A/N Someone asked about how Frisk managed to stabalize the Amalgamates last chapter, so I'll put my answer here in case you were curious. They're just that powerful. They did heal Noelle's arm when they were only three, restored Undyne's eye at eight, and they've just gotten stronger since. It's the result of them being able to use the power of their human Soul to it's fullest potential and having such a big heart.

Frisk got ready for the day. They went by the kitchen to grab a slice of Snail Pie. They found Toriel sitting in her chair, reading a book.

"Morning, mom," they said.

"Morning, my child," she returned. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yep."

"I see you are dressed for cold weather," Toriel observed, noticing the coat they were wearing. "Planning to go to Snowdin, today?"

"Yep. Noelle and I made plans for the day," Frisk answered.

"Oh, Noelle again?" Toriel asked, a teasing tone to her voice. "You two seem to be spending more time together lately than you used to."

"Speaking of, how was your date with the king last night?" Frisk asked in a too innocent voice.

"V-very nice, thank you," Toriel stuttered, caught off guard by Frisk's return.

"Planning to do it again? Like, say, tonight?"

"I do not believe it is your business to know," Toriel retorted.

"You're my mom. It is my business," Frisk insisted. "And, if I'm not mistaken, he'll be my daddy before long. So, extra my business."

Toriel brought the book up to her face to conceal her blush. She was regretting letting Frisk's friends teach them how to tease.

"Also, Snowy, MK and I expect to hear wedding bells by the end of the year," Frisk added. "Though, Noelle, Berdly and Susie bet it would be another year."

"You and your friends are betting on my love life?" Toriel asked incredulously.

"Not like we have anything else to do," Frisk retorted. "And you've been doing it for a year." They finished their pie slice and dumped the paper plate in the trash. "Welp, I'm off. See you later, if you're even here when I get back."

Toriel wisely chose not to respond, returning to her book.

Frisk met up with Noelle at the edge of town. "How are you doing?" was what they first asked.

"Okay," she answered, though Frisk could hear the forced enthusiasm.

"Is it your dad again?" they asked.

Noelle sighed. "He's not getting better," she admitted. "And he keeps trying to tell us that he will get better, but…"

Frisk had no response to that. "Well, here's hoping. But, in the meantime, let's have some fun. It's what we're here for."

Noelle rubbed her eyes, preventing any tears from falling. "Yeah. Let's go!"

They dashed into the woods, intending to forget their problems and worries for the rest of the day.

Toriel arrived at New Home around lunchtime. She walked through the streets, eventually arriving at a restaurant. Asgore was waiting outside and waved when he saw her. They walked in together, sitting at the table which Asgore had reserved the day before. They ate an appetizer before talking.

"So, how is Frisk?" Asgore asked.

"Getting bigger every day," Toriel said. "It is almost scary in a way. It feels like just yesterday they were barely bigger than my hand."

"Ho ho ho," Asgore laughed. "They grow up so fast, don't they?"

"Faster than I would like," Toriel agreed sullenly.

"Something wrong?"

"Well, they are spending more time with Noelle. In fact, they are with her right now," Toriel explained.

Asgore hummed. "Do you think there's something more than friends there?"

"I am not sure," Toriel admitted. "If there is, then it is just a childhood crush."

"Well, it will be interesting if anything develops," Asgore admitted. "I don't recall a human and Monster coming together. It would be interesting to see the end result."

"Asgore!" Toriel admonished. "They are children! It is far too early to be thinking of that."

"I'm just teasing," Asgore chuckled.

"You and Frisk, it seems," she said, not realizing what slipped out.

"Frisk teases you?" Asgore asked.

Toriel froze when she realized she said that out loud. "Yes. Mostly about us," she admitted.

"Really? And what do the kids say about us?" Asgore asked, curious.

"Apparently they are taking wages on our love life," she revealed. "They made a bet on when we would get married."

"They did?" Asgore asked, startled.

"Yes. Can you believe it? Of all things," Toriel said, exasperated.

"Well, um, they are kids, and they are at that age," Asgore said. "And on that topic, have you thought about that?"

"About what?"

"You know."

It took Toriel a minute to realize what he meant. Then her eyes widened. "I… I am not sure. To be honest, I never really gave much thought to something more than this."

"Oh," Asgore said, disappointedly. "So, you don't think we can ever…?"

Toriel knew she had said something wrong when she heard that sad tone. "No, not that. I just… never thought about… to be honest, I never considered anything more. I just thought we could do this and… see where it went."

Asgore sighed, a burden off his shoulders. "So, while you're thinking about that, do you think we could ever…?"

Toriel wasn't sure. A small part of her wanted to keep hating, but it had been growing quieter over the last year. She hadn't ever given any thought to the future, mostly content with how things were. She had left him and a part of her wanted that relationship to stay broken. But, on the other hand, a part of her wanted that relationship back. To be with her husband again and raise her child with him.

Ultimately, it came down to one thing; was she ready for that type of commitment?

"I am not sure," she admitted. Asgore looked down. "But," she added, "it is not out of the question."

Asgore looked up, hopeful. "So, there is a chance?"

Toriel almost wanted to laugh at the way he said it. It was with a sort of childish hope. "I suppose."

Their food arrived and Asgore's phone rang as they began to eat.

"Sorry. Thought I set it to vibrate," he apologized. He pulled it out and answered it. "Howdy. Carol? What is it?"

Toriel was watching Asgore as she ate, and as such, she saw the moment his face fell. Just a moment ago, his eyes had been hopeful. Now a bleakness had entered them.

"I'll be right there," he said solemnly.

"What is wrong?" Toriel asked. She didn't like that Asgore was cutting their lunch short, but she wasn't going to complain if it was something serious.

"It's Rudy," he answered sadly. "I'm sorry, but I have to go."

Toriel was able to piece together what was wrong. When she did, she felt her heart break a little. "I will come, too," she decided. They got up from the table, leaving their lunch there.

Frisk and Noelle put the finishing touches on a snowmonster, using a pair of sticks to make antlers.

"She looks so pretty," Noelle said.

"I think it should be a 'he'," Frisk said.

"Whatever, Frisk," Noelle teased. They both laughed.

"So, what next?" Frisk asked.

"How about an igloo?" Noelle suggested. "We could pretend to be caught in a snowstorm and are sheltering in it."

"Sounds like fun!" Frisk agreed. Just as they were about to start, Frisk's phone rang. They answered it as quickly as they could. "Hello?"

"Frisk, it is mom," came Toriel's voice.

"Aren't you supposed to be on another date?" Frisk asked.

"We had to cut it short," she admitted. "Is Noelle still with you?"

"Yeah, why?"

"You need to bring her to the hospital in New Home," Toriel explained. "Her dad… just get her here, fast."

"Okay." They hung up, Noelle looking at them.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

"Your dad's at the hospital in New Home," Frisk said. "Something's wrong."

Noelle shivered when they said that. They both knew there could be only one thing wrong in this instance. Rudy was dying.

They got to New Home as quickly as they could. They talked to the receptionist and she pointed them to Rudy's room. The two kids ran in. Asgore and Toriel were already there, as was the rest of Noelle's family, her dad lying on a bed, an IV in his arm. He was hugging his eldest daughter, saying something quietly to her.

After a while, December pulled away from the hug and Noelle took her place next to her father. "Daddy?" she asked, standing as tall as she could to look at him.

"Noelle, sweetheart," he said weakly, lifting an arm and placing it on her head. It was now that she realized how pale he looked. Much of the color had left him.

"W-what's wrong?" she asked, hoping that this wasn't what it looked like.

"It'll be okay," he tried to assure. "You'll be fine."

"But what about you?" she asked. "What will happen to you?"

Rudy weakly rubbed her head. "It won't matter," he said. "Just be strong. I know you can be."

Noelle started crying and leapt up to hug him. He returned the hug and it scared her how cold he felt. After a moment, December came and led her little sister away, hugging her.

Frisk had walked up to stand between Asgore and Toriel. They watched as Noelle cried into her sister's chest, her mom standing aside, seemingly uncaring, but Frisk could see the subtle shakes in her hands, and how her breath hitched in miniscule ways.

Asgore walked up first, grasping Rudy's hand in his own.

"Watch after my girls," Rudy asked.

Asgore nodded. "I will."

After that, Toriel walked up, grasping the same hand Asgore had moments ago.

"Look after your kid," was what he said to her.

"Of course. I would do nothing less," she assured. "And… thank you for being my friend these last few years."

Rudy weakly chuckled. "It was nice to see the woman that stole Gorey's heart," he said. "I was… kinda hoping I would stick around long enough to see you two get back together. But… I'll settle for this."

Toriel was doing her best not to cry, but a few tears escaped regardless.

"Is Frisk here?" Rudy asked.

Frisk hopped up upon hearing their name. "Yeah, I'm here."

Rudy let out a weak laugh. "I forgot how big you are," he said. "It seems only yesterday I saw you in the town plaza with your mom. You were so small back then. Now look at you."

"Thanks, sir," they said respectfully.

"Call me Rudy," he insisted.

"Okay, si- Rudy," they corrected.

"Mind if I talk to Frisk alone?" Rudy requested. Carol escorted her children out, while Asgore and Toriel departed.

"Is something wrong, Rudy?" Frisk asked.

"Noelle. I saw you two come in together. I also know you've been spending a lot of time together," the reindeer said.

"Yeah. Is that okay?" Frisk asked.

"I just… want to be sure you're treating her well," he answered. "Tell me, do you care about her?"

"She's my friend," Frisk answered.

"Just your friend?" Rudy questioned.

"Um, yeah…" Frisk said, wondering where he was going with this.

"Frisk, listen. I know Noelle's gonna take this hard," he said. "She's always been a little too dependent on me. And though she's gotten comfortable with you, I fear that she might break. I… want you to be there for her, to help put her back together. She's going to need someone to lean on. I want to be sure you'll be that someone."

"I will, s- Rudy," they assured.

"Good. And… however things develop between you two, I want to know you will always be there for her," Rudy said.

"How things develop?" Frisk repeated, puzzled.

"You'll understand one day," Rudy said. "Don't worry about it now. Just treat her well, and I will be at peace."

"I will, I promise," Frisk assured.

"Thank you."

The day of the funeral came fast. Too fast for many. Rudy had requested his dust be placed in Snowdin. The whole town gathered for the affair, along with Frisk, Toriel and Asgore. Rudy was a well-known and well-liked figure. His death was a massive blow to the town.

Toriel had managed to get a white suit for Frisk to wear, so they could follow customs. Everyone was gathered near the town square, near a patch of land Carol had acquired to bury her husband.

Frisk stood with their mother, holding her hand. Asgore was next to them, and after a while, decided to hold his hand, too. It pleased the king and made him smile a little.

Frisk didn't listen to the speech, instead focusing on the Holidays. Carol was stiff as a board, arms behind her back and standing straight. December was sniffling, occasionally wiping her cheeks of tears.

But what scared Frisk the most was Noelle; she was just staring ahead, like she couldn't believe she was here.

After the speech, people came forth to spread Rudy's dust on the object in the grave. Carol went first, reaching into the urn that contained what was left of her husband. She moved mechanically, like she was a robot doing what was needed. She grabbed a fistful of dust and held it over the grave. For a moment, just a moment, she froze, hand trembling. Frisk was sure she was saying goodbye in her head. Then, she opened her hand and the grey powder fell into the hole.

Next was December. Unlike her mom, she was much more emotive. She wiped her hand on her coat before reaching into the urn to grab what was left of her dad. She recoiled when she touched the dust. Eventually, she pulled out a handful and spread it in the grave.

And then Noelle came up. The urn was lowered so she could reach it. It looked like Noelle was going to look, but she turned her head away before she could see inside. Then, she reached a hand in. Her reaction was the scariest to Frisk; no reaction. They could see a distant look in her eyes. One day, they would realize she was disassociating herself from the moment, the trauma too much for her to bear. She held a hand over the grave, still looking away. She didn't look as she let the dust go, dropping it into the hole. Once that was done, she turned and went back to her place.

With that, others who knew Rudy well were invited to come up and spread his dust. Asgore went first.

"Frisk," Toriel said to them. "Do you wish to spread Rudy's dust?"

Frisk wanted to say no. But a part of them said they had to, to get closure. They nodded, and Toriel guided them up to the urn. She grabbed a fistful of the powder and Frisk mimicked her. They flinched when they felt it. They had never touched Monster dust before. They hadn't been sure what to expect, but this was worse than anything they had ever felt. It was cold and coarse. It scratched. It hurt. It was everything a Monster wasn't. But they bore it and looked inside the grave as they held Rudy's dust in their hand. They gasped when they saw the little doll at the bottom. It was a very simple thing, a white robe and crude halo on a piece of wood. They could guess at its origin but said nothing. Merely opened their hand to lay more of Rudy with the doll.

Once the burial was done and the dirt was piled on top, a headstone with a simple engraving carved into it was placed.

The ceremony was over and people began leaving. Frisk watched the Holidays as they departed. Carol had a hand on both her daughter's shoulders. December was doing her best to maintain her composure. Noelle, however, was still blankly staring ahead. It frightened them.

Frisk tugged at Toriel's hand, making their mom stop. "What is it, Frisk?" she asked.

"I need to talk to Noelle," they said.

"Surely it can wait," Toriel said. "She is grieving."

"That's the thing, mom. She wasn't," Frisk clarified. "I'm worried. She needs help and I don't think her family can do that for her. Please, let me help her."

Toriel debated for a moment. "Okay. Just be home in time for supper." She let go, allowing Frisk to follow their friend.

They went to her house, knocking on the door. The door opened to reveal December, a tissue in hand.

"Frisk? What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I need to see your sister, Dess," Frisk answered, using her nickname.

"I don't think that's a good idea," the deer Monster said. "We just buried our dad."

"I know. That's the problem," Frisk said. "Please, Dess."

After a moment of internal debate, she stepped aside to let Frisk in. They walked through the living room, passing Carol at her desk.

"What are you doing here?" the Holiday matriarch asked.

"To help your daughter," they answered. "I'm worried."

"Your concern is not needed," she said. "She does not need a friend at the moment."

"She does," Frisk retorted. "And before you say 'she needs her family', neither you nor your daughter are in any state to help her." Frisk ran up the stairs to Noelle's room before the older deer could respond. They knocked on the door to their friend's room. "Noelle, it's me," they said, waiting for a response. They got none. "Noelle, I'm coming in." They slowly opened the door. They stepped into their friend's room, finding her sitting on her bed. Again, the impassive way she acted frightened them.

"Noelle?"

"Hi, Frisk," Noelle said flatly.

Frisk walked to the bed. "Mind if I come up?"

"No."

They hopped onto her bed, sitting next to her. "Are you… okay?" They knew it was a stupid question, but they had to say it anyway.

"I'm fine," she droned.

"Okay," Frisk responded, not believing her. They just sat there in silence for a while.

"Why are you here, Frisk?" Noelle asked after a while.

"I'm worried," they admitted.

"I told you, I'm fine."

"You barely cried at the funeral," they said. "It was scary."

"Why?"

"Well, I know if my mom died, I'd be heartbroken. I'd probably be a wreck, worse than your sister. But you… you're not crying."

"Why is that scary?"

"Because I would think you'd be crying your eyes out," Frisk answered. "Not… this. It's like you don't care."

They caught a small hitch in her breath when they said that. "Why would I be sad? People die all the time."

"But it's not every day your dad dies," Frisk retorted. "Noelle, are you really okay?"

"I'm f-fine," she stuttered.

"No, you're not," they said. "You're hurting. And you're hurting so bad you're shutting down. That can't be good for you."

Now tears were beginning to well up in her eyes and she took in a shaky breath.

"Why are you doing this?" Frisk asked. "Why are you pretending you're okay?"

"I'm t-trying to be b-brave, like he w-wanted," she said, voice quivering.

"This isn't brave," Frisk said. "He wouldn't want you to be like this." Hesitantly, they reached out and laid a hand on her shoulder. At last, she turned to face them, her expression still neutral, but the quivering lip and tears threatening to spill betrayed her.

"He w-wants me to be s-strong, so I-I have to be s-strong," she said, voice breaking.

"Not like this," Frisk said. "It's okay to cry, Noelle."

For a moment, it looked like the words hadn't hit. But then, she looked down, and the expression broke. A moment later, she buried her face in their chest and sobbed.

Frisk wrapped their arms around her, hugging her and keeping her close, rubbing her back in little circles. "It's okay, let it out," they said gently.

Noelle's sobs got louder as she cried into their chest. After a while, she let out a loud wail, screaming into them. Frisk stayed with her as she grieved for her father. A couple times, December and Carol opened the door to check on them, especially after her loud scream. But upon seeing Frisk comforting Noelle, they quietly closed the door.

Frisk continued to rub her back, the deer girl crying for a long time. Frisk didn't know how long she cried. Long enough for them to start getting hungry. Eventually, Noelle's sobs tapered off and her trembling calmed down. It took a few more minutes before she pulled back.

"Feeling better?" Frisk asked.

"A little," she admitted. "S-sorry about your shirt."

"It's okay. It'll wash out."

Noelle wiped her cheeks and noticed a few tears going down Frisk's cheeks as well. "T-thank you," she said.

"You're my friend," Frisk said. "One of my closest. I'd do anything for you."

Noelle sat on her bed for a while. "I miss him."

"Me too," they agreed. "He was a great guy."

"Why did you come here?" Noelle asked again.

"I could see you were in pain, but refusing to let yourself feel it," they answered. "I had to help you."

"Why? You don't owe me anything," she said.

"Your dad asked me to," Frisk revealed. "He wanted me to look out for you and care for you. And I will, always."

Noelle chuckled a little, smiling for the first time since her dad died. "You've always been a good friend. I… I can't imagine my life without you."

Frisk nodded. "I can't imagine my life without you, either."

Noelle looked up at them. "Promise we'll always be together?"

Frisk was going to agree right away, but something made them hesitate. They weren't sure why, but something about that question had extreme weight behind it. Like whatever answer they gave would carry on for the rest of their life. As such, they didn't give her an answer right away. Something Rudy had said on his deathbed went through their head. It still confused them, but perhaps he was alluding to something. And though they were too young to really understand, a part of them knew what he meant.

After a moment of internal debate, they gave her their answer. "Yes. Always."

Noelle gave a full smile and the two of them embraced. It felt like they had just sealed something with that act and both vowed to always be there for each other.

The next few months went by fast. Frisk continued their life, spending more time with Noelle than before. They helped her come to terms with her father's death, eventually bringing her to his grave so she could properly say goodbye.

But Frisk's world was rocked when Toriel made a little announcement to them. They had known it would be coming, but it still took them by surprise. She and Asgore were renewing their vows. Apparently, Frisk's little comment the day Rudy Fell Down made both of them genuinely think about the future for once and realized that they wanted to spend it together. Frisk was ecstatic when their mother told them.

They spent a couple months planning the wedding, working on a guest list, and figuring out who would do what. Toriel had requested that Frisk be the one to lead her down the aisle, as well as serve as a ringbearer, alongside Noelle. Asgore had suggested that Undyne be the maid of honor, which Toriel agreed to. Papyrus was appointed best man.

As the momentous day came closer, Toriel realized Frisk did not have anything proper to wear. She also didn't know if Frisk would prefer a suit or a dress for the wedding and Frisk found it hard to choose. She had tried to pick something more neutral for them, but Frisk felt like it wasn't needed.

On the day of the wedding, Frisk was left with a choice between what to wear. They knew such a choice shouldn't bother them, but it felt like making the choice for something so public would cement their identity. For years, they chose to be neither, preferring to be neutral. But ever since their promise to Noelle, they felt like they were changing, and a part of them wanted to identify with one gender. They looked between the suit and dress, debating about which to go with. They knew what their assigned gender was, but did they want to go with it, or be the opposite?

Eventually, they made a choice: the suit. They began putting it on, accepting that side of themself. It was a step and they'd never fully embrace it, but they wondered if it was perhaps okay to take a tiny step in that direction.

Toriel collected them from their room. The day before, the two of them packed up as much of the house as they could. Toriel had decided they would move in with Asgore. Frisk was eager.

They went to the church. Frisk waited in the lobby with their mom as everyone filed into the sanctuary. They peaked through the window and spotted Noelle near the altar, next to Asgore. He was dressed in his armor and cape, looking better than Frisk had ever seen. Though they gawked at Noelle, who was wearing a white dress, her hair in twin ponytails.

Frisk turned away to see their mom nervously pacing. She was in a purple dress and a floral crown on her head. "You okay?" Frisk asked.

"I am fine," she assured. "It is just… a part of me cannot believe I am doing this again."

"What do you mean?"

"I never believed I would be able to look at him again. Now I am remarrying him," Toriel explained. "And as much as I want to do that, part of me still thinks I should not do this. That we remain separate."

"But you love him, right?" Frisk asked.

"Yes," she admitted. It had taken a year, but she knew she still loved him.

"And it's not just for yourself you're doing this for, right?" Frisk asked.

"Not entirely," she admitted.

"And think about it; he makes you happy and you make him happy. You both went through a rough patch, but you patched it up. I may be a kid, but I can see how much you want to be with him. I believe you two belong together."

Toriel smiled and patted Frisk on the head. "How are you so wise? I am hundreds of years old and yet you are the wise one."

"I've just been raised right," they responded.

They heard the music start. Frisk held out their arm. Though she towered over them, she still took it. They opened the door and the two walked down the aisle to the altar. Asgore quietly gasped when he saw them. Once Toriel stood before Asgore, Frisk let go and stood behind her. They looked over at Noelle, who they caught staring at them, blushing. When she saw them looking, she averted her eyes.

Gerson was officiating the wedding, which he had apparently done the first time, too. Frisk mostly tuned him out, not wanting to listen to whatever speech he had to say. As it went on, Frisk moved to stand next to Noelle. They were both carrying rings.

"You look really cute in that dress," they whispered to her.

"Thanks," she whispered back. "I…uh, really like your suit. It makes you look, uh, cute, too."

"Thank you."

Eventually, the point came where the rings were to be given. Frisk and Noelle held out their rings, giving them to their respective Dreemurr. It had surprised Toriel that Asgore had kept both their rings. They exchanged rings and put them on each other's hand. After that, Frisk stood next to Noelle, their role done. Then came the 'I do's, which both committed to and exchanged a kiss as Gerson proclaimed their marriage renewed.

Frisk smiled up at their parents, happy for them both. As they watched, they reached out to grasp Noelle's hand. She jolted at the contact, but calmed down and returned their smile.

The reception went well, though Frisk found themself bored. They didn't realize that getting their mom back with her husband would have so much stuff attached. They did end up dancing with their friends, even sharing a dance with their mom, too.

Eventually the party ended. As everyone went home, gifts were given to the bride and groom, which, for the king and returned queen, meant very extravagant and exotic things. Frisk watched from one of the tables as their mom and the king received more gifts.

"Mind a little company?"

Frisk turned to see Alphys there holding a glass filled with a fizzy liquid.

"Not at all," they said.

Alphys sat next to them. She was in a red floral print dress. "This must be a big day for you," she said. "I also notice you're wearing a suit."

"Yeah."

"I thought you'd be wearing something more… I dunno, neutral," she admitted.

Frisk shrugged. "It just felt right. And… that includes the other part of that."

"Oh, so you don't mind if I refer to you as a boy?" she asked.

"Maybe not yet. But I'll get there," they confessed.

"Okay. Oh, before I forget, I got something for you," she said.

"Aren't gifts meant for the bride and groom?" Frisk questioned.

"This is different. It's a 'thank you' for helping with the Amalgamates," she explained. She reached into a bag that Frisk just now noticed she was carrying. And from it, she brought out a potted flower.

"A flower?" Frisk asked.

"This is actually a very special flower," Alphys explained. "This is a golden flower which comes from the surface."

"Really?" Frisk asked enthusiastically.

"Yep. But this one is extra special," she continued. "This one appeared shortly after your mom left. It was the first to grow in Asgore's garden. I, uh, used it for the DT experiments."

Frisk remembered that Alphys had been planning to give something without a Soul the will to live. "Did it work?"

"No," she admitted. "But, I don't want such a pretty flower to go to waste. Which is why I want you to have it."

Frisk took it from her hands. "It's beautiful. Thanks, Alphys."

"No problem."

"One other thing. I noticed you were dancing with the captain there for a while," Frisk said.

"Yeah. She's a surprisingly good dancer, too," Alphys admitted, blushing.

Frisk giggled. "Why do I get the feeling that there's going to be another wedding in a few years?"

"Frisk!"

After the reception, Toriel and Frisk went back home. The next day, they finished packing up and Asgore showed up to carry as much of their stuff as he could to his castle. Frisk was surprised when the top of the castle had a house that had the exact same layout as Toriel's house. It surprised Frisk, but it meant they didn't have to adjust. Though they vowed to do something about the color. Grey was so dull.

"How about I make us some dinner while we get situated?" Toriel suggested.

"No problem," Asgore agreed.

"Oh, can I go to the garden?" Frisk requested.

"Want to return that flower to its proper place?" Asgore questioned. Frisk nodded. "Go down the stairs and follow the path. The garden doubles as the throne room."

Frisk excitedly ran down the stairs, flower in hand.

"They are an eager child," Asgore said with nostalgia.

"Yes," Toriel agreed. "It will be a delight to see how they adapt."

"And it will also be good to have them around," Asgore said. "This house has been far too quiet for the past few years." He turned to face her. "And it is good to have you back, Tori."

"It feels good to be back, Gorey," she returned.

Frisk reached the throne room. They looked around at the massive flower bed, searching for a place to plant the flower. Eventually, they settled on a spot about halfway between the door and the throne. They located a trowel, dug some of the dirt up, then planted the flower in the hole they had created.

"There you are, home sweet home," Frisk said. They sat down, looking at the flower. "Home. This place feels so different, and yet, it's the same. To be honest, I'm not sure how to feel. I'm happy beyond measure, but I'm also nervous. After all, I've just become the prince. I'm worried I won't be able to match up to everyone's expectations of me, but I know I shouldn't be. I have the best parents in the world looking after me and friends who will stand by me."

They cupped the flower's head. "And don't you worry, I'll take good care of you. King Asgore – dad – will help with that. Heh. I've never had a dad before so I don't know what to think of him. But I suppose we'll find out. It's a new day, and a new era."

"Frisk!" Asgore's voice called. "Dinner's almost ready!"

"Well, I better go. I don't want to miss dinner with my family," Frisk said to the flower. "And don't worry, I'll come up with a name for you. You deserve a special place."

Frisk ran out, running back to the house, leaving the flower there, swaying in the garden.

End of Chapter 15

A/N And with that, we end what is effectively part one of the story. The next chapter takes place a couple years later and it will be the last time there's a big time skip. I know some people haven't been too happy with how slow things are going, so just think of all this as setup for the last two arcs of the story. What are they going to be? Well, if you have been paying special attention to the sequence of events, I think you can guess.

Anyway, see you next week.