Reborn As A Dust Sans [Undertale Multiverse]

Ch20 - Dusty

Ashe's POV

'How come you and Mr Horror know how to interpret sign?' you asked. It was a somewhat impulsive question - Outer had not been able to understand you, so it clearly wasn't just inherent knowledge for the different Sans variants, leading you to become curious as to how he and Horror had come to learn it.

Dust gave a sort of casual shrug. "Nightmare made us learn it ages back. I, uh... I go inta verbal shutdown sometimes, an' signin' has been pretty helpful," he explained, his voice seeming just a little bit shy in the admittance.

You nodded to his answer, thinking for a moment. 'Does that mean all of you know how to sign? Nightmare too?'

"Yup. Horror 'as a bit of trouble tryin' ta sign, though. And Kill will literally sign at th' speed o' light, gets real proud of it too, the bastard," he chuckled. It seemed like the insult was more meant as playful than it was serious, reminding you of a sibling rivalry. Then again, maybe that's exactly what it was for them.

"WOWEE! THAT'S DEFINITELY GOOD, I'M GLAD YOU WILL ALL BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE PROPERLY. RUDE SPACE SANS WAS TERRIBLE AT IT!"

"Space sans..?" Dust repeated. Barely a second past before recognition flashed across his features and he let out a low chuckle. "I guess ya mean Outer. When did ya meet him?"

'Just after the Stars attacked me. Mr Outer helped me get better, but he thought I was you the entire time and seemed to really just want me to leave. Is... is he a friend of yours?"

"Eh... Not really," he let out. "He ain't an enemy, though, either. He's neutral, I guess?" he paused suddenly, a chime coming from his pocket. He pulled the device out and answered what you assumed to be a phone call. "...Rory? Th' fuck ya callin for? ...Yeah, Ashe's chill or whateves, already met 'im... Uhh, no idea, lemme ask–" he turned to you. "Have ya eaten yet?"

'I'm not hungry–'

"NYEH! THEY HAVEN'T EATEN SINCE WE WERE WITH SPIKY SIBLING HORROR YESTERDAY!" Ghost Papy interrupted, causing your cheeks to flush a little with embarrassment.

Dust acknowledged the two of you with a simple nod, speaking to his phone once again"...That's a no from the lil dude, but I can make 'im somethin... No, I aint gonna burn down the kitchen, I know how ta use th' microwave, I'm not Killer," he snorted, the comment leaving you to wonder if burning down kitchens was a common issue. "Anyway, is tha' all ya callin fer? ...'Kay, bye."

You politely waited as he finished up on the phone, curious of what the conversation entailed. It didn't sound like much was really said. Was Horror really just calling to make sure you had eaten? That thought filled you with warmth. And judging by ghost Papy's proud expression, he must have been happy about it as well.

'Everything okay?' you signed, mostly because you weren't sure what else to say to keep the conversation going.

"Yup. He an' the others ain't gonna be back fer a few hours still, they're makin some sorta alliance with a new au or some shit, so its just us 'n Kills 'ere," he explained. "Lets get ya fed, yeah? Don't want Rory freakin' out 'bout ya not eatin'."

You nodded in confirmation, following along to the kitchen. It was a bit longer of a walk than you expected it to be, giving you some time to really take in the gothic way in which the halls were decorated. Deep purple walls covered in brocade patternings, old paintings, this place looked like a castle you might see in a horror film.

Ghost Papy seemed content you were no longer alone and left to explore. It was the first time you had been separated since your reincarnation, and you couldn't help but feel a little bit anxious about it, making sure to keep close to Dust so that you wouldn't be alone, not that he minded. You didn't... have separation anxiety. At least, that was what you tried to reassure yourself.

When you arrived in the kitchen, Dust turned to face you once more. "Where did Paps go?"

'Exploring, I think,' you signed in explanation. 'I think he has been wanting to for a while, but he didn't want me to be left alone because he was worried it wouldn't be safe. He'll probably be back soon.'

He simply nodded. "Makes sense I suppose..." Dust let out as he opened the fridge. It was decently stocked, the majority being containers full of what looked like a diverse range of leftover meals. "Pick whatever ya like. Rory likes ta portion everythin', so there's always stuff in 'ere if ya want somethin. Just don't go messin' with anythin' labelled, especially if it's Noots' stuff."

You nodded, gazing at all the meals. You weren't all that hungry, still feeling rather full from the stew you had when you met Horror even if it was a while ago now. 'Is there something smaller I could have?'

Dust shrugged. "How 'bout some snacks?" he suggested. "We coil' watch a movie 'till Kills is ready ta socialise with us."

'What kind of movie?' you inquired.

"Any one ya like," he let out, grabbing some candies and guiding you to the couch.

The couch was massive, but then again, so was the television. You got the feeling that this place was well used despite being rather clean. Despite the dvd's lining the walls, the first thing Dust did when he turned the television on was switch it to a movie streaming services that you didn't recognise. He tossed you the remote with a curious expression.

You went to choose a horror film, but just as you did, ghost Papy returned, seemingly having finished his exploration. "OH! ARE WE WATCHING A MOVIE?"

'Yes! Mr Dust let me choose and I thought this one looked good,' you signed enthusiastically. 'Its a horror movie, and the app says it has really good reviews!'

His expression fell a bit. "THAT'S... GREAT! THE SPOOKY PAPYRUS IS NOT SCARED OF HORROR FILMS! NOPE! NOT ME..." He let out, but it was clear the opposite was true. You couldn't help but feel bad - you didn't want to put on something that would scare him!

"How 'bout ya pick horror comedy? Shoul' be light enough Paps won't freak out," Dust suggested in a whisper to you, and you nodded. It didn't take long to pick out a new movie, and the three of you got comfortable as the screen lit up with its first scene.