Red sighed contently, picking some of the recently eaten burger particles from his teeth. So far another standard day at his post in Snowdin Forest. Shame it was so boring, but that also meant monsters weren't actively trying to dust him. Even his brother was pretty scarce today, and the guy usually stopped by three times a shift just to scold him for napping. He must have been called to New Home or something, but that just meant more slacking off time to himself.

Sadly the quiet didn't last long. His phone started blaring out the lyrics to Crazy Bitch just as he was starting to snooze. Dammit, that was the Fish Bitch's ringtone too. He wasn't allowed to ignore it.

"What?" Red growled answering the phone.

"I have a special mission for you." Red could only raise a brow bone at her words. At least she went straight to the point.

"Oh man, a SPECIAL mission, I don't know if I should feel honored or get my will ready."

"Cut the sarcasm asshole." Undyne snarled.

"So what type of 'mission' do ya have for me?" Red picked at his false tooth already disinterested. Whatever it was it had to be stupid.

"I need you to take your vacation days-"

"Wait, I have VACATION DAYS?!" Red gawked. Since when did he have those? And how many?!

"Wait, you seriously didn't know?"

"Boss never let me take a vacation!"

"Oh yeah, I forgot you lived with Papyrus." She chuckled dryly. "I almost feel sorry for you. almost." Red just cursed under his breath and waited for her to continue. Stars this better be important. "Anyway, I need you to take some days off to make sure Papyrus stays in bed."

"He's a big boy. Boss can figure out his own schedule." Red rolled his eyelights.

"Not when he's like this. Have you even LOOKED at him today?"

"Obviously. He looked like shit this morning, same as he has all week, but I don't have a death wish. He'll power his way through this bug like he always does."

"... Your brother fell over on patrol." Red froze at her words. That's definitely a first. "Two times today already, and apparently it happened once yesterday too. I can't have him dusting on the job, he's the only one that writes legible reports dammit!" She slammed her fist into something hard for emphasis, though Red couldn't tell what. "So I persuaded him to go home and rest until he's well enough not to keel over, and I need YOU to make sure he does that."

"Dang, I'm surprised ya got him ta cooperate. Whatcha do? Tie him up and throw him across the Underground?"

"Sans!" Undyne snarled warningly.

"Alrighty, alright. Your wish is my command Fish Bitch."

"Stupid asshole! I'm gonna-" Red hung up before she could continue, sighing tiredly. Stars dammit Pap, why did he always have to be so stupid about these things?

Standing upright he took a shortcut to the living room of their house, glancing around trying to figure out what to do first. Well, he had no idea what Papyrus was suffering from, like he would ever give him that information to begin with.

A thud on the stairwell made him turn, seeing a frightening sight midway up. Nope, just nope. This was wrong, sick and wrong on so many levels. Boss was holding the handrail tightly, partially up the steps before falling to his knees and panting heavily. Well, he made it home at least, but still! This was never a sight he thought he'd see, and it just felt unreal.

"Boss?" Red questioned, snapping Fell to attention.

"W-what are you doing home? Get back to work right now!" Fell shouted though it didn't have the normal force behind it. He was sporting some significant bruising around his right socket, a testament to Undyne's persuasive efforts in making him go home. Red really wished he could have seen it. Then again he also wanted Boss to be his usual unshakable self, because this version was just too scary for him. He needed to stay calm though. Red was the big brother here, and he'd taken care of Fell when he was a sick babybones. It would be just like back then.

"Can't Boss, the Fish Bitch has ordered me ta take my vacation days, which I have apparently!" His eyelights flashed angrily for emphasis before he went back to his nonchalant stance. "Anyways, of course I'll do it as the loyal employee I am." He took a shortcut so he was standing a few steps above his brother. Red could now see the perspiration coating Fell's skull, and how shaky his hands were. At this point Red wasn't sure if he should give his assistance or try egging Fell up on his own. He'd try the latter first. "Wow Boss, takin' a break only half way up the steps? Maybe ya should just keel over on the couch and call it quits."

"I swear to Asgore when the house stops spinning I will end you!" He lunged only to trip on the next step and smash his knee. Yeah, Fell needed a hand.

"Don't worry Boss, it will stop eventually. In the meantime, I know a quicker way. Let me show ya." He slipped under Fell's arm to help support him, taking the chance to gauge the temperature of his bones. They were sizzling hot, far warmer than they should be. Fell tensed realizing what the elder was planning.

"Red don't you dare-" The two were pulled into a shortcut before he could finish, appearing in Fell's bedroom.

Bad idea apparently. The trip sent Fell rushing over to the garbage can where he swiftly threw up whatever magic he still had. He hunched over it for a few long seconds after trying to catch his breath, while Red shuffled over cautiously.

"Damn Boss, I thought you'd 'stomach' that better-" Fell slapped him upside the head before he could finish, shakily making his way over to the bed without another word.

"Okay yeah, I kinda deserved that one." Red mumbled rubbing his sore cheekbone. "Think ya can get the armour off at least?" Fell just growled at him angrily, getting an eyelight roll in response. "Alright Boss, ya get ready for bed and I'll get ya some water." His younger brother cursed unintelligibly while Red waltzed out of the room shutting the door behind him.

Grumbling to himself Red opened the bathroom door, deciding to raid the medicine cabinet. Stars dammit why did Boss have to be so stubborn? If he had just taken a vacation day to sleep this off he'd probably be fine now, but nope. He just had to work through it like an idiot. To be fair, he had done it before and it worked out fine for him. It seemed like some illnesses were just tougher than the toughest of monsters, including Boss.

After several minutes of rummaging Red finally managed to find some fever medication. Boss hadn't taken any medicine for illness since he was a babybones. In fact they'd been using the same bottle for years. It should still work fine though. The thing was only… eleven years out of code. Practically brand new in his book.

Grabbing the semi clean glass off the counter he filled the thing with tap water and made his way back to Papyrus' room. "Hey Boss? Can I come in?"

No response.

"Welp, I'm coming in anyway." Red kicked the door open and glanced around the floor. Fell's armour and boots were in a pile near the corner. A singular neat pile, but an uncharacteristic pile nonetheless. Papyrus himself had crawled into bed at some point and was currently curled up on his side shivering lightly.

"Dang Boss, you're not looking so hot."

"... I hate you… with every fiber of my being…" Fell mumbled but didn't throw him out just yet, or bother rolling over to greet him for that matter. At least he trusted the elder enough for this much. It's not like he had much choice either way. Red grabbed the trash can from the other side of the room and dragged it closer just in case. He set the water on the dresser and held the pills out towards Fell.

"Take these." Red ordered. Fell made to shift but stopped sharply when his head started reeling.

"... leave them on the dresser." He croaked instead. Red raised a brow bone but shrugged, setting them down as requested. Fell was looking pretty cold, even if he was too stupid to admit it. Red just grumbled some more curses and went to the linen closet, pulling out a few extra blankets and carrying them to the bedroom. A hiss made him stop momentarily, realizing he just destroyed Doomfanger's hiding spot. The one eyed black cat stared up at him, angry at being disturbed.

"Well find a new spot then! Stupid ass cat…" He stomped away from the hissing beast and back to Fell's room. Boss had shifted to his other side and taken the medicine in Red's absence, so that much was good at least. Without saying anything he threw the blankets by Fell's chests knowing better than to baby him.

"Imma be downstairs if ya need anything. Get up and I will kick your ass, got it?"

"I'd like to see you try." Fell grumbled. Red just smirked and shut the door gently. At least he was still acting like himself. If that changed then he'd really have something to worry about.

Shuffling downstairs he flopped back onto the lump filled sofa and turned on the television, quickly growing bored of the slasher currently playing.

"Man this got bad after the fourth installment." Red grumbled seeing the special effects of Metteton's character beheading a human. The switch to a rubber head was comically obvious, fake spewing blood and all. Tiredly he watched for a while, enjoying the fact he didn't have to be at his post. Stars this was the life, and Boss wasn't even yelling at him. Other than his brother being half dead upstairs it was looking to be a nice afternoon-

"Meow." A deep guttural growl came from the catwalk above. Red glanced up seeing Doomfamger looking down at him impatiently, his half tail flicking, and his underbite making him look like a deranged bulldog.

"Don't give me that look. Ya ain't gettin nothin from me." Red growled back. Doomfanger simply made his way over to Fell's bedroom door, clearly wanting entry.

"If ya wanted in ya should have gone while I was up there. Idiot." He glowered, only to go stock still at its next move. Doomfanger was now holding his paws erect like he was going to paw the door viciously.

"Someone's about ta make a very poor life decision." The cat didn't stop, looking down at Red before quickly swatting his claws against the door, producing a loud scraping noise. "Why ya little-" He stopped at hearing the bed shift in Fell's room, quickly shortcutting upstairs and opening the door.

"No need ta get up Boss! I got this." Doomfanger just huffed, walking heavily into the room on his muscular frame. Fell was partially sitting up and still looking like death, but he settled once the cat leapt onto the bed and curled in the crook of his knees. At some point he covered himself sloppily with the blankets, though he was still rattling. "How ya feelin' Boss?"

"Fine, now go away." Fell mumbled putting on his usual scowl. Red just rolled his eyelights and waddled over, placing his phalanges against Fell's forehead despite his verbal protest. His skull was still hot despite the medicine.

"Jeez Boss, what kind of bug did ya catch anyway?"

"I am NOT sick!" He barked, swiftly sitting up straight to show he was fine. Too fast apparently, as his whole body quickly lunged for the trashcan again with an ugly hacking sound.

"Coulda fooled me." Red deadpanned. Fell coughed a few times finally finishing his vomiting, shakily pulling himself upright.

"This is simply advanced training… against poison!"

"So ya poisoned yourself ta the point of bein' bedridden?" Red raised a brow bone not falling for his bullshit. Fell just glared at him dangerously, but Red wasn't giving up either. The two stared each other down until Boss's arms gave out.

"Shut up Sans…" He laid his head down still looking pissed, but Red didn't much care for winning. He watched his brother closely instead, making a mental checklist of all his symptoms so far. Vomiting, weakness, sweating, fever, vertigo, and severe chills. Those were the visible ones to go off of at least, so what illness could it be? Skeletons don't get the flu so that was off the table. Red himself had been bedridden by their equivalent of colds before, but that was something Boss could easily handle. It had to be tough enough to knock Fell on his ass, and he wasn't coming up with many options. If he didn't know any better he'd say his brother had the rattles, but he wasn't dilerius so that couldn't be it either.

"Fuck off already!" Fell encased Red's soul in blue and sent him sliding for the door.

"Alright alright! Ungrateful ass!" Red snarled but only shut the door part way this time in case Doomfanger wanted to leave. Stomping down the stairwell he decided to take a trip over to Grillby's. It's not like Boss could yell at him for it, and he could even grab some soup for his sick ass later. Glancing back up the stairs Red internally cursed at how stubborn Boss was. He'd let himself dust before asking Red for help, and that's what scared him most here. Walking out the front door he decided to make it a to go order.

XxxxxxxxxxxX

"Sorry Blue, but we really can't make it this weekend." Red walked through the front door, kicking his snow covered shoes off and setting his bag on the coffee table. Finally having a free hand he managed to hold his cell phone up to hear Blue properly.

"Are you sure everything's alright? You two never cancel at such short notice." Blue asked, sounding worried.

"It's fine. It's just that Bos- I mean, I'm just feelin' a bit sick, so it's nothin' ta worry about." He added a few fake coughs for extra emphasis.

"Well that's not good at all! I can drop off some soup if that would help."

"Nah, it's alright." Red looked up to Boss' bedroom door, still cracked open slightly just like he left it. "Ya all just have a good time without us."

"We shall try. Do get plenty of rest though. We wouldn't want you to get worse."

"Believe me Blue, neither do I." The two ended their conversation, Red opening his bag of food to pull out Fell's soup. It was lukewarm now, after that long conversation he had to have with Blue. As fun as it was hanging with his innocent doppelgängers, he didn't want to leave his brother alone either. That's not even mentioning the thrashing he'd get if the others learned Boss was actually the sick one. He liked having his legs intact.

"Hey Boss. I brought food." Red knocked on the door before pushing it open, seeing Fell hadn't moved since he left. Doomfanger had though, now busily cleaning Fell's sweaty temple with his tongue. "Ya better eat it too. Grilby was giving me shit about it the whole time." Red turned the light on so he could see, getting Fell to groan at the brightness.

"Come on Boss, ya won't get better if ya don't eat."

"You know what would go well with that… office papers…" Red turned around completely baffled. That was weird, but maybe his bro was just trying to make a joke. He decided to laugh it off.

"Haha, very funny Boss, now sit up already." His brother's eyelights we're relatively hazy, and he was scrunching his sockets trying to get a good look at Red.

"... you… you have… bleh…" With that he completely passed out.

"What? I have what?! Seriously Boss you're scaring me!" Still no answer. His brother was out like a light.

"Shittttttt!!!!" Red's eyelights went out from panic. It's fine, this was completely fine! Boss had been injured pretty badly in the past, so he'd recover from this just fine. Right? But he's never been this SICK before! This was different, and usually the roles were reversed.

"Alright, this is going to be fine. You've taken care of a sick babybones Papyrus before, so this is just like that. You're the eldest here." He looked back at his brother realising he looked even worse then when he first left the house. It wasn't like seeing a defenceless babybones Papyrus. This was BOSS Papyrus! How was he supposed to do this without Fell killing him for his efforts?!

Well hopefully it wouldn't get any worse-

A loud knock at the door made him freeze. "Red! Where are you?!" The front door swung open, their two Swap alternates stepping inside.

"Shouldn't we wait for someone to open the door first?" Stretch asked his older brother.

"What if Red is too sick to get out of bed though? That would be rude to make him move for us." Blue answered, sounding sure of himself. Red just looked between his half dead brother and the cracked doorway, hearing his double making his way up the staircase.

Welp, life was good while it lasted.

XxxxxxxxxxxxX

So I noticed a distinct lack of sick fics for our favourite edgy skeleton. Red gets a lot of them but Fell has few to none, so this idea hit me and it got hammered out in one day.

I know the general consensus is that Fell just doesn't get sick or when he does he just works through it. Well if you've ever known a super tough person in your life that ever got a surprise diagnosis at the doctor, or was completely knocked out by a parasite or other nasty virus, then you'll know it happens and it can be scary. I figured Fell could use the extra tortur- I mean love imao.

Second chapter dependent on reception. If you enjoyed leave a comment!