A Second Chance (Papyrus X Flowey/Asriel)

Platonic, or Platoxic! kidding, its gay

"YOU MEAN IT?" Papyrus jumped ellatedly, the joy infecting his goat counterpart as he rattled. "Yeah yeah sure, don't make me regret this." He tried to reply sternly, only getting a sparkly grin in return. "YOU WONT REGRET A THING! let me get dressed and we'll do EVERYTHING." The skeleton spoke in a sing-song voice, rushing for his closet and only stumbling slightly.

Asriel shook his head with a grin as he beheld the situation in front of him. He couldn't help recap the days that had passed over again, it was just an old habit to go through memories with a fine tooth comb. The soul in his chest still couldn't help feel somewhat alien to him, even despite his fuzzy memory of the timelines that had passed. Something so sudden, a change in perspective, something new. he couldn't help the soulful smile that grew on his muzzle, a smile killed so long ago.

"READY!" His train of thought halted to a stop, seeing the bright outfit of the skeleton in front of him.

"You're wearing.." "IT WAS ALL I HAD!" Papyrus cheered, happy to brave the opportunity to wear such an outfit.
The garment in question was typically reserved for dates and surprises, hearts on the shoulder balls and fuzzy accessories adorning his bones. Asriel hadn't seen it in so long he almost forgot it existed, face drooping as he realized he'd be walking in public with it.

"Aw come on it's not that bad!" Papyrus groaned, not appreciating the thoughts he got from the other. "Paps.. how's your vision?" "I DONT NEED GLASSES. If you're such a fashion master, then you pick me an outfit." He huffed with crossed arms, the childish frustration only matching the others. "Fine! If your closet isn't filled with neon costumes." He grumbled, Papyrus giving a glare.

He may not have been able, but he'd so stick his tongue out at Asriel, the idea shared and promptly making Asriel laugh.

Entering the surprisingly small closet, Asriel couldn't help but squint to see past the reflective neons that assaulted his eyes. He could practically feel the hope leaving his body, half getting ready to admit defeat, when he spotted something that didn't hurt to look at.
With some closer examination, a devilish grin took over his expression.

Papyrus sat at his small desk table, arms crossed and now wearing a tank and shorts as he waited. "Hurry up!! We have places to see!" He hissed, leaning into the wood that hardly supported his spine.
"What do you mean places to see, you don't have any plans." Asriel barked back from the closet, stepping out with a tall pile of fabric in his arms.

Papyrus sat up as he saw them, taking a moment to try and remember where those garments came from. "Wh- Those aren't even mine! It was a package that got delivered here on accident." He huffed, crossing his arms. "Why didn't you just return them? ..did you steal them?" Asriel smirked teasingly, The other standing in defense. "I would have! The box didn't have a return address, and they all fit me so-" he paused, "But that doesn't mean I'll wear it!" "You promised! Now get changed before I change my mind, goofball." The royal bargained, recieving a dramatic sigh. "You better not laugh." The skeleton grumbled, taking the clothing and motioning for the other to turn around.

It only took a minute, but still Asriel noticed himself getting impatient. What could he say, he was maybe a little excited to see Papyrus in something a little more classy than 'Jogboy.' "Classy shmancy, that outfit is awesome!" "Just get changed! This cloak is starting to get warm." "Fine, fine, turn around." "You were already-" Asriel was about to quip, when he almost didn't recognize the monster in front of him.
The top was a light brown turtleneck, the neck of which draped against his pale bones in bunches, almost as much as his scarf. As his eyes traveled down he noted the sleek pants, straight and cuffed at the bottom. "It's terrible I know, I feel like a librarian!" Papyrus insisted, though Asriels mind was running in circles. "Whats that look for? Maybe I should change, people might think-" "NO! Uh, I mean, you know, maybe something new might be good! I have to wear this after all." He motioned to his disguise, glad to get out of his head before Papyrus heard any of what had just gone through it. "You really think it's fine?" He almost sputtered, fiddling with his gloved fingers. "Of course! When have I ever given you bad advice?"
"..."
"Other than that time."
"Never!" The now classy skeleton recited, returning to his signature smile as the other internally celebrated. "Let's show the Underground who's back!" "Well hopefully not, but let's go!"

The first obstacle to face would be getting out of the house, though this only really posed a challenge for one of them.

"what's with the long face?" "Hardy har, I just-" the skeleton hesitated, focus going from his outfit to the monsters outside enough to clue the other in. "I already told you, you look great! What's with the sudden hesitation?" He queried, the anxiety basically radiating to him. "It's nothing important! Just, you know, when you feel like something bad is going to happen?" "Anxiety?" "NO! Nothing like that surely, I'm The Great Papyrus! I don't get.. Anxiety" the word felt heavy in his skull, Asriel grabbing one of his gloved hands. "Just.. stick with me, if anything goes really bad you just say the word" he motioned to their souls —or soul— before taking his hand and leading him out the door.

The house was quiet, that is, besides the show blaring on the TV downstairs. "UH, SANS?" Papyrus called down from the top of the stairs, peering down to see his fast asleep brother sprawled across the couch. "Yknow, for such a small monster, he really can take up a lot of space!" Asriel snickered, getting an elbow in the arm from the other, hand still linked. "Dont be so rude, let's just go while he's still in his mid-day nap." He mumbled, this time leading Asriel down towards the door.

Papyrus only had to slide his boots on before the two left hand in hand, not bothering to turn around as they excitedly started their exploration.
Of course, they probably should have, considering the older skeleton brother had been kindly awoken by the remarks the 'dog' monster made, and had watched them from his messied spot on the couch.

"huh, guess he liked my gift after all.

..were they holding hands?"

1175 words
(Welcome to the end of Chapter 12! This one took awhile, sorry about that, but happy new year! Hopefully 2024 has a good story in store for these two. What do you think of the little outfit idea I had for Papyrus? Even if not his signature style, he probably looks great in high-waisted pants. Happy reading folks!)