AN: To give you an idea of how far behind I am: the inspiration for this story, National Save a Spider Day, was March 14.

Chara was home early, having a half-day due to a teacher's workshop. They were in their room taking a moment to recharge from their day of socializing with, ugh, other humans, by rereading a book series which they had read while they were alive the first time. They were up to book 8, which some considered to be a low point in the series where not much happens but Chara always felt there was pivotal world building and character development so it was worth going through it. They laid on their bed with their head propped up in one hand while the other kept their book open flat on the bed. They snapped to attention as they detected movement nearby, their hypervigilance sending their heart racing. What was it? What moved, what changed? They scanned the room and found nothing. They looked from side to side once more, more slowly this time, as their nerves began to calm down. Still nothing. Did they imagine it? Just as they were about to turn back to their book they saw movement again, a minute shuffling along the windowsill. An insect of some kind was trying to run across the windowsill and to a corner where they would be more safe. Chara looked closer and realized it was no bug or fly, but in fact a spider smaller than a pencil eraser.

"Greetings," Chara said, placing a bookmark between the open pages before setting the novel aside. They inched closer to the windowsill and put their face close to the uninvited guest. "Are you one of Muffet's?" The spider gave no response, and in fact did not seem to acknowledge Chara's existence. Chara was unsure what kind of spider it was; they had made sure to familiarize themselves with the two spiders in their part of the world which were dangerous to humans and this spider was neither of them. It also was not a distinctive species like a tarantula, daddy-long-legs, or black widow. In that case a common house spider of unknown genus was no real threat. And if it was not one of Muffet's spiders then it would be a terrible conversationalist. But that was okay, some of Chara's favorite people talked little or not at all. "Well, I do not mind you being here, but I don't think there's much food for you in this room. Perhaps you would be more comfortable down in the greenhouse, you would be helping Dad with any lingering pest issues. I daresay the climate would be more to your liking as well." Chara held out one finger close to where the spider was resting. "Come, I'll show you." The spider still did not reply, though it did climb onto Chara's finger after a moment of hesitation. "Now don't bite," Chara warned. "I doubt your fangs could get through my skin but I would still consider it rude." The spider fidgeted on their finger as they stood up but it made no attempt to escape. Still, Chara kept their eyes on them as they slowly left their bedroom and walked down the stairs, aware the spider could fly or fall off their hand at any moment and they should at least pay enough attention to know where it escaped to.

In the living room Asriel, Frisk, and MK were on the couch, playing the fighting game they had all gotten so into again. Normally they would be at their own house, but Toriel was at the aforementioned teacher conference and the children were not quite old or responsible enough to be given free reign on their own. Asriel turned their head to remark that Chara had finally decided to join them and probably ask to do doubles matches, but his face twisted in disgust when he saw their posture. "Oh…" he said. "You found another one…"

"Spiders are our friends, Asriel," Chara admonished. "As I recall, they were of great help back when you were a flower. You said they would clean out the pests which tried to eat you."

"That alliance is dead and gone," Asriel insisted, turning back to the screen. "Just like any spider that tries to get into my room will be."

"I would hesitate to turn my back on them so quickly, you may need them if you ever get fleas. Frisk, do you want to take a look before I deliver it to the greenhouse?"

"I'm good," Frisk gave a thumbs up, taking one hand off the controller. This was the opening Asriel needed for his green dinosaur to start a combo on his villager, prompting a cry of outrage from the human. "AAAA! That's so cheap! I didn't attack you when you were talking to Chara!"

"And don't you feel silly now," Asriel taunted. His victory was short-lived, however, as MK's character hurled a flaming sword into the melee to kill them both. "What the heck! Quit sniping us!" MK was unable to make a reply, as he was using his cheek and chin to move the joystick and press buttons on the controller, but Chara knew from experience that MK was probably laughing to themself. How like Asriel to take a temporary advantage and lose sight of the true threat!

Chara left them to their bickering and made their way to the greenhouse. They pushed the door open with their shoulder without taking their eyes off the spider. "Dad?" they asked as they came in. "I found another freeloader who needs to work for room and board."

"What?" Asgore said with genuine confusion, lifting his head from the flowers he had been tending with his shears. He saw how Chara was holding their arm, however, and immediately understood. "Ah, I see. See if it wants to set up shop… hm. How about near the dahlias? I believe some aphids got in near there that might be good eating."

Chara nodded and expertly weaved between the rows to the mentioned flowers, even though they had not bloomed yet. They held out their finger and the spider dutifully stepped off, eager to start working. Chara could not help but smile as it disappeared within the stems and pots and they wished their brief friend well.

"You sure do love spiders," Asgore commented with good humor. "You know, if you married a spider you'd by newly-webs."

Chara snorted and shook their head at their Dad's bad joke. "I can't help it," they explained. "Spiders are such misunderstood creatures. They are basically no threat to humans whatsoever, and in fact the only thing they wish is to eat creatures that cause humans sickness and disease. Yet humans are so quick to hate them and fear them even though they are so helpful." They blushed a little and added, "And so cute."

"Don't let Toriel hear you say that," Asgore warned playfully. "She thinks spiders are a sign you aren't cleaning enough. Oh, she doesn't hate them, she gets along with Muffet and her family well enough, but she thinks it's a sign of laziness if you give a spider enough time to build a web in the house."

"I will have to discuss that matter with her at some time," Chara decided. "Most spiders don't invade human homes to stay, they are just passing through. And if they want to build a web and stay a while so what? You could ask for worse housemates."

"You are welcome to try, though I suspect you won't have much luck changing her mind. Since you're up and about, how would you like to assist me with the gardening a little? There isn't much to do but I know you like to help out."

Chara shook their head. "Asriel, Frisk, and MK were playing a game. I think they wanted me to join them, so I think I'd better-"

"FUCK YOU AND YOUR FUCKING EGGS!"

At that exact moment a piercing shout loud enough to shake the glass of the greenhouse rang out from the living room. Chara and Asgore both turned to look toward the source, wide-eyed. "You know what," Chara said. "On second thought I'd be happy to help you out here Dad."

"Go and put your gloves on, you know what to do with these ones." Asgore grumbled as he set the clippers down and rose to his full height. "I think I had better check on what your brother and his friends are doing." He shook his head as he lumbered out of the room, careful to close the door on his way out. Asgore had never been much of a disciplinarian before, and truth be told he still was not nearly as harsh as he thought he was, but at least now he could set a rule and hold firm to it. That was an improvement.

Chara picked up their set of gardening gloves hanging on the wall and unfurled them. Out of the corner of their eye they saw a spider, perhaps even the same one they just set here, peeking out from behind a flower out at them. As soon as Chara turned their head for a better look it dashed off behind the pot and out of sight. Chara smiled. "Be good, won't you?" they said as they donned their gloves.