Chapter Text
The first phase takes five days and nights. Each night is assigned to one of us to take the King out on a date. Each day is when we learn how the kingdom is ruled and how to help advise him if we win.
Lavender is into aesthetics, and her date, the first night, consists of a picnic in the throne room amidst the flowers. She tells us all about it. Papyrus was a perfect gentleman and took her for a walk through Waterfall, where they talked about the flowers and how to best care for different types.
Shyren has the second night. She doesn’t tell anybody what she has planned and she doesn’t regale us with how it unfolded, she only blushes and mumbles that he’s a very cute person.
There’s a test on the third day. I never realized before these lessons how much really went into running a nation. But I pass the test easily and move onto the next lesson. The tests will probably matter more than the dates when rounding up points, so I focus on the lessons and decide to improvise when my turn for date-night comes.
Sans teaches the lessons. He doesn’t acknowledge what passed between Papyrus and I in the Hall and for all I know, he could have left as soon as Papyrus came.
The third night is Grillby’s turn. Shyren wishes him good luck and he nods in thanks. Grillby doesn’t talk much and when he does it’s laconic. But when he returns and Dogaressa asks him how it went, his flames flicker with pleased smugness. “It went- well.” He says softly.
Every night after the date, everyone sits in the common living room and chats. I’m not welcome, of course, but I stand in the corner, watch the firelight flicker off of every face, and listen as each talks about why they want to become Papyrus’s consort.
Lavender’s reason is as simple as being in love with the one who helped her get back on her feet and stay sober after her sister fell down.
Grillby wants to teach Papyrus to cook better and solve the Underground’s famine issue.
Shyren just blushes when prodded.
And Dogaressa wants to help Papyrus rule, providing emotional support for him the way he’s supported her ever since her husband’s death. Out of all of them, she should win.
Nobody asks me why I want to win. And the truth is I didn’t use to. I used to hate the King and all he stood for. Now- I’m unsure. Knowing him, knowing that his innocence and exuberance isn’t an act at all and that he’s trying the best he can... I need to make up for all the trouble I’ve caused. He gave me a challenge and I’m going to rise to it.
My night is the fourth. Dogaressa goes last. I don’t realize that until the day of, when Shyren asks what my plans are. I stare and finally mumble, “Revolution?” She stares back and then starts to wander off. “What did you do?” I ask suddenly, and then curse my forwardness. She’ll probably ignore me though like everyone else.
She blushes and tells you she had a very nice concert in Waterfall. Papyrus cheered her on and everybody loved her singing. She blushes even more then and mumbles that Blooky came too.
“If you like Blooky, why are you wooing Papyrus?” I question.
I had no idea her fish-head could turn so blue with embarrassment. She says in a soft voice, so soft you can barely hear her, “he gives me courage.”
“Huh.” I say thoughtfully. “He tends to have that effect, doesn’t he.” She nods happily.
And then it’s time for the date. Shyren dresses me up in a golden bow tie and dark purple suit. It was Undyne’s, she tells me, and she got it at the Captain’s death-gifting. I feel weird about wearing Papyrus’s friend’s clothes, but I’m part mer like Undyne so it’s one of the few suits that are actually cut in my general shape.
“Thank you.” I tell her and she blushes again. I think I can safely count her as one of my few friends, possibly even my best friend. Jerry won’t mind.
I go to the throne room to meet Papyrus. I haven’t seen him since he challenged me to win.
He’s dressed in an elegant golden skirt and a breezy purple crop top. I bow to him and he pats my head. “YOU LOOK VERY NICE.” He says.
“Why-“ I start to ask a question and then stop, remembering the terms.
He grins. “ONE QUESTION.”
“Why are you always so loud?” It’s a rude question but I only realize that after the words leave my mouth.
“I Can Control My Volume If You Wish.” He says slightly quieter, sounding miffed.
“I don’t mind it. I’m just curious. I always assumed your exuberance was a ploy to trick people into thinking you had everything under control.”
“YOU HAVE A VERY LOW OPINION OF ME, DON’T YOU.” He says.
“Had,” I correct him. “But now- I don’t know what to make of you.”
Papyrus offers his arm and I take it. We start to walk out of the room. “I HAVE TROUBLE CONTROLLING MY VOLUME. I’VE BEEN TRYING TO LEARN, BUT IT’S DIFFICULT.”
“Oh.”
We walk through the Hall. The light caresses his skull, making him glow. “You look beautiful.” I tell him.
“OF COURSE I DO, THE GREAT PAPYRUS MUST SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THE REST OF THE KINGDOM AFTER ALL!!”
A few days ago I would have replied with an snappy remark. Now I don’t know what to say, the weight of all my sins hanging on my soul. I don’t know how to be anything other than an asshole.
“YOU JUST ACT KIND AND TOLERANT INSTEAD OF JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS AND SAYING CRUEL THINGS.” Papyrus replies to the thoughts I accidentally spoke aloud. “OH, AND STOP STEALING THINGS, TOO. IF YOU STOLE ANYTHING, GIVE IT BACK.”
I know suddenly what I want to do for the date. “Follow me.” I tell him and start striding with determination blazing in my limbs. He strides after me.