#imarubberman

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     Somewherein the labs, Nard was putting the children to sleep. They were giventheir own space. Nothing remarkable, but it served its purpose. Nyalahad fallen asleep on the chair. The book she had been reading themput safely on a nearby table. Nard was considerate enough to also puta blanket over her... But perhaps that was more of a habit. Hisperfect guise. The children, however, were different.

     Thebed was large enough, so he put them both on top of it. Sans washolding onto his little brother rather tightly, anyway. And viceversa. He put a blanket over them both, tucked them in, and placed ahand on the older one's shoulder.

     “....”

      Theirsleep looked peaceful. Glancing over to Nyala, so did her's, thinkingabout it. In sleep, you almost couldn't tell the shambles falling intheir life. Was that a good thing?

     Sleepwas it's own illusion.

     Heremoved his hand. Yet he found himself lingering in that room.Slowly, his arms crossed over his chest. He wasn't sure why. Withinmemories, he could hear sounds of laughter and sights of smiles.There were birthdays and there were dinners. He shook his head,waving them away like smoke distorted by a wave of a hand.

     Wordsreplaced the images. A familiar voice whispered in his ear, a snakewarning him of the crimes of his own existence. The other Sans', theolder and more capable, alerting him of his superior's motives. Thealternate himself offering voice of reason and caution toward the onehe worked for.

     Trustno one.

     Helooked at the children. Sleeping soundly, with little to worry. Theydidn't fully understand what was happening. Well, maybe Sans. Just alittle. Watching them, he felt the only thing that brought life tohis chest other than witnessing others suffer around him.

     Noone else. They didn't deserve this. Their father was uncaring. Theirmother too trusting. Nard cared for nothing, either... But for them.Maybe he'll make the exception.