AN: Hey hello again, and welcome back!

As usual, I'd like to extend a very fond THANK YOU to all of my readers both old and new! Thanks for sticking with me this far! It means a lot to me that you're still here.

For a little while, things in the story should be calming down a bit. This was one of my favorite chapters to write and it really helped to bring things down from the utter chaos of the previous chapters.

Either way, I hope you enjoy it as much. This is meant to be a fun lighthearted chapter, so I hope you have fun with it as well.

Chapter 27

Peace

"Yeah, but could you not?"

"Not what?" He laughed after being denied a "sample" of cookie dough, "You'll have to be more specific."

"You know what I mean! Just . . . can't you wait another few minutes for them to be done?"

"See, now you're asking for the impossible!"

"It's 'impossible' for you to be patient? These aren't even my specialty. These are just plain snickerdoodles. I haven't even rolled them in the sugar mix yet! Just hold on for like fifteen minutes, okay?"

Corbel stood with his back toward the main living area. There wasn't a whole lot of space in the dorm he shared with the other monsters, so he wasn't too far away from where Sans leaned on the counter separating the kitchen area from the living area.

In fact, all Sans had to do was stretch out and he could brush Corbel's neck and jaw with his fingers. When he tried this, it sent a shudder throughout Corbel that nearly made him drop his wisk. It was as if a trickle of cold water had somehow found its way through his shirt and down his back. He drew his shoulders up in order to recompose himself as he fought not to release his nervous laughter. There was nothing he could do to cover up the initial surprised mewling sound he made, however.

In response to this, Sans laughed full-out.

"I had no idea you were so sensitive. Daydreamer!"

"Y-yeah, well . . . " Corbel stammered, still collecting himself, "Anyone would be surprised if someone did that to them out of nowhere like that."

"Maybe so, but I don't think everyone would've made a sound like that. Can you do it again?"

Sans rounded the corner made by the oven and the edge of the counter in order to close the distance between them. The minimal space proved to give him quite the advantage. He was able to get mere inches away from Corbel, no matter how much the younger tried to keep a decent distance. Despite the silent protest, the furious blush painting his expression gave away his true feelings on the matter.

Sans stepped even closer, using the distraction to procure his sample. And he laughed harder when he pulled back, brandishing the treat and showing Corbel just what he'd done.

If possible, Corbel's blush got more intense to the point that the pale orange turned to a fierce red that colored his entire face.

"Ugh, you . . . !" Corbel growled, lightly shoving a chuckling Sans away from him before covering his cheeks in his hands. "That was low!"

"Hey, it worked!" Sans responded with a wink as he popped the unbaked ball of cookie dough in his mouth, "Besides, you're adorable when you get all flustered like this."

Corbel glared at Sans over a pout. He couldn't think of anything to say. And when he tried, his words cut themselves off halfway.

Sans' low chuckle became a hum as he approached one again, slipping his arms around Corbel.

"Incredibly adorable."

Leaning slightly upward on the balls of his feet, Sans pressed a gentle kiss to his boyfriend.

Corbel couldn't keep the pout up for long after that and eventually gave in to the kiss, dropping his hands from his face and returning Sans' embrace. There was a skip in his chest as the pulsating Soul within him tried to catch up to him once again.

When they pulled away, that blush hadn't subsided in the slightest and Corbel had to raise his hands to his face once again in an attempt to shield the sight.

"H-how . . . ?" He stuttered, "How do you do that every single time!?"

Sans smirked, unwinding the embrace in order to grab onto Corbel's hips at the belt loops.

"I'm observant." He chided, "I know how you work. And I know when to strike. You're an easy read."

Corbel tore his eyes away to stare off toward the floor. The pout returning almost instantly.

"Hm? What's the matter?"

Corbel shook his head.

"Nothing . . . You just . . . You taste like cookies."

"And now you want more, is that it?" Sans hummed, his smirk widening into a grin. "I suppose I can oblige."

He waited until he was nearly back mouth-to-mouth with Corbel before revealing a second ball of dough.

"It's a good thing I grabbed another one, huh?"

With that, he touched the cookie to Corbel's mouth, feeding it to him with his smirk in place.

Unable to protest, Corbel's eyes went wide once again.

"What the-!?" He exclaimed around a mouth full of cookie dough. He whipped his head around to inspect the cookie tray and the empty spots where the balls of dough were missing. "Sans!"

"Corbel!" Sans mimicked playfully.

"Oh my God, Sans!"

He chuckled, leaning upward to press an actual kiss to Corbel's cheek.

"You leave yourself wide open. It's so fun to mess with you. Not to mention easy!"

Corbel huffed shaking his head slowly, "What the heck are you doing to me, Stargazer?"

"Probably the exact same thing you're doing to me. Driving you completely insane."

From then on, Sans tried repeatedly to steal more cookie dough, testing Corbel and teasing him. In response, Corbel did his best to deter him until each batch was done. It was a fun challenge.

They both ended the night with a new favorite cookie.

It was a quiet night in Sans' apartment. The two of them sat on the couch laughing and sharing stories about their weeks, things teachers and coworkers said or did. They joked and laughed until it began to get late and they began to settle into their fatigue as well as each other.

Corbel hummed in content as they relaxed together, Sans lying in his lap as he absently stroked his skull.

In this quiet, he had time to think.

"Hey, Sans?"

"Hm?"

It seemed as if he was starting to doze off.

"Sorry. Did I bother you?"

"Nah, don't worry about it. What's on your mind, Daydreamer?"

"Um . . . I've been wondering. After everything you told me . . . Are you . . . Okay with this? I mean really?"

"Hmm? What brought this on?"

Sans shifted, turning to lie flat on his back. With his head still in Corbel's lap, he was able to look directly up at him.

"What's wrong?"

Corbel shook his head with a soft sigh.

"Nothing really. I just . . . I want you to be happy."

"But that's not everything, is it?"

Corbel shrugged, "Well, in a way, it kinda is. I just can't help thinking about how weird this all must be for you. I mean, I'm glad this is happening. I'm glad we're together. But even I have to admit that this is a bit strange for me. I'm still trying to get used to the whole 'my boyfriend is a human' thing . . . Heh, it sounds like the title of a B-movie horror flick."

Sans chuckled, "Yeah, I can see that. And I did kinda just spring it on you. Even though I didn't have much of a choice, I'm sorry for that all the same. But I really hope you can believe me when I say that I'm with you because I want to be. I know I've said it before, but that hasn't changed. So to answer your question and hopefully, to set your mind at ease. Yes, I'm perfectly fine with this . . . Are you?"

Corbel hesitated, "It's not that I'm not fine with it . . . It's just whenever we're like this or when I do something like this . . ."

He reached out and gently took Sans' hand, lacing their fingers together.

". . . I can't help but wonder what you think. How do you feel? What do you see? Does what you see change how you feel? How much does that matter to you?"

"So, in other words, you're freaking yourself out by overthinking this."

Sans offered up a smile, but when Corbel didn't respond, he reconsidered his approach.

"You wanna know what I see?"

Corbel remained silent, but his pointed stare spoke for him.

Sans' smile turned fond as he gripped back on Corbel's hand. He directed his attention to both of their hands, raising them to show.

"I see you and I see me. Yes, I see our differences, but I also see how we're exactly the same. I see how much you really do care about this. The way you're holding my hand right now . . . You care a lot. And, I can feel that. I hope you can feel my resolve as well. I know I . . . didn't exactly give you a reason to believe me . . . I just hope I can show you what I mean and in time, I'll have proven myself beyond a shadow of a doubt."

"Sans . . ."

"I see the absolute best thing to ever happen to me and by some miracle he's still right here by my side. He's completely amazing and I have no idea why he even bothers with me sometimes. I'm sure I drive him crazy messing with him and teasing him, yet he puts up with me anyway. And to think that I, of all people, would be so lucky! I see the one who surprises me and blows me away every single day. That's what I see."

Again, Corbel hesitated before he could speak again.

"There's still so much I don't understand. Things I've never experienced. Things I can't relate to. It might take me a while, and I will be asking a lot of questions, but I really am trying to understand you better. I want to understand your human side too."

"See, that's what I mean! No one else would've gone through all of this for me. In that way, I'm incredibly lucky."

There was a moment between them where everything was quiet. Though it was a roundabout explanation, Corbel did get the answers he was looking for. And of course it was one he'd been expecting. The good news was, Sans still seemed comfortable enough with him to look past what must have been a strange sight.

When he looked back to their hands, he could only imagine what it would look like to be gripping a human hand. To think Sans saw it every day and kept on anyway . . .

A soft smile pulled.

When Sans saw it, he smiled as well. For the moment, Corbel was set at ease.

"Don't worry about things like that too much. You'll give yourself a . . . You know what, why don't we switch spots?"

The suggestion tore Corbel from his thoughts.

"What?"

Sans sat up on the couch and re-positioned himself.

"Here." He instructed, patting his lap.

For a second, Corbel sat confused, but he ultimately gave in and shifted to lie down.

"We haven't talked about it in a while. A lot of crap got in the way." Sans explained as he laid a hand over Corbel's shoulder and stroked his arm gently. His voice became a bit softer and more concerned as well. "But I should still check up with you. How have you been feeling? Are you still getting those frequent headaches?"

So that's what that was about. Had he just reminded himself about those past conversations?

"Well, yeah . . . I've kinda just been dealing with it. It doesn't help that I haven't gone back to do my PT sessions . . . Dad . . . I still don't think I'm ready to face him yet . . ."

"But if it will help you feel better, you should probably check in with him."

"Well, he doesn't even really know what's going on with me either."

"All the more reason to go. If anything, the two of you could work together to figure it out. I know it'll be a bit awkward for a while, but . . . It's for your benefit. Please just . . . I want you to do whatever it takes to take care of yourself. Okay?"

Corbel thought about that for a bit and let out a long frustrated breath.

"Yeah, I know. I'll . . . I just . . . Dad's not the only doctor in the Underground. I don't have to go to him . . ."

Sans hesitated. That was not the answer he was expecting, nor was it the one he wanted to hear.

"You're really that upset with him?"

Corbel remained silent, but grabbed at the leg of Sans' shorts.

"You forgave me. Why not him? He's your father after all."

"I know . . . But he was . . . So out of line. The things he said . . . The way he treated you . . . Whether he approves of our relationship or not, whether he even likes you or not, you were my guest! A guest in his home and it was his job to play host! You didn't do anything wrong! And he had no reason- no right to treat you like that! He just . . . he lost a lot of points with me."

Sans nodded slowly. He did understand where Corbel was coming from, but he also knew that the best thing he could possibly do was to go back and talk to his dad. Gaster might not be the only doctor, but he was the best . . . and the best for Corbel.

"And honestly," Corbel continued, "I don't know why you even stick around the lab. I can't imagine having to work with him everyday after everything he said about you."

"It's not really that big'a deal." Sans answered with a shrug, "We don't work closely at all and the only reason I really have to talk to him directly is when I'm giving a report. Otherwise we avoid each other. Plus the pay is good."

Corbel hummed softly, "But isn't it toxic around there? Again, you don't have to work for someone like that who has made his dislike for you excruciatingly clear."

"It's not a matter of whether he likes me or not. And really, I don't care. I mean, yeah, it would be better if I could say I had a good relationship with my boss. But the fact is, I'm good at what I do, and I think the work I do there is going to be worth something. It's for a good purpose. I feel a little better about myself working there. It has nothing to do with the doc."

Corbel seemed to go quiet after that. He gripped and released the hem of Sans' shorts several times in that time, thinking things over in his own head.

"Hey." Sans sighed, using Corbel's arm to find and hold his hand, bringing it up and over his chest, "I know that you're not too thrilled about how things are going on that front right now, but is there any way that I can convince you to at least talk to your dad again? I really hate playing this card, but you're not leaving me much choice."

"What card?"

"Well, think of it as a glimpse into my dark backstory. Or maybe it's just a pity card. Whatever you want to call it doesn't matter. The point is, I really hate watching families fight. I hate when kids are at ends with their parents. I mean, I know no one can get along with someone all the time, but when it comes to parents . . . You kinda have to . . . that's to say . . . Just . . . Make sure you don't take them for granted, okay? They love you, you know? They've always wanted what was best for you."

Corbel released a long breath.

That card . . .

Once again, Corbel forgot Sans grew up without his parents around. And on top of that, he could only actually remember his mother. He never knew his father. He didn't even have a face or a name to go on. It really wasn't something he ever thought when he thought about Sans.

So of course this little . . . Not-so-little argument Corbel was having with his father would seem idiotic to someone like him.

"And I completely get where your dad was coming from." Sans continued in the same soft tones, "When I put myself in his shoes, I understand exactly what he meant when he said what he said. So I can't be too mad at the guy. But what I can do is prove him wrong. Isn't that what he's always encouraging us to do at work?"

"Yeah." Corbel breathed in response.

"Then that's what I'll do. I'll show him that he's wrong about me and about us together. Will you help me?"

Again, Corbel thought about his answer for a few moments.

"I'm a little afraid to ask but . . . What do you need me to do?"

"We're gonna show him that his words have no effect on us. We're gonna live as if that night never happened. And we're gonna thrive. We're gonna show him that no matter what he says, we can make this work and be happy."

Finally, a small smile.

"I like the sound of that."

"But that means you have to start going back to your PT sessions. Show him that he can't get under your skin."

"But Skeletons don't have skin." Corbel reminded with a playful shove to the knee.

"Fine, he can't get in your skull."

A quiet puff of laughter. "If I say yes, will you stop pestering me?"

"Oh, I'll never stop pestering you."

Corbel groaned, ". . . Fine . . . Since it would be pointless to refuse at this point."

Sans sighed in silent relief.

At least that was one step in the right direction

"It's not that I can't, it's that I don't like to."

"Aw, c'mon, Stargazer! Don't tell me you're scared."

"No! Of course I'm not!"

"Then prove it! Join me!"

Corbel held out his hand as he swayed to the music playing from the little radio in the corner of the room. He'd brought it out from his room to give them something to listen to while they cooked their soup dinner.

It was his mother's recipe and most of it was already done, but there were still some empty periods of time. During these times, Corbel took to dancing either in the kitchen or in the living area. He'd even moved the table to give himself more room.

During these same times, Sans took to leaning against the corner separating the two areas, just watching as Corbel moved to the beat. It didn't happen often, but when Corbel danced, it was difficult for him to look away. It brought that night at Kaiju back to mind. When Corbel was up on that stage, it was like he was a whole different person.

And now some of that same energy was beginning to show itself again. It was nice to see him so carefree. He really was in his element like this.

Even now, as he danced in the living room with his hand outstretched toward him, Sans couldn't help but smile back as he protested.

"You look like you're having enough fun for both of us already. Nah, I'm gonna hang back and just . . . Enjoy the view."

At that, Corbel hesitated the slightest bit, a bit of a blush creeping onto his face.

"This isn't a free show, you know!" He argued. "Either you join me or I stop. Besides, I can see you from here. You can barely keep still yourself. Why are you forcing yourself to hold back?"

"Well, while you're so distracted by dancing, someone has to watch over the soup. We can't let the . . ."

"Everything's done already! We just have to wait for it to boil before we add the kale. Besides, if you stand there and watch the pot, it'll never boil. You're holding up dinner! Come dance with me!"

"Oh look! It's boiling now! Good timing, Daydreamer!"

"Fine! Add the kale and then join me!"

Sans smirked, leaving Corbel in the living room and turning back into the kitchen. Pushy little . . . if he did join him in dancing, it wouldn't be because he accused him of being scared . . . no, definitely not that. This was a good song, that's all and one of his favorites from before he fell. It was one of his favorite bands. But even so, he held back from singing along or dancing because Corbel really did seem like he was having a good time. He wanted to see that for as long as he could.

He grabbed the kale and dropped handfuls of it into the large pot of bubbling soup. He made sure he was careful not to drop any. Which was, admittedly a little difficult because of the distortion around his hands. Sometimes he still had trouble determining where his bones would be inside of his "skin" and that turned tasks like these into chores.

He was adding the last of the kale when he felt something behind him. A warm presence that chuckled slightly as it grabbed him from behind and wrapped long arms around him.

Corbel hummed as he leaned his head over Sans' shoulder and pulled him along to sway with him. Apparently, the song had switched to something else entirely. This one was a bit more Pop than the other Alternative Rock tune that had been playing before. It was still a good song from another favorite artist. How did Corbel know all of these songs? Who threw away their CD with all these awesome songs on it?

"See, I knew you could dance." Corbel said in a near whisper.

"You're doing the dancing, Daydreamer. You just took me along for the ride."

"You were dancing already. I just came over to join you."

The bridge of the song came up and Corbel used the closeness to sing along into Sans' ear.

No escaping when I start

Once I'm in, I own your heart

There's no way to ring the alarm.

So hold on until it's over.

Sans had to compose himself when Corbel began singing. Something within him seized and before he knew, he was absolutely caught; trapped in Corbel's dance.

From behind him, Corbel reached out and placed the pot's lid over the soup so the kale could cook down.

Oh, do you know what you got into?

Can you handle what I'm 'bout to do?

'Cause it's about to get rough for you.

I'm here for your entertainment.

Sans swallowed. Corbel did know what this song was about, didn't he? He was a lyricist. Of course he knew . . . Even if it did have a good beat, it was . . . kinda distracting to listen to him sing about this right behind him . . . While holding him and dancing with him.

Even so . . . The lyrics came easily to Sans too.

Oh, I bet you thought that I was soft and sweet.

You thought an angel swept you off your feet.

But I'm about to turn up the heat.

I'm here for your entertainment.

"Oh, so you sing too! You've been holding out on me, Stargazer."

"Yeah, well. I mean. You're the songbird, not me."

Corbel released Sans in that moment, turning him around to face him with a twirl. He gave him a slight bow.

"And you're quite good too." He smirked, "I had fun dancing with you."

"Y-yeah . . . Same."

"Next time we go out, you're joining me on the dance floor, got it?"

"I-I . . . um . . ."

Corbel lifted his head to give Sans a smirk and a wink as he took in the bright blue blush that colored his features.

"Great. I'll see you there."

The night was dark and quiet. It'd been a long day for them both. Sans hadn't had the best day at work. Some things had been brought up with his coworkers and he just needed some time to unwind. So he'd made his way to Corbel's dorm. He was starting to become more accustomed to calling on Corbel on days like today.

When Sans arrived at the dorms, it was a welcome relief. Corbel's day in classes had been less than stellar. Plus he'd hit a bit of a block in his thesis. The deadline was fast approaching and he'd fallen behind.

When Sans showed up, a little bit of his stress instantly dissolved and a soft smile pulled at his expression.

There were a few seconds of complete silence where the two just stood opposite each other through the threshold.

Without a word or even a change in look, the two embraced, holding onto each other for support and comfort. Neither of them spoke for quite a while, but instead, let their "words" flow through their touch.

It was about a minute or two later before a long sigh was released.

"Hey . . ." Sans breathed his greeting.

"Hey . . ."

"Do . . . Do you mind . . . if I . . ."

"No! Of course not! C'mon, come inside."

The two made their way inside. And throughout the evening, they both remained quiet. They kept on with their time together with minimal conversation and even though it was so quiet, it was calming for them both. It was a comforting silence. Just having the other nearby was solace enough.

Corbel continued to work on his thesis while Sans kept him company. After declining his help, Corbel fell into a kind of groove with his writing. For some reason with Sans nearby, he was able to focus a bit more easily than normal.

Corbel made the joke that maybe Sans was his good luck charm and that he should be around whenever there was a paper to write.

Sans gave a short laugh, but ultimately agreed that it wouldn't be such a bad idea.

It started to get late and Corbel was still engulfed in his writing to the point that he was muttering to himself as he worked his ideas out.

Watching him, Sans smiled. He'd missed this. He missed watching all of Corbel's gears in motion. It'd been such a long time since they worked together and watching him was bringing back some rather fond memories.

And the best part: Corbel didn't even really seem to notice that he was watching. Every pout, every groan, every "a-ha" moment, every spark of inspiration was completely genuine and unfiltered. He loved watching him work.

Time got away from both of them until Sans realized just how hungry he was. Of course, from his trance, Corbel didn't seem to even register his hunger.

Even so, it was probably a good idea to get him some food too.

Sans stood from his "task" of thumbing through an old magazine with his sights on the kitchen.

"Heya, Daydreamer. I'm gonna grab some grub. You want anything?"

Corbel hummed, the meaning of the sound completely lost and unintelligible.

"I'll grab you something too." Sans chuckled.

"Mm."

It didn't take too long, actually. Of the labeled ingredients in the fridge, to separate the food he brought in from those of his roommates, Corbel had all the makings for some pretty good sub sandwiches. He was sure to pile the toppings high. This was likely going to be their big meal for the day.

One of these days, he'd have to make Corbel a burger. He didn't really cook much, but he couldn't rely on Corbel and take-out all the time. Besides, of the stuff in his personal recipe book, burgers were something he was actually good at.

Next time he'll think of that beforehand and do some shopping.

Sans returned to Corbel's room with a plate and a mug. He'd found a bag of chisps as well and used it to complete the meal.

Corbel was sitting at his desk like before, but his posture had changed dramatically since he left. He held his head in both of his hands as he rested his elbows on the desk in front of him. He was groaning low in his throat.

Either frustration or another headache. Or a frustration induced headache.

Sans sighed softly as he approached. From behind, he set the plate and the mug of Corbel's favorite tea on the desk for him. He then wrapped his arms around his shoulders.

"You've been at this all day. Why don't you take a break? Besides, it's dinner time."

He leaned in over his shoulder for a quick kiss to the cheek.

In response, Corbel let out a long breath and raised a hand to Sans' skull to keep him in place. He shifted to meet him in a real kiss.

"You're right. Sorry, I kinda lost track of time and I ended up neglecting you all evening . . . Pff . . . Like father, like son, I suppose."

Sans shook his head, tightening his grip. "No, you're fine. I knew you were busy. In fact, I'm glad you didn't let me distract you from your work. But you look like you're nearly burnt out. You need a break."

"Well, I can't argue with that." Corbel lowered his hands to hold onto Sans' arms around him. With a look, he surveyed the desk and the new additions. A soft smile spread across his whole face. "You didn't have to do all this for me, you know? You're my guest in this place."

"And you're my boyfriend no matter where we are. I'm going to take care of you. And plus, it's just a sandwich. Nothing fancy. "

A very slight blush painted his face as he looked at the meal.

"Doesn't have to be fancy. I appreciate it. Thank you, Sans."

Sans smiled as well, giving Corbel a final kiss before pulling away.

"No problem, Corbel."

It was the end of another long day and both Sans and Corbel were completely drained. Sans had fallen asleep first, using one pillow to support his head and a second to hold onto while he slept. Maybe holding on to something set him at ease and made it easier for him to sleep.

The thought made Corbel smile. He was like a child holding onto a stuffed toy.

It wasn't too often that Sans was the first to sleep, though. Normally, it was Corbel who passed out first and Sans would find him and join him. Sans was also usually the first to wake and try to coax Corbel awake as well.

This time, however, Sans' fatigue caught up to him before any of that could happen. He'd been pushing himself hard for quite a while now and Corbel completely understood. He also suspected that the stress surrounding Sans and the secret he had to keep daily from those around him (many of whom would probably be the best qualified people to figure the whole thing out) was wearing on him as well, draining his energy.

Corbel thought about that a lot. About how much stress he must've been under every single day. And how much more stress there must have been before he told Corbel the details of his secret. Plus all of the stress their relationship on him on top of all of his other worries. It was no wonder he was so exhausted all of the time. In fact, with his HP as low as it was, it was a wonder Sans didn't sleep more than he did.

Sans shifted in his sleep a low groan filtering through his soft intermittent snores.

He really did have a lot on his plate.

But none of that mattered right now. At the moment, Sans was sleeping, any worry of the past day lifted. He was finally at peace.

As Corbel watched, he swore he could almost see Sans' human features. His messy dark hair, the skin over his bones, his lips, slightly parted as he relaxed. He wondered what it would be like to kiss those lips.

Corbel crawled into bed, ready to call it a night. He wanted to be with Sans and not worry about anything else. He wanted that same kind of peace.

As he pulled the covers up and over the both of them, he could feel the last of his energy being siphoned away, but even so, he wanted to make sure he didn't disturb Sans. He deserved his rest. He reached over to drape his hand over him, and hold him close to his chest while he stealthily slipped his other arm beneath the pillow under his head for a little added support. Since Sans was clutching to the other pillow, they would have to share this one, which wasn't that big of a deal.

As much as he wanted to surrender to sleep, he also wanted to hold off on it for as long as possible. It wasn't too often that he was able to hold Sans like this while they slept and he wanted to cherish this moment while he had it. He was so used to being held that this turn of events caught him slightly off guard. But even so, he welcomed it.

"I love you, Stargazer." He whispered, "Sleep well."

Within minutes, Corbel too, drifted to sleep.

Whether he was aware of it or not, Sans settled nicely into Corbel's embrace. Shifting again so that he was nestled against him. He fit perfectly, as if he'd been made to be in that exact spot.

The smile on a Corbel's face didn't wane even as he slept. This was perfect. This was the most he could ever ask. This was everything he'd ever wanted.

And he got to share it with him, be a part of it together with him. In that moment, the two of them achieved something so rare that Corbel could barely believe it.

Absolute peace.