"Red? I know you said not to bring anything, but I was worried so we stopped by anyway!" Blue yelled from the bottom of the steps.
Shit shit shit! Red needed a plan and he needed it now! If Blue came up the stairs and decided to check why Boss' door was open, then it would be all over.
He needed to look sick!
Grabbing a spare blanket from Fell's bed Red ported into the bathroom and splashed his skull with water. Checking himself in the mirror he then flooded his cheekbones with additional magic, making himself look feverish.
Perfect.
"Red?" Blue asked again now at the top of the steps.
"Oh, hey Blue." Red came out of the bathroom fake coughing into his hand. "What are ya doing here?"
"Oh stars you really do look awful!" Blue rushed past Fell's cracked door frame much to Red's relief. "Strange, you don't feel warm." He commented placing a hand to Red's skull.
"Nah, it's just a cold. No reason 'tibia' upset." Red smirked when Blue gave him an annoyed glare.
"I'll let it slide this time since you're sick. Honestly you should be in bed." Blue started ushering him to the appropriate bedroom, but Red couldn't help thinking about Boss. He left the door cracked so the Swaps would think he's not home, but Blue would have to pass that doorway on the way downstairs, unsupervised where he could get curious.
"Actually I was setting up shop on the sofa. I would use my bed, but *cough cough* Boss says it's too much trash ta get better in." Blue just looked at him incredulously.
"Stars, you really are sick! You're actually listening to Fell AND you haven't said one insult since we got here."
"What can I say." Red chuckled before throwing in another fake cough. "I've just been workin' myself 'ta the bone' lately."
"Again I'm letting that slide since you don't feel well." The two went downstairs, Red being sure to place himself between Blue and Boss' door frame. "Where is Fell? Is he working in his room?"
"No! I-I mean, nope. He just left the door open for… Doomfanger." Red lied.
"Awww! He likes to sleep in Fell's room?"
"Surprisingly often." The grouchy Sans relaxed a bit when they reached the bottom of the steps. He sat on the couch like Blue instructed, his double pulling out a Tupperware container of fresh soup from his inventory.
"Now where did Papy go? Has he seriously hidden somewhere?"
"Nah bro, just checking the kitchen for honey." Stretch stepped out of said room with a lazy wave.
"Papyrus! No stealing food from other monster's pantries without permission."
"Sorry bro, figured since Red did it at our house then I could too." Stretch shrugged.
"So, as *cough* nice as your visit was, Ya should probably go… so I can rest." He smiled hoping the two would leave.
"Are you sure? We just got here." Blue raised a brow bone suspiciously. Thankfully Stretch didn't agree.
"Come on bro, let's leave Red in peace. Don't you still have tacos to make for the picnic Saturday?"
"Good point brother! I'll get Red situated first though." Blue set the soup on the counter and filled a bowl with it, grabbing a spoon and handing it to Red. He even made sure his grouchy double had a glass of juice and the TV remote. Red couldn't even feel bad about lying, as long as it kept Blue's focus off of Fell.
"I think I'll be *cough cough* good now. Ya guys should get goin' before my cold spreads." Blue looked at him thoughtfully for a moment, Red just smiling wider hoping he'd leave.
"Alright, I'll call tomorrow to see how you're doing!"
"Sounds good." Red chuckled giving a thumbs up.
"Let's go brother!" Blue headed out the door with one final wave, Stretch sauntering close behind. Before closing the door he looked back at Red giving him a wink. He just stared in confusion as the door closed, finally letting his cheekbones flush back to their normal color. Throwing off the blanket Red took a shortcut into Fell's room, seeing that the blankets covering his brother had been straightened out, the unconscious skeleton now tucked in comfortably with Doomfanger napping at his feet. There was also a large box on the dresser with a piece of notebook paper attached.
"What the hell?" Red scratched his skull at the new toolbox, taking the note and skimming through it.
'I thought it was weird you called instead of Edgelord (Blue did too, which is why he wanted to come out so badly). I must say it's a little 'jaw dropping' seeing the big guy out like this, so I won't tell anyone (as long as you send me video footage of anything funny that happens). Here's Blue's emergency kit for when I get sick. Edgelord might like some of the stuff in it lol.'
Heh, Stretch figured it all out before Blue did. At least Stretch knew how to keep a secret, when he wanted to anyway. He was sure the lazy Papyrus would be using this as blackmail for a long time to come.
Opening the box Red rummaged through the supplies. A multitude of different medications all within code, an ice bag, thermometer, tissues, and…. a stuffed rabbit and children's book?
"Heh, classic Blue." Red chuckled. He wouldn't have a use for the baby items, but the medicine would be a huge help. Placing his phalanges back on Fell's skull he realized the fever was getting worse. "Stars dammit." Red cursed. That needed to be taken care of pronto.
Taking the ice bag he went to the kitchen and filled the thing with all the ice cubes in the freezer. He grabbed some more water glasses while he was at it, deciding he'd put the soup Blue brough away later. Shortcutting back up to the bedroom Red set everything down with a loud clatter.
Fell blinked his sockets open groggily, wincing a bit at the bright light above him. His eyelights were even hazier than earlier, and his cheekbones were now flushed with scarlet magic.
"Sorry Boss, this should help ya feel better." Red placed the ice bag on his skull before turning back to Blue's tackle box. "These pills should help too. We need ta get that fever under control." Fell just blinked looking between the pills and Red, his face scrunched like something was causing him pain.
"C-could you tell the dancing llamas to stop…" Red just looked at his brother blankly, checking around the room not seeing anything remotely close.
"Llamas? Boss, there ain't no llamas in here." He whimpered lightly in response, LITERALLY WHIMPERED.
"They hurt to look at…" he squinted his eyes shut trying to hide his face under the sheets. Red looked to the light on the ceiling. Was Fell talking about the lights? Was he seeing things in the lights? He did seem to be having hallucinations, so that pretty much confirmed he had the rattles. Now it was just a matter of tiptoeing around his frazzled mind without him attacking.
"I can take care of the llamas, but then ya gotta take the meds. Alright?" Fell nodded in response, prompting Red to hit the light switch. His brother instantly calmed with the darkness and opened his sockets further. "Are the llamas gone?"
"Uh-Huh." Boss nodded. Stars this was too weird.
"Alright, now take these like ya promised." Thankfully Fell did as asked, taking a big swing of water to wash them down with. He sunk back into the pillow looking a little more comfortable. "Can ya stomach some soup too?" Red held out the the to go container from Grillby's, which was instantly rejected.
"Fine fine, but ya gotta eat it later or the llamas will come back." He stood up to put both bowls of soup in the fridge, only for a clawed hand to grab his jacket. Fell was looking up at him blearily with a shaky breath.
"P-please don't go…" He whispered.
"I'll be back, so stop bein' such a babybones already. It's freakin' me out." Red growled out, but the grip only tightened.
Stars dammit.
"Alright, ya win Boss. I'll stay. Happy?" Fell nodded, clearly not even half present mentally. It was almost… cute. Dammit just thinking it sounded wrong!
Red placed both bowls in his inventory, knowing it would be a long evening. Dragging over the desk chair he plopped on the seat, pulling out his phone and checking his messages. Nothing new other than some well wishes from Rus and Slim. Even Comic had a few bone related puns to add. Well, at least Stretch was keeping his end of the secret, even if he wanted pictures in return.
Lifting his phone Red snapped a picture of Fell with the ice pack hanging on him like a big hat. His sockets were shut tight and he still looked uncomfortable but there wasn't much more Red could do. It was Fell's own fault for trying to work through it, so now he had to suffer the consequences. Sending the image Red breathed knowing his obligation was fulfilled. Now hopefully his smoking buddy would keep his word.
He sat back ready for a nap only to perk up at an odd sobbing noise coming from his right. Red looked down with a raised brow bone, seeing Fell was sniffling back bright red mucus and tears.
"Boss?" Red asked, very confused and a bit worried. Fell hadn't cried in years, literal years!
"T-they're gonna kill us…." Fell whispered between sniffles.
"Who's gonna kill us?" Red questioned leaning in closer trying to hear better.
"The shadows on the roof Sans… I-it's all part of the slave ring… they're going to replace us with clones! I've seen them! A-and I don't want you to die…" Red's eyelights went out. He wasn't sure if he should be laughing or freaking out right now. Boss was having delusions, and Red could elicit any sort of reaction depending on his next action. He needed to tread carefully.
"There's no shadows or nothing that'll kill me." Red stated trying to sound reassuring. Fell didn't seem convinced, his hazy eyelights glancing around the room frightfully.
"B-but they will! That's what they want you to think!" Fell sniffled back a huge amount of mucus, his eyelights suddenly doubling in size.
This couldn't be good.
"Uhhh… Boss-"
"I love you so much Sans!" Fell started bawling, shooting his arm out from under the blankets and pulling Red in for a tight hug.
"Hey! Let me go asshole! You're gettin' mucus all over my jacket!"
"But I don't want you to die!" He just cried harder, suddenly going quiet and his body tensing. Red knew what was coming, quickly taking his brother's skull and forcing it towards the trashcan just in time for him to vomit. The ice bag fell to the ground, making Fell jump in surprise and subsequently getting him sicker.
"You're lucky this ain't contagious or I'd crack your skull open!" Red snarled trying to mask his worry. Stars damn this idiot! Fell hacked a few more times, finally finishing his puking but not pulling back right away. He was still leaning heavily on Red's arm like he enjoyed the contact or something. Despite being a skeleton the idiot was still really heavy!
"Alright Boss, time ta lay back down." He pushed his brother back onto his bed with a hefty grunt, the larger not putting up any resistance. He didn't lay back down right away, instead looking at the ceiling with an odd expression.
"I-I think I know how to get rid of the shadow people." Fell murmured.
"Ya do?" Red cringed already regretting that he asked. Fell nodded and summoned several bones, all just as hazy looking as his eyelights.
"I- I'll go and kill them all! Then they can't kill you." Red's eyelights guttered out realizing something was gonna blow up. Fell sounded so sure of himself too.
"Bro, ya can't even stand up without pukin'-"
"I can do it Sans, just give me a few seconds and we'll all be safe."
"Boss wait-" The bones suddenly flew upwards, Red hitting the deck hearing a loud crashing noise and parts of the ceiling falling on top of him. Doomfanger snarled at the sudden noise and rushed out of the room, leaving Red alone to deal with the fallout. He blinked his sockets open, glancing upwards seeing the bones had exploded upon contact with the ceiling and left nice gaping holes into the attic. Fell looked very satisfied with himself.
"N-now we're safe." Fell murmured smuggly. "Y-you can rest assured that the… Great Papyrus h-has saved you!" He fell back against the pillow staring up at the holes he left with a small grin.
"Angel help me…" Red groaned into the carpet. He didn't want to get back up. Stars dammit he really didn't, but Fell's questioning grunt said otherwise. Sighing heavily he eventually sat upright checking his brother's expression. "Ya feel safe now?" Fell nodded in response, seeming happy Red was in eyesight again. He just growled out a few more curses and threw the ice pack back on his brother's skull.
"Alright Boss, imma put the food away downstairs. I'll be right back-"
"Don't leave! Why are you leaving?" Fell sounded so hurt at the prospect.
"Boss I already told ya-" Red stopped and groaned, rubbing his sockets tiredly. He looked back to Blue's toolbox coming up with a new plan. Well, it's not like Fell was thinking straight right now. Red might be able to get away with this. "I'm not leavin' ya alone here. I'm leavin' ya with…" Red stuck his hands into the box and pulled out the brown stuffed rabbit. "Mister Fluffy Butt is gonna make sure nothin' happens while I'm gone. He'll take good care of ya." Fell took the rabbit in his hands, squinting at the thing trying to process all of the information despite his fevered mind not letting him.
"Fluffy Butt is very soft…" Fell decided eventually, gently rubbing his phalanges over the fabric.
Oh thank stars!
"Yeah Boss, he's SUPER happy ta meet ya. Totally wants ta be your friend."
"F-friend?"
"Yeah, ya should tell him all about yourself." Red crept to the doorway while Fell was transfixed on the stuffed rabbit. As soon as he hit the hallway Red ported to the kitchen and collapsed into one of the chairs.
Thank Asgore he could breath for a second!
"Dammit Boss, why ya gotta be such a stupid dumbass…" He cursed under his breath for several minutes before finally getting to work on putting everything away. Though he may be lazy, wasting perfectly good food was akin to a crime down here. It didn't make it any less of a pain though.
After leaving all the dirty dishes in the sink Red poked his head into the living room listening for any signs of distress. He could hear his brother mumbling unintelligibly to that stupid rabbit, but as long as nothing was blowing up he'd call it good.
"Stars damn I can finally relax." Red flopped on the couch and pulled out one of his human magazines to keep busy. Play Boy was written in big letters across the cover with a sexy brunette in a skimpy cowboy outfit underneath. "Time ta see what's goin' on in the surface world."
XxxxxxxxxxxX
Everything was hazy with an odd halo surrounding anything that moved. His soul felt very cold and extremely hot all at the same time and he couldn't make sense of the sensations. Even his bones wouldn't respond properly, and they continued to lightly rattle despite his mental protest. At some point Fell had stopped trying to fight against it, relaxing into the mattress as his mind started processing all sorts of weird sights and sounds that were only giving him a worse headache.
Now he was left holding a soft rabbit thing and he couldn't remember why he had it to begin with.
'Hello Papyrus.'
Fell blinked up not sure if he heard correctly. Everything in his vision was distorted, and it looked like the rabbit was moving.
"W-what?" Fell questioned squinting a bit hoping his sight would clear.
'I want to be your friend.'
Yes. The rabbit was definitely talking to him.
"Okay." He shut his sockets and nodded. That seemed reasonable. He didn't have a reason not to trust the talking rabbit, especially since he was struggling to remember anything from just a few minutes prior.
'That other skeleton, the one that abandoned you.'
Wait, what skeleton was it talking about? The short one most likely. What was his name? It was on the tip of his teeth but he couldn't remember it.
'He abandoned you for the clones. You're all alone now.'
"I killed the clones. We are safe now."
'He still left you. Your brother doesn't want anything to do with you anymore.'
Oh right, the other skeleton was his brother. How could he forget something so important? He said he would be back though, right? He couldn't remember what his brother said. It was all a haze
"H-he'll come back. He promised he would."
'You'll see. He'll forget all about you.'
"He'll come back! I'll drag him back if I have to!" Fell tried to move but his soul lurched nauseously. He'd go later if his brother didn't come back soon.
Fell put the rabbit down with a huff. Fluffy Butt didn't know what he was talking about. His brother would come back, he just needed to wait a little longer.
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
Uh-Oh, Fell is listening to the stuffed rabbit's mean talk and Red is reading dirty magazines during his brother's crisis.
I'm sure this decision won't blow up in his face.
Comment if you enjoyed!