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Language Barrier [Fanfiction]

Pairing: Science x Underfell Sans (scifell)
Rating: Minor Suggestive Themes (+13)

Word Count: 3,926 (21,624 characters)
Last Updated: 5th November, 2019
In a bright room, Edge opens his eyes to find himself sleeping on someone's bed. He notices his ribs are wrapped in bandages underneath his red sweater. Beside him is another skeleton sitting on a stool in a white coat, patiently waiting for his recovery. Edge easily assumes the doctor took care of his health when he was unconscious.

Without warning, Edge remembers himself collapsing on a tiled floor after leaping through a strange dimensional portal. He immediately panics and hurries out of bed, believing the police must have caught him afterwards.

Shortly, the doctor loudly interrupts in an odd phrase. Edge halts before turning his back to him.

"What did you say?"

The doctor replies back in some form of gibberish, bringing confusion to Edge's knowledge. Edge can only guess by the doctor's body language and tone of voice as he's trying to calm him down.

"What the hell are you talking about? Can't you speak English?!"

As he says that, he finally realises the doctor couldn't understand him. The doctor could be thinking or saying something similar, questioning if Edge could understand his language.

The doctor tries to come up with another solution but Edge fails to understand every message. He creates hand gestures as an alternative communication method but his patient doesn't know silent language, expressing lost and frustration. Writing didn't work either because Edge only sees them as weird drawings and using morse code makes it more complicated.

As time passes by, Edge notices the police he recalled back aren't coming. His only trouble is to get across the language barrier between the doctor and himself. He draws his attention to the strange symbols on the doctor's badge.

Suddenly, an idea clicks the doctor's skull and shows him his name tag. He points out the first symbol and pronounce it, 'SA' as in 'sign'. The next letter is 'I' as in 'eye' and combining the syllables together, the doctor says his name with his finger pointing to himself.

"Sai!" The doctor introduces his name.

"Sci?" Edge quickly learns his name to be short for 'Science'. The doctor speaks with enthusiasm and nods his head everytime Edge calls his name again.

Then, Sci points his finger at him. Edge instantly understands it's his turn.

"Edge. My name is Edge!"

"Ejji." Sci is limited to his language's syllables and tries his best to pronounce his name. "Edgy!"

Edge doesn't know how to react after given such nickname from somebody he just met. It's awfully close but nice try. Sci continues repeating his name until the word sounds perfect.

"Edge!"

This time, Edge excitingly nods back. Edge's not known to act nice around people but he couldn't help putting a smile for Sci. He even lend his hand out of his comfort zone so the two can shake hands as they exchange their names one last time.



After learning each other's names, they begin to feel nervous, unsure of what to say next. Edge couldn't get any answer and Sci struggles to explain the situation.

Edge digs out of his pocket to find his phone. He completely forgot all about it and wish he had used it earlier. There isn't any signal from his service but the translator app he installed long ago finally comes to use. Edge rapidly types on the keyboard, inputting a message and plays the language for Sci to listen.

Unfortunately, Sci didn't understand in his first attempt and begins switching every language in alphabetical order. Edge skips English before showing doubt as he scrolls down the remaining list. He jumped into a portal, believing he entered a different world that probably doesn't speak any of the 60 languages.

"Ah!" It took a few more shots to get a reaction from Sci. Edge discovers Sci speaks Japanese. The scientist repeatedly says 'yes' to confirm it once more.

The two are able to exchange their messages with ease. Sci pulls out his phone and adjust his app from Japanese to English. He then explains that he cured his injuries and was shocked by his appearance from nowhere.

Edge replies back with a thanks and says that it was a long story. He's also confused how he ends up in Sci's laboratory as he describes the portal.

Sci apologies that he was the one who created the gateway during a scientific experiment. He brings up the bad news with his inability to guarantee send Edge back home.

But Edge refuses to go back. He would rather be somewhere outside of 'hell'.

Sci grows concern for Edge if he has a family or somewhere to stay. Edge doesn't want to confess the truth and types in what Sci need to hear. He wants to avoid getting him involved in his recent escape without lying by one word, 'no'.

Unsure what to do, Sci considers whatever he should call the police or not. Sci only met Edge and he seems to be a pleasant guy despite his bad taste in clothes. He does looks like a criminal but Sci put those thoughts aside to avoid judging a book by its cover.

Edge types on his phone and ask for his permission to stay at his place for a few days. When Sci asks why and suggests him to contact the police for help, he reacts badly.

Without giving away his true identity, Edge confesses that he's a refugee, looking for a home and scared what his country would do to him once they found out. He requests Sci not to take him away. He even offers to work every chore in return for shelter because he couldn't imagine surviving on the streets alone without any knowledge of their language.

Sci doesn't want to pry anymore personal matters from him. Luckily, he lives alone and Edge could be a good use for an assistant. He agrees to take Edge in under certain conditions. Sci creates a list for Edge and alter some of his words simpler everytime the translator fails to convert certain lines. The rules are basic house standard rules but the most important rule is that Edge needs to explain his story sometime in the near future.

Edge knows Sci is being skeptical about his past but he's willing to tell him, one day.



A week went by, Sci comes home from uni and finds Edge at the other side of the door. Edge tries his best greeting his return in Japanese and Sci appreciate his attempt.

The house looks cleaner than usual and a few rules has changed since Edge enters Sci's life. Sci was harsh on Edge at the first day, he wanted to see how capable Edge is willing to keep his words. On the third day, Sci removed a few things off the list and decided to take turns on the chores. He also teach Edge basic manners and learn more about his world.

One day, Sci picked up a book on his way home and shows Edge that he's willing to learn his language in return for hospitality. The scenario turns out to be a surprise for Edge, he's not fluent in his own language but he's eager to teach Sci English.

Tonight, Sci wants to bring Edge shopping with him. Edge always denies his offer to avoid being seen in public but he couldn't hide forever and finally decides to tag along.

Outside the door opens a new world full of peace. Humans and monsters coexist together as harmony, completely different to Edge’s universe. In his world, monsters were considered 'bad' or 'evil' from humanity. He's never fond of their kind and killed a few to survive.

Fear of being lost, Edge stays awfully close to Sci. He's very anxious of his new surroundings and hears people passing by, speaking in another tongue. Sci feels uncomfortable from Edge tugging his sleeves tightly. He pulls his arm away and grabs Edge's hand instead. It felt unnatural at first but holding hands like lovers seems better than some adult grabbing Sci's coat like a lost child.

Edge knows Sci's intentions aren't bad but he feels embarrassed as he grips his hand tightly. Living with Sci gave him a new light to his preservative. He learns a lot about Sci to know he's a nice skeleton. He could describe him as smart, independent and respectful. Sci often wears his glasses, which makes him a nerd but he looks good in them. Thinking about him makes Edge's mind wandered off from reality and feels terrible for taking advantage of his kindness. However, he would rather be with him over some human or evil being hungry for power.

"Tori!"

Edge snaps his attention where Sci was pointing. He believes Sci said 'bird' in Japanese as it flies off from his finger. He repeats after him before exchanging the word back in English for Sci to learn.

Sci helps keeping Edge distracted by pointing out random things along their way. They entertain themselves while teaching each other new words. Sci continues educating Edge inside a shopping centre for every item he picks up into the basket. There were some words in Japanese sounds awfully close in English, like 'mustard' as Edge takes one out of the shelf. Sci didn't need mustard but he puts it in the cart to treat Edge as they continue browsing through the aisle.

By the counter, Edge can only observe Sci's conversation with the cash register as he hands over the money. The currency is unfamiliar to Edge's knowledge and hopes to learn how much each note and coins are worth in the future. They leave together carrying a bag each on their way home.

Sci volunteers to do the cooking tonight. Everytime he takes out an ingredient, he tries to say them in English. While correcting his mistakes, Edge tries to practice his Japanese as they take their lesson as a revision from what they learned today.

During their spare time, the two sit on the floor and practice their speaking skills. Whenever it's Edge's turn to cook, he gets to introduce his cuisine to Sci as well as learning new recipes from him. Later, they finally found a common interest in entertainment despite the media can be spoken in a different language. Sci borrows some movies from a public library that includes either English or Japanese subtitles for both to enjoy.

Eventually through time, Edge grows familiar with Sci's presence and Sci takes a liking in Edge with his difference. He couldn't believe Edge became his best roommate and how they met is no difference from introducing a complete stranger to be your roommate in Edge's culture. Without Edge, Sci would never thought about expanding his opportunity to travel to other countries or extending his career further.



"Good morning!"

Edge wakes up to a surprise one morning. He couldn't believe how fast Sci improves his English within a month. Unlike Sci, Edge didn't work much but he can understand some phrases in Japanese. He knows the basics like 'good morning', 'welcome home' and 'dinner's ready'.

Before they eat their breakfast, Edge wants to announce an important discussion to the table. He believes Sci deserves to know his past and today feels like the right time to tell after gaining each other's trust.

"What's wrong?" Sci asks.

"I want to explain everything. My past." Edge pulls out his phone and opens the translator app. He's prepared to use it in case some of his words couldn't reach him.

Sci puts down his chopsticks and listens with an open mind.

"Please don't be afraid of me." Edge warns and plays the translator's voice after every sentence he says. "I want to say that I'm grateful for taking care of me. You're a very nice person. Thank you for letting me have the time to finally tell you the truth."

Sci nods and awaits for his answer.

"I'm sorry for hiding my secret. I didn't want you to be involved. I was scared. The truth is…"

"The truth is..?"

Edge pauses for a moment before typing his words in the box. This time, he plays it first before he confess it in his language.

"I am a criminal."

The room falls quiet and Sci looks pale. Edge is afraid to look at him in the eye at first. He let the moment sit for Sci to absorb everything to his mind.

Sci suspected Edge to be one on the day they met but he denies all his assumptions. One of his legs nervously shakes out of fear naturally. A part of Sci hopes what Edge said was a miscommunication in his part. Sci hasn't learn the word 'criminal' in English but in Japanese, it has different meanings. He could mean he's just a delinquent but the word Edge chose is most commonly used to describe killers and murderers.

"Do you hate me now?" Edge asks.

Sci doesn't know how to respond. He says, 'I don't know' in Japanese, which is understandable to Edge.

Edge notices Sci wants to borrow his phone. Sci didn't have his with him and he doesn't want to leave the table rudely. As for Edge, he becomes paranoid with the possibilities that may happen in the next minute. He predicts Sci could call the police on him but he's even terrified of Sci if he doesn't lend his phone, thinking he doesn't trust him. Edge slowly gives Sci his phone with his trust.

Sci doesn't know how to feel after hearing his confession. He thanks Edge for lending his phone before typing his response in the text box. For certain, Sci doesn't hate him in any way. He never doubt Edge ever since he grew attachment to him two weeks ago. He then asks Edge if he killed somebody before.

Edge didn't need the translator to translate his reply. Sci immediately understands what he said in one word.

"Yes."

Cold sweat runs down Sci's spine as he couldn't stop trembling with dread. He continues to press on by giving yes or no questions.

"What?! NO!"

Edge strongly answers back when Sci ask if he's going to kill him. He repeatedly says 'no' to every accusation given. Edge hasn't kill, steal or rob people's lives ever since he escaped through the portal. 'Yes', he feels guilty for his actions from his past, and 'no', he wasn't taught how to live and survive by killing anybody who tries to harm him first.

Then, Edge says 'sorry' afterwards. He apologises for his existence, believing the world would be better off without a sinner like him.

Suddenly, Sci leaves the table with his food uneaten. He excuses himself for asking too many questions and wants some time alone to think about everything as he hands Edge's phone back. Sci walks to his room and locks the door, leaving Edge alone.



At noon, Sci feels ready to come out of his room. He seeks for Edge but he's nowhere to be seen. The kitchen is clean and only a piece of paper was left on the dining table. Sci picks up the note and it was written in English. He couldn't read them all and uses a book to encrypt each word.

Shockingly, Sci stands up from his desk with tears beginning to form in his eyes. He couldn't believe the message Edge wrote to him.

"Sci, I'm sorry for leaving you. I know how scared you were and it's okay to feel that way, I'm already aware how dangerous I am. I was a thief the moment I was born. In my world, I steal food, money and rob people's lives to survive. My kind are not like your people, humans hate monsters and imprison them down below the surface. We 'demons' fight among each other for selfish reasons and I'm definitely one of them. I kill to protect my family but they were too weak to survive on their own. My family were already long gone before we met. My life was hell until I met you. I was on the run one night until your portal created me a new path. You were my second chance in life and I'm happy to be a part of you like a family. I never feel safe holding your hand and the warmth from your cooking. You taught me a lot of things and share me new words in Japanese. However, I believe I don't deserve you and your kindness, which is why I decided to leave. Someday, the world will punish me for what I've done and I don't want you to be in prison as my accomplish. Thank you for everything." signed, Edge.

Sci rushes out of his house and calls Edge's name. With no reply, he calls his name louder. He searches every spot where Edge would be. The shopping centres, game stores, arcades, his favourite restaurant… But he's nowhere to be seen.

Sci is on the vague of giving up but he clenches to hope as his heart aches in pain. He wants to call the police for help but it would jeopardise Edge's identity. He begins asking random civilians if they saw somebody fitting with Edge's description but to no avail. Calling his number would be an option if Sci helped him signing up to a mobile service earlier. He didn't do it until Edge explains the whole truth, along with lending a spare key.

The sun is about to set and Sci has no luck with his search. He exhausted every energy and his feet aches every step he takes. He limps his way home but stops in a nearby park. His body gives up as he cries to himself that he'll never get to see Edge for the last time.

"I'm sorry!" Sci regrets how he reacted to Edge's confession. He doesn't want to go back to his lonely life and he's not ready to move on without Edge.

"No, I'm sorry."

Sci recognise his voice. He didn't get the chance to look at him until he's body suddenly rises up from the ground. Edge bridal carrying Sci with his strength.

"I'm sorry you hurt your legs just to find me. It was stupid of me to run away. I thought it was the right thing to do but I was wrong. I even make you cry as well."

Sci can only pick up a few words he said in English. One thing for certain is that Sci understands how sorry he is before he falls unconscious in Edge’s chest.

"I forgive you…"

Edge didn't taught Sci that phrase in English. He assumes Sci learned it after he received his letter.

The night falls peacefully as Edge successfully carries Sci home. He gently place Sci in his bed and tucks him in. This time, Edge takes care of Sci as he stays by his side.

"Don't leave! Please… stay!" Sci throws out words while having nightmares about Edge leaving him.

Edge digs under the quilt to hold his hand.

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm home now, Sci."



The next day, Sci opens his eyes and finds Edge next to him, holding his hand all night. Edge was asleep until Sci calls his name.

"Welcome home." Edge greets him as usual.

Sci pulls himself to his arms.

"I forgive you, please don't leave me again!"

"It's okay, Sci. I'm here!" Edge comforts him until he feels better. He lends his shoulder for Sci to cry out all his tears from yesterday.

Sci forgives his sins and apologies to Edge properly. However, Edge apologies back and admits his mistakes by taking the blame for everything.

Yesterday, Edge meant everything he wrote to Sci. When he went out on his own, he was hiding in the alleyway like he used to lure strangers in the dark. After grabbing somebody by the shirt, he hesitated to steal their wallet. He saw Sci in their place, pleading for life. He was also reminded of his past how he could spare somebody's life instead of killing them.

His second chance was ruined, if he didn't let the stranger go. His instinct naturally wants blood but he rejects his old habits and wants out clean. He realised he was a fool for abandoning his only family left.

Edge pulls himself back and place his hand under Sci's chin. He asks for Sci's permission in his language. At that moment, Sci realises whatever happens after will be the biggest change in their lives.

During the past month, Sci fell for Edge's personality, charm and humour. His feelings were pushed aside until yesterday. Sci didn't handle well after hearing Edge's past. It took some time for him to adjust the truth. Reading Edge's letter helped Sci understanding him a lot better and the push to his final answer.

Sci finally accepts him for who he is today as he allows Edge to make the first move with a kiss, sealing their commitments for each other.

Edge never got to make up for everything Sci did until now. His first kiss became the only gift Sci could ever have. It was also the best thing he ever steal in his life.



Inside Sci's laboratory downstairs, Edge helped pack their luggage in a suitcase as Sci works on his magic. It's been 6 months since the beginning of their relationship. Sci continues to surprise his boyfriend with his English skills and learns to swear.

As for Edge, he didn't improve his Japanese as fast as Sci. However, he knows basic knowledge through listening. Whenever Sci speaks Japanese, Edge prefers to communicate back in English.

"Holiday is just around the corner, have you thought about where we should travel for the next few weeks?"

Edge thinks about it, "Does it have to be a country?"

"It doesn't have to be a country," Sci operates a switch from his device. "I just fixed the coordinates so we can go to different universes!"

"That's so frickin' awesome, nerd!"

Sci appreciates his compliment and laughs. It didn't take long for a portal to appear in front of them. Sci successfully creates gateways by experimenting around his machine. It was originally meant to be a time travelling machine but opening rifts to other worlds was beyond his success. The device was a gift from Sci's father who was a scientist himself. It was the last invention since his disappearance.

"As long as it's not my universe, I'm fine with anywhere with you!"

"Even passing through another language barrier?"

Edge didn't considered the fact. He was lucky being stuck in Sci's world where it happened to have one of many languages available from his world.

"Okay, maybe we should start somewhere small before we jump into space! Also…" Edge pause and looks in Sci's passport. "I don't have one of those."

"Who says we're going by plane?" The portal vanishes and creates another one. Sci changed the coordinations again to open a different rift.

"Wait, wouldn't that mean we're criminals if the law finds out we travel to different countries from that machine of yours?"

"Then, let's wait for a few more years until you get an actual passport and citizenship. Besides, we will have to fill in a marriage certificate once we marry too."

With the available options, Edge decides to take back his words. He carries the cases along. "Forget it, no need to wait when our little adventure can start now! Let's start with Australia first, they speak English too!"

"That would be a nice idea, Edgy!"

External Links: Google Docs

Comments

  1. This is so cute!! I even got emotional in some parts

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! And damn, it's been ages since I read and edit most of my scifell oneshots, but I'm glad you like it! _(:'3_/L L

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