♡ Alpharune ♡

You Can Always Go Home

The car journey was less painful with two. Asriel put on the radio and sang along, watching Chara get more and more frustrated as he got the words wrong on purpose. They were having fun, though. Even if they refused to admit it...it was nice to spend time together outside of just sitting in a coffee shop and chatting. It was truly an unlikely friendship, as they weren't particularly similar in personality, but they gravitated towards each other.
 
Perhaps some things are just meant to be.
 
Asriel had called home in advance, let them know that he was bringing back a plus one. Made sure there was room for Chara to stay someplace, and that Kris wouldn't mind. They had been hesitant, apparently, but said it was okay regardless. Kris had really grown up since he left....so much less selfish than before. Maybe Asriel was proud, but there was a lingering sadness too. Kris is doing fine without him, they're doing better in fact...
No, he can't let himself feel so petty about this. Kris is doing well, and he's proud. That's that.
 
"You stopped singing" Chara commented, a small frown on their face. "Are you okay?"
"Huh? I'm fine. Sorry, guess I zoned out a bit..." he chuckled nervously, focusing his attention on the road before he let himself drift further into thought. "Its just...weird to be going back."
"What do you mean?" They asked quietly.
"Well, last time I was there, it was so...stressful. Mom was just starting to be a parent again, dad was basically gone from my day to day life, and my gap year was basically over and I hadn't done anything with it. Kris was still Kris though. They don't change all that much..." he smiled a little to himself, just thinking about them.

Chara was quiet, turning off the radio. Its hard to think of anything to say when Asriel's just so emotional and open. That's not who they are. Their cards remain close to their chest, and he wears his on his sleeve.
But they still want to be here for him. They still want to help
Even if they aren't sure how.

"Sounds like you didn't have a great time. Why are you so eager to go back?"
"Because of Kris." He chuckled. "They're like...my best friend. I have other friends but...no one compares. I'd do anything to make them happy."
Chara blinked a little, mulling the words over.

"And what about your happiness?"

Asriel said nothing for a moment, looking down a little. A quiet sadness lingered in his expression, before he reached out to the radio again. Turning the music back up, singing over the words so Chara stopped questioning him. He can't deal with that right now.
Chara's concerns fell on deaf ears, unheeded.

And they just watched him. Why does he do this to himself? When they were unhappy, they left, simple as. But with Asriel, he can't help himself but go back.
Maybe they're thinking in too black and white terms, but...

This feels wrong.

Still, as the quiet autumnal trees passed by, and as the music gently hummed from the car radio, their thoughts slipped away from Asriel once more. Away from everything in the present and past, everything other than their main goal. They have to find time to learn more about the curious little nowhere town. The only problem will be leaving Asriel, but he's a popular guy. He'll probably be distracted fast, which will give them a chance to explore.

The sound of Asriel's phone ringing interrupted their thoughts once more, and a small nod from the boss monster told them that answering it was probably wise. A glance at the contact told them it was his mum.
"Hello? Asriel is driving right now."

"Oh! Is this Chara I am speaking to? Greetings, my child! It is excellent to meet you!"

".........greetings."
God, Asriel's mother is so over-enthusiastic. Its sickening.

"Oh! I am Toriel, by the way! I am calling to let you know that Kris likely will not be home when you arrive. For some reason they left in such a hurry...apparently they have plans with a friend for the afternoon."