TopSpeedOfSound

Determination[TopSpeedOfSound & MurderVictim] HIATUS

As she walked inside, Sans caught the scent of earth, and flowers from her. Had she always smelled like that? It was nice. A calming scent compared to the stench of blood and unbridled determination she'd smelled of in her genocide sprees. Sans didn't think he'd ever forget that smell.

It had haunted his dreams, tormented his every waking moment, and stained itself so deep inside his skull that if he really tried, he was sure he could smell it on her. But that was the past.

He quickly stepped inside after her, closing the door. Immediately a new scent assaulted him. Amidst the usual aroma of spaghetti cooking, there was something sweet in the air as well. Was that... Cinnamon? And butterscotch? Paps never made ANYTHING except spaghetti. What in the he'll was he cooking with butterscotch and cinnamon?

"We're home, Paps," he called out into the house, and instantly the tall skeleton came barreling out of the kitchen.

"SANS! HUMAN! YOU'RE HOME SO EARLY! AWW... NOW THE SURPRISE IS RUINED," Papyrus said, a bit disheartened.

Sans shifted lazily,"Want us to walk back outside and you can call me when it's done?"

Papyrus sent a determined look at his brother and shook his head furiously,"NO! SURPRISE OR NOT, I WORKED VERY HARD ON THIS, AND YOU TWO ARE GOING TO ENJOY IT!"

"Uhh.... Don't you mean us three?"

"OF COURSE NOT! I HAVE A DATE WITH METTATON TODAY, SO YOU TWO WILL ENJOY THE GREAT PAPYRUS' MOST DELICIOUS DISH YET!"

Sans felt his soul flip.

Oh God, was... Was Pap setting them up? On a date? Why? How did he even know what to do for-..... Undyne. That clever little-

" OH, HUMA- ER, FRISK! YOU CHANGED YOUR HAIR! IT LOOKS VERY NICE," the taller of the skelebros interrupted, leaning down to better inspect Frisk's new look. He nodded approvingly and babbled on about how he and Mettaton would take her shopping soon for more cute clothes.

Sans just flushed with embarrassment at the whole situation. But he smiled. It was nice to see Papyrus so excited about something again. Ever since Frisk had become.... Distant, he'd been a bit down. But now he was practically glowing with refound vigor.

He chuckled quietly to himself and cleared his throat. "Paps, might wanna go check on your delish dish, otherwise it'll be black dish."

Papyrus quickly sprinted into the kitchen to resume his cooking.

Sans chuckled and took a seat at the table. He could really use a nap, and the warm smell of good food was a tempting lull to close his eyes, but he barely managed to keep them open.

He hardly noticed as they slowly dropped shut.

Determination[TopSpeedOfSound & MurderVictim] HIATUS

Oh God, when she looked at him with that blush dusting her cheeks, Sans thought his soul was about to leave his chest. It wasn't like he hadn't thought of her like this before, but it had never been this intense. And as she mentioned Toriel, he silently both thanked and cursed the old goat. She really was a devil in monsters clothing.

At the question about the barrier, he debated on how much he should tell her. Obviously not too much, but she was trying to change the subject, so he had to say something.

"Well, we haven't gotten any closer to breaking it, but Alphys said she'd do a few more experiments on it and get back to me when she has something. We knew it wasn't gonna be easy, so we're all just kinda in it for the long haul, ya know," he said looking ahead. Of course part of his answer was a lie, but she didn't need to worry about it. He didn't want her to feel guilty over something she couldn't help. And he wouldn't even think of letting her volunteer for the one way they knew to break it. All they could do was be patient and hope for the best.

Thinking back though, she was such a sweet kid, she might think of that solution on her own.

Frisk was naive, but smart. She paid more attention to detail than most gave her credit for. Even Sans had been guilty of that a few times.... Especially when she'd managed to see through his attacks and killed him those few times. Granted, he'd done much worse to her.

He'd torn her to shreds the first time, angry that she'd murder his poor innocent brother, and when she kept coming back, he would just mercilessly destroy her over and over. The second time, it was more of an annoying game. He'd fake an opening, crack some dark, humorless joke, and killed her quickly. By the third time he'd noticed that something was off about her. Like it wasn't really her inside that body. But that had made it easier for him.

And from then on out, each time they fought, he'd drop hints of things he remembered from that first timeline. All of the fun Frisk had had with everyone, those silly moments when Undyne had tried so hard to be her friend, even how Tori had cared for her like her own child.

But it had taken time.

Shaking those depressing thoughts away, Sans looked at her again, just taking her in.

She was so much older now. She'd weaseled her way into everyone's hearts so that their lives were inconceivable without her. And if she ever took the path of genocide again, Sans didn't think he'd have the heart to fight her. Not after all of this.

The only way he could is if he truly forgot, if his memory reset like everyone else's. But he knew it wouldn't.

It was both a blessing and a curse.

"So, uh... Maybe I should start wearing tux around? I think I'd look pretty sharp," he joked lightly.

His attention was suddenly stolen as they finally approached the house. Uncharacteristic as it was, Sans opened the door and motioned for Frisk to head in first.

He was SO lame...

Determination[TopSpeedOfSound & MurderVictim] HIATUS

Even when Toriel walked in, Sans just couldn't look at her. He felt so guilty for feeling like this, even if it had been the old goat's intent, and he felt even worse that his flush was still dusting his face in front of her. God he was lame. Surely Frisk would think so too. He was acting like a flustered little kid with a crush, but that was exactly how he felt.

When Tori finally made her way into the kitchen, Sans dared to peek up at Frisk. Bad decision.

When she spoke, he just nodded and all but bolted for the stairs. He didn't want to leave her behind, but he just needed a second to cool down. He needed to get his thoughts together before he could talk to her, better yet even look at her. He needed to cool off his unstable soul.

But as he pushed through the doors to leave the ruins, not even the icy cold could calm him down. This wasn't like him. He shouldn't be acting like this. He was Sans, carefree, calm, never spooked or excited by anything except maybe being treated at Grillby's, or a large bottle of ketchup. And Frisk! God she must think he was a jerk. Leaving her behind like that.

Taking a deep breath, Sans finally managed to calm his erratic soul. He didn't move from the door, waiting for Frisk. He had to let her know everything was cool. He couldn't let that awkwardness creep back into their lives. God he needed a bite to eat.

He rummaged futilly in his jacket pockets, finding nothing but lint and a folded piece of paper with a few ketchup stains on it.

With a sigh, he put his hands in his pockets once more and stared at the snow. What if.... What if Frisk didn't want to be friends anymore after seeing him act like that? She was a patient and understanding kid, sure, but... People can only put up with so much of your bad side, right? And standing there, lost in his thoughts, Sans couldn't recall a single time he'd shown her his good side. Yeah he could make her laugh, take her places and show some really cool stuff, but... When had he ever really been good to her. He never expressed anything to her, never talked to her about the important thoughts weighing his mind down.

And yet, she was so good to him.

She was kind. She was patient. And... Sans really liked that about her. It was like everything he wasn't and couldn't express, she was and could. As cheesy as it sounded, it felt like she was what was missing in him.

But he'd run away. Wow, now he was really on a roll. He wished he could go back to just a few minutes earlier and make himself stay in that room with Frisk, but he didn't have control of the timeline.

What if Frisk decided to reset because of this?

His soul froze at the thought. All of those years she'd spent living with him and Papyrus would be nothing. And no one would remember any of it, no one except for him.

No, Frisk wouldn't do that. He had to stop thinking like that! She was a good kid, and she loved everyone in the Underground. She... She wouldn't end all of that just because of him. He was nothing special.

Finally calm and in his right mind, Sans turned to look back down the dark hallway. His cheekbones still held a blush, but he could just pass it off as a chill.

He watched carefully as Frisk came into view, giving her his usual smile before starting back home at the same lazy pace as they'd had on the trip here. Sans quietly took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"Hey, sorry about back there. You really surprised me..... You look nice."

The last part was spoken softly, something just above a whisper, but he didn't wait for a response. In fact he'd be completely fine if she didn't give one, but it wouldn't be like her if she didn't.

Determination[TopSpeedOfSound & MurderVictim] HIATUS

Sans was almost ready to start freaking out when he didn't get a response immediately. At least until he heard the awkward shuffle of feet accompanied by Frisk's voice. His grin fell back into its natural grin and his shoulders slumped a bit in relief.

He slowly turned around to face her as he spoke,"Eh, sort of, but don't worry about it. Oh, hey, Paps has a ....... S....surprise......," all of a sudden the skeleton couldn't find his words as he stared at the human.

His eye sockets were wide, the little white dots floating in them a bit bigger than normal. His jaw hung open just a bit, like some awestruck fool.

But he was an awestruck fool.

Carefully, he let his gaze travel over the small, but very noticeable changes since he'd left. The scarf just happened to be the first thing to catch his eyes, so he started there. It was cute on her, and absolutely screamed Frisk, and it matched her new sweater well. Her new sweater that sinfully fit her matured firgure.

God, he was almost scared to see anymore, afraid his soul might just burst out of his chest.

As slowly as he'd turned around to her, Sans' eyes trailed up to Frisk's face. Her skin was still it's lovely natural shade, no smears of unnatural colors sav for the lovely flush on her cheeks. Her hair was different, more flattering to her face shape, and, well, it was pretty.

He took a step closer, not noticing the blue tint on his own cheekbones. Slowly he raised a hand to sweep Frisk's bangs gently in their new direction.

"Wow...", Sans wanted to slap himself for that lame comment. Why the hell couldn't he form a single thought, or even a sentence for that matter? It was like his mind would start to work, and then just crash into a broken pile of smoke. Like Alphys' failed experiments.

The thought of the scientist brought back her words. D... Did Frisk really like him? Or, was she just in on the joke.

No, Frisk would never do something like that. She was too sweet and kind.

Noticing that he'd been staring for so long, Sans clamped his jaw shut, his blush growing a bit darker. He turned away from her and scratched the back of his neck in embarassment, his foot tapping. Man, at a time when he really needed something to chow down on, he just had to be out of ketchup packets.

"U-umm, P-Paps has a surprise for us at home. Wanna g-go check it out," damn he felt so lame when he stuttered.

He was normally so calm and collected, but now, now his soul was glowing through his shirt.

Tori was probably laughing her goaty ass off.

All of this had her name written all over it. She was absolutely evil. But whatever magic she'd worked, it really did make Frisk look beautiful. Like, it wasn't as if she was bad looking before or anything, she was just like a gem. Pretty when mined, and gorgeous when refined.

Wait. No. Frisk was his best friend. He couldn't do this to her. Not when it seemed like that awkwardness between them had finally disappeared.

I mean, as nice of a thought as it was, thinking that Frisk liked him and all, she was typically a direct kid. If... If she really did like him, she would say something, wouldn't she? He wondered if he could talk to Tori about it later.

After taking a few moments to compose himself, Sans turned back to face her, but looked everywhere except at Frisk, for fear of doing or saying something that might bring that awkwardness back.

"Hey, Tori, d'ya care if we head back?"

Determination[TopSpeedOfSound & MurderVictim] HIATUS

"S-S-Sans! W-w-w-what are y-you doing here?!"

"To hell with that! WHY are you here," Undyne screeched as she pulled a spear from beside the couch and pointe it at Sans, non threateningly of course.

Sans simply laid back against the couch, his ever present grin taking on something sinister. "Nah, I think the real question here is, 'why aren't you training with Paps?' After all... He was super excited about it this morning," he asked calmly, he left eye blazing.

Alphys leapt back, glaring at Undyne accusingly,"B-but I-I-I thought you s-s-said he never s-showed!? U-Undyne! W-what's going on?!!"

Immediately, Sans honed in on the fish warrior, ready to kill. If anything happened to Papyrus on her watch, he wouldn't even hesitate to unleash a load of gaster blasters on her. And as she adverted her eyes to the floor and slowly backed down, Sans could only take it as guilt.

"D-dont worry, he's fine. He went back home like ten minutes after he got to my place, alright?"

Sans wasn't buying it.

Without another word, Sans summoned a gaster and aimed it at her. Oh her face was priceless. Sans was never really an aggressive guy, but when it came to Paps, he would watch the world burn to keep his little bro safe. However, for now, Undyne was his only target. Alphys obviously had no idea where Paps was or she would've spilled by now.

Undyne backed away, holding her spear out defensively,"Wait! Wait! Wait!! I told you he went home! Just go and look!.... Wait! No don't! He's there though! I swear!"

The gaster opened its jaw and began to charge it's beam. "Why," he spoke dangerously.

".... I........ I can't tell you..."

"Undyne, my patience is wearing thin."

Alphys squealed and ducked behind the couch,"P-please, Undyne! J-j-just tell h-h-h-him!"

Undyne growled loudly, slamming her spear into the floor,"Fine! He's making a surprise for you and Frisk! Happy?!"

Suddenly the gaster dispersed and Sans eyes were back to normal. He relaxed back into the sofa with a carefree grin," See now, was that so hard? What's the surprise?"

Alphys peeked over the couch in surprise, still a bit too wary to actually sit on it. Undyne was exasperated and flabbergasted. One second she was fearing for her life, and the next she supposed to be calm and comfortable? Screw that! In the heat of the moment she snapped her spear over her knee with a growl,"You're insane! How can anyone stand you? How can Frisk like you?!"

Undyne slapped a hand over her mouth and Sans just stared at her for a long time.

" What?"

This time it was Alphys that spoke up,"Y-you really can't tell? It's pretty obvious to, like, everyone!" Sans turned his gaze to the scientist, staring at her in disbelief before suddenly bursting out into laughter. The other two just watched him with confused looks as he finally gained his composure and stood up.

"You two really know how to tell a joke. But come on now. I came over here to check on the status of the barrier," he said casually as he started walking around and looking through Alphys' piles of junk with no real interest.

Alphys looked to Undyne concerned, then back on to the wondering skeleton,"But, Sans, we're not joking! She really does-"

"Alphys, do you have any new information or not?"

The yellow monster shrunk back a bit, sensing the sudden change in his mood. She looked down at the floor and sighed softly. "No. I haven't found a way to cross through the barrier. Nothing is working. Even a synthetic human soul couldn't do it.... But, our synthetic determination serum has somewhat weakened it."

"Good, Asgore will be glad to hear that", he quipped, voice back to its normal lazy tone," I'll be back in two weeks to check your work again. Let me know if anything changes before then."

He didn't wait for them to respond, just shortcutted away with a wave goodbye, his mind and soul racing around their words. Frisk? Like him? Ha! She'd been around him long enough to discover what he was like, his personality wasn't exactly desirable. No, they must be confused.....

...Or playing some cruel joke on him.

Appearing back in the hallway he'd left in, Sans slowly walked upstairs. At first he really didn't think anything of the silence echoing in the home, at least until he made it into the main room to find neither Frisk nor Toriel.

It spooked him, especially since the home was never quiet.

"Tori? Frisk," he called out, looking around for the two.

Determination[TopSpeedOfSound & MurderVictim] HIATUS

Ah, so Frisk enjoyed Tori's mothering, that was understandable. It made sense in a way. Sans.... He didn't have a mother...... Not one that he could remember. Sometimes it felt like something had been there, when he really though hard about it, but as far back as he could remember, it'd just been him taking care of Paps.

And the taller skeleton reveled in the attention. Perhaps Sans playing both mom and dad was what sparked that childish trigger in him. In all honesty, Sans probably shouldn't have spoiled Papy as much as had, but how could he say no?

Papyrus had been there as far back as Sans could remember. All he could recall from before that... Was the feeling of loneliness. But Paps saved him from that loneliness, kept him loved by someone, and filled all the emptiness in his soul.

Or at least he did until Frisk decided to join in with them. Now it was like having two kids to watch over. Except there was something... More he felt for Frisk, he just couldn't place it.

"It's nice to have a mom who cares."

Sans' eye sockets widened a bit at the statement. He just stared for a moment before sitting back in his chair and scratched the back of his neck,"O-oh really?" It was probably the lamest response he'd ever given, but how was he supposed to respond to that?

Frisk never talked about her real parents, never spoke of her real family. After all, all of the Underground was her family now, what more could she want, right? But.... The way she said it, it seemed like her real mother hadn't been the best. Not that he was an expert on families and stuff, but he knew that mothers were by far an important role to fill.

And suddenly Frisk scurried off into the kitchen with Toriel.

She was running away. Just like he did.

Well, she did learn from the best.

He really should listen to Paps more and stop setting such a bad example for her.

Just as quickly as she'd disappeared, both Toriel and Frisk came out of the kitchen with plates of pie and forks. He gave a quiet thanks to Tori as she handed him a plate and fork. Unsure of what to say or do, Sans did what he did best. He took a huge bite out of hisbslice of pie, chewing it slowly as he let all of the flavors dance over his ethereal tongue.

And then Tori asked how Papyrus was doing. Sans quickly swallowed,"Ah, he's doin' good. Off training with Undyne right now, but he should be down in an hour or so."

Man, he felt so awkward now. He shouldn't have brought up the mother thing. Bad move Sans.

As silence seemed to creep up on them again, Sans quickly polished off the rest of his pie and stood. Now was a good time to go visit Alphys. He didn't really want to take Frisk to the lab with him, seeing as he was so jumpy in there already. He wiped the crumbs from his teeth and walked over to the pair, a small smile on his face,"Well, s'bout time for me to go check in with Alphys. Is it cool if Frisk waits around here for me?"

He didn't give the human time to argue as he ruffled her hair playfully and gave a quiet,"See ya in a few, kiddo." He wasted no time in sauntering down the stairs, waiting until he was in the hallway before he used his famous 'shortcut' to appear on Alphys' used sofa just in time for both the scientist and Undyne to place an unsuspecting kiss on both of his cheeks.

He sat there a moment, waiting to see when the two eager beavers would notice. But they didn't seem to, and he could feel drool slipping down his cheeks. "Sorry for cutting in, you guys, bu-" SANS didn't even get to finish as both women began screaming.

Determination[TopSpeedOfSound & MurderVictim] HIATUS

As Toriel asked if he wanted some pie, the skeleton gave a mock look of apall and placed an exaggerated hand over his forehead(something he did quite often when Frisk was younger to make her laugh). "If ya insist, then who am I to deny your hospitality", he cooed in the most cheesy stab at elegance that his lazy bones could muster.

Secretive as he was, Sans would be lying if he said Toriel didn't know the way to his soul, and that was his stomach. As gluttonous of a creature as he was, it never seemed to bother anyone, not that he would care if it did. Yes Paps would get on his case about it every once in a while, but he knew his brother was just trying to look out for him as best he knew how.

It was sweet, and Sans never could muster up the energy to be upset with him about it(not that he ever would be).

Looking to Frisk again, this time Sans didn't advert his gaze. He'd calmed down enough that his cheeks were their normal bone white, and his soul had calmed to its normal lazy buzz. Maybe knowing that Tori was a mother hen over Frisk made him more nervous. After all, when the girl had talked about moving in with the skeletons, Toriel had been pretty against it at first, but after a nice, long, calm round of threats directed at Sans, the old queen seemed alright with the idea.

Man, those first few months had been busy. Papyrus had spent an entire day dedicated to cleaning every nook and cranny of their house, firstly because 'a young lady shouldn't live in such conditions', and secondly because Tori was over every single day.

It wasn't that she didn't trust them, she was just being a mother. Sans could appreciate that, seeing as he did pretty much the same for Papyrus. Anytime Paps wanted to go to someone's house for the night, the shorter skeleton always made sure to leave a list of do's and don'ts. And if what was on the don't listen was done, then there was hell to pay.

"She's still just as doting on you as ever, huh kid? Ya think she might let up on it a bit since you're older now, but...", he didn't continue, just left the statement open and alive with possibility. Something he was notorious for.

He was never one to judge, but sometimes he realized the way he worded things was a bit.. harsh. Unintentionally so, but still. Sans knew without thinking he could easily hurt someone's feelings and have no clue what he'd done wrong. However, he'd been working on it, and while he did have slip ups every now and then, he was doing much better with it now.

Determination[TopSpeedOfSound & MurderVictim] HIATUS

Sans was in a bit of a daze until Toriel opened the door. He chuckled when Frisk instantly rushed in to hug her, though he hadn't been expecting to join it. As the white goat monster pulled him in, he flushed a bit," Hey Tori."

It was rare that Sans got flustered or embarrassed, but for some reason, being hugged those close to Frisk.... It made his soul twist in knots. Luckily, with Toriel being there too, it didn't look like Frisk was the one causing it. Maybe neither of them would even notice, though he doubted it. Toriel, having been a mother once before, had a mother's eye, and more often than not used it for evil. That evil being to embarrass him or Frisk.

Once released, the short skeleton scratched the back of his neck and carried on inside. He knew the hallway well, having been there several times before to visit Frisk when she still lived here.

He made himself at home at Toriel's table, slouching in the chair with his hand propping up his cheekbone. He could smell that the old goat had been baking and silently prayed she would offer some to him. Man did he sounds like a pig, but he didn't care. He liked how food tasted, so he didn't see how it could be bad to eat all he wanted.

Although, knowing Tori, she would probably stuff the skeleton until he was content.

"So, how have you been , Tori? Gone to see Asgore lately," he asked nonchalantly. He knew it might be a touchy subject, bringing up Asgore and all, but he was genuinely curious about how things were going with them. The old king used to be so gloomy, but he seemed to have a bit more pep in his step recently, so maybe things were going ok with them.

He snuck a quick glance to Frisk, trying not to let his eyes linger too long. Maybe now would be a good time to go see Alphys...

Then it would Tori and Frisk some girl time. But man, he really wanted to eat.

In addition to tasting good, food was also , in a weird way, like a comfort. When Sans was nervous, he ate, if he was lonely, he ate, if he was stressed out, he would dig in. It was like a drug, if you would. A shot of anesthesia. Or the human equivalent of smoking cigarettes. It wasn't always a sign that something was wrong with him, but he just ate more when there was.

He should probably think about making better decisions. Or at least switching up his routine a bit so he wasn't so obvious.

Determination[TopSpeedOfSound & MurderVictim] HIATUS

Sans watched as Frisk scampered down the stairs, grining at how energetic she was. Sometimes he envied that about her and Paps, how they were just so full of life and energy, while he was lazy. The only thing lively about him were those aweful puns he told, but hey, can't win 'em all.

Without further adieu he opened the door and walked out, letting Frisk close it behind him. He may not be a perfect gentleman, but it never seemed to be an issue, so he didn't really care to change.

Walking out on the crisp snow, he kept a leisurely pace. He wouldn't be Sans if he didn't. Shoving his hands into his pockets, his posture slouched, and not a care in the world(at least on the outside) , he was the poster child for bad influence, but everyone in Snowdin loved him. As he passed by a few of his... Not quite friends, but too close to be called acquaintances, he waved and replied a quick hello.

A few of them tried to sucker him into going to Grillby's(their treat), but begrudgingly he refused for another time. He was sure Frisk was still full from breakfast, and Toriel would skin him(if he had any) for making such a ridiculous stop.

Once out of the busy little town, Sans couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. Followed.

But by who, he wasn't sure.

He subtly walked closer to Frisk, though didn't say anything about it. He didn't want to worry her after all. He could do enough of that for the both of them. "So, you cold yet, Frisky? If ya need some extra warmth, my hugs are for free," he joked, bumping her shoulder playfully.

And the the most girly, earth shattering squeal echoed behind them.

Sans turned around to see none other than Alphys, fallen in the snow with a big sweet grin on her face and her cheeks flushed an embarrassing shade of red.

"O-oh my god! Sans! Y-y-you tease," she giggled. Quickly the yellow monster stood and waddled over to the pair, her eyes pretty much all over them. Sans could tell they would probably have to ditch her if they wanted to make it to the Ruins by noon.

Her flush only seemed to deepen as she giggled like a flustered little girl,"So, where are you two love birds headed? Off on some secret date? Oh no! Wait! Don't tell me! You're going to take her somewhere romantic and-"

"Actually, we're headed to see Tori," Sans interrupted, knowing he didn't want to hear the end of that, and Frisk more than likely didn't need to.

He was already iffy on her staying the night with the hentai-loving scientist, he didn't need another reason for Frisk to come back home asking strange questions. He'd made the mistake of letting Paps stay there one time and... Let's just say Undyne and Alphys didn't have a good time when Sans came to visit the next day.

Alphys seemed to catch his drift and gulped,"Oh, y-yeah, r-r-r-right! W-well, I ummm..... I-I'll see you l-later then!" And as quickly as she had appeared, she scuttled off at record speed.

Without another word, Sans turned back down the path to the Ruins and carried on, trying silently to calm the erratic throbbing of his soul.

Determination[TopSpeedOfSound & MurderVictim] HIATUS

Her just finished rinsing by the time Frisk walked into the bathroom, and he smiled at her words. "Eh, I don't really get cold, ya know. No skin off my nose if you needed it more", he teased as he took the offered jacket and slipped comfortably into it.

He could smell Frisk in the fibers. He could feel his soul shifting uneasily in his ribcage at the thought and quickly dismissed how nice her scent was.

It was a thought for another time, preferably when he was alone.

"We'll go see Tori first. Hopefully she doesn't intend to keep ya the whole day", he mused, more to himself than Frisk. That was another habit he'd gotten into since she'd come to live with them, thinking out loud. Thankfully he never said anything too damning, but sometimes he wouldn't even notice he was doing it.

Sans knew it was because he hated the quiet. Hated when he couldn't hear anyone talking or moving about in the house. He'd really only started doing it after the first time Papyrus had died.

The silence had mad him feel so lonely.

Casting the thought aside, he zipped his hoodie about halfway and ruffled Frisk's soft hair she was trying to desperately brush. He knew that while she laughed most things off, she would probably pout when he messed up all the hard work she put into smoothing out her crazy bedhead. But he also knew she wouldn't be upset with him but for all of five seconds before they were back in their normal routine.

" I'll be waitin' downstairs, kiddo. Lemme know when you're ready to hit the road," and with that he made his way back downstairs. He walked into the kitchen and found Paps humming to himself as he washed the dishes, completely enveloped in his chore, but enjoying it nonetheless.

Sans smiled softly, pain in his eyes as he wondered how he'd ever made it through life without his brother there. How had he found the strength to carry on when Papyrus had died? Now, he couldn't even imagine life without his tall and spunky sibling. It was like trying to breath with no air. It just simply couldn't be done.

Wiping the odd look from his face, Sans just smiled,"Hey Paps, I think you're running late."

Papyrus looked to Sans, then to the clock sitting up high on the wall before his jaw dropped and his eyesockets widened. " OH NO! SANS! WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SOMETHING EARLIER?!"

"I dunno, you looked like you were having fun washing the dishes, so I thought I'd let you finish."

"SANS! WHEN I GET BACK HOME-!"

"I'd say you have five minutes to get there before Undyne comes looking for ya."

Papyrus sputtered incoherently as he dashed through the house and out the door.

Sans chuckled to himself. Paps was fun to poke at, especially when he was running late. But he wouldn't tell the taller skeleton that, he was sure Papyrus already knew. It was a kind of sibling thing. Sans would get on Paps last nerves, and Papyrus would makes puns even worse than Sans, but at the end of the day they still loved each other.

Feeling a bit lighter, Sans walked to the front door and waited for Frisk. "You done yet, kid?"