"Aren't you warm in that jacket?" You looked at Sans curiously. You had followed him to the hotdog stand in Hotlands, and it was somehow even more hot than usual. You had discarded your sweater as soon as you made it to the stand, not self-conscious about just wearing a tank top, like you would have been Aboveground. He stopped staring into space long enough to glance at you.

"Nah. Skeletons don't feel heat or cold. I thought you knew that by now." He sounded guarded. But you had zero idea why he would be guarded against you. You grimace, knowing he was right. Your maternal side just got the best of you.

"Right I knew that…" That earned a chuckle from the skeleton, who turned back to face the customers that had already started lining up. You watched Sans work, and something struck you as odd, but you couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.

When the day finally ended, you still hadn't figured out what about him was bothering you so much. Grumbling internally, you followed Sans though a shortcut back to their house in Snowdin. You immediately slipped your sweater back on, the change in temperature too extreme for you.

Opening the door, Papyrus called to you from the kitchen. You go to greet him, only to be stopped by the sight in front of you. Mettaton was wearing a pink apron, with matching pink chef's cap. Papyrus was standing next to him, with an expression of complete adoration.

It seemed like Mettaton was teaching Papyrus how to cook something, which was a shock to you because last time you tried teaching him, Papyrus tried to make his own version of the meal, which ended in the kitchen on fire.

It seemed Sans had the same though process as you, because he inched around the pair with a suspicious look on his face. He slipped into the fridge and pulled out two bottles of his favorite ketchup. You asked him one day why he drank so much ketchup, and he easily responded with "Why do you drink so much tea?" You let the subject drop after that.

"Hehe I'm just going to, um, head to my room. Got some stuff I have to bake care of." He nodded to whatever was baking in the oven before fizzing out of the room. You heard the door on the second floor close a second later. Papyrus didn't even have time to groan at the pun before his brother teleported from the room. You, Papyrus and Mettaton were silent.

"Um… so anyway Dear, you just…" Mettaton picked up right where he started, wanting to break the suddenly awkward silence. Papyrus jumped right back in, briefly offering to let you join in the fun. You politely decline, your worry for Sans too much.

He preferred walking most places, and when you mentioned it he said it was because teleporting was too much work. The fact that he teleported just upstairs was a red flag in your head. You go up to his door and knock, noting how the usual dancing flames were no longer dancing behind the door. With a sharp knock, you called out to Sans.

"Hey Sansy. You hungry?" You were hoping he would go with you to get something, like the old days. A muffled noise came from the door before an answer did. If you didn't know any better, you would say it sounded like a sob.

"Nah Kiddo. I'm… I'll get something later, okay?" He doesn't say anything after, signaling that he was done talking. You heard another sound, a suspiciously sobbing like sound, before sighing and turning away.

You had finished your errands in record time, mostly because there wasn't much to do. Papyrus asked for you to pick up some things from the shop, and you had to return some books to the library. You found yourself following your nose to the only real restaurant in town. Mettaton and Papyrus' meal wasn't finished when you stopped back in the drop off the groceries, so you haven't had the chance to eat anything today.

The door opened with a ring as the bell overhead announced your arrival. Although you weren't as much of a regular as Sans, most of the customers recognized you enough to greet you. It was fairly empty today, maybe half a dozen customers mulling about at the tables and booths. Most nursed warm drink, trying to stave off the biting cold of the impending storm, but that was usual around this part of the Underground. There was always a storm about to hit.

You saw your favorite bar stool was open, as was the one next to it. It occurred to you that maybe the other monsters left them open on purpose in case you came in. You pull yourself up onto the stool and smile at Grillby. The fire on his lower face jumped, his version of a smile.

"Is Sans not with you?" His voice was soft, like a wood fire on a chilly winter evening. Your smile fades away and you bite your lip with a shake of the head. Grillby seemed to deflate a little, the flames coming from the top of his head calming s little.

""When was the last time Sans actually came in?" You just realized you couldn't really remember the last time the skeleton visited the bar. Grillby looked at the door, thinking back. It must have been a long while because he was silent for almost half a minute.

"Two… maybe three weeks?" He has never been away for that ling since he moved to Snowdin. I am really starting worry." He handed you a glass of soda and you gratefully take a sip of the caffeine. Grillby's was one of the only places in the Underground to get real, caffeinated soda. You had to admit to yourself and Sans a few months back that you had a serious caffeine addiction. He had made a pun that there were worse things to be addicted to, and gave a tight smile.

"You and me both Grillbz…" You sigh, missing the warmth of the skeleton that usually sat next to you. Grillby brought you your unspoken order. Your mouth began watering at the sight of the burger. Again, Grillby's is one of the only places in the Underground where you could get non-sweet related foods. You could only eat so many cinnamon bunnies before the smell of icing made you want to throw up.

You were halfway through your burger when you had an idea. You waved the fire monster over again and asked for a second burger with fries, to go. He raised a burning eyebrow at you, amusement alive in his features.

"Make sure he eats it alright? I doubt he's been getting anything edible since he hasn't been coming here." He hands you a to-go box, heavy with a full burger and a double helping of fries. You had asked a few weeks after you settled down why the flame monster let Sans keep such a large tab without making him pay. Grillby had sighed and said Sans was too good natured to turn down his brother's cooking, and too lazy to cook for himself. He felt it was partially his responsibility to keep Sans fed because of something Sans did for him back during the war against humans. You never pried farther than that.

"I'll try my best Grillby… Thanks for the meal." You tried placing some coins on the bar but his hand covered you. You look up and see him shake his head.

"Consider it one the house." Grillby could not be swayed when it came to payment. You smile ruefully and scoop the coins back into your pocket. Grabbing the box, you wave goodbye to the remaining customers and headed home.

The warmth of the box made your fingers tingle, and you could actually see the steam coming from it. You had to shuffle things around a bit to open the door, and then you did you were bombarded with the scent of something that wasn't burnt spaghetti, to your surprise.

"Human! The Great Papyrus and his fabulous assistant," Mettaton coughed from behind him. "I mean, my lovely co-chef Mettaton, have prepared something never before created in the Underground!"

You were suddenly very afraid. He ushered you into the kitchen, being careful not to make you drop your box. On the counter was a large pan of what looked like hotdogs or sausages in gravy with peppers or onions or something with a plate of biscuits next to it. That must have been what was baking earlier. He was right, you've seen nothing like it before, but it actually smelt pretty good. You took a tentative taste and smiled widely.

"Wow guys this is really good! But there's way too much for just us. Did Sans eat any?" Papyrus' proud grin faded into a concerned grimace

"I tried to get my brother to come and try some, but he would not leave his room. His door was locked and he would not respond to me. I am very concerned for him." Papyrus sounded close to tears, and you felt your heart contract. Mettaton came over and placed a metallic hand on Papyrus' upper arm, comfortingly muttering something to him. Instantly, the skeleton's face lit up.

"Ah, good idea Mettaton! Though The Great Papyrus would have thought of it if he had been given more time!" He turned to you. "That is Grillby's, is it not? Maybe that can get my lazy brother to open his door!"

"That might actually work. I'll see what I can do." You really hoped Papyrus was right, but part of you was dubious anything could get Sans to open up anymore. You knocked on his door again, but only the sound or rustling sheets responded.

"Hey Bone Boy!" You used his nickname, hoping to get a reaction, but sadly there none came. "Sans I got some dinner from Grillby's for you. Can you let me in?"

You hear a faint click and you tested the handle. He had unlocked the door, but when you opened the door he was still curled up in his bed. You tiptoed over the crumpled up papers and socks, making your way to the bed. Sitting on the edge of the bed, you caused his body to roll slightly towards you, your weight making the whole bed dip to one spot.

He lazily lit his eyesockets, not really focusing on anything. You caught faint blue tracks on his face but don't comment on it.

"Here bud. Still steaming. And Grillbz said it was on the house. Free food always tastes better than food you had to pay for." You grinned, seeing the corners of his mouth turn up a little. That's what he always said. He buried his head back into his pillow.

"…not hungry."

"We both know that's a lie Sansy. You haven't eaten in days."

"…'m fine."

"Sans please sit up."

"…"

"For me?" You pulled that card, and you didn't feel bad about it at all. He groaned and rolled over, knowing he couldn't deny that. You sat up, the bones in his back cracking at the movement. He looked at you lifelessly, his jacket hanging off one shoulder pitifully.

You popped open the lib of the box and watched his eyes light up brighter when the smell hit him fully. You handed him the box and watched, hopeful, as he took a small bite of the burg. You watched, concerned, as he ate a fry or two.

You stared, scared, as he closed the lid and put it on the ground.

"Thanks kid. That really hit the spot." He grinned at you, but it looked so tired.

"Sans you hardly ate anything…"

"I'm not all that hungry right now." He laid back down, covering himself with the sheet. You felt tears prick at the corners of your eyes, but you didn't know what to do.

"Sans…" You placed a hand on his upper arm, but quickly pull away when he violently flinched.

"I-I'm really tired… we'll catch up later, okay?" He turned away from your fully, pulling the sheet over his head. You knew a dismissal when you saw one, and stood reluctantly.

"I'll put the food in the fridge for you, okay?" You picked up the box as you heard a soft grunt come from the lump on the bed. You left, closing the door softly. A click came as soon as the door shut. With a sinking feeling in your chest, you walked away from his door.

Sans listened to your footsteps leave and sighed. He rolled over, staring at the celling. A tear worked its way from his eye. He had no clue what caused this funk this time. They had been really frequent when he was younger, but he thought he was getting better.

But something caused it to happen again, and he was powerless to stop it. Getting out of bed was hard, talking to anyone was hard. Living was getting hard.

He blinked violently, clearing the tears. Not that thought again… He sat up and pulled something out from under the bed. A small box was sitting next to his black box. The small box held the key to him being able to cope.

He lifted the lid and was greeted by the sickly sweet scent of the cinnamon bunnies. He pulled a chunk off and placed it in his mouth without chewing, yet. He wiped the icing off his hand and slipped his jacket off, exposing his arms.

Sans had been doing such a good job hiding his sins, hiding the chips and scratches that covered his arms. He took the knife from the box, the knife he used when he would work as a scientist, sharp enough to cut though skin and bone without dulling or rusting.

He found a smooth section of bone and angled the blade just so. As he brought the blade down, he bite down on the cinnamon bun. A chip of bone flies across the room and his 1 hp drops, but just for a second. The cinnamon bunny healed him instantly, keeping him from losing all of his health.

Sans found that the cinnamon buns healed health, while other monster foods healed other injuries ranging from bruising to deep wounds. Plus cinnamon bunnies tended to be fairly cheap, seeing how he couldn't have a tab at the shop.

He repeated this action a few more times, letting the glowing blue magic leak from the chips. He finished the second cinnamon bunny and decided it was enough for one night. He let some of the smaller scratches heal, just to make room for tomorrow. He cleaned everything up and placed the box back under the bed.

Shrugging his jacket back on, he was finally able to leave his room. He glanced in the mirror and plastered his grin on his face. It looked fake, even to him, but anything was an improvement to the grimace he was wearing lately.

You were running, running, running. Undyne wanted to help you get stringer for when you met Asgore, but that entailed her chasing after you with her spear two inches from your spine. You splashed through Waterfall, honest to god afraid of being stabbed if you stumbled.

Hotland was fast approaching, but when you tried to warn Undyne she just shouted at you to keep running. The tip of her spear poked your back, barely piercing the skin. With a yelp, you somehow managed to pick up speed.

She chased you up the steps leading to the upper levels. You wished vaguely that you had known about these before getting lost with the elevators so many times, but the burning in your side made it hard to think about much of anything.

You passed Sans' stand, and you wanted to cry out. Seeing his standing behind the building with his usual grin was such a welcoming sight, despite being about to pass out. He smiled and waved as you ran past. He tried to say something to you, but you were there and gone before you could catch anything.

Running up to the next level, you glanced down to see Sans looking up at you, the levels of Hotland as crazy and physics defying as always. As you glanced over the edge, your head began to swim from the exercise. You flung your arms out, trying to catch your balance before falling, but it was too late.

You felt yourself falling, your chest feeling weightless. You screamed out in fear, not knowing what you were going to land on. Maybe hard rock, maybe boiling lava. What you didn't expect was to be caught midair by warm arms.

Cracking an eye open, you saw Sans' arm outstretched. A blue aura surrounded his hand as well as your body. Since his arm was up, his sleeve slipped down, reveling something that made your heart stop. His arm…

You fell into his arms, knocking his off balance. You both fell back onto the hot ground, his arm wrapped around your waist protectively. You sat up, helping him sit up as well. You quickly grabbed his arm and slipped it up.

In an instant, you were ten feet away from him. San' face was whiter than the snow back home, and you could actually see him trembling from where you stood. He was grabbing his arm as if his life depended on it. You faintly heard Undyne calling from the upper level, but you ignored her. Taking careful steps forward, you called to Sans.

"Hey there bub… Looks like you had a little accident." He flinched away, uncharacteristically quiet and scared looking. You managed to take another two steps towards him before he managed to retreat two steps of his own.

You knew what you could do, but it was kind of a dirty move. You tried reaching out to him, but seeing the way he eyes you distrustfully made you realize it was probably the only thing you could do at this point.

Dropping to your knee, you clutched your stomach as if in agony. You let out a fake cry and he rushed to your side, like you knew he would. He wrapped his arms around your shoulders, trying to see what was wrong.

Sitting up suddenly, he fell back a little. You grabbed his face between your hands and made him look at you.

"Sans…"

"L-listen kid… I d-don't wanna-"

"Talk to me. Now." You left no room for arguments. He let his eyes dim almost completely, and pulled away. Taking out his phone, he sent a quick message to someone before grabbing your wrist and teleporting.

The sudden cold of his room felt amazing on your sweaty skin. You were thankful he left the window open, but quickly tuned your attention to Sans, who was sitting on the edge of the bed. He rested his elbows on his knees and his face in his hands, as if waiting to be yelled at.

You went over to him and sat down next to him, letting your shoulder touch his. You reach over and take his arm, Sans not trying to stop you in the slightest. You pulled his arm closer to you and lifted the fabric from his sleeve.

The chips stood out the most to you, the missing chunks beyond obvious against the whiteness of his bones. The cracks ran deep, and you were surprised his arm hadn't shattered under the stress. You ran a finger along the wounds, feeling tears building.

"It's not what you think…" His voice cracked, causing you to look up quickly. His face was wet with his tinted tears and he was staring straight ahead. He wouldn't look at you.

"What do you mean Sansy?"

"I..." You could tell he was trying to come up with an excuse. When he found nothing, he looked pitifully at his lap. You make him look at you, but he ended up staring over your shoulder. You purse your lips slightly and stand. The sudden shift of the mattress sent Sans off balance a little. You were glad you were wearing running shorts already, because this would have been so much more awkward of you had to take off your pants.

"Sans, I know what you're going though." You gestured to your leg, the long healed scars barely faint lines. His eyes widened as he saw the while lines decorating your skin. A shuttering breath left his mouth as he leaned closer. "I know what it feels like. You don't need to hide anything from me."

"I don't know why I feel this way…" Tears overflowed from his eyes.

"How do you feel?" You knew which questions to ask.

"I feel… dead, kinda. I don't want to get out of bed. I don't want to talk to anyone… sometimes I don't want to wake up anymore. The pain helps me focus and get my motivation up…"

"Oh Sans…" You said it more to yourself than for him. You take his hand and hold it tight. "Let me see your arm again."

He lets you pull the sleeve up again, not as shocked the second time. You pulled a snack bar from your short pockets and open it. Holding it next to his mouth, you urged him to eat it. It was a special food item, for healing deep wounds specifically. He looked away, trying to refuse it, but you were determined to help him.

Finally he caves, taking a small bite. Instantly, the gaps in the bone started to fill in. You finally let yourself relax a little, knowing it was working at least a little bit. You coaxed him into eating the rest of it, and by the end his arm was almost completely healed. The small cracks and scratches were still there, but the most worrying wounds were healed.

Sans started at the bone with a mix of distaste and exhaustion. He flexed his fingers, seeming surprised that there was no pain.

"Thank you…" He whispered, barely audible. You smiled and hugged him tight.

"Of course Sans. I would do anything for you. If you ever feel this way again, come and find me, okay? Find me and talk to me." You muttered to him. You felt him shake a little, and held him tighter.

"Alright Kiddo… I'll look for you."

You woke up to frantic knocking at your door. You shuffled over and opened it, rubbing your eye sleepily. Sans was standing in the hallway, fidgeting and gripping his arm. You immediately woke up, ushering him inside.

"Oh man, oh man. I c-can't… I can't breathe…" You sat him on your bed, letting him pull his knees up to his chest. You knew better than to hug him at this point, and settled on rubbing his spine though his jacket.

"Breathe with me, alright? I'm right here for you Sans. I'm here. Breathe with me." You made a big deal of breathing in and out to get him to copy. His hyperventilation smoothed into a more calm breathing pattern. His tears had stopped, but you could see the wetness shining in the light coming in through your window.

"How are you buddy?" He groaned and buried his head in his hands.

"I'm good now." His voice was muffled by his hands, but to your relief he sounded for embarrassed than broken.

"You wanna stay here tonight?" You offer, not really trusting him to be alone right now. He hesitated, then nodded. You let out a breath of relief as he agreed, because you didn't know what you would have done to convince him.

The two of you curled up on the bed, facing each other. As the lights in his eyes dimmed, you grabbed his hand and held it, letting him know he wasn't alone. His grin grew a little wider as he drifted off completely. You watched him sleep peacefully for a few minutes before letting yourself fall asleep too, his hand in yours.

I'm not sure this turned out well at all. Maybe like a 3/10 maybe.

Thanks for all the support I've gotten! I couldn't believe how many people are following and favoriting and simply reading it!

As of now I have 34 suggestions for chapters, and I'm really working to get them all written, but please be patience with little old me. Even though the list is long I'm still taking suggestions because there can never be enough ways to comfort something.

A fun little thing, the part where you fall into Sans' arms was based off the scene in Castle in the sky where she floats into his arms mixed with the scene a few minutes later where they both crash to the ground… I'm a total nerd when it comes to Ghibi movies…

I really don't have anything else to say for this chapter, other than sorry if it seems a little weird. I had a weird day yesterday. Now that the semester is over, I should be able to get a chapter out every other day or so, if everything goes as planned.

Until next time!

~Starlight