snowdin felt quieter than usual, but grillby’s still burned warm in the middle of all that cold. sans sat in his usual spot near the back, slouched deep into his hoodie, a half-empty ketchup bottle by his elbow. he looked worn out in that “yeah, life’s been kicking my ass” way, but he was clearly trying to relax.

undyne was at the counter, knocking back a flaming drink and bragging like she’d just saved the world again. alphys hovered beside her, fidgeting with her glasses every few seconds. toriel sat near the window, sipping tea and pretending she wasn’t checking on sans every now and then. even grillby crackled brighter, tossing sparks like he was entertained.

sans just leaned back and watched them all, letting the noise fill the space papyrus used to. he exhaled—somewhere between a sigh and a laugh—and reached for the ketchup.

“just another night at grillby’s,” he muttered, like he was trying to make it true.