Chapter Text
It was a gorgeous day outside. The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and you should take this opportunity to go walk around the woods.
Living out in high forested areas had its perks. You got to see plenty of wildlife and the trees just had a calming serenity about them. You could listen to the calls of nature all day as you pace yourself through an older trail that was a bit longer but looped back around to your place. One of your city friends jumped when she took a trail at night. The noises were a bit much and honestly if you don't know what's out there... it is best that you don't take a trail at night. It was unfortunate for her she heard a pack of coyotes and they are creepy when they howl… if you can call it that. They can almost sound like children laughing if the pitch is right and she noped right of the woods.
Can't say you blame her. They terrified you when you were little. Of course when you were little you were just the right size for a pack to try to hunt too. Now they'd give you a wide berth unless you were wounded. Sneaky little opportunists and the farmer near you has problems with them actually luring his dogs to be killed more than anything.
The bigger predators kept them in line though and would push them out of the area. Now that you thought about it... you haven't heard a coyote call for a few weeks now. It means there is something bigger in the woods. At that thought you quicken your pace a little. If you live near the great outdoors you go prepared to do battle with them, if you have too, but you'd rather it not so speed walking is fine… as long as it's not a cougar… that attracts them.
Yet you hear the birds nearby chirping and playing so merrily and they can usually spot something before you. So you let go of that fear and let their tune ease you on down your path. Then the gentle stream and the flowing water as it hits the rocks that lie further down. Talk about a place of meditation. You decide to do just that. Finding a nice big rock near the stream to sit and just mellow. Shutting your eyes and just being at peace for once from the fast pace of life.
Basking in the gentle glow of the sun through the dense foliage of tree branches above you. A nice breeze keeping you cool and serene.
You start to hear the forest chatter die down a bit and know that you should be going. It means a predator could be nearby and so you find a big stick in case you need to scare something off… rather than use what you have hidden away to harm.
Yet… you've made it to your house without seeing a single hint of anything that could do you harm. A nice walk today and maybe you will do it again soon.
You see the sun setting in the distance and stretch your limbs before going inside… completely unaware of the slithering form watching you from the treeline.
************
A skeleton peers out. Flicking its forked crimson tongue, past it's shark like teeth, in your direction. Its expression not that of a predator stalking its prey but merely inquisitive of the human female he followed.
A scar over one of his eye sockets that blazed with magical slitted red pupils. He dared move forward towards your home, taking in your scent as he went.
Revealing his lower half to be a long and majestic ripple of black serpent scales and ecto-muscle. A fierce monster of ebbott has appeared far beyond its territory. Perhaps in search of new lands, new food sources, or perhaps… a nesting ground to find a mate.
Going as far as to come up to your very door to take in your scent… the monster's eyes dilate and a rumble emanates from deep in its chest. Quickly it begins to rub its scales on your door and porch and anything else near your home.
He's begun to mark his territory. A rustle in the bushes nearby and he is off for the hunt.
********
Waking up the next morning was a bit of a drag. You had to go to work and having such a wonderful day off yesterday… only to be ruined by paperwork and crass customers.
Sighing… at least they were on the phone and not in person. Getting ready and then eating before you left… placing your dish in the sink you noticed that several of your bushes near your backyard had freshly dug up dirt when you looked out the window.
It was odd… perhaps a groundhog had gotten into your yard? Considering the size of the dirt mounds.. it couldn't be moles.
You would have to deal with it later. Grabbing your keys and walking outside only to stop in your tracks at the dead rabbit that was on your welcome mat. Horrified at the scene that was before you as you had no cat or dog to leave you...presents… it must've tried to get away from something and sought refuge on human property.
Disposing of the body over into your garden to give it a proper burial when you get back… that is unless nature reclaims it by other means.
Work was its usual affair but something did catch your ear. Some co-workers were talking of reports of monsters being seen outside of ebbott. Not that it bothered you as Ebbott was still a good few states away from where you lived… but what would cause monsters to suddenly want to wander beyond their borders?
********
The rabbit lay discarded as rubbish… the mamba lamia was stumped. It was a fine specimen to present to a female… perhaps she just wasn't hungry.
He wouldn't allow it to go to waste and decided perhaps if this enticing female already had enough food… perhaps a courtship display. After all humans weren't good at picking up scents or she would've known another has entered and claimed her territory… unless... that is of course she sees him as a worthy suitor. He should still at least make his presence known and that he isn't a rival.
Sans couldn't believe his luck finding such a beautiful forested area outside of ebbott. Plenty of food in the woods and a good water source. He had been scouting a good nesting ground when he saw you.
Just making your way through the forest without a care in the world. Your scent pulled him along as it was simply amazing. You were in season.
Yet there wasn't another's scent on you… so you hadn't been claimed or mated… honestly he didn't understand how pairings worked with humans. Lamias mated for life but he's heard tales of some humans doing that and that not the case for others.
It was something he didn't understand. Having a life partner meant more territory and protection… and well of course there's also sexy times but then that also means family. More little lamias around to strengthen and forge strong territories.
Mates defended each other and helped each other. Sans was here to find his suitable life partner and he believed he did when he saw you basking in the warm glow of the sun.
Your scent alone had him hooked but when he saw you at peace sitting on that rock… he melted. You were absolutely gorgeous.so at peace your very soul shone through and sung to him a beautiful melody. He knew then he had to have you or die trying to woo you.
Yours was a good soul. One he had not encountered before among your kind. Usually the young ones still had good souls but as they got older… they were tainted in some way. You had kept your soul genuine to its nature and allowed it to breathe under the apparent stress you seemed to be relieving.
As your future mate he would see to it that he could shoulder some of that stress for you. Not about to let his mate face this world alone.
Then when you got back to your nest you moved your body on display for him. Surely you must know you've hooked a prime specimen for a suitor? Sans liked what he saw and how limber you were as you stretched your muscles.
Now… what should he do for his physical reveal? Does he not want to come on too strong or would that be how you'd like him?
His black scales shimmered in the sun as he basked to gain energy. Sans was going to need it.
********
Finally home after a long day. Stepping out of your car you stretched… you saw something black glimmering on the asphalt of your driveway. Picking it up… you didn't know what it was. At first you thought it a thin piece of glass but it reminded of a scale but it was too big for anything around here.
It was beautiful and almost had a purple sheen to it. Pocketing it as a nature treasure you make your way to check and see about the rabbit from this morning.
Then check out what was up with those dirt mounds in your backyard. When you got to your door there was a cluster of berries sitting there. All of them you recognized to be edible but they were mostly medicinal.
What bothered you more was the fact that you had more of those scale like…. These were scales…
You bound into the house and close the door swiftly. You had no idea what the hell was that big to have scales so huge… you weren't afraid of snakes or lizards but if one was big enough to swallow you whole… that was a different story.
As you focused on locking the door you didn't notice the shadow finish slinking up your stairs. You try to process this the best you could. Maybe there is a monster roaming about… you hear they can be fierce but some have been known to be curious. Rather than attack they often just inspect then leave things alone when they were done.
Trembling, you decide the best bet is to see about territory markings just to be sure. Sure enough, online was plethora of knowledge and you think you know what you've got lurking about.
A lamia monster. Due to the scales you've found it is one called a Mamba. Family name Sans. There are different types under the same family. Some venomous like this one apparently was… others solely constrictors.
So… somewhere nearby you have a big half snake *pulls up picture* SKELETON!? That is highly venomous.
No pressure.
You try to read more but you pale. The Mamba and King Cobra were highly aggressive and territorial… yet… that didn't account for the rabbit… or berries… were these housewarming gifts to new neighbors?
This had you stumped… there wasn't much information on them other than how to avoid contact, type, and if they were venomous. Just how dangerous were lamias? Though you were being given what seemed to be peace offerings you didn't want to lower your guard.
You heard a loud thump come from upstairs that startles you…. You weren't alone in your own home.
Slowly you creep up towards your stairs and see impressions in the carpet that show something large slithered it's way up.
You didn't want to call the police and make this a problem. You're sure by the presents left for you that the monster wasn't trying to pose a threat. Yet being in your home uninvited he was posing one very big one.
It could be a cultural difference.
"H-hello?" You squeak out. Feeling miserable your pitch could even get that high you cough and try again only to freeze seeing you didn't need to.
The Lamia is now at the top of the stairs, peering down at you and you can't get over how long he is… you can't see all of him.
Frozen as he looks you over then he seems annoyed that you are just standing there. Before you can blink he is down the stairs and before you. You know you're trembling. He's way too fast for you to defend yourself.
He lowers his height to bring his face to yours and you instinctively flinch and close your eyes… you don't want to see the end coming…. But it doesn't.
Instead you feel his tongue feather tap you lightly on the nose. Slightly cracking an eye open you see him looking puzzled.
Opening your eyes knowing he hasn't decided to strike helps embolden you. Seeing you relax slightly makes his stern concern evaporate and he grins those shark like teeth with glistening fangs at you.
Shuddering at the thought of those ensnaring you as a snack and flinching back when you hear a growl… only to realize… it's not a growl… it's a rumble deep in his chest that you recognize as a pur.
"TOOK YOUR TIME GETTING HOME. I WAS GETTING WORRIED." He plainly states as if he knew you and you were housemates.
"COME SEE THE PREPARATIONS I'VE MADE TO OUR NEST." You could only stand there in shock as you processed this…. Did he just say Our?!
Before you can even ask what he meant you find yourself being carried bridal style up the stairs and to your bedroom. So many red flags are waving as he approaches the sanctity that is your private bedroom.
Opening the door you are stunned to find flowers and not tossed about but in delicate floral arrangements in reed crafted baskets and vases. Your bed has just about every pillow and blanket you own in what looks to be a well crafted and comfy… nest.
To which he is quick to plop you down in the middle of and watch you sink in… to his utter delight.
"NOW MY DEAR, IT'S TIME FOR THE SHOW." He states then starts to sway, flex, and play strike at invisible enemies. All the while shooting furtive glances at you and ramping them up a notch.
"Wait, I… I don't understand." You are so lost, confused…. Not exactly scared as he doesn't seem interested in hurting you but this being in your home and bedroom… slightly.
He pauses his performance almost instantly and about deflates.
"WAS IT MY DISPLAY? THE NEST? OR WAS MY OFFERINGS NOT TO YOUR LIKING?" He seems thoroughly heartbroken and you feel bad for the monster that broke into your home.
"All impressive but I'm afraid we've reached a cultural barrier… I don't get what all this is for…. I mean I don't even know your name." You reassure him of his talent and see him perk up.
He cocks his head questioningly.
"I'M COURTING YOU… ISN'T IT OBVIOUS? DO HUMAN MALES NOT ALSO GIVE GIFTS AND DO GRAND POSTURING TO SHOW OFF THEIR PHYSIQUE AND PROWESS?" Now you know your blushing. This monster saw you as a potential mate.
"Oh! Well um… kinda? Typically we try to introduce ourselves and go on romantic outings called dates… to gather information from one another to see if we are compatible. There are some guys that display themselves in order to get a conversation started to set up a date…." Your babbling but you see he seems to be dedicated to listening to the process.
"Look… I don't even know how you knew I existed." You start but his eyes lit up into beautiful crimson stars.
"I SAW YOU IN THE WOODS. EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU TOLD ME YOU WOULD BE A GREAT MATE BUT IT WASN'T UNTIL I SAW YOU BASKING IN THE SUN… THAT I KNEW YOU WERE PERFECT." He recanted almost dreamily which had you flustered.
You should be mad that he stalked you and broke into your home… but you can't find it in your heart to be angry with him. He has been genuinely nice and can’t help that something you’d consider invasive was something natural for him.
"What makes me so special?" You ask… knowing you are blushing brighter than the sun,
"WHY YOU ARE CLEARLY A WOMAN WHO KNOWS HER NATURE AND ARE ALERT. YOU ALMOST CAUGHT ME A FEW TIMES WHEN YOU LOOKED AROUND. YOUR SOUL IS PURE AND IT SUNG FOR ME WHEN YOU BASKED UNDER THE SUN. TRULY INSPIRING… AND… YOUR SCENT… IS POSITIVELY INTOXICATINGLY ADDICTIVE." He puffs his chest out.
"But that doesn't tell you anything about what I like or my favorite places." You frown.
"NO, BUT YOUR SOUL TELLS ME WHAT KIND OF PERSON YOU ARE… AND I LIKE YOUR QUALITIES. MY NAME IS SANS AND I'M A MAMBA LAMIA. I'M HIGHLY VENOMOUS BUT ONLY WHEN I WANT TO BE. WHEN I'M IN HEAT THAT VENOM BECOMES AN APHRODISIAC SERUM TO HELP MY POTENTIAL MATE THROUGH IT. MY INSTINCT TELLS ME I'VE FOUND MY OTHER AND I'VE GONE INTO NESTING MODE AND WISH TO PROVIDE ALL I CAN. MY FAVORITE THING IS PATROLLING MY TERRITORY AND INSURING THE SAFETY OF THOSE I HOLD DEAR. MY LIKES ARE HUNTING AND KEEPING THINGS NEAT AND TIDY.” He goes off on an informing tangent while still striking several poses for you.
In a way it makes you giggle. He’s still trying to impress you and if that means trying to do things by what he assumes is the human way… then so be it. He’s going to do so at hundred percent. Yes this gruff looking venomous skeleton snake monster was positively endearing to you.
He’s hoping to sell what he’s got and really he’s not bad looking now that you take him in. In fact he’s pretty exotic to you but there’s that sliver of mystery that makes it enticing to try.
“How about we go on a date and see how it goes? eh Sans?” You weren’t about to just say yes and sleep with the monster on just meeting. Even if there was something about him that was luring you…. Wait what’s that thing he’s doing with his tail? It’s almost hypnotic the rhythmic way it undulates and slides across the floor.
Oh. So that’s part of his game eh? Trying to hypnotize you even into agreeing into a relationship with him. So he’s done deciding you were the one for him? He could just tell by your soul.
Well… you would give this monster at least a dating chance.
“DATE? THIS IS A YES TO MY COURTING?” He seems ecstatic but you hold up your hands.
“This isn’t a full on yes to being a mate. This is me asking to get to know you more before making any rash decisions. I wasn’t exactly prepared to be wooed you know? In fact I’m a little intimidated…” You watch as he instantly backs off hearing you could be potentially scared of him.
“BUT YOU ARE INTERESTED?” He almost asks sheepishly with a slight ruddy hue appearing over his cheek bones.
You shyly nod and he seems overjoyed.
“I KNOW THE BEST PLACE FOR THE DATE TO COMMENCE!!! THE ROCK YOU WERE BASKING ON… I WANTED TO BASK WITH YOU… BUT… I DIDN'T WANT TO SCARE YOU… I KNOW THAT HUMANS MOSTLY FIND ME SCARY." He's getting brownie points for looking so sweet then shy after that display.
The only thing about that is how do you tell everyone you'd be dating a monster… Would Sans know about getting groceries? Maybe knowing to not attack the mailman?
Would this be too different that it's difficult?
You hear the TV come on and look to see your curious new friend with the remote.
"I MUST ADMIT THIS HUMAN TECHNOLOGY IS A BIT NEW… BUT I LIKE A CHALLENGE!" You don't have to explain small details as he quickly figures things out for himself… and how best to apply them…
Maybe dating a Lamia could work out.
"Soooo… Sans?" He looks at you with vibrant hearts in his sockets…. That… that made your heart flutter.
"If we decided this as a trial run of sorts… what would you call us… relationship wise?" His grin widens at your consideration.
"WE HAVE A WORD JUST EXACTLY FOR THE PURPOSE FOR BEFORE MATES." Raising his chin in pride.
"Yes?"
"DATEMATES." He smirks.
"... so you guys do date?" You question.
"ONLY WHEN THE MORE FAIR AND BEAUTIFUL MATE TO BE WISHES TO MAKE IT A CHALLENGE. AS THEY ARE HIGHLY DESIRABLE TO OTHERS. I'M LUCKY SUCH A BEAUTIFUL FEMALE HAS ALLOWED ME FURTHER PURSUIT." this is making you blush… but the look on his face…. He means it. Not just fishing for some brownie points.
He gives up his big bravado form to ask you shyly.
"SSOOO...DATEMATES?" Asking you for your permission to step up your relationship.
Giving him a thoughtful look and a warm grin.
"Yes, Datemate." You could have laughed for the way he practically vibrated from head to tail in pure joy.