[Mettaton lets Asriel be happy for a bit, before he raises an arm lazily, bringing it up far enough to ruffle Asriel's fur. It's a sluggish movement--everything feels heavy.

Still, it was worth it.]

Of course, darling. You know, just because you cannot see something does not mean it doesn't exist. But in this case, I'm glad I could give you the push needed for you to understand.

Sorry that I had to say such terrible things to you.

[Some of it was anger...but some of it came from the right place. Finally, he'd done something right with his friendships.]