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protect me...?

[It's an idea that's almost foreign to him. What could there possibly be left to protect him from? He's seen his family and friends die so many times that it barely even affected him anymore.]

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He didn't--

[Even Papyrus slumped back again, he didn't have it to finish that sentence.

Dad didn't want Sans to know, didn't want Sans to see what he was before... before he came back. To know what had happened.

Something that gave Papyrus nightmares.]

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who else knows...?

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... Older you.

[He'd seen for himself, and he'd agreed it was best to keep it from his younger self.]

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oh, so he doesn't need to be protected?

[It comes out... saltier than he planed for it to be. But really, where is this idea coming from that he needs to be protected?]

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[Very noticeable wince.]

He saw for himself.

[It's spoken weakly, it feels like an excuse even if it wasn't. Sinking more into himself, hold on his brother loosening.]

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hnn.

[He's not mad, not really. Don't worry. He just doesn't understand this need to protect him.]

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[Sans may not be mad, but Papyrus feels horrible. He already felt guilty over what he'd done, he felt guilty over hiding it from his brother.

Just... Papyrus felt even worse than he already did. It couldn't be helped. Almost as if he... failed, somehow.]

I'm sorry, Sans.

[Voice barely audible, holding back tears-

How many times was he going to say that.]

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you don't have to keep saying that, papyrus.

i just don't understand why you think you have to protect me.

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You're my brother, why wouldn't I try? I love you.

[It hurt that the older knew, it hurt even worse that he seemed so numb to it.

Things were worse than he could ever imagine for Sans.]

I'm... not good at it, it seems.

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no, no papyrus. its not--

[It's not that you're not good at it.]

you don't need to protect me from this, like i said, i'm used to it.

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[Sans had no idea how bad it was-

He didn't need to know, not how bad it was at least. He should know at least...]

I wish you weren't, I'm sorry that you are, it-... It's not fair.

[Aaaand there came a renewed and tighter hug, Sans pulled in close against his chest, and only a few tears fell.

He was doing better.]

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[A bony hand reaches up to wipe the tears away]

what happened happened, papyrus, i can't change that...

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I know--

I'm still sorry, for this. For worrying you, I'll be okay. The... the nightmares will probably stop soon and I'll get some rest.

[Troubled as he'd still be over... secrets.]

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it's okay, papyrus, i know why you did it.

just... please don't bottle things up, next time. don't be like me.

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[He just... sighed and sank heavily against that chair.]

Thank you.

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...for what?

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Being you.

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oh, g-gee, papyrus.

i'm nothing special...

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You're special to me.

[A poke to Sans's ribs.]

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[He laughs and wipes one of his eyesockets]

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[He couldn't help a laugh of his own, scrubbing the heel of a hand over his face-

Okay. Okay. He was okay.]

I mean it too, Sans. Don't forget it.

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hey, paps. you know i'm always here to look out for you, right?

heh, even if i am the little brother...

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Little brothers are vitally important! Just as important as big brothers, or twin brothers.

Or any sibling at all, really--

[Sounding a bit like his usual self there, a warmer smile.]

I appreciate it, Sans. A lot. I'm also here for you, okay?

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i'm glad we could, uh, have this talk.