Protect One Another - US!Papyrus x Reader

Chapter 8/24 -- Figuring it Out

"I'm so sorry for what happened yesterday," she said apologetically. "I just... I didn't mean to. It was an accident I swear."

"Mhm," he hummed, leaning forward on the table, his previous grin gone. "I'm not mad at you, but I would like to know why you attacked him so suddenly. All he did was tease you; and you teased him earlier don't forget. He said you won; you didn't need to attack him... So... why did you?"

"I-I just said I didn't mean to!" Y/n replied defensively. She pinched her hand to keep herself from an outburst as she avoided Papyrus's intent gaze. "I don't know what happened. I guess I just felt powerless for too long- or something. I don't know. I didn't mean to attack him, I tried to stop. I tried to stop myself, but I couldn't I didn't mean t-to... I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry... I-!"

"It's ok, it's fine, calm down," Papyrus said calmly, taking one of her outstretched hands in his. He rubbed circles on the back of her hand slowly, trying to calm her down and make her stop shaking. "It's ok, you don't need to get so defensive. I know you wouldn't intentionally hurt him. I'm not mad you. And neither is Sans. If I knew you had tried to intentionally hurt him, I wouldn't be talking to ya right now."

"...What do you mean by t-that?" she asked, referencing his last sentence. Papyrus's face flashed a grim expression before it turned to his usual lazy smile.

"Nothing. It's all good." He withdrew his hand from hers and laid himself back on the seat comfortably. "Oh, here're our orders now." He said, pointing with his long finger to the ceiling. Y/n followed it and saw two spiders climbing their way down from the ceiling with a small basket wrapped in a web suspended in front of them. They set the basket on the table and retreated to the shadows. Papyrus opened the basket and pulled out the food items they had ordered.

"Oh, that's mine," Y/n said, reaching for her pocket of fries. Papyrus handed it to her, brushing his hand against hers. The girl felt her face flush, and immediately stuffed several fries in her mouth.

"You a little red there kiddo, are ya feelin' ok?" Papyrus asked, a small grin on his face.

"Never better! These fries are delicious!" she replied happily, hopefully diverging his attention to his food rather than her flustered face. Which was more of a condiment than food.

"Yep, they are," Papyrus replied casually. "Though not as good as a bottle of honey." Y/n rolled her eyes and swallowed her mouthful before speaking.

"You're the only one I know who drinks honey Paps. I don't think you can back that opinion up," she replied sassily. Papyrus nodded.

"Fair point," he reasoned.

*** (SmoL TeM sKiP SOwY)***

Y/n had soon finished her fries. Papyrus was sipping contentedly on his honey as they chatted at the table. They had been there for about an hour by now. Papyrus glanced at the clock on the wall, then back to his companion.

"Oh, I've been meaning to ask you, how's the inn treating you?" Papyrus inquired. Y/n finished stacking their empty containers and turned to him.

"Very well actually," she replied. "Though... I need to pay the lady my rent and, unfortunately, don't have any money to pay her with."

"So you're broke?"

"Mhm."

"That's rough buddy," he commented. "Do you have any ideas on how to get some income?"

Y/n took a moment before answering. Truth was, she didn't really have any ideas. "I haven't thought about it until yesterday actually. My life's been pretty eventful lately and I've forgotten about the basics to living...heheh... So, um, do you have any suggestions?"

"Well...." Papyrus glanced to Muffet's counter. His face lit up like he had an epiphany then looked back to Y/n. "You could work here. At Muffet's for some money."

"Hey, that's actually a good idea!" the girl exclaimed, causing Papyrus to question her word choice. "...Waaaait are you just trying to get free honey?" Papyrus shrugged, a smile on his face. He totally is. Pff.

"Nooo. Totally not. I promise." Y/n rolled her eyes and grinned. Papyrus doesn't make promises.

She looked around the room and spotted Muffet skating in the direction of their table. She waved her over and Muffet stood in front of the two with a smile. "Hello you two, what can I do for you?" she asked.

"Um, I was curious if you're hiring," Y/n asked.

"Are you looking to work here dearie?" Muffet inquired, her brows raised in surprise. Y/n nodded. "Ooo, I haven't had anyone apply before. I suppose it could be a good investment... sure, you're hired. You start on Monday 7 A.M. sharp, don't be late~"

Papyrus whistled after Muffet left, smiling at Y/n. "That was easier than I thought," he commented.

"Yeah. Didn't expect that..." she said thoughtfully. "Isn't Muffet very stingy with her money though?"

"Mhm. That's why I'm curious why she hired you so quickly. You didn't even show if you're koala-fied." Y/n stifled a snicker and slid out of the booth.

"Ha ha, very funny," she said. "It's getting late, I should head out now. Besides, I'm sure Sans needs you by now." Papyrus stood up and stretched. His hoodie's up a bit-

"Yeah, you're probably right. As always," Papyrus replied, tossing his empty bottle of honey into the nearby trashcan. "See you around squirt."

"S-squirt?"

"You don't like it?"

"That's like- no, no, please don't call me that."

"Ok fine I won't call you that," he said as he approached the door. "Bye, squidy."

"DO YOU EXIST TO GET ON MY NERVES-"

***

The rest of the week went by semi-normally. Y/n attended her weekly training with Flowey, although she was rather reluctant to do so. She noticed daily tasks became easier, she became stronger and could do more physical work easily. She couldn't decide whether she was happy about it, or worried about it.

She had begun working for Muffet that Monday. The job was easy seeing as she was experienced in being a part time waitress back on the Surface. Although Papyrus was right, Muffet was very stingy with her money. The job barely paid, and the girl relied heavily on tips, Papyrus being the most frequent and generous one to tip her. But only if she gave him a free honey when he visited.

However, going to work at the bakery at 7 A.M. every morning Monday through Thursday was difficult. Especially when Y/n's training with Flowey became harder and harder, she died more and more frequently. The PTSD didn't help either.

It was only a matter of time before she would surely burst. Whether in anger or sorrow was to be determined.

***

I'm so sorry for all the terrible puns I have created. I'll see mii-self out. ☜(ﾟヮﾟ☜)