Prompt: "If you will listen." with Asgore and Papyrus


His eyes roam the expanse of the garden aimlessly, almost blinded by the vast array of colors. Asgore is but another blur among them, his large form barely visible in the overgrown state of these plants.

Papyrus blinks slowly. Sun filters through the cracks of their stone ceiling, making the scene seemingly glow before him.

"Your Majesty." His voice sounds distant, even to himself, and Asgore turns to him with gentle eyes, one large paw resting against his chest in a soft display of courtesy.

"Call me Asgore, please."

Papyrus nods, though he knows it is impossible. It would be a disrespect, one he can't afford. Not with their king.

Not after what happened to the queen.

Papyrus knows there are places he can't wander. Fancies he can't entertain. No matter how tempting it would be at times.

"Another one has fallen?" Asgore asks then, voice filled with trepidation at the task before them.

"Just a little while ago," Papyrus confirms. "They are in the ruins still."

The king sighs, puts down the watering can and stands up to his full height. "Then I shall go and fetch them, I suppose."

Papyrus wants to say something, it lingers in the back of his throat, but saying it out loud would be crude and painful and something he can't do to Asgore. Not now.

Instead, he nods again, standing aside to let his ruler pass.

The king stops next to him though, gazes at him with red-rimmed eyes full of worry, and smiles.

"In the future, if you will listen... I will tell you why I chose to tread this path. But for now, it is a burden I must carry alone."

"Of course, Your Majesty."

Asgore's laughter is more like a rumble, an earthquake shaking their subterranean prison. A rare sound, but pleasing to Papyrus nonetheless.

"Thank you, child."

And with that he takes his leave, Papyrus watching his back disappear into the colorful light of the Judgement Hall.


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