Secrets Are Ba(n)d

Part 23: Sticky Paws and Stuck-up Comments

Papyrus sighed as he weaved through the forest towards town, fiddling with his sleeve out of nervous habit. Another day of practice had come and gone, the songs all almost perfected for the big day, he had almost every reason to celebrate. Yet, the sinking in his chest as he got closer kept his spirits low.

The rehearsals had given him a good opportunity to practice keeping his magic up for longer, but he'd only managed to stay masked for around three hours. Still, he knew it was enough to stop at the store, and he hated seeing his ghostly pal panic at the thought of interacting with others.

His thoughts stilled as he reached the edge of the forest, the one thing separating him from what could get him caught, or worse. With a deep breath, Papyrus summoned all the magic he needed, transforming into Froid within an instant. He stumbled slightly, the drain on his magic feeling worse thanks to the workout that is practicing the songs, but still managed to step into the dim light of Snowdin. He didn't waste time looking around, keeping his head down as he walked towards the shops step after step.

He'd successfully managed to keep his thoughts occupied for most of the trip there, but hearing the laugh of dogs and smelling the strong scent of grease, the ache in his 'stomach' halted all progress.

When was the last time he'd eaten something that wasn't junk? He appreciated everything Blooky had done for him of course, but the diet of a ghost monster simply couldn't satiate such a sophisticated skeleton.

But no, he simply couldn't, what if Sans was there? Or if his magic slipped away without notice, he spoke too loudly or-

He stepped into the warm building, hardly believing his own actions as he found an empty booth to hide in. Had he gone mad? Perhaps, but if he didn't eat his magic wouldn't replenish fast enough, and he needed any excuse to eat something that wasn't MTT brand.
The approach of the glowing fire monster cut off his thoughts, looking at the familiar face with tired sockets. The warmth that radiated off him was welcome, he could almost feel himself lean in slightly before he caught himself.
"Oh, a uh- vanilla milkshake, please." He stuttered in a low voice, hardly having to glance at the menu. Grillby nodded, his familiar hospitality something Papyrus could always appreciate, even if it made him a tad jealous at one point.

Maybe that's why he came into that restaurant, the memories of his old life trying to cling to him any way they could.
Whatever the reason, the sound of the door opening caught his attention, his soul dropping at the sight that followed.
His brother, slouched and tired, shuffling for the bar without a glance at any other monster. His sockets looked empty, like his thoughts were somewhere else, not bothering to greet anyone like he usually did. Papyrus toyed with his gloved hand as he watched his warm welcome be replaced by radio silence, confused by the lack of energy.
He couldn't help watch over the other, looking around the room to see the glares that also followed him.

Only then he realized what was happening, the guilt shooting him like a spear as he looked at the brother of a 'criminal'.

He didn't much like the idea of staying long, already getting his wallet ready to pay, when he heard the familiar snickering of a dog guard he once knew as one of Sans friends.
"Anything good on the news lately, Sans?" He laughed, the rest of the guards at his table following like sheep to a shepherd.
The comment barely processed in Papyrus's mind. Looking for his brothers reaction he expected the worst, only to see Grillby being the only one even looking in the direction. He handed Sans a drink, one he took without a word.

The hurt left by Papyrus' guilt quickly turned to anger, looking in disgust at the table of cackling dogs.
Another spoke now, "Yeah, and how's your brother doing? Nothings exploded as of late!" They feigned ignorance, only getting Sans to shove his head further into his crossed arms laying on the bar.

Papyrus has always been bullied. Mean comments, tripped to the ground, things Sans always told him meant he was too cool for them to understand.
He knew better now, he knew some monsters could be cruel, even if he'd give them another change in a soulbeat, but something about seeing them laugh mercilessly at his brother snapped something inside him.

He stood from his booth, passing a confused Grillby as he grabbed the 'alpha' of the group by the collar. The metal gear was heavy, but Papyrus was strong, hardly breaking a sweat as he lifted the monster all the way off his seat with what looked like ease. He didn't know what he was doing, he didn't like it either, but what he didn't like more was seeing his brother beat while he was down. The dog didn't have a chance to react before Papyrus, or Froid as they all now recognized him, leaned in to whisper into his ear.

"Another word to him and I'll tell the entire Underground about your giftmas present 'borrowing.'"

Papyrus himself only heard the tale thanks to Sans, of whom pitied the dog enough to not tell the Guard, but the shaking guard didn't dare try to call his bluff. he did however dare one question.
"Why are you even sticking up for him?" He tried to sound confident, but seeing the tail between his legs, Froid dropped him to his seat roughly with a loud clank. He looked carefully over the rest of the group, all shrinking under his empty stare, hating the fear he could see in their eyes.

He turned without looking back at the bar, dropping more than enough gold for the milkshake on his booth as he grabbed it and left through the front door. The adrenaline pulsing through him didn't help his quickened breathing, his mind finally catching up to him.

Oh Asgore, what did he just do?

No, he knows what he did.

He proved them right.

1112 words
(Hello readers! I'd like to apologize for such an incredibly late update, with working on my other fic and school I've hardly been able to find time or motivation, but I do hope to update more regularly now! [Even if far apart, sorry.] Anyhow, I hope this chapter is a good addition to a long left behind story, and I'm excited for more to come! Happy reading folks)