Secrets Are Ba(n)d

Chapter 8: Phantom Friend

Papyrus took a sip of the soda offered to him, the drink cold against his teeth, but soothing on his magic. Soon, his stamina returned, and he took in his surroundings.

The room was on the smaller side, with a computer on one side and a fridge on the other. Three books were lined up against one of the orange walls. "It's just.. frustrating!" The skeleton ranted semi-quietly, waving his arms carefully, the ghost nodding every now and then. "I'm supposed to take care of my brother, train for the guard, which I doubt is even going to happen," his tone bittered, "and find an entire band? It's exhausting! And now I have a target on my head, I'm sure."
The explosion of emotion started as a half-hearted explanation to his state, but soon turned into a full on vent. In a way, it was freeing, talking without a filter. "I'm sorry to rant, you've dealt with more than enough enough of me, I'm sure," he sighed, shifting to get up.

"No.. wait," napstablook hesitated, barely above a whisper. "It's ok.. you don't have to leave.." he tried his best to sound slightly more confident, the shake in their voice slightly giving them away. "I.. understand how you feel. It can be.. difficult dealing with family.. and friends.." His ghostly eyes seemed to wet a tad, Papyrus instinctively wanting to comfort the small monster. "We're sort of alike, huh?" Papyrus held his knees, careful of the bruises. "It's... nice to know I'm not alone, " he smiled. He could have sworn he saw the ghost smile too, just slightly. "You said.. you needed a band? Do.. Do you like music? That's a stupid question.." The ghost shrunk, fading a tad. "Hey, it's not stupid!" Papyrus' energy returned, energy he hadn't felt in a long time. And it seemed the ghosts energy got stronger too, becoming less transparent. "I do like music! Though.. it's kind of a secret." he scratched the back of his skull out of nervous habit. "I.. like music too.. I make my own." "REALLY!" Papyrus accidentally shouted, the two both wincing at the sudden volume. "I make my own too!" He added, both their demeanors lightening as the conversation went on, "what.. kind of music do you make?" "mostly emotional things, though I'm a bit stuck at the moment" "On.. what?"
Papyrus thought for a second, before making a decision with a smile. "Can I use your computer?"

The two stood, not saying a word as the recording played. "That was.. you?" The ghost almost had a sparkle in their eyes, while Papyrus stood fiddling with his scarf. "I'm sure it's not nearly as good as your work, but it's what I could do at the time" he anxiously blurted. "It's.. really good" the ghost said in awe, looking from the computer and back. "Did you.. make the costume too?" "Make is a strong word, it's mostly old things from the closet, I'm usually much more fashionable when given the choice" he said half posing to show off his slightly dirty battle body. "The lights are fantastic.. you're one of the top contestants!" they congratulated with a bounce, quickly returning to their timid stature. "I-I am?" The skeletons jaw hung in disbelief(haha), "yeah.. it was really original compared to the others.. are you going to the second show?" "Of course! If.. if I still have time that is" His voice shrunk, a pit of anxiety forming in his ribs. "you.. don't have a song?" "I was half way through one, I've barely got the lyrics!" He moped, flopping to the ground dramatically.

"I.. I could help.. only if you want" the ghost whispered."You mean it?" Papyrus lifted himself from his pity party, a matching sparkle in his eye-sockets. "My songs aren't as good as yours.. but I'll do what I can" "Oh thank you Napstablook!! Youre an absolute soul saver" he half-shouted, flailing his arms in excitement. The ghost smiled slightly, bouncing in time with the skeleton. "Th..thank you.. I'll do my best"

After some chatter and excitement, Papyrus was finally able to walk without getting dizzy, and therefore decided to go home. Not without a lot of dread and worrying, mind you. 'What will Sans think about my state? Has he even noticed I'm gone?' His head rushed as he said his final goodbye. The walk home was generally peaceful, minus the many times he had to ask for directions, and the awkward stare at the damage left by his 'battle,' he got through it with little problem. And once he trudged through the piles of snow, the hard part began. The door creaked like usual, the familiarity comforting even for just a moment, until two pricks of light shone from the dimly lit living room. "YOU KNOW THAT SCARES ME SANS" he half-jokingky scolded, pulling at straws for any chance to lift the mood.

"yeah, yknow what scares me?"

"..WHAT?"

"when my brother starts attacking monsters.
disappears out of no where.
Did I mention all the bruises yet? Because the bruises are fucking scary too."

904 words
(OOOH I LOVE THIS CHAPTER, I'm so excited to pick out a song that fits Papyrus AND Blooky! Also, have any ideas for names for these guys? I'm thinking something like blooton for napstablook! Let me know what you think, see you next chapter!)