We headed back down the stairs and caught a glimpse of Papyrus peering down at Ariel, speaking in a gentle voice.
"Your Great Uncle Papyrus promises to never hurt you ever again. I will teach you how to be strong and cook great pasta when you grow bigger." He said softly to her.
Ariel's hands reached up to the skeleton, her fear from earlier having been tossed aside. Papyrus smiled in delight and offered a finger like Sans had done. With a squeal of excitement from the elder, the child grasped his hand and waved it about.
Papyrus glanced up at us as we came into his peripheral vision. "FRISK...Frisk, your baby is holding my finger!"
I giggled softly and patted his shoulder. My heart warmed at his child like excitement and reforming bond over my daughter. Gently removing her hand from around Papyrus's digit, I lifted her from her seat. The skeleton looked disappointed and started to stand up to move away but I stopped him.
"Pap, go sit on the couch so you can hold her." I smiled at him.
Newfound light filled his eyes and he bounded to the nearest cushion, his arms outstretching to cradle her. Placing her head in the least uncomfortable crook of his arm and her body outstretched into his other, I gave him full hold on Ariel. She glanced between us for a moment, unsure.
"Don't worry little human. I will not fail you." Papyrus said in his most calming voice neither Sans nor I had ever heard.
Ariel seemed to understand this and settled into his hold with a content sigh. Her hand found his finger again and gripped it tight. The two sat there happily and peacefully for a good few minutes while Sans made popcorn for which ever movie Papyrus chose.
I decided that Ariel was in good hands and went to help Sans by grabbing drinks. Sans was humming to himself as I entered the room and went to the freezer, the only section of the fridge that was cool, and took out a bottle of ketchup, and two bottles of water.
"Thanks for trusting him," Sans spoke softly to me, having turned my way when I entered. "She's an irresistible kid, kinda like you…were."
