Frisk could only throw Papyrus a hopeless stare as she moved out of the way. She gave him all the space she could while still hovering near the couch, wringing the front of her sweater nervously. Her gaze went from Papyrus to Sans, then back to Papyrus. She watched him as he left and came back with his phone, no doubt calling Alphys. Her heart sunk at that, knowing that this really was serious if the royal scientist had to be disturbed. The idea that Sans just needed a few good hours of rest completely flew out the window.

The young woman fidgeted with her hands, faintly aware of her fingers and knuckles popping softly at the motions. Her attention had once again drifted to the unconscious Sans, but snapped back to Pap when he addressed her. She saw the smile he forced, and attempted to return it yet could only nod. In a time like this, she knew she had to be strong for Papyrus. The skeleton lying motionless on the couch was his only true family, had been his only support system for so long. If he lost Sans...

If he lost Sans, what would happen? In all the timelines, Frisk never recalled such a scenario. In truth, it chilled her to the bone to think about. She'd do anything in her power to not find out. Right now, she had to be strong for him. He didn't need her breaking down too, though that was what she was desperately fighting against. 

Taking in a deep, calming breath, Frisk lowered herself to the edge of the cushion beside where Paps was kneeling. She hunched over as she took Sans' other hand in both of hers, relishing the warmth the bones gave off. It always surprised her how his hands could be so warm, when she expected them to be cold and hard like any other bone. If she focused, she could feel the light hum of his soul, much like anyone would be able to feel the pumping of her pulse. For a small moment, that was all she knew. She held his hand tightly, squeezing it as she ran her thumb over his knuckles.

Frisk looked up only when Papyrus spoke again. The sheer pain in his eyes dragged her heart down to the pit of her stomach. She looked at him for a long moment, trying to think of some kind of excuse, something that would make Papyrus feel better while still keeping him out of the loop. She tore her eyes away to stare at the bony hand in her grasp. She took in a breath, licked her dry lips, opened her mouth and...

And was this how Sans felt? Is this what raced through his mind when similar questions were asked of him? He wanted to protect everyone. He wanted to keep his family safe from things he didn't fully understand and likely never would. The crushing weight of it all was numbing and unforgivable. 

"I...I do know, Papyrus. And it's all so much more than anyone other than Sans and myself can handle. You don't want to know, Pap. Trust me, you don't. Our regrets are...They're heavy." Frisk swiped tears from under her eyes. "This world is so messed up. And if there's one truth I can tell you, it's that it's all my fault. I did horrible things, Papyrus. To you, to everyone, and especially to Sans." Finding that she could no longer look at the tall skeleton, Frisk again put her gaze on Sans' exhausted face. "But I'm doing everything I can to make it up to all of you. And I will until the day I die." She gave her friend's hand another squeeze. 

"Right now, Sans needs you to stay here with him. I think that's all he can ever ask of you, and it's the best thing you can do for him. If you do that, he'll always be okay." She gave him a smile, warm despite it being forced.