Chereads / Shades of Blue / Chapter 28 - Perils of powder Blue

Chapter 28 - Perils of powder Blue

Papy 

The sweet smell of chili dogs filled his senses and his mind kept drifting. He promised to take on all of Blue's errands as Blue was working a double shift. To make up for lost time after his shift.

He wasn't sure how his brother could do it. The guy had 2 different jobs. While he couldn't stand working his part-time job. 

He only got the dumb job because of him.

Yeah, he just got it after Blue told him to choose his punishment. Work a part-time job for 2 weeks or Sparring with him for 2 weeks. Papy knew his job sucked but it was waaaaay better than sparring with his beast of a brother. He's too cool and he wouldn't like to keep up with him.

"Excuse me, could I get this in green?" The lady behind him asked. Papy wanted to tell her he was about to clock out but he could see the manager nearby. So he swallowed his pride and turned around using his best brother's impression.

"Of course! I'm glad to help"

Papy looked at the old lady. He recognized the item as a game controller. Geeze the one on her hands was the last spade black edition, a rare and much sought out controller for himself. "Uh, what color were you hoping to get?" Papy was eager to take the precious box out of her hand. Maybe he could buy it after. 

"A pink one for my daughter, she's a gamer and I wanted to surprise her with her controller," The lady asked. Papy had to pause for a minute. She wanted a lame average controller where the controllers would drift after a month of use. Was she crazy?

"Madam, excuse me but the controller you have on hand is way better for gaming. The pink one just won't cut it for your daughter. What games does she like?" 

"I dunno, just some adventure games. And some weird fishing games. I think it was called cod or something" Her voice was uncertain but Papy wanted to slap himself.

That last one he knew was for hardcore killers. The woman was crazy if she thought a pink controller would tame those kinds of games.

"Nah, the one you have is perfect. And if she doesn't like the color I've read there are custom skins she can build if she looks online. I know a few places. but that controller is super cool" The ladies brightened up at his answer. She nodded.

"Well, son you're probably right. Thanks for helping me I'll go buy this now." She began walking away as she kept thanking him. Papy stood still. 

What had he done? 

Papy ran to the closest manager as he pointed at the case of controllers. "Hey, do we have any more black spade controllers?" Papy panicked as he was hoping they still had any in stock. The manager shook his head as he pointed at the boxes he finished stocking.

"That's all we are getting. We won't be getting another shipment until I order some today but those won't come in for months'' The manager clarified as he patted Papy back. "Sorry slugger but good job selling them to the lady" 

"Imma clock out. Bye boss" Papy sighed as he felt shattered. A rare and amazing controller was at his fingertips. And he just had to amp it up. Only to lose it all because he failed to notice it was the last one.

In a flash, he cut through to the back to clock out. He grabbed his bag as he cut back to the entrance. 

It was only 5 hours and he felt like it was forever. He wasn't sure what to do next. It was noon and he was craving something fierce. Maybe he could ask Honey to come with him and grab a bite. 

He didn't want to order food alone. He couldn't order without causing some kind of problem. He's still not over the fact he caused a guy to melt down for his silence. 

He looked at the sky as it was growing cloudy. Maybe he should pick up an umbrella before he calls Honey. In the distance, he could see a ball of smoke coming from nearby. He began to follow it as a delicious smell followed. A familiar food truck was in the mix of an empty parking lot. Oh right, honeys friend!

He looked at the food truck and he could see the green fire amongst the smoke as she passed customers' food. A long line had begun to pile up as he watched. He should turn back as he still owes her or more honey owes her. Maybe if he left now she won't see him and ask for a favor. He was drained from filling shelves and helping customers. 

"Hey Fuku, I'm gonna pass a few fliers. Take it easy with my roommate, he isn't as fast as you" the girl teased. He could see among the smoke there was a shadowy figure cooking. He would have to get closer to see who it is. And curiosity was getting the better of him so he walked over to find Blue's favorite human.

As he walked over he could see her passing fliers as her jacket flew around. Honey was struggling to keep the fliers in her hand as a gust of wind was picking up.

"Papy? Is that you?" She ran over to him, hugging him in the process. He tried to not chuckle as she nuzzled him a bit. The girl must be in a good mood as she pulled away with a smile on her face.

"How are you doing Papy? Are you here for lunch? I can order the special for you if you want to sit down by the curb" 

She insisted he looked at the long line and he didn't want her to suffer in that line.

"It's fine honey. I just got off work so I don't mind getting in line for some grub. Also, you're working for Fuku now?" He wasn't sure but did honey have multiple jobs as well? She shook her head as she pointed at the truck.

"Nah fuku just called in for her favor and needed help. I wasn't working so I didn't mind. My roommate is helping in the kitchen. I take orders or pass fliers. I can't be in the truck too long before it gets a bit crowded" she chuckled as he could see her face get a shade pink. "I'm a clutz and almost burned my hand. Fuku almost banned me from the truck" 

"I would do it too! if it wasn't for your meddling roommate" Fuku yelled back before she turned back saying something to the cook before he heard a gruff laugh as it rumbled the truck. The fire monster poked the smoke for him to stop as the truck stopped moving. Honey's cheek grew flushed red.

 Papy couldn't help but admire it. He had failed to see she was wearing a uniform. Getting a closer look she looked cute in her fire monster's uniform. It looked even better as she wore a heavy hoodie. The girl could pull it off with her smile. He shook off the thought before going back into a more relaxed stance.

"When are you done? You could keep me company as I do a few errands under Blue's orders" He reached out into his pocket before passing her a chocolate kiss " I can make it worth your wild~ Chocolate? caramel? or even dark chocolate?" He had managed to follow Red's advice and always had some on hand. Just to sweeten the deal he said. But he preferred it as he could chomp on a few whenever he wanted. 

"Tempting but I promised my roommate I would hang out with them today. Show them the sights" She pointed at the truck. The line of people had dwindled. Fuku walked back into the truck to check up on the smoke. Papy could almost make up a person's face.

"Well, I don't mind joining for a bit so I can meet your roommate. You could say I'm pretty humerus" He tried to lean in closer to see who the mystery person was. Honey blocked his way before he could get a glimpse. 

 "Rain check! I'm already putting the poor guy to work" She waved her finger guns as she walked back to the food truck. Papy nodded as he waved at her. Odd. She didn't even let him respond. He didn't mind being a third wheel for the two. He's naturally a great third wheel and felt a bit offended that honey didn't want to let him meet her roommate. 

Papy waved goodbye as he cut away. Something wasn't sitting well with him. Honey never looked like the type to be embarrassed to introduce him to her friends. Hmmm?

"Like I don't have anything better to do than spy on her" He began to walk away in a huff before stopping. "Wait, I don't" Papy shoved his hands back into his pockets. 

He hid as he waited for the honey to finish. Any plans and errands could wait once he saw her take off with her roommate in arms. He followed as he still couldn't see the guy's face as he pulled her close to her. The simple smile before changing into laughter as she smacked his arm as if he told her a fun joke. Even using the binoculars he stole from Red wasn't enough.

He didn't like how the guy was so touchy. And worse, how he seems to make her laugh. His jokes can't be that funny for her to laugh in tears. She's never laughed like that to his jokes!

The more he watched the more he wanted to just get in the way. Did the guy not know about manners? The guy was dragging her around as they walked around town. The dude seems like bad news. At that moment he saw the two go down a dark alley. The whole seemed sketchy as he could hear a familiar growl. He tried to rush over but walking on foot was hard when people were around. 

By the time he made it to the alley, he could see Honey against the wall. Her face flushed as the coat had fallen to the ground. Axe above her as his arms were caging her. And the roommate seemed to be long gone. Jerk probably ran off scared by Axe. And the jerk didn't consider honeys safety, she was held captive by a unhindged monster. 

Papy took a big gulp of air. He focused as he summoned bones between her and Axe. He tried to be precise as he didn't want to hurt either of them. The guy turned to him as his eye light grew small in shock. Axe summoned a club of a bone to break the bone wall, grabbing honey in the process as he fled. 

"Get back here Axe!"

"Graaaaah" Axe roared as he ran with a frightened girl in his arms. He quickly followed as he summoned more bones each with a blue hue so it would only injure him. The guy kept running as he jumped over each of his barrages. 

Papy was starting to loose stamina as he gradually was get further away. Each breath he see the monster get further away. He picked a lolli from his pocket. Tasting the familiar watermelon helped him concentrate.

"Stop, please stop" He could hear honey scream as she was trying to signal something before being cut off by Axe. 

"Don't worry Honey!"

"Leave us alone!" Axe screamed as he summoned spikes. They came as darts as the guy kept aiming at him. Papy kept twisting and turning as he managed to dodge a few. Only one managed to stab his hoodie.

The cold wetness hit his face as rain began to pour from the sky. The rain started picking up as he ran after Axe.

He couldn't focus. A part of him regretted not having determination but he knew better. He always had the next best thing. He grabbed his headphones and placed them on his head. The world felt slower as he ran faster. Letting the beat helps him to follow along.

~This is really getting me down, But I'll keep coming to, If it gets me to you~

The end of the alley was a dead end. He could rest easy as he cornered Axe. Slowly he tried to get close to Axe. If he could pull honey away from his grasp he could teleport them out. The monster seemed to come to the same conclusion as he looked at the building before double-jumping the narrow walls. As if this was one of his video games before reaching the room. Papy hated to admit it looked cool.

"Dang it! that's not fair dude!" He screamed before trying to teleport up. It took a few tries before he finally got it right. And what he saw made him furious.

Axe had pinned honey kissed his honey as she tried to push him away. The way Axe lights were dazed as he stared at her brought a new wave of anger. The guy had his grip tight around her until he was finished. The look in his eye was more crazed as he shifted from yellow and blue. Axe raised his hand as a spiked cannon came out of thin air. The canon was slowly swallowing air as he loaded up magic. The guy's magic seemed to be renewed as he summoned more bone spikes. Taunting him to get closer.

~Sorry to say we'll be expecting delays

Now please grab a seat~

Papy couldn't help but imagine him as the final boss before he could save his princess. And frankly, he couldn't hide his smile. Excited to see what he could do.

 His brother always told him to fight for what he believed. And he never understood it until now. Seeing honey in tears breathless as she was heaving to catch her breath.

Right. He knew what he had to do.

He sent her a grin before sending her wink her way. He kept dodging Axe attacks as he got closer to honey. He would throw her a chocolate to cheer her up before Axe pulled him from the scruff of his hoodie. pulling him back to him. Papy managed to teleport out of Axe's reach.

He smacked the guy as he side stepped when Axe fought back. Each time smiling at honey before sending her another wink.

Honey was his and Blue's human. Blue may be absent from this fight but he was there. And in Blues' stead, he will fight for her. He summoned his blasters as he ran at the enemy. Axe took this as a challenge and he did the same. 

And in a flash, both cannons shot off at each other as they yelled in unison. The cannons missed but that couldn't be said for their bone attacks. They kept grazing each other with full-on bone attacks. 

~We′ll be home soon Remember yesterday How far we've come today~

"We′ll be alright"~

Whenever Axe was about to stab him he managed to cut out of that moment in space. Slipping a bit at the edge of the roof slipping on the water. He managed to cling to the edge as he focused on the roof next to it as he teleported. The monster barely managed to stab his bone at the brick where he once was.

"That was a close one. You suck Axe!"

He desperately needed something to get the jump on the guy. He looked at honey as they had gotten a bit far from her to hear her. She kept mouthing something as she screamed. Stop? he couldn't read her lips too well. 

That's it! Papy summoned waves of Blue bones in Axe's way. The guy kept jumping as he dodged each attack. He started to get closer to him as he tried to teleport to him. And he was getting close. Only his attack wasn't for him it was meant for her.

In that moment he managed to capture a different soul. Turned it blue as he could hear her gasping at the sensation. 

~We′ll be home soon~

"Sorry, I can't stick around. Maybe next time?" Papy teleported a few roofs away as he pulled honey with him. The two bumped into each other as she landed on top of him. Her eyes were puffy from tears as she started to pelt him with her fist. His grin remained until she ripped the headphones off him.

"I. told. you. to. stop" She croaked as her voice was practically gone. She wiped her tears with her arms as he saw the marks on her. Luckily Axe didn't seem to have left any scratches on her. He grabbed her arms to stop her hitting him. Admiring her arms as they were filled with cool scars that he couldn't help but worry a bit. He could imagine she was lashing out in fear as she was attacked by Axe.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't so gentle but you saw that guy. I can't afford to lose you… I care- I mean someone cares about you" He defended as he sat up as he could see her face full of fear. "I didn't mean to scare you little mouse. But you safe now"

She shook her head as she tried to say something but hiccups were all she could voice. They sounded like puppy barks and honestly, he couldn't help but chuckle. This wasn't the kind of day he expected it to be but he finally got to be the hero like the games he played. Even if his 'princess' was peeved at him. He went back to lying back down. too tired to fight her.

"The knight had fled away with the princess. That'd pretty pathetic, huh?" He chuckled to himself in exhaustion as he let the rain hit his face.

He closed his eyes as he needed to recharge his magic. It's been a while since he trained and maybe he should have taken his brother's offer. He could feel the rain stop hitting his face as he opened his eyes. She was covering the rain with her face. She looked sopping wet.

"We should probably go home huh?" Papy couldn't move but honey seemed to get the idea. She pulled him up as she dragged him down from the building. Taking the elevator in the process. He could hear her breath get a bit tight as she dragged him along. 

He could imagine she was tired and probably had tons of questions for him but he never heard her voice anything, not even a complaint. 

"Papy there's something I need to tell you about my roommate. And it probably gonna make you mad" She started as the elevator hit the ground floor. And waiting for them was Axe with a perma grin resting on his face.

"Fuck

Axe chuckled as he saw the two of you. The hood was drenched in water only making his stance more terrifying. Papy let out a sigh as he put his body in front of Axe. Standing taller than what he could manage to be. Hoping he looked as intimidating as his brother's counterpart.

If he was gonna get dusted, he was gonna do it like a cool rebel from the movies. 

"Give me all you got punk" 

Papy growled before he heard a hardy chuckle from the monster before being carried into the guy's arm. Practically cradled in his arms. 

"Nah. I'll call it even if you let pumpkin patch you up" He pointed his thumb over to honey, and she waved to him as she walked along with him " After all my roommate seems to be fond of you"

" What?! Tell me it ain't so… but how? when? weren't you crazy? Honey tell me it ain't so" He panicked as he looked at her for any confirmation. She looked away as she whispered. 

"I'll explain at home. Axe can you take him back to our home? I'm gonna pick up a treat or two to fix you two up" She asked as she gave him a pat on the arm. "Can't I drop him off and join you? And someone owes me something to pick my energy up" Axe purred.

"Nope! Under our agreement, it was only one under emergencies and Papy is no longer a threat so I'm gonna pick up a few treats. Unless you do only see me as a battery" She told him flatly before a flow of tears slowly followed. Hey face scrunched up masking the yawn as a whine. Papy had to give her credit, she was a great actress. The poor sap, Axe began to apologize.

"What never! you're n-not! I'm s-sorry. I'm just tired. Thanks to this runt" Axe waved him around as he was still in his arms. Papy couldn't help but look at his situation. He's being carried by a maniac, the whole thing was embarrassing as he covered his face to hide the shame.

Papy did want to be there anymore. He was glad honey was okay but what the hell did he miss since he last saw her?! His staring seemed to catch her off guard as she seemed to break away from Axe's spell. She looked over at his condition as she handed him bandaids from her pocket. Before Papy could ask they were back in a different setting altogether.

"Damn your heavy"

He felt the floor before he could react. Axe left down the hall, Papy could hear shuffling. once he thought he was dead he picked himself off the floor. Papy took off his wet clothes as he went to the kitchen sink to drop them off.

He came back to see Axe had a spare set of clothes bunched up on the floor. A part of him didn't feel it would do him any good to take the clothes. Axe didn't seem to care about his presence as he changed clothes too. Just wearing shorts and a tank top. 

Well, it wouldn't hurt to wear something dry.

"Thanks for the clothes"

"Just leave before she gets back already. And let the rest know I'm not coming back" He stated as he didn't look away from the TV. Just with a flick of his wrist, he pointed at the door, shooing him away. 

"No. Explain dude because the last time I saw you were eating through trash" He couldn't help but turn his hands into fists. As the dude was the most mentally unstable Sans they had. Hell, even Smiley had at least medicine to fix his episodes. And frankly, he couldn't leave with a good conscience if he left her alone with him. The dude ate people! Axe didn't like his words as he got up. Broadening his stance like a grizzly bear challenging anyone to touch his territory. 

"Take. it. back!" 

"Not when it's true!"

"You don't know anything about my universe" Axe seethed as he took a step back. This only motivated Papy as he took a step forward before he continued.

"Hunger changed you guys. I read your file, you attacked every human who came to the underground. By greeting them with a handshake before you start chomping on them. What was it? fingers that trigger you?" 

"That's not what happened!" Axe screamed, getting into a defensive stance as he took another step back. Grabbing at his empty socket and tugging at it until he heard an awful crunch. 

"Don't kid yourself. The human abandoned you guys leaving nothing but famine and anger" He failed to see the monster had gotten quiet. There was a burning anger filling his core at seeing Ax pull the wool over his human's eyes. Get her to lower her defenses before eating her up. Papy couldn't help but imagine the dude leaving nothing but bones. 

He turned around as he made his case. Honey needed to know what kind of monster she brought home.

"Shut up! Did you think I wanted to eat those humans?! I know I'm a monster so you don't need to remind me!" Papy turned around as Axe had his claw out as he pounced. "Shut up!"

Papy summoned a bone to deflect it. A small figure ran up in between them. Honey was faster as she blocked Axes' attack. 

"I leave for one second and you guys have to fight again! Why can't I have one second to relax before crap hits the fan!" She groans. Steadily holding a pillow in place to cushion Axe's claw. The monster began to pull away as he began to laugh maniacally.

"GUESS YOU HEARD IT. I. EAT. HUMANS. so I don't have to pretend anymore" Axe's eyes lights shrunk in horror as honey had some blood on her hand. A flash of acceptance crossed Axe's face. His lights were piercing as he walked slowly to honey and his grin turned gruesome. "Your looking tasty there human"

"Careful, Axe. Whatever you do I'll do the same or have you forgotten?" She took off her shirt to clean her hand up. She revealed her tank top, her whole arms had scars. Papy watched in horror as honey got closer, waiting for Axe to attack. Axes eye lights were snuffed out.

 He didn't move for a while. His eyes lights were both off and in a second they both returned this time. He patted the top of her head before walking back to the couch. changing the channel as he picked up the bags that were on the floor.

Honey let out a sigh. He watched as he noticed her shaking knees collapse under her. She slowly sat down next to Papy. Handing him a monster treat in the process. What just happened?!

"Dude is a cannibal and your first instinct was to go toe to toe with the dude?!" 

Axe chuckled as he turned to him as he pointed at his neck.

"Nope, she thought to take a bite out of me. My collar bone still has the marks and hurts like a bitch" Axe responded as he pretended to groan in pain. "She's crazier than I am" Honey rolled her eyes as she threw her wet shirt at him, a splash could be heard as it made contact with his face. 

"Real mature mate" 

Papy looked at Honey to answer. He pointed at Axe before landing on her. She shook her head before she took a bite out of his cupcake. Sighing in delight at the taste.

"Man, I can understand why it's such an expensive treat. That's delicious" She licked her lips as she savored the taste."We are roommates. So mates for short but don't worry he's harmless" 

"He tried to kill me?!" 

"Don't flatter yourself. It was all self-defense you putz" Axe threw the wet shirt on the floor before angrily chomping on the bag full of monster treats. He looked away in anger as the two were sitting too close to his liking. "I'm injured too, but you're only worried about stretch over there" 

"Stretch?"

Papy cringed at the name. He didn't like being called stretch but everyone adopted the name. Just like they accepted blueberries. His brother managed to get it cut short to Blue. His on the other hand was impossible to change. That's why he likes being called Percy or Papy. It just made it his own.  

"It's what our cousins call us. I'm frankly not a fan. So please keep calling me what you usually do" He pleaded before glaring at the guilty criminal, eating away. He's had more than enough for today.

 "I need to let the guys know about Axe's location. Let me just get my walkie talkie" Papy was about to teleport out but he felt a hand stop him.

"Please don't. Just give me a bit of time. I think I can stabilize the guy" She pointed at the monster as he looked at the screen bored. "And you owe me a BIG favor. So just don't tell anyone about Axe until I can find a way to keep him like this okay?" 

"You think walking in on my brother-" He started before Honey covered his mouth with her hand, her face flushed as she squeaked for him to stop. "I haven't told Blue about the party!" Honey defended as she pouted sternly.

Papy smirked as he pulled away. He raised his hands to surrender before getting up. 

"Fine, I gotta go anyway. I won't tell anyone, the moment this butt-wipe messes up. I'm turning him in" Papy pointed at the jerk, but the threat seemed to fall on deaf ears as the guy paid him no mind.

"Yea yea get on with it loverboy" 

Papy couldn't help but feel his face heat up before looking at his human. She didn't seem to get the reference as she waved him goodbye.

"Can I at least tell my brother?" 

She hesitated to respond before shaking her head. Papy wanted to ask why but Axe beat him to it.

"Why does the Boy Scout have to know about this?"

"Well… he's Mr.Hotshot" She chuckled before she gave some finger guns his way. He looked at the two confused by what the name signified. Just to watch Axe's jaw drop as he froze in place. Honey was laughing on the floor as Papy left. Somewhat satisfied with the monster's reaction. 

Papy looked at his phone. It was still early. If he managed to make a few short jumps, he could make it back to his golf cart. He wasn't sure what Honey was planning but he could only guess she wanted to keep Blue safe. It was naive to think she could tame Axe when the dude has a record of going twisted at the drop of a hat. And yet they had a conversation. He was insulting but still lucid enough that it counts.

Papy knew she could handle herself with Axe but he still wasn't sure why it rubbed him the wrong way that the dude looked at her a certain way. A thought crossed his mind once he made it to the store. Was he mad because he didn't want his brother to have any competition? And what if he did? His brother was the coolest person he knows, so there was no competition. Maybe he didn't want to lose his human friend. That sounds right. He kept telling himself that, he focused on his errands. Ignoring those hints of jealousy getting to him. Why would he be jealous at the trash panda of a skeleton?