma. She didn’t seem to recognise them though.

They didn’t spot us as they went over to the kitchen to brew coffee if I had to guess from the smell of it. Mom was cautiously looking over the back of the chairs we were behind seeing when it was safe to move.

They left eventually up the stairs and into their rooms. Mom sagged against the chair before tensing up. Doubling over and nearly dropping us. Her face was tightened up in pain. We really needed to hurry this up.

“Stay here momma. I’ve got this. So has Destrí. You got snacks right?”

She nodded slightly then pulled us close and leaned down touching foreheads with all three of us. She huffed at us before sagging against the chair. This was approaching and fast. We had to be quick before mom couldn’t move.

We had to pull this sort of heist off before. When back at the facility. Mom would lock up after big fights. We had to go with her to get food and water back then too.

We went through the routines of thoroughly checking that nothing was misplaced or looked out of order before checking that we had enough.

We most definitely had and enough water to boot. We went quickly back to momma. Holding our spoils as she quickly picked us up and nearly ran up the stairs. With her locking up though it was a rough ride.

We got back to the room and quietly closed the door. We let momma get into the nest and collapse before we hid all the food we had gathered around all the tables and chairs. Before finding a place behind the nest buried in blankets and pillows.

No one would be able to find us here as I pulled Destrí in and held him close. Momma was still close as well that if anyone did find us we would be protected immediately by momma.

I settled down with Destrí close by. He had been clingy ever since I woke up. Even though I can’t really remember what happened. I was just suddenly in a strange room surrounded by mom and the nice skeletons.

Well we will see in the morning how really nice they are. For now though we will rest as deeply as possible.

I peeked at momma one last time. Her face was screwed up and her hands were balled in tight fists. In the morning she’s not going to be able to move. She whined before she shifted and stilled facing away from us but her tail had come to rest before us. Always on guard.

Wine POV

I had just woken up and escaped from my mates when I heard it, a deep rumble from only one person. Blood.

I entered the kitchen and Blood had opened all the cupboards and was staring at them. “Low.”
He was worried about food. But we did a grocery trip not even a couple of days ago. We shouldn’t be that low for him to concerned.

I went up to him laying my hand on his elbow silently comforting him. If he freaked out because there was no food we were all in big trouble. Despite previous thinking Blood was quite strong.

Even though he didn’t have his magic. He nearly put Cannon through the floor when he made an offhand comment about his brother putting a strain on this family. Which was totally untrue. They were just trying to rile them up and boy did they get what they asked for.

As I went thorough the mental checklist in my head of all the food we should have. I started to notice things were out of place. Like they had been moved to fill in gaps. If it wasn’t Blood stealing and hoarding food again then it must be someone else.

Sure people could snack but this was a few days worth of food stolen. It wasn’t a big deal really it wasn’t. We had enough food to feed everyone but if someone was hoarding food it needed to be addressed.

I had an idea about who was doing it as well. I tugged on Bloods arm getting him to follow me up the stairs to our mother.

I told him on the way what I thought was going on.

“ Remember when you and your brother came here first. You hid food because you thought that it was going to be taken away from you. I believe our mother is doing the same. I would like you to be there for when I tell her to support her. We will never take food away from anyone.”

We made our way up the spiralling staircase meeting a few skeletons on the way. Stretch wanted to talk to me about something he found and had watched last night.

I was about to put him back to bed again as the tell tale signs of him not sleeping were already there. The changing colour of his bones and the bags under his eyes. I agreed that we would be talking later and continued my way up.

Esmée and the kids should hopefully still be sleeping. I was really hoping Alvaro was on the mend though. I don’t think he can take much more.

I opened the door peeking in checking the floor for any stray kids before opening the door fully to Blood who peered and looked around everywhere. Taking in all the sights.

As I made my way over and spotted her I noticed something immediately off with her and the picture in front of me. There were no kids to be seen. Anywhere. I didn’t panic though. Panicking would set Blood off and we didn’t need that right now in her room.

The second thing I noticed that Esmée was deathly still despite her eye light looking directly at me. It was shaking and shuddering in fear though.

Like she didn’t recognise me. Was she having a flashback? I would expect it but why is she frozen still. I approached her slowly being quiet and letting her know I was of no harm to her.

The closer I got the more I could see of her nest which made me realise that the babybones were gone. It was just one thing after another with these ones. I looked at Blood who had also noticed that the babybones were not there.

His big eye light warbiling in worry. He was attached to the kids and cared about their well being despite being here for so little time. Esmée grunted and moved sharply. This caused her to whine loudly she ended in a whimper. It was like her body had locked up.

The only conclusion I could come up with was chronic pain. Poor dear. She must lock up when she was in a state. I wonder if heat would help. With that thought I got up with Esmée’s eye light following my every movement. I grabbed the heated blanket that was usually used for Alvaro and covered her with it.

She looked surprised before whining in pain again. She had moved to keep both of us in our sights. It was getting harder though with Blood now moving around the nest in a guarding motion.

I very carefully and very slowly got on to her nest which rewarded me with a dark growl and bare of her teeth. She tried to move back but just ended up collapsing in pain. As she whimpered and whined.

“My dear please do not move more than necessary. I will not hurt you under any circumstances. I will never lay a hand on you my dear. Please calm down.”

She growled as I moved closer and tugged on the blanket that was ever so slowly warming up. I tugged on it till it was covering her as much as it could. It was a large blanket but it wasn’t nine foot long.

She huffed as I started methodically straightening it out. I went over a divot in her bones and her magic sparked violently while she howled in pain.

“Shh shh easy does it. I’m sorry I’ll be more careful.”

She growled as my hands came towards her head neck. I wondered if I could relax the magic in her joints by massaging them. Her neck seemed to be the centre of the pain. Considering the scars hidden in her ecto I’m not surprised.

I finally made contact with her neck. Her jerking when I made contact. Expecting pain of being hit. It will never come though. I started to work my phalanges into the grooves of her neck. She whined in obvious discomfort.

Blood had come around to face her and had started to pet the crown of her skull. She slowly relaxed under my ministrations until her breathing evened out and a purr came out instead.

I smiled at her sleeping face. Blood continued to pet our dear mother but his eye was on something else. I followed his gaze and landed on the tip of her tail. I could faintly see the outline of a tiny phalange gripping her tail end.

I looked a little harder and saw it was Alvaro with Destrí curled up with him. So we knew where the kids were. That was good at least they were safe. They were probably waiting to see what our reaction would be when we found mom vulnerable.

Too bad all we are ever going to give her and them was love and kindness. It’s what they deserve after all. Blood sniffed at them making sure they were alright before pulling the blankets over their heads.

Hiding them properly. If they wanted to be hidden that was their choice and we will respect it. We weren’t going to wake them up either not until it’s time for food.

Which was soon judging from my internal clock. Esmée jerked and huffed once more. Poor girl. I wonder if a few hot water bottles will help her. Or at least dampen the pain. Maybe a few compression bandages for next time.

She purred shakily once more but even that action seemed to hurt her. I couldn’t blame her all the scars that we saw on her were bound to cause her huge pain.

I mentally went through a checklist in my head on who was off. I knew my mates they had a break after they completed a huge order. Poor Razzle hands were cramping. The dogs and Edge were also off. Taking a break from work.

We left her alone for now. Going back out the door and closing it gently. I went and lead Blood down the stairs. He was reluctant to leave them but obliged when I told him that I would send Razzle and Dazzle to sit with her.

I know they’ve been itching for some time with her. I think she’d like the company. As I guided him back downstairs and into the kitchen where Edge was making dinner. I went back to my mates to rouse them and pitch my idea.

I found them where I left them. Curled up around eachother and keeping eachother warm in my abscence. I smiled as I leaned against the doorframe. I couldn’t believe I was this lucky to have two mates who I adore as much as my own brother.

As I walk up to them sitting by them. I touched their sleeping and peaceful faces rubbing their cheekbones gently. Razzle was the first to rouse. Groaning and cuddling into my hand. I smiled sweetly before saying.

“My loves. Now is the time to wake up. I have something to ask from you.”

Razzle was slowly coming to life Dazzle was dormant though. Sleeping deeply. As much as I hated rousing them prematurely. I wanted to ask the both of them jointly. I stroked Dazzle on his cheekbones a little harder. Hopefully rousing him which I was proved correct by a snort as he abruptly woke up.

He shot up with a gasp.

“Easy easy. You’re alright Dazzle it’s just me.

“Wine don’t scare me like that.”

“Sorry love but I have an important question.”

I get a grumble from Razzle before he’s reaching out and grasping my arm pulling me in. I easily fall with him. Razzle immediately curling up around me. I laughed as I smiled at his sleepy face.

“I know you wanted to spend some time with our mother and your chance has come. She seems to have locked up from chronic pain. I would like someone with her. Just to keep an eye on her. The kids are in hiding and the last time i saw them they were in the nest near the back. They have hoarded some food but I would like them to eat more than snacks. I trust you have it handled.”

Dazzles eye sockets widened and lit up into stars. He vaulted off the bed pulling open him wardrobe. He started getting ready with a fervor and encouraging Razzle to do the same.

“Come on. We have to make sure our resident lady is comfortable.”

I held my hands up trying to calm them down.
“I appreciate the enthusiasm my loves but we do have to remain calm. If you go up there worked up then she will panic. She’s already nervous enough. I went up to her this morning and it was like she was waiting to be beaten.”

They dropped their enthusiasm reminding themselves that she was volatile and nervous. Not that any of us blame her. She had been beaten and abused most of her life.

I left them to get ready after I gave them a few loving nuzzles and went to go see Stretch before I left for work. He did say he wanted to talk to me. I wonder if he found anything on those names that I gave him. Or if the mafia bros have anything new.

I knocked on his door and he opened it rather hurriedly and pulled me inside.

“So I found something on them.”

He said it with such enthusiasm that I suppose that he hasn’t slept all night. Edge was there on his bed though. Sleeping away which was rare. He must have come in late last night to get him off the computers. He seemed to have failed miserably.

He was sprawled out with his mandible hanging open. It was his day off so I’d let him sleep in. Stretch had his monitors on so I could see articles of something about a torture scandal.

“You may tell me but I want you to get some sleep after this. It’s not good for you to stay up this late over and over again. You know that.”

“Whatever mom.”

I did not appreciate the dismissal at all. Figuring he only snapped because he was angry from being tired and sleep eluding him like usual.

“What did you find out then.”

“I can tell you it wasn’t easy. It was on a remote server buried deeply under several firewalls and then there was multiple data diodes as well. Whoever this was really didn’t want it found. Then there was this sort of game you had to play set up by the original code protector. It was complicated and took me all night but I finally got it and looked through what was inside. It was news clips and folders full of data on this incident.

Cameron and Kennedy were child abusers and were put in a maximum security prison 9 years ago. Their sentence lasts for life and they were charged with three accounts of first degree murder and child torture.

They tortured their sons and daughter till death. It doesn’t give me the names of the children but it does give me the names of the officers involved. I looked through that list and only one of them remains in the service. The rest retired too disturbed by the incident.

The only one left was a sergeant and now turned lieutenant. Ceran Jones. I did some more digging through the files and didn’t find much more than these old news reports and articles detailing this incident.

The kids were really young though but something doesn’t add up. Both boys had a death certificate the girl did too. The only difference is after getting Edge to study the document. He said it was fake. I have an inkling that that girl is still alive. Either someone made her disappear or she doesn’t want to be found.

The only thing that dosent match up is her age. She said she was 22 according to this though she would be 18. It’s entirely possible she could have lied to us though. She doesn’t exactly trust us.”

As Stretch finished his rant I looked at him in disbelief. This was a huge break through,it was also turning into a headache. The words on Esmées hip came back to me. Cameron and Kennedy torture pet.

They were charged with child torture. Could Esmée have been one of their victims? Is that why she had so many scars? Could she have been the daughter of these bags of filth?

From the very few things she’s said so far I’d would be lead to think. No parent would do that to their daughter’s eye only if they were sick in the head. From the articles these two were very sick in the head.

I left him with the wise words to sleep and he happily curled up with Edge on the bed. As I closed the door I went to find my the other parts of soul.

Razzle and Dazzle were downstairs getting breakfast plates for their charges and themselves. They greeted me with nuzzles of affection. Everyone was down wolfing down their breakfast before heading to work.

I was glad to see the mafia brothers among them. Hopefully they won’t skip dinner this time. It’s so unhealthy for them. Razzle and Dazzle finished their breakfast quickly before gathering their charges food and starting the trek upstairs.

As I went out the door and got loaded into my car. I got a picture sent by the twins with our mother curled up and holding one of their hands. In the background if you looked closely you could see Destrí and Alvaro snatching their plates of food.

I smiled knowing she was in great hands. Now was time to check in with progress on finding the racists who hurt Alvaro and maybe pay this Ceran Jones a visit.

Dazzle POV

She was purring with every breath she left out. Razzle had managed to get into the nest with her and she laid her head on his lap. He had been stuck there for a while. I however had been trying to entice the kids out as it was time for their meds.

I know Alvaro had to take an increased dosage after his cauterisation yesterday and Destrí still had to take pain meds for his broken ribs and leg.

It broke my soul to hear what states those kids were in. That’s why I wanted to make sure that they took pain medication to ease their suffering if only for a little.

“Dazzie can you stop looking around. They obviously don’t want to be found.”

“But I can’t. What if they’re in pain? Esmée can’t help them right now. What if one of them gets hurt more than they already are?”

“Dazzie you’re spiralling again and I need you to calm down. You’re fine. They’re going to be fine. If they see us being nice to their mom they won’t clock us as a threat okay.”

“Okay.”

“Okay. Now help me here I want to get some fluids into her.”

Razzle lifted her heavy skull off of his lap as I went to get the glass of water we had brought up earlier. It was essential to get fluids into her. Well that’s always was the advice for Blood so we were just following that.

Razzle was putting a towel under her head to catch the water that would no doubt fall through her manable. She had woken up with the movement to her neck as she whined and tried to pull away.

Her tail swaying and then jerking from pain. Trying to get up on shaky arms only to collapse to her elbows as she groaned. Her shattered arm flaring up painfully.

“Esmée I need you to calm down. You’re only hurting yourself.”

He needn’t have told her though as she collapsed from the exertion. As she laid there occasionally twitching I came back with the water.

Razzle was by her rib cage holding her hand trying to get her through a pain wave. With the water we could hopefully also give her some pain medication. I climbed onto the nest trying to remain stable as I quickly walked to Razzle.

Plopping down beside him I looked at Esmée who was panting and wincing. I smoothed my hand over her skull trying to get her to calm down a little. I did so slowly and she watched my every movement with her one eye light.

The two of us started moving explaining what we were doing before we touched her. Her eye light was darting frantically from side to side trying to keep track of both of our movements. She looked so young right now. In pain and scared.

She whined once more as I carefully opened her jaw. Her magic was aggravated the only upside to this was that her throat was also summoned because of it. Even though you couldn’t see it from the outside she would take in water just fine.

I carefully poured sip by sip of water into her mouth. Stopping every time to allow her to swallow. She was exhausted though and after a while stopped swallowing so we had to help her.

Massaging her neck trying to get her to swallow. We know she wanted more by the way her eye light was fixed to the small cup of water. I could see out of the corner of my eye. Two pairs of different coloured eyelights boring into my back.

As I looked at Razzle I could tell he felt the same. The kids were on the watch. Even though they were small I don’t want to find out what happens if they think we are hurting her.

Tiny kids could be terrifying some times even though I highly doubt they can do any real damage. Esmée can though if the kids call for her she will attack. So we will try to not set her off or anger the kids.

I can tell though that she is getting nervous not having them around. She won’t call them though probably worried that we would hurt them. We would never though. Not ever after what had happened.

We lay her head to rest once more. Removing the towel from under her skull. She huffed as her heavy sockets started to close. It was good for her to get some sleep. She sorely needed it to get through these next few days.

Tiny padding of bony feet rushed past us and out the door which we had forgotten to close again. I sighed and got up after them rushing out the door to prevent them from getting any further.

I couldn’t find them though when I exited the bedroom they were completely gone. No eyelights on me and no slightly agar doors to hint at their location. How could they have disappeared like that?

I looked around in confusion before giggling came from behind me. I looked to see Destrí. Alvaro no where in sight. Destrí was smiling and giggling as I looked around suspiciously for Alvaro. In my honest opinion these kids shouldn’t be running. At all.

At the same time though I wasn’t going to stop them from having fun. I finally spotted Alvaro buried underneath a linen pile. Giggling and rolling in it. Destrí rushed over to join him. Jumping in and wrestling with his brother.

I gasped insisting they should be gentle with eachother due to their injuries. I needn’t have worried though as they were only lightly tapping eachother and going to great pains to make sure that their hands didn’t hit their injuries.

I laughed as I watched them roll around in the sheets. Razzle came out to join me, medication in hand for the two rap scallions that were on the floor.

He made a noise low in his throat and blew out of his nasal pasture. The boys snapped to attention on guard. After the gentle demonstration with their mother we were hoping they would be less wary.

They still arched their spines and hissed at us. I sighed obviously we were going to have to be gentle with them until they trusted us enough.

“Hey kiddos. I think it’s time for pain meds.”

They hissed more at that. So it’s going to be a fight. Brilliant. We really didn’t want to force these kids into anything. Or to do anything but they needed the medication from the way Destrí limped and flinched and how Alavaros sockets were almost squinted shut from a headache.

A deep series of clicks from behind us sounded out. The boys snapped to attention and rushed into the bedroom. Bouncing and clambering over the bed and nest on top so they could get to their mom.

She huffed as she tried to lift her head. Destrí put his tiny hands on her face in order to keep her down. She smiled sadly at him.

“My sweet ones. I know you don’t want to have a downed guard around these guys but they’re good, they’re just trying to help. Can you please take something for your pain?”

The kids looked sour and put out but went up to us to do as they were told. The medication made them drowsy I knew that much but I didn’t know that it was this bad. The babybones looked up at us huffing. I gave them a sympathetic look and gave the medicine.

They took it with grimaces and shudders but it all eventually went down their throats. They crawled over to Esmée lying down and curling up tightly burying them selves into her warmth. She shifted and winced.

We both shared a look before readjusting the heated blanket around her. Making sure that she was getting the most benefit out of it that she could.

We informed her we were going out to get a few things to be able to work from home and then would be coming straight back up again to keep her company. She smiled at them giving a huff of acknowledgment.

She settled down to sleep relaxing and huffing outwards. The kids settled down to the medicine already apparently kicking in. They’re drooping eyes glaring untrusting at us. It was fine though. We came prepared for this eventuality.

If we showed kindness and care to them when they were vulnerable. Then they will come around for us. It’s become very apparent though that we can not force this relationship. Not like any relationship could be forced.

As we headed back to our rooms to get our laptops and drawing sheets for new fashion ideas we talked about what we were going to do

“There isn’t much we can do Dazzie we just have to make sure she’s comfortable as can be and then go from there. We could come up with a final design for that wedding dress that was commissioned. They were the one that we were having trouble with last night.”

He wiggled his bone brows at me and I flushed remember last night.

“Yeah let’s do that.”

Hurriedly walking away from my boyfriend as my face grew ever hotter. Stumbling my way through our room to get what we needed. Razzle followed in smoothly laugh sonorous as he helped me gather my things. Not before giving me a loving kiss on the cheek.

I flushed ever brighter and whined as he laughed again. He helped me with the rest of my things before going to gather his computer and stencils himself.

We joked about making the heavy situation lighter. Getting all our banter out before we would have to quieten down in Esmée’s room. Wine had asked for a check in as well. So when we got back up into her room and tiptoed across the squeaky wooden floorboards.

Taking a quiet picture of Esmée sprawling across her nest baring her throat where her kids could just barely be seen sleeping as well tucked in tight and safe to her rib cage.

We sent him the picture and the update on how everyone was asleep and while in pain yes, they had taken something to relieve it. Me and Razzie settled down then to a lovely evening of quiet work and drawing.

I sighed leaning against Razzle as he stroked and scratched my skull softly. This was going to be truly relaxing.

Time skip

Alvaro was crying desperately clawing at his healing skull. Even with the hat in place though he was not supposed to touch it. Esmée had jerked awake with him and was gently holding his hands to stop him going at his skull.

She was cooing low in her throat hoping to calm him down. The babybones was too distressed though. Every time me or Razzie went near him he scrambled back on tiny hands and repeatedly hissed at us until we backed off.

Esmées tail wrapped around my wrist though in what must have been a painful act to keep us close. She needed our help. I could already tell that she was ready to drop from the pain. She wouldn’t be able to calm him for much longer.

To think though that we almost got our dress design done. She was stroking his skull desperately trying to calm and quiet him. He kept repeating the words I’m sorry.

It broke my cracked soul to hear someone so young cry out like that. Slowly I placed my hand on his back tugging him away and trying to turn him towards me. He went quite easily this time. Sensing his mother’s pain.

Latching himself onto me instead, desperate tears falling from his sockets. Razzle was helping Destrí ease Esmée back down again. Her joints sparked angrily and arched up like lightning bolts from her joints.

Alvaro cried even harder at the sound. I know little about what happened to them in that place but I know some of it involved electricity. The crackling of her magic must have set off his fear.

Making him think he was back there. I started rocking him. Doing what I saw Esmée do when Destrí wouldn’t respond after we got out of the van. Gently and rhymcially tapping his wet cheek. He seemed to recognise the rhythm and started to calm down.

It was a unique way of calming him down but if it worked then I wasn’t complaining. Spending my time calming him down. Watching as Razzle settled her with one last large arch of green magic before settling entirely. Finally giving her spent body a time to rest.

What could have happened to her though. To cause this amount of chronic pain. She must have gone through borderline torture and at such a young age too. Something wasn’t right about this. I was going to get to the bottom of this.

Maybe Wine knew something and if not then Stretch definitely did. If I figured out how this happened we might be able to help better. I readjusted the heated blanket on Esmée. While grabbing a blanket for Alvaro who allowed himself to be wrapped up tightly.

Covertly binding his arms in a comfortable position so that he couldn’t go at his head again. He was still crying. Little whisperings of words still floating out of his mouth.

As I kept tapping his cheek Razzle came over and added to the warm body heat around us. He sleepily drifted off. As he went off to dreamland we sagged. That had been scary. He had suddenly just jerked awake and screamed.

It was terrifying and anxiety enducing. I needed a good minute or two to calm down from this. Destrí might need it too by the way he’s hovering anxiously between Alvaro and his momma.

I sighed scratching relaxing evening out of the books and gesturing for Destrí to come near. He started distrusting at us but came forward none the less just to check on his olde sibling.

I leaned down and got on eye level with the kid showing Alvaro to him and showing that he was fine.

“See little one. There is nothing to be scared for. I know that was a bit of an abrupt start for you and it was unpleasant. There is no need to be afraid. You can go back to sleep or you can settle down with us. I know you were watching us earlier.”

Apparently Destrí didn’t need as much sleep as the other two as he was peeking at us from across the room when he thought we knew he was asleep. Being in our universe though for so long and growing up in such harsh environments does give a certain few useful skills, like being aware if when we are being watched.

He was apparently embarrassed at being caught as he shied away. I placed Alvaro back in the nest his mom immediately reaching out to tuck him close to her body.

I offer my hand to Destrí which he took not without severe hesitation first. As he slowly outstretched his tiny hand and poked mine quickly before retracting his hand faster than the speed of light. I smiled sadly at him but remained patient.

He outstretched again and gingerly placed his hand in my hand. I gently and slowly led him over to where we were planning and drawing the dress. He looked at the swirls and patterns with great interest. Mumbling under his breath as he traced them from afar with his finger.

As I led him over and let go of his hand him wobbling a bit with the lack of support but slowly edging his way down onto the floor.

As we settled ourselves again on the floor. Flicking our freshly sharpened pencils about in our fingers. We started by picking up our stencilling pads again and drawing out final details.

We let Destrí explore in his own time. Letting him walk around the place and redirecting him when he got too close to touching something we needed or even getting him to identify and hand us items.

He was quick about it and started to watch what we were doing. Sitting down to rest his leg that he was avoiding putting pressure on. He sat by me and leaned again my arm.

Looking curiously at what I was doing. His tiny eye lights following and tracking what I was doing. Following the pencils movements and muttering again under his breath. After a while though. The pressure on my arm got heavier and heavier as he leaned slowly his weight on me.

Soon his mouth was hanging open as he fell asleep. Softly snoring as he slept peacefully. Hopefully for a long time too. They all needed as much rest as possible. I looked at his grey bones and gently felt them for the dusty and rough feel that came with starvation.

They were slowly filling and turning to that smooth feel like they were supposed to. I was happy that they were finally recovering for that place. Even if there was a long day to go.

I picked him up ever so gently being mindful of his broken bones. Placing him down with Esmée where she slightly opened her working socket as I came close.

“ Hey darling just returning him. It seems like he’s very tired.”

She just looked at me and followed my movements as I lay the babybones down. I retreated back to where Razzle was sitting down again. He was drawing up the final design we had agreed on. After this it was going to be sent for the brides approval then on to making the dress.

I sighed and slumped down. Razzle gave me a sympathetic look.

“I know love it’s not fair. They shouldn’t have to go through this. Hopefully though it will blow over within the next couple of days and she’ll be back to herself.”

“I hope you’re right Razzie.”

“Aren’t I always.”

I huffed a laugh at that giving him a peck on the cheek settiling in for a few hours more of watching over her.

Sans POV

I had just gotten home from the university. I was completely wiped after the long day. Marking hundreds of papers and then students not be in happy with their grades.

If they would have learned the relevant information we wouldn’t be here. I sighed my bro wasn’t home yet as I came out of my room putting away my things from work.

I haven’t checked on Esmee because I have been so busy with work and financial issues. This is the first time I’ve been free in a while. So I’ll go visit her.

I made my trek up to the fourth floor. Through the door was complete silence. That was good though as they should be sleeping off their injuries and the ordeal with Alvaro.

I was wondering how the chase of the culprits was going. It wouldn’t be long before they were found and dealt with accordingly. I opened the door to their bedroom. First spotting the nest with the high walls keeping the occupants hidden and then I spotted the glitter twins who were looking straight at me.

“Heya. Just wanted to see how she was doing.”

“She is doing fine thank you.”

The snippy and quick time from Razzle was of no surprise. I did tear into their mate a few days ago about his negligence with keeping the charges safe. Even though he insisted that there was no way to avoid it. Even so I had to get the blame out of my system and Wine was right infront of me.

So naturally I tore into him. It ended with Wine just walking away upset and me in the kitchen surrounded by everyone avoiding me.

I went up to her nest and saw her and the two kids. They were all sleeping with Esmée twitching occasionally. I leant on their nest trying to get a closer look at them. To see if everything was all right and there was no one that was bleeding magic.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you Sans.”

Dazzle spat the name like it was a curse. I suppose for him it was.

“Oh yeah and what would you know.”

I snapped back at him because seriously what did he know apart from having experience of this. A growl sounded out as I reached for Alvaro first. I looked back to Razzle and Dazzle thinking they had done it.

They looked smug though as the growl came again. I looked back to Esmée who was wide awake. Magic sparking in her joints. She tried to push herself onto her elbows but fell back down again. Magic still sparking and her still snarling.

I recognised this from Blood she was in the throes of a chronic pain flare. Razzle and Dazzle came over after they saw her trying and failing to get up. Pushing me away and trying to settle her.

“Esmée darling it’s alright. Please calm down. Don’t hurt yourself.”

She whined at them before looking at me and lightly hissing. Alright I can tell when I overstepped. What I couldn’t understand is why she started panicking. Her breath picked up as her eye light locked with my own two.

“Esmée no breath slow and deep come on. He’s not going to hurt the kids. Please calm down.”

She growled at them next but it didn’t have any bite to it. Mostly because of the wheezing undertone to it. Razzle had now gotten behind her and was rubbing circles into her back while covertly holding her back.

Dazzle had blocked me from view with his body trying to tear her attention away from me. I scoffed. Seriously. I was only trying to check the kids and make sure they were safe. I wasn’t going to hurt them. Wine took that moment to come in.

He took one look at the situation and locked eyelights with me.

“Sans. Get out right now.”

I rolled my eyelights and strolled out the door with my hands in my pockets. Wine stayed behind if only for a minute to check if his glitter bimbos had got a handle on Esmée.

He left after giving them his reassurances that they had this. He came calmly out of the room closing the door quietly behind him before storming the rest of the way towards me.

“What were you thinking. Antagonising her is not helping her build her trust in us.”

“I just wanted to check on the kids. I don’t seem the harm in that. She’s just overreacting.”

“She is not overreacting. She is traumatised. She had to remain on guard every time she fell asleep because someone could have taken her kids away from her. She would have never seen them again Sans.”

“She’s safe now though. We took her out of that place. What’s wrong with her?”

“There’s nothing wrong with her. She is scared and very slowly settling in. But now because of you, you’ve made it more like the facility by touching one of the kids without her position.”

“Whatever. I was the one that got her out. Shouldn’t she be greatful!”

“That’s what’s she panicking about you imbecile. She’s worried you’re going to send her back and that would be the end of it for her. Do you know what they do to inverts that get returned? They get dusted. You’d be killing her kids Sans.”

I stumbled and choked on my words. They wouldn’t kill them would they. I can’t send them back like that anyway. Unfortunately it’s a family decision and paps is set on never giving them back. Not that it was either. She wouldn’t ever go back.

Wine scoffed at my dumb expression.

“You better get out of here before I come back out of that room or so help the angel Sans I will come after you.”

He pointed to the door with a scarred phalange. I turned on my heels and exited not really paying attention and my body on auto pilot. She really didn’t have that little trust in us did she?

Wine POV

I sighed running my skeletal hand down my face. If it wasn’t for Papyrus, Sans would have been dust a long time ago. Either from annoying the wrong person or doing something ridiculous and absurd like grabbing vulnerable children when their very protective mother was unaware.

Like how dim do you have to be. I couldn’t go in there looking or feeling angry though. That’s not what she needed. If she sees me going in there angry she’s going to think it’s directed at her.

She’s going to panic more and possibly lash out. Nothing that we would blame her for. I schooled my expression. As I listened through the door. She was still whining quietly but more kitten like sounds were joining it. The babybones were awake and probably distressed.

I opened the door slowly. Seeing my loves on the bed with her. Razzle supporting her head and Dazzle taking care of the kids. He was lying Alvaro down on the nest on his back. He was fussing and refusing to settle.

Destrí was clinging to his arm looking nervously back at his mom every so often. Esmée had collapsed and from the outside had gone to sleep. Her face was screwed up in discomfort though.

I went up to Dazzle first. He was holding Alvaro to his chest rocking him. He was clinging on but trying to get around him to see his mother. Destrí was patting his brother’s head in reassurance. Once I came over and Alvaro recognised me. He reached out to me. Dazzle wasn’t offended he looked relieved. He didn’t know how to look after a distressed kid. At least not yet

I do though looking after pup wasn’t easy. Especially with someone so young in a universe like mine. When he grew up it got easier but the skull never left.

I let Alvaro transfer himself onto me. I sat on the bed beside Dazzle at Esmées feet. Her tail thrashed all of a sudden. Coming straight for me. I caught it easily and with a little force wrestled it down to where Alvaro and Destrí could both be in contact with it.

Alvaro snuggled in to the part of tail he had while Destrí gripped the tip rubbing it against his cheek to feel the texture. Alvaro started to relax now in contact with his mom. After he had settled completely I transferred him to the bed and off me.

Going to Razzle who lay at the top with Esmées head in his lap. She seemed distant. Her eye light looking at something far in the distance. She was deathly still. Tears in her sockets rolled down her face. Constantly streaming.

I kneeled down next to her head. Looking at Razzle he gave me a sad smile. At least he was okay for now. I took a hold on Esmées cheekbone. Starting to stroke soothingly.

“Hi darling. I’m home. Are you going to come back to us?”

There was no reaction not even a slow blink.

“Come on momma. Come back to us. You’re not there. We are all safe. The kids are tired Esmée come and curl around them.”

My reassurance got her to twitch. Not much else though. After continuing the reassurances joined in by my loves. She slowly came back to us where the tears started anew.

“Oh darling. You’re alright. We’ve got you.”

We encircled her as we held her. Enveloping her with hugs and gentle touches. She cried quietly trying to muffle it by biting her hand. The kids didn’t move. Oblivious to their mother’s distress.

She drifted off after a while. Sleeping peacefully once more and hopefully for a long time. The kids had drifted off once I looked at them. Dazzle stroking their heads gently. Razzle looked exhausted. Now that she was taken care of I could take care of Razzle and Dazzle.

I instructed them to go to our bedroom and settle down. They did so but slowly. Hesitant to leave her alone caring for her even after so little time. I encouraged them on towards our room. Leaving her with a final stroke to her skull.

As my loves went to our room I went to the kitchen to brew some tea for them. Hopefully easing their stress. For my last birthday I had gotten a beautiful glass tea set with matching glass cups. It has all sorts of herbal teas with very rare ingredients.

One was for calming the very core of a being. The soul. As I stirred the blend and brought it up on a tray I entered the room to find Razzle and Dazzle. Half way asleep. Had looking after them been that tiring. Or had something else happened.

I flicked out the feet of the tray and laid it between my loves. They looked at the galaxy purple mixing and swirling in the glass realising what the concoction was.

I used the same concoction with Razzle to knock him out after a stressful day of work. He was uptight and his magic was spread thin with exhaustion. He knocked out as soon as the cup was out of his hands drained dry.

They both took a cup. Snuggling close to each other I smiled as I slid into bed next to them cuddling them. Petting their heads soothingly while they drank. Razzle leaned against me his head on my shoulder.

“Thanks love. How was your day at work?”

“It was fine. It’s not important right now. What’s important is that you and Dazzie get some rest. Thank you so much for doing this today. I know it was a lot of work.”

Razzle jumped away from me.

“No way. We loved it. They were quiet for the majority. Destrí even hung out with us for a while. They were brilliant and wonderful and I would do it all again.”

Dazzle sleepily agreed with me before snuggling into my femur. The tea taking effect. Razzle was leaning against me again.

“Okay my love. I’m glad you had a good time.”

He gave me a sleepy kiss then pulled the covers over himself and was inastantly off to sleep. I turned on the TV in our room to a low volume and turned on a show of no interest. As I watched the human blab away about some cheap perfume I looked down at the two pieces of my soul.

Chapter Text

Destrí POV

I knew mom was sore and that I was supposed to stay by her side with Alvaro. Alvie is too tired to play though and mom can’t for obvious reasons. I asked her if I could go explore and she agreed but under two terms. The first that I respected rules and boundaries of the house and the second that I come back immediately at the end of two trills.

I nodded my head vigorously before I was off. My injuries didn’t hurt nearly as much as I thought they would. It must be to do with all the food and medicine. If we had that back in the facility some days would have been less miserable and spent in elation not pain.

I shook off the thoughts as I stood at a very big staircase. Gripping the railing above me. We weren’t there and therefore didn’t need to think about it. I very carefully and slowly descended the steps. Listening to mom’s rules in our head. For going up a staircase you always stick to the far side. Gong down you stick to the close side.

I smiled remembering how mom made us practise becoming an imitation of a character nicknamed “ Tina the rule follower”. She would march about the place with a silly voice and wide sockets drawing on the wall all sorts of things about etiquette and manners.

I could hear vague voices as I got further down the stairs. I wanted to go all the way down to the ground floor. I wanted to see finally what this house looked like.

As I finally stepped barefoot on the cold black marble tile floor of what looked to be a hallway, I was out of breath from all the stairs. There was soo many. As I moved on from the stairs cautiously. My hand finally leaving the railing. I looked around cautiously and slowly. There was a door at the very end of the hallway. Thick and heavy unlike the other doors that lead to rooms about the house.

I’m assuming that was the front door. Designed to keep the cold out. It was still very cold in the hallway but that was because stone was also cold. Hot air rises after all. Cold air stays on the down low.

I walked further into a large archway that lead to a warm and inviting dark themed kitchen. There was a skeleton in their humming happily to themselves. He had very pointy teeth and had red eye lights just like me. I looked in and around the place making sure no body else was there.

I then very quickly made my way to countertop. Coming up to it with the height of the counter completely hiding me.

My bony feet made clacking noises every time I moved. I was hoping when I was running that the noise would be covered up by the kitcheny noises. I was proved wrong though when a even but gruff voice called out

“Who’s there?”

They seemed very cautious now. Unlike the relaxed and tuneful voice from earlier.

“I swear if that’s you brother, I’ll murder you. Stop it with the japes.”

He came around the counter as I watched him from afar. Widening my sockets at how cool he looked. The sharp teeth the phalanges pointed to tips but painted black that seemed to shine in the warm white light. The frilly pink apron did take a little away from the scary visage though.

He was still super cool though. He spotted me when I shifted. Putting weight on my other foot. I waved at him excitedly.

“Hello mister skeleton.”

He looked at me with wide sockets and tiny eyelights. He looked gobsmacked.

“How did you get down here little one.”

“I used the stairs.I am exploring.”

“I see that little one. Would you like to come up a bit higher though. It seems very difficult to see anything from that height.”

My sockets widened at the possibility. I made a run for his legs and made grabby hands.

“Yes yes. I would like that very much mister.”

He looked surprised but shook it off quickly. He seemed to be taking everything in his stride though. He was so cool.

“Alright slow down. I know you have a hurt right arm. What way would you like me to carry you?”

I thought for a bit before deciding the best way was to scoop me up so that I would be lying back in his arms. He did so and efficiently but me on the countertop. I appreciated the quickness.

“Thank you mister.”

I could see everything from my vantage point now. The kitchen was amazing. All black and white marble with industrial sized ovens and fridges. Sure we had been here in the middle of the night once but it was amazing to see in daylight.

It had a cozy and warm feeling to it. It was beautiful. As I was looking around taking in all the views Edge had gone back to his cooking no longer humming but still light on his feet.

As I studied him finishing looking around the kitchen I asked him genuinely curious.

“What are you cooking?”

He hummed at me before responding

“I’m cooking a sort of stew. It consists of potatoes, pork and a variety of vegetables.”

My mouth watered with thought about food. I stood up from the counter and walked and balanced on the counter over to him. I saw the colourful stew swirling in the pot.

“ It smells delicious.”

Edge startled only realising now that I was as right next to him. He started back holding a hand where his soul would be grasping at it.

“ How did you get there?”

His voice was a lot squeakier now. Probably because of fright. He stepped back quickly into his post before the stove. Shaking off his surprise and instead putting on concern.

“Aren’t you still hurt? Young one you really must not be up and about with injuries such as yours. How you even got down the stairs is beyond me.”

I started at him blinking. I’m still not used to the concern from other people. Only my mom and my brother ever showed concern or love to me. This is new and unexplored territory.

“I am but it’s healing up nicely now since we have food and clean bandages.”

Electricity flooded the room. Not physically but the air became charged and I very suddenly didn’t want to be close to Edge. I shrunk into myself hiding from the scary feeling. Even if you couldn’t really hide from a feeling.

A weak warble came out of my mouth as I peeked at Edge whose hand was gripped tightly to the marble countertop.

“ Little one what do you mean by that.”

He was angry. Very angry but what did I do. I don’t remember. I wanted momma.

“I didn’t mean anything sir. Please, please calm down.”

Angry adults meant pain. I didn’t want to be in any pain. Please. The air became lighter all of a sudden. I heaved a breath I didn’t need. Edge was on his knees infront of me. Looking sorry.

“I am sorry little one for scaring you. That was not my intention. I got angry because of the treatment that you needed was denied to you in an unjust and cruel manner.”

I lightened up. He wasn’t angry at me. I was so happy. I didn’t do anything wrong.

“It’s alright mister. It wasn’t your fault.”

Edge smiled sadly up at me. I heard footsteps come towards us. They were clicking against the tile and coming straight for us. I looked quickly between Edge and the newcomer and made a decision. I didn’t want to be vulnerable against this newcomer that I didn’t know.

Edge had proved himself to be a little trustworthy so he was the first one I was going to latch onto. I made grabby hand motions at him. He looked taken aback before compiling immediately afterwards. Which I found a little weird. If you would want to hold me just do it. I want to give my permission before hand though. Thank you very much

Too many times have I been picked up unwillingly only to be hurt and electrocuted to near death. Edge had lifted me and had placed me so that I was able to clutch onto the front of his t shirt. I clung to him and he wrapped his arms around me. Being careful of my ribs which I greatly appreciated.

The new person entered as Edge turned to meet them.

“Hello Crimson. How may I help you?”

“Hey bro. Whatcha ya got there?”

“This is one of the kids that we have taken in. Remember. He came down to explore and because I am my magnificent self I allowed him to stay and look upon my cooking prowess.”

“Okay”

The word was drawn out and the skeleton that looked like Sans but more edgy sat down on the stools I was hiding under recently.

He slumped over the countertop and closed his sockets. No way he just went to sleep like that. That was amazing. It usually takes me a while. Any of us a while. That’s truly amazing.

Edge turned around back to his stew that was starting to smell quite good. He started idle conversation with the new skeleton occasionally bringing me in to the conversation. In which I nervously stuttered out an answer. Suprised that he hadn’t gone to sleep. Instead just pretending.

“Your opinion on stuffed toys? Why is this relevant?”

“They’re amazing bro. You gotta have at least one. They’re soft and squishy and you can squeeze them so hard without the fear of their head flying off.”

“I remember momma had one of those. She snuck it in when we first came. They are very comfy and retain smells.”

“Do you find the smells of your mom and brother comfort you? Potentially bring you out of a panic.”

“It really depends. If I know momma can’t reach me then I’ll freak out more thinking it’s fake and that you’re trying to trick me.”

I shivered at the thought of it. Of being lured away. I hated it.

“Little one I’m going to have to set you down now in order to attend to the meal. Would you mind if I handed you over to my brother. He would be very gentle I promise.”

I looked up at his skeletal face then looked at his brother. His brother didn’t look as bothered as I thought he would be. He actually looked eager to do so. He got up ready for me to climb onto him.

One small problem I couldn’t twist around to face him without really hurting my ribs. I did try though. I reached out for him and twisted reaching for him only to yelp and whimper. Clinging tightly back to Edge.

“Sh sh little one it’s alright. What wrong?”

“R-ribs.”

It was his brother who took initiative.

“Give him here bro. I’ll come to you and you gently transfer him backwards to me. He should still be facing me by the time you fully pass him over.”

“Okay. Got it.”

He slowly passed me over to Crimson. He rubbed at where my broken lower ribs were. Soothing away the pain. I relaxed into his hold. He chuckled above me before going back to his original resting place on the stools.

Only this time he stayed upright with me in his arms continuing to rub sore spots around my body. Eventually a little bit of heat made its way into his ministrations. I could feel my self getting sleepy as it continued.

I had only blinked my sockets closed for a second before time had passed. There was a lot more noise than when I went to sleep. The ministrations had stopped as well. I groggily blinked at my surroundings blurry from sleep.

I looked up at the face above me. It had changed from Crimson to Wine. I clicked in greeting to him he trilled back. I cuddled into him further sighing.

“Morning young one. You fell asleep there for a while. Are you alright?”

I studied him for a minute or two. Not trusting that his concern was genuine. After finding nothing in his expression I told him to the truth.

“I’m still sleepy and hungry.”

“We have just got done with dinner. Do you wish to join us.”

I shied away from him and shook my head.

“Alright. Let me put you down and then I can carry you back up when I’ve set the table. How does that sound?”

“That sounds brilliant mister. Thank you.”

“No problem.”

I lowered me down on to the floor making sure I got my feet under me before fully letting me go. I ran off immediately after he went out of view.

I went out of the kitchen and into the room opposite it. There was couches and a TV playing some really loud game. I grimaced against the noise and looked to the couch to my left.

On it was the skeletons named Stretch and Blue. Blue looked much better than he did in the pictures we were shown. He was asleep leaning against Stretch.

Stretch’s mouth was hanging open where quiet snores were escaping. The couch to my right was occupied by Mutt and Hound. Pup was on the floor playing on his console.

The others were watching TV. I crept up towards the couch on my right. I knew them and felt the most comfortable with them. I went towards Hound first as I remember when Alvie was still weak from being put to sleep. He allowed me to cuddle in his coat.

I didn’t want to tug on his coat. That would be rude so I went and climbed up onto the sofa. He noticed me climbing up and helped me the rest of the way. I slithered into his jacket as soon as I had a chance.

Snuggling into the warmth.

“Hello young one. Are you down here alone?”

I made an affirmative sound while snuggling and relaxing further. I felt curious phalanges run themselves down my back.

I peeked at who it was and it was Mutt. Who was looking at me concerned.

“Where’s your mama wee one?”

“She’s too sore to move right now. Alvie is too tired. I wanted to explore so I came down.”

“Oh is she alright?”

“Not really. She’s too sore to move. I’m worried for her.”

“Oh little one she’ll be alright. We will do everything we can to make her comfortable while this passes”

“People hurt her before.”

“We won’t ever hurt her or you. You will never be hurt again.”

That electricity was back again. Stronger than before. I didn’t believe him or the words he spoke. I was scared for my brother I was scared for momma. I was so scared.

“Are you okay?”

“Mhm”

Truthfully I was starting to feel the pain of my injuries again. I didn’t want to be a bother though. I turned once more into Hound snuggling down and listening to my surroundings. The pets returned and I was happy to recieve them.

Listening to my surroundings and focusing in on noises. There was the clatter of plates, the snoring of individuals, video games making idle music and then a trill. It was long and low and unmistakably my mother’s.

I hopped off the couch before rushing to the stairs. With only the quick words

“Mommas calling.”

To explain my behaviour. I ran up the stairs on all fours. Going past a stunned Wine. I did hear someone coming up after me. They weren’t rushing me though which was much appreciated. It was probably Wine.

By the second floor the second trill from momma rang out. She’ll be expecting me to be here any moment now. She will give me a little time but will come after me if I take too long. I don’t want her to hurt herself.

I made it to the fourth floor where momma could be seen peeking up from the nest.

“Hey baby. How was exploring?”

“Momma it was great. I met Edge and Crimson. They were cooking and Crimson helped me when I was sore and I fell asleep for a little while and then I woke up and found Hound and Mutt and I cuddled with them for a while.”

“That’s great love. Hello Sans.”

Her voice turned cold not at all like the warm and friendly voice that I’m used to. I rushed over to her. That voice meant danger.

“Trying to grab one of my kids again.”

“Alright I deserved that jab.”

“Damn right you did. What were you thinking? You can’t touch one of my children like that.”

“I know kid. I’m sorry. Tibia honest I wasn’t thinking straight.”

I cocked my head at him from where I was behind my mommas arms. Was that a pun? If I remember correctly that was a form of humour. I smiled a little at the joke. Momma narrowed her eyes.

“You’re making jokes about this now. You did something bad I think we deserve an apology.”

“You’re right kid. I’m sorry. I really am. I came up here to make sure the kid got back to you safe. I also came to inform you that dinner is ready. I know you can’t move right now and I understand so we will bring it up to you. Can we be civil again?”

Momma sighed long and suffering. She seems to be doing that more again. With a shaky inhale she agreed.

“Thanks big momma.”

She huffed in disapproval.

“Yeah I hear it now. Sorry.”

He went off again disappearing from sight in a blink of a socket. I jolted forward looking left to right. Where did he go?

Mom rolled grabbing me and turning me towards where Alvaro still slept soundly. Momma set her head on top of mine. Both of us looking at Alvaro. Both of us worried for him. He just seems to be getting more tired and confused. We were both worried.

The nagging glow in mommas bones that usually followed a chronic pain flare up was there assuming that it was over. She could move! She stretched out to her fullest extent. Hearing cracks and pops and letting out a very pleased sigh she nuzzled me.

The door opened revealing Wine and Coffee. I moved to great them as momma gave a trill of greeting from inside the nest.

“Hello Esmée. Is everyone alright? I know Destrí went off in quite a rush there.”

“Yes I apologise. Everything is alright. I was calling him back from his little exploration.”

“Glad to hear it. We brought dinner to you.”

“Ahh we are quite hungry. Thank you for that.”

“No issues. Is Alvaro still asleep?”

Momma looked worriedly back at him. He was lying on his back his mouth open snoring lightly. He looked content but something must have happened while I was gone for her to be that worried.

“Momma?”

“Yes baby what is it?”

“What happened?”

She sighed. I got her. I am way too observant for my own good sometimes. Wine had come over to sit on the edge of the nest. Looking concernedly at mom.

“What’s wrong?”

“Alvaro woke up briefly. He didn’t know where he was. He recognised me but started freaking out completely when he couldn’t see Destrí. He thought he had died. He thought he was back at the facility and tried to get out of the room we were kept in. I was holding him back and he just screamed and screamed until he passed out.”

Wine had turned pale Coffee looked like he was about to burst into tears. I was upset. Before I realised it I was crying. Fat ruby tears streamed down my face. Huge heaving sobs racked my body.

I felt arms curl and lift me hugging me tightly as I was rocked. I thought he would be better after going to the doctors. They said he was all better now. Why is he slipping away?

When my crying had ceased momma stopped her rocking and placed a bowl infront of me. Wine had come to sit next to Esmée and Coffee was sitting at the very edge of the nest.

Wine was consoling mom. Saying that this was normal and it’s a long trip to recovery. She nodded solemnly and encouraged me to eat.

Wine did the same to her. It was like a comfort train at this point. If I would have had the energy I would say it was even funny. All I had the energy for though was to eat and then go to sleep. Slumping down beside my brother as I heard the whisperings of fading voices above me.

No one’s POV

As Destrí dropped off into sleep. Subconsciously curling to protect himself from any outward forces. Esmée finally let loose her tears.

She hates crying in front of her kids. She was supposed to be the strong one. The one who protected them and shielded them from the horrors of this world. She was doing a horrible job at it so far.

Wine offered what little support he was allowed to without setting her off. He could understand what she was feeling. The crushing pain and grief of seeing someone you loved so dearly hurt so badly.

Alvaro shuffled and whined out. Esmée moved immediately to cover him with the heated blanket Hissing and flinching all the while. The sobs that racked her body seemed to have agitated her magic again and made the pain flare.

Wine placing a hand on her shoulder and one under her head pushed her down to lie on the bed. He readjusted the heated blanket never letting it once leave Alvaro and covered her in it.

Esmée smiled sadly at him before trilling out a thank you.

“No worries darling. Me and Coffee will leave you alone now. Get some rest.”

She nodded solemnly at me and thanked us verbally before slumping down to rest. She drifted off almost immediately. Wine and Coffee left the room and began the long trek downstairs.

They made it to the kitchen where Coffee broke off from him brother to be with the dogs and Wine sat on the bar with Sweets. Sweets had his legs in braces. Thick metal running up and down and thick screws in place to help alleviate pressure. Didn’t make it less painful though.

“Is everything all right Sweets. You should be in bed if your legs are that bad. You don’t have work today do you?”

“No I do not and you’re right I should be in bed but I wanted to see you and ask a few question on things.”

“Of course ask away.”

“I wanted to see if I could speak to Esmée and her kids. I’ve wanted to have a conversation with her to fully get a grasp on how they are doing. Settling in and etc.”

“Okay maybe in the future though. Right now Esmée is having a bad chronic pain flare up and she just got a scare from Alvaro. He woke up and thought he was back there. He was kicking and thrashing to get out the door from what we were told.”

Sweets nodded solemnly.

“Maybe I’ll talk to them later. My brother has similar experiences. We could try what works for him on Esmée. See if she likes any”

“Great idea.”

Sweets twinged in pain as Wine put his foot down with him staying up and about. He extended a silent hand out to him and he begrudgingly took it heaving himself upwards and walking with the support of Wine to his and his brother’s section of the house.

Wine opened the engraved door to their section helping Sweets up the ramp and into his bed. His bed was elevated to prevent him from having to lean down or exasturbate his spine more than he had to.

He was situated in bed comfortably before I moved to get the heated blanket from where it was folded on the floor. Blood had peaked around the corner to see what all the noise was but immediately came forward to help when he saw it was his brother.

He gently took one of his damaged legs and eased the screws out of the contraption that surrounded poor Sweets leg. He lowly growled as it was removed. Breathing through the pain of each screw being untightened. Wine watched from the side.

Ready to throw over the heated blanket once Bloods careful attention to his brother had ceased. Not that he would ever dream of hurrying them. They needed this time to not feel rushed and to not cause more undue pain.

Once the nasty braces for his legs had been placed on the floor beside his bed side. Wine moved in and threw the heated blanket over his legs. Layering it so it was especially thick on his legs.

Wine flicked the switch on at the wall and within five minutes Sweets was reduced to a rumbling pile of purrs. Blood had taken residence at his side. Holding his hands and matching his purr. Wine left them with a fond look and a bid of peace.

As Wine closed the door to their section he sighed a long and suffering one. Too much stress today. Way too much and he still had to busy himself with the lawsuit he had raging against the facility.

The royals who had funded the facilities in the first place were appalled at the treatment over the years of the invertos placed in their care. Esmée and her children though hit a soft spot with the royals.

They were furious and demanded justice and we were more than happy to dole it out. The other skeletons in the house were sure that Esmée wouldn’t mind it either. They went ahead full steam resorting to illegal and legal ways to surface information against them.

They were terrified of what they found which only made them more furious. This never should have happened been allowed to happen in the first place but alas it did and it was now it up to us to fix it and make sure it never happened again.

Wine made his way through the house. Checking in on everyone and making sure they were okay. Once that was done exhausted as he was he went to his mates which he could feel by their soul bonds that they were in the library.

The twins often did this taking turns to read each other stories and tales from old. One would read to the other comforted by the vibration of their voice and slowly fall asleep. It’s what they would do if one of them was overly stressed or just for relaxation.

Wine came to the door engraved with a tree in full bloom with a field of flowers surrounding it. He turned the brass handle seeing a lovely sight. After all his mates went through they deserved as much peace as they could be allowed.

If Wine didn’t try his stars damned best to give them that peace, then he was not worthy of the title mate. His mates were snuggled up close to eachother. Dazzle was reading to Razzle who had his skull in his mates lap and was staring lovingly up at him.

Wine drunk in the sight as he crept silently up to them. Not wanted to disturb the tender peace they had. Once Wine was in close enough proximity he could see his mates expressions fully.

Razzle was completely relaxed and looked about ready to fall asleep. Looking a little closer you could see the fading lines of stress that had once overtaken his beautiful face.

Dazzle had half lidded sockets as he stared down at his most ferocious lover. His eyelights hearts as he took in every small detail of his skull features.

Wine leant down giving each of his loves a peck on the fore skull. Running a hand for each of them down their cheeks.

“What are you reading?”

“The Frankenstein. You know how Dazzie is a sucker for anything old and fancy.”

“Hey you enjoy it too.”

“Indeed I do. So love have you been a busy bee today? Flitting about the place. We hardly saw you today.”

“ I know. I deeply apologise for avoiding you even if it was unintentional. I was just so busy between work and then figuring out how to proceed with the lawsuit and then I was up with Esmée and Destrí came down alone for a little adventure. I had to watch him for a while as he fell asleep.

He had made acquaintances with Crimson and Edge. Was fast asleep in Crimsons arms when I came to see him. Once Esmée called him back from his adventure with two long trills. I suspecting a code between them. I went to give them food. Only Esmée and Destrí ate. I’ll have to remember to give Alvaro something.

Then when I came back down again I had to help Sweets back to his room. His legs were sore again. They were so bad that he had the leg braces on. I led him back to bed and then his brother came and took over. Then I came to find you.”

Wine accented the words with little taps of his phalanges on their nasal ridges. Razzle snorted and Dazzle eagerly moved his head further into Wines hand.

Wine slumped down next to them. His mates crawled to him and settled onto his lap. Razzle massaged his sore spine and Dazzle peppered his skull with kisses.

He allowed the affection under the guise of that he was tired and stressed and they had been working on this with his mates. He was allowed to relax and rest once in a while.

With the ministrations Wine quickly melted into the cushions of the couch. In the nook of the library. Comfy and warm they all soon settled into a relax stupor. Dazzle started up his reading again.

Razzle settled against Wines shoulder. As they listened to Dazzles melodic voice carry throughout the room. They were oblivious to the happenings of downstairs.

Stretch had woken up to the fitful slumber of his younger brother. He was in the throes of a nightmare again. He tried to soothe him by petting his skull when that didn’t work he spewed comforting words from his jaw.

Trying to soothe and abate the coming explosive wake up that is bound to happen. Blue calmed down oh so little when he inevitably woke up. He jerked and gasped and struggled in his brothers hold.

Too caught up in his dream to see that it wasn’t real. That it wasn’t reality. Stretch held on restraining his brother so he couldn’t hurt himself. It was becoming increasingly frequent the nightmares.

Jolting and crashing back to reality. Mixing his sense of what was real and what was not. Stretch sighed heavily. He would never dream of blaming his brother for what happened. It was the dirty human scum that did this to him. That was who he had to blame.

He teleported away with Blue in his arms. Getting away from the noise in the main living areas would help. He landed softly on the bed only bouncing a little from the impact and wrapped Blue in a familiar scent.

As Blue took heaving gasps of mint and honey in he started to calm down. Recognising the scent was nothing like that slime covered alley or the sickening sweet scent (that turned sour quickly with malicious intent) of humans.

He struggles slowed as he huffed breathless from his struggles. He then started crying. This was the usual routine. Waking up scared to dust then when he calmed down the shame and the feelings from the incident washing over him in thick tidal waves.

First came sadness then pain and finally anger. That would fade to eventually to sheer exhaustion where they would repeat the cycle again. Or when the angel decided to give them a break and Blue woke up peacefully.

Stretch would hold him all through it though. Again and again he would do it for his little brother. He would stroke his pale hand in that small hospital bed crying and cursing himself for hours for not being there sooner.

He would hold his brother still for the tubes to come out of his throat and hold him through the discomfort. He would wreck his favourite orange hoodie by staining it with as many blue tears as it could hold. All for his little brother.

He would hold him now as well as he slowly came down from the sadness and his hysterical crying.

“Hey bro. You with me now?”

“Y-yeah.”

His voice sounded nothing like he remembered. It wasn’t full of joy and so much excitement you could power a city off of it alone. It was hoarse and scratchy.

He wished he could have made the humans that did this to him suffer that bit longer. For all they had put Blue through.

With his brother now cuddled up to him seemingly skipping the pain and the anger and just going straight to crushing tiredness.

He clenched his fists in my hoodie. Scrunching the material up and holding it in his hands tightly not ever willing to let go.

The door was knocked upon and made slightly ajar. Edge’s eyelights shone through from the darkness of the hallway. Stretch fought off his instinct to lunge and attack at someone seeing his baby brother vulnerable.

This was Edge though. He would allow an exception. Stretch chuffed for him to come in. He did so slowly and with caution. Stretch snorted in amusement.

“I’m not an animal anymore. Don’t worry I won’t bite your head off.”

“You’ve tried it before.”

Came the dry response, while it was true that was at the height of his protective instincts. He remembered it through a hazy fog.

They had just got Blue released from the hospital and into his room. After holding back his instincts for as long as he could he went feral when he no longer held them back.

Edge had come in without warning and Stretch had pinned him in seconds to the floor. The only thing that got him off. Was the weak raspy breathing of Blue as he told him to stop.

Stretch roughly threw him out the door and padded back to his brother. Curling around him again and trying desperately to warm his cold, cold bones.

Stretch did apologise profusely after he had come back to his senses. Edge forgave him easily though. He was always so soft when it came to me. Now he was allowed to sit at the edge (heh) of the bed and allowed to stroke Blues leg in comfort.

Blues eye sockets blearily opened. Not registering a threat though he quickly went back into unconsciousness.

“How is he?”

Edge was always so soft spoken when someone came out of a panic like that. He was so sweet and caring but formidable and cold when he wanted to be.

Stretch put his skull in his hands as best as he could without curling up or moving Blue who was in his lap.

“He’s as alright as he can. The usual cycle is happening panic, sadness, anger then pain. He skipped the anger part today though so. It’s a change in the routine.”

He voice was dry and fed up. Edge could tell he needed a break or maybe a good cry he wouldn’t do it though. Leaving his brother vulnerable was not an option.

The least he could do though was convince him to take a rest too. Not a sentinels rest but an actual rest. Edge moved closer to Stretch on the bed.

Heating up his hand to a comfortable temperature with his magic then placing it on the sensitive nodes situated on his nasal ridge. He rubbed with his thumb up and down the line of ley lines.

Relaxing Stretch and helping him off to sleep. Once he realised what he was doing he turned his skull away protesting but Edge insisted and Stretch didn’t have the energy to fight.

“I’ll wake you both up when dinner is ready. Okay”

All he got was a sleepy mumble before tired sockets shut leaving him be with two asleep and exhausted skeletons. Truthfully dinner was already made.

He had originally come up here to inform them of such but seeing them so tired and Blue wasn’t going to be able to function until he had a good rest anyway. Knock two birds with one stone.

He got up and closed the door quietly before making his rounds telling everyone dinner was ready. Edge went further up the stairs to their charges room.

Taking a peek inside he saw all three of them asleep. Esmée’s magic was sparking in her joints, she was twitching occasionally with it. He couldn’t quite see the kids. Hidden as they were behind Esmée.

He could hear them though if he strained his hearing a little. The quiet puffs of breath from the little ones. Proof that they were alive and fighting for health.

They were truly little miracles. The fact that Alvaro turned into a skeleton with his mother and that Destrí turned also in her womb was amazing. They were little miracles.

Determined to stay with their mother he damned the circumstances. He listened to them breathing for a little longer. Feeling sockets on me though I saw Esmée had cracked one of her sockets to watch me. The eyelight wasn’t there though. Was she blind in that socket.

How interesting. He wonder how that happened. He would have to ask Wine. See if he knows anything. For now though he’ll leave them in peace. He saw the empty bowls and the one full one.

They were imbued with magic keeping the food warmer for longer. Whoever hasn’t eaten would enjoy a warm meal when they woke up. Never mind the time that had passed.

Leaving them alone and going downstairs to serve the meal Edge realised he wasn’t alone. He looked around and found Esmée looking at him from the shadows. How did she do that?

“I heard you looked after Destrí for awhile today. I came to thank you. That’s no easy task.”

“He was a pleasure and no trouble whatsoever. He was quite formal addressing me as well.”

“I did try to teach h them as well as I could. Thank you again.”

“No problem.”

And within one blink to the next she was gone. Could she teleport? Not likely given that we haven’t taught her about her magic yet. It was quite astounding how she managed to do that.

With questions on his mind he went downstairs to join his makeshift family in dinner.

Chapter Text

I sat down heavily on the bed. After just seeing Edge off and thanking him now it was family time. I stroked Alvaro’s cheekbone. Trying to gently rouse him from sleep. He groaned at me very not happy with being pulled from his sleep.

“I know mo grá. Just for a minute to get you to eat and maybe have a wash. How does that sound getting all clean and sated with a meal? Come on just for a little while.”

I got my skeletal hands under him and hoisted him up to hold him to my chest. He struggled a bit.

“Shh shh. It’s alright sweet one. Just going to get you something to eat.”

As I placed a very fussy Alvaro on my lap. With my other hand I got the bowl that had been placed on the floor by our bed. I reached over and scooped up a spoonful of what appeared to be vegetable stew.

It had lovely chunks of potatoes and carrots along with a beef stock going with the smell of it. I always loved vegetable stew. It always left you warm and sated inside. Hopefully it will settle Alvaro as well.

“Just take one spoonful at a time love. Don’t rush it. Take your time.”

Alvaro whined again pushing away my hand. I set down the bowl and spoon with a sigh.

“What’s wrong love. It’s perfectly good food. Are you feeling sick again.”

“No momma. I just don’t want to taste the porridge again please it’s horrible.”

Oh so he thought it was the facilities slop I was feeding him. Well we will just have to fix that.

“No love this isn’t the facility. We are out and we are safe. There is no need to worry anymore. This is good food. It will help you I promise.”

“Are you sure momma?”

“I’m so incredibly sure my darling. Remember we are with the nice skeletons now. Remember Wine darling or Razzle and Dazzle. They were really nice. They are helping us.”

“I remember them momma. Did they make the food?”

“ Yes they did love. Let me help you eat though. Your hand is shaking badly love.”

His tiny delicate hand had started to reach for the bowl beside me. His hand was shaking violently though. Why was it doing that? My hands were shaking from were they were tied behind me. In those thick manacles I grew up in.

I shook myself out of my stupor can’t be thinking about that. Not with your children around. Come on get it together. I reached for the spoon again. Blowing on it gently when it came back steaming.

Alvaro was looking up at me expectantly. His beautiful blue eyes lights looking up at me. I held the spoon to his mouth and he readily opened up. He swallowed and his eye sockets widened. I’ll take that as he approves. As I slowly fed him more and he brightened up I started to think about what I would do to get them to wash.

They desperately needed it and I wanted them to experience warm washes as quickly as possible. The facility used industrial sized hoses and frigid water. Not to mention the lingering gazes on our pelvises. That made bath time unenjoyable and an affair to not look forward to.

I wanted to get the boys into a good hygiene routine. The fear of the showers discouraged that. I yawned stretching and cracking my jaw. Shaking off tiredness as I thought what I was going to do with the rest of the day.

I could ask if we can have another outing to get a couple things to personalise the walls of the room. Maybe get a few squishy toys for my children to entertain themselves with. A few whiteboards when I start up asking them questions again. Just to get their minds working again.

I yawned again showing off my three rows of sharp teeth. Alvaro giggled up at me. Smile dopey and relaxed and pointed at my teeth.

“Shark teef.”

He giggled again and I let out a laugh. Alvaro was so silly sometimes. I loved when this side of him came out.

“Yes mommy had shark teef doesn’t she and wee Alvaro has a little dino toof haven’t you.”

His face flushed as I mentioned his extra tooth on the roof of his mouth. I discovered it delightedly when he was younger. He was just like his mommy. Destrí had yet to show any dino teeth or shark teeth but he could do something with his eyes that was simply amazing.

“Oh don’t be embarrassed love. It just means you’re gonna grow as big and as strong as momma.”

He looked up at me with his big round sockets.

“Really momma.”

“Of course darling.”

I gave him a gentle kiss on his foreskull before turning to see what Destrí was up to. He was sprawled out on his back. Snoring lightly and looking as peaceful as he could. Considering he still has two broken ribs and his left leg was still bothering him.

It was less now but the bother was still there. I gently nudged him to wake him up. He came to with a snort and sat up straight before holding his head from the dizzy spell he undoubtedly just caught.

“Come on wee one we are going to take a bath. Get you all cleaned up huh. Would you like that?”

Destrí chirruped in agreement and immediately made his way over to check on Alvaro. He was worried about him and maybe I shouldn’t have shared the whole hallucinating information with him. It just shocked me so much that he woke up screaming.

It’s too late now and I can’t tell Destrí to stop worrying so Alvaro will just have to accept the worry rolling off his brother for the minute. Destrí was turning his brothers head left and right and asking him to say how many fingers he was holding up. I smiled at his concern but grabbed his hands and shook my head when he reached for the hat that covered his brothers skull.

“He needs that darling. Please don’t move it.”

“Okay momma.”

“Right first thing is first. We are going to go get squeaky clean. Come on boys off we march.”

I hefted myself up and off the bed and began marching towards the bathroom Alvaro in my arms. Being careful how loud my footsteps were. I would hate to give away our position to those downstairs. Desttí giggled before setting off after me.

I first walked into the closet still marvelling at the size of it all. I had not quite yet organised the clothes but I thought i might make it a family activity and well we were all out of commission for a couple days there. I would do it later.

I grabbed a black textured tank top and pale green jeans for me. For Destrí I grabbed soft trousers with little frogs all over them. They were in various poses ranging from doing backflips to riding on a skateboard. I grabbed a cream coloured hoodie for him as well as a plain white t shirt. Alvaro got soft trousers as well but with bears all over them. They were all in various sleep positions. I thought that was pretty fitting. He got a powder blue t shirt and a bear hoodie with little ears on the hood.

I walked into the linen closet afterwards grabbing the towels one for each of us. As I walked into the spacious bathroom feeling the cold seep into my feet. Destrí jumped back like a cat landing on all fours hissing at the floor for the coldness in audacity. How dare it shock his feet with cold!

I laughed loudly. “Oh my love. Come here. I’ll carry you over the nasty floors. They’re very cold aren’t they.”

He huffed crossing his arms but allowed himself to be picked up gently by my tail and set down again on a mat on the floor. Alvaro who was barely awake was sat by him and Destrí reached out hugging him to keep him from falling over and onto his face.

I turned and studied the bathroom. It was fully stocked which was different from last time. It was empty last time me and Destrí were in here. I caught a yellow box inside my field of vision and leaned over with a chuckle to get the box of crackers that was hidden behind the bathtub.

It was half open and the majority of it was gone when I shook it at my children Alvaro beamed up at me. Proud of his hiding space. We will have to return what we took to the kitchen now that the chronic pain attack is over.

Good graces those things hurt and were always so scary. Being so vulnerable like that at everyone’s mercy. I turned the crystal knob on the bath it immediately spurting out hot water. As I ran my hand under it I revelled in the simple joy of hot water.

It was so so good after so many years of bitter cold and I’m sure my boys would share the sentiment. I looked back at them making sure they were holding up okay. Destrí was still keeping his brother from faceplanting on the floor.

I curled my tail around Alvaro to reprieve his brother from his weight. He grunted from the change of hands to tail but didn’t make any other move. Destrí slumped a bit but was excited telling from the gleam in his sockets to get fully clean.

I placed both towels and sets of clothes on the radiator across the wall. Leaving them to warm up and chase away the chill that comes from leaving hot water and stepping into cold air.

As I checked the temperature of the bath with my elbow I coaxed Destrí forwards and into my arms. He did so willingly if not with a bit of fatigue. Looks like it was straight to bed after this.

“Now boys before we get in we have to remove our bandages. They’ll be ruined if we go in with them on. Are you ready? Deep breaths okay.”

As I slowly tugged off his shirt and went for his right arm. I scratched at the end of the bandage getting the end out from where it was tucked in. I carefully pulled and unwinded until we were at the end where I met some resistance.

“Okay baby. One last pull deep breaths in and out.”

As he breathed out and nodded to me I pulled. It came away with a little more resistance than a tug on the bone underneath but it was still enough to get Destrí to whimper.

“I know ceann beag. Just one more bandage then it’ll be over. Just be brave for me a little longer then you can relax in the bath. Dosent that sound good?”

He didn’t give me a verbal answer just turned into my chest and held on tight.

“Okay baby count to 5 with me. One”

I rolled up his left pants leg to expose the wound. The bandages had allowed some mana to seep through and it was staining the bandage red.

“Two”

A weak voice called out with me. I smiled down encouragingly at Destrí. My boy was so brave. I started to unwrap the bandages.

“Three”

Destrí closed his eyes as I got to the end of the bandages.

“Four”

I tugged on the bandage and it came away pulling on hardened marrow in the process causing it to bleed again. Destrí arched his back and let out a weak whimper. Then fall back against me boneless.

I was stroking his face. “Easy it’s alright. You were so brave. It’s over now. Shh shh.”

I was bouncing him slightly on my lap and his tears started to well up in his sockets.

“Oh my love. It’s alright it’s over. I’m so sorry you have to go through this. It isn’t fair. It really isn’t.”

I sat with him on the cold floor and rocked and bounced him. Calming him down as his wails filled the room. Shushing him and trying to lull his crying.

He was too distressed through. So I started to rhythmically tap on his cheek to bring him out of it. The purpose of the tapping was to provide a reminder of the song I always sung them. The tapping resembled the rhythm of the song. One they knew very well.

I’ll have to find that song again. I wonder if it’s still around. I began softly humming along with the rhythm. Reminding him that I was here and that I wasn’t leaving anytime soon. He’s stuck with me for a very long time.

He was shaking coming out of it. Shivering, shaking and sobbing. I rubbed at his cheekbone.

“Hello mo grá. You okay now.”

He nodded shakily still shivering. I had gotten the water in the tub now just for suds and children. Not really knowing which was best. I put a concoction of all of what I could see in. I stared at the brew that I made in the tub. The water was now a shade of lavender and it actually looked quite pretty.

With a healthy amount of suds as well. The prefect bath in my opinion. I pulled Alvaro into my lap and gently put both my children into the bath. Destrí chirruped in confusion at the change from dry to wet but started purring when the warmth of the water sunk in.

Alvaro merely mrped a bit in confusion at the change but ultimately settled back to sleep. I hopped in after them I landed on the balls of my feet therefore not displacing the water and only causing a tiny ripple to form.

The water sat comfortable at the top of my tibia. Alvaro was slipping down the side of the bath where he had rested against. The heat of the water only furthering his state of sleep. Allowing him to slip away further into comforting darkness.

I smiled lightly at him. Reaching over to him and grabbing him lightly by his humerus. I floated him out to me. Keeping an arm under his head to keep it out of the water. He panicked slightly when he felt himself being moved but I shushed him gently and reminded him that it was only me.

I grabbed a sponge that was sitting out for us and gathered some mango flavoured soap on to it. I then began gently and meticulously cleaning all the ridges and divots in his bones. Getting in between the joints that glowed with sapphire magic.

I smiled lovingly down at him from where his head was resting in my arm. His relaxed face and posture reminded me that we were finally safe. After so many years we are finally safe. They could truly start their lives here without fear of being in danger from trigger happy guards with electrical prods.

While Alvaro was happy to lay back and be washed Destrí was not the same. He was splashing around and making a mess of the place. I laughed along with him and scooted some water at him. Having a little fun wouldn’t hurt and after all water can be dried easily.

He giggled as he figured out that if you gather suds into your hands and clap them the suds go everywhere. So while he preoccupied himself with causing chaos. I scrubbed at his bones and paid the same meticulous attention to him as I did Alvaro.

Soon it was my turn. By now Alvaro had woken up a little and was joining his brother with playing with the suds. He was being more creative than Destrí though. Gathering suds and making shapes with them. As I cleaned my long body and scrubbed myself down Destrí launched some suds at me.

They hit me dead on in the skull. While he laughed high pitched and gleeful I gave him a deadpan stare and launched a full scale attack on him from behind with my tail. He squealed in surprise and batted at my tail trying to stave off the attack. It was pointless though and I eventually got to a ticklish point on his bones where I proceeded to tickle him relentlessly.

As I was doing that I paid attention to my oldest. He was sinking further into the water. Happy to be present in the moment and no more. I picked him up in my arms and held him against my shoulder. Patting his back and rubbing his spine.

When I decided that the water was getting cooler and we had cleaned ourselves sufficiently. I reached out for the towels that I had placed just outside the bath. I hefted myself up as water dropped and fell from my body in a cascade of showering rain droplets.

Alvaro shivered when being lifted out of the water. No longer having access to its warmth. I had put the towels on the electric heating wrack though so I quickly wrapped him up in that. He sighed and went boneless.

“I take it that the towel feels nice huh bud.”

I got a sleepy mumble in return. I sighed. He’s going to be sleeping for eternity at this rate. It was better than the wailing he did as a child though. please please be quiet it’s alright mommy’s here. Please youre going to wake up that man. You have to be quiet please please

I rubbed his cheekbone fondly before wrapping him securely in my tail. I reached over the lip of the tub and hoisted Destrí out. He giggled as he was airborne then shivered the same as his brother.

I wrapped him up quickly and began towelling down his bones. Leaving him dry and warm. Repeating the same process with my oldest. I began dressing them in their clothes leaving Destrí out so I could do his bandages. Once I was done my children were tired and listless. Placated by the warmth of Alvaro’s clothes and Destrí’s still warm towel. I then quickly dressed myself.

I smiled at them both and lifted Alvaro with my tail and Destrí in my arms simply because Destrí could potentially be hurt more by my tail squeezing around him. Destrí being hurt in his arm leg and ribs my tail squeezing around him could hurt him.

So I picked him up in my arms and grabbed a spare roll of bandages on my way out the door after pulling the plug in that bath so it could drain. I would clean up the towels later.

I sat on the couch pulling Alvaro up with me. Nuzzling his cheek to remind him that I was there. Laying Destrí down on the couch on his back and pulling Alvaro so he was within reach on the couch I started carefully bandaging Destrís injuries.

Seeing them now when I was more lucid made me want to go back to the facility and eat  I cried out as I stripped another piece of my own ar…. maul those guards. They really did a number on him all because I wasn’t there to protect him.

Stupid failure as a mother. How could you have let this happen. You were always so forgetful and weak. You must never stop defending them. Never. I took a deep breath in relaxing my hand from where it had am iron grip on Destrí’s leg.

I shook my head. Today was really a day for flashbacks wasn’t it. Just breathe Esmée try to get the out of your head. Shove the memories down. They won’t help you. I quickly wrapped the rest of Destrís leg and arm. Then dressing him and depositing both my children in the nest.

I was going to have to air that soon. It was becoming a bit musty. I went back to the bathroom cleaning up everything. Picking up wet towels and drying down the bath. Putting back products exactly the way I found them.

Not leaving a speck of evidence that we were ever there. Leaving the door open for the steam to disperse I was reluctant to leave the room to find a laundry room. No doubt it would take a while. This place was massive just judging off of Destrí’s descriptions and the number of staircases I saw in my very brief outing.

I settled with just leaving the towels outside the door. Wrapping the driest of them all around the wet ones so there would be minimum spillage on the floor.

I made my way back into the bedroom to find Alvaro’s scrunched up face and fists clutching at his head and whimpering. Making kitten like mewls to grab my attention. I smiled sadly at him coming over quickly and grabbing the heated blanket swiftly putting it on over his head. Tucking it in around his body but still leaving it lose enough so that he could breathe and escape it easily if he needed to.

I turned it on and stayed with him drawing careful circles into his back until he relaxed and went boneless. I looked up at the skylights that dotted out ceiling. Small wee things but still big enough to provide a sufficient amount of light for this big room.

They showed rain droplets on them and all ready i could hear the pit pattering become louder and no doubt building to a tremendous roar like last time.

Last time it drove us out of this room but this time we had preventative measures like black out curtains and sound proof curtains installed. I had no idea how they got there but as I pulled the blind on one small skylight shutting out the light it was already much quieter.

Shutting all of them leaving the room in pitch darkness and complete silence I stood wondering what to do next. I could start airing out the nest but that would disturb my boys. I could curl up with my children while that sounded tempting though I wasn’t tired enough to sleep.

I figured I could try and work through this flashback thing. Breathing deeply trying to calm myself down I surfaced the memories I shut down working through them slowly none of them pleasant but i learned a while ago that if I worked through them they would go back into my little mental box much easier.

My sockets snapped open though when I heard the click of the outside door. Leading into the main area. I wonder if it’s Wine coming to check on us. I was proved wrong when the entrance to our bedroom was opened and revealed Papyrus.

“Well this is a pleasant surprise.”

“AH HELLO ESMÉE. HOW ARE YOU?”

I winced a bit at the volume looking over to where my children slept. Destrí grunted shifting a bit before settiling. Alvaro’s hands balled tighter. Papyrus followed my gaze only now noticing the sleep children.

“Oh I am so very sorry. I tend to be quite loud. I will try my best to quiet down.”

“Oh no it’s okay. There’s no need to apologise. I understand that some people speak louder than others and don’t notice so. Would you feel more comfortable going outside and talking?”

“No it’s alright. I have been working on volume control. I’m trying to get better. I thought you might have appreciated a bit of enthusiasm though.”

I giggled a little.” Thank you very much for the thought. We are all just a little tired at the moment. My boys seem to want to sleep forever though. Not that I blame them. They’re hurting right now. Sleep is good for them.”

“Indeed. I came up here with the purpose of asking how you all are. I haven’t seen you in a while. I thought it might be nice to catch up.”

“Of course. How considerate of you. Would you like to do it in here or outside on the couches?”

“In here’s fine.”

“Okay then. Let me get myself situated.”

I stood up stretching and yawning making my way over to where my children lay exhausted but for once safe. I sat down crossed legged on the nest. Papyrus came up and asked permission before he approached my nest. Which I greatly appreciated.

I allowed him to approach and he sat down gingerly on the end. Good I didn’t want him to be too comfortable. He needs to know that I will fight back if provoked. I will protect them no matter the cost.

“So what did you want to talk about.”

“I wanted you to tell me about yourself.”

Hmm so this was this was intel gathering or maybe he genuinely wanted to know. As I said before he reminded me of a golden retriever. I don’t think he has the capacity to be evil or have bad intentions.

So why talk about myself. Was there an alternate reason for this questioning. I may as well answer but just be vaugue Esmée. Ask for specific subjects. Root out his reasoning.

“Any specific questions you want to ask. I’ve lived a long legged life.”

“Never heard of that phrase before. Maybe let’s start with what growing up in America was like?”

“I wouldn’t really know. I had a tough time getting out when I was younger. Really tough. I was like super shy.”

Papyrus POV

Truthfully I was sent here to gather a little information on her. Mostly because she wasn’t coming out of her room and the other people in the house were getting a little curious on what she was like.

So as the least conspicuous of us all I was sent up here to find out what she was like and report it to the others. I could be sneaky when I want to be. I actually quite like to be and with my cheerful demeanour I pride myself on I can quickly disarm people and put them at ease.

If anyone deserves to feel safe it was this small family that came to us hurting and broken. I had no malicious intent being here. We were just simply curious and wanted to know more about her without overwhelming her. So sending a lone skeleton in to gather information was harmless right?

She seemed to have already caught on to what I was doing though. Being guarded with her answers and making my vague questions more specific. Stretch had shared his theory with me that she was the daughter that was supposed to be dead. She watched her answers carefully.

It wasn’t that she could get out as a child because of shyness. It was because she literally couldn’t get out from the basement she was tortured in. My brother would have something to say about this if he knew the other skeletons in the household were sharing such gory details with me.

I’m twenty-two for stars sake. I can handle it. At least a little bit of it. It was shocking to hear though that such a small girl was put through so much pain and torment. We would help her though. If there’s one thing the great Papyrus is exceptional at it’s helping people.

“That’s alright. I understand some people have a hard time even stepping out the door into the world. Next question. Mmmm. What about your magic colour. Did it change from your human eyes?”

“Not really know. It’s a lot lighter than I’m used to. My human eyes were dark green.”

“COOL. Sorry that’s cool. How’s Alvaro doing? After the humans attacked him?”

Her face darkened reminded of the fact that her own kind did this to such young babybones. “He’s doing as well as he can be. He’s having nightmares of the incident though. His memory has also gotten worse but I have seen that improving. Speaking of him anyway. Darling you don’t have to pretend.”

I looked at Alvaro and lo and behold both eye sockets were wide open and staring directly at me.

“You remember Papyrus right?”

“Yes momma. He’s the really nice one.”

“Yes he is. Do you want to come over here for a while?”

“Mhm.”

He started to crawl over keeping his eyelights on me. Esmée looked at him softly before picking him up under his arms and pulling him to her. Laying his head in her lap and stroking his foreskull. He relaxed into her. Breaking eye contact with me.

He whined and pulled himself closer to her. She looked at him again before seemingly getting his needs. Pulling over the heated blanket and wrapping him up carefully again. Draping a little bit of the blanket over his face.

She signed to see sensory overload. After getting over the initial shock that she knew how to sign I nodded my head at her in understanding. There was a sudden whimper from my right side. Destrí was squirming in his sleep. Distressed over something being shown to him in his sleep.

No POV
Esmée changed her position quickly picking up Alvaro and moving over to where Destrí lay. Alvaro got off her lap and moved away wrapping the heated blanket around himself tighter as it had slipped loose from his shoulders.

Esmée picked up Destrí and as soon as she touched him he woke up thrashing. She held him tightly to her chest. Restraining him. Pushing his skull into her shoulder. Letting him cry and wail.

She rocked and bounced him calming him down slowly. Whispering reassurances over and over again until it set heavily into his mind. Breaking past the fog of panic that had built up.

His tiny hands fisting her shirt tightly as he tried to push her away but the fight was slowly draining out of him. She held a piece of her shirt to his nasular pasture. Allowing him to take deep breaths of her scent.

Showing him that it was her and not some stranger that was holding him. Alvaro had walked slowly to him mother’s femur and collapsed against it in his state of tiredness.

“Shh you’re alright. There’s no one here that’s going to hurt you. Mommy’s here isn’t she. She keeps you safe. No one’s going to hurt you. Shh shh.”

Wiping his tears away with her sleeve. Cleaning his distressed face and comforting him with more of her scent near him. Wrapping around and incasing him in a scent associated with safety.

He was slowly calming down but still let out wails here and there. Full of pain and sadness and Esmée quieting them down with the reminder that she was here and she wasn’t going anywhere.

After dealing with the pain of having his bandages being removed and having a nightmare Destrí soon grew exhausted. No longer able to keep his hands fisted in Esmée’s shirt. He collapsed hard, not having much energy because of healing with his injuries, having to deal with the pain of his injuries and because of a nightmare. He passed out.

Esmée panicked feeling her child suddenly go limp in her arms. She made a sound low in her throat. A worried warble.

“Destrí honey. You alright?”

She pulled him back from her shoulder. Reaching out and cupping his lolling skull.

“Oh honey. Okay. You rest well. I’ll take care of you.”

Rubbing his back gently even if he couldn’t feel it. She repositioned him to scratch at her arms. Her nervousness and anxiety overwhelming her. Sharp pain radiates from her arm and she starts to relax.

Papyrus grabbed her arm just as marrow began to run down it.

“Esmée calm down please. It’s alright. He’s just passed out he’ll wake up in a minute. Please don’t do that to your arms.”

She looked at his hand grabbing her ulna. Where a long score mark now was marring the side of ulna.

“S-sorry. Jeez I haven’t done that in a long time.”

The second bit was said under her breath. Papyrus caught it though. So she had a past of self harm. Papyrus wondered if Sweets could help with that. He helped with Razzle didn’t he. God was it terrifying to find him on the bathroom floor.

Anyways Papyrus wondered if he could get her down now. He recalled Wine saying that it might be beneficial for her to go see him. He wondered how open she would be to the idea.

“Esmée do you know who Sweets is?”

She nodded her head pulling her ulna away from his hand gently. It immediately going under Destrí to support him. Her tail had come up from behind to stroke Alvaro’s skull. Alvaro was snoring lightly against her leg. Too tired to stay awake more than 5 minutes.

“Do you want to go see him? He’s a therapist he may be able to help.”

She huffed out a weak laugh. “My trauma that obvious is it.”

“A little.”

She seemed to appreciate the bluntness. Laughing quietly. “Fine let’s go see the shrink. He’s nice.”

She lifted herself bringing both her babybones along effortlessly with her. She gestured for Papyrus to lead the way and he did with that million watt smile he was known for.

Down the stairs a few people greeted them. Not making a big deal of her presence which I’m sure she appreciated. There were lingering eyelights on the babybones though.

Such large gatherings of monsters like the skeletons usually shared the role of looking after kids not leaving it solely to the mother and father to take care of them. Especially if the mother was on her own and hurt. Then other monsters would take care of the kids or give resources to the mother while she nested defending her kids.

We have been resorting to feeding her and giving her resources as she would be no where near the trust a familial group of monsters would have. Hopefully as she begins to trust us we will be able to give her some time to herself to properly sleep and heal. Hoping that it doesn’t cause her more stress.

Papyrus lead her to Sweets opening the door and leading her to his bed where he lay resting on top of it. Still in pain from his legs bothering him all day.

“Ahh. I was wondering when I was goign to meet you again. You were actually just in my thoughts there. How are you and the babybones?”

She looked skittish backing off and looking to go out the door again. She was feeling caged in and none of us could understand why until her eye light snapped to the security cameras and she growled low and threatening.

The cameras were there for Sweet’s safety in case he was in pain and needed help and no one was around him. They were under constant surveillance from Stretch to make sure he was safe and okay. He was aware of them and he was the one that actually wanted them installed.

She was fearful of the cameras though it seemed. Clutching Alvaro tighter in her tail and Destrí closer to her chest. She hissed again at the cameras and looked to us to help her.

“Woah okay. Is it the cameras that are bothering you dear? We can turn those off no problem.”

Sweets reached for the remote. Opening a drawer and pulling it out pointing it at the camera above his bed turning it off with a click of a button.

“Dear there is another one around the corner. Papyrus if you could be so kind.”

“Of course Sweets.”

As Papyrus turned the corner Esmée perked up relaxing her grip on her children. Looking at Sweets in surprise that he so willingly turned them off just because she showed discomfort at the idea of them.

“Dear I want you to be comfortable when we talk. Not on edge but hopefully as relaxed as you’ll allow yourself to be. It’s not good to be on constant edge. Wears you out and we can’t have that. Not when you have two delightful babybones to look after. No you need to be at full strength. Come sit.”

He patted the empty space beside him and she took a hesitant step forward towards the bed he lay apon. Papyrus came around the corner happily walking up to Sweets’s beside and placing the remote where it was originally taken from.

“Thank you Papyrus. Will you be leaving us now?”

“Yes I will. I hope you don’t mind. I have to do revision for some upcoming exams of mine. Will that be alright Esmée?”

All occupants in the room except for the two kids who were deeply asleep looked to her. She was nervous her tail twitching showing her nerves at having all attention on her. She chewed on what she was left of her malleable cheeks. Which was very little, showing the inner workings of her mouth.

“Yeah go on ahead. I’ll be fine with Sweets. Good luck with your revision Papyrus.”

“Why thank you Esmée. The great Papyrus will succeed on conquering his books. I wish you and the babybones great success in conquering your minds demons.”

With that statement he fled out the door leaving a very nervous and on edge Esmée and an at ease and relaxed Sweets. She padded over the rest of the way to stand in front of Sweets’s bed. Shuffling from foot to foot nervously glancing at Sweets’s before looking away again.

“Come now dear. No need to be nervous. We are just going to have a chat. That’s all. Maybe talk a little on how you are doing and settling in. Take a seat I have many questions.”

He tried to scoot over a bit but flinched back and sighed saying quietly under his breath. These damn legs. She stilled him with concerned hands before she took a steadying breath leaping onto the bed in one smooth motion. Bringing Alvaro along without a hitch.

Settling cross legged across from him she brought both children into her lap holding them securely to her chest. Destrí let out a weak whimper from the movement but she cuddled him close shushing him and reminding him of her presence.

Sweets looked sympathetically at the young babybones that was hurt so much at such a young age. Determined to help them though he quietly assessed Esmée. She looked no where near what a healthy female monster should look like. The signs of starvation as he knew them so well were showing but this was the work of more than just five years.

Her bones were grey still while improving from the dark almost black that they were. Now a more lighter smoky grey colour that would change to sickening yellow and then finally bright pearly white. He himself was in the sickening yellow stage coming out of the other end. Bits and patches of bone turning that pearly white once more.

One working eyelight flicked around the room. Unlike his brothers bloated one this one was sharp and keen more accustomed to sitting and seeing in the dark rather than hunting.

As a whole she looked haggard and so so worn out and tired. This one needed a lot of rest and TLC and now that she was here she would get it. They would not allow her to go on any further without it.

As for the babybones they were too closely guarded by Esmée to get a proper read on them but they were most likely traumatised and having a hard time adjusting from going to being on guard continuously to being safe in the flick of a switch.

That’s why he was here though. To help them all recover. First though small talk. He didn’t need to start right now slow and steady wins the race.

“So Esmée I want to know about you. I guess the best way to start that off is to ask about your favourite colour.”

She looked totally floored by the question. She has come in here expecting to get interrogated about her life before monsters, how the children came into existence and how did she get her scars. She did not expect to be asked her favourite colour which is why she stumbled and tripped on her way to her answer

“Oh uh. Well it’s been so long since I thought of one that I could potentially like enough to call my favourite. I would have to say black though. It’s unusual but black is everything. It outlines everything we see and makes it important.”

“Well that is certainly unique dear. I myself quite like yellow. It’s such a joyous and happy colour yet it has a certain character to it that others lack. Okay next question…”

Esmée relaxed at hearing it was another question that didn’t near prodding at her life before. Eventually though they had to get to the reason why they were here. Sweets was a therapist and could help but only if the other party was recipient and willing.

Esmée was skittish and not very open. She needed to be able to trust Sweets and then the opportunity presented itself on a silver platter. Alvaro whined and jumped up and away from his mum. Breaking the weak relaxed hold of his mom’s tail on him.

Stumbling away from her and falling to his knees gasping. She instantly was putting a hand on his spine trying to get him to look at her.

“Ceann beag. It’s alright what happened?”

He just continued to gasp before he was rasping hoarsely choking on air. Coughing and hacking Esmée tried to put him on his back to shock him out of the panic he was in. He fought against her though and as she backed off his painful panic attack worsened.

His breathing picked up faster than he originally had been going. Making him choke more. He was on his hands and knees tears dripping off his face. Esmée reached over and tried to grab Alvaro by his shirt. Alvaro moved away though. Not aware that it was her.

Sweets having dealt with all sorts of panic attacks being in his line of work took action before Alvaro’s panic could get worse or passed out.

“Okay little one. It’s alright it’s alright. Mommas right there I’m going to help you okay. Do you mind if I touch you?”

Alvaro not understanding through the panic fogging his mind but desperate for any comfort nodded minutely. Sweets immediately scooped him up and held him close.

Esmée snarled at this but lessened in her aggression when she realised that he was only grabbing her kid so he could quickly try to help him breathe again. Sweets had laid him on his back in his arms and was trying to calm Alvaro down even just a little so he could start to recognise his surroundings and realise he was safe.

“It’s okay little one. Do you think you can calm down a bit? You need to breathe precious.”

Sweets situated him different on his body. He placed him on his shoulder making sure the end of his sternum was placed on his collarbone before harshly clapping him on the back. Alvaro coughed harshly and finally took in a breath.

Esmée was nearly on top of Sweets from worry about Alvaro. Concerned for his well being. Once Alvaro started to breathe easier Sweets handed him back over with a wince to his mother. Who instantly shushed his cries and caressed him tear stained cheekbones.

She curled around him protecting him from the outside. Desperately clawing at her shirt the distressed babybones reached for his brother who had blearily opened his sockets in order to comfort his brother.

Intertwining Alvaro’s and his mom’s phalanges intertwined holding on tight to each other. Trying to ground the oldest child. After a while of more tears and wails from Alvaro he finally calmed to tell them all shakily that he dreamt of electrical prods and the day he got his head wound.

He couldn’t stay awake much longer than that. Slumping boneless against his mom’s chest. Leaving Esmée feeling drained and numb. This was taking a massive toll on her emotional and physical well-being.

Sweets noticed this. That she looked so tired no matter how much sleep she got. Her tense and tight posture making it even harder to keep up her energy levels. She was on constant high alert and it was wearing her down and she was going to crash hard if someone didn’t do something.

Sweets though had a plan. “Dear I can see you’re all exhausted. Would you like to sleep here for a while? I wouldn’t mind I’m trying to sleep myself but I need to have a buddy in order to have a good quality of sleep. Would you help me?”

“I don’t know. I just c-can’t let my guard down. W-what if someone t-tries to-to.”

She cut herself off squeezing her fractured femur to ground herself. Sweets reached forward grabbing ahold of her hand.

“Darling I do not wish for this to be stressful for you. You just need to relax just for a moment.”

He began to pull on her arm. She went with hesitation but was slowly going to go down. Swinging her legs out as long as they could go. They just about fit on the bed. Her babybones were tucked against her chest as she lay down.

She whimpered “Come on darling. I know you’re exhausted just rest for a while. Im right here to watch for anyone. I won’t let anyone in here. The only people who will get in here are my brother Blood whom which I trust with my life and Wine who I’m sure you trust. I promise no one will hurt you.”

She whined in fear as she placed her skull aside his femurs. Not touching him with any part of her body. She is tense on the bed whimpering and scared. Sweets reached up to the back of her skull. Just where it joined her cervical vertebrae. Scratching at it lightly and ever so slowly she started to relax.

She couldn’t help it, Sweets was using a particular sweet spot to encourage her to relax. It could be considered cheating but just this once she really needed to be able to have a fully peaceful rest. On top of all the stress and fear she also just came out of a chronic pain flare up. Those took a lot of energy and then the added stress of being completely vulnerable during them.

She relaxed slowly. Slipping into a deep ravine of sleep. Sweets had his fingers crossed that she would stay that way. He wasn’t lying when he said he needed a buddy to sleep. She was helping him tremendously by doing this. So he settled down along side her. Slowly drifting off himself.

He came to though when the door opened with a click. Sitting up blearily and situating himself so he was supported by the headboard on his bed. He looked to see who it was.

Wine entered as quietly as he could. Closing the door softly behind him. Spotting Sweets sitting up and silently greeting him. He walked over on soundless footsteps to be in front of the bed. Peeking over the edge he could see Esmée with her back facing him. Breathing lightly and relaxed flexing her hands into the sheet on the bed.

He couldn’t see the kids but he could hear them purring with every breath they let out. Comforted by this he had a silent conversation with Sweets. They both mutually understood that they needed this more than anything at the moment and once Esmée woke up, her and Sweets would talk. Not an interrogation but rather a talk about her.

We needed to gauge her emotional state. Was she in any danger of falling down? Did we need to sign the kids in for extra classes in school? Did they get education at all?

Who was she truly? How young was she? Was she telling the truth when she said she was 22. If so how could she have gotten pregnant so incredibly young humans couldn’t reproduce that young right?

Lots of questions that needed to be answered. Right now though they were all happy to sleep with Sweets and Wine watching over them. Finally Esmée let out a little purr.

Chapter Text

She came to slowly. Blinking and yawning. Checking the kids immediately finding that none of them were in any distress. All sleeping peacefully someone was touching her skull though. The gentle scratches felt soo nice. Her sockets felt heavy so so heavy. She just wanted to sleep.

They moved to a different position along her skull and she melted. The purr she didn’t even realise started strengthened and a little chuckle was heard over the cacophony of her vibrating ribcage.

A little hand stretched over her ribcage. Grabbing her rib and holding on. She mrped at the hand holding her wrapping herself around them tightly. She knew it was Destrí he always likes to hold on to things when he’s sleeping.

“Esmée can you wake up a little for me?”

That small question woke her up instantly. She turned her head on the bed looking up at Sweets. He smiled kindly down at her. She blinked slowly and looked around to do a quick visual check on her kids.

“Hello dear. You with me?”

Esmée nodded tiredly at him. Looking up at his smiling face she couldn’t help but feel at ease. The first time in a long time that she woke up to a smiling face. She sighed and reached for his hand he gave it easily and she squeezed his phalanges.

She let go and slowly pulled her self up. She gently pulled Destrís phalanges from her ribs and held his hand herself. Sitting up and shifting her hips so that she was boxing her children in between her and Sweets.

She slumped to her elbows. “If you’re still tired please fall back to sleep. I won’t judge. It’s tiring trying to heal.”

She looked at him through tired, tired sockets. Sad with unshed tears that she refused to let fall. She looked awful and she knew it. There was a time where she took pride in her appearance. That ended with him.

“Darling could I perhaps ask a question. It’s something that Wine has addressed concern about. How did you get those scars on your face?”

Her body locked up and her bones started rattiling violently. Her breath hitched and her eyelight was locked on to Sweets. He had triggered her however accidental. She was spiralling into a panic.

Sweets took her shaking hand and stroked the knuckles. Working his fingers gently into the magic of her joints. Relaxing her hand providing a nice sensation to combat the panic she was feeling.

The scars on her face were a trigger for her. He would have to warn the rest of the house. Now to do what he did best. Calm people and make them smile.

“Darling please don’t panic. Use me as an anchor. Stay in this moment, don’t go back. Can you tell me five things you see?”

Esmée’s breathing had picked up and her hand that wasn’t being held was fisting the covers in desperate panic. All she could see was that old musty basement and her mom standing in front of her that fucking knife glinting.

She heard the question though and fought her way through. The room was mixing between Sweets’s room and the basement where she grew up.

“Your h-hand um, t-the c-ch-chains in the c-corner. Sorry they c-can’t be th-there. They c-can’t be. They j-just c-can’t be!”

She started to curl up into herself. Sweets grabbed her hand tighter.

“No come on that’s alright. Stay with me. What else can you see?”

“I s-see a d-dresser, the s-sheets on t-the bed and my children.”

“That’s brilliant Esmée. Absolutely amazing. Can you tell me four things you smell?”

Esmée took a deep breath in. She could tell him more than four things. Ever since she became a monster she had an incredible sense of smell. She could smell people from down the hallway and in what direction they were going. Depending on the temperature of the smell. Warm means coming closer and cold means the opposite. She could also smell Sweets.

He smelt like sakura blossoms and white jasmine. It was actually quite a calming smell. It was the thing that kept her grounded and allowed her to answer his question.

“I sm-smell you, I sme-smell the laundry detergent used for th-these sh-sheets, I smell d-dried h-herbs and I sm-smell rice?”

The last one she was unsure of but she was almost certain she smelled it. Sweets chuckled a bit.

“Very well done. My brother cooked rice in here a couple of hours ago it must still be in the air. You did an amazing job Esmée well done. Do you want to continue or do you feel you’re all here?”

“I’m here. I’m here.”

She repeated it to herself like it was a mantra. Like it was the only thing keeping her in this present moment.

“If you don’t want to talk about a subject then all you have to say is no. I will never push you to talk on a subject. Do you understand?”

“I do. I’m sorry. I hate talking about them and I hate everything about them and I hate that stupid woman. I’m sorry. I just I can-.”

“It’s alright dear. You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. I’m here to lend an audio canal to you. If you don’t want to talk on a subject then we won’t go near it till you’re ready.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

“Absolutely no worries here. You mentioned a woman. Would you be okay talking about her? To reiterate we do not have to talk about a subject unless you want to.”

Esmée didn’t really want to talk about anything in her past. All of it unpleasant and dark but she guessed they had a right to know if they adopted them, they have a right to information about us. A right to know who they are bringing into their home.

“I’m referring to my mum. Not that she was much of one. She was horrible and cruel, she didn’t care about what she did to us as long as it benefitted her sick ideals and her need to feel powerful. She would scar us mentally and physically anything to give her a scrap of power over us. She’s the one who did this…”

She gestured to her face and shuddered as she quickly shoved the memory to the back of her mind.

“She never cared about any of us. She only cared about herself and the power trip torturing us gave her.”

Stars above and below. I didn’t expect her to come out and say it straight like that. Victims of that level of abuse don’t usually like talking go about never mind so nonchalantly. Keep up the facade Sweets. Do not let her know that this bothers you.

“I must say that it is concerning to hear that.”

“Everything in my past is concerning Sweets. Not much that isn’t.”

“Everyone has experiences that aren’t pleasant. I for one know that my experiences in life were unpleasant and downright disturbing to most. I feared rejection for my past from others but what I got instead was acceptance and kindness.

The monsters in this household are more accepting than most would give them credit for. Opening up to even one of them means guaranteed acceptance and kindness. In this world that’s all a monster needs to be happy and complete.”

Esmée mulled this over. Could they really accept her? A canabalistic, used, tortured and abused pet. No she’s not a pet remember Esmée. One that had never been loved or accepted. She had murdered and had saved. Could she really be redeemed?

“Maybe. My life has taught me that I will never be accepted. I will never be loved. The latter has been proved wrong though. No matter what I did in that facility my children always loved me and I will always love them. I will endeavour and persevere for their benefit. For their happiness. The past is the past I would rather not talk about any of it. Maybe just maybe I can be accepted by others. I think it’s a long shot though.”

“What makes you so sure of that?”

“I have killed people and hurt people even before I turned into an inverto. I am used and abused. No one can love an abused toy after all. That was one thing that my mother said that will always ring true.”

“Dear that’s not right. Everyone is capable of receiving and giving love. Even if…” He shook in horror at the words used. “You are used and abused. Your mother was wrong. Don’t listen to those slanderous words. Who I am looking at right now is a lovely young woman who persevered and fought through each trial and transgression thrown at her.

Most people would have crumbled under the emotional and physical strain you have been put through. Here you stand though, with two beautiful babybones and the will to fight on. You are the strongest individual I have come across in my many years and trust me when I say it is many.”

“You don’t look a day over thirty.”

“Why thank you that’s quite flattering when I’m in fact 245.”

“Shut the front door. No way!”

Sweets thought that was a very unusual saying but he rolled with it.

“Indeed. That means that technically if you’re 22 that makes you the equivalent to our 167.”

“Wow. That’s mind blowing.”

Her sockets were wide and the little flickering of a star was lighting up her working socket. Sweets noticed though the fidgeting of her hands and how that flickering star was replaced by a shifting eyelight. It was a slow change in her expression as it shifted from amazement to nervousness.

“It is, you’re looking a little nervous there dear. Did I say something to make you so.”

“No it’s just. I know I shouldn’t lie and that it’s bad to lie and I raised my boys on the ideal of never to lie but I was scared and I didn’t know what you were going to do with the information. I didn’t know and I was scared you were going to find out who I am and judge me on my past and lock me up again. I can’t take being locked up again. Please don’t I can’t take it anym-“

“Dear there’s absolutely no worries if you told a little white lie. It’s understandable you were scared it’s alright. What did you lie about? If it’s something about the children’s or your safety or health we need to know?”

“No it’s not anything like that. I put my children’s safety and health above my own. It’s my age I lied about. I’m, actually, 18.”

“Oh well that’s no trouble. You’re just a little younger than we thought. You’re alright dear no one here would use that information against you. I will update Wine about this new information and Sans.”

She looked at me strangely and huffed out a breath. She had some feelings for Sans after that blow up from him after he came home from work. None of those feelings were positive.

“Dear he has to know, he is your legal guardian for now. Since he took you out of that place he has legal custody over you and the children. This isn’t full though it’s a guarantee that he will look after your safety and health. He doesn’t own you and you can still make legal decisions for yourself incase that it a concern?”

Alvaro shifted onto his back. Esmée reached back and petted his skull curling her tail around Alvaro. Turning back to Sweets.

“No it’s not. He can know.”

“Okay that’s great dear thank you for that. Now next question. You were young when you turned. How much of school did you complete?”

She smiled and proudly exclaimed the most shocking news of all.

“I actually have two doctorates in both maths and astronomy. I also have a masters in technology. My children took an interest in both astronomy and technology both Alvaro and Destrí respectively I have been teaching them the subjects at doctorate and master levels.

They have both learned at that level and I have continued to teach them theories and branching off subjects and are quite proud of their progress and knowledge. They are still learning the courses from me. They’re only two years in but already know so much. I’m so so proud of my boys.

I taught them myself in the facility using the white walls as a makeshift whiteboard and a coloured chalk that I found in one of the offices.”

Sweets just stared he was prepared to talk to her about putting the children in for extra classes with Toriel. Trying to catch them up on basic classes. He had never expected this. For them to all be child prodigies.

So he simply just blinked. Amazed at their talent but too stunned to verbally pronounce it just yet. Esmée had yet to get rid of the smile that graced her skull. She was so unbelievably proud of her boys for learning what she had learned in such little time.

When she got out of her parents basement finally free she instantly tried to absorb as much information as possible about the world around her and after she faked her death it was easy for her to sneak into a college and start absorbing information and eventually get her degree on an accelerated course.

Even after that man came she did everything in her power to learn as much as she could and boy was she good at it. She built robots the size of two story houses and made discoveries never made before.

She became quite famous in a short amount of time for her scientific advances. Known all around the world for her brains.

“That’s amazing darling. Sorry I was a bit blown away for a minute there. That’s extra ordinary. You got your degree so young as well. Do you think the kids would be ready to take the test for their degrees yet.”

“That’s where my feelings get complicated. I want them to be children for now. I want them to learn what it is to just relax and to play. They can say when they want to do the tests. I will continue to teach them by myself. As for now I want to let them play and develop social skills. That’s one thing I can’t help them with.”

“Why not darling?”

“I was diagnosed with severe anxiety 7 years back. Even talking to you right now is making me fidgety and nervous. I can handle my own when it comes to it but I find it very hard to go out of a comfort space.

I was also isolated much of my life. I don’t know how to properly communicate with new people. I find I lose my words around others and I can’t speak. My children still have time to develop social skills and I would like them to meet with others.”

“Okay. We can definitely help with that. A couple of friends have kids, they would be happy to come along and socialise with you.”

“I would be more than happy for that to happen. We didint meet many kids in the facility. If there was any they were much to scared of me to even come close to Alvaro or Destrí.”

A ding sounded off and Sweets picked up his phone. Checking the notifications. A message from Wine to remind him to take his medication and a message from the dogs asking how everything was going.

Him and the inverts has been in here for a couple of hours. Between the impromtu nap they all had at the beginning and then the conversation with Wine and now Esmée quite a bit of time had passed. Yet still there was more questions that needed answering.

Sweets told her about who had texted and he didn’t miss the slight wag of her tail from the mention of Wine. Having helped as much as he has with all of them he was not surprised at the attachment to him.

He told her he was going to respond to both with brief descriptions giving no information until she decided what was to be disclosed. She was surprised by the look on her skull and turned away contemplating.

Alvaro had woken up when Sweets had finished texting back his answers to the questions asked. He was giving sleepy mumbles and was grabbing his mother’s phalanges. She was smiling down at his sleepy face allowing him to twine his phalanges with hers.

Sweets silently observed how Alvaro’s phalanges looked like toothpicks, how his bones reminded Sweets of his not so long ago. His eyes flicked to the hat on his head. Alvaro had a head wound like his brother. He knew it would was not as severe but he still had it and it was a problem for him.

Luckily he lived through trying to help his brother so he knew what to do in the difficult situations that were no doubt to come. He could help others get through what he had to go through alone.

Esmée picked Alvaro up and left him to rest on her shoulder. Destrí had rolled over in his sleep and was now attached to her hip and femur. Esmée looked exhausted again. Seems even staying awake for more than a handful of hours tires her out.

“How are the babybones doing recently dear? They’ve been through a rough patch.”

“Nightmares are a constant. They are constantly exhausted and hungry. They are both in pain and so fed up of being in pain that they just cry sometimes and don’t stop until they pass out.

Alvaro gets constant and massive migraines. We combat it with heat but even at that the pain is still there. He wakes up screaming bloody murder and cries himself to sleep most nights. He keeps getting confused and talking in his first language which is Irish.

Destrí is traumatised from the incident that gave Alvaro his head injury. He suffers constantly from his injuries. He’s still weak from his injuries . They still affect him greatly. Bringing down his mood and causing him to be in pain if he so much as moves. I just want it to be over for them.”

Poor babybones it must be so incredibly hard for them. I wonder if I could convince Stretch to give up his leg compression socks. They might help Destrí manage the pain a bit more. For Alvaro though there was nothing you could do outside trying to get on top of the pain with painkillers.

Esmée had let slip that their first language was not emglish but rather Irish. Wine had told some of us that he had heard her calling her babybones names he couldn’t understand. They all spoke English so well though that it was a shock to the system that it wasn’t their first language.

Shifting his legs from where they lay under the blanket. They had locked up once more in a brutal effort to try and make him scream in pain. Doc was coming when he was next free to get the magic circulating again and to relieve him of a tiny bit of pain.

He was hoping they might stay for it too. It would give Doc a chance to update their medical files anyway. Alter the age of our dear mother in her records and check on how the babybones are healing.

“Darling why don’t you rest a bit more? If the babybones wake up I’ll take care of them. I was hoping if you would allow Doc to look over you again to monitor to progress of your healing. Just to make sure everything is okay.”

At the sound of more social interaction she agreed easily to falling asleep. Tired out at the mere thought of more talking. So she lay down this time with the entirety of her warm body pressed against the side of Sweets’s legs. She also moved her tail to the soles of his feet under the blankets and started to vibrate it.

Sweets just assumed that she had done that because she was happy but after a few minutes of it continuously going the pain in his legs lessened bit by bit that he realised what she had been doing. He put a hand on her skull stroking her coronal suture

“Thank you dear.”

She rumbled at him from deep in her throat and went still after a few minutes. Her breathing evening out her kids tucked into her sides. Sending a message to Wine that the mother and kids were going to be joining him for his appointment with Doc. Putting down his phone and lying down he slept.

Doc POV

Opening the car door and hefting out my toolbag I rested against the car door. Stars above and below I’m tired. A least I’m doing something I enjoy next instead of reems of paperwork. I also get to check over the babybones which is an endorphin boost all on its own.

With their tiny skulls and phalanges. The noises they make that sound like kittens. Come on it’s almost unfair but then again you had to watch out that you weren’t being disrespectful. Esmée could still snap my head off with her teeth if she wanted to. No one’s off her shit list yet. Except maybe Wine.

No one should be home yet except for Sweets, Blood, Blue and the invertos. I opened the door intent on getting a shower. I reconsidered when I saw Blood just standing there in the centre of the living room. Blue was on the couch sleeping peacefully so nothing wrong there.

Was he having a flashback? No his eyelight wasn’t shrunk in to itself.

“Hey bud. What’s wrong?”

“Inverts sleeping….with…..Sweets.”

“Do you not like that? We can move th-.”

“No.”

“Why you just standing there then?”

“Come look.”

He walked off afterwards back into where Sweets and him were based. I sighed he really was a walking mystery sometimes. I decided to wash my hands first and get dressed out of my scrubs. I would come down and see them afterwards.

I came down the stairs after getting changed and grabbed my bag that I left downstairs to avoid clutter. In it was all I ever needed medical wise. As I passed Blue I checked him over to see if his breathing pattern was still consistent. No bandages that were staining. After I confirmed he was alright I went to investigate what Blood wanted me to see.

I opened the door and saw Blood standing by Sweets’s bed. Sweets was on his side breathing peacefully Blood’s hand was on his skull lightly stroking up and down. The surprise was that mum and kids were also there with him fast asleep.

Sweets’s hand was on Esmée’s skull prone as he had gone to sleep. Esmée was nearly fully wrapped around Sweets. Her tail was curved by his feet to be resting against his soles. She was curled around her children and her spine was in a convex shape. Destrí was looking at all of us with curious eyelights.

He was peeking over at me from atop of Sweets’s legs . He was curious but was still cautious one wrong move and he would wake up Esmée. If Esmée woke up in a panic and hurt Sweets there would be an all out brawl between her and Blood and I don’t want to find out who would win. Alvaro was tucked in to Esmée’s side purring lightly.

After staring at them and studying their positions for a while he figured he could wake up Sweets without having a knock on effect and waking up the rest of the occupants on the bed. I was here to do a health check though on all of them so I might as well get started.

Asking Blood to wake up Sweets’s he waited until the bleariness in Sweets’s sockets was clear to start his examination. Lifting the blankets from his legs and gently sliding Esmée’s tail down and away from the soles of his bony feet.

“Hello Doc. How was your day?”

“It was good. No complaints here. Thank you for asking. Esmée come in for a visit did she?”

“Yes she did and we had quite a fruitful conversation about her and the kids. I was hoping you could do an examination on them as well. Just while they’re here.”

“Yeah okay. She has to be awake though. I refuse to do it while they’re unaware.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t dream of doing it any other way. “

I turned back to Sweets’s legs. The aim was to get the magic flowing again. Vibrations worked but only to provide temporary relief a more permanent one was still being developed but the best we have is to inject pure warm magic into his mana and ley lines to jumpstart the magic there.

As the cold was seeping in from the colder months Sweets’s magic was taking it as a sign to slow down and go to sleep. If his magic went to sleep his legs would no longer function and he would not be able to walk. Not good at all.

Prepping the needles keeping them out of Sweets’s sight and rubbing down the area between his femur and tibia with alcohol. He gently inserted the needle loaded up with warmed magic straight into his joint. He winced and jolted but steadied when I pushed the plunger down.

“That is truly a miracle solution.”

“Yep but it’s not sustainable. You’re going to tear holes into your mana if you continue. We’re working on a solution back at the labs. I just need more time.”

“It is alright Doc. There is no need for you to rush. I am alright with this method so far and I will continue to be alright until you find a better solution.”

“I know. Other leg now. Can you raise it at all? Esmée’s very close to it and I’m worried I might wake her if I moved it myself.”

“Yes please give me a second or two though. It’s tough to.”

His leg slowly lifted before Doc took it in his hands and prepped the joint for an injection. Esmée didn’t move a magical muscle. Slowly pushing in the needle into his second joint he saw Sweets cling to his brother’s hand and squeeze.

Destrí had moved over to see what I was doing. He startled back when he saw me inject the warm magic into his joint.

“It’s alright little one. I know it seems gruesome but this helps Sweets feel better.”

Already you could see the relief on Sweets’s face and the way his legs started to move freely. Throwing out the used injectors to a biohazard bin i brought with me. Snapping off the blue latex gloves and also throwing them out. I slid on a new pair and turned to Destrí.

“Little one. I was hoping to do a check up with all of you. Just to check over how your injuries are healing. Does that sound alright? We can wake momma up to supervise or do you want to let her sleep on?”

Destrí looked between all of us and then back to his mom’s exhausted features. It was the child’s choice though of he didn’t feel safe enough without momma up and awake to protect him.

He inevitably tried to wake her up. Lightly patting his hands all over her face. Sweets helped him rouse Esmée by tapping over her closed eye sockets. With a deep breath her sockets opened fluttering slightly at the onslaught of light.

She groaned lifting herself up grabbing Destrí between her teeth and Alvaro by her hands. Sitting back on her pelvis with her long legs crossed. She shook her skull and smiled lightly at Sweets. Snapping her eyelight back to Blood and Doc immediately on guard.

Raising her head up high and stretching out her spine. She rose to her full intimidating height.

“Hello dear. I hope you don’t mind but I’m here to do a checkup on all of you. Just to check how your injuries are healing. If there is any problems I will be able to address them now before they become more severe.”

“I know. Who do you want to do first?”

Both babybones immediately retreated back and pressed themselves as tight as they could against Esmée. She put her arms interlocking over their chests keeping them steady and secure while offering comfort.

“I would prefer to do Destrí first I heard his leg is giving him some issues still. I want to see if another drain is required.”

Said babybones shrunk into himself and whined loudly. Making it known that he was not happy with the very idea of another drain. Esmée bounced him slightly on her knee.

“Come on mo chroí. Let’s leave him have a look shall we?”

“No momma. I don’t want to it’s going to hurt.”

“I know my love I’ll be here the whole way. I won’t leave you.”

As Esmée encouraged and comforted her children. I rounded to their side of the bed. Esmée looked at me sceptically as I rounded. She decided to focus on her children rather than me in the end.

She encouraged Destrí forward first. Her tail wrapped around his delicate wrist. A hand around the back of his skull encouraging him forward. Staying close to his mom he shuffled closer to me.

Grasping his injured leg I gently rolled up his trouser leg. It was irritated and sore looking. Gently pressing down with my sterilised gloved gaining a wince and Destrí pulling away from me. Reaching backwards to his mom.

I deemed a drain wasn’t needed for the leg but rather an increased amount of antibiotics. It was still infected and he would need to take them at least 6 times a day three tablets in the morning and three tablets at night.

After Destrí was grabbed back by his mom and laid back by her. He got his ribs and his arm looked over. They were all on their way to healing communicating the news with her. She was delighted with the news as Destrí crawled back and went so far as go into her ribcage to hide.

Alvaro crawled over bravely sitting in front of me. Esmée had snapped to watch me like a hawk as I gently lifted his hat off his head after changing my gloves.

I examined the wound on his head. Blood leaning slightly so he could see it too. He growled in anger. Anger written all over his face Sweets was also recoiled in shock not taking his eyelights off the wound. He hadn’t seen it since it had gotten bigger had he.

Esmée leaned down so her skull was level with Alvaro’s. Nuzzling him and purring against him. The wound had a light sheen of dust around the edges.

I hummed curiously touching it lightly with my blue gloves Alvaro flinched away. Looking up at me with scared eye sockets. I projected safety and comfort through my intent. He relaxed slowly and with Esmée’s skull next to his, he hopefully felt at as ease as he could.

“It needs cleaned again. After the enlargement in the crack, bacteria and germs could potentially cause an infection. To be on the safe side it needs to be cleaned out once more. Sorry kiddo but this is gonna be uncomfortable.”

“Alright wee one. Come on just like last time okay. Relax and breathe like momma. Lean back and let momma take over.”

I took my time mixing the solution giving her time to get him ready and relaxed. The solution was ready though sooner than Alvaro was ready in. I placed the bucket with the excess solution under his skull.

He whimpered in anticipation but tipped his skull forward and let his jaw hang loose. I spied Bloods hand on his back having left his brother’s skull to instead comfort the babybones. He had to go through this too.

“Lean forward and breathe. I know it’s unpleasant. Thank you for being tolerant of me and my actions. You’re being so brave little bones.”

I brought the solution to his skull and poured it in, in small intervals as to not overwhelm the magic in his skull which could cause it to become unstable. Alvaro started coughing immediately Esmée kept a hand on his back and one on his front. Steadying him and making sure he stayed as still as possible.

“I know love. I know it’s not nice. Try to catch some breaths in between coughs. Come on breath my brave boy.”

As I poured the last of the solution in. I took a hold of Alvaro’s jaw and gently pried it open to a wider angle. Solution came out in a steady drip and I was monitoring for any magic flares that may signal that his skull is rejecting the solution. None so far though.

“Alright alright that’s it babybones. Nearly over. You’re doing so well.”

Alvaro coughed for a few more seconds before collapsing back into his mom’s chest. Exhausted and out of breath. My finger slipping from his jaw.

“Sorry babybones. Keep forward I’ll hold you up. We have to let the rest of the solution run out.”

I grabbed onto the back of his skull and tipped him forward. Esmée helped me and gently coaxed him forward holding his body up and steadying him. I positioned his head so it was over the bucket and hooked open his jaw again.

Blood moved his hand and stroked his hand down his skull. His hand dwarfing his skull. Alvaro leaned back into the touch.

Finally letting the last of the solution run out and giving Destrí a reassuring smile from where he was peaking around his mom’s femur having come out of his mom’s ribcage to see what was going on.

A long pair of arms wrapped around his middle though pulling him back with a little mewl of protest from the kid. Esmée followed him with her eyelight. Having to turn her entire skull to see where he was being taken.

Taking her eye off of Alvaro for a minute I quickly took over the job of holding him up as he quickly pitched forward into my arms. Esmée was looking around to Sweets who was holding a curious Destrí in his arms.

Esmée ultimately let him keep a hold of Destrí keeping him from seeing the sight of his brother in distress. Esmée looked back and then down at me. Silently judging my next move. I gave her nothing to be angry about though as I picked up a soft towel and began wiping away the solution from around the babybones’s skull.

Giving him a cup of water to wash away the taste of antiseptic. Letting him lean against Esmée’s chest. He was exhausted and his sockets were sliding closed. Esmée took him in her arms squeezing him close and whispering comfort in his ears.

Remembering that her right audio canal was deaf so I couldn’t whisper in her audio canal that it was her turn. Lightly taking a hold of her humerus and squeezing waiting for her to acknowledge me. I slowly and gently tugged her off the bed down onto the floor.

I had set up a plastic sheet before hand so I wouldn’t be doing her injuries on a dirty floor. Leaving Alvaro on the bed and in the massive hands of Blood. Who moved to be with Sweets taking Alvaro with him.

I got her to lie down on her back looking up at the ceiling. Removing the sleeve I put her shattered arm in gently easing her arm out of it. Causing her to jerk and whine muffled by her hand.

Unwrapping the bandages underneath and inspecting the cracks on her arms they hadn’t gotten any worse but they looked stressed and irritated. Running my phalanges over her arm feeling out for irregularities in the bones.

Feeling none meaning that I set the bones right when I did this first. I put the protective sleeve back on.

“Everything is healing well. I’m very pleased with the progress in all of your injuries. The arm will take another two weeks in that sleeve before I can safely take it off. Your spine is next I believe. Would you mind turning over?”

I could tell by the apprehension in her face she did mind but she turned over silently despite the apprehension. Sliding up her t-shirt so I could have a l proper look at the bandages.

Cutting them off with sharp phalanges revealing separating vertebrae underneath. Dust was once again layered over it. Shiny and grey blinking up at me as it was exposed to air.

She grumbled unhappily at her sensitive spine being exposed to cold air. Her tail coming up and lightly batting at me in a move to tell me to hurry this up. I huffed a tiny laugh before getting to clearing the dust and applying what should be the last of the corrosive gel she will ever need.

Checking over the rest of her injuries and bandaging her spine was swift work. Before I knew it I was leaning her back to rest her spine against the bed and was looking at her skull in detail. Despite doing a check before hand on her skull I wanted to do it again just in case I missed anything.

She had shut her sockets tightly though when I was looking at the scars marring her mouth. Hooking my fingers under her jaw and opening her mouth manually I looked on the inside.

To my shock I noticed her three rows of razor sharp teeth. Was that an exsisting thing with Esmée or did they grow in when she became an invert. Looking past those though.

The damage was extensive. Scars rose up in angry lines. Silvery marks and chunks of bone missing looked back at me from the inside of her mouth. Gently tracing a particularly deep chunk of the bone she growled at me.

“I’m sorry I truly am. I know you don’t like your mouth touched and I completely understand. I must check it though.”

I traced some more scars gauging how deep they were and if they were going to cause any long term problems. They might not have when she was human but it could be different now that she is a skeleton monster.

Reaching all the way back nearly making her gag. I could tell she wanted me out of her personal space. I wanted to make sure though. I was tracing a rather long scar and it went all the way to the back of her magically conjoined throat.

That was bad feeling along for any tears in the wound she whimpered when I traced over an indent. Tracing it over again I could feel her jaw trying to close on my hand. I made sure my fingers were in the spot to force her jaw open so it didn’t snap down on my hand.

Feeling at the indent along the scar she whined and tried to struggle away.

“I know I’m sorry. I found a hole that needs to be filled in. Stick with me Esmée for just a moment longer.

Fishing around my bag for what I need I found it and pulled it out. Flicking off the lid of the filling powder and getting a healthy amount on my opposite hand to the one in her mouth. Switching hands so that the one with the ointment was in her mouth and the other one that was previously in her mouth was holding open her jaw.

Manoeuvring past the rows of razor sharp teeth and reached the indent in the back of her throat I started to fill it in. She was growling and huffing at me she was not very tolerant but I understood.

Filling it in quickly I removed my hand and let her jaw go. She snapped it shut and backed away from me. Hugging her knees to her chest and rocking. Shit did I trigger her. Shit shit shit. Wine is going to kill me if I did that.

Sweets had shuffled over and with a wince leaned over and scratched at her coronal suture. She rumbled and leaned back. Pressing into the touch and slumping slightly.

“Don’t worry Doc. Our dear here just needs a minute to calm herself and then she’ll be ready again.”

“That’s fine. She can take all the time in the world. You said we needed to update her records. What would that be on?”

“Her age actually. She is younger than what she originally said.”

“Okay that’s fine. That’s just a quick and easy change.l

Pulling out her paper records from my bag of instruments. Opening it and looking at her records noting that he had written down a couple of questions to ask her himself.

Making sure the record was intact and that he had a pen he crossed out her original put in age and wrote down the new age. I had to sit back for a moment myself. Not truly believing what I was hearing.

She can’t be that young. She just can’t be. I didn’t want to accept that she went through all of this when she was still a teenager. Stars I didn’t want to believe it. Sweets confirmed with me again though that she was eighteen years old. Eighteen!

“Okay and that’s done.”

“Thank you Doc. She’ll be glad that’s done. You want to go down and see momma Destrí.”

Destrí who was in Sweets’s lap nodded quickly and went down to his mother who had since calmed down a lot. She took him when he motioned he wanted to be picked up.

She took him in her arms and kissed his skull nuzzling him afterwards as he giggled at his mother’s ministrations.

“Are you alright Esmée? I’m sorry if I pushed you too far. I should have asked if you were alright throughout what I was doing.”

“I’m fine. Really I’m sorry that I growled at you. I couldn’t help it. Bad memories.”

She looked off into the distance. Sweets noticing this changed positions on her skull and she let out a tiny purr relaxing a little more against the bed frame. Destrí climbed up his mother to get to Sweets’s hand. Trying to get some attention himself.

Being informed discretely of the wound on Esmée’s arm that was self inflicted I disinfected it and bandages it quickly.

I looked over to Blood to see he was still holding a very sleepy Alvaro. I didn’t blame the kid. With a head wound his size along with all the medical procedures I’m putting him through im surprised he’s even able to wake up.

Especially with that cauterisation procedure I put him through. Patients that have that sleep for weeks afterwards to sore and drained to move. He was a little miracle that one.

Blood seems to have a particular soft spot for him as well. Having gone through having a head wound he’s perhaps the only one who can truly help with him. I wonder if I should do a soul scan while I’m here on them. Or maybe that would be too much.

No I don’t think that’s a good idea after all. No soul scan at least for today. They deserve a nice long break after this. I’ve heard that the glitter twins are going to take them to the mall tomorrow. To their shop and around the place to personalise their rooms.

I think they would really enjoy that. Having done everything I needed to today. I packed up my instruments and the sheet on the ground that me and Esmée were lying on. Going around and collecting the biohazard bin that the injectors were in. I bid them all goodbye leaving them to their business.

Not without a thank you from all three of the inverts. Going out of the room and walking to the living room. Taking in Blue who had not moved a magical muscle.

Checking him over with my eyelight and counting his breaths assuring myself that he was stable now and he wasn’t going to start dusting if I looked away. With that done all that was left to do was get a shower and crash on the couch

Chapter Text

After Doc left, Esmée stood up with Destrí in her arms still nuzzling his cheekbone. Happy that he was okay and was on his way to healing properly. Alvaro had knocked out after the cleaning of his skull had taken place.

Set down on the bed by Blood who was still rubbing his skull over the hat soothingly. Once his mom came back into view though he got up and went to her. Wobbling a bit as he crossed the bed to get there.

Taking him in her arms she bounced them both earning twin squeals of surprise and joy as they were thrown slightly in the air only to come back down again. Esmée trilled in excitement. They were all finally healing.

“ I think it’s medicine time or now and around that time where we would take it. We will go upstairs and take ours but then I want to come down and explore the house. Would that be okay?”

“Yes of course please do. Mutt, Hound and Coffee will be home soon if you want to have a tour until then explore to your souls content. I’m afraid I can’t join you even if I would love to I can’t.”

“That’s alright please don’t push yourself on our account. We will be just fine without. We will figure it out. Say bye kiddos.”

The last part was whispered as a reminder of manners to say goodbye to the very nice skeleton who had made them feel comfortable and safe in such a short amount of time.

“Bye Sweets.”

“Bye bye.”

Destrí had said it very enthusiastically with his good arm waving manically while Alvaro had whispered it. Meek and tired as he was Esmée looked down at him in concern before huffing out a laugh at Destrí’s antics.

“Thank you very much Sweets for your kindness and patience. I owe you.”

“Not at all dear. Goodbye to you too.”

They went out the door after that content with their goodbye and made their way up the stairs after quietly sneaking past a sleeping Blue. Esmée pulling Destrí away from his skull as he had since been let go.

Alvaro getting lots of attention as he was snuggled and praised from within her arms. Making the trek up the stairs towards their medicine. Esmée kept in mind that Destrí needed an increased dosage of antibiotics.

Opening the door to their bedroom. Their bedroom, Esmée thought it was odd to call it that. Nothing had ever been theirs truly. Either stolen or taken away too soon from them in order to form an attachment.

She liked the idea of something being theirs though. She liked it a lot. She loved it actually, a reminder that they were free. The blackout blinds were still closed so the room was pitch black. Alvaro appreciated it though as Esmée held him tighter in her arms and let him relax into the darkness.

She knelt down on her knees next to the medications, they need to talk. Corralling Destrí to her with a soft smile she hugged him close and she put his medications into his hands. Finding a bottle of water that they had stashed away and handing it to him. Destrí took his medicine with little trouble.

Alvaro took a little persuasion. Opening his mouth manually with one of her fingers she nuzzled her skull against his one last time as she got his skull cradled and fed his pills to him.

After all of the medications had been taken Esmée stashed Destrí’s antibiotics on her. Keeping them for later for his increased dosage.

“Do you want to go back downstairs. We could look around get a feel for the place.”

“Momma do we have to start being more involved in this family.”

“Would you like to Destrí? I want to get us into a routine. That would include meals and interacting with the other people in this house. I want you two to socialise with the others in the house. To make friends and connections. I want to let you get into a routine by yourselves.”

“I think I would like to get to know the others. Wine is nice and so are the others so far. I worried they’re going to change though. They’re gonna turn mean and hurt us. I don’t want that to happen.”

“Oh darling. I won’t ever allow that to happen love. If you don’t trust them you stick close to me. I’ll keep you safe. You know momma will keep you safe. It’s alright love it’s okay to be scared.”

Destrí was hugging himself. Usually a sign he didn’t want to be touched but he wanted to be soothed.

“Love I know you probably don’t want to be touched right now but can I touch you. Just a hug. Would you like that?”

Destrí nodded before running into Esmée’s quickly thrown open arms. Alvaro quickly and smoothly transferred to her tail. She hugged him tight and nuzzled his skull.

“ I know it’s scary my love. I know it is but we have to put a little faith in these skeletons. A few of them are quite nice after all aren’t they. Stick to them until you get to know others better. Now let’s go down and explore yeah. How about that Alvaro?”

She looked back to Alvaro and he was dead asleep. She put on an unimpressed look and gently shook him awake.

“Come on little bones. Let’s go. Wakey wakey.”

He grunted and pushed away her hand that was tapping his cheekbone. She persisted and he went as far as to bite her phalange.

“Little one. Come on. You’ve got to wake up a little. You can sleep later.”

He whined at her through the phalange in his mouth. Turning away from her and pushing her away. Curling and holding her tail koala style. Esmée frowned deeply but ultimately sighed.

“Alright alright. I get the message. You can sleep for a little longer. I want you to see the house and your surroundings though. Let’s go Destrí. Do you want to walk or be carried?”

She looked down to her child in her arms. Destrí’s skull buried into her chest.

“I’ll take the lack of response to be you want to be carried. Up we go then.”

Lifting him up and holding him tight to her chest she looked back and made sure that Alvaro was held securely in her tail then she started to walk out the door, down the stairs and coming to a stop on the bottom floor.

Listening to her surroundings she figured no one had come home after they went upstairs. She went for a large archway on her left first. Knowing that to the right was the living room.

She entered being greeted with the kitchen. Large industrial sized ovens lay on the back corner and black marble with white inlays countertops surrounded the ovens.

There was cupboards galore and a large fridge in the far corners. A sink of white porcelain lay set into the black marble. Going over to inspect it and turning on and off the taps. Attracting Destrí’s attention his eyelights fascinated with the free flowing water.

Thinking about it Esmée though this might be his first ever time seeing a sink that wasn’t drawn on the wall. For our water we usually got it from the basin in the corner of our cell. Usually getting the taste of mould and staleness off of it.

Moving away from the kitchen going into the room behind it which housed a large dining table. They had been there before. First when they came out of the movie room and then when they were hiding behind it while stocking up on essentials for Esmée’s chronic pain flare up.

Taking her time and studying the table Esmée noticed the engravings that were done professionally by hand. Beautiful swirls and symbols adorning the polished wood.

Moving out of a door to the right finding themselves just downwards of the staircase that lead to the rest of the house. Esmée’s feet flexing from where the cold was starting to seep in. Leaving her thinking that shoes would be useful right about now.

Smelling the air letting her sense of smell lead the way. Feeling Alvaro shift in her tail she looked back to his eye sockets wide open.

“We exploring momma.”

Esmée sighed inwardly to herself. He hadn’t started speaking in Irish. That was good. I didn’t think that was a sign of him getting better. Just that he remembered that we didn’t have to be secretive about how we spoke a different language. He remembered that we are safe.

“Yes we are. It’s a very large house by my understanding. Do you want down? You can walk beside me. I don’t think any one else is home so we are safe from any unfamiliar faces.”

“Can I please get down. No offense momma but your tail is uncomfy.”

“Yes of course.”

Slow loosening coils spun round and round Alvaro until he dropped slowly and carefully to the floor. He ran off to a door with more pretty engravings in it as soon as he was free.

Destrí still was clinging to his momma koala style. Pressing his cheekbone into her sternum as she held him tight. Making sure that her arms were squeezing him and keeping pressure up and around his body.

Going further into the house. Poking her head around a doorway. Alvaro coming up behind her and doing the same. He then ran into the room did a tiny jump and arched his spine hissing in a display to scare the couch in the room.

Esmée let out a loud laugh quickly quieting down and doing the same as Alvaro. Following her child’s lead only hissing much quieter and without the usual ferocity, also making sure that the jump didn’t startle Destrí.

Alvaro let out a mrrp and toddled to an armchair in the corner. It was a soothing honey colour and was covered in blankets of the same colour. Going over and feeling the blankets he let out a squeal of excitement.

It was smooth and soft just like what the colour represented. It was perfect. As his momma walked away he tugged on a singular blanket. Getting it loose and pulling it to the floor. Laying it out flat and then rolling himself up in it. Struggling to get up Alvaro called to his momma to come back by a series of clicks.

She came back to quite the sight. Her six year old wrapped up tightly in a honey coloured blanket. Struggling on the floor in a vain attempt to get up. She smiled lightly before hoisting him up with her tail where he was quite happy to walk on without her assistance from there.

Now wrapped up tightly in a blanket and with his momma at his side. Alvaro quickly sped off to the next room. Jerking to a stop outside an engraved door with a massive carved out wooden tree.

He looked back at his momma to where she nodded and opened the door for him. He stepped in carefully looking around the door for any threats hidden behind it.

Esmée showing that there was nothing there to hurt them stepped in striding ahead of Alvaro. Churping for him to follow after her. Alvaro left the door open just incase they had to make a quick getaway.

The room they were in was a library. Cabinets stretched floor to ceiling with walls lined with colourful backs of books. The floor was carpeted a dark grey that made the whole place look bigger.

The bookshelves were arranged in a maze like pattern. Alvaro found it quite hard to keep up with his mom when he had to navigate around the bookshelves. He eventually had to climb on his mom’s tail as the world spun around him.

Having her tail wrapped around him again slightly more comfortable with it he blanket cushioning the hard bone. As they weaved their way through the bookshelves Esmée paused to investigate some of the books way up high.

Feeling over the backs of the books and pulling them out to read their description. Putting them back just where she found them. Not a trace to find them by. They eventually came to an area that looked like the centre of the maze.

A spiral staircase opened up the ceiling inviting all up to look. Esmée’s interest sufficiently peaked she went up. It was a bit difficult due to her size she had to have Destrí climb into her ribcage so she could squeeze past some of the walls.

They got up though and were greeted with comfy nooks in which to read a book in. There was some more books up here most of the space though was made up of blanket forts and comfy armchairs.

Esmée swivelled her skull for the barest of seconds. Hearing something well out of the range of a normal human. She heard the front door open and close. Hearing three pairs of footsteps.

She paid them no mind though. They weren’t bothering them and this was their home too. She would keep her kids distracted and hopefully they won’t scare them too much.

Alvaro flopped off her tail onto the floor. Sliding off smoothly but practically boneless. He laid out flat on his back and took a deep breath. The room was spinning around him and he felt like he was going to throw up.

“Mo chroi are you alright? Are you feeling dizzy again?”

Alvaro nodded making a weak whimpering sound that attracted Esmée closer. She sat down on the floor with him. Holding his tiny hand in her phalanges and squeezing. Assuring him that she was here and wouldn’t be leaving any time soon.

Destrí seemed to have fallen asleep in her ribcage. Slumped against her spine which can’t have been comfortable. He would have to put up with it though. Just for a little while as Alvaro recovers.

After sitting on the carpeted ground for a few minutes though. It was evident that it wasn’t going away. He was getting more and more sick and panicked as time passed.

Esmée took him off the floor and brought them all over to one of the nooks in the library. It resembled a pillow fort with extra cushioning on the floor and dark blue blankets.

Settling them all down together Esmée’s whole form wrapping tightly around them all. She picked up Destrí from within her ribcage to lay on a more comfortable surface.

There as Alvaro lay panicked on the ground as to why the world wouldn’t stop spinning. Esmée sang the tune that had lulled them to sleep since they were no bigger than her foot. The song that had helped them through so many tragedies.

She sang “Rises the moon”. She couldn’t remember who sung the song but she remembered the significance it held for her. The first time she heard that song was when she was finally free out on the streets and exploring the world with wide eyed wonder.

She remembered hearing it in a shopping centre and she stayed and listened to it. It calmed her mind and her soul was at ease for the first time in her life. When she had Alvaro it was the first song he ever heard. She sung it to him as she swayed around the room and he cried.

She sung it to him as all hope was lost when they were taken to the facility and as Destrí formed his eyelights for the first time the song was there to welcome him into the world.

So as she laid a hand on Alvaro’s chest she sung it to him again and it worked to calm him down. As he did slowly calm down he went to sleep as well. Even though Esmée wanted to explore more they could do it later.

After her boys have woken up again. She couldn’t blame them though she was tired to. So lying on her back with Destrí tucked under her left arm and her right hand resting on Alvaro’s sternum she let out a loud yawn resting her heavy skull on the carpeted floor and caring one last look over their surroundings she drifted off.

Alvaro’s POV

I woke up groggy and not well rested at all. Every time I wake up anew my tiredness seems to come back ten times stronger than before. I know for a fact though that something woke me up this time though.

It could have been Destrí kicking me in his sleep again. He was always a very active dreamer I just wish that he was directed away from me when he started to actively dream.

I lolled my skull to the side and quickly turned it away. Okay new skeletons were there. Like right there there. Nearly sitting on top of us. Wine was there though so I know we are safe for now. What if this is it though? The turning point in their behaviour.

Mommas right there though and vulnerable. She’s sleeping, she needs sleep. She absolutely needs it more than anything right now. I’ve never seen her this stressed and weak before. It’s scaring me but that’s my own thoughts. If she could take on twenty guards at the facility at once. Then she would survive this.

I felt a pulse from my own soul go out to the others in the room. The human guards always didn’t seem to feel this but it was a warning. “Stay away from us” is what it broadcasted. The humans couldn’t pick it up but the skeletons sure did.

Everyone looked around to stare at me all at once. I shrunk back into myself. Oh no. I probably shouldn’t have done that. Now they’re going to hurt us.

“Good evening little one. How are you?”

Seriously even at that they didn’t attack! The blatant disrespect I showed to my elders and they still didn’t attack. These guys were either huge suck ups or just weren’t fased by anything.

I nodded at Wine who had posed the question. Mutt, Hound, Coffee and Papyrus were all there as well. Each looking at me curiously and some trying to see further into the den to see if they can see momma and Destrí.

I slowly got up delicately placing my mommas hand that was on my sternum on the blanketed and pillowed floor. My head spun as I got up on shaky legs. The world fazed out and came back into focus again. Moving forward tentatively but tripping up.

Someone’s hand had caught me and was holding me so I wouldn’t fall to the floor. Hissing and jumping back looking at Mutt who had caught me still with his hand out.

“Easy kid. Try to take it slow.”

I growled lowly at him. Who was he to tell me what was best for me. He has no idea what we went through. How much pain we went through every day just to see another day. How does he know what’s best for me?

I took a few deep breaths closing my sockets and squeezing tight. Opening them after a few moments it seemed to have righted my vision but now I had a headache. Maybe that’s an explanation for my poor mood. Yeah growling and hissing at everyone wasn’t exactly a glowing representation of my personality.

I had to do it though to keep them away from momma. She can’t keep this up I vaguely remember this from before. Brief flashes of when Destrí was three and I four. Her smiling face as she limped from being electrocuted by the guards repeatedly just because I looked at one of them in a strange manor.

I remember waking briefly one night blurry images of momma looming over us. She was staying up all night to protect us from the guards repeatedly night after night until she had nothing left to give. Five weeks later she crashed hard.

She collapsed while teaching us our lessons. She wouldn’t respond for days after that. A kind old bear inverto helped during that time. Helping us when we were screaming in panic and distress. So confused on what was happening and so scared.

When we came out of the facility it was bad stretch. Where the guards seemed to get more violent and cruel. Where the water for bath time was so icy it became sharp and our bones would be red for days after.

Momma was staying up all night again to look after us. She had to fight multiple times guards out of our room so we would be safe. She was near the point of collapsing again. The skeletons came just in time to be honest they saved us from worse injuries than what we had presently.

Momma needed to recover though. She needed sleep and rest without any fights or violence just pure rest. That’s why they couldn’t come close. Not any where near her.

I sat at the entrance to the fort and puffed myself up flaring out my shoulder blades. They got the message from there. The one I was clearly broadcasting. Back up.

I was thankful when they did going back to what they were originally doing. Mutt stayed though and watched. Also puffing up like I was doing but it wasn’t directed towards me. It was directed towards the other skeletons in the room. Also keeping them away from us.

That comforted me even though I know it should not. Having someone else along with me puffing up and protecting momma and Des. I relaxed minutely if anyone tried anything they would be safe.

Wine had settled in a corner with a book in his lap idly flicking through it. Papyrus was talking to Hound and Coffee about their days and in turn they were asking about his.

Slightly retreating back and into the fort. I looked at mommas and Destrí’s skull trying to discern if they were okay or not. Momma had stress lines lining her skull and Des was sleeping peacefully away. I smoothed my hand over his face. He snorted at my hand nuzzling closer to mom.

He was always so clingy after his shutdowns. Not that I can say anything I’m usually the one hogging all the hugs. Looking back at Mutt looking in. Letting him take in their states and how they were doing.

I came back out and sat down. Eventually though I got bored and the others in the room were getting restless. Like they had unfinished business or a question they really had to ask.

“Do you have a question to ask? I refuse to wake up momma if you do. She needs this rest.”

Whispering this to Mutt. I didn’t want to directly talk with the skeletons that I was still shy around. Since Mutt already seemed to be protective of us. Maybe he could help with broadcasting my message or just tell me straight up.

“We do kid. It is pertaining to your mother though and I believe only she can answer it. It’s just some information that we found out earlier today.”

I thought about it a question for momma. Well there is no way I’m waking her up so they can ask her a singular question. That seems like a waste of time and something not worth waking her up over.

Looking back and checking in on momma and Destrí seeing nothing had changed. They were still as still as a statue. Feeling dizzy again from all my thinking, I laid down stretching all my extremities out and splaying them wide letting out a shaky breath.

This was fun (not) I was slowly starting to get confused again. Where are we? Is it Gaeilge we are speaking or Béarla? Who is that? Why is the ceiling moving?

Too many questions floating around almost moving with the spinning room. Another long and deep breath taken. Calm down Alvaro you know the answer to these questions. If you can figure out Planks constant on your own you can do this.

Where are we? We are in the skeletons house. Away from the facility I can’t remember the specifics of how we got here though. Did we travel in a van or a car? How did Sans and Papyrus get us out? I think we were put to sleep though. Yeah that’s it we were put to sleep.

We are currently in the library sleeping. Well momma and Des are. I said a quick sentence in Gaelige to figure out if it’s Béarla we are using or Gaelige. Mutt looked at me if I had grown a second skull out of my shoulder. So Béarla it was then. Uhhhh.

Remembering those words are hard. I had to translate everything in my head first of what the person that was asking me a question was saying and then I had to plan out my response and then translate that as well. It was so cumbersome. Maybe I could teach one of these skeletons Gaeillge. Make it so much easier for me.

Looking back at momma she still hasn’t woken up which i was very surprised at. I wonder if there’s anything wrong with her. Usually she would wake up as soon as someone she doesn’t recognise comes into our general vicinity.

“Hey kid want to watch a movie?”

I cocked my skull at him only remembering now that he was still here. What was a movie? Asking the question he seemed utterly appalled. He then got up and busied himself with pulling down a projector screen from the ceiling all the while muttering about the facility and how stupid it was.

He roped the others into helping him set up. Wine was supposed to get something called “snacks” I was excited for those. What were snacks? I liked the sound of the word on my tongue. Snacks.

Papyrus was setting up a separate area from us where everyone who wanted to watch the movie would sit.

I agree wholeheartedly with Mutt that the facility was stupid. Where did that screen come from though. I didn’t even realise screens could come from floors. How about that? Connecting it to a floor and grabbing a remote out of no where. He seemed to conjure it up out of nothingness. Fascinating.

He then settled on the edge of the fort once more. Though he looked like he wanted to come in. I was sceptical to allow him anywhere near my mom and brother but he had only helped us so far. Even going as far as to look out for us at the aquarium. So I offered an olive branch of trust to him.

“Would you like to come in? I don’t mind as long as you don’t touch momma or Des.”

“Okay kid. Are you sure?”

“Yeah I’m sure. You hurt me momma will kill you. She’s done worse for much less.”

Happy with the threat I made that was sure to keep him in line. I settled myself leaning against a massive pillow that was covered in yellow fur.

Mutt then came in and settled on the floor manuvering around mommas tail that swept across the area. She finally realised someone else was there huh. She must be really out of it though to only realise now.

Mutt settling himself tentatively on the ground and pressing a button on the remote with his hand outstretched. Too busy watching his hand and what he was doing that I had not noticed the projector turn on and blare out a loud sound.

I yelped as the sound went straight through my skull to poke at the behind of my sockets unpleasantly. Rubbing my balled up fists into my sockets and groaning. Bristling when Mutt put his hand on my back. Dwarfing me instantly.

“Sorry about that kid. I’ve turned down the volume now. Ready to watch now. I’ve put on something I think will be enjoyable for everyone.”

I groaned at him still in slight pain still from the noise. But slightly uncurled to see what the big screen was playing. I had never watched a movie before. This was going to be interesting. I looked over to the side to see all the other skeletons in the room settled on their own pillow pile.

The screen displayed the title “Meg.” Was this about a girl called Meg. That was confusing what was so important about this girl called Meg that they made a movie about her.

As the movie played on I figured out pretty soon that it had nothing to do with a girl but rather a giant shark. During the movie momma had expanded to take up as much room as possible.

Her hands splayed and stretched out into Mutts lap much like a very large cat. Sharp digits poking the fabric of his trousers. Mutt looked a little wary of the sharp tips and large hands which could probably crush his patella if momma tried.

I had woken up Destrí at one point. Excited about something the main characters in the movie did. He was understandably worried and wary of Mutt being there.

Eventually he calmed down and allowed himself the best seat in the house of sitting on Mutts lap. He still remembered him from when I was having my skull cauterised.

Momma didnt wake up the entire movie duration apart from a few stirs as loud parts of the movie. I was getting worried though as the credits rolled. I got up and studied her skull. Her damaged eye socket was leaking again. She would need a towel for that.

“Momma. Are you awake?”

There was no answer. Only her deep breaths and a few sleepy noises.

“Momma.”

I said it louder this time. Afraid of why she wasn’t waking up. I couldn’t do this without her. She can’t be unresponsive again she just can’t be

It was like those times where the guards would hurt her with electric shocks. Her body twitching on the ground and giving jerks now and then. Me pleading with her to wake up as the guards laughed cruelly above us.  

I snapped out of it when Mutt reached his hand over me and took a hold of her skull. Wiping away the liquid from her dead socket and studying it for a moment. Before stroking his hands up and down her skull.

Very slowly she groggily opened her sockets. I hugged her skull immediately. Destrí lazily collapsing into the side of her ribcage. Happy that momma was moving but not having the energy to move himself.

“What’s up honey? What’s the problem?”

“You wouldn’t wake up momma. You scared me.”

“Oh baby I’m sorry. Mommy’s just tired okay. Shes alright. I’m right here I’m not going anywhere.”

Her voice was slightly muffled as I was draped over her face as she carefully removed me from her face though with her arms she saw Mutt. Who gave a sheepish wave.

“Hello. Were you looking after Alvaro and Destrí for me?”

“I was hope you don’t mind.”

“Oh no not at all. Sorry about the extended period of rest though. I didn’t realise i was that tired.”

“Darling you’re allowed to sleep. Don’t worry about it. I do have to ask though. What’s with the fluid in your eye?”

Momma startled back and wiped with her sleeve her dead eye socket. Where mana and marrow was spilling.

“Shit. Uhhh. That’s annoying. Do you have a tissue per chance?”

“Nope but I think one of the others might. I’ll go ask.”

He retreated quickly out of the fort and peeking his skull around the side asked a skeleton that was close by if they had any towels or tissues. Soon Papyrus poked his head around then side of the fort.

“Oh dear. That’s not good. Don’t worry I the great papyrus will have you fixed swiftly.”

He came forward with his proclamation and moving slowly pressed a towel against mommas dead eye socket.

“Now our dearest inverto would you mind tilting your head back. Just to stop whatever this is. I would greatly appreciate it.”

Mommas tail came up and surrounded me and Destrí pulling us quickly towards her and holding us tight. Looking up at mommas skull seeing it tip back and Papyrus placing the towel over mommas eye socket.

Looking at the entrance to the fort seeing Hound and Coffee peeking around the entrance. Destrí let out a mewl beside me when he saw Hound. Squirming in mommas lap trying to get free to get to Hound.

Momma fought Papyrus’s hold on her skull. Trying to see what was going on. Why Destrí was squirming in her lap? I soothed her though.

“Momma it’s just Hound. Destrí wants to go to him.”

“Okay. Destrí be careful.”

Des left her lap and barrelled into Hound. Immediately starting to climb him causing panic among the older skeleton. Destrí eventually settled on Hounds head and started full body purring.

“Nice to see you too kiddo.”

Destrí responded with more purrs.

“Alvaro honey do you think you can keep a socket on your brother. While mine is currently leaking?”

“Okay momma.”

“Thanks mo grá.”

Hound had moved away trying to get Destrí off his head as gently as possible. Des let out a loud mewl and that’s when Hound stopped and gave up. That was a wise choice on his part. Once Destrí sets his mind to something it can be impossible to change.

Coming out of the fort and making my way over to them. Hound was sitting on a pillow and propped up by a bookshelf at his back. Destrí head was level with his sockets and they were peering into Hounds. Coffee was overlooking the exchange.

“Hi kid.”

“Hi nice skeleton.”

I slumped against another bookshelf a few feet away from them. Placing my skull so I was looking up at the ceiling. Watching it twirl and dance as my vision swam.

Taking deep breaths to combat the nausea and closing my sockets to block out visual stimulation. Above and below why is it so bad today. It usually isn’t a problem beyond swaying a little on my feet. Now it’s completely throwing me of balance. I hate it.

Why can’t it just go away? There was rustling beside me as Mutt settled himself on the ground. He looked to him cracking open my sockets a little.

“Your mom’s socket is leaking quite a bit. She said it will be over in a minute or two. Mentioned this has happened before it was common. She has angle recess something.”

“She has angle recession glaucoma. Angle recession glaucoma is a type of glaucoma that occurs after blunt trauma to the eye.

It's caused by a tear in the ciliary body, which can lead to a buildup of fluid in the eye and increased pressure in the eye. Her blunt force trauma she never told us but I have an inkling she mentioned it to Wine and Doc.”

Closing my sockets again and turning away again to face the ceiling. I sighed as the room was still spinning. Feeling hands around my middle I decided to give in to Mutts wants.

He picked me up gently supporting my skull and deposited me in his lap. I decided then and there that I was done with today. I couldn’t go on any longer. Letting out a few clicks from my throat signalling to momma that I was done for today and that o couldn’t go on.

She let out a protective rumble in return. Emerging from the fort not a second later and heading for Mutt. The rest was history.

Esmée POV.

Picking up Alvaro from Mutts waiting hands and cradiling him in my arms. Admiring how small he is before quickly tipping my skull back to let the fluid in my socket drain back.

I sighed in annoyance. Thank you dear father for that screwdriver all those years ago. I looked over to Hound who had Destrí on his face. I worried about manors for a brief second before Destrí let out a laugh as Hound tickled his neck.

He was fine with it so I was fine with it. Looked down at Alvaro again taking a moment or two to let the fluid drip back into my socket. He was done for the day. His bones had gotten paler that was a really bad bout of nausea for him.

“I’m taking him back to the nest. He’s done for the day.”

Addressing this to Mutt without looking away from Alvaro in my arms.

“Do you want us to go with you?”

“Sure why not. No reason to keep you away. You’ve done so much for us.”

Mutt started signalling to the others. Keeping quiet because Alvaro was asleep which I greatly appreciated giving him a smile for his thoughtfulness. They moved with Hound keeping a steadying hand on Destrí’s back and Papyrus excusing himself to go study.

I gave him a thank you and a bow of my head in respect for his actions. He smiled at me before walking off claiming it was no problem. Taking breaks going up the stairs to tilt my skull back and drain the fluid backwards we eventually got up and into our room.

Kissing Alvaro on his skull and settling him into bed. Pulling blankets to cover him up to his chin. Hound was still with Destrí on his skull. I clicked for him to get down. Considering it bad manners. You shouldn’t be climbing other people without their consent.

While climbing down Hound Destrí’s stomach growled. He growled back at it causing us all to chuckle at his antics.

“Sounds like something to eat is in order for you wee one.”

“And for you too momma. It’s dinner for all of us.”

Looking outside it had gotten to the stage where the sun had set just enough to let the sky be overtaken by a mix of purple and midnight blue. Taking a look at Alvaro making sure that he was tucked tight.

“All right let’s get down and get dinner then. Alvaro won’t wake up for a while. Can we take it back up with us? Even if he is out I would want to back upstairs just in case.”

“Yeah of course you can. Don’t see any problem in that.”

Destrí’s stomach growled again reminding everyone that it was time to move. Grabbing Destrí in my mouth. Him lightly swinging in my jaws. Not looking forward to all the stairs again I came up with a plan to avoid them.

Looking down the stairwell and seeing the long way down I perched myself on top of the banister surrounding the stairs.

“Woah darli’n wha’ ar you doin’!”

Hound sounding alarmed and grabbing on to the back of my t shirt. Growling at the unexpected touch but forcing myself to quiet down. Destrí giggiling in anticipation to what I was gong to do.

“I’m climbing down the stairs. I’m not walking all of those again. My femur is splitting in two it doesn’t need anymore stress on it. Relax I’ve done this both when I was human and monster. I know what I’m doing.”

“Alrigh’ if you’re really sure’?”

“Yep I am.”

With that I tipped forward and down I went. Spanning my long limbs to bracket on both sides of my head. Gripping the banister and flexing my feet with my claws at the end and beginning to move like a lizard started to climb down.

Looking back with Destrí moving with the movement of my skull I smiled back at their shocked faces. They were still on the third floor while I was nearly on the first floor.

I spied Wine in the coil of the stairwell on the ground floor smirking to myself. I thought i might surprise him. Hooking my feet in a fixed position and hanging upside down right above him. I allowed Destrí’s socked feet to just gently touch the top of his skull.

He tapped them against the top of his skull giggling happily at the position we were in. He was having great fun. We used to do this at the facility. If we wanted to be somewhere but had to be sneaky about it. I would pick up both my children in my mouth.

Hanging upside down we would sometimes play tricks and prank the guards. The kids had great fun getting their own back at those speciesist pricks.

Looking down at Wine who looked up comically slowly. Jumping back a little in surprise. I wouldn’t blame. I looked like a nine foot bat.

“Hello dear. Dinners ready.”

“Hello Wine. Did you have a good day?”

“Yes I did. No complaints. One question how are you going to get down?”

“Oh easy.”

Letting the grip with my feet loosen I dropped curling my legs using the momentum to turn around so I hit the ground feet first. Standing up straight and shaking my hands.

“Taa daa.”

“Very good. You didn’t hurt anything doing that. Make any pain worse.”

I smiled fondly at him. Silently thanking whatever fate brought us here and to this wonderfully kind skeleton.

“No I didn’t. Thank you for your concern.”

“Not a problem now I believe dinner is nearly ready. Brother you can go on ahead. I have to speak to these three.”

Watching as coffee went around the corner of the large archway that lead to the kitchen. Wine turned to us. His expression serious and his eyelights ablaze.

“Now I have some news we have found the people who hurt Alvaro.”

Destrí growled a weak whispery thing not old enough quite to have developed his growl beyond kittenish yipping. Mine however had no such problem. It ripped through me rattiling my vertebra in a further show of strength.

“I know I know darling. You don’t like them we understand. We were wondering that now that we have found them would you like to press charges?”

“I can do that? I don’t have to go through Sans?”

“Well technically you do but he has already agreed to accept any decision yku come to. They are your children after all.”

“Then in that case yes I would like to. Do I have to sign anything legal? I know a bit of law I can help set up documents and stuff like that.”

“No it’s alright. Not a signature is needed just let us handle it. There’s no need for more stress on your part.”

“I insist Wine you don’t need anymore stress on your plates either. I’m sure taking in us was stress enough and your work also adds stress. I can’t in good conscience let you do all the work.”

“Oh but you can. This is merely a simple pressing charges case. No bother to me and we already have all the evidence we need gathered and ready. You don’t have to appear in anything either. We can handle it all.”

“It still doesn’t seem fair.”

“I know but I assure you dear it’s no bother.”

Sockets welling up in emotion I wiped it away roughly before hugging Wine tightly.

“Thank you so much.”

“It’s not a problem Esmée it never will be. Go get your dinner now I’m sure you’re hungry.”

He turned to Mutt and Hound. Something they seemed very excited about. I decided not to flex my hearing to intrude. I don’t think it’s fair.

Peaking into the kitchen and turning my skull so Destrí has a chance to get on my back. Which he took and clung on. Seeing lots of skeletons milling about I got a bit nervous. I shied away from the crowd but kicked myself mentally.

Come on Esmée your children need food. Go get it idiot. Stepping in shakily and drawing a breath. I singled out three bowls. Swiping them off the counter and quickly leaving again. Peaking around the corner after that. Everyone has stopped to stare at me.

I hissed wondering if I had done anything wrong. Wine appeared behind me taking my tail in his hands. Twirling it around his fingers bringing my attention solely to him.

“Go on up again to Alvaro. They’re just curious. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Turning quickly and balancing the food I quickly ascended through the spiral of the staircase. Listening intently on the second floor though. The kitchen was alight with questions about me. I sniggered a little. All that fuss just because of me. I’m flattered.

Quickly getting to our bedroom finding Alvaro still tapped out which I was grateful for letting Destrí run over to him and settle himself for food.

Hanging him his dish with little fanfare and wolfing down my own. Happily enjoying it. Shaking awake Alvaro proved to be difficult though.

“Hi honey you up. Come on it’s time for food.”

He whined but reluctantly got up.

“Thank you love. Look it’s delicious I promise.”

Shakily taking the spoon in his hands he dug in. Brightening up at the taste slightly but I could tell he was going to go straight back to sleep after this. To be honest I could feel the fatigue clawing at my bones too.

Pulling Destrí further into the nest and grabbing blankets from all around. I tightened up the nest structure of our blankets while putting out some that needed to be washed. Leaving them to the side.

Putting our bowls on the ground and curling up tight. Pulling all the blankets up and around us. Covering us completely. Everything went black.

Chapter Text

Razzle POV

I was so excited we were finally taking them out. We had got a free day and both me and Dazzle both agreed that this would be the best time to take her and the kids out. 

We had the whole day set up. First we were going to ask if they needed any more clothes than what they had originally. Then we were going to take them to their first restaurant. Me and Dazzle knew such a good spot. We take Wine there for coffee dates all the time. 

It was just a little restaurant that was bound to give them an experience. When we need a little thinking time we also go there. It has a very calming effect on the soul for most. 

Thirdly we are going to get comfort items. Plushies,  blankets and scent retaining items were essential for growing monsters to have. Especially ones that were as starved from the world as Alvaro and Destrí. Then lastly we are goign to focus on mom. Esmée needed a couple things separate. 

Doc ordered us specifically to get a few things that could help alleviate her trauma and PTSD symptoms. I there was also a few items on the list  for the kids like bone powder to help fill in their scars  and soap for bones in their favourite scent. Mainly though it was for mom and her health. 

Making my way up to them. Leaving Dazzle behind with Wine for some alone time with him. There was crying coming from beyond the door though. Opening it quickly seeing if I could offer my assistance. 

Esmée was cradling her youngest while she sat on the couch facing away from me. Alvaro was missing from the picture I assumed he was still asleep as their bedroom door was closed tightly to ensure no noise got to him. 

Destrí wailed louder Esmée’s shushing competing with his volume. 

“ It’s alright baby boy. You’re alright. Shh shh shh. You’re okay.”

Rounding the couch on loud feet making sure Esmée knew I was there. They must have been at this for hours as Esmée looked harried and stressed. Not at all like what her voice portrayed. Her voice was sweet and melodious the definition of calming. 

She looked worn out. Her sockets had deep bruises under them. She was panting out of her mouth instead of breathing through her nasal aperature. Her sockets were dropping low threatening to close. 

“Darling are we alright over here?”

“I’m afraid not. Destrí panicked somewhere around three in the morning. He hasn’t calmed down since. He worked himself up to quite the level haven’t you baby boy. It’s alright though. We don’t blame you. You cry it out till you feel like it’s enough.”

“How about you darling?”

“I’m fine.”

Yeah my coccyx she was. The response was way too quick too be true. Those were the types of I’m fines Wine would give until he collapses in pain hours later passed out in some random room of the house. 

“Is there anything I can do?”

“No not really until he calms down enough to be coherent. You could tell me how long we’ve been at this though?”

Well it was 6:00 right now and if they were up since 3:00 then three hours they’ve been at this. A very long time. 

“Three hours darling.”

“Okay thank you Razzle.”

Destrí startled and started hyperventilating. 

“Oh shit. Love youre alright. You’re alright. You’re safe what’s bothering you love.”

“H-h-he’s right th-there. He-he’s ri-right there.”

Destrí’s bones were clattering and clanking. Trying to ward off whatever he was seeing. Esmée’s eyelight flashed in recognition. 

“Oh darling is that what scared you so bad. You thought he was there. He isn’t though. Momma took care of that didn’t she. He’s gone and he isn’t going to hurt you again. Breathe nice and slow with me honey. Breathe in and out

One, two, three, four and hold for four…and then out for four, three, two, one. That’s it nice and steady. Just like momma okay.”

Destrí had Esmée’s sleep shirt in a death grip. Whining and whimpering. Occasionally letting out a fresh wail of distress. He was following Esmée’s lead though and steadying his erratic breathing. 

“That’s it baby boy just copy momma.”

More whisperings of comfort was given to him. I sat on the couch beside them leaning back and giving off waves of comforting intent. Further soothing the small child who was extremely panicked. 

Both of us working together put an end to Destrí’s panicked frenzy. He promptly slumped against his mother. Clinging tightly. 

“Come on love you go back to the nest with your brother alright. I think Mr Razzle wants to talk to me?”

Letting her heave herself up and calmly bounce and rock her youngest all the way to their nest. Waiting for her to come back out I looked around. There wasn’t much to see. 

Just a small portal window that showed the back garden. Squinting I could see Blue and Stretch sitting on a tree swing. Just basking in the light of a new day. 

Esmée came back collapsing to the floor in front of the couch. Groaning softly her tail curling up before breathing deeply. Slumping entirely she lolled her skull to look over at me. Smiling at me she let out a little giggle. 

“Well now that that’s over. Hello Razzle it’s nice to see you again. I admit I didn’t expect to see anyone till at least seven o clock.”

“Well darling me and Dazzle thought we could take you and the kids out just to get some stuff for all of you. We know what’s it’s like to cooped up and it’s not fun.”

“Yeah okay. Sounds like a plan. Just give us all a minute will you.”

She let her skull hit the couch cushions. Sighing out deeply. She looked frazzled and looked awful. Deciding I was going to help her feel better I hopped off the couch and went to the bath room. 

Her eyelight watched me lazily and I went into the bathroom. Grabbing a small towel and slightly wetting it. Folding and squeezing excess water out I came back to her. 

As I reached for her she flinched away. Patiently though and at a slow pace I managed to gently wipe at her face. Clearing away yesterday’s grime and residue around her dead socket. 

She purred at the nice feeling and relaxed when I placed it on her foreskull. Still following me with her eyelight she tracked my movements as I went and got a bath ready for her. 

Putting in salts and a lotion to regenerate the health of bones. Also getting out a lotion that strengthens bones adding mass and density. Wine mentioned that her right arm was especially brilttle this lotion should help with that. 

Coming back to her after making sure the bath was nice and warm for her. I helped her up making her groan as I encouraged her to move her legs. 

“I know dear all you want to do is sleep I don’t blame you. I would too but right now I think having a nice long bath will help hmm. We don’t have to go the shops till later today. We’ve got plenty of time for you to get some rest as well as take care of yourself.”

“The kids though. If they wake up and I’m not there they won’t be very happy. Destrí can’t take another episode today.”

“Me and Dazzle will be there to help them if so. Until then though please relax darling you look positively wrecked.”

Leaving her at the enterance to the bathroom and closing the door behind. Leaving when I heard a sigh then the dropping of garments. She was taking my advice then. Good girl. 

Opening the bedroom door just a crack to check on the babybones. I was met with snores and mewling from the kids. They were both sleeping peacefully then. It was such a stark contrast from Destrí’s sorrow filled crying. 

I was glad though that they were all finally sleeping peacefully. Hearing splashes and a deep purr I knew Esmée was also getting relaxed in her bath. Hopeful that will de stress her even just a tiny bit. 

I waited on the couches that not even minutes earlier supported a mother and her traumatised son. Dazzle chose that moment to come in. Quietly opening amd closing the door. Coming up to me on stealthy skeletal feet. 

I smiled at him acknowledging his presence. 

“Hi love. Esmée has just went in for a bath and the kids are still sleeping. How’s Wine this morning is he going into work?”

“Yeah he is. You know that one stubborn as a mule. I gave him a dose of his pain meds though so he should be fine. Is Esmée alright? It’s quite early for them.”

“No she isn’t. Destrí was in distress this morning. He was upset over a nightmare I think and he kept seeing a tormentor of sorts. Esmée said it started around three o clock at night so she’s exhausted along with the kid. 

I got a bath ready for her though so she could relax and cleaned up her face. There was mana all around her dead socket like it had been leaking. I also checked in the kids just a little peak to see how they’re doing. They’re all still asleep.”

“Did you tell them about our day plans today?”

“Yes I did. Esmée seemed excited for it. She just said to give them a minute to rest a while longer and get dressed. It’s still early after all.”

“Indeed it is.”

Dazzle sat beside leaning against my humerus. I kissed lightly his nasular ridge. Escalating it slightly and trailing the kiss down to his collar bones. Blushing like a gyftmas light he batted me away. All we could do was wait until Esmée was ready. 

Wine did come in after thrity minutes are so. Us immediately coming to help him. He was limping up the stairs as we softly chastised him and helped him over to the couch in the corner. 

Placing nuzzles and clicks against his cervical vertebrae we manuevered him to be lying against me. Letting his skull hit my sternum he leaned up and then pecked a chaste kiss to my jaw. I purred in satisfaction as he relaxed against me. 

Happy to sit in companionable silence the three of us waited for Esmée to come out. When Esmée did come out her damaged socket was leaking again. She was annoyed by the look of her. 

She was holding some paper towels to it while her tail flicked from side to side annoyedly. She had wrapped her self modestly in a towel connected to another towel. To make sure that it covered all of her. 

Coming out with a roll of unfinished bandages as well clutched tightly in her hand that wasn’t being used to stop to flow of her eye socket. We came over to her to help bandage her wounds. 

Esmée POV

Truthfully I had had a bad night also. Thrown into flashback after flashback I hardly got a wink last night. The bath did help. Getting all nice and clean definitely helped because logically I knew I was never this clean when I was back there. Always covered in dirt 

As soon as I felt Wines hand on my leg trying to bind my femur fracture. I flinched hard. 

I held back the growl as he tried again. I tried to relax into it. I really did but I couldn’t leave him do it.  I couldn’t understand why but I just couldn’t. I was too scared that it would hurt more. I couldn’t take it anymore. No more pain. 

Brief flashes of my father’s face filled my vision. He was stalking towards me. That rusty screwdriver clutched in his dirty sweaty hand. Come on it’s only a wee screwdriver. Nothing to be scared of. Just seeing where I can stick it in you. Maybe your EYE!

I got up quickly avoiding Razzle and Dazzle. Crouching by a wall avoiding my children unconsciously. They won’t see me like this. They can’t. 

“Darling what’s wrong?”

I was scared of the skeletons hurting me even though I knew it wasn’t ever going to happen. Wine hadn’t done anything to garner this suspicion from me. He has done nothing to hurt us and nothing to put us in danger. His hand raised the metal glinting and came down. 

I felt someone sit down beside me and then a hand touch my back from where I was huddled up against the wall. 

“Come on Esmée uncurl for me. We’ve got to wrap your wounds. We promise to be gentle.”

I was rattling really badly as it echoed around the room and I could feel pain where my bones were impacting with one another. I had to take my mind off this as Wine reached for my leg again. Going slow and touching up it to get me used to him. 

Razzle came up by my skull getting me to lay back to look up at the ceiling as he dabbed at my running socket. Dazzle had shifted to the fracture on my arm. 

They all had to treat me like a wild animal. In order for them to be able to touch me without me lashing out. They had to treat me like a scared animal. Is that what this had come to? Being too feral to be treated like a normal person. 

I had acted out and this was it. I was an animal. I could feel tears rolling down my face at my new revelation that I was an animal. The ringing of my damaged audial canal increased ten fold as I continued to cry. 

There was a soothing motion on my femur. It was breaking through my minds panicked fog. I whimpered. Not able to hear anything or see anything through the tears. I could feel the soothing motion though and choose to focus on that. 

I could still feel his hand holding my face still as he lined up the screwdriver up with my eye. Come on pretty keep still and it won’t hurt more than it has to. A cry from the other side of the room telling him to stop. I smiled sadly at my brother knowing that there is nothing that he could do to stop it. 

Slow and firm circles being drawn on my femur. There was a harsh press down from the cloth on my socket.  There was a release of pressure from behind my damaged eye as Razzle did this. The screwdriver came down with a squelching sound as it hit my eye dead on. I SCREAMED. 

Oh come on not now. It’s just one thing after another with me isn’t it. I’m such a bother. I held my hand to my damaged eye bypassing Razzle’s hand trying to keep the release of fluids to a minimum. Guess those fluids were magic now weren’t they. Not biological. 

I started losing myself again to my panicked fog. The ringing in my ears lessens just enough for me to hear Wine. 

“Come on darling come back to me.”

I really tried to listen to Wines voice. Straining to hear him through the fog. I thrashed and screamed. Ringing in my ears as Dad hit me to get me to shut up.LET ME GO. What did I do to deserve this?

“That’s it come on…come back.”

You’ve got to stop thinking about it Esmée. You are out and safe. You’ve got your kids to look after now. I very slowly got my one eyelight to focus on Wine. 

Bless this well dressed skeleton with all the good that’s left in me. Where would we be without him? Probably still cooped up and being tortured somewhere. 

“S-sorry. I’m such a mess I should clean up my act.”

I said while still furiously scrubbing at my skull my hand creeping slowly to my dead socket. Intending to pull. Get it out. Get it out. GET IT OUT. That stupid screwdriver. GETITOUT.

“ Oh my dear. You don’t have to clean up anything. You are well within your right to cry. You never have to apologise for showing emotions. You’re stressed, scared and in pain. It’s perfectly reasonable for you to feel incredibly upset.”

Wine inches forward once more and I finally allowed him to wrap my femur fracture. Looking away from Wine. Ashamed of the state of my face. Tying the bandage tightly around the bone. He nodded to Razzle who was staunching the flow of my eye. 

The excess had seeped from under his hand holding the paper roll and had now pooled into my scars at the side of my face. Creating a gruesome and intricate masterpiece of emerald magic and lighter emerald tears. 

It would be a sort of twisted beauty if the state of me already was not worrying Wine and the others. Dazzle reached up for my eye pulling the hand away gently which released the excess. Wine immediately got another towel to staunch it. Summoning it with blue hue. Magic it must be. 

I didn’t like the material being pressed up against me so suddenly and jerked. Scratching at the material with my claws twisting myself to get it off of my face. All I could think about though is how they used to cover my face with cloth and pour water over it so I couldn’t breathe. 

The desperate struggles to get away only to be met with violent electricity coursing through me. I eventually just went limp. Giving up as if I put up less of a resistance then my kids would be spared. 

Trying to coax me back to reality with tight circles against soft spots and little nips and pinches. It didn’t work though. I continued to lie there looking like the world was falling apart. 

“Oh momma what are we going to do with you.”

They continued to be there to support me and bring me back from what I like to call a memory collapse. I’m sure there is a real term for it but I like memory collapse. 

It’s where my bad memories mixed with my good to create an amalgamation of the two till I could no longer tell my up from down. Tear apart what was real and what was not. 

Then when it reaches its peak or someone touches of speaks to me without warning me first (not that I often can the ringing in my ear picks up so I can’t hear anything)

I collapse the memories progress into an ungodly nightmare and all I can do is lie there and listen to the voices that scream in my head. 

Razzle, Dazzle and Wine are doing a good job of tethering me back to reality. Comfort and soothing motions were not a thing of the past. I didn’t experience any of it. I thought the only touch you could give was a violent one. 

Also smells even if they weren’t aware of it, the smell of their clothes and even what they smelled like was also helping. The basement where I grew up only smelled of mould and blood. They smelled fresh and like lavender. 

I tried to focus my eyelight. Trying to force it to focus

“Don’t force it dear let it do all the work naturally. Forcing will only make it worse.” 

I listened letting my magic flow in and out of my socket like waves before letting it crash into my socket. It formed finally and I could see their worried faces. Oh no. I didn’t mean to make them worried. 

“Can you hear us darling?”

I could hear them faintly but I couldn’t speak. Too afraid that a scream would spill its way forth. In the corner of the room there stood my dad in all his fat dirty glory. He had his favourite toy with him as well. 

Shutting my sockets tightly repeating to myself that he was not here. He was on the other side of America. Do not fall for it do not react he’s not here. My tongue finally got to working. 

“I’m sorry I’m so so so sorry. I can’t even pull it together infront of you never mind in front of my children. Why is this happening? Why do I keep freaking out?”

“Oh Esmée cut yourself some slack will you. You’re allowed to freak out. You have been through something and you need time to recover.”

“Yeah come on momma give yourself some credit. You’ve been through so much and such difficult fights that no one sees. You’re raising two babybones on your own you just got out of a really terrible situation 

You’re stressed and need a little time to recover. It’s okay if you freak out now and again it’s expected even encouraged sweet thing. You’re going through recovery it’s tuff.”

Wine looked to me cupping my cheekbones. My tail came around my side curling around his wrist. 

“You catch a few more minutes of sleep while I, Razzle and Dazzle will plan out the trip for later on in late morning. You all need the extra sleep it is apparent. No one will judge you, we will make sure you are undisturbed”

“Thank you all of you. Don’t think I’ve ever met someone as kind as you lot. I’m not used to it.”

“Well you’ll have plenty of time to get used to it now that we are here.”

I sluggishly got up from the wall and curled around my babies. Them giving off weak mrps at my presence me mrping back at them. Watching the others leave and close the door. I quickly got dressed for the day and laid back down. It was much better than being in two towels. 

Dressed in a midnight blue t shirt with navy trousers. Not really interested into putting much effort into my outfit. I collapsed and fell asleep. Wine was right Destrí wasn’t the only one that had nightmares that night. 

Razzle POV

I tentivly approached the mess of blankets that cradled two precious babybones. I cooed over the sight of them while Dazzle did a quick precursor CHECK on them. 

“Their HP is still low, their max has expanded though so they’re still growing in stats that’s good. Their hp is already in the double digits. We’ve got strong little monsters in the making here.”

Checking them myself I read the box finding what Dazzle said to be true. 

Alvaro

LV 1

H.P.- 10/26

DEF- 3

ATK- 4

*Hurt, Cold. Wants his momma

Destrí

LV 1

H.P.- 9/15

DEF-2

ATK-6

*Finally truly believes they are safe. Worried for momma. 

Why would he be worried for Esmée? Is he worried that she didn’t get enough sleep last night because of him? Worried that she feels awful now because of him? We will just have to show him today when me and Dazzle take them out that she’s fine. 

We will pamper these kids and their mother like no one has ever done before.

Looking back to the nest one of the kids was gone. They reappeared a moment later slowly peeking up over the walls. Destrí had woken up and was slowly rising to peek over the walls of the nest to look at us. He chittered at us in greeting. I was surprised that he was awake again.After such a distressing night the babybones should have slept for a few hours.  

Dried tear tracks were marring his skull. His eyelights though something strange was happening with them. Just as I was about to get closer. Esmée snorted awake and shook her skull. Alvaro’s foot was in her nose socket. She gently tugged it out and laid it down gently rubbing the foot for a moment. 

She sleepily looked at us her eyelight hazy. She let out a long groan as she stretched pointing her long legs. She slumped and collapsed back onto the mattress. 

“Hello.”

“Hello darling it’s breakfast time.”

“What time is it? I’m so confused.”

“It’s currently 7:00. You slept a solid fourty minutes.”

“Feels like five. Breakfast smells nice though.”

She looked to Alvaro and then around for Destrí. Destrtí was no where to be found. Panicking a little thinking he had gone off on his own. I looked around frantically. 

“Come on out Destrí.”

There was giggling from the back corner. Looking over there there was a pile of blankets that was moving. Esmée got up and stalked over 

“Now where are you, you little rascal?”

There was a movement from the blanket pile and little growls started up. Esmée reached in and plucked out the slippery child. Who squealed as he was lifted and suddenly tickled. 

He laughed breathlessly and squealed in joy as his mother tickled him. 

“Come on breakfast time for all little kiddos. I’ll wake up Alvaro you eat up okay darling.”

“Okay momma.”

Destrí was set down in the nest as Dazzle handed a plate of bacon and eggs over to the child. Letting him keep pressure off his leg. 

Esmée was rubbing Alvaro’s shoulder joint. Trying to rouse him. I went over to investigate. Alvaro for a child with grey bones looked very pale. Very pale indeed it worried me enough to feel his foreskull. 

There was no temperature. Lightly rubbing my phalange over his small hand and checking there was no dust residue. The bones didn’t feel right though. They should be smooth with little ridges but his bones were more like human bones. With a porous and dry texture. 

They shouldn’t be like that. Keeping in mind to report to Doc about this. Alvaro fluttering sockets opened. I whined at the sight as his eyelights were diffused and lighter than what they should be. I was used to seeing sapphire blue this was more aquamarine. 

“Come on honey. Wakey wakey. Brain excercise.”

He whined and Destrí cheered. He perked up at the sound of his younger brother. Leaning over Esmée’s arms to see him. To confirm he was there. Destrí looked up at him with wide and happy sockets. 

Esmée jostled him trying to get him to wake up more. As he was looking hungrily at Destrí’s plate. 

“Come on first question. I know you’re tired just do your best okay. This isn’t a test. Just to see what you remember.”

He gave a sleepy affirmative before shaking himself and leaning against Esmée. Looking up at me with now awake sockets. Esmée smiled down at him and ran a phalange against the outside of his socket. He snorted pushing her away. 

“Okay, okay. First question. Do you know where we are love.”

He looked around for a minute before stating. 

“At the skeletons house momma.”

“Very good sweet boy. Next question. Do you remember the skeleton who’s nice to us. What’s his name.”

It was a vague question but I think she purposely did that so his mind would start to work a little harder. 

“Fíon.”

“Close enough dear one. Can you say it in Bearla?”

“Wine.”

“Okay few more questions and we are done okay.”

“Mhm.”

“I know you’re tired wee one. I’ll be quick. Can you remember where we were a couple days ago?”

His face screwed up in concentration.

“The aquarium mama.”

“That’s right baby boy. Very good. Last question.”

“What’s for breakfast?”

He sniffed the air then he flapped his hands looking around excitedly. 

“BACON!”

Esmée laughed “Yes bacon.”

I handed him the plate of breakfast with him wiggling happily.  

“Little thing you should know about Alvaro. He absolutely LOVES bacon.”

Taking her plate from Dazzle’s hand she thanked us verbally before eating away balancing the plate of breakfast on her knee while simultaneously containing a very happy child. 

Me and Dazzle announced the plans for today and were met with cheers of excitement from the babybones. Esmée smiling lightly at her children’s happiness. 

“When do we leave?”

“We would like to leave early just to beat traffic and crowds. So as soon as your dressed. Is that possible?”

“Yes of course. After this we will get dressed and get ready to go.”

There was affirmative mumbles from the children before they went to scarving down their dinner. Me and Dazzle sat with them for the rest of time that they were eating. Keeping them company and assessing if they were really were all right with doing this. 

Esmée’s tail was going at a hundred miles per hour. She seemed hyper and pent up despite being groggy not even five minutes ago. When everyone had licked their plates clean and wiped their moths free of leftover oil. 

Esmée took the kids to the closet to dress them for the day. Hearing a bang or two we got concerned. Esmée cackled from inside along with the kids so we assumed everything was okay. 

Coming out dressed in jackets that resembled animals with Alvaro being a koala with his hood pulled up showing off the ears of the hoodie. Destrí was proudly sporting a bear jacket. It was soft and he was running his fingers down it feeling out the softness underneath. 

Esmée came out last and caught Alvaro as he nearly tripped over his own tired feet. I looked towards Esmée’s feet they were bear apart from the socks coating them. They were bright blue and were pulled all the way up to her patella. 

She hefted Alvaro up so he could cling to her koala style. A truly fitting way to go about the place. 

“Darling where are your shoes?”

“Right, em, shoes. I’ll get them now.”

She shuffled back into the closet and came out with shoes sitting down to put them on. Destrí huffed and jumped on the shoes while she was tying her lace. 

“Destrí no bad. Stop that.”

Desrrí was growling and threatening the shoes that were on his mother’s feet. Okay this needed to be adressed 

“Dear why is he doing that?”

“Three years ago I put on a shoe the other shoe was thrown at me by a guard it hit me in the face leading to me stepping on Destrí’s toes. He had hated me just specifically me wearing shoes ever since. I don’t know why apart from that, there was no other thing with shoes.”

Destrí was snapping his teeth at the shoes now. 

“I genuinely think that it would be better for me not to wear shoes. It makes things easier and I don’t mind in the slightest if I have no shoes on. I can just wrap bandages around my feet. I actually prefer to at this point.”

“Okay. As long as it won’t hurt your feet you can. Do you want one of us to help you?”

“That would be much appreciated. Thank you.”

She walked to get some bandages from the bathroom cabinet Destrí hissed at the shoes and jumped near them arching his back in a threatening display. Before padding off after his mother who had gone out the door. 

Following behind her Alvaro was left to sit on the couch and Destrí was beelining towards it too. Sitting next to his brother and chattering excitedly. 

Telling by his body language that Dazzle wanted to stay with the kids. I went to help Esmée with foot wraps. Finding her already having the bandages out and wrapping her right foot I tapped her left one. Her automatically lifting it. 

I could see she was already quite practised at this so I said my thoughts aloud.

“There’s another reason you asked me in here isn’t there?”

“Yes I’m afraid there is. Going out today is big for the boys. They haven’t been in a social situation bigger than me and maybe three others. They are not used to crowds and they will freak out. 

So I want them to stick close to the three of us if you don’t mind. I can scare people away but at the same time I don’t really want to do that. I understand that humans are having a hard time excepting you lot as is. So me snarling and snapping isn’t going to help much.

So I just want them to keep close is that alright? I can’t predict their actions but if someone gets too close to even one of them. It will set them off and the other one. They’re still scared from the aquarium.”

“That’s perfectly reasonable dear. We understand and are more than willing to help. You may not know this yet but you have the whole house wrapped around your fingers. They will literally do anything for you.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem.”

Setting her foot down gently, her finishing up her right one. Getting up and tapping her feet against the ground a few times she deemed it worthy enough for her to walk around comfortably in. 

We both went out together greeted to the sight of Dazzle looking utterly baffled and Destrí trying to explain the difference between concave and convex lenses. 

Esmée saved him though by excitedly asking if they were ready to go. Esmée decided to descend the stairs like a normal person considering she had both kids with her this time. I and Dazzle kept in front of them. Supplying confidence to Esmée who needed it in order to meet other people. 

The house had been made aware that she had anxiety. She had given her permission for that to be told to the house. Sweets takes his confidentiality oath very seriously. I and Dazzle thought that she was being brave though coming down the stairs standing tall. 

We made it out to the car and we were on our way. Destrí pressed himself against the window watching everything fly past him. Marvelling at tall buildings and people as they all zoomed past far too quickly for him to be able to savour it. 

At least the car engine hadn’t set him off though. Last time was horrible. He just suddenly went limp and listless. I came over to find Esmée frantically stroking his lax face as he lay in her arms. 

Alvaro had curled up and pressed himself into Esmée flinching at car horns and looking fearful in general. Esmée shushed him at particularly powerful flinches wracked his small body. 

Nuzzling and purring. Destrí also came over providing comfort to his older brother. I was driving us all to the shopping centre but Dazzle did reach back to check if everything was alright. Asking softly if everything was alright. That they were going to be there in ten minutes or less. 

Esmée tried to get Alvaro at looking at all the shops and people that passed. That just made him more nervous though as time passed. He tugged on her shirt asking frailly for permission she let him inside her ribcage with a small nod of her skull. 

We arrived otherwise without incident and got ready to get out of the car. Destrí insisted he wanted to walk so Esmée let him. Letting him slide down one of her long legs and onto the pavement of the car park. 

She stepped out after him smiling down to him as he hopped excitedly around. Getting a couple of bags out of the car and tucking them away in our inventory we led the way. Destrí scurried after us never going infront of us and staying to the side of our legs. 

Esmée lagged behind us for the journey to the front entrance. 

“Now darlings keep close to us at all times. While most humans are nice and except us some are still dangerous. You stick close to us or your momma though and you’ll be safe as can be. That sound good?”

“We don’t mean to scare you or anything sweet things we are just trying to keep you safe.”

Destrí nodded, Esmée smiled at us softly silently communicating her thanks to us and Alvaro had not come out from his mother’s ribcage. He obviously needed the safe space and if he found it within his mother’s ribcage we will allow him to escape. 

“Right then let’s go. First thing is first we were supposed to ask this in the car. Do you have anymore clothes you want to get? Our store is just around the corner here. We could easily get more.”

“No no we can’t possible ask for more. You’ve already give us so much we can’t possibl…”

“Nonsense of course you can. We are more than happy too.”

“No really we are fine. We assure you.”

“Okay if you say so. Don’t be shy though we are always able to get more.”

We had walked into the main lobby of the mall. Esmée’s attention had been stripped away from us to what was around her. She was looking around gazing at the sheer size of it. 

Destrí was also looking around hanging on to his mom’s trousers making sure he wouldn’t fall down and loose balance with how far his skull was craned back. 

I smiled at them. It was a pretty big place that’s why we chose our shop to be placed here. Lots of foot traffic means business is going to be good. The place was also spectacularly beautiful. 

With a glass ceiling that you could see right out to the big blue sky with lots of warm white lights that weren’t glaring white industrial ones to assault the eye sockets. 

The floor was tiled but intercepted by rust coloured crushed velvet all with comfortable armchairs adorning each carpet no one was the same. 

I let them take in the sight of what was probably the first mall they had seen in their lives. I eventually announced our first destination. Which was the blanket store. 

“We intend to get little things like more blankets maybe an extra pair of sheets for you all. Creature comforts anything you like you can get there is no limit.”

Esmée looked uncomfortable it was alright though we can help her become a little more comfortable with the idea of us buying her things. 

We lead them all to the store welcoming them in with wide hands. This store had been proved to be monster friendly so they could run wild here with no fear of repercussions.  

Dazzle nodded to the store owner that we knew well. We often came into this store for necesites such as blankets and scent boosters. As they were monster friendly they had integrated our products into their store. So we come here often. 

The kids were clinging to Esmée’s trousers scared of what could happen. The cruelty that had been shown to them at the aquarium is still fresh in their mind. 

Showing them the lead I went in first. Browsing the shelf and picking out a silky blanket with a fluffy inlay showing it off to them. They were still anxious and stood rigidly straight but they walked forward anyways braving new territory. 

I was proud of them for taking this new step and I could tell Dazzle was too. They started looking weaving in and out of the shelves and isles. Destrí would occasionally bring us a thing or two asking for it. We gladly agreed and without hesitation and slowly the kid got more excited about bringing things to us. 

Alvaro even peeked out from Esmée’s ribcage to participate in his brothers excitement. Esmée had yet to lift a single thing we could see her eyelight landing and gazing longingly at items as we weaved our way through the store. 

We were hoping that the babybones running around would loosen her up a bit to the idea of us getting things for her. She wouldn’t budge though. She was getting more and more nervous. 

“Esmée dear you haven’t picked out a single thing. We can see you wanting stuff we are perfectly fine with you getting stuff and us paying for it but we know you aren’t comfortable. 

So how about this. For every item we think you need we will pick it up for you. If you feel like it’s too much or you don’t want one of them you tell us to stop okay? How does that sound?”

She looked away contemplation on her face. I could tell she was having an inner war with herself over this. I wonder if there was a cause to this or if it simply was how she was. She turned back to us. 

“Okay fine but you’ll stop immediately when I say yes?”

“Yes we will.”

“You have to pinky promise it.”

Did she just ask that? I’ll indulge her this once. 

“Okay I shall.”

She extended her large fifth finger towards me i copied her movement and interlocked with her comically large one that dwarfed mine. She gripped on tight and shook once before releasing. 

She looked pleased that I had sealed the promise with her. I guess not many people did keep their promises to her in the long run. I was happy to give her this one. A finished promise, a strong agreement that I wouldn’t break neither would Dazzle who also extended his pinky finger. 

I immediately picked out a fluffy midnight blue blanket that I saw her looking at with longing putting it into the basket we continued on throughout the store. The kids sticking with us when there was other people or monsters around and going off exploring when it was just us. 

Grabbing a few extra pillows and some stuff that others asked us to get when we were out we rang up our purchases. Dazzle distracting Esmée from the amount that flashed briefly on the cashiers screen. 

The babybones quickly scaled their mother as Dazzle exited the shop with them. Resting on both of her shoulders. Her hands came up to steady them and keep them safe. 

I busied myself with putting our purchases in my inventory. We had enough blankets now to last them a lifetime of fluffiness. I caught up to them quickly them heading to a store I wasn’t as familiar with. We entered through the shop door basking in the lights for a moment. 

The babybones eye sockets lit up with excitement. Even Esmée’s tail wagged slightly. Oh this was going to be fun. 

Wine POV

Now I didn’t visit the mafia brothers at the workplace often. Too afraid that it might get the entire family in trouble. Cannon though had urged him to come in along with Sniper as they had some light to shed for us. 

I brought the dogs along which also allowed me the ability to teleport so riding with Mutt through one I popped into existence beside Snipers towering form. Giving Mutt a snack to quickly replenish his magic levels which he was grateful for. I turned to the brothers expectantly. 

Cannon looked at me from when he was drinking his coffee. Frowning and sighing. 

“Hello.”

He gave a half assed wave before rubbing a bony hand down his skull. Looking world weary. I had noticed the dark smudges on the rims of his sockets and the way his hands shake minutely showing that he was high on coffee. 

“Hello back to you. You insisted I be here I now am. Care to share what was brought up with such urgency that you had me cancel on a few of my clients.”

“Sorry I kno’ ya don’t like ta do that. This couldn’ wait though.”

Sniper walked front and centre spinning around a computer screen showing grainy footage. Taking my glasses out and fixing the chain around them to hold them in place to my skull. I studied the screen. It showed a hallway empty aside from the lines of cells that lined the wall. Ah so this was the facility. 

“This was when they were first admitted to the facility. The actions dictated in this tape could be enough to prosecute them and put them in jail for life. Knowing this do you still want to watch this?”

I looked to my brother and gave him a meaningful look. He looked back at me determinedly. To be truthful I didn’t really want him to see this. Worried that he could see her in a different light after this. 

I have no doubt that she fought back in this video. She had proved herself a protective mother and if provoked she would maim. If he took that a wrong way he could think her dangerous and avoid her. He could become afraid of her. 

If he thought he could handle in though I would trust him. Giving cursory glances at Mutt and Hound and as they both nodded at me I gave the go ahead to Sniper. 

He extended his clawed finger and lightly pressed a button to play the tape. The pixels moved across the screen fizzing and cutting out. We could hear her before we could see her. 

She was growling and screaming that breathless cry she did back in the aquarium. A truly haunting sound that cut through the air. I would have to ask San’s Toriel if that was a thing with monster mothers. A defence mechanism perhaps. 

She was dragged on to screen. Her face held closed by a mesh muzzle. Six men surrounded her with metal leashes attached to her neck. She was being pulled in all directions stumbling and hissing while trying to protect her pregnant stomach. 

One of the guards came on to view behind her holding Alvaro. He was crying and screaming loudly flailing trying to get to his mother. As an answer to his cries Esmée was going mad. She was biting and snapping and ramming herself against the guards. 

She was becoming extremely distressed. Eventually the inevitable happened. Her started to flag being as far along as she was drained her enough already. Fighting against the guards I was surprised she went on this long. 

She started to weakly try to soothe Alvaro’s wails. She started begging when the sedatives were brought out and they approached her eldest. His arm was roughly grabbed and held out. 

Jamming the shot into his delicate arm we all heard a snap and the wails and struggles and the breathless screams started up again. Alvaro went limp and then Esmée was shot. 

The guards were kind enough to not let her fall on her belly. They dragged them into the cell and locked them in. Other invertos appeared by the bars. Looking in at the new arrivals. Sniper stopped the footage and pointed out a bear inverto. 

“This inverto is called Lyla. She helped Esmée and her children throughout their less than ideal stay at the facility. She was one of the elder population that turned into monsters when we came up. 

She actually stays with one of our contacts. I believe that the swaps Asgore is actually housing her. I think it would be beneficial for Esmée to see her again. As a friend.”

“I will look into it thank you Sniper.”

I looked back to my brother. He had tears in his sockets he signed if he could be excused. I gave him a look that said of course. 

He nearly ran out of the door in his hurry. The dogs following after him to protect him. I placed my skull in my hands. Looks like I was adding assault of a heavily pregnant woman and her child and non consensual drug administration to the facilities charges. 

It was becoming a long list that kept growing everyday. 

“Anything else you have to show us.”

“Yes those files that we sent ya over about anti monste’r, ya get em.”

“Yes I did. They will be going to court tomorrow with a definite conviction. I have my apprentice on the job. He will be able to get them put behind bars for a long time. I trust him to do this.”

Mutt POV

We had teleported back into the house with Pup. Letting him calm down and get his skull around what we had just seen. Stars and angel that was awful. That was the start of a long five years for that family. 

Hound had to go back to be able transport Wine back to the house when Wine was finished with mafia brothers. I had someone to talk to though. With Pup assuring me that he was alright I went to see Doc. 

I found him relaxing in the library reading one of his numerous medical textbooks. Flopping down beside him making sure to get his attention. He looked at me dropping the book in his lap. Giving me his full attention. 

“Was there something you wanted to tell me Mutt?”

“Yeah there was Doc. It’s about Alvaro yesterday we were in here. He was wobbling and jerking throughout a movie that I put on. He was also uncontrollably dizzy. He kept having to lie down to try and centre himself. 

He could barely walk straight. Also his bones are getting more grey and sickly. I think he’s getting worse rather than better. Just wanted to update you. Bro also commented this morning on the state of his bones. They were porous and rough.”

Doc furrowed his brow I noted his concern. My own concern growing. 

“Do you think it is a cause for concern?”

“It might be don’t go telling people though the kid dosent need more attention that what he already is getting. He’s feeling anxious and I’m willing to bet he has anxiety like his mother. We surround him all at once it could send him into a panic. We just need to keep a closer eye on him that’s all.

Stretch might be able to help us with that. Set up a camera system to track him around the house. It might be beneficial to have one installed in their room as well. In case am emergency does occur.”

“I’ll talk to him about it. You leave it with me.”

Dazzle POV

We had no problem in this store than in the past with Esmée. She had grabbed a toy off the shelf and her tail hadn’t stopped wagging since. Causing destruction and mayhem wherever she went. 

The toy was a strange thing. It was a fat yellow chicken that looking like it was dressed up as a red dragon. She was holding the plushie with a fierce grip but she looked so unbelievably happy. 

I took a picture of her face and helped her around the shop. Keeping track of the kids. The kids had also shed their cautious attitude a little. More than happy to run off. Esmée had to hold her tail to keep it still while going down isles that would not survive an onslaught from her tail. 

I stepped back a little from them. Watching the invertos as they picked out another chicken plush for Alvaro. Who was beaming and tapping his feet in joy. Destrí was jumping up and down from a shrimp plush with black glasses glued to its face. 

I enjoyed watching them be happy. I snapped a picture with my phone and sent it to the family group chat. No doubt in my mind that they would like to see the invertos happy also. 

Thankfully the more speciesist humans have kept away from us. I had noticed a few of them lurking about throwing nasty glares. I threw my own back at them and they backed off. We were lucky though that none had come forward to confront us

Razzle had now joined all of us giving him a nuzzle to the skull. Purring lightly in response. We watched as both she and the children enjoyed themselves before they came back to us asking politely if they could have them. 

I smiled at them sweetly. These kids were precious and that was including mum. She was also still just a kid. We agreed immediately and easily money was of no issue for us monsters. Never has been. 

Next though was essentials. A list from Doc that he said was vital for them to become truly healthy again. Monster mother’s souls were affected greatly when they were giving birth. 

Doc didn’t go into details but said that Esmée needed some extra nutrition for her soul to fully recover and some powder for the invertos was also needs if they wanted to get rid of their scars. 

We also needed a top up of vitamins for Blood and Sugar. Wine needed his pain medication and I myself needed some as well. Esmée and Alvaro had also been prescribed pain medication. Esmée’s was supposed to be more permanent than Alvaro’s. 

It was supposed to help with her chronic pain flare ups when they do inevitable happen again. There was only one downside. We had to talk to the fell verses Alphys. Me and Razzle looked at eachother and agreed to distract her and take her away from Hook. 

We didn’t want Hook to perhaps ask her very personal questions and upset her. Razzle ultimately took her to our favourite coffee shop. One that was full to the brim with rabbits that you could interact with and pet. 

So while he took them there I went to face the lizard. Slipping past the crowds and walking in to abrasive white lights and even whiter tile. I shuddered I hated this place. It was too abrasive to the senses. 

Walking up to the counter handing the prescriptions that Doc gave me before hand. The pharmacists busied about doing their jobs and what luck that Hook got the invertos prescriptions. 

I saw the look of surprise go over her face before a dark interest set in. Looking around and spotting me she sauntered over making a show of looking around for our charges. 

“So do I not get too see them?”

“No you don’t. You have a tendency to ask personal questions. She can’t handle that right now.”

Taking great care to only make her think there was one inverto. If she knew about the kids she might just go hunting for them. 

“What’s wrong with a little personal investigation?"

"Everything is wrong with your ones. Now can you please do your job."

"You're no fun you know that. Maybe I'll go on break now and search for them. No doubt that Razzle character is with them.”

“Leave her alone. Leave my datemate alone. They do not want you anywhere near them. I can still tell Edge on you.”

Her eye twitched and I knew I had gotten a soft spot. Edge still held a lot of authority over his people. 

“Now if you please our prescriptions.”

“Fine, fine.”

Waving me off she toddled away. I let out a breath thank the stars. She could still go on her break and hunt them down though so I had to be careful. We could just go after this. No doubt Razzle and the invertos were halfway finished their coffee by now. 

My suspicions were confirmed when Razzle sent a photo to me. Esmée and the kids were in it. Destrí was inside Esmée’s ribcage and had reached up through the space between her sternum and spine to her chin. 

He was smearing chocolate all over her face and Esmée was looking very unimpressed. Alvaro was off to the side quietly munching away on a cookie. Looking a little listless. Hopefully the sugar would do him some good. 

Taking a few minutes waiting for my name to be called to collect our prescriptions. Puffing myself up to look a little larger as a group of male humans walked by. I got nothing but a side glance which I was grateful for. 

Finally I was called and texted Razzle to let me know where they were. He said they had moved on from the cafe and were heading towards the front of the shopping centre for our last stop of the day. Mommas essentials. 

Hurrying to meet them there as Razzle had also added that he had picked up my favourite snack. A raspberry and blueberry muffin. There was nothing better in my opinion. 

I could hear them before I could see them. What sounded like Destrí was squealing and ranting on about the different kinds of bunnies that were in the shop. Turning the corner I could see Esmée towering over everyone with Destrí up to her face where she was nuzzling his skull while she cleaned his hands with a napkin. 

He kept moving his hands though getting his mess all over her face and up the sides towards her cheekbones. I guess the one advantage to having that scar on her face though was that her tongue could dart out anywhere and immediately clean it up. 

Alvaro was down by Razzle’s feet clinging to his leg with him lightly rubbing his skull over the hat. I caught up to them and keeping Alvaro between us we walked to our last store. 

It was one that Doc recommended. There was a list of what we could get but ultimately it was up to Esmée’s whether she wanted it or not and in extension by our agreement. Us. So we busied ourselves getting all sorts of things. 

Heaters and scent retainers were essentials. We asked Esmée if she would like some head wraps she denied though saying she rather likes her skull bare. We left it be at that. 

Next were hot water bottles. Wine made a comment one night about her really enjoying the one he got her. So we got ones that would no doubt satisfy her and we got a few for Alvaro as well. 

“What about this one mo grá. You seem to like the bear ones.”

Alvaro came up to inspect the hot water bottle case that Esmée was holding up. He came up to run his fingers through the fur. It seemingly got the seal of approval as Esmée turned around putting a thumbs up. 

She perked up suddenly and followed Destrí with her eye as he disappeared around the corner. Clicking for him to come back. When he didn’t she strided over. I followed after wondering if something was wrong. 

He was looking over at someone from around the corner of one of the shelves. It was human child and his mother. He was watching in fascination as they talked to eachother and interacted. 

He was watching the child move and talk and gesture. He then turned to his mother. 

“Is that what I would have looked like?”

“Yes it would have been. Why do you ask?”

“I want to go back to the prisión of flesh.”

He said it with such seriousness that I came out laughing and very quickly trying to smother it out. I needn’t have worried though as Esmée laughed louder. 

Destrí looked proud of himself for getting his mom to laugh. He must have planned this the sneaky little babybones. 

Going back to get some last few items and with Alvaro fading by the minute into sleep I was assured and not into an unconscious coma. We travelled back to the car. A man approached us looking ready to say something. 

Esmée wasn’t having it though she turned to him like an owl would and with her scar carved into her face it made her look like she was eerily smiling at him. 

Then she tilted her skull back and showed off her teeth. All three rows of them which was a bit of a surprise for both me and Razzle to find out. 

He backed off turning away pale faced as she climbed into the car looking smug. She let Alvaro fall asleep and joined Destrí in calculating the speed of the car. They got it right every single time. 

Greeted by everyone when entering we went up and quickly out away all their new items. Destrí hung on tight to his plushie already very attached to it. They surprised us by saying they wanted to go and have dinner with all of us. 

They all came down. Alvaro looking everywhere through half lidded sockets and for the first time they stayed and had dinner with all of us. 

Chapter Text

Papyrus POV 

Dinner was a shining success. They had finally come down for the first time in two weeks. Everyone was happy that they had. The babybones made very little conversation. Mainly just lightly whispering to the skeletons that sat beside them. 

Alvaro needed a little help as he had started to become listless and his tiny hand was shaking violently. Esmée helped him scoop up the potatoes and chicken and got him to swallow with a little coercion. 

When he was done and Esmée focoused back on her own dinner he leaned against her hip. Dozing off lightly his mouth open as he panted slightly like he had just started to recover from a great excursion. 

Destrí was happily chatting Hounds audio canal off as he recalled their exciting outing. Wiggling in his seat when he mentioned his plushy. Obviously very happy with his findings. 

Esmée placed Alvaro on her shoulder holding him and gently rubbing and massaging his spine and ribs. He started to purr and as I went around her to collect their empty plates I could see the smile plastered onto his skull. 

Esmée followed me out when I took her dish. Leaving Destrí behind with a nuzzle. She wrapped her tail around herself supporting Alvaro and pinning him to her chest. Leaving her hands free. 

“I thought I could help wash up a bit. You don’t mind do you?”

“Oh of course not Esmée. Come and we will get started.”

We started to wash the dishes me idly chatting with her. Destrí didnt take long to come to us. He was limping he must have overdone it in the mall. Too much excitement and running about. 

Esmée let him rest his weight on her tail though. He eventually just flopped onto it letting out a shaky sigh which soon turned into muffled sobs. Esmée and I both heard it though and she was quick to pick him up and cuddle him close. 

She set down the plate she was washing and cradled him while he whimpered. I looked over concerned. She sat down on the floor leaning against the countertops so I could have a look to. It was really the only way I could have a look as she was so tall. 

Destrí was trying to curl up into himself. He was leaving his injured leg out of his tight ball though. So that must be the problem. He was clinging to his mother tightly as she tried to settle both Alvaro and Destrí. 

Alvaro didnt like being squeezed tight around so suddenly and was trying to shift and get out of his mom’s hold. Thinking I could help with this situation I coaxed Alvaro to hold onto me instead of his mom. 

Esmée looked at me warily but allowed me to take him. Cradling him to my chest and putting a hand under his pelvis. Hoisting him up to my shoulder and allowing him to rest there. He quickly fell asleep again but not before curling his hands into my shirt. 

My soul melted at the sight and I couldn’t help the coo that came from my throat. Remembering the distressed babybones on the floor with his mother though. I went out to get Doc he could help with the pain levels. 

Asking for him discretely to come in and check on them. Everyone was a little surprised to see Alvaro on my shoulder sleeping peacefully with momma no where in sight. 

Doc followed me into the kitchen though and immediately got down with her on the floor. She growled lightly at him when he reached out to touch Destrí. She huffed when he gave her an unimpressed look. 

It seemed to placate her well enough to allow Doc to check over Destrí’s leg. Applying gentle healing magic to it. It eased the young boys pain but he was exhausted from today’s journey and his pain that flared up. So he quickly joined his brother in sleep. 

Sighing and groaning as she heaved herself up off the floor. She let out another long groan and she fully stretched. 

“How are you darling?”

Doc asked checking in on his patient. 

“I want to cry and scream maybe punch a wall. Drink myself into oblivion, smash my skull against a wall and fall asleep for a week in that order.”

“That’s quite self destructive dear. I would recommend instead that you relax downstairs for a while. So we can keep a socket out for you and the two babybones.”

Sweets said as he came around the corner. His cane clutched tightly in his hand.  In all honesty I thought it was a great idea. Her downstairs allows us to keep an eyelight on her. All those things she listed were quite concerning to hear.

We mustn’t allow that self destructiveness to take place so taking an initiative and leading her by the elbow to the main living space in the house. Getting her to sit down on the couch grabbing blankets and coconing her. 

She didn’t seem very happy at first not able to move and with her arms trapped placing Destrí to her chest where he was pinned. Growling and wiggling she calmed after a moment though as I stepped back and proudly examined the work of the Great Papyrus

She huffed a little before sinking into the blankets holding her youngest son close. Slowly transferring Alvaro onto her lap as well. Moving his delicate skull to be braced against her sternum and with some manuvering both he and Destrí were comfortable against their mother’s chest. 

Others eventually came in they largely left the invertos be. Allowing them to sleep peacefully and keeping a far enough distance that Esmée wouldn’t  take a shot and cleave one of their skulls off with her dangerously swinging tail. 

I went back to the table and sat down next to my brother. He was still eating along with a few others Sweets and Blood being among them. 

“How are they bro?”

“ I regret to inform you dear brother but they are actually quite poorly their HP is still nearly in half for both of the children. Esmée’s exhausted, Destrí had a flare up of pain, Doc helped him with that though. 

They’re all resting on the couch now. I have wrapped Esmée up in a blanket burrito to quell her rising aggressiveness. It seems to have worked well enough.”

“Alright bro. Stay away from her until I can get a feel of her. If she’s aggressive I don’t want you anywhere near her.”

“Sans she’s not aggressive she’s traumatised there’s a difference. Please do not make her out to be a bully she’s not. She’s scared and protective. You try to isolate her too and we will have big problems.”

Wine who had suddenly jumped into the conversation now turned to my brother with ferocity in his eyelights. Wanting to prevent an argument between the two I hastily spoke up. 

“Don’t worry brother you know that I’m very careful and astute in my observations. If she were to attack I would be able to block it without much effort at all for I am the great Papyrus.”

“I know bro just be careful.”

“Yes, yes I know.”

Giving my brother a nuzzle to the skull having it returned. I went back to living room. Esmée was looking more anxious than before. She wasn’t used to the noise around her. Being in a cell for years would do that to you I’m guessing. 

She looked uncomfortable and her arms had already escaped her cocooning to come and surround her children. Destrí was whining and kicking at his mother’s ribs trying to get comfortable. A particularly harsh kick earned him a nip though. 

Alvaro was bonelessly slumping against his mother’s side. Where she had tucked him into blankets so that his mom’s ribs were on one side and the blankets acting as a barrier to his open side. 

Everyone was milling about doing their own thing. She had puffed up to look as big as possible. I could see her fading ever so slightly though. Off into exhaustion. Despite her protective and aggressive front she fell to exhaustion quite quickly. 

Slumping to the side and giving off a rattling growl with the end to each breath. Peeling back the blanket Destrí crawled out. Mrps erupted from him seeing me. Reaching out tiredly towards me. Thinking quickly before the little one could roll off the couch and hurt himself. 

I went over to him taking his tiny hands in mine and sitting beside Esmée letting him explore safely. He felt along my hands investigating all the bones and the size difference between us. He gazed deep into my eye sockets while his eyelight suddenly split apart. 

I startled, grabbing ahold of his skull in worry as I watched him eyelights split more and swirl in his sockets. 

“Doc. Please come here now!”

I said it with urgency while still keeping my voice down. I attracted a few others but Doc got there first. Looking at Destrí’s ruby eyelights which were once two singular dots. They were both now split into three and twirling around eachother. 

“Fascinating.”

Doc breathed out the breathy word. Taking a hold of Destrí’s skull gently turning it up towards the light of the room. Watching his eyelights swirl as he giggled excitedly at having done something that garnered him such a strong reaction from everyone around him. 

Hound had come over leaning over us. 

“What hav’ ya done wee one to get th’em all excit-“

He stopped when he saw Destrí’s sockets. He went quiet and was stuck staring at the now rather hypnotic swirling of his eyelights.

“Woah-ho-ho look at ya wee one. Tha’s amazing!”

I was holding both of his little hands as he shakily transferred himself from my lap to my sternum. Sitting cross legged and sitting back. Completely trusting of me and my abilities to keep him safe. His eyelights were still spinning and he was lazily wacking at Doc hands where they were planted at his eye sockets. 

Seemingly having enough his eyelights merged again and he bit into Doc sleeve of his t shirt. Nipping lightly, me having taken to discouraging him. Gently prying him off and letting Doc make his escape. 

He rushed off all excited over the babyboness trick while Destrí sat back and started to talk. 

“Did you know that triangles are magical…..?”

He proceeded to go on a very hyper rant on the magic of triangles. I could not understand a word of it but Stretch from across the room was listening in seeming to understand but with a slightly bewildered expression on his skull. 

He couldn’t believe what he was hearing off this young child. Knowledge that far extended the years of what a kids normal developmental age would be.In the meantime Hound had sat down beside us and Destrí happily tapped his little hands on his skull. Patting lightly out a rhythm as he recited the inner workings of Cos, Sin and Tan.

Alvaro POV

The world morphed around me. Swirling and twisting before settling for an image I was promised never to see again. The facilities walls settled into place. Only this time there was no momma not even des around to help me. 

Standing there in the entryway was guard after guard blocking my exit. All with different kinds of weapons. The one at the front though was the one with the axe that caved in my skull. 

Bright flashing pain ripped through my skull when I looked at the guard who had done this. The pain dropped me to my knees infront of him. They were ready to finish the job. 

Raising the axe higher and higher ready to take my skull off. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was for the best. My death would impact momma for a while yes, even Destrí would be devastated but the burden of having to look after me would be gone. 

I wasn’t much use now that my skull is cracked open. I felt my magic leave me when it was I can still feel it going out of the hole in my skull. I’m getting weaker I’m getting more tired. I can’t keep up with momma or Destrí’s antics anymore. 

It feels like I’m dying like i’m fading away and nothing can stop it. Im so scared. The axe came down. 

Waking up with a start and swinging my fist to defend myself I accidentally punched momma in her rib. It significantly hurt me more than it hurt her she still shook awake with a grunt though. Looking down at me worriedly. 

Reaching one of her massive hands in she coaxed my limp and crying body into her arms. Wrapping them around me and cradling me. Sobs wracked my frame shaking me and adding to a growing skullache. 

I felt momma start to shake and rumble in comfort but it just made my skull hurt more. Shaking my head minutely praying that she would get the message to stop. She did and not long after I found myself up in the nest in our bedroom. 

A bit confused on how we got there so suddenly that it took the tears a minute to catch up to my foggy and unclear brain. After a settling minute though. 

I let myself cry and cry endlessly until my voice turned hoarse and sore. Yet I still screamed out my sorrow. I couldn’t handle it any longer the pain the memories. I just wanted to continue my life without this pain. This pain that plagues my every thought and moment. 

Momma held me through it all. Allowing me to scream my sorrow. Destrí wasn’t there though. Momma probably wanted to spare him from seeing me in such pain. She was holding me against her foreskull. 

Allowing my tears to fall between the both of us. Staining the blankets underneath. I couldn’t muster a care in the world though. I must have cried for hours because by the time I stopped and lolled my skull to look out the window it was dark. 

Looking to the clock seeing it was five o clock and not three o clock was a bit jarring. 

“Sweet boy you’re alright. You’re here and you’re alright. I’m here I’m here. Mommas here. She’s here and she’s not going to let anything happen.”

“Mom-momma.”

“Save your energy little angel. Go to sleep if you need to. No one would blame you. We are completely alone. No one’s coming to get you. We are safe.”

“Momma, momma it h-hurts. It-it h-hurts s-s-so bad.”

“Okay mo gra it’s alright I’ll help okay I’ll help.”

I felt myself being moved and picked up. I didn’t feel much else lost in a sea of pain. All that crying had aggravated a headache to a blinding migraine and it was hitting me full force. In order not to scream out in pain, I retreated into my mind. 

Mommy didn’t like when I did that. She claimed that it was an unhealthy habit but she understands why I do it. She told me she did it too once upon a time. She stopped because she was told by a very smart man called Google that it was damaging to mental health if used in a considerable amount.

I didn’t feel anything in this state. I could hear though. I could hear momma panicking slightly as she searched for the painkillers that would fight my migraine for me. 

I could hear my raspy breathing and my slight sobs of pain that weakly burst from my mouth at random intervals. I started to visualise graphs to calm myself. Repeating the numbers and tracing the lines inside my skull. Trying to quell the pain, I gave up though as a sharp bolt ripped apart my sanctuary. 

Flinching hard in mommas arms as she tilted my head back and rubbed soothing circles into my lower jaw. Opening it automatically by now expecting what was coming. I took the chalky pills with some struggle. 

They were soo big and I didn’t understand why they had to make them that big and you didn’t even have any time to prepare yourself to swallow because then you would taste them. 

Blech, disgusting as they slid wryly down my parched throat. Momma stayed with me for a while as I calmed down and the painkillers stifled the pain in my skull. There was a growl from her warning someone to stay away. It was halfhearted though. She didint really mean it. 

There was a weight on the other side of the nest. Not close to me but close enough for me to feel it. I watched the blurry shapes morph and change into scary images. Making me whimper and prompting momma to curl around me and half on top of me. 

Concealing me from outside eyes and making the room go dark for me. I remained still as muffled voices made it to me through the dark. I was definitely getting sleepy though. Maybe for just a minute I can let go. 

I think I blinked and everyone was gone. It was light again I could see, Destrí was there beside me. Momma was gone though smelling the air and patting where she originally lay she wasn’t gone for long. 

Gently untangling Destrí from me separating us and letting his fingers curl into the plush he had gotten. Getting out of the nest slowly not wanting the room to spin so soon into me waking up. 

Approaching the door reaching for the door knob and twisting, opening it just a crack before fully swinging it open. Running out to momma quickly before any of the big crowd of skeletons could spot me.  

She scooped me up immediately snorting slightly as I gave a surprised jump away from the chicken that she got yesterday. It was looking at me with its weird big eyes and its slightly misshapen arms. 

Looking around there was Edge, Crimson, Wine and Doc in the room with us. Hiding away not wanting to deal with whatever they were talking about. Slumping against mom I huffed as she stuffed the chicken into my face. 

The silly thing was quite funny, I could understand why momma would love it so much. It was also very soft and comforting so I squeezed and clung on. Not letting go for anything. Letting mommas arms encircle me and hold me to her chest. I was just lying there limp. 

A hand that could not have been my mommas landed on my head. I flinched when they started to lift the hat. I reasoned out that if momma was letting probably Doc (presumably) touch me then there was no reason to struggle and fight back. I was tired though so tired so I went to sleep as Doc started touching around the edges of my wound. 

Waking up everyone was gone and I was on top of mommas chest while she stretched out to her full height. Popping and cracking joints opening her wide maw in a yawn. 

Once she noticed my awake state she leaned forward purring in my skull. I only now noticed that my skull was not covered with a hat. The sensation of air around my head was strange. 

I was so used to it being covered that it felt foreign to not have it covered. Momma was stoking near it everything felt heightened and strange. Whining letting her know it was uncomfortable. 

“It’s just us baby. No one else here. We’re safe here your brother is also awake I believe he’s off and talking to his toy. Working out something in his little skull.”

“Hey my skull is not little!”

“Of course not baby.”

Then leaning in close and whispering in my audio canal. 

“Yes it is. It’s tiny.”

I snickered at mommas antics. I snickered until I started to zone out. The shadows in the room seemed to lengthen reaching out to grab me with their dark claws. I kicked away from them whining when I fell backwards off the ledge I was on. Why was I on a ledge?

A claw caught me before I could hit the rocks at the bottom of the ledge though. Light tapping on my cheek brought me back. Images of ledges fading away and sharp rocks inches from the back of my head turned into a soft mattress. 

“Hey baby kinda zoned out on me for a min there. You alright?”

I nodded at her passively as she set me down on the mattress beside her. I leaned against the side of her ribcage. Curling up small. I was tired again. It didn’t take much for me to be tired these days. I also knew I couldn’t fight it. So I simply didnt fight letting the waves of exhaustion carry me away. 

Esmée POV

Doc had come in to express his concerns for Alvaro. While Destrí was healing along with Alvaro, Destrí and I were making more progress in healing and getting colour back into our bones than Alvaro was. 

Alvaro was getting weaker and more listless. Others around the house had expressed their concern about his dazedness and his complete lack of balance. While it was true I had noticed this I thought it was just normal for someone with a head injury such as Alvaro’s. 

While Doc agreed with me he still expressed deep concerns over it. 

“Head injuries are unpredictable there could be a magic leak in his skull that we could have missed. When I did the cauterisation along with my team we didn’t touch the inside of the skull. We were too worried about damaging the healing matrix in his skull. 

It may be necessary now to explore the inside. If he doesn’t start improving in the next few days then he could be at serious risk of a seizure. If he does have one he needs to have surgery on his head. To properly explore and fix the damage there. For now I would like to keep him under observation. 

We would do that by bringing in cameras and placing them around your room. When you’re not watching, the camera would give us full time surveillance of the kid. It would give us the best chance of catching a seizure soon and helping him through it.”

A tear slipped down my skeletal face. My little boy, my first born was in danger of a seizure. My previous Alvie was going to have a seizure. My precious boy wasn’t improving wasn’t getting healthier. Sure I had noticed the lack of energy and his usual personality. 

I had chalked it down to be because of the massive scenery change from facility to here and his injuries. Had I ignored the signs my little boy had laid out for me? How could I be so neglectful? 

“I know this is a lot Esmée. Please know that none of this is your fault. You are an amazing mom and you have looked after your children so well and so diligently all these years. You have done nothing wrong. This is as much your fault as it is a rocks. You did everything right momma. You are not to blame.”

“It doesn’t feel like it.”

“I know Esmée I know. We are here to help though. Edge has got training in magical first aid. Crimson has the ability to teleport and has a degree in macology. Which is the study of magical pathways and magic theory. 

Doc will be able to help keep Alvaro steady and stable if worse comes to worse and I will be there throughout it all okay. I’ll help you if this happens. We all will okay. So take a deep breath with me darling everything will all be alright.”

Wine had spoken comfort to me but I still felt lost in my own thoughts. Self loathing turned to blinding rage magic surging and flexing powerfully through my body. I was going to pop their heads off. Rip and tears their entrails out and use them as necklaces. 

Speciesist, stupid, pompous, stuck up humans. I wanted to scream in frustration and pent up anger. If I did that though I would panic my children. So wrestling with something inside me that was like a raging beast threatening to surge out of my mouth and yell until the skies turned red in anger. 

I clenched my fists and clamped my mouth closed riding out the waves of anger and murderous intent and trying to smother it with the love I had for my children. It worked but not until a good passage of time had gone past. 

Breathing heavily and panting I asked. 

“What’s being done about the facility? I know you guys have got something going on to take them down. A legal suit against them maybe something more illegal. Don’t try to deny it either I can hear the whispers in the walls.”

Edge stepped forward to answer me. 

“We are doing something about it. You were neglected and downright tortured in that institute so we are taking action against it. The royals of our people have been informed and are coming in a few days to help kickstart the whole process. 

They are outraged and beyond angry on our behalf and would like to meet with you to discuss a couple of things and hopefully we c-“

Alvaro ran out in that moment on instinct I caught him and held him close. Whining and squirming to get closer to me and get comfortable. Nuzzling him as an acknowledgement for his bravery. 

Snorting at him a little when he recognised my chicken plush. That thing was such a laugh I loved it so much. Tucking it closer to Alvaro hoping that it will provide a bit of comfort for him. It did as intended as he clung onto it and relaxed into me. 

“Continue Edge please. He’s zoning out he’s not able to keep a lot of cocentrarion these days. Not to add to your list of worries already Doc.”

“It’s alright little details and symptoms like that can help immensely you’ll be surprised. May I?”

Doc had walked over and was gesturing to Alvaro’s hat that was still snugly on his skull. I nodded my acceptance as Edge started up again and Doc touched my son’s skull. 

“As I was saying if we can coordinate with your memory of your time in the institute to help fill in missing gaps and details from incidents that occurred.”

“Okay. I can help a bit with that now if you like. I don’t mind recounting a few things. Destrí will sleep on for a little while longer. Out of the three of us he always needed the most sleep that might change now.”

Thinking thoughtfully and looking down at the crack in my son’s skull. That was bordered with yellow and sickly bone along with an orange disinfectant. It looked nasty and unpleasant. Doc was carefully manhandling Alvaro’s skull so he could shine a light inside. 

It was interesting because for the barest of seconds while illuminated you could see magic bouncing around like neurons passing messages just like a human brain but a lot more colourful. 

Squeezing his little hand that was clutched tightly in mine I sat back and let Edge run through his questions. Crimson eventually chiming in with comments or details of his own. Wine had come to sit with me while Doc finished up with Alvaro and moved on to my eye again. 

Which I expressed again that there was no need. It’s long dead and it would cause no problems. Especially with the bright neon stickers I bought which I intend to stick on the doorways of our bedroom to stop me from knocking in to things. It worked in the past and I have no doubt it will work now. 

He still checked anyway and I allowed him to passively only when did his phalangetips stuck in ever so slightly did I huff at him. Crossing my arms as best I could with one shattered and a child in my lap. 

I poured and turned away and began being difficult as he tried again. Bending backwards over the couch arm to get away from him. Laughing as he tried to follow me. Using my tail to secure Alvaro to my chest keeping him secure. 

I popped back up and used the chicken plush dressed as a red dragon to block him laughing as he became more exasperated and tried to dodge the chickens attempts at blocking him. Trying to get around to me. 

I eventually left him alone and moved on to Wine who turned to me with a sceptical eyelight as the chicken started climbing up him and made it to his head settling him on top of there and giggling at Wines impromptu chicken sombrero. 

Proud of myself for getting it to balance perfectly on his skull wagging my tail and chatting idly with the skeletons in the room. Eventually I had to go back to Dedtrí and get Alvaro on a proper mattress to sleep comfortably. 

Grabbing my chicken off of Wines lap and purring into his skull as a goodbye. He bumped our heads together as a goodbye before he was off. I did a verbal goodbye to Edge and Crimson and an appreciative click and rumble in Docs direction. 

Where would we be without his help? Still really sick and hurt no doubt. I have to get that skele something as a thank you. All that hard work he has done and no appreciation. That’s going to change. 

Once everyone was gone I went back to our room lying down and stretching out lost in my own thoughts. Now that we were out we could get plans sorted. I wonder how I would get out to hunt for scrap metal for me and the boys. 

A few spare circuit boards were always easy to find as well. Even if they are a big water logged and damaged that can always be fixed. While Razzle and Dazzle were distracted I grabbed a few things hoping they wouldn’t notice. 

I knew I wouldn’t set off alarms in the shop either. I was very skilled at what I did and with a very dexterous tail it was child’s play to disconnect the security scanners at the doors to the shops. 

So I had already grabbed white boards and markers along with some paper books and colourful gel pens. I had stolen some cotton and carbonic acid in the form of fizzy drinks. Some glass water bottles as serve as beakers for when I separated the carbonic acid out. 

It would have to wait though. If they’re setting up cameras in here which I am fully supportive of then all my experimenting and trips out will have to wait. It’s all for the betterment of Alvaro’s health and touch wood this seizure won’t come. 

It won’t come and affect my little one. Oh I hope to god it doesn’t happen. All this fuss though was to finally get them some practical practise in building robots and handling chemicals. Maybe also because I wanted to build protection for my boys against humans. 

Humans have already made themselves known that they are not friendly with monsters. They tolerate them at best while it will hopefully get better as my boys grow but I will not allow a repeat of the aquarium. 

If I could build my robots again it will give them the protection they need to survive in this world. It would take a while to build robots that big again and without any of my heavy duty equipment. I’ll make do though with what resources are around me. 

Feeling Alvaro shift keeping a close eye on him letting him come back to reality slowly and carefully. I yawned before purring into his skull. 

Doc hadn’t put the hat back on so I figured I wouldn’t put on the spare we had for a while. Just to let some air get at the wound. Fresh air was always better than smothering for a wound. 

I petted Alvaro near his wound comforting him as he came awake slowly. He whined at me letting me know it was uncomfortable for him. Destrí had gotten up and was playing with one of the whiteboards we had gotten. 

He was chatting and working through something in that skull of his. Bantering with Alvaro worked to cheer him up for the barest of seconds. He zoned out though. Getting a far away look in his eyes as he started to slide off me. 

Catching him quickly and trying to bring him back to me by tapping on his cheek. It worked as he slowly came back to me. 

“Hey baby kinda zoned out on me for a min there. You alright?”

Putting him beside me and letting him lean against me to relax and also for his own safety incase he slipped off of me again. Feeling him drift off against me and going limp. 

“Hey Destrí can you come over here a minute?”

I was going to explain to him that his brother was not getting better even after the examination with Sweets. He has the potential to get worse and get seriously ill. We also have to introduce cameras into the nest. 

“Of course momma.”

He got to his little feet and padded over. I pulled him the rest of the way towards me and let him straddle me before he pulled his legs up to be pointing straight up. 

“Now Destrí I don’t mean to scare you by telling you this okay. I think you have a right to know though okay. Alvaro isn’t getting better even after taking all his medicine. He could have the potential to get much worse okay. 

In order to prevent this and help him we are going  to have to keep a very close eye on your brother. We are also having cameras put into our bedroom in order to keep an eye on him when we are all asleep.”

Tears started to dot Destrí’s sockets. I knew this was coming he was always the more sensitive of my two children. I wouldn’t ever chastise him for that though. It was alright to be sensitive. I immediately grabbed ahold of his and hugged him tight to comfort him. I understood completely to be honest o wanted to cry too. 

It was very distressing what we were being faced with. We have to be strong in the face of it. We have to be. I don’t know if I can afford to lose hope again. Kissing and rocking him back and forth bouncing him on my knee as hitching sobs wracked his body. 

I allowed a few tears to escape myself. We soon calmed down the both of us and we came up with a game plan. We were going to design something to help our family member. 

So pulling out paper and pens we got to drawing. Sitting up and getting comfortable we opened our first page. We eventually had to switch to pencils though as we kept erasing out previous ideas for better ones. 

Looping and swirling drawing were scrawled across the page as we tried to settle on one idea. Labelling the pros and cons for each one. Annotating good concepts and bad concepts we amalgamated every good annotation into one design. 

We were designing something that would monitor his soul for irregularities and for irregular pattern changes. Basically an accelerated heart rate monitor that would beep to let someone know that Alvaro’s heart beat was getting too fast and needed to be slowed down. 

We were also designing it to be a magic monitor. It would be able to track and detect low magic levels or when magic levels would exponentially and suddenly increase which what I would believe to happen when a seizure would start. 

I’m sure Doc had names for all of these symptoms but I knew what they were called in human form so I went along with descriptions for that. We came to the final design which was like a strip that went across the sternum and stuck on. 

It was non irritable and would do everything we wanted it to while being non invasive and serving the purpose of keeping Alvaro comfortable. Now to properly design it. What we were doing was just sketches. 

Rolling out some blue print paper and cocooning Alvaro in his heated blanket. Destrí drew out the design while I did the writing for the annotations. While also trying to figure out how to build it and what materials would be best. 

I had already aquired (stolen) basic circuits from the stores security checks so between me and Destrí we could recircuit them into something that would allow us to do what we needed to do. 

So while Destrí got stuck into the reciruitring I took to cutting off a strip of LED lights (only a small strip I didn’t want to ruin Cannon and Snipers hard work) I used it for the base of the strip that would go on Alvaro’s sternum to monitor his soul. 

Testing it out on my sternum first to test the irritability of the stickiness of the strip. It held strong and wasn’t irritable so it was perfect. Then going on to stripping the plastic covering the LEDs away to access the lights underneath I scratched them off with a claw. 

This left room for the components that would make up the machine. So working quickly I broke the circuit boards down and into an appropriate size and using the copper wire me and Destrí connected the components he had been working on onto the strip. 

Now to actually get the data we would need some sort of ariel that would help us with transferring messages of data to and from the transmitter. We would need to ask for a few things for this one from Wine. 

I’m sure he would be accepting of it though and help us so we want to find him. I brought out plans along and Destrí stayed with his brother. Just in case he needed him. I also didn’t want him with me incase I had to do something to earn this. 

I don’t want him to see me beg if I can help it. Nervously making my way downstairs and spotting Wine at the breakfast bar. On either side of him he was flanked by Crimson and Sans. 

Not the worst to hear about this first but I was a a little worried about Sans. He might not like us doing this at all. At the very least he may have strong words to say about it. 

Timidly going around the corner. Not at all fitting of someone of my size and intimidation. Rounding the corner and peeking my skull to look at them. 

“Wine can I speak with you?”

Looking down at the floor not wanting to look up and see their faces. Feeling far too nervous to be here all of a sudden. If it was to help Alvaro my child then I would have to push through the tight ball of anxiety that’s building in my stomach area. 

“Yes of course you can darling? Do you want privacy?”

“No, no I don’t mind others being here for this. It’s just about Alvaro.”

“Okay what did you want to talk about?”

“I came up with an idea to help Alvaro. It’s a device that will go across his sternum and monitor heart rate and magic levels. We need a few things to finish it off though. A transmitter and a watch to be precise.”

O got it all out quickly and immediately wanted to hide. They were looking at me with complicated expressions that I couldn’t read. Oh no I can’t read their facial expressions. Are they angry? Are they confused? 

I can’t tell if I can’t tell then I’m not safe. I have to run to get away I’m not safe here. Turning around and shying away from them I made to leave. 

“Darling come back and sit. Talk us through your plans. Sans might be able to help. He’s q bit of an inventor. Crimson and I would like to hear the idea too.”

Alright then looks like I am doing this. Even if I really dont want to. Come on Esmée hype yourself up for this. You wanted this let’s go do it. 

Rounding the corner fully and settiling into one of the bar stools arranging myself so that I was balanced on it precariously. I rolled out the drawing me and Destrí had done. Destrí as I was surprised to find out had very good drawing skills. 

He had done the design in about three angles. Showing multiple perspectives of the device. Showing off all the features. Sans took a hold of it and scrutinised it carefully. 

“How are you monitoring his soul rate without any assitance of magic appliances. Surely you would need that to monitor soul beats.”

“In monitoring a soul beat we don’t necessarily. We just have to monitor the micro movement of the sternum up and down from the force of the best of the soul beating. 

The movement of the swell of magic from the magic vein under the sternum will give us a reading on his magic level. If it goes down then we know magic is depleted. That’s the base of how it works anyway.”

Sans nodded in agreement along with my explanation. 

“It’s a little bit of a crude way to do it but it would work. You only need those two things right?”

“Yeah it’s the only things.”

“Alright. I think I have a few spare in the garage. Let me check what I have and bring a few options. That sound okay.”

I nodded and Sans went off to find some components. I thought in my mind that that went well. Crimson had now taken the plans and was looking them over. Muttering under his breath. Looking to Wine he still had a complicated expression on his face. It could sort of make it out to be surprise. 

I sat there nervously wringing my hands and not looking up from where I had planted my hands in my lap. Slight clicking noises could be hear from my phalanges as I twisted them. Back and forth. Back and forth. 

Wine placed his hands over mine stopping me from wringing them and potentially damaging my long phalanges. I looked up at him without moving my skull from its downwards position. 

“Dear this is fantastic. You said you’ve already built half of it. How did you do that?”

“I used a small strip of the LED lights in our room for the base of the strip. Using the components from inside and a few I had gathered I transfigured them from light LEDs to motion detectors. 

We need the watch and the transmitter to be able to actually get results and reading from the device.”

“When Sweets said you were smart we didn’t realise it was to this extent. Dear thats amazing.”

“Have to agree with ya there Wine. I ain’t seen nothin like this before. Especially just ta build it from scrap and from scratch.”

Overwhelmed I looked away and back into my lap. Breathing becoming short and sharp. My chest tightened and I couldn’t breathe. I was well used to the sensation though and tried to disguise it. It was hard to do when your sweat was very much visible. 

Thankfully they didn’t mention it. Sans came back with an old electronic watch and a slew of antenas and radio transmitter. Immediately picking up one and inspecting it looking for its usefulness. 

“This was an old watch of mine I’m sure you’ll put it to good use and as many antenas that I could find. This good kid?”

My tail was swaying rapidly expressing my happiness. Looking at him with a smile I lightly bumped him with my skull. 

“This is perfect thank you.”

“No problem kid.”

I grabbed both of the things I needed and darted back upstairs again. I opted out of the steps and I instead just climbed using the banisters to climb up. Arriving at our floor in no time with an extra passenger. I met Blue on the way up. 

Watching him silently as he stumbled his way up the stairs. I was confused as he didnt go to his room but instead headed for the the stairs to our room. So saving a journey. I grabbed him by the back of the shirt and hoisted him up and into my jaws. 

He yelped in surprise. Struggling and hitting me to get me off of him. I clicked at him and purred recognising a distressed skeleton. It always worked for my boys so why not him. 

It did work and he calmed down enough to know it was me. 

“Oh hello there. Saving me the trip.”

I chured in answer my mouth was a bit busy at the minute. Opening our room door before beelining for the bedroom. Opening the door to see no one. Alvaro wasnt hard to find setting Blue in the nest with him. Destrí had somehow gotten into one of shelves of the wardrobe. 

Coming back out with a laughing Destrí in my arms I growled lightly as Blue as he was leaning over Alvaro who was tucked snugly into his heated blanket. He recoiled once he noticed my unhappy nature. 

“Is there any reason in particular why you would partake in strenuous activity to come see us?”

I spoke first giving Destrí the antenna and the watch. Knowing that he will know what to do with them, while I deal with our unexpected guest. 

“No not any reason in particular. I kind of wanted to see the babybones if I’m being honest. I’ve never seen one before. I’ve just been tired from my own hurts and I guess wanted to introduce myself in one of my more lucid moments.”

“I understand just be careful please we are all in a delicate state right now.”

“I understand.”

Leaning over Alvaro again Blue squealed out a hello more suited to a teen age girl seeing something really cute for the first time. I will admit though my son is adorable. I preened a little on the knowledge that my son was not an ugly baby. 

He looked like his mother in many respects with his round skull and soft features. The shape of his eye sockets were near identical as well. Shaped like a cat’s in many respects. Sharp and intimidating. 

Both of my boys were fortunate to look like their mother. Got none of his features, thank everyone up above. Back to Blue though he was cooing over Alvaro and how tiny he was. That wasn’t due to anything else but malnutrition. 

Destrí had gone over to investigate as well. Wanting some of Blues attention for himself. I wasn’t going to stop him for stealing his attention. It would give Alvaro a reprieve. He had woken up as soon as Blue was placed by him. 

He had been too shy to open his eye sockets though. He had been peeking at Blue though throughout his attention layering on him. I figured he was fine with it but he might wiggle his way out of his confinement to come to me soon. 

He was getting antsy telling by the curling of his toes. Going over to where the device we were building was. Putting two transmitting and antennas in to each the watch and the device. It could now transmit data and show us everything we need to know. 

So hopping over to Destrí and Alvaro I unwrapped and tugged at the heated blanket exposing Alvaro’s front . Riding up his T-shirt exposing his sternum I carefully stuck the first part of the strip to the front of the bone. 

Then carefully slipping my fingers inside his sternum which got a groan of discomfort from him. Working quickly to not cause him more discomfort than necessary I stuck the movement detector part of the strip to the underside of his sternum. 

Giving the device and watch a few minutes to transmit data from device to watch idly chatting with Blue in the meantime. After giving it awhile me and Destrí looked at the results. 

It displayed the results for soul beat and magic levels (I know what they are called now thanks to Sans). His soul beat was high at ninety six which I thought was a bit worrying and his magic levels were I think steady at one hundred and fourty. 

Hopefully we could show this to Doc and let him see if it was normal for us.  Blue yawned and made to get up assumedly back to his brother. I helped him up while attaching the watch to my tail tying it tight. I didn’t really like things around my wrist so my tail was the next best option. 

He was fading fast and I figured I was strong enough to carry him down the stairs to his brother at the very least for having have brought him up here in the first place. 

Picking him up under his armbones and holding him up. Holding him like that for the rest of the way to his brothers room. I didn’t know where that was so I called out to him loudly. Almost whining out loud his name. 

He popped out of nowhere to the side of me causing me to jump slightly out of surprise. 

“You called?”

Holding out Blue almost like an offering to him. 

“I was wondering where he went off to.”

“I wanted to go up and introduce myself brother. I’m halfway lucid right now so I thought it would be a good idea.”

While Blue was saying this I transferred him from my mouth into Stretch’s arms. 

“It was a pleasure to get to know you properly Blue.”

“The pleasure was all mine. You should have seen their tiny skulls and big eyelights brother. They were adorable.”

The last part was whispered to his brother’s audio canal. I heard it though and took it at as a compliment. Preening at the compliment towards my children. 

“Why thank you very much I did after all give birth to them.”

That got them both snickering hearing a distant mom from upstairs though making my way up quickly. Off handedly checking the watch on my tail scared that Alvaro had taken the turn for the worse without me watching over him for a the few seconds I was away

Chapter Text

Running up the stairs, seeking out my children, quickly zeroing in on where they were. Wine was in the room, but my eyesight skimmed over him as he was not the threat. Alvaro sending bone attacks at him was though. 

Without a second thought, I pulled Wine to the ground, letting the bones hit me. I tensed my magic beforehand, acting like tensed muscles would on a human, and it stopped the bones from skewering me completely. 

I winced in pain,  locking up when the bones hit an exposed ley line on the inside of my ribcage. My body locked up, and I could not move. All I could hear was the piercing ringing that I tried to tune out. 

I couldn’t feel anything. I got sucked into my memories before I could stop them. I

I ran as fast as I could up the stairs and straight to the door. Fighting with the doorknob to open, praying that it would. I couldn’t stay down there any longer. 

The door was locked, though there was no chance I was getting out. Mom threw me to the ground. My recently perforated eardrum, that was now ringing constantly and was a constant irritant, picked up in volume. 

I screamed when Mom kicked my ribs hard enough for me to spit up blood. Then she dragged me off back across the hallway and back down the stairs. 

Throwing me to the floor and hooking up her favourite torture toy of the year. The electrical equipment. My back arched as the crocodile clips were attached and pressed down in order to draw out blood. 

I didn’t hear anything past that as the electricity started running down and into my body.

quickly got up, pulling the bones from my figure with a few cracks along the way. Leaving Wine on the floor after making sure he was alright, quickly, even if his eyelights were distant. 

Alvaro was a more pressing worry, though. He had come out of what I’m presuming was a nightmare and had panicked at seeing Wine, who was still a stranger to him in the room. 

His hand was still outstretched from his summoning, but he was now audibly rattling and wheezing from panic because he had fired the bones on me instead. 

Destrí pulled his brother down and settled him on his back. Tearing his vision away from the bones that were disintegrating on the ground, their tips tinged with marrow. 

I soon joined them and was met with the panicked and distant face of my eldest. 

“Hey, Alvie, are you here right now?”

Alvaro could go into a state of complete shock at will or when he was panicking. In this state, he would retreat himself so far into his mind that nobody could reach him, and he couldn’t feel anything, see anything, or hear anything. 

It was useful when it was called for in this case, though it was damaging. Nuzzling him, trying  to bring him back gently. Slingshotting him into the present wasn’t good either. So, letting him come out of it on his own was better. 

The final image he saw was his bones coming at full speed towards his mother. He could conclude on his own that they had hit me; he could not, however, see that I was alright, and he could panic thinking he had dusted me. 

So, I concluded that bringing him out of it as soon as I could would save him from the most psychological damage. 

“Alright, baby. Let’s get you comfortable.”

Picking him up and laying him down on some spread blankets and wrapping him up in a blanket burrito, placing him sitting up and in my lap. 

Pointing his skull upwards, guiding it with both hands up towards me. Blowing roughly into his nasal aperture seemed to do the trick of annoying him enough to get some reaction. 

Bringing him out of his deep state enough for my words to break through to him. 

“Love, my dear. Can you come back to us? An bhfuil rud éigin ag cur stad ort?”

He hummed passively, looking around dazedly. Not really seeing anything until his eye lights landed on the bones tinged in marrow. He freaked out completely. 

Whinging and squirming, arching and fighting to get away from me. He knows I’d never hurt him. I would never, but panic is not a place of logic but a place of instinct and terror. His instincts were screaming at him to move and get away from a potential threat. 

Holding him tighter though and putting the junction between my hand and my ulna and radius bone to his nasal aperture. Letting him breathe in my scent. 

Letting him recognise me and allowing him to come out of his panic on his own. Allowing him to sense my intentions that were soul-deep. Nothing but protection and love. 

I gestured to Destrí to go check in on Wine as he had not gotten up from the floor still. Perhaps I was too rough with him when I pulled him down to the ground. 

Shit, had I hurt him? A desperate whine from Alvaro told me to only look after my kid right now. I’m sorry, Wine, but you will have to wait. 

Touching my skull with Destrí’s though before he went off to Wine. Conveying support and strength to him. Keeping an eye light on him as he got closer to Wine. I focused my main attention on Alvaro. 

He was wheezing in distress and panicking. Grabbing at my clothes and wailing into them in so much frustration, sorrow, and pain. It broke my soul just that little bit more. 

“It’s alright, baby. You didn’t get me. I’m fine, and so is Wine. Come on, breathe with me.”

Taking in deep breaths and expanding my rib cage, pushing Alvaro forwards from the expansion. Making it obvious I was breathing in to him. Getting him to follow my lead and calm down. 

He did so slowly, as is the theme with my boys. Wine had gotten up with coaxing from Destrí; he had come over to check on Alvaro and me. 

“My apologies, dear. I was just startled and needed some time to gather myself. Is everything all right with you?”

“Yes, I am fine. Alvaro will be fine as well. I think we just woke up in a shock, didn’t we? There’s no need to panic. We are here and safe now, aren’t we?”

“Tá mathair.”

I snorted at him in amusement at his sleepy grumbles and was once again amazed at how quickly my boys calmed down from panics and disassociation. Skipping right to tiredness and lethargy instead. 

“Go to sleep, mo grá. I’ll be here for you when you wake up. You too, Destrí. It’s about that time where you usually flop over from tiredness. Isn’t it?”

“Tá mathair.”

“Alright, off you go. Curl up with your brother. He’ll be glad to have you by his side.”

Laying Alvaro down on his side and letting Destrí snuggle with him. Wrapping them both in blankets so there was no chance of them getting cold. 

A wave of magic washed over me, and my hackles raised. I extended my own magic out to poke inquisitively at Wine. It retracted quickly, though. My magic was too exhausted and drained to be sending it out. 

“You’re not alright, darling. Your H.P. has gone down significantly. We will need to treat your injuries immediately. Please come quickly to the bathroom.”

As he got up to leave, and I tried to follow him, my legs turned shaky and weak. My hands shook, and my scars ached. This was not going to have a good outcome. Chirping to my children that I’ll be back soon. 

I lumbered after Wine, taking it slow and breathing deeply in order to stop the room spinning. As soon as the door to the bathroom closed, though, I crumbled to the floor and whined. 

Loud and childish. I was annoyed and in pain; the sensation and emotions weren’t new to me; they were, however, new to Wine, who had since returned with a medical kit. He had no idea what he was in for. 

He leaned down and sat down with a huff on the bathroom floor. Sorting through the medical kit quietly, getting what he needed. 

I tend to get clingy when annoyed and in pain. I need enough support mentally to be able to claw my emotions back enough so I don’t lash out at anyone. I also need a certain amount of attention to be able to hold on to the present and not go into the past with nothing but pain. 

Point is, I needed to ground myself with affection, and Wine was here, so without preamble, I flopped onto him. Pinning him to the floor and then wrapping around him like a boa constrictor. 

“Esmée, dear, are you okay?”

Sweet of him to think of me first when I’m a nine ft impromptu snake wrapping around him and possibly adding at least another fifty kilograms to his frame. Something he probably couldn’t take, but I was desperate right now. 

I just whined childishly at him in response. Wrapping tighter and settling my skull on top of his. 

“I can’t treat your injuries like this, darling. Can you move off me?”

I shook my skull, hoping he would get the message and let me cling to him a little longer. I heard him sigh. 

“Alright, then, dear. Let me call in backup. Would that be alright?”

Mulling it over for a moment, I nodded. What was the harm? As long as they didn’t try to separate me from Wine, I was alright. I settled in rather comfortably and nodded my answer out. 

With the confirmation we took out, I’m presuming his phone, and started typing. Telling by the click-clacking of his phalanges against a glass screen. Moments later, there was a knock on the door. 

As it opened, I recognised that both me and Wine were vulnerable, and I was hurt, and he was potentially hurt. What am I doing? With a vicious growl, I leapt at the door, closing it with a bang. 

I hissed at it before quickly circling around to Wine. Looking him over. Manipulating limbs to my advantage, looking over him for anything that might indicate injury. 

The door tried to open again. I slammed against it, keeping it closed, ramming one of my injuries against the door. Leaving a splatter of marrow. That wasn’t good. 

“Wine. Are you alright?”

“Yes, fine, just give me a minute. Esmée was fine a minute ago. She’s just wary and high on adrenaline, I think. Give me five.”

“Okay. Yell if you need us to come in.”

With no confirmation from Wine to the people outside, he zeroed in on me. 

“Now, dear, I think that was a little mean.”

I huffed at him indignantly. I was mean. I was defending him and myself from outside attackers, or were they attackers? Oh dear, I attacked nice skeletons on the other side of the door, didn’t I? 

I had to make sure Wine was alright though. I couldn’t have him injured and going out vulnerable to attackers. Noo Esmée friendly strangers. They are friendly strangers, not attackers. 

But what if they are? They are pretending it’s all a ruse. All of it. They are attackers here to hurt us. No, but the voice outside sounded like Stretch. This was making my skull turn. 

Looking at Wine for direction since he was the elder in this situation, I was leaving it up to him to decide. So again, I flopped down and whined to him. He huffed out a laugh. 

“Oh my darling, what are we going to do with you?”

Throw me in the trash, that’s all I’m worth anyway. Please throw me away. I won’t have any responsibilities, and I’ll go numb with the cold quickly so I won’t feel anything, and it will be heaven as I dust and float away. Finally free. 

Nooooooo, Esmée, fight for your life! You have to stay for your kiddy winkles. Lol, kiddy winkles. They hate when I call them that, that’s why I do it. 

Back to Wine though, I let out an even bigger whine. Now I was just taking the piss out of this situation. I wanted comfort and peace. Wine can make the big decisions for now. 

I’ll take over later, just right now. I yawned big and wide and curled against Wine again. Laying across his lap and squirming forward so my spine was in his lap and I was off the other end. 

Curving my spine so my skull was directly at his feet and my long legs curled around the back of his spine. Thank goodness for flexibility. Where would we be without it? 

“You can come in now.”

Yeah, more company. Possibly more people for me to pull down and wrap around. I won’t do that, though. I don’t know anybody’s limits or touch aversions. They would be unfair if I pushed anyone too far without asking beforehand. 

My tail waved in a replacement for my hand hello to the skeletons now entering the bathroom. 

“Right, Mutt, you grab the medical kit; it’s where her tail just landed. Stretch, you help me get her injuries exposed.”

There was a click of a camera. 

“Mutt, you didn’t just do that. I want that to be deleted immediately. Don’t just stand there and laugh. I will get you after this.”

I could tell he wasn’t really bothered with it; otherwise, I would have gotten up to help in revenge, but I could feel him shaking in mirth under me, so I let him be with the empty threats. 

“Alright, alright. Getting the kit now. Don’t be afraid, Stretch; she only bites sometimes.”

I chuckled a laugh out at that one. That’s so true. I do only bite occasionally. Not Stretch, though; I like him, and it seems he’s got enough on his plate already. 

Won’t give him bite trauma right now. Maybe later. He kneeled down beside me, scratching my coronal suture quickly, which I was thankful for. Slightly leaning into it. 

He then poked me in the spine, which got me to arch upwards as Wine and he pulled my shirt up. I squawked at that, moving into action and letting my tail whack them hard. 

“Ow okay won’t do it again. Had to get it up to see injuries.”

“Sorry darling. We will warn you next time. Now we’re going to start treating your wounds. Take a deep breath darling. Stretch stop staring.”

I wouldn’t blame him if he stared at my rib cage which was a tapestry of crookedly healed bones and scars whether they raised or created a deep crevice in my bones. There was a certain beauty to it from another’s persons view. 

To mine though I hated nothing more than the tapestry of all my pain. Each stroke to one of the scars even if it’s just a simple brush against one. Alighted a memory as clear as day in my minds eye. 

I hated them with all my might. I hated them when I had to move one my children’s hands to a spot that wouldn’t light pain like no other in my ribs. 

I hated them when I bumped into something and was reminded of them from the pain. I hated them when the guards pointed and jeered at them saying they must have broken me with all the scars that I had built up. 

There was though just the faintest spark of satisfaction of the carefully drawn short lines. They were silvery and small they didn’t raise nor did they dip down. My own art added to the tapestry by my own hand. 

I liked those ones for whatever reason I liked them. I didn’t quite know myself. Son of a mother’s goat that hurt.  Stretch had gone and put disinfectant on my wounds. Brilliant. 

Owwweeee. I huffed in discontent at him and lightly nipped his olecranon. He jerked in surprise seemingly had forgotten I was there. How I don’t know. Those are my ribs you’re working on there you spanner. 

Damn, my time around my kids has really dampened my insults. Not like I couldn’t get creative but at the same time. Imagine being threatened being called a spanner. You would be very intimidating (not). 

I jerked again when something came loose on my rib and Stretch tugged at it. Then there was gush of something warm and sticky on my ribs. Dripping down into intercostal spaces and what not. 

That was going to be a pain to clean. 

“Sorry Esmée left over residue from the bone attacks. All of it should be gone now I hope. We will be done soon hang on tight for a little longer.”

Mutt came around to my skull and scratched at it making me give a hesitant purr. 

“That’s it. Can we get it any louder momma?”

I huffed at him for the nickname. Only my children could call me that. If he was going to keep giving scratches though I might consider letting it slide instead of biting his patella. 

He switched positions and I let myself go into a powerful rumble shaking my rib cage slightly from the power of it. If he wanted it louder look how loud I could get. 

I looked at him and striked up small talk as much as I hated my self for it. Curling my tail around so that I was holding on to the sharp point of my tail and playing with it. Hiding my anxiety in the situation. 

Even if I was slightly rattling from the scary situation that I was about to face. 

“How was your day so far?”

“My day has been rattilingly brilliant yours.”

I laughed. Unlucky for me he seemed to have caught on to my rattling bones. Damn it. Two could play at this game though. It has been awhile though. Hopefully I could still do it. 

“I see that was some sharp humour there. Got anymore that you can rattle off or is that the sharpest humour you can muster.”

“Enough both of you. No puns in my presence please.”

“Why not Wine? I thought it was pretty humerus.”

“I thought his jokes really hit a funny bone. I did  think mine were pretty funny down to the bone. 

“Esmée please refrain from encouraging both of these idiots. They will start a war over it. “

“Wow Wine. I thought you were chill. Icy what you are getting at though. Once we start we just can’t stop.”

Stretch was referring to the icy cold tiles underneath us. I could work with a few ice puns myself. This was fun. It stopped though when Wine and Stretch got to the wound that hit the exposed ley line. 

It glowed angrily with emerald magic. It was irritated and sore I didn’t realise how sore it was though until Wine neared it with his phalanges. 

I groaned in pain and my tail whipped out trying to defend me from an enemy that just wasn’t there. My eyelight blew wide with pain as I groaned again as both Stretch and Wine neared it. 

Mutt tried his best to comfort me and keep me in the same spot but I couldn’t keep still so pulling away from both Stretch and Wine and going to Mutt instead. 

Wrapping myself around him and squeezing tight just like I had done with Wine earlier. My head was starting to pound with pain that rivalled that of my ribs. 

Holding on tight to Mutt and not letting go I buried my skull into his spine blocking out as much noise as I could. 

“Well this is familiar.”

I heard Mutt laugh. I don’t know what would be familiar about it but I was too tired to care. The room was spinning and I could feel my grip weakening. I was terrified and then everything was overtaken by black. 

Wine POV

I caught her as she slipped off Mutt. Her death grip loosening from its tight hold on his bones. She would have hit her skull on the bath if it wasn’t for me quickly grabbing ahold of her soul with blue magic. 

She had flopped limply off of Mutts form which worried me. Why did she pass out? That shouldn’t be happening we were getting her HP up. 

I checked her again. 

Esmée

LV-13

H.P.-100/300

DEF-20

ATK-60

*So tired. She just wants the memories to stop.

The memories to stop. Was she having problems with flashbacks? I’ll ask Sweets about that. See if he can help her with that. Flashbacks are awful speaking from experience. 

Lifting her up and settling her down comfortably. Her skull settling on a towel I had set out. A lovely emerald green reminding me a little of her magic. 

“Let’s get this done with so she can rest with her children.”

Her wounds were hard to see through the managed mess of her ribcage. Stretch was handling it well though not used to seeing this as he was. He got stuck in right away and didn’t ask questions. 

I could feel his stare though that he had pieced together that his theory was right. She was the girl that he had found in the files. The names of the parents engraved in her iliac crest just proved it all the more. 

He was going to ask questions after this. None that I deserved to answer. This was her past and hers alone and she was no where near ready to trust us enough with the information. 

Giving a quiet look that hopefully conveyed my message of keep quiet or die to him we finished up with her ribs. Quickly pushing her t shirt back down to cover her. It almost seemed illegal to see her without her t shirt on. 

Underage as she was. Mutt wobbled back to their room and quickly put her into her nest. Letting her curl unconsciously around her kids. He quickly walked out again not willing to intrude on their private space. 

“Thank you for coming on such short notice. Sorry if I pulled you away from work or something important.”

“Not a problem. You needed help we answered. No biggie.”

“Yeah Wine we don’t mind. I wasn’t doing anything anyway. Blues dead asleep and had no energy after going to the hospital to do much more than take a shower.”

“I’m glad he’s finally on his way to recovering fully. I’ll cook tonight in order to celebrate.”

They both looked overjoyed at the prospect of me cooking. I knew I was good but I didn’t think I was that good. Anyways time to think of what I would cook. Something of a favourite for Blue but still easy. 

Onigiri sounded nice maybe with dried seaweed on the side. Yeah he liked those, I shooed both Mutt and Stretch so I could start preparing and cooking dinner. Not soon after I rounded the corner for the kitchen though Razzle did too. 

He circled his hands around my waist and pulled me close. 

“Hello love. You alright?”

Razzle pressed him face into my neck and stayed there. He appeared to need a minute then. I’m alright with that. He can take all the time he needs. 

So guiding him around the kitchen with his hands on my waist as I gathered my ingredients for dinner and Razzle passively followed. 

Dazzle came in about halfway through me gathering my ingredients and utensils. He looked at me sympathetically and gently coerced Razzle to cling to him instead. 

Taking him and allowing him to cling to him instead. Razzle clinging to Dazzle allowed me to really get started on making the Onigiri. I didn’t leave him without a long touch to the skull from me. 

Conveying to him that I was there and assuring him that I wasn’t leaving. I pulsed out intent from my soul. Love, home and safe. He melted into Dazzle when he started doing the same. I could faintly make out faint tear tracks marring his face as they slipped down his skull. 

I wonder what had happened to set him off. Or was it a bad day simply. Either way though me and Dazzle would take care of him and make sure he was as okay as he was going to be. 

When rice was being boiled it attracted our hungrier house members straight away. Blood near floated into the kitchen his nose leading the way. Hound and Pup followed not soon after. 

Almost tumbling down in their haste to get a bite of food. Even if it was still uncooked I wouldn’t put it past them to grab something and eat it raw. 

Dazzle had moved Razzle away into the movie room when everyone had started gathering. He was defensive over his mates when they were vulnerable. A quality I adored him for. 

Edge came over to help me and I left him to it while I checked in on my mates. Finding them curled up in a nest together. Razzle drifting and dozing on Dazzles shoulder. 

Coming over and touching his forehead checking his temperature to rule out a fever. Finding his temperature normal. 

“ Anything that set this off or did it come in suddenly.”

“Yeah the disassociation episode he had last night with us came back but worse. He couldn’t hear me and he said he felt like he was losing his mind. 

He tried to hurt himself to bring himself back. I stopped him though and we went back into bed. I was hoping familiar scents would bring him back. I was gently talking to him I managed to bring him back for a few minutes before he crashed and shut me out again.  

After that I guess he went searching for you and I came down after him.”

“Okay not good. Have you got him for now? Some food might help him and his brother being around might lessen this as well.”

“Yeah i got him. You go do the food we will be good till you get back.”

So putting a skeletal kiss to his foreskull I left them both. Soon to be returning with food to fuel my tired mates for the rest of the day. 

Joining Edge back in the kitchen getting into a rhythm with him as the rest of the house gathered waiting for food that would soon be done. 

Gathering up the sticky rice in my hand I carefully rolled it into a ball. A few grains stuck into the intercostal spaces of my phalanges but those were to be picked out later. 

Making a hole in the top of the rice ball I put in strips of cooked salmon and rolling the ball again to close it into the rice. Setting it aside and repeating the process till all the rice was gone. 

Any spare bits of salmon went straight to Blood as he has his maw already open ready to receive any spare bits. Me and Edge fed them to him passively having done this before. We use him as a compost bin but not in an unkind way. 

That period of starvation that he and Sweets went through left them having phantom pangs of hunger occasionally Blood seemed to have it worse. He was constantly on the move for food. 

In order to combat this problem any left overs or scraps went straight to the two brothers in order to maybe ease their phantom hunger. 

Blood also had snacks in his pockets at all times put there by his brother as he often forgets to put them there himself in the first place. 

Soon me and Edge had made enough Onigiri to feed us all. Setting the table and dishing out servings filled the next few minutes then finally when it was all done. I served mine, Razzle’s and Dazzle’s portion and went into the movie room. 

Razzle had curled up tighter within the confines of Dazzles arms. Tensing all of his bones following one of the excercises we do together to help calm ourselves down. 

Tense all of your bones for fifteen second and then let go following the feeling of relaxation. Then focus on certain muscle groups like just tensing your arm for fifteen seconds and letting go. 

I believed it was called the muscle relaxation technique anyway it has helped us tremendously when breathing did nothing short of driving us mad. 

Sliding down beside them passively passing Dazzle’s portion to him and allowing Razzle in his own time to take it from me. 

“I’m sorry.”

Razzles voice was quiet and meek not at all reflecting of his bold and sassy personality usually but he was hurting and he had a right to be able to sound like this around us. 

“What are you sorry for love? You have done nothing wrong.”

“I’m just sad and I can’t move and I don’t know why I’m sad.”

Ahh so that is what this was. Sharing a concerned look with Dazzle who had the same concerned look on his skull as I started to stoke Razzles spine hoping to comfort him in some way. 

“Want to talk about something that may have made you sad?”

Razzles expression darkens and I know I’ve pushed too far even though it was only a few questions. He clearly didn’t want to talk about what had set him off. Or what awful memories had surfaced to plague him. 

I got it and I’m sure Dazzle did too but if Razzle wasn’t ready and he wasn’t ready to talk about it then we wouldn’t push. Dazzle took charge. 

“How is our resident mom this morning? How are the kids? Feels like forever since we’ve seen them.”

“Well they aren’t exactly fantastic dear. Alvaro tried to attack me this morning. Woke up with a bang and fired bone attacks at me. They were well formed as well for his age. I was impressed. 

Esmée pulled me down and got skewered though and Alvaro freaked out. She managed to calm him down and got both kids to sleep before passing out as me, Mutt and Stretch tried to patch her up. 

She was a little loopy though while we were doing it or it could be that’s her personality finally shining through. She’s in bed with her kids knocked out.”

As expected Dazzle turned to me and checked me and Razzle felt over my spine and patella. My weaker spots on my form. I gently grabbed Razzles wandering hands though and kissed them both. 

“I’m fine. She was surprisingly gentle when pulling me out of the way. She has brilliant control on both her magic and her instincts.”

“That doesn’t mean she couldn’t have accidentally hurt you. Do you know how dangerous that was? What if she saw you as a threat. 

We talked about this. Only when she and her instincts have calmed down and only then will we risk going into and near the children without her Wine. You could have been seriously hurt.”

“I wasn’t though and I’m fine”

I allowed their concerned fussing though. They had seen me at my worst my most vulnerable and chose to help rather than hurt. I trust them with my entire soul to look after me. 

To strengthen me at my weakest and I hope they reciprocate that to me as well. They deserved the universe and if I could give it to them I would for now though, they needed food and that was what I was going to give them. 

Letting go of Razzles hands and returning them to his lap. I grabbed a plate again and lifted the sticky rice bun into my phalanges. 

Carefully feeding Razzle as he had made no move to get a plate himself. Holding it up to his jaw and lightly pressing the Onigiri to his teeth. He took a hesitant bite. 

He curled away again as he thickly swallowed the piece. 

“Come on my love. Turn towards me and eat a little more. You’ll feel better after eating.”

With a guiding phalange I did manage to turn his skull slowly towards me. He pulled away again. Looks like something more drastic is in need then. 

I looked to Dazzle and he nodded as I rolled my shoulders and got comfortable straddling Razzles lap. 

“Please guys I’m too tired for sex.”

“That’s not what’s happening love. You know we wouldn’t do that to you. We respect you are tired but we have to get you to eat.”

Taking a mouthful of Onigiri into my mouth I leaned forward and clacked my teeth against Razzles. He opened his mouth to question me and just as he did I slipped my tongue in as deep as I could go. 

Passing the food from my mouth to his. Spending a little longer licking and exploring his mouth pulling a sigh from him. I pulled back and inspected his flushed face. 

He swallowed and looked up expectantly at me again. Dazzle huffed and got his attention Razzle turning his skull and getting a kiss from Dazzle from where he shared some Onigiri of his own with Razzle. 

Going back and forth between us and within a few rounds of us doing this to poor Razzle was love drunk and blushing that lovely violet purple that has fast become my favourite colour. 

We had gotten a fair amount of food into him so we left him be on that front. Eating our own food now. Mutt knocked on the door softly coming in and checking on his brother. 

We left them have their private moment and respected as such until Razzle called us back over. Nuzzilng his face and peppering it with small kisses. I pulled him close and started a movie. 

It was one of the cheesy rom coms that Razzle absolutely adored even if he would never admit it. So snuggling close all three of us my hand stretching behind Razzles back to grab ahold of Dazzles pelvic crest. 

It got him to shiver pleasantly as I rubbed his crest. Teasing him I went no further than that  though. Keeping in mind that Razzle may not want to and he had expressed that he was too tired to for sex. 

He needed comfort and food and relaxation so we will give him that. So throughout the movie we peppered him with compliments and kisses. Half way through the movie though a surprised gasp came from outside. 

“Guys a lil help here.”

It was muffled through the door and it didn’t seem terribly urgent just with a slight edge of panic. I settled into my seat more and allowed someone else to take care of it. Then I heard the kitten noises. 

I looked between my mates and the door now knowing that the help was with the kids. My mates were already moving though. 

Making the decision easy for me not having to tear myself apart from the decision of looking after my mate that needed me or looking after one of the children where I was the only one they trusted. 

Getting up and going out the door I saw Cannon by the front door having just come home from “work” and Destrí was clinging to his leg Alvaro right behind him. 

Alvaro was clinging to a blanket with both hands. The end trailing behind him. He looked nervous and was making tiny kittenish growls when anyone got close to him. 

Destrí was doing the opposite purring and chirruping and calling out to Cannon. Making the motion with his hands that he wanted to be picked up. 

Clicking at the kids Alvaros skull snapped towards me and he visibly slumped. No longer on edge like he was about to be attacked. Destrís also snapped towards me and he ran towards me. 

Slapping his bare socked feet on the tiles making clacking sounds as he raced towards me. Alvaro quickly followed behind his brother. 

“Wineeeeee.”

Came the long and excited shout from Destrí as he nearly bowled me over. Lifting him up and looking to Cannon who had visibly slumped against the front door and now seeing the shotgun at his hip that had been swinging very close to Destrí. 

It was a miracle he hadn’t noticed. Alvaro had clung to Dazzles leg and was shaking. 

“Wine we need painkillers. Alvaros skull is hurting again.”

Looking at Alvaro and truly looking at him he looked awful. His bones that were an ashy grey had gotten paler, he was sweating and he was clutching his blanket deathly tight. 

“Okay little one we’ll get him pain killers now. Momma still asleep.”

“Yep she was really tired though and wouldn’t wake up. Alvaros really worried.”

He whispered the last part to me. Dazzle had picked the poor kid up as he looked like he was about to collapse. 

“Alright cover your ears for me little ones.”

Destrí clasped his hands over his non existent ears. Razzle doing it for Alvaro as the kid was too weak to even move. They gave a nod when I was ready. 

“DOC!”

I yelled for him as we would probably need him and he wouldn’t come for anyone else. If I yelled for him though he knew it was urgent and he needed to come now. 

Uncovering both of the babybones’s audio canals and stroking Destrís skull which he leaned into and purred over. 

“Alright let’s get you those meds.”

Doc came round the corner skidding to a stop just before hitting the entry way to the door. 

“What!”

“Ah there you are. Can you take a look at Alvaro please? I’m concerned for him.”

“Yeah will do.”

Going to the kitchen and rounding up general pain medication for skeletons. All the stronger stuff was upstairs with their mother. Hopefully these would do for now though. To take the edge off the pain. 

Dazzle was holding Alvaro still as Doc got closer to him. I could see that he was nervous about the prospect of someone getting close to him. Twitching and squirming as Doc got closer. 

Doc was gentle though as he grabbed his skull and checked for dusting and checked his temperature. Finding he was a little hot. 

Handing Doc the pills and letting Destrí get close to his brother. Monitoring the babybones’s condition he only seemed to be getting worse. 

Moving over to Doc whispering making sure Destrí couldn’t hear. 

“Is this the start of it. Do I have to get ready for Alvaro to have a seizure?”

Doc looked at me just for a moment. He was contemplative listing through Alvaro’s symptoms in his head matching them to signs of a seizure before hand in his skull. 

He then shook his skull. 

“No this is magical exhaustion. He’s been using magic when he really shouldn’t be. A lot of it too. Anything that comes to mind Wine?”

“Yeah Doc he conjoured multiple fully formed and fully sharpened bone attacks. Maybe about seven of them and fired them.”

I didn’t need to tell him that Alvaro had woken up and fired them at me. Or that Esmée was injured upstairs it had all been taken care of and was nothing but dust under the rug now. 

He just needed the nessecary information and that’s all he needs. 

“Okay. Let’s get them back upstairs before momma freaks out and get Alvaro comfortable. He will just feel sick for a couple of hours.”

So together we moved up the stairs. Destrí clinging to me like a koala and somewhere on the second floor he whispered to me. Ever so quietly. 

“Did I upset big Crimson?”

Cannon was not upset, no. Not at Destrí he had been worried that the babybones’s might have been exposed to the gun at his hip. That he might have been hurt by his massive size. 

He was not built leanly and thinly like their mother. Despite knowing his size and strength quite well he was built like a tank and was scared soulless that he might accidentally hurt the babybones. 

“No not at all Destrí. He was scared that he might accidentally hurt you. He hasn’t been around a child as small as you since his brother a long time ago.”

“Okay.”

That was all he said. He still sounded dejected and guilty but I decided to let him be. I had given him assurance that Cannon was not angry at him. He will come around with time. 

Esmée was still where Mutt had left her. Curled up on her side holding her tail to her chest. I heard a coo from Dazzle at the sight. Letting Destrí down to hobble to the nest on his own as he was squirming. 

Doc was checking over Alvaro one more time checking the device wrapped around his sternum. His soul beat had calmed significantly he was still sweating though and his bones were ashy. 

Gently grasping Esmées tail to bring the watch that held the devices results on it closer to him. He could see that Alvaros magic level had decreased to an almost fatal amount. 

This babybones couldn’t catch a break none of them could. Praying to the angel that this wouldn’t be the cause of Alvaro tipping off the delicate edge he was teetering on. 

“Do you have any food handy Wine? We need to get his magic levels up immediately.”

Destrí hobbled off the nest suddenly and dashed towards the closet where they held all their clothes. Pulling open the door with some effort on his part he dashed in and came out having retrieved a box of crackers. 

So that’s where they went to. He quickly ran back over to the nest jumping on the nest where Alvaro was being placed down and shoving a cracker into Alvaros mouth. 

The boy choked and spluttered not expecting the sudden attack of food to his skull. He growled lowly at Destrí. Destrí looked on passively and tried to shove another cracker into his brothers mouth. 

Alvaro scuttled backwards on his hands and feet bumping into his mother’s skull. Getting her to snort awake at the very amusing sight before her. Destrí trying to force feed his brother crackers as we all watched on. 

She engulfed Destrís hand with the cracker in it into her mouth. Stopping him from force feeding his brother while also serving the purpose of providing her with a snack. 

It was a little alarming to see her engulf her child’s fist in her mouth though it didn’t seem like this was the first time she had done so. 

Destrí didn’t seem to overly alarmed about the case that his hand was engulfed in his mother’s mouth he just seemed annoyed that he couldn’t get food into his brother. 

Alvaro growled once more trying to ward his brother off but Esmee nipped it in the bud by huffing at him. Taking Destrís hand out of her mouth the cracker now absent from it. 

“Now there is no need for any of that Alvaro. Control your temper towards your brother. He was only trying to help. Though I must admit it wasn’t the best or kindest way to go about it. 

Say sorry to your brother Destrí you shouldn’t shove food into people faces it’s not kind. Alvaro apologise for growling at your brother. He was trying to help you”

“I’m sorry Alvaro. I shouldn’t have forced you to try and eat those crackers.”

“Ta bron orm Destrí. I shouldn’t have growled at you. I was frustrated and tuirseach.”

“Very good boys. Mommas proud of you for saying sorry. For now Alvaro eat a little something I’m sure by now dinner is ready so we will go and eat that and thank our hosts for dinner. 

Then Alvaro you will go to sleep and Destrí it’s bath time for you then bed okay.”

“Ta mathair.”

“Alright now on you go I want to talk to the adult skeletons in the room. Destrí help and lead your brother down the stairs.”

“Yes momma. Bye Dazzle and Razzle.”

The babybones enthusiastically waved at my mates while helping Alvaro up and out the door. They snorted and waved back in amusement. 

The babybones were out the door and to think we had just gotten up those stairs. 

“What happened?”

Esmée had her skull in her hands like it was hurting her. Gripping the divots in her skull and pulling. 

“Alvaro got really dangerously low on magic. Destrí had gotten some good they stocked away and tried to force feed it to him. Esmée is your skull hurting?”

“No it’s fine.”

Despite being told that she was fine she kept pulling at her skull her tail whipping. I left her alone though. If she didn’t want to tell us that was perfectly reasonable and we wouldn’t push her. 

Razzle had drifted closer to my side. Pulling Dazzle along with him to subtly lean against me. He was holding himself up between us both. Turning my skull towards him ever so slightly. Imperceptibly checking him over. 

His left leg was buckling underneath him. That was the leg that had nasty gouges taken out of it. Razzle suffered a terrible injury just before he was brought to this universe. 

He said his Alphys attacked him when he supposedly betrayed the queen. She left gouges on his leg before he got away with his brother in tow. 

They caused his problems with the function of the leg as she tore through the magic holding his knee and femur together. A brutal and painful attack. 

Every now and then the leg gave him trouble to the point where he couldn’t stand. It was shaking and trembling beneath him and I could see the slight pinch on his face as he tried to hide his pain. 

Looking to Doc desperately he understood so leaving behind a confused Esmée. Doc teleported us down to the movie room again and then straight back up to Esmée. Razzle collapsed and groaned out in pain. 

Hitting his femur trying to quell the pain uselessly. Luckily Dazzle always kept some pain medication on him in case this happened in the middle of their work day. 

Handing the chalky pills to him Razzle knocked them back and lay to wait the twenty minutes it would take for the pills to work. Grabbing and cuddling him close I trusted Doc to look after Esmée for me. 

Hopefully to get the kids and her some dinner as well. Dazzle closed the distance between the three of us and we sat in blissful silence as I felt Razzle slowly fall asleep under the medications influence and the faint cheerful chatter of kids and the slight giggles of Esmée

Maybe one day we would get to hear her full laugh. We will get to hear her speak freely. Free of pain free of suffering. That was only a dream though. A faint one but still there. Hopefully we could reach it. 

Chapter Text

My boys were beside me curled up and twitching lightly in their sleep. Curled up into little balls and flexing their hands. I was up only for a short while though. I had jolted awake to the sensation of falling. 

It was annoying but I could tell I was going to go back to sleep soon. My sockets were already drooping lowly.  I was only fighting it off for the sake of checking in on my children. 

No nightmares or discomfort in sight though. That was good they needed a good sleep after a stressful day. After dinner we went straight back up skipping the stairs and just allowing me to carry them up the middle of the stairwell. 

Alvaro already looking better with food in him had passed out as soon as his head hit a pillow. Destrí got a change of bandages and fresh sleepwear after his bath. 

I quickly replaced my bandages as well. Tying them too tight in areas as I could feel them pressing uncomfortably into my injuries. Ignoring it though like the professional I am. 

Sleepily sighing I laid down hugging my chicken plush close nuzzilng into it with my face. Flicking my tail in an expression of contentedness and happiness. Shifting onto my back I yawned loudly and settled back into sleep. 

I was back again. Chained with my arms up over my head. My head hung limply not having the energy to look away from my gaunt stomach. 

My fresh wound on my legs steadily leaking blood and forming a pool around me. The filth stewing with my wounds making them sting. They were going to get infected and I was barrelling towards another fever. 

An infected wound induced fever and how fun those were. I slumped more in my chains hold having even more strength sapped from me. There was rattling from the opposite corner of the room. 

“Esmée I’m so hungry.”

Mum and dad hadn’t fed us in a couple of days now. Usually we could hold out longer but the constant throwing up of what little we did have from mum and dad kicking our stomachs just served to make us more hingry. 

A new method of torture for us to be put through. 

“I know brother. Please hold on though. They’ll feed us soon they have to.”

I could feel the pain in my stomach as it gurgled loudly. Demanding food from me. I winced and doubled over as much as I could. God it hurt so much. 

Salty tears rolled down my face from the pain and unfairness of it all. God I just wanted it to stop. Please just make it stop. Audible sons were coming out of me. 

My brother on the other side of this god forsaken basement was too weak and too hungry to comfort me. I didn’t blame him he was in the same bad situation as me. 

It hurt so much though and I just wanted it to stop. To stop torturing me. I did the only thing that came to my mind. I threw my head back as hard as I could. Aiming for the back of my skull. 

Colliding with the wall with a sharp crack soothing black over took my vision. Finally peace. 

It had been a week since they last fed us now. Our stomachs were constantly rumbling. My hands had been taken down from above my head to just simple manacles connecting one of my arms to one of my legs. 

My mind was addled with the predicted fever I had contracted from my wounds. 

“Dad please we’re so hungry.”

Dad looked at us with his steel grey eyes. Unkind and unfeeling. Whipping me with the flagellum one more time. Causing me to cry out and jerk forward. 

The flagellum caught me across my teeth. Leaning forward letting the blood run from my mouth. 

“You little shits don’t deserve it. You disrespected us by throwing that dirty look at us. Do you not remember? All we have done for you and yet still so disrespectful. So no you don’t get food.”

“Please dad, please d- AHHHHH-“

The flagellum caught on my leg wounds this time. Ripping through them and making new ones. He left thankfully after getting his fill of us in pain. 

The pain of hunger though was still present. The gurgles of our stomachs were so loud by now we could hear each others from across the room. 

“Esmée please I’m hungry.”

It made me tear up. What was I supposed to do? Everything was hopeless. The shadows were closing in as my breath picked up from pain and fear. 

Were they going to starve us down here. Was this it? Were we finally going to die? Is this what mercy feels like? I didn’t like it at all. 

“Esmée please. I’m so hungry.”

The voice was nothing but a weak whisper. Brother wouldn’t be able to go like this for much longer. He probably won’t survive the night. 

I had to make sure he did then. He was my only company in this torture. I couldn’t take this alone. Looking at my right arm I had a terrible idea. 

This was going to hurt. I had to be quiet about it though or brother won’t eat it. Putting the chain in my mouth that was connecting my mancles. I scratched at my skin till it bled creating a hole. I dug my fingers in hard into the hole. 

I screamed into the chain in my mouth. It muffled it completely as I dug my fingers in harder then yanking. A strip of flesh came off with a squelching rip sound. 

It exposed veins and arteries I could see them pumping blood to my whole arm. I gagged at the sight of the inner workings of my arm. The strip of flesh hadn’t come off completely though. 

Still attached to my arm by the barest of threads. Going to rip it off proved harder than necessary the blood all over it making it slippery and hard to hold. Digging my finger nails in though I managed to get it off. 

Throwing it quickly to my brother on the other side of the room. I could hear him asking questions but I was too out of it to understand them. I heard him eat though. That was good brother would survive the night. 

I ate the flesh that was still stuck under my fingernails. It was something. My parents ended up not feeding us for another two weeks. Two more strips of flesh were torn off my arm. The bone was showing. 

Gasping awake I flipped the blanket I was using for heat off of myself running as quickly as I could to the bathroom without disturbing my children. 

Dry heaving into the sink, I was overcome with disgust. Every time I thought of that particular thing, an uncontrollable wave of nausea washed over me, making my stomach churn violently.

I could feel the sweat beading on my foreskull, trickling down in rivulets. My breathing was shallow and quick, each inhalation a battle against the rising tide of sickness. Panic gripped my chest, squeezing tight, but I forced myself to breathe slowly, desperately trying to maintain control.

The oppressive silence of the night weighed on me, and I struggled to keep the noise to a minimum, biting my phalanges to suppress the gasps and cries that threatened to escape. I couldn't risk waking Alvaro and Destrí, sleeping innocently in our bedroom not far away. 

I reminded myself that i did what i had to do for my brother, and later, my brothers to survive. But this knowledge didn't ease the feeling of dread that coiled around my insides, leaving me trembling and trying to keep it all together.

Even if it didn’t matter in the end. Even if it left me hating myself. Even if it left my soul in turmoil. Anything to live to see another day. 

A particular nasty dry heave had me throwing up into the sink. Groaning I placed my feverish skull on the mirror. Providing a little bit of cold to it might help me think clearer. 

Looking into the mirror from where my skull was placed on it. Looking back at me was someone I didn’t recognise. Someone who had worn on for too long. Someone who was so tired emotionally and physically they might not last longer. 

I needed water or something to make the acidic taste in my mouth go away. Something to wash away the phantom sensation of my teeth tearing through flesh and chewing, chewing, chewing. 

I threw up once more nothing but emerald saliva dripped out of my maw. Shaking my skull focus, Esmée you need water. There isn’t any up here there is downstairs at the tap. Go down and get it. They won’t mind you going down for some water. 

I felt dizzy with how fast my heart was going. Going to check on my kids I thankfully hadn’t woken any of them up with my rush to get to the bathroom. Glancing over them with my single eyelight I went out of our room. 

Climbing down the stairs. Taking as much care as possible to be quiet and not be noticed. I could feel tears brimming in my sockets. I hate throwing up alone. It always makes me so sad. Makes me feel so lonely. 

Wincing as I misjudged a space in the stairs and my ribcage slammed into the banister aggravating one of the wounds the Alvaro had given me. Not that I would blame my baby boy for it, no never. 

Reaching the bottom of the stairs almost desperately looking for some water to get the sensations and tastes out of my mouth. Reaching the sink and not wanting to dirty any of the skeletons kitchen ware I cupped my hands. 

Turning on the tap and filling my cupped hands with water drinking it down quickly. After a couple of gulping mouthfuls I slowed down. I drank though until I felt bloated and full. 

It was a feeling I hated but as long as the taste and feel of skin was out of my mouth I could put up with it. As i stared at the water swirling down the sink all I could see was blood from my arm going down the sink. 

Swirling and curling disgustingly as it sloughed down the drain. Looking to my right arm and only seeing pulsing veins and gleaming white bones instead of my grey malnourished ones. 

I started to cry. Fat emerald tears made their way down my cheekbones. Nobody was here to see me cry. Not my children not Wine not anybody. 

This was the first bit of privacy I had in a while and I used it to my full advantage. I wept and cried and silently shook as grief and sadness completely overtook all of my senses. 

I cried for what seemed like hours to me. Losing all senses around me. Until they all came rushing back as rhythmic thumping was heading my way. 

Dropping my skull to hide my tear tracks. I tried to look for places to hide. 

“Dear please don’t run. I know you’re there.”

Shit caught I didn’t feel bad about being caught though. I almost wanted some comfort from Sweets. He was nice and kind beyond measure. My false muscles still tensed in fright ready to flee the scene of my anguish. 

I heard a groan from Sweets though as he tried to sit down and I couldn’t leave him like that. With a knowing sigh that I was going to have to talk I went over to him and helped him sit down on one of the stools in the kitchen. 

He flashed me a beaming smile. 

“Thank you dear. Now what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

He flashed me an unimpressed look he can’t blame me for trying to run away from this conversation though. I did not want to talk at all. 

The tear tracks down my skull though were quite clear to Sweets and I couldn’t lie my way out of this. 

“Come on. I know something is wrong. Why won’t you tell me?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Is that because you’re afraid of my reaction to it or are you simply not ready.”

I thought on this for a moment. I did want to tell him but at the same time I didn’t. Yes I was terrified of what he might think. What he might say to the others in the house. 

He would most definitely deem me unfit to take care of my children and he would take them away from me. I needed my children. I needed their support and smiling faces to get me up in the morning. 

 “Im terrified.”

Sweets had a contemplative look on his face. Then he turned to me. 

“Shall I tell you about why I am up then.”

“Sure.”

Taking a seat myself beside him laying my skull on the countertop and slumping so that I was comfortable resting and looking at him at the same time. 

“I had a nightmare about my past. I have those regularly. I did something that was desperate in order to survive. I don’t regret my actions they are what kept me and my brother alive after all. The underground was not a nice place. 

It was brutal and cruel an eat or be eaten place. People were desperate and starving so we had to do terrible things to survive. I don’t regret what I had to do but my actions haunt me to this day. 

Usually in the form of nightmares and anxiety. I wake up tired and sweating. I think that’s something that you can relate with no.”

Tired shaking and having a panic attack. Yeah I could relate. Eat or be eaten though. Did he eat flesh to survive? Like I had to. There was no way that I was not alone in this. Please let it be so that I didn’t have to be alone. 

“Sweets are you talking about cannibalism?”

He sighed heavily looking warily at me out of the corner of his socket. 

“I am.”

I choked out a sob my sockets filling to the brim with tears that I let fall freely. I wasn’t alone for the first time in my life I wasn’t alone. Someone was sitting in front of me that had gone through the exact same thing. 

More sobs broke free of my maw my hand shakily covered my mouth. Trying to stifle the sobs that burst forth from me. 

“I didn’t th-think anyone else did it. I thought I was alone because I’m always alone. Dont give me false hope. I’m not alone. I’m-I’m-I’m not alone!”

I wailed almost leaping onto poor Sweets who shockingly caught me and held me tight. Crying and wrapping my tail tightly around his mid section. I stayed like that for who knows how long as I cried my soul out of my throat. 

Inevitably I slowed down and looked at Sweetss face. He was in pain probably from my weight and my tail on his spine. 

“Oh Sweets I sorry. Here let me help.”

Picking him up bridal style making sure I had all of him gathered. Ignoring his squeaking protests I carried him to his room and gently placed him on his bed. 

Fussing and rearranging pillows around him. Getting swept up in it Sweets had to grab both of my hands. Pain was in his sockets but I could tell that it wasn’t his spine. 

“Esmée did you eat humans?”

I stiffened I knew Sweets would understand now but I didn’t want to live through painful memories already more than I have tonight. Sweets deserved an answer though. 

So I nodded shakily taking a breath in 

“Not in the way you think though. When I was growing up my parents were terrible horrible people they kept us locked downstairs in a basement and we couldn’t get out. 

We got so so hungry so I fed us by tearing chunks out of my arm and feeding it to my brothers and I. We were just so hungry and I couldn’t take it anymore and and and….. I’m sorry.”

Sweets was crying I backed slowly out of the room. Afraid of retribution from Sweets and the potential rejection from him. He may have been through the same thing but I don’t trust him not to lash out. 

“Oh my dear I’m so sorry you had to do that. I’m so so sorry.”

I scuffed my bare feet on the floor slightly looking down and wringing my hands

“You didn’t do it so what are you sorry for.”

“You never should have gone through that. Oh my dear I don’t even know where to start. Can I hug you?”

As I approached Sweets, each step seemed to carry the weight of a thousand unspoken words. A tumult of emotions churned within me, a turbulent mix of fear and longing. Would he see the shattered pieces I hid beneath my brave facade, the scars left by battles fought in silence?

My heart pounded loudly in my chest, a relentless drumbeat of uncertainty. What if he recoiled from the shadows that clung to my soul, the secrets I kept buried deep within? Yet, a sliver of hope whispered that Sweets, with his kind eyes and open heart, saw something in me worth holding onto.

His arms opened wide, offering solace and sanctuary. In that moment, the fortress I had built around my soul crumbled, brick by brick. His embrace was a balm, soothing the ache of loneliness and fear.

As I sunk into his warmth, the tears I had fought so valiantly to contain broke free, cascading down my cheeks. Sobs racked my body, raw and unrestrained, and I clung to him as if he were the only solid thing in a world spinning out of control.

In that embrace, amidst the storm of my emotions, I found a fleeting moment of peace an unspoken understanding that, perhaps, I was not alone after all. And in the depth of that connection, I felt the stirrings of a fragile hope, that maybe, just maybe, I was worthy of acceptance and love.

“I’m so tired Sweets.”

“I know my dear. We will try and make it better. Now though you must be tired. Will your babybones be fine without you for a night?”

I wanted to be selfish and say yes but I knew they wouldn’t be with Alvaro potentially having a seizure any day now and images of Destrí writhing in pain unable for anyone to help him. I had to go back up. 

I shook my skull saying no silently. 

“Okay that’s alright. They won’t wake up for a while though. Do you want to talk about a few things? Clear your mind before going back to your babybones.”

“What would I even talk about? 

“Do you want to talk a little first before you go up then? It could help.”

Shame and uncertainty coiled in my stomach like a living thing as I stood there, staring at Sweets, who patiently awaited my words. Every instinct screamed at me to retreat, to build up the walls that had sheltered me for so long. Yet a part of me yearned for the relief that might come with sharing my burden.

My mouth felt like it was filled with sand, dry and unyielding, making every attempt to speak a daunting task. My lips parted slightly, but no sound emerged, the words stuck in my throat, stifled by fear. Could I really trust Sweets with the truth? With the raw, aching vulnerability that lay beneath my façade?

The silence stretched between us, heavy and oppressive. I could feel my heart racing, each beat a thunderous reminder of the fear that held me captive. Sweat trickled down my spine, a cold reminder of the panic that gripped me.

What if he didn't understand? What if he turned away, just like so many others had before? My fingers twitched nervously at my sides, as I struggled to find the courage to speak.

Sweets' gaze remained steady, his eyes soft and compassionate, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos of my thoughts. I swallowed hard, trying to moisten my parched throat, willing myself to take that leap of faith.

But the words remained elusive, tangled up in the web of my doubts and fears. All I could manage was a shaky exhale, a wordless plea for patience and understanding. 

Would he wait for me, allow me the time I needed to find my voice? Or would this silence stretch into an eternity, a chasm too wide to bridge?

I took a deep breath, my chest rising and falling as I battled the panic threatening to overwhelm me. Perhaps, in time, I would find the courage to break the silence. 

But for now, all I could do was stand there, hoping that Sweets could see beyond my hesitations and offer the understanding I so desperately needed.

Creeping towards Sweets and sitting gently and tentatively down on his bedspread. He creeped his hand towards me and gently took mine in his own. Turning my hand around in his hand I gripped it tightly. 

Trying to garner some comfort before starting to tell Sweets about my nightmare. If I did this though what would happen to my children. Would they be safe? They were finally starting to settle. They were finally starting to feel safe. 

If I uprooted they for them now I would never forgive myself. Sadness and helplessness started to well in my chest. I can’t do this to them. With Alvaro getting worse as well I simply can’t. 

We needed Doc and Wines support if Alvaro was to take a turn for the worse. I needed my children to have access to people who would be able to treat them. That would be able to be their friends and help them form connections with others. 

“Esmée my dear do not rush yourself. Take deep breaths. I’m here for you. Nothing will happen if you tell me the truth.”

What if he was lying? My soul was starting to pound. Beating fast like a drum as I started to tense again. Even if this does go wrong if they start to turn against us if Sweets spills our secrets I will defend my children. 

I will find a way for me to protect them. I built the device for Alvaro and a cursory glance at the watch on my tail told me he was peacefully and deeply asleep. 

He was safe Destrí was safe. My loves were safe. I will do anything to keep it that way. Would I be able to tell Sweets? He went through something similar he even told me himself. 

“I-I- I don’t know h-how to start?”

My voice came out croakily my hand that was y being grabbed by Sweets balled into his duvet. I was nervous and my nerves were winning over me. Pulling me down and choking my voice. 

“That’s alright. Just maybe start from the beginning. Don’t go into any deep detail. I’m not here to judge you or trial you on your actions. I’m here to accept that you did this and tell you that it’s okay.”

Looking into his sockets trying to deduce what was real from what was fake. There was nothing to find though. There was only genuine concern and acceptance. 

“Okay okay. Um I guess it all started when my parents put me away in that basement. We lived in a small house and my parents renovated it to have a basement. 

When they had me they put me down there and threw away the key. They came down to feed me and abuse us. The abuse came constantly though the food less so. There was a stretch of time where they stopped giving us food and we were starved. 

They would wait a week just to give us a tiny scrap of food to sustain us. When they started waiting longer than that though we got desperate. 

I t-tore um ch-chunks out of my arm and gave them to us for sustenance. We were just so hungry and I couldn’t-we c-couldn’t go on any lo-lon-long-“

I broke down completely. Heaving sobs wracked me again and I shook my hand free from Sweets slipping down to the floor and wailing in distress and sadness. My tail lashing and bashing into the ground uncontrollably. 

Signifying my pain and grief as I wailed into my radius and ulna. I flinched when Sweets went to comfort me crawling away slightly to curl up on the floor at the foot of his bed. 

Curling up on the floor holding onto my knees and rocking. Gripping the sides of my gaunt stomach and groaning. 

“Esmée be quiet. They’re going to hear you.”

Groaning louder to signify my defiance to the thought of being quiet. 

Letting myself collapse to the ground and writhe and wail my sadness out. I bit into my arm bones to muffle my crying as I was aware that Blood was also here sleeping. If he could through my crying tantrums. 

My crying eventually tapered off as it usually does. Then guilt and embarrassment overtook me. Oh jeez why did I do that. Fuck sake why am I always screwing up like this. 

Emotional bitch get it together. 

I sat up slowly pushing my spine into the leg of the bed. Ignoring the pounding in my skull placing my sore skull in between my femurs and squeezing. 

“Darling you’re alright to cry. There’s no shame in it. Especially how you seem to have gone through hell tonight. Would you like to come up here for a hug?”

Hesitating just for a little I slowly got up and tiredly lumbered my way onto Sweet’s bed. Making my self comfortable on the bed beside him and curling up in his lap. As much as I could anyway. 

Mindful that he was still hurting. Doing what I did last time trying to relieve his pain for a little while. Vibrating my tail at the base of his feet hoping to ease his soreness just a little. 

He started petting my head making me purr. I relaxed a little more into him settling more solidly on his sternum.

“Why can’t I just get over this already? I’m so tired of crying. I’m so tired of waking up exhausted after remembering memory after memory. I’m exhausted Sweets please.”

I don’t know what I was pleading for. A way to not feel exhausted all the time. A way to not feel guilty and awful. A way for the memories to stop. 

“My dear I wish there was an easy solution. You don’t deserve more anguish and pain. There isn’t an easy solution to solving your pain though. You must work through it. 

You can’t ignore it and if you are having problems stemming from it please let us help. You don’t need to suffer in silence.”

Curling up next to him on the bed. Dropping my skull and sulking. I just wanted to go back to my children or cuddle up with my driken (What I was naming my plush). 

“How do you feel dear?”

“I’m drained and tired and numb. I don’t want to be here. Why couldn’t everything remain easy?”

“I don’t have an answer for that darling. I don’t nobody does. All you can do is try to move past it as best you can while healing.”

I didn’t respond I was too tired and too emotionally drained to be doing this. I wanted to go away. Run away and never look back. I wanted to run until all these awful feelings of numbness went away. 

Why won’t they go away. I got up and with a quiet thank you directed at Sweets I walked out closing the door behind me gently. I didn’t want to talk about this right now. 

Going to the front door I found it locked after jiggling the door handle. I found keys quickly to it and opened the door stepping out into the midnight air. 

We were surrounded by forest which I was grateful for. I took off running at full pelt. Soon leaving the gravel of the driveway and my feet colliding with the soft earth that I missed so much. 

I ran until I was out of breath and I came to a clearing. I collapsed to my knees and let my feelings leak out in the form of tears. I screamed and wailed sure that nobody could hear me. I got up and sliced and smacked the trees around me. 

Creating gouges in the trunks with my claws and denting them with my tail. Taking powerful swings until all the anger I had built up from the nightmare I had was gone.  

I just collapsed again sitting with my spine against the destroyed trunk of the tree and crying until I couldn’t anymore. Till only hoarse sobs came out of my throat. 

I sat there until all of my emotions and tears had run dry. 

Sweets POV. 

After Esmée left I reluctantly let her go. I was worried for her doing something that could hurt herself but I could tell that she needed time alone. I also needed a little time on my own. 

She had been made to cannibalise her own arm out of desperation. Her parents forced her to do that. Some humans really didn’t deserve to live. I wanted to tear something apart knowing it wouldn’t be good for me though I got up and went to my brother bringing my phone with me. 

Opening his door and quietly stepping in the ever present glow of his bloodied eye lighting up the room slightly. Dragging my bony feet across the floor too tired to lift them I knew my brother would let me climb under the covers with him. 

I could see he had his shrimp plush clutched in his arms. He was chewing it slightly and red drool covered the head of the silly thing. Curling up next to him ignoring the twinge in my spine and the action. 

I settled down just feeling the warmth of my brother next to me dissipated some of the anger and rage that had built up inside me. It wasn’t gone though. 

I sat there contemplating how someone’s parents. A person who was supposed to love their children more than anything could do that. Sitting there I understood that I couldn’t possibly understand the motive behind it. 

It was an atrocious act and situation to be in. Esmée was evidently still very hurt over it. I think any one else would have shattered under the weight of the circumstances. Esmée though had broken a little but she had far from shattered. 

She still got up in the morning which is more than anyone could ask of her. Never mind raising two babybones, being turned into an invert and putting up with five years of abuse from the facilities personnel. All while still a teenager. 

I was going to help her though. In the morning I’ll pull Wine aside and explain the situation. She needed help even if she pushed us away. She needed it and I was willing to give it to her. 

I won’t tell Wine anything just say that her mental state is in dire need of attention. Maybe get the others in the house to look after the kids for a couple of days while she stayed with us. 

Not isolate her from her kids never. That would be a bad idea but if I could make some progress with her. Get trigger words and warnings of what not to do around her and then maybe start helping her it would make her life better. 

It would make living with us easier for her. I can only hope that she will be okay with this happening to her. I know it will take a little persuasion and bribery but I think we can do it. By we I mean me and Wine. 

She trusts us the most maybe the babybones will even chime in to help us. Picking up my phone and unlocking it. I noticed it had been nearly an hour after I started my train of thought. Making sure to turn down the brightness on it to try and not wake my brother. 

I tapped on the button that would allow me to call Wine. He picked up after three rings. 

“Hello wine sorry to bother you at this hour. I know you and your mates need your sleep but our darling just paid me a visit. She revealed some information that was distressing for both her and me. 

She is no doubt stressed and I was wondering if you could check if she made it back to her room alright. After that I want to talk to you about it. I’m not revealing anything as part of patient doctor confidentiality but I want to talk to you about further steps with her.”

It took a good few seconds for Wine to respond no doubt having just woken up and slowly processsing this information. 

“Okay. That’s fine. I’ll go check now. I’ll let you know via text where she is and the state of her. Thank you Sweets for letting me know.”

“No problem and that talk.”

“Yes I’ll meet you in the morning when I wake up. Get some sleep Sweets. Thank you again.”

With that he hung up and after five minutes of waiting a picture was sent through of Esmée lying with her back turned to the camera. She was squeezing her plush that she got with Razzle and Dazzle. 

The babybones were also in frame and sleeping soundly. Not a hint of discomfort on their sleeping skulls. Letting out a sigh of relief and seeing her semi okay. I clicked my phone off and curled up. 

Chapter Text

Creeping in slowly, mindful of Destrí who was by the door, he squeaked and yawned, trying to shake off the rest of his sleep. His tiny phalanges stretched, and a tiny jaw popped.

His eyelights were fuzzy, with an appearance of three in his eye sockets again. He rolled onto his back on the cool wooden floor, sighing at the temperature.

He raised his hand and waved tiredly at Mutt, yawning once more. Looking over to the nest, Mutt saw mom and Alvaro. Alvaro had cracked open a socket to look at Mutt, blearily checking them over with his fuzzy eyelights.

Esmee wasn’t moving, which was to be expected. Her night was tiring and strenuous according to Wine and Sweets.

“Hello babybones. I’m here to take you to breakfast.”

Destrí looked at Mutt and cocked his head, obviously confused about the change of events about them not leaving and having breakfast with their mother present.

“Why will momma not be joining us? Is she still going to get food?”

“Of course she will, babybones. I think though that your momma might need a little bit more rest. She had a busy night last night.”

Both babybones looked sheepishly at Mutt. Alvaro curled into his mother’s tail and held onto it tightly, obviously very nervous of the skeleton in front of him, and Mutt didn’t blame him.

Mutt was asking him to leave his safe place and place his very fragile trust into their hands. Destrí was coming towards Mutt, though. His little hands grabbed onto his t-shirt, bunching it up in nervousness.

Looking to his older brother before coming over to Mutt, he wobbled a little as he was slightly unstable and likely in pain from his pain killers not being taken by him for a while.

Mutt met him halfway, hoisting him up and letting him rest against their sternum. His phalanges curled into Mutt freshly ironed shirt.

“Alvie come on, it’s alright. I’m hungry and want to get breakfast.”

“I’m scared.”

Mutt felt for the little babybones, stroking Destrí’s skull and grabbing onto the medicine they both needed. Settling Destrí and offering their hand to Alvaro, they said,

“Little one, you need your medicine. I can tell you’re both in pain. Some of your medicine also needs to be taken with food.

We can wake your momma up if you don’t want to go alone with me, but otherwise, we can go downstairs, get some breakfast for you and your brother, and take your medicine.”

It was a long moment before Alvaro shakily got up and came towards Mutt. Sensing that it wasn’t going to be long before he collapsed, Mutt picked him up swiftly.

His balance and his ability to stay awake were worsening, making the threat of this seizure even more apparent that it was coming and fast. Mutt had to ask Stretch to install those cameras in the nest today or if he was planning to do it when.

Downstairs with the babybones in their arms, Mutt wasn’t able to help set out breakfast on the table. No one seemed to mind, though.

It did get done much slower than usual, though. There was a lot of coos bursting out of skeletons at the sight of two very sleepy babybones.

Setting both Alvaro and Destrí on free chairs, Mutt sat beside them. Hound joining them on their left side while Mutt was on the right.

Hound rumbled in greeting to the babybones. Happy that they were down and he could see them eating and therefore getting healthier. The babybones happily chirped back with Alvaro going as far as to nuzzle his ribcage.

Wine was doing a check over everyone. Asking before looking at their stats. Everyone was used to it, it was almost routine. It was to help ease Wines anxiety about any of them being hurt or injured.

When Wine asked Alvaro gently if he could look. Alvaro gave an uneasy acceptance only used to his mother doing such things when she could figure out when to do it.

He clenched his sockets closed bracing for impact but nothing but a soft wave of magic rolled over him. He was pleasently surprised it felt nice.

Purring at the nice sensation the display encouraged his brother who also got checked swiftly after Alvaro. Hound and Mutt placed food on both babybones plates.

They all ate peacefully listening to some of the idle chatter around the table. Latching onto Mutt arm Alvaro moved himself to be on Mutts lap. Pressing his skull into his shirt whining.

“Right painkillers. Sorry little ones.”

Reaching into his pocket and bringing out the pills each kid took them almost desperately. Curling up and holding onto Mutt and Hound riding out the waves of pain that racked them.

Coffee looked on sympathetically from the right side of Mutt. Touching Alvaros skull and rubbing small circles around the edges of the little ones wound.

Breakfast wound up quickly after that. Coffee continued his ministrations moving themselves to the couches in the main living area. As Coffee felt over Alvaros skull he noticed that there was tiny bumps just up from his teeth.

Feeling over them they were pointy and jagged. His new teeth were starting to grow in. Any older skeleton in the house remembered when their younger brothers got rid of their babybones teeth and grew in new ones.

A horrific but necessary process nonetheless. Coffee remembered the pain of a loose tooth and remembered himself constantly chewing on something hard and cool to ease the pain.

Alvaro was sleepily clutching onto Mutts pressed shirt. Crimson had come over and started paying attention to Destrí who was soaking it up like a sponge.

Crimson sat down, Edge following him and kneeling down to be skull to skull with Alvaro.

“How is he doing this morning?”

“Alright. He’s wobbly, nervous and hesitant. Not to mention he’s just as tired as he was two weeks ago. I think he’s actually fallen asleep on me here.”

Lo and behold Alvaro had gone limp against Mutt. Legs on either side of his pelvis and tiny hands scrunched up in his shirt.

“I should get him back up to mom. No doubt Destrí will want to stay close as well.”

Edge looked between the two babybones.

“I hope you don’t mind me and Crimson joining you then. We have the cameras given to us by Stretch. We were hoping to set them up.”

Seeing there was no protest from the babybones I nodded my approval for them. Once in their bedroom I set Alvaro down next to his mommas tail. The tail subconsciously curled around him.

Destrí began showing Crimson and Edge his new cuddly toy. Showing it off and letting them ask questions about what its name was and so on so forth. Edge leant into the nest eyeing Esmée for a second before greeting her.

“Morning dear. We are going to set up the camera for your nest now. Four people are here.”

Esmée had opened her undamaged socket. Yawning loudly showing off her teeth. Before covering her mouth and offering an apology.

We excused her easily as she got up and looked over Alvaro. She tilted her skull after studying him for a few moments.

“Did he eat alright this morning?”

“Yeah momma why?”

“Something isn’t right. He’s not right.”

“Okay what do you mean by that?”

“He’s not breathing right it’s shaky and his hands are shaking badly as well. Worse than before.”

“You think he’s going to have it.”

Tensing slightly Esmée looked at Destrí.

“Get Destrí out of here. I think this is happening now.”

Mutt nodded to Crimson who quickly distracted Destrí and took him out of the room efficiently along with Coffee

“Hound go get Wine and Doc. Doc first.”

Hound took off next disappearing into thin air. Not having the time or mind space to process how he did that Esmée took charge. Picking him up and placing Alvaro on the wooden floor.

She took off to get towels from the hot press and rocketed back to her babybones placing a towel underneath his skull. Supporting his skull while placing another under his neck.

She was even more worried now though as Alvaro wasn’t waking up. Usually after being moved and placed on a cold surface like the floor he would have woken up.

It wasn’t happening though. He was eerily still. Mutt had sat down beside Esmée grabbing her fretting hands where they were flitting over the prone body of her child. Loosening his clothing and swiping at any objects that were scattered on the floor.

Hound came back with Doc dropping him off and moving to get Wine.

“I’m moved him to lay on his side. Supported his neck and skull. Loosened his clothing, and removed any dangerous objects from around the area. I don’t have anything to time the seizure with though.”

She was shaking her whole body was shaking and she was tearing up. She wiped them away roughly though and sat up straighter shaking out her jitters.

“I’m staying with him. You can’t move me.”

“That’s alright just back away and don’t get in my way. Sorry if it sounds harsh but it’s important.”

Doc started taking vitals and trying to wake Alvaro up. Just a brief moment of awareness but he got nothing. Doc stuck electrodes to Alvaros ribcage. Wine came in with Hound making a beeline for Esmée and Mutt.

Grabbing ahold of her hands and squeezing them. Silently reassuring her that it was alright and everything was going to be okay.

There was a tiny gasp from Alvaro before he started shaking. Violently shaking Doc tried to hold him down as best he could calling over Hound and Mutt to help.

Shoving extra towels under Alvaro’s extremities when they started banging harshly on the floor. Esmée jumped forward whining softly in distress.

Hound and Mutt took two extremities each holding them down gently to the floor. Alvaro arched his spine which was also held down quickly by Hound. Doc took place at Alvaros skull.

Checking to make sure he didn’t choke. Checking his eyesights for any sign of awareness. Alvaro groaned loudly before crying out.

Esmée watched on in distress only being held back by Wine who had a tight hold on her shirt.

His limbs thrashed as he gurgled. Doc monitored his condition closely. The seizure lasted two minutes before it finally reached its end.

With one final jerk Alvaro’s breathing slowed and evened out. It was shallow but he was breathing. He was alive. Esmée’s tail was creeping towards her child.

Doc rolled Alvaro onto his side letting him cough out the built up saliva. Dabbing his mouth afterwards. It let loose his wailing distress and finally Esmée could pick him up.

She cradled him close and let him know that she was here that she wasn’t leaving and that he was okay. She became a protective barrier between Alvaro and the outside world. Rocking him and speaking to him softly.

“Oh baby it’s alright. Mommas here. Just breathe, and try to relax, mo gra.”

Doc coaxed out an ulna bone from the cocoon that was Esmée and delivered some anti seizure medication. Emsée continued to support her little one. Wine gathering around her and letting his scent out.

Letting something familiar wrap around the babybones soothing the little one further. Alvaro whined and mumbled incoherently.

He was slowly getting frustrated that he didn’t know what was going on. He was disoriented and he couldn’t speak or move.

“Don’t try to force yourself to talk or move mo paiste beag, it’ll come back slowly and I’ll be right here waiting with you the whole time.”

Alvaro's body suddenly stiffened, his small frame trembling as an unnatural rigidity took hold. His eyelights flickered erratically, fading to a dim, fragmented glow. Mutt, sensing the shift, quickly lowered him onto his side, loosening his clothing and clearing the surrounding area. Esmée’s tail instinctively curled protectively around her babybones, trembling with silent distress.

Doc arrived swiftly, assessing Alvaro’s vitals with clinical precision. His hands worked deftly, positioning Alvaro safely while instructing Mutt and Hound to support from either side.

Wine hovered close, his magic casting a faint glow as he monitored for any signs of stabilisation. A cry came from Alvaro as frothy sapphire blue saliva spilled from his mouth. Alvaros back arched. His fragile body locked in an arched position.

A violent shudder wracked Alvaro’s small form, followed by a series of convulsive tremors that left his body limp and eerily still. Alvaro’s fragile limbs jerked uncontrollably, his tiny phalanges clenching and unclenching with fragile force. His breathing grew ragged, intermittent gasps punctuated by eerie silence.

Mutt maintained a firm yet gentle hold, cushioning his head with a folded towel while murmuring soothing reassurances, though fear quivered beneath the calm exterior.

Gradually, Alvaro’s breathing steadied, shallow but consistent. His eyelights flickered weakly, a faint sign of consciousness returning. Mutt’s hand never left his, grounding him with a constant, gentle pressure.

Esmée, unable to remain a bystander, cradled his fragile frame gently, her sockets brimming with silent pleas. Doc’s firm voice cut through the tension, calling for medication and additional support.

The room exhaled collectively, a fragile, hopeful pause amidst the lingering fear. Fear that was broken by heartbreaking wailing from Alvaro. His eyesights shone with confusion and unshed tears.

He didn’t cry beyond his.

“He’s in the epileptic stage. He’s exhausted get him in bed momma. He won’t move for a while. It could last for a few days momma so relax. I’ll hook him up to monitors.

Edge and Crimson have just set up the cameras in the nest. They’ll be essential for monitoring his condition now.”

Esmée gently cradled Alvaro, her arms a protective cocoon wrapped around his fragile form. She moved with determined tenderness, carrying him back to the nest where warm blankets and familiar scents awaited.

His eyelights flickered weakly, the dim glow barely illuminating the exhaustion etched into his tiny features.

Mutt followed closely, their heart heavy with worry yet masked by a calm exterior. They reached the nest, and with careful precision.

Esmée laid Alvaro down, cushioning his head with a soft pillow. His breathing remained shallow, each breath a fragile testament to his resilience. Doc entered swiftly, his medical bag in tow.

"I'll hook him up to the monitors now,"

He said softly, not wanting to disturb the fragile calm. Delicate wires were attached to Alvaro’s small frame, the faint beeping of the monitor a rhythmic reassurance in the tense room.

Edge and Crimson quietly adjusted the newly installed cameras, ensuring they captured every angle of the nest. Esmée slipped the watch that recorded Alvaros vitals from his sternum over to Doc.

Their movements were efficient, respectful of the family’s space and emotions. The soft hum of the equipment blended with the gentle sounds of Alvaro’s breathing.

Wine sat beside Esmée, his presence a comfort. His magic glimmered faintly, a soothing aura that seemed to ease the tension in the room.

He reached out, placing a gentle hand on Esmée’s shoulder.

"He’s stable for now. Rest, even if just for a moment," he whispered.

But Esmée couldn’t tear her gaze away from her babybones. She stroked Alvaro’s skull softly, whispering lullabies from her tortured childhood, her voice a fragile thread of hope woven into the quiet.

Destrí peeked in from the doorway, his small face shadowed with worry. Mutt noticed and gently beckoned him over.

"Your brother’s resting now, little one. He’s safe,"

Mutt murmured, pulling Destrí into a comforting embrace. Destrí clung to Mutt, his tiny phalanges gripping their shirt.

"Will he be okay?"

His voice was a mere whisper, filled with fear and hope. Mutt nodded, their voice steady despite the lump in their throat.

"Yes, he’s strong, just like you. We’re all here for him."

As the day wore on, the small gathering remained gathered around Alvaro. They took turns sitting beside him, speaking softly, offering gentle touches, and holding onto hope. The monitors beeped steadily, a fragile symphony of life continuing amidst the fear.

Night fell, casting a gentle glow through the windows. Esmée sat vigil, her phalanges intertwined with Alvaro’s, her soul beating in silent prayers. Mutt rested nearby, their presence a steadfast anchor.

And though uncertainty lingered, wrapped in the shadows of the night, so too did the unwavering strength of love, holding them all together

Chapter Text

Alvaro lay weak for days, unresponsive and detached from the world. The skeletons tried to distract Destrí from his brother’s bedside, hoping to ease his mind from the sight of Alvaro’s listless state.

Days passed with only weak whimpers and quiet whispers. Doc kept a constant watch over Alvaro’s condition. The skeletons attempted to help the small family by encouraging them to take care of themselves.

As Destrí and Esmée took baths to clean themselves, the skeletons gently led Destrí away from Alvaro’s bedside to socialise. One afternoon, Mutt and Hound suggested a game of Scrabble, their bony fingers deftly shuffling the worn tiles. Sweets chimed in cheerfully, promising treats for whoever claimed victory.

Destrí’s eyes lit up with curiosity, and even Alvaro, nestled weakly in Esmée’s arms, showed a flicker of interest. With gentle coaxing, Alvaro was settled snugly with a blanket while Destrí eagerly joined the game.

The board filled quickly, laughter mingling with the click of tiles. Despite their fatigue, the children’s sharp minds outpaced the adults. Destrí laid down impressive words with glee, his vocabulary surprising even Sweets. Alvaro, though quieter, strategically placed high-scoring tiles with cunning precision.

Mutt and Hound exchanged bewildered glances, their earlier confidence crumbling as the kids dominated the board. Sweets chuckled, conceding defeat with good humour. The room filled with warmth—not just from the playful rivalry but from the comfort of normalcy returning, even if just for a moment.

After a few days, Esmée came downstairs for the first time in days since the Scrabble game. Alvaro clinging weakly to her shirt. She looked exhausted, with dark rings under her eyes, stumbling slightly and breathing heavily.

Stretch approached her, checking on the sleepy child in her arms. Esmée jumped when he came near but quickly shook it off, explaining it as something she does when she’s tired.

“How’s little man doing?” Stretch asked.

“Fine. Tired and fussy, but he’s okay,” Esmée replied.

“Glad to hear that. We have someone coming over, a trusted friend of ours, to do some healing magic on his head and on Blue. It will hopefully help him.”

“Who are they?” Esmée inquired.

“They are Queen Toriel and King Asgore. They have been friends with us for years and both have deep wells of magic. They were more than happy to contribute to healing both Destrí and Alvaro.”

“Okay. Can I meet them before they meet my children?”

“Of course.”

Esmée sat down gently on one of the chairs around the dining table, adjusting Alvaro on her lap and nuzzling Destrí in greeting. Blood leaned against Sweets, rubbing his skull wound.

Chatting idly with them all, Esmée quietly fed Alvaro as well as herself. At the end of breakfast, as everything was cleared away, a knock on the front door sounded.

The knock echoed softly through the house, drawing everyone's attention. Stretch moved to the door, opening it to reveal King Asgore and Queen Toriel, their regal presence softened by warm, gentle expressions. Asgore’s towering figure exuded strength, his golden fur glinting in the morning light, while Toriel’s kind eyes held a comforting warmth, her flowing robes whispering with each step.

Esmée rose cautiously, Alvaro cradled protectively in her arms. Stretch gently introduced them, his voice filled with respect. Toriel approached first, her serene smile easing Esmée’s tense shoulders. After a brief, heartfelt introduction, Esmée nodded, signalling her trust.

The queen’s hands glowed faintly with healing magic as she knelt beside Destrí, who whimpered softly in discomfort. Toriel placed her palms gently over his broken ribs and arm, her magic weaving warmth through his battered body. His pained grimaces faded, replaced by the peaceful calm of relief.

King Asgore then tended to Alvaro, his large hands surprisingly gentle. His magic coursed softly through the frail boy, revitalising his fragile form. Alvaro’s breathing steadied, his pallor lifting slightly as strength returned to his limbs. Esmée, overwhelmed by gratitude, whispered tearful thanks.

Turning to Esmée, Toriel softly asked permission before tending to her injuries. The queen’s magic worked meticulously, mending Esmée’s fractured femur and shattered arm with a warmth that chased away both pain and fear.

Wine, Sans, and Stretch hovered nearby, offering comfort and reassurance. Wine held Destrí’s hand, murmuring soothing words, while Sans cracked light-hearted jokes to ease the tension. Stretch stood guard with a steady presence, his gaze softening each time Alvaro stirred.

Lastly, Toriel approached Blue. With a gentle touch, her healing magic flowed once more, alleviating his lingering aches. Blue’s eyes brightened, his relieved smile mirrored by those around him.

The room, once heavy with exhaustion and worry, now brimmed with renewed hope and quiet gratitude. The children nestled comfortably, their pain eased, surrounded by friends and the warmth of healing magic.

“Thank you so much. I don’t know how to repay you, Your Majesty. All I can give you is my gratitude.”

“Oh, there is no need, child. We are more than happy to help with anyone who needs help without question and without ask of payment.”

Esmée held her children close and reveled in the first time they were all pain-free for the first time in five years. Suddenly exhausted, she slumped on the living room couch. Drifting quickly into sleep.

Esmée POV

When I woke up again, Blood was beside me, stroking my coronal suture. My kids were down at a table playing a game.

Their second game today, Destrí was jumping up and down excitedly, his little hands full with cards. A massive, well-dressed skeleton was beside him, helping him hold the cards.

Alvaro was beside them, watching the game with a calculating stare. It seemed to be a modified version of poker that they were playing. I snorted a bit at the absurdity of my children playing poker.

Blood nuzzled the top of my skull in greeting as I clicked against the bottom of his jaw in response. I don’t know why I did, but it felt right to my instincts, and Blood came across as a very instinct-driven skeleton.

A childish cheer came from the poker table as I assumed Destrí beat someone. The well-dressed gentleman beside him was collecting the cookies they were using instead of poker chips.

I smiled brightly and got up to join them. Stretching out and holding my position, I sighed as I let out all my tenseness from having slept so long in a cramped position.

I lumbered over to where my kids were quietly leaning over the shoulder of the large gentleman that was surprisingly the spitting image of Crimson and, on the other side of the table, a spitting image of Edge.

That was unusual; were they twins? Cocking my skull, I listened to their voices; they spoke the same as Crimson and Edge, but the image of Edge spoke with an American accent. I couldn’t tell which state.

The spitting image of Edge looked up from his cards and froze slightly at the sight of me looming over his brother’s shoulder (assuming they are brothers, these skeletons seem to come in pairs).

Then he smiled, showing off his razor-sharp teeth.

“Oh, brother, look behind you.”

Getting the joke of this tall version of Edge trying to scare his brother, I got even closer to the back of big Crimson’s skull. When he turned around, I opened up wide, showing off my three rows of teeth. He yelled.

Jumping back and landing on the floor if I didn’t catch him with my tail, I laughed loudly and continued to laugh. My children laughed along with me. Alvaro perked up and nearly jumped off the chair to get to me.

I caught him as I was pulling tall Crimson back up onto his feet.

“Momma!”

“Alvaro, how are you feeling, darling?”

“Much better, momma. So much better. The room no longer spins and nothing hurts; it’s amazing.”

I supported him as he leaned back, almost doubting himself over as he dragged out the g in amazing. I looked at him weirdly; he seemed high. Either on sugar or something else, it was slightly funny. I looked to Destrí, perplexed.

“He’s been like that for a while, momma. He’s a little loopy.”

“I see that. Hello, gentlemen. How are you?”

Letting Alvaro hang for a minute and putting a pin in that problem, I focused my attention on the two new skeletons before me. They both waved to me. Introducing themselves.

“Names Cannon.”

“SNIPER.”

The Edge copy of Sniper was awfully loud; I didn’t mind though. I sometimes had trouble controlling my volume. As we continued to play I caught Razzle, Dazzle dragging Wine up the stairs.

Razzle, Dazzle, and Wine stumbled up to their private bathroom on the second floor. The bathroom flickered with the gentle glow of enchanted candlelight, candles pre-lit with magic.

The bath, a massive almost pool, infused subtly with restorative magic, stood at its centre. Steam curled lazily upward, carrying notes of lemongrass and lime.

Wine was already in the bath, soaking the steam into his sore and brittle frame.

“Oh, darling Dazzle, do you mind getting the citrus oils? I want to give Wine here a show of our appreciation.”

Razzle sank inside the warm water behind Wine, his skeletal frame adorned with delicate silver chains that chimed faintly with movement. He sighed, an echo more felt than heard.

Dazzle followed, grabbing the requested oil along the way. Slipping gracefully into the warm embrace of the water, his bones etched with faint runes that pulsed softly with residual tension from their recent trials.

They sat in silence for a moment, the water lapping gently against their bones, the warmth seeping into non-existent muscles but soothing them nonetheless.

Dazzle reached out, his phalanges intertwining with Razzle’s, the metal of their adornments clinking softly. Wine leaned into Razzle’s bony shoulder, his skull resting with surprising tenderness against his collarbone.

“I missed this,” Wine murmured, his voice a soft rasp, yet filled with warmth.

Razzle’s jaw tilted in a semblance of a smile. “The quiet, or the company?”

“Both,” he replied, tracing an absent pattern on the water’s surface.

Dazzle chuckled, the sound like wind chimes in a soft breeze. “It’s nice not having to corral naughty skeletons for once.”

The three relaxed, letting the warmth ease away the echoes of loudness and burdens from within their own home. No need for anything else but just the comfort of being together, their bones resting in harmony, the gentle bath a reprieve from the world outside.

Razzle uncorked the oil Dazzle had brought over. He slid his silver adornments off his ulna, leaning over to put them on the marble sink. Kissing Wine as he leaned back again.

Pouring a generous amount of the oil onto his phalanges, spreading it slightly before placing his hands on Wine’s clavicle, rubbing the oil in and relaxing him at the same time.

Wine gave a shaky sigh, relieved that all the tension was finally being milked from his bones. He gave an appreciative churr to Razzle and a nudge from his leg to Dazzle, who had his own leg snaking towards his pelvis.

Dazzle snorted lightly, getting the message that there was going to be no sexy times from Wine this night. He instead reached down over the side of the tub to get a bottle of Wine.

Uncorking it and pouring three glasses of wine, he passed them out, tangling feet under the water. Dazzle sank further into that water. Relaxing his shoulders and letting out a sigh.

“It’s a relief to get them healed. Feels like a weight has been lifted off us. I talked to Stretch as well. Blue is a whole lot better. Thank goodness for the King and Queen.”

“Mmmh, it’s a long road. They may be healing physically, but mentally they are just as hurt. Sweets talked to me about a few things that Esmée said during their private sessions, all given consensually, of course.

He was not in breach of his confidentiality rule at all while sharing this information. Esmée has shared that there are trigger words that trigger her trauma. We have to get that news out to the rest of the house.

Sweets also wants them all to be booked in to see him once a week for an hour. It will help improve their mental state substantially and will kickstart their road to recovery. Also, mmmmm…”

Razzle hit a very sensitive spot on his spine while massaging, causing wine to melt further into his embrace and cut off his rambling.

“Love, this is very important information and we understand, but this is our relaxing time. Please relax and give yourself some self-care. You look wrung out and exhausted.

Not at all the glimmering white bones I love so much. You need rest, and this is important, so relax for tonight. Me and Dazzle will take care of you. We will deal with all this tomorrow morning. Okay.”

“Okay. Love you.”

“Love you too. Love now, relax, let us take care of you.”

Dazzle had passed out the glasses. Razzle put the wines to the side for a minute while Razzle finalised his massage. Dazzle had also dropped in a blood-red bath bomb to the bath. Making the bathroom in its entirety smell like roses and blood oranges.

Quietly there in the depth of Esmée’s ribcage. Her soul cracked through the marbling slightly. Shining through pure, rich emerald.

Chapter Text

The house was quiet in the way only an early morning could be—hushed, weighted with the last vestiges of dreams clinging to the corners of the rooms. The curtains on the fourth floor stirred faintly with a draft that had slipped in during the night.

Pale golden light bled through the fabric, not quite enough to brighten the edges of the bedroom but enough to coax its occupants back toward waking.

Esmée stirred first. Her tall frame shifted against the mattress with a faint creak of springs, her sockets opening slowly to the hazy light. For a moment she just breathed, the rhythm steady, letting herself check every angle of her body out of instinct.

Her healing had left no lingering pain, no dull throb in the ribs, no pulling ache in her shoulders. She flexed her fingers, studied the gleam of her sharpened teeth as she yawned quietly. Good. Strong. Whole.

The weight at her side reminded her she wasn’t alone. Destrí had rolled against her during the night, one tiny hand fisted into the fabric of her shirt, his skull pressed beneath her arm. The little one’s breath wheezed faintly, steady in the bone-deep way that children could sleep when they were safe.

His card deck was still scattered across the bedside table, as though his last thought before collapsing had been whether he could sneak one more game out of his older brother.

And Alvaro—her sweet, stubborn boy—was still curled near the foot of the bed, though he’d half-turned sideways in the night. His head rested awkwardly on the blankets, the bandage over his still-open wound visible against the linen.

His sockets were shut tight, but his breathing was ragged in that soft, tired way she’d come to recognize over these weeks. Too tired. Always too tired.

She made a mental note to ask Toriel again about the bone-deep weariness that never left him. Something was not right there.

Esmée stretched carefully, not jostling either child. Then, when she was ready, she slid her hands under Destrí, lifting him smoothly up onto her hip. He stirred only faintly, whining in his sleep but not waking.

With the other arm, she bent and gathered Alvaro, the boy limp in her grasp, his head rolling onto her shoulder. He gave no protest—he never did in the mornings anymore. Always exhausted. Always clinging to her warmth even though she wasn’t warm at all.

She stood with both children balanced against her tall frame, one hip jutting for Destrí, Alvaro’s small arms slack around her neck. The weight of them was nothing she couldn’t bear. She’d carry them forever if she had to.

The creak of the door sounded louder than it should have in the quiet. She padded out into the hallway, soft bones against old wood, and began the slow descent toward the lower floors.

The fourth floor smelled faintly of paper and dust; one of the skeletons had left books open in the corridor again. The third floor greeted her with the faint echo of a pipe running somewhere in the walls.

The second smelled like food—not fresh, but the lingering scent of last night’s meal. The first floor, though, was where the sounds began. Voices, faint. A murmur. The sort of sound that made her stop mid-step, children still clinging to her, and angle her head toward the living room.

That was when she saw them.

Crimson was folded small against Edge’s side on the sofa. It was strange, seeing him that way. He wasn’t usually small; even when slouched or sulking, there was a dangerous edge to his frame, a tension like a coiled spring.

But now—he looked hollowed out. His skull tipped against Edge’s chest, sockets glazed and distant, his breathing shallow as if even that was too much effort. His hands hung limp in his lap.

Edge, for all his sharpness and the armor that seemed to radiate aggression, looked softer in that moment. He was leaned close, one arm around Crimson’s frame, the other stroking slow lines against his skull.

His own head was tilted down, his teeth barely brushing against Crimson’s temple ridge as he whispered low things, words too faint to catch. Comfort. Anchoring. A lifeline whispered into the silence.

Sweets sat opposite them, in one of the battered armchairs, his hands wrapped around Crimson’s slack ones. He looked patient, composed, his tone steady as he spoke gently to Crimson.

A trained therapist, Esmée recalled—the one who could find words where others stumbled. His voice was quiet enough not to intrude, steady enough to keep Crimson tethered.

Esmée froze in the doorway. Her teeth clenched on instinct, protective, wary. But it took only one long look at Crimson’s empty gaze, at the shallow rise and fall of his ribcage, for her to understand: this wasn’t a moment for her. This wasn’t something her presence would help.

Her children shifted faintly against her. Destrí murmured something about cards in his sleep. Alvaro’s head sagged heavier on her shoulder.

Quietly, Esmée turned away. Whatever storm Crimson was lost in, he had Edge and Sweets with him. She would not intrude. Not today.

The kitchen was brighter, warmer, filled with the bustle of morning.

Wine was there already, sleeves rolled up, humming softly to himself as he worked over the stove. The smell of eggs and butter filled the air, the comforting scent of toast browning.

A pot of something rich—porridge, maybe—sat steaming on the counter. Wine was precise even in his cooking, though; every motion tidy, practiced, as if he had been raised to make a meal both beautiful and satisfying.

“Morning,” he said without turning, his voice a soft drawl that didn’t quite hide the warmth behind it. “I was wondering when my guests of honor would wander in.”

Esmée shifted the children on her hips, still watchful. “They’re tired,” she said simply. Her voice came out low, protective.

Wine turned then, catching sight of the three of them. His sockets softened. He wiped his hands on a cloth and stepped closer, tilting his head toward the children first, then to Esmée.

“Of course they are,” he said gently. “You’ve all been through hell. Sit down. You don’t lift a finger this morning.”

Esmée hesitated. She wasn’t used to being told to rest. But Destrí stirred then, his sockets blinking open, little hands rubbing at his face. He yawned wide and muttered, “Mama?”

“I’m here,” she murmured, pressing her teeth to his temple in a soft bite of affection. She carried them both to the table, lowering them onto the chairs. Alvaro folded forward almost immediately, head pillowed on his arms, half-asleep still. Destrí sat up straighter, curious at the spread Wine was laying out.

Wine moved quietly, efficiently. He set a plate of toast before Destrí, cutting it into neat pieces. For Alvaro, he brought a bowl of warm porridge, steam curling from the top, with a spoon already resting inside. Then he placed a mug of tea before Esmée, the steam fragrant with honey and chamomile.

“Eat what you can,” he said softly. “You’re safe here. Let me take care of you this morning.”

The words struck deeper than Esmée expected. Her sockets flickered, her hands twitching as though uncertain what to do with such gentleness. She curled her teeth inward, looking at the children instead.

Destrí grinned around his toast, crumbs scattering. “S’good!” he announced loudly, earning a faint chuckle from Wine.

Alvaro stirred, his sockets half-lidded as he picked up his spoon. He ate slowly, mechanically, but the warmth of the food seemed to ease the tension in his shoulders.

Esmée sipped the tea. Sweet, soothing. She let herself breathe.

Wine pulled up a chair across from them, not too close, not looming. Just present. Watching them with quiet care. “You’ve got sharp little ones,” he said warmly. “I can see where they get it from.”

Destrí puffed his chest proudly. “Mama’s the tallest!”

Wine’s teeth curved in a smile. “So I see.”

Esmée finally allowed herself a faint, sharp laugh. “That, they don’t let me forget.”

For a while, the kitchen was filled only with the sounds of breakfast—the clink of spoons, the hum of the kettle, Destrí’s chatter, Alvaro’s quiet chewing. Wine kept them company without pressing, letting the peace build in its own time.

And for the first time that morning, Esmée felt her guard ease. Just a little.

Alvaro had managed half the bowl before his spoon slipped from his hand with a soft clink. His head drooped forward, cheek brushing the rim of the bowl. He startled faintly, straightening with a sluggish effort, but his sockets were heavy, shadows dark under them.

Wine’s gaze flicked toward him immediately, subtle but sharp. He didn’t comment at once, though. Instead, he reached across the table and drew the bowl an inch closer to himself, careful not to startle the boy.

“Easy there,” Wine murmured, voice low and warm, as if speaking too loud might shatter the boy’s fragile tether to wakefulness. “Looks like someone’s fighting sleep harder than the porridge.”

Alvaro rubbed at his face, embarrassed, his small shoulders curling inward. “’m not tired,” he mumbled, though his words slurred at the edges. His spoon trembled faintly in his grip when he reached for it again.

Esmée’s jaw tightened. She laid one hand over her son’s, steadying it, glaring across the table at Wine as though daring him to push. “He’s fine,” she said quickly. “Just… slow in the mornings.”

Wine didn’t flinch at the sharpness in her voice. Instead, he leaned back a little, giving them both room, and softened his tone further. “Of course. No judgment here. Kids wake at their own pace.”

Alvaro blinked up at him, uncertain, caught between his mother’s protectiveness and Wine’s calm. His skull tilted slightly, as though weighing which way to lean.

Wine held his gaze a moment, then shifted his attention back to the porridge. “You know,” he said conversationally, “when my brother was little, he used to tell fall asleep anywhere. In the middle of a card game, during a meal, even once standing up.” His grin softened the sharp edges of his teeth. “It wasn’t laziness. Just the way he was wired. His body always asked for more rest than others thought it should.”

Alvaro stilled, his sockets narrowing faintly in thought.

Destrí giggled around his toast. “Standing up?” he echoed, crumbs scattering across the table. “That’s silly!”

Wine chuckled. “It was. Nearly toppled face-first into a stew pot once.”

Even Esmée’s tension cracked just slightly at that. The corner of her teeth twitched, reluctant amusement flickering through her sockets.

Alvaro leaned back against her side, his spoon resting again. “So… it’s not bad?” he asked quietly, barely audible.

Wine’s expression gentled. “Not bad at all. Some people need more sleep than others. Sometimes it’s just how your body works.” He tipped his head slightly. “The trick is learning when to listen to it, instead of fighting it.”

Esmée’s protective grip on her son tightened. She studied Wine as though measuring every word, weighing whether to believe him. But Alvaro had already sagged against her shoulder, his body relaxing as if permission had been granted to stop fighting so hard.

Wine didn’t press further. He only reached for the teapot, poured another small measure into Esmée’s cup, and said softly, “He’s safe to rest here. No one will think less of him.”

The silence that followed was thick with Esmée’s struggle—the war between vigilance and the desperate need to believe him. She finally let out a low exhale, stroking her son’s back.

Alvaro’s spoon slipped again, this time without protest. His breathing evened, his small frame surrendering into sleep against her.

Wine’s sockets softened. He set the porridge aside carefully, covering it with a cloth to keep it warm. Then he looked back at Esmée, not with pity but with steady reassurance.

“Let him rest, Esmée,” he said gently. “You’ve carried them both long enough. Let us help carry you, too.”

For once, Esmée didn’t bare her teeth in reply. She only bent her head, pressing her sharp jaw carefully against the crown of her son’s skull, and whispered, “Always.”

The kitchen’s hum of quiet clatter and low voices deepened as the rest of the house began to stir. Esmée held Alvaro close against her side, his body slack in a rare, surrendering sleep, while Destrí leaned across the table toward Wine with toast-crumbed enthusiasm.

The sound of bare feet clicking on the floorboards came first. A slow shuffle, the sort that only came from massive frames dragged reluctantly into the day. A low huff of breath followed, then a yawn so cavernous it rattled the windows.

Mutt and Hound lumbered in together, Hound’s massive frame nearly filled the doorway, his sockets heavy-lidded, a faint trail of drool clinging between his jagged teeth. Mutt, smaller but no less imposing, padded at his side with his skull tilted as though sleep still clung stubbornly to him.

Both looked like they’d been dragged from the deepest pits of slumber.

Destrí squealed delightedly. “Mutt, Hound!”

Hound cracked a single socket open and gave a grumble that sounded suspiciously like, too early. Mutts gait was sluggish as he padded to collapse heavily against the wall.

Wine clicked his tongue, smiling faintly. “Morning, gentlemen. Care for leftovers, or should I pour you each a barrel of coffee?”

Mutt gave a tired groan. Hound only huffed again and lowered himself to the ground with a groan, curling massive bones onto the kitchen tiles.

Esmée smirked faintly despite herself. The children’s delight was enough to soften the edges of her morning watchfulness. Destrí was already slipping from his chair to bury himself against Mutt’s ribs, chattering happily about the card games of yesterday.

The stair creaked overhead.

Wine’s mates came next, descending in pairs, laughter trailing like the smoke of a bonfire. Their sockets were bright in a way that said they’d had their fill of late-night drinks and soft indulgences. Jackets draped over shoulders, collars undone, their movements were loose, relaxed, and unhurried.

They greeted the kitchen with affectionate noise, one of them ruffling Destrí’s skull in passing, another brushing a hand across Wine’s shoulder before slumping into a chair.

Wine gave them an indulgent look. “Morning, loves. Tea’s hot, food’s still warm. Sit before you fall.”

They obeyed without protest, content to soak in the smell of toast and eggs and the rare luxury of quiet company.

Then came the sound of dragging steps, lighter but measured. Stretch slipped in with the weight of an insomniac night clinging to his bones. His sockets were shadowed deep, his posture slouched as if every vertebra protested being upright. He gave a thin wave in greeting, a dry smirk tugging at his teeth.

“Don’t all get too excited. ’m alive.” His voice rasped with fatigue.

Wine gestured toward the kettle. “Sit, Stretch. You look like death warmed over.”

Stretch dropped into the chair beside Esmée, propping his skull on his palm. He gave her a lazy sideways glance, sockets flicking to Alvaro cradled against her. His smirk softened into something gentler. “Kid’s out cold, huh?”

Esmée adjusted her son’s skull against her shoulder, jaw tightening. “He needs rest.”

Stretch nodded once, not pushing, not prying. He accepted the tea Wine pressed into his hands without further comment.

The stairs thudded suddenly with far more energy than Stretch could ever muster. Blue came bounding down, a blur of bright sockets and too much morning enthusiasm for a house still shaking itself awake.

“MORNING!” he crowed, nearly tripping over Hound’s sprawled tail. “It’s a great day! There’s pancakes? Is there pancakes? I smell pancakes!”

Mutt groaned. Hound flicked his tail just enough to trip him properly this time. Blue yelped and barely caught himself on the table edge, grinning sheepishly as if he’d meant it all along.

Wine chuckled, shaking his head. “Settle, Blue. There’s food enough. Try not to bring the ceiling down in your excitement.”

Blue flopped into a chair beside Destrí, immediately launching into chatter about stars, colors, and the grand plans he’d made for the day. Destrí mirrored his energy, babbling back, crumbs flying. Between them, the table seemed to hum with the sheer force of their liveliness.

Stretch groaned, pinching the bridge of his nasal ridge. “Too loud. Too awake.”

Blue only grinned wider. “You love me.”

“Unfortunately,” Stretch muttered, though there was no heat in it.

Through it all, Esmée stayed close, her tall frame shadowing both her sons, sockets never straying too long from Alvaro’s sleeping face. Wine’s steady presence across the table soothed some of the taut lines in her shoulders, but her guard never dropped entirely.

⸻

The ground floor door opened faintly.

Sweets’ careful voice drifted up first, low and steady. Edge’s heavier footsteps followed, measured but tense. Then Crimson, though if he made any sound at all it was swallowed by the others.

They passed the kitchen slowly, heading toward the room Sweets kept on the ground floor. His space was wide, clear, the furniture arranged for easy access, because his own body needed it. Crimson was tucked between them, and though his head was bowed, every line of his frame screamed emptiness.

Esmée caught only a glimpse as they passed—the hollow sockets, the slackness of his hands, the lifeless tilt of his skull against Edge’s side. It made her ribs ache to look at him.

Edge’s jaw was tight, protective in a way that reminded her too much of herself. Sweets’ voice was patient, practiced. The door shut softly behind them.

Wine paused in the middle of pouring tea, his sockets flicking briefly toward the sound, worry ghosting across his features. But he didn’t comment. Not yet.

Instead, he placed the teapot down, smoothed his hands over the table, and smiled softly at the family gathered.

“Alright,” he said, voice steady. “We’re awake now. Let’s start the day right. Food, quiet where it’s needed, chatter where it’s wanted. Everyone takes what they need.”

Esmée looked around the table—the sleepy dogs sprawled in comfort, Wine’s mates slouched and smiling, Stretch nursing his tea, Blue vibrating with barely-contained energy, her youngest laughing, her oldest asleep against her shoulder.

And for a moment, despite everything, the house felt whole.