Secrets Are Ba(n)d

Part 24: Back on Track

Breathing, he had to focus on breathing, had to focus on the coat around his body and the mask around his face. He'd be caught if he didn't, he'd be arrested, he'd be-

Breathing, he was breathing.

Amidst his paranoid fit he'd finally found himself in front of the shop, shoving himself through the door before anyone could recognize him. Not without a stumble, the rabbit woman looking up at him with familiar frustration.

"Do ya even know what time it is! You cant go bargin' into places-" She scolded, only to redirect her tone as his trembling frame stood awkwardly in place.

"Are- are you okay fella?" She decided on instead, her voice falling to a comforting volume.

Papyrus hardly caught his breath before speaking, standing as straight as he could to rid any suspicion on his mental state.

"I'm alright, ma'am. Thank you for asking," he responded in a low gratitude, turning to the busy shelves before he could think himself into another pit. It was hard enough keeping his costume when he wasn't hyperventilating, he was smarter than to panic.

"Take yer time then, sugar. Say-" she paused, realization blooming in her eyes,
"You're that singin monster! The one on Mettaton! See I ain't his biggest fan or nothin, but you guys do a hell of a job up there!" She ranted, sheepishly clearing her throat midway through. She obviously didn't mean to pry, Papyrus knew he'd do the same if he saw his favorite celebrity.

"You bein in my shop- it's a real treat!"

Papyrus clenched a fist beside himself as his magic struggled against keeping his form, sending her a courteous nod to keep his manners proper.

"We appreciate it," He responded as he took the cheapest items from the clearance shelf, knowing he'd blown much of his budget already with his little outburst.

"My sister is a bigger fan than even me, you guys say lotsa the stuff monsters are too scared ta," The shopkeeper complimented further, the encouragement admittedly helping Papyrus amidst his attempts to stay distracted.

"We're just speaking up for those who can't, there isn't enough of that right now," he explained as he picked through chip selections, avoiding any and all MTT brand ones. He'd memorized all their flavours now, and the novelty wore off quickly.

"Yea, don't I know it. I hear some nasty things here sometimes, hell, I used to be nasty myself. Someone just.. inspired me to change for the better," The rabbit woman spoke, almost like she were talking to an old friend, the energy inviting Papyrus to do the same.

He thought of her like that long ago, she used to kick Sans out from her place after he stole a few buns. It wasn't his fault, they were starving, but she probably was too back then. Papyrus worked his pelvis off for weeks to convince her he was worth giving a second chance, even then she still seemed skeptical. But she did, and Papyrus was ever proud he believed in her enough to change. He wondered if she missed when he'd spend a fortune on supplies for his battle body repairs.

"I'm sure you've done the same for others," He spoke after a breath of silence, placing his pile of cheap items on the counter.

"You.. really think so?" She asked, shock painting her face, moreso when she saw the way he cleared her cheapest shelves. She thought on it for a moment, Froid barely getting his G out before she interrupted him.

"This ain't gonna fuel the Underground's next star now is it? Pick out somethin' good for ya," she chuckled, placing his items in a tattered bag one by one.

"I.. I don't have the money for anything like-"
"Oh nonsense, knowin' you won't pass out on stage is payment enough. Hurry up now, I ain't got all day," she insisted, laughing, placing the bag on the counter without even opening the register.