Okay readers, I think it's pretty obvious by now that I update whenever I feel up to it. But it was especially delayed this time. I have a good reason for it though! Aside from the whole career thing. It hasn't made progress yet, but you'll see a longer delay than a few weeks-possibly-if I actually get it.

Red: Plus...he's been spending more time with his grandmother.

Chara: Cool lady. Laid back. Nice to hang with when he wants to get away from his incredibly hot house to her much more cool apartment.

Muffet: Plus...Wi-Fi at his house is a no-go. The reason why? The cable that provides it wasn't paid for...so it got taken. No Wi-Fi, no cable TV. He's mostly upset about the former. No serious Wi-Fi where she is, either. Too bad!~

Asriel: Hence another reason why it's taking longer these days. This is phone data he's running on, readers. He tries his best, but there's bound to be a few mistakes here and there. Do forgive him, okay?

It's seriously hot, I have no Wi-Fi, phone data is slow, no sign of my career taking serious momentum yet...the plights of real life...ugh. My Grandma truly is the best thing about my summer at the moment.

Chapter Start!

"Alright, you should be just about ready now." Toriel says as she was helping Asriel and Chara get ready for something very, very important.

They were going on their very first date with their respective girlfriends, which of course meant slight amounts of grooming. The duo could tell that Toriel was certainly surprised that they've announced their plans for a double date later in the evening, but she managed to rein in her into

concernsand put on a sincere smile. Even more noticeable, she immediately squashed the idea of personally chaperoning their date the moment it came up. At their current age, it wasn't a necessity.

Toriel may be a bit of a smother mother, but that would be going way too far. She had more trust in her boys than that. It helps that she already knew Muffet and Red fairly, amicably well. The only serious worry she had would be Muffet's forwardness towards Chara, but she knew she wouldn't do anything too serious. A tease, she is. And despite that, she has some restraint.

...Some.

"Here's to hope a teen with only one arm can manage to make this work with only his fluffy floppy ears princely brother as his only competent backup." Chara sighed while scratching the back of his head. "I also hope this goes far better than I'm expecting. I don't exactly have the highest hopes about this."

"We'll be fine. As you said, you have me and Red there as well to help lower the pressure. We're all going to have fun with this." Asriel nodded.

"Mhm. You're all going to have a great time." Frisk nodded with a bright smile. At this, Asriel and Chara looked towards Frisk, acknowledging that he has chosen to stay home. This was an evening for the other four, he had no place within it. He didn't acknowledge it as something bad, just that he knew that his presence would further split the couple's attention between themselves and him. He didn't want to do that to them, so he'd let it be.

"Are you sure about this, Frisk?"

"I have Mom, Dad, and Flowey to keep me company. It's not like I'll be alone, guys." Frisk smiles again, his tone full of sincerity and no hint of incoming loneliness. He was fully and truly happy for them. "Just enjoy yourselves. I'll be fine, right at home."

"Okay, if you say so." Asriel nodded softly. Chara looked slightly troubled, but otherwise didn't say more on the issue.

Soon enough, Asriel and Chara were on their way out the door, many of the things they had packed were placed in the Dimensional Boxes. Toriel gingerly kissed both of their heads and waved to them as they began walking off. "Alright boys. Do enjoy your evening out. Remember to have your phones on standby, and to call me or your father if you need anything from us."

"Alright Mom."

"Bye Mom!"

Toriel waved to both her eldest son as they set out to retrieve their dates. Once they were out of earshot, she sighed warily while closing her eyes. Their competence of independence was continuing to grow by the day. While this was not a bad thing, it still left her feeling slightly sad. She's used to having all three of her boys close to her, close to Mommy. But now they're at an age where she had to loosen that hold and allow them to venture out, outside of her vision, hoping for their safety.

...Then she remembered that she already let's them fight on their own, and that she was being ridiculous. But she couldn't help it. She was taken out of her thoughts when Frisk reached out to hold her paw, and smiled towards her.

"Mom...let's go back inside and bake some pie together."

Toriel smiles gently at this. She didn't voice it aloud, but she was clearly glad Frisk chose to stay. He was taking it much better than she was, which was slightly shameful. But at least they had one another, and Asgore and Flowey too. "What a lovely idea, Frisk." She says as they both walk back into their house, closing the door behind them.

"Do you really think Mom will be okay?" Asriel asked when he and Chara were out of earshot.

"She'll be doing better than she would have before leaving the Underground, that's for sure." Chara shrugged. "In any case, she has Frisk. Out of all three of us, he's the most willing to indulge her. She'll be fine."

"You're probably right. But I can't help but still be slightly worried..."

"We're Mommy's Boys, Azzy. We can't help it. Not even I can. I'm just more resistant."

They stopped this branch of conversation as they approached Muffet's house, having a feeling both she and her canine feeling would be there. Asriel would be the polite one to walk up and ring her doorbell. It felt as though the ringing sounded like spiders dancing. A minute later, Asriel and Chara would step back as the door opens rather slowly.

Both Muffet and Red walk out the door, with only the former smiling, the latter looking embarrassed. Muffet had on a black pencil skirt which was decorated with numerous purple spiders across it. For her top, she wore a violet blouse also decorated with spiders, which were black. She also wore a snuggly sweater to fit all six of her arms. As for Red-with a rather shy blush-she currently wears a short sleeve red minidress, which matched her cape and cowl. She did seem rather hesitant, but willing to endure this new challenge.

"Good to see you both. You look very nice.~" Muffet says while nodding softly. Chara did indeed allow Toriel to groom him and Asriel slightly, their hair/fur looking much nicer than usual. Chara was less so, there was still a bit of unkempt nature to his hair. Asriel has remained in his usual sweater and pants, with his fur looking rather smooth, and his scarf wrapped snugly around his neck. Muffet giggled as she walks up and lightly feels his hair with her upper arms while hugging him with her middle arms. "I'm glad you didn't completely freshen up your hair. Keeping it unkempt feels more familiar for you. Very well connecting to...well, you."

"I guess it does. And I see that you once again bring out your special spider motif. Fascinating detail there." Chara admitted, bringing a happy smile to Muffet's face. He curiously looked towards Red. "I'm slightly surprised you managed to get Red in a more feminine dress. I'm guessing without...?"

"...shorts. No shorts." Red muttered, her eyes clenched shut and her blush still visible. "No shorts today, she said. It'll be fun, she said..." She didn't even have the luxury of her battle-skirt or combat dress, each she felt was much more practical and modest than a simple dress. Even when she wears a simple shirt and skirt, she wears shorts underneath. She forgo that option today under Muffet's pleas. She felt vulnerable, exposed. Red knew she was being childish, which wouldn't help her nickname of 'Rude Baby Red' at all. But she couldn't help it. Perhaps the more she does something like this, she'll adjust. But for now, she was embarrassed.

"Kay then..." Asriel nodded with a sheepish smile. "I know that it might be a mixed experience for you, but for what it's worth, I do think you make your dress look really great, a good example of your namesake."

This seemed to help relieve some of Red's anxiety and embarrassment, which may have been his intention, she lifted her head with a small grateful smile, her tail wagging slightly. "Thank you, Asriel."

The group soon began to move after collecting themselves, with Muffet hugging Chara's arm while Red and Asriel held paws. Red tilted her head slightly as she noticed something. Muffet picked up on it, and voiced it before she did. "Frisk isn't here with you?"

"This is a group date between us four. He decided to set this one out." Chara explained.

"Oh. We're used to having him be with us too. I hope he wasn't thinking he would disrupt us or anything..."

"No no, he's fine. He said that this was a date between us four and that we should enjoy it that way. He didn't sound or feel sad about it, just telling it how it is." Asriel informed. Frisk's claims were genuine and full, but that didn't stop the two girls from worrying, looking towards one another briefly.

"I still feel a bit bad, we like having him around with us. Our little posse feels more...complete with him." Muffet said with a small pout. "We have to be sure to make this up to him the next chance we get."

"Agreed." Red voiced with a strong nod. Soon enough, they made their way to the destination, which was the park. She blinked slightly while scratching her head. "The park, huh?"

"Yeah. It's not too bad a choice, considering it's usually nice and quiet out here." Chara said while scratching the back of his head. "And it isn't like we haven't come prepared with things to do." Both he and Asriel accessed the Dimensional Boxes via phone, and out came two picnic baskets. "One for each pair, doesn't that sound fair?"

"Ahuhu...you rhymed.~" Muffet snickered. Chara could only roll his eyes with a smile. "In any case, two baskets? Will we be splitting up?"

"Not necessarily. This is just compensation for Asriel and Red's eating habits." Chara explained, eliciting a sheepish laugh from the former. "Now there's plenty of other stuff in the dimensional boxes that we will use later. After all, you have your own things within them, right? It's a group effort, after all."

"Oooh. I see what you mean." Red nodded. "So we'd ought to bite into a few of our snacks first before going on a bit of exploration. I can get behind that."

"So can I." Asriel smiles. With a nod from Chara and Muffet, they were in agreement. They found a nearby picnic table to sit, and they brought out several snacks packed within the baskets beforehand. Several Cinnamon Bunnies, Legendary Heroes, Sea Tea, and Golden Flower Tea. Asriel begins pouring a bit of tea for each of them from a pitcher, and they all took a brief sio before continuing. "So Red, how's the Royal Guard coming along?"

"The Royal Guard?" Red repeated, lightly staring at her cup. "Well...it's a bit confusing. We have dogs, we have cats, and now we have reptiles. We also have a fish woman leading the fray and a skeleton being her lieutenant. To be quite honest...we are a really strange gathering of guards." The Pack is called the Pack because the dogs have the souls of wolves, with Ice Wolf and Red being the only literal wolves. And the Pride is called the Pride because they have the souls of lions. So what would a group of lizards be called?

"Not to mention several of them really do bicker like cats and dogs. Put reptiles in the mix with a crazy fish woman at the helm, and you have a battle royale. And Undyne might even enjoy it." Chara huffed.

"We still need a name for the lizards. Scythe's League isn't really going to cut it because they're now integrated under Undyne's command." Asriel wondered. After some thought, he beamed. "Oh! How about the Lizardites?!~"

"That name sucks." Chara, Red, and Muffet said simultaneously.

Asriel blinked, then tilted his head. "Um, okay. How about...the Reptilites!"

"That's even worse." Chara deadpanned.

"Asriel. I say this kindly and politely as a dear friend...please leave the naming to the others. You're still not very...adept at it. Neither is your father, I'm afraid." Muffet says gently, patting his paw.

"Oh..." Asriel pouted, dejectedly sipping some of his tea.

"So what should be their name?" Red continued. "I looked up several terms matching them. Maybe the Lounge? As in Lizard's Lounge?"

"Hm...it does make sense, but it's not very intimidating, much less cool." Chara shook his head. "The Scales?"

"...It could work. Not only do they have scales, they might also have a history of tipping the scales of impossible assignments in their favor. It's just that our battle with them in particular was one they really didn't want to win, even if they had better prep time and higher chances."

"Oh!" Muffet clapped. "The Colddusts! Because Lizards are cold-blooded, and that term can also be described as ruthless and merciless. And considering they were a mercenary group who chased down evil targets...I doubt they were particularly kind to them."

The others looked at one another for a moment in contemplation. They nodded. They would take all the names into consideration, but the Scales and the Colddusts would definitely be at the top of the list for Red to give. Undyne would be the one to make the final decision.

"Anyway, I think that'll do it for initial snack time. Quite a converse into Red's life, I must say." Muffet smiles. "How about we split up for a while and explore the park? We'll call each other and meet up later?"

"Sounds good." Asriel nodded as he and Red both held paws, while Chara and Muffet held hands, and they both temporarily went their separate ways.

Chara and Muffet were both walking along a slight bridge with a wide pond beneath them. Muffet was slightly skipping along, while Chara walked normally. "Say, Muffet?"

"Yes, Chara-Dearie?~"

"You usually leave your spiders in charge of your bakery, don't you? Competent spiders that work together to make sure the system you set in place works, even if you're not there." Chara commented while looking into her eyes. "You place a lot of faith in them...even though you do tend to eat them sometimes." While it was definitely a strange concept still, no one thinks of it in a negative light anymore. It was just how Muffet and her spiders were.

"Ah yes. Helpful little workers, one and all. Especially my dear beloved pet."

"Yeah, your cupcake-muffin-spider..." Chara paused. "...Say that-and please don't take this too badly-your pet were to die...could you...?"

"I could bake another one." Muffet answered easily. Chara blinked in surprise. "Yes. If one of my pets dies, baking another one isn't that hard at all. Though...I try not to let it come to that. At least not from outside sources." Her voice lowered a bit. "I know a quote somewhere on the internet and also from the Undernet about pets dying. Some humans would rather never get another pet because they loved their previous pet too much to replace them. That poster I read? It says to instead find another pet in need of a home and lots of love, and have them take their place in your heart. To honor the previous pet by saving another."

"Oh...so that's what spurred you to take better care of your pets."

Muffet nodded softly. "I'm aware that my interactions and relationship with my spiders utterly baffles most who witness it, including you. Disturbing at worst, strange at best. Most would not agree with how we function, and that's okay. I can't make them understand or accept it, nor do I want to. But from me to you, make no mistake; I love my spiders, and they love me. Our way of showing it is difficult or impossible for others to grasp. But I assure you that it's genuine, and it's mutual."

"I believe you." Chara nodded slowly. "It's true that nature has it's dark sides as well as it's beauties. In any case, I'm glad you shared that with me." Muffet smiled at how genuine and affectionate it sounded, followed by a small smile.

She lightly looks over the bridge towards the pond. An idea came to her for a change in subject. Then she looked back at Chara. "You want to see a magic trick?~" Before he could answer, Muffet leaps over the bridge. Chara's eyes widened as she runs over and looks...only to see her standing gracefully on the water, not getting wet in the slightest.

"I...I know there are more fantastic abilities than that...but how are you...?"

"Ever heard of the Dolomedes Spider, or Fishing Spider?" Muffet smiles while walking along the pond, each step creating a soft ripple, yet never wetting her feet. "They are covered all over in short, velvety hairs which can't get wet. This allows them to use surface tension to stand or run on the water. It's like skating along a pond, just like this one."

"Wow...that's...really cool." Chara blinked. "You wanted to demonstrate that to me?"

"Mhm. It's a demonstration of how my abilities grow. I read, study, and mimic different spiders until I get their style down. I incorporate what I learn from them and adjust it to myself. Basically, the more spiders I discover, the more I learn about them, the more I can imitate them...the stronger and more versatile I become. My Spider Magic is definitely a work of wonder, isn't it?" Chara nodded dumbly, which only amused Muffet more. "Want me to demonstrate the Jumping Spider? Despite the length of their forelegs, it's their rear legs that do the jumping. Their forelegs are for grabbing their prey."

"Impressive...what does that-"

"Catch me!~" Chara's eyes widened as Muffet effortlessly jumps over to him. Reacting quickly, he manages to catch her while quickly manifesting his shadow arm. Muffet grasped him with all of her arms, wiggling her legs. "Good catch, Dearie!~" She then happily kisses his cheek, which made him blush brightly, much to her delight.

"Hehe...thanks, I guess..." He stammered.

Meanwhile, Asriel and Red were on their own venture, still holding paws. "Hey Asriel. Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"How...how would you describe your fire magic? Fire Magic is the main magic of the Dreemurr clan, right? How does it make you feel?"

"My flames...?" Asriel lightly scratched his ear as he tried to find the right words. "Well...if I were to word it...the element of fire means power. It's easy to describe it as wild, unpredictable, and destructive. Because in certain hands, it can be those things." As a demonstration, Asriel held up his paw and generated a ball of fire. It was extremely hot, and Red could feel herself sweating slightly. "Without control, without discipline, fire can be perceived as a malevolent force of nature that devours everything and everyone in it's way, friend or foe. Without restraint, fire is the signature element of death and destruction." The flames flared up violently, a few sparks shooting outwards.

"W-Woah!" Red shifted back slightly, though her silver eyes shined from the flames, indicating fascination.

"...However, it doesn't have to be that way." Asriel continued. The flames calmed slightly, but they were still powerful. "Fire is itself a symbol of Determination, because it never surrenders quietly. Burn through, burn around, spread the sparks to start a new blaze. Fire finds a way." The flames calm even more. "To take it even further in the other direction, fire is the warmth you confide in when you're cold. It's the light that keeps you safe within the darkness and leads you to salvation. It can be a power that burns away and purifies evil."

"Yeah..." Red chuckled slightly. It was then that she noticed that the fire he conjured calmed considerably, now instead simply being warm and toasty. She reached out to touch it...and she didn't burn. "Restraint and discipline..."

Asriel nodded as he allowed the flame to drop to the ground. It touched the grass, but it didn't burn. "It's true, fire can be a genuine destructive force, and can be used to hurt others. It is also an element of great power, passion, and determination. But it's greatest meaning for me and my family...it's a light that helps lead the way to a safe haven, to salvation, to a better future. The warmth it gives is relatable to a campfire. We gather around it for comfort, companionship, and rest. It's safe, supportive, and cozy. Around a warm, welcoming, gentle fire...people can connect." He smiled towards Red. "I suppose to really sum it up in the most basic of terms...fire can be kind, if it's given a chance and a choice."

Red blinked softly, then scratched her head with a shy chuckle. "Wow...I expected to hear something great about fire...but you really went in-depth about your take on it, huh? I don't think I can make my swordplay sound nearly as awesome as your flames."

Asriel's eyes widened and he waved his paws anxiously. "S-Sorry! I didn't mean to make it sound all superior or anything!"

"N-No t-there's nothing wrong with that! I was just being rude and childish again!" Red stammered as well. Both of them looked at their laps, blushing slightly. Though there was also small smiles on their muzzles from slight laughter at how silly they were being. Red briefly summoned her sword in her paws. "I can't really put the coolness of swords in in depth words like you can, but I can make the attempt. A sword can have many possibilities with enough imagination...but without subtlety, I'm only swinging an iron bar. But if I master it, I'll gain a certain versatility with it, and become an invaluable asset in protecting what I hold dear. Which is you, your family, our friends, and Monsterkind. I'll become Monsterkind's Sword of Justice."

"Sword of Justice...?"

"Gerson is out of retirement, returning as Monsterkind's Hammer of Justice. Undyne is Monsterkind's Spear of Justice, seeking to use many weapons, but the spear is her go-to choice. I want to be the Sword of Justice, and be a Champion for Monsterkind like them. Muffet thinks the 'Trio of Justice' will catch on as our gathered name. A figurehead of justice from each generation."

Asriel tests the name in his head several times. Even though he's bad at names, he could tell that title was an admirable one. "Huh...it's definitely a cool name." Asriel smiles and nods. "How about this. I could use some better practice at swordplay, and you need help being more imaginative, which will branch out your skills and powers. I can help you better connect with your imagination, while you can help me improve with my sword skills. Sound like a plan?"

"Hmph. Sure thing. After all, we're partners. We not only watch each other's backs, but help each other grow." Red nodded, and they confirmed the arrangement with a gentle nuzzling of noses.

After some time, the two couples reunited around the center of the park. Chara was still blushing, while Muffet smiles brightly. Asriel and Red looked more relaxed than the former two.

"Well, are you all having as much fun as I am?~" Muffet asks politely. Asriel and Red nodded, while Chara huffed but didn't disagree. "Sweet! Looks like this double date is truly doing wonders!"

"hey. hey kiddos! over here!" Each of them blinked and turned over to the familiar sound of Sans, who was standing next to a...claw machine? "yo."

"Sans? What are you doing here? And why are you standing next to a claw machine?" Asriel asked.

"doin' a favor to a friend, taking this claw machine to different parts of the city and seeing if several challengers could win a prize from it. this is my last stop for the evening, and i think i've earned quite a bit." He rubbed his chin. "although...i suppose I could spare a few more games to you four, if you're up to it."

Muffet hummed. "Tempting, but if we were to take part in this, we'd be here all-" All five of her eyes widened as she spotted something within the gathering of stuffed animals. Inside was an adorable spider plushie, sitting in there alone with other stuffed animals she wasn't for used on, just the spider plush. She crossed the distance in a blink, leaning forward with her face soon pressed against the glass, eyes sparkling. "Oh my gods, it's a spider plushie! Look at it's big shiny eyes and cute witte fangs, it's purple fuzzy fur/hair! I can put it next to the cat wearing a spider costume on my bed!~" she beamed childishly, wiggling her hips slightly in eagerness...if only she knew how distracting it was for Chara directly behind her, who blushed darkly and forced himself to look away with a cough.

"ah. your eyes landed on quite a price, little lady." Sans chuckled. "...but i should warn ya. i also put a 'one try per customer' clause for today. saves up on their time and money."

"B-But...spider plushie..." Muffet mumbled, looking unable to decide. Sans knew full well she had the time, energy, and money to keep going for hours, so he cut that option off early. While she tried to figure out her strategem, Sans looked Chara's way...and winked knowingly.

It clicked.

"One try is all I need." Chara said confidently as he stepped up to the machine, immediately paying for his one and only turn for the day. He and Sans smiled at one another, but their eyes expressed something completely different.

You're a jerk.

you're welcome.~

Choosing to ignore Sans the Shady Skeleton, Chara maneuvers the claw, keeping a close eye on both it, and the object of Muffet's desire. It was almost upon instinct, as silly as it was, because he usually manifests his darkness magic into a claw for his lost limb. It was there one moment, and gone the next depending on him. So he took that mindset into the claw machine game. After a brief breath, he attacked, the claw swooping downwards and grabbing the spider by the body, and began lifting it upwards. Muffet beamed at the prospect of owning another cure spider plush, but both she and Chara gasped when the plush nearly fell out of the claw. It reached back down quickly and caught it by the leg.

"saved it! congrats, kiddo! take your prize!~" Sans clapped as Chara dropped the spider plush, taking it from it's former home, and giving it into the arms of it's newest home, Muffet's extremely grateful arms.

"New spider cutie! Thank you, Chara-Dearie!"

"You're very welcome." Chara nodded politely, giving one last glare towards the smug Sans, then kept moving with Muffet cuddling her latest plush friend. They caught up with Asriel and Red, who were doing their own thing while waiting for the two.

They were playing with a frisbee. Asriel was tossing it every now and then. Red would effortlessly run after it, leap a great distance towards it and catch it in her mouth-while quickly pushing her dress down during descent, to Muffet's disappointment-as she returned it to him and repeated the process. Every time, he would throw a greater distance, and she'd still be able to catch up with it easily, both in said distance and the height it's been thrown. Her athletic legs helped with that much at least.

At the last throw, Red returned with the frisbee once again, with it in her mouth, and dropped it in Asriel's basket-after he took the food out-with a proud smile. "Got a brief moment of play in! But it was fun play! I like playing! Bark!"

"Hehe. So do I, Red. Though I don't think I can keep up with you for long." Asriel chuckled.

"Alright alright, snap out of puppy mode, Red. We're going to eat the rest of our food. Feel free to join or have shoddy leftovers afterwards." Chara declared casually.

Red glared at him, but nevertheless joined in and indeed continued eating. She in particular biting into a Legendary Hero while Asriel had himself a Starfait. Muffet with a Spider Crumpet and Chara with chocolate donuts. After moments of peaceful eating Chara would break the silence once again. Muffet had formed a web hammock between two trees, and was now sitting next to Chara on it. Asriel and Red stayed on the grass.

"Muffet?"

"Yes, Dearie?"

"Asriel? Red?"

"Yes, brother?"

"What's up?"

"The four of us are here together, getting closer, better understanding one another...acting like idiots...it's a fun time. I'm having fun with you three." Chara chuckled. "Though now...I have several things to get off my chest." He first turned towards Muffet, placing a hand on her middle left one. "Muffet...I appreciate you. And to be more specific, I appreciate the support you give me, the chocolates you feed me, the gifts you buy me, the shoulders you lend me, the hands that hold me, and your words that strengthen me. I've had time to think, and I want to do better by you, for you. You've stuck by me no matter what happened, and I want to get better at reciprocating all of that through actions as well as words. So if you give me a chance, I can try."

Muffet blinked, genuinely surprised. "Well...my goodness, Chara-Dearie. How long have our kept this bottled up?"

"Ever since we got together on Christmas and really started thinking about it. The guilt burned even worse when you spoiled me more than vice versa on your birthday...that made me feel outright cruddy. I want to do better than that. I want to be better than that, for you and towards you. That is, if you think I can. Might not be best at it, I might even suck...but I'm gonna try anyway."

"Dearie..." Muffet cooed while lightly reaching forward to caress Chara's cheek. "It seems I spoiled you so much I left you at an utter loss on how you could reciprocate the treatment, and now you feel that you take me for granted. You shouldn't place blame for this solely on you. I tend to willingly spoil so much since I can afford to do so, not always considering that it might devalue any reciprocation, perhaps intimidating receivers into not taking the chance because it won't feel like it comes close to matching up. Meanwhile, you indulge too little due to enjoying the attention your low self-esteem won't allow you to believe you deserve, yet can't force yourself to reject due to risk of criticism of a different form of ungratefulness." Muffet sighed. "This is one web I didn't mean to trap you in...I'm sorry."

Chara's mouth actually dropped in shock. This was supposed to be his start of making amends towards Muffet. He was prepared to bear all the blame and redeem himself for his selfishness, whether he meant to be or not. Yet she chose to share the blame instead of agreeing it was all his fault, then she apologizes? No words could accurately depict his feelings about this. What made it more noticeable was how she was usually playful, teasing, vague. Right now she was being serious, sincere, and very open. It baffles him how she tends to switch gears like that without warning.

"I'm used to earning money and spending money on myself, so I kinda caught up in the good feeling of spending it on others and for others, especially you and Red. I don't mean to make you think or feel like you're in my debt, not over this. It appears I have to get better as well." She lightly takes his hand in her lower hands and caresses it as well. "How about this? I'll ease up on the spoiling towards you, while you can figure out how to spoil me in your own way. To have a better balance. And don't be afraid to surprise me. You don't have to be the best at it. You just have to be you. That's really all I can ask regarding this. I can figure out the sincerity on my own."

"I...I would like that. I'd like that very much." Chara regained his courage to speak.

Muffet smiled. "See? I'm glad you brought this up with me, Chara-Dearie. Because now we can compromise, go through our options, see which one is best, and come to a mutual agreement. It's like a business transaction, and despite my playfulness towards you, you're business I take seriously."

"Ever the businesswoman..." It was a small but playful jab, with him smiling slightly.

"Ahuhu~"

While they were in their own discussion, Red looked towards Asriel and vice versa. Both of them were rubbing their necks with sheepishly smiles, before Red lowered her own paw and shook her head slightly for several seconds, then cleared her throat.

"Asriel. We don't really have the benefit of knowing each other for as long as those two did each other, so there's not much for me to bring up. And I'm nowhere near as good at wording it like any of you. So I'll just say that I appreciate you. You know, helping me get used to this knew time, being patient with me, introducing me to new foods, shows, experiences, things like that."

"You're welcome, Red." Asriel bowed slightly. "And I appreciate you for looking out for me and for putting up with my willingness to approach conflicts peacefully, even though it might not always be the best idea."

Red nodded again. "I...I'll admit, Asriel. I'm glad you do look for peaceful solutions, no matter how annoyed I get. Because thing is, with me, my soul of Intuition...I can protect you and our friends from any immediate threats to your lives." She sighed tiredly. "I'm used to solving problems with my blade, Asriel. It's my sworn duty as a member of the Royal Guard to use my strengths to protect you and monsters from possibly dangerous threats. Point me towards an enemy and I'll cut them down no problem. But peaceful talks? Diplomacy? Negotiations? Those...those things are not challenges I can overcome with my sword." As she said this, Red clutched the helm of her dress, her eyes shadowed by her cowl. "I wouldn't know what to do. I could seriously mess up an opportunity for us to gain something important, be it supplies or allies. Or worse...putting everyone's lives at risk, or even worse, lives being lost...all because I unnecessarily chose confrontation over compromise at the worst possible moment. That I jumped the gun when I didn't need to. Guilt and shame wouldn't begin to describe it..."

"Red..."

"It's going to be tough for me to overcome this, become more efficient. Will you help me on this, Asriel? Please?"

"I will, Red. I promise." Asriel nodded without hesitation. "I lack the forwardness to face some dangerous situations with a direct confrontational aura from the get go, while you're not so good at approaching situations which require peace and sensitivity." Asriel scratched his ear, smiling slightly. "I suppose that's another thing we can help each other with. You can help be be even more assertive when needed, while I help you discern when your sword should be drawn, and when to hold steady."

"Yeah..." It wasn't the happiest of subjects, but it's one Red was glad she got out at this time.

"Well, isn't this turning out to be a fine evening?" Muffet smiled. "We're having fun, we're understanding each other a bit more, it's the good things in dates.~"

Chara chuckled while lightly shaking his head. "Muffet...I wish I had at least a quarter of the self-confidence you have in yourself."

"Hm?"

"You know exactly what kind of person you are. You have a surprising peace of mind and acceptance of yourself that I wish I could echo. But as I am now, I know I that I can't. All I can do from here is keep improving myself. I still have a lot of growing up to do."

"So do we." Asriel piped up, with Red nodding along. Muffet smiled.

"I'm happy to hear how you're willing to try harder and be better, Chara-Dearie. And I'll be helping you every step of the way."

"Thanks, Muffet. Always willing to find some time for me, to help me better myself. It's what I love about you."

"...Love, you say?" Muffet was pleasantly surprised, a wider smile brought upon her face.

"Yeah. Might be too soon, might be too late, might be something else entirely...right now, I couldn't care less." Chara muttered with a pout. "I...I love you."

Muffet smiled. "Say it again."

Chara blinked, but shyly smiled back. "I love you."

"One more time."

He rolled his eyes. "I, Chara Dreemurr, proclaim my passionate and truest love towards you, Lady Muffet the beautiful Spider Princess."

"Ooooh. Spider Princess. A few years in the future, I'll be Spider Queen. Though I have some growing to do for that." Muffet giggled while scooting closer to Chara. "As for the I love you's...I can get used to hearing that more often. Want to start returning the spoils? Do that more often. And of course...I joyfully return it all.~"

"I'm ever so grateful for your kindness, your Highness. May I return the favor with a kiss or gratitude?" He hit a bold note there, blushing even as he said it. But he was sure of his decision. And Muffet seemed happy with it.

"Of course.~" She says soothingly, as she closed the distance between them, pressing her lips against his. This time he welcomed them completely.

She made use of her multiple arms. Her middle ones slid around his neck, her lower ones on his shoulder, and her upper ones tenderly played with his unkempt hair. He didn't mind it at all, as he had used his flesh arm to hold her by the small of her back, while his shadow arm began petting her hair in return. Muffet mentally giggled at how Chara's lips tasted like chocolate, a true chocoholic indeed. Chara himself was blushing still as he felt Muffet begin to gently straddle him with his back was against the tree connected to the strong and supportive web hammock, but held fast. This was an unfamiliar feeling, but one he'd be happy to get used to. Muffet's lips, which were always giving teasing, vague, mischievous remarks, were smooth, soft and warmly welcoming. He gladly savored the feeling, even though he still felt anxious. This new breakthrough gave him butterflies in the stomach, and he wondered if Muffet felt the same.

Then again, this was Muffet. At this point with how well they knew each other and being familiar with each other's quirks, he wouldn't be surprised if she had actual butterflies in her stomach. He'd definitely question it, but he wouldn't be as surprised as someone outside their social web would be.

...Chara held back from groaning mid-kiss at the unintentional, mental spider pun. Though he's sure Muffet would have laughed at it...great, now he was thinking of how much he's grown to love hearing her signature laugh. This spider had his mind tangled in her web...and he was feeling comfortable staying there.

Soon they separate to draw breath, both of them looking a bit tired but nonetheless happy. Chara even welcomed the three smaller kisses she placed on his lips before pulling back, smiling kindly towards him. He shivered a bit when she licked her lips. "Ahuhu...I'm definitely going to savor that taste of yours.~"

"Can you not say it like that...?" Chara muttered, looking away slightly. That proved to be a personal mistake. His eyes widened as he realized that his shadow arm descended to caress her back, while his flesh arm...went a bit further south. He quickly pulled it back in an eye blink, while Muffet kept smiling. "W-W-Why didn't you stop me?!"

"I was busy kissing you. Plus I didn't want you to." She answered easily.

"B-But...I was...y-you should have...I d-didn't mean...!"

"Remember what I said before, that I was fine with you touching me because I trusted you? That proved correct." Muffet grinned. "Your hold is soft and caring. I felt very light squeezing, but nothing that disturbed my comfort at all. You're very gentle with me, Chara-Dearie." She mischievously giggles.

Chara was reduced to a grumpily pouting, brightly blushing mess that refused to look her in the eyes. There was no use denying it, she'd immediately call him out. It wasn't fair. She just HAD to go and grow into a pretty young woman with healthy, curvaceous hips to distract him with. The time of pantaloons seemingly giving that illusion were over. They're the real deal. And she now not only knows that he likes what he sees, but also how they feel. She's figured out that her lower half-hips, legs, and butt- is where his eyes-and now hands-wander the most when he's not occupied with her genuinely adorable eyes, smile, and hair.

Yet another web he's trapped in. The embarrassment part comes when he realizes how fine he is with that.

Damn it.

"Tch, look at Muffet. Chara can barely speak from her level of forwardness." Red huffed as she and Asriel still sit on the ground. She looked at Asriel with a sigh. "Then again, she's much more confident in her appearance than me. She has more confidence in MY appearance than me! That's a bit ridiculous, isn't it?"

"A little bit, to be honest." Asriel smiled awkwardly.

"Honestly. She teases me about how cute my hair is, my fluffy ears, my somewhat strong legs and stronger arms...the size of my chest. She seems playfully envious of that one." She muttered while crossing her arms over said chest with a mild blush. "She's just far too much to handle in constant doses...but...she does give me the confidence to explore my feminine side. Maybe not to her extent...but the idea of doing isn't sounding too ridiculous anymore. Know what I mean?"

"...Not entirely, no." Asriel responded honestly, with a small laugh.

"Yeah, I figured. You not being a girl and all." Red chuckled while gently hugging her legs. "All in all, regardless of how different we are, I can proudly say that Muffet is my best friend. Maybe in the vein of how Chara is your best friend...though that might be pushing it. After all, I'm the newest one to arrive regarding you guys and Frisk." She blinked. "...I just noticed something. Since Frisk isn't here, out of all of is, you're the youngest, yet the strongest, with Chara roughly being your equal. Not including all of that time travel stuff of course. My head hurts just barely speaking about it..."

"Yeah, good thing that it's over." Asriel chuckled. Indeed, the subject exhausted him, and he hoped that no one would deal with it ever again.

"Let's talk about something else." Red suggested, and Asriel was more than compliant with the subject change. "You have two other types of magic. Lightning and Stars, right?" Asriel nodded. "Well...I did take an interest in them, so me and Muffet did a bit of research. The reason was that I already knew fire was the magic of your family line, and wanted to ask you personally about your feelings towards it. For your other two magics..."

"Yeah?"

Red squinted while scratching her head. "The most common result I saw is lightning being an element of leadership. Those who have it are likely charismatic, creative, and confident. They're engaging leaders who would like sharing their ideas with others. Honestly, the only thing that doesn't match with you is that you're kind and humble. Not boastful, arrogant...or possibly insane. Regarding more mystical portrayals, they have the attitude of a king, some great wizard, or a powerful and grand knight."

"Oooh."

"And as for Star Magic...that mostly deals with... divination, and destiny or fate. You messed around with a LOT of things in order to change Monsterkind's fate. You want to change their destiny in another direction. But...divination?" Red pouted. "I don't know too much about that..."

"Divination is another name for clairvoyance."

"Oh! Well, I kinda have that, but it only works when I'm in combat, and it's mostly because of my Soul of Intuition." Red explained.

"I sometimes have dreams that vaguely and unexpectedly tell the future...I don't know if that connects to my Star Magic, though. I usually chalk it up to coincidence." But it would be useful if that's actually what his Star Magic gives...but he was sure that it wouldn't manifest whenever he wishes.

"Star Magic is also related to making wishes, and gaining power from them."

...Just when he thought of the word 'wishes', too.

"Well...I'm always wishing for the day that humanity and monsters can become closer than ever, even more than the times of old...but that's probably not what it means." Asriel chuckled slightly. "That's a wish that me and everyone will have to grant ourselves, together."

"Together, huh?"

"Yes, Red. All of us." Asriel said while looking Red in her silver eyes. She was surprised to see the intensity behind his own eyes. "Our world doesn't need one single paragon. It needs multiple paragons, multiple true heroes. Having more than one hero will help keep everyone together when the dark side of the world tries to take us apart. Putting everything on the shoulders of one person...it's too much to bear. My father suffered from the pressure, the isolation his position caused, because he's the only one who brought our people hope, thus he could not allow himself to crumble before them. If we want our crazy plans to work, we can't allow such a scenario to happen again."

"Wow, Asriel..."

"We can't just be the ones who bring hope. We have to be able to convince people that it's okay to hope, to give them a chance. And not only give them that chance, but inspire them to have the courage to take it, to fight for themselves. Master Undyne believes that's what a true hero should do." Asriel nodded strongly. "My Fire Magic can be the warmth that brings people salvation and burn away evil. My Lightning Magic will smite any enemy that tries harming those I love. And my Star Magic will empower me to be a shining beacon of hope than can inspire the good will within others and change our fate for the better."

Red simply looked at Asriel for a while longer, then she smiled and chuckled. "You really are a student of Undyne's. She really got you to show your inner passion. I...really like that about you." Red mumbled, a bright blush across her cheeks. "...more than that...I love you for it..."

Asriel, understandably taken aback by the confession, looked flustered. "Love me...?!"

"Yes. I'm quite sure of it now. Ever since you've freed me from my prison and helped me learn more about the new age I've awoken in, you've always supported me. And not only that, you're a Prince who insisted on fighting with me, as an equal." Red nodded. "We trust each other in battle, which allowed our bond to grow so strong so quickly. My feelings are genuine...n-not that I don't think yours aren't! That's not it at all!" She shook her head. "All I'm saying is that with all we've been through, I've grown to really for real love you...you know, that kind of stuff.'

"It's...it's fine, Red. I understand." Asriel smiled sheepishly while a mild blush covered his face as well. "I'll admit, I wasn't expecting something like this...not on our first real date. I guess it'll definitely be something to remember. I guess I can say...thanks for confiding in me, trusting me, and fighting by my side. I want to keep doing that more often." Asriel said as he gently reached out to hold her paws. She blinked, but didn't hesitate to return the hold and gently squeeze his paws in return. Asriel gathered up his courage and looked Red in the eyes. "Red...may I kiss you? If...if that's alright...?"

"H-Huh?! I mean...we're already going out. Do...do we really have to ask to kiss...?"

"It would be slightly better this way. I'd rather keep my manners regardless of whether we have to or not." Asriel answered with a soft sigh.

"R-Right. You're polite. Well...okay." Red nodded.

Asriel nodded as well. Both of them took deep calming breaths before proceeding, keeping their eye contact while keeping hold of their paws. Blushing but committed to their next action, both of their eyes close as their muzzles connected for a gentle kiss. It was very gentle, and much more Innocent than the other couple's kiss. They could smell and taste cinnamon on each other, one of their strongest shared connections. Tentatively, both of them would take one paw and lightly play with and pet each other's ears. Asriel's was obviously a bit more fun given how floppy they were. He would occasionally pet her hair, which got a few tail wagging from her.

They soon separated, both of them taking the time to breathe. Asriel was lightly, nervously pushing up his ear while Red's chest rose and fell from her breathing. Regardless, she was smiling.

"It...it doesn't matter than Muffet and Chara knew each other longer than us two. That doesn't detract from our bond at all. I get that now." She nodded while twirling a slightly curl of her hair. "I'll admit to feeling just a bit competitive and jealous...but that's over have our own connection, and it's special for us. I'll keep fighting with you, and I'll keep enjoying being with you."

"Me too, Red..." Asriel smiled. He checked his phone, only to sigh slightly. "Chara! It's getting seriously late. If we don't get home soon Mom's going to have our hides. Or worse...take away our snacks..."

"Oh no! I'm coming down!" Chara jumped down next to Asriel, with Muffet jumping as well, brushing off her skirt. "Sorry Muffet, Red. We gotta get going. We don't have the advantage of the excuse of crashing at a friend's place like the latter does."

"No worries! We had fun! Playing, connecting, kissing, it was all there and it was all good! Can't wait to do it again!" Muffet cooed while lightly pressing a finger to her lips. "Let's not stress you both with teleporting, let's carry own home." Muffet said, taking the lead with a rather curious swing of her hips, something Chara couldn't hope but notice...he also noticed who she was doing it for.

Damn it.

Chara looked away, ignoring the blush on his face as he pulled out his own phone to let their family know they were on their way home, while Asriel and Red chuckled while holding paws. It was mentally decided that they still involve Frisk in things after this, but for now, they could say this was a good date.

They all felt the bond between them grow a bit deeper tonight.

This chapter was meant to be much shorter. Like, 4k words less at best. But then a certain reviewer commented on the status of Chaffet, the ship I playfully started in the second story but developed into something reasonable in this one. Then Redriel got in on the action.

I took a good long look at both the younger couples, how they feel about each other, how they connect, what they wish to do from here onward and why they wish to do so. They did more than good around and be cute, they had actual conversation about the status of their relationship. They're younger than older couple's like Asgore and Toriel, Undyne and Alphys, Dogi, etc.

They're a bit confused. And excluding, Muffet, a bit insecure. But now that they've had a chance to seriously talk about one another and understand each other more, their relationships can only grow from here.

I know it isn't the best thing ever, but I hope you enjoyed it. Next chapter we get back to more serious story, where progress in another field is to be had. And it'll mostly involve the main gang as well. Once they start...going back will not be an option.

Time to take some risks.

Until next time, cherished readers!