Chapter Text
You sit with your hands in your lap. This situation is quite awkward. You never expected to be having tea with a fuzzy, horned woman today. Especially in your ballet attire. It’s very unbecoming of a houseguest. Then again, life is full of surprises. This is just one of them. It is not an unpleasant one either.
And to think, you were worried when you were pushes down the hole of Mount Ebott. Those jerks in your class are unpleasant and it was exceedingly rude of them, but at least it was not all terrible. This woman is a delight to speak to. She is also most helpful.
Her house is quaint. Despite the unpleasant neighbors that insisted on attacking you while you journeyed over, you believe it is in a nice location. There is so much character to her dwelling. It does feel weird though. There are three rooms in a house where only one person lives. She could have chosen a house more suited to her living situation. Oh well. She must have had a reason for choosing this place.
The cup clinks softly against the table as she sets it in front of you. You look up at the gentle smile on her face as she waits for you to try it. You are happy to oblige. She has been so kind. The least you can do it try the tea.
You bring the cup to your lips with your left hand and slowly pour the tea down your throat. It is just warm enough that it could brew, but cool enough as to not burn the tongue. She must be a master of tea brewing to prepare it so wonderfully.
“The tea is excellent, Ma’am.” You beam a smile in her direction.
“Thank you, Child.” She reaches for your free hand and lays her own over it, “Would you like to see your room?”
You are taken aback at her offer. You must decline, “I’m sorry, but I could not intrude on you like that.” There is also something else that should be evident to her, “I am also afraid that, despite your generous hospitality and tempting offer, I must go home.” You set the tea back on the table.
You do not miss the look on her face when the words leave your mouth. Something about what you have just said saddens her.
You lower the lids of your eyes and glance downward, “I seem to have upset you. Do not misunderstand. I am very grateful that you picked me up after I landed, but this is not where I belong. I am sure my parents are already beginning to worry. You understand, do you not?”
The look does not fade from her face, but she seems to understand that she cannot hold you. She notices that you have emptied your cup and reaches to take it from you, “Even if you feel that way, we should make something for you before you leave. Maybe you’ll let me change your mind.”
You raise an eyebrow in her direction, “We? Are you asking me to assist you in the kitchen?”
Her face flushes, despite the fur, “Well, cooking is too risky for now. So, I will make something and you can enjoy it once it’s done.”
You laugh at her statement, “You are very kind, Toriel. If you keep it up, I may truly have to consider taking you up on your offer.” She is very much like a mother. It’s sad to see that she lives on her own. You almost feel bad that you will not be changing that anytime soon.