The short skeleton, though knowing that Frisk couldn't possibly win against the other him, felt reassurance at her claim, and even let himself relax a bit. Though it quickly dissipated into stressful tension in his bones as she began to describe her time in another universe. One where he was cruel and heartless. One where he knew no mercy.

His hand tightened in hers, sockets going black now, both from exhaustion and the horrible feelings of guilt swirling in his soul.

Back then, in those last few resets, had he not been exactly the same as the Sans she'd described? There were times when Frisk had begged for mercy before the last strike, but he'd refused. And he killed her. And never once had he felt an ounce of guilt for it, at least not until now. Now he felt like a true monster for what he'd done, and he wished every single day that he could take it back. Not just his actions, but his hurtful words as well.

He shuddered at her last words.

He couldn't imagine living in a world like that, though he'd be lying if he said he hadn't thought bitterly about his life. Before this timeline, he'd lost all hope and motivation for striving for a better future.

He'd been depressed and tired, and sometimes thought about how there was no point in fighting. And every time it reset, he felt that hole in his soul grow bigger and bigger. And so he'd decided that, maybe, that just might be the answer.

Damn, all of this thinking was hurting his head.

Up ahead he could see the blurred colors of what he knew was home and held Frisk's hand tighter as he all but dragged her towards the house. He could feel his strength failing, his bones and magic shutting down slowly. He didn't want to scare Frisk, but he desperately needed to rest, they both did.

He didn't say a word as he rushed to the door, opening it, and stumbling over the threshold. 

Sans stood there a moment, listening to the house for any signs of life. And then he heard the comforting sound of Papyrus clashing around in the kitchen. Without any warning, the short skeleton collapsed in relief, his mind succumbing easily to the foggy darkness that had been looming over him for some time.