Chapter Text
Frost had begun to melt away, giving way to grass and flowers. Leaves were once again making their home on the trees, in anticipation for the coming spring. The public park that held the returning greenery had its fair share of life returning. Man and monster alike enjoyed the atmosphere of romance that permeated the air of Valentine’s Day. Toriel and Asgore sat side by side on a park bench, enjoying not only each other’s company but also the sight of other people. The monster couple pleasantly enjoyed watching people rollerblading, picnicking, and just sitting and holding hands like themselves.
“Look at that, Tori. Humans and monsters, living together. I never could have imagined”, Asgore ruminated. Toriel nodded in agreement. For all they had been through, a relaxing day in the park was simply heaven. They had arrived early in the day to watch the sunset. It was event they had each cherished since returning to the surface, and only recently had they begun to enjoy it together. The cold hardly bothered them, thick fur keeping the chill at bay. In silence they both understood. It was the perfect day. The sun eventually made its way to its noon time perch, shining brightly in the sky. With a mindful nudge from Toriel, Asgore remembered the next thing item on their Valentine’s Day schedule. He grabbed the basket of food that Toriel prepared, and she held the blanket Asgore had knitted. It was appropriately colored red and white, with checkered hearts. She smiled again when she looked at it.
The found a place by the lakeside for a romantic picnic of their own. Toriel set down the blanket for them to sit. “It is such a nice blanket Asgore. I almost want to avoid dirtying it”, Toriel said.
“Thank you so much, dear, but what are we to do without it?,” Asgore retorted. “I would much rather a silly blanket than a beautiful dress. And you do so make it look beautiful.”
Toriel would blush if she wasn’t already used to countless such compliments. All the same, she never tired of hearing them. She laid the blanket down and smoothed out the corners, Asgore prepared the parcel of snacks and a thermos of specially brewed tea. They sat together and prepared to enjoy their modest lunch. Toriel had baked a strawberry pie for two and some mysterious goodies wrapped in a napkin. Asgore’s tea was an aromatic blend with peppermint being the most prominent scent. All together, it was a scene to delight the senses. Each monster was impressed with the other’s dedication to making the special day really stand out.
Once their meal was finished, Toriel decided to unveil her special surprise. Asgore’s mouth nearly watered in anticipation. “Look Gorey. Heart shaped tarts! Harts!” Indeed, the heart shaped pastries were frosted white and red with tiny sprinkles. Asgore laughed and added ,”Had I known what you were up to I would have made a quilted tart upon which to eat our harts.” Toriel returned his laughter and sighed happily. She leaned on his shoulder and invited him to munch on the little love filled pastries. He accepted and rested his cheek on her head, careful to avoid her dainty horns.
Together they watched the lake reflect the journey of the sun. They never tired of watching the magical ball of fire. The way it changed the color of the sky always managed to entrance them. They could easily spend all day watching it, such was the plan. In due time, all the food was gone and the last of the tea had disappeared. Toriel wiped off the last of the crumbs off Asgore’s blonde beard. As she flicked off the last crumb, she looked at him. “Asgore, I must ask you something.” Barely paying attention he responded with a hum. “Are we just… going through the motions?” Asgore snapped to attention and looked at her. The look on his face told her he didn’t understand.
She explained, “We used to do things like this all the time. I cannot express how grateful I am that we may return to simple pleasures. Despite my relief… it does not feel the same.” Toriel held her hands together and looked down at them. Asgore tried to lift her chin up with his finger. She turned away from his hand. “I am sorry. I remember the love we shared. You must believe me, I do.” She turned to face him to add emphasis to her words. “Yet I also remember… what you did.” Asgore frowned and began to collect the pie tin and thermos, putting them away in the basket. Toriel placed a hand on his arm. “No Asgore, I am not saying I wish for you to leave. I am just… not ready for things to go back to the way there were. I do not think… we can ever go back.”
Asgore reached to stroke her cheek with his thumb and this time she did not turn away. “My dear Toriel. If the time comes that you no longer can bear my presence, you need only to ask. Your happiness and that of all monsterkind is all I care about. In the meantime perhaps it would help if I told you that I spent an eternity also wishing that I could turn back time.” Asgore smiled despite the sadness in his voice. It was rare when he sounded knowledgeable as he spoke. “It was at the darkest times in my life where the hope of a better future guided my hand. I know that it is impossible for you to forget the past. I would never ask that of you. We owe nothing to the past so do not force yourself to mirror it. We can only look ever onward, with hope at our side.”
Toriel smiled at his words and buried her face in his broad chest, wrapping her arms around him. They held each other close as sky began to darken. “Thank you Asgore. Thank you for always being the man you are. Don’t you ever forget who that man is. Don’t you ever… never again. Do you hear me Asgore? Promise me.” Asgore heard her sob gently and stroked the back of her head with his large hand. She squeezed him tightly and he closed his eyes. With a stern look he softly whispered to her.
“I promise.”