Chapter 41 – Outing

The day after Sans tried to take Papyrus to therapy, Papyrus was at work again, completing his tasks more slowly than he ever had before.

Little details of that day's events wouldn't stop playing over and over in his head. The lies. The anxiety. The looming office building. The slam of the car door. The teddy bears.

Papyrus wouldn't let himself regret throwing the new bear away, though he was inclined to. It was just a silly stuffed toy, after all. It didn't mean anything.

And yet, his heart ached.

He couldn't stop thinking about that in particular all day. Because of the distraction, he ended up completing things almost an hour and a half late, and drove home tired, hungry, and cranky.

When he got inside, he didn't yell to let Sans know it was him. That was a stupid thing to do, anyway; who else would it be? Instead, he just went straight up to his room and collapsed upon his bed.

Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he turned it on (he always had it turned off during work hours) and waited for the notifications to load.

Weather, Twitter, games… and a text from Mettaton.

A text from Mettaton? Papyrus sat up. He and the robot hadn't talked much at last weekend's dinner, mostly because Frisk had been taking up most of Mettaton's attention with talk of Minecraft and the new "Baby Yoda" toy they had gotten from a store in the mall. Papyrus opened up the text, feeling something other than sad and angry for the first time that day.

2:48 P.M. Hi Papy! I just wondered when you might have time to go hang out, since we couldn't go to the rally. I'm down for just about anything, though Devon might prefer we stay in the city. Just let me know what you want to do :)

Papyrus suddenly felt much better. Going out with Mettaton was bound to make him happier. And it was up to him to decide on their outing! I wonder what's something we'd both like to do…

He began typing carefully.

7:21 P.M. HELLO, METTATON! SORRY FOR THE LATE RESPONSE, I WAS AT WORK. I WONDER IF PERHAPS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE A MOVIE SOMETIME THIS WEEK? I AM NOT SURE WHAT'S OUT, BUT WE CAN LOOK. AND MAYBE WE CAN HAVE DINNER, TOO? NOT A ROMANTIC ONE, OF COURSE! I WAS THINKING ABOUT THIS MONGOLIAN STIR FRY PLACE. IT ISN'T FAR FROM THE THEATER SO IT IS VERY CONVENIENT.

He sat back to wait for Mettaton's reply, which came fairly quickly.

7:25 P.M. A movie sounds wonderful, darling. And so does stir fry. I think there may be a frozen yogurt place there too, Devon's taken me before. Perhaps we could go there after the movie?

7:29 P.M. A FANTASTIC IDEA! WHEN SHOULD WE GO? TOMORROW, MAYBE?

7:31 P.M. I'm on a date with Devon tomorrow. How about Thursday at 6, if you don't want to wait until the weekend?

7:35 P.M. SOUNDS GOOD TO ME! I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

7:36 P.M. Alright, see you then ;)

It was surprising, how quickly Papyrus's mood could pick up after such a blow yesterday. But anyone would feel better if they were going to see their favorite celebrity soon, right?

Papyrus just wished he didn't have to wait until Thursday. Once again, he could feel jealousy rising in his chest as he thought about Mettaton going on a date with Devon. How he wished Mettaton was his boyfriend, so he could comfort him with hugs and maybe even kisses…

Ridiculous.

There was no point in entertaining these feelings. Mettaton was happy with Devon and that was that.

Honestly, Papyrus was lucky he even got to be friends with Mettaton. Most of the world never got to know a celebrity personally, let alone one as visible and almost universally praised as the robot.

That thought cheered him up a bit.

He spent the rest of the day going out to water his recently-planted flowers in the front yard, making himself supper, and, of course, avoiding Sans.

The next day was much the same.

Then, finally, it was Thursday.

Papyrus wanted badly to rush through his work day, but he forced himself to do his tasks carefully, as he always did. Once he was done with everything, he clocked out at exactly five o'clock and drove home quickly, pushing the speed limit just a little bit.

He spent nearly fifteen minutes trying to decide what to wear, finally landing on his outfit he usually saved for hangouts and dates (though he'd never been on any of the latter). That is, his shirt which said "Cool Dude" on the front, basketball shorts, MTT-Brand fashion basketballs, red sneakers, athletic socks, and a baseball cap arranged backwards on his head.

Still deftly avoiding Sans, he went to the garage, got in his car, and was on his way to the restaurant he and Mettaton had agreed to go to.

Mettaton was not yet there when he arrived, which Papyrus didn't worry about because he was a little early. About ten minutes after six, Mettaton's pink car pulled up right beside his own red one. He stepped out, and Papyrus tried not to gape at how utterly perfect Mettaton looked, with his pristine white shirt, black glittery jeans, pink boots, and brown jacket, and the makeup that highlighted every contour of his face.

Mettaton's voice shook him out of it. "Sorry, darling, but I couldn't help being a little fashionably late."

It was a few seconds before Papyrus found his own voice. "Oh, uh, it's quite alright! Let's just go in a get a table."

In the restaurant, Papyrus and Mettaton were seated and waited for the server to come and get their drinks. Papyrus noticed that the people around them were staring and whispering. Mettaton did not seem perturbed by this. Then again, he was probably used to it.

"So, Papy. You've been here before?"

Papyrus quickly turned to Mettaton. "Oh, yes! I've been here with—" He stopped suddenly. "With Sans," he finished less enthusiastically.

Mettaton's eyebrows contracted slightly, but he didn't have a chance to say anything before the waiter came and asked what they wanted to drink. Mettaton ordered a Coke, and after a minute Papyrus decided on the same.

The waiter then asked what size bowls they wanted and showed them three different ones. Mettaton asked for a large while Papyrus chose the regular size.

After the waiter left, Papyrus got up and headed for the buffet of stir fry ingredients toward the back of the restaurant. Mettaton followed, seeming a bit confused.

"At this restaurant, you choose what you want in your meal. There's meat, spices, vegetables, and sauces," Papyrus explained. "There are little recipe cards here if you're not sure what you want. But you can get as much as you want as long as it fits in the bowl!"

Mettaton glanced over the recipe cards and picked one for a simple chicken stir fry. Papyrus took one as well, deciding to be a little more daring and picking one with shrimp and peppers.

After picking out all the ingredients (with Mettaton's bowl piled especially high), they dropped their bowls off with the chef and went to sit back down.

"So, Papy. How have you been? We didn't get to talk much last Saturday, Frisk was just so excited to show me that 'Baby Yoda' toy." Mettaton smiled.

Papyrus didn't know what he wanted to say. Part of him wanted to trust Mettaton, but the rest of him reminded him of what happened whenever he chose to open up to someone.

Of course, his relationship with Mettaton was a little different from the rest, wasn't it? Toriel clearly considered herself a mother figure to him, and Sans, of course, had practically raised him. Mettaton was an entirely different kind of person—a friend. Someone whose duty wasn't to take care of him. Thus far, Mettaton had not pried into Papyrus's business, whispered about him to the others (as far as he knew), or attempted to "help" him in ways that completely backfired.

"Papy?" Mettaton prompted.

Papyrus decided to take the plunge. "It's been… pretty bad until today, if I am being completely honest," he began, picking at his fork that had been placed earlier on the table. "I'd rather not go into details, but Sans lied to me a few days ago, and not over something trivial, either. He thinks he knows how to help me, but…" He looked up at Mettaton, then back at his fork. "I don't really think he does."

"Help you… with what?" Mettaton's face was unreadable.

"Remember what I was telling you about my dreams and things a while back? At that one dinner? I guess he's really taking that to heart." Papyrus would have rolled his eyes if he'd had any.

"And he hasn't even bothered to ask what kind of help you might accept?" Mettaton shook his head. "Terrible."

"He hasn't even bothered asking me if I want help at all. And I really don't. I'm just fine on my own. Work's fine, the house is clean, and my relationships would be just fine if everyone would leave me alone!" Papyrus slammed his fork down, startling Mettaton. "Sorry," he said sheepishly.

"Oh, it's alright." Mettaton waved it off. "Anyway, I wish I could help. I'd say something, but I'm sure they'd all just say they know you better than I do and brush off my concerns." He sighed. "People in this family are quite stubborn."

Papyrus nodded. "Well, I want to have a good time today, so let's talk about something else. How have you been?"

"Oh, same as they usually are. Although, I'm not sure I told you—I moved in with Devon just this past week." Mettaton beamed. "All my things are at his house now. It's so nice to be with him all the time. I won't get into the, ah, details, but it feels almost like a honeymoon of sorts."

"That's so nice to hear! I'm glad someone's having a good time. How are your cousin and Alphys taking your absence?" Papyrus asked.

"I think Alphys is just glad I'm still paying for the apartment. Well, maybe that's a bit unfair. She's been happier with me because my health has been better since dating Devon. Honestly, I feel a lot better than I used to. Maybe that's just what young love feels like." Mettaton sighed happily. "It's really the first time I've ever felt this way about someone. Most people call me a romantic, but I really wasn't ever interested in that, aside from having the occasional crush as a kid. But, I don't know, Devon's changed all that for me. Showing me a world I've never seen before."

That was the complete opposite of what Papyrus's jealous heart wanted to hear, but he wasn't about to be rude and stop Mettaton from being happy. "Wowie, he must really be something, then!" He smiled, but it faltered. "I wish I hadn't mucked things up with him that one time. It feels like he doesn't like me very much."

"What, nonsense! Devon likes you just fine. I mean, he does get a little jealous, but that's normal in a relationship, isn't it? I know he got mad when we came back from the park, but he was just worried and upset. He doesn't mind if we hang out now. He didn't object at all to me going out today," Mettaton reassured him.

"Oh, well, that's good to hear," was all Papyrus said. He couldn't help but think of the time Devon had threatened him. If you even think about looking at Mettaton, you'll wish you were never born, he'd said. Even if Devon had backed down, Papyrus knew the words would burn in his mind for a long time to come. As much as he wanted to trust Mettaton on this, it was too difficult, at least at the moment.

"Well, anyhow, I looked up what movies were showing at the theater," Mettaton continued on. "Most of them are action movies, not really my favorite genre… there's a rom-com, but I don't know that I'm in the mood for that, either."

"Hm… did you see if there were any, ah… animated ones? Frisk was telling me Disney just put out a new one, Gigantic. Some kind of fantasy fairy tale. They haven't been able to see it yet. They'd probably get awfully jealous if we saw it before them." Papyrus half-smiled.

"Fantasy honestly sounds perfect. Even if it is a kids' movie," Mettaton laughed.

Papyrus flushed slightly; he hated being reminded that most of the things he liked were considered childish.

"Though, you know, I find that so-called children's movies often have better morals and stories than ones for adults," Mettaton continued thoughtfully. "Honestly… Devon likes a lot of trashy movies and shows. Now of course I don't mind sex jokes in moderation, they're funny sometimes, but it really feels like that's all some of these things have going for them. That, and they also think it's funny to use slurs and things that certain groups of humans find offensive. There was one that kept using this one really ugly word—when Alphys told me what it meant, I could hardly believe there are people out there who use it to deliberately upset people. I should think, when you're making a movie, that you'd want it to be accessible to most people? But I guess not." He sighed. "Anyway, point being, I don't blame anyone for preferring media for kids. I honestly think I might, myself."

That floored Papyrus. Someone as wonderful as Mettaton, preferring the same things he did? It was unfathomable, and yet it was true. "So, I guess we're seeing Gigantic, then?"

"I suppose we are." Mettaton smiled.

Soon after that, their food arrived, and they both tucked in, occasionally making small talk. Papyrus finished first, as his bowl was smaller, and watched, rather fixatedly, as Mettaton chowed down on his frankly enormous serving of stir fry. It wasn't long before he finished off the whole thing.

"I really want some dessert, but I should probably not stuff myself," Mettaton said, wiping his mouth carefully with his napkin. "Do you want to hit that frozen yogurt place after the movie?"

"Sounds good to me!" Papyrus said as the waiter placed their check on the table.

Mettaton insisted on paying for both of them, and Papyrus relented as long as he could buy the movie tickets.

The movie ended up being very good, as expected. Gorgeous animation, fun characters, fitting music, and a sweet side romance made for a grand time. "Do you think they'll end up making a sequel to that?" Papyrus asked as they left the theater.

"Maybe, if it makes enough money. I know they did that with Frozen when it came out. It made over a billion dollars, I think becoming the highest grossing animated film ever, and then they made a sequel six years later and it made even more money, if you can believe that," Mettaton laughed.

"Wowie… do you know any other fun movie facts?" Papyrus asked, genuinely interested.

"Honestly, not much aside from Disney, and I only know those because it's one of Frisk's special interests," Mettaton admitted as he held the door to the frozen yogurt place open for Papyrus. "I'm more of a music buff."

"I see…" Papyrus squinted at the labels for the frozen yogurt dispensers. "I think I've been to a place like this before. You serve yourself and then pay depending on how much it weighs, correct?"

"Exactly." Mettaton smiled. "I'm getting red velvet cake, what about you?"

"I must say I'm partial to the classic flavor, vanilla. I think I'll get that and mix it with chocolate."

The two of them got their frozen yogurt and a few toppings. Then, at the register, Mettaton plucked Papyrus's cup out of his hands and put it on the scale with his own, pulling out his credit card. Papyrus tried to protest, but Mettaton wouldn't hear of it, and he paid for the dessert.

Papyrus pouted a little when they sat down to eat. "I can pay for myself, you know. Not that I'm ungrateful, I do thank you, but…"

"I know, darling. I just like buying things for people. I used to be on the receiving end of things, and… it didn't feel good. So now that I'm able, I like to give." Mettaton took a bite of his yogurt thoughtfully. "Though, it would appear I'm now pushing those not-good feelings onto you…"

"Don't worry about it. I still appreciate the thought behind it! And, truthfully…" Papyrus looked around and lowered his voice. "Sans and I have been a little tight on money lately. My, uh… car has needed some big repairs."

"Oh, well…" Mettaton stuck his spoon in the yogurt. "I mean, if you want, I'd be happy to—"

"No! No, no, there's no need. We have enough money for what we need, there just isn't much left over, you know?" Papyrus laughed; it sounded a little too loud to him. He hated lying to Mettaton; why had he even said anything about money in the first place?

Mettaton looked at him as if he didn't believe him, but he didn't press the issue. "Well, if you ever are in need, don't hesitate to call me."

"Of course, of course," Papyrus said dismissively.

They continued to eat their dessert in silence, Mettaton finishing first. There was an air of discomfort about him now, like he was worried about something, but he said nothing.

When they were both finished, they threw their cups away and left the shop, still silent. Mettaton was playing with one of his fingernails. "I know it's getting late, but did you want do some shopping before we say good night?" he asked finally.

Papyrus checked the time—nearly nine o'clock. "I'd love to, but I have work tomorrow. I think I should get home," he said apologetically. Then he smiled. "It was a very nice outing, though! I should like to do it again sometime." Except next time I won't be saying anything that makes things awkward…

"Oh, of course. Well…" The two of them arrived at their cars. Mettaton unlocked his. "I guess I'll see you on Saturday?"

"Sure thing!" Papyrus saluted.

Mettaton smiled as he got into his car. "Good night, darling," he said just before he closed the door.

A few minutes after Mettaton left, Papyrus was still sitting at the spot where he'd parked. It had been a good outing, overall… but the things Mettaton had said about Devon still burned, as well as the things he himself had said about being tight on money. Papyrus strongly suspected Mettaton had been worrying about that. The last thing he needed was Mettaton turning out like the others and sticking his nose in his and his brother's business… especially if he talked to Sans about it and Sans revealed that Papyrus hadn't had to get his car fixed. Mettaton would certainly question why Papyrus had lied to him. And Papyrus was certainly not going to reveal the truth, that he was still out illegally getting prescription drugs off someone other than his doctor.

Well, what's done is done, he thought. He'd just have to pray Mettaton didn't say anything. Luckily, he'd never shown any inclination to do so before, so chances were he wouldn't now.

Enough worrying. He turned his car on and headed home.

Sans was not anywhere on the first floor when Papyrus arrived, so he had probably gone to bed. Papyrus was feeling rather bushed himself. He decided to take a nice hot shower and take some pills before he slept so that hopefully he wouldn't have nightmares, or, at least, they wouldn't be as bad.

He crawled into bed at about ten-thirty, closing his eyes and waiting for that ever-elusive sleep to come.

ooooooooooo

here's a new chapter! a bit later than I wanted it to come out, but it is what it is.

I know "Baby Yoda" is a thing of the 21st century and this story takes place about a hundred years later, but I got a Baby Yoda at Build a Bear recently so I couldn't resist adding a little nod to him. I think he's cute enough that people will like him for a long time, anyway.

Pap and Metta's outing is based off what I like to do with my friends. there was a really nice Mongolian build-your-own stir fry place near my house (unfortunately it's closed now), and we would go there, see a movie, and then head to the froyo place right next to the theater (unfortunately said froyo place is ALSO closed now).

Gigantic was an actual recent Disney movie that ended up getting shelved indefinitely. decided to use it for this chapter as a little nod to it. I think it would have been a cool movie, I think it was based on Jack and the beanstalk.

and yes, Mettaton's opinions on so-called "adult" films and shows generally reflect my own. not to say I don't watch my own fair share of trashy shows, but I do largely prefer kids' cartoons and such.

that's about all I have to say about this chapter! next one will be a Christmas chapter. yes, I know it's almost February. that's just where the chapter happens to fall in my outline. after that, I'll probably be taking a break on Walls to work on some other stuff. but I should be back to it soon enough.

let me know how you liked this chapter! I appreciate every comment I receive, whether you're a regular or someone who's only just now brave enough to say what they think.