Chapter Text
Papyrus had been sitting at his computer for quite a bit of time now. He had a few engineering books on his desk, having taken them from his collection during his online conversation.
Originally, he was planning on checking the UnderNet for a quick moment and messaging the same user he always has. This user was Alphys, which he could tell from the username. Usually, the timings of their messages are very sparse due to poor timing. This time, however, the two were both online and were chatting happily away!
Today, they’ve talked about each others’ posts- which somehow delved into an in-depth discussion on how Mettaton’s most recent film (METTATON: METTATON XIII) showed (and didn’t show) similarities to the baby shows “animes” that Alphys watches.
It was always nice messaging Alphys.
Having an online friend was not a common experience for Papyrus. Of course, he had many many friends offline!!! Very many! But that also means having an online one was the next step in popularity! What would be the step after though…?? Well, he’ll get to that when he must.
In fact, he needs to get to something else right now… what was it again?
Papyrus checks the time on the computer screen (isn’t technology amazing?), and- it’s 3:00 PM already?! Time really flew by! 27 minutes worth of time, to be exact.
Despite how fun conversing with Alphys is, Papyrus really must cook today’s meal for Sans before he comes back home. While Sans is most likely at Grillbys, somehow enjoying the immense grease, he really should eat some proper food when he comes back! He usually doesn’t have the frozen spaghetti in the fridge either, so he must just like it when it’s fresh. Well, he better get cooking before it’s too late! First, though, he should let Alphys know of his online departure.
CoolSkeleton95: I MUST LEAVE FOR A MOMENT. I NEED TO COOK SOME SPAGHETTI BEFORE MY BROTHER COMES HOME!
ALPHYS: oh spaghetti? have fun o/
CoolSkeleton95: I WILL BE SURE TO HAVE PLENTY OF FUN! THANK YOU!
Papyrus shuts off his computer and steps away from the desk, not having sat down prior. As he leaves his room and heads downstairs, he thinks about the new MTT Special that will air tomorrow afternoon. He wonders what Mettaton will talk about- or show. Perhaps he will host another “QNA” where fans can call in afterwards! He can't remember when these ones air, but he does know he usually airs around 25 of them before everything stutters. There's still one left, so one should be coming soon...
Before entering the kitchen, he looks over at Sans’ sock and the numerous notes above it. He sighs, then heads to the kitchen. He already fed Sans’ pet rock, so there was no need to get sprinkles from the cupboards. He checks that off of his wonderfully decorated mental checklist.
He takes vegetables out of the fridge, and uncooked linguine out of the cupboards. Usually, he and Undyne smash various vegetables together to ensure maximum healthiness! To stay somewhat true to what little they know of the surface’s spaghetti, it’s mainly tomatoes included.
Before he does anything else, he takes off his gloves and places them atop the fridge. Odd place, but he knows he definitely won’t lose them there! When training with Undyne, he keeps his gloves on his hands, but he shouldn’t stain his clothing if he’s home alone! He avoids looking down at his hands. It felt wrong to have them uncovered… if only there were some sort of disposable gloves he could use when cooking. Perhaps made of plastic, maybe blue as well. Alas, that seems to only exist in a perfect world.
He takes a deep pot out of the bottom cupboards next to the stove. He walks up to the sink, filling it with water. He then walks down from the sink.
Usually, he turns on the highest possible setting on the stove, but he doesn’t have much to do today, so he can take his time.
After he puts the water for boiling, he takes a cutting board out of the cupboard and sets the veggies onto it. He breathes in- in which he also breathes out simultaneously as he can’t retain the air. No lungs, sadly. At least he can breathe much faster!
He smashes the vegetables, pummeling them into goop. He continues, not wanting any tomato skin to remain once he’s done. Each pound down onto the cupboard fiercer than the last! It was quite therapeutic, honestly.
And then he stops, looking down (and up) at the tomato goop that laid in front (and on) him. His hands hurt now, but such is the price for the best possible spaghetti! No less is to be expected of the Great Papyrus, right?
In perfect timing, the water on the stove bubbles more loudly. He lowers the temperature of the stove and grabs the linguine and drops it into the water. Some of the water splashes onto himself, sizzling and slightly burning. Familiar, almost. That’s alright though, he doesn’t mind all that much.
Usually, he grabs the linguini he had missed on the initial grab, but given the fact he is not wearing mittens anymore, he hadn’t missed any!
As the spaghetti cooks, he opens the sink cupboard for a bowl to scrape tomato sauce into. Whenever Sans is around to witness his cooking, his eye sockets squint a bit at this stage. Perhaps something always coincidentally gets in his eye sockets at this time.
Papyrus scrapes tomato sauce into the bowl gently, as it would make an unfavourable noise if he used more force.
And now, he waits for the noodles to cook.
…
…
Perhaps he should tidy up the area as he waits.
Papyrus grabs two cloths from under the sink, wetting one of them.
He wipes the tomato-affected area with the wet cloth, section by section. He hums a familiar tune- very familiar. Quite the repetitive tune though, it has very few notes. It reminds him of a time he cannot remember, somehow. While he can’t remember the events of the times, he definitely remembers the feelings! Vaguely! Kind of!
Odd tunes aside, he finishes wiping the area and puts the wet- and now red- cloth in the sink. He uses the dry cloth on the area, wanting to fully clear up the counter. Also the wall. And himself. At least the sauce hadn’t gotten on his skull this time! Or maybe that’s a bad thing, had he not pulverised the vegetables hard enough? Papyrus is not one to slack off… preserving energy is a waste of time! Energy is infinite if you just ignore a few rules, right?
As Papyrus ponders on his effectiveness, he puts a bit more force into drying the counter. His hands still somewhat ache from the pounding itself, this extra force amplifying it. Oh well!
Once he is done, he goes back to the sink, rinsing both cloths. He takes a note and pen out of his scarf, writing down,
“
TO ME (PAPYRUS),
PROPERLY AND FULLY CLEAN THESE CLOTHS UPON READING THIS.
- YOURSELF, PAPYRUS
“
He stuck the note to the sink’s cabinet, and turned toward the stove.
There was a familiar crackling noise.
And smoke.
Papyrus hurriedly moved the pot of (burnt) spaghetti and (burnt???) water to avoid further heat and slowly put a lid over it. He was quite lucky to learn this trick not once- but TWICE in his life! The first time… he can’t quite remember, he was younger and quite little. But the second time was when Undyne told him about it. Apparently she had found out from Alphys, which didn’t surprise the skeleton. Somehow he remembered that instead of remembering to stir and check on the spaghetti.
He took the lid off and turned the stove completely off. While the spaghetti hadn’t turned out quite as he hoped, that just meant it was extra crunchy! And he didn’t want to keep Alphys waiting. Was Alphys waiting in the first place though? He wasn’t sure, he hadn’t checked before. Still, he shouldn’t risk it!
He dumped the spaghetti onto a plate, then drizzled the tomato sauce over it. He wrote another note,
“
SANS!!!
THIS IS FOR YOU, IF YOU COULD NOT TELL.
IT IS A BIT CRUNCHY. BUT I ASSURE YOU IT IS THE OPPOSITE OF UNDERCOOKED!
DIG IN!!!!!!
(WITH A FORK!!)
NYEH REGARDS, PAPYRUS
“
Wonderful! Now he just needed to wash the pot that cooked and burnt the spaghetti in.
Papyrus picked up the pot and immediately regretted not putting on his gloves first, dropping it back on the stove with a loud clang. He shook his hands in pain as his non-necessary breath quickened. This is fine, Papyrus is fine. He’s as great as always! A little burning never hurt anyone!
After the pain subsided slightly, Papyrus put his gloves on from atop the fridge. He paused before grabbing the pot handles. He goes up to the sink again, washing the pot as steam arose from it despite the cold water splashing onto it. The water splashes everywhere depending on the angle, onto his battle body, the walls- even splashing right into his nose! Eugh.
At some point, he finishes washing the pot, setting it away. He shook himself, somehow completely dry thereafter!
He heads back upstairs, wanting to check if Alphys, or anyone, had sent anything to him. Receiving the occasional message or comment is always a great feeling! It was quite rare for Papyrus to receive such things in his mail, but surely that was just because everyone must just be too intimidated by his sheer coolness! Because, surely, the monsters around him took notice of his actions and presence, how could they not? He’s the Great Papyrus! He has an outstanding scarf, has constructed numerous puzzles, and even changed the entire appearance of a rock formation. His impact is impossible to not notice, no?
He hopes so, at least.
Anyhoo, as he leans in slightly towards his computer screen (again, no chair!), he notices that he has received new messages while he was away!
ALPHYS: sorry if that came across wrong, u just reminded me of undyne by that
ALPHYS: sometimes when i come over to her place there’s a bunch of red tomato sauce
ALPHYS: well not sauce but it’s like if u beat up tomatoes
ALPHYS: anyways she said that it’s from making spaghetti, that’s why i thought of her
ALPHYS: tbh i’ve never had it now that i think of it. O.O
ALPHYS: i have instant noodles tho so maybe that counts loollll =^.^=
ALPHYS: ok wow that was like a wall of text srry abt that i’ll stop now
Despite Alphys' apology, Papyrus always liked to come across her texts. Especially if they're large amounts of text! Maybe one day she would be less ashamed of it and then they'd both get the best of both worlds!
CoolSkeleton95: OH!! UNDYNE AND I COOK TOGETHER SOMETIMES! I HAVEN’T EATEN IT BEFORE EITHER, BUT EVERYONE SEEMS TO LOVE IT!
CoolSkeleton95: BUT I AM CURIOUS ABOUT THESE “INSTANT NOODLES”. WHAT DOES THAT IMPLY? ALL FOOD CAN BE INSTANTLY EATEN IF YOU ARE QUICK ENOUGH, NO?
CoolSkeleton95: OH AND DO NOT FRET! I QUITE ENJOY READING YOUR WALLS.
ALPHYS: thanks it’s good to know i’m not being too annoying <<
ALPHYS: WAIT U HAVEN’T HAD INSTANT NOODLES B4? OAO
ALPHYS: actually wait i guess that makes sense. they're not that healthy
ALPHYS: anyways the “instant” bit is basically abt how quick it takes to cook it. it takes 5 minutes but u just have to boil it then add seasoning LOL. they’re super easy to get in hotland if you ever wanna try them!
CoolSkeleton95: I SEE! HMM. SEEMS LIKE A MEAL MY BROTHER WOULD ENJOY MAKING DUE TO HOW EASY IT IS TO MAKE. I AM SURPRISED I HAVE NOT ENCOUNTERED THESE NOODLES BEFORE!
CoolSkeleton95: I WOULD LIKE TO TRY THEM. ARE THEY AVAILABLE IN NEW HOME OR WATERFALL?
If these were available in Snowdin, Papyrus would have definitely known. Either from coming across these himself, or from Sans having them. Actually, now that he thinks of it… Sans used to have noodles more often before! He had it quite a lot, so maybe those weren't the most healthy noodles. Perhaps those were instant noodles. This was quite a long time ago, so maybe they stopped being sold in Snowdin. No… that doesn’t sound right.
ALPHYS: ummm idk
ALPHYS: i usually just get them from hotland, definitely not sold in waterfall tho
ALPHYS: they’re really cheap here, like 3G per cup
CoolSkeleton95: OH. WELL, I WILL GET IT IF I FIND IT IN NEW HOME THEN!
CoolSkeleton95: I’LL LET YOU KNOW WHAT I THINK OF IT WHEN I HAVE IT!
The text "ALPHYS is typing…" lingered longer than usual on the screen. Which, to be fair, still isn't very long at all.
ALPHYS: u could just get it from hotland though if you’re not already in new home!
CoolSkeleton95: NO THANK YOU. HOTLAND IS NOT THE MOST FAVOURABLE AREA TO BE IN.
ALPHYS: y not?
ALPHYS: sorry if that's like a personal thing or anything!! u don’t have to share!
Where could he begin?! Each and every part of Hotland feels like it was anti-Papyrus!!! The unneeded conveyor belts, the unconventional steam vents, the annoying lasers, and worst of all… the most horrible, excruciating part…… is…..!!!!!
…well. He can't quite describe it. Just the feeling of being there is like each piece of Hotland is screaming at him. The bright, hot energy below everyone, the dirt-like elevation that feels like it will crumble beneath you at any moment!!!! Horrible, horrible, HORRIBLE!!!
But perhaps he can convey that all sparsely and later on as his online friendship with Alphys grows. It would be quite rude to complain about Hotland to a citizen herself! After composing himself, Papyrus responds.
CoolSkeleton95: DO NOT WORRY. I JUST DO NOT ENJOY MANY ASPECTS OF IT. PERHAPS I AM FAR TOO COOL FOR IT! NYEH HEH HEH!
CoolSkeleton95: YOU ARE ALSO INCREDIBLY COOL. JUST IN A MORE HEAT-TOLERANT WAY I SUPPOSE!
ALPHYS: oh that's fair, LOL thank u =^.^=
ALPHYS: if u live in waterfall or snowdin, u could just come to my lab though and i could give u some?
ALPHYS: or just eat it at my lab i forgot that’s an option
ALPHYS: my lab’s like the first thing u see if u’re coming from waterfall that's why
Well. Papyrus still would rather not step foot into Hotland, but it is quite the tempting deal. He thinks for a moment, not too long of a moment though! A few moments of Hotland should be worth a new food-tasting experience alongside a hangout, right?
CoolSkeleton95: WELL THEN, OF COURSE! I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE INSTANT NOODLES AND OPTIONALLY EAT WITH YOU.
ALPHYS: awesome! i’m free rn if you are, but if not just let me know when you are!!
CoolSkeleton95: WONDERFUL! I WILL HEAD OVER NOW.
ALPHYS: yayyy see u!
ALPHYS: wait i just realized we’ve like never met irl omg
ALPHYS: i trust you’re not like some murderer LOL
ALPHYS: ok that might’ve been weird to say sorry
CoolSkeleton95: I ASSURE YOU I HAVE NEVER DONE A VIOLENCE NOR DO I PLAN TO! EXCEPT FOR THE OCCASIONAL VEGETABLES.
CoolSkeleton95: I ALSO TRUST YOU WILL NOT PUT AN END TO THE GREAT PAPYRUS. WHICH IS QUITE THE HARD TASK ANYWAY, SO DON’T EVEN WORRY ABOUT IT!
Papyrus shuts off his computer. Okay. This is new. This is very, very new. He can think about this new-ness as he makes his way towards Alphys’ lab though, he mustn’t dawdle!
He makes his way downstairs, leaving another note next to his “CRUNCHY SPAGHETTI” note before leaving,
“
SANS (AGAIN)!!!!
I AM OUT TODAY.
I WILL BE FEASTING ON “INSTANT NOODLES” OVER AT ALPHYS’ LAB!
CALL ME IF YOU NEED ANYTHING, OR JUST WANT TO SAY HI!
MANY NYEHS, PAPYRUS
“
He pauses, rereading it. He crumples it up, throwing it into the nearby trash can. He mutters a soft apology to Trashy incase that hurt.
He writes a new note,
“
FURTHER NOTE!
I WILL BE VISITING THE BRILLIANT DOCTOR ALPHYS!
THIS MEANS I WILL NOT BE HOME!
HOWEVER, I WILL BE SURE TO BRING SOME LEFTOVERS AFTER MY VISIT.
I WILL BE TRYING “INSTANT NOODLES” TO FURTHER MY PASTA EXPERTISE!
CALL ME IF YOU NEED ANYTHING, OR JUST LEAVE ANOTHER NOTE!
I WILL LEAVE EMPTY PAPERS ON THE TABLE INCASE YOU WANT TO.
NYEHFULLY YOURS, PAPYRUS
“
Satisfied with this new note, he grabs a few more sticky notes from the inside of his scarf and sticks them onto the table, leaving a pencil there for Sans. He also places a sharpener, just in case the pencil breaks! Sometimes it can feel like a bit of a void in that scarf.
Well, he best get going then! He dabbed a bit of MTT-brand beauty yogurt behind his ear before opening the front door. He always changes clothes in the morning anyway, so there’s no need to change again.
Papyrus’ shoes crunch against the snow. He pauses for a second, unsure of whether or not to go with the river person or to just walk to Alphys’ lab. On one hand, he could take the quicker route and meet Alphys much quicker! On the other, the exercise would do him well… but also the sudden change from a comfortable Snowdin to an overwhelming Hotland would not be pleasant.
Hm. Perhaps he could mix the two options!
He locks his house door, walking over to the river person’s usual spot. He hums an upbeat tune, walking past several monsters who were already talking amongst themselves. His mind is too preoccupied to wonder about what they may be talking about.
Papyrus walks up to the river person’s boat as they hum, “Tra la la. Care for a ride?” He nods, “WHY, YES, I DO! I WOULD QUITE LIKE TO GO TO WATERFALL, PLEASE.”
Despite them being entirely hooded, Papyrus could make out a nod.
“Come along then.”
Papyrus carefully stepped into the boat, not wanting to shake it. He’s ridden in this dog-boat many times, so he wasn’t startled when the boat rose in height and began running.
He was quiet, listening to both the rush of the waters and the splashing of said boat. It always felt rather calming taking these rides, his mind didn’t feel as full as it usually does.
“Tra la la…” The river person hummed, “Humans… monsters…”
“Flowers.”
Papyrus stayed silent.
Soon, the ride stopped as the boat lowered. Papyrus exited the boat, thanking the river person for the ride.
As he steps out of the previous area, he sees Gerson’s shop. Though, he doesn’t really go there often.
Usually, he immediately goes to Undyne’s house after taking a boat trip, but today he’s going in the opposite direction! It does feel quite weird, this is not like his usual schedule at all! He continues on, and immediately stops as he hears a whisper.
“Hey! What are you doing?”
Then another whisper,
“[laughter]”
and another-
“You gotta stay on the-” “Can’t-” “-path-” “-stop-” “-or else” “-me!-” “-you’ll get-” “Those rules-”
The whispers overlap. Papyrus doesn’t want to try to figure out what they’re saying. was… not very favourable. After all, there’s only one type of talking flower for him.
He quickens his speed, covering his “ears” with his hands, trying to ignore the constant noise.
Luckily, the flowers weren’t right along the path, but their whispers could still be heard. It felt… overwhelming. Too much. It felt like his head was filling to the brim as he pressed harder against his skull, trying to block out the noise. He closed his eyes as he felt the glow of the flowers were getting too bright, that same calming water sound now inducing panic.
He walks faster and faster and-- walks straight into a wall, hitting his head.
He rubbed his head, opening his eyes to find… darkness. He blinks, confused. He felt uneasy.
He looks downward, seeing a glowing mushroom.. Oh! He’s been here before with Undyne, he knows how this works! He lets out a sigh of relief, less tense now.
Silly Papyrus! Waterfall is calm and serene, not overwhelming and stress-inducing! Not that he was stressed or anything! He was… just a bit… surprised. Creepy flowers have no effect on the Great Papyrus! And, luckily, he could hear none in this room.
He taps the glowing mushroom with his boot, following the illuminated path. This room was far more pleasant than the last. It was quiet, and he could hear his steps in the grass. The noise reminded him of… Snowdin, he thinks.
He also thinks of how to greet Alphys as he walks, trying to plan out his general dialogue. Not because he’d lie or anything! He just wants to make the best possible real-life impression! After all, he knows an online profile cannot capture his entire greatness, nor hers. He mumbles to himself, seeing no one else on his path, “HELLO, DR.ALPHYS! …NO. BRILLIANT DR. ALPHYS! HELLO! HMM…”
Maybe he should focus on his introduction, “IT IS I, THE GREAT--”
“Papyrus!” Flowey says, as he sprouts up in front of Papyrus.
The skeleton shrieks.
Flowey holds back a snicker, tilting his head, “Oh, golly, did I scare you? I’m so sorry, friend!”
Papyrus cleared his throat, “NO NEED TO APOLOGIZE, FRIEND! YOU JUST SURPRISED ME, THAT IS ALL. THAT WAS A SCREAM OF SURPRISE, NOT A FEARFUL ONE!” He strikes a pose, placing a fist on his chest, “THE GREAT PAPYRUS FEARS NO ONE!”
The flower giggles, “Gee Papyrus, you sure are amazing!”
“THAT I AM! AND SO ARE YOU, MY FLOWERY FRIEND! WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT HERE?”
What is Flowey doing here? Papyrus rarely sees Flowey in waterfall, especially this deep in. Maybe that’s just due to the fact he’s hanging out with Undyne usually if he’s in Waterfall.
When he does see him here, though… Papyrus shouldn’t remember that.
“Oh, me? I just enjoy the scenery.”
“THE SCENERY… IN THIS DARK ROOM?” Papyrus tilts his head in confusion, “OH! PERHAPS YOU CAN SEE BETTER IN THE DARK THAN I DO.”
Flowey nods, “Yes! That's exactly it! But I must ask you the same question, Papyrus! I never see you here!”
“OH! I AM JUST GOING TO HOTLAND.” This is new.
“Hotland? Don’t you hate that place? Why the hell are you going there?” Flowey asks in a completely different tone, as if a mask was ripped off his face. He quickly corrected himself, “I mean, for what reason?”
Papyrus nods, “YES, I KNOW. I FIND THAT PLACE… QUITE UNPLEASANT! THOUGH I DON’T RECALL TELLING YOU THAT. HOWEVER, I WILL BE VISITING THE GREAT DR. ALPHYS!”
Flowey pauses. Papyrus doesn’t fill in the silence.
“Say, I’m in your way, aren’t I? I think I should leave you be. Have fun on your visit!” Flowey’s voice sounded sweet but… sickeningly so, in a way. Quite the familiar tone to Papyrus.
“OH! GOOD-” Flowey dipped back into the ground, “-BYE MY… FRIEND. UM.”
Papyrus mumbled, “DID I DO SOMETHING WRONG…?” He shook his head, “NO, NO. THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE. MAYBE HE WAS JUST HAVING A BAD DAY.”
He continues walking, “THOUGH THAT’S NOT TOO GOOD EITHER. I’LL HAVE TO ASK HIM LATER.”
He silently hopes his friend will answer honestly. No, what is he thinking? He knows he would! They’re best friends, after all!
As he ponders on his friend's wellbeing, he notices the room darken around him. He stops, noticing glowing gems on the ground slowly having their light fade.
He runs as he tries to make note of every visible detail of the room before all the light fades away. He manages to get a decent amount of distance before the light disappears completely. He summons a few blue bones, using them as light sources. He can see much less than he could prior, but at least it’s something!
He still needs to perfect his introduction though.
Papyrus mumbles both introduction-prototypes and little notes to himself about his surroundings as he makes his way through this room.
Eventually, his blue bones glow shines on a wall near him. He softly drags his hand on the wall as he walks, dismissing the attacks once he can see a clear exit.
The terrain in this new room has a stark difference. For one, you can actually see in it! And the ground is also very mushy.
He mumbles, “I’LL HAVE TO CLEAN MY BOOTS LATER…" That's fine. He'd clean them either way.
As he walks through the mush, a flower sprouts up again.
“Howdy, Papyrus!”
“OH, HELLO AGAIN, FLOWERY!”
Flowey huffs, “It’s Flowey.” He changes his tone to be more cheerful, “How’s your trip going, friend?”
Papyrus continues walking, knowing his friend can move and follow more easily in this sort of ground, “IT’S BEEN AS GOOD AS YOU’D EXPECT! WHICH IS VERY GOOD! EXCELLENT, EVEN!”
Papyrus stops in front of a harder and more firm ground, similar to the room before, “ERM, HOWEVER… I MUST ASK, HOW ARE YOU DOING? ARE YOU ALRIGHT?”
“Oh, me? I’m doing great, Papyrus!”
“WELL THAT’S GOOD! BUT, UH, IF IT’S ALRIGHT TO ASK…”
Flowey tilts his head a bit.
“WHY DID YOU LEAVE EARLIER? YOU SEEMED UPSET.”
Flowey analyzes Papyrus’ expression.
“Papyrus, why are you so nervous to ask that?”
“WHAT? NERVOUS??? I’M NOT NERVOUS AT ALL! I JUST WANT TO KNOW THE REASON YOU LEFT EARLIER AND WHETHER OR NOT YOU WERE UPSET, WHICH YOU MAY OR MAY NOT BE STILL, BUT YOU SAID YOU WEREN’T SO I TRUST YOU OF COURSE, BUT ALSO IF I CAN PREVENT YOU BEING UPSET IN THE FUTURE!” He said, almost too quickly for Flowey to understand everything he just said.
Papyrus cleared his throat, “AND, I WOULDN’T BE NERVOUS TO ASK YOU ANYTHING! WE’RE THE BEST OF FRIENDS! AND FRIENDS ARE NEVER EVER NERVOUS AROUND EACH OTHER!”
Flowey had a familiar smile plastered on his face, “Wow! You sure are considerate, Papyrus! I’m so lucky to have you as a friend!”
Papyrus hadn’t responded immediately, expecting Flowey to continue. Instead, Flowey reached his vine out to… the air? He quickly put it back down, but Papyrus still saw it.
“... I AGREE! BUT, ALSO, YOU HAVEN’T ANSWERED MY QUESTION YET.”
Flowey giggles, “Oh, silly me! I completely forgot!” He looks to the side, “I just… wasn’t expecting you and Alphys to meet!”
Papyrus nods, “YES, NEITHER WAS I! BUT, ARE YOU SURE THAT’S ALL? NOT THAT I THINK YOU’D LIE TO ME OR ANYTHING!!!! BECAUSE I TRUST YOU!”
Flowey looked back at Papyrus, “Well, there you go! You just answered your question for yourself!”
“OH! YES… I SUPPOSE I HAVE! I AM JUST THAT BRILLIANT, NYEH HEH HEH!!!” Papyrus still felt like Flowey wasn’t sharing everything , but hey! Good friends don’t pry, right?
“You sure are, Papyrus!” Flowey looked over at the ground next to the two, “Hey, I’ll see you in the room ahead, okay? Moving in dirt this packed…” He knocks on the hard dirt next to them with a vine, “would be really hard!”
“YES, OF COURSE! SEE YOU IN A FEW SECONDS!”
Papyrus waves as Flowey ducks back into the ground, walking onto the new grassy room. The room ahead seems to be as mushy as the prior, but he can’t see it too well yet.
He thinks more about their conversation… He can’t figure out why Flowey was upset earlier. Was it because he mentioned Alphys? Or was it that he was visiting her? No… Flowey usually has no problem when Papyrus and Undyne hang out train together. Maybe he should just avoid bringing up Alphys to Flowey. Just to avoid upsetting his friend!
Speaking of that friend, Papyrus could see him ahead! He waves as he steps into the marsh-like ground.
“... hmmm... if I say my wish…”
Oh no.
“-You promise-” “-Of course-”
The whispers.
“-you won’t-” “-I won’t-”
He hates REALLY DOES NOT ENJOY this room.
“-laugh!”
He doesn’t cover his ears this time, not wanting to make his friend upset that he’s not listening.
“Papyrus!” Flowey whispers. Why is he whispering?
“Isn’t this room neat?”
Papyrus’ voice is smaller than usual, “Y-YES! IT IS!”
Flowey giggles, “I’m so-” “-climb this-” “-the sky-” “-happy that-” “-buried-” “-wish-” “-you agree!” His voice almost blends into the constant echoing noises bouncing around the room. Papyrus can barely piece together his voice.
“What’s-” “-laugh-” “-wish-” “-that-” “-at-” “-too-” “-face for?”
Papyrus just nods, hoping that fits whatever Flowey was saying. He walks quicker as Flowey follows behind, almost gliding through the mushy dirt.
“-stupid-” “Papyrus!” “-don’t-” “-stop-” “-someday-” “-walking-” “-standing-” “-so fast!”
His head is pounding. He walks even quicker. “MHM.” Hopefully that was a fitting response.
Flowey’s asking something now, but Papyrus can’t even make out the echoes at this point.
He turns walking past the marshy area filled with echo flowers, standing right in front of a bridge.
He breathes.
He realizes he’s trembling.
He looks down at the spikes beneath the bridge. The familiarity of it calms him down.
He realizes he left his friend behind.
After quickly shaking himself, almost fully back to “normal”, he turns back, walking slightly into the marshy (end echoing) territory.
“FLOWERY! HELLO! SORRY FOR LEAVING SO QUICKLY, THAT WAS UNEXPECTEDLY RUDE OF ME. ARE YOU STILL HERE?”
“FLOWERY!”
“FLOWERY!”
“FLOWERY!”
“FLOWE--”
Papyrus quickly rushes out again, panting. He hadn’t seen nor heard Flowey, but he definitely feels rather tense again. No matter! He’ll apologize to his friend the next time they meet! He must continue onwards.
Surely his friend will understand his odd behaviour, right? He knows Papyrus’ dislike towards echo flowers! …Probably. Has Papyrus told him that? Maybe that was a dream. He’s not too sure. Maybe he--
“I AGREE! BUT, ALSO, YOU HAVEN’T ANSWERED MY QUESTION YET.” Papyrus says, not knowing why he even did.
What?
Flowey winks, “Aw, you caught me! Nothing can get past you, Papyrus!” He giggles, “Well, I’ll tell you… I actually wanted to visit Alphys too!”
That didn’t make sense. That’s different. Papyrus blinks in confusion, then notices the room around him.
Oh.
“WHAT?? WELL, YOU CAN JUST COME ALONG WITH ME AND WE CAN GO TOGETHER!”
Papyrus hopes the flower didn’t think much of his initial confused expression.
Flowey nods, “That’s a great idea! But I don’t know, Papyrus…”
He looks to the side, “...maybe you could deliver a message to her instead? Oh, but I shouldn’t make you do my dirty work…”
Papyrus shakes his head, putting his hand up, “NONSENSE! FLOWEY! THIS IS NOT ‘DIRTY’ WORK AT ALL, SAYING A FEW WORDS ISN’T EVEN WORK! I DO THAT ALL THE TIME!”
He crouches down, “THE GREAT PAPYRUS WOULD LOVE TO DELIVER YOUR MESSAGE TO HER!”
Flowey looks back at Papyrus, “Really, Papyrus?”
“OF COURSE! ANYTHING FOR MY BEST FRIEND!”
Flowey tilts his head, his smile bigger than before, “Tell her I’m waiting for her downstairs.”
Papyrus nods, “O-KAY! WILL DO!” There’s an odd feeling in his ribs, “I DIDN’T KNOW YOU KNEW HER SO WELL!”
“Hm? What do you mean?” That same smile stays on his face.
“WELL, YOU’RE GOING TO JUST BE IN HER HOME WAITING AND UNINVITED, SO… SHE MUST BE CLOSE TO YOU IF SHE’S ALRIGHT WITH THAT!”
Papyrus stands back up while Flowey responds, “Yup! We’re as close as ever, but my friendship with her could never compare to ours, Papyrus!”
Papyrus places his hands on his hips, “WELL, OF COURSE! I NEVER DOUBTED THAT FOR A SECOND! OR MILLISECOND! OR A MICROSECOND! OR A NANOSECOND! OR A PIC--”
Flowey laughs, “Okay, Papyrus! I get it, geez! You really love being specific, huh?” Despite how harsh the text comes off, he said that in quite the playful tone! His intention though? Well, Papyrus likes to think it's also playful.
“WHY OF COURSE! I’D RATHER NOT HAVE MY WORDS COME ACROSS WRONGLY. AND THE BEST WAY TO AVOID IT IS TO BE AS SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE!”
“Teehee, that’s true!” Flowey looks back at the path Papyrus has stopped at, “Say, you should really get going!”
“OH, YES! I SHOULDN’T KEEP MY FRIEND WAITING! I’LL SEE YOU ANOTHER TIME, FLOWEY!” Hah. Time.
“Okay, friend! Don’t forget my message, okay?”
“WILL DO! OR, ER, WON’T DO! AS IN I WON’T FORGET! YOUR MESSAGE! I WILL NOT BE FORGETTING YOUR FRIENDLY MESSAGE!”
Flowey laughs, “Thanks, Papyrus! You’re the best!” He goes back into the ground as Papyrus continues on his path.
Tell her I’m waiting downstairs.
Tell her I’m waiting downstairs.
Tell her I’m waiting downstairs.
I’m waiting.
Wait! Papyrus isn’t too great at remembering his friend's name… though he is great in every other aspect of their friendship! Just not this one, unfortunately.
He doesn’t know why his memory is a bit lackluster regarding names. He could’ve sworn he used to be much better in this regard! He remembers most other things though! Even if they didn’t happen!
He hears a whisper, but he doesn’t freeze this time. He runs, not wanting to stay in this room any longer. Not wanting to hear… these.
He keeps running, even as the ground under him changes in texture. Even as he doesn’t hear anything else aside from his own steps and the creaking of the wood underneath him. Even as all he can hear is the dripping of water on-
-...the ground. On the firm, non-mushy ground. With no echo flowers in sight.
…
Well, at least he got some exercise.
Papyrus finds himself at Waterfall’s exit.
It seems as though Undyne isn’t atop it rehearsing anything at the moment, so she must be patrolling elsewhere.
As he walks through, he notices a stream underneath the path. Is that…
“ICE?” He ponders out loud, “HMM.. THIS MUST BE WHERE IT GOES AFTER THAT FURRY PERSON THROWS IT. I WONDER WHY!”
It feels like somewhere deep down, he knows why. But today isn’t about self-discovery! It’s about the discovering of new tastes! And delivering messages to friends!
He marches on further, humming to himself again. This time, it’s the same upbeat tune he was humming on his way to the river person.
He walks alongside a bright electric sign, already knowing what it says. This is quite the long pathway. He enjoys the moist and chill air while he can.
He braces himself for the heat he’ll have to endure soon, even if he can’t really feel it.
He squints his eyes at the change of colour and brightness as he enters Hotland. While he can’t feel the warmth too well, he can definitely feel how dry the air is here. How can monsters even live here??
It's so bright. Too bright.
Papyrus notices a station next to him- Sans’ station, no doubt. It’s empty, of course. Neither of them have work today though so it’s not due to laziness …this time! He can see Alphys’ lab ahead, it’s very very close by to the entrance.
There’s a bridge in front of him, it looks almost flimsy, but he should trust that it’s structurally safe enough to cross, right?
He looks down as he takes his first step onto it, fully noticing the bright and powerful substance at the bottom of Hotland.
It feels like it’s trying to pull him in. Like he belongs there, somehow.
But this is all just nonsense! He mustn’t listen to the weird horrifying feeling in his ribs! The Great Papyrus must continue on!
He walks forward, albeit rather slowly, still looking downwards. There’s a part of him that wonders what would happen if he… what! No there isn’t! He’s just looking down to make sure he doesn’t step in the wrong spot, that’s definitely it! He’d never think such thoughts!
The brightness does feel a bit compelling though. And overwhelming, too. It’s the closest he’s ever felt to warm, except the warmth is just in his ribs somehow?
He blinks after stepping foot on the normal ground again. The ground felt more stable. The warmth in his ribs settled, but didn’t fully leave.
Papyrus mumbles to himself, “THAT WAS… ODD.” He huffs, “GLAD I DON’T LIVE HERE. THAT WOULD BE A RATHER UNPLEASANT NIGHTMARE.”
He continued on.
Alphys’ lab almost feels haunting as he walks towards it. The presence of it looms heavy on him, But that’s alright! He’s rather strong, after all.
After taking a deep breath in and adjusting his posture, he knocks on the lab’s door.