Falling down (closed)

[HelianthusPetals]

Papyrus couldn't help but let a little grin crack through on his face. So the human was civil, not only that, they actually appreciated the nice things he did for them. Unlike his brother, that ungrateful bastard. And he just couldn't get enough of that smile that the Frisk human had. It was a nice change from that sweaty, nervous, shit eating grin that his brother always wore. He watched the human solve the simple puzzle, and felt his grin grow a little more. Did they enjoy his amazingly crafted death puzzles? It seemed so. He stepped over the spikes and walked towards the human.


"Congratulations on your first successful puzzle solution, Frisk human!" He gave what he hoped looked like a genuine grin, it probably looked like a smirk instead. "I'll be guiding you around to the next puzzles, for your protection." That sounded far too amiable. "Not that I won't be killing you later!" Better. "Some monsters don't value the art of a FIGHT. They would slaughter and torture you. I'd at least give you a noble end."


He hoped the human would understand, and maybe if they appreciated his graciousness they could have a meal of his signature lasagna before he killed the human and that annoying flower thing. The skeleton resolved that he would make sure that the human wouldn't meet an unfortunate fate by way of his puzzles before their final duel. Surely this human was good company!


It was a shame they had to die...

 

[UneFlaneuse]

"Frisk?..."


"Yes, Flowey?"


"I don't like the way this guy is smiling..."


Although they kept their mouth sealed after their companion voiced out this statement with a whispering voice that could only reach Frisk's ears, they felt the same: this grin intimidated them, and not because it felt malevolent in any way. If Frisk hasn't known any better, they would have guessed it's the skeleton's attempt of making a kind gesture. But it couldn't have been so, not when he repeatedly reminded them he was going to kill them at the end.


Still, this wasn't enough to break the human's spirit. In fact, it encouraged to keep going, gave them the determination to try their best and have Papyrus change his mind. They also enjoyed solving this puzzle, and it seemed like Papyrus, too, was contained.


"Thank you!" Frisk widened their smile thinly. Despite the threat in his words, the monster facing them was fairly affable when he said he'd guide you to the next puzzle. They exchanged a short glance with Flowey, who sighed and nodded to show he trusted their decision, before they rushed their steps to get closer to Papyrus. They might have been gullible to think that, though they trusted Papyrus was righteous enough not to get them into any danger, not without warning them in advance. "You're right," the human added, encouraging this thought if only to go on the safe side, "you're different than the other monsters. You take your opponent seriously and challenge them. You're... very intelligent."


It came out as a flattery, so much that Flowey himself rolled his eyes, but they meant it. While the other monsters bluntly attacked, without thinking first, Papyrus carefully studied his opponent and had them facing a series of puzzles first. Was it fair? Frisk would argue it, wanting to avoid any type of a violent confrontation whatsoever, yet, it did indicate on virtues Papyrus had in him. Would they get to see more of those? They hoped so.

 

[HelianthusPetals]

The skeleton gauged the human's response to his words. It seemed as though the human was on the same page as him. Excellent! As he walked towards the next puzzle he noticed the human and that flower conversing. How annoying. He hated that little disrespectful thing more and more. Approaching footsteps resounded as Frisk sped up to walk next to Papyrus. The human...agreed with him? Of course they should agree with me!





It was still nice of the human to say that and, what was that? An added compliment too? If Papyrus wasn't confused about his thoughts of the human before, he certainly was now! Intelligent? What a kind thing to say... The skeleton never got compliments. Never. This Underground just wasn't the place for kind words like that. He could feel his magic flowing to his face. How embarrassing. The red magic barely tinged his cheekbones pink once more. He hoped it wasn't too noticeable, what with the human standing so close to him.


"Thank you, Frisk. You, ah," How was it so hot in this damn frozen wasteland? "You are quite intelligent as well as tenacious." The human deserved something, something. He had to show his appreciation for this human, the first decent person he'd ever met! Maybe after the human grew weary he could provide hospitality? Maybe...


This human business sure was complicated. They soon arrived to the next "x" and "o" puzzle, it was in the shape of Papyrus' face.


"If you need a hint, I'd be willing to help you, but this is a simple one."

 

[UneFlaneuse]

This time, neither the human nor Flowey missed the pinkish hue tincturing Papyrus' sharp zygomatic, as briefly as it lasted. Flowey kept his lips sealed, not sharing his opinion on the matter though his expression clearly suggested he was baffled by the skeleton's reaction, while Frisk was elated - through something which was, for them, as simple and natural as giving an honest compliment, they could almost reach him. Sure, they would need much more than this to get there; nevertheless, they were going the right way.


Stunned by the cordial words they were rewarded with, Frisk was left stunned. Flowey himself aligned his stem, eying Papyrus skeptically upon hearing him. Courtesy was one of the rarest characteristic in the Underground. It was one thing having it displayed by an outlander such as Frisk, and something completely different, seeing it coming from someone like Papyrus, who, better than anyone, should have known how such traits were seen. Was it a good sign, or rather a warning? For Flowey, it was hard to tell. However, for Frisk, it was a good sign.


"Thank you, Papyrus," they said with obvious, honest gratitude. They didn't believe they deserved to hear such words, and they did not take the fact Papyrus said them for granted. "You're most ki-..." they held themselves just in time, stifling the word before it was slipped through their lips. No; Papyrus wouldn't have appreciated it if they said it, they were certain. "...honourable."


The next puzzle was more complicated from the past, but not impossible. Once again, Frisk carefully measured the distance from the button to the row of spikes waiting at its end. It as a greater distance this time, and the snow was thicker. Gulping, they turned to Papyrus, "do I have fifteen seconds to get to the spikes, too?"


There were a several ways to tackle the puzzle. Frisk failed their first few attempts, always getting a few of the tiles wrong. After the fourth time they had to refresh the puzzle, they turned to Papyrus once more.


"Would you, please, give me a hint?"

 

[HelianthusPetals]

Damn. It was so obvious that Frisk noticed. Curse his gracious and amazing heart! Hopefully the human appreciated his kind words. Oh, it seemed that they did. Honourable? They called him, honourable? He could feel a genuine grin spreading on his face. Finally! Someone recognized his terrible greatness! It was a pity that he had to kill the human... Maybe there could be an exception made? NO! What was he thinking! the human had to die! He had to escape this fucking trash heap of a town with his brother! But, this human was nice, and he wasn't sure how many other nice humans there were out there. Maybe... Maybe he would kill them later? Frisk will certainly be killed! That's still on the agenda! Just... later.





He had been so entangled in his thoughts about Frisk that he was jolted when he realized the human wasn't next to him anymore. He tried to put on his best scowl as he watched the human try to solve the puzzle, but it was hard. No one really appreciated the hard work he put into his death puzzles! And the human was getting exponentially better at puzzle solving! They still seemed worried about the spikes though... It would ruin his reputation if he told the human he wasn't going to kill them today! He grunted, still trying and failing to scowl.


"Just this once, I'll extend the time to thirty seconds. Only to account for the unprecedented extra snowfall! Because I am gracious and honourable! Nyeh heh heh!" He just loved the sound of that. Honourable.





After watching the human fail quite a number of times, they asked for a hint. Well who was he, as great and honourable as he was, to deny such a simple request? And for such a worthy rival!


"It's easiest to solve this puzzle by starting at my wonderfully terrible smile!" The skeleton was in high spirits! This human was the best company he'd ever had, ever. Surely after braving all of his puzzles the human would be willing to pause and head to his home for a complimentary lasagna dinner!

 

[UneFlaneuse]

Curious as for how did Papyrus take the scant adulation they picked to grant him with, Frisk glanced at him from the corner of their eyes, catching the toothy grin which widened upon his face. As daunted as they were by the skeleton, this smile, they figured, adorned him well. The more they thought about it, the more convinced they were of their initial view of Papyrus - in his core, he was a good guy, who only needed recognition. Frisk could provide him with that.


It especially encouraged Frisk to know their kindness was appreciated, daintily. Fifteen more seconds were given to the total count they already had for once they press the button and pass past the spikes were fairly enough for the human; they could have made it within this given amount of time, and Papyrus knew it. Raising their head off the puzzle, Frisk glanced at him, indebted. "Thank you, Papyrus," they said.


"You shouldn't have thanked him," Flowey commented in a voice only audible to his companion's ears, as soon as Frisk turned their attention back to the puzzle, "didn't you hear what he's constantly been saying? He's going to kill you."


"I believe we've hurried to misjudge him," Frisk replied as they stepped over a several tiles. They did quite a good progress, it truly seemed like they were going to pass this puzzle, when they found themselves trapped between two, already marked tiles. Not that it dropped their spirit; they simply skipped over one of them, ready to try again.


"Thank you for the hint!" they flashed a short smile at Papyrus. They did try tackling the puzzle from the bottom part which vaguely resembled a mouth; they failed the first try, though if they were taking the same path, avoiding their previous mistake...


...voilà. There, they've made it. Content by their success, they pressed the button, quickly advancing towards the spikes. Despite the distance and the snow which threatened to sink them in it, they did it; they solved the puzzle and they safely made it to the other end.


"It was a challenging one," they concluded, heaving in relief when it was finally behind them. "I liked this puzzle... sir. It was well-crafted."


Lowering their gaze at Flowey, the human took a deep breath. Knowing what they were about to do next was risky, hazardous, it was inescapable. They lifted their eyes to meet with the skeleton's, "I... know you need to kill me, but... I don't think I'm fit for battle, not right now. These puzzles... they sure tired me," they added with a short, nervous chuckle.

 

[HelianthusPetals]

The skeleton couldn't have expected the exceptionally positive response to his hint. A thank you?


"You are quite welcome, Frisk human." He looked on as the human tried the puzzle a few more times with his hint guiding them. They failed a couple more times then succeeded! He had to smile when the human lowered the spikes and quickly dashed across the pointed threshold. Oh? The human speaks once more to him. Another compliment to his puzzle? This human was simply fascinating! And... unbelievably thoughtful. They think my puzzle was, well crafted? Now how was he supposed to be asked to kill such an articulated human! He looked down and immediately was met with a pair of eyes. Big, beautifully lit up eyes. Wait... no! Not beautiful! Just... fascinating. The human was tired, well that wouldn't make for a good battle. THis human was exceptionally bright.


"Of course! We may retire for the day. I shall lead you to my fortress in town where you may rest." He smiled at the human. "But you can't be permitted to watch the journey, I'm afraid. Can't have you escaping." He removed his scarf and looked decidedly away from the human, oh he hated exposing his cervical vertebrae like that. It made his zygomatics flare up like like nothing else. "I'll blindfold you with this. And don't worry," He spoke softly. "I would never kill an opponent too weak to battle."

 

[UneFlaneuse]

Frisk didn't even try hiding their relief when their request met with understanding, rather than the displease they were wary of. They heaved a sigh, allowing their shoulders to drop as they kept their glance lifted at the other while he was talking to them.


They didn't lie when they admitted their weariness. Neither them nor Flowey could tell how long has it been that they were wandering around for a little rest: hours, surely, without counting the time they spent in the Ruins, of all the reloads that didn't make things much better. When Frisk first fell, Flowey warned them they shouldn't trust anyone, that this was a world of kill or be killed; just as Flowey himself was a proof that it wasn't necessarily so, they felt the same for Papyrus - that they could trust him, at least with this one.


Albeit wary, Flowey knew it, too. Which was why he didn't protest when Frisk nodded with agreement, simply slithering himself to the human's arms, hiding his face to their shoulder.


"He won't be looking," Frisk confirmed, gently pressing their hand to the back of the flower's head. They noticed the red hue dabbed over his bones again, their glance briefly flickered over the skeleton's vertebrae which were hidden from their sight thus far. They lifted their eyes again to meet with his', "I know... I trust you."


Turning their back to Papyrus, Frisk closed their eyes, ready for him to blindfold them.

 

[HelianthusPetals]

Papyrus was relatively glad. This human didn't seem to put up a fuss at all. In fact, they were rather compliant. They even forced that annoying little flower to abide by his rules! How thoughtful! He noticed Frisk's attention shift to his vertebrae, the gaze didn't linger thankfully. It seemed this human, trusted him. Despite the dangerous puzzles and the demeanor of all other monsters, they seemed to think that he was different. Worthy of trust. Intelligent. Honourable... The words swirled around in his cranium. This human surely was staying alive at least for a few days more, at least until he could figure out what emotions were constantly being evoked when they treated him so nicely.


He was grateful that the two turned away from him, because he just couldn't quell these unfamiliar feelings. He hadn't smiled this much in a day since he was a little kid! this was new! And he sure as hell was exhilarated by the newness of his emotions.


"Thank you, Frisk." He spoke softly, but his tone was different. It sounded almost like Sans used to when the brothers were smaller. Back when his smile wasn't shitty and his attitude wasn't atrocious and his eating habits were at best, a little odd. Back when he was shorter than Sans and they would walk around Snowdin hand in hand. He gently tied the scarf around Frisk's eyes, sure not to get their hair caught in the knot he tied. He gripped the human's arm, but not enough to cause any injury. "We'll be going now."


He hummed and looked at them for a moment. This was entirely a bad idea. If Sans could recognize Frisk as a human, who knew who else would easily recognize them. They needed to cloak the human's look somehow! He searched his pockets for a disguise. He always had one handy in case of a human emergency! Aha! A diabolically stylish cowboy hat! It matched the color scheme of his outfit! He put the hat on Frisk's head. "Nyeh heh heh! Perfect! Now we can go." He kept his hand gently around Frisk's arm, keeping the brim of the hat tipped low, to disguise the blindfold, and together the three walked together into the cold, dreary town of Snowdin.

 

[UneFlaneuse]

To make the matter certain, the human's flattery did not come from any pitiful wish of dragging their last moments longer - how could they expect staying alive, with Papyrus being as clear as he has been about his intentions? No; Frisk's words were honest. They were like that from the beginning, an outright opposite to everything the Underground seemed to represent, whether they were aware of it or not. The answer was likely to be the last, being far too innocent to this place.


The human smiled at the thanking, that should have been such a natural thing to do perhaps in another lifetime. By the sound of Papyrus' voice, they could tell something in him changed for the better, that the ghoulish pretense he was so eager to amplify when they first encountered, begun to crumble. They preferred it this way, this different, mellow side of the skeleton which they begun seeing. In fact, they liked him this way and they were inquisitive seeing more of it.


Feeling the object placed on their head, Frisk moved their hand up, tracing their finger over it. Their smile widened at once at the recognition of it and a brief, soft chuckle, slipped through their lips; a cowboy hat!


"Thank you for that!" Frisk said. They could have guessed the reasoning behind it; the Underground was a hostile place for a human, and even being seen around someone like Papyrus, it wasn't making them completely safe from troubles. "Does it suit me?"


They didn't resist I when Papyrus took their arm. Keeping their other hand protectively wrapped around Flowey, they willingly followed, trusting the other to safely lead them through their destination without saying anything, neither doing anything that might have raised anyone's suspicion.

 

[HelianthusPetals]

He couldn't help but smile at the human's little giggle. It was kind of... cute, in a way. Not that I care at all! He was happy the human appreciated good fashion sense regardless of his conflicting inner monologues.


"NYEH HEH HEH!! Of course it does!" He smiled then caught his emotional bearings and scowled. He couldn't risk any abnormalities in his demeanor. That could ruin his chances to study this interesting human more! As they strolled through the dreary town, Papyrus couldn't help but feel kind of happy that this human was so compliant. Not causing a scene really helped with navigating without raising suspicion. The locals barely knew each other, due to the hostile nature of its citizens, so getting through the town was a breeze because no one recognized each other. Soon enough, the two had reached Papyrus' cabin at the edge of the town. He led Frisk inside and closed the door behind him. Papyrus was thankful for once of his brother's disgusting habits. He would be out late, as usual, at Grillby's.


Papyrus gently removed his scarf from Frisk's face as well as the hat. He quickly put his scarf back on and felt a little less vulnerable immediately.


"You can open your eyes, Frisk human. We're inside now, and my brother won't be home for a while. You'll be resting in my room with me, unless you'd prefer the shed outside." He smirked a little at the thought while walking towards the kitchen. "I believe I have some leftover lasagna in the fridge, or if you'd like I could make some fresh." That was just crossing the cordial line, he was sounding dangerously friendly. "Not that I care that you eat my delicious freshly made food! I just would like for someone besides me to eat it; Sans is always at the bar drinking mustard and eating fries." That was a little better.


Papyrus stepped in front of his stove, donning a "Kiss the Cook" apron that matched the stylish color scheme of his clothes. He began to work on cooking the fresh meal for Frisk. This would heal the human! One couldn't fight very well on an empty stomach, or a stomach not filled with delicious gourmet food! He hummed a little as he cooked, that calm serene feeling taking him over, cooking was just so relaxing!


"You can watch television if you'd like. Mettaton's show is pretty good, even if every episode is mostly garbage, sometimes it has its golden moments." He leaned and watched Frisk from the kitchen as he continued cooking his dish. Papyrus couldn't explain the feeling in his chest, it was nice. Having someone over like this, someone that complimented him and actually gave a fuck about the gestures he made. Whatever emotion it was that kept coming back to him, he liked it immensely.

 

[UneFlaneuse]

Widening their smile at this confirmation, Frisk found themselves growing more and more fond of the monster which frightened them so much at the beginning. How could this be any different, with Papyrus constantly giving them reasons liking him? They continued tracing their fingers over the hat for a bit longer, studying its shapes, before letting their hand drop and be held by Papyrus. With Flowey quietly pressing his face to their chest and Papyrus marching by their side, the long, sharp phalanges clasped around their arm with surprising delicacy, they felt good; safe, even. Why would they make any scene when they feel like that?


Even when removing the scarf from their face once reaching their destination at last, Papyrus was careful with them, not to tug on their hair by accident or causing them any discomfort. While the human didn't comment on that, understanding he would rather prefer keeping the atrocious disposition he's attempted to show by far, they appreciated it.


They opened their eyes, slightly detaching Flowey from their body so their companion could do the same as they scanned their surroundings. The house was much different than Frisk had expected: very clean, if they turned a blind eye to a few socks lying every here and there, and had the most minimal choosing of furniture, making it somewhat of a hostile place; if not for the kitchen to give it more of a homely feeling, the human would've felt as if they were taken into a doctor's waiting room.


"I don't want to be a bother," they blurted, turning their glance back to Papyrus. Biting their lower lip, they made a few steps towards the kitchen, watching Papyrus from a small distance while he has begun picking the ingredients needed for the meal. "If it's not a problem, Flowey and I can stay in your room. Right, Flowey?"


The flower monster was clearly not content with this. Even so, one had to be blind not to see the change in the skeleton's nature, and Flowey, too, would've lied if he said he'd prefer staying in a shed rather than a proper room. "That'd be great," he confirmed.


Although staying in the livingroom, Frisk had a clear view on Papyrus and his position in the kitchen. They saw him putting on the apron - a notably likable choice, they had to admit to themselves - and watched him starting to work on the meal. They sent a brief glance at the tv, considering that option, and settled their eyes back on Papyrus, gingerly stepping further, into the kitchen.


"Will you mind if I stayed here and helped you?" Frisk asked. "Or I can just watch, I promise I won't say anything or interfere if that'd be a problem."

 

[HelianthusPetals]

So the human already had staying in his room in mind? He smiled a bit, this human was exceedingly bright! They practically had the same brilliantly terrible ideas!


"Then your living arrangements are settled! I'm glad we're on the same page, Frisk human." It was feeling harder and harder to want to kill Frisk so soon. Papyrus could feel the human's eyes on him from the living room, he had an odd stirring of pride in his chest. The human was watching him cook! No one had ever expressed interest in his cooking! The skeleton's ego was already severely inflated thanks to Frisk's words, this was just icing on the cake for him. In his high spirits, he was more than happy to impart his vast cooking knowledge to Frisk.


"Well," Papyrus pretended to ponder for a bit, he couldn't be too nice to Frisk after all. "I suppose I could use a sous chef. You can help if you'd like, but the weed stays out of my kitchen." He glared at the annoying flower. This kitchen was his sanctuary and he wasn't about to let that crude flower desecrate it. He glanced at Frisk for a moment. "And if you are helping, I keep an extra apron hanging on the wall."


The feeling that curled in his ribcage was indescribable. The skeleton tried in vain to keep up his surly demeanor, but it was impossible at this point. He was going to cook with someone! A helper! Someone who isn't a shitty lazybones like my brother! This was most certainly going to be, at least, the most enjoyable dinner he would ever make.

 

[UneFlaneuse]

Allowing a small sigh of relief slip through their sealed lips, the human replied the statement with a thin smile. If Papyrus was glad, then it was a great news both for them and for Flowey - meaning they could stay alive for a little longer, perhaps enough to find the next SAVE point that will assure their efforts of the past several hours will not go in vain. More than that, however, Frisk was happy hearing this merely for the knowing they made Papyrus glad; something in him, in his personality, in his passion towards the things he cared about... it intrigued them.


Despite the skeleton monster's attempt of making his words sound as a result of deep, calculated mulling rather than having his agreement coming from the goodness of his heart, Frisk knew better. They could tell how eager Papyrus was to allow them into his kitchen and let them stand to his aid, and it thrilled them.


Their spirit transiently fell at the other's demand of clearing Flowey off the picture, if only for as long as it would have been taking them to prepare the meal. Being inseparable since their meeting, the human's reluctance was only to be expected. Clutching Flowey closer to their chest, as to shield him from harm, their glance travelled from Papyrus to Flowey and to Papyrus again as they hassled with their own thoughts and hesitations.


"...alright," they said eventually. Dropping their shoulders, they lowered their glance to Flowey, "it won't be taking long, and I will be right here, alright?"


The qualm of their decision was clear in the human's expression, which had the flower monster replying with an averse, yet an understanding glance of their own.


"Alright, Frisk," he replied with a quiet murmur, "just put me on table so I can have a look at you."


With a nod, Frisk did as the other requested, granting Flowey with a short smile. Picking said apron from its hanger, Frisk put it on and joined Papyrus while rolling up their sleeves. "I'm ready, chef," they said with a smile. "How do we start?"

 

[HelianthusPetals]

"Nyeh heh heh! Excellent!" This human really knew how to be obedient! That bothersome flower was finally out of his sight, too. This was a terribly perfect turnout for his first day finding a human! He was really going to miss them when they died, not that that was happening today! Heavens no! Today they had to prepare a savory dish! Maybe even tomorrow too! He glanced over at the human then quickly back. The Frisk human looks rather nice in my apron. He smiled a softer kind of smile ever so briefly at the sight. Damn it. He could feel this human making his tough exterior crack at the seams! He cleared his throat. Come on Papyrus, focus on the task at hand!





"I have all the ingredients ready and the oven preheated. I'll leave you in charge of the noodles." He stole another glance at Frisk and smiled at her. "It's not a difficult task. Boil the water, then salt it and put about," he pondered a moment, "twenty noodles in the pot. I'll start on the sauce." Whatever this was felt so very nice to Papyrus. He liked the stirring he felt in his soul when he saw Frisk wearing his apron and he loved the fact that Frisk obeyed him over that stupid flower.


As Frisk prepared the noodles, Papyrus got out the water sausages for the sauce, there wasn't really any kind of meat Underground. He slowly cut and diced the sausages with a sharpened bone. The cuts were neat and precise, only faltering when he stole glances at Frisk. He made, or at least he tried to make sure, that Frisk didn't catch him in the act. He poured the cut "sausages" into a pot with pre-made sauce and set the stove heat on simmer, it filled the kitchen with a delicious smell. Papyrus was the picture of someone who was absolutely relaxed and... something else. He didn't really know what. He stirred the pot and used about what had been plaguing him since he had met this intriguing human.

 

[UneFlaneuse]

Albeit not feeling quite content with Flowey being parted from them, Frisk felt alleviated by the fact he was still close enough to observe them from his spot, and that they too could see him if only they glanced over their shoulder, at the table. With Papyrus being content with this solution, they couldn't complain nor could they ask for more: not only did he let them live for a little bit longer, he allowed them into his house and was about to serve them with a meal, treating them as no else but a guest. The human was grateful for this, even if they couldn't translate it into proper words.


Sensing the glance lowered at them, Frisk lifted their eyes at Papyrus, granting him with a small smile. The skeleton monster might have shown a sullen face for most of the time, yet, Frisk was determined to bring the best out of him. Has he not subtly showed them kindness already, through his actions this far? The graciousness was already in him, he just needed some help pulling it out.


"The noodles? Got it, chef," Frisk gestured with a theatrical salute, followed by a short titter as they begun heating the water. "Some salt once the water boiled, then twenty noodles. I'm on it, chef!"


Whether twenty noodles were truly enough or not, Frisk didn't argue. They counted said amount, salted the water right when it boiled and gave it a short stir to make sure the spice dissolve before adding the noodles; as soon as they softened, Frisk stirred them lightly, making sure to repeat it every now and then, to prevent them from sticking.


"Is it looking good, chef?" they asked, turning their glance at Papyrus, right when the other snuck a glance at them. They widened the smile they flashed at him, taking a step back as if to invite the other to come closer and check. As they did so, they took a moment to inhale the smells wafting from the simmered pot and through the kitchen, "the sauce smells delicious, chef."

 

[HelianthusPetals]

The human was more obedient than the majority of anyone Papyrus had met. Even Sans. Especially Sans. He felt to contented that things were going his way, despite his runaway emotions regarding the human, Papyrus was at peace. He stirred the sauce while mulling over his day. What a day it was. He was the happiest he had ever been.


Papyrus had finally, finally captured a human! And quite a fine one at that! He was sure that his human was of the rarest breed! They were just so smart and eloquent and quite lovely in his opinion. There was no way in hell Frisk's soul wasn't plated with gold and encrusted with jewels! Every time Frisk had called him 'chef' he could feel his ego and his happiness increase tenfold. When they accidentally locked eyes, he enjoyed staring into Frisk's. They were such a rich color, like his cooking spices. And oh did he love Frisk's little smiles and laughs. They felt so valuable! They weren't heavy with malice or regret like the deadbeats Underground! Frisk's smiles seemed alive and they were a little intoxicating for Papyrus to say the least. He wondered if he should wait for another, less refined human to fall down, and just kill that one instead.


Ah, they spoke again, another compliment. His soul tittered a bit.


"Thank you, Frisk. I take pride in my sauce, it's what makes the meal after all." Papyrus had the fleeting thought to replace Sans with Frisk and just use his brother's soul to break the barrier. He snickered to himself. What wishful thinking. Sans's soul wasn't strong enough to be a human soul. Not in the slightest.


Seeing that Frisk was done, and they seemed to be beckoning him to check on the noodles, Papyrus walked over to check on how the human did. He poked one of the noodles with his finger for consistency. He smiled proudly, Frisk had done excellently, as expected.


"A very adequate job, Frisk human. But I can't say I'm impressed, you tend to produce adequate results when I give you tasks regardless. You obviously are a very cultured human, this cooking is probably old hat for you." He patted their head once, gently, and began to put the noodles in a small dish, layering the sauce in between. He finished then sprinkled some cheese on top and put it in an oven. He, unfortunately, didn't have fire magic to cook with.


"Now we wait a few minutes and dinner will be served." He removed his apron and hung it back on its hook. "I'm sure you'll find it absolutely delicious." He glanced and Frisk and smiled, he wasn't sure how long it had been since he had so much fun cooking; or smiled so much in one day for that matter. He hated that he was getting soft, but it felt almost inevitable around Frisk.

 

[UneFlaneuse]

Through the skeleton's gestures, Frisk could tell that he was content; that they were doing well, maybe enough to have him convinced to let them stay alive for just a little longer than this night, to maybe have him as an ally... a friend, a concept alienated to this world which Frisk had become more and more determined to introduce to the monsters living there, or at least to Papyrus.


The more time they spent with him, the more they grew to like him. They could, without a doubt, see there was a great potential of goodness in him, just waiting for its moment to burst; a grand bud of tenderness and hospitality which, if nourished properly, could have turned him a better monster, more than what he had shown Frisk - and he already shown enormous change. No, change wasn't the right word for this, Frisk mused as they glanced at the skeleton from the corner of their eyes. Unveiling the atrocious mask suppressing Papyrus' true face.


Yes, this was more like it.


"You should be taking pride in it!" Frisk encouraged him, meaning what they said. The smell was surely intoxicating, making them rather eager to try out the sauce at last. They had seen the somewhat religious adherence Papyrus showed when cooking it, carefully measuring every small ingredient he put inside, nearly putting his heart into it. The more they observed it, the more they learnt to appreciate the skeleton merely allowing them into his kitchen to begin with - this wasn't a privilege everyone could enjoy, they realized, but something which only those seen worthy in the monster's eyes, deserved. Flattery wasn't enough of a word to describe the way the human felt; they were beholden for this.


Looking up at the skeleton, Frisk smiled, proud they did their own, one task correctly. "Thank you, Papyrus," they said, sincere as ever before. They appreciated the compliments Papyrus showered them with as kindly as he did, not expecting such genial words to come from him. "That's the first time I tried cooking anything before, I only followed your constructions."


Nodding, they removed their own apron, which they hung closely to Papyrus' on its hook before claiming their seat by the table. Their smile widened the most it could to the one Papyrus flashed at them once joining them to sit, bringing their plates and setting them in front of Frisk and himself.


"By the way it smells and looks, I have no doubt it's delicious!" Frisk said. Slightly hesitantly, they picked their plate, glancing at Papyrus as if asking for his permission before they picked some of the pasta over their fork, trying it out. They took a bite, carefully chewing the hot noodles as their eyes opened widely, "...wow... wow! Papyrus, it is the best pasta I've ever eaten in my whole life!"

 

[HelianthusPetals]

Papyrus was taken aback at Frisk's response. Their first time cooking? They were a natural! Well, he didn't really have much of a basis for the difficulty level of cooking. He was good at it, but his brother was too incompetent to even boil noodles. Surely they were just humble, a fine trait for such a noble human! His mood was through the roof, he was completely contented and pleased to be with Frisk, even though he would rather that flower be gone.


He took the lasagna out of the oven after a few minutes and portioned them ever so precisely, he placed one on the table where Frisk was and one where he would sit. He smirked. There is certainly none available for that weed. Ah! Frisk was finally sampling his meal! Surely they would love the flavors and textures he had so painstakingly measured and calculated! He was rewarded with the, well, the only compliment he had ever received about his cooking. It was the best they had ever had? And those big eyes were the widest he had ever seen, and oh. Papyrus couldn't help but notice their wider than ever grin.


Could it be? Someone who had quality taste in company had finally found him? He took a bite of his lasagna. How could he, someone so brilliant and honourable, take the life of someone who least deserved to die! He couldn't! Not now that he felt different, different than he had ever felt before! This human was strange and new! A very welcome change in his day, at the very least. Papyrus smirked and felt his face flush, he blamed it on the heat of the kitchen.


"Well of course! I was the one who cooked it, after all. And you certainly did your job sufficiently. Not that you haven't tasted much richer foods on the surface, I'm sure!" He admitted, though his skills were unmatched Underground, an intelligent human like Frisk must dine on surface delicacies every day! "Someone as brilliant and articulated as you must have some type of personal chef after all!" He was so pleased to see Frisk so happy to eat his food and spend time in his vicinity. He couldn't for the life of him figure out why though.

 

[UneFlaneuse]

Little white lies never hurt anyone, right?, Frisk brooded. It wasn't true it was their first time cooking anything at all - they did, they had to. Yet, seeing how Papyrus' face beamed when he heard it... it was worth saying this. Frisk could have done more to help at the making of the meal they were having if only Papyrus let them, allowing him to show more of his talent as a tutor when it came to cooking. Readying the noodles alone was enough, it seemed, and seeing the skeleton monster so content was more than enough to have their own mirth grow.


Glancing over at the portion of the lasagna now placed in front of them, Frisk didn't even think of Flowey, who remained on the table he was put on earlier. He still had the room in sight and could still look at them, and so could Frisk, if they shifted in their chair. Besides, they knew he needed water, not food which he, as a flower, couldn't consume; and they were going to ask for some water for him once they were done, anyway.


Not only the spaghetti was outstanding, the lasagna was just as delicious. Glancing up at Papyrus as they tried it, Frisk stretched their lips in a greater smile, showing him they enjoyed this meal as much. He truly possessed a grand talent, one which, sadly, he didn't have many to share with. Without giving it a second thought, Frisk reached out, placing their hand over the glove covering Papyrus' forearm, giving it a gentle squeeze. They hurried to retreat their hand, "it's delicious, Papyrus. The lasagna is the best I've ever eaten, too!"


Letting out of a short chortle at his comment, they nodded. This must've been true; they never seen or heard of anyone being so precise, so passionate, about their cooking as Papyrus. This must've explained why he was so good at what he was doing. "Human chefs have so much to learn from you, Papyrus. You know, on surface, there are restaurants where they serve portions this small..." to empathise their point, Frisk formed a small circle with their fingers, leaning a bit towards Papyrus to show him, "...and it's called gourmet cooking. I saw it on tv a few times. And some people would pay a fortune for that!"


Giggling, Frisk backed off to focus on their portion, finishing about a half before they continued to speak. "I didn't try anything fancy on surface, those things are expensive." With a soft laughter, they added, "a personal chef? I wish! Even if I did have one, I bet they wouldn't make such delicious spaghetti and lasagna."


It didn't take Frisk long to finish everything. And as they did, they grinned widely at Papyrus, cordially. "It was delicious! Thank you so much for making all this just for me, Papyrus. Really."


Hesitating for a moment, Frisk made a slight, uncomfortable shift in their seat. "Um, Papyrus? May I ask for a cup of water, please? I want to give some for Flowey, he must be thirsty..."

 

[HelianthusPetals]

Papyrus's eye sockets widened exponentially at Frisk's touch and he felt his cheekbones flare up with his magic. Their hand was so soft... He almost instinctively flinched away were it not for Frisk hastily pulling their hand away. He almost wanted to ask them to put it back, almost. He savored their laugh at his witty yet accurate comment about his cooking. He'd never grow tired of the sound, he was sure of that.


He listened intently to Frisk's description of surface world chefs, his flush deepening ever so slightly at the praise. So he was better than surface world chefs? Of course! No one could best the Terrible Papyrus at cooking! And apparently they don't even serve enough to restore any HP! How insolent! Of course, Frisk was brilliant as always to notice this fact.


He was a little aghast at the fact that Frisk didn't have a personal chef. Someone as smart as Frisk should've been at least swimming in gold! He was more than flattered that his meal had exceeded Frisk's expectations. He soaked in Frisk's smile once more. Another sight he'd never get tired of, it seemed. He basked in the extra praise Frisk was granting him, oh this human's presence was simply intoxicating. They had a request? Papyrus was more than ready to accommodate for whatever Frisk might need! Words of absolute consent wo whatever Frisk needed were about to tumble from his mouth, until they said they wanted water for that flower.


When last Papyrus checked, he was the focus of Frisk's attention. That annoying flower had finally been erased from his picture. But he was slightly more reluctant to kill the flower, Frisk seemed to really like him. Papyrus didn't want to break the odd trust Frisk had in him. But he also wanted that flower to starve and die, very badly did he want that. He frowned and was silent for a few moments before sighing.


"Fine. Get the water for that." He smiled at Frisk reassuringly. "I don't mind." He stood and took Frisk's plate to the kitchen and washed it before sitting on the couch and turning on the television. "If you're tired we can head to sleep. You'll need all the energy you can get for..." Papyrus thought for a moment.


Maybe... Maybe he didn't want Frisk to complete his puzzles anymore. As much as he loved the praise, he didn't really want to fight Frisk anymore. He wanted to keep them, like a pet! But... better! He was sure that Undyne wouldn't appreciate Frisk's charm or culinary grace, all that bitch was into was sloppy killing and tactlessness.


"...For what we are going to do tomorrow." There, that was vague enough to give Frisk a pass. He hoped the human wouldn't notice, but at the same time, he hoped Frisk would. He wanted Frisk to see how hard he was working to preserve their life, because for some unexplainable reason, Frisk felt important to him.

 

[UneFlaneuse]

The more time they spent speaking with Papyrus and the more the conversation between them went on, the more Frisk enjoyed the other's company. Despite their initial misgiving which they could only elucidate as the impact of the terrifying land they were in on them, from the beginning, Frisk had a good feeling about him and was proven right with every passing moment.


The ultimate confirmation this monster was, in fact, good in his core despite the façade he was first giving, came the moment Frisk asked about the water. The human was naïve, but not an idiot; they knew very well Papyrus didn't like Flowey, seeing it in every glance he puzzled at him and in the way he spoke to and about him. The skeleton had every right to refuse to this plea, and nevertheless, he acceded to it. Granted, Frisk's smile grew the most it was humanly possible. Unable to find just the right words to express their gratitude, all they could muster was a heartfelt "thank you", as they rushed to the kitchen with him to have a cup of water for their friend.


Heading out of the kitchen and towards the table where Flowey was quietly waiting, with the cup secured in their hand, Frisk stopped by the flower monster and smiled at him, gently stroking one of its petals with their fingertip to lift his spirit. Carefully, with one hand hovering over Flowey's sepals, they tilted the cup towards his lips, allowing him to drink as much water as he needed. Thirsty, Flowey chugged it down, sighing in relief once the refreshing liquid absorbed in his body. He waited for Frisk as the human retreated to the kitchen, where they quickly washed the cup before returning to their friend, offering their arm for him to slid over it, up their shoulder.


Turning to Papyrus who, by now, claimed his seat on couch, the human noted his uncertainty. If he wanted to kill them as he declared when they first met, he wouldn't have given it a second thought, let alone such an equivocal reply as for what would happen the next day. Even so, Frisk was wary of going to sleep. They trusted Papyrus, they knew he wouldn't harm them while they let their guard off; they were afraid of what the next day would bring, despite the unspoken promise of, maybe, living for yet another day.


However... they figured, thinking too much in advance won't be good for either one of them.


Not daring to move from the spot where they were standing, a few metres away from the couch, Frisk glanced shortly at the tv, then back at the skeleton.


"What kind of shows do you have here?" they asked, curious, a small smile toying upon their lips. They were tired, yes, and at the same time, they felt somewhat guilty of having Papyrus to move from a spot where he seemed to be comfortable.

 

[HelianthusPetals]

Papyrus smiled to himself, seeing that Frisk was pleased with his response. His joy from seeing Frisk's face and hearing that sweet and sincere gratitude completely overshadowed the fact that their annoying flower would live another day. He should've suggested that Frisk just got some snow and made the flower eat that! The skeleton snickered a little, that would have been kind of funny. Nevertheless, as he heard Frisk tending to their traveling companion, Papyrus didn't regret his decision.


He flipped the television to MTTV and watched absently. He hated that this and killing were the only forms of entertainment in his trash world. The four-armed, four-eyed, robot danced and sang some tune that Papyrus didn't know. Oh well. At least Mettaton was nice to look at, that more than made up for his ah, macabre acting style. Frisk wouldn't survive if they ran into him. Not even for a moment would they make it out of an encounter with that vapid, cruel, and selfish monster. Papyrus felt uncomfortable just thinking about it. With thoughts of Mettaton his mind wandered to that scientist. He shuddered a little, there was a piece of work. Frisk wouldn't make it out of her lab either.


These thoughts of Frisk in such extreme danger didn't do any good for Papyrus's mood. The only danger he wanted Frisk to be around was his own carefully constructed kind. His puzzles. Poor Papyrus was working himself into a little panic just thinking about all of the ways Frisk could die Underground. Undyne, the King, Mettaton... not to mention all of the locals that hadn't killed each other yet. He decided then and there that he wanted to keep this interesting human safe, they were simply too interesting in this garbage heap to let die! He could bear to just wait for another one to fall underground. That one he would kill for sure!


Frisk's voice broke through his muddled thoughts, a nice sound albeit, a bit far away. He turned to look at Frisk, puzzled. Had Papyrus done something wrong? Why was Frisk standing so far away? He cleared his throat before answering, terrified that any of the panic from his thoughts would show through.


"Underground we have exactly one television channel. MTTV. Starring Mettaton, he's a robot designed for human extermination. His programming is a little..." He searched for a good word to use. " Awful. But he at least looks decent." He turned back to the television. "Any particular reason you're just standing there? You've got all day tomorrow to stand, you know." He sighed and glanced at the clock above the archway leading to the kitchen. Oh how could he have been so careless! It was around the time that Sans would be home soon from that filthy bar...


Uh oh.

 

[UneFlaneuse]

"One channel only? That's... pretty sad," Frisk said. There was some pity in their voice which couldn't be avoided; while they didn't want to commiserate the monsters, coming to understand they surely wouldn't like nor appreciate it, this feeling couldn't be helped. Not only did the humans have the monsters trapped down there many years ago, humans they also enjoyed many tv channels and other such spoils, things the monsters couldn't even dream of. It wasn't fair; the humans did nothing to deserve it. And although the greeting they received in the Underground was... monstrous, to say the least, Frisk could see where did it come from. Being trapped for so long, it was no wonder the dwellers of the Underground became so aggressive towards each other and mostly towards humans.


They glanced at the tv device right when Mettaton stroke a dramatic pose, followed by a flirty gesture for the audience that made Frisk chuckle. Let his programming be as awful as Papyrus said or not, something about this attitude remind them a lot of the many pop stars on surface, improved by the unique design the robot had. Was he really as lethal as Papyrus said? If the human were to meet him, he wouldn't think so, not at first glance. Sure, the second set of arms and eyes could have intimidated them, yet, this robot seemed to have such a great time hosting his show. Could someone like this truly be a killing machine in its core? Frisk doubted it.


"Oh, I..." they started, when their voice died out in their throat. Instead of words, they smiled, stepped closer to Papyrus and climbed on sofa, claiming a seat right next to him. Though Flowey tensed, the human felt completely safe at the other's presence. They hoped Flowey, too, will see the grand change Papyrus had shown both of them, especially if they were both going to steak to him for a while, for Flowey's own sake; they wouldn't want their friend to feel even slightly uncomfortable, yet, they didn't want to force him into liking the skeleton monster. "He looks almost human," Frisk commented as they glanced at the tv. "We don't usually have so many arms or eyes, but other than this, he looks a lot like it."


As if waiting for a call, or a mere thought of him that would pass through Papyrus' mind, the door bluntly opened and Sans stepped inside, a toothy smile smeared wide across his face. "I'm back home, boss," he declared, striving for his sibling's attention for he could both see Papyrus' head peeking from the backrest, and hear the sound coming from the tv. Pulling a bottle of mustard he swiped from Grillby's out of his pocket, Sans bit its tip, was just about to take the first sip while flopping himself onto the sofa when he stopped, glaring at Frisk.


"Is this the human?" he inquired, arching his brow ridge.

 

[HelianthusPetals]

Papyrus felt himself nod at the human's pity. Though he was slightly perturbed, they were right. It was downright pitiful that this robot freak show was the only source of entertainment for those Underground. He felt his chest flutter a bit as Frisk obeyed his command. They even sat right next to him. Frisk was watching the show pretty intently, perhaps such crude entertainment wasn't available on the surface? They seemed to be fascinated by the robot, though he hoped Frisk wasn't too intrigued. He couldn't' lose someone so rare now that He had found them. Papyrus's eye sockets widened a little at Frisk's comment about Mettaton's appearance.


Mettaton looked like a human?? But he was so metal and so flamboyant and so... he shuddered and grimaced. So Mettaton. There was no way any human would resemble that piteous creature, even with less eyes and arms. If all humans were like Frisk, Papyrus would be in heaven on the surface. He surely prayed he wouldn't be surrounded by Mettaton duplicates at least.


"Well If he's trying to look human he's pretty shit at it. You're not nearly that... horrifying to look at." He frowned watching the robot's pupils dart about, only one focusing on the camera at any given moment.


He was about to say more when he suddenly tensed up. Uh oh his brother was back already. Papyrus heard the lazybones announce himself and subconsciously pulled Frisk closer to himself. There was no way in hell he was going to let Sans taint his newfound... special thing. He wasn't sure what to classify Frisk as, but he knew he didn't want Sans around them. He felt all of the joy he had felt being alone with Frisk wash away almost immediately after seeing that shit eating grin and smelling the grease from that bar on his clothes. Sans never stayed home for Papyrus's meals. Not once. And Papyrus was still very much upset about being made a fool of earlier.


"No, you dolt. Can't you see this is a snow poff?" He glared at his brother. "A snow poff with more sense in their pinky finger than you have in your entire body."