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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)

Hey, are you at home right now?

yeah i am
why whats up

Okay. I'm gonna drop by in a little bit. Stay put.

[ And that's all the answer he's going to get for a while. But true to her word, a few minutes Alberto will hear a knock on his door, announcing her presence. ]

[ He's strangely excited, though he's not sure why she's coming... But the mystery is enticing. So he's quick on his feet to answer the door when he hears her knock. He flings it open wearing much warmer clothes than the last time she'd seen him, and a wide smile to match. He likes surprises, okay, this is special, people aren't often just popping by Alberto's place...! ]

Ciao~!

( Alberto will find present wrapped up outside of his door on December 25th. He had noticed the camera in his room, so he had thought a seashell photo album to fill up might be extra special. Only, the note doesn't say it's from him!

To: Alberto
From: Santa

See? You were a good kid, after all. )

[ Alberto's shook when he finds the gift... He didn't even consider that it might have been Asriel that left the gift. Asriel didn't tell him that other people give each other gifts on Christmas. Asriel just told him about Santa, and Alberto trusts Asriel, therefore, this gift must really be from this alleged Santa... Alberto had been so certain he was practically irrevocably a bad kid, at least to the degree that he messes up enough times throughout the year to not be rewarded for being a good kid; he just figured the scales were too balanced for his inner goodness to outweigh his many mistakes. But this? This is proof he was wrong. He's doing better than he thought he was?! An excellent and profound lie, Asriel — well-played.

Plus he loves the seashell photo album in any case. Right up his alley. ]

[ Asriel does get one thing, though: a text, giving him the satisfaction that the prince's aim hit his mark. ]

Asriel!!!!
the Santa guy gave me somehting!
NOT COAL either haha!!

[ When Alberto opens the door, Amy smiles, both glad to see that he's wearing some warmer clothes and for her own excitement as she holds her arms behind her back. ]

Hey there! I brought something for you. [ Bringing one arm out, she holds up a decorative basket. ] I hope you like cookies!

[ Alberto's smile is wiped off his face momentarily just out of shock, eyes going wide. A gift...? A basket of a million cookies...?! For him?!

His eyes search hers curiously for a split second, a surprisingly mild reaction for someone usually so enthusiastic — like... he's not used to receiving gifts...? So not used to it that he's stunned and bemused?

But he shakes that off quickly enough as a wide, bright grin spreads over his face, breaking eye contact to let his eyes drift back down to the cookies as he accepts the basket with both hands. He meets her gaze again with an endearing earnestness that suits him far better than the cocky front he's so often putting on. ]

Eheh~! Y-You made these?! Why? Hah, I-I mean— This is amazing, heh~! Thank you...!

[ His initial reaction does have her worrying for a moment that he actually doesn't like cookies, but feels better when he takes the basket from her. The expression on his face is exactly why she loves giving people gifts, and she's glad she decided to give him something as well. ]

You're welcome! I baked all of these myself, so I hope you like them. I don't know if you celebrate Christmas, but it's a holiday that's coming up where people can give others gifts, and I wanted to give you a present too.

Oh! [ She brings out her other arm, which has another basket that's covered with a dish towel. ] And I got something for Sofia too. [ She pulls back a corner of the towel, revealing a fish inside. ]

( 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...?

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Text, around the 23rd or 24th

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dec 25

omg this is so sweet. asriel gets nothing cuz alberto's ignorant lol but ty i love this~

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