Swap Bros Shenanigans

Chapter 11: Heartache

A few months after Chapter 10 takes place.
Papyrus's P.O.V.

Sans has been adjusting very well to life with us. Dad's only been up to work a few times in the past couple of months. He's mostly been at home, helping Sans and me. Sans has had much less emotional stress lately, and only one breakdown since that first day of training.

My leg has healed (finally). Sans has been forcing me to stay at home and rest, and today is the first day he's let me get up and be a normal monster.

However, today, something feels... wrong. Dadster's been up at work for a few hours now, longer than he usually is. He does this sometimes, so I'm only a little worried.

Sans and I are watching Napstaton on TV. He's a cool robot and Sans admires him. Sans says he wishes to be like Napstaton when he's older.

Suddenly, the doorbell rings. "i got it, bro." I get up off the couch and go answer the door. Outside, a mailman is holding an envelope. He hands it to me. I thank him and walk off.

The letter is stamped with a royal seal, and it's addressed to Sans and me, not Dad. That rarely ever happens. I open the letter and start skimming. Then, something catches my eye.

I stop. I let the letter fall out of my hands onto the floor. No... no, no! This can't be! He's really...

I don't even know what to do. I go back and sit by Sans. He notices and asks what's wrong. I point to the letter on the floor with a shaky hand. He looks very concerned. He gets up and picks up the letter off of the floor. He starts reading.

"Oh... Papyrus..." he says. I choke back my tears, but one rolls down my face. Sans comes back over to me and hugs me.

He lowers his voice to a soft, calming tone. "Listen. I know how you feel. It's shocking. But, we'll get through this. You're strong. I'm here for you. I love you so much, Papyrus."

"isn't it funny," I say through tears, "i used to comfort you when you would have your breakdowns. now i'm the one who needs comfort."

Sans doesn't reply. "heh, i feel like i'm going to cry my eyes out."

    "Brother, I know you like puns but now really isn't the time."

    "i know, bro." I feel like I could die. Sans is the only thing that matters to me right now. We're still hugging, so I wrap my arms around him. Sans always knows how to cheer me up. It's weird how time has reversed the roles.

"Maybe it would be nice for you to sleep for a bit. I'll come with you," Sans says. I feel kind of tired, so I nod and we go upstairs to our bedroom.

I pull my covers up and close my eyes. Sans is holding my hand as I drift to sleep.