"Would you get off!" Fell growled at the goat currently chewing his pant leg. The group had decided to finish seeing all the animals after the non-livestock judging was finished. They had already visited the pigs, sheep, cows, and horses. Since then they had moved on to the goat barn, only to learn that most of the goats liked Fell's jeans for some reason. He tried pulling his leg away from the current assailant, but this particular goat refused to let go. "I swear to Asgore if you do not release my trousers this instant I will be forced to smite you!" Fell was starting to sound like his Vice Captain persona, and the anger radiating from the monster could be felt through the whole building.
"Woah woah woah, no need to get ramgry." Stretch smiled while trying to stop Fell before he impaled it.
"That was bad even for you." Fells attention turned to his laid back doppelganger, killing intent now focused completely on Stretch.
"All this eweing from you is really unbecoming. It really is too ba-a-a-a-ad." Stretch gave a huge shit grin to the enraged skeleton. Papyrus wasn't positive but he thought Fell had manifested eyeballs for a moment in his rage. He must have, seeing that Stretch was doubled over laughing.
"Those were even worse than your first one! And stop joking about sheep here! We're in a goat barn!" Fell pointed violently to the creature still eating his pant leg.
"Oh stop, I'm sure your King-"
"Say one goat pun about my monarch and you won't make it out of this building alive." Fell growled gutturally. His eyelights went out as dangerous magic wisped from his sockets, posture stiffening and the air in the entire room became tense. Stretch seemed to realize his mistake and held his hands up in surrender while offering an apologetic smile. It didn't seem to be enough, as Fell began rolling up his sleeves in preparation.
"Lazy-me is right!" Papyrus chimed in before both Stretch and the goat got mauled. "Even if his puns are worse than Sans', there is truly no need to be upset. The goats here clearly like you!"
"Well thanks. That makes me feel SOOOO much better." Fell's voice was dripping with sarcasm. It was clear by his expression that he was done with all of this at the moment, and Papyrus wasn't sure how much more he could be reasoned with. Fell didn't summon any attacks though, instead balling up his pamphlet and preparing to swat at the animal.
"Great idea Edgy-me!" Papyrus grabbed the map from Fell's hand. The edgy skeleton squaked in indignation, but Papyrus ignored him. He knelt down by the goat's head and offered the map to the creature. "Doesn't this look far more appetizing?" Papyrus said while waving the paper in the goat's face. The animal stopped chewing on Fell's pant leg, looking at the paper for several seconds before clamping its teeth down and pulling the pamphlet through the pen bars.
Fell huffed and moved to the center of the isle. "Well I've had enough of these creatures. I say we move on."
"Eh, why not." Stretch shrugged and followed the other, ignoring the annoyance still coming off of Fell in waves. Papyrus stopped to grab Slim before leaving, being extra careful not to lose him again.
"Are you coming Tiny-me?" Papyrus asked. Slim was kneeling on the floor petting a twin pair of baby pygmy goats that were ecstatic at getting affection. The timid skeleton looked up and nodded before giving one last goodbye pat through the bars. He stood up and followed Papyrus through the large door, walking alongside the others down the busy asphalt path. In the time they were petting the goats the sky had gotten surprising dark. Papyrus had no idea they had been here for so long, but was eager to see that many of the street lamps and lights on the vendors' booths had been turned on. It was a completely foreign experience from earlier, and he found himself completely transfixed by the beauty of it all.
"So where exactly are we headed next?" Stretch drawled before pulling out a cigarette.
"We took a bit of a detour to see all the animals, but if you're still interested in rides we can go there next." Fell mumbled while pulling a second pamphlet from his inventory.
"That's perfect!" Papyrus chimed. He still hadn't ridden the Ferris Wheel yet, and was hoping they could still fit it in before the day completely ended.
"That is doable. We just need to pass the-" Fell was cut off by high pitched yapping. All four skeletons turned towards the source. A little white dog in a judging ring was watching them happily, tail wagging and panting heavily. He pulled at his leash, nearly yanking the girl showing him off balance. All the other dogs in the ring turned at the commotion, finally noticing the four walking dog treats standing near the entryway.
"Oh mother f-"
"Language!" Papyrus interrupted before Fell could say it. The correction seemed to be the trigger word, as immediately the dogs charged out of the ring. Many of the children either dropped their leashes or were pulled on their faces, every single dog managing to escape. The army of barking canines charged forward while Fell took a defensive stance in front of the others and summoning several jagged bones.
"Fine you savages! Come at me and-" Stretch didn't let him finish, grabbing Fell's shoulder and teleporting before he could stab any animals.
"Run for it!" Stretch shouted from close by. Several bone attacks were thrown from a nearby rooftop towards the hoard of barking beast, temporarily slowing their progress while they went for the bones. Papyrus didn't hesitate, opting to grab Slim's arm and yanking him down the path. The two bolted, dodging through crowds and leaping over the occasional wagon and stroller. Many people were either gasping, laughing or shouting angrily as they passed, but there was no time for apologies right now.
"Think we're safe yet?" Papyrus panted though he never let up running. He glanced back to see Slim being flanked by the little white dog. He was right on the skeletons heals, going in for a chomp when Slim barely jumped out of his reach. The sound of several more dogs grew closer, and the crowds were getting harder and harder to get through. "Tiny-me! I think we need an escape route!" Papyrus slowed down allowing his heavily panting counterpart to catch up. Slim nodded, though he was really starting to lag behind. Two more larger mutts had caught up at this point, eyeing both skeletons hungrily. "Do not worry! The Great Papyrus has this!" He summoned two bones before throwing them back at the dogs. The two larger ones jumped up to catch them, but the little one never lost focus. Papyrus took the opening to grab Slim and threw him over his shoulder. With that he took off at lightning speed, racing forward past an auction barn and merchant building when he was forced to a stop. Several dogs had cut through some of the booths and managed to get in front, heading them off and letting the other dogs catch up. Papyrus looked back to see at least five more beast at his flank, watching them eagerly and wagging their tails.
"I think this is it Tiny-me." Papyrus gulped with his hopes of escape fading. "If we don't survive this, I want you to know that I'm sorry I couldn't make today the best ever…" Papyrus trailed off waiting for the other to say something sentimental, but all he did was shift a bit. "Tiny-me?" Papyrus questioned. Suddenly he was pulled into a black void before plopping down in an unstable basket.
Slim sighed in relief and rolled off the others back. Papyrus looked up to see they were on one of the rides, and in a hanging metal basket with Monster Kid and Frisk.
"Oh! Hello you two!" Papyrus said cheerfully, temporarily forgetting the dogs they were running from. "Congratulations on your first place win Human Frisk!" The child kept their usual blank face, but gave a thumbs up as a thank you. "And how did Hank do?" Papyrus looked over to Monster Kid.
"He won fifth place out of twenty-nine mini lops!" Monster Kid boasted happily. "He did so well!"
"That's wonderful Monster Kid! Congratulations!" Papyrus clapped his hands together in happiness while Slim gave a small smile and a thumbs up. "I hope you don't mind the intrusion, we had a run in with some meddling canines." Papyrus huffed while Slim glanced down trying to spot them. The ride suddenly came to a halt. "Why did we stop?" Papyrus questioned.
"There letting more people on." Monster Kid added. "You need to sit down before we get in trouble. Quick!" Papyrus and Slim scrambled into the empty bench across from the children, rocking the basket a bit in their hurry.
"Alright, what happens now that we're seated?" Papyrus asked eagerly. This was all so new and exciting!
"You admire the view!" Monster Kid said bouncing with joy. Papyrus raised a brow bone before feeling a tug on his sleeve. He glanced over to see Slim with his jaw gaping open staring out in the distance. Papyrus also looked out at their surroundings, only for his jaw to fall loose too. It was completely dark now, and every light in the fairground was now gleaming brightly. He thought it was beautiful when seeing from the ground, but with a birds eye view he could see it all! The small lights and large lights around the barns and food booths were sparkling with hundreds of yellow dots. It reminded him of the Wishing Room in Waterfall, or perhaps the night sky would be a better comparison now. What was most exciting were the way the rides lit up. Some had flashing lights, rainbow lights, strobe lights! More lights than Papyrus had ever seen! He glanced out at the ride structure they were currently on. They were at the very top of a large wheel, and the lights below them were flashing brightly.
Wait a minute…
"Are we on the ferris wheel?!" Papyrus questioned with sparkling eyelights. Monster Kid and Frisk both nodded in unison, causing the skeleton to squeal in excitement. "We're on the ferris wheel Tiny-me! We're on the ferris wheel and it's better than I could have ever dream!" Slim smiled when the other pulled him into a tight hug, revelling in the gleeful moment when loud barking caught their attention. They both looked out towards the sheep barn, where Stretch and Fell were sitting on the roof while the dogs surround them from below. It looked like Stretch had lit a cigarette at some point, while Fell stayed busy by shouting profanities and throwing bone attacks at the dogs. It wasn't too malicious though, as the dogs all lept up to grab the tossed bones and chewed them happily. Several dozen children were now catching up with the pack, trying to reign in their canines while several police officers and parents ran in to help.
"EDGY-ME! LAZY-ME! UP HERE!!!" Papyrus shouted and waved both arms trying to get their attention. Stretch looked up and gave a lazy wave back, while Fell ignored him and continued shouting at the dogs. "I think they'll be fine, don't you Tiny-me?" Slim gave an assuring nod before leaning over to look around some more. Papyrus joined him, just happy that such a disasterous run in had turned into something so great.
XxxxxxxxxX
The day had grown into night, the fairgrounds preparing to close for the evening and visitors driving out in droves. The Papyruses were standing near the gate, waiting for their Sanses to meet with them before heading home.
"That was exhausting." Stretch yawned and leaned onto Fell's shoulder. The edgy skeleton rolled his sockets in annoyance but didn't shove him off. Apparent he's had enough time to calm since the dog incident, or maybe throwing all those bones burned off some steam? Either way he instead passed the time by organising his inventory and pulling out some papers. "You're not doing work right now." Stretch mumbled reaching for the stack lazily. Fell held it out of his reach, despite the others arms being a bit longer.
"Stop that, unless you want to be snoozing on the ground instead." Fell huffed while flipping through the files.
"But this is a fun day Edgy-me! It is already so late and our brothers will be here soon. Don't you think those police reports can wait?" Papyrus asked doubling his socket size and eyelights shimmering sadly. Fell watched him with a blank expression before sighing and pulling his inventory back up.
"Fine, but when I get chewed out for being behind on these things I'm blaming you." Fell mumbled while crossing his arms and tapping his foot impatiently.
"Wow Rus, I'm shocked. Never thought it'd be possible to get the workaholic to stop once he's started." Stretch grinned. "Surprised he hasn't touch his work until now. He's always so eager to work himself-"
"Don't-"
"Down to the bone." Stretch finished with a wink. Fell and Papyrus both groaned loudly in exasperation while Slim chuckled under his breath. "At least somebody likes my humor."
"Then why don't you lean on him?" Fell shoved Stretch towards the shorter skeleton. He stumbled over only for Slim to port to the side at the last minute. Stretch hit the ground with a grunt before feeling the asphalt and shrugging, deciding to make himself comfortable. "Oh. My. God." Fell facepalmed and shook his head. "You're an embarrassment to the entire monster race."
"Eh, I've been called worse." was the only response he got. Fell looked like he was about to continue when Red suddenly appeared on the ground beside him.
"'Now I can't have ya outdoin' me." Red pulled out a bottle of mustard and began messily drinking it.
"That's right." Sans had appeared laying by Stretch's other side, hands behind his head and smiling lazily. "We Sanses have a reputation to uphold. Can't be having a Papyrus taking that title."
"It's on now." Stretch pulled out his own container of honey and popped off the lid. "Ya gonna help me out here Slim? I'm outnumbered here." Slim just looked at him bashfully, not comfortable being called out like this. He sidestepped a bit so he could hide behind Papyrus but still watched curiously. Stretch shrugged, starting to tip the honey bottle over his mouth.
"Pappy!" Blue suddenly swiped the bottle from his hand. "Don't be so disgusting! I don't like washing honey out of clothing." Stretch looked disappointed to have his food taken but eventually shrugged it off.
"Okay bro." Stretch stood up when Blue offered him a hand. He turned back to look at the skeletons still on the ground, both of whom were grinning smugly. "You may have won the battle Sanses, but not the war." Stretch grinned, eyelights glinting deviously. "This lazy-off is far from over."
"Any time bud." Sans said. "I can always go for more naps."
"Sans!" Papyrus finally interjected. "Get off the ground! You'll get your clothing all dirty."
"Okay." Sans teleported to be standing right by his brother. "But I really am beat. Think we can head home soon." Sans did look very tired, well, more tired than usual.
"Alright brother, just let me say goodbye." Papyrus turned so he was facing Slim, the latter swiftly breaking eye contact and looking towards the ground. He had pulled out his new stuffed rabbit at some point and was currently rubbing the soft fabric. "Well Tiny-me. I guess it is time. Sorry about all the craziness that happened. It really wasn't as great as it could have been." Papyrus wrang his fingers nervously. He messed up. He lost Slim, who ended up being held hostage by a crying rabbit child, and they were nearly eaten by a bunch of dogs. Though Papyrus himself is very great, the day could have certainly been greater.
"I-I had fun… thank you." Slim said while rubbing the stuffed rabbit's ear. "... Do it again next year?" Papyrus' sockets widened in surprise. Slim looked up and gave a small smile, a rarity from this skeleton indeed! Papyrus sockets suddenly doubled in size, eyelights becoming watery as he held back a sniffle.
"I'm so happy!" he grabbed Slim in a tight hug and spun him around excitedly. "Of course we shall do it again! And it will be even greater than our trip was today!"
"Don't forget to invite us." Stretch stepped closer. "It's the only way to get this idiot away from the office."
"It is also the only way to get you off the couch." Fell mumbled back. "And why are you saying goodbye now? We still need to use their machine." Red looked like he was about to pun but Fell was having none of it. He grabbed Red by his hood and began dragging him towards his motorcycle, plopping him in the side car. He next took a helmet from his inventory, holding it out to Slim. "Come along." He ordered. Slim gave a small wave and walked over, taking the helmet and strapping it on. Fell waited until his back was turned before looking towards Papyrus and giving him a grateful nod. A strong feeling of happiness welled in Papyrus soul, and he could feel the tears already streaming. "Farewell other Me's!" He waved excitedly as the Swap brothers boarded Blue's motorcycle. "We shall see each other again soon!" He and Sans waved them off as they rode out of the parking lot and out of sight.
"See ya at the house." Sans yawned before leaning on Papyrus' waist. The taller shook his head but picked Sans up with ease, carrying him to the car.
"Honestly Sans! You cannot wait until we get home?"
"Afraid not bro." Sans grumbled tiredly. "Go on without me, just put me on a bench somewhere."
"Oh stop being so dramatic!" Papyrus huffed.
"Thanks bro, you're the coolest." Sans smiled when Papyrus set him in the passenger seat.
"Of course I am! I am the Great Papyrus after all!" With that he turned the key and drove home.
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And that's all for this one! Hope everyone enjoyed a cute day trip with our favourite skeletons.
Comments are always appreciated.