AN: Okay, we go a little more in depth here with Sans and Papyrus as the older brother learns more about what the younger has been through. I realize that Sans may be a little ooc but he's dealing with the after effects of watching everyone die in multiple timelines including himself. I feel it's only right for him to be a little broken after everything he's had and still is experiencing. Anyway I hope you enjoy this chapter :) Don't forget to review and let me know what you think!
Disclaimer: Toby Fox is and forever will be the owner of Undertale. I only own the plot of this story.
Papyrus was silent as he knelt down in front of his shaking brother and pulled him into a tight embrace. He was having trouble wrapping his head around what he'd just learned. Even so, he could tell that there was more to it than what Sans had just told him... but he'd focus more on that once the teen had calmed down.
"Sans, I know this is hard but I need you to take deep breaths." The taller skeleton instructed. "If you don't get your emotions under control... you may wind up having a panic attack. Your magic is very unstable and I don't want you caught in the backlash if it goes haywire again due to the stress you've been under."
The younger monsters eye flared up as if in agreement and his blue soul was revealed. Pap cringed as he saw the ever widening cracks across the surface. If things persisted like this then his brother was sure to fall in the near future.
'NO! DON'T THINK THAT WAY!" He chided himself as he watched his little brother slow his breathing until it matched his own controlled pace. "There is no way THE GREAT PAPYRUS will allow such a fate to befall his only brother."
"I know how inclined you are to keep secrets but I need to know the whole truth so I can help you." Pap implored once the other skeleton had regained control.
The younger monster froze. He'd been ready to reveal what he knew but... how would his brother react? How would the others react? Sans was certain that Papyrus would contact the others after learning about the timelines. It's one thing for them to learn about Chara... it's another for his friends to find out how many times he'd failed them. With a stubborn shake of his head the teen turned away, curling up as he stared at the wall.
"You always try to do everything on your own, well guess what? It's not healthy and I refuse to allow it any longer!" The elder declared, voice rising in frustration. "WHY CAN'T YOU JUST TRUST ME FOR ONCE!?"
Sans started at the unexpected question, whipping his head around to meet his bros teary gaze.
"I do trust you Pap..." He replied after a moment, deep emotion openly displayed on his face. "More than anyone."
"THEN WHY NOT TELL ME WHAT'S GOING ON?" The older male pleaded, reaching out to grasp the others hands in his own.
"I just want you to be happy... that's all I've ever wanted." The smaller skeleton admitted, voice barely louder than a whisper. "I've fought so hard for it."
"Do you really think I would be happy in a world where you are gone?" The elder said, voice unsteady.
The pun loving monsters mind was drawn back to the many timelines where he'd watched his brother die. All he'd wished for was that the reset would come so that he could see Papyrus again. There had been times when he hadn't even found the strength to challenge the human, instead wallowing in his despair while monsters were hunted down and killed in cold blood. The guilt he now carried from his inaction would forever haunt him. Yet he knew, in the end, he had contributed to the forming of this brighter timeline. He knew from experience that Pap would never be happy if he were to die. Lifting his head, Sans took in the defeated slump of his brothers shoulders as he made his decision.
"No... you wouldn't." He replied at last, surprising the older skeleton as resolve filled his eyes. "You'd better get comfy Pappy... this will be a long story."
Papyrus' mood brightened immediately at the realization of what his sibling was about do. Sans couldn't keep a small smile from appearing, though his face fell shortly after. He knew that what he was about to reveal would hurt his big brother... it may even cause the loss of some of the innocence he'd been trying to protect. Closing his eye sockets, the younger took a deep breath before launching into the tale of love, hope, and determination. It took several hours to finish the story and much to his chagrin, Sans had broken down several times, unable to continue as sobs wracked his small frame. At one time he'd been so lost in his thoughts that he'd become oblivious to everything else around him, only to find himself wrapped in his bros calming arms when the memories receded. To his surprise Papyrus hadn't interrupted once, though his expression darkened several times and he utterly refused to release his grip on Sans' hand.
"Oh Sans..." Pap whispered, heartbroken as he leaned down to place a gentle kiss on the top of his brothers head. "How could I have been so blind... there were so many signs. The way you sometimes flinch when Frisk approaches or when I catch you staring at me as if I'd been gone for ages and you were finally seeing me again. I'm so sorry you had to face that alone!"
The older skeletons eyes trailed down to Sans' chest, taking in the bandage he had wrapped around it mere hours ago. He also remembered the times his brother would rub the area where the cut was now located as if pained by some unknown injury... now he knew why and the knowledge brought with it a fierce sense of protectiveness.
"That wound..." He trailed off, dread filling his soul as the younger locked eyes with him. "It's... It's the one that killed you all those times... isn't it?"
"Yea." Sans admitted, relieved by how well Papyrus seemed to be taking it. "This was that little brats go to method of getting rid of me."
"Hey, don't worry..." He continued upon noticing the horrified look on the taller males face. "That's in the past now."
The younger monster flashed a reassuring look which the other slowly returned, though they could both see lingering doubt in the the eye sockets of the other.
'But is it really?' Was the unspoken question that was passed between them as they thought of the nightmares currently plaguing the youngest.
Silence fell as the two brothers broke eye contact, each becoming lost in their own thoughts.
'He's been through so much... and I was never there for him. Even in the timelines where he begged me not to confront the human I was a bonehead and refused to listen to his warnings.' Pap reflected, regret hanging over him like a dark cloud. 'I forced him to watch as that human killed me over and over, leaving him to face her on his own once again. It's painful to know that Sans gave up like he did during those few timelines and I can see how much it hurts him... but I don't blame him for it. I feel as if I'd have done the same if I were in his position. He lost everyone he cared for so many times, and yet... he refused to let that human win.'
Papyrus looked at the younger skeleton with new respect. The other was still lost in thought, never noticing the pride filled gaze that had fallen on him.
'MY BROTHER IS THE HERO OF THE UNDERGROUND...' Papyrus thought in awe, before it was replaced with sorrow as he once again caught a glimpse of the fragile soul. 'But at what cost?'
His attention was drawn to his brothers face upon hearing a strangled choking sound.
"SANS!" He shouted, reaching out to support the teen as he suddenly collapsed.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
'I can't believe I actually told Pap about everything! I didn't even leave out the parts where I had stopped caring and gave up. What does he think of me after learning how I abandoned everyone to death because I saw no point in trying? He must be so disappointed!' The fear that his older brother would be angry with him made the teens breathing increase once more until he was gasping for air. 'Will he kick me out? Stop talking to me? He didn't seem mad but... maybe he was waiting until I had finished? He was pretty quiet and that's not like him. He'd usually have interrupted me multiple times and he didn't... not even once. What will I do if he tells me to leave? I've already lost him so many times... I don't think I could bear for it to happen again!"
With that last thought, his throat tightened and he was unable to get a breath. He dimly recognized his brother shouting his name before hands were on his shoulders, holding him upright. His vision slowly faded as his lungs began to work again, but it was too late... and he let himself succumb to the bitter darkness.
Even in unconsciousness Sans found himself once more in the golden light on the judgment hall. Quiet snickers were heard from the shadows along the left wall and he turned to face them, already tired from his previous anxiety attack. The ketchup loving skeleton knew that there was no point to this, she would just hurt him again anyway... there was no escape. Yet even so... he refused to give up. He'd done that too many times at it was.
"What do you want this time Chara?" He asked, resignation in his voice yet fiery resolve burning in his eye sockets.
The laugh came again as the fallen child stepped into the light.
"Oh, you know." She mocked, waving the knife in the air before her face. "Same old, same old. I just want you to suffer. But then... that's how you got here wasn't it? You were so worried that little Pappy would turn his back on you that you passed out... kinda pathetic don't ya think?"
"Shut up!" He yelled. "That's none of your business! You've never cared for anyone other than yourself so you have no idea how painful it is to lose someone."
"No... not really." The girl replied smugly. "But I always did love the look on your face whenever I killed your brother."
Sans growled deep in his throat as he summoned his magic, immediately sending out bones and gaster blasters in a combination attack. The kid dodged with practiced ease, however, and soon raced forward. Her knife swinging towards his face.
Papyrus held his brother as he passed out, softly laying him down on his bed before sitting beside him. He took the teens bony hand, worry showing in every inch of his being. If what Sans had told him earlier was true, which he didn't doubt it was, then he would be returned to that awful place and forced to fight the evil human once again... and he was unable to help. The elder monster tried several times to wake the other, but to no avail. It would have been different if he'd just been asleep rather than passed out but for the time being the only thing he could do is offer support and hope for the best.
"Come on brother... you can beat her." He stated desperately as he watched a shallow cut appear on the smaller skeletons face.
Releasing his hold for a moment, Pap grabbed the medical supplies still lying by the end of the bed and efficiently took care of the lazily bleeding wound. He then settled into his previous position, ready to care for any other injuries his baby bro may attain before he awakens.
"I promise Sans..." The spaghetti loving monster said in a hushed voice. "I will find a way to save you. After all, you've saved everyone else, it's the least I can do.
Sans held a hand against his wounded cheekbone as blood drizzled down his face. He turned a hate filled glare to the child snickering at him from a few feet away before throwing more bones her way. One of his attacks managed to nick Chara's left arm causing her to let out an angry hiss. She jumped back, effectively avoiding the rest as they soared under her.
"You'll pay for that you worthless bag of bones." She snarled, knife pointed directly at his face.
"It'll be worth it." He replied, disdainfully. "Any hit I manage to make is a victory in my eyes."
"Then I'll just have to make sure it won't happen again." She declared, charging forward full force.
They fought far longer than usual, most likely because Sans was unable to wake up. Thus he was forced to suffer many minor cuts but had luckily avoided taking any serious damage. Now, though, he was completely exhausted. His breathing was nothing but painful gasps as he tried to get enough oxygen into his system and his entire body was quivering with the effort of keeping himself upright, yet Chara seemed unaffected.
"How... are you... not tired?" He panted in between words, feeling a little lightheaded.
"Hmm..." The fallen child hummed, smirking at the weary skeleton. "You don't need to concern yourself with that. After all... you're about to get a very rude wake up call."
Pain flared in Sans' head and he immediately fell to his knees, arms wrapping around his skull as he writhed in pain.
'How did she hit me?" He thought, clenching his teeth together to stop a gasp of pain from escaping. 'I didn't see her move!'
He just had time to notice Chara approaching, an evil smile on her face, before his eyes snapped open...
And he was suddenly staring up into his brothers concerned and slightly frightened gaze.
"BROTHER, PLEASE TELL ME YOU'RE ALRIGHT!" Papyrus shouted, swiftly dragging the younger monster into a tight embrace.
Sans winced as his head was moved to lean against his bros bony shoulder, causing the pain to flare up twice as bad before settling into a dull ache.
"I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!" The elder continued, shaking, as his nerves got the best of him. "YOU WERE LYING THERE AND INJURIES KEPT APPEARING ON YOUR BODY! I DID MY BEST TO PATCH EACH OF THEM UP BUT THEN... you shouted in pain and grabbed your head."
"Shh... it's okay Pappy." Sans tried to comfort, even as it felt like his skull would split in two. "I'm alright, a little worse for wear but... it's nothing I can't handle."
"I've been through worse." He added under his breath, though the other male still managed to hear it.
Knowing it was probably true made Paps eyes well up with tears as his grip tightened, unwilling to release his baby brother who had suffered though so much on his own. Sans dizzily returned the hug.
"Sans..." The normally energetic monster began quietly, unable to speak louder as his eyes searched the younger skeletons face, wincing when he say the poorly concealed pain. "You've got a large crack on the back of your skull. It looks like someone smashed you over the head with a rock."
The short skeletons eyes widened as he reached up to touch his head, only to find it already wrapped in a heavy layer of gauze.
"Guess that's the reason it feels like my head's been used as a pinata." Sans tried to joke as he fought a wave of dizziness, hoping to relieve some of the guilt he could see blossoming in his bros eye sockets.
That look didn't belong on Paps face. He was supposed to be innocent, naive, and joyful... not full of guilt, anger, and sadness. It just wasn't right! Sans knew he would give anything if it meant his brother could go back to being that way... but the damage was already done. The moment he'd broke through the door and found his little brother sitting in a puddle of blood his soul had allowed other emotions into it. No, that wasn't right. Sans had noticed Papyrus changing ever since they'd managed to break free of the time loops.
"Guess you're more observant than I gave ya credit for, huh Pap?" He whispered to himself, too low for the taller monster to understand what he'd said.
"What was that Sans?" Papyrus asked, worry clearly written in his tone.
"Oh, it was nothing... just talking to myself." The ketchup lover dismissed.
His older brother gave him a doubtful look but didn't push the subject, choosing instead to help the other lay back down against the pillows. He then crossed to the other side of the room, grabbed the garbage bin, and repositioned it to the side of the bed... within easy reaching distance should the need arise.
"I'm going to call Toriel and see if she can come over." Pap admitted, eyes glued to the floor in uncertainty before meeting the others stare. "I want her to take a look at your injuries. I've never been skilled in healing magic and hers is second to none so... no arguments okay? I'm also calling Alphys and Undine. They have a right to know everything that you've done for them. They can relate the news to Mettaton and Asgore since I happen to know those two are very busy at the moment. I realize that this is not really my decision to make but please brother... I can't stand to see you in so much pain."
The older skeleton waited quietly as he let his words sink into his brothers head. Because of the probability of a concussion he knew it may take several moments for the teen to comprehend what he'd just been told. When he did, Papyrus watched as fear flitted across the younger males face... making him reach out and place a comforting hand on his brothers shoulder. Sans turned his head, frightened eyes locking with the older skeletons as he nodded in acceptance.
"You're right Pap." He admitted, voice wavering as he tried to remain strong. "But what if they don't believe me? I was surprised when you accepted it so easily..."
Papyrus felt slightly hurt by the lack of trust, though he knew it was understandable. Sans had been forced to rely only on himself for so long, remaining strong for the sake of others yet breaking a little each time he failed to protect the ones he loved. The taller monster felt deep regret at having been the cause of so much of his baby bros suffering, but that was in the past. Right now all he cared about was helping his brother get well again and for that they needed the aid of their friends.
Please let me know what you thought of this chapter... It really helps! Thanks so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed it ;)
