A Second Chance (Papyrus X Flowey/Asriel)

Sleeping Under the Stars

Suddenly the gaps of white and hints of red hidden away made more sense than he'd care to admit.

-Just, uh, showing off.-
-..You're lying-
-I'm lying. I didn't recognize you,- Asriel explained as he walked over, stars fading into light wisps behind him as he got a closer look at the unfamiliar apparel.
"But neither did most of the underground, you scared those jerks half to death," He scolded further, though having a hard time being upset with the aching in his magic washing away with every step closer.

"It's not my fault!!" Papyrus argued, " I tried to explain, but people kept running away! I can't get the straps off by myself." The slump that followed echoed with the sad clacking of metal, and the laugh that escaped Asriel shortly after.

"Oh, you poor thing," he smirked between giggles, feeling the sharp look he got even behind the face plate.
"Where'd you get this anyways? Seems a bit out of your price range, no offense."

"None taken, it was a gift! 01 and 02 gave it to me for helping them realize their undying love for eachother, it's a whole thing." He waved his hands as he spoke, no doubt the same skeleton under the frightening exterior.
"So- you got this super sc-
Super cool armor for it?"
"Yup! Though, I'm starting to think monsters aren't liking the change,"
he stated rather obviously, the sigh of disappointment making Asriel feel the tiniest bit bad for him. Nothing his plan couldn't fix, at least, trying not to think too hard about it in case Papyrus decided to listen in.

"Let's get you home, yeah? Grandog sent me home early cuz she thought I was sick, so I've been left bored all day."
"You're calling her Grandog now?"
"Dogna. Shut up."
"Nyeh heh heh."

.

As much as it hurt to admit that his super-cool new armor was, in hindsight, quite scary, it wouldn't stop Papyrus from enjoying the look as he walked back home. Being beside Asriel helped. Not only helping his image considering his fuzzy doggy friendliness, but the comfort of having him at his side made the spooked glances worth a little less to his delicate emotions. Or, half lack there of.

"Y'know, this is kinda what I expected I'd feel like when I grew up. When I was a kid, I mean," Asriel broke the silence, a little sheepish in the admittance. It took a second for Papyrus to realize what he meant, the pride rising in his chest no doubt visible to the other.

"Are you saying you like this new look? I'm happy to escort you more, your highness, if only you'd told me!" He teased in return, getting an elbow in the side for the antics.

Though, a not very well thought out plan, as his tough outer shell only poked the goat back in a sharp stab that made him bleat in pain.
"Oh stars, are you alright As-" he spoke quickly, barely catching himself with the sight of the tear in his closest friend's sweater.
"It's nothing Paps, it was my fault anyways," The goat monster said without care as he held the sore spot, desperately avoiding the wide-eyed worry he felt radiating off of the other, who no doubt was feeling the sting in their close proximity.

"Keep looking at me like that and you're fired."
An exaggerated sniffle followed, the dramatics at least lightening the mood enough to stop the share of emotions.
"If you say so sir,"
"Don't call me that."
"Sorry, your grace and greatness."
"Thin ice."

Papyrus only realized how long their antics had gone on once home was in view, his brother lazing on the front steps. He'd prepared himself to scold him like usual, the familiarity a comfort, when his brother shot an empty look his direction.

His pupils gone, brow bone furrowed, he didn't blink before his brother was suddenly right in front of them.

"you alright, doggely?" He cut to the chase, having seen the tear in his sweater and already healing damage.