Just a bit of casual morning antics. Life on the Surface begins in comfort. Nothing too serious. Not yet, anyway.

Asriel: Let's relax for a bit. Start off slow and steady, kay?

Frisk: Slow and steady wins the race!

Chara: As long as we win, any pace will do.

Chapter Start!

Chara slowly opened his eyes when he felt a bit of weight lying on his chest. He slowly made an attempt to adjust himself. However, he found himself unable to move due to the pressure of said weight. Asriel and Frisk have been sleeping on either side of him, their heads lying on his chest. Asriel's horns sonehow didn't pierce in to him. Not that he wasn't glad for that, it was just a baffling thing to witness. Now back to the subject of his two brothers.

They have this tendency to snuggle up to him and simply fall asleep as if he were the most comfortable thing to lie on. Toriel and Asgore were both in first place regarding that. However, he was the one they would turn to when they acknowledged their parent's desire for private time. The type of private time that they were best not knowing about at their current age. He was just savvy enough to figure out exactly what his parents were doing, and found it best to not say anything about it. Nonetheless, he can't help but smile at the thought of the two of them being so comfortable around him. They were rather cute sleeping against him like this, especially Asriel. He had his fluffy goodness working out for him in a very positive way.

Unfortunately, he would have to disrupt their comfort for the time being, for it was morning. He would like nothing more than to sleep in, but he ultimately decided against it. Time on the Surface wasn't to be wasted on sleeping in. That may be Sans' cup of tea, but Chara was interested in actually doing things, even if it was just for a little while at a time. So it was with great reluctance that he would take this moment to wake his younger siblings from their slumber. He placed his hands on both of their heads and began gingerly petting them awake, with sight shakes for extra, reinforced effect. Maybe it will send them deeper into soothing slumber, but he didn't feel the need to be rough with them.

"Alright you two. It's time for you both to wake up. And more importantly, for you to get offa me." Chara said with a slight yawn.

Frisk didn't say anything, he simply groaned in slight resistance and hugged hm tightly. Asriel did the same, his eyes squinting tightly. "But we don't wanna...we're fine right here..."

Chara rolled his eyes as he begins shaking the both of them harder. "Are you seriously going to be like that? Look, I know I'm one of the coolest guys you can ever get the pleasure to know, but we really have to get going and start our day. First day on the Surface worked out well enough, now we gotta get through the second day. Should be easy enough for the likes of us, right? After all, we worked pretty hard to get up here, might as well actually do stuff up here. You both DO want to spend time on the Surface, right?"

"Of course we do..." Frisk muttered quietly.

"Well then, wake yourself up so we can start the day. Mom and Dad might be coming in to do that for us, and I really don't want to be suffocated by Mom's hugs in the morning." Chara said. Soon after he said this, Asriel and Frisk began to stir, and reluctantly separate from Chara so they could properly wake up from their slumber. He huffed as he slides out of bed and slipped into his poncho. "Geez. Why hasn't Mom get you two your own beds so you wouldn't have to cuddle me all the time while we're sleeping?"

"...Because she knows we like sleeping next to you." Frisk answered simply. Asriel briefly nods in agreement.

"Of course she does...why wouldn't she?" Toriel probably arranged this on purpose. Under the guise of a sweet, gentle, kind mother...as a sweet, gentle, kind mother who also knows how to mess with people when she actively wants to. Papyrus was right on one account, Sans was not always a good influence on her. His mischievous behavior was contagious. Either that, or she's always had a layer of mischievousness to her that only reveals itself when she wishes to be so. That would explain quite a lot when it came to her...relations with Asgore. Once again, it was probably best that the younger two were to remain blissfully unaware of what they do. Frisk and Asriel were very mature for their age, but not on that type of level.

Asriel yawned silently as he picks himself out of bed so, wrapping his scarf around his neck with a soft nod of his own. He then proceeded to slide his precious Rainbow Locket around his neck. Frisk followed suit as he hung his Golden Locket around his neck. Chara already had his Crimson Locket on, under hanging around his neck and presenting it semi-proudly. Very rarely like the other too, he rarely takes it off. They each mean so much to them, so they keep them on for as long as they possibly can. Though they didn't wear them twenty-four seven like Papyrus did for his battle body. That doesn't mean they didn't try, though.

Chara folded his arms and nodded. "There. Now isn't that better to be up and about instead of lazing about like Sans?"

"But you wanted to keep napping most of all!" Asriel pouted.

"That's not important."

"How is that no-"

"Shhh..." Chara gently placed his hand over Asriel's muzzle, causing the other to roll his eyes. "As I said, it is not imprtant, Prince of Fluff. Not important at all. There are far more important things to do today than to accuse me of things." Frisk shook his head numbly, also a bit annoyed. Neither of them said anything though, they decided to just take it in stride. "There...don't you both feel better that you were able to let something small like that go?"

"You have a funny way of doing so, Chara."

"Meh."

Asriel and Frisk both shook their head in minor annoyance. Him getting like this tended to be a source of major annoyance. The times that he insists to be in the right, and they were mostly too tired to even try to resist on a meaningful level. They'd rather not prolong it, this time. They soon exited their room to actually begin their newest day. Though once the smell of cinnamon reached Asriel and Frisk, they immediately appeared much more awake than before, and sprinted their way towards the kitchen. Chara almost lost his balance when they sped by him, tripping s couple times before regaining said balance with a slightly aggravated grunt. It wasn't too hard for them to see what they were rushing towards. Slices of morning pie. They were immediately drawn in by the Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie, and wasted no time beginning to nom on the slices. Toriel was seen stepping out of the kitchen with a bright smile, and Asgore followed her from behind. They each moved over to the three of them and enveloped the three of them in tight hugs.

"Howdy, children!"

"Good morning, my children!"

"Morning!" The trio responded in unison, returning the cooperative fluffy hug.

After that rather energetic, intense speech yesterday, Asgore relaxed with plenty of 'Tea and Toriel' time. Glad he didn't have to wear his armor for the time being, and one of the more intense aspects of moving onto the Surface was well taken care of, he wore casual clothing again. Blue jeans, and a pink shirt with red letters that spell out 'Mr. Dad Guy'.

Best fatherly sweater of all time. Ten outta ten. Goat Dad will wear whenever he can.

Asriel briefly swallows the pie in his mouth before turning to his mother curiously. "So Mom, when are you going to start your teaching job?"

"Oh my, I thought you might have been curious about that! I should be starting in a week or two. We're still trying to get everything set up, and to organize all of our supplies. Not to mention the staff. Trustworthy staff, I might add." Toriel cupped her chin. "It wasn't that easy, however. There have obviously questions as to whether I'm really qualified to be a teacher. Monster children are obviously not a concern, I can manage them quite fine. Human children on the other hand, that is when they become slightly nervous. It's not too out of place for them to worry about such a thing..."

"They're being ridiculous. You're more than qualified to be a teacher. You have great experience with teaching and children in general. I mean, you were able to homeschool us, weren't you?" Chara mentioned. "Besides, I was a student of your homeschooling. And if you can handle me, everyone else is going to be a pie walk."

"Yes indeed. You were rather...difficult..." Toriel grimaced a bit. It was very obvious that Chara was not a school person. And of course he would object to going to a human school. Perhaps the blow would be cushioned if Frisk attended alongside him, but there was no promising that they would even stay together. So for the time being, they stuck to homeschooling. It wasn't at all a bad experience, it just meant more quality time with their mother.

"Things might be difficult now, but soon they'll see. Tori is a very qualified teacher whom I'm sure will be highly recognized after they give her a chance." Asgore smiled. "After all, I'll be there helping her every step of the way, as I'll be serving as the gardner there. It shall surely be a true testament of my gardening prowess. And I can also serve tea on the side to lift everyone's spirits."

Chara folded his arms. "And let's not forget, you've been named the principal of the joint." He unfolded his arms and posed in finger-gun fashion. "You're the boss! The chief! The headmaster! The woman in charge! The supreme overlord!"

"That last one may be taking it a bit too far..." Toriel sweatdropped slightly. "I'm surprised you haven't mentioned me being Queen with this association."

"Tch, that's WAY too easy."

"I suppose that is true."

Chara slightly rolled his eyes while looking to the side. "Not to mention all of those things are true for home...as well as everyone else in general..."

"Pardon?" Toriel narrowed her eyes slightly, making Chara flinch.

"Uh, nothing!" She's unintentionally proving my point.

Asgore stroked his beard a bit while thinking about the circumsances of Toriel's school description. A couple minutes pass before he smiles and pumps his fists slightly. "Here's a possible name for the school, since we haven't officially decided yet. How about...'New School!'"

Everyone paused in silence at Asgore's name of choice. They didn't know how to react bgecause he was looking very proud of himself, his eyes sparkling cheerfully. Toriel smiled as sweetly as she currently could, gently placing a paw on her shoulder. "Asgore. I can fully appreciate that you're trying. Though i must say this with utmost honesty." She slowly shook her head. "That name is...not very good."

"..." Asgore paused, his eyes overshadowed by his golden hair. A couple seconds pass before his lips began quivering and he pulled Toriel into a tight hug, comical tears streaming down his eyes. "I'm terrible at naming...I've failed you, Tori!"

'Awww...there there, Fluffybuns..." Toriel cooed as she patted his back. 'Children, why don't you go outside for a while as I try to comfort your father?"

"That might be the best idea." Asriel nodded awkwardly as he took his brothers by the hands and lead them to the front door, not embarassed that his father was embarassed because of such a thing. After all, he shared that trait of bad names, he's not going to laugh at him for it. It was best to just find something to do for their second day on the Surface. "So guys, what do you want to do today for this second day on the Surface, now that we've gotten the serious stuff out of the way for now?"

"Well, I don't know about you two, but I've definitely got something down on my agenda for today, and that's to go and see Muffet.' Chara explained, already moving ahead of them both. "I completely forgot that I promised to go see her when we all officially make our move towards the Surface, and I totally forgot to do so." He groaned as he lightly slid his hand down his face. "Ugh...she might chew me out for forgetting to meet up with her..." He feared this literally as much as he did metaphorically. Which is why this time, he didn't really feel comfortable visiting her by himself.

Asriel and Frisk were quick to catch up with him, each placing a hand on his shoulder. "There's no need to worry, Chara. Muffet is quite an understanding girl when she wants to be."

"Emphasis on wants. She's perfectly capable of not being so understanding if she gets into a grumpy mood."

"...Hey, you tend to be like that too, Chara!"

"Shut up."

This slight banter continued on for several moments until they reached a house that was crawling with spiders...it didn't really take long to recognize who it belonged to. Especially since the paint on the house mostly resembled purple and pink spider patterns. There's also the spider/muffin hybrid sleeping right outside said house, which could rightly explain how the humans passing by it kept their distance. Chara blinked as he could see the spider herself, sitting on top of her roof, casually taking in the sights of the monster settlement. Though all five of her eyes landed on Chara, and they flashed purple with delight.

"Oooh! Chara-Dearie!~" She started with a cheery tone.

"Hi, Muffet." Chara waved casually towards her.

She stood on the roof for a couple moments, then swiftly jumps from it, landing on her feet with graceful finesse, before pouncing at Chara and hugging his arm. Muffet has grown up alongside Chara and the others. She's cast aside her panteloons once it became clear that she was outgrowing them, and she went to Mettaton to help her pick out a new outfit. Now her current attire consisted of a violet mini dress with pink spider designs, and black tights to cover her legs. She still wore her pretty pink bow over her chest...which seems to have filled out as she grows up. Being a fifteen-year old teen spider could do that to her. Certainly didn't help that all six of her arms were currently hugging the arm in her grasp to said chest. Chara blushed at the thought.

"You simply could have told me that you were busy making arrangements! I thought you completely blew me off!" Muffet lightly scolded him, taking her higher pair of hands and used them to pinch his rosy cheeks. "That's not very good of you, Dearie. You have to tell me these things, or else I might get the wrong idea. You don't want me to get the wrong idea. Nu-uh!"

Chara groaned a bit as she lightly squished his rosy cheeks together, to the great amusement of Asriel and frisk behind him. He'd reprimand them, but he wasn't really in the mood for that. So he just quietly accepted what was currently happening for the sake of keeping Muffet's good mood intact. "So, Muffet. Did you get your parlor set up on the Surface?"

Muffet pulled back and clapped her hands. "Ooh, yes yes! I've found a suitable building, and a warehouse on the side! No one was using either them, so I was able to buy it no problem buying both of them to store a majority of my products in. My lovely pet could fit in the same warehouse as well!" She tilted her head while squinting three of her eyes in wonder. "Though I have to say, the humans were a bit unsure if I was to be entrusted with my own business, given my age and all. So I had to get Grillby to help me through the process and help them understand that I'm more than qualified to manage a business on my own."

"Wait, Grillby helped you out? Aren't you business rivals?"

"Friendly business rivals. Emphasis on 'friendly', as he was more than happy to help me out in that slight disadvantage of mine. Now it's no longer a problem thanks to him. I truly do appreciate his help. So I'll be able to properly set up my parlor and have it be open for business in a couple days. And all of my lovely spiders shall be my ever-so-kind employees." Muffet blinked quietly as she folded her lower arms. "Of course, the humans might need time to adjust to a parlor full of spiders. Might be a bit bumpy at first, I'll have to admit...but I'm pretty confident that things will work out for the better. I mean, everything's been going well so far, hasn't it?"

"While i do agree to that, it's probably best to not grow to overconfident. Things could still go wrong, if certain conditions are met. Ans we have to hope those conditions never meet at all." Asriel forewarned. "We can't afford to get too eager. The humans are still getting used to us. There's no need to do anything that might upset our progress."

"You can be suh a worrywart, Asriel. We won't be able to do anything fun if we're worrying all the time, will we?" Muffet reasoned. Frisk seemed to agree with her to some extent, as he nodded softly, though it was slightly unnoticeable. "You all look like you're worrying quite a bit. You could use some comfort food." As if it were responding to her offer, Asriel could feel his belly grumbling hungrily. He blushed slightly at the sound he couldn't stop from happening. It was ridiculous, as he just had some morning pie back at home. Muffet smiled. "Lookw like I was right about you needing comfort food. Luckily for you three, I'm not in busniess right now since I'm at home. So you won't be charged for anything! This time."

"Yeah, that figures..."

Muffet lightly clapped her middle hands as a plethora of spiders began pouring out of the house, carrying snacks for the others to take. Asriel beamed as he eagerly grabs a freshly baked Cinnamon Bunny, Frisk was given a nicely made Legendary Hero, and Chara was given a Chocolate Donut. Chara immediately begins salivating at the sight of the Chocolate Donut. One of the spiders hopped up and wiped the saliva from his mouth before hopping back on the ground and crawling off. Muffet chuckled and shook her head in amusement. "Oh Chara-Dearie. Always drooling over chocolate! Luckily for you, I'm very capable of providing it!"

"Can't talk. Eating chocolate. Chocolate all mine." Chara said in a trance as he happily noms on said donut without thinking too much on it.

'Whoops. I'm afraid we've lost him for the moment, Dearies." Muffet giggled, falling back as a web hammock formed right behind her, catching her in a timely matter. Another spider handed her a cup of tea, and she begins to calmly sip from the teacup. She then raised her head a bit as she smiled gingerly. "I've went to a human library last night for the sake of curiosity. I've searched trough the comic book section...and I found myself deeply interested in one of the characters. A human has been granted spider abilities from a genetically engineered spider, and he protects his home city from various threats while trying to properly find his place in life. I don't know why, but I happen to find him very endearing." She smiles kindly. "It's nice to know that spiders aren't as hated as I first thought, if they made a comic of a human with spider powers."

"That's become you favorite comic book series, hasn't it?" Frisk asked.

"Mhm. They also have this book called Charlotte's Web. I haven't read it yet, but I certainly plan to. I heard that it gets quite sad around the end...yet the prospect of another spider being a hero in some shape or form is far too good for me to pass up." It really was nice to find some sort of comfort in the spiders, while being feared sometimes, are also fascinating creatures in the eyes of humans. Muffet didn't have to worry as much as she thought she would. Still, it was best for Muffet to play things cautiously, there was no need to push her luck.

Chara kept biting into his donut while looking towards Muffet. "Well, it's great that you now know that things aren't as bad as you used to think. Still, I'd much rather prefer you keep your guard up. Not too many things can be predicted here. Better safe than sorry. And I don't want you to be sorry."

"Are you being a worrywart too, Chara? That's not like you. Not like you at all."

"I'm in Cautious Chara mode. The first few days are always the adjustment period, and the adjustment period is always one of the most difficult."

Muffet blinked owlishly at Chara for a little bit, before shaking her head and calmly closing her eyes. "I take it back. Frisk and Asriel are much more relaxed about this than you are. You're awfully stiff about this, Chara-Dearie. You have to relax be a bit more flexible. Like me~"

"Yeah...not many of us can be flexible like you, Muffet. Our limbs don't quite bend like yours."

"You know that's not what I meant, silly!" Muffet giggled, lightly slapping his his cheeks. "I'm gonna have to monitor you, aren't I? You seem laid back, and yet you're the most cautious one here aside from Sans, though I guess that means you're simply worried about me and the others." She smiled, pinching his cheeks mischievously. "You're such a sweetheart, showing concern for yor loved ones like that. You're usually so grumpy!"

"I'm not that grumpy. You're just bad at reading me." Chara feebly denied.

"...You're pretty grumpy sometimes, Chara." Frisk supported.

"If not one of the most grumpy people we know, you're definitely up there." Asriel nodded in agreement.

"...You know what? Both of you are just jealous because I'm the coolest brother. You both are just whiny little babies."

"I don't know, Dearie. They seem pretty on point on this." Muffet playfully pondered, her eyes opening up slyly.

"Why are you three teaming up on me?!"

"Because it's funny to see how you react! Ahuhuhu~"

Chara sighed as both Asriel and Frisk hugged him from both sides in order to comfort him. Muffet was simply giggling at Chara's downtrodden and embarassed face. He allowed this to happen to him without too much resistance. He never would have allowed himself to be made fun of so easily. He's gotten soft.

...Though he didn't really see that as a completely bad thing.

Asriel: There, that's out of the way. Not too bad.

Frisk: Slow and steady wins the race!

Chara: You said that already!

Frisk: Slow and steady stuffs my face!

Asriel; With delicious pie! :3

Chara:...Realize, readers...I have to live with these two..

I'm not gonna dive straight into plot like no tomorrow as I did last time. I really do wanna emphasize Surface life, ya know? Slice of Life stuff is important too, so I apologize for the slow pacing in advance.

Until next time!