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Mornings in the Underground were different from the surface. You realize that even now. A raucous downstairs lets you know that everyone else in the house was awake, which meant that either you really slept in or the party last night hadn’t dimmed the usual monster exuberance. Pushing yourself to a sitting position, you let the covers fall as you cautiously stretch. You ached, in a way that made you smile even as a groan slips out. You move slowly as you go about your usual morning routine, and when you finally get downstairs all was quiet. Looking at the options in the cupboards, you decide to treat yourself.

As the batter crisps in the pan, you smile to yourself. Muffet really, really wanted your crepe recipe, but someone else was more deserving of it….and had already figured it out. You twist the top off of a homemade jam that one of the Bunny Clan had perfected (one of the triplets…you still couldn’t get them straight), and enjoyed a quiet morning.

The party last night had really taken its toll on you, but it was so worth it. You muse on some of the more outrageous things you had witnessed as you clean up after yourself. Checking the time, you realize you had some hours before your appointment. Moving to the door, you take your jacket from the hook and step out.

Monsters of all ages waved and called to you as you pass by. Some even playfully initiate fights, if just to see your soul glow. You smile, laugh, and show your determination is stronger than ever. The Ferryboat is where it usually is, and the cloaked figure is more than happy to zip you along the water. You maneuver your way along the paths, and finally reach the Castle.

The air is cooler here, and as you walk through the halls your footsteps echo along the polished stone. In the middle of one corridor in particular, a tall figure awaits you. You smile as you approach.

“Hey, Pap!” He looks at you, and the light in his eye sockets warms.

“hey, kid.” Turning, he starts to walk with you. The silence is comfortable and intimate, the quiet that the two of you get to share when alone.

Reaching the overlook of the Underground, Papyrus slows to a stop. You walk a few steps before you realize, then turn to face him. He is looking at his feet, and you come closer.

“Pap?” A boney hand finds yours, and clasps it.

“kid….(y/n)….are you sure about this?” His voice was soft, and for the first time since you’ve met he sounded….unsure. You look out, seeing the buildings and lights, knowing every name, knowing every family.

“Papyrus…..Paps…..” You tug on his hand, but he still won’t look at you. With your free hand you nudged his chin, and slowly he raises his head. A smile is on your face, and your eyes shine with both determination and something soft. Something that is always there for him. He takes a deep breath and nods.

“yeah, alright kid. i should remember that you’re usually right.” Oh, you raise an eyebrow at that.

“As opposed to when I’m occasionally left?” He chuckled at that, and let you tug him on. More silence for a time, and then you spoke up.

“Paps, are you sure about….?” He takes a bigger step, and pulls you back to him. Arms wrap around you, and you briefly close your eyes and breathe in. There was the scent of the washing detergent that you used on all the clothes, and a hint of taco spice to make your nose tingle. Elderflower, meaning Paps had tea with Asgore earlier, some trace of vanilla from Muffet and oil from Grillby…..underneath it all was spiced honey. You take a deep breath and his arms tighten.

“……yeah……” He answers at last, and you turn in his arms to smile up at him.

The barrier looms ahead, and the six souls are lined up. You steady yourself, and a third person joins the two of you.

“hey, sorry if i’m late, traffic was killer.” A small smile dances along your lips as you face the newcomer. Cloaked in all black, the skeleton grins at the two of you as his scythe glints in the waxing and waning light of the barrier.

“no problem, reaper-bro. think traffic’ll be the death of us all.” You poke Papyrus at that, and he grabs your hand tight in his. With that gesture, you realize that he’s not as calm and laid back as he’s trying to be, as he usually is. You cover your combined hands with your free one, and calmly look over at Reaper Sans.

“Thank you for agreeing to this, Sans.” He looks at you, and gives a dry chuckle.

“heh, yeah. your ‘verse is typically outside my jurisdiction, but i’ll make an exception….for you.” Paps gave him a bit of a glare. The Reaper waved a hand at him.

“no need to get steamed up about it. gotta say though, (y/n), you’re looking a bit like death warmed over.” You gave a laugh at that. You knew what you looked like, what you saw in the mirror every morning and evening. Oh, none of the monsters here would mention it, and you believe Paps and Sans still saw you as you were the day you met them, but seventy-odd years was a long time to remain twenty.

“Aw, and here I was hoping to look ready to push up daisies.” Paps gripped your hand tighter, and you squeezed back reassuringly. Reaper was still looking the two of you over, and you started to wonder if he was trying to stall for time.

“so….how’re the kids?” Yep. Reaper Sans Death God was stalling. You patiently smile at him.

“Cal and Ver are ready to take on the roles of Ambassador to the humans, and Forte has teamed up with the Blooks and is ready to take over the entertainment world by storm.” You smile wistfully, memories of the trio playing through your mind. Reaper shuffles a bit, and you focus on him again.

“Sans….” Your voice was soft, but he still flinched a bit. His hood slid down, covering his eyes.

“……..yeah……get comfortable, kid.”

You’re in Papyrus’ arms, and he’s holding you as if to keep the last breath of life inside you. He won’t look you in the eyes, doesn’t want to see, doesn’t want to watch. Your grip on his sweatshirt is loosening, your hand slipping, but he catches it and holds it tight. His bones gleam in the fluctuating light from the barrier, and that light is the last thing you see.

Space….vast yet contained……you……red….determination….yes…..You were determined. Your sense of self returns, and you begin to have an awareness. A white heart…..a monster soul….Papyrus….yes…..This was Papyrus. Your soul danced around his, and was welcomed. More souls……different……colors……child……children……yes…..calm. You move around them, your determination calming, reassuring. They want to go home, but also….recognize you. You visited them…talked to them…..they’ve heard you for years, and now the time has come…..the combination of souls swirls, offering the power and ability to the monster, to Papyrus……

A shattering, a breaking, the barrier is gone. Echoes along the corridors, out into the underground. Quickly, now, before it’s investigated. Your determination is mixed in with theirs, but your self is where it belongs, is with Papyrus. You’ve said your good-byes, the two of you, and now…..

The scythe cuts.