Swap was startled awake as the covers around him were yanked off.

The small skeleton scrambled up, heaving slightly as sharp pain flared in his chest.

After a moment be found his bearings and looked over to the canopy curtain opening.

There, peering in with pulled sheets in hand, was Cross. The stoic skeleton looked him over and began to speak.

"Nightmares a little upset you didn't eat breakfast. Sleeping through lunch he said was fine." Swaps eyes widened. Lunch? He slept through the noon? How long was he out? He didn't have much to dwell on the subject as the taller continued.

"But purposely not eating something given while awake was a no go. So this time I'm staying to make sure you actually eat something." Cross finished, letting the sheets go and walking out of view. Probably to the sofa.

Swap sat in silence for a long moment. Mind processing the moment.

Hesitantly he shuffled to find his phone. Grabbing it from it's resting place, he flicked it on to see the time.

7:00 PM.

Nightmare had said he'd come back for their 'deal' tonight. That could happen at anytime now.

Maybe in an hour. Maybe in two. Maybe a few minutes from now.

He didn't have a answer.

Stars. He didn't have an answer.

He'd hoped to wake up sooner. To get in contact with his brother to get help and get out of here before dark.

Now.

Now he was trapped with a heavy dilemma hanging above his head.

"Are you coming or not? Your foods gonna get cold." Cross's monotone voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

Swap sat in silence. Rocking forward a few times to gain the will to move.

After a second he reluctantly he slipped out of the bed.

His legs still felt numb, making him stumble slightly as he made his way to the couch.

The larger was seated on the far end. A plate and glass on the table. Thankfully placed on the opposite side.

Hesitantly he made his way over to it, glancing to Cross as he did so.

He sat silently, staring at the contents of the plate.

It looked like a normal burger with a side of fries. Something he'd find at a local restaurant.

Like the breakfast the fresh smell and look made his stomach twist hungrily. Even still his fears kept him from downing what was offered.

Glancing over he could see the larger watching him with a raised brow.

"Well? Eat up." Cross said, nodding to the food.

Swap gaze shifted to the food. But still made no move to eat.

A heavy sigh came from Cross. "Look. It's not poisoned or anything like that. It's literally an extra burger from our dinner. I personally picked it out and brought it here. So there's nothing wrong with it."

The smaller looked to him with skepticism. "How... how do I know you aren't lying? That something bad isn't in it?" His voice was horse and shaky, but he kept his gaze firm. 

Cross gave him a small annoyed look before scooting closer.

Swap flinched, pressing himself into the couch as he watched the other in fear.

The larger set himself next to him and reached for the burger.

The smaller stared in surprise as Cross picked up the meal and took a small bite.

The monochrome skeleton set the burger back on the plate and cocked his head to Swap. "See. It's not poisonous or drugged. Now eat."

Swap stared at him for a long moment before turning to the food. With  a hesitant hand he took the burger and took a bite. The flavor made him melt. If the larger wasn't in the room Swap would have probably groaned.

He forced himself to eat slowly, and savor every bite. He'd make himself sick if he stuffed himself like an animal.

"Why are you so special?" Cross suddenly asked, making Swap choke.

The smaller coughed slightly and looked to him in confusion.

Cross cocked his head and explained. "Boss almost never takes 'visitors' to his personal bedroom. Especially from worlds he is going to take over. So why you?"

Swap furrowed his brow in thought. " I... I don't know."

Cross hummed with a nod and said nothing more.

It didn't take to long for him to finish the plate. His hunger wasn't quite satisfied but he didn't have the nerve to ask for seconds.

Cross stood and took his plate.

Swap sat silently and the monochrome skeleton, without a word, walked to the door and out the room.

The small skeleton slumped into the couch. His soul and body feeling more relaxed on a full stomach.

He looked towards the window to see darkness through the parted curtains.

Biting his lip he forced himself up, ignoring the ache from his broken ribs and shuffled to the bed.

Slipping in he grabbed his phone and checked it again.

No calls.

Swap Sighed heavily. Debating if he should even try.

After a minute staring at the screen he typed his brothers number and called.

The phone buzzed against his skull for a moment before a soft beep.

Silence followed for a few seconds before a voice.

"H-hey bro."

Swaps soul jumped. "Papyrus, finally-"

"Look, Bro. Im sorry i didn't answer the first few times."

"Paps Listen-"

"I know you're upset-"

"Paps-"

"And I was just avoiding confrontation but now-"

"PAPYRUS! I don't care that you screwed my boyfriend! I've been trying to call you because I've been kidnapped." Swap said desperate for the other to listen.

"What? Bro, are you serious?! Who-"

"Nightmare-"

Just as he uttered his name a tendril whipped from behind him and snatched the phone. The sudden appearance made Swap scream in fright which was quickly silenced by another tendril wrapping around his mouth and arms.

Nightmare pulled the phone to his skull with a lazy smile. "I'm just kidding. I wasn't kidnapped at all! I just hate you and am running away forever~!"

Swaps eyes widened as Nightmare almost perfectly mimicked his voice. He could hear his brothers frantic voice from the phone.

"By by forever~!" The larger grinned darkly as he proceeded to crush the phone, cutting off a desperate plea from his brother. Swap watched helplessly, tears falling from his cheeks.

Nightmare turned to him with a sweat smile. "I'm glad I let you have this back! I knew it would be rewarding! The confusion and cries of dismay were priceless!"

The tentacles slipped away from him, allowing him to let out a gasp. "W-why! Th-That was-"

"Was what? Your only chance to escape? For my stupid preppy brother to come save you? Please!" Nightmare chuckle happily before leaning close to the now sobbing Swap.

"You're nothing to him or anyone in this multiverse. Your not even an original! Simply an copy. One of the millions of Underswap copies. He wouldn't bother with you." Nightmare sneered at the smaller.

Swap shook, wiping tears that refused to stop flowing.

Nightmare shrugged and smirked. "Alright now that the fun is out of the way, it's time for our deal~."

Dread filled Swaps soul as he looked up through clouded eyes at the other.