Dr. Alphys had been your friend for what felt like forever. You didn’t really remember how it all started. After all, you weren’t exactly a fan of the robotic stuff she was always raving about, nor her deep obsession with Mad Mew Mew. Yet, somehow, you found yourself never bored in her company. She had this unique way of making even the most technical research sound like an exciting adventure.

There was, however, one thing you didn’t like about her: the chronic lack of punctuality. She was never on time. Ever.

Today was no different. You had already been waiting for ten minutes in your usual café. Nothing too alarming compared to other days, but it still felt like it was getting a little ridiculous.

Hey, where are you? 16:30 ✓✓

Sorry... 16:31 ✓✓

You can get inside and ask for the usual. I’ll be there in five! 16:31 ✓✓

Five minutes? That was hopeful.

With a shrug, you pushed open the door to the café. Instantly, the warm scent of freshly brewed coffee greeted you, mixing with the subtle sweetness of pastries in the air. The café was one of those places that always felt like home. Its interior was cozy and inviting with wood-paneled walls, soft golden lighting, and an assortment of mismatched chairs and tables that gave the space a casual vibe.

In the back corner, there was a window that showcased an interior patio with flower boxes hanging from the walls, creating a soft cascade of colorful blooms. The sun filtered through the plants, casting delicate patterns on the stone floor, making it feel almost like you were on the surface.

A fish like monster behind the counter greeted you, his scales glistening faintly under the café’s warm lighting. His bright eyes were a little wide with nervousness, and you realized this was probably his first day. You didn’t recognize him from past visits.

“What can I get for you?” he asked, his voice a bit unsure.

“I think this is the one...” you muttered, pointing to the strawberry milkshake you’d seen Alphys order countless times. It was simple but comforting: strawberry syrup, creamy milk, blended with vanilla ice cream and some whipped cream with rainbow sprinkles on top.

Once the drink was ready, you carried it to your usual spot near the window. You settled into the chair and watched the sunlight dance across the patio outside. There was something almost magical about it, the flowers swaying gently in the breeze.

You were so absorbed in the view that you didn’t even notice someone walking in until it was too late. Your heart skipped a beat as a tall, glamorous robot entered the café, his shiny chrome exterior gleaming under the lights. Of course, it was none other than Mettaton, the most famous star of the Underground. You froze as he glanced at you through his heart shaped glasses. And then, with a smile that could light up the entire room, he made his way to your table.

What’s happening? Why is he coming over here? What could he possibly want from you?

“Hi, darling!” he greeted, his voice smooth as silk, before he smoothly took a seat across from you. “I’m Mettaton.”

“Yeah, I know!” you replied enthusiastically, your voice a little more nervous than you intended.

Of course I know who he is. And by the way everyone was looking at him on the café, they probably did too.

But what happened next was a bit... unexpected. He reached for the milkshake you had bought specifically for Alphys and took a long, loud sip. You stared, a bit stunned. Did he seriously just take your drink?

“Hey...” you said, a little taken aback. “That was for—”

Before you could finish your sentence, Mettaton leaned back with a contented sigh, his long fingers elegantly tapping the edge of the almost empty glass.

“Oh, darling, this is delicious! You have excellent taste! How did you know I would like this?”

You blinked, flabbergasted. “That was for Alphys,” you corrected, then glanced down at your phone. You had completely forgotten about the time. It had been well past five minutes. “But... never mind,” you muttered, taking a sip of your own drink as if everything was totally normal.

What even is normal anymore?

Mettaton, still happily sipping your drink, gave you a dazzling grin. “Ah, yes, Alphys,” he said, eyes twinkling. “She’s a good friend of mine. She’s told me all about you.”

“Really?” you asked, almost incredulously. You had no idea Alphys had ever mentioned you to the famous diva, nor that they knew each other.

He hummed, swirling the last bit of the milkshake in his glass. The slurping sound was almost too loud, and you felt a pang of awkwardness.

“Quite right!” he said, suddenly leaning forward, his voice lowering to a dramatic whisper. “She said you thought I was cute and would love to go on a date with me.”

You nearly choked on your drink. “What?” you sputtered. “What do you mean, Alphys said I liked you?”

Mettaton waved a hand dismissively, as if he were trying to play it cool. “Oh, darling, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. She showed me a picture of you, and I thought, well, why not make an exciting date out of it?” He gave you a little wink, his smile widening. “Though I would have chosen a more exciting place for our first date...”

You couldn’t help the heat rising to your cheeks. “Wait, wait... so you thought this was a date?” you asked, your voice cracking slightly.

“Of course,” he said, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. “Alphys told me you were thrilled about it!” He dramatically placed a hand over his chest as if he were deeply wounded.

A light chuckle escaped you. “But... wouldn’t we have talked about it, like, you know, texting or something?”

He looked at you with wide eyes, almost scandalized. “Texting? My dear, I’m far too important for such mundane things. I’m a busy man after all!” He paused, taking off his heart shaped glasses and placing them on the table, his gaze now focused on you more seriously. “But I thought... well, Alphys told me you would love to go on a date with me.”

You stared at him, still trying to process what was happening. “She... she really said that?”

“Yes,” he glanced down at his nails, even though they were gloved, as if he was looking for some sign of a flaw or imperfection, though his posture still screamed confidence. “It’s not true then?” he asked, his voice dropping a notch.

“No, I... I mean, yes, sort of?” you stammered. “I never said anything about a date.” You winced, realizing how that sounded.

Mettaton’s expression shifted, a flicker of disappointment passing through his eyes. “Oh, darling,” he sighed, giving you a look of exaggerated frustration. “Are you rejecting... me?”

“No, no!” you blurted, quickly correcting yourself, your face burning. “I mean.... I think you’re amazing, Mettaton. I just didn’t expect this! But now that you mention it... a date with you could be... fun?” You laughed nervously, hoping your words would somehow make sense.

Mettaton’s expression shifted again, this time with an almost seductive glint in his eye. The disappointment was gone, replaced by a teasing, playful smile. He leaned in just a little closer, his eyes narrowing in amusement.

“Oh, darling,” he purred, his voice dripping with playful mischief. “Does that mean you find me... attractive?” He struck a dramatic pose, one hand on his hip, his other hand fluttering above his head as if he were a star on stage.

You froze for a second, taken aback by the sudden shift in energy. He was looking at you expectantly, his gaze intense but playful, clearly enjoying the effect he was having on you.

“Well... yeah, I guess...” you muttered, trying to play it cool.

Mettaton leaned in further, his voice low and teasing. “So, Alphys wasn’t completely making this up, was she?” He flashed you a smile, the kind that could melt anyone with a single look, but the way he asked it made it seem like he was almost daring you to say the right thing.

What have you gotten myself into, Alphys?

A date with Mettaton, the star of the Underground?

“Darling?” Mettaton raised an eyebrow, still grinning playfully. “Is it true?” His voice was a low, teasing lilt, and there was a glint in his eye that said he was savoring this moment, reveling in the power he now held after what felt like a brief rejection. He was clearly enjoying the chance to turn the tables and make sure you couldn’t escape his charm so easily.

You were about to respond when something caught your eye. Through the window, you saw a familiar figure standing just outside, peering nervously inside. You blinked, recognizing the small, scaly form and the large, round glasses immediately.

It was Alphys. She was standing on the patio, clearly trying to remain out of sight but failing miserably. She was hiding behind a potted plant, but you could see her peeking out from behind it, watching the scene unfold with a mixture of excitement and... guilt?

Mettaton, noticing you staring, followed your gaze and looked out the window. When he saw Alphys, his expression shifted from playful to one of surprise.

“Well, well, well...” Mettaton said with a dramatic chuckle, sitting back in his chair as he tapped his fingers against the table. “Looks like our dear Alphys had a little something to do with this, doesn’t it?”

You looked at Mettaton, then back at Alphys, who was now quickly ducking out of view, probably realizing she’d been caught. You couldn’t believe it. Alphys was spying on you this whole time?

Mettaton’s grin widened, and he laughed, clearly amused by the situation. “Oh, darling, this is even more exciting than I thought! I should’ve known Alphys was behind this little setup. She’s always been full of surprises.”

You sighed, rolling your eyes. “I can’t believe she told you I found you attractive and then... this!” you said, a little exasperated.

“Oh, don’t worry, darling,” Mettaton purred, leaning across the table, his voice soft but teasing. “It’s cute that she’s trying to play cupid. But now that we know her little secret... we could always continue this date on our own, couldn’t we?”

You gave Mettaton a sheepish grin, but there was a sense of relief now that you knew he wanted to continue the date.

“Yeah, I guess we could,” you said, still not entirely sure what was going to happen next, but oddly excited at the same time.

Mettaton stood up with a flourish, his voice regaining its dramatic flair. “Then it’s settled! Let’s make this a day to remember, darling. Alphys can watch from the sidelines.”

You laughed, standing up to follow him as he confidently led the way out of the café. As you left, you gave Alphys a quick glance, catching her peeking out from behind the potted plant, her face turning a shade of red that was difficult to ignore.