Chapter Text
The heavy door creaked as it was pushed open, ringing through the basement-turned-living quarters. The inhabitant of said room leaned against it with a small sigh, the stress of the day washing over her in full as she finally got a moment to herself.
That inhabitant was you. You were the housekeeper of the mansion above, supposed to do little more than cook and clean after your employers. In your case things were never that easy. Maybe it was the fact that you were a human in a house full of skeleton monsters, the differences between you all just too much to stand without issue. Or maybe you were the problem, speaking and acting before you thought things through.
Maybe your masters were just cruel in their own ways. It was difficult to tell when nearly all of them had some sort of secret side to them, hidden beneath happy smiles.
After a debate with Master Sans over the differences of defense and hunting the unknown, you had decided to make yourself scarce by focusing on your chores even more than usual. He had seemed more irritated with you talking back than anything else, but you had more important things to worry about. Like the little bird monster you had saved from the aforementioned “hunt”.
Once he had made his presence known and you traded introductions, Mr. Bird had (in a way you could only describe as magically,) pulled out a letter from his feathers addressed to you. Curiosity ate at you especially when you saw who it was from.
“From Mr. Green…!”
With little hesitation, you opened the letter with shaky hands. It was exciting, if a little nerve-wracking. Surprises around here were usually not the best, but you had hope for this one. As you read, you couldn't help but swoon a bit. How could someone be so considerate even in writing? Despite how late the letter had actually gotten to you, you were too excited to worry too heavily.
The offer of working for them instead was also a lovely thought. You doubted you would have even half the work to do for them that you do here, especially the emotional regulation for… nearly everyone in the house. Yellow and Green had been amazing guests for the short time they had visited, and they seemed to have little to no problem with you or your species.
The thought was a little sobering. It was clear that most of your masters either hated humans or maybe just hated you in general, and the ones that didn't seem to mind were completely oblivious to the way you were treated. The actual housework paled in comparison to handling your masters. They could be so cruel, with the only exceptions being Papyrus or Blue, and even they were complacent in the other's behavior.
A gentle ‘peep’ by your side snapped you out of your thoughts. In your reflection, you hadn't noticed the tears that had begun running down your face. Mr. Bird seemed worried at your distress, even when you wiped them away.
“It's alright, I'm- I'm fine. The letter was lovely, I appreciate you bringing it here,” you sniffled as you smiled at the little bird monster.
After a moment of composing yourself, you stood up from your bed, letter in hand, and began searching your desk for paper and a pen. You had to reply back, right this moment. So much time had already passed since they had sent that letter, there was no more to waste. You found your journal and ripped a page from it, already getting to work.
‘Dear Mr. Green and Yellow,
'I'm very happy to hear from you both! You guessed correctly, I've only gotten your letter about three months after you've sent it. Regardless, I'm happy to be able to communicate after such a long time, it's a very pleasant surprise.’
Did that come off as desperate? You hoped not, but these last few months have felt very, very long. You continued writing,
‘Hopefully you have settled somewhere so this isn't too much of an issue in the future! In regards to your question, I am doing fine. The housework is perfectly manageable but as difficult as any job would be.’
‘I deeply appreciate your offer for me to work for you both instead. If you are still considering it, and have the means to do so, I would say yes, no questions asked!’
You blushed a little. That definitely came across as desperate, but you meant it. More than you had thought you would.
‘However, my situation is a bit… unstable at the moment. There would be a lot to consider if you were to have me move along with you both. If there was some way you could visit again, without letting the others know, could we discuss it in person?’
It was a tall order, but one that you didn't have zero hope for. You had no idea where Mr. Green and Yellow were now, but if there was ever a time for you to stop putting everyone before yourself, it was now. This was your olive branch, and there was no way you could waste it.
‘It is very important you do not mention a visit to them. I can explain everything then, circumstances permitting. This wasn't supposed to be such a dire letter, but’
You hesitated for a moment, your pen stilling on the paper. Your letter had unintentionally become a plea for help, and as embarrassing as it felt to ask for help from people you had only met once… you really did need all the assistance you could get. The puddle of ink under your pen spread as you began to write again.
‘I really do need your help.’
‘Best regards.’
The words on the page were barely recognizable as you stared down at them. Normally, you'd never let your emotions get the better of you like this, but Mr. Green's letter had just felt like the straw that broke the camel's back. It was like you were seeing clearly now.
As you folded up the letter and gave it (and the last of your allowance for the month) to Mr. Bird, you saw him off with a wave and a smile. Maybe this was a chance for a better life. You'd have to make things work, especially with your sibling. Mr. Green had offered to pay you as much as you were here, so that wouldn't be an issue. Though, you wondered if he really knew what he was signing up for when it came to you…
Well, it was too late to regret now. All you could do was wait and see what came next, how long it would take, and if they even would respond to you.
You composed yourself some more, looking in the mirror at yourself. Your eyes were still a little puffy, hair a little out of place. Fixing your hair was easy enough, but you'd just have to hope Sans or anyone else wouldn't notice your eyes.
Who were you kidding, if they noticed, they wouldn't care. Not enough to change. That's why you had to do this, it was time for something to change, to give.
You just hoped it would be sooner than later.