Days continued to pass peacefully. You'd relaxed considerably around Grillby. The bar was starting to feel like your safe place. You were taking orders again and even conversing with the customers a bit. The door bell chimed. "Welcome to Grillby's, please have a seat and someone will be with you shortly." You called out to whoever entered. "Thank you." That voice. That cold, cold voice. And that scent. Chemicals and ozone. "E-excuse me please." You turned and headed to the back, trying to act as normal as possible, but you were panicking. You were in danger. The boys were in danger. Not. Safe. Not Safe. "hey [Y/N- what's going on?!" You scooped them in your arms and went for the bathroom. Just hide. It will be ok. You dumped them in the bathtub and closed the door, locking it. "what's wrong..?" Sans whispered. "He's here.." You growled, backing away from the door.

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Papyrus wasn't happy to be locked in the small room with no stimulation. He tried to be loud, hoping Grillby would help, but Sans covered his mouth. "shh pap, we are playing the quiet game." He didn't like the quiet game. You were crouched on the toilet seat, ready to attack if he tried to break in. You pulled out a notepad and pen. "Here, play with this. Don't eat the pen." You whispered to the smallest. He was more than content to do that. You heard Grillby call your name a few times, making you tense. What if the Royal Scientist heard him? Did he even remember your real name instead of (First Initial) [F/I]-3? With any luck, he didn't. Grillby called out to the boys, something that the doctor didn't know, and left the bar. Did he think you were out there? In the forest? Now you felt even more on edge. Being alone in the same building as the doctor was never good. You looked to the boys. Sans looked horrified. "He won't get you, I promise." You whispered to him quietly. "I won't let him." You turned back to the door for another bout of waiting.

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The hours ticked by and Papyrus grew bored once more so Sans tried to get him to take a nap. Your muscles were stiff from being crouched in the same position, but you didn't dare move. The door leading outside opened and closed. Then the door leading to the back did the same. You waited. You draped your duster over the boys as they slept. Took of your gloves and hat. Your claws could definitely do more damage, after all. The door leading into the back opened and closed again. The footsteps approached the bathroom. You prepared to lunge, lips drawn back in a snarl. There was a knock on the bathroom door. "[Y/N]?"
"Grillby?" He sounded afraid, worried, and hopeful. You sounded afraid. The flame elemental released an explosive sigh. "Have you been in there all this time?" Now he sounded deeply relieved. "Is he still out there?" You didn't dare move. "He? He who?" Grillby asked. "The skeleton in the lab coat."
"No. I closed down early so I could find you and the boys. Are you in trouble?" You ignored the last question for now, releasing a relieved sigh of your own and puddling onto the floor. "[Y/N]?" He sounded worried again. "I am here and yes, the boys and I are in danger."

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You eventually left the bathroom, though you were on high alert once more. Your muscles were happy to be in use again. The knock had woke the boys, so the boys were building a puzzle together. "Should I be concerned for your well-being?" Grillby asked, choosing his words carefully. You sighed deeply. "You know those abilities that harm me? I.. didn't always have them. The skeleton in the lab coat.. he.. forced them upon me." Alarm ran through Grillby. "You-"
"Not just me. All three of us. I escaped with the boys, and we're in hiding now, until that thing stops searching." I bared my teeth. "Stars help him if he finds us first." Grillby's hands balled into fists. "How revolting. How could someone do that to another!" His fire built up, but he was quick to control it and cool down. "That man will not get away with this, [Y/N]. I promise." You blinked, bewildered. Your soul skipped a beat. What was this?