Afraid

5: Staying Home

Sans didn't sleep at night. Not a single wink. Instead, the little skeleton had spent most of the night sobbing into his pillow from what he had experienced. He curled up into a ball, wondering what had caused Papyrus to feel like he needed to get drunk in order to be happy. I'll talk to him! Sans thought as he lay on his side early that morning, dark circles having materialized under his eyes due to how stressed and tired he was. Whatever pain he's feeling...I, the Magnificent Sans, will never let him feel it again! I will comfort my bro!

Sans dragged himself out of bed and winced, finally feeling the full extent of the physical pain Papyrus had caused him that night. The injury that Papyrus had hit with the honey bottle was throbbing, so Sans looked at it and poked it with his finger. The area was purple, the bone bruised from the damage it had taken the day before. It was a nasty looking bruise, no doubt, and he wouldn't be surprised if it took a while to heal.

I'll patch it up later! Sans thought decisively. He put his scarf and boots on and left his bedroom, going straight to his brother's room. I know he'll probably be grumpy like yesterday...but I don't care! He clenched his fists, determined.

Since Papyrus's door had been left unlocked, Sans pushed it open and marched over to the side of his mattress, where he was lying spread out on his back with his hoodie pulled above his head, covering his eyes. He was snoring loudly. Sans sighed and curled against Papyrus, cuddling against his poor brother's body. He nuzzled his sweater, pushing his face deep into the orange fabric. He knew he'd have to stay home that day to take care of Papyrus and talk to him about the previous day and night. He refused to leave his side. He cared about him deeply and he knew he wouldn't be able to forgive himself if something happened to him while he was away.

I know you wouldn't hurt me if you were aware of what you're doing, Pappy. Sans thought, although the memory of what he had done last night still broke his little adorable soul. I love you, brother. I want you to be okay.

Sans stayed pressed up against his brother's side for a while until he realized that Alphys was probably wondering where he was. He knew she'd be worried, as it was unusual for him not to show up at a training session, especially without notice. He had only done it once before, which had resulted in her sending a couple of dog guards to track him down just to make sure he was alright. That day he had been in bed, being taken care of by Pappy due to an injury he had received on his way home from training, and had left his cellphone downstairs. When Alphys had found out what had happened she had scolded him, both out of fury and relief.

I guess I have to let her know. Oh, dear, oh, stars! I hope she isn't worried! He scrambled out of Papyrus's bed and his brother didn't even stir a little bit. He quickly and quietly made his way over to his bedroom and picked up his cellphone. As soon as he tapped the screen with a gloved finger to turn it on, he saw that he had been given quite a few texts from his mentor and best friend.

Alphys: Wow, you're late? Woah! This is unlike you! You okay, lil punk?

Alphys: Sans? Punk?

Alphys: You okay, punk?

Alphys: If something has hurt you I swear I'll kill it.

Just as Sans was reading the texts, another text popped up in front of his very eye sockets.

Alphys: K. That's it. I'm coming over there. If you're home you better have a good reason for not replying. If not, I'm going to send everyone to go looking for you.

Sans quickly responded to Alphys's texts, typing as fast as his gloved little fingers could move. The tips of his fingers slid effortlessly over the smooth phone screen.

Me: Everything is fine Alphys!!! Sort of? It's the same thing as yesterday. Pappy is sick and I need to care for him!! I'm kinda unwell too. Hope you understand. I need to stay home!!

Alphys responded almost immediately.

Alphys: K squirt. I get it! Take your time. Don't worry me next time, alright punk?

Me: Okay! I'm so sorry!!!

Sans sighed and put his phone back down, rubbing his skull in exasperation from all the stress. He wanted nothing more than to train with Alphys. He really didn't want to stay at home all day, as relaxing was hardly in his dictionary. But he knew he had to care for his brother no matter the cost. Papyrus had never acted out before and there was obviously something really wrong if he was now. Never before had he ever gotten drunk in spite of his love for the honey that contained alcohol. Sans would get to the bottom of this. He'd do anything to help his brother from whatever he was going through. His soul aches to think that the tall skeleton was suffering.

Sans left his phone on the nightstand once more, treading silently over to his brother's room. Papyrus was still asleep. Sans immediately crawled into bed beside him and resumed curling up into his side. I'm just so sad I didn't notice that he was unhappy sooner! Sans thought sadly as he nestled into his brother's bright orange sweater. He clutched the fabric and closed his eyes, though the short skeleton had no intentions on falling asleep.

I'll stay here until he wakes up! Sans declared inwardly. Then I'll be here to take care of him and get to the bottom of why he has been acting like this! The Magnificent Sans won't let him hurt himself again!