The worst part was always to see her cry.
At least that's what Sans have thought until now.
Cass looked like she'd seen a ghost. Again. Just a minute ago she was a shaking, rattling mess with tar-like tears streaming down her cheeks, hand on her mouth to keep any sound from escaping.
The alley was obscure but it was quiet and provided a good hiding spot for two skeletons who desperately didn't want to be found.
Sans was still purring softly, kneeling next to her and cradling her head close when she froze, ceased all movement or sounds becoming the solid weight in his arms.
He moved away, alarmed by her stillness, his mind already providing thousands of terrible scenarios for every minute she stayed quiet, thoughts getting louder and louder screaming at him to help, save, avenge..!
But she looked almost alright and her soul seemed to be stable for what he could feel through her blouse. Maybe not as warm as it should be, it's pulsing slowing down to a normal pace.
It was her eyes that scared him.
In her freight she went into a full panic mode and just froze. Eye lights gone, eye sockets empty.
âCass?â he asked quietly moving her hand away from her mouth.
She easily let him do it but part of him wondered if she even recognized him in that state.
âCass, look at me cookie. It isn't like you to get this rattled over somethingâ
He slowly touched her cheek keeping a watchful eye on her braid hanging loosely on her back.
Tail-like appendage was unusually relaxed, poisonous tip facing downwards. Her stings weren't always lethal, but they were painful, and he would rather not risk them right now.
âAlright, ya' can correct me now luv'. Goodness, Pap would have my head if he heard m' downplay ya' reactions like that.â
She did not react and Sans was really getting worried.
He wished Papyrus was here. Anyone really, to make sure nothing would mess Cass up even more.
Did he do or say something to make it worse? Souls, was it his voice again..?
He didn't say anything more, opting to press her hand against his sternum, hoping that the warmth of his soul, as battered as it was, would be enough to help her come back. With his other hand he cupped the back of her skull, right over the beginning of the braid, and inched closer.
He may be distressed by her lack of reaction but would be damned if he didn't try to comfort his mate right now.
The purring came back with a stutter he was fast to get rid of as he waited for her to come back to him.
After a solid fifteen minutes she did.
Her brow twitched, then her eye sockets closed for a moment. She took in a shallow breath.
Only to suddenly be embraced by her very stressed boyfriend.
She startled, her hand and braid flailing around a little before she grabbed his jacket.
Only the gentle pressure of his hand on her braid stopped it from stinging him.
Cassandra opened her eyes and exhaled.
âYou could have warned me, you know? Almost got you.â
âNaah, tibia honest, you're terrible shot. Me'n'Pap just always humour ya'â
Cass blinked. His purring slowly died out but even without it she could tell he was exhausted. His accent was also definitely off. She slowly pushed him away at arm's length. He looked relieved to see her eye lights on again.
âSans are you alright?â
âMe? Cookie, hate to break it to ya' but it wasn't me who've just commenced a full technical light out.â
Sans instantly cringed at his own choice of words but Cass took his nerdiness in stride, humming a low calming sound and intertwining their still joined hands.
âWhat do you mean?â
âYou shut down for a minute there. That one must've been too much for ya'â
Sans was careful not to mention the situation that have frightened her and she was grateful for it. He still kept an eye contact, his hand moving from her neck to her cheek again.
She tilted her head into his palm knowing that as embarrassed he will be remembering it later on, romantic movements always helped him calm down.
She didn't want to admit that his hand was the one thing stopping her own from shaking. The fear was always easier to summon than to call away.
She chuckled but the sound came out completely unamused.
âHeh, that hasn't happened in a whileâ
Sans frowned at that, but she shushed him before he could ask.
She was the one to hug him now, awkwardly shuffling on her knees to find more comfortable position for both of them.
It wasn't ideal, the ground was cold and dirty, and they have already spent enough time sitting on it, but she needed it and was sure Sans wouldn't mind.
Cass emitted a low humming sound, her signature when it came to comfort.
Her braid curled around them both, making Sans tense for a second.
She couldn't really help its movement then but it made her feel safe.
Both for her and Sans.
She once again wished she could purr to help him, but she increased the humming instead and felt her mate relax somewhat.
Papyrus will soon come to fetch them and scold both for their prolonged absence.
He will tut at them and help them up. Make them laugh.
He will make them feel safe.