Fictober 2024

The Past, the Present, the Future

Universe: Outertale

MC: Toriel

Genre: Hurt/comfort(?)

Warnings:
-OOC
-Barely edited
-Mention(s) of child murder

A/N: This is my first time writing Toriel, which is surprising since I like her character. It's also only my second time writing Asgore, so forgive me for any mistakes!
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It has been a while since Toriel felt this heavy. The core did a good job of replicating the pull of earth's gravity, but it's admittedly lighter than the real thing. She isn't sure how to feel about earth and its strange gravity most days, not anymore, not after so long of her home swimming among the stars, but it grounds her in this moment.

The tea in her cup sits a bit heavier in her than earth's teas despite being made of something as inherently light as magic, a need for more mass, so it doesn't simply float away in the vacuum of space. It's contradictory, but she has never bothered with learning the science behind it. She simply sips at it, content to focus on its nostalgic taste rather than the monster in front of her.

"So, uh... Tori-"

"Toriel."

She gives him a withering glare, her serene expression immediately dropping as her brows pinch together and her mouth drops into a frown. She takes great care in putting the teacup down gently despite her awful mood, ignoring Asgore's crestfallen expression.

It's been a month now since monsters got back to earth, a month since they had to keep up a civil appearance in front of the media.

It's not an unfamiliar situation, though it was far easier back when she had a more positive opinion of him. Were it not for the sake of monsterkind and her child, she would have been perfectly content not speaking another word to him in whatever's left of her long life. As it is, her child is unfortunately fond of him despite his past decisions and actions, and she has a responsibility to her people, no matter that she already retired from her position as queen.

So she sits here and tries to be civil with the child murderer. Even if he didn't strictly kill all the children, it was his order that led to their death, so he as good as murdered them all.

His good intentions do not justify his decision.

But Toriel did not come here to torment him, and her child would be upset if she left the king in such a mood. Truly, how unfortunate.

Asgore makes another attempt at a conversation.

"... It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

Toriel, not trusting her words, simply hums in assent. It has been a while since they sat down for tea like this. The past month had been hectic, trying to convince humans that the monsters aren't here to invade their planet, to give them rights to reside on said planet that said humans kicked them off of before, but it has been rewarding. There's still a long way to go for them to truly stand as equals with them in the laws eyes, but they've been making good progress. It's helped that humans seem so fascinated with space, and are delighted with the information monsters are willing to share about it.

Oddly enough, some seem to even want to live in their asteroid belt. It's a thing to consider for another time. Perhaps, if it comes to it, they can declare their prison and beloved home a country of their own? They could set up a dual citizenship of some kind with the humans. Perhaps that would be more appealing to them.

For now, she finishes up her tea.

"I do not like you, Dreemur."

Asgore's expression falls further, but Toriel isn't quite done speaking yet.

"But my child does. And, for their sake, I'm willing to be civil with you."

And maybe, someday, they could be friends. It wouldn't be anything like what they had before, and she's sure that Asgore knows that as well, but it does nothing to dim the hopeful look on his face. His face stretches into a smile, something familiar with the touches of years of guilt and strained hope, and for a moment, she remembers better times.

"I see. Thank you, Toriel."

His sincere gratitude softens her agitation and frown.

Yes, perhaps she will be friends with him. Not for now, not for a long time, but... someday.
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A/N:

Fun fact, I actually plan on the AU and character I'm going to centre these on a day beforehand via a wheel just for the fun of it! So if you wanna know what character and AU will come up next, you can see that on the very bottom from now on.

I have a list of 12 AUs, each of which I'll only repeat 3 times at most. I'll leave said list a surprise!

Next chap: Something new, Flowey