#tgw4

Felt his sockets opening with a creak as darkness filled his sight. 

He couldn’t be alive… He should be dust and magic residue by now… So why could he still feel the need for breathing? Feel the dull ache that slowly began to consume his body, some parts picking up their throbs he so desperately wanted to escape from?

Something else wasn’t right as his sockets closed back… His sense of hearing was beginning to come, though it was more muffled and muddy voices followed with the sound of rushing water… 

Instantly, the memory all flooded back as his sockets snapped open to the darkness. Though he tried to move his body; He was paralyzed with pain… However, the voices grew before going silent, a deafening silence which made Papyrus try all his might to move more for.

What was happening?! Who was that?! Maybe it was Mr. Lizando-- No… Alphys? Sans!? He hoped it wasn’t who he was thinking, the almost forgotten threat that was cursed at him all those years ago--

“I̷̫͖̦͙͈͇͕̟̯̟͍͉̰͠ͅ’̸̡͙͙̮̖̦̰̲̗̹͇̪̯́͛͆̄̿̊͜͝ļ̷̛̜̫̖̦̖̩̰͈̗͓̱̻̞̎͒̽̃̒̎̾͆̒͊́̅̃ḻ̷̢̖̮͓̙̰̲̮͉̬̣͇͖̮̾̀͊̏̀ ̶̢̨̡̻͕͍̘̺̯̈̔͌͠Č̷̙̞̯̺̯̟͐ỏ̸̡̗̪͉̖͔̻͘͜l̴̨̢̗̖͖̜̪̝̓̏̍͆́̕l̷̰̣͌̂̈́̍͌̎̑̀̿̂͝e̶̢͕̟̻̠̜̟̘̔̉̄̈́̑̈́̋̓̎͒̅̒̕͜͠ç̸͉̙̭͙̭̭̪̩̹͈̲̤̉̽̀̇̀̓͊t̸̡̪̓̀ ̵̧̪̩̩̟͖͓̈́̿Y̷̡͇͎̮̫̪̻̣̦̠͈̩͗̓͑͆̾͑̌̒̌̒̏́͘o̸̧͉͔͇͍̗̦̙̙̩͇͖̳͚͛̌̏̋ͅų̷̡͙̩̻̜͙̦̰͉̉̐͌͗̔̀̃͜…̴̖͉̬͖̤̮̥̑̍̑̈́̈́̃̿́̄̉͒͒ ̴̖̻͕̲̭̯͍̖̰̫̭͓̪͋̅͒̽̆́͋͒́͗͛͝W̷̭͗̽̉͊̊̅̓̏͛̑̊͝͝ȟ̵̡̖͍̱̬̱̹̹͚̫̰̺̞͂̑̄̐̐̆̒͒̋͂̚ę̸̜͓̜̜͓̉̐ņ̵̡̪͎̮̗͙͇̩̘̠̮͚͌̄̅̃̒̅̍̋͒̊͘̚͜ ̴̢̮͙̂̾͛̈̾Y̷͙̖̤̙͆̇̈́̽̌͐̾̔̂̀͘o̶̮͆͊̽̌̓͌͗̈́̓̈́̈́̅͝ų̵̌͋̀̒̓͌͂̏̒̋̕’̸̦̤̰͎̒̓́̒̃͌̐̇͛͜r̵̡̨͖͕̰͔͇̉̈́̀͋̔̃́̀̚͜͝͝͝ȇ̶͎̘̞̉̆͝ ̵̢̛͉̗̳̫̼̦͉͖̗̟̦͖͙́̇͂͋͒͐̈̉̾̅̕Ṟ̶́̌͋͒͊̂̽̅̈̉̐͝͝e̴̛͖̻͎̥͉̮̟̩̜͉̿̇͘͜a̷̢̤͔͚͓̹̱̽̃̄̏̏̾͆d̴̢̯̥̘̺͇̰̥͉̱̗͉͉̖̃̾̚y̷͉̓̉̊̀̅̔̊͂̂́̄̓͠͝.̶̨̡̡̛̲̼̺̰̑”

With a shiver crawling up his painful spine, he let out a growl… He swears if he’s back there, if his siblings had gotten mixed up with that, if Sans and Alphy are--

“ You’re okay.” A voice came soft yet stern. “Be still. You’re not allowed to move yet, so don’t do anything rash, Kid.”

“...don’ tell me wha’ t’do…” Papyrus growled at the unfamiliar voice. “where’re m’ lil’sibs… wha’d’ja do--” Just as he asked, his side seemed to be squeezed.

“Right beside you.” They said calmly. “They’re ironically in better shape than you are. Tell me, can’t you see?”

“...bullshit…” He responded, and though it pained him to make a snarl, he turned his attention to the voice; No, he couldn’t see, but he knew better… 

He knew better than to believe someone new, whatever trickery--

“Paps… We’re okay.” The squeeze got tighter around his sides.

Papyrus halted himself to her voice… It sounded sleepy, like she was just waking up from a nap… 

“...Lightenin’bug?...” His head turned down toward what he hoped was his younger sister, his arms fighting to wrap around her in a hug he was desperate to give.

Familiar hands came and rubbed along his jawbones, just like she would do back when she was just a tot… Instantly, Papyrus relaxed and he could feel his tears swelling in his sockets as he tortuously nudged into her palms. 

“It’s me, Papy… It’s me, Alphy, we’re safe… We’re okay.” Alphy’s voice came and she nuzzled into his jaw. “I promise. You’ll be okay, Mr. Gerson and Undyne say so!”

Papyrus could only nuzzle her back, glad she seemed to be able to use her other arm… 

“where’s Sans, Al? he okay, too?” He found himself almost begging. “he wit’cha?... ya guys are supposed ta always b’t’getha…”

“Ah-... He’s-... Sans is-” Alphys was trailing off, almost nervous to say.

Instantly, Papyrus felt a wave of cold wash over him as his tears ran down his cheeks… 

No, of course Sans wouldn’t be okay… He left his brother for dead with the wolves… Papyrus tried though, he tried but he was so wounded… His own brother, his own bones and magic he swore to protect back in Hell, he was--

“I’m Here.” 

Papyrus tried to turn to the sound of Sans despite the pain that shot up from his back. 

“Sans?... Sans, are ya okay?? m’so sorr--”

“Save It.” Sans snapped, a sense of hatred coming from his bones. 

Instantly, Papyrus eased down… Sans is right, he should be mad at him; Should hold a grudge--

Snapping could be heard right beside Papyrus’ skull. He followed the noise… Then the other side of his skull, which he leaned near. What was that? Who was clicking what? It sounded rough, as if someone was trying to make a fire with two flintstones…

“Sans, don’t snap your fingers at him like that!” Alphys defended.

“Shut Up. He Responds Well To The Sounds. At Least He Hasn’t Lost That…” Sans soberly spoke.

“It’s temporary blindness.” That same voice from earlier came. “With a little more food, he should regain his ability to conjure up his eyesight.” 

“And If He Doesn’t?” Sans's voice sounded guarded, but Papyrus could hear the underlying worry. 

Why would he be so worried? He should be pissed…

“Do not doubt the Medical books.” They chided. “Mr. Gerson took a lot of precaution due to your unique structure, be lucky we found you and not someone else who would put your dust in a bag and sell it… Or worse, keep you alive for their own profits. I know I would’ve.” 

“I’d Rather Have No Life In Me Than Having Your Ass Save Us… We Were Just Fine!” Sans barked.

Always the instigator, Papyrus sighed… 

“Oh, you call having your, quote on quote, ‘Sister’ dragging you and your brother with one arm and a broken tail, practically trying to find any type of help as passersby ignored you all, fine? I’d hate to see what would be great then, coming from you…”

“Oh, You SonOfA--”

Papyrus couldn’t help but smirk… But the image of Al doing that, all alone, watching her siblings in whatever states they were in and trying to ask for help… Made his soul twist in pain.

“Sans, that’s really too far… Can’t you say thanks?” Alphy’s sweet voice came. “Without Undyne, I’d have-... You’d probably-... My brothers would’ve-...”

A hic came from her as Sans fell silent. 

Papyrus finally forced his arm up with whatever power he could muster and layed it along her back. Though the room fell silent with Alphy’s tears, it was at least nowhere near cold now… 

Papyrus felt warm despite the pain he was in as his little sister hugged into him. Glad he could hear that they were in better spirits than he hoped for… It brought a smile to his fangs, and though it throbbed with a fang; He could relax in this unknown area they were in. With the scent of mud, the question rang if they were all still in Waterfall…

“I’m going to go get some food for your brother.” The unknown voice came, was their name Undyne? “I’ll also let Mr. Gerson know he’s up. Be back in a bit… And Sans, don’t mess with anything again. Or so help me, I will tape your arms behind your back! That’s a promise, you hear me?!”

“Oh, Like You’d Be Able To… Get Out Of Here Already, Shallow Tadpole!” Sans bit back.

“At least I’m not as shallow as your temper… Seriously, can’t even be grateful like your sister… Glad you both aren’t actually related.” 

Damn, did that one have a bite to them; Not many could go against Sans and stay level headed.

“ah-... thanks, uhm-... Undyne?” Papyrus tried guessing with a soft laugh, genuinely grateful to whoever Undyne and this Mr. Gerson was. “fer savin’ m’baby sibs…”

“Oh, just them?” An eye roll could be felt, as if Papyrus was being dramatic. “I didn’t save you all and I’m not Undyne… I’m Monster Elder. Or just Me, for short.”

Papyrus couldn’t help a snrk… “heh-... a-allright, thanks-... Me?” 

“BWAH-HAH-HAH! There we go, yes! Yes! Someone fell for it, finally!” The sound of stomping feet could be heard, marching in place almost.

Did he fall for something? What was so funny?

“Your Lousy Joke Sucks! Scram!” Sans bit. 

“It’s like he thanked himself! I get it!” Alphy chirped, laughing with ‘Me’ as it infuriated Sans even more.

“Quit Feeding That Ego, Al!” Sans growled. “That Was So Lame!”

A bigger smile came along Papyrus’ face… That was his a bit funny- 

Only for the smile to slowly turn sour… Thank himself? For not being strong enough to get them out of there?... Thinking back from all the damages that’ve been done--

Another boisterous laugh erupted from the beings chest. “Nah, nah… It’s actually Elder Monster, I just go by ‘Em. Like Got’em~” 

Despite the obvious joke, it definitely felt like the stress was easing off his shoulders the more he heard laughing. Worry for his siblings slowly started slipping from his own mind.

However, laughter didn’t last too much longer as Papyrus heard Sans's familiar foot stomps before he took off; No doubt chasing after Elder out of the room if Alphy yelling out meant anything… But that made his own laughter start bubbling out--

Only to cough, feeling something dribble out of his mouth. 

With a soft curse, he tried to turn his head away, to not let it hit Alphys--

“Hold on, I got that.” Alphy came and gently wiped his fangs, getting rid of the liquid. 

“don’t-... it’s-”

“Hush. It’s nothing like before, if that’s what you’re thinking.” She spoke softly. “The acid you spat that day-... It doesn’t eat through the fabric, you’re back to being stable… You can thank Undyne for it-- Just wait until you see her, Pap! She’s so cool…”

Relaxing back, Papyrus smirked… “cooler than yer own brothas, Al? my, does someone gots a crush? heh heh--… nyeh--” A painful throb from his skull made him tense before relaxing again.

Alphy’s hand stuttered before halting… Did he hit a nerve? Was it too early to tease her? Or maybe it was because he flinched… 

“it wasn’t ya, Lightnin’Bug, if tha’s wha’--”

“No...You really are right back to how you were.” Alphy’s voice wavered, but she breathed in and gave a soft laugh. “Thank the Gravel, we were told you might become-... Not… You anymore, with how much magic you had lost…”

“...really?” Papyrus couldn’t believe that; Was he that badly wounded?

Once a monster loses so much; It’s rare they make a comeback. Basically on the tittering edge of death due to the magic residue corroding their Souls, eating it up like an overused battery. If they do come back, they aren’t who they were before… Depending on the Monster and how badly wounded, they could do a total switch in personality or becoming a husk in general… 

He’s had to put those down in the past… The past in Hell--

“It’ll be okay, now.” Alphys finished wiping his chin and he could feel her hug him once more. “They were right, we can heal you! Just you wait, Papy… Just you wait. We got you.”

With such determination, Papyrus sighed through the painful squeeze she was giving him and rubbed back into her forehead… 

“... ya both did well… y’know?” Papyrus said, trying to hide his wavering voice. “wit’ everythin’ tha’ happened, m’so sorri fer nah bein’ stronga…”

Alphy slowly pulled back from him, and though he couldn’t see her worried expression; He could feel her grip on his shoulders tightening. 

“What you did was save us, Papyrus…” She spoke gently. “Without you, we would be wishing for death right now. Who knows what would have happened-”

“i brought ya guys ta th’waterfall fer practice, Bug…” Papyrus interrupted. “if i was a bit more noticeable of our surroundin’s, we all wouldn’t’ve been-...”

“Okay… And you had two stubborn little kids, wanting to practice and didn’t want to wait for Dad to get home to do so. While being sick and hiding that from us, mind you…” Alphy blew his excuse off with a stern tone.

Papyrus sank into himself hearing that…

“Fact is; Don’t be blaming yourself, Papy. Was it avoidable? Like many things are, perhaps… But we went because Sans and I wanted to practice and got impatient. We thought you were just having one of your lazy days, we didn’t think you were sick. And with his ‘Smart Moves’, Sans triggered something none of us could imagine…”

Papyrus froze some… But he didn’t want to blame them, they didn’t deserve it-- He should have just said he wasn’t strong enough! He shouldn’t have hid being so sick--

“Papy… We know better that if you had known a big bad idiot was around; You wouldn’t have taken us that day… But, in a way… It gave us all an extra boost of experience we all were lacking…” She trailed off, felt like she wanted to say something more.

Her claws slightly dug into his shoulders before one let him go and she was back to sitting by him on his bedside. 

“...Thank you… For pushing yourself for us, Brother.” She seemed to force out, rubbing his shoulder and ran her hand down his arm to hold his claws. “We-... All learned a lot. I don’t want to ever see you like that again.”

Again?... 

“...was i scary?” Papyrus gently squeezed her hand as best he could.

“Terrifying!” Alphy let out a watery laugh. “Scary is an understatement! But-... I mean, I’m so glad I wasn’t on the wrong side that day!”

“...but?”

“But… I don’t want to see you or Sans in such a state again, where I can’t help at all.” Again, a watery laugh. “I’ve made my mind up, of what I wanna be when I grow up.”

“oh?” Papyrus perked, knowing Mr. Li was pushing her to be a healer.

“I’m going to become just like Dad; A Protector! I’ll become the next head leader! And make sure all crime and criminals are killed, so no more innocents are destroyed…”

“tha’s-... really different. I thought ya didn’ want yer Dad’s spot?” Papyrus questioned. “thought Sans was gunna aim fer tha’ spot, too?”

“I talked it over with Sans… With the both of us working together, Papy!? Do you know how safe the Underground will become?! Imagine that-- I’ll work so hard and out rank them ALL- I know Sans will, too! We’re way too competitive, y’know? We can share the title!! How cool would that be?”

Papyrus couldn’t help but keep his thoughts to himself… That isn’t how the Royal Guards worked, but he didn’t want to burst her little bubble, either…

“...I know Dad wanted me to be a healer like Mom, but…” Alphy spoke softly, her claws tapping on his bones gently. “... I don’t have the right mentality for that. I’m far too hot-headed, and I spark without meaning too when I get too annoyed, y’know?”

“I know…” Papyrus chuckled, remembering when she was a toddler and practically caused an electrical shortage in hotland due to Sans taking a toy she wanted to play with. 

Speaking of, he could feel her energy sparking through their connections. It seemed like she leveled up, but he couldn’t tell just how much.

“Like… Remember when Sans and I were playing ‘King of the Rock’ and he said I couldn’t play cause I was a girl? And I was fleshy, so I’d get hurt easily?”

“boy, do i… n’ a lotta otha times…” Papyrus snrked.

“Yeah… I remember I fried his foot by accident. I mean, I won! But… That isn’t for a healer, you know?” 

He smiled with sympathy… Healers were rare enough as it is down here. Not to mention, she’d be forced to stay close to the Queen, something he knew Mr. Li was hoping for to know she’d be alright for the rest of her life. 

But with them? Well, Papyrus wasn’t sure what his own calling was yet… Sans had already shown interest in fighting, showing Mr. Li he was more than willing to do everything to be trained by him. 

And with Mr. Li being the General? Of course, it’d be easy to get into the system quickly and effortlessly… 

But something always bugged Papyrus, now with Alphy having the same dream… He hoped when the day came, they both wouldn’t knock the other down for the chance of becoming General.

“...hows yer arm, Bug?... ya seem ta be movin’ it well, heh…” Papyrus chose to change subject, trying to give Alphy another reassuring squeeze. “n how’s yer tail? did’ja break anythin’ else?”

“I’m back in tip-top shape, Papy!” She spoke proudly, the bed moving. “And look- Oh… Uhm, feel! Feel these!” She took his hand and brought it up to her one arm, helping him feel her growing muscles. “I got stronger while you were out! Isn’t that cool?! I am now a Level 3! I’m on my way up there already!”

Papyrus was confused, leveling up brings one's stats all up to max… So hearing she’s already up to Level 3 when before she was only Level 1 from before; Something was definitely going on…

“wow, yeah, tha’s somethin’, Al… how did’ja manage tha’?” 

“Well-” 

“You were in a coma for four months.” A new voice came, someone older which made Papyrus go immediately tense. “They had a good wait for you to wake up. Used it wisely, for sure.”

… Four months?! He was out for that long?! 

“...H-hello.” Another very quiet voice came, no sooner something being shoved onto his side, earning a hiss from him. “O-oh-... S-shoot, sorry-”

“Don’t gotta be so nervous, Undyne! He’s your age, y’know?” Alphy came, taking whatever it was by his side and setting it on his chest as Papyrus gave a sigh. “Papy, Undyne! Undyne, Papyrus!” 

Obviously Alphy was doing her signature move of arm waving, but he was more interested in the fact she said Undyne was his age… Turning his head hopefully to her, he tried to give a smile the best he could. 

“heya… yer one who helped us, huh?”

“Y-... Yes, I-... am, uhm…” Undyne muttered before it all began a whisper. 

A shy one, huh? Papyrus had never seen a shy Monster yet, this was the first time meeting one. 

“thanks fer helpin’ us out, Undyne…” Papyrus spoke gently, softening hopefully at the monster. “s’, ya b’friendin’ m’lil’Al here, huh? thanks fer tha’too. hope Sans hasn’ chewed ya much… he can b’ a real mouthful, y’know?”

“O-oh! U-uhm!” The sound of shuffling came, followed by noise that sounded like something got dropped. “S-shoot--”

“I got’em!” Alphy was quick to zip off Papyrus’ side, to help with whatever it was… “Here ya go!” 

So preppy her voice was… The soft thanks from Undyne came, just barely audible, but he heard it. 

“You’re welcome!” Alphy apparently heard it, too. 

Man, he’d give anything to actually see what was going on right now between the two… Bet Alphy was grinning up a storm. With a sigh, he remembered there was something long and flat left on his chest… The hell was it? 

“Undyne, I know you’re wantin’ ta flirt wit’ th’youngin’, but your patient needs more attention right now, I believe.” Amusement danced in that unknown voice. “Ya haven’t even answered ‘em, neither… Ya know better, Kid.”

“Ah-!! Uh!! R-right!” Undyne squeaked. “S-sorry, Papyrus--”

“Flirting?! We weren’t flirting, Gerson!” Alphy gave her signature growling. “I was just helping her out!! Quit reading into things!”

Papyrus would roll his eyelights if he could… How sweet to see her get so protective of a non-family member.

“Aye, ya weren’t just making googly eyes at th’other, huh?” Apparently this older voice was Gerson? “You’ve been gettin’ mighty close these last few weeks, Kiddy…”

“I--! Y-you know what!? What type of food is that?” Alphy quickly changed the subject, Papyrus giving a soft laugh himself from the display. 

“Oh, nah gonna introduce me to your brother like ya jus’ introduce Undyne?” 

Papyrus held his laugh, knowing what the other was doing… 

An annoyed, flustered sound could be heard from Alphy before she hastily introduced them both. “Gerson, Papyrus. Papy, Gerson. He’s the adult in charge here.” 

Swore he heard a small laugh from Undyne… But Papyrus didn’t know who all was in the room anymore. He was getting a little tired again, but gave Gerson a small head nod.

“Wonderful… Undyne has been making something very special for you, Papyrus. It will help stabilize your magic more, since you will no longer need the forced tube feedin’. Undyne, care ta explain it all t’yer patient?”

The words of being called ‘Patient’, this vibe Papyrus was getting, was getting him anxious all over again like when he was younger…

“Y-yes! Uhm!” Undyne spoke hesitantly. “S-so… When you were brought in, I noticed your Soul has been-... Tampered with. It’s not normal to begin with, so the antidote to fix came easily with a medical book Mr. Gerson found--”

“Dad, I’m her Dad.”

“...T-t-that my Father found…” Undyne cleared her throat before continuing to explain. 

Whatever she was explaining made Papyrus start spiking; Certain words she used, the ‘food’ she created, and then he felt them… 

Papyrus could feel the lines hooked into his chest, to his Soul, while another line was hooked to the side of his neck; He wanted to rip them all out, he wanted to run from the bed suddenly--

Where exactly was he?! Where did they take him?! Take them?! Back!? Back to the Labs!?

No-... 

No, no, no, 

No, No, NO, NO--

“Son, easy now.” A strong and familiar voice came. “Yer safe… We ain’t there.”

Papyrus was embraced by a familiar body, his body shaking hard as his breathing was ragged…

“... Mr. Li?” His voice trembled.

“Yeah… Yeah, s’me. s’Lizando… Breathe, Son. Breathe…” He spoke sternly but so softly, Lizando’s hands keeping him safely locked to his chest. “I got’cha…”

Knowing Mr. Li was there, that his siblings were there, that he wasn’t dreaming-

... So many things were passing through Papyrus’ mind, the pain in his chest he could no longer detain. 

The fear he felt when he was forced to watch helplessly as his siblings were being held; The flashes of how he watched his sister's arm being broken, his brother's fangs being ripped out; The anger that he couldn’t be strong or big enough to deter any enemies; The waters, the roaring waters clashing against him, how acidic it was as it ate not just him, but his siblings… 

Missing so much time with his siblings; Feeling the hatred bubble in his Soul of his own actions; Not being strong enough-

“I’m so proud of ya, Papyrus…” Mr. Li’s voice came. “Ya held out fer so long… Did what ya could ta be so strong fer yer sibs… Wit’out ya, I wouldn’ have such a good family waitin’ at home for me…” Mr. Li paused, before holding Papyrus just a bit closer. 

“But, Son… why didn’t ya tell us ya were so sick, Buddy?...”

Papyrus buried his face into the only person he ever felt safe with, wracked with sobs as they came out of his chest as his claws dug into the fabric of his adopted Fathers back. 

No answer was good enough, he felt; Not being a burden, not wanting others to worry, and perhaps…

Perhaps… Papyrus didn’t want to be alive anymore. To be this ongoing experiment that could be collected at any time… 

He was fearful of so much… So scared he would be found; He didn’t want to be taken away from his family… 

-----------------

Papyrus woke up groggy, not realizing when he fell asleep. 

This time, he could see everything… Though he was still in a small amount of pain; It wasn’t too bad. In fact, he was feeling better… 

Mr. Li was the first being he saw; Sitting by the bedside with his reading glasses on his snout and reading a certain book. Like always, he was wide awake, alert, and when he noticed Papyrus staring; Mr. Li’s eyes grew before a small smile appeared on his snout. 

“Aye, yer up, Son…” He spoke gently. “How’re ya feelin’?”

“...fine, thanks…” Papyrus spoke hoarsely. “...i’m-”

“Ya say sorry again, and I’ll snap my fangs at’cha.” Mr. Li interrupted sternly, causing Papyrus to sink into himself. 

“...but-”

SNAP-- 

Papyrus blinked as Mr. Li had quite literally snapped at him, holding eye contact with the other…

Only for them both to start laughing together. 

“Papyrus… You did what ya could wit’ who ya are, Son.” Mr. Li explained. “If you could predict the future, it’d be better; Sure… But you wouldn’t push through your own walls like tha’. You’re young, and though you have certain experience; You gotta learn more.

Wit’ th’actions you took; Wit’ th’way you protected your siblin’s, I’m grateful ‘n utterly thankful ta have ya as my Boy… Ya have nothin’, n’ I mean nothin’... To apologize fer. Ya understand this ol’ Geezer?”

“don’ call yerself tha’, Mr. Li.” Papyrus gave a soft laugh. “ya ain’ tha’ old yet.”

He gave Papyrus a deadpan look before sighing. “I’m sorry I didn’t get home soona, Bud…” Mr. Li leaned over some, slumping. “Waterfall has a good safe spot n’ all… Bu’ all dangers still pop up annoyin’ly so…”

“ya still came, didn’cha?” Papyrus moved his hand over and held his adopted Fathers clawed hand. “I heard ya n’ th’guys… tha’ was all ya comin’, right?”

Mr. Li looked up and gave him a look of sorrow… “Nah, Son… Ya guys got in th’mist of a Gang war… I wished it was us, thou’...”

“oh… well, tha’ makes a lot more sense then, heh…” Papyrus gave a reassuring squeeze before relaxing back. “... don’t feel bad though, okay? I mean-”

“Papyrus.” 

Knew that tone… Papyrus gave his adopted Father a small, sheepish glance… 

“I’m Sorry.” Lizando said, firmly. “You and Sans are my children, though. Just like how Alphy is. 

You’re not to be blamed… For None. Of. This… Do you understand me? No blaming yourself. I am a little annoyed that I didn't see when you were getting sick, but that’s to myself.

You did what you could in the situation you were put in. By some miracle, you and your siblings all survived… I wouldn’t know what I’d do if I lost my boys, again… What I would do if I lost all my children this time?…

Papyrus, forgive me… For not being a better father and being there more for you. Not being there for them. Especially… When you all needed me the most…

Forgive Me, Son.”

Papyrus felt his tears once again in his sockets… Wiping them away, he nodded but couldn’t help his small sobs come out again. 

“wit’out ya, who’d know were Sans n’ I would be--” Papyrus hicced, holding onto his adopted fathers jacket. “ya helped us out when no one could--... thare ain’ nothin’ ta fergive, Dad-... there ain’t, m’still s’grateful-”

Lizando came close and wrapped him in his arms once more, pulling him to his neck to let him continue to let it out. 

“Aww, Bud…” Mr. Li kissed Papyrus’ forehead, pulling him closer. “... These years bein’ underground will drive others crazy… bu’ so long as ya keep ta yer wits, like ya did earlier, i know ya n yer siblin’s will all b’betta then th’otha monstas here… 

I love ya, I love Sans, n I love Alphy so, so dearly… m’so glad ta see ya all growin’ up s’well… n’ yer only gunna ta get stronga from here, Son… I believe in ya, in yer Sista, n in yer Brotha. Thank ya fer comin’ inta our lives…”

Mr. Li held Papyrus for a little bit longer, hiding his own tears from almost losing his family yet again…

After they were both settled, calm; Papyrus began eating whatever Undyne had made. Lizando had only seen his son eat like that back when he first brought him home, enjoying watching Papyrus’ appetite was back and in full. 

Once stories of the past were tossed, plans talked about never holding secrets or withholding on how the other feels from sickness again; Lizando paused… 

Before he smiled sweetly at his eldest son.