With your radio now fixed you sat down to listen to it; the reception was even better in the Ruins than it had ever been above ground.

Why? Is he... a monster, somehow? Was I getting reception from the underground?

It was the only explanation you had. Though how you were so unaware for so long wasn't clear. Honestly, it didn't matter; you liked the channel for what it was, humorous and a little corny, but entertaining all the same.

At least now you had a better plan than simply trying to get out of the Ruins.

☆¤☆

The remainder of the puzzles, of course, weren't all that difficult, though you were having a rough time trying to figure out why there were so many of them. Were they to deter people away from going further? Or simply a means of locking the doors, so to speak?

At some point Toriel contacted your cell phone, wanting to ask a question. "What's up?" you replied, which, for some reason, made her giggle.

"I wanted to know what your preference was, butterscotch or cinnamon?"

You paused. "Honestly, I kinda like both."

"Really? Splendid! That makes things so much easier!" She sounded pleased. "How are you getting along with the puzzles, are they giving you much trouble?"

"Nah. They're easy," you responded truthfully.

Toriel giggled again. You sounded so much like... "Well, if you do need help, just give me a call. Goodbye!" She hung up before you could speak any further.

Butterscotch or cinnamon? What is she making?

You just shrugged and, radio in hand, continued deeper into the Ruins.

You couldn't help but notice all the monsters watching you walk by. None of them approached you; were they scared? Curious, you waved to one of them. It looked something like a fairy, but a very worried one. The moment you waved it burst into tears and fled. The other monsters did not do the same but left you alone nonetheless.

Makes my walking easier, I guess.

☆¤☆

Why the fuck is there a fully grown tree underground? There's no sunlight. Is it a fake?

Too distracted by the sudden appearance of a tree in the underground, you didn't notice the cozy-looking home beyond it. Only when your cell phone began to ring again did you tear your eyes away from the magnificent tree. "Yeah, what's up?"

Toriel again. But her voice was much closer, and she promptly hung up as she approached. "You came so quickly! Are you hurt?"

You shook your head. "No, not at all. I'm fine."

She smiled a little. "Did the others give you any sort of trouble?" When you shook your head she tapped her chin in thought. "Strange... normally this is when I ask you not to fight, but it seems your presence is enough to get monsters to avoid you."

You didn't take it poorly; the goat woman seemed too kindly to be insulting in any way. "So... is that your house?"

"Oh! Yes, please come in," she beckoned you, smiling gently. "I have a surprise for you." Frowning just a touch you followed her inside, wondering what kind of surprise she could possibly have for you.

The house was lovely, and well-kept, very warm and inviting. Something was baking, and made your mouth water. Anything was better than a doughnut made by spiders... right?

Toriel took your hand and pulled you down the hallway. You vaguely wondered how many children she had done this to; she didn't seem to mind holding an adult's hand. She stopped in front of a closed door and started to giggle. "I certainly hope you do not mind, but I've given you your own room. I had to push the beds together to make it large enough," she added, making her laugh a little harder.

You took a peek inside and immediately understood why she was laughing; it had been a child's room, probably two children, hence the beds. Toys were neatly set into a toy chest, and there was small striped sweaters in the armoire. You grinned despite yourself, but something greatly bothered you. You couldn't place what it was.

Toriel led you out of the bedroom again, and towards the living room. There was already a fire going in the fireplace, and you couldn't help but notice that the fire tools had been dulled down for safety reasons. This made you laugh behind your hands, and you hoped the female wouldn't be insulted. "I guess you must really like kids. Did you have your own?"

Bad question. Her expression changed, just a touch, into something closer to sorrow, but she smiled anyway. "I did. He... they were good children."

"I am so sorry, I didn't mean--"

She laid her hands- paws?- on your arm and shook her head gently. "Don't worry about it. What matters is that you are here now, comfortable and safe." Toriel sighed and looked at the fire for a few moments before sitting in a nearby chair. There was already a book waiting for her. "There is a pie baking in the oven now, I made it specially for you since you arrived so suddenly. I hope you like it."

It smelled amazing, you weren't going to lie to yourself. But you still felt guilty for having asked about her children, so you sat down at the nearby table, looking down at your radio. "Toriel... I... have a question for you," you began. She looked up from her book and smiled expectantly, but you couldn't bring yourself to ask what it was you really wanted to say. Something bothered you about the whole situation, so instead you blurted out, "What are you reading?"

"It's called '72 Uses for Snails'. Would you care to hear a little?" You shrugged and nodded. "Did you know that snails... make terrible shoelaces?"

You couldn't tell if it was supposed to be a joke or not, but you laughed a bit anyways. She seemed pleased and went back to reading for a little while as you sat in silence.

Well this is fucking awkward.

You fiddled with your radio, turning it back on but at a low volume. Toriel began to bob her head in time with the music, making you grin. She was honestly a sweetheart. "Want me to turn it up?"

"No, young one, this volume is fine. He can get awfully loud sometimes but a little bit of his music is pleasant once in awhile." She paused, looking over at you. "How do you know our star?"

Your mouth worked over, trying to find the right words. So he was a monster, after all. It made an awful lot of sense. "I... came across the station one day by accident. It's a little weird and funny but it's my favorite."

The goat female nodded but said nothing further, until her nose twitched. "Do you smell something burni-- oh dear." Toriel bolted out of her chair and into what you could only assume was her kitchen. She made a bit of a fuss as she pulled her forgotten pie out of the oven, but there was a sigh of relief, as well. Poking her head out she smiled. "It's far too hot to eat, so why don't you go ahead and lie down? You must be exhausted, after all."

You were tired, and hadn't realized it until she had brought it up. Yawning wide you turned off the radio and nodded, carrying the device into the bedroom she had made up for you. You laid down and expected to pass right out, but that same nagging feeling kept bothering you.

If he's a monster... does that mean I can meet him? What would I even tell him? "Hi, I know I'm human but I'm a huge fan, please don't think I'm weird"? Yeah, that'll fucking work.

Whatever. I'll keep going tomorrow.