A very eerie silence fell over the room. The ticking from the wall clock had never seemed louder, every second feeling like an eternity. Sans wasn't sure what to do at this point. Last time he tried talking to this guy he was afraid of him. Would Slim still be scared? Without Red in here this whole encounter could go south real quick. Faintly he could feel his stats being checked by the other Papyrus. He couldn't help but feel a bit more anxious now. Based on what Fell said low LV monsters are an easy sources of EXP in his world, and at one HP it couldn't get much easier than that. Was this monster going to dust him? Get revenge on his brother by taking out a weaker version of Razz?
Sans shook his head. How could he think like that?! This guy was hurt and needed help, regardless of where he came from. He trusted Fell and Red not to dust him, so why should Slim be any different?
Awkwardly he scratched the back of his skull and side glanced at Slim. The injured skeleton was watching him cautiously, not taking his eyelights away for anything. At least he wasn't trembling in fear this time. Perhaps this is a good thing? Maybe Slim is less threatened by a one HP monster… Maybe.
"Soooo… Last time we met wasn't under the best circumstances. How 'bout we start over?" Sans forced a grin. Slim didn't respond, continuing to watch him suspiciously. "Right, maybe I should grab a seat and we can talk?" Still no answer. Great.
Sans turned to grab a chair from the game table. He dragged it back towards the couch only to see Slim struggling to sit upright. He was grimacing with each movement, trying to hold back any verbal indication of pain.
"W-woah, slow down buddy! You'll hurt yourself worse." Sans stammered, rushing over to Slim's side. The hurt skeleton growled, making Sans take a step back. Geeze, he seemed more like an animal then a fellow monster. Was this really the same guy that was begging for his help the other day? He didn't attack though, so that was a good sign… Right?
"Easy now, just here to help. See?" He pulled his sleeves to his elbows and held his arms up in surrender. Slim stopped baring his teeth, though he still seemed uneasy.
"You wanna sit up, right? I can help you with that." Slowly, Sans grabbed a few pillows from the fort. He cautiously moved his hand behind Slim's back and hoisted him upright. Slim let out a pained gasp at the motion that made Sans freeze. "S-sorry." Sans stammered while squashing the pillows behind his back and head. He carefully leaned him back down, letting Slim sink into the cushy pile.
"See, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Sans asked shakily, grateful none of his breaks reopened. Slim still didn't say anything, though he seemed bewildered about the lack of punishment and the new soft cushions he was leaning on. His face eventually settled with a look of contentment before he remembered Sans' presence. He turned his head to watch the other skeleton again, though his gaze had gone from hostile to uncertain. Sans went back and pulled the seat over, giving Slim a good three feet of space. He sat in the chair backwards, using the backrest to pillow his arms. "So, anything you'd like to know? I'm sure you have some questions." Still nothing. Was Slim suddenly mute? He was talking fine the other day.
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" Heh, cause skeletons don't have tongues. Suddenly, something came across Slims face. It was only there for a second, but Sans was pretty sure he saw a smirk at that joke.
"Heh, you're kitten me right? Paw this time you've been a fellow joke lover?" Slim couldn't help but snicker at that one. "Meow we're gettin' somewhere. Knew there was a reason I liked ya." Sans chuckled. This might not end as badly as he first thought.
"Don't puss your luck." Slim whispered while trying to suppress his giggling. Sans, however, was too stunned to respond right away. Slim spoke? Granted it was a stupid pun, but Sans managed to get this guy to speak. The short skeleton honestly hadn't felt this elated in a long time.
"Heh, you feeling a little more catty now?" Sans grinned. Slim smiled back before a sudden look of realization came across his face. He quickly placed a hand over his mouth and looked down shamefully, like he made a grave error.
"Hey, what's wrong? Does somethin' hurt?" Sans asked worriedly. Slim shook his head and looked away.
Sans could only sigh. So much for the progress they were making. He buried his head in his arms trying to remind himself to stay patient. Now, what did he do wrong? Or did he do anything wrong to begin with? He'd never interacted with anyone quite like this, not even the Gyftrots are this anti-social. At the very least he likes puns, that's a small indication he's from a version of Stretch's dimension. But even Stretch wasn't this quiet. He glanced back up to see Slim still holding his mouth and-
"Hey!" Sans stumbled from his chair and yanked Slim's hand from his face. "The hell are you doing?!" Sans demanded. Slim was too shocked to react right away and Sans was too rallied to care. He grab his jaw and examined the new claw marks around Slim's teeth. They weren't deep enough to bleed thankfully, but they were still noticeable.
"Why would you hurt yourself like that?" Sans questioned. Slim didn't give an answer, of course he wouldn't give an answer. Sans rubbed his forehead anxiously. He couldn't let the others see this. He doubted Papyrus would understand where the new marks came from, and he didn't plan on explaining. Exhaling heavily, Sans summoned the dismal amount of healing magic he possessed. It gave off small sparks from his fingertips and was barely brighter than a firefly, but it should be enough to close the ruts. Gently he touched the rakes in Slims face and released his magic. It took a while but he could slowly see the ruts starting to heal. Slim was still in a state of shock, though whether it was from the the shorter skeleton's reaction or the odd sensation of healing magic remained unclear.
"Heh, a-all fixed up. Now the other won't be worried." Sans breathed. He was already panting and sweating profusely. That would be his last attempt at healing magic for a while. Dang he was worse then he remember. "P-please don't do that again, 'kay?" Slim looked at him apprehensively before giving a small nod. Good.
Exhausted, Sans collapsed back in his seat and closed his sockets. What the heck was taking Red so long? He wasn't sure how much more of this guy he could handle alone. A few minute later he heard footsteps outside on the porch. Thank the stars that must be Red. He turned to face the door when it burst open, a boisterous Papyrus stepping inside.
"Brother, I'm back-" Papyrus looked to his left and went bug eyed at the sight of Sans sitting next to a conscious Slim. "Tiny-me! You're awake!" He bound forward to perform a proper greeting.
"I am the Great Papyrus!" He announced striking a pose, a bit less epic without the scarf but he still made it work. Slim just looked at his colourful counterpart then back at Sans with a confused and desperate expression. He didn't seem prepared to handle such an energetic individual, unsure if he should defend himself or try running. Sans could only shrug and smile, no force in the Underground would get Slim out of this interaction.
"What is wrong tiny-me? It is I! You! But a different version of you!" Slim just stared at him completely baffled. "I'm like edgy-me, but less prickly!" Still no response from him.
"Psss. Sans." Papyrus tried to whisper but was still pretty audible. "Did I do something wrong? Why won't tiny-me say anything?"
Sans shrugged. "I don't think he's much of a talker bro. Maybe try toning it back a little?" Papyrus nodded, seeming to understand what Sans was saying. He took a step back and continued in a slightly softer voice.
"Do not fret tiny-me! It's okay if you choose to be quiet. I'll just be loud enough for the both of us!" Papyrus gave a big smile, one that Slim didn't really return. "Oh! Have you eaten yet tiny-me?" He turned to look at Sans. "Have you offered food to our guest brother?"
"Uhhhh…" Sans eyelights turned to pinpricks for a moment. What kind of idiot was he?! Who knows when Slim last ate? Definitely not in the last few days. Thankfully Papyrus didn't need him to say it.
"That's alright brother. I'll take care of it!" He chimed while bounding toward the kitchen. Sans stared after him. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something seemed a bit off about Papyrus today, and it wasn't the lack of his battle body. He seemed a little more… chipper than normal. Maybe he's just excited about meeting another Papyrus? Before Sans could think on it more his younger brother came back with some of Fell's leftovers from the previous night.
"Don't worry tiny-me! We'll have you back on your feet in no time!" He grabbed his own chair and pulled it by Slim, taking a forkful of the warmed up lasagna and holding it up to his mouth. Slim just eyed the food warily, staring it down like it would kill him.
"What is wrong tiny-me? Surely you must be hungry." He tried holding the utensil closer to Slim's mouth, only for him to turn his head away from the food. Papyrus slowly withdrew his fork and looked to his brother worriedly. "Is he sick Sans? I don't understand why he won't eat."
"I'm not sure bro." Sans said with a shrug. "He didn't seem sick earlier today." Papyrus rubbed his chin and looked Slim over carefully. Slim tensed, pulling the blanket further up his chest. "Hey bro, maybe you should-"
Red popped back into the living room, turning to face the others. "Alright, so I spoke with Boss a-" He stopped short upon seeing the scene in front of him, confusion turning to exasperation. "What are you idiots doin'?" Red growled. Sans shrunk back while Papyrus full on flinched.
"I-I thought tiny-me might be hungry, b-but he doesn't want the food." Papyrus said in a concerned and terrified voice.
"That's cuz you're doin' it wrong." Red stormed over and grabbed the bowl of lasagna. "Don't worry Fido, it's perfectly safe." Red grabbed a new forkful of pasta from the middle of the bowl, taking a large bite and chewing it thoroughly. Slim eyed him carefully, but when nothing happened he began watching the food with more vigour. Red gave to bowl back to Papyrus. "Alright, he should eat it now."
Papyrus gave both of them a confused look before offering a new forkful to Slim, who actually took it this time. "Wowie! That was wonderful Red!" Papyrus was about to offer another forkful when the bowl was suddenly snatched from his hand. Slim pulled the bowl close to his chest and began scarfing the food as fast as he could. "Slow down tiny-me, you'll make yourself sick!" Slim ignored him, hugging the bowl tighter and shoving more food in his mouth. "At least use a fork tiny-me! You will soil your bandages!"
Sans had to look away, reminded of his earlier conversation with Red. He'd have to do some research on monsters and malnutrition, maybe ask Alphys for a few pointers? Red would probably have some treatment ideas, seeing that he had first hand experience with food shortages. Speaking of Red, where was he now? Sans scanned the room to see Red shuffling towards the kitchen. He decided to join him, confident Papyrus would be fine keeping his doppleganger occupied. Sans stood and lumbered toward the doorway. He turned the corner to see Red at the kitchen table, resting his skull in his arm.
"I see ya two have become well acquainted." Sans cocked his head in confusion. "Ya have no idea how long it took before he'd eat in front a me." Red said with a slight air of jealousy. "He must like ya."
"I-is that a good thing?" Sans questioned, burying his hands in his pockets. Red responded with a sharped toothed grin.
"Why wouldn't it be?" Red laughed heartily. Sans gave a nervous chuckle before taking a seat at the table.
"So, what did Fell say?" Sans asked curiously. Red looked off to the side thoughtfully, trying to choose his words.
"Something happened back in my world. The Royal Guards been called in, and since Boss is the lieutenant he doesn't have a choice." Red looked Sans directly in the sockets, an air of tension falling over the room. "We'll be on our own for a while."