itsladykit:

Uncharacteristically hesitant, Papyrus looked to Grillby. “MAY I—?” He cleared his throat. “THAT IS…WOULD HE MIND IF I WERE TO PET HIM?”

Grillby shook his head, then reached out to take Papyrus’ hand. Fingers laid overtop Papyrus’, he reached out to the fire salamander and showed Papyrus how to pet the fiery creature. Warmth seeped into his finger-bones, sandwiched between two fire monsters as he was. Neither was putting out any intent, though, and his bones remained unmarred.

The fire salamander trilled and rolled onto its side with a rumbling sigh. Papyrus beamed. “HE-HE LIKES ME!” When Grillby turned to him, Papyrus drew himself up and said, “I MEAN—OF COURSE HE LIKES ME! I AM THE GREAT PAPYRUS AFTER ALL!”

Chuckling, Grillby turned his chin and kissed him gently. Very softly, his voice overlaid with the crackling of flames, he said, “*what’s not to like?*”