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Howdy, Alberto!

I have a present for you! Can I see you at your room at the inn soon?

[ A present...? Well... That's not something Alberto is used to, that's for sure... And totally at random, too! Best that it's a text conversation because he'd be embarrassed to show the honest wistful look on his face receiving this message. ]

really?!yeah!! im home 🤩😲🤠

[ No relation to the "Howdy," of course. Alberto just likes that emoji's hat... ]

( He smiles in excitement at his response, already beginning to head out the door. )

Okay! I'll see you soon. ( ๑>ᴗ<๑ ) ʕ•̀ω•́ʔ✧

( He can't help but send his own emotes in response before putting his phone away. Asriel will start making his way to the inn then, and it won't be long before Alberto hears a knock at his door. He's just sort of carefully tucked his present away to keep it safe for now. )

[ Alberto doesn't bother responding, charmed as he is by those weird emojis he's never seen. He thinks the second one looks rather like Asriel and it makes him smile. The Everything Machine continues to astound him in new ways every day, man...

But when he hears the knock, he's fast to his feet, and flings the door open with a hopeful smile, which widens into a lopsided grin when he sees, indeed, it's Asriel. He'd not been doing anything in particular for once... When it's Alberto hitting Asriel up, he always makes it seem like his life is just nonstop excitement!!!!!! But... Asriel hitting him up out of the blue? He caught Alberto in the middle of just lying in his bed, playing opera on his phone, staring at the ceiling, picking at his toes... A surprisingly candid moment, transparent in just how low energy Alberto seems compared to usual — though that's swelling, surely, even in just the way he jumps to answer the door. A present! For him! For no reason! And, y'know— company is always welcome. If anyone's gonna interrupt him picking his nose and piddling away his time alone, he's glad it's Asriel, gifts or no. ]

Heyyy, man! C'min!

[ He waves the boy in, opening his arms onto the room to gesture his welcome. The room is as chaotic as ever. He may have even gotten more stuff since Asriel was last over, who knows what... But regardless of clutter, it's somehow an oddly still scene. Carlo's nowhere to be seen, and neither is Sofia. It's just Alberto and his arias floating through the air, killing time. ]

( It's true that Alberto's place is always a lot. It makes him wonder just how much of the human world he's seen before coming here. At the least, Asriel has read about museums, and if he'd had seen one before, he's sure that it's what it would remind him of. Still, he doesn't take too much time to look around. He came here for a reason, and he wants to focus on that. On top of wanting to give him a gift, he had some things to talk about - some things he wanted to tell him. )

Hi there, Alberto! ( He greets his friend happily, small tail wagging as he walks in. The music is nice, he notes -- pretty. It's just another thing that makes him feel far more alive and happy since the moment he had first woken up as a flower. But, that feels like a whole other life at this point in time. )

Thanks for letting me come over.

[ Alberto smiles back, noting Asriel's little tail wagging as he shuts the door behind him. Cute. Alberto misses having a tail sometimes — not that his own tail is gone or anything, and he can always just go get a little wet if he really wants to see it. He can always feel it regardless, after all. He's gotten used to the feeling of "phantom tail," though, as he calls it... It's a weird feeling to dwell on, and again makes him vaguely wonder what Asriel would look like if he could make the Change and look human, too. It's a weird relief knowing someone with a tail... Who knows why that's comforting.

The young monster shrugs and returns to his spot on the bed, plopping down gracelessly with a soft "oomph." He does at least turn to rest on his side to face Asriel though, as he gets comfortable again, propping himself on his elbow with his cheek cupped in his hand, the image of ~~laziness~~ comfort. He gestures loosely with his free hand toward the chaise lounge or the desk chair nearby it, motioning for Asriel to take a seat. ]

Yeah, of course — you can always come over any time.

[ Something vague in the way he says this makes it sound, if Asriel can pick up on it through the airs he always puts on, that Alberto might be actually a bit extra eager for company, before he continues laughingly. ]

I, uh— I put Sofia away before you came over. Sooo, if you need to go to the bathroom, uh— don't?

[ guhirdjfk he's joking, he's joking, signature smirk in place as he waves a nonchalant hand toward the shut bathroom door at the end of his bed. Always trying to make things seem lighthearted, this one.

...But no, really, there's a tiny cranky dinosaur trapped in there, even crankier that she's been trapped. Don't go in there unannounced. Ahem. ]

( Asriel finds his own place to sit, making himself comfortable on one of the empty chairs in the inn. It's difficult not to feel at ease when Alberto himself looks so comfortable, but it'd also be a lie to say that he wasn't nervous. The last time he had made something was heart locket he had made for himself and Chara. While Chara's was usually hidden by their sweater, Asriel's was always in view for everyone to see. It was important to him, after all. It's just been so long since he tried to do something like he had when he made the locket -- he hopes Alberto will like it.

He blinks a bit at Alberto's words, looking towards the bathroom before smiling slightly. )

Heehee, I'll be extra careful.

( There's a pause on Asriel's end, fidgeting nervously. )

... I... uhm-- made something for you.

[ Alberto's face lights up at that. He hadn't forgotten, by any means, but he didn't want to just, y'know, cut to the chase... He's the tiniest bit polite, sometimes. But if Asriel isn't beating around the bush, then, well, neither will Alberto! He springs up in his bed, crossing his legs and clutching his feet anxiously in his hands, leaning forward excitedly with a dreamy grin. ]

Oh, yeah~! My present! Dai, what'd you make me, what'd you make me!

[ He's too excited. But somehow, it gives the impression that even if Asriel were about to give him a rock he painted a face on, Alberto would be thrilled about it, rather than like the bar is being set too high and he'll be easily disappointed for being so excited... And, furthermore, even if Asriel were to give Alberto just a rock with a face on it... look around his room... he'd love that. He has a jar full off cool rocks he's found hanging from some macramé string net off the ceiling just above Asriel's head, after all. He's grinning so expectantly, so dazzled, pressing on with no lack of enthusiasm, even more than usual. Something about it is clear Alberto doesn't receive many presents, really. Asriel could give him literal trash and he wouldn't know the difference, would be appreciative all the same. ]

( There's hesitance then, a paw-like hand moving to the back of his head as he looks to Alberto in uncertainty. He felt as nervous, but excited when he had given Chara their locket. It's... a lot to give a handmade present to someone. There's a chance that they won't like it. But then again... Asriel won't take any offense if he doesn't wear it, either. )

Uhm... I-It's nothing special or anything, but I really hope you like it.

( He reaches into his pocket then, pulling out two bracelets. )

One for me - and one for you! ( He bounces a bit on his heels. )

... You've become one of my best friends, Alberto. So... I thought this could be something that we could share -- if you wanted to. But, you don't have to wear it if you don't want to.

[ Alberto leaps to his feet when the bracelets are produced, not sure what he's looking at at first, so approaches for a better look, wearing his usual goofy grin, but when he's standing there in front of Asriel with the bracelet being offered to him, Asriel bouncing on his heels nervously, his expression shifts quite a bit... There's still the shadow of a grin but his eyes grow wide, face awash with emotion as the other boy nervously explains. He needn't be so bashful about it, even suggesting the idea that Alberto might not want to wear it, because Alberto is more tha— ]

Yes! Of course I'll wear it! Hahah~!

[ There's a bright grin spreading ear-to-ear as his eyes light up, never a more genuine smile on his face, even when jumping off cliffs and amazed at their many magic fireworks collabs and dancing in the kitchen and laughing at dumb shit and everything else they do. Alberto practically snatches the bracelet from Asriel's paws, staring at it strung between his fingertips like it's the eighth wonder of the world. He finally meets Asriel's eyes, beaming still, though his smile goes a little crooked for all his endearment, eyes drifting between his friend and his bracelet as he talks. ]

It's so cool! Hah, bellissimo! I'll wear it every day! Hold on, hold on, lemme put it on—

[ He almost moves straight to it, but then stops himself, and shoots Asriel another beaming smile in a short lapse, before tagging on an enthusiastic: ]

...Thanks, Asriel!

[ And pulls the other monster into a quick, tight hug, arms around his neck and shoulders. It's short-lived for all Alberto's excitement, though, as he rushes to plop down on the chaise longue now and quickly sets about tying the bracelet around his ankle rather than his wrist, tongue pressed thoughtfully between his lips in concentration as he carefully ties a strong knot in it. If something happened to it, he'd hate to lose it...! His face is still alight with glee and gratitude, though. He didn't explicitly say "you're my best friend" back, but— reading between the lines, he said it many times over. ]

( For a moment, Asriel can't help but simply watch and listen to Alberto react to his gift. The enthusiastic response is enough for his cheeks to redden, rubbing the back of his head in a sheepish and nervous manner before he beams at Alberto.

He can't help but be excited to see his friend so... happy. It feels like he's done something really good for someone. It's a farcry from how things used to be. Even before everything happened at home, he didn't feel like a very good friend.

He barely feels like he has time to hug Alberto back, but his smile softens all the same, and he can't help but exclaim in response: )

Boy, I'm really happy you like it, Alberto! ( Asriel responds, small tail beginning to wag. N-Never mind that Alberto is wearing his wrong. He'll just put his own around his wrist, where he intended to wear it. )

As long as you wear it, I'll keep mine safe.

[ It takes Alberto a second to get it to a comfortable tightness, but once he does, he pops right back up to his feet, sticking his ankle out this way and that to model it, showing off to both Asriel and to himself... If Asriel expected him to, y'know, do something right in a, uh, normal way, following someone else's example... well, that wouldn't be the same Alberto he'd made the friendship bracelet for, now would it? Alberto doesn't care who wears theirs where, he's just charmed to have it at all. Satisfied with his new accessory, he places his hands on his hips, standing with his chest puffed out and a wide, proud smile. Just something about this look says that he'll make good on his promise to wear it every day — will he even ever take it off...? ]

Ahh~ This is the best jewelry I've ever seen, heh! Did you even catch the snails yourself, Asriel?

[ Asking the important questions here. Alberto's also obviously interested in a snail hunt. Oof. ~~Nevermind that this implies Asriel would've killed the snails... Così è la vita!~~ ]

Edited 2021-12-08 04:52 (UTC)

( For a moment, Asriel wants to tell Alberto that he's wearing the bracelet wrong -- but he ultimately decides against it. After all, he looks so happy. The last thing he wants to do right now is to take a chance in bringing that mood down at all. Instead, he offers his own grin - fond and proud of his work, chest puffing out a bit when he sees how it looks. Somehow, seeing Alberto look so fond of what he made for him makes him feel like what he made was all the more special. It feels worth having made it for him. )

Yeah! ... Mom used it to cook, so I was used to looking for them.

[ Alberto just beams even wider at that. He’s been forever curious what Boss Monster snails were made like. Certainly sea monsters weren’t making any pies with them. Yknow. Fire. And water. But he pretty much knows how to serve snails from his childhood with his father and his time alone on their island, he figures. He definitely is good at catching them. An idea pops into his head and his face lights up even more. ]

Let’s go on a snail hunt! We can make whatever your mom used to make— I bet we could figure it out on our own! What d’ya think, eh~?

[ He’s gesturing as he speaks as he so often does, but ends his last question with a teasing little couple of punches to Asriel’s arm and shoulder, light and playful and friendly. He’s not really clear if he means… someday? Or right now? With Alberto, there’s no knowing. ]

( It's nice of him to offer, and quite honestly -- doing something like that... would probably be nostalgic, if anything. But... he can't help but hesitate in saying yes. He's not so sure if snails would be the most appetizing thing for his friend -- especially when there was other things to choose in this world.

In the Underground... well... they were far more limited. )

Gosh, you really want to? Are you sure...?

Yeah, yeah, of course! I used to catch snails all the time as a kid with my dad! I'm great at it! Heh, but obviously we didn't have, y'know... pies... We just had the snails, eheh.

[ Un.De.Terred. Alberto has eaten things Asriel doesn't even want to know Alberto has eaten. Largely out of experimentation, curiosity, or, uh, unfortunately, just sheer boredom. Many things have gone in this mouth that are not meant to be in mouths... But that's one thing he won't brag about exactly. Snails? No problem. Not even a hint of hesitation. ]

( What he says next is more than enough to help change his mind. Maybe eating snails at the surface wasn't as uncommon as he was lead to believe...? At least, maybe not for some families. Either way, he's not going to say no to spending time with Alberto. )

O-Okay! Let's do it, Alberto...! But, uhm... Mom's butterscotch-cinnamon pie is way better than her snail pie.

Okay, so we’ll make that, too! Here—!

[ He rushes over to his roll of brown butcher paper mounted to the wall, hastily rips off whatever was currently drawn on it, plops down on the floor in front of it with his legs crossed, tossing the torn off works aside in favor of a blank page, and grabs a marker in his fist. He doesn’t hold it right, just straight in the center of his fist, but he’s already writing across the page:

ᗩᦓᖇιƎL’s ᖇɘcιᎮɘᦓ! ☆

He turns round to shoot a bright, eager smile at his friend, ready…! ]

Okay, so! First— What do we need for the snail pie? Tell me everything you remember!

[ He, uh, also goes ahead and starts drawing a snail or two, for good measure. ]

Edited 2022-01-09 05:43 (UTC)

( Asriel goes quiet then, watching Alberto with curiosity. It's when he finally realizes what his intentions are that he smiles, small tail beginning to wag slowly. )

Heehee, Alberto! Something like that doesn't count if it's only two recipes!

( Still, he can't help but be a bit happy all the same. He'll start to go over the recipe -- which is luckily pretty easy for him to remember now. He's seen his Mom make it countless times by now. )

[ It takes Alberto more time than maybe most kids his age to keep up with writing it all down as Asriel explains, a slow reader and writer, needing to ask for some bits to be paused or repeated, even sounding some words out under his breath as he writes them, though a fair few will be misspelled, surely. His handwriting is somehow deliberate but still sloppy, the letters varying cases at random sometimes, holding his marker wrong in the center of his fist the entire time. When he gets tired of writing with one hand, he just switches to the other one, and the result is the exact same — seemingly, he favors neither hand, surprisingly ambidextrous, if Asriel pays close attention to such things. He’ll stop to ask some simple questions about methods or terms he doesn’t understand, grabbing another colored marker to add big ❓❓❓ notes in the margin on any points he wants to research further.

Because for all his fascination with cooking here, beyond Massimo teaching him the basics of how to make trenette al pesto and spaghetti back home, Alberto has taught himself everything… mostly off the cuff, but eventually did some cursory research on his phone. He’s so far been beyond the days of explosions and making himself sick for a while now, though who knows what the future holds, but Alberto’s first several forays into cooking, say, chicken were… scary… for anyone else who actually knows what they’re doing. He has no idea what bacteria are, no idea about cross contamination, salmonella, how long things can and can’t be left out before it’s unsafe to eat, the five-second rule being more like a fifteen-second-rule — just… food safety snd handling in general, he has extremely shallow knowledge of. If his friends really knew how little he knows, they probably wouldn’t want to eat with him, but he sells his skills so well and the end results are almost always tasty these days, at least from the recipes he’s mastered by now, so it makes a convincing case just for enthusiasm alone. It’s a wonder there’s no spoiled food in his kitchen ever, fast to use ingredients, seldom even has leftovers, and he is so otherwise methodical in his own way in the kitchen, almost never dawdles once he’s started, that he thankfully has not run into any problems making other people sick. So hopefully, that will remain true, especially with this new experiment. But like anything and everything else in his wide range of “expertise,” there are significant gaps in his knowledge about cooking. But how can he learn if he doesn’t try? Not even food poisoning by his own hand can curb his enthusiasm.

Once they’ve banged out the finer details, he leans back to appraise their hodgepodge recipe in his chicken-scratch handwriting. Once satisfied rereading it himself, he gives a nod and an approving hum, and scoots over on the floor, patting it for Asriel to come take a seat beside him for a better look. ]

All right! Read it. Whadya think? Did we miss anything?

[ And after a couple seconds, he gets bored watching Asriel read, so he starts doodling more snails around the huge page again while he waits. This snail has a mustache somehow… for some reason…? And that one seems to be shooting fire out its, uh— y’know, what, nevermind. Alberto pauses work on Turbo-Snail to look to Asriel with a hopeful smile for his final verdict. ]

( Asriel finds himself helping from time-to-time, patiently helping Alberto spell and write different words without being too pushy. He's well aware that Alberto is the kind of person who wants to give things a try on their own first. Besides, he seemed so excited about writing the recipes down, Asriel didn't want to do anything to ruin that for him.

The young goat-like monster doesn't have much experience with cooking -- or, in this case -- baking. Anything he knows more about is based more on what he's observed Toriel do over and over again as Flowey. The memory he had watching her bake before he lost his SOUL is more of a blur to him. Though, it may help that he's studied up on recipes from all his time reading books in the Underground, as well.

He shakes his head, smiling fondly as he looks to his friend's handiwork. )

I think we got it all!

( He pauses for a moment before grinning a bit. )

Boy, I have an idea! What if we bake a couple of pies for Chara?

[ Alberto doesn't mind the gentle interjections to help him with his spelling, mostly because it's coming from Asriel; if it were coming from almost anyone else, it'd be annoying, and he'd shoo them off. But Asriel... he knows just wants to help always. It's best not to upset him, too. They've got a sort of silent, mutual understanding of this by now, unspoken though it may be, after they had their tiff around Halloween. Alberto doesn't want that again. It's a good practice in gracefulness on his part, too; Asriel's a good influence on the young sea monster in that regard.

He leans back on his hands, propping himself up with his palms flat against the floor and a proud smile on his face. But when Asriel adds on another suggestion to this experiment, Alberto's face lights up. ]

Yeah! We should! Heh, I wanna cook for Chara — eheh, that sounds fun~

[ Gears turning, gears turning... He resolves he should invite the kid over. But then leans forward to offer an interesting fun fact that he's certain will surprise Asriel, grinning because he knows it. ]

Heh, did you know...~ I've never actually met Chara? We've talked on the Everything Machine like a billion times, but we've never actually, y'know— met.

[ Alberto thinks it's the weirdest, funniest thing. He doesn't take offense at it or mind it, necessarily; it's almost as if the occasion just hasn't come up, rather than either of them actively putting it off as far as he knows. Cooking for Chara sounds like a great way to properly meet them for the first time, he's decided as of this moment! What brings people together better than food, right? ]

( Asriel can't help but stop at those words. It feels a little silly, in a way. Asriel and Alberto seem to spend so much time together, but then... despite the three of them all being friends with one another, Chara and Alberto are more like phone friends... But, that's all the more reason for them to meet face-to-face.

If there's something Asriel wants for Chara while they're here, it's a way for his best friend to be happy, and one way he hopes for that is through potentially making new friends. He can't help but think that meeting Alberto could potentially be a good thing for them, even if Chara insists that all they need is Asriel... )

Gosh, really...?! Then, this could be a really good way for the both of you to meet! Chara really likes Mom's pies.

( It'd be a good way for the both of them to break the ice when they meet...! )

Yeah? I mean, you’ve both mentioned them to me, so they must be pretty good~!

[ Alberto leans in with a teasing smile and a light wave of his hand, before tugging his legs up to his chest with a tilt of his head. ]

So what about the butter-pies? Let’s make that, too.

[ I-It’s not a butter pie… whatever Alberto is imagining probably would be disgusting but he’s still on board, what a good friend…?! ]

( A-Alberto... no... that's not the right name... Asriel just stops for a moment before he comes up with another idea. )

We could go and get the ingredients together! We have an entire list now, so it shouldn't be hard.

( If Alberto wants to, that is! Shopping isn't an exciting part of baking, he's sure... )

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