Sans was pleasantly surprised when Frisk curled up next to him on the couch. He tensed up for a few seconds as she laid her head on his shoulder, but relaxed into it. Again, he couldn't help but to notice how soft and plush her skin was against his bones. He would never get over how much more comforting she felt against him than eating ever was. With her this close, the gentle scent of earth and flowers washed over him and made his soul glow in contentment. And as her breathing evened out, Sans paused in his channel flipping and smiled down at her dosing face. He really could get used to this. She was so warm and soft, it made him just want to curl around her and protect her from everything evil in the world, including those rare moments when she herself was. He wished he could like this with Frisk forever. "I love you, Sans..." Sans' soul froze and then began to glow brighter than ever. He quickly zipped up his jacket so he wouldn't disturb Frisk as she slept. But she... Did she really mean that? Sure Frisk was an adult now and all, but... Did she mean like "Love" love? How did she even know what that was? .... Probably Alphys. Man, was it hot in here or was it just him? Placing a bony hand on his cheekbones, Sans could feel the embarrassing blue glow on his face. He'd never blushed this much. Alright, maybe one other time when Papyrus had asked him a very inappropriate question, but his soul was practically flying in his ribcage. What was he supposed to do? Should he do anything at all? Maybe... Just maybe.... Careful not to stir her too much, he leaned into her ear and whispered softly,"Me too, kiddo," and pressed a toothy kiss to her cheek. He didn't know what he'd do without her. He had to find the cure. Something to stop mortality from clawing away at Frisk's life. He needed to keep her here with him and Paps. Maybe then he'd have the guts(heh) to tell her how he felt when she was awake. And then there was always the possibility that her words didn't hold the same meaning as his. Frisk had always passed around her "i love you's" as a child, and he was no stranger to it. Regardless, even if her words were just something familial and nonromantic, he couldn't bear to watch her grow old and die without him. Without any of her monster friends and family. She may have human skin, but she had a monsters' soul, and she deserved to live her life like one. He stayed with her a few moments more, making sure she was deep in sleep and completely unwilling to leave the comfort of her weight against him. Then, slowly, he stood and laid her down on the couch. He unzipped his jacket and laid it over her, stroking a gentle hand through her hair before heading up to his room. He had a lot of work to do. --- Papyrus returned home later that evening, just as the sun was starting to set. A light orange blush dusted his cheekbones, and as he entered the home, he was about to call out for Sans and Frisk to see how their carefully planned date had gone, but stopped short as he noticed the human laying on the couch under Sans coat. He smiled at her peaceful sleeping form, giving her head a few gentle pats before he noticed the mess still spread out on the table. Why should he expect anything less. Still, if the sight on the couch and mostly finished food were anything to go by, then it must have been great! "ANOTHER PERFECT PLAN BY THE GREAT PAPYRUS," he whispered as he set to clearing the table and washing the dishes. He could hear Sans moving around upstairs, more than likely in his room. He would ask his brother about it when he came out. --- Sans worked into the wee hours of the night, studying formulas, reading books on alchemy and uses for magic, and even peeking through some of Alphys' notes he'd shortcutted to her lab to get. Pages of quickly scribbled notes were everywhere. Strewn across his bed, scattered on the floor, piled on his desk where he sat. He even had one stuck in his slipper! But he couldn't worry with it now! He was so close. Yet the answer was just out of his grasp. Sans gave a yawn and tiredly peeked out his window. The sun was just nearly creeping over the horizon. Had he really been at it all night? Leaning his cheek into his palm, he felt his eyes begin to droop. Maybe if he just closed his eyes for a few minutes... Before he knew it, Sans was fast asleep, snoring softly.