Chapter 1: A Crossed Out Multiverse
Chapter by Rain_thedragon
Summary:
Have you ever thought about how white and empty Cross’ universe became at the end of it all?
….Have you ever noticed how similar it is to another empty, white place?
Notes:
Welcome all! And sorry to returning people if this seems weird I’m just doing some formatting fixes
Chapter Text
Error was pretty sure nothing could compare to the rush he gets every time he destroys a universe. The flood of LV, the terrified screams of the abominations, the hatred and fear in their eyes as he dusts them… He’s never felt more powerful! He loves it in his own, twisted way.
Heh. LoVe.
The screams continue and a shadow in the darkness grins in delight at the taste.
“I finally found you destroyer~ ” The shadow pulses, stretching out and growing to envelop the whole side of the building it came from.
Error grins like the madman he is, dusting a few more monsters in his grip using his strings, before turning to the odd darkness, regarding it with calculating eyelights. He may be insane but he isn’t stupid.
“WhO’s theRE?”
“Oh forgive me for not introducing myself sooner. My name is Nightmare~” The darkness curls as he says his name with a low purr.
“The king of darkness and negativity~”
“Ah, AbOmiNAtion #183. You’RE thE onE I’Ve beEn puTtINg oFf KilLINg siNCe yoU MAke iT EaSEr to DeStrOy…” Error pauses for a second, before snapping at thin air, “ShUT thE fuCK Up- iF I hEaR The wOrd “HenTaI” ONe moRe timE-!”
Nightmare blinks, his one cyan eyelight shining sharply through the shadows. Brushing off the glitches last few words he continues.
“I have a proposition for you, destroyer.”
Error’s attention goes back to Nightmare, and he stares him down with a raised brow.
“I’m noT INtReSted.”
The darkness smirks “I thought you’d say that. I guess you won’t get this chocolate~” A tentacle slithers into the light, holding a large chocolate bar with the wrapper open to expose its sweet sugary scent. Error’s expression immediately shifts as he spots the chocolate, becoming more open. He twitches as he barely keeps himself from trying to snatch it out of the tentacle’s hold.
“...I’m lisTEnINg.”
The darkness grins wider.
“Ink and Dream have become quite a nuisance to our…work. They have been bothering you, yes? Getting in the way of your goal?”
Error scowls at the mention of his two least favorite abominations- other than the 90’s nightmare, at least.
“So whAT iF TheY aRe?” The glitch asks sharply.
“Together they are strong.”
In the dark, Nightmare’s grin becomes wicked, stretching beyond the limits of his face.
“ But against us they are nothing~ We can crush them like the pathetic pests they are! Don’t you want to see them brake~? To beg for mercy at our feet~? ”
“...So You WaNt to TeAm uP? AnD WhY The heLL aRe yoU ArGuinG AboUt “ShiPs”??” The second question Error directs at nothing, incredibly annoyed and exasperated.
The shadows curl around the bricks of the building, clearly agitated.
“Yes. I “want to team up” as you put it. An alliance. We help each other to achieve our goals. Whenever you are destroying an AU and need someone to fend off a few brats while you work, call me, and in return, I will feed off the negativity you cause~”
Error shifts, thinking about it as he tilts his head to listen to a couple of outside opinions. After a moment, he points to the chocolate still held in the tentacle’s grasp.
“GiVe me tHAt chOColAte And wE hAVe a dEAl.”
Nightmare hums as if thinking about the offer before holding the chocolate bar out to the destroyer.
“How about if you keep working with me I can guarantee that you will constantly have a lifetime supply of chocolate at your disposal. As long as you continue to work with me of course~”
Error snatches the chocolate, avoiding touching the tentacle, and quickly backs up a few steps. The glitch could honestly get chocolate whenever he wanted, but having it all in one place did sound appealing…
“AlriGHt.” Error then proceeds to use his tongues to stuff the whole chocolate bar into his mouth.
Nightmare stares in mild shock for a moment, having not expected the many blue tongues that sprout from Errors’ mouth. The dark king shakes it off and opens a portal beside him, his grin back once more. A small skeleton steps out, not at short as the creator, but not as tall as standard classic Sanses.
Thick black liquid drips from his sockets, cascading down his cheeks and dripping down his chin as the pulsing red target shaped soul glows before his chest. Error squints at the newcomer for a moment, before nodding to himself.
“ClasSIc TImeLInE GonE WRoNg, eh?” He asks no one in particular, unable to decide if that was better or worse than the other abominations.
The new monster says nothing, staring blankly ahead with a hollow grin as a tentacle tightly wraps around his neck.
“This is a toy of mine~ I call it Killer~” Nightmares tentacle squeezes tighter and still Killer has no reaction.
“He will be killing any stray….abominations for you. Right, Killer~?”
Said skeleton nods with an empty ‘Yes boss.’
Error… doesn’t like that. He’s not quite sure why, considering he doesn’t usually care about something like this, but for some reason… Whatever, it didn’t matter. And the voices could stop getting excited now thank you.
“FuN. MakE SurE hE DOesN’t toUCh mE oR ELse.” Error warns.
“He won’t. He’s an obedient toy~ Now go.” The king lets go of his servant and KIller pulls out his knife, walking past Error before darting at a hiding human and killing them in one blow. He doesn’t stop.
“Tell me how he fares when you are done. I’ll make adjustments based on what you tell me.”
The glitch just hums in response, before joining Killer in creating havoc and killing everyone left in the AU. There weren’t many at this point.
~
The next… while… went by quickly as Error worked with Nightmare and Killer, and he begrudgingly admits that they were useful if nothing else. Though Error enjoyed personally killing glitches, it was much faster with Killer’s help, and Nightmare did provide the chocolate he had promised.
Error’s not sure why, but both skeletons were familiar yet jarringly different than he feels like they should be- which doesn’t make sense as he had only just met them recently. It was strange, but he just pushed the feelings away.
He had also gotten into the habit of coming to Nightmare’s base fairly often to steal some more chocolate, which is what he was currently doing. When he sees a large Horrortale Sans in the kitchen, he pauses and just stares, visibly confused.
Was the Sans an intruder? Could he kill him or should he wait? Did Nightmare go and recruit a teammate for Killer like he had talked about?
The skeleton looks up at the portal, staring at Error intensely as if examining him.
“....You're..thin….” Their voice is deep and a bit scratchy, but clear as it rumbles in their ribcage.
“I- wHat-?” He had no idea how to react to this, and the voices snickering at him weren’t helping in any way.
The Horrortale Sans stirs a large pot of soup, taking a spoon and scooping come up to hold it to Error’s mouth, or as close as the destroyer will allow him.
“Eat.”
Error leans back a bit, eyeing the spoon like it might attack him. “I doN’T NeED to eAt-”
“Eat.” The other insists. “You’re thin…you need…food.”
After a moment, the glitch gives in and hesitantly takes the offered bite.
As Error does so the Sans seems to radiate happiness and quickly scoops up another spoonful. It was… oddly endearing.
“Uh…” Error’s never been so thrown off by someone before- and it doesn’t help that the other skeleton was surrounded by the same familiarity as Nightmare and Killer.
“Eat. You must…eat..” So insistent…
“I reaLLy doN’T-” Error still eats another bite when he’s told to, but it’s clear he was unhappy about it.
The large skeleton keeps insisting, feeding Error one spoonful after another- though the glitch eventually has to put his foot down, making the other seemingly wilt like a drooping flower.
“O..k…”
“SorRY.” He actually did genuinely sound apologetic for once. “I feEL a biT SicK.”
“Should…eat more…often. Won’t feel sick when….eating.” The larger puts the spoon down and grabs a ladle to begin pouring the soup into three bowls.
“Thanks for….trying…” They also grab a few cups from the shelf, pouring a few drinks. “You’re…Error..right?”
“YeAH. Who aRE yoU?”
“I’m…Horror. Boss…brought me..here.”
Error swats at the air next to the head as if to hit something. “WhY Do yoU GUyS caRe aBOuT hiS NamE-?” He hisses, before turning his attention back to Horror.
“You hERe aS A CoOK? Or dOes tHE goOpy oNE haVE PLaNs to SeND You oN MisSIOns?” The glitch rarely actually calls Nightmare by his name, but he’s at least progressed from calling him by his abomination number. His favorite is Noot Noot boi so far, which he stole from one of the voices.
Horror doesn’t bat a socket at Error’s odd behavior as he takes lunch to the dining table.
“Missions…I cook…cause I want…to.”
The glitch hums in response, moving over to the chocolate cupboard to grab a few bars- feeling sick wasn’t going to stop him from eating chocolate. Horror doesn’t seem to care as he takes a deep breath and calls “Lunch!!”
Surprisingly, Killer is the first one into the room, running full speed and jumping on the big skeleton.
“Rorry~!”
Error snorts, glitching a bit in surprise. “SinCE whEn DId yoU HAvE a pErsONalitY?” He asks, genuinely curious. Horror grunts as Killer lets go, excitedly skipping over to Error with a bit, more genuine, grin.
“Boss has been lettin’ me feel some more! Oh hey, have I ever told ya how pretty you are Ruru~? Damn you're gorgeous~” Killer says in a flirtatious tone, giving the destroyer a suggestive wink.
Error blinks, holding back the urge to strangle Killer as a faint blush appears on his cheeks- the voices laughing at his suffering weren't helping.
“...Wh-haT THe fuC-cK.”
The killer grins wider even as Horror grabs his hood to drag him away.
“Leave..Error alone…”
“Awwww! But he’s hot~!”
“S-sHUt thE-e hELL up-!”
“Why? It’s true~!”
Error was done with this conversation- “YeAh no.” He grabs a couple chocolate bars and opens a portal to his antivoid, shooting one last glare at Killer before walking through it. The second the portal closes, he hides face in his hands, letting out a glitchy scream.
Why the hell did that make him so flustered? There was no reason for Killer’s words to affect him that much- even if the scenario felt extremely familiar. Error didn’t like it- he’s going to go destroy some AUs, let off some steam.
The next time Error visits, Killer tries flirting with him again and again and again and again. Even during battle! The only reason Killer wasn’t dead already was because he worked for Nightmare, though he was getting close to just doing it anyways.
He’s taken to avoiding the castle and Killer whenever possible, and Horror and Nightmare by extension. It was stupid and they were stupid- everything was stupid-!
Error growls as he storms into another AU, not even bothering to look at which one it was as he makes quick work of the Ruins and Snowdin before reaching the point he would fight the… Sans…?
Oh- it must be one of those dumb Swap AUs where the Sans was an idiotic ray of sunshine.
“Stop glitchy me!” Yells the swap Sans, holding a hand up and pointing at the destroyer as he strikes a pose.
“You Won’t Hurt People Anymore!”
Error snorts, rolling his eyelights.
“WhY’s thAT, litTLe BLuEBerRy?” He taunts, getting his strings ready to grab the Sans’ soul.
“You Know What I Said Glitchy Me!” The Sans grins proudly before declaring.
“You Just Need A Friend And I’m Going To Help You!”
That makes Error pause. No one’s… no one has actually offered something like that before. Sure, he’s gotten the “everyone can be good if they just try” shtick before, but…
No- the Sans must be lying in an attempt to save his own skin. Error shakes himself out of his thoughts and launches some strings at the Sans, scowling.
“I dOn-n’T NEeD AnYOn-nE. ”
Blueberry doesn’t move, actively letting the strings wrap around his body and his soul, completely calm and smiling happily.
“Everyone Needs A Friend Glitchy Me! Sometimes You Just Need Someone You can Depend On! When You’re Down Or Stressed It’s Always Good To Have A Trusted Friend By Your Side! You Just Need Someone To Take That First Step. I Know You CAn Do It Glitchy Me! I Believe In You!”
The glitch hesitates just before shattering the soul in his string’s grip, actually seeming to consider it. But just as he opens his mouth, swap Papyrus teleports in front of his brother, summoning some gaster blasters to point to Error.
“let sans go and leave!”
Error’s expression immediately closes off and he glares at the other two skeletons.
“YoU WEre juSt sTAllinG, wEreN’t yoU!” He accuses.
“Papy What Are You-!?” Blue stops mid sentence to look back at Error, shock on his face. “What?”
“YoU HeaRD mE!” He laughs self-deprecatingly. “And tO THiNk I AcTualLY bELieVed yoU FOr a SecONd thEre- YOu’rE alL THe sAme, jUSt tryINg to SaVe yoUr oWN skIN…”
“N-no! I Want To Help You! Y-you…You Seem So Lonely…And Angry.” The small skeleton gently rubs the closest string to his hand, tears in his sockets.
“No One Should Feel That Way! Not If I Can Help Them!”
Error… Error didn’t like this. He- he didn’t want to be here anymore. A glitchy portal to the antivoid opens next to him and Error rushes through it before anything else happens. He can deal with the stupid universe later, when his stupid feelings wouldn’t get in the way.
The glitch didn’t even realize he still had something in his strings as he let the portal close behind him.
“Sans!!!” The Papyrus screams, but it was too late. Blue was trapped, tied up in Error’s strings and dragging behind the glitch.
Error sits down on the floor and curls up, hiding his face as he tries to make himself calm down. He doesn’t get why he was feeling like this- one puny Sans offering him friendship shouldn’t affect him so much-! Error is glitching badly at this point, and he just wanted to go and eradicate some universes, but that’s what got him into this mess in the first place!
It was worse than Killer trying to flirt with him.
With Error lost in his thoughts, Blue manages to wiggle his body out of strings, his soul still bound. As he stands, ignoring the uncomfortable feeling of his soul being exposed, he walks over to Error, kneeling in front of the glitch.
“Hey…It’s Ok. Focus On My voice. Breath. In…And Out….In….And Out..Follow Me..”
Error shakily follows Blue’s instructions, doing his best to not just straight-up crash. After a moment, the glitch looks up at the smaller skeleton, only for his panicking to get worse. He just accidentally kidnapped someone!! Why does he even care that he did?? Stupid swap Sans making him feel things-
“There you go…” Blue says clearly, his voice sounds so soft and gentle. “Do you feel better..?”
Error takes another shaky breath, still glitching- though it wasn’t as bad as it was before.
“...WhY…?”
Blue hums, tilting his head to the side in confusion.
“Why what?”
“...WhY Are yoU BEinG niCE??” He lashes out, it seemed to be the only thing he knew how to do. “I wAs dEstROyINg yoUr woRLd! I wAs EnjOYinG iT- thEn yoU ComE IN wiTh yOur gooDy-GOodY aCt- aND I sTeAL yoU From yoUr hoME-! WhY THe hELl aRe yoU BEinG sO nicE to Me?!?”
The Swap doesn’t seem phased at all, just giving the destroyer a kind smile.
“I already told you. I don’t like seeing people hurt if I can help it…and I want to help you.” He’s so honest. It makes no sense!
“You called me Blueberry right? Why don’t I just go by that?”
“...It’s wHAt thE VOiceS arE cAllinG yoU.” Error admits, giving a half shrug. “TheY ALso SugGEst Blue oR SwaP.”
Aaand now they were arguing.
“Voices huh….Well, I Like Blueberry! Blue For Short If You Want. Now That We Have That Out Of The Way, What’s Your Name Glitchy Me?” He’s back to being loud and happy again.
The glitch huffs, glancing to the side. “ErrOR. DeStrOYer oF woRLds aND alL THat.”
“Oh…..Kind Of An Unfortunate Name, But I Like It!” Blueberry throws his hands up in the air in excitement, startling the glitch, before calming down again.
“What Do You Like To Do, Error? Other Than Destroying Worlds I mean.”
Error hesitates for a second, debating if telling the swap Sans was worth it. He decides it doesn’t really matter in the end.
“Well… I liKe…” He lets his Classic Sans puppet drop from the ceiling. “I… CrOChet…” Error blushes slightly, a bit embarrassed to admit it. He’s never told anyone about his less destructive hobbies before…Surprisingly, Blue doesn’t laugh or tease him at all, instead, the small skeleton smiles, his eyelights turning into stars.
“REALLY~!?” He stops for a moment to lower his volume, still very excited. “I’ve Never Tried To Crochet, But I Like To Knit!”
Error grins back a bit, emboldened by Blueberry’s enthusiasm. “I trIEd knITtiNg onCe- buT I cAn’t sEem to FigURe iT ouT…”
Blue seems to brighten even more, Error didn’t think that was possible…
“I CAN TEACH YOU~!! I-I mean if you want…I-It’s a good excuse to…spend time together..”
Error blinks in surprise, taken aback.
“YoU… aCTuaLly wAnt to HaNg ouT…?” He was so confused- did Blue really pity him that much?
“Of Course! That’s What Friends Do~!” Blue seems so happy… Was he being serious? …Error’s never had a friend before… He’s pretty sure Nightmare’s gang doesn’t count.
“...MaYbe I couLD… teACh yoU HoW to cRocHEt?” He tentatively offers. Once again, Blue surprises him.
“YES~! I WOULD-! Ahem- I Would Love That~!”
“...CoOl. Um.” He… hopes he doesn’t come to regret this… He removes his strings from around Blue’s soul, letting it go back to his ribcage, and opens a portal to Underswap in Snowdin.
“YoU SHould… gO BaCk to yoUr AU.”
It’s safe to say Blue was shocked, staring at the portal for a good minute before looking back at Error, sockets wide.
“But I’ll see you again right..?” For the first time since they met Error could hear worry in his voice, and hope.
“...DoN’t loOK aT Me liKe thAt.” The glitch mutters, looking away from Blue. “I cAn’t mAKe aNy pRomISeS.”
Blue’s lip quivers a little before he hides it with a forced smile.
“Ok…But You're Still My Friend Ok? My Best Friend Error~! I-if you want..”
He shouldn’t be agreeing to this.
“...I… I tHInk I’d liKe thAt.” Error smiles a bit, clearly still hesitant, but willing to try. “I’m… NoT ReAlly goOd At tiMe, so I caN’t sAY WhEn I’ll bE OveR For suRe…” Error’s hesitancy didn’t seem to matter, not to Blue.
“Thank You Error! I’ll Bring All My Knitting Supplies When You Decide Your Ready!”
Once again Error’s words made the swap Sans so happy…
“I’ll Alway Be Here If You Need Me! Even If You Just Want To Talk After A Hard Day.”
“SaMe tO You I guESs..?” The destroyer has no idea if that’s what he’s supposed to say or not. “YoU shOUld pRobABly gO bEFoRe yoU STaRt glitChINg.”
“Glitching…?” Blue continues on, pushing the question aside before Error can answer.
“Ok, See You Later Error!” He stands up, patting himself off before walking to the portal.
“...See yA.”
Error closes the portal behind Blue, sighing. He had some thinking to do, didn’t he?
~
Error did end up eventually visiting Blueberry, and though he had to deal with who the voices named Stretch at first, it was surprisingly pleasant.
And he found himself going back, again and again. They usually just worked on learning to knit/crochet at first, but it soon just turned into talking or the occasional attempt to cook.
One time he even brought Blue to Outertale, where they just watched the stars for a few hours. Error ended up falling asleep on Blue, marking the first time he’s slept in ages, and the first time he’s touched the swap Sans. Blue claims he’s a cuddler in his sleep but he refuses to believe it.
It was… nice. Having a friend. Error found that he didn’t have the urge to destroy quite as often, and the voices were helpful in pointing out a universe for him when he did.
He’s talked to Blue about Nightmare’s gang before, and after a lot of prodding and bribing, Blue finally convinced him to stop avoiding them.
And that lead him to here, standing outside the castle as he debates actually going in… though Blue promised to show him a new knitting pattern if he at least talked to someone… He doesn’t even know how long it’s been since he’d last been here-!
Ughh- stupid Blue making him feel stupid feelings-
Error had only been standing there for a few minutes when the large doors creak open and a familiar face comes rushing out.
“Ruru~!!”
Damn it Killer-
“DaMn iT KillEr-” Error takes a few steps back to make sure the short skeleton doesn’t try to hug him or anything- he’s been working on it with Blue, but he’d rather not be tackled.
“WhAT arE yoU DOinG?”
Killer stops short, he’s always been careful of Error haphephobia after….the first time.
“I missed you! Why did you leave!? It’s been forever! We have this new guy named Dust- Well he’s not really new anymore, but oh my FOX is he hot-!!” As expected, Killer begins to ramble, something he had started to do after he started feeling again.
Error smiles after a moment, realizing he… he had missed this. Wordlessly grabbing Killer’s sleeve, he pulls him into the castle as he listens to Killer’s rambles. Error used to find it annoying, but now he just thought it was kinda silly… Maybe even cute.
Not that he’ll ever admit that.
Killer had paused at the contact but played it off, as usual, continuing to blab about anything that came to his mind. From what he said it really sounded like he missed Error. It made him feel a bit guilty for avoiding him for so long.
He walks to the kitchen with Killer- one of the few places he could actually find without getting lost- instantly making a beeline for the chocolate cupboard. Which…was chock full of his favorites.
“Boss missed ya too! Made sure ta get ya chocolate every time we go out.”
“...Huh.” That’s… he’s not entirely sure how to feel about that.
Deciding not to think about it, he grabs a bar to eat like he always does- oh man Blue’s reaction to it was hilarious- before turning back to Killer.
“WheRe’s EVeRYonE elSe aNywAYs?”
“Out on a mission. I had to stay because I’m…grounded.” Killer pouts, hard, crossing his arms and glaring at nothing.
…Error snorts, before bursting into giggles. “HeheHEhe- HoW- hoW diD You mAnAGe thAT-? PfFt-”
Of course KIller glares at him, but it wasn’t a very serious look.
“I tried to top boss~”
The glitch chokes on his laughter, turning it into a coughing fit and laughing in between coughs.
“Wh-HAt thE FUck-??”
Grinning wide and smug, Killer continues. “Ya heard me~ I tried to top boss~”
He’s way too proud of that.
“How aRE yoU NOt deAD??” What the fuck has been happening while he was gone-??
For a moment the smaller skeleton is silent, leaving a hefty pause in the air before answering.
“You’ve been gone for way too long Ruru. It’s been like….six years? Yeah, that sounds about right!”
That makes Error panic a bit, though he tries to hide it- even if his increased glitching gives him away.
“It has-?! BuT I ThoUGht-!” He starts muttering to himself as he tries to figure out how it’s been so long- He could’ve sworn it had been maybe two years tops…
Killer gives him a look, one he can’t say he’s ever seen on the other’s face, nor understand.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean ta freak you out. We’re a bit…different from the last time ya saw us.”
“WeLL yEah- iF It’s bEeN Six yEArs - ToBY FoX-” Error curses, definitely panicking now. He knew he was bad at times but this was a new level for him-
There’s another pregnant pause before Killer's hand lightly brushes against Error’s cheek, sliding down his chin and gently tilting the glitch’s skull to meet his empty sockets.
“The anti-void has no sense of time like the void right? Like time just doesn’t exist?”
Error glitches at the contact but doesn’t pull away, instead leaning into it just slightly.
“Y- wELl- iT’s eVEryThinG And noTHinG aLL aT ONce. All oF TIMe ExiSts. KinDA. LeT’s juST Go wiTH yoUr eXPlaNaTIon, yEAh.”
“I can work with that. So that means the past, present, and future exist there all at the same time. It’s just the void in reverse.” Killers hand lightly strokes and pets Error’s face as he talks.
“That means, in theory, you could go in and come out at a different time period. You could go in a second and come back years in the future or stay in the anti-void for thousands of years and come back a second after you left……Jeez now that I think about it like that you really shouldn’t be in there. Who knows what could happen.”
Error makes a small, almost wounded sound in the back of his throat.
“I’vE TrIEd- sTaRS I’vE TriED…” The glitch shudders as he thinks back to his first few memories of Phantomtale and the destruction that followed. “It juSt… cALls to mE- I aLWays eNd up bACk thERe IN thE End…”
Killer hums in thought as he lightly traces Error’s jawline.
“Why don’t I just ask boss if ya can stay here?”
“...BuT-” Error… actually can’t think of an argument against that. Other than Nightmare maybe not wanting him to stay…
“It’ll be fine cutie~! Just leave it to me~”
Error just sighs in response, closing his sockets as he leans more into Killer’s touch. He hates the idea of not staying in the anti-void, but… he hates the idea of something like this happening again even more, so he’ll just have to deal.
Killer takes Error to his room, showing the destroyer around to show off all the changes, Like the TV’s, game systems, more updated furniture, and of course-
“I have a knife collection~!!”
“WHy aM I noT SuRpriSed.” The glitch deadpans, looking over the fuck-ton of knives. Some of them, he silently admits, do look pretty cool.
“How maNY dO You eVEn hAvE?”
“675~” Wow he doesn’t even need to think about it.
“Damn. ThAt’s. WoW. AlriGHt thEN.” It’s not like Error gets to talk though, with the ungodly amount of puppets he has strewn about in the anti-void.
Actually, that reminds him- he’s probably going to have to update the gang’s puppets… Especially if he wants to give them as gifts like he’s been thinking about doing.
“I have one from at least every AU I’ve ever been to! Some are even enchanted~!”
“ReALly? How doES thAt woRK?”
Excited, Killer reaches up to pluck one of his many knives off the wall. It’s sheathed in a matching leather holster, sewn with gold thread concealing the blade. The handle is made of dark wood with what appears to be more gold weaving around it to make beautiful intricate designs.
“I call this one willow. It came from an alchemist-based AU. The hilt is said to be made of a great tree there, one that was filled with ancient magic over the course of centuries.”
“Wow… tHAt’s acTUaLly prETty coOL.” Error admits, ignoring the part of him that wants to do something stupid- like play with the knife. As if he knows anything about wielding knives.
“And that’s not all~” Killer grabs the hilt and slowly pulls the blade from its sheath to reveal a sparkling iridescent metal or sorts, literally pulsing with magic. Error leans in close to see it better- just now realizing he wasn’t wearing his glasses.
“WoAh~”
“Cool huh~? It’s one of my favorites~ The blade is so sharp it can cut paper just by dropping the sheets onto it~ Not to mention how intent heavy the damage is. The more intent you have with an attack the stronger the damage and I mean WAAAAAY stronger!”
“Wow- ThAt’s- Wow…~” Error’s just repeating himself at this point why is he like this-
“Ya wanna hold it~?” Killer grins wide as he asks, obviously planning something.
Error very much did yes, but he knows how Killer can be, even if it’s been a while.
“...WhY?” The glitch asks, eyeing Killer suspiciously.
“No particular reason~ I just wanna see what ya do with it. Just don't destroy it.” He was happy-go-lucky until the last bit, Killer must be serious. Though Error could probably copy and paste the code if he really had to.
“I woN’t.” He promises, before being handed the knife. Killer didn’t hesitate, falling back onto his bed and closing his sockets.
“I know your good at fighting Ru, but have ya ever considered what would happen if ya lost your magic or couldn’t use it in a fight?”
Error hums in thought, adjusting his grip on the knife and swinging it to get a feel for it. His movements were much more practiced and fluid than someone with no experience would be. For some reason, the knife felt too small in his hand…
“I gUEss yA goT A poINt thEre- I dO TenD To relY on mY magiC to FIghT…”
“Yeah..maybe we can train together. Practice makes perfect right~?” If Killer thought Error's skill was odd he didn’t mention it.
“We’LL seE.” The glitch rolls the knife back over his knuckles absentmindedly, before holding it up over his shoulder as if to stick it in its sheath.
“WhY’d I…?” Error just shakes it off, actually putting the knife away this time. He wasn’t particularly in the mood to stab anything. Killers brow furrows a little as he sits up, taking the knife back to hang it up.
“Have you ever wielded a sword by any chance?”
“No- NoT That I cAN REmEmbEr, At leaST.”
“Huh….based on how you moved it looks like you have experience with a broadsword or something similar.”
“Huh… WeLL, iT’s poSsIBle- I DoN’t reALly hAve anY EaRLy mEmoRIes sO…” Error shrugs, a bit uncomfortable talking about it, but doing his best to stay casual.
“AnY CLue whEn thE OTheRs’LL coMe bAck?”
“Anytime now. Maybe we can cuddle while we wait~?” And now Killer’s winking at him-
“Y’knOw, I wAS aCtuALly goINg to cOnsiDEr iT For a sEcoNd bUt thEN yoU WinKed-” He deadpans, turning around to leave Killer’s room.
“W-wait no-! Ruruuuuuuuu!”
Error pauses, turning to look back at Killer with a raised brow. “Hm?”
The shorter skeleton blushes, rubbing his wrists a little as he speaks.
“Can I pretty pleeeeaaase cuddle you..~? I‘ve always wanted to~”
Error turns to fully face Killer with a sigh, smiling wryly. “FiNee… We’rE UsiNg yoUR bEd thOugh- I’m toO LaZy to gO All the wAY To the liVIng rOom.”
Killer excitedly grabs Error’s hand, making him flinch a bit in surprise, and pulls the glitch over to his bed excitedly.
“Works for me~!”
“YoU’re aWFully eXciTEd.” Error remarks as he sits next to Killer, letting the other get situated first- or at least he intended to. Killer had other ideas. The blind skeleton pulls him down, snuggling up against Error's chest with a happy purr.
Error glitches slightly and squirms a bit before relaxing, lightly curling around Killer with a happy sigh. Cuddling was great as long as his haptophobia doesn’t kick in, and luckily today was a good day in that regard.
“‘Course I’m excited~” Killer's arms loosely wrap around Error's waist, rubbing his hips and back.
“You’ve never let me touch you so much before, or at all~”
Error melts just a bit into the back rubs. “I’Ve hAd sOMeoNe wHo’s beEN woRkinG On iT WIth mE.” He admits.
“Really? Who?”
“A sWAp SanS, aCtuALly.”
The smaller blinks, dumfounded.
“So you're telling me….that your friends..with a swap sans.”
“So whAt iF I aM?” Error bristles, defensive.
Killer doesn’t answer at first, but when he does it was not what Error was expecting.
“I’m so proud of you~!! You made a friend~!” Nuzzles!
“WhA-?” He glitches and blushes a bit, caught off guard.
“I’m proud of you! I would have never expected you to make a friend on your own! It was hard to get close to you at all and I had Nightmare to back me up.”
“WelL, tuRNs ouT I juSt hAD To kiDnaP SOmEonE To mAke A FriEnd, sO TheRE Ya go.” Error definitely liked joking about kidnapping Blue way too much and it must still be funny because Killer starts to giggle against him.
“Wow, I didn’t expect that at all~”
“I CaN’t telL If tHAt’s sARcasTIc oR Not-”
Killer scoots up to face Error, nuzzling his face, who allows it with a sigh.
“No sarcasm here~”
“If yA SaY so…” Error nuzzles Killer back for a moment before pulling back from them, glitching slightly.
“Do ya mind if I do something? It’ll only take a sec.”
“SuRe? JuST DoN’t stAb mE Or soMEthiNg.”
Without any hesitation at all, Killer leans forward and- kisses him!! Error sits there for a second, before exploding in a huge blush, glitching.
*Beeeeep*
Error.exe has crashed. Rebooting…
“Woops…..”
~
Luckily, it didn’t take too long for Error to reboot, and after lightly whacking Killer a few times he settled down and Killer started petting his head, making him melt into a purring puddle and eventually fall asleep- second time in forever. It was probably going to become more common, wasn’t it…?
Well, he wasn’t complaining. Sleep was surprisingly nice.
He’s not sure how long he slept, but when he started waking up, it felt different somehow… and he couldn’t feel Killer- wasn’t he cuddling with him?
Error stretches out with a quiet whine, before reluctantly cracking open his sockets and looking around. This… definitely wasn’t Killer’s room… Where was he?
“ Took you long enough. ”
The glitch blinks for a moment, before turning to- Aw shit it’s Nightmare- he was hoping he could at least have Killer to help explain-
“...Hi.” Yup great start Error good job.
The king is glaring at Error like the glitch is the scum of the earth, a bug he wants to crush under his feet.
“ We had a deal destroyer. ”
Error sweats nervously, avoiding Nightmare’s gaze. He didn’t used to feel nervous about the king- but that was mostly because he was too apathetic to care.
He once again internally curses Blue for making him feel things.
“I woULd liKe tO Say in mY DefENse thAT I’m pReTty suRE I tIMe-trAVeleD tO An eXTent-”
Based on Nightmare’s reaction his words aren’t helping.
“ Not only did you disappear and fail to uphold our deal, but you have the audacity to come into my home and not even apologize! Do you know how much chocolate I gathered trying to get your lazy ungrateful ass to come back!? I finally find someone worthy of being considered my equal and they bail. Despicable.”
Is Nightmare angry about him breaking the deal or not being his friend? Though he didn’t think the king was interested in friendship…
Either way, Error ducks his head a bit. “SoRry… I gEnuINely dIDn’T thiNk iT hAD beEn thAT lonG… Heh- shOuld’a sEeN THe pAniC aTtAck I AlmoST Had wHeN KilLEr toLd me hOW Long iT’s beEn.” He fidgets, summoning some strings to play cat's cradle with. “KiLLs thINks It hAs somETHiNg to dO WitH hoW timE woRKs in thE AnTi-voID- iT haS The pASt, prESenT, aNd fuTUre aLL At onCe.”
Error doubted the explanation would actually pacify Nightmare all that much, but he still wanted him to at least know that it genuinely wasn’t purposeful. The dark king's tentacles wither and curl behind him, wanting to move closer to the glitch and latch on like they used to in the later years of their alliance. Eventually Nightmare lets them, the appendages lightly brushing and wrapping around Error’s bones.
“You idiot.”
Error glitches a bit, but doesn’t try to brush the tentacles off like he often used to.
“...I kNoW.”
There’s a hefty pause before Nightmare sighs, sounding more tired than upset now.
“This isn’t going to happen again. Do I make myself clear? ”
Error wasn’t going to promise something like that, especially when he knew he didn’t have full control on if he’d be able to keep it.
“I’ll… tRy mY BEst.”
“Good….” ….Well….what does he do now?
“So- wHaT’s bEeN GoiNG on WhiLE I wAs goNe?” Error hesitantly asks, before remembering something. “Oh yEah- KilLEr anD I- wEll aCtuAlly moStlY KillER I thINk-? He mIGht’Ve alReADy aSkeD YOu, comE To thINk oF it-” And now he was rambling wasn’t he.
“You can stay.”
“-HuH?” Error cuts himself off, looking at Nightmare in surprise.
“I’m not going to repeat myself, Error. You're always welcome here. Always have been and always will be….Why are you so surprised?”
The glitch shrugs, glancing away again.
“I dUnNo… I thOUghT You wEre mAD At mE? I’m sTILl nEw at thE WhoLe “cArinG AboUT oThers’ EMotIOns aNd noT HAtiNg evErythiNG” ThinG…”
The bed dips as Nightmare sits beside the glitch, watching him closely.
“Yes well I am mad…but sending you away wont do any good especially not when I finally got you to come back.”
Error hums, still avoiding eye-contact. “YoU Uh- miGHt nEeD To heLp me sTaY Out oF The aNTi-voiD… I cAn’t seEM tO StaY AWay- iT’s liKe sOMethiNg eLSe is CoNtroLLInG my bOdy soMetimES, I’d… rAThEr noT HAvE somEThiNg liKE thiS haPpen AgaIN.”
The other hums, before hesitantly…nuzzling the side of Error's skull with his own. It was strange getting physical affection from someone who had been fairly distant, but it wasn’t bad by any means.
“I’ll watch you then and if you're gone for longer than a week I’ll come get you.”
“ThAnk you- I’ll mAKe suRe tO UnloCk thE AntI-VoiD.”
“Of course.” Nightmare soon pulls away, even as his tentacles take his place. “Now we should introduce you to Dust. Dinner should be ready any moment.”
“...HoRroR’s goNNa mAKe mE EaT isN’t he-”
“There’s no doubt. You're still too thin.”
“DaMmiT- I dON’t neED tO eaT YoU KNoW thiS-” Error pouts.
“Neither do I, but he insists.” The king stands, straightening his clothes and holding a hand out to Error.
“You know how he is.”
Error barely hesitates to take his hand, smiling a bit. “YeAh, I dO.”
Pulling Error up, Nightmare…smiles back. Like a real smile!
“We should go sit at the dining table.”
“YoU’ll havE TO tAke mE THerE- I hAvE No iDea whERe in ThE caSTle wE Are.” Error very much hated to admit it, but he was absolute trash at navigation and shit like that. There was a reason he just portaled directly to where he wanted to go…
The king huffs in amusement and pets Error’s skull gently.
“Of course you don’t~”
The glitch tries to glare at Nightmare, but the other skeleton knows his weakness, and he just melts into the pets with a quiet purr, unable to help himself.
“So cute…~” He hears Nightmare mumble something.
“Hm? YOu sAy sOMethIn’?”
“N-no!” Well that sounded suspicious, but Error’s not going to pry- he’d rather just enjoy the pets.
“M’kAy..~”
“Let’s just go-” But pets! Nightmare begins dragging him out of the room, heading down stairs to the kitchen. Error definitely pouts- both from the loss of the pets, but also for the food Horror was definitely going to make him eat. He found eating boring and pointless- as he didn’t need to eat anyways. No matter what anyone said about him being thin.
“FiNe…”
The dining room is filled with shouts as Killer and the new skeleton argue. It’s hard to make out, but it sounds like Killer did something to someone's…. Yeah no he’s not dealing with that-
“KiLLEr wHy aRE yoU LIkE thiS-”
The two stop their dispute to look over at the glitch, Killer grinning wide as he gets up, jumps over the table, and runs at Error.
“Ruru~!!” “WhY diD YOu juMp oVEr thE- oOf-”
Error regrets ever letting Killer touch him- because now he was on the floor, Killer having tackled him.
“N-nOpe thAT’s yoUr liMIt-” He glitches himself out from under Killer, definitely not hiding behind Nightmare nope-
“B-but Ru-!” “Killer.” Ah, Nightmare’s stepping in.
“Go sit down. Horror will be in with the food shortly.”
Pouting hard, Killer gets up and does as he’s told, the new skeleton laughing at him. Error barely keeps himself from sticking his tongues out at Killer childishly.
“Th-hANKs.”
“Don’t thank me. Take your seat like the other morons.”
Error pouts at the implication he was a moron too- though it wasn’t necessarily wrong. “BuT I dOn’T knOw whErE To siT…”
“To my left. I sit at the head of the table.” The tentacles around Error’s bones let go begrudgingly as Nightmare pulls away to walk to the kitchen- the glitch had forgotten they were there. “I must assist Horror with the food.”
The glitch nods, and- after taking a second to remember which way was left- he sits in his seat, openly staring at who must be Dust in curiosity. Blue says it looked creepy, but Error constantly forgets that- he’s actually pretty sure Blue just gave up trying.
Dust simply stares back and for a good few minutes they say nothing, even Killer is silent. It reaches a point that Error starts to zone out, idly listening to the random shit the voices were saying. At least, until one caught his attention.
“WhAt do You mEAn hE Has a GHosT? No- wHy woULd I aSk hiM AboUt thAt? No I’m- nOW ThAt juSt souNDs meAn.” Nevermind he regrets acknowledging their existence now they were being even more annoying-
Dust visibly stiffens, his left eyelight flaring beneath his hood.
“ If you have something to say, say it to my face. ”
Error glitches and forces himself to not flare his own destructive magic in a challenge.
“ThE voiCeS ARe juSt trYInG to bE noSy- thEY finD GreAt joY In kNoWIng eVerYOne’S SeCreTs.” He rolls his eyelights. “I uSuaLly JuST IgNore thEM- soRrY IF I mAde yoU UncOMfoRtabLE…”
Before Dust can say anything in response Killer is sitting on his lap, nuzzling and kissing him.
“He doesn’t know bunny~ Ya shouldn’t be so aggressive~”
The glitch tilts his head, confused. “KnOW whAt?”
He vaguely knows about Dusttale’s existence- though that was assuming Dust even came from that AU in the first place-
He ignores the conformations being yelled at him courtesy of the voices.
He’d rather not pry into the past of a maybe possible friend(?) who clearly didn’t want him to know- even if he could in theory find out with a literal wave of his hand.
The voices weren’t being very helpful, though.
“ShUT thE FucK Up or I sWeaR To FoX-” He hisses to the air next to him, getting fed up with the attempts to tell him Dust’s backstory.
“Just forget it.” The larger skeleton doesn’t seem all that interested in talking about it…
“OkaY. SorRY.” Error was honestly probably going to figure it out anyway despite his best attempts, with the voices being the way they are.
Killer kisses Dust again, letting it linger for a moment before he gets up to go sit on Error's lap.
“Ruru~”
Error glitches and playfully shoves Killer away, looking at him in mock disgust.
“I thOUGht I toLD yoU yOu reACheD YouR liMIt For thE Day-”
The smaller freaking whimpers! Making grabby hands at the glitch with fake tears in his sockets.
“Noooo~ Please~ I’ll beg if you want me to~”
…Error sighs, entirely done with life as he opens his arms in invitation. “DaMn yoU.”
“Yay~!” Killer sits snugly onto Erros lap with a purr, nuzzling against him like a happy cat~
It was admittedly pretty cute how much Killer wanted to cuddle, even if he was absolutely a little shit.
Soon Nightmare and Horror come back from the kitchen, holding plates of food and placing them on the table before taking their seats.
“Take as much as you’d like.” Nightmare looks at Error as he speaks, making said skeleton squint at him a bit.
Error only grabs a bit of each different food, not having tried most of it before. He doesn’t bother trying to push Killer off of him again, eating as if he wasn’t there, though the glitch was careful not to spill anything.
Horror stares at Error as everyone eats their dinner, and he waves nervously at him. Killer and Dust talk across the table, annoying and flirting with each other until the head of the table speaks.
“Error. Tell me about your friend.”
“HuH-? Oh- YoU MEaN BluEberRy?” The destroyer uses this chance to discreetly push his food away from him, making Horror’s stare turn into a glare as he growls.
Nevermind he’s still eating yup-
“Yes.”
“Hm… WeLL- hE’s a sWAp SaNs… wE FirST meT WhEn I StARted dEstROyinG HIs UniVErSe anD AcCIdEntALly kIDnAppeD HiM… WhAT dO You wAnNa knoW?”
“Everything.” Nightmare is as direct- yet vague- as always..
“Well thAt wASn’t veRy heLPful…” Error mutters, before deciding to just start from the beginning, describing how they had met.
He talks about weird Blue was- like how the excitable skeleton actually genuinely wanted to be his friend- and mentions Blue constantly finding reasons or excuses to hang out, something that he found kinda cute in a way-
“-OnCE wE trIEd coOKinG toGEthER anD AlmoST buRnt doWN his hOUsE, wHIcH BluE AcTIvelY trIEd to FuEl wiTH hiS WIsKy stASh thAT aDorABLy cHAotiC baStARd-” Error was very much rambling at this point, smiling fondly at the memory of his first official friend.
Killer grumbles a little against him, nuzzling up into Error's neck as everyone else listens intently.
“BluE aCtuaLly ReMIndS Me a LOt oF yoU, KilLEr- ThOugh hE tArgeTs mE leSS in hIS cHAos.” Error adds, getting distracted as he rambles random things about Blue, similar to how Killer did when he really got going.
Killer blushes, Dust snickering at him as he very gently places a kiss on the glitch’s neck because it's right there~! Of course, it makes Error squeak and blush heavily, glitching.
“KilLEr I wILL kiCk yoU OfF-” The destroyer threatens.
“I’m just lovin’ ya glitchy~”
“WelL StoP-” Why would Killer even want to do that anyways?
“Hmm, just a little lovin’~?”
Error lightly flicks Killer’s skull. “JuSt leT Me liVe iN PEaCe.”
With a pouty look Killer snuggles into Error even more.
“But I’ve missed so many chances ta give ya affection! You were gone forever!” Is Killer whimpering??? The glitch just rolls his eyelights in response.
“CuDdlinG iS FInE, bUT NoThiNg paSt thAT pleAsE? AnYThiNg elsE Is a bIT Too muCh…” Error crashing when Killer kissed him was proof of that.
“Aww ok yeah, I get it.” Killer seems so disappointed, but that doesn’t stop him from snuggling up close and purring.
“Th-thANks…” Error sighs a bit in relief, glad the small skeleton was willing to respect his boundaries. He was slightly worried Killer would just ignore him- even if he knew Killer probably wouldn’t do that.
They all talk some more until dinner is over, Horror apparently having been quite upset about Error's sudden disappearance as well, but it’s not all that surprising.
Well- to Error it was a bit surprising. He assumed the gang just thought of him as a useful ally and nothing else, and he just ignored and pushed away how he felt about them in turn. Blue had been the one to point out that they might actually be friends, and it was starting to look like he might actually be right.
The night finishes off with Nightmare getting up to show Error his new room. Instead of going into the hall with the gang's bedrooms, the dark king leads him up stairs and to the left- where his own bedroom is, confusing the glitch a bit. Had he forgotten where everyone’s rooms were? It was certainly possible- though Killer had shown him his room and it wasn’t this way, right?
“The room next to mine will be yours, I already have it prepared. You may change it as you wish, just keep it all in that room.”
“Oh- uH- ThAnKs NiGhty.” The destroyer automatically opens a portal to the antivoid, taking a step towards it before he stops himself. The tentacles around him were already tugging him back anyway.
“No no. This way.”
“...R-riGht.” Error closes the portal with a grimace, a touch annoyed with himself. Nightmare open the door for him to reveal a room as lavish and prestean as his own, fit for a king- or queen~
“...WoaH.” Was all Error could say, stunned by the room. It wasn’t very much his style, but he could certainly appreciate the effort that went into it.
…Was the bed soft he wanted to see if the bed was soft-
“Go on. It’s all yours now.”
Error grins and runs over to the bed, flopping face first onto it with a happy laugh. It was soft! And the blanket was fuzzy!! Unknownst to Error, Nightmare smiles, a real genuine soft smile, his tentacles forming small heart shapes behind his back.
~
‘Error is so beautiful~’ Nightmare thinks as he stares at the glitch. He’s never seen Error smile like that, and the look on his face has the king's soul soaring to new heights.
About a year before the destroyer had left he had realized just how attached he was becoming. With Horror’s kind soul peeking through every so often, it had changed him, as slow as that change may have been.
It wouldn’t have affected him so much if he didn’t already have an attachment to Killer at the time, but the small skeleton had been with him for so long that it was hard not to. Otherwise he would have been alone, and he hates to admit that’s one of the things that scares him. Loneliness.
When Error disappeared he was angry- beyond angry. He was livid!....and a little scared. Not that he would ever admit that either, but it was there.
He grew softer as time went on and his little collection of misfits grew by one member- though he discovered Dust was a more sensitive case. He needed someone who was willing to care, and now that Killer has been able to feel properly for a while now, the flirty skeleton was able to fill that role.
It doesn’t surprise him that the anti-void can mess with time, but the results bother him. Error could have been out of his reach for good. It would be no different than his situation with Dream, unable to get to him. Completely out of his control. The moment Killer had told him his little theory he vowed to keep Error out of there, even if he had to chain him up in the dungeon to do it.
Now that the destroyer is back, he knows how he feels and there’s nothing he can do to change it, especially if six years apart only had him loving Error more.
What was the saying?
…
Oh right.
Distance only makes the heart grow fonder.
~
The king walks over to sit at the edge of the bed and takes a weaved basket out of his inventory.
“I brought you something. I thought you might like a housewarming gift.”
Error tilts his head, looking at Nightmare in confusion. “WhAt’s a HoUSewARminG GifT? Is iT LIke… a heATeR Or soMeTHiNg…?”
Nightmare chuckles at Error fondly before handing him the basket.
“No. It’s something someone gives you to try and help you feel more at home in a new place.”
“Oh… ThAT’s a wEIrd NamE FOr iT.” The glitch stares at the basket, clearly unsure how to react to it. He’s never really gotten a gift before… Did Blue’s ‘friendship tacos’ count?
“Home is supposed to be warm and welcoming, figuratively I mean.” Nightmare lightly nuzzles the side of Error’s skull with his own, smiling. “Open it.”
Error… never felt like that with the antivoid… Pushing those thoughts away, Error opens the basket, looking inside. The basket is full of different kinds of twine and thread of all different colors as well as a pair of knitting and crochet needles, a bag of stuffing and and a bag of sand.
“I know you like to make those dolls so I thought you would like this.”
“They’RE PuPpeTs .” Error insists, as if that were cooler in literally any way. “BuT THaNks, NIgHt.” They glitch puts the basket to the side to hug Nightmare, since Blue said that’s how you show love.
The king blushes, his soul beating so loudly in his rib cage he was nervous Error might notice. His tentacles are quick on the uptake, wrapping around Error and holding him close, but his arms hesitate. Slowly and lightly, they lay over the destroyer’s shoulders and after a moment, he’s practically pulling Error onto his lap. The glitch didn’t seem to mind all that much, though, just shifting a bit to get more comfortable, glitching slightly.
“HeH- iT’s liKE yoU’vE NeVEr goTteN A HuG befORe~” Error teases.
Oddly enough, Nightmare doesn’t respond, instead his grip tightens as if worried the glitch would vanish or pull away. Error does, in fact, try to pull away, but only to try to see Nightmare’s face, growing concerned from the lack of response.
“YOu oKaY-?”
“Of course I am…” His voice is ever so slightly strained. Nightmare has always been good at hiding his own negative emotions, ironically enough.
“I hiGHly doUBt thAt.” Error tightens his grip on Nightmare, resting his skull on the king’s shoulder. “BUt I’m hEre foR You, ‘kAY?”
Once again Nightmare doesn’t respond, instead lightly nuzzling the glitch’s skull some more, taking in a strained breath. Error was content to stay where he was.
…It was actually pretty comfy if he was going to be honest… Would Nightmare get upset if he fell asleep on him? ‘Cause it was getting increasingly tempting…
A small, almost hesitant purr begins to rumble in the goopy skeletons chest, a soft, but deep vibration that's soothing and quiet. It triggers Error’s own purrs as he relaxes against Nightmare, an almost silent sound that could be felt more than heard.
The glitchy skeleton finds himself nuzzling into Nightmare’s neck, sockets drooping closed as he starts falling asleep.
It seems like the secret to getting Error to sleep was simply someone else being with him…
He doesn’t notice the king tense, nor the bright burning blush on his face. His soul is so loud! Error could actually kind of hear it at this point, but the soothing sound of Nightmare’s soulbeat just helps him relax more, a content sigh leaving him as he falls fully asleep.
~
Nightmare can feel Error’s hot breath against his neck, making him shudder and blush even brighter than he already is. ‘How did this happen!?’ he asks himself, confused by this turn of events. ‘Since when did he become the destroyer's teddy bear???’
….What does he do now? He can’t just leave can he? ….Right..? What if Error has a nightmare!? Who will protect him!?
“I….guess I can stay…”
Having thoroughly convinced himself, the dark king lays back on the bed, carefully bringing Error down with him and pulling up the covers. He glances at the glitch’s face and gets trapped staring at the surprisingly peaceful look on Error’s face.
“Truly beautiful..~” Nightmare is leaning forward before he can catch himself and his lips meet Error’s. It’s a tingly feeling, but warm and inviting too. Who knew Error’s face could feel so soft~ ‘Wait what is he-’
He had to pry himself away from the smaller, eyelight locked onto those soft lips.
“Shit….”
Error glitches slightly with a quiet huff, his grip tightening on the king.
“..I…shouldn’t be doing this. I didn’t ask-” He can’t take his eyelight off Error’s mouth, and he watches as it turns downwards in a small frown. A strained whine leaves the glitch as he tries to cuddle closer to Nightmare.
‘What?’ He doesn’t think Error is having a nightmare, but he’s never looked into the destroyer's dreamscape before. Never had the chance.
“I could give him positive emotions…” Even if that isn’t the king's specialty he can still do it…if he really wants to.
Nightmare was correct in thinking Error wasn’t having a nightmare- in fact, his dreamscape was nothing more than an empty white void. There was no reason for him to be as distressed as he was… Right?
Nightmare doesn’t really understand, but the form Error’s dreamscape chose to take reminds him of the anti-void. So he presses their foreheads together and closes his socket.
The king takes shape behind Error’s dream body, which was oddly fuzzy and glitchy for some reason. He was just sitting there blankly. Very cautiously, Nightmare reaches out with a tentacle, tapping the destroyer’s shoulder.
“Error..?”
The glitch jumps and yelps, scrambling away from Nightmare and quickly getting up, hand held out as if preparing to form an attack.
“You’Re not Ink…” He mutters, sounding confused. “How dID you gEt here??”
Nightmare frowns deeply. Error is clearly not ok.
“Why is that important Error? The reason I’m here should be more important.”
Error seems confused by his own name before shaking it off. “Wh- Ink said- hE saiD he was the onlY oNE who CouLd come and go fRom here- ThAt’s why I’m still stuck heRe iN The fiRSt place…” The glitch frowns. “...Why arE you here, thEn?”
This isn’t right. This can’t be a dream….it’s something else.
“What’s your name?”
“...SaNs.” He didn’t seem to like using that answer, but he refused to tell his chosen name.
Nightmare huffs in stunned amusement, rolling his eyelight before giving the…’Sans’ a smirk.
“Lots of people are named Sans, but I won’t push if you don’t want to tell me.” He takes a moment to bow like a gentleman. “My name is Nightmare, King Nightmare to be exact. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Error’s sockets widen and he quickly straightens, clicking his feet together and bowing stiffly in a practiced motion. “N-nice tO meet yoU too, yOur majesty.” Error might not be happy about the unknown skeleton, but he knew how he was meant to act to royalty.
The dark king blinks, more than a little surprised by that reaction, but he won’t deny the small spark of glee that crosses his face in a smirk.
“How polite of you. At least someone understands how to show respect.” His face turns serious again. “Now tell me. Is Ink keeping you here? It hardly seems like a place for anyone to be kept.”
Error glances up from his bow, before straightening back up. “Oh- nO no Ink’s not- He’s not keeping me HEre. He’s been heLping me- I cAn’t leave.”
Nightmare quirks a brow, his tentacles curling.
“Who said you can’t leave? Anyone who can open portals can. Ink should be able….….” Oh.. “...I can get you out. Take you somewhere safe.”
“I… ReAlly..?” Error’s hope bleeds into his voice, before he hesitates. “But… thIS is all I have left of my universe…” The glitch clutches his ṉ̸́͝ê̷̲̓͜c̸͚̀̈́ḱ̴̻͕̕l̶̻̑͝a̵͉̟̓̑c̴̳̥̈ĕ̶̫̫ scarf.
The other’s words have him frowning deeper.
“It’s not easy, but no one would want you stuck here. There’s nowhere else to go but forward.” Nightmare holds out his hand. “I don’t know what you’ve gone through, but staying here won’t fix it or make you feel better. Sometimes you just have to let go..and move on. Come with me.”
Error hesitates for a moment longer, before taking a step closer to Nightmare, holding out his own hand.
“...OkAy. I’m trusTing you.”
The glitch grabs Nightmare’s hand, his bones turning white for just a second before Nightmare is pushed out of his dreamscape as Error begins to wake.
The king stifles a gasp as his socket opens, looking back at Error's face as he stirs. Quick! Act like he’s asleep!
Error yawns with a small displeased sound, nuzzling into Nightmare and stretching. He didn’t want to be awake…This causes the king to blush, brightly. He pulls Error closer against him, the glitch flush against his chest as they wiggle under the covers.
“Hm… Night..” Error nuzzles Nightmare more before relaxing and dropping back into sleep.
“Phew….” Error said his name while sleeping! Wait no no- no reason to freak out or whatever this is! Just calm down….. Or he might wake Error up again.
Speaking of said glitch, he seemed to be sleeping peacefully now, his dreams blissfully empty and dark now. He can’t wake Error up when he’s finally sleeping peacefully.
…..But that dream….It was something else. A warped memory? That sounds right but he doesn’t know for sure. It was concerning, too- the destroyer mentioned Ink a bit too much for comfort… What did Ink have to do with his past?
Error told him that his first memories were of leaving the antivoid, leading him to just believe that he was just formed there- similar to what he’s picked up about Ink forming in the “Doodlesphere” whatever that was. But this… this implied that he had a life before it- if the dream truly was a memory of some sort.
“Hmm…..I’ll have to do some digging. There’s too many unknown variables.”
He looks back down at Error in thought….before lightly kissing the top of his skull. Maybe he’ll sleep for once…the boys should have already gone to bed anyway. And Error’s soft, sleepy purrs were relaxing..
In a matter of minutes, the king falls into a deep sleep, purring a little louder than he was before.
~
Error doesn’t fully wake up until late the next morning, and even then he still hugs the thing he was holding tighter with a whine, clearly unhappy about being in the waking world.
He wanted to sleeeeep…
Something slips up his shirt and curls around his spine, joining the many other cold to the touch long things that are wrapped around his bones, weaving through his ribs and lacing themselves through his pelvis.
“Hm~” He glitches and shivers slightly at the strange sensations, wiggling against whatever was holding him. Whatever it is rubs back without hesitation, caressing his bones as a loud purr comes from beside his skull.
A low moan slips out of Error as his sensitive bones are touched, before he peels open his sockets with a confused whine, his tired brain only half comprehending what was happening.
The first thing he sees are black clothes that rise and fall shallowly, matching up to the hot breath on the top of his skull. Error stares blankly for a moment.
“Ngh… NigHT…MarE?” …Nuzzle the Noot?
The goopy skeleton grunts in his sleep, nuzzling Error's skull back as he pulls him closer, shifting the tentacles and making Error moan again. It felt good, but the sleepy glitch wanted to get up.
…Maybe if he just… Error glitches himself out of Nightmare’s hold and into the hallway, only to stumble and fall with a thunk , his body very much not awake enough to catch himself in time.
…What if he just, like, stayed here……Listening to the long heartbreaking whine coming from the otherside of his bedroom door. What was that coming from?
…He still wasn’t going to move, though. It was now floor time.
Even if he was sprawled in a slightly awkward way from trying and failing to catch himself when he fell.
Slow footsteps approach and stop in front of him.
“...What are ya doing?”
Error hums, staring blankly ahead as he notices a couple of voices laughing. “...’S F’oor TimE.
“Hmm…yeah no get up before someone steps on ya.” The skeleton who simply has to be Dust lightly kicks Error with his slipper, not hard at all.
The glitch rolls over with a whine, batting sleepily at the slipper.
“NnoOoo…”
The larger skeleton chuckles before picking Error up with blue magic to hold him in his arms.
“Weee…” Error mumbles, cuddling into Dust with only a few glitches. The other was obviously caught off guard, stiffening for a moment before he forces himself to relax and begins walking downstairs to the living room.
“You're so weird.”
“‘M a GliTch.” Error corrects, nuzzling into Dust’s shoulder as his sockets start closing again.
Dust only huffs in response, plopping down on the couch to turn something on and take a nap.
The glitch stays there, half asleep, until a loud bang comes from the TV, startling him enough to jolt up and fall off the couch.
“Ugh…” Welp, he was certainly awake now… hope Dust didn’t hate him too much for sleepy Error’s actions. Looking up, he finds Dust fast asleep on the couch, taking one of his many naps throughout the day.
With a groan, Error gets up, dusting off his clothes, before deciding to go wander around the castle to most likely get lost, as he didn’t need to do any work yet. It’s just as big as he remembers…if not bigger! The castle feels like it goes on forever!
Why the hell did all of the hallways look the same?? Error has absolutely no idea where he was at this point, and he was starting to get bored. Until he finds a very grand and intricate door and based on the light coming from the other side it leads to the outside.
Hell yeah something that isn’t a hallway- With no hesitation, Error opens the door and steps outside, squinting from the bright sun as his eyelights adjust to the lighting change.
It’s a garden. It stretches into the distant tree line, covered in flowers, crops, butterflies, streams, little lakes full of lilies, and who knows what else. Looks like Error knows what he was doing the rest of the day-
He walks around and explores the garden for the next while, admiring the natural beauty of it, until he stumbles upon a lush forest. Was he about to go get lost in the woods? Yes absolutely.
The forest is full of magical creatures big and small. From dragons to dire wolves you can find almost anything here. Error has no idea how Nightmare managed to do all of this, since looking at the codes revealed that nothing was native to this AU. It was honestly impressive.
After walking a bit deeper into the forest, an odd sense of deja vu comes over Error, and he finds his body automatically leading him in a different direction.
Those trees- with the weird shaped rock- they were… familiar. He had seen them hundreds of times before. Error’s done this before…
He parts some large shrubs and shoulders his way through them, sighing in contentment as he sees the lake. It was as peaceful as it always was- the water so still it looked like a mirror. His little escape.
He moves to his favorite rock on the edge of the lake, hopping from one stone to the next to get to it with familiar ease, sitting down on it.
A flicker of someone long forgotten yet still unknown settles next to him, making him chuckle, his gaze not moving from the view in front of him.
“I knEw yoU LIkEd thIS PlaCe.”
“So what if I do? Just… shut up and let me enjoy this, Sans.” One of the voices says.
“DoN’t caLL Me tHAt- yOu knoW I DOn’T go bY ThAt namE AnYMore.”
“Yeah yeah, I know. Now hush.”
They sit there for a while, just enjoying the nature and serenity surrounding them.
…
After a bit, Error blinks and rubs his sockets with a sigh, before getting up.
“...WhAT wAS I juSt thiNkinG ABoUt? Hm… I gUEss I’ll reMeMBer iF It’s IMpOrtANt.” Error shrugs, before glitching himself off of the rock and onto the shore of the lake, walking off in a random direction to explore some more.
“ThAt’s a NIcE spOT… I sHouLD Go baCk soMetIMe.”
~
Error quickly adjusted to a new routine with the gang, taking turns hanging out with them, watching Undernovella, and destroying universes. It was almost like he had never left- though he couldn’t tell if Dust liked him or not- as he was joined while destroying again so the gang could cause more negativity and help him speed up the process.
That was actually what they were doing at the moment- creating chaos in a random AU’s Snowdin. Nightmare apparently wanted them to draw out the Stars, to hopefully… do something. Error honestly only half paid attention when Nightmare was explaining it.
“Brother stop this!” There they were.
Error glances at Nightmare, who gestures for him to tie the Stars up. The glitch does so without question, grinning up at the three skeletons.
“WeLL weLl, LoNg tIMe nO-...” Error cuts himself off as he looks into the shit-eating grin of a certain swapped Sans. “BLue??”
“Hello frie- Evil Fiend!!! We Have Come To Stop you~!” Blueberry’s grin shifts into one of false confidence, making Error glare. Were they really going to do this now? Really??
“WhAT thE HelL Are yOu dOInG heRe? WitH thEm ?” Error gestures to Ink and Dream, the former piping up with a ‘hey!’ of protest.
“They're My Friends! Why Do You Care Error?” Blue fake glares at the glitch, huffing as if annoyed.
A flash of hurt flashes across his face, before he realizes that Blue is just acting. Looks like they were really doing this. He already regrets ever agreeing to it.
“Wha- Of cOUrSe I CaRe! YoU’re wiTh tHe EneMY! ”
The whole gang is confused, Nightmare even more so. The two supposed friends' actions don't match their emotions at all, leaving the dark king staring at them in complete bafflement.
Blue flinches and Error can’t help but grin.
“BluE, YOu knOw I CaRe foR You- thAT’s wHy I Let yoU OuT of thE AntiVOid-”
“You Kidnapped Me!”
That… actually hurt a bit. “I tOLd yoU! It wAs aN AcCiDEnt!”
Blue huffs again to add effect, “That’s Not My Fault. Now Be Defeated You Fiend!”
The little swap sans suddenly breaks free of his bindings and summons a giant hammer-!
Oh god fuck no he’s not fighting Blue again not after last time-
Error glitches out of the way with a cut off yelp, before covering up his absolute terror with anger, flinging strings and bone attacks at Blue, scowling.
“WhAT HaPpeNed tO BEinG FriEndS liKe yoU cONstANtly pReAChed ABoUt? WaS ALl of tHat juSt- fUCkinG FakE?? An aCt??”
“It Was Either That Or Death Destroyer! I Did What I Had To Do.”
Blue’s hamer becomes sharp and he cuts Ink and Dream free, before it returns to normal.
Damn, Blue knew how to hit where it hurt, even if it wasn’t real- throwing Error’s words from that day right back at him like that. The glitch laughs, a sad, fake sound.
“And To thINk, I AcTUalLY trUSteD yoU! I cAn’t beLIevE it! You reALly aRE juST LikE EVeRyonE ELse, aREn’t yoU.”
Blue’s grin falls a little, if only for a second.
“Of Course Not! The Magnificent Blue Is The Greatest! And You Are The Worst! How Could I Be Friends With You?” The swap breaks out into a laugh as if it was the funniest thing he had ever heard.
“No One Would Be Friends With A Destroyer.”
…Ouch.
Error backs up a few steps, his breath hitching as he glitches. Even though he knew that Blue was faking, his emotions get the better of him, and he feels tears gathering in the corners of his sockets.
Blue’s grin falls as he realizes he’s gone too far. His hammer is gone and he runs up to give Error a big hug.
“I’m Sorry Friend Error Don’t Cry! You Are My Friend! My Best Bestest Friend In All The Multiverse!”
“I’m noT CrYIng Sh-sHuT Up-” Error cries, hiding his face in Blue’s bandana as he clings to him.
Now Dream and Ink are confused too! Both staring at Blue like he’s out of his mind! None the less Blue continues to hug and comfort the glitch, mumbling apology after apology.
After a moment, Error stiffens and quickly wipes the tears off of his face, remembering their audience- he really hopes he doesn’t get teased for this. “W-wHAt abOUt thE PRaNk?”
Blue smiles and lightly nuzzles their nasal ridges together.
“No Prank Is Worth A Friend’s Tears! Especially Yours Error~”
Someone behind the destroyer snorts, snickering and causing someone else to join in. Dammit. Error flushes, hiding his face again.
“Blue sToOp yoU’rE EmbaRrassINg meEe…” The glitch whines.
Even Ink laughs a little at that.
“Awww~ I didn’t know you were so shy Ruru~!”
“I HaTe yoU All.” Error deadpans, glowing brightly.
Killer walks up behind the glitch, catching his breath after laughing so hard.
“Nah ya love us~”
“NoPE yoU’rE All dEAd tO Me.”
Killer and Horror both join in hugging the destroyer and Ink tries to join too, only for Killer to kick him away with a nasty glare. Error glitches at all of the touch but doesn’t pull away, still very much hiding his face.
“H-hey! I wanna cuddle Error too!”
“Fuck off shithead.”
“Language!”
“BluE Do thE THinG-”
“Ok! Shut The Fuck Up Dick Wad Before I Turn Your Insides Into Your Outsides~!”
Error snorts, before bursting into glitchy laughter. A glance at Dream and Ink’s face just makes him laugh harder. They look absolutely stunned! Error has a stupid sense of humor, but this was just too funny for him.
“What is happening???” Nightmare is so very confused.
Error tries to hold back his giggles. “W-wELL BlUe’s- heHE- BluE’s a LitTle bITch anD-” The glitch breaks into a giggle fit, muttering a faint ‘oh my fox this is so stupid’ between laughs.
….Should Nightmare be jealous……He feels like he should be jealous, but it looks like Killer’s got it covered. He’s giving Blue a deathglare.
Error rests his skull on Blue’s shoulder and takes a couple of deep breaths, unaware of the sudden animosity around him.
Killer’s grin twitches and Blue just smirks at him like the little shit he is, nuzzling Error's skull. The glitch playfully pokes Blue’s cheek as he turns his attention back to Nightmare, laughter finally under control.
“So aGEs aGo-”
“It’s Only Been A Month!”
“RigHT, aGes agO, BLue toLd me hE JOinED The STaRs as like- BAcK up- anD SAid He haD An iDEa, wHicH WAS ALmoSt neVEr a goOd thinG-”
“And?” Killer is actually agitated……that never happens!
“RiGht- soRrY- So BLue cAmE UP wiTh a prANk IDeA whEre thERe wAs goINg to BE BeTraiL aNd anGSt aND soMehoW WeEDled a PRomISe ouT Of Me tO Go alonG WIth it. BuT THen! He hAd to gO And brEak cHAracTer!” Error glares lightly at Blue. “So noW We’re hERe.”
“It’s Not My Fault You Started To Cry You Softie~!”
The destroyer glares harder, glitching. “ShUT up I Wasn’T CryiNg! And iF I wAs It woUld’vE OnlY MaDe IT moRe beLIevaBLe. BeSIdEs- I knOw yoU FelT BaD AboUt it sO thEre.”
There’s suddenly an odd sound, like a small dog growling viciously, making Error look at the source in confusion and concern.
“...KiLLer? Ya goOd?”
Said skeleton is snarling at Blue, the even smaller skeleton grinning in delight even as he lets go and Killer stops immediately.
“Ok I’ll stop~”
“HuH??” Now Error is even more confused-
Reaching up, Killer takes Blue’s place in the hug, nuzzling Error's face.
“Nothing~”
“Oh…kAy?” The glitch gives Blue a look, clearly asking for help in knowing what the fuck was happening right now. Blue only shrugs, ever helpful.
In the background Dream is trying to talk to Nightmare, who just keeps swatting him away like an annoying fly. It was kinda funny.
“...I’m tiReD.” Error decides, though it wasn’t necessarily true. The glitch was just done with existing right now.
…He missed the anti-void. Though it never felt safe or warm, it was empty and quiet- something that Error honestly craved right now.
The king frowns and scoops Error up, opening a portal back home.
“Everyone go- Not you Ink!”
“Why!? I wanna go with Error!”
“WhY AM I beINg heLd noW-?”
“I said no. Now shoo.” Nightmare’s version of shooing someone is yeeting them with a tentacle- Good to know.
“ALriGht thEn I guESs I’m bEIng hEld noW- iS He okaY?” Error looks at the snow poff Ink was thrown into in slight concern. The artist seemed to be dramatically drowning in the snow.
“Who cares.” Nightmare walks through the portal, though not before yeeting Dream as well. Error’s pretty sure the goopy skeleton just did it because he could, considering Dream was just trying to pull Ink out of the snow poff.
Now back at the castle, Nightmare sits Error down in the library and quickly grabs the basket of yarn and needles to give him, making the glitch blink in confusion.
“ThAnkS?” Did Nightmare want him to make something for him?
“You're not going back there.” Oh wait Nightmare can sense emotions- but how did he know..?
“I- I KnOw-” Avoiding Nightmare’s gaze, Error grabs a couple of different yarns and a crochet hook, figuring he may as well start on the updated puppets.
“...I thought the library would be peaceful enough to help..”
Error can’t help but smile a little. The library was a touch… cluttered, for his tastes- no he wasn’t feeling claustrophobic it didn’t matter- but he did admittedly like the atmosphere of it.
“So….is it working?” Nightmares tentacles curl and uncurl nervously, wanting to make Error feel better.
It… wasn’t the same as the antivoid, by any means… but…
“YeAh… I thINk I CaN woRK With iT.” Wait…are Nightmare’s tentacles wagging? Like a dog wagging its tail when it's happy?? Holy fuck that’s amazing-
“ThANKs, NigHt. I apPReCIate it.” Error sends a soft smile Nightmare’s way, before turning his attention to the puppet in his hands.
The wagging intensifies and he sits down in the chair left of Error, a small round table between them by the fireplace. It was nice. The day was certainly eventful, but relaxing in Nightmare’s library with him was certainly a good way to end it.
~
Error’s been… restless lately, for lack of a better word. Always doing something or another, touch agitating him more easily, and occasionally he seemed to zone out a bit until someone snaps him out of it.
“Ru?” Killer askes, literally snapping his fingers in front of the glitch’s face.
“Are you ok?”
Error jolts a bit, blinking and turning to Killer. “Oh- dID You sAy soMetHInG?”
The smaller frown ever so slightly, his brow furrowing.
“Are you ok?” He repeats.
“YeAh- yEAh I’m fiNe- soRrY If I woRriED yoU.”
“....Are ya sure? You’ve been zoning out a lot lately.”
“I haVE? OoPS…” Error gives Killer a slightly strained smile. “I reALly aM fiNE, thoUGh, doN’t woRRy.”
Killer’s sockets narrow. “You’re such a fucking liar.”
The glitch lets his smile fall, his face going blank as he looks away, before abruptly standing. “I’vE… goT To go.”
“Where?” Killer stands up with him.
Error visibly hesitates, taking a couple of steps away from Killer. “I dON’t- NowHEre. PleAse leAVe Me aLOne…”
“...No.” He follows after Error, staying right behind him.
“WhY NOt?” Error glitches, still trying to move away from Killer.
“Because you’ll do something stupid.” He’s persistent, staying only a foot away.
Now Error was starting to look annoyed. “No I WoN’t- PLeAse go AWaY.”
“No.”
The glitch growls slightly and gives up on trying to shake Killer off, just turning away and opening a portal to the anti-void to walk through.
“Ru no!!” Killer tries to grab Error’s arm and pull him back, making him glitch harshly and jerk away.
“DoN-n’T TouCh me- PLeaSE-”
“...Don’t go in there….please just stay..” Killer’s soul is flickering wildly despite the look on his face never changing.
“I cAn’T- I neEd tO-” This is what Error was worried about- he just can’t stay away.
“No you don’t! What if you come back and we all died of old age!? And Nightmare is just alone!? The anti-void is dangerous, you have no idea when you'll come out!”
“It wAs fiNe Up ‘Til noW wASn’T it?? PleASe- juSt leT Me Go-”
Killer frowns deeply and he steps between Error and the portal, glaring.
“Do you know how old you are?”
The glitch pauses, thinking. “I… No. BuT Why doES thAt maTtEr? I doUBt NiGHtmAre knOws hoW OLd hE Is-”
“567 and counting. Error, you are the second oldest being in the multiverse.”
“I’m… WhAt…? BuT I… ThAt haRDly couNts IF I doN’t evEn reMEmbER iT.”
“Missing time Error. There are hundreds of years missing between points of your appearances. Enough for Ink to completely forget about your existence and you’re one of the few things he ever can remember!”
Error gapes at Killer, struggling to process what he was saying.
“ThAt caN’T… HoW Do you eVEn knoW iF ThAt’s trUe??” Though, the smaller’s words did have merit to them- Error has gone to fight Ink only for the artist to not know who he is… But that was just the squid’s bad memory- Right?
“..You told me you can see code right? And all information is there. Anything that happened in the past is recorded right?”
“I meAn… In thERoy… yEAh.”
“Then just look for yourself. You can do that from what you’ve told me.”
Error… certainly could do it, though it would take some digging and effort, as any time he tried to read code related to him, it was always incredibly glitchy and almost impossible for him to decipher.
…Error closes the portal with a sigh, glitching himself back onto the couch and curling up, holding his head.
“I doN’t thiNK I waNt To sEe iT foR mYSelf- I juSt- I KNow thE anti-vOiD isN’t goOD foR So mANy reAsoNs- HeLL, I’m pReTty suRE iT’s whaT MaDe me ThiS In The fiRsT PLaCe!” Error gestures to his glitchy self.
“BUt I stILL wAnt to gO Back So BAd …” His voice cracks and he curls up tighter, tears pricking at his sockets.
Killer slowly walks back over and sits down, making sure not to touch the glitch.
“Wish I could fix it….maybe if I look a little closer I can find out why?....Why ya feel like ya have to be there?”
“I doN’t knOw- I juSt do. It’s liKe- IT’s liKE I’m leAVinG A paRt of mYSelF BehINd- anD I miSs iT anD I DOn’T GEt iT-” With the pure misery radiating off of the glitch, it was a surprise Nightmare hadn’t tried to step in at all yet.
Speaking of Nightmare- The goopy skeleton had gone out to get some groceries when he was attacked by his twin and is currently trying to get back with as few arrows sticking out of him as possible.
Killer cringes. He wishes he was better at this stuff…he’s more of a fact and science person, he’s never been good with emotions.
“.......Maybe you're connected to it like how Ink’s connected to the Doodlesphere? It’s literally a part of him right?”
“In a SEnsE, yeAh.” Error sniffles. “BuT A beTtEr desCriPTioN wouLD Be thAt iT’s AlmOSt an ExtENsion Of hiM.”
“Same difference. It could be the same for ya………can ya edit it at all? The anti-void I mean. Like choose what time you’ll be spit out.”
“No… I TriEd thAT onCe- tO CoPy OuTertALe’s skY IntO It- bUT it juSt reJEcTed iT AnD triED to ConsUmE Me LIke I WaS A viRUs…” Error shudders. It wasn’t a pleasant memory.
“All I CaN do IS InfLUeNce iT…”
“Hmmm….Oh! We can see ya when ya go through the portals right? The time looks the same on either side so….what if ya just keep a portal open? Like when you're in there so the time stays linked up to our time…? I think that makes sense..?”
“ThAt… MiGht ACtuALly woRk…” Error looks at Killer pleadingly. “CaN We trY It? PLeAse?”
“...Yeah yeah fine. Only for you Ruru~”
Error practically lights up, and he stands up, opening a portal in front of him to go through. Killer tenses ever so slightly behind him, ‘watching’ the glitch intensely just in case. After a moment of hyping himself up, Error walks through the portal, visibly relaxing as he enters the antivoid, before plopping down on the ground, opening a new portal next to Killer and closing the one he walked through.
“Feeling better?”
“MuCh.” Even his glitching has gone down. Killer sighs in relief despite still being a bit tense.
“Good….so how long ya gonna be in there?”
“As loNG AS yoU leT Me.” Error says honestly, before noticing Killer’s uncomfortable body language. “..WoULd iT HelP If I heLd yoUr haNd?”
Killer pauses for a long moment, being uncomfortably quiet compared to his usual blabbering.
“Yeah- yeah it would.” The small skeleton sits down on the ground and holds out his hand, and Error reaches through his portal to grab it with a soft smile. Killer blushes a little and turns his face away.
“You’re so damn cute what the hell-”
“Huh-?” Between the static from himself and his portal, Error hadn’t quite heard whatever Killer had muttered. The smaller glances at Error before leaning through the portal to place a quick kiss to his cheek.
“I said you're cute~”
After a moment of processing, Error’s face explodes into a bright yellow blush, a strained whine escaping him as he glitches aggressively, making Killer laugh. The small monster lays back on the other side of the portal, looking at Error with an expression that can only be described as fond as he waits. Either for Error to be ready to come back or Nightmare to do so…..man he’s probably gonna get scolded.
~
The battlefield is hectic….and for some reason Ink has cat ears. He wouldn’t tell anyone why either! He just showed up like this and even Dream was confused. Ink then proceeds to make a whole bunch of random bouncy ball-like creatures of varying sizes, making it very hard to fight at all.
Though that seems to be his goal as he suddenly grabs Error from behind and pulls him through a portal to…….Ink didn’t bring him to the doodlsphere….did he? No even he couldn’t be that stupid-
“InK wHAt thE HeLL-??” Error glitches from the surprise contact, trying to wiggle away from the artist. Ink doesn’t seem to get the hint.
“I’ve missed yooooouuuuuu! You’ve been ignoring meeeeeeeeee!” The short skeleton whines at him, lightly nuzzling the back of his neck. Error pauses.
“I hAVeN’t beEN igNOrinG You-”
“Yeah huh! We haven’t cuddled, or watched that uh….” Ink looks at his scarf for a moment. “Undernovalia, or…talked at all!”
“Hmf.” Error’s brows furrow as he realizes it has been a while- he’s been so focused on the gang that Ink’s been pushed to the side a bit. He refuses to let his guilt show.
“WeLL if iT’ll gET yoU To leAVe Me ALonE…” He grumbles, turning and opening an arm in invitation. Ink is quick to take the offer and move to Error’s front hugging and nuzzling into him with a happy purr as his ears flick.
“Yay~!”
The glitch just growls quietly (purrs) in response- though after a moment, he reaches up to mess with Ink’s cat ears.
“WhAT’s wiTH thE eArs anYWaYs?” He already asked earlier during the battle, but maybe Ink will actually answer this time.
“Oh…I……I can’t remember!” Of course he doesn’t- The artist shivers a little and leans into Error’s touch as he looks at his scarf, trying to find the answer.
“Of coURse-” Error deadpans, lightly tugging on an ear. Ink’s body shudders harshly, sockets going lidded for a moment as he mews, making the glitch pause his movements.
“Ya goOD?”
“Mhhm~ That feels nice~ Do it again!”
Error quirks a brow, but with a half shrug he does it again, rubbing Ink’s other ear between his phalanges. The small monster practically melts against Error, meowing uncontrollably like a very happy cat. The glitch chuckles a bit as he continues rubbing and tugging at Ink’s ears, half wishing he had his phone to record this.
Ink lays against him for a long while, purring and snuggling into him. When the smaller finally opens his eyelights he looks up at Error with fuzzy heart eyelights, a goofy grin on his face. Error grins back, blushing a bit, before he catches himself and quickly looks away, schooling his expression.
“Awwww nuuuuu- come back sparkly yeellooooow!”
“ShUT uP-” Error grumbles, pulling a bit harder on Ink’s ears, making the other let out a startled gasp.
“HAa~!”
The glitch lets go with a flustered squeak, blushing furiously. Ink shivers again before shaking it off and looking back at Error’s face.
“Hehehe~ You’re yellow again~”
“SHut up-!”
“But I don’t wannaaaa!” Ink whines, nuzzling into Error’s chest….before he seems to remember something. “OH! I made a new friend!”
“You WIth a FrIEnd? ImpOSiblE.” The glitch snarks, though he looks at Ink curiously as he digs through one of his many pockets.
“I did! You both tell me to shut up when you blush!” Ink takes out his phone after a little more digging and pulls up the Undernet webpage. Killer talks to Error about it, saying it’s a social media site for all the outcodes of the multiverse.
“See a bunch of people have been posting pictures with cat ears on them and their friends so I asked him to do it with me!”
“So ThAT’s Why yOU hAvE CAt earS…”
“Yup- I think……Look look~!” Ink all but shoves the phone in his face, showing off the pictures he’s clearly proud of.
“ThAT’S…” Error trails off as he takes in the other person in the photos. They were another skeleton monster- a Sans- with one red and one white eyelight, a strange scar under the socket with the red eyelight. Looking at them gives him the strangest sense of deja vu…
“Isn’t he interesting? His name is Cross!”
“CrO- ah-!” The glitch yelps as pain suddenly spikes behind his sockets, filling his skull with sharp throbbing. Ink jumps, more surprised than anything else as he drops his phone and looks at the glitch in confusion.
“Error?”
“Ow- oW My heAd-” Error hisses in pain, pressing the heels of his palms into his closed sockets in hopes of alleviating the sudden painful headache. Ink paints something before shoving whatever it is into Error’s mouth and telling him to swallow.
The glitch very much doesn’t want to, but after a moment he obeys, swallowing the thing with a grimace. Ink seems pleased and relaxes against the glitch again. After a bit of waiting, the pain goes down to at least bearable levels, prompting Error to remove his hands and look down at Ink.
“WhAT’d yoU giVe Me?”
“I gave you something?”
Error just sighs. “NeVErminD- I thINk iT’s timE For mE To heAD bACk tO The cAStle thoUGh.”
“Nuuuuuuu! Miiiineee!” Ink squeezes him tightly, almost crushing the destroyer with his unnatural strength.
“InK PLeAse-” Error wheezes, rapidly tapping Ink’s shoulder in an attempt to get him to loosen up, the throbbing in his head worsening from the lack of air.
“Oh woops-” Ink let’s go completely, letting Error gasp for air as he sits up.
“LooK I prOMisE I’ll sToP IGnoRinG YOu buT mY HeAD huRts anD I’m pREtTy suRe I’vE MisSEd diNnEr aT ThiS PoiNt- or wAS it luNch?” Error’s not quite sure what time it was when Ink grabbed him- or what time it is now to be honest.
“Awww….ok..” Getting off of Error, Ink pouts, clearly not happy with the idea whatsoever. The glitch stands up, swaying just slightly, before sighing and holding out a hand.
“I’m sO GonNA RegRet thiS…” He mutters. “GiVe mE YOur phONe.”
Ink blinks before he starts digging around in his pocket, completely missing the device on the floor.
“It’S On thE FlooR.” Error deadpans.
“Oh- right!” Once Ink picks it up he hands it to Error, nuzzling into the taller’s side with a purr. With another sigh, Error just allows it as he opens Ink’s contacts and adds his info.
“ThERe. NoW YOu cAn teXt me- no SpaMminG Or elSe.” He threatens, handing the phone back.
“Ok~! You should make an Undernet account! Then we could share pictures and stuff!” Ink quickly changes Error’s contact name to Ruru, taking a picture of the glitch to make his profile.
“MaybE.” Error glares at the camera with a slight flush.
“CaN You poRTal mE BAck noW?” He’s pretty sure he can’t punch through this place’s code very easily, and he doesn’t feel like trying.
“Mhm just one more picture-” Ink suddenly sits up on his tippy toes and kisses Error’s cheek, snapping the photo right after, perfectly catching Error’s glowing blush and flustered glitching.
“I-INk-!”
“Hehehehe~ Ok come on!” The little bastard isn’t even embarrassed! Ink opens a portal for him, back to Nightmare’s castle.
“FucK YOu-” He puntuates his statement by giving Ink the bird, before waving bye as he walks through the portal, the feeling of it making him stumble slightly, headache worsening. He hated Ink’s portals on the best of days, his destructive magic violently opposing Ink’s inherently creative magic.
The artist blows him a kiss before closing it, leaving Error to turn around and find himself face to face with Nightmare.
“...I’m bACk..?”
A low growl is his only response- well….that and a harsh and cold glare.
“..SoRry?” Error meekly apologizes, even though it wasn’t his fault Ink decided to kidnap him. Nightmare sighs tiredly, a tentacle or two gently curling around Error already.
“Do you know why I’m upset?”
“NoT ReALly…” He admits, idly rubbing at his temple.
“...You are free to do as you wish Error, but we just want to know about it. If you know you're gone or that we will probably worry- text us .”
“I hAD leFt mY PhoNe hERe to chARge- ‘cAUsE It wAs deAD anD I foRGot tO ChArge iT laSt niGht, reMemBEr?” He had an older model that couldn’t just charge off of ambient magic, so he had to physically plug it in each night to charge.
“.....I’m getting you a new phone-”
“NigHT no-”
“Yes. It’s practically useless-”
“I juST neEd To chArge iT-” Error grimaces as his head throbs, reminding him that his headache is still there. “WhaTEveR.”
“....You're in pain.” Nightmare takes a step forward and lightly nuzzles Error’s cheek, making said glitch sigh.
“It’s fiNE.”
“What hurts?” The king persists as he guides them to sit on the couch despite the glitch’s protests.
“..JuSt mY HeAd.” He relents. “I’m preTtY Sure INk alrEAdY gAVe me SoMEThiNg for iT.”
Nightmare thinks for a moment before getting up and walking into the kitchen. Error can hear the sound of running water before the guardian comes back with a glass of said liquid.
“Here, some water and a nap will help.”
“I’m fiNe.” Error grumbles, reluctantly grabbing the water.
“I heard you last time, but thank you for the reminder.” Nightmare snaps lightly, tilting the glass up against Error’s mouth, prompting him to drink it, pouting up at Nightmare. Only after he steadily drank the whole glass does Nightmare let him put it back down- and he does silently admit that if nothing else, it was refreshing.
The guardian gently pushes Error over, and lays down beside him, stretching them both out across the couch- even as Error squirms and glitches slightly with a bigger pout.
“Hush you big baby.” Nightmare tells him in a somewhat stern tone as he snuggles Error to his ribcage.
“You’re no different from the boys I swear-”
Error suddenly stills with a slight blush, obediently closing his mouth despite the whine wanting to escape him. Nightmare lightly nuzzles his skull as his tentacles drape over them like a weighted blanket.
“What’s with that look?”
“...NoTHinG.” Error mumbles, avoiding looking at Nightmare. He’s pretty sure he just discovered something about himself…
“Hmm…if you insist. Now go to sleep. I’ll be here when you awaken.”
“...ALrigHt..” Error closes his sockets and forces himself to relax, taking a breath as he cuddles into Nightmare.
Chapter 2: Nighttime can be Difficult
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Nightmares (not the skeleton) can be hard.
Notes:
TW! Cutting, self harm, scars, dark themes like that
(Error/Killer whump)
Chapter Text
It was late. The rest of his makeshift family were fast asleep in their rooms, including NIghtmare. Killer was asleep too. He tosses and turns in his bed, mumbling panicked words incoherently before suddenly waking up, sitting up in his bed with a jolt.
Instead of yelling or gasping, he simply ‘stares’ at the wall, sockets unnaturally wide. The blind skeleton is completely silent as a hand slowly slides under his pillow and clutches the handle of an old, but well-kept knife. He moves almost robotically as he brings the knife to his front, holding his left arm out.
While this went down, Error himself had just woken up from a nightmare, and though the fear and memory of it faded, he didn’t wanna be alone. When he went through a portal to the castle, he was surprised to find it was nighttime.
“...GUesS I doN’t geT To anNoy NightMAre juSt yeT…” He mumbles to himself, before opening another portal to Killer’s room since he never really turned down cuddles- at least when he wasn’t fucking or being fucked.
“Kills? YOu awaKe?”
Said skeleton has his knife gliding across his arm, leaving several deep gashes and cuts along the bone. He doesn’t seem to react at all to Error’s presence, as if completely unaware. Usually Killer is very observant.
It takes a second for the glitch to process just what he was seeing, but he quickly moves once he does, rushing through the portal with an alarmed yelp and tying a string around the hand holding the knife, making Killer hold it away from him.
“KilleR PLeAse doN’t-” Error starts, sitting in front of Killer with a gentle touch on his shoulder.
Once again Killer doesn’t react, like an empty shell going through the motions. His right-hand struggles against the bindings, trying to continue its movements. Error just sighs in response, sliding his hand down Killer’s arm and gently pulling the knife out of his grip, sliding it out of the way behind him.
“C’mOn…”
Error gently cups Killer’s skull, leaning forward to gently bonk their foreheads together, tear marks glowing a soothing blue as he strokes the skeleton’s cheeks.
“Y’gotTA wAKe up…” It takes several moments, but Killer blinks and his body begins to relax.
“E-error…?” His voice is scratchy and tired, clearly confused.
“TheRE ya aRe…~” Error murmurs, relieved.
The glitch smiles softly and his hands start glowing green as he pushes healing magic into Killer, moving one of his hands to lightly grip Killer’s forearm to heal the cuts causing the smaller to hiss.
“Oh...:” He doesn’t have to ask. Killer knows what happened…..It’s been happening too often lately.
“Sorry…” KIller seems to get smaller, shrinking away in shame and trying to pull his arm away.
“DoN’t apOlogiZe.” Error’s grip tightens just slightly as he pulls Killer closer, looking at him with unguarded affection and care. “OthErwiSE I shoULd toO.”
The destroyer pulls up a sleeve, guiding Killer’s hand to feel some faint indents along his wrist and arm- old and faded scars that he doesn’t remember giving himself anymore. Error was pretty sure they were from his more insane periods, but it’s been so long at this point he’s uncertain. Either way, it was clear what they were.
Killers fingers gently rub over the marks, a deep frown making its way onto his face. It makes his own cuts burn, old and new. Without much thought, Killer gently grabs and brings up Errors’s arm to his face. With gentle and loving tenderness, he kisses the scars, all the way up the little marking until not one space is left unloved.
Error huffs out a soft laugh, eyelights fond as he continues healing Killer. “It’s aLriGht, Kills. I’vE LonG sinCe moVEd on.”
His scars just backed the claim up- they were so faint and old they could only be seen or felt if you were paying close attention.
“I’m still going ta kiss them.” The smaller is still groggy and tired, yawning in between several more kisses until he slumps against Error.
“If yA say sO~”
Error gently holds Killer, letting his healing magic sputter out once all of the cuts were closed. They’ll still need to be wrapped and Error has plans for a long talk, but for now the glitch just lays down with Killer, rubbing the smaller’s back soothingly.
“Go tO SLeEp. I’ll keEp aN Eye oN ya.” Said skeleton grumbles, closing his sockets as he fights sleep.
“Don’t...don’t tell boss..”
Error sighs. “FinE… bUT I’m tEllin’ IF It geTs woRSe, ‘kAy?”
Killer frowns deeply, an unusual expression not often seen on his face.
“...ok..” He won't tell Error how bad it already is, having been dealing with it for about a month now. Killer thought he was doing better until for some reason he woke up to deep slashes covering his arms…..He wonders if something is just wrong with him, other than the broken and twisted soul hovering in front of his ribcage.
“...JuSt… jUSt lEt me kNoW If thERe’S anYThinG I cAn dO To heLp.” Error nuzzles Killer, “I dOn’t likE SeeiNg ya hUrt… But I WoN’t teLl NighT UnleSs It beComes LIfe-tHreateNIng, aNd yoU HaVe to bE OpeN wiTh me aNd leT Me heLP. DeaL?”
The glitch doesn’t like the idea of keeping everyone else in the dark, but it’d be a bit hypocritical of him to force Killer to tell anyone. After all, Killer’s the only one who knows about his own scars.
It takes Killer several moments of thinking to nod in acceptance, his frown tight as he folds his arms up against his chest.
“I don’t mean to...really.”
“I cAn teLL- dOn’t woRry.” It was like Killer was still asleep when he was cutting himself… Which meant there was probably some underlying issue. But that comes later. Killer snuggles up against him, letting out a sigh as he relaxes just a little.
“If ya say so then I won't..~”
“GoOD.” Error nuzzles Killer some more, cuddling him close. “NoW go tO SleEp, ALriGht~?”
Killer pouts, before smirking and leaning forward to place a chaste kiss on Error's teeth, pressing against him.
“Sure~”
Error blushes, rolling his eyelights. “GoODniGht, KillEr.”
Nuzzling his skull up under Error's chin, he quickly falls asleep, purring and snuggling the destroyer all the while
Chapter 3: A Bit of a Glitchy Splurge (NSFW)
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error explores a new kink
Notes:
So- those pwp tags? This is part of why-
This has hypnotism, overstimulation, stuff like that.
Mentions of Ink x Error x Nightmare
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Error was sitting, naked, on the floor of his anti-void with his female ecto summoned, a pair of headphones on his head that connected to the laptop in front of him, and a video ready to play.
The glitch glances around nervously, double-checking that no one else was there as nerves and excitement war within him. But, seeing the anti-void as empty as it always was, he hesitantly presses play, watching the laptop’s screen.
“Hello there~” The video’s audio starts, “I would first like to say that this is an eighteen plus video, if you are younger than that or don’t want anything to do with what’s in the title, please click away now.”
The screen remains silent and black for a moment, before it fades into white, a large black dot appearing and beginning to move across the screen. Error’s eyelights naturally follow it.
“Now that we have that out of the way… you see the black dot on the screen~? I need you to watch it for me, can you do that? Just focus on the way the dot moves across the screen as you listen to my voice, just letting everything else fade away~”
Error follows the voice’s instructions, putting all of his focus into watching the dot and finding himself slowly relaxing into the simplicity of the action.
“Very good~” The voice croons sweetly. “Watching the black dot move around is nice, isn’t it~?”
Error nods a bit, eyelights still locked on the dot as his thoughts become a bit fuzzy and hard to grasp.
“It is~” The voice seems to agree.
“It’s so nice… just watching the dot as your head empties… All of your worries, your fears, your tension… just… slipping out of your mind like water...~”
It was getting a bit difficult for Error to keep his sockets open now, but he diligently keeps his gaze on the dot even as he slowly starts slumping forward, body and mind turning into mush.
The voice keeps talking. “Doesn’t it feel so good~? Just letting everything else fade away… Nothing but the black dot, and my voice~ Making you feel so nice~ And so so good~”
A quiet keen escapes Error’s mouth as he watches the dot move to the top of the screen.
“And now… I want you to drop~ ” The dot quickly moves down the screen, and Error’s eyelights roll back, his sockets finally slipping shut as he goes almost completely limp, barely sitting up, like a puppet with its strings cut.
“ Very good~ ” The voice purrs.
“Such a good job~ You’re doing so good~ Now, I’m going to count down from ten… and with every number, you’re going to drop deeper into the comforting dark emptiness~”
A shudder goes through Error as the praise fills his empty mind.
“The darkness is so nice and warm, isn’t it~? You can already feel it, the pleasurable warmth ghosting over you~ And as you go deeper, you’ll be able to feel it slowly crawling up your body… The warmth will feel so, so good~ Filling you up with so much pleasure it’ll almost be unbearable… but you won’t want it to stop~ Are you ready~?”
Error whines, bones rattling slightly in anticipation.
“Ten”
He can feel heat licking at his toes, moving up his feet.
“Nine”
The warmth slowly spreads up his calves and over his knees.
“Eight”
Error’s legs feel like they were on fire, but he can’t bring himself to care as the heat creeps up his thighs, inching closer to his dripping wet pussy.
“Seven, six”
He gasps and moans loudly as his abdomen is filled with warmth, so intense that tears start dripping down his face. But he doesn’t want it to stop- if anything he craves more, needs more.
“Five, four”
The warmth travels up Error’s spine as he pants, whining and moaning and begging to be filled.
“Three”
Heat moves up and over his small breasts, his nonexistent lungs and ribcage growing so hot that it felt like he could breathe fire, every breath making him shudder and shake.
“Two”
He would be writhing right now if he could, the heat and pleasure filling him becoming almost painful.
“One.”
Error was so full he felt like he would burst into flames right then and there, every speck of dust zapping with heat, every movement just amplifying the feeling as he sobs, begging, pleading for release, to be filled- anything.
“You’re doing such a wonderful job~ Now, when I tell you to, you’re going to cum~ ”
Error screams as his coil snaps, his throbbing cunt releasing a wave of juices down his thighs. Mixed with the heat that has yet to leave his body, it was almost painful, which just amplified the feeling.
“Every time I say cum , you’re going to~ And every time you do, the heat will drain out of you, and you’ll wake up just a little more~”
He doesn’t even get a chance to recover from his first climax before he cums again, this time the wave of pleasure accompanied by blessed coolness as he babbles.
“PleASepleASEPLEaSe AaAHHh~!!!”
“I wonder how many times you have to cum to wake up~? I think you might have to cum around ten times~” The voice muses, as if it weren’t wrecking Error just by telling him to be wrecked.
“Hm~ If I say cum again, you’ll have cum about… five times now? Six? Will you cum a seventh time for me~?”
“PleaSe pLEase no iT’s toO MuCh~! I cAn’t- I CaN’t PLeASe~!” Error cries, his voice starting to give out from the screaming.
“Cum on~” The voice chuckles at its own joke as Error’s cries renew, climaxing for the eighth time in less than a minute. A distant part of him wonders how Ink or Nightmare would react to seeing him like this, sitting in a small puddle of his own juices, tears and drool streaming down his face, and practically delirious from the pleasure that never seemed to end.
“The tenth time you cum, it’ll be like no other. The pleasure will overpower you as you wake fully, lasting for what feels like forever~”
“AaHH~!! No nO PleASe I CaN’t taKE It~!” He’s surprised he hasn’t crashed or blacked out-
“Now cum. ”
“AAAHhHH~!!!”
Error screams and sobs as the pleasure completely overtakes him, sockets flying open as error signs cover his sockets, cunt clenching down on nothing as more slick floods out of him. It quickly becomes too much, and Error’s vision goes black as he passes out.
Notes:
Debated actually posting this considering it’s honestly 100% self indulgent, but I figured may as well- plus Eclipse helped convince me ngl
Also yes I know this isn’t completely accurate or anything pls don’t come at me-
Chapter 4: I… don’t actually have a name for this one-
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Killer’s dead- well, he was dead. Now he’s going to school with some eerily similar skeletons.
Notes:
Wolfy wrote the beginning of this and we just sorta went from there- no idea where to go with any sort of plot, tbh
Slight angst and bullying
Chapter Text
The sun sets on mt. Ebott and as a wolf walks into the forest and away from town, away from the people and humans. The mountainside is a stark contrast to the city below, loud and bustling with activity compared to the peace and tranquility of the woods.
As the sun vanishes behind the trees darkness covers the land like a blanket, the lights of town not stretching far enough to disturb the peace. The wolf continues on, vanishing into the many caves below Ebotts surface until he comes to a land of snow, the remnants of an old life still scattered around in the freezing cold. Leaving pawprints in the snow, the wolf walks to an old house, Christmas lights haphazardly attached to the roofing, not one bulb intact.
The door creaks open as wet snow is tracked into the house, up the stairs and down the hall into the far right door, havig paused at the first for only a moment. What had been a wolf only moments ago collapses against the old creaky mattress in the corner, sighing tiredly as exhaustion sets in.
“Why..did I come back here..?” He asks the empty room, getting the only response he expects. Silence.
A shaky, choked up sob fills the room as he curls up, tail tucked between his legs. He cries until he can’t cry anymore and the world feels cold, colder than usual and almost empty. Maybe he would think differently if he could see it, but he’ll never know. He doesn’t want to know.
“Now monsters returned how long ago?” Many students raise their hand, but the teacher only calls one one. “One hundred and fifty six years ago sir!”
“That’s right and who can tell me what that event is called? Yes you.” Another student speaks. “The Emergence!” “Correct.”
In the very back of the class a small skeleton taps a button on his recorder and checks the time. ‘Class is almost over.’ he notes to himself, discreetly putting his things away.
“Alright you have a quiz on monday, don’t forget to study over the weekend- I’ll see you all later.”
He’s out the door first, walking quickly as he heads out to the parking lot. Grabbing his rusted little bike and taking it off the chain.
“Hey loser~” The skeleton turns his skull to face the familiarly annoying voice. A tall lizard monster stands in front of him and speaks with that scratchy stuck up voice once more.
“Ya still ridin that stupid bike? Just get a car- oh wait~” Here we go again. The lizard smirks, a cruel grin splitting their face in two. “You can’t see~!”
The skeleton gives his antagonist a blank look, thoroughly not amused.
A glitchy voice rings out from behind the lizard monster. “Wow thAT’s sAd- mAkinG FuN Of soMEonE’s dISabILitY? CoUld yoU reALly Not thiNk of aNythiNG elSe?”
The lizard turns and glares at Error as the glitchy skeleton walks over.
“Says the glitching freak!”
Error just grins lazily in response as he moves to stand next to the other skeleton, lightly leaning against him to let him know he was there.
“Y’kNow, yoU CoulD GEt In pReTtYyy bIG tRouBle foR SayinG THinGs liKe thAt, anD we’Ve goT Two eYEwitNessES… aNd- feEL fRee to cOrreCT me iF I’m wrOng- yoU’ve alREadY goT seVEraL cASes oF BullyiNg iN YOur fiLE, dOn’tcha?”
They growl lowly as their victim continues unchaining his bike.
“ Are you threatening me punk? ”
“GoOd joB~! YOu figuREd iT Out! I hoNesTLy diDn’t thiNk yoU weRe smaRt enOUgh to.” The glitch’s grin sharpens a bit, and he stares down the lizard monster. “ARe yoU trYinG to thREatEN me baCk?” He sounds almost excited by the idea, just daring the bully to do anything.
They hesitate before sneering at the small skeleton and quickly snatching him by the collar of his shirt.
“ Why you little-!! ”
A couple of strings forcefully yank the lizard monster back, a sharp and glitchy bone being summoned to press against their chest, and Error grins down at them with empty sockets.
“ YoU suRe yoU WanT To tRY thAt? ”
They freeze, a bead of sweat running down the side of their face. Glaring hard, the lizard monster huffs and turns away.
“Whatever freak.”
Error doesn’t move until the lizard monster is out of sight, slumping over in relief once they are.
“OohhhmYGoD I d-DIdN’t thINk thAt WouLD woRk-!”
The smallest skeleton huffs, leaning back against Error.
“You do know they're going to beat me up later right?”
“NoT if WE rePorT Them fiRSt.”
“And then I’ll get beat up.”
“LoOks liKe I GotTA stiCk bY ya thEN. TheY’re alL A buNch of wIMps wiTH hoMe prOblEms iN thE ENd. I’ve goT So muCh diRT oN thEm-”
The other skeleton has been walking away with his bike as Error talked, making the glitch cut himself off with a sigh.
“AlrighT Bye thEn…” He mutters, sounding a bit disappointed as he watches the other skeleton leave. He debated trying to chase after him, but he decided against it- the small skeleton clearly didn’t want to be friends.
He stops with a deep frown on his face. He doesn't like Error's voice with that tone. He sounds way too similar to his Error….Turning back around, he holds out his hand to the glitch.
“I’m uh, Killer. What’s your name?”
Error blinks in surprise, before making himself lightly shake Killer’s hand.
“Uh- E-eRroR. NicE- niCE to mEeT you.”
Killer’s hold on Error's hand is loose and he makes sure it doesn’t last long, pulling away after a few moments.
“You too. I…haven’t seen ya around here before. Are ya new?”
The glitch pauses and searches through his memories, thinking.
“...YeAH. YeAh, yoU CoulD Say thAT.” He can’t quite remember, for some reason…
“I live just a mile away at the orphanage, and you?” The smaller skeleton leans against his bike, pointing down the street.
“Oh, I’m jUSt doWN bY thE PArk a Bit-” Error lightly taps Killer’s shoulder to indicate west, “-THaT way.”
“In the ghetto? Looks like ya got a neighbor~”
“Huh-? WelL YeAh I HAve nEIghBOrs?”
Killer snorts and finally allows himself to grin, as unnaturally wide as it is, it seems to fit his face well.
“The orphanage is right next door ya nerd~”
Error blushes. “Oh riGHt- I knEW THaT-” No he didn’t.
“Come on we’ll walk home together~”
“...Y’suRE? You, uH, dIDn’t sEem alL THaT intREsTed eARlieR…” The glitch shifts a bit in place, fidgeting. He didn’t want Killer to feel like he had to or anything…
The odd skeleton merely grins even wider, opening his sockets and leaning in close to Error's face.
“Ya got me all wrong glitchy~ I don’t do anything I don’t want to~”
“U-uH…” Error’s skull is bright yellow at this point as he fumbles for something to say. The look on his face has Killer letting out a pleased purr, getting close enough for their nasal bridges to brush.
“You're interesting. I just gotta know more~” His words are dripping with flirtatious interest as he nuzzles their faces together lightly before pulling away.
“You're also pretty cute~”
Error glitches, his brain short circuiting. “You- Um- ThANks-?”
Smiling, Killer pulls away, closing his sockets again.
“Let's go!”
“O-oKAy-!”
Chapter 5: A Hot Glitchy Mess (NSFW)
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Heats and ruts have a tendency to pop up at what feels like the worst of times, don’t they?
Notes:
New story time!
This is Error x Ink where Error goes into heat (technically a rut but it feels like everyone uses them interchangeably) during a hangout.
This version of Ink is loosely based off of and inspired by Laughing_Zombie’s version of blank Ink
Chapter Text
It’s kind of hard for Ink to believe, but Error is finally his friend! It took hundreds of years but here he is! Snuggling up against the destroyer with a soft happy purr, listening to the glitched soulbeat.
“Ink loves it~”
“YoU LovE WhaT?” Error asks, looking down at Ink in amusement. He wasn’t wearing his coat or even his scarf at the moment, claiming Ink’s house was too warm- though it hasn’t really helped him cool down at all.
“The sound of Error's soul, it’s so nice~” The artist nuzzles against Error's chest as if trying to get closer to the beating core of his being.
Ink had invited him over a long while ago, even asking if they could live together, Ink got so excited that he prepared a room for the glitch before even asking him.
Error warms up a bit more, blushing as he averts his gaze.
“W-weLL- Uh- tHAnkS-?” He clearly didn’t know how to respond to the complement.
“Error is the best. Error is Ink's favorite person~!”
Said glitch squirms a bit, holding Ink closer. He was starting to get really hot at this point, but he didn’t want to make Ink move or anything. It’s fine.
“YoU’re iN An aWFulLY goOd moOD TodAy~”
Ink crawls up into Error's lap to snuggle him more and be as close as he can be. It’s…such an oddly nice feeling, having Error against him. Usually he wouldn’t care but..
“Error has never stayed with Ink for this long without fighting…at least Ink thinks so..? Ink might have forgotten..”
Error shudders slightly, finding himself resting his hands on Ink’s hips. “I-I’M noT SuRe, bUt thIS Is cErtAinly Up thEre.”
“..Hey Error?” Ink scoots up to rest his head on his counterpart's shoulders, nuzzling against the vertebra of his neck.
“Ink thinks Ink likes when Error is with him. It makes Ink feel…….lighter?”
Error shudders harder and a quiet moan slips out of him, and it clicks. He was going into heat, wasn’t he? Shit- he probably shouldn’t be here right now… even if it was nice holding Ink against him like this… and the artist really did smell good…~
Ink tries to lean back in order to see Error’s face, confused by the sound especially since he doesn’t think he did anything to receive it.
“Error-?”
He growls slightly when Ink tries to lean back, before cutting himself off with a whine. Error’s eyelights were oddly dilated and slightly fuzzy, and his face was bright yellow.
“S-soRrY-”
“Did…Error just growl at Ink?” The artist doesn’t sound angry, just confused and surprised. Sure Error has growled at him before but not like….whatever that was.
“Y-YeAh- I’m goINg inTo heAT…” Error was panting a bit at this point, forcing himself to hold perfectly still, even as he desperately wants to pull Ink closer… feel his bare bones under his hands- no we’re stopping that thought process there-
“Heat..? What's going into heat?” Ink sounds so innocent and he doesn’t even know it. Sure he knows what sex is, but he’s never tried it, he just doesn’t have any reason to or urge to do so.
“It’S liKe… Mm… It’S A bUILd-uP oF MagiC tHaT mAkeS YOu fEel uNBeaRablY hoT anD HoRny. It suCkS.” Error sighs, leaning his head to rest on Ink’s shoulder with an annoyed groan. “It’s ouR BoDY’s Way oF EnSuriNG wE BreED, sinCE thE OnLy reAlly EfFEctiVE wAys tO DeAl with iT Are bY HaVing sEx oR WaiTInG it oUt.”
With Error concentrating on talking, his traitorous hand slips up Ink’s shirt to touch his spine, making the artist stiffen and shudder. He considers Error's words carefully despite the distraction, thinking about the situation.
“Does that mean Error want to have sex with Ink?”
The destroyer whines again, but doesn’t deny it. “Y-yOu doN’t hAVe tO- I cAN juSt go HidE IN thE aNti-voID foR thE NeXt liTtle wHILe…”
“No!” Ink suddenly wraps his arms tightly around Error’s neck, as if scared the glitch will disappear. “I-Ink doesn't want Error to leave. Ink doesn’t mind helping him!”
Error glitches slightly in surprise, letting his hand trail down to stroke Ink’s pelvis, and turns his head to bury his hot face in the smaller’s neck.
“Y’suRE…?” Error murmurs, before lightly licking Ink’s neck vertebrae. His control was slipping.
“A-aah~” What a weird feeling. It has Ink shivering as magic pools in his pelvis, a sweet smell filling the air. He tilts his head away to give Error more access to his neck, it’s practically an invitation.
“Ink is sure. Error has Ink’s permission to do what he wants with Ink.”
Error takes a sharp breath, before letting himself succumb to his instincts. Opening his mouth to bite down harshly on Ink’s neck with a deep purr that could almost be mistaken for a growl.
“Ga-AAah~!” Inks magic forms quickly, his body not used to the intent and stimulation of Error's touches. The creator's female ecto really accentuates the lean stature that allows him to be so flexible and quick with his movements in a fight. He’s pretty well toned too, his stomach is firm and smooth as well as his back and arms. He has to be strong to swing Broomy around like he does!
As for his more feminine features, his hips do jut out a bit at his waist, but Blue and Dream both have wider hips then him. Ink’s chest however is much more busty than Dreams~! Sadly Blue beats him in size. It’s not even close. Pretty sure Nightmare’s the only one who beats Blue in that regard.
Though that doesn’t stop Error’s hands from immediately exploring Ink’s body as he unlatches from Ink’s neck to bite him a few more times, luckily being more gentle than the first bite was.
Error debates helping Ink take off his clothes normally, but considering the artist could easily paint more, the glitch just decides to rip them off, making him squeak, even though Error stays gentle about it. Once Ink’s clothes were off, Error pauses for a moment to look at him appreciatively.
“BeAUtifUL~”
With a bright rainbow blush on his face, Ink meets Error’s gaze.
“Really..?”
“Mhm~” There was already a tent in his pants, though Error ignores it in favor of fondling Ink’s breasts, lightly flicking his nipples with his thumbs.
“HaaAA~” Ink arches slightly into the touch, a pleased purr building in his chest. As his breasts are squeezed and played with his walls contract, already begging for something to fill him and pound him into a moaning mess.
So this is arousal. What a pleasant new feeling~
Error moves a hand down to Ink’s waist to hold his hips down, before grinding up into him and pulling him in for a heated kiss, still playing with one of Ink’s breasts.
“HMMmG~!” He feels so sensitive! And Error feels so good, so warm~ Ink kisses back with as much passion as he can muster, grinding back down and moaning into Error's mouth at all the delicious stimulation.
“MmnH~” Error licks at Ink’s mouth for permission as he glitches away his own clothes, making his bare dick press against the artist’s slit, and he lightly thrusts up so his dick rubs against Ink’s clit, making the smaller gasp sharply.
“MAaAAh~”
The destroyer takes the opportunity to shove his tongues into Ink’s mouth, exploring every nook and cranny as continues thrusting up, the tip of his cock occasionally getting caught on Ink’s entrance as it becomes coated with his juices.
Ink’s mouth feels so pleasantly full as pleasure shoots up his spine with every jerking movement of Error's hips. It’s too much and yet..he craves more. He needs more! He must have Error’s dick inside him at all costs!
The glitch remains unaware to Ink’s thoughts, pausing his sloppy thrusts to give the artist’s upper half more attention, pinching his nips between his phalanges as he purrs into the kiss, lightly sucking on Ink’s tongue.
“HmMMm~” The creator’s nips become erect at Errors ministrations, leaking a small strain of magic from their tips.
His walls feel like their throbbing, pulsing and clenching around nothing when Error's cock is so close. He’ll beg, he’ll do it if he has to!
After a moment, Error breaks the kiss, panting as a line of drool connects them.
“S-so goOd, InK~” The artist looks good like this~ “I nEeD To stReTCh yoU Out- b-BefORe anYThiNg eLSe, ‘Kay?”
“B-but-” This feeling is so strong. How has he lived so long without it? Maybe he can make a new paint?
Ink already looks so wrecked and they’ve barely even begun. His sockets are lidded, eyelights fuzzy as he looks at Error with both lust and desperation.
“Error p-please fill Ink! Please please please~! Ink needs it, Inks needs Error's cock deep inside him~! Error can use Ink however he wants~! Please!”
…Well. How could he deny a request like that~?
Error kisses Ink again as he cups his ass, lifting him up and gently positioning his dick against Ink’s entrance, thrusting shallowly a few times before gently lowering the artist with a low moan.
Ink’s eyelights roll back into his skull as a feeling he can’t even describe overwhelms him. It stings, but in such an amazing way! It’s so addictive~ His sockets well up with tears of pleasure as his body tenses up, his walls stretching to accommodate for the large intrusion.
“E-error~!!”
Said skeleton barely keeps himself from just railing into Ink, instead continuing to move slowly until he reaches the thin barrier of Ink’s virginity.
“A-aHh~ ThiS MIgHt huRt a biT-” That’s the only warning Ink gets before the destroyer practically drops him down onto his cock, letting gravity do the work.
“AAAaH~!!” Ink screams, his throat starting to hurt already as he clings to Error's ribcage in a daze. Trying to ground himself despite the hazy pleasure filling his skull.
Error doesn’t move for a moment, giving Ink time to adjust as he murmurs sweet praises, rubbing his back.
“YoU’re doINg sO GooD~ So tiGhT ANd wArm~ suCh a GoOD boY~” Error is the only one to touch Ink like this- to be able to feel and see him so intimately… and he loved it.
The creators' walls flutter at the compliments, squeezing and pulsing around Error's dick as he gets used to the odd but so pleasant feeling of being so full.
“AaAAh..~ Ruru~” He sounds just as dazed and out of it as he feels, his bones rattling loudly.
“Good bOY~” Error repeats, slowly starting to thrust into Ink, lifting and gently dropping the smaller along his shaft as he shifts a bit for a better angle.
Ink screams again and again and again as Error continues, moaning and purring as he mumbles incoherent proclamations of love and begging, yelling Error's name at the top of his non-existent lungs. In no time at all, he ever tightening coil snaps and he tenses only to go completely limp in the destroyer's hold.
With a few more hard thrusts, Error follows behind Ink with a loud moan, cumming hard into him and filling his womb with yellow and blue magic.
“Hah… hahh~ YoU ALriGht INk…?” The glitch holds Ink closely as he pants, his flush slowly fading as the heat slowly drains out of his body.
“Hmmm…~” Is Error asking him something..? It’s too hard to focus on the words, but his voice is nice..~ Error only receives small moans and purrs in response as Ink limply clings to him, completely wasted.
“...NoTe To sELf… InK CaN GEt FuCk-dRunk.” Not that he was necessarily complaining.
Either way, Error settles in for being stuck where he was for the next while, resting his cheek on the top of Ink’s skull, rubbing his back and stomach- honestly anywhere he could easily reach- with loving and caring intent.
Ink’s body shakes and shivers with aftershocks and he leans greedily into the touch, soaking up all the attention, and Error starts drawing light patterns on the artist’s back as he dozes lightly.
For once, everything seemed to be peaceful and quiet in the multiverse as creation and destruction simply enjoy each other's presence, basking in the afterglow of the intimate moment they had shared.
Chapter 6: Cross Tries To Flirt
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Tired of being teased by Killer constantly, Cross tries his hand at flirting and Error just so happens to be willing to teach him~
Notes:
WARNING
Bad/cute attempts at flirting
Error x Cross
Kissing, make-out session
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Cross is both flustered and annoyed. Killer just wouldn’t leave him alone, constantly flirting and complimenting him, or saying dirty things! How can someone be so….shameless!? Saying things with not only a straight face, but a grin!!!
And every time the oreo tells him what he thinks, the shorter just grins wider, but this time…..Killer said “Looks like something else I can add to my list of things I’m better at than you~”
Cross’s marrow boils just think about it. He could flirt if he wanted to! He just….doesn't….Yeah he could! Of course Killer had a comeback for that too-
“Then prove it~”
So now he is wandering the halls of the castle, trying to think of how exactly he’s supposed to do that!
“Oh HEy CroSs.” Error waves from where he was sitting on the floor, hand crocheting something out of his strings.
He blushes, glancing away as he comes back from his thoughts.
“O-oh hey- Uhm…” What does he say!? “You’re…really pretty today-”
The glitch pauses, visibly confused. “Uh… tHaNKs? YoU Too?”
Cross’s face becomes even more purple. That didn’t work uhhhhhhhh…
“Did-uhm….a-are you an angel..? B-because I see you in my dream-”
Error snorts at that, blushing faintly. “WHat arE YoU DOinG?”
Ok that's a bit better….what does Killer like to say..?
“H-heya hot stuff- a-are you busy…tonight..?” Cross’s face is so purple and hot he thinks he might explode and he tries desperately to hide behind his scarf. A grin slowly grows on Error’s face as he realizes what’s going on.
“ArE You tRyINg to… fLirT? WitH Me?”
Oh my fox he wants to die!
“I-I-I- n–no-” Why can’t he just speak!? He sounds like an Alphys!
“Oh mY FOx thAt’s AdorABle~” Error was blushing more now as he grins at Cross.
The oreo groans and completely hides his face, dying of embarrassment.
“I-I’m not adorable-!”
“You VeRy muCH aRe.” The glitch states. “So WhAt brOUghT ThiS On? YoU UsINg mE As a teST suBjeCt foR KilLEr oR SomeThinG?”
“N-no no- I- he said- I couldn't- and you're here- so I thought I could uhm……I’m not good at this…” Error frowns at the disappointment in Cross’ voice.
“..Want mE TO heLp?” The larger skeleton looks back down at Error, slightly confused.
“You can flirt…?”
“YoU doN’t haVe to sOUnD sO doUbtFUl- I doN’t reAlly do IT ofTEn bUt I knoW How-”
“Sorry I just..never really thought about it.” Error just hums in response, setting his strings aside and standing up with a stretch.
“So? Do YoU WaNT soMe helP?”
“....Yes please.” He needs all the help he can get.
“AlriGht- thE MosT ImpORtanT ThiNg is to tRY tO Not geT toO FluSteRed, to Be hONesT, bUt I haVe a couPLe oF TriCks- WaNna seE?” Cross nods, the rest of his face peeking beneath his scarf. Error smiles and discreetly shifts a bit. “JuST dO whAt I dO.”
The glitch interlaces his phalanges together in front of him, hands clasped as if he were praying, but his left hand stayed open. Cross copies him, doing exactly what Error is doing. Error’s smile turns into a smirk.
“And thEN yoU JuSt-” In a flash, the destroyer grabs Cross’ hands and lifts them above his head, pushing him back and pinning him against the wall, pressing against him. “Just liKe thAT~” Error murmurs, so close their nose ridges brush.
Cross bursts into a bright purple blush, sockets wide as he squeaks, completely shocked. Error just rests his free hand on Cross’ hips as his smirk grows. He’s always wanted an excuse to do this~
Cross squirms a little, unable to meet Error’s sockets. “Y-you are good at this.”
The glitch chuckles, moving closer as if to kiss Cross- “ToLd yoU~” -only to nuzzle him, before pulling back completely. “I’vE AlwAys wANtEd tO TrY ThaT.” Error goes back to grinning, as if nothing happened.
The bigger skeleton can’t stop himself from pouting. He thought he really was going to get a kiss. Error just snickers at the look on Cross’ face, misunderstanding what the pout was for. “SorRY foR PinNiNg yoU AgaINst thE WaLl liKe thAt- I fiGurEd a PrActICal leSsON wouLD WorK beTteR.”
“....You didn’t kiss me..”
“W- hUH-?” The oreo blushes but keeps going.
“I…wanted you to kiss me.”
Now it was Error’s turn to blush, face glowing yellow.
“You… reAIlY…?” Humming, Cross nods, shrinking a little to hide in his scarf again. Error’s face is on fire at this point, but after a moment, he moves back over to the taller skeleton, lightly tugging on his scarf to pull him down to his level. “...WaNna knOW aNothEr trICk?”
“Mhm..” Is this really happening or is he imagining things!?
Error smiles softly at Cross, still flustered but just pushing through it as he leans closer. “It- iT doEsn’T MaTtEr if yoU Can fLirT or noT… ‘CaUse I knoW TherE Are seVEraL sKeleTonS THaT alrEaDY LovE You foR You, anD NothINg eLse..~”
With that, Error kisses Cross, gentle and sweet. The oreo practically melts, his hands moving to hold Error's hips as a soft deep purr rumbles in his ribcage.
The glitch sighs softly as he relaxes into Cross’ hold, smiling into the kiss. Unconsciously, Cross deepens the kiss, licking Error's teeth and pulling their hips flush against one another, making Error quietly gasp as he moves to hold the straps on Cross’ chest.
The larger’s purrs begin to grow louder as he lightly forces Error's mouth open to explore with his tongue, rubbing the glitch’s hips. Error stiffens slightly, before hesitantly meeting Cross’ tongue with his own, a quiet, pleased sound escaping him.
Cross makes the same sound back, being just a bit more aggressive with the kiss until very slowly pulling away and giving Error an unbelievably soft and loving look, making the glitch whine almost silently as he averts his gaze, incredibly flustered.
Only then does what he just did seem to click in Cross’ head and his sockets grow wide. He just…their tongues- Error tastes- Why did he do that!? He blames it on instincts! That has to be it.
His thoughts spiral as he starts to overthink things like he always does, unsure of what to do. “Tastes like chocolate…”
Error snorts softly, of course that would be the first thing Cross says after a make-out session.
“..YoU do toO- cHocoLAte anD VanILa…” Cross’s thoughts come to a halt, staring down at Error is surprise.
“Really?” Error nods, wishing he could just melt into the ground at this point- The other looks away, just as flustered, before a thought comes to mind.
“Have we ever kissed before this..?”
“...No- bUt it WAsn’T a hAlf baD FirSt tIMe I’d sAy.” The glitch grins cheekily, the effect slightly ruined by his bright yellow blush. Blushing, Cross looks away again.
“You're as bad as Killer, you know that?” “It’S the tEaR maRks~” Cross will never admit he’s pouting. Not now, not ever! Error lets his grin soften as he nuzzles Cross. “So- Am I A goOd teACheR?”
“Well you’re not bad~”
“Heh, I’ll tAke iT~”
Notes:
This was so much fun to right-
Chapter 7: Falling into BNHA (Version one of several)
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Ink and Error end up in My Hero Academia
Notes:
Hi- sorry for disappearing for so long.. none of us really have any excuses we’re just lazy and forgot abt this ^-^;
Chapter Text
Ink hums softly as he sits in his mate's lap, gently stroking the destroyer's cheeks as he presses their foreheads together. It’s easy to ignore the white surrounding him if he just looks at Error, his white eyelights completely focused on the glitch’s own.
Error eventually raises his hands to rest against Ink’s temples, blocking out some more of the whiteness as he nuzzles the creator. His relationship with Ink has always been…complicated, even when they first met.
He wasn’t in a good place back then of course- Ink had just been an obstacle in his way for a long time. He hated Ink back then, he hated Ink with a burning passion.
But… at some point, after calming down, Error’s detest for the creator simmered to a vague dislike. Ink had always bugged him, blabbering about being friends, but now it was more… endearing. His vague dislike became tolerance, then reluctant caring and exasperated fondness. Before he knew it, he had become friends with the short skeleton.
They kept up the ruse that they were enemies in front of others- their fights becoming more like flashy, deadly dances that they could both follow easily- but when alone, they would hang out and care for each other’s injuries as Error slowly grew used to Ink’s touch.
It was around that time in their relationship where he saw what he would call…the real Ink. To be fair he always knew Ink wasn’t what he projected to everyone else, but it was always different between them. The creator, no matter how much he screamed, cursed, fought with, and was just downright mean to Ink, he never stopped trying to just be near him.
He wasn’t sure why then, but when asked, Ink later told him that Error was always there.
“When Ink would forget, Error always came back, as angry as always.” He said. Error was the one constant in his life since they met and, unknowingly, Ink had become the same thing for Error. In their very long lives they have known each other for most of it.
To Ink…it had been comforting, grounding. The one constant in an ever changing multiverse. To Error, it had been a goal, an anchor. It kept him from spirling further than he already had, grounding him to the present. In a weird way, they had been depending on each other. With every fight they formed a stronger connection.
They knew each other even if they never really talked much before. He would watch Ink lie to another's face with a bright smile that to him seemed so fake- but everyone else believed it. When Error saw Ink smile in a fight though, when they were dancing around each other in their near daily banter that had somehow become a routine…that smile was different.
That growl of annoyance, or small glare, or the way Ink would just smile and laugh when he lost despite missing an arm or a leg- that was real and in some weird way Error had taken pride in the fact that he could see Ink be real. That Ink saw him as an equal and didn’t play some stupid faking game with him.
When things started to get better, Error would snatch Ink up to watch Undernovalia with him, sometimes at random, or Ink would show up after fights to patch the destroyer up. It became another weird routine with them after they got a little too invested in a fight. Fixing him up had been Ink’s weird way of apologizing…..and it happened again…and again, until he expected it.
Error came to even enjoy their little movie sessions after patching each other up, though he never admitted it to anyone….not until Ink couldn’t come once. Error had tried to ignore his rising worry, at the time, but he still got up, even with a broken leg, and had gone searching for the creator, fearful he had gone too far.
As it turned out, Ink was attacked by a different outcode right after their fight. While both of them can fight for a long time without stopping- they do have a limit. It was the first time he actually Ink melt into….well ink.
Sure he knew Ink’s body would fall apart if he sustained too much damage, but he never stayed long enough to see it when he was trying to kill Ink before. The image makes his non-existent insides twist and churn in a way that makes him feel sick- especially when the artists had his skull caved in and spine disfigured, slowly melting away like something out of a horror movie. Error hates to think that he might’ve done that to him in the past.
It’s safe to say the outcode was deleted immediately after. Along with the universe they were in- though that was an accident. Ink reformed a few days later and the idiot immediately went to check on him- as if the creator hadn’t been torn apart. Like everything was normal. He even apologized for taking so long!
Sure he was in pain, but that wasn’t the issue! Ink made him worried . He was concerned for the creator- he hated that he had gotten hurt, and wanted to protect him. It confused Error to no end and Ink was just as confused.
Error didn’t want Ink to leave for a while and the creator didn’t seem bothered by the sudden clinginess. They cuddled and watched Undernovalia for who knows how long, before Ink inevitably had to respond to Dream’s worried and angry messages and leave for a council meeting, much to Error’s internal disappointment.
Life continued on for a while, with Error and Ink regularly meeting up outside of fights in the antivoid to hang out and cuddle and talk. So many little things they didn’t really notice became normal. Ink sitting on his lap, nuzzling, and getting in close and personal.
His favorite thing to do- and still is- is to make Ink show an expression. Not the ones he fakes, but a real genuine face. They are usually very small, so subtle that if he wasn’t always looking for them he’d miss them completely. And with every new face he feels proud of himself, just like how he was proud Ink took him seriously and didn’t act fake with him in a fight.
The more time they spent together the more faces Error added to his growing mental collection, and he found himself growing fonder with each expression and reaction he drew out of the creator. He didn’t even notice at first, and by the time he had, it was too late- he had already begun falling in love with Ink.
The destroyer had fallen head over heels for this dorky, short, and adorable, soulless skeleton and there was no going back- not that he’d ever want to. At first he thought he could ignore his feelings, thinking that Ink might pull away if he knew how Error really felt.
If he knew how the glitch would find himself thinking of the creator almost constantly, how his soul soared whenever he saw Ink’s face, or the…new, less innocent thoughts that would randomly fill his skull…
And Error was almost certain that even if Ink did know.. He wouldn’t understand, or return his feelings. Ink was soulless- the fact that the glitch could draw any kind of reaction from him was practically a miracle in itself. Of course he would fall for someone who can literally never love him back…
They could never have a real relationship, not the way Error has seen them at least. It would always be one sided….but even if Ink can’t love him….he’s something to Ink.
He had learned a while ago that Ink doesn’t see people as people. It’s easy to understand why- the creator lacks the general understanding of empathy, and of mortal life.
Mortals make every moment count and work so hard and feel so strongly, they form connections and Ink……can’t do that.
Not only can he not form connections, he started with none, he has nothing in common with the multiverses inhabitants….all except for Error. It was interesting to hear something that sounds so emotional coming from Ink. There was no emotion behind his tone, but to anyone else his words were deep.
Ink expressed trying to mimic things, doing what others do thinking that eventually if he plays along long enough it will click, that he will just magically understand…but he doesn’t. He can predict how people will react and copy them, but he can never understand the meaning and the feelings of their behavior.
“...but Error is like Ink.” The creator had told him. “Error is alone, like Ink. No past, no family, no roots…Just Ink and Error.”
‘But I have a soul.’ He had almost said back at the time, wanting to be angry- to distance himself. Instead, Error had just smiled slightly. “YeAh.. JuST yOu anD Me.”
Ink stared at him for a long moment, before he had nuzzled their skulls together and curled up further into the glitch. “....Was the white loud to Error too?”
He will never forget that conversation. It was the most open Ink had ever been…..and then his heat came around-
It had been so very embarrassing for Ink to walk in on him…touching himself- he was almost ready to go and throw himself into the void he was so mortified. Ink wasn’t too bothered of course- but not only did he blush, Ink casually sat between his legs, waited for Error to object, before he started eating the glitch out-
He had not been expecting that at all- though once he got over his shock and embarrassment, he ended up very much enjoying himself. Ink helped him through the heat, quite eagerly in fact. That was when their relationship changed for good.
And now he’s staring at his cute little mate curled up on his lap and nuzzling into him affectionately. Ink refers to him as mate sometimes instead of Error- when they’re alone, of course.
Though it sometimes hurts to think that Ink can’t love him like he loves Ink, Error knows he cares for him in his own way, and that’s enough for him. Ink always tries to go out of his way to give Error attention, making him things, cuddling, kissing, listening. Ink tries to be what Error needs- It’s not…always enough, especially when Error is upset or sad.
Ink can only be there to hold like a teddy bear and honestly it does make the glitch feel a bit better- that Ink is even trying for him at all. Even if Ink doesn’t feel the same, he tries his best to make up for it in every other way- even if the council gets in the way.
Ink has been getting noticeably annoyed with them- as annoyed as he can be. The creator had formed a council of AU originals a little while after Dream was freed- really though it was Dream’s idea. The positive guardian is the one who really runs the show, he just insists that Ink be a part of it.
Most of the time Ink doesn’t mind tolerating the golden skeleton’s demands, but when it gets in the way of his time with Error the creator becomes snippy. Error finds it hilarious every time he gets to witness it. Seeing Ink’s usual chipperness with Dream and the rest of the council become curt with obvious annoyance. The expressions usually aren’t completely fake either!
He wishes Ink didn’t feel like he has to please them to get attention. He wishes his attention alone could be enough for Ink…..that they didn’t have to hide it. Sometimes, it feels like Ink is ashamed of him- of their relationship- even though he knows he isn’t…
While the council has been more aggressive he never expected them to catch him- Ink always told him of their traps and attacks beforehand, but looking at Ink’s blank face now tells him all he needed to know. They hadn’t told Ink about this attempt.
“Finally we can get rid of the destroyer, this horrible creature that has plagued the multiverse for generations!”
“First the destroyer and then the dark king!”
“DaMn, aND YOu cALl yOUrsELveS THe goOD guYs.” He snarks, ignoring the marrow dripping from a large crack on his skull. He had already been fighting Ink for a while when the others showed up, ambushing him when he was already low on stamina.
It wasn’t a bad plan, but it sure was annoying. One of the swap Paps smacks him over the head and he can see Ink twitch in the background, never taking his eyelights off of Error. Dream smiles almost sadly at the glitch with mock sympathy and he can see why Nightmare isn't fond of his twin. The false kindness is as unsettling as it is gross.
“We are doing what we have to do…I’m sorry it has to be this way…” The guardian seems almost guilty as one of the other judges places a hand on his shoulder.
“Don’t Dream, this thing doesn’t deserve your sympathy.” Error just laughs at them, grinning sharply in the way that he knows is unsettling.
“I caN’t WaIT For yoU GUys tO FaCe tHe coNSEquEnCEs of yoUR aCtiONs. DoN’t yoU KNow- I haRDly eVEn deSTRoY AUs nOWadAYs!” He only destroyed universes when he couldn’t save them. Getting rid of him is practically dooming the multiverse to be infected by a virus. A fate worse than death.
Still, the council doesn’t even bother listening to him, like always. Error is picked up and tossed into a portal, the glitch is surprised to see the Outertale sky, the endless array of stars shining brightly above him.
“WhA-?” He looks around at all the people gathering around him again, their solem and cold expressions doing nothing to make him feel better about the situation. “WhAT THe hEll dO YOu thINk yoUR doINg-?”
“Gettin’ rid a’ya. Ya sure don’t lisin’ huh?” An Underfell sans snarks at him, before blue magic grips his soul and Error finds himself being slowly dragged against the space rock towards the cliff's edge.
“Wh- wITh tHe vOId ???” Fear fills Error for the first time in this encounter, and he does his best to struggle despite his numerous injuries, shooting Ink a desperate look. The creator’s form twitches as he restrains himself, those white eyelights darting around trying to find an out. No doubt looking for some way to get out of this without revealing anything.
The longer Ink just stands there the closer he gets to the edge, panic gripping his soul as he struggles uselessly, no doubt aggravating his injuries.
“INk PLeA-aSe- ” Error blurts right as he reaches the edge, reaching out desperately for something to grab. Dream frowns, standing beside the creator.
“Why are you asking Ink for help? He would never help you, destroyer. Isn’t that right Ink?” The guardian laces their phalanges together and Ink blanks down at their joined hands in confusion, before looking back at Error.
“.....Right.”
Error could practically feel his soul break, pulling his hand back as betrayal and hurt tears into him. “....Oh.”
Dream gives them both a confused look, his brows furrowing, before he tightens his hold on the creator's hand. “Let him go.”
The blue magic holding Error up vanishes and he starts to fall back with nothing to support him. The glitch just gives Ink one last look as he falls, knowing there’s nothing he could do at this point to save himself. Still, tears gather in his sockets- he doesn’t want to die, not now, not like this.
In that moment, Ink is filled with something. He’s not sure how to describe it, but he finds himself leaping towards the glitch as he yanks himself free from Dream's grasp- starling him.
“Mate!” Error glitches in shock as Ink’s body slams into his, and they both plummet.
“I-iNk-? BuT- BUt I ThOugHT-” The wind whips around them loudly as they fall faster and faster towards the bottom of the gravity bubble surrounding the asteroids of Outertale, closer to the void.
“Ink sorry! Ink sorry, Ru! Ink didn’t mean it!” The creator holds onto Error tightly as he nuzzles his face into the destroyer's neck. It’s only when Ink pulls away to look at him that he sees the tears in his sockets. “Ink sorry, mate-”
“YoU…” Error trails off, clinging to Ink desperately. Though he’s still hurt by Ink’s actions, he selfishly clings to the last bit of comfort he has as they plummet to their deaths.
~
There is nothing. A nothing so all consuming that it seeps into his bones and the very fabric of his soul. Error can feel it filling every aspect of him, tearing him apart from every possible way. He can’t see or hear. It’s even more silent than the antivoid- yet all the louder for it. He can’t even scream from the numb pain taking over his senses, the void consuming that as well.
He can’t even tell if Ink is still there or if they’ve both lost their grip. It doesn't really matter- they will become as nothing as the void anyway-
Error’s consciousness begins to fade and he was about to accept his end, that this was it. He’s barely awake when he is surrounded by warmth, the feeling welcoming as the nothingness is forced away, replaced by comfort.
He strains to say something, to question it or open his sockets, but his very soul is weighed down by exhaustion and pain. Somehow he gets the feeling he’s being pitied as what he can only describe as a hand gently pets over his skull.
They might be saying something, but he can barely hear it beyond the soft jingle of bells.
Just as quickly as it had come, the warmth is gone and he feels like he’s falling again, falling and falling until he comes to a sudden and jolsting stop, something beneath him having broken his fall.
“...Ouch..” A small voice groans in pain beneath him as the ground below shakes a little. Error just groans, his voice sounding odd as he reaches up to clutch at his skull, pretty sure he had hit it again.
“N-no no nonononoNO! Nomu…get up get up get UP! Where did these stupid medling children come from-!?” A very unsettled voice practically screeches in outrage. The ground moves again and Error can feel little hands holding onto him as they begin to tumble.
“Huh-? Ruru-” The glitch whines a bit, struggling to hold himself up and open his sockets with everything aching painfully- though it’s better than it was before. He’s met with Ink’s face for a moment before his skull is smooshed against the creator's chest by something wrapping tightly around them and yanking them away before they can hit the ground.
A…human? A very tall human- catches them, making Error glitch uncomfortably. The human is bleeding, with bruises and cuts all over him and his messy black hair falling from where it had been floating above his head.
“Hmm…you really are cool, Eraserhead. Too bad you’re getting in my way-” Error doesn’t even get a chance to react or even look over- face still half smushed in Ink’s chest- before the human holding them is moving and several loud booms echo around them.
The jostling movement is painful and Ink yelps, holding the glitch closer, before they are being tossed further away from the fight, the two tumbling again. The loud sounds of combat are certainly a drastic change from the silence of the void-
“HoLY sh-HIt tHE VoID-d-” Error blurts, voice horse, before they hit something else painfully.
“Outch- Stop tossing Ink around!” His mate yells in that agitated tone he usually gets with Dream….except it sounds off…younger? If Error didn’t know any better, he would say Ink almost sounds like a skully.
“Ow.. mY HeAD…” He complains, patting Ink’s face to get him to shut up. The small skeleton whines at him, nuzzling the glitch gently as he’s cuddled.
“Ink sorry, mate. Ink sorry…Ink make it quiet for mate. Ink will be back.” The creator wiggles out of their tight hold on each other, making Error frown as he pushes himself up enough to look around, clutching at his skull.
There are a lot of people around them, he would say they are human but….some of them look weird. Like the big purple guy with a weird duck face and protruding eyeballs. Gross- The human that was holding them earlier is on the ground, his arm bent in a horrible way as he lays in a puddle of blood.
The whole scene is a little disturbing, but nothing Error isn’t used to. The most disturbing thing is the guy covered in hands kneeling down before some human kids…they look so scared..
Error doesn’t even think before he grabs some strings and throws them at the weird hand guy to pull him away. The man makes a confused noise before falling back with a grunt, as the children startle, looking over at Error and then to the small skeleton storming away from him.
Now Ink usually doesn’t fight with all his physical strength, unless you count him twirling that enormous brush of his. That fact used to infuriate Error, but he quickly learned that Ink’s strength can simply be devastating when used at full capacity. His amount of control over it is impressive….though by the cracking cement below the little skeletons feet is concerning to say the least.
Ink is mad . Error can’t help but notice how small Ink looks next to everything else- almost like an actual skully.
The creator storms up to the very big purple person, stomping his feet like an angry toddler. The thing doesn’t even look down at him until Ink has pulled his arm back, hand clenched tightly into a fist and Error covers his ear holes in preparation for the loud boom that follows, the pounding in his head worsening.
A gust of wind whips past him, the purple giant flying around through the dome structure surrounding them and denting the outside of the building. After the sound dies down everyone is left standing in shocked silence, most of their ears still ringing as Ink glowers, before turning to walk back over to Error, the glitch just silently watching.
He knows Ink is strong as hell, but seeing that strength in action is just insane. He’s so lucky Ink never used that strength when they fought. He really doesn’t want to be a dust pancake-
His mate sits back down next to him and curls up against Error, mumbling something about his back hurting as he pulls out a small paintbrush.
“..Y-you…you little brat! This is why I hate kids! Always messing around and not letting the adults talk-” The weird hand human grips Error’s strings, the blue magic deteriorating under his touch and making Error flinch as if struck, quickly cutting off his connection with them before that gross, wrong magic can reach him. “Our plan is ruined! H-how are we supposed to defeat All Might now?”
Ink sits up again on alert, tugging Error closer with a protective growl as the hand man takes a step towards them, scratching aggressively at his neck- another loud boom sounds from above and the man stops. “Damn it- Kurogiri, let's get out of here…”
A shadow-like thing appears, its bright yellow eyes fluctuating with its body, Error blinking in confusion. Was- is that a person-? The shadow says something, but it’s hard to hear as the hand man and several others are swallowed up by it, quickly disappearing as another person appears.
A….very big strong looking human guy with weird blond hair that matches his pants…his smile is tight and tense. The strong human wastes no time dispatching the other weird hostile humans left behind, before checking on the kids.
“I’m So Sorry It Took Me So Long To Get Here! Asui, Mineta, Midoria, Are You Ok?”
“..HuH. He KIndA TAlkS LIkE BLuE, BUt moRe fOrcED.” Error idly comments, leaning further against Ink as exhaustion weighs him down. His mate nods and Error can feel Ink’s paintbrush ever so lightly brush across his bones, soothing the aching pain of his still agitated injuries.
“Mhm…this place is weird…..and Error looks like a little skully..”
“SHuT Up yOu dO TOo…” Error mutters, before processing Ink’s words and jolting up to look himself over. “WaIT WhAt-??”
Based on the size of his bones compared to their thickness- they haven’t just shrunk compared to the AU or anything- it actually looks like they have de-aged! Even their clothes are smaller! Somehow-???
“Error looks cute and even more cuddly.”
“WhAT thE fuCk-” Ink headbutts him gently, the creators skull rounder and almost chubby- like all skullies. It’s a little odd to see his white eyelights and empty expression on such an innocent looking face.
“Is Error ok? Does something still hurt?”
“Uh-” Error takes stock of himself, finding that only his headache and a few more internal injuries are really hurting at the moment, but is interrupted before he can voice as much.
“Young Ones! Are You Okay?” Error practically jumps out of his (nonexistent) skin as the strange blond man suddenly appears in front of him, making him yelp. Ink immediately snatches and pulls him tightly against his mate's chest and lets out a loud growl-like hiss.
He’s not sure why exactly Ink is suddenly so defensive….
“I Apologize! I Did Not Mean To Startle You! We Are Just Heading Outside To Wait For Help To Arrive. Are You Okay To Walk? I’m Sure One Of The Students Would Be Happy To Carry You!” Error immediately goes to stand, not wanting to be held by some random kid- but Ink is quick to scoop him up, lifting him up easily despite their size difference. It takes a few moments for Ink to adjust him comfortably and still be able to see where he’s going, but the creator seems very determined.
“Ink can cawy Error just fine!” Error snorts a bit at Ink’s childish voice, wrapping his arms around Ink and burying his face in his neck.
“O-of Course You Can!” The blond human looks like they’re sweating a bit. “In That Case, Please Go Up Those Stairs To Await Help!”
Ink narrows his sockets at the tall human as he walks over to said stairs- taking a moment to look up them with a small frown. They look….really big compared to them. The creator crouches down, holding onto Error more securely, before launching them up into the air, leaving indents in the concrete floor as the small skeletons go flying, making several people- including Error- shout in surprise.
“H-hOLy shIT-!” Holding Error’s waist in one hand and twirling a small paintbrush in the other- Ink creates a spider web of his namesake a few feet above the ground where they land safely on the sticky substance. Once on his feet the ink becomes a black ball in his hand before vanishing completely, leaving everyone standing in stunned silence.
“H-how old is this kid-?” A yellow haired teen asks, the green haired teen next to them muttering to themself.
“Th-tHaT’s a NEw oNe-” Error wheezes, clinging tightly to the creator. Ink gently nuzzles the glitch in a quiet apology.
“Sorry, did Ink scare Error..?”
“GiVE Me sOMe WaRNinG NeXt timE-” He mutters, nuzzling Ink back a bit. His mate gives him a small kiss on the cheek and another apology before some new humans show up and two particularly injured ones are taken away first..including that one dark haired human who had grabbed them before.
“Children? And where did they come from exactly?” One of the new humans asks the green haired kid. These humans look like police officers- well some of them do- the others are in weird outfits that kind of remind Error of what those superheroes were in Cross’s comic books. They look just as ridiculous in person as they did in the books.
“WE’rE riGhT HerE.” Error deadpans as he wiggles out of Ink’s hold to stand, using him as support.
“T-they well- kind of came out of a black hole. It looked like a portal, but not the same as the shadow guy was using.” What was his name again? Midoria? The, what Error presumes is a police officer- nods and kneels down to greet them with a reassuring smile.
He’s relatively plain looking, with black hair…but other than that he doesn’t have much to him. “Hello there, my name is Tsukauchi. Are you two feeling ok?”
“We’RE fINe.” Error mutters. Like hell is he going to tell a random human he was vulnerable. Said human blinks at him in surprise for only a second before nodding.
“That's so good, I’m happy neither of you were hurt. All those villains were pretty scary, huh?” The glitch just shrugs, leaning further against Ink. Hand man was a bit creepy, sure, but he’s seen much worse.
“No. They looked stupid.” The creator huffs with a dramatic eye roll and Error gets the sense that Ink is still feeling short tempered or annoyed…or however he gets with Dream-
“Oh, well...you don’t have to worry about them anymore, we’re going to keep you both safe.”
“Ink doesn’t need to be protected and neither does Error. Ink can protect Error just fine.”
“I cAN pRoteCt m’Self..” Error mumbles, turning his head to press his face into Ink’s shoulder as the pounding in his skull worsens.
“...Ink would rather Ink do it.” The creator nuzzles him lightly. It’s pretty easy to tell that the human isn’t quite sure how to respond to what he perceives as two odd children being relatively chill with what would commonly be a traumatizing situation. Especially considering how some of these teenagers look like they are going to need some therapy.
“You must be very strong then.” He tries to humor them and Ink just nods.
“INk puNCheD ‘em.”
“Oh yeah? That’s pretty impressive little guy. You could grow up to be a really strong hero someday.” Error just stares for a long moment, before snorting and bursting into quiet laughter, Ink practically holding him up as he giggles. The human, Tsukauchi, blinks in confusion.
“What? Did I say something funny?”
“No- nOThINg-” Error shakes his head, only to pause and grimace as pain shoots through it.
“...Are you sure you’re ok, little guy?” The human asks in concern, Error scowling a bit.
“...I tHInk I Hit mY HeAd eaRLieR.” Although the cracks are gone, Ink can only really fix external injuries. The human hums, before standing and holding out his hand.
“How about we go see Recovery Girl and you can get a little check up? I’m sure she’ll even give you two a candy afterwards.” Ink grips Error tighter, though the glitch looks contemplative.
“...DoEs sHE haVe cHOcoLAte?” The human smiles.
“Probably, wanna go find out?” Error looks at Ink, tilting his head in silent question. His mate is obviously still on guard, but he nods.
“If Error wants, Ink will follow.” The glitch doesn’t particularly love that answer, but he still turns back to the human and nods- though he takes no move to take their hand. Still, they continue to smile at him, before leading the two away.
~
The checkup had gone ok. The old lady was very nice, even if she had kissed his skull, it made the pain go away and he actually felt way better, if not a bit achy and tired. What really irked him was that when it was Ink’s turn, his mate refused to let them check him over.
While usually it wouldn’t matter it’s Ink’s insistence that makes him suspicious. If there was nothing wrong Ink wouldn’t care, so something must be wrong.
“INk- yoU MigHT noT ResPaWn if YOu diE HEre.” Error gives the creator a hard look, a bit of his concern leaking into his voice. Ink pouts lightly at him, squirming a little in place before he relents and carefully lifts up his shirt.
The first thing his notice on one of Ink’s vertebrae out of alignment, the ligaments swollen and bruised horribly from the spine piece having been harshly forced out of place. Of course he’s seen worse injuries on Ink- missing arms, shattered ribs- but there’s something about just how visibly irritated the magic is and how uncomfortable it looks that has Error cringing.
“Oh deary me that does look quite painful- let me fix that right up for you.” The doctor- Recovery Girl- lightly frets, leaning over and giving Ink a kiss on the forehead. The vertebrae moves back into place and the inflammation goes down almost immediately.
Ink blinks in surprise, lifting his shirt up more to get a better look and there’s a light in his ribcage. “...What’s that?”
“WhAT’s whAt?” Error questions, looking over, only to freeze and glitch in shock at the upside down heart floating in Ink’s ribcage.
“Error? What is it? Ink can’t see it-” The creator whines a little as he reaches a hand up into his ribcage, Error quickly grabbing it.
“DoN’T ToUch IT-! You- iT’s- iT’S A soUL-” Ink tenses with a shocked look on his face- or well…as shocked as he is usually able to look, his sockets wide and mouth open a little.
“A…soul?” The creator cranes his neck down in an attempt to look, but his head is simply too big for his little body. “Ink can’t have a soul-”
“WeLl It’S A sOUl, anD iT’s In yOUr riBcAGe- I’m PreTtY SuRE iT’s yoUrs.” Error states, just as shocked and confused as Ink is. The creator tries to grab it again, to which the glitch quickly snatches his free hand. “DoN’t GrAb IT-”
“Ink wants to see!”
“ThEN JuSt giVe mE A SeConD And I’ll sUMon iT For yOu-!” Ink gives him a pouty glare, puffing out those little cheeks and making his face look like a marshmallow, before shoving his skull into Error’s chest.
“..Mate is being an ass.”
“Oh mY GOd-” Error just snorts, grabbing a few strings and gently wrapping them around Ink’s soul, carefully pulling it out for the creator to see. His small mate gasps quietly at the feeling before looking down at the teenie little soul.
The base color is a stark white- like most monster souls- but the surface glimmers a rainbow of colors, so pale and light you have to really look to be able to see them. And it’s just so…small, not quite souling small, but obviously new and underdeveloped. It beats so quietly and softly.
“...YoU’ll haVe TO be CaREfUl wiTh iT.” Error quietly warns, cupping the small soul in his hands like he was holding something precious. “SoULs aRe frAgeL- yoURs EveN moRE so.”
Ink’s face warms and he pats his cheeks in slight confusion, before looking back at Error. “Then Error can just hold it for Ink.”
“SoULs dOn’T WorK liKE thaT, siLly~” Error removes his strings from the soul, before gently pressing it back into Ink’s chest, his little mate snuggling up against him,
“They don’t?”
“NoPe! BuT It’s oKAy- I’Ll teACh yoU All aBoUT SouLS!” Ink looks up at him in aw, before nuzzling his face back into the glitch’s ribcage like he belongs there.
“Aww~ You two are quite adorable.” Recover Girl is definitely confused by most of their conversation, but it’s obvious that the two care about one another greatly.
“Nuh-uH- I’m SCaRy!” Error protests childishly, blushing in embarrassment.
“If you say so little dear. Well it seems that you too are all better. Now…” The old woman scoots over to a cabinet with her chair and pulls out a basket of goodies. “I believe you were promised candy?”
Error practically lights up. “Do YOu haVe cHocOLate?”
“Mhm, I have Hersheys, Reseese, Kit-kats, M&M’s-” Error just uses his strings, snatching one of the chocolate bars and stuffing the whole thing in his mouth- though he underestimates how big it is compared to him with his new size, leaving his cheeks stuffed like a chipmunk. “Oh dear- you aren’t supposed to eat the wrapper-”
While Recovery Girl is concerned, she can’t help but giggle at the cute skully. “Spit it out and open it, take small bites too or you’ll make yourself sick.”
“Mm-mN!” Error shakes his head stubbornly, continuing to eat it. The lady huffs and moves to put the basket away.
“Oh dear- I suppose I can not give you anymore chocolate than if you can’t eat it properly-”
“W’t Nu-” Error uses his tongues to separate the wrapper from what was left of the chocolate that he hadn’t already swallowed, spitting it out. The human just blinks down at it in surprise, before grabbing a tissue to pick up the wrapper and throw it away.
“There you go~ Now you can have a kit-kat as well.” Error takes the next chocolate bar excitedly and Recovery Girl turns to Ink. “Would you like one too, dear?”
“...No, Ink is fine.”
“Y’r g’Nna ‘AvETa eA’ ‘oO SuS’aIN Y’r sOuL.” Error states, mouth already full of chocolate again.
“...Does Ink have to? Ink would much rather just eat souls instead-”
“I dUN t’iNK ‘UmaNS ‘oOd ‘iKe dAT.” He pouts at Error, before practically burrowing against him.
“Stupid humans can deal with it.”
“It’s ANnoYInG BeINg oN The rUn frOM ANgrY HumaNs.” The glitch wraps his arms around Ink, finishing the last of the chocolate and looking at the wrapper in contemplation.
“Hmm…Ink supposes so….but they are so good! Error should try some!”
“InK No-”
“But Ruruuuuuu- Their sooooo gooooood~” Ink smiles a little as he nuzzles Error’s chest, looking up at him with the softest little purr and rainbow blush.
“I’M Not GoINg tO- anD YOu shOuldn’T EIthER. Not HEre.” Error refuses to budge, even as he blushes slightly at Ink’s expression. The creator is being much more expressive….and adorably whiney-
“Awww….somewhere else then?”
“JusT! DoN’T EaT SouLs!” The glitch exclaims, getting a hard pout from Ink- and…..tears begin to form in his sockets as the creator puffs out his marshmallow like cheeks.
“Nu!”
“I- wAIt PLeAse DoN’t cRy-” Ink looks like a skully ready to throw a tantrum and the slight shaking of his bottom lip is the only warning Error gets before Ink hiccups and lets out a sad, mournful wail, making the glitch panic, fretting over Ink and feeling the urge to cry himself.
“Oh dear- Why are you crying, little one?” Recovery Girl moves to gently pet Ink’s skull in hopes of calming him, but that only seems to make the skully cry more, trying to hide himself in Error’s chest as he sobs.
“R-ru-” hic “Ruruuuuu-uu-!”
“I- I’m riGHt heRE-” Error tries to reassure, glitching in alarm as he rubs Ink’s back, trying to soothe him. The creator tries to speak, but struggles to do so through the near uncontrollable sobs and hiccups that wrack his little body.
“I-ink doesn’t-” hic hic “L-l-like this-”
“It’s- It’S OKay.. juST L-leT It aLL OuT- YoU’ll feEL beTteR AFteR..” Error tears up slightly, but focuses on purring soothingly and nuzzling Ink. The creator cries in response as he tries to meld himself against Error’s side, nuzzling his face up through his mate's scarf.
“I-ink-” siffle “Sorry Woow-wo- Ink s-so sowwy-!”
“I-iT’S okAy-!” The glitch’s voice cracks as he hugs Ink tightly, unsure what the creator is even apologizing for.
“Ink howib-ble mate-! I-ink so sowyyyy!” The little skullie’s body is shaking so bad that this might have become more of a breakdown than a tantrum- his eyelights blue and purple. Error’s panic worsens as Ink starts to hyperventilate, clenching onto Error tightly, before he suddenly just stops, his eyelights returning to their stake white color as his expression slakens.
“..I-iNk…?” The glitch hesitantly and shakily questions, face pinched in concern and sockets teary. His little mate looks up at him blankly for a moment, before nuzzling into his neck.
“...I-ink is fine. Ink thinks Ink’s soul ran out of juice…or something.”
“O..OkAY..” Error gives Ink a squeeze, a couple of tears dripping down his cheeks before he manages to blink them away, both relieved and worried. The creator blinks up at him, before scooting up to gently kiss the tear streaks left behind with a small frown.
“..Is Error ok? Why is Error crying?”
“It’S n-nOThiNG-” The glitch mumbles with a sniffle, getting more little kisses all over his face.
“Mate- tell Ink what’s wrong…did Ink make Error cry?” Error immediately shakes his head, reaching up to rub at his sockets.
“JuSt- JUst woRrieD- ‘s ALl.”
“...Ink is sorry for making Error worry….Ink didn’t mean to cry..”
“YOu doN’t hAvE TO aPOLogizE- yOu haVE A sOuL NOw sO yOUr EmoTIOns aRe prOBaBly biG anD NEw. It’s OKay.” Error quietly reassures, the smaller whines softly before snuggling back into Error with a small yawn.
Chapter 8: Amongus
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error x Nightmare but they’re technically not together yet-
And yes, this is an among us AU
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
A dark bones skeleton groans in pain as he rubs his skull and ribcage, slowly stumbling down the hall to his bedroom- well Error and his bedroom. His glitching colorful, red, yellow, and black boned friend he’s known since highschool.
They were lucky they could get a job like this together, but then again they both worked very hard to be here. Both skeleton monsters have grown up in a day in age where space travel and colonization are at its peak. They grew up dreaming that one day they could be a part of this great endeavor and pave the way for future generations to freely travel among the stars.
Both monsters were assigned to the Skelled, one of many stops and places for data collection when crew members come back to earth from space. Nightmare is a technician and mechanic, working mainly on keeping everything running and sometimes even sorting and filling out documents in the archives.
Error got a job as a programer and the main data collector, focused primarily on making sure the ship’s AI worked and extracting and compiling data gathered by the probes he’s coded.
For the past year they’ve basically run the Skelled, seeing many space cadets off, either back to earth or the stars.
Nightmare groans as he clutches his shirt, leaning against a wall for a moment as he gathers himself. He feels almost sick. He makes it to the room after several minutes and shakilly undresses, throwing on a random shirt before he climbs into bed.
“..N’gHTy..?” Error stirs, sleepily opening his sockets as he instinctively moves to cling to the other. The mechanic makes a small affirmative noise as he wraps his arms around the glitch, the long black tentacle-like appendages on his back gently setting around Error’s bones and body like they usually do.
He feels so tired, exhausted even. Did he really stay out that late…?
“Hm..~ T’k You L’nG ‘noUGh…” The glitch mumbles, his small pout audible in his voice as he nuzzles against Nightmare, the taller giving him a small squeeze.
“M’sorry…didn’ think I stayed out tha’ long…” He just gets a small hum from Error in response, the smaller skeleton already drifting back to sleep. Nightmare soon finds himself drifting quickly as well, despite the discomfort in his chest as his soul pulses weakly.
~
The next morning, Error is surprised to find Nightmare still holding him, despite the digital clock beside them already reading 9:00. Usually his companion is up by at least 7:00…
Concerned, Error gently nudges Nightmare, trying to wiggle out of his hold, but the goop-covered skeleton doesn’t even budge, his face completely lax and breathing shallow. The tentacles hold is looser than usual, resting limply around him.
“NiGht? HeY- NIghtMAre?” Glitching slightly in worry, Error lightly shakes and pokes Nightmare to try to wake him up, pausing to feel his temperature. He’s….he’s colder than usual.
Almost- definitely- panicking a little, Error wiggles to sit up, shoving a few of the tentacles off of him to flip Nightmare onto his back, frantically looking him over as he puts his hands on Nightmare’s chest, pushing his weak healing magic into him.
The other monster doesn’t so much as stur for a good minute, furthering Error’s panic, until Nightmare’s face scrunches up and he slowly opens his sockets, making a confused sleepy noise.
“N-niGHtMarE-?? CAn yoU HEaR Me-e? Wh-hAt’S WRoNg- h-hOW dO YOu feE-el-?” Error quickly questions, glitching harshly in anxiety even as he’s filled with relief. The mechanic blinks slowly as he makes another unintelligible noise, staring blankly at the ceiling for a moment before he looks over at Error.
“...M’hungry….” HIs mind feels fuzzy, like he spent way too much magic all at once, making his bones feel heavy and his skull full of cotton.
“D-dO YOu wAnt mE To gO GEt yoU-u SOmEthINg? MaY-ybE ThoSE JElly-y rATioNs?” Said rations were technically meant for emergencies when Error’s magic levels glitched, packed full of dense magic that could last a monster a week- but Nightmare looked scarily magic deprived right now. Error is more than willing to give him a couple of the rations if needed.
Nightmare’s face scrunches up a little more- logically he knows that’s what he needs, it would surely help, but for some reason that’s not what he meant.
“...P-please..”
“Ok-kaY- I’ll- I’ll bE RigHt bACk-” Error leans down, giving Nightmare an affectionate headbutt, before scrambling out of the bed- stumbling slightly- and hurrying out of the room, likely heading to the cafeteria.
All Nightmare can do is blink in confusion as he tries to gather his scattered thoughts, but no matter how hard he tries, they float away from him, leaving him with a loud headache.
“A-aLRiGht- I GoT YOu thE JeLLy-” Oh, he’s back already?
“Ruuu…” The glitch hurries to his side, looking a bit winded as he glitches harshly and drops the small armful of packets he was holding, fumbling to grab one of them and open it. Nightmare whimpers quietly as the bag finally snaps open, the chocolaty sweet flavoring almost making him want to gag.
‘I don’t want it I don’t want it-!’ What? No he wants it-! What is he thinking-??
“N..NigHt..?” Error hesitantly questions, pausing his motions to give the ration to Nightmare. He looked about ready to cry- or crash- a couple of error signs flickering in his sockets. “Wh-haT’s wRoN-ng..?”
The goop covered skeleton isn’t sure how to respond, not really processing the question, so instead he opens his mouth wide, hoping Error will feed him. After a long moment, the glitch does so, squeezing half of the packet into Nightmare’s mouth.
He immediately wants to spit it out, cringing in disgust at the taste. He doesn’t remember it being this bad- he’s sure it isn’t supposed to be. Either way his magic dissolves it quickly, new magic immediately rushing through his body and reliving the heavy feeling and cloudiness in his skull.
Nightmare hadn’t realized it was getting hard to breath until he gasped, sitting up quickly as his hand moves to grasp at his shirt just above his soul.
“H-holy s-s-shit-!” Error jumps with a glitchy yelp as Nightmare dissolves into a coughing fit, dropping the ration. “R-ru-”
Nightmare struggles to speak as he catches his breath, barely managing to stifle the coughs and actually breathe while Error panics, glitching harshly as he worriedly hovers, activating his healing magic.
After a moment of gathering himself, Nightmare grabs Error’s hands, gently pushing them away as he intertwines their phalanges, offering the glitch a small smile. “I-I’m fine I’m fine- Calm down, Ru I’m ok-”
“Bu-ut Y-yOu weREn’T W-wAKinG Up-p an-nD-” Error stammers, struggling to calm down. Nightmare’ soul pangs with guilt, his tentacles quickly and gently wrapping back around the glitch as he pulls Error against him.
“Shhhhh..I know I’m sorry. I’m sorry I scared you, dear, but I’m right here. I’m here with you it’s ok..” He continues to reassure Error over and over, letting go of his hands to rub the smaller’s back instead as the glitch clings to him.
“I Th-tHoUG-ght Y-yoU WEre go-ONna F-FaLL..” Error can’t even finish his sentence, instead burying his face in the crook of Nightmare’s neck.
“I’m sorry….I’m so so sorry Ru…” Stars, if Nightmare didn’t already feel guilty he sure as hell does now. He hates how Error trembles and whimpers quietly against him, genuinely distressed and scared. To think he was the cause, that he scared Error this badly. “I-I don’t know what happened- I’m fine though really I already feel so much better!”
“D-dOn’T Ap-pOLogiZe-e…” Error mumbles, just cuddling closer with a small sniffle. Nightmare blinks at him for a moment, before sighing tiredly and nuzzling the side of Error’s skull with a quiet calming purr.
“...Ok…..I love you.”
“LoVE-e yoU T-too.” The glitch slowly manages to get ahold of himself, relaxing in Nightmare’s arms for a moment before pulling back just enough to look the taller over himself, sockets wet with unshed tears.
Nightmare frowns deeply at the sight and leans forward just enough to lightly kiss the corners of Error’s sockets, cupping and rubbing his cheeks, making him blush slightly as he leans into Nightmare’s hold.
His hands are cold- really cold- but thankfully not as lifeless as before. Still, it’s worrying.
“You’RE cOLd..” With a hum, Nightmare gives him another small kiss on the nasal bridge, tracing over the tear marks on Error’s cheeks.
“And you’re warm…Nice and warm~”
“ArE Y-yoU OKaY?” He asks again, frowning a bit. His concern makes Nightmare pause, looking down in thought as he tries to focus. He quickly notices a few…odd things.
“I….can see very well… I mean very well and…” He closes his socket, listening. “...I can hear your soul beat.”
“ThAT’s… noT A BaD THinG Th-thOUgh, riGht?” Error hesitantly questions, and Nightmare can hear said soul beat a bit faster. Interestingly enough, it seems to randomly skip or jump at times- just as glitchy as the rest of the smaller skeleton.
“...I don’t think so? It’s just odd….I don’t remember using so much magic to become dangerously low….I did feel….weird coming back, but it’s hard to remember..”
“Do- SHoUld We GO tO ThE MeD BaY? WaIT C-cAN I MAkE yOu gLItCh tOo-??” Error tries to pull away, panicking again, but of course Nightmare doesn’t let him.
“What? Don’t be absurd, Ruru- Pixlexia isn’t contagious, it's an inherited disorder.”
“S-sORrY- I JuSt- I-i’M WoRrieD-” The mechanic gently kisses him on the cheek again, nuzzling Error’s skull.
“I know, dear. I know…but even if you were somehow making me glitch- I would never let you leave me. ” Error pauses, brows furrowing slightly in confusion at Nightmare’s… odd wording, before deciding to just shrug it off, assuming it comes from when he had tried to pull away.
“O-oKay..” With a smile, Nightmare nuzzles him and carefully stands up with Error still in his arms.
“Alright- let's go do a scan and see what it comes up with….Then we can get something to eat.” He mumbles the last part.
“Hm?”
“I’m just hungry, nothing important.” Nightmare dismisses before putting on some pants and a jacket. Thankfully Error is already wearing some shorts and his scarf- he must’ve put them on as he was rushing out of the room.
The walk to the med bay is quiet, save for the sounds of the propellers outside and a few machines. It’s amazing to think about how they’ve been living here for a year already, Nightmare can still remember when their acceptance letters were sent when they got the jobs. Error was so excited- he had almost crashed in shock when he first realized they were accepted.
That's not even considering just now nervous they both were, Nightmare hid it well, but Error could tell. His tentacles always display his emotions openly, one just needs to know how to read them. Error’s glitches similarly give him away, but just for how intense any given feelings are.
The med bay lights automatically turn on as they step into the room, the monitor of the computer still reading the vitals of everyone on board. Nightmare drops Error’s hand as he walks over to it, taping the glass a few times for it to brighten.
“Hmm….everything seems fine. It’s not reading anything particularly odd…besides a slow soul beat.”
“ThAT sTiLL feEls woRrYINg..” Error mumbles, glancing at his own constantly changing vitals in mild amusement. Nightmare chuckles, a tentacle nuzzling the glitch’s cheek.
“At least it explains my lower body heat…..I really don’t feel cold though.” With a hum, he steps over onto the scanner.
“I sUpPOse THaT’s sOMetHIng, aT LEaSt.” Error wanders over to fiddle with a couple of test tubes as he waits for Nightmare’s scan to finish….Only for nothing to come up at first.
Confused, Nightmare moves to step off- and is immediately stopped by a barrier, the emergency lights going off.
“W-wHAt-?” Error flinches and glitches in surprise as the med bay doors slam shut, quickly moving over to Nightmare, who is pressing up against the barrier formed around the scanner.
“Error! Check the protocol- the programming- what protocol is this-?”
-Code Red: Unidentified lifeform detected-
“An uNIDenTIFieD-? It’S LitERaLLy juSt NigHTmaRE WhAt thE HeLl-” Error moves over to the computer, quickly looking through the files and forcefully shutting down the Code Red.
The lights go back to normal, the doors opening and the barrier disappearing. Nightmare can’t help but sigh in relief.
“What the fuck-!? I did maintenance on the scanner two days ago!” He growls in frustration, glaring daggers at the raised platform.
“I thINk iT’s SOmeTHinG To dO WiTh thE PRogRam aCTuaLLy.” Error mutters, glitching as he clicks through several large screens of code, pausing only long enough to send a message to the others on the ship that it was a false alarm.
“...Yes, but I wasn’t going to be upset with you about it-” Nightmare pouts, walking up behind Error to nuzzle him. “Does it say what caused it to identify me as a ULF in the records?”
“AcCOrdinG To iT, yOu aREn’t eVen a MoNSter- whiCH We BoTh kNoW Is BuLLshIT sO I thINk iT’s sOme soRt of gliTcH…” Error scowls at nothing in particular until Nightmare lightly kisses his temple, making him blush as his expression softens.
“Hmmm…well I can’t be scanned to find out what’s wrong with me until it’s fixed…Did it at least get any other information from the scan? Even just basic vitals-? Other than what’s on the other screen.”
“Um… WeLL, yoUR MaGic OUtpuT Is a biT HiGheR ThaN NOrmAL aNd YOur tEMperaTUre iS Low, buT THaT’s aBouT It.” The glitch mutters, getting a hum from the taller as Nightmare nuzzles into his neck.
“Hmm…it’s not horrible. As long as nothing else changes I should be fine. We can order the parts for a more in depth scanner later.” Error huffs, unsatisfied but accepting for now and with a small hum, Nightmare begins to pepper his neck with small kisses. A small squeak escapes the glitch, a shiver going down his spine as he unconsciously tilts his skull out of the way.
“Don’t be so down, dear~ Let's go get something to eat before we do our rounds. We’re supposed to send the new group of cadets out to Polus today.”
“O-oKay-” After a few more gentle kisses, Nightmare pulls away and they begin walking the short distance to the cafeteria.
Error’s not sure how to feel about the sudden extra affection- it wasn’t uncommon for Nightmare to give him a kiss on the cheek or forehead every now and then, but this feels.. different than before. Is it because of the scare this morning? He both likes it and wants to shy from it.
The cafeteria actually isn’t empty when they walk in. Sitting at a table together is a dark skinned human girl with braided hair, a halfling with a plant sprouting out of his head, short green hair and patches of moss on his tan skin, and a slime pink monster in the shape of a human girl.
The dark skinned girl notices them first and stands up from her seat to greet them. “Hiiiiii! Are you two the caretakers?” She asks as she waves.
“Yes, we are. It is a pleasure to meet you, miss..?”
“Bell! My name is Bell I mean-”
“N-niCe tO MeEt yA, BEll- I’m ERroR.” The glitch is definitely not hiding behind Nightmare slightly nope- Tentacles gently wrap around him as his friend laughs, smiling politely at Bell.
“Bell, a nice name. And who are your companions?” The human smiles wide and immediately rushes behind the halfling- who seems slightly annoyed and huffs not so subtly- not that Bell cares.
“This is Toka! He’s from the Japanese division and is a half of a plant based monster and a human!” Before Toka can complain Bell has already moved on to the smile monster.
“And this is Mosaic! She’s a smile monster and she sparkles in the sunlight-”
“Hehehe~ Calm down Bell, I think you're getting Toka’s vines in a knot.” Mosaic says with a giggle as the halfling grumbles in the chair beside her. Error has to hold back a snicker. They are quite the lively group.
“It is a pleasure to meet all of you. You have two others in your squad, correct?” Bell eagerly nods her head, giving Nightmare a smile.
“Mhm! Mono and Fritz went to check out the generator room for something.”
“ThAt’S ALriGht, wE cAN MeEt thEm lAteR.” Bell smiles happily, walking back over to the two skeletons with a small skip in her step.
“I’ve been really excited to meet you two. A lot of older cadets talk about you a lot back at central command! Two of the first cadets in the academy! With such high scores in your respective fields too!”
“R-reALly-? ThAt’s- uH- iT’s-” Error flushes slightly in embarrassment as he fumbles for words, looking to Nightmare for help. He’s never been good at taking complements. The taller pats his skull with a small laugh before addressing Bell.
“Thank you, we really appreciate the compliment. We both worked really hard to get where we are and are very happy to be able to work with so many new space cadets on their adventures into space. Honestly that's all we really wanted.”
“Really? I’m a little surprised- didn’t you go out of earth's orbit at least?”
“Hmm…Well yes, we’ve left earth's orbit, but we’ve never left the solar system. We’ve been hanging out here. It’s our job to make sure everyone here gets out of the solar system safely and returns to earth in one piece.”
“HonEstLY, I pREfer tO Be suRrOUndED By FaMiliAR sTArs- AnD WHeN wE haD STaRTed, We haD OnlY JUsT StaRTeD To reACh thE OUteR lAYeRs oF THe oORt cLoUD.”
Bell’s eyes practically sparkle with interest, almost bouncing with excitement. “Oh yeah! We only started making trips to Polus a year ago?”
“That’s right. Being more experienced with maintenance and the ship coding, me and Error were assigned on the second spacecraft to orbit earth and act as a dock of sorts for departing or arriving ships.”
“ThAT WaY wE cAn maKe suRe thE ShiPS coMINg aND LeaVing aRe iN GoOd shApE, aS WeLL aS coLlECt anD ComPILe daTA hEre, WiTh eASy aCceSs To eARth sAtelliTEs to UploAD iT ANd seNd it doWN.” Talking about their work comes much easier to Error, and he has to cut himself off before he begins to ramble too much- even though Bell seems more than interested.
“Wooooooowww~! That’s so cool~!” The human practically has stars in her eyes as she stares at Error intently, the glitch flustering slightly under her stare, unused to such a positive reaction from anyone other than Nightmare. “I’m actually the engineer on the team and best in my class! It really is an honor to meet you~! Especially you Mr. Nightmare sire!”
The goop covered skeleton blushes lightly, blinking at Bell in surprise. “Oh, well I’m nothing special really- I simply try to put a lot of work and attention into every project.”
“ThE TEntaCLeS ProBABly hELp.” Error lightly teases, glad to have the attention off of him. He earns a small pouty look from his partner in response.
“Oh is that what they’re called?” Bell has walked around to Nightmare’s back in less than an instant, keeping her distance as she looks them over- most of them loosely wrapped around Error’s limbs. “I’ve never seen a skeleton monster with tentacles before! It almost looks like you two are attached!”
“Well I’m not really a skeleton monster- I’m more of a tree nymph with a skeleton monster form.”
“It’S His tReE SAp.” The glitch states, holding back a shit-eating grin. Nightmare practically lights up like a gyftmas tree, his tentacles ridged as he blushes.
“It’s my what!?” Bell snorts and holds back more startled laughter, even the other two at the table are laughing in surprise.
“ThE GoOp iS YOur sAP.” Error snickers at the look on Nightmare’s face. His friend can only stutter in pure shock, genuinely caught off guard and incredibly flustered.
“Ru- you are so mean-” That has Error’s snicker turning into full on cackling. “You do know sap comes out of a tree right-?”
“AnD- PFft- Y-yOU’rE A TreE NyMPh sO-”
“.....I hate you.” Everyone in the room is practically laughing their asses off as Nightmare gives them all the most deadpanned and unamused look possible.
“AwW I LOvE yoU too~” Error coos playfully, earning himself a grumble until Nightmare leans over and gives him a small forehead kiss.
“Dork.” The glitch lets out a delighted giggle, blushing a bit as he goes back to hiding behind Nightmare.
“Awww~ You two are such a cute couple~” Bell coos with a soft smile, unknowingly leaving Nightmare and Error completely frozen in their tracks.
“A cute what now-?” Error just glitches aggressively as he looks at Bell with wide sockets, completely caught off guard.
“Oh, are you two not a couple? Or do monsters not call it that?” Bell looks over at her companions, Toka still laughing on the floor as Mosace giggles.
“We call it being datemates or mates if they're official.” The slime monster supplies.
“Oh thanks! So are you not mates then?” Nightmare’s face is so hot he can’t find the words to respond- It’s definitely not something they’ve talked about before- not that it hasn’t crossed his mind once or twice.
“W-wE uH- U-uM-” Error stammers, face a bright yellow. Thankfully the halfling collects himself enough to stand up and grab Bell by the back of her shirt.
“Alright that’s enough ya little gremlin’.”
“Huh? B-but I was just-” She doesn’t get to finish as Toka drags her off, Mosace not far behind as she silently apologizes and they are left alone in the cafeteria, complealty at a loss for words.
After a long moment of flustered silence, Error decides he can eat later, turning to go start working on- something- Nightmare’s tentacles let him go, the taller watching him leave as he glances back to give him a flustered smile, silently letting him know he did nothing wrong.
Nightmare sighs, his tentacles hovering down beside him as he looks back down at the ground…She..thought they were mates…Do they really look like mates? Do they act like mates-? The mechanic quickly shakes his head, lightly slapping his cheeks to get such thoughts out of his skull.
Error is his best friend-! There are boundaries he can't start thinking like this! He….he doesn’t want to make Error uncomfortable…….His thoughts are interrupted by a loud rumbling growl and he bends over in pain as his suddenly summoned ecto stomach growls in pain.
When did he-? Actually no- it doesn’t matter. He’s too hungry to care. As his eyelight narrows to a small slit in his socket, he finds himself eyeing the vent on the far side of the room. With another loud growl of his stomach, Nightmare leaves the cafeteria empty.
~
“Uhm, Mister Error sir?” Looking up from the screen, Error recognises Mosace, the slime monster from…maybe a few hours ago? He had sort of lost track of time.
“JuSt ErROr is fiNe. WhAT’s Up?” He asks, saving his work before turning his full attention to Mosace. The smile monster’s ‘hair’ drips down her body in thick globs, rolling faster and easier than it was earlier that day as she almost nervously shifts in place.
“I…We can’t find one of our crewmates. Our programmer named Mono, he’s a human- He said he was going to go down to electrical, but it’s been a few hours and we can’t find him-”
“HaVE yoU CHeCkEd thE MEdbaY yeT?” Error gently interrupts. “ALthOuGH thE ScAnnER iSn’T WOrkINg, oUr vITaLs aRe sTilL BeinG TrACkeD- iT shOULd bE AbLe to GiVe uS A VaGUe lOCaTion.”
“W-well that’s the thing uhm….I-It says he is…d-deceased...” Error quickly pushes himself up, glitching a bit.
“M-mAYbE It’S- aNOthEr GlitCh.” He mutters, hurrying over to the medbay. Mosace follows after him, her human-like form quivering as she stutters.
“I-I mean humans d-don’t just disappear w-when they- you know- b-but he’s just g-gone-”
“ArE YoU SurE He’s- uM- coMPleTEly hUmaN..?” A dark thought strikes him. “HaS He- uH- DiD aNyoNE cHeCk if ALL thE PoDs arE thERe? Or LoOk aT The aIRLocK LogS..?’
Mosace shakes more beside him, her ‘eyes’ wobbly. “Toka and Fritz checked on the pods a-and everyone of t-them is acc-counted for- Bell went to the airlocks to c-check while I cam-me to find either y-you or Mr. Nightmare-”
“OkAy… okAY- I’ll ChECk thE MEdbAy logS, aS I haVe moRe iN DEptH accESs. It’LL bE aLriGHt- wE’LL fiGurE thIS ouT.” Error reassures, giving Mosace a slightly awkward pat on the head. Her blue body makes a plop sound with each pat. She nods at him and they depart soon after, the glitch rushing into the med bay as Mosace meets up with everyone else in the cafeteria, Error asking her to bring everyone over once they finish talking.
Error pulls up Mono’s file, entering his access code to start digging through the information.
“W-we’re here, Error..” Mosace announces their presents, as her crewmates filter into the mad bay, all the cadets obviously unsettled and nervous, even Toka, the sprout on his head twitching.
“ALrigHT.” Error looks over, concern visible. “FoUNd anYThiNG?”
“No. The airlocks were only used this morning when we disposed of yesterday's compost from O2.” Bell answers with a deep frown on her face, it doesn’t suit her at all.
“But Mono was with me all morning long!” A yellow lizard monster steps up beside the human. He must be Fritz. “We’ve been exploring while doing the wiring for the day! We only split up when he wanted to admire the electrical set up ya got…I wanted ta get some lunch started…”
“Hm… ThAt’s oDd..” Error mutters, finding the presumed death of Mono. His heart rate increased to panicked levels rather quickly, before suddenly flatlining in electrical. Was he electrocuted..? No- his heartbeat would have been more irregular and it wouldn’t have gone up for so long. Something scared him. “HE wAS iN EleCTricAL.”
“W-when he..-?” Mosace hesitantly asks, and Error nods solemnly. “B-but there was nothing there! N-nothing at all! N-not even b-b-”
“Blood-”
“Please don’t say that word!” Mosace cringes, her form liquiying as she hides in her shirt. “I-I hate t-that stuff-”
Error just watches on, only his glitching giving away his anxiety.
“Uhm…Mr. Error If he died in electrical- and there is no dust or body….doesn’t that mean something killed him?” Bell’s voice is scarily calm as she clenches her fist.
“...WeLL, hiS HeARtraTe anD ADrenALine diD sPIkE bEfoRE flaTLinING…” Error mutters.
“So then it is safe to assume that something is on the ship?” She asks, looking for confirmation. “If so we should find Mr. Nightmare and lockdown the ship. We can’t let a dangerous unidentified lifeform somehow get to earth.”
“..YeAh. YeAH- I aSsUMe yoU GuYs knOW How To sTArt thE LoCkdoWN ProTOcaL? I’m GoINg to Go fINd NigHTMaRe anD SenD A MEsSAge doWn to EaRTh.” They all nod and Bell is quick to give out orders, her crewmates doing as instructed without question as they all quickly leave to do their part.
Looking back at the vitals map, Error spots NIghtmare’s marker up in the news ship connected near the navigation dock. Probably just doing a routine check on the new ship. He idly notes that the mechanic’s temperature is higher than it was this morning. Good- he must’ve eaten.
Closing out the program, Error makes his way to the other side of the ship, opening and walking through the hatch to the dock until he reaches the limit of the gravity simulator and floats down the hall. His feet touch ground again once on the other side and he walks back up through the hatch into the other ship.
“NiGhtMAre? YoU HEre?” With no response, Error closes the hatch and heads down towards shields, calling out down the hall. “NigHTMaReeE!”
“Yeah?” Nightmare’s voice calls back, and Error follows it.
“THeRe’s beEN a bIT oF An eMErgENcy- wE’rE GOInG intO LocKDOwN.”
"Lockdown?" Nightmare slides out from under the shields monitor system, some oil smeared on his face as he looks up at Error. "What happened? Is everyone ok?"
“Y’kNoW THaT oNe huMaN We diDN’t geT TO mEeT? MoNO? We’re PRetTY suRE sOMetHInG KiLleD Him.” Error states, expression carefully blank. Nightmare’s frown deepens as he stands, a few of his tentacles loosely wrapping around Error like always.
"Something? Like…an unidentified lifeform?" He recalls the words of the emergency lockdown system this morning. It's an odd coincidence…unless it isn't.
“I’m… nOt sO SUre It wAs a FALse aLArm aNYmoRe..” The glitch mutters.
"...Do you think there was something on me? Or… I don't know. Uhm….the last ship that stopped by was returning from Polus. The third mission to the planet and they were bringing back specimens of an alien lifeform- There’s a high possibility that's what's on the ship."
“YeAh. We dOn’T kNow ANYthINg aBouT thE SpeCImeNs They BRouGht aLOnG, sO I fiGUreD BeTteR SaFe thAn soRry- fOR aLl we KnOw iT’s sOmE KinD Of miCroBe oR ParASite. MaYBe It hAD trieD To aTtaCk yoU LasT NIgHt? It woULd exPLaIN thIS moRNinG.. We nEeD TO seNd a mEsSAGe to CenTRal coMmaND.” Error glitches, worriedly picking at his phalanges as he rambles.
The mechanic gently grabs his hands, lacing their phalanges together as Nightmare’s thumb rubs his palms, followed by a calming headbutt. “Hey, it’s going to be fine Ru…We’ll figure this out. The specimens should already be at the lab so we just need to find out what we can and survive until they come up with something?....Maybe I should be quarantined for a while-”
“R-riGHt.. TH-thAt mIGht bE A GoOd idEa…” Error mumbles, forcing himself to take a deep breath. Nightmare gently nuzzles their skulls together, pulling Error closer together with soothing purr.
"It's ok…We'll identify the creature by its behavior and go from there." A small kiss is pressed against the glitch’s skull. "I won't let anything hurt you anyway so you have nothing to worry about."
“I’M WoRriEd aBOuT yOU .” Error relaxes slightly in Nightmare’s hold, nuzzling him back. “...CaN yoU HeLp me WriTE thE MeSsAge to cOMmaNd?”
“Of course. We will tell them what we know and that the cadets won’t be going on their mission due to lockdown, and that we should no longer receive ships…that does leave a problem with our food supply. We are supposed to receive a shipment next week, but if this spills over into the next few months like it probably will- Well, we’ll let command handle all that.”
Nightmare gives him another small forehead kiss and smiles down at the glitch reassuringly. “We’ll go back and tell the cadets that there's a chance I could be contaminated in some way and until we find out what this thing is I’ll remain in a seperate room for now.”
“Hm.. mAYbe wE SHouLd giVE EvEryONe a SCaN too, if IT is AcTUaLly woRKinG.” Error definitely doesn’t pout at the idea of being separated from Nightmare for so long. The look is so cute though that the mechanic can’t help but kiss his skull some more, purring a little louder.
“Yeah that sounds good. Just to make sure everyone else is clear. We’ll finish lockdown and the scans before sending the message to central command. Maybe set up a camera in my room? Just to monitor me if there are any changes in my….condition.” Error frowns a bit at that.
“If yOU thINk iT’s neCesSAry.”
“Well…I just don’t remember the possible ‘attack’ last night, not very well at least. I don’t want something to happen, or I do something and not remember it..or well I don’t know if it’s an infection of some sort, or parasite, or venomous creature- there's no telling what will happen so….” Nightmare frowns deeply, seeing the look on Error’s face. He pulls the glitch closer.
“Sorry..I’m not trying to scare you, I just want to be prepared.”
“I.. I kNow…” Error mumbles, nuzzling Nightmare. He absent mindedly notices that Nightmare’s ecto stomach is summoned. Just his middle, nothing else around it from what he can feel.
“...Come on, I’m pretty much finished here. It’s not like they’ll be taking off though so let's head back to the main ship, ok?”
“..ALriGht. We’Re mEeTINg baCk iN The cAFeteRIA.” Humming in response, Nightmare lightly kisses his skull one final time before letting go of Error’s left hand and begin leading him back the way he came.
It really was strange, the sudden increase of affection, but Error honestly can’t say he’s complaining- today has been stressful. Maybe Nightmare knew something was wrong- well, they both know something is wrong but- No. He’s probably just overthinking it.
The comfort and attention is nice and he's just stressed. That’s got to be it…
It’s only once they safely return to the navigation room that the lockdown system is finally set into place, the hatch locking tight behind them as they step out into the hallway and walk into the cafeteria.
“Oh good you’re safe-” Bell sighs, allowing herself to relax a little- though of course tension is thick in the air, so thick in fact that Nightmare could probably cut it with a knife if he tried….metaphorically of course.
“We’re fine. I didn’t hear of anything while on the docked ship.”
“I wish I could say that makes me feel better.” Toka says with a grumble.
“WeLL- iF It heLps, We’RE preTtY Sure wE HAvE a biT of a LEaD.” Error quietly chimes in. “ThE ShiP THaT PAsSeD THroUgh BefORe yOU GUyS haD CoMe frOM PoLiS with sAMpleS aNd sPEciMEns tO StuDy, sO WhAteVer wE’re deALinG WIth iS LiKely frOM theRe.”
“So we have an alien lifeform from Polis on board- most likely. We know it killed someone for whatever reason….Do you know if the specimens were single or multicell liforms?” Bell rubs her chin as she thinks.
“I’m pREtTy suRe thEy haD BOth- buT FOr aLl wE KNoW soMe soRT Of mICroBE hAd hiTCheD A RidE wiTH THeM.” The glitch glances at Nightmare for confirmation and he nods.
“From what we know Polis is a never ending blizzard, completely pitch black on one side and a never ending heatwave on the other, closest to the sun. Very harsh conditions for single cell organisms to develop, but just beneath the crust is a large pocket of air with more lukewarm temperature due to the planet's core.” Nightmare explains, having read most of the recorded documents himself.
“There are large pools of melted ice there, perfect for such organismes…there's no way to tell how far they've evolved without meeting one and that information is classified.”
“HoPefULly, thEy’LL MaKe an EXcePTioN FoR Us.” The group nods in agreement shifting little, before Nightmare continues.
“We do have…one more lead. Though I’m really not sure what to make of it.” He glances down at Error, who gives him a reassuring smile, before looking back at the cadets. “Last night, we think something might have attacked me? But I honestly don’t remember anything other than feeling almost sick and having a really bad headache.”
“My body temperature is lower than it’s supposed to be and I was dangerously low on magic when I woke up this morning. When Error and I went to the med bay to do a scan on me…it didn’t even see me as a monster. We aren’t sure what that means, but for everyone's safety I’ll be quirenteening in one of the empty rooms.”
“We’Ll sTILl bE ABLe to ComMUnicATe wiTH THe inTERcomS anD I’LL bRinG Him hiS MeALs anD SucH, siNCe thE ShiP ALreADy kEePs an exTrA clOSe EYe oN Me, sO iF ANyTHinG haPpeNS To mE We’LL CAtcH it faSTer.”
“That and I’ll set up a camera in the room so Error can see inside for any reason. While on our ship you are all our responsibility and we will do our best to keep you safe and follow protocol. For now you four need to stick in pairs no matter where you’re going, is that understood?”
“Yes sire.” Bell answers with a nod, the others following suit.
“Good. Error and I are going to head to coms to send a report. Stay here.” Nightmare gently tugs Error along by the hand, giving him a reassuring squeeze as they turn to walk to the other side of the ship.
“ShIT- wE FOrgOt tO taLK abOUt geTtinG EVerYOne scANneD.”
“Oh yeah- You can tell them when you go back to the cafeteria. Hopefully they’ll be fine until you get back.” A tentacle gently brushes against Error’s cheek, the tip nuzzling and curling affectionately, the glitch unconsciously leaning into the touch as he pouts.
“ALriGht..” Nightmare can’t help but smile a little at Error.
“I know you aren’t very happy about it, I’m not either…but your pout makes it worth it~” He teases, trying to get his friend to smile.
“Oh SHut uP-” He doesn’t quite get a smile, but Error does relax slightly. That’s at least something.
“Hmmm No I don’t think I will~ You’re reactions are always to cute when I tease you~”
“NuUUuu-”
“Yuuuss~ You turn yellow with little blue freckles covering your cheeks and nasal bridge, and you’re brow wrinkles just a little~ It’s adorable~” The glitch whines wordlessly in response, hiding his face behind his free hand as he does exactly that. It gets a fond chuckle out of Nightmare as his tentacle gently pulls Error’s hand away and he leans down to kiss Error just between the sockets. “Absolutely adorable~”
A flustered squeak escapes Error as he looks up at Nightmare, slightly stunned. The taller snickers at first with a smile the glitch has only seen on his face in glimpses. It’s so….soft.
“What’s with that look? Do you not believe me?”
“U-uH- uM-” He struggles to stammer out a response, before just trying to hide again. With a soft snort, Nightmare looks back down the hall as they turn into the comms room, Error dying inside all the while.
Notes:
Please let us know if you want us to continue anything! And maybe leave kudos/comments if u want it helps motivate us to actually post-
Chapter 9: Falling into a different Destiny (Kinda) (Ver. one of so so many-)
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Fgod!Error deals with crap in a new multiverse.
Warnings: implied rape, abuse, typical fgod violence and injuries
The ship is Error x Error for this chapter, if that’s a bit too selfcesty for you, feel free to skip.
Chapter Text
Ink yelps as he dodges a barrage of bones, jumping up immediately to avoid another attack.
“Wow Ru~! You’re fast today~!” The glitch across from him seems to puff up with pride, grinning at him as he throws more attacks his way.
“I’vE BeEn pRAcTICinG!” Ink giggles, doing dramatic flips and jumps as he swings ink attacks at his opponent. When Error takes another step forward, a quiet hand made out of paint rises from the ground and snatches him up.
“I can tell! But not fast enough~!”
“WhAt thE FUcK-!” Error squawks, caught off guard for just a moment. Not even a second later the two monsters shudder as a quiet portal opens up in the AU’s sky, a never-ending darkness beyond.
“WhAT the fUCk-” Error repeats, looking up at the portal. Ink lets him go when something comes flying out of it like a meteorite and crashes into the backyard of a nearby house, shaking the ground on impact with a loud boom. The destroyer and creator share a look.
“We… sHoULd pRobABLy deAL wiTh thAt-”
"Uhhh…yeah probably." Ink takes a deep breath and bolts towards the house at top speed, Error following behind on his strings.
The two stop at the edge of a large crater, chunks of dirt falling like snow from the debris. And in the center of it is a tall glitching skeleton. A tall… Error..?
Before Ink can do anything, Error gestures for him to hush, before carefully picking his way down into the crater. The creature waits at the top, simply watching as the the portal above them closes with an echoing crack.
The unconscious glitch is completely limp on his back, covered in so many scars that his bones looked discolored, and that's not including the summoned ecto. Without the scars though he's already littered in new fresh wounds. His wolf body looks burned and charred, his bones cracked and missing chunks with his left arm practically shattered at the shoulder.
“HoLy sH…” Error doesn’t even finish his sentence, turning to frantically gesture for Ink to come down as soon as he’s close enough to see the state the other glitch is in. “We nEeD-d to hEAL hiM-”
Ink immediately pulls out his phone as he slides down into the crater, dealing quickly. “Hey Dream? Yeah uhm we have a situation in surface AU Underswap#83, there and Error alternate in horrible condition.”
Error can see it when Ink really gets a look at the injuries, his mouth falling agape. “Oh w-wow- Meet us at life’s guarden. Yeah now.”
“ACtUAlly- yoU MiGht neED TO paINt a feW THinGs in PLaCe- um-”
“Thank you- be right there.” Ink switches his phone out for a small paintbrush and bends down to…at least attach a few things. The creator carefully shifts what remains of the Error’s clothes and comes to a halt.
“Oh my stars their pregnant-”
“ PrEGnaNt-t-?? ” Error glitches harshly, definitely freaking out now. “HoW-w iS- I- Wh-hAt-??”
“There’s s souling right there!” Ink points at their exposed stomach- possibly the least damaged part of them and inside is the smallest little white light against the yellow speckled blue ecto- an interesting invert to Error’s own.
“HoLY fU-uCK- We GOttA HeaL THem-” Ink quickly melts over the detached chunks and open wounds to stop massive bleeding before carefully picking them up as Error opens a portal. Life and Dream are there the moment they step in.
“Oh my stars oh my stars-” Dream says in a panic as Ink walks over to the stone table and sets the glitch down.
“What happened!? Who did this to such a pure soul!?” Oh Life is pissed.
“ThEY feLL ouT Of a POrtAL liKE ThiS- yoU’LL bE The fiRSt to KNoW OncE We fiND oUt.” Error almost pities whoever might’ve caused his alternate’s injuries- Life on a warpath is terrifying.
The two healers get to work right away, discarding the remaining clothed as they work on trying to help- but not even a few minutes in they sit up and violently belch the green magic out of them, coughing and gagging as everyone takes an alarmed step back, Dream running off to grab some water.
The glitch wheezes out a strangled breath before looking up at Error. At first they don’t seem to register anything, just staring. That is until their eye lights look to his side and land on Ink. The injured skeleton jumps up so fast that it makes everyone in the room flinch as his bones crack and creek painfully.
“Calm down-” Life tries to reassure them, only for several meters around the table to be filled with a wall of red glitching bone constructs, forcing everyone away.
Well- everyone but Error, who had been able to throw his own constructs up around himself just barely in time, having felt the flash of not-quite-his magic.
“H-hEy heY- It’S OkAy- We’Re soRrY We diDN’t meAN to scARe yoU-”
“G-g-GO a-AWA-Ay-y-!” Their voice glitches harshly, obviously freaking out as they summon a blaster and aim it at Error in warning. The destroyer hardly even looks fazed, though his glitching gives away his own internal freak out.
“I pRoMISe- I juST WaNt to HElp- Can I HuG YOu? You lOoK LIkE yoU COuLd uSe oNe-” Error definitely isn’t rambling a bit nope-
“...I-I doN’T-t kn-NoW w-hA-at KIn-ND Of t-TrIcK tHI-iS Is-S-s, BuT It-T won’T W-wO-OrK-” They bones rattle as they stand, the blaster opening its mouth as it charges up.
“WoAh H-hEy noW PleaSe dON’t moVE i-it’LL WorSEn yOur iNJurIEs-” Error’s stress becomes more visible in his expression as he placatingly holds his hands out in front of himself. “AnD MAyBe pLeASe doN’t huRT Me- iS THaT A nO To thE Hug?”
They stare at him for a long moment, their expression locking much of any emotion except for the shaking and fuzziness of their eyelights. Slowly, the blaster stops and closes its mouth.
“...G-gO awA-A-ay..”
“I pRoMISe I woN’t hURt yoU. AnD If yOu wAnnA CuDdlE, I cAn maKe sURe nO One elSe toUCheS You IF yoU DOn’t wANt.” Error swears, because for some reason his rambled offers of affection seem to be the thing that’s working best.
The taller skeleton carefully sits himself down, bones creaking but he shows no sign of pain. The bone wall starts to lower cautiously, and Error takes that as a sign to move slightly closer, automatically holding a hand out behind him to keep the others from rushing forward. The other glitch watches him closely before their gaze locks back on Ink, his body tense as he looks between the two.
“SqUId gO AwAy- I’ll teXt yOU laTer.” Error orders upon noticing the other’s discomfort. Ink doesn’t argue, and does as told, jumping into a puddle and vanishing. The other glitch relaxes almost right away, his fists unclenching as he takes a shaky breath.
“WoW hE diDn’t eVEn trY WHinINg thIS tiMe.” The destroyer jokes, trying to lighten the mood slightly as he continues moving closer, but the taller says nothing as he watches Error. They watch his every move, ready to jump away any second until he’s right in front of them and Life is watching silently with Dream.
Error stops once he is within arms reach, doing nothing more than offering his hand, giving them a gentle smile. They stare for a moment longer, before hesitantly reaching out and laying their hand in his….and pulling Error down into their lap. He squeaks in surprise, but quickly decides to just go with it, looking up to give the other a grin.
His alternate makes a small rumbling sound and ever so lightly presses their skulls together, wrapping their arms around his waist. It’s…actually kind of cute. Error purrs soothingly back, more than happy to provide comfort and cuddles.
“My nAMe iS ERroR, bY thE WAy. Is yoUr NAmE ALsO ErrOr? If iT Is thAN… cALL mE….. uH… ErA. Yeah- THaT WOrKs.”
“.....W-wHY ArE YoU BeINg n-NIc-Ce To mE..?” They ask quietly, nuzzling the newly dubbed Era just a little.
“BeCAusE I cAn.” Era says simply, shrugging a bit.
“...B-bUt whY..? I dOn’T GET iT…”
“I wANt tO. Do I NeEd moRE Of A ReASon?” The smaller glitch asks back and the taller doesn’t respond right away, but eventually shrugs.
“I GueSs…” They nuzzle the side of his skull lightly again and Era notices a blue puddle growing beneath them.
“CaN I HEaL You?”
“...Y-yOU ShOUldn-N’t WasT YoUR mAGIc oN-n me…”
“I diDN’t heAr A No.” Era points out, hands already lighting up a faint green.
“HeAlLiNG ma-AGic dOESN’t woRk on ME-” They try to argue with a small pout.
“ArE yOU SurE ‘cAuSE It lOoKS liKe I’M heAlinG YOu-” Era places a hand on their arm, concentrating as he slowly heals the many fractures covering it. The other glitch stares in awe as their body relaxes further, some of the pain subsiding.
“Uhm Error? Do you need any help?” Dream asks from a distance, quickly getting the tall glitch’s attention.
“AsK THem, noT Me.” Is Era’s response, concentration unwavering from the injuries he struggles slightly to heal. The taller stares at Dream before shrinking slightly behind Era, putting the smaller glitch between him and Dream.
"I'll take that as a no…..can I at least give Error- Era I mean- some magic to help..?"
“Oh ThAt’s A GoOD idEa- HeRE, I’ll hoLD OuT My hAnd fOR DreAm aND HeAL yoU WitH thE OTheR One- I pRomISe DReAM wOn’t hUrt oR toUCh yoU, oKay?” The other shrinks away a little, but doesn’t object further as Dream very slowly approaches. It’s sad to see the other practically flinch with each step the guardian takes…Who did this to him to make him so afraid of Dream of all people?
The positive guardian stops and kneels down when he’s just close enough to grasp Era’s hand, pushing a small stream of magic into the glitch. “It’s ok…you're safe we promise.”
“SeE? No ToUChiNG Or hURtinG.” Era reassures, his magic automatically absorbing and converting Dream’s into his own as he continues healing the taller glitch. The whole process takes quite a while, the alternate Error’s body slowly relaxing as his shaking lessens.
Life watches worriedly from the sidelines. She can feel the little soul, so fragile and stressed inside the alternating ecto. It makes her burning fury rage only grow in intensity. What being- many beings based on the intent- would go to such lengths to make another creature suffer? Humans? Probably but no.
Whoever they are, Life will make sure to personally make them wish they were no longer part of her domain.
After what feels like days- but is likely only a few hours- Era manages to heal the worst of the other glitch’s many injuries, feeling exhausted even with Dream’s- and eventually Life’s- supporting magic. Still, once he’s done, he places a careful hand on the alternate’s ecto stomach, pushing in a gentle trickle of magic for the souling inside.
He has no idea how old it is…but its glow seems way too dull for its size, weak and pulsing dimly. Honestly it's amazing his alternate is even conscious with how much magic they've lost…The fact that they still have enough magic to support a souling is insane.
And he shows no sign of being in pain either. Of all the shocking things that is happening right now, that probably is the most jarring of them. They should be in agony, but somehow they move and watch like this isn’t anything surprising- and by the many scars, some older than others…it probably isn’t
“Ok…uhm…Can we ask you a few questions?” Dream asks softly, trying to look as unthreatening as possible. The Error only shrugs as the three shift into more comfortable positions on the stone pavalon, Era just letting himself continue to be held, still pushing small bits of magic into the souling. “How…how did you get here?”
“I-I juMPE-eD inTo THE vOiD.” The calmness of the alternating words is unsettling.
“Why would you do that, my child?” Life asks in obvious concern, frowning deeply.
“T-tO SleEp foReVer, b-BuT EveN ThE VoiD-d can’T KiL-lL Me…”
“...I’m sORry thAt haPpeNEd to You.” Era murmurs as he glances between the small souling and the taller’s face.
“W-wHY? It waSN’T thAt bAd…” They blink at him in innocent confusion, genuinely not seeming to understand the severity of what they just said- as if talking about the weather. It stuns Era into silence, and he glitches as he stares at them, not knowing what to say.
Dream is horrified, equally as stunned as Era, leaving only Life to continue. “We wouldn’t want you to be in pain or hurt, that's why.”
“B-bUT I’M ALwAyS in P-pAIn? I desURV-vE it.”
“No-!” Era covers his mouth, as the other flinches, surprised by his own outburst. “N-nO. No ONe deSErves ThaT.”
“....O-o-OK-k-” The alternate doesn’t bother to argue, glitching and obviously startled by the sudden and loud noise.
“SorRy.” Era does his best to whisper, feeling a bit guilty, they just nod though, before looking down at Era’s hand.
“....w-wHAT ArE-e YoU DoINg?”
“Oh- uH- I WaS JusT GivINg thEM sOmE EXtrA MaGic iS ALl.” The smaller glitch pulls his hand away, letting the magic flow trickle into nothing. Confused, the alternate tilts his skull to the side.
“W-wHo’s ThEm?” The genuine confusion leaves all three monsters completely still.
“...Th.. YoUR soULinG..?” Era eventually stammers out and his alternate just stares for a long moment before slowly opening a code window. Not even a second later Error signs start to fill their vision as they begin to hyperventilate.
“Hold on, don’t panic it’s ok-”
“H-hEY-” Era turns and gently cups their cheeks, forcing them to look at him instead of the code, before giving them a light headbutt as he purrs soothingly. “HeY- YoU’re OKay. TheY’re oKAy Too, buT I neED You tO taKe a dEep BreATh wiTh me, ALriGht?”
“I-I c-c-Ca-an’T-t I-I-i c-a-A-An-N’t-” They wheeze out, reaching up to grasp Era’s wrists.
“YeS YOu cAn- jUst foLlOw mY LeAd.” The small glitch breathes in slowly, gently rubbing his thumbs up the other’s tear marks, before moving back down as he breathes out, keeping his breaths exaggerated.
The ragging glitches on their body slow gradually, breathing shaky and uneven as they mimic Era- or at least try. It takes them several minutes to get to a more stable state, the ERROR signs fading.
“ThEre wE go… GooD JoB..~” Era murmurs, giving them a proud smile, he gets himself a light blush in return. A dark blue dusts their cheeks, with little yellow freckles sticking out like small stars.
They whimper and blink away a few tears as Era nuzzles them comfortingly. Dream gently grabs Lifes hand and they both leave quietly, now that the glitch isn’t in any danger of dropping dead suddenly. Era seems more than capable of helping him otherwise.
The tall glitch pulls Era in close against them, squeezing him as they whimper more, shaking softly.
“You’RE SAfe hEre, okaY? I’ll HElp yoU.” Era swears.
“I-I aL-lMoSt-t Kil-LLeD thE-eM-” They nuzzle into Era’s neck as if to hide. “I-I’M HorRibLE I’M--m a HEart-TLeSs-”
“Hey.” Era’s voice becomes stern. “YoU DIdN’t kNoW, anD If wHEre yOu wERe wAs ENoUgh to DriVe yoU To sUCh exTreMEs, thEn iT ProBAbly woUldN’t haVe BeEN tHE BesT for thEm anYWay. But yOu’Re saFE Now, anD YOu’rE Both oKay, anD THaT’s whAt maTteRS.”
“…I j-jUsT wan-NTeD….I-I don’T WanT To hUrT-t an-NymoR- I’M-m SelfISh I kNOw-”
“It’s nOT seLFisH to Not wANt to huRt.” Era interjects, frowning.
“I-iT iS WHeN-n I desErvE-” HE doesn’t get to finish as Era pulls away enough to look them in the eyelights, frowning.
“No. YoU DoN’t.”
“B-bUt I-” They try to argue.
“NoPe!” Eros is quick to shut it down, leaving the other pouting lightly before they nuzzle back up against him with a small rumbling noise.
“...I’M-m SoRry..” The small glitch’s expression softens, and he nuzzles them back with a small sigh.
“YoU HAvE NOthINg to ApOloGIze foR- doN’t woRry.” They don’t object like they want to and instead nuzzle Era some more, seeking the affection and comfort that comes with the positive contact, the small glitch more than willing to provide it.
The tall glitch softly begins to purr, the sound ever so quiet that it can barely be heard, but it’s relaxing, especially when paired with the affectionate nuzzles and snuggles. It doesn’t take long for Era’s exhaustion to begin catching up to him, and he slowly relaxes further against the other skeleton, a yawn escaping him.
His skull is nuzzled gently as the tall glitch purrs, lightly rubbing Era’s sides. “Y-yOU CaN NaP-p…You uSed A l-LOT of MAGIc oN ME..”
“‘M f’Ne..” Era mumbles, even as he relaxes further, struggling to keep his sockets open.
“...D-dON’t Lie..” The alternate gently turns Era around properly on his lap so that the smaller is facing them, before he gently starts to rub Era’s back, the little glitch melting into the touches with a sleepy purr, nuzzling against him. “SlEep. I’Ll StiLl Be hEre..”
“Mn..” Era just hums quietly in response, sockets fluttering shut. In a matter of two short minutes, Era is fast asleep against the other.
The alternate glitch takes the time to pull some of their strings and begin making themselves some new clothes since their previous ones are obviously unusable. They lament the loss of their scarf. They constantly tried to keep it intact…at least most of it, but much like their other clothes, it was fried to near ash.
So the first thing they start to make is a new scarf.
~
Era wakes up slowly, mind hazy and comfortable as he hums, sleepily nuzzling into his pillow. It’s warm and the gentle beat and soft breathing make it even more comforting……wait-
“Hm..?” He pulls away slightly, brows furrowing as a tired sound of confusion escapes him, not even opening his sockets.
“DiD-d YOu SlEep weLl..?” Comes a voice exactly like his own, glitchy and sporadic but somehow gentle in its tone. Era just nods, flopping back forward with a yawn. So nice and warm.. “GOod…UhM….I maDe nEw C-clOThes. I mA-aD A TrenChcoAT L-lIKe mY OlD on-nE BUt The PATChe-eS ArE DecorAtiVE inSTeAD oF aCTuaL-l patChes. I reALl liKE it~”
“M’gLaD..~” Era mumbles, reaching up to rub his sockets, his hand brushing up against something warm and smooth, just like his pillow.
“MhM-m~ AnD ThE PatC-cHES Are StaRs~!”
“YaYyy~” The small glitch groggily opens his sockets, taking a second to process his surroundings. Right in front of him is a galaxy..? It looks like he is laying against the night sky, but it’s smooth and warm. His eyelights trail up to his alternating face, looking down at him with a small smile, and he blinks incomprehensibly for a moment as he stares, before he glances back down at the not-galaxy.
…Wait a minute-
Era’s sleepy mind finally processes what exactly he’s looking at, and he realizes that his alternate was completely naked.
“EeP-!” With a flustered squeak, he quickly tries to jump back and off of the tall glitch, a bright yellow blush spreading over his face. They don’t try to hold him in place, seemingly just as surprised by Era’s reaction as they jump a little, giving him a confused look.
“E-eRa?”
“Y-yOu’rE Na-aKEd-” Era stammers.
“Uhm…yEs?......SoRry..” They look down at the ground as if they’re in trouble, before picking up a trechoat. It’s blus at the cotton and turns into a black, with a few small yellow star patches in different places, like the elbows and pockets.
“N-no It’S NoT- Y-yoU’rE NOt iN TRoUbLe I jUst- I wAs sURprisEd-” Era rushes to explain as his alternate tuggs a red sweater over their head, wiggling it down their front and over there very little boobs.
“y-YoU suRe…?”
“YeS- I’m suRE.”
"...Ok-K." They get dressed, putting on their new coat and matching pants. They'll probably need female underwear though with their ecto summoned all the time. "D-dO yOU liKe i-It?"
“MhM- iT LoOKs niCe. Do yOu liKE It?” Era asks back.
"I LoV-vE it~! I'Ve nevE h-HaD timE tO makE neW clotHes.. I juST pat-TcHed thEm uP-p."
“WEll, yoU’LL haVe as MuCh timE As yOu waNt To maKe neW CLoThes, noW.” Era can’t help but smile at the happy look on their face. They seem like such a sweet person….Why would someone hurt them? Belittle him to the point where he believes he's horrible?
"R-rEA-aLly?" They look at him hopefully, sockets wide in disbelief.
“WeLl- yeAh- Of cOUrsE. YoU CaN Do wHaTEveR You wANt.” They are completely blown away.
"W-wHAT-tevEr I wANt-? BUt-T…whAT dO I do?"
“Well, WhAT’s sOMethINg yoU WaNT To dO?”
"UH……..cOUl-Ld….." His alternate shifts nervously in place. "C-cOuLd I h-hAV-V-v sOmE-e c-ChOc-COlA-Ate-?"
They flinch before he even says anything- as if expecting to be hit- but Era just smiles gently, opening a portal to grab one of many of his bars from his stash.
“Of coURse yOU cAn.” They peak a socket open and zero in on the chocolate bar with an excited wiggle.
"R-ReAL-Lly!? I-I caN ha-AvE it-?" Era wordlessly holds it out to them.
“JusT DoN’t eAT it tOO faSt.” The taller stares at the candy bar for a long moment, before slowly lifting his hand up at grabbing the chocolate, watching Era the whole time in case he changes his mind- but he easily lets it go.
“You CAn HaVe aCEsS to mY stAsh iF YOu’d liKe.” He offers, but they are more focused on the chocolate bar in their hands, staring it at like a greedy human would a treasure chest. And then he eats it whole. Their long blue tongues snatching it out of their hands and it disappears into their mouth. “ThAT’s- ALriGHt theN-”
He's not sure if they even chew, but after a few seconds, the tall skeleton starts to cry, big tears rolling down his cheeks and turning into strings as they fall, alarming Era.
“O-OH- DiD I dO soMEthINg WRonG-? Is IT THaT baD-?” They are just as surprised by the tears, reaching up to brush their fingers against their cheek.
"...I-I lOVe chOColTe-e…"
“..W..woULd yOu liKE sOme mORe..?” The taller nods and crawls closer to snuggle Era back into his lap, purring again. Era just lets them, grabbing a small handful of chocolate bars for them.
They eat maybe three before they have to stop with a small whine, turning away from the chocolate to nuzzle Era’s neck.
“I wArNEd yoU nOT to eAT toO FaST.” Era lightly scolds, nuzzling the top of their skull.
"I-I d-Don'T usuALly eAT…" The small glitch had guessed as much.
“WhiCH is WhY YoU doN’t wANnA Eat tOo fASt- oR it MakES you SicK.” Era gets an unintelligible whine in response, followed by even more nuzzles.
"B-bUt chOcoLat-T-"
“YOu cAn stILl eAT it~ You JusT GotTA SLoW DOwn a bIT.” He teases, receiving a long whine from….they should really get his alternate a name- “HeY- YOu neVeR toLD me Your NAmE, coMe To thINk of IT.”
“It-Ts E-eRroR? You GueSSed it's youR naMe." They tilt their skull in confusion, nuzzling the sides of their skulls together.
“Oh- WeLL wHAt WoulD You liKE to bE CALled?”
"UhM……..ErrrrRr….os-? ErOs woRks." Era snorts a bit, noting that they have similar naming styles
“NicE To MeET yoU, ERos.” The taller smiles and gives him a small squeeze.
"N-NicE tO mEet y-YOu tOo~" And then Eros licks his cheek- Era just blinks dumbly for a moment, unsure how to react. He’s linked again and again as Eros purrs, his chest vibrating against the smallest back.
He's like a puppy- albeit, one that purrs. Impulsive, Era reaches up and rubs the top of Eros’ skull. The tall skeleton leans into it, pressing his head against Era’s hand with a happy little noise that sounds like cat chirp. Era has to hold back his urge to coo.
Eros is so cute and sweet oh my stars- he is bby-
“So- IS thErE ANyThinG ELse yOu wANna dO?” The tall glitch hums in thought….before shrugging.
“I-I dOn’T knOW whAT tO dO…”
“Hm… I haVe sOMe WOrK to DO, sO YOu coUld taG ALonG, oR Go eXPloRe, Or I cAN TaKe yoU To thE ANtivOId IF yoU WaNnA Go haNG ouT THerE anD KnIT Or whATEvEr…” Era trails off, thinking.
“n-No ANti-vOID plEaS-se…I’Ll stAY WiT-th YoU…I-iF ThaT’s Ok…?”
“ALriGhT- No AntiVOId. Is IT aLRiGht iF We heAd oUt noW?” Eros nods, nuzzling him one more time before letting go and allowing Era to stand, the taller follows. “It’S JusT A COuPLe pATches, toDAy.”
“S-sO YoU…WORk WHeN YOu waNt t-To..?”
“DePEndS- BuT YeAH, fOR thE moSt paRT.” Era shrugs a bit as he opens a portal. Eros steps toward it before pausing..and slowly pulling his hand through and bringing it back. It’s both oddly endearing and mildly worrying- why did Eros see the need to do that? After a few tests he hesitantly walks through into the AU, Era right behind him.
Era proceeds to take the lead, walking over to the entrance of the Waterfall of this AU, before stopping. Eros stops right behind him before sitting down on the ground and pulling out a few strings and two bone constructs to start knitting, Era shooting him a smile as he opens a window and gets to work.
~
(Biiiiig skip for now!)
~
Eros hums quietly as he knitts another onesie, putting fun colors and patterns into it. He was terrified at first- he still is…but he’s also excited about having a baby. Something for him to love that’s all his and someone to love him back…hopefully. He really doesn’t deserve that kind of joy, not with how many happy families he’s destroyed and how many children have died by his strings….but he wants them.
Era helps make him feel better too. He really likes the other glitch! Era is so nice and warm and caring. He’s such a good person. Eros still doesn’t understand why the other insists on being nice to him…but he likes it either way. Another thing he’s being selfish about…
The tall skeleton shakes his skull, trying to get rid of those thoughts. They aren’t good for the souling..and Era wants him to stop thinking those things…even if they're true. He will do his best for what's his at least…
A gurgling sound reaches Eros’ ear cavity and he stiffens, covering his stomach as he stands from the large beanbag. A thick black ink seeps from beneath the floorboards and into the living room of the small cabin.
He needs to leave- A feeling of dread and panc pools into Eros’ soul, making it feel heavy. But it could just be Ink- Era’s Ink. He’s not bad but….Eros doesn’t like this.
As the creator's body begins to take shape the ex-destroyer can’t help but try to run, hurrying past them to get to the door- but he’s stopped when a nearly solidified hand grabs his wrist and a ripple of glitches wash over his body.
“L-lET-t Go-O-o-!”
“ Oh so you’re making demands now? That’s not like you. ” No- no no no nononononoNONO- Eros knows that tone and the grip on his wrist tightens to a painful degree. Ink’s face forms, color returning to it as he grins curtly at Eros.
Ink is mad. Ink is mad at him-
He knows he could pull away, that he’s stronger than the creator in both magic and power- but…he can’t. He can’t make himself move.
“ Just accept your punishment like a good toy, ‘key? I really don’t like having to chase you. ” Before Ink has a chance to do anything, a bone smacks him in the back of the head, strings wrapping around him and wrenching him away from Eros. The short monster yelps as he slides out of the front door and onto the first path outside, stopping right in front of Era.
Ink blinks up at him in surprise, before confusion replaces it. Inky blades cut the strings as the creator jumps back up to his feet and looks at the other.
“Ooooo A short Error!”
“ WhAt THE fUcK ARE yOu dOInG. ” Era growls out, absolutely livid, looking every bit the destroyer he is. And yet the Ink doesn’t look bothered at all, just very confused.
“Getting my toy back? I lost him a while ago and had to go looking! Piece of shit thought he could just leave-”
“EroS Is NOt A GoDdAMn TOy!” Said skeleton has hidden in the bedroom, shaking in a panic as Ink blinks.
“Who’s Eros?” Era has to pause, forcing himself to take a deep, calming breath.
“ErrOR- yOur sO CAlleD ‘toY’. The ONe yOU BeAT To hELl anD BAcK anD RaPEd. ThE ONe PRegNAnt wITh YOur fUCKiNG cHILd .” Ink blinks at him, eyelights going through a few different shapes and colors.
“...Huh, Mom will have to fix that then- And I did not rape anyone! You can only rape a person, it’s the most horrible thing you can do to someone. Dream told me that.” He’s almost proud of himself- Era wants to punch him so bad.
“ ERrOR Is A PErSOn! He HAs A SOul- YouR MOThEr tOOk a PErsoN anD PReTEndED He wAs A ToY! ANd EVeRyonE ELse wENt ALonG WitH It tO AVoID feELiNG baD ABoUt doIng THe TeRriBLe ThIngS YOu’vE ALl doNe tO Him!”
“Pfft- No he’s not. He is a toy to entertain me~ You just want my toy huh? But you can’t have him~” Realizing that this wasn’t working, Era switches tactics, giving Ink one more chance before handing him to Life and letting the others know his location.
“Y’knOW WHaT- No. You LOst hiM. YoU’Re suPpOSed tO TaKe cARe of YouR toyS- WaTCh ovER theM anD keEP thEM sAfE. YOu diDN’t. I foUNd HIm anD He’S MinE NoW. FInDerS KeEPerS.” This was so stupid- but the Ink looked compleatly shocked as he stares at Era in disbelief. After a moment the creator turns around, tilting his head back, before he faces Era again, his eyelights red crosshairs.
“ No, Error mine! ” Era can’t help it- he bursts into laughter.
“DiD- diD YOu jUSt tuRN AroUNd tO TAke REd pAINt?? WAIt- DoEs NO oNe KnoW YOu’rE SOulleSs??” He cackles, unable to take this Ink seriously as said skeleton looks at him in surprise and annoyance.
“I- How do you know that-!?” Ink puts his hands on his hips and glares hard as Era wheezes.
“Oh YOu PoOr, pOor, sUMmEr sWEet cHILd.” He reaches out and pats Ink’s shoulder with a fake look of sympathy. “YoU HaVe nO IDea WHaT’s comING neXT.”
Era’s dangerous grin is Ink’s only warning before bone attacks and strings come at him from out of nowhere, hardly giving him any time to react before he’s entangled in a cocoon and picked up and flung through a portal, Era following.
“LifE!! I FoUND thE one WHo hURt ERos!!” Ink wiggles and squirms before coming to a stop when he hears the goddess quickly approaching.
“Oooo~ You think Life is a threat!” Era shoots him an incredulous look.
“HaVE You SeEn Her ANgry? AnD LIfE- He’S MOre liKe A MisGUidEd chILd thAN wE THoUGht, sO Do trY To AVoID bReAKinG hiM.”
The goddess goes to speak as she picks Ink up, but the creator interrupts her. "Oh I have! She was annoying."
"Hum, well I promise to be more than a nuisance. " Era grins, turning around to open a portal.
“I’ll lEt thE OTheRS knOw yOU haVE Him. HaVE Fun~!”
"Goodbye Era dear~" Life sweetly tells him as the portal closes, and the glitch sighs as he pulls out his phone to call Nightmare, hurrying back to his house.
The guardian answers quickly, like always. "Ru, what is it?"
“InK- EroS’ INk- is HEre. I LeFt hIM aT LIFe’s.”
“Oh Really? I will make sure to have a word with him then…and keep letting everyone know. We need to make sure no stragglers come following after the creator.”
“MhM. CaN YOu tELl DreAm fOR Me? ErOs is HAVinG A BiT Of a BReAKdoWn so-”
“Of course.”
“ThANks NIGht.” He sighs in relief as he heads inside. “TAlk to Ya LAteR.”
“I will see you later, Ru- I expect a movie night soon.”
“Of CoURse, NIGht.” With that, Era hangs up and hurries to find Eros. The tall skeleton is curled into the smallest ball possible against the corner of the bedroom closet. Wheezing and glitching as he panics.
“ErOS- hEy- I’m HEre..” Era gently reassures, kneeling down in front of Eros and reaching out to lightly rub his skull. The other flinches at first, before shakilly looking up to meet Era’s eyelights. He tosses himself at the smaller and scoops him up into a tight hold, whimpering quietly.
“It’S OKaY- I’m HErE noW… I pROmiSEd hE wOuLDn’T HurT YOu AGaIN, aND I PlaN tO StaND By iT.” Era soothes with a comforting purr, his alternate nuzzling his skull aggressively.
“M’S-sOR-rRY-y-”
“YoU DOn’T Have To aPoLOGize- It’s OKay, We’Re alL OKaY, No oNe wAS HurT. PreTtY SUre LiFe is BeATinG Him Up-” Eros gives him a small squeeze, gripping onto Era’s clothes.
“I-I..don’T-t WaN-nT Him TO BE huRt…”
“I’M prETty SurE iT’s moStlY JusT A cOUple SlaPs- noTHinG He cAn’t hANDle. He REaLly iS As cLuELEsS As yOu sAID- I thOuGht yOU wErE juSt giViNG hIm THe beNEfit of doUBt.”
“Y-yEaH he’S…..It-T’S noT his FAulT…He’S A PaWN To FaTE tO…j-jUST moRe….. PRivALIg-GEd.”
“ThAT DoeSn’t mEAn yOu diDn’t ALso sUffEr, thOuGh.” Eros looks to the side as he better stabilizes his breathing and nuzzles Era some more.
“...I-I knOw…I juSt…….I u-uSEd To bE AngRy…i-IT wAS S-sO lONg AGo…And I WaS so S-So ANGrY…b-But I juSt cA-aN’t anYmoRe.”
“It’S TirINg.” Era agrees, tilting his head up to give Eros a small kiss on the cheek. They always seemed to make the taller glitch happy. And it indeed gets a happy little chirp from the ex-destroyer. This time though, instead of giving the smaller a kiss on the cheek back, Eros kisses Era gently on the mouth with a happy smile.
Caught off guard, Era can’t stop the surprised squeak escaping him, blushing slightly as he looks up at Eros. The tall skeleton’s smile is so soft and genuine. It’s a nice change from the usually dulled facial expressions, and Era finds himself smiling back.
“...Y-yoU MAke mE so HaPpy, ErA-a~”
“I’m- I’M gLaD. YoU desERVe IT.” Eros purrs and gives the smaller one more kiss with a dramatic “Mwah~!” before simply snuggling and nuzzling Era happily, making the little glitch giggle in delight. It was adorable.
~
Eros lets out a deep breath as he lays back against the bed. He loves his son very much, but the quiet is nice. He allows all the tension to seep out of his body. The first time Blue babysat the tall glitch couldn’t help but worry. Would he be ok? Can Blue handle him? What if something happens to them-!?
But after the first few times without incident, Eros managed to get used to it and a few short 4 years later his babybones is a skully. Of course PJ can only stay away from him for a day at most, but it’s nice.
Era seems to appreciate it as well, considering the way he’s absolutely conked out on the other side of the bed, snoring quietly and drooling a bit. It brings a small smile to Eros’ face and he scoots a little closer to just watch.
The smaller monster is just….so cute~ He makes Eros’ soul feel a little lighter and the ex-destroyer just…he loves it. He’s already moving to give Era a small kiss without even thinking about it, gently stroking and rubbing the other's face with his scarred hand.
“MrRm…?” Era’s face scrunches up slightly as he wakes up, unconsciously leaning into Eros’ touch. The tall skeleton blushes lightly, before headbutting his friend with a purr.
“SoRry- I Didn’T MeAN To wAKe y-yOU.”
“Hm..” Realizing that it was nothing, Era relaxes, not bothering to open his sockets as he wiggles closer for cuddles. The tall skeleton’s purrs increase tenfold and he carefully wraps his arms around Era, turning them both over so the shorter glitch is laying on top of him.
“HmMmmm..~ MinE~”
“Mn..~” Era nuzzles into Eros with a happy little sigh, purring sleepily.
So very cute~ Eros makes a trill sound and gives Era a squeeze, rubbing his hands up and down the smallers back. It’s fun to run his phalanges over the vertebrae of Era’s spine, gently stroking them through the red sweater he always wears. The way the small glitch arches into the touches, looking not unlike a pleased, sleepy cat is also a bonus.
Eros gently pets and nuzzles the smaller as he purrs loudly. He’s been living here with his alternate for a few years now and he’s just…so amazed at how things have changed. No one came after Paint…yet- and they’ve been living peacefully here. He gets most of his attention from Era, but Dream and Blue are also really sweet to him and Nightmare joins them for tea parties sometimes- when they don’t get dragged into movie nights.
He’ll help Era with AU’s to let out some excess magic and spar with the gang sometimes too…it’s just so nice…~
He never thought there would be a time in his life where he would feel so content- where he would be able to just laze around like this without guilt. He can just…live.
Eros can almost remember a time like this…almost. It’s more like a long faded dream and all he can reach is a feeling of deja vu. He gets it when he’s washing PJ, or when he would nurse him as a babybones, or when Era and him exchange small kisses.
It feels familiar, yet so……he can’t really describe it…longing maybe? He’s probably just overthinking. He’s lived a long time and can’t even remember most of it. There’s no telling what he’s done in the past really…
He tries to avoid lingering too hard on the feelings, figuring it’s probably best to keep the past in the past. It’s a lesson he’s been slowly learning during his time in this multiverse. Besides, he has PJ and Era here, he doesn’t need a ma-...where did that thought come from?
Huh, he doesn’t think he’s ever thought of having a mate before. It was never an option before- not even a conceivable possibility, but now he could. Eros could have a mate and it would be ok. They would be safe and they wouldn’t hate him…everyone doesn’t hate him.
Eros looks up at Era, sleeping peacefully against his chest. Would…would Era want to be his mate? As if sensing Eros’ gaze, Era stirs slightly, an unintelligible grumble escaping him as he nuzzles the taller gitch.
What do mates do exactly? They….kiss, and cuddle, and love on each other, and comfort one another….at least that's what it sounds like in Undernovalia. Era and Eros already do that though.. Don’t they? Were they already mates?
Maybe he should ask..? It seems too big of a deal to assume…”H-heY ERa..?”
“Hm…?” Era blearily blinks up at Eros, receiving a gentle nuzzle from the other.
“A-ARe wE MatEs?”
“Mmm’TEs..?” The small glitch mumbles, before yawning.
“YeAH…MaTES sn-NUgGle anD SLeEp in THE sAME B-bED, AND LOvE, an-ND kiSs- wE Do thAT-t so…ARE w-WE maTeS?”
“Hn… D’yOu wAnnA Be m’Tes..?” Eros thinks for a moment, before nodding and lightly kissing Era’s forehead.
“MhM-m~ I ReAlly liKE yoU~”
“M’kAy..~” Era sleepily agrees as Eros purrs even louder and kisses the side of his skull excitedly.
“ReALly~? HehEHe~ MinE MIn-nE miNE~”
“HeHEhehe~” Era happily kisses Eros’ chin, before nuzzling into the crook of his neck with his own loud purr.
“HmMmm~ MY eRa~ My mATe~” Era hums softly in agreement, already beginning to doze off again.
Chapter 10: To Become A Vampire
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
I dunno how to summarize this one tbh-
Uhhh very heavy kissing
Sorta Ink x Error but only kinda and implied Blue x Error, except Error is oblivious to Blue’s affections-
Chapter Text
Error yawns as he wakes up, rubbing his sockets before flopping his arms back down onto the mattress. His whole body aches- He’s already not a morning person and this really isn’t helping, neither is his schedule but-…..actually now that he’s thinking about it…When did he go to bed? Fuck- did he crash at some point?
Maybe Blue brought him back to bed..? It wouldn’t be the first time. He’ll have to remember to give his adventure friend a discount on the next repair as thanks.
“UrGhh…” Groaning, he slowly stretches himself out, trying to ease the ache in his bones, before he has to get up. As much as he would love to sleep in he can’t really afford to. Someone has to open shop after all.
Error starts off his day like usual, he brushes his teeth, gets dressed, makes a quick breakfast, and heads downstairs to his store. The glitch happily works as a tailor for adventures.
Adventures are a lot like mercenaries except they work for the guild, an organization that dishes out requested quests either by citizens or the kingdom to perform a great range of tasks. Since a lot of them need strong gear to keep them safe during these quests, Error takes advantage of his skills to make said gear for them, a friend of his taking care of the blacksmithing while he handles the fabric.
It pays surprisingly well, especially when Error is able to weave his own magic strings into the fabric, making it more durable and easier to enchant, selling it at a premium. Apparently, based on what Blue tells him, Error has become quite popular, with many well known adventures having placed orders and spreading the word about his tailoring throughout many different kingdoms.
It’s very flattering honestly- and a touch surprising, though it would explain the sudden increase of different customers- and custom orders.
So in short- he doesn’t have time for a day off just because of a bad crash. His stats feel fine so he gets to work setting up the shop, but as the morning sun seeps into the building, he finds it tingling unpleasantly against his bones, almost itching.
Frowning slightly, Error goes to the back to switch his shorts out for pants, putting his jacket on in hopes of somehow trying to lessen the feeling. As he moves through the store, he finds himself avoiding the sunny patches of light. It only seems to bother his hands and face now- really any exposed bone.
He tries to ignore it as he changes out a display, but the longer he stands in the sunlight the more the itching feeling worsens until it feels like his skull is burning, forcing him to step away, throwing his scarf over his skull as a pained whimper escapes him.
Why did it hurt so bad?? It’s just the sun and his bones have never been sensitive to it- It makes no sense….Maybe he can change the display later. He has a few orders he can complete in the shade just fine…
As he works though he finds the sun thing bothering him. It’s just the sun. It sounds so silly for something as simple as sunlight to hurt!
Error’s heard of humans getting burnt by the sun from staying in it too long, but it certainly can’t be in just a few minutes, right? Besides- not only is he not human, but the sun had never bothered him before today! Was it some sort of new side effect of his glitching?
He sure hopes not. Not being able to be in direct sunlight for even a little while is going to cause some problems. He does need to go outside sometimes after all-
It turns out- as the day goes on- that's not the only weird change. The moment a customer walked into the store to pick up his order, Error could smell him. And yes while monsters, skeletons monsters and dog monsters in particular, have a good sense of smell and use scenting, this was…different. He could smell them from a good distance away and it was strong, really strong.
They ate recently, a pasta, maybe spaghetti? And had ridden a horse to get here. They have a dog and…had sex recently- He really didn’t want to know that last part. He’s not sure how he even knew that last part.
Error ends up having to cover his face with his scarf and thankfully the human plays it off that the glitch is just shy. They leave after getting their order and paying for it, even stopping to compliment his handiwork, but Error can’t even enjoy it, all he wants is this scent out of his nasal cavity!
The tailor doesn’t think he’s been so relieved in a long time as he takes a deep breath of air- the multitude of scents from just one person was overwhelming. Is it going to be a problem with everyone ? Maybe he should look into making himself a face mask.
He thankfully gets to work on that right away, using a small enchantment to make sure it filters out smell. He manages to finish the mask right before another customer comes in and he is so grateful for it.
The next few customers are easy and nothing out of the ordinary, that is until his third customer. Error usually eats a late lunch and is just fine with that, he doesn’t usually get very hungry, but the emptiness of his stomach had been growing more apparent as he tried to finish a cloak he was working on.
That's when a cat monster came in and even through the mask he could tell, she smelled nice. She smelled good - but in the way a freshly cooked meal might smell good. He doesn’t even realize she’s talking until she jumps away from him in surprise.
When had he walked up that close? She gives him a weird look and honestly he’s just as disturbed .
“I’m So SOrRy-” He hastily apologizes and the bunny gives him a nervous smile.
“I-it’s ok! You just startled me- uhm…..are you feeling ok? You don’t look so good..” Error’s eyelights shake in his sockets as he eyes the cat and the longer he stares the more he realizes he can see her mana lines.
“I uM-” He forces himself to tear his gaze away. “I- I ThINk I MigHT bE CoMIng dOWn wiTh sOMethINg- BuT I’ll Be fiNE.”
“Ok…? I can come back later if you want. If you think you’re sick you should rest!” She lightly scolds him, and he can’t help but smile a bit, she reminded him of Blue.
“YeAh.. yOu’rE PRobABly riGHt.”
“Good~! I’ll come back tomorrow to check on you and pick up my gear then.” Her tail swishes as she smiles, turning back to the door. “Oh! And my name’s Tammy!”
“ALriGht. I’ll SeE YOu toMoRroW THen, TAMmy.” Error agrees and the cat monster bounds away excitedly down the street. “HmmMm I SHoulD cloSe up..”
Thankfully, it’s not too difficult- just locking up and closing his shutters, sighing in relief at the darkness filling the room….the sudden presence in the room quickly makes him take it back, the feeling of being watched is almost heavy.
“Wh-wHO’s thERe?” He takes off his mask, figuring the weird new sense of smell might be helpful now. And as he turns towards the source he smells…paint? Artificial scents practically waft off of the intruder, making it hard to smell anything beneath it.
A small figure steps out from behind his rolls of cloth, cloaked in a dark hood.
“WhAt- wHAt dO YOu wANt? WhO ARe you??” He questions as they slowly step closer to him and lower their hood. They’re a small skeleton monster..? But there’s something odd about their eyelights, the way they look at him.
“Ink is Ink.”
“Wh..WhAT aRE yoU DOinG HerE? We’RE clOSed noW.” The smaller tilts his head to the side, no expression on their face as they continue to walk closer.
“Ink is here to help before someone gets hurt. Ink has to clean the young one’s mess.”
“WHaT..? WhAt are YoU TAlkINg aBoUt?” Error tries to step back, only to hit a wall. The small skeleton presses up against his chest and at this distance an almost sweet scent reaches him, having been hiding among the paint and art supply smells.
They reach up and gently cup his cheeks, rubbing over them. Somehow, he doesn’t glitch much at their touch. “Take a deep breath.”
Error finds a whine catching in the back of his throat before he complies, breathing in deeply. The sweet scent almost seems to fill his skull as the other reaches up onto his tip-toes and presses his mouth against the glitch’s, making him flinch back slightly with a surprised gasp.
“Open.” They command, staring into his sockets with their white eyelights as they hold his face still. Haltingly, he does so, feeling like their sweet smell was clouding his mind.
Their tongue wastes no time slipping into his mouth and when it rubs against his he tastes that sweetness, but it’s a warm liquid dripping into his mouth. Instinctively, he swallows it, a whimper escaping him as he’s suddenly aware of just how hungry he is, the empty ache of his nonexistent stomach almost bringing him to his knees.
The short skeleton has him held in place though and encourages him by pushing their tongue in more and pressing it against the room of his mouth, Error’s own tongues twining around it as he tries to get more of that sweet nectar, uncaring about just how strange this entire situation is.
The sweet taste is good, gradually sliding down his throat as he begins to suck on the short skeleton tongue. It makes him feel better- he needs it. He feels like he’s never needed anything so badly in his life, and he almost wants to cry in frustration at how slowly he was getting it.
He feels like he’s been sucking forever trying to get his fill of the sweet nectar-like substance before the small skeleton starts to pull away, holding Error’s skull in place and foiling his attempt to follow, making him whine pitifully.
"What’s fledgling's name?" The short skeleton- Ink, that's what they called themselves, right?- asks curtly.
“..M-mE? ‘M ErRor.” He mumbles, feeling a bit out of it. Ink gently strokes his cheeks, allowing the glitch to lean against him as he lightly headbutts Error.
"Hello Error. Ink has to explain to Error….does Error live upstairs?"
“Y-yEAh… WhAT’s- whAt’S HApPeninG..?” Ink gently picks him up with ease, scooping the tailor into a bridal carry despite being nearly half the glitches height. He then begins to walk towards and up the stairs.
“Error was bitten by a young drunk vampire and is now a fledgling.” Error glitches in alarm as he processes Ink’s words.
“A- A WhAt-? No n-nO- ThAt’s- thAT cAn’t Be riGHt-” Ink walks him up to his living space before setting Error down on the beanbag in the corner.
“It is. Now Ink has to keep Error from hurting anyone. Fledglings need a caretaker.”
“WHy whOUld I- I DoN’T WanNa huRT anYOnE-!” Error protests, feeling incredibly off-kilter. Ink is being so casual about this! Sitting down beside him and folding his legs up as he watches the taller.
“Error’s instincts and senses are new and very hard to control. Error could hurt someone by accident or suck someone dry out of hunger….” The glitch frowns deeply, uncertain and upset and very confused.
“Vampires are dangerous, yes, but most attacks are caused by fledglings…Actually turning someone is currently, by vampire law, illegal and punishable by death. So Ink will be taking care of Error instead of the young one who turned Error.”
“Wh-whY…” Error trails off, gathering himself. “HOw- hoW DId yoU FiNd mE? W-whAt am I SuPpOSeD To dO?”
Ink tilts his skull with a hum, closing his sockets. “Many vampires live in Ink’s domain and a fledgling's scent is very potent, easy to track and find. As for what Error is supposed to do….Error can continue living his life. Ink will just have to stay, if that's what Error wants to do.”
“W-wOuld- I- uM-” Error fumbles for words, a hundred questions going through his mind but struggling to think of what to say. Ink blinks at him before crawling closer and getting up into his face.
“Is Error still hungry?” The glitch blinks back at Ink, flushing slightly as he glances away, before pausing to assess himself.
“...I’m fiNE.” He decides, getting a hum from the small skeleton, before the other lays on him.
“Ok….what would Error like to know?”
“I… EVeRythINg?”
“Hmmm…There’s a lot to talk about. Ink could start with the history of vampires, or the stages of development a fledgling goes through, or……..what was Ink saying?” The small skeleton's face scrunches up a little as he lays against Error’s chest, who is just accepting that this is his life now.
“FLeDGlinG devELOpmENt?” He asks.
“Hmm…the first stage is the initial transformation, which starts with the bite. Vampires have two different kinds of venom. One that starts the transformation and another that dulls the pain into a nice feeling.” Ink explains with a blank face.
“The transformation is painful and most people pass out, some even die….actually most die from it, but the chances of living through it are higher if the victim is a virgin.”
“WhaT THe heLl…” Error mutters, covering his face with his hands- before remembering he still had his scarf over his skull and pulling it down, still burning slightly. Ink hums and scoots up closer to Error to see the top of his skull.
“Oh, Error is burned.” Without any hesitation, the shorty gently grabs Error’s cheeks and sits up on his knees to lick a stripe across his skull.
“WhAT ArE-?” Error glitches, flinching back in surprise. After only a moment, the burning in the licked spot starts to lessen and Ink continues his licks all across the burned surface.
“Vampire spit has healing magic in it. Vampires heal bites with it after feeding.”
“I- SuRE whY NOt-” Error mutters, glitches increasing slightly. Ink begins to stroke his cheeks gently again while licking the surface of his skull, and only stops when he’s done, plopping back down onto the glitch’s lap.
“All better.” Pet pet
“..ThAnks.” For some reason, Error can’t help but lean into the affectionate touches. It feels kind of like…being recognized in a way. Comforting and protective…maybe it’s a caretaker thing? “YoU WeRe taLking abOUt thE trAnsformAtion prOCess?”
“Oh yeah- Uhm…..Virgins are more likely to survive, yes- The process changes how someone's soul processes magic. It enhances Error’s body strength, speed, senses like smell, taste, eyesight, and some other changes. To maintain this strength and stuff vampires have to drink raw magic from the source and have evolved to drink blood because the soul pumps raw magic with no intent into living things's blood and mana lines.”
“OkAY… WaIT- wAS thAt stUFf fRom…. eARlieR- yoUR maRroW-?” Error questions, blushing at the memory of what was essentially a very strange kiss. “AcTUally- WhY DId yoU Do thAt iN THe fIRst pLacE-??”
Ink sticks out his tongue, the long appendage a very pale, almost white, shimmering surface, his long fangs can be seen too, sharp and pointed. Error has to aggressively steer his mind away from the gutter.
“A vampires fangs are strong but very sensitive, especially new ones like yours. The sensitivity can be very painful if pressure is put on them so fledglings can’t bite without hurting themselves or risk damaging the new fangs. They solidify properly over time, but are otherwise more malleable and soft.”
“So caretakers usually feed fledglings the way Ink did Error~”
“A-ah..” Error mumbles, blushing brighter. Somehow, despite Ink’s expression not really changing, he can’t help but feel like they find it amusing.
“Fledglings feed twice a day and get very hungry if not fed, so Ink will feed Error every morning and night~”
“I- dO I haVe tO..?” Error can’t help but whine, flustered and a touch embarrassed.
“Would Error rather starve?” Ink tilts his skull to the side and Error can’t tell if the question is rhetorical or not.
“I.. nO..” He answers anyway. “JuST- iS THerE No beTtER WaY To do iT..?”
“Hmm…Ink doesn’t think there’s anything better. There are other ways as long a Ink is bleeding but they would be messy.”
“..ALriGht.” Error agrees, albeit slightly reluctantly, his blush refusing to fade. Ink tilts his skull again, something he seems to do anytime he’s confused- or maybe curious?
“Does Error not like it? Error seemed to like it before-”
“NoPE moVIng oN-” The small skeleton makes a confused noise, before nuzzling into Error’s chest with a small noise.
“Moving onto what?”
“A diFFeREnt toPIc.” Error declares, slumping further into the beanbag.
“Hmmm….Oh- development of fledglings- uhhh….Error’s scent is stronger and has a distinct smell that tells other vampires Error is weak and vulnerable. Without a caretaker's mark Error can be taken advantage of.”
“ThAT feELs.. cOunTErpRoducTIVe.” The glitch mumbles. “WhAt’s a CARetaKEr’s maRK?”
“A bite with the fledgling caretaker's magic and scent embedded in it. It tells other vampires the fledgling is being protected and has been claimed….and the scent Error gives off is meant to be like……..Hmm…..So turned vampires can’t turn anyone. Born vampires can. Turned vampires are considered the lowest of vampires and are usually servants or concubines.”
“LiKE heLL I’m dOIng thAT-” Error immediately protests, getting more comforting pats from Ink.
“Ink isn’t going to make Error do anything. Error will just belong to Ink. Ink keeps Error safe and fed and guides Error through development, Ink doesn’t want anything in return.” The small skeleton is kind of cold against his chest as Ink lays there, and Error finds himself curling around him a bit, wanting to warm him up.
“YoU- bUt yoU’rE DOinG So mUch To hELp?” The smaller hums and nuzzles up under the glitch’s chin.
“It’s Ink’s job to try and maintain peace among vampires and mortals, Ink can’t let Error go hungry and risk a mortal getting hurt. So it’s either take care of Error or kill Error. Ink already executed the rule breaker….and Ink likes the company.”
“ThAT soUNds liKe a loT Of woRk…” Error mutters, rolling onto his side to better hold Ink like a teddy bear. The other is a perfect size for cuddles-
“Meh, Ink has nothing better to do.”
“If yOu sAy so..” He agrees, still doubtful but willing to let it go. The smaller nuzzles into his neck gently, before looking up at Error.
“Can Ink mark Error now? It’ll only take a second.” The glitch stiffens slightly, but nods. If Ink is telling the truth, then it’s probably for the best. The last thing he needs is some other weirdo forcing him to be a concubine- he would rather die than let that happen.
The small skeleton scoots a little, wiggling in Error’s hold to better nuzzle their face into his neck. Ink sniffs him for a moment before opening his mouth and resting his sharp teeth on the delicate bone, making him glitch slightly as he braces himself for pain.
Two pricking sensations make him flinch a little, but they are immediately replaced with a soothing warmth. It seeps into his bones and runs through his magic, making his body relax and buzz pleasantly as a small sigh leaves him, letting himself sink into the feeling.
It's relaxing and, unlike his glitches, the buzzing doesn't hurt. It's like a fuzzy tingle that makes all Ink’s contact feel so nice. Vaguely, he wonders if this is the venom Ink had talked about, but he’s too busy basking in the sensations.
The bite starts to glow softly and the warmth almost feels hot on his neck- the good kind of hot- the kind that didn’t burn. Error struggles to keep himself from squirming, whining slightly at the strange yet pleasurable feeling as Ink resumes rubbing his cheek.
It only lasts for a moment longer, before the small skeleton lets go and rakes his tongue over the new bite to soothe any discomfort, pulling a shudder out of the glitch.
“There, Ink is done.” Said skeleton nuzzles the bite mark gently. “The bite has Ink’s magic in it, if Error is scared and needs help relaxing when Ink isn’t here Error can rub the mark.”
“I-I’m SurE I’ll Be fiNE-” Error weakly scoffs, blushing brightly as he struggles to gather himself. Ink kissing the- apparently- sensitive bite is not helping!
“And it helps Ink find Error if Error gets lost or is taken away.”
“Th-tHAt’S nicE-” He mumbles, squirming as Ink gives the mark a few more kisses before settling back into his cuddle position.
"Hmmm…Error is nice and warm~"
“M’gLad yOu thINk so..~” The smaller looks up at him and for the first time since their meeting Error can see the smallest of smiles on their face, their eyelights soft somehow.
"Ink likes it..~" The glitch is struck speechless for a moment at just how lovely it looked, before smiling back at Ink and pulling him closer.
Maybe this won't be so bad…he gets to keep doing his job and his life in general- there's just a few new features!.....and an adorable roommate. He just… won’t think about it too hard.
The day is….almost normal, he put a sign on one of the windows, saying he would be open tomorrow. Ink helped him cover his hands with gloves when he put it up. Other than talking to Ink about a few more things, like more development stuff, the two cuddled on the beanbag while Error worked on some orders. Ink is very quiet so far and when Error looks down he finds that the vampire is fast asleep.
Error smiles a bit as he continues working on a magic-reinforced scarf- one of his store staples- yawning a bit. It's only once it's dark that Ink wakes up again, rubbing his sleepy sockets.
"Mmm….Error…?"
“..Hm?” Error blinks, realizing he had stopped crocheting at some point. The small skeleton curled against him wiggles and slowly moves to sit up, moving to look at Error’s face.
"Error hungry now..?"
“Uh…” He trails off, yawning some more as he shrugs. Ink slow blinks, before rubbing his socket again and leaning down to place his lips against Error’s.
The glitch only flinches slightly this time, confused for a moment before automatically opening his mouth without any encouragement. Ink takes a moment to bite his own tongue before sliding it into Error’s mouth and letting the glitch suck on it.
“Hm..~” Quiet little happy sounds escape the fledgling vampire as instincts take over and the warm sweet liquid- which he now knows is Ink’s marrow- slides down his throat.
Oh, he was very hungry- how he hadn’t noticed earlier is a mystery. It feels just as good as the last time, the empty feeling in his middle diminishing as he slowly tastes properly the best thing he's ever eaten…well….it's a tie with chocolate. Though, considering how rarely he can actually afford the chocolate he likes, it might be better for that reason alone.
He's almost half asleep, feeding absent-mindedly until Ink starts to pull away, making him whine as he tries to follow after him. This time the vampire stops and stays in place against him for a little while longer, reaching up to gently stroke Error’s cheeks in that oddly comforting way, pulling a quiet purr from the glitch as he relaxes, releasing his hold on Ink after a few more moments.
It's only then that Ink pulls back once more, his tongue sliding out of Error’s mouth as he closes his own. One of the vampire's hands then slides down to rub over the sensitive mark and Ink smiles at him again, so small it's barely noticeable.
"Good boy..~" Blushing a bit at the praise, Error smiles back at Ink as a shiver runs through him from the vampire’s touches, before he tilts his head forward to give Ink a light headbutt, yawning.
"Hmm..~ Error can sleep. Ink has to go for a little bit."
“MmmyoU SuRE..?”
"Mhm, it'll only take a little bit. Ink will be back for cuddles soon." The small skeleton nuzzles into the headbutt with a small noise before he rubs the mark again. "Remember to rub the mark if Error is scared and call Ink if Error needs Ink."
“M’kAY…~” Error mumbles, sockets heavy as he purrs louder, already half asleep. The vampire places a small kiss on Error’s cheek and carefully gets up so as to not disturb the fledgling too much.
"Ink will be back." Error hums sleepily in confirmation, curling up with another yawn, nuzzling down into his beanbag. Ink hums down at the glitch, before he turns to leave, jumping out of a window into the darkened street below.
~
Error is woken by a loud creak sound, his sockets fluttering open as he blinks slowly….then it happens again. A loud creak from downstairs.
Still only half awake, Error stumbles up out of his beanbag, only pausing long enough to realize how much better he could see in the darkness now as he makes his way to investigate the noise. He doesn’t even get halfway down the stairs when he feels what he can only describe as a threatening gaze, the promise of hurt coming from a gaze below.
"Oh so that's where you're hiding~" Glitching slightly, Error fights back the instinctive urge to cower back. He’s too tired for this crap.
“WhAT Do yoU WAnt? If yOU’rE HerE To sHOp You’LL HaVe tO ComE BaCk in THe moRNinG- We’Re clOSed.” He states, managing to keep the nerves out of his voice as he summons a couple of sharp bones to hover beside him.
The stranger is hard to see even with his enhanced sight, but their eyes glow a deep red and they look almost human.
"I'm not interested in your store, little fledgling, just you~ " They are slow in their approach, grinning wide. It's unsettling, like a predator hunting its prey. It has Error bristling defensively with a small hiss, standing his ground if only to keep them from getting into his home.
“SoRrY BUt I’m noT InTReSTed. BACk oFf.”
"Aww~ The little fledgling thinks he can tell real vampires what to do." The other suddenly leaps up the stairs in the blink of an eye, right up into Error’s face. " You're nothing but a little incubator, just s little better than the livestock you were before. "
The sudden and tight grasp around his neck makes Error gasp before he is forced onto his back, his skull hitting the floor hard, stunning him as he glitches harshly, stars and error signs dancing through his vision.
"Fledglings are rare ya know, with turning now illegal young vampires gotta find some way ta keep bloodlines pure." Their grip tightens as they talk, leaving Error breathless as he struggles beneath them.
“I-In-” Error struggles to gasp out, trying desperately to escape their hold as his glitching worsens to a painful point. Error blearily looks up at their red eyes and he swears he sees a second pair right behind them.
"And you're just right here, all alone and unclaime-” They freeze in place, staring down at the glowing mark on Error’s lower neck. The color practically drains from their face as they stiffen, before suddenly being pulled back and tossed down the stairs, leaving Error coughing and gasping for breath, struggling to push himself up.
All he can see is this small form standing over him and snarling aggressively at the cowering vampire, teeth bared.
“I-In-nK-?” Error croaks before coughing more, his throat raw and skull throbbing painfully, his vision swimming with each throb. A gentle hand is placed on his skull, slowly stroking over his head comfortingly, and he leans into the touch, closing his sockets for a moment as he struggles to get his breathing back to normal.
"I-I'm sorry I didn't know he was y-yours elder-"
" Shut. Up ." The intruder closes his mouth immediately, shaking like a leaf. Something about Ink’s voice makes Error shudder- and it's not just the tone but something he can't really describe. Thinking about it too hard hurts his skull, so he just settles for being grateful it’s not directed at him.
"Young one should be ashamed of himself." Ink growls as he steps away from Error, stalking down towards the terrified intruder as they shake so badly they struggle even back away. "Trying to take a fledgling on Ink's territory. What a nuisance."
The glitch weakly pushes himself up to slump against the wall, everything spinning for a moment. It's hard to tell what's going on, only the sound of gasping and gagging reaches him, until the sounds of struggling suddenly cease and Ink makes his way back over to Error.
"Error ok?"
“H-hURts..” Error mumbles, his magic vocal cords practically shredded from the pressure put on his throat. Ink frowns deeply, before pressing his skull against Error’s and gently scooping him up.
"Ink knows, but Error will be ok." He carefully takes the glitch back up to the beanbag and lays him down. "It's ok, Error will be ok."
“Hit m’ HEaD..” Error mutters, closing his sockets against another bout of dizziness as he shakily reaches up for Ink. The small skeleton gently nuzzles against him, letting Error hold him as one of his hands slides up behind the glitch’s skull and feels around for the small fracture there.
"Ink will fix it. It's ok." Carefully, the small pulls away and turns Error around onto his front, before he licks a long stripe up the mark, making Error flinch with a small whimper, reaching up to cover his head.
Ink is quick to grab his wrists, holding his hands down against the beanbag as the small continues to gently lick the fracture. "It's ok, Error is ok."
Error glitches and squirms in protest as Ink presses his chest against the glitch’s back, purring quietly and soothingly. Error gives up after a few more moments, going limp as the adrenaline wears off, leaving him feeling exhausted and in pain.
Slowly though, the pain in his skull starts to lessen into a dull ache as the wound closes up, glowing a subtle green until he can barely feel it at all.
"It's not completely healed, but Error will be ok." Error just grunts weakly in response, burying his face into the beanbag. With a small hum, Ink gently rubs the bite on Error’s neck, purring a little louder. "Sleepy Error~"
The glitch visibly relaxes, sighing softly as he basks in the feeling of safety Ink radiates, before wiggling to turn over for proper cuddles. Ink helps him with gentle nuzzles before smuggling up on top of him.
"Hmmm..~" Error purrs a bit, though he stops when it hurts his throat, instead just nuzzling Ink back and letting his sockets close as he yawns. "Good boy, Error is so good."
Ink praised him gently as he rubs the mark soothingly, purring and gently placing a few kisses on his skull, pulling a small sleepy smile from the glitch as he relaxes further, quickly beginning to doze off.
The anxiety and panic will come tomorrow, but for now, his exhaustion takes over, mind blissfully blank as he drifts off to sleep.
~
Error's throat almost burns as he moves through the store making sure everything's set up as he waits for customers. Eating helped with the pain but Ink said to give it away before both his skull and neck fully heal.
It’s incredibly annoying, and he finds himself lamenting the fact that his vertebrae are red, letting the dark, hand-shaped ‘bruise’ be easily visible, forcing him to wrap his scarf tighter around his neck than he wants to. His entire backside is sore from the hard fall, his skull aches, and he can hardly even talk- all because of that stupid vampire.
He can't imagine what would have happened if Ink wasn't there, the very thought makes him shudder. The way that vampire talked about people and fledglings was just….creepy. Were their views common among vampires? Error’s becoming more and more grateful it was Ink who had found him first.
Though if those views are common…then why is Ink different? Ink said this is his territory, but can all vampires have some sort of territory? Or just Ink? And he swears he heard that vampire call Ink….elder? Does that mean he's a higher class in that hierarchy-like system Ink talked about?
He'll have to ask the small skeleton when he wakes up. The little guy fell asleep after he finished feeding Error. Waking up to Ink’s tongue in his mouth is definitely an experience- not… necessarily a bad one.. but an experience nonetheless.
He's pulled from his thoughts at the jingle of the store's bell as the door opens and a familiar cat monster steps in, her green shirt and leather corset matching nicely with her orange and white fur.
"Hello again! Ya feeling any better today?" Error gives her a smile and nod, knowing it’s probably a bad idea but opening his mouth to speak anyways.
“Y-yUp-” He cuts himself off, cringing slightly at how hoarse his voice comes out, the burning feeling worsening.
"....Ya sound worse-" The other- Tammy- tell him honestly. He ears pinning back as she steps over to him. "Wow you sound like you need some water or something….I can make ya some soup if you want!"
Error shakes his head- slowly, to keep his headache from worsening- trying to wave off her concern with what he hopes is a reassuring smile, debating if it was worth telling her- if only vaguely- of the attack.
"Oh, ok….uhmmm…..is there anything I can help with then? I'm not good at sowing or anything but I can move stuff around."
“Um…” Deciding fuck it, Error loosens his scarf enough to show her the bruise on his neck, still keeping Ink’s mark hidden. “A-aNy IdeA.. HoW To TReAt thIS?”
Tammy's yellow eyes go wide as she gasps. "Oh my stars-! Who did- y-yeah just stay still I got it-"
She lifts her hands, hovering over the bruise as her hand starts to glow a warm green. Error tenses and glitches slightly, fighting the urge to lean away as the pain in his throat fades to a slightly more bearable level- though he’s sure the bruise is still quite noticeable.
"I'm healing the actual damage, but the blood- marrow- that's causing the actual bruise is going ta have to go away on its own so it'll still be sensitive…'' She continues to heal as she talks, a deep frown on her face.
“J-jUSt beINg ABle To tALk is goOD f-foR mE.” Error’s glitches worsen and he decides it’s enough, subtly inching backwards.
"...If you're sure.." Tammy slowly lowers her hand with a small sigh. "Can…can I ask what happened? Who grabbed you like that..?"
“SoMEoNe BroKE IN laST NiGht.” He states, shrugging slightly as he tightens his scarf again.
"Oh jeez- and other than the bruise you're ok? Did you report it to the guards?" Her tail flicks and swishes in worry.
“ThAT wAs thE WOrsT Of it- anD It wAS TaKEn cAre oF, doN’t woRrY.” Error doesn’t quite confirm- his memory is hazy but he’s pretty sure Ink killed them. That should probably unnerve him, but it’s….oddly comforting.
"Ok, well at least you're safe! Oh and I'm also here to pick up my order- For Tammy, but you already know that."
“YuP- I’vE Got iT riGhT HeRe foR Ya.” Error goes behind the counter, grabbing a bundle of cloth. “WoULd yoU LikE A BaG?”
"Yes please~ Thank you so much Error. I knew you'd be good after Blue told me about ya!" Tammy wiggles in place, bouncing a little in excitement like a cat with barely contained zoomies.
“He’S reALLy goTtA StOP BraGgINg aBOuT Me-” Error mutters, blushing a bit as he pulls out a paper bag, carefully putting the order inside and using one of his strings to tie the handles together with a bow.
"Hehehe~ He could never. He likes to go on and on about how amazing you are and how he'll only ever let you fix his armor, because 'Only The Greatest Tailor Is Fit For The Magnificent Blue~!'" Tammy mimics Blue's voice with a giggle.
“Oh My FoX..” The glitch groans, fighting back a grin.
"Oh oh, and when he defeats a lizard or a furred beast he's all like- 'Now This Is A Pelt Worthy Of The Amazing Error’s Handiwork~!' It’s adorable~"
“IS ThAT WheRE thOSe aRE CoMiNG frOM?? I jUst kEpT FInDINg thEM in mY MaIL wiTH No rETurN SEndEr-” Tammy burst into snickers and giggles laughing up a storm as she takes her bag.
"O-Oh wow Blue- Stars- he's such a dork."
“I hAVe a WhoLE SheLF iN The baCk dEdiCATeD to thOSe ‘cAUse I HaD No cLUe whAt thE HelL To dO WitH THem-!”
"Hahahaha~! Oh nuuuuu- Hehehe~ W-why don't you try making them agents to stuff? Like using the furr for the inside of a hood or cloak?" Tammy suggests, trying not to snicker.
“WeLL noW THaT I kNoW WHeRe thEY CoMe frOM I thINk I WiLl. I mIgHt aLSo lOok iNTo cRaFTinG Some bAGs of hOLdiNG wiTh thE LeAThers…” Error trails off, muttering to himself as he grabs a piece of paper to sketch a couple of ideas.
The cat monster smiles at him, her ears twitching, before she turns to the door. "Well it was nice talking to you! Have a good day and get better. Bye Error!"
“Oh- SeE Ya! HaVE A NiCe daY!” Error cheerfully waves at her and Tammy waves back before disappearing behind the door and leaving the store quiet again.
Huh…she was actually nice to talk to. Maybe they can talk more later- hopefully when he’s not injured or dealing with becoming a vampire.
…He hopes she doesn’t say anything to Blue-
Not even an hour later his best friend comes racing into the store.
"ERROR ARE YOU OK!?"
“GoDdaMniT-” Error groans, voice still slightly hoarse as Blue immediately begins to look him over, pulling off his jacket and examining his arms and moving onto the next quickly, ignoring as Error swats at him in protest.
"I Heard Someone Broke In And Hurt You! Where Are They, I Need To Have A Talk With Them-"
“I’m fINe I’m FINe SOmEOnE HElpeD Me iT’s taKEn cARe oF-” Error reassures, slapping Blue’s hands away when he tries to unwrap his scarf. But of course Blue continues- knowing Error’s glitches don't really react much to him anymore.
"Who Helped You? You Haven't Reported It, I Would Have- OH MY STARS, ERROR!" The scarf has been pulled away enough for Blue to see at least a portion of the bruise, despite Error’s best attempts to keep it covered.
“It’S FiNE-! SeRIouSLy YoU’re goNnA WAke uP Ink-”
"No It's No- Wait Who's Ink?" Blue pauses as he looks down at Error, who glares up at him.
“ThE One wHO HeLPed mE- He’S ASleeP uPStaIRs.” Blue just blinks at him for a moment.
"....You Made A FRIEND~!?" Blue smiles wide, his eyelights turning into stars.
“I..” Error pauses. Would a caretaker count as a friend? “..GuESs?”
"I'm So Happy You Made Another Friend Error~!" Blue gently headbutts him, rubbing his hands up and down Error’s arms. It's easy to tell he wants to hug Error, but probably doesn’t want to hurt him or jolster anything. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you…"
“It wAS thE MidDLe oF THe NIghT- DoN’t worRY BLue.” Error takes the initiative, stepping forward and pulling Blue into a hug. His friend happily hugs back with a small excited wiggle.
Like all his clients so far, Blue's scent makes its way to Error and it's mostly what he would expect. Blue smells like tacos- his favorite food- and of the worn leather Error knows I'd beneath the metal plating of his armor, but there's also this..wet dog smell- it's not bad but certainly musky. He’s surprised he's only noticing it now with his skull gently pressed against Blue's chest.
"I Still Wish I Could Have Helped! You’re My Best Friend And There’s No Way I Will Tolerate Anyone Laying A Hand On You!"
“ThANks BLuE~” Error nuzzles Blue happily, ignoring the slightly random urge to bite him despite knowing he’s not hungry- he’ll have to ask Ink about that later.
Blue makes a happy rumbling sound, a sound Error is quite used to. "Hmmm~ Uhm, Error? The Intruder Didn't Do Anything Did They? Other Than….That?"
“I meAN- THeY SlaMmED Me tO thE gRoUNd prETty haRd… PrETtY sUre thEy wEre GOnNa raPe oR kiDNaP me- bUt INk hELped BefOre ANytHIng eLSe haPpeNEd. I’m ALriGht.” He reassures as Blue's grip tightens.
"...No One Will Ever Do That To You, Error. I Stake My Career And Life On It." Blue's tone is so surprisingly serious that it has Error pulling back slightly to look up at his face.
“BluE- NOthINg HaPpeNED. It’S OKay-”
"But something could have happened." The expression his friend wore is definitely not one he's ever seen before- at least not on Blue. He looks so grim and upset, his brow furrowed tight and a deep frown embedded on his round face. "Something could have happened and I wasn't here."
“BuT NOtHinG Did. I’m SAfE- I ChANgeD The lOcKs thiS MOrNIng aNd INk wILl Be stAYinG ARoUnD FOr the neXT WhiLE, sO I wON’t bE AlonE.” How long are vampires considered ‘fledglings’ anyways?
Blue makes a small whine like sound, but gently headbutts him, holding Error close. "...Ok. As long as you aren't alone I'll let it go. But I Will Be Visiting You Everyday And I Expect To Meet Your New Friend!"
He gives Error a small smile. "I Must Thank Them For Saving You And Make Sure They Are Just As Amazing As You Are~!"
“YeAH yeAh- He teNDs to woRK duRiNG THe NiGht sO He’S ASLeEp moSt oF THe DaY, tHoUGh.” Error states, rolling his eyelights with a slightly flustered smile. To which Blue immediately nuzzles him.
"Then We Can Have A Sleepover! Like We Used To Before You Became So Popular~" The glitch snorts a bit.
“SuRE~ HOnEsTLy I’m KinDA SUrPriSEd hE’s STill aSLeep-”
"Yeah I'm A Little Loud- Maybe He's A Heavy Sleeper…?" Blue glances up at the stairs and as if on cue. They hear the floor above them creak. "Or Not-"
“INk?” Error calls up questioningly.
"Why is Error being loud..?" Comes a sleepy sounding voice from the second floor, making both skeletons smile sheepishly.
"Sorry, Error’s New Friend!"
“SoRrY INk- YeLLiNg iS KiNDa BLue’S NaTUraL StaTE oF beINg.” He gets a hard pout from Blue for that one, quickly followed by aggressive nuzzling.
"Oh, ok." Ink starts to come down the stairs and Blue almost immediately tenses, suddenly grabbing Error and jumping to the other side of the room, with his giant hammer now in hand. Ink only stares as the tall skeleton growls like a rabid dog.
“BLue?? CALm dOwN It’S LitERaLly jUSt InK-!” Error wiggles and squirms in Blue’s hold, trying to escape, but his friend's hold is unwavering.
" Vampire. What the fuck do you want with Error? " Holy shit Blue cursed- it’s so shocking that Error just freezes for a second, not realizing Blue had noticed Ink was a vampire right away.
"Ink could say the same for the mut." The short skeleton is as blank faced as ever, standing on the top few steps as he stares, though Error wouldn't call him relaxed. He’s not sure how, but he can practically feel the tension radiating from Ink.
“WhAT-? WHaT?? THe HEll??” He sputters.
" Error is my friend. Answer the question. " The tone in Blue's voice is so unbelievably hostile that even Error flinches a little, despite it not being directed at him.
Ink narrows his sockets before answering. "Ink has been protecting Error like Ink is supposed to. Ink is no threat to Error."
“BLuE cALm thE FuCk doWn-!” Error reaches up to lightly yet aggressively wack at Blue’s face, rendering the growling skeleton surprised. His friend looks away from Ink to blink down at him, obviously conflicted.
"BUT THERE’S A-"
“No.” Error cuts him off. “InK HaS BeEN noTHinG BuT KinD TO mE- hE SaVEd mY Ass laST NiGht anD He hASn’t eVEN doNe aNYthING tO WaRranT THiS.”
Blue makes a face, looking up at Ink and back to Error, before lowering his weapon. "I…Apologize, Ink. I Shouldn't Have Assumed You Have Bad Intentions Just Because You Are A Vampire….I Have Not Had Any Pleasant Encounters With Vampires So I Have Learned To Be… Aggressive."
“GoOD joB~” Error praises, voice only slightly sarcastic. “NOw PLeaSe leT Me gO BefORe Ink DeCIdEs tO SteAL mE-”
Ink is definitely thinking about it with that look Blue's still being given, the adventurer eyeing him right back. "...Fine."
The tall skeleton relinquishes his hold and Error steps away, straightening his clothes out and walking over to Ink. The small skeleton continues down the stairs, never taking his eyelights off Blue.
"Error, who is the werewo-"
"Blue! My Name Is Blue- I've Been Error’s Best Friend Since We Were Kids." Blue interrupts. The action itself catches Error attention. Blue always tries to be respectful with everyone so it sticks out as….odd.
“Uh… YeAH. WhAt hE SaiD.” Error gives Blue a questioning look, brows furrowed in confusion. But Blue just smiles a bit sheepishly at him,
"....Ok..? Ink is Error’s caretaker until the change has fully settled and Error has gone through all the stages."
"Stages? Stages Of What Exactly?" The tall skeleton asks in concern as he slowly walks over to stand behind Error, nuzzling him.
“HeHeh- uH- ABoUT That-” Error laughs nervously, turning around and stepping away from Blue, glancing at Ink. With how hostelly his friend had reacted to Ink, he finds himself a bit worried about what he would think about being turned.
Blue whines a little, frowning worriedly. "What? Is something wrong?"
Ink wraps his arms around Error’s waist and nuzzles his side, before giving the tall skeleton a look. "If Blue wants to know, Blue has to tell Error his secret first.."
Blue immediately bristles before forcing himself to relax. "What Secret-? I Don't Have A Secret-"
Blue is such a bad liar.
“He DOeSn’t hAvE To sAy anYTHiNg hE doEsn’t wAnt tO, InK.” Error interjects, a touch hurt that Blue was clearly keeping something from him- he thought they told each other everything. Though, wasn’t he doing the same thing?
"Ink just thinks it's fair." The vampire pouts up at Error, nuzzling his face further into the glitch’s side, prompting him to playfully roll his eyelights as he leans against Ink.
“DoN’t woRrY BLuE- NoTHiNg’s wrONg.”
"Are You Sure? It Sounds Serious-" Blue shifts nervously, looking between Ink and Error, the latter giving him his best reassuring smile.
“It’S… YoU doN’t gOTta woRrY aBoUt it.” Error doesn’t quite answer. It feels like too much of a lie to say it was fine. Blue doesn't seem to like his answer regardless and after glancing at Ink he takes a deep breath, scrunching his sockets closed.
"If I Tell You My Thing Will You Tell Me Your Thing?"
“YoU.. YOu DoN’t hAVe tO-” The glitch protests.
"No, I've Been Trying To Find A Way To Tell You This For A While-" Error doesn't think he's ever seen Blue look this nervous…except maybe in front of his mother. That lady was terrifying- "I'm Uhhhhh….A Werewolf-"
Blue looks like he’s expecting some kind of explosive reaction from Error, though the glitch just stares at him for a moment. “...Y’kNoW WHaT- thAt eXPLaINs a Lot-”
The tall skeleton opens his sockets to blink at Error in surprise. "I Wanted To Tell You When We First Met, But Mom Always Told Us Not To Tell Anyone And When She Died There WasSoMuchGoingOnAbdIDidn'tWantYouToFeelLikeIDidn'tTrustYou-"
Error steps out of Ink’s hold to go to Blue, reaching up to pat his cheeks.
“HeY It’S FInE- I DoN’t BLaMe yOU… WeLl- I’m A Bit UpsET, aCtuALly. It kINdA FeEls liKe yOu’RE Only teLLinG Me bECaUSe yoU WaNna KNoW WhAt’s Up wiTH Me…” He admits. “I’d hoPE yOu’d KnOw thAT I ReALly dOn’t CAre AboUt thAT kINd oF StuFf bY noW… DiD You thINk I’d hATe YOu foR sOMethINg as SMaLL aS beINg A weREWoLf?"
"N-no No! I Was…" Blue frowns deeply before reaching to cup Error’s hands in his own and leaning down to press their foreheads together. "I was worried you'd be upset at me for keeping the secret at all. I Know You Wouldn't Care What I Am, And You Have Every Right To Be Upset With Me! For Keeping A Secret From You For So Long…I Have No Excuse. Now That You Know I Have A Secret There’s No Reason To Hide It- That’s…Why I'm Telling you."
"My Mom Was Just- Well You Know. She Told Me Not To You…Or Anyone. The Longer The Lie Went On The Harder It Got For Me To Try And Tell You And I Could Never Find Out…How To Tell You."
“....WoULd yoU HaVe toLD mE?” Error asks after a moment, looking away.
"Of Course! I Would Have Found Some Opportunity To Tell You- Ruru I Hated Not Saying Anything, You Know How Bad I Am At Lying!" Blue gently cups Error’s cheeks and rubs over the tear streaks like marks on his face. "You're So Important To Me, Error. I Never Wanted To Keep Anything From You And I'm Sorry I Did…"
Error just frowns a bit in response, still feeling upset despite not wanting to be and trying to avoid lashing out unfairly.
"...Will It Make You Feel Better If We Talk More About It Later…?" The glitch quietly nods after a moment.
“...I sHoULd pRObABly teLL You AbOuT My thINg.. RIghT? InK WoULd… ProBABly bE BeTtER aT ExpLAinINg, thOugh.” Error mumbles, lowering his hands to fiddle with them.
"Error You Don't Have To Tell Me If You Don't Want To…" Blue gently nuzzles his skull, trying to be comforting. It doesn’t seem to work much as Error hunches in on himself, looking at Ink for help.
The tall skeleton frowns and pulls away and nervously rubs his arm as Ink merely shrugs.
"Error was bitten by a different vampire and left to die but he survived the venom and is a fledgling vampire now."
"....Oh-"
“Y-yEaH…” Error mumbles, looking away.
"B-but It's Not That Bad, Error! You're Alive And Safe And That's All That Matters To Me!" Blue gives him a bright smile, but Error just frowns, shuffling in place.
“BuT- YoU WeRe aLl.. maD At INk…” Blue blinks at the glitch before huffing out a small laugh.
"Oh Ru- I JuSt Thought He Was Going To Hurt You, I JuSt Want To Keep You Safe. I Don’t Hate Vampires- I Don’t Hate Anyone!" The tall skeleton smiles softly as he reaches out to grasp Error’s hand. "And I Could Never Ever Hate You, Ruru. I'm Not Upset Or Mad At You, It's Not Your Fault."
Error stares at Blue’s hand for a moment, once again filled with the urge to bite him, clenching his jaw and trying to ignore it as he just silently pulls Blue in for another hug. The tall skeleton is quickly to reciprocate and he is gently squeezed with another low, happy rumble from his best friend.
He absentmindedly wonders if the werewolf thing has something to do with Blue always being so warm.
"I'm Sorry If I Scared You…"
“YoU DiDN’t sCaRe mE-” Error protests, pouting a bit. Blue can't help but snort as he nuzzles the top of Blue's skull.
"I Won't Argue With My Best Friend!.....But You Totally Jolted-"
“I- I hAD NeVer HeARd yoU So aNGrY-!” He defends, getting a quiet snicker.
"Well The Magnificent Blue Is Very Good At Quelling His Temper~!" Error just continues pouting, before grabbing Blue’s arm and giving into the temptation to bite him- gentle enough to keep his new fangs from hurting.
Blue jolts a little in surprise, but upon feeling the gentle nom, relaxes with an amused laugh. "What Are You Doing, Silly?"
"Oooo~ Affectionate noming." Ink mutters, though almost sounds like he’s cooing.
“ShUsh I’m biTinG you-”
"Oh Nuuuuu~ I'm Being Nomed~" Blue giggles, nuzzling Error’s skull affectionately with even louder rumbles, even as the glitch huffs grumpily, biting down a bit harder- only to regret it.
“Ow-” Ink immediately, but carefully, pulls Error back, giving the glitch a hard look.
"Error's teeth are soft and unless Error wants to have deformed fangs Error needs to be gentle." Ink scolds him, making him pout.
“SOrRy..”
"Deformed fangs?"
"Fledglings have soft fangs, the nerve endings are very sensitive so if they are pressed on too hard it hurts. Pressing on them can change their shape and make them harden wrong." Blue cringes at Ink’s words, his own teeth throbbing at the very idea as the vampire lets Error go. "Gently noms only."
“‘Kay…” Error mumbles, baring his teeth at Ink’s insistence to check. Ink looks his fangs over with a critical eye, before pulling away with a nod.
"Good boy." Pat pat .
Error blushes, grumbling something indistinct as he looks away, though he doesn’t protest further. He doesn’t notice the weird look Blue gives Ink, nor the almost smirk Ink gives him back.
"So Uhm- The Sun Is Starting To Set, I Can Help You Close Up Shop And We Can Have A Sleepover! If You Still Want To, Ru." Blue excitedly claps his hands together, smiling brightly like usual.
“SuRE!” Error brightens, moving over to open his door and quickly flip the open sign to ‘closed’, ignoring the sunlight still shining through. Blue starts putting things away, having done this many times before, as Ink watches, plopping down on Error’s sowing table.
"So…I'm Going To Guess That You Can't Have Taco Night Anymore?"
“Ah- I DoN’t thINk sO..” Error mutters, looking at Ink in silent question. The small vampire shakes his head.
"Vampires can't digest mortal food. Only things with high concentrations of magic like pure monster food and….most monster fluids." Error makes a bit of a face, unsure if he wants to ask. Blue looks to be in the same boat.
"Soooo Would Ingredients From My Mom's Garden work?"
"Are All The Ingredients Cultivated With Magic?" Blue gives Ink an excited nod. "Then yes."
"YAY~! TACO NIGHT~!!!"
“YoU’Re- ARe YOu GoINg to MaKe eVErYtHInG FroM ScrATch-?”
"Of Course~! Just The Way Mammie Used To!" Blue is practically vibrating with excitement, his eyelights stars as he quickly puts away Error’s thread and fabric scissors. "I'LL BE RIGHT BACK~! GET YOUR KITCHEN READY, ERROR~!"
Blue bolts for the door, giving the fledgling a quick headbutt before leaving, making Error snort as he continues to clean up.
"....Error has interesting friends." Ink swings his legs.
“He’S pREtTy mUcH My oNlY frIEnd.” Error replies, stuffing a bundle of cloth onto a shelf.
"Hmmm…..he likes Error."
“I meAN I WoUld hOPe he LIKes mE-”
"...Nevermind, it's none of Ink’s business." The small vampire hops off the table to stand and walks back upstairs, leaving Error blinking at him in confusion.
Once everything is picked up and put away, Error heads up and stairs to start getting a few things out of the kitchen. Just setting up a few things like they usually do on taco nights. That's when Blue comes back.
"I'M BACK AND I HAVE ALL THE FOODS~!"
“HoLY ShIT-!” Error yelps, startled.
"Oops- Sorry Ru." Blue laughs sheepishly as he sets the ingredients down on the counter, giving the glitch an apologetic look, who glares back at him.
“GaVE mE A SoUL aTtaCK..” He mutters.
"I'm Sorryyyyy- Will Delicious Tacos Make It Up To You?"
“I SuPpOSee…” Error sighs dramatically, before yelping as he’s scooped up in the werewolf’s arms and affectionately nuzzled.
"The Magnificent Blue Will Make The Best Tacos Ever For His Friend, The Amazing Error~!"
“I’M suRE THeY’ll bE GreAT~ JuST doN’t foRGet tO KeEP thEM soFt eNOuGh foR My faNGs PLeASe.”
"I Can Make YoURs Into A Taco Salad If You want! So it's Soft and The Taco shell Won't hurt-" Blue nuzzles him more with a happy rumble, his eyelights bright blue stars in his sockets.
“Hmm THaT WorKs~” Error purrs, nuzzling Blue back and getting a very happy wiggle in response.
"Hehehehe~ Oh Oh-! And Before I Start Cooking I Want To Show You Something." Error is set back down and Blue gives him a big excited smile. "Ready?"
“SuRe?” Error says, confused. Blue smiles wide, closes his sockets and- two fluffy ears appear on his skull, wolf ears…and a tail. Both are a gray blue color with the insides of Blue's ears being white, the skin underneath a healthy pink.
“Oh MY foX- lEMmE PeT-” The glitch immediately demands and Blue bends down so Error can reach. The fluffy fur on Blue's skull doesn't just stay on his ears, but continues down the sides of his face and curling under his jaw like sideburns, and Error eagerly pets it all the same, grinning widely as he scratches behind Blue’s ears.
The werewolf rumbles as his tail thumps against the floor, leaning into the pets. His fur is so thick, even on the ears. Though wolves are known to have a double layer coat so Blue is probably the same. The fur is coarse on the outside by the insides of Blue's ears are soft and fluffy, the pets practically making him keen as his tail thumps louder.
“HehEHe~” Error giggles happily, continuing to pet Blue.
"Hmmm~ I Can Have Paws To~!" Blue slides off his casual boots, having changed out of his armor before returning. Error watches as Blue's feet turn into big fuzzy paws, his legs changing to based on the way that fluffs up.
“Oh MY FoX~!” The glitch coos, wiggling happily. Blue can't help but blush as he laughs.
"Aren't They Cool? I Can Run Really Fast Too!"
“AdORaBLe~” Blue's face immediately becomes his namesake.
"Wha- THEY ARE NOT-!"
“YuP~! I’Ve deCIdED.” Error declares. “ALso COuLd yoU MaYBe stARt coOKinG SooN I’m HUngRy-”
"Error is hungry?" Ink immediately pops up from behind the beanbag, giving Error a look that a dog gives their owner when promised a treat, much to the glitch’s confusion.
“Um- Y-yeAh A bit..” Ink quickly starts walking over with the intent to- what the glitch can only assume- feed him….right in front of Blue who is already starting to cook beside him.
“W-wAIt-!” He quickly protests, blushing as he glances at Blue nervously. Error’s pretty sure he would actually die of embarrassment if Blue saw them practically making out-
Due to his shout, both Blue and Ink are looking at him in confusion. Ink’s skull cooked to the side as Blue raises one brow.
"But Error is hungry?"
“It’S- It’s jUSt..” Error trails off, flustered.
"Am I Missing Something-?" One of Blue ears twitch and Ink looks between them for a moment before a light bulb almost visibly turns on in his skull.
"Ooooooh. Ink gets it." He gives Error a knowing look, the glitch blushing harder in embarrassment. "Ok, nevermind."
“Wh- HUh-?” Error blinks as Ink walks back over to sit on the beanbag.
"....That Was Odd." The glitch just chuckles nervously, trying to will away his blush. "What Did He Want?"
“Ah.. Um- TO fEeD Me.” Blue continues to give him a weird look before turning to rolling out the taco shells.
"I'm Too Scared To Ask-"
“YoU DOn’t WaNNa kNoW-” They both ignore the awkward incident with silent cooking…until Blue starts to instruct Error and the glitch helps him cook. They both ended up making a mess with the cornflour.
Error got to watch Blue's ears flick to try and shake it off, giggling all the while.
"Aaand Done~!" Blue sets the plate of freshly made taco shells down as the cool, all the other taco ingredients set into bowls ready to mix. "Just Moosh The Taco Shell Up With The Meat And Your Toppings Of Choice And You'll Have A Taco Salad~! Made By Yours Truly~"
“WhY tHaNK yoU BLuE~” Error grabs a bowl and fork, scooping a bit of everything into it. His best friend gives him a happy 'Mwehehe~', puffing out his chest with pride….the look is even cuter with the wagging floofy tail- and Error smiles as he takes a careful bite, avoiding his sensitive fangs.
"What Do YOu Think? Be Honest, I Can Take Criticism!"
“It’S..” Worse than he remembers? “NoT BAd!”
Blue immediately deadpans. "That Bad? I Thought I Did It Right This Time!"
He makes his own taco and takes a quick bite."....I Have No Idea What I Did Wrong!"
“I dUnNo- It’S FiNe-” Error tries to protest, taking another bite despite himself.
"No Offense Ru, But You Are Just As Bad At Lying As I Am-" Blue says even as he takes another bite.
“OkAY YeAh It’S groSs-” The glitch admits, pouting down at his bowl. Blue pouts a little, but nods.
"I JuSt Don't Understand What I'm Doing Wrong-! I Followed Mom's Recipe!"
“I dON’t kNOw… We’LL figURe iT OuT sOMedAY.” Error tries to reassure him as Blue pouts.
"I Am Forever Cursed With Bad Cooking Skills-"
“I’m SOrRy-” Blue gently nuzzles him with a loud rumble.
"It's Ok! I Am Going To Find A Way To Cook Tacos If It’s The Last Thing I Do!" Error just laughs, nuzzling Blue back.
“I’m SUre YOu wILL dO It~”
"Hehehe~ Someday." Blue nuzzles the glitch some more before finishing his taco…despite the taste. Error mostly just picks at his food despite his hunger. Soon after finishing they put the leftovers away and Ink stands up.
"Ink will be back." Error can’t help but pout a bit.
“ALrIGhT...” The vampire walks over and gives Error a hug and nuzzle before opening a window and jumping down into the dark street.
“...Sooo WhAT Do ya wANnA Do?” Error asks, turning to Blue. The tall skeleton hums before looking over at the beanbag.
"I Was Thinking We Could…Talk?"
“WhAT AbOuT? DId I Do SoMEthiNG-?” The glitch’s mind immediately jumps to the worst case scenario.
"What-? Oh No No! The Magnificent Blue Promised Error We'd Talk About Werewolves Is All!" Blue gently grabs his hand and leads the glitch to the beanbag, pulling him into the taller’s lap.
“..Oh- I FoRGot aBouT THaT.” Though trying- and failing- to make tacos is pretty distracting, in his opinion.
"It's Okay! I'll Still Answer Any Questions You Have…About Anything Really." Blue pulls him close and nuzzles him comfortingly.
“I.. hONeStly DoN’t kNOw- cAN WeREwoLVes bE TUrNed tOo? LiKe hoW I WaS TUrnED IntO A VaMPirE? I thINk I’vE HEaRD rUmORs oF THat..”
"Nope! Not With Biting Or Scratches. It's Actually A Curse- All Werewolves Are Descendants Of A Cursed Tribe Of People Who Asked For Power From An Evil Witch To Uhm….Defeat The Vampires That Kept Taking People- Or So Mom Said."
“...Oh…. Do WeREWolVes haTE VaMPirES?” Error questions, frowning and getting a small nuzzle.
"Not….Necessarily….We're More Like….Natural Enemies? Werewolves Are The Only Other Of This World’s Species That Can Match Vampires In Power And Speed….It's more Like..Both Sides Are Constantly Fighting For Dominance."
"Vampires Kill The Werewolves In A Territory- The Werewolves Do The Same Thing As Revenge and Then The Vampires Get Revenge And- Well You Get It." The fledgling just hums a bit in response, frown deepening.
“..YOu ArEN’t gOIng To fiGHt mE, RiGht..?”
"What? Of Course Not! I Am Offended You Would Even Think I Could Do Such A Thing!" Blue is genuinely surprised, but then again Error asked something similar downstairs.
“I jUSt-! ..wANteD To maKE Sure..” Error sheepishly mumbles. “I’m STill nEW to THis- I OnlY GoT TUrNEd a cOUplE NigHTs aGo..”
"...I Understand, My Dearest Friend. It's A Whole New World For You. Vampires And Werewolves Are Hunted And Treated Like Dangerous Beasts So I Get It….But I Wouldn't Dream Of Hurting You Ever."
“I diDN’t mEaN To iMPLy ThAT I neCIsSArilY thOUghT yOU woULd- I JuST- wANteD tO chECK yoU DiDn’t HaVe tO Or anYThinG-” Blue pouts and nuzzles into his ribcage, wrapping his arms around Error’s middle.
"WellI Don't, Thankfully!....Though…There Is One Thing you should know…." The Werewolves voice goes almost quiet as he looks away and hides his face against Error’s chest.
“..WHaT?” Error asks, glitching slightly in a mix of nerves and concern. Blue doesn’t answer right away, his voice a bit muffled by the glitch’s clothes.
"So….have you heard of werewolves turning into savage beasts every full moon..?"
“Is thAT ReAL?”
".....Yes."
“...So whAT Do yOU thINk thE CHANceS Of mE maNAgINg to bEFriENd yoUr wOLf fORm?” Is Error’s response, Blue looks up at him and in a serious voice answers-
"Death….or worse."
“....Oh. DaMn. OKay… ‘wAs jUSt trYIn’ tO LiGHteN The MoOD..” Error mumbles, pouting a bit. Blue laughs a little and scoots his face up to nuzzle under Error’s chin.
"Sorry For Going Straight To A Grim Subject. It's Just Kind Of Important For You To Know! For Your Own Safety."
“YeAH yeAH-”
"I MeAn It! I Want You To Be Safe!" Blue nuzzles his neck and collarbones, holding Error flush against him as he squeaks. "My Friends Safety Is Priority Number One! Even If I Am The Danger."
“B-bITE- dOn’T BITe-” Error stammers, completely distracted by Blue’s face against his neck. His friend blinks in confusion and pulls away to look up at him, the glitch’s face bright yellow.
"What? I'm Not Going To Bite You-"
“A-aH-?” For some reason Error finds himself feeling both incredibly alarmed and flustered, mind short-circuiting for a moment. The look on his face makes Blue smile with an amused and quiet 'Mweheheh'.
"Do You Want Me To Do The Affectionate Nom Thing~?" Error squeaks and jolts in Blue’s hold, scrambling to escape and hide behind the beanbag, his blush managing to get brighter.
Well now Blue can't help but laugh louder, letting the glitch hide as he watches.
"OH MY STARS YOU DO~! Error Wants Love Bites~!"
“No I DOn-n’T ShuT Up-!” Error protests, pressing himself further down between the wall and beanbag.
"Yes You Do~" Blue teases, but he stays in place. "It Must Be A New Vampire Thing….Wait Do Vampires Bite Each Other?"
“Y-yEah… To cLAiM oR uh- mARk eaCH oThER, usUAlly..” After a moment of hesitation, Error bares his neck to show Blue Ink’s mark. The werewolf stares before creeping closer over the beanbag to get a better look.
"Oh-.....It's Not A Mate Mark Is It-?"
“Wh- No-! It’S A CaRETakeR MArK- iT ClaIMs mE As INk’s ‘terRItoRY’ sO oTHeR VAmpIREs dOn’t trY To taKE Me To bE THeIR seRVAnt or CONsORt.” Blue makes a face at the idea of someone making Error a consort- something akin to a snarl actually- before it vanishes and the werewolf picks him back up to nuzzle him.
"Good!...So Then What Made The Idea Of Me Biting You Flustering~?"
“Uh.. I duNNo… I ALsO FeLT….sCaRed..? FoR SOme REaSOn?” Error asks more than states, making Blue frown.
"Oh, I'm Sorry! I Didn't Mean To Scare You!" The taller whines, nuzzling the side of his skull.
“It’s- it’s FINe- I waSn’T LiKE- sCARed, scArED- iF THaT MaKes sense?”
"So Like A Bubbly Kind Of Fear? Like Running Down A Hill?"
“A bIT? BuT ALso a FrOZen KiND of fEAr? ..I WondER If I WAs biT On thE NEcK whEN I wAs TURned… I tHinK I cRAsHEd, sO I doN’t reALLy reMEmBer.” Error mumbles.
"Hmm…Maybe You Can Ask Ink About It?"
“YeAH.. PRoBABly.” With a nod and small hum, Blue lays back, Error laying on his chest as he's snuggled close.
"Hmm..~ Hey Ru? I Want To Ask You Something."
“HuM?”
"Sooooo…All Rank A Adventurers Have Been Summoned To The Capital. And I'll…Probably Be There For A Long While. I've Never Been Away From You Longer Than Two Weeks So- Wanna Go On A Trip With Me~!?" Blue's tail wags excitedly as he looks at Error, who seems much less excited.
“I’m… nOT sUre.. I mEAn- wITh THe sHoP anD THe whOLe vAMpiRe tHINg- I cAn’T EVen gO OuTSidE DurINg thE DAy aNYmoRe…” He mumbles.
"We Can Travel By Night? Make You A Cloak? And Ink Can Come Too! I Know It's Not The Best Timing- I Don't Have To Be There For Another Two Weeks So We Have Time!"
"And The Shop Will Be Fine! There Will Be A LOt Of High Ranking Adventurers There So We Could Bring Some Of Your Supplies! Like When You Had That Travel Sewing Kit Thing- That Way You Can Make Some Money While We're There!"
“Hm… We’ll hAVe TO TaLk tO INk ABoUT it.”
"That's Fine, The Magnificent Blue Is Happy To Wait For His Best Friend's Answer!" Blue smiles, before yawning, his ears pinning as he does so. Error has to hold back the urge to both coo and bite him.
“YoU TIreD?”
"A Little…Today Has Been Very Eventful….But I'm Happy I Got To Share My Werewolf Self With You, Ru~!"
“MHm.. YoU ShoULd GEt soME sLEeP If yoU’Re tirED- I’m PLaNnING oN StaYInG Up a LITtle lONgER.” In hopes that Ink will come back and feed him-
"Hmmm…ok, but I Request Cuddles!" Blue says with a smile wine as he turns them onto their sides and tucks Error’s skull under his.
“I sUPpOSe I’LL AlloW It..~” Error lightly jokes, getting a happy rumbling noise from his friend as Blue's tail thumps against the beanbag.
Like always, the tall skeleton falls asleep in a few short minutes, his wags slowing to a stop and breathing deep and slow. Like always, it’s calming for Error, but unlike always, he just can’t fall asleep- despite his best efforts. He was hoping that if Ink doesn’t come back soon, he could at least try to sleep through the hunger..
But the more he tries the more noticeable the emptiness seems to become, growing until he feels like there's a hole in his middle and his fangs ache. He needs to bite something and Blue's just right here.
Maybe he could- He doesn’t notice he is already inching closer until Ink grabs his face, pushing him away from Blue's exposed neck.
"No. Bad." A small whine escapes him as he looks up at Ink pleadingly. He’s just so hungry..!
The small vampire gives him the closest look he's seen to sympathetic on Ink’s face before biting his tongue and leaning down to slide it into Error’s waiting mouth, the fledgling eagerly drinking down his marrow with a happy little hum.
Ink can't help but purr in response, pressing closer until he’s laying on the glitch, who easily shifts to accommodate him, focused on feeding.
Blue shifts a little, wrapping his arms around the two and sleepily pulling them both closer, his rumbling picking up again. Ink tenses above Error, his eyelights looking away from the hungry fledgling’s face to try and look at Blue.
“..IssA PUrr..” Error mumbles, pulling away just enough to speak before going back to drinking down Ink’s marrow. The vampire makes himself relax after a moment, turning his focus back on Error with a quieter purr, the glitch letting out a happy sigh in response.
The fledgling eagerly eats until Ink starts to pull away, Error not wanting to let him go until the small vampire starts to pet his skull, making him relax- though he still pouts at him, making sure his displeasure is known.
"Hmm…Error enjoy his feeding~?" The vampire teases lightly as he slides a hand up to wipe the glitch’s mouth, the fledgling automatically moving to nom on Ink’s phalanges, still pouting. "Error is cute, but Error has to remember never to bite Blue."
“FinEe…” Error mumbles with a small huff.
"No, Error does not understand. Vampire bites hurt werewolves. It will hurt Blue for Error to bite him." Ink presses their foreheads together, nuzzling him.
“Oh.” Error blinks, before looking away guiltily. “I dIDn’T KnOw thaT.”
The small skeleton nuzzles further against him, setting against the fledgling as he continues to purr with Blue's rumbles. "Ink knows. It's ok. Noms are ok, but never puncture the bone."
“OkAY. I wON’t.” The glitch promises.
"Good, Ink doesn’t want Error to be sad for hurting his friend." His caretaker nuzzles the side of his skull as Blue gives them both a squeeze, making Ink tense again defensively, though Error just relaxes with a sigh, before yawning.
The small vampire huffs, before burying his skull into Error’s shoulder and simply laying there.
"Sleep."
“M’kAy..~” Error mumbles, curling around Ink with a small purr, bringing a small, pale rainbow blush to Ink’s face.
With a fond huff, the vampire relaxes and the three cuddle close together on the beanbag, completely relaxed.
~
Blue had left fairly early in the morning, like he always tends to do, with a promise to come back tomorrow, leaving Ink and Error alone upstairs until Error has to open up the store.
Ink sits in the glitch’s lap, leaving against him after just having fed Error again while the glitch thinks. Blue's offer to travel to the capital is…an interesting one. Error never had a chance to travel before. He’s.. never really wanted to, either. He’s not sure he still does.
The town of Starfield is relatively small, especially when compared to the capital. It's unremarkable except for the large forest on the west side of it. The forest is home to many beasts and magical creatures, making it a hotspot for beast parts, which are gathered by the adventurers. This alone makes most of the town's money that is then taxed by the kingdom.
It's relatively quiet and peaceful, he’s lived here all his life…since his family went missing. It wasn’t the easiest, he was just barely scraping by at first as an orphan on the streets, but then he met Blue, who accepted him into his ‘pack’ as easily as breathing.
It would be a good business opportunity though, just like Blue said….but he really wasn't expecting his store to take off as much as it has in only a single year. He doesn’t really need more business.
The only other reason he would go is….well he's never been without Blue for more than a week…
“...HeY INk?” Error quietly questions, wondering if the vampire had fallen asleep yet. The smaller shifts to look up at him though, sockets a little droopy.
"Hum..?"
“HoW WoULd yoU FeEL aBoUT goINg oN A TrIP? To thE CaPiTOl, sPecIFicALly.”
"Hmm…Ink doesn’t care….Why?" Ink turns over to straddle the glitch, nuzzling into Error’s chest with his arms tucked in.
“BluE InvITEd uS tO JoIN hIM oN aN ExpEDitioN.” Error explains, wrapping his arms around him.
"Oh, ok. As long as Error is safe Ink won't get in the way…" Ink murmurs with a yawn, a quiet purr starting up in his ribcage. Ink’s sleepy face is just so cute- his sockets droopy with sleepiness as his white and slightly fuzzy eyelights look up at the glitch. It reminds Error of a cat.
“I’M noT SurE I wANna, yeT- I juST WaNTeD To ruN THe idEa By yOU.”
"Hmm..Error can do what Error wants. Error will live for a long time so Error can see the world whenever he wants…"
“...Huh.. I hADn’T ConSIdERed thAT…” Error mumbles, frowning a bit as Ink nuzzles his shoulder.
"Ink wouldn't wait too long though…." Yawn "kingdoms…fall pretty quickly…"
“...ALrIGht.” Error agrees, frown deepening.
Chapter 11: Taken and taken back
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Ink.. hasn’t been kind to Error. It’s a good thing an alternate destroyer manages to find him.
TW! Abuse, kidnapping, isolation, implied starvation and rape, rape and abuse recovery.
Sorta past abusive Ink x Error, Nightmare’s gang x Error, Fgod Error is there briefly but he’s pretty busy.
Chapter Text
The bedroom around him looks comfortable, decorated with stars, a hammock in the corner, a basket of yarn and knitting needles….but it’s not. It’s not safe, it's not comfortable- It’s wrong .
Still, Error curls underneath the bed, gripping a blanket he made as he muffles his sobs into it, tired and scared and in pain. Ink had wrapped and set his ankle, at least, but he refused to use healing gel or heal him in any way, saying it was his punishment for trying to escape this hell-hole.
…He hates it- he hates that he can’t fight back, or leave, or contact literally anyone for help- he hates how helpless and scared he’s become.
He misses Horror’s food, Killer’s chatter and affection, Dust’s protective and comforting naps, NIghtmare’s scolding soon followed by grumpy cuddles…Blue……How long has he been here?
Ink has ‘had’ to drug him so many times at this point the days have all blurred together in his mind- for all Error knows they’re dead by this point. He wants to go back so bad … He wants to go home…
Ink…why would Ink do this? You’d think he would have stopped asking a while ago, but it really doesn’t make any sense! They’ve been allies for years before all this crap! The conclusion he always comes back to is simple if not more confusing.
This can’t be Ink. He refuses to believe this is Ink- it can’t be Ink, because if it is… he’s not sure who he’d be able to trust anymore.
Error is torn from his thoughts when the locks on the bedroom door begin to rattle, his bones rattling with them as the door is opened and a familiar pair of feet step into view.
“Kitten~ I’m back~” Error freezes, staying as still and silent as he can as tears stream down his face. Maybe, just this once, Ink will get the hint and leave him alone.
“Error, I don’t want to play hide and seek. Don’t make me go looking for you.” A quiet whimper escapes the glitch, before he moves to slowly crawl out from under the bed, knowing it’s better to just do what Ink wants at this point. The shorter skeleton moves to kneel down infront of him, but both their movements come to a sudden halt when the floor creaks just outside the now shut metal door.
Ink stands back up and slowly makes his way over to it, a sharp bone of ink forming in his hand. Error doesn’t bother moving, knowing he’s not in the shape to fight anything even if he wanted to.
Ink takes slow quiet steps towards the door, reaching out for the handle- before a hand suddenly rups through the door’s surface as if it were made of paper and grabs his neck in an ungodly grip.
“InK-!” Error gasps, shocked- though he makes no move to help. The creator thrashes and holds onto the perpetrator’s wrist, trying to pry it off, but he’s…not strong enough, much to their shock.
A blue string slides into view from the hands wrist, sliding beneath Ink’s scarf.
“It-t’S NOt mE-!” Error quickly yelps as soon as he notices the string, seeing the anger in Ink’s eyes when the creator spots it. Ink thrashes harder, his vision growing fuzzy from the lack of air.
Usually the short skeleton would have melted into a puddle, but something is preventing him from doing so- Suddenly Ink begins to glitch, and his clothes change color, black with white X’s over his clothes- they are hauntingly similar to-
“GaSt-??” Goddammit things were supposed to be over after they fixed the X-Event- Ink’s voice is distorted too, X-Gasters overlaying his own as he struggles.
“ Let go of me! ” The glitching gets worse until the string pulls out a….a purple soul. The creator immediately goes limp in the hand's grasp and it drops him without a second thought, wrapping the string tighter around the soul half floating in their palm.
Error can only stare blankly in shock, silent tears still streaming down his cheeks. The door glitches slightly as well before vanishing and….and a taller, scarred version of himself comes out from behind it.
They glare down at the soul half in their palm before looking from Ink on the ground, to Error- who flinches and looks down, not wanting to somehow anger someone who could so easily overpower Ink- XGaster-?
The other glitch stands there for a moment before opening a portal to what looks to be the antivoid and hanging the soul among the many others before looking back at the alternate cowering beneath the bed.
“....A-aRe YOu OK…?”
“...I-I’m f-fINe…” Error forces himself to say, glitching as he tries to dry his sockets. The taller Error frowns and steps over Ink’s unconscious body to slowly walk over to him, making the small glitch stiffen, holding back a whimper- fearful he had done something to upset the other.
But thankfully, the glitch just sits down a small distance away, making no further move to approach him. “...It’S Ok to BE ScarED. I-I gET-t ScaRed Too.”
It takes him a long moment to respond, choking back more tears. “Wh..WHo aRE You..?”
“Uh…..I’M y-You, From ANOThEr mULitv-VErse.” They tell him, offering a small smile, more sad then they probably meant it to be. “I won’T HUr-rT YoU…..”
“W-whY Did..? HoW…?” Error looks between his alternate and Ink, voice faltering as he unconsciously edges a bit closer to the taller glitch. This is probably the most he’s said at once in a while, his voice still hoarse from screaming.
Thankfully his alternate is happy to answer for him…well maybe not happy- “I TriED To KIlL mySelf B-buT ENdeD Up hEr-Re. YoU WHe-eRE miSING AND N-NIGhtmARe asKED Me tO-o HelP LoOk foR YOU-u-U. SoRrY I COUldn'T GEt HErE SOonER. X-GASteR-r is SnEaKy…..anD Ink SHOULd b-bE FinE. I DOn’T KNoW if He’Ll remEMber ANy oF ThiS OR noT.”
“Th-thEy… wERe lOoKIng FOr m-mE..?” Error quietly questions after a moment, not sure how to respond to most of their words.
“Mhm-M. FoR-r tWo yeArs. I Got HE-eRe a MOntH ago.”
“TwO-??” Error voice gives out and he interrupts himself with a small coughing fit, feeling like crying again. His alternate frowns and opens a portal to snatch a cup of water, before grabbing a straw and holding it out to the smaller Error.
“W-wILl thiS helP?” The small glitch initially flinches, expecting to be hit, before pausing, hesitantly nodding after a long moment. The tall glitch holds the straw a little closer, hoping to make it easier for his alternate, and smiles understandingly.
Ever so slowly, Error scoots the rest of the way out from under the bed, carefully keeping his broken ankle out of the way as he sits up properly and shakily reaches for the cup.
“....Do-O You WanT HElP…?” Error freezes, stiffly glancing up at his alternate, before he slowly nods, feeling a touch defeated. The alternate offers another small smile before very slowly reaching out and ever so gently grabbing his hands. A small, helpless whimper escapes Error at the genuine, tender touch, and he finds himself tearing up as they gently rub the back of his hands. It feels so safe .
They then gently take hold of his wrists, continuing to stroke them as he smiles. “I’m gOinG T-tO PUlL you OUt sLowLy, OK?”
Error nods again, bracing himself and lifting his injured leg to keep from hurting it worse. Just as his alternate said, the taller slowly begins to pull him out, continuing to rub his wrists as to hopefully comfort him if he panics. It tugs on a few of Error’s old injuries, but he doesn’t complain, knowing it’ll be easier for him to be fully out from under the bed- even if he dislikes feeling exposed.
His alternate is careful and once fully out from underneath the bed, he is moved to sit sideways in their lap, where they gently nuzzle the top of his skull comfortingly. Error’s breath hitches, a broken whine leaving him as he holds back a sob, practically melting into their safe and comforting hold, shaking and glitching a bit.
“...YoU’Re ok…It’S ok NOw-w.” They tell him as softly as their voice will allow. They hold him loosely and gently rub his arms as they nuzzle his skull. Like a cradle instead of a tight rope like when Ink- X-Gaster…would hold him.
“Th…thANk yoU…” Error whispers hoarsely, a couple of tears escaping his sockets as he curls closer to them. The taller alternate purrs quietly and reaches over to pick the glass of water back up.
"YoUr WElLcon-Me. WaNt a DRinK noW?" The small glitch nods in response, sniffling a bit as he grabs the water to pull it closer. His alternate assists in putting the straw to his skeletal lips and smiles at him when he takes a hesitant sip.
The cool water is soothing against his phantom throat, and Error doesn’t taste any kind of drugs as he eagerly continues to sip at it, relaxing a bit with a small sigh. The gentle attention to his arm continues as the taller glitch purrs against his skull, nuzzling him affectionately.
“TherE YoU gO. You’re DOinG SO GooD.” Error blushes a faint yellow as he slowly drinks the whole glass of water, only stopping once it’s empty and his alternate pulls it away.
“Do-O YoU FeEl bETter? Do YOu wanT AnythINg elSe bEForE WE leaVe..?”
“M-mUCh bETteR… PLeAse G-gEt me Out oF HerE..” Error mumbles, sparing one last glance at Ink before turning to bury his skull in the tall glitch’s scarf. His alternate nods in understanding before carefully standing up with Error in his arms and opening a portal to the castle’s infirmary.
Not even a second after the taller sits onto one of the medical beds, a dark figure forms from the tall shadow in the corner of the room and speaks in a familiar voice. “Error-? Oh my stars-”
Error flinches and glitches harshly, a startled yelp escaping him- which he instinctively tries to muffle. The figure makes his way over with a deep worried frown and sits on the side of the bed as his alternate continues to try and comfort him.
“Hey…Ru it’s ok…it’s ok, your ok….It’s just me. Do you remember me, dear..?” The smaller glitch peeks over at him as he tries to calm down, taking longer than he would like to recognize the goopy skeleton.
“N..N-niGhT..?” The guardian smiles shakilly down at Error as a single tear falls from his single socket and he nods.
“H-hello Ru…” A small sob escapes Error as he reaches for Nightmare- though one hand remains latched to his alternate. The goopy guardian is eager to hold him close, leaning over him as he cups the back of Error’s skull, a tentacle rubbing against his cheek.
It takes him a moment to realize that….Nightmare is crying. Error would normally try to make some kind of joke, but Ink had beaten them out of him long ago.
“I m-mISsEd-d yOu-” Error cries, doing his best to stay quiet as he clings to Nightmare with his free arm.
“I-I miss-sed you too…s-so so much-!” The guardian sobs, nuzzling into Error’s neck and giving his jaw a small shakey kiss. “Ruu…”
“I’m S-sORrY- I CoULdn’-” Error interrupts himself with a sob, struggling to speak through his tears. “I- I-”
“Shh-hhh…It’s ok i-it's ok Ru- I-I’m just-” hic “I’m so happy you’re ok!” The glitch just cries wordlessly, a mix of joy and sorrow and fear and relief filling him. It feels like too much and he can’t bring himself to do anything but cry, hold on tight and cry his soul out into Nightmare’s hood as the guardian does the same.
Eventually, Error runs out of tears to cry and his hold on Nightmare and the other glitch loosens as his sobs slow to the occasional hiccup. The guardian’s sobs have stopped as well, even as his ribcage shakes against Error’s
He slowly moves away just enough to look the smaller glitch in the sockets, his smile wavering. “Y-you’re finally home…”
“I-I’m hOmE…” Error quietly agrees, the relief clear in his voice as one last tear drips down his face. Nightmare gently kisses the corner of his socket before pulling away, reluctantly, but just enough to start looking the smaller glitch over, the alternate Error sitting quietly.
“...I’m going to put some healing gel on your wounds, ok? W-we’ll get you all fixed up and have a cuddle pile in my bed…Would you like something to eat..? We have exhausted most of our resources, but Horror has made……more than enough food.” Nightmare rambles nervously, his hands shaking as his tentacles carefully remove the glitch’s clothes. Error stiffens in discomfort but doesn’t protest, knowing it’s needed.
“Wh-wHAteVer’s F..FinE…” He mumbles, refusing to let himself think about what happened the last time someone had done this.
Nightmare’s tentacle loosely wrap around his bones in a way that feels familiar- in a way that he knows should be more comforting than they are, but he can’t help but be reminded of inky cuffs pinning him down as he struggles, being touched against his will no matter how much he begs to stop-
The guardian immediately saw the panic attack coming, and he pulls himself away almost completely, save for his wavering hands cupping the glitch’s cheeks.
“Ruru- Hey it’s ok, you’re here with me..” Even his alternate, still stroking his arm, makes a quiet purring sound again, watching him closely.
“S-sO-oRry-” Error stutters as he tries to force himself back to the present, focusing on Nightmare’s hands holding his face and on controlling his breathing. The gardens brow furrows as he stares intensely, like he’s looking through Error. It lasts long enough to make him squirm uncomfortable, but after a moment Nightmare gets a sad look mixed with something he can’t quite place.
“It’s ok…I get it. It’s ok. I’ll remind you you’re safe as many times as you need…”
“H-hE JuSt- I-INk-” Error stammers, feeling like he needs to explain himself, but Nightmare just continues to give him this look of sad understanding.
“I know….I know, darling.” Faltering, Error looks back at Nightmare, realizing just what he means.
“..’M soR-rRy…” He mumbles, looking away as he nuzzles into the guardian’s hands.
“Don’t be. You’ve done nothing wrong….I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you…” Nightmare gently headbutts their foreheads together, rubbing the glitch’s cheeks with his thumb. “I’m…I’m s-so sorry…”
Error lets himself soak in the affection for a little longer, before speaking again.
“My.. mY AnKLe iS B-bRoKen- Fr-roM… It’S TH-the wOrSt oF thEm..” Even thinking about his most recent escape attempt makes him shudder. The guardian blinks for a moment, seemingly remembering what he was going to do a moment ago-
“Oh yes- Sorry.” His appendages move around the room, gathering gel, bandages and a proper splint before he’s forced to move away from Error’s face- who only just manages to hold back a sad whine. Nightmare ever so carefully removes the ‘splint’ Ink put on his ankle and repositions it again before scooping up a glob of healing gel and applying it to the wound.
Error stays silent the whole time, looking almost like a statue as he breathes through the pain, the only sign of his discomfort being the way his grip on the taller glitch tightens. HIs alternate leans over to nuzzle him with strong soothing intent, helping him relax a bit with a shaky breath as Nightmare splints and wraps his ankle properly.
The guardian wastes no time moving to the other injuries, most of them were deep scars then never got the chance to heal properly, but the breaks that healed wrong were the worst for Nightmare to fix. Neither of them were very happy about it.
He had to re-break and set them properly- and Error ended up stealing his alternate’s jacket to muffle his pained screams in. He has to take several brakes to keep from spiraling into a panic attack or flashback, struggling to keep it together.
Nightmare works as efficiently as he can, wanting to get this done quickly so he can never hear Error’s pained cries again. There’s nothing he hates more than having to hurt the people he considers his own- but he has to do this.
Thankfully, setting, splinting, and wrapping all the wrongly healed bones takes no more than an hour, including breaks, and Nightmare sighs in relief. “Ru, it’s over. I’m all done. No more pain.”
“N-nO MoRe..?” Error hesitantly lifts his head from where it was buried in the taller glitch’s chest, breathing shaky and sockets brimming with tears of pain. It breaks NIghtmare’s soul-
“Mhm, no more. It will take a little while for them to heal but once they do you will be able to move normally again. And we will all be here to take care of you while you recuperate.” Nightmare gently reaches out to stroke Error’s cheek- only for him to flinch slightly, but he shakily reaches up to hold Nightmare’s hand in place before the guardian can move away, desperate for comfort.
“P-p-pRoMisE…?” Nightmare simply stares at him for a moment in silence, before nodding, his mouth pressed in a fine line.
“I promise….we will keep you safe this time, my darling Ru.” Error shakes his head in response.
“N-nO.. YoU ca-AN’t prOMiSe tHat. It w-wASn’T YOur fAUlt… P-prOmISe yOU’Ll sTay..?”
“...Of course. Of course I’ll stay Ru. I would never leave you on purpose. Never. I would never leave any of you. I promise.” Nightmare rubs his cheek in a way that can only be described as tender as Error hiccups, blinking away tears as he tilts his head into the touch.
“Th-tHaNk yoU…”
“Of course, dear. My sweet lovely Ru..” Nightmare places a very small, light kiss on his nasal bridge with a gentle smile, managing to pull a tiny giggle from him. “Would you like to take a nap? One of us can lay here with you….or Killer can if you are alright with him coming in.”
“PleAsE dOn’t gO-” Error quickly pleads, panicking a bit at the thought of being left alone. NIghtmare pauses and leans down to give him another small kiss.
“...Alright. I’ll have Eros inform everyone then…Is that alright with you?”
“ErOs-?” He glances at his alternate in question. “..ShOUld I HaVe a diFfERenT naMe tOo-?”
NIghtmare blinks at him, before smiling fondly and nuzzling him. “If you would like, then I don’t see why not~”
“M-mAybe… EeEra….?”
“Era….Hmmm…I like it~ Very pretty, just like you darling~” The newly dubbed Era blushes, looking away.
“..WoULd ErOS coMe baCk AfTer…?” He decides to get back on topic, if only to avoid this one.
“Yes-” NIghtmare looks up at Eros and said skeleton nods.
“I’Ll bbE BacK AfteR I FIniSH Clea-aNing Up.”
“...OkAy.” Era agrees, a bit reluctant to leave the first bit of safety he felt since Ink kidnapped him, but knowing Eros would be back helps. Nightmare lifts him up a little so Eros can move, getting off the bed as the guardian lays down with him, letting Era carefully adjust himself to best relax.
Eros gently nuzzles the top of his skull gently before moving back to open a portal away, Era tensing as he nervously watches him leave, but Nightmare draws his attention again with a gentle poke to his nasal bridge.
“Hey, I love you.” Era looks over, smiling weakly at him.
“I lOve yOu tOo..”
“Hmm…..I love you more~” Nightmare tells him with a small smile, obviously trying to distract him. Era appreciates the effort.
“I LOve yOu moSt~” He murmurs, cuddling closer as his smile becomes more genuine. Nightmare loosely wraps his arms around the glitch, his tentacles pooling over the edge of the bed and curling on the tile floor.
“Hmmm…No~ That is simply impossible~”
“Nuh-UH!” Era argues, pouting a bit.
“Yeah huh~ You are my sweet and wonderful Ru and as mine I obviously love you more~” The glitch stops himself from arguing further, just nuzzling Nightmare quietly in response.
“Hmmm~ I missed being able to hold you like this. I missed being able to feel your emotions..~"
“...YoU COulDn’t feEL me..?” Era questions, hesitant. NIghtmare’s sad frown returns and he holds Era just a little tighter.
“...Mhm. I couldn’t sense a thing. It was like you…” He didn’t want to say it. Era doesn’t make him.
“..I miSseD YOur vOiCe…. I cOuLDn’t.. I cOUldN’t reMeMber whAt it soUNded liKe…” He mumbles and after a long moment, Nightmare places a soft kiss against the top of his skull.
“....What does it sound like to you now then?” Era nuzzles up against Nightmare, taking a second to respond.
“..LiKe hoMe.” The guardian smiles, oh so gently as he rubs the back or Era’s skull against his ribcage, soul beating slowly.
“...I’m glad.”
“..I loVe yoU.” Era says quietly as he relaxes, his deep-seated exhaustion beginning to catch up to him. The sound of Nightmare’s soul beat is soothing as he rubs Era’s back in slow circles.
“I love you too…so so much..” Nightmare just gets a small hum from the glitch as he slowly falls into a light sleep, breath evening out. The guardian holds and rubs his back, letting a small purr build in his chest as he sighs
“....You can come in now, Killer.” The door slowly creaks open and the short skeleton steps into the room, closing it behind him before he silently walks over to stand beside the bed, a blank grin on his face. Era shifts slightly, as if sensing Killer’s gaze. “You can lay down as well. I am sure Ru wouldn’t mind.”
The small skeleton takes a moment before moving, silently crawling into the bed and laying his skull down on the pillow. The glitch stirs a bit at the shift in weight, turning slightly to cling to Killer as well as Nightmare with a sleepy grumble.
It’s unfathomably cute and Killer snuggles a little closer before closing his own tired sockets. For the first time in what feels like forever, Nightmare is pleased to see Killer’s soul pulse slower, relaxed.
The guardian watches over them for a while longer before closing his own socket and falling asleep as well.
~
On the first night he knew something was off….but the longer he stayed around his found family the more the feeling grew in prominence. For one, Killer didn’t react to anything and it was pretty obvious why. He would do anything he was told to do. But would otherwise just….stand beside him in silence as he sits in Nightmare’s bed. It’s a bit discomforting.
Era has taken to just talking to him, if only to fill the silence. He’ll ramble about the most random things, ask questions he knows Killer won’t answer, complain about mundane things, and occasionally ask for cuddles or try to convince Killer to let him up. The last one has yet to work.
At least he still gets cuddles-
The second weird and off thing is Horror, but it’s at least not that unusual. The big skeleton frequently visits with food for Killer and Era, but instead of leaving, he just stands there staring intensely at them both- the glitch mostly.
Era did his best to eat the food given to him, knowing it would both help him and make Horror feel better, but Ink-XGaster had basically starved him for two years straight after getting used to eating often- managing to stomach more than a few bites is still a work in progress.
Thankfully Horror never pushes it, feeding any and all leftovers to Killer, who eats it all without complaint. The big skeleton seems satisfied enough with that, and gives them both a kiss before leaving……..5 times a day-
Era thought it was a bit much, but the frequent, small meals were slowly helping him heal and regain some of his strength- though he knows he still has a very long way to go before he’s back to what he used to be.
Though as a result of all the food, Killer’s ecto is chubby- the short skeleton has summoned it the second day so he could hold all the magic being given to him and hasn’t unsummoned it sense. He is extra plushy for cuddles now~ Era is obsessed with kneading the small skeleton’s soft belly every chance he gets, not quite brave enough to rub his thighs like he wants.
Eros and Nightmare check up on him periodically, not as much as Horror though- but enough for quick cuddles and kisses before leaving again…..Dust and Cross though?
Dust came for the cuddle pile with everyone on the first night but he hasn’t seen the skeleton sense. Cross showed up the first night too and he checked on Era once on his third day, but that was it.
It made Era a bit sad- he was hoping to talk to Cross about XGaster, and maybe steal his jacket, and he would’ve liked to talk to Dust or maybe take a nap with him. Still, he doesn’t ask or push, figuring they wanted space. Era wouldn’t blame them for not wanting to stick around- he still flinches with every loud noise and has to fight the instinct to hide every time someone walks in.
On the fourth day, Horror comes in with breakfast and a foldable wheelchair. “Boss…..said ya can…use this….now.”
After getting over his instinctive fear from someone coming in, Era perks up. “ReALly? But hOw WILl I gET dOwNStaIRs..?”
“Uhh….Killer can…carry you..?” Horror looks at the smaller skeleton and he simply shrugs in response, his grin just as empty as usual.
“CoULd yoU? I’d.. uM.. LiKe tO Go oUtsIDe… fOR a Bit..? If tHaT’s oKaY…?” Era nervously hunches in on himself as he fiddles with his phalanges, as if already expecting to be denied.
“Sure, Ru.” Killer’s soul pulses a little out of its circular shape before returning to normal again as he moves to gently scroop the glitch up.
“W-wAIt- rEaLLy-? I cAn-?” Era glitches in slight surprise, letting Killer pick him up without a fuss. The short skeleton walks him around to the wheelchair as Horror folds it out and he’s set inside before Killer walks over to get a blanket.
“Course….We just don’t….want you…to hurt….yourself….”
“O-oH- RiGht. YeAh.” Killer covers his lap in a soft blanket, patting it in gently before moving up to kiss his cheek, his soul doing the flicker thing again. After a moment Era pulls Killer down a bit, lightly kissing his nasal bridge.
“ThaNK yoU..” Killer’s soul flickers again and he cracks a more genuine smile.
“No problem glitchy~” Era has to keep himself from crying at the first real emotion from the small skeleton, practically beaming back at him.
~
The walk to the garden is calming. And besides being more dusty, the castle looks like how he remembers it- though he admittedly can’t quite remember the specifics, besides the fact Nightmare is usually a cleanfreek-
Killer pushes him past the empty dining room to a sliding glass door that leads outside, Horror heading down a different hall on their way. When they finally get outside….he feels like it used to be more grand. Several patches of flowers are wilting, weeds sprouting up here and there- It feels… sad. Neglected.
Nightmare had always been proud of the garden, always somehow setting aside at least a few minutes every day to care for it, despite its massive reach all the way to the forest's edge.
He obviously hasn’t come by in quite some time. The thought makes Era frown, his joy at being allowed outside again dampened by the sad state of the garden.
Killer continues to push him through the unkept stone pathway, over the small wooden bridge going over one of the many natural brooks scattered around the garden. Era has to hold back a couple pained sounds as uneven stones make the wheelchair bounce and shake, jostling his injuries.
Killer, of course, still notices and stops pushing to walk around the wheelchair. “Want me ta carry ya?”
“I-I’m fINe-” Era tries to reassure, fiddling with the blanket on his lap.
“We both know that’s a lie.” Killer tells him bluntly, crouching down in front of him before gently placing a hand on Era’s. “Do ya want me ta hold ya?”
“...YeS PleASe..” The small glitch mumbles, tense, as if bracing for a blow. Killer’s soul flickers, before the short skeleton simply moves up to kiss his temple lightly, making Era flinch, before blinking up at him in surprised confusion.
“I’d die before even thinkin’ about hurtin’ ya, Ru. Ya too precious.” The short skeleton tells him honestly, soul contorting harshly for a moment.
“I-I wAsn’T… I KnOW- aNd I TrUst yoU. I jUst.. Got So uSeD TO beINg hiT WhEnevER I daRed aSkEd foR ANytHinG…” Era trails off, shrugging a bit helplessly. Killer just kisses his face again, and again, and again.
“We’ll have ta change it so ya expect kisses instead then~” He doesn’t wait for a response as he gently moves a hand under the bend of Era’s legs and back before picking him up to hold him against his chest, making him squeak, face bright yellow.
The shorter skeleton nuzzles the top of his skull before turning to continue their little walk, leaving the wheelchair behind as Era relaxes in his hold.
“COuLd.. We gO To thE GrOtto SWinG…?”
“Yeah sure~ Do ya like that spot?”
“MhM- I liKed thE BluE FLowErs… I thINk thEy weRe bLUe At leASt..” He mutters, brows furrowing. Killer shrugs, nuzzling him again.
“I got know idea what color they are either, but their magic is really cool, and their shape. Not echo flowers, but a similar species or something like that.”
“MHm. The SwINg WaS NicE Too.” Killer kisses the top of his skull again, before turning onto a different path, the sun nice and warm on their bones.
Soon, a small grotto comes into view, almost seeming to glow from the shimmer of the blue and purple flowers within it, the white and gold gazebo in the middle lit up only by the bioluminescent plants around it.
The clear water on the far side of the gazebo is deep, the plants crawling up the stone walls of the grotto from the depth and making the clear water appear blue and purple as well. Hanging from the ceiling of the gazebo is a single bench swing. It looks like it has seen better years, but Era eagerly urges Killer towards it nonetheless.
The small skeleton walks them over to it and carefully sits down, the swing moving back as Killer moves Era to sit beside him, who carefully leans against him once he settles down. The swing sways slowly as Killer wraps his arm over Era’s shoulder, gently rubbing his collar bone and nuzzling his skull.
“Hmm…this is nice.”
“YeAH..” Era murmurs, relaxing further against Killer as the very beginnings of a purr bubbles out of his ribcage. It’s so quiet, save for the small trickle of the water and a few bugs chirping here and there.
It feels peaceful and safe to Era, just enjoying the calm atmosphere with one of his favorite people.
“...Hey, did ya know boss planted the forest?”
“ReALly? I’M noT SUrpRisED- ThIS whOLe AU is A HuGe paTChwORk of coDe.”
“Yeah it’s an interesting jumble. I really like it though. It’s weird ta think I’ve only lived here for 137 years. I feel like I’ve always been here.”
“MHm… I’m gLaD It’S NOt sO LoNg, tHoUgh.” Era nuzzles Killer. “‘CaUSe thAt meANs YoU’ll sTilL Be hErE For a loNG TiMe..?”
“I should be.” The shorter smiles genuinely at him, sockets soft. “Regular skeletons usually live to 200, so I got about….oh, 37’s a bit shorter than I thought it would be.”
“...” Era frowns, turning to cling to Killer. Even the thought of any of his family’s time being limited makes his soul break, just a little. He just got back- just thinking about losing them again has him tearing up slightly.
“Oh- Ru. hey- hey hey no, it’s ok glitchy-” Killer panics a little, wrapping his arms around the destroyer in a comforting hug. “I mean- you could just reset my AU or something and I’d just show up again-”
“I j-jUsT- I JuSt gOT BaCk I-” Era’s voice cracks, and though he knows Killer is right, the reminder that his family is mortal hurts. Killer could always come back, Dust too, but what about Horror or Cross? Or Blue?
Killer internally kicks himself for bringing it up at all- “We’ll- we’ll just make up for lost time. Two years is pretty small when ya think about it-”
“Th-tHaT’s NoT-” Era forces himself to take a deep, shaky breath. “...I’M g-GoIng tO liVe sO muCh LoNgER thAN yoU-”
“....Yeah, ya will. But you’ll have Nightmare too….and maybe even Eros. So you won't be alone or anything.”
“I d-doN’T WaNna lOsE yOu…” Era mutters, holding Killer tighter as he fights back a fresh wave of tears. The short skeleton’s soul contorts harshly as he holds the glitch tighter, before nuzzling and kissing the top of his skull.
“I don’t wanna lose ya either Ru…” All he gets is a quiet, broken whimper from Era in response as the glitch nuzzles against him, stubbornly blinking back tears. Killer sighs as he gently rubs the glitch’s back, cursing himself. He really should have kept his mouth shut-
Eventually, Era’s breathing steadys as he relaxes again, having managed to successfully keep himself from crying. Now he just feels drained and tired again.
“....Do you want to go back to the castle..? We could watch a movie.”
“...AnD CUdDle..?”
“And cuddle, I still got plenty of magic for ya da fondle as ya please too~” Era whines at that, though he can’t deny it. With a grin on his face, Killer gently picks up the glitch again and starts heading back to the castle, pepering Era with kisses all the way back to pick up his wheelchair, managing to have Era giggling and squirming in playful protest by the time they reach it.
“Hmmm…think boss’ll be mad if I just leave it~? I think I like carryin’ ya a lot better~” Era has to remind himself that even if Nightmare did get mad, he wouldn’t actually do anything.
“....I tHiNk I LiKe beINg cArRIeD beTteR tOo..~” Killer grins devilishly and begins walking without it.
“He’ll just have ta deal then~”
“M-mHm..” Era glances back at the abandoned wheelchair, a touch nervous about leaving it, before resting his head on Killer’s shoulder, forcing himself to relax.
Once home, Killer sets him down on the couch before grabbing the remote and turning on Netflix. “Ok so they got some new stuff. A lot of scary stuff that’s pretty cool but ya probably wouldn’t like it. There’s also a dinosaur show that's cool. Have ya seen Jurassic park?”
“Uh- yeAH.” Era shifts a bit, fidgeting. Killer pauses for a moment before continuing.
“Oooor I heard there’s a new season of Undernovela~”
“ReALly? A WhOLe sEAsoN-?? Oh mAn iT’s beEN So lONg siNCe I’vE BEeN allOwED tO wAtcH UNdeRNovELa thE LAst SeasON eNDed On a HugE CliFFHaNGer-” Era quickly cuts himself off before he can begin rambling, blushing a bit as Killer just grins knowingly.
“You are so fucking cute~”
“Wh-wHa-? HeY-!” Era sputters, blushing brighter. Killer’s grin somehow grows even more and he shamelessly leans over to kiss the glitch’s skull wherever he can reach.
“Adorable~ Stunning, beautiful, majestic, eyecatching, and incredibly attractive~”
“Sh-sHUt uPpp-” Era whines even as he soaks in the affection like a sponge, face bright yellow at this point. Killer continues with the praise and kisses even as he turns on Undernovela, Era grumbling halfheartedly as he settles down to watch.
~
Error can only close his sockets against the touches, holding back fearful and pained whimpers as Ink tugs harshly on his ribs, pressure only just light enough to not break them off. He doesn’t even know what he had done to upset Ink this time.
His bones rattle and shake as he waits for the next harsh tug…but it doesn’t come. Hesitantly, he opens his sockets, tense in anticipation and fear. He was expecting to see Ink glaring or smiling down at him..not Nightmare, giving him a reassuring smile.
“Ru-” Error flinches a bit, more out of surprise than fear.
“N..No tH-thIS Is a- a TrICk- I-I’m SoR-rrY-” He stutters.
“....Ruru, dear. This is a dream.” The goop covered skeleton tells him with a small frown, but his voice is deep and soft, patient. It’s so different from Ink’s.
“...I-it iS…?”
“Mhm” Nightmare nods. “It’s just a bad dream. You are safe at home, snuggling everyone on my bed.”
“C-cAn… CaN You wAKe mE Up? PLeaSe…?” Error quietly pleads, not wanting to be here longer than he has to.
“...Alright, as you wish my dear.” Nightmare leans down and places a soft kiss on Era’s forehead and he is immediately aware of the quiet, even breathing behind him and the large figure pressed against his back. Era relaxes with a shaky breath of relief, opening his sockets to look around Nightmare’s room, reassuring himself it’s real.
Horror’s arm is draped over his middle as the big skeleton nuzzles into his spine, with Killer down more at his feet, drooling a little on his femur. It’s a bit gross, but Era can’t find it in himself to move the smaller skeleton.
A hand gently pets over his skull, and Era looks up to find Nightmare reading a book as he pets him. Era relaxes further, tilting his head into the guardian’s touch with a small hum. It’s calming, the way NIghtmare’s phalanges gently trace his facial features, curling around his sockets and down his nasal bridge to the next socket and then down his jaw and mouth to repeat the process all over again.
It’s so nice and quiet too, with early morning light just barely peeking through the heavy purple curtains over the large windows and open balcony, the occasional turn of a page in Nghtmare’s book, and almost insatiable snoring from the big skeleton behind him.
It helps Era calm down, and after a moment his sockets flutter shut again as he falls back asleep, a quiet purr building in his ribcage even as it aches in phantom pain.
The dark guardian smiles, glancing down at Era before looking back at his book, simply enjoying the peaceful morning air.
~
Era pauses to take a break, slumping down in his wheelchair as he catches his breath. He’s finally healed enough to use it without needing someone to push him, but it still tires him out. Still, he wanted to visit the library and Killer had to go do something, so he’s on his own for now.
As he adjusts himself, panting a little, mumbled voices leak into the hallway, coming from a cracked door just down a little to his right. Curious, he quietly makes his way closer.
“There’s no telling what he could have done while in Ink’s body-” That’s Cross’ voice.
“I am very aware, but right now there is only so much we can do. I am weak and Eros is only one skeleton.”
“But I can-”
“You need rest, Cross.” Era’s brows furrow in concern as he listens. What’s going on? Is something bad happening? “You’ve been working yourself too hard. And while I am thankful you’ve been trying for my sake, I am now telling you to stop.”
“This is my fault. I neglected my work for too long and am suffering the consequences. You mustn’t trouble yourself any longer.”
“But….but you’re starving.”
“Not to the point it will kill me. I will be fine until I can get all this paperwork done, then hopefully the emotional balance will even out again.” Nightmare sighs, sounding so much more exhausted than he sounded this morning.
What… what on earth happened while Era was gone? He knew things weren’t great but… Nightmare was starving himself? Was Cross out doing missions this whole time..?
“As for Ink, Eros is trying to track the missing soul half to hopefully find whatever X-Gaster has been up to. As you said, there’s no telling what he could have done using Ink’s powers for two whole years.” There's a small shuffle of papers before Nightmare continues.
“What did Dream tell you about Ink’s body? Has he awoken yet?”
“Well…..no. He’s completely unresponsive boss.” What do they mean Ink is unresponsive? Have they not given him any paints? Why hasn’t anyone asked him for help yet? Even if he’s stuck in a wheelchair he can still be useful- right…? He knows Eros has taken over his job while he was gone, but… has he been replaced..?
“That is odd-....Ruru dear, you don’t have to sit outside you know.” Era flinches, a squeak escaping him as he shrinks in on himself guiltily. Cross opens the door, his footsteps quiet as Nightmare gestures for the glitch to come inside. “Come in, dear. If you wanted to be included you can just ask.”
“I- I WaS JuSt P-pAsSinG By…” Era mumbles, avoiding eye contact as he slowly wheels himself in. This time, Cross closes the door all the way before walking back over to stand in front of Nightmare's desk.
He had forgotten what the guardian's office looked like. A large window behind him, two grand bookshelves reaching up to the ceiling on both sides that a rolling ladder is needed to reach the top, maybe not for Nightmare though- It’s covered in books and nick nacks, one with several different jars of flower specimens.
There are stacks of paperwork not only on Nightmare’s desk, but surrounding him on the floor too. Era can’t help but stare at them in surprise. Nightmare wasn’t one to let his work build up so bad.
“Well I am glad you’re here. I was going to go check up on you soon anyway.” He stands from behind his desk and carefully walks around to kneel in front of Era. “Do you feel better? Has your day been alright?”
“It Um- Y-yEah. I- I caN PusH mysELf aROunD NoW..” Era hesitantly glances at Nightmare, before looking away, not quite having the courage to ask about what he had overheard.
“....Well I am glad you are getting better. Nothing in particular has been bothering you then? No irritated wounds or infections?”
“I.. GuESs mY AnKLe haS BeEn huRTing- aND My sHoULder is BuGgINg me a Bit bUt it- iT’S fiNe.” He’s also been feeling a touch lonely, but he doesn’t want to be more of a bother than he already is.
“Hmm…I’ll have Killer adjust the bandages a bit then. I’m sure a few need to be replaced again.” Nightmare gently grabs his hands, holding and stroking them gently with his thumbs. “You are allowed to speak your mind, darling. No information is not allowed to you.”
“No It’S- I’m fINe…” Era mumbles, looking down at their conjoined hands, a part of him wanting to pull back, to leave so he can’t get in the way or be a burden.
“...Please don’t think like that.” Nightmare tells him. Era blinks, looking up to see the guardian frowning. “I can feel your self loathing from here.”
“You are allowed to be here, you aren’t doing anything wrong, and you are more than welcome to be involved and included. We just want you to be safe and get better.”
“I jUsT.. DoN’t wAnNa geT In thE Way… ‘M pReTtY UsELesS riGht noW..” He admits, cringing in on himself. NIghtmare’s frown deepens, before he decides to bring one of Era’s hands up to his mouth and places a tender kiss against his palm.
“Ru dear, you aren't a burden in the least and you most certainly aren’t in the way.” Era can’t help but notice Nightmare didn’t deny the useless comment. “Now that we have you back there are just…a few things we have to fix and we didn’t want to stress you out or put anything more on your shoulders when you already have so much to deal with.”
“I.. I KnOw… SoRry..”
“You have no reason to apologize. You’ve done nothing wrong….I am sorry I can’t make these feelings go away, but we both know it wouldn’t help if I did…..You really are free to ask anything. This all includes you too…” Era just quietly looks back down, not saying anything for a long moment as he holds back another apology.
“Things went to shit when you vanished.” Cross suddenly says, both skeletons looking up at him. “We all went looking for you and did so non stop for a few months. Boss got behind on his paperwork, Killer had to be subdued because his soul almost shattered when Nightmare told him we had to rest…and stop looking for a while.”
“No one wanted to take a break, but we were running low on supplies. We needed food and sleep. We were all shaken, thinking you had died. It was the only explanation we could come up with…” Era frowns, hold on Nightmare’s hands tightening as he looks at Cross, feeling guilty and upset. When he was still trapped, a part of him had hoped none of them would care he was missing, wanting to save them the grief even as he desperately wished to be saved.
“Dust relapsed and refused to take his medication, he ended up screaming at and attacking Horror one day. He had to be locked in his room for a week, while boss calmed him down. At that point it was all just a mess….Dream started coming by to help out, cleaning, getting groceries-”
“Boss was so busy taking care of everyone that he hadn’t done any of his work for half a year and no one was in any condition to go looking for you again….With you gone and no one getting rid of the viruses or destroying to cause negativity, the overall negatively in the multiverse started to noticeably go down and Nightmare-” Cross looks at the guardian in frustration. “Didn’t tell anyone. Instead he started using his remaining magic to isolate infected AU’s so they couldn’t spread their viruses or bugs to any others around them. At this point no one was going on missions, no paperwork was being done, and boss didn’t say anything to anyone.”
Cross says the last sentence bitterly, clearly upset. Nightmare doesn’t look his way.
“...I’m sORry..” Era mumbles, not sure what else to say and feeling awful for being the cause of this.
“..Era it’s not your fault. It’s not like you asked to be kidnapped...” Cross frowns at him, walking over to lightly nuzzle the side of his skull. “There was nothing you could have done.”
“CoULd’Ve tRieD HArdEr tO EScaPe-” He protests even as his ankle twinges painfully at the reminder.
“No. I wouldn’t want you to have hurt yourself more than you already were. You’re here now and that’s what matters.” Nightmare tries to reassure him, a quiet, unhappy whine escaping Era. He knows logically that the guardian is right, but he’s still guilty.
“Besides, I am fixing the problem gradually. I will be fine.”
“The other problem is X-Gaster.” Era grimaces and stiffens at that.
“Wh-wHAt aBoUT HiM..?” Cross gets a grim look on his face as he stands up straight again.
“We only have half of his soul, the one that was inside of Ink. There’s no telling where the rest of him is or what he used Ink’s magic for. Last time he showed up he tried to rewrite the entire multiverse, imagine what he could do with Ink’s creation magic!”
Nightmare’s grip tightens on Era’s hands. “If he was able to make a small AU that negates all magic, like the one he held you captive in, then he could just as easily make one to hide himself and whatever he is planning.”
“...DoES CrOsS Not hAve iT?” Era questions, anxious and a touch confused. Cross blinks at him, brow furrowed.
“What? No- I mean I have Chara’s half? There’s only a fraction of X-Gaster in there and it's not really his conscience….Just a part of his will….”
“He mERgEd haLF oF His SoUL WiTH ChaRa anD FriSk’s, buT In a CErtAIn wAy sO He cOUld RESET. He neVEr reALly TriEd to COnNecT hiS cONscIOusnEss, juST His mAGic. PLus- HuMAn deTErMINatIOn cAn bLOcK OUt a loT… IF yoU HaVe ChaRA’s sOUl, yoU ShoULd haVe hiS Too…” Era trails off, uncertain.
“Wouldn’t there be four soul pieces then? Assuming both have been cut in half.” Cross asks, just as uncertain.
“I… nO..? ‘CaUse ThE thReE SOulS CReAteD ThE X-EveNt? ANy oThEr rEMaiNs ShOUld hAvE BeEn deLEteD wiTH- uH- YouR AU.” Cross looks over his shoulder, frowning at something- probably Chara.
“Well that’s reassuring. So he only has one consciousness in half of his soul then and the other half with his magic was destroyed? Honestly I uh….wasn't sure what I had done to my Au…..exactly-” Era grimaces and looks away tellingly, not sure if he wants to continue this line of conversation.
“...What? Was it that bad..?” Cross asks nervously, glancing over his shoulder again. Era just stays quiet, figuring he should let Chara talk first- even if he doesn’t know what he’s saying.
“Chara’s a little confused. You said three of the soul halves were deleted when I destroyed my AU, but there’s one of Chara’s halves with me and another that was with Ink.”
“WhAT? No- ChAra ANd FriSk sHAreD A SoUl, wHicH XGasteR CoMBinED HaLf oF His SOUl wiTh. I aSsUme InK GoT The OTheR HaLf soMEHow oR SOMetHinG- bUt WHen yOU aBSorBeD tHEir sOUl yOu SpliT ThEm uP. CoMe tO THinK Of iT WhAteVer pEICe oF GaSTer’s sOUl iS ProBaBLy moRE LiKe a FOrTh oF His SOul. WhATevEr wAs lEFt oF hiM sTILL iN thE AU whEn iT WaS DeleTEd wAs eRasED WiTh evERytHinG ELse.” Era tries to explain, out of practice for explaining things like this. It’s draining.
“....Yeah sorry- We’re still confused. But at least we know X-Gaster himself is out of the way. Thanks Era~” Cross smiles at him before nuzzling the side of his skull for the second time, making Era smile weakly as he nuzzles him back.
“We still have to uncover what he did while in Ink’s body, not just kidnapping Error- Era.” Nightmare nuzzles into his other side, still stroking the glitch’s hands.
“YeAh…” Era mumbles, sighing tiredly. Nightmare stands back up as Cross straightens and the guardian grabs the handles of his wheelchair.
“That’s enough talking for today. Cross, will you help Era to wherever he was trying to go? You two haven’t had a chance to send time together, correct?”
Cross nods, looking down at the glitch. “Yes, boss…but are you sure I can’t help-”
“Cross.” Nightmare’s stirn tone leaves no room for debate and the monochrom skeleton takes it as an order. Era just quietly watches the exchange, frowning a bit. Cross doesn’t complain again as he wheels Era out of the office, ignoring the look he gets from Nightmare until the door is closed.
“YoU.. DoN’t haVE To sPeNd tiMe wiTH Me if YOu doN’t wANt..” Era says quietly, not wanting to make Cross hang out with him just because of Nightmare’s orders. However the monochrom is quick to decline.
“What? Oh-! Oh no no no it’s not that-! I want to hang out with you! I Love spending time with you…I just….” He looks back at the door, brow furrowing. “I want to be useful to him….”
Era blinks, a touch surprised. “I mean- what am I if I can’t be useful? I don’t want to be another problem for him to fix…”
“..DaMn- Am I jUSt ANotHeR ONe oF NigHTmaRE’s pRobLEms?” Era tries to joke, though he knows it doesn’t quite come out right.
“No- no Ru you aren’t a problem! Boss loves you he would do anything for you-”
“Ah- s-SOrRy- I jUst-” Era tries to backtrack, shrinking in on himself a bit.
“...What are you apologizing for? I’m the one who misspoke. I didn’t mean to make it sound like you're a problem. You’re more like…a goal. You’re Nightmare’s equal, you know?”
“I wOUld hARdLy cALl mYSeLf aN EquAL RiGht noW… BeSIDes- I’m pREtTy uSelesS, toO… So, I’m A PRoBleM, riGhT?” Era hesitantly asks, getting an idea.
“No- Not at all. Just because you’re weak right now doesn’t mean you aren’t still equals. I mean, he still sees you that way. You’re his friend and ally, not his subordinate or pawn.”
“I’m sTiLL oF nO USe tHoUGh.” Era points out.
“That’s the thing about his friend. You don’t have to be useful. You don’t….owe your life to him or anything.”
“I aCTuaLLy dO- seVEraL TimEs ovEr.” Cross blinks for a moment, surprised.
“You…you do?”
“MhM. PluS, I’Ve beEN goNE FOr tWo yeARs aNd cAUsEd a biT Of a ShITshOw- I’m fAIrLy ceRTaIN I’M A PrOBleM At tHis POinT.” Era states, nodding to himself as Cross frowns.
“You really aren’t….”
“I’m NOt? EveN if I’m oF No uSE?”
“Of course not. Like I said, you don’t need to be useful. We just like you~”
“Hm.. WeLL- We aLL jUst LIKe yoU tOo..~” Era says, blushing a bit. This conversation didn’t quite go the way he had hoped- Still, the bright violet blush on Cross’ face is worth it.
“O-oh- Well uh- I l-like you too- Wait I already said that didn’t I-? What I mean is- Uh-” Era just giggles quietly, fondly smiling up at Cross and making the soldier blush brighter in flustered embarrassment. “Anyway- Do you want to do anything..? I’m free now so-”
“I MeaN.. I WaS HEaDinG TO thE LiBRarY oRigINaLly- bUt Uh- yOu cAN jUsT TaKe mE BaCk tO NiGht’S rOoM Or WHaTEveR- If yOu’d RaTHeR JuSt dO yoUR OwN thINg..”
“I’d much rather spend time with you. I know I haven’t been around but….I’ve really missed you too…we haven’t just….talked in a while…or cuddled.”
“..WaNna cUDdlE In NiGht’s rOom?” Era hesitantly asks. The guardian’s room is basically the new living room at this point- mostly because Era finds it more comfortable than the living room couch.
“Yeah sure.” Cross smiles at him, turning the wheelchair to head in the opposite direction to Nightmare’s bedroom. They were actually really close and once there he awkwardly asks if he can pick Era up, and the glitch just makes grabby hands in response.
The oreo somehow manages to blush even brighter, carefully scooping the glitch out of the chair and carrying him onto the bed. He stumbles a little as he lays Era down on the pillows, before sitting up to shrug off his fluffy jacket and scarf as Era watches, fighting back the urge to snatch Cross’ jacket out of his hands.
The oreo tosses the fabric aside as he unbuckles his boots before properly going in for snuggles, wrapping an arm around Era and pulling him close, who happily nuzzles him even as he internally laments the lack of jacket.
“Hmm~ I missed doing this. You’re so small.”
“YoU’rE JusT sTupiDLY biG-” Era pouts, before deciding to just go for it and trying to use his strings to grab Cross’ jacket. The soldier watches for a moment in amusement before reaching over and just grabbing his jacket.
“Remember how you would steal it sometimes? I would randomly find it in your room….or Killer’s-” Era laughs a bit.
“In MY defeNSe iT’s sOFt anD Big-” He states, reaching for the jacket. “PlEaSe giMmE-”
Cross blushes at Era’s odd word choices, before just handing over his jacket. “You two are weird-”
“Yus~” Era cheers to himself quietly, happily putting on the jacket and nuzzling into it with a purr. It practically swallows his small form, the fluff making it look even bigger on him.
“Pfft-! You’re so cute and tiney-” Cross immediately coos with a snicker, making Era whine in protest, blushing in flustered embarrassment. With a soft smile, Cross gently picks up the glitch and sets him in his lap.
“You’re like an adorable teddy bear~”
“NuH-uH THaT’s KiLler’S joB-”
“Killer’s even smaller. It’s funny actually- my jacket almost looks like a trench coat on him.” Era bursts into quiet giggles at the mental image, nuzzling and relaxing against Cross with a sweet smile. He can hear the soldier's soul beat loudly in his ribcage. It’s soothing.
“H-he’s pretty cute isn’t he? A little horny gremlin, but….he has his moments.”
“A SwEet LiTtLe hoRNy gReMLin…~” Era agrees, quietly purring as he finds his sockets growing heavy. Cross gently rubs his shoulder as he talks, resting his skull on Era’s.
“Yeah, he can be surprisingly sweet and…he’s actually really romantic. It took me by surprise when he gave me a valentines day gift.”
“He MAdE mE a cuTe.. liTtlE ChoCOlaTe caKe Once…” Era murmurs, relaxing further against Cross and purring louder.
“With his cooking skills? You didn’t eat that did you-”
“We ThREw iT aWaY… AnD sToLE oNe fRom A BaKEry TogTHer. I’wAs fuN..~” The glitch mumbles, yawning.
“Pfft- Of course you two did…~ Cute dorks~” Cross starts up his own loud purring as he nuzzles the top of Era’s skull, closing his sockets as the glitch hums, not even noticing his own sockets fluttering shut.
“.....I don’t deserve you…any of you.”
“Hm…?” Era makes a sleepy, questioning sound, already half asleep as he lightly nuzzles Cross.
“Oh it’s nothing.” Cross places a small kiss on the glitch’s skull, holding him a little closer. “Sleep well ok..?”
“Mm..~” Era hums quietly in response, slowly falling into a peaceful sleep as he continues to purr, only falling silent once completely asleep. After petting the glitch for a while, Cross starts to feel sleepy himself, his sockets drooping.
A little nap wouldn't hurt…
Chapter 12: A Glitchy, Dark, Afterdeath
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error dies. For the first time in thousands of years, Geno opens his sockets.
Error x Nightmare, Error x Reaper, and past (But also not) Geno x Reaper
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
It was dark- almost on the edge of darker than dark. The only thing within sight was a tiny patch of grass just big enough for him to lay on it if he wanted. He has no idea where he was or how long he was here- and none of his more defining magic was working. He couldn’t make portals, or use his strings, or look at the code- the only things that he could do were just the basic gaster blasters and bone attacks of any normal Sans could use. If he tried really hard, he could open windows to what looks like a classic timeline, but that was it.
He… he had died, right? Something went wrong at just the wrong time- when his HP barely above zero- and… he dusted. He vividly remembered that. Was this some sort of purgatory? If that was the case, he would like out now- he’s already dealt with a white hell, he doesn’t need to deal with a black one, too.
At least there were no voices this time.
“....Geno…?” Nevermind.
Error turns to look in the voice’s direction, only to come face to face with a shocked looking Death, making him take a few steps away.
“W-who’s that?”
Death only stares in response before tears fall from his sockets and he repeats what he had said before.
”....Geno…?”
“You- you good-?” Was he broken-? The floating skeleton takes a minute longer to stare with the most shocked look full of longing, a hand slowly reaching out towards him.
“Y-you’re real right..? I’m n-not dream-ming….?”
“Um…” Error watches Death’s hand wearily, inching away slightly. Though in theory Death’s touch could kill him, he was pretty sure he was already dead, so it probably didn’t matter- he still doesn’t love the idea of touching anyone else at the moment.
Death stops short, seeming to wilt more than he already had since he appeared.
“No…it can’t be real..”
Error pauses, looking between the god’s hand and his face, before hesitantly and extremely lightly, grabbing Death’s still outstretched hand.
“I’m- uh- Pretty s-sure I’m real, actually.”
The look Death gives him can not be properly expressed with words. Tears stream down his face and he immediately grabs Error’s hand, tight, but tender and gentle, desperate. The death god is sobbing that word over and over, overjoyed, relieved, so very very tired.
“Geno G-g-geno geno-”
Error has no idea what was happening- He glitches for just a moment from the harder contact, but they disappear quickly. The glitch still has no idea who or what Geno is, but he does his best to smile comfortingly at Death, awkwardly holding his free arm open in an offer for him. No matter how much he might not be up for touch, the poor god looks like he needs a hug right now.
Death takes it, pulling Error into a tight yet gentle hug, as if he’s scared the glitch will vanish right out of his hold. Error lightly hugs back with another ripple of glitches, murmuring quiet reasurences to Death.
It takes at least a good hour for Death to stop crying his soul out -not that there’s any way to know for sure- and when he does, he pulls back just enough to lightly place a hand on Error's cheek, a tired smile on his face.
“You're really here...I-I thought I’d never find you..It’s been so long…”
“U-uh…” Error wasn’t quite sure how to react as he fought back the urge to flinch away from Death’s touch- he’s pretty sure the god has the wrong person at this point…
“A-are you ok? You're not hurt anywhere or hurting? You're glitching more than usual, are you upset?”
“N-no I just…” The glitch finally lets his confusion show as he unconsciously leans into Death’s touch.
“Death- Reaper- …Who’s Geno?”
The god freezes…before he gives the glitch a sad look and lightly presses their foreheads together.
“You are…..You don’t….what’s the last thing you remember..?”
“I d-died? I think? There was an accident… I was dusting…” Error shudders at the memory, a few more glitches dancing over him.
“Oh- uh ok uhm…How about we sit down?” Still holding Error close to him, Death brings them both down to the ‘floor’ of whatever void they’re in. Error fiddles with his scarf as they sit.
“Alright…”
“I’ll tell you what I know ok? And we can build from there.” Death shifts, taking a deep, tired, breath.
“This is a very….old AU. It’s the first Undertale timeline diversion. You know the events of Undertale #0 right?”
“Yeah- the kid exists, maybe fucks up everything maybe not, then RESETs. Fun.” Error deadpans, not quite sure where the sudden animosity for the fallen child was coming from.
“Yes. In this AU, Aftertale, the kid did fuck up, as you put it, and the Sans did something drastic. They infused themselves with DT before the final battle in Judgment hall.”
Error hums, brows furrowing. “ This AU? I thought this was just the Void… or something.”
“I’m getting there- The Sans failed and while he was dusting he thought maybe using the DETERMINATION could save him and it did…it sent him here. To the save screen. Where time doesn’t move. He was stuck, not alive and just on the edge of death…that’s how I found him.”
Error glances down at himself, at the changes he refused to acknowledge until now. The white bones and clothes, the giant, bleeding slash going across his ribcage.
“...This is m-my story… isn’t it.” He states more than asks.
Death nods solemnly, gently rubbing Error’s hands.
“You called yourself Geno, short for Genocide…..A long….long…time ago…you vanished.” His voice breaks, taking another deep breath to hold back more tears. “I knew you weren't dead, but even Life couldn’t find you…I-I’ve been looking…a-a-all over for you…”
Error can’t help but tear up a bit himself. “I’m s-sorry… I’m sorry I couldn’t- still can’t remember…” Death nuzzles him, gentle in a way he doesn’t understand.
“Please don’t apologize- I-it's not your fault. You would never have left us on purpose. Never. You're here now Gen and I’m never letting you go.”
“B-bUT-” How would he even begin to explain that he became the god of destruction- that his code became so twisted and warped that he became an entirely different person? If Death was to be believed- and he was known for being pretty honest unless he was trying to get out of doing work- then he had an entire life before he became Error, and he remembers absolutely none of it.
“Please…..p-please don’t vanish again…I need you..your family needs you..”
“I’m- I’m not. I swear- I… I can’t promise since I don’t kn-know what caused it the first time… Stars Nightmare’s gonna kill me…” The last sentence was mumbled, and Error wasn’t even aware he had said it out loud, Death heard him.
“Nightmare? He didn’t hurt you did he? I won’t let him-”
“Wh-what-? No no- no he didn’t hurt me no-“
“Oh..good…How do you know Nightmare exactly..?..Actually- No that’s not important right now.”
Error stays silent, looking at Death. He felt it was pretty important, all things considered, but sure whatever.
“For now we…uh..do you have a necklace on you at all? Maybe in your inventory?”
“Um…” The glitch pats his chest to feel for any kind of necklace, and, not finding anything, he reaches into his inventory. He does actually pull out a necklace, much to his surprise. He’s pretty sure that wasn’t in there before he died…
“Oh good you still have it. Keep this with you at all times ok Gen? It will keep you from dying when we leave.” Death lightly holds and strokes the soul shaped pendant on the chain before draping it over Error’s neck.
“Wait, I'd die if I left-?” The glitch is suddenly thankful he didn’t have access to his portals. The death god nods, letting the pendent fall against Error/Geno’s chest.
“Without the pendent, yes. It’s a gift from Life, she’s a good friend of mine.” Lightly, he continues to nuzzle the bloody glitch. “The Save Screen keeps your body frozen on the edge of death, but the moment you leave it no longer has an effect on you.”
“Wh-which is why you can touch me, right?” The glitches blocking Error’s eyesocket get worse for a moment at the continued nuzzles.
“The effect of the Save Screen or you being on the edge of death?” The god takes notice of the smaller’s glitches and pulls away, even if he seems sad about it. It makes Error feel guilty about his touch aversion for the first time in a while.
“Either I guess.”
“I don’t think it’s the Save Screen. We always thought it was because you're…not really alive. You can’t kill something that’s already dead.”
“Heh- You got a p-point there.” It makes Error wonder if he would’ve been able to touch Death as Error- but he avoided touching the god just as much as he avoided touching almost everyone else, so he’s not sure.
“I mean you're not dead just, but not alive either…if that makes sense. Every time you do actually die you just re-appear here. Or you're at least supposed to.”
Similar to Error’s safeguard, then. “Huh…”
“Ok what else…uhh….I don’t want to overwhelm you.” Death's brow furrows over his empty sockets as he taps his chin, thinking deeply.
“You can just… explain things as they come up? I guess?” Error half shrugs, messing with his scarf again. He’s not sure he likes this red one as much as his blue one- the colors feel too jarring- too different.
Death tenses a little, giving Error a skeptical look as he fidgets with his phalanges.
“Uhhhhhh……well there’s something…you should know first, but it’s kind of a really big deal and uhm- I’m not sure how to tell you without making you feel bad- or like you have to make up for anything-”
“Just tell me.” The glitch interrupts Death’s rant, giving him a look. The death god stops and sits up straight, clearing out his non-existent throat.
“We have kids.” He says it quickly before he can hesitate.
Error blinks, staring at Death with wide sockets.
“We h-have whAt?”
“W-we were mates and we have skullies-”
“How many- how old are they? What are their names?” Error immediately starts grilling Death for information on the kids that he apparently left behind when he became the destroyer. The god takes a moment to respond, having expected a much worse reaction of some kind.
“U-hu five. Goth is 13, Raven is 10, Nomi is 7, and Shino is 5-”
“Goth? Where do I know that name…?” Error’s brows furrow as he thinks, trying to remember where he heard the name of apparently his oldest. Death smiles, relieved his old mate recognized at least one of them in some way.
“I take Gothy to meetings with me when I can. He likes to play with Ink and Dream’s kid, Pallet.”
“Oh! That’s right… The v-voices were ranting about their ship… called… Poth? I think that s-sounds right…” Error mutters quietly, just thinking out loud.
“Poth? W-wait no Gothy and Pallet aren’t……..” Death’s brow furrows and he frowns. “Ah hell no-”
“Huh?” Error looks at the god in confusion.
“My Gothy does NOT have a thing for Pallet. They are just friends-” He’s in denial.
“You’re in d-denial.” Error snickers.
“No no no- No. Pallet is nice, but no-”
“Pfft- If you say so-” Death pouts at him, but smiles a little.
“Anyway…would you like to meet them?”
Error pauses, visibly hesitating. “I- But I don’t even remember them…”
“They’ll be…sad, but they’ll have their mom and dad- back. Your memory isn’t ideal, but you're here and I know they would love to see you!” Death sounds excited, or at least as excited as he can be with those bags under his sockets.
The glitch just glances away uncertainly. He honestly still isn’t sure how to react to this- he had an entire life and was happy where he was, then he dies and wakes up in a body that is but isn’t his own, with the literal incarnation of death coming and telling him that he had an entire life and family that he couldn’t remember no matter how hard he tried.
He just… doesn’t know what to do…
Seeing Error’s conflict, Death hums. “You don’t have to right now…I know this is a lot and it must be confusing. I get it if seeing them right now is a bit much…”
“But I… I owe them at least that much, don’t I..?”
“They’ve waited this long. A little longer won’t hurt.”
“...” He should tell Death he was Error- and try to go see his friends and tell them he was alive… But…
“...Can I ask you a question Gen?”
“..Yeah?”
“...You remember the time between your disappearance and now..don’t you.” It wasn’t really a question, more of a statement the god had been hesitant to acknowledge until now. Error just gives a small nod in response, unable to make himself look at Death.
The god takes a deep, shaky breath. “I’m…kind of scared to ask but….”
“I don’t- I don’t remember all of it- especially of the beginning- but um… h-have you heard anything about- about Error? D-dusting recently?”
That has Death freezing in place as his sockets widen ever so slowly.
“I…I came to check the Save Screen before going to the meeting….”
“The- the meeting..?”
The god looks down, still fiddling with his hands.
“A few years after you disappeared, Ink formed this..counsel thing with all the head honchos of the multiverse in it. He asked me to join, but I told him no. He sends me a text anyway, when they're having a meeting, so I go, just for Gothy.”
“I… I know that part…” The glitch doesn’t mention that he used to be a common topic in those meetings, or that he helped run a few of them himself, just to get an easier way to see if anything was glitching.
“Do you know i-if it’s still going?”
“Probably, they tend to last a while…Why do you ask?”
“I don’t… N-nothing.” Error wanted to go, but what would he even do once there? And why did he even want to go in the first place? He wanted to see if anyone would miss him- how they’d react to him being dead. It’s not like it mattered anyways.
“No no- It’s not nothing. If you want something just tell me ok? I like to think I’m pretty chill so I wont get mad or anything-” Death reassures him.
“I know- I just… it’s stupid- It’s not like there’s any reason for me to go anyways-”
“If you want to go we can…but I still feel like I should ask why..”
Error gives a halfhearted shrug, hiding the bottom of his face in his scarf. He wishes it was blue. “Curious, I- I guess? I dunno.”
“And this has nothing to do with Error?”
Said glitch laughs a bit, sounding strained. “It has everything to do with E-error.”
“...Ok let’s go.”
“W-wait- really?” Error looks at Death in surprise.
“If that’s what you want, Gen.” Death floats back up off the ground, lounging in the air. “I’ve never been good at telling you no~” wink
“Ew.” Error uses his scarf to hide his blush, glaring at the floating god as he gets up as well. Death smiles, looking the happiest he’s ever been so far. He opens a portal and floats around Error to pull up the bloody glitch’s hood, making Error lightly swat at him.
“Shall we go Gen~?”
“Yeah yeah let’s go-” Error doesn’t bother pulling down his hood, instead just walking through Death’s portal, willing away his blush. The portal closes behind him as they enter the Star headquarters where a long stretch of hallway, filled with monsters and humans alike, stands before them.
Error can’t help but edge a bit closer to Death, not loving how many people there were at the moment. The glitch usually just portaled directly to the meeting room the few times he’s come here, so he’s not used to the usually crowded hallways.
“Don’t worry Gen.” Death says in a hushed voice “They won’t come too close.” With a hand lightly pressed against Error’s back, he leads the smaller skeleton down the hall, a small Fellswap Sans opening the door for them.
The glitch nods in thanks to the Sans as he walks through the door with Death, definitely not wishing that the god was in front of him so he could hide behind him. Dream’s voice comes in at the head of the room, as everyone else is taking their seats. The death god leads them to a corner in the back and people make a point to avoid him as they move.
“Have th-they even started yet-?” Error asks Death, looking around as they walk.
“I don’t think so. They usually start with small stuff, while they're waiting for Ink…I don’t see him up on stage..”
“Of course he isn’t…” Error sighs. “He probably forgot again.”
”I don’t know..” Death mumbles. “He’s always here when the destroyer’s involved.”
“Hm…” It was weird for him to talk about himself like this. “I mean.. I could b-be wrong about Error…” He’s worried for Ink if he’s right about the nature of the meeting, though.
Death stops them away from anyone else while still having a clear view of the stage where Dream is talking. He removes his hand from the smaller’s back and leisurely floats around him as the meeting room settles, less and less people filtering in.
Error idly messes with his phalanges as he watches people like he usually does when he joins meetings, staring at Dream after a moment, looking him over. The brightly dressed skeleton’s smile is strained, his hands clutching the star tipped staff of his like a lifeline, squeezing and rubbing it to distract himself as he talks. Error frowns slightly, growing a bit concerned for the positive guardian. To anyone else, Dream would seem fine, but considering how much he’d just watch people, he knew their tells easily.
“...Dream’s upset a-about something.” The glitch mutters, still staring at said skeleton.
“Yeah? He does look…off.”
“Mhm- He looks like he doesn’t want to be here, like, at all.” Dream catches his gaze, and they stare at each other for a few moments.
“U-uhm…I’ll be right back everyone!” Dream suddenly rushes down the stage steps heading right for the two as Death makes a confused noise.
“Could you come with me please? J-just for a moment-”
“I- uh- Sure?” Error glances at Death for a moment, before looking back at Dream, confused, and standing up.
“Thank you. Follow me please!” The positive skeleton turns and starts walking back towards the stage.
Error has no idea what’s happening at this point as he follows Dream, shooting one last helpless look at Death as he stands by the yellow clad skeleton. The moment Error looks back at him Death is in pursuit, following them to the backstage area away from people.
“S-so- uh- what’s up?” The glitch asks Dream once they stop walking, internally cringing at his awkwardness.
“What do you mean what’s up!? You dust in front of us and then just walk into a meeting with a new skin like nothing happened!?!?”
Error grimaces. “Okay you figured that out quick okay wow cool fun at least that part’s easier- Wait so I did actually dust I wasn’t sure- uh-”
Death opens his mouth to say something when Dream suddenly bursts into tears, babbling nonsense in his despair. Error’s quick to pull the guardian into a hug, quietly comforting him in the same way he had Death. He has a feeling this is going to be happening a few more times today…
Dream says something about his brother hating him and Blue screaming at him as he sobs into Error, Death left floating around them in complete and utter confusion. Error was honestly confused too, but he just rubs Dream’s back, whispering sweet nothings as he lets the guardian cry it all out.
After what feels like forever, Dream stops and pulls away from Error to wipe his tear stained face.
“Sorry…I’m s-so sorry..”
“Don’t be- it’s okay.”
“N-no it’s not! Everyone thinks I killed you!!” His voice brakes as he yells at the glitch. “They hate me! Blue left, Ink won't speak to me, and Nightmare h-he-”
“I swear to Fox if Nightmare did something stupid-” Error doesn’t say anything about how he’s pretty sure Dream did actually kill him, even if it was an accident.
Dream can’t finish whatever he was going to say.
“I-I’m sorry I nev-ver- I d-didn't think-”
“Honestly I didn’t think it’d kill me either.” The glitch admits. “I knew my HP was hovering at a lower number- I should’ve been more careful.”
“Uhm what’s happening..???” Oh yeah the incarnation of death is here-
“Dream killed me.” Error states matter-of-factly, “But then I came back and found out I’m Geno and I’m honestly not that upset. Might still be in shock, though.”
The god tries and fails to reply, sockets widening in what could be both shock and/or realization. Dream sniffles, standing back up on his feet from where he had basically collapsed.
“I-I was hoping Reaper could tell me what had happened to you, s-so I held a meeting to get him to come. Guess it worked…Thank you.”
“Weird way to go about it but alright then-”
“It’s the only way he’ll come around!”
Error snorts, looking at Death. “Really, Reaps?”
The god blushes, looking away with a lazy grin. “What can I say, I’m a busy guy-”
Error just rolls his eyelights, grinning back, before turning back to Dream.
“We should p-probably tell the others that I’m not completely dead, though.”
“O-oh..yeah. Yeah we should do that…”
“I’m coming too-”
“That’s fine- Why do you sound all hesitant, Dream? They aren’t th-that upset, are they? And I know my failsafe looks like I’m dusting-”
The guardian looks away and mumbles, “My LV went up…”
“...O-oh.” Error had a ton of LV before he died- not surprising considering he was the destroyer- and he hopes Dream didn’t get too much of it. The small yellow clad skeleton has been shaking this whole time though…
“M-my LV has always b-been one..”
“I’m sorry… H-honestly I’d suggest coming with Death and I to see Nightmare- since they’re all used to coping with LV, but… Night is probably still angry at you…”
Dream shrinks in on himself.
“You're ok though so maybe he won’t be as mad, right Gen?”
“Reaps- He’s the king of negativity and known for holding a grudge against Dream for hundreds of years. He- and the gang, honestly- probably wouldn’t even give us a chance to speak before trying to fight us… And I d-didn’t look like this before, so they probably wouldn’t even know I’m me at first.” Error lightly takes Dream’s hands, smiling at him.
“So I think you and I sh-should go first and try to explain everything b-before bringing Dream and forcing the idiot twins to talk things out- I’m not waiting another five hundred years for you two to do it on your own like last time.” Even though he still ended up being the one to kick start that conversation too.
Dream looks away while Reaper just blinks at him.
“I don’t think they’d put up much of a fight with me there, but the less conflict the better.”
“First of all you underestimate the gang’s stupidity-” Error deadpans. “And I mostly just don’t want anyone being mean to Dream. It wasn’t his fault and I don’t blame him, and he doesn’t deserve them being hateful to him.” Error talks loudly over Dream when he starts to try to protest. “It was an accident and he should be forgiven- he didn’t mean to.”
Reaper shrugs, mumbling something to himself. “If ya so lo-I mean Geno-!”
“What was that?” Error looks at Death in question.
“Nothing- I said nothing-”
“If ya say so.” The glitch shrugs and turns back to Dream, “How a-about you go and the meeting then go fight something for me? Even if it’s just punching a w-wall or hunting some rabbits or something. Trust me, i-it’ll help.” Error pointedly looks at the positive guardian’s still very much shaking hands. “O-okay?”
Dream nods, taking a deep breath to try to calm down- even if he knows it won’t work. “O-ok…”
“Thank you. Death and I are gonna go to Night’s, then w-we’ll figure it out from there, alright?” He nods again, slowly pulling his hands away. Error pulls him in for one last quick hug before pulling away.
“You’re doing great.” He gets a shaky nod in return as Dream wipes his face one more time and steps back out onto the stage.
“Time to go?”
“...Yeah.” Error reaches up to lightly grab Reaper’s hand, making the god blush. “Do you know w-where Nightmare’s castle is?”
“Y-yeah I know where it is.”
“Please take us there- probably to the front lawn.”
Death doesn’t hesitate to do as Error asked, opening a portal and picking the bloody glitch up to fly through it. Error definitely doesn’t squeak.
“This probably isn’t the best time but uh- can ya call me Reaper? Death is kind of like a work name you know?”
“I have b-been kinda going back and forth haven’t I? Of course I can call you Reaper. Please stop referring to me as ‘the destroyer’, though- it’s weird. And usually only p-people who don’t like me call me that…”
The winged god sets Error down gently, some of the grass beneath him withering, even as the god pouts.
“I didn’t know you were…well you and I don’t dislike Err- you. I’m what ya call a neutral party. I’ll call you whatever you want instead Gen~”
“Yeah yeah-” Error looks away, blushing slightly. “...Geno’s fine, but only you get t-to call me that.”
His words have Reaper grinning like a child on Giftmas and he just got Error as a gift. It just makes the glitch blush more.
“Sh-shut up- I’m gonna try to get Nightmare over here now. ‘S probably sulking.” Error plops down on the slightly withered grass and just unbottles all of his emotions, letting himself feel his confusion and concern and fear.
He also tries to think of things like his friends getting hurt and puppies dying to just get all of the negative emotions.
…Error was probably gonna cry- he’s already been on the verge for a while. Nightmare responds at the speed he only ever does with Error, a shadow bolting at him from beneath the door frame and tackling him.
Most would be scared at such a display, but the glitch just laughs.
“Miss me?”
“ Dumbass!! ” The goopy skeleton is nuzzling him despite the harsh words. ” Of all the things- you stupid, moranic, agrivating, fucking dumbass-!!!! ”
Error holds Nightmare tightly as he lets the dark king yell at him, grinning the whole time. Until the guardian hiccups mid insult, nuzzling into his neck.
“ S-stupid stupid stupid……fuck you…”
“I know- I know… I’m sorry.” Error pets the tentacles that are already latched onto him, his expression dropping as a few tears gather in his visible socket.
“...You look stupid too…” He mumbles, completely ignoring the feast of jealousy coming off of Reaper in waves. Error lets out a choked off laugh.
“I-it’s my original f-form. From b-before the antivoid.”
Nightmare pulls away just a little, enough to get a good look at the bloody glitch. “...It’s not bad. Cute even.”
“Wh-what happened to stupid?” Error teases, tears dripping down his face as he blinks. The dark king leans up and gently kisses the corner of Error’s visible socket. Reaper was having none of it- The god suddenly pushes them apart, sticking his head in the middle.
“Hi- Reaper here- Get off him. ”
Error blushes brightly, having forgotten Reaper was there.
“Wh- Reaper-!”
“ You can’t tell me what to do. ” Was Nightmare’s response, snarling at the death god- who snarls right back. They’re up in each other's faces, like two wolves fighting over territory. Error’s quick to get in between them, glaring with a still teary socket.
“Can we not?”
“He started it!”
“I did no such thing!”
“Oh m-my fox-” The glitch switches tactics, throwing his hands up and walking away to go inside. He wasn’t too concerned about Nightmare touching Reaper- he was practically a god in his own right and as long as Reaper didn’t touch him in his passive form he’d be fine.
Instead of staying to fight with Nightmare like the glitch expected, Reaper completely disregards the goopy skeleton in favor of following him like a lovesick puppy.
“Gen, wait for me-!”
Error just sighs in response.
“I’m telling the boys I’m only m-mostly dead.” The glitch calls back to Nightmare, walking through the front doors. Little does he know that Nightmare and Reaper are flipping each other off the whole time behind him.
“Ok, be careful with your new friend!”
“He w-was apparently my mate before I became Error. We have kids and everything” Error replies right before the door closes behind him, knowing it’d bug Nightmare. And Reaper totally laughs, basically in Nightmare’s face
“Haha sucker~!”
“Reaper. Shut up.” Error deadpans as he moves to the living room, honestly a bit surprised Nightmare wasn’t trying to follow them- Oh wait there he is in the shadow- why couldn’t he just walk with them like a normal person-
“Only for you Gen~”
Error rolls his eyelight, turning into the living room to see if anyone was there. Suddenly there’s a loud tapping of feet as a small monster practically slams into Error and clings to him.
“Oof-!” The glitch falls back onto the floor, not having prepared for the surprise attack at all. Reaper had flown up higher, not wanting to kill whatever is now laying on Error’s chest. The skeleton clinging to him does nothing else but lay there, holding on for dear life. The glitch sighs once he realizes who it is, hugging him back.
“Heya Kills.”
Oddly enough he gets no response, not even a nuzzle.
“...Killer?” Error lightly pokes Killer’s skull, frowning a bit. “Night I think you took too much give at l-least some back.”
“No.” The shadow replies. “It was an emergency. I have to wait ‘til Dust is done with a soul healing potion.”
Error’s frown deepens, and he sits up with Killer, prying the small skeleton away just enough to see his soul. Nightmare was right- it was bad. There are three main cracks, each stemming from the center of Killer’s soul and branching out into little spiderwebs at the edges.
“Yeash…” Reaper adds from his spot on the ceiling. Error shoots him a look before turning back to Killer and extremely carefully cupping it in one hand, being sure to not touch it as healing magic slowly trickles out of him, making his hands glow green.
The glitch doubted he’d be able to do much- especially when directly healing a soul- but he couldn’t not try. Once the initial flow of magic starts, Error’s surprised to find that it actually felt easier than it ever is.
“Huh…”
Killer practically melts against him, nuzzling up into Error to get as close as he possibly can. While Nightmare and Reaper both watch from afar.
“There we go…” Error carefully moves Killer’s soul out of the way to let the little skeleton properly cling to him, keeping up the steady stream of healing magic. He’s surprised as it actually seems to start working, the cracks in Killer’s soul slowly filling in and closing up.
“..How are you doing that…?” Nightmare asks as his form moves from the shadows to Error’s side, a tentacle wrapping around him.
“I have n-no idea.” Error says honestly, making sure not to move too much, even as a spot on his ribcage starts feeling oddly warm.
“Good to know it’s still working right.” The death god mumbles, having floated down just the tiniest bit closer.
“Hm?” The glitch glances up at Reaper in confusion as Nightmare does the same.
“The pendant? You know the one Life gave ya forever ago.”
“I thought it just kept me from dying outside the Save Screen?” Though, it makes sense that it’d help him heal, too- Life is known as one of the best healers you could find.
“It’s a holy relic imbued with life energy from the source, Gen. Its whole purpose is to sustain life. I had it specially made for ya~”
“...Oh.” Error blushes just slightly, turning his attention back to Killer’s soul, which just had the bigger cracks left. The glitch was starting to feel tired at this point, but he has no plans on stopping just yet.
Killer starts to purr, snuggling Error with a little more force. It makes the glitch snort softly, lightly nuzzling Killer while still keeping a socket on his soul.
“I-it’s probably okay to g-give Killer a bit of emotion back at this point.”
Nightmare hums, still hesitant, even as Killer’s quiet purring gets louder.
“You c-can take them back if you need, but I’m almost done and it’s better to start earlier so he can adjust again.” Error reasons. The cracks were fairly shallow at this point, and a bit of sweat is gathering on the glitch’s skull as he continues pushing healing magic into Killer’s soul- it was starting to get a bit difficult at this point.
The dark king sighs, but he knows Error is right. With a tentacle slowly wrapping around the hand holding Killer’s soul, he pours some emotions inside. The small skeleton stays perfectly still…as tears fall with a heavy flow of hate from his sockets.
“Heya Kills..” Error murmurs against the small skeleton’s skull. “You’re a-alright. I’m here..”
There’s a sniffle and a small choked off chuckle. “Ya can't keep dyin’ on us Ru….it's not funny..”
“I know. I’m sorry… on the bright s-side Reaper says I’ll j-just respawn if I ever die from now on.” Error weakly jokes in a poor attempt to lighten the mood. It seems to work, even if only slightly as Killer smiles up at him.
“Hehe good…….I like the get up. You always did look good in blood..~”
The glitch rolls his eyelight fondly. “Yeah yeah~ And hey- turns out I’m a classic variant too, so now we match.”
“Oh yeah? So we’re like…brothers then? Cause I wanna be an uncle~”
“Pfft- in that case… Congrats! You’re an uncle now.” No Error was not blushing he denies everything.
Killer laughs, nuzzling into Error happily. “I heard about ya little surprise. Congrats glitchy~!”
Error snorts and nuzzles Killer back, assuming he was talking about the glitch’s little jab at Nightmare earlier. Glancing at the small skeleton’s soul, he sees it was completely healed at this point, and he lets the healing magic flowing out of him to sputter out, letting out a quiet sigh of relief.
“Thanks, Kills~”
Nightmare grumbles, pouting beside them as Killer snuggles and nuzzles the glitch. “I can’t wait ta meet them~! I’ma go tell Dust I’m fine real quick though and snuggle Horror.” Death joins in on the grumbles-
“Good idea- let them know I’m not dead for me?”
“Mhm.” Lightly, Killer kisses Error’s cheek, before standing up. “I’ll be back!”
If Error were to look up, he would see a very jealous death god hanging above them. The glitch doesn’t, though, so he remains clueless.
“See ya!” Error watches as Killer runs off, smiling, before turning to Nightmare. “Hey do you know where Cross is? I’m surprised Killer didn’t say anything about him.”
“I had to put him to sleep just like I did Horror. Killer had been cuddling him before he came in here I think..”
“Why’d y-you have to put them to sleep?”
Nightmare sighs, crossing his arms as he talks. “Horror wouldn’t stop stress eating and Cross asked me to after he had a panic attack.”
“Why?” Error asks before thinking, then pauses as if processing his own stupidity. Nightmare raises a brow at him, and even Reaper is giving him a look that says ‘ Are you stupid?’
“...Right- obviously because- yeah let’s j-just pretend I didn’t say anything and go wake up Cross o-or something-” Error quickly gets up, avoiding eye contact, only to stumble, suddenly dizzy.
“Hey hey-!” Reaper and Nightmare both move to hold Error up, nuzzling him as they glare at each other.
“You ok Gen?”
“Y-yeah just dizzy- ugh- might’ve st-trained myself a bit too much healing Killer…” Error closes his socket and brings a hand up to his skull as he regains his footing, swaying a bit.
“I’ll carry you-” Both Nightmare and Reaper look at each other in surprise, having spoken at the same time. Error just waves both of them off.
“I’m fine- just n-need some chocolate or something to boost my magic and I’ll b-be good.”
The goopy skeleton gets up, leaving to the kitchen while Reaper picks the small glitch and nuzzles him.
“Can I still hold ya~?”
Error huffs, crossing his arms and looking away as a small blush grows on his face.
“...Sure w-whatever.”
“Yay~” Suddenly a small loving kiss is placed on Error’s neck, a smug and happy death god being the culprit. It was now hide time for Error as he internally screams, Reaper contributing with happy purrs~
“Hey! Bring Ru back down!”
“No~”
“Reaper let me down-” Comes Error’s voice, muffled behind his scarf, as he tries to wiggle out of Death’s hold. The god pouts, giving Error one more little kiss- making the glitch squeak- before he floats lower to the ground.
“Awwww Geeeeeeen-”
“Sh-shut up-” Error wiggles more, peeking out of his scarf enough to see the other two skeletons. Just as Death moves to put Error down, Nightmare scoops him up instead, growling at the god. Luckily he hands Error chocolate as the two stand off. The glitch just sighs, unwrapping his chocolate and starting to eat it like a normal person (for once), only to pause as he realizes something.
“I only have o-one tongue-??” Error’s quick to stick it out, probably looking like an idiot as he tries to look at it. The two growling skeletons stop and immediately coo at Error’s cuteness~
“I only h-have one tongue this is weird-” Error stuffs another piece of chocolate into his mouth, muttering. “Now I c-can’t freak people out with them damn-”
Nightmare, wanting to one up Reaper, suddenly kisses the glitch deeply, making both of the other skeletons gasp. Error’s glitches pick up for a moment with a sound of surprise that’s muffled by Nightmare’s mouth, blushing bright red.
The king deepens the kiss further with his tongue, delving into Error’s mouth- only to be so rudely interrupted by Reaper! Who pushes him out of the way, takes Error, and kisses him instead~
Error isn’t sure how to react at this point- he probably would’ve crashed if he still were able to- and after a moment he pulls away from the kiss, panting and flushed.
“Okay wait w-wait- wait-”
Reaper does as asked and stops, lightly nuzzling the small skeleton in his arms.
“You two- okay- you two need t-to talk things out before a-anything else, s-so- Reaper put me down- so you two are going to do that while I go upstairs and wake up Cross, okay?” Error’s tone leaves no room for argument.
The two look down as Reaper lowers Error to the ground, pouting. Error stares the two powerful skeletons down as he stands on slightly unsteady legs.
“Stay here. Talk. I’ll be upstairs.” With that, Error glitches to Cross’ room leaving the two gods to stare at each other in silence.
“So you used to be his mate huh?” Nightmare’s emphasis on the word ‘used’ has Reaper tensing, glaring daggers at him.
“Yes and still sour about being friendzoned I see.”
“ You wish I was friend zoned. ”
“Awww look who's in denial~”
“ That’s it-!! ”
Meanwhile, Error had fallen to the floor in Cross’ room, glitching painfully and regretting everything ever. Despite still technically being a glitch, this body clearly wasn’t made to glitch to different locations. Maybe he’d be able to shortcut like most Sanses could- he’ll have to ask Dust or Cross to teach him.
Speaking of Cross, said skeleton is laying on his back on his bed, seemingly sound asleep and completely unaware of Error’s presence. Said skeleton stays where he was on the floor for a bit, loud static emitting from him as he waits out the glitching, a pained whine escaping him without his knowledge. Waking Cross was going to have to wait.
Or maybe that was enough, considering he is now being lifted up into the monochrome soldier’s lap.
“Hey are you ok? What’s wrong..?”
“F-fiNe-” Oh his voice was glitching more again too. Fun. “Gl-liTchINg huRtS moRe in thiS b-boDy I’m just noW FindINg ouT..”
Cross looks at Error with a confused and sad face. “.....Error….???”
“HeyA Cr-rosS. M-misS Me?” A few more glitches ripple over him, making Error tense with a soft whimper, before they seem to start calming down. The oreo is smiling softly as he holds Error close, nuzzling him excitedly.
“Oh thank Fox you're ok!”
“Don’t g-gEt me wroNg I’m st-still kinda deaD-” Error admits, his explanation being interrupted.
“I don’t care! You're here you’re here!....thank Fox..” Cross looks tired despite having just woken up, nuzzling the bloody glitch rapidly. Error’s small smile fades slightly.
“ThouGh, R-reaper says that if I die, I just respawn now..! …S-sorRy for leaving…”
“Please….stop doing that. You're going to kill us all with worry.”
“I’m sorry…”
“Yeah you’ve been saying that a lot today right..?”
“Heh- yeah… K-killer’s heaLed now, by the w-way.” Error tactlessly changes the subject and Cross latches onto it.
“Really? Oh thank fox- Seeing him like that is…unsettling.”
“Yeah- I’m p-pretty sure he left to go harass Dust and Horror- Shit wait I just r-realized-” Error laughs as a random thought pops into his head. “Turns o-out I’m a classic variant too- so more than h-half of the multiverse’s ‘big bad guys’ are just Classic gone wrong-”
“You serious? Wow….that just leaves me and boss huh?”
“Mhm. I went by Geno back then- had the same problem as Killer and Dust- and just d-deadass injected DT into m-myself apparently.” Error waves a hand over his face to gesture to the ‘blood’ coming out of him, only to accidentally dissipate the white glitches covering the right half of his face.
“Oh my stars!!” Cross jumps, startling the glitch and making him fall to the floor, looking at Error’s face in horror. “Your face is melting!!”
“My what-??” Error brings a hand up to feel his face, only for Cross to grab it before he can.
“Don’t touch it-!”
“Why n-not-??” Cross was panicking and it was making him start to panic now-
“You might make it worse!” Cross leans in closer to inspect the hole on one side of the glitch’s skull, the edges soft and round as the bone turns to mush. “Uhh….Look in the bathroom mirror.”
“I- I’m noT sure I want to.” Error admits, internally freaking out a bit.
“...Probably for the best..” Cross agrees, pulling Error closer as if to protect him. “Uh…so if you're a Classic variant then that means you have a Papyrus right?” Hastily, he tries changing the subject.
“...W-well…” Error automatically reaches up to fidget with his scarf to distract himself, only to pause and look down at it as if only just now seeing it. “I’m… n-not sure I do… anymore.”
Cross takes a moment to follow Error’s gaze, a silent ‘Oh’ leaving his mouth.
“Uh…sorry. But Class AU’s RESET a lot so who knows….right..?”
“It’s a-alright- can’t really miss someone I don’t remember… Besides, I’m dead enough that most of my soul went into making a replacement Sans.” Error’s… not sure how he knows that.
“..Well…you’ve got us. You don’t need a Papyrus.” nuzzle nuzzle.
“...Yeah. You’re right.” Error can’t help but smile softly at Cross, though after a moment it turns mischievous.
“Wanna go freak everyone else out with my head? Not Nightmare though- he’s supposed to be talking things out with Death. Pretty sure they’re fighting.”
“Death’s here? Like the reaper sans dude???”
“Yeah- He w-was my mate before I became Error- we have kids and everything- so I left him and Nightmare to talk things out- the whole jealous possessive thing isn’t something I want to deal with. From either of them.” Error sounds incredibly chill about all of this. Cross on the other hand is as pale as a skeleton can be.
“You left….two powerful gods on the negative side of the balance…..both interested in you………alone…..together….”
Error glowers at the wall in front of him. “They know better than to do anything too drastic. Especially not here.” If Error could be scary as the destroyer, then he looks absolutely terrifying right now. Error’s quick to brighten back up as he looks at Cross.
“So- freak the gang out?”
“Y-yeah sure-!” Anything to get out of this situation-
“Yay!” Error gets up, only slightly unsteady, and holds a hand out to Cross. “Horror’s or Dust’s room, y’think?”
“Dust probably..”
~
Error had teleported them both to Horror and Dust’s rooms respectively and lived to regret it, his body glitching out painfully to the point where Horror won’t let go of him for fear of the small glitch getting hurt.
He doubts the fact that his skull was melting was helping much, but he was honestly too tired to complain at this point as he was carried downstairs, just laying the good side of his skull on Horror’s shoulder, accepting his fate.
As Horror carries him to the living room they find that not only is the room destroyed, but Death is nowhere to be found.
“...At least they k-kept it to one room…” Error mutters, sounding disappointed. Nightmare is using his tentacles to clean up and looks over at them when Error speaks- and quickly looks away. The glitch is surprised Nightmare doesn’t freak out about his skull- he has yet to figure out how to cover it back up- but he shrugs it off.
“So wh-what happened?”
“....It didn’t go very well-”
“Clearly.” Error deadpans, lifting his head to properly look at Nightmare, idly noting in the back of his head that their sockets matched now.
“What exactly did you want us to talk about???”
“I don’t know- an agreement of something?? I may b-be dense but I know you both want me- I was hoping that you two would stop being at each other's necks at the very least!” Error grits his teeth as a ripple of glitches goes over him, making Horror’s grip on him tighten.
“I w-was hoping you both cared enough about me that you w-wouldn’t just pointlessly fight and try to talk things out like the reasonable gods you are both supposed to be…” Error sighs, going back to cuddling into Horror, lifting his hood back up over his head. “I’m too t-tired for this..” He mutters.
Nightmare had flinched at Error’s last little jab, looking down at the ground in shame.
“I….don’t have an excuse…..but…have you thought about Reaper’s perspective….?”
“Yes- and if I try doing it any more I will cry.” Error deadpans, voice hard.
“Of course I-I’ve thought about Reaper’s p-perspective- and I honestly can’t s-say I blame him much if he lashed out at you- we b-both know you were purposely aggravating him. Even if I d-don’t remember it, he was my mate and I’m certain I loved him. I may not l-love him right now but I’m willing to learn to if he is as well.” The glitch sighs, softening.
“But I love you t-too. And the last thing I want to do is to be forced to choose between you two..” Error’s voice cracks, and he curses as tears begin to drip down his face. “D-dammit…”
If Nightmare didn’t feel guilty before he sure as hell does now- The king turns around and walks over to gently pick Error up out of Horror’s arms, holding him close. Dust ushers the other three out of the room to give them some alone time as the goopy skeleton speaks.
“I’m…sorry Ru. But it’s hard to come up with a resolution when neither of us were sure about where we stood with you…especially Reaper. Now I’m in no position to speak for him, but to me…it felt and sounded like he was scared of losing you again in a more….figurative sense. Apparently he’s been uh….looking for you this whole time.”
Error sniffles, hiding his face in Nightmare’s shoulder. “I kn-know… he told me.. Can- can you help me find him? So we can all p-properly talk things out?”
Nightmare nuzzles his skull, being careful about the uh….melting hole. “Of course…He said he had to pick someone up from school…Shino I think.”
“Th-they’re mine and Reaper’s youngest, I think… R-remember that friend of Pallet’s that y-you were complaining about?”
Nightmare looks at him curiously, a brow raised. “Yes?”
“He’s our oldest.” Error grins a bit, snickering as he looks up at Nightmare’s face. He looks like he just bit into a lemon.
The guardian shakes his head, “No No no no. No.” Error just grins wider.
“Yup~ I made h-him.”
“Noooooo-!!”
Error laughs, hiding his face back in Nightmare’s shoulder as he shakes with poorly hidden mirth.
“You- you little shit I refuse to believe it!”
“Hahaha- I-it’s true! I swear- just ask Reaper-!”
“No. I refuse! That would mean that my nephew- and your- No!!”
“So you see it too!! They totally have a thing for each other!!” Error wheezes, struggling to get his laughter under control and catch his breath.
“I don’t just see it- Dream told me about how Pallet keeps calling their get togethers dates-”
Error snorts. “Oh my Fox you have to tell Reaper that- he’s i-in denial.”
“Oh yeah? Well so am I-” nuzzle nuzzle.
“In that c-case I’ll definitely have f-fun saying ‘I told you so’ to b-both of you.” Error relaxes against Nightmare, his smile dropping a bit after a moment.
“..It’ll be ok. But maybe we should give him some space..? I don’t know if you’ve talked to the stars yet about still being alive.”
“...Dream knows- I went w-with Reaper to a meeting he set up t-to ask about… me.” The glitch was clearly hesitant to bring up the positive skeleton. And for good reason-
“Oh did he now..?” The tone in Nightmare’s voice isn’t pleasant, but not pissed either-
“He uh- wanted to know what had happened to me… h-he’s a mess…”
Nightmare’s socket narrows, before looking away to glare at the wall. “Good.”
“I don’t bl-lame him.” Error says quietly.
“Well I do.”
“It was a-an accident.”
“That doesn’t change what he did.”
Error pauses, not quite sure how to respond. “...His LV’s always been one.” Nightmare’s expression hardens.
“And?”
“And h-he got mine.”
The king freezes, but quickly tries to brush it off.
“Why should I care? Let him ruin his life. Makes no difference to me.”
The glitch just raises his brow.
“He looked w-worse than Dust gets when his LV acts up- he couldn’t st-stop shaking and he was warm to the touch and he yelled at me- I’m almost certain he’s holding in the excess magic. He needs help, Night. You don’t h-have to help now or forgive him any time soon- but don’t act like you don’t care because we all know that’s a fat fuckin’ lie.” Error nuzzles Nightmare gently.
“Y-you’re a huge softy with a big brother complex, don’t try to deny it..~” Error’s tone becomes a bit lighter in a bad attempt to slightly lighten the mood. “A big mama nootmare.”
The goopy skeleton turns away, hiding his light blush in embarrassment.
“I’m not a- you know what nevermind. Let’s just go tell your weird frenemies that you're still kicking.” Nightmare changed the subject Error wins hell yeah-
“Alrighty Nighty~” Error lays his head back on Nightmare’s shoulder, letting his socket close for a moment. “You have t-to take us- I can’t make portals anymore and i-it turns out this body very much disagrees w-with me glitching places. H-hurt like a bitch when I did it earlier.” Pause. “...Three times.”
Error gets a flick to the forehead for that one, making him whine. “Moron.”
Nightmare opens a portal to Underswap for them though, stepping through into the snow outside Blueberry’s house.
“You get to deal with him. If Blue gets angry he’s your problem.”
“But I’m t-tired and I’m pretty sure I can’t walk r-right noww…” Error whines, doing his best to merge with Nightmare.
“He’s your friend not mine. I will drop you.”
“Finee put m-me down-” The glitch is now reluctantly wiggling out of Nightmare’s hold, pouting. The king’s tentacles tighten their hold, pulling him back against Nightmare’s chest.
“Uh no. I never said you had to walk.” He says matter of factly as he steps onto the swap brothers’ doorstep.
“I thought that was implied?” Error looks at Nightmare in confusion, a hand unconsciously moving up to his melted socket as if to rub at it. A tentacle swats it away with Nightmare giving him a stern ‘No ’.
“Dropping you was a threat for if you argued with me, not me relinquishing this cuddle opportunity.” He knocks on the door twice before pulling away.
“Oh..” The glitch tries to rub at his socket again- it was starting to get itchy. Of course Nightmare slaps at his hand once again.
“Don’t touch that-”
The creaking of the front door interrupts him and they both look up to see….Stretch.
“what do you want?”
“...Knock knock.” Error replies automatically, probably looking dumb. If Stretch was the one who answered the door, he had to say a knock knock joke before being let in- he always just used the same one.
The Papyrus gives him a suspicious look before leaning against the door frame, rolling the sucker in his mouth.
“who’s there?”
“Wire.”
“...wire who?”
“Wire you askin’? I just told ya!” Cue the cheesy finger guns, before he immediately facepalms, snickering at himself.
“Why did I do that-” Stretch is snickering though.
“damn, and here I thought you were dead.” The tall skeleton moves aside, gesturing for them to come in. He closes the door behind them as Nightmare makes himself comfortable on the couch.
“I’m a bad b-bitch, you can’t kill me.” Error responds, trying yet again to rub his melting socket. At this point Nightmare just holds his hand down as Stretch laughs.
“bro! error’s here ta see ya!” He calls up the stairs.
“Night lemme itch it-” Error whines, trying to twist his hand out of Nightmare’s hold.
“No. It’ll get stuck to your hand or….something-”
“ERROR!? WHERE!?” A small brightly dressed skeleton bolts down the stairs, looking around the room until his gaze falls on Nightmare….and the injured skeleton in his arms???
“Heya Blue- turns out d-dying undos the effects of the a-antivoid.”
Blue stares, looking at Error in both shock and confusion.
“Ge- Error!?” The Swap runs at them, stopping just short of slamming into them to look at the glitch more closely.
“The one and only! Were you about to say Geno? Did you used to know me?” Error tilts his head at Blue, giving up on trying to free his hand from Nightmare’s hold and just using his other one.
“Used To Know You? Wait- You Really are Geno!? What!?” This time it’s Blue who slaps his hand away. “Don’t do that-”
“It’s itchy!” Error whines. “And considering I a-appeared in the Save Screen looking like th-this, I’m pretty sure yeah.”
The blue skeleton sighs before raising a hand to Error’s melting socket and….the itching stops.
“That’s Amazing! Did You Hear That Bro!?” Stretch watches from one side of the room, lazily lounging in a dining room chair.
“yeah i heard. crazy.”
“How’d you d-do that-?” Error stops trying to touch his socket to look at Blue in confusion.
“Do What? O-oh! You Mean The Glitch Thing. You Just Hold Your Hand Closed Like This, Bring It Up To Your Socket And Spread Your Fingers. This Glitch Thing Appears And It Stops The Itching While Still Hiding Your Socket From View!”
“I was w-wondering how to do that- Cool..” Error does it a few times, noticing that though he couldn’t see it, he could feel a slight difference whether he had the glitch or not. Before he could experiment further, Blue tackles him with a big hug, practically laying on him.
“I’m So Happy You're Ok~!!”
“Eep-!” Error squeaks in surprise, before hugging Blue back. The swap Sans giggles.
“I Got Two Of My Friends Back In One~!”
“I don’t r-really remember being Geno still-” Error admits. “I’m n-not sure I ever will, to b-be honest…”
“That’s….that’s ok. You're Alive And That's What’s Important~!”
“Heh- Th-thanks Blue.”
“No Problem~!” He grins, sitting up to strike a pose. “O-oh Oh!! I Have A Scrapbook!”
“A scrapb-book?” Error raises a brow, grinning back in amusement.
“Mhm!” Blue wiggles out of the hug and bounds towards the basement, disappearing down the stairs.
“And there h-he goes.”
“What an….energetic friend.” Nightmare adds as he nuzzles the side of Error’s face.
“Yeah he’s f-fun.” The glitch nuzzles Nightmare back, sneaking in a kiss on the cheek, making the dark king blush and kiss him back.
“Dork~”
“N-nerd~!” Error chirps back.
Nightmare chuckles, smiling softly. “Guilty as charged~”
“wow. get a room, lovebirds.”
Error blushes and laughs sheepishly, having totally forgotten that Stretch was there. Luckily Blue is already heading back up the stairs, his loud footsteps filling the room.
“The Magnificent Blue Has Returned~!”
“Blue your b-brother’s cockblocking me-” Error responds without thinking, pointing at said brother accusingly. Blue and Nightmare both let out a startled laugh, glancing at each other before the swap turns to jokingly glare at his brother.
“Now Brother- Don’t be A Hypocrite!”
Error wheezes and starts cackling. “Y-yeah mister ‘makes out w-with Edge in the kitchen where w-we all can hear-’”
“h-hey! it was one time!”
“St-till five times too many.”
Stretch blushes in embarrassment as the other three laugh, Blue sitting down beside them with a book in hand.
“Is that th-the scrapbook thing you w-were talking about?”
“Mhm~! Me And Geno Made It. Stretch, Edge, Red, And Me Used To Babysit When You And Reaper Were Busy. We Took A Lot Of Pictures~”
“Really?” Error looks at the book with much more interest. “H-how did we even end up becoming f-friends anyways?”
Blue giggles, wiggling in excitement from his place on the couch.
“now that’s a story. you’ve done it now error.” Error turns to Stretch in confusion.
“Wh- huh?”
“Ok So-! The Multiverse Was Small Back Then And-”
~
‘And Geno Wanted To See It All.’
He was lucky Reaper was so willing to indulge him, and had taken him on their first official date in an AU called Outertale- It was Geno’s favorite so far- but this time Reaper had taken him to a place called Underswap, somewhere that honestly didn’t seem too different to his own timeline.
Not that Geno was complaining- he couldn’t help but smile every time he felt the sun on his face. He could do without needing to hide his injury, though.
“It’s stupid that I have to do this every time…” The temporarily not bloody glitch grumbles, swatting at Reaper’s wandering hand.
The god chuckles, floating above him as to not touch any of the people walking past.
“Aww it’s not that bad though~ I may like you in your bloody beauty, but now i can blend in more~ Get the real surface life experience~”
“Says the floating skeleton that the Grim Reaper is based off of.” Geno snarks, ignoring the slight blush from Reaper’s complement.
“I am the grim reaper~ Well I’m Reaper, my brother is Grim.” The floating god leans down, lightly pecking Geno’s cheek with a kiss. “And I’m invisible, love~”
“Is that why I keep getting weird looks?? Reaps you have to tell me these things!” Geno fumes, throwing a tiny and harmless bone attack at Reaper. Who laughs even as the smaller skeleton storms off.
“Awww come on Gen~ You can’t blame me when you're so cute angry~”
Geno just glowers at the god, glitching slightly in irritation. “Oh sh-hut the hell up-”
“Just for you gorgeous~”
“Somet-times I question how I-” Geno’s interrupted before he can finish his sentence as he bumps into someone’s back. As he stumbles away, he finds himself caught in someone's arms.
“Oh Dear Me! I’m So Sorry! I Shouldn’t Have Stopped In The Middle Of The Sidewalk Like That. Are You Ok?”
Geno blinks, taking a second to regain his footing. “Y-yeah- sorry about that. I was being distracted by a pest.” The glitchy skeleton shoots Reaper a look, who currently looked torn between laughing at him and concern, before turning back to the person he bumped into.
The stranger had followed his gaze, looking slightly confused before brushing it off. “Well I Simply Must Make It Up To You! If You’re Not Doing Anything, How About You Join Me And My Friends At A Bakery/Bar Not Far From Here? My Treat!”
The skeleton monster is short, but surprisingly strong for his size considering he supported Geno’s weight with ecto like it was nothing. He wore a denim jean jacket with star designs on the collar and a matching blue bandana around his neck. There’s a leather yellow star sewn into the front left of his jacket, which also matches the bandana, little star imprints on it as well. The skeleton has simple jeans, patches sewn in here and there, always accompanied with a space theme. Add ‘Cool Guy’ in the dead center of his shirt and he’s actually…kind of cute. For some reason it oddly reminded him of Papyrus…
“W-well- you don't need to do that-” Geno glances at Reaper questioningly, clearly uncertain on what to do. The god above him shrugs.
“It’s your day Gen. Maybe you can make a few friends~”
“Oh But I Want To! You're Obviously New And Who Better To Show You Around Than The Magnificent Blueberry~!?”
“You sure-?” Geno asks Reaper, looking back and forth between his datemate and Blueberry.
“Go ahead. Whatever makes you happy Gen~”
“I-if your okay with it then.. Sure, I guess?” Oh wow it’s been so long since he’s talked to anyone that wasn’t Reaper- But -Blueberry was it?- seems nice enough if not a bit loud.
“Yay~! May I Ask For Your Name New Friend? I’m Blueberry! Blue For Short- Or Berry-”
“I’m Geno.” He decides to not mention what it’s short for as he discreetly wipes a bit of ‘blood’ trying to trickle out of his mouth on his sleeve. “It’s nice to meet you.”
The short skeleton begins to vibrate with excitement, gently, but quickly taking Geno’s hand to lead him into what looks like a clothing store.
“It’s Nice To Meet You, Geno!”
As he’s led deeper into the store he can hear a loud, scratchy voice, with a demanding tone and a more lazy, laid back one.
“No I Said Leather You Dimwit!”
“you emo’s and leather. you’re already covered with the stuff..”
Geno holds back a snort, sharing an amused look with Reaper, before remembering he was still supposed to be angry at the god and quickly looking away, much to said god’s amusement.
They turn the isle and come up to two tall Papyruses. One is indeed covered in leather, he’s taller than the other, with sharp pointy teeth and a generally intimidating stature. Despite the shorter Papyrus’ complaints, the leather isn’t too much, only appearing in accents and making the red and gold of his outfit pop. It was actually pretty tasteful in Geno’s opinion.
The smaller Papyrus is wearing nothing but an orange hoodie and cream cargo pants, rolling a sucker in his mouth as he inspects the leather tight pants the tall skeleton had requested of him.
“There Is No Such Thing As Too Much Leather!!”
“Well, there is.” Geno can’t help but speak up. “A plain leather shirt for example would look weird, but a nice leather jacket and pants with some combat boots make for a good, intimidating look.” Though the glitch didn’t have the energy to dress himself up- especially now considering his wound- the way different outfits can look and effect first impressions was interesting to him. He was the one to make his bro’s battle body, after all.
The two Papyruses turn to look at him before the taller turns to Blue questioningly.
“Blue Who Is This Skeleton With A Fine Sense For Fashion? Unlike Your Idiot Brother.”
“This Is Geno!” “Yo.” “I Invited Him To Dinner With Us! Where’s Red?”
“he left to get a bear. said he’ll meet us there.”
“Let me guess, Red’s the sharp one’s bro?” Geno asks, finding himself holding his scarf tightly with a hand.
“Correct.” The ‘sharp one’ confirms “My Name Is Edge. Remember It Well. This Here Is Stretch, The Lazy Ashtray.”
“Sup-”
Geno opens his mouth to say something, only to pause and look up when Reaper puts a hand on his head.
“Did’ja want something?”
“Nah~ You just looked like you needed a head pat.” The god replies, making Geno deadpan and decide to just leave Reaper be for the time being. The glitch determinedly ignores the urge to nuzzle into Reaper’s hand.
Geno hadn’t noticed the three skeletons glance at him curiously, nor did he see them collectively brush it off for later.
“Shall We Go Then? Before Red Picks Up Some Poor Girl And Brings Her Home I Mean.” Blue asks and Edge replies.
“Yes, Let Us Go. A Repeat of Last Time Will Not Do.”
“...Do I even want to know-?” Geno asks, slightly apprehensive as he wipes away more ‘blood’. Blue looks at him, shaking his head.
“No Probably Not.”
“My Vulgar Brother Is A Flirt Who Tends To Have A Crude Way With Words, Don’t Let Him Fool You Into The Bedroom.”
“he’s not that bad.”
The eternally bleeding skeleton barely holds back a snicker as he looks at Reaper, who has a sour look on his face.
“W-well I’m already taken, so I’m not too concerned.” And now the god was looking at him like he was the creator of coffee- Blue gasps, leaning in front of Geno with a big excited smile.
“You Have To Tell Me All About It~! I-if You’re Comfortable With It. I Love Romance~!”
“I- I guess I could, yeah.” Geno lifts his scarf a bit, hiding his blush and small smile at the thought of being able to gush about his datemate to someone else.
The small Sans giggles excitedly and talks to Geno as the small group makes their way out of the store and back onto the sidewalk. They walk the short distance to a familiar place called Muffet’s.
“Oh- like the spider bake sale…” Geno mutters. It reminded him of Grillby’s, come to think of it.
“Spider Bake Sale? Sounds Like Grillby's Burger Grill Sale.” Blue supplies, making a slightly grossed out face. “So Much Grease-”
“That’s the best part!” Geno teases. “It’s the sugar of the savory world!”
“....Who Are You And What Have You Done With My Friend!?!?”
The glitch’s grin widens. “Sorry sorry- I’m just ribbing ya.” That earns him a flick on the skull from Reaper, making him flinch and narrow his socket at him. Honestly though- it was fair. Blue had much of the same reaction.
“Nooooooooooooooooo-!! It can’t be!”
“Pff hahaha- sorry I just couldn’t resist. I’ll stop now.” And Reaper could stop poking his skull now thank you-
“Who Did It! Who Tainted You with….Puns!?”
“What do you mean-? Reaper oh my Fox stop it-” Geno cuts himself off to glare at his datemate and lightly wack his hands away after Reaper almost pokes him in the eyelight.
“Sorry! Sorry.” He was grinning, though.
“Reaper???” Blue gives him an odd look, mostly confused and slightly concerned.
“Huh? Oh right-” The glitch gives Reaper a questioning look, silently asking him if he wants to reveal himself. The god responds with a shrug and Blue gasps in shock.
“There’s A Skeleton Hanging Over You!”
“Yeah he’s been here the whole time- this is Reaper, my datemate. Try not to touch him because you will die.” Geno reaches up to hold Reaper’s hand, not noticing as a small trickle of ‘blood’ drips down his chin.
The swap sans gasps in shock and fear, grabbing Geno to pull him away from Reaper and inspect him. Fretting over the glitch like a mother hen.
“Wha- Blue-?” Geno slips out of Blueberry’s hold to move back to Reaper, looking at him in confusion. Reaper finds something funny, giggling to himself as Blue frets.
“You're bleeding Geno!”
Geno quickly checks his chest to see if anything bled through, only to realize what Blue meant when he doesn’t see anything, and he quickly wipes his mouth and chin off with a sleeve.
“Oh- ahem- don’t worry about that, it’s nothing.”
“H-how is that nothing!?” Blue is clearly panicked, worried about his new friend's wellbeing. Stretch and Edge had already walked into the building, or they would have been just as worried.
“I’m used to it and it doesn’t hurt me- it’s fine.” Geno says- and it wasn’t even a lie- bleeding out of his mouth doesn’t hurt him or anything, and he’s already pretty much dead, so it’s fine.
Blue looks at him skeptically, glancing at Death, who shrugs.
“He’s fine Blue. Promise.”
“See I’m fine.” He reaches for Reaper’s hand again. “Are we going in now?”
The small skeleton sighs, taking a deep breath to calm himself. “Y-yes. But Please Tell Me Before I Have A Soul Attack Next Time-”
“Sorry- I honestly didn’t even notice.” Geno admits, grimacing a bit as he lets go of Reaper’s hand to open the door into the bakery and walks in with Blue. “Honestly it’s more annoying than anything else, especially since healing doesn’t really work for me.”
“Really?” Blue askes, as he leads them to the bar where the others are already sitting. “That Sounds Frustrating, But At Least You're Not In Any Pain!”
Geno hums in response, considering that it was only mostly true. He has a huge gash in his ribcage and his skull is half melted from DT after all. It only occasionally ached now, though. They talk some more about random things before Muffet comes up to them.
“What will it be dearies~?”
“Oh Just My Usual.”
“Uh- what would you recommend?” Geno asks, having no idea what to order.
Blue hums, taping his chin. “Can You Get My Friend A Spicy Chocolate Double Whip Sunday With Granola Sprinkled On Top?”
“Of course dear~” The bartender scribbles the order down before turning to Reaper, but Blue is already ordering for him.
“And Get Him A Black Coffee Float With Two- No Three Pumps Of Espresso, Hold The Sugar.” Muffet nods and leaves with a fond smile at Blue.
“That was- a lot of words and I understood maybe half of them.” Geno states, scratching a bit at where the bandages were wrapped around him under his clothes, as they were starting to be annoying and itchy much to his displeasure.
Blue giggles, grinning at him. “Trust Me. You’ll Love It~”
“Did I hear triple espresso?” Reaper asks, sounding very interested. “Black coffee too?”
“Yup~”
“Damn I think you might be his new favorite person-” Geno jokes.
Reaper sputters before draping himself over Geno’s back. “Nuuuuuuuu- You’re my favorite person Gen~”
The glitch just rolls his eyelight, the smallest fond smile on his face. “Feel free to take him- he’s a menace, but maybe he’ll bug me less.”
Reaper whines and Blue can’t help but giggle at them, grinning to his non-existent ears. “You two are adorable~”
“Wh- no we’re not shut up- Reaps tell him we’re not adorable-” Geno protests, blushing slightly in embarrassment.
“We’re not adorable. We’re the cutest~” And with that Reaper gives Geno a big kiss~!
Geno immediately pulls his hood up and ducks his bright red face with a flustered ‘oh my fox’, very much trying to hide. Both Blue and Reaper look so very happy about this new development, smiling at each other and Geno as their drinks arrive.
“I Ship It~”
“Die.” Is Geno’s muffled response from within his hood. He’s not coming out any time soon.
“Been There Done That. It's Boring. Why Not Give Your Drink A Try?”
“Yeah Gen babe try your drink.” Reaper takes a sip of his own cup and practically moans.
Geno huffs, determinedly not looking at anything as he emerges from his hood and grumpily tries his sundae, pausing once the taste registers.
“This is… pretty good actually.” Who knew spice and chocolate went together so well?
“It’s A Gift~” Blue brags lightly, taking a sip of his own drink. Reaper hums in agreement, quickly drinking his coffee float down as he drapes himself over Geno’s back.
The glitch takes a few more bites of the sundae before offering a spoonful to Reaper over his shoulder, his mood significantly improved. The death god happily takes a bite, purring against his datemate happily even as Blue coos at them.
“This might be my new favorite flavor.” Geno admits after a moment. “I’m not a huge fan of chocolate but I think this has changed my mind- I never even thought about making it spicy before.”
“Really?” Blue questions, licking some cream off his lips. “It’s Red’s favorite, Underfell had the best spicy chocolate in the multiverse~!”
“I might have to look into getting him to set me up then.”
“Have Fun With That. He Protects His Chocolate With His Life.”
“Good thing I like to flirt with Death~!” Geno snickers at his little joke, turning his head to nuzzle said god who purrs even louder.
“Oh Yeah You Two Will Get Along~”
“I hope so, I want more chocolate.” Geno just finished his sundae and can’t help but feel a bit disappointed it’s gone.
“Go Talk To Him Then. He’s Just Over There By My Brother.” Blue points just down the bar at a scruffy looking Sans with a big black jacket, mixing his drink with a straw.
“Consider- I’m awkward-” Look it wasn’t his fault he’s not quite sure how to start conversations-
“Oh Come On It’s Not That Hard! Just Walk Over There and Talk.”
“Mmmno I think I’m good here.” Geno was fine once the conversation started, but he’s never going to be the one to start them.
“Ok- Here Me Out. If You Sit Down Beside Him, Red Will Start The Conversation For You.”
“You aren’t going to let me just stay here are you-” The glitch deadpans, looking at Reaper for help.
“Nope~!” Reaper shrugs in a half assed response as Blue grabs Geno’s hand and pulls him from the barstool. “Now Go You Big Baby!”
~
“So You Walk Over And Me And Reaper Are Just Watching As You And Red Suddenly Crack Up Laughing- I Knew You Two Would Get Along. It’s Hard Holding Reaper Back From Killing Red When You Can’t Touch Him Though. He Looked So Ready to-”
Error interrupts Blue, having been asking questions the whole time to get a clearer picture. “Wait w-why’d Reaper want to kill Red-?”
“Because He Was Flirting With You. That’s Just How Red Is. Like Killer Actually.”
“Oh that makes sense th-then why we’d get along.” Error nods as if that explains everything- which, honestly it sort of did. “Do ya think-k we should tell him that I-I’m Geno then..?”
“Yeah, But I Need To Talk To Dream. Have You Talked To Everyone Yet?”
“Everyone but Ink yeah.” Error turns to Nightmare. “Right? Is there a-anyone else?”
“No Ink’s the only one left.” Nightmare confirms, nuzzling Error lovingly, making the glitch giggle a bit.
“Then y-yeah, just Ink.” Error reaches up as if to grab some strings, only to pause when nothing happens, realizing something.
“D-did all of my projects fade when I died-? Are there just a b-bunch of souls floating freely in the antivoid now?? Ughh all of the gifts I’ve made- wasted!” Error groans dramatically.
“Actually…I Was Wondering The Same Thing Earlier, But-” Blue reaches into his inventory and pulls out a small puppet of himself, still radiating Error’s magic and fully intact. The glitch blinks in surprise, before making grabby hands for the puppet, wanting to inspect it for himself.
The swap sans hands it over without hesitation, thinking. “Hmm….Hey- Killer Could Reset In His AU Right?”
“Simply put, y-yeah.” Error looks the puppet over closely, the old magic on his bones making him glitch.
“...And His Soul Didn’t Revert Back When He Reset? I Remember Red Saying Something About Traumatic Events Affecting A Monsters Soul. It Can’t Be Reversed.”
“Well h-his soul sorta reverted b-back at first, but as long as a mind remembers in some way, the soul won’t ch-change.” Error tries to explain- after all, those who were affected by the resets went completely back to how they were, with nothing more than the occasional deja vu.
“So….If You Still Remember Being Error Then You Probably Won't Be Geno For Long..”
“Maybe.” Error shrugs, for some reason not in love with the idea. He wouldn’t mind getting his magic back, though. “I don’t think m-mine was a reset that brought me back, though. When I was Geno, I just respawned back in the Save Screen when I died- s-so I think it might’ve been that-t.”
“a respawn is like when the kid loads a save right? that’s how they keep comin’ back. or maybe your ‘error file’ was overridden in a magic sense so ya never lost you as error, just switched to your ‘geno file.’”
“Loading A Different Save File…Huh…So Your Magic Might Still Be Here Because Your Save File Was Never Deleted-”
Error blinks, thinking about it.
“That… might a-actually be what’s happening. It makes s-sense… Which could be why I can still glitch myself places- though i-it’s not very compatible with this body…” He wasn’t able to look at code right now to check for himself, but it was a reasonable explanation.
“If you can still access Error skills…then you should somehow be able to switch files right? Change from Error to Geno and vice-versa.” Nightmare’s tentacles curl in thought, nuzzling him subconsciously. The glitch hums, leaning against Nightmare with a yawn.
“In theory I probably could, but I’ll probably need to either die again- which might not work- or use my windows. But as Geno it’s a lot of effort to even just open a small window to a classic timeline, so it’d take a while to figure out how to do it…”
“Don’t die.” The tentacles tighten ever so slightly as Nightmare resumes nuzzling Error himself, the glitch automatically nuzzling back.
“I never said I would. I’m j-just laying out all o-of the options.”
“Error If Your Last SAVE Is In The Save Screen Then Doesn’t That Mean It’s A Direct Line To Your Code?”
“To an extent p-probably… I h-had a few hours to experiment in there b-before Reaper found me, though, and I w-was only able to access abilities I assume I had as Geno. I tried checking the c-codes several times but couldn’t. Being able to access my code isn’t th-the problem- it’s just being able to physically o-open a window.” Error pouts a bit before yawning again, rubbing his good socket.
“We can try it later. You need some rest.” kiss.
“I st-till need to see Ink.” The glitch protests.
“And you will, when you're fully rested. This body does need sleep, you know.”
“Go Rest Error. I’ll See If Ink’s Ok.”
“I’m not-” yawn “I’m not tired.” Error whines, clearly quite tired.
“You’re such a liar. Come on” Nightmare stands up with Error in his arms, already opening a portal to the castle.
“Bye Ru!” “see ya.”
“Bye..” Error waves grumpily, before wiggling in Nightmare’s hold to hide his face in the crook of his neck. The portal closes as they step into the king’s room, said king laying him down on the bed.
The glitch whines, his grip on Nightmare tightening as his socket starts to slip closed.
“Noo cuddlesss-”
The guardian chuckles and slowly lays down beside Error, using his tentacles as a blanket.
“You're such a cuddle bug~”
“Mn~” Error just makes a wordless happy sound as he nuzzles into Nightmare, letting his socket close fully as he quickly begins falling asleep, the eventful day finally catching up to him. The goopy skeleton watches him with a soft smile, placing a kiss on Error’s forehead.
“I love you Ru~”
Neither of them noticed or were aware of an invisible someone watching them, silent, heartbroken tears streaming down their face as they quietly blip away.
Notes:
There’s also a fun little continuation we have of Geno meeting Red, so let us know if you want to see that too!
Chapter 13: Some Killer Coffee
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Blue takes Error to his favorite coffee shop where Error meets the cute barista.
Error X Killer originally, though we planned to have this become a big poly with the gang.
There is some child experimentation at the very end fair warning-
Chapter Text
The day was moving as usual in the quaint little cafe on Ebott drive. Killer opened like he always does, the early morning customers filtering in soon after. One of the earlier usuals was late though. It’s not like the small blue skeleton.
“Come On Ru Hurry Up!” Blue yells, struggling to get his friend out the door.
“NoOoo-” The glitching skeleton in Blue’s hold glitches away to hide behind the couch with a hiss. Blue sighs before walking over to pick Error up again.
“Yes! We Need To Get There Before It Gets Crowded!”
“NooOOoO-” Error goes limp, trying to melt out of Blue’s arms.
“Yes! You Wanted To Try The Hot Chocolate With Me! You Promised!”
The glitch whines wordlessly, skull lolling back as he stays limp but stops trying to wiggle away. This was probably the best Blue was getting until Error decided to accept being a normal person. With another sigh Blue stands up, carrying Error with ease outside and onto the back of his bike.
“I Recommend You Hold On Tight.”
“I hOPe I fly OfF.” Error deadpans as he properly sits up, wrapping his arms tightly around Blue.
“Shoosh And Don’t Let Go.” Blue turns on his bicycle, and starts peeling out of the driveway and into the street, heading towards his favorite place to go for coffee that he’s been trying to get Error to see for weeks now.
Said glitch pouts as he rests his chin on Blue’s shoulder, even as he closes his sockets to enjoy the feeling of wind over his bones, struggling to keep up his grumpy facade. Blue knows he loves motorcycle rides- and he swears the smaller skeleton had brought it today on purpose.
They pass a few stores on their way before finally parking in front of a hole in the wall cafe with a cute homey vibe to it.
“Ok Up You Go!”
Error groans in despair, letting Blue haul him up and begin dragging him into the cafe, glitching slightly. He’s plopped down onto a booth seat, Blue sitting across from him.
“You’ll Love It I Promise~”
“Hello~ What can I get ya two good lookin’ monsters~”
Error flinches hard from the sudden presence next to him, knocking his elbow into the table. “ShI-iT-!”
The smooth voice chuckles, sounding very amused.
“Woops~ Didn’t mean ta scare ya gorgeous~”
“Morning Killer~!”
“Morning Bue~”
“ToBY FOx-X oW-” Error holds his now hurting elbow- that was definitely going to leave a crack- glitching and scooting away from the voice, Killer, a touch before turning to him. Standing beside their table is a short but lean skeleton monster. His bones are off white, more of a light gray with smooth facial features, leaner than Blue’s chubby look.
The most noticeable things though are his sockets, they lack any eyelights at all, yet he still feels a sharp gaze aimed right at him as a thick black liquid runs down from those empty black sockets. Oh and one other thing-
His soul is floating right in front of his chest for all to see-!
Error’s quick to look away with a fizzle of glitches, a faint yellow blush growing on his face.
“Aww I’m not that ugly am I~?” Killer teases, and Blue answers before Error can, much to the glitch’s relief.
“He’s Just Shy-”
Why does Killer’s soul look like that!?!? No no he shouldn’t be thinking about it- neither Blue nor Killer were making a big deal about it- so it was fine- right? Maybe it was something like his glitching and Killer just couldn’t control it- better to just not bring it up.
“I see. Well don’t worry I don’t bite~... much~ ”
Error blushes brighter, grabbing his scarf and hiding his face in it. Though a stray thought pops into his mind, making him pause as he considers it.
…No- Killer is very much out of his league and he definitely doesn’t have the courage to pull it off. Even if he has what he thinks is a pretty good comeback.
“You’ll have to bring him back, Blue. He’s cute~”
Error makes a vague flustered sound in the back of his nonexistent throat, hiding more.
“Oh I Will!”
“So your regular right?”
“Yup! And A Large Hot Chocolate!”
That has the glitch emerging from his face cocoon of embarrassment with a hopeful sounding ‘Chocolate?’ at the mention of his favorite food. Killer grins cheekily at him-
“Oh ya like chocolate~?”
“It iS- hANd-Ds dOWn thE b-BEsT thINg tO EvER e-EXiSt.” He pauses. “OtHer-R ThAn L-liKe- KitTEn-nS.”
“Kittens are pretty damn great I gotta agree, cute too~ You’re cuter though~”
Error blinks, before blushing brightly and hiding again with a flustered squeak and a ripple of glitches, clearly not sure how to react to the… complement? Flirting-?? Killer doesn’t comment on his reaction, just continuing to talk.
“Chocolate’s pretty good, but I like the spicy stuff. The rest’s too sweet for me, not that I can’t handle a little sugar~”
The glitch slaps the table in excitement, seeming to startle himself with the loud sound, before shaking it off.
“SpiCY ChOCoLaTe iS ThE beST .” He declares, eyelights practically stars. Killer is genuinely caught off guard, but quickly latches onto the little opening.
“I know right~!? It’s so underrated too~”
“It iS! PeOPle usUALly giVe mE WEirD loOKs whEn I BRiNg iT up- AcTuaLLy maYbe thAT’s ‘cAUse oF HOw I loOk-” Error mutters the second half of his sentence to himself, as if thinking out loud. “HaVE yoU EvEr triEd- sHiT-t whAt’S IT cALleD- FeLL cHoCOLaTe? SoMEthiNG liKe thAT…”
“First, you're gorgeous, second yes~! I love Fellverse Chocolate~! Haven’t been able to find anything like it!”
Error sputters and blushes fiercely as he looks at Killer with wide sockets, words failing him for a second from the seemingly sudden complement.
“W-wHA- THaT’s- uH-”
“How about get ya a special hot coco~? Spicy chocolate edition~?”
“R-rEAlly-?” Error’s eyelights were practically sparkling.
“Yeah it’s no problem, beautiful~ I’ll have it to ya soon~” Killer turns to leave, leaving Error with a grinning Blue, practically vibrating in his seat.
“TH-tHaNK yoU!” The glitch calls out to Killer’s retreating back, face on fire.
“Oh My Stars YOU LIKE HIM~!”
“N-nO- ShUT thE FuCk up-!” Error squeaks, leaning forward to cover Blue’s mouth.
Blue only giggles, play slapping at Error’s hand as he wiggles in excitement.
“OH MY STARS OH MY STARS-!”
“BluE No sHuT UP shUt uP-!” The glitch hisses, skull practically a lightbulb at this point as he lightly slaps Blue’s hands back. Many of the other patrons are staring at them now, looking more confused and amused than anything else.
“Heheheh~!”
Error glares at Blue, giving up on the play-fight in favor of laying his head on the table and pulling his scarf over his skull with a whine of embarrassment, glitching.
“Aw Come Out Ru! You Two Would Be So Cute~!”
“No sHUt upPp- BeSIdEs hE’s waY OUt oF My leGUe-!”
“No He’s Not! He’s Obviously Interested In You~!”
Error scoffs. “YeAH riGht- hE waS JuSt beiNG NiCe-”
“Ru. I Come Here Every Day. He’s Not One To Do People Favors~”
“HuH?” Error fails at keeping the hope out of his voice, before remembering that he’s supposed to be upset at Blue. “WaIT- nO SHuT Up-”
Blue laughs, wanting to say something more before their drinks are slid across the table in front of them.
“Here you are~ you’ll have to tell me what ya think~”
“Thanks Killer!”
“ThANk yoU!” Error’s quick to sit back up, fixing his scarf and taking a swig of his drink- only to make a face and stick out one of his tongues as he manages to burn it.
“Ow hoT oW-”
Killer chuckles, Blue giggling a little as well.
“You're welcome, just don’t hurt yourself too much ‘kay~?”
The glitch pouts, before turning his attention back to his hot coco, this time taking small, careful sips. He hums happily at the taste, his white eyelight flickering into a star for just a moment.
“Ya like it~?”
“VeRY mUCh yEs~! THaNKs~”
“You’re welcome~ Can I get a name to go with that pretty face~?”
And the blush was back- “I-I’m ErROr.”
“Error…I like it~ Nice to meet ya Error! Ya probably already know but I’m Killer~”
“NiCE tO MeEt yoU T-tOo.” The glitch can practically feel the smugness radiating from Blue.
“Oh I almost forgot.” Killer slides him a napkin before turning to leave. “Enjoy your drinks~!”
Error blinks, looking down at the napkin in confusion, flipping it over he sees-
“He Gave You His Phone Number~!”
Error barely holds off a crash, glitching harshly and blushing fiercely, a few error signs filling his sockets. Blue comes around the table, nuzzling him to hopefully ground the glitch.
“Breathe Ru-”
“I-I’m fIN-nE-” Error takes a deep breath, focusing on Blue’s touch and pushing away his gay panic from Killer’s number. Blue pets him gently, grinning wide.
“You’re So Gay-”
“SH-ShuT THe fUcK Up-!” Error’s glitching increases, and he grabs Blue’s arm as if to push him away but doesn’t, grumpily leaning into the pets.
“Don’t Worry- All Skeletons Are-”
“I s-SWeA-aR TO fO-oX If yOu m-MAKe A PUn-N-” The glitch glares through the error signs in his sockets.
“....Boned~”
“T-tHAt’s IT-!” Error shoves Blue away, holding back another crash as he blindly wacks him.
“O-Ok Ok I’m Sorry! Calm Down-!” Blue giggles, swatting back at him.
“ToO-o lAT-Te!” Glitching too harshly for proper touch, Error switches to his strings.
“Fine, I Give Just Drink Your Coco!”
Still glaring, Error scoots away to huddle grumpily in the corner of the booth, blindly reaching for his hot chocolate. He’s pretty sure any kind of touch- even from Blue- would trigger a crash at this point.
Blue doesn’t try touching him again and instead enjoys his own drink, talking to Error as he slides the glitch’s drink closer to his hand. Error finds it after a moment and takes a careful sip, closing his sockets in contentment, idly listening to Blue as he waits for his glitching to go back down.
~
It’s been a couple of days since Blue had dragged him to the coffee shop, and now he was on the phone with said skeleton, flopping onto his bed as he whined.
“BuT WHaT If iT’S beEN tOo loNG noW-? I bET hE DOesN’t ReMEmBer mE At thIS poiNT-”
“You’ll Never Know Until You Try! Come On Ru You Can Do It!”
“UgHh- WHaT wOulD I EVeN sAy-?”
“Hi It’s Error From Two Days Ago- And Then Ask Him About Himself!”
“B-buT-” Error whines, glitching anxiously. He really did want to text Killer but his nerves were holding him back- what if Killer had changed his mind about wanting to talk to him? Or he said something wrong? Or-
“Error. Stop That I Can Hear You Buzzing Through The Phone! Just Text Him Already!”
“...F-fIne- FINe-E-” The glitch pulls up Killer’s contact- he had saved it in his phone as soon as he got home.
Error: Hi- it’s Error, from a few days ago
He reads it out for Blue. “How’s-S ThAT?”
“Good! Well done Ru~!” Curse Blue using his praise kink at every opportunity! He regrets ever letting the small skeleton figure that out- even as he shivers happily from the praise.
“Th-tHAnkS…” He hits send and resigns himself to waiting anxiously for an answer. He doesn’t have to wait long-
Killer: I remember that cute name~
Killer: Been waitin’ for u
“Oh sHIt hE TeXteD BAcK- wHaT Do I SaY-??”
“What Did He Say?”
Error reads the texts to Blue. “HoW Do I ReSpoND tO thAt-?”
“Flirt Back!”
“No- aBsOLuTEly n-nOT-”
“You can Do It Ru~! I Believe In You!”
The glitch whines again, not sure how he’d even begin to flirt back. Finally he just decides on dry humor- it wasn’t really flirting but he wasn’t sure how else to respond, reading it for Blue as he types.
Error: Thanks- I’ve been staring at my phone anxiously as I attempt to finally text u
Killer: Nice to know your thinking about me~
Killer: I’ve been glancing at my phone randomly throughout the day-
Error snorts at that.
Error: Yeah I’m honestly surprised my phone doesn’t have a hole in it with how long I was staring at it
Killer: lol With eyelights like those I’m not surprised. Nothing can withstand your stunning gaze~
Error: God made me blind cuz he knew I’d be too powerful with full eyesight
Killer lol what a coincidence- God must've thought the same thing with me-
Error: You’re blind?
“KiLler’S BLinD?” Error asks Blue.
“Yeah He’s Completely Bind Actually. He Sees Somehow Though Just Not The Way We Do. His Friends Think That’s How He Knows Things He Shouldn’t- He Won’t Tell Anyone How He Does It Either.”
Killer: Yup, but don’t worry I can still see your beauty even without sight~
Error: That’s actually pretty neat!
Error: Maybe you could give me pointers some time- I become pretty helpless when my vision is blocked.
Error: Even tho it happens constantly-
Killer: Yikes- Yeah I’ll help. When should we have our first training session~?
Error blinks at the text for a moment, before forwarding it to Blue. “BluE IS-s thIS FLirTIN-nG I cAn’t tELL iF thIS IS-s flIRtinG-”
“Oh Yeah He’s Flirting~ I Think He’s Asking You Out On A Date~”
“ReA-aLL-ly-?” Error’s glitching increases, his gay panic painfully obvious in his voice.
“Uh Huh~ He’s Asking When You Can Meet Up. Now Killer’s Pretty Chill And Definitely An Ass So Don’t Think To Hard About It-”
“SnrK- BLuE he’S A sKelEToN He doESn’T haVe aN ASs-”
Error: I have no life so I’m free whenever!
“I Don’t Know Sometimes He Makes Me Wonder-”
Error snickers.
Killer: So tomorrow then glitchy~?
Error: Sure! What time? And where?
Error: And- just as a sorta warning? Kinda? Just- It bothers some people so I just wanted to let u know I guess
Error: But I don’t really do well with touch- so- yeah
“Oh maN I’m bAD aT-t thIS-” Error complains.
Killer: That’s fine. Pixlexia tends to do that-
“You’re Doing Great Ru~ Good Job~”
The glitch flushes with a quiet whine.
Error: Oh you actually know what it is!! Most people just call it my “weird glitching” and then ignore what I just said about touching-
Error: Very annoying and why I don’t work retail anymore lol
Killer: lol ya people suck-
Killer: Thought I’d look it up after I met you actually. It’s an unfortunate condition but kinda cool to
Killer: The scientific side I mean-
Error: Really?
Error: And yeah I get it- it’s a pain to have but certainly interesting to learn about. Gave me some neat abilities too
Killer: Oh ya? Wish mine came with anything cool-
Killer: But I make due- being small has its advantages~
Error: Like fitting in tight places?
Error: And I’ll have to show you some time! My pixlexia is severe enough to affect my magic and stats so I can do some pretty wacky things sometimes- they’re mostly just party tricks tho
Killer: I can fit in your tight space~
Killer: More like I’m real fast and light on my feet
Killer: You’ll definitely have to show me sometime! I’d love to see it!
Error snorts and reads the first response to Blue, deciding not to acknowledge it.
Error: Yay! So what time do you wanna meet up?
Killer: What time do you get up?
Error: Whenever Blue decides to force me to get up by spamming me ngl-
Error: So any time after 8 I guess?
Killer: Cool! Meet me at 9 in front of the cafe tomorrow?
Error: Works for me! I can’t wait~!
“GueSs WHo hAS a maYbE daTE I’m nOT qUITe suRE~?”
“You~?”
“YeaH~!” Though Blue couldn’t see it, Error had a huge grin and was wiggling happily, his excitement leaking into his voice. Blue can’t help but laugh at Error’s cuteness.
“What Are You Going To Wear~?”
Error pauses, thinking about it.
“...MaYBe thAt oNE DReSs yoU GOt mE thAT I altEReD? WItH thE EmBroiDEry?” It was a light yellow and went down to his knees, and he had sewn little flowers into the hem with his strings. “WoULd-d thAT be toO MuCh…?”
“Oh No Wear That! Killer Will Love it~!”
“YOu su-URe..? Oh- aND CoULd yoU SeND mE thE CaFe’s adDResS? We’rE ME-eETinG Up thERe aT niNE.”
“I’m Positive~ Aaaaaand sent!”
Error’s phone dings, and he puts the address into his GPS for tomorrow. As long as he took a few shortcuts through some back allies it’s only a twenty minute walk.
“ALriGht-T I’ll wEAr thAT thEn. I’m noT GoNna boTHeR wiTh EcTo thOUgh.”
“Damn-”
“It fiTS mE FINe wiThoUT It- mY MaGIc leVEl’s bEeN A biT loW LAteLy.”
“But Your Ecto Is So Pretty~!”
“I’m noT-t wASTinG mY EneRGy oN keEPinG IT foRmEd-”
“Awwww.. I Bet Killer Will Find It Pretty When He Eventually Sees It~”
“...ShUt uP-” Error grumbles, a blush growing on his face. He doesn’t deny it though, so, progress. Blue continues to tease him for several more moments before telling Error to go to bed, making the glitch whine in protest.
“Do You Need Night Night Kisses Ru~?”
“ThAt wA-aS ONe tiMe-!” Ask for goodnight kisses one time while half delirious from a particularly bad crash and he never lives it down-
“I Don’t Mind Coming Over For Kisses~! We Can Snuggle Too~!”
It was honestly tempting, as Error was probably going to sit and overthink everything the second he was left alone with his thoughts.
“No iT’s laTe- doN’T woRrY ABoUt it.”
“....I’m Coming!”
“BLue nO-”
“Already On My Way!” He can hear the motorcycle already starting up-
“Oh mY FOx- aLRiGht whATevEr I’m gEtTIng-G reAdy foR Bed-”
“Make Sure To Take A Shower This Time!”
Error’s groan slowly grows more distant as he leaves his phone on the bed and gets up to do just that, the sound of running water able to be heard after a moment. The glitch hadn’t bothered to hang up, assuming Blue would but not particularly caring if he didn’t.
Once in the bathroom, Error closes the door and turns the shower on, letting the water warm up as he takes off his clothes and sticks them in the hamper- poking his head out of the bathroom to throw his scarf onto his bed. He always forgets to do it beforehand.
Hanging up a towel and making sure the water was a good temperature, Error hops in, relaxing with a sigh as hot water runs down his body, making him glitch slightly.
Error honestly wasn’t sure how to feel about the date- though Killer never outright said it was a date?- tomorrow. The only other date he’s ever been on he was stood up, so he wasn’t sure what to expect- he’s… pretty sure Killer isn’t the type to do that- hell, the guy looked up what pixlexia was after meeting him-!
…That was a good sign, right? Error’s not really sure…
He hears the front door click as someone comes in, probably Blue, though he doesn’t hear any footsteps afterwards, maybe due to the sound of the shower. Either way, it snaps him out of his thoughts and he quickly grabs the soap and loofah to clean himself off, humming a glitchy tune.
His bed creaks as someone lays down, but he pays it no mind, just rinsing himself off and turning off the shower, grabbing the towel to dry himself off. There’s another creak as he opens his door to….an empty room, making him frown in confusion. He could’ve sworn he had heard someone come in….
Shaking off the slightly uneasy feeling, he walks over to his closet to put on a way too big t-shirt and some boxers- his usual sleepwear. Once again he hears someone open the front door, this time though a familiar voice calls out to him.
“I’m Here!”
“...” Did he hear wrong or something? Maybe he just imagined the sounds?
Blue pokes his head in before noticing the odd look on the other's face as he sits down on the bed.
“Error? Is Something Wrong?”
“...YEaH-” What Blue said actually processes, and Error’s quick to shake his head. “I mEAn- nO- I juST- I coULd’vE sWoRN I heArD SoMEonE coME In whILe I wAs shOWerINg…”
Blue tenses before quickly looking around the room.
“Are You Sure? Did You Ever Hear Them Leave?”
“No- tHoUGh I nEvEr reALly heARd foOTsTePs..” Error shrugs a bit as he moves back to the bathroom to hang his towel back up, trying to seem nonchalant- but his glitching reveals his anxiety.
“Hmm…You Had The Door Unlocked. Has Anything Been Moved?”
“No-OT aS FaR As I CaN TEll.”
“...Ok Let's Lay Down Then. I Locked The Door, But I’ll Check The Windows.”
“O-oKAy.” Error goes to his bed, moving his phone and scarf to his nightstand before sitting down, making sure to set an alarm for seven-thirty. While Blue gets up to check all the windows in the house, coming back to lay beside the glitch.
“Everything’s fine Ru~”
“...YoU SUr-Re?” Error asks, laying down next to Blue and wiggling himself under the covers.
“Yes I’m Sure. We’re Safe Ru.”
Only a minute ago when Blue had gone to lock Error’s bedroom window, he had spotted a familiar face hiding in a pile of fabric and yarn Error refuses to clean up. He knows this wasn’t Cross’s idea but still-
“...ALriGht.” With the confirmation, the glitch doesn’t hesitate to cuddle up to Blue, nuzzling him as his worried glitches settle. If the small skeleton says they were safe then he’ll trust him. Blue purrs and snuggles back, pulling up the covers and gently giving Error a kiss on the skull, giggling.
“Goodnight Ru~”
Error grumbles a bit, hiding his face as he blushes faintly, before letting his sockets close and relaxing. “GoODnigHt BLue..~”
~
The next morning Blue had already gotten up to make breakfast by the time Error’s alarm went off. A pleasant smell filling the house with the sound of sizzling bacon, and despite Error’s reluctance to be a part of the waking world, the prospect of food beacons. He rolls out of bed with a groan, sleepily putting on his glasses and grabbing his scarf, wrapping it around his shoulders like a tiny blanket, before shuffling to the kitchen- on barely avoiding walking into the side of the doorway.
“Morning Ru~! Did You Sleep Well?” Blue asks from his place in front of the stove.
“Mh.” Error just grunts in response, going over to Blue to affectionately headbutt him, sockets half closed. The short skeleton smiles at him, nuzzling their skulls together before turning to usher Error into a seat at the bar.
“I’ll Take That As A Yes.”
Making another vague sound, Error lays his skull on the counter as soon as he’s sitting, skewing his glasses as he blinks sleepily at Blue. Chuckling, Blue pulls the glasses away to set them down on the table before he continues making breakfast, sliding Error his plate a few minutes later- who had managed to fall back asleep, scarf pulled slightly over his face.
“Ru? Come On It’s Time To Get Up~” He lightly shakes Error’s skull, poking his cheeks.
“..MrrH?” The glitch’s face scrunches up, and he opens his sockets with an almost cat-like trill, staring blankly at Blue for a moment before his eyelights focus, and he yawns.
“Come On You HAve A Date Remember~”
That has Error waking up quickly. “ShIT WaiT WHaT tiMe iS It-?”
“7:45”
“OkaY GoOd- I sTiLl gOT TImE..” The glitch relaxes with a relieved sigh, before turning his attention to the food in front of him- slightly displeased with just how much food was piled on it.
“You Don’t Have To Eat It All- Killer Might Take You Out To Eat.”
“UgH foODd-” Error whines even as he starts eating, smiling at the delicious taste. Error liked food just fine- he just wasn’t a fan of eating in general.
“It Will Probably Be Chocolate~”
…Error pauses, before just going back to eating his food with only a quiet grumble of complaint. Blue laughs before taking his own plate and eating his food quickly. When Error‘s done he takes both their plates to wash them in the sink while the glitch gets up with a stretch, rubbing his left socket as he plods over to his room.
“ImMA go gET DrESsed.”
“Ok, I’ll Take You To The Cafe When You're Ready!”
“‘KAy.” He calls back as he opens his closet, grabbing the dress he mentioned to Blue yesterday and sliding it on, putting shorts on under it.
“You Look So Pretty Ru~” Blue says, leaning against the door frame. Error jumps, glitching in surprise and turning to look at Blue, face flushed.
“ShUt-t-”
“Never~! Now Let’s Go!”
Error blushes, pouting at Blue as he puts on his scarf and sticks his phone in his inventory.
“WhATevEr-r I’m rEAd-DY noW-”
“Good~!” Blue grabs his hand and pulls him along before suddenly stopping, making Error run into his back.
“Wait What About Your Shoes?”
“By thE DOoR- yoU WErE the OnE TO stArt dRAgGINg mE-”
“You’re Going To Wear Tennis Shoes?”
“THeY’re coMFy.” Error defends.
“...Ru No-”
“WhY NOt? THeY DOn’t loOk thAT baD-”
“With A Dress- Yes. I Did Get You Boots To Go With it-”
“BUt thEy’Re aLL cloPpy loUD-”
“They're Not That loud! And They’re Comfortable!”
“..FfFINe-” Error groans, going back to his closet to put on the boots.
“You Look Sexy In Them Too~”
“FUcK ofF-”
“Killer’s Got that Covered~”
~
Killer stands leaning against the side of the cafe, typing something out on his phone before he looks up to see Blue pulling in. He’s actually dressed pretty nice, wearing his sleeveless black sweater and some jeans with his favorite pair of tennis shoes.
He ‘watches’ Error get off the bike and can’t help but blush, the first words to pop into his head spewing from his mouth.
“You really are gorgeous~”
The glitching skeleton blushes, fumbling with his words.
“O-oH- Uh- Th-hANks! YOu- yoU TOo!”
“Why thank you~” He pushes himself off the wall to walk over to the two, Blue giving him a cheeky grin.
“I’ve got him from here Blue.”
“Of Course. Have Fun You Two!” The small skeleton starts up his bike again, giving Error a small nudge before he drives off with a giggle. The glitch just rolls his eyelights and waves at Blue as he turns the corner.
“He’S sUCh a LItTle shIT-”
“I’ll admit- I’m no better~”
Error snickers at that. “So whAT a-ARe thE PLaNs?”
“Well I found this really good cookie shop that sells spicy chocolate chip cookies~” Cross gave him the idea after the oreo came back from recon (Nightmare ordered him to spy on Error) and it sounded good.
“Then I thought we could go to this really cool place in the park. No one but me and my friends know about it~”
“YOu haD Me aT CoOKieS~” Error playfully swoons, grinning.
“You had me at hello~” Killer playfully winks at him before he begins walking down the sidewalk towards the cookie place.
Error’s quick to follow behind him, very lightly and carefully latching onto the back of Killer’s sweater- though even that contact made him glitch slightly.
“Y’kNOw- I hoNEsTLy neVEr woULd’vE THoUght You wERe BLiNd if yoU HaDn’t toLD me.”
“I’m pretty good at hiding it. With the whole head turning and what not- It’s not too hard to mimic. I’ve had a lot of practice though so-”
“MaKEs senSE-” Ha unintentional pun- “I woULdN’t bE ABle tO HIdE iT If I TriEd, ‘caUSe mY EyeSOcKeTs gET filLEd wiTh ERroR siGns foR EverRYonE to seE…” Error trails off as if noticing his wording.
“For EvERyoNe to SeE~ ” Cue the cheesy finger guns. Killer's grin widens.
“Oh I saw what ya did there~” Error likes puns! This can’t get any better~
“DoN’t yoU MEaN “ EyE sAw”~?”
“Exactly, eyelight it~”
“...PFfT- hAhahA-” The glitch snorts and starts giggling, his grip on Killer tightening a bit.
‘So cute~’ “And if anyone tries messing with ya just call me up- I’ll socket to ‘em~”
“Oh m-MY FOx- sNrk-”
“I mean it! Just give me a call and I’ll be there in the blink of an eye ~” Killer turns-making Error quickly pull away- walking backwards while facing the glitch with a cheeky grin.
“ALriGht alRIghT I’m oUt of ComEBAckS-s-” Error summons a tiny harmless bone to poke Killer’s cheek. “YoU ChEeKY fuCKeR.”
He of course responds by licking the bone attack- “Emphasis on fucker~”
Error squeaks in surprise, dismissing the bone and automatically glitching himself to hide behind a trash can in the street, Killer’s tongue having gotten a bit too close for comfort. Said skeleton laughs a little, startled by the sudden movement.
“Sorry Error- Did I scare ya?”
“A-a biT soRrY- mo-ORe sTaRtle-ED thAn anYThiNg-G ElsE.”
“Nah it’s cool. Like really- is that one of the things your glitches do?” Killer walks over, not getting too close so Error can have a moment to come out himself. It really was a cool thing to ‘see’. Error’s magic literally dispersed and moved before reforming his body.
“Y-yeAH- iT’s one-E Of thE EaSIeR thinGs for mE To dO-o, ‘cAUsE It doESn’t ReaLLy uSe muCh oF My mAgiC. N-noT THe beSt feELinG, thoUGh.” After a moment, Error leaves hiding, shaking himself off as if to brush off the glitches.
“Well it’s very cool to see. Your magic is awesome~!”
“Th-tHANks-” Error blushes, moving back to Killer to let him continue leading the way. The smaller starts walking again, turning the corner.
“Super unique and pretty, just like ya~”
“SHuT-t upP-” The glitch whines weakly, slowly doing his best to disappear into his scarf.
“Hehehe~ Make me~” Killer stops in front of the cookie store, taking a deep breath to really take in the smell. Error just grumbles quietly, his face growing brighter.
“...IS THiS thE plaCe?” Error’s embarrassment is quickly overtaken by excitement, easily heard in his voice.
“Yup~ Great reviews so the place’s got to be good~!” Killer opens and holds the door for Error, just as excited.
“NicE~!” Error walks through the door and waits for Killer before following him to the front counter. It seems like he prefers to walk behind people.
“Hello, how may I help you?” A nice bunny monster askes from behind the counter.
“Can we have a dozen spicy chocolate chip cookies?”
“A dOzeN?” Error mumbles.
“Group of twelve-”
“Yes- I’ll have that right out for you!” The bunny monster disappears into the back before returning with a small box.
“Here you are!”
“I knOW WhaT A doZEN is-”
“Do you now~?” Killer asks as he takes the box of cookies, giving the rabbit some G in return.
“YEs-! I juSt thoUGhT it wAs a loT Of coOKieS FoR twO SkeLEtoNs.” Error defends, before noticing Killer had paid. “HEy wAIt I CaN paY-”
“Nope! Already done!” Killer smiles as he turns back to the door. “I’m getting so many ‘cause one of my friends would kill me if he knew I came here without getting him some.”
“Oh thAT’s fAIr- I’d bE PReTty CRosS WIth yoU IN thE SaME poSItioN hoNEstLy.”
Killer suddenly snorts before bursting into uncontrollable laughter, holding his middle. Wait till the gang hears about this! What a coincidence~!
Error just blinks at the small skeleton in confusion and slight concern.
“Uh- Ya goOD-?”
“H-hehehehe- his n-name is C-cross~!”
“I- WAit reALly-??”
“Yes-!” Oh my fox he can’t- holy shit that’s hilarious.
“SNrK- I gUEsS I reALly woULd bE CrOss iN HIs poSItioN THEn-!” Error snickers, laughing more at Killer’s reaction than in accidental pun, and wraps a string around to lightly tug him out of the cookie shop.
The small skeleton just can’t contain himself. It’s so funny! He can practically feel Cross’s deadpan from here! Error grabs the box of cookies to steal one as he just watches Killer laugh, letting him tire himself out.
After a few minutes he can finally breathe, having leaned up against a wall.
“Phew- hehe- that was awesome~”
“I’m glAD YOu haD fuN.” Error deadpans, though his mouth was quirked up in a grin.
“YOu shOUld trY A coOKIe noW!” The glitch had already eaten one, and it was officially his new favorite treat- he’ll have to try finding a recipe sometime. Excitedly, Killer opens the box to grab a cookie, moaning at the taste and making Error blush brightly.
“Cross was right~ It’s delicious~”
“YEaH iT’s dEFinITely a neW FAvoRIte- riGHt beHInD thaT Hot cOCo yoU MAde mE.”
Killer actually blushes at that.
“I’ll make it for ya anytime~”
“I mIGhT taKe yoU Up oN THaT~” The fact that he got Killer to blush like that has the glitch practically beaming.
“Hehe~ So what do you do for a living glitchy~?”
“Oh- uM-” Error seems to grow a bit nervous, looking away and fidgeting with his phalanges. “I uh- haVe a sMALl onLIn-NE cloThinG SToRe..”
Killer blinks at him…before wiggling in excitement. “Really!? That's so cool! What’s it called I wanna see~!”
“ReALly? Um- IT-t’S CalLed ‘KnOT yoUr tyPE’.”
The small monster snorts, grinning to his non-existent ears.
“You’re my type~”
“I rEGreT EVeRythINg.” Error deadpans.
“Aww come on it wasn’t that bad-!” He pops another cookie into his mouth and takes out his phone to type down the name so he doesn’t forget. Error just makes a face at him, visibly holding back giggles.
Killer smiles happily at him, a cookie still hanging out of his mouth as his soul flickers.
“How about we go to that place I was talkn’ about? I can help ya with the whole seein’ thing!”
“ReaLLy? YeS PleaSe-!” Now it was the glitch’s turn to wiggle in excitement.
Both skeletons continue down the side walks, talking about random things as they walk until they get to the park, where Killer leads the glitch through the trees and to a large clearing away from other people.
“Me and my friends come here all the time. And the best part is no one’s ever around!”
“ThE MOrE peOPle aVOIdEd thE BeTteR.” Error nods sagely. “ThiS IS prETty aWSomE ThouGH! It’s reALly niCe~!”
“Right!? It’s a nice day too!” Some of the trees are scratched up in places and the ground looks like it’s been abused, but it’s still really pretty. After a moment of deliberation, Error summons a small sharp bone, carving a little smiley face onto one of the worse looking trees.
“It reALly is~!”
Giggling, Killer falls back onto a patch of soft grass, closing his empty sockets.
“Did ya know magic is in everything?”
Error joins Killer, shifting a bit so the grass doesn’t try to poke him.
“WelL- yeAH- ALl liVINg thINgS HaVe maGIC?”
“Non living things do too. Like the air and the soil we’re laying on.”
“...HuH- yEAh I guESS thAt makES seNSe…” Error lays a hand down flat on the ground, as if trying to feel it.
“Close your sockets. I want ya to try focusing on the magic that makes up your body.”
“ALriGht…” Error does just that- frowning a bit when he notices how low his magic level’s glitched- before concentrating more on the magic that physically makes him up.
“Once you have that, try to envision its flow, feel it moving and try to imagine it as a picture.”
The glitching makes it a bit difficult, but Error does his best, furrowing his brows in concentration.
“Try focusing on a little bit and slowly expand to your whole body.”
“CAn I UsE My sTrINgS?”
“Yeah sure. Whatever helps.”
Error does just that, pulling his strings out of his sockets, not bothering to disconnect them as he focuses on their magic, picturing them and slowly working his way up to his skull.
“Slowly build a picture of your body using the flow of magic and tell me when you’ve got it.”
“‘KaY.” It takes probably fifteen minutes before Error finally gives the go ahead, as the way his magic and body glitch made it difficult to keep a solid grip on it.
“Good. Now move a little and feel the difference it makes, use what you can feel to see the change.”
Error starts with wiggling his phalanges, strings still wrapped around them. He struggles a bit, a slightly frustrated huff leaving him as the image disappears from his mind's eye. Killer chuckles at him, the sound light and amused.
“It’s ok if it doesn’t work. It took me a long while to get it the first few times.”
“My mAGiC’s toO FuCkeD up foR This…” Error grumbles, before starting again, this time trying to visualize it less like a picture and just letting his mind come up with whatever.
“Nah your magic’s just different. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s pretty either way~”
The glitch just hums in response as he starts feeling the magic in his strings, letting the image come to him instead of making one, only to pause as he sees-
“...NuMBers..?”
“Hum?” Killer askes wordlessly.
“I cAN sEe nuMBeRs…” Error focuses harder with the intent to see more of the numbers in his strings, watching closely as more are revealed.
“...KIndA reMINdS Me oF coDe.”
“Huh…it might be-”
“I doUBt iT-” Error looks even harder, the numbers seeming to part to show him something more complex-
“Ah-!! FuCk-!” White hot pain stabs his head and throbs in his soul, making him pull back, releasing his hold on the numbers and curling up with a shout of pain. Killer sits up immediately, reaching out to comfort Error- only to stop himself short.
“Error! Are you ok? What happened?”
“D-doN-nNO- shI-IT oW-” The glitch whines, holding his skull in one hand and clutching at his dress above his soul in the other. Killer wants to help- but how!?
“Uh- what hurts?”
“M-mY HEa-Ad anD cHES-s-sT- sOUl-” Error glitches and curls up tighter, tearing up. Killer cringes- he knows what that's like. Pain in the soul is the worst- literally.
“Oh ok uh..focus on your breathing it will distract ya and calm ya down.” Hugging Error would probably make it worse, even though all he wants to do is hold Error tightly in an attempt to soothe his pain.
The glitch whimpers, but does his best to do what Killer said. Though, after a moment he blindly reaches out to the small skeleton, sockets screwed shut in pain. Killer hesitates before lifting a hand to carefully hold Error’s own, only for the glitch to pull it closer and put on the top of his head, holding it there just in case. Error seems to calm down a bit just from the familiar and comforting pressure alone.
Killer blinks in surprise before he gently begins to slide his hand from side to side on Error’s skull, effectively petting the glitch. Error shudders, slowly relaxing as he focuses on it, the pain in his skull and soul slowly fading to a more bearable ache.
Continuing his pets, Killer adds his other hand, gently caressing Error’s skull. Error leans into it, opening his teary sockets to look at the small skeleton with hazy eyelights. Killer can’t help but feel bad.
“Aww don’t cry- you’ll be ok..sorry I didn’t think you’d get hurt…”
“I d-dIDn’T thIN-nK I woULd eIThEr-r..” Error chuckles weakly. “DO-oN’t thiNK-K I’m SupPOs-sED tO loOoK-k toO CLosE t-To thE NU-uMBerS…”
“Yeah let’s uh- not.”
That makes Error snicker, before he shakily tries sitting up, the movement making his head throb painfully.
“No no no- just lay down. I’ll keep petting you if ya want~”
“I-I’m fiNE- iT’s fI-iNe…”
“Stay like a good boy ok~?”
Error stiffens, a faint blush growing on his face as he settles down, avoiding looking at Killer, who smirks smugly at him.
“That’s what I thought~ You’re beautiful and a good listener~” It feels like Killer is teasing him now, much to Error’s embarrassment.
“SH-shUT-t up…”
“Make me~”
The glitch just grumbles quietly in response, glitching slightly and glaring at nothing. Killer grins before petting Error some more with a happy purr, laying down on his side to face the glitch, who avoids eye contact.
“...I AsSUmE wHAt yoU WEre teAcHInG me iS HOw you See? BLuE mENtiONed soMeThinG AB-boUT it.”
“Yeah. I’ve never tried ta teach someone else how ta do it though..”
“I-it’S PReTty cOol thoUGh- aND I thINk I’ll bE ALriGht-T AS lonG AS I doN’t loOK to-oO CLoSely At thE NuMberS…”
“Maybe but we can probably try later when you’re not in pain. Besides I’d rather memorize the details of your pretty face~”
“Oh hUSh-”
~
As Error walks, the shadows behind him shift, seeming to creep closer and closer, until the glitch turns- and nothing looks out of the ordinary. Error shrugs and continues walking to the cafe.
It had been a few days since the date(? He’s still not sure), and he and Killer have been continuously texting back and forth ever since. Error’s headache had finally completely gone away yesterday, so they had planned to meet up for another date/seeing lesson- which was where he was now headed.
That is until he walks into someone and falls on his coccyx. Error’s quick to scramble away with a strangled yelp- probably getting his clothes dirty- error signs filling his sockets and glitching violently. He could’ve sworn there wasn’t anyone else in the alleyway- he had even double-checked!
“ Why hello there~ ”
Error doesn’t say anything back, not trusting his voice with how badly he was glitching as he fights a crash.
“ Hum, I see. Let me help with that. ” The pain of Error’s glitches and panic start to ebb away, like they’re being pulled from him, helping him calm down and gain control of his glitching. After a moment, he tries doing what Killer taught him- as he knows he won’t be able to do anything about the error signs- and numbers slowly create the vague form of a person in front of him.
“Wh-wHAt..?”
“ Just a small trick of mine. Would you like some help getting up? The ground is quite dirty. ”
“No!” Error flinches at his accidental shout. “N-nO THa-Ank yoU-u. I-I’vE got iT.”
“ If you insist, but I don’t have to touch you to help. ”
“I’m fiNe-E.” The glitch stands up carefully, brushing himself off. The deep voice hums at him, seeming to lean in closer.
“ How about I at least help you reach your destination. I couldn’t bear to leave you like this. ”
“It’S ALriGhT-t, yoU Do-ON’t neED t-tO.” Error smiles nervously, watching as the person takes a step closer, slowly trying to visualize the ground and walls around them.
“ I insist~ ” Something new starts to fill the space where the world around him should be, a code he can’t read. The next thing Error knows he’s standing in the middle of the clearing he was meeting Killer at, where they’ve been practicing. The glitch’s brows furrow slightly in confusion as he looks around.
“...WHaT-t-?”
“ I look forward to our next meeting Error~ ”
“HOw diD YOu-?” Error cuts himself off as the person’s code disappears as if it was never there, leaving him even more confused. “WhAt thE-e heLL…?” The clearing is silent save for his constant buzzing before he hears someone call out his name.
“Error! How’d you get here so fast!?” Killer yells as he runs over to him, making Error whip around with a flurry of glitches, yelping as he trips over his own feet.
Only for Killer to catch him by the waist, dipping him slightly.
"Falling for me already~?"
Error’s breath hitches and his glitching increases, and before he can try to stop himself-
*Beeeeep*
Error.exe has crashed. Rebooting…
"...Woops-" Killer says as he lowers Error to lay on the grass, lightly petting his skull. Luckily, it didn’t seem to be a bad crash, and Error reboots after about a minute, taking a breath and blinking with a slight grimace. If nothing else- Error could actually see now.
"Sorry about that glitchy. I didn't mean ta make ya crash-"
“It’S FINe-” Error waves off Killer’s apology. “I jUsT… bUMpEd inTO soMeONe on thE Way heRE. I thINk.”
"Oh yeah? Was it someone ya know?"
“No- I dIDn’t rECognIZe thEIr voiCE aND neVeR goTtA SeE thEM… soMEhoW KNeW mY naMe, thOUgH.”
"That’s….creepy."
“A bIT.” Error admits, looking away nervously. “AnD I THinK THEy diD soMEthINg to LikE- mAke mY GLitCheS HuRt leSs? WHeN I FirSt buMpeD inTo thEm? I duNnO- iT Was wEIRd…”
A look of recognition crosses Killer’s face, his pets stuttering a little as he snickers to himself, confusing Error.
“WhAt-? KiLleR PleaSe TheY kinDA FreAKeD me oUT-”
"Sorry sorry- Uh just don't worry about them they won't hurt ya."
“Do yoU KNoW THeM??” He sits up.
“AnD it suRE fELt liKe theY wEre aT leaST wiLLinG To hUrt me iF I maDe a WrOng moVe- wE WeRE aLoNe in aN alLEywAy ANd I coULdn’T sEe anD SUdDenly wE WeRe juSt? HerE? ANd thEy wERe goNE??” Error glitches, starting to ramble at this point.
“AnD I knOW I’m oVErreACtinG But iT WaS UnNErvINg aS heLl anD I THoUght I’d sTaRteD hALlucINatinG aGAin-”
"Again? I know him yeah…..Ya know how I told ya I have a group of really close friends?"
“HeArd VoiCEs aNd shIT- iT’s noTHInG.” Error brushes over it, not quite explaining anything. “Is thIS myStERiouS PeRsoN ONe of tHoSe frIEnDs?”
"Yup! He's kinda the mom of the group. He's very protective."
Error sighs, glitching more as he rubs a tired hand over his face. “AlrIGhT- sO I doN’t haVE to loOk inTO neW psychOSis mEds, coOL.”
"Yup you're good! But I always have some in case ya need it."
“ThANk-ks.” Error sighs again, laying back down. “StILl fReAKeD me ouT.”
"That was probably the idea." Killer lays down beside Error, lightly nuzzling his cheek.
“DoESn’T meAN I haVe tO LikE It.” Error grumbles, turning to face Killer and grabbing his hand, messing with it a bit.
“...CaN wE JUst- sTaY LIkE thiS A wHiLe? I dOn’T THinK I’m uP foR uP foR PrActiCIng riGht noW..”
"Yeah sure~ I don't mind~"
“ThaNKs~” Error lightly nuzzles Killer, finally relaxing fully. The small skeleton purrs in response, enjoying Error's presence.
"What kind of person are ya into?"
“WhAt dO ya mEaN?”
"Like what are you attracted to?"
“LiKE- mY TyPe?” Error shrugs. “I dUnnO- soMEoNe whO CAreS FoR me, whO LIkEs me foR WHo I am? MaYbe noT A coMPLetE aSshoLE To evERyOne?”
"Oof- and uh what relationships would ya be open to?"
“As lONg aS EVeRyoNe’s coNSenTINg aNd haPpy I’m oPEn foR WhaTEvEr. Why?” He tilts his head at Killer, slightly confused by the sudden line of questioning.
"Just that my friends are like a poly in a way. We're not like official or anything, but they like you a lot~"
“BUt thEy’Ve neVEr eVEn meT Me-?”
"Eh let's just say I have a hunch they'll like ya when they meet ya~ just a warning."
“OKaY? NoT SUre yoUr frIEnd fRom eARlieR liKEd mE All thAT muCh buT okAY?” Error was clearly confused, but doing his best to just go with it.
"He's not good at being affectionate and the fact that you’re not dead means he likes you- trust me~"
“Hm thAT’s SLiGhtly coNCeRninG.” Error mildly comments, for some reason seeming less freaked out by the possibility he could’ve been killed than the possibility that he was hallucinating.
Killer shrugs, nuzzling Error some more.
"Eh ya get used to it." Nuzzle nuzzle "Besides his protectiveness is….sweet~"
Error just hums in response, letting Killer nuzzle him for a moment before pulling back slightly as his glitches start acting up- though he doesn’t let go of the small skeleton’s hand.
"Your glitches kinda tickle~" Killer says absentmindedly.
“Heh- BLuE saID thE saMe ThiNg. THeY juSt feEl kiNda sTAticY to mE.”
"Oh yeah~?" The small monster keeps his hand still, letting Error fiddle with it. "That's a shame. I like them~"
He moves his thumb a little to rub against one of Error’s glitches lightly. The glitch’s hands twitch, and he blushes a touch.
“Y-yEah?”
"Mhm~ They're pretty and feel nice~ I wish you could enjoy them like I do~" Killer does it again, being a little firmer, and sending a shiver down Error’s spine.
“I- I’m gLAd y-yOU liKe thEm.”
Liking Error's reaction, Killer continues to lightly rub the glitches in his hand, purring as he smirks to himself. Error halfheartedly glares at him, his grip on Killer’s hand tightening slightly as he glitches more, blushing darker.
"Did I mention your blush is beautiful?"
“Sh-sHUt uPp-” He whines.
"Make me~" Killer responds. Error just lightly throws the end of his scarf over Killer’s face, pulling back to hide his own face with his hands, making a vague flustered sound.
Giggling, Killer smiles fondly at him.
"You’re so cute Ru~"
~
After talking and hanging out for another hour or so, it had started to get dark and Error made his way back home- this time electing to take the slightly longer route that didn’t take him through any back alleyways, wanting to avoid another encounter like earlier.
Though Error pauses as he walks by a restaurant, his nonexistent stomach growling at the smell and reminding him that he’s eaten nothing but a small bowl of cereal today.
Stopping here was pretty tempting… but he should still have food at home… Would he actually eat if he went home, though? By that point it might be too late and he’d just feel nauseous and avoid eating anything because of it…
Someone walks and stops in front of him, drawing the glitch's gaze. Standing in front of him is a big, broad shouldered skeleton monster. He's at least 8 feet tall, with one blown out red eyeligh, and a large painful looking hole in his skull.
“...Oh mY FOx arE YOu oKAy???” Error blurts out before he can stop himself, hands sparking green instinctively- only to realize that was probably incredibly rude.
“ShOot- I meAN-! SoRry thAT wAs prOBaBly iNSenSItiVe-”
That wide eyelight stares at him in silence for an uncomfortable moment, before a deep, scratchy voice answers him.
"It's fine…..are you...hungry..?"
“Hm? Oh- nO It’S FINe-” Error waves off the question, slightly wondering why the other skeleton asked that. “I’m ErrOR bY ThE waY- soRrY AGaIN abOuT wHaT I saID.”
"Horror...don't be…..sorry...you're hungry."
“It’S NicE TO meEt yoU, HOrRor! AnD I’m reALly finE, I wAS heAdeD hoME to EaT anYWaYs.”
"....You were going to…..go home and not eat…."
“I mEan- I wAS geNuINeLy pLAnNinG on eATIng.” Error’s not sure how Horror might’ve guessed that- or why he cared in the first place.
"Can I….feed...you..?" Horror asks, tilting his head to the side ever so slightly.
“...WHy?” The glitch blinks, brows furrowing slightly in confusion.
"Don't want...you to be..hungry..?"
“WhY noT?” Error tilts his own head just a bit, unconsciously copying Horror.
"Hunger...hurts.."
“...YEaH, iT doEs- bUt- iT’s noT THaT baD Yet, it’S AlriGHt.”
"Let...feed you…...please…"
The genuine worry and concern in Horror’s voice is what finally gets Error to cave with a sigh. There was no way Error could stand up to the way Horror was practically pleading. “ALriGht, fINe.”
The big skeleton seems to light up at Error's agreement, and begins walking down the sidewalk.
"…Follow."
“A-aLriGht.” The glitch hurries to catch up to Horror, a small part of him wondering if it was weird to want to be held by the large skeleton. He was just- so tall! He could probably hold Error like he was just a toddler.
The big skeleton leads him down the same street the cafe Killer works at is on. He turns into the alley beside said shop and enters through a back door. They come into a house-like space with another skeletons stretched across the couch, asleep. Error does his best to force the sound of static always coming from him quieter when he notices the sleeping skeleton and stays silent, not wanting to accidentally disturb them.
"Stay….I'll get...food.."
“Um- aLRiGht.” Error quietly- and slightly awkwardly- replies, moving to stand next to the couch, in the corner of the room. After a second he seems to start slightly, his glitching increasing- looks like his magic levels glitched higher- finally.
He doesn't notice the pair of mismatched eyesight watching him, until LV crackles faintly in the air- making him jerk to face the source, tear marks glowing slightly in warning. Error normally would react more calmly, but his magic just increased and it’s been a bit of a long day.
" Who are ya? " The skeletons in the couch asked in a...less than kind voice, making his tear marks flair in response. It reminds him of one of his voices- that one in particular always swung wildly between emotions.
“...I’m ErROr- HOrrOr brOUgHt mE.”
The other skeleton seems to freeze in place, sockets widening ever so slightly in recognition, confusing Error. He forces himself to relax, laying back against the couch with his hood covering his face.
"M'kay…."
“...CoOL. GoOd taLk.” Error mutters to himself, his tear marks dimming as he looks away, pretty sure that he isn’t going to be killed now. The silence lasts a few more minutes before the door Horror brought him through bursts open and a familiar voice declares his presence.
"I'm home! Hey Rorry why'd ya need me ta-"
Error glitches and squeaks, crouching and attempting to hide himself behind the couch, but he knows Killer’s already spotted him.
"....Ruru~!!!" The blind skeleton drops all his groceries and runs over to the glitch, giggling in excitement. Error gives up on trying to hide, standing up with a giggle of his own.
“Hi KilLEr- I hAveN’t sEen yoU In foReVEr!” It’s been maybe an hour.
"I know right! Crazy!" Killer giggles more, grinning wide.
“Hey dingus. Don't forget the food."
Killer spins around and jumps right over the arm of the couch, landing right on the skeleton resting there.
" Oof-! Killer!! "
Despite the hostile tone thrown his way, Killer only grins wider, giving the unknown skeleton a kiss in the cheek.
“So I aSsUMe NoT-a-vOIcE-guY aND HorRor aRe soMe moRe oF YOuR frIEndS?” Error asks, feeling a bit like he was intruding.
"Two of them! This is Dust, or bunny for short, Horror is Rorry and Criss-cross is somewhere around here…." Killer sits up, 'looking' around as if trying to find him. Dust grumbles, shoving Killer off and into the floor, making Error snort, glitching in surprise.
“ThAt’s goOD- maKES mE feEL beTtER abOUt aCcePTinG HorROr’S foOD ofFer, aT leASt.”
Killer stands up without complaint, brushing himself off.
"You can have dinner with us~!"
“Y-yeAH-?” Honestly he’s not quite sure what Horror’s plans were beyond ‘feeding him’, so that makes sense.
"Uh huh maybe you can even stay the night~" Killer says with a wink.
“NAh I tHInK I’m goOD.” Error rolls his eyelights with a grin, the fond exasperation clear in his voice.
"Awwwww-!" Killer whines loudly with a pout, lightly nuzzling Error's chest. The glitch snorts, gently patting Killer’s head.
“YOu sTiLl goT GrOceRIeS, silLy.”
"I don't wanna…"
“...Do iT anD I’ll leT YOu huG mE.”
Killer immediately gets to work taking the bags into the kitchen to put them away, much to Error’s amusement.
“It’S a shAMe thiS ONly woRKs uNtiL I’m noT ScAreD OF thEir toUCh.” He muses to himself.
"Eh Kills'll do anything for some cuddles or fucks, with most of us at least."
Error flinches, glitching as he looks up towards the ceiling in surprise, before he seems to remember Dust was there and instead turns to him.
“O-oH riGHt-T- CaN’t sA-ay thAT soUNDs ouT OF chAraCTeR foR HIm.”
"Sit your ass down. Don't just stand there." Dust tells him in annoyance before his voice turns soft. "Yeah he's cute, the moron."
The annoyance in Dust’s voice almost has Error automatically moving, but he stays firmly in his spot, pressing himself a bit more firmly into the corner.
“I aCTually quITe LIkE thiS coRner-”
Dust huffs at him, glaring through the hood covering his face. "I'm not gonna touch ya. You'll make the stupid beeping noise if I do."
“You mEAn liKE- whEN I cRaSh? I meAN I dO MOrE thAn mAke a NOisE- hoW do yoU KNoW abOut thAT?”
Dust peeks out from beneath his hood, clears his throat and- "'Oh my fucking god shut up I'm trying to sleep' or 'glitchy voice can ya be any louder', maybe 'you’re where in what in the snow?'"
Error just stares blankly for a second.
“...WHaT thE Fu-UCk yoU’rE reAL???”
"I should be saying that ta you ya loud shit! Whatcha always screamin' in my head for!?"
“I dON’t tRy to Be loUd…” Error mutters as he hunches in on himself a bit, defensive, pointedly not explaining any further. Dust stops his glaring to grumble instead, mumbling an annoyed 'I know' to himself.
“BesIDes I doN’T knOw wHEn YOu sTaRteD HEaRinG me…” Error continues, glitches increasing as his gaze goes a bit distant, images of blank white rooms flashing though his mind.
"I don't feel like sharin', but probably when ya started hearing me."
“I doN’T ReMemBer, sO.” The glitch didn’t remember most of it. Dust shrugs in response, mumbling a quiet 'me neither'. Luckily Killer comes out of the kitchen, making grabby hands at Error.
“AlrIGhT COmE heRE.” Error chuckles and steps out of his corner a bit, opening his arms for Killer, who happily skips forward and nuzzles his face into Error's neck. The small skeletons arms loosely wrap around the glitch's torso, purring up a storm. Error lightly hugs Killer back, internally cooing at how absolutely adorable the small skeleton is- even as the amount of contact makes him glitch slightly.
Killer smiles against his neck bone, snuggling into him happily.
"Hehehe~ it tickles~"
“YeS YOu sAId thAt eArliER silLY~ Oh! AnD GUeSs whAt? DusT- wAIt aCtuaLLy-” Error glances at Dust for permission to tell Killer. The lazy skeleton only shrugs in response.
“WeLL DusT wAs onE OF mY vOIcEs! AppaRently He cALleD mE ‘gLitCHy voICe’ foR AN aCtuAL reAsOn- I hAD alwAYs woNDeRed abOUt iT.”
"Really? That's so cool! We were all destined to meet then!"
“HeH- mAYbE.” Growing a bit uncomfortable, Error pulls away from the hug as his glitching increases. Killer doesn’t fight it, easily letting go and stepping away to give Error some space, much to the glitch’s relief.
“SoRry wE Can’T HUg lOnGer..”
“Nah it’s fine. We can always hug later~”
“MHm~” Error goes back to wedging himself into the corner, pulling out a couple of strings to play with- forgetting that neither Killer nor Dust has actually seen the slightly creepy and uncomfortable process, though he doubts they’d care.
Indeed they don’t as the two continue on as normal, talking about something or other. He can feel Dust’s gaze on him though, boring into him with a sharp intensity. Error shifts a bit, the stare making him slightly uncomfortable as he keeps his magic from reacting to the perceived threat, making his tear marks flicker.
~
As Dust stares at Error, he’s lost in deep thought, only half heartedly listening to Killer’s rambling. He wasn’t expecting to hear that voice again. Ever again. Not that it’s all that unwelcome, oddly enough. It’s…comforting? Annoying?...he can’t get a good grip on it, whatever it is.
He feels like he’s seen Error before too. A long time ago. A dark glitchy figure against a white background.
“Why do you cry so loud?” the small skeleton asks out loud to the empty room.
On the other side of the wall, another little skeleton sniffles.
“S-soRry- I c-cAN TrY to bE QuIEt-tEr…”
“...What hurts this time?”
“...M-mY RiBs anD HeAD.”
“My head hurts too…are you tired like me?”
“YeAH… bUT I c-cAN’t slEeP… It’S tOo bRigHT..”
“Same…I can never sleep…….he said he’ll make my tired go away…….I’m scared..”
“I’m s-sCaREd toO… I w-wISh I coULd H-hAve a HUg….”
“...What’s a hug…?”
“I-iT’s whERe somEONe hoLdS yoU- buT IT’s gEntLe aND d-dOEsN’t hUrt ANd niCe And wARm… I r-rEAlly mISs huGs…”
There’s a pause before the first skeleton responds. “They sound nice…..I wish I could have one too…”
“...M-mAYbE oNe dAY we Can hUg eAchOTheR..! I’ll… I’ll bE YoUr fiRst Hug, okAY?” The other clearly didn’t believe their own words. If the first noticed, they didn’t mention it.
“..Okay.”
Dust blinks, taking note that he’s still here, laying on the couch. The only difference being Killer’s absence. He must have realized Dust wasn’t listening….or had he fallen asleep? It doesn’t matter.
Sitting up, the skeleton swings his legs over the edge of the couch and stands to walk over and plop down on the floor next to where Error is, still playing with his strings. The glitch jumps a bit, but seems to calm down once he looks at Dust.
“...HeY.”
“...Ya still missin’ hugs?”
“Huh?” Error tilts his head in confusion.
“Hmm…nevermind. It was probably just a dream anyway.”
“If yOu sAY so…” Error seems to mentally debate something. “...Do yoU WaNT a HuG?”
It takes a moment for Dust to respond, not quite sure how to. “Ya don’t have ta hug me if ya don’t want to.”
“ThAt waSN’t a No.” The glitch points out. “I wOUldN’t HaVe ofFErEd iF I DidN’t wAnt tO.”
“...If ya want to then go ahead.”
Error snorts, but doesn’t say anything, instead just gently wrapping his arms around Dust, softly hugging him. Dust will forever deny the warm fuzzy feeling bubbling up in his soul at Error’s gentle embrace. It’s similar to when Killer cuddles him or when the others join in his nap pile.
A quiet, deep purr makes itself known, making Dust blush and look away from the glitch. Thankfully, Error doesn’t mention it, just giggling and pulling Dust closer to nuzzle him. He nuzzles back, purring a little louder in what can only be described as fond.
“You're good at hugging.”
“I’m gLAd yoU ThINk sO- I doN’t gEt mUCh prACticE.”
“Natural talent then.”
“S-sURe.” After a couple more minutes, Error’s glitching gets bad enough that he has to pull back, much to Dust’s dismay. He doesn’t show it though and instead he closes his sockets. Might as well take a small nap before dinner- though after a moment, he feels something being wrapped around his pinky.
Peaking a socket open, he looks down at his hand, seeing a navy blue string carefully tied onto his pinky, glowing faintly. Dust doesn’t move, his eyelight looking over at Error curiously. The glitch was currently pulling some strings from his socket and weaving them together aimlessly, a faint blush on his face.
Hmm…he’ll leave it be. Error would probably rather him say nothing anyway. Smiling ever so slightly, Dust closes his sockets once more, falling asleep in his place slumped up against the wall.
~
The small skeleton watches his feet as he’s led down a white, empty hall. The clacking of his bare feet and thumping of the tall skeleton’s shoes being the only sound he can hear. It’s eerily quiet as usual. Sometimes he wishes it wasn’t so quiet. Maybe then he wouldn’t feel so lonely.
There’s a beep and he looks up to see the oor in front of them open, revealing another…mostly white room. It smells distinctly of bleach and cleaning products, much like the rest of the rooms he’s been brought to.
“Lie down on the table.” The tall skeleton orders and the small one doesn’t hesitate to do as told, scared of the consequences should he disobey. The metal is cold against his bones as he climbs up, laying on his back with nothing between him and the table.
At the click of a button something on the table moves and the man begins tying him down securely.
“Don’t move and maybe this won’t hurt too much.” The threat has him whimpering, unable to turn his skull away from the man's face. Luckily, the big skeleton leaves, leaving him alone for a few minutes to struggle in silence. When the lab door opens again he stills, as if playing dead will keep whatever danger approaching from spotting him.
A startled gasp comes from behind the tall skeleton, the sound of static accompanying it.
“No talking.” The man warns- though he doesn’t seem to be talking to the tied down skeleton.
“Lay down next to it.” The static sound increases as someone quietly walks over and into his line of sight. Walking over to him, is another small skeleton, but with bones of so many colors. The little skeleton can’t remember seeing so many before.
‘Black, red, yellow, and blue’ his mind supplies as the colorful skeleton joins him on the table, silently laying down and looking at him with an expression he can’t decipher. The man walks around to tie the other down too, and they seem to… glitch- it takes a bit for his mind to bring up the matching word for it- more.
“Don’t move and don’t talk.” The man orders. The small skeleton can’t tell if he’s talking to both of them or not, but he safely assumes both. The no talking order has him confused though. That’s normally a rule isn’t it? No questions, don’t scream too much, don’t cry, don’t talk unless told to.
Why is he telling the colorful skeleton in particular not to talk? Does he talk often? Sadly he doesn’t get the chance to think on it more as the man starts to strap something to the small skeleton’s skull. It’s tight and it hurts.
He can’t help it as his bones rattle in fear, eyelights small and fuzzy. The colorful skeleton glances at him and opens his mouth as if to say something, before seeming to remember the man’s order as something is strapped to his own skull.
Next the man attaches something to their souls, he can’t see what it is, unable to look down, but there’s a painful pinch that reminds the small skeleton of a needle -amplified 10 times over- that has him suppressing a pained and startled yelp, followed by a whimper. The colorful skeleton doesn’t seem to have the same reservations, tensing and whining out his displeasure. The man just ignores it, walking somewhere just out of sight.
He can hear what sounds like typing as fear and anxiety eat away at him, making him feel almost sick as he awaits the pain he knows is coming. He doesn’t have to wait long. With the press of a button he’s overwhelmed.
The small skeleton can’t tell if it’s from the pain, the sounds, or the pressure- oh fox the ungodly amount of pressure that seems to pound into his skull is unbearable. It feels so full, like a balloon ready to burst as he’s flooded with senses and sounds that aren’t his own. Everything seems to amplify as what feels like hours stretches on- he’s pretty sure he can hear screaming, but it keeps overlapping and growing louder and his body is filled with static so intense it hurts.
Finally, there’s a beeping sound and it feels like a part of him freezes, before it all stops.
He can’t move. His body feels so heavy as it shakes violently before going limp, the world fading into a black haze.
Chapter 14: Babybones shenanigans
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Dust and Error are smol bois dealing with life.
Eventual Dust x Error planned for this.
Chapter Text
Dust breathes easy as he sleeps, content with the quiet and comfortable corner he finds himself in….that is until a little monster decides to jump on him.
“ShOot soRRY thAT wAs haRDeR thaN I meANt-!” Someone scrambles off of Dust to instead sit next to him. With a grunt, Dust opens a socket to half heartedly glare at the only slightly smaller skeleton.
“...Ow.”
“SoRrY.” Error mutters guiltily, nuzzling into Dust’s side, he doesn’t hesitate to nuzzle back, wrapping an arm around the glitch to pull him closer.
“It’s fine Glitchy. What do ya want now?”
“TheY WEre tOucHINg mE AgaIN, sO I caME hEre TO HidE.” Error answers, ‘they’ being a group of kids that seem to think making Error crash was fun- like a game. It’s annoying for both of them.
“Ok ya can hide here.” Dust says with a nuzzle, holding Error protectively to his chest and making the glitching skeleton purr happily.
“YaYy~ ThANks DusTy~”
The older monster blushes, hiding it beneath his hood with a nod, though Error’s quick to nuzzle his way underneath it with a grin.
“Hi.”
“.....” Without any kind of warning whatsoever, Dust licks Error right between the sockets, making the glitch retreat from the hood and rub his forehead against Dust’s shoulder to get any spit off, glitching.
“WhAT wAs th-HAt foR?” He whines.
“Nothing~” Dust responds with a giggle, smirking at Error.
“MeAnie.” Error grumbles, pouting. Dust only grins at him in response before a loud bell rings through the building, encouraging them to stand.
“Lunch time.”
“NoOoo-” Error groans, not wanting to go- lunch was always loud. Dust grabs his hand, pulling the smaller up.
“Come on, Lady Ingrid will be mad if we’re late.”
The glitch whines unhappily, but lets Dust pull him to the mess hall, where kids were waiting for the go ahead. They take a seat in the far corner, Dust trying to keep Error away from everyone else, and wait until everyone is seated.
After a small prayer- that Error refuses to ever close his eyes for- everyone digs in.
“Actually eat this time, Error.”
“I’m nEvER hUnGry..” The glitch whines, poking his food with his fork, before taking a reluctant bite.
“Because you're well fed.” Dust grumbles as he eats his own food. It’s not very good, kind of gross actually, but it usually is. The only good part of lunch time is that the other kids can’t mess with Error with so many nuns here to watch them.
“‘S ‘cAusE My maGIc’s sTupID…” Error mutters back, wrapping his tongues around his roll and just eating the whole thing, not noticing the looks shot his way from the action.
“Then my magic’s stupid too.” Everyone knows they’re the odd ones out and it’s not like they try to hide it. Both him and Error have too much- well Dust has too much, at least Error’s magic doesn’t overflow from his body and cause collateral damage on an almost daily basis. Luckily most of the nuns are fairly nice about it- or at least fake it well enough.
“No yoURs iS juSt ToO muCh- mINe iS alL…” Error waves a hand with a little sound effect, not having the word to describe it.
“Pretty? Yeah I know.”
“WHa-? DUsTy thAt’S not WhAt I meANt aNd yoU KNow iT-”
“Shut up and eat your food-”
~
“N-nO! PLe-EAsE sT-tOP dON-n’T toUCh-H-h mE-!” Error glitches violently as two kids hold onto him tight enough to bruise, keeping him in place despite his best attempts to escape, while several other kids laugh and jeer at him. He doesn’t even know what they’re saying at this point as he holds back tears, static ringing in his skull.
“ Put him down! ” a familiar voice yells angrily and the other kids jump, quickly moving away from the sparking and agitated Dust. Error is quickly dropped, the two that were holding him scattering as the glitch falls to his knees, hands flying up to his skull and curling in on himself as he hyperventilates.
Dust stands over him, glaring daggers at the other kids as his magic crackles in the air.
“ Go away! Leave him alone! ” Bone attacks sprout from the ground around them like a shield, scaring the kids away as they run screaming.
A small whimper escapes Error, phalanges digging into his head as he holds back a crash, sockets filled with error signs. Gently, Dust kneels down in front of Error, his magic still sparking, and pulls his hands away, bringing the small skeleton closer to him. Error yelps and tries to get away, eyesockets going wide in panic and struggling to breathe.
“Shhhhh…Ru it’s me…you're safe..” Dust tells him softly, his grip not letting up as his magic slowly envelops them like a raging storm. Error slowly stops struggling as he finally seems to recognize Dust’s magic.
“...D-dU-usT-t..?”
“Yeah it’s me..” Dust gently rubs Error’s back, his magic already having grown out of hand. With a choked off sob, the glitch practically throws himself at Dust, tightly holding onto him and not even slightly afraid of the older skeleton’s almost violent magic. While everyone else saw it as a threat, to Error it meant safety.
It takes a long while before Dust’s magic calms to a more manageable level, revealing the torn up backyard of the orphanage. Dust already knows he’s going to be in a lot of trouble.
“Feeling better?”
“M-mHM…” Though Error still couldn’t see very well, his glitching and breathing had calmed down, a few stray tears dripping down his face as he cuddles Dust. Now that the panic and fear was gone, the glitch was left drained and slightly numb.
“Good. Let’s go take a nap ok?” The older skeleton stands up, using a mini blaster to help carry Error as he walks back inside the building.
“Ok-kAy… CAn- caN We cuDdlE?”
“..Yeah we can cuddle.” Dust takes Error to their room, crawling into his bed as the blaster lays the glitch down beside him. As soon as Error’s able, he blindly latches onto Dust, burying his face in the other’s chest with a sniffle.
“Sleep well Ru.”
Error just hums quietly in response, slowly relaxing as he closes his sockets, falling into a slightly restless but exhausted sleep. Dust waits until Error is deeper asleep to move, switching himself out for the blaster and covering the younger skeleton up in a blanket.
He leaves the room, quietly shutting the door, to see Lady Ingred waiting.
“The cellar. Now.”
He does as told without complaint, walking down stairs as the door is locked behind him. Error should be fine until morning as long as he stays in their room, Dust reasons.
He curls up by the incinerator, shivering from the cold as he tugs at his hood. He won't cry this time. Just one night….again. The little skeleton hides his face in his knees, letting out a small sob.
“It’s ok….e-everything’s ok….”
Dust quietly cries himself to sleep, only to wake up some time later feeling….warmer? A quiet, glitchy whine of protest comes from next to him when he shifts, and he feels something slip off of his shoulders.
Opening his heavy sockets, Dust looks down to see Error…curled up against him with a blanket covering them both. How did the younger skeleton get down here? …They didn’t punish Error too, did they..? Surely they wouldn’t….right?
A small shiver goes through the glitch and he cuddles closer to Dust, face scrunching up slightly as he seems to start to wake up. The older’s magic begins to crackle, his eyelights lighting up in anger.
It’s too cold for Error down here! What if he gets sick!?
“HMm… DusTY..?” Error sleepily mumbles, yawning with another shiver. Dust is quick to wrap Error up in the blanket, tucking the smaller’s skull into his chest.
“Shhh I’m here Ru.”
Error doesn’t resist, just nuzzling Dust with a happy hum, already starting to fall back asleep. How dare they put Error down here! Making him sleep on the floor!
Dust’s magic swirls, the purple and red fog scratching at the basement walls and sending things flying. The bang of a crate against the wall has Error flinching, sleepily opening his sockets to reveal his slightly hazy eyelights, looking around in confusion.
Everything suddenly falls to the ground as Dust realizes what he was doing and stops, not wanting to have awoken the small glitch.
“S-sorry Ru. I didn’t mean ta wake ya up..”
“Hm…?” Error looks up at Dust, smiling and relaxing against the older skeleton when he sees him. “DUstY..~”
Said skeleton blushes brightly, unable to hide in his hood this time as Error purrs happily and sleepily at him.
“PrETty bLUshY DuSty~”
“...You're still half asleep aren’t ya-?”
“Hm?” Error yawns again.
“...Nothing.” Placing a small kiss on Error’s forehead, he wraps his arms around the younger, purring quietly. Error’s own purrs grow louder as he shamelessly melts into the cuddles with another small shiver.
“M’kAy~”
~
“WHy do We haVE-e to gO To HIgHscHOol- wHAt-t iF I JUsT-t hiD iN thE JAnaTOr’s clOSet-?”
“Then ya won’t make any friends.” Dust responds as he searches the room for his backpack. He could’ve sworn he put the ratty old thing beside his bed…
Error scoffs, “YeAH ‘cAusE THaT’s eVer woRKeD oUT- wHAt aRe yoU LoOkinG FOr?”
“My backpack.”
The glitch gives Dust a weird look, holding out the backpack he had been holding since the taller skeleton had given it to him five minutes ago, already wearing his own book bag he had made out of unsalvageable jeans.
“...” Snatching it from Error’s hold, Dust glares, hiding a blush of embarrassment. “Not. A. Word.”
Error snickers, but says nothing about it, instead just walking over to hug Dust, who can’t help but hug back.
“Ok come on. We're going to miss the bus.”
Error whines, glitching as his previously forgotten anxiety comes back full force. Dust leans down to nuzzle the smaller’s skull, rubbing his back.
“We have most of our classes together and I’m only a scream away.”
“I haTE tHaT THat aCtuALly heLps.” Error giggles nervously, before taking a deep breath, forcing himself to relax.
“WaNT mE To gliTcH us to ThE StoP?” It was just on the corner, so Error should be able to do it alright.
“I’d rather shortcut there…” Error’s glitch- teleporting- thing always leaves him feeling nauseous-
“YOu shORtcUt I GLitCh? UnLesS YOu’rE ALriGht wITh a HITChhiKer?” Although glitching was easy for Error it wasn’t particularly comfortable, and usually Dust’s shortcuts didn’t give him the worst side effects. Usually.
“I’m fine with bringing ya along if you are.” Swinging his bag over his shoulder, Dust pulls Error closer by the waist.
“Mhm!” Error happily nuzzles into Dust. “ReaDY wHen yOU Are.”
Nodding, Dust takes one step into darkness and another step onto the street corner- just in time too, as the bus can be heard turning onto their street.
“WOaaHh fuCk-” Error’s legs give out on him and he goes limp as the world spins dangerously, eyelights growing fuzzy before he forces his sockets to close to wait out the dizzy spell. Dust holds him up, gently nuzzling him as the bus comes to a stop. Not wanting to make Error go up the stairs, Dust simply picks him up. Carrying the glitch bridal style onto the bus.
Error doesn’t even seem to notice, busy trying to figure out which way is up.
“...’LeASt iT’s jUSt thE DIzZineSs…” He mumbles as Dusts sits them in the back.
“Sorry about that Ru.”
“‘S fiNE- uGh-h-” Error opens his sockets once he feels only slightly dizzy, looking around in confusion.
“WHeN’d wE GEt heRe?”
“Just now. I carried ya~” Dust answers with a smirk. Error barely keeps himself from rolling his eyelights, knowing he’d regret it.
“GlaD I MaDE A GoOd imPReSsioN ON thE bUSdrIVEr.” The glitch deadpans, wiggling off of Dust’s lap to sit next to him and resting his skull on the larger’s shoulder.
“It’s not that bad. There’s only a few people on the bus.”
Error just hums in response as people slowly pile into the bus, the glitch becoming increasingly uncomfortable as more of the seats around them are filled. Dust decides to move to the outside seat, putting Error by the window. All he has to do now is make sure none of the kids sitting in front of them try anything. Error visibly relaxes, but he shoots Dust a look to tell him he knows what he’s doing, before turning to look out of the window, watching as they pull up to the highschool.
It’s so refreshing to step outside, even as teenagers filter into the school at least they’re no longer suffocating in the cramped school bus.
“We’re going to homeroom right?”
“Y-yEaH- iT-t’s rOoM Tw-WO- hUNdReD SOmeTHinG-g I thINk.” Error was practically trying to merge with Dust’s side, wearily looking at everyone. Almost everyone at the orphanage was younger than them, and Error had no idea how to act around other teenagers.
“...What do ya know, we have the same homeroom.” Dust tells him in an attempt at comfort, the older gently holds Error’s hand, leading him into the building through a gap in the crowd. Error just quietly walks behind him, hunched in on himself to take up as little space as possible, lessening the chance of someone brushing against him.
Dust is quick to reach the classroom, only to be stopped by the teacher at the door holding out a hand.
“What?”
“Well, you’re supposed to shake my hand. I do it with all of my students before letting them in-” Error’s already trying to escape-
“No thanks. We don't like being touched all that much.” Dust says, speaking for Error and himself.
“You seem to be alright touching each other. I’m sure you can handle a little handshake.” The teacher continues holding their hand out expectantly. Before Dust can say anything back, Error quietly cuts in.
“S-siR, I hAV-ve sEveR-re heP-ptopHoBIA, a-AnD uNLeSs-s-S yoU WAn-Nt tO tRiGg-geR aN epISo-ODe, PLeAs-Se leT Us Pass…”
That seems to have the teacher shutting up for a moment, long enough for Dust and Error to move past without another word. Dust sits Error in the back of the class, away from the flow of people as he sits in the neighboring desk.
“What an annoying teacher.”
“M-mhM..” Error was shaking slightly, though it wasn’t very noticeable with the glitching, but of course Dust notices.
“Hey.” The taller skeleton reaches over and places his hand on Error’s. “Everything’s fine. Just breathe for me ok?”
Error takes a shaky breath with a nod, flipping his hand over to hold onto Dust’s, slowly calming himself down.
“‘KAy…”
Class starts with the teacher going over the class rules and general rules of the school. Some of them are kind of stupid. Apparently Dust can’t have his hood up. Just for that, Error put his scarf on like a hood.
For some reason boys and girls also had different dress codes? Which was very confusing considering how a lot of monsters tended to be gender-neutral- even Lady Ingred acknowledges that! And she’s a bitch!
It's safe to say neither of them are very happy about the new rules they have to follow. After basic rules and regulations everyone is given permission to talk with one another before class ends and from what Dust can tell, all the other students have their own little groups of friends.
“I’m mAKiNg uS SKiRts tO pIS-ss tHEm-m ofF.” Error declares.
“Do it. Make sure mine is extra short.” Dust grumbles.
“GoNNa weAR a cRopTOp aNd eveRYthINg-G. SHoW-w aLl oF The SHouLDerS- w-wE SHoUld usE ThE GIrLs cHaNGInG roOMs aN-n-ND eVerYThinG.” Error pauses. “IF thEy’Re oKAy wITh iT.”
“I think that rule only applies to humans anyway. It should be fine. Skeletons don’t have a specified gender anyway…..Wanna go shopping after school?”
“WiTh wHAt m-mONeY?” They can only earn G by doing extra chores, and to his knowledge neither of them have.
“Who said we’re paying?”
Error just gives Dust a look and the older stares right back, dead serious.
“...We’LL se-Ee.” The glitch doesn’t even know how they’d pull off stealing without getting caught…
“Ru. We can teleport.”
“Oh yeAH-” Luckily Error’s saved from further embarrassing himself as the bell rings and everyone rushes out of the classroom.
“Ok so we have….history next.”
“Ew.” Error deadpans as Dust pulls him down the hall. For some reason the glitch has always hated history with all of its gaps and the amount of it that’s just guesswork- he feels like he should be able to fill them in, even though he knows he’s just making things up.
“Maybe the teacher will be better than Lady Grace.”
“I hOP-pe sO- LaDY GrAc-CE iS niCE bUt-T shE’s duMb.”
“Very stupid. She obviously doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”
“M-mHM.” Error slows a bit as they approach their next class, and he sees a teacher doing the same thing the other one was and shaking students’ hands. The teacher looked fairly familiar, actually…
“Not this again….”
They stop in front of the teacher, who holds out a hand. “Good morning.”
“Mornin’..” Dust says, narrowing his sockets. “No touch thanks.”
“CoUL-ldA sAID thAt-t niCEr-r..” Error mutters to Dust, but the teacher doesn’t seem offended and just nods, lowering his hand and stepping out of the way.
“Alright then, I’ll be sure to keep that in mind for you two.”
Surprised, Dust raises a brow, but walks into the room without a word, obviously on guard.
“Huh…weird.” he mumbles once far enough away.
“Hm? Ho-OW so?” Error tilts his head, letting Dust pick out their seats again.
“I thought that one would push too…” Dust picks a spot similar to the other, far away from the flow of people.
“W-wELl I’m gLAd hE DidN’t.” Error glitches slightly as the bell rings and the teacher walks into the classroom, patiently waiting for everyone to quiet down.
Though as a few minutes stretch on and no one stops talking, the teacher starts growing annoyed, and he picks up a large and sturdy book, before dropping it with a loud BANG! Effectively shutting up the class and making Error flinch and glitch harshly. Dust doesn’t react much better, his magic making an audible crackle as it sparks around him.
“Thank you- I find that that tends to work better than just yelling. I am Mister Nightmare, and I’ll be your history teacher for the rest of the school year unless you transfer out, so I’m going to lay down a few ground rules.” As he talks, Mr. Nightmare casually makes his way around the room and pauses between Error’s and Dust’s desks, lightly tapping on the desks to get their attention.
“Sorry about that. Do you need to step outside for a moment?” The teacher quietly asks, harsh purple eyelights softening slightly. Dust is…baffled to say the least. This person actually seems….to care?? It’s weird and he doesn’t know how to feel about it.
Error nods after a moment, just grateful that Mr. Nightmare seems to be nice so far.
“Okay. Keep your backpacks here and I’ll fill you in when you come back. Sorry again, I won’t do it again.” With one last tap, Mr. Nightmare moves on as if nothing happened, continuing to discuss rules and ignoring as Error stands, lightly tugging Dust up. After a moment, the taller follows, gently holding Error’s hand as they walk back to the door, his magic still buzzing.
Error ignores the looks, slipping into the hallway with Dust, deciding to just stay near the door as he turns and hugs the older skeleton, glitching. Dust lets his magic grow to be a small cloud, just enough to encompass them as he rubs Error’s back.
“There there ya sensitive softie~” He teases, trying to lighten the mood.
“SaYS thE oNe wITh thEir mAGiC trYInG to lAsh oUt.” Error grumbles, nuzzling into Dust’s neck as he relaxes, feeling safe surrounded by the older’s magic.
“Hey I’ve gotten better at controlling it-” Dust shoots back, grumbling as he pouts. That manages to get a snicker out of Error.
“BeTtEr doESn’t meAN goOD, DusTY.”
“At least nothing’s broken……yet.”
“PfFt-” Error giggles, and finally pulls back enough from the hug to properly look at Dust. “ReADy tO heAD baCk yET?”
“One second.” Dust closes his sockets and takes a deep, slow breath. After a moment his swirling cloud of magic dies down and he looks at Error again. “Yup.”
“ALri-IGht.” Error nuzzles Dust’s cheek, before leading him back to the classroom and to their seats, sending Mr. Nightmare a smile when he glances at him. Dust looks away in an attempt not to glare.
“Now that we’re finished with that, you have two choices: We can play an icebreaker game, or get started on our first lesson.”
~
The next few classes are much the same, that is until they get to Gym class.
“What the hell is gym?”
“SoUNds eXeRCisE-y.” Error makes a displeased expression. “Ew.”
Dust snorts, giving Error’s hand a squeeze.
“Think the teacher will let me take a nap?”
“THaT’s liKE-e, thE OppOSitE OF eXErcISe.” Error stops before they reach the main group of students waiting in the gym, standing just a bit from another black boned skeleton- who looks almost like they were made of ink or something. The glitch can’t help but stare just a bit- skeletons don’t usually have the same color bones as him, and he thought it was cool.
The inky monster looks over at them after a fish monster points their way and the other looks just as perplexed.
“I don’t like him.”
“HuH?” Error quickly looks away from the inky skeleton to look up at Dust, flushing slightly in embarrassment when he realizes he was caught staring.
“I don’t like him. He looks like trouble.” Dust says again, glaring daggers at the stranger.
“THeY kiN-nDA loOK LiKe mE.” Error points out.
“You're cute, they're not. They look nothing like ya.”
Error opens his mouth to respond, but the teacher walks in and he instead finds himself choking on a surprised laugh, slapping his hand over his mouth and glitching. The teacher looked almost exactly like him-!
“Hel-llo class-s, I’m Mist-ter Error-” Holy shit they had the same name too-!! Dust chokes on his own words before bursting into uncontrollable laughter, sounding completely insane.
“ShU-ut uP shUT uP-p sHUt up-!” Error wheezes, lightly whacking Dust’s arm.
Mr. Error pauses, looking over at Dust and Error with a raised brow. “C-care to-o share wi-ith the clas-ss?”
Dust holds his middle, unable to stop laughing. It’s so unlikely and yet here they are! The taller of the two struggles to answer in between giggles.
“S-same nam-me-”
“What?” The teacher just looks a bit confused now, so Error speaks up.
“W-wE HA-avE thE SAmE naMe, sIR.” Both the inky skeleton and Mr. Error seem to flinch just slightly at how glitchy his voice is, and Error doesn’t notice the way they both look over him more critically.
“Huh. We-ell I suppo-ose I can se-ee how that’d be-e a bit fun-nny.”
Dust struggles to breathe as he turns to nuzzle the side of Error’s skull, doing his best to stop.
“S-sorry Ru-”
“YOu’rE fiNe siLLy~” Error does his best to whisper as Mr. Error begins explaining the rules and expectations for the class. After a few minutes Dust stops, nuzzling and purring quietly in apology, making Error giggle softly, his glitching going down as the quiet purrs relax him.
“PaY AtteNTioN DUsTy.”
“-and-d we’ll get-t cloth-hes and assign lo-ockers next time. Now, we-e have about half an hou-ur of class left-t, so we’re going to h-have a vote between-n playing dodg-geball or capture-e the flag for the rest of clas-ss.”
Dust raises a hand, still nuzzling the small glitch, making him squeak and try to duck behind him as everyone looks at them.
“Ye-es…?” Mr. Error trails off to give Dust a chance to introduce himself.
“Dust- and is napping an option?”
“That-t is the opposit-te of what PE is-s, so no.” A couple of students snicker a bit.
“Damn.”
“Moving on-n- raise your hand if you want dodgeball-l.” A bit more than half of the class raise their hands, and Mr. Error takes a moment to count them.
“Alrigh-ht dodgeball it i-is. I’ll dev-vide you up into two team-ms.” Mr. Error starts moving through the class, lightly tapping their heads and assigning them the number one or two. Dust watches him with a piercing gaze, wanting to be on the same team as Error.
Error flinches back and glitches a bit when the teacher reaches them, making him pause, and instead gesture to the both of them. “Tw-wo.”
Dust blinks, before purring louder and nuzzling Error even more than before, feeling affectionate.
“StoP-p…” Error mutters in embarrassment, even as he nuzzles Dust back, pulling him to their team’s side of the gym.
“Maybe I don’t wanna~”
“YeS- weLL WE’rE abOut tO-” The shrill sound of a whistle makes Error flinch in surprise, Dust practically jumping out of his skin as he sparks.
“St-tart!” Everyone, other than Error and Dust, suddenly rush forward towards the balls in the middle of the gym, grabbing one before running to get out of anyone's way as the balls are launched at the other team.
Error is quick to let go of Dust to move to near the back, not bothering to try to grab any balls as he gestures for the taller to go have his fun. Honestly Dust could just use his magic to throw all the balls at the enemy team or teleport to dodge, it’s not like it’ll drain him or anything, not unless he throws a real big magic fit.
Did Mr. Error says no magic? Eh- he can’t remember. Dust takes a hesitant step away from Error, glancing at the glitch to make sure that he’s ok despite only being two feet away.
Error just smiles and rolls his eyelights, grabbing a ball as it rolls by him and tossing it at the other team to make it look like he was participating. Deciding that it’s probably fine, Dust walks over to pick up his own ball, ducking with ease as he lets one fly over his head.
“Hey short stack!” Calls a fish monster on the enemy team, gesturing to Error. “Catch this!”
They throw the ball as hard as they can at the glitch, who just dodges it, his glitching increasing a little. With the fish monster basically calling out a warning for him and how long it took for the ball to reach him in the back of the group, it was fairly easy, much to the fish monster's dismay.
“Oh come on!”
“You can do better than that, Undyne.” The paint-like skeleton says. Error just watches the interaction curiously as he dodges another stray ball.
“You have to throw it like this!” The skeleton pulls his arm back and throws it hard in Error’s direction, the ball actually moving really fast. Caught off guard, Error yelps, glitching as he barely manages to duck out of the way, instinctively using his arms to protect his face.
Before the ball could even fly past him Dust catches it with a deep threatening growl. Error peeks up at Dust, before looking at the inky skeleton and Undyne for their reactions, both obviously stunned.
“No-O BodILy hA-aRM.” The glitch preemptively warns.
“No promises.” Dust warns back with a crackle of his magic.
“YEs pRom-MISeS-”
Pulling his arm back and charging his magic into the ball, Dust growls once more. “ No-! ”
“ThEy diDN-n’t eVen HUrt mE cALm do-OWn-” Error reaches up to grab the ball, touching it only to jerk back and glitch in surprise when it lightly zaps him.
“Ow-” Dust stops to look at him, dropping the ball to inspect Error’s hand instead. Error tries to lightly pull away, the contact actually making his glitching worse for once.
“I’m fINe-E-”
Dust lets him, frowning deeply. “Sorry…”
“I-iT’s fi-INe.” Before Error can say anything else, a ball wacks him in the arm, making him stumble slightly with a surprised snort. Another ball smacks the side of Dust’s skull almost right after, having come from the Undyne monster, if the victorious woops were anything to go off of.
“...PfFt-t-” Giggles bubble out of Error as he pulls Dust by his sleeve to the ‘out’ area.
“..Ow-” Dust mumbles, following after Error with a small grumble.
“Oh hUSh yoU BIg bAby-” That gets him a pout, the older monster plopping down on the ground for a nap. Error just rolls his eyelights, sitting down next to Dust and leaning slightly against him, as if retesting the boundaries. This time, he doesn’t glitch, and he smiles and plopping down on top of Dust with a purr.
Chapter 15: Snakes and Spiders
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
I don’t know how to summarize this one
Not very explicit NSFW stuff
Kinda incest Error x Killer
Chapter Text
The box sways as it’s carefully lifted from the truck, a pair of eyelights watching through the air holes, listening carefully.
“Here are the new rescues from that forest fire.”
“More?” A femonen voice asks, sounding very tired and saddened by the news. “We’re already swamped with animals in need of care. Are there any other shelters that can-”
“No ma’am. I’m sorry, but the other reserves are too full and you're the only one with the proper supplies for these two.”
“Why..? What’s inside?”
“A pair of lamia hatchling’s ma’am. Their mother didn’t make it out…”
“Oh…..alright then. Thank you for your hard work.”
“It’s no problem miss. Take care and good luck.”
“Thank you- you too.”
Two fuzzy arms grab the handles of the both as the truck it had been in before dives away. It’s brought to a very smelly place, full of other creatures. The box is set down once more as the bunny monster walks around the room, grabbing seemingly random things and putting them in a bigger and see-through box. After a while, a not so fuzzy hand reaches into the box, revealing the harsh light of the outside.
“HisSss!!” The darker-colored of the hatchlings flinches, hissing loudly in warning as it curls protectively around its sibling, who joins in the hisses soon after the other does.
“Shhh..I won’t hurt you. Come here little ones.” The gloved hand gently wraps its fingers around them, and the dark lamia immediately tries to bite through the glove with its fiercest hiss and glare as the smaller tries to hide in its sibling's coils.
The bunny monster smiles, quickly and carefully moving the two into the glass tank and setting up the heat lamp.
“Ah a feisty one~”
As soon as they’re both set down the larger lamia practically drags the smaller into the nearest hiding spot that could fit both of them. Giggling, the monster sets a fake lake over in the tank for them, squishing it into the mulch a little before preparing a water pool.
The smallest hatching whines and continues to try and hide, not understanding the situation, and its sibling turns to nuzzle their foreheads together, seemingly communicating something as the smaller calms down.
“...Everything will be ok.” The bunny tells them as she closes the mesh lid and slides the tank onto a shelf. “I know right now it doesn't seem like it, but it can only get better from here…right?”
A quiet hiss is her only response.
“Hmm well I’ll let you settle in before feeding time.” The bunny stands before turning to disappear through the only door, leaving the two alone in silence.
“...The biG buNny’s gonE.” Error sighs, finally relaxing a bit. Killer lets himself relax as well, lightly nuzzling his hatchmates cheek.
“Where are we..?”
“...I doN’t knOW. It’s likE the box bUt bigGer? And ouTside? TheY Put a biT Of outSIde iN the boX.” Error nods to himself, before carefully leading Killer out of the hiding spot to let him feel around.
With empty sockets Killer slowly examines the tank, feeling the soft mulch beneath them and poking his tail into the small pool of water.
“These leaves feel weird…”
“TheY look wEIrd too..”
“They’re shaped like leaves...but they're not alive.”
“I doN’t like it. I DOn’t like thIS.” Error admits, curling in on himself a bit. Killer turns to him and feels around before grabbing Error’s tail and wrapping around him.
“I don’t either… but you have me right Ru?”
“YeaH- I do. AnD yoU have mE.” Error nuzzles Killer, wrapping around the smaller in turn, tangling their tails together. Killer smiles at Error with a purr, snuggling into him for comfort.
“Can we use the wood thing and make a den..? I feel exposed.”
“MhM.” Error uncurls from Killer and takes him back to said wood thing. “MAybe if I can maKe enough oF my stRINgs we coULd use iT as bEddinG?”
“It would be softer than…whatever this stuff is. I’ll dig then, ok?”
“OKay.” Error touches foreheads with Killer one more time before pulling away to start pulling strings out of his sockets- though he makes sure their tails are always touching.
Killer digs in the very back of the half log thing, trying to make the small den as safe as possible and away from prying eyes. When he gets to the bottom of the tank he can’t help but feel the glass in confusion.
“What is this..?”
“Hm? Oh- It’s thE WeiRd stuFf thE Box is maDe out of… I guESs that’S the dEepesT we’ll be abLe to go…”
“Aww..I can still use the stuff I dug up though!” Killer says in excitement as he uses the mulch to block up the exit and make it smaller.
“Mhm!” There was a slowly growing pile of dark blue string next to Error, and the dark lamia idly notes that it looks like it was glowing a bit as the light is slowly blocked off. Killer hisses happily at his work, grinning at Error with pride as he finishes sculpting out the wall and small hole for an entrance, and Error can’t help but laugh a little, moving to nuzzle his hatchmate.
“It loOks great KillS~” Error nudges a bit of string into Killer’s hands.
“NoW what dO you wanNa do witH my strinG?”
Killer hums and rubs the strings in his hands, thinking.
“I liked the bedding idea and it's way better than sleeping on that cold, smooth stuff.”
“Mhm- I thINk I’m goNna stRIng sOMe up In frONt of thE EntranCe toO- makE IT loOk likE acTUal spidEr weBs.”
“Oooh~ Then stuff won't try to come in! If there are any other things in here…” Killer wraps his tail around Error’s nervously.
“ThEre’S NOthing but uS righT now.” Error reassures with another nuzzle and forehead bonk.
“It’S JuSt a jusT in case.”
“Oh- ok Ru~!” Killer grins and nuzzles back with his own head bonk, off by about a good few inches but he tried! And Error doesn’t mind, just smiling back.
“WanNA help me puLL ouT More striNGs?”
“Yup! They’re so pretty~”
“YOu can’t even sEe thEm-” Error snorts, swiping his hands down his cheeks and handing the ends of the strings to Killer. The smaller giggles as he wraps the string around his hand and slowly pulls it away from Error’s face.
“I don’t need to see them to know they're pretty Error~ Everything about you is pretty~! I can feel it~”
“EverYthinG abOUt you iS prEtty toO~! And I caN actuAlly seE it!” Error makes a bit of a face as the strings are pulled from his sockets. It was always an uncomfortable feeling, but he’s never made this much before and it was starting to hurt just a bit.
Killer blushes lightly and smiles at Error before noticing something is wrong. He lightly nuzzles and licks Error’s cheek, making a small whining sound.
“What’s wrong?”
“It jusT StiNgs a liTtle, doN’t worry.”
“...Are you sure? I can stop if ya want..”
“I prOMise it’s finE Kills.” Error nuzzles Killer back. “Get eNough for coMFy beddinG theN I’ll gO ouTSide and maKe thE Web anD MaybE some strinGs for yoU to get arouNd on yoUr own.”
“Hmm ok if you're sure.” After a few more nuzzles, Killer continues pulling gently until he has a nice small pile he can use, and Error puts all the strings in the hole for him to arrange.
“I’m hEadinG ouTside, ‘kaY?”
“Ok, watch out for the big bunny.”
“I wiLL- I’ll cliCk if I seE them.” Error lightly licks Killer’s cheek before exiting the den, looking around wearily as he starts working on the web, his strings becoming a bit thinner and almost sticky as they come out of his sockets. As he does so Killer sets up the cushions, expertly weaving the strings together into fluffy like blankets and setting them down on the closest part of the den as well as anywhere else it can reach.
Error clearly didn’t quite know what he was doing with the web, relying on memory and instincts alone, but for a first attempt it wasn’t too bad- he even moved one of the not-alive-plants to use! He was pretty proud of his work.
A large shadow is cast over a portion of the tank as it is spid off the shelf, and Error jumps, whirling around with a low hiss. It’s the bunny monster again, holding something in her rubber coated hand.
She opens the mesh lid and pokes it inside…it smells like milk. Error straightens, confused, and flicks his tongues out to smell it better- before remembering to click for Killer like he said he would. The other hatchling peaks his skull out of the den with a yawn as he wiggles through the hole.
“What is it Ru?”
“The buNny camE Back ‘n someThiNg smells liKe milK…” It was weird- Error was just going to chase down some bugs or something for food…
“Milk..? So the bunny’s trying to feed us?” Killer slithers over to Error’s voice and wraps around him, snuggling against the other.
“I don’T knOw?” Error tugs his hatchmate forward, hesitantly moving closer. The milk smelling thing doesn’t move as they approach, the bunny holding it very still. Killer’s stomach audibly growls and gurgles the closer they get, making him whine. That seems to be the deciding factor for Error, and he bravely slithers to the thing, nudging it with a hand.
It’s smooth and comes to a tip with a small hole in the center, like a nip, but not quite, it is warm though. Error licks it before deeming it safe, and turns to nudge Killer to the thing, making the smaller squeek.
“SafE Milk. NOt moMma’s and it’s Weird, but it’S Good.”
“Uh ok- If ya say so.” Killer uses his sense of smell to actually lick the tip of the bottle, before hungrily latching onto it and drinking it up. Error keeps a weary socket on the big bunny, debating trying to bite the side of the thing to see if he could drink it that way- after all it wasn’t alive or a part of the bunny.
The smallest hatchling stops after feeling full enough and lets go to wipe his messy face.
“Here Ru, there’s more!”
“Are yoU Sure yoU’Re done?”
“Yeah I’m full. It’s weird like ya said, but good!...It makes me miss mamma…”
“I miSs her too…” Error rattles softly in an imitation of purring in an attempt to soothe them both and nuzzles Killer, before starting to drink from the weird milk thing, quite hungry himself. He’d been secretly giving Killer most of the food he’s managed to get after the fire took Momma- so he could only drink so much before he felt too full.
“..Do you think pappa’s strings held? The fire was really hot..”
“...I duNno. I reALly hopE so- I knoW MinE broKe, but Pa’s aRe a lot stroNGer..”
“Hmm…maybe we can go find him! He’s gotta be out there somewhere!”
The bunny pulls the bottle away and closes the lid, startling them both as the whole tank is slid back into place, and Error hisses a bit at the bunny in reluctant thanks.
“MAybe..”
Smiling softly Killer lightly licks some milk off of Error’s mouth, purring quietly.
“I’m sure he’s fine..~”
Error just hums in response, relaxing against Killer and yawning as the day's excitement starts catching up to him, making his hatchmate yawn as well.
“Seeps now Ruuuuu-”
“Hmmm..” Error reluctantly extracts himself from Killer to lead him to the den, ducking under the web and slipping inside. His hatchmate pulls him over to the new bedding, curling up comfortably around him and laying his skull on the darker’s ribcage. Error intertwines his tail with Killer’s with a few happy clicks, holding the smaller close.
“...You won't disappear too, right?” Killer asks quietly, his tail tightening its hold.
“NEver.” Error swears with a sharp hiss at the very idea, hugging Killer even closer.
“But what if somethin-?”
“ NeveR. ” Error repeats more forcefully. “MAybe we’ll geT seParatEd if somEthing happenS, and I’ll bE gonE for a bit- but I will alwAys- always - comE back to yoU. Even if I’m far awAy, even if it takEs a long time, eveN If I havE to fighT bad guyS! I’ll always finD you agaiN. Okay?”
“...Ok Ruru. I love you~<3”
“I lovE you too~”
~
It’s weird here, but not bad. The bunny hasn’t come to feed them again, but it’s not like they have to eat every day so it’s fine. Killer’s been exploring and memorizing the area so he can now move around without much problem.
Currently Error was boredly wrapping himself up in his strings, trying to create a cocoon just for the sake of it, while Killer lightly splashes around in the pool.
“Hehehe~ It feels so niiiiice~!”
Error snickers, “I’m glaD YOu like it Kills.”
“It’s kinda cold, but I like it!” The smaller splashes around, relaxing his tail in the nice cool water. Error laughs softly, uselessly wiggling in place- thoroughly tangled up in his strings now.
“Do…do ya need help?” Killer asks, snickering a little.
“No I’m fiNe shuT up-” Error’s sentence cuts off as the tank is moved, and they both freeze.
“Hello there- wait what is that!?” The bunny monster looks at Error’s cocoon in both confusion and concern, before looking around for spiders that could have done this. “W-what?”
“I thiNk I stArtleD The buNny.” Error clicks in amusement and wiggles. The monster reaches in and picks Error up, wearing that same rubber glove. The darker lamia tries to squirm away with an upset and glitchy hiss, baring his fangs threateningly.
“Oh hush I won’t hurt you.” The bunny responds as she begins peeling away the cocoon.
“Error? Where’d you go?”
“Put-T me doWn!” Error spits, wiggling more. “My stRINgs-!”
Killer frantically whines and tries to get to Error by climbing up the glass, but of course it’s too smooth.
“Ru!”
“I’m fiNE doN-n’T HUrt yoURselF-!” Error only just barely keeps himself from biting on the hand holding him, trying to reach for Killer with a distressed rattle.
“Ok ok- Just one more moment aaand done!” The bunny moves to hold Error in one hand and uses the other to reach down and pick up Killer, causing him to yelp and struggle in her hold.
“HEy doN’T TouCH-h KilleR!” Error glares up at the big bunny, making demanding grabby hands for his hatchmate. To their surprise she puts them together in her hands, smiling at the two.
“You’re both so cute~ Ok, time for a check up~”
As Killer and Error snuggle, the bunny lowers them into another box!
Much to the darker lamia’s displeasure.
“StuPId boXEs- whY’s it aLwayS Boxes…” He mutters with a huff. Killer shakes a little as he clings to Error, squeezing him tightly. Error’s quick to notice, and he clicks and rattles comfortingly, nuzzling his hatchmate.
“It’S OkaY Kills I’m heRE…”
“D-don’t go away! Please..please stay here with me..” Killer whimpers, his soul beating fast. He hates how much that scared him. The small hatchling feels...so weak and useless. He wouldn’t even be able to help if something happened to Error! He would just panic and blindly try to find him, possibly putting himself in danger in the process.
“I’m soRry KILls- thE bunNY graBbED mE And woULdN’t leT gO. But I caME BAck- juSt liKE I proMIsEd. I’ll aLWayS coME BaC-ck.” Error nuzzles Killer and gently licks his skull, the smaller slowly relaxing again. With small sniffles, he wipes away his tears and pulls back enough to lick Error back.
“Sorry..I didn’t mean to freak out…”
“DoN’t be soRry- It’S Fine. I lovE you.” The box vibrates weirdly in the way that says it’s been set down.
“I love you too- What do you think they're going to do to us?”
“I doN’t knoW- the biG bunNY saID somEthINg buT I can’T UndErstANd hEr.”
Killer hums and flicks his tongue out to smell around. “There are so many creatures here.”
“I knOW- It’s strAn-” Error cuts himself off with a hiss when the box opens and a hand reaches in, holding Killer tightly. The hand looks different from the bunny’s, but it’s still wearing the glove- well a different glove- and it gently grabs Killer’s torso, trying to pick him up.
“L-let go!”
Error bites at the gloved hand with a louder hiss, wrapping himself around both it and Killer with no plans to let go any time soon.
“Whoa- This ones a bit protective huh?” Asks a new voice.
“Uhm yeah they are. The colorful one doesn’t take too kindly to anyone upsetting their sibling.”
The two snakes are pulled out of the box to an even brighter room than the one with the glass box- and it smells weird! Error gnaws at the glove in hopes of doing some actual damage, clicking in irritation.
“...Are those spider pincers?” The human in white asks no one, looking at Error closely. “I’ve never seen such a thing on a lamia.”
“Go aWAy-Y!” Bite bite bite
The human hums before lightly petting Error’s head with a finger. The dark lamia’s hisses and clicks fade, and he relaxes almost against his will- going practically limp as he focuses on the surprisingly wonderful feeling.
“Awww~ He’s a big softie~”
“Are you ok Ru?”
“Hmm..~” Error’s mind was slowly being turned to mush as the human strokes his back. Killer wiggles as they’re set down on some kind of mat, the cold making him shiver.
“How cute~ I’ll start with this one then.”
Even half zoned out like he was, Error keeps ahold of his hatchmate, clicking lazily. The human runs a few small tests, temporarily avoiding anything that would require the two hatchlings to be separated as he works before eventually having to pull them apart to take their weight. It takes all of two seconds for Error to realize what was happening.
“HEy-Y! GIVe mE BaCK Kille-ER!!”
The human continues to rub Error’s back as Killer makes grabby hands at his sibling, both of them being placed in a little basket each. Even with the back rubs the darker lamia is squirming, trying to slither over to Killer with a hiss of displeasure.
“Hold still for just a moment-”
The human pins him down on his stomach, doing the same for Killer as he lets the scale measure them.
“LemMe goOo-O-” Error whines- he’s pretty sure at this point that they weren’t planning on hurting them, but he isn’t happy about being separated from his hatchmate. Killer stops struggling and just waits, even if he does whine about it. The human lets them go rather quickly before grabbing a pen to write the numbers down, and Error immediately slithers over to Killer.
“MIne.” The larger lamia even wraps some strings around his hatchmate as if to prove his point, making the human gasp.
“Wow! That’s amazing! So it is as I thought.”
“What is?” The bunny asks.
“They’re hybrids! A lamia and…an arachne I think.”
“Really? I’ve never heard of those species cross breeding. That would explain a few things though…”
“How amazing~! They're a skeleton sub species and they're known for being versatile in terms of how their magic works- especially with breeding. In theory they can mate with…well anything magic based.”
“I know that part, but what are the chances of that happening in the wild?”
“Near impossible and that’s why it’s so amazing~!”
“Hey HEy heY KILleR guESs whAt?” Error nuzzles his hatchmate with a satisfied click.
“What?” Killer answers as he rubs the darker’s strings. Error bleps at Killer with his tongues- only to remember his hatchmate was blind and instead just starting to lick him, rubbing against him to get rid of the smell of the glove and human.
Killer gasps and giggles, having not expected this at all, not that he doesn’t like it.
“Ack-! Ruruuuu!”
“HehEHehe~” Error slithers around Killer, thoroughly wrapping him up with both his strings and himself, grinning and nuzzling him all the while.
“Ah- Wait what!?”
“Oh my- a mated pair already?”
“It’s probably due to trauma that they are this attached to each other at such a young age, but still!”
Deeming Killer wrapped up enough, he comes to a stop in front of his hatchmate and gently grabs his face to press their foreheads together, letting his pincers brush over Killer’s face, easily making him giggle as all four of his blank sockets open.
“A spooder kiss.”
“Ma’am don’t you mean spider?”
“What? O-oh yeah spider- I meant spider.”
“I caUgHT yoU~!” Error chirps, licking around Killer’s now open sockets. The smaller squeaks and shivers, his sockets sensitive from lack of use, not that he ever could use them even if he wanted to.
“R-ru that feels funny-”
“Oh- soRry-” Error pulls back. “Do yoU WAnt mE to stoP?”
“Well..no, it's just weird. I don’t mind it though! It kinda felt nice!”
“WanT Me to keeP doing iT?” The darker lamia was already licking at Killer’s sockets again-
“Hmm~ Uh huh~” Killer blushes softly and snuggles further into Error, purring.
“Aaaand I think this check up is over-”
Error tightens his hold on Killer and pauses his licking as they’re scooped up and put back in the box- though he’s right back on his hatchmate as soon as he can. Killer rarely opens his sockets and Error’s going to take full advantage of it.
“HaAaa~” Killer’s tail tightens as he purrs louder, enjoying the odd, but pleasurable sensation.
It doesn’t take long for the box to open back up, and Error freezes, looking up with his tongues still sticking out.
“...I have no words.” The bunny carefully picks them both up like before and places them in the tank. “You haven’t even had your first heat and you're already horny….I’m kind of impressed.”
Error wiggles his pincers at the big bunny, before going back to licking Killer’s sockets- right on the inner rim of them. The smaller gasps harshly, letting out a loud moan.
“Nope-” The tank is closed and slid back into place, the bunny quickly leaving the scene. The bunny’s haste to leave confuses Error a bit, but he shrugs it off, shifting and tightening his hold on Killer with a purr-like rattle.
Killer makes a similar sound back, though it sounds different in some way…more submissive. Error finds that he really likes it, and he lets his pincers lightly dance over Killer’s face as he continues to lick him.
“HnNng~! Ruuuu~” Killer shivers and shudders against him, feeling squeamish.
“Hm~ Want mE to stoP?” Error asks, not noticing as a pincer hooks into one of Killer’s small sockets, lightly pulling back.
“HAAAaAa~!” The smaller suddenly tenses and arches back with a loud sound of pleasure, before going limp and panting, a small bead of slick running down his tail.
“...Huh. ThaT happenEd.” Error clicks curiously, glancing down when he notices the wetness against his tail. He was definitely going to try making Killer make more sounds like that sometime.
“Let’s get cleANeD up.”
“U-uh huh…~” Killer mumbles shakily, slowly closing his sockets again. Error nuzzles him, before slowly extracting himself from Killer to pick him up and carry him into the small pool, washing his tail off before moving to Killer’s.
The smaller shivers due to the cold water, wanting to curl back around Error. Luckily it doesn’t take the darker lamia long to finish, and he picks up Killer again to move them under the heat lamp to dry off and cuddle.
Purr purr purr~ “I love you so much Ruru~!”
“I lovE You too Kills~” Error clicks and rattles softly in his own purr, nuzzling Killer. It’s so nice and relaxing, he can’t help but fall asleep in the warmth of the heat lamp with Error, completely at ease.
~
Their den shrunk..or well- they’ve grown too big. It was starting to get crowded in the tank for the two of them- Error couldn’t even stand up straight!
“Ok you two, it’s moving day!” The same bunny monster came into the room and began pulling the tank out, picking it up with a surprising amount of strength.
“WhAt’s thaT EveN mean? “MovINg Day”?” Error lightly complains, copying the big bunny’s weird sounds. She gasps, surprised that Error actually spoke.
“Awww~! You can talk~!”
“Squished..”
“HUh- thE bunNy likeD It wheN I coPied her.” Error notes, grabbing Killer and hugging him to his chest in response to his complaints, making him grumble. “”Talk”?”
The bunny squeals, gently setting the tank down outside. “Mhm talk! I’m Daisy. Can you say Daaiisy?”
“Is shE TryING to Get me to sAy somethinG? “D-daaiisSsy.”” He copies, getting stuck on the ‘s’ sound. The bunny monster practically vibrates with excitement, pointing to her chest as she repeats her name again.
Error tilts his head in confusion, watching the bunny do it again, before lighting up in understanding and turning to poke his hatchmate.
“Oh! Oh- KillEr thE bunnY Has a nAme!”
“She does?”
“MHm! It’s “DaisssSy.””
“Daisssy!”
The apparently named Daisy smiles happily, giggling in excitement as she opens the lid of the tank and lightly pets their heads, much to Error’s pleasure.
“DaissSy,” Error points at the bunny, then points to himself. “Error!”
“Error?” She asks, gently poking the darker’s cheek. Said lamia grins and nods, clicking happily.
“DaissssY, Error, KillEr!” Error points at each person as he says the names.
“Awww~! Hello Error, Killer~ You two are so cute~!” Daisy gives them both a lot of pets as she picks them up out of the tank and sets them down in the grass, scratching under Error’s chin.
“Hello!” Error chirps, melting into the pets.
“Hello!” Killer copies, before getting completely distracted by the feeling of grass and tries to wiggle out of Error’s coils to explore. The darker lamia reluctantly lets him go with a pout, but he isn’t planning on leaving the pets any time soon.
“You're so adorable~ Too bad you're a wild lamia. You’d make a good pet~” Daisly gently rubs Error’s tail, feeling the pretty yellow and speckled blue tail. Error arches into the pets happily, stretching out on the grass in a boneless blob.
As Daisy pets Error, Killer slowly gets farther and farther away as he feels around, enjoying the fresh air and the sound of the wind through the trees. It feels like he hasn’t been outside in forever~!
Even with the bliss of pets, Error keeps a close eye on Killer, lazily turning his head to watch as his hatchmate slithers around. Killer rolls around in the grass with loud, happy giggles, opening his sockets as he lays on his back.
For a second, something was there. It’s a new sensation and he gasps, sitting up quickly in confusion and surprise. Error quickly notices and pushes himself up, looking over at his hatchmate in concern.
“Killer? ARe you okAy?”
The smaller snake faces Error’s voice with a look of confusion, blinking his sockets. “I..think so? I thought uhm…I felt something.”
“Felt soMEthinG?” Error repeats.
“I don’t know. It was weird….”
“GooD weirD Or bad weiRd?”
“Uhh….I don’t know.” Killer closes his sockets again and gently rubs them before slithering back over to snuggle into Error again.
“Hm..” Error wraps around Killer, licking and looking him over, pincers tapping at Killer’s face.
“Awww~ Spooder kisses~” Daisy smiles at them, before standing up. “I’ll let you two explore your new home.”
Error hisses softly at Daisy in farwell, a bit saddened by the loss of pets, but he’s more focused on Killer now. The smaller hums and licks Error back, intertwining their tails together with a happy purr.
“Your pincers tickle~”
Error just clicks them together in response with a giggle, nuzzling his hatchmate. Killer uncurls his second pair of arms to hug Error some more, lightly kissing the side of one of the fuzzy spider mandibles, making him squeak and giggle a little, clicking them together faster.
Kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss~! Killer repeats the action and kisses Error’s face all over in a love attack, giggling and laughing the whole time. Error blushes and lets his mandibles dance and tap on Killer’s face in little spider kisses, before properly peppering kisses over him with his own laugh.
The two toss and play fight with each other for lovey dovey dominance, until Killer kisses Error on the teeth, purring loudly, and Error can’t help but melt with a happy sigh, sweetly kissing him back. Killer’s soul glows brightly and he tries to push all his love for his hatchmate into the kiss. An odd fizzle sparks over Error’s body as he tries to return just as much love and affection back to Killer, his hold on the smaller tightening.
After a moment more, Killer breaks the kiss, wanting to pepper Error’s face a bit more- though the darker lamia tries to follow Killer’s mouth with a small whine, making him giggle and continue the kiss like Error wants, and he clicks happily, covering Killer’s face with more spider kisses.
Eventually Killer pulls away again to breathe, happily nuzzling his skull up under Error’s chin.
“I lovE yoU~”
“I love you too~ So so so so much~!”
“So much~” Error agrees, laying back and relaxing with Killer half on top of him, tails tangled together. They couldn’t be happier~
~
The two made the new enclosure a nice home, making another, bigger den and exploring the side space. When in the tank they had been given bugs and mice to hunt in the small area after getting off the bottle and now they can hunt bunnies!
Error recently noticed that sometimes Killer knows things, like where one of their prey is or when Miss Daisy is coming. But Killer never says anything about it, so he doesn’t ask- even if he’s curious. He knows his hatchmate will tell him when he’s ready.
They snuggle in close as they lay curled up in the den, fast asleep as the cold of winter howls outside. It’s so nice and cozy in their den beneath the surface, as they sleep deeply due to the cold. A loud thunk and big vibration from above ground has Error stirring slightly, mandibles clicking together, but he settles back down quickly.
The snow above crunches as many feet trudge through it searching for the entrance. The weather proof blanket made out of Error’s strings is pulled away, letting both the cold and the intruders in. Killer shivers and tries to hide further beneath their coils for warmth, and Error hazily opens his sockets after a moment with his own shiver..
Humans, dressed in warm white clothes with some kind of guns? Error clicks in confusion, before slowly turning and nudging Killer, struggling a bit to get his cold and tired body to move. The smaller shifts ever so slightly as the humans draw near. There’s a small sound and something suddenly stabs into Error’s tail, it’s metallic surface shining in the dim light. The darker lamia yelps, hissing softly in pain, and squirms unhappily.
“Collar them and put ‘em in bags, the big one’s been tranked.”
Error continues hissing, even as his body seems to grow even heavier than it was before, his movements slowly lessening to the occasional twitch. He’s not sure what’s happening- he doesn’t like this.
The humans start grabbing them, wrapping something tightly around their necks that has Killer hissing tiredly as he slowly wakes up from his deep sleep, confused and disoriented. Error tries to say something- to warn him- something was wrong- but all he manages to do is whine in distress as it feels like his body slowly gives out on him.
“...Kill..s…”
The humans pull them apart, Killer’s arms desperately trying to hold on to Error out of instinctual fear, slowly coming to understand the situation to an extent, but his body isn’t doing what he wants! His hands slip and he falls back with a small whimper.
“W-what..?”
“Hurry up! Before anyone gets here!”
All Error can do is whine fearfully, his vision going fuzzy and dark before his sockets close against his will, finally succumbing to the tranquilizer. The two are shoved into large bags and dragged out of their den, Killer trying desperately to get out, but to no avail, the cold numbing his tail. That's when he smells something familiar and a monster runs over to them, both angry and fearful.
“Leave them alone!”
“Daisssy…?”
The humans try to grab her as she slams into one of them and quickly scrambles up with her nose twitching. One of the humans lunge at her and she manages to jump out of the way, only to be caught in another's grip.
“L-let go! Let them go please!”
She squirms and thrashes, not noticing the human pull out a knife.
“Please! Let them g-” It only takes a few moments for her body to turn to dust, the gray sticking out against the white snow.
“Let’s go.”
“Daissy!!”
Her magic…it’s gone. Killer shakes and cries as he feels it fade away.
~
Error doesn’t know how much time has passed when he finally starts waking up, phalanges twitching as he struggles to fight off the heavy sleep, and he manages a quiet sound of frustration, his face scrunching up.
The sound of sniffling can be heard under the sound of the rather loud van. Being tossed and turned with every bump, and Error finally forces his sockets open, revealing his hazy eyelights.
“...KilL..?” His body was still so heavy and he was so- so tired, but he needs to find his hatchmate and make sure he’s okay. The snuffles stop for a moment, before a quiet, choked up voice answers him.
“R-ru…t-they..”
“WhaT..?” Error’s skull lolls to the side as he looks in the direction of Killer’s voice.
“..Daissssy…t-they killed Daissy-!” Killer bursts into quiet sobs again, wanting so badly to snuggle against Error for comfort, but the bag restricts his movements. The darker lamia’s breath hitches as he processes Killer’s words.
“..No…” He whispers, shocked. This felt far too familiar- memories of Momma’s death flash through his mind.
“S-she tri-ied to stop them! She tried to save us!”
“No…” Error’s voice cracks as his expression crumples, tears gathering in his sockets and dripping down his face.
“Hey! Shut up back there! Stupid snakes..” Killer’s crying must have gotten the driver's attention, one of the other passengers kicks him in irritation, making Killer yelp and whimper, and Error hisses angrily.
“SsshuT Up-” He mocks, clicking in irritation. “LeaVE KilLE-eR AlonE!”
“What an annoying voice.” One says as another gives Killer another kick.
“What ya mean this stupid thing~? It was so easy to catch we didn’t even have to trank it-”
“Damn things blind.”
“DOn’t huRt hiM!” Error finally forces himself to move, wiggling around with another angry hiss. It’s easier to be angry- he did this before, too.
“Jeez- it sounds like that rabbit.”
“FuCk ofF.” He practically growls, being forced to go limp after a moment as he pants for breath.
“Shut up snake!” The rough human who had been kicking Killer goes to kick Error too, but someone stops him.
“That’s enough. Don’t damage the merchandise.”
“Y-yes sire.”
“KillEr-r.” Error goes back to their own tongue.
“Y-yeah..?”
“AS soOn-N As yoU Can- ruN. OkaY? EveN IF-f I’m noT WitH you yeT- I’ll cATch up ANd finD yoU, jusT LIke I proMISeD.”
“What!? No-no I don’t want to leave you!”
“KilleR- pleASe?” Error’s voice cracks. “I proMISe- I PRomISe I’ll comE BAck- I sweAR. BuT I neED You to RuN, okaY?”
“B-but…” Error would be alone with these humans..and what would Killer do once he escapes!? Error sounds so desperate though…. “....Ok Ru…I love you..”
“ThaNK yoU- I lovE You too. So-O much.”
“Come back soon ok..p-please…?” Killer’s crying again, but he can’t help it!
“I wilL- I PRomISe.” They’re both jostled as the van comes to a stop, and Error’s eyelights sharpen. If nothing else, he was getting Killer out of here. Then he could focus on escaping himself.
“Load ‘em up. We’re on the clock.”
“Yes sire!” The humans move about the van before opening a big door in the back, letting all the cold in again. Each of their bags are grabbed and dragged out, jolsting them more. Error hisses and clicks as threateningly as he can. The human holding him jumps a little, dropping the bag and in turn, loosening the top.
Despite the heaviness in his limbs, Error’s out of the bag in a flash, tear marks glowing brightly in warning as he spots the human holding what could only be Killer’s bag- and before he’s even aware of what he’s doing, his magic sparks and the human drops Killer, clutching his eye with an agonized scream.
The smallest of the two wiggles out of the bag and bolts in a random direction, the snow stinging against his ecto.
“Why you little-!”
Error hisses loudly as he’s pinned under someone’s foot, trying to twist around to bite them or something- he has to get to Killer he promised-! There’s that same sound again, coupled with the sting in his tail as his ecto is pierced, and Error can only hiss helplessly as darkness quickly steals him away once more.
~
Keep going, keep going, keep going! Killer slithers as fast as he can through the trees, dodging and weaving when he feels them coming. He ignores the almost burning feeling of the snow against his tail, reminding him of needles with how much it stings.
Killer can’t get caught or Error’s efforts would have been in vain! He keeps slithering, as far and as hard as he can until he has no choice but to take a breath, panting heavily as the cold air dries up his throat.
“S-so cold…”
After a few minutes, the lamie/arachne forces himself up.
“I need ta get out- of the snow..”
But he doesn’t have time to build a den, at this rate he’ll freeze to death. His, sith sense or whatever it is, begins to flicker out as he loses the energy to move.
“C-cold cold…”
He has to keep moving. He can’t die. Killer forces himself to move and luck must be on his side because he finds a small cave. It’s not much and it’s still cold, but better than the cold wind and snow. Killer curls up on himself and carefully listens, waiting to hear Error’s voice, but all he gets is silence.
He listens…
and listens…
and listens…
…
…
..
But nobody came.
~
The forest is quiet this time at night, not silent of course, but pleasantly peaceful. Nightmare walks beneath the tall trees, his tails swaying lazily behind him as his ears twitch.
“What a beautiful night. Too bad those morons have to ruin it with their silly games.” The kitsune complains, he had been trying to hunt for the group’s next meal, only for Dust and Killer’s roughhousing to scare his prey away.
“Hopefully there’s something is out here to eat-” Nightmare’s shirt snags on something and he looks down to pull it away, not noticing the blue web in front of him until he walks into it.
“W-what the- Ew, disgusting!”
There’s a clicking sound and the rustle of leaves as something stirs in the tree above him, and the web starts to glow, growing stronger despite his struggles. The strings are a familiar color and he growls in annoyance, a fire ball forming in his hand.
“This isn’t funny anymore Error! How many times do I have to tell you to stop this tomfoolery!” There’s a low, glitchy hiss and the sound of movement.
“ToMFooLEry-Y? Who thE HEll ssAys thaT anyMOrE-”
“Speak for yourself, you annoying-....spider…?” Nightmare looks up in confusion, his mind going blank for a second. That’s….that’s not Error.
“Who the hell are you?”
“I’m ErrOR?” Definitely-not-Error says, their thin tail wrapped around the tree.
“What? You look nothing like.....well actually.” This lamia…spider- arachne, does look like Error, the one he knows. Not exactly but there are many telling similarities. The tear marks beneath his sockets, the multi-colored phalanges, the glitching, and obviously the strings, what had originally made him think it was Error 404’s web.
“Oh, you must be his offspring then.”
“WhAt a wEIRd wAy to saY It- I asSUme yoU KNow ErrOR 404 thEN?” The lamia clicks the spider mandibles on their face together, tilting their head.
“Must you insult my preferred method of speech? You're just like him, both of you are rude.” Nightmare wiggles a little, extinguishing his flame. “Yes, I know him. He’s been a pain in my coccyx for the past few millennia.”
“Oh- soRry-Y- I diDN’t meAn To be ruDe. WouLD You liKe heLP? I’d rathEr yoU NOt daMagE My weB toO Much.”
“I’ll allow it.”
With another mandible click, the lamia slithers from the tree with practiced ease, before moving to Nightmare and touching individual strings of web, their glow dimming before they dissolve completely.
The kitsune sighs, stretching a little as the strings disappear. He looks Error over for a moment more, taking note of just how thin the other is. As much as 404 annoyed him, it feels wrong to leave his old frenemie’s kid in such a state.
“You look hungry.”
“I’m uSEd to iT.” Error shrugs. “COmeS witH ThE TerrITOry oF-f noT HAvinG A peRManent dEN.”
“Hmm…I won’t ask, but I insist you come with me. It would be wrong to leave you like this.”
“I’m finE- realLY.” The lamia insists, posture tensing slightly. They clearly didn’t trust him. Though that’s to be expected.
“We both know you're lying. You are far from fine and I get it, I’m a random stranger who happens to know one of your parents asking you to follow them. I’ll admit it’s I’m not exactly in the best position to be giving you orders, but it would be wrong to leave you like this as well. I have a hybrid of my own that I protect and you remind me of him.”
“...YOu do?” Error perks up noticeably, though they try to cover it up with false casualness. Nightmare immediately notices.
“..Yes? Now that I think about it, you two are quite similar.” It’s highly unlikely for there to be two arachne lamia hybrids that look to be about the same age…and Killer has mentioned having a brother. He talked about him quite a lot for a long while, but he never gave Nightmare a name.
“..HoW-w so?”
“Your skull shape for one, but the extra spider-like qualities on your face too, although they are different qualities.”
“ReaLLy? LikE WHat?” Error fishes, much to Nightmare’s annoyance. The glitch is obviously after something.
“Why don’t you come see for yourself?” The kitsune doesn’t wait for an answer, turning around to head back the way he came. There’s an unsatisfied huff behind him, before he hears the sound of scales across the ground as Error catches up.
Nightmare can’t help but smirk as he leads Error silently back to the den, his curiosity getting the better of him.
“Horror stooop!” A skeleton monster cries as a large blood red lamia tries to feed him a mountain lion.
“Eat…”
“You know I can’t eat that!”
“Rorry don’t-”
A sigh escapes the kitsune as they get close enough to see the morons in all their glory, roughhousing in front of the waterfall that acts as the cave entrance. Error clicks curiously as it seems Cross catches his gaze, looking a bit confused at the sight of a normal skeleton monster.
Said monster stares right back, looking just as confused, though he doesn’t get to dwell on it as Horror takes one look at Error and immediately tries to shove the mountain lion in his face instead, making him rear back with a yelp and a startled hiss.
“Relax Error. He just wants to feed you. He doesn’t like it when someone’s hungry~” This was his plan all along, Horror is too cute to refuse. So whether Error likes it or not he’s eating something tonight and it’s very unlikely the large snake will let him leave either.
“Um- I-iT’s reaLLy finE-” Error fumbles, looking between Horror and Nightmare with wide sockets. Horror gives him such a sad, begging look, holding the recently deceased prey up to him with a whine.
“Eat…please…”
“He’s not going to stop. I suggest just eating it.”
“...O-okAy.” Error relents. Nightmare grins at him smugly before walking over to grab Cross, who had been trying to escape from the situation.
“Come, I’ll cook you something. Where are the other two?”
“Oh uh- in the den I think.”
“Good.”
Error takes the mountain lion from Horror and sets it down on his coils, grabbing strings from his sockets and beginning to wrap it up. Horror watches in awe, surprised and very interested in the pretty magic.
“You’re…part spider..?”
“Mhm.” Error clicks his mandibles together for Horror to see, before getting back to wrapping up his food.
“So you’re…like…Killer then..”
Error freezes, staring blankly down at the mountain lion in his coils, sockets wide as he glitches.
“...KillEr..?” He asks, voice small and shaky.
Horror blinks in confusion, a hand reaching up to lightly tug on his socket.
“Did I…say something…wrong..?”
“N..no- I juST-” Error fumbles for words as he half rises, food forgotten.
“Nuuuu! Crossy come baaaack!”
“No. You’ve lost cuddle privileges.”
“Awww come on, it was just a joke~!”
Error whirls around to look in the direction of the new yet oh so familiar voice, unaware of his faint rattling as he clicks. Slithering out from beneath the waterfall is a small lamia, with white bones and a bright cherry red tail, black liquid slowly leaks from the other’s four sockets, a second pair of arms folded comfortably below his dominant pair as he follows after the skeleton monster, a pout on his face.
He freezes the moment Error moves and slowly turns his skull to face him, a look of disbelief in his face. It takes the glitch all of one second to abandon his half wrapped meal to race over to the other, stopping just within reach as tears gather in his sockets.
“...KilLEr-r?” He croaks.
Error is suddenly tackled, a sob escaping the lamia on top of him as he’s held tightly.
“Ru-!”
The glitch doesn’t fight it, hugging Killer back just as tightly and nuzzling him, his pincers brushing and feeling every last inch on Killer’s face as Error’s own tears join the mix.
“KilleR-r- KILLeR - Oh mY GOd I finAlly foUnd yoU- I wAs loO-okinG For sO LonG -” Error’s voice breaks and he devolves into muttering Killer’s name over and over again. The smaller unable to get any words out as the strong feeling of relief and joy overwhelm him.
Horror and Cross stare in confusion before slowly dipping into the den to give the two some privacy. Neither of them notice as they just cling to each other and cry, tails tangling together.
“T-tOLd yoU I’d coME baCk-” Error manages between sobs, holding Killer like his life depended on it. “I’m s-sORrY I ToOK So-o loNG-”
“I-I missed you-” Killer nuzzles him, trying to somehow get closer as he sloppily peppers Error’s face with kisses. The black stuff smearing on his cheeks.
“I miSsED You toO- I LovE YOu so muCh-” Error’s grip is almost vice-like.
“I-I love you too, but- you're crushing me-” Killer tells him as he struggles to breathe. Error immediately relaxes his hold.
“SoRry soRrY I’m sorRY-” He rushes out.
“No no it’s fine-” The smaller shakes it off a little, taking a deep breath before suddenly giving Error a big emotional kiss, trying to express just how happy he is. Just like the first kiss they shared, Error melts into it- though he has to choke back more sobs as he kisses Killer back.
Killer kisses him over and over, his hands feeling his bones like he’s trying to confirm that this is real, that Error’s really right here after all this time. He’s been waiting for what feels like forever and then he went looking with Nightmare for a while after being found. Obviously they settled down here at some point, but he’s been patiently waiting for his hachmate the whole time.
And he finally came- ever since Error managed to escape the poachers (something that took longer than he’d like to admit) he’s been searching for Killer, even though for all he knew his hatchmate was dust. But he wasn’t! A traveling lifestyle wasn’t great for Error’s health whatsoever- but it’s all worth it to finally find Killer.
The kisses slowly come to a stop as Killer pants, taking a moment to breathe again as he snuggles into Error. It’s obvious the smaller has been well taken care of, his tail is round and healthy, bones only slightly chipped in a few places. The only weird thing would be the tar like substance seeping from his sockets now smeared messily across his face. There was probably some on Error’s face now too.
“I loVE Y-yoU.” Error murmurs, covering Killer’s face in spider kisses. Which said skeleton returns by licking Error’s pincers genty.
“I love you so so much too~ Oh! I have so much to tell you! I can do this really cool thing where…..you're so thin..” Killer notices, a sad tone in his voice. Error glitches, his stomach aching at the reminder.
“I’m fINe.”
“Don’t lie to me Ru.” He says sternly, leaving no room for argument. “You were going ta eat that big cat right?”
“..YeAH.”
Killer sits up a little, keeping his tail securely around Error as he reaches over for the slightly cocooned corpse, slowly pulling it over.
“Then eat it.”
“I hAve tO FIniSH wrApPINg it uP-” Error protests. Unlike Killer, who ate like a snake would, Error eats like a spider- injecting his venom into his prey and sucking them dry. If he doesn’t wrap it up beforehand it tends to get messy and gross.
“Then do that.”
Error pouts a bit, but pulls out more string to do so. Killer purrs and lightly licks Error’s mandibles. He really missed the slightly fuzzy things, always tapping against his face with their pointy tips. Error sighs happily at the feeling, and once he finishes wrapping up the mountain lion, he just takes a moment to relax against Killer, basking in his presence.
Killer’s licking travels all over Error’s face, affectionately cleaning him and snake kissing at the same time. The glitch hums, his sockets closing as his mandibles wiggle happily. Their tails continue to intertwine and rub against one another as Killer slowly stops his kisses, sliding his forked tongue back into his mouth.
“Ok now eat.”
Error whines as he opens his eyesockets and grabs the mountain lion, before biting into the spot he had purposely kept unwrapped, injecting it with a hefty amount of venom. He can’t help but hiss in appreciation at the first taste of blood, drinking some of it as he waits for the rest of the body to break down.
Killer nuzzles and licks him as he waits, purring softly as he rubs himself against Error, and the glitch relaxes with his own almost silent purr as he idly chews at where he bit, sockets lidded.
They used to do this all the time, snuggling and kissing as they ate. Though they snuggled and kissed all the time. It was their favorite thing to do. Error’s warmth and glitches are so comforting…He missed it so so much.
A little while later Error finally finishes, turning away from the gross bone-filled cocoon in favor of fully cuddling Killer, feeling fuller than he has in months. Honestly he probably shouldn’t have eaten the whole big cat- he feels gross now.
“My Ruru~<3” Killer says with a happy giggle, lightly licking Error’s nasal cavity.
“My Kills~” Error responds, slumping slightly against Killer. “Ugh I FeeL sick..”
“When was the last time ya ate?”
“Mmm a moNTh aGO..?” Error sounds uncertain. Killer gives him a hard glare, hissing at him in annoyance.
“No wonder it’s makin’ ya feel sick-”
“TraVElinG makES it haRd to caTCh preY-”
“That is no excuse to let yourself get like this!”
Error flinches a bit with a quiet whine, shoulders hunching as he curls in on himself. Killer sighs, licking Error’s cheek.
“I don’t like seeing ya like this. Looking for me doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of yourself.”
“I wAs takIN’ caRE ‘f mYselF FinE.” Error mutters, nuzzling Killer and averting his eyelights.
“Your tail is so thin though! You look like how Horror used to!”
“...” Error doesn’t respond.
“...It worries me. I want ya to be healthy and happy, so we’re going to make ya all better ok~?”
“..Okay.”
Kiss~! “Yay~ Oh! I need ta introduce ya to everyone~!”
“I alrEAdY MEt thE kiTSuNe- hE KNoWs Dad apparenTLy anD ThoUGht I WAs hIM.”
Killer blinks at him, genuinely surprised. “Really? I didn’t know that! Then again I’ve never asked- Boss is so cool though isn’t he~?”
“PreTTy suRE He wAs abouT To thROw a fiREball aT Me.”
“...Well to be fair their personalities are completely different. Boss is so smart and calculative, not to mention gentle when he wants to be and he’s really good with his words- oh! Did I tell you he’s really strong~?”
Error just snorts, closing his sockets and listening to Killer’s rambles. His hatchmate tells him all about his pack? Apparently the kitsune is named Nightmare and calls them his skulk, or a pack of foxes- anyway Nightmare is the alpha and runs the show. Killer tells him about how Nightmare saved his life and has been with him ever since- Error’s going to have to thank him for that. The smaller lamia purposely avoids the details, though Error doesn’t begrudge him for it. He’d like to forget a lot of what had happened, too.
Then he talks about Horror and tells Error about how Nightmare and him rescued Horror from a bunch of humans who had been holding him captive and almost starved him to death. They also saved his little brother, who’s still only about two years old and Horror takes care of him like a mother. It’s really cute. Error ignores the slight pang of jealousy- he’s glad Horror’s brother will have the chance to grow up with a loving family.
Dust was also rescued by Nightmare. Apparently some people thought it would be a good idea to make mystical creatures fight for their lives to entertain guests. It’s safe to say the place was burnt to the ground with everyone but the magic beasts inside. Error’s glad.
And finally there’s Cross, the normal- sort of- skeleton monster. Cross has an unnatural magical ability that his father had forced him to use to do horrible things as a child and he was labeled as a freak by his own town. At the age of 16 he ran away and came face to face with a kitsune and his snakes.
The group basically adopted him and they’ve all been together ever since!
“‘M glAd yoU FOund thEM, KillS.” Error murmurs, keeping his sorrow about not being able to be there himself out of his voice.
“Me too~! And ya know what the best part is~?”
“WhAT?”
“You're here with me~!!” kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss~!!
Error’s soul melts a little as he squeals and giggles, weakly squirming as he tries to escape the kiss attack. Killer giggles with him, purring as loud as he possibly can as he covers Error in kisses and love.
~
“..I’ve never seen Killer that happy.” Cross mumbles, leaning against Dust’s tail.
“Me neither…It is bad that I’m kinda jealous?”
Cross shakes his skull, slumping a little. “If so then I’m in the wrong too…”
“Boys.” They both turn to look at the kitsune, receiving an annoyed glare in return.
“Leave them be for now. Get back inside and stop watching like creeps.”
“W-what!? B-boss I wasn’t- that’s not-” Cross stumbles over his words in embarrassment as he and Dust return to the den, an already snoozing Horror and Sugar greeting them.
Chapter 16: A Destroyer of worlds? Ridiculous!
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
What if Error never figured out how to make portals? What if the antivoid never turned him into a god-like being? What if Error never became the Destroyer, and instead was found by Nightmare, having never interacted with anyone but the voices in his head?
Implied Afterdeath, but that’s it.
Chapter Text
At first, building the castle was a hobby for Nightmare in a way. Before finding the abandoned AU he had been wandering the multiverse, feeding off whatever negativity he could cause. He slowly built up the AU, using it at a safe haven when everyone was out to get him. Ink was becoming quite the hassle and Nightmare had been struggling to get enough negativity to sustain himself, that is until he found Killer.
The negative guardian was hungry so the sudden burst of self loathing and self hate was more than welcome. It was no wonder such feelings were coming from a Sans, but the state of the skeleton intrigued him. It was an oddly perfect mix of Chara’s hate and a monster, so cold yet burning with rage.
After getting his fill Nightmare turned to leave, only for the monster to try and follow him. The stupid creature wanted to be with him? How odd. Nightmare allowed it with a few conditions. The monster had to do everything he said and stay within sight at all times, the moment he disobey the order, Nightmare would kill him.
But the monster never disobeyed. It said nothing as he worked and didn’t move unless he told it to. The constant flow of negativity from it giving him an energy boost and allowed him to terrorize more positive AU’s. The only problem he had with it started a few weeks after getting it. The damn thing collapsed on him.
Nightmare couldn’t help but facepalm. The monster had gone weeks without rest or food without complaint before falling face first into the snow from exhaustion. It’s…..a good toy. Even if he does have to take better care of it.
Some new rules were set and Nightmare let it in the castle. It was mostly done anyway. The AU would provide a safe environment for the monster to eat and sleep in between missions. Nightmare will never admit it but….he had grown attached to the mortal’s company. The castle is nice when you have someone else to enjoy the silence with.
Things stayed like that for a long time. Nightmare had begun calling the toy, Killer, due to its enjoyment of the activity. Yes, he knows it’s not that original, but a proper name is not worth thinking over. He found a few new uses for his toy, training its body to obey commands even if it’s mind is elsewhere. It’s a good way to relieve stress, Nightmare finds.
The relative peace was nice while it lasted, but Ink has made a new friend, Nightmare’s brother. It hasn’t been easy and the self proclaimed king has been looking for another toy to fight on his behalf. Nightmare has never been one to believe in fate, but the timing couldn't have been better.
He stares down at the skeleton before him, their form spasming and glitching in and out of existence constantly. Nightmare can’t help but grin wide.
“Hello there~”
The skeleton doesn’t turn to Nightmare, instead seeming to look up. “AnoTHEr neW ONe? JeEZ- Hi I guESs.”
The king growls, tentacles curling in agitation. “ Turn around dumbass! ”
The skeleton jumps and turns around, jumping more when they spot Nightmare, scrambling up in a flurry of glitches.
“O-oH-! HeL-llo- waIT whY-?” They glance away, before flinching and quickly looking back at Nightmare. “HI- KiNg NIgHTmaRe-?” They sound uncertain, like they’re just repeating something.
“Oh? How interesting~ How do you know my name glitch?”
“ThE VOicES toLd Me. CaN’t yoU HeaR THem? WaIT whaT’s a bOw?”
“I hear no voices, just you.” Nightmare takes a step closer, his tentacles reaching for the smaller.
“ReALly? But thEY’re sO loU-” The glitch suddenly cuts themself off, tensing and growing weary as they listen to something, eyelights darting around. Nightmare stops, before growling back, a tentacle darting forward to snatch the glitch by the neck. They manage to stumble back, holding an arm out in front of them so the tentacle wraps around it instead.
The reaction is almost instantaneous, and the skeleton tries to jerk away as glitches erupt from their arm at the point of contact, rapidly spreading over them.
“Ow oW StO-oP-! DOn-N’T-t toUC-cH Me-e-E-!!”
Nightmare begins pulling, practically dragging the glitch over to him as his grip tightens. The skeleton shouts in pain, their form almost completely destabilizing, before seeming to freeze.
*Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep*
Error.exe has crashed. …Rebooting…
Nightmare hums, holding the monster up in front of him as he looks it over.
“I’ll have to fix a few things, but it’s not half bad~” His tentacles curl in delight, slowly encasing the monster in a cocoon-like restraint. “It’s emotions are delicious, almost addicting~ I’m going to have fun with this one~”
The king opens a portal back to the castle, leaving the anti-void empty once more.
~
…Rebooting…100%
Error blinks, immediately confused when he doesn’t see the endless white he’s used to, quickly sitting up and looking around, ignoring the ache in his bones from the crash.
“WhAT…?”
‘Oh you’re awake!’
‘Finally! That was one of your longest reboots- I was so bored!’
‘I told you we shouldn’t trust Nightmare- you should’ve killed him while you had the chance.’
‘HA! As if Error has any idea how to do that- we can only get him so far with descriptions.’
The glitch ignores the voices, pausing as he makes eye contact with another skeleton. Their empty sockets bore into him, an empty, sharp grin on their face as they stand perfectly still, almost like a statue.
“...Hi?”
‘Oh- is that Killer?’
‘Killer murder boi!’
‘Wow he looks creepy like that… You should kill him.’
‘Kill the Killer!’
‘No Error don’t-’
The…..skeleton- are you sure this isn't a statue?- doesn’t react at all.
“Wow YOu’rE crEePy. We haVe mATchINg tEaR maRKs thOuGH!”
‘How many times do I have to tell you you don’t have tear marks-’
‘Yes you do, just ignore them.’
‘Yeah! It’s where your strings come from!’
At the reminder of the existence of his strings, Error pulls out a few to play with, a few of the voices starting to coach him through cat’s cradle.
“...Hi.”
Error jumps, looking back at the skeleton- Killer?- in surprise. The other monster had moved just a little, having taken a knife out of their pocket to twirl in their hand.
“WoAh thAT’s coOL-”
‘Introduce yourself dummy!’
“-U-uH- I’m ErroR.”
“Killer. I guess.”
‘Now say “It’s nice to meet you”.’
“It’S NicE tO meEt yoU!” Error dutifully repeats. “WHy’rE yoU HErE? WheRE iS HerE, actUAllY?”
“The castle and boss told me ta watch ya.”
“WhAT’s a CaStle? AnD whO’s BOss?”
“A castle is a big an’ pretty building royalty lives in and boss is Nightmare.” Killer twirls the knife so fluidly, even tossing it in the air to catch it in his- the voices called Killer a boy right? he better ask- other hand.
“Oh oKAy. WhAT’re yoUR proNOuNs?” The voices had explained pronouns to him back when he first had started hearing them. Killer pauses his knife throwing, seemingly thinking about the question.
“...I don’t really care, but he I guess.”
“AlriGHt- saME foR Me.” Error’s eyelights are drawn to the target in front of Killer’s chest- his soul, according to the voices. “YoUr soUL iS PreTty.”
Killer tenses before raising a brow at Error, leaning into the glitch’s space.
“Ya jokin’ right?”
‘Careful- it looks like he might attack you.’
‘You should boop him to see what happens.’
Error leans back slightly and smiles a bit. “WhAt’s a JOkE?”
Killer’s sockets narrow and he can feel himself being looked over thoroughly, it makes him feel naked- It doesn’t last too long as Killer pulls away, a small tint of red on his cheekbones.
“My soul’s not pretty.”
“YeAH iT Is- It’S all gLoWY anD ReD AND prEttY! I liKE iT.”
The red on the short skeleton's face grows brighter. “All souls should be glowy- Mine’s twisted and disgusting.”
“ReALly? It doESn’T loOK TwIStEd anD diSGusTINg thOUgh? AnD The voiCEs aRe caLLinG yoU aDorABle, anD thE VoiCEs aRe alwAYs riGHt!” At least- they were when most of them agreed with each other. The color on Killer’s face is bright and the other seems to pout at Error.
“Is this why boss likes you? You're a flirt?”
“WhaT’s a FLirt?”
“I-....I don’t know how to describe it.”
“Oh..” Error looks a bit put out at that- he’s having fun learning new things from Killer.
‘Hmm I actually don’t know how to describe it either- beyond just saying Lust Sans.’
“Lol fair- here I looked it up- “ behave as though attracted to or trying to attract someone, but for amusement rather than with serious intentions.”’
‘Ha Lust sans-’
“Who’S LuSt SAns?” Error asks, blinking in confusion as the voices all suddenly go quiet.
“A Sans from an AU called Lusttale.” Killer answers simply, not even hesitating.
“A Sans? Oh-! LiKe mE?” The voices have explained AUs to him several times now, and several of them would call him Error!Sans before he corrected them.
“Yeah. I’ma be watchin’ ya while you're here and boss is busy, teach ya the basics or whatever. Now get up, I’m starving.” Killer puts his knife away before heading to the only door in the room.
“OKay.” Error quickly gets up and trots after Killer, ignoring the warnings of the voices. Killer leads him though the large hallway outside, passing by tapestries and paintings, all very pretty and colorful things compared to the anti-void, and his head swivels as he tries to take everything in, slightly overwhelmed by just how much there is. There was so much color! He wouldn’t have to cut himself just to see something other than blinding white here.
Killer turns into what has to be the kitchen, pulling out a slice of bread and some sandwich meat, and Error ignores the painful pang of hunger the sight of food brings. Huh. It’s been a while since he’s felt like that.
“Here. Your magic needs food.” Killer holds the newly made sandwich out to him, shaking it around as he waits for Error to take it.
“...OKaY.” The glitch takes the sandwich, staring at it as he tries to remember how exactly to eat. He’s pretty sure he’s supposed to put it in his mouth… With a slight shrug, Error opens his mouth and wraps his tongues around the sandwich, pulling it into his mouth and practically swallowing it whole.
The short skeleton stares at him with his mouth slightly ajar, genuinely surprised, enough for his soul to flicker for a second. Though Error doesn’t notice as a shudder goes through him, his magic almost instantly absorbing the food.
“Do….do ya want some more?”
“Y-yEAh- YeS PLeaSe.” Error honestly couldn’t remember the last time he had eaten- other than some vague flashes of memory. Killer makes him another sandwich, using the same ingredients as he makes one for himself as well.
“ThANkS.” Error eats the second sandwich the same way he ate the first, though he starts feeling a bit sick afterwards, much to his displeasure. He’s pretty sure feeling sick after eating isn’t normal… probably. Either way, he still doesn’t like it.
”Ya good?”
“...Is it NoRMal tO FeEL siCk AftER eaTIng?”
“.....When was the last time you ate before this?”
“ThIS is tHe FIRst tiMe I RemEMbEr evEr eATinG. I tHInK I’ve eATen beFOre, thoUGh…”
“Ah- Jeez no wonder. It’ll take your body some time to get used to eating again. That’s why it's makin’ ya sick. Uh….I think ya have to eat slower and something that’s light in your ‘stomach’ but rich with magic…..I’ll ask boss- he knows more about food than I do…”
“Oh- oKAy… I doN’t liKE it.” Error frowns a bit, though it looks like a pout more than anything.
“Boss’ll probably have ta take care a ya for a bit…He said he was going to anyway. Ok so here’s how this is going to work. Boss is- well our boss- and we do what he says, in return he takes care of us, giving us food, a home, and whatever he deems necessary.
“In a way we help take care of boss too- cause ya see he eats negativity, or bad feelings. We help him cause negativity across the multiverse for him to feed off of.”
Error nods, taking in the information.
“So dO We liKE- kILL peOPle?” He asks, flinching from the sudden loud cheering from a surprisingly large amount of voices.
“We can, I do a lot, but when in an AU we can’t kill too many people or there won’t be enough negativity. We kill to cause other people grief, fear, anger, rage, sadness. If we kill everyone then there’s no one left to feel those feelings.”
“Ohh oKAy. THaT MakeS SEnse.”
“We do whatever boss tells us to do. We belong to him. He’s never gotten another before, so I don’t know if it will be different for you, but from what he told me you would have rotted away in the white void so you owe him your life so that is what you will give him got it?”
Error looks away in thought, listening to a few of the voices’ input. They had quite a few differing opinions though, which wasn’t as helpful as he was hoping. Honestly, to Error anything was better than the antivoid.
“...OkaY-y.”
“Good. Now come on. Ya gotta pick out a bedroom.” Killer turns on his heel and leads Error out of the kitchen.
~
“Come in.” The king answers as he scribbles something down on the paper in front of him. The faint sound of static fills the room as the new skeleton hesitantly walks in, radiating nerves.
“YO-oU wANt-ted To seE Me…?”
“That is correct. I assume Killer has filled you in throughout the day, yes?”
“YeAH- hE wAs prETty nicE ABouT AnsWErinG ALl oF my quEStiONs.” The glitch pauses, as if debating saying something else, but stays silent.
“Speak up. If you have something to say then say it.” Nightmare says sternly as he looks up at Error with a glare.
“O-oH- KilLEr juSt meNT-tioNeD SOmEthiNg aBoUt aSkiNG yoU abOUt- foOd? Or soMEthINg? AppaRENtly it’S-s reALly baD ThaT I’vE NevER eaTEn- bUT I thINk KillER wAs plaNniNG on aSKinG you himsELf whICh is whY I cHAngEd my miNd aboUT sayINg ANythINg-” The glitch was rambling now and Nightmare stops it with a raise of his hand.
“That’s enough. I’ll be sure to talk with him then. Now as for why I called you here.” The king stands, walking around the edge of his desk to stand in front of Error.
“Hold out your hand and don’t move.”
After just a moment's hesitation, Error does so. A tentacle is raised and hovers above Error’s hand for a moment, before moving to rub a glitch that appears in the smaller’s palm. Error initially flinches back a bit as more glitches appear from the point of contact, much like the last time Nightmare touched him, before the glitching calms slightly.
“Just as I thought.”
“H-hUH?”
“Don’t worry about it, just tilt your head to the side, I’m going to touch your neck. Don’t move.”
Error tenses a bit, but obediently tilts his head and holds still. Nightmare’s tentacle waits just like before until the perfect glitch appears and is immediately subjected to gentle rubs. A strangled sound escapes Error as his glitching increases, but he manages to hold still. The rubbing lasts a few moments longer before Nightmare stops, moving the tentacle away.
“Describe the sensation to me.”
“Of- oF WH-haT ExaCTly?”
“What I just did obviously.”
“SorR-rY I waNTeD to-O MakE suRe.” Error apologizes. “It’S- iT waS- nICe? It wAS-s eXtrA NOtic-CEabLE whEN yoU TOuchEd thE glitCH BUt it feLt- goOD, eSPcecAL-lly ‘cAUsE My gliTcHes usUALly huRt- iT MaD-dE it hURt leSs.”
“Good. We’ll do this frequently then. Sit down and don’t move until I tell you to.” Nightmare orders as he moves to sit back down himself. The smaller skeleton hovers awkwardly for a moment, before sitting in the closest unoccupied chair, folding his legs underneath himself.
The king gets back to work on the papers in front of him without another word as his tentacles hover over Error and one by one pick a glitch to rub on Error’s body.
It makes Error tense at first much like before, but the initial glitching calms to more manageable levels quicker than the last two times, and Error relaxes with a shaky sigh. Nightmare continues to work for the next few hours, gently rubbing glitch after glitch as he does so. By the end of it, Error was practically a pile of purring and dozing bones, his glitching having calmed to just a few flickers. Surprisingly enough, he stayed completely still the entire time- other than his head, which was now slowly falling forward as Error’s sockets droop.
“You’ve done well.” The king compliments lightly as he carefully scoops Error up, his tentacles continuing the rubs. Nightmare brings Error to the living space near the kitchen, setting the glitch down on the couch before he walks over to make some dinner.
Sometimes he really wishes Killer could cook, but he had learned long ago never to let the stupid monster handle such tasks. It has been very clear, for all his uses, cooking is not one of them.
After a few minutes, quiet static and footsteps are heard, as Error sleepily walks into the kitchen, sitting on a barstool and watching Nightmare. The king moves around the room smoothly, his motions practiced and swift as he cooks with the help of his tentacles.
“...WhAT’re yOu doINg?” The glitch asks.
“Cooking.” Nightmare answers curtly as he chops up some celery. Error hums in response before falling silent but for the indistinguishable murmur, likely talking to those ‘voices’ the glitch mentioned. The king gives Error a glance before focusing back on his work. Hopefully these voices won’t be too much of a problem. The glitch seems to listen well enough.
The shortest of them walks into the room, on time as usual. Killer’s hand reaches to steal a carrot off the cutting board, but is quickly stopped with a knife just barely missing his phalanges.
“Don’t.”
“STaB stAB sTAb-” Error quietly chants after a moment, prompting a tentacle flick in between the sockets. He glitches and pouts with a small whine of protest, but obediently shuts up.
~
Error’s still a bit salty about being flicked for chanting stab with the voices, and he pouts the rest of the time Nightmare cooks as several voices continue chanting and others try to convince him to kill said goopy skeleton for his transgressions.
Nightmare sets a bowl of soup in front of him with a beaded croissant, sliding the same thing over to Killer as well, and Error quickly gives up on his pouting and debating trying to kill Nightmare just to shut the voices up.
It smells really good! …Though Error has no idea how to eat it…Killer nudges him, holding a spoon full of soup up. The short skeleton scoops at the soup before bringing it up to his mouth and doing it all over again. Error carefully watches him, before grabbing his own spoon and scooping up soup from his own bowl. He then bites down on the spoon, grimacing at the icky crunching sound and feeling as well as the flick he receives for the action.
“Don’t eat the spoon you moron!”
“BleH.” Error uses his tongues to push the now messed up spoon out of his mouth, watching blankly as it drops to the counter and bounces onto the floor. Nightmare sighs tiredly, rubbing a hand over his socket as his tentacles twitch.
“Pick that up.”
Ignoring the voices cackling at him, Error uses a string to pick the spoon up.
“...I brOKe iT.”
“Obviously. How observant of you.” Nightmare says sarcastically as he pulls another spoon out of the drawer and plops it into Error’s bowl.
“Don’t break this one. You're not supposed to bite it, a spoon is used to help bring food into your mouth, it is not edible.”
“Oh oKAy- soRrY.” Error puts down the broken spoon and grabs the other one, scooping up more soup and making sure not to bite down on the spoon this time, eating it correctly. Nightmare sighs again before turning and heading out of the room, leaving Killer and Error alone to eat as the smaller snickers.
“ThiS IS yuMmy~ ThE SpoON wAsn’T VeRy goOD thoUgH…” Error says, before stuffing his whole croissant in his mouth.
“W-well yeah-” giggle “I-It’s not - f-food” wheeze-
Error tilts his head curiously at Killer’s laughter, but shrugs it off and continues eating. It was so good~! Unlike with the sandwiches, he was forced to eat the soup slower, so he could actually taste it this time- and he’s pretty sure this is his new favorite food. Not that he has much to compare it to.
After gathering his bearings, Killer continues to eat, dipping his croissant in the soup before taking a bite.
“Ya really are somethin’ Error.”
“No I’m A GLitCh.” Error corrects.
‘Just like everyone else?’
‘How many times do I have to tell you to stop trying to turn Error into a typical Error- this version is much more interesting in my opinion.’
‘Well no one asked for your opinion.’
‘Fuck off-’
‘It is a pretty neat concept, tho.’
‘Mhm I’m curious what his interactions with the others will be like!’
‘Tha’s not for awhile though.’
‘Ha tha’s’
‘Tha’s’
‘Tha’s’ Alright looks like he’s going to be stuck listening to that for the next while- that’s not annoying or anything-
“No that’s not what I- ah nevermind.” Killer drinks the rest of his soup down quickly before getting up with stretch.
“Hnng~ Wanna watch a movie or something?”
“WhAT’s a moVIe?”
“It’s…..I’ll just show you. Come into the living room when you're done!”
“OkAY!” Error only manages a few more spoonfuls before he feels too gross, and he puts his dishes in the sink at the voices’ discretion, before heading to the living room. The big uh….glowing rectangle is on- and there are pictures on it!
“This is a TV.” Killer explains. “Ya watch stuff on it.”
“It’S MoVIng?? WhAt thE FUck thAT’s sO CooL~!!” Error’s eyelights sparkle as he moves to poke the TV with an almost childish glee.
‘Alright who taught him that one?!’
Killer snorts in surprise, smirking to himself.
“I don’t know- real fucking’s better~”
Error doesn’t even get a chance to respond before a bunch of voices start yelling and screaming, making him wince and clap his hands over his nonexistent ears- though it doesn’t do much to quiet them.
He feels someone grab his wrist, making him flinch and glitch painfully.
“Hey- ya good?”
“THe-eY’re lOu-UD-” Error whines. “StARteD yEl-lliNg aT-t yoU ‘n sAYin’ I sh-HOuld KilL You-U- whICh is duM-mB ‘cAuse THey weRE sAYINg thAT beFOre-”
“Huh well don’t listen to em’. Kill whoever boss tells ya to. Besides it was just a joke, unless ya want me ta fuck ya~”
Error just whines again as the voices seem to get madder at Killer, shouting about his innocence or something. They were usually good about not talking over each other too much, so having so many yelling different things at once is quickly becoming overwhelming.
“Ok ok-! I’ll stop just leave the poor guy alone. Jeez.”
That luckily seems to satisfy the voices somewhat, and Error hesitantly removes his hands from his skull, tears dripping down his cheeks as he blinks his sockets open- and he belatedly realizes he was both crying and had curled up on the floor at some point.
“Lets just watch a….happy movie. Come sit on the couch.”
“...O-oKaY.” Error wipes off his face with a sniffle- his tear marks glowing slightly- and shakily stands up and moves to the couch. Killer sits down beside him after popping something into the TV and something starts to play.
“This is called boss baby- It’s a kids movie, but it’s actually pretty good- in a funny way.”
“Is thE BAby NIgHtMAre?” Error asks in a brilliant moment of word association that has Killer bursting into uncontrollable laughter, practically falling off the couch and into the floor.
‘Oh my god I’m totally drawing that now ha-’
‘PLEASE do and tag me-’
‘Yes holy shit that’s hilarious-’
“I’ll tAKe thAT aS a no-”
“N-no-! HAhahAHA-heHee~”
“WeLL I bET iT’d be BettER If NiGHtmARe wAs thE BabY.” Error says loyally, before getting distracted with actually watching the movie.
Killer wheezes, trying to stifle his giggles to let Error actually watch the film- though it probably wouldn’t matter, with how enraptured he is with it, even if he doesn’t quite understand everything that’s going on. The voices were helpful with that though, like they’re trying to apologize for earlier.
He’s not sure how much time passed, but after a bit- something presses against his cheek for a second. Error jumps slightly in surprise and turns to look at whatever touched him, glitching a bit. Killer’s still sitting there, his skull turned away from Error as the short skeleton stays perfectly still.
‘He totally poked you.’
‘Oh yeah for sure- pretend to ignore it next time and see what happens.’
After a moment of looking Killer over suspiciously, Error turns back to the movie. It’s another few minutes before something touches him again, quicker than before, and this time Error just lightly swats at it…..and then it happens again-
At this point Error just resigns himself to his fate, much to the voices’ amusement. That is until Killer kisses his cheek- and finally Error pushes Killer’s face away, cringing as a couple of voices squeal and others get upset on his behalf.
“PLeA-aSE stOP-”
“Awww but you're fun ta mess with~ And I barely ever get ta mess with anyone!” Killer whines, stretching out on his side of the couch.
“I cAN aNd wiLL UsE yoU as A puPpeT-” Error threatens. Honestly the voices claim it’s one of his abilities, but he’s never had anyone to test it on- so it could very well be an empty threat.
“...What?”
“WiTh mY StrINgs.” The glitch drags his phalanges from the very edge of his socket and down his cheek, dark blue strings coming from his socket and automatically connecting/tying to them, lengthening as he pulls his hand away.
“Oooo~ What pretty magic ya got~”
Error huffs, blushing a bit. “Th-thANks. I’d uSE thEse tO TuRN yoU INto a PUppeT.”
“.....Nom-”
“...Wh-hAT aRE yoU-u doINg-”
“Eadm’ dem!” Killer says as he licks the few strings in his mouth. Error shudders harshly at the feeling, his cheeks heating up.
“SpIT- spIT THoSe ouT-!”
‘O shit Error boi can feel through those lol-’
‘Uh oh-’
‘Does it feel good at least cuz if he’s accidentally getting molested it should at least feel good-’
‘Ew wtf dude-’
“Nu! Nom nom nom nom-!” Killer starts slurping them up like noodles in spite. With a high pitched whine Error ends the strings and breaks off his connection to them, making them dissipate.
“I cAn feEL thROuGh thoS-sE-!” Error squeaks out, face on fire.
“Oh yeah?” The small skeleton grins, leaning in close to Error’s face. “And what did that feel like then~?”
“SHuT-t uP oH my goD-” The glitch hides his bright yellow face with one hand and uses the other one to push Killer away, only for Killer to lick it!
‘Do the puppet thing-’
‘You should totally do the puppet thing- wrap a few strings around his soul, and it’ll help if you have an anchor point above him.’
‘Killer’s probably going to dodge just sayin’.’
Error quickly pulls his hand away and wipes it off with a disgusted noise, before using the hand still covering his face to grab strings and launch them at Killer to wrap around his soul. Just as the last voice predicted, Killer dodges. In doing so he falls forwards, knocking them both over. At least Killer catches himself so instead of falling on top of Error, he’s propped up over him, their faces close together.
“Hehe….hi~”
“..What are you two doing?”
‘Oh shit you dead-’
“...Uh-” Error looks over at Nightmare, glitching a bit from where he was effectively pinned underneath Killer.
“O-oh uh- Heya boss. So uh funny story- Ack-!!” One of Nightmare’s tentacles shoots forward, grabbing Killer by the neck and effectively making the small skeleton go limp as he lifts him up into the air, and Error sits up in alarm.
‘Oh shit maybe Killer’s the dead one-’
Killer gags and gasps for breath as Nightmare glares at him before turning his gaze to the glitch. Error shrinks back a bit with a nervous smile.
“IN hiS DefENce I wAS trYinG To tiE Him uP…”
“Why?”
“...’CaUSe hE waS BugGINg mE..?” Error admits, flushing at what said ‘bugging’ entaled. Nightmare’s sockets narrow, his single eyelight boring into Error coldly.
“Explain “tie up.””
“WeLl- thE voICeS saID I cAn ConTroL soMEOnEs moVeMEntS And mAGiC wiTh mY StrINgS so I WaS goINg to TrY THaT.”
Nightmare suddenly drops Killer, sending the small skeleton into a coughing fit as he walks towards Error, who glitches nervously, ducking his head and bracing for some form of a reprimand. Nightmare leans in right by his ear hole before saying in a stern and cold tone.
“ Magic like that is to be used against enemies, not on allies. Do I make myself clear? ”
Error cowers with a nod. “Ok-Kay… SoRry-y.”
‘Well that’s a bit rude- we don’t even know if Error can even do it- and he warned Killer!’
‘Killer dodged anyways so-’
“Good. Do that again and you will be punished.”
‘Error defend yourself!’
‘Yeah! Stand up for yourself!’
‘Explain better what happened!’
“No guYs I’m noT DoiNG thAt.” Error hisses, before glancing up at Nightmare. “O-oKay.”
To his surprise, Nightmare smirks at his answer, a tentacle rubbing a glitch on Error’s cheek as he pats his head. “Good boy~”
Error’s sockets widen and he blushes fiercely, subtly trying to lean into the touch as some unidentifiable, bubbly emotion rises in him. Sadly they don't last as long as he wanted and Nightmare pulls his hand away. Error just barely keeps himself from pouting in disappointment.
‘Y’know Nightmare’s an empath right? He can totally sense your emotions.’
‘We can too btw- but we’re limited to only knowing your emotions and can only guess what other people are thinking.’
‘All knowing but incredibly stupid yup.’
Nightmare turns around and picks Killer up by the waist with another tentacle, ignoring how the small skeleton yelps. Error straightens back up, watching in slight concern.
“Don’t worry. I’m not going to hurt him.” Nightmare reassures as he begins walking back up the stairs. “I just need him for something.”
“ALriGht-?” Error tilts his head in curiosity, but doesn’t ask, instead turning back to the TV.
‘5 bucks they’re fucking!’
‘Hell yeah Nightkiller anyone?’
‘Ugh really? No one likes that shit. I’m leaving.’
‘Bye bitch no one will miss you.’
‘Error you should go see what they’re doing!’
‘No don’t traumatize him like that-’
The two disappear to the left, leaving Error alone with the TV.
~
Error stares up at the sky above him in both awe and fear. It was so big! And- empty, like the antivoid… But it was blue! Not a dark blue like his strings, or a cold cyan like Nightmare’s eyelight, but a light and gentle blue.
“WoAH-h…”
“Oh yeah- Ya haven't seen the sky yet huh?” Killer states as he peaks over the edge of the building.
“It’S BLuE!” Error chirps back.
‘You should control the AU’s Papyrus and have him attack people- he’s an important figurehead that’s seen in a pretty positive light here, having him hurt maybe humans specifically would sow a lot of distrust between races.’
‘Oooh that’s evil.’
‘I like it~’
“ThAT’s a goOD idEA buT I ThiNk I’m suPpoSED tO be foLloWIng KillEr’s leAd.”
“What idea?”
“To uSE mY StrINGs anD MakE thE AU’s PapYRus AttACk huMAns.”
“Oooo~! That sounds like fun~!”
“ReALly?” Error turns to look at Killer. “ArEN’t yoU JuST suPpoSED to Be shOWinG Me thE RoPes oR WHaTEvEr?”
‘If we played our cards right we might be able to kickstart another human-monster war!’
‘A nice long term investment for Noot Noot.’
‘That is if we could hold off if not stop a RESET.’
‘Is that even possible?’
‘Not sure.’
“Yeah, but it’s a good idea~! That would be so much fun~ I was just gonna kill the king and queen, but having the Papyrus do would be much more entertaining~ Ya said ya gotta get your strings around their soul ta control em’ right?”
“I jUSt neED to TIe thEM uP thEN I CaN do THAt paRt yeAH.”
“Then let’s go catch a Papy~” Killer grins wide as he stands on the very edge of the building, slowly letting himself fall back and disappear over the edge. Error gasps and looks over the side in concern and slight panic, summoning some strings to catch Killer if needed, but the small skeleton doesn’t seem concerned as he flips in the air. Killer catches himself on a window ledge, pushes off a wall and lands safely back on the ground.
‘That was so cool what the hell??’
‘Why didn’t he just shortcut?’
“JeSus- giVE a maN A heARt aTtACk…” Error mutters, sighing in relief, before just glitching down next to Killer.
“Awww~ Were you worried about me~?”
“YOu juMpED ofF thE SidE of a bUiLDinG of coURse I waS WorrIEd-”
“Awww~! You care about me Ruuu~!” Killer declares with a giggle and a large smug grin.
“DUh I thOUghT thAt wAs oBvioUS...” Error rolls his eyelights and walks past Killer. “C’mON leT’s go FInD PaPyruS.”
“Eeeh~! Hehehe~” With a happy squeal Killer runs past Error, following the alleyway to stay out of sight.
“He’s probably in the town hall! They’re having a festival to celebrate the one year anniversary of monster kinds’ freedom and Papyrus is the head organizer~”
“Oh goODy~!” Error claps a bit, Killer’s excitement infectious. He already had a plan forming in his mind. If he could make himself a victim to Papyrus’ ‘sudden rampage’ then no one would suspect him- as long as he played his cards right.
“HEy- hoW poSsiBLe woULd IT be fOr yOU to gET thiS SAns iN PapYRus’ liNe of AttACk?”
“Oh? Very possible~ If we’re going to make this look like part of the AU’s story then we need to make sure we aren’t detected by the Sans or he’ll call for Dream and Ink. Having him taken out will help a lot~”
‘Dream’s Nightmare’s twin and Ink’s the protector.’ A voice helpfully reminds him.
“Oh yeAH thAnKs- WhAt’rE RESETs liKe heRE?”
“Well this is a classic Undertale AU that mostly focuses on life after the Underground. Technically there hasn’t been a RESET since the monsters were freed a year ago and from what I can tell there are no SAVE POINTS here, meaning if the kid can still RESET then it will send everyone back a year.
“The kid is 13 now and hopefully old enough for their soul to start changing.”
“MaYBe PaPYruS CouLD Kill thEM tOo- thAT woUld caUSe oNe HEll oF an oUTcrY.” Error grins, seemingly excited by the idea.
“Hell yes~! Two birds with one stone~ But we have ta make sure they can’t reset first. I’ll need ya to check their soul, look for any color other than red. As humans mature their personalities grow and they gain more colors. Meaning the kid won't have the power to RESET after hitting puberty~”
“OkAy- hoW Do I ChEck thEIR soUL?” Error asks.
“Uh- well ya reach out with your magic, grab their being and do what's called a CHECK. It’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it.”
“HOw do I Do thAT suBTly?” The glitch clarifies, before whining a bit. “CAn’T yoU Do thAt paRt?”
“Uh well- no I can’t. Other than summoning ecto and using my magic sense I can’t use magic at all.” Killer tells him causualy as he ducks behind a wall to hide from a crowd as they walk past the alleway.
“DaNg…” Error pouts. Although he has very fine control over his blasters, bones, and strings (he had literally nothing else to do-) he’s never had the chance to use magic on someone else, and he’s worried about messing something up.
‘Wait wait- Killer has like- no magic at all-?’
‘Bro wait what-’
“Oh I have an idea~! What if we capture someone for you to try it on first? So you’ll know what to do with Frisk?”
“Oh yeAH thAT’S a goOd idEA! I coULd eVen coNTroL THeM A bit To prACtiCe maKinG IT loOk reAListIC.”
“Yup~! We’ll be here for a while then. We should set up a base of operations. We’ll need a secure place for you to practice and I’ll do some recon and tell boss about what we’re planning. He’s going to be so proud of us~!”
‘You should surprise Noot!’
“SUrpRIsE BoSs?”
‘Yeah! You guys come home like “Ta-da! An entire negative AU for you! We even covered up our tracks!”’
‘Would Nightmare even like a surprise though? I’m not sure he’s the type.’
“AnD We’rE ON a bIT oF a TIMe crUncH, riGHt?”
“Well there’s a big announcement that’s going to be broadcasted all over the world tomorrow during the festival. If that’s when we’re going to strike then yes.”
“I’d saY THaT’s proBaBLY the bEsT timE yeAH- wE ShouLD sTArt wiTh a BAse fiRSt thoUGh, riGHt?”
‘Would a hotel work?’
“WouLD A HoTel wORk?” Error repeats.
“Hmmm yeah that’ll work! Now come on! I know just the place!”
“OkAY!”
Everything was going according to plan. They secured a hotel room, nothing too special, and snagged a human from the crowd. Easily tying them up and securing them to a chair in the hotel room.
“Ok- I’ll go find Paps and the kid and make sure we know the right time and place while ya mess with your magic ‘kay?”
“ALriGhty~!” Error grins cheerily at the human and waves at Killer as he leaves, locking the door behind him.
‘This is fun!’
‘Oh they’re so scared~!’
‘Try checking their soul first!’
The humans struggles against her restraints, trying desperately to spit out the gag muffling her screams and he hasn’t even done anything yet-
“Oh cALm doWn I’m noT GOinG to hUrt yoU. THaT’s KilleR’S joB.” Error rolls his eyelights at the human’s dramatics and starts working on CHECKing her.
It takes a few tries but he manages it, and he does it a few more times to make sure he could do it easily. Unfortunately he had to summon her soul to see the colors- which means he’s going to have to make it look like Papyrus was the one checking Frisk since he couldn’t just discreetly do it himself..
The human shakes in fear, silently crying like a coward.
‘I wonder if she thinks you’re going to rape her or something.’
‘Oh wow that’s dark.’
“I woULd neVEr-!” How Error even knows what rape is is a question for another day-
Once certain he could check and summon souls easily, he lets the human’s soul go back into her chest, before pulling out some strings and launching them at her. She yelps, wiggling more in a panic. Error ignores it, watching as the strings seem to go through her chest as if there wasn’t anything there, and they gently but firmly wrap around her soul.
She suddenly stills, going completely limp and quiet.
“...Huh.” Error uses a knife to cut her bonds, watching as the human falls limply to the floor, before flexing a phalange, making her awkwardly jerk up.
‘Ha! Told you!’
‘Nice- good job Error.’
‘This is incredibly freaky…’
“WelL- loOKs LIKe iT’s tiMe to exPErimeNT…”
~
Killer comes back late that night, his bones aching a little as he falls back onto the hotel bed with a groan.
“Uhhhhg…their security’s not bad. I had to get creative~”
“Yeah? What was it like?” A feminene, glitchless voice replies, and a decidedly warm and fleshy hand pats Killer’s head. Killer tenses at first before realizing what exactly Error just did.
“Whoa! It’s like you're possessing her! Creepy cool~!” He sits up, jumping a little and making the bed creak.
“Can ya feel what she feels?”
“KinDA? It’S LIKe, a ghOSt oF A SenSATion.” This time it’s actually Error who responds. “BuT I haVE to cONceNTratE A biT, anD I DOn’T ThiNk I caN Do morE Than oNE PErsON at a TIMe.”
“Just wanted ta make sure ya aren’t gonna feel Papyrus’ pain when we ruin his life, physically I mean.” Killer pokes the human’s cheek before stretching and standing back up, his spine popping a little.
“Anyway, are ya done with em’ yet?”
“Yup, I think I’ve got everything figured out.” The human answers, smiling slightly. “Take her outside before killing her I don’t want to deal with the blood in here- and maybe see if she was aware of everything while I was controlling her if you can? I didn’t wanna risk her screaming.”
“Oh I was just going to sit her in the bathtub and start with her throat. Wash the blood away and toss her body through a random portal~”
“Oh- yeah that works.” The human walks over to the bathroom, movements smooth and natural, before turning to Killer with a smirk, fluttering her eyelashes.
“Shall we~?”
The short skeleton can’t help but laugh before following after her, giving Error a wink with a knife in hand as he closes the door. The glitch quickly sits down, going limp as he forces his consciousness further into the human’s, seeing and hearing what she does.
“I wonder what it’d feel like if she’s killed while I’m in control of her…” He muses through her mouth.
“No idea. It’ll be fun ta find out though!” Killer shoves the shower curtain away, twiling a common kitchen knife between his phalanges.
“Could ya sit her down in here?”
“Mhm.” Error twitches his phalanges and sits the human down.
“‘Kay I’m ready!”
Killer steps into the tub and squats down over the human, looking them over as he holds a knife to her throat.
“Damn I kinda like her jacket.”
“I mean feel free to take it- it’s not like she’ll need it anymore.”
“True.” He grabs the edges of the jean jacket to slide it off the human’s shoulders and pulls her arms out, making a kind of disgusted look.
“Humans and their weird skin. Bleh-”
“Hey that’s my weird skin right now-” The human makes an offended sound, before giggling, making Killer giggle with him/her.
“Sorry babe, but I’m not in ta humans~” Tossing the jacket a ways away from the tub, Killer grins, raising his knife once more.
“Aw dang~” The human pouts playfully, before shrugging.
“Guess I’ll die.”
“Yup~ Now stay still~” The attack is quick, a swift, deep slash to the throat. The human chokes and twitches for a moment, her eyes widening in genuine fear, before she goes limp, staring blankly as Killer’s EXP rises, confirming her death. It’s kind of disappointing.
“Awww, she died so quickly. Oh well~” He stands up and uses the device boss gave him to send the body through a portal, before using the showerhead to wash any evidence down the drain.
“Well that was anticlimactic!” Killer whines as he closes the door behind him, stepping into the main room. “Humans are so fragile, it’s really annoy…-ing......Error?”
Error sits limply against the side of the bed, sockets half open and empty. He’s completely still, not even breathing or glitching. Killer rushes over, hastily grabbing Error’s shoulders to shake him, but there’s no reaction.
“Hey! Error get up, this isn’t funny!” He shakes the glitch for several more minutes before stopping, his soul beating rapidly. ‘Oh stars I killed him!’
“Shit….Shit shit shit SHIT!” He doesn’t register his own tears as he backs away, curling in on himself. “Boss is going to kill me! He’s going to- he’s he’s….”
Killer..suddenly feels numb, his initial panic subsiding into an empty feeling. Despite this he continues to cry, slowly standing up to crawl on the bed and curl into Error’s side. The glitch’s soul is still here..so he has to be alive…right? Killer just has to wait.
Even if Error looks like an empty, lifeless husk right now… He’ll just have to wait. It’ll- it’ll be fine. Error will be fine.
~
Error is not fine- When Killer had slit the human’s throat with him still controlling her, he had at most expected to feel the slight sting before being forced completely out of her body when she died. Instead he felt a splitting pain in his neck and he couldn’t breath, no matter how hard he tried. He gasped desperately for breath, but it just felt like he was being choked.
It was terrifying, but he would rather go back to choking than whatever this was.
Error couldn’t move, or breathe, or look around- he was nothing more than a consciousness floating in an infinite space of black. And it was completely silent.
He couldn’t hear the voices, and for some reason that was the most terrifying part of this whole experience.
Error was alone, but for the human’s soul his consciousness was still stuck to. Not that they were much for conversation.
“What is this?” A tired voice asks, their deep, but not as deep as Nightmare’s voice. Error would’ve shuddered if he could as a feeling of heaviness presses down on him- similar to Nightmare’s negative aura but so much stronger and… inevitable.
“...Hello..? Who are you? I’m Error- Please help me-”
“I’m Death. You're not supposed to be here Error. How did this happen?”
“My mind was attached to them when they were killed… I honestly didn’t think this would happen. Am I dead?”
“No you’re not and that’s why you shouldn’t be here.” The voice- Death sighs. “You should be more careful. I’ll see you when it’s your time, please don't do this again.” He says tiredly.
“Okay I won’t. Sorry, Reaper…”
The voice seems to pause, the pressure tensing somehow.
“How did….How do you know I prefer that name?”
“Huh? What name?”
“Reaper. I told you I’m Death and you called me Reaper.”
“Oh… I don’t know- it just came out…. The voices probably know but I can’t hear them right now.”
“...You said your name is Error?”
“Mhm.”
“...Do you mind asking these voices of yours about Geno..? I’m…I’ve been looking for him…” Reaper sounds so tired…
“Of course. I can’t guarantee how much they’ll tell me, though. They sometimes will hold back information because of ‘spoilers’ or something.”
“Thank you…now wake up before someone buries you alive.” Before Error can say anything else, something slashes through his very being- a feeling so very familiar yet foreign as it splits through his consciousness, and for just a moment, he sees the face of Death- of Reaper-
Error shudders harshly with a sharp and heavy gasp, glitches fizzing to life on him as his eyelights flicker on, and tears stream out of his sockets as he stares forward unseeingly. Something shifts closer to him, nestling into his side, and after a second Error looks over, struggling to catch his breath.
“Ki… KIL-lleR..?”
The small skeleton lays in a tight ball, his usual grin gone from his face and replaced with an empty, unfeeling look, his dark sockets streaming heavily with tears and liquid hate.
“...Oh KilLEr…” Error croaks out, turning to wrap his arms around the other, holding him closely and wiping off his cheeks. Killer ever so slightly leans into the touch, his soul flickering violently as he snuggles in as close as he can. It makes Error glitch a bit, but he ignores it- this was more important.
‘He got scared ‘cuz he thought he killed you.’
‘Scared us too tbh.’
‘Yeah we have many questions but we’ll wait til after the fluff.’
“It’S ALr-riGHt KillER… I’m heRE. I diDN’t diE aND I’m-m noT DyinG AnyTIMe soOn- diD MeEt DeATh, thOUgh.” Error doesn’t acknowledge the voices, instead focusing on Killer, pressing their foreheads together.
The other shakes, a small sob escaping him as his bones rattle in distress.
“I’vE Got yA..” Error murmurs softly, purring in an attempt to help calm Killer. It seems to work as Killer’s breathing slows and his soul’s flickering goes down to only little blips every few minutes. After a while, he starts to purr back, making Error smile.
“BEttEr?”
“...y-yeah…..I’m sorry…”
“DoN’t apOlogIZe- I liTErALly aSked foR It.” Error nuzzles Killer, wiping away a few more stray tears from the smaller’s cheeks. Killer sniffles, before burying his face in Error’s chest and nuzzling up under his chin, sockets closed.
“Can we sleep now..?”
Error can’t help but soften, pulling Killer close and rubbing his back.
“Of coURsE. I’m goNnA TAlk tO thE VoiCes foR A miNUTe, buT You rELaX, ‘kaY?”
“..Ok.” Killer snuggles into him for only a few minutes before passing out cold, obviously not used to the emotional strain.
‘...Alright Killer’s asleep now tell us everything!’
“DidN’t yOU guYs sAY yoU CaN SEe eVEryTHinG iF THe pOInT of VIeW’s riGHt?”
‘...Yeah- and it was your POV-’
‘But it’s fun hearing you struggle to tell stories!’
“No I’m noT DOinG ThAT- I toLD ReAPer I’d Ask YOu guYs AboUT GeNo.”
‘Oh shit it’s one of those multiverses-’
‘Afterdeath for life~!’
‘Oh man things just keep piling on this is great-’
“WoW- thAT wAsn’T HeLPfuL aT All- ReaPEr sAID hE’s bEen LoOkinG FOr GenO- I AsSUmE He’S woNDerINg If yOU guYs KnOW whErE hE iS..?”
‘Hmmm…should we tell him?’
‘But it might change the story too much-!’
‘Drama-’
‘What if we give a hint- probably a really subtle one- and let them try to figure it out?’
‘That’s an idea-’
‘It has to be a good one.’
‘Well should the hint be for Error or Reaper?’
‘....both?’
‘No like! I mean if we wanted to aim for Error or Reaper figuring it out first.’
‘Error would be fun-’
‘Error wouldn’t be able to keep it quiet once he figures it out.’
‘Yeah that’s true…’
‘Error gets the hint then!’
“FinALly- whAT’s thE HinT?”
‘There was a time before the anti-void.’
“...I’m noT GeTtiNG anYThING elSE oUt of YOu guYs aM I.” Error deadpans.
‘Nope~!’
‘Nuh-uh.’
‘Nah.’
“Cool COol WhaTEver- I’m goiNG tO SLeEp noW. GoOdniGHt.” Error hugs Killer a touch tighter and relaxes, letting his sockets close, tuning out the voices’ overlapping goodnights and quickly falling into a deep sleep.
~
‘GOOD MORNING FUCKERS!’
‘TIME TO GET UPPPP!!’
‘IT’S LIKE 10 YOU’VE ONLY GOT 2 HOURS TO GET READY!’
‘BUUUM BUM BUM BUUUM BABABABABABABABA BUMMMM!!’
“UrgGh shUT Up-” Error groans unhappily as bad trumpet impersonations assault his mind. Killer shifts against him trying to hide his face deeper in the glitch’s clothes.
‘WAKE THE FUCK UP!’
‘LETS GOOOO-’
“FinE FINe I’m uP JeSUs-!” Error quickly opens his sockets and sits up, glaring at nothing. The skeleton on top of him yelps as he rolls off the bed with a thud, groaning in both mild pain and annoyance.
“ShOot soRry yoU OKay KillEr?” The glitch leans over the edge of the bed to look at Killer. He gets a glare in return, the smaller not making any move to get up.
“Ya tossed me off the bed.” He states, making sure Error hears his almost betrayed annoyance. Said glitch cringes back slightly.
“SorRY…”
Huffing, Killer stands back up and stretches, his spine popping as he does so.
“HnnNng~ What time is it?”
“TeN, aCcoRdING to thE VoiCEs.”
Killer seems to freeze…before springing up to gather his things, slipping on his jacket and putting some of the knives he left around back in his pocket.
“Shit we gotta go!”
“AlriGHt thEN-” Error hops out of the bed with a stretch, straightening out his clothes. After making sure everything is in order, the two rush through a portal into some kind of room. There’s the king and queen with Frisk, as well as the skeleton brothers with the rest of the main Undertale group and the camera crew.
“Ok so Undyne might be a problem but while she goes on her routine check up of the area or whatever, I’ll take her out. Ya just need ta CHECK the kid and get Pap’s goin’ crazy in front of the camera~”
“AlriGHt- whAT’s a goOd eXCusE To geT ME up tO PaPYrus wiTHouT suSPicioN?”
“They should all go to their dressing rooms before the show starts. That’ll be a good opening.”
“HMm… trUe..”
‘Aw but the stabbing plan!’
‘It’d take the blame off of you if you were in the middle of it- as opposed to the chance of being caught.’
‘Hey how would they react to seeing another skeleton?’
“HoW’d thEY ReACt to seEINg anoTheR SKeleTon? Why dO YOu aSk thaT?”
“Those weird voices are right. There are only two skeletons in this AU Paps and Sans.”
‘I was thinking maybe if others saw Error who looks different enough from Sans that they wouldn’t be too sus that they might be like “Whoa a skeleton we have to tell Sans and Pap!” and boom easy access to Sans and Pap.’
“WoW THAt waS- wow-”
“What?” Killer asks him, turning his skull to face Error with a questioning head tilt, prompting the glitch to repeat the voice’s idea to him.
“Oh- that is a good idea. Well except if we ever want to come back here your pretty easy to recognize-”
“Will wE evEr coMe BAck THouGH?”
Killer shrugs, “Who knows whatever plan boss’ll come up with so maybe?”
“Hm- I thINk It’s pRObAbly stILL The beST opTIon..”
“Do whatever, it’s your part of the mission so handle it how ya want beautiful~”
“Oh shUt uP-” Error mutters with a blush. “DroP Me ofF JusT OutsiDE So I Can bE eaSILy seEn pleASe.”
‘Tf kinda wording-’
Killer opens a portal for him with a wink, “Whatever ya say gorgeous~”
“HUsh- sEe ya iN A Bit-” The glitch walks through the portal, ignoring the voice's snickers. Error steps out into an alley just outside a large crowd of people to the side of the building he was just in, and after a breath, he nervously joins it.
Real and fake voices overlap as he wanders around, idly taking everything in. Error could already see a few monsters doing doubletakes when they see him, someone even pointing at him. Even though it’s part of the plan, it’s a bit uncomfortable.
“Wow! You look so cool!” Error looks down to see a small yellow lizard type monster with a yellow sweater and brown stripes running across it…..wait where are his arms?
“O-oH- hEh- thANks. YOu loOk prEtty nEat yoURseLF.” Error replies with a half smile down at the monster. The kid's eyes widen and they bounce up and down in excitement.
“Thanks mister! But Undyne is the coolest monster ever!”
“UndYNe huH? I GueSs shE DOes seEm preTty cOoL doESn’t shE?”
“Yeah! She’s super cool and strong! She’s the captain of the royal guard ya know? I wanna be strong someday too!” The small monster grins wide, a sparkle in their eyes as they smile.
“I’m suRE YOu’ll geT THerE soMedAY- yoU ALreADy seEM preTty strONG to mE.” Error grins. They really are an endearing seeming kid. The dinosaur monster jumps some more before they tip and smack their face on the ground, it takes a moment, but they right themselves again, joy undeterred.
“I’m fine! Hey mister, do you have someone ya look up to?”
Though Error’s first thought turns to Killer, he brushes it off in favor of saying in character.
“WeLL… haVe yoU HEaRd of PapYRus?”
The kid gasps so loud holy shit- “Papyrus!? As in the ambassador's assistant!? Of course I’ve heard of him!”
“I’vE ONly seEn hiM THroUgh thE NewS buT He seEMs preTTy grEAt- anD HE’s a skELetOn moNSteR LIkE me! I THouGht I miGHt’vE beEn thE LAsT one..”
“Oh oh-! I can take ya to him! He’s really nice and would love ta see ya I just know it!” The kid turns before running through the crowded and into the building. “This way! Follow me!”
“I- yOu suRE-?” Error chases after the monster, his apprehension leaking into his voice.
“Yeah! Come on, don't be shy!” He chases the small monster up the stairs as they trip every few steps, and once he catches up he holds them by the back of their shirt when they trip, keeping them from faceplanting again.
They lead him to the same floor he had been on with Killer earlier, except Undyne is gone just like the short skeleton said she’d be.
“I doN’t- I DOn’t knoW ABoUt thiS- aRE wE EVen alloWed uP heRE..?”
“Ya! It’s fine so don’t worry.” The small monster just walks right up to Papyrus as he talks to his brother without the slightest hesitation, Error lingering behind.
Both skeletons look over at him, their jaws dropping in shock.
“...paps you see what i’m seeing right?” Sans mumbles as he looks Error over, making said glitch fidget.
“I think so brother…?” Papyrus says quietly, disbelief in his voice. The tall skeleton slowly walks over to stand in front of Error, perplexed.
“Hello, May I Ask For Your Name?”
“H-hI- I’m ERroR.” The glitch replies, looking up at Papyrus in slight (faked) awe.
“It Is A Pleasure To Meet You Error! I Have Never Seen A Skeleton Like You Before!” Papyrus smiles excitedly at him, seeming genuinely happy to meet him.
“can’t say we’ve seen much of any other skeleton before.” Sans adds with his own lazy grin.
“It’s niCE to m-mEeT YOu toO.” Error says at the voices’ prompting. The tall skeleton practically lights up, smiling happily.
“Oh This Is So Exciting! Another Skeleton, Brother We Aren’t Alone!”
“so it seems bro. though- how come we never saw ya in the underground?” Sans questions, sounding slightly on edge but more curious than anything.
‘You were on the surface!’
“ThAT’s beCAusE I wASn’t UNdeRGrouNd, actUAlly..” There- technically not a lie.
“Really? You're A Surface Monster!? That’s Amazing!”
“Mhm.”
Chapter 17: A Falling Glitch and a Glitch That Can’t Fall
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error has been depressed lately- well, more so than usual. He’s lived for so long at this point… he’s tired.
Implied bad guys poly
Notes:
Shorter one today.
Chapter Text
Error stares at the stars from his spot on the edge of the cliff, gaze distant and unseeing. He’s… well, he’s not sure what he’s feeling at the moment. It’s all just kinda fuzzy.
He was… bored? No- that wasn’t quite right, otherwise playing a new game with Ink would’ve worked.
Numb wasn’t quite right either- and neither was apathetic. The emotions- whatever they are- are there. He’s just… tired. Drained.
Burnt out maybe. From life. He can’t find the motivation to do any of the things he loved, and every time he tried it just felt like a chore. Maybe. He doesn’t know.
Error hasn’t brought it up with anyone else- after all, he can’t even figure out what’s going on himself, let alone explain it to someone. Most of the time he can deal well enough anyways, so it doesn’t matter.
He blinks, and vaguely realizes he had laid down at some point. It is faintly more comfortable- he doesn’t have to strain his neck to look up at the sky this way. Not that he’s really looking. Any joy or wonder he might’ve felt in the past is just… not there. He doesn’t really like it.
…Was this what Falling Down feels like?
The oppressive hopelessness pressing down and smothering everything else?
No- hopeless isn’t the right word. There was something, yes, but it isn’t quite hopelessness.
It still feels like Falling Down, though. He thinks. Probably. Everything’s still fuzzy and drained. It’s weird and very unpleasant….about as unpleasant as having something sock him in the face-
Error and the object go flying in the other direction, landing hard against the meteor.
“...Ow wHat thE Hell-” Well, that’s one way of bringing someone back to the present. There’s another buzzling added to the one that follows him around, it’s usually just background noise, but now it sounds so loud! Error so didn’t want to deal with this- and he half debates hiding out in the antivoid.
With another groan Error rubs at his faintly throbbing head, ignoring the grittiness getting into the joints on his phalanges. He must’ve stirred up too much space dust. Another glitchy groan has him completely still…that hadn’t come from him…
In a slight panic Error decides the best course of action is to act unconscious, going limp and relaxing his face before immediately internally facepalming at his stupidity, as it leaves him completely open to attack.
He can hear someone start to move, their body sliding across the grit of the ground before his own voice asks. “W-whErE Am I-I…?”
What the fuck- there aren’t supposed to be alternates of him what the hell-?? There’s along moment of silence, before the other gets up and slowly starts to walk towards him and for a good minute the stranger just stands there looking down at Error.
“....W-whaT Ar-rE YA DoiNg?”
“DyiNG.” He deadpans on instinct, not even bothering to open his sockets- he already knows what he’d see.
The other glitch makes a confused sound, looking him over before kneeling to lightly poke Error’s cheek. “No YOur Not..?”
Error just makes a noncomentle sound with a slight shrug.
The other pokes his face some more, looking at him curiously.
“HuH…My BoNeS UsED To-O LOoK LIke tHis?”
“Hm?” Error opens his sockets to look at his alternate, only to be absolutely floored by how many injuries covered him. “HoLY ShiT Are yoU OKay-??”
The new Error blinks at him, before just shrugging it off despite his left arm hanging from a thread- literally. “I’m fIN-ne.”
“YeAH no-” Error immediately gets to work on healing the new- and way taller wow- Error. Said Error as gently as he could- not so gently- pushes him away with a firm ‘no’.
“D-dOn’t WaSTe Your MAGIc-C oN Me.”
“At leASt leT Me heAL thE WorsT Of iT so YOu areN’t liTerALly falLINg aparT.” He bargains.
“N-nO.”
“I wilL PusH YOu inTo NIghTMaRe’s cAStle.” Error threatens, before remembering that this version of him might not know who Nightmare is.
“T-tHey Can’t HeaL m-ME.” The taller Error replies simply, like it’s normal.
“YeS BUt thEY’ll foRCe yoU To at lEaST PropERly wrAp youR InjuRIEs. LeT Me heAL You- mY MAgiC Is hiGh riGHt noW And I’d rathER usE It bEFore It maKeS mE SicK.” A slight exaggeration maybe, but he would rather get rid of some excess before it glitched any higher. The taller tilts his skull in confusion before sighing and slightly nodding his head.
“F-fiNe…”
“THaNk yoU.” Error gets back to work healing the other Error, his hands glowing green as he works. Despite the slight dullness of the smaller’s bones and the thin coating of dust on his hands, he does seem to perk up as he continues pushing his magic into his counterpart.
Dust falls off of the bigger Error’s bones as he’s slightly moved around so the other can heal him. One turn causes one of his ribs to fall out of his shirt's remains and all the larger can say is- “WoOps..”
“...WhAt thE FUck.” Well that’s what he’s healing next- “TAke oFf YOur shIRt.”
Big Error doesn’t even question it, it’s not like the burnt, torn, and bloodied sweater is even salvageable anymore. The bones beneath are horribly scarred and fractured, many of his ribs only being held together by a few blue strings.
“...Do I Even wANt tO ASk..?” The smaller Error breathes, sockets wide as he quickly gets to work, setting and healing bones.
“No. YoU Don’T.” The taller watches his smaller version very closely, making sure he doesn’t pull anything, not that he thinks he will. It’s more out of habit than anything else.
“CooL. NoT ASkin’ thEN.” The short glitch grabs the rib on the ground and carefully secures it with a few of his own strings before healing it to nothing more than a crack.
“...I’m Not SicK..?” The taller mumbles in amazement, having been waiting for what he thought was inevitable.
“We prACtiCAlly haVE thE SaMe maGIc siLLy- duNnO WHy iT’d be RejeCTeD.” Having finished the other’s upper half to the best of his ability, Error gestures for him to sit. As he does the taller can’t help but give him an amazed look, like a child who was just offered something and everyone had been telling them no before this.
He’s… not sure how to feel about that. He never is. Either way, the small glitch starts with the other’s feet and works his way up, pushing more magic into him than before. The other Error needs to walk comfortably more than anything else, and leaving it not fully healed would just make the cracks get worse again.
“...YouR B-boNes ARe PrETtY.”
“I- TH-thANks-?”
The other has been staring at him intensely with a look he can’t describe, but his eyelights look so tired. The pure exhaustion somehow seeped into every bone in his body and radiated off of him, even in his voice.
“Y-yoU’re wElCOme.”
Unable to handle the gaze any longer, Error adverts his eyelights and finishes with the other glitch’s legs, his magic flickering at this point.
“Y-YoU Don’T haVE To K-kEEp GoInG.”
“I’m alMOst doNe. My dEstRUctivE coDe juST doEsn’T LIkE me uSinG HEaLinG MagiC.”
The taller sighs, picking a little at a chip in his arm. “M’KaY..”
Error holds back the urge to make his counterpart stop, knowing it’d be hypocritical of him- his hands and phalanges being proof enough of it.
“OkAy- dOes yoUr- uM- peLVis nEed anY HeALinG?” Error assumes it probably does considering the state of the rest of the taller’s body, but he doesn’t want to overstep or make him uncomfortable.
The other only shrugs at him, not looking bothered at all.
“I-I’Ve Had wORS-se.”
“YeS OR no PLeAse.”
“YEs. IT’s NOt In ThE GreatEst COndIt-tTIon.”
“OkAy- cAn you TaKe ofF YOur panTs plEaSe?” Error asks, blushing slightly. The taller doesn’t object or even make a face, just doing as he was asked. Lifting his legs up a bit the other wiggles out of his pants, completely exposing himself save for the blue scarf around his neck.
Error can’t help but stare at his counterpart’s pelvis in shock and concern for a moment before he scrambles to start healing him, keeping his touch light and gentle. It was completely shattered-! And he thought his ribcage was bad holy fuck- It’s amazing how the taller never even flinched, he doesn’t look like he’s in pain at all. But there’s no way this can’t be ungodly painful!
Yet his counterpart is looking down at him with a completely straight face.
He… decides to not make any comments.
“So… I asSUme yoUr NAmE is ErRor toO?”
“M-mHm. I dIdn't tHinK ANaT-tHeR mE ExiSTEd..”
“SamE- WelL In thAT cAsE CaLL mE… Era.” The newly dubbed Era smiles a bit as he finishes the worst of the fractures and starts on the smaller ones.
“Oh uH…CaLl Me ErOs TheN…?” It’s the first ‘E’ word to come to mind- not that he knows what it means.
“NICe to MeEt yoU EroS.”
“YoU toO-o ErA……Am-M I GoIng To Get IN TROUB-ble For BEinG HEre..?”
“WhY WOuld yoU Get in TrOUble?” Era asks with a confused head tilt.
Eros looks away, instead staring up at the stars with what can only be described as longing.
“...I’m NoT Allo-OwEd In OutERTa-Ie AnyMOR-re…InK GEts MAd..”
“...WHy woULd INk geT maD-??” Now Era is really confused. Outertale was the second AU declared neutral forever ago- Ink would have no reason to care about who comes and goes as long as everyone stays peaceful.
“‘CauS-sE I’M In HIs AU And He hATEs M-mE.” Eros explains like it’s obvious, something he’s long come to terms with.
“I- wHAt-?” Era doesn’t like the picture that’s being painted right now. If this is another X-tale he swears- deeming Eros healed enough, Era quickly grabs his phone from his inventory and pulls one of his many absolutely huge sweatshirts from the antivoid with the help of his strings, handing it to Eros to put on. Though the sweatshirt absolutely drowned him in fabric, on Eros it should come down to just above his kneecaps.
“OKay waIT I’m cALLinG hiM-”
“W-whAT? N-nO No Don’t iT’s NOt Your InK-k Who-O Get mAD At mE-” Eros tells him as he slides the sweater over his head as Era relaxes with a relieved sigh.
“ThEn whY’d yoU AsK THat??”
The taller pauses, not really sure himself. “I Don’T KnOw…IS YouR INk-k MeaN TOo?”
“I mEaN He caN be anNoyINg- anD It dePEnDs on hiS curREnt gAme. He liKes tO PLaY baD guY SOmetIMeS, buT He’S GOtTen bEtteR sinCE X-tALe.” Era shrugs.
“Oh-H. MY I-iNK Likes T-tO plaY HEro.”
“I meAN thAt’S HIs usUAL roLe buT MOsT of oUr fiGhTs arE juSt aGgreSSivE spaRs at thIS poINt.” The small glitch chuckles slightly at the memory of when they somehow just started wrestling in the snow, and Dream and Nightmare had to pull them apart.
“Oh…ThA-aT SouNDs n-NIce.” Well now Eros looks sad-
“I- um- I’m soRrY YOur Ink wAS aN AbsOLutE bitCh..” Era says in a poor attempt at trying to help, nervously trying to wipe off the powder he could feel clinging to his hands.
“H-hE’s Just ScareD I ThinK.” Eros stands up and lightly dusts himself off, brushing shoulders with Era.
“It doeSN’t maKe IT anY BetTEr.”
The taller only shrugs, straightening his scarf as he leans forward to lightly nuzzle the side of Era’s skull with his own, making the smaller glitch slightly and sigh.
“WeLl- I AssuME YOu doN’t haVe anYWHere tO StaY?”
“No-oT ReaLLy. I USUallY Don’T StaY AnyWHer-Re..”
“WaNna sTAy wiTh mE AnD THe gaNg? THe AntIVoID Is kinDa eh- iT’s beTtER to juSt sTAy ouT Of iT.”
“Ok-K…I WonDeR-r If TheY’rE L-lIKe MInE.”
“No cLue- THey’Re goNnA FreAK ouT whEn thEY See yA thoUgh.” Era dusts himself off, before opening a portal to Nightmare’s castle. Eros steps through without much hesitation, looking back at Era as he does the same. The reaction is almost instantaneous.
Cross and Dust shortcut into the living room while Nightmare manifests from the shadows along with Killer.
“OKay THaT’s noT QuitE WHaT I waS ExpeCting-”
“R-reALly? UsuAlY THiS I-IS HoW PEoPle ReSPON-nd To mE.”
“Who-? What?” Killer askes in confusion, the other’s unable to speak with their mouths wide open.
“YEaH buT I liVe heRE it’S UsuALly leSs eXTreme.” Era mumbles, before turning to the others. “I FOuNd anoTHer ErroR- wEll- moRE LIkE hE hIT Me iN thE fACe.”
“I-I Didn’T MeAn tO.”
“Is….is he ok?” Killer asks, only for Cross to retort back.
“Obviously not!”
“AnD I’vE ALreADy heALed him toO.” Era adds.
“...Holy shit-”
“Has he eaten anything?” Nightmare finally speaks, having been examining their guest in detail.
“PreTty suRE He’s woRSe thAn me.” Era looks at Eros in silent question.
“I….THiNK-k I ATe A TAcO On-Nce..? A Few YEAaR-rs AGo..?”
Horror looks ready to snatch Eros up and probably would have already if it wasn’t for the tentacle holding him back.
“ WaY WOrsE thAN me.” Era confirms with a grimace. Maybe Horror will be too distracted with Eros to force him to eat… he can hope.
“....CAn-N I HAv-VE ChocoLAt-Te…?” Eros asks timidly, ready for them all to say no- Nightmare doesn’t like it.
“Of course.”
“....REAlLy!?”
“I HaVe a whOLe cupBOard fulL Of ChOColaTe- yoU Can heLP yoUrseLF tO IT.”
Eros is gone immediately, rushing over to the kitchen and disappearing with the most happy look on his face.
“And thERe He goES.” Era says with a half smile.
“....Everyone agrees we need to keep this bean safe?”
“ObvIOusLy. KeEP hiM AwAy froM INk- hiS VErsiOn wAs A BItCh.”
“Good to know. Horror, you know what to do.” NIghtmare orders and the larger skeleton follows Eros into the kitchen.
“Will he be staying with you, Ru?”
“ProBaBLy- uNLEss hE’d rAThEr be soMEwHerE ELse.”
“We’ll have to ask. Now do you know how he got here? Or where he comes from?”
“LikELy anOTheR MultIVeRse iF I HaD to GUeSs anD I haVe no IDeA hE JuSt caMe oUT oF NOwheRE anD Hit mE in OUtErtaLe.” Era grumbles something about space dust as he brushes off his skull.
Killer giggles as Cross and Dust walk over to follow the other two and make sure nothing happens.
“....By out of nowhere….do you mean the void..?”
“DunNO- I WaSn’t payINg aTteNTion.” He was busy Falling Down or something. He’s still not sure.
“I hope not. We will never know till we ask I suppose.” A tentacle wraps around Era and picks him up, bringing him into Nightmare’s arms for some nuzzles. The glitch just passively accepts it.
“I’m goINg By Era, bY The wAY- anD He’s ERos.”
“Era huh? It makes ya sound old~” Killer teases.
“Oh huSh.” Era mutters, not up for snarking back like usual. Killer gives him an odd look before leaning up to kiss Era’s cheek, who can’t help but smile slightly.
“I loooove ya~!”
“Love yOU toO~ ShoULd wE chECk oN EVerYonE In thE KItChEn?”
“Probably.” The king continues to nuzzle Era with a purr as he walks over to the kitchen, Killer following close behind as Era accepts his fate as a teddy bear for the imminent future.
Chapter 18: Two Destroyers and Death Walk into a Bar
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Past Afterdeath, Destructivedeath, and established Error x fgod!Error
Chapter Text
Eros excitedly waits for Era to get back as he holds the cake in his hands. It’s an extra chocolaty one! His mate said he was going to go get something and Eros wanted to do something nice for him. What better than a chocolate cake?
The thing is he had gotten lost in that AU Core made, looking for the bakery. He wasn’t expecting someone to help him, but this multiverse’s Reaper was happy to. Eros is reminded of his own Reaper, they both look so sad all the time. His Reaper would act mean sometimes, trying to hurt him, but Eros knows he was just sad.
This Reaper smiled the best he could for him as he led the tall glitch to the bakery, he even suggested the kind of cake, saying his mate used to really like it. Maybe that’s why Reaper is sad? His mate doesn’t like chocolate cake anymore? Or maybe he doesn’t know what his mate likes now?
“ErOS? YOu diSaPEareD-”
Said skeleton looks up and wiggles in excitement, standing up to show Era the cake.
“SorrY-y, I Got YoU A CAk-Ke~!”
“Aww EroS~” Era moves over to Eros and lightly tugs him down to kiss and nuzzle his cheek. “ANd iT’s mY favoRIte kinD~!”
“It IS?” Eros purrs, happy Era is happy as he nuzzles the smaller back. “H-hE WaS-s riGht-”
“WHo wAs righT?” The small glitch asks curiously.
“ReAP-pER. H-hE HELpeD m-ME FinD THe BAkERy AND s-SAId YoU CAn’T GO wrONG W-wITH ThiS CAk-KE.”
Era’s expression falls, before closing off as he looks down at the cake still in Eros’ hands, glitching slightly.
“...Oh.”
Eros says something, but he’s not paying attention as he gets lost in thought. Ever since he’s regained some of his memories, he’s been avoiding the death god. Era knows it’s selfish and he knows Reaper’s been searching for him ever since he first got stuck in the antivoid- but he’s just… scared. And all he has is just different flashes and vague knowledge of things from when he was Geno… it’s become a bit of a sore subject, honestly…
Eros gently nudges his cheek, licking up the blue tear streaks and effectively snapping him out of his thoughts.
“RAra? YOu Ok-k..?”
“O-oH- yeAh- I’m- I’M finE.” Era sniffles. When had he started crying? Eros continues to gently lick them up with a small concerned whine.
“Don-N’T LiE.”
“It’s juST…” The short glitch shakes his head with a sigh. “It’s noTHinG.”
Eros gives him a sad look, knowing there’s something Era isn’t telling him, but he doesn’t push. “Ok…”
After a few more licks and a kiss to the corner of his socket, Eros pulls away. “Wan-NT To GO hOMe nOW..?”
“YeS PLeAse.”
Eros opens a portal to their small cottage and scoops Era up, using his strings to hold the cake box like a bag as he takes them through. The strong yet relaxing smell of flowers greets them. Said flowers can be seen through the large windows on almost every wall, giving the inhabitants a clear view of the seemingly endless fields of color.
The taller monster sets Era down on one of the large bean bags in the center of the living room before walking to the open kitchen to put their sweet treat in the fridge for later. Era just melts into the bean bag, silently accepting his new placement.
When Eros comes back he sinks into the beanbag beside his mate, nuzzling him comfortingly as he holds a bar of chocolate in front of him- which Era immediately grabs to nibble on.
“SOrry abOUt eaRLieR…”
“D-dON’t Be. YoU’Ve DOn-nE NOThiNG Wr-ROnG.”
“Mm…” Era just leans against Eros with a small hum. The taller shifts a little to hold Era in his lap, lightly peppering the side of his skull with kisses. Soothing purrs vibrate against Era’s back as he relaxes, holding the chocolate bar up to Eros in offering.
Eros opens his mouth wide and takes a bite, using his tongues to pull the peace into his mouth and lightly lick Era’s phalanges, making the smaller glitch giggle slightly.
“...I shOUld proBAbly tELl yoU WhaT eaRLIer wAs abouT.” Era mumbles after a moment. “It’s hoNEstLy kinDA stuPId- I shOUldn’t reACt LikE I do…”
“NiGh-HtMARE w-WOUld Say ‘YouR F-feELiNGs Arn’T sTupId.’ aNd He’S RIgHt.”
“I knOw I KNow-” Era grumbles, “It’S juST- ReAPer And I HaVe a… hiSTorY.”
Eros nods, nuzzling into Era’s neck as he listens.
“I doN’t- reMEmBer all oF IT… buT- bEForE I wAs ErroR, DeSTroyER oF WOrlds, I wAs.. GeNO. An idIOt CLaSsic vERiaNt thAT weNT throUgh wAY Too mANy GEnoCIdEs…” Era’s words come out haltingly and he looks firmly down at the chocolate in his hands.
The taller glitch gently rubs up Era’s sides for comfort, purring a little louder, and the small glitch takes a breath, leaning into the touch.
“I TrAppeD MYseLf in a PLaCe thAt waS BasiCally thE EdgE OF the vOId. I Was suPposeD TO die- I Was dyinG. BuT I couLDn’T- I wAS jusT StuCK in An etERnal sTaTE of HaLF deATh. ThaT wAS hOW REaPer fouND Me.”
Eros hums in acknowledgment, his soul throbbing a little, not that he notices. It always hurts, but this time is a little different.
“...We weRE MaTes.” Era admits quietly. “He pRObaBLy sugGeSteD thaT CAke ‘cAuse it WAs mY FaVoritE- evEN baCk theN.”
“..Oh.” There’s that pang again. Eros thinks over his mate's words carefully, wondering if it’s somehow the same in his multiverse.
“S-sO ReAp-pEr Is YoUR Ex..?”
“...An eXperIMent wiTH mY DT wEnt wronG… I Was suCKeD Into thE ANtivOId wiTH no WArninG. He wASn’t thERe.” Era curls up a bit, guilt practically radiating from him.
“...He’s beEN seARchINg foR Me EveR sinCe.”
Wow. That’s definitely a lot. Eros hums again, nuzzling Era’s neck some more as he thinks of how to respond.
“...Y-yoU HAv-Ve To TElL H-hIM.”
“.....I’m sCaRE-ed.” Era mutters, glitching more as his guilt increases. “AN-nd a cOWar-rd.”
A multicolored hand grabs his chin, forcing him to turn his skull and look up at Eros, who gives him a small and gentle kiss.
“YOU’re NoT A CowaRd. Wha-AT ScAreS YoU? D-dO YOu tHInk HE WOn’t LOve YoU ANYmoRe?”
“He shOUldn’T Love mE AnyMOre… I’vE KnowN FOr yeARs anD HAveN’t saiD ANythINg- iT’s beEN ceNTrieS siNCe I Was GEno-O! I juST- I dOn’t knoW….” The small glitch’s voice cracks as tears gather in his sockets.
“He’S STIlL LooKINg. If I WaS Him-M I WouLdn’T BE maD, BEcAUSE HE HAs-S To STilL Lo-oVe YoU To KeeP lOokIng.” Eros gently turns Era around to cradle the smaller to his chest and lightly kiss his cheek.
“For Al-Ll HE KnoWs YOu Could HA-avE Left-t ON pURposE And HE L-lOOks ANYWay EveN IF It meANs GETIng His HEarT br-ROken.”
Era lets out a quiet, wounded sound, burying his face in Eros’ chest, dropping his chocolate in favor of clinging to his mate.
“...A-aNd hOW- hoW Do y-yoU FEel abOut aLL of THis?”
“...I WondEr…iF SomEThiNG LI-iKE ThaT haPPenEd tO Me…” The taller gently rubs Era’s back, pausing as he tries to find the right words. “...I waNt To heLp You…aNd Do wHAT-t eVeR You NeeD ME To-o dO.”
“I d-doN’T KNow..” Era whispers with a sniffle in answer to both of the unasked questions.
“...I ThInk This Is-S GoiNG to EAt awAy At You UNTil y-You Do SOmethINg Ab-bOUt it. S-sO…LEt-Ts Do SomeThiNG ab-BouT it.”
The smaller glitch just whines in response, very much wanting to object.
“...COuld wE At leASt haVe sOm-mE Of thAT CaKe beFOre anYthINg elSE..?”
“Yes-S.” Eros assures him as he smiles lovingly at his mate. “W-wE Can HAve Some Cake FirsT.”
~
Reaper had heard of the new destroyer from another multiverse, but meeting him was much more of an experience then he had been expecting. He had been floating around, minding his own business when he practically stumbled mid air by the force of the other’s magic presence alone.
Yet despite that the glitch was kind, a little awkward maybe, but actually quite sweet. He was looking for the bakery, wanting to get his mate a sweet treat. So like any decent monster Reaper took him to one. They talked a little, nothing all that important. It was oddly refreshing and he found himself feeling a bit better as he teleported home. Though he couldn’t get rid of a thought that had crossed his mind while talking to the glitch. He had death’s touch marked on him. The Reaper of Eros’ multiverse had tried to kill him. It was old, but it was there and Reaper would be lying if he said it didn’t disturb him.
Why would the other Death try to hurt such a monster? Sure his magic is just as powerful and intimidating as he looks, but he’s not a bad monster. He’s a fellow god, on the negative side of the balance just like himself.
Reaper hums in thought as he sips his coffee, watching as Raven and Silver bicker over a video game……They went to school today right..?
“Goth?”
“Yeah dad?” The eldest of his kids pops his head out of the kitchen, the youngest in his arms.
“Who took you to school today? It wasn’t my turn right..?” The god asks nervously. It’s easy to lose track of time when traveling the multiverse and fishing souls out of the void from time to time doesn’t make it any easier…not to mention he’s always gone, barely able to make time for his kids. He really does try though.
“Uh…It’s the weekend dad.”
“It is?” Huh, that’s why Life insisted he take a break…was there another reason..? He feels like he’s forgetting something.
“Yup.” Raven chips in, decimating his brother in a game of mario kart. Silver tosses the controller with a frustrated growl, glaring at the wall.
“You do remember promesing to take Shino to the park right?” Goth questions, giving his father a look all too similar to his mother’s disappointed glare.
“U-uh Of course I do! How could I forget?” Death lets out a nervous laugh as Goth sets the youngest down so she can clumsily walk over to him, smiling.
“Pak! I wanna goo!”
Death can’t help but smile, gently picking Shino up to kiss her cheek.
“Ok, we’ll go right now sweet pea~”
Goth hands him a sippy cup with some chocolate milk and a small, sloppily crocheted, doll of Shino, who happily takes the doll from Reaper to nibble on it.
After saying a quick goodbye, the father and daughter duo head out.
The sun is warm against Reaper’s bones as he floats above the path through the large park, watching as Shino plays in the flowers with her doll.
How many times have they done this now? Watching as his three year old babybones sniffs the flowers only to sneeze when too much pollen goes up her nasal bridge. Don’t get him wrong, he loves going to the park with his baby, but….she shouldn’t be a baby anymore. It’s been…a very long time since she was born and while yes her siblings grow at a very slow rate, they’re still aging, maturing, learning.
Shino is very smart, always has been since he first set his eyelights on her, but he worries. What if she’s stuck like this? Will her mind continue to grow but be stuck as a toddler? Will she ever mature at all?
He would take care of her forever without a second thought if that’s what she needs….but he wants to watch her grow. See her walk through her life. She can’t make friends because they grow up, leaving her behind and someday her brothers will be fully grown too.
Death has already talked to Sci and Life herself, but they couldn’t think of any way to help her, just that…..her body might be stuck in time…..like Geno was.
The god tenses as he feels someone step into Aftertale, or at least a part of it. Didn’t he already have Ink declare that AU off limits? Stupid god of creation and his stupid memory- Reaper floats down, carefully avoiding tree branches as he gently plucks Shino off the ground.
“Come here sweetie, it’s time to go.”
“Nuu! I wanna pway mer!”
“I know, but daddies gotta check something. We can come back later, ok?”
The small skeleton pouts, clutching her doll close as she nods. “Otay…”
“Thank you sweet pea~ And we’re off!” Shino giggles as Death mimics Superman's pose, flying through the sky with his fist in the air. They come to a stop in the Save Screen and Reaper is confused by the two destroyers who stand only a few feet away.
“U-Uh….Hi..”
~
Eros nuzzles the top of Era’s skull for support as they stare at the death god, having noticed his mate’s glitching act up more than usual.
“Um…” Era’s gaze falls to the child in Reaper’s arms, and he flinches back as new flashes of memory flit through his mind. Holy shit- Holy shit- they had kids- he had forgotten his kids! The small skeleton in Reaper’s arms begins to wiggle and squirm, until Death has no choice but to set her down.
“Shino, what are you doing-?”
Both glitches watch closely as the babybones waddles over to them, old doll in hand.
“Peddy~!”
Era chuckles, sounding a bit choked up, and kneels down to Shino’s height, automatically reaching out to scoop her up before stopping himself.
“..HeLlo sWeeTIe.”
Shino stops just at arms reach to look at Era’s face, seemingly studying him. After a long moment of silence, her soul sends out a pulse of joy, happily running up to hug Era.
“Mamma~!”
“Hi ShiNo bABy~ I’m soRry IT toOk so LOng TO coME bAck.” Era murmurs, smiling and crying a bit as he hugs Shino back tightly yet gently. Reaper stares, his soul quivering in his ribcage as he tries to hold back tears.
“G-geno…?”
Era looks up, his smile softening.
“H-hEya ReAPs.. DidJa miSs me?”
The god sniffles, nodding his skull with a watery ‘mhm’. Eros gently pushes his mate forward, urging him to go comfort Reaper, and the small glitch stands up with Shino in his arms, stepping towards Reaper and holding out an arm in invitation.
Reaper happily takes it, hugging Era and Shino close to his chest with a loud sob. Era hugs back to the best of his ability, silent tears running down his face as he glitches, mumbling apologies. Death nuzzles Era’s skull, unable to stop himself from crying hard against his old mate.
“I m-missed you, I missed you so much-! I knew you were out there s-somewhere-”
“I kNow- I KN-noW- I’m soRrY I’m soRry-y-”
Eros smiles as he watches from a small distance away, and after a bit, Era pulls back just enough to hold out a hand to his current mate. Tha tall glitch is a little hesitant as he walks over, gently grabbing Era’s hand.
Reaper looks up at the other, wiping a few of his tears away. “H-hello again.”
“H-hI.”
“Y-yoU HaV-ve hiM To thANk foR FinALly T-talkINg tO You.” Era chuckles wetly, nuzzling Reaper and squeezing Eros’ hand. “I c-cAN’t bELievE yoU STill r-rEMemBer My faVOrite cakE…”
The death god chuckles tiredly, resting his skull on Era’s shoulder with a small smile.
“‘Course I remembered. I couldn’t bare to forget a single detail~”
Era just deadpans at the slight flirt, even as it makes him blush a bit.
“Every…detail~” wink wink~ Eros can’t help but chuckle, making Era send him a jokingly betrayed look as he blushes harder.
“Oh huSh- THerE Is a CHild hEre-” The short glitch grumbles, lightly bonking his skull against Reaper’s, making the taller smile fondly at him, the top of his hood taking the shape of a heart- and Era’s breath hitches at the sight, tears gathering in his sockets again.
Of course Eros is there to start licking them up, Shino giggling as she tries to mimic him, making Era let out a choked up laugh.
“I St-stILL doN’t reMeMBer evERyThinG- HeCk-k I didN’t knOW We hAd KIDs ‘tiL I sAw SHino- bUT I’m soRry I DIdn’T C-cOMe baCK s-soONer…”
“...I’m not mad or anything Gen. You must have gone through a lot..”
“I wAs juST BeiNg a cOWaRd-d…” He mutters with a sniffle, much to both Reaper’s and Eros’ displeasure.
“N-nO YouR noT.”
“No you're not.” They say in unison, making them glance at each other in surprise as Era lets out an unflattering snort.
“DaN-ng- mY MAteS Are alReADy teAmiNg uP On mE-”
Said skeletons blush, Reaper burying his face in Era’s neck as Eros kisses his cheek.
“He’S RIgHT. I Told You.”
“ABouT WhAt?”
“T-tHAT H-he WOULDn’t Be maD-d ANd YOUr noT A coWArd~”
Shino lightly licks Era’s cheek again, whining for attention, which Era immediately gives in the form of nuzzles and blowing raspberries on her cheek. The babybones squeals, patting Era’s cheeks as she laughs and giggles.
“BeeEe-ebEe~” Eros mumbles beside the smaller, making Reaper chuckle.
“BeEBee~!” Era agrees, holding his youngest up to Eros’ face so she can properly meet him. Eros is quick to back away, an almost scared look on his face as he lets go of his mate's hand.
“N-nO. Don’T GIve Me The BaBY-”
“DoN’t worRY- I’m juST leTtINg hEr saY Hi.” Era reassures, knowing how Eros felt about being trusted with little ones. The taller looks back at Shino from Era and hesitantly leans in a little as the little babybones looks at him. He feels like he’s being measured up, not something he expected at all from such a young looking monster.
The baby suddenly giggles and reaches out to pat Eros’ cheeks too, making the ex-destroyer freeze in place in fear of somehow hurting her should he move.
“ShE LIkEs yoU~” Era coos, putting Shino on his shoulders as his arms were getting sore. Eros’ eyelights are blown wide as a loud happy purr resonates in his ribcage, Reaper smiling as he watches in amusement.
“Wow, he’s adorable-”
“I knOw riGHt~ BuT Don’T LEt iT foOl yoU- hE’d deSTroY thE mULtiVerSe wiThoUT a sEConD ThouGht foR THosE He conSIdeRs hiS.” Era grins a bit. “I soMehoW MAnaGeD To fALl in LoVE wiTh twO PowERfuL gODs.”
The robed skeleton blushes brightly, more hearts floating up like smoke from the tip of his hood. “So….you still love me then~?”
Era seems a bit surprised by the question at first. “Of coURse I Do~ I maY NOt reMEmBer evERyThinG, bUT The loVe I FeLt anD FeEL iS ViviD~ EroS ANd I Are a pAckaGe dEAl noW, thoUgh- yOU two doN’t hAVe to Be matEs bUT yoU’ll haVe To shAre… If thAt’s okAY.”
“I’m fine with that~” Reaper purrs and gently kisses Era’s cheek, smiling at him lovingly. “As long as you're with me I don’t care~”
“I lovE You so mUCh~”
Reaper practically lights up, nuzzling against Era like a love starved kitty.
“I love you too~ Forever and always~”
“Sap~” Era lightly kisses Reaper’s cheek, before pulling back just slightly as he takes pity on the still frozen Eros, grabbing the tall glitch’s hand to hold up to Shino. Eros tries to pull his hands away, only stopping once they get close enough to the baby bones in question.
“It’s oKAy ERos- yoU’ve hanDLeD ChaRA’s bEfoRe. You wON’t hUrt hER.”
“B-bUT WhaT If-f I BRaKe He-Er..?”
“Aww~ Ya won't break her Eros.” Reaper chimes in. “She’s a strong little bugger~ Isn’t that right sweet pea~?”
“Stwon like daddy!”
“Mhm~ I prOMisE It’LL be fINe, okAY?”
The tallest of them whines, but doesn’t argue anymore, letting Era do as he wants. The short glitch just holds his mate’s hands up to Shino for her to inspect, smiling softly as the small skeleton fiddles with them in her own hands.
Eros slowly relaxes, still staying perfectly still just in case.
“SeE? It’s oKaY.”
“...” Shino giggles as she noms on one of the ex-destroyers phalanges, a deep, loud purr emanating from the taller, and Era coos quietly at the two of them.
“WaNna hoLD Her?”
“...I-I ShoULn’T-”
“Do yoU WaNt To?” Era repeats.
“......yEs-s..” Eros pouts and looks to the side, unable to suppress his blush.
“ShINo sWeETie, Do yoU WaNna bE uP HIgh?”
“Up up! Mommy up!”
“Up uP~!” Era joins in, leaning forward slightly for Eros to grab Shino. He does, ever so carefully, pick Shino up under her arms and lift her off Era’s shoulders to place her down on his own.
“Whoooaa! Mommy’s ids high!”
“YoU ARe~!” Era lightly tugs Eros down enough for him to nuzzle him, the taller doing so happily. The affection helps him relax, his glitches dying down as Shino hugs his skull.
“Soooo would you two like to go do something..? Sometime..?” Reaper asks as he floats up above them to lightly boop his daughter as Era looks at Eros in silent question. The taller glitch shrugs, lightly kissing the top of Era’s skull, making him smile.
“Of coURse~”
Reaper is practically vibrating- “Where should we go? Ya got anywhere ya like?”
“Ou-UTerTAlE…oR HomE.”
“HoME ProBabLY wouLdn’t bE THe beSt opTIon…” Era mumbles, furrowing his brows as the exact reason why escapes his grasp.
“What’s it like?”
“An AU fuLL oF FloWeRs…”
“Yeah probably not-” Reaper says quickly. “Death touch and all.”
“DeATh toUch! ThaT’s riGHt…” Why did he forget that..? First his kids and now this… his memory must be spottier than he thought…
Eros tilts his head to the side in confusion, Shino giggling as he does the same. “B-bUt In-NK SaId TH-hE FLoWEr-rS CaN’t DIe?”
“He diD-? WhEN diD He saY That?”
“U-uHM…..WhEN We AskEd Why The Flow-wERs Didn’T wiLT iN THe-E SnoW?...I ThINK?”
“I doN’T reMEmbEr thAt..”
“W-wE WeRe waTchING UN-nDerNOivaLI-Ia. YoU Were PrOb-bABly DisTRactEd..”
“Hm…I guESs.” Era concedes, though he still looks a bit worried. Eros offers kisses to help! And of course Reaper joins in on his other side- much to Era’s mixed delight and embarrassment.
“So these flowers won't die if I touch them?”
“....MaYB-bE..?”
“No cLUe- hEre-” Era opens a portal and blindly grabs a dark- almost black- purple rose, accidentally very much stabbing his hand.
“...Ow.”
“Oo~ Let me help with that~” After taking the rose without much thought, Death gently holds Era’s hand and runs his tongue over the small wound.
“Da boo boo!”
“Da bOo boO.” Era agrees. “I’ll bE ALrigHT.”
“Mommy I’m hungy.”
“Oh yEAh?” Era gently pulls his hand away from Reaper, pressing it against his jacket and reaching up to grab Shino. Eros leans down so Era can grab her as Reaper whines in the background.
“Mhm. Tummy says grrr~!”
“In thAT cAsE wE BeTteR do soMEthINg abOuT thAt!” The small glitch playfully sticks a tongue out at Shino with a gentle headbutt- only to pause when he realizes he has no idea what to do about Shino’s hunger.
That is until Reaper pulls out a small pink backpack from under his robe and hands Shino a small cup of applesauce.
“That should tide her over until we can find some real food. What do ya say sweet pea~?”
“Umy Daddy!”
“I’m glad ya think so~”
“Aw~”
“What?” Reaper looks back at him, brow bone raised. Era just holds out Shino happily.
“BaBy~”
With a soft smile, Reaper takes Shino From Era to hold her against his chest as she continues to eat her applesauce.
“...I LoV-vE HEr.”
“YoU’ll loVE The oTheRS toO.”
Eros purrs in what can only be described as excitement as he nuzzles furiously into Era’s neck, hugging his waist. The small glitch just relaxes against him with a tired smile.
Reaper chuckles lightly as he wipes Shino’s mouth. “How about we do the date later, love? You look exhausted.”
“It’s bEeN AN eMOtioNal dAy..” Era admits, Reaper looks just as tired, nodding in agreement.
“..Meet up here after..two Dreamtale days?”
“ThAT souNds goOD tO Me. ThAT worK foR YOu ErOs?”
The tallest of the three nods as he lets go of Era to give Shino a small nuzzle, making the baby bones giggle in Reaper’s hold. Era definitely doesn’t whine at the loss of cuddles-
“It’s a date then~”
“Mhm~!”
After a cute goodbye from Shino, Reaper disappears through a portal, Eros following suit and opening one of his own. That’s when he looks down and notices the dark purple rose on the floor.
“Oh-H. It DidN’t WILt.”
“HUh- thAT’s gooD. MaYBe wE Can maKe hiM SOme FLowER crOWns…” Era opens a portal under the rose, letting it fall onto Reaper’s pillow before closing it.
“SoUN-nDs NICe.” Grabbing Era’s hand, the two glitches step through the portal to their room. The large room is mostly empty, save for a clothing rack, twine and fabric, as well as a bed and a hammock. They usually sleep in the hammock. The bed is for…other activities~
“HolD Me?” Era murmurs with a grabby hand. The taller glitch smiles before gently picking up his mate, cradling him like a baby as he kisses Era’s forehead, making him relax with a happy sigh.
“MhM~”
“I loVE you~”
“I loVe Y-yOU ToO~” Eros purrs against him and carefully moves to lay in the hammock with Era still in his hold. “M-mINe~”
“YoURs~” Era cuddles into Eros with his own purr. “YOu’re OKaY shArINg wITh ReApeR thOUgh, riGHt?” He checks.
“MH-hM. WhaTEv-Ver MAkeS YoU HAppY. I DOn’T MInd.”
“OkAY- goOd.”
“Y-yOUR ReaP-pER IS NIC-ce Too. I LIk-kE Him.” Eros lightly nibbles Era’s neck after scooting him up a little, wanting to pamper his tired mate.
“YeAH? I’m glAd… He’s sWEeT. YoU Both aRe.” The small glitch lets out a small, pleased sigh, tilting his head away. Eros purrs and turns his nibbles into small bites, licking between Era’s vertebrae.
“I-I’m SwEet?”
“MmHM~ sWEet aNd lovELy anD NIce~”
“I’M Not nICe.”
“TrUSt mE WheN I SAy yoU Are, lovE~” Era purrs, closing his sockets with a soft smile.
The taller pouts against him, adding gentle rubs to the mix as he runs his hands over Era’s sides, making him arch happily into the touch- looking not unlike a particularly content cat.
“Hm~”
“WanT-t TO naP?”
“A nAP souNdS NIcE~”
Chapter 19: A Glitchy Prince and His Killer Servant
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error X Killer, set in a royal AU
Chapter Text
“Oh Ruuuuuruuuuu~!” Killer calls as he jumps onto Error’s bed, bouncing the glitch. “Time to get up~”
“UGghH nOoo-” Error does his best to bury himself under his pillows, groaning. Killer grinns and nuzzles his face into Error’s side, getting up under him.
“Come oooooon~ You have a scheduuuuulllleeee!”
“I oRDeR You TO fuCk oFf.” Error grumbles, turning to cling to Killer like he was a teddy bear.
“Ok if you insist~” Already shoving a hand down his pants-
“KiLLeR-!” Error pushes Killer off of the bed, before glitching away to glare tiredly at him from on top of the dresser. “ThAT wASn’t wHaT I MeaNT And yoU KNoW it-!”
Killer cackles, curling up on the floor as he laughs.
“Y-you’re the one who told me to~!”
“YoU KNow THaT-t’s noT WHaT I MeANt-!!” He repeats, struggling to keep the glare on his face.
“What, you don’t want me to jack off in your honor, your highness~?”
“Oh mY FOx shUT uP-”
“Ok ok~ I’ll be quiet, but only if you go take a bath~”
“ALriGht fiNE whATeVer-” Error grumbles, glitching off of the dresser and heading to his private bathrooms.
“The bath’s already ready! But I’ll scrub ya too if ya want~” Killer calls as he gets up and follows Error to the bathroom.
“YOu aRE goINg To bE THe dEAth oF Me I sWEar-” Error mutters. “JuST heLp mE Get mY BAck liKE usUAL pleASe.”
“‘Course your highness~” Killer waits to take Error’s clothes, folding them as he puts them on the counter.
“What would you like to wear today, my prince~?”
“HmM.. It fEeLS liKe a dREsS kiNd oF DaY- Is thE LigHt blUE oNe clEaN?”
“Yup, the non frilly one right~?”
“UgH. FRilLs.” Error makes a mock face of disgust as he steps into the bath, sinking down so only his skull was visible above the water. Killer chuckles, walking out of the room to prepare the dress.
“Don’t choke on bubbles this time!”
“ThAT wAS One tiMe-E!” Error shouts back in protest, only making Killer laugh more. When the short skeleton comes back he’s not too surprised to find Error half asleep in the water, his skull nodding off- though he snorts awake when Killer taps his skull.
“H- wHa..?”
“Do you need me to scrub ya sleepy skull~?”
“MmNno ‘m ‘WaKe…” Error mumbles with a yawn as Killer grabs a washcloth and a bar of soap.
“Sure ya are~ Give me your arm please~”
The glitch does so without a second thought, blinking sleepily and struggling to keep his sockets open. The short skeleton gently starts to clean Error’s hand before moving from one arm to the next. He scrubs between the joints, not leaving one spot untouched until he tells- asks Error to stand.
“You’re so needy my prince~”
Error just grumbles something that sounds vaguely like ‘not needy’ as he stands, yawning. Killer moves to scrub Error’s collarbone and ribs, getting in the cracks before moving to the other’s spine, pulling a small shudder out of the prince as he relaxes back into the touch.
They do this almost every morning, Error rarely being able to stay awake enough to clean himself, not that the prince will ever admit it. Killer goes through the motions, until he gets to the other’s pelvis, being lighter than usual with his scrubbing. As sensitive as the area is there are some cracks and crevices that have to be cleaned.
As usual, Error tries to jerk away at first and glitches slightly- more out of surprise than anything.
“It’s just me Ru~” Killer reassures him, avoiding his pelvic crest and sacrum until Error’s more awake.
“Oh yEAh…” The glitch murmurs with another yawn, rubbing his sockets and staring in sleepy confusion at the few strings that accidentally attached to his phalanges.
“You're so cute when you're sleepy~” Killer purrs out as he leans further over the tub. His pulled up sleeves are slightly damp due to the warm water, a few small droplets appearing here and there on his shirt.
“ShHUsh…” Error mumbles, turning his sleepy stare on Killer and blinking slowly at him, instinctively wrapping a few strings loosely around him as he gets closer. Killer’s bright red soul glows harshly, reflecting off the water as he smiles up at Error cheekily, nuzzling a string over his shoulder.
“As you wish your highness~”
The glitch hums, relaxing more as Killer touches the string- they acted like an odd sort of extension of him that he could feel through, and he once explained that touching them actually felt nice, unlike normal contact often was.
“I must warn ya though, I gotta wash the rest of your pelvis.”
“‘KAy.” Error pouts a bit but otherwise doesn’t protest. With Error’s permission, Killer gently begins rubbing the washcloth against his pelvic arch, really focusing on where the two halves of the bone meet.
Error shudders again, his glitching increasing as he focuses on the strings still in his hands. He didn’t hate it and it didn’t feel bad by any means, but the feeling of the wet rag dragging across his pelvis tends to be a bit much.
Killer is quick and careful about it, continuing to nuzzle the string on his shoulder as he scrubs.
“Ok, onto your sacrum.”
“..ALriGht.” Error never understood the need to be so thoroughly clean, but he just goes along with it at this point. The sacrum holes are the most sensitive spot on a skeleton’s pelvis. Killer only rubs over them, not even attempting to clean the inside. It would be incredibly uncomfortable for Error so he never bothers, it’s not exactly dirty anyway.
“CaN I go BAck To s-SlEeP Yet?” Error asks once Killer is done with his sacrum. The smaller sits back up and tosses the rag in a nearby laundry basket, letting Error sit back down.
“Nope, You have an etiquette class after breakfast.”
“Aw fuCK No-Ot etiQuetTE-”
“You would be done with it if you stopped angering miss what's her face.”
“BUt iT’s stuPId! WHy doEs iT MaTteR-r whAT foRk I UsE To eaT Sa-ALad- wE A-aLl knOw I’m noT GOIng-G To deAL wiTh PUbLic reLAtioNs o-Or anYThiNg-”
“Sadly your public image is important ya know. I get ya don’t like it.” The small skeleton pulls down the shower head, activating the water stone inside as he lets the tub drain.
“It’s tedious and annoying, but you carry the image of the kingdom as a prince and as your father would say “You must uphold the expectations of our kingdom Error, don’t sully our name.” or whatever.”
“I’m aLrEAdy The leAst LIkEd oF us thREe… I jUSt doN’t s-sEe the pOINt.” Error mutters.
“Well if ya don’t then you’ll probably be married off to another kingdom.” Killer dowses Error in water to rinse him off, a slight frown on his face. “You’ve never been good at followin’ rules', can’t say I’m a very good influence. It’s probably why the people see ya the way they do.”
“I oNLy doN-n’T FolLow tH-hE RuLEs whEN thEy’rE-e stUpid. LiKe thE DreSs onE.” The glitch technically wasn’t supposed to wear dresses, considering he’s a prince versus a princess- but skeletons are genderless and he’s never seen the point in following stupid gender constructs that don’t even actually apply to him in the first place.
“Oh I agree, it’s super stupid. But some people are stuck in their ways about the whole gender thing. It’s not so much about the rule as it is about public opinion.” Killer turns off the water before grabbing a towel for Error, looking a bit frustrated.
“WeLL it’S ProBaBLy alReAdy loW ConsiDErinG HoW I loOK…” Error already knows most of the nobles don’t like him- partly because he tends to call them out on their shit- and he’s pretty sure most of the servants are indifferent to him, but he’s not sure of what the average citizen thinks of him. Hm. He should probably make an effort to change that.
“Whaaaaat? Your gorgeous Ru~ If anything, everyone else is just jealous~” Killer tells him with a smirk, guiding Error out of the tub to dry him off as they talk.
“Oh huSh-” The prince mutters, blushing faintly. “I vERy mU-uCh lOok noTHinG LIke skELetOn beaUTy stAndaRDs anD yOu knOW hoW PeoPLe cAN Get hUng uP On it.”
“Yeah yeah white bones and shit. Mine are more of a gray color~” The small skeleton sounds very smug as he states what would usually be a sign of an unhealthy skeleton, but he was just born that way, the soul problem not really helping things. It still manages to pull a snort out of Error though.
“YeS GOod foR You.”
“Think I like black better though~” Killer comes up behind Error and lightly holds the prince against him, intertwining their phalanges. “‘Cause I find ya very attractive~”
Error’s blush brightens and he glitches slightly as he relaxes back against Killer, avoiding his gaze. Killer nuzzles his neck with a gentle kiss, light enough to tickle before he pulls away, despite neither of them wanting him to.
“Ok, dress time!”
“FiNe okAY.” Error sighs with a pout, visibly disappointed Killer moved away. They both know he isn’t allowed to do what he just did, let alone continue.
“Ecto or no ecto today?” The sly servant asks as he retrieves the dress from Error’s closet.
“Low mAGiC- sO No eCto tOd-dAY.” Even if having his female ecto summoned in front of his etiquette teacher is always hilarious.
“Awww…and here I thought I’d get a show as I dress ya~”
“SOrrY buT NoT TOdaY~”
Killer dramatically pouts at the prince as Error walks over to stand in front of the three fold up mirrors by his closet. The dress falls over his skull easily before Killer tightens the back, wrapping a silky blue ribbon around Error’s waist as the glitch adjusts the skirt to lay flat.
“Heals or flats?”
“FLaTs- alWaYS flaTs-” That gets a chuckle from Killer and he slides some dress socks onto Error’s feet one by one with the shoes.
“There~ Beautiful as always~”
“Aw~ YoU FLaTteREr~” Though Error’s face is bright yellow- and Killer loves it.
“I merely speak the truth my prince~” Killer says with a dramatic bow. “Your beauty knows no bounds~”
“Oh mY FOx-” Error hides his face behind his hands, letting out a very un-princely snort.
“You have ensnared my soul in your magnificence and now I swear my life to you~” Killer speaks in an exaggerated tone as he hugs Error from behind once again, his hands resting on the prince’s waist this time.
“Do with me as you will for my life is yours, to use as you see fit~”
“A LifE iS a dANgerOus thINg tO GivE mY sErvaNt~” Error murmurs, playing along and tilting his head back to leave the faintest breath of a kiss on Killer’s jaw.
“Oh but it’s already yours, since the day we first met~” The servant smirks, his sightless gaze trained on Error as he sways their hips slowly.
“THaT doESn’t mAkE It anY LEss dAngERouS~” The glitch’s own gaze is soft, filled with something neither of them were willing or able to acknowledge.
“You're not wrong my prince~” They both long for it, knowing it can never be. “You can keep me by your side, humiliate me or protect me, kill me or throw me away with the rest of the garbage- I don’t care as long as it’s what you wish, as long as it will make you happy~”
Killer stops swaying and wraps his arms around Error’s waist completely as he rests his forehead against the prince's shoulder.
“I mean it, Ru.” It’s so quiet, but the feelings behind Killer’s words sound so loud, expressing what he can never say. Not to his prince, not to anyone.
“Error bro you awake?!” Someone suddenly calls out as they rudely barge into the room, Error and Killer immediately jumping apart and the servant pretends to fix up Error’s dress.
“Da-AngiT FReSh-h whAT DId I sAy abOUt knOCKinG-g?!” Error yells, glad that they were still behind the changing curtain as he blushes and glitches heavily from Killer’s previous words. It was as close to a confession as the servant could give- and Error didn’t even get to reply before his little brother barged in!
Killer lets out an amused huff as he acts as if he just finished Error’s dress, suppressing the red blush that wants to make its way onto his cheekbones.
“Well I thought ya was still asleep broski-” Fresh defends as he peeks around the curtain, grinning as his glasses flash ‘ZZZ-ZZZ’. No one could figure out how he made them work.
Killer says nothing as he opens the curtain completely, acting like a relatively normal servant would as Error walks out, tapping Killer’s arm as he passes. A silent and hidden way of showing affection and a signal to follow.
“WEll I’m AwAKe anD aBOut To haVe BReAkfAst. WhAT do yOu wAnt?”
“Gen-bro sent me to make sure ya were up! And ya are! So I’ll get outta ya’s hair- see ya bro!” With that, the bright skeleton disappears with a ‘poof’, leaving a cloud of glitter and colorful smoke- gone just as fast as he came.
“GoDdAmniT Not iN My roOm-!” His little brother’s ‘fresh poofs’ were an absolute pain to clean up. Killer would know-
“Ya know- sometimes I really hate that “don’t speak unless spoken to” rule.”
“I doN’t BlaMe yoU uGh-”
“I bet the nobles would love my jokes~” Killer says cheekily, already grabbing a dust pan. Error snickers at the mention of said jokes.
“ThEy’d trY To kiLL yoU ON thE spOt-” Error retorts with a grin.
“They can try, but I’m too sexy to die so easily~” He gives Error the eyebrow with a suggestive wink, looking as smug as ever.
“PfFt- I gUeSs so~”
“I know so~”
Breakfast went on as usual, Killer standing just behind Error as he sits at the table with his brothers. Their father, the king, is usually too busy to eat with them, so no one bats an eye- or socket- at his absence.
“..So hOw hAVe yoUr cLAsSes bEeN, FrESh?” Error awkwardly asks after a few minutes of silence, pushing his food around on his plate.
“Some of the teachers can be a bit unrad at times-” So cursing. “-but not terrible! I’m learnin’ some neato things about public speakin’!”
“The teachers can be harsh at times, but I’m happy you're enjoying it some, Fresh.” Geno chimes in from the other side of the table. He offers their little brother a soft smile, seemingly just as tired as usual despite that.
Error frowns slightly- both in concern for his big brother (not that he’ll ever admit that), and mild irritation. He’s never seen eye to eye with Geno- it honestly wouldn’t surprise him if the crown prince hated him at this point.
“ALso- GEno PleASe stOP sEndINg FReSh tO WaKe mE Up. I’m aLWaYs alrEAdY AwAKe.”
Geno gives him an unreadable look before taking a fork to his food.
“If you're always awake then why are you late when I don’t send him? It doesn’t take that long to get ready, Error.”
“I jUsT- loOSe trACk oF timE iS ALl.” Getting distracted with Killer-
“Doing what?” Geno’s voice is sharp, a small snap that sounds almost accusatory- and Error’s glitching increases in discomfort.
“I’vE BeEN trYinG tO PicK up knITtinG agAIn..” Error says quietly. Which is true, though he does it more in the evenings as Killer talks his non-existent ears off. It’s something he hasn’t done since their mother- the queen- had died, but he’s trying again with Killer’s encouragement.
“Oh…” Geno pauses, taking a bite of his eggs. “Good for you little brother, but please don’t do that in the morning. Especially if it puts off your schedule.”
“FinE… anD I’m nOT liTtlE.” Error grumbles, poking at his food as he stares resolutely down at his plate.
“You’ll always be my little brother, Error.” Geno doesn’t look up either, his good socket closed as he eats. Error just huffs, glaring at his mostly untouched breakfast. The silence is heavy and tense until Geno stands up from his seat, a servant coming over to take his plate.
“We have some ambassadors from an allied kingdom arriving in a few days. We are all expected to attend the meeting.” The oldest brother gives Error another look as he speaks. “Please sit through the meeting this time.”
“It’S Not mY FAult IF I cRAsh!” The glitch protests. “...BUt I woN’T TRy tO do It oN PUrpoSe… MaYbe.”
“Thank you.” Geno leaves without another word, patting Fresh on the head as he passes by, making the bright skeleton grin. With a sigh, Error pushes his plate away and stands up.
“SEe yA, FReSh.”
“See ya broski!”
With a small smile at Fresh, Error leaves the room, Killer following close behind. The halls are relatively quiet this early in the morning, except for the few maids cleaning and gossiping here and there.
“HoW LoNg uNTil eTQuitTe?” The prince mumbles, drained. It has Killer frowning.
“About twenty minutes.” The servant ever so slightly brushes against Error’s arm before falling behind again, a subtle sign of support that has the glitch relaxing menuitely.
“COol- lEt’s go hIDe uNtil thEn. GaRDens oR KitChen You tHInK?”
“The kitchen is probably busy now, so I’d suggest the garden, my prince.” Killer obviously wants to use a more flirty tone, but holds it back like a good servant. It always makes Error grin a bit to hear him talk like that.
“GArdEn iT Is.” Error declares, changing direction to head to the gardens. Only when they get to their spot does Killer let himself relax a little, making sure no one is around.
“Ya didn’t eat much Ruru.”
“NOt huNGry.” The prince plops down on the grass, dress fanning out around him.
“Ya sure? Not even for a chocolate croissant~?” The delectable treat is waved slowly in front of Error’s face, Killer grinning down at him smugly as his gaze immediately zeros in on it.
“...WHen diD You gEt thAt-?” Error asks, reaching out to snatch the croissant, only for Killer to hold it just out of reach.
“I don’t reveal my secrets beautiful~ I got some cream ta go with it too~”
Error whines, making grabby hands at the treat, eyelights locked on it. Killer grins, teasing Error a little more.
“Say please~”
“PleASe giMmE.” The prince pouts up at Killer, eyelights pleading. The servant drops the croissant in the prince’s hand before sitting down with him, giving Error a small bowl of cream to go with it.
Error hums happily, dipping the croissant in the cream and munching on it, scooting closer to lean against Killer. The servant hums and leans right back with a small nuzzle to Error’s cheek, making him smile.
“DUnnO hoW You keEP gEttINg ThEse THinGs.”
“I have my ways, your highness~”
“ONe oF-f thEsE DAys I’ll fiGUre It ouT.” Error swears, playfully glaring at Killer- though he couldn’t keep the grin off of his face as Killer grins back.
“Hmm if you say so my prince, but I doubt it~”
“I’Ll makE A wHOle maFIa wiTH tHe soLe puRPosE OF caTChiNg yOu iN thE Act.”
“You can try….but I’m too sneaky for ya~!” Killer suddenly grabs Error by the waist and moves the glitch to his lap, having slid his hand behind the other as they talked.
Error squeaks and glitches in surprise, before bursting into quiet laughter, cuddling back into Killer.
“I’ll jUSt haVE tO HIre eVen moRE sNeaKy peoPLe thEn~” He leans back as Killer nuzzles into his neck, purring softly against him.
“Neh, I’m the sneakiest~”
“WeLl daMn- I guEss I’ll neVEr knOw~” Error purrs, offering the last bite of his croissant to Killer. The servant graciously opens his mouth to eat the treat, lightly licking Error’s phalanges as he does so, making the glitch blush.
“WhAT timE IS iT?”
“Time to go, sadly. Ya got some other meetings and stuff after etiquette so we’ll be busy till lunch.”
“UgGhh- I NEvEr eVen dO AnYthinG in ThoSe-” Other than purposely question every one of the nobles’ choices as they were almost always incredibly stupid and only benefit themselves- Error rarely puts any actual effort into anything, but he’ll do any research needed to bring them down a peg or two. It was hilarious to watch.
“It’s your presence that’s important, hot stuff~” Killer slowly stands, sitting Error up on his and fixing the prince’s dress. “Everyone just wants ta bask in your presence, my prince~”
“Ah yES- ‘cAUsE They aLl cleaRLy loVe mE So muCh.” Is Error’s dry response.
“Awww come on Ru~ I’ll be there ta keep ya company so it won't be all bad~”
“MMmh..”
After a few more complaints and whines, Killer gets Error to etiquette and the class is….as boring as usual- though the teacher throwing a bit of a hissy fit over his dress was as funny as it always is. Error was relieved to finally be done with it.
“HOw muCh fReE Time bEFore thE NExt thINg anD CaN I go HI-iDe iN a CubBORd.” Though it’s a question, Error just states it- already sounding done with the day.
“Ten minutes your highness.”
“DaMn. ALriGht thEn maY As weLL JuSt gEt thEre eARly I guEss-” Error mutters, heading to the usual meeting room- adjacent to the throne room.
“WHo’s iT WitH anD Do wE HaVe anY DirT On thEm?” Error- as any self respecting nobility would- has to have good blackmail on just about anyone with power, though no one ever tells him anything as a prince, so he usually has to leave it to Killer, even if he doesn’t like it. It was how the game is played and he has no choice but to play along.
“Yes, Duke Karlile has been illegally taking land from citizens and abusing his authority, though we have no proof.”
“I’ll mAkE SoMe fuCKin’ prOof-” Error mutters darkly. With a cruel grin Killer pulls out a folder of papers, handing it to the prince. The folder contains everything his servant could gather on the subject, claims from families, a few old contracts and a letter sent from the duke himself, but without something directly proving what the duke had done can be classified as thievery of fraud, nothing can really be done. Though now any threats Error makes can be backed up.
“YoU aRe a mAGic maN-” Error murmurs, smirking as he flicks through the papers, barely keeping himself from showing Killer the affection he deserves.
“I dON’t knoW Ho-OW yoU do iT~”
“I already told you~” After making sure no one is looking, Killer lightly nuzzles the side of Error’s skull with a wide, crooked grin. “I have my ways~”
“I dON’t deSErvE yoU~” Error leaves the quickest of kisses on his servant’s cheek, before pulling back and continuing to the meeting room, leaving Killer standing frozen for a moment, a bright red blush on his face.
“You coMINg?” The glitch calls back, proud of himself for finally pulling one over Killer. The servant blinks before pulling himself together and walking after the prince.
“Y-yes- sorry.”
Error barely holds back his giggle, reaching a hand back just slightly to reassure Killer was now following him again without actually looking back, Killer’s phalanges perfectly fitting into his.
“ANythINg ELse I shOUld knOw beFOre thE meEtinG STarTs?”
“Just that you're gorgeous~”
“WAtcH yoUr tonGUe.” Error warns playfully, though there is an underlying hint of worry in his voice. Killer gives him a reassuring smile, gently squeezing his hand.
“As you wish, my prince.” They begrudgingly pull away as they enter the meeting room. This is going to be an exhausting next few hours.
The second prince walks with his personal servant to the throne room where his father, the king, had called for him. The day has been stressful, but at least everything has gone according to plan. The nobles were handled in only a few hours leaving Error some time to refresh and have lunch before a class on business and trading.
That was when his father had called for him. The sun sets, shining a bright orange through the throne room as the two step in. At least two guards stand post on both sides of the door, the light shining off their armor.
“FAth-Her. YOu aSkeD FOr me?” Error bows his head slightly. His father was the only person he seemed to actually listen to without protest. The king looks troubled, bags under his sockets from an obvious lack of sleep and stress. He’s been like this since the queen's death, but something seems to be on his mind.
“Error, you remember the kingdom of Nega from your lessons, correct?”
“A neIGhboriNG KinGDom ThAT spECialIZeS-s iN naTUre aNd aGRicuLTurE, riGHt?” It’s a very simplified explanation, but Error figures it’s close enough as his father says nothing about it.
“Yes. I intend to form an alliance with them to help with the recent food shortage.” The king frowns deeply, somehow looking even more tired than usual as he prepares to get to the point of this conversation.
“...You are to be married to the crown prince of Nega by next week.”
Error freezes as he processes his father’s words, glitching violently and fighting back a hard crash.
“W-whA-AT-t.”
“T-THey’Ve already accepted the proposal and will be arriving in about a week for the ceremony, then you will go back with them.” The king's voice glitches a little, before going back to normal. This must have been a hard decision for him to make.
Killer stands quietly just behind Error, his fist clenched as his teeth grind together. He knew this was coming, it was inevitable….but still-
“....OK-kaY-y coOL-l coOL-l-l-” Error takes a breath, upset and angry. “If yoU Ne-Eed-D Me I-I’m ju-USt G-goNna-”
*Beeeeeeeep*
Error.exe has crashed. …Rebooting…
Error doesn’t even get to finish his sentence before he crashes, freezing and going limp. The prince falls back into Killer’s arms, who gently scoops him up to hold Error against his chest.
“Killer, take him to his room.” Nodding, the servant does as told, walking back through the halls as he suppresses the emotions threatening to overwhelm him. It’s not fair. It’s not fair that Error has to marry someone he doesn’t even know. It’s not fair Error doesn’t get a choice. Why couldn’t he have been born a noble or something!?
The walk feels longer than it is, Killer’s soul stings, but it feels numbed in some way. He sets Error down on the bed and begins going through the motions of undressing him. Letting time slip away from him.
The crash was as bad as Error had anticipated, and he doesn’t reboot for an hour- one of his longest ones to date.
“UgHhh…” The prince lets out a glitchy groan, blinking as he tries to get his eyelights to work properly. What had happened for him to crash so badly? He remembers being called by his father… then everything becomes a bit scrambled…
Finally focusing enough to see, Error shifts slightly to look around, ignoring the agitated glitching from his aching bones. He’s.. in his room? It’s- way cleaner than usual wow- and he’s pretty sure he’s not wearing his dress anymore.
After a moment, he sees the likely culprit- Killer- mindlessly organizing his yarns.
“...KilL?”
His servant pauses for a moment, before he goes back to the task he had started only minutes before.
“How do you feel?” He sounds off, the usual flirty tone and emotion in his servant’s voice replaced with an empty sound- worrying Error.
“...BEen beTtEr.” He admits, slowly sitting up with a grimace, holding his throbbing skull.
“WhAT HapPEnEd..?”
“Must of been a bad crash if ya don’t remember.”
“‘S alL kiNDa SCraMbleD ‘nd fUZzY.” Error carefully scoots to the edge of his bed, intent on going over to Killer.
“Don’t get up.” The servant doesn’t even turn to look at him, they both know he doesn’t need to, to ‘see’ Error anyway. “You’ll fall.”
“THeN coMe heRE anD HeLp mE ‘MeMBer.” Error pleads. For some reason Killer is acting distant and weird and he doesn’t like it. His servant doesn’t respond for a long minute, and Error was about to get up before Killer finally speaks.
“You're being married off to the crown prince of Nega, your highness.”
The glitch sucks in a breath, glitching painfully as his fragments of memories line up with Killer’s words, and he clenches his hands into tight fists as he stops a second crash, phalanges digging hard enough into his palms to bleed.
“O-oH….”
Killer gets up after organizing all Error’s yarn by size- it’s not like he can really see color- and moves on to organizing a small bookshelf on the other side of the prince's bed. Error could feel upset tears gathering in his sockets, but he ignores it in favor of looking at his servant through the error signs starting to fill his vision.
“K-kILleR..? PL-leASe coMe herE….” The glitch asks meekly, starting to stand to walk to Killer- desperately wanting his grounding touch. The other pauses again, but silently does as asked, crawling up onto the bed to pull Error back down onto it.
That's when Error sees it. Killer’s soul shudders and shifts uncontrollably, no longer the monster soul shape he had grown accustomed to. The servant lays back against the headboard, holding Error by the waist with an unreadable blank look as the glitch cups his cheek with a slightly bloody hand, clinging to him.
“...A-aRE yoU okAY? PLeAse taLK to mE-e.”
“This isn’t about me, Error.” Killer states curtly even as he leans into the other’s hands.
“I dO-on’T CAre. PleASe KillS? I doN’T LIkE Se-EeINg yoU LIke thiS.” Error murmurs pleadingly, sitting up to press their foreheads together as tears begin falling from his sockets with every blink.
Killer’s skeletal lips press together in a tight frown before he leans forwards into Error to hold him closer.
“It’s not…fair…if only I was a noble or something then I could….” His hand reaches up, hovering over Error’s face shakily before pulling away. “But I can’t….I can’t protect ya from this. All I can do is stand on the sidelines and watch as ya get married to someone you don’t even know!” ‘and not me’
A thick black liquid leaks from Killer’s sockets like tears, staining his face a deep harsh black. Error reaches up, gently trying to wipe it away.
“I kNOw- I KNow aND I’m soRrY-y anD IT’s stuPId-” Error doesn’t even know what he’s apologizing for.
“Don’t apologize…I’m mad for you not at you- heh.” Killer chuckles half heartedly, nuzzling their skulls together.
“I kNOw…” Error sighs tiredly, sockets closing for a moment as he leans more heavily against his servant.
“We’LL- wE’Ll gEt thROuGh thiS.” He swears. And Killer nods in understanding, holding the prince a little tighter.
Chapter 20: Fluffy Flowers
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error x Fgod!Error and one sided Nm’s gang x Fgod!Error
Most of this is just pure fluff-
Chapter Text
Eros watches Era weave flowers together, making…something out of them. Ink, this multivers’s Ink, made a new AU covered in flowers. He never knew there were so many different kinds in so many colors.
The sun is warm and the wind is gentle on his bones. It’s truly peaceful here….is this what it’s like to enjoy an AU? Other than Outertale, of course.
Era seems to be focused on the flowers in his hands, one of his tongues poking out from between his teeth in concentration as he uses a tiny, sharp bone construct to poke holes in them- he had tried using his phalanges but discovered they were too chewed up to do it effectively- before looping them together.
“It’s PRetTy.” Eros lays on his back, looking up into the bright blue sky.
“Hm?” Era doesn’t look away from his work, fastening the two ends of it together and making sure it’s secure.
“T-thE Au. T-tHeRe’s SPacE, bUt It’s N-Not-T EmpTy. It’S LikE OutErtAle.”
Era smiles softly. “YeAh- IT’s niCe~ It’s ExACtly LIkE I hAd IMaGinED WhEn I gAve INk thE IdeA.”
Eros blinks, sitting up to look at Era in surprise, the flowers shifting around him.
“YoU GA-aVe HiM THe IDeA-a?”
“Mhm. I GoTteN EmOTioNal aBoUT hoW LoVEly aNd pEaCEfuL fieLDs alwAYs seEMed- and cOMpaRed it tO OuTertALe aCtualLy… AbOut hoW thE RoLLInG fIElds wEre A coNTraSt to ITs eNdless skY, anD hoW It feLt liKe thE YaNg to OuTertALe’s YIN. A fieLd of flOwERs iS WaRm anD BriGht, fuLL Of lifE- ANd a sKY Of stArs iS cooL aNd qUIeT, eMptY YeT infINitE in a bEAuTifuL Way~ ANd soMehoW, dESpiTe bEIng sO DifFErent, thEY’re thE ExACt saMe. CaLm anD FulL anD AbSolUTely aMazINg~” Era pauses and flushes a bit, seeming to realize he was rambling. “A-aND I guESs Ink wENt witH ThE ideA.”
Ever so gently, Eros comes up to hug Era from behind, nuzzling into his neck to cover it in sweet little kisses~
“I LiK-Ke It~”
Era almost loses his grip on his now finished flower crown he had made for Eros, his blush deepening. “I-I’m GlaD~”
The bigger skeleton purrs, licking up Era’s neck as he holds his back against his chest. Eros is so happy he came here, even if he did doom his multiverse in doing so…and while he may not be dead like he wanted, he found something better~
The small glitch shivers in Eros’ hold, tilting his head away to give the other better access as he relaxes against him. After a moment Era puts the flower crown on Eros’ head, knowing that if this kept up the larger destroyer would just completely unravel him… Not that he’s complaining.
Eros stops for a moment, looking up at the intricately woven bundle of flowers on his skull curiously.
“Di-Id YoU MAke ThiS For Me?”
“Y-yEah… Do yOU LiKe it?”
Eros looks back down at Era and gently presses their lips together in a kiss. It’s slow and soft, nothing but loving.
Era practically melts into the kiss, purring softly and happily as he cuddles close to the other glitch. Humming Eros slowly pulls away with a loving smile only Era ever gets to see. It almost instantly makes the smaller’s white eyelight become a heart every time.
“I LiK-ke It, But I LOv-vE you~<3”
“I rEally lOve yoU ToO~” Era breathes, overwhelmed with just how much he loves the other. Eros kisses him again and again and again. Over and over until he’s laying on his back with the bigger skeleton leaning over him.
“MIne~ A-aLl MIne~”
“A-aLL YoUrs~” The small glitch confirms breathlessly, not even caring about the squished flowers beneath him, eyelights only on Eros. Who nuzzles his skull up under Era’s chin, rubbing their bodies together affectionately.
Era hums and purrs quietly, wrapping his arms around Eros and tilting his head down to kiss the top of his skull, rubbing the other’s back as he holds him. The larger destroyer purrs back contently, going limp with his arms still wrapped around Era’s waist as he lays on top of him.
“I-i’Ll DO-o AnyT-thIng foR YOu~ ANytHiN-nG And EverY-yThING~”
“AnD I’ll hElp yoU REst~ I’ll bE hEre ALwAys~” Era relaxes under Eros’ comforting weight as the larger peppers his neck with kisses, drawing a quiet, pleased sound from him. “I lOve you~”
“I L-LOvE YoU MOr-Re~”
Era just smiles and nuzzles Eros, knowing that if he started this ‘argument’ he wouldn’t be the one finishing it. Still, Eros nuzzles back, his purring making his chest vibrate against the smaller.
It’s funny, the first time he heard Eros purr the larger skeleton was so confused, he had never heard himself purr before, or at least it had been long enough for him to forget he could. Now though, Eros purrs every time he has the chance to cuddle against Era, as long as thair against one another, he’s purring.
Era himself tended to purr less, but any time Eros was purring, he himself couldn’t help but purr back- even if it was extremely quiet, easier felt than heard at times.
They lay like this for who knows how long, enough for the sun to set over a distant mountain and the crickets to chirp and the sky darkens. It's peaceful, just the two of them in this beautiful world. Sometimes it’s easy to forget about anything else but this. Just these wonderful moments that they share together.
Era lays face down on the floor of their new home, having tripped and unable to find the motivation to get back up just yet. Honestly it’s fairly comfy too- he likes the texture of the rug against his face. The Creators seem to have gotten a bunch of motivation lately, and he’s been swamped with work as new AUs popped up that needed more editing than usual.
Era’s never been more thankful for Eros- the taller destroyer was able to take some universes from him to edit in his place, which is where he’s pretty sure what Eros is doing right now.
As if on cue, a portal opens in their room and his mate steps out calling his name. Eros is always thinking about him- jeez.
“‘M ‘rREe.” Era calls back, words muffled by the carpet. He hears Eros’ footsteps as the taller glitch walks over to him. With a small hum, his skull is poked.
“E-erA? W-whAT aR-re yA doIng?”
“Mn. FeLL.” He mumbles, tilting his head a bit to look at Eros, the tall glitch giving him a look of confusion.
“AnD YoU DI-iDn’T GeT uP?”
“Eh.” Era gives a half shrug and closes his sockets, tired. He blames the Creators overworking him.
After a moment of silence, Era suddenly finds himself being picked up and snuggled in Eros’ arms, the taller glitch nuzzling him aggressively, startling a laugh out of him.
“WhAt’re yOU DoiNG-?”
“LovINg M-mY MatE~ My-Y AmaZINg, preTtY m-aTE~”
The smaller skeleton blushes and whines a bit at the praise, trying to hide his face- though he doesn’t bother trying to escape his mate’s hold. Eros purrs loudly, a smile on his face as he sits down on one of the beanbags they have in the living room.
“BeSt-T mATe~ MiNE mi-INe miNE~”
“I- I’m noT SUrE I’m thE BeSt-” Era mutters, flustered. “I’m aLl yoUrs thoUgH~”
“ThE BEsT~!” Eros insists before pulling a chocolate bar out from under the beanbag. He has a habit of hiding his chocolate all over the house in fear someone will take it from him. Honestly Era can’t complain- he knows it’s a trauma response and it makes it easy to grab chocolate whenever.
“HmMm.. If yA sAy so…”
“ChoColATe?” Eros breaks off a piece of the candy bar and holds it lightly with his teeth for Era to take. The small glitch doesn’t hesitate to lean in to take the chocolate, giving his mate a quick kiss at the same time.
With a happy wiggle, Eros does it again, holding a piece of chocolate in his mouth with a big goofy grin on his face. Despite his exhaustion, Era can’t help but smile back, happy to see his mate happy- even with something as silly as this.
“WaNt To taKE a naP?” Eros asks after the chocolate bar is gone, and Era just shrugs a bit in response.
“Nap thEN.” The taller glitch turns to curl around Era and nestle them deeper into the beanbag, gently tucking his mate's skull beneath his chin. Era immediately relaxes into Eros, nuzzling him with a hum.
“‘M noT THaT tirEd..” He blatantly lies, not fooling anyone let alone his lie detector of a mate.
“SeeEep~”
“NuUuu-” Era mumbles, even as his sockets close and he relaxes further against his mate, the low rumble of the larger’s purring only pulling him down deeper.
“YuuUus~”
Era makes one last weak noise of protest as he falls asleep, his own quiet and sleepy purring starting up as Eros looks at him with nothing but love.
“My-Y MatE~<3”
~
“My king, the portal is ready.” A monochrome dressed skeleton reports to the dark being sitting on the black throne before him. Their tentacles curl and shift impatiently behind them as their single teal eyelight pieces the soldier.
“Good. It is about time we find him.” The being stands, ever so gracefully making his way past the soldier, who quickly follows behind “I’m tired of waiting.”
~
“ErA-a NuuUuu-!” Eros whines as he reaches out towards his mate, who had just escaped the cuddle attack Eros was unleashing upon him. Now usually Era would never turn down cuddles, but he promised Blue he would help him make tacos for taco tuesday, just the two of them.
“ErOS I ProMisEd BluE I tOld yoU THis YeSteRDay-” Era can’t help but grin a bit at his mate’s antics. He would go to nuzzle him but he’s pretty sure he’d just get trapped again.
“B-bUt-” They both know he just doesn’t want Era to leave. He does this literally every time. It’s both very endearing and annoying.
“It’LL OnlY Be a feW hoUrS, EroS.” The small glitch reassures, though it doesn’t seem to work as his mate lets out a long sad whine, his grabby hands wiggling more intensely.
“ErosSs- hONey I’ll Be baCk bEfoRe yoU KnOw iT- anD I’ll tuG oN YOur stRINg iF I nEed yoU.” If Era wasn’t already going to be a bit late at this point, he would’ve succumbed to his mate’s wishes, but he promised and he doesn’t break promises.
Eros, of course, pouts heavily at him, but eventually gives in with a small request.
“C-caN I geT a KIss?”
“Of coURsE~” Era easily agrees, stepping back within arms reach and making his own grabby hands for Eros to bend down and his mate does so, placing a sweet, deep kiss on his mouth that Era melts into- before forcing himself to pull back.
“I loVE You EroS~”
“I loV-vE yoU toO Er-rA~” The taller glitch smiles at him and lets him leave even if he does whine a little watching Era steps out the door, the small skeleton pausing just long enough to blow a kiss before heading through a portal.
Shit Eros misses him already. He really wishes he could be with Era all the time, but he kind of gets it. His Nightmare used to make the gang leave when he wanted to be alone….maybe it’s the same for Era?
Meanwhile Era was already very much gushing about his mate to an amused Blue.
Only a few universes away, Eros lays outside in the flower fields of their home, staring at the sky in a sleepy daze. He doubts he will actually fall asleep, but this is nice at least….relaxing~ He’s not sure how long he lays there until he feels an odd shift in the code and immediately sits up, standing in a defensive position as he grabs at his strings.
A portal opens only seconds later, mere meters away from where he’s standing. For a good moment, nothing happens….until several skeletons come tumbling out of the opening, falling into each other in a heap of bones.
After another second, Era’s portal also appears in between Eros and the pile of skeletons, the small glitch quickly stumbling through with a shouted apology back to Blue as he pulls out his own strings- clearly having felt that same weird shifting in the code.
They both stand in wait for the pile of monsters to move, waiting to see if they were a threat….but the more Eros looks…
“N-niGHtmare…?”
With a puzzled look, Eros steps closer to the mass, watching as it shifts a little and a familiar voice groans in both pain and confusion.
“NigHty-??” Era blinks in confusion- the aura only sort of feels like Nightmare’s…but Eros seems to recognize it. Just in case, the taller glitch does a quick deep CHECK on what sounds and looks like Nightmare. And after only a moment of reading, he hurries over to wiggle into the pile and embrace the disoriented guardian.
“Error…? Is that..you..?” The goopy skeleton looks like he’s still trying to collect himself, his eyelight fuzzy with his magic feeling so out of whack.
“...ThiS iS YoUr gaNG-!!” Era realizes, doing a little happy dance for his mate- Eros had talked about them before and he always sounded sad when they were brought up, so he’s happy that somehow they seem to have made their way here. Actually wait no- this Nightmare seems out of whack he should feel sad maybe that’ll help-
Eros nods at him, both of them actually, and carefully picks the guardian up. Despite how disoriented he obviously is, Nightmare’s tentacles stay firmly wrapped around the other skeletons in the pile.
From what Era can see, they look almost exactly like his gang, except with more scars and completely out cold.
“MultivErse TraVe-Ele can Be….DisorieNtinG?” The way Eros says it makes his observation sound more like a question, not quite sure if he used the right word or not.
“ShoULd I heAL thEm? WoUld thAt do anYThiNg iT seEmeD To HeLp yoU-?” Era’s hands are already glowing green as he takes a hesitant step closer.
“Y-yOu caN TrY? I don’T knOW whAt It wIlL Do.” Nightmare is the only one conscious enough to speak, even if he can’t quite acknowledge his surroundings, at least none of them look injured in any way.
With that, Era moves to stand in front of Nightmare and gently places his hands on the other’s skull to carefully push healing magic into him. His Nightmare only really needs negativity to heal, but maybe it’ll help? It takes several moments, but slowly, Nightmare’s eyelight begins to focus and it eventually able to look around and think clearly.
“It…worked..” The guardian's eyelightly slowly looks around before falling onto the skeleton holding him. It could only be one person, no other would dare pick him up without so much as batting a socket.
“Error…” Eros will admit it’s odd, hearing Nightmare using such a bewildered…and almost relieved tone. Era can’t help but snort at the look on his mate’s face as he continues his healing. If healing magic works on the rest of Eros’ gang as well, then he’s pretty sure he can pull it off.
“Uh-h HUh. It’s mE.” Eros looks away from Nightmare to look at his mate as he asks. “ShoULd We taKe thEm insIde? The GuesT bEdRooM?”
“I thINk thE LivINg roOM shOuld woRK foR Now… buT LemME Try gEttINg tHe oTheRs uP.” Era replies, moving away from Nightmare only to pull Eros down enough to kiss his cheek with a smile, before deciding trying to heal this Killer next is probably the best option. Hopefully.
Both Errors miss the perplexed and suddenly jealous look on Nightmare’s face as he glares daggers at Era before wiggling out of Eros’ grip to shakily stand on his own. Sadly he has to use the tall glitch for support.
Era carefully separates the unconscious pile of skeletons using his strings, before moving to Killer and gently placing his hands on his skull much like he had with Nightmare, his hands lighting up green. Though, unlike with Nightmare, he actively makes sure that his intent is peaceful and non threatening- the Killer he knows can be a bit… stabby .. at times, so better safe than sorry.
“Who is that?” Nightmare asks Eros, his voice more snippy and hostile than the either of them would like.
“Er-rROr- ThiS Multi-IVerSes ErRor. Or eRa! I’m erOs!” Said skeleton wiggles happily, quite pleased to tell the goopy skeleton his new name and favorite person. Nightmare is shocked for a moment, not by Eros’ words but by….the obvious display of emotions. Usually Eros is very closed off and the gang have only been able to get rare little moments of the glitch’s true feelings. He’s good at hiding them, even from Nightmare.
Killer shifts, the tenses in his face slowly relaxing, even though he doesn’t wake up. Era hums and heals him a bit more, figuring it’s better than nothing, but pokes him in the cheek a bit just to see if he can get a reaction.
The Killer doppelganger’s face scrunches up and he tries nipping at Era’s phalange-!
“KiLLeR no- WaKe up.” Era says sternly, lightly flicking Killer’s skull with a snort, the offending skeleton slowly turning over to escape the attack.
“He’s not going to wake up, you know, mon cheri.” Nightmare informs him with a calculating glare as he stands to his full height- and holy shit-
“...HoLy cRaP yoU’rE so TaLL-” Is Era’s intelligent response as he stops trying to annoy Killer awake in favor of staring at Nightmare, who raises a bonebrow at him in confusion.
“And that is surprising why? Is my counterpart really so short that your reaction is warranted?”
“NigHTy’s oNlY a feW INcHes tAlleR thAn me USuaLly anD YoU’re ALmoSt aS Tall AS ErOs!” Era exclaims, getting over his shock and poking Killer a few more times, before giving up and moving over to heal Cross. He’s not going to try waking Horror or Dust without at least one other member awake.
“Hmmm how interesting…” The Nightmare mumbles as Cross’s face relaxes, much like how Killer’s had initially. Once he’s satisfied with the amount of healing, Era starts poking Cross’ cheek.
“CrOss CRosS cRoss WaKe uP-”
“Cross. We don’t have time for your slacking. Wake, post haste.” With Nightmare’s words, the monochrome skeleton’s sockets flutter open, fuzzy and disoriented as he tries to sit up, with the help of Nightmare’s tentacle tightly holding him around the waist as Era moves back to give him a bit of space- though he keeps his hands on the other’s skull as he starts pumping some more healing magic into him.
The alternate Cross gathers himself rather quickly, taking a deep breath and carefully moving his body to steady his magic until he’s more aware of his surroundings. Once he sees Era however, he tenses, his expression perfectly blank despite the slight panic his Nightmare can sense from him.
The small glitch is quick to pull away with a nervous smile and wave, before remembering to cancel his healing magic.
“Uh- Hi-?”
Cross doesn’t respond, looking over at Eros and Nightmare for a moment where the goopy skeleton takes the chance to nod his way. HIs mismatched eyes make their way back to Era, still suspicious of him, but no longer as aggressive.
“Hello….other Error.”
“I gO By Era. I’m- uM- gONnA Go hEaL DUsT anD HoRroR-”
The monochrome skeleton abruptly stands up, managing to keep himself upright enough to look threatening without changing his expression at all…well besides looking a little strained, but you can only tell if you're looking for it.
“Cross, stand down.” Nightmare orders, the monochrome skeleton looking his way.
“Error- Eros….trusts him.” That seems to get a reaction, Cross’s closed off look changing to one of surprise before looking at Era in consideration and hesitantly stepping aside.
“I wOuLd hoPe hE TruSts mE-” Era mutters with a playful look at his mate, before scooting over to heal Horror. The large skeleton doesn’t wake up from his…sleep, and neither does Dust, much like Killer, the two ignore Era’s poking- making the small glitch pout and whine a bit. He wants to meet them.
“They will wake up eventually. The void’s effects are quite harsh and not easily shaken off.” The Nightmare supplies, his limp tentacles still on the ground only proving his point.
“Hm If yoU’rE SurE.” Era stands and dusts some petals off of himself, before picking up the three still unconscious skeletons with his strings. “WhY Don’t We heAD inSidE? It’ll pRoBaBLy bE MorE ComfORtaBle thAn stAndinG In thE FLowErs. We’LL AlsO proBaBly haVe tO FigUre ouT NiCknamES anD I’ll haVe tO Tell mY NigHt aNd DreAM abOuT yoU GUys bEfoRe thEy cOme thINkINg thEre’S A thReaT-”
The conscious doubles both stiffen at Era’s words, well- at a particular name.
“ Did you just say Dream? ”
“YeAh? Oh riGht- yoUrs- uH- I prOMisE ThiS DreAM iSn’t bAd-! He aNd NIghT ArE SLowLy reConNEctINg- tHeY EVeN haVe weEKly BitChinG SesSIons- thOuGh DreAM MoStly coMplaINs aBouT INk iT’s preTtY FuNny-” Era rambles, panicking slightly. Eros can’t have that.
The tall glitch walks around Nightmare and Cross to nuzzle into his mate’s neck from behind, wrapping his arms around the smaller’s waist and holding him close. Era sighs and leans back into him, quickly relaxing in the safety of his mate’s arms.
“So yEaH- noNE of tHe STaRs wiLL huRt YoU. TheY’ll prOBaBly aVoiD YOu, iF AnYThiNg. ThE BalaNCe doEsn’T ExiSt herE In thE SaMe wAy it doEs foR YOur mULtiVerSe, anD AnY figHts BetWeEn InK And I oR NigHtmARe aNd DReAm aRe juSt foR fun.”
The look on the two’s faces is priceless, so confused with both shock and disbelief as they stare. It actually has Eros giggling a little, Era joining in after a moment.
“Do I TeLL thEm aBouT The CReaTOrs Or givE THem a sEcoND To pRocesS?” The small glitch asks his mate.
“ProCesS.” Eros responds with a nuzzle, lightly rubbing Era’s sides.
“As much as…you lying to us is unlikely with Eros around to vouch for you, I can’t believe it.” Cross’s words are understandable. From what Eros had told him about their world, their multiverse is basically at war. A war where they are labeled as the bad guys despite fighting desperately to try and keep their home intact.
Suddenly coming to a multiverse basically at peace, it sounds pretty jarring.
“It tOoK EroS AwhILe tO BelieVe iT TOo, doN’T woRry.” Era reassures, unable to help arching slightly into said skeleton’s touch with a pleased hum, not unlike a cat. Nightmare gives them an unreadable look of distaste, while Cross’s sockets narrow.
“Mind I inquire about your…relationship with Eros?” Nightmare sounds less than pleased with his own question, somehow it comes out sounding more like a threat- something Era definitely notices if the way he raises a curious brow says anything.
“We’rE MAteS.”
The reaction was instantaneous, both skeletons let out a low hostile growl that has Era tensing and glitching slightly, but before they can do anything with that hostility, Eros growls back just as much, if not even more, threateningly, making them both shut their mouths.
Era just… sorta shrinks back nervously, confused by the alternates’ reaction- especially Cross’. His Cross only really growls when Killer is being particularly annoying- was he being annoying without realizing it-?
Eros stops his growls to nuzzle back into Era, giving both Nightmare and Cross a glare. At least they have the decency to at least look like they feel guilty.
“My….apologies Errors.”
“Yeah…sorry..”
“It’S uM- fiNe- SorRY if I AnNoyED yoU…” The small glitch mutters, not sure what he might’ve done wrong but feeling bad for it anyways. Era gives a nuzzle to his mate before gently slipping out of his hold, moving to the three still unconscious skeletons.
“I’m- goNnA Go sET TheSE ThrEe uP IN thE LivINg rOom.” Is it maybe a bit rude to escape the oddly- tense?- situation? Probably, but he doesn’t want to accidentally upset them more, so with that he glitches himself and the sleeping skeletons to Eros and his living room, setting Horror on the beanbag, Dust on the couch, and Killer in a hammock, while Eros deals with the other two.
“W-wHY diD Ya-A Do thAT?” The tall glitch asks as he glares daggers at both Cross and NIghtmare, neither able to hold his gaze.
“I’m sorry Error…I didn't mean to upset…your mate.” Cross tells him, genuinely looking apologetic, even as he struggles to get the last bit out of his mouth.
“Yes…that was not my intention either.”
“T-teLl hiM SOrRy thEN. He-S NOt anOYinG.”
“Very well then..”
Back at the house, Era had gotten some soft blankets made from his and Eros’ strings, and carefully tucked them around the other three and is now making some hot chocolate and tea, picking nervously at his phalanges as he waits for the milk and water to boil. It’s pretty obvious Eros’ Nightmare and Cross don’t like him- not that he blames them, he is an unknown person and they’re probably just cautious- but he’s hoping that maybe this’ll help.
He looks over his shoulder at the sound of the front door opening, Eros walking in first before his Cross and Nightmare follow in behind him.
“Oh wow. This place is nice Erro- Eros.” The monochrome skeleton quickly corrects himself as he looks around the comfortable and relatively plain space. It was obviously made with the Errors in mind, with lots of empty space and a wide open design, large windows on almost every wall to make it feel even bigger.
“MhM! ThE InK-k HerE maDe i-IT foR uS. He’S NicE.”
“YeAh- He maDE THis whOLe AU, aCtuaLLy.” Era adds, hiding his slightly bleeding hand as he uses the other to stir the slowly heating up milk, taking the kettle off of the stove right before it whistles. His mate walks over to hug and cuddle him like he usually does, only to watch as Era tries to hide his injured hand from sight. Of course Eros notices.
Without saying a word, the tall glitch grabs Era’s arm and pulls it up to inspect before putting the phalange in his mouth to suck on.
“It’S FinE I wAs jusT NerVouS- PLeAse giVe mE My haNd baCk beForE THe mILk bOILs OveR-” Era mumbles with a blush, trying to shoo his mate away as he grabs a few different kinds of tea and teacups. Eros pouts at him, but slowly pulls Era’s phalange out of his mouth and lets go with one final lick.
He completely misses the flabbergasted looks on the two skeletons behind them.
“Now sHOo- ACtuALly waIT-” Era quickly puts all of the tea things on a tray and hands it to Eros. “TakE THeM To thE LivINg roOM anD GivE ThiS To yoUr NigHtmaRe foR me aS An aPoLOgy- If he DoeSN’t liKe iT I’m aLso maKinG Hot cHocOLAte noW shoO-”
The tall glitch blinks at him for a moment before he does as he was told and carries them over to the living room with Cross right behind him, Nightmare on the other hand, stays put. The goopy skeleton stares at Era contemplatively, before walking over to him and letting a tentacle lightly tap the glitch’s shoulder to get his attention, making him flinch a bit in surprise.
“Y-yEs?”
NIghtmare leans down over his shoulder, invading the small glitch’ personal space a bit, but he makes sure not to touch Era as he whispers.
“You weren't being annoying. I don’t know where you could have gotten such an idea from mon cheri. We are just….protective of Error. I’m sure you understand. He is quite amazing is he not~?”
Nightmare’s voice is so hushed and quiet that it sounds almost husky, a deep, low rumble that has Era blushing, mind screeching to a halt. Holy fuck?? Has his Nightmare ever sounded like this???
“Y-yuP OKay-” He manages to squeak out and Nightmare smirks.
“Good~ I’m glad we understand each other~” Without another word, the taller pulls away to go sit down with Cross, moving to lay Dust’s skull in his lap.
Era uses the time it takes to finish the hot chocolate to gather himself back up and do his best to brush off the confusing encounter- it was both oddly threatening but not? He’s not sure how to feel about it other than wanting to go hide.
Still, Era fills three mugs with hot chocolate and makes his way to the living room. Eros immediately makes grabby hands from his place on the large bean bag they have beside the couch, wanting to hold Era like usual. Cross on the other hand, looks ready to make grabby hands at the chocolate- and Era’s quick to hand him a mug before heading to his mate.
“ConSIDeR It aPoloGY hoT ChoCOlaTe. F-foR EaRLIeR- mY CroSs only ReaLLy gRowLs whEN KilLer’S BeiNg paRticULArly aNnoyINg, sO…”
“Oh…Oh- no no I wasn’t annoyed with you, Era.” He takes the coco and only examines it for a moment before taking a quick sip, showing no reaction to the steaming liquid other than a sleight up turn of the corner of his mouth. Era counts it as a win.
“Oh- uM- OkaY.” The small glitch awkwardly replies, before deciding it’s time to hide in Eros’ arms, his mate nuzzling and coddling him with a happy little purr.
“You are quite a shy one.” Comes Nightmare’s voice as the goppy guardian lightly stirs his tea.
“DunNO How tO aCt..” Era admits, handing Eros the hot chocolate so he can properly bury himself against his side, hiding his face. The tall glitch sips it lightly as his free hand rubs his mate’s back. Nightmare raises a brow.
“Awkward then.” He twitches as Nightmare pauses to take a sip of his drink as well. “You at least make a good cup of tea.”
“ThAnks.” The small glitch deadpans. Wow this Nightmare is very rude, managing to both insult and compliment him at the same time. It’s almost impressive-
After several more stirs of his cup, adding a little more sugar, Nightmare speaks again. “Now, tell me more about this Multiverse, if you would.”
Era internally groans a bit, wanting to be done with talking, but uncovers his face to begin explaining.
“OkAy- Do yoU WaNT mE to sTaRT frOm thE beGinnINg oR JusT ExPlaIN ImpORtaNt bitS THat aRe acTuaLLy reLEvAnt to noW?”
“Relevant now.”
“AlriGHt- So thE baLANce iN ThiS muLtivErsE Is reALly oNly beTweEN LifE And DeaTh wHIcH preTty mUCh onLy ReAPerTale deALs wiTh. The oTheR bAlaNCes TechNIcaLLy eXisT, bUt thEy aRen’t suPeR ReleVAnt anD Are PreTty seLf-reGUlaTinG.
“My NIgHtmare iS thE KinG ANd GUaRdiaN Of NeGatiVITy, anD DreAM Is thE GuaRDian Of pOsiTIvitY- DreAm usEd to Be The woRSt- thOugH I waS insANe theN so I miGht bE biaSed- buT hAs sinCe mATureD A loT.” Era rambles.
The two guests take everything he says in, listening to every word as Era continues to ramble on and on. The smaller glitch gets so caught up in his rambling in fact that he talks for about an hour, only stopping when Dust groans and turns to snuggle his skull into Nightmare’s middle.
“...ShoULd I heAL hiM moRe-? WouLD thAt helP?” Era asks quietly.
“Do not waste your magic mon cheri. He’s simply tired from the draining experience.”
“My maGIc’s hiGh riGHt noW So iF it’D helP THeN it’S Not a WaSte.”
Nightmare gives him a look before sighing and taking another sip of his tea. “Fine, if that is what you wish.”
With a happy wiggle and a quick peck on Eros’ cheek, Era hops up and quietly makes his way over to heal Dust. As Era kneels down, Nightmare’s tentacles begin to lightly poke his sides- and other than an initial squeak, Era ignores it with practiced ease as he puts his hands on Dust’s skull, gently pushing healing magic into him.
After a few moments Dust’s sockets flutter open with a grumble.
“Hnn…fuck off…”
“NaH.” Era replies with a snort as Dust sleepily bats at him before curling up into Nightmare some more.
“LemME HeAl ya biTcH-”
“Fuck you-”
“I’m goOD thAnKs- EroS HAs diBs.” One of Nightmare’s tentacles pokes him a bit harder for that comment, before lightly tugging him aside. The king abruptly stands, shoving Dust off his lap and into the floor without remorse.
“H-hey-!”
Era holds back a snicker, before scooting back over to gently poke Dust, who angrily swipes at him.
“Who the fuck-” He stops mid glare, looking Era up and down, before looking around him to look at Eros, who waves at him.
“....So it worked right?”
“No thERe’s JuSt TWo raNdOM ErrORs noW.” Is Era’s sarcastic response, earning him a deadpan from Dust, not looking even slightly amused.
“Ha ha. You so fucking funny.” Dust stands, straightening his jacket as Nightmare takes his seat once more, not even slightly sorry for his actions.
“I’m GLaD yoU ThiNk so~!” Era says cheerfully, crawling back towards his mate, too lazy to stand back up. Dust gives them a look, much like Nightmare only an hour earlier, before getting up and plopping himself down on Eros’ other side.
“So- who are ya?”
“I’m ErA- thE DeStroYEr oF thiS MuLtivERse.”
“Huh- fun.” Dust mumbles before snuggling up into Era’s side and curling in on himself. Wow- this Dust is actually kinda small. He looks tiny compared to Eros- Era’s Killer would love this.
Figuring Dust didn’t look in the mood to keep talking, Era stays quiet, idly picking at his phalanges, which Eros quickly stops by holding his hand and nuzzling the back of his neck.
“NUu-” Era whines, halfheartedly attempting to twist his hand out of his mate’s hold, drawing a small laugh from Eros.
“YuUs~ My haNd-d noW~”
“ThiS IS thEfT hoW daRe-” The small glitch playfully accuses with a gentle headbutt, making Eros smile at him with a little kiss. Something pokes them both and they turn to see Dust giving the two glitches a dirty look.
“Include me or shut up-”
“HEre TakE hiM He’s A HaNd stEALer-”
Dust stares at him for a moment before grinning and sitting up to shamelessly place a kiss on Eros’ mouth. It’s short, but it leaves both glitches perplexed and in shock.
“...Huh.” Era turns to his mate. “I thOUgHt yoU SaiD THey juST toLEraTed YOu?” He asks- not accusing, just confused, Eros doesn’t look much better.
“T-thEy dId…?” He sounds very unsure, luckily Cross is there to answer the unspoken question.
“Only tolerated you? We kept trying to get you to move in and no matter how many times we insisted you aren’t a bother, you wouldn’t let us help you unless you were so torn apart you couldn’t move.” The oreo sounds frustrated and for good reason.
“Wh- EroS! YoU duMbaSS- I knEW YOu wEre baD At leTtinG ME HelP buT Fox-” Era sounds both exasperated and fond- mostly exasperated though- as he gives his mate a Look. Eros at least looks guilty even if he doesn’t really get it.
“B-buT I aM A b-boThE-er-”
“No. Eros loVE We TaLked aBouT THis, reMEmBer? YOu cAn alWaYS teLL whEn I’m lyiNG, sO yoU KnoW I’m noT WheN I sAy yoU aRe NOt . A boTHeR. AlriGht?”
“...o-Ok.” Eros answers quietly. It’s hard to try convincing the skeleton of something when the opposite has been drilled into him for hundreds of years. Luckily for him, no one here plans on giving up on him.
“GooD Boy~” Era murmurs with a nuzzle, knowing Eros was just as much of a sucker for genuine praise as he is. The blush he gets in return for such words is more than worth it.
“I’m still here damn it-!”
Era can’t help but laugh a bit. “DoEs iT loOK liKe I’m TryINg To sTop yoU?”
Dust gives him an annoyed look before that same mischievous grin crosses his face for only a moment. In one swift move, Dust leans forward to give Era a kiss this time, pulling away with the same ‘I don’t give a fuck’ look he usualy wears.
“Stop interruptin’ my nap.”
Era glitches in surprise, blushing and staring at Dust as his brain visibly seems to shut down, before he turns to his mate for help. It’s not that he’s necessarily upset about the sudden kiss- but he really doesn’t know this Dust and it’s just… uncomfortable?
Eros doesn’t look like he knows what to do eather, but Dust doesn’t say anything else as he turns to go back to, what he can only guess, is sleep.
“Dust. It is rude to kiss a stranger.” Nightmare scolds firmly, literally sensing Era’s discomfort. Dust just huffs and nuzzles his face deeper into the gap between Eros and the beanbag. Era just shrugs a bit awkwardly, settling back down on Eros’ other side.
“I apologize for that on his behalf. He has no sense of personal space.” Nightmare glances over at Killer, frowning. “Much like you, Killer. Are you finished playing dead yet?”
The skeleton laying limp in the hammock suddenly giggles, slowly sitting up to give Nightmare a wide grin.
“Aww ya caught me boss~”
“I wAs woNDerIN’ whEn He’d geT Up-” Era mumbles, not at all surprised. The Killer sans swings his legs over the edge of the hammock and stands to stretch as far as he can, groaning as his back pops, and Era pauses, gaping up at the way taller skeleton. Killer looks almost as tall as Eros’ Nightmare-!
“Like what ya see little glitch~?” The other asks in a typical Killer tone, giving him a wink for good measure. Eros is obviously the tallest with Nightmare as a close second, Killer seems to be the third tallest in the group, beating Cross by at least a few inches.
“YOu aRe… sO taLL hoLy shiT-”’
Killer snorts, raising a brow at Era curiously. “Yeah I guess so~ Or maybe you’re just real small like bunny~”
“Fuck off Killer-”
“My KilLeR Is ShoRTer ThaN mE yoU’rE A FreAKin’ giANt-!” Era exclaims, throwing his arms up, much to everyone’s amusement.
“Eros is taller than me, bud~”
“Fuckin’ bara’s.” Dust mumbles.
“EroS DOeSn’t couNT yoU’re taLL As fuCk-”
“Huh- I didn’t know fuck had a hight limit~” He gets the bird for that one, making him laugh.
“I dReAD The meETinG BetwEen yoU ANd mY KilleR-” Era mutters as he looks the stupidly tall skeleton over with apraising eyelights, gaze lingering on his forearms. Though he can’t actually tell anything, he hopes that this Killer doesn’t have the same- problem isn’t quite the right word- that his own still occasionally struggles with.
The Killer gives him a questioning look, his sockets narrowing.
“Whatcha lookin’ for little glitch?”
“Hm… NoThiNg foR NOw I suPpoSE.” Era states with a shrug, unconsciously rubbing the faint scars on his own forearms, looking Killer over for a touch longer, only to pause when he notices the oddly high turtleneck. He might have to keep a socket on that- just in case.
“...Ok then…So! How ya been Eros~? Ya look like your doin’ a lot better~”
Killer plops down on the ground, leaning against the small bean bag with Horror sleeping peacefully on top. The tall glitch thinks for a moment as he nuzzles the side of Era’s skull, lightly peppering it with kisses.
“I aM-m. It’s NIcE HerE.”
“I woULd hoPE YoU’d thiNK so- thE CReaTors aLonE lovE You I swEAr-” They’re usually left alone, but any time either of them enter the antivoid they’re bombarded with questions and (in Eros’ case) praise of all kinds.
“Creators?”
“CreATorS, VoICes, whATevEr. It’S Ink ANd My JoB to heLp thEm ouT- He iNSpirEs anD HelPS ThEm maKe AUs, anD I DesTroY anD EdiT thEm as nEedED. We dOn’t haVE tO woRry abOut baLAncEs beCAusE oF thEm- thE MulTIVeRse exPAndS ANd aDjuSts aS NeEDed.” Era explains.
“Huh…that’s weird to think about.” Killer mumble
“Ah, that reminds me.” Nightmare sets his third cup of tea down on the table with a sigh before looking back up at the two Errors seriously.
“While we came to check on Eros, yes. We also came here for another reason.”
“Hm?” Era tilts his head, brows furrowing in concern.
“Our Ink and Dream have been working on a device with Sci and Core Frisk’s help to open a portal here. They are coming to take him back.”
“...HeRe? LikE- hEre heRE? OvEr mY dusT-” Era’s already scheming.
“This multiverse, well- more like wherever Eros is. We actually only managed to get here due to watching them. They’ve been using the remnants of Eros’ magic to form a sort of tracking system.”
“EroS ERos LEmMe sEt BLue And FreSh oN ‘eM-”
“BUt I don-N’t waNt thEM to dIe?”
“YeAH ThAt’s whY I Didn’T SaY DreAM- NighT saID He’S beEn rAntinG ABouT WaNtinG to StaB himSElf foR awHiLe-”
The alternate Nightmare huffs in amusement, a small smile on his face.
“Now that I would love to see~”
“YeAH thIS EntiRe mULtiVerSe is oN Eros’ siDe- And noW YOurS.” Era smiles at Nightmare, before turning to comfortingly nuzzle his mate. Eros’ tenseness slowly begins to melt away as he nuzzles back, soaking up the affection like a sponge.
“YOu aRen’t aloNe anYMorE, lovE~” Era murmurs soothingly, giving his mate a sweet smile and kiss. Eros’ soul practically flutters even though there’s a chorus of grumbles from everyone else in the room, Era looking at them in confusion.
“...SssoRrY..?” The small glitch hesitantly apologizes.
“Nooo faaaaiir! How’d ya get him ta like ya so easily?” Killer complains like a big baby.
“Hmm cuDdlEs?” Era looks at his mate, before nodding to himself. “CudDLeS.”
Killer visibly pouts, whining even more. “He never let us cuddle- Why does he let you cuddle and not us?”
“We’rE ThE SamE WitH toucH?” Era guesses, shrugging as he nuzzles Eros. “AsK yoURseLf.”
“I already know the reason why.” NIghtmare speaks, stopping Killer before he can respond. “Erro- Eros felt that he didn’t deserve our affection, help, or attention. He still doesn’t.”
It is now time for Eros to receive another Look from his mate, sweating nervously, before Era softens and nuzzles him with a sigh.
“And WhAt maKEs mE ANy diFfeREnT?” He lightly teases, but Eros takes his question seriously.
“BecauS-sE YouR LIkE-e a bEttER VerSIoN of Me. You're not BroKEn, You're SO PreTtY, ANd YuO FeeL So AlivE-e. I waNT To bE wITh yOU BEcauSE I WisH I CouLD BE y-yoU. BEiNG Clo-oSE TO YoU MAkeS Me haPpy.”
“...Aw-” Era looks on the verge of tears, both incredibly flattered and sad. Eros smiles and nuzzles him, peppering his skull with kisses again as he purrs, and Era makes an almost wounded sound in the back of his throat before aggressively nuzzling him back.
“Hmm how sweet.”
Era cuddles close to Eros, hugging him tightly as he looks at the speaker in silent question. Nightmare watches them with an almost sad look, but he hides it well.
“It would seem that no matter how hard we tried we would have never been able to help.”
The small glitch’s expression grows a bit more sad, but he stays quiet, unsure on what to say.
“Now, you said something about our alternates?” Nightmare changes the subject, his tentacles doppy. “As well as nicknames?”
Era reluctantly accepts the different topic, nuzzling further into Eros’ side.
“..Y-yeAH. I goTta leT Ink, DreAm, anD NiGht knoW ABouT YoU GUys bEfoRe anYOnE’s miStaKen foR A ThrEAt- anD yoU’LL prObaBLy wAnNa comE Up WitH neW NicKNaMes oR ThiNGs’ll geT A bit coNfuSIng…”
“Hmmm…Moon then.”
The smaller destroyer nods, discreetly typing it into a window for him and Eros to access later if they need to. Era is famously bad at names.
“Oh can I be called Katana? I love those swords!” Killer giggles to himself in excitement.
“DuNno whY You’Re aSkinG Me buT Sure!”
“Hmmm…Soot.” Dust mumbles as Killer- Katana crawls over to snuggle him.
“AnD CroSS?” Era looks over at said skeleton expectantly. The oreo looks to be in deep thought, his brow furrowed as he, most likely, over thinks it. After a few moments of silence, he responds.
“Treasure? Like X marks the spot?”
Era has to hold back the instinctive flirt that he could easily imagine Killer saying, and instead nods with a smile.
“ANd HorROR cAn deCIdE wheN He wAkes UP- thOuGh I’d liKe To thRoW In a suGgesTIon: SaiNt.”
Katana stops mid thought to ask- “Saint? Why ya wanna call him that?”
“BeCauSE…” Era pauses, second guessing himself. “WeLl- ‘CaUse He’s HoleY .”
The room is completely silent for a good minute, before Katana and Soot crack up laughing, unable to contain themselves as they roll off the beanbag and into the floor. He even gets a snicker out of Cr- Treasure! Era grins and hides his face a bit, blushing faintly- delighted at the reaction to his joke.
Eros smiles and nuzzles his mate. It’s nice to see them all getting along so well. It makes him happy. The small glitch nuzzles Eros back, before leaning in to whisper something to him.
“I tOtaLly stOLe thAt frOm a VoiCe-” Eros’ smile gets wider, looking very amused.
“I-iT Was GoOD~” Era giggles with a happy flush.
“I’vE WaNteD to UsE it foR So lonG-”
“And You’ve jusT Been HOldIng onT-to It~?”
“I- weLL- mAybE-?” The small glitch admits. Eros’ smile softens and he gives his mate a sweet, loving little kiss.
“So CuT-te~”
Era blushes brightly, practically melting into his mate’s affection, purring and nuzzling Eros with a probably goofy grin. The taller glitch loves every second of it. He loves making Era happy.
“MinE MIN-nE miNe~”
“YeS I’m yoURs yA goOf~”
As the two glitches make googly eyes and coo at one another, Nightmare- Moon can’t help but give them a sad look full of longing- something that the pair both would’ve tried to fix if they had noticed, but sadly, the look was gone as soon as it had appeared and Moon subtly averts his eyelight.
“You two are really lovey dovey~” Katana comments. He’s jealous, sure- but how could he be upset when Eros actually looks happy for once.
“O-oH- uM-” Era’s face is bright yellow at this point and he very much wants to hide- he had totally forgotten the others were there and Eros doesn’t even seem to care. The taller glitch continues to cover Era’s skull in kisses with a little nod, nipping a little here and there the closer he gets to Era’s neck.
“Eros thErE Are peOPle-” The small glitch weakly whines in protest, even as his grip on his mate tightens.
“So-O? Eros asks, nipping and kissing on Era’s jaw now, the small glitch turning to putty under his mate’s advances.
“I-iT’s inApPRopriaTe-”
“B-bUT yOu LIk-Ke iT?”
“BUt thEy cAn sEe-”
“An-Nd?”
“Yeah little glitch~ ‘and~?’” Killer repeats with a smirk, making Era try to hide his face.
“Katana stop that. He’s already embarrassed.” Treasure scolds as the offending skeleton crawls over to prop himself up between the oreo’s legs.
“But they’re so cuuuuuuuute~!”
“ShuT UuUpp-” Era whines. His mate nips him again, making him squeak, before switching to just kisses like the smaller had asked.
“Neva cutie~”
“YOu’re juSt as BAd aS mY KilleR I SweAr-”
“Hehehe~ You’re cute when you're flustered~” Katana gets the bird as well as a flustered whine from Era. Eros lightly licks his cheek with a small purr, trying to give his mate a distraction- a distraction that Era willingly takes, nuzzling Eros with his own purr.
“I loV-vE YoU~”
“I loVe yoU Too~”
“I LOv-vE YOu MORe~”
“I lOVe you moST~!”
“No-OPe~” kiss kiss nuzzle “ImpOSiBLe~”
Era just pouts, before pulling Eros into a sweet but firm kiss as if to prove otherwise, his mate kissing back with a loud and happy purr, Era purring a bit louder in response.
The moment is broken however when the two pull away and Katana opens his big mouth.
“Puppy love~”
“Wh- huH-?” Era is now back to being flustered- much to everyone else's amusement.
“Positivity. Gross.” Moon grumbles as a tentacle lightly swats Katana upside the skull. The monster yelps before dramatically playing dead, laying still long enough for Soot to think he makes a good pillow and lays on him.
“Oh nO He dEaD.” Era deadpans.
“He is nothing more than a cat bed now. Mourn him if you wish. I shall take no part.” Wait- is Moon joking-? Era grins.
“SoOT iS cAtboY ConfiRMed-”
“Meow.”
Katana snorts, trying desperately to suppress his laughter.
“No nO YOu goTtA Go liKe- NyaH.” Era corrects with a giggle, doing the hand motion and everything. Eros watches curiosity and uses his magic to summon cat ears and a tail before mimicking his mate.
“N-nYaH?”
“Oh mY FOx Yes- WaiT CAn I do ThAt-?” Era immediately tries, beaming when his own ears and tail materialize.
“You didn’t know we could do that?” Treasure asks as Soot follows suit and summons his own ears and tail before kneading Katana’s middle.
“HaDn’t boThERed to TrY.” Era replies, nuzzling Eros, who lightly licks the inside of his ear curiously- pulling a surprised squeak and shiver out of him.
Chapter 21: Ghostly Ink
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Ink ‘haunts’ Error. Error… deals with it.
Ink x Error, implied bad guys poly, one sided Nightmare x Error
Fair warning this is fairly angsty and has implied kidnapping
Chapter Text
Error takes a deep breath as he watches other kids filter into the highschool, glitching nervously. He knew there would be a lot of people, but it was like a wave of people! They would be brushing shoulders and bumping into each other- and he would have to talk to people he doesn’t know-
Error shivers at the very idea…At least Nightmare and the others will be there. They always know how to make him feel better. He’s lucky he shares his first class with Killer- otherwise he’s not sure he would even be here right now. It’d be so much easier to just go hide at home-
The glitch only walks in when the wave of people has lessened, just enough for him to feel a little more comfortable. Standing in the entrance, he’s a little surprised by how big it is. Sure- he’s seen pictures, but wow- private highschool is big.
“It’s pretty.” Error flinches and glitches a bit in surprise at the nearby voice- having not noticed anyone walking up. “Ink wants to paint it.”
“..InK-?” Glitching worsening, Error looks next to him, sockets wide. Standing right beside him is his friend, his old friend. Ink is a little taller, but not by much- he’s always been short. His clothes are disheveled and dirty, but not with paint like it used to be, but with dirt and grime. Ripped and torn in different places all over him, including his favorite scarf, the tan fabric having been noticeably shorter with a big chunk at the end missing- the same piece that is now weaved into Error’s own scarf.
The artist is staring ahead at the highschool, his white eyelights examining almost blankly, but Error knows better- he’s watching with interest. “Ink likes the architecture. It’s like a fancy castle.”
“...Y-y-yeAh.” Error belatedly responds, just staring in shock at his friend as a few error signs cloud his vision slightly. After a moment longer of analyzing, the artist looks over to him. Error’s breath hitches when he sees a large crack-like gash spanning from Ink’s temple around the side of his skull, inky black marrow seeming to drip from it.
What- what on earth is Ink doing here?? He’s finally back but he’s hurt- they need to- to go to the hospital or something-!
“Can Ink go to highschool too? Ink was excited to grow up with Error.” Ink’s voice is as calm as always despite the obvious pain he must be in.
“H-hoW Are- InK-k-?? We- wE NeEd tO G-geT YO-oU to THe hoSP-pitAl-” Error stutters, glitching harshly. His old friend just stares at him, tilting his bleeding skull to the side in confusion.
“A hospital won’t fix Ink, Error.”
“..Wh-whAT-?” He’s interrupted by the late bell, making him jump with a painful ripple of glitches. When he looks back at Ink- his friend is gone, not even leaving the black stains of his marrow on the cement.
“I-iNk-??” Error whirls around, looking for him in a panic. Where- where did Ink go? He couldn’t have just imagined it- right-? He’s not dreaming-? Without thinking, he reaches up to scratch harshly at a socket- after all, he should wake up if he’s dreaming-
“Error! Hey, there you are-” Killer runs through the front door, his usual grin not as wide as usual as he approaches the glitch. “Class has already started, Ru-...Is something wrong?”
Startled, Error jerks his hand away, a pained hiss escaping him as his now injured socket stings, making him tear up. Killer frowns at him before gently grabbing the glitch’s face, inspecting the injury.
“Hey, if you're that nervous you can go home saying it’s a bad glitching day. I’m sure Night’ll put in a good word for ya.”
“N-nO- I thOUghT- I tho-OUghT I-” Error stammers, clutching at the part of Ink’s scarf woven in his. How could he even explain what had happened? Had he really just- imagined it?
Killer hums before getting up on his toes to headbut the glitch. “Come on. I’ll take ya ta class, ok?”
Error takes a shaky breath, closing his sockets for a moment as he leans into the contact. “..O-okAy…”
~
They both get scolded for being late, Killer more so for sneaking out of class. It’s honestly about as boring and stuffy as he imagined it being, but now after hearing what….fake Ink said. The building is rather pretty.
By the time the class period ends, Error has mostly calmed back down, and after reassuring Killer he was fine, they split up to go to their next classes, Error heading to the art classroom.
He’s impressed by how grand it is. The tall ceiling and shelves full of random art supplies. It smells distinctly of paint and markers. Ink always had the scent of paint on him, much like his clothes. Ink would have loved this… Error wishes he could be here too.
“Oh hi Error! I didn’t know you would pick art this year too.” Dream waves at him from behind a cardboard sculpture, smiling just as brightly as usual. He only really knows Dream from his other friends- Blue, Ink, and Nightmare- but they get along ok.
“Y-yeAh.. I thOuGHt I’d uh- TRy iT Out.” Error gives him a small, hesitant smile. The bright skeleton walks over to him with a smile, seemingly excited.
“What kind of art are you planning to do? I want to try photography. I’ve always loved taking pictures.”
“I’m nOT reALly suRE- I ToOk t-thIS CLaSs sO I coULd eXPeriMenT.” Dream hums, glancing around the room.
“There’s definitely everything to experiment with! This year is going to be so much fun! I can’t wait-” The bright skeleton jumps a little, the skirt of his school uniform bouncing with him. Error instinctively glances at the movement, not really processing it, before chuckling a bit at Dream’s words.
Then he notices something moving behind the other skeleton, someone is standing there, but he could have sworn it was just them a second ago- following up the figures legs, Error’s shocked to see Ink again, the artist staring at Dream.
The weirdest part though, is that Dream doesn’t seem to notice at all- Ink is basically up in his scace and he shows no reaction at all, continuing to talk- something about old photos-
“...Dream hasn’t changed at all.”
“....YeAh.” Error mumbles, watching Ink intently.
“What? Yeah isn't much of an answer..” Dream looks at Error in confusion, turning around to look directly at Ink before turning back to Error. “What are you looking at?”
“YoU dOn’T-? Uh- N-neVErmiNd- Wh-whAT Did yoU SaY?” Error shakes his head, forcing himself to focus back on Dream.
“Oh- I just wanted to know if you liked knitting or crochet better?”
“CrOChet.”
“Really? I don’t know anything about either- I just remember In-” Dream stops talking, a sad look coming across his face. “Ink…told me you liked to do one of those and I couldn’t remember which.”
Error frowns a bit, glancing at the still visible Ink standing behind Dream. “Y..yEah.”
“Hmm…Ink forgot too-” Said skeleton comments with a slow blink, wiping some of the black marrow off his cheek. “Ink doesn’t remember telling Dream that…but Ink did talk about Error a lot. Ink thought Dream wasn’t listening.”
“...” Error has to fight back a grimace, looking away from the probably-hallucination. “..W-we ShOUld Go siT.”
“Hum? O-oh yeah! Sorry- I didn’t mean to hold you up.”
“It’s FinE- dOn’t WOrRy.” DReam smiles at him before walking back to the table he had been at before and sitting down just as the bell rang and class began with introductions, except- this time, Ink didn’t go away. Error does his best to ignore him, hoping the hallucination would leave or disappear. Just- seeing Ink like this, even if it’s just in his head, is painful. Error has tried to avoid thinking too hard about him or what might’ve happened to him ever since he went missing. The possibilities scare him.
Maybe the stress of starting high school triggered this? In the middle of the teachers speech- going over class rules and what not- Ink presses against his back, draping his arms over the glitch’s shoulders with a whine.
“Error is so warm. Ink’s cold, Error…” Said skeleton freezes, glitching harshly at the faint weight against his back and shoulders, a chill creeping through his jacket. Did- did tactile hallucinations exist-?
“Errroooorrrr-” Ink continues to whine, nuzzling into the back of the glitch’s jacket. “Ink’s cooolllddd-”
“...WOuld you liKE M-my JaCKet?” Error quietly mumbles after a moment, resolve crumbling. The artist seems to pause, thinking about it for a moment.
“...Will Ink still be able to touch it?”
“...” The glitch just shrugs a bit, getting a small pout from his old friend- hallucination-
“Ink can’t touch things anymore….Ink can’t paint. Ink wants to so baaaad.”
“...HoW AboUT YOu heLp mE PainT?” Error quietly suggests. “YOu guIDe mY HaND ANd I FoLloW aloNg.”
The artist blinks for a moment, before his eyelights grow wide in his sockets and he purrs quietly. “Pretty please? Ink can help! Ink can do it very good- wait that doesn’t sound right…Ink do good? Ink….Ink is confused-”
“YoU GOt it riGHt thE fiRsT TimE.” Error softly interrupts, wondering if the head injury has anything to do with the confusion, like with Horror- no wait- no- Ink is a hallucination- it’s probably just his mind being a bit scrambled.
“Ink did? Maybe Ink’s headache is just bothering him again- Anyway! Painting now please? Ink help Error paint? What does Error want to paint?” The artist lightly nuzzles the back of Error’s skull as he talks and the glitch swears he can feel Ink’s breath on his neck.
“WHaTevEr yoU WanT- iT’s freE TIme Now ANywAYs sO LEt’s gO PicK Out soME PaINt, ‘Kay?”
“Ok! Uhhm….” Ink pulls away to walk silently over to the paint and paintbrushes, looking them over, Error quickly standing up to follow him. After only a moment of looking, Ink starts pointing out colors for Error to grab and picking out a few paintbrushes and a small canvas, the glitch using the canvas as a sort of table to help hold everything as he brings it back to his seat.
“Ink and Error need a pencil too. Hmmm…what does Error like…” Error just lets Ink think, pulling out a pencil as he waits. “Error likes cats!....and Nightmare!”
“..Srnk-” Error snorts, holding back snickers. “I aLSo liKe yoU.”
Ink pauses, taking a moment to process what Error just said. “Error likes Ink?”
The glitch glances at his hallucination, holding back a smile at the faint pink blush on Ink’s face. That look is one thing his mind will never forget, it seems. “Of cOUrsE. I miSs yoU, tOo.”
Ink’s blush gets a little brighter, even with the almost sad smile on his face. “Ink missed Error too.”
“...So- wAnNA HElp me PaINt a waTErfaLL?” Error changes the subject after a moment, turning his skull away as he stubbornly blinks away tears.
“Ink would love to paint a waterfall! Error makes it better~! Rocky waterfall? Or…Ink can’t think of another waterfall-”
“MhM… wITh a LitTLe raINboW In thE MisT.” The glitch murmurs as he sets up the canvas. Ink coos at the idea, leaning to peak over Error’s shoulder and rest his skull there.
“Ink didn’t know Error had an eye for painting.”
“...I dON’t.” Error mutters, a hint of bitter sadness leaking into his voice as he pauses his movements, glitching slightly.
“Hmm…well Ink likes Error’s idea! Ink hasn’t painted in forever- Ink’s so excited~!” The hallucination reminds Error of the few moments Ink was more openly and genuinely expressive. It didn’t happen often, but Error took pride in the fact it only happened around him- those moments were his favorite moments to remember.
“I’m.. I’m GLaD. NOw caN YOu PleAsE CoMe heLP mE? I doN’t EVeN knoW HOw to stArT.” He knows this isn’t a good idea- he’s seen what giving in to delusions can do to people.. But… he misses Ink. Error misses him so much. So, he lets himself play along- if only for now.
Ink excitedly walks around and sits in Error’s lap without hesitation, wrapping his hand around Error’s right, matching up their phalanges. “Ink and Error should start with the outline!”
Error follows along as his hallucination guides him to pick up the pencil and begins sketching lightly on the canvas, Ink’s tongue sticking out as he works, like it always did. Error always found it cute- even now. Even if Ink isn’t real.
Sadly art only lasts for so long. Ink- his hallucination, gets to painting the base color for the rock before it’s time to clean up and he has to get off Error’s lap. He pouts, very hard, clearly not happy about having to stop at all. Ink would be upset about art being over, wouldn’t he?
Ink shows up here and there throughout the rest of the school day, never staying for as long as he did in art class, but long enough to give his random opinions on things and how their friends have changed.
It’s an interesting different perspective even if it’s just from himself, the artist occasionally managing to catch him off guard with his random appearances and comments. If the hallucination isn’t going to disappear anytime soon, Error is going to have to work on his acting- Dust had been giving him looks all throughout lunch. Killer had probably said something about the morning.
No one really says anything about it, besides Nightmare’s tentacles being a little more clingy than usual, nuzzling and petting him whenever they get the chance. The look Ink gives them is kind of funny to be honest- especially when Error decides to nuzzle Nightmare, leaning into the comforting affection.
His hallucination practically snarls and attempts to bat at the tentacles, like he’s going to swat them away. Ink goes through them of course, but the tentacles shiver in response, making Nightmare shiver beside him as he blinks in surprise. Did Ink do that-?
“Night? Somethin’ wrong?” Killer asks, with a raised brow as Nightmare shakes off the shiver.
“Yes. I just got a sudden chill. I’m fine though.”
“DaNG- KilLEr I THinK he neEDs CUdDles-” The small skeleton immediately perks up, much to Nightmare’s dismay.
“Cuddles~? For the boss~?”
“Killer no-”
“Killer yes~!” Said skeleton practically launches himself over the table to Nightmare, clinging to the goopy skeleton even as they fall to the floor, dragging Error down with them as the glitch squawks in surprise, before bursting into laughter, Killer giggling along with him as Nightmare grumbles.
“Idiots. Stupidly adorable idiots.”
“YOu loVE us~” Error coos between snickers.
“Ya love us lots~” Killer agrees as Nightmare rolls his eyelight.
“I never said otherwise, dorks.” Error just giggles some more in response, grinning widely. After eventually being forced to get back up off the floor, Error looks around to find Ink nowhere to be seen, making him frown a bit. Did he upset him..?
No- Error has to stop these thoughts. Ink is nothing but a figment of his imagination- it shouldn’t matter. It couldn’t matter. Still…Ink doesn’t show up for the rest of the school day, not until he’s walking home and the clouds are dark and gray, threatening rain.
The hallucination is standing on the sidewalk in front of him, staring blankly into the small wood and creak that follows the path. Error clutches at the small bit of Ink’s scarf, before moving closer.
“...InK?” He hesitantly speaks up. For a moment, the artist says nothing, before his arms slowly move up to hold himself.
“....Ink doesn’t like it here.”
“...Me neiTHeR.” Error mumbles, standing next to Ink as he follows the artist’s gaze- desperately wishing he could just hold Ink- the real Ink- in his arms and never let go.
“...Ink was walking home. Everything was normal and quiet. Ink wasn’t paying attention.” Error immediately turns to look at Ink, sockets wide. His voice is quiet and empty, but he continues.
“Something was suddenly wrapped around Ink’s face and he was pulled into the creak. It was hard to breathe. Ink couldn’t see.” Error’s gaze is drawn to the creek burbling quietly below them. “Ink remembers kicking and thrashing to try and get away, but there were…..two? No- three humans. Bigger and stronger than Ink.”
“....ThEn whaT..?”
“...Ink was dragged all the way down the creek, to the road at the very back where the creek flows through a large pipe. There was a car there, waiting. Ink thinks they planned it. They knew Ink would be walking by.” Error glitches slightly, turning to reach out to Ink- just wanting to pull him into a hug. He can’t bring himself to care if it was fake.
“YOu- yoU DOn’t hAvE TO keEp GOinG-” His friend turns to look at him with a face he’s never seen on Ink before. The artist practically falls into his arms, nuzzling into the glitch’s jacket.
“I-Ink was so scared, Error. Ink’s n-never been so s-s-scared.”
“I’m s-sORry. I’m SOr-rry I wASn’t thERe- I’m SOrRy-y I cOUldn’T P-pRotECt yoU- oR- or fINd yoU. I-I’vE GOt yoU- You’RE SaFe-” The words Error has thought to himself and wished he could say for months are spilling out of him before he can stop himself, and he holds Ink close to him as tears build in his sockets, a few dripping down his cheeks before he can stop them.
He can hear what sounds like Ink sobbing, the smaller’s body shaking and bones rattling quietly against him. Ink feels real. He wants Ink to be real.
“Y..YOu’rE O-okAY… I’m HErE- I g-gOT ya…” Error shakily murmurs, hugging Ink tighter as a quiet sob escapes him. Ink whimpers and cries, nuzzling in as close to Error as he can get.
It takes a long time for their tears to dry to just occasional sniffles- though Error’s hold never loosens. It’s only then that Ink speaks again.
“...I-Ink has been found.”
“F-fOUnd..?” Error questions softly, pulling back just enough to wipe at his sockets. The artist doesn’t say anything more, purposefully looking away as Error frowns.
“...OkAY.. You dOn’T HAve tO Tell mE..” The glitch mumbles, taking a small step back. “I’m- l-leT’s gO HOme…”
“...Ok.” Ink reaches for Error’s hand, and after a moment, he takes it, walking them to his house. Ink is silent the whole walk, his eyelights tinted blue as he watches their feet. Eventually, they reach Error’s house, the glitch pausing right in front of the front door.
“...Y’kNoW whAT? I thiNK I LovE YOu.” Error mumbles after a minute, looking straight ahead. It takes a moment, but Ink eventually makes what can only be a flustered squeaking sound, his face a soft pink.
“E-error loves Ink?”
“MHm… At leASt- I Did. BeFOre.” His hallucination hums a little in confusion.
“Does Error love someone else now?”
“No. I DOn’t thINk so- buT I doN’t REaLLy knOw, eiTHeR..” Error unlocks his door, stepping inside. Ink follows after him, ducking under the glitch’s arm as he begins inspecting the house.
“Ink won’t say Ink is ok with that, but Ink wants Error to be happy! Even if Ink can’t make Error happy anymore.”
“I’m NOt saYIng yoU DOn’t mAKe mE HaPpy, Ink. YOu do. I jUsT… miSS yoU.. ANd My fEeLINgs Are ALl miXed uP And UNCerTain. I NevEr saID I sToPpeD LovING yoU…” The glitch sighs, taking off his shoes and hanging up his backpack.
“...Ink doesn’t get feelings very well. People are complicated. Ink watches to try and understand, but Ink feels like..like Ink is outside. Does that make sense? Like Ink is a spectator to everyone else's lives, just watching them go by.” The hallucination looks down at his own feet, shifting a little. Can hallucinations have existential crises?
“Error didn’t make Ink feel like that. With Error Ink felt like he was part of Error’s world….Ink really wanted to be.”
“...YOu wERe.” Error quietly confirms. Ink looks up at him, a conflicted look in his eyelights before Error’s phone suddenly buzzes. Sighing again, Error pulls out his phone, surprised to see Blue calling him. He’s pretty sure they don’t have a hangout planned today… With an uncertain glance at Ink, he answers it, putting it on speakerphone.
“HeLlo..?”
“ERROR!!!” Blue suddenly yells into the phone. The glitch is used to it, but the tone in his friend's voice is disturbingly panicked. “TURN ON THE TV RIGHT NOW!! NEWS CHANNEL NOW NOW NOW!!!”
“O-oKaY OKaY-y-!” Error yelps, glitching as he hurries to the TV, holding the phone at arm’s length. Blue doesn’t say anything else, but he can hear the muffled sounds of the small skeleton’s TV on the other end of the line.
The TV logo disappears and he flips through the channels, stopping on the monster news-
“-body was found just outside of Ebett city, thrown in a ditch. This weirdest part is the fact that the body has yet to dust, despite bearing a practically non existent magic signature. The skeleton monster has been confirmed to be the middle school student who went missing almost a year ago, named Ink Comyet.”
Everything seems to freeze as Error stares at his TV in shock, the remote and his phone slipping out of his slack grip as he glitches.
“Whether the monster is actually dead has yet to be confirmed, but with what looks to be strangulation wounds on his neck and a nastly skull fracture he is very unlikely to have survived.” With a jolt, Error remembers the wounds on the hallucination- Ink??- and he looks around for him.
“I-iNk-?”
“The body is being taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, if possible, updates will continue until then. A red truck was seen leaving this area at around 1 o'clock this morning and is the prime suspect on the kidnapping and possible murder. Back to you Br-”
Error stopped listening as he looks around, but Ink is nowhere to be seen- Error quickly starts searching his house, not caring about Blue still on the line.
“InK- INk-k wAIT P-PLeaSe-” He swings his bedroom door open and Error has never been so relieved to see Ink standing there, looking out his window.
“i-INk..” Error voice breaks. The injury on Ink’s skull matches the one on the news. His friend turns to look at him, hiding the bad part of his skull.
“Hi, Error…Ink was found.” The glitch just nods tearfully, expression crumbling as he reaches for Ink, glitching harshly. The artist doesn’t hesitate to walk over and hug the glitch close, nuzzling into him as Error hugs him tightly with a choked up sob.
“I’m s-S-sORr-rY-”
“Error shouldn’t be sorry…It’s Ink’s fault.”
“N-nO It-T’s no-Ot-” Error shakes his head fiercely as he clings to Ink. “It’S Th-tHEirs . N-neVE-eR YOurs.”
“B-but they said it’s Ink’s fault- Ink should have been-”
“NEvE-er YOurS.” Error stresses, pulling back just enough to glare at Ink even as he cries. The artist frowns a little more, before nodding and moving to press his skull back against Error’s collar bone.
“The girl human was the worst…they kept Ink in her apartment.”
“Y-yoU DOn-n’T HAve TO T-teLL Me.” Error murmurs shakily, pulling Ink down with him as he sinks to the floor to properly wrap around him.
"...Error should know. Ink might not be able to tell anyone else…if Ink doesn’t wake up this time." The smaller skeleton curls up in Error’s lap, holding on tightly to the glitch’s jacket.
“DoN’t- doN’T SaY thAt… Y-yoU CaN’t- Pl-leAsE…” Error quietly pleads, trembling with the effort to keep from just completely breaking down.
"Ink doesn’t know what's happening. Ink can't see, or move, and Ink’s head hurts so much-" Without thinking, Error reaches up, gently holding the injured side of Ink’s skull, hand lighting up a bright green as he tries to push healing magic into him.
“I-I’vE GOt yoU. It’S OKaY-y- I l-loVE You.” Error hiccups, tears streaming down his face. The artist relaxes against him, quietly, resting his skull against Error’s chest.
"...That feels nice."
“..I-I’m GLaD…” Error sniffles, pushing more magic into Ink as he quietly cries.
"...Error? Is Ink dead?" The small skeleton glances up at Error, brow furrowed.
“I dOn-“ Error’s voice cracks, and he takes a shaky breath. “I- I dON’t kNOw.”
The small skeleton gives him a hard look for a moment, before wiggling around to better face the glitch and gently hold his face. “Error. If Ink does die, Ink must tell Error something.”
“Wh-wHAt?” Error croaks, still trying his best to heal Ink as he nuzzles into the artist’s touch. Ink glances down for a moment before leaning forward and placing an obviously amature kiss on his lips.
Error’s breath hitches, glitching slightly as more tears stream from his sockets, and he kisses Ink back almost desperately. The artist shudders, tightening his hold on Error’s jacket as he lets his sockets close and enjoys the contact he might never have again. The glitch shakes with silent sobs as he pulls Ink as close as he can, holding him like he’s something precious.
Can’t they just stay like this forever? He doesn’t want Ink to disappear, he doesn’t want to let go- He doesn’t- he doesn’t want Ink to die.
Eventually, Ink pulls away, tugging his own scarf down a little to adjust it. “Ink loves Error too.”
Error chuckles brokenly before it morphs into quiet, heartbroken sobs, tilting his head to press his forehead against Ink’s as he struggles slightly to continue pushing healing magic into him.
“P-pLEaSE DoN’t gO…” The artist frowns and presses closer, nuzzling their skulls together as he reaches up to place a hand on Error’s.
“Ink isn’t going anywhere….Ink is in the hospital…In a bed Ink thinks. Error can come see Ink if Error wants.”
“A-aNd yOU’rE hERe, t-Too. I d-D-dON’t wANt t-To lOSe yo-Ou..” Error mumbles. The smaller skelton gives him a quick little kiss before nuzzling back against him.
“Ink won’t go…Ink doesn’t want to….but……Ink thinks Ink will have to.” The glitch has to hold back a fresh wave of tears.
“I Kn-knOw.” Error forces himself to say. “I.. I’ll sTaY WitH YOu uNTiL thEn…”
Ink nuzzles their nasal bridges together, before giving Error another kiss or two….or three- “Hmm…Ink likes giving Error kisses~”
“I L-liKe iT TOo..~” The glitch manages a small, sad smile, gently kissing Ink back. The small skeleton giggles, a small smile on his face.
“Did Error know that when Ink first met Error Ink decided Ink was going to marry Error?”
“Y-yoU DId?” Ink smiles wider, seemingly excited by Error’s interest.
“Mhm~ Ink likes how Error makes Ink feel! Like…like butterflies in Ink’s ribcage! And Error was so nice and funny~ Well not nice- Error was loud and outwardly mean but inside Error is shy and nice, and cute, and Ink liked Error! Ink still likes Error very much~!” Error grimaces slightly at the reminder of when he used to act out in a childish attempt to gain his parents’ attention.
“Well- I LiKe yoU t-tOo.” Error murmurs. Ink rests his skull against the glitch’s collar bone with a sigh, closing his sockets.
“...If Ink does wake up, can Ink and Error get married someday?”
“...Y-yeS. If yOU cAN WaKe uP- aNd- anD StAY wiTh mE, I pROmiSe T-tO mARry yoU.” Error softly swears, curling back up around Ink with a sniffle. The artist nuzzles him close, giving the glitch’s cheek a quick peck.
“Ok. Ink will go back and wake up, now that Ink’s body is safe….Error can go visit Ink, ok? And then Error and Ink can go to highschool together and cuddle, and kiss all the time~!”
“Th..tHey prOBaBly wOn’T LeT Me viSIt f-foR A Few dAYs…. Y-yoU ProMIse..?” Error looks down at Ink uncertainly, expression pleading and hopeful and sad all at once.
“...Ink promises. Ink will wake up for Error.” The smaller gives him a small smile, even as his eyelights shake ever so slightly. Error knows Ink isn’t being completely truthful, but he’ll take what he can get.
“I- I loVE yoU- So- s-sO muCh.” Error mumbles, tearing up again as he holds Ink tightly. “I’Ll s-sEe yoU LaTer, Alr-riGHt? WheN I coME VisIT.’
The artist nods, before giving Error another kiss, letting this one last a moment longer than the last. Error closes his sockets to better savor it, before the light touch disappears, and when he opens them again, he’s alone in his room. A small, broken sob escapes him, and Error covers his mouth as his healing magic flickers out, curling up and clutching at the bit of Ink’s scarf around his neck as he cries in earnest.
The sounds of his front door slamming open barely even registers as Blue loudly searches his house, calling his name before coming to Error’s bedroom, making him flinch, glitching harshly as he curls up tighter.
Blue immediately falls to the ground with him, wrapping the glitch in a tight hug and nuzzling his skull. For once Blue doesn’t say anything, simply holding Error as he muffles his own quiet sobs. Error instantly latches onto the small skeleton, turning to cry into his shoulder as he clings to him.
Error doesn’t remember anything but crying until he couldn’t anymore. He must have fallen asleep like that, just crying into Blue. The next thing he remembers is finding himself on his bed, arms wrapped tightly around the short skeleton, feeling overall just shitty and tired, cheeks caked with tears. He’s sure he gained more tear marks.
Blue doesn’t look much better, his best friend staring blankly at the wall behind him. HIs sockets are rubbed blue from his own magic, stained ever so lightly and eyelights dull. Neither of them makes any move to get up, nor do they say anything.
It hurts Error’s soul to see his best friend- usually so bright and full of life- look so despondent and upset.
The weather outside fits perfectly with the atmosphere, filling the house with the sound of pouring rain and rumbles of thunder. Dreary and gray.
“...He PrOMisEd hE’d waKE Up….” Error mumbles after a long moment, gently headbutting Blue. The smaller’s eyelights slowly come to focus on him as another heavy silence falls between them, before Blue responds.
“...He better…..” The small skeleton’s voice is so quiet, almost a whisper…or a whimper.
“..I ProMIsED To mArRY hiM If hE Did.” That gets a small amused huff from his best friend, who presses further into the headbutt.
“...Sounds like something he’d ask for….I call best man.”
“KiLleR WiLL be The fLoWErgIRl.” Error decides with a small grin.
“Hmm….Dust ring bearer?”
“WiTh HOrRor hOLdinG Him.” A small smile blooms on Blue’s face, his eyelights a little brighter.
“Yes. Cross head of security? Or another groomsmen…..both?”
“BoTh.” Error agrees. “NiGHt… anD DrEam CaN figHt oVEr wHO’ll bE The oFficiANt.”
“Oof- There’s no telling who will win. Dream is scary when he means business.”
“NiGhtmARe cAn dEaL WIth iT-” Error softly jokes, earning himself a quiet ‘Mweh he he ‘ from Blue.
“That sounds like fun. I can’t wait to attend the bachelors party. Wait- who’s going to wear a dress? Both? Just suits or-?”
“I bET I cOuLd rOcK a DreSs-”
“You would look very good in a dress- And Ink is scarry good looking in a suit, I’m serious.”
“Ooo~” Error playfully swoons.
“Mweh he he he- You joke now, but Ink means business~ Here, I have pictures.” Blue moves to dig into his pants pocket and pull out his phone, showing pictures of Ink all dressed up for a dinner party his parents forced him to attend.
“...Oh fuCK-” Error blushes as he looks through the pictures- he knows Ink was probably putting on at least a bit of an act but wow that really is hot- Blue practically smirks at him, tierdly, but still a smirk!
“I told you~ Ink insisted on wearing an older style and I think it compliments him well.” Error nods in response, his smile fading slightly.
“..He kiSsED Me.” Blinking in confusion.
“You got Ink kisses? Don’t tell Dream-”
“WhY NOt-?”
“Weeell- Dream has had a long crush on Ink. Like- sense kindergarten I swear-”
“DaMn- reALLy?” Error is pretty sure Dream doesn’t even know Ink is soulless. The golden skeleton’s reaction to Ink not dusting must have been…interesting. But- Ink isn’t dead, and he’ll wake up- it’s.. It’s fine.
“Yeah, though I don’t know if he still had a crush on Ink in middle school- he never said anything about it. Honestly I Thought He Might Have Liked Nightmare Instead.”
“He’S GOnNa hAve TO fiGhT KilLEr foR ThAt sPot.” Error mumbles. Though- Killer is just sorta like that in general.
“And Dust, And Horror, And Cross- I Bet They’ll Be A Big Polly!” BLue’s smile is a little more real, almost excited.
“HeH- I COulD SeE iT.”
“Hmmm…Who Do You Think Will Be More Jealous Of INk And Your Relationship, Nightmare Or Dream?” Error pauses, looking at his friend in confusion.
“WhY WOuld NIGhtMaRe bE JeALouS? DiD He liKe INk ToO-?” Error never would have guessed- Blue gives him the most floored look, completely stunned, before suddenly bursting into snorts and little mweh he he’s.
“WhaT-?” Error demands, baffled at Blue’s reaction.
“E-error- Oh My Stars You Oblivious Dork! I Thought You Knew! It’s So Obvious!”
“KNeW WhAT??” Blue struggles to talk through his snorts and giggles, before managing to take a deep breath.
“Nightmare Likes You, Ru!”
“I mEAn I’d hOPe sO wE ARe frIEnDs-”
“No Error-” Blue snorts again, fighting back giggles. “Nightmare Looooves Youu~”
“He- wH-whAT-? No wAY-” Error immediately denies, getting even more laughter from his best friend.
“He’s So Obvious, Error! Everyone Knows! Except You Apparently-”
“THerE Is no WaY hE coULd liKe Me! Of ALl peOPle-!” The glitch blushes a touch as he glares at Blue, who simply giggles.
“You Think Too Lowly Of Yourself My Friend! You Are Quite The catch~!” His best friend teases as Error scowls, playfully shoving Blue’s face away and making the smaller laugh.
“Oh shUT iT-”
“I Mean It! And Come On Nightmare Having A Crush On YOU Isn’t That Far Of Possibility!”
“I rEFuSe To bELieVE it-”
“Error. Have You Seen Night’s Tentacles Change Movements When You SO Much As Walk By? It’s Soooooooo Obviiooouusssss-! And His Tentacles Latch Onto You All The Time! He Even Kissed Your Cheek Once, Remember?”
“He’S- hE’s jUSt liKe THaT-” Error denies, blushing harder as he looks away- despite knowing Nightmare is absolutely not like that. Blue continues to giggle, but doesn’t continue listing examples and instead gives Error a soft headbutt, purring quietly.
“Ok Ok~ Suuuureeee~ Come On. We Should Get Breakfast. Maybe Watch Some TV? I Don’t Feel Like Doing Anything.”
“..SuRE- yeAH.” With a small smile, Blue gets up and scoops Error off the bed, holding the glitch over his shoulder as he grabs a few blankets and heads back down the hall to the living room, while Error just lets himself be held.
Blue tosses the blankets on the couch, but continues to hold Error as he walks to the kitchen and gets them two bowls of cereal, the glitch giggling a bit from over his shoulder.
"What’s So Funny, Error?" His friend pours the milk before using magic to pick up the bowls and grab some spoons from the silverware drawer.
“YOur bUtT Is iN My faCe-” Technically without ecto it wasn’t, but Error still found it silly. Blue on the other hand, is quick to pull him back up, holding Error instead like one would hold a toddler.
“Hey-! I Have A Nice Butt!” Error just laughs.
“I nEVeR SaiD YoU DIdn’T-”
"Shhosh! You Have Bad Mouthed My Ass And Must Be Punished!" Blue says with an obviously fake glare, holding back a grin.
“Oh No NOt thE PunISHmeNt-” His best friend meh he he’s evilly as he’s carried back to the living room and tossed onto the blanket covered couch. Blue places their bowls down and mixes his cereal into the milk before falling over onto Error. It would have hurt a little if Blue was still all bone- but the soft plush ecto now covering him, cushioning the fall.
“Suffer.”
“ACk-!” Of course, that means that Error is now also being squished under Blue’s weight. His BFF is the definition of short and stout, with his ecto being plush and chunky all over, giving him an added weight to him, more than most skeleton monsters.
Blue turns on the TV as Error is squished, laughing at him.
“I cAN’t eVeN EaT-!” Error complains, squirming as he whines.
“Say Sorry And Mayyybe I’ll Let You Go Before Your Cereal gets Soggy~”
“I’m SOrRy leMmE GOoOoo-” Blue giggles, holding up the end of his bargain as he crawls off of Error to the opposite side of the couch and moves to eat his breakfast. Error grumpily sits up, grabbing his own cereal and giving Blue the stink eye as he starts eating.
Chapter 22: Nighterror’s reunion
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Nightmare and Error’s multiverse is destroyed, and they end up in a new world, separated and believing everyone they know and love had died.
Nightmare x Error
Slight NSFW stuff at the beginning, but no actual sex happens
Chapter Text
Error sits in the castle’s living room, eyelights glued to the screen in front of him, on the edge of his seat.
“AsGoRO doN’T Do iT iT’s a trAP- yoU KnOw iT’s a trAp-!” He exclaims, throwing his hands up in exasperation when the character does the opposite of what he had said. A black tentacle pokes its way into his line of sight and boops him lightly before several others wrap around him, giving the glitch an affectionate squeeze as Nightmare moves to sit on the couch.
Error sighs, melting into the touch as he glares at the screen.
“I thOuGhT YOu stILL haD WoRk ta dO?”
“I am taking a break.” Nightmare mumbles, sounding just as tired as he feels as he picks Error up to set him down in the king's lap. He wraps his arms around Error’s waist, nuzzling the back of his neck with a quiet, tired purr.
“Hm GoOD~ YOu deSeRVe iT~” Error purrs, reaching up to rub Nightmare’s skull, nuzzling the closest tentacle. The king smiles fondly and turns the glitch against so they are facing each other, flush against one another, before he starts to pepper Error’s face in little kisses.
“Hmm..~ Mine mine mine mine mine~”
“Pff hEheHe- YoURs~” Error giggles, blushing as he nuzzles Nightmare in return. The gooky skeleton purrs a little louder as he holds and gently rubs Error’s hips with a soft, adoring smile.
“Stars, I love you~”
“I lovE YOu toO~” The glitch smiles, relaxing against Nightmare with a happy sigh, peppering a few kisses on his face.
“Hmm~ Well I love you more~ With all of my soul~” He kisses Error’s mouth and down to his chin, slowly trailing little kisses down his mate's jaw and to his neck, pulling a sweet little sigh from him as he tilts his skull out of the way.
“W-weLL I loVE yOu moSt~”
“Hmm….nope~ I already said I love you more~” Error is so cute, so beautiful~ Just holding him always manages to brighten Nightmare’s day. He litters his mates neck in kisses, sucking a little here and there to leave light hickies as he moves down to Error’s collar bone and shoulders, gently pulling his scarf out of the way.
“Hm~ Th-thAt’S NoT HOw thAt woRkS-” Error murmurs, huffing with no heat behind it. Nightmare smirks and wraps a tentacle tightly around Error’s spine.
“I say it is~” The glitch opens his mouth to retaliate, only for a moan to escape him, shuddering as he melts against his mate.
“AHh~”
“Look how beautiful you are, my love~” The tentacle curls up, sliding between his ribs and stopping at his shoulder blades before tightening again.
“HnNgh~ NigHT~” Error moans, breath hitching a bit.
“Yes~?” The king askes with a smug look on his face as the bottom part of the tentacle begins to slowly pump his mate's spine.
“F-fuCk~” Error squirms a bit, pressing closer to Nightmare with a breathless whine. ‘Beautiful indeed~’ The king thinks with a purr as he slides another tentacle up Error’s pants leg to ever so lightly tease his pelvis.
“HmmGh~” Small whines and moans escape Error as he tries to press even closer, unconsciously rocking his hips forward a bit. Nightmare chuckles with that sinfully smooth and deep voice of his as he sucks on Error’s neck, purring loudly.
“So pretty~ Cute and absolutely gorgeous~ My mate is perfect~”
“NoO hUSh-” Error whines weakly, wrapping his arms around Nightmare’s neck as he blushes. The first tentacle squeezes him tightly again and he practically keens.
“Hmm…No I don’t think I will~ Not unless you make me~”
“Nngh~” Pouting and shuddering from the stimulation, Error pulls Nightmare into an almost desperate kiss, needily licking at his mouth. He gets another deep chuckle from his mate before the king begins to kiss back, opening mis mouth for Error as his magic sparks with anticipation.
Humming happily, Error is quick to wiggle his tongues into Nightmare’s mouth, intertwining his tongues with his mate’s with a purr. Sockets closed, Nightmare’s soul buzzes with love and affection, his free tentacles petting and nuzzling Error as the other two tease him.
He loves his mate so much~ How could he have gotten so lucky~?
“Hm~” Error melts into the touches, purring louder as his magic gathers in his pelvis, a faint glow visible through his shirt as he feels like he’s just overflowing with love for his wonderful mate.
The king looks upon Error with a single heart eyelight as he gently begins to undress the smaller, setting his scarf aside before grabbing his mate's jacket, and Error whines as he’s forced to pull away a touch to pull it off.
“Oh so needy~” Nightmare teases as he undresses his beautiful clingy mate.
“It’S YOur fAuLt..~” Error whines, his soul glowing in his ribcage as he presses close, nuzzling his mate. Nightmare’s soul hums back mimicking Error’s own glow. It reminds Nightmare of morse code, like the two souls are trying to communicate as they press closer together.
“Maybe just a little~”
“ALl yoUr faULt~” Error purrs with a teasing little smile. Nightmare laughs and uncurls the tentacle around Error’s spine, kissing his cheek.
“Can you summon something for me, love~?” Holding back a whine at the loss of the tentacle, he hardly needs to think to form his female ecto, filling out his clothes a bit. His mate hums and moves to nuzzle his face into Error’s chest, making the glitch giggle.
“You are so amazing, my dear~”
“WeLl yoU’rE MoRe amAZInG-” Error shoots back, blushing.
“Hmm no. Nothing is more amazing then you my beautiful mate~ Not even me~” He pulls at the collar of Error’s sweater to kiss at the soft ecto beneath, a tentacle slowly sliding beneath the fabric to caress his stomach.
“Nuu shUSh~” Error whines, even as he arches up into Nightmare’s touch, shivering. His mate smirks against his magic skin as the appendage curls into a heart shape against him, another sliding under his shirt to rub his back.
“HmM~” Error purrs, relaxing against his mate and nuzzling into the crook of his neck, leaving little kisses there. Nightmare purrs and wraps his arms around the glitch to give him a tight hug.
“Saying I love you never feels like enough. You make me so happy, Ru~”
“HehE~ YoU BrighTEn mY LifE~” Error murmurs with a flustered little giggle, making Nightmare chuckle back.
“Oh~? But I’m the evil king of darkness~” He says teasingly.
“YuP~! My eVIL KinG oF DaRKneSs~”
“My beautiful destroyer of world~” The king peppers Error’s face with kisses and simply holds him, enjoying the feeling of having his mate so close as Error giggles happily, purring loudly.
“My Ruru~ All mine~<3 Forever and every~” Nightmare mumbles praises to the side of Error’s skull as he pampers and rubs the glitches side, practically radiating love and adoration.
“ALl yoUrS~” Error blushes brightly even as he melts into the affection, letting out a pleased hum. Nightmare could never get enough of Error’s attention. He wants to hold him, forever and ever, and never let go.
His lovely, perfect mate~
~
Nightmare wakes up with a start- staring at the ceiling for a long moment. His cheeks are wet with his own tears and after what feels like forever, he remembers to breathe and takes a shuddering, shaky breath.
It feels like so long ago, yet the memory feels so fresh, so real, he could almost touch it. Almost. His soul aches, oh stars it hurts and Nightmare slowly curls in on himself as if to somehow protect his apple shaped soul from the heavy, painful ache.
But it doesn’t go away, it never does.
He sits up, knowing he won’t be getting anymore sleep tonight. He was going to get ready for work in half an hour anyway. Nightmare takes a long, hot shower, until the water gets cold, making him shiver.
He stares down at his spotless silver bones, flexing his smaller hands and tracing his empty socket, completely clear of the cracks that had followed him throughout most of his life. When he had woken up here, three years ago, he had found his corruption almost completely gone, save for a small little tentacle that goes from his shoulder blades to his ankles.
With a jacket on it almost looks like a tail. Unlike before, he can’t control it very well. It’s weak, limpy dangling from his back and only curling a little, or wagging slightly, depending on how he’s feeling. All his old markings disappeared, but his silver bones are all the memory he needs to make him feel weak and vulnerable.
He had felt so exposed at first, still does, but he got used to it to some extent. Wearing a big black hoodie most of the time helps, with his hood up and long black pants, to hide his bones, his weakness.
Nightmare eventually turns off the water, getting up out of the shower to dry himself and get dressed. There’s no use thinking about such things. It’s gone now.
He grabs his lunch, a large furnace of tea, and heads out. The walk is as boring as usual, the busyness of town acting as the useless background noise of his life as he steps into the coffee shop.
Error sighs as he closes his room door, holding onto his tablet as he walks to the kitchen, knowing Granny wouldn’t let him leave without seeing him eat at least a little. He silently sits at the table, opening his tablet to continue writing his most recent story. It’s a stupid coping mechenisim, but it’s the closest thing he has to one of his windows now a days.
“Here you go dearie.” Granny G places a plate in front of Error that holds a few pancakes and some eggs. They both know he won’t eat the whole thing- even if Error actually needs it now.
“THaNks.” Still he does his best, spending the next who knows how long nibbling at it, managing a whole pancake and a few bites of eggs before he feels sick and pushes away.
“I’m goNnA Go giVe thaT cOfFee plAce A trY.”
“Oh? That’s great! Stay safe, Error.” Granny smiles, ecstatic that Error is actually leaving the house for once. He usually just tries not to mope too much inside.
“ALrighT… SeE yA.” Error gives Granny a small smile, before gathering his stuff and heading out to the coffee shop, avoiding touching anyone the best he can as he weaves through the crowds.
As he steps in, he finds, to his luck, thet the shop isn’t very busy, most of the early morning rush having left only a few minutes ago. A few people sit at the tables, mostly just students trying to get some work one on the free wifi.
As he strolls up to the counter, the barista sets down a coffee, calling someone’s name before they turn around to face him.
“Hello, what can I get for you today?” Error pauses, just barely managing to keep his face blank as he’s almost aggressively reminded of Nightmare- of his mate. But… it can’t be. Nightmare- his Nightmare- is corrupted, and very injured under all of that goop.
“...Hi. CaN- caN I haVe a Uh- LArgE hoT chOcoLAte-e, PLeAse?” Oddly enough, the barista stares back at him, socket wide in what can only be shock. They stare in silence for several seconds before realizing what they're doing.
“U-uh- Yeah sure. Spicy hot chocolate, right?” They seem almost hopeful when they ask, making Error blink.
“U-uM- yEs PLeAse- iF yoU HaVe iT..”
“Well I wouldn’t have suggested it if we didn’t.” He says, only sounding slightly rude- Nightmare turns back around and begins preparing the drink.
‘That can’t be this universe's Error.’ He thinks to himself. ‘That Error is a gym teacher at the highschool…So who is this?’ He….really shouldn’t get his hopes up.
Error giggles softly as he’s once again reminded of his mate, though it sounds a bit sad.
“DoN’t- uH- doN’t I haVe tO PaY?” He quietly questions.
“Well- I actually want to ask you something first.” He should at least test it out…right? The worst that can happen is he seems like a weirdo.
“...YeAH?” Should Error be suspicious-
“Uhm…You wouldn’t happen to have…..fallen into this multiverse as a younger version of yourself…would you?” Yup he sounds crazy- Error stares for a second in surprise, before he snorts unattractively, holding back tears.
“Th-thAt wAs- thE DUmBesT WAy to SAy thAt-” Nightmare smiles, letting out a watery laugh.
“Well how else would I put it~?”
“ N-nOt LiKe thaT-” Glitching harshly, Error clutches his tablet close to his chest, holding back the urge to jump over the counter to hug Nightmare. “I-iS It- IS iT reALly yoU.. NiGHt..?”
The barista laughs again, out of relief or joy, maybe both. He manages a nod, his soul glowing through his apron as he quickly walks around the counter. “Hi, Ruru~”
Expression crumpling, Error launches himself at his mate with a choked up sob, his soul singing as he clings to him. Nightmare nuzzles his mate's skull and hugs him back tightly, snuggling into his mate's scarf.
“Oh stars, I missed y-you so much-”
“I mIsS-s- MIsSeD Yo-oU ToO-” Error stumbles over his words, glitching painfully as a few error signs fill his sockets, but he doesn’t care, quietly crying in joy and relief as he melts into Nightmare’s arms.
Everyone in the shop stares at them and Nightmare decides to pick up his mate and move him to the back, sitting on a chair in the kitchen as he cradles his glitchy.
“H-hey Lilly? Can you man the c-conter for a bit please..?” The bunny monster, who had been cleaning the dishes, glances at them, raising a brow as her nose twitches.
“Uhh- sure?” Lilly quickly leaves, not wanting to keep the customers waiting as Nightmare begins covering Error’s skull in kisses, the glitch sniffling as he aggressively nuzzles him back.
“I L-lOvE YOu-”
“I love you t-too, so so so soooo much i-it hurts- You’re never going anywhere I’m not ever again-”
“I- I’M soRrY-” Error hiccups, tears streaming down his face as he closes his sockets, just trying to soak in the presence of his mate as Nightmare kisses him.
“Why are you apologizing..?” hic “Y-you did nothing wrong…”
“I c-COuLdn’T St-tOp The muLti-iVeRSe frOM f-faLLiNg iN tIMe- We diDN’T eVeN gEt a-A chAnCe to S-sAY GoO-oDBye-”
“Oh love..” Nightmare gently cups Error’s face and makes his mate look up at him, before pressing their foreheads together in an affectionate headbutt. “I-It wasn't your fault…There was nothing you could have done..”
“I kN-kNeW It wAS CoMinG… I thOuGht I COulD fiX It…” Error mumbles with a sniffle, looking up at Nightmare with teary and error filled sockets. His mate frowns and tenderly kisses his mouth.
“M-my sweet sweet Ruru…It’s ok…I-it’s going to be ok..” He chokes down a sob, trying not to think of everything they had lost…everyone who is gone. “I’m h-here now, with you..”
“I’m soRrY-y- I loVE yoU-” Error reaches up to cup Nightmare’s cheeks lovingly with a quiet sob. “‘M soRR-ry..”
“D-don’t app-pologize- you dork..” He kisses Error again and again, his one tentacle wagging slowly. “Stars, I love you I love you- So m-much-”
“I LoVE yoU To-oo I loVE yoU-” Error murmurs as his tears slowly abate, leaving him drained and shaky- though he never stops clinging to Nightmare.
His mate simply holds him purring quietly and contently as his soul buzzes in his ribcage. Nightmare thought might never see Error again, his sweet, perfectly dorky, adorable mate.
He wasn't sure if he would make it, but he has Error now and he's never letting him go. "I'll call in for a family emergency….then we can just…stay like this ok..?"
“YeS PLeAse..” Error mumbles, feeling content and safe for what feels like the first time in decades, purring softly. He thought he had lost everything and was only kept from falling down through the efforts of Granny G- but with his mate by his side, moving forward doesn’t seem quite as daunting any more.
After a lengthy talk with his manager, Nightmare manages to get the day off- Error wordlessly clinging to him the entire time probably helped. He carries his mate the whole way back to his crappy little apartment, fumbling with the lock a few times before he manages to get them both inside and sit them down on the couch for more cuddles.
“Home sweet home..~”
“YaY~” Error only slightly sarcastically murmurs, hardly even bothering to look around as he nuzzles his mate. Nightmare laughs and hugs the glitchy skeleton closer, wanting nothing more than to hold and love his mate. He missed Error so, so much.
He’s never been away from Error for so long before, and now he’s never ever going to let go. Error is going to be with him for every second of every day if he has any say in the matter. Error is never going to leave his sight. Sure, maybe his possessive behaviors have been amplified by this very traumatic incident, but he doesn’t care!
Nightmare purrs, holding Error’s ribcage against his own as their souls float as close as they can get together without leaving the safety of their bodies- and Error tears up again at the sheer familiarity of the feeling, his glitching picking back up a bit.
"My love, my sweet beautiful mate, my darling Ru, my Error~"
“A-aLL yoUrs~” Error murmurs with a sniffle, holding back more tears. Nightmare pulls away just enough to tenderly kiss the corners of his sockets, trailing said kisses down his tear stained cheeks and to his mouth.
"You are never leaving my sight ever again, you know that right?"
“GoOD-” The glitch mumbles, having no plans on fighting it. Maybe that’ll change as time passes and they both heal- but that’s for future Error to deal with.
They do nothing but hold each other, sharing kisses here and there between nuzzles as their souls sing. It's so nice, so releasing and comfortable. To be together again.
“I loVe yoU~” Error purrs, yawning after a moment- emotionally and physically exhausted. His mate yawns back before laying down on the couch, taking Error to lay on top of him, the glitch nuzzling into him with a happy sigh, peppering a few small kisses wherever he can reach.
Nightmare hums, kissing the top of Error’s skull a few times before he lays his head back, sockets drooping. "Sleep. I'll be her when you wake..~"
“YoU ToO~ I lOve YOu~” The glitch mumbles, letting his sockets close.
"I love you too..so so much..~" In only a few minutes, both skeletons are fast asleep, their souls glowing brightly with love.
~
Bzzzt bzzzt
Error stirs, frowning at the buzzing sound, a weak whine bubbling in the back of his throat. His mate’s grip tightens around him, nuzzling the top of his skull as if to soothe him.
“Hm…~” Error relaxes with a little sigh, sleepily nuzzling Nightmare back.
Bzzzt bzzzt
“Hmm…” Nightmare peaks his good socket open, still groggy as he groans and turns them both onto their side to try and ignore the annoying noise.
…Bzzt bzzzt
“NnhHh-” Error whines again, nuzzling further against Nightmare as he’s forced to be awake.
“..Ruuu..your phooone…” His mate whines back, not wanting to be awake either as the device vibrates in Error’s pocket. Grumbling, Error fumbles to pull his phone out of his pocket, just dropping it before going back to cuddles. Nightmare purrs, kissing the top of Error’s skull as he rubs against him, already falling back asleep.
Bzzzt bzzzt
“UgGhhH-” Nightmare huffs and turns away to grab Error’s phone off the floor, answering it sleepily.
“Hello..?”
“Hello? Error?? Who are you?!” Error stiffens, suddenly feeling much more awake. Nightmare holds the phone away from his skull at the loud shout before turning to his mate.
“Ru, here..” yawn..
Error hesitantly grabs the phone, tense.
“H-hEyYy GraNnY…” Error greets, already bracing to be yelled at.
“Error oh thank goodness where are you are you okay-?!” Nightmare nuzzles his mates cheek, his curiosity peaked. Who did Error just call Granny?
“I’m fiNE I’M fINe-!”
“Sweetie are you sure? You aren’t being forced to say that are you? Should I track your location- you’re lucky I haven’t called the police-”
“DoN’t cALl the pOLicE- I swEAr I’m fiNE-!” Error’s quick to reassure, alarmed. NIghtmare snuggles him more, slightly amused. It’s odd to see Error answering to anyone else but himself, and maybe Geno, but he has only met his mate’s brother a handful of times.
“You promise?”
“YeS I pRoMIse I’m saFE And fiNe.”
“Well in that case you better get your nonexistent behind back here, young man. You had me worried sick!” Error looks so done. His mate’s snickers turn into full on laughter, finding something about the destroyer of worlds being scolded by what sounds to be an old lady being absolutely hilarious.
“W- I- It’s thE MidDLe oF The niGHt GrAn-” Error weakly protests. “I’m aT A FrIEnD’s hoUSe-”
“Since when have you had friends??” She sounds genuinely shocked and it only makes Nightmare laugh more.
“Oh my stars Ru-” He says between cackles, Error glaring at him.
“NiGht PleAse-” He whines. “GrANny Can wE PLeAse WaIT foR moRNinG?”
“I… Well I suppose that’s alright, if you’re staying at a friend’s house… but I want to hear everything! Alright?”
“YeS GRaNny…” Nightmare takes a deep breath, managing to turn it down to just a few snickers as he snuggles back up against Error.
“Sorry sorry-”
“I love you Error. Be good and stay safe.”
“I wILL… LovE You toO. ByE.” Error hangs up before Granny can say anything else, blushing and pouting as his mate continues to giggle.
“S-so- Hehhe~ Who’s Granny~?”
“ShUT uP- SheS A HuMan whO deciDeD To baSIcaLLy aDoPT Me foR SOmE reAsOn-” Error grumbles, pouting harder. NIghtmare kisses his cute putty face, snuggling closer.
“Aww~ The scary destroyer of worlds has a Granny~” He lightly teases.
“ShUT uPpp-” Error whines, pulling away as if to get up, but Nightmare holds him in place.
“Oh I’m only playing loooove~ It’s cute~” He doubles his kissing efforts, basically attacking Error’s face with love.
“NoOoo I’m UpSEt noW-” Error glares weakly, holding back giggles as he tries to squirm away from the affection. Nightmare whines, smiling wide as he trails kisses down Error’s neck, suking on little glitches just the way he knows his beautiful mate likes.
“Nn~” Error whines a bit more, even as melts against his mate, unable to keep up the act with Nightmare’s attention. The silver boned skeleton purrs happily, rubbing Error’s hips as he pampers the glitch with love.
“So cute, and beautiful, adorable, sweet, loving, dorky, grumpy, mate~”
“Oh shUSh.. I loVE You~” Error murmurs, leaning up to pepper kisses over Nightmare’s jaw bone, nuzzling him with a purr.
“Hmmm~ I love you more~” Nightmare’s tentacle wags slowly, slightly thumping against the couch cushions as he purrs back.
“AwW TeNtAclE WaGs~” Error coos teasingly, nuzzling and kissing his mate even more. Nightmare blushes and this time it’s his turn to whine, pouting at the glitch as he tries to hide his face in Error’s scarf.
“So cuTE~” Error nuzzles Nightmare, purring loudly as his mate hides his face.
“Nuuuu-”
“YuP~ I loVe yoU you cuTIe piE~”
“I am not cute, Ruuu-” He whines louder, nuzzling Error’s neck aggressively as the glitch giggles.
“SoooOOo cuTE~!” Despite whining even louder, Nightmare’s tentacle continues to wag happily, showing off his positive feelings. Luckily, Error stops teasing his mate, content to just cuddle with him.
With happy purring and snuggles they eventually fall asleep again until the next morning, loving on each other the whole time.
The next morning Nightmare manages to pull away from Error, giving him a kiss on the skull before walking over to the open kitchen to make a quick breakfast. Chocolate chip waffles should be fine.
He pulls some frozen waffles out of the freezer and slides them into the toaster to warm up.
Error stirs on the couch, yawning as he reaches out, as if searching for something- only to freeze, shooting up in a blind panic.
“NiGhTMarE-!” Was that all a dream? He hasn’t had a dream like that in a while- he thought he had finally started to move on, but oh stars he misses him so much-
“Error? H-hey hey don’t cry!” His mate quickly rushes to his side, familiar hands grabbing his cheeks and cupping his skull. “Ru I’m right here. It’s ok. You're ok.”
“N-nIGht-” Error hiccups, sagging in relief as he reaches up to put his hands on top of Nightmare’s, tears streaming down his face as he glitches. It wasn’t a dream it’s real calm down- Nightmare smiles at him, so gentle and soft as he kisses the corners of Error’s sockets, wiping his cheeks as he cries.
“It’s ok..~ I’m right here, love. I’m not going anywhere. It’s ok, everything will be ok..~” He nuzzles and kisses Error between comforting words until his mates breathing evens out, Error slowly relaxing.
“S-soRrY…” Error mumbles with a sniffle, his mate simply kisses him gently.
“It’s ok..The same thing happened to me not too long ago so I understand.”
“O-oKaY..” Error still looks guilty, but he just nuzzles into Nightmare’s hand, closing his sockets for a moment. His mate takes the moment to kiss him some more before picking him up and carrying him to the kitchen.
“I’m heating up some eggo chocolate chip waffles~”
“ChoCOlaTE chIP waFfleS~!” Error grins, wiggling happily. Nightmare smiles, giving hus cute mate a kiss before taking the waffles out of the toaster when they pop up and grabbing a paper towel to wrap them in.
“Here you are my beautiful love~ Your waffles~”
“Yay~ AnD YOu eaT Too.” The glitch glares challengingly at Nightmare as he eats his waffles.
“Oh- Uh I’m not hungry or anything-”
“...ThEN I’m noT EaTINg eIThEr.” Error states, pushing away his half eaten waffle, crossing his arms, making his mate frown.
“Aw come on Ruru, I’m just not hungry- You love chocolate chip waffles!”
“NoPe! I’m noT EaTiNG if YOu aRen’T.” Error says stubbornly. “I kNoW FOr a fAcT THaT I cAN FeEL huNGry noW wHIcH meANs I haVe tO eAt- so YOu haVe To eaT Too.”
Nightmare looks away, avoiding his mate's gaze to look at the wall instead, making Error sigh.
“PleASe juSt eAt a biT WIth mE? I waSn’T LyiNg whEn I SAid I’m noT EaTINg ‘tiL You aRE.” Nightmare glances at him before turning and taking a bite of the half eaten waffle. Error matches it, before looking at his mate expectantly and with a sigh Nightmare takes another bite.
They do the same with the second waffle until both waffles are nothing but crumbs on a paper towel.
“Alright, now should we get ready to go see this Granny of yours?”
“UgHhh- yeAH ProBaBLy…” Error groans, getting a kiss from his mate.
“Alright, put your shoes on and we’ll go.”
“FiNee..” Reluctantly getting up, Error grabs his shoes, quickly putting them on and waiting by the front door as Nightmare does the same and grabs his hand. They walk down the steps and out of the rundown looking building to the street.
“You’re going to have to lead the way, my love~”
“I… haVE No iDeA WHerE We arE- cAN yoU TaKe mE BaCK to thE CofFee shOP..?” Error sheepishly asks after a moment of looking around. His mate chuckles, kissing him on the forehead before he begins walking.
“Of course, my dear~”
“ThaNks~” Error smiles, blushing a bit as he follows, practically glued to his mate’s side. The walk is nice, relaxing even, if only because they are together. Nightmare usually finds this walk to be draining, but this time he finds himself enjoying it.
When they stop in front of the coffee shop, Error takes the lead, turning to the right as he finally knows where to go, leading Nightmare to a group of townhomes. They weren’t super fancy or anything, but they were fairly nice.
“We onLY jUSt moVeD ‘cAuSE GrANny’s geTtINg toO Old foR thE StaIRs at thE ApArtmEnt coMPLex wE UsEd to livE In.” Error explains as they walk. Nightmare hums, nodding in approval as he looks around.
“Well it’s much better than my apartment complex.”
“So iT SeEMs.” Is Error’s dry response as they approach a light blue home, Error leading them to the front door.
“...Should we knock..?”
“...” Error pats himself down, and upon not finding whatever he’s looking for, sighs. “YeaH.”
Raising his hand, Nightmare knocks firmly on the front door. After a moment, it opens, a short old human with her hair up in a bun.
“Hello-? Oh-! Error honey!” The human smiles widely and opens her arms. “I was so worried about you!”
“Hi GrAnNy.” Grumbling and blushing a bit, Error steps into the human’s- Granny’s- arms, letting her hug and fret over him.
“Are you hurt anywhere? Have you eaten? Did you have fun at least?” She rapidly fires off questions, Error answering like this is normal. After a moment, Granny finally looks at Nightmare. “Oh-! Is this that friend you talked about?”
"I've been demoted-" Nightmare mumbles jokingly at Error, making him snort.
“YuP! ThiS IS NigHtmAre.” He introduces as Granny smiles.
“It is very nice to meet you dear. Oh-! How rude of me, come in come in! I’ll make us all some cookies- Error making a friend is something to be celebrated!”
Nightmare smiles at her, squeezing Error’s hand as he follows him inside.
“FuCK yeAh coOKieS-” Error cheers as he closes the door.
“Language, honey.” Granny chides, making the glitch pout at her as Nightmare snorts.
"Yeah- watch your language, Ruru~"
“FucK OfF-” Error grumbles, pouting harder as they’re led to the living room. Nightmare smirks and mumbles into the side of Error’s skull.
"Only to you~" The glitch makes a sound between a groan and a whine, glaring at his mate as he blushes. Nightmare chuckles and kisses Error's cheek as they move to sit down on the couch. The house is…homey to say the least. It’s not particularly nice, and it’s a bit of a mess, but it looks well lived in and.. warm, somehow. It feels complete in some strange way.
As they wait for Granny G to come back with cookies, the two mates snuggle happily on the couch, purring as Nightmare steals a few quick kisses.
“Oh oH oh- NiGht guESs whAt shOw thEY hAvE HeRe-!” Error asks out of nowhere, as if remembering something.
“What?” Nightmare smiles, finding his mate's enthusiasm quite cute.
“ThEy haVe UnDerNOveLlia .” Error grins widely. His mate giggles a little, kissing Error’s forehead.
“Oh really~?” The glitch nods, very happy to share this information with Nightmare, purring as he gently headbutts his mate.
“I’m happy you can still watch your favorite show my love~ Is it the same as before?” He asks curiously.
“OnLY soMe oF iT Is.” A small frown flickers over Error’s face, before he pushes it away. “It’s sO InTereSTinG!”
“Why don’t you tell me more about it then, dear~? I know you want to~” Lighting up a bit, Error happily begins rambling about this new version of Undernovelia, comparing similar and different plots to their home multiverse and offering his opinions on them, going off on several tangents.
Nightmare doesn’t mind at all. He watches his mate fondly as he talks, nuzzling and kissing the sides of his skull here and there and speaking when Error wants his input. It’s so nice to have his dorky Ruru back~
Eventually, Granny interrupts, holding a plate of chocolate chip cookies.
“You got him talking about Undernovelia, hm?” She asks, sounding amused. She’s likely been a victim of Error’s rants before. Nightmare smiles at her with a small laugh.
“Yes. He has always loved it.”
“Oh, so you know each other before, then?” Granny questions, placing the plate on the coffee table, and Error immediately descends on it to stuff a cookie in his face.
“Oh- yes we have. We have known each other for a very very long time.” Error nods in agreement, grabbing another cookie to hold out to Nightmare- content to let his mate do the talking for the time being. His mate hesitantly takes the cookie, not bothering to argue this time. The way Error beams makes it a bit more worth it.
“Isn’t Error wonderful~?”
“He is~! I keep telling him- he’s such a sweetheart that if he put himself out there a little more, he’d be able to make plenty of friends!” Granny exclaims as Error blushes, flustered.
“I could not agree more~” Nightmare responds, fondly nuzzling Error’s cheek. “Ruru is the sweetest, cutest, most adorable doky glitch~ How could anyone not love this face~?”
“SHhUt uPpp-” Error mumbles, his blush darkening.
“Make me~” Nightmare says back in challenge. His mate just glares, instantly wanting to rise to the challenge but not having the courage to.
“Wh- GrANny’s RiGht thEre-!” Nightmare only grins at him.
“Guess I won’t be shutting up, huh~? My wonderful, beautiful, smart, goofy, adorable-”
Error covers his mate’s mouth with a hand, blushing furiously and looking away. “ShuT uP-”
Nightmare, without any hesitation, licks Error’s hand, making him yelp, jerking away as he glitches.
“GroSs COmE oNn-!”
“You are so gorgeous, my love~”
“PleASe shUt uP-” Error whines.
“Make. Me~” The glitch glares harder, before abruptly turning to get up.
“Wait no don’t leave-!” Nightmare wraps his arms around Error’s waist with a loud whine, nuzzling his mate's shoulder. “I just want a kiiiiiiss-”
“No.” Error denies, grumpily looking away.
“Why not..?” Nightmare pouts, sounding very sad over Error’s refusal to give him a kiss.
“‘CaUSe yoU DidN’t sTOp anD It’s EMbaRraSsiNG…” Error mumbles, a slight whine in his voice. Nightmare whines back, nuzzling his mates cheek.
“But I just love you and missed you so much-” Nuzzle nuzzle “I have to make up for all the time we were apart~”
“NuUuu-” Error protests even as he turns to nuzzle his mate back.
“Yuuuuuus~ I must tell you how much I love you and how amazing you are~<3”
“NiGht PLeAse I wiLL geT up-” Error threatens, a bit overwhelmed. His mate sighs before stopping, pouting dramatically as he lets go and looks away to grumpily eat his cookie. Sighing in relief, Error relaxes, leaning in to give his mate a kiss on the cheek.
“ThANk yoU.” Nightmare blushes and his tentacle begins thumping against the couch cushions, making Error smile.
Neither of them even notice as Granny quietly leaves the room with a small smile on her face. She can’t wait to share this with her knitting group.
The pair continue to talk and simply snuggle on the couch together. Error even puts on Undernovela for them, happily pointing out the differences and complaining about parts he doesn’t like.
Oh how he missed his mate~ Error is just so cute~! Nightmare purrs as he listens and watches for who knows how long. Still used to Error’s tangents- who’s just full of them today, happy to finally be sharing something he loves with his mate again.
They do nothing but talk for hours until Granny clears her throat, smiling and holding two bowls of what seems to be a simple stir-fry with rice.
“I don’t think you noticed, but it’s time for dinner- Nightmare honey you’re welcome to join us.”
"Thank you, I would love to join you for dinner." He responds with a small bow, more out of habit than anything else, making Error snicker as Granny coos.
“Such a gentleman~ Now come on- I’ve already got a bowl ready for you.” Nightmare stands, holding Error’s hand as he follows the old human to the kitchen.
“I’m mAKiNg yOu eAt bY THe Way.” Error states. Nightmare pouts at him.
"I don't wanna…"
“GraNnY’s coOKinG Is sO GoOd doO ItTtt-”
“Oh- I’m sorry, is it not to your liking..? I suppose I could make something else…” Granny says, looking disappointed that Nightmare won’t eat her food.
"Oh no that's not it at all! I bet it's amazing, I just…can't say I'm too fond of the act of eating itself…"
“I see…” Granny trails off, still looking a bit disappointed. “Would you at least be willing to taste a bit of it for me? I already have a bowl out, and Error’s too biased of a judge to be an accurate taste tester.”
“HeY-!”
"Of course, I would be delighted." Error has to quickly shove some meat and rice in his face to keep from laughing, looking between Granny and his mate.
“Oh thank you very much dear.” Nightmare takes a few small bites of his food before humming in thought.
"Hmm, have you tried steam cooking the rice instead of boiling it?"
“I tried once, but it overfilled- I can never quite get the rice right I feel. Why do you ask?” Granny asks curiously, shooting Error a look as she eats a bit of her own food.
"Well, I am very good at cooking. I haven't been able to do much of it as of late, however."
“Oh? We should cook together sometime then!” Granny exclaims, “Have you tried the broccoli with the beef yet? I tried some new spices for them.”
"No, but I have done sausage and cabbage. A very good, healthy and filling meal if I do say so myself." Nightmare declares excitedly. This time Error can’t help but snicker as Granny giggles a bit.
“I meant have you tasted them together- in the stir-fry- dear. That does seem like a lovely meal, though.”
Nightmare blushes a little, taking another bite of his food. "Oh- I probably have, though I let Horror experiment with it more….then..me.." He looks down, reminded of his boys, his lovable idiots…that he'll likely never see again.
Error frowns a bit, scooting to comfortingly lean against his mate, knowing there’s nothing to say that would be able to help. Nightmare nuzzles him back even if only a little, still looking down sadly at his food. Granny watches, unsure if she should change the subject.
“..YOu shOUld teACh GrANny hoW TO maKe yoUr chOCoLAte CaKe reSEpiE.” Error attempts to change the subject, cringing a bit.
“The triple chocolate moose cake?” Nightmare askes.
“YeAH thAT oNe! It’S so gOoD~” And so rich that even Cross had a hard time eating much of it, so Error got a lot of the cake all to himself.
“I’m not so sure anyone but you would eat it, my dear~” His mate says fondly and he places a small kiss on Error’s cheek.
“ExACtlY-” Error agrees with a sweet smile, making Nightmare laugh.
“Sure, I wouldn’t mind giving her the recipe~”
“FuCk yeAH-”
“Language, sweetie.” Granny chides. Making Nightmare giggle. They talk for a long while longer, mostly about what they have been doing these past three years and some recipes Error thinks Nightmare should shair with Granny G.
The sun goes down and Granny notices how late it’s gotten. “Oh my look at the time! Nightmare honey would you like to stay the night? I don’t want you to have to go out so late at night.”
“YeS yeS-” Error immediately agrees, looking at his mate with his best puppy eyelights. Of course, Nightmare nods, nuzzling the glitch’s cheek.
“I would love to. I don’t think either me or Ru could stand another night apart anyway~” Granny raises an eyebrow at that, but doesn’t comment, instead starting to straighten up.
“Well in that case, both of you go ahead and get ready for bed- I’m sure Error has something you can borrow for the time being.”
“Alright, come on love~” NIghtmare stands, holding Error’s hand as he smiles, the glitch blushing as he leads Nightmare to his room. The room is everything Nightmare would expect from his mate- the walls are an almost blinding white with only a few pictures and posters strung up using his strings, and the ceiling is what seems to be an attempt at creating Outertale’s sky. Although the painting clearly isn’t professional, it’s a pretty accurate recreation from what Nightmare can recall. The floor of the room looks messy and disorganized in contrast to the walls and ceiling, but Nightmare is sure it’s all organized in the confusing way Error tends to do so.
“Huh..even your room is adorable my sweet Ruru~”
“Oh shUsH-” Error mutters, blushing brighter.
“But I love you sooo muuuuuuuuch~” NIghtmare whines, closing the door to lay Error down on the bed and snuggle him, who nuzzles him happily.
“NuUuu-”
“Yuuuuss~” Nightmare purrs as he nuzzles and kisses Error’s neck lovingly, snuggling on top of him with happy tentacle wags. Error whines even as he relaxes beneath his mate, a purr bubbling out of his ribcage, soul shining faintly through his shirt.
“Oh I’ve missed you I’ve missed you I’ve missed you sooooo much~” NIghtmare speaks between kisses, sucking lightly on a few glitches as he purrs back.
“Hm..~ I loVE You I LoVe yoUu~” Error lightly singsongs back, tilting his skull out of the way with a shiver. HIs mate hums, continuing to pamper him with kisses, leaving small marks on the beautiful bones he’s missed so much.
“Hmm~ My last marks are all gone~ You almost look completely untouched~” Another shiver goes through Error at Nightmare’s words, a flush spreading over his skull.
“A-aLl buT One~” Error corrects, tapping at his sternum, where his soul with Nightmare’s teal and faintly purple magic intertwined with it lies. His mate purrs even louder as he thinks about their soul bond still holding strong despite their separation.
“Same here~” NIghtmare puts a hand over his chest, smiling lovingly. “I always have a peace of you with me~ That and a few pictures~”
“WhAT- yoU Do-??” Error questions. His mate wreaths into his inventory and pulls out a small scrapbook.
“I was working on this when…you know- I put it in my inventory before trying to get everyone out…”
“Oh….” Error mumbles as he stares at the scrapbook, several emotions flickering over his face- sorrow and guilt, mostly. NIghtmare gives him a quick kiss before moving off to set them both up against the pillows on his bed.
“Want to look through them with me?”
“...YEs pLEaSe.” Error could already tell that he was going to cry- On the first page of the scrapbook is a picture of the whole missfit family. Killer, Cross, Dust Horror, Nightmare, Error, Fresh, Geno, Reaper, Goth, Blue, and even Epic. It had been Gyftmas and they all got together in the castle with gifts. Horror and Nightmare had worked together to make a feast and everyone had sat at the large dining room table together with gyftmass decorations all over the place.
It had been hectic and chaotic and exhausting, and by the end of the day the whole castle had managed to become a mess- Blue spiking most of the drinks didn’t help- but Error would give just about anything to another day like that with his family.
Shakily reaching out, Error flips to the next page. The second picture was of the gang, all looking sheepish and quickly with a flaming kitchen in the background. Horror was in the back trying to salvage some of his cooking tools as Killer grins cheekily in the front, holding the camera up as he clings to Dust, who looks ready to stab him in the face. Cross, the poor oreo, was sweating nervously beside them.
They had been trying to make something for Nightmare’s birthday, but even Horror couldn’t stop them from setting everything on fire. No matter how many times he was asked, Killer said he didn’t really know how it happened. From that day forward, Killer was permanently banned from the kitchen- though the small skeleton rarely actually obeyed the ban.
Error giggles a bit at that one even as he tears up, leaning further against Nightmare, who shakilly nuzzles him as he turns the page. The next photo was more simple than the other two. It’s of Killer and Error sleeping on the couch, cuddling. They had actually binged watched a show and passed out cold in the living room, Dust’s fuzzy slippers can be seen at the bottom of the picture, him having taken it from his favorite napping spot across the leather armchair closest to the lamp. Error hardly even remembers that one, much to his internal dismay- he just has vague memories of waking up to an extra affectionate Killer and a slightly jealous mate.
“....” Blinking hard, Error reaches out with shaking hands and closes the book for now, unable to continue.
“...I- I MiSs-s thEM..” Error trails off, voice breaking as he chokes back a sob. Nightmare puts the book away to hold his mate instead, giving Error a squeeze.
“M-me too…” He holds his breath as a few tears escape his tightly closed sockets, trying hard not to cry.
“MaY-maYBe… If wE foUNd e-eACh oTHeR…” Error can’t even finish the sentence, too scared to hope. Nightmare only squeezes him tighter, allowing himself a watery breath, not trusting himself to speak as Error shakily nuzzles him with a shuddering exhale.
“..I L-lovE You…” Error murmurs after a moment, and it takes another moment for Nightmare to respond.
“L-love you t-too-” The last word breaks off into a sob and he’s unable to stop the many more that follow as he cries into his glitchy mate, who pushes away his own tears in favor of comforting him.
Granny G frowns from where she’s standing outside Error’s door, quietly pulling away and placing the plate of cookies in front of the door. She knows better than to try to directly offer comfort unless Error- or Nightmare it seems- come to her first. Either for better or worse, Nightmare seems to be related to the incident that had Error so torn up when she had first met him- hopefully they can offer each other some comfort…
For the next few days Nightmare basically moves in. He states the night, not leaving Error’s side and even calls in at the library he works at to spend more time with Error.
“I cAN jUst coMe wiTh-” Error protests, to which Nightmare just smiles at him.
“I would rather sit here with you either way, my dear~”
“StiLL…” He grumbles, blushing and looking away. HIs mate smirks and snuggles up against Error, peppering kisses all over the glitch’s skull.
“My sweet Ruru~”
“..My LOvelY NigHtmarE~”
“Hmmm~” His mate takes a moment to look at him lovingly before attacking him with kisses~!
“Ack-!” Error squawks in surprise, immediately trying to wiggle away, the kisses only get more intense as Nightmare peppers them all over his skull and down his neck.
“Mine mine mine mine mine~”
“Y-yeS YEs yoUrs-” Error agrees, giggling as he continues squirming.
“You are perfect and beautiful and I love you so much my lovely mate~”
“NoOoo shUShhH-” The glitch whines, redoubling his escape efforts as he blushes brightly.
Chapter 23: Kitty Killer
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error meets a kitten that could kill with how cute it is
No ships other than Afterdeath
Only warning is Error does get into a car crash at a point
Notes:
Sorry for not posting yesterday- got kinda busy with work
Chapter Text
Error walks into the shelter and up to the front desk, looking around both curiously and nervously.
“U-uM hi- I’m hERe foR tHe v-VOleNTeER thINg..?” The bunny monster looks up at him and smiles sweetly.
“Hello! Yes, I’ve been expecting you. My name is Lilly and you aaaarrre Error, right?” She asks as she walks around the counter.
“YeAh thAT’s mE. It’s- uH- NICe tO meEt ya.” Error replies with a slightly awkward smile of his own. The bunny leads him over to the door in the back to the kennels.
“You too, Error. Now we will mostly have you taking care of the cats, feeding them and giving them baths, cleaning their kennels, that sort of thing. You won’t be doing it alone so don’t worry. We do have a few special cases that need medication or pills in their food.” They pass by the cat kennels, cats of all ages meowing and sleeping or playing with toys as they walk by, Error holding back the urge to pet all of them.
“Today though I was thinking I would have you help me with some new rescues. Is that ok with you, dear?”
“ThAT’s fiNe wiTh mE.” Error smiles a bit more genuinely at that.
“I’m glad~ We have an older cat from the streets and a small kitten that was found frozen in the snow last night.” Lilly takes Error to the very back, past the kennels and to what looks to be more like a vet space with medical supplies and that same stirel smell mixed with wet fur.
“Oh nO! Is the KitTEn oKay?” He questions, concerned. Kittens already get cold very easily, and with their tiny bodies it can get deadly fast. The bunny monster nods even as she frowns deeply.
“Yes, well- he’s alive. Thanks to a nice human who apparently held him by the fire and knew how to give him chest compressions. I was told he had to do it for 30 minutes straight before the kitten showed any signs of life….His eyes were frozen shut and…..they had to be removed, but he’s alive.”
“PoOr baBy…” Error murmurs, frowning. Lilly nods in agreement as she walks over and unlocks a small kennel in the wall and takes out a little bundle of blankets.
“Would you like to help me with him? It will be a lot of work..” She was going to have him help with the older stray, but Error seems interested in the little kitten’s well being.
“YeS PLeaSe-” The glitch nods eagerly, very much wanting to help the baby. Lilly smiles softly at him before gesturing to a nearby chair and having him sit down. Once Error is situated, she has him hold out his arms and ever so carefully places the bundle of blankets in his hold.
“I’ll go get the formula~ Just make sure to keep him wrapped up loosely while I’m gone.”
“ALriGht.” Error nods again, unconsciously gently curling around the blankets and kitten inside of them. The sound of a door closing leaves him sitting silently in the room, not counting the ever present sound of his glitching.
“..Mew..”
“MeoW~ Aww HElLo litTLe onE~” Error coos, meowing back softly. The bundle wiggles a little as it mews more and more, a little nose peeking out of the blanket.
“Hi baBY~ HEllo~” The glitch gently helps the kitten free himself, holding out a finger for him to smell and touch. The kitten stretches out his paws, his little claws poking out of his toe beans as his nose brushes against the tip of Error’s phalange.
“Mew…mew..!”
“MeOw~ I’m hEre baBy~ So cuTE~” Error is in love- The kitten opens his mouth and tries to get his little mouth around the glitch’s finger, suckling lightly on it as pats Error’s knuckles.
“SOrRy buT thAT’s noT FoOd siLLy kiTteN~” The glitch chuckles and gently pulls his phalange away and instead starts to carefully pet him. Error gets cute mews and stretches in response, enjoying the soft slightly damp fur.
“Awww~ I think he likes you~” Lilly comments as she walks back in with a kitten sized bottle.
“He’s sO cuTe~” Error murmurs.
“He is~ Would you like to feed him?” Lilly offers Error the bottle of warm formula, who takes it carefully to avoid accidentally touching her.
“CoNSidErinG He wAS tryINg to EaT mY FinGer juSt noW thAT’s prOBabLy a goOD ideA.” Error holds the tip of the bottle to the kitten’s mouth and nose much like he had with his phalange earlier. The kitten eagerly opens his mouth and latches on, drinking the formula messily as Error coos at him.
For a month, the glitchy skeleton comes by every day to volunteer at the shelter, Lilly being the worker he interacted with the most. Some of the other workers would help him out and give him different tasks, but it seemed like Lilly had taken it upon herself to teach him whenever she could.
One thing he liked about the bunny monster is that she would let him help her take care of the kitten. He got to feed him and massage his little body, helping him learn to walk again and move, as well as learn how to apply the ointment for his empty eye sockets.
“We maTCh!” Error jokes one day as he releases the squirming kitten after applying his ointment. The cat cries in outrage, trying to rub his face into Error’s hand as he wiggles and stretches.
“Oh shuSH yoU KNoW it’S foR YoUr owN GoOd- eYEs arE OVeRraTEd anYWays.” The glitch playfully pushes the kitten over, still being sure to be gentle. The cat rolls over onto his back, pawing at the air as he meows louder. He’s been gradually getting a bit bigger, his movements not as shaky as they were when Error first held him.
“MeOoww~” Error gently attacks him with his own meow. His kitten aggressively bats at his hand and face, trying to sound scary with even louder mews. He only ends up looking even cuter, making Error coo as he pulls back.
“Reeeow!” The baby is having none of it and he reaches up to hug Error’s face, not wanting him to leave. Error manages to hold back for all of a moment, snickering, before he nuzzles the kitten’s exposed belly aggressively but gently. He gets loud mews in response as the small feline's back feet kick at his chin, the toe beans cold and soft on his bones.
“He loves you so much~ He cries when you leave, you know.” Lilly says idly as she gently combs through another cat's matted fur.
“He doES? Do yOU misS YOur maMa GLitChy baBY~?” Error coos, carefully scooping up the kitten. Though the fact that leaving makes the cat sad makes him sad too. The feline purrs and clings to his scarf, nestling up into the fabric as he begins to kneed at it.
“He’s being put up for adoption today.” The bunny adds, hiding a smile as she continues to brush and Error immediately looks at her.
“He iS? Is hE In goOD enOuGh shAPe foR thAT?” He questions. Lilly nods.
“Yes. He has recovered quickly for a kitten on the brink of death. He’ll need to ointment on his eye sockets every day for the rest of his life, but his body is completely healed otherwise! With your attentiveness and care, he has regained his motor skills and can move freely, even if he seems to like it when you carry him much more than walking.”
“Oh- ThAt- thAT’s goOd, thEN..” It doesn’t even cross his mind that he could adopt the kitten himself, just that someone might come and take him away, and worrying that he wouldn’t be taken care of properly. Lilly, seeming to have been following his train of thought, calmly walks over to sit beside Error, smiling sweetly at him.
“Dear, you can take him home with you~”
“...I cAN?” Error looks between her and the kitten still nestled in his scarf. “BuT- I’m suRE THeRe aRe- aRe BeTteR OwnERs foR Him-”
“Error.” Lilly stares at him softly. “I can think of no one better than you. He loves you and would be sad without you. I’m sure you would feel the same way if you couldn’t see him anymore.”
“....Y-yeAH..” Error mumbles, glancing away. The kitten shifts a little and leans up to gently boop his little wet nose against Error’s neck, giving him kitty kisses, making Error smile a bit.
“You take such good care of him and make each other happy~ You should get to keep him, but if you don’t want to that’s ok too.”
“No-! I- I waNT hiM. Of coURse I wANt him.”
“You can do it, Error. You’ve done so well here and I know you truly love helping these animals. You should believe in yourself. I believe in you~” Lilly uses the cat in her own lap paw and places it on Error’s knee in a supporting gesture, giggling a little, Error joining in after a moment, touched by the silly gesture.
“A-aLRiGht thEN. I GUesS I haVe a kITtY cOMinG hoMe wiTH Me.”
“Yaaaaay~!” Lilly stands up, holding the grumpy feline, she had been brushing moments before, up in the air. “We did it Franklin! Wooooooo~!”
“PfFft- WaS THis plaNnED oR SoMEthiNg?”
“Hmm….maaaaaaybe just a little~” Lilly smiles at him, sweet and innocent as her nose twitches.
“Of coURsE-” Error rolls his eyelights with a small grin, turning to nuzzle the kitten- his kitten. The cat meows and headbuts his chin aggressively, little purrs making his small body shake, and after a moment, Error lets himself quietly purr back- though the sound is a bit more similar to rattling.
Lilly lets him go through the rest of his usual routine, but it’s hard to focus when all he can think about is finally taking his little baby home instead of leaving him here for the night. He’s just so excited! And nervous- but mostly excited! Error’s pretty sure his kitty can sense the shift in mood, considering he seems to be even more affectionate than usual, but maybe Error’s just imagining it.
At the end of the day and after some paperwork, Lilly sends him off with his kitten's blanket, some food, his ointment, and a temporary collar.
“You completed your community service to graduate. Do you think you’ll be coming back at all?” She asks, and Error nods in response.
“Not As OFtEn siNCe iT WoN’t be oN ThE schOOl’s TiMe anYMoRe, buT I dEFinITely wiLL.”
“Yay! I’ll see you later then! I wrote down the vet he is registered to, that’s where you can get more of his eye ointment.”
“ALriGht. ThANk yoU LillY.” Quickly dropping the supplies off in his car, Error heads back to the kennel, where he had temporarily left his kitten while getting the adoption confirmed. The cat mews and cries until Error walks into the room, his attitude immediately changing to happy jumps and pouncing at the gate.
“AwWw coME heRe yoU LItTle kiLLeR baBY~” The glitch is more than willing to scoop up the blind kitten, spinning in a happy little circle with him.
“Meow~!” The small feline purrs happily, clinging to Error’s sleeve as he wiggles.
“Hehehehe~ All he needs now is a name~” Lilly stays as she leans against the door, Error humming in consideration.
“I’m noT SUre… WhAT dO YoU ThINk yA TiNy prEDatoR~?” Error asks the kitten in his arms. The feline roars to the best of his ability and tries to take a playful bite out of the glitch’s hand, lightly nomming on the bone.
“My fieRce liTtLE KILleR~” Error coos, completely unbothered.
“He’ll kill you with cuteness~ That’s actually a really cute name for a cat. Killer~” Lilly giggles to herself as Error snickers.
“YOu’Re toTalLY riGHt- hoW’s thAT sOuNd, KiLler~?” The kitten turns his head to face the sound of Error’s voice, his ears twitching.
“Mew~”
“I thINk thAt’S A yeS~!”
“Yay~! Nice to finally meet you Killer~!” Liilly gently pets the kitten's head, the newly named Killer trying to turn his head around in confusion, making Error giggle and nuzzle him. Killer nuzzles back, his little claws latching onto the glitch's scarf again, like usual.
"Such a good kitty~ Bring him with you when you visit ok? And tell me how he's doing? Oh! I should give you my number!" Lilly rambles a little in excitement as she digs through her pocket for her phone.
“YoU aRE GoINg tO GeT so mANy piCTureS Of hiM-” Error half warns and half swears. Lilly giggles, handing Error her phone as she takes his.
"I expect nothing less! And I'll show you pictures of any new cats we get! Or of my cat Cheeto. He’s a handful-"
“HeLL yeAh- maYBe whEN KiLler’S A biT OldEr thEY coUld mEeT!”
"Yus~! They could be friends and have play dates~!" Lilly's nose wiggles in excitement as they swap phones back. "You should probably head out before it gets dark….I'll miss you."
“Heh- yEAh… I’ll miSs yoU Too. I’m stILL plaNnINg oN ComINg heRE ONce A weEk thOuGH!”
“Good! I’ll hold you to that!” Lilly smiles before ushering Error out of the building. “Now Shoo shoo! You need to get home and eat dinner!”
“FiNe fiNE OkaY-!” Error laughs, letting himself be gently nudged. “SeE Ya.”
“Mhm! Come back soon!”
“I wiLL!” The glitch hops into his car, carefully holding Killer as he buckles up. The kitten purrs, nuzzling up closer under Error’s skull as Lilly waves goodbye, and Error waves back with a grin.
“LeT’s go HOmE baBY~”
“Mew~”
Killer was hesitant at first, but he quickly became acquainted with his new home. He follows Error wherever he goes around the house and as long as their quiet, Killer is really good in Error’s pocket or backpack.
When at home the little feline will let himself adventure around the room Error is in and climb up the glitch’s clothes for snuggles if he wants attention, something that Error is almost always happy to give. And if Killer isn’t snuggling then he’s running around the room like he has the zoomies- all the time.
He never actually sleeps in the bed Error got him. What was the glitch thinking? Error is the bed. Honestly he’s not sure why he’s surprised at all- he had been Killer’s bed at the shelter as well.
One odd thing he’s noticed is that Killer refuses to leave the room Error is in. If he gets too far away from the cat, he starts to cry and freak out- which is both endearing and worrying. Error doesn’t want Killer to have separation anxiety if he has to go somewhere for any reason. Killer won’t even leave to use the litter box or eat.
Killer should be able to explore and do things freely without freaking out just because Error isn’t there- it doesn’t matter too much right now considering he can do both work and school from home, but it might in the future and he doesn’t want to make Killer have to deal with that.
It might be because Killer can’t see him. Maybe he’s relying on smell or hearing, so when Error is too far away his cat gets scared. That would make sense. He’s perfectly calm otherwise and even climbs around on his cat tree when Error’s in the room. Maybe the constant sound of his static is calming or something?
Error’s just glad he has a fairly small house, so it’s not too hard for the blind cat to get around. Killer quickly memorizes the house, or at least it seems that way when he eventually stops walking into everything. For a cat, Killer doesn’t seem to mind being held or handled that much at all. Error can hold him up, roll him over, and pet him wherever without complaint.
It’s only when other people try to touch him that the cat has a problem. Error had brought Killer out grocery shopping and another monster had asked if they could pet him.
“SUre- juST leT Him sMEll yOU fiRsT. He’S BLiNd anD I dON’T wAnt to sTArtLe hiM.” Error’s a bit hesitant about letting them get closer, but Killer really is a sweet kitty and he’s happy to let him be dote on. The monster smiles and thanks him before holding out their hand in front of Killer’s face.
To both of their surprise, Killer goes from calm and sweet, to standing up and hissing at the other aggressively.
“WoaH WoAH woAh- HeY Dum duM THey’Re juST tryINg to SaY Hi-” Error scolds the cat, grabbing him from his shoulders to hold Killer in front of him. The cat immediately calms, reaching out to hook his claws into Error’s clothes and try to hug him, the glitch’s glare softening.
The monster looks at their hand in confusion. “Awww…cats usually like me-”
“I’m soRrY I’m noT SuRe whAT’s gotTEn inTo hiM- he’S AlwAys beEN sO SweEt foR Me…” Error apologizes, genuinely not sure why Killer reacted like that.
“It’s ok! Some cats just don’t trust strangers. Maybe he’s territorial or something?”
“MaYBe- coNSidERiNg he’s bLInD, hE uSUalLy staYS aT hoMe sO I’m noT SUre.”
“Is he neutered?” They ask, and Error shakes his head.
“StiLL too yOuNG- He’S Only abOUt 7 moNtHs oLD noW. I pLAn oN WaITinG ‘tiL He’S At leAst a YeAR oLd sinCe nEUteRing ToO EarLY cAn bE BAd foR HeaLTh anD EffeCt aDoleSCEnce.” Error had done so much research on neutering-
“Oh- You must really care for your cat to know all of that off the top of your head.” They say nicely as Killer nuzzles and rubs his face against Error’s.
“I’ve raiSEd hiM FroM A tINy KitTen- I oNly wANt whAT’s beSt foR Him.”
“I wish you luck then! Have a good day!” They wave goodbye as they move on to continue with their shopping trip, Error sighing a bit in relief once they’re gone. He’s more than happy to ramble about his cat, but he’s not great at socializing otherwise.
“Reeooow~” Killer lightly boops his nose against Error’s mouth, purring loudly as the glitch giggles, peppering little kisses on Killer’s adorable head. “Purr purr purr purr~”
Error glances at the rearview mirror, double checking his speed as he drives with Killer. He’s always extremely careful every time he drives, mostly from habit from when he was learning and his glitches were worse.
They were headed to the shelter Error had adopted Killer from for the glitch’s weekly volunteer visit, and luckily Lilly had said she’d be on shift, so they can hang out. The drive is usually peaceful, but the rain is pouring down hard as his headlights shine through the darkened road.
Killer sleeps idly in the passenger seat, not too bothered by the pounding sound of raindrops just outside the car. Error glances at him as they come to a stop at a red light, smiling a bit at just how cute he is. It’s a peaceful scene.
He watches the light turn green and eases onto the gas pedal. He doesn’t even get to the middle of the intersection before another car slams into the left side of his vehicle. Error doesn’t get the chance to really process anything before he’s hit with the airbags, a wheezing sound escaping him.
Oh shit.
Error stares blankly ahead for a moment, struggling to take a full breath, before he realizes that they’re in an accident. His first thought is ‘ how am I going to pay for a new car?’ and his second one is ‘oh shit- where’s Killer-??’ His little fur baby wasn’t buckled in, and he’s so much more fragile than Error is where is he-
Everythings so loud, and yet his ear holes are ringing and it's hard to hear, but a clear, quiet, strangled, “Mew” comes from somewhere beside him, obviously pained and crying.
“KilL-KILleR-” He gasps, fumbling with his seatbelt before he manages to undo it, pushing the airbags away and looking for Killer, frantic. The poor cat had been practically crushed by the airbag, pinned down to the seat with shards of glass sticking out of his small body.
“Mew..mew….”
“Oh bABy- I’m s-sORry-” Error tears up, painfully leaning down over Killer, gently cradling his cat’s head and desperately pushing healing magic into him. Despite the obvious pain the feline is in, Killer tries to nuzzle up into Error’s hands, little faint cries escaping him.
The sound of sirens is background noise as the passenger seat door is opened and someone ushers them out, picking the cat up.
“N-nO WaiT PLeAsE-!” Error struggles to get up, eyelights locked on Killer, only for his leg to give out under him and he falls with a flurry of glitches, pain shooting up his leg. He can faintly feel someone grabbing him, pulling him out of the car through the pain. It’s loud- it’s so quiet too.
Killer is farther and farther away- the fading cries are all Error can focus on. His poor little Killer doesn’t deserve this- he can’t- he knows Killer’s injuries are fatal, in the back of his mind, but he’s not ready to let go. Error’s not ready for the little kitten he helped raise to die.
“P-pLE-eaSE mY Cat-” Someone is talking to him, a human he thinks. Something about a vet? Are they taking Killer to the vet..?
He’s laid down on a roll out stretcher, the sound of the ambulance ringing loudly through the shock and panic. It’s all a blur, Error hardly processing anything as the world fades in and out of existence, until finally going black.
The first thing Error processes is pain, both sharp and dull, making a whine escape him, face scrunching up. Even breathing hurts- his ribs feeling like they were being stabbed if he inhales too deeply. A beeping sound slowly fills his skull as the fog in his head seems to clear out, and after a moment, Error manages to open his sockets, revealing fuzzy eyelights.
“Ngh… oW…” He groans quietly, blinking in an attempt to bring everything into focus. Where…? This isn’t his room….It’s white and smells distinctly of chemicals…but there’s also…a cinnamon spice scent.
It reminds him of Killer- his silly cat always enjoyed hanging out in the spice cabinet, and Error eventually gave up on trying to keep him out.
Error frowns a bit. Didn’t something…?
He gasps, glitching as he’s hit with the hazy events leading up to passing out, automatically trying to sit up in his panic.
“KiLLeR-!”
Something clings to his shirt with a small, quiet hiss as a familiar voice reaches him.
“E-error-! Hey hey you're ok- Killer’s ok.” Error looks over at the bunny monster- Lilly- not quite processing her words as he automatically goes to cradle the thing against his chest, arm twinging painfully.
“Careful- He’s uhm, he’s still healing..” Lilly leans over the bed and gently runs a pawed hand through the bandaged feline’s fur as he nuzzles Error’s neck, the glitch’s gaze blankly following until he realizes he’s holding Killer.
“Oh thANk FOx…” He murmurs and Lilly smiles at him.
“I uhm…I pulled some strings with my mother….He was….he would have died unless I..uh…….I asked her to use a new method. I-It’s still in testing and I don’t know it it will haveanylastingeffects, but uhm-”
“I doN’t CAre- He’S HEre anD He’s- he’S ALivE. THaNk yoU..” Error looks up at Lilly with a watery smile, relieved tears gathering in his sockets. The bunny smiles back and carefully leans forward to give Error a small headbut.
“Anything for a friend, Error…Oh, I’m so happy you're ok! I was scared for a minute there-”
“S-soRrY… I guEsS I misSEd yoUr shiFT dIDn’T I..?” Error relaxes, reaching up to gently pet Killer. Lilly’s ears perk up as she rolls her eyes.
“Oh who cares about my shift! I missed it too! It’s a good thing you put me on the emergency contact list huh~?”
“Oh yeAH- I haD foRGotTEn abOuT THaT…”
“It was a while ago. When you told me about your uh- family situation. That still irks me.” Lilly grumbles as she glares at the wall. It’s… safe to say that Error doesn’t have the best relationship with his family- in fact he’s been no contact with them for a long time. Not that his father had given him much of a choice. He doesn’t blame his brothers, they were just following his dad’s example. He hasn’t heard from any of them in years.
“I feEL liKe I’vE TRieD To eXPlaiN thAt iT waS MOsTly mY oWn faULt seVErAl timEs now-” Error sighs.
“So? Family is family! I could never imagine not going to family reunions or singling one of my siblings out! And I have 325 of them!”
“I stILL doN’t knOW How yoU MaNAgeD To deAL wiTh thAT grOWinG up- EiTheR wAy it’S In thE PAsT. I haVE no wAY oF cOntACtiNg thEM evEN iF I WaNted To- I maY As wELL be dEAd to thEm aT THis poINt.” Error shrugs with his good shoulder.
“Hmm…I’ll just have to bring you to my family gatherings then~” Lilly says as she puffs out her chest with pride. “They are so much fun! I bet you’ll love it.”
“ThAT soUNds ExhaUStINg.” Error deadpans, though touched by the invitation.
"Awww don't be such a party pooper! We're monsters, we don't poop-"
“...PFft- thAT’s wAS DuMb.”
"You're dumb-" Lilly shoots back as she pouts, the look is ruined by her grin though.
“YOur faCE iS duMb-” Error immedietly responds, with a tired grin of his own.
"I can’t hear you through the dumb-" The glitch just huffs in response, fondly rolling his eyelights, before pausing as he looks around the hospital room.
“..Do yoU KnOw whAT eXaCTly haD HaPpeNEd? It’s… All soRTa a BLur.” Lilly's smile falls a little and her ears droop as she looks away in thought.
"You were crossing an intersection and…a humsl woman tried to run a red light. She uh…crashed right into the driver's side of your car. Your legs, left one mostly, was shattered and several ribs fractured ...."
“So thAT’s whY It huRTs tO breAThe… WaS My caR TotALed?” He asks, purposefully avoiding the subject of Killer’s injuries. That was one thing that Error’s sure will forever be sealed in his mind.
"The front of it, yeah. Sorry, but your car is long gone." The bunny monster frowns deeply as she crosses her arms. "You can sue that lady you know. You should-"
“I cAN’t reALly aFfoRD a laWEr thOuGH-”
"One of my brothers is a lawyer and I'm sure he won't mind helping you out! He owes me some money so I'm sure I can convince him~ " Lilly smiles, something about the way it spreads across her face and the evil look on her eyes has Error glitching slightly, shrinking back into his pillows and carefully holding Killer a bit closer.
The cat begins to purr and slowly lifts his head up, Error’s attention snapping to him.
“Hi baBy~” He murmurs, using his good hand to gently cradle his kitten’s soft and little head. Killer mews quietly and boops his small nose against Error’s cheeks and mouth.
"Meow..~"
“MEow~ I’m so GlaD YoU’re okAY~” Error gently presses a kiss to the top of Killer’s head, but doesn’t pull away, just relishing the contact and reassuring himself that his fur baby is alive and safe.
"Purr purr purr purr~" His kitty lightly licks his face, a bit sluggish with his movements, but happy nonetheless, Error’s own movements being similar.
“HeY HOw loNg wAS I ouT?” Error questions, still gently nuzzling and petting Killer.
"Uhh…about a day? It's 8:00 in the afternoon now. SaturdaySaturday."
“Oh wOw alrIGHt theN-”
“Heh, yeah it’s been a while. I was going to go get some dinner right about now, is there anything you want me to bring back for you and Killer?”
“A dOcTOr, proBaBLy.” Error half jokes, “AnD SOme weT FoOD for KiLLeR?”
“Sure! Really though you need to eat something.” Lilly frowns at him, clearly worried.
“I’m fiNE- noT ReaLLy huNGry yeT.” He just waves her off.
“ Error .” The bunny monster gives him a harsh glare, her nose twitching rapidly. “ What do you want to eat? ”
“...SoUP pleASe-” Error squeaks, cowering back.
“Ok~ I’ll be back soon Error~!” Lilly’s scary face vanishes as quickly as it had arrived and she disappears with a sweet smile on her face.
“HolY fuCK shE’s sCaRY-” Error mutters, sighing in relief. Killer mews quietly and slowly licks at his neck, and Error snickers a bit at the scratchy yet nice feeling.
“AGreEd~” He coos, petting the cat as he carefully looks him over. His small little body is almost completely wrapped in bandages, his fluffy fur sticking out between the gaps…and there’s…a floating red target shaped thing floating in front of Killer’s chest.
“WhAt’s thaT…?” He doesn’t touch it, just in case, but he stares curiously, slightly worried for Killer. The cat doesn’t seem too bothered, trying to wiggle and pull himself closer to Error’s face despite his injuries.
“Reeoow”
“MeoWw~” Error gently helps Killer move to where he wants with a fond smile. He supposes he’ll just leave it be unless the target thing seems to bother his kitten. Killer purrs quietly against him, his tail flicking idly, until the sound of someone knocking on the door sounds through the room.
“..CoMe iN.” He calls out after blinking for a moment. When the door opens, a tall skeleton in a white lab coat walks in, a smile on his face as he looks at Error with empty sockets.
“Heya there. I’m Dr. Death, but just call me Reaper. How do you feel?” The doctor walks by and does some kind of check on the machines beside the bed as Error holds back a snicker at the name.
“Eh- brEaTHinG hurts, moviNG huRTs, eVErYThiNg KinDA huRts.” Error knows better than to try to brush off pain to a doctor. Reaper nods, writing something down on his clipboard.
“That would mostly be the whiplash of the crash. Even without the broken bones, being jostled like that so suddenly can really send your body into shock. You will be aching for a few weeks, but your injuries are actually healing very well.”
“ThEY Are? I’m suRPriSed- I doN’t reALLy aBSorB heaLInG maGIc veRY weLL.” Error’s glitchy body and magic has never been very good at taking in ‘forgin’ magic. The doctor nods in understanding.
“Most people with pixlexia don’t, that’s why, instead of using innate healing magic, we used a new type of healing gel made from natural magic found in plants. Your body takes it in much like it takes in food, with the healing properties of the plants speeding up your own ability to heal.”
“OhHh- thAT’s prETty coOl! Is thaT WHy I doN’t feEL paRTicUlaRly huNGry?” Error questions.
“Yup! My wifu actually came up with the treatment~” Reaper tells him with a prideful grin as Error quickly covers his mouth to muffle his snort at the nickname. “My sweet husband is the best~ Such a grumpy, sweet, and smart little tsundere~”
The doctor continues to gush about his mate, the floating tip of his hood making little heart shapes. It’s both endearing and hilarious, and Error’s pretty it’s at least slightly unprofessional, but the glitch isn’t sure how to politely move the conversation forward, so he stays quiet.
“Meow..?” Killer lists his head, turning to face the doctor as his ears twitch.
“Oh- I almost forgot about the cat.”
“HiS NaMe is KiLLeR.” Reaper snickers a little at that.
“Killer the cat. Cool name. Oh- uh right I have some more questions to ask you.” The feline purrs and chooses to ignore the other voice in the room, resting his face against Error’s collarbone as the skeletons continue to talk. The doctor goes through the basic procedure, asking if Error takes any medication, if he’s had any surgeries or other medical procedures, ect.
“HoW WOuLd yoU Even Do SUrGEry oN A SkeLEtoN..?” Error muses to himself.
“Reattaching bones together mostly, or a c section.” Reaper helpfully supplies. “Any other conditions?”
“OtHeR THan mY seVEre PiCLeXIa, noTHinG ELse I’M pReTty suRE.”
“Good! Based on your file you should be good to go in a few days. You’ll go home with a cast on your left leg and arm, but you should be fine with some crutches. Do you live with anyone or know of someone who would be able to help you around the house?”
“EhHhh-” Error makes a face. The last thing he wants to do is put anything else on Lilly’s plate, and he can barely touch her anyways.
“Not reALLy…”
“Hmm…you need lots of rest as your body recovers. I…I can let you go home alone, but only if you actually rest. Doing any kind of labor intensive activity with only your right limbs will be as straining as it is difficult…are you sure there’s no one? Even just to run some errands?”
“I meAN… MayBE?” Error had left everything when he had run away years ago- Lilly and Killer are really all he has. Reaper sighs as he stands, straightening his coat.
“We can work out the details later. We do have a few days to talk after all! I will come check on you again tomorrow. If you need anything just push that button on the side of the railing and a nurse will come to help you.”
“AlriGHt. ThANk yoU ReAPer.”
“It’s my pleasure.” The doctor leaves without another word and Error is once again left alone with his cat.
“...WeLp. ThAt haPpenEd. Do yoU THinK LilLy wOUld geT MaD If we ToOK a naP?” Error asks Killer with a nuzzle. His kitty makes a cute, sleepy merp sound and nuzzles himself closer, already a step ahead of the glitch.
“GoOD idEa~” Error coos, before yawning, holding Killer close as he lets himself relax completely, closing his sockets.
The next few days aren’t so bad. Lilly comes by every day to spend time with him, bringing him wet cat food and some crochet needles, and yarn. They play a few games of uno here and there. It’s nice.
Killer starts feeling a bit better too. Standing up and walking around the bed a little, something that Error is extremely happy to see. Although he loves the constant cuddles from his cat, Killer has always been more active and it’s strange seeing him be so still so often.
The doctor, Reaper, is a bit strange. He seems like a bit of a goofball hopelessly in love with a supposedly cute jerky scientist- lab tech- or whatever. He takes every opportunity to talk about his mate, gushing and cooing over the skeleton that’s not even here.
Other times he’s serious, not very often though. Reaper has taken a liking to Killer too. Apparently the floating target thing is his cat's soul- which is… a bit concerning, but Killer seems fine so Error’s pretty sure it’s alright. Hopefully.
When he asked lilly about it she told him it has something to do with determination- like the substance. Error has no idea how it had worked, as determination was usually just used to keep a monster from falling down with very very tiny doses, but Killer is here and alive so he’s not complaining.
On the last day, Reaper asks him something odd. “Hey, your last name is Queen right?”
“YeAH? It’S on My pAPeR isN’t iT?” Despite being practically disowned, Error had never bothered to change it.
“Heh, yeah, just wanted to make sure. I actually have some funny news for you~” Reaper flashes Error a devious grin as he sets aside his clipboard, something that immediately has Error on guard.
“I’m noT SUre I LIkE thE SoUnd oF ThaT-” Reaper grins wider.
“I am actually your brother in law~! Small world right!?”
“...WhAT-?” Error asks faintly, sockets wide.
“My sweet grumpy mate is Geno~! Your older brother! Quite the coincidence don’t you think?”
“GeNO? WH..” Error genuinely has no idea how to respond to this as he’s filled with the instinctual urge to run away. As if sensing his distress, Killer slowly walks up onto his chest and hugs his face, rubbing against him. “Meow..~”
Error snorts a bit, reaching up to pet his precious kitty and forcing himself to calm down.
“....DoEs- d-dOEs He knOw…?”
“No…I wanted to talk to you first.” Reaper walks around to sit in a chair beside the bed as Killer lightly kisses Error’s cheek. “He misses you a lot..”
“DuNno whY He’D CAre…” He mutters, looking away while the other sighs.
“I’m not going to pretend I know what happened, I just know how Geno feels about it. About you disappearing…and I know he misses and worries about you a lot.” Error’s grip on Killer’s fur tightens, though he’s careful to not actually hurt him, staying silent.
“He wouldn’t talk about it at first- very head strong and as stubborn as usual, I’m sure you know about that-” Reaper shifts, looking down in thought. “Uh…I had been with Gen for maybe a year, before your dad died. Geno….kind of broke down a lot…mostly about you…”
Error stills. There’s… a lot to unpack in that sentence… but..
“..AboUT Me…? Reaper nods, frowning deeply.
“It was the first time he had mentioned anything about you to me…He didn’t go into detail, it was mostly a bunch of crying rambling- but from what I got, he feels responsible for you and said he failed and is a terrible brother- it uh….well it wasn’t pretty. Like I said I don’t know about the details of what happened. He still won't talk to me about it even after being mates for a while now so it must be a pretty touchy subject…”
“OuR FAthEr waS a ManIPulaTIVe aSshoLE Who diDN’t liKe mE, sO I rAn awAy. THeRe’S noT MuCh moRe to iT.” Error’s voice is cold.
“Ah….well Gen seems to think he did something wrong..”
“...He beLieVEd oUr fAThEr oVeR me… I doN’T BLaMe hiM- oR FReSh foR ThAt maTteR. I wAS a meSs baCK thEn.”
“He blames himself…I think you should try talking to him.” Killer mews as rubs his whiskers against Error’s face, and Error absentmindedly nuzzles the cat back.
“...WOuLd he evEn waNt tO SeE me..?”
“I think he would.” The glitch takes a breath, gathering his courage.
“..ANd hOw woULd I dO ThAt?”
“With your voice probably~” Reaper jokes, and Error turns to give him a glare, glitching.
“HaLF oF Why I neVEr reAChed ouT Is beCAus-sE I liT-tEralLy haVe no wAY of contacT.” Error states. He knows it’s a joke but it was a bad one.
“Well now you have me~ I can give you my sweet Gen’s number~!” Reaper isn’t deturned in the slightest.
“I loST My pHoNe in THe cRasH So ThaT miGht tAKe AwHILe…” The doctor visibly pouts, and Error can’t help but snicker a bit.
“Then I’ll just have to bring him here~”
“....ALriGh-hT. I’m hErE ‘tIL toMOrRow moRNInG AnywAYs so.” Error shrugs a bit, doing his best to look nonchalant though his nervous glitching gives him away.
“Cool cool cool- He’ll be here later today. Probably sooner rather than later.” Reaper pulls out his phone, typing something out before putting it away again. “Do you need anything while I’m here?”
“I’m gOoD.”
“Alright. I’ll be back later.” When Reaper leaves, Error sighs, curling up best he can around Killer, wondering if he should try taking a nap to avoid the restlessness and dread he can already feel building up. He genuinely didn’t think he’d ever see his family again, and he never thought he’d actually be missed… hoped, maybe, but he knew better than that.
Killer wraps his front legs around Error’s face and tentatively boops his nose against the glitch’s mouth and nasal bridge, purring soothingly. The glitch sighs, smiling a bit as he kisses his cat’s little head, unconsciously relaxing a bit.
“HeY BAby~”
“Reow~ Purr purr purr~ ” Killer’s toe beans are cool against his bones, a stark contrast to his warm, flooffy fur. Killer is just so soft and sweet~
“My liTtlE BaBY kiTty~” Error sing songs as his cat mews and purrs louder, lightly batting at him.
“YeS YOu aRe~ My BAbY~” The glitch purrs happily as Killer kisses and loves on him, like the affectionate feline he is. Error loves his little fur baby~
He was expecting some kind of emergency when Reaper called him up to the hospital. Instead of his usual “Let's have lunch together my sweet Gen~!” he got “Come to the hospital.” No explanation or anything.
Herushes through the front doors after parking, heading to the elevator to get to the 3rd floor where his mate works….most of the time. The moment Geno sees his husband, and seeing that he’s not horribly injured or worse, he takes it upon himself to fix that. In one swift move, he punches Reaper in the back. The yelp and slight hunch in pain is quite satisfying.
“O-oh hey Gen-”
“What do you want? I better not have come all the way over here for nothing.” His tone is harsh, but Reaper smiles lovingly at him anyway and he struggles to resist the urge to kiss this smiling idiot as he blushes.
“Oh it’s not for nothing my sweet love~ I have a surprise for you~” Geno’s mate tentatively grabs his hand and laces their phalanges together as he is led down a long hallway.
“What- a treat or something? You could have just brought it to me or something.” He’s a little bitter about having to leave his many tubs of icecream, a recent pregnancy craving of his. He would love to say that this might actually be important, but Reaper has called him for dumber things than a gift. He can’t help but be skeptical.
“Nope~ Trust me this is more than worth it.” His mate stops in front of a patient room and his brow furrow in confusion. “Go on in.”
Hesitantly, Geno lifts his hand and pulls the door open. Reaper doesn’t follow him inside and he’s left looking around in confusion, until he steps in and sees….someone on the hospital bed.
He stands there, staring at the other in shock. Sleeping peacefully in the bed, is his little brother, snuggling a bandaged cat. Looking at Error now, he can’t help but walk over and examine his face.
‘He’s grown…’ Error’s facial features are a bit sharper than the last time Geno saw him, more adult-like. It’s weird, but nice, to see Error so grown up. His soul swells as he slowly reaches down to cup his brother's cheek, feeling the familiar tickle of Error’s glitches.
Geno takes in a shaky breath as a small hiccup escapes him, tears rolling down his face. He’s unable to stop his hands from shaking as he rubs Error’s cheek with his thumb. He tries not to sob, not wanting to ruin Error’s peaceful state as he frantically tries to wipe his face.
‘He’s grown into such a handsome young man-’ Geno can't stop it as he leans down, and places a kiss on Error’s forehead, quietly sobbing to himself as he tries and fails to calm.
“Mn…” Error stirs with a small sigh, brows furrowing as his sockets slowly flutter open. Geno stills, shaking a little as he watches his brother's face. It takes Error a second to actually focus on him, but when he does, he freezes, sockets widening.
“...GeN..?”
"Hi bubba…~" He offers a small smile, still rubbing Error’s face gently, who leans into it with a shaky breath.
“So ReAPeR wASn’T lyiNG thEn.” He mumbles, glitching a bit. Geno lets out a small teary laugh.
"What did he tell y-you exactly? He can be a bit of a dork."
“D-dID you ReALly coME uP wiTh thAt heALiNg gEL?” Error asks, making his brother snicker.
“Y-yeah, I did. I had been thinking about it after that one time you flew off your bike and fractured your arm.”
“ThaT LoNg…? WelL- ReAPeR SaiD I miGht’Ve diED WitHoUT It, sO, thAnK You.” Error gives his big brother a shaky but genuine smile. Geno would smile back if his attention isn’t brought immediately back to the fact that Error is in the hospital!
“What happened!? Are you sure you’re ok?”
“I… coULd bE Be beTter. I goT In a baD CaR WreCk- seVEraL BroKeN RibS, shAtTEreD leG, knoCKEd ouT For a DaY…” Error shrugs a bit with his good shoulder. His brother looks to be on the verge of tears again.
“I’m happy I could help you even if I wasn’t here…” Geno gives his cheek one last gentle stroke, before slowly pulling his hand away, and Error has to hold back a sad whine, frowning.
“I had made it with you in mind after all.”
“ReALly..?” Error hates how vulnerable it comes out. His older brother offers a soft smile, a look that has always been reserved for Fresh and him.
“Mhm. I didn’t like not being able to heal you…I was always worried something would happen and I wouldn’t be able to do anything about it. You were always putting yourself in harms way…”
“Heh- yEaH… I wAs a biT ReCKleSs… I’m soRrY. For whAt iT-t’s woRTh.” He mumbles, looking at Killer to avoid Geno’s gaze. The cat is still fast asleep, his head lolling to the side as he lays stretched across Error’s chest.
“...I like your cat.”
“..HiS NaMe iS KilLer. I basiCAllY raISeD hiM fRoM a tiNy litTLe kitTEn.” Error smiles, though it’s a bit sad. He can’t say he blames Geno for not accepting his apology.
“He’s cute…You always wanted a cat.” The older lightly runs a hand through Killer’s furr. “...Error, what happened exactly..? He didn’t…tell us anything. One day you were here…and then you weren't.”
“....I raN. SiMPle aS ThaT.” Error shrugs, still avoiding looking at Geno.
“.....I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you…” He chokes up at the last word, unable to stop fresh tears from forming. “I-I’m sor-rry.. hic ”
Error looks up at Geno, alarmed, and struggles to sit up, accidentally using his bad arm. His brother mumbles apologies as he moves to gently cup Error’s face again, stroking it with nothing but love as he speaks through quiet sobs.
“GeN- I- I NEvEr bLAmEd You- oR FrESh- YOu- yoU doN’t haVE to aPoloGIZe-” Error’s voice breaks as he leans into Geno’s touch. The older skeleton presses their foreheads together, sniffling as he tries to hold back another sob.
“B-but I do- I’m your big brother I’m supposed t-to be there for you a-and you’ve grown up alone- I should have spent more time with you- o-or maybe if I did some more projects for father he would have left you alone, or I could have distracted him more-”
“GeNo- I aCTeD ouT On puRPosE tO KeEp his AtTentIOn OfF of yoU boTH.” Error can’t help the slightly hysterical giggle that escapes him.
“You aNd-D Fr-rESh aRe thE ONly rEaSOn I stAYeD so Lo-onG. I th-THoUght-” He cuts himself off, just shaking his head slightly. Geno stares at him for a moment, before letting out a small giggle of his own.
“I uhm…I thought if I was t-the perfect kid, everything he wants out of a son, then y-you and Fresh could live how you want. I-I was trying to keep his attention o-off you….dork.”
“N-nErd.” Error’s not sure why, but that’s the thing that finally has him breaking down, tears escaping his sockets as he glitches, his expression crumpling.
“I- I thOUg-Gt yOU-u h-HaTEd mE-” Geno immediately hugs his brother's skull to his chest, nuzzling him.
“No! Never ever have I once even thought of such a thing! You are….s-so important to me Error…..” He places a small kiss on top of his skull “I love you, bubba…So so so much…~”
“I l-lOve yO-oU ToO-” Feeling like a little kid again, Error starts crying in earnest, clinging to his big brother with his good arm. Geno moves to easily hold him, laying on the edge of the bed as Killer wiggles away, not wanting to be a sandwich.
Error’s ribs ache with every quiet sob, making him glitch as he tries to keep his breathing under control, hiccuping. His brother gently rubs his back, a soothing purr coming from his ribcage as Error cries.
“I missed y-you so much..”
“I m-MisSE-eD You t-tOo- ‘m s-sORry-”
“Y-you better be. You’re never leaving my sight again-” Geno aggressively nuzzles his skull, managing to pull a watery giggle out of him. “I mean it! You’re stuck with me now-”
“I h-HaVE sCh-hooL-”
“You have to stay home for a few days to heal right? I’ll just come with you.”
“M-mOre liKe a f-fEW weEKs,” Error sniffles, “Y-yOU dOn’T HaVe to PUt y-yOUr liFe oN HoL-ld fOR me-”
Geno frowns and kisses the top of his skull again. “You’re my little brother. I would kill someone for you. Staying with you for a while to make sure you’re ok is nothing. Besides, I don’t really have anything going on right now.”
“...’KAy.” Error mumbles, reluctantly releasing Geno to wipe at his sockets. After a moment, his cat walks over them to lick at his damp face, making a cute licking sound as he does so, pulling another giggle from Error.
“I-iF I diDN’t kNoW ANy beTtEr I’d thINk yoU W-weRen’T BLiNd.” He mumbles to Killer, who mews at him before continuing to lick.
“He’s blind?”
“He dOEsN’t evEN havE eYEs.” Geno glances at the cat with a deep frown.
“Oh- that’s unfortunate.”
“He hAD To haVe-e thEm-M reMOvED aS A kitTEn. OtH-thEr thAN bEInG aNnoYEd eVEry tiME I giVe hiM HIs mEdiCIne, hE’s peRFeCtlY fiNE.”
“What about the red thing?” Geno stares curiously at Killer as the cat purrs and licks Error’s face clean, his paws hugging the glitch’s neck.
“HiS SOul aPpaREntly.” Error’s expression falls a bit, “...He wAS iN thE CAr wiTh mE. My frIEnd puLLeD A f-feW StrINgs tO GivE HIm aN ExpERimEntaL ProcEurE.”
“Ah, I see…I’m happy he’s ok then. I can probably watch him for you- check him over sometimes to make sure he’s ok?”
“BoLd of YOu tO AsSumE He eVer leAVeS my sIDe-” Error jokes, getting a small laugh out of Geno.
“I meant when I stay with you. I can watch both of you and make sure you're ok.”
“..ARe yoU SUrE? My hoUSe iS- It’S reALly sMAll-” And a bit shitty, all things considered. He couldn’t afford any better. Geno offers his younger brother a small smile as he lightly nuzzles the side of Error’s skull.
“You could always come love with me if you want. The house is a little too big for just me and Reaper anyway -and before you ask- I’m sure he won't mind. Fresh comes to visit all the time.”
“How- HoW is FreSh? By tHe wAy.” Error asks after a moment. Geno hums in thought, closing his socket.
“Hmm…he’s doing good. School is going well for him. He’s very smart, already taking college credit classes in high school. He has a lot of good friends and is pretty popular. A lot of people like his go to attitude. He’s as kind and sweet as he’s always been, still hooked on the 90’s style.”
“Of cOUrSe- thAT liTtle 90’s nIGhtMaRe.” Error says fondly, closing his sockets and cuddling close to his brother. Geno carefully wraps his arms around him again, letting out a relieved sigh.
“Hmmm….I love you.”
“I loVE yoU ToO..~” Error mumbles, putting a hand on Killer as he starts to fall asleep. The cat purrs and snuggles back up to him just between him and his brother. With both of them emotionally exhausted, they fall asleep in a matter of minutes.
Geno wasn’t kidding when he said their house is big. It’s a literal mansion! His older brother drives them in his car, having stopped at his place to get some of his things before actually taking him to the house. Error refuses to admit he was on edge the entire drive, (carefully) clinging to Killer like his life depended on it.
They pull into the garage and Geno steps out to open the door for Error.
“Come on, I'll have some of the housekeepers get your things.”
“YOu haVe hOusEKEePers-??” Error sets Killer on his shoulders and grabs his crutches, awkwardly struggling to get out of the car. Geno tries to help, supporting him as he steadies himself.
“Mhm, the house is too big for me to clean it all on my own and Reaper is usually busy at work.” Once he’s sure Error isn’t going to fall over, he closes the door and leads his little brother over to the actual entrance to the house, who slowly hobbles behind him.
“WiSh thEy’D LEt mE keEp thE WheELchAir-” The glitch mutters, clearly not a fan of the crutches, but it wouldn’t have worked considering his entire leg is in a cast. Geno huffs in amusement as he lets Error in, helping him over the step and into the lavish laundry room.
“You're just lazy.”
“It’S HAard!” He whines. “AnD EveRyTHinG ElsE StilL HurTss-”
“Well you can rest in your room as long as you want.” His brother takes him through a nice dining room and down a large hall to one of the bedrooms, taking him inside. “This is yours.”
“WhY Is yoUr hoUSe sO Big wHat thE FuCk-” Error mutters, looking around with wide sockets as he pants for breath from the exertion. Geno looks up at him with a huff, obviously still irked that Error is taller than him now. It’s not even by that much.
“Reaper’s parents bought it for us when we got married. Said it was a wedding present. They are very well off.”
“CLeArly whAT thE Hell-” Error is admittedly a bit jealous and Geno can’t help but smirk at him.
“What do you wanna marry Reaper to~?”
“Ew-!” The glitch grimaces, half tempted to try throwing his crutch at his brother, who laughs full heartedly at his response.
“Yeah you’re right- you’d probably marry your cat instead~”
“Oh mY FoX- hE’s a caT -” Glaring, he hobbles over to his bed and faceplants onto it, only to accidentally jostle his ribs too much, letting out a pained wheeze.
“Ow-” Killer mews, having jumped up the moment Error fell forward. His brother deadpans, obviously not impressed.
“Be careful you idiot-!”
“If I DiE I diE.” Error painfully pushes himself up, wrapping an arm around his middle. His cat slowly walks over the big bed and sits in front of Error’s skull to bat at him.
“You aren’t dying on my watch, bubba.” Geno walks over to properly pull Error up into the bed and lay him on his back, both him and Killer protesting loudly.
“But thEN yOu coULd sUe thE HumAN thAT Hit mE For eVeN MoRe moNeY-”
“Do I look like I need more money!?” Geno glares down at him as his skull is placed in his brother's lap, his cat crawling up onto his chest. Error shrinks in on himself, looking away.
“S-soRry-”
“Good. Don’t joke about your death. It’s far from funny considering up until yesterday I thought you could have been dead.”
“...O-oH… sORry…” Error mumbles guiltily. Geno cups his face like he had done at the hospital and soothingly rubs his cheeks. He used to do this a lot when Error was little, when he was sad or stressed, his older brother would pet and nuzzle him, before peppering his face in an attack of kisses.
“I forgive you.” Error looks at Geno in surprise, before a small smile grows on his face and he nuzzles into his brother’s hold. The older purrs quietly, barely audible above Error’s glitches as he pulls his little brother closer so his skull presses against Geno’s summoned middle, and Error pauses.
“..WhY Do yoU HAvE yoUr ecTo suMmONed?” His older brother blinks at him before an almost giddy smile spreads across his face, barely hidden by his amusement.
“You didn’t notice? You had your face in my chest yesterday so I thought you would have been able to tell.”
“I wAS diStrACteD By crYInG iN mY defeNSe-”
“True-” Geno adjusts himself a little to lean back against the pillow, his smile growing. “Ok so I have something very important to ask you, bubba.”
“ShOUld I Be woRriEd?” Error questions, already worried. His older brother only smiles even more, rubbing his face.
“How do you feel….about being an uncle~?”
“....YoU’re PreGNaNt-?!” Error tries to sit up in surprise, but Geno gently holds him down, grinding giddly as he nods his skull. Killer jumps at the sudden noise and immediately runs over to a chair on the other side of the room, Error looking over at his cat sheepishly before turning back to Geno.
“HoLY fuCk yoU’rE PReGnaNt-” His brother laughs before lifting Error’s skull just enough to press the side of his head against the bearly noticable bump of his belly.
“Listen listen, send a pulse of magic~”
Error goes quiet, scrunching up his face in concentration as his tear marks glow slightly, and he sends a small pulse of magic through Geno’s ecto. After a moment, a small pulse is sent back to him in return. It’s so small, in fact, that if he wasn’t paying attention, he would have missed it.
“Oh mY FOx-” Error whispers excitedly. His brother giggles, stroking his skull.
“Isn’t it amazing~!?”
“I’m GoNNa bE An UnCLe~” Geno wiggles in place with barely contained excitement as he nods again.
“Mhm~ We haven’t picked out a name yet- Do you still make clothes? We could make the babybones outfits~!”
“MaKinG CLoTheS Is mY MaIN souRce oF InCOmE- Of cOUrSe we CoULd~” Error grins. “I’m So haPpY For yoU Gen.”
“Thank you~ And you get to be here for it!” His brother is so incredibly happy about that fact. Error gets to be there for his niece or nephew. Though the reminder has the glitch dimming a bit.
“Mhm..~”
“I still have a while, but I’m so excited! I can’t wait to hold them and love on them and give them kisses~” Geno’s eyelight softens. “I’ve always wanted to be a mom~”
“I’M GlaD You gET thE ChANce to bE.”
“Mhm, not counting you and Fresh. I basically raised you two idiots~”
“WhA- hEY-!” Error protests, making his brother smile.
“You know it’s true! You used to have nightmares almost every night and come to my bed for cuddles~ Stars, you were so cute and little~” Geno’s voice is full of affection and fondness, making Error blush and pout.
“ShUt upp-”
“Your pout is still so cute~ You’re always such an adorable little grump~” Whining, Error tries to roll away from his brother, but Geno’s hold on his skull is just as strong as it is soft. “Since when were you so shy~? Where did that prideful, loud, and rude babybones go~?”
Error just continues halfheartedly glaring at Geno, staying silent.
“Stars, you were a loud teenager, always yelling and cursing- It was so funny when you would get embarrassed~”
“GEnO PLeAse-” He whines. His brother sighs, but finally relents much to his relief, leaning down and moving to place a kiss on Error’s forehead.
“Fine, I’ll stop, but only because you said please~”
Error just huffs, biting back the ‘fuck you’ that wants to come out. His brother strokes his skull a few more times before letting go, allowing Error to pull away- though the glitch just shifts to be more comfortable.
“What would you like for breakfast?”
“Eh- I dOn’T REaLLy wAnT ANyThiNg.” He shrugs as Geno sighs.
“Even if it’s just a glass of milk, you have to have something.”
“.....YOu knOw thOSe cHocOLaTe wAFflEs yoU USeD To maKe mE…?” Error hesitantly asks after a moment, voice small.
“The ones you used to drown in chocolate syrup?” Geno questions, and Error nods.
“CoULd… coULd yoU MaKE thEm agAIn..?” His brother blinks at him, before another soft and fond smile spreads across his face.
“Mhm, I can make them every morning if you want, pre-drowned.” Error giggles a bit.
“M-mAYbE Not EvERy moRNiNg.”
“Want a glass of chocolate milk to go with them?”
“PLeASe?” Geno gives him another brotherly kiss before wiggling out from under his skull and off the bed.
“Mhm, I’ll be back with breakfast.”
“I cAN coMe wiTh-” Error moves to get up. He doesn’t want to just be a useless blob. His brother turns to help him down, grabbing the crutches so Error can situate himself again.
“Ok, I need to show you around too.” Realizing that they’re moving, Killer gets up from where he had been, rubbing against the furniture, and climbs back up Error’s clothes to his shoulders, who turns his head to nuzzle him a bit.
“JuSt doN’t teLL ReAPer-” Error’s pretty sure his once-doctor would kick his ass if he knew he’s up and about as much as he is. Geno smiles at him with a small nod.
“Ok, but if he asks I won't lie to him.”
“THaT’s faIR I guESs.” Reaper is totally going to find out isn’t he.
“Just don’t stand up for too long and you’ll be fine.” Geno adds as he takes Error around to the kitchen, a very big and pretty kitchen.
“It’S KiNda harD WiTh yoUr hUGe aS FucK hoUSe-” Error lightly complains as he plops down on the floor, the stools being too awkward to sit on with his cast. His brother merely huffs as he gets out the necessary ingredients and cookware.
“Blame Reaper.”
“I oFfiCIAlly haTE hiM.” Error deadpans, clearly not meaning it. Geno lightly smacks his skull anyway as Killer gets up to walk around.
“Too late. I already married him.”
“OwWww-” The glitch whines, pouting. They continue to chat and talk about random things as Geno cooks, using a waffle maker to get the right shape after mixing the batter.
“So, how has your love life been?”
“NoN-eXISteNt.” Error scrunches up his face, already not liking this topic.
“Really? Not even a crush?”
“I doN’T gEt ouT MuCh- I’vE LitEraLly oNly goT One frIEnd… aw ShiT She doESn’T knOw yoU PiCkeD me uP AnD I doN’t HaVe a phONe to TelL heR-” Lilly is going to kill him-
“Do you know her number?”
“EhHhh… maYBe…? ReAPeR miGhT HAvE it- ShE’s mY EmeRGenCy cONtaCt.”
“Ok, I’ll ask him to call her and tell her where you are.” He pulls out his phone as he talks. “If you don’t have a boyfriend then tell me about your regular friend.”
“HEr naME is LiLLy. ShE’s A RaBbIT moNsTEr I meT At thE SheLTeR I voLunTEer aT- iT’s ALsO whErE I goT KilLEr!” Error grins and Geno smiles back.
“Oh yeah?”
“Mhm! ShE HeLPeD me nUrsE HiM BaCk to HeaLth AFteR He wAs foUnD BuRiEd in ThE SnoW aNd taugHT mE How tO CaRe foR Him. She aLSo coNVinCeD Me to BRiNg hiM HomE whEN He kePT crYiNg for mE.” Error looks over to his cat and makes kissing sounds, “CoME heRE KilLeR BABy~”
The cat is quick to perk up, his ears twitching as he quickly scurries over to rub against Error’s side, purring loudly.
“Awww~”
“ThERe’S mY baBY~” Error coos, reaching over to pet Killer with his own small purr. His brother smiles softly as he turners back to continue cooking, pulling out a plate.
“What is Killer like?”
“Hmm… cURioUs anD CLiNgy aS HeLL- iT’s hiLArioUs whEN He geTs thE ZoOMieS- anD I sWeAR He gEts inTo miSChiF On puRPosE. He cRIeS if I leAVe The RoOm wiTHouT hiM anD CoNStAntlY SteALs my sCArf-” Killer rubs up against his hand, his purrs loud as he crawls up onto Error’s lap.
“I’ve never seen a cat so affectionate, he must love you a whole lot.”
“ALl cAts Are AFfEctiONaTe iN TheIR owN WaYs- KiLleR’S JuSt a BiT moRe oBViOus abOUt it. ArEN’t yoU BaBy~?” Error gently cups Killer’s head in his hands, leaning down to nuzzle him. His cat aggressively headbutts back, wrapping his paws around Error’s wrists.
“You two are adorable~”
“He’S My lITtoL BaBy kiTty~ AnD I’m noT ADorABle shUSh-”
“Are too~ The cutest glitchy brother ever~”
“No sHuT Up-” Error blushes and glares up at his brother.
“You were so little~ And still such a cuddle bug, always wanting all my attention~”
“No STop sHut upPpp-”
“You were so blunt too. We would be walking to the store and some lady walked by, you told her her skirt was ugly- It was so funny~”
Error groans, flopping over and putting Killer on his face, skull bright yellow. His brother smiles wide, and walks over to set the plate of waffles on the dining table.
“I loved it when you woke me up because you were scared, it made me feel special~ My sweet bubba wanting me to comfort him~”
“HhhHh-” Error just whines as Geno moves to sit beside him and gives him a big hug.
“You big whiny baby~”
Error just flips Geno off in response.
Chapter 24: Leviathantale lets goooo
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error gets thrown overboard during a storm- one caused by a kraken.
Nighterror and vague gang poly
Error is forced to swallow a whole fish at some point, and there’s some making out, but no warnings other than that.
Chapter Text
Waves crash loudly against the boat, making it shave violently back and forth as the sky crackles.
"Error come on-! Get inside, hurry!" His older brother calls from the cabin as Error stumbles.
“I’m cOMiNg I’m c-” Error cuts himself off with a yelp as the boat lurches, making him lose his footing and crash into the railway on the edge of the boat, glitching violently as he scrambles to cling to it.
"Error!" Geno rushes over, as fast as he can with the boat tossing and turning. He reaches out to grab Error, who reaches for him, sockets wide in fear.
“GeN-!” Just as their phalanges touch, a particularly large wave crashes over the side of the boat, hitting them both and knocking Geno to the floor.
When Geno scrambles up to look over the edge, Error is gone.
Error panics as he’s tossed around in the turbulent water, a few error signs filling his vision as he desperately tries to figure out which way is up, fighting back a crash. Now would be the absolute worst time to crash- and though skeletons don’t need to breathe much, they still need air- and it might already be too late by the time he rebooted.
He wasn't expecting something big and dark to wrap around him, pulling him deeper and deeper beneath the surface, making him thrash in surprise and fear. Error would like to avoid being eaten thank you very much-
Whatever it is wraps tighter around him and it starts getting dark- well darker than it already was- until it's almost pitch black. Error takes deep ‘breaths’, trying to stay calm as he’s rendered practically blind, unable to see anything but the water pressing down on him.
And just when he can only barely hear the storm who knows how far above him, the water stops rushing past him. Whatever is holding him has stopped pulling him down and when he turns his head, a giant cyan eye socket stares back at him, and Error freezes, eyelights shrinking in fear as he stares back.
That same cyan light suddenly illuminates the area, pulsing like a soulbeat as it shines from the ginormous skeletons ribcage and fanning out from little patches and marking on- are those tentacles!?
The same appendage holding him begins to glow as well, and Error realizes that this giant creature was what pulled him down here in the first place, the realization making a small, off sounding whimper escape him.
The creature stares at him for a long moment before slowly moving a hand up to pat Error’s skull with their phalange, the finger being way bigger than Error’s whole body. The glitch initially flinches, expecting to be crushed, only to be surprised when the touch is… surprisingly gentle?
It's slow, as expected for its big size, but very light on his skull, even sliding under to lightly rub under his chin. Error hesitantly leans into it, tearing up slightly- he could use the comfort.
The Creature seems to smile a little at him before picking him up out of the octopus tentacle holding him and setting him in their hand. It makes the boat he was on look like a bath toy.
Error’s clothes drift around him as he pointlessly scrubs at his sockets, still scared but admittedly less so. The creature makes a rumbling sound before moving, turning to bring Error up into what looks to be a cave? He's very surprised when he breaches the surface of the water, and Error coughs as he breathes deeply, the needed magic flooding his system. He hadn’t even realized his thoughts had been getting a bit fuzzy.
He's set down onto the stone floor of the cave, coughing and weezing as light from the creature’s tentacle fills the room, the appendage curling loosely around him as he slowly catches his breath.
“Wh… whAt Th-hE FucK-” He mutters weakly as he processes the situation more. Why the hell did this weird kraken creature person kidnap him??
The tentacle suckers pop against the stone, making him look up, before the bit top of said tentacle lightly boops him, making him blink, turning to the creature in confusion, only getting another boop in return.
The intent behind the action is odd- it reminds him of how he feels when he pets a cute cat or puppy.
..Did they think he was some kind of pet or something-?? A bit miffed, Error pokes the tentacle back. A deep rumbling chuckle echoes just outside the cave, making Error jerk and stare at them in surprise. The tentacle goes back to rubbing and petting his skull, sliding up under his chin to pet there too.
“..Hm…~” Error hates how much he likes it, and he leans into the touch with a shiver, still in his heavy, wet clothes in a chilly cave.
The tentacle pets him gently for a while longer before the creature notices him begin to shiver. The appendage slowly slides under the color of Error’s shirt and swiftly pulls it up over his head, making him squawk.
“H-hEy-!” There’s another deep chuckle from just outside as the tentacle drops his wet shirt and jacket on the ground before it moves to grab his pants leg, and he tries to kick it away, blushing brightly as he stands to escape, but another tentacle slides into the cave and holds him up by the arm while the first strips him.
“StOp sTEaLInG My clOThEs-” Error whines, pointlessly squirming in protest as his shorts are tossed with the others. A third tentacle slips out of the water, holding something in its grip.
The items clank together as they’re set down in a smaller pool of water, steam rising from them. Tilting his head curiously, Error moves to go check it out- only to pause, wearily glancing at the tentacles and creature.
The big eyelight simply stares at him as he’s set back down, the fist appendage scooting him closer to the source of the steam. Carefully walking closer, he peers into the little pool, trying to see what was dropped in it.
Through the bubbles, the objects look like…hot rocks? Like really hot rocks. The steam coming off them is so nice and warm though, slowly warming up the cave.
“WhAT’s thIS..?” He questions, reaching to touch the water, only for a tentacle to stop him, lightly nudging his hand away from the steaming pool.
There's a deep sound from outside the cave, almost like a clicking sound. Error pauses, glancing at the entrance, before pulling his hand away.
“WaS THaT YOu?” The creature doesn’t seem to understand, responding with more deep clicking as some of their suckers pop and stick to his arm. After a moment, Error reaches to the hot water again with his free hand. A grumbling sound comes from the creature, but they make no move to stop Error this time. With reckless abandon, Error sticks his whole hand in the hot water, only to yelp and pull back- glitching harshly- when it burns him. Honestly, he shouldn’t be surprised.
And then the creature laughs- they are laughing at him! Error quickly sticks his burning hand in the colder water near the entrance, glaring as pained tears prick the corners of his sockets.
“Ow oW-w ow OW fUcK- oW fuCK YOu-” The creature coninues to snicker for a moment long before it’s tentacles slip back into the water and the light disappears with it. Error stiffens, pulling his hurt hand from the water as his eyelights pointlessly dart around, straining to see in the dark. Until a smaller, but no less bright light begins to appear in the water, growing brighter as the source grows closer.
To his surprise, a small skeleton peaks their head from the water’s surface to look at him.
“...Oh mY GoSh yoU’Re smaLL noW-” Error stares at the silvery skeleton curiously. They look a bit shorter than Error- though it’s a bit hard to tell- and have pretty purple eyelights and ecto that fill the cave with a soft purple light.
They stare at him, shifting a little nervously before lifting a hand out of the water and holding it out as if wanting something, a cute little chirp sound coming from them as they do so. Confused, Error waves with his burned hand, not quite sure what they want.
They deadpan, and make grabby hands chirping in annoyance at him.
“I doN’t knOW WHaT yoU WaNt- Do yoU WaNt me tO geT In ‘cAUse I dOn’t wAnna GeT IN the CoLd wAteR THaNks-”
“Chirp chirp-!” The octopus frowns before pulling a tentacle out of the water and reaching out to wrap it gently around Error’s wrist, making him flinch a bit.
“WhAT’rE yoU-?” The creature pauses for a moment before gently pulling Error’s burned hand closer, watching him closely. Error hesitantly lets them, watching them just as closely as he glitches a bit, tense.
Once his hand is close enough, the little octopus simply licks the burn, and he flinches again- but surprisingly, it actually hurts a bit less. After two more licks, the octopus reaches down in the water to grab what looks to be seaweed and wraps it around the glitch's hand.
“HuH…” Error mumbles, curiously flexing his hand. The creature pulls away, watching him closely from the water as their tentacle slips back under.
“...ThANks.” Error gives them a small, tired smile as he pulls his arm close to his chest. The octopus stares for a moment before chirping and quickly diving back into the water, leaving Error in the dark for only a second before he returns with an old bag in his arms.
“WhAt’s thAt?” The glitch questions, pointing at the bag and tilting his head to get his intent across. The mer blinks at him before smiling and opening the ratty old sack. They pull out what looks to be a big conch shell, except it’s glowing a bright gold, like a little sun in the mer’s hands.
“WoAhh…” Error stares, automatically reaching out to touch it- before stopping himself. Why were they showing him this? The octopus sets the glowing shell down and pulls out another, this one glowing a deep purple with cyan showing up here and there and then another that’s the opposite. It reminds him of the octopus’ magic.
“Did YoU MaKe thAT?” They look up at him and simply smile, nodding their head in understanding as they hold out the purple and cyan colored shells. Furrowing his brows a bit in confusion, he uncertainly reaches out to grab them, not quite sure if that’s what they want.
The octopus chirps happily and pulls a few more golden shells out of their bag before crawling out of the water. The octopus uses his tentacles to pull himself against the ground and begins setting the shells down around the cave. Holding the shells he was given close, Error gets up, following them not unlike a little duckling.
In a few minutes, the whole cave is lit up- and not just from the mer's natural glow. They turn to look at him, puffing out their chest, obviously very proud of themselves. Error can’t help but giggle a bit.
“ThANk yoU.” Error says with a gentle poke full of grateful intent. To his surprise and apparently the octopus', they suddenly purr at the little touch, blushing in embarrassment.
“...SnRk- hEheHE-” Error snickers, grinning as he brings a hand up to cover his mouth, trying to hold back more laughter to save them some embarrassment.
The mer glares at him blushing more, though it looks like a big pout, and boops Error with the tip of their tentacle with just as much gentle intent, caring even. It catches Error off guard, and he stares at the octopus in surprise.
They smile at him, tentacles popping and curling against the ground before they shiver a little before they make their way over back to the water, Error following behind and sitting at the edge of the water.
The octopus slips in beneath the surface and trills happily as they wiggle around in the ice cold water.
“CaN’t saY I sEe thE AppEAl-” They stare for a moment before grinning and the tip of a tentacle shakes some water on him, just a little, and Error squawks in playful outrage.
“No iT’s coLD-!” The mer giggles, sinking so that only his sockets are visible as he blows bubbles in the water. Error just huffs, scooting away from the edge slightly and curling up with a small pout.
He hears the bubbles get closer and the driving of a tentacle poking out to pet and rub the side of his skull, and Error sighs, leaning into the touch as his smile drops. He hopes Geno is okay…
~
The next few days are rough. The octopus mer keeps bringing things to try and make Error more comfortable- at least he thinks that's what the mer is doing- and even came in to make and weave a nest of sorts out of seaweed and what looks like some old fabric from something big.
It’s… not his bed by any means, but it’s admittedly better than the hard stone floor or- heaven forbid- the water. When showing their creation off, the octopus got inside and layed down, wiggling around to show what it was for- which was honestly pretty cute in Error’s opinion. It’s been his main hangout spot since, which is pretty convenient as he’s mostly just been sleeping to pass the time.
The octopus disappears, usually for long hours at a time before coming back, either with something cool to show him or food….raw fish, or clams, or crabs, anything really. The mer obviously isn’t sure what he eats, and Error turning everything away probably doesn’t help. Though the glitch is hungry, he hardly has motivation to eat anything- let alone raw fish.
After 4 days of refusing everything the mer brought him the little- well sometimes little- octopus seems to be getting very frustrated. That morning they storm out of the water with what looks to be another fish and quickly wrap their tentacles around him in the nest.
“Wh- HeY NOw-” Error protests, trying to get away from the cold and wet appendages clinging to him, but the suckers help hold him in place as the little mer glares down at him sternly.
“..WhAt-??” He questions, confused and a bit exasperated. The mer holds up a fish and chirps as he taps Error’s mouth. Error quickly closes his mouth tightly, shaking his head, making the mer frown deeper with an obviously irritated chirp.
They hold up their hand and slowly start pulling one finger down at a time, like a countdown. Error shakes his head more firmly, doubling his efforts to escape- though he knows it’s pointless as the mer counts all the way down to zero, trying to give him a chance to do this the easy way.
With a tired sigh, the octopus grabs the sides of his mouth and forces it open with a surprising amount of strength for his small form.
“Ah-!” Error struggles in the octopus’ hold, trying to push them away, only for them to growl at him, baring their teeth a little as they lift the small fish up to him. Error glares back, before going back to trying to get away.
With one last frustrated noise, the mer literally shoves the fish down Error’s throat, making him choke as he struggles to either swallow it down or throw it back up, gagging as tears prick his sockets. The octopus uses a tentacle to push it down further before closing Error’s mouth and holding it there, forcing him to painfully swallow the fish as he struggles, glitching violently to the point where he could feel a crash creeping up on him.
A tentacle ever so gently pets over his skull, trying to sooth him while another rubs over his magic throat, and a whimper escapes him as he finally gets it down. Error doesn’t even bother trying to hold back the crash, instead welcoming the brief oblivion it gives him.
*Beeeeeeep*
Error.exe has crashed. Rebooting…
~
Nightmare…well he panics. He used the same trick he uses on the boys when they refuse to eat, he even gave Error the count down warning! But then a weird loud sound started coming from the monster and he just stops moving.
“Oh no did I kill him!? Wait no no no-!” His tentacles move to cradle Error against him as he leans down to check the monster’s soulbeat. It’s beating- irregularly- but it’s beating. Ok so…he’s not dying…hopefully, just unresponsive.
Is it a panic attack? He can't really do anything about it then….Nightmare wimpers, feeling guilty already as he lays on top of Error, gently and worriedly nuzzling the glitch as his tentacle continues to pet him soothingly.
~
Rebooting… 100%
Error reboots with a groan, face scrunching up in displeasure as he becomes aware of his surroundings, blinking stray error signs away.
“UrGhh…” Something shifts on his chest after a minute, followed by a small sniffle. After a moment of mentally preparing for the protest he already knows his body will give, Error pushes himself up a bit, looking down with slightly fuzzy eyelights.
The little octopus mer is practically clinging to him and seems to be fast asleep even as he sniffles and cries quietly.
Oh man… he must’ve been out for a while- which tracks with how shitty he feels- Error forgets his crashes can seem pretty scary for someone who hasn’t seen it before… Guiltily, Error reaches up to rub the mer’s skull with a shaky hand.
The little octopus sniffles again and nuzzles into his hand a little, holding on tighter to his ribs. Error lets his head fall back with a sigh, ignoring his aching bones in favor of trying to gently nudge them awake.
It takes a moment, but he gets a small exhausted whine from the octopus who opens his sockets blearily.
“GoOd moRNin’.” Error softly greets. It takes another minute for their mind to catch up, because when they do their little sockets suddenly widen, filling up with tears again as they scramble up to give Error a big tight panicked hug, sobbing and chirping.
“Hey hEY It’S okAy doN’t worrY-” Error soothes, leaning tiredly against them as he continues soothingly rubbing their skull. They continue to sob though…chirping away between strangled breaths as if telling him something.
The mer nuzzles into his neck, their grip tight as Error lightly nuzzles them back, wishing not for the first time that he could understand them. All he can do is push apologetic and soothing intent into his touch, hoping they get the idea.
The mer eventually, with many little nuzzles and pets, calms down enough to only sniffle every once in a while. A tentacle slowly lets go of him and lightly rubs the side of Error’s skull, the intent just as apologetic and guilty as his own- well more guilt coming from the mer.
“It’S- wEll I’m noT VeRY hapPy aBoUT ThE FoRceD FeEding- buT It’S FinE-” Error murmurs, leaning his- at this point pounding- head into the tentacle’s touch. The octopus takes in a shaky breath and tries to move a little, only to flinch as they sting of their dried out ecto.
They sigh, rubbing their sockets clean before nuzzling Error’s cheek a little and moving to leave the nest. Error forces himself up to help- he was the one to make them worry after all- stumbling slightly as he helps them to the water. The mer wastes no time diving in, shaking and wiggling in the water before rubbing over their ecto in the water as if to soothe the sting.
Error practically collapses at the side of the water, grimacing and holding back a pained whimper, wanting to curl up in a corner and die- just a bit. The octopush chirps worriedly, swimming up to nuzzle Error’s skull gently with caring and concerned intent.
With a sigh, Error closes his sockets and lets his pain leak into his intent as he weakly nuzzles back in reassurance, drained. The mer chirps quietly and tucks a tentacle up under his skull to cushion it before laying his own head down beside him.
“ThANks…” Error murmurs, shooting them a small smile. He gets a soft look back in response, another little chirp sounding from the smaller, their face tinted purple.
“CuTe..~” He coos quietly, starting to fall asleep. They quietly begin to hum, the sound mixing pleasantly with their little soothing purrs and the petting of his skull. And, despite his aching bones and the fact that he’s laying on hard stone, it doesn’t take Error long to drift into a peaceful sleep, a small, sleepy smile on his face.
~
When he wakes up next, he finds himself back in the nest, curled up on his side with a “blanket” draped over him and some more steam rising from the small pool a few feet away, most of the ache gone from his bones.
“Hm..” That’s when he feels it, a small cold finger poking his cheek, making his glitching steadily worsen, and he flinches away, jolting awake. Someone yelps in surprise and it doesn’t sound like his octopus.
Opening his sockets, Error forces himself to sit up, looking for the perpetrator. Staring back at him- sort of- is another skeleton monster except instead of legs or tentacles, they have a cherry red ecto shark tail, folded a little awkwardly behind them as they lean over the edge of the nest. Their bones are an off gray, covered in random scratches and nicks as a black oozing substance leaks from their empty eyelightless sockets.
It doesn’t seem to bother them though and they flash him a toothy grin and a little wave.
“...Hi.” Error weakly greets, waving back. He gets a happy chirp in response before the mer lightly pokes at his cheek again, tracing the blue tearmarks. Error lets it happen for a moment, before flinching away, glitching.
The other coos in wonder at his glitching and obviously wants to touch more, but taking the flinch as a no. They wiggle and chirp, laying across the side of the nest.
“..Do yoU neEd HElp gETtinG BaCk tO thE WaTer?” He asks, despite being pretty sure they can’t understand him. They give him a curious look tilting their skull to the side in confusion. Error just sighs a bit, copying them.
The mer grins widely at him before clapping his hands together and turning to slowly pull himself back into the water. With a bit of a snicker, Error uses a bit of his weak gravity magic to help, the mer sounding pleased with his assistance before they wave at him and disappear back into the water.
“WeLp… thAt haPpENed.” Too tired to think further about it, Error rolls over to go back to sleep. However after only a few minutes a series of splashing and chirping from the water..
“Ugh…” Grumbling a bit, Error sits back up, tiredly glaring at the water. This time there are two mer, the red one from before and then a new one, the first chirping excitedly.
The new mer is bigger beside the red one, their bones thicker and stronger and a little more stuffed and chipped. They look at him with wide sockets, one white and one red with a matching red scar beneath their right eye.
They share a few chirps before the new mer looks at him again.
“Uh..do you speak english?” Error perks up, instantly more awake.
“YoU Do-?” The mer nods at him with a small smile.
“Mhm, Yeah I do….I’m Cross. Nice to meet you?”
“ErROr- I diDn’T THinK Any of YOu coULd taLK-” Error shakily gets up, moving to the edge of the water.
“Well technically we can talk, I’m just the only one who’s spent enough time with two leggeds to know how.” Cross watches him closely, on guard, as the red mer beside him chirps.
“Ah.” Error nods, plopping down on the ground, grimacing. “Ow-”
“Are you ok?” Cross askes.
“I’ll bE FinE.” Error waves off. “BeTteR NoW ThaT I caN ActUALly taLk to SoMeonE- lanGUaGe baRrieRs aRe haRd-”
“Yeah, I actually when I got here I could barely speak mer at all but they helped me out so it;s all good. Oh and this is Killer he says he’s very excited he found boss’s treasure.”
“BosS’ tReASUre?” Error questions, tilting his head.
“Oh you’re the treasure and our boss is Nightmare, the giant octopus leviathan. He’s been acting a little weird and Killer, being nosy, went snooping around.”
“HiS NaMe’s NigHtmArE?” He snorts. “YeAH I’m prEtTy suRE I gaVe hiM A BiT of a ScAre…”
Cross’ sockets narrow a little as he crosses his arms. “What do ya mean?”
“I cRaSheD- whEn I GeT oVerwHelmeD In aNy wAY I shUt doWn, aND CraSh quiTE LIteraLLy liKe a coMpuTEr. SoMetIMes iF IT’s reALly baD EveN My SouL stOps BeaTIng… OnE TimE I Was rEbOoTINg foR A WeeK..” Error explains, hoping Cross knows what a computer is. The shark mer cringes, his face scrunching up.
“Oh….i guess that explains what boss might have been doing for a few days.” He says before catching Killer up with a few chirps, making the smaller shark frown. “He doesn’t usually leave for more then a few hours at most so we were worried something had happened to him when he came back so upset.”
“YeAH… hE MaDe mE SwAlloW A wHole fiSh- So I CRaShed… I diDN’t meaN To woRrY Him…” He mumbles, guiltily looking away. Cross stares for a moment before laughing a little.
“Yeeaah he uh- He’s done the same thing to me before.” Error glances back at him in surprise. “When they first found me I had a lot of trouble getting myself to eat actual food. I uh…was raised in captivity and I only ever ate the chum or pills I was given. I couldn’t hunt and would go into a frenzy if I even smelled blood in the water. I was scared I’d hurt someone so I tried to stop eating- but Nightmare was having none of that.”
“I’m soRrY YoU HAd tO DeAl wiTh thAt- nO One dESerVes thAt.” Error says sincerely, making Cross blink at him in surprise. “NiGhtMare iS JuSt liKe tHaT WItH EvERyoNe thEN?”
“Well- everyone in the shiver- He usually scares off everyone else. Other mer, humans, boats. I’m actually pretty confused as to why you’re here at all. Nightmare seemingly caring about you is even more confusing.”
“I dOn’T KNow wHaT To teLL Ya- I FeLL oF a bOat iN A stOrm anD He snAtcHed mE.” Error states with a shrug.
“Huh….Guess we’ll just have to ask him.” Killer chirps rapidly beside the larger mer draping his arms over Cross as he does so. Cross chirps back for a bit in response before suddenly getting a big kiss, making him jump.
“K-killer stooop-!” Cross yells, blushing in embarrassment as Error giggles a little, slightly left out but understanding Cross at least seems flustered. After some more chirping, Cross turns away from Killer with a pout.
“Ignore him he’s an asshole-”
“I’m aSsuMINg kISseS AreN’t noRMaL For mEr THeN?” Error questions curiously. The bigger mer blushes even more, not meeting Error’s gaze.
“Actually…they’re like a declaration of love…” Cross says with a very flustered look on his face.
“Aw~” Error can’t help but coo, getting a flustered and pty glare in return. “ArE YOu twO maTeS THeN?”
“Sort of? Shiver mates are all technically mates in a way. Each relationship can be a little different, but every mating season we pair up with one of our shiver mates. Killer gives everyone kisses a lot. He’s very affectionate..~”
“Ah- aLriGHt I seE.” Error nods, a touch confused but accepting.
"So yeah you can say we're mates." Cross gives Killer a quick kiss back before turning back around.
"I didn't get it much either, but ya get used to it…~"
“HeY- aS LoNg aS yoU’rE hapPy.” Error states with a shrug and smile. Cross smiles back at him.
“I’ve never been happier~” The bigger shark mer purrs quietly and Killer wiggles around to hug him and nuzzle into the oreo’s ribcage. “So- do you have any hobbies? Likes and dislikes?”
“Uh- I cRocHeT? I gUEsS..?” Error uncertainly answers, shrugging a bit.
“Oh like when you make clothes and stuff out of string? Like uhm…weaving it?”
“YeAH- I cAn uSe thiS.” Error grabs at his socket, scratching slightly with practiced ease and pulling out a string. Killer suddenly sits up and chips at Cross, seemingly very excited.
“Oh- Killer says he knew your magic flowed there differently and is excited he was right.”
“I’m.. GlaD..?” He questions, holding out the blue string for Killer who eagerly grabs it and moves it around in his hand.
“I said that a little weird- Killer has a special kind of sight. He can see magic, like the magic moving though our bodies, in the water, the air, the rocks. It’s actually really cool.”
“HuH- neAT.” Error smiles at Killer, before pulling out a few more strings to play with. The small shark mer plays with his own piece, seemingly very fascinated with it.
“Mhm, sadly he’s completely blind in a normal sense, but you wouldn’t really be able to tell with how good his magic sense is.”
“InTereSTinG- I wISh I CoUld dO ThAt.” Using his strings he grabs the purple and cyan shell that the octopus- Nightmare- had given him. “I’m sTuCk reLyinG On thESe.”
Cross looks at the shell in surprise for a moment before smiling. “Huh, I actually didn’t know he could do that too. Usually Dream lights up the den that way. He gave these to you right?”
“Mhm- aNd ThE YeLloW onES. I liKe ThiS ONe beSt thOugH.” Error states, holding the shell close. The magic in it is soothing to him, somehow. Cross chirps a little at Killer before both of the sharks smile at him.
“Ya must really like boss then- Oh-!” Cross turns to Killer and chirps to which the smaller mer chirps back and dives into the water. “Dream has this thing, a big pearl charm that should help with the communication thing…I think-”
“I- oH- yoU doN’t NeED To-” Although he would like to be able to actually communicate with more than just Cross, it’s ingrained in him to avoid being a burden.
“Neh it’s fine. Killer really wants to talk to you anyway….Hey did boss give you that one or just set it around like the others are?”
“He GaVE it To me- WitH This oNe-” Error pulls out the other shell with inverted colors, presenting them to Cross. Something about his words makes Cross smile softly before giggling a little.
“Oh- So that’s what's going on.”
“Hm?” Error tilts his head in question, but before Cross can say anything, Killer reamerges with a triumphat chirp. The small mer gets up in the edge of the pool and holds the pearl necklace out to Error.
“YOu suRe It’S ALriGhT?” The glitch asks, looking between Cross and Killer as he reaches out for the necklace.
“Mhm. It’s perfectly fine- we don’t really use it for anything that I know of so-” Killer lets go, dropping the jewelry in the glitch’s hands as he wiggles excitedly.
“ALriGht thEn.” Setting the shells to the side for a moment, Error drops the necklace around his neck- only to tense with a gasp as it feels like his magic and body glitch violently, senses shutting down not unlike a crash. The mer in the water gasp in surprise as Error limply falls forward like a puppet with its strings cut, practically covered in glitches- most of them gathered around his legs.
“O-oh shit! Uh oh fuck did we kill him!?” Cross yells in a panic, looking at Killer who is just as shocked.
“What did Dream tell you about the pearls!?”
“That we can better communicate with landwalkers with them!” Killer deadpans a little.
“That couldn’t be anymore vague-” They’re interrupted by a glitchy groan, grabbing both of their attention.
“UgH… Th-hAT wAs wEIRd…”
“Oh hey you're not dead! You’re-....oh wow-” An unfamiliar voice comments. Error pushes himself up, sticking a tongue out in distaste as he struggles to situate his legs under him- why did they feel so off-?
“WhAT..?” Cross’s jaw drops and he just points down at Error’s lap in shock, who follows his gaze, stiffening and glitching as he finds not legs, but a long tail almost twice as long as his legs once were. It reminds him of an eel.
“...I Th-hiNk I’m-M GonNA CRaSh-h-”
“W-wait no no it’s ok- Uhm-” Cross quickly grabs the shells Error had set down earlier and hands them to him, placing one gainst his ribcage near his soul. “Just focus on this-”
Fighting back a crash and struggling to keep from completely panicking, Error carefully holds the shells close, concentrating on the soothing magic in them as the two mer stand by nervously in the water, simply waiting.
“OkAy-y- OKaY ThiS IS fiNe thIS is fIn-NE…” Error mutters, taking deep breaths as he gets a handle on his glitching, looking back at the mer in the water. “WhY AM I An eEL-??”
Killer shugs- “Guess if you were a mer ya’d be an eel?”
Error has to take another breath. “Why Am I A Mer.”
“Uhh….it might be because of the necklace- '' Cross adds nervously.
“Ya look really cool though! Super pretty sparkly back fins and all~!” Error groans, burying his face in his hands.
“WhAT-t haS My liFe beCOMe…” He bemoans as Cross snorts a little, Killer wiggling.
“Hey, we can show you the den now! And our nests and the cave-”
“UgHh…” Error groans again, flopping backwards. “I dON’T evEn kNoW How To swIM-!”
“You would have had to relearn anyway with your new tail and we can help until you get the hang of it.” Cross tries to be supportive as Error just blankly lays there.
“It HuRTs tO ToUcH PeOPLe-” He deadpans.
“What about boss?” Killer askes. “Can ya touch him?”
“..YeAh- noT QuiTe suRE Why. I’vE JuSt deCIDeD Not tO quEStiOn iT.” Error answers, before wiggling as he pushes himself up, sighing.
“There ya go then! Boss can help ya! And swimming isn’t that hard. Ya just wiggle your tail to move forward! Eels like- move like a little wave, right?”
“YOu uNdEreSTimATe hoW BaD FUll skEleTonS ARe aT SwiMmiNg. WhAteveR- wHaT’s thE PlaN?” Killer and Cross look at each other for a moment before looking back at Error.
“We take ya pretty self back ta boss~” Error blushes, glaring.
“I aM Not pReTty-” He denies.
“You’re very pretty~ Gorgeous even~” Killer winks at him, leaning on his elbows at the edge of the water. Somehow, even though the red mer is blind, Error can feel a gaze on him as Killer grins. Blushing harder, Error looks away, pulling up his scarf to cover his yellow cheekbones.
“So cute~”
“I- SHut uP-!” Error glares hard, wishing he had something to throw at him.
“Neva~!” Killer grins even wider and moves to wiggle his back fin in the air behind him, and Error awkwardly wiggles to wack him with his own fin, getting a loud and happy giggle in response.
“Yeah you’ll fit right in~ Now come on I wanna show ya the bone collection!” The small mer dives back into the water a Cross huffs, rolling his eyelights.
“BoNe cOllECtiOn-? LikE- bOnE ATtaCkS?” Error questions, summoning one- glad he still has access to his magic. Cross blinks at him before smiling and uncrossing his arms.
“Nope, whale bones. Boss eats most of em but saves the bones for us to chew on, mostly Horror. It’s good for our teeth.”
“Ah… WoUld hE StiLL liKe thiS OnE?” He asks genuinely, holding out his glitchy bone attack. Cross takes it and inspects it before suddenly slamming it against the stone floor- definitely not making Error flinch- and seeing as it doesn’t break, he nods.
“Yeah, I think he’ll really enjoy it. You should give it to him yourself. Mer prefer a gift to come straight from the giver.”
“ALriGht…” Taking the bone back, Error takes off his coat and fashions a sort of bag from it, putting Nightmare’s shells securely into it before awkwardly doing a sort of slither-scoot-thing to gather a few of the other treasure’s he’s been given over the last while.
Cross waits patiently for him and even offers to carry a few things for the glitch, not wanting the inexperienced swimmer to drag himself down with stuff- though Error declines. The makeshift bag is small and he’d rather avoid being more of a burden than he already will be.
“...I shOUld stOP stALlinG…” He mutters as he once again reaches the edge of the water, tail a bit sore at this point.
“Yeah Killer’s not very patient so- And if you're worried about the temperature it shouldn't bother you too much anymore. I hope.”
“ThAt’s reASsuRIng.” Error says dryly. After a moment of making sure his scarf is securely wrapped around his neck- he refuses to leave it- he takes a breath, before sliding off of the edge and dropping into the water, automatically closing his sockets and holding his breath.
After a few seconds, someone taps his face. “Error, you can breathe underwater.”
“BuT It’S WeiRd-!” Error protests, opening his sockets to pout at Cross. The shark mer huffs a small laugh at him as he’s circled.
“You’ll get used to it. Now try wiggling around before we get to the bottom of the trench-” Looking down it’s actually pretty far, but wait- he can see?
“It’S noT DaRK-? Or bLurRy-??” Error basically flails awkwardly, trying to use his free hand to help as he twists, probably looking like an idiot. Cross laughs in earnest now and swims in front of Error before tentatively holding out his hands.
“Your tail is really strong and has a lot of muscles in it to help you swim, you don’t have to wiggle your front like that. Try closing your sockets and feeling those new muscles. I can slowly pull you along to help you get the hang of water moment if you want-”
Error tenses, slowly sinking as he stops his poor attempt at swimming. “I- I’m fiNe- I caN FiguRe iT Out-”
Cross gives him an understanding look and puts his hands back down. “Ok, if you're sure, take your time.”
He shoots Cross a thankful smile, before closing his sockets, letting himself actually feel the difference in his tail compared to his legs- it’s so weird . It’s as if his legs have fused together but not quite- and as a full skeleton it’s strange having a purely ecto-flesh body part. After a moment, he hesitantly flicks the end of his tail to the side, which feels most natural.
"There you go." Cross encourages him, slowly gliding beside him. Error opens his sockets, still feeling like he should be using his arms to try to help, and clumsily starts swimming forward. The shark mer continues to praise him with a warm smile, making him blush as he slowly gets the hang of it- though Error has a feeling it’ll be awhile before he truly feels confident swimming.
Cross leads him to a very large cave opening, probably the size of a five story building, with a cyan light illuminating from it. “The den is just over here and boss is home so-”
“ Cross? ” A loud deep and rumbling voice echoes through the water and the mer shark stiffens, a large tentacle creeping out to brush against his tail. Error hesitantly swims to hide behind Cross, just a little nervous.
“Heya boss. I’ve got a surprise for you.” The mer shark relaxes again as the tentacle pets up his tail, slowly and lovliblgy wrapping around to come up and nuzzle under his chin. Cross chirps, but it sounds different then the chirping Error had been hearing before putting the pearls on. More like something simply meant to display happiness instead of a word for direct translation.
“ So I’ve been told. What exactly is this surprise? You don’t seem to be carrying anything. ” The suction cups on the underside of Nightmare’s tentacle pop and move over the mers tail with export precision and control, feeling along Cross’s body.
“You’ll see. I can’t tell you or it won’t be a surprise.” Nightmare huffs from somewhere inside and begins to pull Cross forward, and Error looks at him questioningly, wondering if he should follow. The shark nods to him gesturing for Error to come as well, and he quickly follows behind, using his hands to help steer himself.
The cave is even bigger than the entrance! It’s giant! Even with Nightmare’s massive form inside there is still plenty of room for him to move around and more. Around the cave's walls are smaller holes of all different shapes and sizes, some with markings on the outside and many without. A very large nest sits in the middle of the main cave and the kraken is sitting inside of it, his tentacles stretching out here and there around the cave.
There are those same shells, the yellow ones, scattered around on ledges and large rocks, but the main light source is the octopus himself. Which- holy shit- he knew Nightmare was huge, but he was half unconscious the first time he saw him and he usually saw his small form after that point- at least he’s pretty sure it was Nightmare. Still, he can’t help but stop and gape for a moment.
The octopus opens his mouth slightly to speak, before stopping the moment his eyelight lands on Error, his silence being the only indication of his stare, due to Nightmare’s socket and whole inner body glowing with the intense cyan magic.
Cross shifts a little nervously. “So uhm….Killer followed you and found Error in the cave you had him in and we wanted to talk to him properly so we got that pearl necklaces Dream had and we had him put in onsohehasatailnowpleasedon’tbema-” A tentacle to the mouth and the shark is quiet as Nightmare sighs deeply, Error just floating there awkwardly, shrinking in on himself more as the silence continues.
“ I am not…mad. But you know you should always ask before touching and using rare and powerful artifacts you do not understand. You are more responsible and I expect you to behave as such, Cross. ” The shark mer deflates a little even as the tentacle continues to nuzzle him. As Nightmare talks, Error notices a second tentacle making its way over to him, and instead of shying away like he probably should be, he curiously drifts closer to it, keeping a wary eyelight on his surroundings.
The light scolding fades into the background as the glowing appendage lightly boops his face before petting him much the same way it did with Cross, slowly curling around his skeletal half and nuzzling up under his chin and neck. Error’s not sure why Nightmare seems to enjoy scratching under his chin like he’s petting some sort of animal, but it admittedly feels nice, and he can’t help but lean into it a bit, holding back a purr.
As he’s pet, a second tentacle moves up to rub over his new tail, inspecting it carefully. It lightly flexes the two large fins that fan out on the underside of his tail before rubbing over the soft blue skin and the yellow spots that appear here and there along his sides, and this time Error can’t stop the purr bubbling out of him, closing his sockets as he stretches out and leans into the touch. It’s a strange, new sensation, but he finds he quite likes it.
He doesn’t notice the other two mer- having stopped their conversation to instead watch him- silently cooing as Nightmare’s two tentacles pet and groom him. The suction cups of the kraken's tentacles gently pick off any bits of dirt or small bits of algae that Error picked up on the way here, but there isn’t much to clean otherwise.
It’s still more than enough to turn Error into a happy, limp noodle as he experiences the joy of being groomed for the first time, unconsciously nuzzling the tentacles back in an attempt to return the favor.
Nightmare ever so slowly raises the new eel mer up to his face, being careful not to disturb him, before he lightly nuzzles part of his cheek against the top of Error’s skull.
“Mrh?” Error looks up with a small chirp, before pausing, surprised by the sound he just made. With another nuzzle, Nightmare chuckles warmly.
“ Enjoying yourself I see~ ”
“I- uH-” Error blushes brightly, very flustered and wishing he could hide somehow. Nightmare smiles softly at him and the tentacles pet him even more as the octopus chuckles deeply.
“ Your name is Error, correct? ” The large mer askes, and Error nods, looking away.
“AnD YOu’rE NigHtmaRe?”
“ Yes I am. It is a pleasure to formally meet you, Error. I do hope my attempt at making you comfortable was adequate. ” The octopus is very polite, catching Error off guard just a bit.
“YoU ToO- iT waS uH- noT BaD. I liKe thE SHeLls.” He awkwardly replies, to which Nightmare smiles at him even more.
“ I’m glad. Now how about your tail? Nothing hurts at all? No scale out of place? ”
“I doN’t thiNk sO?” Not like Error has much of a comparison, “A biT SOre I GueSs?”
“ I would imagine so. The change isn’t all that pleasant of an experience. ” Nightmare comments as a tentacle gently rubs the length of Error’s tail as if trying to sooth any remaining pain. “ You seem fine otherwise, thank Nim. ”
“Mhm..~” Error hums, quickly distracted as he curls his tail into the rubs, wrapping it around Nightmare’s tentacle a bit. The octopus finds it oh so very cute and has no plans to stop the pets anytime soon.
“ You came at a good time, the rest of the shiver, save for Killer and Dream, will be back soon from their hunt. It will be a good opportunity for you to meet everyone. ”
“BuT WhaT IF I hiDe inSTeaD-” Error questions like the antisocial glitch he is.
“ You won't. ” NIghtmare replies simply, making Error pout up at him, holding back a whine. The kraken offers him a soothing nuzzle and moves to hold Error against his ribcage, right above his soul. “ Calm. It will be fine, I assure you. ”
Error just huffs, still pouting a bit as he nuzzles against Nightmare’s ribcage, the soothing feeling of the magic emanating from his soul helping him relax.
Nightmare gently rubs his back with a single phalange and begins to purr. It's loud, but not so much that it hurts or is annoying. More like a deep soothing vibration that gently makes him shake.
“HehEhE-” He can’t help but giggle at the feeling- it’s like he’s in one of those weird massage chair things. The kraken says nothing, simply petting and soothing him with purrs until the rest of the shiver arrives.
Error doesn’t even get a good look at them before he curls up, quickly trying to hide in Nightmare’s hand.
"We're…back.." Says a deep gruff voice.
"Are you injured anywhere? Any scrapes or bites?" Another voice askes. It's smooth and creamy with a hint of worry and joy behind it.
"Fish quill snagged me. But we're fine." The third voice is quiet, more out of tired or laziness than anything else. Curiously, Error peeks over the edge of Nightmare’s hand, spotting two new shark mer and another mer that reminds him of what mermaids are traditionally drawn as in folklore- their tail looking not unlike a golden betta fish's tail.
"Let me see then." The golden mer says, not really asking. The shark mer wearing a hoodie with the hood covering his skull and a red scarf around his neck, huffs a little before turning to the side to reveal the large scape along the side of his tail.
He doesn't seem to be in pain, but it looks like it hurts pretty bad. Error definitely wouldn’t be able to be as casual about a wound like that.. probably.
The golden mer holds out his hands over the wound and in a flash of gold and green, it's gone, making Error blink in surprise. That was the most skilled use of healing magic he’s ever seen! Damn- and he was proud of his own healing ability- that’s a bit of a blow in his ego-
" Your magic grows even more beautiful with each use, dear brother~ " Nightmare praises with a fond tone. The gold fish looks up at him with a light blush, giggling to himself.
"You flatter me brother. It looks no different than usual and you know it."
“It’S prEttY…” Error mumbles and everyone turns to look at him, making him blush- he wasn’t expecting to be heard. The golden mer doesn’t look surprised, smiling at him warmly as the two sharks look at him in shock, the big one stopping to stare at him mid lick, one of Nightmare’s tentacles already cleaning his tail of what looks to be blood
“Boss…got us…a…treat..?” The big one says slowly, everyone waiting patiently for him to get the words out as he stares with a single blown out red eyelight.
“PLeaSe doN’t eAt me-” Error squeaks, ducking back down to hide again with a ripple of glitches. Nightmare immediately begins to rub his back, purring as quietly as he can.
“ No Horror. This mer is not food. ” The octopus informs gently. “ This is Error and he will be staying with us for an unspecified amount of time. I expect him to be treated as if he were a member of the pod, is that understood? ” The last part is firm, like a mother informing her troublesome children of a new rule not to be broken.
“Of course brother~” The gold fish says smoothly before they swim up to the eel hiding in Nightmare’s hand.
“Hello, my name is Dream and I am Nightmare’s twin brother. It is so very nice to meet you~” He is welcomed warmly, the smile he is receiving from Dream is nothing but kind and welcoming as well as warm….actually…Dream is generating heat. Error decides it might be better to just not question the twin thing- or the warmth-
“H-hI- I’m ERroR- ThoUgh I GueSs NigHt alReaDy saID thAt-” He greets shyly, not even noticing the accidental nickname. For some reason Dream suddenly coos at him, looking very very happy. He looks up at his twin with a look that can only be defined as a knowing grin before backing up to gesture to the sharks. Error definitely doesn’t shrink back more- clearly nervous.
The two are scary looking to say the least and despite acting completely uninterested, the smaller of the two waves a little.
“I’m Dust.” And that’s all he says before turning to haul off the old net of fish. Error really hopes he’s not going to have to eat any…
The larger, actually pretty big shark mer, having resumed licking himself clean, stops to respond. “My….names…Horror. Nice to..meet..you……Error.”
Horror turns his head to look in the direction Dust just swam in and suddenly Error notices something he should have seen from the start. Almost half of Horror’s skull is gone, leaving a big, jagged hole where the missing pieces should be. Though it’s obvious it’s a long healed wound that he knows won’t get any better, Error’s hands glow green as his healing magic instinctively sparks before he forces it back down, looking away to avoid staring.
“It’S n-nICe t’meEt yoU Too.” Nightmare rubs his back some more while the tentacle that has been wrapped around him curls up against his cheek in an affectionate nuzzle.
“Sorry about Dust. He comes off a bit stand-offish, but he’s really sweet.” Dream tells him. “Oh! Why don’t I show you to your den? Only if you want to of course, I’m sure Nightly is enjoying the attention anyway~”
“Wh-huH-?” Is Error’s intelligent response as he looks up at Nightmare, confused. The big octopus seems to blush before lightly wanking his brother with a tentacle.
“ That’s enough out of you, Dream. ” To which the gold fish smirks up at him.
“Whatever do you mean, brother dear~?” Error just looks between him like he’s watching a tennis match.
“ You know exactly what I mean. I do not particularly enjoy your teasing it is not abnormal for me to- ”
“What~? Aren't you going to spill the seaweed~?” The look Nightmare gives Dream would have sent any other being in existence running- or in this case swimming- away in utter terror, but the golden mer mearly smirks wider.
“..Am… I MisSINg soMetHInG….?” Error hesitantly questions, extremely confused.
“ No- ”
“Yes~” The twins respond at the same time, both still giving each other a look- which frankly doesn’t help Error’s confusion at all.
“ Dream. Shoosh. ”
“I’m sO ConFUsEd-” He states.
“ Please ignore him. ” Nightmare states, giving Error some more nuzzles as Dream giggles.
“O-kAy..?” Deciding to brush it off for now, Error just nuzzles Nightmare back.
“ Anyway. Would you like to take up Dream’s offer and get a tour or would you rather cuddle for longer? ”
“Uh.. WhaTeVEr’s fINe?” Error shrugs a bit.
“Great! Then how about we go pick you a den and make you a nest? I can show you how to weave them!” Dream declares excitedly as Nightmare’s tentacles slowly remove themselves.
“SuRe I guESs?” Error hesitantly agrees, concentrating as he slowly swims out of Nightmare’s hand. Dream smiles and excitedly leads the way.
~
After being shown around- which took longer than Error would like to admit as he continues struggling to swim- Error spends the next while cooped up in his room, or den, making himself a small nest using seaweed provided by Dream and his own strings until he’s too tired to continue and he decides to turn in for the night. At least- he’s pretty sure it’s nighttime. Being down here has really messed up his already poor time perception.
Dream leaves him be and no one really bothers him for quite a while, but at some point a familiar someone swims in and snuggles up against his back, little tentacles curling around his tail and waist, making Error sigh a touch, unconsciously relaxing.
“NigHtmARe?”
“Mhm..~” The octopus nuzzles the back of Error’s neck, purring quietly against him.
“...SOrRy foR ScaRInG yoU- bY The wAy.” Error mumbles after a moment of silence.
“...It’s alright. I know you didn’t mean to…I am sorry as well. I never meant to hurt you…I just didn’t want you to starve..”
“I’vE HaD WoRse- It’s- iT’s whATeveR.” He can’t see it but Nightmare’s brow knits tightly together and he gives Error a squeeze.
“That doesn’t make it ok….but…fish should taste better to do now that you’re a mer..” Error just hums in acknowledgement, letting the quiet linger.
“...HoW LOnG waS I ouT? CoNsidERinG HoW shiTty I haD Felt, I’m aSsUminG It wAs awHILe?” He asks after a bit. Nightmare shifts a little, giving him another squeeze.
“...6 days, 5 hours and 12 minutes give or take.”
“...DaMn. AlmOsT A neW RecORd.” Error murmurs, a bit shocked. The octopus gives him another tight squeeze and nuzzle, whining quietly.
“It’s fINe- reALly- I’m usED tO It.” The glitch tries to reassure, petting the nearest tentacle.
“That doesn’t make it ok.” He says again, more firm this time. Error just shrugs, not quite agreeing but not actively disagreeing.
“....If one of my tentacles got chopped off how would you feel about it?”
“NoOo noT THIs coMPaRisOnn-” Error whines, having had several similar conversations with Geno and Blue.
“But it’s happened before so surely it’s fine. Just because I’ve had all my tentacles ripped off one by one before, surely if it happens again it’s no biggie.”
“I- nO ObvIOusLy NoT- I’d haRdlY ComPAre a CrAsh tO ThaT -” Error practically gasps, twisting around to look at Nightmare- who doesn’t seem phased at all by his own words.
“I meant the eating thing, but if it hurts you in any way and you don’t like it then it is never ok. Ever. ”
“..I- EaTInG thiNg-?” Error belatedly questions, staring at Nightmare in shock.
“Yes. It may not be all that painful at first but starvation is not something we take lightly here. Not eating puts your life at great risk and as the shiver’s leader everyone’s well being is my responsibility. You included. We have plenty of food for everyone so going hungry is not acceptable under any circumstance. ” Error flinches a bit, glitching as he looks away, shrinking under Nightmare’s gaze.
“U-um..” Two silver boned hands cup his skull, holding his face up to look at Nightmare and the look he’s given is…hard to describe. The octopus’ eyelights are so soft, his smile nothing but loving and his touch so gentle and tender, like he’s holding something precious. Error can feel his face slowly heating up as he stares, and Nightmare leans forward and places a small kiss on his forehead. He glitches and freezes, pretty sure his mind stops functioning for a moment.
“You are important Error, and no matter what you may think or what others have told you, there will always be someone who cares about you and needs you. So if you can’t take care of yourself for you, do it for them~”
“...Oh…oKaY..” Error croaks after a moment of just gaping at Nightmare, blinking as he finds tears gathering on the edge of his sockets for some reason. The octopus just continues to smile oh so softly at him, gently rubbing his cheeks with his thumbs before giving Error an affectionate headbutt and chipping.
Closing his sockets, Error presses his forehead against Nightmare’s with a shaky breath, holding back a sob as unidentifiable emotions swirl within him. Nightmare is content to hold him, the octo mer’s tentacles slowly going over his body as if to groom him, the only sound between them is the occasional sniffle or hiccup from Error as he successfully keeps from just completely breaking down.
As the quiet drags on Nightmare quietly begins to hum before singing softly.
“Tell me am I going crazy? Tell me have I lost my mind? Am I just afraid of lovin'? Or am I not the lovin' kind~?” Error sniffs, a bit surprised- he didn’t take Nightmare for a singer.
“Kissin' in the moonlight, Movies on a late night, Gettin' old~ I've been there, done that, Supposed to be hot, But it's just cold~” His singing is lovely though~ Error slowly relaxes, nuzzling his way up under Nightmare’s chin- despite probably being a bit bigger at the moment. Nightmare’s soulbeat is so calm and soothing, practically oozing with magic and safety.
“Somebody wake up my heart, light me up, set fire to my soul, yeah~ 'Cause' I can't do it anymore~”
“Gimme that can't sleep love~ I want that can't sleep love~ The kind I dream about all day~ The kind that keeps me up all night~ Gimme that can't sleep love~<3” As Error calms down and relaxes, he slowly begins falling asleep, nuzzling closer to Nightmare with a small purr.
Smiling softly, the octopus gives Error’s skull another kiss before pulling him closer and continuing to sing, and Error peacefully drifts off with a small, sleepy smile on his face.
~
The next few days, Error mostly just stays in his room, refining his nest and decorating a bit using his strings and some of the trinkets Nightmare had given him. Despite the talk he had with the octopus, he still avoids mealtime and doesn’t eat anything- as he could feel his magic levels glitching a bit high. Error is trying to avoid eating fish for as long as he can, though, so he’s not really complaining.
At least- he wasn’t until now, but as he struggles to drag himself to consciousness, feeling both cold and hot at the same, Error changes his stance. It looks like his stats glitched a bit too low for whatever his current magic levels are- it’s one thing when only one of them happens, but both at the same time is just the worst.
Not even bothering to roll over, Error just lets his sockets close again, hoping to sleep this off. Except after not leaving his room for a while, Nightmare noticed something was off.
“Error..?” Nightmare slinks into the cave in his smaller form and immediately knows something is wrong. “Error, what's wrong!?”
He frantically swims in and wraps his tentacles around Error with a whine, looking him over. After a moment, Error stirs slightly with a shiver, making a vaguely confused sound.
“..Hm…?”
“Error what’s wrong!? What happened? You’re so low on magic-”
“Mmn…” Error just hums a bit in response, already drifting back off as he shivers more.
“Error don’t go to sleep you ass-!” Nightmare frantically whines and nuzzles against him, hugging him so their souls are close together. “Errroooorrr-”
Error whines back, face scrunching up in displeasure. He wanted to go back to sleep…After a second, Nightmare begins to aggressively lick his face-
“HhnNnn-” Whining louder, Error works to open his sockets, revealing hazy eyelights as he pouts. Now that he has Error’s attention, Nightmare gives him a firm look.
“Are you going to be ok?” The octopus asks him seriously, and it takes Error a moment to process his words.
“Hm… Pr’bly…” He mumbles. “...‘M T’rd..”
“....Ok…I’ll let you sleep then….” Nightmare sinks down to tuck his skull up under Error’s skull, listening to his slow soulbeat.
“Mh..” Error hums a bit, closing his sockets and almost instantly falling back asleep, hardly even moving. It’s concerning and Nightmare’s magic bubbles with worry and an underlying sense of fear, but he can still hear the soulbeat that secretly makes his world go round. Not that he would ever admit it. He only met Error about a month ago…but it feels like he’s known him forever.
With the way that Nightmare is pressed up against Error, he can feel as the glitch slowly seems to grow warm, and glancing at Error’s face, he can see as a flush appears on his face. It doesn’t feel like a heat- besides, mating season isn’t for a while- but more reminiscent of the fever that Cross had gotten near the beginning from hiding a wound and letting it get infected.
He whines in distress and it doesn’t take Dream long to suddenly appear in the entrance way.
“Nighty? What’s wrong..?” The goldfish mer swims over and catches sight of Error’s current state. He doesn’t hesitate to hold out his hands and use his healing magic, hands glowing a green tinted gold.
Instead of helping and soothing Error like it should, the glitch grows warmer as he absorbs Dream’s magic, flush darkening as his brows furrow, a strangled whine escaping him. Dream stops immediately.
“I…I don’t understand. My magic shouldn't have worsened his condition.” Nightmare whines in response, nuzzling up into Error harder with worry, making him huff, stirring slightly from the movement.
“If my magic won’t work I don’t think there’s anything else we can do, brother..” Dream doesn’t like seeing Nightmare so stressed. He’s used to seeing his brother calm and collected, maybe annoyed here and there but never worried enough to whine like he is now.
“So we just…do nothing?”
“...Yes. We will just have to wait and see.” The octopus whimpers this time and Dream can’t help but swim down to his side, placing a hand on his back. “I’m sure he will be fine, Nighty. He’s strong. I’m sure he will be back to his shy and nervous self in no time.”
“..Nn… wH’s hap’n..?” Error mumbles, struggling to crack his sockets open as he shivers. Nightmare lets out a long distressed whine.
“Error you have a feaverrrr-!”
“Ah…” Error trails off, sockets drifting shut, before manages to rouse himself again, “I’s… toO m’cH maGi’....” He manages.
“T-then give me some!” NIghtmare says hurriedly, making Dream blink at him.
“Hm…?” Error blinks slowly, confused.
“Give me your magic- If you are willing I can take it.”
“Mmm’kaY…. sT’ll B’ tIR’d tHo’..” Error mumbles, unable to keep his sockets open any longer as he shivers more. Nightmare looks up at Dream and after a moment, his brother sighs.
“Ok, I’ll keep the shiver distracted.”
“Thank you, brother.”
“Of course.” Dream kisses the side of Nightmare’s skull before turning to swim out of the room, leaving the two alone.
“...Ok. Just relax.” Nightmare cups Error’s skull, watching him intently for a moment before gently pressing their mouths together and encouraging Error’s to open, the glitch easily doing so with a small, questioning hum. If Error were more lucid, he’d definitely be freaking out a bit more.
And then he feels a small tug on his magic, a gentle pull that makes his magic flow slowly out of his body and into Nightmare’s through where they are connected, and Error shudders, breathing a sigh of relief as his overload of magic is slowly drained away.
“Hm…~” Nightmare blushes and a…perverted thought crosses his mind. He’s been keeping his tongue to himself as only Error’s mouth needs to be open for this exchange….but he’s tempted to simply slip inside and explore- get a taste for his sou- A small not-quite-whine escapes Error as he glitches and shivers slightly, interrupting Nightmare’s thoughts.
‘Oh no- did I take too much?’ The octopus thinks to himself, placing a tentacle on Error’s forehead….No, Error’s still too warm- in fact, he almost seems to feel warmer than he did before, but Nightmare knows he’s been taking magic.
Should he take more…? He doesn’t want to worsen Erro’s condition in any way..The glitch said it was because of too much magic so…Nightmare keeps a close eye on Error’s soulbeat and continues to steadily eat up his magic, going a little faster this time. Slowly, Error’s fever goes down, and other than the occasional bout of shivers or glitches, Error remains compliant- even seemingly starting to fall asleep once again.
It’s actually relaxing. Honestly the amount of magic Nightmare is taking from Error is nothing compared to his own magic pool, not even a small trickle filtering into his soul. But the sensation is nice and being so close to his soulmate had him practically purring up a storm as Error’s condition slowly improves.
And after a moment, Nightmare’s purring triggers Error’s own sleepy purrs as he finally relaxes fully with another small shudder.
“Mmh..~” With a pleased little sound, Error tiredly wraps his arms around Nightmare- though it ends up more of a lazy flop against his back. Even so, it has the small octopus blushing even brighter, making a small squeak sound as he grows very very flustered.
“Hm..?” Confused, Error pulls back from the not-quite-kiss, panting slightly as he blinks open his hazy sockets.
“O-oh don’t worry! I was just a little surprised..~” Nightmare gives him a soft if not flushed smile and nuzzles further against him. Error yawns, before humming and sleepily nuzzling Nightmare back.
“‘M s’ePy..”
“You’ve already told me that~ You can sleep, Error, I don’t mind~”
“M’k’y…~ Kee’p… ‘n eyE ‘n m’ HP…” He quietly warns as his sockets flutter shut, quickly falling asleep. That last comment makes Nightmare a bit nervous, but he does as asked of him, summoning a check of Error’s stats to stare at his HP. The number is scarily low- only just above .5, and the max HP occasionally flickers, getting bigger or smaller.
He doesn’t like this, but NIghtmare doesn’t whimper his time, instead he gives Error a small squeeze and stares unblinkingly at the glitch’s HP. As Error sleeps, his stats slowly go up, and after a few hours, he sits solidly around 10 HP.
Nightmare never stops staring, never looking away for even a second, but it makes him feel better to know a flick of ill intent isn’t going to turn Error into seafoam. At about 15 HP, the glitch stirs, stretching out with a hum.
“Error..?” Nightmare asks hopefully, not daring to take his eyelights away just yet.
“HmM…?” Error lazily blinks open his sockets, fuzzy eyelights glancing down at Nightmare. “NniGht..?”
The octopus glances away from Error’s stats for a second to look at the eel’s face and he practically sags with relief. “Oh thank Nim- You’re ok!”
Nightmare chirps and wiggles up to pepper Error’s face in happy kisses, who chirps back in slight confusion. Nightmare simply purrs and continues to shower the glitch in affection.
“I was so worried! Your HP was so low-”
“O-oH- soRrY- DId iT Go neGAtivE?” Error questions, nuzzling Nightmare back.
“N-no. It’s lowest was 0.5..”
“Ah- ThAT’s goOd thEn…” Error mumbles with a yawn.
“....Are you ok now..?” NIghtmare asks quietly.
“HmM yEaH I ShoULd Be- aS loNg aS my sTAts doN’t glitCh aGAin… CaN’t reALly coNtrOL ThaT THouGh.” He gets a sad whine in response followed by more kisses sprinkled all over his skull.
“I’lL Be fiNe~” Error reassures, unconsciously going to kiss the top of Nightmare’s skull. It’s funny to see the octopus’ eyelights dilate and grow wide in his sockets before he melts into a purring mass of tentacles, making Error giggle as he does his best to keep from cooing at him.
Nightmare’s tentacles move to start gently grooming Error’s tail as he aggressively starts to attack the eel with nuzzles, scenting him some more. It’s not really necessary, considering he does this a lot already, but it makes his soul happy.
“HehEhe~” Error kisses Nightmare on the forehead this time, just because of how cute the octopus’ reaction was the first time. And of course it happens again except this time, NIghtmare chirps with a very happy tentacle wigge, his eyelights changing shape. It’s kind of hard to see what they turned into just because they’re so big.
“CuTe~” Error can’t help but coo, headbutting Nightmare gently with a sweet smile. The loud purrs continue as the octopus pushes back into the touch and gazes directly into Error’s eyelights, the shape of them slowly becoming visible, and his breath hitches as he realizes that they’re hearts, a blush slowly covering his face.
With a soft smile, Nightmare lightly kisses his nasal bridge, hands coming up to gently cup and hold Error’s face, making him blush brighter as he hesitantly tilts his head into the touch.
“Hmm..You are so cute~”
“I- I- No yOu- shUT up-” Error sputters, incredibly flustered.
“Make me~” Nightmare’s tone is definitely flirtatious, a mistevoise look in his heart eyelights, and Error’s brain short circuits- just a bit.
“U-uHh-”
“Ha-hahahahaha~!” NIghtmare laughs, blushing a light purple as he giggles loudly. “Y-you don’t have to if you don’t want to I-I mean-”
Error interrupts him by basically smashing their mouths together in an incredibly awkward kiss, skull bright yellow. The octopus yelps in surprise before melting into it, purring and gently trying to help Error ease the kiss up a little. Luckily Error is more than happy to let Nightmare lead, clearly quite inexperienced. Nightmare finds it adorable~
The octopus purrs and gently coaxes Error’s mouth to open, slowly letting himself in incase the eel has any objections- though he doesn’t seem to have anything as he hesitantly follows along, just a touch tense and uncertain.
But when their tongues finally touch, their magic sparks pleasantly and Error gasps as he feels his soul soar, and their rib cages glow as their souls light up. It feels so incredibly amazing, it feels right for their magic to be this close, like this is where they're supposed to be.
The strange yet wonderful sensation actually has Error tearing up a bit as he presses up against Nightmare, just wanting to be closer and the octopus seems more than happy to oblige.
Nightmare’s tentacles wrap tightly around his waist and up his ribcage as the small kraken gently strokes his face and explores his mouth, licking and intertwining their tongues together, and Error shivers as a small whine escapes him, and he slips a couple of tongues into Nightmare’s mouth to copy him.
The small octopus doesn’t even bother trying to hold back a small moan bubbling up in his throat, his lidded sockets fully closing. Error’s movements seem to stutter a bit as he glitches, and his flustered blush can be seen even through Nightmare’s closed sockets, blue freckles easily visible against his bright yellow cheeks.
Nightmare can’t help but smirk into the kiss, his soul glowing brightly with joy and love, so much loving intent. It’s honestly a bit overwhelming for Error- feeling like he’s drowning in the feeling as he shudders, getting lost in it.
For as long as Nightmare wishes this kiss could last, they have to break it eventually and so, after at least a good minute, he pulls away, panting hard as the bead of saliva between them breaks.
“HnNn..~” Error whines breathlessly, shaking just a bit at this point as he struggles to catch his breath, eyelights hazy when he opens his sockets. It’s a good look on him~
Nightmare can’t help but smile at him, his eyelights still a heart shape as his soul glows brightly. “Hi..~”
“H-hI~” Error murmurs, dazed, getting a chuckle out of his soulmate.
“Hmm~ Did you like it~?” NIghtmare asks as he watches Error’s adorable face.
“M-mHM~”
“Good~ Because I greatly enjoyed myself as well~” Closing the inch between them, Nightmare nuzzles Error’s forehead, who blushes brightly as he gently headbutts him back.
"Hmmm~ You are so very cute, Error~ Adorable and sweet and beautiful~♡"
“MmnOoo-”
"Yuuussss~ And mine~ Hehehe~ Mine mine mine mine~!" Nightmare purrs in excitement, rubbing his skull all up against Error’s as the eel whines, flustered and slightly confused- but he stays silent.
Nightmare purrs loudly as his soul glows, so very very happy to be so close to Error and have his attention. Error’s soul glows back as if responding to Nightmare’s, and the glitch is half tempted to cover it up somehow.
“Hehehe~ You make me so happy~” NIghtmare purrs out, nuzzling the side of Error’s skull.
“I-I’m gLAd-” Error practically squeaks, so very flustered. The octopus continues to purr and snuggle up closer to the glitch somehow, enjoying the contact.
“Hmm~...Actually I’ve been meaning to tell you something…”
“WhAt? I gEt tO gO BaCk tO THe suRFaCe?” Error half jokes, though Nightmare deflates a little, he tries not to let it show.
“You may leave whenever you wish, Error. As long as you give us all a proper goodbye…and let us know you’re safe….and visit- but that’s not what I wanted to tell you-”
“WaIT I’m AlloWed tO LeaVe-?” The glitch blurts, genuinely surprised, making Nightmare blink at him in confusion.
“What? Of course you are. Did you think we were keeping you hostage?”
“...MmaYbe…?” There’s a long moment of silence before Nightmare speaks.
“...You would let your captor kiss you?”
“I- nO- I juSt-” A small, slightly ashamed flush spreads over Error’s cheeks as he sputters. Nightmare turns away for a moment as if in thought and mumbles loud enough so the eel can hear.
“Is this what they call Stockholm syndrome?”
“WhAt- nO-!” That startles a laugh out of Error and Nightmare can’t help but giggle as well.
“I’m only playing~ It does surprise me though that you would even be willing to kiss me while thinking I was basically holding you captive.”
“I dOn’t- YOu’rE just- DifFErenT - I’vE BeEN abLe tO TOucH you siNCe thE BEgiNninG-”
“Different in a good way?” Nightmare askes hopefully.
“..YeS? MaYBe? I doN’t knOw-” Error furrows his brows, frustrated at himself. Nightmare frowns a little before lightly nuzzling Error’s skull.
“I can explain that feeling if you would like.”
“HoW?” Error questions, though Nightmare doesn’t seem to quite understand.
“With…words?”
“I- Pft-” Error snorts a bit, “I MeANt How coUld yoU knoW WHaT thaT FEeLINg is? YOu aRen’T Me.”
“Well..that’s the thing.” Nightmare shifts a little nervously on top of Error, trying to find the right words. “Uhm….do you landwalkers know anything about soulmates?”
“OthER THan thE TeRm For a MArriEd moNSteR CoupLE? LIkE thAt oLD MytH?”
“Yes. Two beings linked together forever through their souls sense before they were even created. That is what I am talking about.”
“OkaY- oTheR THan thaT- no.”
Nightmare nods. “Good. I will fill in the blanks.”
Error raises a brow questioningly, wondering what the octopus even means.
“For one, not everyone has a soulmate and some people can have multiple. The main problem with soulmates is that they are almost never born within the same timeframe or even the same era so they never get to meet.”
“So… sOulMAteS Are reAL..?” The octopus nods, lightly kissing Error’s cheek.
“Yes. Soulmates are two beings that compliment each other perfectly. Their magic resonates with one another and they…want to be close to one another. They already share an unbreakable bond long before they meet.”
“...OKay…” Error trails off, waiting for Nightmare to continue.
“I am what is called a leviathan. A god of the sea…though we are more demigods than anything else. Dream and I, as well as the other leviathans, were created by Nim- My mother- to help her and embody different main aspects of the ocean, back before landwellers came into existence.”
“WoaH… So- yOu’rE LiteRAlly aS Old aS The seA?”
“Hmm in the grand scheme of things, yes. The point is though, due to my immortal lifespan I would meet my soulmate at some point no matter what time they were born- because I already existed.”
“..Why aRE yoU TElliNg mE This ExaCtly-?” Error questions, feeling like Nightmare is trying to hint at something but having no idea what. The octopus wiggles a little before taking a deep breath.
“You are my soulmate.” Error blinks at him, before freezing, glitching in shock- and wow in hindsight he’s incredibly dumb-
“...I-I’m goNnA Cr-rASh-” He warns, before promptly doing just that.
*Beeeep*
Error.exe has crashed. Rebooting…
~
When Error eventually reboots- grimacing a bit at his now aching body- he’s surprised to find himself in an empty room. Wasn’t Nightmare in here with him? Was he out for too long? He doesn’t feel too bad though…
A touch confused, he gets up and swims out of the room, looking around for… his soulmate. It’s a bit strange to think of but not in a necessarily bad way. Instead of being just outside in the middle of the den, like Nightmare usually is when in his big form, the rest of the sharks sleep peacefully in the overly sized nest, a cyan tentacle wrapped around them, leading to the second largest cave opening.
Error swims up to the tentacle and gently trails a hand over it, following it up to the other cave opening. The cave is deep enough for only the glow of Nightmare’s tentacle to light up the tunnel before coming to a large room full of yellow glowing shells and-
“BoOks?” How are there books down here? Are they even readable? Error can’t help but abandon his quest to find Nightmare to check. Upon even touching one of the books he can feel Dream’s magic all over it, covering and preserving the pages as he flips through them- but to his disappointment most of them aren’t even in a language he can read. After a moment of looking through them, Error goes back to finding Nightmare.
It doesn’t take long despite the size of the room. Nightmare’s tentacle leads him right to the kraken, lying comfortably on his own appendages as he flips through a book.
“NiGht…?” Error hesitantly and quietly calls out. The kraken glances down at him with a small smile, though not as excited or….bright? That doesn’t sound like the right word.
“ Hello Error. How do you feel ?”
“COuld bE WoRse- couLD Be bEtTer toO buT-” Error shrugs a bit, and, after a bit of hesitation, he swims up to nuzzle and lightly kiss Nightmare’s cheek, making the octopus blush and purr quietly.
“ I’m happy you are alright then…How do you feel about…what I told you? ”
“I’m… nOT SurE?” Error admits, glancing away. “I mEan- It’S NOt baD- anD I GueSs iT eXplaINs WHy yoUr toUch doEsn’T HUrt-” Nightmare nods, a tentacle coming up to rub Error’s skull affectionately while another rubs his tail.
“ Mhm. Your magic doesn’t mind mine. ”
“It’S SoOThiNg.” Error mumbles, leaning heavily into the touch with a happy purr. Nightmare blushes even more, the cyan sticking out as it peeks through the black. It’s adorable. The kraken sighs a little and nuzzles Error’s cheek with his appendage.
“ I’m glad. Your magic makes me feel…..safe~ ”
“DUnNo hoW iT WOuld, bUT I’m gLAd~” The glitch purrs.
Chapter 25: Cross x Error supremacy
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
It’s literally just the title lol
Chapter Text
Cross first met Error when they were both 5. He was told that Error Queen of the noble Queen family is to be his fiance. He…didn’t really get it at first and the one time he did ask, a maid simply told him he would be spending a lot of time with Error.
Everyday, after his initial studies scheduled for him by his father, he was sent to the Queen estate to play and entertain his fiance. Error was….a very loud child. He didn’t get Error at all. The little black, red, and yellow skeleton always insisted that he didn't need Cross to come play with him, that he was just doing this because his older brother told him too, but then Error would openly enjoy their games, if only for a moment, before catching himself and being all weird again.
Cross didn’t get it at all. At home it was simpler. His father told him what he wanted from Cross and Cross did as told. That was it. So then why is Error so different? He could never really tell what Error wanted at least not for the first few weeks of visiting, but he slowly started to figure at least some things out.
Like how Error loved to play dolls and would sometimes even make them himself- though he was insistent that they were called puppets. And then there was this play. The Queen family would go see the same play at least once a year and Error was obsessed with it. Once he got to talking about Undernovalia he was like a whole other person. His face would light up and his eyelights practically sparkled.
Those were his favorite moments with Error, just listening to his fiance talk on and on about his favorite play. That small and genuine laugh slowly grew more common and it felt like he was finally beginning to understand Error.
Until he touched him. Cross had never tried to touch Error at all before. The childish habit of seeking comfort from physical touch was taught out of him at an early age. No, when he touched Error, the glitchy skeleton had been falling, it was an instant reaction.
There was this odd moment of silence as Error looked up at him with wide sockets from where they had tumbled on the floor and then Error screamed. It was so startling that Cross distinctly remembers basically jumping out of his outfit, completely shocked as Error scrambled away from him in a glitching panic. Cross didn’t understand what he had done wrong. Was Error hurt? Does he need healing kisses like he’s seen Error’s big brother give Error after scraping his knee?
Maids rushed over, hovering just a few feet away from Error as Cross continues to stare in shock, even as he’s picked up. ‘What happened?’ he remembers thinking. ‘Is Error going to be ok…?’
He didn’t visit for a few days after that. It had been a jarring experience for him, especially when he was told he would be staying home the first day, and the next, and the next, and the next. Life seemed….oddly dull without his daily visits to the Queen manor….
When he was finally allowed to go, he doesn’t think his small kid self has ever been that eager to get into a carriage. He was going to see Error again! At the same time though. He was nervous. Was Error mad at him for….whatever had happened? He hoped not.
The first playdate after the “incident” had been awkward, but it actually didn’t take them long for them to click again and get back to playing their usual games like nothing had happened.
Slowly but surely they grew closer and closer together and he finally got to really the the wonderful person under that grumpy and loud outer shell~
~
“Error! It’s time to get up!” Cross yells knocking on Error’s bedroom door for what feels like the hundredth time. “Your breakfast is getting cold!”
“UghHh-” A glitchy groan can be heard from behind the door, before it opens, revealing a disgruntled looking Error, sockets still mostly closed. At least he’s wearing clothes this time. Neither of them need a repeat of that…. again.
“How late did you stay up last night?” Cross asks, crossing his arms with a disapproving frown. He himself got up three hours ago and already finished his sword practice for the day.
“UhHh…” Error at least has the sense to look a bit sheepish, before rubbing his sockets with a yawn. The monochrome dressed skeleton sighs, shaking his skull in disappointment.
“No wonder your so short, your lack of a sleep schedule has stunted your growth-”
“It hAs noT ShUt up-!” Error immediately protests, glaring up at Cross- though he’s not quite awake enough to pull it off, and it ends up more of a pout. To which Cross only smirks at him.
“You only come up to my collar bone, Glitchy~”
“I- YoU’re juSt sTupID taLl shUsH-” Error practically whines, geting a chuckle out of Cross. The taller skeleton leans forward and gives Error a headbutt, purring quietly.
“If you say so- Now come on I worked hard on those pancakes.”
“YOu maDe paNCakEs?” Error asks hopefully, brightening.
“Chocolate chip pancakes~” The monochrome skeleton tells him smugly as Error cheers.
“YeS LEt’s go-!”
A few months ago, their parents both agreed to have them live in a cabin together and learn to take care of themselves. Though Cross isn't sure if it can really be called a cabin- at least it’s smaller and a little more normal then what they’re used to.
Cross tends to be the one in the kitchen cooking for them both and if he can, he tries to include chocolate in at least one part of their meal. The one thing they both love more than any other food? Chocolate.
It had actually been a large bonding point to discover their shared love of chocolate, years ago- and though they’ll occasionally fight over shared stores of it, they have a bit of a system at this point.
“Chocolate pancakes. Your favorite breakfast m'lady~” Cross says jokingly as he sets the plate down in front of the glitch with a cup of chocolate milk, Error giving his token grumbles at being called a lady, before happily digging in.
“So, I have to go to the market to pick up a few things, we’re running short on milk, chocolate mix, cantaloupe, and bread- oh eggs too. Do you want to come with me?”
“I pRoBabLy shoULd…” Error mumbles, frowning a bit.
“Probably, but we can get you some new yarn too if you want.” Cross suggests as he cleans off a pan in the sink.
“Hm… I guESs We coULd loOk aRouNd.” Error agrees hesitantly. Cross puts down the pan and walks around to hug the glitch gently from behind, nuzzling their skulls together.
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you like I always do~”
“I doN’T NeEd prOTecTing.” Error grumbles with a faint blush as he relaxes back against Cross.
“Hmm, well too bad because I’m going to protect you anyway.” Cross purrs and lightly kisses Error’s temple before pulling away as he glitches slightly, blush growing brighter.
“Wh-whAteVEr…” Cross smiles and takes a quick sip of Error’s chocolate milk, much to the glitch’s affront.
“We better hurry while it’s still cool outside then.”
“Wh- I- AlriGhT fiNe-”
After breakfast they get ready- well Error gets ready, Cross is already dressed- and they head out on the nice path into town. Their “cabin” is out in the country just outside of the neighboring town. Cross really enjoys the privacy and quiet of the outdoors and besides a few maids that come around each week, it’s just Error and him.
“UgHh waLkiNg-” Error complains, dramatically leaning against Cross.
“Oh noo it’s sooo terrible.” The taller teases, wrapping a hand around Error’s waist. “Physical exercise is just the woooorst~”
“The wOrrRStt-” The glitch agrees, draping more of his weight against Cross with a whine. The taller huffs before picking Error up in one swift movement, not even breaking a sweat.
“I shouldn't be doing this every single time you know.”
“HeHehEHe~” Error just giggles, nuzzling Cross with a happy purr. Although he complains about being short, he’s willing to deal with it if it means being able to be carried by Cross. The oreo- Error’s little nickname for him- sighs, blushing as he nuzzles back and continues walking down the path into town.
“Hello Mr. Dean. How is the strawberry patch going?” Cross askes the a kind shopkeeper as they walk through the farmers market, making small talk. It’s almost spring and everyone is bustling and trying to prepare for the spring flower festival. It will be their first time attending and Cross is actually a little excited.
“Did tHE beEs heLP At aLL?” Error questions curiously, doing his very best to ignore all of the people around them. The glitch had actually been the one to suggest getting a few beehives when the farmer had complained about getting little yield- he had read that flowers actually need to be pollinated to turn into fruit, so he thought having more bees might help. The lizard monster practically glows at the reminder.
“Oh yes it helped a great deal! I was actually planning to pick some later tomorrow. As a thank you, would you two like to come down to the field and help? You can take some home with you!”
Cross looks down at Error, wanting his opinion as the glitch looks back up at him.
“Hm… MaYbE FOr a Bit? ProBaBLy onLy aN HOur Or tWo- if thAt’s oKaY-” He says to both of them. Cross smiles and looks back at the farmer.
“Oh that’s quite alright, it’s meant to be a thank you after all!” The nice lizard says excitedly. “I’ll see you both sometime tomorrow then. Come by whenever you’re ready!”
Their interactions continue much the same way as the first, talking with the shopkeepers as they buy their groceries for the next week before stopping at the fountain in the middle of town for a snack.
“Here, I bought some chocolate covered marshmallows-”
“WhAt hoW Did I Not sEe THAt-!” Error exclaims, grabbing the offered marshmallow excitedly. Cross laughs with a smile and eats his own marshmallow quickly.
“I hid them, duh~”
“‘eLL Ob’is’Y-” Error rolls his eyelights, having stuffed the whole marshmallow in his mouth.
“....I bet I can fit more in my mouth!” Cross suddenly grabs several chocolate covered marshmallows and starts stuffing them in his face.
“WhAt thE-! HeY doN’t taKe theM ALl-!” Error protests, quickly grabbing some to shove into his own face. They stuff themselves until the bag is empty and neither of them can close their mouths.
“I ‘in-!”
“‘Uh-uH-!” Error uses his tongues to his advantage, wrapping them around the marshmallows as he slowly manages to close his mouth. Cross narrows his sockets at him, but no matter how hard he tries, he can’t close his mouth.
“As’ ‘ea’in-!”
“Mm-mhH-!” Error shakes his head, before working on actually eating the marshmallows- looking a bit dumb while doing it. Cross has to spit some out onto the bag just to swallow the ones he has.
“Holly shit I thought I was going to die-”
“VicTORy!”
“Using your tongues isn’t fair! I was winning!” Cross argues with a hard pout, grabbing one of the marshmallows he spit out to eat it.
“Ew-” Error makes a bit of a face, but doesn’t comment otherwise. “AnD It coUNts! You’Re juSt jeaLOus yoU Don’T HAve moRe toNguES-”
“Nuh uh! One tongue is enough for me thanks-”
“WeLL I stILL wiN so TheRe-” Cross pouts even more before he notices a small smudge of chocolate on Error’s face. Without really thinking about it, he leans forward and licks Error’s cheek.
Error freezes, glitching in surprise as he stares at Cross, a blush slowly growing on his face. It takes a second for the taller skeleton to even realize what he just did before he blushes and pulls away in a flustered panic.
“S-sorry-! You had some chocolate on yourfaceandIdidn’twantittogotowast-!”
“C-cROsS cALm doWn-!” Error shouts, equally flustered. “It’S FinE-”
The oreo quickly shuts his mouth, looking away in flustered embarrassment. “If you're sure…”
“It’S Fine-” The glitch repeats, face bright yellow. They sit there awkwardly for a minute before Cross suddenly stands up.
“Well- we should get some yarn, right? Right-”
“R-riGhT- yEaH-” Error dumbly copies, scrambling up after him. The rest of their outing is quick and awkward, neither of them sure how to break the weird awkward air even as they walk home. Error doesn’t even ask to be carried like he always does- and he quickly escapes to his room as soon as they reach the cabin.
Cross escapes to the training yard, and summons his sword to destroy yet another dummy. He glances up at Error’s window for a moment before continuing on with the drills he’s been taught. After a bit, he spots Error sitting in the windowsill, knitting away at something using the yarn they had just bought.
Glancing up, Error waves when he sees Cross staring. After a second of hesitation he waves back, blushing a light purple from the exertion. He’s actually sweating so much he grabs the bottom of his shirt to wipe his skull off.
From his window, Error chokes, quickly looking away with a bright yellow blush as he tries to regain his composure. When Cross looks back up he’s confused to see Error facing the other way now, but shrugs it off and continues on with his routine, and after a bit, the glitch turns back to keep watching.
Cross stays out for maybe an hour or two before deciding to come inside and get started on lunch, and, mildly disappointed, Error gets back to actually knitting.
“Error?” There’s a knock on his bedroom door, Cross’s voice sounding on the other side. “It’s time to eat, I made sandwiches!”
“Oh- alRIghT.” Setting down his project, Error heads out of the room to see Cross standing out on the hall with a basket and a large blanket Error knitted a long while ago- and he can’t help but cringe at the shoddy work.
“I was thinking we could eat down at the creak, or just outside it you’d rather. The creak will be cooler though.”
“The CreEK soUndS GreAt! I caN ThrOw roCks iN It!” Error grins, only half joking. Either way, Cross laughs and gives the glitch a nuzzle before grabbing his hand to lead the way outside. In the very back, just past the training yard is a path into the woods leading to a small creek. The fish in it are small, mostly just turtles and tadpoles, but it’s nice. Wild flowers grow along the path and water with june bugs and cicadas cuddling in the bushes.
Cross has this one big rock he likes to sit on and it has plenty of space for the blanket and both of them with the basket, and Error’s more than happy to just tag along, watching as a frog hops into the water.
“Mm, I’ve been wanting to take you here.” Cross says between botes of his sandwich. “I found it a few days ago. It’s a good spot, right?”
“YeAh- It’S ReaLLy niCe- anD In thE ShaDe!” Error smiles at Cross before eating his own sandwich. They don’t say too much, just simply enjoying the environment as they eat. That is until Cross leans over to lay his skull on top of Error’s, nuzzling him as he glances up curiously.
“WhatcHa doIN’?” Cross blushes lightly, glancing away as he continues the nuzzles.
“Trying to be affectionate..is it working?”
“WhAT’s wiTh thE SUdDen afFectiOn, thEn?” Error questions with his own small blush.
“It just…seemed like a good time is all. You looked happy~” The glitch’s blush darkens as he can’t help but smile softly.
“YeAh- I am. I’m wiTH yoU AftEr alL~” He watches Cross’ sockets widen a bit as his blush grows and the oreo looks a lot more like a grape than an actual oreo cookie. Error’s smile widens as he watches fondly.
“O-oh- I mean I am to- Happy with you not me- not that I’m not happy with me I mean-”
“HehEhe~” Cross is interrupted by Error’s delighted laughter, a faint blush on the glitch’s cheeks as he leans against Cross, nuzzling him. The taller skeleton’s soul beats loudly in his ribcage and he wonders if Error can hear it from how loud it sounds in his own skull.
A little hesitantly, he wraps his arms around Error’s waist and pulls the glitch closer against him. The glitch relaxes against him as his giggles subside, panting slightly as he rests his skull on Cross’ shoulder, just watching the creek with a small smile.
They just stay like that until the sun begins to hang low in the sky and the crickets start to chirp. It’s nice, just being able to sit and relax with each other like this- Error feels like some sort of barrier was crossed today, at least on his end, and though he doesn’t quite know what it was, he’s not complaining.
“Hmm..~ We should start heading back home soon..”
“Hm yEah… ProBably…” Despite their agreements, they stay seated for a few minutes longer before Cross pulls away and stands up.
“Hmmnng~ This was nice~” He says with a big stretch before bending down to start picking up.
“Mhm~” Error hums in agreement as he gets up himself, back popping as he stretches, pulling a small sound of relief from him before he helps Cross. They begin walking back with everything packed in the bucket and Cross, whole holding Error’s hand, switches it up a little to interlace their phalanges together and give the glitch’s hand a squeeze. Error glances up, a touch surprised, before gently squeezing Cross’ hand back, looking back forward with a smile.
It’s nice and quiet. They even see a few fireflies on the path, floating around and twinkling like little stars in the grass as Cross holds the door open for Error and they step inside.
“SucH a gENtlEMan~” Error teases lightly, getting a small pout out of Cross.
“Only for you..~” He mumbles.
“Hm?” Error turns around from where he was headed to the stairs, tilting his head in question. “WhAt’d yoU Say?”
“Nothing! J-just talking to myself-” Cross fidgets before quickly following after Error. “Are you going to take a shower tonight?”
“No I doN’t thINk I wiLL ToniGHt- yoU CaN HaVe iT.” Error responds, assuming Cross is asking to use the good bathroom.
“Thank youuu~ Do you want to listen to the radio afterwards?” The glitch shrugs.
“If I doN’t faLL AsleEp beFOre thEN-”
“Alright, I’ll check on you when I’m done then.” Cross smiles and gives the smaller a headbutt before going back down to the kitchen to put the basket and everything inside away, Error heading into his room to relax on his bed.
Chapter 26: tfw you accidentally are forced to join the mafia
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error accidentally eavesdrops on an important conversation and thirsts over Nightmare’s voice.
Chapter Text
“ThIS DaRe is StupId-” A glitchy voice quietly mutters as an equally glitchy skeleton creeps closer to an old, abandoned building. It’s even creepier at night, with only the light of the moon and stars to guide him through the trees and greenery that surrounds the building. As the wind rushes past him, Error can hear the building creak and groan. Is this place even still stable?
From what Ink said, this place used to be an insane asylum back when there were more humans than monsters, and when the two species were still separated. Apparently the human government didn't like people who were different or didn’t obey them. So what did they do? Send them to an insane asylum to really go insane.
Error didn’t want to believe him- Ink has made up bullshit stories all the time- so of course the short skeleton dared him to break in and see for himself, and Error is far too prideful to back down from the challenge. And by the looks of this building his pride might actually be the death of him this time.
The floor is mostly made of concrete and broken tiles, debris and pebbles crunch under his feet as he walks around and much to his surprise…it actually does look like an abandoned asylum- or at least he thinks this is what an abandoned asylum would look like.
Hospital beds and procedural supplies lying around, one room even has blood samples still in it. Besides all the graffiti it looks like it had still been in use when it was abandoned but everyone just suddenly left.
It’s… eerie. Only the sound of his footsteps and static follow him as he slowly makes his way through the building. That is- until he hears voices in one of the white padded rooms. Error freezes, glitching slightly in surprise. Is he going insane now? Could that happen? Maybe this place is cursed-
“We had a deal, Red.” Error can barely make out the words from the other room, and after a moment he carefully creeps a bit closer. Red? Like the color? Or that one gang guy police warned about in the news-?
“I’m sure ya know what’ll happen if ya scew this up.” Oh shit is he about to be caught in the middle of a shootout-??
“Yeah yeah- Don’t get ya panties in a twist, sweetheart.” The second voice- Red, he assumes- has a much deeper and gruff voice compared to the first. “I got the goods, but I ain’t given’ em to ya. My deal’s with ya boss-”
Red is suddenly cut off and even from the hallway he can feel the aura of the atmosphere change. Tense and unnerving- like the pause in a horror movie, where you know the jumpscare is about to happen.
“ And I’m here. ” …Holy shit that voice is way hotter than it has any right to be- Error has to quickly cover his cheeks with his hands, covering the yellow glow as he blushes. Real or not he’d rather not take any chances- “ So now that the problem is taken care of I expect you to comply. You’re wasting my time. ”
Red stutters a little, and it sounds like he grabs something, but Error can’t be sure. “Y-yeah- right. Here’s the weapons ya wanted.”
Damn- this Red guy is starting to sound like a bit of a wimp- or maybe a suck-up. But why did they want weapons?
“That wasn’t so fuckin’ hard now was it?” Comes the first voice with a smartass remark before they yelp. “Ow-! What was that for-?” They must have been hit.
“ You need to learn to keep your mouth shut. ” The deep voice growls, dropping a few octaves. Error has to aggressively remind himself that now really isn’t the time to be simping over a voice. If he’s hearing this right then he is in big trouble-
“ Your services are appreciated, Red. I’m sure our alliance will bring good fortune to both of our gangs. ”
“Uh- yeah, sure. As long as ya keep fundin’ us we’ll keep suplyin’ ya with whatever ya need.” Error definitely shouldn’t be hearing this- he needs to leave before he gets caught- Just as he turns to escape from this bad situation, he bumps into one of the wheelchairs left behind in the hall.
Wait- When did it get behind him? The glitch doesn’t really get to think about it as the sudden silence becomes more and more apparent, and despite his best attempts, the static from his panicked glitching begins filling it.
He’s left standing in the middle of the hall, completely frozen for only a second before a dark figure comes out of nowhere and grabs his wrists, pinning him to the wall behind him.
“Well look what we have here. An eavesdropper.”
Several thoughts go through Error’s skull- ranging from lamenting how screwed he is to how stupidly hot that was- though the painful glitches rapidly covering him takes priority.
“W-w-wAIt wAIT-t waiT- P-pLe-EAse Don’T-t-t toUcH mE-” He stammers, panickedly trying to push them away. However their grip on his wrists never even wavers and despite them using both hands, something else begins to wrap around and restrain the rest of him, just as dark as the figure.
Error can feel a crash coming on as error signs fill his sockets, and he struggles in their hold, shooting a bone at them in a last fit of desperation to get them off- There’s a grunt sound from his capturer and the grip on his wrists loossens, allowing him to slip free and try to shake off the other thing that’s holding him. Error’s quick to pull out some of his stronger strings, flinging them blindly down the hallway to try to yank himself out of their grip, just needing to get away .
Finally sliping free, Error stumbles forward, a group like sound coming from behind him as he blindly scrambles away, hoping maybe he could hide long enough for his sight to come back- Error only gets maybe a few steps away before bumping into something else- someone else-
“Heya there~ Where do ya thing you’re going~?” Error doesn’t even manage to make a sound as he freezes.
*Beeeeeeeeep*
Error.exe has crashed. Reboot?
Y/N
“Whoah….Well that’s new-” Killer says in surprise as the glitching skeleton slumps against him. Nightmare stalks up to him, glaring at the unknown skeleton in his subordinate’s arms as he growls.
“ Pixlexia. A rather severe case. ” The glitching skeleton seems to stare blankly ahead, their open sockets filled with errors as the prompt continues floating over them. Killer shifts a little awkwardly as before he ‘looks’ over to his boss.
“So- what should we do with him? Oh oh-! Can we keep him~!? He’d be real fun ta play with~” Nightmare hums, glancing at the glitching eavesdropper in thought.
“ Tie him up. You can interrogate him when we get home. ”
“Yay~!” The small skeleton cheers in twisted glee as he pulls out a rope from his inventory, just in case. Nightmare turns to Red, who had been watching from the doorway, his tentacles curling and thrashing in irritation.
“ We will take care of the pest, you need not worry. ” Red nods. Glancing at the glitching skeleton before looking back at Nightmare.
“‘Course, Edge knows ya take good care of unwanted quests so.” The sharp tooth skeleton shrugs and without a word, the two parties part ways.
~
Automatic reboot initiated. Rebooting… 1%
26%
69%
72%
90%
100%
“Nm…” A pained groan escapes Error as he’s slowly brought back to consciousness, tensing with a shudder.
“Oooo~ Look who finally woke up~” Comes an unfamiliar voice, making him jump, glitching in surprise as he looks up. At that moment, Error realizes three things- one, he’s tied to a chair- two- he totally was captured by some sort of mafia and was probably about to get interrogated- and three- holy shit ow everything hurts worse than he has originally thought-
The skeleton in front of him is rather small, but that doesn’t make them any less intimidating. Their sockets are completely empty, an off black, tar-like substance slowly dripping down their cheeks as they grin a little too wide at him, twirling a knife in their hand expertly.
“Ya were out for a while, I almost got bored~!”
“WoW Soo soR-rRY abOuT THaT- mAYbE TRy-y hiTtinG ‘yeS’ InsTeAD Of wAitINg thE THreE HOurS iT TAkeS To trIGgeR AN aUtoMATic reBoOT-” Error can’t help but mutter, cranky and in pain. The small skeleton giggles and takes a few steps closer, holding the knife against Error’s chin.
“You’re funny~ besides, I like watchin’ your magic jump everywhere. What was that called? A crash? I wonder how many times ya can do that in a row~”
“TeN’s mY RecORd anD I WaS STucK IN the HOspITal foR a weEK aCcoRDing To thE NUrseS. I loOSe meMOry iF IT’s reALly baD Or thE foURth tiMe anD I paSs OUt frOM the PaIN preTtY QuiCKly.” Error states, figuring worst case scenario he dies a horrible death from glitching out of existence. Best case, he tells them what they want and leave him alone.
“Ooo~ Sounds fun~ I’ll keep that in mind for later. So- What exactly were ya doing in that old building?”
“...It wAS A DaRe.”
“Hmm…and what did ya hear?”
“PReTty mUCh eVerYTHinG AfteR Mr. HoT-vOIce-boSs-Guy shOWed Up.” Error pauses, as if processing he just said that outloud. The other skeleton blinks at him for a moment, before bursting into loud hysterical laughter and holding their middle.
“..Oh mY GOd wHy AM I l-likE THis-s-” Error whispers, absolutely mortified as he glitches. Hunched over, his captor takes a good minute to catch their breath, before speaking.
“H-he’s fuckin’ hot yeah~ Hehehe~ Maybe if ya ask nicely ya could get a taste of his dick~ Best treat ever~”
“I haTE This JusT KilL Me noW-” The glitch declares, blushing bright enough to give himself a headache at this point.
“I would, but boss wont let me..besides, I still wanna play with ya~” The short skeleton pulls the knife away and suddenly throws it into the far wooden door, making Error flinch in surprise. “Isn’t that right Bunny~?”
Error’s surprised to see another skeleton step out from the shadows- how had he not noticed them-? Their multicolored eyelights reminding him a bit of his own.
“Oh boY TortURe.” He mumbles sarcastically. The smaller skeleton excitedly walks up and practically pounces on ‘Bunny’, clinging to the taller who seems very indifferent to the affection.
“Nah, no torture today. Apparently boss likes ya or somethin’.”
“Oh boY ProLONginG My deATh.” Error says in the exact same tone of voice, getting an annoyed huff from the taller of the two.
“Annnny way! I’ll tell boss ya’re up. Then ya can listin’ ta his hot voice~”
“I wILL NeVer bE ABLe To eSCaPE thAT Will I-” The glitch laments, wishing he could hide his face with his hands.
“Nope~! I’ll be right back.” The small skeleton kisses ‘Bunny’ before letting go and sauntering out the door, grinning the whole way. Error immediately wants to try wiggling free from the ropes- as they’re starting to grate on his already frayed nerves- but with ‘Bunny’ in the room, he has a feeling he wouldn’t get very far.
“...AnY CHaNce yoU’d bE WIllinG tO unTIe thE ROpeS ArouNd mY WriSts? PleASe? They’RE DrivinG Me nUTs-” Error lightly questions the other skeleton, trying to twist his hands from the restraints. The other doesn’t even respond to him, simply staring and periodically looking over his shoulder.
“...ALriGht thEn..” The glitch mutters, deciding to focus on freeing his wrists, ignoring the rope burns his attempts give him. He struggles for several minutes, just trying to get his hands free, before the wooden door creaks open and that same shadowy figure from before steps through. It’s hard to see them in the shadow of the doorway, all except for one piercing cyan eyelight, and with one last pointless tug, Error decides it’s probably best to stop for the time being, staring back at them.
“...Hello, eavesdropper.” Comes that same reverberating deep voice that just screams downright sinful.
“...CaLL Me ErRor- oR The GLitCh, meNAce, MisTAke, tAKe yoUr picK.” Error responds after a moment of forcing the gay panic far, far away. The eyelight crinkles a little before they take a few steps into the room and into the light.
“Error it is then.” The voice belongs to some sort of skeleton monster, a few feet taller than himself. Their body is completely coated in a black tar-like substance with some sort of cyan glow to it. The goop drips and slides over them, but never falls to the floor. Watching the slow movement is almost hypnotic.
Their right socket is completely covered in the stuff, not even an indent visible, at least from his perspective. It’s amazing how the dark skeleton’s nice suit is completely clean, untainted by the thick substance that covers their body. Assuming the weird goop is part of their magic, it’s a testament to an impressive amount of control.
“SuRe.” Error shrugs, only to be reminded of the stupid rope’s existence, making him glitch in irritation. The goopy skeleton stares at him for a long moment before something that same black color with a slight glow, slides across the floor and around his chair, easily cutting the ropes away.
“Tell me, Error, do you have any talents? Close family?”
“FirST Of aLL- boLd oF YOu tO AsSumE I’d teLL YOu anYthinG.” Error points out, pulling his arms to his front with a sigh of relief. “ANd I hiGHly doUBt anYONe is GOinG TO be LoOkinG FOr mE, iF THaT’s whAt yoU’rE WonDERinG.”
The dark skeleton raises a brow, more of those black…tentacle-like things curling behind them. “Bold of you to assume I was asking. I’m sure you know that we can not let you leave. You can either tell me what I want to know and be treated better here as a result or be difficult and be treated as a prisoner.”
“WeLl soRrY I’m a biT SHorT WhEN EVerYthINg hURts-” Error mutters, glaring at the ground. “ANd No- I dON’t haVe anY FaMILy anD I DOn’t coNSideR mYSelf paRTicuLArlY TalENteD AT ANythINg.”
“Odd abilities then?”
“OTheR THan My strINgs, noT REAlly.” Error pulls out one slowly, not wanting them to think he was attacking them, before beginning to play cat’s cradle with it. “THey woRK beST As yaRn, moSTly- thoUgH I caN KinDA USe thEm liKe a SpiDER’s weB. THey jUst ARen’T THe stroNGEsT.”
The goopy skeleton sighs, crossing their arms. “Can you do anything useful? You will live longer if you can.”
“If I SaY No woULd yoU JusT KilL Me nOw ANd gET It oVErwitH?”
“No. If I wanted you dead I would have let Killer deal with you.”
“DamN- wELl I Can COdE ANd cRochET- thOSe Are ProBaBLy thE Only TwO THinGs thAT aRE ProBaBLy uSefUL.” Error states, letting his string dissipate in favor of fiddling with his phalanges.
“How well can you code? Are you capable of hacking?”
“StilL WOrKinG On geTtiNG AroUnd VPNs buT It’s sURpriSINgly EaSy to hAck moSt thINgs.”
“And there’s your use. I’m going to give you a choice. You can either work for me or rot away in this room.” The goopy skeleton says seriously, making ‘Bunny’ look at him in surprise. Error blinks, equally surprised.
“...WhY?” He asks, baffled. The boss merely huffs, turning away.
“I suppose you could say I like collecting broken things.”
“ThANks FOr thE ComPLeMenT.” Error deadpans. “AnD WHaT ExACtlY WouLd haPpeN If I WOrKed foR YOu?”
“You would get a place to live with anything and everything you could need.” The goopy skeleton’s tentacles sway a little slower now. Error isn’t sure if it’s a good sign or not. “You will be given a new outside identity and work to help keep crime from spiraling out of control as well as make sure those in power don’t completely take advantage of the less fortunate.”
“In short. We keep everything balanced. The law is flawed and one system can’t work for everyone. Some abuse it while others are constantly put down by it. Someone outside the law has to keep everything from tipping too far to one side. That is what you will be doing.”
“...ALriGht..” Error mutters. It sounded… surprisingly reasonable- though he’s not sure the ends necessarily justify the means. “WoULd I HAvE tO KilL PeoPLe?”
“No, not if you aren’t ok with it. Usually assassinations are only allowed if absolutely necessary.”
“I doN’t WaNt tO KilL PEopLe.” The glitch states with a frown.
“Then I won’t ask you too. There’s nothing more to it.” The goop covered skeleton offers him a small smile. “So, what do you say, Error?”
“...SurE. I guESs. I’d uH- ShaKE YOur haNd BuT PLeaSe doN’t toUcH mE-”
“Yes, I am aware of your condition.” The other says, much to Error’s surprise. “Follow me. It is only suitable that you meet everyone before anything else.”
“Aw fuCk- aLRigHt cOol cOOL-” Error mutters, rubbing his stinging wrists for a moment before painfully standing, stumbling slightly. The other’s tentacles are quick to hover around him, ready to catch him should he fall. ‘Bunny’ seemed to find their boss's actions just as odd as Error, the glitch flinching slightly in surprise, having expected to be touched.
The goopy skeleton says nothing further and turns to leave, leading him out of the dimly lit room and into a hallway. He was half expecting to be in some sort of dingy old building or something, but as they reach the stairs, the prison-like atmosphere changes and he finds himself walking into an incredibly fancy looking kitchen.
“HoLy shiT…” Error looks around the kitchen in shock as he leans against the wall, needing a second after walking up the stairs. The two skeletons turn to look at him, the boss almost looking concerned.
“Do you need anything?”
“No nO- I juSt.. neED a seCOnd.” Error waves them off, grimacing a bit. As he waits for the pain to subside, the boss tells ‘Bunny’ to gather everyone in the living room and he shortcuts away immediately, leaving Error alone with the goop covered skeleton.
“FucKin’ cRasHEs…” Error mutters to himself, digging the heel of his palm into one of his sockets in hopes of helping with the steadily building headache.
“I can give you Ibuprofen if you would like. It helps with my headaches.”
“PaiN MEds doN’t reALly hELp- ToO MucH To targET At onCe aT THis poINt.” Error shrugs helplessly, before figuring that this was probably as good as the pain was going to get and bringing his hand back down.
“Hmm..terribly exhausting I’m sure.” The goopy skeleton begins walking again, through the large and glamorous kitchen fit for a full kitchen staff, and into a grand living space where four other skeletons had gathered on the couch. Error has the fight the urge to hide.
“YeAH I’m ProBaBLy goNna pAsS OUt aFteR THis-”
“We have a room prepared for you so that won’t be a problem.” The goop covered skeleton supplies helpfully, the skeletons on the couch quieting. “First of all, my name is Nightmare. I am the ‘boss’ as they call me. Calling me Nightmare is fine, but do not use names when on missions.”
“OkAy.” Error easily agrees- that makes sense. The small skeleton from before, now sitting on someone else's lap, grins widely at him.
“And I’m Killer~! Nice ta meet ya, newbie~”
“PLeAse JUSt cAlL Me ErRor-” The glitch sighs, definitely too tired to deal with them. Killer meerly giggles, leaning back into the second largest skeleton.
“I’m Cross.” They tell him, resting their skull on Killer’s. One eyelight is a regular white while the other is red, a matching red scar to go underneath it. Other than that Cross is entirely dressed in lack and white, like a monochrome TV show.
The third skeleton is the biggest of them all and possibly the most intimidating looking, with one blown out red eyelight and a quiet hole in his skull, it amazes Error that he’s even still alive and functioning. “Names….Horror.”
Error shoots a small smile at Horror and Cross, hoping looks were deceiving for at least the former. After all, Error himself doesn’t look like he’s the nicest.
And finally, ‘Bunny’ who almost appears to be asleep, leaning against Horror. “Dust.”
Well- Error’s glad he actually has a name for them now. Nightmare gives them all a nod of approval before turning back to Error.
“I’ll show you to your room and when you are ready, just ask someone and they will lead you to my office to talk about the details. You look exhausted.”
“EvERythINg hURts anD I’m dYInG.” Error deadpans in response, getting an eyerole from the other.
“Don’t be so dramatic. Now come on.”
“SoRrY- EVerYThiNg huRts ANd I FeEL liKe I’m DyiNg.” The glitch corrects as he follows Nightmare. The goopy skeleton leads him up a flight of stairs- much to Error’s dismay- and down a hallway, watch door labeled with a name.
“This is your room. You are free to do with it as you wish.”
“C-cOol I’m juSt goNnA-” Error uses the door’s handle to support himself, legs feeling shaky under him as he leans heavily against the doorframe. Nightmare’s tentacles hover around him again, obviously wanting to help, but unsure how.
“I-I’m fINe-” The glitch tries to reassure, only to gasp as a wave of pain catches him off guard, making his knees buckle. Immediately, Error is being supported by Nightmare’s tentacles, gently wrapping around his waist, arms, and chest, as if cradling him.
Error inically tries to jerk back, a startled yelp escaping him, only to pause when he processes the lack of painful glitches, trembling in Nightmare’s hold. The goopy skeleton seems just as surprised, staring for a moment before bringing a hand up to lightly poke Error’s cheek, making him flinch a bit.
“...You aren’t glitching..”
“No rEALly I HaDN’t noTIceD.” Is Error’s dry response, earning himself a glare as Nightmare opens the bedroom door and carries him inside. The glitch can’t help but relax into the goopy skeleton’s hold, sighing tiredly.
“NeXt tiME JusT PLeAsE Hit yeS On thE StuPId pRomPt-” He mutters as Nightmare sets him down on the bed, his tentacles never pulling away.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Y’ bETteR..” Error mumbles with a tired frown, sockets beginning to close against his will. The tentacles caress him gently, one nuzzling his cheek.
“Sleep. You need your rest.”
“Hm…~” The glitch hums, letting his sockets flutter shut as he quickly falls asleep, hugging one of the tentacles to his chest like a stuffed animal. Nightmare stares at him for a long moment, lifting a hand up to cup Error’s face, the glitch nuzzling into it.
Without a word, he sits down in a nearby chair and waits.
~
Error’s not sure how long he sleeps for, though the strongly lessened ache in his bones as he returns to the conscious world tells him it’s probably been awhile. Even still, he whines a bit, face scrunching up. He’s so comfortable- he doesn’t want to get up yet..
Something gently strokes his face, curling against his cheek, and he relaxes, leaning into the touch with a soft hum.
“Error. It’s time to wake up.” Comes a familiar deep voice, and Error shivers, turning to bury his face in the bed.
“..DuN w’nNA…” He mumbles sleepily as someone pets his skull.
“I can tell, but you’ve been asleep all day. You must be hungry.”
“Nmm gOoD…” Error shakes his head a little. The voice huffs before someone nuzzles the back of his skull with a quiet purr, making him purr back sleepily, on the edge of falling back asleep- only pause as he processes the fact that he’s being touched.
The nuzzling to the back of his skull is gentle, affectionate even as the other’s tentacles give his body a gentle squeeze.
“NnIGhTmaRe..?” Error hesitantly questions as he reaches up to rub his sockets, very much confused.
“Yes?” Said skeleton asks in response, pausing his nuzzles and purring.
“WhAT ARe yoU StiLL DoiNg hEre?” He asks, opening his sockets to look up at Nightmare curiously.
“Well it is a little difficult to leave when you’re clinging to me in your sleep.” Error blinks, glancing at the tendril still in his arms, before quickly letting it go, blushing and glitching slightly.
“O-oH- SoRrY-” Nightmare smiles at him, pulling the tentacle away.
“Don’t be. I needed a nap anyway.”
“St-sTILl-” He stutters, pushing himself up with a small grimace. Now that he doesn’t have the rest of the pain to distract him, the rope burns on his wrists sting pretty bad. Nightmare must have noticed, because the goop covered skeleton gets up and walks to the bathroom, coming back with some kind of ointment.
“This is healing gel. None of us are very adept at healing magic so we use this instead.”
“I’m aLRigHt- heALinG MaGic onLy soRTa wOrkS foR me anYWaYs.” Error waves off, moving to hop out of bed.
“Are you sure? It works really well.” NIghtmare says with a frown, his brow furrowing.
“I’LL bE fiNe- I’m usED To it.” The glitch replies with a shrug.
“That doesn’t make it ok, Error. Here, give me your hand.” NIghtmare insists, holding his own hand out.
“I reALly am fiNe-” Error protests, even as he puts his hand in Nightmare’s, receiving a huff from the taller. He gently strokes Error’s hand- making him glitch and blush- before placing his own hand over the glitch’s wrist. It takes a moment, but a soft glow emanates from Nightmare’s palm. Unlike usual healing magic it’s cool, like a cold tingling sensation as Nightmare’s magic glows a bluish color. It does wonders to soothe the stinging from his wrist.
“WhAt..?”
“Like I said before, healing magic is not any of our strong suits , but I can at least take the pain away.”
“HuH… neAT. I cAN aCtUAlly dO a BiT oF hEaLInG maGiC mysELf, buT iT’S preTTy dRAiNiNg.” Nightmare nods, rubbing Error’s wrist soothingly. It’s stupidly distracting.
“My brother had a knack for healing magic, though mine has always been more for helping others through the pain rather than fixing it.”
“InTReSTing.. my MAgiC’s JuST a GliTChy dISasTEr.” Error lightly jokes. Earning himself a deep chuckle from the other.
“I think it’s beautiful~”
“..YoU- hUh-?” Error stutters, staring at Nightmare in surprise as a bright blush spreads over his face. The goopy skeleton blushes a little himself before letting go of Error’s wrist and turning away.
“We should go downstairs and eat. Horror is very particular about food.”
“I’m uH- NoT REalLy hUngRy-”
“Very particular.” Nightmare interrupts, giving him a hard look. Obviously this is not up for debate.
“...OkaY SUre-” Error reluctantly gives in, curling in on himself with a small pout. A tentacle wraps loosely around his waist as Nightmare heads for the door, pulling him along and out into the hallway, Error only dragging his feet slightly as he follows, knowing he has no other choice at this point.
The glitch is taken to the kitchen, being carried now as Nightmare’s patience grew thin and simply decided to pick him up instead, much to Error’s embarrassment. Everyone is sitting at the large dining table when they enter, all except for Horror, who, based on the sounds in the kitchen, is cooking.
Of course they’re all here- Error has to hold back a whine, covering his face as he blushes in embarrassment. There goes any hopes of making a better impression than he had before- A tentacle rubs the top of his skull comfortingly as Nightmare takes a seat at the head of the table and, much to everyone’s surprise, sits Error down in his lap.
Error just stares blankly ahead as he glitches, very much shocked and flustered at this point. This clearly isn’t Nightmare’s typical behavior based on the other’s reactions. Or at least- not with a newbie.
“Awww boooossss-” Killer whines. “I thought I was your favorite!”
“Fat chance.” Dust mumbles- he actually speaks! “Cross is obviously boss’ favorite….or was.”
The monochrome skeleton blushes, suddenly finding the table very interesting. “I don’t know what your talking about-”
“I- uH- sORrY-?” Error haltingly apologizes, not wanting to accidentally upset anyone but genuinely having no idea what’s happening.
“Don’t worry about them.” Nightmare tells him with a small nuzzle. “They are just being inappropriate.”
“Says the sexiest one here~” Killer practically purrs, giving the boss a wink. Error gives the small skeleton a look, before deciding to just stay out of it for the time being. He can’t let his guard down- he’s sure he’ll be dropped as soon as he’s no longer useful.
“Shut your dirty mouth Killer or I’ll have Dust fill it for you.” Nightmare threatens in a more amused and relaxed tone, both skeletons seeming very interested in the proposal. Killer opens his mouth to speak, only to get a mouth full of waffles, courtesy of Horror.
“After……food.” Error turns to give Nightmare a confused look, feeling like he’s missing something obvious. The boss smiles cheekily at him, clearly finding something amusing.
“Don’t worry about it. We just tend to….fuck around.” The glitch looks even more confused for a moment, before it clicks, and he blushes brightly as he glitches harshly.
“WaS tHaT-t a sEX joKe-E-??”
“Yup~ He’s a little slow isn’t he?” Killer comments offhandedly, getting a halfhearted glare from Nightmare.
“Don’t be rude, Killer.”
“I hAVe h-HAPtaPHo-oBIa- TOuCH R-reLAteD ThiNGs aReN’t mY Go-tO-” Error defends, face on fire and very much wishing he could hide right now. Horror sets plates of waffles in front of all of them, the middle of the table full of different toppings and add ons to the meal, such as bacon, eggs, different fruits and vegetables, and of course, syrups.
Cross immediately goes for the chocolate syrup, practically drowning his waffles in it as Error glances between him and his own waffles- but he decides to stay silent, just leaning further back against Nightmare, who immediately begins to purr.
Error blinks a bit in surprise, before deciding he should probably just go with it- though he has no idea why Nightmare would purr just because of that- Something is they loudly placed in front of him, immediately grabbing his attention and Error is surprised to see the chocolate syrup container sitting in front of his plate.
Looking up, his gaze quickly goes to Cross- who he’s pretty sure had the bottle last- brows furrowed in confusion. The monochrom skeleton glances at him, face covered in chocolate, before looking away with a slight purple blush, quickly stuffing his mouth some more.
After a moment, Error hesitantly reaches for the chocolate syrup, ready to put it down if he’s not supposed to, before pouring some on his waffles. He’s half tempted to add some strawberries, but they’re too far away for him to reach and he has no plans on actually asking anyone anything.
Yet oddly enough, just as he was thinking about it, Nightmare nuzzles the side of his skull. “Do you want something?”
“..I’m fINe.” Error mumbles, taking a small bite of his waffles. Although he’d rather more chocolate, the waffles are clearly well made- much better than anything he could make. Honestly he didn’t know waffles could taste so good. They're pretty simple to make so why are these ones particularly delicious?
Horror watches them all eat before even touching his food, watching Error in particular. His gaze is a bit disturbing, hyper focused on the glitch’s every little movement and when he takes a bite, that sharp pupil dilated in his red eyelight.
…Well- Nightmare did say Horror was particular about food. Averting his gaze, Error takes a few more little bites- if only to appease the large skeleton, before glancing at the chocolate syrup and strawberries again. He really does want more… but he doesn’t know what the rules are.
“....Eat.” He looks back at Horror, the large skeleton still staring at him as he gestures to the food. “All can…..eat.”
Error glances down, fidgeting with his fork for a moment, before haltingly asking, “CaN.. cAN yoU PaSs thE strAwBErrIES…?”
Horror immediately gets up and grabs the strawberry bowl to carry it over to him, his pupil dilated again. Error still isn’t sure if it’s a good thing or not.
“ThANks.” He mumbles, grabbing enough strawberries to make a swirl on the top of his waffles with a few on the plate around it. Much to his surprise, the more stawbarris he takes, the more apparent Horror’s quiet and near silent purring becomes, the sound so deep it’s almost inaudible. It’s.. honestly pretty cute, and Error can’t help but grab just a few more, smiling slightly.
Breakfast actually goes quite well, with Killer leading most of the conversation, Cross, Dust and even Nightmare adding to the conversation, though the goopy skeleton seems more content with simply listening, watching everyone with a look Error can only describe as fond.
Just by listening to their conversations and how they interact, it’s obvious they are all really close and comfortable with one another. What exactly their relationships are…he’s not really sure.
Killer obviously likes to talk, jumping from one topic to the next at random and flirting with everyone at the table. The other skeletons are content to listen, even as Killer pokes fun at them, Cross and Dust mostly. It reminds Error of Ink a bit- but more vulgar and… murderous, based off his first interaction with the short skeleton and Nightmare’s comment. Error’s not sure how to feel about it.
Cross, from what he can tell, seems almost shy. Easily becoming flustered and even annoyed at Killer’s poking and prodding, but in a familiar and fond way. Though it’s easy to tell he’s holding back any real responses, trying to stay stoned face and unaffected. Sadly Killer knows just what buttons to push to break that outer shell. It’s.. interesting- their dynamic. Error occasionally wants to cut in, but he’s pretty sure it’s better to stay quiet.
Dust is….hard to read. Throughout most of the conversation the hooded skeleton acts as if he’s bored, only giving Killer short clipped responses and hums, but upon closer inspection he thinks that Dust is paying a lot more attention than one might think- though Error’s not sure what to do with this information.
Horror just stays quiet for the most part, seemingly more focused on watching everyone eat and staring at Error. He’s pretty sure the large hole in Horror’s skull has affected at least his speech somewhat, but the large skeleton doesn’t seem to mind much- and neither does anyone else. They all patiently wait for him to finish talking.
Their relaxed and comfortable way of talking between themselves is almost comforting, if Error didn’t feel like an outsider to it. He’s not sure what Killer references half of the time, or what he would say- and he feels very out of the loop. It’s.. a surprisingly lonely feeling.
One of Nightmare’s tentacles curls under his chin, gently bringing him back to reality as the taller skeleton nuzzles him, purring quietly. “Relax. You are with us now. You won’t feel out of place for too long.”
“...I’m fINe.” Error mutters, looking back down at his half eaten waffles, not feeling all that hungry anymore.
“Hmm…I know otherwise, but I won’t push any further. “ Nightmare nuzzles him a little more before continuing to eat his own food as Error gives him a look, biting a tongue to hold back his salty response.
After breakfast Dust and Killer are tasked with taking everyones plates and washing them while Horror putes away the leftovers for later. Nightmare, after making sure Error is done with his food, picks up the glitch once more and heads back upstairs to a very fancy and well decorated office space, much like the rest of the mansion Error has seen.
Is the carrying just going to be a thing now-? Error can’t say he’s necessarily complaining, but it seems strange.
He’s set down in a comfortable chain in front of Nightmare’s desk, said skeleton sitting before him. “I can imagine you have many questions and there are many things you should know, but first. Is there anything in particular you would like to ask me?”
“I.. I dOn’T KNow…?” Error says honestly, uncertain where he would even begin. Nightmare hums in thought for a moment before coming to a decision.
“I suppose it would be best to start with everyone’s ticks then. We wouldn’t want you to accidently set anyone off.” The glitch tilts his head, brows furrowing a bit.
“Let’s begin with Horror. Without getting into the details, he comes from the country of Nulmarea and as I’m sure you know they are in constant poverty. The lowest of society there get basically nothing and after an accident, Horror was left alone to take care of his younger brother.”
“They were starving for most of the beginning of their lives and Nulmarea going into an actual famine when Horror reached adulthood did not help. His magic is permanently malformed due to his lack of nourishment for so long.” Nightmare’s tentacles curl into tight loops as he talks, brow furrowed. Is that why Horror’s so particular about food? Error can’t say he blames him- he would be too.
“So with that in mind, don’t waste food, ever. Especially around him. If he’s ever having a panic attack the best thing you can do is give him food and or show him we still have a fully stocked kitchen. Don’t try to cook anything or use the kitchen without his permission. Even if you have my permission, you need to ask him first.”
And finally, eating the food he gives you makes him very happy. He takes comfort in being able to provide as much food as possible to us so eat as much as you are comfortable with and if you like the food, tell him.”
“..ALriGht.” Error agrees after a moment, nodding to himself. He’s honestly quite relieved to have boundaries clearly drawn out.
“Oh, and be patient with him. He has trouble finding the right words at times” Nightmare adds, as he closes his socket in thought. Error’s not sure Nightmare needed to explicitly say that, but he still nods in agreement.
“Now onto Dust. He has a very….explosive temper. Due to trauma his soul produces way more magic then he needs on a regular basis. When overloaded with energy his emotions become very unstable. Don’t take anything he says in that state personally.”
“OkaY?” Hm.. Maybe if Error’s magic happens to glitch too high around the same time they could spar?
“If Dust’s magic goes beyond being unusually hostile, it will quite literally spark around his body and that is usually when he will spiral into a panic attack. His magic will lash out at anything and everything. Do not, under any circumstances, approach him in this state. Come get me immediately.”
“Uh- aLRigHt.” Error will probably forget that and accidentally do something stupid he can already tell- One of Nightmare’s tentacles lightly nuzzles his cheek and…the goop covered skeleton doesn’t seem to notice, his socket still closed. Is Nightmare not controlling them?
“Killer is actually the opposite. He was born with an abnormally small and weak soul, his determination to stay alive despite the odds is the only reason he is still in one piece, though it resulted in his soul becoming malformed.”
“ThE… tARgeT?” Error asks, thinking back to the short skeleton’s appearance. Nightmare nods, sighing as he looks down at his desk.
“Due to it’s unnatural shape and incredibly small magic pool, Killer is completely blind, his body not wanting to waste his already small magic reserves through sight.”
“ReALly? I wOULdn’T HaVe guESsEd.” That actually reminds Error- he should probably figure out if there’s a way for him to get a pair of glasses, considering he wasn’t wearing any when he woke up.
“His soul also can’t handle strong emotions, positive or negative. His soul usually can’t generate strong feelings whatsoever, but when it does they are usually too much for him to handle. If he ever comes off as insensitive it’s simply because of his soul’s condition and something is clearly wrong with him you are to come to me immediately. He is very good at hiding it.”
“GoT It.” Error does wish he could help somehow- wait no no- Killer had threatened to kill him multiple times- he shouldn’t care. He can’t let his guard down. Killer is obviously dangerous, not cute at all…..wait what-?
“And finally, Cross. He is the newest member, aside from yourself. He is in a better condition physically then the others, emotionally however, I can not say the same. He is incredibly socially awkward due to a lack of proper social interaction for most of his life. He was taught at a young age how to kill and wasn’t given any kind of affection even as a skully. For a skeleton monster, you can imagine the kind of damage this parental treatment caused.” Error nods, relating a bit too much for his own liking. Thankfully he was never taught to kill, though.
“He has trouble accepting affection and constantly doubting himself outside the battlefield, but is otherwise a sweetheart.” Nightmare sighs again before looking back up at Error, pausing when he sees the tentacle, which stops its nuzzling movements.
“...Sorry-”
“WhAT For?” Error tilts his head, confused as the tentacle pulls away. Is…is Nightmare blushing?
“Nothing- they just, tend to do as they please at times.” Was- Is Nightmare actually flustered right now-? “Anyway, I do have one trigger of sorts myself.”
Error blinks, a bit surprised, but stays silent to let Nightmare continue. “...Don’t mention or show me a particular fruit that tends to grow on trees…and starts with an A. Don’t even say the word.”
The glitch’s brows furrow as he mentally lists fruits. Does Nightmare mean apples? Or maybe apricots? He’s pretty sure avocados are technically fruits too… He’ll just avoid mentioning any of them.
“OkaY.”
“Good. That is everyone on our main team. There are others, such as Horror’s brother, but they don’t live here. I’m sure you will meet everyone eventually. For now though it will just be us. Now for house rules. Like I said before, ask Horror before using the kitchen. Show up for every meal or suffer through Horror force feeding you later. If you make a mess you clean it up. Horror and I tend to take care of the garden, but you are free to assist if you wish.”
“No one is allowed in my room without permission, you must use the gym at least three times a week, whether for sparring or just general exercise. There is also a training yard just to the left of the garden.”
“..’KaY.” Error hesitantly agrees, not loving the required meals and exercise- though the rest of the rules are fairly reasonable.
“That is all I can come up with off the top of my head. If you have problems sleeping, just come to me. I am usually in my office or the library. Speaking of the library, you are free to borrow any books as you wish, just as long as you take care of them and put it back where it belongs once you are done. Any mess in the library will result in grounding.”
Error definitely has no plans on going to Nightmare to help get sleep, though he can’t say he doesn’t appreciate the offer. Still, he just nods in response. The goop covered skeleton gives him a small smile before standing.
“Good. That will be all for now. I will inform you of any mission I have for you beforehand as well as any group meetings. For now you may do whatever you wish.”
“O-oH- uH- OkAy-” Error quickly scrambles to stand up as well, crossing his arms.
“....Although, I did want to ask if you would like to go shopping for your new room, to decorate it.” Nightmare glanes away, his tentacles, slowing down their movements and curling a little instead of the slow swaying they had been doing before.
“Oh-” Error straightens a bit, caught off guard. “I’m- mY RoOm is FinE- yoU.. yoU DOn’t NeED To woRrY AbouT It.”
Nightmare raises a brow, confused. “But I want to? I know you don’t have much gold and I want my boys to be comfortable here. This is your home after all.”
Error shifts uncomfortably, avoiding Nightmare’s gaze. He’s not quite sure how to feel about that last statement. Part of him is still certain he’d be killed off as soon as he becomes too much of a burden.
“I’m fINE…” NIghtmare’s tentacles droop a little, but he doesn’t show any other signs of disappointment.
“...Alright, You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.” Sitting back down, Nightmare pulls out a large stack of papers. “I’ll be here if you need me.”
“...I- IJusT..” Error haltingly starts, feeling bad for disappointing the goopy skeleton and feeling like he needs to explain himself. Nightmare looks back up at him, a pen already in his hand.
“Yes, Error?”
“I… N..NeVErmiNd…” He mutters, courage quickly faltering. “S-soRrY-”
“Don’t apologize, you have done nothing wrong. Feel free to explore in your free time and get familiar with the mansion.”
“Ok-kAy. Bye.” Error quickly takes the escape offered to him, awkwardly turning to leave with every intent to go hide under his bed.
~
Error did, in fact, go hide under his bed, dragging a pillow with him and curling up tightly against the wall, right under the headboard, making himself as small as possible. Error isn’t sure how to feel about- well- anything. He had been so close to being killed just hours earlier, and now the very same people were trying to be… friends? He just- doesn’t know what to think. It’s all almost surreal.
It leaves him both terrified and lonely- the monster in him desperately longing for a connection like the others clearly have with each other, but the rest of him still waiting for the other shoe to drop. He doesn’t know what to do, so he just hides, wishing his mind would just shut up.
Error isn’t sure how much time passes- he’s never been good at time- but he knows he manages to fall into a fitful doze, not moving from his spot under the bed. That is until a firm knock on his door wakes him.
No voice follows, just the slight shadow from the hallway light and the sound of slow footsteps as whoever it is steps away, making Error blink in tired confusion. What was that? Is he supposed to be getting up? He wants to keep hiding though… He doesn’t feel ready to face the world quite yet.
Luckily, a second knock never comes, leaving him alone in the silent room. Error nuzzles against his pillow- he had curled around it at some point- and he slowly starts to doze back off. Whatever that was can be future Error’s problem.
Unfortunately, Error doesn’t end up sleeping much longer, and he quickly grows bored under the bed. Eventually it drives him to crawl out from under the bed, deciding to see if that knock meant anything. When he glances at the clock, he’s surprised to see it was past one in the morning.
Shit- he slept past lunch and dinner! Going to meals was one of the rules and he just broke it twice- he’s pretty sure he hasn’t even been here a full twenty-four hours yet-
Glitching slightly in panic, Error hurries to the door to somehow apologize or something- only to pause when he opens it, gaze catching on something on the ground. Two plates of food sit at his feet, one with a sandwich and fries, the other some sort of pasta with chicken and greenbeans.
Error frowns guiltily, bending down to pick up the plates, the food having long gone cold at this point. He honestly still doesn’t have much of an appetite right now but…
After a moment, he sets down the pasta, knowing the texture would be all weird by now, and grabs a small handful of the fries to halfheartedly nibble on. He wants to at least try to eat something- if only to keep Horror from being upset.
Eventually, he puts the other plate back down, brushing salt from his phalanges and going back to hide under the bed, somehow feeling both better and worse.
Chapter 27: Killer and Chara
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Killer hurts himself and shit happens
Tw cutting, derealization, general angst
Chapter Text
The castle is quiet this early in the morning. Cross is doing some early morning training in the training room, Horror has already started breakfast, and Nightmare is doing whatever Nightmare does- It usually depends on how hard he worked himself the day before.
Everyone else is asleep- or should be, but Error wants some cuddles, his bed feeling empty without a cuddle buddy. So with his blanket in hand, he sits up out of his bed and heads down the hall to Killer’s room, and gently knocks on his door.
“KiLler?” He stage-whispers, not wanting to risk waking up Dust a few doors down, but all he gets is silence. The smallest member of the gang is a pretty light sleeper when he sleeps alone so there’s no way he didn’t hear him.
“...I’m coMInG in.” He warns softly with a frown, quietly opening the door and peeking in. It’s dark, like it usually is in Killer’s room, all except for a familiar faint red glow. Just in front of the bathroom door lies the smallest gang member, on his side with his bleeding arm outstretched, creating a small red puddle as his soul flickers erratically. He’s struggling to breathe.
“KilLEr-!” Panicking, Error scrambles over and quickly starts doing his best to heal the small skeleton, abandoning his blanket in the doorway as he pushes magic into Killer. The smaller lets out a quiet whimper, but doesn’t react otherwise. It’s better than nothing at least.
Carefully scooping up Killer, he glitches them both to the medical room and looks around uncertainly, not quite sure what to do.
“...NiGHtmaRe!” Error calls out, hoping the yelling and his panicked and negative emotions is enough to get the goopy skeleton’s attention. Nightmare will know how to help better than him. It, luckily, seems to work, as a shadow bolts in from beneath the door and the negative guardian forms right in front of him.
“What’s wrong-?” Nightmare doesn’t bother waiting for Error to answer and instead immediately takes Killer from his arms to set him down on a medical bed. “IV drip and bandages now!”
Error wordlessly follows Nightmare’s orders, using his strings and running around to grab things as needed, relieved to have direction. The king works quickly, using an ice pack to stop the bleeding before he ever so carefully tries to get the IV into Killer’s soul, but it’s too unstable to cooperate.
“Shit shit shit-” Quickly thinking- or, not really thinking and just panicking- Error gently cups his hands around Killer’s soul as his hands glow green, carefully surrounding it in healing magic in hopes of helping or stabilizing it somehow.
The red soul solidifies just enough for Nightmare to quickly, but genty, stick the needle in, Killer letting out another pained whimper. They don’t relax though as the king quickly begins to disinfect the large gash on Killer's arm.
“This idiot, how did he even cut this deep-”
“He’S Not aWaRe whEN he doEs iT.” Error mutters, looking away. Nightmare pauses for a moment, before grabbing the bandages.
“What do you mean he isn’t aware?”
“H-hE’s aLmoSt- WheN hE’s asLeEp aLonE He doES it aLmosT In hiS SLeEp… iT taKes hiM AwhILe tO ReaLIze whAt hE DId..” Nightmare turns to stare at him with a deep frown before looking at Killer for a long moment.
“...How would you know that?”
“...I caUGht hIM doINg it..” Error guiltily admits.
“..When? How long have you known he was hurting himself?”
“A… a whILe.. hE aSKeD Me tO noT SAy anYthINg- w-wE wERe woRKinG O-on iT ToGethER…. I diDN’t wANna BreAK hiS trusT…” He mumbles, tearing up a bit as he looks down at Killer’s face, avoiding seeing Nightmare’s reaction.
“...We will talk about this later.” The guardian says coldly as he tightly wraps up the smaller’s arm after covering it in healing gel. “I expected better from you, Error.”
The glitch just stays quiet, curling in on himself a bit with a small nod. After several more minutes, mostly just making sure Killer stays stable, Nightmare leaves to tell the others during breakfast, leaving Error alone with the passed out skeleton.
“...I’m sORrY KilLEr.” Error mumbles after a moment, sitting down next to the bed. “I shOUld’vE ToLd soMEonE…”
The small skeleton is so unusually still, his breathing so shallow and slow that you can barely tell he’s alive, save for the near constant contorting of his soul. Error hates it- and he hates that he may have indirectly caused it with his silence.
Killer has always been so dismissive of himself and his own wellbeing, focused on everyone else on the team and Nightmare of course. When he first met the small skeleton, he was a tool, he thought of himself as a tool….does Killer still think that? Error hopes not… He’ll have to make sure to tell Killer if- when he wakes up.
Everyone is quick to visit the infirmary, even Dust is awake. Of course they’re all here for Killer, the annoying and talkative glue that somehow manages to keep them all together.
“He’ll be fine..” Horror says as he places a hand on Error’s shoulder. “He’ll be…ok.”
“...YeAh-h.” Error murmurs, finally tearing his gaze away from Killer to look down at his hands. “HoW MuCH diD He teLL You?”
“Everything.” Dust answers, his arms crossed over his chest as he stares at the smallest.
“..I shOUl’vE SaiD SomEThiNg.” Error knows apologies would be pointless.
“Yeah, but what’s done is done. No reason ta dwell on it.” Dust places his hand on the glitch’s other shoulder before nuzzling up against him. “Besides, he’s the ass that asked ya not ta say anything.”
Error just hums a bit, all too aware of the faint scars on his own wrists as he looks back up at Killer. He’s glad, if nothing else, that Killer will now have the support he never had.
~
Killer sleeps for a whole week. The other’s come and go, but Error never leaves, despite the others trying to encourage him, saying Killer will be ok for at least a few minutes without him. Still, he refuses. Horror brings him food at least once a day- though he at best only really nibbles at it because he knows it would make the big skeleton sad if he didn’t. He still feels at least partially responsible for what happened, so he stays, not even sleeping as he keeps watch over Killer.
The small skeleton is completely still most of the time, but sometimes, his face will scrunch up in a look that doesn’t suit him, whether scared, sad, or something else Error can’t identify, and every time Error will reach over to gently pet Killer’s skull and soothe him, whispering reassurance and sweet nothings that probably aren’t even heard until Killer relaxes again.
He’s doing exactly that when the smaller’s mouth opens and whispers back, making Error freeze in surprise.
“R..ru……?”
“...KiLler..?” A small smile grows on Killer’s face as he slowly tilts his skull into Error’s hand.
“That's ‘m name….~”
Error chuckles wetly, carefully leaning over to touch their foreheads together.
“H-hEYa KiLls~ I misSed ya.” He murmurs, making Killer hum in confusion.
“Did..I go..s-somewhere..?” Feel like…shit-”
“YOu wEre juST- aSLeEp foR AwhILe. YoUr magIC’s stILl loW sO DoN’t trY MovINg muCh.” Error will hold back on explaining the rest for now. The small skeleton hums before trying to say something again.
“..kiss..? Can’t see...very well.” He obviously means at all, and Error gently obliges his request, peppering light kisses on Killer’s face.
“Go bAcK to sleEp~ I’ll bE herE iN the mornINg.”
"Heh 'm not….sleepy…"
“YOu’ll heAL faSteR If yA Do. DoN’t push yOUrseLF, ‘kaY?” The glitch murmurs, gently cupping Killer’s cheeks and nuzzling him.
"Mmm.. fine….want..more kisses..though..~" Killer mumbles with a smirk., making Error giggle a bit, more than happy to continue covering his skull in kisses. He’s not sure when the small skeleton fell asleep, his sockets being closed and what not, but he eventually pulls back to let him rest, making sure to still be touching him in some way.
Maybe an hour after Horror had brought him dinner…something weird happened. He looks up from his food and instead of Killer laying on the bed, there is a human child- staring at him.
They’re wearing a green and yellow striped sweater with light brown shorts and slightly red brown hair. They have no shoes or socks and their red pupils in their empty black sockets are born into him. Their smile is too large, too sharp for their face. There’s no teeth, just a void blackness, like their sockets.
Memories long forgotten urge Error to slip into a familiar but forgin mask, to put on a lazy grin as if even this didn’t affect him. Instead, he smiles back just as sharply, sockets narrowing.
“ChARa.” He’d know that human anywhere- he’s destroyed more than enough timelines, captured far too many souls. The child shaped spirit smiles wider back at him, as if their face isn’t already splitting in two.
“He thought he could consume me~” Chara purrs out in an amused demonic voice. “Stupid comedian.”
“I dON’t knOW it seEMeD To dO THe trICk foR A wHILe thEre.” Error rolls his eyelights. “WhAt dO YOu wAnt wiTH him?”
Chara’s eyes crinkle a little in amusement. “Eat him from the inside out of course~”
“WhY-??” Sure, that’s a typical dick Chara move, but this Chara has nothing to gain from doing something like that.
“If I tell you, this little game won’t be as fun~” Killer’s soul suddenly appears in front of their chest, flickering and contorting as if trying to form a human soul. Chara looks away from him and at the delicate magic organ before lifting their hands to hold it, almost gently. “I can’t wait to get to the good part~”
Error’s sockets widen and he quickly reaches up to grab his strings to pull them or Killer’s soul away, before they crush it between their hands in one swift motion.
“No-!” They laugh hysterically as the lights above them both flicker. In an instant, Chara is gone, Killer in their place as his bones shake and his face contorts in pain. As the laughter fades he looks back at Killer’s soul, still in one piece, but wrapped tightly in his strings, too tightly.
Gasping, Error immediately releases his hold on his magic, glitching and shaking, as he takes a horrified step back and his strings dissipate- the ones directly around Killer’s soul fading into healing magic as if in hopes of fixing the damage he just caused.
There don’t seem to be any cracks, luckily. Killer’s breathing evens out again, the rattle of his bones settling slowly as he calms. Error raises a shaky hand to his mouth and closes his sockets, forcing himself to breathe. He can’t believe he almost just- he should’ve known Chara isn’t powerful enough to actually do anything- and he fell for the trap so easily…
The door to the infirmary is opened with a knock as Horror steps in to take the plate of nibbled on food back. The big skeleton stops though when he sees Error’s panicked state.
“What’s…wrong?”
“I- I sAW- CHarA- tHeY-” He stutters, fumbling for words as he looks rapidly between Killer and Horror with small and shaky eyelights, before glancing around Killer as if expecting them to reappear.
Horror glances at the small sleeping skeleton for a moment before walking over to Error and gently puling him close.
“You need….to sleep.”
“But- bUT I swEAr I Saw thEm-! TH-tHey wERe goINg tO crUSh KiLler’s sOUl-” Though.. In the end Error was the one to hurt him. Maybe he should stay away… Horror nuzzles him and thinks for a moment, choosing his words carefully.
“Not doubting…ya, just know….you’re tired.” The glitch lets out a small whine.
“M-mAybE YOu’re riGht…” The big skeleton nuzzles him some more as he picks up Error’s plate and makes his way out of the infirmary, the glitch in his arms.
“Take a nap…with..Dust.”
“O-oKaY..” Error mumbles, he takes one last look at Killer before the door closes and Horror takes him into the living room, placing him on Dust’s chest. The hooded skeleton doesn’t question it, not even opening his sockets as he wraps his arms around the glitch securely.
After a moment, Error hesitantly relaxes, nuzzling into Dust with a breath, sockets already closing. Sleeping almost every day for a couple of months then staying awake for a week drained him more than he thought it would.
“How did ya get him outta that room?” Dust asks quietly when he’s sure Error isn’t going to wake up anytime soon. The larger skeleton standing over him frowns, looking for his words again.
“Scared….said he saw….Chara.” Dust tenses, his magic immediately in the defensive as if to protect the skeleton in his arms. Quietly, he takes a deep breath and calms himself as Horror continues. “Said they..crushed his…soul…but it looks..fine.”
“Weird…Ya should tell boss about it, maybe ask Cross ta watch him so Error can sleep longer.” The large skeleton nods and leans down to give the other two a kiss before getting up to leave. Dust smiles after him before looking back at Error and kissing the top of his skull.
“I hope ya where just seein’ things…” The glitch purrs softly in response and nuzzles closer, looking much more relaxed than he was when Horror had originally brought him.
~
Killer wakes up again the next morning, feeling a bit better and able to talk more. Horror feeds him and makes sure he gets some water before they all gather in the infirmary to…talk about what happened.
“....Oh..” Is Killer’s only response when he’s told as Error stood guiltily in the back of the group, away from Nightmare. The glitch had avoided Killer for a bit when he was awake, but still stayed in the room as much as he could.
“Why didn’t you tell me about this?” The king asks sternly as he stands over the smallest member, his tentacles thrashing in obvious anger behind him. The other’s make sure to stand clear of them.
“...I didn’t want ta bother ya with it. I could still do missions and stuff so it didn’t seem all that impor-”
“Killer. ” Nightmare glares at him, furious. “ I can not take care of you if you do not tell me when something is wrong! You almost died!”
“...NiGht.” Error mutters, hesitantly stepping forward and putting a hand on Nightmare’s arm. If nothing else he could actually handle if the king blew up. “YeLlinG WOn’t chANgE it.”
The guardian turns his head to look at him, his cyan eyelight lit ablaze with anger. “Don’t even get me started with you, Error.”
The glitch glances to the side guiltily.
“THeN tAke iT Out oN me- noT Him.”
“He is just as guilty, Error. Don’t tell me what to do. ” Nightmare pulls away from Error’s touch with a glare before looking back at Killer. “ I expected better from you both. I see now my expectations were too high.”
Error curls in on himself defensively, stepping away as he firmly avoids anyone’s gaze, scratching at his arm a bit- a replacement for picking at his phalanges. Cross comes up behind him and cantly slips his hand into Error’s free one, giving him a small supporting smile.
Killer continues to face Nightmare’s gaze, a fake grin planted on his face. “Sorry boss. It won't happen again.”
The two stare at each other for a long moment of silence, before Nightmare answers, crossing his arms. “It better not. You are grounded. No missions, you have to clean the west wing for a whole month after you’re healed.”
The small skeleton nods as Nightmare gives the two one last look before melting away into the shadow of the bed, Error staring silently at the spot he had disappeared. It’s quiet for a while until Horror decides to break the tension.
“How…do ya feel..?” He asks as he steps over to Killer and lightly feels his forehead. The smaller shrugs.
“Eh, a little tired, but I’m fine. Nothin’ ta worry about, big guy~” With a smirk, Killer kisses Horror’s hand, before he turns his skull to face Error, trying to hide himself behind the prep holding his hand.
“Hey, come here, Ru.”
“...” Silently letting go of Cross’ hand, he makes his way over to the smallest of the gang. “..YeAh?”
He’s suddenly scoops up in a hug, weakly pulled up against Killer as the smaller nuzzles into him. “I’m sorry.”
“I- I- y-yOU shOUldn’T apoloGIzE-” Error mutters, glitching as he gently hugs Killer back.
“Course I should. I’m the one who asked ya to keep it secret. This is my fault..”
“It’S noT- PLeAse doN’t BLaMe yoURseLF.. NigHTmaRe’s riGHt, I shOULd’vE SaiD SomETHinG.”
“Only cause I told ya not to. It is literally my fault.” Killer pushes as he nuzzles against Error more. “I’m sorry, Ru. You were just doing what I asked…”
The glitch just whines a bit, nuzzling Killer back.
“Sorry I got ya in trouble, Ru. Sorry I scared all of ya…”
“Ya better be.” Dust says with a huff. “We were worried about ya.”
“‘M GLaD I foUnd yoU WHen I dID..” Error mumbles with another nuzzle as Killer curls against him.
“Honestly I don’t even remember anything other than going to bed that night-”
“ThAT’s hoW It is eVEry tiMe-”
“Yeah, but usually I remember walking to the bathroom!”
“How long has this been going on?” Cross askes, eyeing them both as Killer hums.
“Uhh……a few months…I think?”
“I’Ve oNLy knoWn foR A few WeEKs I thiNK.” Error replies, as if his measure of time can ever actually be trusted.
“Hmm…can you describe it for us? What happens I mean.” Killer blinks at the oreo’s question and everyone listens as he thinks.
“It’s uh…The pain usually wakes me up, but I don’t notice it right away. I…always get this feeling of deja vu..or something..and…..that I’m forgetting something.” Error frowns- he had already known this, but now that he thinks about it… could it be connected to Chara?
“That’s…concerning. And it only happens when you sleep alone?” Killer nods and Dust sighs.
“So that’s why you’ve been ending up in our beds more.”
“AnD WHeN he’S NOt I’d tRY to Be iN HIs.” Killer snorts while Dust and Horror huff in amsent.
“In my pants more than my bed~” The smallest jokes with a grin, making Error roll his eyelights with a fond smile.
“Oh shUT up-”
“Nah, you’re to sexy for that~” Error just gives Killer a gentle headbonk, getting a giggle out of him. Cross huffs and crawls over to Killer’s other side, nuzzling them both for attention, and Error reaches over to hug them both. After a moment, Dust and Horror join in on the group hug, purring.
“Hmm…we should do a movie night and make a nest.” Dust suggests as Cross and Horror nod.
“I like that idea~” Killer agrees.
“Mhm.” Error nods as well. After some more cuddles, Horror gently picks Killer up, Cross moving the IV pole with them as they all walk to the living room and Error and Dust quickly start working on a nest big enough to fit them all. Luckily they have a LOT of pillows and blankets in the castle.
“Hmmm…what should we watch?” Killer asks as he looks through the movie shelf.
“No hORror thIS TImE PleAse-” Error requests, making Horror chuckle as Dust sits down beside him.
“You’re such a scaredy cat, Ru.”
“I juST Don’t wANt tO deAL wiTh thE SouNDs-” Error defends. He himself has done worse things than most horror movies show.
“Scaredy cat~” Dust insists as he pulls the glitch into his lap, said glitch grumpily nuzzling him.
“Hmm how about we watch ‘A Dogs Purpose’? I haven't seen it before.” Cross usgest as he pulls it from the shelf. Killer glances at the DvD case over his shoulder.
“You wanna watch a sappy dog movie?”
“Uh- yeah?”
“No tHOsE ARe ALwAys sAD I swEaR- anD KilLEr yoU DoN’t geT To tALk yoU CriEd wATchiNG Wall-E-” Error interjects before Killer can interrupt him.
“Wha- hey you said you wouldn't talk about that anymore!” Killer whines as Horror sets him down comfortably in the nest before he goes to get snacks.
“I sAId I woULdn’T TEaSe yoU ABoUt it anYMOre.” Error corrects as Killer pouts beside him.
“You’re so mean ta me Ruuuuuu-!”
“I knOw~” The larger two laugh as Killer pouts and nuzzles up against Dust and Error. Cross hums as he looks through the movies.
“What about an action movie? The Avengers or something maybe?”
“ThOR RagNARok-” Error immediately suggests.
“Ya really liked that one huh?” Dust mumbles as their oreo grabs the right CD and Horror comes back with bowls of goodies.
“It’s fuNnY!” He defends. Loki also really reminds him of Killer in it- but that only slightly influences his opinion.
“You’re so cute gitchy~” The smallest member purrs as Cross puts in and starts the movie. Everyone cuddles up around them, snuggling together in the warm soft nest as Error purrs, making sure to nuzzle them all, the most relaxed he’s been all week.
~
That watch movies late into the night, Cross, Horror, and Dust having fallen asleep around the third movie.
“Hmmm have ya watched Coraline before?” Killer asks as he stands in front of the shelf of movies.
“I doN’T ThiNk sO… I heARd BuTtoNTalE Is baSEd ofF OF it thOuGh.”
“Wanna watch it then? It’s super cool~!” The smaller waves the box at Error as he wiggles in excitement, making the glitch smile.
“SUrE.” Killer giggles, quickly putting the movie in the DvD player before he sits down and snuggles into Error’s side.
“It’s so weird and interesting ta watch. I’m happy boss got one of those magic TV’s so I can actually see it since light from human stuff doesn’t really show up for me.”
“Mhm.” Error hums, nuzzling Killer’s skull. The small skeleton purrs and nuzzles back against him before placing a chaste kiss on his teeth.
“I love ya~”
“I loVE You toO~”
“Oh do you~?” Chara suddenly asks in Killer’s place, inches away from his face, making Error flinch back with a startled yelp. The small skeleton blinks at him in confusion with a raised brow.
“Error? What’s wrong?”
“..Wh-hUH-?” He glitches, looking around. “Do- dID yoU No-oT seE..?”
“See what? I went to kiss ya again and ya looked like I was gonna bite your head off or somethin’”
“YoU.. diDN’t sEe ChaRA..? Or aNYthINg?” His brows furrow as he turns to face Killer, who gives him a weird look.
“Uhh……no?”
“BUt tHey… thEY WeRe riGht thERe-!” Error insists, confused. Killer frowns and nuzzles up against the glitch.
“...Are you ok Ru?”
“I.. YeS..?”
“Are you sure? If anyone was here I would be able ta ‘see’ them Ru…” Killer gently cups Error’s face, soothingly rubbing his cheeks with a worried expression.
“I- I SwEAr I SaW THem…” He mutters, uncertainly leaning into Killer’s touch. “THeY tOok yoUr plaCE.”
“Well now it’s just me, ok?” Killer smiles at Error before leaning forward to give him another little kiss, the moment their mouths connect, he’s staring into Chara’s eyes, their mouth pressed against his as they grin darkly.
“Mh-!” Error glitches harshly and quickly pushes away in a surprised panic. Killer falls back onto Cross with a yelp, the soldier grunting beneath him quietly. The small skeleton gives him a look of shock, completely taken aback by Error’s sudden shove, Error looking just as shocked.
“I-I’m soRrY I-”
“...Uhh…are you sure you’re ok..?” Killer sits back up, not hurt at all, besides maybe feeling a little emotionally hurt.
“..I- I dOn’t KNow- I’m sO-o soRrY YoU WEre- I thOUghT You wERe CHaRa- ..I sH-shOUld gO-” He mutters, intent on glitching away. He shouldn’t be letting this get to him. Killer grabs his arm and pulls him into a tight hug.
“Don’t go- It’s ok. Besides ya still gotta watch Coraline with me like ya said ya would~” The small skeleton nuzzles into him, wrapping around him securely.
“B-bUt I- ChARa thEy-” Error protests.
“It’s ok. If they are there then they're just messin with ya and if not then we’ll find out what’s wrong either way.” Killer nuzzles against him, wiggling up into the glitch’s lap. “Ya aren’t gonna hurt me if that’s what you’re scared of. I’m not made of glass, Ruru~”
“B-buT I ALreAdY HaVe… LaSt- laST NigHT ThEY WErE gonNa cRUsH yoUr soUL sO I tRieD To grAB iT bUT I wAS th-thE One cRUshINg it iN The enD…” Error admits, curling around Killer. The small skeleton nuzzles even closer, placing a kiss on his jaw.
“I’m ok though. Just don’t believe wherever you’re seein’. I trust ya, Ruru~”
“I heAR THeM tOo…” Error mutters with a pout, closing his sockets and nuzzling Killer.
“Then don’t listen to them~ I’ll protect you ya big bad scary destroyer baby~<3”
“You’RE A baBy-” He weakly shoots back.
“Then baby me, glitchy~” Killer purrs with a wide smirk, making Error huff and nuzzle him more aggressively.
“ShUSh it’S MovIE tiMe-”
“Fiiine~” He pushes play on the remote and nuzzles further into Error happily, the glitch settling down to watch with interest.
~
The next few days are somewhat normal. Killer is moving h around just fine, and everyone has been volunteering for cuddles at night. Chara shows upin small glimpse and in the corner of his sockets, disappearing when Error turns around. It’s been honestly freaking him out a bit- especially when no one else seems to see them.
He’s been genuinely considering stealing some of Dust’s medication to see if it helps at all- he had initially been convinced it was the child of Killer’s timeline, but when even Killer never sees anything Error’s worried it’s just his own mind playing tricks on him.
Somewhat normal, save for the fact that Nightmare has been ignoring him and Killer. No cuddles, no affection, no attention other than cold orders here and there. It hurts Error- unused to such behavior from his best friend- but he’s sure it’s worse for Killer, so he just silently bares it, ducking his head and doing as told without argument for once.
"He'll get over it." Killer assures. "He's just mad. Don't take it too personally, Ru."
“I knOW.. We juST- doN’t uSUalLy fiGHt thIS loNg…” Error mutters. It’s probably because he usually forces Nightmare to talk it out, come to think of it. Or maybe because his mistakes usually don’t harm another gang member.
"Yeah…knowing him he's mad at himself or somethin' instead of you or me. Probably taking responsibility for it and whatever."
“PrOBably.. He’s DuMb liKe thAT.” He mumbles, making Killer chuckle as they snuggle.
"Yeah…It’s kinda admirable though, huh? He acts like the big bad but then goes and blames himself for our mistakes-"
“StILL duMb-”
"....Welp-! Go Talk to him oh brave destroyer!"
“NoOoo-” Error immediately whines, trying to burrow into Killer’s side. The small skeleton laughs, pushing Error away.
"Come On, ya can do it! Just go talk to your bff!"
“Nu- I’m tirED Of aLwAYs beING thE oNe tO Go to HIm-” He grumbles. Whatever the fuck is up with Chara is taking all of his emotional energy anyways- not that he’d admit it.
“Give him kisses and he’ll soften up come oooooon-!”
“He’Ll juST PusH me aWAy-”
”Be persistent~” Killer insists. “He loves your cuddles~ I know he misses them~ His tentacles won't be able to resist~”
“HhhHh-” The glitch whines, trying to nuzzle back into Killer, who gives him a kiss on the skull before pushing him away again.
“Shoo-” Pouting, Error glitches himself in front of Nightmare’s door, genuinely debating actually knocking for a moment… but he just.. Doesn’t want to deal with whatever fight might come out of it. With a small sigh, he moves to just sit on the floor next to the door.
After- maybe- thirty minutes, the door opens and a tentacle slithers out to pick him up by the waist. Error glitches slightly and squirms a bit, before deciding to just go with it. The appendage carries him into Nightmare’s bedroom and sets him down on the bed, Where the king is laying, his eyelight fuzzy and tired.
“..Hi…” Error mumbles. Nightmare stares at him for a moment before pulling him into a sleepy hug.
“Hi.” Error tenses a bit in surprise.
“D-diD I WaKe yoU…?”
“Mmm can’t sleep..” Nightmare mumbles as he holds Error close to his chest with a sleepy purr. The glitch just hums a bit in response, relaxing a bit and hesitantly nuzzling him. He gets little nuzzles in return until the king slowly goes limp, and Error sighs softly. He’s going to be stuck here awhile isn’t he…
It isn’t all bad, Nightmare is cool yet warm in a weird way, his soul beating slowly in his ribcage as his tentacles lay over them like a blanket. After a moment, Error closes his own sockets, nuzzling closer. He may as well sleep- it’s not like there’s much else he can do without disturbing Nightmare.
Chapter 28: Dragon hours
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
This one is actually two stories that I decided to post together- in the second one Killer gets trapped and Error murders some people, but that’s about all.
Chapter Text
A small dragon pauses, stopping his search for edible gems in favor of looking up at the steadily darkening sky, huffing. He really needs to make himself an actual den at some point, other than the little burrows he’s been digging for himself as he searches for a place with plentiful food. Still, the burrow will do for now-
He stands on the side of a mountain face as the sun sets behind the cloud covered sky. Winter is near, it’s getting colder. With a small shiver, he turns to dig through the rock, his sharp claws tearing through it easily. He hopes this mountain will have a few veins of gems- he can’t keep traveling half-starved like this.
Yet as he continues to dig- as if some higher power heard him- he finds a large gem…and another, and another! He hardly hesitates to eat some, hard teeth having no trouble biting into the rock, but only enough for the worst of the hunger pains to stop, breaking up the others into smaller pieces and holding them under his folded wings.
He continues to dig and he stops in front of…just a wall made of crystal, glowing brightly with cyan and purple magic, the energy swirling inside enticingly. But he doesn’t yet know what kind of magic it is- he doesn’t want to make himself sick.
He forces himself to ignore the tempting treat for now, continuing to dig through the crystal. Once through, his claws break into open air. A cave? It’s not abnormal to find a cave in mountains but with a crystal wall?
Maybe the crystals formed because of a source of magic in here? Or it’s a giant geode? Either way he’s hit the jackpot! The small dragon digs faster, eager to see the fruits of his labor and claw his way through the hole he has made- only to tumble clumsily out of it with a yelp, refusing to open his wings and let go of the magic free crystals.
He hits one rock and then another, before landing on something soft and plush, breaking his fall with floof. He just lays there limply for a moment as he tries to get his bearings, extremely disoriented, a small chirp instinctively leaving him
And then the thing under him moves. Chirping again in surprise- and panic- he quickly tries to scramble up, wings folded tightly against his body as he stumbles, still very disoriented. The soft surface tilts, rolling him back the way he came until a puff of warm air washes over his small body.
“...Are you a dragon? You’re so small-”
“..Wha-?” The little dragon blinks, taking a moment to process the large dragon he had apparently landed on and is now staring at. They’re completely black, but they have a cyan colored sheen to the feathers and scales that decorate their body. Two long black horns on their head, a slender body shape and random tufts of feathers appearing between their scales- besides their giant feathery wings.
They watch him calmly, holding the wing he is resting on up to their face as they turn their long neck. “I haven’t seen such a small breed of dragon in a long time. I’m glad to know humans have not domesticated them all yet.”
“...Uh- I take offense to that-” He blurts, like an idiot. “Plus humans suck-”
“Quite.” They raise a brow at him, seemingly intrigued. “In all seriousness though the last time I saw one they were strung up in a collar laying on their back letting a princess rub their underbelly. Truly an insult to dragon kind-”
The small dragon snorts at that, rolling over and trying to get onto his feet, slightly unstable. “Well I’m glad I’m an interesting anomaly for you, I guess.”
“So what brings you here? I don’t get many visitors, especially not this close to winter.”
“I fell.” He deadpans. They deadpan in return.
“Here on the mountain digging a hole into my den you little gremlin.”
“Sorry- I was looking for food- I didn’t know that this was your den.” He explains, a touch sheepish. The big dragon hums before laying their head back down on their front claws.
“Do as you wish. Just don’t touch the books, knives, meat, or chemicals…. And beware of the idiots.”
“I can just- see myself out-” He mumbles, glad he had kept the gems under his wings as he tries to figure out the best way to hop off the feathered dragon. There was no way he was going to let them go now, with this territory already taken.
The larger dragon glances at him before slowly lifting their head again and moving to pick him up by the nape with their mouth, making him squeak, stiffening slightly as he dangles from their hold. They gently lift him up and move him around to sit him in their claws, where they lightly nuzzle him.
“....Uh..” He blinks, baffled. They nuzzle him again softly, before licking a stripe up the side of his face. An odd squawk escapes the small dragon as he flinches back, caught off guard. “Wh-what are you-??”
“You are small and cute. So naturally small and cute things must be given affection….that and you remind me of a dragonet.” They say with at least a small sliver of sheepishness.
“I’m not a dragonet- and I’m not cute!” He protests, poutingglaring up at them. They simply lick him again and again as they begin to groom him.
“I know, but adult dragons need affection too, and you are very cute.” The small dragon just whines and squirms in protest, refusing to unfold his wings as he tries to escape the oddly nice attention.
“I don’t even know you-”
“My name is Nightmare. Now stop squirming.”
“But why-” He complains, confused and mildly uncomfortable, unsure how he’s supposed to react. As if sensing his feelings, Nightmare stops the grooming and just nudges the top of his head.
“Because you look like you need it, but if you don’t like it then I won’t force it on you.” They lay their head to the side, “You are free to take and eat as many gems and crystals as you would like, none of us eat them here. They just continue to grow due to my magic. And if you decide to leave I would do so before the first snow and be sure you can make it down in time or you will be trapped in a blizzard.”
“...” The small dragon just stares at Nightmare in shock, even more uncertain than before. “...Why..?”
The large dragon stares at him for a moment, an indifferent yet soft look on his face. “You could say that I hoard other dragons in need of a home and safety.”
“....I’m Error..” Error mumbles, settling down a bit in Nightmare's claws- a silent acceptance. He’s desperate at this point- he would be asking for death if he were to continue trying to look for a home through the winter.
Nightmare smiles and gently nuzzles him again, a deep rumbling purr building in their chest. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Error.”
“You too..” He mutters, finding himself feeling a touch flustered. He still doesn’t understand why this random dragon is being so nice to him- even being polite! Shadow dragons might not be known for being aggressive..but most dragons if not all are very protective of their territory.
And this dragon is just- offering to share? After knowing him for less than ten minutes? Error doesn’t understand.
Nightmare nuzzles him gently again before using the rounded side of one of his claws to carefully scratch Error’s back. Despite himself, Error can’t help but relax with a small chirp, stretching out his wings slightly while still keeping them folded enough to hold the gems.
The scratching is so very gentle and nice, even getting between where his wings sprout from his back and being so careful. He finds himself liking it quite a bit, a quiet, happy purr escaping him as he relaxes further.
Of course NIghtmare would know exactly where to scratch. It is so very very convincing- almost safe even. Error doesn’t even notice as he accidentally drops the crystals from under his wings, focused on the scratches.
Nightmare knows they were there- but something about actually seeing the evidence of someone trying to steal from him makes him tense- but he forces it down. The instinctual anger and aggression being pushed down deep in favor of watching the small dragon practically melt under his touch. So small and cute- focus on the small and cute. The occasional chirp that the little dragon makes helps.
He takes a deep breath and further wills away the feeling to rumble quietly in response to Error’s chirps, nuzzling his snout up against the side of the small dragon’s head, who lightly nuzzles him back, wiggling to use his snout as a headrest as he continues purring.
Ok, Nightmare’s heart has officially melted from cuteness. This little dragon is his and he will protect him with his life- The larger dragon uses another claw and starts to scratch Error’s belly as well, now scratching both sides of the smaller gently.
“Hm..~” Error stretches out happily, purring louder as he lightly kneads the air- a seemingly unconscious reaction. Yes. This is Nightmare’s now. A good investment.
The larger dragon resists cooing as he pets and scratches the smaller, his own pleased purrs growing louder in response while Error appears to start falling asleep. Nightmare can’t blame him, the poor little dragon looks exhausted. He’s more than happy to supply comfort to the little dragon until he’s well rested. Nightmare will just have to make sure no idiots suddenly storm into his section of the den- Killer would never let Error rest if he found him now.
So he curls his body around the smaller, continuing his gentle scratches even as the smaller falls completely limp, the occasional soft snore coming from him.
“So cute~ Mine now~” Nightmare purrs out, very pleased with himself as he closes his eye. He might as well take a nap too. That’s what he was doing before anyway.
~
Error shifts, his face scrunching up as something pokes him, making him huff, tail twitching in sleepy irritation. The poking stops for a moment….before a wet tongue swipes up his face.ce.
“Eep-!” Instantly much more awake, Error flinches back, using his wings to hide his face. The licking continues however, all the way up one of his wings again and again.
“Oh he’s so fuciking cute~ And he’s smaller than me boss~! Can we keep ‘em?”
“Quiet Killer. You’re scaring him.” Error has indeed been slowly attempting to crawl underneath Nightmare in an attempt to escape, hunching down against the ground. The black dragon’s purrs start up again to try and comfort Error as he moves his claw down to carefully scratch the little dragon's back.
“Error, I am sorry for the startling awakening. Someone is just very interested in you.”
“..One of the idiots?” Error quietly questions, peeking around his wings as he relaxes slightly.
“Yes, one of the idiots. He gets very excited and can be annoying, but he’s…oddly sweet.”
“Aww~ Booooosss~ We’re your idiots~” The other voice coos as Nightmare rolls his one good eye.
“Idiots…” Error giggles a bit at the exchange, hesitantly moving from where he was hiding against Nightmare. He wasn’t expecting to see a red Aeris (Air) Dragon. They are usually absolutely massive, their long slender bodies and two pairs of wings allowing them to soar in the sky over the ocean for days without getting tired.
They carry a very precious stone in their mouths when they fly, the source of their magic and very existence. A crystalized soul. This one though, is actually very small for his species, smaller than Nightmare even with the length of their body. Their ribcage is also outside of their body- completely black against their red scales- he’s pretty sure it’s not supposed to be like that. It’s pretty neat looking, though it looks uncomfortable.
Their eyesockets- where their eyes should be- are completely black with a dark ooze dripping from them all the way down the sides of their face, like they are eternally crying despite the wide and excited grin on their face.
And oh my stars their nose looks like a cat-
“Sooooo much love booooossss~” They exaggerate, laying down on their back with their hooked tail wrapped around a glowing red ball. Error assumes it’s their soul.
“...Small-” Error mumbles to himself, crouching down slightly as he observes them. They giggle and somehow he can feel their gaze on him as they grin.
“Says the cute tiny dragon~”
“Error this is Killer, he/him. Killer this is Error.”
“I’m not cute-!” Error protests, pouting.
“Fucking adorable beeeaaaaan~” Killer continues to coo as Nightmare huffs above them.
“You’re both cute. This isn’t up for debate.” The small dragon just glares up at him in response, earning himself a surprisingly affectionate nuzzle.
“Now you need to meet the other three. We wouldn’t want for you to stumble upon them by accident.”
“Oh oh! Can I go get them?” KIller asks excitedly as he stretches his slender body up into Nightmare’s claws- and after a moment, Error reaches out to lightly boop his leg with his nose.
Killer turns his head to look at Error before lowering his snoot to boop Error back and stick out his long forked tongue, Error copying him with his much smaller tongue. The Aeris Dragon giggles and boops the smaller as he opens his front pair of wings.
Error tilts his head, a touch confused, before opening his own wings. Killer tilts his head with Error, sticking his long tongue even further out of his mouth as he giggles again. Getting an idea of what was happening, Error copies him, then crouches down so that his butt sticks up, wagging his tail.
Killer, of course, copies back. He presses his long underbelly against the ground all the way to his head, only keeping his butt up on his hind legs as he sets down the glowing ball and wags his tail.
“....Two idiots.” Error pauses and looks up at Nightmare, still in his ridiculous pose. The black dragon huffs in amusement before carefully moving to stand up. “Idiots. All of you.”
“Ya love us~” Killer coos, Nightmare simply huffs in response, but doesn’t deny his claim as Error straightens up and shakes himself off, stretching before standing normally. Killer does the same, except he rolls over, playing with his crystalized soul in his claws and- wait are those toe beans?
Attention caught, Error crouches close to the ground and creeps closer, gaze locked on Killer’s paws. The aeris pauses, Error once again feeling that gaze on him as he creeps closer and Killer remains completely still.
Error makes sure to focus on a paw not holding the crystalized soul, inching into pouncing distance, before pausing, flattening himself further against the ground and adjusting his feet for the perfect angle.
Killer grins in his peripheral vision, waiting for it- and after another moment, Error pounces, immediately going to latch onto his intended target. The aeris also pounces, suddenly moving his front paws to grab Error and squish him between his toe pads, making Error squawk.
“I caught ya~!”
“Come on-!” Error complains, wiggling in Killer’s hold to turn and gently knaw on the aeris’ wrist, lightly using his claws to mess with his paws. Killer grins up at him before turning to curl his long body around the smaller dragon, picking his soul back up with his tail as he licks a stripe over Error’s head.
“Hehehe~ Ya like groping my paw pads~?” Ha asks teasingly, getting a little growl in response as Error decides to attempt to burrow underneath Killer, still holding a leg captive. Funnily enough, the aeris allows it, letting Error take one of his front legs under the rest of his curled up body with an amused snicker, the little dragon playfully growling again as he nuzzles the soft toe beans.
They really are like a cat’s, perfectly soft and plush with a smooth pink surface that’s slightly cold to the touch, except they are only slightly smaller than his face! Error has decided they are his new favorite thing-
Killer wraps his three toes around Error’ face, lightly squishing him with the o very soft toe beans. “I’ll take that as a yes~”
“Aaa-” Error lightly noms the paw in retaliation and Killer noms the smaller’s tail right back, making him yelp and quickly turn to yank his tail away, curling up tightly.
“Sorry- was that a bit much?” Killer asks, a little worried he crossed an unknown line.
“A- a bit- s-sorry-” Error mumbles, a touch embarrassed at his overreaction. He knows they were just playing- but he’s been picked up or flung by his tail a few too many times at this point. Killer’s face scrunches up in worry and he moves to lightly grab one of Error’s paws in his mouth and nom on it instead.
“Is this good?” The small dragon stares for a moment, before smiling a bit and trying to gently nom on Killer’s face in retaliation, getting a giggle out of the bigger dragon. They nom on each other playfully, not unlike what hatchlings from the same nest do actually. Which Killer finds kind of funny considering he never really met his siblings.
Error seems to be having fun though, rolling over to get the best angle for nomming on Killer’s chin, a couple of small licks thrown in. The Aeris grins and starts to lick between the smaller’s claws in his mouth, his long red tongue easily weaving between them and cleaning off any dirt stuck underneath Error’s scales, making the small dragon growl playfully as he squirms.
Killers front paw still holds the smaller dragon, gently wrapped around his waist as his black claws begin to stroke the sides of Error’s underbelly. The little dragon squeaks, unable to help but relax, arching into the touch happily. The Aeris moves from one small paw to the next, and eventually just starts cleaning Error all over, nibbling here and there playfully and making Error giggle as he squirms.
“For such a little guy you are so dirty~” Killer purrs- almost suggestively as he noms one of Error’s back legs and licks it clean.
“Well I was a bit busy looking for food-” Error defends, pouting. The long dragon smirks and moves on to begin licking the smaller’s wings.
“Well now you’re almost cleeeaaaaaan~ Oh, what do gems taste like to ya? I eat fish cause of the whole flying over the ocean thing, but I’m to small ta do that for long cause I can’t go as far and would get tired, but I can’t stop because I’m small enough for a whale to eat so laviathins could eat me for sure-” Error snorts a bit.
“Gems just taste.. kinda sweet? And crunchy- rubies are my favorite ‘cause they’re kinda spicy and sweet but I can’t be super picky-”
“All sorts of gems and customs grow in the den! Boss says it’s got ta do with his magic after living here for so long. Like so much of it is in the walls that it created a unique environment! Cool huh? Boss is the best~”
“That is pretty neat.” Error agrees. “I was wondering why some crystals were saturated with magic.”
“Yee~ He’s like, reeeaaally old- an elder or something like that. He doesn’t look very old, but I've never met an Umbra (shadow) dragon before him so-”
“Yeah- I’ve only met a couple, but they pretty much immediately chased me off-”
“A couple elders or Umbra?”
“Umbra. I’ve never met an elder.”
“Huh, weird. Boss took me in, but I think it was just cause he was lonely.” Killer starts licking the other wing, lightly resting his mouth on it.
“Yeah he seems more like the exception than the rule. I was surprised he didn’t immediately kick me out when I fell on top of him.”
“At least you didn’t try to steal his food like Horror did…or challenge him like Dust- that was funny to watch~”
“I had taken a few gems.”
“Meh, you’re too cute to not cuddle~ Maybe that’s why he didn’t get mad~” Killer says with a grin, licking a stripe up Error’s face.
“Wh- No I’m not stop saying that-!” Error protests
“Nuuu~ You are super cute, and I’m cute and we’re both fucking adorable~! We get cuddles and licks and nuzzles and scractheeeesss~” The small dragon just whines in response, earning himself a nuzzle and continued side scratches.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Killer hisses and snarls the best he can, big body feeling unnaturally cold with his crystalized soul being held at least several feet away from him. The humans holding it simply laugh, knocking on its surface and making him hiss louder.
He's muzzled, all his limbs chained tightly to the floor with metal made from an Ignivo's (a lava dragon) magma. Nearly unbreakable. His whole long body is pinned to the ground with clamps of the same material, rendering him immobile, that doesn't mean he doesn't at least try to thrash.
Thankfully, the humans all pause after a bit, and after a second, Killer can hear what made them stop- an odd, grinding noise coming from the wall. The aeris's ears flick as he listens, his bound wings twitching.
"What the fuck is tha-" The human doesn’t get a chance to finish their sentence as a black blur bursts from the wall with a feirce snarl, landing on the human’s face and practically tearing it apart as they scream in pain and panic.
The other human screams as well, holding Killer’s soul as they frantically back up, trying to leave- only for the small creature to round on them, darting over and latching onto their wrist with a sickening crack. They scream, the soul falling to the ground as they try to smack the creator off in a panic.
Meanwhile, Killer practically vibrates in his restraints while the creature just latches onto their other arm, climbing up it to bite the back of their neck. Killer can hear a wet crunch and crack, before the human suddenly goes limp, falling lifelessly to the ground.
The room stills, all except for the crystalized soul rolling towards the bound dragon as he attempts to wiggle closer- before a small, bloody snout gently rolls it over to him.
He struggles to open his mouth through the restraints over his snout, trying to grab it as his soul presses against his nose. After a moment, he hears a chirp and the tapping of claws coming closer.
Killer whimpers, his scales burning as they rub against his restraints, trying so hard to grab the glowing crystal ball. There’s another, more alarmed chirp, before he feels a chilly, wet snout press against the side of his face, a grinding sound coming from where the restraints connect to the ground, before a snap, and he suddenly finds his head free.
Killer immediately shakes his head, tossing the binding aside before he snatches the soul stone into his mouth and he feels so much better right away, warmer as his body's shaking lessens and he can finally relax.
After a moment, the Aeris turns his head and neck to look at Error, the small dragon covered in red blood and already working on chewing through the rest of the chains holding Killer down. The long dragon waits patiently, relaxing more and more with each restraint that's removed until he can hold his soul on his paw instead.
"Ruru, you adorable gremlin~!" Error pauses gnawing on the restraints in favor of chirping and aggressively nuzzling against Killer like a cat, purring loudly- not even noticing the blood he smears on the aeris- not that he minds. Error looks good in red~
Killer chirps at the smaller happily, glancing up at the stairwell into the basement with slight nervousness. He’s sure there are more upstairs, unaware of what they're doing. It’s only a matter of time until they check.
Error seems to notice his worry and goes back to chewing through Killer’s restraints- still not saying anything. Looking at how dilated the gemmi’s (crystal/gem) pupils are, it wouldn’t surprise Killer if Error is running purely off of instincts right now.
He really should have been more careful- He should have known better, but he insisted on trying to get drunk anyway. He honestly didn't think it would actually work!
He slowly turns his neck around to gnaw on the leather bindings on his front wings as Error gets the chains, hoping to move this along faster so they can get out of here. Error manages to get through the chains before Killer finishes, though his work lets the gemmi claw through the leather easily with his sharp claws, making quick work of the second pair of wings.
The moment Killer is completely free, he shakes off any leftover pieces of the chains and leather and snatches his soul back into his mouth before lowering his head for Error to get on. The little dragon chirps again, climbing up and wrapping his tail around one of Killer’s horns and flattening himself to his head, still purring almost aggressively.
Killer purrs back on reflex, his tail curling around to pet Error for a moment before he begins looking around for an alternative exit other than the daunting wooden door up the stairs- but the only other possible way out seems to be the tunnel Error had made.
"...Alright let's just-" He begins to claw at the hole, his long sharp claws cutting large chucks away. Error quickly moving to help despite probably being exhausted at this point.
They dig and dig, trying to get to the surface when the sound of the door creaking open can be heard and they start scratching faster, Error hissing quietly as he carefully crawls around Killer, crouching in wait.
"Hey ya both good down there?" A female voice calls, Killer scratching more aggressively as he breaks into dirt and shovels it out of his way. "Hello? Guys drinks are on the house you don't want to miss….this…"
The human stops midway down the steps, spotting the growing pool of blood coming into view as Error stares, just waiting for the moment they come close enough for him to pounce. Instead, the girl starts slowly backing back up the stairs, shaking.
Error hisses again, tail lashing and lightly hitting Killer. Said dragon continues to dig, reaching his paw as far as he can go before- "Error the surface!"
The little dragon pauses, watching as Killer wiggles his lanky body the rest of the way into the hole and scrambles out.
"Error let's go!" Killer sticks his head back in, the girl scrambling up the rest of the way and slamming the door closed. Error turns away, following Killer back up to the surface. The aeris snatches him up and immediately takes off into the air. Flying as fast as he can as Error just relaxes in his hold.
Killer flies far out of town and towards the dense forest beyond. Only when the sun is coming up does he stop, landing beside a large lake surrounded by trees as Error fights to stay awake, chirping in tired question.
"It's fine… I…I think this is far enough.." He tells the smaller dragon as he pants lightly. There's no way the humans would be able to get this far in such a short amount of time. They should be safe…
Killer gently sets his soul down on the dirt and reaches into his inventory to pull out a small emerald and holds it down for Error, who happily holds it between his front paws as he gnaws on it, jaw sore from biting through those chains.
The aeris smiles and lays down to curl his long body around Error’s, beginning to lick his face and clean off the dried out blood already flaking off the smaller’s scales, making him purr happily as he nuzzles against Killer, abandoning the emerald in favor of cuddles.
The larger is more than happy to give them to him, nuzzling and affectionately grooming the little gemmi with his own purrs. Killer’s so happy that they're ok…he screwed up- Error could have been hurt! And a human touched his soul. Just remembering the feeling has him shivering in disgust, making Error chirp, looking up at him in exhausted concern.
"I'm good, Ruru. Don't worry." He ignores it, Error snuggles are much more important. The gemmi nods in response, before wiggling to press himself against Killer, resting his head on the aeris’ neck, wanting to be as close as possible.
Killer purrs a little louder as his tail wraps around his soul and places it beside Error. This should be a good place to sleep- no animals will attack a dragon of his size…That and he's too tired to move them somewhere else. Error would probably agree, if the way he’s slowly going limp against Killer is any indicator.
They'll talk about this later. For now they're both going to take a long nap.
~
When Killer awakes, the sun has set again and the moon is high in the sky. He yawns and slowly uncurls to stretch out, hearing his spine pop as Error shifts next to him, grumbling sleepily. Looking down, he can see the small silhouette of the gemmi pressed against him, wings wrapped around himself and curled up into a little ball- his soul nowhere to be seen.
The aeris freezes as a wave of panic washes over him. He’s sure he left his soul with them! It was right here! It couldn't have rolled away! Killer frantically stands up, lightly rolling Error over to check around them both.
"W-where is it!?"
“Hm…?” Error uncurls slightly to sleepily blink up at Killer, a red glow suddenly lighting him up as he folds his wings a bit, revealing how he had apparently wrapped around Killer’s soul in his sleep. A sigh of relief has Killer relaxing again, wrapping his tail around the small dragon’s back.
"Oh…ok good. Scared me there for a second, Ru~" He says with a small smile as he gives Error a gentle nuzzle, making him purr as he nuzzles him back, before yawning.
"Hmm~ Such a sleepy Ruru~" Killer coos as he cups Error in his lays and nuzzles the smaller’s belly, pulling a sleepy giggle from him as he lazily bats at Killer’s face.
"Myyyy Ruuuruuuu~" Killer coos even more, nuzzling a little harder.
“Nuuu-” Error sleepily whines, going limp in defeat as he yawns again.
"Yuuuussss~ Mine~ Hehehe~ Did ya sleep ok?"
“Mmm’tired…” Is all the gemmi mumbles in response, clearly disgruntled at being woken up. Killer does feel a little bad for that.
"Ok, sleep then and I'll carry us farther." The aeris stretches again before picking his soul up in his mouth and grabbing Error gently with his front paws- who would forever deny whining about not being able to hold the soul anymore, even as he happily kneads Killer’s soft paw pads.
The aeris chuckles and nuzzles the smaller before jumping off the ground, his two sets of wings carrying them up again into the clouds as Error shivers slightly, curling up as he yawns.
“Mmn’ght..~” Killers front paws wrap around him comfortingly, one claw nuzzling under his chin.
"Night, Ru~ I'll wake ya when we get to the next village." The gemmi just purrs quietly in response as he falls back asleep.
Chapter 29: That time that Error died and Reaper thought Geno was cheating on him with Ink
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
My chapter titles are slowly getting more unhinged-
Chapter Text
Error gasps loudly as he sits up, immediately bringing a hand up to his skull to inspect the damage. It had to be bad if it was enough to knock him out. Ink must be so-
......Error pauses, and the more he pats his skull down the more it dawns on him.
“...W-where’s the crack?” And then he freezes, looking around for the familiar voice. “Geno?”
…..Wait.
”....Hello-?” Error slaps a hand over his mouth, glitching in shock- though the sensation felt a bit off.
“..Wh-hat the fuck-??” Glancing down, Error feels his glitching worsening as he sees his white bones- and the huge, bleeding gash across his chest.
This can’t be happening- It’s a fever dream, he’s obviously on a high pain killer medication. This can’t be happening. There’s no way he’s Geno right now- What the hell happened during that fight??
Looking around it’s easy to tell where he is. Empty black void- a single patch of grass- it’s definitely the SAVE SCREEN. But how did he get here…?
The last thing Error remembers is fighting Ink- his enemy. Frenemy? ….Datemate? It’s complicated- Frenemy with benefits is probably the most accurate way he can describe their relationship right now.
Ink had swung at him with broomie, probably expecting Error to dodge…but he saw a cat. To be fair, it was only a split second of distraction, but it was clearly enough to let Ink land the hit- thinking back, he can remember a sharp spike of pain in his head, and… someone shouting? Before waking up here.
…What could have happened? Why would he even be in the SAVE SCREEN? Or look like his adoptive older brother? He didn’t even know his appearance could change- with his code being as glitchy and messed up as it is. Maybe that’s why he changed? His code being so fucked up that it temporarily became Geno’s?
He’ll need to look into it later- for now though there’s a bigger problem to deal with. “Well- how the fuck do I get out of here?”
~
Ink lightly nuzzles his face into the dusty scarf around his neck, his eyelights white and dull as he sits in the soft grass of a random Waterfall. He knows he should be crying. Everything he’s been working so hard to get was so close…and now Error is gone.
Does he even want to start over again? It wouldn’t be hard to leave. He’s done it before countless times….but he’s not ready to leave yet.
He got so close this time, so very…very close.
Ink slowly stands up, his legs numb from having sat in the same position for hours, making him stumble just a little as his body melts into an inky black puddle. The artist appears back in the anti-void, expression blank as he plops down onto Error’s beanbag and finds himself nuzzling into the fabric with a quiet hum.
It smells like him. Chocolatey mixed with the smell of yarn and dust here and there….
He should be crying, but he just can’t.
He did cry- at first, when he had initially hit Error without holding back as much as he should’ve. He had expected Error to dodge like he always does.. But he didn’t.
Ink had basically shattered Error’s skull, caving in the entire right side of it. The destroyer had already begun dusting before he even hit the ground. It had taken Ink only a second to break from his shock and scream- but that one second had felt like an eternity.
His emotions drained out of him in tears and heart broken wails as he gripped onto Error’s clothes and dust, only his blue scarf remaining. He cried until he couldn’t. He cried until everything meant nothing to him, even Error.
Yet he still wrapped that scarf around his neck and found himself curled up in Error’s beanbag, nuzzling it. He’s killed an Error before. It shouldn’t be a big deal….but it’s different this time, in a way he doesn’t understand and is too out of it to care.
Ink turns and looks up at the blue strings decorating the ‘ceiling’ of the anti-void, all wrapped tightly around at least one determined soul….
….Error’s strings….are still here.
It takes a moment for that fact to really click as he stares ahead blankly, before immediately sitting up.
“Error.” Magic constructs die with their creator- if Error’s strings aren’t gone, then the glitch must be alive. But where is he?
Most alternates return to their AU when they die outside of it if said AU RESETs, but Error is an outcode….or is he?
Ink nuzzles the scarf one more time before standing again, his eyelights tinted a faded red.
“Ink will find Error.” He is DETERMINED.
~
He can’t open portals! Error groans in frustration as he lays down on the patch of grass, his magic thoroughly exhausted from repeatedly attempting and failing to open his usual glitching portals. He’s hardly even tried to do anything else, just wanting to get out of the save screen and back to his antivoid. Error has never liked the pitch darkness of this place.
It’s always given him a bad feeling, like he’s trapped, but now he actually is trapped He has no idea how Geno dealt with being stuck here for so long…speaking of Geno-
“What in the stars-?”
“Geno-?” Error sits up in surprise, certain he hadn’t said anything this time. His older brother stares down at him in shock, his brow knitted tightly together in both confusion and surprise.
“How do you know my name?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Error pauses, glancing down at himself. Right- he doesn’t look like himself. Geno crosses his arms and gives Error a suspicious look, much like the one he usually gives his baby bones when they are hiding something.
“Gen- it’s me- Error.” His brother pauses for a moment before letting his expression soften.
“Error? Why do you look like..me?”
“I don’t know- the last thing I remember is fighting Ink before- before waking up like this.. I don’t know what’s happening…” Error looks up at Geno earnestly, some of his confusion and fear leaking through. His adoptive brother frowns and wastes no time sitting down beside him to pull the glitch into a hug, kissing the top of his skull.
“It’s going to be ok, Error. We’ll figure this out, but until then you’re safe and ok, ok?” The destroyer practically clings to Geno, nuzzling his face into his shoulder with a slightly shaky breath.
“O-okay.” Geno gently strokes Error’s back in slow soothing circles as he’s held, nuzzling the glitch’s skull as he hums.
“Don’t worry, Ru, I’m here for you.”
“I kn-know.” Error mumbles, slowly relaxing in his brother’s comforting hold. They stay like this for a while, Geno offering support and affection as Error calms down again, feeling safe in his arms, his frantic worry and confusion fading into the background. He knows he can always rely on his brother to help him make things better.
Once Geno is sure he feels better, the bloody glitch pulls away just enough to cup Error’s face, inspecting it closely. “Wow, you really do look like me.”
“Yeah? Melting socket and everything?”
“Mhm, melting socket and everything….to you remember anything else before you woke up? Anything at all?”
“Hm… Ink hit me in the head? Uhm… I can’t really remember anything after that- just pain and someone screaming.” Error mutters as his brother stares at him for a long moment.
“...Oh. That explains Ink’s behavior-”
“What behavior?” Error questions, concerned.
“...Well, Dream told me he disappeared for a few days, nothing abnormal, that is until he suddenly showed up again. He’s been going from AU to AU antagonizing the different Sanses. No one is really sure what he’s doing, but he refuses to take his paints.”
“Really? Why?” Error’s brows furrow. How would the fight explain what Ink is doing?
“Ink hit you hard enough to actually hurt you right? Was anyone else there with you two?”
“Uh yeah- and there were probably AU residents around- and a cat.” Error very much remembered the cat. Geno nuzzles his skull with a deep frown before speaking again.
“So wouldn’t it make sense for him to scream?”
“..What do you mean?”
“...What if Ink hit and hurt you enough to make him scream? And somehow that is what landed you here? Like this?”
“B..but…” Error falls silent, frowning deeply as he thinks.
“You’ve said before that Ink won’t take his paints if there’s an emotion he doesn’t want to feel so…it’s my best guess.”
“Yeah..” The destroyer mumbles quietly, mind racing. Geno gently headbutts him as he nuzzles their skulls together, wanting to be supportive of his little brother as he lets Error think everything over.
“.....I heard a reset.” Error mutters after a long moment of scouring his memory, head throbbing slightly from the effort of just remembering the faint ping that he’s realizing had played as he was waking up.
His words make Geno pause, slowly looking up to meet his eyelights. “...You don’t think..?”
“..I don’t- I don’t know…. And I doN’t know if I want to know…” Error stutters, glitching. Geno quickly grabs his skull, gently squishing and rubbing the glitch’s cheeks.
“Hey, on the plus side we might actually be brothers~” That manages to startle a slightly choked up laugh out of Error, pulling him out of his spiraling thoughts. Geno smiles at him before lightly kissing his nasal bridge.
“There’s that smile~ How about we go back to my house for a while and get you some hot coco? I’m sure the kids have missed you~”
“I’d- I’d like that…” His brother smiles at him fondly before standing and pulling Error up to stand as well as he opens a portal using his necklace. Death manor is pretty big- not Nightmare’s castle big, but big- perfect for housing the incredible number of nephews and nieces Geno has somehow managed to give birth to, all except for one. Honestly- no one really knows where exactly Goth came from, but he’s still just as much Geno and Reaper’s kid as all of the others.
His big brother sits him down in the living room on a beanbag just for Error, before making his way over to the kitchen to boil some hot water as Error nuzzles into his beanbag with a small sigh. It’s familiar and almost as good as his beanbag in the anti-void.
“Mamma..?” He turns to look down at one of the smallest of his nieces. The skullie’s big white T-shirt and blue jacket make her look even smaller, especially when coupled with the oversized red scarf tied in a big bow loosely around her neck.
“No- Mama’s in the kitchen. I’m Uncle Error. Something happened to make me look like him.” Error patiently explains, giving her a small smile.
It takes Shino a moment to process the information before her working eyelight lights up. “Uncle Ewa?”
“Uncle Ewa!” Error agrees with a chuckle, getting a giggle out of the skully as she runs up and attempts to climb into her uncle's lap, with some help from said uncle.
“Uncle Ewa I dwoo a picter!”
“You drew a picture?” Error repeats, hugging Shino to his chest and nuzzling her.
“Uh huh! I dwoo ebeebody~! An I ‘oosed ownge, and blag, and bwown anf bwoo for ebeeone, bu’ Wyan took my cwayons!” Shino pouts, grabbing onto Error’s jacket as she nuzzles back and explains her day.
“Oh did he? But doesn’t he have his own crayons?” Error asks, listening attentively.
“Uh huh! So now I mad ad him!” The skully huffs, crossing her arms with a firm huff of disapproval, a look she learned from Geno. Error has to keep himself from cooing, knowing it would do nothing to improve Shino’s mood.
“That does sound upsetting… Did you ask him why he did it yet?”
“...No, bud I don wanna talk to him!”
“That’s fine.” Error reassures, “You don’t have to if you don’t wanna- but he might’ve thought they were his crayons, or that you wouldn’t mind if he borrowed them, y’know?”
Shino looks up at him in thought before shrugging. “...I gwuess…”
“You don’t have to do anything right now, don’t worry.” With that, Error hugs the skully, playfully nuzzling her and tickling her sides. Shino erupts into a fit of giggles, squealing as she wiggles in Error’s hold.
“S-stooop swaaap, u-uncle Ewa~!”
“Having fun you two~?” Geno asks as he steps into the living room, carrying two cups of hot cocoa. With one last aggressive- yet gentle- nuzzle, Error stops his assault, grinning.
“I had to un-grumpify her.”
“I not gwumpy!” Shino thoroughly denies as her mother laughs, handing Error his coco as the bloody glitch blows on his.
“Oh my grumpy little dumpling~”
“No I not!”
“Yeah she’s not grumpy anymore I un-grumpified her, remember?” Error says seriously, fighting back his smile as he holds his coco.
“Oh I see. Well mommy wants kisses from the very not grumpy baby~” Geno’s smile is soft as Shino quickly scrambles up off of Error’s lap to her mother’s, giving Geno a clumsy kiss on the cheek. “Thank you dumpling~”
The cute scene has Error smiling softly as he sips at his drink, nestling down in his beanbag. His brother leans down a little and whispers something to Shino, the little skully seemingly excited by her mother’s words before clumsily crawling back over the beanbag to Error and kissing his cheek as well with a dramatic ‘mwah~!’
“I wove you uncle Ewa~!”
“..I l-love you too Shino~” Error can feel his soul melting as he finds himself blinking back tears. His brother is quick to scoot over and gently kiss the tears away before headbutting him affectionately.
“We loooove youuuu~” The destroyer giggles a bit wetly, before pulling Geno and Shino into a tight hug, holding his mug in a slightly awkward position to keep it from spilling. The skully yelps as his big brother coos, Geno holding his own mug away to hug back.
“Hmm~ No matter what we are all here for you, Error. We’re your family~”
“O-of courSe..~” Error mumbles, glitching slightly before calming himself down. His brother and niece smile at him before Geno rearranges them a little to let Error and Shino lean on him as he moves to sip his drink.
“Now taste the coco-”
“I did-” Though Error was admittedly not really paying attention to the flavor, so he goes to drink some more. Geno hums, seemingly pleased before continuing to sip his bow, lightly kissing the top of his skully’s skull. It’s honestly nice, being able to just relax and let himself forget about what is happening, if only for a little while.
The two brothers cuddle, talking here and there as they drink their coco, Shino having gotten bored and ran off to talk to Ryan, despite having said she didn’t want to talk to her brother before.
“Hmm..so how has your relationship with Ink been going?”
“It’s… I don’t know- the lines are so blurry and we still both have to play our parts and it’s just.. Confusing? I had planned on talking to Ink about it, but…” Error trails off with a sigh, pointedly avoiding looking down at himself.
Geno hums in thought for a moment, before gently placing a hand on Error’s and leaning over to nuzzle him. “What do you think of Ink? Personality wise?”
“..To put it bluntly? He’s fake. I mean- he can literally choose what to feel with his paints- but lately, it feels more and more like an act. I wish he’d stop doing it as much as he does…” Error leans against his brother with another sigh, before a small smile grows on his face. “But every now and then, I manage to pull a genuine reaction- a real emotion from him. And whether it’s anger or joy or embarrassment- every time I can’t help but love it a little more.”
Geno smiles softly down at him before gently nuzzling his skull. “I’m glad you like being around him, the real him I mean. Whatever that is.”
“I hope I get to see more of it in the future..” He mumbles, quickly earning himself another nuzzle from his big brother.
“I don’t see why you wouldn’t. Ink must be worried about you.”
“But I… H-he..” Error can’t even bring himself to say it out loud, as if speaking the words would make it real.
“I know…but you’re ok. You’re here and alive, thank the stars- He probably doesn’t even know that much..”
“Y-yeah…” Error mutters, sounding a touch uncertain as he looks down into his mostly empty mug, the sight of his white phalanges and clothes still jarring. His brother opens his mouth, about to say something more, before a yet bubbling sound stops him in his tracks-
The two glitches turn to look just behind the beanbag as a familiar black substance begins to take shape before solidifying and adding color to the mix. Error freezes, glitching slightly in surprise as he stares.
After only a moment, the black substance fully takes the form of Ink, the creator turning to look at them with a blank stare, eyelights white.
“...Two Genos. That’s abnormal.” Error frowns as he looks over Ink, deciding to stay silent for a moment.
“Can I help you, Ink?” Geno stands up from the beanbag to properly face his uninvited quest, slightly annoyed. “You do know that we have a front door.”
Ink doesn’t bother to respond, choosing to stare and fiddle with the familiar blue scarf around his neck instead, drawing Error’s gaze to it. Is that..
“...Dust..?” He mumbles. Ink blinks before glancing down at the scarf, showing no reaction to the gray monster dust coating and flaking off of the fabric. Looking back up at the artist's face, a single tear builds up in his socket, slowly rolling down his cheek. Error quickly gets up off of the beanbag, both concerned yet cautious.
“S-so yoU really… I..I dieD…” Error glitches as he finally forces the words out. Ink looks up at him, blinking away his tears as he tilts his skull to the side in question.
“..Error?” Said skeleton just nods silently after a long moment, not quite trusting his words. The small skeleton stares in silence for a moment before slowly taking a few steps forward and resting his skull against Error’s chest, a quiet sob escaping him.
“Oh Ink…” Error murmurs, pulling the creator close as he holds back his own tears. The smaller skeleton grabs onto Error’s jacket tightly, nuzzling into the glitch as he shakes and sobs.
“I-ink is sorry…I-i-Ink didn’t mean to…”
“I kn-noW- I got diStracted I’m sorry-” Error mumbles, pressing a kiss to the top of Ink’s skull. The artist tries to press closer, gasping between sobs and hiccups as it gets harder to breath.
“S-sorr-ry sorry In-nk’s sorry-!”
“Shh shh it’S o-okay I’m okay-” The glitch gently shushes, his own grip on Ink tightening as he purrs soothingly. It seems to help keep Ink’s breathing from getting any worse, helping to ground him as he slowly tries to gather himself.
“...Ink m-missed Error…”
“..’M Sorry for leaving.” It’s not like Error has been back long enough to really be able to miss him. The artist sniffles before turning his skull to look up at Error, his eyelights shaky and tinted a pale blue color.
“Error’s not allowed to leave Ink b-behind. Never ever.” The glitch smiles gently, leaning down to give Ink a gentle kiss.
“I’ll d-do my best.” Ink stares at him for a long moment before practically jumping on him and slamming their mouths together, making Error stumble a bit to keep from falling over, squeaking in surprise.
Ink’s kiss is a lot deeper than Error’s was, almost aggressive and needy as he licks at the glitch’s teeth. After a moment, Error relaxes, opening his mouth for Ink as he kisses him back.
The artist still tastes sweet and a little fruity, but most of it is hidden under a bitter and dull taste he recognizes, ink. The first time Ink and Error kissed, the creator got too excited and Error got a mouthful of the stuff. It was very….very gross. Luckily it’s just the taste this time- and while it’s not his favorite, he’s fairly used to it at this point.
“...Geno..?” Ink pulls away from the kiss as they both turn their skull to the floating death god on the other side of the room, looking like a kicked puppy. “W-what are you doing..?”
“Huh-?” Error blinks, before remembering that he looks like his brother right now. “O-oh- It’s not- I’m not- uh-”
Ink blinks in confusion as tears appear in Reaper’s sockets and the god literally whimpers.
“FucK uh- Geno! Come geT Your husband-!” Error shouts, panicking a bit. The last thing he wants to do is get between his brother’s marriage. Geno’s told him before that Reaper is like a lovesick puppy, but this is the most puppy-like he’s ever seen the god- At least now he knows Reaper isn’t all that ok with cheating-?
Thankfully his big brother walks into the room, stumbling down the stares as he hurries to hopefully solve the problem. “Reaper? Oh honey wait- don’t cry-”
Geno moves to comfort his mate, stroking Reaper's cheeks and nuzzling him as the death god latches onto him like a feathery leatch. “It’s just Error and Ink, honey, not me. Error just looks like me right now. I’m here, don’t worry-”
“I’m uH- sorRy-?” Error stutters, glitching nervously as Ink nuzzles up against him for comfort.
“It’s ok, just a misunderstanding. Reaper I would never kiss Ink even if my life depended on it. I promise.” Said god sniffles, nuzzling into Geno’s neck like the baby he is. It’s hilariously adorable- even if Error is mildly offended on Ink’s behalf. His brother turns to them with a smile, wrapping his arms around his sniffling mate.
“Sorry, I have to go give cuddles now- feel free to continue whatever you where doing, just please watch out for children.”
“Like Reaper?” Error lightly teases.
“Mhm~ He’s a bby~” Geno purrs, placing a quick kiss on Reaper skull before he heads down the hall and towards their bedroom as Error giggles, making a face.
“....That was kinda funny.” Ink comments despite his near complete lack of a reaction, making Error burst into quiet laughter. The creator stares at him blankly before a small smile appears on his face, just watching Error laugh before the glitch calms himself down.
“Y-you are a gem Ink.” The creator cocks his skull to the side, clearly not understanding.
“Ink is?”
“Mhm.” Turning, Error flops down onto the beanbag, pulling Ink down with him, making the creator land against him with an oof, staying face planted for a second before moving up to nuzzle under Error’s chin. The glitch is more than happy to nuzzle him back with a small sigh, relaxing.
“..Ink’s Error.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes. Error is Ink’s Error forever.”
“Heh- If ya say so~” With another nuzzle, the creator quietly begins to purr, snuggling into Error some more.
“Ink’s Error~”
“Your Error~” Error agrees with his own soft purr. He swears Ink giggles a little against him, nuzzling his blue scarf before going still and just relaxing on top of the glitch. Error can’t help but feel proud of himself for all of the emotions he brought out of Ink, despite the creator being off of paints, even if he also saw Ink crying in earnest. That part wasn’t his favorite.
He didn’t really think Ink would cry over him…though he’s never really thought about it either. Ink was so upset by his….death. Error admittedly never considered how Ink would react to his death- but he wouldn’t really expect such a big reaction. Or maybe he just thinks too lowly of himself.
Chapter 30: Goth is the ultimate bby
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error finds Goth in a random AU, and long asleep motherly instincts awaken.
Chapter Text
Error walks through the AU, searching for the last few souls remaining in the AU, probably hiding, making his job more difficult- "WHAAAA-!!"
The loud startling cry cuts through the relative quiet of Waterfall, making him jump, glitching a bit in surprise. A child-? His initial sweep through of the universe should’ve taken care of them all-
The destroyer frowns as he walks towards the noise, pushing bushes and branches out of the way before he stops and stares down at a small babybones, sitting down with big pale purple tinted tears streaming down their cheeks. They were dressed in a white onesie with little gray flowers scattered all over it, with a tattered red scarf acting as a hood draped over their head.
“WhAT aRe yoU DoINg hEre…?” Error murmurs, knowing he should just dust them and move on… but he’s always had a soft spot for kids. The baby bones sniffles and hiccups, rubbing his sockets sloppily before blinking up at Error.
It takes a second, but their bottom lip sticks out in a sad pout and they lift their arms to make grabby hands at him, whining.
Error… really shouldn’t do anything- he needs to finish this AU-
“..Aw hELlo..~” Error can’t help but give in, bending down to carefully pick up the babybones, who immediately clings to him and…wipes tears and snot on his scarf-
“Ew-” Error mutters, grimacing a bit as the baby bones sniffles again before looking back up at Error with their one working white eyelight. The glitch gives them a gentle smile and they slowly smile back, before giggling and watching out to pat Error’s face.
“Pat pat~”
“SnrK- PaT paT~” Error coos back, giving into his urge to nuzzle them, the baby bones happily nuzzling back.
“Heheh~ Pat pat pat~!” They squish his face together lightly, before covering their mouth with their hands with a shy little giggle.
“Aw~” It’s so adorable Error’s soul is going to burst- How can one baby be so cute? It should be illegal- The baby bones blushes bashfully before grabbing his face again and carefully leaning forward to kiss his nasal bridge.
“Boopsies~!”
“BoOPsies~?” Error questions playfully, before kissing their forehead, then cheeks, and finally nasal bridge- as if it was second nature. The smile he gets from then in return is so happy and bright that they might as well be glowing.
“Mommy~!” The babybones wrap their arms around his neck and nuzzle back into his scarf with a very excited squeal.
“Wh- MoMmY-?” The glitch questions, laughing a bit. Where on earth is this coming from?
The baby bones wiggles happily before pulling away to try glaring at Error, waving their finger. “Mommy no go away agin! Gothy very upseted!”
“I aM VEry soRrY, buBba.” Error’s not even sure what he’s apologizing for- did their mother hide them before leaving..?
…Did Error kill their mother…?
The baby- Gothy?- sowls at him for a maybe a moment longer before their middle growls with hunger and they whine.
“...WouLD YOu liKe sOMeTHinG To eAT GOthY?” Error asks, frowning a bit. He has to finish off this AU, but…The baby bones nods and pats where his stomach would be if he could summon ecto.
“Chowate?”
“...OnLY a Bit- oKay?” Error opens a portal and grabs a small chocolate bar for Gothy. The baby bones looked like he wanted to protest, only to get very distracted by the chocolate.
“Chowate chowate~!” With a chuckle, Error unwraps the bar of chocolate and hands it to him, pretty sure that wrappers aren’t good for babybones.
Gothy takes the chocolate with a very happy squall before trying to shove the whole thing in their mouth and taking way too big of a bite, startling a laugh out of Error.
“No No- pFft- HonEY YoU GotTA eAT SLowEr- snrk- oR YOu’LL GeT A TuMmY-aChe-” Error quickly warns between snickers. Gothy reacts by looking up at the destroyer, completely still……before resuming their chewing struggle, making Error giggle a bit more as he opens a portal to Nightmare’s kitchen to steal a cup of water for Gothy.
Horror blinks at him in confusion from the other side as Error shoots him his best innocent smile. “DoN’t miND Me-”
“....Is that…..a baby..?”
“...No-”
“.............Should I make….baby food?”
“...I’d APprECIaTe it.” Error eventually mumbles, a touch sheepish. The large skeleton simply nods, already moving to grab some vegetables and fruits from the fridge as Error turns back to Gothy, helping him get the chocolate down and drink some water.
After a few minutes the chocolate bar is gone, not without a few choking fits- Error has to keep himself from panicking, knowing Gothy would also panic if he did. How did he know that..?
“Goth done~!” The baby bones declare, clapping his hands together.
“All dONe?” Error repeats with a kiss on the forehead, making Goth giggle and give him a kiss back.
“Mhm~! Goth at aaaaaaaaaaall of it~!!”
“ThAT You diD~ GooD JOb~”
“Hehehe~ Dant you Mommy~”
“Of cOUrsE BaBy~” Error coos back without a second thought, giving Gothy- Goth?- a gentle smile. The baby bones smiles back, giving Error boopies once more before yawning wide.
“SLeEPy GOthY~?” The glitch asks, holding Goth close and idly rocking side to side, to which the baby immediately whines.
“Nuuu-! Gothy not Gothy not-” He repeats, squirming and wiggling in Error’s arms as he denies his obvious exhaustion, sockets feeling droopy.
“YoU AReN’t~? WeLL I gUEsS I bETteR PuT GOtHy dowN-” Error says, moving to set Goth on the ground, only for the baby bones to screech and cling onto him.
“Nuuuu!! Mommy no led go! Gothy tired!”
“OkAY okAy-!” Error glitches in surprise as he continues holding Goth, not having expected such an extreme reaction. The baby’s bones rattle in a telling sign of distress as he nuzzles his face into the glitch’s scarf, whimpering.
“Mommy no go…”
“OkAy hoNEy I WoN’t go I PRomISe.” Error murmurs with a purr as he rubs soothing circles on Goth’s back. “I’m HEre.”
The baby bines sniffles as he snuggles in close, his shaking slowly coming to a stop as he slowly relaxes, his face now deep against Error’s vertebrae.
“ThERe wE Go~ I goT Ya~” Error quietly reassures with a soft nuzzle. “ANd I’LL sTIll bE HeRe whEN You WaKe~”
“Mmm’kay Mommy…” One socket flutter, two, three- and he’s out cold. So cute~
~
“.....Error. Why do you have a baby?”
“...BEcAuse…..”
“....You can’t just kidnap children, Error.” Said glitch shrinks in on himself with a sheepish grin.
“..IN mY dEFensE He wAS thE OnE To dECidE I waS His MoM-”
“Did you pick him up?” Nightmare asks with a raised brow.
“WeLL yeAH He wAs crYIng-” Error defends. The guardian gives him a very hard, scolding look before relenting, standing up from his reading nook chair in his room to walk over to the bed. The babybones lays on his back, his mouth a little ajar as he sleeps peacefully on the very soft sheets.
“..So what do you plan to do with him now? He’s about…..5 years old.”
“I DOn’t- I DoN’t knoW- bUT I coULdn’T JuSt.. lEaVE hiM THeRe… I aLReaDy haD To deSTroY THe AU I FoUnd hIM in…” Error mutters, looking down at Goth guiltily. Nightmare nods in understanding as he slowly lifts a hand over to pet the baby bones’ skull.
“I understand…I almost did the same thing once….We still have to figure out what to do.”
“I kNOw…”
“...Surely we can’t keep him here. None of us have the time to watch him. A babybones need a great deal of love and attention. Not to mention we have dangerous items all over the castle and several large flights of stairs.”
“YeAh.. The ANtiVOid iS AlsO OFf thE taBLe… MaYbe I’ll sEe iF BLue CoULd wAtCh hiM..?” The glitch tries to think of a solution, frowning. Maybe he should have dusted them while he could.. But his soul revolts at the very thought of doing so.
“Do you really think Blue will have that kind of time?”
“LoOK I dOn’t KNow OKaY-??” Error bursts, turning to Nightmare with a glare- uncertain and worried and stressed. “I LEt mY INsTIncTs anD EMotIOns gET The bEtteR Of mE And I HaVE No clUE WhaT To dO-”
The child stirs and Nightmare carefully gets up to stand in front of Error’s gently headbutting him. “It’s ok. We’ll think of something. I’m sure there are plenty of other monsters that would love a baby as cute as him.”
Error forces himself to take a deep breath. “I dON’t w-waNnA GIvE Him uP…” He mumbles, Nightmare’ tentacles wrapping around him as the guardian thinks.
“...Hmm….we could baby proof the castle, or at least the west wing, and take turns watching him. And….we could have Blue or someone else baby sit. I’m sure Horror’s friend Pumpkin wouldn’t mind.”
“..YeAh…?” Error quietly asks, hopeful as Nightmare gently slides his hand into the destroyer’s, a tentacle petting his cheek.
“Yeah~ We can make this work~”
“THaNK yoU..~” Error mumbles, giving Nightmare a gentle headbutt and nuzzle.
“Of course, Ru dear~ I want you to be happy~” The guardian purrs as he nuzzles back affectionately, pulling a little giggle out of Error. “I wouldn’t be able to bare seeing your heartbroken face if I were to refuse~ Even if you’re still beautiful wearing it~”
“Oh SHuT Up-” Error pouts at Nightmare, blushing a bit. The guardian tilts his skull to pepper kisses down to the destroyer's skull all the way to his chin before placing a gentle, soft kiss on his mouth.
“Only if you make me~”
“NoT WitH A BAbY in THe rOoM-” Error mutters, blushing brightly as he tilts his head up for more kisses. With a hum, Nightmare happily gives them to him, kissing all around his mouth almost teasingly before trailing them down to his jaw and neck.
"Alright~ Killer, stop peeping and take the baby to Blue, he's at home right now." Said skeleton opens the bedroom door with a pouty whine, yet still continuing to grin.
"Awww, but I wanted to watch ya unravel the big bad destroyer~" Killer winks at Error, the glitch glaring as he blushes brighter, before turning his attention back to Nightmare.
"Killer. Now."
"Alright all right~" He hold his hand up in surrender, before heading over to the bed and scooping the baby up-
"Support their skull idiot."
“WAit BuT I ProMISeD HiM I’d Be thErE WHen hE WOke uP-”
".....Then would you like to wake him and tell him he's going to stay with Blue for a few hours…..or do this later?" Nightmare obviously doesn't like the second option.
"I could sit in here with him till you two are done somewhere else~?" Error’s skull is practically on fire at this point.
“I’LL juSt wAKe hIM up-” He walks the short distance over to Killer, taking him out of the shorter's obviously unsure arms and holding him close and nuzzle his little skull. “GOthY~”
The baby bones stirs a little, nuzzling his face into Error’s scarf as if to hide from the waking world.
“You goTtA WAke uP BABy~ JusT FOr a BiT~” Error coos, rubbing Goth’s back as the babybones whines, but slowly opens his sockets.
“Mmm’Mommy..?”
“Hi bABy~” Error gives Goth a kiss on the forehead. “YoU’re goNnA GO tO oNe oF My frIEnD’s hoUSEs foR A Bit, oKay?”
"Uncle Wed?" Goth asks curiously, lifting a hand to rub the sleep from his sockets.
“Who-? Uh- No- KiLls iS TaKing YOu to UNclE BLue’s hOuSE.”
"Uncle Bwoo? Is Mommy coming too?"
“WeLl.. nO.” Error says hesitantly, remembering Goth’s reaction to trying to so much as put him down- and as he expected, the babybones immediately starts to tear up, clutching Error’s scarf tightly.
“M-mommy leave Gothy….?”
“NoT- noT FOr loNg hOneY I-” Error quickly reassures, soul breaking just a bit at the look on Goth’s face, and he glances up at Killer and Nightmare helplessly. Killer shrugs, looking just as unsure before Nightmare steps closer.
“Hello little one. I’m your Mommy’s…..friend. We just want to have some adult time, but I promise I’ll give him back to you, ok?”
Goth sniffles for a moment before glaring at Nightmare. “Mommy is mine! No one have Mommy but Gothy!”
“No ONe eVer?” Error asks, a touch amused. Goth hums for a moment as he thinks, looking back at Error.
“Mine and Daddy’s~! No one else!” Error has to hold back his surprised laughter before he realizes the implications of that.
“..DaDdy?” NIghtmare is completely stock still behind him and Killer isn’t any better as Goth continues.
“Mhm! Daddy miss Mommy bery much! Daddy's been sad, Gothy too!”
“O-oH- uh..” The glitch is genuinely not sure what to say to that. Thankfully Nightmare takes the initiative to ask-
“Goth, Who is Daddy?” The babybones gives the guardian a confused look before remembering he’s supposed to be mad and starts glaring again.
“Daddy is Daddy!”
“I thINk hE MeaNS His NAmE.” Error helpfully supplies.
“Oh Uhmmmmm….Weeper? Yeah Weeper! Dadddddyyyyy~!”
“WeEpeR…?” The destroyer mutters, confused. The other two skeletons in the room are just as confused, unil Killer says-
“Weaper? Ya mean Reaper???” Goth smiles wide and claps his hands.
“Dats what Goth said! Weaper!”
…Holy shit Error stole Reaper’s kid- They all go a little pale at the very idea. Reaper and his universe in one of the oldest and one of the few AU’s without any copies or alternate timelines. And Reaper Sans- one of the two grim Reapers in existence- is well known for being relatively relaxed….and depressed-
There was one story that went crazy a few hundred years ago about someone, probably Ink, pissing the death god off and getting sliced and diced to a pulpe with very scary descriptions accompanying the rumor.
No one wants to be on Death’s bad side.
“I… sEe..” Error mumbles, a bit in shock. Goth tilts his skull in confusion at the look on Error’s face, lifting his hands to cup the glitch’s cheeks.
“Mommy ok?”
“Y-yEAh- I’m- I’m FINe baBY, dOn’t wORry.” He reassures, kissing Goth’s forehead, cheeks, and nasal bridge again, getting a happy giggle from the baby bones.
“Boopsies~!” Goth declares with a kiss on the nasal bridge.
“BoOPsiES~” Error agrees, doing it again and getting a very happy squeal in response.
“Dear.” Nightmare places a hand on his shoulder and nuzzles his cheek with a small frown. “This does change things.”
Error pauses, visibly wilting as he turns to Nightmare, before Killer steps closer and asks an odd question.
“So- how did ya not know Reaper is the dad? I don’t see how ya could’a goten knocked up and didn’t know about it- or how ya hid it.”
“..WhAT Are YoU TAlkiNG AboUT?” Error asks, confused. “I’vE NEveR BeEn ‘KNocKeD uP’.”
Killer frowns- a weird look to see on his face ever. “Uh….yeah sure? Cause you’ve always had another soul bond- I just assumed something bad happened to ‘em till ya brought that kid in.”
Nightmare looks to Error in confusion, who feels even more baffled as he looks between the guardian and Killer, frowning.
“WHaT SouLboND??” The smallest member of the gang steps in front of Error before tapping his chest lightly.
“May I?”
“Go AHEad.” Killer, now with permission, ever so carefully summons Error’s soul out of his ribcage, the magic organ floating just above the palm of his hand.
“It’s probably really hard for ya ta see, but right here, between the two humps at the bottom of your soul is a very small strip of magic. I don’t know what color it is, but it reminds me of perseverance.” Killer tells them as he carefully turns the soul over. Error’s frown deepens as he stares at it.
“I… gENuiNELy haVE No mEMorY Of…” Error trails off, reaching out to very carefully touch the tiny thread of magic.
"And they have the same thing in the same spot, just shorter, showing their child side of the mother bond and it reminds me of your magic…if not a little less glitched."
“WH-wHaT-? ThEre’S No wAY he’S AcTUaLly…?”
Killer shrugs as Nightmare lightly nuzzles the side of Error's skull, eating over his shoulder as Goth wiggles to get a peak as well.
"It looks that way, dear…"
“I dOn’T… I doN’T RemEMbeR… WHeN WaS I MatEs wiTh…?” Error glances at Goth before looking down at his soul, watching as it dims in his destress.
Goth frowns and moves to nuzzle up under his chin as Nightmare slides his arms around Error’s waist.
"It’s ok…We'll figure this out, Ru…"
"Yeah, Glitchy. Sorry I didn't say sonethin' sooner…"
“YoU DiDN’t knoW- iT’s finE..” Error mumbles, fiddling with the string of magic a bit more before letting it go.
"...I'll look into Reaper ever having a mate…or apparently a secret child as well. He’s secret enough that none of my subordinates were able to give me such vital information."
"Why where ya lookin' into Reaper?" Killer asks curiously, the guardian shrugging lightly in response.
"I have bios on everyone of significance."
“To kEeP HIm FaR AWaY FroM thE CAstLe.” Error tries to joke, getting a small chuckle from Killer as Nightmare smiles, nuzzling into him.
“Well now it’s to keep him away from you, but you’re not too far off~” The glitch’s smile fades a bit as he glances back at his soul.
“YeAh.. CaN I hAVe mY SOul baCk noW?”
Killer smirks deviously in response, never a good sign. “Only if I can give it a kiss~”
“KILleRrr-” Error whines, blushing brightly. The short skeleton giggles, his grin sharpening as he holds the soul up in front of him and well away from his own.
“May I, Ru~?” Nightmare mumbles a ‘No fair’ behind him as Error looks away, giving Killer a small nod.
“JuST a kiSs-” The small skeleton purrs before bringing the delicate soul up to his mouth, and kissing it right in the center. Error has to hold back any sounds that want to escape him, face bright yellow as he shudders, glitching a touch.
“Damn I may just have ta join ya both boss~”
“Hmm….I’ll think about it.” Killer giggles before handing the soul back to Error, who cups it in his free hand and moves it back towards his ribcage. Goth however, having gotten very curious, reaches out and grabs his soul by the top.
“Ah-!” Error jolts back in surprise, glitching harshly as the sharp sensation consumes all of him, vision briefly going dark. Goth jumps in surprise and immediately lets go, NIghtmare’s tentacles supporting the glitch so he doesn’t fall over.
“Don’t touch that-!” Killer scolds automatically as he pushes the soul into Error’s ribcage again, the glitch blinking back to awareness, feeling out of breath as Killer glares at the kid.
“Ru, you ok..?” Nightmare asks, gently stroking Error’s cheek with a tentacle.
“..Y-YeAh…” Error reassures after a moment of gaining his barings, still glitching badly, before looking at Goth with a small smile. “L-leT’s.. mAYbe noT TOucH SOuLs, ‘Kay?”
The babybones looks timid and worried, knowing he did something wrong. “O-ok……Goth sorry….”
“It’S O-oKaY… SOuls ArE veRy prEciOUs anD fRagLE, sO J-jUst dOn’t dO It aGAin.” Error reassures as Killer huffs, crossing his arms and grumbling.
“Killer.” Said skeleton faces Nightmare with a hum, the guardian sitting up straight. “Retrieve Cross for me. He will take Goth to Blue while we figure everything out.”
The small skeleton looks like he wants to protest for a moment before his usual grin shows up again and he salutes Nightmake jokingly as he heads for the door.
“Sure thing boss~!”
“AnD No geTtiNG DIstRacTEd kIsSIng hIM-!” Error calls after Killer, only getting a loud cackle in return as Nightmare sighs tiredly beside him.
“Idiots…”
“YoU LOve uS~”
“It’s a curse I swear-”
“Mommy?” Goth hesitantly asks as he squirms nervously, prompting Error to look at him.
“YeS HOneY?’
“Is scawy…..” The babybones looks back at the door before facing his mom again, his bottom lip sticking out and wobbling.
“WhAT Is?” Error follows Goth’s gaze, looking at the door as well- seeing nothing there.
“Da scawy skeweton-”
“WhO? Do yoU MeAn KiLLer-?” Goth nods and Nightmare can’t help but laugh lightly as he moves to pull Error back into the chair in the corner with him, setting the glitch in his lap- who just goes with it.
“Oh I pRomISE hE wOn’T HUrt yoU BaBy- hE Was juST WOrRieD.” Error swears, nuzzling Goth with a soothing purr. The baby slowly relaxes and Nightmare sighs tiredly.
“What a mess.”
“I’M soRrY.”
“It’s alright, dear. This isn’t your fault.” Nightmare kisses his cheek, ignoring the way Goth pouty glares at him for it. Error nuzzles the babybones and kisses his forehead to appease him, before nuzzling Nightmare as well.
“‘M StiLL soRry thOuGH.”
Chapter 31: Ink steals Error’s soul (NSFW)
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
What it says on the tin
Shameless pwp and very NSFW
Ink also high-key rapes Error- via both his soul and actual sex- and though Error also kinda enjoys it, it’s still without consent and doesn’t make it okay.
Chapter Text
Error hurries through a portal, opening a window to start up his basic containment program, scowling at nothing. Something had suddenly started corrupting and taking over AUs- a new, extremely effective virus that he’s never seen before.
He needs to cut it off before it can spread any mo- Ink suddenly grabs him from behind, and he yelps, glitching as he whirls around.
“Wh- InK-!?” The small skelton giggles and buries his face in Error’s chest, arms wrapped around his waist.
“Haya Ruuu~ Watcha doing?”
“ThIS AU iS coRruPTed- TheRE’s a VirUs I neEd tO dEletE.” Error lightly pats Ink’s skull before pushing him away. “WhAT Are yOU doINg heRE?”
Ink shrugs, never looking up at Error directly. “I was just wandering around, checking the AU’s out! I forgot about this one, it’s pretty cool, huh? Everyone has wings!”
“...Uh-huh.” Error says, slightly doubtful, but brushes off Ink’s behavior. “WeLL I’m gOiNG aFteR the sOUrCe coDe-”
“One more hug? Pwetty pweeeaaase~!?” The creator nuzzles against his shoulder, making dramatic whining noises.
“UgHh-” Groaning, Error turns around and Ink immediately hugs him tightly, nuzzling his face into the destroyers sweater for a moment, before- much to the glitch’s surprise- Ink suddenly reaches up into Error’s ribcage and snatches his soul, quickly jumping away before he can react.
“Ack-!” Error jolts, staggering in surprise as his soul is separated from his body without warning. “Wh- Ink-??”
“Wow. That was easy!” The creator's voice is slightly odd in a way he can’t quite pinpoint as he is given a closed eye smile. “Error must really trust other Ink.”
“INk.” Error growls, glaring at Ink- or rather, the imposter- as he pulls out his strings. “GivE THaT BaCk.”
“Hmmm let Ink think…” Mockingly, the imposter taps his phalange on his chin, rubbing his thumb over the soul in his grasp. “No.”
“I-InK-” Error shudders, faltering slightly at the strange feeling, before sending his strings at the short skeleton, trying to grab his soul. However the imposter is fast, maybe even faster then the real Ink.
As he dodges with practiced ease, the short skeleton jumps up into the trees, using the tree houses and wooden bridges created by the inhabitants. Error scowls, quickly diverting his strings to swing up, following after him.
This game of cat in mouse continues on, the false creator following the paths and leading Error around, slowly running out of paths as the destroyer covers them up, until the artist just seems to disappear.
“ThAt baStaRD-” Error mutters to himself, pausing, eyelights darting around as he looks for where ‘Ink’ went. The imposter snickers from his spot up higher in the tree’s, looking down at the destroyer as he brings the glitching soul up to his mouth.
“Ah-!” Error stumbles, blushing heavily and going weak in the knees as he feels his soul being licked. “H-hEy dOn’t dO Th-thAt-!”
The ‘Ink’ cups his mouth around the tip of Error’s soul, squishing it between the roof of his mouth and tongs as he sucks, enjoying the tangy chocolaty flavor to it.
“HaHh~” Error can’t stop the moan before it escapes him, and he scrambles to support himself against a tree as his legs give out on him, shuddering harshly. Two thumbs begin to rub the bumps of his soul, slowly massaging them as the sucking continues, almost teasingly.
“F-fuCk~ I-INk sT-stOp-” The glitch weakly protests, eyelights rolling back as he slowly slides to the ground, shivering and glitching. It feels so good, the way he can feel his soul being lightly squeezed, the little humps of his inverted heart shaped soul being pulled apart slightly as the tip is squished in the not-Ink’s mouth.
“Hn-ngHhH~” Error shakily covers his mouth with a hand as he moans, feeling his magic spark and quickly fighting to keep his ecto from forming, panting as he struggles to focus on anything else with the pleasure assaulting his very being. He hates how much he likes it- how good it feels.
And then the imposter bites him, he can feel their teeth just barely pierce the layer of ‘skin’ over his soul, pulling away to lick at the magic that seeps out. Error flinches with a choked off whine, the pain sharp despite the low blow to his HP, before blending into the pleasure as he moans again.
The bite is sucked on and kissed, the tongue practically assaulting the new marks with renewed vigor that has him shaking. As the imposter's mouth pleasures the tip of his soul, their hands stop their rubbing to poke and push on the space between the two humps insead.
“W-waIT~” Error moans, back arching as he squirms, even as he can feel his soul slowly giving to their touch, certain it’s leaking at this point. Probably covering ‘Ink’s’ hands and mouth in his magic.
Feeling the phalanges continue to press into his soul, the little boundy easily gives in, letting the bony fingers inside.
“Ah~!” Error moans loudly, tensing and glitching as it feels like his mind and magic are slowly penetrated, forgetting how to breathe for a moment as his thoughts go blank. Luckily the imposter stops for a moment, giving him a second to collect himself.
“H-hNgh~” Panting hard, Error struggles to catch his breath, shaking and shuddering as he slumps back against the tree, trying to gather his bearings. He- he should get up- get ‘Ink to stop- The phalange pushes in deeper again, moving slowly into his soul, and his train of thought is quickly lost as he quietly keens with a shudder.
The thrusting starts off really slow, letting him get used to the sensation before it ‘Ink’ starts to pick up speed, lightly nipping at the tip of his soul. “Error is so responsive~”
“I-In- NnGHh~” Error jolts, looking up with hazy eyelights, struggling to focus as he tries to glare at the imposter. He gets a broad smile in return and a small, light kiss to the middle of his soul.
“Ink likes this Error~ He’s pretty~”
“Sh-sHuT- HhNg~” Error can’t even finish his sentence properly, eyelights loosing focus as he shivers. It makes Ink grin wider before he slowly pulls his finger out, covered in Error’s magic, and licks it clean.
“Yum~”
“S-sToP iT-” Error tries to sound at least a bit intimidating- despite being pretty much completely at Ink’s mercy- but it comes out much more like a whine. Smiling almost innocently down at him, the imposter turns his soul around and lickes at the newly formed slit, thoroughly enjoying it.
“Sh-sHi- HaAah~” The destroyer shudders, moaning at the feeling of their magic just on the edge of going into his soul, and he can almost feel as more arousal drips from it. The Ink teases and rubs his tongue against it more and more in slow, calculated movements, watching intensely.
“I-INnnK~” Error tries to protest, though it sounds more like a moan as he lets his head loll back against the tree trunk, eyelights fuzzy and unfocused as he twitches and shivers with every small movement.
With one deep purr, the false creator pushes his tongue inside and stretches his soul’s slit wide open.
“AHh~!” Glitching harshly, Error is overcome by a strong wave of pleasure, everything but the painfully wonderful feelings assaulting his body and soul fading away for a moment, not noticing as his full ectobody snaps into place and he cums into his pants.
In the far back of his mind, Error notes that this is probably the most intense and sudden orgasam he’s had.
It's so beautiful to watch. The fearsome destroyer that was attacking him only several minutes ago, moaning and shaking and looking absolutely wrecked. The imposter Ink sucks up all the lovely magic that seems out of the soul and into his mouth, practically addicted to the dinner and a show already.
Once Error’s soul is clean, glistening with faded rainbow spit, he swallows it, quick and painlessly, the glitching soul slides down into his ecto stomach to be temporarily stored while Ink has more fun.
“H-HnNg~” Error can only moan helplessly at the odd feeling, still recovering from his orgasam, going limp as he breathes hard, drooling a bit at this point.
"Error has more magic for Ink, huh~?" Smiling, 'Ink' jumps down from his branch and crouches down at Error’s feet to gently tug his pants down, making the glitch whine weakly as his already half hard cock and soaking cunt is revealed.
“N-ngH…~”
"Ooo~ Yummy~" Without any hesitation, 'Ink' leans down and licks the cum off Error’s dick like it's a lollipop, purring to himself all the way as he laps at the shaft.
“W-wAi- AaH~” Error tries to protest, only to cut himself off with a low moan, feeling slick begin to pool under him as his dick stiffens under the imposter’s ministrations. The smaller’s tongue feels so unbelievably good against his magic, eagerly licking up the cum between his legs until all that’s left is his slick.
“F-fuCk~ InK P-pleAse~” Error pants, whimpering needily and weakly squirming, completely helpless to the pleasure and building pressure in his gut.
“Please what, Error~?” The smaller skeleton licks down lower to clean up and lightly suck on the glitch’s clit, trying to swallow all of Error’s release that he can.
“HaAh~” Error tries to close his thighs around the imposter’s skull, torn between pulling him closer and pushing him away and ‘Ink’ lets him. Both the smaller skeleton's hands come up to rub and squeeze the ecto flesh surrounding him as he begins to lick at Error’s walls, the gold speckled blue cock resting on his skull.
“Y-yEs yeS PLeAse dOn’T StoPp~” Error moans almost diriously, eyelights rolling up into his skull as he finds himself grinding down on ‘Ink’s’ face, precum dripping from his dick as the coil in his gut tightens. The imposter is so good with his tongue, scooping up Error’s arousal and swallowing it shamelessly.
“HmMmm~” The smaller purrs around his clit, giving it a firm suck before he goes back to lapping up the glitch’s magic. It doesn’t take long for Error to approach the edge, moaning louder and glitching more as his walls flutter, dick twitching tellingly.
The imposter suddenly pulls his face away and immediately deepthroats Error’s cock in one swift movement, swallowing repeatedly.
“AaHHh~!!” Error tenses, cumming down Ink’s throat as he tenses, glitching harshly and clenching down on nothing, a few error signs filling his sockets as his vision whites out. The smaller skeleton gulps down the hot magic eagerly, closing his sockets and taking everything in before he pulls away, licking his lips as Error’s dick falls limply.
“So good..~ Ink has a new favorite treat~”
“Hah.. hAh..~” Breathing hard, Error closes his sockets, struggling to catch his breath as he trembles, mind hazy. ‘Ink’ takes the time to admire how work and clean the destroyers cunt with his tongue, making sure to avoid Error’s clit to not overstimulate him.
“Good boy, Ruru~ So good~” The glitch whines weakly in response, the praise making him shudder, a bit more slick dripping from his cunt. The imposter is half tempted to lick it up, but he sits up to lightly nuzzle Error’s skull instead, headbutting him.
“Would Error like Ink to take him to the anti-void? Or leave Error here?”
“An…aNtiVOid…” Error manages to mutter after a moment, too out of it to stop himself from pressing into the affection. With a smile, the small skeleton stands and opens a portal, before gently picking the glitch up, and his pants, and carrying him back into the white void.
‘Ink’ gets Error comfortable on the beanbag, grabbing a wet cloth to clean him up, so he doesn’t feel gross and sticky later, before covering the glitch in a soft weighted blanket, covered in stars.
“Better?”
“Hm..~” Error burrows further under the blanket with a tired hum of approval, bunching some of it up to hold like a stuffed animal, already half asleep. With a soft smile, the false creator places a kiss on Error’s skull, nuzzling him lightly one last time, before he turns to leave.
~
Error wakes up slowly, feeling comfortably warm and heavy as he becomes aware, and he stretches with a yawn, humming as he cuddles further under the blanket- only to pause at the odd soreness between his legs. What had happened..?
Brows furrowing, he groggily opens his sockets, blinking slowly as he looks around. Huh… when’d he get this blanket…?
He stares at the stary blanket covering him for a moment, only to stiffen as memories of what had happened come back to him, and he sits up, reaching up to clutch at his sternum.
“Th-hAT baST-taRd toOK-k mY SOuL-!!”
~
Across the multiverse, the second Ink giggles, rubbing a hand over his middle as Error’s soul hisses lightly with flustered anger. He is very cute~ The Ink dresses up in an off color version of his usual outfit, the light tan brown a soft gray and adding a rainbow sheen to the white spots and a few white splashes of paint on his now darker gray scarf.
“There, now Ink won’t stand out to much.” With an excited giggle, the false creator jumps down from the rooftop to hide in the medieval village below.
~
“Th-tHAt fuCkiNg bitCh-” Error curses to himself, blushing brightly as he flings the blanket off of himself, angrily grabbing himself a spare pair of pants when he realizes he’s not wearing any. That stupid imposter had violated him in the most intimate of ways- and Error had liked it-! He had begged for more while he was at that virus’ mercy- hell, he had let it happen in the first place!
Shame and anger whirls within him as Error brings his hands up to his burning face. A small, shameful part of him wants ‘Ink’ to do it again- to force him to succumb to the pleasure even as he struggles to fight against it, completely helpless to him. He hates it- and he hates that he can’t bring himself to fully hate that encounter.
For a long while, everything continues as normal, as if his soul wasn’t stolen and the virus had never even existed. Almost all traces of it were gone, the previously infected AU’s perfectly fine. Was it all a trick to lure him in? Had the fake Ink gotten what he wanted?
Error’s not sure why the fake had wanted his soul- considering he’s not dead or infected in any way, at least, to his knowledge. In fact, other than his emotions feeling slightly more distant or disconnected, Error hardly even notices his soul’s separation.
Everything seemed somewhat ok, until while in a meeting in Nightmare’s castle, he feels boney phalanges brushing the edges of his soul. Error’s sockets widen and he quickly wills away a blush, glitching a bit as he discreetly tries to look around, as if expecting to catch sight of the imposter with his soul.
Nightmare continues to talk, the gang completely unaware as the false creatore places an agonizingly gentle kiss on the center of his soul, making him shiver. Glaring down at the table, Error tries to send the intent of ‘not now busy’ through his soul, but considering he doesn’t know how exactly to do it, he has no idea if it even goes through at all.
Luckily the imposter seems to pause, the rubbing from his hands stopping. Instead, ‘Ink’ lightly peppers the surface of Error’s soul with kisses, purring. It’s honestly not that much better, and Error struggles to fight back his blush as he shivers again.
Each little kiss is full of surprisingly affectionate intent, and Error braces himself against the table, hunching in on himself a bit as he curls his hands into fists, a shudder running through him.
“Error? Is something wrong?” The negative guardian asks in concern and slight annoyance. Everyone else turns to look at him as he glitches from the sudden attention on him and he looks away, embarrassed at being caught.
“N-nO- I’m fINe. PleAse cONTinUe.” Error mutters.The king gives him a suspicious look before continuing on with the discussion. The kisses continue as well, light and gentle against his soul, making it difficult to concentrate as Error fights any reactions, eyelights growing hazy.
By the time the meeting is over and everyone turns to leave, Nightmare calls him out, asking him to stay behind for a moment. Error internally curses, pausing from where he was about to quickly escape.
“Y-yeS?” A tentacle slowly wraps around him, not unlike a boa wrapping around its prey, trapping him in its coils as Nightmare takes a step closer, making Error stiffen a bit.
“Why can’t I sense your emotions, Error?”
“YoU.. cAN’t?” Error questions, genuinely surprised. His soul may be separated from him, but it hardly hindered his ability to feel. Nightmare raises a bone brow, the tentacle slowly encasing him in a cocoon coming up to curl under his chin.
“No, I can not. Do you have any idea why that might be?”
“U-uM…” The glitch struggles to form a proper sentence, sockets fluttering as his soul is kissed a bit more firmly, and he can’t help but melt into Nightmare’s touch a bit. Confused and concerned, the king steps closer to Error and lightly nuzzles his skull.
“Error, tell me what is wrong.”
“I’m- I’m fiNe- I prOMisE.” Error swears, “I sH-shOuLd gO-”
“Error. I will not ask again.” Nightmare says in warning, tightening his hold, making Error squirm.
“I- I’vE GOt it haNDleD-” A choked off sound escapes the destroyer as the phalanges tentatively return against his soul, the touch featherlight in a way that has him craving more. After a hard stare from Nightmare, he’s let go with a sigh.
“Alright, but if something does go wrong then I expect you to inform me.” The phalanges teasingly trace the edges of his soul and Error stumbles a bit from the lack of support, choking back a small whine as he shivers, squeezing his sockets shut.
“Error-” Nightmare reaches out for him again, and he opens his sockets, turning to escape as he blushes.
“I- I g-goTta gO-” Nightmare doesn’t get a chance to say anything as Error escapes through a portal to the antivoid- only to trip halfway through as his soul is cupped in boney hands, the simple touch alone enough to make him weak in the knees.
With another firm kiss to his soul, the imposter begins to poke and prod at that same entrance from before, teasing him the same way he had before. Error sinks to his knees with a faint whine, blushing brightly as he shivers, forgetting about the still open portal behind him as his soul slowly begins to give under the touches.
It’s just as slow as before, letting him get used to the sensations before the false creator continues any further. As his soul starts to leak, ‘Ink’ gently pushes a single phalange inside.
“Sh-sHIt-” Error whimpers, hunching forward as he clutches his shirt above his sternum, debating if it’d be worth trying to get to his beanbag. That one phalange thrusts in and out of his soul slowly, going deeper and deeper with each movement, and Error decides here is fine as he pants, needing to support his upper half with his elbow as he works to stay quiet- if only for his own sense of pride.
“...Error. You do know I’m still here, right?” The glitch jolts, quickly trying to scramble up as he turns, looking at Nightmare with unfocused eyelights, still clutching at his shirt. Clearly he hadn’t.
The goopy king steps through his portal into the anti-void, eyeing the glitch with suspicion. “So that’s what’s going on. You clearly don’t have it under control, my friend-”
“No-!” Error cuts him off, accidentally shouting as the phalange continues to move, legs feeling dangerously unsteady beneath him. “I’m F-fiNe-”
“Hmm…So this is ok with you? To have someone molesting your soul? If that is the case I mean.” Nightmare’s tentacles curl and sway slowly behind him, suspicious and slightly amused. Error whimpers weakly, tearing up a bit. Of course he’s not okay with it! …And how had Nightmare managed to figure it out so quickly-?
“I C-cAn’T-” He stutters. The guardians tentacles wrap around him, gently picking him up to place him comfortably on the beanbag.
“I will try to find it for you, alright?” Error’s quick to shake his head, squirming.
“I-iT’s a vIR-ru- HnGh~” The glitch can’t hold back the moan as his soul is lightly squeezed, the imposter’s phalange still buried in it. With a purr, a second phalange is slowly added to the first, stretching his soul open wider, making him choke on air, eyelights rolling up into his skull as his back arches at the painfully pleasurable sensation.
Nightmare frowns deeply, a tentacle moving down to gently pet Error’s skull. “I can’t just let them do this to you Ru…”
“Hn-nNhh~” Error moans softly, pressing his head into the touch as he shudders. “Th-thEy’LL- Ah~ InF-feCt yoU-”
“...What do you want me to do?” Nightmare nuzzles him as the fake Ink slowly begins to scissor his entrance, spreading his soul's inner walls, and Error looses his ability to think as he’s overwhelmed by the feeling of being slowly stretched out, tensing as he struggles to remember how to breathe. It feels so good it is almost painful.
Nightmare gently pets his skull, hoping to ground his friend in an effort to help somehow. His walls continue to be stretched, the entrance being widened in preparation for something bigger.
“Hh-hAaH~ F-fUck~” Error moans and whines, shaking as he feels a bit lightheaded, helplessly squirming. All Nightmare can do is pet the glitch’s skull and hope that Error will be ok while the imposter stretches him wide before pulling his phalanges out. The glitch stiffens, arching as they drag against the inside of his soul, before relaxing with a breathless whine.
“N-ngH~” Panting hard, Error shakily reaches up, grabbing Nightmare’s hand. He gets a firm, reassuring squeeze from the guardian before something bigger is pressed up against his soul's entrance. Error’s sockets widen in fear even as he shudders at the press of magic against his soul.
“W-wAit wAIt It wOn’T Fit-” He stammers, despite knowing the culprit isn’t even here. The imposter continues to push his soul down and their dick practically spears into his soul, stretching it even wider. Error lets out a choked up cry as white hot pain and pleasure shoot through him, glitching heavily. He’s pretty sure he actually blacks out for a moment.
Nightmare holds his face with his tentacles as he slowly rubs his hand, whining in worry. All movement to his soul stops, the fake Ink’s cock sitting still inside his soul as the smaller waits. Error eventually is able to return to awareness, shaking hard enough for his bones to rattle as he struggles to catch his breath, whining weakly as he leans into Nightmare’s touch.
“Ru…it’s too much for you. Let me stop them-”
“N-nO… Th..tHey’Re Li-IKe In-iNk-” Error protests.
“...What do you mean like Ink?”
“Mn..~ L-liKe a sT-troNger CoPy ‘f hIM..” The glitch mutters, struggling slightly to string longer sentences together with the still very prominent feeling of what he’s almost certain is the virus’ dick nestled in his stretched out soul.
“A virus copy of him..” Nightmare doesn’t get a chance to really think about it as Error's soul slowly begins to be moved, only an inch or so every second.
“H-haAh~” Error glitches, twitching with every small movement as he becomes thoroughly distracted by the painfully intense wonderful pleasure. The grip on his soul is tight as it’s moved up and down on the virus’s cock, the shaft stretching him deep on the inside and so agonizingly slowly.
Error is unable to focus on anything but the ministrations on his soul, moaning loudly as his magic sparks and his ecto snaps into place, too far gone to even think about trying to stop it, almost painfully aroused as he squirms, hips moving against nothing, feeling himself rapidly approaching the edge.
The virus moves at the same slow pace the whole way through, taking one hand away to fuel his own pleasure. Just before Error can reach his climax, ‘Ink’ suddenly pulls out, making him whine breathlessly, squirming more as he opens his sockets, eyelights blown out and fuzzy.
The emptiness doesn’t last long, the imposter’s tongue quickly replacing his dick inside Error’s soul. Maybe not as big, but more than happy to wiggle around in the extra space.
“A-aHh~!” It only takes a few more moments before Error orgasams, crying out as he tenses and glitches, a wet spot growing on his pants as he cums. The imposter eats it all up just like last time, licking the inside and outside of his soul completely clean, leaving him a trembling, whimpering mess as he slowly comes down from his high, going limp and panting hard. The virus swallows his soul like last time and the touches stop completely.
“Error…?”
“...H-hM..?” Error hums, blinking tiredly as he looks at Nightmare, who nuzzles his skull gently.
“Are you ok..?” The glitch just hums again, pressing his skull back against Nightmare’s.
“‘M Th’nK… Th-heY’re dONe…” He mumbles after a moment.
“...Do you want a bath and some water?”
“P-pLeAse…” Nuzzling him some more, Nightmare carefully picks the tired glitch up, carrying him flush against his chest as he walks back through the still open portal and takes Error to his bathroom to clean up. Error actually manages to fall asleep halfway through, using one of Nightmare’s tentacles as a headrest as he dozes, knowing he’ll be safe in his friend’s care.
~
When he wakes up, he's snuggled up against Nightmare in the king's bed, dressed in one of the goopy skeleton's nightgowns.
“Hm..~” Error hums sleepily as he shifts, turning to nuzzle Nightmare with a yawn. The king purrs and holds him closer, nuzzling back.
“Hmm..~ Good morning, Ruru~”
“MorNIn’~” Error mumbles, stretching. “HoW LoNg waS I ouT?”
“A little over 12 hours.”
“Hm… ‘s nOT tOo baD..” He mutters, nuzzling up under Nightmare’s chin. The king purrs louder, a tentacle waging behind him, lightly thumping against the bed.
“Do you feel better..?”
“YeAh… ThaNks foR TakIN’ caRe of mE..~”
“Of course~ I could never bear the thought of leaving you like that.” Nightmare smiles at him, purring a little louder as Error smiles back, embarrassed.
“Y-yeaH- soRry yoU HaD To seE me LikE thaT-” With another nuzzle, the guardians tentacles gently begin to pet Error all over.
“I would be lying if I said you don’t look good as a moaning mess, so don’t apologize~” The glitch whines, blushing brightly in embarrassment as he squirms a bit, hiding his face in Nightmare’s chest. The guardian chuckles, placing a small kiss to the top of Error’s skull.
“So what are we going to do about the virus?”
“...I doN’t knoW- I don’T KNow iF We eVen cAn dO ANythINg…” Error admits. “WhEn I Had firSt foUnd the VIrus, thEy HaD ALreAdy taKen ovEr seVeraL AUs. ANyoNe whO isN’t alrEaDY COrruPteD LIkE me is sUscEptiBLe to thEm..”
“We can’t just leave them with your soul though! We have to do something!” His tentacles curl in frustration and anger. How dare something take Error’s soul- the audacity!
“They’Re moRe poWErfUl thAN Ink wiTh thE cApabiLItiEs oF FReSh- I’d raTheR thEm HaVe my SOul thAn riSk yoU guYs iN An aTteMpt tO TAke iT BacK.” Error states with a nuzzle. “THey’Ve haD mY SoUl foR a feW WeEks bY noW- I haVen’T TOld anYonE FOr a reAsoN.”
“...I still don’t like it.” Nightmare says with a deep frown, nuzzling his face against Error some more.
“Me neiTHer..” Error admits, wiggling closer to Nightmare.
“...Besides..molesting you, they aren’t hurting you right?”
“SuRPrisINgly EnoUgh, yEaH- I haRdly eVen noTIcE It’S goNe aT TimEs.”
“Hopefully that’s one less thing we have to worry about.” Nightmare nuzzles their cheeks together aggressively, giving him a squeeze. “I’m worried.”
“I’m soRrY.” Error mumbles, nuzzling Nightmare back.
“They could kill you at any moment and I wouldn’t be able to do anything about it...”
“...Y-yeAh.. ThoUgH- I thINk thEy’Re liKe- eaTinG My maGIc? HopEFUlly thEy woN’t wAnt me dEad iF I’m a MajOr foOd soURce..”
“Eating your magic…hmm…” Nightmare closes his socket as he thinks, a tentacle lightly curling against Error’s cheek. “Will you call me every time the virus…feeds then? I don’t want you to be alone or vulnerable..”
“I… gUesS..?” Error blushes, glancing away.
“I don’t want an “I guess” I want you to promise you will call me, Ru.” Nightmare says sternly, giving the glitch a hard look.
“O-okAy…. I prOMisE.” Error agrees, albeit slightly reluctantly. The king smiles at him before giving him a kiss on the forehead.
“Thank you…At least I can do something to keep you safe.”
“Mhm..” Blushing harder, Error buries his face in Nightmare’s chest again, getting a chuckle out of the guardian.
“What~? Did I say something embarrassing~?”
“N-no- shUt uP-”
“Something has you flustered~” Error whines, lightly slapping- though it’s more like a pat- Nightmare’s face as he presses his face harder against his ribcage. The guardian doesn’t really understand what has the glitch so flustered, but it's cute either way. He hums, grabbing Error’s hand to press it against his cheek before turning his skull just enough to kiss the destroyer's palm, making the glitch whine louder, face bright yellow.
Chapter 32: Error’s multiverse travels
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
The antivoid is incredibly weird sometimes. Unfortunately, Error gets caught up in it.
Warning- general angst that comes with Fgod multiverse.
Notes:
Heyyyyy I exist again! Sorry for not updating the past couple of days I’m on vacation and Wolfe and Eclipse forgot to update for me.
Chapter Text
Error huffs as he steps into the anti-void, grumbling in annoyance as he tries to shake off the paint still clinging to his clothes. Ink was being….more annoying than usual. He was rambling about a series of new AU’s that were oddly unique. Something about a mini multiverse event.
The destroyer shrugs off his stained jacket as he walks under the endless white ‘sky’ full of blue strings, pulsing with destructive magic and souls glowing with determination. Hopefully he still has a change of clothes in his box of fabric.
“H-hoMe swEet hoMe.” The closer he gets to his little hub, primarily made up of his giant beanbag and chocolate wrappers…something begins to feel off. He can’t quite put his finger on it, but the feeling is enough to make him pause and look a little closer.
“DId I leAVe A WINdOW opEn?” He asks himself, a touch confused. Though… looking around, the placement of things seems a bit strange. Where did his boxes of supplies go? And that blanket he had been working on for Blue?
That’s when a horribly familiar voice yells aggressively at the open window, the usual reruns of undernovalia playing. “N-No-O AgSORo! Don’T-t lET HEr gO You iD-dIOt!!”
The glitching voice growls as they stand up from the bean bag, kicking a Sans puppet across the floor of the anti-void. “Ya KNOw sHE-e’S JusT GonNa GO baCK tO SIn!”
“...WhAT THe heLl…” Error mutters as he stares at.. himself? He shouldn’t have any outcode alternates-?? He’s a glitch. The multiverse can’t make another him…right? What should he do? Should he say something? He can’t just leave- well he could, but this is his spot!
As Error glitches, thinking it over, the alternate pauses his aggressive rambling and suddenly turns to look at him, squinting. They stare at each other for maybe less than a second before what he thought were his own blue strings descend on him from above.
“HeY WhA-??” Error yelps, quickly glitching out of the way.
“G-gET OuT-t!” Several blasters fire at him simultaneously as his alternate yells in rage. “STuPid-D ABomINAtI-ioN!!”
“No fUCk yoU-!” Making up his mind, Error glitches next to his alternate and tackles him, feeling only slightly bad about the cheap trick. His alternate screeches and thrashes beneath him, glitching wildly at the unexpected contact.
“G-gET-t O-oF-fF-!!”
“NoPE SorRy-!” Error just holds him tighter, waiting for him to crash. It only takes a few more seconds for a loud loud beep sounds below him and his alternate goes limp.
Error quickly gets off of him, and picks him up, setting his immoble form on the beanbag.
“SoRrY ABouT THaT bUt I’d raTHer yoU Not kILL oR Go aFteR Me.” Error explains, despite knowing the other glitch wouldn’t be able to hear him. Hopefully, his alternate won’t even remember the meeting in the first place.
“....WElL noW WhaT?” He should probably find out where this Error came from… maybe he could ask Nightmare? He’s not sure if he will get anything from looking at the alternate’s code if it’s as jacked up as his.
Asking Nightmare would probably be his best bet- the negative guardian has eyes and ears just about everywhere. Ink does too but Error’s annoyed at the creator right now- hell, he’s still pretty covered in paint, though most of it is dry at this point.
He sighs, feeling tired already before turning to open a portal.
Reboot…yes/no
“...YeS.” Error pauses long enough to hit the button on the prompt, just to be sure, before walking through the portal to Nightmare’s office.
“What do you want, destroyer? I’m busy.” Error pauses, blinking in surprise.
“Uh- DiD I dO SOmEthiNg..?” He questions, brows furrowing. Nightmare usually only uses his title when he’s mad at him. But the guardian looks up from his paperwork to give Error a plain and unimpressed expression, tentacles curling in what Error has found to be annoyance.
“I don’t know, have you?”
“..NnoT THaT I cAN THiNk oF?” Error responds, confusion growing. “C’mON- yoU knOw I cAN Be a duMBasS- If I Did SOmeTHinG To uPSeT YoU PleAse teLl mE-”
Nightmare gives him the weirdest and most ‘what the fuck’ look he has every seen on the guardian’s face, which is really saying something. The goop covered skeleton then stands from his desk and immediately wraps Error tightly in his tentacles, giving him a hard look.
“Who are you and what have you done with Error?”
“WhAT The-?? WHaT oN EaRth aRE YOu taLkinG ABouT- I aM ErROr!” Error squirms, glitching in surprise. NIghtmare narrows his socket, leaning in close to give Error a hard searching look.
“Error would never admit to being an idiot. He’s too prideful and full of himself.”
“Wh- YeArS AGo, maYBe- I’d sAY I’m hONEsTly a biT SeLF-dEPreciATive- WhAT Is EVen HapPEninG??” He questions, looking back at Nightmare in confusion. The guardian hums, a tentacle curling under Error’s chin and sliding around his neck as Nightmare thinks. Error just idly nuzzles it, used to the tentacles doing their own thing at this point.
“Hmm…either you traveled through time or entered another multiverse somehow.”
“WhAT? ThERe’S N-nO WaY- Is CRoSs paRT Of ThE GaNg? WHo’S HeRE? WaIT WaIt fUCk Is ThAT whY THeRe’s aNOthEr ERroR??” Panicking, Error struggles in Nightmare’s hold, trying to free his arms to look at the code. Luckily the guardian allows him to slip his arms free, still deep in thought.
“I don’t know who this Cross is. It is just Killer, Horror, and Dust under my care- wait did you say another Error? That doesn’t really narrow down the two options.”
“YeAH I maDE Him cRaSh ANd leFT Him iN THe aNTivoID wHILe hE WaS REbOoTInG- doES X-tALe exISt? FucK-” He curses as he scrolls through the multiverse’s code.
“X-tale…..I’ve heard of it, though it’s fairly new.” Nightmare mumbles, his tentacles curling against Error’s cheek. If this is in the past then it would be interesting to know Nightmare would have been unconsciously affectionate to him even before they became official friends.
“KeEP A CLoSe Eye oN It.” He cautions. Looking at the code is honestly supplying less answers than he’d like- though if this is a different multiverse it’s very close to his own. The time travel theory is starting to seem like the more likely option.
Nightmare raises a brow at his comment, but doesn’t question it, deciding to direct his attention to Error’s findings. “Anything in the code that may shed some light on the subject?”
“I’m sTARtinG To thINk iT MigHt be Time TRaVel- thoUGh thE COde is jUST difFEreNT ENouGh tO WhaT I’m uSEd to ThaT I’m noT SurE..”
“Hmm…Alright then. We should bring Error- the other Error- here before he does something stupid.”
“He proBaBLy aLReAdy haS-” Error deadpane, getting a tired sigh from the guardian.
“I am well aware.” After a moment, Nightmare lets him go, the goopy skeletons tentacles begrudgingly coming back to his side, though said skeleton doesn’t seem to notice. Error only pouts a little at the loss.
“Hmm…The longer you stay here the harder it will be for you to return. If you really did travel through time then your presence here alone has already disrupted the timeline.”
“THe loNgER I’m heRE thE LeSs likELy I aM TO exISt…” Error mumbles, frowning deeply.
“That is depending on how time flows on the multiversal timeline, which no one is familiar with. It is unlikely, but possible that this new series of events could override your own, or it has created a new branching timeline from the original, like how the universe's timelines branch off after becoming too different from the original story to be just a timeline.”
“So EIthER I stOp EXisTINg oR My prESenCE MaDE THis an ALteRNAte MuLTiveRSe. FuN.”
“Precisely. So either way the longer you stay here the worse this situation becomes. How did you even get here?”
“I wALkeD.” Error deadpans, picking worriedly at his phalanges. He gets a light smack on the skull for that one, coupled with an unimpressed look.
“I hate you.”
“YOu hARdlY EveN KnoW Me-” Error counters. “BuT SEriOUsly I WaS JusT WAlkINg thrOUgH THe aNTivOId tO WhaT I ThoUghT WAs mY CoRNeR Of iT.”
“Nothing else? Nothing odd happened before then?”
“NoPE- jUSt InK beINg aNnOYinG.” He gestures to his paint covered self, getting another sigh from the other.
“That doesn’t leave us with many options….Other than you going back to the anti-void and opening a portal with the intent to go back from which you came.”
“WOulD THaT EvEN WOrK thOuGH?” Error questions, feeling bad despite being almost certain none of this was his fault. Nightmare shrugs and walks around to sit back down at his desk.
“It’s as possible as it is likely, not very….However I am sure your time and or multiverse misses and needs you, so it’s better then nothing.”
“ALriGht… If I DoN’t coMe bACk aSsuME iT WOrKed. GooD LUcK wiTh Me.” With that, he turns, concentrating on his own antivoid as he opens a portal. Nightmare gives him a small wave before he steps though, Error shooting him a smile back, before closing the portal.
~
Upon turning around, Error could immediately tell something was off. He’s sure he opened a portal at least close to his spot, the strings and trapped souls above him only proved him right….except…his beanbag and actual stuff is nowhere to be seen. There’s nothing here at all as far as he can see- which isn’t far but still-
“Hm…” Frowning, Error starts walking towards where his stuff should’ve been, looking around. ‘Did it not work..?’ he thinks to himself as he scans the white horizon, before pausing when he notices a very small splotch of color not too far away.
After a moment of deliberation, Error walks towards it, squinting a bit as he tries to figure out what it is…but once the figure really comes into view, he finds himself sprinting to get a better look.
It was hard to tell at first, looking like just a pile of buzzing bones or something- but he’s sure he didn’t leave just a pile of his attacks in the antivoid at any point. In the past or present. However, the closer he gets, he comes to the horrifying realization that the bones aren’t magic attacks at all.
“O-oH My foX WHaT THe fuCK-k-” Error mutters as he reaches the absolutely mutilated version of himself, falling to his knees as his hands glow a bright but flickering green, scrambling to figure out where to even begin . His alternate hardly even looks like a person anymore, already seemingly starting to dust.
How they even managed to somehow stay alive in such a condition at all is beyond him. He sits there for void knows how long just trying to set everything in pace, trying to find out what bone goes where on the other's disfigured body. With the only relatively intact thing being their skull, he doubts be’ll even be able to heal them in time….but as more time passes…he realizes that, every so slowly, the alternates strings begins to pull their body back together, forcing bones to fuse into one peace and set back into place with sickening cracks.
It’s horrifying to watch, and Error has to walk away for a moment to gather himself again, before going back to help the strings, peasing everything together bit by bit, making sure that the bones are properly aligned to the best of his ability, using his exhausted healing magic to help speed up the process. It’s like some terrible, horrifying, morbid puzzle.
When his alternate at least somewhat looks like a skeleton- still very much in pieces, not even halfway through- two eyelights, so fuzzy and unfocused that he doesn’t think they're even conscious, appear in the others red sockets. They let out a strained wheeze, a terrible, pained sound made even worse by the glitching of their voice, as they slowly blink away tears.
“P-pLEaSe doN’T M-mOVe… It’S O-oKaY..” Error shakily murmurs, blinking his own sympathetic tears away as he soothingly rubs their cheek, struggling to push more healing magic into them.
He can tell how the initial touch makes them panic, their sockets trying to widen as they let out another strained wheeze, before practically melting into the healing magic, using what strength they have to try and move their skull closer.
“Y-yoU’R-re oKaY… I goT Ya..” Error comforts, a few tears escaping his sockets as he uses his free hand to carefully continue putting them together, using his own strings in areas the other’s strings seem to deem as less necessary.
It seems to take forever to get his alternate to even just the point of having everything somewhat in place, not even healed together. The moment he does however, the other glitch tries to sit up, making Error panic, desperately trying to heal them as he tries to gently push them back down.
“W-w-waIT PLeaSE D-doN’T MovE-” He stammers, about ready to pass out from magic exertion but having no plans on stopping. But his alternate doesn’t listen, their face oddly blank, save for the tears streaming down their cheeks as they gently push Error’s hand aside.
“...I-i-I’Ll bE-e-E FIn-nE…”
“P-pLeASE- PlEasE juSt- YoU’rE HUrt…” Error pleads, voice breaking. He hates how he can’t do more… The alternate looks at him with barely focused eyelights before moving to stand, stumbling and nearly falling over before managing to right himself.
“U-uSed-D T-t-TO iT-t…No-OT-t W-wORth-H yoUR-r TIm-mE-e..”
“PLeAse- laY BaCK DOwn At l-LeAst-” Error quickly scrambles up, unsteady on his feet as he tries to steady them, flinching as every movement sends dust from the other’s bones. The other glitch barely even flinches- though Error can imagine that the contact isn’t nearly as painful as what his alternate must be experiencing. The only reason they're even able to move is due to their strings having focused on reforming their spine.
“C-cAn-N’T-t-t…hAVe-e wo-ORk-k-K..”
“LeT- leT Me do It- JuST GivE Me thE AU LisT- PLeAse- YOu nEeD To reSt-” Error tries to negotiate. He’s worked on fumes before, he’s sure he could do it again- However the very thought is stopped immediately by his alternate speaking in the clearest voice he’s heard so far.
“N-nO.” Error freezes, glitching slightly as he stares at them in surprise. They slowly turn from him, lifting their hand and forming a portal in front of the two glitches.
“...B..BUt… YoU’re huRt…” Error weakly mumbles, feeling useless. They stare at him for a long moment, their mouth creased in a fine line.
“....I-i’M al-LwAy-yS huRt.” They tell him, almost like it’s normal before turning to stumble through the portal.
“..W-wAit-!” Reacting just a bit too slowly, Error tries to follow, only for the portal to close just barely out of reach, and he stumbles, yelping as he barely manages to keep himself from faceplanting.
“...I j-jUSt waNt TO hElp…”
~
When his alternate finally returns it’s impossible to tell how long it took for them to finish, being in the antivoid and all. The other quite literally fell back into the white space, simply laying there for a moment before Error makes it over to them, and he gently places a hand on their chest, already tiredly trying to push healing magic into them.
Error had been fighting exhaustion the entire time he waited, refusing to let himself sleep. He didn’t want to risk being asleep when they got back. HIs alternate immediately pushes his hands away, asking him to stop in a quiet voice- or as quiet as their glitching voices can be-
“PLeAsE..? I waNT To heLp- PLeASe lEt mE HElp yoU…” Error mumbles, not even having the energy to push back.
“No-O-o..it’S-s a waST-te.” Error frowns, finding himself tearing up a bit- tired and emotional.
“...PleASe…?” They slowly shake their head before sitting up and pulling strings from their sockets. Huffing, Error puts his hand over theirs, glaring up at them.
“Let mE HElp- oR- OR I’m GOiNg to Go dEstROy AUs.” He tries a different angle, getting a hard look from his alternate. The taller glitch narrows his sockets at him before quickly, but gently, grabbing his wrist.
“N-nO yOU WonT-t.”
“YeS. I wILL.” He says defiantly. His alternate huffs a little before suddenly letting go of Error’s wrist to pull in the strings he had summoned moments before, suspending the smaller glitch in the air as said strings wrap around his soul, making him yelp.
“No YOu W-WOnt.”
“Wh- h-hEY-!” Error protests, glitching as he tries to wiggle out of the string’s hold. “L-leT Me go-!”
“No-O.” His alternate tells him firmly. “If-F YoU AtTaCk AN aU, tHEY WIlL k-kILl yOU. It-T’s M-mY Job…”
“I jUsT Want To hELp… You’RE HUrT anD- aND You wEre iN PieceS WHeN I FoUnd yOU- anD YOu juSt goT Up? LiKE IT wAs NothINg? ANd hAd to WOrk- nO OnE DeSErvEs thAT ANd juSt-” Error pauses to take a breath, going limp in defeat. “I’m JuST-t trYInG To heLP… I dOn’T C-caRE IF yoU THink it’s A WaSTe..”
The other glitch stares at him for a very long time, an unreadable expression on his face. Slowly, the taller lowers him down and hesitantly pets his skull.
“...Y-yOUr jUST Lik-KE bLUe…” Looking up at his alternate, he's shocked to see the smallest of smiles on their face, and he tears up again at the sight of it. “Y-yOU’ll onLY Get HURt b-bENg-g arouN-nD Me.”
“Y-yOu aCT aS If thAt Ch-chANgEs anYThinG.” Error replies weakly. At this point, he’s not sure he’ll be able to go home anymore. His conscience probably won't let him leave, not like this. The taller pets his skull for a moment longer before sliding their hand down to his shoulder.
“It-T JUsT GIv-vES mE More-e REaSOn to KEep YOU awAY.” They shove him back, making him stumble in shock as the ‘floor’ vanishes beneath him. Error yelps, instinctively trying to use his strings to hold himself up, only for his magic to completely ignore his call, and he falls back through what he assumes is his alternate’s portal.
Error lands back into a snow poff, sinking through as he hears the portal close, and he blinks up dumbly at the cave ceiling now above him.
“...Wh-wHAt thE HeLL-??” He exclaims, tired and frustrated as he just lets himself lay limply on the snow poff, shivering a bit. Error’s still covered in paint- and he left his jacket back at that other multiverse’s antivoid. This really isn’t going very well….How does he keep multiverse hoping in the first place!?....at least- he hopes this is another multiverse. If he went to the past last time…..No. No way- this wouldn’t be the future. He's sure of it.
The tiny changes he had caused couldn’t have led to this being the future- hell, his alternate is taller now! Maybe that really was another multiverse- just one where the past was very similar to his. After all, he’s pretty sure he had calmed at least slightly before Dust was a part of the gang.
…Yeah….What should he do now? He can’t seem to get back on his own and he doesn’t want to try until he fixes whatever is wrong in this multiverse. Obviously something is horribly wrong….being the destroyer is difficult but..it shouldn’t leave his alternate like that! From what the taller said alone his condition is nothing new.
How long has it been like this? Who would do something like that to someone! He seemed so…so nice… Although his alternate cut off his magic, he seems to think it was genuinely for a good reason. Was it because he threatened to destroy for him? He knows it’s a dangerous job, but…
Error shivers again, though he makes no effort to move…That is until a familiar loud voice calls out. “HUMAN! PLEASE DON’T HIDE IN THE SNOW POFF! YOU COULD CATCH A COLD!”
“Wh- BLuE-?” Error blurts in surprise as he quickly tries to sit up. The loud voice pauses and quickly rubs over, the snow crunching loudly beneath their feet.
“ERROR!? ARE YOU ALRIGHT!? WHAT HAPPENED!?” Blue grabs a hold of him without any hesitation, nuzzling into the glitch’s chest with a whimper. “I MIssed Y-you So Much! I’m SO Happy You Came Back!”
“I- u-uM-” Error frowns guiltily, unsure how to react. Blue- or the alternate Blue?- sniffles a little into his sweater before pulling away just enough to look up at him, before freezing in place, sockets wide.
“O-oh! I’m So Sorry! I-I Thought-...I Thought You Were Someone Else…” The small skeleton immediately lets go, looking down at the ground as he rubs his arm nervously.
“N-nO No YoU’Re- yoU’rE FIne-” The loss of the comforting touch makes him want to cry again- “I uh- AsSUme yOU meAn thE OThEr mE?”
“Uh- Yeah…I Didn’t Know Error Had Alternates Too- Being An OutCode And All.” Blue looks back up at him after a moment, trying to put on a smile. “Sorry! I Don’t Mean To BE All Gloomy. The Magnificent Blueberry Is Here To Help!”
“DoN’T FAke iT.” Error states bluntly, the smaller’s smile instantly dropping. “ANd hE DoeSn’T- I’m.. noT ExACtlY froM thIS MulTIVeRse. ErrOR kiCKeD Me oUt aNd bLoCkeD My maGIc aFteR I ThrEATeNed tO DesTrOY AUs wHeN He wOUldN’t leT Me heAL hiM.”
Blue’s frown deepens and he looks down sadly. “That Sounds Like Him…Selfless To A Fault….He Wouldn’t Let Me Heal Him Either. He Said It Was A Waste Of My Magic And Someone Would Get Mad.”
“Hm..” Error just hums quietly in response, shivering again. He’s so tired… “..To Be fAIr, I waS ExTreMEly lOw ON maGic By THe tiMe He sToPpeD Me..”
“YOU HEALED HIM!?” Blue asks in shock, sockets wide, before he quickly apologizes. “I-I Mean- He Threw Up My Magic When I Tried. It’s Like His Magic Is So Used To Being Attacked That It Sees Any Foren Magic As A Threat…”
“ReALly? WeLL… I suPpOSe My mAGic iSn’t reALly foRGin, iS It?” Error guesses. “I’m juST Him fROm aNoTheR MUltiVerSe- oUr dEStrUctiVE MagiC Is pRObaBLy veRY SimILaR.”
“Oh! You’re Right!” Blue smiles, a real smile this time. “You Are The Only One Who Can Heal Him! That’s Amazing!”
“I’m gLAd yoU ThINk sO- unFOrtuNAtely heALiNg preTty MuCH GoeS AGaINst mY veRy codE So iT’s inSaNEly drAIniNg...” Error smiles tiredly back at him and Blue gasps.
“Oh, I’m Sorry! The Magnificent Blue Will Escort You To His House For Rest And Tacos! I-if you want I mean..” The small skeleton glances away a little, definitely more shy and reserved than his Blue. It has Error’s smile turning a bit more genuine.
“I wOUld loVE thAt- ThOUgh- I’m uh- PReTtY SurE I cAn’T WaLK aT THis pOInT..” He sheepishly admits. Blue eagerly jumps at the chance to help, grinning wide.
“I Shall Carry You Then New Friend! If That Is Ok With You!” Error just snorts a bit, before shakily reaching up to make grabby hands at him.
“YOu doN’T EvEn goTtA ASk.” With an obvious excited wiggle, Blue scoops Error up out of the snow poff and brushes the snow off of him the best he can, before turning to walk back to snowdin.
“You’re So Cold! You Really Shouldn’t Lay In Snow Poffs You Know. Skeletons Are Not Good At Regulating Our Temperature!” As if proving Blue’s point, Error shivers, cuddling closer and nuzzling his face into the crook of Blue’s neck, making the smaller shiver.
“ErROr drOPpeD Me inTO iT- beSIdEs, thE CoLd goEs riGHt THrOugh mE .” Error would do finger guns if he could. His Blue always secretly loved puns, but by the very unimpressed look he’s getting from this Blue, that might be another difference between them.
“I Will Drop You.” The small skeleton threatens just as they pass the Snowdin sign.
“OkAY Okay I’ll sToP-” Error immediately relents, a touch disappointed. Blue gives him a smile as they step into town before his expression changes ever so slightly. Too cheery, too bright to be real.
“HELLO Ms. HOPPS! HOW ARE YOU TODAY?” The small blue skeleton asks in his character's usual loud voice, the bunny monster at the shop door smiles at him half heartedly, giving them a little wave.
“I’m good today, Sans. Oh- who is this interesting monster with you? I have never seen them before.”
“OH! THIS NICE MONSTER GOT LOST COMING UP FROM THE DEEP FOREST!” Blue lies without hesitation, never breaking character. “I’M JUST TAKING HIM HOME TO WARM HIM UP AND SEND HIM ON HIS WAY!”
“How nice of you Sans. You make for a wonderful sentry. It suits you.” Something about the way she says it doesn’t sound like a compliment and it’s obviously not meant to be one. Error has to hold back a scowl, instead turning to give the bunny his best ‘Killer’ grin, knowing it can be pretty creepy.
“YeAH- hE ReaLly iS THe bEsT! I hAD WaSTeD So muCH MaGic trYInG To fiNd mY WaY THat I coUldn’T EveN wALk bY THe tiMe SaNs foUnd mE.” His grin softens as he looks at Blue. “He reALlY SaVeD My hidE.”
“That’s- Great! I’m happy you're ok.” The bunny monster is clearly caught off guard by Error’s words. Blue can’t help but stare in surprise as well before smiling back.
“WELP! I’LL SEE YOU LATER MS. HOPPS! HAVE A GOOD DAY!” He doesn’t wait for the bunny monster to respond before quickly taking Error back to his house, trying to avoid conversation with anyone as he picks up the pace and closes the door behind him. “Phew…”
“BiTch..” Error mutters.
“...Sorry About That. No One Really Likes The Idea Of Me Becoming A Royal Guard…” Blue walks over and sets him down on the couch, picking up a stray bottle of honey with a sigh.
“WeLL THeY’rE All juST dUmB.” Error states, scowling at nothing. “SaY- hOW MuCh dO YOu hOLd bAcK in figHtS UsuALly?”
Blue pauses for only a moment before walking to the kitchen and throwing the container away. “Against Who?”
“AlpHYs- iF ShE ActUAlly sPArs wiTH yoU, aT LeaSt.” Error leans over the couch’s armrest, trying to peer into the kitchen. Blue searches the fridge for leftover taco meat, preparing some of last night's leftovers for the glitch.
“She Does. And Recently I’ve Been Holding Back Quite A Lot….I Almost killed Her Last Reset.”
“FiGht mE.” Error immediately demands, the small skeleton looking up at him in shock.
“W-what!? No! Why would I fight you!?”
“MaYBe nOt riGHt noW..” The glitch concedes. “BuT I’m a liTEraL GOd I’d bE finE- buT THis Is thE SEcoNd muLTivErsE I’vE BEeN To thAt isN’t my oWn anD I’m sTreSseD AS Hell, So I wAnNa sPAr! YOu woUldN’t haVe to HOld baCk ANd I CouLd prACtiCe mY dodgINg!” He proposes, as if his line of reasoning makes perfect sense.
Blue stares at him for a long moment before nodding. “Ok. That Sounds Like Fun! But Only When You Feel Better! You’ll Probably Be Here For A While…Oh- Do You Want To Use The Shower? Or Bath? That Paint Can’t Be Comfortable.” The microwave beeps and Blue takes out the taco meat before grabbing a few taco shells and stuffing them full.
“I woULdn’T MinD A BaTH… buT I’m pREtTy suRe I’d faLL aSLeEp-” Error jokes, practically hanging half off of the couch at this point as he smiles at Blue, the small skeleton walking over and setting the plate of tacos in front of him.
“Well If You Want I Could Wash Y-” Blue suddenly cuts himself off, seeming to only then realize what he was about to suggest before blushing his namesake and shaking his hands in the air. “W-wait That’s Not- Nevermind, What Am I Saying, That Would Be Weird- Right? Right. Just Forget I said Anything-!”
“..PfFt- hAhaHAhA-” Error practically cackles, blushing a bit himself as he barely keeps himself from falling off of the couch completely. “S-sORrY I jUsT- PfFft-”
“H-hey! Don’t laugh!” Blue hides his hot face in his bandana with a flustered whine, crouching down on the ground as if making himself smaller will help him escape.
“I’m sORry-!” Error laughs, taking a second to compose himself. “I jUst- sNRk- WaSn’T ExpeCTinG iT- yOu’vE BaREly knOwn Me AN hoUr aND YOu’Re alReaDy trYIng tO SeducE Me~?”
Blue whines loudly, sinking further into his bandanna as he reaches out to blindly bat at Error’s face. “Shuuut U-uuuuup-!”
“So BOld~” Error playfully swoons, grinning widely.
“Nuuuuuuuuhuhuhuuuuu-! You’re So Meeeaaaaaaaann-!” Blue lays on the floor, curled into a little ball as he fusses and whines.”Horrible-”
“OkaY I’LL sTop I’ll sTOp- I KnoW YOu diDn’t mEAN it thAT wAy-” Error relents, rolling off of the couch to flop down next to Blue with an ‘oof’.
“.....Evil I Tell You-” Blue pouts at him from just over his bandana, giving the glitch a half hearted glare.
“WeLL I aM thE DeSTroYer So yoU aRen’T WRonG-” Blue huffs at him before slowly coming out of his little ball and picking the plate back up again, holding it out to Error as he lays back down.
“Eat Your Tacos Evil Fiend.” Error pouts at him, forcing himself to sit up, leaning against the couch as he takes the plate.
“FinE FIne-” Blue smiles, crossing his arms as he lays on his back, feeling very proud of himself. The small skeleton closes his sockets with a hum, letting himself relax on the carpet as Error nibbles on the tacos, knowing better than to try fighting it.
They sit in comfortable silence for a while, and for a moment Error thought maybe Blue had fallen asleep- and he’s tempted to join him- before the smaller speaks.
“What’s Your Multiverse Like?”
“PeACefuL, foR The MosT PaRt. THe cReaTOr And I BoTh Do whATeVer thE CReaTorS asK, wHeTHer thAT be cReaTe, dEStroY, oR edIT AUs- anD I dEAl wiTh anY Bugs, viRUses, oR DefECts I fiND. SoMEtimES thE ‘gOod’ ANd ‘baD’ GuyS FighT juST beCaUse We liKe To… I aSsUMe thAt’s noT THe cAsE HerE.” Error mumbles, setting down his half finished tacos in favor of curling up, resting his skull on his knees.
“...No, But To Be Honest I Don’t Know Too Much About The Multiverse.”
“Hm.. I sUpPOsE THaT maKEs seNSe- ErROr prOBaBly diDN’t waNnA riSk anYThinG iF My guESs is RigHt…” The glitch yawns, scratching a spot of flaking paint off of his skull.
“....Some Time Ago, My AU Was Infected With A Virus And Error Suddenly Showed Up And Took Me Through A Portal. He Said That I Was The Only One Not Infected And It Would Be Easier To Fix My AU With My Code As A Base Or Something Like That.”
“MhM- aN uNInfeCTeD PiECe of coDe thAT Is sTill cOnNEcTed To The iNfeCTed AU maKeS It eASier to PiCk ouT THe paRts thAT Are thE VirUs-” Error explains, before cutting himself off. “..SoRry- coNTinuE.”
Blue smiles at him, shrugging it off. “It’s Ok. I Was With Error For A While In The Antivoid, He Called It, As He Worked….He Was Hurt And Covered In So Many Scars. I Remember Wondering If His Bones Used To Be A Different Color Entirely…I Wanted To Help Like He was Helping Me….”
The small skelton squeezes his bandanna, brow furrowing. “The More I Talked To Him, The More I Wanted To Help…..He Seemed So Lonely And Touch Starved…He Didn’t Know About A Lot Of Basic Things..Like A Fork Or A Hug.”
“DaMn..” Error murmurs, frowning. Admittedly, he didn’t know what those things were either, at first, but he learned fairly quickly.
“You Should Have Seen The Look He Gave Me Every Time I Was Just Nice To Him! He Was So Confused! Like- He Seemed To Know What Being Nice Was As A Concept But Someone Being Nice To Him Was Completely New! It Was- I-it was so sad….”
“...I’m SOrRy..” The glitch apologizes, not even sure why he feels the need to. “I wANt To heLp- bUT I’m PrEtTy muCH PoWErleSs riGht now..”
“Don’t be sorry…I don’t even know why I’m telling you this right now.” Blue’s voice is unusually quiet. “I’ve just….I haven't had anyone to tell in a long time I guess.”
“WeLL… I’ll PRoBaBLy bE HerE A wHiLe, sO YoU’rE ALwaYs weLCoMe tO tAlk tO Me.” Error offers, uncurling to give Blue a gentle headbutt. The small skeleton stares for a moment before blushing lightly and pressing back into the headbutt.
“Thank You….So- What Should I Call You?” Blue asks, changing the subject.
“Hm… I’m aCTuaLLy noT SuRe.. NoT ErRor- thAT’s foR SUre…” The glitch hums in thought, pulling back to lay down next to Blue.
“Hmmm…Something Cool…..Maybe Stick With E Names?”
“PrOBaBLy a GoOd IdEa- maKEs iT EaSieR To remEMbEr… Umm.. ErrRrRAa…?” He says the first word that comes to mind, shrugging.
“Yeah! That Sounds Very Cool. I Like It!” Blue holds out his hand and gives the glitch a smile. “It’s Nice To Meet You, Era!”
The newly dubbed Era smiles back, holding Blue’s hand. “It’S NicE TO meET yoU TOo, BLue.”
The smaller skeleton grins wide, giving Era’s hand a squeeze and for once in a really long time, he doesn’t feel so alone. The feeling doesn’t last however as the floor suddenly creaks in front of the door and he quickly sits up to see his little brother standing there, staring at them in shock with a bottle of honey in hand.
“.....Hi.” Error awkwardly greets, seemingly snapping both brothers out of their stunned states.
“Sans…Who is t h a t ? ” Blue glances at Era, pushing down his dread as he lets go of the glitch’s hand and stands up cautiously. He’s not sure how much Papyrus has drunk this evening.
“This Is Era! He Got Lost Trying To Make His Way To Town From The Lower Forest And I Found Him Low On Magic And Cold! He’ll Be Staying With Us For A While.” The lanky skeleton gives Error probably one of the ugliest looks he’s ever seen on a Papyrus’s face before practically snarling at his older brother.
“And you didn’t think to tell me before you decided to let some stranger stay in our house!?” Blue frowns deeply, coming to the conclusion that his brother drank a lot…again.
“Papyrus. I Am Sorry For Not Asking Your Opinion Before Deciding That Era Will Be Staying. However This is My House. I Bought It, Pay For It, And Maintain It.”
Era looks between the two brothers, sockets wide as he pushes himself up- looking like he wants to say something, but staying silent. Papyrus looks absolutely furious, practically fuming as he stares his brother down, before his eyelights follow Era’s movements.
“It he why you’ve been acting so weird, huh!? Just because you make a friend suddenly you can do whatever the fuck you want, right Sans!?”
“What? No Of Cou-”
“That’s why you took out half of Alphy’s face right!?” Blue stills, his eyelights going out.
“...WeLL dAmn.” Era mutters, standing up on shaky legs. “I hAVe a FEeLINg ThaT WaS A Low BLoW.”
“....Pretty low yeah-” Papyrus, luckily, seems to realize what he said and stops his yelling, instead taking a swig of his- probably spiked- honey.
“Bro..I didn’t mean-” Blue doesn’t bother staying to listen to another empty apology and simply turns, scoops Era up in his arms and walks up the stairs. “Hey-! Wait!”
Papyrus tries to grab the smaller, but Blue is faster, the tall skeleton’s intoxication not helping him any. The moment he’s in his room, Blue sets Era down on the bed and locks his bedroom door with a long, tired sigh.
“....I’m Sorry About That…He Has Been…Difficult.”
“I cAN puNCh hiM-” Era offers. “CaN I pUnCh hIM? I wANt tO PuNCh HIm-”
Blue laughs a little half heartedly before walking over and faceplanting on the bed beside Era. “I Won’t Stop You.”
“I’Ll wAIT foR The riGhT MOmEnt.” Era decides, nodding to himself before he rolls over to lay half on top of Blue. “SquISh.”
“Oh Nuuuu- What Am I To Do With My New Weighted Blanket-?” Blue makes no move to push him off, more than happy to accept his fate as Era snorts, looking proud of himself as he comfortingly nuzzles the smaller skeleton.
“No Fair-” Blue whines. “I Can’t Nuzzle You Back This Waaaayyy.”
“SqUIsH.” Era replies simply, rolling to lay more on top of Blue as he yawns, probably getting dried paint on Blue’s bed. The smaller skeleton whines at him a little more before reaching up to grab his pillow and pull it closer, never opening his sockets.
“Hmm….’M Going To Nap.”
“I cAN KeEp aN EyE Out fOR STreTch iF yoU WaNt.” The glitch offers despite his own exhaustion. Blue yawns, nuzzling his face into the pillow.
“It’s Ok…He Won’t Do Anything..”
“Hm… If You’RE suRe..” Era agrees, his own sockets fluttering shut against his will. In a matter of seconds, both skeletons pass out, falling into a deep sleep.
~
Blue wakes up early in the morning like always, quickly turning off his alarm before turning to snuggle his pillow back against his chest….His pillow feels bigger then usual though…and it…kind of tickles.
“Hm..” His pillow hums quietly, sighing and nuzzling further against him, before relaxing again. The movement has him pausing before slowly blinking his sockets open, reaching up to rub the sleepiness away as his eyelights focus.
‘...Oh, it’s just Era….’ Blue’s sockets begin to close again as he gives the other a small squeeze, before his mind catches up with him and he can’t help but do a double take. ‘Oh my stars this is inappropriate-!!’
Blue stifles a small yelp as he moves to sit up, sliding his arm out from under the glitch, making Era whine a bit, stirring as his brows furrow. The small skeleton stills, watching Era for a long moment before he slowly tries to slip out of bed- only for Era to whine again at the loss of his cuddles, opening his sockets to reveal blurry eyelights, clearly not quite awake.
“Oh uhm- go back to sleep Era, it's ok..” Blue reaches out and gently runs a hand over the glitch’s skull with the intent to soothe him back to sleep.
“HmM..~” Era purrs, relaxing as he tilts his head into the touch, sockets slowly fluttering shut. Blue has to actively hold back a coo at Era’s cuteness as he continues to pet the other’s head until he’s sure the glitch is asleep, before taking his leave.
The small skeleton shuts the door with a sigh of relief. That could have gotten weird. He met Era just yesterday and they already cuddled in his bed- just the thought has him blushing his namesake and rushing downstairs to get started on breakfast and the chores he didn’t get to do before bed.
After a while of scrubbing the kitchen, food cooking on the stove, Blue hears his bedroom door open, and slightly unsteady footsteps come down the stairs accompanied by the sound of static. Honestly he had thought Era would sleep more with how exhausted the other was yesterday.
“Good Morning Era! How Did You Sleep?” Blue calls as he washes the dishes, scrubbing the plates to perfection as he sips his coffee.
“Mn..” Era grunts sleepily, coming up to hug Blue from behind and nuzzling him with a quiet purr. The small skeleton stiffens before inevitably relaxing against the other, blushing his namesake.
“I’ll Take That As A Yes! I’m Making A Quiche For Breakfast. It Should Be Ready Soon.”
“Mm C’dDLes..~” Era murmurs, yawning as he hugs Blue closer, making the smaller blush even more.
“Y-you Like Cuddles, huh?” ‘Oh my stars oh my stars of my stars-!’ Blue can practically hear his soul beating rapidly in his ribcage, wanting to hide his flustered face in his bandana again.
“‘S NiCe~” The glitch mumbles as he sleepily clings to the smaller skeleton, slowly leaning more of his weight against him. Is- is Era falling asleep-?? …..Oh my stars he’s falling asleep- Blue isn’t sure whether he wants to laugh or coo at the very idea.
Era came all the way down stairs just to fall back asleep on him. He might actually die of cuteness.
Rinsing his hands under the running water, Blue turns off the faucet and reaches over to check the oven. Based on the slight browning around the edges, he can pull it out to cool now. Maneuvering the quiche out of the oven with Era clinging to him would risk burning them both, so he simply uses blue magic and sets the glass pan down on the counter that way.
“Ok, Now How To Get Over To The Couch-”
“NnuU DoN’ leAVeE…” Era sleepily whines, clearly only halfway processing Blue’s words. ‘Don’t coo at him- resist!’
“I’m Not Leaving Era- I Just Thought We Could Snuggle Better On The Couch!” Era just keeps whining softly in response, getting a small whine back from Blue as he tries to turn around and pick up the glitch. “Come On, Era-”
“W’Nna CUdDle…” Era mumbles, easily letting himself be picked up as he cuddles closer, sockets closed. Blue nuzzles him a little as he walks them both over to the couch and plops down, the only slightly taller skeleton now snuggling up in his lap.
This has….definitely been a turn of events. Thank the stars Papyrus won’t be waking up anytime soon-
“Hm cUDdleS~” Era purrs happily, relaxing against him and nuzzling into the crook of his neck and making him shiver with a squeak.
“A-ah Huh-” His words fail him as he stays as stiff as a bored, too scared to move. He’s apparently not going anywhere anytime soon- Surely Alphis won’t mind him calling in from sentry deputy.
Era just purrs in his lap as he slowly goes limp, indifferent to his thoughts. Slowly he makes himself relax against the back of the couch, pulling his legs up to cradle Era more comfortably as he quietly begins to purr back in response. The glitch immediately purrs louder, nuzzling closer with a sleepy little chirp-like sound, that Blue immediately answers with his own.
“Why Are You So Cute? This Isn’t Fair At All-” Era just chirps again, slowly falling asleep on Blue’s lap as the small skeleton sighs, closing his own sockets. He’s not tired, but it’s not like he can really do anything other than rest his eyelights until Era fully wakes up.
The living room is full of purring and soft chirps here and there for the next while, until Era’s glitching picks up slightly and he yawns, shifting a bit. Blue hums and nuzzles the side of the glitch’s skull with another chirp, prompting Era to lift his head, sleepily blinking open his sockets.
“MmRrH..?” Era reaches up to rub his sockets.
“Adorable~” Blue coos, headbutting the other lightly before mimicking Era’s merp sound.
“Hmm… Hi..~” Era mumbles, before yawning again.
“Hi Era~ Did You Sleep Well?”
“LiKE THe deAD..” Era automatically replies, before he pauses, stiffening slightly. “O-oH RigHt- yOu’RE Not- uH- s-SOrRy-”
Blue blushes and looks away immediately. “I-it’s Ok- You’re Uhm- Very Cuddly.”
“Y-yeAH- sORry-” Error apologies, blushing a bit himself as he goes to get off of Blue. The moment he’s free, the small skeleton shoots up, clutching his bandana over his mouth.
“W-well I’m Going To Check On The Quiche-!” As Blue makes a flustered escape, Era hides his face in his hands, feeling guilty and embarrassed. He slept in Blue’s lap- probably all day. What is wrong with him! This isn’t his Blue- not that he’s ever slept in his friend's lap like that, but still!
“‘M SuCH An iDIoT-” Era whines quietly to himself. Internally screaming. Blue, much in the same condition, takes several minutes to slice up the quiche and dish it between moments of flustered gay panic, squealing a little into his bandanna. Thankfully, this gives both skeletons enough time to calm themselves down.
When Blue returns, it’s with two plates, he hands one to Era as he takes a seat beside the glitch, giving him a smile. “It’s A LIttle Cold, But I Hope You Like It!”
“THaNks, BLue- yoU DiDN’t haVE To.” Era smiles back, before nibbling on his portion. He prefers sweeter foods, but the quiche is fairly good.
“Of Course I Did! You Are My Guest! And As The Amazing Blueberry I Have To Be The Best Host I Can Be!”
“I mEAn- I Don’T ACtuALly haVe TO EaT-”
“You Were Low On Magic, Era. Even If You Don’t Need Food To Survive, It Can Still Be Good For You!” Blue pouts as he eats his own slice of quiche, giving Era a look, making the glitch pout back at him.
“I KnOW THaT I WaS JusT SaYINg-”
“Nuuuu- Eat Your Foods-”
“I aM I Am-!” Era takes a big bite of his quiche just to prove it and Blue smiles at him, leaning over to headbut him with a quiet purr.
“Good~” The glitch blushes, looking up at Blue in flustered surprise. Noticing the look on Era’s face, the small skeleton tilts his head in confusion before realizing just how close they are-
“O-oh! Sorry! I Was Just- Uhm- You Seemed To Like It Before So- Nevermind!” Blue immediately shoves the whole slice of quiche in his mouth, blushing brightly.
“N-nO iT’S FinE-! YOu juSt- I wAS JusT suRpRIsEd-” Era reassures, giggling a bit. Blue pouts at him with chipmunk stuffed cheeks, before lightly shoving his shoulder and turning to hide his face in Era’s side.
“SoRry- Did I Do soMetHInG To uPSeT YOu-?” The glitch questions after a moment, unsure if that was a genuinely upset reaction or not. Blue struggles to swallow his food with a big gulp before looking up at the glitch with a bright blush.
“No-” Smiling a bit, Era headbutts Blue, kindly not mentioning the blush- though it’s tempting to tease him. The moment his skull presses against Blue the small skeleton begins to purr, his blush growing. “So Mean-”
“HeHehEHe~” Era giggles, nuzzling Blue lightly, before pulling back to continue eating his food. The small skeleton stares at him for a moment, thinking, before he grabs his empty plate and carries it to the kitchen for washing. Era looks at him in slight confusion, before just shrugging it off.
Nothing all that interesting happens for the rest of the day. After breakfast- brunch apparently- Blue turns on some Napstaton and begins cleaning the house while the show plays in the background and they talk.
Apparently this Blue, unlike his own, isn’t actually a morning person. He has to drink a lot of coffee in the morning just to wake up- which is both hilarious and mildly terrifying to Era, considering he had to keep his Blue away from caffeine at all costs.
The small skeleton can’t help but laugh when he says that. He can’t imagine his life without coffee. Not only would he never get anything done, but he tends to be a grouch in the morning, Era agreeing.
“THaT’s uSuaLLy whY I juSt aVOid SLeEpinG AcTuaLly- so nO ONe haS TO dEaL WitH My gRumPY, CLinGy aSs.”
“It Was SO Cute Though! You Came All The Way Downstairs Just To Fall Asleep On me~!” Blue giggles, smiling wide as he passes by the embarrassed glitch.
“Oh sHUsH-”
“Never!” Blue giggles again and their conversation moves elsewhere. They talk about their hobbies and small quirks- like how Blue simply can’t stand a mess, telling Era it’s like an itch he just has to scratch, making Era snicker.
“Oh mAN yoU WoUld hAte My aNTivOId It’S A MesS- anD HaLf oF The tiMe I JusT ThrOW My trASh iN an AU.”
“....Why. Why Are You Like This-”
“It’S FuNny.” Era states, absolutely unapologetic.
“Absolutely Horrible, You Fiend-” The glitch just laughs in response. After cleaning, the rest of the day is spent sitting on the couch watching TV, Blue having nothing better to do.
The next few days follow much the same fashion, the main difference being Blue going to work and Era tagging along, claiming he didn’t want to just do nothing and be bored back at the house.
Besides being a bit cold, it’s not bad. It would probably be pretty boring alone. He doesn’t know how Blue just walks around simply to check puzzles. They always go back to the house before ‘night time’ where the magic lights hidden around the ginormous cave shut off, encasing all of snowdin in nearly complete darkness. They eat, watch movies and go back to sleep, and repeat.
It’s honestly not bad, and Era enjoys how calm it is, but he tends to get bored with routines fairly quickly- especially without his main forms of entertainment with his magic restricted like it is. He’s started developing a bad habit of scratching at the bottom of his sockets.
“Era! Stop, You're Hurting Yourself!” Blue grabs his wrist and pulls it away from his face, leaning in close to inspect the bleeding scratch.
“HuH-?” Era blinks, before making a face as he processes the pain, his hurt socket tearing up. “Ow- OoPs-”
“Era, What’s Wrong? Why Are You Picking? Is Something Making You anxious?”
“I mEAN- NoT ExACTly? I JuSt- It’S A BiT dIScoNCErtiNG noT HaVINg aCcESs tO My maGIc…” Era’s hands twitch with the urge to scratch at his socket again, and he wishes for the nith time that he could fiddle with his strings.
“..Hmmm…We Haven’t Talked A To Much About What To Do Next, Huh?” Blue gently rubs his wrists as he looks down in thought. “We Need A Way To Contact Outside The AU.”
“NorMAlLy I’d jUSt poRTal… hM..” Era hums, thinking through the different ways of common travel. He’s not sure they’d be able to fix up the machine…There has to be another way, but how?
“I Don’t Think Anything Here Can Help Us Either….I’ve Tried Everything. Unless There’s Something You Know That I Don’t?” And honestly, other than going through someone else’s portal, Era can’t think of anything…
“...HaS ERroR EveR TaLKed abOut a GUaRdiaN Of NEgaTIviTy?”
Blue pauses, his brow furrowing as he tries to remember. “I….Think So? He Only Mentioned Something Like That Once When I Asked Him If He Had Any Friends.”
“OkAY- sO- I haVE A kINda RisKy iDEa. It’D EitHeR Get THe atTenTIon oF sOMeoNe whO iS ProBABly oUR beSt Bet, GeT THe atTENtIOn oF the eXaCt oPpoSITe, oR Do aBSolUTely NOthINg anD We’D Be baCk to SquARe One.” Era hesitantly explains. He used to consciously unbottle all of his negative emotions to grab the attention of his own Nightmare- but Dream had occasionally managed to notice first. With so many unknowns with this multiverse, doing something similar could be a dangerous gamble.
“...We Don’t Really Have Any Other Options..” Blue summons his hammer, adjusting it in his hand before looking back at the glitch. “So Who Are We Trying To Contact? I Don’t Want To Attack The Wrong Person.”
“NighTMare- thAT GUardIAn oF NegaTIVity I aSKed abOUt. He hAS teAL maGic anD LoOKs liKe a BucKEt of BLaCk goOp wAS duMpEd on TOp of hiM. EitHEr aTtaCk oF AcT DUmb iF It’S SomeONe wHo kiNDa lOoKS liKe yoU BuT WIth GoLd maGIc.”
“Hmm Ok! So How Are We Going To Do This?”
“I’m gONnA Be saD ANd wE HopE FOr thE BesT- aND hoPe THat mY EmoTIonS Are sIMILaR eNoUGh to ErROr’s foR NigHTmaRE TO aT leaST ChecK.” Blue frowns, gripping his hammer a little tighter.
“...Ok. I’m Right Here If You Need Me, Ok?”
“ALriGht. THaNks BLue.” With that, Era plops down onto the floor, closing his sockets and taking a deep breath, letting himself actually think about home- about his multiverse.
How much time has passed there? Era hopes it’s slower than over here- but he has no way of knowing… Has anyone noticed he’s missing? Is he missed at all? Maybe they’re all glad he’s gone… But- he misses them. He misses hanging out with the gang, and listening to Ink rant about the Creators’ most recent ideas, and getting to travel the multiverse.
He misses Nightmare’s clingy tentacles and angry snuggles and Horror’s extra chocolate chip pancakes made especially for him. What if he never gets to taste them again? What if he never gets to see his family again..?
…And Blue….his Blue.. his first friend- the one who showed him genuine kindness and expected nothing in return- the one who brought him out of madness… He misses seeing Blue fight back laughter at a good pun, and his ridiculous pranks, and that silly confusing rivalry between Killer and Blue..
He never even got to say goodbye to them… and.. he knows it’s selfish- but he just wants to go home .
Blue shifts nervously as he waits for something to happen, suppressing the urge to comfort Era as the glitch wallows in his feelings. It only takes maybe a few minutes for a portal to open, making them both jump, Blue raising his hamor as Era sniffles, quickly wiping his sockets.
“Ow-” Era mutters when he scrubs over the scratch in his socket, accidentally making it reopen. Blue doesn’t look away from the shadow-like opening as long black…things creep out of it, curling against the ground and the edges of the portal until a dark figure steps through.
“...This Is Him Right?” The small skeleton asks his friend, getting a nod in return.
“YOu caN PUt yoUr hAMmeR AwaY..” Hesitantly, Blue lowers his weapon as the dark skeleton, Nightmare, gives them both a confused and irritated look, his tentacles sharper than normal.
“If this is a trap I won’t hesitate to kill both of you.”
“We SWeAr iT’s noT- ANd soRrY We haD To boTHer yoU. I’d NOrMaLLy uSe mY OwN poRtaLS BuT ErRor loCkeD AWay mY MaGic aNd haSn’t sToPped bY. YoU’re hoNEStlY thE OnlY otHer OutCOde I trUSt riGHt noW.” Era slowly stands, idly scratching at his bleeding socket. “NicE To meET You, NIghTMare. I’m ErrOR, buT YOu caN CALl me ERa.”
The guardian stares at him with a narrowed socket as Blue reaches over and gently grabs the glitch’s wrist again, rubbing it, before Nightmare nods. “I don’t trust you. What do you want?”
“I sUpPOSe thAT’s faiR- We waNT To heLp ErRor. BLue’S AU waS SaVed by hIM anD I RaN IntO Him iN THe anTIVoiD whILe TrYIng To geT baCk tO My owN MuLTiveRse- anD I DOn’T KnoW WhaT THe HeLl The oTher SidE Of thE BalANce iS DoiNg buT It’S CLeaRLy exTreMEly wrOnG.” Era states- though ranting might be a better word- as he tries to wiggle his wrist out of Blue’s hold, the small skeleton not even budging.
Nightmare cringes a little at the very mention of ‘the other side’, his brow furrowing. “And why should I believe you actually want to help? This wouldn’t be the first time someone has claimed something similar.”
“Because Error Is My Friend!” Blue says firmly, a determined look in his sockets. “He Treated Me Like An Actual Person And Opened My Sockets To Everyone’s Lies! I Want To Pay Him Back. No One Should Have To Go Through What he Does!”
“If yoU KnoW ERrOr aT All, I’m suRe hE DOesN’t liE. I’m aLSo ERror, jUSt frOM A DifFerENt mULtivERse. I onLY Lie whEN I haVE No CHoiCE.” Era gives Nightmare a challenging look. “I’m aLSo A God oF DesTRucTIon- I knOW How thE BaLanCe WORks, anD ThOUgh ThiS ISn’t mY MulTIvErsE, EveN I CAn feEL hoW MesSEd up iT Is riGHt noW. I’d usE My maGIC to HeLp baCK Up mY ClaIM, bUt ErRor BloCKeD It whEN I thREaTenED To deSTroY FOr hiM ‘caUSe He woULDn’t leT Me keEP HeaLINg him.”
Nightmare’s tentacles still at the mention of the balance and when he’s finished, the guardian gives him a long hard look, before sighing. “The fact you know of the balance alone is enough to prove you aren’t with Ink or Dream, but that doesn’t mean I trust you. Even if I did, there isn’t much anyone can do, not when literal FATE is against us.”
“What Do You Mean Fate?” Blue asks, catching on to the odd way Nightmare uses the word. Era’s brows furrow as he thinks. Where had he heard that before?
“... WhO’s FAte?” The guardians tentacles curl in tight loops, as tight as they can get as if trying to squeeze the life out of the air itself. Nightmare’s expression remains calm.
“Fate, as in the void being that decides the fate of everyone in this multiverse, with Error as their favorite puppet.” Era frowns deeply.
“....DamN.” He mutters.
“That’s ….There Has To Be Something We Can Do! He Won’t Last Forever!” Nightmare’s tentacles shake with how tightly they curl in on each other, and Era has to stop himself from going over to nuzzle him soothingly. He has to remember this isn’t his Nightmare.
“...We’ve tried, but he keeps his distance. The only things we know for sure are a few of the things he’s rambled about during panic attacks…” Looking down, Era reaches up with his free hand to tug on his uninjured socket, scratching at the edge of it as he glitches, trying to think of some sort of solution or something .
“....Though we have come up with a plan to get Error away from Fate. Somewhere they can’t get to him. That’s the only way he can be free. The problem is getting him to agree to it.” Blue is quick to snatch Era’s other hand and soothingly rub both of them at the same time, Era blinking in surprise before sending him a weak smile.
“I haVE A FeELinG He’d neVEr aGReE…” Era mumbles, getting another, almost defeated sigh from the guardian.
“Yes…As much as this multiverse and its ungrateful inhabitants hate him and show him no mercy…he risks every part of himself for them constantly. He works non stop and takes countless hits and abuse for and from people who just don’t care so they can continue to live…..If he left this multiverse and got away from fate everyone here would die…and I am certain he would never agree to that.”
“DaMn- thAT’s… REaLly shITty.” Era doesn’t even know how to react to that- other than maybe just crying for awhile. Blue looks down at the snow, his grip on Era’s wrists loosening as he processes the information.
“....I couldn’t care less for most of the multiverse’s residence, except for my subjects. Other than the main gang and a few of my other subordinates, Error frequents a lot of the Chara’s of the original alternate universes. They call him their dunkle.”
“..OKaY thAt’s kINda cUTe-” The glitch murmurs, Nightmare nodding in agreement.
“It is quite adorable. He somehow manages to find the time to make scarves, hats, mittens, and dolls for all of them every time he visits them. Error is…absolutely phenomenal…~” The guardian smiles softly, obviously thinking of the taller destroyer. It has Era’s smile turning a bit wistful.
“THaT’s whY We WaNT To helP Him.”
“...Your code is connected to your multiverse, right? If assets from AU’s have a specific unique code linking them to their AU, then shouldn’t that rule apply to the multiverse as well?”
“It woULd mAKe SenSe, yeAH. I meAN- goOd lUcK TryINg to EXtraCT It mY CodE Is A DisASter- buT In thEoRy, yeAh.” Era shrugs a bit, glancing at Nightmare’s tentacles as they loosen up and begin to sway like his Nightmare’s do when he’s in deep thought.
“...I bet Error could do it. We could use the excuse that we need his help to get you home- which we will, but we could also take the opportunity to leave. Most of our portalling attempts are having trouble actually locking on to an alternate multiverse and with you it’s less likely that we will end up in the void.”
“I.. dON’t reaLly wANt tO triCk hiM…”
“And You think I do? He won’t leave otherwise. Not unless it’s purely because of a mental breakdown.”
“...I- I GUesS. ANd I suPpoSe IT’s noT ReaLlY my pLaCe tO mAke cHOices.” Era mutters, slightly leaning against Blue, who nuzzles him comfortingly
“That is not what I meant…” Nightmare crosses his arms, looking away tiredly. “We are out of options, this is the only choice. The moment I say anything about this idea to him he will avoid me like the plague and then we won’t even be able to try to get him through the portal for at least another thousand years.”
“LiKe I SaiD.” Era just shrugs a bit, ignoring the unreadable expression Nightmare sends his way as Blue headbutts him gently.
“So….What Now Then? We Can’t Do Anything Until Error Finds Error’s Multiverse Code Thing, Right?”
“Correct.”
“I woULd LiKe to ReQUest My mAGic baCk-” Era adds, only just keeping himself from whining as he fights the urge to scratch at his sockets again.
“I will ask Error to do so, that is if he even shows up. Like I said he tends to keep his distance.” Nightmare reopens his portal, the dark hole swirling with magic. “Is the swap sans coming?”
“Yes.” Blue answers himself, more firmly rubbing Era’s hands. “I’ve Been Trying To Leave For A Long Time Anyway.”
“HiS NaMe is BluE.” The glitch corrects Nightmare.
“If you are sure…Blue. Once this AU resets without you in it you will be replaced and will no longer be able to go back to your life.” The guardian warns him, but Blue doesn't seem too bothered by the idea.
“This Isn’t My Home…Not Anymore. I Accepted That A Long Time Ago.” Era gives Blue a headbutt, staying silent. Nightmare simply nods in their direction and steps aside to gesture to his portal.
“After you.” Era heads through the portal without hesitation, lightly tugging Blue along with him. As he expected, the castle living room waits on the other side for them, almost completely identical to Era’s, but not quite. Nightmare steps through right afterwards, closing the portal behind him.
“This is my castle, as I am sure one of you is aware.” The guardian steps past them, Blue staring in awe. “Don’t leave this room until I can gather everyone here.”
“‘KaY Bye.” With that, Era lets go of Blue’s hands and drops to the ground, hiding under the coffee table, much to the smaller’s shock and concern.
“Era? What Are You Doing..?” Blue asks, kneeling down to peek under said table.
“‘M HidIN’.” Era states, curling up tightly with a small sigh.
“....Why?” Blue watches him, but doesn’t come under the table, wanting to respect the other’s space.
“‘CaUSe I LikE It. CLutTer MaKes mE ClaUSTropHObiC, noT SmaLL SpaCEs.” Era explains, making grabby hands at Blue. The small skeleton smiles and crawls under the table with him to give the glitch a soft headbut and aggresive nuzzles.
“Good To Know!” Era giggles, leaning against Blue and hugging him like a stuffed animal. The small skeleton huffs, but submits to the cuddles without complaint, happy to live as a glorified teddy bear.
It's actually not too bad under the table, maybe Era is onto something- “Heya, newbies. What ya doin’ under this here table?”
The voice is clearly from a sans, but with an accent Era doesn’t think he’s ever heard before.
“I liKE To hIDe.” Era explains again, glitching slightly in surprise.
“And I’m Joining Him.” Blue peaks adds as he wiggles away just enough to peak at the skeleton from beneath the table. The sans is short and stout, but not as short as Blue. He wears an old straw hat, the usual classic sans jacket- save for the several dirt stains- and a loose pair of jean overalls with a white shirt underneath. Era frowns a bit as he tries to figure out what AU they might be from.
The other monster smiles at them both with a deep chuckle before sitting himself down on the couch, laying back against the cushions with a sigh.
“...FaRMeRTAle?” Era makes a guess.
“Yup.” The farmer sans confirms, popping the p at the end. “Call me Pumpkin, it’s nice ta meet ya.”
“I’m Era- NiCE To meET You toO.” Era’s surprised there’s a farmertale character actually staying in the castle- he was just expecting the same gang as his.
“Blue, Nice To Meet You Too, Pumpkin! I Really Like Your Name. I’ve Never Had Pumpkin Before, But I’ve Heard Of It!”
“Really? Well ain’t that a shame. Pumpkin pie is my favorite food.”
“I prEFeR ChOColaTe.” Era’s Horror had made pumpkin pie once- Era can’t say he’s much of a fan.
“Chocolate, huh? Ya really are a lot like Error. I hear he loved chocolate.”
“I’m ALso ERrOr so-” Era is already tired of explaining this, luckily Blue immediately nuzzles him aggressively again as a distraction.
“Huh, that explains it.” More people begin to fill the room, as well as the main gang Era knows of, there are a few skeletons he’s only seen in other AU’s. It’s honestly a bit jarring for Era- he was not mentally prepared to meet so many people. He doesn’t know what to expect, and he finds himself continuously glancing at both Blue and the gang he knows for reassurance.
Nightmare appears not long after everyone settles into the main room, his tentacles reaching out to pull both Blue and Era out from under the table, wrapping around them securely as one nuzzles Era’s cheek in a comforting motion, probably sensing his rising anxiety.
“Everyone. This is Blue, an underswap sans and Era, an Error from another multiverse.” The moment he finishes small whispers can be heard in the small crowd and Nightmare gives them a moment to converse before raising a hand to quiet them and the room is immediately silent once more.
“Blue, Era, these are my subordinates and head of staff. Everyone here has been expertly chosen for a specific task and job within my kingdom. You could call them my counsel of sorts.”
“H-hI.” Era awkwardly greets with a small wave.
“Aww~ He’s cute boss~” Killer walks up to them, grinning his usual- or Era’s Killer’s usual grin- as he lifts his hand and boops the glitch….It’s only then that Era realizes….this Killer is tall!!
“..WHy aRe yoU SO tALl thE HEll-” Era blurts, making Killer blink for a moment in surprise before snickering.
“Why are ya so short~?”
“I’M THe aVEraGE SAnS HigHt- yOU’re jUst iNSaneLy taLL-” Era defends, glaring up at Killer, who grins widely down at him.
“Nah, ya a smol bean~”
“I’Ll haVe yoU KnOw thAT My veRSioN Of yoU Is ShORter THaN me.” The glitch grumbles, pouting.
“Beeeaaaaaannnn~” Killer grabs Era’s cheeks and gently squishes his face, giggling as Era just sighs, accepting his fate.
“Alright, that’s enough Killer. You can play later.” Nightmare pulls Era away with his tentacle, the taller skeleton pouting as the glitch is moved out of his reach.
“But he’s so cute~!” Era grumbles wordlessly in response, blushing a faint yellow as he looks away.
“Yes yes, he’s a little version of Error, very huggable, now let me continue-!” Nightmare lightly shoves Kiler away as the skeleton giggles before resuming introductions, listing off the names of everyone in the room- who Era had actually forgotten were there, and his nerves instantly skyrocket.
Era is never going to remember all of their names he’s so screwed- The tentacle resumes rubbing his cheek as Nightmare talks, before everyone is eventually dismissed and all that’s left is the main team as well as Blue and himself.
Chapter 33: Error and Dream Become Dungeon Crawlers
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error and Dream get sucked into a strange box that holds a whole world within
Vague Error x apple twins but not really-
Chapter Text
His skull rings uncomfortable as he comes to his senses, even if his thoughts are jumbled in his head. The feeling of sand beneath him makes the glitch whine, knowing he’s not at the castle or in his bed.
What the hell happened..? Last he remembered, he was helping Nightmare……Oh fuck- Some old woman from the AU opened a weird box that started sucking him in, he lost his grip on his strings and-
Error sits up quickly, his head skilling and causing him to immediately recoil at the unpleasant feeling.
“UgH…” He groans, holding his skull as he glitches, frowning. It takes a moment for his eyelights to focus, but then they do he’s left even more confused. How did he end up on what looks to be a tropical beach next to the ocean?
The glitch dusts himself off as he stands up, shaking sand out of his clothes and glaring at the ocean water. Just the thought of it makes him glitch uncomfortably. The risk of sand between his joints is bad enough as is, and he makes sure to be careful as he takes off his scarf to better shake off the sand sticking to it, before looking around some more.
Trees, grass, sand…footprints? Blinking in surprise, Error gets closer to get a better look and yup, those are footprints in the sand. Deciding they are the best lead he has on what happened he follows them up to the tropical forest where they eventually disappear into the grass.
“MaYbe I can ChecK ThE Code..?” He mutters to himself, swiping a hand through the air- but instead of the wall of text he’s used to seeing, he only gets a couple of lines informing him he’s trapped in some sort of item. Confused, he tries to look at the item’s code, only to have excess denied, apparently the item is locked and can’t be analyzed from the inside.
“Of fUckINg coURse…” Error mutters, frustratedly closing the window.
The sound of rustling bushes quickly catches the glitch’s attention and he tenses, grabbing a couple of strings in preparation- only to pause at the sight of a small fox. The little creature blinks at him and he relaxes a little as it opens its mouth to yawn, only for its face to fold open in a horrifying display as it screeches-
“Ah-!” Error yelps loudly, glitching in surprise as he jumps back, the horrible little creature crouches and jumps to pounce on him, only for a yellow light to slam into it with a thump, cutting off its screech as it falls dead, a golden arrow resting in it’s head.
“Sorry sorry I should have stayed with you when you woke up-”
“I- wh- DReAm-??” Error sputters, glitching worsening as the small guardian comes out from behind a tree.
“Yeah, sorry- I’m not here to fight or anything. I was pulled into the box too. Can we…have truce until we figure this out? There are weird little creatures all over this island…”
“...ALriGht- nO FuN-nnY bUSineSs.” Error warms with a small glare, the smaller smiling at him.
“Of course.” Dream walks up past Error and pulls the magic arrow from the dead animal before reabsorbing it. “There’s what looks to be some kind of ruin up ahead, no one is around though. It seems like we’re the only people anywhere near here…”
“HaVe yoU TRieD To poRTaL Out? I doN’t thiNk mINe wiLL woRk- I caN’t ACceSs thIS PLaCE’s coDe.”
“That was the first thing I tried, but..” Dream holds out his hand and….nothing happens. “Besides my bow and its forms, and my healing magic, I can’t do anything else. Something is blocking the rest of my magic. I can’t even sense the multiverse anymore.”
“Of cOUrsE…” Error sighs, trying to open a portal himself, only to get the same result as Dream.
“..But there was something odd in the ruins. It seemed like a portal of sorts when I touched it, but I have no idea what’s on the other side.” Fiddling with his phalanges, Dream steps in the direction he came from. “Do you want to go look at it with me?”
After a moment, Error shrugs, gesturing for Dream to lead the way. “SuRE- iT’s ouR OnLY leAd aNYWaYS.”
With a bright smile, Dream turns to follow the same small trail he left for himself and walks Error to the stone ruins. The foundation of houses are really the only things left, besides a few broken pots. The only real oddity is the stone archway in the middle of what had been a little village, completely untouched by the plants or aging.
The guardian picks up a small stone and tosses it through, the space in the doorway rippling like water as the stone completely disappears to the other side.
“None of the animals can go through it, their bodies can though after they’re dead. I haven’t tried to go through it myself yet.”
“WeLl- nO TImE liKe the PreSEnt, rIGht?” Error asks, creeping closer to carefully poke the odd portal. The surface ripples again, his phalange disappearing for a moment.
“It doesn’t hurt right?”
“YoU’d pRObaBLy feEl mY NEgaTIviTY If iT Did.” The glitch says wryly, hesitantly pushing his whole hand into the doorway. The air on the other side feels damp and chilly and he wiggles his phalange curiously.
As Dream looks down, tugging on his glove, he hears quiet growling from the brush around them.
“Uhh..we might want to hurry.”
“No REaLLy?” Error replies sarcastically. “WeLL iT DidN’t eaT My haNd so It’S ProBaBLy saFEr thaN HerE, aT lEaST.”
With an angry noise, of of the weird fox creatures leaps out and latches its rows of sharp teeth onto Error ankle, Dream jumping up in surprise.
"O-oh stars!"
“Ow-w-!” Error yelps loudly, glitching in pain as he kicks out, trying to dislodge the creature as he panics- just a bit.
Dream summons his bow and turns it into his daggers, slashing at another one that tries to pounce at them. "Stay still!" He grabs Error’s leg- his glitches worsening- and stabs the animal repeatedly until it stops moving, but it doesn’t come off.
"Just go-! Go go g- Ouch-!"
“GeT IT oFf geT-t-T It oF-fF-” Definitely panicking now, Error grabs Dream’s sleeve and yanks him with him as he lets himself fall back into the archway.
His back lands against the stone cold floor and Dream hisses in pain beside him as the guardian sits up and days his hand against the bite mark on his upper arm.
"A-are you ok?" He glances down at Error’s ankle and crawls up to it, hand outstretched. "Here let me get that off.."
“D-dOn’T-”
*beeeeeep*
Error.exe has crashed.
Error doesn’t even get to finish his sentence before he crashes, sockets filling with error signs as he goes limp. The guardian holds back a gasp and stares in silence for a moment, before looking back at the dead fox thing still clinging to the glitch.
He hesitates, but decides it's probably better to get it off and heal Error before he wakes up, so he very carefully peaks the fox thing off, the hooked teeth being difficult. He tosses it away and uses his magic to close up the bite mark, doing the same to his own shoulder.
"Ok….now where are we?" It looks like a medieval dungeon or cellar. Cold stone walls and rusty metal bars line said walls. Dream idly wonders how the torches are lit, he still can't sense anyone…
Rebooting…100%
“Ug-gHh..” A glitchy groan brings Dream out of his thoughts as he looks back down at Error, who hazily blinks a few stray error signs out of his sockets. “FuCKin’ heLL…”
"Welcome back. How does your leg feel?"
“LiKe shIT.” Error mutters, before pausing and actually checking, forcing himself to sit up. “...BeTteR.. ThANks..”
"You're welcome, Error." Dream says with a smile before he stands and looks down the long hall. "We seem to be in a dungeon of sorts…there aren't any people here either."
“GrEaT.” The glitch sighs, bracing himself before getting up as well, ankle throbbing with residual pain as everything aches.
Dream gives him a small concerned look, but quickly turns back to the hall and starts looking though into the cells. Some have crates inside, and he makes a mental note to check them later as he looks through the others.
"Hey, there's a little kitchen in this one."
“YaY. We mIGht noT StARve To dEAth.” Error deadpans, limping slightly after Dream- not having the energy to hide it. The guardian gives him a tired exasperated look, before smiling and opening the cell door.
"How about you rest in here while I go check the crates? I'm sure I can find some pillows or blankets and we can set up a little home base until we escape this weird box." The destroyer just gives Dream a wordless thumbs up before promptly laying face down on the floor.
Dream cringes a little, before sliding the bars closed and turning back to the last two cells over to search them.
Error rolls over and closes his sockets once Dream is gone, sighing tiredly. This whole thing is so weird- being sucked into some sort of strange dimension with someone he fights with regularly.
He almost wishes it was Ink- even if the squid is his mortal enemy, he knows him much better- Dream is nothing more than his friend’s enemy. It's just…awkward isn't the best word. He doesn't necessarily have anything against Dream personally… but based on what Nightmare has told him he doesn't really like him either.
It’s just… weird. Odd, maybe.
"I found some blankets and quilts!" Dream calls with a smile as he opens the bars, peering over the large bundle in his arms before he drops them on the ground. "They are a bit old, but don't have any bugs, so that's good!"
“NicE.” Error reluctantly opens his sockets and pushes himself up, crawling over to the pile of blankets to go through them.
"There was some monster food too, wrapped up in paper, so I'm going to clean this space up for us, okay?" Dream walls over to the stick broom, leaning against the wall and takes it out to beat the dust out of it, before he starts sweeping.
“DoN’T WorRY toO MuCh aBOuT It- I doN’t reALly neED to eAT aNYwaYS.” Error burrows into the blankets after deeming them acceptable, a small smile on his face as he peeks out of them- only his sockets and the end of his coat visible.
"You'd be surprised what a good meal can do. I don’t need food either, but….the feeling is nice. Besides, this will give me something to do while you rest." Dream gives him a warm smile, before turning back to his sweeping.
“...FaIR wArnINg, ThEn, I cAn’t eAT muCH wiThoUT geTtiNG siCk.. sO doN’t waSTe yoUR eNerGY oN biG MeALs foR me.” Error offers, only to immediately regret it. Was it too much to assume Dream would be cooking for him?
However his worries are dismissed as the guardian smiles kindly at him.
"Alright. I'll make something easy on the stomach. I know a really good broth recipe that will help you gain an appetite." Dream hums as he quickly sweeps up the rest of the room, dumping the dirt and dust out of the cell, before he grabs a small rag from Error’s pile.
He watches as Dream grabs a dirty bucket and heads out of the cell for a moment, before coming back with said bucket full of water.
“WhEre’d yOU geT The waTEr?” The glitch watches curiously as Dream wets the cloth and stars wiping down the counter.
"There's a fountain a little farther up, I saw it when I went to check the crates. Are you thirsty?"
“I’m ALriGHt- jUs’ cuRiOUs.” Error waves off, moving further under the blankets. Dream continues to clean with surprising efficiency, humming and smiling brightly the whole time. Error is actually a little impressed when he peeks back out to find the whole little room looks clean. “..Wow. It lOoKS aLmoST As gooD As wHEn BLue CLeANs.”
"Heh, well I learned from the best. Blue and I do a lot of community service."
“ReALly? Huh. NeAT.” Error shifts slightly and glances away after a moment, unsure how to continue the conversation.
"...It’s kind of funny how you can know someone for..almost a hundred years and not know them, huh?"
“Hm?” The glitch looks back at Dream, brows furrowing in confusion.
"Well…we see each other a lot and we know the same people but I don't actually know you and you don't know me."
“..YeAh- I guESs yoU’rE RigHT. ThOUgh IT prOBaBLy toOk mE CLoSer to A THouSaND YeaRS to gET to kNoW Ink…. nOT thAt I reMEmbER moSt of iT.”
"I doubt he does either, Ink is an oddball." Dream smiles as he pulls some food items out of his inventory and starts a fire below the stove. "I know most stuff about you because Ink talks about you all the time. He paints you too."
“Of cOUrsE He doES…” Error mutters, rolling his eyelights. His voice is fond, despite his clear annoyance.
"Hehe, I was cleaning his house once and stumbled into his 'Error' room. It was….a lot of paintings. Some…highly inappropriate-" Dream giggles as he mixes the boiling pot. "Don't worry I didn't look for more than a second-"
“...H-he hAS wHaT-t-” Error blushes brightly and glitches as he stares at Dream with wide sockets, incredibly caught off guard.
"Hehehe~ Sorry, but yeah. He has a room just full of naughty paintings of you. I have never closed a door so fast in my life. When I confronted Ink about it he just laughed."
“I sWeAR to FOx I aM GoINg to KiLL hiM wHeN We gEt oUT Of heRE-”
"I won't stop you. He’s not going to stop though I tried to talk him out of it, but he said 'Error is so pretty he has to be captured from every angle.'"
“ThAT duMBaSs SQUid- maYBe I’lL JUst Sic NiGHtmaRe oN Him- hE’d pRObaBLy avENge mE-” Error grumbles, face bright yellow.
"...It's nice to know Nightmare cares so much about you." Dream mumbles, making Error pause, looking away.
“...YoU Do kNoW ThaT He caREs aBouT YOu toO, riGHt? He’s jUSt in dENiaL.” Dream glances over at him, just barely frowning.
"I…have given him no reason to care about me. I'm always screwing up…." Dream puts on a smile and straightens up. "But that's okay. As long as Nightmare is happy I'm happy."
“…He tHInKs yoU’Re bEtTeR ofF wIThOut hIM. SuRE he fINds yOuR gOoDie-twO-SHoeS aCT aNNoYiNg, buT hE aLsO sOUndS sO fOnD whEN cOMplAINiNg abOuT iT. THiNk aBouT iT- WHeN waS thE LAst tIMe hE tRiED to dEAl A trUeLy LeThAL bLow?”
"..I highly doubt he thinks anything fond of me." Dream says solemnly. "And of course he hasn't tried to kill me. If I die, he dies and he has people to live for…"
The guardian smiles as he takes out one of the old knives and a cutting board to start chipping up some carrots. "..It’s fine~ He has every right to hate me and it's ok if he never forgives me. I don't deserve to be forgiven. It's fine."
“..YoU’rE JuSt As BAd aS HiM Oh mY FoX-” Error groans, slumping down further into the blanket pile as Dream blinks at him. “He THreW You! OnE Of KiLleR’s maGIc baRs! WheN yoU WeRE AlmOSt paSseD Out frOM MagICAl eXHauSTioN!”
"I don't remember that-"
“BLue maDE yOu eAT iT WHiLe NiGhT rAN aWay- KiLleR mADe fuN oF hiM FOr a WEeK-“
"It is not abnormal for Blue to make me eat something. He’s always worrying."
“YeS, aND NiGht wAs THe oNe tO ProVIDe tHe MaGIc baR- juSt aSK hiM.”
"Well I can't do that right now and…and I'm too busy most of the time. He probably just didn't want me to be vulnerable and exposed."
“BeCAUsE He caReS ABouT YOu?” Error asks tiredly, already able to guess Dream’s answer but trying one last time.
"Or because I die he dies." Dream continues to cut up more vegetables, sliding them into the water. "Even if he did care about me, he shouldn't."
Error just sighs in defeat, done with everything at this point. He watches quietly as Dream cooks, still smiling like he has nearly this entire time. It's weird…
"Anyway, how about we get to know each other? Since we will probably be here for a while?"
“I’m SurE YOu’vE HeaRD PLeNTy ‘BoUT me frOM INk- or BLue-”
"But that's not getting to know you. I know you like watching Undernovalia, you like to crochet, you made your scarf, you like hammocks and beanbags, and….chocolate! And you don't like people touching you because it makes you glitch."
“I dUnNo THaT SOUNds LIKe A preTtY AcCUraTE sUmMAry of mE.” Error decides.
"I know stuff about you, but not you. What do you like about Undernovalia? I don't usually watch TV of any kind, but I like…listening to people tell stories."
“ThE VOicES wOulD Love yoU..” Error mutters, before perking up slightly. “I liKe THe drAMa of It! It’S ALl sO Very DraMATic tO An aLMosT UnNEcesSAry leVEl bUt iT stILL feELs gENuiNE! AnD My faVOritE ChaRaCTEr’s ASgoRO, bUt thEY ALwAYs bRUsh hiM AWay In faVor oF SiN - uGh-”
"Asgoro? What's he like?"
“He’S THe ASgoRe of tHe AU- hE’s So cOOL aND bAdASs! He’s A CrIMe bOss thOUgh He teNDs to FocuS MOre on THe ‘tAKe frOM the RICh giVe to thE poOr’ thINg whEN hE’s noT FIghtING witH SIn, wHo he SwORe to TaKE reVEnge On foR TakING TorIEL fRom hIM- WhiCH tuRns oUT to nOT EvEn be TruE! TorIEl LefT On heR OwN ANd haPpeNEd to Be frIEnDs wiTH Sin- AnD! She LEfT beCAuse sHe wAS PreGNaNt! WiTH ASrieL!! ANd thAT’s WhErE THe sEASon ENdED!!!” Error exclaims as he throws up his arms, blankets falling off of him, left slightly out of breath from his long winded rant.
Dream smiles wide, a hand moving to cover his mouth as he giggles quietly behind it, making Error blush slightly. "Wow- That is quite the dramatic tale indeed. A lot of miscommunication. I wonder when the baby will be born. What if Sin takes the fathering role and makes Asgoro even more jealous?"
“ThAT’s thE THiNg! I dOn’t eVEn knOW if SiN waS aCTuaLLy roManticALLy iNVolVed wiTH TOrIEl anYMorE- iT CerTAinLY diDn’t soUNd liKe sHe WaS anYThinG BuT LoyaL TO ASGorO, aND Sin SAid He “owES hER”, sO He wENt aLonG WIth ASgoRo’s AssUMptioNS.”
"Oooh, that makes it even more interesting. It sounds like Asgoro is very prideful, he must have done something to upset Toriel, but blames Sin because he doesn't believe he did anything wrong…. Maybe he's a narcissist?"
“He BETteR Not BE He’S mY FaVOritE.” Error grumbles, pouting and crossing his arms.
"That or he's scared to admit he's wrong? Some prideful people are like that. I bet the next season will be about Asgoro." Dream cleans the cutting board with a second rag, leaving for a moment to get a new bucket of water.
“I beTteR NOt mISs the PRimIRe Or I WilL RioT..” The glitch mutters, burrowing back under the blankets.
"Riot, huh? Hopefully we get out of here soon then. Blue is probably so worried…..But we should still plan for the long term just in case."
“We’LL GeT Out beFOre THen.” Error sys resolutely, refusing to even think about the possibility that they might be stuck here for good.
"...After we eat, do you want to try exploring some more? Seeing what is in here?" The guardian adds some salt into the water, stirring it up before he pulls out two bowls and starts pouring the vegetable broth out for them.
“...ALriGht.” He quietly agrees as Dream sets the small table in the corner of the cell.
"Come sit." He pats the stool in front of him for Error, before sitting in the opposite stool. The glitch pouts a bit at needing to leave his blanket nest, but wiggles out and gets up, stretching with a small wince. "Are you ok? Did I miss a bite mark?"
Dream moves to stand up in worry, but Error waves him off, walking over to the other stool.
“CraSHinG TenDS to LeaVE Me soRE- doN’t woRry ABoUT It.” He shrugs, downplaying the actual amount of pain he’s in. It really only gets bad when he moves around, but he’s used to working with it.
"..Okay, if you're sure." Situating himself back in his seat, Dream takes a small spoonful of the soup and hums happily at the taste. "It's not much, but I hope you like it."
“I’M SurE It’s GReaT.” Error takes a sip of the soup himself, smiling a bit in satisfaction.
"Thank you. I like it because it's warm and simple..and the veggies fall apart in your mouth."
“It’S PReTty goOd.” Error agrees, taking a few more sips of the broth before nibbling on the vegetables.
"...Me and Blue make this for people who have been starving for a long time. Like in AU’s with severe poverty or famine. It helps fill them up with energy without making them feel sick…That and it just feels nice, gives them hope that things will get better."
“Do yOu EaT TheIR PosITiviTY?” Error can’t help but ask.
"Well that sounds bad when you say it like that….but in places where positivity is low, no..I don't. They need all the hope they can get….I try to help, nurturing the little remaining hope they have left."
“So yOU dO fEeD Off OF pOSitIVity? NigHTmaRe’S THe sAMe wiTh neGATivitY- He rARely taKEs iT FRom US thOUgh ‘caUSe oF The wEIrd nuMBNesS it leAVes beHINd. It’S PaRT of whY KiLler aCTEd liKe a miNDlesS PupPEt iN The begINninG.” Error rambles slightly, before pausing. He should probably stop talking-
"Hmm Killer does seem more…Killer like? For a few years now. And yeah I try not to focus on feeding off one person or a small group because of the numbing sensation it leaves behind. That's why I'll go to festivals for parties and feed off a bunch of people at once so it's not noticeable….but I try to stay away from parties where people get drunk…it kind of has this weird effect on me, like as if I'm drunk-"
“DrUNk pOSitiVIty-” The glitch snorts as Dream tries to glare at him, but a soft smile ruins the look.
"It's not funny- Blue is constantly spiking the punch at every party I go to!"
“YeAH tHAt’S jUSt BluE fOr YoU- hE haS A WHoLe cLosEt fULL oF juST hARd LiQuoR-“
"I have never seen him get drunk. I don't think he can and it's terrifying." Dream giggles a little as he takes a sip from the bowl.
“I trIEd lOoKINg in His cODe tO fiGUre iT Out anD It WAs fuCKin’ reDAcTEd- ”
"Now I'm even more afraid. Blue is a force of nature, and that's coming from a nymph." Dream finishes the last of his veggies, before lifting the bowl up to finish drinking the broth.
“He’s TErrIFyinG.” Error agrees, getting about halfway through his soup before deciding he’s done. Dream takes both their bowls and cleans his own in the bucket, leaning Error’s for later.
"Okay, are you ready to keep going?"
“..YeAh aLRigHt.” Error sighs, reluctantly getting up. Dream leads them down the dungeon towards the fountain, where the path splits three ways. The left and right paths are lit up, but the middle path is pitch black.
The guardian stares down it for a moment, before turning left. "Let's go this way."
Error pauses in front of the dark path, before impulsively chucking a bone attack through it. It just falls to the floor with a loud clatter, as expected. “..Hm. YeAh- OKay.”
The farther they walk the colder the hall becomes until they come up upon another arch like the portal from before, except this one has ice and snow creeping in from the other side and gusts of cold wind ever so often.
Dream turns back to look at Error, smiling a little sheepishly. "I don't think you're very dressed for this…"
“Wh- I’m WeARinG A CoAT-!” Error protests. “BeSIDes yOU’rE onE To taLK-”
"To be fair I don't get cold, I'm a living heater-....and you're wearing sandals." Dream points out as he stares at Error’s feet, making the glitch pause.
“...Oh yEaH-” Dream laughs lightly, before pulling a pair of boots out of his inventory, as well as a pair of sweatpants.
"Here, I always bring extras in case I get stranded."
“WeLL leT’s hoPe thEY’ll fiT Me theN-” Error mumbles, carefully avoiding touching Dream as he takes them, thinking for a moment before deciding the sweatpants should fit under his normal pants. “TuRN arOUnd pLEaSe-”
Giggling quietly, Dream turns back to face the archway and Error makes quick work of putting the sweatpants and boots on. The boots felt a bit tight, but otherwise fit okay. “I’m DOne noW.”
"Okay, ready to brave the cold?"
“No.” Error deadpans, stepping forward as Dream smiles a little nervously at him.
"Let's hope there's something useful in here." The guardian mumbles before he steps towards the arch and hesitantly steps through into the cold, Error right behind him with a small grimace in distaste.
As far as they can see is a snow covered wasteland with a few rocks jutting out and maybe three trees completely encased on ice.
"This….wasn't there an AU like this? One of the forbidden ones?" Dream asks hesitantly, a bad feeling building in his gut.
“I’m... NoT surE..” Error replies, uncertain. Dream frowns, taking a small step back.
"I…I think we should go back- Oh fffff-fudge!" Dream barely holds back a curse as he turns around, the arch portal they just came through now completely gone.
“...WeLL fuCk.” Error glitches harshly, holding back his panic. Dream turns back, looking around for some kind of landmark in the never ending white.
"U-uh….I guess. We just start walking..?" Picking a random direction, the guardian starts the possibly long track through the snow.
“ThIS is gONna SUck..” Error mutters, following his footsteps- grabbing the end of Dream’s cape, just in case. It's quiet, save for the crunch of their feet on the icy snow and the occasional crackle of the frozen trees.
After a few minutes Error can feel his face start to sting and his hands hurt even from his pockets- much to his concern. Why is it so cold??
Dream suddenly stops- making Error almost run into him- staring at a lump of ice, before he slowly walks around to look around at it and gasps in shock, covering his mouth with his hands.
“...DreAM?” Error questions, following after him, only to glitch in surprise as he realizes the ice wasn’t just ice- but what looks like a human woman. Her face is one of pain, silently crying out as she reaches out towards Dream with desperation in her eyes.
It’s… oddly horrifying- Error almost can’t make himself look away, and he turns to Dream, a question forming, only to pause when he realizes the guardian is shaking. The smaller is trembling like a leaf, his eyelights small and sockets wide as he stares, his gaze locked with the statues.
“..DReAm? WHat’s wROnG?” It takes a second, but the small hums and looks back over at him.
"H-hum? O-o-oh nothing. It's nothing. Uhm….l-lets go the way she was going…" Still trembling, Dream turns to head in the opposite direction, crossing his arms to hold himself.
“...If- iF You’rE SUrE..” Error mutters uncertainly, following after him once more. He ignores the burning in his hands, the same feeling starting to make his feet hurt even inside the boots.
"Is….is that something over there in front of us? Or am I just seeing things?"
“Hm?” Blinking, Error looks up from the snow, having been focused on just putting one foot in front of the other.
"Right t-there?" Dream shivers, rubbing his arms as he points out ahead of them. He squints and…it looks like an igloo?
“ThE IGLoo? Y-yEaH- I SeE it. C’moN maYBe iT’Ll b-Be wARmeR iN THerE-”
"Y-yeah…okay." Dream is obviously starting to feel the cold as they slowly approach the igloo, the numb feeling in Error’s limbs starting to get worse as it creeps up his legs and arms, making him stumble.
"E-error..? You okay..?" The glitch shivers weakly as he forces himself to keep standing, hardly able to feel his phalanges anymore.
“J-j-JUst.. R-reALLy cOld.” He mutters. Is this what hypothermia felt like? He feels like it’s supposed to be less painful.
"H-here let me s-see your hands.." Dream turns to hold his own hands out, the tips of his phalanges covered in frost, and Error frowns a bit as he does the same, pausing at the sight of both of his hands completely covered in frost, it creeping up over his wrists.
Dream takes a shaky breath in as he cups Error’s hands between his, being careful not to touch the glitch as his hands start to glow. The frost stops its advance and Error can actually feel the warmth slowly building in his hands, feeling coming back to them as Dream shivers.
“M-mAYbe LEt’S Do thIS iN The iGlOo..?” Error suggests, even as he huddles closer.
"O-okay, if you're sure. Let's try to hurry……Can I hold your hand?" Dream asks quietly as he starts walking backwards, Error nodding after a moment as he follows, stumbling slightly before he manages to force his legs to properly move. The glitches hardly even hurt when he takes Dream’s hand, too numb to feel them.
The igloo slowly gets closer, his hand warming up as they crouch down to crawl in, huddling together in the slightly warmer environment.
"T-t-theres a hole? …Looks like an ic-ce slide…"
“W-wHat-t-T D’YoU THinK-k’s I-in theRE..? M-mAyBe iT’s w-wARmer…” Error mumbles, rattling slightly from how hard he’s shivering.
"M-maybe…let m-m-me see your feet." Dream pulls Error's hands down to his legs and starts warming both of them with his magic, even as the frost starts to form on his cheeks.
“D-dOn’T HUrT YOurSElf f-f-FOr m-mE…” The glitch pulls back, gently pushing Dream’s hands away. At this rate, they’ll both freeze to death. “W-wE SHoULd trY TH-thE ICe sliDE.”
"...Wh-what if it g-goes into water..? L-like under an ice b-burge?" Dream pulls his hood up, holding it close. "M-maybe you can…t-tie a string around me? A-and I'll go down first?"
Error frowns deeply, but relents, grabbing some strings with too-numb phalanges and trying them around Dream like a harness, purposefully pushing extra magic into them in hopes of helping to warm him up. “F-fiNe- j-jusT YAnk oN ThiS ONe ONce To pULl yoU Up, TWicE T-t-To cOme D-dOWn.”
"Ok-kay…..S-see you soon, Error.." Dream gives him a small smile as he turns and swings his legs over the edge, flinching a little when his cold heels hit the ice.
“I’ll L-lOwER yoU Sl-loWLy.” He gets a nod in response as Dream summons his knives, stabbing one into the ice to help as he starts to slide down, then after a moment he lets go, Error jolting just a bit as he holds Dream up, carefully lowering him down.
Dream eventually disappears into the tunnel and it's quiet for a long time as Error focuses on holding the string, keeping his feet firmly in place even as he feels the burning numbness- the frost- begin creeping up his limbs again.
He hopes Dream is alright- that he doesn’t suddenly dust from the cold- or freeze like that human had. It’s so damn cold…
It feels like he’s been doing this forever by the time the weight on the string loosens and after another soul stopping moment, he feels two tugs from the other side. Error doesn’t even hesitate, sending a pulse of magic down the strings as he shakily climbs down- only to slip with a yelp, air whipping past him as he slides down the tunnel.
After only a second the whole tunnel is encased in darkness, he picks up spread, before a sudden turn slows him down, and another, and another, until a light becomes visible, very quickly approaching. Error screams just a bit as he’s launched into the air, flailing his arms until he's smacked with a face full of green grass, and he just lays there for a moment, dazed.
When he looks back up, he has to shake his head, trying to refocus his vision and get a look at their new surroundings- that is until his eyelights land on a sobbing ball of yellow curled up by the ice slide.
“DrEam-??” Error jolts up, stumbling as he hurries over, limbs still frozen. Now though, instead of the stinging cold, his bones seem to hurt from the sudden change in temperature even if the frost isn't going away. He kneels down beside the guardian as the smaller sobs so hard it sounds like he can barely breath, gasping between cries.
“D-dREaM H-heY iT’s oKAy-” Error shakily kneels down next to Dream, hovering worriedly before he notices the guardian’s arms are completely frozen, making him freeze in turn. He took too long didn’t he-
The smaller’s hands- and even his gloves- are frozen holding on tightly to Error’s string. The frost is up past his elbows at the middle of his upper arm, the ice behind it a light blue. His legs are much the same way, his once yellow boots now solid ice over Dream’s feet and his black bodysuit partially frozen up to his knees.
Dream lifts his skull, some of his tears frozen to his face. "S-s-sor-rry sorr-ry-y…it-t's dark-k-"
“I-iT’s OKaY D-don’T ApOlogIZe-” Error reassures, stiffly taking off his scarf to wrap loosely around Dream, before gently grabbing his hand and trying to carefully press healing magic into him in hopes of helping. The nymphs sniffles and hiccups as his sobs die down and he wiggles his stiff legs so he can be just close enough to lay his skull on Error’s lap- who only barely keeps himself from tensing, glitching slightly.
Dream nuzzles his face against the glitch’s shorts and slowly relaxes, looking more tired than anything else, almost on the verge of falling asleep. After a long moment, Error hesitantly pets Dream’s skull with a small sigh.
The frost and ice weren’t getting any better, but they also weren’t getting any worse… It should be alright to rest here for a bit…It's not like Dream could walk anyway. He watches as the positive guardian's sockets flutter closed, opening again for a moment as he fights against sleep, before they close again. Dream is out in a matter of seconds.
Error watches the nymph for a bit, making sure the ice doesn’t spread and that he’s fully asleep before getting a proper look at their surroundings, taking in the field they landed in- before pausing at the sight of… a town?
Maybe that’s a bit generous of a description- it looks like a small group of old buildings and huts- village would be more accurate. If Error squints, he’s pretty sure he can even see people walking around.
Maybe…there's something in the town that could help? If this isn't some stupid elaborate trap. Hopefully this place is like some weird safe zone or something. He looks back down at Dream, sleeping semi peacefully in his lap, before looking back at the village.
After a moment, he takes off his coat and bundles it up, before oh so carefully lifting up Dream’s skull and scooting out from under him, using his coat as a placeholder. The guardian barely stirs, taking a moment to nuzzle into the glitch’s jacket before he relaxes again and Error lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding.
With Dream taken care of for the time being, Error creeps away with only a bit of struggle, heading to the village. His legs are stiff and cold beneath him as he makes his way onto the cobblestone path, panting slightly from the exertion. As he comes up to the first little building a person walks by, a semi transparent skeleton with a simple mile gesture like dress and a bandana on her head.
As she twirls, the skirt of her dress fluffs up and she smiles brightly, making no sound as she moves.
“...EXcuSE mE?” Error asks, moving a bit closer as she laughs silently, before suddenly darting to the side- through him- as someone else appears from between the houses, playfully chasing after her.
Error just stares in shock and glitches, feeling like he had a bucket of ice water dumped over him. They….can't see him. He watches as a small cat monster tries to follow the previous duo, a wooden sword in hand as the little one charges forward. They seemingly trip over a loose rock, before getting right back up. If he could hear them he knows they would be giggling.
Taking a shaky breath, Error forces himself to turn away from the scene and walks further down the path to the center of the village, seeing more people going about their daily lives…and yet… everything is completely silent. It's eerie… despite the happy ghosts of people still moving about the seemingly deserted village. Everything is completely still, even a little overgrown. He wouldn't say it's falling apart though.
As he gets closer to the center of town a table in the very middle stands out oddly to him. Made of stone, it is completely untouched by the moss and vines speckled across every other surface around them. And as a ghost walks past it, a steaming red mug appears on the table top, much to his confusion.
All of the items he’s seen so far were handled directly by the odd spirits- moving them around, setting them down or picking them up themselves. Nothing just appeared. The mug didn’t really fit in with the overall vibe of the village either.
Hesitantly, Error moves closer to the mug, looking over it closely….It…smells like hot chocolate. He leans in closer, sniffing to confirm that yes, it smells like nice warm coco, and when he cautiously reaches out to touch the mug, his phalange actually makes contact with it.
Now, Error knows perfectly well that it could be poisonous or turn him into one of the strange people or something equally bad, but it’s been a long day and he can’t quite resist the allure of a comforting mug of hot chocolate. Carefully grabbing the handle, he takes a sip of the sweet warm drink he loves so much and all the burning cold in his limbs and aches of his bones vanish in an instant, making him blink in surprise as he looks at his now frost-free hands.
Immediately, Error cradles the mug close to his chest and turns to leave the village, intent on taking it back to Dream. The village ghosts continue to dance, and go about their day, none the wiser to his existence as he quickly leaves, careful not to spill a single drop until he's crouching down next to Dream again.
“DREaM. DreAM driNK thIS-” Error gently nudges the positive guardian’s shoulder, the smaller whining quietly as he opens his sockets to look up sleepily at the glitch.
"H-humm..? Wha..?"
“CaN YOu dRiNK thIS foR Me reAlly quICk? THeN yoU CaN go baCK to sLEep.” He says sweetly, helping Dream sit up a bit and holding the mug to his mouth. The guardian takes a few small sips and almost immediately starts to purr as the ice and frost vanish. Dream stretches like a sleepy cat, before scooting up to curl around Error’s lap, hugging his waist, making him snort as he glitches a bit.
“GoODnighT~” Error can’t help but coo, leaning back a bit as he drinks some more of the hot chocolate, before yawning. A nap does sound pretty nice… and Dream is like a heater. Error glances down at the soft grass, before taking one last sip of the nearly empty mug and setting it aside so he can lay down.
He adjusts his jacket to be under his skull and watches as Dream moves up to better cuddle him, warm arms wrapping around his ribcage as the guardian nuzzles into his chest with a happy little purr. Error smiles at the sight, loosely wrapping an arm around Dream with his own quiet purr as he relaxes, closing his sockets. He can't remember being so happy to just sleep.
~
Dream wakes gradually, his sockets still feeling heavy as he nuzzles in closer to the glitch, his skull tucked under Error’s chin. He feels so relaxed and well rested….He doesn't think he's felt this good since….since…
The small skeleton's sockets fly open as the situation clicks in his head. He…slept. He actually slept! No night terrors waking him up or hours trying to fall asleep only to get no rest at all- He slept!!! It's a miracle! Dream smiles with a happy little noise, purring even louder as he pulls away enough to stretch, posing his shoulders and spine with a pleased groan. As he rubs his sockets and looks up at his cuddle buddy, he stops and stares…..before his face heats up in a bright gold color.
Dream scrambles up to his feet so fast he's surprised he didn't get whiplash, Error’s face scrunching up as he whines tiredly, having been woken up by Dream’s movement.
"Oh- Sorry, Error…" The guardian immediately apologizes, trying to shove down his blush by lightly smacking his cheeks, before he kneels down beside the glitch. "Did you sleep well?"
“UgGhHhh-” Error just whines some more, rolling over to hide his face in his coat as he half lays on top of Dream, the smaller yelping as he falls back onto his side. Something about this is just so odd and silly, Dream can't help but giggle.
"Error we have things to do-" He tries to convince the destroyer as he wiggles and squirms beneath Error, who remains unconvinced, lifting his skull just enough to pout sleepily at Dream. The guardian has to refrain from cooing, his blushing coming back and he just can't help but think Error is being adorable. "A-are you that tired?"
“M’aLW’ys TIrEd..” The glitch grumbles, nuzzling back into his coat.
"...Yeah me too, but….maybe we can find a bed in that village to sleep in..?" Dream suggests. He didn't notice it before. But he can feel the positivity of people, his body instinctively observing it to replenish his magic.
“WiTh thE WeIRd gHOsT PeoPLe? ThAT’s juST aSkin’ tO Get HAuntED-”
"Ghost people?" Dream asks before he manages to pull his legs out from under Error and move to lay beside him instead. "So you'd rather sleep out here on the grass?"
“ThEY coULdn’ sEe oR HeaR ME or EVen toUCh mE WhEn I WeNT ovEr to LoOK foR HElp.” Error mutters, turning his head slightly to peek at Dream.
"Is that how you uhm….got rid of the ice? You helped me..?" The guardian asks quietly as he tucks one of his hands under his skull.
“MhM. With Hot cHocOLaTE.”
"...Hot chocolate???" Dream is very confused. How did Error get rid of the ice using hot chocolate?
“I foUNd iT…” Error trails off, yawning. “IiIN thE VilLaGe.”
"Oh….well maybe we can find more useful things there? I bet another one of those arch portal things will be there and we can go back to that kitchen and sleep there in the pile of blankets?"
“BuT WhaT IF it doESn’t leAD TherE?”
"....Then we sleep in one of the houses?" Error groans, but pushes himself up, pouting as he grabs his coat. Dream quickly gets up beside him, brushing off his legs, before he smiles warmly at Error. “We can sleep more soon, don’t worry. Hopefully we can get back to the dungeon thing…somehow..”
“GimME mY SCaRf-” Error mumbles, making a grabby hand at Dream as the smaller blinks at him.
“O-oh, sorry! Here.” Dream unwraps the scarf, before stepping closer to drape it over the glitch’s shoulders, letting Error wrap it more snuggly around his neck and happily nuzzle it with a hum.
“Th’nKs~”
“No problem. Let’s see what we can find in the village~” With a joyful demeanor the guardian whirls around and leads the way back towards the cobble stone path. Error moves to follow, only to freeze at the sight of Dream’s backside, his shirt caught in his belt and revealing his… impressively good looking ass- Error had assumed that Dream kept his lower ecto summoned for the bodysuit but holy shit-
Dream’s hips sway almost tantalizing as he walks and Error can see every detail- He’s not sure why Dream can constantly wear such tight clothes that cup every aspect and curve of his perfectly rounded ass and not feel exposed, but maybe that's what the long shirt is for.
The guardian says something to him but Error definitely doesn’t process it, too busy short circuiting over his ass. It just looks so cup-able and squishy- If Nightmare has big boobs Dream definitely has big ass covered-
“Error? Are you ok?” The small skeleton finally turns back to him, cutting off his staring, and Error quickly looks away, blushing brightly and glitching a bit.
“Y-ye-YeAH-”
“..Are you sure? Your face is yellow-” Dream asks with a worried look, Error just blushing harder in embarrassment as he quickly walks past the guardian.
“Y-yUp-! LeT’s gO-” Still confused Dream brushes the odd behavior away to follow after Error, rather excited to see what all the positivity is about.
When inside the village Dream can’t help but watch in awe as the spirits move around. “They feel so happy..~”
“WeLL- thAt’S GoOD, I guESs.” The smaller moves past him as a few of the spirits start dancing around the village center, this time he is sure to avert his gaze-
“Oh I know this dance!” Dream jumps a little in excitement, before hopping into the dance and twirling and swaying along with the ghosts as he sings the steps. Error just watches, happy Dream seems to be having fun, at least.
The dancing is significantly less creepy with some noise, some of the spirits on the sidelines clapping and singing silently until the dance ends and Dream skips back over to him.
“Sorry I got distracted. You should have danced with us!”
“I’m FiNE To juST WatCh.” Error waves off, smiling. Dream smiles even more, folding his hands behind his back.
“If you say so. Anyway, let's look for things! Whatever could be useful like…I don’t know, maybe a coffee machine?”
“PfFft- A CofFEe mAChinE-??” Error can’t help but snort and giggle, Dream blushing in response as he puffs out his cheeks.
“W-what-? I like coffee-”
“YoU SouNd liKE NiGHtmaRE witH HIs teA-” The guardian blinks a little in surprise.
“Nightmare likes tea? Yeah that sounds like something he would enjoy…”
“MhM- WhEN we weRE stILL a bIT CrAZy wE usED to HAve Tea PArtiES WheRE wE’d taLK shiT AboUT EVerYoNE. He brIBeD Me wiTH chOColaTE.” Dream giggles, putting a gloved hand to his mouth.
“That’s actually really cute~”
“Wh-? HeY No wE’rE SCaRY-” Error protests, cheeks growing yellow. The smaller crosses his arms, giving the glitch a look as he shifts his weight to one leg.
“Oh like having tea parties and talking smack about people like a couple of old ladies is scary~”
“We aLSo thOuGht uP WaYS to kILL thEm-!” The glitch whines, blushing harder as Dream laughs.
“And I’m sure you were being oh so scary while you very grumpily crocheted~”
“I dOn’T GrUMpilY cRocHEt-” Error grumbles.
“Hmmm I don’t know you seem like the type of person to grumpy crochet-” The guardian teases with a cheeky smile, Error just glaring at him- though it ends up looking more like a pout. “Hehehe~ So cute~”
He snickers to himself as Error freezes and glitches, blushing brightly, before his own words suddenly click in his skull and he, too, turns yellow in the face.
“Wh- H-hUh-?” Dream blinks dumbly up at the glitch, before he suddenly turns towards one of the houses with a nervous laugh.
“Nothing-! W-we should uh- search the houses and stuff-”
“I- uH- o-OKaY-?” He watches as the smaller skeleton practically speed walks up to the building's front door, he only gets a glance of Dream’s ass before it disappears inside, and Error internally berates himself for looking again.
After a moment, Error turns, heading for another building to look through it. Neither of them find anything all that interesting as they search the houses, lots of pillows and blankets, Dream grabs some cleaning tools and a few pans, and Error grabs the softest pillows and blankets he can find, sticking some of the smaller ones in his inventory.
Eventually they reach the last of the buildings, and Error finds what seems to be a flashlight while Dream finds a leather bound notebook in a drawer with a feather pen and ink.
“...We probably can’t summon Ink with this, can we?”
“...MaYBe we cOuLD seND a noTE throUgh?”
“Like how Ink hears someone calling him? Maybe he’ll hear us even if he can’t come through?” Dream eyes the small container in his hands.
“MaYBe… If we Mix iT WiTh soMe wATer We wON’t haVE to uSE aS MuCh, aNd hE’ll knOW It’S URgeNT if wE CaN FinD SOme GlaSs to BreAK in iT.. I thINk He cAN taLK thrOUgh thE PudDLes wHen hE WaNTs buT I doN’t KNow If it’LL WorK herE…”
Dream pockets the items before they head out of the cabin, he snatches a bowl from the kitchen on the way and starts looking around. “There should be a well or small creek or something nearby…”
“ArE We goNnA DO it heRE?”
“...It would probably be better to wait till we are back at the kitchen. Sorry..I guess I got a little excited.” Dream smiles a little sheepishly as he turns back to Error, who waves it off with his own smile.
“No worRIeS I wANnA Do it TOo- SHoULD wE gO LooK FOr thE PortAL thiNg thEN?”
"Yeah, even after our nap I feel pretty tired from all the…excitement."
“LeT’S Go maKe a BLaNket neST thEN-” Error decides, nodding to himself as Dream smiles a little more. The two search the outside of the village and the dome space outside of it, until they find another archway just outside on the other side from the ice slide, Dream tests it by putting his head through and comes back out in relife.
“It’s the same door we came in through, but the snow melted.”
“ThANk foX-” Tired and more than ready to relax, they make their way back to the little kitchen cell and immediately start making a pallet with all the pillows and blankets they have, Error flopping on top of it as soon as it could be considered good enough.
He hears the shuffling of clothes and a slick sound, before Dream lays down beside him, nuzzling into one of the pillows with a tired sigh.
“Comfort, finally…” Error just hums in agreement, closing his sockets as he lays face-down on the blankets. He gets to enjoy the silence for a few blissful minutes, before Dream shuffles a little closer, waits for a few moments, and moves just a little bit closer again.
Error holds back a small snort, tamping down his amusement as he waits to see what the positive guardian will do. Dream waits a few more minutes to then try and nuzzle his skull up under the glitch’s arm, being very slow and trying to be sneaky about it.
Now situated against Error’s side, the smaller fully relaxes, laying on his front as he holds a pillow to his chest and quietly starts to purr. The glitch can’t help but purr slightly himself, turning his skull slightly as he internally coos. Dream’s face looks so peaceful when he just relaxes. He hadn’t noticed just how tense the guardians expression is until now
He’s already asleep, just like that.
Smiling, Error shifts slightly to be more comfortable, before letting his sockets drift shut once more, sleep quickly coming to claim him.
~
Error wakes up slowly, incredibly warm and comfortable as he nuzzles against the source of heat, purring sleepily. It's a comfortable kind of warm, one that makes his bones tingle lightly on contact as if laying in the sun’s rays.
Unexpectedly, his heater starts to purr back in response, one of his hands being held lightly against someone's face, their breath brushing over his finger tips.
Only just keeping himself from jerking back in surprise, Error opens his sockets, suddenly much more awake. The first thing he’s met with is the back of someone’s skull, their chest rising and falling slowly as they sleep, and Error carefully raises his head to better see them- before freezing at the sight of a skin tight black bodysuit. Dream’s skin tight black bodysuit.
Who he’s currently pressed up against. Error almost immediately short circuits as he glitches, the perverted part of his mind focusing on the feeling of having the smaller right up against him. Even if the ecto isn’t covering his ribcage, Dream is soft and the softest part of him is pressed right up against the front of Error’s pelvis.
He does his best not to think too hard about it, blushing as he struggles to focus on literally anything else but the ass pressed back against his pelvis. He needs to escape before he does something stupid- but Dream has such a strong grip on his hand and is literally laying on his arm!
Error tries to pull it away to get his hand free first, but the moment he so much as twitches a phalange, the guardian's grip tightens and Dream nuzzles against it with a whine. Error immediately gives in, going limp as he blushes, embarrassed and flustered.
This can’t seriously be happening- but it is- Nightmare is probably going to kill him for even staring at his brother's backside let alone snuggling him as they sleep. He can never let Nightmare know- Unless he wants to have horrible nightmares for all of eternity, but who can blame him! Dream is…….well Dream is..kind of pretty-
Of course- Error has noticed Dream’s looks in the past, but it was more like vaguely admiring a flower from afar. He knew the nymph was supposedly pleasant company, and that he was kind hearted and a fairly good fighter, but Error never bothered to try to truly get to know Dream. Now that he’s spent…maybe two days or so he can already see just how kind the other is, even if he doesn’t know him very well yet.
The guardian protected him from those weird fox things in the beginning without even batting an eye despite them having been enemies only a few minutes before that and didn’t snap back at him when Error was being kind of an ass. He made him food, healed him, was healing him in that frozen hell even when it made Dream freeze faster and volunteered to go down the hole without hesitation. It is honestly admirable.
Something about Dream does bother him though, but he’s not sure what exactly. Like when Dream smiles- or maybe it's how he’s smiling more often than not. Or some of the things he said when they were talking about Nightmare while the guardian cooked.
It just felt… off? It reminds him of the way Nightmare will try to ignore or hide away problems, but he can’t explain why. Maybe they are a lot more alike than what anyone gives the twins credit for.
Dream nuzzles his hand with a happy little sleepy trill, breaking Error out of his thoughts as he looks at the sleeping skeleton. The soft smile on Dream’s face is very fitting for his rounded features and the stuttering tired purr of his picks up a little as he mumbles something quietly.
“Hm?” Error hums softly, smiling a bit himself as he purrs back.
“Mmmm…I miss…this…” The smaller mumbles again.
“...YoU AWaKe?” Error quietly questions after a moment. Dream mumbles something unintelligible, wiggling back against him, before sighing.
“Mmm’miss….you..” Error just gives Dream a small nuzzle, assuming he’s still asleep, and idly wonders who he’s talking about. Maybe Nightmare?
“..He misSEs yoU TOo.” The guardian is quiet for a few moments as Error wonders what he’s dreaming about, pausing for a moment when he hears a sniffle, much to his concern.
“DrEAm?” He sits up and watches as the small skeleton starts to almost silently cry in his sleep, hugging Error’s hand close against his cheek. “H-hEy yOU’rE OKaY-”
Error nuzzles Dream more and gives him a gentle hug, unsure how to help. Should he wake him up..? Before he can make any move to try the smaller wiggles just enough to turn himself around, burying his face into Error’s chest with a small hiccup.
“..I-I don’t w-wanna…” Error uses his now free hand to gently rub Dream’s skull, quietly humming and purring soothingly. The smaller leans into the touch, his quiet crying crying down to just a few sniffles. With one last mumble, that sounds something like an apology, it seems like Dream has calmed down, his body relaxing again, much to Error’s relief.
The guardian snuggles against him for a few minutes before he starts purring again and very sleepilly looks up at the glitch.
“GoOD morNINg sLEePy skULl.” Error greets, getting a slow blink in return. Dream doesn’t seem like a morning person at all- It’s hard to tell if he’s actually awake. He can see why Dream had been so interested in getting a coffee machine now.
Those hazy golden eyelights look over his face as one of Dream’s hands slides up from his side and very lightly ghosts over his neck and skull, tracing teasingly over his earhole before cupping the back of his head. Dream’s touch is so warm, and Error can’t help but shiver a little, staring at him with wide sockets as he flushes.
The smaller stares at him for a few moments longer, their gazes locked, until Dream glances a little lower and before Error can even recognise what's happening, the guardian’s warm lips meet his.
Error freezes, glitching harshly in surprise and flustered shock, all coherent thought leaving him as a few error signs gather in his sockets. This is definitely not how he was expecting his morning to go-!
The kiss is light and only lasts for only a few seconds, but it's more than enough to completely derail him as Dream pulls away, blinking slowly up at him as if nothing is wrong, before sleepily getting up- leaving Error staring at him in shock as he holds back a crash.
The glitch can hear Dream leave, but he doesn’t acknowledge it, still trying to process what just happened-
Dream….kissed him…. Error can feel his glitches worsening the longer he thinks about it. Maybe that's it- he just shouldn’t think at all, problem solved. Dream comes back for a moment to grab something before disappearing again and Error immediately fails, giving up on fighting the approaching crash.
*Beeeeeeep*
Error.exe has crashed.
As the destroyer slowly reboots, Dream uses the cloth in his hand to dry his wet face, using the cold water of the fountain to try and wake up. It doesn’t work quite as well as a cold shower, but it will do for now. Once he deems himself somewhat awake he pulls the part of his sout around his neck up over his head and pulls it off, wetting the same rag once before he starts wiping himself down.
They are going to have to find some way to actually bathe later if they are stuck here for much longer. Dream is sure not to tip the rag back in the water, wanting to keep the fountain clean incase it is reusing the water that's constantly coming out like most fountains…..or maybe it's infinite, who knows.
When he’s done he dries himself off with a second rag, before pulling his suit back on, walking into the little kitchen room they’ve made a small home for themselves in to put on the rest of his outfit. His movements are sluggish and obviously not completely there mentally, but he starts taking everything they got from their little adventure out of his inventory, gets a new bucket of water, and starts cleaning them off and setting aside a few boards or random things he found.
Hopefully they can go back to the village and get a few more things to make this all more organized and put together.
Rebooting…100%
Dream pauses as he hears the sound Error had made when he rebooted the other day, followed by the destroyer whining and the sound of him moving. He glances down at the glitch, blinking for a moment.
“Mmmorning Error..~”
“...Hi.” Error mutters, grimacing slightly as he sits up.
“...Did something happen..?”
“... DId soMEthINg haPpEN?” Error asks back, cheeks lighting up a faint yellow as he looks at Dream. “Do yOU NoT reMEMber?”
“...Not remember…what?” The guardian gives him the most confused look, before at least some sign of recognition shows on his face. “Oh sorry, did I do something to make you crash when we were sleeping? Sorry I’m really not a morning person-”
“It’s… iT’s noTHInG- doN’t woRrY ABouT it.” Error brushes it off as Dream blinks for a moment before nodding and going back to his scrubbing.
“Okay, do you want to finish your soup for breakfast..? I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to be cooking like this..”
“THaT’s finE- yOu DOn’t haVE to.”
“Hmmm’but I wanna- I mean want to-” Dream corrects himself mid whine. “....I want coffee….”
“I wISh I CoULd giVe yoU SOme.” Error says genuinely, keeping himself from cooing at Dream’s cuteness. The guardian is pouting very hard, cheeks puffed out and everything as he slowly and tiredly rubs a washcloth over the pan….he is pretty sure Dream is supposed to be scrubbing.
“...Coffee’s good…I like coffee..”
“Do yoU WaNnA Go baCK to SLeeP?” Error asks, getting up and walking over, gently taking the rag and pan from the guardian.
“...No…we need to uhm….find a way out…” Dream yawns, rubbing his sockets with his palms. “...I’m sorry about the crying in that ice tunnel..”
“YoU doN’t nEeD To aPolOGize foR THaT- it’S OKaY.”
“No it wasn’t..I wouldn’t have frozen if I hadn't used my magic…It was really stupid..” Dream stares down at his lap as he tugs lightly on his gloves.
“YoU WeRE TrYIng TO heLP me- anD ThE TUnNEL waS DaRK. I doN’t BLaME yoU FOr bEIng AFrAId.”
“..You don’t think it’s weird? Me being so scared of the dark, I mean…?”
“Of COursE Not! I’m sCaREd oF tOUch of aLL thinGs- Ink Is aFRaiD Of the COlor whITe, NigHTmaRE’s sCaREd oF beiNG aLonE EVen thOUgh hE Won’T ADmiT It- saME wiTH KiLler acTUaLLy don’t teLL THem I toLD yoU-”
“Nightmare scared of being alone..? Really?” Dream says in surprise, Error nodding.
“He’s alSO aFRaID oF- uHHh a CeRTain FruIT. It’S ComPLetELy baNneD FroM THe caSTLe- wE CaN’t evEN saY THe worD.” Confused, Dream stares at him for a few seconds until he suddenly gets it.
“Oh- Ooooh, that makes a lot of sense….That’s….if just the word bothers him he probably can’t look at his soul either, huh?”
“He rEFusES to tALk mUCh aBoUT iT- buT YeAh.”
“....I wish I could make him feel better. He’s been through so much.”
“He dOEsn’T LiKe pitTy- buT yoU COulD, y’kNoW. ANd yoU’vE beEn thRoUGh a loT, toO.” Error points out, but Dream just shrugs.
“It’s not pity, it’s sympathy…and no I can’t- he has you and the rest of his group to comfort him.”
“BuT WhAT aBoUT yoU?” There’s a pause as Dream freezes in place, still staring at his hands as he holds on tightly to one of his phalanges.
“I-It doesn’t matter-”
“YeS It doES-” Error protests, frowning heavily. “DreAM- yoU MAtTer.”
“No I don-!” Dream almost immediately covers his mouth, his sockets wide. He clearly didn’t mean to say that. The guardian quickly moves to get up- only for Error to gently grab his shoulders.
“Yes. YEs yoU Do. YOu do bECauSe yoU’rE a pERsoN anD PeOPle maTteR, aNd NigHTmaRE CAres fOR yoU WeTHer yoU thINk yoU DesERve iT Or noT.” Error looks Dream in the sockets, gaze steady. “YOu weRE suPpoSEd tO Die iN yoUR AU’s coDe- eVEn in THe thROeS oF hiS MaDdeNEd rAGe, hE CaRed foR YOu enOUgh To deFY His veRY faTE, tURninG You inTO stOnE INstEad.”
Dream tries to blink back tears as they build in his sockets, his lips shaking.
“I-I wish…I wish h-he would have just let me die…” Dream sobs out softly, and Error pulls him into a light hug.
“YoU BoTh suFfEReD GreaTLy aND NeiThER Of yoU DesERveD It, aND I’m so SorRY it haPpENeD To yoU.” Error murmurs, the smaller wrapping his arms around the glitch and crying into his shoulder. It shouldn’t be surprising based on his past, but he wasn’t expecting to see Dream cry while they are stuck here, let alone this much. He has a feeling that it’s been something that he’s been locking this away for a long time now- a similar thing had happened with Nightmare, though that had included a lot more fighting and anger.
“I-I mean the s-stone thing, b-but this is nice too…” Dream says through hiccups, nuzzling him a little.
“I kNoW- BUt I thINk yoU NeED tO heAR it ANywAys. YoU BOth desERve BEtTer- yOu boTh dESerVe EaCh oTHer , EVen If nEItHer oF You THinK So.” Dream’s soul swells at the notion and he holds Error little tighter.
“...Did…you know I was awake..?”
“...In thE STonE?” Error asks, tightening his own hold slightly. “...IsOLatION anD SeNSorY DepRIvaTIoN Is oNE HeLL of A MinD FuCK.”
Dream whimpers, burrowing his face further into Error as if to hide himself away as he trembles. “D-does….does Nighty know..?”
“No. JuST liKe I woN’t teLL YOu abOuT SoMe oF THe thINgS thAT haD HaPpENeD To NiGhtmARe. I thINk thAt’s a COnVErsATioN YOu twO ShoULd haVe yoURseLVes- AnD I diDn’t feEL liKe iT wAs mY KnoWLeDGe tO shARe.”
The smaller nods with a small sniffle, choking back another sob. “I-I don’t want him to blame himself…”
“Eh- hE ALreADy doES, hoNEstLY- aND It’s Not yoUr faULt eITheR. It wAs thE VilLAgeRs’.” Error states, cringing a bit at how blunt it comes out.
“I should have paid more attention to him…H-he told me something was wrong and I didn’t believe him…How is that not my fault?”
“Hm.. I guESs maYbe THaT paRt wAs a BIt yoUr faULt, buT HonEStly, wHaT WoULd yoU haVe bEeN ABle tO do? BaD PeoPLe wILL dO BaD THinGs no MaTteR WhaT- thE VilLAgeR’s IRe mIGht’vE JusT BeEN spREaD To yoU aS WeLL. YoU Were boTH sTilL KIds - yOu wERe boTh viCtIMs.”
“...Honestly they scared me…I tried to refuse doing things a few times or would try to get them to stop calling me their god or guardian, but they w-would just insist and push until I gave in. They never hurt me or anything, but something about it was….off. Now it kind of reminds me of someone with an obsession.”
“ThEY weRE maNIpuLAtivE AsSEs. IF thEy weREn’T ALreAdy DeAd I WOuLd’vE KiLleD Them mYSElf.”
“...What if it was because of my magic? My aura..?”
“You COuLdn’T ConTRoL it.”
“That doesn’t make it any less of a factor…It’s..I think it's like a drug. I’m basically a walking dopamine high all the time-” Dream sighs, nuzzling into Error’s scarf.
“It sTiLL doEsn't mAKe it yoUr faULt.” Dream doesn’t answer right away, but he obviously thinks otherwise.
“....Why are you being so nice to me? I thought you didn’t like me?”
“Eh- IT wAs moRE of a DisTAnt dIStasTE, aT WOrSt.” Error states, shrugging as Dream pulls away to look up at him.
“Okay...I’ll leave it there then. We should figure out what we are going to do today…”
“We WeRE goNnA TrY ConTActINg Ink, riGht? OthEr thaN THaT, I thINk it MigHT be BesT If wE HaD A Bit oF a ResT DAy.”
“Try to talk to Ink and rest…What do you mean by rest exactly?” Dream asks the question a little nervously.
“Hm? JusT LiKe- reLaXINg anD HaNGInG oUt? MaYBe soME plaNniNG or whATeVeR?” Error questions, a touch confused.
“Planning…yeah I can do that. We can use the journal I found!” Dream lets go of Error to pull the notebook, quill, and small jar of ink out of his inventory.
“I- SuRe? YoU SHoULd alSO juSt rESt, thOugh- yOu aLMosT frOZe to dEAth ouT THerE. We cAN trY to sUmmON INk firSt.”
“Oh I’m fine, don’t worry.” Dream shrugs Error’s suggestion of rest off as he stands up, grabbing one of the buckets of water with the ink bottle in hand.
“If yOu’rE surE…” Error mutters, clearly unconvinced. “LeT’s GO do iT in ANothEr cELl, juST in cASe.”
“Mhm- wait just in case of what?” Dream asks as he opens the cell bars and heads over to the cell across from them.
“I dOn’T WAnNa gEt INk evEryWheRE.”
“Oh, yeah that wouldn’t be ideal. We just got those blankets after all.” Dream sets the bucket down and carefully opens the small jar to dab some ink on his hand, making sure not to get too much before he cleans it off into the water.
“CaN I bREak thE boWL?” Error asks eagerly.
“Uh, sure? Go ahead.” Taking a step back, Dream gives Error the room to do whatever, putting the glass of ink back into his inventory as Error grabs a ceramic bowl from his.
“Not qUiTe GLasS bUt tHe sHaRpnESs shOuLd feEL thE saMe.” Error happily smashes the bowl against the ground, grinning at the small bit of destruction as he picks up some of the pieces and puts them in the bucket. “And nOw wE dUMp it oUT!”
“Hehehe~ You go ahead, you’ll enjoy making a mess more than I would.” The guardian giggles at the look on Error’s face, making the glitch pout at him- even though he’s right.
Without any further delay, Error knocks over the bucket, letting the contents slosh out of it. “InK.”
As the liquid settles into place on the stone floor, it ripples a little from the middle. Error takes it as a good sign.
“InK, CAn yOu heAR mE?” The puddle ripples again, the ink trying to form something before it breaks apart and falls back into a puddle.
“Ow! That hurt-”
“Ink! You heard us!” Dream smiles, excited to have some way to talk to the outside world.
“Dream? Where’d you go? I can’t get there.”
“We’RE iN sOmE SOrt oF BOx thINg- diD YOu noT SeE Us geTtinG suCkeD UP?”
“Oh hi Ruruuuu~! You mean the weird wind? Is that why Blue and Nightmare are messing with a jewelry box?”
“ArE THeY THerE Too? Go tALk to THeM! TeLL theM We foUnd A WaY To cOMuNICaTe thRouGH YOu.” Error orders, glaring at the puddle despite Ink not being able to see it.
“Ok! Little problem though. I can’t move.” Dream frowns, sitting himself down next to the puddle.
“What do you mean? Why can’t you move?”
“No idea! When I heard Error things slowed down and I can only move slow too.”
“Uhh CaN YOu yeLL At thEM? DisconNEct aND ReCOnnECt to thE liNK?” Error asks, brows furrowing in confusion. Maybe it’s some sort of time difference? The creator agrees with a laugh, saying something about being treated like a computer, before the connection ends and the water stops rippling.
“...That was odd, but at least we know we can talk to someone outside.”
“InK ConSTAntly coMParES mE to a coMPUtER thaT AsS-!” Error complains, Dream giggling quietly beside him.
“He loves riling you up, it’s his favorite hobby….besides painting you.”
“BitCh-” Error mutters, grumpily grabbing some strings to start making a hammock.
“Language….So what do we do now?”
“ BiTCh -” Error says again, grinning as Dream lightly smacks his shoulder. “JuST wAIT for InK To ‘cALl’ bAck, I SuPpoSE.”
“Mmm….Do you mind if I go see if that left arch goes back to the village? I want to grab some more things to spruce up our temporary room.”
“...ALriGht.” Error reluctantly agrees, before getting another string and gently tying it around Dream’s wrist. “JuSt- juST in cASe. Be caREful.”
The smaller blushes lightly, giving Error a reassuring smile. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’ll peek my head through and if it doesn’t go to the village I’ll come right back.”
“OkAy- sTilL- bEtTer saFE thAN soRry.”
“Yeah…I’ll be back soon. Bye Error.” Dream leans up to give him a small headbutt, before turning to leave and make his way back up the hall, Error keeping a tab on him through the string as he sits down, continuing to weave the hammock. Maybe he could make some of the seat ones…
Dream walks through the portal into the little village, relaxing a little as he looks up to the top of the icey dome. There’s no sun yet somehow it's bright, the grass a healthy green below his feet. This whole experience in general is odd, but he tries not to think too hard on it.
Like how they still have no idea how to leave. There’s no telling what is on the other side of any of these portals, is the scary ice waste land from before is anything to go off of. Who knows how many of those they will have to go through to get any answers at all..
He walks as far from the portal as possible, not wanting his magic to leak through as he finds a comfortable spot on a small grassy hill to lay back and stare at the ice ceiling. Taking a deep breath, he opens the floodgates and completely unleashes his aura, his magic reaching far past the dome as he sighs in relief.
Meanwhile, Error jolts and glitches at the odd sensation that suddenly assaults him, leaving him frazzled as he searches for the source. It’s warm and makes his soul feel light and fluttery. Flustered, happy, excited, he kind of wants to laugh- What the hell is this?
Fighting back the smile that wants to form for some reason, he frowns instead, reaching out with his magic and pausing when he realizes it’s coming from the string he had given Dream. What is he doing? Is this…this is what Dream’s magic feels like? His aura?
He’s felt Nightmare’s aura before, heavy and suffocating and cold, a feeling that makes him want to cry and scream in rage all at the same time but this-
Dream’s aura felt light and warm, like the first sunny day after a week of rain, but somehow even more suffocating than Nightmare’s- and Error suddenly understands how the villagers might’ve been addicted to the feeling. It’s overwhelming in its unfamiliarity, and Error doesn’t even think as he cuts the connection to the string, glitching harshly.
He chokes back a sob as his emotions come crashing back down, leaving him all too aware of the fear- and pain from his earlier crash- that he had been ignoring.
Yeah….maybe Dream had a point about his aura being a problem.
~
Dream comes back a hour later, much more relaxed than he was earlier. “Error I’m ba- Hey…you okay?”
“Y..YeAH-” Error mutters, covering his sockets, still trembling and glitching from the aftershocks of the guardian’s aura, having been struggling to get himself back under control. Dream stands there for a moment, before leaving and coming back with a blanket and pillows. He carefully drapes the quilt over Error’s shoulders and guides him to lay his head down on a pillow in Dreams lap, being mindful not to touch him directly.
“...Does this help..?” Error breathes in shakily, wrapping the quilt tighter around himself and nuzzling his face against the pillow, nodding after a moment. Dream very slowly starts to rub his back and shoulder through the blanket, purring soothingly, and doing his best to comfort the glitch as he slowly manages to relax, breath evening out.
“S..SoRry..”
“You’re fine Error…it happens sometimes, don’t worry…”
“StiLL..” The glitch mumbles, reaching out after a moment to grab Dream’s hand, placing it on his skull. A little hesitantly, the guardian starts to soothingly pet and rub his head, purring a little louder as Error leans into it.
“I really don’t mind. I like helping people.” Error just hums quietly in response. “...When I first met you…Well…sort of met you, I guess it was more like witnessing you than anything else.”
“Hm?” Error looks up at Dream in question.
“Your emotions were…really confusing and kind of all over the place. You were angry, but happy at the same time? I wouldn’t call it happiness really, but something I had never seen before.” Dream lays his skull back against the wall, smiling a little. “...I kind of thought it was pretty. That look on your face and the fierceness you fought with….That’s probably weird huh?”
“I wAS prOBaBLy inSaNE stILL… buT no? I guESs?” Error shrugs a bit with a halfhearted smile, though he blushes slightly. “WhY aRE yoU BriNGing thIS up?”
The guardian shrugs back, his warm hands ghosting over Error’s earhole just like this morning. “I don’t know…something to talk about I guess.”
“Hm… I woNdEr whAT’s taKInG INk sO lONg..”
“Yeah…maybe he got distracted?”
“Hmmm…” Error reaches out with his foot to tap the puddle. “INk?”
They wait a moment and the puddle starts to ripple again. "Hi Ruuuu~! Sorry Nightmare was shaking me really hard-"
“FoR TWo hOuRS-?”
“...Noooo? I ran over and told him I heard you and Dream and then he started shaking me- and then you called again!”
“...Oh dear-”
“WeLL- iT WaS A Few hoURs For uS. We’Ve bEeN HerE For liKe… tWo- maYBe thREe daYS?” Error looks up at Dream for confirmation, the guardian nodding.
“We really need a way to keep track-”
“Really? Oh wow okay- Uhhh…It’s only been like a few minutes out here….I think-”
“DaMn- ThaT’s oNe hELl of A tiMe diAlaTIon…” Error mutters, Dream frowning deeply beside him.
“I guess we can’t really depend on them to get us out…Not unless we want to be here for a few years.”
“InK Is THerE aNY wAy wE CaN TaLK to NigHT AnD BLue?” Ink hums very dramatically for a long moment.
“I don’t think so..? I’ve never tried to before?”
“WeLL cAn yoU Try? EVerYThiNG woUld bE EaSIeR To eXPlaIN.”
“Yeah sure! Give me a sec- or….hour? I don’t know-” And the ripples are gone again.
“...ThiS Is moRe coMPlicATed thAN It shOUld be.” Error mutters, sighing tiredly as he nuzzles closer to Dream, the guardian continuing to pet his skull.
“Yeah it’s pretty far out there, huh?”
“WiSH we CoULd juSt- BLaSt ouR WaY Out oF HerE-” The glitch complains, leaning heavily into the pets, a small purr building in his ribcage after a moment.
“That would be nice…Then we can just…go back to normal..”
“I miSs cHOcOLaTe…” Error whines.
“I miss coffee….I love coffee-” Error just continues whining dramatically, scooting up further across Dream’s lap until he’s half flopped on top of him. “H-heheh~ What are you doing~?”
“BlAHing.” Error deadpans, lightly batting at Dream’s face.
“Hmm…looks comfy. Am I that soft?”
“MhM~” The glitch goes limp, sticking out a tongue playfully.
“I am now you’re glorified pillow-” Dream giggles quietly as he traces over Error’s sockets, before jolting at the sudden loud voice coming from the rippling puddle.
“ERROR, DREAM, CAN YOU TWO HEAR ME-!?”
“Blue don’t be so loud-!”
“Ah-!!” Error flinches, glitching harshly in surprise. “HOly SHit-”
“Oww….my head-”
“S-sorry Ink-” Dream cringes a little, feeling bad for the creator.
“Hi, Blue, Ink..Nightmare. We can hear you loud and clear.
“ Thank the stars- ” Nightmare cuts himself off a little. “ When you get out of there, Error, you are in so much trouble! ”
“Wh- HEy I DiDn’t aSK foR THis!” Error protests. “WHy iSn’t DReAm in TrouBLe-?”
“ Why would Dream be in trouble? He’s not my problem. ” Nightmare says it so carelessly and Dream practically wilts underneath Error, before putting on a smile and trying to hide anything thats wrong.
“Don’t Be So Rude, Nightmare! Are You Two Okay? You’re Safe Right?”
“Yes, we’re fine-”
“DrEAm aLMosT FrOZe tO DeaTh.” Error says casually. “AnD THeSE foX ThiNGs trIEd to eAT us.”
“ W H a T - ! ? ” Blue and Nightmare practically scream at the same time, Ink crying in the background.
“Error-!”
“WhAT I’m juST telLinG THeM THe trUTh.” The glitch says innocently. “AlsO QUieT DowN YoU’rE HUrTinG INk.”
“O-oh My Stars- I am so sorry Inky-”
“I don’t wanna do this ever again-” Ink cries out between hiccups.
“ ...Anyway. Can you explain what’s going on? What is it like inside the box? I have been trying to get the confounded thing open and it’s not budging.”
“WeLl cURreNTly wE’rE In a DUngEOn, bUt TheRE’s aRChwAys wiTH LikE- pORtaLs? We’Ve onLY BeEN thrOUgh twO So faR, oNe tO GEt heRE anD ANotHeR THaT LeaD To a PLaCe liKe oNE of thE ForBidDEn AUs, whICh is WHeRe DreAM BeCAme A PoPSiclE TrYinG To hELp keEp mE FroM TurNIng tO A poPSicLe-”
“So The Box Is Split Into Sections?”
“Sort of? We first showed up on an island area with a big ocean and a tropical forest, but there were these creepy fox-like creatures there that attacked us so we fled to the first archway and ended up in the union space. There aren’t any living things here so far, but there were supplies in crates and a kitchen….Oh! And the foxes can’t go through the portals.”
“Ooo~ That sounds like a video game!”
“A sHIttY OnE- I cAn’t aCceSS thiS PlaCE’s coDe aT All.” Error complains.
“Error, A Video Game Isn’t Bad Just Because You Can’t Cheat-”
“It’S A ShiTty oNe BEcaUSe iT’s trYIng To kILL uS And wE’rE TraPpeD-!” Error snaps, sitting up as he scowls.
“You Know That’s Not What I Meant, Ruru.” The glitch sighs as he calms himself down, muttering an apology.
“ Hmm…let's use the video game logic- to an extent- What are they called uhm…dungeon crawlers? I’ll ask Killer later- Anyway, each section could be treated as a level. Maybe getting through them will give you something in return? You said you went through two arch gates, right? What about the third level? The ice one? ”
“I dOn’T KNoW If wE Got ANythINg reALly fRom thE ICe oNe- thOuGh nOw thAT ArCh leaDS to liKE, thE SaFE ZonE, I GUeSs?” Error looks over to Dream for confirmation.
“Yeah that sounds right…though we got some blankets, pots and pans, silverware….Oh! And I found some rope! Just in case…though I guess we didn’t do a deep search….Wait wait-! I found a bottle of ink and thats how we’re talking!”
“Oh Really? That Sounds Helpful To Me!”
“I meAN- ThERediCALly Ink caN Go thROuGh Any liQUid- wE JusT HaDN’t thOuGht aBOut it ‘tiL We goT thE inK…” Error mumbles as Dream pouts at him.
“A book and quill came with it…”
“ The book is helpful. Keeping track of everything will make it easier to search things and ensure you don’t end up back tracking. Was that the only useful reward? ”
“Uhhh- I foUNd thIS wEIRd fLaSHliGht?” The destroyer says after a moment of looking through his inventory. “I forGOt ABouT THis I wAS GonNa GIve it To yoU-”
Error turns to Dream, holding out the odd, torch-like object to him.
“O-oh- Thank you. Actually the journal would probably be better with you than with me. I’m not very good at jotting things down.” Dream switches the journal and quill for the odd flashlight, before messing with it a little to turn it on. “Oh wow that's bright-”
“Oh! I Bet They’re Meant To Be Used On Your Next Level!”
“Is thERe eVEn a POinT In dOiNG The LEVelS? WhaT If thEy’rE ENdlEss oR SomEThing-” Error whines a bit, clearly just being cranky at this point. Dream leans over to nuzzle his skull in comfort, making him sigh as he nuzzles him back.
“ Ruru dear, you need to eat and take a nap- but if the levels are infinite than….Hmm…If the box is a pocket dimension….than you should be able to find a weak spot somewhere that will free you. ”
“HoW WOuLd thAT WOrk?”
“ Hmm…try to break out of it? A blaster should work. ”
“FuCK yeAh I aM So reADy to BLaSt soMe shiT-”
“How will we know what the weak spot is?”
“ I have no clue. You’ll just have to look for it and hope you find it. ”
“FuN.” Error deadpans. “I call BLaSTinG It-”
“Error I don’t have a blaster-” Dream deadpans a little as he gives the glitch a pat on the head.
“While you two do that we’ll see what we can find out here! That old woman disappeared after sucking you up so we’ll ask her some questions after we find her.”
“BeAT heR Up foR Me- ALsO, I’m PreTtY Sure ThaT A daY For YOu is GoINg to Be a FEw moNThs foR us So-”
“ We’ll take Ink with us and make sure someones always with him. Try reaching him every two weeks or so on your end and we’ll see what ends up working best schedule wise so we can get a better estimate for time.”
“That sounds good to me.”
“Why do I have to go with youuuu-!?”
“InK, sO FaR YoU’rE The oNly wAY fOR us tO taLK to PEopLE- BeSidES, dOn’t yoU wANt to TAlk tO Me?” Error teases as Dream snickers quietly beside him.
“Yeaaaahhhh okayyyy- But only because its you Ruru-”
“You’re Such A Simp, Ink.”
“What’s a simp?”
“Oh! ThAT reMINdS me- INk yoU aRe sO deaD WheN I GeT ouT OF heRE-”
“What did I do-?” The creator asks in innocent confusion.
“WHy thE HElL dO YOu haVe AN ARt roOm Of mE?? WiTH fUCkinG pORn ???”
“ Excuse me-!? ” Nightmare immediately bristles at the idea as Ink laughs.
“Because Error is very pretty, I mean you’re pretty-”
“Error I’m Sorry I’ve Tried To Get Rid Of It-”
“ POrN, InK- GoDdaMN PoRn- ”
“It’s actually called erotica-”
“SaMe DifFErenCE!” Error exclaims.
“Porn is a video- I can do that to if you let me~!”
“ N O ! ”
“No-! WhAt thE HeLL-?!” Ink giggles like the perverted gremlin he is as Dream sighs.
“See what I have to deal with? This is a daily thing-”
“I aM So sORry-”
“He bribed me to model for him with premium limited time coffee beans. The outfits have no right to be considered clothes-”
“ Ink you are dead. ”
“What-!? He agreed-!” Error shoots Dream a smug look, nudging him.
“Why are you looking at me like that-?” The guardian asks him with a flustered huff, even as he smiles, very clearly happy Nightmare is being protective, or at least that's what it seems like.
“WAS it EvEN woRth iT?” The glitch questions.
“Besides the revealing outfits it was actually kind of fun.” Nightmare grumbles something unintelligible on the other side and Dream practically sparkles, smiling genuinely this time as Error holds back a giggle.
“MaYBe yoU CoULd dO It aGAin oNCe wE Get oUt oF HEre, thEN.” Error says, just trying to rile up Nightmare at this point.
“ Error I know what you’re doing. Shut your mouth before I shut it for you. ” Dream is practically vibrating.
“WhAT?” The glitch says innocently. “I juST thOuGht hE’d liKe mORe oF thAT faNCy coFfeE STuff- wE Don’T HaVE ANy herE.”
“You Know- I Always Thought Dream And Error Would Make A Cute Couple, Maybe I Should Throw Nightmare In There To.” The guardian's excitement is cut short by Blue’s thoughts and everyone is silent for a moment, and Error just stares at the portal in flustered confused shock.
“...Wh-hUh-?”
“Blue you ship-!?”
“What? Oh-....I Thought That Out Loud Didn’t I-?”
“....O-ok I think that's enough talking for now.” Dream stutters, his face a bright gold as Error just glitches, dying internally.
“Bye Ruru~! By Dreamy~!” The water stops rippling and the two skeletons sit in flustered silence, before Dream hides his face in his hands and lets out a long flustered whine.
“Oh mY FoX BLuE-” Error whines as well, pulling the quilt still wrapped around him over his head in an attempt to hide his bright yellow face.
“H-he’s such a gremlin-”
“I’m PreTtY SurE He jUSt brOkE NIghtMaRe-”
“He said nothing- He definitely stopped working-” Dream sinks down a little, pulling his hood over his head to hide his face more.
“CaN We aGRee To nEveR SpeAK oF THis aGaIN-?”
“Yes, please let's just forget it happened-”
“GreAT PLaN yeS-” They sit in flustered silence for a while, before Dream finally breaks it.
“...We should go check out the island before going to the next area…”
“...ProBaBLy…” Dream glances down at him and lightly boops Error’s nasal bridge.
“Do you want to help me set up the safe space sense we’’re going to be here for a while?”
“Hm? WhAT dO YOu meAn?”
"Just…making it even more comfortable and less like a dungeon? I found a piece of wood and some hooks we can use them to hang up the pots? And maybe cover the walls in a few of the pretty quilts from the village to give it some color? And keep it warmer?" Error frowns a bit, but nods in agreement.
“We cAN usE My stRInGs foR That.”
“For the quilts or the hooks-?”
“BoTh? EitHEr? My sTRiNgs ARe faIRly vERsatILe- I waS MaKInG a HaMmoCK eaRLieR-” Error gestures to the half finished project.
“Ooo~ We could make this into a little lounge hub thing…maybe we could move the pallet in here and make a space for the puddle specifically and surround the rest of it with pillows and stuff? So if they try to contact us while we’re sleeping we’ll hear them?”
“YeAh THaT’s prObaBLy a GoOD idEa.” Dream lightly traces Error’s facial features as as hums in thought.
“Do you think we could use some boards from one of the villagers' beds to line the base of the walls in here and stretch your strings out between them so it's like a net? With the middle being separated with something? Like…the metal ring around that fire pit behind house three? That could work.” Error just blinks dumbly at the guardian, caught off guard. Dream keeps talking- rambling about something he saw in another house that he could take apart and use, before he notices the look on Error’s face. “...What?”
“I jUst- dIDn’t eXPecT You dO Be suCh aN enGinER?”
“An engineer..? Oh no I just help people rebuild houses after battles with Nightmare a lot and most of the time we have to use parts already there to rebuild if Ink gets distracted or called off somewhere. I kind of got into interior designing, but I don’t ever have time to really do anything with that-” Dream smiles shyly, blushing a little.
“WeLL it’S PreTty IMpreSsiVE tO mE.” Error compliments, Dream blushing even more.
“N-no I mean it’s nothing really-”
“NoPE! It’S IMprEsSivE!” Error declares firmly. The guardian relents with a small whine, booping him again.
“If you insist, silly-” The glitch just sticks out his tongues playfully, Dream leaning down to headbutt him. “Let’s get started then, okay?”
“M’kaY~” Error agrees, getting up. They make their way back to the village and he helps Dream pull apart one of the big beds in the village. They have something similar to a comforter sitting on it and Dream decides to take that too. He grabs a pot and fills it with soot from one of the fireplaces, much to Error’s confusion.
“WhAT’s thAT foR?”
“If we mix a little water in then we get what is basically black paint. We can use it in the water instead of ink and it should be more efficient than mud. The more paint-like it is and the dark it is the easier it is for Ink to hear us. I’ve tried mud before and it didn’t work very well.”
“Oh- I diDn’T ThINk of THat.”
“I’ve had to use ash a few times. Ink has forgotten me in a negative AU where I can’t teleport out a….a little over a handful of times so I have to be resourceful.” Dream pats his gloves hands down on the rug, before picking up the filled pot, grabbing the ash scoop as well. “Is it ok if we use your bone constructs as nails? Unless that isn’t how they work-”
“I’vE.. nEVer TRieD?” Error offers. “My sTRinGS caN ConNEct tO WaLLs aND stUFf wiTHouT a NaIL thoUgh- duNnO WHy-”
“Oh the nails are to hold the boards in place against the wall, but if your strings can hold it together that works too. If these boards are going to be holding your strings, and therefore us, up then they need to be pretty firmly in place.” Dream hums as he looks around the house for anything he might deem useful, before heading back outside and yanking the large iron ring of the outside firepit out of place.
He really seems to be in his element- Error can’t help but be impressed.
“Thissssss….should be good, we can come back for the other little mattresses if it ends up being useful.”
“ALriGht.” Error bundles everything into groups small enough to fit through the arch using his strings, before using blue magic to help hold it all. Once back at the cell Dream gets to work fitting the boards into place, cutting the edges off diagonally and using the extra pieces to meld the corners together.
“Now and this part we would use two screws and a drill to hold these corners together and make it all a cohesive frame!”
“AnD WhAT wiLL We do INstEAd?” Error asks.
“Well…” Dream gets up and summons his bow, the weapon transforming into his daggers before he walks out and finds one of the thinner metal bars, he effortlessly off a few rods, before walking back to measure them and cutting them into smaller pieces. “These should work.”
Reforming his bow, Dream smiles at Error. “Do you mind holding the pieces in this corner in place?”
“...SuRe.” Error does so, a bit dumbfounded.
“Mmm…move your thumb a little more to your left. Make sure not to flinch.” Dream raises his bow, taking aim with two small iron rods as Error cringes a bit, glitching slightly as he holds himself still. The guardian takes a slow breath and the wood suddenly jolts slightly in his hands.
“It worked!”
“Oh thAnK FOx-” Error sighs.
“Aww Error don’t worry. I never miss.” Dream consoles him, kneeling down to nuzzle their skulls together.
“YoU’vE StiLL ShoT Me iN thE LeG EnouGh tiMes tO Be neRVoUS-” Error pouts a bit.
“Sorry- Slowing you down is just a much better option than uhm….your skull or ribcage-” Dream laughs apologetically. “I won’t hit you with them I promise…you do need to do the other corners though.”
“UgHh-” The glitch groans, even as he diligently moves to hold the next one in place. Dream tries to make it quick, asking Error to move a few fingers out of the way before firing, doing the same with the next one, and the next, until the wood base is all in place.
“Perfect~! And it’s holding it together~!”
“SHoUld I LiKe- rEInfORce iT With My stRInGs?” Error asks, clearly unsure of the frame’s stability.
“Step on it, shake it, see what you think needs reinforcing and go ahead. There’s nothing wrong with making it more stable.” Dream smiles as he moves to the center of the cell with the puddle and places the fire pit ring down to see where it will best fit. “Hmm…maybe we should create a box around this too?”
“ThE WoOD woULd soAK uP The wATer aNd roT.” Error points out, deciding to just wrap the joints with his strings.
“No I mean like….a wooden base around the ring? And then the water is in the metal ring. So instead of you connecting your strings directly to the round ring it will be more even connected to the wooden box. We can just fill the corners with pillows.” Error just blinks at Dream, brows furrowing as he struggles to picture what the guardian meant.
“....Here, like this.” Dream moves the metal ring out of the way as he takes off one of his gloves and uses the still wet puddle to get ink on his phalange. “See? There's a square base here, this is the rectangle shape of the room and then the circle is in the middle of the square!”
“BuT LiKe- wHaT WouLD iT bE For?” Error asks, still a touch confused. “AnD I coULd ProABLy USe mY boNE coNStrUCt to Do thAT.”
“Well you could connect your strings in straight lines with the box here, but without it your strings will be tighter around the circle and get farther apart when they reach the rectangle supports, meaning it won’t be as comfortable.”
“OhHhh oKaY- I cOUld stiLL prObABly usE My boNe coNSTruCts inSTeaD Of yoU maKinG A WhoLe oTHer bOX, thoUGh. Do wE EveN HaVE ENouGH WoOD?”
“Uh…no, probably not. Are you sure it doesn’t strain your magic to keep them summoned at all?” Stabbing bones into the stone would better hold the ring in place, they just need a way to seal the bottom so the puddle doesn’t get out.
“It shOULd be ALrigHT DoN’t wORry aBouT it-”
“Mmm…if you’re sure.” Dream grabs the metal ring again and sets it up in the middle of the room. “The rest is up to you, Error~!”
“M’kAy~” Error concentrates for a moment, before raising a hand and summoning a short box of slightly glitchy bones, careful to keep the ends of them blunted. Dream watches in excitement, really wanting to see how it turns out, then they can decorate! “How’S THaT loOK? ShOUld it be TAlleR?”
The guardian croches down to get a better look. “Hmm…about three inches taller?”
The constructs lengthen a bit. “LiKe thAT?”
“Mmm” Dream gets a look from a few more angles. “Yeah I think that's good.”
“YaY~” Error relaxes his hold on the magic, letting his awareness of the bones fade to the background like his strings. Dream tests to make sure the iron ring in the middle is secure, before going to nuzzle the glitch.
“It looks awesome, now we just need to seal the bottom of the ring so the puddle doesn't leak and get the next set up.”
“HoW ARe wE GonNA Do thAT?”
“Uhm…the best thing I can think of is clay? Red mudd could work, but it won’t hold up well if it’s wet…we need actual clay and then I can heat it up and seal it with my magic. And clay is found….in large bodies of water….like the ocean-” Error immediately makes a face.
“I’m noT GOinG IN thE OCeaN-” He states, folding his arms as he glitches uncomfortably.
“You don’t have to, I’ll do it. The main problem is those fox things in that area, we’ll have to clear off the island before we can use it.”
“UghH- toDAy’s sUpPOseD To bE a ResT DaY-” Error complains, Dream headbutts him again.
“We can seal it tomorrow. I doubt they will try to contact us again for a little while so it can wait. Let’s get the big net bed finished and then we can take a nice long nap. How about that?”
“Hm… ALriGht.” The glitch agrees as Dream nuzzles him more with a small chirp.
“I’m so excited to see what it looks like, I bet it will be so soft~”
“Mhm~” Error nuzzles Dream back a bit, before pulling out strings to get started. The guardian steps out of the cell to give Error room to work, before heading to the cell right across from them to make something to eat.
It doesn’t take Error long to get the foundation down, holding himself up with some extra strings to keep himself out of the way and look at it from above.
“Looking good, Error~!” Dream smiles excitedly, holding a plate of butter and toast with jam.
“I’M glAD yoU THiNk sO.”
“Do you want to hang the quilts up on the walls before we put all the pillows and blankets down?”
“Hmm YeAh thaT’s pRObaBLy a gOoD Idea.” Error agrees, looking everything over. Dream sets the plate down and goes to grab the folded colorful quilts from the kitchen. “ThiS Is goNnA Be gREaT-”
“Mhm~ I’m so excited. It’s going to be awesome! So comfortable and the quilts will help keep it from getting too chilly. We should put them over the bars too so it actually feels like a room!” Dram holds the quilts out to the glitch, and with his help, Error spreads out the blankets and connects them to the ceiling with more strings.
The moment they are all put up Dream runs over to grab all their gathered blankets and pillows. He tests how the mattress feels on the strings, and decides it's better without it while Error just watches in amusement.
It’s kind of cute to watch the guardian get so excited about something. He spread sout the fluffiest blankets first, before lining the ril with pillows and laying down another layer of blankets and then another layer of pillows, until he blops down, feeling satisfied with himself.
“Hehehe~ It’s so soooofffttt~”
“YeAh?” Error dismisses the strings holding him up to fall onto the makeshift bed, purring happily. His body bounces as the string net stretches and it actually holds them both up pretty easily, the wooden supports are working pretty well.
Dream tosses a blanket on him as the guardian cuddles up under a few himself, purring rather loudly.
“YeAH THiS WaS a goOd iDEa.” Error decides.
“Thank you~ You’re not chilly at all are you?”
“A biT BuT THe ANtivOId iS COld sO I’m uSEd to It.” THe glitch admits, before shrugging. “TheRE’s a REasoN I’m aLMosT ALwAys weARinG My coAT anD SCaRF.”
Dream wiggles to be closer and lifts the blanket on Error up so he can get under it too, his body glowing a little. “Does this help?”
“WoAH-” Error automatically cuddles closer to the warm guardian and Dream smiles as he glows a little more.
“My magic is naturally warm, radiating it out isn’t too hard.”
“YoU’rE LIke yoUr owN HeATer~!” Error purrs, nuzzling Dream. The guardian nuzzles him back as he scoots a little closer to headbutt the glitch, very slowly inching just a little bit closer every few seconds until they are pressed together against the blanket. It reminds the glitch of when they had gone to bed before, and he holds back a small snort.
“Yeah, it’s why I don’t really get cold, sometimes though, if I hold my aura in for too long, my body starts to burn.”
“ThAT soUNds… unPLeaSEnt.” Dream nods, lifting his arm up to gently pet Error’s skull- and his hand is so freaking warm-
“Yeah, it hurts, but things around me start to melt or catch on fire if I let it go on for long enough.”
“DaMn..” Error mumbles, sockets slowly growing lidded as he leans heavily into Dream’s hand. The guardian gently cups his cheek, a warm thumb stroking the tear marks beneath his socket as they both purr.
“Mmm..It’s only happened a few times.” Error hums quietly in response as he nuzzles into the touch. “You're like a big cat falling asleep in a sunny spot~”
“No ‘M Not..”
“Yes you are~” Dream coos as he strokes and rubs the side of Error’s skull, the glitch grumbling wordlessly as he closes his sockets, cuddling closer and pressing his head into the warm pets.
Dream’s sockets start to flutter closed and he nuzzles his skull up under Error’s chin as his petting slows. He’s not usually so tired after only making a netted bed, but….maybe his body really just needs the rest. It’s been a stressful few days, after all.
Chapter 34: Vampire Error and His Night
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Fair warning there’s slavery (don’t worry Error treats them good- though that doesn’t make slavery okay-) and past angsty stuff.
Nighterror
Chapter Text
Error sighs as he opens the door to the family home…that he now lives in alone. It’s not horrible, he just doesn’t feel like he needs so much space and…it makes him feel lonely. He shuts the door behind him, ignoring one of the house keepers as he makes his way upstairs to his room.
He should probably get something to eat from the kitchen…but he doesn’t really feel like- The glitch freezes in his open doorway, blinking in stunned silence as he stares. It’s definitely not normal for him to find a small skeleton, wrapped in a pink ribbon as a restraint with the bow tied at their ribcage, a card attached to it.
“Uh… HeLlo?” He says dumbly as he looks them over. They had delicate bones that almost seemed to shine with a silvery sheen, and when Error looks them in the sockets, he finds their eyelights to be a fairly pretty purple color. The small monster glares at him, even as their bones begin to rattle, their fiery eyelights tremble, growling through the gag in their mouth.
“LeT’s- uh- LEt’S geT You ouT Of tHOsE…” Error mutters, moving closer to carefully untie the ribbon restraining them, grabbing the card. “Do YOu NeEd heLp WIth thE GaG?”
Their growls taper off as they stare at him in surprise and confusion, before slowly moving their now free hand up to pull the gag off, watching him closely.
“...No..”
“GoOD.” Error nods to himself, before opening up the card to read it.
‘Happy birthday Error!’ The cards design is simply designed all save for the picture of Asgoro giving the camra a thumbs up. ‘ I know you probably didn’t want to celebrate with anyone other than that chocolate cake you buy yourself every year (or you forgot) but I wanted to get you something special this year.’
‘I know you like your shiny things and that you sleep better when cuddling someone, so when I saw this mortal I just couldn’t resist. I know how you feel about the treatment of mortals and think you will agree this one needs some love. His name is Nightmare and he supposedly tastes delicious (Fresh tried to steal a bite). His past owners didn’t treat him very well, but I know you can do better.’
‘With lots of love and support, your older brother Geno.’
“CoULd’vE VisITeD In pErSon…” Error mumbles, setting the card aside. “So YOuR naMe iS NiGHtMaRe?”
The mortal nods, having gone back to giving him a hard glare as he was reading.
“WeLL iT’s niCe TO meEt YoU- I’M ErRor. Do yoU WaNt ANythINg To eAt oR DRinK? KnOWinG MY BroTHer He prOBaBLy foRGot tHAt yoU NeEd foOD.” He doesn’t get an immediate answer, Nightmare looking him up and down suspiciously, before nodding.
“Y-yes please…” Error nods, before grabbing one of his robes and holding it out for the little mortal with a gentle smile.
“HeRe- I TEnD to KeEp thE PlaCe a Bit cHILly, aNd THis’LL GivE yOu bEttER coVer thAn tHaT ThIN shIRt. We’Ll woRk oN GetTIng yoU SOmE acTUaL cLoTHeS LaTEr.” There’s that surprised and confused look again.
“...Is this a trick..?”
“WhY WoULd thIS bE A TrIcK?” Error questions, now looking equally as confused. “I mEaN- I uNDerSTaNd iF YOu doN’t trUSt mE, moSt moRTaLs doN’t at FIrSt, BuT YOu’Re aLWaYs weLCoMe to AsK thE reSt oF My sTAff. MoSt oF THeM aRE moRtaL anD I ALwAys dO mY BEsT to PRovIDe foR THem.”
“...” Nightmare hesitantly takes the robe, continuing to glare as he holds the soft fabric close to himself, and Error takes a couple of steps back.
“OnCe yoU GeT THaT oN We CAn HeAd tO thE KItcHEns- HoRroR MaKes soMe aMAzINg foOD.” Nightmare pauses, his sockets widening a little in his surprise.
“Did you say Horror?” He slides his arms through the sleeves and ties the robe closed around his waist.
“YeAH? He’S ouR CooK.” He stares, intrigued by the way Nightmare stands straight, his shoulders back and chin high. He’s pretty sure he’s never seen a mortal hold themselves with such an air of superiority and pride.
“Ah, I see….Good for him.”
“YoU REaDy tO gO, thEN?” Error asks, incredibly curious but not one to pry.
“Whenever you are…” The mortal meets his gaze, eyelights shaking less than they were before. Error gives him another smile, before gesturing for him to follow, heading out of his room.
He can barely hear Nightmare’s light footsteps as the smaller follows behind him. It’s kind of funny how his robe is way too long for the little skeleton, the hem dragging on the floor as he walks. Nightmare must be even shorter than Killer- his other servant coming up just above his collarbone while Nightmare barely meets his shoulder.
Maybe Killer would be willing to lend some outfits to Nightmare while he makes him some proper clothes- he wasn’t expecting anyone so it’ll take a bit of time to get some fabric. Royal purple would look nice on him, maybe something a little darker than his eyelights?
Error hums in thought as they turn from the stares into the kitchen, the smell of freshly baked bread filling the space.
“HeY HOrRor?” Error calls in, unsure where the large skeleton was. “I gOt SoMeoNE For yoU To meEt.”
The big intimidating looking skeleton peaks his head around the corner of the very nice kitchen, opening his mouth to say something, before he looks past Error and his socket widens, black pupil dilating.
“...Night..mare.”
“Hello Horror. Long time no see.”
“YoU TWo knOw eACh oTHer?” Error can’t help but ask, moving out of in between them. Horror takes that as the ok to walk over, easily picking up the skeleton not even half his size.
“Night…saved…me and…..my brother.”
“I wouldn’t call it saving-”
“ThAT soUndS LiKe quITe thE StorY- thOUgh- HOrRor I’m NoT SUre WheN THe laSt timE NigHTMarE AtE WaS, yOU thINK yoU coULd HelP?” The big monster nods immediately and carries Nightmare over to the dining room, sitting him down in a chair before quickly returning to the kitchen to put something together.
“Hmm….At least he has food.” Nightmare mumbles after composing himself.
“Of cOUrSe hE HaS fooD- yOu aLL do. I’vE BEeN seaRChINg fOr hiS BroTheR BuT It’S A Bit diFfiCULt sINcE HOrRor dOEsN’t knOw thE NaMe oF THe TraDe cOMpaNY tHey werE HeLd in.” Error says as he walks in.
“Was it not Hasenworth?” Nightmare asks after a moment of hesitation, weary of testing his limits. “There are three main trading families and a few smaller ones that act as branches to the main three. Hasenworth had Horror and Traps the last time I saw them.”
“HaSEnwOrth? ALriGHt I’ll sTArt lOoKINg thEre- HoRrOR CouLDn’t reMEmbeR mUcH ABouT It, So THaT’ll Be OUr bEst bEt- ThAnKs NiGhtmAre.” Error gives Nightmare a grateful smile, before going to one of the side tables to write the name down on the notebook lying there. Hopefully Dust won’t mind him stealing the chore list.
“Oh- yes, there is no need to thank me-” Nightmare is taken aback again, he was most definitely not expecting to be thanked. Not by a vampire at least. “Hasenworth is quite the vile creature.”
“ThEY All sUcK- hONEstLy ThE WaY mosT vAmPIreS TReaT MorTAls is TErrIBle. WhO CAreS If MOrtAls dON’t liVe AS lOng As WE dO- THeY’re StILl peOPle-!” Error rants, glaring at nothing. “I refuSe tO SuPpoRt ThEiR TWisTed bUSIneSses- MoST Of thE PeoPLe HerE I JuST HaPpENed uPoN oR goT FrOm thE aUCtiON hoUSes whEN no ONe eLse waNTed thEm- hELL, I paYeD TWeNty bUckS FoR HOrrOr.”
“That is disappointing but expected. Most of Hasenworth’s broken toys are sold for next to nothing. Usually failed experiments.”
“I HaTE THeM.” The glitch mutters, a hint of a growl in his voice, Nightmare blinking at him in surprise.
“Huh, I do too. Sorry- I am just surprised to hear this from a vampire-”
“EveRYonE is-” Error rolls his eyelights, though he smiles a bit as he turns back to Nightmare. “Oh- By thE WaY, wHaT sORts OF fAbriCs anD CLotHEs woULd yoU PrefeR?”
“Oh uh- You don’t want me to answer that. My tastes are considered very expensive.” Nightmare says a little sheepishly, only for Error to wave him off.
“I WoULdn’T HaVe aSKeD If I diDn’t wAnt tO KNoW.”
“...Alright. I usually prefer silk for nightgowns and if there is lace it has to be very soft. Most of any fluff I wore was cashmere and the base for most of my clothes were made of pure cotton.” Horror quietly walks into the room, placing a large plate of food in front of Nightmare, who smiles at him. “Thank you.”
“Got iT- And WHaT CoLors WOUld yoU LiKe?” Error questions, giving Horror a smile as well.
“Purples mostly with gold accents, some cyan if possible, a little more on the green side.” Nightmare turns to Horror, softly asking him for a cup of black tea and the large monster walks to the kitchen to make some.
“PerfECt- We CAn tAke YOuR MeaSURemenTs laTEr aND I’LL oRDer sOme FaBric FOr yoU, sOuND GoOD?”
“Yes, but I would like to ask something of you- If that is allowed.” Nightmare picks at his food in small bites.
“Of cOUrse- WhAT’s uP?” Error asks, not even hesitating. It really does amaze the silver skeleton.
“Well…you see this collar?” Nightmare pulls down the collar of the robe to display a very tight looking band- so much so that it looks like it’s almost melded against the smaller’s neck vertebrae. The glitch can’t help but grimace slightly as he carefully moves closer, wishing he had noticed it earlier- it looks painful.
“YeAH?”
“The underside is scribed with a magic seal that locks away my magic and only a vampire can remove it. Would you mind?”
“No PrOBLeM- yOu SHouLd’vE TOld me EArliEr, I DIdn’T EVen NotiCe iT-” Error moves behind Nightmare to look for the clasp, squinting slightly and leaning down. “LeT’s seE…”
‘Under no circumstances should this seal be removed or thy will face the wrath of the royal family's beast.’ Ah…the inscription is a little ominous, the words glowing a bright red the moment Error looked close enough.
“There is no clasp, you have to use magic. It is like focusing on the tip of your finger and slide your phalange down the collar like you are cutting it off.”
“YuP.” Error mumbles, concentrating a bit of magic to his phalange and miming cutting the band off. As his hand moves down, a line of red sparks cuts through it, the seal splitting in two, falling off completely.
“Hmmm, much better.” Nightmare relaxes, but before Error can say anything, a black substance suddenly coats the smaller’s body, seemingly trapping him in a big goopy ball.
“EeP-!” Error yelps, glitching in surprise as he jumps back, instinctively extending his fangs.
“Error what's…..that-?” Horror steps out of the kitchen, frowning at the goopy ball as it writhes in place. “I have…tea-”
“I hONeStLY haVe no IDea I wA juSt TaKINg oFf NigHTmaRe’s cOLlaR- DId I Do sOMethINg wROnG? I dOn’t thINk fReEIng MaGIc shOuld HURt mORtaLS rigHT-?” Error questions, rambling slightly in his nervousness.
“Uh.….” Horror isn’t sure how to respond as the ball of coop starts to take a different shape, roughly looking like a person, more features solidifying until the body is stable.
“Hmmm~ Much better indeed~” Error blinks in shock at the deep voice coming from who was possibly Nightmare- though he was a touch uncertain. The person in Nightmare’s seat stands, a long tentacle like appendage now visible coming from his back- well several of them. Five maybe? He turns, one cyan eyelight looking over at them, before landing on Error, and he shivers, looking at him with his fangs still barred.
“...My apologies, did I startle you?”
“..NiGHtmArE-?”
“That is my name.” Presumably Nightmare turns to better face him and something about that narrow eyelight looking him over up and down makes him hold back a small shudder, feeling judged. “You have no need to worry. I have no intentions of harming you.”
“I- OkAy-?”
“So relax, this is just my preferred form. I am much stronger and more well protected like this.” Nightmare looks away from Error to look at Horror, smiling at him. “Is that my tea?”
“Mhm…” Wait- is Nightmare taller than him now?
“DaMmit I’M thE SeCoND shoRTesT AGaIN-”
“Hum?” Nightmare hums in question as he sips his tea, the tentacles behind him swaying lazily.
“Ah- NoTHinG, DoN’t worRY aboUt it.”
“...Alright. Would you like to sit with me?” Nightmare asks as he moves to sit back in his seat, picking up a piece of fruit to eat.
“NaH I doN’t reALLy neEd tO EaT- oNce YOu’Re dOne I cAn shOw you aROuNd.” Error waves off.
“I wasn’t asking you to eat, though if you want to do that I wouldn’t mind. As a thank you for removing the collar.” The tentacles slow their movement a little, one reaching over to his face and making him lean back slightly, looking at it in confusion. “Why so shy~? You were so talkative a few minutes ago~”
“I’M uSUaLly quIEt, aCTUaLLy-” Error shoots back- though it’s only true because Error usually doesn’t have anyone to talk to. “WhERe diD thIS cONfiDENcE cOme FRom aNYWays-”
“I have always been a confident person. I have just had to watch what I say for the past few years. In that other form I am weak and helpless, but like this no one can so much as touch me unless I allow them to…..I’m safe like this.” The tentacle closes the distance just enough to lightly boop Error this time, before pulling back and curling tightly for a moment.
“AlriGHt. I wAnT YOu to Be coMFOrtABle heRE.”
“Hum…you are quite odd.”
“I heAR thAt a LoT.” Error replies with a rueful smile.
“...Not that it is a bad thing. Every other vampire I’ve met is horrendous…You are not so bad.”
“..ThANks.” The vampire deadpans, though his smile softens. After taking another small bite of his food, Nightmare stands again and walks over to stand next to Error.
“Shall we go now?”
“..ArE yOU sure THaT’s eNoUgh-?” Error questions, looking between Nightmare and the mostly full plate of food.
“Now that the collar is gone I really don’t have to eat food. It’s more of a luxury than anything else- that and my body is no longer as used to eating more than what I already have.”
“ALrigHt… If yoU’Re suRe- LEt’s gO fiNd thE OTheRs anD sHoW YOu aRoUNd.” Error agrees, a touch reluctantly, and grabs Nightmare’s plate for him. “We Can SticK THiS In thE CoOLer foR LATer.”
“As you wish” Nightmare follows him to the kitchen to drop off the plate, Horror looking as saddened by the full plate as he was expecting. “Sorry. I’m really not hungry.”
“...Don’t..lie again…”
“I’m not, really-” Horror only whines in response, and Error does nothing to stop him. “Horror I really don’t need food- Tree nymphs do different kinds of photosynthesis.”
“YoU BEttEr Be TEllIng THe trUTh-” Error mumbles, squinting at Nightmare slightly- though he does seem to be telling the truth.
“I am a dark tree nymph. I can absorb and cause negative emotions, as well as feed on the nightmares of others. You could say that my tentacles are like my tree branches or leaves, the band inhibited my ability to eat like I normally would so I had to resort to the monster way of eating.”
“HmM ALriGht…”
“I will be fine. There is no need for anyone to worry.”
“...Fine…” Horror eventually accepts, even as he gives Nightmare the saddest look possible, Error holding back a quiet giggle.
“NOw c’MoN- I’Ll sHoW YOu aRouND.” The nymph is more than happy to follow, giving Horror a small smile goodbye, before quickly fleeing the kitchen, much to Error’s internal amusement.
“We’LL juSt sTARt aT THe enTRancE And wORk ouR WaY iN, aLRigHt? ThIS pLaCe haS THreE fLoOrs PLus A CeLlar.”
“This house is quite nice. That sounds good to me.” Error nods, and they walk to the entrance of the house, before turning the other way and leading Nightmare down another hallway.
“So dOwN ThiS WaY We hAVe thE LivINg rOoM aNd thE doOR To the CeLLaR iS OvEr thERe.” Error gestures to the door just outside of the lavash living room that they walk into.
“What is in the cellar?” Nightmare asks curiously.
“Oh- MoSTLy jUst EXtrA FooD STorAGe- sTOrAGe iN geNeRAl, moSTLy.”
“I see.”
~
Nightmare lay staring at the roof, his tentacles curling slowly around him. He’s been laying here for hours and like usual…he can’t sleep. He’s been here for a few weeks now and he hasn’t slept at all. No one seems to have noticed his tiredness, at least he hopes not.
This place is odd. He can basically do whatever he wants as long as he takes care of the garden- that being the job Error gave him. Error is…nice. He never thought he would think that of a vampire. He’s never tried to do anything weird or tried to touch Nightmare- and he’s been keeping Killer safe.
He actually really likes talking to Error…not that he will ever admit it. Nightmare tries to stop thinking about it before he ends up chickening out again and gets up, using the shadows to travel into Error’s room. He looks down at the sleeping glitch and for a moment he almost turns around.
The nymph carefully slides into bed behind Error, trying his hardest not to wake him as he snuggles against his back. He can already feel his body relaxing, feeling safe enough to fall asleep as the room buzzes with Error’s glitches.
The vampire is careful to avoid opening his sockets until he hears Nightmare’s soulbeat slow and he’s sure the goopy skeleton is at least mostly asleep, smiling a bit even as he glitches slightly.
As a vampire, Error has a bad habit of staying up extremely late and sleeping in, though he keeps to his room to avoid bothering those who aren’t naturally nocturnal. Most of that time he spends either crocheting or laying in bed and just relaxing.
Of course he ended up noticing Nightmare’s exhaustion- he could hear the mortal’s pacing almost every night, and after the first couple of weeks of his stay, the footsteps would often pause outside his door. Error wasn’t quite sure why, but he made sure to lay in bed more often, in case Nightmare decided to seek him out for some reason.
This had been the last thing he had expected.
After observing the nymph for the past few weeks he’s found that Nightmare actually keeps to himself a lot more than he outwardly seems. Despite talking to everyone in the house a lot, he is very reserved and hard to read and never comes to others for help unless he really has to. Nightmare seems to take everyone’s burdens onto himself while never sharing his own.
Error isn’t sure why but if he had to guess it has something to do with pride. Or maybe some kind of misplaced guilt? A part of him wants to know, but he doesn’t want to push Nightmare away by prying.
As he thinks, he can’t help but notice Nightmare’s body shrinking against him, and after a second, he carefully turns around, trying to avoid disturbing the mortal. Nightmare looks so small and frail compared to his larger form.
His silver bones are thin and warn and they’re faint- as if they were healed right after getting them- but his silver bones are littered with dull scars, a particularly nasty one completely engulfing his right socket as if his skull had been cracked open there and someone tried to cover it up.
Error finds himself reaching out to trace the scar, but manages to stop himself before making contact, pulling his hand to his chest as he contents himself with looking over the mortal’s delicate, sleeping features. The cyan nightgown he had been wearing looks almost like a full dress on him now, making him seem even smaller.
The silk dips where his rib cage ends, the silver bones easily being seen through the fabric as it flows over his hips and down his legs. Nightmare really is pretty.
The glitch carefully slides the blanket up over the little mortal, gently tucking him in to keep him from getting cold before relaxing again, closing his sockets as he listens to Nightmare’s soft breaths.
After maybe an hour or so- the nymph whimpers, his face scrunching up as he clutches the pillowcase, Error stirring from his half-dozing state.
“..NiGhtmAre?” He whispers, getting another small whimper in response.
“N-noo….don’t……”
“NiGHtMaRe- waKe uP.” Error says a bit louder, concerned as the small skeleton starts to cry in his sleep.
“..H-help-”
“NiGht- HeY- NIghTMare-” Error reaches out, hesitantly placing a hand on Nightmare’s cheek, wiping away the tears. He sounds so small and scared, like a little kid who can’t find their mom, and Error can’t help but want to fix it.
Nightmare’s sockets suddenly open and he jolts upwards in a panic with a frantic scream. “DREAM-!!”
Error jumps with a surprised hiss, instinctively looking around for the threat as Nightmare pants, slowly putting down his outstretched hand, blinking before he slowly lays back down, shaking.
“...NiGhtMAre?” Error asks softly. The nymph looks up at him, sockets watery and eyelights shaking. Nightmare reaches out to snuggle close to him and sobs, holding on tightly to him. Error pauses, caught off guard, before wrapping his arms around Nightmare and soothingly rubbing his back.
It makes his soul hurt hearting Nightmare sob, so genuinely sad and heartbroken. Error wishes he could do something to help.
“I’Ve goT yoU- yoU’Re saFE.” He tries to reassure the smaller as he cries. He’s not sure for how long they stay like that until Nightmare calms down to only small sniffles and hiccups.
“....I’m sorry…”
“DoN’t aPoLOGize- yOu’Re fINe.”
“..A-are you certain..?” Error nods firmly, giving Nightmare a small nuzzle.
“Of coURse- I’M hoNEreD thAt YOu weRE wILlinG To cOme tO Me foR ComfORT.”
“...You have a kind and genuine soul, b-but it's strong and holds strongly to your beliefs….Not many are like that.” Nightmare mumbles as he presses his skull against Error’s ribcage.
“ThAnKs..?”
“Heh, it means you are trustworthy, Error.” Nightmare smiles a little, looking up to smile at the glitch, before he rests his skull against the pillows again. “...Do you know who I am?”
“NnnIGhTmaRE?” Error says uncertainly, unsure where the mortal is going with this. Said mortal huffs, giving him a small deadpanned look.
“Error, I am sure you heard of the vampire’s having broadened their territory many years ago. There was a large influx of moral slaves then.”
“I vAGueLY reMembEr hEAriNG aBouT THaT, yeS.”
“Well, that territory was the monster kingdom of Nega, known for their agriculture and peaceful nature, all thanks to their Queen.”
“YeAH- I nEver AGreEd wiTh taKINg iT OVeR- bUt iT’s noT LIkE I cOuld dO ANythINg aBOut it…” Error grumbles a bit, Nightmare giving him a small nuzzle.
“That is nice to hear…The Queen didn’t have anything against the vampire race….I think she would have liked you.”
“YeAH?”
“Mhm, she was a very calm and relaxed person and could listen to anyone for hours and when you were done rambling she would somehow always give the best advice. She was wise and had lived for a very long time, sometimes it felt like she knew everything, all your secrets and feelings, but she never judged anyone, she was kind and loving to her very core…”
“It SoUNds lIKe yoU KnoW HEr weLl.”
“...I would hope so….she was my mother.” Nightmare whispers the last part, unconsciously trying to be closer to Error somehow.
“...oH.” Error mumbles as realization washes over him, and he gives Nightmare a comforting squeeze. “..I’m sORry.”
“You had nothing to do with it….I don’t blame you.” The smaller states plainly.
“I’m sTILl soRry iT haPpeNEd.”
“...My mother is technically just asleep….it’s my twin I’m honestly much more upset about.”
“..Do YOu waNna TAlK AboUT it?” Error hesitantly offers, Nightmare humming in thought.
“...If you are alright with listening…”
“Of cOUrse I aM- I woULdn’T haVe offEReD OthERwisE.” The nymph stares at him for a moment , before taking a deep breath.
“...My brother’s name was- is…Dream. He is a little ray of pure sunshine, always wanting to help people and make others smile. He couldn’t stand staying still and always kept himself busy with different crafts or ‘adventuring’ around the castle. Everyone loved him…He was a positive tree spirit, or light spirit.” Error gives Nightmare a gentle nuzzle as he quietly listens, smiling encouragingly when the mortal glances at him.
“....I had never spent a single day of my life without him. I prefer to be quiet and listen like my mother. I preferred the quiet of the library to the talk of the townsfolk. We were apart a few hours at most some days. Being alone more often than not now is….unsettling. I still can’t get used to it..” Error frowns a bit, tightening his hold on Nightmare just slightly.
“....We had been sleeping beneath mothers tree- her real body- when the castle was attacked. Dream rushed into the direction of an explosion before I could stop him. I had a very bad feeling…so I decided to eat one of mothers apples. You see, tree spirits, tree nymphs, are very rare. They are created when a tree gets old enough and strong enough to gain a conscious. It is even more rare for them to have saplings- nymph children. We are…like pieces of my mother instead of completely individual. We aren’t born with souls.”
“When we’re saplings we can’t get too far from our mothers tree or we will die, but when we get strong enough we are to eat one of her apples and link our lives to the tree. As long as the tree stands we can’t really die and we are stronger. So I used the apple's power to gain my second form and a soul- before charging into the castle after my brother.”
“...” Error stays quiet, unsure he likes where this story is going.
“There was a lot of screaming. Vampires were attacking anything that moved and I couldn’t find Dream anywhere. They were practically tearing people apart like animals and…enjoying it.” Nightmare wrinkles his nasal bridge in disgust.
“CerTaIN faMILieS Are raISeD ThaT WaY- theY’rE RAisEd oN INstINct mORe thAN aNYthiNg eLSe…” Error trails off, his own expression disgusted.
“Well then I hope you don’t look down on me for having rid the world of a lot of them. I went on a rampage of sorts after they killed mother’s body in the throne room.”
The glitch nods. “I CaN’t saY I BLaMe yOU.”
"Thank you…I was broken out of my rampage when I heard Dream scream for me and I found him in our bedroom, being restrained by a particularly well dressed vampire. Killer was near death on the floor nearby….."
“YOu.. yoU doN’t haVE To keEP gOIng, iF YoU DoN’t wAnt.” Error tries to reassure, giving Nightmare another nuzzle, the smaller nuzzling back.
"..I…I want to….maybe then I can stop reliving it….." Nightmare lightly headbutts him.
“OKaY- I’m riGht heRe foR You.” A lavender hue lightly dusts the smaller's face and he moves to hopefully hide it before Error can notice.
".....My anger was quickly replaced with fear, I jumped forward to try and grab Dream, but…..I-I was so close……………….and then he pushed Dream off the balcony……" The nymph tightens his hold on Error’s jacket, his voice almost hollow.
"We both screamed- well….I screamed, he gasped…….I leaned over the balcony to try and catch him and instead I…..I saw……."
“...Do yOu wAnT To sTop?” The glitch asks gently, moving his hand to cup the back of Nightmare’s skull, rubbing his thumb in soothing circles.
"....Yes please." He mumbles as he leans into the touch, unconsciously starting to purr, making Error smile softly.
“Of coURse.”
"....Why are you so nice to me?" Nightmare asks all of the sudden, closing his sockets as he relaxes.
“WhY NOt?” Error asks back.
"I can think of a few reasons….it's almost like you care about me…."
“MaYBe I Do.” Error states, shrugging a bit as Nightmare blushes, hiding his face back against Error’s chest, the vampire curling around him slightly.
"....why?"
“WhY noT?” The glitch repeats. “YoU’re nICe, anD I liKE yoU.”
"..It’s… just not something I am used to. My kingdom didn't like me all that much for whatever reason.."
“WeLL It’S a gOod THInG I’m Not paRt oF It, theN.”
“Hmm….I like you too…”
“..AW thAnKs~” Error purrs, blushing a bit.
“Don’t aww at me-” Nightmare tries to glare, but it comes out looking more like a pout.
“ AwWW~ ” Error coos harder, an embarrassed blush covering Nightmare’s cheeks as he lifts a hand to cover the vampire's mouth.
“Shooshith-” Error laughs and grins beneath Nightmare’s hand, fighting the urge to lick the mortal’s hand as said skeleton’s sockets narrow. “You’re an ass.”
“Mn MmMm mN.” The glitch mumbles, before Nightmare slowly removes his hand with a raised brow- only for Error to remain silent after, continuing to smile at him.
“...Asshole.” Nightmare playfully shoves him, no real force behind it as the small nymph lightly scowls.
“YoU LiKe mE~” Error lightly teases, Nightmare blushing furiously.
“Oh shut up-!” He lightly batts at Error before turning the other way, his back to the glitch as he pulls the covers under his chin with a huff.
“Aw wAiT I’m sORry PLeaSe doN’t sToP THe cuDdlEs-” Error whines, hesitantly trying to wiggle closer. Nightmare doesn’t do anything to stop him, in fact a black tentacle slowly sprouts from his back and wraps around the glitch, pulling him flush against the nymph and making him yelp in surprise, before quickly relaxing, purring as he slowly wraps his arms around the smaller.
Nightmare had tensed a little, but it only took a few seconds for him to relax again, his own quiet purr starting up as the tip of his tentacle rests over Error’s neck, stroking his cheek as the vampire purrs louder and nuzzles the top of Nightmare’s skull.
He’s not sure why, but the little nymph just feels so good to hold and snuggle. The little shows of affection and then denial of that affection are cute too. It kind of reminds him of how Geno acts around Reaper, but cuter- in his personal opinion.
“..YOu goNnA Go baCk tO SleeP?” Error quietly asks, the smaller humming.
“Mmmaybe…I don’t know...Why?”
“JuSt wAs CUriOus- I dOn’T KNow WhaT A NorMAl aMouNt oF SleEP for MOrtaLS is So-”
“Hmmm….well technically speaking I am not a mortal at all.” Nightmare mumbles.
“HuH? YoU AReN’t? …IS iT ‘caUse You’RE a NYmpH?” Error asks, surprised.
“Mhm. Trees don’t die of old age and water nymphs only die if the body of water they are part of is polluted or dries up. There are other nature spirits of course. All their life forces are tied to what they embody. You could think of my current body as a mental projection of me. I do not age.”
“...HUh. NeaT.”
“If this body is killed then I will simply reform at my tree. My life only ends when the tree dies…” Nightmare’s tentacle squeezes him lightly.
“So PRotEcT yoUr trEe- GoT It.” Error nods to himself, before giving Nightmare another nuzzle. The smaller can’t help but chuckle, a little confused.
“What do you mean by that? Are you planning to protect me…~?” He lightly jokes.
“YuP. YoU’re woRTh pRoteCTinG.” The vampire states, unaware of the way his statement makes Nightmare’s soul thump loudly in his chest like it’s doing flips. His face burns bright lavender and the nymph just barely keeps himself from trying to cover it.
“Y-you- you can’t just go saying something like that-!”
“WhAT- wHy? BuT it’s TrUe-?” Error questions, confused by Nightmare’s reaction. The smaller sputters, the hard deadpan that comes over his face not being enough to disperse his flustered energy.
“Oh my stars you are dense-” The glitch just shrugs in response, still confused. “Just- nevermind- I should probably sleep so…”
“M’kAy~” Error purrs as he nuzzles Nightmare, holding him close. The affectionate gesture makes the nymph’s soul flip again, feeling almost fluttery. He shoves the feeling down the best he can in an attempt to ignore it and the bright never dying blush on his face, nuzzling into the pillow.
“G-goodnight.”
“GoODnigHt, NiGhtMAre~” The smaller holds back a whine, bringing up the blanket more to hide his face as he closes his sockets, waiting for his exhaustion to kick in again. He falls asleep again, despite the purple dusting his cheeks.
~
Nightmare came back the next night…and the next, seeking Error’s comfort to properly rest. Thankfully the vampire doesn’t seem to mind, in fact- based on the emotions Nightmare can feel coming off of him- Error is very delighted by their snuggle time each night.
It’s embarrassing the first few times- it’s still a little embarrassing- but he finds himself growing more and more comfortable with Error’s presence….craving it in fact. Not that he would ever admit it. Nightmare has always struggled with his own feelings despite his expertise in that department.
He is simply too prideful and….he doesn’t trust easily, hence his confusion when he was so open with Error on that first night. But Error had never tried to pry further than what he had been willing to give him, even offering him several outs he could’ve taken, and he has a feeling that the vampire would’ve instantly accepted it if he had.
Error is just so considerate and nice and warm and he just….makes him feel safe and ok. He can’t come up with an explanation for it either!! It infuriates him to no end- But Nightmare can’t deny that he likes being around Error. So whenever he gets the chance and is done with his gardening duties, he seeks the glitch out, even if it's just to sit in the same room as him. That quickly turned to sitting in the glitch’s lap- how he has no idea.
His tentacles seem to like Error too, despite returning to his smaller form around the glitch, his tentacles still like to cling to the glitch any chance they get, wrapping around his limbs and body, sometimes rubbing and other times not, just resting in place.
Thankfully Error doesn’t seem to mind, simply smiling and cuddling him close as he continues with whatever he had been doing. The glitch is so very very dense, Nightmare has realized. He has gotten very contact friendly and the thought of the contact being intimate doesn’t seem to even cross his mind, it almost makes Nightmare want to laugh.
Even when the vampire’s hands wander a bit, it’s never with anything but the innocent intent of just enjoying the touch and contact. He can't tell if Error is just acesexual or genuinely just that oblivious.
Like now, Nightmare is basically straddling Error’s lap, laying against his chest and the glitch doesn’t even think about it.
"Error, what do you think of me?"
“Hm? WeLL.. I thINk YOu’rE nicE aNd fuN To tALk to, anD YoUr magiC Is COoL, anD I liKE yoUR voICe ANd YOu’Re reALly preTty-” Error cuts himself off, blushing just slightly. “AnD Uh… YoU ACt RUdE sOmeTImEs bUT yoU ALwAys LEt ME cuDdlE yoU- evEN wHeN You’RE pOutinG And iT’s reALLy cuTE-”
The nymph smirks, somehow feeling as if he had won in some way. It seems Error isn't completely oblivious to him, he’s just oblivious to the implications of their relationship.
"You think I'm cute and pretty~?"
“YoU MEaN I kNow YoU’re cuTE And PreTTy-”
"And you are aware you have a cute and pretty nymph sitting in your lap?" Nightmare askes with a raised brow, Error pausing as if just realizing he did, in fact, have a pretty and cute nymph on his lap.
“Uh- yEaH- AnD We’RE cuDdliNG-”
"I am straddling you, Error." He states plainly, making the glitch sputter, blushing harder.
“I- weLl- uM-?”
"Not that I mind of course, it is just a little frustrating when I am sitting like this and you don't properly appreciate it~" Smirking, he rolls his hips down against Error’s pelvis, relishing in the way the vampire sucks in a small breath and blushes furiously, sockets widening in surprise.
“I- U-uH-”
"That is a much better look on you~" Nightmare gently boops him, making him scrunch up his nasal ridge. "Now you're the cute one~"
“NuH-uH Y-yOu aRE-” Error whines, face bright yellow.
"We're both cute~....So you really haven't thought about how much we've been cuddling and sleeping together-? Well, I sleep with you."
“I- WeLL I dUnNo- I’vE.. NeVer reALLy haD frIEnDs oR- aNyTHinG…” Error mumbles, looking away. “I USuaLLy sTrUGgle tO sO MuCh aS toUcH pEOple aT ALL…”
"Really..?" Nightmare asks, genuinely curious. "You touch me just fine."
“My gLItChEs tEnd tO AcT Up tO A pAInFul dEGreE wHEn sOmEONe tOucHEs mE, uSUaLly. ‘CaUse oF It I KiNDa hAVe hAPtaPHoBIa- wHy dO You THinK I dIDn’T ToUch YOu dUrINg thOsE FirST fEw wEeKS?”
"So you merely have to get used to people? That is interesting…I don't see why you wouldn't have friends though." Error shrugs a bit, looking away.
“PeOPle ThOuGHt I LoOkED wEIrD, oR aCTeD WeiRD- AnD It’S noT LIkE mY OpINioNs Are PArtICUlArly pOPulAr AMonG VaMPireS.”
"Hmm well there is nothing wrong with being weird or odd. I didn't have any friends either, unless you count the others, but I met them while being a slave…..I read a lot of books though…that's really the only reason I would know the difference…"
“I CaN NevEr fINd thE MotIVaTIon to reAD- leARnINg abOut ChaRActERs aND woRLds aNd PloT Is sO TirINg..”
“I suppose so. Hmm…well the spooning we do is definitely more of an intimate thing, so is sitting on someone's lap, or nuzzling someone's neck, grabbing hips..stuff like that.” Nightmare informs.
“BuT I jUSt liKe TOuCHinG YOu…” The vampire mumbles, pouting a bit. It makes Nightmare smile, booping Error again.
“I never said I minded. I like touching you too~” Error tries to pout harder, but he can’t hold back the quiet giggle that bubbles out of him, before he bends down to nuzzle the nymph, the smaller purring as he is nuzzles back. “I just thought you would like to know the implications of our behavior….and that I am not against it.”
Nightmare leans back against him, snuggling close as one of his tentacles begins to wag, Error smiling at the sight.
“I cAn’T SaY I’m aGAiNst thAT EitHer.” Error says honestly, his blush coming back.
“I am glad you to know you agree~” The tentacle wags only increase, the purring subtly getting louder as the little nymph's ribcage vibrates against him.
“So cUTe~” The glitch can’t help but coo, cuddling Nightmare closer with his own purr as the smaller sputters.
“I-I am not cute-!”
“AaaADoRAblE~!”
“Nuuu-!”
“YeSssSS~!” Error aggressively nuzzles Nightmare with a grin, purring loudly. Stars, Nightmare is just so cute! He can practically feel the huffy pouting the nymph is doing into his shoulder, glaring at the wall.
“Asshole-”
“BuT yA LIkE me~” He gets a flustered grumble in response as Nightmare nuzzles his face into Error’s scarf, hiding the purple blush dusting his cheekbones as the glitch fights the urge to wiggle in delight.
"...We have to go shopping soon. Horror needs flour and I would like some more plants and seeds."
“SuRe- We cAN HeaD to THe maRKeT TOmorROw, iF YOu’d liKE.” Error easily agrees.
"Good…Do you need anything?" Nightmare pulls away a little to cup Error’s cheeks, the vampire leaning into his hands happily.
“HmM… MaYBe wE cAN seE If THeRe’s aNy YaRns wHILe We’rE thERe..” He shamelessly suggests despite the many full baskets of yarn already scattered around the house. The very idea makes Nightmare snort, a smile on his face.
"Oh my stars- How much yarn do you need-?"
“ALl oF it-”
"Error no-"
“ErROr yeS-” The nymph pouts, but gently headbutts him even as he glares, Error grinning innocently back at him.
".....Absolutely horrible- You’re horrible-"
“YuP PRoBaBLy-” Nightmare wraps his arms over Error’s shoulders, glaring harder at him, with a hot blush. His eyelights glance down at the glitch’s mouth for a moment, blushing more.
What the hell is he doing-? As if reading his mind, Error inches closer, tilting his head slightly as he looks into Nightmare’s sockets in silent question.
Chapter 35: Harpy hours
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
It’s mating season and Error lays his clutch of eggs.
Error x Killer
Also this has some very suggestive themes and Error deals with a kinda not really childbirth laying his eggs, and relevant language is used. Also, Error is a female harpy, but he uses he/him pronouns.
Chapter Text
Error has lived on the National Ebott park all of his life. His mom was caught by poachers, leaving him and his clutch mates alone. Each of them were taken in by a park ranger on completely different slides of the park- since harpies are very territorial. He was raised by the nicest and kindest and best monster he’s ever met, Nightmare.
As a harpy, he loves shiny things, and while Nightmare doesn’t always look shiny, he can be the shinyest person ever. It makes Error want to pull him into his nest of shinies and keep him there forever- he doesn’t of course, but he wants to.
Nightmare taught him how to talk properly, how to hunt, and how to build a nest. His instincts helped. They had both been worried that when he reached maturity he would end up not liking Nightmare being around, but he actually doesn’t mind if it’s Nightmare in his territory. Only Nightmare though.
Even now when he’s horny and aggravated during mating season he finds that he just doesn’t mind too much, so he allows his best friend to check on him and even help with the egg laying process- like now.
“OwWw-” Error whines as he squirms slightly, wings wrapped around himself and curled up in his nest.
“Oh Ruru, it’s ok. I know it hurts, hun..” Nightmare easily scales the tall tree Error’s nest resides in to climb inside, reaching out to rub the harpy’s back. “Come on, you have to sit up.”
“HhHh-” Error whines some more, but after a moment he carefully pushes himself up, struggling just slightly with his enlarged belly getting in the way. Thankfully one of Nightmare’s tentacles makes it easier, positioning him back against Nightmare’s ribcage as the monster nuzzles the side of his skull.
“There you are, doesn’t that feel better?” A tentacle supports the base of his back as his legs are spread apart, and Nightmare reaches down to gently rub over his contracting abdomen, soothing the pain just slightly.
“A biT…” Error mumbles, an unhappy trill leaving him as a spike of pain shoots through his lower half. Nightmare kisses his temple, before his hand finds a small egg being moved from Error’s womb. He gently rubs over it, trying to help push it down smoothly like he has done for Error every other mating season as the harpy whimpers at the feeling.
“HaTE thiS-” Error mutters, before instinctively pushing down as the egg presses against his cervix, where it stops for a moment before popping out as a strangled whine escapes Error.
“There you go, one egg down. How many do you have this year? Four? Five maybe?” Nightmare starts rubbing up higher again, nuzzling Error’s neck comfortingly.
“F-fiVe- I ThINk..” The harpy pants a bit.
“Ok..you should be done in an hour or so then.” Nightmare kisses the side of his skull again and moves his arms to hold and rub Error’s sides as the harpy groans unhappily. “I know, it’ll be over soon and you’ll have a nest of pretty little eggs to protect~”
Error chirps, a touch happier at the reminder, before whining again as another contraction goes through him, the cycle continuing. Nightmare helps soothe him as he slowly pushes one egg out after the other.
By the end his legs and middle ache, and Nightmare nuzzles him gently with a soft smile. “All done~ You did really good, Ru~ Even better than last year~”
Error trills softly, too tired for proper speech as he slumps back fully against Nightmare. The monster purrs soothingly, stroking over his chest feathers as a tentacle curls around the eggs to keep them in place.
“You deserve a long nap. I’ll be right here when you wake up, ok?” The harpy nods, turning to nuzzle into the crook of Nightmare’s neck with a quiet chirp as he lets his sockets close, trusting his friend to keep his nest and eggs safe.
~
Nightmare smiles, kissing the top of the sleeping harpies skull as he looks down at the rather adorable eggs. Their shells sparkles like Error’s magic, yellow with blue speckles- at least that's what he expected, but he pauses when he notices a new color.
But that can’t be right. Not unless….wait, did Error mate with someone this season? And he didn’t tell him? Well that hurts…though it could have been a surprise. He shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Nightmare knows Error trusts him.
Just to test his theory, he carefully picks up one of the eggs with a tentacle and gives it a light tap, listening closely….Yup, this egg isn’t hollow like the others were in past seasons. Error really did mate.
He’ll have to ask about it later. There have been a few occasions of young males being a bit aggressive due to the season. He doesn’t think he could stand the idea of one of them taking advantage of Error. Nightmare huffs, putting the egg back down in the little tentacle nest he has made around them, before turning to better snuggle Error, making sure they are both comfortable.
Tiny chirps leave the harpy as he cuddles closer in his sleep, wrapping his wings around Nightmare like a feathery blanket with a sleepy, happy trill. The monster can’t help but kiss the smaller’s nasal bridge before pressing their foreheads together.
“How dare you be so adorable~ Sleep well, Ru~”
~
Error’s body is sore when he wakes up, safely wrapped in Nightmare’s arms with the familiar soft purring that comes with him. He smiles, trilling in his own mimic of a purr as he nuzzles closer.
“Hmmm..Hello sleepy skull~ Do you feel any better~?” Nightmare asks, gently starting to rub his back as Error arches happily into the touch, feathers poofing up.
“Mhm~”
“Good~ You did a really good job, Ruru~ Your eggs are smooth and healthy, no cracks at all~” Nightmare nuzzles and peppers his face with small kisses, purring a little louder.
“My EgGs~!” Error crows happily, giving Nightmare a few kisses back before pushing himself up to inspect the eggs. Just as his friend said the eggs look shiny and healthy, as he searches for cracks or soft spots, he can’t help but notice the traces of red on ever shell. One has an ombre effect of red on the bottom going up to yellow, while another has red instead of blue speckles, or another that's all red with blue speckles.
The pretty cherry red color reminds him of the pretty and sweet small harpy that courted him during mating season, bringing him shiny trinkets and food when Nightmare wasn’t around. Killer had been fairly transparent from the beginning that his magic was fairly weak, and even when they mated a couple of times Killer hadn’t thought that he would be able to fertilize Error’s eggs.
Error hadn’t minded too much- it had just been nice to finally give into his instincts a bit without worrying about Nightmare. Speaking of Nightmare- Error looks up from his eggs to glance at the monster, immediately blushing at the teasing knowing look he’s being given.
“I- I cAn eXplaIN-?” He stammers. His best friend lets out an amused snort, chuckling to himself with one hand barely hiding his wide grin.
“What is there to explain~? It looks to me like you had some fun~” Error blushes harder, pouting as he leans down to listen to his eggs.
“In MY DEfenSe wE DidN’t tHINk it’D woRk-” A tentacle gently strokes over his left wing.
“So you had no intention of telling me then? Not that you have to tell me everything-”
“I dIDn’T ThiNk YOu’d CaRe- soRrY..” The harpy mumbles, as Nightmare frowns.
“Hey, Ru you don’t have to apologize. Like I said you don’t have to tell me everything or anything you don’t want to. I just want to make sure you're happy and healthy and spend some time with you.” Nightmare sits up, reaching over to gently cup Error’s face, leaning down to look at him. “Spending time with you is my personal add in- not part of my job. I really care about you, that's all~”
“Hmm ALriGht..~” Error trills, nuzzling into Nightmare’s hands.
“Hehehe~ So, if you don’t mind sharing, who’s the lucky harpy~?”
“HiS NaMe iS KiLleR! He HaS a KiNDa weAk sOuL and MAgiC wHicH IS wHy wE ThoUGht mY EGgs wOuLDn’t gEt fERtilIZeD-”
“Oh, actually I think I know who you’re talking about.” Huh, Nightmare wasn’t expecting that, well both of them were raised in similar environments so it shouldn’t be too odd for them to get along.
“He bRoUGht Me fOod And SHiNIEs~”
“Quite the bachelor, huh~?”
“EvEN thOuGH hE caMe inTO mY terRITorY He waS nicE~ HIs DaNcE waS PreTty GOod tOO.”
“You sound oh so very woo’d~” Nightmare can’t help but chuckle, finding the lovey dovey look on Error’s face quite adorable.
“Oh sHoOSh uP-” The harpy whines, his feathers poofing up in his embarrassment.
“But you look so cute and in love~ You’ve grown up so fast-” Error just whines more, whacking Nightmare in the face with the flight feathers of his wings as the monster laughs. “So mean~”
“YOu’Re thE MeaNIe-”
“Oh I’m so horrible. Evil I tell you-”
“ThE WOrsT-”
“Positively despicable~”
“A pURe viLLaIN-” Error mumbles, even as he gently nudges the eggs closer to Nightmare and rearranges the nest slightly, carefully laying himself on top of the eggs and resting his skull in Nightmare’s lap.
The monster smiles and gently pets Error’s skull and back feathers, sifting through them and preening feathers he knows Error can’t reach, making the harpy purr-trill loudly as he relaxes.
“I’m GoNnA HaVE BaBieS~”
“Mhm, you’re going to be a mamma bird~”
“WiTH bABIes~!!”
“Adorable soft harpy babies~!” Nightmare coos. ”They’ll hatch and grow soft downy feathers, and they’ll whine and chirp cutely when they’re hungry or want attention~”
“ArE You gOnNA HeLP me TaKe cARe oF THeM?” Error asks hopefully.
"If you want me to~ I wouldn't want to intrude if your instincts say otherwise-”
“No PLeAsE StAy-”
“Of course~ I’ll stay with you as long as you allow me to~” Nightmare plucks a small dead feather from Error’s back, smoothing the other feathers back down.
“YoU sHOuLD stAy foREveR~!” Error playfully declares.
“Forever~? Like when you were a little tiny thing~?” Nightmare purrs, pulling out a broken feather, before he resumes sifting.
“FoREveR ‘n eVEr~” Error singsongs, stretching out his wings a bit. It always feels nice when Nightmare grooms him, taking out any feathers agitating the ecto beneath and brushing over them to soothe the pain. It’s just so relaxing.
“Well I can’t sleep here too often, but I will always visit every day like always~ Unless it starts snowing and I get blocked into my house like last winter.”
“I’ll juST FLy oveR AnD GeT YOu-”
“You aren't allowed…..well I suppose you could since I live just outside the reserve.”
“So I’ll JuST flY OvEr anD sNaTCh yoU Up~!” Error chirps.
“Snatch me away forever like one of your shinys~!”
“Yus~!” The harpy trills, nuzzling Nightmare as the taller giggles.
"And here I thought you wanted some free time~"
“NoPe- ThOUgH KilleR WOuLd pRoBABly likE TO knOW ABouT THe eGgs-” Nightmare nuzzles Error’s feathers.
"Do you know what part of the park he lives in?"
“UhH.. NoRTh? ThaT’s WHeRe We meT Up, aT LeaST-”
"Hmm..I can sit with the eggs while you go tell him if you want." Nightmare suggests, Error frowning a bit as he looks at the eggs.
“...YoU SUre..?”
“Of course. I’ll even wrap them in my tentacles so nothing can harm them while you’re gone. If you aren’t comfortable with it you don’t have to, ok?”
“...KeEp thEM sAFe?” Error asks, getting a small kiss on his forehead in response.
“With my life if I have to.” The glitch frowns more, but he doesn’t necessarily protest, pushing himself up and nuzzling Nightmare with an affectionate chirp.
“..I’Ll bE BaCk sOoN, OkaY?”
“Mhm, It’ll be ok. I’ll be right here with the eggs when you return, I promise.” Nightmare gives him a reassuring smile, nuzzling back.
“ALriGHt.” Error gets up on only slightly shaky legs, carefully stepping out of the nest, and hesitantly glances back at Nightmare. The monster's tentacles gently envelop the eggs, pulling them close and holding them in place.
“It’ll be fine. It’s just for a few minutes. They’re perfectly safe.”
“I’ll Be bAcK IN a BiT.” Error smiles in satisfaction, before heading to the edge of the little treehouse he calls home and spreads his wings.
“Fly safely, Ruru~” Nightmare calls with a wave, Error waving back with one of his wings before he takes off, steering himself north. The weather is actually quite nice today- or, tonight more like it. With the sun already setting on the horizon. He did lay his eggs and then take a long nap after all.
Maybe he should get something to eat on his way back- there should still be some fruit on those trees to the east. Maybe Nightmare would like some too~ NIghtmare has always liked fruits and plants in general.
“Error~!” He hears a familiar voice call his name with an excited chirp and he swoops down to sit next to Killer on a large tree branch, immediately getting nuzzled. “Haya, what’s up?”
“Hi KiLLer~” Error croons, nuzzling Killer back. “I fINaLly laYEd mY EgGS.”
“Yeah I can tell~ But why’d you come out here then?” He can see why Killer would find it odd, even when eggs are empty the instinctive drive to protect them after laying is strong and most female harpies won’t leave their nests.
“My fRiENd’s PRotEctINg ThEm.” Error states, even as he shifts nervously. “Uh- I kNoW It’S Not tyPIcAl bUT Uh- WoULd yoU LiKe tO seE ThEM?”
Killer blinks at him for a moment, before smiling, nuzzling their skulls together some more with a happy coo. “Yeah sure~ Ya must be pretty proud of them if ya want to show them off~ Does…does this mean it worked then?”
Error just grins at him. “We haVE FiVe HealTHy LitTLe baBIEs~”
It’s fun to watch as Killer’s feathers floof up, his sockets widening, before he lets out a loud excited caw. “Really really~!?”
“ReALLy reALly~!” Error trills, hopping a bit in his own excitement.
“Lets go lets go I wanna see~!” Killer headbutts him quickly, before jumping off the branch, hoving in place as Error moves to do the same, before he follows the female harpy towards his territory. Looks like Error’s plans to get some food will have to wait.
His mate this season- and friend- sings out of excitement, doing little flips in the air and brushing wings with Error every few seconds. His excitement is contagious, and though Error is still too tired to do any tricks like Killer, he joins in on the song, grinning widely as he quietly sings, steadily leading them to his nest.
He lands on the large branch outside and Killer whistles. “Your nest is much fancier than mine~ You’ve got a top and floor like those monsters and humans do-”
Killer stops once he lands, looking up to see Nightmare and freezing in place.
“...KiLleR?” Error questions, tilting his skull as he looks between Nightmare and the smaller harpy, fighting the urge to go to his nest in favor of figuring out what was wrong. A little white ring eyelight looks over to him and it's then that he notices the shaking. He’s never seen Killer tremble before, his wings floofing up out of fear to make himself look bigger, before the smalle harpy jumps off to flap to a different tree, farther away from his nest, but still in sight.
“Sorry I forgot to tell you-” Nightmare mumbles from inside the nest.
“I- WhAt-?” Error questions, his own feathers puffed up slightly in worry.
“I’m not going to go into detail, but from what I’ve been told, Killer is a rescue from a human lab. They were not very kind to their test subjects. I say human lab, but with how skittish Killer is around skeleton based monsters we think one might have been involved somehow, he won’t tell us anything though…” Nightmare gently lets go of the eggs and moves to stand up. “I can leave if it will make him feel better-”
“Ah- WaIT- Stay-?” Error fumbles slightly with his words, “LeMme- lEmME gO TaLK to Him-”
Nightmare nods and sits back down, watching as Error turns back to look at Killer up higher in another tree. Error glances at the eggs one last time, before flying up to join Killer on his perch.
“KiLLeR?”
“S-sorry sorry- I know I’m being stupid-” The smaller rambles with a small whine.
“No No HEy iT’s fiNE-” Error reassures, curling his wings protectively over Killer’s form as he nuzzles him. The little harpy is quick to relax against him, nuzzling in closer with a soft distressed noise. “I jUsT waNTeD To maKe sURe yoU’rE oKAy- hE caN LeaVe if yOU waNT-”
“He’s your friend- I don’t want ta bother ya-”
“YeS BuT I wANt yoU To be COmfORtaBLe- He’S ProBAbly goNnA Be heADinG HoMe foR THe niGhT SoON aNywAYs-”
“..Ya sure..?” Killer asks quietly, Error nodding in response.
“He coMEs EvERy daY aNYwaYS, sO iT’s noT A prOBlem.”
“...Ok. I’ll wait till he leaves then.” Killer nuzzles more against him, leaning up just a little to give him a small kiss.
“I’Ll cALl foR YOu wHeN He’s goNe.” Error reassures, pulling away after a moment to fly back to his nest.
“Everything alright?” Nightmare asks with a small frown as Error heads over to the nest.
“Uh- FiNe? I thINk? BuT… I’m sORry- wOuLD YoU Be oKaY MaYbe coMINg baCk tOmoRrow..? He’s… ReALly scaREd.”
“Of course, I don’t mind. I’ll be back in the morning like always.” Nightmare pulls his tentacles away from the eggs again, stroking them gently, before affectionately headbutting Error. “I’ll see you soon, Ruru~ Have fun with your boyfriend~”
“Oh shUt Up-” Error mumbles, nuzzling Nightmare with a purr-trill before climbing into the nest to crouch over his eggs. “I’ll sEe yOU tOMorRow~”
“See you tomorrow, Ru dear~” Nightmare smiles as he waves goodbye, before smoothly climbing down the tree and following his usual path back to his car.
Once Nightmare is out of sight, Error whistles a couple of notes to Killer, signaling it was safe. The small harpy lands on the branch just outside and walks into his little treehouse nest.
“Ooo~ Spacious~”
“ThaNKs~” Error chirps as Killer sits down beside him, tilting his head to look just under the other.
“...They’re so cute and shiny~”
“MhM~” Error moves slightly, allowing Killer to get a better look at the eggs, though he still hovers protectively. The smaller harpy lays himself down flat on his stomach, the soft cushioning of blankets and pillows making it more comfortable as he stares in wonder.
“What do you think they’ll look like when they hatch?”
“AdORaBLe, pRoBAbly~” The female harpy coos, brushing his wings over the eggs.
“Uh huh~ Just like their mom~”
“Wh- hEy-!” Error protests, blushing as he glares at Killer. The smaller grins cheekily back up at him, before crawling a little closer and booping one of the eggs with his nasal bridge, Error tensing slightly.
“So this pretty thing came out of that pretty thing~?” Killer teases, turning over to look up into the pretty array of feathers that protect and hide his entrance as Error squawks, swatting at him.
“I aM So SORe yoU dOn’T EveN THinK AboUT it-” Killer snorts and giggles, before wiggling back out from under Error, careful not to touch any eggs while he’s at it.
“I know I know~ I guy can dream though~”
“YOu trY PusHIng oUt fiVE eGgS wiTHoUT beINg soRe-” Error mutters, face bright yellow as he pouts. Killer internally cringes, making a funny face.
“Nah, I’m good, I’ll leave that up to you, beautiful~” The female harpy playfully sticks out a tongue at him as he settles down, curling around the eggs with a small chirp, Killer chirping back. “I really like how chill you are, Ru~ Most female harpies wouldn’t let their mates anywhere close to their eggs.”
“YoU StiLL DOn’t gEt to ToUcH theM-” Error declares. “BesiDEs- MoST maLE haRPieS WouLDn’t caRe to SeE TheIR eGgS ANywaYS.”
“They’re a bunch of dickheads and jerks. Only care about da good fuck-” Killer smirks. “And you are quite da good fuck~”
“I wILL kICk yoU OuT-” Error threatens, face on fire.
“Nuuuuu~ I like making ya blushhhhh~” Killer coos like a pigeon, smirking up at the very flustered harpy. “Hey, will I be able to see em when they hatch? Even if just from a distance?”
“...OnLy iF You HeLp brINg foOD.” Error decides after a long moment of hesitation.
“I’d love to~ I don’t have ta interact wich ‘em or anything. Just seen’em safe and happy is good enough for me.” Killer sits up, shaking his feathers out a little bit before he gently headbutts the female harpy, who trills and nuzzles him.
“We’Ll seE- maYBe yoU CaN SaY hi.” Error shifts again to let Killer look at the eggs some more if he wanted. The male harpy gives his cheek a kiss before lying down on his front again to look at the bright healthy eggs.
“Hehehe~ Ya did a really good job, not a single crack or fracture~”
“It’S My bESt cluTCh yeT~” Error preens, “AnD My bIGgeST- UsUAlly iT’s tHreE EGgs.”
“I think three is standard? Not sure though. It’s definitely the best clutch I’ve ever seen~ Not that I’ve seen any good ones.” Killer has a soft smile on his face as he just stares at the eggs. “Hey, mind if I ask about that monster?”
“NiGhtMarE? Of COurSe- whAt dO YOu waNnA KNow?”
“I just..ya must trust him a whole lot. Never thought any female harpies instincts would let them leave their eggs with someone else.”
“TrUSt me It wAS stILL difFICult- BuT NigHtMAre haS HElpeD Me laY EVerY oNe oF My cLUtchES anD PraCTIcALLy heLPeD RaISe mE wHeN MY moTHer diED. I.. I trUSt hiM- thE CLosESt thINg I CaN DesCRiBe hiM As iS A mATe iN His OwN riGhT- thOuGH We’vE NeVEr aCTuaLly maTEd.”
“Oooo~ Kinda sounds like how monsters work. Like uh…instead of mating with someone every year during mating season like we do, I’m pretty sure monsters mate for life? But like…mating itself isn’t what makes them mates? They’re complicated.” Killer shrugs as Error nods in agreement.
“I dUnNO- BuT I trUSt him To keEP the NesT ANd eGgs sAFe, evEN if I doN’t wANt to leaVE Him aLONe wITh thEM. I trUSt yoU TOo- juST noT quiTE aS mUcH, ‘cAuSE I haVEn’t knOWn yOu aS LoNg- iF thAT MaKes seNSe?”
“Yeah, it kinda makes sense. People change with time. Just talking to someone a few times doesn't mean ya really know ‘em. Ya really know Nightmare so ya can trust him. Yeah I think I get it.”
“Y’kNoW… I coULd tRUst yoU LIKe hIM.” Error tries to subtly offer, feeling a touch awkward, knowing how far out of the norm this was. Even so, Killer smiles softly at him, cooing quietly.
“I’d like that…~”
~
Nightmare comes back the next morning with treats, some all natural chocolate and a bunch of nuts and seeds. He’s been feeding Error his own homemade trail mix of sorts ever since he was able to eat solid food. It has nuts, dried fruits, dried jerky, seeds and little chunks of chocolate in it~
Error absolutely loves it- especially the chocolate, something he had discovered once by stealing the bar Nightmare had one day when he was young, and pestered the monster endlessly for until he got more. It was his favorite food.
So of course Nightmare started adding chocolate chunks to the mix, bringing a few full chocolate bars with him once a week. Nightmare spoils him and they both know it. He even brought extra blankets and pillows to form a little mini nest around the eggs and some extra padding in case they get jostled for any reason.
“That should do it. And every time you need to get up you can lay this weighted blanket over them so they remain warm and still have some soothing pressure.”
“THaNk yoU NiGhtY~!” Error trill-purrs, feathers puffing up in his happiness as he nuzzles the monster. Nightmare chuckles and hugs the harpy as he nuzzles his skull with much affection.
“It’s no problem at all~ I went out and got a few things to make it easier for you, is all. I brought a few extra bags of the nutrition trail mix too. You’ll need a lot of extra stored up magic to feed them when they hatch after all~”
“ShUsh thEy arE CAlm anD Not YELlinG Let mE eNJoy IT whILe I CaN-” Error pouts at Nightmare, though he can’t hold it for long and ends up smiling again.
“Pfft- You mean the eggs?” Nightmare asks, giving his forehead a small kiss.
“YEs- HaTChlinGS caN Be lOUd oKaY-? I’m aPPreCIaTinG TheM BeiNG NicE CaLM EgGS-” The harpy mutters, nuzzling into the crook of Nightmare’s neck with a chirp. The monster chuckles and snicker, reaching around to rub Error’s back as he picks the harpy up with his tentacle and sits himself down, setting Error in his lap.
“Hatching are indeed very loud, they screech and squawk and caw like there’s no tomorrow-”
“WhY Do I FeEL liKe yoU’rE taLKinG aBOuT Me-” Error deadpans.
“Because you were one very loud and needy hatchling~ I just wanted to sleep-” Nightmare whines, kissing the top of Error’s skull as he gives the glitch a squeeze. “My whiny needy Ruru~”
“NiGHtmaREeEe-” Error whines back, only proving the monster right.
“Oh so whiny~” Nightmare purrs, before peppering the harpies skull on soft kisses and gentle back rubs. “Hmmm~ Do you need me to preen the back of your wings?”
“YeS PLeASe~” Error perks up and spreads his free wing a bit, one wing already stretched out and resting over the eggs. Continuing to rub his back, Nightmare uses his tentacles to carefully search through Error’s feathers, gently tugging out dead and already loose feathers, as well as any broken ones.
Like always it’s a relaxing and routine procedure, careful smoothing out and straightening the harpies feathers as Error practically melts against Nightmare, trill-purring softly.
“Hehehe~ You’re still so adorable~”
“NnnO ShUDdUp-”
“Nooo~” Nightmare teasingly whines back at him, covering his skull and neck in as many kisses as possible. “You’re too cute for me to not appreciate it~”
Error just whines back wordlessly in response, squirming in halfhearted protest, as one of Nightmare’s tentacles lightly tugs on a bundle of feathers, before stroking over them and repeating the action.
“You’re the cutest mamma harpy in existence~”
“NuUuu-” Error whines more, slumping against Nightmare with a trill-purr.
“Mhm~ You know I love you, right~?” The monster purrs loudly back, stroking and lightly tugging on his wings, done grooming.
“MHm- I LoVE you tOo~”
“Hmmm, I love you more~”
“WeLL I loVE yoU MosT~!”
“Nuh uh~” Nightmare protests as he nuzzles the side of Error’s skull, the harpy having tucked himself into the monster's neck.
“YuP~!” Error chirps.
“Hmm...Fine I’ll allow it, but just this once~” Error trill-purrs happily, nuzzling against Nightmare as the goop covered skeleton leans back on his tentacles, using them to support his back and skull as Error lays on top of him.
They stay like that, snuggling and purr/trilling happily in one another's company. Nightmare would stay like this forever if he could, holding Error safely in his arms and feeling his soul beat against his ribcage.
“....Hey Ru? Do you think you’d ever be able to live without me?” Nightmare suddenly asks, Error sitting up to look at him with a small chirp.
“I mEaN… I guESs I CoUld?” Error says uncertainly. “...I dOn’T WaNt tO, thOuGh..”
Nightmare nods, leaning forward to place a small kiss on his cheek. “Yeah, you probably won’t ever have to…I don’t know what I’d do without you either. You’re the reason I get up every day~”
“Aw~” Error kisses Nightmare’s cheek back, before wiggling off of his lap to fuss over his eggs some more, preening happily. It gets a small chuckle from the monster, and he sits up to move closer to the clutch.
“You and these pretty little eggs are the only things I love in the whole world~”
“Aw bUT WhaT AboUt pREtTY suNSeTS Or reADinG?” Error playfully asks, picking up one of the eggs to inspect.
“Hmm, alright maybe I like pretty sunsets, and reading, and tea, and Nutella, and soft blankets- but I loooovve you~” Nightmare rotates the eggs a little as Error moves onto the next one to inspect, nuzzling it with a satisfied chirp.
“HehEHe~ I loOoOVE yoU ToOoo~” Nightmare smiles as he watches Error, it falls slowly as he thinks. The goopy on his body sags, seemingly dripping off as loses himself in thought, Error pausing his egg inspection to look up at him in concern.
The usually observant monster doesn’t even look his way as his tentacles slow, one caressing the shell of the red yellow speckled egg. It doesn’t happen often, but he knows Nightmare tends to…well he’s not sure what word to describe it. Overthink maybe?
“NiGhtmARe?” Error asks, moving to lightly nuzzle the monster. With a small hum, the other blinks, his eyelight refocusing and goop flow slowing as he looks over to Error, nuzzling him back.
“What? Did I make a weird face?”
“WhaT’cHa thINkiNG abOuT?”
“Mmm, something a bit depressing. I doubt you want to hear it.”
“ArE YOu oKaY..?” The harpy questions, pulling away to resituate his eggs and sit over them.
“I’m fine…Maybe a little sad…” Nightmare pulls his tentacle away to stroke Error’s chest feathers instead. “....I’m going to outlive you.”
Error frowns, leaning into the touch. “WhAT dO yoU MEaN?”
“Well…..I am a very ancient species of monster. Most monsters today have evolved so far away from my species that it is a stretch to call us the same. I’m a tree nymph…I don’t age.” Error’s frown deepens, tilting his skull in confusion “My mother was thousands- tens of thousands of years old. I’m only five-hundred. I’m considered young for a nymph.”
“BuT- thAT’s so maNY yeARs!”
“How old I am or how old my mother was?”
“BoTh-!” Nightmare laughs a little, leaning forward to headbutt the harpy.
“Yes, It doesn’t always feel like a long time though, looking back on it. Besides, you’ve seen how small I really am, I still have a baby face underneath all this-” Nightmare gestures to his goop.
“BuT yOU’re MiNeeEEe-” Error whines, earning himself another kiss and nuzzle.
“I’m yours huh~?”
“ObvIOUsLy~”
“Am I a part of your shiny collection~?” Nightmare purrs, amused by Error’s declaration as a smile reappears on his face.
“Yes~!” Error chirps loudly, grinning widely.
Chapter 36: Welcome to the Pizzaplex
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Crossover time! Nightmare is Moon and Dream is Sun, and they have separate bodies.
Error x Nightmare for this one
Chapter Text
“No!” Error glitches as he glares at the robot in front of him, looking about ready to run away.
“All I did was walk towards you-?” Dream blinks in confusion, the sunlight like panels on his head turning in his confusion.
“Go ‘wAy!”
“Ok ok-” Dream gets two steps away before a familiar voice calls out through the daycare.
“Error! Cuddle time!” Said glitch immediately perks up, the scowl on his small face fading, before he bolts down the slide in the play castle and runs over to Nightmare. The night themed robot is his very favorite animatronic in the whole pizaplex! He’s nice and pretty and gives Error all the attention he could ever want.
And he can touch Nightmare! He could probably touch the other animatronics if he wanted to, but he’s still too afraid to try- he had touched Nightmare by accident on his first day stuck at the daycare, before realizing it didn’t hurt.
“What are you doing, silly?”
“D’eAM wAs- hE Was gONna toUCh mE!” He makes grabby hands at Nightmare as soon as he reaches him, wanting to be picked up. Of course, like always, the animatronic immediately does so. He feels so tall as Nightmare stands back up straight, the robot cradding him close as Error nuzzles his face into the soft frilly fabric around Nightmare’s neck, a little giggle escaping him.
“Oh yeah? Maybe he just wanted to play?” The robot's voice is soothing and soft, all his features are more relaxed honestly. His color pallet of soft purples and cold accents are much more relaxing than his counterparts. Though that's the whole point.
Dream entertains the children, playing games arranging fun craft times, while Nightmare watches and comforts children. He doesn’t have too much to do until nap time and the lights go out, other than making sure no kids leave before being checked out by their parents.
“I dUn’ wAnNA PlaY wiT’ hiM…” Error grumbles with a frown. All of the other kids eventually followed Dream and wanted to join, but they were all loud and bad at staying away, making him almost crash multiple times.
He much prefers being up high with Nightmare any day...which ends up being every day really. With his mom working here in the Pizzaplex and his older brother watching Fresh, he’s here every day. He honestly wanted to stay with his brothers- he’s unsure why he even had to go to the daycare in the first place, but he doesn’t want to be more of a problem for his family than he already is.
But he gets most if not all of Night’s attention! And sometimes Night will even lift him up into the fake sky on the wire thing that hooks onto the robot's back- like he’s flying!
“That’s ok, you can play with me instead~” He feels so safe when Night holds him, the animatronic using the wire to get up high onto the nets that make up the dome of the daycare and sitting on them. They can see the whole playground from here and some of the outside too. “Do you want to play I spy? I can sing to you too, if you’d rather.”
“Hm… Bof PLeaSe?” He asks, internally proud of himself for remembering his manners. Take that Geno!
The robot smiles softly at him, giving the small skeleton a gentle headbutt, before he looks around and they start their game of I spy. It’s one of Error’s favorite games to play with Nightmare, because he can stay safely being held by the animatronic and still play. Night always makes it really fun too, joking around and giving him silly hints that make Error giggle.
For a robot he’s soooo soft. His fake bones are smooth, but not cold like you’d think the metal would be. It even feels like his core has a heater, making him extra cuddly. Error doesn’t know why none of the other kids like Nightmare- he’s super nice and cuddly and fun and pretty! And he’s not loud and bright like Dream is.
Error has heard some of the other kids whisper stories to each other, about how Nightmare is secretly the boogieman and how he was just waiting for the right moment to strike to eat them all- or something dumb like that- but he refuses to believe them. Nightmare is too nice to ever eat anyone! There’s nothing scary about him, so the other kids are obviously just being dumb.
The small glitch feels sleepy after their game of I spy, he thinks he won, but he can’t bring himself to care as Night begins to sing. Error loves his singing. It reminds him of Geno’s, if not a bit softer.
“Fly me to the moon and let me play among the stars~ Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars~” A robotic phalange gently strokes his skull, and he purrs slightly as he leans into the touch, sockets already beginning to grow heavy. “In other words, hold my hand~ in other words, darling kiss me~”
“WhY’d somEOne KisS YOu ‘doUGh..?” Error sleepily questions, making the robot laugh. It’s such a pretty sound.
“I hear kisses are a way of showing someone you love them. That’s why.” He continues to sing and Error hums in response as he closes his sockets to better listen. What would it be like to kiss someone? Sometimes Geno or his mom would give him small kisses on the head, but he never gave them kisses back.
…What would it be like to kiss Nightmare..? He feels embarrassed by the thought alone, his face heating up. The animatronics touch is so gentle on his skull and back as he’s cradled. Their front is so soft against his face as he hides.
Does he love Nightmare then? He knows he really likes Night, but is that the same as love? It doesn’t feel like how he feels about his brothers and mom, who he knows he loves…
All he knows is that thinking about it too hard makes him feel all warm and embarrassed and fluttery, so he decides to stop thinking about it for now. Nightmare sings to him until the song ends before taking him back down to the ground for some arts and crafts where they sit in the far corner and resume crochet lessons. The other kids color with crowns and glitter glue.
Not long after it’s nap time followed by more games before Geno shows up to take him back to their mom, and he waves Nightmare goodbye. It’s the same routine everyday every summer and every weekend until he’s old enough to stay home.
He finds himself occasionally missing Nightmare, especially considering he chickened out on giving the animatronic a proper goodbye on that last day, but he knows it’d just be weird to go to daycare at his age.
So for the next few years he walks by the daycare when helping his mom at work, thinking about the robot inside before he moves on with his day, it’s only in highschool when he stops going to the Pizzaplex all together. Mostly because a lot of the kids from his school would hang out there and he didn’t want to deal with them more than he already had to.
He heard of a few stories where a group of teens actually broke into the Pizzaplex one night. They were apprehended the next morning and scared shitless. Apparently one of the animatronics is also part of the security system- other than the security bots and nightly security guard- he only knows about those from his mom-
The teens description of the bot reminded him of Nightmare and Dream. Tall, slender, with frilly jester-like clothes. The only real difference was that they described it as being completely black. As a kid of a long time working employee, he’s seen all the animatronics, and he’s never seen one like that before. Maybe it was a new robot kept on the down low?
He wouldn’t be too surprised, they have one called Monty the gator now after all.
After highschool he did so well in computers and the extra programming class he took that he actually got a scholarship to a tech school. He was actually surprised to be given the offer- he didn’t apply for it, but apparently they just thought he was really talented. It was a little embarrassing, he’s never been good at taking compliments.
Still, he decided to accept the offer, figuring he wouldn’t get anything better than that. And now, after working hard and getting his degree he is back where he started, looking up at the front doors of the Pizzaplex.
There are a lot of requirements to work at Fazbear entertainment. He was honestly a little surprised to learn that the company dabbles in a lot of things and actually produce their own animatronics- Their even the lead in new robotic engineering and programming.
Error’s just starting out though so they assigned him to work as a mechanic of sorts for the animatronics here. Helping do checkups and getting familiar with the programming and protocol- or something like that. He’s not quite sure.
Still, he takes a bracing breath, before pushing open the doors and heading inside. He isn’t even surprised to find it hasn’t changed much at all. It still looks almost brand new, the tile floors of the entrance sparkle with the reflecting light to the many colorful LEDs that give it its iconic 80’s and 90’s look.
Error walks by some cleaner bots as he heads for the manager's office. He’s got about an hour before opening, right when he’s supposed to get here. He’d be lying if he said he isn’t nervous- technically he’s worked here before, but this will be his first real big job. Following behind his mother like a duckling hardly counts.
The glitch is startled when a sudden and loud siren-like sound comes from a security bot beside him, their bright flashlight pointing at him as they go off.
“Uh.. Hi thERe.” He waves dumbly at them, confused. The obnoxious sound turns off after a moment and the bot continues on its way. “...ThAt waS WeIRd.”
“Someone’s up and about early~ ” Comes a deep and intimidating voice from above him, making him jump and glitch harshly in surprise as he looks up. Clinging to the ceiling with five…tentacles? Is a completely black skeleton based animatronic- it has to be an animatronic- it’s single cyan eyelight and wide grin slightly disturbing as it turns it’s head all the way around and begins lowering itself to the ground. “ You’ve wandered a little too far from your bed, tell me, are you lost~?”
“YeAh, a BIt, acTUaLLy.” Error admits, glancing away with a small, embarrassed blush, internally regretting everything. “I’m sUpPOseD To bE STarTInG heRe tODaY, bUt I’m nOt suRe wHEre thE ManAGer’S OffiCe is?”
The animatronic blinks at him for a moment, before chuckling, making Error internally die a little inside, fighting back a blush at the sound.
“Oh, I see. You are a new hire. Well it’s a pleasure to meet you, dear. My name is Nightmare.” The bot bows, the frills around their neck dipping as the night cap- or whatever it’s called- on their head falls forward.
“NigHtmaRE-?” Error’s sockets widen a touch as he looks the bot- Nightmare, apparently- over again. Though his memories of his childhood have grown much fainter as time went on, he certainly remembered his favorite caretaker- and childhood crush- in daycare. He supposes, other than the coloring and tentacles, they did look about the same.
The robot straightens again, their one eyelight looking down at him, before their socket narrows. Nightmare’s face is suddenly very close to his and he yelps, taking a step back into a cold tentacle that had curled up behind him when he wasn’t paying attention.
“Hmmm….I think I- Oh! Error, dear~ Hello little one~ ” Error blushes brightly, glitching slightly in surprise. “ My how you’ve grown, you’re up to my shoulder!”
“..I- I’m SuRPrisEd yoU REmemBEr..” He stammers, curling in on himself a bit.
“Of course I remember you, silly.” Nightmare’s body and clothes slowly get lighter in color and the extra limbs start to retract. That familiar purple and gold coloring reappears as the bot’s bones turn a sparkly white/silver color and the tentacles fully recoil themselves back into Nightmare’s backside. “Why wouldn’t I? You were the sweetest little kid.”
“I- uM-” Error just blushes brighter, unsure how to react. Would it be weird to ask for a hug..?
Nightmare’s smile seems to widen and Error is gently headbutted by the bot, not unlike what he used to do when the glitch was little. It’s interesting to think about now- headbutting is more of a skeletal way of showing affection, most other monsters and humans don’t do that- so either Nightmare has been programmed to do that with skeleton children or it’s a learned behavior.
“Are you alright? Do you need cuddles?”
“...If.. iF tHaT’d bE OKay..?” He squeaks, feeling almost like a kid again and feeling all the more embarrassed for it. The moment he asks he’s being gently hugged in the animatronics arms, his face being pressed against the frills that line the sides of Nightmare’s neck. He still feels so pleasantly warm.
“Of course it is, silly. I’ve never been one for telling you no.” A small laugh bubbles out of Error as he can’t help but melt into Nightmare’s embrace.
“LikE ThAT TimE We PrANkeD DreAM?”
“Oh that was fun, he pouty glared at me from afar all day. It was adorable- the maintenance worker did not care for cleaning glitter out of his joints at all.” The robot chuckles and Error snickers, before humming happily and relaxing further as Nightmare rubs his back.
“...’M sOrRY foR Not sAYinG goODbyE.” The glitch mumbles after a moment. The gentle rubbing pauses for a moment, before Nightmare nuzzles the side of his skull with a hum.
“It’s ok, I know it wasn’t easy for you either. You’ve always struggled with displaying your feelings.” The robot pats his skull reassuringly, the ribbon wrapped around Nightmare’s wrists lightly tickling his neck. “Every child develops at their own pace, there's nothing wrong with being a little awkward. It just made you cute~”
“SHudDUp…” Error whines, blush coming back full force, earning him another soft chuckle.
“Still adorable~ Now you said you're going to be working? Do you mind if I ask what you will be doing?”
“Y..YeAh- I’m trAIniNG tO Be a PRogRamMEr.”
“Oh? In general or on anything specific?”
“Uh- JuST In gENeRaL for noW.” Error replies, fidgeting with his hands.
“Good to know! You’ll probably just do general maintenance on all of the light systems and stager performances. I don’t know when your working hours would be, but no matter where you’re working you just need to know one specific thing.” Nightmare rubs his skull some more, pulling away to look Error in the eyelights. “At midnight the Pizzaplex’s doors close and you won't be able to get out until six o'clock the next morning. So if you stay late, be prepared to stay all night.”
“ReAlly? WeiRD…” The glitch mumbles, unable to hold eye contact for long. The bot gently headbutts him again before giving him a small squeeze and letting go, pulling away from the hug completely.
“I suppose it is compared to most businesses. Anyway, do you know where you’re heading? I can escort you there~”
“Um… ThE.. HeAD MaNAgeR… peRSoN?” Is his uncertain reply. He forgot their name.
“You mean Rebeca? I don’t think she’s here right now, but I can take you to her office.”
“..SuRe- thAt woRKs.”
“Great~ ” Nightmare’s body turns a dark black again, the purple light in his socket changing colors, before Error is scooped up in the robot's arms and lifted to the ceiling but the dark appendages on NIghtmare’s back, a surprised yelp escaping the glitch. “ I’m happy to know I’ll be seeing you more often~”
“GoTta lovE THe niNE to fIVe-” Error mutters with a small pout, though he does look forward to seeing Nightmare.
~
“These are the tunnels most employee’s use in the background, away from the bustle of the main part of the Pizzaplex. Since you’re still in training you’ll be following me around for a few days until you get the hang of things, so we’ll be walking around back here a lot.” Says the orange skeleton in front of him. Well his bones are white- but there are random patches of bright orange coloring too.
Their name is Ember and they are actually his boss. The other described the work system to him when he first arrived. Ember is one of the three heads of the Pizzaplex. He works in the programming and robotic engineering department, someone else works as the head of shipments and regulations, and another works as the head of marketing. These three heads have their own divisions and employees they are in charge of.
It actually makes sense- though apparently Ember themself tends to be the only one to work directly with the inner workings of the more complicated animatronics.
“You will be helping me with my daily tasks, since I do a lot of different things shadowing me should give you a pretty good idea of anything that will be asked of you in the future. Of course you probably won’t be doing too much mechanical work as a programmer, but some basic knowledge on how to do maintenance won’t hurt. Is that ok with you?”
“YeAH, thAT MaKes sENSe- I’vE DaBbleD In bUildINg cOMpUtErs, buT ThaT’s aBOut aLL I KnOw.” He admits, idly picking at his phalanges a bit as they walk.
“Well then consider this a learning opportunity then! If you ever have any questions you can always ask me, I am also your supervisor so I’m always willing to help and clear up any confusion.” Ember smiles at him, their sunset orange jacket swishing as they turn around.
“That card I gave you in the manager's office is your ID- but it also doubles as a security pass into any and all attractions, as a programer you will move around the facility a lot and are therefore given permission to roam about as needed. Don’t lose your pass. I cannot stress this enough.” Error’s brows furrow slightly in slight concern and confusion, but nods nonetheless. Ember seems to pick up on it.
“Your face has been registered into the security system as an employee, but should something go wrong that card is your safety net. Without it you could be locked in or out of certain areas or attractions. You could also be misidentified by the security system and labeled a threat without it, so please don’t lose it and call in to get a new one if you do.”
“Oh yEaH- I’m pReTTy suRE thAt haPpeNED eaRLIeR.”
“It did-?” Ember sounds concerned as their brow furrows, despite Error’s best attempts to sound casual.
“YeAH- bUt thE SecRUriTY bOt thaT FLaSheD Me jUSt caLLeD ovEr NiGhtmARe, iT’s noTHin’.” He brushes off, fighting back a blush.
“And Nightmare didn’t scare you at all? That’s an improvement!” Ember laughs a little as they walk.
“I mEaN- hE WaS CErtaINly iNTimidATiNg…” This time Error can’t quite hold back a small blush. “..BuT I waS A DaYCarE Kid. He wAs mY FaVOritE BacK THen.”
Something about what he said must have made Ember happy because when he looks back at the other, they are practically glowing with a wide, excited smile. “Really!? He was really your favorite~? What did you like about him as a caretaker?”
A bit caught off guard by Ember’s response, it takes him a second to reply. “..O-oH- uH- YeAh. FroM WHat I ReMemBEr, hE WaS CaLmeR And QUieTer thaN DrEam- I wAS prEtTy sHy aNd aNTisOCiaL, aNd beCAusE The OThEr kiDS woULd rAthER spENd TimE WIth DreAm, I GoT Him prETty mUch aLL to mYSelf..”
“Oh that's good! I’m happy to know he’s doing what I designed him to do. I’ve gotten a few complaints about him from parents, but that's not abnormal. Dream and Nightmare are my masterpieces~” Ember practically purrs as he grins, not unlike a giddy child that has been given praise.
“I coULd seE It.” Error agrees. “EVen NoW NigHTmaRe waNTeD tO caRry mE aROuNd whILe We lOoKEd foR you.”
“Oh yeah? That's interesting…Actually that was probably an evolved feature. I’ll have to check and see what changed later.” Ember hums as they come up to another room and he stops just inside.
“TraPpeD Me iN THoSe dAnG TenTaCLes…” He grumbles, before pausing as well.
“They’re pretty cool, huh? They offer him better mobility around the Pizaplex when in security mode and are strong enough to actually enforce the rules. Speaking of bots, this is the maintenance room underneath the stage.” Ember explains. There are a lot of different old parts hanging around and a dome thing in the middle with a chair in its center. “This is where we do maintenance on the four stage animatronics. The bot is set in the chair and then connected to the safety dome where their safety settings are turned off so we can better repair them without hindrance.”
“No sAFeTY seTtiNgS?” That feels.. Mildly dangerous. Ember leans against the safety dome and gives the glitch a reassuring smile.
“Yup, messing with their settings and doing maintenance at all is dangerous so they won’t let you do so in safety mode. The dome keeps them from interacting with us directly while in that state. There is nothing more dangerous than the animatronic when doing maintenance so never ever do maintenance on them while you are inside the safety pod or when they are out of it. I don’t mean to scare you on your first day but they can tear people apart.”
“ThAT’s.. daMN.” Logically, it makes sense- any machine could theoretically hurt someone, especially without any kind of safety features on, but it doesn’t make it any less nerve-wracking.
“Yeah, they are very powerful and very dangerous machines so we take very drastic precautions to make sure they don’t hurt anyone, whether that be an employee or a customer. It is our job as programers and/or mechanics to make sure the machinery functions properly. A failure to do our job risks injury or worse for someone else or ourselves. Do you understand?”
“YeS.” Ember smiles proudly at him, giving the glitch a nod before he stands back up straight and cracks his phalanges.
“Good, now that the briefing is over let's really get to work~”
~
For the next few weeks Ember teaches him everything there is to know about the Pizzaplex’s inner workings. He learns about all the different machines littered around the facility, other than the robots- like the mechanisms in Monty’s Gator Golf, or the Roxy Raceways safety features. He learns how to operate them, how they function, where to get the parts to fix them and of course, the locations of the many computer panels that access their programming and settings.
There’s also the Masersize and Fazcade. Thankfully he was told he shouldn’t really have to do any maintenance on the DJ… it just gives him the creeps- and it’s loud as hell. He’s never seen an animatronic so big-
Other than doing maintenance and checkups on the machinery he also got to help Ember run a few checkup and diagnostic tests on some animatronics. He finds it the most interesting.
“So my favorite part of working here is working with the very special AI program made by Fabear inc. You know how the robots are very life-like? Besides the cleaning and security bots?” His boss asks as they walk down into the maintenance room once more.
“YeAH?” Error finds himself glitching slightly in his anticipation. The idea of being able to work with such complicated and advanced AI was the main reason he was interested in this job in the first place.
“Well it’s all due to their processor and the base code ingrained in it. It’s so advanced that they named the processor an artificial soul! Every animatronic has the base programming and code with small addons that make them more unique, but what makes this code so amazing is it has the ability to evolve!”
“HOl-ly sH- reALly? ThAT’s iNSaNE-!”
“I know right-!?” Ember smiles wide in excitement, practically jumping up and down. It there's anything Error has learned about his new boss is that there's nothing he likes more than talking about the animatronics. “The artificial soul itself somehow lets the code evolve and by adding very specific coding we can give the animatronics emotions~! Of course they are given very specific feeling when created, ones that they are able to feel I mean- but overtime every bot has developed their own personality beyond just their basic protocol and programming!”
“ThaT’s iNSanE…” Error repeats, in awe that a single piece of code could do that.
“Isn’t it~! Every time we do a checkup we get to see their emotions and how much they experience from day to day. Like - take Dream for example.” Emer pulls up the bots profile on the computer and opens a chart in the corner. “Dream was programmed with happiness, concern, mild curiosity- along with his personality traits, like being full of energy, playful, welcoming, so on and so forth. A few years ago he developed anxiety, awkwardness, platonic love, and stress. These are now feelings he can experience.”
“Oh and his personality developed too! I know sometimes his boundless energy could be a bit much, but he learned from experience how to better express this trait depending on a child's reaction to him, he’s more mindful and observant, and has even developed what could be best described as a sibling bond with Nightmare!”
“I diD ALwAys joKe thAT thEy weRE twINs… I thINk soMe oF tHe othER kiDs shARed thE SaMe seNtiMEnt toO.” Ember nods, his smile all the more excited.
“Exactly as I intended. It’s just crazy to think that these robots are forming emotional bonds! Almost like a monster soulbond! How amazing is that~? Oh it just gets me all fired up!” His boss pumps their fists in their barely contained excitement. It’s honestly fun to watch. If they were talking about anything else Ember would be much more mellow and relaxed.
“ThAt reALLy is AmaZINg.” Error agrees with his own grin.
“Hehehe~ Anyway- you’re going to help me do some maintenance on Glam Rock Freddy today, so you can see everything I’m talking about.”
“ALrigHT!”
~
Nightmare’s chest is so nice and warm, Error can’t help but nuzzle into it, relaxing with a small sigh.
“..Y’kNoW YOu cOUld’vE WaITeD UntIL I aT LeaST leFT EMbEr’s oFficE.” The robot cuddling him pouts, before giving Error a small squeeze and nuzzling the top of his skull.
“I could have….but I didn’t want to~ I’ve missed cuddling with you, Error~”
“SaP…” Error mumbles, blushing slightly even as he cuddles closer. Nightmare sits up on the nets above the daycare, exactly like when Error was little, except there are no more children below.
“I am not sappy! You are just a good cuddler-” The bot pouts harder, nuzzling his face against the monster's skull affectionately. “..I still can’t believe how big you’ve gotten.”
“I’m sTILl a loT ShoRTer tHAn yoU, thOUgh.” Error points out. “AnD I wON’t be GEtTIng aNy bIGgeR.”
“Well yes- you are an adult. Did you think you where going to be taller than me~?” Nightmare asks teasingly as he traces Error’s spine through his shirt, and this time it’s his turn to pout, a small shiver going through him.
“N-nO- You’RE sTUPidlY taLL-”
“Well of course I am~ I’m a robot….but I am pretty sure skeleton monsters can grow to this height in some cases.” Error pouts harder at him, not appreciating where the conversation was going. He knows he’s short for his species. “You’re much more huggable though, easy to cuddle! What do they call it….fun sized~!”
“EvERyOne knOWs thAT fuN siZEd thIngS AreN’t ACtuALly fuN, NigHTmaRE.” Error whines, just giving Nightmare a hard time now.
“Hmmm…well I disagree. You are very fun~” The animatronic pulls him closer and Error is surprised to hear what sounds like a purr coming from inside the bot, quickly distracting the glitch.
“ArE YOu PuRrinG -?” Nightmare looks at him in confusion, tilting his skull to the side in a silent question.
“I’m what?”
“THaT SouNd- tHe ruMBlinG.” The bot looks down at his chest, before closing his sockets and running a system check.
“...Nothing seems to be wrong..?..Oh- there’s an additional emotional response program-”
“A WhAt-?” Error questions, accidentally interrupting Nightmare.
“Emotional response? It’s a file that houses the programs that make me respond to things in different ways. Like smiling when I’m happy, or crying if I’m sad.”
“Oh- sO yoU cAN purR noW?”
“It would seem like it- Though I have no idea what part of me is actually causing the purring. It’s not my voice box.” Nightmare glances down at his chest again. “Unless Ember installed something to do so a while ago? What is purring exactly?”
“It’S A SigN Of cONtentMEnt and HApPINesS, tHoUGh iT caN AlsO Be tO SOotHe aND coMForT YOursELf oR OTheRs.” Error explains, before shrugging a bit uncertainly.
“Oh…so that's what you used to do? You were purring?” Nightmare resumes tracing Error’s spine, making him relax again with a happy sigh.
“YeAH- I gUEsS I dOn’T ReALly dO It mUCh aNYmoRE.”
“Why?” The glitch just shrugs in response, getting a more firm nuzzle from Nightmare. “Well I’ll just have to make you purr again~ You would always purr when I sang you to sleep~”
“YeAH yeaH- dORk.” Error mumbles, blushing again. As if his face isn’t warm enough, Nightmare presses his mouth to the glitch’s dimple with a loud purr.
“Nerd~” Error just grumbles wordlessly, certain his face was bright yellow, as a small, almost silent purr escapes him. Nightmare must have heard it, before the small robot kisses continue full force, Error’s face quickly being peppered with affection and making him sputter in embarrassment. “My Error is adorable, look how cute you are~”
“I oH ShuT upPp-”
“I shall never stop praising you, darling~ You’re far too precious~” Error just continues to whine, hiding his face.
Chapter 37: Gods of Rain and Destruction
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error ends up trapped in an AU with a cult that worships him (badly-), and finally manages to escape, meeting a lamia version of himself.
Notes:
Sorry I forgot to update-! I don’t even have an excuse I’m just forgetful-
Chapter Text
Eros pants as he runs through the dense jungle, tripping over protruding roots and rocks as he climbs up a small hill and heads back down the other side. He’s not sure how he ended up here, honestly everything is a little foggy. He just has to keep running so those people don’t find him again and lock him away in their weird temple.
He only pauses when the branches above him shake, and he hears an odd, staticky hiss. He looks up without much thought, and immediately trips on a tree root, face planting on the moist canopy floor. The hissing pauses, and he can hear something moving closer, before the back of his skull is gently poked by something.
It takes him a moment to will himself to move, flopping over onto his back as his eyelights meet…a snake? No it’s a….a lamia- if he remembers correctly. He watches as the lamia tilts their head, brows furrowing as they look him over.
They look kind of like him, what he can see of himself anyway. They flick their tongue as they gently poke and prod at him, curiously lifting his shirt. And he doesn’t move, just watching them and trying to see what they are looking for. He doesn’t have any food on him- unless they eat ribs- but he doesn’t think they do. He only has two left to spare anyway.
The lamia looks almost… concerned? as they coo at Eros, grabbing his arm to further assess him. He was going to let them do so without complaint, until the sound of angry shouting reaches them and he tenses, quickly trying to get up immediately after.
The lamia startles at Eros’ movements, glancing back in the direction of the shouts, before seemingly making a decision and slithering back to the tree they had originally come from, gently tugging Eros along.
The two legged panics a little for a moment before realizing that he’s being pulled up by the lamia and not the humans chasing him. Still, his bones shake and rattle softly the closer the angry voices get, fear gripping his soul at the very idea of them catching him.
Somehow, the lamia slowly helps Eros up the tree, guiding him to a small inlit in the trunk and encouraging him to sit and curl up, before wrapping themself around him with a reassuring nuzzle. The gentleness of their movements is weird, but Eros quickly finds that he likes it. It makes his soul hurt a little less.
It doesn’t take long for the humans to march by the tree, their loud yelling and talking making his bones rattle more in fear. Some of them continue forward, spreading out in different directions while one or two stand beneath the tree, continuing to talk about something as they examine the dirt. The lamia shifts slightly, glaring down at the humans as they block Eros’ view with their tail.
After several minutes they eventually leave after looking around, not very happy about it. The sounds of humans scanning this part of the jungle doesn’t stop for several hours until the sun is slowly setting in the distance. Though the lamia still doesn’t let him go, only loosening their hold on him to continue looking him over, brows furrowing in concentration as their hands and tail begin glowing green, every point of contact seeming to warm up.
It only takes a moment for Eros to practically melt, the pain in his bones slowly ebbing away to a dull ache as he relaxes, his sockets fluttering closed.
“HmMmm…~”
The lamia happily coos at him in response, reaching up to gently rub Eros’ skull with their still glowing hands. It’s so tempting to just fall asleep in this warm and gentle embrace, to let go and just relax. Really relax. Maybe he could sleep forever? That sounds nice. Just sleep and sleep….and…sleep….
Era smiles proudly as the odd not-lamia falls asleep, and he shifts to allow them to use his tail for a pillow, continuing to gently trace the old cracks and chips covering them, healing them to the best of his ability. He won’t be able to do anything about the ribs, but he can at least soothe the pain that he’s sure the not-lamia is in.
~
Eros’ sockets slowly flutter open as he yawns, blinky slowly. He…slept. He hasn’t really slept in so long. He can’t remember the last time he fell asleep. His eyelights take a moment to focus as he moves an arm up to rub the sleep out of his sockets, yawning again.
He’s surprised when his pillow moves, the warmth around him shifting slightly. He rubs both sockets more in hopes that they’ll adjust quicker and after looking closely….he sees his own face again-
Oh- the lamia! He remembers! He escaped and a lamia carried him into a tree, and then everything felt warm and he fell asleep! Huh….did the lamia help him sleep? It seems likely, considering how tired they look, even as they continue to sleep themself.
Should he wake them? But they look like they really need the rest…..but then again he can’t leave without thanking them. ….Where would he even go? They were so nice to him…maybe he could stay? As long as that’s ok of course, but he would have to ask….and therefore wake them up…..
Maybe wake them up just a little? A little bit awake? Eros hums, before every so slowly reaching out to poke the lamia’s cheek. Their face scrunches up slightly as they sleepily try to hide their face, tail tightening around Eros slightly.
Maybe he shouldn’t wake them then? It wouldn’t hurt to wait. They will get the sleep they need and they can talk….maybe. He’s not sure if they can talk…..He’ll just have to wait and find out.
So that’s exactly what he does. Thankfully, it doesn’t take all that long for them to blearily open their sockets, yawning widely. He can see their long fangs and sharp teeth as they do so. They kind of look like his- minus the fangs.
“HeLlo?” They perk up, looking at Eros in surprise as they rub a socket, tilting their head. He tilts his own head in response, watching them curiously. “CaN-n yOU taLK?”
The lamia makes an interesting clicking sound, followed by a small hiss. “TalK?” They copy. He’ll take that as a no. The skeleton hums in thought before pointing to himself, they might as well get formalities out of the way.
“Eros.”
“ErRoSss.” They repeat, the ‘s’ coming out as more of a hiss as they point at him questioningly. He nods with a small smile and taps his own chest.
“ErOs.” And then he moves his hand to tap the lamia’s ribcage. “WHo ARe You?”
“....Era.” They say after a moment, pointing to themself. And Eros, feeling a little proud of himself, smiles.
“Hi, ErA!”
“Hi!” They chirp back, grinning. He smiles and nods excitedly.
“MhM! Hi Is a gReEtIng.”
“Hi hI hi hi~” Era babbles, uncurling from around Eros to look him over much like he had before. The glitch laughs a little and resituates himself to better look at the other as well.
“Hi hI Hi! Era, WhaT Now? UhM…..Go?” Era just continues looking him over and occasionally poking certain spots, even peeking under his shirt again. He still doesn’t know what they're looking for. “UH-h….ERa?”
“Eros?” The lamia replies, pausing to look up at him.
“Uh..gO-o?” Eros points out of the tree, and Era frowns, pointing at Eros in response. The glitch’s brow furrows before he points to both of them and then out of the tree. “G-gO?”
“ErOsss.” Era makes a small, high pitched sound, before pointing to one of the cracks on Eros’ arm, hand lighting up a weak green as he places it over it, the warm feeling from last night coming back.
Oh. They are worried about him. After a moment of thinking, he gently pushes their hand away and holds it in his with what he hopes is a reassuring smile.
“ErOs-S, oK.” Hee says before gently bonking their foreheads together as Era pouts at him, making the sound again and pointing at him with their free hand. He pouts right back and tells them he’s ok, before whining their name back. “ErRrrAaa-Aaaa-”
Era pouts harder, but reluctantly relents, tugging Eros along as he slithers down the tree. Once on the ground, Eros gives them another head bonk, smiling a little as he moves his arms and legs.
“SeE? Ok!”
“EroSsss…” Era grumbles, even as they nuzzle him back, before they start slithering forward, pulling Eros along. Honestly the two legged skeleton is surprised they are communicating as well as they have been. It’s going very well. He doesn’t mind the quiet though, he doesn’t think he’s ever been that talkative…
He holds the lamia’s hand as they- he walks, Era slithers- to wherever they are going. He doesn’t really care where as long as it’s not to the humans. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to be, as Era pauses by a large outcropping of boulders, letting go of Eros to shift one out of the way and revealing a small opening.
Huh, it will be a bit of a squeeze but he should be able to get through. Eros walks over and peaks inside curiously, wondering if Era even wants him to go inside. Would he be intruding?
Era doesn’t hesitate to slither in, only seeming to pause when Eros doesn’t follow. “ErosSss?”
Oh, so he is supposed to follow? He crouches down in front of the hole and carefully wiggles himself inside, trying not to press on the surrounding rocks too much just in case he moves them. It takes a little maneuvering, but he gets inside and gives Era another headbonk.
“ERa-A~!” It’s surprisingly spacious, once the small tunnel ends, the ground dug up under primarily one huge boulder to make the burrow taller- and Eros is actually able to stand up straight. The floor is covered with several smooth stones and plenty of moss, any remaining space occupied by random things like feathers or shiny rocks.
Eros would definitely have to say the most interesting part of the burrow would have to be the bioluminescent plants and moss clinging to the ‘ceiling’, glowing primarily yellow and blue, but Eros could see something of every color, dimly lighting the entire space.
“WhOa…” It’s pretty, at least he thinks so, though that doesn’t mean too much coming from him. But it’s better than anything he can remember. The glitch walks around, careful not to step on anything as he takes it all in.
He wishes he could tell Era how pretty it is. It looks like the lamia takes good care of it, though he’s not sure how he would get that message to the other. Though, looking at Era’s proud expression as he watches him, it seems that the awe that Eros is sure is visible on his face is enough for the lamia.
The two legged sits down one one of the rocks, staying just off the moss just in case as he reaches for his socket and pulls out a few dark blue strings.
“Oooo~” Era slithers over curiously, poking one of the strings. He smiles and pulls them out further, snapping one off and holding it out to Era.
“Er-Ros MAGic.” He tells the other. His other strong weave around and move on their own to make a knitting needle as he moves to pull more from his socket, leaving Era to fiddle with the string with a curious coo.
“EroSsSss maGic?” The lamia questions, getting a nod from the other. He lifts his hand and summons a bone construct, wanting to reinforce what exactly the word magic means.
“MaGic! EroS MaGiC.” Era looks confused for a moment, glancing between the string and bone construct, before raising his own hand and focussing. Eros is just left watching him for a minute, before a small, unstable bone construct begins forming above Era’s hand.
Eros coos, before pointing to the construct, excited Era seems to have understood. “ErA MagIc!”
“Era magiC…” The lamia lets his bone construct dissipate with a tired huff, looking even more drained than before. It seems that magic is more difficult for Era than the ease that Eros can use it. The two legged dismisses his construct and leans over to nuzzle against Era, pulling the top half of the snake close as his strings form a second knitting needle.
Era is more than happy to cuddle against Eros, loosely wrapping around him as the glitch nuzzles against his skull and begins to knit as he pulls strings from his sockets. The lamia coos, watching curiously as he relaxes against Eros.
It's nice to just relax with Era. He makes sure to be slow with his movements, knowing he can go faster if he wants. It's muscle memory, repetitive movements he doesn't think he'll ever forget. It's nice to fall back into something he knows.
He can feel Era slowly leaning further against him as the steady clicking of knitting needles fill the den, and glancing down, he can see the lamia’s sockets drooping. It’s cute…
~
When the lamia woke up several hours later, he gave them a blue scarf, red and yellow cross stitch patterns following along the edges of the garment. They seemed to have liked it when he showed them how to wear it, based on the way the lamia cooed and nuzzled into it.
He remembers them going out that day to hunt as well. It wasn’t bad at first, that is until a tiger jumped out of nowhere. He honestly had known the cat was there, but it didn’t register as a threat to him at all and he immediately summoned a blaster, charged and ready to fire as Era yelped and hissed in surprise.
Thankfully he didn’t fire- in fear of attracting the humans- and instead has the blaster trap the tiger in its jaws, not biting down enough to hurt it. He didn’t really know what to do with it- so he looked to Era for help.
After a long moment, the lamia just shrugged and slithered closer, avoiding the tiger’s claws and teeth as he bit it. It turns out that he caught dinner! Not that he ended up eating any of it.
It took some convincing to get Era to drop it when they got back to the den. He really didn’t need to eat. Era didn’t look convinced as he reluctantly ate the tiger alone, frowning even after he had finished.
The following days were more relaxing as Era digested his meal. They slept in the den, by a small creek, in a tree. Eros enjoys the sunbathing, it feels nice and warm on his bones.
Eventually they go hunting again before the week repeats itself. They relax, napping and talking until the next hunting day before doing it again and again. Eros discovered that Era had a habit of just chattering about random things and whatever pops into his head, once the lamia had learned enough english to talk, even if some things are lost in translation.
Eros didn’t mind and was always more than happy to listen- still is, even two years later. By now though some things have changed. He’s added a lot of his strings all over the den in the rooms of blankets and pillows to make the nest more comfortable and even more just hanging from the ceiling, glowing with his own blue magic when they sleep.
He had originally made the blankets for Era in the winter, keeping him warm as he hibernates. Eros didn’t mind waiting for him to wake, sleeping here and there as Era’ lays wrapped around him.
Everything was just nice in general- is nice. Even if he can’t remember anything before the humans, he made a friend, and he really likes Era! He’s pretty sure Era likes him too, considering how often the lamia will just say it out of the blue- like now.
“I liKe you.” It makes Eros smile and he gently nuzzles his face up against Era’s cheek.
“I LIkE You Too~”
“I’m glAd I Kept you frOm the duMb two-leggeds.” Era happily nuzzles Eros back, flicking his tongue. The humanoid skeleton smiles and lightly licks the lamia’s cheek with a happy purr.
“Me tO-o~ I lIKE YOu MUCh bEttEr-R. YouR mY ErA~”
“ANd yoU’rE mY Eros~!” Era declares with a joyful wiggle, getting a hug and aggressive nuzzles as Eros pampers him with pure affection, making him giggle, grinning widely.
“HmMm~ Is It HUntING DaY ag-Gain?” He asks, already knowing the answer as he strokes Era’s cheek.
“Mhm! And we’re gONna finD yoU some fruIT toO!’ Eros has long since given up on fighting the lamia about food. He really doesn’t need it, but it’s not like it will hurt him or anything. So he simply nods with a smile as he headbutts the smaller and moves to stand up with a small stretch, Era uncoiling from around him.
They head outside, Eros dusting off his clothes after wiggling out of the hole and follows Era out towards the stream where they usually go to catch food. Only maybe a few minutes in, they hear a voice, near the water.
“Hmm…he should be around here, right? Uhhh..” Both of the glitches freeze in surprise, before Era grabs Eros’ hand and darts to the nearest tree to climb up it. The glitch pulls himself up as Era makes his way higher, the voice continuing to talk.
"Who am I looking for again….?" They pause. "Oh Error! How could I forget Error!? I'm coming to get him because…..uh….the multiverse is collapsing, yeah! Good job Ink now just to find him-"
Eros….Eros doesn't like this. Something about the voice and the words they're using make his soul shake with fear. Worse than the humans. So so much worse.
Once Era deems them up high enough, he wraps around Eros and gives him a comforting squeeze, looking at him in concern. He's frozen still, staring towards the sound of the voice as his soul beats loudly in his ribcage.
He's forgetting something. Something important. He feels like it’s just out of reach, but right there -
“EroSss?” Era mumbles worriedly, some of his hiss slipping back into his voice in his nervousness. The skeleton finally looks at him and his eyelights shake ever so slightly, uncharacteristically small in his wide sockets. Era doesn’t think he’s ever seen Eros this scared, even the day they met and he was being chased.
Light footsteps make leaves and twigs crunch quietly. They’re coming closer.
“I’ll pRoteCT you.” Era reassures quietly, a touch shaken by just how fearful the skeleton looks. Eros takes a moment before moving to hold him close, pressing the lamia’s top half close against his chest as he looks back towards the approaching danger, pulling out his strings.
“I-I’lL pr-Rot-tEct YOu To-Oo-”
They get closer and closer, their soft steps sounding thunderous in his skull until- a small skeleton…like him steps into view. Most of their visible bones are white, save for their forearms and a black smudge on their cheek. They are very short, wearing mostly tan colored clothes, all looking for better mobility, and a large paintbrush almost double their size resting on their back.
Every alarm imaginable is going off in his skull all at once as harsh glitches ripple across his body. It hurts, his head hurts, but he doesn’t move as Era tries to nuzzle and comfort him, holding back a worried whine.
There’s a small, horrible moment of pause where the small skeleton stops, standing just beneath the tree in still silence that makes his soul sound so loud- and then they look up.
“Oh! There you are, Error!” His soul stops, and for a split moment even his glitches freeze as he stares at the smaller. A name comes to mind, and with it so many things he wishes could have stayed forgotten. Ink.
A moment later he pulls out his strings, canvases them in a tight grip and yanks them back into the forest, flinging them as hard as they can as he picks up Era and bolts in the opposite direction, making the lamia yelp in surprise as he clings to him.
xc8“Wh- EroSss-s-?”
“W-wE Ne-Eed To gET AwAY-!” He runs way past their den as he runs full speed, having gained back his strength from his time with the lamia. He’s much faster than he used to be, but even with that speed, Ink catches up to them quickly.
“Aww- why do you need to get away? I wanna meet your new friend!” The small skeleton is right beside him, keeping pace with a bit of effort on his part. Confused and scared, Era hisses at Ink, baring his fangs as his hold on Eros tightens. “Huh- I don’t think your pet likes me.”
Eros growls at Ink in response and suddenly turns to go a different way.
“Nuh uh uh Error!” It only takes a moment for a harsh kick to connect with his spine and the back of his ribcage, knocking the breath out of him as he stumbles, turning his body as they slam into a tree to try to keep from crushing Era from the speed.
“Ooo~ You must really like your pet!” Era blinks, stunned for a moment as he struggles to catch his breath, the wind having been knocked out of him despite Eros’ best efforts. The small skeleton stomps towards them and as they struggle to breath, he grabs Eros’ arm in a tight, almost bone crushing hold.
“Sorry, but as much as I would love to play, we have somewhere to be.” Ink pulls on Eros’ arm, forcing him to almost drop Era as his strings wrap around the lamia.
“L-lET G-gO-o-o!!”
“This isn’t up for debate, destroyer~!” The small skeleton sounds almost cheerful, not even slightly deterred by the tall glitch’s obvious distress. Era leans forward, before biting down harshly on Ink’s wrist, managing to pierce his fangs right between the joints as he injects his venom into the small skeleton, hissing at him.
Ink looks back at them as his arm stings, a small glare growing on his face as he uses his free hand to slap Era away, earning a deep threatening growl from Eros.
“Ouch-! That hurts you stupid snake!”
“THeN doN’t hUrt ERossS!” Era hisses right back as he glitches, biting at the hand that swatted at him. “YOu’Re sSscAriNg hiM!”
Ink’s glare disappears for a moment before he has the audacity to giggle, still holding onto Eros’ hand. His giggles turn into snickers, before bursting into loud laughter.
“Y-you- Pft-Hahahaha~! You think I-I care!? Hehehahah! Error doesn’t deserve my sympathy! I can do whatever I want!” Ink looks back up at Eros, who is still frantically trying to pull his arm away. “Come on, I’ve wasted too much time looking for you.”
“He’sSs miNe!” Era insists, glaring harder, before pausing as he glances down at Ink’s chest. “..SssouLless.”
For the first time the whole encounter, Ink goes still, that stupid smile completely wiped off his face as he stares with white eyelights and a completely blank expression. Eros stops too, not liking the look at all.
“I-InK plE-eaSe Don’T-”
“SssoMeoNe took it.” Era observes, tilting his head as his tear marks seem to glow slightly. Ink continues to stare silently, Eros glancing down at Era nervously.
"E-erA-"
“Hm?” The lamia blinks, looking up at Eros, who immediately nuzzles and bonks him gently with a small stressed whine. Era just gives him a reassuring smile.
"Error has to come back now." Ink says blankly, never looking away or letting go.
“HiS Name is Eross. Why doEs he neEd to go back?” Ink takes a moment to answer.
"...The multiverse is falling apart. Error….Eros has to fix it." Era pauses, before looking up at Eros in confusion, not knowing that word. The tall skeleton is like a deer caught in headlights, nervously shuffling.
"UHm….ThEre aRe a loT of WorLds, aLl diFfrenT-t…thIs iS JuSt-T on-Ne of them…..a ColLecTion of WorLds is caLled a muLtIVerse….ALl thE World-Ds beinG alTernaTe vERsionS of aN-n originaL stoRY…" The lamia just looks more confused.
“So.. yoU NeEd to heLp it?”
"Every world needs Eros to stop the collapse or everything will be destroyed. We are wasting time." Said skeleton presses his mouth into a fine line, before he looks down at Era as if asking for his opinion, the lamia just shrugging in response, still not quite sure what’s going on.
After several moments of silence, Eros relents. "...O-Ok-K…buT plEaSe lEt gO…I won'T rUn."
Ink watches him for a moment longer before slowly letting go of Eros' now bruised wrist, and the lamia immediately takes it to heal the bruise before it gets worse, getting a small lick from the injured skeleton. Ink watches the interaction for only a moment before he opens an inky portal with a rainbow sheen, waiting for them expectantly as Era finishes healing Eros.
The taller nuzzles against him nervously, before ever so slowly stepping through and inside the portal, trying to hide his distress as they pass through and- are surrounded by Sanses and Papyri of all kinds. Era stares in shock at all of the skeletons around them, raising himself further on his tail to seem taller, even with Eros still carrying him.
Everyone in the large room seems to tense upon their appearance, watching them- Eros- wearily, as if he is the danger. While others look confused by the lamia held securely in his arms. Era can’t help but find it a touch silly- sure, Eros is strong, but he knows the tall skeleton wouldn’t hurt anyone if he could help it.
Ink eventually follows them through afterwards, and it feels like an eternally long staring contest. The short skeleton- even when compared to the skeletons around them- is wearing that fake smile on his face again, and cheery demeanor.
"Hi! I found Error! And look, he has a mini him~!"
A yellow clad skeleton pushes through the crowd, who tries to part for him. The aura coming off said skeleton is positive- very positive. It's heavy in the air around him. Era finds he doesn’t like it much.
"Ink! Oh thank goodness! Uhm…Hello Error." They seem nervous around Era’s Eros. Like the tall skeleton would get angry or something. But he advises him nonetheless. "Thank you for coming, I hope Ink wasn't….too much. We have a lot to…to say. I do believe we all owe you an apology- but there isn't any time. Universes are collapsing left and right. We need you to stop it before the collapse reaches the originals."
Eros is…completely stunned. The expression is obvious to Era, but everyone just watches him anxiously.
“HiS Name is Erosss.” Era chimes in as the silence stretches on. Thankfully his words seem to snap Eros out of his shock and the tall skeleton shifts a little.
"...Ok-K…I'Ll juSt- StAY ou-Ut of My wAY, Got iT?" He doesn't want anyone to get hurt, but everyone seems to take his words as a threat as the glitch quickly opens a portal and jumps in, leaving the room as quickly as possible. Once again they are in a completely different place.
“SssO… noW What?” Era questions, curiously looking around. They are in another building. The walls are tall and made of a dark black stone, with different paintings hanging on the walls and curtains draping over them, matching the crimson rug beneath them.
"I…HaVe tO dr-ROp yoU OFf heRe. It’S Too daN-NGErouse to tAKe yoU Wit-Th mE." Eros begins walking down the hall as Era whines in protest, his hold on Eros tightening. “Don’T WOrRy- YOu’Ll be saFe hEre….”
Eros pauses though after a moment, his walking coming to a halt…..Shouldn’t Nightmare have sensed him already? He expected the guardian to show up right away.
“EroSs?” Era gives the tall skeleton a headbutt and immediately receives another back.
“...UhM….ThEY ShoUlD alreAdy KNow I’M heRe….” His brow furrowed, Eros begins walking again at a faster pace. He goes to all the places he can remember the gang frequently being. The living room, the gaming room, all their bedrooms. Even Nightmare’s office is empty!
With his growing anxiety, he rushes to the dark guardian’s bedroom and quickly opens the door- before sighing in relief.
On the bed, completely out cold, is an exhausted looking bonepile, all snuggled close together as long dark appendages hold all of them in place.
“... A HibERnaTIon PiLe? We MigHT Want to leavE…” Era mumbles, tilting his head. Come to think of it, it was a bit chilly…
“SkeLeton-N moNSterS Don’T hyBErnAte. They’D prOBabLy oVerWorkEd thEMseLves…” The taller explained as he walks over to set Era down in a soft chair before quietly walking over to where he can see Nightmare in the middle. The lamia wants to follow, but with the unfamiliar surroundings and ‘monsters’- whatever that word meant- Era figures it’s best to just curl up and wait.
Pulling out a string, the glitch carefully moves it to hand over them and slowly lowers it into the pile of deadly skeletons and pokes the king with intent as Era watches curiously. After only a moment, the goop covered being opens his socket and stares.
“....Error? Oh thank the stars-” His body practically liquifies as he moves, melting into the shadows before reforming out of the pile, his appendages still holding his sleeping idiots “You’re ok..! Do you know how worried we were? When Ink said he got rid of you- what do you think we thought?”
Eros shrinks on himself a little. Even if the other is being quiet for the sake of the gang, Nightmare is obviously upset, and rightfully so. He disappeared without a word and worried them, even if it wasn’t of his own free will.
Era doesn’t quite get it- is this Eros’ first den? Was he taken from here? …Is Eros going to leave him, now that he is back at his real den..?
After a moment though the king relaxes and grives the tall skeleton a hug, nuzzling into Eros’ shoulder as he holds him. “...I was so worried. Don’t ever do that again.”
For once, Era stays silent as he watches the interaction, just curling up tighter on the chair he was set in. Eros hesitantly hugs back, surprised by the contact. Usually none of the gang tries to touch him much, especially Nightmare.
After a long second, the king pulls away before looking over at the lamia. “....Is that a lamia you?...in my room?”
“Oh UhM-m yes- I-I was hoPINg yoU CouLD StaY WItH HIm WHIle I’m FixinG….EverYThinG.” The goop covered guardian stares before nodding slowly.
“Yes…I can do that for you, Ru. Just be careful, please. I moved the castle out of harm's way for now, but-”
“I kNOW. It-T MOveS QUicKLy. I’Ll bE bACk IN a WHIle.” Eros quickly moves back over to Era for a headbutt and nuzzle as he gives the lemia a small smile. “I’Ll tRY To HUrRy ok?”
“...PromiSe?” Era asks, automatically reaching up to pull Eros closer. The tall skeleton allows it for a moment, snuggling in so their ribcages are flush against each other as they nuzzle.
“..I-I pRomiSe. Don’T WOrRy.” The lamia smiles and relaxes at the reassurance, before reluctantly letting Eros go.
“OkaY. I’ll be wAItinG for you.” Eros’ smiles a little wide as he looks at Era with an unbelievably soft expression.
“GoOD~” And with that he pulls away and disappears through a glitching portal, leaving Nightmare and Era alone. The lamia just looks silently at Nightmare as he curls up again, tongue flicking out as he scents the air.
“...May I ask for your name?” The king asks as he sits on the edge of the bed, stroking a sleeping Dust’s skull.
“...I’m Era.” Era replies, using context clues to guess what ‘may’ means.
“Greetings, Era. I am NIghtmare. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Era just stares silently for a long moment.
“...YOur wordS are haRd.” He gets a small, deep chuckle from the guardian, the king’s gaze never leaving the sleeping skeleton in front of him.
“My way of speaking can be….complicated. What words did you not understand?”
“GreEtinGss, PLeaSssure, and coMPlicaTeD.” Era lists, curling in on himself a bit. It really is a lot more chilly here than the jungle. Humming, Nightmare thinks, before getting up and slowly pulling his tentacles away from the pile.
“Do you know hello? Or hi?”
“Mhm!”
“Well, we call those 'greetings'. Because by saying those things to someone when they walk into a room or after you have not seen them for a while, it is acknowledging someone's presence which is what we call greeting someone. So by me saying ‘Greetings’ is a more polite way to say hello, or hi.”
“...What does acKNowleDging, preSence, and poLite mean?” Era hesitantly asks after a minute of silence, clearly lost. Thankfully, Nightmare is patient with him.
“Presence is….something being there. Like right now, you and I are present in this room. We are here now. Acknowledge is…to recognize something. Say if you had a missing scale and were ignoring it. Becoming aware of the problem- a missing scale- is acknowledging it. Taking notice and recognizing it in your mind.”
“RecOgniZe…” The lamia mutters, trying to remember what that word meant. Nightmare gives him a patient smile and begins to explain once more and they spend who knows how long simply talking as the dark king teaches Era many new words, even as the lamia lightly complains about Nightmare’s complicated vocabulary.
“I like to be precise. When I say something I do not like to be misunderstood or have to repeat myself. So I try to use precision of language.”
“PreCisSe? You hAve tO exPLain thIngS A lot moRe, thOugh.. EroSs taLks easSsier.” Era grumbles, huddling down into the chair as he shivers. Nightmare walks across the room as he speaks, digging his wardrobe closet.
“Maybe now, but back when I was young my manner of speech was a sign of intelligence and education. Being able to read and learn was a privilege not many children could afford.” He walks back over to the lamia with a big fuzzy blanket and drapes it over Era, tucking it in between his coils as Era gratefully burrows into it.
“WhAt dOes.. IntElligence, educatioN, pRivileGe, and childreN Mean?” Era asks, surprised Nightmare hasn’t gotten sick of the endless questions yet.
“Intelligence is a way to say how smart someone is. It comes from another word. Intell. Which is another way to say knowledge. Like I explained before. Intel is information and someone who is intelligent has a lot of information.”
“An education comes from the word educate which means ‘to learn’ and education is a…….being taught something. If I was a teacher, and teaching you about words, like I am now, then I am giving you an education. Though an education is a lot more than just talking. I would be teaching you about many things- how to use the words, or how these words affect people. Things like that.”
Nightmare sits down on the chair beside him with a patient smile. “So with the word ‘education’ going with the word ‘intelligent’ makes sense then doesn’t it? It would make sense for people to see having an education as a sign of intelligence because to learn these words and all that they mean you would need someone to teach you.”
Era hums as he thinks about the new information. He feels like it would be easier to just say one word is just another way to say something else, but he can’t complain- Era’s never been able to understand so many words so well before. Most of his vocabulary consists of items and things he’s figured out through context clues, or just copying without understanding why.
“SssO EroSs is mY TeaCher?”
“Hmm…yes, he could be considered your teacher- I assume you are talking about Error? You have called him Eros a few times now.”
“HisSs naMe is Eros.” Era corrects.
“Hmmm…I’ll ask him about it later, then. For now though- lamia refer to their children as hatchlings, yes?”
“HaTChlingss aRe chILdren?”
“That is what we call young people, yes. The word children is a general overview term for young people. Skeleton monsters, like Eros and the skeletons over there.” he gestures to the bed. “Call newborns babybones and the next stage skullies.”
“I ssEe.” Era mutters, proud of himself for being able to understand so many of Nightmare’s words. As if somehow knowing what he is feeling, the goop covered guardian smiles more as a tentacle pats him on the skull.
“Very well done, Era.” The lamia blinks in surprise, before practically beaming as he shyly hides under his blanket. With an amused chuckle, Nightmare continues.
“And finally, privilege. A privilege is like….a gift of sorts. A right. If you live in….lets say a dense forest with many animals. You have the privilege of eating well every night. A privilege depends on many things. Sometimes it's how hard you work, or the family you are born in- hatch in, in your case.”
“Not everyone where I grew up could afford to get an education, they weren't born into families that could do that. So they didn’t get the privilege of an education.”
“OhHh oKay. Ssso I Had thE PriviLege oF MeetinG Eros!” Era declares with a grin, getting a smile and nod in return.
“Yes, and I have the privilege of meeting you. Very well done. You are a fast learner.”
“EroSs taugHt mE. Our… worDssS…” Era pauses, looking for a better word. “..LaNguagEssS are siMilar, but yoUr guYs’ issS morE coMPlicaTed.”
“Yes it is. We look more into things I think. Our lives tend to be a little more complicated so we need a language able to describe the complicated mess. Actually the language we are speaking is not a monster language. It is a human one.”
“I don’T Like huMAnss. TheY SsscaRe Eros anD try to cOMand the raINs.” Era hisses, frowning. The goop covered skeleton nods, his smile falling to a fine line.
“Humans are a distasteful species, yes. Distasteful as in bad, leaving a foul taste behind. They are overall wretched. Bad. I can completely understand how you feel. Humans frequently seek power and condemn what they do not understand, while still managing to tamper with it. I will never understand them.” Nightmare’s tentacles curl in tight, loops, flicking irritably.
“...SssoMe arE okaY.” Era speaks up after a moment. “SomE givE fruit foR Me to fEed Eross, or heaLinG driNK, anD Only asSsk for cleaN Water… EroS doesn’t knoW That’s wheRe I find hiSs fruit. I didn’t Want to sSscare hiM.” He admits.
“Ah…I see. Humans have their moment then I suppose. I knew a few nice humans. You got Eros to eat? We tried but he wouldn’t stay long enough for us to get him to eat anything other than chocolate….until he even refused that.”
“He gavE Up fightinG afteR our firSsst hiBernatIon togeTHer.” Era happily reports. “He eats oN huntiNg daYss.”
“Huh, good job then, I am impressed. Though, being able to keep him in one place is impressive in its own right. I have been trying to get him to stare here instead of that white void for centuries. Though I suppose it isn’t completely his choice.”
“My deN isS best, anD I kePt him safE!” The lamia declares proudly, getting another chuckle from Nightmare.
“Thank you for that. His safety is very important to everyone here. It is nice to know he has someone who cares about him so much.”
“He’sS miNe, anD I’m his.” Nightmare blinks at him with a mild look of surprise for a moment, his socket slightly wider than before.
“....You make it sound like you two are mates.”
“We neveR DiscUSsed it.” Is Era’s only response. Nightmare’s socket narrows and he stares, assessing Era critically as his tentacles slow their movements.
“Hm.” Is all the guardian says as he watches for a moment longer, before standing and straightening his clothes. “Are you hungry? There is a vast forest beyond the castle ground I can show you to.”
“I’m finE.” Era declines, uncomfortable with the idea of hunting somewhere unfamiliar without Eros by his side. He’ll be fine for a few more days.
“If you are sure. We do have a kitchen- though I am pretty sure you won’t know what that is.”
“No idEa!” The lamia chirps as Nightmare smiles again.
“Follow me and I’ll explain.”
~
The castle is quiet as Killer slowly shuffles down the stairs, one of Dust’s shirts hanging loosely off one shoulder. He rubs one of his sockets and turns to step into the open kitchen archway, quietly humming as Nightmare greets him.
“Who’sS ‘at?” He hears someone question, though it sounds muffled like their mouth was full. He doesn’t bother thinking about it as the words fly over his head and he walks around the coffee machine.
“Killer. He’s not much of a morning person..”
“WhaT’s a Morning persSson?” They seem to get stuck on the ‘s’, vegely reminding Killer of a hiss. Weird.
The small skeleton waits blankly as the coffee machine starts up and begins to make noise, before yawning and leaning against the closest person with a sleepy yawn.
“It takes a while for him to wake up.”
“Oh- I’m the Ssame.” Killer feels something wrap around his lower half, the person he’s leaning against wrapping an arm around him. “I sSee whY Eros ssSsayS it’s cute.”
“Hmmm…” Is he under the blankets? Snuggles are nice. He likes snuggles. Killer nuzzles into his new cuddle buddy with a small purr, his sockets slowly fluttering closed again.
“Aw..~” His cuddle buddy coos and giggles, pulling him closer to support more of his weight. “NiGhtmaRe he’sSs falling asleeP AgaIN.”
Said guardian sighs as he watches, a tentacle coming around to tentatively caress the short monster's skull. “Every morning- Killer if you fall back asleep your coffee is going to go cold by the time you wake.”
“Nuuuu…” He whines at the king, turning to hide his face in his cuddle buddy’s neck. “M’boooosss…”
“He’s sO cuTe And sSssleepY~” His cuddle buddy gives him a gentle nuzzle and he nuzzles back just a little before perking up when the coffee machine dings and starts to pour into the pot.
“Coooffeeee..~” Killer reluctantly pulls away, just enough to grab his mug from the corner of the counter, and waits for the sound to stop as he hears someone snickering. “‘Mmmm’don…laugh..”
He whines as what he knows is a tentacle, gently strokes his cheek. “Adorable, my sweet Killer dear~”
“Are yoU two maTEsss?” A flustered squawk can be heard as Nightmare looks at Era with a wide eyed stare.
“W-what!? No- no no. I- no.” The king tries to gather himself, a cyan blush dusting his cheeks as he pulls his tentacle away. “Killer is just- We’re all- They are all my family- subordinates- That is all.”
“Oh. OkaY THen.” Era easily agrees, confused by Nightmare’s reaction. Killer, ever oblivious to the conversation, sits up after a minute and pours himself a cup of hot, bitter coffee and takes a big gulp without hesitation, much to the lamia’s disgust.
“ThaT SssMells waY toO bitter.”
“It is very disgusting, but it helps him wake up.” Nightmare agrees as the short skeleton begins to shuck to black substance down.
“SsstrANge.” Era comments as Killer finishes the drink and leans back against him with a nuzzle, setting the cup down. The small skeleton stays like that for several moments, sockets closed, before freezing in place.
Killer can’t believe what he was ‘seeing’. He is snuggling a lamia…that looks like Error! He’s so fucking- “Cute~! Holy fuck look boss~!”
His hands immediately find Era’s cheeks, gently cupping his face as he smiles at the other. “Aww~ You’re so fucking adorable!”
“Wh- uhh??” Era blinks, caught off guard by the sudden mood shift.
“Ooo~ And your magic is gorgeous~! I love the difference between it and Error’s! Hey boss do ya see it? It’s like uhm…uhhhhhhhh-”
“Yellow?” Nightmare supplies, looking thoroughly amused at Era’s reaction.
“Is it yellow?”
“Yes.”
“WhaT IsSs happeNing-” Killer continues to fawn over Era, rubbing his cheeks before bending down to pet his tail with an excited giggle.
“Oh, did I forget to tell you~?” Nightmare says with a giggle. “Killer is usually very energetic. And I think he likes you~”
“Uhh-” Era just lets Killer look him over and pet him, blushing slightly as he flicks his tongue. The red target soul in front of Killer’s chest glows brightly as he rubs Era’s scales and belly, focusing his ‘sight’ on the magic flow in the lamia’s body.
“Wow, ya got a lot’a magic for a lamia! A lot in your tear streaks too.”
“ThanKsss?” The lamia’s brows furrow in slight confusion as Killer sits back up to cup his cheeks again, gently rubbing over said marks.
“Hehehe~ ya cute just like Error~ Boss, are we keeping him?” Killer turns his head to Nightmare as Era just stares, still not sure what’s going on.
“That is up to Error and him, Killer.”
“I meaN YOu’re sSstucK with me ‘tiL Erosss comeS baCk-”
“Who’s Eros?” Killer asks, confused.
“That’s what he calls Error. I think Error changed his name while he was gone.” The short skeleton makes an ‘Ohhh’ shape with his mouth at Nightmare’s answer, continuing the cheek strokes.
“So ya really are an little Error~ Cute~”
“I’m ErA!” The lamia protests, pouting and earning himself a nuzzle from the short skeleton.
“Awww~ You’re so cute, Eraaa~” Killer practically purrs his name out, making him whine as he blushes harder.
Chapter 38: Genshin Crossover
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Fgod Error and Nightmare fall into Genshin Impact.
Warnings- angst, suicidal thoughts, and attempted suicide via falling into the void
Chapter Text
A certain green-clad bard jolts up from the tree he was resting in as two powerful and dark presences suddenly appear on the edge of his senses.
Barbatos doesn’t hesitate to let his mortal guise fall, becoming one with the wind and swiftly making his way over to the sources of power- to what can only be two other gods.
Though emotions are slightly more distant when he’s not in the form of a human, anxiety still gnaws at him as he moves, fearful of the gods’ intentions. No other god has formed or ascended since the new dendro Archon five hundred years ago, and these signatures did not feel like a new god.
Were they with Celestia? Did They finally decide They had enough? Was this going to be the end?
Unlike his expectations, when he reaches the beach the power is emanating from, he doesn’t find two gods preparing for combat, instead finding two forms slumped unceremoniously in the sand. One of them seemed to be almost… twitching, while the other looked like they had a bucket of black slime condensate dumped over them.
Barbatos becomes Venti again, and he creeps closer for a better look, pausing as he properly takes in their forms. Skeletons- especially ones as… odd looking as this was certainly a new one, but it’s honestly not the weirdest form he’s seen other gods take.
Now that he’s closer, the winds practically scream of the death and agony that seems to cling to them both, crying out in pain…. Strangely enough, the winds don’t cry for those these gods have hurt, but rather for them themselves.
“...Keep an eye on them.” Venti softly asks the winds, before taking a breath and stepping back, blowing away his footprints as he becomes one with the air once more, going to Angel’s Share. He’ll have to give Diluc and Jean both a warning… but he’ll give the gods a chance. The winds of change began blowing with the traveler’s appearance, but he has a feeling they may now be shifting course.
~
Nightmare blinks, his skull throbbing as he slowly blinks open his socket. “Wha…?”
“UgH…” He hears a glitchy groan next to him, noticing the familiar sound of static and the less familiar noise of the ocean.
“...Error?” He shakes his skull lightly, slowly moving to sit up despite the ache in his joints. Where are they..? What happened? “Ruru..”
“Mm… ‘MaRe..?” Error mutters, holding his skull in his hands as he pushes himself up, his friend’s tentacles wrapped tightly around his middle.
The guardian rubs his skull for a moment, trying to rid himself of his headache, before the situation suddenly hits him and he pulls Error close. “E-error holy shit- are you okay? You’re not hurt anywhere-?”
“HuH? It feELs liKe I WeNt thRouGh oNE HeLL Of a CRaSh buT-” Error freezes, seemingly recalling what had happened before. “..Wh-wHAt the FucK wAIt-”
“Error you idiot!!” Nightmare hisses as he glares at his friend. “What were you thinking-!?”
“I- I’m SoRry-” Error stammers, glitching slightly as he shrinks in on himself.
“Don’t you know I care about you!? Is that not enough- if you have a problem come talk to me don’t jump off an asteroid!”
“I- I JuST- Y-yOu-” The glitch weakly tries to defend.
“ What? ” Nightmare growls, Error flinching back with a ripple of glitches as tears gather in his sockets.
“....I’m S-soRry…..” The guardian stares at Error for a long moment, before his gaze softens and he gives the glitch a firm headbutt.
“..Please don’t cry, Ruru…I’m sorry for yelling.”
“I-I’m SOrrY I Kn-knOw IT wAS StuPid- I W-waSn’t thiNKinG-” Error’s voice breaks as he presses his forehead back against Nightmare’s, closing his sockets in an attempt to keep the tears from falling. “I’m JuST s-sO TirED -”
“I know Ru, I know….I wish I could lighten your burden somehow…but I wish even more that you would just come talk to me, especially when you’re feeling this way. I want to help, dear…” He nuzzles Error firmly, petting the glitch’s skull with a soothing purr.
“I’m sOrry…” Error quietly cries, letting himself break down in Nightmare’s comforting hold, tears streaming down his face. His best friend holds him close, wrapping Error up in a safe and firm embrace as he soothes the other.
“I know…I know it’s okay…you’re so strong and brave, Ru…it’s okay to feel weak sometimes..It’s okay.” The glitch just continues muttering apologies as he buries his face in Nightmare’s shoulder, muffling his already quiet sobs. The guardian can’t help but feel a little bad for getting onto him, but…it needed to be said.
He knows his friend goes through a lot every day and he does his best to make Error’s life a little bit easier when he can…but clearly it isn’t enough. Eventually it was going to push Error over the edge….he simply didn’t expect to be jumping after him.
“...How…are we alive..?”
“I… I dUnno..” Error mumbles, sniffling as he rubs his sockets. One of Nightmare’s tentacles curls in the sand as he looks around, observing the ocean waves as they roll up onto the beach.
“..Odd…I feel like we are….very far away from home.” The glitch pauses, and Nightmare can feel his destructive aura flare slightly for a moment, reaching out with his magic without physically pulling up any code.
“Hm… ThAT’s weiRD..” Nightmare nuzzles him, before standing up, carrying Error against his chest.
“Indeed….I can sense people just west of here, a town or small city….but there are also other…things about.”
“The MaGIc feELs… DifFEreNt? It’S… I dOn’T KNow HoW TO ExPLaIN iT..” Error mutters, instinctively relaxing in the guardian’s hold.
“Me neither…The magic in the air is more dense and concentrated. How interesting.” Nuzzling the glitch, Nightmare begins walking inland along the cliff's walls. “I wonder if it affects plant growth at all-”
“Of COurSE YOu’rE WonDErinG ABouT THe PLaNts yoU TreE-” Error lightly teases, before quieting as his brows furrow. ”..I wONdeR If I CoULd cONtroL It If I TRied… ThE MaGIc JuST FeELs so dENse.. ThoUGh I MigHT NeED To usE My strINgs sOMehoW- liKe whEN I coNTroL ANotheR MonSTer’s mAGic.”
“Maybe later, Error dear. We need to figure out where we are first…” The guardian stops to stare at an odd floating monument, humming in thought. “Warp magic.”
“Hm?” Pulled out of his musings of how to become the avatar, Error curiously follows Nightmare’s gaze. “WhAT’s thAT?”
“I am not entirely sure. The magic is somewhat similar to portals though.” The goop covered skeleton sets Error down, the glitch immediately moving over to inspect the strange monument, only stumbling slightly.
As always his friend’s tentacles hover over him, watching the glitch. “What do you think?”
“Hmm…” Hesitantly, Error reaches out to touch it, jumping in surprise when his magic links up to it without any of his input. “Uh…”
Curious, Nightmare reaches out to poke it with a tentacle. “...I don’t like it. Though I suppose it will be useful.”
“Hmm…” Error steps a bit away from the monument, closing his sockets and reaching out to the connection in the back of his mind- only for it to grab hold and yank as soon as he makes contact, making him yelp as the world disappears under his feet.
The sensation only lasts for a moment, but it still makes him stumble once the world exists again, legs giving out under him.
“Error! Stop messing with things you don’t understand-!” Nightmare immediately snatches the glitch up, pulling him away from the monument- where he had apparently reappeared. “What is wrong with you I swear-”
“UgHh- I W-wAsn’t ExPEcTINg iT To ShoVE Me LiKe thAT..” Error mutters, glitching as the world spins on its axis, sagging in Nightmare’s hold.
“When will you learn? Huh…” He rubs the glitches back, nuzzling his skull a little, before turning away from the monument. “Let us follow the path for now…at least until we reach the city.”
“It’S WOrSe thAn SHoRtcuTS…” Error whines, burying his face in Nightmare’s shoulder as the vertigo slowly dissipates….the petting helps.
“Maybe you will think twice this time. We do not understand how the magic around us works here. We need to be careful.” The guardian lectures him firmly.
“HoW WiLL We leARn iF We doN’t trY THinGs-?” The glitch protests with a pout.
“There are such things as books, you know.” Nightmare deadpans.
“We DoN’t knOW If thIS plaCe haS ANy- wE Don’t knOW anytHINg riGht noW oTher ThaN THe faCT THat thE MagiC Here iS WeirD-” Error points out, his friend rolling his eyelight.
“Every civilization has writing of some kind. If they can make that then I am sure they have scrolls, stone tablets, or books on the subject.”
“UnLEss thEY Got deSTroyeD-” The glitch mutters, refusing to back down, getting a glare from the other, before Nightmare headbutts him.
“Then they start again. You have not read many history books have you?”
“Mm..” Error just grumbles wordlessly with a pout. “BuT ReaDIng taKEs foREver-”
“It’s not a matter of speed, but enjoying the contents.”
“WeLL I LiKe leARninG ThRouGH ExpeRIEncinG BeTter So thERe-”
“Well when you find out something makes you violently ill I will be in the background reading about it.”
“HaSn’T HaPPeneD Yet-!” Error declares cheerfully, before wiggling in Nightmare’s grasp, deciding he feels recovered enough to walk again. With a heavy sigh his best friend releases him, rolling an eyelight as Error bounds away to explore around them, making sure to stay within sight of Nightmare.
“Don’t come crying to me when you fuck up and find out.”
“I thOuGht yoU WanTEd Me tO ComE To yoU WitH My prOBlems?” Error teases, though it doesn’t quite land.
“Emotional, and life threatening damage. If you did it to yourself then you can suffer from your own idiocy, my darling Ruru~” Nightmare smirks smugly at him, making him pout and huff as he turns away, muttering something inaudible- a slightly surprising amount of anger radiating from him.
The guardian looks at him in mild surprise, slowly wrapping a tentacle around the glitch’s waist. “Ru dear? I did not mean to upset you, I am only teasing. I will always be there to help you if you really need it.”
“I- I KnOw..” Error mutters, not facing Nightmare. “..SoRry.”
“Don’t be sorry for how you feel, Ru. It’s perfectly fine to be upset. I know my willingness to assist you is something you hold close, and I should have probably worded my statement better. Even when you mess up I will help you to the best of my ability, always.” Nightmare lightly headbuts the side of Error’s skull, the glitch glancing at him, before turning to nuzzle the guardian.
“I- I JuSt… I kNoW It’S dumB- bUt I.. coULdn’t hElp buT THink Of When I… On thE AstroID..” He trails off, looking down.
“Ah I see. That was different….” Nightmare gently holds Error’s hands, stroking his palms. “You weren't thinking properly and you needed my help, the moment I noticed I came as quickly as possible. I always will.”
“...I’m soRrY FOr dRAgGinG YOu inTO thiS….” He mumbles, moving closer to press his forehead against Nightmare’s shoulder, the childish excitement from before replaced with drained exhaustion.
“...I wouldn’t want to be anywhere, but with you.” He’s nuzzled firmly as Nightmare picks him up again, rubbing his back as they continue walking, letting Error mope in his emotions for a bit.
Nightmare only nudges Error when they reach the edge of a cliff, prompting him to look out at the view. “Quite the lovely city if I do say so myself.”
“WoAh…” The mana-rich air swirls around them as they gaze at an almost whimsical looking city with spinning windmills and waving flags, the lake surrounding it sparkling in the sun, and as Error lets the wind blow away his worries for the time being as he trails his gaze further down the cliff, he pauses at the sight of an interesting looking statue, the same magic in the air seeming to gather around it.
Reading his mind, Nightmare steps down, allowing his tentacles to support them down the small cliffside and across the shallow water. “How interesting…”
“CaN I toUCh iT-” Error immediately asks, only to be lightly headbonked.
“No. Don’t even think about it.”
“PleASe? WhY Not-?” The glitch whines, squirming in protest.
“Would you like a repeat of the teleport monolith?” Nightmare gives him a look, raising a brow.
“I wOn’t trY To usE It! I jUSt waNna toUCh iT-”
“Error don’t make me mother you-” The guardian warns with a scowl, Error whining wordlessly at him with his best pleading expression. “....Fine, but I warned you-”
“YeS-!” Error immediately wiggles out of Nightmare’s hold with a cheer, running up to the statue. The guardian rolls his eyelight, but slowly follows behind.
Error reaches out once he’s close enough, letting his phalanges brush over the not-quite-stone surface.
Like with the monument, his magic automatically links with it- likely to allow him to teleport to it- but unlike before, the statue lights up for a moment and a window pops up, covering his vision and making him yelp and jump, startled.
“Ru? Are you okay? What’s wrong?” Nightmare is immediately at his side, hovering over him as Error’s attention is drawn back to the window- one missing his distinct glitchy edges from his own windows. He watches as a small part of it lights up, a… map seemingly filling in.
“A map..?” Curious, Nightmare looks up at the statue before reaching out, his phalanges brushing against the stone. “W-whoa hello-”
“YoU Got oNe tOO-?” Error doesn’t even think as he dismisses his own map- only pausing for a moment at the almost foreign feeling magic- much more interested in Nightmare’s. Although it’s odd to just be given a map by this world’s magic, Error has uploaded his own map from AU’s code before, so it’s nothing new to him. Nightmare having a map on the other hand, is much more interesting.
“Indeed…..It filled up around the statue, with a title ‘Starfell lake’.”
“StoRMbaRrer MoUNtaINs… whISPerINg wOoDS… Oh cAN yoU SeE THe ciTy?” It takes Error a second to grasp onto the unfamiliar magic, but he pulls up his own map with little trouble and begins messing with it. “MondSTaDt! ThAT’s whAt It’s cALled.”
“....Ru, that clearly says Mondstat” Nightmare deadpans, giving Error a look.
“BuT MoNDstADT Is HoW It’s SPellED! With A D!” Error defends.
“The D is silent, dear..”
“...Oh.” Nightmare chuckles, leaning up to give Error a nuzzle and lightly kissing his temple.
“Dork~”
“ShUDdup- hoW WaS I sUPposED To knOW-?” The glitch whines at him, dismissing the map again with a pout.
“Read. A. Book~”
“FucK OfF-”
“As tempting as the offer sounds, we have other matters to attend to~” Nightmare smirks at him, earning himself a flustered glare as Error huffily walks away- only to pause at the edge of the water and look at the guardian pleadingly. “Oh come here you big baby.”
Without any hesitation, Nightmare scoops the glitch up, nuzzling his skull aggressively as he uses his tentacles to carry them over the water.
“I dOn’t wAnNA Get wET-” Error defends, nuzzling Nightmare back just as aggressively.
“You’re like a cat~” The guardian purrs with a soft smile, relaxing a bit as his extra appendages help them tread smoothly over the terrain. Error pouts a bit, before gasping and patting Nightmare’s arm, pointing at an odd blobby… thing. “...What in the stars is that-?”
The guardian cringes as the thing looks over at them with its…..eyes? Before excitedly hoping over- “It moves-!!”
“WhAt the fUck whAT THe fuC-ck-” Error glitches as he tries to scale further up Nightmare, trying to escape the thing’s gaze. His friend yelps and stumbles back, losing his grip on the ground and falling back onto his tentacles, before quickly trying to scramble up.
“Ew ew get it away-!!” Error quickly pulls out some strings to tie the weird.. creature up, only to immediately dismiss them with a shudder at the cold, slimy sensation that almost feels like it’s clinging to his magic.
“NopE NO-o-oPe noPE fUCk thIS shIT I’m OuT-”
“Don’t you fucking quote a meme-!!” The creature bumps against one of Nightmare’s tentacles and the guardian immediately lets out a high pitched screech, smacking it away as hard as he can into the distance. “Ew ew ew ew-!! I hate it I hate it its as bad as spiders-!”
“IT feLT So GrosS NiGhT WhAT THe fuCK-” Error whines, trying to shake off the memory of the gross feeling.
“This world is horrible I wanna go hooommee- I want Horror’s Nutella scones-” Nightmare whines with a shiver, Error clinging to him.
“WhAT THe HEll WaS ThaT THinG-?”
“I….I-I think is was a slime- Like in those video games the boys like to play…” The guardian trembles again, shaking his tentacle off to try and rid himself of the touch, Error turning to cling to it instead in hopes of acting as a suitable distraction.
“I hA-aTE It- I haTE It s-so mUCh-” His friend nuzzles against him with another whine.
“....We must avoid them at all costs-”
“HaTe i-iT-” Error repeats with a shudder, Nightmare nuzzling him more firmly.
“Let’s go before it comes back-”
“YeS LeT’s geT Out oF Here-” The glitch agrees, scrambling up. Without another word the two very quickly flee the scene, hand in hand as they run past a camp of masked weirdos, one of them shouting some gibberish at them. Error’s not one to usually judge, but he hopes not everyone they come across will be like that- if only for the communication issues.
Before they know it they are close enough to the city to stop, looking around just in case. “Okay…I think we’re good now.”
“ThiS PLaCe suCKs-” Error mutters.
“Agreed- Hopefully the city will be less….gross.” The glitch nods with a sound of agreement as they begin walking down the path at a much more sedate pace. They come up to a bridge, passing a human on the way as they approach, a small boy looking up over at them as a flock of pigeons suddenly flies away.
“Hey! You’re scaring away the….the…”
“Uh- YoU ALrigHT?” Error questions, getting a scream from the boy as he turns and runs to the city.
“MONSTERS!!!!”
“...We DoN’t loOk thAT ScaRy do We?”
“...Maybe you don’t…Most children run from me.” Nightmare shrugs, before continuing on across the bridge, only to be very quickly stopped by two guards at the gate.
“Halt! Strange yet respectable travelers, please state your name and business here!” Nightmare sneers as his tentacles twitch in agitation, the guard takes a small step back.
“My name is Nightmare, king and guardian of negativity and I am hoping to gather some information on this….land. Now move.”
“NiGht bE NicE- We’Re strANgers HeRE anD THey’rE Just doINg thEIr joBs. ThEY haVe eveRY riGHt to Be caUTious.” Error scolds, tugging Nightmare back. He may be bad at socializing but even he knows better than to order around people he doesn’t know.
His friend growls at him, before giving the glitch a firm headbutt as he pouts. “Name and business please.”
“I’m ErROr aND thiS Is NIghTmaRE, anD We jUst wANted To eXPLore thE City- mAYbe viSIt thE LibRAry IF yoU HaVE ONe? Oh- AnD We’D LiKe to ApOlogiZE to thAT Boy We aCcidENTalLy scaREd. We ReaLLy meAN no HArm.” Error adds, hoping it helps them be seen in a slightly better light.
“I see..”
“Oh wow, Mondstat once again has some interesting travelers passing through!” A human girl comes walking through the gate, her red and black outfit adorned with gold designs as her red bandana perks up like bunny ears in her long brown hair. “It’s a pleasure to meet you travelers! My name is Amber. I am a Mondstadt outrider here in the nation of freedom.”
The guards lower their weapons as Amber smiles cheerfully at them, her hands on her hips. “Sorry for the introduction. If you really mean no harm then you’re always welcome here in Mondstadt. I hope this isn’t too forward, but…well I’ve never seen people like you before.”
“Hm? Oh- dO You MeAN skELeTonS In gENeraL Or My GliTChiNG And His GoOPy-nesS?” Error asks.
“Uhm….all three actually. I’ve never seen a walking talking skeleton, or glitching…or someone covered in goop, other than slimes of course.”
“Ah- weLL- tHE gLItChinG anD GoOP arE fRoM soME… unFoRtUnaTe cIrcumSTaNCes. We’Ve aLWayS bEEn SKeleToNs, thOUgh.” Error only really explains the very gist of things, knowing he has a tendency to overshare at times.
“I see, well it’s nice to meet you both! I really hope you enjoy the city of freedom while you’re here. If you need anything at all feel free to ask me or any other knight of Favonius for assistance. I’d be more than happy to show you around. Just wait till you try the food~!”
“...She reminds me of Blue-” Error holds back a snort.
“ThAnk YOu foR YouR HOspITality, AmBEr.” The outrider waves at them before taking her leave, and Error turns to Nightmare with a hopeful expression. “HoW DId I Do?”
“You did well dear. I am impressed with your restraint.” His friend gives him a soft smile, Error beaming back at him, before nuzzling him as they walk into the city. “Now we just need to find out more about this world….How it works and this odd magic in the air.”
“MhM…” Error looks around curiously- though he doesn’t stray from Nightmare’s side- only pausing at the… odd looking human standing behind a circular counter to the left, staring blankly ahead. “...uH..”
“What…?” Nightmare follows his gaze, blinking. “...That is not a human.”
“Oh?”
“I can’t sense any emotions from her at all. Not even a little.” Nightmare turns his gaze away, looking over to a few tables with interesting flowers. “Oh I’ve never seen those before-”
Error can’t help but snicker as he’s dragged over to look at the flowers with Nightmare, easily going with.
“O-oh um- H-hello there mis-misters!” The little girl standing behind the table nervously greets. “Welcome to my flower shop! Can I help you?”
“Indeed, would you mind telling the names of your beautiful flowers, dear?” Nightmare asks with a smile as he lowers his tentacles, crouching down a bit to be more at the girl’s level while Error just stands back and watches.
“Of- of course! On your far left I have a cecilia, which only grows in places where the wind is harsh and strong- then there’s a windwheel aster, which is often referred to as ‘the visible wind’ and grows best where there’s constant, gentle breezes and higher concentrations of anemo.
“Then at this table I have a sweet flower, which are used to make sugar, and finally small lamp grass! They’re called that because they are bioluminescent- that means they glow in the dark.” The little girl grows more confident as she talks, even leaning in closer when she quietly explains bioluminescence. “I also sell dandelion seeds, Mondstadt’s staple flower and the core of our world-famous dandelion wine, but I don’t keep them on display or they might blow away in the wind.”
“Ah I see I see. Thank you for your very informative explanation. I had no idea.” Nightmare nods with a smile. “You clearly take very good care of your flowers. I am impressed. You must work very hard.”
“Yes thank you! I pride myself on my fresh flowers! Oh- I’m Flora by the way!” The girl cheerfully introduces herself, bouncing on her heels in her clear excitement.
“It is a pleasure to meet you Flora. My name is Nightmare and my dear friend here is Error. You know I am quite fond of plants myself. Back home I have a large garden I made all by myself~ I have one flower, called a Glowlilly, that produces particles of golden light that float in the air like stars at night. It is one of my favorites.”
“Woah… that sounds so pretty~! My favorite flower is dandelions- they’re just so feathery and fluffy looking~! I think the Acting Grand Master of the Knights is also known as the Dandelion Knight, and she’s really cool~”
“Dandelions are very pretty indeed. Well thank you for your time Flora dear. Until we meet again.” Nightmare stands back up and gently pats the girl's head with a tentacle as she practically beams at him.
“Bye-bye! May the Anemo Archon protect you!”
“You as well, dear~” With a small wave Nightmare steps away, pulling Error along to the right and down the street, ignoring the looks being shot their way.
“HaVE Fun~?” Error can’t help but tease.
“Don’t you start, Ruru- I was only curious about this world’s flora-”
“AnD FaWN ovER a cUTe liTtle Kid~?”
“I- No! I was doing no such thing!” Nightmare turns away, huffing as he crosses his arms, and Error snickers as he nuzzles the side of the guardian’s skull, bending down slightly to properly reach.
“SuRe yoU WerEn’t~” His friend pouts hard, giving him an ugly look even as he nuzzles back.
“Shooshith-”
“I DiDN’t eveN SaY ANythiNG-” Error defends, his shit-eating grin giving him away.
“If you don’t shut up I’ll make you-”
“In PuBLic~?” The glitch dramatically gasps, unable to keep his act up as he bursts into giggles. Nightmare scowls despite his light blush, huffilly grumbling under his breath.
“If I have to…”
“H-hm?” Error hums questioningly as he gets control of his laughter, smiling at Nightmare. The smaller suddenly smirks at him, that challenging look in his eyelight.
“Indeed~ If you don’t stop talking I’ll have to kiss you right here, right now, in front of everyone~” Error’s mind seems to stutter as a flush spreads over his face, and he stares at Nightmare in flustered surprise, caught off guard.
“So~” A tentacle firmly grabs him by his scarf and pulls him down so very close to Nightmare’s face. “Shut that pretty little mouth of yours, won’t you~?”
Error’s teeth click together when he snaps his mouth shut, skull practically glowing a bright yellow. “Good boy~”
Like a dog on a leash, Nightmare leads Error down the street to what looks to be a tavern, based on the sign and the scent of fresh alcohol, the glitch obediently following behind him as he screams internally, hiding his face in his hands.
The people in the tavern go silent upon their entry, a particularly small, very green dressed boy tensing at the bar ahead of them.
“Greetings.” Nightmare speaks to the red haired barkeep, Error quickly lowering his hands and grabbing his scarf back.
“Hello there, welcome to Angel’s Share.” The redhead greets calmly, though he glances at the tense boy on the stool and looks them both over, gaze intense. Error’s attention is drawn to the green-clad person, pausing at the way the very magic in the air almost seems to emanate from him.
“Hmm...how much for a glass of fine wine?” Nightmare asks as he eyes the bard, walking up to sit one seat away from them.
“It depends on what kind you would prefer, as we have many different kinds. Of course, if you are new to the area I’d recommend our world-famous dandelion wine, which costs two-thousand mora.”
Error thoughtlessly follows after Nightmare and sits next to him as he continues to stare at the odd person, trying to figure out how the way their magic seems to come from them seems familiar.
“Mora you say? Hmm…How much would you say gold is equivalent to mora?”
“Gold? Hm… I believe a gram of gold costs around five thousand mora.” Nightmare’s expression doesn’t change, not a single twitch as his tentacles flick behind him.
“The real equivalent, please.” The redhead raises his brows, the corner of his mouth turning up slightly.
“It’s worth a bit more than ten thousand mora, but I don’t know the exact amount.” The redhead watches as Nightmare takes out a gold coin, setting it down on the counter with a quiet clink.
“Thank you for the information. I’ll take a glass of dandelion wine, some cider or juice for my friend and the location of the nearest bank.” Sliding the coin over, Nightmare pulls his hand away, the redhead picking it up and looking it over. His eyes almost seem to glow for a moment before he puts it away, seemingly satisfied.
“The bank is in the Knights of Favonius headquarters.” He informs as he turns to grab a bottle and glass. “But I assume you aren’t from around here, and the bank is only for citizens. If you’re looking to sell gold, I recommend the local souvenir shop, With Wind Comes Glory, across from Cat’s Tail on the main road.”
“You have my appreciation.” The guardian takes a sip out of his newly poured glass of wine, humming in thought. “I can see why this is so well liked.”
“Yes, wine is one of the main exports of Mondstadt. Would you prefer grape juice or cider? I’d recommend the grape juice- it’s very high quality.” The bartender directs the question at Error, who has not stopped staring at the increasingly stressed out bard.
“Error don’t be rude.” Nightmare scolds as he bonks the glitch on the skull with a tentacle, making him blink and break his gaze.
“WhA- BuT- …ReAPer! ThaT’s wHAT it reMInds mE Of! Or YoU Or InK- BuT InsTEaD It’s… liKe thE Air.” Error declares cheerfully, happy to finally have figured it out. Nightmare doesn’t hesitate to face palm, sighing even as he leans over and gives Error a headbutt.
“Dear. It is bad manners to out a god about to piss themselves while in public.”
“O-oH- soRry..” The bartender stares at them disbelievingly, before looking at the green-clad boy with both exasperation and concern.
“Venti? Do you know these two?” He asks the bard, who sighs quietly and sheepishly chuckles, rubbing the back of his head.
“That quick, huh? I was hoping to have some more wine before our paths aligned...”
“I could sense your fear before even getting past the front gates. I don’t believe getting drunk is going to help you, besides, there is no reason to be so afraid.” Nightmare takes another sip as the bard laughs awkwardly.
“You say that but…”
“As long as you aren’t a threat to us we aren’t a threat to you. There is nothing else to it.”
“Surely you can forgive my weariness; two unknown gods in your domain would alarm anyone. I don’t mind if you’re a threat to me- Mondstadt is my top priority.” The bard- Venti- rhymes easily, as if he doesn’t even have to think about it.
“You need not worry. We have no intentions of harming Mondstadt in any way, nor any of its people. We simply come seeking information. You see our arrival here was…an accident.” Error shrinks in on himself, looking away.
“I.. see. In that case, Mondstadt welcomes you with open arms!” Venti tells them cheerfully as a tentacle wraps itself firmly around Error’s waist, another nuzzling his cheek.
“Your acceptance is appreciated, now…Venti, was it? Would you mind telling us what you can of this world? We are a little out of our element, quite literally.” The guardian nurses his drink before taking another sip.
“Oh? Are you world travelers? I thought… nevermind- I am more than happy to help! Our world is called Tayvat, and the seven elements are the building blocks of our world: anemo, geo, electro, dendro, hydro, pyro, and cryo. There are also seven nations which are watched over by seven archons. I am Barbatos, the anemo archon and god of freedom~! Though- please don’t spread that around-” The bard turns to the bartender. “Diluc would you kindly refill my glass, all of this talking is leaving me quite parched.”
Nightmare rolls his eyelight, the now named Diluc doing the same, taking another sip as he pulls Error close. “Thank you for the information. Diluc, that shop doesn’t happen to sell any other useful travel items, does it?”
“For travel? Probably not- they specialize in souvenirs and relics. The adventurer’s guild may be selling some things, if not just the general store.”
“I see, thank you.” Finishing off the last of his drink, Nightmare sets the glass down before moving to stand, picking Error up along with him, the glitch just blinking in surprise as he simply accepts his new position, and both Venti and Diluc give them a bit of a look. “Good day.”
Without giving it much thought, Nightmare heaves the tavern, holding Error against his back wrapped in tentacles like a backpack.
“So the world we are in is called Teyvat.”
“...DefiNITely NoT juSt aN AU.” Error mutters.
“Certainly not….which can only mean we are in a completely different multiverse….Skeleton monsters aren’t usual here, and humans are afraid of monsters, based on that boy's reaction. Not only that but there are seven gods of this world. They no doubt already know of our arrival.” Nightmare’s tentacles flick and curl around Error as he thinks out loud.
“AnD THe maGIc iS WeiRD.” Error adds, frowning as he nuzzles into Nightmare’s neck. “..I wAnNA Go hoMe..”
“...Me too, but as of right now we have no way to do that…and we have no idea if another trip through the void will take us back or kill us….I hope the boys are alright..” The guardian’s tentacles droop, and Error nuzzles him some more.
“I’m soRrY….” The glitch mumbles, “I- I diDN’t….. YoU SHoulD’ve jUSt let me jUMp-”
“ Never. ” The guardian turns his skull to look at Error sternly. “I would never abandon you, Ru. The boys are strong and I’m sure they will manage…in fact I wouldn’t be surprised if they find a way to follow after us. Either way, I do not regret my decision. I will never leave you alone.”
“O-oh… OK-kaY..” Error murmurs, blinking hard as he fights the urge to cry again. “I- I WoN’t… I d-doN’t wANnA LeaVE You eithER..”
With a small smile, Nightmare moves Error around to better headbutt him, nuzzling their skulls together firmly. “Let’s get some of our G transferred into mora and then we will look around. Expand our..map of sorts, alright?”
“..M’kaY.” Error quietly agrees, closing his sockets and just letting himself exist in Nightmare’s soothing presence for a moment, feeling so, so grateful he has his friend here with him- even if he regrets being the cause of this mess.
He pays no mind to the woman at the shop as Nightmare sells some of his G. Apparently she didn’t even have enough money to convert the whole large pouch his friend had.
“This amount will have to do.” The guardian speaks absentmindedly, before thanking the woman and heading to the general store to buy a few basic supplies, like chocolate. “Here you are dear.”
Error, still on Nightmare’s back, practically lights up at the sight of his favorite treat, eagerly snatching it and stuffing it in his mouth. His friend chuckles, grabbing a bit more food and perishables before leaving.
“Alright, this will be enough for a little while. Would you like to go exploring or rest for a bit?” Humming in thought, Error glances up at the slowly darkening sky.
“ProBAblY ResT- If thIS PLaCe iS ANytHIng LiKe whAT YoUr boYS PLay, thEN More EnemIES coMe ouT iN THe daRk aND I dOn’t reALLy feEl liKE DeaLinG WitH THat-” Nightmare gives him a firm nuzzle, before nodding.
“Alright. Today has been…more than enough. A nap does sound nice.” With all the food in his inventory, the guardian begins making his way outside the city walls and around the side to a random bush, before pulling out what looks to be a small coin bag.
“WhAT’s thaT?” Error questions, curiously looking at the small bag.
“I carry this around with me everywhere for emergencies. It’s called a bottomless bag, a sort of…sub space is inside. We can sleep in there.” Nightmare sets the bag down, hidden in the bush before opening it, allowing the magic to suck him inside, Error’s body following suit as he yelps in surprise, glitching harshly.
The next thing he knows he’s inside…a house..? Still wrapped up in Nightmare’s hold. “You alright, dear?”
“WhAT th-hE FucK-k-” The guardien grabs his skull, nuzzling them firmly together.
“Sorry I should have warned you.”
“Y-yeS YOu shOUld’ve-” Error mutters with a small pout, though he happily nuzzles Nightmare back, the guardian purring at him in response.
“I am truly sorry, my darling. However, now we have a comfortable place to rest.” He gestures to the house around them, the design of the interior mimicking the castle back home.
“Mhm.. I’m GlaD We doN’t haVe to SleEP in thE TreES-”
“My days of tree sleeping are long over.” Nightmare says with a chuckle, before giving Error another firm headbutt and nuzzle. “There are a few different rooms you can choose from if you wish. Though I would prefer cuddles-”
“CuDdleS-” Error immediately demands, clinging to Nightmare like a koala.
“Oh my stars, you big cat~” Rolling his eyelights, Nightmare makes his way over to a bedroom, taking a moment to change into a nightgown before he lays them both down on the bed. “So clingy~”
“You’RE thE OnE Who SugGESted iT-” Error defends, pouting some more as he aggressively nuzzles up against Nightmare.
“Yes yes, you are correct.” The nymph kisses Error’s forehead, nuzzling Error just as aggressively right back. “That doesn’t make you any less clingy~”
“ShUt uP I dOn’t GEt to CuddLE you ThAT mucH-” The glitch mutters, though he doesn’t refute him. A deep loud purr starts up from the guardian as he holds Error close, wrapping his arms, legs, and tentacles around the other.
“Well now we can cuddle all we would like~”
“Who’S BeinG CLinGy noW~?” Error teases, thoroughly enjoying said clinging as he relaxes, his own purr starting up.
“Hush, Ru dear~ Let’s enjoy this freedom while we can..~” The glitch frowns, nuzzling further into Nightmare’s hold.
“‘Kay..~” The two gods relax in silence, before Error notices the slowness in Nightmare’s breathing, and the way his arms and tentacles slowly go lax. Smiling softly, Error lets his heavy sockets close for a moment and settles in for a few days of cuddling, knowing Nightmare won’t be waking up any time soon.
It’s rare for the guardian to allow himself any rest, especially with the current state of their multiverse. Knowing that Nightmare trusts him this much, willing to be vulnerable and unprotected like this…makes his soul feel funny no matter how many times it happens.
Especially so now, in a foreign world with no one but each other- yet somehow, despite being the reason they were here, Nightmare still trusts him to protect them both, and Error feels glad for not the first time that he doesn’t sleep. It lets him unabashedly bask in the warm and fuzzy feeling filling him from Nightmare’s trust. He doesn’t know what he would do without Nightmare…
Chapter 39: A New Challenge (NSFW)
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Geno gives Error a new challenge to beat while he’s out destroying.
Geno x Error x Reaper and slight Error x Ink
Warnings- Ink highkey touches Error without consent and Geno and Error call each other brothers, though they aren’t actually magically related.
Error also goes into subspace (though it’s probably inaccurate- I am willing to accept tips)
Chapter Text
“Shhhh~ Just stay still, no squirming~” Error whines at Geno, but obediently holds himself still as the other glitch fiddles with something between his legs, something chilly pressing against his entrance.
The other slowly presses the object inside and Error gasps, arching slightly as Geno smiles, kissing him softly. “Just a little stretch~”
“F-fuCk GeN..~” He whines, pouting at the shorter. His mate laughs and kisses him again, covering his face in soft peppered kisses as he’s slowly filled up by the toy. Once Geno knows it’s fully inside, he grabs an already prepared ribbon, wrapping it up around Error’s hips and over his cunt.
“Now, here are the rules~ You’re not allowed to remove it or undo the ribbon and you can’t tell anyone what’s going on. Break the rules and you lose~” Geno leans down, holding Error’s chin as he lightly kisses the destroyer's nasal bridge, making him scrunch up his face. “Win and I’ll fuck you senseless, alright, bubbu~?”
“AnD If I LosE?” Error questions, even as a gleam enters his sockets at the perceived challenge.
“Then you have to deal with your built up arousal all by yourself as punishment~” Geno smirks down at him, clearly just as excited.
“I’ll wiN-” The destroyer says determinedly, sitting up and squirming slightly as he adjusts to the sensations, discovering the ribbon pressed pleasantly against his clit if he moved just so.
“I made sure the ribbon was made out of a fabric you like, is it uncomfortable?”
“No iT’s aLRighT- juSt… diFfeREnt.” Error decides, before pausing as one of the voices only he could hear calls out to him, making him frown. “SeRiouSLy? RigHT noW?”
“Go on, you have work to do~ Just try not to moan too much, just in case Ink shows up~” Error grumbles and slides off of the bed, movements stiff until he gets more used to the toy inside him, pulling his pants back on.
“..Am I AllOwED To toUcH MyseLF?” The destroyer asks, pausing just before opening a portal.
“Nope, you have to endure it all day to win. So no touching or rubbing against anything~” Geno tells him smugly, making him pout hard.
“FinE…” Error sighs dramatically, before finally opening a portal and hopping through. “I’ll sEe yA LaTer, GeN.”
“Uh huh~ Be careful and don’t have too much fun~” Something about the look his mate is giving Error makes him shiver, quickly turning away and closing the portal as he fights the heat in his face.
It feels odd walking with the barely-too-large toy inside him, filling him just on the edge of uncomfortably, and Error is constantly aware of the way the ribbon ground up into his slit with every step- but as he begins working on the first AU in his list, their presence drifts to the back of his mind in favor of the lines of code he’s combing over, trying to figure out the odd ‘lag’ that was plaguing this universe.
It takes him a little over an hour to find the problem, fixing it without much trouble, before he opens a portal to move on. Not even one step into the next AU, the dildo stuffed inside him suddenly starts to shallowly vibrate, making him choke back a surprised gasp and stumble before catching himself, flushing brightly.
Error does his best to focus on the next AU, fighting the urge to squirm and doing his best to suppress his blush. Midway through this Au’s code however, the vibrations suddenly spike in intensity, a quiet yelp escaping him as he fidgets and presses his legs together, losing focus on the window in front of him before he manages to force his attention back to it.
The toy continues to up its vibrations, his bones shaking and rattling as his legs give out on him, before the vibrations cease all together. Error pants and trembles minutely as he kneels on the ground, blinking hard as he tries to gather himself, shakily standing back up and grabbing the window.
His entire being felt tense and wound up, not quite on the edge of orgasm, but definitely getting uncomfortably close, leaving him needy and wanting. Still- he has no plans on losing this challenge, so he simply does his best to ignore it and continue his work.
Just as he’s getting over the lack of stimulation, it's brought right back to the forefront of his mind with the low vibrations starting up, and Error can’t quite hold back the whine that leaves him. Glaring at nothing in particular, Error determinedly speeds through fixing the problem, quickly moving on to the next universe.
“..O-oH Wow-” The destroyer is temporarily distracted from his frustration and the stimulation by just how glitchy this world looks, bits of the void and antivoid showing in the gaps. Error might not be able to save this one.
Just glancing at the code confirms his suspicions. So much of it has deteriorated…there’s really nothing left to be saved. From what he can tell, there aren’t any monsters left either anymore… he was too late to give them a quick death- or save the AU in the first place.
His soul sinks, frown deepening even as he pulls out his strings, looking for a weakness for his magic to latch onto, finding it easily. It takes hardly any magic or effort to make the AU crumple into nothing, and he hops through a portal to the antivoid to watch and make sure the dissipating remains don’t touch the surrounding universes.
For the next few hours, everything is pretty much the same. Right when he’s feeling more relaxed and getting used to the soft vibrations they suddenly increase, lasting long enough to edge him on before stopping completely.
It leaves him feeling high-strung and desperate for release, growing more sensitive as time goes on, needing a couple of minutes to calm down before continuing on several different occasions.
“Error~! Whatcha doooooin’~?” Error tenses, not turning to look at who could only be Ink, glaring at the window in front of him as he tries desperately to force away his lingering blush.
“Go aWaY.”
“Awww, Error’s so mean. Ink wants to play with him~” Ink steps closer, pressing against his back. “Error’s standing stiff.”
“‘CaUse yoU’rE TOucHInG me, aSshOLe-” He mutters, glitching slightly as he turns to push Ink away, only for the small skeleton to grab his wrist.
“Errroooorrr~” The vibrations spike, and Error barely manages to bite back the noise that tries to escape him, legs feeling like jelly as he stumbles slightly. Ink grabs him around the waist, easily holding him up as the vibrations hold their more aggressive speed. “Ink knows some things, but if Error would rather not say Ink won’t push.”
The creator nuzzles his shoulder blade as Error shudders, putting a warning hand on the top of Ink skull while he scrambles to get his feet under him, struggling slightly to keep his breathing even.
“Y-yOu bE-beTter Not-”
“Better not what? Push it~?” Ink’s phalanges trace the edge of his waist band, slowly ghosting over his shorts to lightly press against his clothed clit. “Ink won’t say a word~”
“F-fuCk-” Error mumbles, a strangled whine leaving him as he trembles in Ink’s hold. The creator's light touches are a stark contrast to the harsh vibrations rattling his walls, slowly edging him a little closer with every gentle stroke.
“A dildo, hum~? Is Error playing a game~?”
“Sh-shUt uP-p-” The glitch hisses, fighting the urge to rut into Ink’s hand like he desperately wants to, breathing in shakily.
“Only if Error is louder~” Ink rubs just a little more firmly before pulling his hand away, the vibrations dimming again- much to Error’s disappointment and frustration, a whine of protest escaping. “Go on, Ruru~ Beg for him. Beg for Geno to come get you, just like you want.”
Ink presses down the tiniest bit, making him whine louder. “I- I n-neED to laST th-thE DaY-”
“Do it, Error.” Ink tells him firmly, pulling his hand away again. Error just shakes his head, blinking back frustrated tears. As the creator huffs at him, reaching down to tease him even more, the vibrator spikes to an all time high, making him cry out, knees buckling. He’s so close..! But just as quickly as it had started, the stimulation comes to a complete halt, leaving him panting as he whimpers quietly.
“Just a few words, the day’s almost over Error.”
“P…PLeAse…” Error croaks out, a couple of tears finally dripping from his sockets. “..P-pleASe coME H-hELp- tAK-ke M-me hOMe- plEaSe- ”
In no time at all, his mate comes stepping through a portal, pulling him close to hold him as Ink steps away, the destroyer shaking too much to stand by himself.
“Oh Bubbu…You did so good~ I’m so proud of you, honey..~” As Error practically clings to his mate's clothes, leaning heavily against him, Geno cups his cheeks, gently kissing away his tears as they fall down his face. “You won and I’ll take good care of you now. I’m here, Bubbu~”
His brother’s soft smile is comforting, seemingly so genuine and loving, even if he is blushing bright red. Error makes a desperate noise, nuzzling into Geno’s hands as he whines, his own yellow face a mirror of Geno’s.
“P-pl-leAse-” The destroyer pleads quietly. Rubbing his back, the smaller gives him a soft kiss.
“I know, Bubbu..~” Picking Error up, Geno easily carries him through the portal, flashing Ink a glare the glitch can’t see as they disappear into their shared bedroom. He lays his mate down carefully, before removing Error’s shorts, untying the ribbon and pulling the toy out. Error’s walls almost hurt with just how sensitive they feel, moaning weakly as the dildo comes out with a lewd pop.
“You’re doing so good, honey~ So pretty, it’s going to be okay, just breathe~” Error whines as he reaches up for Geno, tugging him down for a kiss. The touch is soft, loving intent seeping into every movement as his mate caresses his belly soothingly, Error arching up into the contact with another soft moan.
“Look at you~ Being such a good boy, just for me~” Geno purrs between kisses. “You’re absolutely perfect, Bubbu~”
As he showers Error in soft loving affection, he begins to undress himself, his male ecto having been straining against his shorts for a while now. All the while he pets the glitch’s belly, slowly creeping his way down to not overwhelm him, though the gentle kisses and nuzzles seem to do a good job helping him relax, a purr building in the taller’s ribcage.
“There you go~ You’re always such a good boy for me, Bubbu~ I love you so much~” He kisses Error’s nasal bridge, purring back at him. “I’m going to make you feel good now, okay~? I’m going to make all your need go away and make you feel nice and full, don’t you want that~?”
“Y-yES pleASe..~” Error murmurs, looking at Geno with fuzzy eyelights blown out enough to practically fill his whole socket. He earns himself a soft, sweet kiss to the forehead, Geno's tip warmly pressing against his entrance. With a soft smile, his mate presses in, drawing a moan out of Error as his walls flutter and clench around Geno, almost desperately trying to pull him in.
“Hmmm~ I love you so so much. Bubbu~ You’re doing great~” Geno holds and rubs his hips, offering him comfort and love as he presses in deeper, pulling soft, needy noises from the destroyer, pressing as close as he can to his mate.
“HnNg~” Geno can’t help but coo over him, peppering his face with even more soft kisses. Error is just so cute like this! So needy and wanting of all the attention he can give. He is sure to shower Error in it, all of his love in every touch with as much intent as he can muster. All while he never stops moving inside at an even pace.
Error unabashedly eats the attention and affection up, purring loudly between moans and whines, nuzzling and pressing clumsy kisses to Geno’s own face. The smaller’s soul simply throbs with affection, Error is too cute~!! How could he ever resist such a sweet face~?
With a happy little purr, Geno begins to nip and such on Error’s neck, hovering over the two claiming marks from not so long ago. Error moans breathlessly, tilting his skull out of the way as he looks at Geno pleadingly.
“G-geN- I W-waNnA Cum-” He whines, getting a soft look in return.
“Okay, honey~ Just remember to breathe.” Geno starts to speed up, sliding a hand down to rub at Error’s clit. It makes the destroyer tremble as he arches against the shorter, taking a shaky breath as he squirms and grinds down against his mate.
“YeS P-pleAse Ye-es~” He moans, and with how sensitive he is, he quickly approaches his peak, walls clenching down tightly on Geno. He rides out his high with his mates help, Geno cumsing with him a minute later and filling him with bright red cum, nibbling on one of the claiming marks.
“G-good boy, such a good job~” The smaller pants, petting Error’s belly soothingly as the glitch whines and shivers, nuzzling as close to Geno as he can.
“HNnGh..~”
“You’ve done so s-so good, Bubbu~ I’m so proud of you~” The smaller continues to praise him, whispering against the sensitive mark, making Error’s hold on him tighten. “Good job, that’s my sweet mate~”
“Gen..~” He murmurs, his mate reaching back up to stroke his face.
“Bubbu~ Hehehe, you’re so cute, you know that~?”
“Hmm…~” Error just hums and leans into Geno’s touch, closing his sockets. The smaller is more than happy to simply watch him, petting and kissing the destroyer softly as he stares with a look that is undeniably head over heels in love. He’s fallen hard for this dork, two dorks actually. Reaper will be home later tonight and then they can properly snuggle this adorable glitch. For now though, he’s fine right where he is~
As they lay there, Error seems to drift off into a light doze, purring softly and just nuzzling him. “Soooo cute~”
“Daaarllllinnggs, I’m hooommmeee~” Their third mate sing songs from the other side of the house, quickly making his way over to them and floating into the bedroom. “Oh wow, what a beautiful sight to come home to~”
Error makes a small noise of complaint as he blinks open his sockets, revealing his still hazy eyelights. He turns to glare at Reaper, before practically lighting up when he processes who it is, making grabby hands at him.
“Oooooh my stars he’s adorable~” Reaper doesn’t hesitate to float over to them, snuggling up into Error’s side and aggressively kissing his face. “Best coming home surprise ever~”
“ReApeRrr~” Error purrs loudly, clinging to the other god and happily nuzzling him, being nuzzled back just as eagerly.
“Erroorr~ My pretty mates~ Give me kissessss~” Reaper whines at Error even as he purrs. It seems to take the glitch a moment to process his words, but he happily obliges and peppers kisses on Reaper’s face- only pausing to whine and pull Geno closer to do the same to him.
“Awww you’re so sweet, Bubbu~ I love you too~”
“What did you do- He’s so affectionate~!” Reaper aggressively nuzzles their glitchy mate, purring rather loudly right back at him.
“We just played a game, it was a bit much for Error so I stopped it early.” Error whines a bit, burying his face in Reaper’s shoulder.
“Awwww, does my pretty mate want all my attention~? I missed you both all daaaayyyyy- It was horrible without you-” The death god whines back at him, pouting and snuggling the glitchy monster more. “Alll da love for my Ruru~”
Error settles back down and relaxes, and though he would normally protest Reaper’s cheesy words, he just purrs softly, clinging to each of his mates with both arms. His soul feels so full right now, with both of his loving mates showering him with attention and snuggling him close. It’s just perfect~ Error loves them both so much~
~
The destroyer huffs slightly at the memory, burying his face in his pillow, pouting at nothing in particular. Although he found the experience as a whole enjoyable, he’s not a huge fan of Ink being the reason he broke, and he doesn’t know how to feel about how… soft, everything felt after the fact.
It was nice, for sure, not needing to think so hard, but it was also vulnerable, and even now Error still struggles with that….At least Ink didn’t take advantage of his weakness….besides being an ass. Ink was weirdly soft about his touches too. Error hates that he didn’t hate it, even as he’s still recovering slightly from that odd, fuzzy mindset.
Geno made him breakfast, chocolate chip waffles covered in chocolate syrup…with whipped cream, his favorite. Reaper had left early that morning, but not before gulping down a few cups of coffee, because of course- Geno probably made him eat breakfast too.
He’s been pampered and showered with affection from his smaller mate ever since he woke up and he’s been very grumpy about it- even if he does secretly like the attention. Not that Error would ever admit it out loud, especially with how clingy he had been yesterday. Gen left not too long ago to run some errands….and Error doesn’t like how quiet it is. For some reason it makes his soul ache….He wants more snuggles-
“My loooovvveees~! I’m home earrrrlllyyy~!” Error perks up slightly, before making himself stop, scowling at himself.
“...In hERe, ReaPs.” He calls back, before nuzzling himself into the blankets. His mate comes eagerly floating into the room, tackling him with much enthusiasm.
“My Ruruuuuuuu~! Oh how I missed you~! Work is so boring without you-” Reaper whines, aggressively nuzzling and kissing his face.
“I thOUgHt mY JoB JusT MaDe yoURs haRDer?” Error questions, struggling slightly to keep the grumpy front up as he fights the urge to press closer.
“It’s more tolerable when I have my pretty little mate to stare at~ Did ya know you’re super hot when you're fighting~?” The destroyer flushes, pushing Reaper’s face away.
“Oh ShUT up-” The tall god only laughs, grabbing Error’s wrist and turning his skull to kiss the destroyer's palm.
“You’re always so beautiful~”
“ShUT uPpp-” Error whines, blushing harder as he uses his other hand to bat at Reaper’s skull, only for his other wrist to be snatched as well.
“You know I really love it when you’re feisty~ So cute, I could just eat you up~” Reaper kisses his wrist before leaning in and kissing his cheek, continuing those soft kisses down towards his neck and lingering on the same bites as Geno did. “Seems like mines fading a bit, I should fix that~”
Error holds back another whine, growling and squirming even as he tilts his skull to the side. His mate kisses the spot firmly, before giving it a small lick. “You taste good too, you and Geno both do~ My pretty little mates~”
“NOoo-” Error whines loudly, shivering as he goes limp under the other god. Reaper pins his arms up above his head, holding him in place with one hand as the other slides up his shirt.
“You’re sooooo cute, Ruru~ I could just eat you up~” With a deep rumble, the death god licks his mouth before biting into Error’s neck, right on top of his last mark.
“A-aH..~” The glitch gasps and moans quietly, still oversensitive from Geno’s game the day before. His mate sucks on his neck, tracing over his ribs with a loud rumbling purr. Reaper can be such a little shit sometimes-
“R-reAPerRr-” He whines, squirming again and shuddering as he arches up against him. The death god sucks in his vertebrae for a moment longer, before pulling away, licking up his neck slowly.
“Yes, Error love~?”
“YoU T-teASe-” Error mutters, pressing close to Reaper as he tries to tug him up for a kiss. The other god happily obliges, kissing him sweetly, if not a little bit rough.
“I can’t resist it when you give me that angry pouty look~”
“Sh-huT-” He mutters, pulling him into another kiss. His mate pets his ribs and spine all the while. Their kissing getting more desperate and needy.
“I missed you-” kiss “So so much~”
“I m-miSseD You Too..~” Error admits breathlessly, Reaper easily taking his breath away with every kiss.
“I love you~” kiss “You have no idea how much I love you~” kiss kiss “If I could I would shower with affection all the time~”
“Th-thAt souNDs NiCe…~” The glitch murmurs, before blushing bright yellow, sockets widening as he realizes he said that out loud. Reaper has a similar look on his face, a single white eyelight staring at him with a bright blue blush covering the god’s face.
“.....Awwwwwww~ Ruruuuuuuuuuuu~!!” His mate proceeds to very aggressively nuzzle and kiss him all over.
“..Y-yoU He-eaRD NotHIng-!!” Error squeaks, glitching as he tries to escape Reaper’s hold, incredibly flustered and embarrassed. The death god only holds him tighter, practically clinging to the smaller skeleton.
“Nuuuuu-! Don’t leeeaaavvee meeee!” Reaper lets go of Error’s wrists in favor of hugging him close, the destroyer immediately using his newly freed hands to try to suffocate his mate with a pillow. The death god yelps a little, but does let go to try and free himself, his feather black wings suddenly popping into existence.
Error doesn’t hesitate to practically throw himself off the bed, scrambling to hide under it, the glow of his bright blush illuminating the area. He can hear Reaper squabbling above him, a black feather of two falling into the ground.
“Ruru-? Where’d you go?” The glitch stays silent, slinking further under the bed. He knows Reaper will find him quickly, but he just needs a second to gather himself, incredibly embarrassed. He blames Geno’s game- it lowered the walls he tries to keep up, even around his mates. “Sorry, did I overwhelm you, love?”
Reaper peaks his head over the side of the bed, giving him a soft smile. “It’s okay, I really liked what you said. Sorry if I got a little too excited.”
“Sometimes…I worry I might be annoying you with all the affection I give, it was just nice to hear that you like it.”
“It’s… a LoT SoMEtimEs… B-BuT WhEn It’s ToO MuCh I KNoW I cAn jUSt leAVe..” Error mutters, refusing to look directly at his mate. “It.. iT CaN Be niCe… kNoWIng I’m loVEd… EveN.. if iT’s… haRD to aCcepT….”
Reaper smiles more, holding out a hand, still giving Error his distance. “Can I have a string?”
Only hesitating for a moment, Error grabs a string and sets it in Reaper’s hand, letting the touch linger before pulling back. His mate takes it delicately, stroking the magic with his thumb and loving intent. “You are loved, more than you know, Ru. You are amazing even if you don’t think so.”
Error shrinks in on himself slightly as his blush quickly comes back, before taking a breath and slowly unfurling, hesitantly creeping out from under the bed. Reaper makes sure he has enough space, continuing to pet the string as his wings ruffle.
“....I never thought I would be so lucky as to have such an amazing mate, let alone two. It still blows me away, heh.”
“ShUsh.” Error mumbles, getting up on slightly shaky legs and moving over to Reaper, pressing his forehead against his mate’s shoulder. His mate pulls him into their lap, holding him close and nuzzling the side of his skull as Reaper’s disheveled wings wrap around them.
“Did I say something weird-?”
“...No.” Error nuzzles into Reaper’s hold, relaxing for a moment as he looks at his mate’s wings. “..YoU SHoULd leT Me prEen yoU.”
“What, this mess? I can always do it later. It’s kind of tedious-” Reaper tries to brush it off, only for Error to pout up at him.
“LeMme dO It-” He demands. Error didn’t particularly want to admit it, but he honestly enjoys preening his mate’s wings. It’s a simple, relaxing activity for both of them, and Error finds it soothing in the same way crocheting is. He would do it more often if Reaper would let him, but they rarely had time and the other god is oddly hesitant about it.
“...Alright, you can preen my wings.” Reaper nuzzles him, before standing, setting Error on the bed before laying down on his front, letting his big black wings spread out across the sheets.
The destroyer holds back his excitement, despite his mate being unable to see him, not hesitating to bury his hands in Reaper’s soft wings, running his hands through the feathers for a moment before getting to work.
He starts by combing out the loose feathers, gathering them all into a neat little pile for Error to store away later. It’s only once he’s done with that does Error start on the detail work, carefully picking through each feather and straightening it out, gently breaking off any damaged feathers and breaking open any pin feathers that are ready, brushing away the keratin sheath.
While he works, his mate gradually starts to purr, slowly turning into puddy under his touch. “Hmmmm..~”
“Hm~” Error purrs back at the god, pausing to lean down and nuzzle his skull, getting an even louder purr in return.
“I looovvveee you~” Reaper chirps at him, spreading his wings out more.
“I loVE you ToO~” Error murmurs, gently moving his mate’s wings to start on the underside. He gets happy little chirps as Reaper relaxes even more. His mate almost sounds like a pigeon- It’s adorable~ Error keeps from voicing these thoughts out loud, though, not wanting to break the mood.
Chapter 40: Nightmare’s Kitten
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Nightmare can shapeshift and occasionally likes to walk around as a cat, and one day he finds an abandoned kitten.
Chapter Text
Nightmare huffs, looking down from his balcony at the garden below as the moon lights up the dark night sky. His fur bristles in the wind as it blows by and he shakes himself off before beginning his trek down to the ground. When the moon is bright and he needs an escape, Nightmare turns to his cat form, enjoying a peaceful walk in his magnificent garden from a different perspective.
He’s always so busy and it’s nice to finally relax sometimes. The smooth rocks and dirt feel nice against his paw pads, fluffy tails flicking leisurely behind him as he heads into the shadows of the forest canopy.
He doesn’t end up getting very far into the foliage before he hears a loud crying mew, making him pause. It’s far from abnormal for there to be cats in his forest, Killer sneaks them into the AU all the time, but….
With another quiet mew, Nightmare finds himself hurrying over to the source, nuzzling his nose up through the grass until he finds- “A kitten..?”
“Mewww!” At his voice, the kitten- barely old enough to be able to squint open its eyes- hoarsely cries louder. It looks absolutely pitiful- far too small and skinny for its age, unable to even try to crawl over to him, even as it looks up at him.
His soul practically melts at the sight of his poor little thing left alone to die- so desperately calling to him for help. Nightmare doesn’t even think about it before he finds himself nuzzling them, giving their face a lick before he grabs them by their scruff and easily picks them up.
They go limp in his hold, meowing quietly as they close their eyes, seemingly too tired to keep them open. His soul aches for them and he tries to quickly make his way back to the castle, using his tails to pull himself back into his room before making it onto his bed.
They need to eat, but will his magic even suffice? Will it give them what they need?
“Mew…” His thoughts are interrupted by a small mew once he sets the kitten down, and they curiously sniff the air for a moment before trying to turn to him, meowing louder.
“Oh dear you're hungry uhm…” Nightmare fidgets a little, trying to think of something to give the little one, but…all he has is his own magic. It will have to do until he can get them some formula.
Feeling a little awkward, the guardian shifts his form a little, his belly growing heavier as he moves to lay down beside the kitten, scooping them up with his paws. They immediately nuzzle clumsily against him, fumbling slightly as they bite Nightmare’s armpit, completely missing his nipples.
Huffing a little in amusement, he wraps one of his tails around their middle, pulling them down a bit so one is in front of their cute little face. “Right there, you can do it.”
They don’t hesitate to latch on, kneading at the blanket beneath them as they greedily suck. It takes a moment for Nightmare’s magic to begin producing milk, but the kitten is eagerly drinking it down as soon as they can.
The guardian can’t help but coo, laying his head down to watch the adorable kitten eat their fill. “You’re so cute~ So teeny~”
“Mrm..” They make the cutest little eating sounds as they nuzzle closer, steadily growing rounder as they fill their small belly. He leans over just enough to lick their side, grooming the kitten a little to show his affection, making the tiniest little purr come from them as they slow their frantic eating.
“You’re so freaking cute-! Oh my poor soul-” Nightmare coos as he too begins to purr, stupidly happy right now.
“Mew….” They eventually unlatch from his nipple, face covered in milk as they blink sleepily at him. With a cooing mew of his own, Nightmare pulls the kitten up to lick them clean, being sure to groom their whole body before curling his body around them in a furry hug.
They purr louder, resting their small head on Nightmare’s paw as a makeshift pillow as they relax, clearly still tired, but now content and full. Hopefully they can recover from lack of care within a few days of this and get their strength back to grow happy and healthy.
With a rather loud purr, Nightmare nuzzles them, relaxing as he waits until they are hungry again.
~
After the kitten wakes up and demands to be fed several more times through the night, the guardian reluctantly gets up and shifts back into his skeleton form, knowing he still has work to do. He scoops the kitten up in his hands, gently rubbing their face with his thumbs before tucking them securely in his pocket, where they wiggle and squirm slightly, before leaving the room.
His office is a familiar sight, the castle relatively quiet this early in the morning as he sits himself down, placing the kitten carefully on his desk as he pulls out a few papers.
“Mew?” The kitten opens their eyes and curiously looks around, nosing at the paper closest to them.
“Hehe~ Curious? Paper feels a little weird, huh? Does it smell funny?” Nightmare asks, not expecting any kind of answer as he gently strokes the kitten's head.
“Mew!” They push up into the pets with their wobbly front legs, meowing loudly. He can’t help but lean down, giving them a little kiss.
“You’re so cute~ So little and innocent~ I can’t help but coo at you all the time~”
“Mowww-” Apparently deciding they were done with the desk- and beginning to shiver slightly- they try to stand to waddle over to him. Of course, with how young they are, they fail horribly, unstable legs unable to fully support their weight- especially with their most recent meal.
“Aww~ Babyy~” Nightmare is quick to scoop the little one up, setting them down in his lap and encircled by a few tentacles. “So precious~”
“Mmew~” The kitten purrs loudly, nuzzling into the tentacles and quickly relaxing, though they continue looking around, not going back to sleep quite yet. Nightmare pets them absent mindedly as he begins working, teasing their cute little face with the tip of one of his tentacles to keep them occupied.
It seems to work quite well, the kitten entertaining themself with nomming and clumsily batting at the tendril, making the cutest little squeaking noise when he manages to startle them once.
“Why must you be so adorable, my darling~? The cutest little kitten ever to be born, yes you are~” They just meow up at him, dismissing the tentacle in favor of trying to headbut and nuzzle Nightmare’s arm, getting a deep and happy purr from him. Their fur is so soft, paws so tiny with such beautiful big eyes- even if they can’t open them all the way just yet. “I’m in love~”
“Mew~!” They purr back at him, only pausing to yawn as they settle down, already tired again. Nightmare boops their little nose gently, cooing over them as he strokes their face.
“How am I supposed to get any work done when you’re this cute~?” They sleepily nuzzle into his hand, resting their little head in his palm before relaxing fully, quickly falling back asleep. This little kitten has his soul snatched in their adorable little paws and they have no idea.
With loud happy purring, the guardian continues his work with one hand, using his tentacles when he needs to.
~
“Haya boss! I’m baaaack~!” Killer singsongs as he saunters into Nightmare’s office, not bothering to knock, like usual.
“Shhhh! Why must you be so loud-?”
“Hum?”
“Mm..? Mew..?” The little kitten sleepily lifts their head, blinking blearily as their nap is rudely interrupted. Killer’s sockets widen as Nightmare quickly resumes stroking the kittens face to soothe them.
“You have a kitty-!? Let me pet them their so cute-”
“No! ” Nightmare bristles, hissing at Killer and getting a very surprised laugh from him. “ Mine.”
“Mew? Meow!” The kitten meows loudly, looking around in alarm as they search for what Nightmare hissed at, cowering down. The guardian immediately gives his kitten his attention, lifting them up to nuzzle them affectionately against his face.
“No no it’s okay, honey- It’s okay, you’re safe.”
“Awww~ You make for a good kitten momma~” The small skeleton teases, leaning against his desk as Nightmare glares at him.
The kitten almost immediately calms back down, purring loudly and nuzzling Nightmare’s cheek, before noticing the new presence and looking at Killer curiously. The skeleton slowly makes his way around the desk and Nightmare lets him until Killer is right beside them with his hand out.
“Heya little guy~ Ya havin’ fun with boss~?”
“Mew?” They unsteadily lean out of Nightmare’s hands to sniff at Killer’s phalanges, pressing their wet little nose against them.
“Ooooh my stars you’re so cute~! What’s their name, boss?”
“Name?” The guardians tentacles curl, a frown settling on his face. He hadn’t even thought of a name for them. What should their name be…?
“Ya don’t got one? Hmmm how about prince? Ya know sense you're the king and all and this is your little prince~?”
“Mow..?” The kitten seems to dismiss Killer in favor of pawing at Nightmare’s face, almost falling over as they try to stand up. Of course Nightmare holds them still, kissing their little nose as he purrs.
“Prince….it is quite cute for a kitten~” Said kitten meows loudly before trying to suck on Nightmare’s chin, purring back at him. “Hungry again~?”
Killer raises a brow as the guardian waves a tentacle at him. “You are dismissed. Tell the others not to bother me today.”
“Heh, ya got it boss.”
“Mewww-” The now named Prince meows more and continues pawing at Nightmare’s face, almost looking like they were pouting.
“I know I know, cutie~” He gives Prince one more kiss before getting down from his chair, laying on the floor to shift into his cat form. “There, happy now?”
Prince just purrs loudly at him in response, instantly going to nuzzle Nightmare’s stomach and finding a nipple much more quickly this time. He’s doing better already and the very thought has Nightmare purring, incredibly pleased with his little one's progress.
It takes about half an hour before the kitten is satisfied, unlatching to yawn and clumsily try to lick the milk off of their face.
“Hehehe~ I’ll get it silly~ Come here.” Just like the last few times, he pulls the kitten up and begins to groom them, nuzzling them affectionately as he goes. “My baby Prince~”
“Mrr..” Prince makes a sleepy sound of contentment, just letting Nightmare groom them as they purr and relax, quickly beginning to fall asleep once again. The guardian's soul beats strongly with love and joy, even as he eventually goes back to working with his sweet little kitten in his lap.
Maybe it’s a bit silly of him, being the king and guardian of negativity- the tyrant feared and revered across the multiverse, but….ever since he was little he always loved the idea of being a mother someday. Having something to take care of….Maybe that’s why he picked up Killer and the other boys oh so long ago. Despite his corruption…he couldn’t leave them there to suffer like he did.
He doubts he’ll ever be able to have a babybones any time soon, but… this little kitten is good too. “You have no idea how much I love you, do you~?”
The guardian kisses their little head, before finishing up the last of his paperwork for the day. “It’s time for dinner and I think the boys should get to meet you~”
“Mmrp..~” Prince yawns and rolls onto their back, refusing to open their eyes as they hug a tentacle against their body, getting gentle pets under their chin.
“Adorable~ You’re going to melt souls if you keep acting like that~” He stands carefully, holding Prince close against his chest as he moves to leave, watching them react to the new sounds and smells.
The kitten seems to wake up quickly as they approach the kitchen, clearly smelling Horror’s cooking as they look around, tiny claws flexing as they try to roll back onto their stomach.
“It smells good, doesn’t it? Sadly you can’t have any yet. Wait until you're older so you can stomach it.” Nightmare boops the kitten gently as he steps into the dinning room, sitting in his usual spot at the head of the table as the others make their way into the room, all except for Cross, who is already sitting.
“Boss…is that a kitten?” The soldier asks, confused.
“Indeed. His name is Prince.”
“Boss is a kitty mom now~”
“Mew~!” Prince tries to climb up on the table at Killer’s familiar voice, though it doesn’t work all that well considering they can’t even walk quite yet. With a fond giggle, Nightmare gives them some assistance, using a tentacle to move them gently across the table to be in front of the smallest skeleton.
“We meet again little Prince~ What’s up?” Killer is more than happy to reach out and pet them, scratching behind their little ears as they purr, moving their head to make Killer scratch under their chin. “Oh my stars you’re way too cute~ Just a sweet kitty kitty~”
“Ya didn’t steal another cat, right?” Dust walks into the dinning room, giving Killer and the kitten a critical look.
“What? Nah never~ This is actually boss’ kitty~”
“Mrew!” The kitten looks at the new voice and tries to toddle over, before getting distracted looking at something in the empty space next to him, just staring. Dust blinks, looking over his shoulder for a moment, before looking back at the kitten. Killer’s cat Cheeto does the same thing when Dust walks in…huh.
As always the hooded skeleton chooses to ignore it, just like he ignores the ghost of his brother with the help of Nightmare magic.
“Really? Boss got a cat too now?”
“Yes, Prince is my cat. He is rather adorable and I thought you would all like to meet the news member of the family.”
“Can I pet him-?” Cross’ gaze has never left the adorable little fur ball, fidgeting a little in his seat.
“Of course you can, dear. Just be gentle, he is very fragile.”
“Mrow?” Prince meows questioningly as he’s picked up again, this time being sat in front of the oreo, who he stares at curiously. The big skeleton is hesitant as he lifts up his hand, holding it just within reach for Prince to sniff.
After thoroughly inspecting Cross’ phalanges, the kitten noms on him, trying to crawl up into his hand.
“Awwww~ Babbyyyyy-” His soul swelling in his ribcage, Cross leans down to cover the little kitten's face in kisses, so very enamored with Prince’s cuteness as the kitten presses their little nose against Cross’ nasal ridge.
Chapter 41: Nighterror Wedding
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Nightmare and Error prepare to get married for an alliance. That’s definitely the only reason, yup.
Notes:
This one is a bit more of a draft, but I think it’s cute so I’m posting it.
Chapter Text
“Meaning our combined AU’s would be more of a threat to the stars and they will back off….essentially.” Nightmare finishes explaining, his tentacles curing behind him as he looks expectantly at Error- only to see the glitch looking faintly confused, and maybe a touch annoyed.
“...But I don’T hAVe AUs?”
“....Yes, Error, you do.” Nightmare tells him firmly.
“No I DoN’t?? WhAt AUs woUld I EVen haVe?”
“Underswap for one. Most of them actually. Apparently Blue spread word of you and now none of the Underswap AU’s will help the Star Sanses fight against you, claiming to be peaceful, that and they won’t align with me unless you’re with me. Oddly enough you also have Underfell #2, the one you like to steal chocolate from. Their whole chocolate line has been dedicated to you for years and you have been protecting the AU because you like their chocolate so much.
“Even weirder is nearly every Underlust, while previously neutral in any multiversal disputes, have declared siding with the destroyer due to your non-discriminatory behavior and respect of boundaries.
“Last but not least are several Outertales who refuse to help supply the stars and their allies with anything to fight against you and refuse to report your presence due to frequent peaceful visits and your fond admiration for their skies, leading to you also protecting them when possible.” Error just stares in stunned silence for several long seconds.
“I..?? WhA-aT-???” He questions in bafflement, glitching slightly in shock. Nightmare only smiles.
“As you can see, you have quite the influence over a good portion of the multiverse, many of the main AU’s, almost as much as I do.”
“I- dOn’T EV-veN Do aNythINg?? The fUCk- AnD YOu waNt An ArRAngEd maRriGE So YoU CaN Do sTufF WitH THem? AnD For a UNiteD FroNt?”
“Correct. Dream has begun rallying AU’s to his cause of eliminating us and ‘rescuing his brother’. I’m sure you’ve noticed their new group they call the Dream Team, made up of several different assets from the main AU’s that are assisting the Stars in their endeavors. We can’t kill them due to their main AU status. Holding ourselves back in battle while trying to fight the Stars. It is quite troublesome.”
“So yOu wANt moRe maNPowER?”
“Essentially. The support and backing alone will allow me to bring my influence to light, hopefully deterring future attacks on my domain. I have been playing this game behind the scenes for years. I have to make sure my brother doesn’t get cocky in his little affairs. It seems like he’s forgotten who he’s dealing with….Another benefit of our little arrangement will be assisting one another.
“As Dream’s little empire grows they will start moving into AU’s you frequent in hopes of catching you off guard, like several Sanses suddenly attacking you in Outertale just yesterday. You were pretty upset that your peace was disrupted. If we allow the Star's growth to continue then your peace will only further be disturbed.”
“InK NevER trIEd tO FIgHT mE WheN I waS Just HAngiNG ouT…” Error grumbles, scowling at the reminder. “AnD WHaT If thEY JuSt keEP esCLaTIng?”
“If we do nothing and continue to let them grow and rally together they will only get more bold. Our simple missions will get harder and harder, basic supplies runs will become nearly impossible at worst and hardly rewarding at best. Lack of proper food will lead to bad performance, only further feeding our problem, and that’s not including the effect it will have on Horror.
“As they grow more ambitious they will begin targeting all the places you frequent. Interrupting your chocolate supply, ambushing you in your Stargazing spots, harassing the people in underlust you have befriended for secrets on you. They might even make your brother and his children's lives more difficult. I have no doubt they have already started to pester Reaper to be more involved with them. His consistent refusal is going to start some troubling rumors.”
Error sighs, annoyed at the idea alone. “..ALriGht. I aGRee- But! I rESerVe tHe riGht To bACk ouT For AnY ReaSOn iF I WaNT to- aNd thE SaMe goES For yOu.”
“....Error dear. The whole point of the marriage is so that we aren’t seen as two different groups working together and instead seen as one united kingdom. You have any right to back out to the point of marriage but after that point it will no longer be possible.” The glitch pouts a bit at that.
“...I jUst DoN’t wAnt uS to SoMEhoW EnD Up cHaiNEd doWn By aN UnhaPpy mArrIGe..” He mutters.
“...We really just have to be a married couple outwardly. If we find someone else that interests either of us I don’t see why we wouldn’t be able to pursue them separately and in private. We are still good friends after all.”
“Of COurSE We ARe.” Error easily agrees. “...I sUpPOsE As LonG As iT’s noT A conCErn For yoU, tHen OKay.”
“I am not worried.” The king stands, walking around his desk to lean over Error’s chair. “How could I ever get tired of being bound to you~?”
Error barely manages to hold back his flustered squeak as he blushes brightly, playfully poking one of the tentacles that has been sneakily wrapping around him. “Oh hUsH-”
"Hehe~ I got you~ You're so easy to fluster, Ru dear~" Nightmare lightly kisses his cheek, nuzzling their skulls together as Error blushes harder. "Imagine it, the two most feared skeletons in the multiverse bound as one~ No one will dare to challenge us without reaping the consequences~"
“ThAt doEs soUnd PreTty fuN~ …DoeS ThIS MeaN We goTta PLaN a WeDdinG CerEMony-?”
“Well you only have to participate as much in the planning as you wish. It is your wedding too. I don’t know if you’ve ever had any dream weddings in your mind, but I don’t care much as long as it’s a grand event. It will be broadcasted across the multiverse~ And I will be announcing our unified control and presence in the multiverse. In a way we will be a…nation of sorts~”
“We ShOuLD MaKe KiLler tHe flOWergiRL- aCTuaLLy I kNoW A COuPle oF PeOPLe frOm The ORigiNAl UNderLusT ThaT Are WeDdinG PLanNErs wE CoULd HiRE? L- HeaRTs WoULd pRoBaBLy waNt tO HeLp toO…”
“That is fine by me. As I said, it is your wedding as well. There are only a few things I insist we include, only because it has to do with nymph tradition.”
“LiKe whAT?” Error questions, always eager to learn more about Nightmare’s heritage. The guardian blushes a little, sitting back on his tentacles as he hums.
“Well in part of the ceremony we imbue a tree seed with our magic and plant it in the ground. The tree that grows from it is meant to represent our reunion and will one day bear a tree spirit. Sort of like a child between us.”
“ReALly? Is thAt HOw TreE NyMphs Are maDE?”
“Some, yes. Any tree that gains a magical significance could become a tree nymph. Take for instance a large tree in a park. Maybe there is a tradition where a relationship does better when you confess your love under it. If enough people believe it and do it enough, that tree could become a tree spirit, their abilities helping people find love and a good relationship.”
“NeAT… So, WhEn wE GEt maRrieD We’RE aLSo gOIng To be HavINg a kiD?”
“Technically yes. Though the development of a nymph will take a very long time. Like a few hundred years long….well with our magic one hundred would probably be enough. Does having a child with me bother you at all?” Error hums in thought, before shrugging.
“If It wErE ImMEdiaTE, maYBe- bUt mOStlY BecAusE I’m NOt suRe We coUld pROperLY raISe a ChiLD wiTh OUr joBs ANd deALing With thE STaRs On toP oF It.”
“That would be problematic, but as I said it won’t be something we would have to deal with for some time and hopefully by then my brother will come to his senses or Ink will find something else to entertain him. Though it’s not like we haven’t had sex before. Remember that time when you-?”
“NoPE-!” Error yelps, scrambling up and covering Nightmare’s mouth, skull bright yellow. He can feel his friend grinning under his hands, his eyelight giving Error a cheeky look. At the time he hadn’t really intended to come to Nightmare during his heat, but he just couldn’t stand being alone in the antivoid at the time- Error can’t say he regrets it, but he could do without the teasing.
Nightmare gently pulls his hands away, before kissing one of his palms in a stupidly charming way. “Did you know you have pretty little freckles when you blush~?”
“Oh HusH…” He mutters, trying to sink into his scarf slightly. “I ALreAdY AgReED to MaRry yoU- yoU DoN’t gotTA ButTEr mE Up-”
“Oh come on Ruru, I know you like my attention~ Besides, you’re my favorite person to tease~” Error just whines wordlessly with a flustered glare, patting the guardian’s face. Nightmare only smiles at him of course as a tentacle curls softly against Error’s cheek. “I have to make preparations for our arrangement. I will leave most of the design planning up to you and whoever you choose. Of course I will give you and the planner any basic information, such as the location and guests.”
“It will be more like a grand ball in the ballroom with all of our good friends and close ally leaders attending, and a few other influential or helpful people I have on my side to properly demonstrate the size of our backing. Design wise I don’t mind leaving it up to you. As long as flora is included.”
“Of cOUrSe thErE WiLL be FLowERs aND ShiT-” Error scoffs, as if offended by the very idea that he wouldn’t do something like that. “No fRUits tHOugh, I thINk.”
“No thank you. I would rather my brother not uncover my…fear one way or another.”
“I dOn’T BlaME You- I rEFusE To dEaL WIth THe guEStlist bY The wAY yoU Get to Do thaT- aNd wE’re gonNa HaVe A ChocoLATe wEDdinG CaKe riGHt? OtherWIsE I thiNK I MigHt hAve To dEVorsE YOu-” Error says only half jokingly. His best friend laughs, leaning forward to headbutt him.
“Of course, Ru dear~ You can even have a chocolate lava cake all to yourself~”
“HeLl yeAh-!”
“I bet Horror will want to make everything~ maybe we can get Pumpkin and Spice to help out with the catering too.”
“ThAT’s pRobaBLy a GoOD ideA- We dOn’t wAnnA COmplETely OverWHeLM him, y’KnOw?” Error agrees, getting a touch excited. This might actually be fun!
“I agree. Knowing him he will cook and cook until he can’t cook anymore and that simply just won’t do. He has to be there for the reception…..Oh, in faces on the guests tables you should crochet little blue flowers with your strings~”
“I cOUlD MaKe stRINg GarLAndS~! Oh- sHoULd I WeAr a SUit oR DreSs Do yoU ThinK? WhAT do YOu wAnt tO WeaR?”
“Hm….I am unsure. It would certainly be amusing to see the multiverse react to my female ecto~ I can already see the posts on Multinet-”
“Aw BuT THeN YOu’d SteAL aLL oF the ATteNTion~” Error playfully whines with a nuzzle, his best friend affectionately nuzzling him back with a smile.
“You’re right you’re right~ As fun as it would be to baffle our enemies it would probably be too distracting. Especially considering how all the boys reacted when they first saw me~” The glitch snickers at the reminder- though honestly he wasn’t all that much better. Nightmare’s female ecto is…voluptuous to say the least. “No one would be able to focus on my speech, they would all either be staring at my boobs or my ass.”
“ThEy woULdn’t EvEN HeaR The loVEly ThreATs I’m sURe yoU PLaN On giVIng. YoU ShouLD FiGHt DreAm In yoUR ectO SomETime I Bet tHat’D Be hiLArioUS-”
“Oh my stars Error you are a genius~ Imagine the look on his face when I know up in my usual black sweater and shorts with no bra~”
“ExACtly~! JuST maKe suRe yoU SaVe iT For a REaLLy impORtaNT fiGHt- evERyoNE wiLL be SO diSTraCteD It’ll Be pRaCTicALly a guARenTeeD Win!”
“Hehehe~ I will, Ru dear~ It will be a very amusing victory. Does that mean you’re willing to wear a dress~? I would love to see you in a pretty wedding dress. You could even design it if you wanted.”
“As LoNg As I GeT to dESign It~ I’m HaPpy to Be yoUR BriDe~” A soft blush dusts Nightmare’s cheeks and he chuckles a little before leaning forward to headbutt Error.
“How dare you be so adorable~”
“NuH-uH I’m sCaRY-”
“Scary cute~” Nightmare purrs, making Error pout at him and getting another headbutt in return. “We’ll be busy soon. Would you like to do something with me for a little while before then?”
“Hmm.. We HaVEn’t haD A chaNCE to JusT CudDLe aNd haNg oUT in A whILe…”
“Exactly my point. We’ve both been busy and it’s only going to get worse for a little while. We might as well take advantage of the opportunity.”
“CaN We wATch UNdeRNoveLlia? A nEw sEAsoN STaRTEd!” Error says eagerly, bouncing a bit in place.
“Of course~ We can binge the whole episode if you would like.” Nightmare stands on his feet again as Error follows suit with a happy grin.
“YAy~!” Smiling, the guardian gently picks Error up with his tentacles and heads towards his room where he very aggressively snuggles against the glitch in his bed, Error more than happy to reciprocate the cuddles with a loud purr.
Nightmare’s tentacles lay over him like a cool weighted blanket, but not restricting. It’s a familiar feeling as they curl around his bones, the deep puring responding to his own as he’s pressed against Nightmare’s ribcage.
The first time his friend had wrapped Error up in his tendrils it was completely unintentional, and Error had hardly noticed it. The tentacles’ touch was feather light, barely brushing over his shoulders and around his ankles if he stayed near Nightmare for long enough. As time went on, the touches grew more bold, wrapping around his middle and arms gently.
Probably the funniest part though was how Nightmare was genuinely unaware of the contact, continuing on with his speech during a meeting or reading his book as Error crocheted, not even batting an eye. When he did notice it however Error couldn’t help but giggle, he took great joy in watching the guardian smack at his tentacles and pull them back only for the appendages to find their way over to him again.
It never got less hilarious to see Nightmare’s flustered embarrassment and poor attempts to control his tendrils, before inevitably giving up. They simply liked Error- well Nightmare liked Error, despite his best attempts to keep his emotions at bay anyone who really knows him will know his tentacles show off everything.
From the way they curl, twitch, or sway, Nightmare’s emotions are on full display- at least, if you knew him well enough. Sometimes, they even made little heart shapes when he was particularly happy, if one of them wasn’t already wagging like a puppy’s tail. Whether Nightmare likes it or not he is adorable~ No one will ever convince Error otherwise, especially when he’s so very happy with some snuggles- not that Error is all that much better.
“Ruuuuuuuru~”
“WhAaaaT~” Error says back, copying Nightmare’s tone.
“Mmmmine~”
“YeAH yeAh~ You DoRk~”
“Your dork~”
“MhM~” The glitch agrees with a loud purr, getting a very aggressive nuzzle in return.
“And my nerd~” Error giggles and happily nuzzles Nightmare back, before turning to the TV.
“Mhm~ UnDernOveLLia NoW?”
“Hum? Oh yeah-” One of the tentacles pulls away to grab the remote as he snuggles further into Error with a small trill, turning on the TV to the channel he saved a long time ago, much to Error’s joy.
~
They manage to watch the episode and Nightmare lets Error ramble about it for a little while after, before the king has to get back to work, and Error decides to get a head start on planning the wedding. He opens a portal to Underlust and heads straight to Grillby’s Strip Club, knowing Hearts is usually hanging out there this time of day, before the true rush of nighttime.
The club’s music is quieter than usual at this time, with few monsters hanging around, they all wave to him as he enters the building, moving out of his way as he heads towards Hearts’ usual booth. Error would never admit it, but it’s honestly really nice never having to worry about being touched here. Only one monster had tried it at one point, but they quickly backed off once he made it clear he was uncomfortable with it.
The Underlust monsters are actually really nice and much more understanding of his boundaries than most…it was a nice surprise.
“Oh hello Error dear! How are you today?” His friend calls to him from the cushioned seat, Error sliding in next to him.
“HeY HeaRTs- I’m DoiNG PreTty GooD AcTuaLLy.”
“That’s good to hear. Ink hasn’t been getting on your nerves then?”
“Oh No HE dEFinITely HAs, ThOuGh DreAM iS WorSe riGHt noW- I goT aMBusHed In OuTErtaLe bY SoMe gROuP thAt cALleD THemSelVEs thE DrEAmteAm.” He rolls his eyelights, glitching slightly in annoyance at the memory. “DoN’t woRrY I’m fINe BuT I haVe a QueSTioN- WoUld yoU Be wiLLinG To HeLp mE PLaN a WedDIng?”
Hearts blinks at him for a moment. “Sure, but who’s getting married-?”
“I aM!” Error replies happily, and probably far too casually considering Hearts’ expression.
“You’re getting married-!? To who? Wait don’t tell me….it’s Nightmare.”
“HoW’d yoU GuesS-? BuT yeaH I’m MArrYinG NigHTmarE FoR prOTecTion And PoWer anD StufF- laMe PoliTIcs-”
“Because Nightmare is the only person I can ever see you agreeing to marry…..and it’s for political reasons?” Hearts are skeptical, crossing his legs and leaning against his hands on the table in front of them.
“YeAH? WhY ElsE WoULd wE GeT maRriED?” Error questions, looking genuinely confused as his friend deadpans at him.
“Nothing, nothing at all. I would be more than happy to help you plan the wedding, darling. Anything specific in mind?”
“WeLL NiGHtmAre saID He’s PLaNninG On iT BeinG FaIRly bIG And He wANts it To bE FanCY- fiT For A KinG And All thAT- And LoTS oF FLorA BuT No fruIT. I’M goNnA bE THe briDE- oH- AnD I cAN MaKe sOme dECoraTIonS WitH My sTRinGs! ThAt’s aBouT All wE KnOw so FaR..”
“That’s a good start, but we’ll definitely need a little more. For one, we need a color pallet. If you’re using your strings then that pretty dark blue of yours will be included…I will probably need to see the location before anything.”
“MaYBe BLue aND… pUrpLE foR THe maIN tWO coLorS? AnD I thINk NighTMaRE WaNts it tO Be iN THe baLLroOm… I coULd TaKe yOu theRE?” Error offers.
“Okay~ Did Nightmare say anything about a budget?”
“I hAVe OVer a huNDreD MiLlioN G In mY invENTory RigHT Now fRom aLl oF The AU’s I deSTRoyeD, sO… nO, ThEre’s Not reALly a BudGEt.” Error says with a shrug as Hearts gives him a dumbfounded look.
“....Okay then- Let’s go see what we have to work with.” The destroyer gets up and opens a portal to the ballroom, gesturing for Hearts to walk through. The smaller skeleton’s mouth falls agape as he looks around, genuinely impressed. “Wow….this is way grander than the castle in my universe.”
“NiGhtmARE reNovaTEd thIS WhoLE PlaCe hiMSelF.” Error says, proud for his friend.
“Really-? There’s so many…intricate details- It’s like a grand cathedral or something!”
“He SpENt liKe- A HunDRed Or moRe YEaRs On It I’m pREtTy suRe- ThiS WaS OrIginALly a cOMplETely DeaD AU AcTUalLy, aNd He’s FUlLY revIVeD.”
“That’s amazing…Truly, I’m impressed! It is a work of art even Ink would be jealous of….and there is more than enough room for a large gathering. We could have all the food inside and guests will be able to move around from inside the ballroom or out in the garden-” Hearts quickly walks over to one of the large archways, peeking outside. “O-oh my stars-”
“IsN’t it BeaUTifUL? It’s NiGHtmaRE’s pRidE AnD Joy~ I thInk We’LL be HaVing thE CereMOny itSelF oUTsidE, NoW ThaT I’m THInKinG Of iT.”
“We should with a garden like this…Wow- It’s absolutely huge. Is there any particular spot that would be best? Somewhere with a large area we can fit people in that’s close enough to the ballroom.”
“NigHTmaRE ProBaBLY haS An iDea- BuT He’s In a MeETing riGht noW sO We cAN aSk laTEr.” Error says with a shrug. “So You’RE In, tHeN?”
“Of course I am, dearie~ I’ve always wanted to plan a wedding and it would be an honor to plan one for a good friend.” Hearts tells him with a smile. “So, what part of the wedding are you most excited about~?”
“NoT All THe peOPLe foR SUre-” Error makes a bit of a face. “I dUnno ThoUgh… MayBe mAKinG The dreSs? I wAnt tO try MakiNG IT ouT Of LaCe wiTH mY StrINgs-”
“I’m sure you’ll do amazing, darling. How about we go to a few dress shops to get an idea for features you would like on your dress? Textures and design ideas?”
“Oh GoOD idEa!”
~
(Much wedding things here!!!!)
~
Nightmare purrs loudly, laughing to himself as Error giggles and he carries to glitch into his room, being careful not to damage the dress as he closes the door. “S-stop laughing you’re making me laugh-”
“I- I’m In A BridAL HoLD-” Error snickers, giddily nuzzling his new husband. The guardian can only snort, sitting down on his bed as he holds the smaller in his lap.
“And y-your my bride- Oh my stars you dork~”
“YoUr DOrk~!” Error cheers, absolutely delighted. His joy is so incredibly infectious, Nightmare unable to rid himself of the smile on his face as he nuzzles his wife aggressively.
“All mine~ Hehehe~ Stop being so cute, you’re making my cheeks hurt-”
“Nu- ShusH-” Error tries to pout, but he can’t quite stop smiling. “We diD It~”
“Uh huh~ We’re officially married~ There’s no escaping now Ruru~ You’re stuck with me~”
“Oh nO thE HOrRor~” Error laments playfully, Nightmare turning to lay him on his back as the taller nuzzles him.
“Stuck with the evil king of negativity forever and ever~ What are you to do~?”
“I sUpPOse I MusT SimPLy aCcePT My faTE~” He sighs, reaching up to tug Nightmare down and aggressively cuddle him with a purr, receiving the same aggressive affection right back. The room is filled with the sounds of their purring and Error’s constant buzz that Nightmare’s long since gotten used to.
It feels so nice. “Hmm~ Would you like to change out of your dress and into more comfortable clothing? I know I would.”
“Oh StaRS PLeaSe- I maDE thIS to Be aS coMFortaBLe As I CouLd buT I’m So siCK of iT-” Error complains, getting a chuckle from his husband.
“Alright, you can wear one of my nightgowns if you would like, they are extra soft~”
“YeS PLeAse~ If I HaVe tO WeaR PaNTs I Will cRy-” With a chuckle, Nightmare gives Error a kiss on the cheek before sitting up and heading to his wardrobe, the guardian’s tentacles still very much clinging to the glitch, much to his amusement.
He is nuzzled by the tip of a cool tentacle as Nightmare comes back with two different nightgowns in hand, holding the red one out to him. Error takes it with a thankful smile, before giving a pointed look to the tentacles covering him and making him unable to change.
Blushing, Nightmare pulls them away with a huff, his tendrils sagging in disappointment as he begins to undress, Error following suit as he holds back a snicker at the frankly adorable behavior, getting dressed quickly so the tentacles can go back to clinging to him.
They both change in no time, Nightmare crawling back on the bed to flop over the glitch. “Mmm’Ruru attention~”
“HeLlo My huSBaND~” Error coos, rubbing Nightmare’s skull with a soft purr, tha taller purring back happily.
“Mmm’my wife~ Mine mine~” He soon finds himself wrapped up again, constant gentle affection massaging his bones as Nightmare nuzzles under his chin. “My Ruru~”
“HmMm~” Error just hums in contentment, relaxing and closing his sockets for a long moment. The beating of Nightmare’s soul so close to his is so very soothing, their magic complementing one another as they snuggle.
“Mmmm~ ….Want me to summon my female ecto for you to snuggle~?” Error gasps, his white eyelight turning into a star in his excitement.
“PLeaSe~?” With a giggle, Nightmare sits up, pulling away just enough for his ecto to properly form. In a matter of seconds his purple nightgown is completely filled out with large boobs, a chubby belly and plush hips. The guardian lays down on his back, smirking at the glitch.
“Well~? Go on~” Error doesn’t hesitate to sit up and practically flop onto Nightmare, purring loudly as he nuzzles into his breasts. “Hehehe~ Enjoying yourself~?”
“Y’s~ Y’r s’Ft~” Error purrs, not moving his face, only making the guardian giggle more. He resigns himself to stroking the glitch’s back, completely relaxed as he closes his socket with a purr.
“Stop being so cute~”
“Mn.” Is Error’s intelligent response, lightly poking Nightmare’s arm.
“You’re only furthering my point….and you are allowed to squish if you want. I know the boys enjoy it.” With a happy little noise, one of Error’s hands goes to Nightmare’s boobs while the other one goes to rub his hips gently, the guardian huffing in amusement. He actually quite enjoys the attention. It had taken him a while to be fully confident in his female ecto, knowing everyone likes it is…nice~
Error finally turns his head to breathe for a moment, though his sockets stay closed as he yawns. “Hmmm..~ Naptime, darling~?”
“MmM yEaH…” Error mumbles as he nuzzles closer, the exhaustion from the busy day beginning to catch up with him. The guardian reaches out with a tentacle and pulls over a soft blanket, draping it over them as he relaxes more against the pillows.
“Alright~ I love you..~”
“L’vE YoU toO..~” The sleepy glitch murmurs, purr quieting as he steadily falls asleep.
Chapter 42: Accidental Mates.
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Nightmare is a vampire and Error is just trying to cope with being a broke college student.
Fair warning Error has a panic attack and there’s dubcon sex in the middle.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“Do you believe in ghosts?”
It’s a silly question, one Error has heard more than enough times from passing conversations, his friends- sometimes even from himself, when he was the one asking it.
He’s heard many responses, ranging from positive to negative, sometimes changing over time as a person matured, but Error’s answer was always the same.
“Of CouRSe I do!”
Error always liked to entertain the thought of the supernatural existing, enjoying hearing different ideas and stories from different people, even making up his own versions sometimes. After all, he was a walking, talking skeleton that glitches like a broken TV- how much of a stretch could vampires or unicorns really be?
It would definitely make life more entertaining. As it is now Error’s life is pretty simple. He wakes up, staying home and relaxing, or working, until he has to go to his classes.
Sometimes he’ll hear stories. Accidents here, a murder or disappearance there, but nothing out of the ordinary. There are some crazy people out there, but thinking about it being something more than just a bunch of psychos is much more entertaining.
Error hums as he walks, a leaf crunching under his feet on the sidewalk as music plays through his headphones. The cool fall breeze is nice. It’s on days like this he actually doesn’t mind walking too much.
The sudden clang of a trash can hitting the ground makes him jolt, his glitches prickling uncomfortably as he turns his skull down the dark alleyway. What the hell was that..?
…Error knows he shouldn’t- that checking out the sound is exactly the kind of move he’d berate a horror movie character for- but he still takes off his headphones, letting them hang around his neck with his scarf as he creeps closer, straining to see through the shade.
He can just barely make out two figures running, wearing the same dark clothes. Are they chasing someone? The first person must have knocked over the trash can, right?
Curious, but beginning to feel like maybe he doesn’t want to be involved in whatever this is, Error begins sneaking back out of the alley, only to jump back when one of the people from before falls onto the ground in front of him.
Deciding he definitely doesn’t want any part in whatever this is, he scrambles back, turning to run away and as he rounds the corner he finds himself ducking behind a dumpster, holding his breath. Error shoves down his glitches in favor of peaking around to stare at the monster not too far away holding one of the other men in black above their head with a black goopy tentacle.
“You’re an annoying little pest. ” A deep voice hisses, one that sends a shiver of fear down his spine- though in other circumstances he could see it being for a very different reason. “ But don’t worry~ I’ll give you a quick goodbye~”
There’s a sickening snap as he jolts back behind the wall, Error’s spine pressing uncomfortably against the brick as he trembles and tries to hold back his panic-fueled glitching. ‘Oh shit oh shit oh shit-!’
He had to get out of here- before he gets noticed as a witness. The thud of a body falling to the ground almost makes him jolt again, his soul beating rapidly. Slow near silent footsteps make their way towards him and Error can only hold his breath, trembling in place.
“Well what do we have here~ ” His arm is suddenly snatched by a cold grasp, a strangled yelp leaving him as he jerks back, glitching harshly. His attacker doesn’t even flinch, only grinning wider, flashing his two sharp teeth as a single cyan eyelight bores into him. “ A little snack wandered right to me~”
Error can’t hold back a fearful whimper that escapes him, his glitches growing painful as he tries in vain to think of a way to escape. Another hand grabs ahold of his face, forcing him to look up at the goop covered skeleton, before forcing his skull to the side and they lean towards his neck.
Vision beginning to fill with error signs and definitely on the verge of having a panic attack, Error doesn’t think as he yanks his captive arm towards his face and bites down hard on his captor’s wrist, feeling something crack as the taste of sour apples fills his mouth.
He barely acknowledges the yelp and hiss as the taller jolts, grip slipping. Error doesn’t hesitate to take the opportunity, shoving them away and bolting down the alley as fast as he can, running almost blindly towards his house- there is no way he’ll be able to go to class now.
He scrambles for his keys, nearly slamming into the door as he frantically unlocks it, slamming it closed behind him. W-what just happened-?
Error sinks to the floor as he leans against the door, struggling to hold back a crash as he shakily wipes the marrow off his mouth. His thoughts are moving too fast- What was that person doing-? Did he really just watch someone die-? Did he almost die-!?
No no stop don't think about it- if he thinks about it too hard he’s going to crash-
“Fu-uC-ck-” Despite Error’s best efforts, his glitches and trembling worsens as he begins to hyperventilate, but before he gets very far in his panic attack, he freezes up, a loud beep sounding through the empty house before he goes limp.
Error.exe has crashed. Rebooting….
~
Rebooting…. 100%
“Mn…” Error whines a bit as he comes back to awareness, cracking open his sockets just enough to glance around and look out the window, noting that it seems to be around sunset.
He… should probably get up… but as exhaustion and pain weigh him down, Error can’t find the motivation to, just shifting slightly and closing his sockets. He hasn’t even had a chance to take his shoes off or eat, but he can’t find it in himself to care. He’ll just deal with it in the morning….
~
".....You have got to be kidding me." Nightmare deadpans, staring down at the passed out glitching skeleton he's been trying not to follow for the past several hours…sleeping on the floor. He sighs, rubbing his nasal bridge as his tentacles twitch before he finally lets them scoop up the smaller.
It takes every ounce of willpower he has to resist holding them closer, taking in that sweet but spicy chocolate scent- No-!! Nightmare growls at himself, grumpily turning to make his way up the stairs towards the only bedroom in the house.
This situation couldn't be any worse. He’s just barely holding himself back….once he tucks this idiot in he should leave…He needs to leave….The very idea makes his soul ache.
Gently he forces his tentacles to let go, ever so slowly unwrapping themselves from the small monster as he pulls up a soft blanket over them. Somehow…his hand makes its way to the glitch’s cheek, stroking over the tear like marks as his eyelight falls out of focus. The touch….kind of tickles..
The smaller skeleton unconsciously nuzzles into his hand with a soft sigh, before blearily blinking open their sockets, mismatched eyelights hazy from sleep as they look at him. Nightmare will forever deny the small happy trill that escapes him-
He blinks, shaking his skull a little as he tries to get ahold of himself. He can't go through with this, his instincts be damned!! He has to leave, he has to let go-
“Wh…?” The glitch’s brows furrow in tired confusion, huffing slightly as they lazily reach up and grab his wrist- though it mostly ends up being a gentle slap….Oh shit this skeleton is adorable-
Nope-!!! Brow furrowing, he slowly pulls his hand away, every instinct in his soul fighting against him, desperately seeking the contact and companionship. The smaller skeleton's face scrunches up as they make a small, wounded sound in the back of their throat, staring up at him with big, sad eyelights.
"N-no no stop- d-don’t look at me like…" His soul throbs painfully in his ribcage. Damn it damn it all-! He can't let this happen, he can't bond himself to a mortal, but….he wants it so bad..
The glitch clumsily reaches out to him with a small grimace, the movement seemingly painful as they latch onto Nightmare’s sleeve. He can feel his eyelight losing focus again, his thoughts fading into the background along with what little willpower he had left.
With a deep rumbling purr, he presses his forehead against theirs, nuzzling and rubbing against them. They almost instantly relax with his touch, closing their sockets as they lazily nuzzle him back, avoiding moving too much.
It feels nice, so very very nice in a way he can't explain. Like some sort of craving it slowly being satisfied. He pays no mind to his tentacles as they remove the blanket, curling around and rubbing the glitch’s bones as he takes to peppering their skull with kisses and nuzzles, purring up a storm.
“Mn…~” The mortal’s soft purr soon joins his own as they practically turn to putty under his ministrations, a sleepy smile spreading over their face. Knowing his new little mate is pleased makes his soul flutter in a way that almost makes him chuckle.
Nightmare pets them everywhere he can reach, memorizing every little scratch and chip of their bones as he kisses down their neck, picking a spot to gently suck on as his fangs graze over it.
“HmnN..~” They shiver and squirm slightly, tilting their skull out of the way with a pleased hum. With a soft kiss to that same spot Nightmare quickly bites down, stroking the mortal's face as they jolt, breathing in sharply as their sockets shoot open.
Nightmare can feel the buzz of their glitching grow more prominent as they instinctively try to push him away, trying to escape the sharp pain before it dulls, slowly being replaced with a warm tingly feeling. He soothes them with a purr, continuing to caress their cheek as his extra appendages slowly strip them of their clothes. They are his now, this is his, his mate, his bonded one, all his-
“H-hNgh~” His mortal slowly relaxes under him again as they shudder, their already weak hold on his arms going slack as they pant slightly. He can't help but purr even more as he swallows, the sweet marrow filling his mouth with the taste of chocolate while his venom does its work, pulling a small noise from the glitch.
Cool appendages weave their way through the smaller’s rib cage, making themselves at home as they slide down the glitche’s spine and to their pelvis, making them whine and squirm needily, a flush spreading over their face.
Nightmare pulls his mouth away, licking the other’s vertebrae clean, before nuzzling them again, his tentacles slowly pulling away. "You know what I want~"
“Wh…wHaT..?” They murmur in hazy confusion, even as their magic instinctively responds to his desire and sparks and swirls in their pelvis, before they realize and struggle only slightly to summon their female ecto.
"Good boy~" He can barely think as he snuggles in close to the glitch, stroking their sides as a tentacle presses against their clit, making them jolt and squeak, their yellow blush growing brighter as they quickly try to grind down on the tendril, shakily reaching up to wrap their arms around him…getting a louder purr in response.
He takes his time, stretching the cute little glitch out with the tip of his tentacle and enjoying the pretty noises that practically stroke his ego. He doesn’t have to think very hard for his male ecto to form as they moan and squirm beneath him, looking up at him with lidded sockets and fuzzy eyelights.
With a firm nuzzle, he wiggles out of his shorts, tossing them away as he lines himself up. Giving the smaller a gentle kiss, Nightmare presses his cock inside, spreading their walls as they shudder and moan, arching up against him.
Their cunt practically tries to suck him in, fluttering and clenching around him. He holds them by their hips, his tentacles keeping their legs spread as he sinks himself into their warmth, losing himself even more to it. "HmMmmm~ S-so tight~"
It takes only a few moments until he’s forced to stop by a thin barrier of the glitch’s virginity, the smaller whining as he pauses. Nightmare instinctively purrs to comfort them, nuzzling their skulls together affectionately. He grips their hips, pulling out a bit, before thrusting in quickly, the barrier putting up little resistance as his mate yelps and flinches, pained tears gathering in their sockets.
He reaches up to gently pet their face, kissing the smaller’s tears away as he rolls his hips, purring soothingly all the while. They whine quietly at him and nuzzle into his hands, but it doesn’t take long for them to start to relax again, the leftover venom in their system doing its work and turning the pain into a pleasant warmth.
Nightmare waits to see the glitch’s face fully relax before he rolls his hips up into his cute little mate, kissing them gently as he starts up small and shallow thrusts, pulling more quiet sounds from his mortal as they kiss him back needily, satisfying his instincts in the best way possible.
It feels good, so very good to have them close to him. He can't focus on anything else as his thrusts gradually get deeper and faster- "Mmmmine~ Mine mine mine~ "
“HaAah~ P-pleASe pLEase PLeAse-e~” They pant and moan, clinging to Nightmare as he fucks into them, harder and faster with every passing moment.
"F-fuuCk~" Their walls flutter tightly around him, just as close as he is. Just a little more- "AAah~!"
“Hn-nGh~!” His mate stiffens and glitches harshly as they cum almost at the exact same moment he does. His eyelight dialates at the sight of the smaller stuffed with his magic, a deep rumbling noise leaving him as he snuggles up even closer, kissing their skull.
With his instincts now fully satiated, Nightmare can't help but feel tired. The day's events drag him down as he nuzzles his face into his mate's neck with a chirp, getting a sleepy purr and chirp in response.
~
“UgHh…” Error can’t help but groan as he wakes up, everything hurting horribly. All his magic muscles ache almost as if he's run a marathon, not to mention the familiar stiffness in his joints…..the pain in his pelvis is new though..
Frowning, Error forces his sockets open, blearily looking around at his room. Didn’t he fall asleep in front of his front door…?
Error jolts up, not quite able to hold back the pained yelp that escapes him from the sudden movement as memories of the night before practically assault his mind, glitching harshly. There's no way that was real, right-? He totally didn't get fucked senseless by the insane stranger who nearly killed him yesterday of course not-!!
But the new, unusual pain from his pelvis doesn’t lie, twinging as he pulls his legs up to his chest, trembling and glitching as he struggles to keep himself from completely freaking out.
He can feel his breathing pick up, his soul calling out for any kind of comfort without his permission- yet almost immediately a cool touch wraps around him, holding him close as he's pressed up against someone else's chest.
A small whimper escapes him against his will as he wants to freak out at the foreign contact, but… it doesn’t make him crash, the cool touch feeling almost.. comforting. He wants to hate just how much his soul slows down, soothed by the touch and deep purring that makes his skull practically vibrate. He should be afraid, being held by a stranger in his home, but he can't bring himself to be-
It’s honestly scary in its own right, just how calming this person’s presence is. They gently rub his back, nuzzling the top of his skull as he feels their own body relax- even as he hears them huff.
"This is so fucking frustrating-"
“Wh-whAT-?” Error stammers, looking up only to freeze at the sight of the person from the alley- the person who fucked him last night.
"...Don't look at me like that. It's not like I want to be here."
“YoU- wh-HAt-t-??” He questions incredulously. They narrow their socket at him, before giving him a small headbutt, making him blink.
"...You do know of vampires, correct? Do you believe in…oddities like them?"
“WeLL- I gUeSs I NevEr… diDN’t bELievE In THem?” Error says hesitantly. “Why?”
"You're smart. I'm sure you can read between the lines." The stranger opens their mouth, licking over two sharp teeth that make Error’s sockets widen, a shiver going down his spine. "Anyway, a specific thing happens when someone invests a vampire's blood, or marrow in this case.
"In short, it binds that person and the vampire together, it's actually a mating ritual usually done between two vampires."
“I- sO YoU’re- We- ThE HEll-??” Error stammers, glitching harshly as he stares at them- the vampire. They gently pet his skull and he hates that it makes him feel better-
"I am very sure this has never happened on accident. You see, my….goop is nearly indestructible….I have no idea how you bit through it. I could be crushed by a building or hit by a car and not even get a scratch."
“PaNIc-fueLEd desPEraTIoN?” Error weakly half jokes. “I wAs ABouT TO cRASh And I ThoUght YOu weRE goNna ki-iLL me-”
"I wasn't going to kill you, I was simply going to bite you, then wipe your memory…….However I do want to…..apologize for…last night. I failed to resist my instincts and for that we are both suffering."
“...” Error just looks down, silent for a long moment. “...HoW ARe yo-OU toUchinG Me noW?”
"...Are you referring to your pixlexia? We are soul bonded, your magic doesn't recognize mine as anything foreign."
“Hm… WeiRD.” He mutters, fairly certain he’s at least slightly in shock at this point.
"...Once again I do apologize…I do not know if you were saving it for someone but…" The stranger looks away.
“I HaVE haPTophOBia.” Error says with a small shrug. “I hAVen’T Be-eEn aBLe To toUCH aNYOne wiTHout paIN In… yeaRS.”
“While unfortunate I am still sorry for the situation…..Our lives are quite literally tied together now and there is no way to reverse it…..And I didn’t exactly get consent-” He can visibly see the vampire's tentacles starting to droop the more they talk, and Error finds he wants to reassure them.
“It’s… noT FinE- I diDN’t waNt tO BEcoMe maTes wiTH SOmeonE WHo’s naME I Don’T EVen knoW- buT… frOM whAT I reMEmbER I wAs.. pREtty eNTHusiAStic ABouT THe whOLe thinG. Yo-ou EVen TrieD To puLL AwAY But I diDN’t leT YOu- I- I ThouGHt it wAS a DReaM bUT I… it wAS NicE To bE HeLD..” He mutters, still upset and scared and confused, but more towards the situation as a whole, rather than the vampire.
The stranger doesn’t say anything for a moment, their arms tightening around him a little. “My…name is Nightmare…Nightmare Fea.”
“...LiKE- FEa LIbrARy? NamEd aFTer THey guY ThaT DOnaTEd a fuCK-toN Of moNEy to iT?” Error can’t help but question, looking back up at them. His…mate looks away, a light cyan blush dusting their cheekbones.
“..I like libraries-” Error snorts, before bursting into hysterical giggles, the absolute ridiculousness of this entire situation crashing over him. This is absolutely insane- absurd and ridiculous- He’s mated to an actual goddamn vampire who he literally saw kill two people, basically broke into his house, and then fucked him, not to mention he’s claming it was an acident and Error actually wants to believe him!
This shouldn’t be real, it's so stupid- It takes Error a bit to calm down, tears in his sockets as he slumps against Nightmare, feeling exhausted and drained. The day hasn’t even properly begun. The vampire gently pets his back, nuzzling the top of his skull with a quiet purr.
“There is more you will need to know, but we can talk about that later….are you hungry?” Error just shrugs a bit- he knows he probably should eat, as he’s pretty sure he didn’t eat yesterday, but he doesn’t have much of an appetite.
“..I’m ErRor, bY THe wAY. ErrOR QueEN.”
“Well it is nice to officially meet you, Error. Do you have cooking ingredients here?” He can feel his cheek being rubbed, and he lets himself lean into the touch a bit.
“MoSTly RaMEn anD EggS, bUt yeAH. I cAn’t aFfoRD AnYThinG All thAT FaNCy.”
“Hmm….Would you be opposed to me taking you to my house to eat then? I have much more diverse food options and it will be safer for you.” Nightmare hesitantly suggests as his tentacles curl slowly behind him.
“...SuRe- whY NOt. JusT- lET Me gET DreSseD FIrsT? PleaSe?” Error says in defeat. He is not expecting to hear the other whine at him, before letting go, a tentacle pushing Error back onto the bed as Nightmare stands.
“Of course-”
“Th-thaNKs-” Holding back a pained grimace, Error shakily pushes himself up and goes to stand- only for his legs to give out under him, a startled yelp escaping him. He doesn’t even get a chance to put his arms out before he’s caught, a deep threatening growl rumbling through the room as his middle is wrapped up like a burrito in what has to be Nightmare’s tentacles.
“Be careful-” Error tenses and shrinks in on himself, glitching slightly.
“S-soRrY-” He’s pulled back up after a small pause, finding himself being held in Nightmare’s arms.
“I’m not…mad at you. I just don’t want you to get hurt..” Error glances up at Nightmare, only relaxing slightly when he sees the concern on the vampire’s face.
“I’m- I’M FiNe-” He mutters. “CrAShinG JusT.. leAVes mE KinDA soRe anD WeaK, ‘s aLL.”
Nightmare frowns at him for a moment, before sighing, leaning forward to give the glitch a headbutt. “If you will let me…may I take care of you until you feel better? I don’t want to…cross any further boundaries, but this is my fault so I am more than willing to take full responsibility.”
The vampire looks away, a look on their face that Error can only describe as shame. “If I ever make you uncomfortable or feel unsafe in any way tell me and I will back off, but if I don’t you are free to smack the shit out of me until I do.” Nightmare tells him with complete seriousness, making him snort a bit.
“..AlriGHt. HoNEstly, I’d jUSt be sTucK HerE wiThoUT heLp, sO...” He shrugs, quickly earning himself another nuzzle and small chirp noise, before Nightmare carries him over to his closet, Error leaning over to grab his desired clothes- almost the exact same thing he was wearing yesterday, but he picks out a t-shirt instead of his usual soft sweater.
Once he has his clothes the vampire carries him back to the bed and wordlessly starts to dress him, making Error blush a bit as he does his best to help, pulling on his back up jacket and looking around for his scarf.
“There we are. Your sandals are at the front door….Do you have anything else you would like to take with you?”
“Um- HaVe yoU SeEN my sCaRF? AnD My phoNE?” He questions.
“Hmmm…I saw you with a scarf in the alley, but not when I found you on the floor.” Nightmare frowns, giving him headbutt as his sockets widen and he glitches.
“I- I neED to fiND It I cAN’t- I Can’T LoSe it-” He stammers, quickly trying to get up as he holds back his panic, Nightmare nodding as he frowns.
“Alright alright- We can go looking for it. I’ll carry you.” Error gives his.. mate a small, grateful smile, unthinkingly making grabby hands at him.
“P-pleASE- iT’s-s- mY BroTHer maDE It fOr mE befORe hE… It’s- iT’s aLL I haVE LEfT of hiM…”
“We’ll find it, dear. I assure you. It is probably in the alleyway..”
“I’m GoNna hAVe to WaSh iT AreN’t I…” Error mutters with a frown.
“Probably..? Is there something wrong with that?” The vampires nuzzles him again, and Error relaxes as he’s picked up once more.
“NoT NECessaRILy- I jUst hAve To wAsh iT By haND ANd It taKes a WhilE.”
“I see. It must be very important. We’ll go look for it now and go eat breakfast at my home.”
“MhM.. ThANk yOu.” With a nod, Nightmare nuzzles him again before they make their way out of the house, the vampire being sure to put Error’s sandals on him first, earning a small headbutt from him. The adorable chirp he receives in response is honestly far more endearing than it has any right to be.
They walk- well Nightmare walks- quietly as they make their way back to the alley, ignoring any passerbyers who give them odd looks. Well, Nightmare ignores them- Error can’t help but glitch slightly as he tries to hide against the vampire, uncomfortable at the attention. Every time he glances up at a stranger, glitching nervously, Nightmare nuzzles him, placing a light kiss on his forehead as the vampire purrs.
Though he can’t fully relax- especially not without his scarf- it helps distract him at least. They turn into the same alley from before, the bodies of the two masked people now gone. “Hmm…would you like for me to set you down?”
“PLeAse doN’t-” Error denies, shooting a look at the dirty ground and earning himself another nuzzle.
“Alright, let's start looking.” The glitch points them towards where he originally had hidden, checking the ground as Nightmare walks. He really hopes it’s here- if it had fallen off during his mad dash home or someone had picked it up, he doesn’t know what he would do. “...Is that it? The blue one-?”
“WhEre-!” Error’s neck cracks as he whips his skull around, following Nightmare’s gaze. Attached to the brick wall by a few loose threads is his old blue scarf, somehow even dirtier than before. “YeS- yES thaT’s iT-! Oh iT’s sO GroSs noW..”
“We’ll wash it, it's okay- I have a…someone under my protection that has a scarf with a very similar value. He is very good at carefully cleaning his scarf.”
“..ALrighT.” Error reaches out and carefully unhooks his scarf from the wall, smoothing down the loose threads and holding it close with a small, relieved sigh, uncaring of the grime as he relaxes. “ThAnk yoU…”
“You don’t need to thank me for anything, dear. Now….would you like to go get breakfast?” Error just nods in response, nuzzling against Nightmare as he curls around his scarf, feeling much better now that he had it again.
He is completely shielded by Nightmare's tentacles as they start walking again, letting him relax as his thoughts wander to the scarf in his hands.
It’s not the first one Geno had made for him- he remembers his big brother knitting one for him back when he was a skully, but that one had been red to match with the one he remembers Geno wearing for as long as he could remember. This scarf had been a gift when he was still a skelly in high school, made with a soft blue yarn that matches his tearmarks…. Geno gave it to him just a few days before both of his brothers had vanished.
They left no trace. One day they were here and then the next they weren't. Geno wouldn’t have just left him on purpose…he knows it. His brother had always been so protective over him.. And Fresh would sometimes forget to tell Error or Geno where he went, but… he wouldn’t have vanished without a word.
Error tried to get help- go to the police or look for them himself- but nothing ever came out of it. The police were useless and just tried to take him into custody, but Error refused. He tried to support himself and search for his family, but he couldn’t ever keep work with how severe his pixelia was- being unable to get a license didn’t help either.
After a couple of months, Error was forced to sell the house and most of their things, dropping out of high school and just getting his GED online, finding somewhere cheap to stay and now he’s just trying to take some college classes so he can get a proper job as a software developer.
Things have been….difficult to say the least…and lonely..beyond lonely. He had never been alone like this before…his brothers were always there to support him even when he was a pain in the ass.
"Error dear?" A skull is firmly pressed against his, a wide dilated eyelight looking into his with genuine concern. "Are you alright?"
“..Y-yEaH- I’m- I’m fiNE..” Error mutters, blinking as he’s pulled back to the present. Nightmare looks at him for a moment more, before chirping, nuzzling their nasal bridges together with a purr.
"You are not a very good liar."
“...JuSt- thINkiNg abOUt thinGs.” He says after a moment, unconsciously returning the affection.
"Hmmm…alright. Well we are here now. Try to…pay no mind to my….missfits…" His mate advises him as they step under the awning of a very…. very big house- leaving Error completely floored, unable to even think of questioning Nightmare’s choice of words. He continues to be stunned by the interior as they walking inside, the grand wooden doors opening up to what Error can only assume is a fucking mansion-
"Boooooosssssss~!!" The glitch doesn't even get time to really process his surroundings before a small skeleton comes barreling at them. Before they can get close, they are held at arm's reach by a tentacle, Nightmare looking incredibly unamused.
"Greetings Killer." Error shrinks down in the vampire’s hold as he glitches a bit, slightly spooked by the almost-tackle. He would really rather avoid crashing again- "Calm yourself. We have a newbie."
"I can see that~" The strange skeleton backs off, turning their skull to look Error’s way with their empty black sockets. "A cutie too~ I like their magic it’s all sparkly~! Not like Dust's, but still super cool. Oh yeah my name's Killer! I'm boss's favorite~"
"I don't pick favorites Killer- We've talked about this." The vampire says with a sigh.
"We all know I'm your favorite boss~" Killer puffs out his chest, giving Nightmare a cheeky grin as Error smiles a bit.
“I’m- I’m ERroR.” He introduces, getting a wider grin from the new skeleton.
"Oh that's a cool name- You'll fit right in~ ya bringin' him in for breakfast, boss? Horror’s almost done with everything." Killer bounces a little on his feet, rocking on his heels, or swaying side to side, never staying still as he talks. Error fidgets slightly as he watches, wondering how he has so much energy.
"Correct. Error needs to eat and there is nothing better than Horror’s cooking. It will also be a good way to introduce him to everyone. Speaking of the others, report." He says the last sentence much more sternly and Killer doesn't hesitate to do as told, Error glancing between the two of them curiously.
"Dust is nappin' on the couch- slept pretty good- Cross was trainin' like usual and is showerin' now, while Horror’s cooking. All is good and pretty average."
"And you?" This time the smaller shrugs a bit, getting a raised brow from Nightmare.
"Couldn't sleep. Same usual thing with my soul and all, achin' and whatever."
"And your sockets? You look as if you have been trying to wipe the hate away quite often." The vampire observes with a scowl, narrowing his socket.
"...Ya can fix it later boss. I'm stable enough right now, not gonna lose it or anythin'. Now come on, I wanna introduce the newbie to the big guy!!" Error looks up at Nightmare questioningly, concerned for Killer despite not quite knowing what’s going on- but it’s not like he knows Killer well or it’s his business, so he stays quiet.
The small skeleton very excitedly tells Error about things as he they walk, rambling and jumping from one topic to another. It’s a touch overwhelming with how unused to talking to others Error is, but he does his best to keep up.
"And we got a gaming room upstairs! Fair warning- Mario kart tournaments get a bit competitive." Killer says as he giggles, turning into a grand dining room.
“I doN’t thINk I’vE EVer PLaYEd thAT GaMe-” Error mutters distractedly, busy taking everything in.
"Really? I can teach ya! It's pretty fun, but I like survival games a lot too. The more stuff I get ta fight the better. What video games do ya play?"
“I.. dOn’t reALly plAY anY.” He says awkwardly with a small shrug, fiddling with his phalanges. “CaN’t reaLLy aFfoRd iT.”
"Well I got a lot ta introduce ya to then!" Killer only grins, before plopping himself down at the dining table. Nightmare does the same, sitting at the head of the table with Error in his lap, the glitch flushing slightly at Killer’s unreadable look.
It would be less embarrassing if Nightmare sat him down somewhere, but just the idea of not touching him anymore makes Error’s soul practically ache- something that Error never in a million years would have believed he would feel.
The smell of freshly cooked breakfast leaks into the room from the kitchen, a large skeleton walking in with trays of food. "Breakfast is….ready."
Error can’t help but gawk slightly as the skeleton- Horror?- walks closer, absolutely floored by their huge stature. He didn’t know it was possible for a skeleton to be so big. The other monster is more like a giant, Killer looks like a skully in comparison!
That's not even mentioning the hole that takes up a good portion of the top of their skull- The monster gives him a glance, blinking for a long moment, before looking to Nightmare.
"This is Error. His position will be discussed amongst everyone." His mate explains, getting a nod from Horror before the big skeleton continues to set up the dining table, Error curiously watching them move around- not realizing he’s beginning to stare. Something about the air surrounding Horror seems… older, somehow. Less refined.
His movements are slow and not very smooth, but that could be because of his head injury. Horror made all kinds of food, from really nice pancakes to breakfast burritos and everything in-between with every kind of topping- things Error hasn’t been able to afford for a couple of years now, all of it looking and smelling absolutely delicious.
Error’s previously non-existent appetite quickly comes to life as his body seems to recall the fact that he hasn’t eaten in around twenty-four hours at this point, his non-existent stomach growling, much to his embarrassment.
"....Eat as much…as..you want.."
“Th-THaNks-” He mutters, though he hesitates to get anything, unsure if he’s allowed to yet.
"Oooo~ Here comes a Crossy boi~"
"Shut your mouth Killer." A new voice hisses at the smirking skeleton as they walk into the room. This monster is also pretty tall, though not as big as Horror- Their bones are covered in chips and old scars, the most noticeable being right under one of their sockets. Though Error is much more focused on the fluffy ears ears and tail that very distinctly remind him of a husky.
"Good morning Cross." Error’s hands tighten on his balled up scarf slightly, as he stares, very much wanting to pet them.
Notes:
I don’t know if we’ll ever actually continue this but I still wanna tell u what everyone is.
Nightmare- vampire (obviously)
Error- is actually Fresh and Geno’s half brother- not full like is implied- and is half angel (This was supposed to be a major plot point)
Fresh and Geno- Full angel
Killer- I don’t actually remember if we ever decided
Dust- Also vampire
Cross- Werewolf
Horror- An ancient skeleton (Pls ask for more info I would love to share-)
Chapter 43: Cult of the Lamb but make it Undertale
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error is The One Who Waits, and Nightmare is the lamb
Nightmare x Error -and I would like to make it known that they have a pretty unhealthy relationship
There’s also sex in the middle
Chapter Text
Error huffs, pulling his blanket over his shoulders as he stares intently at the wall, ignoring the shuffling of the followers outside going about their day. He didn’t want to see anyone, let alone hear the followers praising their leader any more.
They all tried to be at least civil to Error, but he knows they only accept his presence because of Nightmare’s insistence. It wasn’t fair-! He’s supposed to be the god they serve, but no- Instead he has to serve his own servant!
Error had given him everything he now had, and Nightmare had the audacity to turn around and defy him with the very power Error had gifted him, forcing him to relinquish his title and most of his own power. And now he’s stuck here, staring angrily at the wall as he entertains himself with debating on how to burn this place to the ground.
A gentle yet firm knock by the door of his hut snaps him out of his thoughts, and Error scowls, already knowing who’s at the door. No one else ever bothered him in his ‘home’.
“I have breakfast for you…It has chocolate in it~” Error’s expression lightens slightly at the mention of his favorite food, though he makes sure to glare at Nightmare as he steps in. “Aww come on, Ru dear. Don’t give me that look.”
That damned nickname- Error hated it- he hated how it made an odd feeling swell within him every time he heard Nightmare say it- he hated everything about the damn skeleton. Nightmare sits on the edge of his bed and reaches over to rub his shoulder, Error tensing and glitching slightly, before unconsciously relaxing slightly.
“Come on, you need to eat.”
“Go AWay- I’m fiNe.” Nightmare leans over, setting the plate on his bedside table as the other places his hands on either side of Error’s skull.
“...Please? Just a few bites, Ru dear?”
“....FinE.” Error mutters after a moment of staring, feeling his face heat up and the feeling rising within him again as he goes to push Nightmare off of him. For a moment though the other doesn’t move, staring at him with a singular purple eyelight that has no right to look at him so softly- Nightmare leans forward and gives him a small headbutt, before sitting up and grabbing the plate.
“Here.” The former Destroyer grumbles wordlessly as he pushes himself up, his face growing warmer as he takes the plate without thanking Nightmare, though he’s been increasingly tempted to. His servant has the audacity to nuzzle up against his side, resting his skull on Error’s shoulder as he picks up the….pancakes. He’s pretty sure that’s what they’re called- he had never bothered to learn much about food before.
Taking the fork, Error only struggles slightly to cut into the food, taking a large bite. He knew better than to try stuffing the whole thing in his mouth at once, now.
“Do you need some help?” Nightmare asks, nuzzling the side of his skull ever so slightly, and Error instinctively leans into it just a bit, even as he glares at the stupidly good tasting food.
“No. SHuT Up.”
“You sure? I could feed you~” Nightmare leans against him more, sliding his hands up Error’s arms and gently holding the fork over the god’s fingers.
“I wAs UNdEr thE ImpREsSiON YoU WerE FOrcINg ME To bE YouR sERvanT, NoT THe oTHeR WaY AroUnd.” Error keeps himself from snapping, tensing slightly as a confusing mix of emotions swirl within him.
“Of course not. Unlike my followers I haven’t ordered you around, other than basic self care. You are free to do whatever you wish…..within reason, of course.” Nightmare purrs, nuzzling the side of Error’s skull as he guides the weakened god’s hands, cutting a smaller slice of his pancake before holding it up to Error’s mouth.
Error can’t explain it, but he can’t bring himself to look at Nightmare, face feeling like it’s on fire as he hesitantly takes the bite. It’s much easier to chew this way, not that he notices- too focused watching Nightmare’s hands on his own as his once loyal lost lamb feeds him another bite.
It’s… surprisingly- almost nice, but there’s no way in hell Error would ever admit it. Error’s never felt so genuinely cared for- sure he got offerings eons ago, but this is completely different- and Error finds he almost.. likes it. He hates it- he hates the weird feelings that Nightmare invokes in him.
“There, do you feel better now?” The other asks, gently rubbing Error’s hands as he stares down at his now empty plate.
“...MaYBe.” The weakened god mutters. Stupid body needing sustenance- Nightmare moves his arms down to wrap around Error’s middle, pulling him back against the other’s chest.
"I'm glad the food was to your liking…Would you like to go see the garden today? Everyone else is busy working for a while."
“...SuRe I guEss.” Error agrees reluctantly. Though he acts like he doesn’t care, Error really does like the garden- it was one of the first things Nightmare had created after he got his first few followers.
His chosen lamb had made it very clear how much he likes to garden, planting trees, all sorts or flowers, and even making statues and pedestals in Error’s honor- as expected. It's all really pretty..and right in front of the chapel.
Nightmare holds his hand, gently tugging him along out of his hut. They pass a few followers, all of them greeting his lamb with a smile, while giving him a slight glare. Error doesn’t hesitate to glare back at them, telling himself he doesn’t care. After all, why would he care about the opinion of a few puny mortals, even if they were supposed to be his followers?
The garden is empty when they get there, the sound of the water fountain acting as a soothing background noise. They sit on a stone bench, Error idly watching the flowers sway in the gentle breeze and avoiding looking at the small monuments honoring him. He loved them when Nightmare first made them, but they just felt mocking now.
His once loyal lamb nuzzles the side of his skull, rubbing the top of his hand. Error’s unsure why he doesn’t try to stop him. "Do you like it? It's my favorite place in the whole village."
“It’s… FiNe, I suPpoSE.” Error grudgingly agrees.
"...Do you want anything to decorate your hut? I can make you something, anything you want~"
“WhY WOuLD I CaRe aBouT SomEThinG LiKe thaT?” The god scoffs, crossing his arms defensively. “I hAve No USe foR PoinTLesS MaTEriaL ObjeCts. Don’T BOthEr.”
"Hmm…You know, Ru, you really are a bad liar." Nightmare points out casually, giving him an unamused look, getting a harsh scowl in return.
“ShuT Up.” He snaps, turning away. “I Don’T CAre.”
He hears the other sigh beside him, before a deceivingly gentle hand slides around his middle, more of these stupidly frustrating feelings swelling within him.
“Error,....I’m sorry.” Error pauses, expression going blank in surprise as his sockets widen, turning to look back at Nightmare. “I know I failed you and I know you’re upset….I couldn’t fulfill your last order and I’m sorry……but I can’t say I regret it either.”
Error can only stare silently in shock as Nightmare gets down on his knees in front of the weakened god, folding his hands over Error’s lap and pressing his forehead against them. “My beautiful god, I have been selfish and my choice has hurt you…..I believe you deserve an explanation for my traitorous actions.”
“Wh..wHaT..?” Error murmurs, genuinely stunned. Nightmare continues, his sockets closed as he speaks.
“You asked that I sacrifice myself and my body so you may live, ruling this unworthy land with your strength….Instead of being a good disciple I decided to be selfish. I couldn’t bring myself to follow through knowing I would never see you again.”
“You…” The god trails off, feeling an odd pressure behind his sockets as he blinks hard, trying to push it away. “I… I liEd.”
Nightmare slowly looks back up at him, confused. “What do you mean?”
“...It’S TruE, yOur sACrifICe wOuld haVe sTreNGthENed Me gReaTLy- aLlowED Me To reTUrN To thE MortaL ReLM, bUt… oFfeRINgs anD TimE WouLd haVe aS WeLL. I hAd Grown… fONd. Of yOu. As yOU cONtinUEd yoUr joRNey.” Error practically forces himself to say, hands curling into fists as he resolutely looks at a point above Nightmare’s skull.
“YoUr sAcriFIce To Me woULd haVe beEN thE FinAL peICe neEDed For Me To ComPLetelY ClaIM YOur soUl aS MinE. To BiND yoU to My siDe ForeVErmoRE. I aM NoT UpsET BEcaUSe yoU DIdN’t wiSH to DIe- I kNoW It iS iN A moRTaL’s naTUre To reSIst DeaTh- But… bEcAUse yoU Had beTraYED mE. LiKe thEy did.”
He can feel Nightmare’s stare, a moment of silence making him glitch anxiously, before the other speaks.
“I wasn’t afraid of dying for you..Only of knowing you would be here when I couldn’t be.” This time it is Nightmare who glances away. “....May I ask what you mean? By binding me to you?”
“You… WoUld hAve BEcoMe mY sEconD haLF. MY EquAL. I.. wISheD tO MorPh yoU INto a GoD As weLL, tO HaVe yoU RuLe bY My siDE. I ThOugHT iT WoULd be A fiTtiNG rEWarD AftEr evERythINg yoU haD DOne, bUt I nEedED YoUr sACriFIce To dO It.” Error mutters.
“...And I ruined it.” Nightmare says solemnly, resting his skull on Error’s lap. The god only shrugs, not denying it.
“....I sHoULd haVe toLd yoU The TRUth..” Error admits softly, the pressure behind his sockets almost turning to a burning as he blinks harder. “BuT I… I’m sUre YoU WouLD haVe aGReEd wiThouT HesITaTioN. I gUEss I JusT.. wAnteD OnE LaSt sHow oF DEvoTIon- oF TruSt- fRoM My moST loYAl laMb…”
“...I’m sorry, Ruru…” The weakened god sighs shakily, placing a hand on Nightmare’s head and idly rubbing it.
“I Th-thOugHT yoU HaD BEtraYEd mE.” He mutters, voice breaking as Nightmare leans into his touch.
“...I’m sorry. I still want to serve you! If you will let me. I will sacrifice myself if you need-”
“It woN’t woRk.” Error interrupts. “I aM FaR Too wEaK, noW. BeSIdeS.. yoUr fOLlowERs aRe CleARly moRe lOYaL To yOu thaN To mE.”
“Who cares about them?” Nightmare hisses, though it’s clearly not directed at Error. “I have your power, don’t I? How do I give it back?”
“I dOn’T KnoW. I’vE NEveR HaD My poWer rIPpeD From mE- oTHer thAN WhaT THeY HaD DonE. But thAT waS seALinG iT AwAy, noT STeaLIng It.”
“Hm….Well you transferred some of your power to me before…maybe I could do something similar, little by little…”
“MaYBe…” Error mumbles, Nightmare humming in through.
“...I have an idea, though I am unsure whether you will approve. If you will allow me too, Ru dear I could transfer my magic to you manually?” His lamb asks hesitantly.
“MaNuaLLy?” Error questions, Nightmare nodding in response.
“Mhm. There are a few….different ways, but the easiest is with a kiss.” The weakened god tilts his head, confused.
“...WhAt’s a Kiss?” Nightmare’s cheekbones dust a soft purple as Error stares, his loyal lamb looking away.
“It’s…..I can show you?”
“AlrIGht?” Nightmare moves to sit back up on the seat, before leaning over, giving the weakened god a determined look. Slowly, Error finds him closing the distance, and Nightmare’s lips gently pressing against his own.
Error blinks in surprise as the heat returns to his face, and he holds himself still, unsure what he’s supposed to be doing. He can feel the other doing something…and he’s not sure how to describe it other than a sucking sensation against his mouth.
“Can you open, please…?” Nightmare asks quietly, never pulling away from him. After a moment, Error decides to try… kissing Nightmare back, opening his mouth like he had asked. The last thing he expected was to feel Nightmare’s tongue in his mouth, brushing against his own as their magic sparks together.
It feels… surprisingly good as Error hesitantly tries to follow Nightmare’s lead, wrapping a couple of his tongues around the other’s. A quiet rumbling sound starts up from his loyal lamb and Error finds himself relaxing slightly at the noise. The kiss slowly gets deeper, Nightmare’s movements quickening as he pushes closer to Error.
The weakened god unconsciously presses closer as well, the heat from his face almost feeling like it’s spreading through the rest of his body as he wraps his arms around Nightmare’s neck. It feels…way better than it has any right too.
A tingling sensation starts up, like something is being pushed into his mouth and down his throat, his body absorbing whatever it is without complaint. It’s… odd, but with everything else he feels from the kiss, he finds it just makes it all feel even nicer, sending a pleasant shiver down Error’s spine.
He finds himself laying on his back, Nightmare above him as they continue to kiss, his soul beating loudly inside his ribcage as the other slowly begins to pet his sides.
“MmNh~” Error can’t quite hold back the pleased noise that escapes him, pulling Nightmare down further against him as he shudders, pressing into the touch. He can’t explain the sensation that creeps up his spine as the other's hands slowly slide down, getting closer to the gathering warmth he only notices now forming between his legs.
“Ru~”
“F-fuCk..~” The god murmurs as he opens his sockets, wondering when he had closed them. Error feels almost light-headed as he pants, despite not needing to breathe, eyelights fuzzy and face flushed.
“You look so beautiful~” Nightmare purrs above him with a soft smile, Error looking up at him in shock. “I…gave you some magic from the crown.”
“Is.. Is THat WhAt thaT WaS?”
“What what was?” His lamb nuzzles him gently.
“ThE…” Error gestures vaguely, before going right back to holding Nightmare close, “TiNGlinG.”
“Oh- then yes, that should have been your magic. I didn’t want to give you too much at once, I hope that’s alright, Ru dear.” Nightmare presses their foreheads together, laying on Error at this point.
“It’S AlriGHt. ProBaBly foR The bESt.” The god agrees, closing his sockets again for a moment. “So.. ThAt wAs a kISs?”
Nightmare takes a moment before nodding, placing a kiss on Error’s temple this time. “Yes, that was a deep kiss.”
Error nods back at his lamb, glancing away and honestly already craving another. Nightmare smiles, nearly smirking at him as he kisses the weakened god ever so lightly on the lips, pulling away even as Error tries to follow, a small whine escaping him.
“Do you like it~?”
“..MaYBe.” He mumbles, fighting the urge to pout.
“Want another~?” Nightmare is very clearly eating this up, stroking the side of his skull as Error glares weakly at him, face on fire.
“....Yes.” With another unfairly soft smile, Nightmare kisses him again, purring as he strokes Error’s cheeks. The weakened god eagerly kisses him back with a happy little sigh, tightening his hold on the other.
It feels so nice, to have his loyal little lamb so close, to touch him, and hold him~ Nightmare’s hands make their way down again, rubbing Error’s sides and pushing his knee up between the smaller’s legs.
Error gasps slightly as pleasure shoots up his spine, squirming slightly at the pressure against his pelvis. Nightmare presses his leg up further, grinding it into Error’s pelvis in slow movements and making him shiver, faltering slightly as he’s thoroughly distracted by the sensation.
“N-nnGh~”
“Ru~ Do you like it~? Just tell me to stop and I will, alright?”
“D-dON’t sToP-” Error immediately demands, much to Nightmare’s amusement. He kisses the god again, smiling into it as he continues to grind his leg up, moving in slow tantalizing circles. Error quickly becomes puddy under Nightmare, quiet noises escaping him as his joints glow a faint yellow, magic beginning to swirl in his pelvis.
“Ru, I need to ask- Do you know what this will lead to…if we continue?” Nightmare pants, his own magic stirring up. He never thought he would really get to see Error like this~
“I d-diDN’t kNoW WHaT KiSsiNG W-waS- iF It’S soMEthiNG LikE Th-thaT, thEn nO.” Error replies after a moment, breathless.
Nightmare nod, kissing Error sweetly. "Okay well….there's this thing called fucking and…Do you know what a dick and cunt are? You know, a penis and vagina-"
“LiKe.. fOr maTIng?” The god asks hesitantly after a moment of thinking.
"Mhm, that's correct. Sex, mating, fucking, all different words for the same thing. Some people do it to try and have kids, others to show their feelings to their love interest, and sometimes it just feels good. The feeling you’re feeling, the warmth and stir of your magic is arousal, the desire to have sex and get pleasure out of it." Nightmare is sure to explain thoroughly, Error blinking up at him as he absorbs the new information.
“..So… yOu WaNt to HaVe seX With mE?” His lamb smiles, nuzzling their skulls together.
"I do~ I want to make you feel good, Ruru~ I want you to know just how devoted I am to be with you forever~" A small smile spreads over Error’s face as he nuzzles Nightmare back.
“ThEN shoW Me yoUr deVotIon, mY LaMb~" The taller chirps at him before Nightmare’s eyelight shifts from a soft purple to a striking sharp cyan. Familiar black tendrils rise from his back, wrapping themselves around Error’s limbs and sliding up beneath his clothes.
"I'm going to make you feel so good, my wonderful god~" Error shivers at the cool touch, watching the tentacles’ movements curiously. He’s not quite sure why his powers had manifested in Nightmare in such a way, but they have served their purpose quite well.
They feel cold as they rub and stroke his bones, searching for sensitive spots that make him shiver and his magic throb. "Ruru~"
“HnNGh~ N-niGHt~” Error moans softly, tugging Nightmare down in a silent demand for a kiss. His loyal servant chuckles, before happily giving him exactly what he wants. The strong taste of Nightmare has Error craving more already, almost hungrily deepening the kiss as he shivers in delight.
The taller slides his hands down to Error’s hips, pulling up his robe before tugging on the god’s shorts, who makes a confused sound before he realizes his intent, squirming and trying to help wiggle them off.
Just as Error’s shorts get down to his knees, the shuffling of grass to their right makes them both stiffen. Nightmare growls, deep and threatening, his tentacles shooting up to target the threat.
A follower stumbles over themselves in the grass, quickly scrambling away with wide eyes, Error watching them leave with equally wide sockets, form flickering slightly in his stunned embarrassment. Nightmare stares at the now empty hiding spot for a few moments longer, before looking back to his God, nuzzling and kissing him as his tendrils move to hide him from view.
"Mine."
“ExCUse yoU You’Re mINe noT THe oTheR WaY ARouNd-” Error protests, though it’s halfhearted at best. If he had to be anyone’s, he supposes he’d rather it be his lamb.
"Why can't it be both~? You're my God and I'm your servant~" The taller purrs, giving him a light kiss, before pulling Error’s shorts to his ankles.
“Hmm.. I’ll ALlow It.” The weakened god agrees with a faint smile. His shorts are tossed away and Nightmare takes a moment to look over the other’s bare body, his joints glowing faintly and breathing still uneven.
"You're stunning, Ru dear~"
“YoU FLaTter Me-”
"Only because it's true~ I bet no one else has seen your body in all its glory~" Nightmare practically preens at the idea, leaning down to kiss Error’s sternum, making his face grow hotter.
“Y-yeAh- You’RE aLSo thE ONly oNe I’vE TriED ThiS W-wiTH.” He kisses the god again, rubbing over the other’s ribs slowly and making him shiver.
"I'll be sure to make sure you have a pleasant first time, I promise~ I'll treat you like the amazing God you are, my darling~"
“YoU BeTter, mY LitTLe laMB~” He gets a rather adorable look from the other, before Nightmare attacks him with soft kisses, from his neck, to his shoulders. All the while, a tentacle begins to stroke and rub his pelvis, pulling a gasp from him as he squirms and moans softly, pressing into the touch.
Nightmare rumbles deeply above him, playing with the magic building in Error’s pelvis, before nibbling a little on his neck.
“H-hNgh~ FuCk~” Error moans softly, tilting his head out of the way as he arches, gripping at the ground underneath him.
Nightmare’s little bites and kisses do way more for him then they probably should, his magic feels like it's throbbing, desperately wanting more of this feeling. He wants to form- he’s never wanted to form his ecto so much before.
Every little touch makes his bones feel so much more sensitive than the last, his eyelights going fuzzy as he’s almost overwhelmed by it, a needy keen leaving him.
"Come on dear~ Tell me what you want~ What do you want me to do to you~?"
“L-leT Me fORm-” Error demands, though it comes out as more of a plea. “FuCK me-”
"As you wish~" Nightmare says with a smirk, before he pulls his tentacles away, watching Error’s female ecto eagerly form over his bones.
His lamb stares at him in awe, slowly stroking the gods belly and reaching out to grab one of his little breasts. "So cute~"
“I a-aM NoT CUte-!” Error protests, before squeaking as Nightmare gives his chest a squeeze.
"I think you are~ Adorable, beautiful, stunning~" Nightmare showers his pretty little god with compliments, moving to grope and squeeze both his little breasts. "So little~"
“I- I Am a GOd-” Error squeaks out as he squirms, face on fire.
"The most beautiful god, might I add~"
“ShUt uP And FucK Me-” With a chuckle, Nightmare summons he male ecto, easily removing his pants, revealing his cock as he grabs Error’s thighs, spreading his legs. The weakened god stares down at Nightmare’s dick, suddenly feeling slightly uncertain. He has no idea what he’s doing- is that supposed to go inside him-?
"It's okay, just take a deep breath, Ru dear. I'm going to stretch you first." His loyal lamb presses their foreheads together, nuzzling him as a hand slides up and presses into his entrance.
“I’m F-finE..~” Error’s protest trails off into a moan at the foreign yet pleasurable sensation, unconsciously trying to grind his hips down.
His loyal lamb purrs above him, as his walls are slowly spread apart by the taller’s phalanges, making him gasp and whine, reaching up to instead cling to Nightmare and pull him close against him.
It's a weird feeling, but it's so so good, yet not enough. Not nearly enough- Nightmare is using three fingers now, his walls burning only slightly at the stretch.
“H-haAa~” Error moans, clenching down on Nightmare’s phalanges.
"Just a little more and you'll be ready, okay? You're doing so good, Ruru~"
“HuRrY UpPP~” The god tries to order, only for it to come out as a whine.
"Want me to push in now? I can if that's what you want~" Nightmare can't help but tease Error just a little. Seeing his one and only so needy and wanting for him is an incredible ego boost- especially when he gets an actual, genuine whine from Error, the god wordlessly tugging him down for a kiss.
He loves seeing Error so vulnerable, more than he could possibly ever describe. Nightmare kisses his God aggressively, full of all these warm fuzzy feelings he has for Error as he pulls his phalanges out and begins to stroke himself, getting properly positioned.
"Ready~?"
“Y-yEs- PLeaSe-” Error stammers out, bravado gone in the face of his almost desperate desire and need. He can feel his lamb smirk against his neck, before something big, much bigger than Nightmare’s phalanges begins to press into him, forcing his walls apart slowly and making his breath hitch, tensing slightly in surprise.
Nightmare holds and rubs his hips, kissing at Error’s neck. "You're doing so good, amazing, Ru~"
“SH-shUt-” The god mutters, forcing himself to relax as he tilts his head out of the way.
"...Error…I love you." Nightmare speaks honestly, nuzzling further into the weakened god as he jolts in surprise, staring down at his lamb in shock.
“Wh..wHaT..?”
"...I love you, Ru. I love you with everything I have." Nightmare pulls away to look at the god directly. "I'm in love with you."
“Wh- yoU- YOu sHoUldn’T bE- I’m- I’m nOt-“ Error stutters, stunned.
"Why not? You're supposed to devote your life to the people you love. Isn't that what I've done for you? I want to be with you and take care of you forever~" He kisses the god softly, pushing in a little more as he rubs over Error’s abdomen. "You said it too. That you wanted to keep me with you forever, didn't you~? To bind us together? That sounds like a soulbond to me~"
“I- weLL- o-oF COuRse I WaNTed tO KeEp yOU… BuT GodS CaN’t- wE CAn’t loVE… noT LiKe a MOrtaL Does.” Error mumbles.
"Why not?" Nightmare nuzzles their foreheads together, kissing his nasal bridge as Error scrunches up his face.
“We jUSt cAn’T. GoDs doN’t loVe.” He states, like it’s a simple fact.
"....That's not going to stop me from loving you." Nightmare purrs. "I can't change how I feel…and you don't have to love me back."
The odd feeling from before rises once again, and a strangled whine escapes Error as he tugs Nightmare down for a sweet kiss.
His lamb purrs happily against him, so very pleased, with a soft smile on his face. It's wild to think he is doing that, making Nightmare so happy with something so simple.
The taller's pelvis presses against his own as Nightmare completely sheaths himself, much to Error’s surprise. He hadn’t noticed Nightmare moving, distracted by his feelings.
His lamb grinds up onto him, watching as the weakened god shivers and gasps at the sensation, arching slightly.
"I can see myself inside you~ I really like it~" Nightmare coos, before he slowly pulls out, just enough to push back in. "HmmMm~"
“H-hnNGh~” Error moans, shivering and grinding down on Nightmare’s cock. His lamb moves so slowly, leaning down to nuzzle and kiss at his neck, even nibbling a little and making him keen. “F-fUCk PLeaSE NighT~”
"Hmmm~ I'm going to mark you, alright~?" Nightmare purrs as he strokes Error’s belly.
“YeS- yES do It-” Smirking, Nightmare licks a stripe up Error’s neck before finding a spot to suck on, pulling out more and thrusting in hard.
"Tell me what you want, Ru. Tell me how badly you want me to fill you, to mark you all over as mine~ How much do you want it~?"
“P-plEaSE- I W-waNt iT So baD- MaKE- maKe M-mE feEL GoOd pLEaSE~” Error practically pleads, clinging to Nightmare desperately. His loyal lamb begins to thrust rather quickly, his body bouncing against the bench.
With a pleased purr, Nightmare bites into his neck, making him cry out as he arches. With just a few more thrusts, something that Error hadn’t even noticed building within him seems to snap, and pleasure even stronger than before crashes over him, tensing and clenching down on Nightmare’s dick and the other doesn’t stop. In fact Nightmare speeds up, sucking on the bite as Error’s eyelights goes fuzzy.
He can barely see the chapel, an all too familiar figure sitting on top, but he can’t think too hard on who exactly, sockets fluttering shut as he lets himself drown in the sensations.
The feeling of pleasure is practically consuming him, filling every bone in his body…and yet it's not enough, too much and not enough at the same time- strange and overwhelming all at once. It’s almost painful but he never wants it to stop.
Nightmare bites him over and over again, all the way down his neck and covering his chest, sucking on and nipping his surprisingly sensitive nipples, making him yelp slightly and squirm, between loud moans.
He feels almost dizzy by the time Nightmare stops, groaning deeply and thrusting in as deep as he possibly can into Error and filling the god with his magic.
"HNNnnNng~! F-fuck fuck MmmMm~" Error shivers and whines at the feeling of Nightmare’s hot magic, the tingling sensation from when they had kissed coming back- though slightly fainter.
His body trembles and Nightmare nuzzles his skull, lightly kissing his cheek as they come back down, panting.
"So….did you like it..~?"
“Mm… MHm..~” Error agrees softly, shakily nuzzling Nightmare back.
They hold each other close, peppering one another in gentle affections and simply basking in the others presence.
"....I love you, so much Ru~ I don't know what I would do without you~"
“Hmm~ I hOpE YOu kNow THeRE’s aBsoLUtelY No geTtiNG riD Of mE NoW. NoT THaT I woULd’vE LeFt beFOre bUT-”
"Don't worry, I know. Even if you had wanted to leave me. I wouldn’t have let you~" Nightmare kisses his jaw with a pleased smirk, earning a tired pout from the weakened god. "You get cuter every day~"
“ShUDdup…”
"Nope~" Nightmare purrs louder, kissing him softly. "My darling Ru~"
Error grumbles wordlessly, before pulling Nightmare close and aggressively nuzzling him, kissing him firmly. His loyal lamb only purrs louder, deepening the kiss and rubbing Error’s full belly as the god shivers, all too eagerly following Nightmare’s lead.
"You're so plump..and adorable~ I love it, we should definitely do this again sometime~"
“MHm.” Error nods in agreement, Nightmare softly kissing his cheek.
"Would you like to take a nap, dear?"
“Hmm.. yEaH THat soUNds niCe.” Nightmare gives him a few more soft kisses, before moving to pull out. Error doesn’t quite manage to hold back his disappointed whine at the loss, face heating up.
"What~? Would you rather I carry you through the village with my dick still inside you~?"
“Wh- No Sh-shUt up- YoU HeaRD NOthINg-”
"I'll do it~ All you have to do is ask~" Nightmare has the audacity to smirk at him.
“No FUcK Off-”
"So you don't want my cock~?" He starts to pull out again, Error stubbornly refusing to make any noises this time.
“I dOn’t WaNt yoUR CocK wHeRE evERyoNe caN See It-”
"So I should stay inside you then~?" He continues to tease, the god batting at him with a flustered scowl.
"Oh come on Ru~! Do you want me to stay inside or not~?"
“…No oNE cAN seE.” He mutters after a moment, getting attacked with soft kisses not a moment later. Nightmare pushes himself back inside, before suddenly picking the god up, holding Error snuggly against him as he uses his tentacles to cover their bottom halves from sight.
"Better~?" He asks while buttoning the top of Error’s robe, the god shifting slightly as he wraps his arms and legs around Nightmare, clinging to him.
“...YeAh.” He kisses Error’s face, before standing up, nuzzling him as he begins walking back towards the huts. They get a few looks, the followers gossiping among themselves as Error glowers, before turning to hide his face against Nightmare’s neck.
He's nuzzled as they approach his hut and Nightmare turns to give his followers a look, before entering.
"Here you are, Ru dear." Error is layed down on his back, Nightmare crawling up to lay down beside him, turning them both over.
“ThAnks..” Error mumbles, cuddling against Nightmare.
"You don't have to thank me for anything. I'm beneath you. I'm lucky to get to have such a close bond with you…I wouldn't trade anything for it either." Nightmare kisses his forehead, cupping the side of his skull. "I would give you my soul if you wanted me to."
“MaYBe onCe I gEt mY PowER baCk..~ OnCE I aCcenD yoU, YOu’ll bE My eQUal.”
"Heh, hmmm~...How does the god thing work exactly? You’re the god of destruction, you represent something. Does that mean I will too?"
“I sUPpoSE you wiLL, yeAh. I baSIcaLLy wiLL taKe yoUr soUL anD InfusE It wiTh mY DiviNE eSenCE- liKe I diD WhEn I FirsT ReviVEd yoU, buT UNlesS You saCRificE YOursELf tO Me, It’LL taKe deCAdEs tO BuiLD uP EnoUgh poWEr tO Do IT.” Error explains, nuzzling Nightmare and closing his sockets.
"Hmm…So I won't age or really die? Unlike those false bishops." Nightmare rubs the back of the god’s skull, lightly kissing his forehead as Error makes a face.
“DoN’t speAK oF ThEm.” He doesn’t quite snap, though it’s a close thing. “BuT No- yoU WOulDn’T DIe.”
"I really would have you forever then~" The taller coos.
“ThAt’s kiNDa thE PoINt~” Error replies with a faint smile.
"Hehehe~ I don't know much about love, but wanting to be with someone forever sounds like love to me." Nightmare headbutts the weakened god, purring against him. Though Error frowns.
“I aLReaDy toLd yoU- GoDS don’T LoVE.”
"And maybe you're right, maybe they don't, but then why do you want me so bad? Not as a servant, not as a slave, but as an equal bonded to you forever?" Nightmare looks deep into his eyelights, it almost feels like the other us looking through Error…He did that the first time they met too.
"I am not good at…mushy feelings. My whole life has been surrounded by nothing but one tragedy after another. I've been used for all my worth by more people than I can count and I had the one person I had ever loved taken from me…I promised myself I wouldn't let this hate, this resentment.. and all the negative feelings I have for this world go until I had burned it to the ground. Until everyone in it had suffered through the same pain."
Error stares at Nightmare in shock, in awe of his cold tone and the pure hatred in his eyelights, feeling his face heat up.
".....but I would drop all of that for you….Just like I would have for him. That's how I know that I love you. Nothing else matters, but you."
“...I’ll hElp yoU.” Nightmare takes a moment to process the other words before his sockets widen.
"Are you certain?"
“YeS.” Error grins widely, almost baring his teeth. “LeT’s buRN DowN THis WorlD TogETher- and RebUILd iT From thE AshES. LeT Our deStrUCtioN ANd neGAtivITy rEIgn sUPreme anD rECreATe tHis laNd iN OUr iMAge.”
His lamb slowly grins back, giggling in slightly manic glee before he grabs Error’s skull and traps the god in a deep rough kiss.
"Stars, I love you~" Error just laughs quietly, more than happy to kiss Nightmare back with a purr- before pausing, slightly surprised.
"Hum? What's wrong?" The taller asks curiously.
“..I DiDn’T KnoW I coULd puRr-” His lamb snorts at him, giggling as he nuzzles their skulls together more firmly.
“Really? But it’s so cute~”
“WeLL I neVEr haD A ReaSOn to-” He defends, face bright yellow as Nightmare coos.
“Aww~ So you’re purring just for me~?”
“NoT If yoU KeEp thiS Up-” He gets a firm kiss to his nasal bridge, Nightmare purring and nuzzling into him.
“But you’re so cute when you’re flustered~” Error just grumbles at his lamb, face warm as he tries to hide in Nightmare’s shoulder. Why does the other make him feel like this-? It’s so not fair….but he doesn’t want this fuzzy feeling to go away.
Nightmare stops his teasing to rub Error’s back, his phalanges ghosting over the bite marks all over his neck and shoulders as the other holds him, making him shiver at the pleasant sensation.
Error steadily relaxes in Nightmare’s hold, simply basking in his presence and touch as he lets his sockets flutter shut.
~
The weakened god’s sockets don’t open until it’s dark out, everyone having long since gone to bed. His mind wanders, half asleep as a familiar face returns to the forefront of his mind, smirking at him in amusement, and Error freezes as he goes back through his memories, steadily beginning to glitch.
There’s- there’s no way he actually saw him, right-? Let alone during that . He had died centuries ago- long before Error had been imprisoned. There’s just no way-.....Then again he is known for his tricks and games..or was- no- there’s absolutely no way Ink could be alive- Error had watched him die.
Still…Error starts to get up, carefully wiggling out from under Nightmare’s arms. He’s just checking- Just to be sure. Obviously Ink isn’t actually going to be there, and Error mentally repeats the words to himself as he finds some pants and dismisses his ecto, having absorbed Nightmare’s magic at some point.
He peaks his skull out into the darkness, his eyelights scanning the near surroundings, ignoring the fuzziness in his vision. The dim lights of the chapel stand out above the garden and Error quietly begins to make his way there, doing his best to suppress the static that comes off of him.
It’s almost completely silent, save for the bugs that buzz, hidden in the grass. His eyelights lock onto the empty roof, no small skeletons in sight. Just as he thought.
“StUpiD…” Error mutters to himself, turning away with a small scoff to go back to his hut.
“What is Error looking for?” His entire body goes ridgid, glitching harshly in shock as he stops breathing for a moment. “Is Error afraid?”
“.....Wh-haT THe-e fuCK-k-” The all too familiar voice giggles, leaning in closer as a small weight is set on his shoulder.
“Error is afraid, is it because of Ink~?” Error whips around and takes a couple steps back, practically gaping at the other god. Ink of course, only giggles more, smiling at Error with interest and amusement as he hops down from the bench he was standing on. “Hehehe, Error looks funny with that face.”
“WhA-aT TH-he fuCk- YoU’rE-e aLIve-???” Ink kinda shrugs at him.
“Eh, sort of. Ink can’t do much so it’s really boring, but Ink has a body sometimes now! Now Ink can give Error hugs!” The small skeleton doesn't even hesitate to grab onto him, nuzzling Error’s ribcage.
“YoU- wHaT-?” Error doesn’t shove Ink like he usually would only because of how shocked he is.
“Error still tickles~” The smaller laughs, looking up at him with that same fake smile that to anyone else, would feel so deceptively real. Error finds he still hates it just as much as before. “Ink was scattered, silly Error. It has taken some time for Ink to reform, but Ink’s almost there. Then Ink can play~! Ink has been soooo bored.”
“UgH yoU ANd yoUr gAMes-” Error mutters, finally pushing Ink off of him. Ink just lets him, whining and making grabby hands at the other.
“Error it’s sooooo borinnngggg- Error looked like he was having fun though~”
“FuCkinG- yoU SaW THaT DidN’t yoU-” The god mutters, more to himself than Ink.
“Uh huh~! Ink’s never seen that look on Error before, Error looked blissed out. Ink is surprised Error would like a mortal so much.” Ink sways on his feet as Error scowls at him, before softening slightly.
“YoU ALrigHt?” Ink looks back up at him, eyelights slightly unfocused.
“Yup! Ink is….in several places at once! It makes Ink a bit dizzy. Error does not want to be scattered, it is not fun. Ink saw that Error helped get rid of Ink’s killers though! Ink wanted to help-” Error scoffs, waving Ink off, before holding out his arm- an offer of stability.
“THeY beTraYED mE Too- I sIMply reCRuiteD SomE HeLp.”
“The mortal Error liiikkeess~?” Ink teases, leaning over to nuzzle the other god and earning a glare.
“ShuT Up-!”
“What~? Does Error not like to talk about his cute mortal~?” The little shit giggles again, nuzzling into Error’s neck and nuzzling one of the marks left there from earlier, who doesn’t hesitate to wack his face away, face glowing a bright yellow.
“He’S MiNe .” Error growls, bristling defensively. Of course Ink giggles at him-
“Don’t worry Error~ Ink’s not one to share either, Ink got his own toy, just like Error’s~” Error relaxes minutely, tilting his head in curiosity.
“Oh?”
“Uh huh! Ink likes him a lot. If Ink says that what is being done is for the greater good, they don’t even think about it~ Ink just gives them the right prompting and it’s done! Ink will be back to normal soon and so will Error!” The god of creation bounces a little on his feet, holding onto Error’s arm.
“I dOn’t eVen havE To hiDe mY IntENt- mY MortaL wANts tO WaTch thE WorLd bUrn AnD I cAn’t wAIt tO waTch~” Error brags. “..WhAT do YoU MeaN?”
“About what? About being back to normal?” Ink asks with the tilt of his skull.
“Mhm- HoW WouLd I GeT BaCk to NorMAl? I meAn- I’m woRKinG On iT RIght noW But iT Will taKe a whILe… BeINg IMprisONed ThE WaY I wAs dRaINeD Me oF MosT Of mY PowEr.” The god of destruction doesn’t mention the fact that his lamb stole a good chunk as well, unsure if Ink had witnessed that or not.
“Hmm….Error remembers the laws, right? The ones over us gods, how we were created and our unchangeable…fates.” Ink frowns for the first time during their encounter, looking at Error with stark white eyelights as he huffs.
“Of coURse I Do- bUt I dEFieD TheM OncE. I cAn dO It aGAin.”
“...Let’s just say something is about to change. A new path that Ink and Error are already taking.” Ink looks up at the sky as Error’s brows furrow, following his gaze in confusion.
“....WhY MusT YoU alWaYs be sO DamN cRypTId wiTh mE-” He mutters.
“Because it’s funny~!” Ink tells him with a grin. “Besdes, Error will be finding out soon so why spoil the surprise? Ink wants to see Error’s face when he realizes-”
“BaSTarD-”
“Awwww come on Errorrrr~” The creator clogs to him again with a smirk. “Error knows he likes Ink~ Ink saw Error crying when he died!”
“YoU SaW NoTHinG- ” The god of destruction hisses, pushing Ink’s face away as he feels his own heat up. “I’m LeaVIng NoW BEfoRE NigHTmaRE noTiceS I’m gOnE-”
Speak of the devil- One second he’s being teased by Ink and the next Error finds himself wrapped up in dark tendrils, the creator flying several feet away as his lamb growls threateningly, much to Error’s surprise.
“...Hi NiGhtmaRe. I sEe yoU’vE Met thE SQuiD.”
“The what-?” Nightmare looks at him with concern and confusion, that one sharp cyan eyelight looking him over for injuries as Error tries to wave him off.
“Whoa now Ink is really dizzy!”
“I’d sAY soRrY BuT I doN’t reALLy caRe.” The weakened god drawls, smirking at Ink. The creator pouts over at him, holding onto the side of a water fountain as he shakes his skull.
“So mean Erroorrrrrrr…”
“Who is that? Why was it touching you?” Nightmare practically demands as Error snorts.
“NiGhtmaRe, meET Ink, GOd oF CreaTIon… Or aT LEaSt- a FraGMent oF hiM.” He introduces. Nightmare proceeds to look back and forth from Error to Ink, not even slightly amused.
“That little thing can’t possibly be a god. He’s so short-” Ink proceeds to gasp dramatically in mock offense.
“Oh you’re both mean!!”
“He’S OnlY A HeaD SHorTer thAn mE.” Error points out, thoroughly amused.
“Well you make it cute, that thing certainly does not.” Nightmare tells him plainly as Ink falls backwards, Error bursting into laughter even as his face warms.
“Oh the emotional damage.”
“E-evEN- pFft- hiS- hiS TRue foRm iSn’T thAT muCh tALler-”
“Error! Don’t reveal Ink’s secrets!” Ink sits up to pout at him more, Nightmare headbutting the destructive god as he snickers.
“StiLL- doN’t uNdereSTimAte hiM- I proMise He’S ACtuaLLy mY couNteRPart-”
“Counterpart? I didn’t know you had one.” Nightmare perks up with interest. “I can’t say I’ve ever heard of…Ink before.”
“He’S The crEAtiON to mY DesTRuctION… He.. feLL in ThE SaMe BaTtle thAt leAD To mY ImprISoNMenT.” Error shrugs a bit. “I thOuGHt hE HaD DieD, and THey haD SuPpreSsed hIS LegACy liKe thEY trIEd miNE. I nEveR ThouGht To briNG iT Up.”
“Hurt like a bitch too. Ink doesn’t recommend it.”
“I see…So you two are on friendly terms I presume?” Error shrugs again, making a so-so gesture with his hand.
“MoSt oF InK’s ‘GaMes’ InvOLve uS beINg moRTal EneMIEs.”
“Admit it Error! Error likes fighting Ink just as much as Ink likes fighting Error~!” Nightmare raises a brow as Error shoots Ink a glare.
“ShUT uP I sTiLL doN’t liKe yoU-”
“Error is lyyyinggg~”
“FuCk oFf-” The god snaps, scowling. “I oNly foUGht yoU BecaUse YoU WerE THe oNly oNe whO MaTchEd mY PoweR-”
“Exactly!”
“THaT DoeSn’t meAn I LiKe yOu-!”
“Yes it does~ Ink saw Error crying-”
“ThAt meaNS noTHinG- It wAs jUst sOmE DUsT From The fiGht-”
“Still such a bad liar~” Ink continues to tease, almost cooing. Nightmare is…very unsure what to think of this.
“FuCk yoU- NiGHt LeTs go baCk to bEd-” Error demands, visibly flustered and annoyed. His loyal lamb nods, despite his confusion and Ink only shrugs.
“Ink will see Error later! Oh- and Nightmare, Dream says hi~!” The taller monster immediately bristles, turning his skull so fast it almost makes him feel dizzy, but Ink is already gone.
Error pauses, hesitantly looking up at Nightmare. “...WhO’s DreAm?”
“...Someone….someone important.” He stares for a few moments longer, before turning back towards the group of huts, tugging Error along. The god follows with ease, looking at Nightmare in slight concern, but he doesn’t push further.
They lay down in Error’s hut silently, Nightmare holding him close against his ribcage and nuzzling the top of his skull.
“...ArE YOu alRighT?” Error questions after a moment, lightly nuzzling Nightmare back. His lamb doesn’t respond right away, staring off behind him.
“...No.” He answers truthfully.
“Do yOu wANt tO TaLk abOut it?”
“...I don’t know what to say….” It’s true. His thoughts feel like they’re swirling in his skull, making his soul ache as he thinks through the possibilities.
“YoU DOn’t haVe to.” The ‘for now’ goes unsaid. “BuT STarTing fRoM The beGInnING usUALly hElPs.”
Nightmare glances away, pulling Error a bit closer as he sighs. There’s a long silence before he speaks.
“...I had a twin….We look almost exactly alike…save for our magic. We weren't very alike personality wise though.” The weakened god nods encouragingly, scooting himself up to better nuzzle his lamb. “I was quiet and preferred to read alone, he liked to talk, adventure and explore, finding the best in everything…even people who didn’t deserve it.”
“Do I NEeD To deSTroY SomEonE?” Error questions, only half joking. Nightmare huffs a little, kissing the weakened god.
“Maybe, I don’t know if they are still alive….” He sighs, looking down again. “We lived in a small village with a religion centered around a large tree. The forest we lived in was dense with spiritual magic and the tree was at the very center of it. This tree was my mother- and before you say anything I do need to explain that I am…not a monster-”
“I.. KnoW? YoU’re oF FaE DeCeNT, riGht?” Error asks as he tilts his head. “Is thAT Not cOMmoN KnoWLedGE?”
Nightmare nods, nuzzling him more. “Apparently that is…highly unusual outside of my old forest…here simply isn’t enough spiritual energy anywhere else for fae to form and….it takes a lot of energy. My mother…created me and my brother. She was growing weary and needed rest, but she didn’t trust the village around us. She said she would train us, but one day she fell asleep without warning and sunk back into the tree.”
He narrows his gaze with a deep frown. “I think the villagers had something to do with it.”
“It’S PosSIblE, if sHe wAs alReaDy tirEd.”
“Mhm….we were too little to understand. Me and Dream came into the world with basic knowledge, but no actual experience. Despite looking to be skellies, we were newborns and…very impressionable.”
“Our job was to protect mother. When something got too close to the tree we went into…instincts mode, drawing weapons without a single thought to protect our life source. It was very shocking the first few times it happened.” The god grimaces slightly, nuzzling closer to his lamb. Nightmare nuzzles him back gratefully, huffing a little at the memory.
“We would be talking and then sense someone approaching and suddenly we’re both on our feet. It was very jarring- but we got much better at controlling it, or at least not attacking people without warning. Most of the village left us alone for a little while because of it though…until one day, Dream went out to get me a birthday gift and he…made a friend.”
“...He started to go to the village more and more often. He would tell me stories of all the games he would play with the other kids and how much fun it was. He made it sound wonderful, eating goodies, chasing bugs, digging in the dirt…..One day he convinced me to go with him. It would only be for a little while so surly mom would be fine and she was, but….we could both sense the atmosphere change whenever the villagers looked at me.”
“It wasn’t immediate, but…I wasn’t as gullible or easy to trick as Dream. I saw through their lies, I asked questions because I wanted to understand…I didn’t know I was poking the bear until everyone would glare at me and gossip whenever Dream wasn't looking.”
“..YoU doN’t haVe to KeEP goIng.” Error offers, already beginning to get a fairly clear picture of what had happened.
“...I’ll be telling you eventually. Only if you want to hear it….” Error huffs and pouts, puffing up his cheeks slightly.
“....UnLEss yoU WaNt me GoiNg on A dEStruCTive RaMPAge I sUGgesT YoU aVoiD teLlinG Me thE SpeCifiCs oF WhaT I’m aSsUMinG THey diD To you.”
"...Probably for the better. I suppose the gist of it is that my brother eventually realized what they were doing and tried to help….He died. The villagers sold me off as a slave to another land over the sea and I ended up here." Error growls, and holds on tighter to Nightmare as his aura grows stronger for a moment with what little power he has.
“I’m alright though, you saved me, remember~?” He kisses the top of Error’s skull, nuzzling him gently as he quickly calms back down, just huffing quietly.
“..YeAh.”
“And now I get to be here with you, snuggled up under the covers, safe and sound~” Error gets a soft kiss, and that strange fluttery and fuzzy feeling rises in his chest as he gives Nightmare a small smile, before kissing him back.
It’s only a soft kiss, full of affection directed his way as Nightmare purrs against him. What would he have done if he hadn’t found Nightmare when he did? Wallow in misery for another century? Find someone inferior? He doesn’t want to think about it.
“Hmm~ I love you, Ruru~” Error hums and nuzzles Nightmare in response, wishing he could say it back and mean it. “I was going to go on another supply run tomorrow. Will you be alright here alone?”
Error frowns, brows furrowing. Normally he would pretend he didn’t care, spending the day moping in bed, but… “..LeT Me coMe wiTH You.”
“What-? Absolutely not-” Nightmare responds immediately, not liking the idea whatsoever as Error’s frown deepens.
“I maY Be wEAkeNeD BuT I’m sTILl a GoD- I cAn deFEnd mYSelF PerFEcTly fiNe.” He says firmly, his lamb huffing at him.
“I still don’t think it’s a good idea. What if something does happen to you? What if you get hurt?”
“I cAn’t diE- yoU cAN, anD I’m NoT STroNg enOuGh tO bRinG YOu baCk if SoMethINg haPpENs.” Error replies.
“To be fair I only died twice at the beginning- and I know what I’m doing, I’ll be fine.”
“YOu diEd tWo TimES dURinG YOur firSt coUPLe oF raIDs anD tHen oNe moRE WHeN trYInG to fiGht thE FirST wITneSs.” The god corrects.
“....Fine fine- Just be careful-” The taller agrees begrudgingly, Error grinning as he gives Nightmare a kiss. He was still coming with or without Nightmare’s approval, but it’ll be easier to have it.
“I wiLL~”
“...Why are you so cute~?” Nightmare coos, making Error pout at him.
“ShuT-”
“Nope~ Never~ You’re too cute I can’t stop gushing over you~!” He very aggressively nuzzles the god, kissing his face and neck all over as he does so, getting many whines and pouts in exchange. Nightmare takes it one step further and bites down on the other's collarbone, making him gasp and arch slightly, flushing in surprise.
“N-niGhT..~” He whines as his loyal lamb sucks on the bite, making him tremble, before Nightmare pulls away, just enough to give the new mark a kiss.
“...We should get married.”
“MaRrieD?”
“It’s…It’s a ritual to bind two people together..as mates. The main ceremony is done in front of others, we say vows to one another and then kiss to seal it. The second part is done in private where we….have soulsex to seal that we are mates. We’ll be able to sense each other's emotions and even when the other is in danger and a vague location.” Error hums in thought. It does seem useful, though Error already can sense when Nightmare is in danger… it may make his lamb feel better about bringing him along, though.
“...SuRe.” Nightmare pouts a little, nuzzling him.
“This is a big deal you know. Sure isn’t a very confident answer. Soulbonds are serious.”
“WeLL I aLreADy haVe yoUr soUL doN’t I? It’s ONly faIR You GeT MinE As wELL.” Error muses.
“Errrooor- It’s more than just being even or it being fair. For a good few minutes out souls will be melded together as one thing. There will be no difference between me and you. We’ll be sharing all our thoughts and feelings for one another and when we separate again we will be so interchangeably connected that if we were to ever break our bond for whatever reason it will damage us forever.”
“It’s a GoOd thING I PlaN On maKInG YOu a GoD Then~ BesiDeS, I wANt yoU To rULe At mY SidE~” Nightmare huffs before nuzzling further against him, kissing and lightly licking the new bite and making him shiver.
“You’re too attractive for your own good-”
“I thOuGhT I wAS cuTe?” Error teases, face hot.
“You’re both~”
“...shUsH-” Nightmare chuckles, nuzzling Error with a loud purr.
“Adorable, sexy, cute, attractive~ I could stare at your pretty body all day~” The god just whines wordlessly, pushing at Nightmare’s face with his hands as he tries to burrow under the blankets, unsure why the complements left him feeling so hot and fluttery. “Aww Ruru~ Don’t be like that~ There’s no reason to be so shy~”
“I- I’m NoT ShY- I’m JuSt- dOne WIth thIs cONveRSaTIon-!” Error stammers.
“So do you want me to go to my own tent then~?”
“Don’T YOu dAre-”
Chapter 44: Harpy Ink
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error goes to an AU where he meets a harpy Ink. Misunderstandings ensue.
TW! Error very much gets raped and drugged (and ends up pregnant) in this one, though there’s no actual malicious intent. Honestly other than the rape harpy Ink is pretty cute. There’s also talk of abortion and Error feels lots of bad emotions.
Chapter Text
The destroyer sighs, tired from hours of working as he enters the last AU on his list. It’s one of the more unique AU’s with other characters from the multiverse inside, though he has no clue what it's about, something to do with animals- it wouldn’t be the first one like it.
He steps into a mountain forest landscape, tall pine pine trees stretching out. The air smells of rain and pollen, the air a bit brisk as the sun hides behind the clouds. Based on that and all the wild flowers, it must be spring.
“At LeaST iT’s NicE Out..” Error mumbles, closing his sockets and taking a moment to just enjoy the calm atmosphere before he has to get to work. The quiet sound of the wind blowing through the tree bristles is relaxing for a few minutes, until he starts to pick up on a flapping sound? It’s probably just a bird, but why does it sound so big-?
Just as he opens his sockets a small figure slams into him, making him fall back against the dirt with a startled yelp, glitching in surprise.
“ThE FuCk-!?” He instinctively tries to push the thing- person-? off of himself, reaching up for his strings. Something soft draps itself over his body, rubbing against his face and arms, leaving behind a tingly sensation- a different one than the uncomfortable feeling of his glitches. It’s almost relaxing- and Error finds his frantic movements growing sluggish, making him fumble as he struggles to grasp onto his strings.
The heavy weight settles onto his ribcage, the soft touch brushing against his skull over and over until his limbs feel so heavy he can hardly move- even breathing felt difficult. It’s only then that the soft feeling pulls away and he sluggishly blinks up at-
“..I-iNk…?” No, that can’t be Ink, this skeleton’s eyelights are white- and, trailing his gaze down he sees that they’re covered in feathers, which must’ve been the soft thing he had felt. This universe’s Ink-? “GEt- gET oFf-f-”
The small winged skeleton blinks at him, cocking their head to the side before they lean down and nuzzle their skull against the side of Error’s. It’s odd and after a moment of rubbing their head against him, the not-Ink sits back up to look him over, moving back off his chest to sit over his pelvis instead.
“Wh- H-hEy- SToP-” Getting worried, Error tries to struggle again and attempts to get a grasp on his magic- if only to portal away- only managing to weakly wiggle beneath the winged skeleton.
The other pays his words no mind, though Error’s not sure if they can even understand him. The blank faced Ink curiously nuzzles his skull up under Error’s sweater and wiggles like a worm until their head pops out the stretched out neck of his sweater. They seem interested at first based on the small chirp sound they make, before trying to spread their wings, the confines of his sweater making that difficult.
“Um- hI-?” Their focus is immediately back on him instead of his sweater, their struggling stopping for a moment as they look up at him.
“Prrruu?” They chirp- the sound most definitely pigeon-like.
“YeS HI PleASe LeAVe me ALonE-” Error struggles to even shake his head at them, glaring weakly. The slow blank blink he gets in return only worries him more, that this Ink might not even be able to understand what he’s saying at all.
The bird-like skeleton begins to struggle again, stretching the confines of his sweater until he hears several threads pop.
“No C’mON I JuSt maDE This thINg-!” He protests. Error would honestly find this funny if it weren’t for the odd, heavy fuzziness filling him. It’s scary, not being able to use his magic, let alone struggle! At least this Ink bird thing doesn't seem hostile…for now.
His new red sweater practically shreds as the blank faced Ink- maybe he should just call them Blank?- rips himself out of it, shaking his feathers out. In other circumstances he would have found it almost cute how the small skeleton shakes his wing, trying to get the red thread off, but right now he just wants them to go away so he can try to open a portal out of here.
If there is a higher being they must hate him because instead of losing interest and leaving, the bird creature coos at his now bare ribcage and leans down to start rubbing his face against it. An embarrassing squeak escapes Error as he glitches, wishing he could push them away.
The rubbing only lasts a few seconds, but he doesn’t get the chance to enjoy it as Blank switches to lightly licking and nomming on them instead, making Error gasp, glitching harder as he tries to squirm, stubbornly fighting the way his magic stirs in interest. “W-wAiT-t sToP-”
Blank noms and gently chews as the the two claws at the tops his wings hook onto Error’s collar bones, sucking and biting and leaving little teeth marks wherever sparks his interest, mainly the glitches that flicker off and on in different spots, drawing strangled sounds from Error as he fights back moans.
“S-stO-oP-” Error fights to raise his arms or kick at the winged skeleton, but he’s completely helpless as his magic sparks in his pelvis, frustrated tears beginning to gather in his sockets. He hates how good it feels. How his magic doesn’t want to listen, and how the other is being so frustratingly gentle !
He hears a soft coo as Blank zeros in on one of his glitches, waiting for a moment before his skull snaps forward and he nips aggressively at the spot, and Error can’t stop himself from crying out, female ecto snapping into place against his will.
Surprised, the bird jumps back, standing up over Error with big sharp talons he didn’t even notice gripping the ground at his sides. Blank stares down at him wide eyed, before cocking his skull to the side again.
“P-pLeASe jUSt Go aWAy…” Error mumbles weakly, trying to glare more to get his point across. With a small chirp, the other leans down in close to his face and gently headbutts him, several small trill- almost purr like- sounds coming from them. Are they trying to comfort him-? What is even going on anymore-?? “WhAT dO You WaNt-??”
Blank pulls away enough to look at him, blinking with the same blank look he’s had through this whole weird experience, and just lays his skull between Error’s little breasts, staring at him. Despite still being upset, Error can’t help but snort a bit- this whole situation is incredibly ridiculous.
“CaN YOu jUsT LeaVE me aLOne seriOUsLY-” A pigeon-like coo is his only response, because of course, and after a moment Blank starts nuzzling his chest. He watches the moment the bird seems to actually notice that he even has boobs and he gets the surprising sight of seeing Blank try and squish his face into them, using his wings to press them against his skull, followed by more cooing.
“GeNUinEly WhaT THe heLL.” Error deadpans. He steps into the AU once and is immediately ambushed by a perverted bird Ink….well at least he knows the two Ink’s aren’t that different. He’s constantly ambushed in his antivoid no matter how much he tries to keep the stupid squid out. At least the squid knew how to respect boundaries- though Error had to beat the lesson into him a few times for it to stick.
Blank stops his nuzzling for a moment, sniffling the air, before he looks down at Error’s shorts and curiously moves lower to hook his claws around the waist band.
“H-heY WaIT noW-” The glitch protests, trying to wiggle away as his shorts are gradually tugged on. It takes a moment for Blank to get it, but once he does, he’s quickly pulling Error’s shorts off and investigating the fabric, sniffling the air until his white eyelights lock onto the glitch’s slit. “No DoN’t yoU dAre-”
The bird looks up at him for a moment, then back to his cunt and something about the look on Blank’s face is so stupidly comical- He slowly leans towards it-
“StOp-!” Error shouts, hoping to scare him off somehow. Instead the smaller freezes in place for a few seconds, looking at him…..before creeping forward again- “I sWeAr to FoX dOn’t yOU fucKIng daRe-”
Blank stops again only for a second, before hooking each claw of his wings around Error’s hips and situating himself there, the glitch watching in shock and no small amount of horror as what can only be a dick sprouts from the many feathers between Blank's legs.
“W-waiT wAIT- dON’t-” Error stammers, glitching in quickly growing panic. This can’t seriously be happening-! He’s not about to be fucked by some weird bird version of Ink, right!? He tries to wiggle or squirm in one last ditch effort to move, but whatever is keeping him immobile hasn’t worn off yet and all he can do is panic and stare as the small skeleton slowly presses into him.
Error can’t fight back the- frankly pathetic- whine that escapes him, straining desperately in an attempt to do anything as he’s stretched out almost painfully. The bird's shaft isn’t exactly small- hell it doesn’t even feel like it's shaped quite the same as a skeleton monster’s, with the tip feeling much more smooth and slanted? Rather than a pointed tip, and without any prep it’s just on the edge between uncomfortable and painful- like he said.
Thankfully the bird seems to understand the whine better than any of his words and pauses, giving him a few moments to adjust. It’s still not what Error really wanted- he’d rather Blank pull out- but he’ll take what little he can get.
The bird eyes him for a long moment, watching his breathing closely, before making another pigeon noise and pushing in a little more, his cock slowly getting thicker.
“I haTE This-” Error mutters to himself, voice slightly strained. This feels so uncomfortable, stinging as his walls are so slowly spread apart. Why can’t this stupid bird just go away and stop touching him so he can try to get his portals working-? Error stubbornly blinks away more tears of frustration, refusing to cry.
“Sprrruu~” Blank coos at him as he feels the birds cock press against the entrance to his womb and Error would have tensed if he was able to, glitching in discomfort.
“P-pLeASe juST sToP…” He mumbles weakly. The bird looks down at him, their claws letting go of his hip as they lean forward and nuzzle the side of his skull again. Stupid bird- he can’t even bring himself to be completely angry at them like he wants- they clearly aren’t doing this out of malicious intent- but without the anger he’s just left feeling helpless and weak and pathetic.
Blank plops his skull back down on Error’s chest, quietly chirping at him as he stops pushing, giving the glitch another break- much to his relief.
“HoW THe fuCk is YOur diCK sO LoNg-” Under an extremely different set of circumstances, Error could honestly see himself enjoying this. This whole situation is as unfortunate as it is bizarre.
Soft coos and chirps are the only response gets and he can't help but sigh. This situation could be worse...Blank could have shoved inside him and be less gentle, those big sharp talons could probably do some damage too-
“Prruu prrruu~”
“YeS fINe whATevER JusT GEt IT oveRWIth-” Error groans. The sooner they were satisfied the sooner they’ll hopefully go away. Blank’s feathers fluff up and apparently some of them must trail up his spine because he can see a long shiny feather pop up on the top of their skull. It looks a bit ridiculous.
The coo more at him, nuzzling his chest, before slowly rocking his hips back and pulling half way out, before smoothly sliding back in. It doesn’t necessarily feel good- he refuses to get pleasure in this- but it’s much better than before.
Blank continues the slow movement, never pressing very hard against his womb and he knows the bird could. He still hasn’t felt their pelvis feathers down there yet so there must be more length- how he has no idea. He’s both grateful and angered by the gentleness of the smaller. He hates it- he wishes Nightmare would notice his negative emotions already and get this fucker- literally- off of him.
Slowly their movements grow faster, pulling out a little more with every thrust- trying to drag a sound from him, but Error bites them all back, even as the sensations go from uncomfortable to pleasant. He isn’t going to give this stupid bird any gratification-
Somehow said stupid bird has managed to maintain that blank expression on his face, the only real change being the slight fuzz at the edges of their eyelights. They change positions a little, watching his own face as the abnormally long cock presses against different spots of his sensitive walls, clearly trying to find his g-spot.
“M-mH~” Blank eventually manages to hit it dead on, and Error can’t quite hold back the noise this time, much to his frustration and Bank’s delight.
The bird chirps very happily at him and nuzzles his chin as each thrust is aimed at his good spot, more quiet, choked off sounds escaping Error against his will. He hates it- he hates how they’re trying so hard to make this feel good for him too, despite this being against his will, and he hates how well they’re succeeding.
He hates that their seemingly sweet and gentle behavior makes it so hard to hate them- He wants to so badly, he wants to be angry at them so he can makes sure to give them hell later and feel justified for it- but how can he when they genuinely seem to want to please him, even if they don’t understand him. It’s awful- it’s surprisingly nice- he hates it.
Error can feel something tightening in his gut despite his best efforts, the pleasure building just enough to make his inner walls ache for release.
“F-fUcK- wAI-waIT..~” He pants, unable to keep the moan out of his voice as he weakly squirms, his body wanting more while his mind screams at him to fight back. He’s so close all he needs is a little more and he’ll- “AAhHh~!”
Blank makes a small groaning noise as his walls clench down tightly on the bird's cock, the first real expression on their face being one of pleasure. They change angles, thrusting through his climax right up against his womb's entrance, the pleasure of his climax covering up the uncomfortable feeling. And with an audible pop, the tip of Blank’s dick breaches his middle, making him gasp and jolt just barely, his body still not listening properly to him.
The bird is fully sheathed inside him now, the fluffy feathers pressing against his clit confirming his suspicions as a sudden burst of warmth fills his insides.
“HnnNnng~” Error finds himself relaxing slightly in relief, internally begging that they might be done now, but of course the damn bird has to make a sad whining sound- nearly a whimper- as they nuzzle their front closer to him. Confused, he opens his mouth to say something, only for a choked off noise to leave him as something large begins pressing against his entrance.
It’s like the base of Blank's dick is expanding, something inside being pushed through like a tube into his body, forcing his entrance to stretch wider. It’s incredibly uncomfortable at first, but it doesn’t hurt- Blank seems to feel otherwise.
“WhAT THe fuCK whAT ThE-e fuUcK-” Error breathlessly mutters. As the object moves deeper inside him, the uncomfortable feeling diminishes and his walls flutter, his body seemingly accepting the foreign object with no complaints- despite Error’s many mental complaints and growing panic. What the hell even is it-??
The bird brain on top of him whines and whimpers in pain, letting out sad squawking noises as he moves to nuzzle his skull against Error’s again, except this time instead of trying to comfort the glitch, they’re seeking comfort from him. Error has no idea what’s happening but he can’t help but feel kind of bad, and with tremendous effort on his part, he manages to weakly flop his hand onto their skull, hand twitching slightly in an attempt to pet them.
Blank relaxes a little and based on the little coo they let out, he seems to like it, turning his skull to nuzzle Error’s palm. A second later, the object gets to his womb's entrance, pushing the small opening wider, making the uncomfortable feeling return before it pops inside and lands heavily in his belly, the bird going lax again as Error squeaks.
“S-seRIOuslY WhaT WaS THaT-” Blank looks up at him with a soft chirp, before they sit up and move to slowly pull themselves out, their long cock falling limp and somehow retracting to completely hide back in the birds fluffy feathers.
They trill, before a shake runs through their body and every feather on their body floofs up as they shake some feathers loose, Error going limp and almost crying in relief. He needs to get out of here-
The bird straightens a few feathers, before stepping around him and bending down to nuzzle at his belly, very pleased with himself- based on the way Blank looks at Error, chest feathers puffing up.
“I haTE yoU.” Error says, though there’s no real bite in it, just exhaustion. He hates this whole experience, but he can’t quite bring himself to hate the bird. They don’t take it as an insult like he wishes they would either, and coos at him in response instead. They nuzzle his skull, before getting up and oddly prancing around, eventually finding a spot on a nearby rock to perch on, facing away from him.
For a moment he thinks maybe they were going to leave, that is before they started shaking their tail feathers in his direction.
Error can’t help it- he snorts, before bursting into slightly hysterical laughter, tears pricking at the corners of his sockets as he struggles to catch his breath. This is so freaking stupid, the dumb the bird is shaking his feathered butt at him like they’re a living fan. This situation is just so absurd.
As the glitch cackles, Blank spreads his wings out to shake them to, slowly lifting them up, before doing a very dramatic turn on one talon, his wings hiding everything but his sockets like he’s trying to be mysterious.
It looks so ridiculous- and it has Error dissolving into another small fit of giggles before he weakly manages to roll onto his side and struggles to push himself up, grimacing at the bit of cum leaking out of him. Just those few movements had him feeling exhausted.
Whatever Blank did to make him immobile must be really potent stuff- even as it finally starts to fade his limbs feel heavy and shaky. The bird's head is suddenly there to help sit him up, gently pushing against his chest until he’s sitting on his legs, panting a bit.
“Croo?”
“Th.. tHAnks..” Error mumbles, before raising a trembling hand and clumsily swiping through the air, fighting with his magic to open a portal to Nightmare’s castle. He can hear the air fizzle a little in an attempt, before it pops and crackles and the pixels just barely start to form a small hand sized portal.
He struggles to make it bigger, trying to push more magic into the portal so he could at least crawl through it- or fall through it, if he can manage to move it beneath himself. The bird watches in confusion, but doesn’t move as they keep Error from falling over, letting him lean on them as they coo and nuzzle his neck.
“Error?” The portal turns black and expands, and the glitch slumps in exhaustion as his arm falls down limply, holding back a relieved sob.
“H-hELp…” Nightmare’s tentacles reach for him immediately, securely wrapping around his arms and legs as the bird watches with a confused noise, before one wraps around Error’s middle and Blank hisses like an angry goose, making Error flinch and curl in on himself.
The previously calm creature tries to attack the tentacle with his talons- making Error fall to the side, support gone- but is smacked hard by Nightmare and sent flying into a tree trunk before Error just weakly pushes at the tentacle.
“W-waIT dOn’t-” The tentacles wrap up around his chest to keep him upright as they lift him off the ground, Nightmare fully stepping through to check him over.
“Don’t what? What happened? Are you hurt-?”
“TaKe a GUEsS-” Error mutters, having a bit of trouble holding his head up properly- he’s so tired . He’s sure he looks like a wreck, with his sweater torn to shreds, shorts missing, and covered in dirt and a few stray feathers- his ecto still summoned and stomach still inflated with Blank’s cum and whatever he put in him. “D-doN’t- doN’T HUrT hiM-”
“Don’t hurt him- Are you kidding I’m going to kill him! ” Nightmare is furious, it’s a pretty rare occurrence despite being known for his temper. His body twists into what Error can only describe as an eldritch horror promising suffering as his mouth falls open impossibly wide and his form starts to grow, the goop on his body dripping like a waterfall.
“NiGht- PLeaSe..?” The glitch asks quietly, voice breaking. The guardian looks down at his pleading expression, before looking back at the bird whimpering quietly on the ground. Error can’t help but feel bad for them.
With a deep growl, Nightmare closes his mouth and turns to march them through the portal, immediately opening another to his bathroom and carefully laying Error down against the back of the tub.
“I will be right back.” Before Error can say anything the king leaves to his room, closing the door and everything is quiet, before the sounds of many things being broken and thrown can be heard from the other room. Error glitches, flinching with every sound and sinking down further into the tub guiltily. Maybe he should’ve just tried for the antivoid…
A few minutes later, Nightmare comes back, looking more calm and…somewhat composed. It’s amazing how Nightmare can wear such an indifferent look on his face and his posture look relaxed while his tentacles are nearly thrashing behind him. As the nymph grabs the showerhead and starts warming the water, he looks to Error.
“Did it hurt you anywhere?”
“No.. miGhT Be DRugGEd, thOUgh.” Error shrugs slightly, avoiding eye contact, the shame and embarrassment that he had been able to mostly ignore quickly making their presence known again.
A tentacle moves to gently rub his cheek as the others carefully pull the remains of his sweater off, including his jacket and scarf. He feels a small tug on his emotions- on his soul- and the feeling of shame in particular is gradually eaten by his best friend, surprising Error a bit.
“Did it put something in your mouth?” Nightmare asks in an even voice, the warm water gently running over his legs.
“No- thEY- liKE, ruBbED thEir feATHers ovER Me? I duNnO- iT MaDE Me fEeL HeaVy aNd I coULDn’T aCceSS mY MagIC-” Nightmare frowns deeply as one of his tentacles curls into a tight ball behind him.
“Hm. Some birds have paralyzing toxins on their feathers, but I have never heard of a harpy having something similar.” The water is slowly moved up higher, gently rinsing him off as he shrugs again.
“It sTArteD Out faIRly iNnoCEnt.. I thINk thEy thOugHT my sHIRt waS WeiRD- thEy wiGgleD INto iT And gOT stuCK, whiCH iS WHy iT’s so RIpPed uP…” Error explains, Nightmare listening quietly. The water feels nice against his sore ecto and tired body, helping him gradually relax in the tub.
“I see…”
“ThEN THeY meSsED wITh mY rIBs- I thINk TheY WeRe trYIng To eaT onE Of mY GlitCHes..? AnD THeN…” Error trails off, before shrugging a third time. Nightmare pauses for a moment to look at the glitch’s face and he leans forward to headbutt him, lightly nuzzling him.
“I’m sorry..You don’t have to tell me anything. I get it.”
“TheY… I dOn’T THiNk thEy coULd uNdeRStaND mE- bUT thEY- I thINk tHeY thOuGht I WaNTed iT? WheN I aCciDEntaLly sUmMOneD..? It.. It diDN’t huRT..” Error rambles a bit before losing steam, the shame rising up in him again as he thinks back on the experience.
“Hey-” Nightmare gently grabs his cheeks, making him meet the guardian's gaze as their foreheads are pressed together. “It is a perfectly normal physical response. Anything and everything you felt was normal and you're not gross for feeling the way you feel. You didn’t do anything wrong and, while you are still going to feel ashamed, it is completely unfounded and no noise you made or pleasure you felt wasn’t normal. You aren’t filthy, you aren’t gross, and you’re still just as beautiful as you have always been.”
“O..oKAy…” The glitch mumbles, sockets wide in slight shock as tears gather in them, before he closes them and nuzzles into Nightmare’s hands. The guardian rubs his cheeks as he leans up to kiss Error’s forehead, peppering his skull with affection filled kisses.
“I still love you, the boys will still love you, Killer’s cat Cheeto is still going to sit on your lap in the living room, we will all still be here for you to help you, and care for you, and give you any and every kind of attention you desire and this doesn’t make you any less of the amazing Ruru we know and love.”
Error just nods with a quiet sniffle, before a small sob manages to escape him and opens the floodgates, making him begin to cry in earnest. Nightmare leans closer and just holds him, his tentacle very loosely curling around Error and petting his sides soothingly, letting him cry out his pent up emotions.
The glitch isn’t sure how long he just cries, but he feels about ready to pass out by the time the tears finally stop, his sobs quieting to quiet sniffles and hiccups, all while Nightmare rubs his cheeks and gently nuzzles his forehead.
“...Is it alright if I touch you to clean you up?” Error nods just slightly, finding it increasingly difficult to keep his sockets open. Nightmare kisses his forehead again, a tentacle picking the showerhead back up and lightly continuing to rinse Error with it. “Ok, rest my dear. I’ll clean you and put you to bed for a nice long nap.”
“Y’sURe..?” The glitch mumbles, already on the verge of dozing off.
“Mhm, I’ll be right there with you when you wake up, I’ll keep you safe.” Nightmare nuzzles him again, soothingly purring. “Can I press the cum out of you or no?”
Error grimaces a bit, for some reason not liking the idea. “Pl’s DoN’t..”
“Alright.” kiss “Anything else you would like me to do or not to do before you fall asleep?”
“DOn’t kiLL aNYoNe- aN’ doN’t leT TH’ bOYs ‘f Y’ teLL ‘em…” Error says after a long moment, before yawning. His friend sighs, but nods.
“Alright. I won’t kill anyone, even that damned harpy. And I won’t say anything to the boys…It’s not my place.” With another few soft kisses, Nightmare lets go of his face. “Sleep, dear. You need your rest.”
“Y’ c’N TeLl’m..” The glitch mumbles, letting his skull rest on Nightmare’s shoulder as he gives up trying to keep his sockets open.
“..Only if you want me too. Sleep well, dear…” The guardian continues to purr soothingly and cleans Error up as the glitch falls asleep, wiping off the dirt and…taking a feather sample to examine later. He makes sure there are no remnants of what happened, all save for the nips and bites on Error’s ribcage he can barely see through his friend's ecto and the slightly plump full belly.
Just shifting Error makes some of the cum leak out and Nightmare takes a moment to debate whether he should grab a cunt plug or put Error in a diaper. There’s no way he’s letting that creature’s cum get on his bed.
On one hand, the glitch would probably be embarrassed to wake up in a diaper- but on the other, Nightmare has no idea how Error might react to the implication of possibly being touched again while helpless…
…A diaper or towel will have to do. Besides, seeing a very embarrassed Error will be very amusing. Maybe they can even joke about it later. So after carefully drying the glitch off, being careful not to shift him too much, Nightmare carries him to the bed with a towel under his butt. The guardian then pulls out a container of adult diapers from his closet.
Why does he have these? Because Killer thought it would be funny to give them to Cross after finding out about the poor oreo’s mommy kink….it was actually quite amusing even after he confiscated them. It’s a good thing he hadn’t gotten around to tossing them away. And to make sure the diaper doesn’t rub Error’s ecto raw around his legs, Nightmare opens a portal and pulls out baby powder.
Yes, he himself is a little embarrassed to be doing this. He can only imagine how Error is going to feel when he wakes up. The guardian moves quickly, putting the diaper beneath Error’s butt before rubbing the powder on and wraping the adult baby item around him, velcrowing the sides securely around his hips.
“....Error is going to kill me.” Said glitch just shifts slightly in his sleep and Nightmare stiffens. “...This must be how Killer feels after setting up a prank….what have I become-?”
With a heavy tired sigh the king moves Error up better in the bed, resting his skull on a pillow and quickly dressing him in a nightgown, before tucking him in. Once everything is put away, he lays down beside the destroyer, watching his pretty face as he sleeps.
~
Error groans as he slowly wakes up, becoming aware of the dull ache permeating his bones- feeling especially sore between his legs and lower abdomen. That combines with the weight resting in his middle against his spine he can’t help but whine a little. At least he feels more rested than…than…
He jerks up with a small gasp, opening his sockets and looking around rapidly- only to hunch over slightly as the odd weight against his spine shifts down uncomfortably, making him grimace.
“Ru, hey it’s ok-” Nightmare sits up beside him, reaching over to hold his hand with a small frown. “What’s wrong?”
“...I-I’m fINe-” Error mutters after a moment of just taking deep breaths, calming himself down.
“...Alright. Nothing is hurting you, then?”
“SoRE As hELl- aNd thERe’s tHis weIRd… thINg-” The glitch pulls up his nightgown- Nightmare must’ve dressed him- before pausing at the sight of the diaper. “...NiGht. WHy thE HeLL am I IN a DiaPEr.”
Nightmare lets out a very unflattering snort, letting go of Error’s hand to cover his mouth as he giggles. “You said you d-didn’t want me to drain you and I didn’t want cum on my bed-”
“ThEn?? UsE A TowEL-??” Error says incredulously, flushing in embarrassment.
“But you’re a cuddler and this is far more amusing~ I even used baby powder-”
“WHat tHE fUck- No- We’rE CoMInG BaCk tO thiS LATeR-” Error decides, pulling the diaper down enough to properly see his stomach. His asshole of a best friend leans over to see what he's looking at.
“What did you mean by weird thing?”
“I meAN-” Error pauses at the sight of the object in his womb, just large enough to round out his stomach. It’s shape honestly reminds him of…
“.....An eGg-g-” He mutters as cold realization washes over him. That’s what the thing in the bird’s dick was- they layed a fucking egg in him-!!
“What-?” Nightmare’s smile immediately vanishes as he lays down to get a better look, staring as his tentacles go ridged.
“ThEy LaID aN Egg-g iN-n mE, NigHT-” Error mutters, glitching harshly in fear. His best friend shoves down the growing rage burning in his soul to gently cup Error’s face again and headbutting him.
“It’s ok, it’ll be fine- just breathe. Breaaaathe- I can take it out if you want you don’t have to be stuck with it.”
“I- I DoN’t-” Error whines, before breathing in shakily, leaning heavily into Nightmare’s touch. The king helps to guide him stroking his cheeks and slowly breathing in and out dramatically, their foreheads placed together. It slowly works, Error’s breaths evening out as he calms down slightly, though much of the panic is still there.
“There…ok. This is a big deal, I know this is a lot.” Nightmare says, his hands never stopping their soothing rubbing of Error’s cheekbones. “But it’s going to be ok. You have a few options.”
“I… I dOn’t…” Error’s voice breaks a bit. “I aLReaDY haVe To dESTroY So maNY InNOceNT liVEs….”
“...Ru…If you do decide you want it removed it will probably die, yes. But right now it can barely be considered alive. I highly doubt the little soul inside is very far along. If you do decide to let it do its thing then we can always drop it back off in the AU it came from…but..”
“..BuT..?” The destroyer quietly prompts.
“....Well, harpies are very territorial creatures and mate once a year in the spring so the fathers don’t exactly participate and it is very unlikely another female harpy will take them in. They are very likely to die without a mom…” Error’s brows furrow, and he looks down, frowning deeply.
“...I dOn’T…. I dON’t knOW…” He mumbles, curling in on himself. “‘M sORry…”
“Ru, don’t apologize. You have done nothing wrong…” Nightmare nuzzles him, leaning closer to loosely hug the glitch, and gently rub his back and skull. “It’s alright not to want them to die…I understand.”
Error just silently nuzzles closer to Nightmare, hugging him back with a small sigh, thoughts swirling through his mind. There is a real egg sitting inside of him right now…using him as a living incubator. Oh stars why- how did it get to this point? What did Nightmare say? Harpies only mate once in the spring?
Oh- well that does explain the dumb bird's response to him summoning his ecto, they must have seen it as an invitation. It honestly makes him feel a bit better, knowing concretely that it must have just been the language barrier- nothing had any actual sexual intent until his ecto was summoned… Though that does mean if he had managed to keep his ecto from forming, this whole mess probably wouldn’t be happening.
“...YoU StiLL doN’t geT To kiLL thE HarPY-” Error states after a long minute.
“W-why not-?” He can practically feel the scowl on Nightmare’s face as the king grumbles, snuggling in closer to him.
“BeCAusE TheY’rE bASicaLLy JusT RUnNIng oFf of INstiNCt- aNd hoNEstLY, otHEr thAN thE… THiNg, thEy weRE.. kiNda ENdeARing.” Error quietly admits. “ThEY EveN did tHIs sTuPId daNCe fOR me- I jUSt… I caN’t brING mYSeLf to HatE THem.” Nightmare is quiet as he thinks over Error’s words, before pulling the smaller into his lap and leaning back against his tentacles.
“...Fine. I will leave them be. Only because you insist..and as long as they never meant any harm or malicious intent….I will let it slide….but I am not happy about it.”
“ThEY werE.. NiCE To mE- ThEy sToPpeD And COmfoRteD Me whEn iT waS GeTtiNG paINfuL, anD THey gENuiNeLY seEMeD to wANt mE to eNJoy mYSeLF…” Error mumbles, nuzzling against the guardian as he stubbornly ignores the odd feeling of the diaper he’s still wearing. “..I haTE thaT I CoULdn’T brINg mYSelF To cOMplETely hatE It.. It maKEs mE feEl groSs…”
“You aren’t gross-...And at least you aren’t left with a traumatic experience.” Nightmare closes his sockets, resting his skull back. “Sure it sounds like it wasn’t all that pleasant, but at least you aren’t scared for life. Those kinds of scars and trauma never really go away…the feeling never really leaves you.”
“StiLL mILdLy scARreD- thEir diCK wAs uNnaTUraLly loNG-” Error weakly jokes, stubbornly refusing to think too hard about the egg still resting heavily in his middle.
“...It sOUnDs liKe yOU’rE SpeaKInG FroM ExPERiencE.” He offers- a silent offer to be a listening ear. Nightmare tenses beneath him, all the near constant movement of his tentacles stilling.
“...”
“YoU Don’T havE To tALk aBoUT aNytHiNg if yOU doN’t wANt.”
“...I just…don’t want anyones pity…or for you to think less of me..” Error frowns, nuzzling Nightmare.
“..I’vE ReaD YOur sTOry.” He says after a moment. “I caN MaKe a gUEsS tO whAT HaPpeNEd- aND My oPinIOn oF You haSN’t anD WiLL neVEr chANge. NoT FOr soMethING liKe thaT.”
Nightmare is quiet for a moment, nuzzling him back. “....It wasn’t…abnormal for me to be attacked while going to or coming back from the library. I could handle being beaten, I had gotten used to it.”
“One day though, one of the teenagers, a dog monster and human half breed….brought up how in school he was taught what the worst thing you could do to someone was and how they should try it…” Error comfortingly nuzzles Nightmare some more, cuddling closer as the king slowly starts to rub his back. “..So that's exactly what they did. I didn’t even know what sex was or what a lot of the words they used meant. I had never touched myself or summoned my ecto until then….”
Nightmare’s voice is even and quiet, even as his hand shakes a little against Error’s back, and the glitch purrs softly in hopes of helping soothe him.
“...I’m sO SorRy thAT HaPpeNEd tO YOu- yoU diDn’t DEserVe tHAt.”
“...Sometimes I think maybe it was some kind of punishment for things I did later on…”
“No wAY.” Error says firmly. “BesIDeS, evEN iF yoU Did desERve It- wHiCH yoU DoN’t- tHEn I deSErVE WaY WorSe, doN’t I?”
“No- You’re protecting the multiverse and before you say anything, any unnecessary death you caused was done quickly and you never enslaved people, tortured them or tried to take over the multiverse.”
“YOu foRGet I wAs INsANe foR a Hot mINuTe- I’m pREtTy suRe I tRIeD TO do THoSe aT SoMe pOInT-”
“Tried and failed adorably~ Even while insane you are just a big soft who wanted some cuddles~ You could barely tell Horror no even before meeting Blue~”
“No oNe cAN wiTHstAnD HorROr’s puPpY eyES-” Error defends. “I wAs trYinG To maKe a PoINt-”
“You have failed, you are too adorable and cute to be compared to a terror like me.” Nightmare says, only half jokingly.
“WeLl YoU’re a beAUtiFuL TErROr-”
“I look like a literal nightmare, darling.” It's a bit of a shock seeing the usually confident and seemingly full of himself king speak so badly of himself and…genuinely sound like he believes it.
“MaYBe I’m InTO thAt- AnD You dOn’t GEt to TaLk baD ABoUT My beST friENd liKe THaT, oKaY? He’S A WoNderfUl aND kInD PErsON ThAT I loVE And CaRE foR.” Error makes sure to state firmly as he looks up, finding Nightmare’s cyan blush cute as he clearly tries to come up with a response.
“I-I….alright. Only because you insist.” With a huff his skull is gently kissed, the king grumbling. “You are way too cute for your own good, you know that?”
“Oh shUdDup-” Error mutters, blushing a bit himself as he nuzzles Nightmare. “...WhAT Are We gOnNa teLL the BoyS?”
“...Whatever you feel comfortable telling them. Just be sure not to give them the AU’s name or number so they don’t try to get to the harpy….”
“I… I thINk I waNt thEM to kNow- buT I… LiKe yoU SaID- iT’s noT As baD As iT CoULd’vE BeEn- aS it wAS for yOU- BUt…” Error tails off guiltily.
“Ru dear, just because it wasn’t as bad doesn’t make it…not something to be upset about. It is fine if you don’t want them to know about the…..you know, part. If you wanted we can just say you were testing something. Or I can tell them if you aren’t comfortable with it.”
“CoULd.. cOuLD yoU teLl thEm..?” He asks hesitantly. Without any hesitation, his best friend smiles and gently kisses his cheek, snuggling him a little closer.
“Of course. Do you want me to tell them about the egg?”
“...YeAh.” Error decides after a moment. “I fEeL LiKe iT’ll bE HaRd to HidE ANywAYs.”
“Alright. Would you like to lay here while I inform them then? I can try to keep them from coming up, but I make no promises.”
“...I wAnNA taKe oFf thE DiaPEr-”
“You’re not getting cum on my bed, dear.” NIghtmare answers immediately, trying not to smile. The glare Error gives him leading him to believe he failed.
“ThEN LeMmE Go cLeAN MyseLF uP-” He whines.
“But you look so cute~ Like a baby~” Nightmare coos, a small trail of kisses being left on Error’s skull and leading down to his neck- though the glitch subtly pulls away before he gets much lower.
“NiGht pLeaSE?” Error whines more as the guardian lays his skull back again.
“Of course you can take it off, dear. I would never force you to wear anything unless it was for your well being…..I am serious about the cum on my bed part though.” Error snorts a bit.
“HeLp mE To thE BaTHrOom? YoU Can TEll tHe bOYs whILe I cLeaN MyseLF up.”
“Hmmm…Only because you’re cute.” NIghtmare smirks as Error groans and blushes, before standing and taking Error with him, carefully cradling the glitch in his arms.
“ThAnks, NigHt.” Error mumbles, grimacing a bit at the sensation of the egg shifting within him.
“You’re quite welcome.” With a nuzzle, the king carries him to the bathroom, setting him down in the tub again, before he grabs everything the glitch might need and puts them all in reach. “Here, I will put a nightgown on the counter for you. If you need help standing then wait for me to come back or call for me, alright?”
“ALriGhty thANk you~” Error smiles, waiting for Nightmare to turn around to leave before he takes off his nightgown and fumbles slightly with the diaper, taking a second to figure it out. It’s incredibly embarrassing. Nightmare did indeed use baby powder around his legs and butt-
He glitches slightly as he pulls off the gross, cum filled diaper, struggling only slightly to open a small portal to Outertale’s void, throwing it in with no remorse before he starts cleaning himself up. Thankfully it seems he’s absorbed most of the cum at this point.
His slit still feels a little sensitive as he cleans himself up, every small swipe of the rag too close to his clit making him twitch a little. And his walls ache from use- though it’s not too surprising considering the lack of prep he had gotten. Honestly everything feels a bit sore, like he had pushed himself exercising too much- maybe a side effect of the toxin Nightmare had mentioned?
What did he call them? A harpy? Yeah, so harpies don’t usually have toxic feathers….maybe he should look into what exactly a harpy is? Nightmare probably has a book on it and…well he’ll need to know something about harpy eggs…
Error frowns as he lightly rubs over the slight bump in his belly, still unsure how to feel about it. On one hand, this wasn’t something he had wanted, on the other, he… doesn’t want to condemn the tiny soul within the egg to die just for the crime of existing.
Would he even be a good mother? Does he even want to be a mother? He's…not sure…the thought hasn’t even really crossed his mind. At least he’s never really thought about it. It’s not like he has a mate to have kids with- a future with children just wasn’t in any plans.
Error has been pretty content with life so far- at least recently. Both sides of the balance are finally at peace, he has a found family that spreads even farther than just the inhabitants in the castle- even if they are the people he’s closest to. They visit Traps, Horror’s brother, a lot where he lives with Pumpkin and Spice, the Farmertale skeletons. There’s Raz, the surprisingly wiser than his years SwapFell sans that gives off mom friend vibes- a lot like Nightmare but louder….Like a hardcore Blue, which makes sense.
And several other monsters he’s been introduced to or bonded with over the years, most of them all surviving under his best friend. Hell- he has nieces and nephews and two brothers. Honestly his life has been going surprisingly well….He isn’t ready for this kind of change, he was just getting settled-
How could he care for a kid- let alone a possibly half-bird one-? Sure he’s babysat for Geno but that’s different, right? He doesn’t want them to die but there’s no way he could make keeping them work out- he can’t- he can’t do this-
Error starts to hyperventilate, his magic throat feeling tight as increasing anxiety overtakes his soul. As his glitches prickle over his bones, feeling a crash coming on, he suddenly gets this odd pulse through his body, so small and barely noticeable intent that reaches out to his panicked soul.
It’s enough to help jerk him out of his spiraling thoughts, letting him fight back the crash as he hesitantly reaches back with his own careful, questioning intent. The little pulse he gets back in response isn’t precise, no kind of thought really put into it, but raw emotion. Fear.
Error can’t help but whine a bit at just how intense it felt despite how weak the intent is, and he tries to send back a pulse of calm. After a few moments the glitch can feel the source of the fear relax a little, the feeling being replaced with raw love, making him gasp and tear up. Where was it even coming from..?
The weak pulse tires, after a few more seconds and he feels as the intent recedes from his soul and almost seems to slide back down into his belly where it quiets as if having fallen asleep.
Was… was that the egg..? Error gently rubs where the egg rests, looking down at it. That pure love… he can’t just let them die….They….they love him…..Stars, this is so complicated.
A couple of tears drip down his cheeks as he sniffles, wanting to rage and scream and cry at just how unfair this whole thing is. Stupid dumbass bird laying a fucking egg in him with their unnaturally stupidly long cock!!!
Error makes a sound cross between a growl that tapers off into a whimper, before he drops the rag he’s been squeezing the life out of onto the tub floor and reaches over to the shower nozzle left hanging down. The warm water isn’t much of a distraction, but at least it feels nice…a soak might do him some good.. Though he’s not sure he wants to be left alone with his thoughts anymore.
As if having been summoned there’s a soft knock at the bathroom door and a familiar deep voice on the other side. “Error dear? Are you alright in there?”
“I’m… I’m FiNe..” Error mutters rather unconvincingly.
“...May I come in?” His friend is very obviously unconvinced- Error can’t say he blames him.
“..MhM.” Nightmare quietly opens the door, closing it behind him as he walks in and pulls up a stool beside the bathtub.
“...Well the boys are all upset for you, as expected. Killer had to be restrained. Those murderous idiots really want to avenge you.” Error snorts a bit, smiling weakly.
“ShOuLD I eXPecT tO Be aMBusHeD AS sOoN As wE LeaVE?”
“After they stop fighting their anger out in the training yard yes…Horror will probably come up to give you some food after he’s finished binge cooking-”
“..I’m soRry-” He mumbles, smile fading slightly.
“Ru. Darling, you have no reason to be sorry.” NIghtmare leans forward and gently pets the top of Error’s skull. “Their feelings and reactions are perfectly understandable, you did nothing wrong and they aren’t angry at you, they are angry for you.”
“I… ALriGht.” Error softly agrees, nuzzling up into Nightmare’s hand. With a small smile, the guardian leans over and kisses Error right between his sockets.
“We love you and want to keep you safe and happy~ Our precious Ruru~”
“I loVe You GUys toO~” The glitch murmurs, before his mood dampens slightly. “...I fELt thE EgG..”
“..What?”
“I- I wAs.. frEAkINg ouT… BeFOre I feLT a PUlsE Of iNTeNT- iT- it cAMe fRom tHE EGg… i-iT SeNt sUCh pUrE LoVE, NiGhtMarE..” Error mumbles, choking up. The king frowns a little, before glancing down at the little bump in his friend's ecto.
“Well….usually not long after conception a souling will form a soulbond with their mother and…well, a babybones loves their parents unconditionally….Especially their mother.” Nightmare informs in hopes of making sense of what Error is describing. He can feel the conflicting emotions sitting like a dust storm in the glitch’s soul and he can only imagine how that must have felt.
There really is a special bond between a mom and their child. Unconditional genuine and pure love….Who wouldn’t want that?
“I- I… I c-cAN’t KiLL thEm, NiGht- I CaN’t-” Error doesn’t bother holding back the tears as they come, sniffing. His best friend cups his cheeks and gives him a warm smile, making him want to cry even more as his tears are wiped away.
“I know, dear. I know, darling it’s alright.”
“I-I’m SoRrY-” Error quietly cries, though it’s only partially for Nightmare. The other part is for the egg. This innocent little souling who loves him despite him having been thinking of killing them, ending their little life before it's even started. He feels awful for even considering it.
Nightmare leans over and hugs him, holding the crying glitch close as he rubs his back. For now he lets the glitch get out his feelings, making sure to give him all the comfort he may need, the glitch almost desperately soaking it up as he clings to him, crying until he runs out of tears.
When he’s done and his sockets feel heavy and stinging from crying, Nightmare silently picks him up, drying him off again, before carrying him into the bedroom and handing him another nightgown and his scarf.
As Error puts them on, he can’t help but nuzzle the familiar garment, the compiling warmth around his neck relaxing him. Nightmare tucks the glitch in, sitting him up on some of his many pillows, before getting in beside him and running on the TV.
“Would you like to watch Undernovalia or something more relaxing like National Geographic?”
“...CaN We maKE Fun oF DuMb loOKinG AniMALs?” Error asks quietly, cuddling against Nightmare’s side.
“Sounds like fun~” Nuzzling the glitch’s skull, the king turns on National Geographic as his tentacles loosely hold the smaller, who relaxes further against him with a small sigh. As the show starts up, the narrator's voice is relaxing, the rubbing on his back and slight movement of the tentacles relaxing and familiar.
This is a nice distraction.
“..And as we come upon the start of spring, mating season begins for many of the wonderful birds of paradise.” You’ve got to be kidding- Nightmare can’t help the immediate deadpanned look that crosses his face as Error stiffens, glitching slightly. Silently, he lifts the remote to change the episode, Error quietly letting him.
“JusT OUr luCk..” The glitch mutters unhappily as Nightmare nuzzles him.
“I’m sorry, dear.” With a heavy sigh, he finds a different episode, making sure to read the description this time. “This one is about fish.”
“Hm..” Error just hums a bit, nuzzling his face into Nightmare’s shoulder. This time no birds are mentioned, thang goodness….besides a few seagulls that are heard in the background. The voice talks mostly about reef fish and sponges or seacombers. There is literally a fish that will live in what is basically the ass of a sea cucumber- The ridiculous fact manages to get a surprised laugh out of Error.
“Ass fish-” Nightmare snorts as the voice explains that they live there because its good shelter and they eat what the sea cucumber would otherwise dispel.
“PfFt- sHiT EaTInG aSs fiSh-” Error giggles.
“O-oh my staarrs-”
“Some sea cucumbers have even evolved to have spikes inside their rectum to deter such roommates.” The voice continues.
“AsS SPiKes??” Error exclaims as a picture shows up of a hole with- you guessed it, ass spikes.
“I……I don’t like the ocean-”
“A-aSs sPiKEs-” The glitch wheezes.
“Can you imagine-?” Nightmare mutters in horror at the implications.
“HoW- HOw thE FucK Do thEy pOoP-??”
“It’s just a cloud of debris- not solid shits.”
“ AsS SpIKeS -”
“That sounds so painful I hate it-” Error just laughs in response, before the human's voice thankfully moves onto another creature…the octopus.
“NiGht It’s yOu~!”
“You’re just as bad as Killer-” The octopus randomly slaps a fish and Nightmare’s tentacles twitch, making Error snort.
“I dUnNO It sEeMs pREttY FitTINg-” Huffing, a tentacle lightly swaps at Error’s skull, only proving the glitch’s point as Nightmare blushes.
“Shhhooshith-”
“OcTO-nOot~!” Error singsongs, smiling the widest he has this whole time. It brings a smile to the guardian's own face as he chuckles, kissing the gitch’s forehead.
“Oh no not the Noot thing too-” Error opens his mouth to reply, only to freeze at the narrator’s next words.
“To mate, this species of octopus has a particularly strange way of going about it. The male will fill his penis- which is one of his tentacles- with sperm, before ripping it off and presenting it to the female of his choosing. If she accepts it, the male will then leave and she will use it as she wishes, before consuming it.” The look of horror on Nightmare’s face is indescribable as his tentacles curl up close to him as if to hide.
“Oh that is…..please don’t cut my dick off-”
“Wh-wHaT tHE FuCk-” Error can’t decide between horror or hysterical laughter.
“Uses it as she pleases-” Nightmare shudders. “Playing with a severed dick….I just….I have no words-”
“DoES ThE maLe GrOw iT BAcK aT LEaST-???”
“I would hope-! Not like he’s going to get any pleasureful action though.”
“I..I dOn’T THiNK I liKe thE OCeaN EiTHer-”
“It’s evil. And to think Killer wants us to get a beach house by the ocean.”
“SeATalE is oFfiCIALly mY LeaST faVOritE AU-” Error decides.
“Wait- isn’t there an AU where we’re all mer people or something….am….am I an octopus?” Nightmare utters in fear, and Error has to hold back a laugh.
“...LiTeRALly iN liKe- eVEry vARiaTIon-”
“Noooooooo-” Nightmare whines loudly, hiding his face against the smaller’s skull and nuzzling him, the glitch snickering unapologetically. “Somewhere out there a me rips off his dick to mate- Ruru it’s horrible-”
“Oh mY FoX-”
“Ruuuuuuu-” The king whines louder, snuggling the glitch as close as he can. “Protect me-”
“YoU’rE FinNe-”
“Nuuuuu-”
“...We sHoULd sHow thIS tO THe bOyS-”
"...Yes- They will be equally horrified~"
“ThEY neEd tO SeE the aSs spIKeS-”
"Oh stars the ass spikes. I don't know if that would deter or encourage Killer to do anal-"
“ScAR CroSs wiTH thE AsS spiKeS-” Error cackles.
"He will be so tense. I can already imagine the look on his face~" Kiss "Group cuddle pile?"
“YeS PLeaSe~” Nightmare smiles as he kisses the corner of Error’s mouth, purring soothingly.
“Alright~ I’ll be back, dear~”
“M’kAY~” Error nuzzles Nightmare back, before giving him a small kiss on the cheek. He doesn’t really want to be alone right now, but he would like the boys to join.
Probably sensing his emotions, Nightmare decides to scoop Error up in the blanket that had been covering them, carrying him bridal style.
“How about I take you with me instead~?”
“I.. I’d liKe thAt~” Error mumbles with a small smile of relief. The king purrs louder as he nuzzles his glitch, before taking him out of the room and walking down to the stairs, the smell of food already greeting them. “WoW HOrRor woRks faSt-”
“I smell dinner sweet rolls-” Nightmare hurries to the kitchen, obviously excited. As they turn the corner, there is a pan of sweet rolls cooling down on the bar counter, and the king immediately snatches a few out of the pan, making Error snort a bit.
“DoN’t BUrn yoURselF-”
“Oh fuck my tongue-” Is the guardien’s immediate response when he tries to eat said rolls.
“Still…..hot.” The gentle giant informs with a small chuckle as he takes garlic butter biscuits out of the oven.
“ToLd Ya.” Error snickers.
“Oh hush. His sweet rolls are worth it-” Nightmare says in a dead serious tone. Said monster sets the new pan down beside the first and walks around to them, bending down to look at Error.
“You….ok?”
“I’m…” Error can’t quite bring himself to lie. “..I cOuLD USe a DisTRaCtioN- WaNna waTCh NaTIonAL gEOgrAPhic wiTH Us?”
Nodding, Horror stands back up. “Can I bring….the bread..?”
“SuRe-?”
“K…I’ll get more…snacks.”
“Thank you, Horror~ Don’t work yourself too hard, alright? We’ll meet you in my room.” The taller nods, giving them both a nuzzle, before he turns to do as he said he would. “Now, let's go get the other three, I can sense them in the infirmary.”
“DiD THey gET huRt-?” Error immediately asks, concerned and a touch guilty.
“Well they always get scrapes or bruises when they spar, darling.” Nightmare nuzzles him as he begins walking. “And it’s not your fault. They are angry because they love you. Hopefully they let out some steam and will be alright to bone pile.”
“W- I KnoW-”
“You better, or we’ll have to show you just how much we love you~ We’ll have to shower you in kisses, cuddles, snuggles, and goodies~”
“ShoOSh I kNow yOU lOVe mE-” Error mumbles, blushing.
“Then please stop blaming yourself for being upset. Any injuries those lovable idiots have sustained they did to themselves. They are my responsibility not yours.” Error frowns a bit, going to protest, only to be cut off by a gentle kiss. It’s so light, making sure he knows he can pull away at any moment and it only lasts for a few short seconds.
It’s not like Nightmare hasn’t kissed him- like a real kiss. Though its usually only when they’re fucking and never so gentle or chaste. For some reason, it leaves him feeling incredibly flustered, blushing brightly.
When Nightmare pulls away the sound of their lips separating is quiet and he stares as the king adorns an impossibly soft and warm smile. A look that gets him every time.
“We love you, Ruru~ Let us be upset for you, let us comfort you, protect you, fight for you, and be here whenever you need us and wherever you need us to be~”
“O..OKay… I lOVe yoU Too..~” Error mumbles, fighting back the urge to cry again.
“Hm~ A lot of people care about you, darling~” With that, Nightmare resumes walking, a small smile on his face while Error internally screams, face on fire.
Why does Nightmare have to be so suave-!? So easily flustering him with a small kiss and words-!!!
Error doesn’t even notice when they reach the medbay, busy dying inside.
“O-oh uh, Good afternoon boss-” Cross laughs a little nervously as he bandages one of Dust’s ribs, the magic charged skeleton hissing at him and jolting Error out of his thoughts.
“Hey watch it-!”
“ArE YOu oKaY-?” Error asks, concerned.
“Yeah, we’ll be fine. We might have gone a little overboard, but a few broken bones isn’t a big deal.” Cross informs as the dusty skeleton huffs, before Error notices Killer laying in another bed, asleep.
“...AnD KiLler?” Error questions, wanting to protest that broken bones are a bit of a big deal but having a feeling no one will hear it.
“The dumbass exhausted himself.” Dust hisses, glaring daggers at the sleeping skeletons form. “Kept fucking slashin’ through my attacks until he collapsed.”
Error frowns deeply, brows furrowing. “B-but he’s ok! I already patched him up and his magic levels aren’t too low.”
“I’m-... ArE You suRE..?” Error barely manages to keep himself from apologizing.
“Yeah I’m sure. His soul is a bit unstable though- He was…really mad. Speaking of….you ok, Ru..?” Cross finishes up Dust’s ribs, before walking over to try and subtly look Error over even though he knows Nightmare already did so.
“...CoULd bE BeTteR, tO bE HonESt.” Error sighs tiredly. “I wAnteD ASk iF yoU gUYs WaNTed To waTch NaTioNAl GeoGRaphIC wiTh uS..?”
"..Sounds good. Boss's room, right?"
“YoU doN’T- yoU don’t HAVe tO, iF You DOn’t wANt- I-iT’s fiNe-” Error tries to reassure at Cross’ hesitation, fighting back a pang of disappointment.
"What-? No no I want to! We all want to go with you. I was just thinking- Sorry, Error…" Cross smiles apologetically as Dust stands, walking over to headbutt the glitch, who smiles a bit.
"I'll take the idiot. Meet ya there." After a nuzzle, Dust shortcuts over to pick up Killer and shortcuts away, presumably to Nightmare’s room.
“If yOu’Re suRE..”
"Yeah~ As long as we're all together I'd do anything with you~" Cross smiles and Nightmare nuzzles Error’s skull.
“M’kaY..~” Error purrs, relaxing as the three turn to head up to Dust and Killer.
"So uh…I drew a picture of you earlier."
“Hm?”
"It uhm- not very good but-" The soldier mumbles nervously, as he takes a piece of paper and holds it out to Error, the glitch curiously taking it and looking at it. On the white paper is a portrait of Error, all shaded and drawn in pencil. It really does look like him, besides his face being maybe a little too round.
“Aw I LoVE It~!” Error coos, smiling as he grabs Cross’ hood to gently tug him closer, giving him a kiss on his cheek. It's cute how the oreo blushes a bright purple, sputtering.
"R-really-?"
“Mhm! It LoOks reALLy goOd CRosS- wE ShoULd haNg iT Up sOmeWHEre-” The soldier blushes even more, hiding his face in his scarf like a turtle.
"Y-you don't have to it's not that good-"
"It is gorgeous, Cross dear." Nightmare agrees.
“NaH I’m dEFineTLy hanGINg it uP SoMEWherE-”
“Ahhh-” Blushing furiously, Cross walks faster, hiding his face in his scarf as he opens the door for them.
“Thank you, dear~”
“WoULd thE FriDGe bE toO WeiRD of a PLaCe foR It-?” Error questions, putting the drawing into his inventory as Nightmare carries him through the door.
“No. I think it is perfect, very cute location for Cross’s artwork~” The king purrs as he turns into his bedroom, the other three already on the bed with snacks. ”Out in the open where everyone can see it~”
Cross whines, closing the door behind him as they take their seats, Nightmare setting Error down between him and the sleeping Killer, the glitch deciding to carefully nuzzle against the smallest of the group, Nightmare’s tentacles still wrapped around him.
Horror settles behind Nightmare, cradling all of the smaller skeletons as Cross and Dust lay against his sides, a tentacle wrapped around all of them, with Error getting two like the spoiled glitch he is.
“You’re all going to have a wild ride with this episode.”
“...Should we be afraid?”
“ProBAblY- We haVEn’t eVen fiNisHed iT-”
“I will rewind it so you can properly experience the terrors of the sea for yourself.” As the episode starts back at the beginning, the boys can already feel dread, Error and Nightmare’s matching ominous smiles doing nothing to make them feel better.
~
Error closes yet another book with a loud, annoyed sigh, glaring at the cover. The life of a harpy. Such a cliche title- and while it has a lot about basic harpy things, like dancing to try and woo a mate, there is nothing about toxic paralyzing feathers! And it makes it very clear that female harpies naturally lay eggs every year, meaning male harpies do nothing but fertilize the eggs. How did Blank lay an egg in him!?
He keeps finding the same information and while some of it is helpful, Blank seems to be some weird exception-!
“Y’kNoW WhaT-? FuCk thIS-” Error decides, abruptly standing up. When he had first brought up the idea, everyone had been adamantly against it, and he hadn’t fought too much to just stay in the castle- but now, he was too frustrated to care. He wanted information, and nothing here was able to provide it, so he’ll just have to go visit the source.
He opens a portal- his magic acting normal again thankfully- and carefully steps through into the AU, the same location he appeared in last time. Unlike last time, though, he makes sure to stay alert, looking around cautiously.
The smell of rain is gone and there are more noises. The sounds of crickets and bugs as well as birds and squirrels much more prominent than before. It still feels like spring…hopefully Blank is still around somewhere…
After a long moment, Error decides to wander around a bit, though he makes sure to stay near the clearing he had first appeared in. The trees are even bigger close up, their enormous branches stretching out wide from each tree.
Blank must have a nest around here somewhere…hopefully. Error scans the branches, walking out just a little to try and spot any nest looking things or bundles of leaves and other- wait is that it?
Up fairly high in one of the large trees, there is what looks like a large group of sticks wrapped around the trunk.
“...HeLlo?” He hesitantly calls out, hoping the nest didn’t belong to something- or someone- else’s. Almost immediately after he calls out there's a small shuffling sound from the nest, before a familiar face peeks out to look down at him.
“Spruu?”
“Hi ThERe.” Error waves with a small smile. He watches as the harpy practically lights up, the best they can with a somewhat blank expression. Their sockets widen and their white eyelights turn slightly yellow, before they chirp in excitement and carefully climb to the side of the nest and begin to scale down the tree.
Error can’t help but frown a bit at the way their left wing is practically limp by their side, and after a moment of thought, he remembers how Nightmare had thrown them into a tree. Did the king break their wing-? The harpy struggles to climb down with only one wing claw thing and his talons, and when they’re almost to the bottom, their claw loses its hold and they fall upside down, hanging on a branch with their talon and limp wing above their head.
“Squack-!”
“..PfFt- OnE seC, ya DinGUS-” Error grabs a couple of strings and carefully wraps them around Blank, lifting them up. They are a surprisingly calm bird, letting themselves be picked up without struggling- besides a small pained sound as their wing shifts- just their skull not always moving with their body- that weird thing actual birds do.
As they are set back on the ground, they fluff up their feathers and excitedly run over to him- though Error takes a step back before they can tackle him again.
“DoN’t pOIsoN Me aGAin, aLRigHT?” Tilting their skull, they respond with a small chirp and take a step closer. After a moment, Error holds out his hand to them and with a very excited chirp they close the distance to nuzzle against his chest and make pigeon cooing sounds. And he’s not paralyzed!
Chuckling a bit and smiling in relief, Error pets their skull. “WhY Do YoU HaVE to MaKe it sO HarD To bE UpsET aT YOu?”
Blank looks up at him and chirps as he shakes his tail feathers, the feathers going up his neck and the one on the top of his skull all floofing up. It kind of looks like he has a cowlick- and Error can’t help but snort a bit.
“YuP- yOu’rE TOo sTupIDly cuTE foR YOur owN GooD.” Error decides, subtly imbuing his touch with some healing magic as he moves to straighten out a few of the harpy’s feathers. The feathered skeleton immediately relaxes against him, eyelights big as he lifts and spreads out his working wing.
“Prrrrrruu~”
“Aw~” The glitch coos, letting his touch drift towards the injured wing, increasing the output of his healing. The harpy closes their sockets and lets Error do whatever he wants.
He feels around where Blank's wing connects to his back and finds a spider web of hairline cracks around the feather covered joint beneath the harpies feathers. That must be where his back hit the tree. With a little more feeling around, the mana looks like it has been blocked and cut off by the dislocation.
“ThiS IS goIng tO gO WroNg iSn’t iT…” Error mutters, before carefully adjusting his grip for a moment and, giving no warning, he jerks the joint back into its socket, immediately applying healing magic.
Blank cries out in pain and surprise, their eyelight shrinking as they jolt and Error starts to feel that tingly feeling against his hand as it starts to feel heavy and forcibly relaxes.
“Aw fUck- NiGhtmARe’s GonNa KILl me-” The glitch complains, tensing and glitching as he pulls back, his arm up to his elbow limp like a noddle. Thankfully it doesn’t go up any further than that.
The bird blinks, shaking out his other feathers, before they realize their left wing shook as well and they stare in awe.
“YeS YOu’rE WeLComE- leT me fINisH HeALIng YoUR WinG noW.” Error reaches out with his still usable hand and Blank coos as they move closer again to rest their forehead against his chest.
A little hesitant, the glitch pokes one of the feathers and when no tingly feeling follows, he relaxes, gently placing his hand over the cracked joint and pushing healing magic into it. As they slowly seal up, Blank twitches and coos, nuzzling in more against his sweater and scarf happily, Error breathing a sigh of relief.
“YoU’re a ReaL PaIN, y’KnOW?”
“Cruu~!” Error just snorts, struggling only slightly as he finishes healing up the injury the best he can. Once he’s done, he lightly strokes over the feathers to straighten them again, the harpy relaxing more and trying to snuggle closer to him with many happy bird noises.
Error relaxes more himself with a small smile, only to jump slightly as a pulse of intent reaches out to him, much like it had yesterday. Small, weak, but pure happiness and genuine joy. It feels so powerful with how untouched the emotions are. The harpy jolts a little as well, before cooing down at Error’s belly and kneeling down to nuzzle into it.
“Prrruu~!”
“DoEs thE BAbY saY Hi~?” Error murmurs, pulling up his shirt slightly to let Blank see the egg. The bird is practically vibrating as he stares at the little bump in awe, a shudder making all his back feathers stand up again, including the funny cowlick looking one. Blank looks from Error to the egg, lets out a little trill, and very affectionately nuzzles his face into the glitch’s stomach, another happy pulse reaching his soul.
“...Aw fUcK I’m gETtinG AttaTCheD Arn’T I-” Blank stops to look up at him and lets out five tweets in a row one after the other, his neck feathers fluffing up as he does so before falling back down- tail feathers wagging.
“...WhaT?” Error questions, brows furrowing in confusion. The harpy nuzzles his stomach some more with a small happy noise, before standing back up and flapping his wings, testing it out by flying to a nearby branch a little ways above their heads and gestures to the nest.
“I’m… nOt quITe sURe I ShoULD…” Error says, hesitant. His arm is still paralyzed from the toxin, and he knows he’s screwed as soon as his absence is noticed.
“Craw?” Blank tilts his head to the side, before gliding back down to nuzzle and snuggle back against Error. “Croooooooooo~”
“YoU FUckEd uP mY haNd-” He states in lue of an explanation. Instead of a bird chirp as a response like he’s expecting, Blank gets up on the tips of his talons and kisses his cheek.
“Croo~” Error just stares, glitching slightly in surprise and a touch of discomfort, slightly reminded of what had happened last time despite the innocent intent behind the action. Blank seems to have noticed the change, as their wings sag a little and they chirp at him in confusion.
“It’s… Um- No kISseS, okAY?” Error says after a moment, before leaning down to give the harpy a small nuzzle. He gets a small chirp back and a nuzzle in return, before their head suddenly turns to the left, cowlick and neck feathers floofed, and Error follows their gaze in confusion.
Blank stares for a few moments longer, completely still, before suddenly bolting in that direction and using the speed to take flight through the trees, making the glitch yelp and jump in surprise. The harpy is out of sight in seconds and for a long moment it’s quiet, save for the rustle of trees and a few bugs, and Error nervously grabs a few of his strings, looking around.
After a few minutes of nothing, his anxiety rising, Blank appears again, flying over with a large cloth thing in his talons full of something. As the harpy sets the makeshift bag down to land a bunch of fresh fish fall out of it, carp to be specific.
As he blinks in confusion, the bird picks one up in his mouth and walks over to Error, and he instinctively holds out his hands when prompted. The fish is slimy and wiggles in his hands as Blank lets go, Error fighting back a grimace as the bird walks over and plucks another fish up in one of his talons.
“...ThANks….?”
“Squock~!” With a happy wing flap, Blank bends down and effortlessly bites the fish's head off before swallowing it and then stuffing the fish's body in his mouth, leaning his head back and swallowing it whole. This time Error can’t hold back his grimace, even as a small part of him is impressed.
As Blank licks his mouth clean, he looks over to Error and smiles- the second real expression Error has ever seen him wear. The glitch smiles back despite his slight disgust, happy that the harpy is happy, at least.
He still chooses to look away though, subtly throwing his fish into a random AU as the bird proceeds to eat six more fish the same way, leaving three more still on the cloth, which he scoots closer to the glitch.
“Spru?”
“Oh- nO ThaNK yoU- I’m fuLL.” Error declines with a small smile, shaking his head and patting his stomach like he’s satisfied. That seems to satisfy the harpy, even as they pout, puffing up their cheeks and folding up the cloth to carry it like a makeshift bag again. This time though, Blank puts it in their mouth and begins walking the direction they bolted in before, and after a second, Error curiously follows after them.
He finds himself looking at all the trees and the wildflowers and the feeling of the ground beneath his feet. The scenery is just beautiful. He can imagine how pretty the view from Blank’s nest must be like. He could probably see the valley below this mountain range- he would love to see it if his arm wasn’t still numb.
After just a couple of minutes of walking, he can hear the sound of rushing water slowly grow louder. A second later he can see a large river rushing down the mountain side, the crystal clear water appearing fresh and chilly as Blank stops on the edges and bends down to partially open the wet cloth, the fish sliding out and immediately starting to swim away.
“HuH.” Error moves to stand next to the harpy, watching the fish swim off. Sliding the cloth into their inventory, Blank steps into the relatively shallow water and tips his front body in like he's diving, before coming back up and shaking his body out- it’s like a bird in a bird bath, with every feather on his body fluffed up and sparkling with water.
Error laughs slightly as he watches, moving out of the splash zone. It looked honestly adorable- especially with the way the harpy steadily looks soggier. His feathers become disheveled and saggy, but Blank very happily shakes himself off with a trill every time he comes out of the water, before he finally sits on his feet and lets himself float, his wings sitting on the water's surface like floaties.
“Squack~!”
“YoU LoOk reDIcuLOus-” Error snickers. He can’t even see the harpy’s feet with his legs pulled up into his chest and Blank resting his skull on his wings. As the harpy floats into the current the water starts to drag him down stream and Blank continues to just vibe with it and make Error laugh.
“Beep!”
“IF yoU’rE JusT GOiNG To leaVE Me heRE TheN MaYBe I SHoUld jUSt go HoME-”
“Yes, maybe you should do that.” The glitch’s very being stops beating at the deep voice behind him, the familiar presence only just now reaching him.
“...Aw fuCk-” He mutters, almost scared to turn around. Blank squeaks loudly and scrambles to try and get out of the water with his heavy wet feathers making it a very clumsy attempt.
“....It is just as much an idiot as the squid-” Nightmare comments offhandedly as they both watch the harpy struggle and hiss like an angry goose.
“...I’m sORry-” Error mumbles, moving forward to help Blank and try to get him to calm down. He ignores the splashing water to hold the harpies skull against his chest with his good hand, and after a few more moments of hissing and flapping, they quiet down, continuing to glare daggers at Nightmare with the most hateful look as the king glares back.
“You better be- I don’t see why you won’t let me kill the stupid thing, or why you would want to be around it.”
“I cOULdn’t fiNd aNY goOd iNfo oN THeIR speCIeS, anD THeiR INteNt haS BeEN iNnoCENt ANd pURe thiS WhoLE timE. I meAN c’mON- yoU BroKe thEIR wINg AnD THey’rE STill wILLing tO fighT YOu foR Me-” Error tries to defend, but the guardian just raises a brow, Blank letting out a quiet hiss.
“...It’s just a stupid bird. It doesn’t understand right and wrong. That doesn’t make it any less dangerous.”
“ExaCTly- thEY DoN’t unDErsTAnd rIGht aNd wrONg. HoW Can I blaME THem FoR SOmETHing thE DiDN’t knOw wAS wrONg? DoN’t geT Me wROnG I’m stILL upSet, buT… MaYBe iT’d bE GoOD. FOr thE… EGg tO kNow thEIr faTHer…” He mumbles, not looking at Nightmare.
He hears a long tired sigh from his friend, before a tentacle slowly wraps around his waist and Blank hisses louder.
“...Fine. It’s your choice to make…but you aren’t allowed to come back alone.”
“OKay..” He quietly agrees, cupping Blank’s face with his hand and gently headbutting him. “I’m goING to Go nOw, alrIGht? I’ll cOmE Back TO viSIt aGAin.”
“Prruu?” The bird’s wet wings sag into the water, and they try to press closer with a sad sound.
“I’m soRrY BUt I haVE to…” Error can’t help but frown guiltily, almost wishing he could bring them with him. Maybe- Well there is a big forest outside of the castle-
“No. I know what you’re thinking.”
“BuT LooK AT THeiR SAd faCE-” Error whines, turning to look at Nightmare pleadingly. “LeaVINg THem feELs liKe leaVINg a pUpPY-”
“......Error-” He can already see the king's resolve starting to break with the sad look the glitch is giving him. “...........Fine. Where do you want to put it?”
“In thE FoREsT- ovER By thE RivER.” Error says immediately, beaming.
“....Alright. There aren’t any predators big enough to eat it there.” Nightmare opens a portal and lifts Error up out of the water, the harpy making frantic bird sounds as Error is pulled away.
“Hey HEy iT’S OkaY- dO YoU WaNna CoME With?” Error asks, shooting Nightmare a small glare as he grabs a couple of strings to pull Blank out with him. The harpy immediately scrambles up to cling to him, effectively soaking him, whining and whimpering as they nuzzle into his neck, Nightmare not at all apologetic.
The king turns and pulls them both through the portal, the atmosphere changing to be a little cooler, the smell of pollen sticking around.
“SeE? YoU’re fiNE, BLaNk.”
“Blank?” Nightmare asks as the harpy hesitantly pulls their head away to look around in confusion.
“Crooo?”
“It’S whAT I’vE BeeN CaLling thEm in My heaD- ‘caUSe thEIR eXPreSsIOn iS BLaNk anD I dOn’t knOW thEIr naMe-”
“Ah, I see.” Error’s feet are put back on the ground as he removes his strings, the harpy staying close against him. “I do not believe harpies like it are given names. Not unless its ancestors have learned to name from people.”
“Ah- OkAY, thEn.” The tentacle around his waist slowly pulls away and Blank relaxes a little, just enough to step away and shake his wet soggy feathers out, making Error sputter as he gets splashed.
“..Dumb bird.”
“Squack-!” They shake and shake as much as they can and they look even more silly by the end of it, before they start looking around the new area, waddling with their wings up like a penguin.
“..PfF- ADmiT It iT’s FuNny-” Error snickers as he watches.
“It’s like watching Ink with soaked clothes holding those wait skirt pants off the ground.”
“Sprru!” The glitch bursts into a fit of giggles at the comparison, the harpy turning their head to look at him just as they trip over a rock and face plant into the dirt, making the giggles turn into full blown laughter as he moves to help them up.
“It really is basically the definition of bird brain.” Nightmare comments, watching as Blank’s talons grip the dirt as they stand back up, their entire front coated in dirt sticking to their still damp feathers. He almost snorts when they sneeze.
“I caN’t sAY I diSaGrEe-” The harpy shakes out his now dirt smeared self, before they start to waddle towards the nearby river, squawking at Error to come too, and the glitch shrugs as he follows. “HavE TheY eVEN noTIceD ThiS IS soMeWHerE ELse-?”
“I have no idea.” Nightmare shugs as they watch the harpy waddle away to clean himself in the new river.
“AT leASt thEy doN’t seEm to CAre muCh-”
“Maybe in stupid bird land forest is forest.” Error snorts, even as he flicks a harmless bone attack at his friend.
“Be niCE-” Nightmare grumbles, before he comes up to stand beside the glitch and nuzzles the top of his skull.
“I don’t wanna-”
“Is soMEonE JeLly~?” Error playfully coos, nuzzling Nightmare back.
“Wha- pftt- No. Of course not. How could I be jealous of a dumb bird?” He gently kisses the on the side of the glitch’s skull, nuzzling in a little closer as he wraps his arms around the other’s waist.
“Uh-hUH SurE~” Error purrs, making Nightmare pout as he holds the glitch closer. When they both look up again, the harpy is floating away down the river once more, their sockets closed like they are taking a nap in the sun. “...ShOuld wE Do sOMetHIng ABoUt thAT-?”
“....The river heads down to the gardens. Your bird should be fine.”
“...MaYBe wE shOuld leT THe boYS kNow BEfoRe thEY trY KiLlinG thEM….”
“If you insist…..” Nightmare pouts, he was hoping something would happen to the damn thing. Error flicks his forehead, likely guessing what he was thinking.
“StOp hoPInG For thEIr deATh- viEW thEm aS A paRTicULaRly cLiNGy peT If yoU MusT.” He scolds.
“That makes me want to kill them more-”
“Go WreCK HaVOc in thAT AU thEn if YOu gOTta I don’T KNow-!” Error steps away, throwing his arms up in exasperation. “LoOK iF They dO It AGain thEn yoU’re WElcOmE TO DraG THem off sOMewHerE And Kill thEm, buT THey doN’t kNow whAt thEY Did wAs wrONg. THey prObaBly thoUGht iT waS An invINTaTIon wHen I SumMoNEd mY EcTo anD WEre just FoLloWINg wHaT’s naTUraL.”
“That doesn’t make it ok, Error. Are you seriously willing to be around them if that means it could happen again? Because it very well could, especially if you go off alone with it!”
“I neVEr saID thAT It maDE it oKay- I jUSt doN’t haTe theM FOr it. I’m sTiLL uPseT- I stILL haVe nO IDea WhaT To dO abOUt thE DaMn eGg- I jUst-! I….” He trails off, furiously blinking away tears. “..MaYBe I’m gEttINg tOo soFt- I wAs hOpiNG maYbe it’D Be a BLesSINg in DesGuiSE.… ThoUghT A baBYBonES rUnNINg aRouNd miGht be GOod… MaYbe iT’s jusT A baD CopINg mEChaNISim, bUt I Got stUPidLy aTtaCHed…”
“...Ru, I’m…I’m sorry, darling.” Nightmare says in earnest as he steps closer and moves to gently cup the glitch’s cheeks. “I’m sorry. You’re doing good. You’re doing really good- I wasn’t trying to bash your positive thinking, dear. Trying to turn a bad thing into a good thing is a wonderful way of thinking and a much healthier coping mechanism than…well doing what me and the boys do. Killing and destroying anything that hurts us- I’m sorry darling I just want to keep you safe, but getting upset at you isn’t a good way of going about it…”
Error sniffles, nuzzling into Nightmare’s hands as a few tears drip down his cheeks, despite his best efforts. “‘M soRrY I leFT withOuT SaYINg aNYthiNG…”
“...And I forgive you, but please don’t do it again…I can’t keep you safe if I don’t know where you are…..You mean the world to me, you know that, right?” Error just nods, moving closer to wrap his arms around Nightmare, nuzzling into his shoulder. “..Alright. Let's go home and tell the boys, then we can have lunch, ok?”
The guardian gently picks Error up and opens a portal back to the castle as he rubs the smaller’s back, who doesn’t protest, just lifting his skull slightly to grab a string and wrap it around the still happily floating bird’s wing talon to find them later.
Chapter 45: Prince on the Run
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error, the infamous destroyer of worlds, wakes up one day as a prince on the run, having no memories of his body’s previous life. Thinking (hoping) his family came with him, he sets out in search of the tree of feelings.
Chapter Text
Ever since Error woke up in this crazy world he has been chased by almost everyone who sees him. Though the wanted posters on most billboards around every corner are probably to blame.
Over the past several weeks he’s figured out a few things. One, he is apparently a wanted prince? At least- if what people shouted every time he’s sighted is to be trusted- two, he has no idea how he got here. Last he remembers he was hanging out in the antivoid with Nightmare.
Three, he needs to find the others- Nightmare especially. Call it a hunch, sixth sense or whatever- he just has a really bad feeling about Nightmare. The guardian has never done very well alone, even if he refuses to admit it. If Error is alone then it’s very likely that everyone else is too.
He’s been trying to find a library so he can learn more about this AU, but it’s kind of hard to get directions when everyone keeps calling him out.
For now, he’s stuck wandering through forests and trying to get information without being caught- though with how stupidly recognizable he is, it’s a work in progress. He just has to hope he manages to end up crossing the kingdom’s borders at some point, where he’ll hopefully be less noticeable.
So far he hasn’t seen anyone in the forest, he’s not sure if that's a good or bad thing, but it’s been days and all he’s had to eat are these weird pinky purple fruits that grow on some of the trees around here. He finds himself actually getting hungry, strangely enough.
“Oh wow, someone is out here alone?” Error jumps, glitching harshly in surprise as he quickly pulls up his hood and turns to face the speaker. The speaker is a hybrid, much to his surprise, a boy with dark brown hair, wolf ears, and a tail.
“Wh-whAt’S It toO You?” He questions, though he’s pretty sure it comes across as nervous rather than threatening.
“Nothing, I’m just surprised. My dad told me making it through the pass is impossible alone, especially on foot…” The hybrid gives him a funny look. “Are you trying to get to the tree too?”
“ThE TrEe?” Error asks, before deciding to make a slightly impulsive guess. “ThE TRee of FeElinGS?”
“Yup! So you are going then? If so you might want to hurry, or you can travel with us so you don’t get caught in valley closing.” Error definitely doesn’t like the sound of that.
“Um- CaN I joIN yoU GUyS-? I caN MakE CLothEs aND Am prOFicieNT in MaGic-” The boy laughs, but nods.
“Yeah sure, you just have to ask the elder, but I’m sure he won’t mind.” The boy turns around to head back the way he came and Error quickly follows. “You didn’t come very prepared, huh?”
“I waS OnLY trYInG To geT A LaY Of thE LaND fiRSt buT goT LoSt.” Error lies, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. “BuT I fiGUrE If wE hAVe thE sAMe goALs, thEn thE MorE The meRrieR, riGht?”
“Suuureeee, you’re really lucky I found you then. The valley is only travelable for two weeks you know. If you had stayed longer than that the mountains would have swallowed you whole! But I’m here so you’re fine.” Error probably could have portaled out in time- something he discovered he could still do the first time he was escaping a group of soldiers chasing after him- but he just smiles at the kid.
“YeAh- it’S A goOD thiNg yoU’rE HEre.” The hybrid wolf looks very proud of himself as they approach a large caravan of people, most of them are young adults or older, with only very few kids- all of them hybrids of humans and monsters of all sorts.
“Hey Dad!” The boy runs up to a tall intimidating wolf man, who acknowledges him with a nod. “Look! I found a monster. He was wandering around and got lost. Can he come with us?”
Error walks up behind the boy, before giving the man a short bow- making him pause for a moment, unsure where that came from. Something about it makes the boy laugh, his father eyeing Error for a moment, before nodding again silently.
“Yes~!” The glitch straightens up, a touch confused as he looks to the cheering boy.
“..DoEs thAT MeaN I caN JoiN…?”
“You bet! Finally another kid my age- Now I won’t have ta listen ta my brother and his lackeys all day long.” The boy huffs, before holding out his hand to Error, who bites back a protest at being called a kid, reminding himself he looks like a skelly right now. “I’m Barny by the way, it’s nice ta meet ya!”
“I’m ErRor- SoRry- um- ToUCh kinDa hURts mE.” It had been quite a shock when he almost crashed just by accidentally bumping into someone- all of his progress with his haptophobia being basically sent back to zero.
“Oh really? That sucks.” Barny puts his hand down, before crossing his arms. “Don't tell my brother that, ‘kay?”
“EVERYONE BACK IN THEIR CARTS! WE’RE MOVIN’!” Calls a voice from up ahead of the caravan, making Error jolt a bit as he watches everyone jump into a flurry of activity.
“Come on, we’ll sit in this wagon here.” They situate themselves in one of the far back wagons, hopping on just as the big birds at the front start to pull it forward. Barny takes the basket of fruit off his back with a relieved sigh and straps himself into the seat, Error following suit after a moment.
“I’m sURpriSeD Your DAd diDn’t LIkE- mAKe me PrOVe mY woRTh oR soMEThIng.” Error says, idly pulling out some strings to fiddle with.
“Nah, my mom would have scolded him for not letting another kid in and leavin’ you out there. It’s not that big of a deal though.” Barny shrugs. “We’ve got plenty of supplies and stuff. We’re goin’ to make ourselves a new home in the mountains eye~”
“Oh- reALly? ThaT’s aWEsoMe!” Error grins, even as he feels a small sense of dread. These have to be the villagers that settled by the tree… and hurt Nightmare. At least he knows he’s on the right track now- and no one seems to recognize him.
“Right-!? It’s so awesome! We get to go explore a forest no ones ever been to before, with magic beasts and stuff! And no evil rulers to tell us what to do!” The glitch perks up slightly at the prospect of finally getting some information.
“Oh yeAH? WhEre aRE yoU FrOm?”
“The X-teriom kingdom, you can’t do anything there and there are all these restrictions and classifications or whatever they're called. My dad says the king hates hybrids because we aren’t ‘ perfect’. ” Error just nods faintly in response, mind racing.
He had been expecting some run-of-the-mill, tyrannical kingdom answer- not something that sounded scarily similar to X-tale of all things. Does that mean Cross is there? Is he stuck under the thumb of XGaster again? Does he remember anything? Does anyone even remember anything? Are the ones here even his family-? He hasn’t even considered the possibility, too busy running from a past that he doesn’t even know, trying to figure out what was happening-
“Hey- Error, dude you okay?” Barny asks in concern, jolting Error out of his spiraling thoughts, and he realizes he had started glitching badly, making him blink error signs from his sockets.
“I’m- y-yEaH- I’m aLRighT-t.. so-oRrY-”
“Nah it’s okay, ya might want ta hold on though, the Screllin is about to-” Error jolts as the cart suddenly rocks and rattles hard, startling both ‘kids’, the glitch yelping as he looks outside and watches the ground rapidly getting further away. The- Screllin? -pulling their cart is flapping its wings hard as wings attached to the side of the cart, he somehow didn’t see earlier, flapping with it. “HAhahah~! You should see the look on your face!”
“HoLy-y shIT-”
“Hehehe~ have ya never been on a Scellin cart before? Actually nevermind, obviously ya haven’t.”
“EvEN if I HaVe iT’s noT LiKe I’d ReMEmbeR-” Error lightly snarks back without thinking about it. He has no idea if this kind of transportation is even popular in the kingdom he fled from.
“Really? Either cart rides are that forgettable or you have one really bad memory.” The glitch snorts a bit, reminded of the creator.
“The lAttER, I SupPosE.” He replies, deciding on a half truth. “I juSt wOkE Up oNe dAY witHOut aNy mEMoriES and PeOPle trYinG to chASe me DowN.”
“Oh wow-” Barny blinks at him in surprise, before frowning. “That sounds horrible, I’d feel pretty lost too. So ya where tryin’ ta get away from those people? Is that why you’re heading to the mountains eye?”
“MhM. I coULdn’T EveN go iNTo aNY towNS wiThoUt beINg reCOgnizED..” He half complains. The wolf boy gasps, unbuckling his belt to sit beside Error and look at him in awe.
“What if you're someone famous!?”
“PfFft- I hiGhLy doUBt thAT. ThERe wERe waNTeD PosTErs aLl ovER And I’m eASy to noTIce… thOuGH…” Error trails off, just for the fun of it, Barny is very interested.
“Though what-!? Come on don’t leave me hangin’-!” Error snickers quietly.
“WeLL- ThEY aLwaYs cALleD mE ‘PRinCe ErrOR’, bUt I’m pREtTy suRe thaT’s jUSt mY NaMe… I liKed ThE ERroR ParT BEtTer sO ThAt’s wHaT i go By- thEy cALleD Me ‘yoUr hIGhnESs’ A coUPle Of tiMeS Too. Do yOU thiNk thAt meAns aNYThinG?” He asks, purposefully playing up his cluelessness. The cute kid gasps dramatically, clearly not realizing he’s playing.
“So you’re like a prince-!? Oh my stars oh my stars oh my stars!!!”
“WhAt’s thAt mEAn? Isn’T THaT JusT My naME?” Error has to hold back a grin at the look on Barny’s face.
“Nooooo!! Oh my stars Errroorrrrrr-!”
“WhAT-??”
“If you tell me you don’t know what a prince is I might just have to hit you-” Barny threatens, though it's all in good fun as he rolls up his sleeves, cute little tail wagging behind him.
“MeMOrY LosS, reMEmbeR?” Error’s mouth twitches as he struggles to keep his expression serious. Barny narrows his eyes at Error for a long moment, watching as the glitch can’t help a small snicker-
“Oh my stars you are such an ass-!” Error bursts into laughter, smiling widely as he cackles. The wolf huffs with his own giggle, plopping himself down with his tail wagging and ears pinned back. “You’re pretty rude for a prince-”
“HeHehEHe~” Error giggles, wiping a fake tear from his socket as he calms down. “I doN’T ReMeMBer bEinG A PRinCe so it dOEsn’T CoUnt-”
Barny gives him a pouty look, before uncrossing his arms. “You really were a prince though? Do you know what kingdom? I heard a prince from another kingdom was kidnapped, but that was a while ago.”
“I haVe no IDeA- I’vE JusT BeEN goiNG ofF oF WhAT PeOple haVe sAId, bUt it’S Not mUch.” Error looks around, looking for landmarks, before pointing northwest. “I thInk I cAMe fRoM THaT waY, iF thAT heLpS.”
“Nah, I have no idea what’s over there- uhm…..there are like…three kingdoms in that direction from X-teriom, smaller ones compared to us I think, but I don’t know their names. I’m not good at names of stuff. I know a few big kingdoms though! Like the Star kingdom with king Asgore! I only know him because of his wife, the queen, Lady life~ She’s so awesome!”
“Oh? ThAT soUndS… vAGueLy faMILiaR? BuT Like.. In a DIstANt kiNd oF WaY?” Error says truthfully. Other than the obvious connection to Reapertale, he does vaguely feel like he should know more about the kingdom itself, somehow.
“Really? I don’t think they have any princes though…they have dukes and other nobles. There’s supposed to be a big wedding happening there soon. I kinda wish I could go see it and all the fancy stuff.”
“WeDdiNG? WhY DoeS THaT riNG a Bell…” The glitch mutters, frowning.
“Hmm…maybe you’re the prince in the wedding? I know a prince of a smaller kingdom gets sick a lot and that's a reason they're having the wedding, because the Star kingdom, being all peaceful and whatever, has a lot of medicines and magic relics or whatever.”
“No I doN’t Get SIcK mucH iT’s jUST mY GlitCheS…” Someone who gets sick a lot getting married with someone in a Reapertale equivalent… It couldn’t be Geno and Reaper.. Could it…?
“Hmmm I don’t know then. We can look in Ms. Griffin’s books when we get everything settled. We’ll be in the air for a while until….tomorrow morning probably.”
“UgH- thAT’s foREveR-” Error lightly complains. “Um.. coULd wE PosSIblY KeEp thE poSsIBLe PRinCe thINg oN tHe doWn-loW?”
“Oh yeah sure! You’re a secret prince on the run obviously. It’s like a dramatic romance story~!” Barny coos in excitement as his tail wags, before blushing and very quickly backtracking. “Not that I like romance stories like that- That’s stupid and weird or whatever-”
“RomaNCe nOVels Are ALriGht… I thINk. ThEy SOunD niCE, aT LeaSt. I doN’t thINK I wAnt mY LifE To be a RomaNCe StoRY thOUgh.”
“O-oh yeah, probably not. Some of ‘em are pretty wild. I like the happy ending ones after like- big battles. When we land again we should find some sticks and play knights! It’s so much fun. I wanna be a swordsman or something.” Barny shifts in place, a little embarrassed.
“ThAT souNds liKe fuN! We coULd usE My bONe aTtaCks, If yoU WaNT.” Error offers, summoning a small, blunt construct to show the hybrid. Barny is completely stunned.
“Whoa! You can summon full constructs! That’s awesome! I can do a blue attack, but I’m never sure what to shape it into-” The wolf gets up on his knees to get a closer look, his green eyes wide.
“My sTRinGs cAn aLSo bE USed AS aTtaCKs too.”
“Really~!? Wow you’re so cool Error!” Barny is like an excited puppy, his tail wagging so hard his butt shakes.
“HeH- tHaNKs~” Error blushes a bit, ducking down into his scarf.
“I wanna do cool stuff like that, can you teach me? Pretty pretty please-?” The glitch is suddenly being attacked by the biggest puppy dog eyes he’s ever seen- on par with Cross and Horror. He never even stood a chance.
“S-suRe-! I cAn’t gUAreNTee I’d BE thE BesT TeaCher thOUgh-”
“That’s okay! My dad kind of gave up on trying to get me to do it, so I’ve been practicing on my own, he’s pretty busy.” Barny’s tail slows a little, before picking up again. “But he’s really strong! You should see him fight- he's really good at it! He used to be in the royal guard!”
“WoW ReaLLy? ThaT’s pREttY CoOL!” Error agrees, trying to keep the mood light.
“Uh huh~! He’s super cool! He’s always be quiet while my mom was the talker. She could talk and talk about all sorts of things, and she read me books a lot, or sing! There was always noise in the house when she was around.” Barny smiles warmly at him, if not a little sad, as he sits back down properly.
“..ShE SouNDs lovELy.” Error offers the construct to the hybrid, unsure what else to say. Barny takes it with a smile, fiddling with it and looking at it in aw.
“She was…Hey, wanna play a game until we’re hungry? Or tired? I have cards!” Barny gets up to dig in one of the back, and pulls out a deck.
“SuRE- YoU’ll haVE to TeaCh mE ThoUGh- I doN’t reMEmbER anY-”
“I can do that.” The hybrid sits down on the floor of the cart and pats the spot in front of him, before he starts explaining the rules of black jack as Error sits in the offered spot.
~
They land on the ground again the next morning just like Barny guessed. They had played cards and joked around all afternoon, before eating, playing a little more, before cuddling up in sleeping backs the hybrid pulled out for them.
Error’s surprised he slept very well at all, but it was actually pretty nice with the rocking of the cart soothing him to sleep. Barny hops out, Error right behind him as they run over to a different cart with warm eggs and potatoes cooking. It’s nothing compared to Horror’s food, but after several days of just eating those purple fruits due to his stupid hunger, it’s almost heavenly.
“Done!” Barny declares as he slams his plate down only a few seconds after having gotten it. “Hurry Error, eat faster!”
“HoW THe fu- CaLm doWN I doN’t wANt you GEtTIng siCk-!”
“Oh shooshith with your momming, Error-! There is play fighting to be had! Adventures in uncharted territory! I must hit you in a head with a stick before we leave!”
“YeAH GoOd luCk wiTH ThaT-” Error snorts, before forcing himself to finish his serving of food- something that’s much easier now that he actually feels hungry. Barny grins mischievously at him, before pulling a long stick out of nowhere.
“Run~” Error blinks in surprise, but glitches away when the hybrid takes a swing, snickering at the dumbfounded look on his face. “Oh I’m ganna get ya~!”
Laughing, Barny starts chasing him into the forest, Error using a couple of his tricks just for the fun of it as he weaves through the trees. The hybrid is overjoyed every time Error does something, his face practically glowing as he jumps around dramatically.
"Hiia-! HwAaa! Hahaha~!"
“YoU’LL neVer CAtCh mE~! MwAHahAha~!” Error gives his best fake evil laugh, sending a bone attack to gently bonk Barny, careful to not take off any HP. The hybrid is stunned for a short minute, before bursting into giggles, struggling to lift the stick through his laughter as Error snickers.
"Y-you are such an ass! HaHahehe~" The glitch just playfully sticks out a tongue, bonking the boy again. Sticking his tongue out at Error, Barny leaps forward to try and bonk him back. "HiiiyAAA! You're so fast-!"
“I’vE Got A loT Of pRActiCe~! HehEHe~” The hybrid pouts at him, giving the glitch a hard look.
"So not fair-"
"Oi! Look what we got here~" A second hybrid comes out of the bushes, standing tall on a nearby fallen log. This one is also a wolf, his hair an ashy gray to match his ears and tail. Two more idiots follow suit behind him, a lizard and a dear hybrid.
Barny's playful attitude immediately vanishes, turning to glare at the other, slightly bigger kid with a roll of his eyes.
“HeLlO.” Error greets, at least trying to be friendly. The new wolf boy sneers at him, baring his fangs. Barny does the same right back, stepping in front of the glitch.
"Ya got a new chew toy, huh Barny? That's no fair, ya should be a good runt and share with your brother."
"I ain't ever sharin' nothin' with ya, Denise ." When the now named Denise steps forward threateningly, Error summons a tall bone attack right in front of him, edge still blunted.
“HeRE yoU Go! Is thAT a gOoD ENoUGh cHeW ToY foR You?” Barny lets out a startled giggle as his brother growls, ears pinned back threateningly.
"Ya think you're all that just because ya can use magic?" His lackeys growl behind him as he sends a blue attack at Error, the attack is shaped like three claws- not horrible, but his aim needs some work. Error doesn’t even bother dodging, the attack passing harmlessly through his shoulder as he holds still.
“I dUnNo- dO You?” Error asks back as the other snarls.
"Go find something better to do, Denise. We don't wanna hang out with you." Barny huffs, crossing his arms as he glares at his brother. The taller comes storming up to him, but Error’s new friend holds his ground.
The stare off lasts for a few more moments, before Error interrupts it by forming a bone wall between the brothers, blocking Denise’s view, and Error grabs Barny’s arm and glitches them both out of sight- letting go as quickly as possible.
“O-oh that’s a weird feeling-” Barny blinks and stumbles a little, taking in the slightly different environment.
“Ah- so-ORry-”
“Nah it’s uh….whoah.” Shaking his head, the hybrid looks over at Error. “It’s cool, but uhm….you okay?”
“ToUch HuRTs-s, reMEm-mbeR?” Error gestures to his glitches. “Or-r, mORe sp-PIcIF-fiCAlly, gLitCHinG-g-g hURts, aNd-d toU-ucH MaKEs iT w-woRSe. I’ll bE-e fiNE.”
“Mm…..is there any way to get it to go away or something?” Barny asks with a concerned frown. “Are they why your hand tickles?”
“I DoN’t tH-hINk thEre’S-s a wAy tO Ge-eT Rid oF TheM-m- aNd MaYBe-e? I fEel liKe I-I’vE heArd thAT be-EFore.” Error just shrugs a bit.
“Well they feel tickley to me so at least you can tickle people with ‘em~!” Barny tries to look on the bright side and cheer Error up, making the glitch snort.
“DoN’t woRry-y, I’m uSEd to iT. Now- dO You WAnNa leaRn sOMe maGIc?” The wolf's eyes immediately light up as his tail wags in excitement.
“Yes yes pretty please Error!”
“OKay!” Error plops onto the ground, grabbing some strings to idly play cat’s cradle. “FirST, wE NeEd to FIguRe oUT a CouPLe thINgs- goTtA StaRT frOM the BegINninG.”
“Okay okay-” Barny sits down on the grass in front of him, flicking away a few small twigs as his tail wags behind him.
“ALriGhty- dO You kNoW WhaT Your sOUltrAItS aRe?” He asks.
“A little, it’s the colors of a soul that make up what kind of person someone is?”
“In siMPLe teRMs, yEaH. It ALso diCTateS WhAt mAgiC You’Re liKEly prOFicienT IN, thOuGH THeRe’s a feW OthER FaCTors, liKE sPecIEs. FoR ExAMple, sKEleTonS Are uSUaLly aBle to Use..” Error twists his hands, showing off the heart he had made with the strings. “INdigO MaGIc, wHIcH is oFteN AssOCiaTEd wiTH IntEGritY.”
“Oooo~ So skeletons have good morals?...usually?” Error shrugs.
“NoT NeCessARily- aNotHEr eXaMPle woULd bE DoGgi BeINg ADepT at CYaN or BLue mAGic, wHiCh is ReLaTEd to PaTiENce, aNd I WouLDn’T CaLL mosT oF THeM All thAT PaTIeNt.” Barny snorts, giggling into his hands as his tail wags some more and ears fall back.
“Yeah not really- Heheeh~”
“SeE? So juSt bECaUSe yoU MigHT bE GoOd aT One cOLor oF MaGIc doESn’t meAN it’S A SOultRAit aND VicE-veRSa, bUt iT’s stILl a GOoD staRTing PoiNT.”
“Oh okay! So how do I know what soultraits I have?” Barny tilts his head to one side, hair and ears flipping that way. Error coughs, looking away as he blushes slightly.
“WeLL- uH- uSUaLly iT’s bY.. taKinG Out YoUR soUL…” The hybrid blinks at the glitch for a moment, before his face turns beat red and his ears fall down slowly.
“W-well turn around then-! Don’t make it weird-!”
“I’m NoT LoOKinG-!” Error buries his face in his scarf, turning away. Huffing and willing away his flustered blush, Barny takes a deep breath before summoning his soul from his chest, narrowing his eyes at it.
“...Uhm…..so there’s a little…problem-”
“WhAT’s uP?” Error questions, voice muffled by his scarf as Barny shifts.
“Well uhm….I’m…kinda…just a little…..color blind-” He mumbles quietly, blushing even more in embarrassment.
“...RigHT- ‘cOUrsE-” Error mutters, skull bright yellow. “WhAT Do yoU WaNT me To do?”
“W-well you could- I mean you don’t have to, but i-if you wanted or- well not wanted, but more like if it’s ok…with you…” The hybrid's voice gets quieter as he rambles nervously. “S-since I can’t…see it-”
“If- uH- iF yoU’rE ALriGht wiTH it? I’Ll juSt nEeD A ReALly qUicK peEk-” Error tries to reassure, equally flustered and nervous. Thank the stars Killer isn’t here or he would never let Error love this down.
Barny nods, before realizing the glitch can’t see him. “Y-yeah it’s cool- I trust you…” looking away, the hybrid holds his soul out for Error to see better as the glitching skeleton hesitantly turns to face him, quickly peeking out of his scarf just long enough to see the bright colors swirling within- a touch caught off guard by just how bright it is.
The familiar inverted heart shape is about the only thing that seems to signify Barny is part monster, his soul glowing with color in a much more human way. “K-kaY- goT It-”
The wolf boy very quickly puts his soul back, hiding his face in his hands to smother his blush away- “S-so what are the colors..?”
“U-uH- WeLl, yOUr mOSt prOMinATe tRait Is I-iNTegRIty- iNDigO- aNd tHen yOU haVe BRaVEry- orANGe- AnD JuSTicE- YeLlow. ThEN I’m sURe yoU hAVe dETermINaTIon, thouGH I coULdn’T ACtivELy sEe iT. All hUmaNS haVE thAT.”
“Oooooh~ Bravery and justice sound like knight stuff!”
“YoU’re noT WrOng-” Error agrees with a small snort. “In TheoRY yoU’d Be gOoD AT gRAviTY magiC, bUt wE WoN’t knOW uNTil We tRy iT. I sUpPOse My mOsT PrOMinaTE trAit wOuLD jUsTICe, bUt I dOn’t knOW anY YElloW MaGic.”
“Oooh okay! Is gravity magic making stuff heavier or lighter?” Barny asks as he cocks his head to the side again, his ears flipping the other way.
“BoTH! HeAVieR Is eASier, thOuGh.” Error turns to concentrate on one of the sticks nearby, and with a quiet ping, it glows a faint blue as the glitch lifts it up and slowly brings it over. It’s surprisingly more difficult than he remembers, and the stick ends up falling about halfway, Error’s grip on his magic slipping, but of course the wolf is impressed nonetheless.
“Whoa! How did you do that? I wanna try!”
“It’s… Hm…” Error grabs the stick with his strings this time, tugging it into his hands. “HoW ABouT We tRy mAKinG It hEVier FIrSt?”
“Sure! So what do I do?” Barny wiggles a little closer to him, tail wagging very fast.
“HmMm… I’M noT veRY goOd aT EXplaINinG So leTs trY It thiS WaY- I’m goNNa aPply BLue maGIc tO thE StiCk aNd I WaNt yoU To trY FeeLing THe inTEnt.” The glitch holds out one end of the stick. “You GrAB onE ENd ANd I’ll hoLd thE Other.”
Banry does as told, grabbing ahold of the other end as he smiles at Error, who gives him a small smile back. “ReADy? TrY to foCuS On thE MAgiC.”
Error concentrates and lets his magic wrap around the stick and pull it down, doing it slowly in an attempt to let the hybrid properly feel it. The wolf closes his eyes to focus on the feeling of Error’s magic and the intent he’s imposing on the object.
“TrY CoPYinG It, iF yoU CaN.”
“On the stick?”
“MhM.” Barny looks down at the stick for a moment, before slowly narrowing his eyes as he focuses- a second later, the stick is slammed down hard into the ground, snapping the thick stick in half as something else cracks loudly.
Error yelps and glitches in surprise, before he registers white-hot pain in his hand and arm, making him tear up, glitching worse as error signs gather in his sockets. The pressure of the stick immediately vanishes as Barny crawls over to him, clearly panicking.
“O-oh no no- I’m sorry I’m so sorry Error-!”
“O-oW oW-woW-” Error hesitantly cradles his hand to his chest, struggling to avoid crying or crashing.
“I-is it broken-? Ms. Belle can heal it! She can heal anything!” Barny hovers over him in panicked worry, guilt gripping at his soul. “I’m so sorry I should have been more careful-”
“I-iT’s oK-kaY-” Error shakily tries to reassure as few tears escape his sockets. “H-h-hEaLIng m-mAGic dOeSn-n’t ReALly w-woRk oN Me-”
Barny whimpers, his ears pinned down. "W-what do we do then? How do we fix it?"
“L..leT’s gO GeT H-heLp..” Error mutters, shakily trying to push himself up with one arm.
“N-no no you can stay! I’ll go get Ms. Belle and be right back!” Before Error can say anything, the hybrid is gone, bounding away back towards the caravan. The glitch hesitantly settles back down with a small sniffle, hand and arm still on fire, and he internally curses his lessened pain tolerance.
When his friend comes back he has an older bunny girl with him. It's a bit tricky trying to treat the hard fracture going up his arm from his palm- with the whole no touching thing- but Ms. Belle puts gloves on and while it doesn't get rid of his glitches reaction, it makes it a little less painful- he manages to avoid crashing, at least.
As Error had expected, Ms. Belle isn’t able to heal him all that much, mostly just lessening the pain to a bearable level before they just have to wrap it, Error using his scarf as a makeshift sling. As they walk back to the caravan, Barny hovers over him.
"I'm so sorry Errrorrrr-!"
“It’S oKaY- reALly. I’M aLRighT- Ms. BeLle sAId iT’LL heAl in A MonTH oR so.” Error reassures as the wolf whines.
“I’m still sorry…I didn’t mean to hurt you…”
“I kNoW- I dOn’T BlaME You. BesIDeS, lOoK On thE BRigHt siDe! You cAN usE GrAVitY magiC!” They climb back into the cart carefully, Error struggling for a minute to lift himself up before he ends up using his strings.
“Yeah, I’m excited, but I’m more upset you got hurt because of me…I wish we could heal it better.”
“YeAh.. I’m pRetTy suRE it’S ALwaYS beEn thiS WaY- I thINk it’S SOMewHaT RelaTEd To thE TouCH ThinG.”
“Really? Like….your magic doesn’t like other people’s magic?” Error brightens, impressed Barny figured it out so quickly.
“YeAh! ThaT SOuNds riGht.” Barny’s tail starts to wag again in excitement, like a proud puppy being praised.
“So…uhm…what if you do little touches to get used to it and your angry buzzing will relax a little? Like with me and water! I don’t like water, but mom got me used to it so it doesn’t bother me much!” Error pauses a bit. He had been planning…. hoping- to do that with Nightmare.. But…
“..YeAh! ThaT seEMs liKe a GoOD ideA.”
“Really?” Barny wiggles in place with a big smile, thoroughly distracted from his guilt over the situation.
“MhM- BuT I wAnNa sTArt reALly liTtlE, dEaL?” The wolf blushes, tail wagging faster.
“O-oh you want me to help? I want to-! I’m just surprised sense we met just yesterday-”
“YOu’vE DoNe noTHinG BuT HelP Me siNCe wE MeT-” Error points out. “BeSIdES, I trUSt yoU.”
“I also broke your hand-”
“Eh dETaILs-”
“...You’re really nice, Error. I’m really happy you’re my friend.” Barny smiles down at his hands. “Besides my brother…I’ve never really had someone to play with before.”
“I’m gLAd yOU’rE My frIEnd toO- ANd I’m ReaLLy gLAd yoU FoUnd mE YEstErdAy.”
“Me too! I’m really surprised you got out as far as you did without getting lost- or well…..still heading in the right direction despite being lost-”
“HoNEsTLy saMe-” Error agrees, laughing lightly. It’s as if he has plot armor.
Chapter 46: Life is but a Dream
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
This is loosely based off of a couple of- mangas? I think? That I don’t remember the name of.
Nightmare x Error and mentioned Nightmare x Dream (They don’t know they’re twins)
Chapter Text
The king looks down on his queen with a cold, uncaring eye, only Dream noticing the way the tendrils behind him flick in aggravation.
In contrast to the king’s mask of indifference, the queen looks up at him in shock, expression betrayed. As if he never would have thought his husband would turn on him- as if he was so arrogant to assume his status was invulnerable.
Nightmare doesn’t even bother sparing him another glance, turning and silently gesturing for his most trusted to do the deed as the queen is forced to kneel.
Dream flinches, closing his eyes as the sword falls on the queen’s neck.
“Aw wHAt C’mOn-!” Error grumbles at the indignation, glaring daggers at his book before dropping it on the bed- making sure he put a bookmark in first of course- before getting up, stretching with a yawn.
Although Error has never been one for reading, when “Life is but a Dream” took the internet by a storm, he had grown curious. Not wanting to buy the online version, he visited the nearby librarby and managed to snag a copy.
He’ll admit, it’s been a pretty good read so far- the worldbuilding is interesting, the characters well fleshed out, and the plot is nicely paced. One of his favorite parts, however, is one of the main antagonists- someone who had been only named ‘the queen’- the current wife of King Nightmare, who is clearly the main love interest.
The main reason Error liked the character so much is the clear difference in perspectives. The main character- Dream- has viewed the queen as an arrogant, careless person, who only married King Nightmare to settle the war that has been only referenced a couple of times so far.
The author had decided to give everyone a read into the queen’s mind, writing a couple of chapters from his point of view. Turns out, he was just a nervous, second-born prince who hadn’t wanted to be shackled to the duties of royalty, and he didn’t know how to approach King Nightmare, ignoring him only because he didn’t know what else to do.
It’s just a really bad misunderstanding- well written though. The poor queen has been tormented by the nobles in the background of the story the whole time! And the unfairness of it all has driven Error to continue reading, hoping there was some sort of resolution for the queen.
Of course, he was in the way of Dream’s main love interest- he had to be out of the equation somehow. One of the nobles set the queen up, framing him for attempting to assassinate Dream, and his lack of relationship with King Nightmare became his downfall.
It’s good, but dammit he really wanted the queen to have a happy ending! It’s not his fault he had to marry the king, when said king is such a cold asshole, sure he’s apparently charming to Dream, but-
“DuMb fuCKinG BoOK mURdeRIng My faVOritE ChaRacteR-” Error mutters as he heads to his kitchen for a snack and drink. “ShOuld’vE haD him run aWay oR somEThing-”
As he opens the fridge, giving the milk an annoyed look that could make it curdle, he hears the soul stopping sound of a gun being cocked back behind him.
Error freezes, hardly daring to take a breath, and for a long moment, everything is still. His soul beats loudly in his ribcage despite it being far too quiet and tense. The floor behind him suddenly creaks with slow footsteps and cold metal is pressed against the back of his skull, making him stiffen, a small gasp escaping him.
What on earth is someone doing in his house with a gun-?? The weapon shakes slightly in the intruder's hold as a whispered apology reaches him, but before Error can react, the gun goes off with a loud bang.
Pain is all he knows for a long, agonizing moment, before nothing.
~
The next moment Error is aware, an odd crackle of pain laces up his body, joints seizing up and making him lose control of himself, and he vaguely is aware of the feeling of falling to the ground, vision filled with error pop-ups- not unlike the ones that show up on computers.
“WELCOME USE-----We-- error- sou----!” What’s going on? What is this-? I-it hurts-
He’s pretty sure he feels something grab his shoulders, but the pain just worsens, white-hot agony clawing at his soul as incomprehensible voices blare through his head. He’s vaguely aware of a glitched, garbled sounding countdown, the pain worsening, before he’s blessed with everything going dark.
~
Error wakes up slowly this time, slowly dragged out of unconsciousness with a small whine, his entire being aching and fizzling unpleasantly- though it’s much better than it was before. Something cool is placed against his skull, a bead of water sliding down his temple as he scrunches up his face a bit.
“Error? My Prince Please…”
“Mh…?” Error struggles for a moment, before he manages to pry open his heavy sockets, blinking up at the ceiling blearily. The voice speaks to him again.
“Oh Thank The Stars-”
“Wha-?” Error instinctively tries to sit up, the uncomfortable buzz in his bones flaring as he’s made aware of just how sore everything is, his head throbbing painfully.
“N-no lay down you’re still recovering-” Two hands grasp his shoulders, making him yelp and jerk back as the fizzy feeling bursts from the point of contact, almost painful. “Whoa Whoa Whoa! I’m Sorry Sorry-!”
The hands disappear, and Error slowly relaxes as the feelings fade, before finally looking over at the source of the voice. He wasn’t expecting to see a short, white boned skeleton with blue eyelights, wearing a maid-like outfit and looking at him in concern.
“Error? How Do You Feel? The Weird Sparks Probably Hurt, Huh?”
“Uh- Y-yEaH…” Error hesitantly answers, confused and alarmed, gaze drifting as he looks around at the way too fancy room they’re in. Like- reeeaaally fancy, not unlike something from a fantasy web comic or something.
“Does Anything Else Hurt? You Hit Your Head Pretty Hard When You Had That Weird….Thing Earlier. Do You Remember That?” The small skeleton asks, and Error pauses, brows furrowing in thought. Did they mean the pain after being… holy shit he was shot-
Error gasps, hand flying to the back of his skull for the bullet wound he instinctively knew wouldn’t be there, knocking the wet rag off of his forehead.
“Error Be Careful!” The skeleton hovers as he feels along the small hairline crack going up the back of his head, tracing over it, before letting his arm drop heavily.
“I’m.. I’M fiNe.” He mutters, aggressively shoving his panic and confusion away to deal with when he’s alone. The skeleton- that he assumes is some kind of maid- frowns with a heavy sigh.
“Okay, If You Say So, My Prince. I Healed The Crack The Best I Could, But The Rest Of It Will Have To Heal On Its Own So You Should Rest. We Can Continue The Dress Fitting On A Later Date…”
“D-dREss fITtinG?” Error repeats dumbly. ‘My prince???’ he internally screams.
“Yes..?” The maid says in confusion. “You Were Getting Your Dress Fitted For Your Wedding To The King? Remember? Oh I Really Hope You Don’t Have A Concussion Again-”
Error just blinks at the maid, and in the back of his mind he hysterically wonders if he’s going insane because what the hell-
“User01 is not going insane, do not worry-”
“Welcome back User01!”
“We deeply apologize for any disruptions cause by the soul synchronization malfunction-”
“You have five(5) notifications-”
Error jumps at the barrage of voices, looking around for the source despite it sounding like they’re in his head.
“Uhm…My Prince…? Are You Okay..?” The maid asks, and Error is reminded that there is in fact someone else in the room, and he should probably say something unless he wants to actually look insane.
“Y-yeS- YeS I’m fINe-” Error reassures, looking down at his hands before pausing. Is he… glitching..?
“You’re Really Worrying Me. Maybe We Should Postpone The Wedding- Yeah That Sounds Okay, Then You’ll Get Your Chance To Learn More About The King! Maybe He’s Nicer Than He Seems?....Error?”
“Y-yeAh-?” He jumps, the fizzing- is that the glitches?- flaring slightly as he looks up to the maid. The smaller skeleton is giving him a very concerned look, sweating nervously.
“....Oh Dear. Definitely Postposing The Wedding-”
“I’m fiNE-!” Error automatically tries to protest, despite having no idea what the fuck is going on. What wedding are they even talking about-??
“You Are Not Fine, Don’t Lie To Me Error! We Both Know You You Can’t Lie To Save Your Own Life-” How did they know that-?
“I- OkAy I’m ProBaBLy noT FInE eVErytHing huRTs-”
“Exactly. So Lay Back down Before I Find Something To Push You Down With. You Are So Stubborn You KNow That?” The small skeleton huffs, before grabbing the rag that had fallen on the bed and putting it back into the large water bowl on the bedside table. Error can’t help but pout a bit, but he lays back against the soft pillows, relaxing.
The maid moves around the room, putting a few things away, but the silence doesn’t last long. “This Has Been A Pretty Unfortunate Turn Of Events Huh? Well- You Don’t Have To Get Married This Week Though, Just Like You Wanted So Maybe It’s Not All Bad?”
“I… gUEsS? Um- bUt hoW Are wE goNna TeLl..” They had mentioned a king right? “THe kiNg?”
What did they even mean, he’s supposed to get married? To some sort of king, even? What is he even doing here??
“We might be able to answer that!” Error jolts in surprise as one of the voices answers his thoughts, a translucent blue screen popping up in front of his face, several different voices beginning to read out the text on it.
“Welcome, User01! To Life is but a Dream!”
“There were some temporary errors upon your transfer into your current body, but don’t worry! They’ve all been resolved now- we apologize for any side-effects you may have experienced.”
“Your soul is currently residing in the character ‘The Queen’, renamed ‘Error’ in hopes of promoting a smoother transfer experience for you.” What-? This is a joke right? He can’t seriously be in the book he was just reading- As his favorite character no less!
“This is not a joke, User.”
“It would be one heck of a set up if it was.”
“You have unfortunately died in your past life, and this opportunity was unlocked with the words ‘Dumb fucking book murdering my favorate character! Should’ve had him run away or something!’”
“We encourage you to immerse yourself into this world and work hard!”
“There are a couple rules that must be followed, or your account will be terminated and you will be sent back to your previous world.” Wait- but didn’t they just say he was dead in his home world-?
“First: You may not disclose the fact that you aren’t from this world to any characters.”
“Second: You may not tell any characters about your System- that’s us!”
“Third: You must complete your main missions.”
“And fourth: Have fun! :)”
..Ooooooh stars this is real- Oh no- Error’s going to die again and he won’t be able to do anything about it or tell anyone about anything he’s so fucked-
“Error- Hey no no it’s okay, Ruru you’re okay-” The maid’s voice comforts him as they hover worriedly, pulling him out of his rapidly spiraling thoughts, and he belatedly realizes he was hyperventilating, the glitching having gotten much worse. “I know this has been a lot, but you’re going to be okay. I am right here with you Ruru I promise I’ll always be here for you.”
Despite himself, Error feels tears gathering in his sockets as he struggles to regulate his breathing, feeling like he can’t get enough air. No one.. has ever really said something like that to him before- and he doesn’t even know this person, though they clearly know him… or- his character, at least.
“Follow my breathing, okay? In….out…in….out.” The maid exaggerates his breaths, making sure Error can both hear and see his ribcage rising and falling, Error shakily trying to follow.
“Okay, You’re Doing Great, Error. You’re Doing Amazing. Now I want You To Tell Me Five Things You Can See.”
“U-um.. YoU.. Th-tHe beD, ThAT t-taPIstRy, Uh.. ThE.. ceILinG..? A-aNd thE BLaNkeTs.” The maid smiles warmly at him, their eyelights soft and…almost fond.
“Mhm, Very Good. You’re Doing Amazing, Now Remember To Breath, And Name Four Things You Can Hear. In…And Out, You’ve Got This.”
“Uh..” Error takes a deep, shaky breath. “ThE.. sTAtiC, yOur vOICe, My vOIce, aNd… YouR B-brEAthiNg.”
“Perfect, You’re Doing So Good. Now Tell Me Three Things You Can Feel.”
“ThE BLaNketS, The Gl.. uH- sParKS? And.. thE PilLowS?” Error stumbles slightly over describing the glitches.
“Good~ Now One Thing You Can Smell- We’ll Skip Taste-”
“Uh…” Error takes a deep breath. “FloWErS?”
The short skeleton giggles, before sitting back a little more now that Error is more calm. “That Would Be My Soap! And Probably The Soap Used To Clean The Bedding- But I Still Smell Amazing~!”
Error can’t help but snort a bit. “Uh-hUh- SoRrY aBout- uH- frEaKIng ouT.”
“Oh Don’t Worry About It My Prince! It Was Just Like The Other Times- Save For The Funny Sparks. You Did Really Well!” Error blushes slightly at the praise, looking away.
“WhAT- whAt aRe thE SpaRks aNywaY?”
“Uhm…Well…We Aren’t Entirely Sure? The Nega Kingdoms Head Researcher Believes It To Be A Curse, But I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It. It Would Make Sense Though For Someone To Curse You In An Attempt To Ruin The Marriage-”
“The glitching is likely due to an error from your transfer here. We are doing our best to fix it on our end, and we apologize for the inconvenience!” Error jumps slightly at the voice, frowning a bit.
“Is thEre any wAY to Fix IT?”
“Not That I Know Of…The King And Head Researcher- Royal Scientist- Left To Discuss It After The King Took You Here. It’s Been A Few Hours Since Then.”
“ThE KinG BRouGht mE HerE?” He questions, a touch surprised. The maid is practically glowing, their eyelights turning into bright blue stars.
“Uh huh! He Was At Your Side The Moment You Fell Down! As Was I, But His Stoick Behavior Was Much More Romantic~ I Told You He can’t Be As Bad As The Rumors Say, Even If He Is Scary Looking-” Error just hums quietly in response, unconvinced. The king- Nightmare- was probably just concerned Error had messed things up.
“...Look On The Bright Side, With The Wedding Most Likely Postponed, You Have Time To Get To Know Him! That Was What You Were So Worried About, Right?”
“I.. gUesS So- yeAh. I juSt- I DoN’t knoW HOw I’d AprOAcH him.” He mutters, taking a bit of a guess based on what he knows from the book- though it applies to him as well. How the hell would he be able to talk to the one he knows is going to kill him?
“Hmm…Well Most People Start With A Hello~” The maid teases, making Error frown. “No, But Really- Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover Until You’ve Read The Contents, And Not Just The Introduction.”
“I’m nOT-” Error pouts. He just happens to already know that the king would have him executed.
“Talk. To. Hi-” The maid is interrupted by a knock at the door and they both jolt a little in surprise. The shorter skeleton stands, straightening their outfit, before making their way over to open the bedroom door. “Oh- Greetings Your Majesty.”
Error jumps and struggles to push himself up, wanting to at least look somewhat presentable, only to be immediately reprimanded.
“ERROR LAY BACK DOWN-!!” Error yelps and glitches, quickly doing as told. He hears the maid sigh, before they step aside. “Sorry About That. Come In Come In.”
The door closes as Nightmare steps into the room, his dark form walking over to stand beside Error’s bed. Error hesitates slightly before looking up at the king’s intimidating and… hot holy shit- face. One bright cyan eyelight, black goop covering his incredibly handsome face- and the rest of him of course- but oh wow the book didn’t do Nightmare justice-
“Greetings, Prince Error.”
“..H-hi.” Error says dumbly, the maid behind Nightmare giving him a thumbs up.
“...How are you feeling?”
“It uH- iT coULd be WorSe.” Error replies, cringing internally as he fidgets with his hands. The large tentacles on the king's back twitch, curling into slightly tighter loops.
“Yes, thankfully the side effects of your current infliction are not as severe as they had been prior. However, you are likely to be fatigued for some time.”
“YeAH- uM- sOrRy aboUT THat…” Error mumbles, feeling incredibly awkward. “I wAS toLD yoU BrouGht mE hEre- THaNk yoU.”
“Of course.” The tentacles’ movements slow, swaying in a more relaxed manner. Error hopes it’s a good sign. “And you have no need to apologize. I allowed you to be hurt in my kingdom, so it is I who should apologize.”
“It coULd be WorSe.” Error repeats with a weak smile, shrugging a bit.
"That doesn’t make it any less impactful, Prince Error." Nightmare glares lightly at him with a scolding tone, making him shrink down into the covers sheepishly.
“SorRy…?” The king sighs ever so quietly.
“Things can always be worse, it can always be more painful, more difficult, and more crushing, but the fact it can indeed be worse does not disregard or outweigh the pain or impact of the event you have or are currently experiencing. You shouldn’t throw away your own well being so carelessly.” Error just blinks at Nightmare in shock as he feels his face heat up slightly, unsure how to respond.
“Hmm…The wedding is to be postponed to a later date, I will further discuss when it will be rescheduled with my most trusted. For now, you are to rest and settle into your new home.” The king turns to leave as one of his appendages reaches out and gently brushes up under Error’s chin. The touch is surprisingly cool, and the glitches don’t react as violently as they did to the maid’s touch. “Until our next encounter, my future queen.”
“...B-bYe..” Error says belatedly as Nightmare walks out of the room, left staring in flustered surprise as he blushes brightly.
“Ooooooo~ You Like Hiimmm~”
“Wh- No ShUT uP-!” He hisses, turning to glare at the maid- whose name he really had to learn.
“Yes You Doooo~ Mweh he he he~! The Magnificent Blue Was Right Yet Again~!” They puff out their chest, seemingly very proud of themselves. Huh- their name is Blue then?
“No- hE jUSt- he JuSt caUGht mE ofF GUarD-!”
“And That’s Why Your face Is Bright Yellow~ Even Your Freckles Are Showing~” Error scowls at Blue, blushing brighter before he pulls the covers over his face. “Mweh he he he~ This Is A Good Thing! You Were So Worried About Not Liking Him, But He’s Handsome, And Cool, And Smart, And Clearly Your Type~”
Error just whines in response, both out of not knowing what to say and embarrassment. Sure, the king looks good and is acting nicer than he had expected, but there’s no way he could like the person who will sentence him to death- and not even believe him when he explains he doesn’t try to kill Dream-
…Wait…has Nightmare even met Dream yet? The book… the book doesn’t start until after they were already married. Dream meets Nightmare at a masquerade ball and the queen didn’t attend, leading the king open for the taking. Maybe.. he could try winning Nightmare over first?
Error immediately dismisses the idea- there’s no way he’d be able to pull something like that off. Wooing a king? Yeah no, he’s nowhere near charming or pretty enough to pull that off. Not to mention all of Nightmare’s lackeys. His most trusted advisers and group of friends are very protective, one even goes out of his way to harass the queen when Nightmare isn’t looking.
He’ll have to do his best to at least try avoiding getting on anyone’s bad side, but he doubts he can do much more than that.
“Error? I’m Going To Go Get You Some Food, Okay? Take A Nap Or Crochet While You Wait For Me, Okay? We’ll Give You a Bath Tomorrow Morning.” Blue places something on the table beside him as he takes the bowl of water and quietly leaves the room.
After a moment, Error peeks out from under the covers, glancing over to see what the maid left. An already started crochet project, it’s not very far along, but the blue strings are familiar.
Error pushes himself up again, and this time, without Blue to nag him, he manages to shakily scoot to lean back against the bed’s headboard, taking a second to catch his breath. The simple action is a lot harder than it needs to be- Stupid glitches and his stupid aching body.
After a moment, he reaches over to grab the crochet project, marveling at the familiar magic in his hands. Had.. he- or his character- made this?
Suddenly, he’s hit with guilt at the thought of the body- the life- he had taken over. This is somebody else…The person Blue keeps talking about isn’t him…even if they sound like him- but he’s not them. He took over their life and body and he can’t even tell anyone if what the voice- system- said is true-
“It is!”
“Yup! We can’t lie, so you don’t need to worry.”
“GeE, thAnks.” Error mutters, glaring down at the project in his hands…What should he do now? He’s pretty sure he won’t be able to just run away even if he wants to. That just sounds like a quicker way to die a second time if he’s caught….but if he stays he has to get married. Isn’t that just a crazy concept?
In his… past life, Error’s love life was practically non-existent- though not necessarily for lack of trying. Just.. no one was interested in the weirdly colored, awkward skeleton who preferred staying at home over going out on a given day. He had mostly given up by the time he graduated high school. And to think now he’s going to be getting married…
He’s not going to be expected to…do anything with Nightmare right? It never elaborated on anything like that in the book between Nightmare and the queen- he… really hopes he isn’t expected to.. Especially with the new complications the glitches add. Then again he is marrying the only successor of this royal family tree…..oh stars-
Nope! Don’t think about it! He doesn’t need this right now! There are other things to worry about- Like how to avoid an early second death…..He may have taken this body and this life…but he shouldn’t let it go to waste…maybe he has a chance to change the queen's fate..
After a long moment of staring down at the unfinished crochet project, he gently sets it back on the table. Maybe… maybe he’ll finish it one day, but it just feels wrong to, right now. It’s the last hint there is of the previous person. That someone else existed here before him.
He sighs heavily, the roller coaster of emotions he’s gone through in such a short amount of time really taking a toll on him. He died pathetically in his apartment with no friends or family to speak of, woke up in a fictional world he had been reading about as the most tragic and his favorite character, and is going to have to marry the unfairly attractive king who is responsible for his future death while having no previous romantic experience worth mentioning.
…This is going to be quite the wild ride.
~
HIs recovery is taking forever-! It’s already almost been a full week and moving around still hurts! Blue has had to give him a rag to clean himself off with because the maid can’t exactly carry him due to the glitches and he so badly wishes he could just take a nice warm bath.
The poor maid has been on the other end of his whining probably far too much, but in his defense it quickly grew boring only being able to eat, sleep, and crochet until his hands hurt too much to continue. Out of sheer boredom, he started making a blanket to see how big he could get it- and it already covers about half of his massive bed.
Thankfully Blue tries to distract him by talking or just recounting stories as he knits and from what he’s gathered, Blue has been the second Pixalia’s prince’s maid and private servant since they were both little and he’s a secret guard too! The short skeleton recounts the many sparring lessons he had with the head of the royal guard there in the royal palace as Error simply watched from the sidelines- well the prince who had this body before him did.
He once asked Blue to describe him and the description was so freakishly similar to himself. The description of his looks were basically a one-to-one to what he had looked like before- apparently something that was inherited from his father- and his personality growing up was almost the exact same.
Error was incredibly rebellious when he was a kid, often picking fights and shutting himself out from the world, though his passion had been snuffed out after a car accident had killed his family- just before he graduated high school.
The queen had apparently been just as rebellious, though less violent than he, trying to run away multiple times as a prince and outright refusing to engage in the usual politicking that came with the royal title. Blue would always go with him, as a protector and best friend. If the prince was going to run away Blu wanted to make sure he was at least safe no matter what.
The next bit of information shocked Error to his core however- When Blue mentioned the future queen’s two brothers, Geno and Fresh.
His older and younger brother. From his world.
Who had died when Error was only seventeen, in a car crash that- on bad days- Error still sometimes wishes he hadn’t lived through. There’s….there’s just no way. How can they be here? They can’t be here- It’s just…it shouldn’t be possible, but…
“Of course it’s possible! We got your soul here didn’t we?” Error jolts, barely keeping himself from looking up despite knowing nothing was there. Thankfully, Blue had left to get his next meal.
“Wh-WhaT-? WhaT THe heLL do YOu meAN?”
“Making new souls is hard you know-”
“I much prefer recycling especially if it makes for a better experience.”
“Agreed.”
“WhAT The fuCK- YoU JUst- toOK THeM?? Do TheY REmEMbeR aNYthINg? Are TheY OKaY?” Error practically demands, a familiar yet foreign feeling of protectiveness rising in him as he glares at nothing in particular.
“They’re fine, reliving their new lives here.”
“Unlike you, User01, your brother's souls were properly reborn here.”
“Wiping a soul completely isn’t possible so they might remember a little, but it’s not like you can tell them anything.” Error huffs at the reminder- or maybe it’s a threat? And after a moment, he decides to burrow under the covers and try to ignore everything for a while, an uncomfortable ball of feelings wound up tightly in his chest. Just another thing to try and process on top of everything else.
The next day Nightmare comes up to check on him. Now the king has been coming in every day to check on his condition, something that still honestly surprises him a bit, but today is different. This time the king has Error’s food with him and a second plate- and Blue gives him an aggressive thumbs up and a grin, before leaving the room.
“Do you mind if I sit you up?” The king asks as he pulls up a chair, sitting down beside the bed.
“Um- I cAn..” Error replies, struggling slightly to push himself up. It’s almost been a week and he still can’t move well. A cool tentacle gently wraps around his middle, the end of it supporting his spine as Nightmare gives him a stern look.
“That is not what I asked, Prince Error. Do you mind if I sit you up?” After a moment, Error shakes his head, looking away.
“Go aHEad.” The gentle touch feels nice with the glitches only stinging a little, the cool magic soothing most of his pain as he’s carefully pulled up so that his back is being properly supported by the pillows, a tray of food being placed in his lap. “..THanK YOu.”
“You are quite welcome….” The king shifts a little in place, before taking a bite out of his own plate, Error fiddling with his fork for a moment before following suit. They eat their food in awkward silence for a while, neither of them sure what to say or do. Error is internally panicking- the silence almost felt suffocating.
“..S-sO- hOw hAVe yoU BeEN..?” Error is the first to break, haltingly speaking. The king doesn’t respond right away, scowling a little at his food as his tentacles flick lightly behind him.
“...Tired in all honesty. Dealing with nobles and mountains of paperwork is exhausting.”
“WhY AreN’t yoU ReSTing ThEN? InstEAd oF TaLKinG To mE?” Error can’t help but question, brows furrowing slightly in confusion. Nightmare answers the question without hesitation.
“Because eating lunch with my queen is more important, obviously.” He hadn’t meant for that to come off so rude, and the king's tentacles flinch a little in response to his own internal cursing.
Error just stares at him for a moment, wondering if he’s being sarcastic or not. Is the king forcing himself to stay out of some sort of sense of duty?
“...BuT Rest iS ImPOrtANt too.”
“A king does not rest until his duty is done. I have to get back to work after this so therefore I can not rest.”
“ReST doeSN’t meAn sleEP- it coULd juSt liKe- reADing A BoOK oR puNChiNG SomeThINg.” Error points out, frowning a bit. So Nightmare is here out of a sense of duty.
“Then consider this my rest if you would like….besides, I have read every book in the royal library.”
“ReALLy? ALl of THeM?” Error asks incredulously. The lightest of cyan magic dusts Nightmare’s cheekbones and he looks off to the side as he nods.
“All of them. I read most of them when I was 17.”
“SerIOusLY? HolY Shi- Uh I meAN-” Error blushes a bit himself and much to his surprise the king chuckles. The glitch blinks up at him, his surprise doubling when he sees the small smile on the king’s face.
“Killer and Dust talk that way all the time so there is no need to worry. I will not think any less of you for it.”
“A-aLRigHt.” Error agrees, though he has no intent on actually dropping his filter. He’s pretty sure cussing isn’t very prince or queen-like. Nightmare takes a small sip of his teacup, before focusing back on Error again.
“Hmm..do you like tea? Or any drink in particular?” He would kill for an energy drink-
“I cAn’t sAY I’vE EVer ReALly trIEd TeA… DoEs hoT ChoCOlaTe coUNt?”
“Yes, a good friend of mine likes hot chocolate, anything chocolate really- …Would you like to try some of my tea? It’s a special blend only made here in the castle garden.”
“If… YoU DOn’t mINd..?” Error says uncertainly as a tentacle gently picks the teacup up by its base and holds it out to the glitching monster. After a moment, he takes it and carefully sips at it, humming at the taste.
“..CoULd be sWeeTEr.” He decides.
“Mm…sugar or honey?”
“All.” Error deadpans, before smiling a touch awkwardly. “It’S ALriGht- It’s prEttY GOod tHouGh- um- DoN’t yoU WaNT It bAck..?”
“I don’t mind either way- I was asking for future context…If you ever want to try any other tea I mean-” Oh that came weird.
“I’m NoT OpPOSed to thE idEa… MaYBe we coULd mAkE A GaMe oF iT.” Error shyly suggests, his fidgeting giving away his nerves. “HaVE yoU TrIEd mAny tEas..? We coULd lOok foR NeW ONes tO Try tOGethEr..”
One of Nightmare's tentacles does a small twirl while one in particular starts to wag, catching Error’s attention. It inexplicitly reminds him of a puppy wagging its tail- but there’s no way the cool and collected king would be happy like that from one of his dumb ideas. He doesn’t see the way the king’s socket widens, eyelight dilating a little. “...I would like that.”
“YoU- yoU WoulD?” He can’t help but ask, surprised.
“Yes, very much so. Exploring new things is…I’ve been told is better when doing it with someone else-”
“A-aLRighT THen.. It’S A datE.” Error almost immediately regrets his words, internally cringing as he looks down at the teacup in his hands. Why the fuck did he say that- There’s a long moment of silence between them and it slowly eats away at him, slowly flushing in embarrassment and a bit of shame as he shrinks in on himself.
Error is dragged from his thoughts but a sudden thumping noise against the wooden floor, startling both skeletons as they look to see Nightmare’s waging tentacle waging even ward, smacking the floor in rapid succession. He’s never seen someone get up so fast as the king immediately tries to snatch the offending tentacle, only for his movement to keep it just out of his reach.
Shocked, Error has to fight back a snort as Nightmare tries again, only for the same thing to happen. He would never voice the comparison out loud, but it really did remind him of a puppy trying to chase its tail. It’s stupidly cute-
The king tries one final time, losing his footing and falls flat on the ground, a different tentacle cushioning his fall as the first finally stops moving. Nightmare doesn’t move to get up, and after a long moment, Error sets the teacup and tray of food aside, shakily trying to stand up as he grows a touch concerned.
“NiGhtMAre..?”
“I’m fine don’t get up-” The king responds in a muffled voice. “Please ignore my tentacles they are a nuisance-”
“ToO LAtE I’m gEttING uP-” Error retorts, swinging his feet over the side of the bed and trying to put weight on them- only to yelp as pain and glitches spike up his legs as they buckle under him. The king is there in an instant and instead of hitting the floor like he expected, two cool arms catch him, holding the glitching skeleton not unlike a dip when dancing.
Error looks up into Nightmare’s eyelight in surprise, feeling his glitches flaring from the contact as he processes just how close the king’s face is, his own slowly heating up. This close, he can see Nightmare in more detail. The tiny little droplets of black ooze that covers him falling so slowly it’s barely noticeable, the definition of his jawline, and sharp shape of his socket, even the two sharp looking canines resing in his mouth as he stares back.
Cyan is a really good color on him, calm and cool, even as the color slowly starts to dust his cheeks…is that specks of purple in Nightmare’s magic? Is- is he blushing-?
“M-my apologies-” The king carefully picks him up in a bridal hold, swiftly scooping his legs up and supporting his back. “But you really shouldn’t be up.”
“I’m sICk oF BeinG STucK iN Bed-” Error grumbles a bit, the king giving him a thoughtful look.
“...How would you feel about visiting the gardens then? They are quite beautiful this time of year. The fresh air will feel nice.”
“ThE SaME GaRDenS the teA CoMeS FrOM?”
“Exactly. If you will allow me to, I can even show you the plants used to make the tea. The palace garden is quite extensive and we have many exotic plants, some that are extinct and will only grow here. It is quite a lovely place to traverse on a nice day such as this.”
“That dOEs soUnd NicE… I cAN’t quITe.. wALk, thOuGH..” Error hesitantly points out.
“I will just have to carry you then.” The king answers simply, as if it was obvious.
“I.. dOn’t wANna be A BOthEr.” Plus Error isn’t sure how long his glitches will last with the contact- he can feel them slowly worsening as Nightmare continues holding him.
“You aren’t a bother at all..” The king glances down more at his glitches, catching on pretty quickly, almost as if reading his thoughts. “I can get you a wheelchair if you would rather.”
“If- if YoU WoULdn’T MinD? JusT- thE SpaRKs teNd tO Get woRSe witH toUcH anD TheY KiNdA HUrt- thOuGH yoUr ToUCh iSn’t As bAd aS BLue’S-” He rambles slightly as Nightmare sits on the edge of the bed and carefully sets Error back down.
“I see. Well I’ll be sure not to touch you for too long then. If you would please finish your meal I will go get the wheelchair and we can spend some time in the garden.”
“A-aLRigHt.” Error agrees, blushing slightly as he grabs his food again. Nightmare leaves with his plate not a moment later and the glitching skeleton stares down at his own food, before coving his glowing face in his hands, an embarrassed, high pitched whine escaping him.
Oh stars whyyyyyy- Nightmare isn’t supposed to be cute! He’s supposed to be a scary cold king who cuts his head off! But- he’s so stupidly thoughtful and nice and his tentacle was wagging like a tail and it was adorable- He even chased it! Ahhh-!
He can’t let this get to him. Sure the king has been checking on him every day and even ate with him and is going to take him to the garden and….didn’t say anything about him calling it a date- but it can’t be a thing! There’s no way Nightmare would like him back-
Error pauses at his own thoughts, scowling at himself. No- he shouldn’t- he can’t - like Nightmare. Not when he’s the one who will kill him in the end. That’s basically setting himself up for heartbreak- besides, Nightmare will fall for Dream at the masquerade ball, especially since one of the main quests doesn’t allow him to go.
He still needs to figure out an excuse to avoid being there, come to think of it… Maybe he could use his glitching to his advantage. Before he can continue thinking about it further, the king returns with the wheelchair.
“Are you ready to go, Prince Error?”
“Oh- uM- yEaH-” He says, looking up from his hardly touched food.
“...Would you like to take it with you or eat later?” Nightmare asks, ever observant.
“..LaTer, If thAT’s aLrigHT.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t want you to push yourself…..Is it alright if I pick you up again?” Error nods, and, blushing a bit, he shyly holds out his arms to make it easier for the king. Nightmare holds back a small smile as he uses his tentacles to wrap around Error’s ribcage and carefully pick him up off the bed, setting him down in the wheelchair a moment later. “Comfortable?”
Error pauses, before using his strings to grab one of the smaller blankets he had made, draping it over his legs. “Mhm!”
With a nod, Nightmare wheels him out of the room. The hall is relatively quiet, with maids, servants, and other workers doing their jobs. A few of them give Error a look, but it only lasts for a moment before they bow as Nightmare walks by, the glitch cringing in on himself slightly. Maybe he should’ve asked Blue to push him around- it’s probably too lowly a task for the king to be doing.
Error barely manages to reign in his awe and shock at just how fancy everything looks, constantly having to remind himself that he is both a prince and is supposed to have seen everything before. When they get out into the gardens he can barely believe what he is seeing. It looks like a fairy garden or like- a fairytale forest!
Nightmare takes him down a stone path as little balls of lights float out of one of the many types of flowers covering the garden, and Error can’t help but curiously reach out to one, sockets wide. It lands gently on his hand and his palm is filled with a soothing warmth, his shoulders relaxing in his seat.
“That is the pollen of an Alura lily, also known as the dream lily. It is known for having magic that helps people rest and even soothing them to sleep.”
“Wow… We dON’t haVE AnYthINg liKe thIS AT hoMe..” Error gently cups the pollen in his hands as he looks at it with- probably badly concealed- wonder, speaking without thinking. Thankfully, the system doesn’t react.
"Yes, Alura Lilies only grow in locations with high concentrations of magic in the soil, air, and water."
“KiNda liKe ECho FLoWeRs.” He comments, letting the pollen go after a moment to let drift through the air.
"Yes, except echo flowers prefer the dark. Alura Lilies enjoy the sunlight and warmer climates. In the winter they sink to the bottoms of the pools and ponds they grow and wait in the warmer waters beneath the ice."
“YoU KnoW A Lot aBOut thEm.”
“I know a lot about many plants. As a tree spirit I am quite partial to flora. Learning about every plant in our vast garden, how it can be used, where it grows and why, fascinates me.”
“ThAT’s prETty cOoL- I p-” Error cuts himself off- he had almost brought up coding. “...I.. Don’T KNoW anYThiNG neaRLy aS IMpreSsivE.”
“I wouldn’t call my knowledge of plants impressive. It is merely something I enjoy, that’s all that really matters.” They cross over a pretty rock bridge covered in vines, arching over a small stream. “...I noticed you like to crochet.”
“..YeAH- iT- it wORks wELl wiTH My inhERENt mAGiC anD iS A GoOD wAy to KeEP my haNDs buSY. I ACtuALly mADe thiS BLaNKet.” Error fidgets with a corner of the blanket made of his strings, silently wishing he had other yarns for his craft, but considering Blue never offered him any, he assumes it’s hard to get.
“Really? Well that alone is quite impressive indeed. That takes a lot of patience and skill.” Nightmare praises him in a genuine tone, making him blush.
“It’S Not thAT HaRd oNCe yoU Get thE HAnG of iT, aNd iT’s.. CALminG.” Geno had been the one to teach him, back when he was still young and brash and raged at the world and its injustices. He was just starting to teach him how to sew when the accident happened. Despite his best attempts, his mood falls a bit, and he longs for the both brothers that he lost and the ones who aren’t truly his. “...My.. My bRotHEr tAUght mE.”
“...Ah, I see. Your brother sounds very talented to have taught someone as skilled as you.” Nightmare tells him with a small frown, hoping to raise his spirits.
“HiS WOrK riVAls thE RoYaL SeAMStreSses- And iT’s cOMfIEr.” Error proudly declares, though he has no idea if it’s true. The prince gets a small chuckle from Nightmare as they continue down the path to a denser part of the garden.
“He sounds like his work is nothing but art.”
“MHm- He w- IS pReTty gREaT.” Error agrees, needing to remind himself that Geno is still alive here. Nightmare doesn’t bring any attention to his little slip up.
“Hm, so is this your older or younger brother we are discussing?”
“OldEr- hiS NaME is GeNO.”
“Ah, I see. Having an older brother must be nice. I do not have any siblings myself, but my mother always told me I once had a twin.”
“ReALly? HuH- hAvINg a TwiN SOuNdS INtereStinG..”
“It is, especially for a tree spirit. My mother would say our souls are intertwined and our lives are connected.”
“HuH.. Is thAT… nORMaL?” Error questions as the king hums.
“Normal for monsters? No I don’t believe so, normal for tree nymphs…I am unsure. You see tree nymphs are a very rare occurrence when a single tree is born from something incredibly impactful, a change in the world. That is how my mother was created- so long ago that the first kingdom had yet to exist.” Nightmare explains. Error listens intently- he had never read this in the book, though he never finished it so it might’ve been in there.
“However, the only other way for a tree nymph, like my mother, to have children is if they use a piece of their very being to do it. My mother used half of herself and then split it in two- or so she told me- and then formed me and my twin's bodies and forms based on someone else. She then faded away into a deep sleep in her true body and has been asleep ever since….well…ever since 20 years ago.”
“You could say that me and my twin are two sides to the same coin, two halves of my mother. So if something bad happens to one of us, we both die….or so I’ve been told.” They stop and Error looks up from where he had been staring off into his lap to see a large and grand tree before them, stretching high into the sky with strong ancient branches and apples…one side of the tree has bright golden shining apples, and the other half obsidian blackish purple apples, perfectly separated.
“WoAH…” Error breathes, staring up at the tree in awe.
“Error, meet my mother.” The king rolls him up to the large base of the tree with a soft smile, before gently placing his hand on the bark of the trunk. Almost immediately, the overarching leaves start to shake and rustle in greeting. “Mother, this is Error.”
“H-hI.” Error meekly greets, suddenly feeling nervous. He wasn’t expecting to meet Nightmare’s mom of all people- though he supposes it’s expected, as a future spouse- and the fact that she is a tree doesn’t help much.
The king chuckles at him as the tree’s leaves rustle again. “Don’t be shy, place your hand on her trunk.”
Holding back the urge to make a dirty joke, Error hesitantly- and slightly shakily- leans forward and puts his hand on the trunk of the tree. A warm yet cool sensation tingles against his palm and fingers, before a soothing voice echoes within his skull.
“Greetings, Error dear.” Error’s pretty sure an embarrassing squeak escapes him as he jumps, the glitches flaring slightly in his surprise. The voice laughs softly and he can almost feel her smiling. “Well aren’t you cute~”
“Hi..” Error says again, blushing furiously. The voice giggles warmly and a vine hanging off the tree reaches down to gently cup his face, stroking over his cheek.
“Hello again~ It is a pleasure to meet you, my dear~ My name is Nim, Nightmare’s mother, the first queen of Nega, and the tree of feelings, but you can just call me Nim, or mom~”
“N-nIcE To mEeT You ToO.” Error mumbles, wondering if it’s possible to die out of embarrassment.
“Oh you are just the cutest little thing~ So shy~ Nighty darling is shy too you know-”
“Mother please don’t-” Error has to hold back a surprised snort, unable to help but grin a bit. The king glares lightly at him with a cyan blush- he can somehow feel the devious look that Nim is giving them both.
“Don’t what~? Share how adorably cuddly you are or how you cover your bed in soft plush-”
“Shhhh!! Stop-!”
“Do yOu liKE SofT THinGs tOo?” Error can’t help but ask, flinching slightly as he realizes he just cut Nightmare off. However instead of being upset, the king looks away with a hand over his face, blushing so brightly that Error can still see the color of his magic peaking through.
“...Yes.” This time Error can’t hold back a small giggle.
“SofT ThiNGs aRe niCE- maYBe I CaN MaKe yOu a COMfy BlaNkeT!” Nightmare looks over at him in surprise, as a single tentacle behind him starts to wag in excitement.
“Really? You want to make me a blanket-?”
“MHm! ThOuGH I hoPe You’Re ALrigHT WitH BLue- I dOn’T HaVE ANy yaRN sO I’Ll juSt hAve TO Use My stRINgs-”
“I can get you yarn- Any kind or color of yarn you want.” The tentacle wags faster and Nightmare has yet to notice. Error carefully keeps his gaze from drifting to it, not wanting to ruin the moment.
“WeLL the BLaNket iS For yoU, sO You shOUld PiCk the yaRN.”
“Oh I don’t really know anything about yarn- You would probably do a better job picking then I would.” The glitch hums, frowning a bit in thought.
“MaYBe.. wE CaN PicK TogETher, tHen…?” Error hesitantly suggests. “ThaT WaY We caN MaKe suRe to PicK ONe you liKe.”
“That sounds lovely..~” Oh Nightmare's tentacle is waging so fast- It’s so cute- Error loses the fight holding back his giggles, covering his mouth with his free hand. The king blushes, giving him a weird look. “What-? What are you-?”
It’s then that he turns to stare dubiously at the appendage, freezing in place as it continues to wag, Error’s giggles turning into full-blown laughter. Nightmare’s skull turns a bright cyan with purple speckles and he jumps over to try and catch it, the appendage moving away almost teasingly.
“S-stop waging!”
“O-oH mY StaRs-” Error wheezes, hunching over. This is just too much- The king looks so flustered as he tries to catch his tentacle, giving Error a half-hearted glare.
“S-stop laughing you ass-!”
“I’M N-nOT-!” Error snickers, grinning widely as he covers his mouth with both hands.
“Such crude language, my darling- You shouldn’t speak that way to your betrothed~ Even if you two are quite cute.” Nims leaves shake and Nightmare pouts as he finally catches and holds the wagging tentacle, struggling to keep it still as Error’s shoulders shake in silent laughter.
“....You’re mean-” The glitch snorts at the weak retort, ribs and middle beginning to hurt from how much he’s been laughing. The supposedly cold king pouts at him hard as a different tentacle slowly creeps over to wrap itself comfortably around his waist. “Very mean-”
“The- The MeaNESt-” Error playfully agrees as he struggles slightly to get his breath under control, coughing a bit. Nightmare frowns a little in concern, letting go of his now still appendage to hover over the glitching skeleton.
“Are you alright? Sorry I didn’t mean to make you laugh so hard-”
“N-nO no nO-” Error takes a few seconds to breathe deeply, his grin softening. “I nEeDEd a GoOd laUgh- ThAnk yoU.”
The king blushes brightly before very quickly looking away, his extra appendages curling into slow little loops behind him and- oh is that a heart shape? No no it couldn’t be- “A-alright, if you insist.”
“I dO.” He agrees.
“Well Mother- this has been….interesting, but we should be going now.” Nightmare grabs hold of the wheelchair again as his tentacle gives Error’s waist a small squeeze, making him jump a touch, before Nim shakes her leaves in response. “She says goodbye.”
“GoODbYe.” Error says back, waving at the tree, a vine waving right back at him as they start to head back to the castle.
“Would you like to stop by the kitchen? You can get some food more to your liking there.”
“It’S ALriGht- I caN jUSt eAt thE FoOd yoU BRoUght uP earLIeR.”
“Are you sure? Would you like a desert? We can get hot coco.” Error pauses.
“I… wOuLDn’t bE OPpoSed tO ThAt…” With a nod, they silently walk back to the castle, passing back through the beautiful garden before getting inside and making their way to the grand kitchen. One of these days, Error might not be so awed by just how nice everything is, but right now, he still looks around with wide sockets.
“As you can see, this is our kitchen. The chefs are out for the rest of the day, but one of my dear friends can always be found in the kitchen at this time. He is an amazing cook. Would you like any other goodies with your hot coco?”
“...OnLy iF it’S Not a BotHer.” Error says hesitantly.
“It’s not a bother at all, Error. I am happy to treat you to something special.” One of Nightmare’s tentacles taps the shoulder of a large skeleton as they approach and the monster turns around to face them.
Error pauses, slightly taken aback by the large, jagged hole in the skeleton’s skull, glitching a bit at the sight. This must be Horror- one of Nightmare’s inner circle. The book had briefly described the large skeleton’s injury, but reading and seeing it are two completely different things. Not to mention the large, blown out red eyelight in his left socket, or just how big he is-
“Greetings Horror, I would like you to meet Error, my future queen. Error, this is Horror, one of my top royal guards, also known as the bulldozer for his raw physical strength.”
“Hello….” Error forces his gaze away from the hole, giving Horror a small smile. Honestly if he didn’t already know the large skeleton was actually a big softy from the book, he’d be more nervous.
“Hi HoRroR. It’s NicE To meET yoU.”
“You…too.” The big monster smiles back, before looking to Nightmare in a silent question.
“Error and I would like some hot coco and some sort of chocolaty treat?” The king looks to Error in question next, making him squirm a bit.
“JuSt- wHaTEveR’s eASieSt iS fiNe..”
“....Chocolate filled croissants..it…..is…” The glitch’s brows furrow slightly. Aren’t croissants really difficult to make? Or do they make them differently here? Not quite knowing enough about it, Error just nods in agreement. He and Nightmare watch as Horror starts to cook, starting with the hot coco, before the king takes them to a small table and they drink their coco as they watch a master at work.
Error happily sips at his hot chocolate, enjoying the taste as he holds back a yawn, growing a touch drowsy from the warm, comforting drink. He supposes it’s not too surprising he’s getting tired- this is the most active he’s been in over a week. The king sits beside him as Horror works in the kitchen, rolling and folding the fluffy dough over and over to create layers, stuffing it with chocolate before rolling it up into a neat cossaunt and putting it into the oven to cook.
It smells heavenly, and Error is so distracted watching Horror and enjoying the scent he doesn’t quite notice as he lists to the side slightly, his hold on his cup slipping as sleep creeps up on him. After a moment he finds himself leaning against something slightly chilly, and he unconsciously cuddles into it as he struggles to keep his sockets open.
The king stares at Error with wide sockets, one of his tentacles now holding the glitching skeletons mug. He has to fight not to tense as Error nuzzles into his shoulder, keeping his body relaxed, until a soft happy purr starts to build in his ribcage and he blushes in embarrassment.
Error just purrs back sleepily, likely feeling the vibrations in his chest, relaxing further as a small yawn escapes him, sockets beginning to flutter shut. Nightmare stays as still as he possibly can, ignoring the wagging of one of his tentacles as the others slowly and gently wrap themselves around the almost fully sleeping skeleton, who seems to happily melt into the contact- not even his sparks seem to react much to the touch.
Horror gives them a look as Nightmare hesitantly nuzzles the top of Error’s skull, scooting his chair just a little closer to better snuggle him. The king nearly completely forgets about the food, basking in the gentle affection with a soft smile until his friend puts a plate on the table and one of his tentacles picks it up.
The large skeleton gives him a small before leaving quietly and after a few more minutes of snuggling, Nightmare ever so carefully picks Error in his arms and starts walking back, letting his extra appendages take care of the wheelchair.
The glitch stirs just slightly, a sleepy grumble escaping him as he curls against Nightmare and lightly latches on to him, before relaxing again. Stars- his soul is going to leap out of his ribcage at this point-
With a small gulp, he opens Error’s bedroom door as quietly as he can and slips into the room, making his way over to the bed to sit down and reluctantly start to pull the smaller away- only for Error to cling to him tighter with a little whine, trying to nuzzle closer as his face scrunches up.
The king stills and for a long moment he is unsure of what to do, except slowly lie down in the bed and hope Error eventually lets go on his own. Of course, he doesn’t, just happily cuddling closer as his quiet, sleepy purring starts back up. Nightmare stares in shocked silence, before inevitably accepting his fate and slowly wrapping his arms around the smaller. There’s no way he’s getting out of this without waking Error up.
The prince hums softly- happily- in his sleep, as if in agreement. Blushing, Nightmare sets the plate and mugs on the bedside table as his tentacles drape themselves over the two like a blanket. Hopefully Error doesn’t mind the snuggles too much when he wakes up, but that's a future Nightmare’s problem for now…it’s time to sleep.
Chapter 47: Destruction and Negativity…. Are Omegas
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
What it says on the tin
Chapter Text
Nightmare is sitting in his office, grumbling to himself quietly as he stares down a piece of paper. He needs to get it done. He knows he needs to get it done….but he just can’t focus right now! His whole body feels on edge and he just can’t get comfortable in his chair. He knows why of course, but it’s still aggravating.
He hasn’t gone to his nest in three days- he just has too much work to do and can’t sit in his bed right now! Of course his instincts are screaming at him for comfort, but he is doing his best to ignore them.
And of course, it’s now of all times that a familiar portal opens by the door, the sound of static coming from it as it grows wide enough to let a certain glitch though.
“HeY NiGHtmAre.” Error greets as he steps into the office, already fidgeting slightly. The king will never admit he’s slightly relieved to have a distraction from his paperwork- even as he acts annoyed. He has to keep up appearances after all.
“What is it, Error? I am busy, you know.”
“YeAH YeaH I WoN’t bE LoNg-” The glitch waves off casually, though his emotions reveal an interesting mix of excitement and worry. An interesting combination to say the least.
“Get on with it then.” Nightmare gestures with his hands for Error to hurry- like he won’t be sitting here staring at his desk doing nothing for the next few minutes anyway-
“Uh- wEll-” Error looks away, a lot of his usual bravado strangely absent. It makes Nightmare sigh as he rolls his eyelight.
“Come on spit it out, I have better things to d-”
“I KNoW You’rE An oMeGA-” The glitch quickly blurts, interrupting Nightmare. The king's socket immediately widens as his eyelight shrinks and he stares at Error in shocked silence for a long moment, which the glitch seems to use to hype himself up. “I’m- I’m OnE ToO.”
Nightmare blinks slowly, his tentacles slowly starting to move again. “O-oh my stars you nearly gave me a soul attack-”
For a moment there he thought he was absolutely screwed. There was no way he was going to be able to defeat Error in a fight if that's what it came down to to try and keep him quiet- instead they both have secrets revealed. A much better resolution.
“I- I uM- waS ChECkinG YOur cODe aFTer yOU wEnT To thaT INfeCTed AU aND SaW it- AnD- I JusT-” Error tries to explain, picking at his phalanges as he shifts. The goop covered guardian slowly stands and starts to walk around his desk.
Error and Nightmare have known each other for quite some time, they have known of each other even longer. It was only…ten years ago that they became allies, and while neither of them have ever said it…they are friends too.
Despite the long friendship between them, Error still shrinks back nervously, looking about ready to bolt at a moment’s notice. Nightmare stops just in front of his desk and gives the glitch a small reassuring smile.
“I’ve been feeling a bit antsy, do you want to come cuddle in my nest with me?” He asks the other quietly. The destroyer pauses, blinking at him in shock.
“I- R-reALly-?” Nightmare can’t help but smile a little more.
“Mhm. I’ve honestly been avoiding it, because while being in my nest feels nice..it also feels lonely when there’s no other scents in it and it feels wrong to steal the boys clothes to add without them knowing-”
“I kNoW THe feELiNG- I’d- I meAN- If YOu’Re reALly oKaY With iT- I’d… reALly liKe thaT..” Error’s voice grows quieter as he talks, shyly looking away. Sharing a nest with someone is a big deal- usually only packmates share nests. The fact that Nightmare offered such a thing to Error..
“Error, I trust you.” The king steps a little closer and gently grabs the glitch’s hand to rub over his phalanges. “And I’m pretty sure we both need it…the cuddles and just…someone that feels safe.”
Error stares at his hand for a moment, before tugging Nightmare closer to give him a gentle headbutt, a small smile spreading over his face. “...I wAS hoNeSTly hOpinG YOu’d SAy thAt.”
The taller omega purrs quietly and headbutts Error right back, just a light little bonk as his tentacles wrap around him loosely. “Good, because I was hoping you would agree~”
“NoW WHerE’s yoUr nESt I WaNna cuDdle-” The glitch playfully demands, wiggling in excitement and getting a chuckle from the other. Nightmare opens a portal to his bedroom- not wanting to scare Error with shadow travel- and reveals his large rounded bed, level with the risen floor, and is just filled with pillows and blankets lining the edges. It looks like it has several layers.
“I have worked very hard on it-”
“CaN I fLoP In it PLeaSE Let mE FLop iN It-” Nightmare lets Error go and gestures for him to go ahead, and the glitch gleefully runs to the nest to faceplant into it, giggling the whole time. The taller can’t help but chuckle again, making his way over more slowly as he closes the portal.
The nest smells so distinctly of green apples and…brown sugar? Is that what Nightmare’s scent smells like? Error supposes he never really noticed- though the guardian probably uses scent blockers or suppressants like he does. The bed creaks just a little as Nightmare steps into the nest, his shoes gone as his tentacles tentatively remove Error’s slippers.
“Do you like it? Is it soft enough?”
“MhM~” Error purrs, nuzzling and wiggling happily in the nest before scooting over to Nightmare to headbutt his leg. One of the other’s tentacles starts to wag and Nightare immediately snuggles up to him, nuzzling their skulls together affectionately.
Error giggles joyfully, purring loudly as he nuzzles Nightmare back, smiling widely. His instincts are practically singing from the attention alone as the taller omega purrs, giving him a squeeze, before rubbing his cheeks and neck against him, making the glitch practically melt into a content blob before scenting him back- though his own scent is almost nonexistent in comparison.
They both quickly become a purring mess, nuzzling and rubbing their faces against each other contently. This is just so…so nice. Something so simple every omega needs, but Nightmare’s never done this before, he doesn’t think Error really has either.
“Mmm~ I never want to get up~”
“Me nEIthEr- It’s niCE~” Nightmare kisses Error’s temple, chirping quietly.
“Very nice~ We should start doing this every chance we get~” The glitch nods in agreement with his own happy chirp, peppering a few small kisses over Nightmare’s face and earning himself a very enthusiastic nuzzle and even louder purr from the other. “My Ruru~”
“HeHEhe~ My NigHTMarE~” The taller huffs even as he smiles and blushes softly, before kissing Error’s nasal bridge.
“My Ruru cuddle bug, mine mine mine~” Error blushes and ducks his head, though he can’t hold back the wide smile on his face.
“YOu’Re the CudDLe bUG BeTWeeN Us-” He protests, despite it not being true at all. Nightmare headbutts him affectionately, nuzzling his face back out into the open with a big smile.
“We’re both cuddle bugs, how does that sound~?”
“HmM I’Ll allOw iT..~” Error mumbles, still blushing. Nightmare takes the opportunity to just attack Error in kisses, petting him all over with his tentacles and making him melt into a flushed, purring puddle. His soul feels like it’s practically swelling with affection. Nightmare’s eyelight practically fills his whole socket as he purrs, very very pleased with himself as Error gives him a bliss-filled smile, his own eyelights fairly dilated.
Two of the most feared and hated beings in the multiverse cuddling and purring in a nest together. If anyone knew about this they probably wouldn’t believe that Nightmare and Error could ever be so vulnerable, so relaxed and content to nuzzle into one another- headbutting between little affection filled kisses and cuddles. They’d probably refuse to believe Nightmare and Error were even capable of it in the first place.
There are many who treat them as if they are soulless creatures with no sympathy or care. It’s absurd. Like someone has to be soulless to do the things they do- The multiverse just doesn’t understand them and they never try to. They are all so quick to villainize someone without even trying to understand the reasons behind their actions. For a bunch of judges they really aren’t good at judging people.
There’s a reason no one knows Error and Nightmare are omegas, many would abuse that knowledge to either threaten or control them. They simply don’t see the King of Darkness and Destroyer of Worlds as people….and that mindset is very dangerous for them…
Resisting their omega instincts is taxing to say the least. The urge to nest, to comfort, to coddle those they care about, and submit when an alpha starts using pharemone commands to ‘challenge’ them is like fighting against your own mind and body. It doesn’t help that most Sans’ were alphas by default, though it doesn’t apply to all of them.
Error only copes through the use of pharemone blockers- something that pretty much completely suppresses a person’s scents and instincts, but at a terrible cost that completely messes up their magic circulation to such a level that it often leads to death. They’re illegal in most AUs because of it.
Nightmare clearly isn’t using those though…What is he using to suppress his scent and instincts then?
“HeY NiGHt?”
“Hum~?” The other responds with a happy chirp.
“WhAT kiND oF BloCkErs dO YOu UsE?” He questions, looking up at Nightmare. The guardian pauses and looks down at the other omega for a long moment.
“Oh uh..I don’t use blockers? My magic flow is jacked up enough, I wouldn’t want to cause further damage. I use a heat suppressant and an instincts suppressant specifically. Ones that don’t conflict with one another. I try not to overdo it. As for my scent, my corruption can just cover my scent glands on my neck and wrists. Unless my ecto is summoned of course.” Nightmare explains thoroughly.
“ReALly? LuCKy- I juST UsE FuLL BLocKerS FroM UndERfeLl-” The taller omega frowns, headbutting Error lightly.
“You really shouldn't do that, Ru…”
“My mAGic’S ALreADy fUCkeD Up I’m SUre iT DOesN’t cHANge mUch-” Error defends, looking away, getting an aggressively affectionate nuzzle in return.
“You don’t know that. How long have you been taking those?” Error is quiet for a long moment.
“...HoW LoNG HaVe wE KnOWn eaCh othER..?” He questions slowly.
“......Error, darling no- Honey no-”
“...A feW YEarS BefoRe thAT….” The glitch mumbles, shrinking in on himself. Nightmare gives him a look, before suddenly whining loudly and hugging him closer, very aggressively nuzzling and scenting the top of his skull.
“Nope no more of that- I’m not going to let you hurt yourself. You’re joining my schedule-”
“It’s- I-I’m FinE-” Error tries to protest, quickly earning his nasal bridge a kiss.
“No. Not fine. My cuddle bug, my rules.”
“BuT- bUT Ink-”
“What about him?” Error gets a small kiss to the forehead, a tentacle soothingly rubbing his back- yet the glitch still suddenly stiffens, refusing to look at Nightmare….He doesn’t like where this is going at all.
“...You don’t have to answer me, but may I ask..?”
“..He… uSeD To KNow thOugH He foRGot- aNd- I HaRDly reMEmbeR iT ANymORe buT Uh… He.. fiGUreD Out hoW To trIGgeR my HeAt…..” Error trails off for a long moment. “..MaDe hiMSelf sMEll liKe aN ALpha- aND WaITeD ‘tiL I wAs toO DesPEraTE To saY No… It- ThE HEaT didN’T neGate My gliTCh’s reACtion…”
“....I’ll kill him.” Nightmare growls out, holding Error closer and nuzzling against him. Territorial alphas are dangerous, but a protective omega who’s packmates are threatened is a whole other level of danger. The protective instinct is primarily to protect offspring, the only omega instinct that can overpower the urge to submit. It comes in handy quite often for Nightmare.
“It- It waS CenTRieS AGo- BeFoRE YOur AU eVeN ExiSTed- I juSt.. dOn’t WaNT Him finDinG Out AGain..” Error mutters, still avoiding looking at the king. The taller omega looks at him in saddened understanding, before gently headbutting him.
“Even if it was centuries ago, it still hurt you…I understand. That kind of feeling never really goes away afterwards…but no matter what I will protect you, Ru. I’ll make sure you’re safe even if I’m not there and if you need me you know how to get my attention. And before you even think it- you are worthy of protection, and love, and a proper nest, with a packmate who wants to give you the attention you deserve, don’t ever think otherwise.” The glitch slowly blushes as Nightmare continues talking, flustered affection rising in him.
“..Oh.. OKaY-” He practically squeaks, before clearing his throat. “YoU- yoU DesERve iT Too- ALl of- of THe LoVE anD ProteCTioN shiT- ThAT’s wHaT I gAVe yOU mY StriNg foR-”
The king looks down a little, unable to meet Error’s eyelights. “...I can’t say I believe that, but it’s nice to hear you say it..~”
This time it’s Error’s turn to growl quietly. “YoU Do yoU ASs- ‘CaUSe iF You dON’t deSErvE It THeN I sUre As heLL DOn’t-”
“I- Ru i-it’s a little different-”
“NoPe!” He declares, loudly overriding Nightmare’s words.
“But-”
“NOpE!!” The taller pouts down at him, brow furrowed as he lets out a small whine, but Error refuses to relent, aggressively nuzzling him. A little whiny chirp leaves the guardian as he tries nuzzling back with just as much force- only for the glitch to cup his face gently and shower him with kisses. “GivE In tO My loVE~”
“Ruuuu ya ass-” Nightmare can’t help but purr, followed by more chirps as he leans into the affection that makes his soul flutter. Error purrs back in satisfaction, chirping smugly before wrapping a couple of strings around the king and continuing to shower him with affection. He’s never seen Nightmare blush this much before in his life-
Yup, telling his best friend was definitely the right decision. He really should’ve known better than to be so worried about it.
~
They begrudgingly had to leave the nest and clean the scents off of them in the bath, and that's when Nightmare introduced him to a soap that makes them smell like an alphas without flaring up their instincts.
“Now to make sure your own scent doesn’t get mixed in I will put some of my corruption over your scent glands. It shouldn’t wash off so you can get wet and fight all you need to without worry.”
“I- ThE BLocKErs cOVer uP ALmosT All oF It It’s ALrigHt-”
“Well this covers all of it- unless your ecto is summoned obviously- and it doesn’t hurt you. A much better solution in my opinion.” Nightmare insists with a nuzzle, kissing Error’s forehead.
“..ALriGhT. ThANk yOu.” Error mumbles, getting more gentle nuzzles.
“You can always come to me if you want me to remove them…and…I have a proposition for you.” The guardian tells him quietly, making him tilt his head curiously.
“Hm?”
“..Would you let me wean you off the blockers please..? I’ll stay with you the whole time to keep you safe and make sure you don’t do anything and get all the comfort you need- Then you can start on my medication instead- It will be healthier and you’ll feel better-”
“...I..I’m noT SurE… wHaT If sOMetHInG haPpeNs?” Error mumbles, uncertain.
“Then I’ll be right there to protect you. And I can easily find you when you're distressed or upset. You’ll most likely want to stay in a nest and get affection more anyway- and no one can smell you!”
“..ArE YOu suRe? It’ll Be… I’ll pRoBAbly bE A loT- aNd it’d TaKe a WHile-”
“I know, but you’re with the time and effort, Ruru. I want you to be healthy and safe…we can even time our heats together. I make sure to let one happen every three months so it doesn’t get too bad.”
“...OkaY- yeAH.” Error hesitantly agrees after a long minute. Nightmare immediately chirps as his tentacles begin to wag behind him.
“I’ll protect you, I promise Ruru.” The glitch can’t help but smile, relaxing a bit as he gives the guardian a nuzzle. “As long as we have each others backs we’ll never be alone, my darling Ru~ My cuddle bug~”
“YeAh yeAh ya DorK..~” He mumbles, face warm. Nightmare is so affectionate.
“Nerd~ The cutest little glitchy omega in existence~”
“ShuDduPp-” The guardian purrs, peppering Error’s face in kisses.
“Such a sweet little omega you are~ So cuddly and cute and your chirp is just soulmelting~” A flustered little chirp slips out of the glitch at that, much to his embarrassment and Nightmare’s amusement. “See~? I could listen to you all day~”
“STaP-” He whines as the guardian purrs with a nuzzle.
“Alright alright fine~ I will stop…for now~ Horror probably has dinner ready if you would like to join us. I know Cross has a gift for you. He looks up to you you know~”
“He sHoULdn’T-” Error mumbles, blushing harder as he grabs Nightmare’s hand. “I gUeSs I CaN StiCk aRoUNd..”
The taller omega kisses his forehead with a soft smile. “You’re strong, resilient and you saved his life. He greatly admires you as a person, my dear~ And so do I~”
This time Error just whines wordlessly, pulling his scarf up to cover his glowing face. With a soft, deep chuckle, Nightmare starts walking them to the door. “Come along, dear~ Let’s see how the overgrown children are doing.”
Error snorts, following Nightmare without protest as he gathers himself, forcing down his blush to the best of his ability. As they walk down the hall, nearing the ever noisy commons room, Nightmare lets go of his hand, both of them silently missing the contact.
Cross and Killer are playing a mario kart game while Dust takes a nap on the couch, Horror bringing in snacks and plates of food into the living room. Oh right, it’s Saturday- movie night. “Cross, Killer, finish up this round quickly. You need to get started on the nest.”
“Aww but boss i’m beatin’ his ass!”
“Shut up, Killer!”
“HoW ARe neITher oF YOu iN FirST-” Error can’t help but question. Mario kart really isn’t that hard.
“Hey Toad is fast!” Killer tries to argue.
“There is a reason Dust is the reigning champion…” Nightmare mumbles solemnly. At least it’s entertaining to watch Dust wipe the floor with them.
“YoU’rE In fORth plACe-!”
“Oh shut up ya ain’t any better-!” Killer growls half whines, before yelping when Cross passes him. “No no no no-! Fucking damn it-!!”
“OoHhh CRoSs iS WinNINg- WhAT HaPpeNEd to BeaTIng hiS AsS?” Error mercilessly teases. Getting many quiet curses as Killer desperately tries to get back ahead of the omega.
“And I win~! Haha! Pay up, Kills~!” The smallest of the gang growls lowly, but pulls out a manga from his inventory and hands it to Cross, the oreo seemingly very pleased with himself.
“ReALly-? You BeT MAngA?” Error can’t help but question, curiously leaning over the back of the couch to try to get a look..Oh, henti-
“Error don’t look-!” Cross yells as he blushes, quickly tucking the book away, and Error decides it’s best to pretend he didn’t see, fighting back his own blush.
“AlriGHt aLRiGht-” Cross is so shy, around him and Nightmare specifically. He doesn’t think it’s specifically because they are ‘alphas’ because Cross is pretty chill around Dust….It probably has something to do with what Nightmare said before about Cross looking up to them. Which is honestly just adorable.
“Nest. Now, go. Or no movie night at all.” Error holds back the faint urge to help build the nest as Cross and Killer get up, glad the blockers hold back most of his instincts. Still, Nightmare subtly wraps a tentacle around his waist comfortingly as they both silently monitor the nest building. The gang is sure to keep a bunch of pillows and blankets in the living room at all times, usually hidden in compartments in the furniture to avoid it taking up too much space.
Cross has no problem moving Dust to a chair as the alpha sleeps, completely relaxed as the nest is set up with fluffy pillows and blankets galore. They even add a canopy overtop with some sheets and chairs.
“It gEts MoRE ElaBORate eVEryTimE I’m oVer I SweAR-” The glitch mutters.
“Cross is getting better and better~ I am very proud of him~” Nightmare says the last part just loud enough so only Error can hear, the oreo blushing as he fluffs up a few pillows.
“T-thanks boss-” The guardian gently picks Dust up, sneaking in a small nuzzle, before placing the still napping skeleton into the nest, propping him up comfortably on the edge. A part of Error is jealous of how easily Dust can sleep through just about anything- though he knows it’s caused by insomnia.
“It reALly doEs loOK NicE.” He complements, unable to help but mentally compare it to his own- frankly mediocre- nest. With only a large beanbag as a base and a couple pillows and blankets, it’s honestly a bit sad. Sensing his negative thoughts, the tentacle around his waist suddenly tugs the glitch into the nest, forcing him to hold back a surprised chirp, giving him a squeeze as he’s placed right next to Dust.
“Snuggle. I will be back with Horror. You all need to pick a movie.”
“UhH-” Nightmare nuzzles him and takes the opportunity to whisper.
“Dust is really warm. He makes for a very good cuddle buddy~” Without giving Error time to respond he gets up to head to the kitchen, while Killer and Cross argue over movie choices.
After a moment, Error wiggles a bit closer to the sleeping alpha to lightly press against him, not quite having enough courage to fully cuddle him. Even with the little amount of contact he can feel that Dust is indeed very warm, the crackle and heat of his magic can even be felt through his clothes. It does, admittedly, feel kind of nice.
The alpha smells distinctly of….well dust and copper, but there’s also the smell of a campfire underneath, almost smokey, but in a good way. Error has to suppress the urge to nuzzle in closer to get more of that scent, instead turning his attention to focus on the other two skeletons in the nest, currently roughhousing.
“Killer get off- I don’t wanna watch The Nun again!”
“Give it back and stop whining!” Killer reaches over Cross, trying to snatch the DVD case being held away from him by the bigger skeleton.
“AcTUaLLy I’m WiTH CroSs on tHiS- wE WaTchEd iT LaST tiMe I wAS HeRE-” Killer puts his arm down with a whine, crawling over Cross- ignoring the omega’s complaints- to make his way over and plop down on both Dust and Error, nuzzling into the glitch’s scarf.
“Ruuuruuuu-”
“KiiiIILlerRrr-” Error says back, giving the beta a headbutt as he holds back a snicker. The small monster pouts hard as he headbutts the glitch back, Dust shifting a little beside them to wrap his arms around Killer’s waist.
“Meanie- We could watch Annabell instead-”
“No-!”
“HoW ABoUT We dON’t wATch A HorROr moVIe foR ONce-”
“Whyyyyyyyyyy-??” Killer whines louder.
“No everyone likes horror movies, Killer.” Cross grumbles, Error nodding in agreement.
“I aLReaDY haVE EnoUGh goRe aNd stREss iN My liFE thANks-” The small betta huffs, but doesn’t argue as he nuzzles into Error’s chest.
“Fine..what do ya wanna watch instead, Cross?” The monochrome omega blushes a little, before grabbing the TV remote and going onto Netflix on his own tab.
“Uhm….can we watch…My Little Pony..? It’s not a baby show Killer-!” Cross says the last part quickly before the beta can open his big mouth.
“YeAH It eVEn haS NigHTmaRe iN It!” Error jokes, Killer ‘looking’ up at him in amusement.
“You watch My Little Pony?” The glitch just points at the description for the first episode of the series, which Cross had pulled up.
“It sAYs thERe’s An eVIL PerSon nAMeD NigHTmaRE moON.”
“Yup! Nightmare moon actually kind of reminds me of boss, but I think Boss would be cooler as Queen Chrysalis- She shows up later in the show. It’s actually really good for a cartoon about friendship!” Killer can’t help but snort at Cross’s excitement, the other two remaining skeletons arriving back into the living room.
“So, what are we watching?” Nightmare asks as he sets down a platter of different hotdog and burger toppings.
“My liTtle PoNy?” Error replies uncertainly, shrugging a bit. The guardian sits down beside him in the nest as Horror makes himself comfortable as well.
“Alright, come snuggle, Cross.” Excited, the omega crawls over into the bone pile, snuggling up on Dust’s over side just before Horror picks them up and sets them all in his lap, snuggling around the still sleeping Dust. “Dear? Dust darling it’s time to eat.”
Error takes the initiative to poke the sleeping alpha’s cheek, letting the glitches flair in his hand to make the touch more noticeable. “Mmm…Ru..”
“WaKE uP DuSTy~” He singsongs, the alpha grumbling, before turning under Killer to hold Error instead- much to the glitch’s internal glee.
“Nuu..”
“BuT We hAVe foOoOd~”
“Mmm…cuddles…”
“We CaN CUdDLes wIth thE FooD.” Error promises, fighting back giggles. Dust is so affectionate when he’s tired, it’s much better than when he’s grumpy.
“Hehehe~ You’re such a lazy alpha, Bunny~” Killer purrs out with a giggle, the sleepy skeleton finally opening his sockets to glare at him, shoving his face away.
“Shut it, bitch.”
“He’s JuST a SLeEpy bOI~” Error purrs playfully, petting Dust’s head. The alpha huffs and nuzzles back into the touch, wrapping his arms better around Error to hold him like a body pillow.
“Well now that he’s awake we can begin. You may push play, Cross.”
Chapter 48: Sky: Children of the Light
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
I don’t know how much sense this’ll make if you haven’t played the game- also if you’ve never played Sky you absolutely should it’s so good- and it’s free!
Nightmare x Error
Chapter Text
Once upon a time, a star fell.
Once upon a time, many stars fell.
Once upon a time, the world of Sky succumbed to darkness- and those fallen stars, made of Light Itself, were tasked to burn that darkness away.
Once upon a time, the first stars failed, their Light fading into nothing in the face of the overwhelming darkness.
Once upon a time, new stars were chosen, and they failed as well, but this time, they gave up the last of their own Light to revive the first stars, allowing them to ascend and be reborn.
Once upon a time, the cycle repeated and continued, over, and over, and over again.
Error is intimately familiar with that cycle at this point, the dozens of ascended candles he holds being more than enough proof at this point. He’s seen it all again and again, new sections of this world slowly being discovered and new paths opening up.
So far though, despite the many other stars he’s met, he’s never really…connected with them. Which is almost ironic, considering how much emphasis on communication and compassion there is in the world. Well- until now.
It’s not unheard of for twin stars to be newly born, though it’s incredibly rare. It’s also not unheard of for older, more experienced veterans to ‘adopt’ moths- newly fallen stars- though it’s much more common. Error himself has helped a few different moths on their journeys, showing them new places and teaching them new tricks.
This one though, this moth intrigues him. Error had seen the moth around with his twin before, a more happy go lucky star- like many of the others- walking around Daylight Prairie. Clumsily getting the hang of things. They seemed pretty close then, but something must have happened for the moth to be alone.
Error, despite his usual antisocial behavior, decides to approach them, fighting the urge to adjust his mask. Once close enough, the moth takes notice of him, their purple eyelights looking at him through their mask.
“...Do you need something?” They ask, making Error pause for a second, caught off guard. He moves a bit closer, getting within arm’s reach, before silently pulling out and offering his candle, as is customary. The moth stares at him for a moment before doing the same. It feels relaxing, warm to have someone there, like it always does.
Error puts his candle away and gives them a small bow, like many other veterans have taken to doing.
“H-hi.” He quietly greets as he reaches up to fiddle with his scarf, tugging it up slightly. The smaller star looks at him for a few seconds longer, before responding.
“Hi. What do you need?”
“I was j-just woN-” Error pauses, clearing his throat, “-wondering what you were doing.”
“..Enjoying the view, I guess.” The moth looks away into the forest landscape, listening to the sound of the rain outside the roof of the stone gazebo.
“It is Pr-pretty nice.” The veteran agrees, sighing softly. “..It’S a shame rain hurts.. It sounds so lovely.”
“Yeah…I like it. Very relaxing…Some don’t think so though. I can’t see why not.”
“SoME- some have lost their fragments to thE rain. It also hurts worse for some, too. I caN- can’t say I blame them.”
“Still, even painful things can be beautiful.” The moth mumbles.
“TheY can. Many J-just can’t see past the pain.” They both silently watch the rain for a moment longer. “....WoULd you like to see something cool?”
“..Sure.” Error smiles, hidden under his mask, and holds out a hand. The smaller is a little hesitant, but after a moment, their hand slides into his and the moth steps closer to him. Error practically beams, light unconsciously manifesting in happy little stars around his head as he gently tugs them to the edge of the gazebo, and with a strong flap of his cape, they’re off.
~
Nightmare, the moth, is a fast learner. He catches onto things and how they worked pretty quickly, like flying, remembering where things are, what to look out for. Error also found himself enjoying the shorters company.
Unlike most other stars, Nightmare is more on the grumpy side and has less of an idealistic view on the world around them than most. He’s sarcastic, surprisingly sweet, and thinks deeply about everything they come across- not to mention he’s very cuddly.
It’s honestly quite refreshing, and Error looks forward to showing every new thing to Nightmare, whether it be guiding him to new spirits or showing off his spells. His hammock cosmetic quickly becomes his new go to, and they cuddle on it whenever they’re tired and the moth doesn’t feel like going Home.
They quickly fell into a really nice routine, finding favorite spots to enjoy themselves, adventure, play games, music, or simply enjoy the view of whatever cool place they manage to fly up to. Eventually his small moth wasn’t really a moth anymore and they very rarely separated for any reason at all.
It was all just…really nice. “Hey Error, why do you think we have masks? Like what the spirits wore when they were alive?”
“I’m nOT sure- I meAn, it’s noT like thEy cAn teLL us.” Error reaches up to trace the tearmarks on his own mask. “But.. I always liKed to thINk they were rEFlections of our innerselves.”
Nightmare looks down at their reflection in the pool of water beneath from where they both sit on the edge, a crack-like design stretching out over his right socket. “Our inner selves huh…You know, it’s odd. We know what we were supposed to do, what we were made for and why we’re here, but…who are we? We name ourselves, we don't know how to express ourselves at all, but we somehow all start out a little different. After this world's spirits are all found and collected…what then?”
“We tAkE Our pLace bacK in orbiT, with Megabird. MaY-maybe we moVe on to bring Light to the NExt world- mayBe we’re reincArnated inTo somethinG new. Or mayBe noT. I- I trY noT TO think abouT it too hard…” He admits with a slightly nervous shrug. “We Have learneD so muCh, and yeT knoW so littlE.”
“...I don’t want to be separated from you.” Nightmare admits, Error looking up at him in surprise “I don’t know if we’re really supposed to be selfish at all, but..I can’t stand the thought of not having you, Error.”
“..I don’t waNt to leaVe you eitheR.” He lightly leans against the other, gently bonking their masks together in a headbutt. “I thiNk we’rE alloweD to be a bit selfish, for this.”
Nightmare nuzzles their heads together, scooting a little closer. “Do you think..this might have a name? Friends doesn’t really fit anymore. At least I don’t think so.”
“...I dOn’t know. It’s noT like a paRent and kid- I thInK- bUt I don’T know what eLse therE is.”
“Me neither…Having a goal doesn’t sound too bad, though.” Nightmare smiles beneath his mask, interlacing their hands together. “We’ll keep looking for spirits until we find one that can explain this thing between us. Then we’ll have a way to express it~”
“ALrigHt- I liKe thaT PLan~” Error pulls Nightmare in for a hug, their light beating in sink and manifesting itself in a heart above them. He really…doesn’t want to ever lose this feeling. Safety and a new kind of warmth that only Nightmare can provide for him. They’ve been together for such a long time now and he can’t imagine the smaller star no longer by his side.
~
They were going through Eden again- Error tugging Nightmare forward as they dodge the final krill and begin collecting the last fragments before entering the point of no return. They had done this many times before, but no matter how many times they go through eden, seeing each other get pelted with rocks never gets any easier.
“Ready Ru?” Nightmare asks as they look ahead, staring into the hall.
“Y-yeAh..” Error replies, curled in on himself with his cape folded tightly around him to keep from being blown away.
“We’ve got this. We’ll get farther than before.” Lightly headbutting their masks together, Nightmare squeezes Error’s hand.
“MayBe we’Ll geT close enouGh to touch thE CrysTal thiS timE!” Error jokes, earning himself another headbutt as the smaller laughs.
“Maybe, we’ll just has to see who gets there first~”
“Race ya?”
“Totally, just be careful, Ruru~” The taller nuzzles Nightmare as they walk though the entrance to the Eye of Eden, before letting go of his hand.
“I’ll waIT foR you In orBit, NightY~”
~
Nightmare struggles as his joints stiffen, his body aching painful with his body starting to crystallize and harden, but he doesn’t stop, not when he's so close to beating their record. Maybe it's silly, but he wants to win this silly game he and Error made for themselves. If only to make this weekly trip a little less daunting.
He reaches out, knowing the other is watching. He's so close, it's right there. He just has to stretch out..!
His hand makes contact with the bright red crystal, and all he knows is pain.
~
Error almost always ends up losing his light first, despite being able to hold more fragments than Nightmare. He always charges into the storm, heedless of the damage he might sustain. Nightmare would plan ahead more, timing his movements to dodge the falling rocks and quickly finding the best places to hide and recuperate his light.
The smaller star is quite the strategist so Error really wasn’t surprised Nightmare made it to the crystal, but hearing him scream was quite a shock. Pieces of the other’s mask flew apart as it shattered- and he didn’t even get a chance to really see what was wrong, before the connection of their light that was keeping him grounded snapped. No matter how he protested and tried to fight it, he was pulled away into the sky with the others, leaving Nightmare behind.
He hardly paid attention to the scenery that usually awed him- no matter how many times he’s seen it- landing as soon as he can and calling out for Nightmare, reaching worriedly into his internal compass, feeling for the connection between their stars.
Except- he finds nothing there. It’s just a void of darkness where the light of their bond should be…But that can’t be right. Nightmare can’t be gone- that’s not possible- He can’t be. Maybe he’ll just show up at home-
Worried and growing just a touch desperate, Error turns and ascends into orbit faster than he probably ever has, constantly calling out and reaching with his light to something that’s no longer there. Nightmare just can’t be gone! He refuses to even contemplate the idea. They’re stars- they aren’t supposed to die!
Nightmare said he didn’t want to ever leave him, to ever be separated- They promised each other-
Error hurries through the gate of rebirth, not giving the spirits granting him wings a second glance. He feels like he’s falling forever as his new body forms around him, safely containing his core of Light as he crashes down into Home.
“N-niGhtmarE-!?” Error calls out once he’s gathered his bearings, standing up to look around the little island desperately, internally begging for the other to be here. He flies around, searching every little nook and cranny he can think of before he expends all of his light, crumpling to the ground in a heap as tears gather in his sockets.
“N-nighT-nigHtmaRe- pleASe- ThiS- this iSn’t funny-” He pleads, pushing his mask off of his face as a sob leaves him. “P-plEase…”
A darkness unlike any he has felt before seems to rise within him, making his form flicker oddly as his light automatically goes to burn it away- but it doesn’t budge.
Error sits there and cries as a star feels true, all consuming grief for the first time, something stars aren’t supposed to be capable of feeling for themselves, despite the many times they see it through the eyes of fragments of spirits.
It hurts beyond anything he’s ever experienced, all consuming in every sense of the word as uncontrollable sobs force their way out of him for what feels like forever. It’s too much. He doesn’t understand- All he wants is for Nightmare to be here with him. The smaller’s warm touch, soothing voice, and gentle affection-
But he’s gone . Error can’t find him anymore- it’s as if he was never there in the first place, and it hurts . It hurts it hurts it hurts-
Like a star going supernova, Error collapses in on himself, clawing at his head and chest, before exploding, his flickering light desperately flinging out of him, before everything fades to a blissful, blank black.
~
Error didn’t wake up again until someone had held their candle against him, refilling the light that had leaked out of him. He wordlessly grabbed his mask where it had fallen, idly noting it had some new tearmarks and chips on it before sliding it on.
Unconsciously, he looked for Nightmare, his light- and with it his form- flickering harshly at the reminder that the other was gone, but he woke up too numb to process the emotions that were within him. Not sure what to do without the smaller star by his side, his body starts moving almost on its own, remembering the same cycle he used to go through every day before meeting Nightmare, even though it used to be so very long ago.
Collect candle wax, re-discover all his winglights, complete daily quests, ascend more spirits. That's all he does. That’s all he could do. The only difference is the way he now flickers, his light occasionally randomly draining or taking a while to replenish. It’s annoying, but he can’t bring himself to care.
It’s the same thing every day, with barely any rest or breaks. What’s the point of breaks if Nightmare’s not here to spend them with him? Error’s not sure how long he continues this way, though it doesn’t really matter. As long as he’s doing what he’s supposed to, who cares.
Things only finally change when he hears something odd that catches his attention.
“Have you gone to Eden recently..?” Someone whispers.
“No way-! Have you not heard? There’s way more krill than normal and some weird new creature that attacks starts before they can even make it to the point of no return!” Error pauses his current task of lighting a small cluster of candles, looking over.
“...WhAt’s haPpeNINg in EdeN..?” The two gossiping stars look over to him, walking a little closer.
“A bunch of big krill showed up out of nowhere. A while ago there was this big flash and then boom! A bunch of krill-” The taller of the two explains, the smallest listening in. “And a friend told me there's these big black tentacle things that will snatch you up and suck the light out of you if it grabs you. No ones been able to make it to the point of no return.”
“Oh DeAR… I woNder whaT Could’vE haPpened..” Error mutters, brows furrowing slightly behind his mask. He had already been avoiding going there- it was where Nightmare had…. Left, and he was honestly afraid of what he would find- but now he’s wondering if he should investigate.
“Yeah me too. It sounds scary. How are we supposed to help the spirits if we can’t ascend into orbit?”
“MhM.. wEll, thAnks foR the INfo- I’ll maKE SurE To aVOId iT.” The flickering star gives the other two a wave, before turning and flying off- just far enough to hide for a moment. That was the most he’s talked in several weeks. He already feels drained..
Eden is that overrun now, huh?...What could have happened? They said it was a while ago, but….it couldn’t have been that long ago since… But- it definitely wasn’t like that before… Maybe he should check it out- it’s not like he has anything better to do, and worst case scenario, maybe he’ll be able to join Nightmare again.
He would give everything just for that chance, then again, what does he even have anymore? Sighing, Error sits down. He’ll be out of energy for the day soon, if he wants to go today he should go now…
Closing his eyes, he takes a deep breath and meditates, connecting his own light to the light of Home, and he warps with a tug and whooshing sound. He pushes himself up again, taking a second to stand on the constellation pedestal and refilling his light, before making his way to the gate to Eden.
It stands tall and as intimidating as he remembers, the haunting glow of the red crystal reaching through even from the other side. Once again, Error feels his light flicker at the reminder of what happened here last, but…if there’s even a chance he can find anything about what happened…. Especially if it’s related to what’s going on right now..
Taking a bracing breath, Error pulls out his flickering candle and activates the spirit gate, walking through.
~
The amount of krill circling the area is astonishing, the blue light of their gaze scanning the ground below as high winds ravage the remaining landscape.
Error is forced to constantly stay on the move, scrambling between the tails of krill as he struggles to keep from being detected. He doesn’t get any chances to refill his light as he is forced several times to be hit with rocks as they blow past to avoid krill. It’s only due to his extensive experience that he’s managed to make it into the hall, quickly gathering the winglights as he makes his way through, relieved.
As he runs, not wanting to wait for the supposed new creature, Error stumbles, tripping over something in his path, something black.
“C-cRaP- nO no No-” He mutters, scrambling up as his light flickers strong enough to drain some of it. He can’t get caught now, he’s almost there! As he gets to his feet, trying to continue forward, something wraps tightly around his ankle, pulling him back onto the stone floor of the dimly lit hall. “AcK-!”
The touch is cold, so very very cold, and he can feel his light draining as another dark appendage reaches through the hall and wraps around his waist.
“No n-nO stoP-!” Error flaps a couple of times in an attempt to escape, struggling. But no matter how hard he tries, the tentacles’ hold doesn’t budge. A third joins the first two, wrapping around his upper arm and pulling him deeper down the hall, the others following. He was so close-!
It’s cold- damn it he was almost there! Trying to hold onto the ground beneath him, Error can’t seem to stop the appendages as he’s pulled into a hole, darkness stretching out in every direction. The only break in the darkness is the weak, flickering glow from his own form as he frantically looks around.
Panicking, Error searches the darkness as more tendrils grasp his body, cold and strong. His eyelights eventually fall upon a single cool colored light, staring deep into his being as it slowly rises to his level, until it's right in front of him.
“...Do..do I know you..?”
“Wh.. whAt-t…?” Error shakily questions, the cool cyan light getting closer until the faintest outline of a face is lit by his own flickering light.
“...I feel like I know you…you’re warm.” Before Error can get a chance to properly reply, he feels himself being pulled somewhere. It’s like he’s falling, dropping deeper into the darkness until a small warm light comes into view and he’s set down in front of a torch. Quickly, he holds out his hands to cup the flame, drawing in the light with a sigh of relief.
The appendages don’t leave, several more hovering around him as the cyan eyelight watches him silently. Once he feels sufficiently lit up- though the drain from the being doesn’t stop- he turns to look at the cold light, his own flickering.
“..Wh-whAt dO You wANt..?” The light blinks for a moment, before responding.
“..To be warm again.” Error takes an equally long moment to reply, and all he does is pull out his weakly burning candle, holding it out to the possibly corrupted spirit- he doesn’t know what else it could be.
The dark being stares for a few seconds, before leaning in closer to the light. Their form partially comes into view, a skeleton monster of sorts, covered in a thick black substance with no mask in sight, just a single working eyelight, the other covered in the black goop that drips down their body and covers their damaged clothes. The shredded remains of a cape hangs off their shoulders, but the goop that covers them prevents him from seeing the color.
Horror shoots through him, making his light flicker harshly. This was a star- it has to be. Spirits- even more clear ones like the guides- only ever appear in the vague form of a human, the same form that the first stars had taken. They lean in, looking down at his candle for a few seconds before looking back at him, meeting Error’s eyelights.
“..I’m not supposed to be cold…”
“I’m s-sORrY..” Error whispers, holding his candle closer to them. “Do.. d-DO yoU havE A namE..?”
“...Probably. Thinking about it too hard makes my ribcage hurt.” They tell him, the tentacle around his waist curling up higher.
“Oh…” The star closes his eyes, firmly trying to suppress the hope that wants to rise within him, even as his light unconsciously reaches for the bond he and Nightmare had shared. Much to his surprise there’s a small….cool feeling. Not cold, like the emptiness from the lack of Nightmare’s light, but a cool sensation, as the tainted star in front of him purrs, eyelight fixated on him.
“What are you doing?”
“I…” Error trails off, hold on his candle tightening as he reaches out further, latching onto the chilliness. He takes a step closer and the feeling gets stronger, pulling him in as the corrupted star watches.
He slowly moves closer to them, light beginning to drain again as he leaves the radius of the torch, opening his eyes to properly look at them. He only stops when he’s within arms length, candle still held between them.
“...I do know you…don’t I?” They ask, leaning down to be at face level with Error, and shakily, the star raises a hand, taking his mask off to reveal his teary, desperately hopeful expression.
“....N..NiGhtMare…?” The corrupted star’s socket slowly widens and they stare at Error in shock, a hand reaching out to his face.
“That’s m-my name-”
“N-niGhT-” Error’s voice cracks, a broken sob escaping him as he reaches desperately for the other and Nightmare wastes no time scooping the now smaller star up, nuzzling him aggressively as he shuffles a little closer to the light, not wanting to drain the other.
“E-error, you’re Error- I ca-an’t believe I-”
“ NiGht-nIGhtmaRe -” Error clings desperately to Nightmare as he cries into his shoulder, carelessly dropping his mask and candle. He’s here, he’s alive, he’s not gone, he’s not gone- The utter relief that fills Error’s every being is immaculate, harsh, choked up sobs pouring out of him as he holds on for dear life.
Nightmare holds him back, his cool touch surrounding Error in a ball of appendage and nuzzles as he’s squeezed tight. “I-I’m so sorry I’m so sorry Ru-”
“DoN’t- dON’t aPoLOgiZe- iT’s noT- You’RE HErE -” He barely manages to gasp out, the painful darkness- grief, he now realizes- feeling like it’s finally lifted off of his shoulders, though even still his fallen candle flickers harshly.
“I-I’m here…I’m right here with you, Ruru, I won't leave again, I’m sorry-” He finds himself apologizing anyway, very affectionately nuzzling the other as he sits down, holding Error closely in his lap. “I missed y-you- I knew something was missing-”
“I- I cOu-COuLdn’T F-feEl You y-yOu wEre goNe -” Error cries, hugging Nightmare tighter as he’s nuzzled.
“I-I’m sorry I’m sore-ry Ru- I couldn’t remember- I was looking though, really-” He’s trying to hold back his own tears, shaking as he holds Error even tighter.
“I sH-sHOuldN’t hAVe maDe TH-thAt sTUpiD BeT- I- I-” Error is no longer able to speak through his tears, shoulders heaving as his body shakes with sobs and he gasps for breath, feeling his light draining out of him despite the help from the torch.
“It w-wasn’t your fault i-it’s okay it’s okay- I’m here-” The smaller star just continues crying into Nightmare’s shoulder, letting out his relief and pain. He had been so scared, so sure he would never see Nightmare again. It was the worst feeling he had ever experienced, but Nightmare’s here. He’s here and alive and Error couldn’t be happier.
“I m-miSsEd you- I miSsED yoU S-sO mUCh …” He mumbles once he calms down a bit, his light stabilizing when he’s about half drained.
“M-me too, so s-so much, my R-ruru- Even i-if I couldn’t remember, I s-still miss-sed you-” Nightmare sniffles, lightly placing a kiss on Error’s neck, the star a touch too out of it to properly process the action as the day’s events begin to catch up with him. It probably doesn’t help that Error hadn’t bothered to sleep after Nightmare was gone- though stars didn’t technically need to sleep, it’s beneficial to, as it helps stabilize their forms and light.
Nightmare cradles him gently as his body slowly relaxes, finally feeling safe in what feels like an eternity. He has Nightmare back….it’ll be okay…The now taller star huddles them closer to the torch, watching Error carefully, who blinks back at him tiredly- before a thought that doesn’t quite feel like his own enters his mind. It vaguely feels like his inner compass, yet… different.
“...I loVe you..” Nightmare blinks, staring for a long moment before he smiles, leaning down to nuzzle their foreheads together.
“I..I love you too, Ruru.” It feels so right, so good to say those words. It’s as if a small weight had been lifted off of Error’s chest, and he relaxes fully with his own small smile.
~
Error doesn’t realize he had fallen asleep until he wakes up, cradled in Nightmare’s arms as many torches surround them, like some weird ceremony circle.
“Hm.. NiGhtM’re..?” He mumbles sleepily, letting go of the corrupted star with one hand to rub at his sockets. A familiar soft smile looks down at him, headbutting the other gently with a purr.
“I’m here, Ruru. Did you sleep well?”
“Mhm..~” Error purrs happily, pressing his head against Nightmare’s and nuzzling him. He can’t possibly describe how nice it is to wake up with Nightmare again. His Nightmare. The taller star purrs back, socket lidded as he lifts a hand to stroke Error’s cheek affectionately, who happily leans into the touch.
“Hmm~ I love you~ I like that term~ I love you I love you I love you~”
“HeheHe~ I lovE You too~ I lovE love lOve you~” Nightmare smiles wider, giggling a little, before he suddenly plants a second kiss on Error, right at the corner of his mouth- making him pause, blinking in surprise.
“Hehe~ You have a cute look on your face~”
“I- whAt wAs thAT-?” He questions, blushing a bit as Nightmare blinks at him with a smile.
“Oh uhm…I’m not sure? It just seemed like the right thing to do. Like blowing you kisses, but giving them to you instead?” Error hums a bit in thought, before leaning forward to give Nightmare a small kiss, smiling.
“I liKe it~” The corrupted star smiles back, nuzzling their foreheads together with a happy purr.
“Good, because I want to cover you in them~” Error giggles, pressing a couple more kisses to Nightmare’s face as the taller star blushes a light cyan, before practically attacking Error in kisses and affectionate nuzzles. “My Ruru~”
“HeHehE~ M-mY NigHt~” Error purrs loudly, practically beaming. He has Nightmare back, nothing could possibly ruin this for him.
“Hmm~ We’re never separating ever again if I can help it, never ever.” The tainted star says sternly, nuzzling and kissing Error’s face.
“We bEtTEr noT-” The smaller star mutters, smile fading slightly. “It… HuRt.. WhEN I coUldn’T FinD YOu.”
“..I’m sorry. I would never hurt you on purpose..” Nightmare says with a frown, making Error shake his head.
“I knOw- iT- iT WasN’t yoUr faULt it… I dOn’t QuITe kNow hoW To eXPLaIN iT..? BuT It maDE My liGht.. aLMosT…? Go oUT, aNd noW It flICkeRS.”
“Oh no Ruru-! That’s- Ruuuuuuu-” Nightmare whines, very aggressively nuzzling the smaller.
“It’S- I’M ALriGht, NigHt-” Error tries to reassure, even as his light wavers and flickers slightly within his chest- Nightmare must’ve given him his candle back.
“No you’re not! Your light shouldn’t flicker-!” Nightmare nuzzles him more, peppering little kisses on his face as he’s cuddled.
“It jUsT MeANs I haVe to rEchArgE exTRa sOMeTimEs-” He replies, firmly nuzzling the corrupted star back.
“Are you sure…?”
“My LiGht onLy wENt ouT OncE- WHeN It iNitiAlly haPpeNEd- aNd It DoESn’t uSUaLLy dRaIN moRe thAN A NodE At a tiME. I’m OKay.” Nightmare’s frown deepens and he gently headbutts the smaller, cupping his face.
“...Okay, if you’re sure….I love you, Ruru. So so much.” Error gives Nightmare a reassuring smile, nuzzling him.
“I loVe YOu too.” Nightmare nuzzles him back, before looking down at himself, his tentacles curling closer.
“...What do we do about…this?”
“I.. I haVE no iDea.” Error admits, dimming a bit. “I dOn’T WaNT to HurT YOu bY tryiNg to buRn thE DaRKnesS AwaY..”
“...Light doesn’t really hurt me, I just….absorb it. Like the water in the Golden Wasteland.” Nightmare nuzzles him with a deep frown.
“Is thAT whY We’Re suRrouNDed in toRChes? WherE Did yoU EveN Get thEm-?”
“I found them outside, the path that takes you to the point of no return. The krill aren’t bothered by me at all so I just picked them up and brought them down here.” Nightmare shrugs, Error frowning a bit.
“UgH- I aLmosT Got kRIlleD So maNy timES trYinG TO geT HerE-”
“Pfft- krilled-” Nightmare giggles, kissing Error’s nasal bridge as the star pouts.
“I hAD to Get hiT bY rOcKs to AvoID TheM-”
“Well now I’ll protect you~ So don’t worry~” The taller purrs. “Are you feeling alright now though?”
Error pauses, giving the question some genuine thought. “I’m… oKaY RiGht noW, yEaH.”
“..Are you certain? We should probably leave anyway, but I’m sure we can find a relaxing spot to rest.”
“...I’d liKe to leAVe sOoNEr raTHer thAN latER, to be hoNesT. MaYBe.. We CoULd gO To thE HidDen foREst?”
“I have no light, not normal light at least? So I don’t think the rain will bother me, and I can shield you so yes, that sounds wonderful. I don’t really want to be seen by the others like this…” Nightmare pulls Error a bit closer, the small star giving him a comforting nuzzle.
“YeAh.. I heARd sTOrIEs aBouT A neW CreATure oF DARknEss wiTH TenTACleS Who woULd aTtaCK STaRs bEFore TheY COulD geT TO thE PoINt oF No reTUrn- whiCh IS whY I cAMe in THe fiRSt plaCe- sO-”
“Yeah…sorry…” Nightmare looks down, disappointed in himself. “I-I wasn’t trying to hurt them I just wanted to get warm and…I didn’t want anyone to get to the crystal.”
“It’S OKaY- HonEStly fRom whAT i heARd yoU wERen’t anY woRse thAN cRaBs- evERyoNe coULd juST MedITaTe hoMe bEfoRE YOu diD ANy reAl daMAge. You’Re juST aN UnKNowN, anD THaT CaN ScaRe pEOple.”
“Oh that’s good. I don’t want to have really hurt anyone…” Nightmare sighs a little in relief, nuzzling against him. “I don’t think I can fly anymore…at least not with my cape.”
“Hm.. mAyBe I CaN PuLL YOu aLonG? I kNoW I cAN dO It wiTh soMEonE WithOut a CaPe…” Nightmare kisses the side of his skull, nuzzling him.
“We can try. Should we head to home then? Hopefully no ones really around if we hurry.”
“YeAh… cAn yoU MeDITaTe? Or wILl wE hAVe to WaLk to thE GaTE?”
Chapter 49: I’ll Chase You Through the Void
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Era x Eros (aka Error x FgodError)
Era is pregnant in this
Also like- this is so angsty be careful- lot of hurt, very little comfort
Chapter Text
The morning sun peeks in warmly through the curtains, two glitchy skeletons still laying in bed. As the smaller sleeps soundly Eros watches, stroking his mate's face with a deep rumbling purr. He couldn’t bring himself to look away all night, simply admiring just how amazing Era is, how amazing this whole situation is.
He’s safe, he’s happy, and he has this amazing beautiful mate to wake up to every morning…and in a few months there will be a babybones in the cabin. Eros’ purr spikes loudly at the very thought, leaning forward to kiss Era’s nasal bridge as he rubs a hand over the smaller’s ecto belly.
“Hm…~” Era’s face scrunches up slightly as he stirs, sleepily trying to nuzzle closer to Eros. The taller can’t help but coo, purring even louder as he begins to pepper his mate’s face and skull in gentle affection filled kisses, his soul swelling with love.
“Nnmm..” The smaller glitch whines a bit as he wakes up, blinking hazily up at him, making the tall monster smile warmly.
“MorNInG RA-ara~” Eros purrs, kissing his mate's forehead.
“MmmOrnin’..” Era mumbles, sleepily purring back and nuzzling Eros. The taller glitch makes a deep possessive rumbling noise, not quite a purr, as he slides his arms around Era’s waist to snuggle him close, trailing kisses from his cheek and down his neck.
“MiN-ne~”
“MmhM Y’rS~” Era lets his sockets close again for a moment, smiling with a happy sigh. “Mm L’vE You..~”
“LoV-vE you TOo~” With a happy little wiggle, Eros holds Era further against his chest, content to hold his sleepy mate close to his soul and enjoy the pleasant warmth of his touch. He just loves Era so much. Sometimes he doesn’t know what to do with all these warm fuzzy feelings.
Unfortunately, the moment ends as Era’s stomach rumbles, making the smaller groan in annoyance. Eros however, chuckles at his mates cuteness.
“ANy MornIng CraVi-inGs..?” He asks as quietly as his glitchy voice will allow.
“I wAnnA EaT JUSt liKE- aN EntiRE BloCk oF CheeSE-” Era states, miming the size of said imaginary block of cheese- which seems to be larger than his face. He eats himself a soft, chaste kiss on the mouse, Eros smiling softly at him.
“WaN-nT ME TO cHeck tHe FriDG-ge?”
“WaNnA… QuESadilla.” The smaller mutters, hold on his mate tightening. Giving the small glitch another forehead kiss, Eros effortlessly snatches Era up, wrapping him in the warm blankets as he stands.
“OkAy~ AnYThinG Y-yoU WanT~”
“YaY~” Era purrs, happily nuzzling into Eros’ neck. His tall mate carries him into the kitchen, using strings to get all the necessary ingredients. Life has actually been teaching Eros how to cook. Only simple things of course, like how to safely work an oven and what not to do so he doesn’t burn down the house- Era makes sure to ask for fairly simple meals unless they’re going to the castle, where Horror is able to make him something.
Eros is always very pleased when his mate likes something he made, its adorable to watch the taller glitch practically light up like an excited skully. His adorable mate is just a big softy, so cuddly and affectionate~
Era is so happy to be having his child- he just knows Eros is going to be a wonderful father. He already set up the baby room, having been way too excited to wait, and that's not even mentioning the pile of stuffed toys Eros made- which is just steadily growing to take up half of a room at this point.
It’s incredibly adorable. To think Era would end up getting such a caring and amazing person like Eros as a mate. Really it's only by chance they met but he’s so happy they did. Eros is such a good hearted soul, and Era feels so lucky to be able to have him as his.
Just thinking about it makes Era tear up, sniffling against his mate from the sheer joy overwhelming him.
“ErA-a?” His mate nuzzles the side of his skull, the warm smell of melted cheese finally reaching him. “AR-re You Okay? NOthIN-nG hURT-tS rigHt?”
“I L-loVE You sO MUch -” Era cries, clinging to his mate, the taller rubbing his back as he’s nuzzled more.
“HeHE~ I LovE yOU tOo~ SoOoooo MUcH Era~ MY P-preTty MaTe~”
“Y-yoU’re jUSt So pErfeCT AnD W-woNDerfUL AnD SWeeT A-anD I CaN’t wAIt To BE a P-paRENt wiTH You AnD I waNT ThiS BaBY OuT Of ALreAdYyYY-” The pregnant glitch whines, his loving mate kissing his skull gently, thankfully long used to his mood swings at this point.
“N-nO yoU’Re The PeRfECt a-and wondErfUl ONe~ AnD YoU O-onLY Hav-Ve A FEw WeEKs LefT.” At the last checkup with Sci he told them the baby's body is starting to form, which means as long as Era’s magic stays fairly high, there’s only about two months left.
“ThAT’s fOReveRrr-” Eros huffs in amusement as he peppers his mate's face with soft kisses, turning off the stove as he moves the finished quesadilla to a plate.
“S-sO Cute~”
“Nuh-uH-” The smaller glitch sniffles, blinking the last of the tears from his sockets as he pouts at his mate.
“Uh-H huh~ ThE CuTe-eST~” Eros continues to purr, kissing the adorable pouty face before him, making his mate whine and squirm, flushing.
“I’m HuNGRyyY-” Picking up the paper plate, Eros walls over to the big bean bag in the living room, carefully sitting down with Era in his lap as he holds the quesadilla in front of him, the smaller glitch practically drooling at the smell, his stomach growling again.
"EAT-t uP, RAra~" As Era practically scarfs down the food, wanting the hunger to go away, Eros nuzzles onto his neck, leaving little kisses and nips along the bone as Era relaxes against him.
Everything kind of feels like a dream since he ended up here. Eros can't remember feeling so….so at peace in his home multiverse. So safe and happy and content. He’s living a relatively normal life, with a house, a mate, and soon to be babybones. It's just….it feels so unreal, like a dream he never wants to wake up from.
"...I'M-m so luCkY~"
“Hm?” Era blinks up at him curiously, mouth full of quesadilla.
"To h-HAve YoU…aND thEm…" The taller gently holds Era’s middle, purring loudly. "I-I neVEr ThoUg-Ght…I'D haVe tHIs…"
“YoU DeSErvE iT.” Era says after quickly swallowing. His mate, as expected, doesn't respond, but Era knows what he wants to say. “YOu dO!”
"....I'm haPp-PY yoU tHInK-k So." The pregnant glitch frowns, but he knows it’s pointless to try arguing further- Eros won’t ever agree. Even after spending years here away from his home multiverse, Eros has yet to shake the hurtful words of his abusers and self hate….and after what he went through Era understands why.
At least Eros isn't outwardly saying bad things about himself anymore. They've made progress! Eros eats, and sleeps, and asks questions without so much fear. He still flinches when everyone but Era and Nightmare’s gang lifts a hand- but they’ll take what they can get.
“..I LOve yoU.” With a soft smile, Eros kisses him gently, purring a little louder.
"I LoV-vE yOu too-o~ Min-Ne~" Eros holds him close, nuzzling the smaller as he purrs, before turning them so Era is laying on his back against the beanbag. "MIne m-MiNE miNE-e~"
With every word he leaves a kiss on his mate's face, trailing his hands down to rub Era’s waist, lifting his sweater a little as the smaller purrs back loudly, aggressively nuzzling Eros with a smile.
“All YOurS~” They stare a sweet tender kiss as the scarred glitch rubs the smaller’s belly. Sadly the moment can't last forever.
Eros suddenly tenses, his body going rigid as a wave of glitches rushes over his body. He makes a pained noise and Era jolts out of the happy haze he had been in, looking up at his mate in concern.
“EroS?” Era questions, glancing around. He can't see any threats, nothing to harm them- Eros whimpers, a sound he’s never heard from his mate before as the taller's bones shake. They rattle loudly, his glitches fizzling and crackling in a buzz.
Era sits up as Eros curls in on himself, moving a hand up over his soul with a horrible wheezing gasp, much to Era’s alarm.
“ErOS- loVE? WhAT’s wroNG?” He reaches forward to place a hand over his mate’s, his palm beginning to glow green with healing magic. Eros shakes his skull, his sockets shut tight.
His body suddenly jolts, a cry of pain startling Era as red strings make themselves known, sliding out from under Eros' sweater and snaking around his bones, glowing brightly like molten metal.
“E-eROs-? Wh-wHAt-?” Era glitches slightly in fear as he reaches to grab one of the strings, only for his mate to immediately push away, falling back onto the floor.
"D-d-d-Do-on'T-" He doesn't finish as some of the strings wind their way up his neck, literally melting the bone like plastic, leaving Eros writhing in pain. "AAa-a-AAa-Aah-Hh-!!"
“Er-roS-s-!” Era scrambles up in a panic and rushes to his mate’s side, trying desperately to think of a way to help. Eros had hardly flinched when his ribs were literally falling off- just how painful is this-?
" I finally found you, Error~ You're so pathetic." A voice, coming from seemingly nowhere and everywhere at the same time sounds through the room, Era's soul nearly giving out under the sheer weight of the presence bearing down on him, an ungodly amount of pressure filled with intense animosity and what Era can only describe as pure hatred. "Did you really think you could get away from me? You're nothing but a broken puppet and you won't stop playing until I say so !"
“S-s-sT-toP It-!” Era shouts, wrapping an arm around his middle in a feeble attempt to protect the souling within him as he struggles to stay standing under the oppressive pressure. Is this…who he thinks it is-?
The voice doesn't even bother responding to him, blatantly ignoring him in fact. "Now you're going to clean up the mess you made and then you will receive your punishment, puppet."
A portal opens on the far floor of the living room, more red strings launching out to wrap around Eros's body as he glitches wildly in a panic. " I'm going to tear you apart and put you back together over and over until I'm satisfied. Clearly your code needs some modifications to make you more obedient."
The strings start to drag him back and the tall glitch desperately claws at the floor to get some sort of hold. "F-fA-aT-t-tE pl-LE-eaS-s-sE-e-!"
“E-eR-ros N-nO-!” Era stumbles over to his mate to grab him, unconsciously trying to use his own strings to counter the red ones. The void looms threateningly from the open portal as his strings burn and sizzle, a new kind of pain he's never experienced before shooting through his magic and making his soul sting harshly, and Era yelps as it makes his knees buckle.
One of his hands flies to his sternum and his arm wraps tighter around his stomach, and he crumples to the ground with a painful thump as he fails to hold himself up under the overwhelming presence.
"E-er-R-" His mate’s voice suddenly vanishes, and Era looks up with teary, error filled sockets as his panic spikes. Eros isn't there- he's not there-
The presence slowly diminishes as Era desperately reaches for his mate through their soulbond, gasping for breath. He can barely feel a response, so faint and far away, getting even farther as the portal to the void shrinks in size, jolting him out of his frozen state. Era doesn’t even think as he forces himself up and runs to the portal.
Fear grips his soul. The fear of losing him, of never seeing Eros again, kissing him, waking up to that loving gaze every morning- of Eros getting hurt- his child growing up without a father-
Era runs to the rapidly shrinking portal, fully intending to dive through and uncaring of the consequences. The moment he's through everything suddenly stops. No sound, no sight, no feeling other than the numb nothingness that clings to him, filling his non-existent lungs as he tries to breathe. He feels like he's drowning.
He struggles to find something of substance to cling to, desperately trying to reach out, but it feels pointless in the face of the all consuming emptiness. For a moment, maybe seconds, hours, years- he thinks that this might be the end. That he will die here and his souling will never be born.
That he'll never be able to see them grow up…or meet them, hold their little body in his arms as they have their first blasting..and Eros? He'll never know, forever trapped in that horrible multiverse again with know way of knowing about his family's demise. Maybe…maybe they'll be forgotten. Like almost every Gaster who met the same fate…
With what little feeling he has left, Era grieves, and regrets. He grieves what could’ve and now never will be, for his wonderful mate who doesn’t deserve the pain he endures, but he grieves the most for his precious little soulling, who will be cruelly snuffed out before they got the chance to live. He regrets foolishly chasing after his mate- for recklessly endangering himself and his child in a hopeless attempt. No one can defy Fate.
" Thank you.. " A warmth dispels the ever consuming emptiness, cradling him as his mind slowly comes back together. " For showing him happiness and love….but he still needs you.."
Era chokes out a sob as he is able to breathe again, coughing and glitching harshly as he feels the tears that had been streaming down his face.
" Please, save my chosen child. " Era holds back a whimper, struggling to understand what exactly the voice meant. " You and your child have my blessing. Good luck. "
The warmth envelops him, before it- and everything else- begins to fade, making him panic as he desperately struggles to cling to consciousness, but it's no use. With his energy quickly diminishing, Era passes out.
~
Reaper watches over the limp skeleton in his arms worriedly. Confused for…many reasons. It's not often someone appears in his domain…let alone a monster that looks almost exactly like the destroyer.
They weren't marked with death, nor is the souling, but….they are both weak. He carries them to his home, a large dark manor shrouded by dead trees, and sets the sleeping monster up in his guest room, not that he ever gets any.
After checking for any wounds, he sighs in relief at finding none.
"...Who are you?" The God asks, not expecting any kind of response. A CHECK leaves him with more questions than answers, but he tries not to think too hard on it for now.
~
Era is slowly- reluctantly- dragged into the waking world, feeling heavy with his very soul aching, hunger gnawing at his insides.
“UgH…” His bones feel like they're made of lead- Stiff and uncomfortable and heavy. His thoughts are slow and groggy as he wakes. It’s easily the least pleasantly he’s woken up since living with Eros- usually his mate kisses him awake..Soft…and warm, loving…every morning..
The memory of a glitching scream in pain floats to the forefront of his mind and Era’s brows furrow, hazily trying to think of where he had heard it… it reminds him of…
“E-eROs-!” He jolts up, his sockets flying open as memories flood his mind, making him glitch heavily while pain shoots through him, gasping and curling around his stomach.
The souling- he jumped into the void with his souling- Are they okay!? Are they still alive? He- he’s still hungry- so that’s a good sign, right-?
Era pulls up his shirt and tries to look through his cloudy ecto to get a peek of the soulling within, reaching out with his- worryingly weak- magic.
After a scary and tense moment of silence that lasts way too long he gets a small pulse back, far too tired for his liking.
“F-fuCK- I’M S-sO SO-orRY-” Era mutters, relieved tears gathering in his sockets as he tries to actively funnel the small bit of magic in his reserves to his unborn child, curling up tighter. He was so stupid- They almost died-
Eros would be so upset with him, jumping into the void after him. What would he have done if their souling didn't survive? He would have killed them-
A choked up sob leaves him, the glitch too overwhelmed and tired from recent events. It all happened so fast, he almost lost everything…
Era’s face crumples as a small sob escapes him once more, his relief twisting into shame and regret.
"..H-hey uh…" Era sniffles, looking up at the familiar yet.. Oddly timid voice of his brother’s mate. "...I have food…if you want it."
Reaper floats into the room, the door creaking on its hinges as he stops at the bedside table, a tray in hand. "I'm not the best cook, but…I hope it's okay."
“...R-reAPer?” The glitch shifts, reaching for the tray as his stomach growls loudly, promptly stuffing his face once the food is set in his lap. The god gives him a small smile, backing away a little.
"Yup, that's my name, don't wear it out, heh…I'm surprised you used my actual name instead of my title." Era’s brows furrow in confusion, though he makes sure to swallow his food before he opens his mouth.
“WHy woULdn’T I? YOu’rE My BroTHEr-iN-LaW?” He questions, glancing around. He knows he was in the void- but he couldn’t be in another multiverse, could he? “WhERe’s GEn aNYwaYS?”
Reaper's confused expression falls into what Era can only describe as sorrow. The god lifts his hand over his soul almost as if in pain. "I-I….I don’t know…G-geno hasn't been here for….for a really long time-"
"..How do you know him? Have you seen him-? Please, if you have I need to know where he is-" His desperation is obvious as he floats closer, hoping for an answer, anything that could tell him where his mate is.
“I- He’S My bROthEr-? WH-whaT Do yoU MeAN he’S BeEn goNE, iS GOtH ALriGht-?” Era worriedly asks, confused and concerned. “Do- dO YOu noT REmeMBer mE? I’m ERroR- weLL- ERa NoW- Y’kNOw- deSTroYER oF WOrLDs anD ALl thaT-?”
Reaper's frown deepens, looking even more confused than ever. "I've…never met you before..and the only Error, destroyer of worlds, I know of is….way taller than you, slightly taller than me….and who's Goth..?"
“O-oh…” Era’s expression falls, and he looks down at the food in his lap, breathing in shakily as he glitches. “ThiS… T-thIS IsN-n’t mY MultiVErsE..”
Reaper frowns, floating down to the side of the bed and giving the glitch a small smile. "Hey, uh…I'm sure we can figure out some way to get you home. I'll talk to a science sans…for now…you can stay here if you would like. It's…not really safe for someone who looks like the destroyer to be wandering around…"
Era sighs, before nodding and smiling weakly back at Reaper, knowing better than to get his hopes up. There’s no way he could be lucky enough to end up in Eros’ multiverse.
…Maybe he’ll try reaching out to the Nightmare here, though…
“..ThANk yoU.”
"No problem…Do you uhm….want more food for you and the little one? Do you want to walk around? O-or do the ball pregnancy exercises-?"
“...MoRE FoOd woULd bE NicE, iF You doN’t minD.. I’m- rEaLLy loW On mAGic.” Era admits. The death god immediately sits up and quickly floats to the door.
"Yeah of course! Uh any uhm preferences-?"
“WeLL- I liKE CHocoLATe anD HAvE BeEn craVINg chEesE LAteLY, bUt anYTHinG Is finE.” With a nod and small smile, Reaper quickly leaves the room.
"Got it!"
“ThANks!” Era calls after him. The sound of cookware is pretty noticeable through the cracked door as Reaper starts working.
This Reaper is….so much different then the one he knows. His Reaper is confident and teasing- as well as a huge dork… this Reaper just seems.. So broken down. It's…really odd to see any version of him this way.
If what he said is true…then Geno just up and vanished one day? Reaper would have known if he was dead… What had happened to his brother here?
This multiverse’s Error might know. Maybe..after talking with Nightmare he can ask? It's probably none of his business, but he just…really doesn't like seeing Reaper so…depressed and down.. Even if it’s not his Reaper… it’s still his brother-in-law. If there’s a way to help, he wants to.
Reaper comes back with an even bigger tray, several grilled cheese sandwiches on top with a large bowl of tomato soup- and a glass of chocolate milk of course.
"Is this good..?" Era can’t help but smile, setting aside his mostly finished food in favor of making grabby hands at the soup and grilled cheese.
“It’s gReAT- ThaNK YOu, REaPEr.” The God preens, a bird-like chirp coming from him before he very quickly covers his mouth with a nervous smile.
"E-enjoy- I mean I hope you enjoy it- It's all I could think of-"
“I’M SurE IT’s greAT.” Era lets Reaper set the tray on his lap, before quickly pulling him into a light hug before he can pull away. “SeRIOusLY- thANk yoU.”
The death god tenses for a split second before almost literally melting in his arms, a loud rumbling purr and bird like coo escaping him. The behavior actually reminds him a lot of Eros, and Era has to hold back tears at the reminder of his mate. He keeps managing to find touch-starved gods from other multiverses- His sweet gentle Eros…
Reaper eventually forces himself up, though it's clear he didn't want to let go at all. "Y-you uhm…sorry, I'm being called.."
The god rubs over his ribcage, giving Era a small smile to hide what glitch can only assume is pain. "You can explore just…don't move anything. I'll be back."
“ALrigHT. GoOD LuCk anD STaY SAfe.” Era replies, getting a small nod, before Reaper disappears out the door again.
~
Era eats everything, feeling his magic fill up and the souling strengthen again, much to his relief. The food had a surprising amount of healing intent despite the god of death making it- though Era isn’t complaining.
It leaves him feeling mostly refreshed by the time he finishes, only vaguely sore as if he had crashed. For having somehow survived the void he’s not doing too bad!
The glitch rubs over his stomach as he sets the tray aside, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and carefully standing up, testing his limits. Era sighs in relief when he manages to fully support his weight, legs feeling a bit shaky but otherwise fine.
It really is a miracle he survived, even more so a person who didn't attack him on sight found him before anyone else, based on Reaper's concern for him earlier. Walking around will do him some good…what did Medic say? Something about walking and standing up being good for the souling as their body forms. It’s supposed to make them stronger or something.
So, he begins cautiously walking around the room, keeping his hand on something in case his body suddenly decides to give out on him. Slowly he actually starts to feel a bit better. Maybe it's the magic flow or something, but he doesn’t feel as…sluggish as before.
Eventually he feels confident enough to leave the room and explore the house, curious to see the differences from his multiverse. Back home he'd spend quite a lot of time in Death Manor, visiting Geno and his nephews, his little niece too of course. Shino is just the cutest thing~
He's visited with Reaper too, telling jokes and bonding over their shared loved ones. Compared to the warm family home he remembers…the manor before him is cold and gray, like the color and life has been drained out of everything.
Error wonders if this is what the manor had looked like before Reaper had Geno, if this is what it’s like now that he’s gone. He’s never really thought about it before, but…Reaper must have been…very lonely before meeting Geno.
He doesn't remember ever having met him before Geno introduced them to one another, but he had heard of Reaper. Other than that and Geno's rants about the other gods fearing him, he…supposes he doesn't actually know the God of death very well at all.
That.. doesn’t feel quite right, now that he’s thinking about it. Destruction and Death go hand in hand, along with Negativity. Why hasn’t he tried reaching out more?
As Era wanders he finds himself more and more put off by the empty plain rooms. It's like the very walls reek of depression and dreariness- Just when he is about to stop and head back to bed, Era freezes up at the sight of the last room, his hand letting go of the handle.
The walls of the nursery were painted a baby blue, the paint chipping and long since having faded in color, looking more like a bluish gray. The peach accent wall looks almost white now. A cream colored dresser sits on the far wall, a matching rocking chair in the corner covered in knitted dolls and animals.
The carpet is so soft and warm in comparison to the hardwood floor of the hall. There's a bassinet….a basket of neatly folded old baby clothes and burp rags…most of which are also knitted. Little babybone sized hats, mittens, baby booties….And beside the rocking chair is a beautiful hand carved wooden crib, covered in beautiful flower carvings and trees.
Someone…put this room together with so much care and love, and Era can’t help but tear up at how clearly old and unused it is.
It looks so terribly similar to the one Eros had set up in their own home…down to the knitted dolls in the rocking chair…though not nearly as many as Eros had made for their souling. Empty picture frames sit on the dresser next to a music box….well, they are mostly empty. The gitch slowly makes his way over, stopping to turn on the pretty little lamp on the dresser before picking up the first picture frame.
A wonderful picture of what looks to be his brother, smiling wide and joyful as he clings to Reaper, hugging him in excitement as the taller holds up a camera to take the picture, kissing the top of Geno’s skull.
Era brushes away a bit of dust that had begun to gather on the frame, the sweet looking moment soured by his knowledge of what happened to this Geno. They both look so genuinely happy, so excited…Setting the frame down, Era picks up the next, brushing away another layer of dust to reveal another smiling face.
Geno is showing off his ecto belly, looking absolutely giddy as he points to the barely visible light that can be seen inside. Era can’t hold back the gasp or the tears that drip from his sockets as his free hand goes to his own belly.
This Geno… was pregnant when he disappeared..? Era can’t even imagine…what could have happened. Reaper made it sound like Geno had just vanished one day without a trace. Escaping death is not something easily done….What could have possibly happened to him…and the souling he was carrying?
The glitch’s throat feels tight, his soul aching as he shakily sets the picture down. The next two pictures are similar. A happy excited couple looking forward to their baby and future together….and then the pictures just stop.
There’s more frames, clearly having been bought in advance for more pictures, but they’re just… empty.
Trying to keep himself from just fully breaking down, Era casts his gaze around for something- anything- to distract him from the photos. On top of the dresser, just in front of the little music box, is a small book, the title reading “My Pregnancy Journal” in fancy lettering.
Era’s phalanges brush over the cover before he realizes what he’s doing, pulling back and resisting the urge to read it. Not only is it a huge invasion of privacy, he’s sure it’ll just make him more sad. Geno…absolutely adores his kids back home, him and Reaper both.
Their house is so full of life and love and warmth and to think…they never got to have that here. It just…makes his soul ache for them.
He turns to leave the room, reaching up to wipe his tears from his sockets, only to bump the nightstand with his elbow, knocking the book off of it as he hisses and glitches slightly in pain, holding his arm.
“Ow oW ow fUCK-” Why do people call it a funny bone-!? It fucking hurts! “DaMMit-”
Era shakes out his arm, cursing quietly until the pain fades enough to ignore, scowling as he bends down to pick up the now open diary on the floor, glancing at the page it’s open to. The first few words are nothing like what he was expecting, sending a dreadful shiver down his spine.
‘I feel like someones watching me.’ Though Era knows he shouldn’t, he finds himself continuing to read. ‘It started a while ago, I thought maybe it was just hormones or some weird paranoia side effect or something with the pregnancy, but I’m almost certain it’s something else.’
‘The rest of the gods in Reapertale don’t like me, I know that. They want me dead, they don’t think a mortal should be with a god. My first thought was that it could be them, watching me, but I know their stares. Always so hateful and obvious, they want me to know what they think of me, but this is different.’
‘It’s constant, I can’t sleep. It’s worse when Reaper leaves for work. When he’s around it's just the eyes, but when he’s gone, it feels like their presence alone is trying to crush me like a bug. It’s like I can’t breathe. The best way I can describe the feeling, the way they’re looking at me is like, it reminds me of’ Era can feel the anxiety, the gnawing fearful intent written into every word as it goes on.
‘Of Gaster…the way he would look at me when I was little, in that lab. Like I was something interesting and useful.’ Era glitches slightly as the writing grows messier, like Geno had been in a rush.
‘I asked Reaps if he sensed any souls around several times, hoping he would find something, but he said we where alone and I know we aren’t. I’m never alone anymore. Today- I’m writing this because….I feel like-’
‘Something bad is going to happen.’ Dread building within him, Era flips the page, already knowing what he will see, yet hoping he won’t.
It’s blank.
Almost numbly, Era closes the book and sets it back on the nightstand, shakily backing out of the room and closing the door, leaning heavily against it.
Geno wasn’t just missing- he was taken . The realization makes his soul tighten in his ribcage, his airway starting to close up as anxiety sets in. Someone took him, had been watching him- and not even Reaper- death himself- could find him.
That means it must’ve been someone more powerful than Reaper- but he has no idea who. He knows nothing about this multiverse- for all he knows, the other outcodes here are leagues above him.
Does….does Reaper know? Surely he would know, right? If Geno’s journal had been here the whole time, surely he would have read it especially with…with just how close that last entry seemed to be to Geno’s eventual kidnapping.
“F-fuCk..” He shakily mutters, sinking to the floor and curling up, wrapping his arms protectively around his belly. He.. really shouldn’t be sticking his non-existent nose in this- he’s supposed to be trying to find Eros or getting home- dammit-
He holds back a sob that tries to escape him, once again feeling overwhelmed and anxiety ridden. He shouldn’t even be here. He should be at home snuggling his mate, stopping by Nightmare’s place for dinner with the gang and having movie night with his family- Anything but this mess…
Era sits there, trying to gather himself as he recounts the latest events over and over in his head, struggling to make proper sense of them. What is he even going to do ? He can’t just- stay here and mooch off of Reaper forever… He just wants to go home…
A small, quiet sob manages to escape him, and despite his best attempts, it manages to break the dam he was holding his emotions behind, and he cries as he glitches harshly. He cries over his mate, over his terrifying near death experience, almost losing his unborn child- It’s all just too much. This whole situation is too much- and all he can do is just sob, arms wrapped around himself in a sad mockery of a hug, selfishly wishing he had someone here to hold him.
He wishes Eros was here……A familiar cool touch wraps around him, a chilly presence making itself known as he’s gently pulled against the source. Era doesn’t hesitate to latch on, struggling slightly to breathe as he sobs and hiccups.
A soothing deep voice comforts him as they rub his back, gentle and caring intent filtering into every movement, managing to relax him even as he continues to cry, just letting out all of his bottled up emotions. The secure hold feels safe, familiar, and gentle…he knows this feeling, but for now he pays it no mind as he cries, glad to no longer be so alone.
He lets himself cry until he’s too exhausted to cry anymore, tiredly wiping his sockets as he sniffles.
“There you go, you’re doing great..It’s alright, dear, it’s alright.” That deep voice reassures him, continuing to rub his back as he goes limp against them.
“Th-tHAnk yoU…” He mumbles, feeling the familiar stranger nod.
“Of course, however, I will need to ask you a few questions later. For now…rest, it would seem like you need it.” Era gives them a small nod, before nuzzling closer as he lets his sockets fall fully shut, and within just a few moments, he falls asleep.
~
“You can’t just—---Nightmare.”
“S—-It’s not like I intended to—-” Hushed voices argue somewhere nearby, rousing him from his sleep and making him whine slightly, turning to bury his face. The voices quiet for a moment and a cool appendage wraps around him only a second later, petting the top of his skull and pulling a small purr from him.
“I mean you no harm, Reaper. Nor do I wish to drag you into this mess-” Hm, did Era know that voice..? “I was merely answering a call.”
Era doesn’t like calling very much- it’s much easier to just portal to the person he wants to talk to. Were the voices ever going to shut up?
“Your presence here alone puts me at risk-” Apparently not. Era sighs and blearily blinks his sockets open, realizing he had his arms wrapped around a familiar tentacle.
“Mmn’GhT…?” The voices quiet again before the bed shifts, dipping as the tentacle gently turns his skull to face a very familiar face.
“Greetings, dear. Did you sleep well?” Era just blinks at Nightmare for a moment, brows furrowing in sleepy confusion.
“...Wh’n’d yOU Git hEre…?”
“When you were crying. I could feel your negativity, so I came to investigate.” The other answers simply as his tentacle continues to pet Era’s cheek, and he idly leans into it as he wakes up a bit more. He frowns slightly as he recalls the earlier events.
“Oh…”
“Indeed. I am happy to know that you are alright now. However, as I said before, I need to ask you a few questions. Maybe you can shed some light on a few things.” Era gives a half shrug before nodding, reaching up to rub at a socket as he goes to push himself up. A goopy appendage supports the base of his back, Nightmare ever attentive…even if he’s pretty sure this isn’t his Nightmare.
“Allow me to properly introduce myself.” As he sits up the guardian moves to stand and…Era is almost immediately perplexed by his incredibly short stature, maybe slightly taller than Killer back home. “As you know, my name is Nightmare, but you may call me Moon if that makes it any easier for you. Reaper informed me that you go by another name other than Error.”
“Um- yEaH. I’m ErA.” He replies, glancing around and finding the god of death floating up near the ceiling, glaring very intensely at the goopy skeleton beside him.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Era. As for my questions…How did you end up here, in this multiverse?” The glitch frowns and shudders at the memory of the void, unconsciously setting a hand on his slightly rounded stomach.
“I… FelL.. iN THe voID.”
“..I see. I suspected as much.” Nightmare sighs, glancing away as his brow furrows, thinking deeply. “Did you…No- I suppose it wouldn’t matter due to time working differently in the void…Hmm…”
“HuH? WhAT WoULDn’t maTter?” Era questions, the guardian looking back at him.
“The time difference between your arrival and our Error’s return.” The pregnant glitch quickly smothers the spark of hope that rises within him before it can grow. There’s no way this Error could be his mate.
“..YouR ERroR…?”
“Correct. Two years ago this multiverse’s destroyer returned after having tried to commit suicide by jumping into the void one month prior. Ever since…he has not been the same.” Era looks down, fidgeting with his phalanges.
“Any… ANy cHaNce He meNTioned m-my nAMe..? Or.. oR THe naME EroS..?” He hesitantly asks, deciding that Nightmare would be his best bet after talking to the other Error himself.
“...I have yet to hear him speak a word since his return.” The guardian informs him. “I am sorry, but I don’t believe I can give you a proper answer.”
Era sighs, but nods. Though the answer wasn’t exactly what he had expected, he anticipated a negative response. “It’s.. it’S OkAy. ThaNKs anYwAY.”
“...How about you describe the Error you are looking for to me? Or I can tell you about the one here? How does that sound?” Era looks over and Nightmare for a long moment.
“..WhY.. aRE YOu beiNG sO NicE To mE?”
“...I am hoping…that you can help him..” Nightmare looks away with a saddened expression. “Error has the most pure and kind soul I have ever had the privilege of witnessing. He is gentle and loving, and sweet, and so very selfless. He has always put himself in harm's way to protect others no matter the unimaginable pain it causes him. He is stronger than any one person should ever have to be in every way possible.”
“...He deserves to be happy more then anyone else but…..he is being used by a force far beyond my capabilities of defeating….I can do nothing more then watch as he suffers..and no matter what I do he won’t let us get close enough to try and help…I can only assume that is Fate’s doing as well.” Era stiffens, red strings and Eros’ pained screams going through his mind.
“....Y-yOU hAvE Them ?”
“As a problem? Yes-”
“Hold on a minute-” Reaper interrupts, lowering himself with a serious expression on his face. “Did you just say Fate is controlling the destroyer?”
“That is correct.” Nightmare scowls at the death god as Reaper shakes his skull.
“That’s not possible- They are a being of the void. Trifling with matters of the multiverse is forbidden.”
“InK Is LiTERaLly thEir CHilD- aND ThE ReD StrINgs I saW DrAG AwAy mY MaTE SuRE As HelL WeREn’T Ours-” Era snaps, before pausing and taking a deep breath, pushing down his anger and grief. “..SoRry. I dON’t eveN knOW If iT’s THe saME FaTe oR Not.”
“...Is that true, Nightmare? About Ink?” Reaper looks at the guardian, who can only nod.
“That is what they call him, according to Error.” Nightmare pets the side of Era’s skull with his tentacle, hoping to soothe the grief stricken monster as the god’s frown deepens. He suddenly summons a black leather book into his grasp, the pages old and worn as he carefully but quickly flips through it.
“FucKIn’ BiTCh-” Era mutters as he leans into the comforting touch, watching Reaper. The god seems to grow more frustrated as he searches, growling quietly before finally stoping on the very last page.
“What are you looking for?”
“Answers-”
“FoR WHaT?”
“Why Fate is able to mess with the multiverse..and so early too, but how did they get in?” Reaper continues to stare intently at the page, crossing his legs in mid air.
“...What is that book exactly? I do not know of any booth that holds the secrets of the multiverse.” The god looks down at both of them as the two shorter skeletons stare, looking for an explanation.
“...Every god can summon a book that holds the laws and rules of the multiverse. What they are and aren’t allowed to do, the range of their jurisdiction, their general role and limitations, as well as all basic information about how everything is supposed to function. It’s…a user's guide of sorts.”
“GOds GeT MaNUalS HerE??” Era questions, baffled and a touch jealous. He would’ve killed for some sort of actual guide when he first came out of insanity- anything other than the voices, which refused to help him half of the time.
Nightmare has a similar look on his face- “Can I do that?”
“...You should be able to..?”
“And how would I do that exactly?” Very obviously curious, Nightmare listens intently as Reaper explains the summon process, like taking something out of a hidden slot in your inventory with the intention of grabbing a book.
A dark leather bound book appears in the guardians grasp, a beautiful tree decorating the front. “Oh, it worked-”
“WhAT thE HeLL-” The glitch mutters, incredibly jealous though he would have no real use of something like that at this point. Nightmare flips through the book for a moment, genuinely stunned.
“My mother had one of these. Does it say who makes these rules?”
“The multiverse does.”
“...How can the multiverse make rules for itself? …And give us manuals?”
“YoU GUys Are SO luCKy I juST goT StucK With CReAtors-” Nightmare gives him a look.
“No thank you- One is enough-”
“Okay- Can we get back on track please? I would really rather Ink or Dream not find you in my house-” Era hums in thought- the multiverse is probably still at war then… wait-
“DoeS THaT MEaN I coULd bE DisCOverED iF I StaY Here? ShOUld I SeT Up a FIreWALL?”
“Only if they sense him here. No one ever comes by, usually.” Reaper glares at Nightmare as he says that last word. The guardian rolling his eyelight.
“The negative aura of your home is more than enough to hide me from Dream’s senses. Fear not. However I am curious as to what you found in your book. Something about Fate? If they aren’t allowed to intervene with multiverse affairs then maybe we can find out how they got in and block their access.”
“I wAnNA PunCH thEm firsT- oR StaB THem-” Era immediately declares. “I doUBt iT’s tHE SaMe FatE aS ErOS’ buT I doN’t caRe-”
“Much agreed. Revenge would be nice.” Nightmare nods, but if he’s being honest he’s just tired. The sooner Fate’s reign ends the better. He leans over to Reaper’s book, the god pulling away with a hard look.
“...All it says is to seek out the Hollow.”
“The HOlloW?” The glitch parrots curiously. Nightmare has a similar look on his face, both staring at Reaper expectantly as the god begins to read out loud.
“The hollowed ground of Hollow’s den is not so easily found, a secret place with secrets laced into its very sound. Not a word is spoken, not a sound uttered where the secrets lay to rest. Silence is all that waits for those who seek The Hollow Bed.”
“HuH- kiNDa soUNds liKe thE VOiD. OR MaYBe a PLacE In thE VoiD.” Era mutters with a small shiver, frowning deeply.
“....A pocket in the void….that is not…impossible.” Nightmare’s brow furrows as he thinks over the riddle. “So…Hollow sounds like…a person or thing in a place called The Hollow Bed, correct?”
“That is what it sounds like….A place with many secrets or something like that…Most questions about things like where the books came from and Fate specifically tell you to turn to this page with the riddle.” Reaper huffs, flipping through the book again.
“Well…it sounds like this…Hollow has our answers. The only question is how to get there. Of course the book insists on being incredibly vague-” The guardian grumbles beside Era, who turns, leaning down to bonk Nightmare’s shoulder with the top of his skull. It takes a moment, but the goop covered guardian gives him a small headbonk back. “...Maybe we can find a way to get you home while there? If Fate is involved with your seemingly involuntary transition then we might be able to find some kind of answers.”
“...YeAh. MaYBe.” Nightmare boops his nasal bridge gently with the end of a tentacle before offering the glitch a small, reassuring smile.
“So, why don’t you tell me what your mate is like?”
“..WeLL- hE’s aN ErROr liKe mE, bUT hE StarTed GOinG By EroS WhEN He fEll iN My mULtivERse. He’S InsANely TaLL- likE, He hAS aT LEaSt a CouPLe fEet On mE, ANd whEn We haD FOuNd him, He WaS PraCTicaLLy faLLinG ApaRt. BeFOre… hE Was TaKen By hiS FaTE, wE HaD MaNAgeD To heaL aLL of His INjuriES tO JusT ScaRs. H-he’S So sWeET AnD THouGHTful A-anD JusT A HuGE cuDdlEBug-” Era’s voice breaks, and he takes a shaky breath, stubbornly holding back tears. “I M-miSs hiM So mUCH..”
“Ah…I see. Well he sounds very nice, you are very lucky to have such a mate. An adorable souling as well. Have you been thinking of names?” Nightmare speaks to him in a casual manner, like good friends catching up over dinner.
“N-noT ReaLly-” Era can't help but laugh a bit. “We’RE BotH goD-aWFul aT NaMes- woRSe thAN THe aVERaGe AsgORe. We’VE BeEN usING ‘LitTLe biT’ aS A nicKNaMe, thOugh, aFter DiscOVerinG ThaT a nEw sOUling oNlY TaKes uP A biT Of dATa.”
Nightmare smiles a little more, leaning over from where he sits on the edge of the bed. “Ah I see I see, that is quite the conundrum indeed. Though I do like the nickname~ Very cute~”
“You know, to nymphs names hold great power and significance.”
“ReALly?”
“Mhm. Nymphs have their used name and then they have their true name. If you ever give anyone your true name, you’re giving them power over you. Do you know what a true name is?”
“WoUld iT Be liKe ErA VersUS ErroR?” Era asks, growing fully engrossed in the topic.
“Nope! A true name is not something you choose, it is something given to you the moment you come into existence. You can only speak your true name when you really need it or when forming a deep soulbond with someone, whose soul can tell you their true name.” Nightmare informs him as they both lean into the conversation.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, but if someone has your true name they can make you do anything. Even if you are a god.”
“ThAT’s… sliGHtly TerRIFyinG-”
“Very. In legends, nymphs have a talent for getting mortals to tell their real name, due to the nature of our magic. Basically when you went to introduce yourself you would say your true name instead of your mortal one and be forever in servitude of the nymph….and apparently they often ate humans. Go figure-”
“PfFft-” Era can’t help but snicker at the look on the guardian’s face, “EveR TeLL HorROr thAT OnE?”
“Once, he then tried to cook human for dinner-” Nightmare cringes, making Era burst into giggles, able to imagine it all too easily. “I can never trust his chicken pot pie again-”
“Oh My foX hAHaha-”
“Some people do not understand the term vegetarian-” The guardian laments as Era just cackles at his misfortune. Nightmare only smiles more, giving the glitch a soft look. “..You’re beautiful when you smile~ Such an adorable laugh~”
Era pauses, a surprised squeak escaping him as he stares at Nightmare, blushing brightly. That was stupidly smooth- The guardian grins wider before moving to stand, his tentacle curling under Era’s chin as his face grows hotter.
“Era dear, would you like to come stay at my castle? It will allow you to hopefully meet the destroyer sooner and give you more company.”
“U-uM-? I- I WouLDn’t WaNna boTHer-?” He asks more than says, glancing at Reaper. The god immediately looks away with a sad expression on his face, making him frown as Nightmare follows his gaze.
“Oh you aren’t a bother at all, dear. It would be my pleasure to have you in my home. Reaper can come along too, if that is alright with him.” Reaper looks down at them in surprise, before looking away again.
“PLeaSe ReAPer?” Era gives the god his best pleading look- one most of those he knows in his own multiverse give in to. “I- I WaNT to HelP You fiND YouR GEno, anD.. anD I doN’t wAnt YoU To be ALone… I kNOw hoW LonELy it Gets..”
“...If you..really want me around..I suppose I can…” The glitch practically beams, and impulsively reaches up to make grabby hands at Reaper. Blushing a cool blue, the death god floats down to him and Era pulls him into a hug, nuzzling him happily.
“Adorable~”
“S-shut up asshole!”
“ShOosh-” Era pats Reaper’s skull and the god immediately melts into a purring mess against him, nuzzling in closer with a super cute bird like trill.
“I stand by my statement.”
“PreTty BirB~” Era playfully coos, another noise- like a small crow caw- coming from Reaper. Nightmare’s tentacles gently pick the two up off the bed as he opens a portal.
“Alright. Time to go.” The glitch gives him a cheerful thumbs up, having way too much fun cuddling with the god of death. Okay so- maybe he can see why his brother likes this idiot so much. He’s like a big feathered puppy~! It’s honestly adorable.
Era pets and snuggles the lonely god as they step through the portal, a familiar chill running down his spine at the sensation. Both negative gods are cold to the touch, making the castle feel even colder as the portal closes and they walk through the long hall, passing different servants as they go.
It’s chilly enough to make Era shiver just slightly even with his coat and scarf, having become more sensitive to temperature changes since being pregnant. It feels odd, considering he’s a skeleton monster. As they walk, they pass a lot more people then Era would expect to be in the castle, many maids and workers, both human, monster, and all in between.
“Greetings, your majesty.”
“Good afternoon, my lord!” There’s a few lingering stares at his and Reaper’s forms, making him try shrinking in on himself as he does his best to ignore them. Big black wings suddenly envelop him, wrapping the glitch up in their soft and surprisingly warm embrace, shielding him from view. He jumps slightly in surprise, before relaxing now that he can’t see the stares and he’s comfortably warm.
They are both set down on a couch in what he can only assume is a living room, a napping Dust sleeping beside them. Era peeks up over Reaper’s wings, who had moved to hold him like a teddy bear at some point, looking around.
“So DUsT nAPs a LoT heRE Too?”
“Mhm, he naps quite often. His overcharged magic exhausts his body rather quickly, causing hysteria at times. Napping helps to keep him more mentally stable.” Nightmare gently pets the sleeping skeleton’s skull and that is when Era releases…Dust is only a few inches taller than Nightmare-
“WhY Are YOu aLL so ShORt-” He blurts before thinking about it. Reaper and Eros look huge compared to them- The goop governed guardian gives him an unimpressed look, lightly batting his skull with a tentacle.
“Dust and I are the only…short monsters in this castle, for skeletons anyway.”
“I- sORry bUT In mY DefeNCe mY NigHTmaRE ANd DusT Are taLLer ThaN Me-” The guardian gives him a look that is most definitely a pout-
“...Lucky them-” Era just pouts back at him, holding back a smile.
“KiLLer’S ThE onlY OnE SHorTEr thAN mE.” He states, Nightmare snorting in response.
“Killer? Short? Only Cross and Horror are taller than him- And our Error of course. He’s the tallest.”
“It seEMs mOSt HOrrORs aRe taLL theN- miNE Is thE TaLLest iN THe grOup.”
“Cross is taller than Horror here, but Horror is generally a large skeleton.”
“He’S BuILt lIKe a BriCK wAll.” Era sagely agrees, before pausing, baffled. “WaIT CroSs IS taLler ThaN Him-??”
“Mhm, Cross is the tallest of us. He’s actually called a bara.”
“CrOSs IS a BaRa- ??” Era practically shouts, before quickly covering his mouth and glancing at Dust. The once sleeping monster slowly peeks a socket open, blinking blearily at the other two on the couch before he sits up and crawls over to plop onto them. Reaper practically screeches and tries to scramble away before Dust can touch him and inevitably drop dead- and Era quickly uses his strings to pull Dust away long enough to let the god escape before letting him go again.
Unaware of his near death experience, Dust nuzzles into Era’s belly, a quiet purr starting up as he curls around the glitch, who just sort of stares and glitches slightly, before looking at Nightmare for help. The guardian merely shrugs, because of course he does-
“He’s a clingy sleeper. Would you like me to remove him?”
“It’S ALriGht. I’m a PreTtY CLinGy sleEPer toO.” Era shrugs a bit, idly petting Dust’s skull as Reaper floats above them, looking a little dejected.
“Well while you two cuddle I’ll go get a few of the others.”
“AlriGHt suRe.”
~
Era has been staying in Nightmare’s castle for….about a month now. He was shocked to find that not only is Nightmare’s gang (significantly) larger than his back home, but there is in fact an entire kingdom just outside the castle walls. It’s large and expansive with people of all kinds hailing from many different universes having gathered here to seek refuge from the war between the two sides of the balance, helping their king with loyalty and devotion in every way they can.
While the positive sides of the balance left this negativity stricken worlds alone to die and rot, deeming them unsalvageable, Nightmare had been there to rescue them, helping many AU’s rebuild and taking in refugees of AU’s that were far too damaged to be saved. Or at least- that's what the nice maids told him.
Era found himself walking around the extensive garden most days, with either a book or some crochet supplies, simply enjoying the peace and quiet in the warm sun and cool spring breeze. That is where he met a young hybrid named Barnie.
They were incredibly adorable with a burning curiosity for just about everything, and though they were initially a touch scared of him, they were practically pelting Era with questions and random observations as soon as they realized the glitch was okay with it. While most people would probably be annoyed, Era can’t help but enjoy the attention.
The little dog monster hybrid is just too cute! With their chocolatey brown hair and bright lively green eyes. Era could listen to the kid describe the world all day, always wanting to play games, wanting to learn magic. Apparently their father is…. Less than attentive after Barnie lost their mom and their older brother is an asshole- from what Era understands at least.
The kid doesn’t find interest in most things any of the other children do so they are always left alone to wander and explore. Ever the positive child, Barnie tries not to let their loneliness get to them and ends up practically latching onto Era the moment the monster gave them the attention they so desperately craved.
“You have a baby in your belly!?” The hybrid declares in wonder, pointing at Era’s ecto in astonishment.
“MhM~” Era lifts his shirt a bit more and gently grabs Barnie’s hand, moving them closer to rest their hand on his rounded stomach, the baby bump big enough to be noticeable through his clothes now. “WoULd yoU LiKe to SaY Hi? If yoU SeND a sMalL PulsE Of MAGic and PaY ReALLlly cLoSe aTteNTion, thEy miGHt saY hi BaCk.”
Barnie jumps up and down in excitement, leaning over Era’s lap to press their hand against the smooth yellow ecto. “Really really~!?”
“ReALly reALly~ LeT Me sEe iF THey’rE AwAKe.” Era sends a small pulse to the souling and not even a moment later he gets a love filled pulse back, they are very happy today.
“Are they awake? When they come out can they play with me? How did they get in there??”
“YeS THey’rE AwAKe, anD BaBYboNes aRE veRY SmaLL and FraGiLe, So thEy prOBaBLy won’T Be aBLe to PlaY At fIRst. I mADe thEM wiTH mY MaTe.” Era patiently explains.
“Oooo~ Well when can they play with me?” Barnie pouts, laying completely against Era’s lap to nuzzle his belly.
“YoU CaN PlaY GaMes liKe pEek-a-BoO pREtty sOOn, buT ThEy wON’t bE ABle tO PlaY KniGhtS For A Few YeaRs.”
“Awwwww! But knights is my favorite!...Will you still be able to play with me, Era..?” The child looks up at the glitch with worried eyes, begging for him not to leave. It makes Era’s soul melt, and he carefully pulls Barnie in for a hug.
“Of CouRSe! MaYBe yoU CaN COmE HelP Me TaKe caRE Of thEm- yoU CaN Be liKe thEIr biG BRothEr!” Era- slightly impulsively- offers. Even so, the child's eyes light up, tail wagging in excitement as they stand straight again, only for a look of confusion to cross their face.
“Wait- big brother??? But I’m a girl-?”
“FoR SKeLEtonS, BrOTherS AnD SisTErs moRE MeaN WhaT KiND Of rOle thEY TaKe, thAn iF THey’rE A BoY OR giRL, ThOUgh thEy USuaLLy mATch uP. HonEStly THey’RE PreTty inTErchaNGeablE- yOU coULd bE A BiG BrotHEr oR SisTEr oR SibliNG. WhaTEveR yoU’d PreFEr. BroTHers aRE suPpoSEd tO heLP prOTecT And cARe foR The faMILy, anD SistErs aRe suPpoSeD To heLP pRovIDe anD TeacH. SiBlinGs do BotH, buT BecaUSe caRIng For sOMeonE MiGht meAN You haVe tO TeACh thEm oR somEThing, thEy’vE GroWN to meAN basICaLLy thE SamE THinG Now.”
“Oooo~! That’s so cool! My big brother doesn’t do any of that- He’s really mean! But I already told you that-” Their tail starts to wag again, smiling brightly. “I wanna have a younger sibling~! Does that make you Momma number two?”
Era pauses for a moment at that, caught off guard, before his expression softens. “If thAT is WhAT You’d liKe, I’d bE HonORed tO Be yoUR OthER MomMA.”
Barnie’s tail wags even harder and they practically pounce on Era, being mindful of his belly. “Yay~! I love love love you, Momma! You’re the bestest!”
Era can’t help but tear up, hugging the hybrid back tightly as he smiles. “I lOVe yoU ToO, bABy.”
Barnie giggles, their little butt shaking with their very excited wags as they snuggle in closer, gripping onto Era’s jacket. “Hehehe~! We should play hide and see- Oh I forgot to talk to the baby! How do I say hi again, Momma?”
“YoU JuST PuT YOur haNd oN My beLLy anD seND thEM a smAll puLSe oF MagIC.” Era reminds, very much holding back the urge to cry as he guides their hand back to his stomach.
“How do I do the pulse thingy?” Barnie asks, looking up at Era with those sweet innocent green eyes, and he can’t help but lean down to nuzzle the hybrid, giving them a kiss on their forehead and sending a pulse of magic through the contact.
“LiKE ThAt. You JusT PusH A TinY Bit oF CaLM magiC ThrOUgh yoUR haND wiTH ThE INteNt to GreET.” Barnie beams up at him before closing their eyes and sending a small pulse of excited magic into his ecto. Like a very enthusiastic hello. There’s a small moment of silence, with the little kid staring very intently at his belly before a more calm and shy greeting is returned.
“They said hi~!!”
“ThEY diD~” Era agrees with a wide smile. Maybe it’s his maternal instincts kicking in, but he hasn’t felt this happy and complete in a long while. Barnie is just the sweetest little kid.
“I love them! They're so tiny in there! When do they come out?” The…six? He’s pretty sure that’s what they said- year old questions.
“ThE DocTOr sAId It’LL Be a CoUPLe moRE MoNThs.” Apparently the stress of losing Eros and jumping in the void had slowed the souling’s development significantly. Thankfully they’re still healthy, but it pushed his due date back by about seven weeks.
“That’s so loongg! I wanna love on them noowww-”
“I kNoW I knOWwW- buT At leASt yoU HaVEn’t haD To wAIt aN EntirE YEaR liKe mE.” Era brings his shirt back down over his belly before pushing himself up off of the bench he had been sitting on- the task growing increasingly more difficult than it has any right to be- as Barnie scrambles up. “ALriGht- You sAId yoU WaNTeD To plAy hiDE anD SeEK, riGht?”
“Mhm~! Can I do the seeking?”
“Of coURse sWeETie.” Barnie hugs his leg with an excitedly wagging tail before hopping back and covering their eyes.
“One! Two! Three-”
~
Three hours later, Barnie is completely out cold curled up on Era’s lap. They played hard, running around and being the energetic kid that they are until they were all out of energy, falling asleep pretty much as soon as they relaxed in Era’s lap.
It leaves Era unsure what exactly to do with them. It’s not like he knows where their house is… though he’s not sure he wants to take them to their house anyways. Barnie always sounds…so sad when they talk about their house, their dad never cuddles them, their brother torments them. They even told him they go out just so they don’t have to sit in silence all day.
Maybe.. he can just take them back to the castle with him. It’s not like Barnie’s dad or brother will likely care all that much. They can just stay in his room with him.
Decision made, Era uses a bit of blue magic to make Barnie a bit lighter before carefully getting up, holding Barnie in his arms as he slowly makes his way to the castle, not wanting to jostle them. He gets a few quiet greetings from the maids, Horror giving him a look as he passes by the kitchen.
When he gets to his room Era is careful as he lays Barnie down on his bed, grabbing a blanket he had crocheted and tucking them in, making sure they’re comfortable, before removing their socks and shoes. Seeing Barnie’s adorable sleeping face, so relaxed and safe..it tickles a part of his soul that he’s never really felt before.
It’s…nice. Fulfilling to know that they’re safe and being cared for. The feeling brings a soft smile to his face, and he leans down to give them a gentle kiss on their forehead. Their big eyes open up just a little and they whine quietly at him as they reach up.
“Mmm’momma..kisses tooo..” Era feels the urge to cry again, bending down so they can reach him. It’s a little clumsy, but Barnie gives his cheek a little peck, giggling quietly before they turn to nuzzle into the pillows, tail thumping slowly against the bed. It’s absolutely precious.
“SleEp swEeT~” He coos softly, smile wide as Barnie quickly falls back asleep. He watches them for a moment longer, their gentle breathing and cute little movements bringing solace to his soul. They’re absolutely precious~
He eventually has to pull himself away, petting their dirty brown hair before he turns to leave, closing the door as quietly as he can behind him. Maybe he can ask Horror to make them some food for when they wake up…They need a bath too. He can give them a bubble bath! Era’s sure they’ll like that.
Turning around to go find Horror- Era bumps into someone, blinking in surprise down at Nightmare. “..We found him.”
“YoUr ERroR-?” He questions, unconsciously straightening. The guardian nods with a very serious expression.
“It’s not pretty…but he is currently unable to move, this is your chance to try and speak with him before he gets moving again. We can only hope he is indeed the one you are looking for.” Era grimaces slightly, but nods, trying to push down the hope that threatens to rise in him.
Nightmare holds out his hand for Era to take and opens up a portal, leading him through into a nearly completely destroyed city. Every resident is already dead from the looks of it. Why bother saving the AU at all? Maybe Era can help delete it- the act of deleting an AU itself doesn’t take too much magic…
The guardian only pauses to pick up a red bone, dark blue magic leaking from the broken edges. They only find more as they continue to approach the destroyer. The god is in shambles, limp like a puppet whose strings have been cut and stomped on over and over until they broke.
Glitching slightly, Era lets go of Nightmare’s hand to move closer, unconsciously reaching out to his soulbond with Eros and much to his surprise, Eros calls back with surprise and desperation. The downed destroyer whimpers, barely able to shift among the rubble.
“H-heY hEY d-DOn’t moVE yoU’ll mAKe iT woRse-“ Era scrambles over to the other glitch’s side, hovering worriedly as he takes in the damage. It’s pretty bad, worse then when Eros first arrived in his multiverse, if this really is his mate- The front of his skull is almost completely caved in, the spot where his sockets being nothing but a gaping hole into the inside of his head. Most of his jaw is missing too…and while the damage to his face definitely looks bad, his spine is probably the worst of it.
“I- I G-got YOu..” Era kneels down, hands shaking slightly as he begins slowly piecing together who he desperately hopes is his mate, using only enough healing magic to keep the bones together. He sends what he hopes are calm reassurances down the bond. The relief that reaches him in response feels so…so genuinely happy that he's okay, despite the other clearly being in horrible shape.
Nightmare helps by gathering pieces of bone and handing them to Era. He starts with the worst of the damage- Eros’ spine- before working his way up, his shaking getting worse as he gently cups the other’s cheeks. His sweet hurt mate nuzzles into his hold the best he possibly can, making a small noise.
“...We should take him to the castle to get medical treatment. It will be easier to piece him together with the proper supplies..and you need your magic.” Nightmare gently pets his back, making him jump a bit in surprise, before Eros suddenly shakes his skull, flinching in pain.
“NiGhtmaRe’s riGHt, ErOs… I cAN’t dO muCh to HeaL YOu riGHt now, aND yoU KnOw iT’LL Be fASteR If yoU Get hELp. I’m SuRE TheY KnOW BeTter ThAn to UsE MagiC On yoU.” Era softly reassures, but the taller glitch only shakes his head again, right arm twitching as he tries to move it, Era moving his hand to hold it in place.
Sighing a bit, Era closes his sockets and ‘pulls’ the soulbond closer, sending a question down it. With a strangled wheeze, Eros sends his response…a warning.
Era tenses, his sockets widening in fear just moments before a chokingly familiar presence weighs down on him. He doesn’t get a chance to react before Nightmare quickly snatches him up with his tentacles, yanking him away from Eros and running as fast as he can.
“N-nO-! ErOS-!” Era cries, struggling in Nightmare’s hold as he tries to get back to his mate. He just got him back- he’s not losing Eros to that bitch again- The guardian holds onto him tighter, sprinting down the road to put some distance between them, but it’s no use-
In the blink of an eye, Eros is suddenly right behind them, red strings holding his body together as Era yelps in surprise.
“WhAT THe fuCk-!” Static fills the space where Eros’ sockets should be as the pieces of his skull are clumsily held together. It makes Era’s soul ache in sadness and burn in fury. How dare Fate use his mate like this.
The tall glitch raises his fist, and Nightmare barely manages to jump away, the ground where they had just been exploding and sending them back several meters into the air.
“S-shit-!!”
“AcK-!” Era curls protectively around his middle as he’s jostled, instinctively using a hand and pulling out his strings to catch them in a net. They don’t have a moment to rest though as Eros’ body is immediately on the attack once more, Nightmare doing his best to dodge and block attacks as Era turns his attention to the red strings.
He knows it didn’t work last time, but he can’t help but try to send sharp bone constructs at the strings, letting his hatred and fear and anger fuel his magic. Despite his good aim, none of the bones hit their target- Eros’ is to fast. The last one however, instead of dodging, Fate grins with his mate’s body and he jumps right in the way of the oncoming attack.
“No-O-!” Era pales in horror as he throws an arm out, trying to pull back his magic, but it’s too late, and he feels his soul crack as the sharp bone stabs straight through Eros. His mate staggers back, the buzzing in his sockets flickering.
“E-Era-”
“I’m- I’M SoRr-rY-” He stammers, glitching harshly as he tears up. He hurt Eros- He hurt his mate! The taller glitch collapses into his knees, the red strings retreating as Era struggles in Nightmare’s hold again. The guardian carefully sets him down and Era scrambles to his mate’s side, hands trembling as he gently cups his face. “F-fuCk I’m So s-sORry-”
Unable to speak, Eros sends a comforting pulse of magic to him, leaning into his hold with a strangled purr. Shakily lifting his arms, he holds Era close, trying to console him.
“DoN’t- D-doN’t S-sTraIN YoURseLf-” He shakily mutters, tears slipping down his cheeks as he presses more healing magic into his mate.
“..’s OK-ka-aY-y…d-don-n-N’T-t..” Eros nuzzles him, sliding a hand down to rub over Era’s belly, his relief is obvious as their souling responds with a happy little pulse of magic. The smaller pouts slightly with a small sniffle, but gets the hint and stops trying to heal Eros.
“L-litTLe b-biT SaYS hi..~” He murmurs. “W-wILL yoU C-coMe baCK to Th-thE CaSTle now..?”
After a small moment, Eros shakes his skull, pressing their foreheads together as his body sags.
“PLeASe- yoU- yoU’Re huRT- a-ANd I m-misSEd yoU So mUCh-”
“C-....c-cAn-n-N’T-t…” His blue strings start to heal his wounds, slowly sewing him back together, but that’s just it- the process is slow.
Era has to take a deep breath, shaking with the effort to keep himself from just sobbing in frustration. But he doesn’t blame Eros- never Eros. His mate nuzzles him, trying to comfort him further, just making it harder for him to keep in his tears. Eros is just so selfless- He’s hurt he shouldn’t be comforting Era- Era should be helping him -
His mate suddenly freezes like a statue, slowly looking at him with shaking eyelights, making him stiffen instinctively, before an achingly familiar presence threatens to crush him to the ground. His bones shake and rattle as a hand is firmly placed on his shoulder, it hot…like molten lava threatening to melt his bones away, but the touch isn’t as intense as the stare in the back of his skull.
“E-era-!” Nightmare calls out, only for his voice to be quickly silenced- but Era could hardly process it- he could hardly even think , his magic and aura lashing out uselessly as he struggles to breathe under the burning, heavy touch and gaze and presence.
“What an annoying little pest you are.” The world almost seems to shake in response to the booming voice, his soul rattling in his ribcage. “If only you had stayed in your multiverse where you belong. Oh well, at least now I can finally crush that little bit of hope so stubbornly clinging to my little toy. Or well…he’ll crush it~”
Eros’ body starts to move again, smooth and calculated as he lifts his right hand, panic written all over his face as he lines his hand up with Era’s stomach, a strangled whine escaping the smaller as his breathing picks up and he glitches violently, realizing what exactly Fate was planning to do and desperately trying to fight it. They can’t- they can’t -
“P-pE-eaS-se-” Eros’ voice is so quiet, so desperate as he begs. “I-I’Ll do AnY-yth-h-HIN-ng- I-I won’T FiG-gHT An-nYMo-ORe pl-LEa-aSe-e-”
His hand continues to move back, ever so slowly getting into the striking position. Fate is dragging it out on purpose- They’re enjoying this-
Era shudders, struggling to get his voice to work as he looks up through the error signs gathering at his mate- his lovely, wonderful mate who doesn’t deserve any of this, and offers him a small, terrified smile, managing to send a weak pulse of love and acceptance to him as tears stream from his sockets.
Eros looks back at him, his usual composed face completely crumbling into a look of distraught panic. He can’t control his own body- He can’t stop, the effort to do so making his arm tremble, but it’s no use. Fate is going to make him kill his souling and there’s nothing he can do to stop them….again.
“I-I’m-M-m S-s-o-Orr-R-R-ry-Y…” With his arm fully pulled back, he has no choice but to watch as his hand shoots forward. Era can’t hold in the small sob that escapes him, curling in on himself the best he can as he closes his sockets, bracing for the agony he’s sure he will feel. Without warning a loud thunderous bang rings out across the AU, sending him tumbling back from the shockwave alone as the hand on his shoulder vanishes.
Reaper stands in front of Eros, the destroyer's fist still pressed up against his scythe as the air settles and both glitches blink in shock. As soon as it registers he and his souling are still alive, he desperately scrambles up- he needs to get away - but his body refuses to listen, leaving him curling up tightly on the ground as he trembles and struggles to keep from hyperventilating.
“Sorry not sorry, but they aren’t supposed to die yet…Fate.”
“R-reA-Ape-eR-“ Era gasps. The death god glances at him from over his shoulder.
“You’re okay, just breathe and stay calm while I take care of this. Your souling and mate need you.” Era manages to jerkily nod, closing his sockets as he focuses on trying to hold back both a panic attack and crashing. A loud bird like screech sounds through the AU as Reaper’s massive wings appear on his back.
With one powerful swipe of his scythe, the god slashes above Eros’ skull, a few red strings snapping loudly, making both of the glitches flinch as Eros stares in awe. He can’t remember interacting with Reaper a lot, but seeing him now, makes him feel familiar. Why is he helping them?
The god of death slashes around Eros several more times as Fate screams in outrage, Reaper is not phased. “Let him go! Or you will be properly dealt with sooner rather than later! We both know your powers are limited here!”
“Error is mine! He belongs to me!” That’s enough to have Era seeing red, opening his sockets and forcing himself to sit up as his rage overwhelms his panic for a moment.
“No HE’s NoT!!! PEoPLe aRE Not YOuR fUCkinG toYS!! YOu haD NO RiGHt tO fOrCE hIM tO dO yOUr BIddIng!! Or- oR tO TAkE GeNO!” Era practically screams, impulsively blurting out the theory that had been stewing in the back of his mind since reading this Geno’s journal. Reaper stills, his feathers bristling.
“What did you just say?”
“I- I ReAD GeNO’s joURnal- a-ANd he desCRibED thE FeELing oF BeINg waTChed and THaT SomETHiNg baD WaS goinG To haPPeN. It rEMindED Me oF How- HOw FAte’S PreSENce feELs..” Era explains, the fire of his anger quickly fading. He’s…never seen Reaper so angry like that before-
The gods form shifts, a mass of shadows and feathers covering him until what stands in his place looks more like an eldridge horror bird of some sort, radiating nothing but pure rage.
“Give. Him. B A C K ! ! !” Era’s fear quickly begins creeping back in as he scoots backwards. Eros does nothing but stare at the ground, glitching horribly as error signs fill his sockets. He must be on the verge of a crash, a bad one.
Instead of being scared of the angry god before them, Fate has the audacity to laugh, cackling loudly as if they know they’ve already won. The sound makes Era shudder, a fearful whimper escaping him against his will as his own glitches worsen.
“ Oh poor poor Reaper~ Can’t you tell~? Your long lost mate is right in front of you~ ” Era glances around, but there’s no one there but them…The death god growls, before looking down at the only monster before him, Eros. The destroyer begins to hyperventilate, his bones rattling so loudly even Era can hear them.
“What….? You didn’t- ” Era does his best to send soothing intent to his mate, though he begins freaking out a bit himself as he realizes what Fate is implying. There’s no way right? That’s not possible- “ W-what about-?”
“ The baby? Oh~ I had Error take care of that little mistake~ ” The pregnant glitch’s sockets widen in shock, his hand flying to his stomach as he glitches harshly.
“S-sHu-U-uT-t Up-P-P!!” Eros suddenly screams, gripping his skull and dipping his phalanges in as he curls up on himself. “S-S-sUT Up SH-hUT UP sh-h-HU-u-Up-p-p!!”
“E-eRoS-” Era stammers weakly, his mate letting out a heartbroken sob as he tries to curl further into a ball, trying to protect something that's just not there anymore.
Reaper's wings sag and all he can do is stare, still trying to process what he has just been told. With a malicious, gleeful laugh, Fate’s presence vanishes, leaving them alone. Era trembles as he struggles to keep from crashing, unable to even begin untangling the mess of emotions swirling within him.
Reaper falls to his knees, back in his regular form as he stares blankly ahead, feeling…strangely numb. For a long moment the only sound to be hurd is both glitches buzzing and Eros’ sobs, but even that is quickly interrupted by a loud dial tone, the destroyer going limp.
Era breathes in shakily, his glitching getting worse before he, too, crashes, falling to the side.
~
The whole world feels like it’s spinning, his skull pounding as his whole body aches. It’s always like this after a crash, but he’ll never get used to it, no matter what he tells people.
“UgH…” Era groans quietly as he shifts, testing out the pain level. Yup. He crashed and burned hard . Harder than he has in quite a while, considering every little shift of his joints sends a twinge of pain through him, much to his annoyance as he forces himself to hold still.
His thoughts come slowly, mind still groggy from the reboot as he tries to figure out where he is…wooden roof…medical privacy curtain…extra padded medical bed…He’s in the castle’s infirmary- Though the one in his home multiverse is smaller. Less people to attend to.
Era has only been in here a couple of times to check on the souling….The souling-! He crashed while he’s pregnant-!
He jolts, his hands flying to his stomach. He had tried so hard to avoid crashing- he doesn’t know how it will affect the souling. Era sends a pulse of magic through their soulbond, waiting anxiously for a response. The souling sends a distressed pulse back to him, probably reacting to Era’s own emotions, so he makes an effort to calm himself down before sending another pulse and this time, his souling seems more calm, if not very confused.
“I-it’S FiNE..” Era mutters, letting his sore body relax with a sigh. His soulings okay, somehow…they’re both still alive….It was all almost over. He shudders at the thought, wrapping his arms further around his middle. Fate almost made Eros kill them…and…it apparently wouldn’t have been the first time.
Era can’t help but tear up a bit, grieving for his mate. What Fate made him do…it’s beyond cruel- It’s on a whole new level of wrong and Era doesn’t even want to think about it. The way Eros just started screaming…He’s never seen his mate so upset, so distraught. It hurts his soul just to think about it.
Fuck- is Eros even okay? He was so injured- Era had stabbed him-! Surely his mate is in the infirmary too, right?
Era looks around more thoroughly, sighing in relief at the sight of Eros on the bed next to him- only to pause when he realizes his mate is still rebooting. He’s covered in bandages at least, mostly focused on his spine, the hole in his ribcage, and his sockets- which had been half haphazardly forced back together by Fate.
Eros….crashed pretty hard. Now that he’s thinking about it, Era has only seen his mate crash once- when he first arrived in his home multiverse. It took him a while to reboot then too, but not nearly as long as it’s surely been by now… Though, Era can’t say he blames him. It must have been a lot for him to process…Era is almost certain Eros didn’t even remember any of that until…until Fate mentioned it. They probably made him remember just to break him down further. He wouldn’t put it past them, the fucker.
It’s probably why they left when they did- they got their cruel entertainment of the day in and decided to drop out while they were still ahead. Poor Eros…and poor Reaper too..Neither of them deserve what they’ve gone through.
Geno…was so excited about that baby.. Fuck- what were they going to do now? Reaper cut most of the strings binding Eros, but how long will that last? How strong is Fate’s remaining influence on the other? They’ll take control again sooner or later, so all this has done is buy them some time.
Hmm…there was something Reaper said about…finding the hollow bed? And they concluded it must be in the void somehow….Maybe Eros would know something. He knows more about how the multiverse works better than anyone, but that means he still has to wait for his mate to reboot.
Era sighs, feeling drained and stressed all at once. He wishes they could just go back to his multiverse. He misses being safe at home, having dinner with family and waking up to a smiling, happy mate. They didn’t even get to have their baby shower at the castle…everyone was so excited. Blue had insisted on planning it for them- he had even promised not to spike anything for once… He just wants to go home…
Beep…Rebooting complete..
The glitches fizzle out to a more manageable level and Eros shifts a bit, his sockets covered.
“ErOS?” Era softly calls out, not wanting to startle his mate. The tall glitch’s body fizzles a little as he turns, facing Era before he moves to get up.
“E-er-Ra-?”
“WoAH WoaH Hey dON’t moVe I’ll cOMe to YoU-” Era quickly pushes himself up, grimacing at the pain as a bout of vertigo washes over him. “Oh wOaH diZzy-”
Eros is already holding him before he can even react, nuzzling close against his skull with a loud whine, stroking his belly.
“Hi deAR..~” He murmurs, going practically limp against his mate as he nuzzles him back. He’s missed Eros so much, this is the first time he’s actually held him, really held him in so long.. “F-fUCk- I miSseD YOu-”
“M-miSseD YoU-u ToO…SO-o muC-Ch..I ThoUGht…I-I’D neVeR-r sEe yOU AG-gaIN-...WelL…soRT OF See…” He peppers kisses and very affectionate nuzzles all over Era’s face, whining and purring as he pulls them both onto the smaller’s cot.
“It’S CLosE EnouGh… I waS So scAReD WheN YOu goT TAkEn awAy.. BuT I fouNd yoU AGain…. I loVE YOu sO MucH..” Era shakily murmurs, happily showing Eros in affection back.
“I lOVe yOU- LovE LOv-VE loVE LO-oV-ve yoU! MinE mINe, MY ma-aTE ForeV-Ver anD EVeR-r-!” Nuzzling him some more, Eros slides down, leaving a trail of kisses in his wake until he is covering his little mate's rounded belly in kisses and nuzzles. “T-thEY’vE GotTe-en BigER..”
“MhM- thoUGh noT By MUch. It’s… beEN a StreSsfuL COupLe oF MonTHs.”
“M-monThS..?”
“WeLL- I guESs iT’s onLY BeEN a BiT MOrE THaN a moNTh, yeaH.” Eros holds him closer, pressing his forehead against the smaller glitch’s belly. It has Era frowning, reaching up to rub his mate’s skull. “..WhAT’s wROnG?”
“I-It’S…bEen A L-loT LOng-gER FoR…For mE…I ReE-eaLly miSs-seD You-”
“Oh.. riGht-... I miSsED you toO- I’m So GLaD I enDEd up In thE RIghT MultivERse..~”
“Mh-Hm…How DiD Y-YoU gET heRE ANYwAY..?” Eros kisses his belly again, always the lovebug, though Era tenses ever so slightly.
“.....ThE VOid.” He half answers, praying his mate doesn’t pry further, but of course he’s not that lucky-
“...W-wHAT DId yoU D-do-?”
“....NothING-”
“ErA.” Oh he knows that tone- His mate moves back up to headbut him and even through the taller’s bandages he can feel that intense disapproving glare. “YoU LIeD.”
“I- liSTeN It wAS VeRy stuPId anD I wASn’t thinKINg-” Era defends, shrinking back sheepishly.
“A-anSWer The queEs-STIon.”
“.......I juMPed.” He can see the pixels and glitches suddenly pick up, running over his mate's body in waves as a deep and intimidating growl rumbles in the taller’s ribcage. Eros doesn’t say anything, but he is very obviously upset, holding Era tightly against him as if to shield the smaller from an invisible threat, making him scramble to explain.
“WhEN- whEN THey toOK yoU- I waSN’t thiNKiNG- I juSt hAd to geT YOu- to StaY With YOu. I juST RaN aFTer yoU WheN You weRE DraGgeD THrouGH thaT PortaL. aND Then suDdeNLy… thEre WaS noTHinG ….” Era shudders at the memory, curling closer to his mate. “It wAS AwfUL …”
“...A-aT LEaS-sT YOUR boTH okAY…BUT Don’T Y-yOU DA-aRE DO ThaT AGaiN.” Eros kisses the top of his mate's skull, stroking his back and breathing out a small sigh. He’s not mad at Era, just…just scared.
“I woN’t- I ProMISe.” Era swears, tilting his head up to kiss Eros’ cheek. With another firm headbutt, the tall glitch gently cups Era’s face, feeling along his cheekbones and tracing his sockets. The sensation is soothing and the pregnant glitch finds his sockets fluttering closed as his mate moves to his nasal bridge.
When his phalanges slowly move over Era’s mouth he leans forward and kisses his mate as tenderly as he possibly can. It’s been so, so long since he’s felt this way.. since he’s had Era like this. His wonderful little mate.
Era more than happily kisses Eros back, a loud purr leaving him as he sighs in contentment. It feels so nice, so comforting to be together again. Era can’t express how much he’s missed these soft affectionate touches that only Eros seems capable of. For a short peaceful moment, all their problems just drift away as they just bask in each other’s presence, sharing sweet kisses between them.
“....I LOve yoU…So MUch.” Eros whispers best he can, only pulling away enough to speak.
“I loVE YOu toO~ ForeVEr ANd aLWaYs~” Era murmurs. Maybe with his mate by his side again…everything will be okay. At least, for now, it feels like it will be.
~
There’s a soft shy knock on the infirmary door, the two glitches pausing their affections as Era pulls back enough to look over.
“CoME In.” The door opens slowly, a small but familiar face peeking out from behind it. After indeed confirming that Era seems to be alright, Barnie swings the door open and runs up to the edge of the bed.
“Momma! You were gone so long!”
“I kNOw I’m sORrY deAr- I hAD tO Go rEsCue mY MaTe fROm a MeAN perSon.” Era smiles, holding out an arm and inviting the hybrid onto the bed. Barnie wiggles and huffs, puffing out their cheeks as they pull themselves up with some effort, immediately snuggling into Era’s side.
Someone must have given Barnie new clothes, because Era is very sure they didn’t have this oversized t-shirt before, though they still desperately need a bath from how often they play in the dirt. Eros makes a confused noise, drawing the little hybrid’s attention as they look up at him.
“Whoa! You look so cooool~!”
“ThAT’s mY MAte, ERos. EroS, thIS Is BArniE. I guEsS I sorTA.. eNDed uP ADoptinG THem.” Era introduces, the little hybrid looking up at the tall glitch in wonder and awe. Eros may not be able to see with his eyelights, but the flattering intent and awe makes him blush a little bit.
“H-hI BarNi-iE..” With a small little wave Eros flashes a small smile. With no hesitation, the little kid scurries over Eros to situate themselves in the other's lap.
“So you’re like Papa number two?” The question is so innocent and pure, it makes Eros blush even more.
“I-if-F YoU Wan-Nt-” Era grins, leaning down to stage whisper to Barnie.
“He’s ShY~ BuT HE woULd loVE To bE Your PApa, I’m suRE.” Eros’ skull grows even more blue as Barnie giggles, grinning wide and giving Era’s cheek a small kiss, before whispering back.
“I like him, he’s funny~”
“He IS prETty GreAT~” Era agrees, kissing the hybrid’s nose and making the child giggle, leaning against him again.
“..T-thEY Remin-ND ME oF thE C-chARas.” Eros mumbles, smiling softly in Barnie’s direction.
“MhM.. DiD THey treaT You niCE, sWeETie? I’m sORrY I leFT- thERe wAs aN EmeRGenCY.”
“Mhm!” Barnie nods enthusiastically. “I made cookies with Horror! Dust gave me one of his shirts, and then Cross played swords with me~! It was so much fun~! But then everyone got all worried and upset about you two and Mr. Nightmare…”
“Oh Ff-...cRaP.” Era had completely forgotten about Nightmare-!
“WhAT-t abOUt niGH-htMaRe..? Is H-he OkaY?” Eros frowns in worry, the little kid shrugging.
“I don’t know…I didn’t see him. Just a big statue of him with a weird face…” The smaller glitch stiffens, fighting to keep his fear off of his face as scenarios flash through his mind.
“I.. I SeE.” Barnie snuggle deeper into his side as both glitches look at each other with the same thought.
“Everyone’s being all scary..I don’t like it.”
“I’m SOrRY HoneY. YOu cAN StAY wiTH Us aS loNg As yoU LiKe, aLRIghT?” The little hybrid nods, glancing up at him with those pretty green eyes.
“Okay Momma…I really missed you!”
“I miSsED YOu tOo. I’m glaD YOu’rE DoINg okAY.” Era replies, giving Barnie an affectionate nuzzle, the kid giggling as they move to nuzzle back.
“You two are the ones in da med thingy room not me-”
“YeAH, I guESs yoU’rE RIght.” Eros pats Barnie’s head, ruffling their soft brown hair as their tail wags. As much as Era loves spending time with Barnie…he really wants to go check on Nightmare…and hopefully his suspicions are wrong..
Though- it might be best to continue resting. Era doubts he could even walk right now. A little begrudgingly they stay put, Barnie talking about a cool dream they had and keeping the two glitches well entertained as they rest.
A little while later a spider monster maid comes in with trays of food, and Era doesn’t hesitate to push a plate into his mate’s hands. Back in his home multiverse it had taken forever to get Eros to start eating regularly, he can only assume all their progress has been dashed by now.
“Bu-Ut-” His mate tries to deny the food, but Era refuses to let him.
“We haVE To sEt a gOod eXAmPLe, doN’t wE? We dON’t waNT ouR ChiLDreN ThinKINg it’S OkaY TO noT EaT.” Eros whines quietly, but doesn’t bother arguing as Barnie quickly digs into their own food.
The maid bows to them before walking around to the taller glitch. “Do you mind if I inspect your injuries and change your bandages?”
“ShE’s TaLKing tO YoU, ERos.” Era clarifies, nudging a small bite into his mate’s mouth before beginning to eat himself.
“O-oh Uhm SUr-re..” He turns to face the spider monster and she ever so carefully begins her work, unwrapping all the bandages covering his body. His spine is already almost fully healed, only slightly out of alignment which must still be painful- The most vital parts of his body however are working and his ribcage is being held together by his magic, strings slowly weaving themselves to replace the missing bone. The real damage remains on his face.
His jaw is intact, but the bone around his sockets are still horribly disfigured, eyelights wobbly and struggling to stay formed at all. Era grimaces slightly at the sight, turning to make sure Barnie stays focused on their food.
Without a word, the maid rewraps his sockets and a few more open wounds before tossing the old bandages away. “There, all done. Your ability to heal never ceases to amaze me.”
“..T-thANk yOU..?” The spider monster gives him a small smile before stepping away and quietly opening the door.
“Just ask for me and one of my spiders will retrieve me if you need anything.”
“Of coURse. ThaNK YOu.” Era answers for his mate. With a small nod, the maid leaves and Eros turns to nuzzle back into Era’s side.
“MiiII-inNnne-”
“MhM All yoURs~”
Chapter 50: Error is a Swap??
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Basically, what if Error was a Swap Sans instead of Geno sans?
Chapter Text
A tired, glitched sigh can be heard as an equally glitchy skeleton scrolls through a list floating in the air, crossing things off as he goes.
Error has been working for several hours at this point, patching and destroying universes as needed, and now he was finally beginning to run low on magic. He probably still has enough for a couple more AUs, but he promised he’d come to movie night tonight- and he only has enough time for maybe one more AU. He’ll have to pick one of the easier looking ones from the list he made.
With a sigh the destroyer scrolls for a moment more, coming to a stop on an old Underswap AU….Huh, the time is frozen. At least it looks that way from the lack of any progress having been made in the timeline for like….oh wow a few hundred years… actually make that a few thousand.
It must be missing an asset- time doesn’t halt that long unless some core code is missing. Thankfully it’s usually pretty easy to find after Error made a program to help fill in the holes, and if he needs to, he can just pause the search and go back to it later. A quick and easy AU to fix before movie night. Perfect!
With a tired smile Error stands, opening a portal with the wave of his hand. Stepping into a frozen AU is…bizarre, walking by while even the snowflakes of Snowdin are frozen in the air. They tickle his bones a little as he walks through them, stopping to glance at the sign that reminds him of its personality. “WELCOME TO SNOWDIN!”
He’s seen the sign hundreds and thousands of times, but looking at this one almost feels… nostalgic, somehow. Shaking off the weird feeling, Error continues on, the chilly air soothing as he makes his way into town. He passes by the inn, Dogommy and Dogaressa frozen in place talking behind the counter.
Frozen universes were always a touch uncomfortable to Error, but it feels even more so this time. His exhaustion must be catching up to him. Taking a deep breath he steps around more people. Asriel smiling near the Giftmas tree, Muffet’s warm purple lights shining through the glass windows and onto the snow.
He’ll start at the skeleton brothers’ home- they were most likely to become disconnected to the AU- other than maybe the fallen children. According to the code, it’s just the start of a timeline, so they should both be inside still.
Making his way to the house brings an odd anxiety to his soul, the feeling of disavow and odd familiarity even stronger as he steps onto the porch and reaches for the door handle. Something about his own glitches feel.. Off, for a moment, but he brushes it off with decades of practice, grabbing the handle to open the door.
The living room is like any other Underswap. It smells distinctly of honey and tacos. The house is nearly completely clean, save for a single sock on the left side of the TV stand- something that had always annoyed Error no matter the AU it was in. The only odd noteworthy thing would be the way the AU’s Papyrus is practically sprinting down the stairs with a determined look on his face. There is no sign of the Sans, and Error has a hunch he isn’t in his room.
Swiping a hand through the air, Error opens a window and decides to start the program to hunt for the hole in the code, taking a guess that something had happened to the Sans here. The program runs for a few short seconds before finding its target, much faster then Error was expecting.
Error doesn’t even read the prompt as he inputs the command to restore the code. He expects a lot of things when he hits enter- the Sans appearing, time continuing, maybe even the Papyrus attacking him- but the last thing he expects is for the feeling of a crash to suddenly, yet slowly, assault him, a strangled yelp of surprise escaping him as he feels himself fall, error signs filling his vision and glitching painfully for a moment before he succumbs to the crash, everything going dark.
~
“Sans, hey- You’re okay bro, I got ya.” A familiar, so achingly familiar, voice reassures him. A Papyrus’ voice, he can tell, but…it sounds more unique to him. He’s not exactly sure how, his brows furrowing slightly as his slightly scrambled feeling mind tries to figure it out. It reminds him vaguely of Stretch, but somehow distinctly different. It’s kind of…warmer? Like sincere and offering him a big warm hug of safety and…well not quite as deep and scratchy as Stretch’s voice.
Error tries to open his sockets, realizing just how heavy his body feels, everything aching as if he had crashed but… more. It’s as if his very soul is sore. A big warm hand gently strokes his forehead and it’s just so comforting- Error can’t help but try to lean into it, expression relaxing.
“I got ya, It’s gonna be fine, little bro. Let’s….take a nap, ‘kay? Just relax.”
“Nm…” Error’s voice sounds odd in his ears, but he finds he doesn’t have the energy to question it too much, the allure of sleep tempting him now that he has the voice’s permission. The soothing pets continue even as he feels himself falling deeper and deeper into sleep, and he relaxes fully with a small sigh, drifting off.
~
When Error wakes again it’s quiet. So…unnaturally quiet for him. It’s incredibly unsettling, and it takes him a moment to realize just why. He can’t hear his glitches. He’s heard the static that surrounds him for centuries at this point- long enough that he doesn’t notice it anymore, but the lack of the noise is jarring.
As he blinks his sockets open, waiting for them to focus after what he can only assume was a crash, he finds himself even more confused by the unfamiliar ceiling. With another few blinks, Error moves to carefully sit up, his bones achey and sore- though not as bad as Error could vaguely remember.
Yawning, Error idly looks around as he rubs a socket, brows furrowing in confusion. He’s in… Blue’s room? But it looks different than he remembered..There’s a big dark blue hammock covered in pillows next to the closet and the bed has even more stuffed toys then Blue- unless his friend has been hiding them from him until now?
Error has no idea why Blue would hide them from him though- the Swap Sans knows Error has plenty as well. Maybe he just got a bunch?
“Hmm…” He freezes at the sound of his voice, instinctively expecting to glitch- but he doesn’t. “What The Fuck- What The Fuck- ”
He sounds- Normal-!? Actually it reminds him of Blue, but not quite as deep- Panicking, Error immediately reaches up for his scarf only to freeze in place at the sight of his….gloved hand.
How had he not noticed them-? He practically rips the gloves off, staring in shock at his white, unblemished hands, beginning to shake. This…can’t seriously be happening- This can’t be happening-!
Error scrambles out of the admittedly cool rocket ship bed to fling open the closet door, stopping to stare at the big mirror he knew would be there. He…..he looks like Blueberry. Almost everything down to his outfit looks almost the exact same, save for the blue scarf wrapped around his neck, instead of a bandanna.
He clings to it desperately as his knees give out and he sinks to the floor, feeling like he can’t get enough air as he panics. The lack of his glitches just makes it all the more alarming- all the more wrong feeling.
Error barely registers the bedroom door opening, warm arms and the sweet smell of honey wrapping around him in a warm embrace. For some reason it makes his soul feel lighter…somehow. It’s the only reason he doesn’t immediately try to escape. “Hey bro it’s okay- It’s okay just breathe, I got ya-”
A strangled sound escapes him as he lets himself lean into the comforting hold, feeling lightheaded as he realizes he had started hyperventilating. A hand gently rubs his back while another strokes the back of his skull, something nuzzling him affectionately.
“There ya go, look at that. You’re doin’ great, little bro. Amazing as always, bud, Just focus on me, ‘kay?” Had Error been a bit more aware, he would’ve protested, but as it is, he just tries to keep himself from passing out, forcing himself to take a deep, shuddering breath. With every inhale he receives soft praise, gently guiding him with every stroke up his spine. “Good job bro. Super awesome, keep going, you’ve got this.”
Eventually, Error manages to get his breathing under control, still freaking out, but most of it being internal now. He hasn’t had to deal with a panic attack that bad before- he usually crashed before it got to that point. The comforting pets don’t stop, a soothing purr he hadn’t even noticed before coming to the forefront of his mind.
“There ya go, bro. Look at that, you did great. I’m proud of ya.” Error feels his face heat up as he scrubs at his sockets, realizing he had been crying. “How about we get ya some chocolate? We can even make some dessert tacos, ‘kay?”
“..Dessert Tacos?” Error echos, holding back a flinch at his own voice as he looks up at the person holding him. He..definitely wasn’t expecting to see a swap Papy, giving him a soft reassuring smile. His orange hoodie is…softer in color and texture, when compared to Stretch. More of a yellowish orange then burnt orange like he’s used to seeing- and it smells like soothing honey and sugar instead of smoke-
“Yeah- ya know, the chocolate chip waffles with vanilla icecream covered in chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, and rainbow sprinkles? Sometimes ya add chunks of chocolate bar in it too, remember? It’s your favorite, right next to hot coco after a long day of work.”
The Papyrus sounds so fond as he talks, continuing with soft purring that has no right to be so relaxing.
Except- Error had no idea what this Papyrus was talking about, even as some of his words ring true in his head- he did like some hot chocolate after a long day of work. He has never even heard of dessert tacos- though they do sound very good. The other monster must have noticed his lack of recognition, based on the concerned look he’s being given.
“What’s up, little bro?”
“....How Long Was I Out? What.. What Happened?” He asks instead of answering, knowing he was never good at lying.
“Uhh like an hour and a half? Ya feeling better now..?”
“A Bit, Yeah.” The Pap gently bonks their foreheads together before carefully moving to stand.
“Okay, ya still need me ta hold ya?” Error nods after a moment, curling closer to the tall skeleton and hiding his face in his shoulder, just trying to figure out what is happening. Why the hell is he in a Swap Sans’ place right now? “‘Kay, I got ya.”
The Papyrus picks him up easily, holding him not unlike how Cross and Horror do. He’s carried out of the bedroom and into the hall, the Papy turning to head down the stairs and once more to walk down into the basement, much to Error’s confusion. “I just gotta check a thing, ‘kay bro?”
“Okay…?” The basement light flickers on with a flip of a switch and all sorts of machines come into view, one being a big screen with different lines on it. The Papyrus sits at a chair in front of the screen and pulls out a keyboard he must have forged from the dump- it looks like he hand wired it to the big screen. Considering the obvious limited tech it’s actually pretty impressive- there’s certainly more down here than the average sans-type has, and Error looks at it all curiously.
The Pap looks up at the screen before typing- really fast typing as different lines of code come up on screen, disappearing at the skeleton opens up a different window. Something about a diagnostic test and the timeline- Missing asset…wait- Is the Papyrus using this device to look into his own AU’s code-!?
Error straightens up at the realization, looking more intently at the screen. How the fuck did Papyrus manage to make this-?? It should be impossible! It takes a whole lot of power or a direct connection to an AU’s core to do something like this! Or the antivoid-
“O-oh my stars-”
“What’s Wrong- uh- Pap- Brother?” Error questions, stumbling over what to call the other.
“Uhhhh- Weeeelll-...How to explain this to ya…” The other monster continues typing as he talks, still looking for more information. “Actually you probably know more about what’s goin’ on than I do. Based on this date our world’s been….frozen for like- several thousand years all because a certain someone was suddenly removed from the code.”
Error frowns at his words. It looks like this is the AU he had come to fix, then, but…
“..Who?” He asks, dread growing within him.
“Well uh…you, little bro. At least that’s what the code says. I guess it would make sense ya don’t remember desert tacos anymore if you’ve been doin’ who knows what for thousands of years. Don’t worry about it though, it’s cool. Ice cream kinda cool~” The Papyrus tries to lighten the mood, but Error can’t even manage a fake smile- or groan- that joke sucked- as he looks over the code, the slight calm he had managed to find disappearing as he struggles to make sense of it all.
He… doesn’t remember anything before the antivoid- had honestly thought he had just spawned there one day- but.. He had a universe- a brother-
“Yeah yeah I know that was bad- Feelin’ a little rusty, apparently these thousand year old bones aren’t what they used to be, heh.”
“...I.. I Don’t…” Error’s unsure he even wants the other to know- he has no idea how Papyrus would react.
“Hey. You don’t have too, little bro. Ya only share what you're comfortable with, kay? I’m fine not knowin’ if it makes ya feel better, but that means I’m always here ta listen if ya need me, kay?” The Papy- his Papy- reassures him, patting the top of his skull with a lazy but sincere smile. It only serves to make Error feel worse for not remembering him. “All I care about is that you’re safe and happy.”
Unconsciously, Error scratches at underneath his sockets, trying to grab strings that won’t appear anymore. “For now, do ya need anything from me?”
Unsure how to answer, he just shrugs a bit, avoiding looking at Papyrus as he scratches a bit harder. With a small frown, the taller monster gently grabs his hand, making him jump slightly. The lack of glitches makes everything feel more disconcerting.
“You’re gonna hurt yourself, little bro.”
“O-oh- Right Yeah- Sorry P-Pap… Can I Give You A Nickname? I.. When I Was Gone I Met A Lot Of Other Sans And Papyruses, So We All Had Nicknames.” He explains.
“Oh yeah? Sure. Call me whatever you want, little bro.” The taller shrugs as he lays back in the office chair, Error relaxing slightly in relief.
“How About… Honey? ‘Cause You Smell Like Honey? Unless You’d Rather Have A Matching One With Me?”
“Honey sounds good, what’s your nickname?”
“I’m Error. I Ended Up In This White Place- The Antivoid- That Made Me Glitchy And My Bones Black And Red And Yellow…” Error trails off, looking at his now pristine phalanges. “...It’s weird. Being normal.”
“...Eh, white bones are boring. Sounds like you were much more interesting to look at then any old skeleton monster. How does Honey Bite sound to ya? As my nickname?”
“Honey Bite? Like- A Bite Of Data?” Error asks, snorting a bit.
“Yup~ Pretty cool, huh? I know I’m so clever~” The other playfully boasts with a grin, making Error roll his eyelights with his own small smile.
“Better Than Some People I Know, At Least.”
“Oh yeah? Did you make some friends? I’m so proud of ya, little bro~!” Honey begins to pet his skull, softer and more affectionate than a noogie- Though close enough that it still has Error playfully batting his hands away, blushing in flustered embarrassment.
“Shut Up-” He whines as Honey gives him a small headbutt.
“You’ll have ta introduce me to ‘em. Any friend of yours is a friend of mind. Have they been taking good care of ya, little bro?”
“Yeah. They’re… Probably Freaking Out Right Now- I Promised To Go To Movie Night… The First Friend I Made Is- apparently- Like Me! In The Original Universe Sans Is The Lazy Older Brother And Papyrus Is Like Me, So Most Other AUs Are Like That- But Blue Is More Like Me- And Stretch Is His Little Brother.” Error pauses, brows furrowing. “Huh- No Wonder I Never Really Liked Him…”
“Oh yeah? So your friend’s brother is the younger one? Heh, that would be weird- You? Older than me? Nah~” Honey chuckles as Error makes a face at him.
“I’ll Have You Know I’m Thousands Of Years Old-”
"And I'm still technically older than you~ I have baby pictures- Oh your friends need to see 'em~!"
“Oh Stars No-” Error protests, expression horrified. Honey only laughs, nuzzling their foreheads together.
"Party pooper~"
“They Would Never Let Me Live It Down-” He whines.
"But you were such a cute babybones! Still pretty adorable, even as a skeleton. It's unfair really- I wanna be cute-"
“I’m Not Cute Hush-”
"Nah, I got the cutest little brother in the multiverse~" Honey teases, getting a pouty headbonk in return.
“Shut- Besides, I Doubt I Can Make Portals Anymore-”
"Oh I can probably do that. I just need some coordinates if ya got any for me."
“Really?” Error doesn’t know what’s normal for this AU, but he knows this isn’t usual for the multiverse as a whole. “..I Think I Remember The Coordinates To Nightmare’s Castle…”
"'Kay, I'll get to work right after lunch. Want a chocolate chip pancake?"
“It’s Lunch Time?” Error rhetorically questions, before processing the rest of Honey’s words. “OH! YES PLEASE!”
He jumps in surprise at how loud he accidentally got- and how easy it was, rasing a hand to his throat. He always used to struggle to control the volume of his voice before with how it glitched. His brother doesn’t seem even the least bit fazed, chuckling again at him as he gives Error a firm headpat.
“‘Course, long as ya brush your teeth afterwards and don’t give me a look when I cover mine in honey.” Error looks at Honey incredulously at the very idea. Chocolate and honey? Gross-
“That look- right there! Ya always give me that look. So mean to your big bro.” The taller face whines, very dramatically turning away- wait is he actually making tears show up-?
“Wha- I’m Not Giving You A Look-!” He exclaims, consciously making sure to keep his voice quiet.
“So mean-” Honey fake sniffles. “And after I raised you so well-”
“Bold Of You To Assume I Remember That-” Error retorts, getting an offended gasp from his Papyrus.
“All that hard work and you’re not even grateful-”
“I Was A Delight. Probably.” He pauses. “Probably Not-”
“Oh you where a little terror- Still a little terror~”
“Yeah Yeah I’m Short-” He mutters, blushing again. It’s kind of odd to have someone he doesn’t really know act so familiar with him- but in his soul he can tell this is right. It’s honestly probably the only thing keeping him from having another breakdown.
“I mean yeah, but you’re cute so-”
“That’s It I’m Leaving-!” Error declares as he goes to get up, only to be very quickly snuggled and attacked with nuzzles.
“Nuuuuu my teddy beeeaaaaar~!”
“ACK-! PAPY-!” Error protests as he squirms, before being caught off guard by how easily this seemed to come to him- how natural it feels. This…used to be his life. That hasn’t quite sunk in yet. Error isn’t sure he’s ready for it to sink in- he doesn’t remember any of this life. He knows if he thinks too hard about it he’ll start crying again.
“You’re so huggable don’t leeeeaaavvee- I’ll make you pancakesssss-”
“Hmm… Fine, But Only If I Get Pancakes.”
“Yaaaay~ You’re the best, little bro.” He gets a very affectionate nuzzle before Honey stands up, easily talking Error with him. You know- this might actually be why he likes to be held so much. An almost scary amount of things is explained by all of this.
Honey Bite takes him back up the stairs, shutting the basement door before carrying him over to the dining room table and setting Error down in a seat with a soft blue pillow on the bottom, where he crosses his arms on the table and rests his skull on them, closing his sockets for a moment.
He wonders how much time has passed back at the castle- has he missed movie night at this point? Have the others noticed something happened? Error had promised to go after all- he doesn’t break promises.
The sweet smell of chocolate chip pancakes doesn’t do much to soothe his worries. If the gang has noticed then Nightmare will be out looking for him. The guardian is very good at tracking him down so…maybe they will come to him before Honey can even get started?
But- Error knows this AU is near the edge of the multiverse- and he has no idea if his aura is the same anymore, considering his magic certainly isn’t- he couldn’t use his strings. There’s no telling if Nightmare can find him or not…Of course his own AU would leave him basically powerless…Now that he’s thinking about it…it’s kind of weird to think he’s actually a Swap sans yet…it makes sense.
Honestly it’s no wonder he gets along so well with Blue, and why he finds Stretch so weirdly off- hell, it even explains why Geno had been so quick to declare him his younger brother- he’s practically a Papyrus in terms of personality, just… one who has been beaten down a bit too much.
What would…what would he be like if he had stayed here? If he had continued with this life? Or if he remembered? Can he even recover those memories somehow? Does he even want to? It’s been.. thousands of years for him, most of it lost to insanity. Did he just lose those memories as time went on? Slowly forgetting where he came from? Or did the antivoid take that away from him when his code was corrupted.
So many questions he had long since given up on questioning are coming back to the surface and he’s not sure how to feel about it, about any of this. One one hand he has a real magic related brother who somehow knows him to his core even after he’s been away for so long, someone who genuinely seems to love him and knows how to comfort him….and on the other….will those feelings change if Honey finds out what he’s been doing for thousands of years? About his job and role in the multiverse?
After all.. even if he’s no longer truly ‘Error’ anymore, a destroyer is still needed. He can’t just stop. He’s the only one who knows how to handle viruses or any of the multiverse code, he’s pretty sure only Geno can even do something slightly similar…The multiverse needs him. Even if he has no idea how he’s going to continue with how limited he currently is.
There has to be a way to retrieve his abilities. Surely they weren't deleted or removed from his code, right?...He doesn’t think it was anything like an OVERWRITE or a RESET. No…his program did exactly what he programmed it to do. Find the lost asset and reestablish it within the code.
Error hums a little in thought, his brow furrowing.
He must have been set to his default settings! Or something similar.. The damage inflicted on him by the antivoid can’t just be undone so it technically still exists, but on a different setting- like flipping a switch! He just needs to find a way to flip it again… He might need to go to Geno for help though- the other glitch is the only one who may be able to interact with his code to fix it.
Get to the gang and get them to take him to Geno…somehow. Eh- he’ll figure it out. Maybe it would be nice for his actual brother to meet his adopted brother? Well- brothers, Fresh included. He can even take the opportunity to get to know Honey more. Hopefully.
Fuck- this was all so complicated. Although he doesn’t want to lose the AU he now knows he has, he wants the simplicity of before all of this back. Everything was finally settling down. Ink quit playing his little hero game, finally getting bored, so they managed to convince Dream to a truce!
Sure the twins haven’t actually been able to talk their feelings out yet, but Error was working on that! ….At least he knows Ink won’t be creating as much for a little while…for now. The creator is a wild card so he can’t say for sure. He was planning on enjoying the peace while it lasted- even if that ended up not being very long.
Error just wants to pretend nothing exists for a while, spend time with his band of weirdos and his nephews and niece. Jeez- It’s always one problem after another. He can only hope that this is a blessing in disguise, just pushing his conflicted feelings away to deal with later.
The smell of chocolate pancakes assaults his nasal captivity as a plate is set in front of him. Covered in whipped cream and chocolate syrup- just as absolutely drenched in the syrup as he normally would if given the choice, making him look up in surprise at Honey.
“What? Has your sweet tooth changed or-?”
“No No- I’m Just- Surprised You’re Letting Me Have That Much-”
“Why wouldn’t I? I mean come on- I drink honey out of the bottle and it’s not like it’s bad for you like it is a human. Just make sure to brush your teeth.” Honey says with a shrug before taking a seat in the other chair with his own plate of…honey covered chocolate chip pancakes. Error keeps himself from making a face at it, just focusing on his own pancakes.
“Horror Would Never Let Me..” He mutters, pouting a touch.
“Is that a friend of yours?”
“Mhm! He’s Another Sans- He’s Very Particular About Food And Health For Us. I’m Pretty Sure He’s Taller Than You.” Honey raises a bone brow at him, pausing mid bite to respond.
“A Sans taller than me? But you’re so small-”
“I’m Actually On The Shorter Side For A Sans-” Error mutters, pouting a bit, his brother smirking at him.
“Oooh I see I see, so you’re extra cuddly then?”
“Oh Shuddup-”
“Neva~! Your cuddly cuteness must be praised at all times, rule number one of this house.” Error just gives Honey a glare, stuffing a bit of pancakes in his mouth. “So adorable, you melt my soul, little bro~”
“Fuck Off-” He mumbles, a hint of a whine in his voice.
“No thanks, not really interested-”
“WHAT NO-!” Honey immediately cracks up into hysterical giggles, nearly falling out of his chair as Error gives him an embarrassed glare, pushing away his half eaten pancakes. “Well Fine If You’re Just Going To Be An Ass I’ll Just Go To Bed-”
“Nuuu w-wait I’m sorryyyyy-” Honey whines as Error huffily tries to get up, legs shaking.
“Nope It’s Too Late- Besides, Sleeping Some More Should Help With This.” He says, gesturing vaguely at himself. Without hesitation his brother stands up and scoops Error into his arms like a big baby.
“Yeah yeah, I’ll read ya your story, kay?”
“My Story?”
“Yeah? Ya know, that book ya like so much?” Honey gives him a look as Error flounders a bit.
“Uhh..?”
“...I don’t have ta read it to you if you don’t want me to-”
“No-! No- I’d- I Want To. I Just… I’m Just Realizing I Don’t Remember It…” He interrupts, looking away.
“Oh- Well then I’ll make it extra special then.” Honey rubs his back as they walk up the stairs, giving him a small headbutt as Error smiles, relieved his brother doesn’t question him further. He’s carried up to his room and laid in his bed, a soft quilt being pulled over him as Honey brings up a chair, using magic to pull a worn book from the bedside table. Error can’t help but wiggle slightly in place, curious and a touch excited to see what the story is.
“Once upon a time, long ago, there was a tree. It wasn’t just any ordinary tree, you see, but a tree that held all of the world’s feelings for people like you and me.” Error blinks, sockets widening slightly in surprise. Surely it’s not the story he could be thinking of…
“These feelings appeared as apples- bright gold and dark purple- ripe for the taking for people seeking trouble.” Holy shit it is-
“So, the tree became a guard, growing and stretching, ‘til its leaves became arms and its roots turned to feet- a force to be reckoned with that you’d never want to meet. Yet still did they come one after another, people wanting power, people who all hungered.
“The tree turned them away, again and again, until the time came where no longer could it defend. With the last of its strength and its breath, the tree made new life, to guard in its death.
“Two brothers were born, twins but inversed, created to keep balance of feelings in the universe. They grew and learned together for years, before others came and inflicted tears. They saw the purple as a curse to be scorned, but praised the gold, tricked him into turning away until it was too late to mourn.
“The purple brother sought to be seen in the light, but only managed to curse himself in his plight.
“Once upon a time, long ago, there was a tree, and two brothers at war. Then two brothers became one and the tree was no more.” With a smile Honey closes the book, giving Error a glance. “So, what do you think?”
Error had many thoughts, but he only manages to say one. “..Why Did I Like Such A Sad Story Again?”
“Well…you always told me you would fix it someday and give it a happy ending. You would tell me what you planned to do to save the brothers every night after the story.” Error can’t help but snort, nuzzling into his pillow as he holds back the urge to cry again.
“...Their Names Are Nightmare And Dream. I Didn’t Manage To Save Them, But I’m Helping Them Work Towards A Happy Ending.” He says softly, Honey humming in response.
“Heh, you always manage to do the impossible.” A gentle warm hand rubs against his back as the taller softly purrs, making him unconsciously relax. “I’m so proud of ya, little bro.”
Error smiles a bit, nuzzling further into his pillow as he sighs softly and closes his sockets. “...Night, Papy..”
“G’night Sans…Sleep well.” It doesn’t take Error long to fall asleep, relaxing fully.
~
Honey continues to rub his brothers back for a few more minutes, before quietly getting up and carefully closing the bedroom door. “....Welp, this is a mess-”
That’s a huge understatement!! His brother was removed from their AU, he’s been frozen for thousands of years, and Sans has been doing who knows what all on his own the entire time!!!! It has taken every ounce of strength he has to contain his growing panic. If he panics, Error will panic. He’s gotta keep his brother calm. Sans has always been sensitive.
He takes a deep breath, willing his soulbeat to a slower pace as he calms. At least now they have some sort of way out of here. The machine was just going to be a last resort until he could get it working properly or pinpoint a location and now…with coordinates they can escape the human and the RESETS.
Still….he’s worried about his little brother. Despite his best efforts…he couldn’t protect Sans. his brother was pulled away from him and there was absolutely nothing he could do. For him it felt like a split second, but for Error it was much longer than that.
Focus focus- He needs to run diagnostics on the machine before they can do anything. Might as well start now- it’s not like he’s going to be able to sleep anytime soon. He has to make sure the time pause didn’t affect anything. He can’t even remember how many years exactly it was- but it’s clearly been long enough for Sans to forget a lot.
Just how much he’s forgotten..? There’s no way to tell for sure unless Sans tells him and to be honest…he’s not sure if he wants to know…. At least at his core he doesn't seem to be too different- even after all of these years.
Shaking his skull, Honey heads downstairs towards the basement. He has a lot of work to do.
~
Error ended up sleeping through the night and fairly late into the morning, waking up feeling much more prepared to exist than the evening before, his body aching significantly less. It’s only slightly less jarring to wake up in what is apparently his old room, snuggled up in a soft quilt and surrounded by stuffed animals and dolls.
After he gets over his brief moment of panic, he finds he doesn’t mind it much, though he prefers his hammock or beanbags at this point….Nightmare’s tentacles are always a good option too-
With a small yawn, Error moves to sit up, looking around his room again for a moment. On the bedside table is a picture frame he didn’t notice before, sitting under a lamp. He brushes his phalanges against the top of the frame, flinching a little at the pale color of his own bones as he picks it up.
The picture inside is old, based on the wear and tear around the edges, but the image is still clearly a little sans being held up by his Papyrus, wearing a fluffy blue beanie on his head as he shows off his first place ribbon for the camera. Based on the small sled in Honey’s other hand, it was a sledding competition. One that they won.
..Was that… him? Well- obviously it must be, considering it’s in his old room. The little skully in the picture seems so proud of himself, so very excited and happy with his star shaped eyelights. Honey looks happy too, only a skelly.
It’s honestly quite cute… Error wishes he could remember it.
With a small sigh, Error puts the picture down and turns to leave the room, his body only slightly protesting. The hallway is quiet as he makes his way down the stairs, looking down into the empty living room. Where did Honey go-?
Error doesn’t even really get to question it further before a loud mechanical buzzing sound rings loudly from the basement, making him jump with a small yelp, instinctively trying to glitch down there only for nothing to happen.
“Right..” He mutters to himself, walking quickly down to the basement instead. The room is an absolute mess compared to the last time he was here. There are mechanical bits and tools, random springs and chunks of metal and wire all over the place-
Honey stands on the other end of the mess, some sort of…metal arm thing attached to his own arm. It looks like his brother is tightening a few bolts as the metal arm makes the buzzing sound.
“Uh… Brother?” Error says hesitantly, not wanting to startle the lanky skeleton.
“ Recalibrating. ” A robotic voice responds above the buzzing. “ System enhancement 56% functional. Would you like to improve further? ”
“No. Set strength restriction at 45, engage testing mode 2.”
“ Setting strength restriction to cap of 45, engaging testing mode 2. ”
“Honey? Pap?” Error tries again, a bit louder. This time his brother actually looks over at him, before very quickly hiding the metal arm behind his back-?
“Oh shit-! I-I mean- Hi Sa- Error! Heh-” Error has to hold back a snicker at Honey’s reaction, pointedly looking around at the mess.
“What’cha Doing?”
“Uhh, just messin’ around a little, you know- tinkering. I got a little distracted from the machine.” After a moment, Honey pulls the arm back out again, flexing his phalanges and watching the metal fingers move in response.
“I Figured.” He replies wryly, fondly reminded of the way Dust would also occasionally get like this. “What’s That?”
“It’s uh….strength enhancing arm? I connected it to the ley lines of magic running between my joints and it copies my movement. Depending on how high I set the limit I could probably punch through a wall with it on? But I’m not sure if it will have any negative effects yet.”
“Walls Honestly Aren’t That Hard To Punch Through.” Error informs, speaking from experience. “That’s Pretty Neat, Though. How Far Did You Manage To Get With The Machine Before You Were Distracted?”
“Well I got it all calibrated at least and checked over the energy source and space disruptors. It should work fine.”
“Awesome! Can I Check The Coding?”
“Oh yeah sure, go ahead. You’re better at it then I am.” Honey holds the arm out, showing where it's connected to a computer, Error immediately moving over to look through it. Honey stands by, watching him work as he fiddles with the arm slightly and adjusts the code, the loud mechanical noises quieting.
“You Set The Fan Too High- It Is Exposed To Enough Air That It Shouldn’t Need Too Much Internal Cooling.”
“Whoops, thanks little bro~ You’re so talented.” The taller skeleton gently pats his skull with a smile, making him bashfully duck his head with a small blush.
“It’s- It’s Nothing-” He brushes off, going to stand in front of the machine. “So! If This Is Ready, Do You Think We Could Go Soon? I’d Prefer To Not Keep Everyone Waiting…”
“Yeah, I just need to type in those coordinates and let it calibrate then we can go. Hopefully we don’t land in the void-”
“Don’t Even- I Refuse To Consider The Possibility-” Error denies with a shudder.
“Yeah let’s hope not. The screen is right there so you can type in the coordinates.” Nodding, Error walks over, brows furrowed in thought as he recalls the correct coordinates and types them in.
“So, what are your friends like?” Honey asks as he removes the metal arm.
“They’re All Kind And Sweet In Their Own Ways And…” Error trails off, turning to look at his brother seriously. “You Have To Promise Not To Judge Them Or Be Mean To Them, Okay? They’ve All Been Through Some Shit And Have Had To Do Things They Aren’t Proud Of.”
Honey blinks in surprise before shrugging as he sets the device down. “Yeah okay, Bro. I won’t judge. There are a lot of things I’m not proud of either.”
“...They Have LV.” Error says, gaze almost searching. “A Lot Of It.”
“...Okay. If you trust ‘em I can trust ‘em.”
“I Do.” He replies resolutely, relieved. That was one of his biggest worries. Most Judges in the multiverse aren’t known for being….understanding. He’s thankful Honey doesn’t treat him like he’s naive, like Stretch does to Blue. “I’ve Got The Coordinates.”
“M’kay, let’s head out then.” Making his way over, Honey checks the computer. “I pray to the stars this works-”
“Yeah. Fingers Crossed.” Error grins nervously, fighting back any worries. His brother gently grabs his hand, leading him under what looks like a metal umbrella as the machine starts up.
“Ready?”
“Not Really.” He admits. “But Let’s Do This.”
With the flip of a switch, the machine starts to rattle around them, Honey holding him close as he tenses, feeling oddly… almost afraid, as he lets himself be tucked against his brother. The loud rattling noise intensifies as a funny feeling comes over him and then for a second, there’s nothing. Absolutely nothing. No sound, no feeling, nothing to see.
It feels both the exact same and completely opposite to the antivoid, and it has him shuddering harshly once it’s gone, momentarily overwhelmed by feeling again after even that split second of nothingness.
“W-whoa….Little bro..? You okay..?”
“Y-yeAh- I’m- I’m Alright-” He mutters, leaning heavily against Honey as he blinks rapidly, voice glitching for just a moment.
“Error!!” Oop- He knows that voice- Without even a second to process, Error finds himself quickly wrapped up in a familiar cool hold, the negative guardian looking him over. “WHat happened? You vanished and you look like a swap- I was so worried-”
“N-night-?” Error stammers, feeling slightly dazed. He gets a gentle headbutt in response.
“Yes, it’s me, Ru dear.”
“Oh Thank Fox It Worked-” He breathes, letting himself sink into Nightmare’s hold for a moment. The guardian nuzzles the side of his skull, gently rubbing his back.
“Are you okay..?”
“...” Error stays quiet for a long moment, glancing back at Honey. “...I Have- Had- An AU..”
“...You don’t sound very excited.” Nightmare looks up at the Papyrus, said monster shifting a bit as he rubs his temples. “So…I take it this is your brother?”
“I Don’t… I Don’t Remember Any Of It, Night. I’m A Fucking Swap -” He says quietly, forcing himself to take a deep breath and push the rising emotions back. “Yeah. He’s My Brother- Older, Apparently.”
The guardian frowns, nuzzling Error close as his tentacles pet the smaller skull. “...He doesn’t know you don’t remember.”
“No.. He.. He doesn’t know who exactly Error is either..” He mumbles, nuzzling into Nightmare’s touch.
“...Alright. It’s going to be alright, darling. We can work with this,” The taller treasures as he stands, picking Error up in his arms, walking over to Honey. “Greetings. My name is Nightmare, and you are?”
“Just call me Honey..or Bite. I don’t care too much.” The Papyrus shrugs off with a lazy smile. “Nice ta meet ya.”
“He’s The Purple Twin.” Error adds helpfully, perfectly content in Nightmare’s hold. His best friend gives him a confused look as Honey’s sockets widen a bit.
“Oh cool.”
“..What-?”
“My Favorite Story- It Was The Story Of Dreamtale!” He says excitedly as Nightmare chuckles.
“Oh? Your AU should be older than mine though-?”
“I Have No Idea- It’s Just The Story Honey Read To Me-” Nightmare looks over to the Papyrus and Honey only shrugs.
“Found the book in the dump a long time ago. I have no idea.”
“AU’s Are Just Weird Like That- I Dunno-”
“I hope my AU isn’t based on some children's book-” Error just shrugs, giving the guardian a grin. Without any hesitation Nightmare headbutts him and very aggressively nuzzles the smaller. “I missed youuuuu-”
“I Missed You Too- Sorry For Worrying You.” Error apologizes, nuzzling Nightmare back.
“You didn’t do it on purpose…I’m just happy you’re safe, dear…”
“I Got Back As Fast As I Could, Though. How Long Was It For You?”
“Just a few days, two and a half at most. I noticed your disappearance immediately. Your aura is much more faint now..”
“That Tends To Happen When You Stop Being A God.” Error says wryly, not noticing Honey do a double take. Nightmare only nuzzles him more, rubbing the smaller’s cheek with a tentacle.
“...Do you have a plan?”
“...No. Not Really.” He admits. “I Want To See Blue ‘Cause I Think It’s Funny We’re Both Swaps, And I’m Going To See If Geno Can Do Anything, But…”
“That’s not much to go off of…I’ll see what I can find. The multiverse should survive for a little while longer without you.”
“Worse Case Scenario, I Can Go Back To The Antivoid- It’s Probably What Turned Me Into.. Me In The First Place.”
“No.” Nightmare states firmly with a deep frown. “Absolutely not.”
Chapter 51: Error Kitty
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Nightmare saves a stray from being run over and ends up adopting it.
Chapter Text
Nightmare huffs, waiting for the cross walk to light up as distant thunder crackles in the cloud covered sky. He can’t wait to just be home, snuggled up in his bed with a good book- He glances down at the cat sitting beside him at the crosswalk, seemingly waiting. As the light turns on he starts walking and watches as the cat paces ahead of him.
A car swerves into the intersection and the cat doesn’t have a chance to react. Without thinking he leaps forward, dropping his bag and snatching the cat up in his arms as he rolls across the road. The car just barely misses them, spreading on by even faster, fleeing the scene.
The cat seems to be stunned by the sudden movement and noises, stiff in his hold with their claws fully extended and hackles raised, said claws digging into Nightmare’s arms. He cleanses down at them as he pants, barely registering the chatter of onlookers as they move towards him.
He thinks he said something as he stands, but he’s honestly not paying any attention as he begins to walk away. The cat is only complicit for another few moments before they look up at him, pinning their ears and struggling in what Nightmare can only see as panic.
“S-stop that- Just give me a minute to check you over-” Nightmare walks faster, trying not to get scratched as they try to bite and claw at him, meowing and hissing loudly. With a hiss of his own Nightmare grabs the nape of the cat's neck. “Stop it.”
They go limp with a- frankly- pitiful meow, staring at him with wide, fearful eyes. He does feel a little bad, but it’s not like he’s going to hurt them. With a sigh he continues on, ignoring the loud beating of his soul as he turns and steps onto the front porch of his house. Never has he struggled so much just to unlock the door as his hands shake, the keys rattling in his grasp.
Once inside he practically stumbles over to the couch, letting the cat go beside him as his body relaxes. “....Holy shit…I almost died-”
The cat sprints to hunker down in the corner of the room, unable to fit under the couch, trembling as they press against the wall, hunched over and bristling defensively. Nightmare barely pays them any mind- his bones are rattling as he tries to understand what almost happened, what could have happened.
“W-why did I do that what the hell-?” Jump in front of a moving car to save a cat? He should be feeling scared, but like usual that feeling has been shoved down into the recesses of his mind as his body trembles. “I-it’s okay…I’m okay….”
From the other side of the room, the cat slowly creeps closer to him, pressed against the ground as a small meow leaves them. Nightmare glances at the small creature before quickly covering his mouth, a small bead of a familiar thick black substance trying to seep out from his sockets.
He gets up on shaky legs and hurries to the bathroom, just barely making it before he hacks and coughs up more of the substance into the toilet. He faintly hears an alarmed noise from the cat as they run up to him, pawing at his leg.
“I-I’m fine I’m-” He’s interrupted by his own gagging before he can finish his statement, his face scrunching up in disgust. There’s nothing in this world he hates more than this stupid condition of his. It always makes him feel so fucking disgisting- and those emotions only make it worse. It takes a good few minutes before he feels like he can breathe again, resting his skull on his arms as he pants and waits. “Mmm….”
“Mrrr..” The cat, despite being terrified of him all of five minutes ago, purrs as they gently headbutt his leg, rubbing against him in an attempt to comfort him. He’ll admit, it gets a small chuckle out of him as he reaches down to lightly stroke the cats back, making them tense slightly- though they don’t pull away.
“I’m fine…just a bit too much excitement for one day…I need my medicine.” After a few more pets he slowly stands back up, taking a slow breath before stepping out of the bathroom, the cat on his heels. His bedroom is only a door a way and the moment he’s close enough he sits himself down on the bed, grabbing the pill bottle on the bedside table and the glass of water he keeps on hand.
With one big swig, Nightmare swallows one down, making a face as he does so. “Bleh, what a day- This is why I don’t leave the house.”
He glances at the cat as they just stare up at him, tilting their head with a questioning mew. “...I hope you know this is your fault.”
“..Mrrrp?”
“I wouldn’t have had to save your fluffy butt if you’d been more careful….Why am I even telling off a cat? Stars, I need a nap.” The cat pins their ears as if they can understand him, looking upset at his accusation.
“Meow!”
“Oh you think you can be all sassy now? Would you have rather I let you be pancaked by a car?” He hisses back, making them cower back slightly. “That’s what I thought. Be more careful next time. People are assholes and most don’t care if they run over someone's pet. Uhg…”
He slowly slides himself off the bed and into the floor. “Now come here and let me check you over.”
The cat edges back wearily, crouching down against the floor as they look at him. “I’m not going to hurt you. There would be no point considering I saved your life by risking mine. What would I have to gain?”
Nightmare can’t believe he’s negotiating with a cat like this- and he can’t believe it seems to be working as they stop moving away, meowing at him as if responding. This is….a very odd situation, but if he’s being honest with himself Nightmare gets into a lot of weird situations- Slowly he reaches over and grabs the cat gently by the scruff, picking them up and setting them in his lap.
They are tense in his hold, flinching with every small movement, but they don’t try to escape. He starts with the cat's paws, carefully inspecting them for scratches or cuts, finding them a little worse for wear but otherwise fine, before moving onto their head.
It’s difficult to tell, due to several matted areas, but they didn’t seem to be bleeding actively anywhere. “Mmm..well you’re not hurt, but you desperately need a bath and brushing. I only have hand soap though.”
“Since you're a stray you're probably hungry too.”
“Mew?” They meow questioningly, tilting their head up to look at him.
“...What? I’m not some beast- Letting a cat wander around with matted fur and worn paw pads….Don’t think too much about it though.” Nightmare huffs, gently scratching behind the cat's ear. They flinch slightly, before pausing and leaning into it with a soft purr, closing their eyes. “Hmm…you’re pretty cute~ Do the scratches feel nice~?”
The cat tries to press their full weight into his hand as their purrs grow louder, clearly enjoying themself. Something about it just makes him laugh, his other hand moving the scratch just at the base of their tail, making them arch happily. “Adorable~ If you like this you’ll love a good brushing after I wash the first and grime out of your fur.”
The cat just nuzzles aggressively into Nightmare’s hand for more pets and Nightmare laughs again, finding himself smiling. “Okay okay, come on, bath time and then more scratches.”
They meow in protest when he pulls his hand away, stumbling from the lack of support and giving him a baleful look. He only smiles softly at them as he stands, stretching and listening as his bones pop. “HmMmn~ Come on, bath and then more pets and food, sound good?”
They just meow a complaint, swiping at his ankles with their claws sheathed.
“Oh you sure showed me~” He teases as he steps away back towards the bathroom, just getting more loud meows as they trot after him, tail flicking lazily in the air. “So sassy~”
He turns on the water, giving it a minute to warm up before he grabs the hand soap on the counter. When he feels like the water is warm enough he turns on the shower head. “Okay, time to get that dirt off.”
“Mmerr..” The cat hides behind his legs, looking at the running water wearily.
“....I’ll be real fast and it’s nice and warrrrm~” He tries to convince them, but they remain unmoved, shrinking down against the ground. “...Please? Just really fast, I promise, then I can give you more scratches and feed you~”
They hiss softly in displeasure, but edge out from behind Nightmare, looking between him and the water distrustfully. “Lots of yummy foods just for youuu~”
He gets another hiss in return as the cat sits down grumpily by his feet, refusing to move further. Something about it gets a chuckle out of him and he leans down to pick the cat up gently, lowering them into the bath as they give him a baleful glare, tensing when they come in contact with the wet bottom of the bath.
Reaching up to grab the showerhead, Nightmare leans down and lets the water fall over the cat's back, making them flinch before freezing in place, eyes wide as they look at him in alarm. “It’s okay it’s okay- You’re okay, kitty I promise it’s okay-”
He slowly moves the water up and down the cats back, thoroughly soaking their fur and watching as it takes dirt and gunk off with it. “There you go, you’re doing so good~ You’re so smart, such a good kitty~”
“Mew…” They remain perfectly still as Nightmare slowly rinses them, looking about ready to bolt at any moment. He gives them a small smile before grabbing the hand soap and pressing it out of the bottle across their back. Quickly setting down the showerhead he starts scrubbing the soap into their fur. They begin to squirm and bat at his hands with a small hiss, pausing only long enough to sniff at the soap before going back to trying to hit his hands away.
Nightmare rubs and scrubs their thin little body the best he possibly can, making sure to get their belly, legs, and well….between those legs- the cat being particularly unappreciative of the last bit, actually trying to run away and forcing him to hold them in place.
“S-stop moving and this will go by faster-!” He tries to be gentle yet firm as he holds them by the scruff of their neck, scrubbing the insides and outsides of their back legs. “I don’t want to put my hand there either, but you’re dirty-!”
“Maowwww-” They complain loudly, hissing at him to make sure their displeasure is known.
“Yeah yeah, hissy missy- I know you’re a female now at the very least.” He grumbles, finishing up his scrubbing with the ears and gentle stroking of the face before he grabs the shower head again. The cat glares daggers at him, looking hilariously like a drowned, soapy rat.
Stifling a giggle, Nightmare quickly rinses them off, being sure to wash away all the soap from every nook and cranny before finally turning off the water and lifting time out of the tub onto a towel. “I have a grumpy burrito~”
“Mrrrrr…” Their tail lashes within the confines of the towel as they make an upset noise, making him smile.
“The grumpiest burrito~” He only carries the cat for a few moments before laying them down and aggressively rubbing the towel on their wet fur- only for them to hiss and lash out at him with their claws, quickly trying to scramble away. “Oh jeez okay-!”
He lets go and snatches his hands back, glaring right back at the cat. “I was just drying you off- Ow-”
They cower back, looking at him with wide, fearful eyes, hackles raised defensively. His expression softens and the skeleton sighs, pulling his arms down as he rubs over the scratch.
“Okay….I scared you. Did it hurt you at all?” Nightmare leans to the side, trying to see if there are any obvious injuries or sensitive spots. Frustratingly enough, he can’t find anything, but he knows that doesn’t mean much with their fur covering up a lot. For all he knows, they have some bruises he can’t see- it would certainly explain why they didn’t react aggressively until he was more rough with them. “....If I did hurt you I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to.”
Nightmare glances at the towel, thinking for a moment. He spreads it out before scooting it between him and the cat, taking a few steps back towards the tub. “You can dry yourself off. You know, rub against the towel.”
Why is he talking to this cat like it can understand him? He probably looks like a crazy person but….It seems to be working so far. They stare at him for a bit longer, but as they begin shivering from being wet, they seem to make up their mind, hesitantly making their way to the towel and pawing at it, glancing up at Nightmare.
“...I can help if you want me to. I’ll be extra careful this time, okay?” He slowly holds out his hand, not getting too close just in case. The cat creeps forward a couple of steps and gently noses it, giving him a small lick as if in apology. With a warm smile he moves his hand to gently scratch under their chin, making them relax slightly as they lean into it. “Such a good kitty~ I’ll be very gentle.”
“Prrup~” He smiles as he picks up the towel and gently starts to stroke the cats face with it, being mindful of every movement as he rubs them dry. They tense slightly as he reaches their middle, and Nightmare mentally catalogs each spot they shy away from his touch.
“Okay…so your belly’s sensitive. Good to know….back seems fine.” Nightmare mumbles to himself, the way they arch up into his gentle scratches proving his point. He checks their tail before squeezing it dry and moving onto their paws. “Okay, so just your belly then? I’ll check for bruises under your fur after you eat.”
“Mew~!” The cat chirps happily as they headbutt his wrist. Somehow they get him to smile again and he gently rubs his thumbs over their cheeks- which he now notices has some interesting lighter colored stripes, looking almost blue in comparison to their now dark gray coat. They had honestly looked black or even a dark brown before he washed them.
“Aww~ You excited~? I have canned tuna in the pantry you can have. Some nice cool water too.”
“Prrrh~” They purr, resting their little head in his hands.
“Hehe~ Now you’re just trying to butter me up~ It should be illegal to be this adorable~” Nightmare has never had a pet. He’s…been alone for a long while now. It’s kind of nice to just enjoy someone's company even if that company is a cat. “Come one, I’ll feed you and then look at your underbelly a bit, okay?”
“Mmraww~” The cat turns their head to lightly nom on one of Nightmare’s phalanges, before moving closer to headbutt his cheek and nuzzle against his face. It doesn’t take much to make him blush apparently- as he feels his face warm and his soul skip a beat, unsure how to react to the soft and fluffy affection.
“....I’m in love-” The cat then curiously tries to stick a paw in his eyesocket, ruining the effect slightly. “Oh- okay cuteness overload time to get food-”
With a little kiss to the cat's paw he gets up, stepping out of the bathroom and checking behind him to see if the cat is following. He finds them right on his heels, meowing when he makes eye contact. “You’re too adorable for your own good-”
“Mmrup~!”
“You need a license for that weapon of yours~” He continues to coo as he opens the pantry door, pulling out a can before he turns to pull out a small bowl. “If your not careful you’ll melt someone's soul~”
They just watch him curiously as he opens the tuna, before sniffing the air and perking up excitedly, meowing loudly and pawing at his legs. He uses a fork to scoop it out of the can and into the bowl, mashing it up to make sure it's in easy to eat small chunks.
“Such a hungry kitty~ Eat up.” The moment he sets the bowl down the cat practically pounces on it, inhaling the tuna like it’s the first thing they’ve eaten in weeks- and for all Nightmare knows it is. They’re fairly thin under that fur.
It’s worrying, but he tries not to think too much about it as he grabs another small bowl, filling it with cool water from the sink and setting it down for them as well. “You’re pretty hungry…try not to give yourself a belly ache.”
They finish the tuna in record time, licking their chops as they move to the water, lapping at it a bit slower. “....Very hungry kitty- At least you enjoyed your dinner. That should last you a little while…Now are you ready for some scratches and a belly checkup?”
“Murr?”
“Come here.” Nightmare leads the cat over to the couch, letting them hop onto it before carefully sitting down himself, the cat immediately moving to investigate his lap. He watches passively as they do so, keeping his hands out of the way. “Do I smell friendly enough for you?”
They stand on their back legs and rest their front legs on Nightmare’s ribcage, stretching up to nuzzle and headbutt his face, beginning to purr. The affection makes him blush again and he can’t help the purr of his own that starts up, making his ribcage shake softly.
“I-I’ll take that as a yes-” The cat looks down at his ribcage in surprise, before purring louder and aggressively rubbing their face against his. He feels like a lightbulb as he strokes over the cat's back, giving them gentle scratches and trying to nuzzle them back, much to the cat’s delight.
“Maoww~”
“Meow~” Nightmare mews back at them, his soul feeling oddly light. What is this cat even doing-? Why do they have this weird affect on him? “Soooo cuuuuttteee~”
They nuzzle him some more, before stretching out with a yawn in his face, giving him a good smell of the tuna on their breath. “Ew ew okay that’s enough-”
He pushes the cat away as his face scrunches up. “I don’t want to smell your tuna breath- Thank you for the nuzzles, but stop-”
“Mewww-!” They cry out dramatically in protest, rolling on their side to bat at Nightmare’s hands. He takes the opportunity to scoop them up, being careful of their belly as he lays them on their back in his lap.
“Oh hush- You’ll get more snuggles after your belly inspection.” They squirm and wiggle in his grasp, trying to playfully attack his hands. He pokes and teases their adorable fuzzy face, keeping them focused on one hand as he uses the other to part the fur on their tummy, looking for any discoloration. “You’re just a playful little kitty who wants all the attention, huh~?”
They jump as Nightmare’s phalanges brush over the right side of their stomach, just above their leg, pinning their ears in warning. He pauses for a moment, brushing around the area instead.
“So this is where you’re hurting…I’m going to check for a bruise or something…okay? Let’s hope that's all it is. If you have a broken or cracked rib I will have to take you to the vet.” Slowly and lightly he brushes away the fur, hoping to catch a glimpse of the skin beneath.
“Mrrr…” It’s hard to tell with how dark their skin is, but there it is, an ugly looking purple and yellow bruise. It doesn’t seem to be from a broken rib- the shape of the bruise doesn’t match, but Nightmare isn’t certain, as he doesn’t want to press down at all to properly check.
“...I should probably take you to the vet anyway, just in case. It’s not too late yet so they should be open” He gently scratches the other side of the cat’s belly, using his other hand to scratch under their chin. “Such a good kitty~ I’ll get you checked up on to make sure you’re healthy.”
“Mow~” They relax, tilting their head up as they wrap their arms around the hand scritching his chin.
“Hmm~ You really are a sweet cat, not that I’ve met many cats or…well anyone at all I suppose. People are too much trouble, too sensitive, and a lot of work with little reward.” They chirp questioningly as the pets stop, looking up at Nightmare. It’s almost like the skeleton is looking through them, lost in thought as his smile falls.
They start wiggling out of Nightmare’s hold, batting at his face. “Mm…what are you doing-?”
He deadpans at the little cat, not even blinking as they paw at his face.
“Prrr~!” They trill as they aggressively headbutt him, trying to get him to smile again. It only takes some more pawing and even more aggressive headbutts before that soft warm smile returns with a deep purr.
“Pfft- You’re such a weird cat~” The cat just purrs back, satisfied with the results. Nightmare nuzzles their little face before placing a small kiss between his ears. “Silly kitty~ You’re so cute I could just keep you~”
The cat blinks at him slowly, before tilting their head up and pressing their nose against Nightmare’s forehead. “...What in the stars are you doing, silly kitty-?”
“Mmrph?” They repeat the action, looking vaguely confused as they pat his face.
“...Oh wait…isn’t slow blinking supposed to be a cat's way of saying I love you..?” Out of curiosity he slowly blinks the cat back and kisses their forehead in return. They purr happily and nuzzle him, booping his forehead again. “Awww~ Are you giving me kitty kisses~?”
Nightmare coos, unable to resist nuzzling into the cat's soft fur as he purrs, much to their joy as they practically flop against him. “You’re just a fluffy baby, huh~? How could you ever be a stray when you’re this sweet and lovable~?”
Okay, in all seriousness what has this cat turned him into-? He could never imagine himself saying something like that before but the kitty is just way too cute~! And they seem to absolutely adore the attention, soaking it up like they were starving for it. It really is the cutest thing he’s ever seen and he’s just a sucker for cute things- anyone who’s seen his closet would know that.
“Okay that’s it, you’re my kitty now~ Which means you need a name to go with your cute face~”
“Mew~!”
“Hmm….names are very important so I have to pick a good name…Something that fits you….You’re adorable, very cuddly, soft….you have those pretty markings under your eyes…Something gender neutral too, like skeleton names.”
“Mroww?” They meow back, as if responding.
“Skeleton monsters and nymph don’t have specified genders so we have gender neutral names. My name is Nightmare, due to the negative nature of my magic….I’m not entirely sure why I’m explaining this to you….but your name should be meaningful and somewhat similar, something on the more negative side of things. Hmm…I could do a twist on a character in a book's name? A villain?”
“Mrrp?” They pat Nightmare’s chest, before tilting their little head, tail flicking behind them.
“Oh! I know the perfect name! From now on my adorable feline will be known as Error The Destroyer~! My favorite adorable villain~” The cat purrs happily, perking up at Nightmare’s excited tone and giving him a headbutt. “My little Error kitty~ Oh stars why are you so freaking adorable~!”
He purrs loudly as he nuzzles and headbutts the cat, scratching the back of their head and the base of their tail, making them nuzzle into his hand and try to arch up into the pets, closing their eyes.
“You’re going to be the most spoiled cat in existence. I hope you know that. I’m going to get you cool cat towers, and platforms, and a cat hammock, a fancy litter box, a pretty collar, and all the cat toys you could ever want~ I really…I really want you to like being here with me.” Error just purrs contentedly, flopping onto their uninjured side against him to rub their face against him.
“I’ll take you shopping tomorrow for the necessities and we can order the rest….then I need to get you a vet checkup. Heh, I feel silly being excited about something like this.”
“Mmeoww~!” Is Error’s happy response, the cat seemingly content to be excited enough for the both of them.
~
“Relax Error, it’s just the vet.” The cat in Nightmare’s lap is unmoved, tail lashing irritably as he wearily looks around, only occasionally pausing when he remembers the weird thing now around his neck, trying to bite it. “Stop being so hissy-”
Nightmare scratches under his chin, kissing his forehead as other people with pets walk by, but Error refuses to be distracted from his self appointed task of staring everything down. Doesn’t Nightmare realize how unsafe it is to have so many other animals and people here?? Still his skeleton only continues to scratch him, every satisfying scratch filled with affectionate and safe intent and he finds it hard to not relax even in here.
“Mr. Catcher with Error?” Some bunny lady calls for them and Nightmare moves to stand, carefully holding Error against him with a firm grip on his nape, making him meow in protest. It's a nice feeling, but he can’t look at things pressed against Nightmare like this!
He can’t see where they’re going! Only his skeleton’s sour fruity scent and the smell of books that clings to his clothes. Again, it’s nice- much better than the weird fake and other animal smells- but he wants to know what’s going on! “You can set Error down right here.”
He can hear a door close before Nightmare pulls him away and sets him down on a table. He quickly shakes himself off and makes sure to shoot his skeleton a disgruntled look, before licking some ruffled fur flat. He is only mildly annoyed by the head scratches he gets in response. Damn skeleton giving such a good pets-
“Alright sire, so you’re here for a checkup?” The bunny speaks to Nightmare, the other nodding with that hard and cold look he was first wearing when Error saw him at the crosswalk. The cat decides they don’t like it.
“That is correct. They are fully grown and seem to be a young adult. I don’t have any papers for them and they will need all their shots.”
“I see…It says you found them on the streets. We will give them everything we can for today and schedule a second appointment for the rest of them as well as get somepapers started for their medical history. It also says you found a bruise on their underbelly, right side.”
“Indeed. That side of their ribcage is particularly sensitive and discolored under their fur.” Error meows demandingly, stretching up to pat at Nightmare’s face in an attempt to get that expression off of it, only half paying attention to whatever they were talking about. His skeleton looks so much better when he smiles and if Error can help it he’ll always be smiling! “They are a very expressive cat, as you can see. I am unsure how they fair with other people so if they are unruly then I apologize.”
“Oh don’t worry dear. We deal with ill-tempered cats all the time.”
“Maowwwwww-” Error just tries to be louder, headbutting Nightmare aggressively. With a huff, his frowning skeleton kisses his head, scratching the perfect spot behind his ears that makes him want to purr.
“Shh silly kitty~ We’re in public.” The cat wants to stomp like he’s seen kids do before, but he’s more dignified with that and instead just tries to climb up Nightmare to better give him affection. “Error-”
“Aww~ Your cat is really attached to you~”
“Yes they are-” Nightmare cradles Error like a baby against his ribcage, headbutting him back as Error purrs, licking his cheek and watching happily as his skeleton’s expression softens slightly. It’s not a smile, but he’ll take what he can get.
“Well let's start this checkup and make sure your kitty is perfectly healthy~” After a few more firm nuzzles, Nightmare has the audacity to try pulling him away again, and Error meows loudly in protest as he uses his claws to cling to his shirt.
“Oh my stars, Error- You can cuddle me later!” His skeleton tries to tell him, but Error is having none of it. He wants Nightmare’s attention right now! He doesn’t wanna meet the weird smelling bunny- he doesn’t trust them.
His train of thought is interrupted however as Nightmare grabs him by the nape of his neck, always gentle but firm as he pulls Error away and back onto the table. “It’s okay, the sooner we get this over with the sooner it will be over.”
His skeleton doesn’t let go of his nape as his free hand strokes Error’s cheeks. The cat grumbles slightly, pinning his ears in annoyance as he flops down on the table dramatically, getting a huff from Nightmare. “So troublesome.”
The bunny monster only laughs, before getting started on her inspection. She starts by holding Error’s face with her gloved hands and carefully forcing his mouth open.
“‘Owwww-” He meows, trying to back away and push her hands off, but Nightmare's grip doesn’t let up and neither does the bunnies. She moves onto something else rather quickly though, his ears being pulled lightly as something is rubbed on the inside, and he shakes his head from the ticklish sensation, batting at her hands.
“I know I know. It feels funny, huh?” She says to him as she switches to the other ear, and he hisses back at her, tail lashing in irritation.
“It’s okay, Error..” Nightmare moves to gently scratch under his chin, stroking his cheeks again as the bunny lady finishes and moves on to poking and prodding the rest of his body. Having a feeling there was no escaping this, Error distracts himself by nuzzling into Nightmare’s hands, only turning to swipe at the bunny when she tries to poke his side. “That’s where the bruise is..”
“I see..I’ll still have to feel around.”
“I know.” Nightmare holds him a little closer, his skeleton seeming just as impatient and uncomfortable with the proding as he is. Error hisses at the bunny again, pressing against Nightmare and trying to merge with his ribcage.
“Well they don’t have any broken bones, it’s just a bruise. It should heal fine on it’s own, but we’ll look at it on the next visit.” The bunny informs them, Nightmare nodding and leaning down to headbutt Error, who takes the opportunity to try to climb up onto his shoulders.
“E-error dear-”
“Oh it’s alright if they need a break. How about you give them a treat for being so good?” The bunny monster reaches into a nearby jar and hands Nightmare a small meat shaped treat. Error curls around his skeleton’s neck, nuzzling under his chin as he glares at the bunny lady, only distracted by the yummy smelling thing Nightmare holds up to him.
“Very good kitty~ You’re doing so good for me and Ms. Lilly. I’m very proud of you.” He gets a soft kiss on his head, making him purr happily and nuzzle him, before eating the yummy thing. He has found the best person ever. He really is lucky to have run into Nightmare yesterday.
At first he thought maybe the skeleton would be like all the rest, either just ignoring him or being mean to him like the person who kicked him for asking for food. But Nightmare didn’t do that- he saved him from the loud metal thing, and made sure he was okay even though Error tried to fight him.
Nightmare was nice and patient with him despite clearly not feeling good after the big metal thing’s loud noises. He gave Error pets and scratches, talked to him all nice- even his touch just feels so safe and okay.
Error had been scared when Nightmare had attacked him with the towel, but it turns out it was an accident- he was just trying to help Error dry off fast. The skeleton had reassured him and promised him to be more gentle- and he was! Then and there, Error decided that Nightmare was going to be his.
Even better, Nightmare had given him food and water! Both before bed and after waking up, though Error was still full from the meal before and couldn’t eat much. He got to snuggle and be scratched by his skeleton all night long. Every time Nightmare would start to cry or whine in his sleep, Error would wake him up and get gentle little kisses and headbutts as he purred quietly, soothing Nightmare back to sleep and letting himself be held. He was never more grateful he was a light sleeper as he was able to comfort his skeleton.
Now as he’s being put back on the table and prodded at again, he really just wants Nightmare to continue holding him. “It’s okay Error. You’re almost done~”
“Mmrrrh…” He lets out a wordless complaint as the bunny lady touches him again, shooting his skeleton a betrayed look. He thought they were done! Now it’s apparently his backsides turn to be inspected-
“I know I know I’m sorry. It’ll be real fast.” Nightmare tries to soothe him, kissing and petting his head as the bunny lady lifts his tail, forcing him to hold still as he tries to turn. With another gentle kiss to his head, the bunny lady sticks something up his butt- and he freezes in baffled horror, eyes widening. “...Did..did you just-?”
“It’s a rectal thermometer-” The thing is pulled out and Error immediately turns to swipe at the bunny, hissing loudly as he tucks his tail over his butt. He can barely believe she seriously just did that!! “Yeah no animal likes that part, but I have some…interesting news? You said Error is female, right?”
“Yes, they don't have any testicles.”
“Indeed they don’t, but they do have a penis-”
“...What-?” Nightmare blinks in confusion, leaning over to lift Error’s tail for himself, only for the cat to hiss and firmly plant his butt on the table. No one else gets to stick something up his ass- Not even his skeleton! “Okay okay I get it. No more gazing at your ass-”
“I’ll need to check for a vagina, but it looks like Error might be intersex or a hermaphrodite. That means they would have both male and female characteristics, though it’s also possible their testes are just internal. We honestly won’t even know for sure without an ultrasound if they have a sealed off vagina.”
“I see. Are there any possible health problems this could cause? Anything I should look out for?”
“Well, if their lower stomach or back seems to be sensitive or painful then bring them in- if they have internal testes it’s fairly easy for them to become twisted and they would require surgery to remove them.
“They could also get ovarian cysts if they have ovaries… honestly, just keep an eye out for uncharacteristic tenderness or pain, and keep a close eye on how much they’re eating, as eating less can be a sign of pain and cats can be pretty good at hiding it if they want to. Depending on if they’re agreeable to being distracted with a treat, I can check right now for a vagina.” She suggests.
“If you could please.” Nightmare agrees with a nod, scratching Error’s chin, the cat leaning into it. The bunny lady grabs a treat and holds it in front of Error, just far away enough that it forces him to get up slightly to reach it.
Error tries to just paw for the yummy smelling thing at first, but when it doesn’t work, he reluctantly stands to pounce on it. As soon as the opportunity presents himself, the bunny grabs and lifts his tail, holding him still with her free hand as she checks.
“It’s okay, just relax-” Nightmare tries to comfort him, and he darts to hide under Nightmare’s arms as soon as he’s released, meowing angrily.
“Alright, there does seem to be a small opening just below their anus, which is likely a vaginal opening! But still, unless they go into heat or we get an ultrasound, I can’t say if they have a uterus and ovaries or not.”
“...We can get that checked out on a later date. For now I think Error would like to get their shots and leave.”
“Of course. Would you like to hold them for this part?” She asks, pulling out a syringe. He nods, scooping Error up into his arms and nuzzling the cat affectionately.
“This isn’t going to feel very good, but it will be quick, okay?”
“Mrrrp?” Error trills questioningly, confused when he feels his scruff being grabbed, before jerking at the painful stabbing sensation on it. It was like getting bitten, but just in one spot.
“There we go all done~” He hears the bunny coo, rubbing the spot on his scruff as the pain fades slightly. Nightmare rubs his back, kissing his head as he’s properly pulled away from the table.
“Thank you, Ms. Lilly.”
“It’s no trouble at all. Just schedule your next appointment at the front desk and have a great day.” Error definitely did not enjoy that entire experience, and he presses his face into the crook of Nightmare’s elbow to try to hide further from the world. He can hear his skeleton talking to someone before they finally leave and he has never been more relieved to be away from such a foul place.
“You where such a good kitty, Error~ You did so good and I’m going to get you so many goodies for being so amazing~” The cat just buries himself further in Nightmare’s arms with an unhappy sound, tilting his head just enough to glare up at him with one eye. “I know I know, you didn’t like it and now you’re mad at me. I’m sorry she had to get in your personal space….but to be fair I didn’t know she was going to stick something in your butthole-”
“Mrrhhh…”
“I’m sorry, okay? It’s uncomfortable, but it’s for your health. Now I know what I need to look for incase you start feeling bad. You won’t have to go there again for a week and then you’ll only have yearly checkups to worry about….for now let's focus on getting you all the toys and cool things you could ever want, okay?” After a bit more grumbling, Error lifts his head with a final huff, lightly biting Nightmare’s sleeve- only for the cloth to get stuck on his tongue. “Hehehe~ Hold on.”
His skeleton uses a free hand to carefully pry his sweater free, unhooking the strands of fabric and fuzz from Error’s little tongue. “So cute~”
Error shakes his head and awkwardly rubs his tongue against the roof of his mouth to get rid of the odd feeling, batting at Nightmare’s sweater as if it was it’s fault his tongue got stuck. Clearly the horrible soft fabric is to blame!
“..Stars I love you~” With a firm intent filled kiss to the head, Nightmare continues on his way to the pet store as Error can’t help but purr at him, content in his skeleton’s arms.
~
“Hmm…which cat tower should we get? They both have built in scratching posts…” Error ignores his person’s words as he explores the odd not-trees in front of him, before spotting a comfortable looking cloth thing and jumping up into it. It isn’t very cushy, but it’s soft and holds him nicely when he flops into it, rolling in it and stretching out. “...I guess that answers the question. Good choice~”
Nightmare gently rubs over his side, scratching at the base of his tail as he purrs loudly and turns to nuzzle his hand. “How dare you be so cute~ You have no right to trap my soul like this~”
His skeleton coos at him, gently stroking and petting his face with that soft smile and affection filled intent he loves so much. Nightmare always scratch the best spots- He simply can’t resist! “Come on silly, we have to pick you out some toys and a litter box-”
“Well look what the cat dragged in~” The voice is gruff and unpleasant in general, but it’s the way his skeleton tenses that really sets Error off. “Isn’t this a funny coincidence~ I don’t think we’ve seen each other sense that party in highschool~”
Error is immediately on guard, standing up and climbing up onto Nightmare’s shoulders for a better vantage point, primly wrapping his tail around his skeleton’s neck as he stares the bad- because they clearly must be bad for Nightmare to smell so stressed- dog boy down.
“Ew, of course you would get a cat. With you being such a pussy~”
“We’re not in highschool anymore, Damien. Grow up.” The short skeleton glares, clenching his fists to hide the way they tremble against his side. He has to stay calm. It’s fine- He reaches out to grab the cat tower with the hammock and tries to walk away, only for the hybrid to grab ahold of his wrist.
Before anyone can say anything, Error suddenly spits and hisses fiercely, lashing out without restraint and scratching deeply into the back of Damien’s hand, preparing to pounce from Nightmare’s shoulders.
“Ow-! You fucking cat-!!” The hybrid's other hand is raised to smack Error off, but something else shoves him away first, Nightmare immediately pulling Error close as he wheezes, the cat continuing to hiss and spit at Damien, ears pinned and hackles raised.
The hybrid dog growls at Error even from his place curled into a ball, holding his middle. “F-fucking freak-”
“Oh My Stars-! What- Are You Both Okay-?” Error whips around with a hiss, only to pause at the sight of.. Another skeleton. The cat immediately meows in distress, playing it up only slightly as he turns his attention to his own skeleton.
Poor Nightmare is wheezing, that weird black stuff from before oozing out of his sockets and mouth as his eyelights shake. Error purrs soothingly, headbutting his skeleton and nuzzling him, uncaring of the weird goopy stuff that gets on his fur.
He pays no mind to the other skeleton, fully focused on comforting his distressed Nightmare as he’s nuzzled and pet shakily. By the time he gets his skeleton to be calm there are new people around, all wearing the same funny clothes.
“Hey…You Okay There..?” The same small skeleton from before asks, and Nightmare can only nod as Error paws at him, displeased at his lie. He gets a pouty kiss in return- “..Okay. Do You Think You Could Tell Me What Happened?”
“...H-he grabbed me…”
“...Okay And Your Cat Scratched Him In Return?” Nightmare nods.
“ He scared you! ” Error protests, actually speaking for the first time in a couple of days. It just is never worth it when no one understands him and wordless meowing gets his intent across just as well. He doesn’t know the history between Nightmare and the stupid dog boy but his skeleton was afraid the moment he showed up.
“Okay, You’re Not In Trouble. One Of The Other Officers Is Looking at The Cameras And Your Story Lines Up. Would You Like To Press Charges?”
“...Mhm….and a restraining order…”
“Okay, I Need Your Name And Number Please.” The skeletons talk for a moment longer, Nightmare continuing to pet and nuzzle him for support, which Error is more than happy to provide, never stopping his comforting purrs and trying to lick his cheeks clean of the goop.
“O-oh don’t ingest that, Error-” Nightmare tries to push his face away after a good minute, much to his annoyance. His skeleton is dirty and he refuses to stand for that! “Error come on it’s gross-”
Yes it was, which is why Error has to clean it off!
“Stop- Ru I’ll- Fine fine here.” Nightmare takes his sleeve and wipes his face with it, pulling a small piece of cloth out of his inventory and taking a moment to cough into it before putting it away. “There, see?”
Error huffs, a touch annoyed that Nightmare wouldn’t let him groom him, but he nuzzles his skeleton in confirmation nonetheless. After some more nuzzles back Nightmare moves to stand, holding Error securely in his arms before grabbing ahold of the cat tower.
“Let’s grab your things quickly and go home. I’m pretty tired now.” Error chirps in agreement with another headbutt, relaxing in his skeleton’s hold. They walk around the store for only a few minutes, picking up different cool things. Nightmare lets him pick out all the best toys, a few beds, and a litterbox, before they finally make their way back home, much to Error’s relief. He was tired from the day and he knows for sure his skeleton needs rest.
~
The moment it’s within reach Nightmare flops down on the couch, petting and stroking Error’s face as he closes his sockets, the cat snuggling up to him as they purr, nuzzling into his touch.
“Hmm…You’re such a good kitty~ I’m so lucky to have you..” Nightmare purrs, slowly relaxing as Error wiggles to nuzzle under his chin.
“Mrrp~”
“Hehe~ My little Ruru kitty~ I loooovvee you~ So so much~” Error meows back happily, purring up a storm in Nightmare’s hold. “I’m going to take good care of you, I promise~”
~
He yawns, stretching out across the bed before scratching his kitties scruff. “Good morning, Ruru~”
“Mrrp?” Error chirps sleepily, arching into Nightmare’s touch without opening their eyes. They get a few soft kisses to their head as they’re scratched all the way down their back.
“Such a sweet sleepy kitty~ It’s time for breakfast, silly Ru~” The cat perks up slightly at the word breakfast, opening their eyes as they stretch, before climbing up onto Nightmare’s chest with a low purr and headbutting him. “Yes I love you too, dear~”
His skeleton coos and pets him some more before moving to stand, holding Error close to him as he walks to the kitchen. Like every morning he starts the tea kettle, Error crawling up onto his shoulders and reaching towards the pantry.
“I know I know, be patient~” Like always, Error refuses to listen, meowing demandingly. “So freaking cute~”
As the kettle slowly warms, Nightmare opens the pantry, pulling out a container of chicken. He refuses to buy Error cat food- Especially after reading some of the ingredients. Instead Nightmare has been giving Error different meats, mostly just fish and bird meat of course. He wants to make sure Error has a healthy and diverse diet to keep him healthy.
He even occasionally lets Error have small bits of fruits and veggies to help supplement any vitamins his cat might be missing, though never much, and he always looks up if it’s safe before feeding it to them. Organic, no pesticides, and of course cat edible. Error always looks forward to his next meal and Nightmare is more than happy to provide everything he could need. He made all sorts of cat hidey holes and carpeted platforms- several cat hammocks in all the best sunbathing spots. Error even has several cat toys in the back.
Nightmare hadn’t been lying when he had said Error was going to be the most spoiled cat in the world back when he first got him, and Error absolutely flourished under his care. They spend every day together, with Nightmare barely ever leaving the house and when he does he takes Error with him.
Every morning he lets Error pick out a different collar for the day based on texture. His skeleton is picky with texture of clothes so he only thought it right to give Error an option depending on how he’s feeling. The harness is soft and plush and only used when they have to go out.
Both the skeleton and the cat absolutely adored each other. Despite NIghtmare not being sure if Error can even understand him, he tells the cat everything, talking about his stories as he writes them and about his published books. He even named Error after a character in his book.
It had taken a while for the cat to properly understand his words, mostly making guesses based off of tone or body language, but as time went on, he slowly understood what Nightmare was saying directly. Error had considered himself a smarter than average cat before, but his mind felt sharper than ever. The longer he’s been here with his skeleton the more…connected he feels to him and the more clear people things become. He’s not sure how to explain it.
“Eat up~ I’m going to make my tea.” Error meows back in agreement, letting himself be picked up and set in front of his food bowl and happily chowing down. The smell of black tea and honey is familiar and soothing as Nightmare scratches his back and makes his way into the living room with his cup of tea. “Hmm…what to watch today..”
Error pauses his eating for just long enough to meow loudly at Nightmare, wanting to watch the show where the people talk weird, before licking up the raw quail egg his skeleton had added to his bowl this morning. The texture was oddly slimy, but he likes the taste.
“Undernovalia again? Fine by me, Ru dear.” Nightmare switches to the right channel, taking a sip of his tea as Error gobbles down the rest of his food, hurrying over to the couch. “Hehehe~ Excited~?”
“Maow~!” Error purrs as he presses against Nightmares side, watching the TV raptly. His skeleton can only laugh, gently petting Error as he drinks his tea. The background noise is simply soothing, familiar and safe. Nightmare finds himself closing his sockets, setting his now empty cup down on the coffee table as he lays on his back, letting the quiet morning soothe him back to sleep.
Chapter 52: New Ink
Summary:
Fgod!Ink learns about the balance and takes his own life. Fate tries to replace him.
Chapter Text
Fate was absolutely furious! Her child, her favorite toy, found out about the balance and decided to stop creating. He had locked himself in the doodlesphere without letting anyone know why so he could "process".
And he didn't take it well… at all. He ended up being so horrified that he destroyed himself permanently. Escaping from her grasp forever.
She can't play her game without her favorite toy! So she started to look for a replacement. And found one in the Sans of an unfinished AU.
She took him, erased his memories and gave him Ink’s abilities, clothes and name.
She scoffs at the crude replacement, unsatisfied. He wasn't hers . But he would have to do.
She didn't bother watching him anymore as she went to torment Error some more.
Fate only stayed for another few weeks before growing bored. This new Ink hadn't left the doodlesphere, hadn't created anything. Heck, he hadn't even moved from the spot she put him in!
This multiverse was no fun anymore. So she just left, taking whatever she considered hers with her… mainly the voices that torment Error. She might need them for her new playground after all.
She left, and didn't look back.
~
…Ink…his name is…Ink. That's all he knew. He had no emotions, for he never had a soul. Yet he could think, he could move, he could probably do anything he wished.
But that was the problem… he didn't have any wish.
No wish, no emotion, no memory. Just staring blankly at the ceiling of nothing, papers hanging from golden strings all around him. He has no sense of time, so he’s not sure when a new sound reaches him, a loud constant buzz slowly getting closer until something moves in his vision.
Ink doesn’t really process the information, not caring or paying anything much mind. It’s only until something is pressed against his mouth and his skull is tipped back that something seems to just click. The first thing he really feels is a warm liquid sliding down his throat, quickly dissolving into his magic as his eyelights light up.
He blinks slowly. He could feel things now….? Why? How? He looks around confused, his eyelights falling onto the figure kneeling down in front of him. Their bones are a dark black, with hints of red peeking out from underneath their blue scarf. The same colored markings trail down their cheeks like permanent tears as their mismatched eyelights bore into him.
"...Who….why…?" He questions, not sure what else to say.
“...YoU-u LoOk LIke HIm.” The pretty stranger tells him in a tired voice, the glitching and constant sporadic nature of their voice matching the constantly reappearing and disappearing glitches that cover their body. As Ink’s eyelights focus he really starts to take note of their appearance.
It’s a little hard to see on the black bones, but there’s scars- a lot of them, or all different shapes and sizes littering every visible spot on their body. Ink assumes they cover everything else as well. He’s not…entirely sure how he even knows what scars are to be honest.
Without giving Ink a moment more to respond, the skeleton stands, their bones creaking and groaning from the strain, making Ink cringe a little uncomfortably. It sounds painful. He watches as they walk over to a black puddle, the dark liquid covering an area of objects. They put a small vial into the stained sash.
Ink sits up to better watch what the other is doing. Confusion, still his main emotion.
"What are you doing….?"
“I-InK DoeSn’T LIke I-iT WHeN I tOUc-cH His ViaLs. So I’m Put-tInG it A-aWay.”
"There’s another Ink….? I thought I was Ink….."
“...Y-yoU ArE NOw, I gUeSs.” The stranger stands up again and it’s only now that Ink releases just how tall they are. Tall equals handsome in his books-
"Why would I mind you touching what's apparently mine then?" The pretty stranger stares blankly at him, or maybe they’re just tired. Very tired.
“..Y-yOU HAve YouR oWN SasH And ViaLes. ThE Ones HeRE A-ARen’t YoURs.”
"Oh…Well I don't mind you touching my things. You're super pretty and nice~" The stranger gives him an odd look before shaking their skull.
“I-I’m NoT.”
"But you are? You helped me feel things! You're super tall, and I'm certain I've never seen anyone with bones as pretty as yours before~"
“I’M-m Not-t PRet-Tty.” They insist with a scowl.
"But…you look like a work of art to me?"
“...Y-yoU’Re wRONg.” Not wanting to continue this disagreement further, the pretty skeleton walks back over to him, their bones groaning. “I’M-m ErRor AnD You’Re The New CreaTor.”
"New Creator….? Am I supposed to make things…?" If anything he wanted to ease whatever pain the other was in first-!
“O-OnlY WhEN NeC-ceSarRy.” Ink listens as Error goes on to explain about the Au’s and their roles in the multiverse, the balance, and how for a long time he was struggling to keep up with the last Ink’s excessive creating.
"So…you have to catch up…? And I don’t have to create for a while? That's good. I'm..not sure how to go about creating something anyway."
“...Don’T Forg-GeT..OkaY? W-wrITe It DoWN on ouR ScArf.” The glitch instructs.
Ink blinks again before nodding and writing down on his scarf….to remember what the pretty Skeleton says…. The idiot he is didn't even write the explanation down. Thankfully Error is there to explain it for him, simplifying it a bit so he can write it down.
“YoU g-gOT it?” Ink nods as he writes it all down.
"No creating until it’s necessary! And the very gorgeous skeleton is here to help me keep the balance." Error sighs, but doesn’t comment further.
“OkAy So I h-hAVe A Lot of WOrK To Do. You’Ll NeeD To TaLK To ThE O-othEr Ink’S….FrienDs AboUT EveRYThiNG…ANd Don’T TeLl TheM I CaME H-heRe.”
"Why can't I tell them about you? I wanna brag about the gorgeous goddess I just met…."
“I-I’M nO-oT-...JuST- ThEy HaTE Me AnD WiLl Thi-iNK I kiLled The FirsT Ink Or FinD ANy ExcuSe To MakE M-me THe BaD Guy.”
"Oh….I'll keep it secret then…. But can you come visit me sometime…?" Ink asks, looking up at Error hopefully. The tall skeleton gives him a glance with so many conflicting emotions swirling behind those pretty eyelights Ink can’t decipher.
“...M-MaYyBe.”
Ink smiles. "I'll take a maybe!" Ink gets up and stretches. He was actually shorter than the previous Ink… not that Ink himself knows it. He barely comes up to Error’s waist!
“...D-do YOU knOW How To oPEn-n A POrtAl?”
Ink thinks for a moment before nodding. He didn't know how, but he knew how to use all his magic. He also knew what his vials did for him. "Yeah, I think so."
“..I’Ll Get To WoR-rK thEn.” With a nod, Error opens a glitchy portal and steps through.
"See you later gorgeous~!!!" Ink calls out to the destroyer as he leaves. Honestly a bit disappointed that he couldn't spend more time with them…. But he has a job of his own to do! He has to find the previous Inks friends and let them know that he's the new Ink.
-
The council did not take well to the news. The golden Skeleton, Dream left the council hall in tears to go compose himself, Blue following to help.
Then the other Sanses drove him out, believing he was the one at fault for the previous Inks disappearance despite his assurance otherwise.
The fact that he stated he didn't want to fight the destroyer to keep the balance didn't help much. They simply didn't believe a balance needed to be kept. So they chased him out.
The poor skeleton was so confused as he sat in the doodlesphere, locked to everyone but himself and Error now. He didn't understand what he did wrong… He's Ink now, he can’t change that. He doesn't want to change who he is either. So why did they call him an impostor? Why drive him out with threats to kill him if they saw him?
He just doesn't understand…and now he just feels…lonely.
“H-hEy..” Ink isn’t sure how long he’s been sitting there, but hearing Error’s voice again has him immediately perking up. He quickly gets up and turns to the voice.
"It's the most gorgeous skeleton in the multiverse~! You're back!" Error huffs, giving him a look.
“DonT c-cALl Me ThaT.”
"But you are beautiful~"
“N-nO I’m NOt.”
"Yes you are. Anyway…I thought you were busy?"
“I MaDe so-OMe ProGreSs..CamE To ChecK on YoU…I hEarD D-dreaM Was ReAl-lLy UpsEt.”
Ink looks down at that. "Yeah…he left the room with Blue after hearing the news…. Then everyone else drove me out so…I haven’t seen anyone since."
Error nods, not seeming at all surprised. “SoUnd’S Like SOmeThin-Ng TheY’D dO.”
"Did…I do something wrong…? I AM Ink- aren't I? Not just some imposter replacement?"
“..YoU’Re A RePLaceMEnT…But You Can BE W-whO YoU wanT To Be.”
"I want to be Ink…It’s my name. And I am myself."
“TheN B-bE YoUr OWn I-iNk.” Error shrugs. “You-U’Re A God. It dOEsN’t MAt-Tter wHaT The OtHer’S Say. We- DrEaM, NigHtmaRe, Me, AN-nD You- MaKe-e The RUleS NOw.”
"There are rules? Like what?"
“ThE BalANce, For ON-nE…I don’T ReaLLy KnoW Any OthErs? Fat-te Is…Gone For NoW So…”
"Fate? Is that the name of the voice that yelled at me to do stuff?"
“...ProBabLy..?” Error shifts a bit, glancing over at the black puddle still sitting in the doodsphere. “...CouLd..CoUld Y-Yu Put AL-ll ThaT InK-k in A Jar For ME..?”
"Hum? Sure! Give me a moment…" He creates a nice jar before manipulating all the ink into said jar. Error carefully takes it, making sure their phalanges don’t brush together. After a moment of starting, he holds the container against his ribcage.
“..T-thAn-nKs..”
"You're welcome! I don't understand why you wanted it…but if it makes you happy."
“...T-thiS Is InK…ThE FirST One.” Error says quietly, before using blue strings to pick up the remaining items from the once puddle, some clothes, random art supplies and a big brush.
"Oh…. Too bad I couldn't meet him…. You seem to like him a lot…"
“...H-hE DidN’T LikE m-mE, But…It-T WaSN’T His FauLt. H-hE Was TryIng His B-beSt WITh WhaT He HaD-d….He Wasn’T..a B-bAD-d Per-RSon-n..”
"Oh…Well I'm sure he found you just as pretty as I do!"
“I doN’T THin-Nk So. I’m NOt PReTty.”
"I think you’re as beautiful as Outertale’s sky~" Ink says as he had been doing research on the AUs while he's been sulking alone in the doodlesphere.
“StOp-p LyINg.” Error glares at him this time and Ink freezes for a moment, looking at Error in confusion, hurt by the accusation.
"What..what makes you think I'm lying….?"
“YoU-uRe TellInG m-mE SomETHinG thAT’s NOt t-tRue. That’S LyIng.”
"But…I believe it's true…. So to me I'm not lying…"
“ThEre’S No WaY ANYO-oNe CoulD T-thINk ThiS Is PreTty.” Error gestures to himself, completely serious as he looks to himself. Ink can’t help the frown that deepens on his face, Who made Error think this way?
Something clatters to the ground and Ink looks down to see…..a red rib. Error is not phased. However, Ink panics.
"Oh my stars-! Your rib-! How does that not hurt-?! Let me heal you-"
“It’S FiN-ne.” Error bends down, his bones creaking as he picks up the rib and lifts his sorry excuse for a sweater to put it back in place. Ink is absolutely horrified by the glitch’s ribcage, mostly held together by blue strings and clearly still healing from either being caved in, ripped apart, or both- How is Error not screaming in pain-!? Let alone moving around!
"That is not fine- please- I want to help you…." He practically begs for Error to let him heal him, but when Ink takes a step closer, reaching out to the glitch, he immediately flinches away, glitching harshly.
“D-doN’T-t-t t-tOUc-cH mE-e-” Ink stops, and slowly takes out a small white paintbrush with galaxy looking bristles.
"Okay…I won't touch you…but please let me heal you and create a healthy body for you…" he doesn't make any more movements besides showing Error the delicate looking brush.
The glitch stares at the brush for a long moment before shaking his skull, his hands trembling as he holds the jar.
"Is the brush too scary…?" Ink asks, slowly putting the brush away and taking out an ink pen instead. "I can use a pen instead if that's the problem?"
Now that he’s thinking about it, Error is holding the first Ink’s bog paintbrush pretty far away compared to his clothes. The other Ink..has obviously hurt him, bad enough for a monster covered in scars to shake in fear.. Error slowly relaxes a little more, confirming Ink’s suspicions.
“...D-dON’T waStE MagIC ON mE. I’Ll heAL ON mY OWN…”
He can't help but scoff at that. "It's hardly a waste of magic to help my only friend in the multiverse. Besides its not like I'm gonna use my magic for anything much in awhile."
“..Y-yOu ShouLdn’T COnsider Me You’Re FreiND. I’M No OnEs FriENd.”
"But…you're the only one who's been nice to me…? If you aren't my friend then who is?" Error shrugs after a moment.
“I D-don’T kNow…BUt-t yoU’Ll ONlY Get HurT ArouND Me S-so..mAke New FreinD-ds.”
"Hummm….No. I'm gonna be your friend even if it constantly kills me."
“...” Error sighs, sounding somehow even more exhausted. “Do W-whATevEr…I GUeSs..”
Ink grins for a moment before going serious. He slowly moved closer to Error and started to draw in the air a few centimeters away from Error’s bones so he wouldn’t trigger the glitching. Then he slowly and carefully uses his magic to repaint Error, getting rid of any and all injuries and scars he could see. He didn't like seeing marks on Error that weren't his.
The scars and chunks of bone missing were absolutely everywhere. Error didn’t have any problem taking off his clothes to make it easier, carefully wrapping the jar up in his strings like putting it in a secure sling and somehow attaching it to the non-existent ceiling. Ink’s frown deepens the more marks he finds.
This one is from blunt force trama, a lot of them are. There’s piercing wounds, burns from some sort of fire, acid, all sorts of cracks, breaks and fractures, and so so much intent to harm, so much hate and angry intent that Ink doesn’t doubt makes every one of this old wounds burn agonizingly. Yet Error is wearing a seemingly calm face, shaking just a little as he watches Ink’s every move intently.
There’s even horrible danege to Error’s pelvis!
Honestly if he wasn't so focused on healing Error and counteracting the negative intent with his own positive intent he would absolutely love seeing Error naked in front of him like this- but as it stands he is so focused on healing the other he hardly notices.
He may have even used a bit more magic than necessary to make the glitch stronger as well so he wouldn’t be hurt as easily…. And he was absolutely determined to make it so Error wasn't feeling any more pain at all anymore!
It took several hours of slow progress to get everything bit of damage and scars gone and to give the bones a healthy sheen to them as well.
"Humm….there. I think I got everything. Feel any pain?"
“..N-noT iN-n…In mY B-boNes..”
"...where's the pain? I might be able to fix it-"
“N-nO-o..It CAn’T Be FixEd.” Error insists with a shake of his skull, moving his arm a little and…genuinely surprised by how easy it is.
"Oh…..will it heal eventually…?" He looks up at Error's eyelights with worry.
“..No. It WOn’T EvER hE-eAl.”
"It…won't….? Not ever…?" Inks eyelights show broken hearts at that.
“NeVe-eR.” Error confirms, putting a hand over the left side of his rincage, before carefully moving to grab his clothes, testing out just how easy it is to move around now.
Ink looks down, absolutely devastated by that fact. "I wish I could take all your pain away…."
“..W-wHy?”
"Because…I care about you. You're my friend and you deserve the multiverse and more."
“...I-I doN’t. I DeSerVe NotHIng.”
"Yeah, well I believe otherwise. Right now, you are my multiverse Error~" The glitches face turns a pretty shade of blue, golden freckles sticking out like stars in the night sky. Without the scars, somehow Error is even prettier.
“...I-I DOn’T UnDerSTanD-d YoU…”
Ink covers his mouth with both his hands as he pukes up some ink at the sight, absolutely lovestruck.
He quickly cleans up before responding. "And I don’t understand how you don't see yourself as gorgeous when I think you belong in the sky of outertale as the most beautiful constitution~"
“...” Frowning, Error doesn’t grace him with a response. With his sorry excuse for clothes now on, the glitch stands, picking up the jar and opening a portal. “I HAVE To Ge-eT Back To WorK.”
"Okay. Stay safe! And I'll see you later…?"
“ProBoBLy..Y-yEah.” He steps through, waving a little back at Ink. “..Don’T StaY HeRe. Y-yoU ShoULD ExplOr-re.”
"I should? Humm…I guess if I stick to copies I shouldn't be attacked on sight…."
“..JuST Be CarefUL Not To bE In O-oNe WhilE I de-eSTroy-y It.”
"Alright! I'll just go to the humm…fiftieth copy of each AU! Sound good…?"
“..SouNd-d’S GooD.” Error nods.
"Ok! See you in a week or so?" He wanted to see Error every day- but he didn't want to push his limits too much.
“Ma-aYBe? I-I’M NOt-t GOod WiTh TimE..”
"Fair enough! Just come visit sometime then okay?" With another nod, Error moves the other Ink’s things through the portal and closes it behind him.
Ink writes a quick note to himself to only visit the fiftieth copies of the AUs. Then, while the image of Error was still fresh in his mind he gets out a sketchbook and starts to draw Error in multiple different outfits to see what he would look best in, planning to create or buy more clothes for him.
~
Error returns to visit Ink only when he’s…pretty much done. The amount of valence in the multiverse now makes the constant pain in his soul lessen slightly, the glitch is incredibly relieved.
When he enters the Doodlesphere he's greeted with the sight of around a hundred mannequins, all wearing different outfits. Ink was actually somewhere in the mess, embroidering something on a dress, pricking his finger with a needle constantly but not stopping as he works.
"Ow- ouch- owie- ow-"
“...WoW-w..” Is all Error can say, genuinely surprised.
"Oh! Hi Error- ow- how are you? Ow ow-"
“...LiT-Tle beTter Then UsuAL-l…” Error decides not to question it. Walking over to Ink and sitting himself down a little ways away. “YoU?”
"Doing fine! Ow- I'm almost done with this dress! Ouch- just need to finish this echo flower-"
“...Y-You MakE CloThe-eS TOo..?”
Ink looks at Error confused. "I made all of these from scratch. I'm just embroidering the designs on this dress then it's Finished."
“ThAt-T’S whAT-t I waS aSKinG..?” Now Error is confused.
"Oh- then yep! I Do now at least- I wanted to make all this on my own with as little magic as possible."
“OkAY…TheY LoOk…GoOd F-for A BegINner..”
"Thank you! Do you think…any of them are good enough for you…?" Error blink, surprised and confused.
“W-whAt..?”
"I made all of these for You. So I was wondering if they were good enough? I know they'll all look amazing on you~ I just want to make sure they're comfortable and won't fall apart on you either."
“...YoU…m-mAde cl-LOt-tHes For..Me…?”
Ink nods cheerfully. "Mhm! I noticed your clothes look kinda…. Falling apart. So I made all these clothes in your size so you have some better things to wear!" Then remembering he was working on a dress he focuses on the embroidery again. Quickly finishing it off.
"Like this dress for instance, I made it so you would have something to look and feel pretty in. I even got the glow in the dark thread at DesertTale to make the echo flowers on the dress with!"
“...I-I..” Error…really isn’t sure how to feel right now. He’s confused, genuinely not understanding why Ink, or anyone, would do something so nice for him, so out of the way.
Ink looks back at Error, clearly nervous. "So….do you like them…?"
“...ThAy’Re…PrEttY..”
Ink lights up at that and gains a bit more confidence. "Does that mean you'll accept them?!" Ink gets a small, hesitant nod in response, Error really just unsure how else to respond. Ink jumps up with a cheer.
"Come on- pick one to try on. I want to make sure they fit properly." Feeling a little overwhelmed, Error slowly grabs the closest one, taking off his old torn up clothes to try on the new ones.
His first pick ended up being the dress Ink just finished. A dark red dress with blue echo flower borders on the sleeves and bottom of the dress. The glitch is actually surprised by how soft the fabric is, usually any random outfit irritates his bones and makes his glitches act up, but this…feels nice.
"I made it out of Muffets silk she makes from her webs. There's one that sells fabric instead of sweets in morale I believe? How does it feel?"
“..SoFT..AnD COmF-fy.” Eros does a little twirl and the dress fans out a little. He likes that it's not poofy or anything. Just a nice little knee length dress.
Ink smiles at that. "Glad I picked the right materials then. You look just as amazing in that dress as I imagined as well!"
Instead of trying to argue, Error shrugs. He does like the dress…he can’t say he thinks he looks nearly as good as the actual clothes.
"Want to try on a few more…? All of these outfits are yours now." Ink says, gesturing to all the outfits around them. Error looks around at all the clothes and thinks for a moment. He…he has time to play around for a little bit. That fact alone blows Error’s mind. He can finally just…relax a little….Without fate to stop him…he can rest forever. Finally.
"Error…? You okay? You seem like you're mind's been blown or something-"
“H-hUm..? Oh…SOr-rRy..”
"Why are you sorry??? You've done nothing wrong." Error shrugs.
“H-hAbIt-t..”
"I don't understand… but okay! Let's try on more clothes!" Nodding in agreement, Error tries on the different clothes, putting on a little fashion show for Ink.
Ink absolutely loves it, clapping and cheering at every outfit Error tried on.
Chapter 53: Geno Dies
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Geno- Error’s big brother- dies. But his determination lets him do something that people thought only humans can do: persist after death.
Chapter Text
Geno stares sadly down at his little brother, gently stroking over the other's skull with his cold hands. Error hasn’t slept in days, but he finally passed out from exhaustion alone….Fresh has been calling, just as worried as he is, but…
He knew that his brothers would struggle with his death, but he also knew that Fresh would be able to lean on his support system, his outgoing personality earning him many friends over the years.
Error… didn’t have that. His oldest little brother has always been antisocial, never quite sure how to approach or talk to people, and preferred the quiet and safety of home. Geno didn’t really know how to help either. He’s not exactly a people person, never has been. Maybe some of that rubbed off on Error…
His brother seemed to be doing okay for a little while…before Geno got sick again….Well…started to show signs of being sick. In truth he hasn’t been in good health since he was a skelly…He had never said anything. Having his little brothers worrying about him all the time wouldn’t have done them any good...especially when there was nothing that could be done to fix his condition.
Geno knew and accepted his fate a very long time ago. He knew his death was approaching. That he would never be able to be a mom like he always wanted. That he wouldn’t get to see his brothers grow to their full potential….That he wouldn’t fall in love, but he had come to terms with it at a young age.
Error and Fresh were his future. They are what he gave his life for. To give them a safe and comfortable environment to grow up in where they can find themselves. Safe….that’s all he wanted. To make sure his little brothers were safe and happy…No matter the cost.
He…couldn’t stand the look on their faces when he told them in the hospital…what had been going on. He didn’t want them to blame themselves. Fresh seems to have… mostly understood- but he had been only a babybones at the time, he didn’t remember the incident.
Error did- though only vaguely- as he was a skully… and he clearly blamed himself. Geno tried to console him, but he didn’t have the energy. His body was too weak…and he’s pretty sure that only made it worse. Geno couldn’t leave his little brother like that. He couldn’t let Error be alone, couldn’t leave him….So he didn’t.
Geno isn’t sure how to explain it. One second he was struggling to breath in the hospital bed and the next…he was standing beside Error and feeling…alright. Cold and everything felt less vivid, but he was still there.
Except… Error was crying over his dust-filled bed, Fresh standing behind him with blank glasses. He.. had died. For a long moment all he could do was stare at his own dust, some of it looking more like a puddle in places. He was really dead. His life was over…his body had finally given out on him after all this time.
Geno didn’t bother mourning his own death. He didn’t feel bad, sure there were things he wishes he could have done. He wishes he could have stayed….but he couldn’t…at least…his body couldn’t. That little shard of a soul could only hold his magic together for so long..What had really hurt though, was hearing Error cry.
His little brother had been sitting next to the bed, desperately clenching the empty sheets with one hand as the other was clamped over his mouth, clearly trying to muffle the heart-wrenching sobs that forced their way out of him. Geno hates that sound. It makes his soul ache just thinking about the pure grief coming from his precious little brother…Fresh’s unnatural silence really wasn’t any better.
Geno had instinctively reached out to console the sobbing glitch but his whole…spirit? Shook uncomfortably as his hand phased through the other, an odd chill rushing up his spine. Error hadn’t reacted beyond his already harsh glitching worsening to the point where he had been worried he would crash.
Ever since his death….Error has been holed up in his house, only having last left for Geno’s funeral where a small portion of his dust was sprinkled over Fresh and Error’s heads. The rest was separated equally between them in small decorative jars.
After the funeral, Error had set his dust on his nightstand, and practically glued himself to his computer- hardly eating or sleeping. Geno was worried to say the least and honestly he still is. For the first two weeks Error didn’t react to him at all and…he really couldn’t tell if his little brother could see or hear him…that was until he broke down.
His brother has never been good at processing his emotions, bottling them up and acting like the problem isn’t there and hoping it will just go away. He’s pretty sure it’s partially because of him. He was always working and busy with something when Error was a skully and the little glitch never wanted to bother him no matter how many times he told him it was okay.
That’s why Error started lashing out as a skelly, at least Geno thinks so. Now as a ghost of sorts he would talk to Error not thinking he was really being heard. He would voice his thoughts, telling Error the time and that he should eat, or sleep, or call Fresh, take a walk, or just…contemplate things. Sometimes when he was talking about the past, Error would stop typing and stare blankly…
But he never reacted beyond that- even if it occasionally seemed like the glitch was purposefully avoiding looking at him. It was only when he somehow managed to gently touch Error’s shoulder that his brother finally broke and just like when he died, he hated every second of it.
Error thought he was a hallucination- had thought he was just another one of the ‘voices’ he apparently occasionally heard- and through his heartbreaking tears, he had begged for him to go away- for his mind to stop torturing him with something he thought wasn’t real. He had desperately chanted apologies, glitching and crying so hard that his words were almost impossible to understand.
Geno had started to cry as well…he didn’t mean to cause his little brother even more pain so for a while he…well he’s not sure what happened. It was kind of like…..like he was dreaming, drifting from one memory to another and acting it out as if it was real. In his head though, he knew he was still dead, that it wasn’t real.
He has no idea how long he was there. It could have been an hour or days, there was no way to tell, not until he suddenly found himself back in Error’s bedroom, his little brother half on the bed and half on the floor out cold. Geno, ever the attentive older brother, lifted him back into bed properly, dressed him in pajamas and tucked him in with a small kiss on the forehead.
Which brings him back to where he is now, gently stroking the exhausted skeleton's sleeping skull. It’s been several hours since he first found Error, but he still shows no sign of stirring. He’s glad- the glitch clearly needs the rest. Taking a deep breath, Geno kisses Error’s skull one more time before getting up, phasing through the door and into the rest of the apartment.
Yup…just as he suspected. The whole apartment is a mess…The least he can do is clean up while he can still touch things, honestly he’s not sure how long it will last. Thankfully, Error, ever a creature of habit, hasn’t moved where anything is supposed to go, making it easy for him to straighten up.
Now with everything put away Geno decides to push his interaction with real things to start sweeping, wiping the kitchen counters, and taking out the cleaning supplies for basic cleanliness he had actually given to Error as a housewarming gift.
The familiar movements of cleaning are.. soothing, in a way, making him feel a bit more alive- though that may just be the fact that he can touch things now. He can almost forget how faint the feeling of the rag in his hand is or how he constantly feels a bit chilly yet not cold, like the air is moving through him…it probably is.
Falling into the familiar rhythm is easy and he has the apartment nearly completely spotless! Save for Error’s bedroom of course, he doesn’t want to risk waking his little brother up just yet. He’s…not sure what he’s going to do when Error wakes up. He doesn’t want to make Error upset with his presence again, but…he doesn’t want to just leave. There’s no telling what could happen if he goes drifting again!
For all he knows, he wouldn’t come back again- and he’d forever be stuck in his memories. Geno can’t let that happen. No matter what he can’t leave Error alone without knowing he’s safe and happy. He’s DETERMINED to stay and that’s exactly what he’ll do.
He’s pulled out of his thoughts by a thump coming from Error’s room, followed by faint cursing. His little brother finally tumbled out of bed…he was hoping he would have time to try making breakfast. Something that doesn’t require him to use the stove. Geno wouldn’t want to be unable to turn it off and end up burning the apartment down-
Error stumbles out of his bedroom with a yawn, eyelights fuzzy and unfocused with sleep and Geno can’t help but find it cute. His little brothers are both absolutely adorable. He stays perfectly still, not sure if he wants the glitch to notice him or not.
The glitch’s gaze lazily travels over his now clean apartment, confusion growing on his face, before his eyelights land on Geno and he freezes, sockets widening as he glitches slightly.
“.....GeNo…?”
“Please don’t freak out again, Bubbu, I’m just cleaning I swear-!” Geno drops the rag, panicking just a little. “I can’t just let you live in a mess, though my ability to clean does have it’s limits- I can’t exactly take out the trash so your going to have to do that yourself-”
“BUt… bUt yoU’rE DeaD..?” Error says a touch helplessly, looking around again. “Am I DreAMinG aGaIN…?”
“Uhh no- No you’re not dreaming and yes…I am dead. Which is weird to say out loud. Very morbid, but it is what it is. There’s no point dwelling on it…Anyway..I knew you would need me and when I died I just…never left. I didn’t know you could see me and at first I couldn’t touch anything…that is until I touched your shoulder and you broke down from a panic attack and told me to…s-stop torturing you.”
“Th-tHaT…” His little brother falters, looking down as he picks at his practically mangled phalanges- a bad habit he had picked up again after Geno’s death. “You… yoU’rE REaL….?”
His voice sounds so small- so fragile- like he’s on the verge of shattering, a desperate hope and despair in his voice that just breaks Geno’s heart. He takes a step forward and tentatively reaches out to grasp Error’s seemingly delicate hands, making him breathe in sharply, glitching as his sockets go impossibly wide.
“Yeah, I’m real, Bubbu…I’m always here for you, forever and ever.”
“G-geNo-” Error’s voice breaks and his expression crumples, tears beginning to stream from his sockets as he desperately reaches out to him. Without an ounce of hesitation, Geno closes the distance and hugs his little brother tightly, nuzzling the side of his skull.
Error clings to him, burying his face in his big brother’s shoulder as he cries, before his legs give out under him and he sinks down to the floor, pulling Geno with him. The spirit's soul aches for his brother and all he wants to do is comfort him. He doesn’t even have to think about it as he starts to purr comfortingly, the same thing he’s always done when his brothers were distressed, and slowly rubs Error’s back.
“I’m here, Bubbu. I’m right here, I’ll always be right here. I could never leave you alone…”
“I- I’m So-oRrY- I’m S-sO SOr-rrY-” Error cries, clinging tighter to him.
“You didn’t do anything wrong, Bubbu- I-it’s okay!” Geno isn’t sure what exactly his brother is apologizing for, nothing about this is his fault…but he knows Error doesn’t see it that way.
“I i-IGnoRED you-U AnD M-mADe yoU Go a-aWAy aNd- aND-” The glitch cuts himself off with a hard sob, just shaking his head and trying to press closer. Geno nuzzles the side of his skull again, curling further against his brother.
“Shhh…it’s okay. I’m not upset, Bubbu I understand. It was a shock to you I know..It’s okay, I forgive you.” Error just continues to cry into Geno’s shoulder, and he’s glad that at least this time, he is able to hold and comfort his little brother like he’s been wanting. He can’t express just how good it feels to hold his little brother again, his precious little Error Bubbu. No words will ever be able to express how much he loves his brothers.
Eventually, Error manages to calm down, sobs quieting to small sniffles as he nuzzles against Geno, just soaking in his presence. His older brother feels cold to the touch, so unlike how warm he used to feel…but his magic still sparks slightly against his in a familiar manner. This is definitely Geno.
“...I missed you, Bubbu. I’m sorry I upset you at first.” The glitch shakes his head, pulling back just enough to look at Geno.
“I-iT’s noT YOur fAUlt.” He mumbles, reaching up to scrub away his tears. “I C-cOuLd ONly hEaR Y-yoUr vOIce aT firST, teLlinG Me I shOUld tAke caRE of MysELf A-aNd taLKing ABouT THe paSt…”
“Talking was really the only thing I could do for a while…I’m still sorry for upsetting you. I know it’s been hard and I knew it would be especially hard for you…That’s why I stayed. You still need me.” Geno headbutts Error lightly, letting go of his brothers hands to gently hold his cheeks instead, stroking them with his thumbs. “I always told you I would always be here if you needed me, remember?”
“I sH-sHoULdn’T..” Error mutters, even as he almost desperately nuzzles into his brother’s hands. “YoU SHouLdn’t h-hAVe to StaY ‘CaUSe oF Me- Y-yoU DesERve To M-moVe oN- To- to ReST-”
“I don’t have to do anything, Bubbu.” Geno tells him firmly. “I want to be here with you. You are Fresh are my whole world, you know that right? I won’t leave until I know you are safe and happy with people who love you almost as much as I do~ Of course no one could love you more than your big brother~”
Error lets out a watery sounding chuckle, nodding weakly. “O-oF CouRSe… I lovE YOu t-tOo.”
“I’m…really happy I can still hold you like this…I think it would have driven me mad to have you right there but not be able to comfort you.”
“‘M sorRy..” Error mutters, his brother quickly kissing his nasal bridge.
“Don’t be. None of this is your fault. My death is not your fault and me staying here is not your fault. I want to be here with you, Bubbu.”
“...OKaY..” The glitch mumbles after a long moment, Geno headbutting him again.
"Thank you. Now, have you eaten yet today?"
“....” Tellingly, Error stays silent, looking away and Geno can't help but sigh in disapproval.
"Bubbu, eating is kind of important."
“I kNoW…” Error shrinks in on himself, the faintest of whines in his voice. His big brother nuzzles him before standing up, or at least trying to- Error instinctively clings to him when he moves away, reluctantly letting him go after a moment and getting up himself.
"How about we go get you something to eat? What time is it? You look like you need some sun and fresh air."
“I dUnNo I JusT WoKe uP-”
"I know. You passed out half way onto your bed in your day clothes. I changed you and tucked you in hours ago." Geno grabs and holds Error’s hand as he walks into the small kitchen, searching the fridge and pantry. "You don't have anything that will make a decent meal so we'll go out to eat. You've still been working, right?"
“MhM.. I gOt a BiT AHeaD.” ‘to avoid thinking about you.’ He mentally finishes, Geno squeezing his hand.
"So you're still getting paid well enough? You've been remembering to pay your bills right? Because we'll need to get some groceries after food depending on how late it is and the last thing you need is to be behind-"
“I seT Up aUTo paY For ThOSe iT’s fINe-” Error mutters, his brother's spirit petting against his side.
"Do you have a spreadsheet with all your costs and expenses? You need to keep track of your money, Bubbu. Remember what I taught you."
“YeS GeNo- I stiLL haVE tWo huNDreD BucKS seT AsidE FoR THis MOntH. I aLWaYs dO My fINaNCinG At thE BegINninG Of thE MOntH JuST LiKe yoU TOld mE To ANd eXtrA FoOD moNeY EitHEr gETs cArriED OVer Or puT In saVINgS.” Error replies dutifully. It’s probably the most he’s said at once since Geno died. His brother smiles proudly at him, giving the slightly taller glitch a hug.
"Very good~ I'm so proud of you, Bubbu~" Error relaxes into the hug with a small sigh, giving Geno a little smile. "Hmm…I do wish you would take better care of yourself though…You’re my precious little brother and I want you to be properly cared for."
“I tAKe cARe oF MysELf finE-” Error protests, getting a scowl from Geno.
"You haven't eaten all day- whatever time it is and your pretty black bones look pale."
“...I’m FiNe..” The younger glitch grumbles, refusing to make eye contact. There's a small moment of silence, before a hand slowly slides up to cup the glitch’s cheek.
"There is a card I could play right now, but I'm not going to. I'm just going to say you are a horrible liar and we both know it. You've been depressed since I died and can't get yourself to do basic things, like brush your teeth, or shower, or feed yourself…it all feels so unnaturally tiring doesn't it?" Error breathes in shakily, pressing into Geno’s touch as he continues to look away, before he nods minutely. The movement is so small that Geno feels it more than sees it. "Yeah…I know it's hard to get out of a funk like that…especially when someone's missing…someone that's always been there…"
"It's like having a hole in your soul, a black hole that hurts and it's numb at the same time and sucks the life out of you, some days faster than others…but you don't have to deal with this feeling alone, Bubbu. I'm here for you and so is Fresh. You're going to be okay…"
“...I m-MisS yoU….” Error practically whispers, voice breaking as he aggressively blinks back tears. Geno smiles so softly back at his little brother, his eyelights wide and fond.
"I know….I…I miss you too…I wish I could have stayed longer, Bubbu."
“I w-wISh I C-coULD’vE HeLpeD MOre…” Error’s breath hitches as a couple of tears escape his sockets despite his best efforts. He's already cried so much today- Geno shakes his skull slowly.
"No, Bubbu….I wanted you to have a normal childhood. I wanted you to relax and do good in school and find yourself as you grew up. You were just a kid-"
“BuT- bUT I cOUld’vE doNe soMetHIng -”
"Bubbu." Geno grabs his other cheek and makes Error look at him gently. "Do not go down that road. If you are always stuck on 'I could have done this' or 'I could have done that' then you will never be here in the present. We did everything we could and should have done. You did everything I wanted you to do. My condition was going to kill me, I knew that for a very long time, and I wanted to use and dedicate every second of my life to you and Fresh so that's exactly what I did."
Error hiccups, closing his sockets as he struggles to keep himself from crying. “..O-oKaY…”
"I have never regretted saving you two, you know that right? The days I worked overtime, dropping out of school, making dinner, helping you through your moody years. I have never regretted a single second of it, because I got to spend it with you~"
“EvEN WhEN I Was bEinG A BraT?” Error weakly jokes, Geno nuzzling their foreheads together.
"Even when you were being a brat and wouldn't let me love on you." The younger glitch laughs a bit, though it’s a sad sound, nuzzling his big brother back. "...I do have to ask you something though. I'm not sure how long I was uhm….gone for?"
“Hm-? Oh- …A cOUple Of dAYs, I ThINk.”
"Oh thank the stars" Geno sighs in relief. "There was no way for myself to tell if days or years passed by when I was drifting…"
“DriFTinG?” Error questions, confused and concerned. Geno strokes his cheeks as he leads his not so little brother over to the couch where they sit down, cuddling close.
"That's what I've been calling it. When I was not here….it was uhm….like I was dreaming? But drifting from one memory to the next? Like relieving parts of my life. I knew it wasn't real, I knew I was dead, but I played along anyway. And…well I was worried I wouldn't be able to come back." The younger glitch frowns, growing worried.
“...Are YoU OKay..?”
"Yes, I'm fine. The only really bad memory was…well I'm sure you can take a guess. A few others were sad, but a lot of them were happy. I'm just happy I ended up back here again."
“Me tOo… EveN AFteR I.. tOlD YOu to Go aWAy, aNd thOugHT you wERe a FIgmENt oF mY ImaGINaTIon.. I miSseD YOu.” Geno smiles and headbutts his little brother again.
"I missed you too. My adorable Bubbu~ Now you really do need to eat…maybe instead of going out, you can order something? I don't want to push you too much."
“I’d- I’d LiKE thAt, yEaH… ThE CLosESt rEsTURanT Is a bIT of A WaLk aND.. I’m sTill TirEd..” Error admits. Geno nods in understanding.
"That's okay, Bubbu. We can cuddle after you order whatever you want and wait until the food arrives. Anything you don't eat can be saved for later, so don't push yourself."
“ALrigHt.. I cAN dO THaT.” He agrees, grabbing his phone from his inventory to order food. Geno nuzzles into his side with a soothing purr, helping him relax as he's pushed to lay down, making him snort a bit.
It doesn’t take long for Error to finish the order, setting his phone aside to cuddle with his big brother, who very happily holds him close. "Hmmm..~ You have no idea how much I love cuddling you, Bubbu…Remember when you would have nightmares and come running to my room at night for comfort~?"
“YeAh So wHaT-” Error half grumbles, blushing a bit. Geno giggles, nuzzling the top of his little brother's skull.
"It was sooo cute~ I didn't like that you were upset but my soul just warmes remembering that you thought of me as your safe place~ That you came to me instead of hiding~ I couldn't have been happier~"
“WeLL Of cOurSE yoU’rE My sAFe pLacE-” Error mutters like it’s obvious, hiding his face against Geno as his big brother chuckles.
"I'm happy to be your safe place, Bubbu~ For however long you need me to be."
“ThANks.“ Error murmurs, “...I loVe YOu.”
"I love you too, Bubbu. Forever and ever~" The younger hums happily, relaxing and closing his sockets until the doorbell rings. Geno huffs a little, but let's go before moving to sit up, waiting for Error to follow suit, and they both head to the front door, Error answering it.
"Hello Sir! I Have Your- Wait ERROR!?" A tall skeleton stands in the doorway, a familiar blue bandana wrapped around their neck- Error freezing and glitching in shock at the sight.
“..BLuE-???” The small skeleton practically lights up as Geno looks between them in confusion.
"Oh Wow Hi-! I Haven't Seen You In Forever!"
“D-daNG yEaH- It’S BeEN WhAt- eIGht YeARs-?” Error questions, stumbling over his words slightly. Blue of course doesn't seem phased, a bright smile on his face.
"Mhm! Since High School And That First Year Of College Before You Changed Courses. It's Funny I Ran Into You Doing This Of All Things!"
“YeAh- uM- HoW’vE YOu bEeN?” Error fights the urge to fidget, feeling incredibly awkward.
"Eh, Could Be Better For Sure, But Nothing The Amazing Blue Can't Handle! I've Been Working A Few Extra Jobs To Eventually Help Get My Brother Out Of A Hole He Dug For Himself. I'm Sure You Remember Stretch!"
“He’S YOur… YoUNgeR BroTHer? RigHT?” Blue nods, before holding out Error’s food.
"Correct! Though Recently He’s Been Acting Like I'm The Younger Brother That Needs Protecting. It's Very…..Frustrating. Enough About Me Though, Are You Alright? You Seem Like You Could Use A Nap….And Some Sunlight-" Error looks away sheepishly, holding back a small sigh and firmly ignoring Geno’s look as he takes the food.
“THaT BaD, hUH?” Blue looks away sheepishly, much like Error had before.
"Sorry…On The Bright Side Though-" Blue pulls out a notepad and a pen, scribbling something down, before handing it to him. "Here's My New Number! I KnOw It Can Be Hard For You To Talk To New People And A Familiar Face Is Nice Once In A While. So If You Ever Just Don't Want To Be Alone, Call Me!"
“..ThANks- aNd It’S ALriGht.” Error shifts in place for a moment, debating. “...ReMEmbEr GEno?”
"Your Older Brother? Yeah I Remember Him! You Talked About Him A Lot In Your Grumpy Voice." Blue giggles and Geno watches on silently, nuzzling his brother's shoulder as the glitch smiles weakly.
“YeAh… He.. He dUSteD, a CoUPLe WeEKs aGo…. WhICh iS WhY I lOoK LiKe shiT.” He quietly admits, really hoping he isn’t being too personal. The other monster's smile immediately drops and his brows furrow in worry.
"OH MY STARS-! I'm So Sorry, Error! That Must Be A Lot…Do You Need Anyone To Talk To Or Anything To Help?"
“I’m… I’ll Be ALrigHt.. BuT Uh- I’lL ShOoT YOu a TeXt, ‘KaY? YoU- YOu pRoBaBLy nEeD To gET BaCk to WoRk…”
"...Yeah Okay. Take Care Of Yourself Error, You'll Be Okay." Blue offers him a reassuring smile, before stepping back from the door with a wave. "Bye, Error! Stay Safe!"
“YoU TOo- hAVe a GoOD daY.” Error gives him another small smile, waving back at Blue before closing his door, leaning his forehead against it with a sigh.
"You didn't tell me about him in high-school. He seems really sweet." Geno nuzzles the side of his skull.
“..We MoSTLy juST hUNg ouT DUrINg luNcH aNd sOMetimES cLAsSEs wE ShAReD- bUt hE WaS PreTtY PopULaR ANd haD A loT OF frIEnDs wHO woULd puLL HiM AWaY. I’m hONeSTly suRPrisEd hE ReMEmberS Me.” Error mumbles, turning to nuzzle Geno back before pushing off the door and heading to the kitchen to eat. “I dUnnO If yoU CaN EAt oR NOt bUt I GoT YOu sOMe foOd Too.”
"Oh- I don't know either. It would be odd if I could. I haven't felt hungry at all….Blue seems to care about you if he remembers you. Especially if he was around a lot of people in high-school. That or you made a good impression."
“...MaYBe. I waS HonEStLy a BiT Of An aSs tO Him..” The glitch mutters with a shrug, setting the paper with Blue’s number to the side as he pulls out his fries and chicken nuggets, offering Geno a burger and fries of his own.
His brother takes the offered food with a smile and thank you, before popping a fry into his mouth. "Oh wow- I can eat! I'm starting to wonder if I'm even dead-"
“I dOn’T ThiNK BLuE COuld SeE YOu-” Error points out, pushing himself onto the counter to sit on it before starting to eat.
"Yes I don't think he could either, but I can touch, feel, and eat things so…well besides feeling cold and everything being a bit muted I feel fine. Better than I have in a long time even."
“I’m gLaD…. I dIDn’t liKe sEeINg YOu iN paIN..” Geno frowns a little, leaning against the counter to place a hand on Error’s.
"...I didn't ever want you to see me that way. I'm sorry."
“DoN’t bE- YOu- yoU COuLdn’T ConTRol It-” Error mutters, flipping his hand over to give Geno’s a squeeze. His big brother smiles a little and squeezes back as he eats another fry.
"I know, but…I never wanted you to have to worry about me. Seeing me so…weak must have been a shock."
“..A bIT.” He admits, Geno rubbing his hand gently.
"...Did uhm….did you think anything was wrong before..?"
“I sUSPecTEd- BuT I ThOugHt mAYbE yoU WeRE JusT- tirED fRoM WorKinG SO haRD, oR SoMEThiNG..”
"...Partially, yes. I had pushed myself to my limit.."
“AnD YeT You aLWaYS NaG Me ABouT SeLF caRe aND NoT PUsHinG MyseLF toO MucH-” Error complains, Geno giving him a scolding look.
"You don't have a skully and babybones to raise so don't go comparing our situations-"
“I neVEr sAId I WaS-”
"You know what I mean. I did what I had to do to keep you safe and healthy. Now you just need to keep yourself safe and healthy, preferably without my assistance- Not that I mind. If I could I would baby you forever~"
“YeAh YEaH-” Error mumbles, deciding to go back to eating. Geno takes a bite of his burger and nuzzles into his brother's side.
“Oh come on admit it. You love it when I baby you~”
“NuUuu-” The younger glitch whines, even as he leans back against Geno.
“Yeeess~ You love it~ You still purr and practically melt like puddy in my hands~ The most adorable little glitchy brother ever~”
“NuUU shUDDuPpp-” Error keeps whining, earning himself a nuzzle.
“Nevveerrrrr~ My brothers are the cutest eveerrrrr~” The younger brother just whines louder, pushing Geno’s face away as his face turns yellow. “Aww~ Look how cute my Bubbu is~ So flustered Hehehe~”
Geno pulls away to eat his food, bearelly giving Error a break from his coddling, much to the colorful glitch’s relief as he goes back to his chicken nuggets.
Chapter 54: Ghostssss
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error buys a new house for cheap, but it seems there’s already a few residents…
Fair warning this is a touch all over the place- and angsty- and Error tries to use witchcraft/some pagan practices to help the ghosts that live in his house, while also having no idea what he’s doing so some of the things he’s doing aren’t completely accurate, but he’s doing his best.
Mild Error x Killer and Killer x Cross
Chapter Text
A sick monster who collapsed while crying in front of the west bedroom window. The locals tell stories of how one of the old housekeepers quit after hearing someone crying from that very same room, another said they would hear singing echoing through the long halls of Hill House.
They told him the place was haunted, but he didn’t believe them…not at first, when he had just moved in, tasked with keeping up the place after his great uncle's passing…his fathers old friend.
Now though as he quietly walks through the halls, careful of the creaking floorboard beneath his feet. He can hear it, the soft humming of a sad tune, radiating heartbreak. And unlike in the past, where people had run away in fear, Error moves closer, wishing desperately to comfort the one able to sing such a mournful song.
They sound so lonely and sad…It’s depressing and he can’t help but reach out, slowly opening the bedroom door at the end of the hall. The moonlight filters into the room through the far large window and despite no shadow being cast, someone is standing there, looking outside into the courtyard.
They’re short, a petite little body in a dark red nightgown. Most surprising though..is that they’re a skeleton monster. Like the stories.
“..HeLlo?” Error asks quietly, gently, almost afraid of scaring them off. Their humming comes to a sudden stop and there’s a long silent pause before the specter turns to look at him. Empty black sockets bore into Error’s body as thick black tears leak from said sockets, the marks seemingly staining their face and the front of their nightgown. Eternally they cry as the morphed monster soul shaped soul in front of their ribcage flickers, like a glitching screen or a flame nearly blown out by a gust of wind.
“....Who are you..?”
“I’m ERroR.. ArE YOu OKaY…?” They looked like they might blow away with the slightest breeze. So small and fragile, they smile sadly at him.
“What kind of question is t-that..?” Their hands grip at the sides of their gown as the black tears roll down in large drops, a small suppressed sob making their little body shake.
“I sUpPOse ThAT is a Bit oF A DuMb quEStion-” Error agrees as he hesitantly moves closer, wanting to reach out and bundle them into his arms, to protect them from whatever has broken their heart. The spector doesn’t shy away from him, grinning shakily through their tears as they desperately try to choke back more sobs.
“I-I’m….s-so pathetic…”
“HeY Don’T SAy thAt You’RE ALlowEd To be UpSEt-” Error scolds, ignoring how hypocritical those words are coming from him, and this time he doesn’t hesitate to reach out to try wiping away their tears. The thick black liquid smears between his phalanges and the small skeleton in front of him lightly shakes their head, leaning into the touch.
“W-why….Why did I-I ever think he would love someone l-like me..? I’m s-so so stupid-!”
“H-heY It’s OKaY-” The glitch fumbles a bit, abruptly realizing he is incredibly out of his depth. “WoULd yoU LiKe tO raNt oR- uH- a Hug-?”
The small skeleton sniffles for a moment, before suddenly clinging to him, nuzzling their skull into his collarbone as they sob loudly. Error glitches for a moment in surprise, before wrapping his arms around them, purring soothingly as he rubs circles into their back. The little skeleton is so cold against him as they grip onto his jacket, yet he can just barely feel their touch, their cries echoing through the room.
“I-I miss h-him…”
“WhO?” Error asks, before internally cringing. He doesn’t even know this skeleton- ghost?
“My s-soldier boy…” Their voice echoes softly and as he looks down to question further, the small spector is…gone, their cold touch lingering on his bones. Error clenches his hands into fists, dropping his arms from where they were hugging air, feeling terrible. He should’ve just stayed quiet.
The room warms up just before he leaves, glancing out where the ghost had been gazing down to the large weeping willow tree. It’s strangely fitting. At the base of the big window, a ction rests on the window sill, stained with black droplets. The bed on the far side of the room is covered with a white sheet, an old IV pole standing beside as a bag of red liquid still hangs from its arching arms. No doubt it has been there, untouched for many many years.
…He’s not sure he should touch it himself, just yet, and as he turns away, wrapping his arms around himself, he’s struck by just how lonely it feels.. He makes sure to leave the door ajar as he walks out of the room, a silent invitation to the spirit within.
Erros doesn’t see them again, not until a few days later where some sounds are coming from the large manors kitchen. It sounds much happier than the mournful song from before.
“H-hey you know I can’t cook! It’s a curse I tell ye~!” Their voice is followed by carefree giggles and Error peaks in to find them dancing around the kitchen island, something that looks like flour now covering their front and being left on the ground in fading footprints.
Although the glitch is glad they at least seem happier than before, he can’t help but feel a touch saddened. The way they move clearly implies there’s supposed to be another person. They sway, hold arms that aren’t there before spinning around to face their invisible dance partner. The small skeleton smiles with closed sockets before opening them again to reach up and….they suddenly freeze, stumbling forward as the nothing they had been leaning against finally dawns on them and they slowly drop their arms back to their sides.
Unsure if he should interfere this time, Error hesitantly walks in, staying quiet for a moment.
“...You know…sometimes it’s really easy to get lost in it. Just…drifting.” They tell him quietly.
“YeAh?” Error takes it as a signal to move closer. “It… seEmeD LiKe a nICe mEMorY.”
The specter nods sullenly, thair arms slowly coming up to hug themselves. “My soldier boy always knew how to make me smile, in his own awkward kind of way…He’s just a big handsome himbo~”
“He SouNDs niCe… Do yOU.. WaNT AnoTHer huG?” Error offers uncertainly as the smaller finally turns to look at him. The black tears are back, but they’re slower, moving more like a thick syrup down the others cheeks as their oddly shaped soul flickers. With a small chuckle, they grin at him.
“You’re an odd one, ya know that? Offern’ dead people hugs.” Despite their words, the spector steps closer, and Error just opens his arms in invitation.
“NaH- juST yoU. BesIDes, yoU SeEm.. SAd, aNd HuGS usUAlly maKE me FeEl beTteR, sO-” And, admittedly, Error missed said hugs he used to get.
“Pfft- Well uh..” They slowly step closer until they’re gently nuzzling into Error’s collarbone again, closing their sockets. “...thanks.”
“It’S Not A ProBLeM.” Error reassures, giving them a gentle squeeze. They’re still cold to the touch, but he can feel their soul pulsing slowly against his ribcage between them. It’s oddly relaxing.
“Hmm…I’m Killer by the way.”
“It’S NicE To mEeT YOu, KiLler.”
“You too…Error? Right? Sorry drifting makes it a bit hard ta remember new stuff.”
“MhM! DoN’t woRrY, I’ll rEminD You aS MucH As yoU NeEd.” Error says, happy Killer had remembered anyway. The small skeleton laughs lightly, before leaning up a bit to headbutt him.
“Thank you. I haven’t just talked to someone in a really long time…I used ta talk a lot believe it or not-”
“Oh YeAH? I thINk I coULd seE It. FeEL freE tO CoMe taLK to mE wHeNEveR.”
“Really? It won’t bother ya?” Killer asks, excited, and Error just shrugs with a small smile.
“NaH- It’s tOo qUIeT Here, iN My oPinION. I woULdn’T MiND sOmeOnE To tAlk tO oR LisTEn tO.” The small skeleton smiles up at him, wiggling a little in place.
“Hehe~ Ya might want ta be careful what ya say, I’m not the only spirit in this house.”
“ReALly-? THeRE’s moRe-??” Error questions, looking around as if he might see someone else.
“Yeah, there’s a skully that hangs out in the gardens out back around a little statue and something else that stalks the east wing on dark cloudy nights- I wouldn’t recommend lookin’ for it. In fact you should stay far away from it. There’s a big skeleton in the hidden cellar too. He’s nice.”
“ThErE’s a hiDdEN cELlaR-? WaIT whY CaN’t I SeE thE thINg iN THe eASt wINg-?” Killer gives him a look, slowly shaking their head.
“It’s not very friendly. If you give it a chance, it will hurt you.”
“Hm. ALrIGht.” Error mutters, frowning as Killer rests his skull on the glitch’s shoulder.
“So- what room ya got? Do ya live here now? Or are ya another housekeeper?”
“I- I liVe hERe noW, iN ThE RoOM.. wiTh A ViEW oF thE GaRDen anD ALl thE BoOks, If ThAT’s uH- oKaY? You- aLL oF yoU- WeRE hErE FirSt sO-”
“Aw don’t worry we’re dead so it’s not like we can live here. Like me the kid and big guy in the cellar drift in and out of the present so we’re not even here most of the time. It’s really weird cause…I don’t really feel dead, if that makes any sense. It’s….kind of like that feeling when you’re dreaming, ya feel lighter and ya can’t feel somethings, but others ya can feel too much of. And drifting? It's like….like when you’re dreamin’ and ya take a step and you’re in a whole new place, like a memory pullin’ you away that ya just can’t ignore when it calls to you and ya just slip into it.”
Error’s frown deepens a bit, uncomfortable with the idea that they could just… drift away like that. Become lost in a past out of their control. He can’t even quite comprehend why the concept unnerved him so much.
“I think the memories I’m pulled into have something to do with my subconscious. A lot of the same ones will repeat and others I’ve only been to a handful of times. And in halls that don’t have windows…I’ll see the window in my room, looking down at the willow tree…with them kissing under it…..That was the last thing I saw…”
Killers voice sounds unfocused as the smaller seems to stare at the wall behind him, before abruptly shaking his skull and pulling away from Error to slap his cheeks. “Whoa-! Sorry I almost drifted for a sec! Phew. Ya know, ghosts are haunted more then the places we haunt. Ironic isn’t it?”
“MaYBe… maYbE YoU’re sUpPOsEd to MaKe pEace wITh It? TheRE’s a LoT Of sTOriEs oF GHosTs bEINg tiEd tO ThE MorTAl PLaNe ‘caUSe thEy haVE unFinIShED bUSinesS.” Error shrugs a bit as Killer hums quietly.
“Maybe, I don’t think I can do that though…I won’t ever be able to let go of this feeling. There’s somethin’ about dying of a broken heart that just sticks with ya…ya know? Nah, I guess ya wouldn’t. It’s…a constant ache ya can’t shake off. Suddenly you’re happy memories just end up makin’ ya more sad, cause they remind you of what ya can’t have anymore, what you lost, and how I trusted someone who….ended up choosing someone else….”
Killer shakes his skull again, blinking wide as he holds his hands behind his back. “Sorry, that’s pretty depressing, huh?”
“..A biT, yEaH, BUt iT’s aLriGht.” Error mumbles, glancing away. Killer opens his mouth to say something, but abruptly closes it and turns his head to look out into the dinning room, standing there for a moment, before he starts to walk away. “...KiLler?”
“...Hum..?” The other hums in response, never turning around as he slowly steps away.
“..YoU’re dRifTIng..” Killer nods in a daze, his brows furrowing.
“Oh….it’s this one-” In the blink of an eye the small skeleton is just gone…like last time, and Error is once again left alone. At least he knows what causes it this time- though it doesn’t do much to reassure him.
Killer isn’t leaving because he wants to, it’s completely involuntary…The idea is still disturbing, even more so now that he’s seen Killer zone out like that. Watching him slowly become unaware of the present… it’s unnerving.
~
Killer shows up again sooner than last time, appearing that very night. Error stares off into the east wing, the sun having long set behind the horizon and the clouds blocking out the moon. He didn’t mean to step forward, but Killer is the one to stop him with a grasp on his arm and a firm-
“Don’t.” Error jumps, glitching harshly in surprise.
“I- I WaSn’t-” He defends, Killer raising a single bone brow at him in speculation.
“I’m serious, Error. That part of the manor is dangerous at night, even for me.”
“I.. AlriGht…” Error reluctantly agrees, barely keeping himself from pouting as the small skeleton lets go of his arm.
“Good. Ya really don’t want ta gat tangled up with angry spirits like that…I don’t really know what it used to be, but it’s not like any monster I’ve ever seen.”
“Hm… I wOndEr If cLEnSIng riTUaLs woRK oN YoU GuYS? Or maYBe oFfeRIngS WoULd hElp sTaBLizE YoU..” He idly wonders, pausing at Killer’s questioning look. “I’vE BeEn doINg rESErCh whILe yoU WeRe goNe.”
“Ooooohhh! I’ve never thought about it before. Well I can’t do anything to fix it I mean- We can’t leave the grounds and can’t control when we drift, can’t touch things for too long either. Interacting with the real world is draining. Uhh….” The small skeleton taps his chin as he reaches out to hold Error’s hand, thinking.
“There are more spirits than the ones I mentioned last time in the kitchen, but their presence isn’t as strong, like they aren’t as connected? You’ll probably only see glimpses of them….and…there are things that…aren’t spirits.” Killer struggles to find the right words, his brow furrowing.
“ThAT aReN’t spIRitS?”
“Yeah, they're more like…..impressions. Like the world is a piece of paper and something happened or someone felt something so strongly that it left an impression on that spot in the world. That’s the best way I can describe it. Regrets, trauma, loss, depression, imprinted into a space. Like a cloud you walk into and just suddenly find yourself in the impression, feeling what that person felt and left behind and doing what they did.”
“Those impressions affect us too. Like the east wing, there’s an impression over there, a deep one. I can feel its hatred from all the way over here.”
“HuH- I miGhT HaVe tO inVEsT in moRe inCenSE.” Error mutters, turning to gently tug Killer in the opposite direction, to his room. “MaYBe cRYstaLS? ThoSe aRE suPpOSed tO HeLP toO… whAt KInD of OffErINgs dO YoU THinK yoU GUys woUld liKe?”
“Uh…I like spicy food? The guy in the cellar likes food in general, anything edible actually. I think he starved to death down there. The kid in the garden is scared of apples, but I see him with a book sometimes and I don’t know about the one in the east wing. We just avoid him.” Killer walks with him without any complaint, happy to talk and fill the silence.
“Oh! In thAT cAsE- HeRe!” Error brightens and reaches into his inventory with his free hand, pulling out a chocolate bar and holding it out to Killer. “YoUr fiRSt oFfeRINg! It’S SpiCY cHoCOlaTe- oNe oF My fAVoriTes.”
Killer excitedly snatches the treat, his empty sockets wide. “Ooo! Cross loves chocolate-! He….”
“...KiLler? S-sORry- dO YoU WanT SOmeTHiNg eLSe..?” Error hesitantly asks as Killer trails off, expression falling. The small skeleton shakes his skull and quickly unwraps the chocolate.
“N-no not it’s fine! I like chocolate too!”
“ArE- aRe YOu suRE?” Killer nods with a small huff, before shoving the chocolate in his mouth, managing to fit the whole bar, before he has to pull it out to chew, drawing a surprised snort from the glitch.
“Id’s dewishos!” Killer purrs, jumping up and down beside the glitch.
“I’m GLaD yoU LiKe iT~”
“I Wove id!” Taking another bite, Killer’s soul glows brightly as it flickers in front of his ribcage. Error hopes it’s a good thing.
“In thAt cAsE I’ll maKE suRe to StoCk uP On eXtrA.” Killer shoves the rest in his mouth with a happy purr, before snuggling up into Error’s side.
“You’re too nice to me~”
“It’S reALly noTHinG-” Error waves off, blushing a faint yellow.
“Nah, it’s everything. The few times I have seen someone after dying they just run away from me. Apparently I’m pretty creeping lookin’.”
“ReALly? I’d saY YOu loOk cuTe moRE ThaN ANytHinG.” Killer snorts, his soul flickering as a red blush dusts his cheekbones.
“Awww ya think I’m cute~?”
“WeLL yeAh-” Error pauses, blushing as he processes his own words. “Uh- I meAn-”
“Pfft- Hehehe~! Don’t worry Error I don’t mind, the compliment is nice! Besides, you’re pretty cute too~” The glitch blushes harder, ducking down to bury his face in his scarf.
“Aww~ Is the glitchy flustered~? I know I’m charming, but you flatter me~”
“I’m JuSt- I doN’t gET cOMpleMEntS muCH-” Error mutters, trying and failing to keep the whine out of his voice. Killer giggles beside him, nuzzling his skull up under Error’s arm with a happy little purr.
“Guess I’ll just have ta compliment ya more then, huh~?” This time Error just whines wordlessly in flustered embarrassment. “Hehehe~ So, watcha doin’ tonight~? Ya just goin’ ta sleep or-?”
“U-uM-” Error clears his throat, taking a second to gather himself. “Uh- I dOn’t reALLy haVe aNY PlaNs iN PaRTicULaR- mAyBE oRder SomE MOre StuFf aNd caTcH Up oN SoMe woRK.”
“Order stuff? Like what people do at a restaurant?” Killer asks, his grin skewing slightly to one side.
“KinDA, eXePt IT’s moRe liKe- objEcTs sEnT To yoUr hoUSe, iNSteAd oF foOd tO YOuR taBLe.”
“Whooaa- How do you do that? Do you send a letter or something?”
“NoT QUitE- I Do iT oN My laPToP. WaNna SeE?” Error asks as they approach his room.
“Yeah! I wanna know what a laptop is!” Killer tells him excitedly, giving the glitch a small headbutt, making him giggle as he headbutts him back.
“AlrIGht~ MaYBe we CaN FinD SomE fuN TRinKEts To GEt yoU- oR The oTHeRs-” Error offers as he leads Killer inside, letting go of his hand to grab his laptop.
“Okay!” Killer falls back onto his bed, closing his sockets and relaxing as the blankets barely even wrinkle, and after a second, Error sits next to him, opening his laptop and logging in.
“Whoa! It’s glowing!” The small skeleton sits up in excitement, leaning against Error’s side as he watches the screen with wide sockets.
“MHm- It uSeS ELecTriCITy- aND a Bit oF MaGiC tO LeT BLinD MoNSteRS sEe it- tHoUGh I doN’t KnOw thE ExAct dETaiLs oF HoW It woRKs.” Error explains.
“Wooo~ I’m blind actually, well sort of. I can’t see the way you see. I have…an extra sense I guess.”
“ReALly? ThAt’s CooL!” Killer blushes a little as he grins, resting his skull on Error’s shoulder.
“Really? Most people thought I was just a creepy kid.”
“MhM!”
“You’re sweet, how do you not have a datemate again~?” Killer teases, Error’s blush making a comeback.
“I- sHuT Up-”
“Hmmm….nope! I don’t think I will~ I’ll have you know I am very flirtatious~”
“LoOk a DisTRaCTiOn-” Error proceeds to shove the laptop in Killer’s face, where it has a bunch of different crystals displayed on it. The spirit giggles and grin wide at him, but drops the subject, Error sighing in relief.
“Oooo~ Pretty rocks~ I like the one in the middle!”
“ThE MidDLe? ThaT Is a PReTty oNe.” Error agrees, putting it in the cart.
“I like the shape. It’s hard ta tell the details on this uh…labtop. Like….like when I see rocks I can tell what they’re made of and stuff, but I can’t tell on this thing.” Killer snuggling up closer to Error again as he scans the screen.
“YeAh- I’LL mAkE Sure to GeT yoU SomE FUn shAPeD Ones.” Error scrolls down a bit, before pausing at a knife-shaped garnet. “LiKe thiS OnE!”
Killer gasps very excitedly, pointing to the rock on the screen. “Knife! Knife knife knife i love knives!!!”
“Oh REaLLy? I’ll mAKe sURe To geT YOu soMe thEN.” Error can’t help but laugh a bit, Killer practically vibrating beside him.
“I looovvvveeee theeemmm~!!”
“HeHehe~ Do yoU HaVE a FaVoritE KinD?”
“Nah, I’m an admirer of many types~ Long, short, detailed, simple, curved, or flat~” Killer winks, making Error roll his eyelights with a sigh, stubbornly fighting back his blush.
“Hehehe~ Adorable~”
“ShUT UuUPp-” He whines, Killer nuzzling the size of his skull.
“Take my compliments~!”
“Nu-”
“Yuuss~” The small skeleton purrs, giggling quietly behind him as he whines wordlessly, before turning to lightly flop on top of Killer. Yelping the spirit wiggles and squirms beneath the glitch as he laughs. “Eep-! Errrrooorrr-!”
“DaNG thIS beD SURe is CoMfy-”
“I ams da squished~ Ya know if ya wanted ta be on top ya should of said so~”
“Oh mY FoX-” Error deadpans, moving his laptop out of the way and rolling off of Killer as the spector cackles loudly like the little shit he is.
“Sorry n-not sorry~! HeheheHaHAHAhehe~!”
“YeAH yeAh LaUGh it Up-”
“Hehehe~ W-what are ya more of a bottom~?”
“Oh My FOx ShUt Up-! ” Error whines, lightly wacking at Killer’s face. The ghost starts to wack and bat right back, their hands slapping at each other.
“Oh wait wait I know- You’re a virgin~!”
“I haTE yoU ShUt yoUR faCe-” The glitch’s skull is bright yellow at this point and Killer suddenly jumps forward to tackle him, making him yelp in surprise, laying on the glitch this time, propping himself up on his hands beside Error’s skull.
“Yeah yeah I love ya to, Glitchy~ Hehehe~ I hope ya know you’re my best friend now~”
“Oh nO thE HoRror~” Error sarcastically replies, unable to help but smile a bit.
“Yup! You’re stuck with me forever~! Or….well at least until you leave the grounds, but otherwise you’re stuck with me~!” Killer declares dramatically, Error snorting.
“WeLL tOo baD For yoU I haTE leAVinG the HoUSe-”
“Yay! Error and Killer forever!” Killer nuzzles into his collarbone as he hugs the glitch’s ribcage, purring up a storm as his soul flickers, Error purring back quietly. It’s… nice. Killer is nice. He’s honestly relieved to not be alone in this big manor even if there is a creepy thing in the east wing.
Even if the company is dead, and there are still several occupants he has yet to meet… he finds he quite likes it.
~
Killer starts showing up much more often, only disappearing for two hours at most and showing Error a bunch or little secrets hidden throughout the manor. Apparently there’s actually a lot of secret passages and hidden rooms. When Killer was little he was never allowed to leave the manor so he would traverse the secret paths to keep himself occupied.
It’s fun, exploring all over with the small skeleton. He even showed Error where the other two ghosts tend to hang out, though neither of them were around at the time.
After a few days, the things Error had ordered finally start arriving- mostly just the incense and a couple of things to set up the small altars he’s planning on making for each ghost.
“Ooo~ You’re like a witch- A virgin witch~” Killer teases as he peaks over Error’s shoulder.
“Oh mY FoX- WeLL moST riTUaLs nEeD A VIRgIN sAcrIFicE DOn’T THeY?” The glitch shoots back, lighting a stick of incense and moving it around so the smoke encircles the small table by the entrance of the west wing- where he first met Killer.
“Sacrificing your virginity or your life~?”
“My liFe.” He deadpans, turning to wave the incense around the ghost just for the sake of it. Killer giggles, closing his sockets as his shoulders relax, before opening them again to ‘look’ at Error.
“Yeah I think I’d rather have your virginity~”
“WhO Says YOU’rE thE one GeTtinG My sAcrIFicE?” Error sniffs haughtily as he lights the tall dragonsblood candle meant to represent Killer- somehow- before setting the incense in the holder he got for it as it continues burning.
The spirit pouts, but nuzzles up against Error’s side as he purrs. “Ruuuruuuuu~”
“KiLlerRrrr~” He says back, before moving backwards a bit to get a good view of the altar. It’s fairly bare at the moment, with just the incense, candle, and a bowl for offerings- all of which are on a dark blue cloth Error had made with his strings- but he figures it’s a good start. “WhAt dO yoU THiNk?”
“Hmm..I like it~! It smells really nice and the smoking or whatever it’s called coming off of the incense has a good feeling to it- if that makes any sense.”
“Oh gOoD! ThaT MeANs it’S WorKINg- I thINk- AnD NoW, I cAN gIVe yoU My fiRst oFficiAL oFfeRing~!” From his inventory, Error pulls out a chocolate bar- the same kind as before- and… a whole bell pepper, setting them both in the bowl.
“Oooo~ Pepper! Thank you witch Error for your contribution to the dead~!” Killer bows dramatically before plucking the pepper out of the bowl and taking a bite, the glitch laughing at the action.
“I thOuGht yoU MigHT liKe iT~”
“Nom nom nom~!” Killer practically inhales the pepper, much to Error’s amusement.
“I’M goNnA Go gEt sTArteD On thE OthEr thRee aLTarS- wAnNA ComE wiTh?”
“Sure~! Wanna start in the cellar or the garden?”
“ThE CeLlar, sINce it’S On thE WaY. If thEy EVeR WaNDerEd ouT Of iT I’d PuT THeiR AltaR In thE KitCheN If tHeY Like foOd aS MucH As yoU SaY But-” Error shrugs.
“Hmmm…Maybe we can ask? They might be down there this time!” Killer skips a little ahead, walking backwards as they make their way to the dining room and Error shrugs again.
“MaY As weLl- if thEy’rE Not thERe I’ll JusT KeEp the aLTaR in tHE ceLlar.”
“‘Kay. Somebody probably needs to sweep down there. There’s a lot of spiders…I wonder if there’s any big ones.”
“KiLler KinDLy shUt uP-” Error shudders at the thought- though he knows most of the house probably has spiders inside. He’s been doing his best, but it’s pretty much impossible to keep up with just how much upkeep everything has.
“Hehehe~ Ya know, you should go into town and see if anyone’s willing to help. Ya know, get a hired hand? Your job’s pretty nice right?”
“Ew sOCiaLizinG-” The glitch grimaces, cringing at the idea.
“Aww come on ya approached me all on your own and I’m an adorable ghost~ I’m sure ya can find a hotty ta bring home and help with cleaning~” Killer grins wide, leaning up into Error’s face as he teases, getting a close up view to watch the way the glitch’s face begins to brighten.
“YoU- I Uh-”
“You have your own kind of appeal ya know~ Adorable awkward and easily flustered~ Kinda like my soldier boy. He couldn’t handle genuine compliments either~!” Error just whines, walking faster to the cellar entrance as he hides his face. Killer is such an ass! Seriously all he talks about is knives, spicy food, or Error’s non-existent romantic life!
The glitch flings open the hatch under the dining room table as Killer cackles, following suit behind him- and Error makes sure to flip him off as he descends down the ladder. He is careful to avoid any of the remaining cobwebs- having cleared most of them out the first time he came down- and plops his feet down onto the dirt covered stone floor.
Old casks for wine sit against the wall with a few barrels and wine shelves lining the walls. On the far wall however is an old rusted pair of chains, bolted into the brig and rusted shut. Unlike the last time they were down here, they aren’t empty.
“..Oh- Oh whAt thE HeLl- YoU DidN’t TeLl mE ThEY weRe ChaINeD dOwN HerE-” Error hisses at Killer, unable to look away from the large form of the skeleton in front of him. The monster appears intimidating to say the least. Their right socket is empty, but the left eyelight is damaged and blown wide, nearly filling their entire socket as the black pupil in the center stares at them in a thin slit.
A large chunk of the left side of their skill is missing, a spiderweb of cracks and fractures branching off to the rest of their skull, mostly in the back from what he can see. The clothes they wear are practically rags, not really covering the obviously brittle and unnaturally thin bones for their large frame.
“Well I didn't know if they were stuck there or not! I just know he’s hungry and likes cuddles!”
“WeLl wE’rE GEttiNg thEm oUT-” Error declares as he moves closer to the other ghost, before pausing as he realizes maybe he shouldn’t just walk up to a stranger like that- for all he knows they’d prefer to stay in the chains. “Ah- wAIt soRrY- I’m ErRor. CaN I cuT You ouT FrOm thE ChaINs?”
The big skeleton eyes him for a moment longer, looking him up and down with a hungry eyelight, before Killer jumps in, striding forward. “Haya, big guy~ Ya hungry? We can get the chain off and take ya to the kitchen. Sorry I didn’t notice ya were stuck before.”
The small skeleton looks like a skully compared to the other, but he talks slowly and shows no fear as he crouches down beside him. After a moment of processing, the big monster looks back to Error and nods, and the glitch relaxes with a small smile as he moves closer.
“ALriGhTy- I’m jUSt gONnA snAp THe cHainS ofF FirSt- wE cAN woRk oN the ShaCKleS OnCe wE GeT Some FoOd in You, ‘KaY?” Error makes sure to speak a bit slower like Killer as he picks out the weak links on the chains, gathering his magic to make two sharp bone attacks.
The skeleton nods again, but watches Error’s every move with a critical eye, only relaxing a little when Killer nuzzles up against his side.
“AnD I’m BrINgiNg doWn thE BoNe aTtaCKs In ThRee.. tWo.. OnE-” He snaps, and with a whoosh of air, the attacks slam into the ground, cutting through the chains with the harsh crack of metal breaking.
The large monster jolts and fills the room with a deep, menacing growl- probably just an instinctual reaction than a voluntary one, but it still makes Error flinch back with a small squeak, glitching harshly.
“Hey you’re okay big guy- See? All good and free. No more bein’ stuck to a wall.” Killer tries to reassure the other and it seems to work, the big skeleton’s body slowly settling into a more relaxed position as they stare at their newly freed arms.
“S-sOrrY-” Error mutters, the other slowly looking to him.
“...Thank…you….” The large skeleton's voice is scratchy and gravelly from lack of use.
“Of- oF CoURse-”
“Don’t worry Error~ He’s mostly growl and no bite, I mean unless ya try to take food away from him- then he’ll probably bite ya-” The very idea has the large skeleton growling again, baring his sharp teeth.
“No sTeALinG FoOD gOT it-” Error agrees. “Um- SpeAKinG of Food- YoU WaNna Go GEt soMe nOW?”
The big monster takes a moment before eagerly nodding and slowly moving to stand up, leaning onto Killer a little.
“WiLl yoU Be aLRigHt gOinG Up tHE LaDdeR?” The glitch questions as he leads the two ghosts to the exit. The larger eyes the ladder for a moment before slowly nodding.
“You go up first, Ru. You can catch him with your strings if he falls back.” Error nods and quickly climbs the ladder, once again being careful to avoid the cobwebs. Thankfully they already moved the dining table so the large skeleton shouldn’t bump into it on his way out.
“There ya go big guy, ya got this.” Killer treasures as the other slowly and carefully starts to climb the ladder. Error keeps his strings at the ready, and once the large skeleton is close enough, he offers his hand. They hesitate for a few moments before taking it, their grasp is cold, their hand practically swallowing up his arm as the large monster steps out of the trap door, stepping away so Killer can follow.
“Almost there bud! The kitchen right over there~”
“WhAt kINd oF foOD woULd yoU LiKe? I haVE sOme CraCKerS thAT YoU cAN HaVe wHILe I MaKe yoU SomEThiNg.” Error offers.
“....Food…” Is the only response he gets as the other nods, Killer nodding with him.
“I agree, Food. Anything edible will do-” The smallest of them giggles a little, and the new guy pats him on the skull with a small smile.
“ALriGht- CrAckeRS aNd a sIMple SaNDwicH It is-” As soon as they reach the kitchen, Error goes to the pantry and grabs the box of crackers, opening it and handing it to Killer to give to the other ghost before he gets started on a ham sandwich.
“Here ya go! Simple salted crackers. Ooo~” Killer takes a bunch out of the packaging and sets it into the other’s hand- they are immediately devoured in less than a second. Killer gives him some more.
“DoN’t eAT toO fAsT Or yoU’LL geT SicK- giVe yoUR maGiC TiMe to ProcESs thE foOd.” Error warns, deciding he should maybe make another sandwich.
“But….food…” The other defends, eating the handful of crackers a little more slowly.
“If yoU geT SiCk, yoU MigHT ThroW Up thE FOod.”
“No…waste…….food.”
“MhM- sO MaKe sUre tO EaT SloW.” The bigger monster pouts, but nods as he eats the crackers one by one instead, Error smiling as he finishes the second sandwich, setting them both on a plate for them. Killer and Error watch as the other eagerly eats his food, a deep purr that makes the glitch’s bones vibrate starting up in their ribcage.
“Glad ya like it, big guy. Error’s pretty cool, huh?”
“Oh IT’s noThINg- cAn I TrY To geT THe shACkleS Off noW?” The other nods as they stuff their face- holding out their shackled wrist. Error reaches out and fiddles with it for a moment, before summoning another bone- this one much duller- and wedging it into a small crack in the metal, twisting with some effort and prying it open with a shower of rust.
The big skeleton stares in awe as the shackle falls to the ground with a clank, revealing the worn and off gray bone beneath.
“...I never……thought….I’d…be free…”
“WeLL noW YOu aRe! AnD I cAN geT StaRTeD On yoUr aLTar! It’S SupPosED To heLp WitH thE DRifTinG And maKe iT EaSIEr tO InteRAcT WitH the WOrld.” Error gives the ghost a sweet smile, incredibly happy with the way things have gone so far.
“Alter..? Are…you a…witch?” They ask as Killer laughs.
“That's what I said!”
“It’S juST WhaT thEy’Re caLLeD-!” Error exclaims, throwing his hands up in playful exasperation as he heads over to a spot on the counter to start setting things up. It’s almost the same as Killer’s altar, but the candle is a much darker red and is cinnamon scented. He makes sure to wave the incense around like before, before walking over to the ghosts with it still in hand. “CaN I wAVe thiS ArouND YOu?”
With an affirmative nod, Error gently swirls the smoke around the large skeleton, careful not to burn them, before going to put the incense back on the altar.
“Smells like….food.”
“ReALly? I thINk thIS oNE’s…” Error pauses. “..AcTUaLly I haVe no IDea WhAT ScEnt it iS-”
"I….like it.."
“I’m GLaD.” Killer jumps up to nuzzle into Error’s side, before facing the big skeleton again.
"So I never asked for your name, big guy, but I'm Killer!"
"....Horror."
“I’m ErROr.” The glitch introduces again and Horror nods.
"Smell like….chocolate."
“ThAnks..?” Error replies, a touch confused, before perking up. “Oh! ThaT ReMinDS Me..”
Error walks back over to Horror’s altar, before pulling an orange out of his inventory and setting it in the bowl. “YOur fIRst OffiCiaL OfFerINg~!”
"Oooo~..Food..~" Horror coos, slowly getting up to walk over and pick up said orange, starting to peel it.
"Hehehe~ I think that's a job well done, Ruru~"
“ThANks..~” Error gives Killer a small nuzzle, before looking back at Horror. “I stILL haVe tWo mORe aLTarS tO seT Up- wOUld yoU LiKe tO ComE WitH?”
The big skeleton takes a moment before nodding and Killer starts to lead the way out to the garden. "Maybe the little guy will be out too! He's pretty cute, but his socket is damaged, kind of like your skull, Horror."
“If He’S Not thERe thEN I’LL jusT LeAVe the StuFf oUt theRE.”
"What candle did ya get? The others smelled so nice~" Horror nods in agreement, silently walking behind as Killer skips ahead.
“UhH laVAnDer, foR thIS oNe.”
"Oh that's perfect! He's got a lavender vibe- kinda skittish or defensive though so if he is here he'll probably avoid us or run away." Killer opens the glass door leading out onto one of the garden paths, jumping around on the stepping stones like they’re hopscotch squares, Error following at a much more normal pace.
“ThaT’s aLRiGht- We JuSt goTta MaKe suRE He knoWs tHe aLTaR is For hIM.”
"'Kay! It'd probably be best ta put it next to the statue he likes so much."
“MHm- I’m gLaD TheRE’s thAT gAZebO RiGht bY It- ThAT wAy it’Ll sTaY moSTly oUt oF THe eLemENTs.” Error agrees as they turn a corner and approach said gazebo and statue. The stone statue is rather depressing to say the least. It's a gray typical rock like color and the texture is right from weathering, but the figure it is shaped after is a small skully, a circlet resting on their skull, wearing a cape with a clip in the front and a star engraved on it.
Their hands knitted together as thick tears remain frozen to their cheeks, wearing an expression of pain yet acceptance. Like they know they can't escape and are trying to give someone a pained, reassuring smile.
Error has no idea why someone would make such a sculpture, but he supposes it does have a.. melancholy beauty about it, even if he finds it depressing. As expected there's no skully spirit around, just the quiet breeze rustling the nearby trees and bushes. It's all a little overgrown, but the garden still has its charm.
"Hmmm~ Feels good ta be outside."
“MhM~” Error hurries ahead to the gazebo, walking to the table and laying the cloth made of his strings across it, before beginning to set everything up for the third time. Killer hovers as Horror watches from where he sits on the steps, the smaller as talkative as always.
“So what's all the stuff do? I forgot ta ask ya before.”
“WeLL- iT’s moSTly liKe- sYMboliC StUfF, ‘CaUSe This StuFf iS ApPAreNTly baSEd oFf inTeNT liKe mONstER maGic. The CaNDle Is sUpPOseD To rEPreseNt yOU guYs, thOuGh I miGHt rePLaCe iT With a DoLL whEn I gEt a GoOD loOk aT EveRYonE, aND INceNSe iS oFTeN UseD For CLeNSinG aWaY hARmfuL IntENt aNd eNErgY. I plaN On cLEansINg thE WHoLe PLacE at soME PoINt.
“The OfFErinG BowL Is jUsT THaT- I leAVe oFfeRINgs iN TheRE FoR eACh oF YoU. ThE CLotH I MaDE iS SorTa tO… cOnNEct iT All baCk tO Me, I GueSs? It- I duNnO- It’S jUsT A PerSonAL ToUch I sUppoSE..” Error trails off, blushing slightly. “Of coURse, As TiMe goES oN AnD I gET To kNoW You guYS BeTteR I’ll AdD MoRE THinGS bUt-”
“Hehehe~ You’re so cute, Ruru~” Killer purrs with a wide grin, nuzzling into Error’s shoulder as the glitch blushes harder.
“ShUT uuUp-” He whines, refusing to look at the ghost, knowing the shorter is smirking like an ass.
“I don’t wannaaa~” Error just sets down his lighter and lightly bats at Killer’s face with a flustered scowl, the smaller giggling.
“ShUt-” Horror suddenly hushes them, both skeletons looking over and quietly stepping closer to see what Horror is looking at. Sitting beneath the statue’s pedestal, just barely visible behind around the bushes is a small skeleton dressed in purple.
From this angle they can’t see his face, but his bones sparkle with a silver quality to them, like how the moon reflects the sun's light. The little skullies outfit is a royal purple lined with gold accents, loose pants matching their button up and tucked into their slightly darker purple boots, and a gold circlet on their skull, like the one on the statue.
Error stays silent as he looks at them, not wanting to scare them off with his glitchy voice. Horror slowly stands as Killer creeps down the steps to get closer, whispering. “Yeah, that’s him.”
“ShOuLD wE saY Hi?” Error does his best to whisper.
“We can try- Uh, heya kid.” Killer makes an attempt, keeping his voice quiet. Despite his attempt not to startle the skully, they still jump, whirling around to face them with a hard scowl on their face and expose their horribly damaged right socket. It looks like it was smashed in, leaving jacked cracks and edges behind. Their one purple eyelight is sharp however, looking at them in mild panic.
“Hi THeRe.” The glitch gives them a small wave, keeping both hands within sight in an attempt to show he means no harm. “I’M ErRor.”
“...What do you want? Go away.”
“I’M JuSt seTtINg uP An aLTar foR You.” He gestures to said altar. “I wAS juSt goNnA PuT SomE OffERinGS ouT bEFoRe wE LeaVe.”
The skully gives him a suspicious look, before giving that same look to the other two behind him. “...You’re not here for the apples?”
“...WhAT aPpleS?” Error questions, confused, Killer looking at Horror as the big monster shrugs. The kid seems to relax a little though, shoulders falling with relieved tension.
“Nothing…You said the altar is for me?” He asks.
“MHm! I gOT yoU BoOKs!” Error pulls the three books from his inventory to show him and he can’t help but notice the way the skullies eyelight immediately dilates, before he hesitates.
“Those….are for me..?”
“Mhm- I wASn’t sURe whAt GEnrE you LiKe so I pICkeD A CoUPle diFferENt kINdS. I’LL juSt pUT theM In thE BowL For yOU, oKaY?” The glitch walks over to the offering bowl to set the books inside, before stepping away.
“...Why are you giving me books?” He asks suspiciously.
“He’s just really nice like that. Error’s a sweet cuddle bug~” Killer teases lightly, making Error blush in embarrassment as the skully scowls.
“Mortals aren’t nice.”
“YeAh- You’Re riGHt.” The glitch easily agrees, unconsciously shrinking in on himself as he looks away. “I liKe tO TRy to Do whAT I cAn bUt… EitHEr wAy, tHe boOKs aRE yoUrS tO Do whATevER WitH.”
“...As thanks for the reading material I will give you a piece of advice.” The skully tells Error and Error alone. “You shouldn’t mess with things you don’t understand. Messing with the spirit realm will make you a magnet for activity and there are some things you don’t want attention from.”
“...I’M ALreAdy liVinG HErE, aReN’t I? I wANt tO HeLp yoU GUys.” Error replies with a small shrug as the little skeleton narrows his working socket.
“You are welcoming a fate far worse than death, I assure you. You should leave the spirits here to fade, just like the others, lest you awaken something no one can control.” The skully in front of them talks like an adult, as if they’ve been alive much longer than Error- though he supposes the spirit has likely been dead much longer than he’s been alive.
“This place has seen nothing but tragedy after tragedy, yet people still come here, they build here, and try to make a life for themselves, but blood has stained this land's soul. No monster or human can be born here correctly.”
He points to Killer, the spirit covering his target shaped soul as he frowns. “The curse will seep itself into your bones and take your life and everything you once held close and then keep you here to drift and slowly fade away, or worse, turn into a creature full of nothing but hate and pain.”
“ThANks foR THe wArnINg, bUt I’m noT PLaNninG On goINg aNYwherE.” Error shrugs again, internally freaking out a bit, but refusing to show it- only his slightly increased glitching revealing any discomfort. The skully huffs, just as Killer scoffs beside the glitch.
“Ya I don’t appreciate ya try’n ta scare my bestie away, kid- and don’t think I missed that little comment about me not being correct.” The small spirit practically hisses, and after a moment, Error hesitantly places a reassuring hand on Killer’s shoulder. The skully only glances at Killer for a moment, before looking back at Error.
“You have been warned. Don’t expect anything more from me when you die.” Without another word or even a second glance, the other walks behind the statue’s pedestal and disappears.
“L..lET’s gO..” Error mutters, letting go of Killer to start the walk back to the house. The two spirits follow behind him, the smaller frowning worriedly. Once they step back inside the manor, Killer wraps his arms around Error’s waist from behind and nuzzles the back of his neck.
“Ru, nothin’s gonna happen to ya, okay? I won’t let it.”
“I’m- It’S FinE-” The glitch leans back against the short ghost with a small sigh, forcing himself to relax as Killer nuzzles more.
“No it’s not. I know you’re rattled.” The smaller scowls, giving Error a small squeeze. “I’m here for ya Ru. I’ll protect ya.”
“...OKaY..” Error mumbles, turning around to properly hug Killer, closing his sockets for a moment and letting himself soak in the comfort and reassurance. He can feel the smaller’s soul beat between them as Killer rubs his back, giving him another squeeze.
“You’re gonna be fine. It’s gonna be fine.” Horror comes up beside them and gives the two smaller skeletons a hug. With a quiet breath, Error relaxes for real this time, melting into the ghosts’ embrace. “See? Even Horror agrees!”
The big monster nods with an affirmative grunt as he effortlessly picks up the two, carrying them to the stairs in the main entrance of the manor and sitting down with them in his lap.
“...I sTilL HaVe oNe moRE AltaR To dO…” Error quietly states, Killer stiffening a little.
“Do you absolutely have to..? I really don’t want ya ta go in there..”
“It’S StILl bRIghT Out- anD I wAnt tO do thEm All toDaY. I’LL pUT iT JusT InsiDE The enTRancE, sO I wON’t evEN BE gOInG toO FaR In.” He can practically feel Killer pouting as he nuzzles Error a bit closer.
“...Fine, I guess. We can’t follow ya in though so we’ll wait for ya here.”
“AlriGHt. I’ll sCReAM if I NeEd heLp.” Error tries to joke, nuzzling Killer back, the smaller whining a little.
“So not funny Ru-”
“OkAy okaY SOrrY-” The glitch snorts, giving Horror a nuzzle as well before wiggling out of his hold. “It ShOUld onLy taKE liKe twEntY MinUTes.”
“Just be careful okay- Don’t try to talk to it!” Killer grumbles as he sits in Horror’s lap.
“YeS yes I wILL- sEe Ya.” Error waves as he walks away, heading to the east wing.
“Don’t do anything stupid!” The smaller yells at him, making him roll his eyelights. He probably shouldn’t have told Killer about his escapades when he was younger. Though based on what Killer has told him about when Killer was a skully and skelly, they probably would have gotten along.
They would definitely have been trouble makers together- He almost wishes that they had met back then.
Lost in thought like he is, he’s in front of the entrance to the east wing before he knows it, pausing to gather his nerves before he walks in. The air instantly feels…different. Thicker and heavy in a way that makes his soul beat anxiously in his ribcage as he glitches. Once he passes the second door to his left he gets the feeling….he’s being watched.
Deciding he’s in far enough, Error pulls out the small table he had managed to shove into his inventory and sets it against the wall, before beginning to set the altar up. He quickly lights the incense and candle, not wanting to be here for longer then he has to be.
He sets the offerings he had gotten- a flower, some chocolate, and a book, because he doesn’t know what they’d like- into the bowl, and turns to leave, walking back down the hallway. He hadn’t gone that far, but the more he walks down the hall towards the exit, the further away it seems to be.
“Wh..wHaT On eaRTH..?” Error mutters as he pauses, the uneasy feeling growing stronger while his glitches worsen. This can’t seriously be happening. He looks back behind him at the alter, he shouldn’t be able to see it anymore, but…it’s only a few feet away. “OkAy whAT THe h-hELl-”
Trying not to panic, Error starts walking again, much faster down the hall the way he came. Doors and a few decorative tables pass him as he walks, faster and faster- but the hallways somehow just gets longer, fading away far in the distance where he can’t see the end anymore.
With a huff, he plops down onto the ground and curls up, resting his head on his knees as he tries to keep himself freaking out completely, knowing he’s just going to crash if he keeps this up. Being left at whatever's in here’s mercy doesn’t sound like the greatest idea. Taking a deep breath, Error tries to calm himself.
He just needs to think of a way to leave the east wing. Killer told him it only shows itself at night when it’s dark so he should be fine until then….hopefully…
“.....PleASe leT Me oUT..” Error mumbles, unsure if the being is even listening- is even capable of listening. He could try glitching out, but he fears it would be the thing to push him into a crash right now. “I jUSt wAnnA HeLP yoU- It’S- iT’s wHa-aT THe A-aLTar-r iS For…”
Of course, he gets no answer, not for several minutes as he sits. The glitch takes another slow, deep breath to keep calm, not wanting to even glance back down the seemingly never ending hall. Maybe if he pretends it’s not happening it’ll stop.
The silence is broken by a sudden holding of the door just a few feet away on the opposite wall, making Error flinch slightly as he glances up. The door is still for a few more seconds before the door knob twitches…over and over, slowly growing more violent and frantic until someone is slamming against the other side of the door.
Error scrambles up to attempt to get away, glitching harshly as the fear he had been holding back comes back full force. His body instinctively jolts with every loud bang that echos through the hall, making him gasp and hold on tightly to his scarf.
It’s so loud, the frantic jiggling of the doorknob and heavy slamming making his skull rattle like it's inside his head. Error stumbles before he can get more than a couple steps away, his legs giving out under him and leaving him back on the floor. Tears gather in his sockets, a whimper escaping him, before it just stops and an achingly familiar voice calls to him from the other side of the door.
“....Bubbu?”
“..G-gEn..?” He quietly questions, voice breaking. It can’t be….it’s not possible-
“Bubbu I need you to open the door.”
“I- I cAn’t-” Error hiccups, tears spilling out of his sockets as he shakes his head, despite knowing Geno wouldn’t be able to see it. “Y-yoU’Re no-nOT reAl-”
“Please let me in. Open the door let me in, Bubbu.” Geno’s voice insists, a sob catching itself in Error’s throat.
“ I c-cAnt -!” He cries, covering his skull. ”I’M S-soRrY Yo-YOu’rE NoT R-reAL-l- P-pleAsE-”
“Error, let me in ! ” Geno’s voice distorts jarringly, making Error yelp and curl up tightly as the loud pounding on the door resumes. He can still hear Geno in the background, but someone else, something dark and aggressive is talking over him. “ Open the door! Let me in let me iN L E T M E I N !”
“No-O-O!” Error shouts, crying in earnest now as error signs begin filling his vision. “Sh-hUT up-p-P SHu-Ut uP! Go AW-wAy!! ”
The glitch sits up abruptly with a loud gasp, unable to hold back a hard sob as he looks around where he’s laying on the ground, the altar right beside him. He hardly even thinks as he stumbles up and clumsily dashes down the hallway, sight blurry from tears as he actually makes it out of the east wing this time.
He practically collapses in relief as the oppressive weight bearing down on him finally fades, sobbing and glitching in a pathetic, sad lump. He can hear someone, a familiar cold touch gently grasping at his shoulders as he cries.
“Ru, hey hey it’s okay- You’re okay Ruru-” Error instinctively flinches away with a small ripple of glitches, a pitiful whine leaving him as he struggles to breathe properly. “Oh Error…shit uhm- I-I’m not good at this what would Cross do uhhhh…..I need ya ta focus on my breathing okay?”
Exaggerated breathing starts up beside him, slow and loud as a red light flickers harshly within his sight, making him whine again as he closes his sockets- even as a small part of him instinctively knows it’s safe.
“I- I CaN’t-” He gasps, desperately trying to concentrate on the steady breaths next to him as he keeps crying.
“You can . You can do it Ru, just focus on me, focus on my voice. In….out…..in….out…” With a small whimper, Error does his best to follow, breathing in shakily before it’s pushed out with a sob. “That's it, it’s okay to cry uh….do you want me to hold you..?”
Error shakes his head, then nods, then shrugs- desperately wanting to be held but still afraid. Wanting to be as careful as possible, Killer reaches out and brushes his hand up Error’s forearm slowly- and though he jolts slightly, the glitch turns to the touch and opens his tear-filled sockets to look at him.
“K-KiLleR-” The fear and desperate need for reassurance in Error’s voice nearly breaks the short monster’s soul, making it flicker and drip. He moves slowly to lay down beside the glitch, offering him a small strained smile and soft sockets.
“I’m here, I’m right here, Ruru you’re safe…” So careful and gentle, filling his movements with comforting intent, Killer brushes against the glitch’s arm again, making a small chirp sound.
Error shakily tries to copy the noise, hiccuping as he wiggles closer to lightly press his skull against the ghost’s, who nuzzles him gently. The hand gently brushing his arm starts to move up a bit after a few more strokes. Rubbing over his shoulder in slow, soothing circles.
“There you go…you’re doing so good, that's it..” The glitch does his best to match his breathing to the slow touches, only broken up by quiet sobs and hiccups as he closes his sockets again. Killer manages to place the smallest kiss against Error’s nasal cavity as his gentle stroking slides up to the glitch’s chin. “You’re okay…it’s okay…I’ve got ya..”
Error makes another small chirping sound as he slowly calms down, sobs quieting to sniffles as he presses into Killer’s touch. They exchange soft comforting chirps, not unlike what skullies and babybones do, and the smaller ever so slightly pulls Error closer, starting with little bits of contact to soothe the other when the glitch tenses just a touch.
“...S..SorRY..” Killer chirps at him again with a small nuzzle.
“Don’t apologize….it’s not your fault…that thing is evil.”
“Th-thEy- iT- iT ToOk mY B-bRotHEr’s voICe…” Error almost starts crying again. “I j-jUsT WAnT To hElp….”
“I know Ru…You’re such a good person, so sweet and gentle and loving-” Killer tells him, trying not to frown. “That thing just doesn’t get how amazing you are…but ya can’t let it win…It just wants ta hurt ya..”
The glitch nods unhappily, before nuzzling closer to Killer, finally managing to unlatch his hands from his scarf to instead cling to the ghost. The smaller holds him so gently, the steady sound of his soulbeat calming as Error pulls himself closer.
“...I’m sorry Ru…I said I’d protect ya..”
“A-aND I sTilL DeCIdeD T-tO Go iN ALonE DeSPitE YOur wARninGs.” Error softly reminds him. “YoU- yOU doN’t gOTta a-aPolOgize.”
“...Yeah well we’re both stubborn. I should have put my foot down and made ya stay. That thing’s not worthy of your help..” Killer retorts, huffing quietly.
“..I’d’ve PrOBAbly stILL trIEd tO Do it- jUsT BeHInd yoUR BaCk.” He admits.
“Like I said, both really stubborn. Just….don’t go back in there okay? Or at least till ya got something that makes it leave ya alone.”
“...ALriGht.” Error mumbles, feeling drained as he just cuddles closer. “..WhEre’S HorROr?”
“In the kitchen…or drifting. I sat waiting while he went ta explore.” Killer chirps and nuzzles him again, rubbing over Error’s spine between his shoulder blades, making him relax with a small sigh.
“..We sHoUld prOBabLy geT Up.”
“Hmm..I don’t know, I think the floor’s pretty comfy~”
“BuT cOucHEs aRe cOMfieR-”
“Okay okay~” Killer chuckles, kissing Error’s nasal bridge lightly. “We can get up and snuggle somewhere else.”
The glitch hums, giving Killer a small smile before he pushes himself up, limbs slightly shaky. The smaller holds him by his shoulders as they stand, letting Error lean on him as needed.
“Your bedroom or the main room?” Error just shrugs a bit.
“WhAt’s cLOseR?”
“Mmm…Main room I think. We can do all the cuddling there~”
“LeT’s gO Then.” Grabbing Killer’s hand, he starts walking towards the main room. The ghost allows him to without complaint, rubbing the back of Error’s hand with his thumb as they walk the short distance to the main room and plop down on the soft couch, where the glitch immediately pulls Killer against him to cuddle.
“Hehehe~ You’re so adorable~” The smaller coos, nuzzling into Error.
“Nuh-uH sHudDUp-” Error mutters, nuzzling Killer aggressively as the ghost purrs.
“But you aaarrreee~ So cuuutteee~” The glitch just whines, hiding his face against Killer’s shoulder. “Ya deserve all da cuddles and kisses~ Just for da Ruru~”
Killer purrs, chirping happily at the glitch as his soul glows brighter, before Error lays down, tugging Killer down with him and hugging him close.
“I’M SLeEpinG Now-” He declares, blushing, earning himself a small kiss at the top of his skull.
“Okay, sugar skull~ Sleep well~” Error purrs quietly in response, letting himself relax fully with a small sigh. He’s lucky to have met Killer here…otherwise…he’d be alone.
Mentally exhausted from the day’s activities, it doesn’t take him long to fall into a slightly uneasy sleep. Killer petting his back in soothing motions, purring quietly.
~
Error holds his breath, glitches buzzing much too loudly as he stretches his legs out over Killer, trying to avoid waking the ghost. He manages to sneak out of bed with minimal difficulty, only releasing his breath when he closes the bedroom door, before beginning to tiptoe away.
He almost feels like a teenager sneaking out of their parents’ house to go to a party, but he’s instead sneaking off to confront a hostile spirit. Oh how times have changed- His soul beats anxiously as he makes his way across the manor, stopping only when he’s in front of the east wings first floor hall, staring into the darkness.
“...ThIS is So sTUpiD-” He mutters to himself, pulling a pendant and hand bell from his inventory and putting on the former. He can do this. It’s just a stupid mean ghost…..he can do this..Hopefully these things work like they're supposed to…
Taking a bracing breath, he steps across the threshold, pausing and looking around….Seems normal enough. No never ending hallways or banging doors…Somehow that makes him more anxious.
But he promised to himself that he would do this. That he would refresh the altar and confront his fear. Error can’t let this spirit have control over him, he has to do this.He can do this. Taking another deep breath, gripping onto the bell in his hand, he continues walking down the hall.
The farther he goes, step by step, the darker the shadows seem to grow, shifting and turning so subtly that he can't tell if it's real or a trick of his eyelights. Still, he figures it’s better safe than sorry, and he rings the bell quietly, imagining his magic pushing out to gently settle the shadows with a gentle blue glow- though he doesn’t actively call on it.
Gradually the shadows do appear to stop moving, much to his satisfaction, though apparently not to the ghost that had been moving them- based on the deep growl he hears from the other end of the hall. It sends a shiver down Error’s spine, but he feels more confident this time, more prepared.
“..I- I BrOugHT moRe oFfeRIngS foR Y-yoU.” Error softly calls out, finally reaching the altar. It is relatively untouched, save for the way the candle almost seems to be…eroding. Like the wax is turning black on the sides and flaking off, now only a thin black stick making it hard for the wick to burn.
Humming a bit, the glitch reaches out with his free hand to hover over the candle, gently pressing soothing healing magic into it. He has no idea if it’ll help- from what he read the candle is more of a reflection of a person than something with an actual connection- but it feels right to do.
The wooden floor down the hall creaks loudly and his eyelights suddenly fuzz out for a moment before turning back on, the pendant around his neck feeling almost hot against his ribs.
“D-dOn’t.” He mutters, pulling away shakily as he glances to the sound, before pushing out his magic once again and ringing his bell warningly. Another low growl, echoing oddly like the voice from before, sounds through the hall as a single sharp cyan eyelight peaks out of the dark, staring at him. Error gives them a weak smile, fighting back a shudder.
“I aM JusT GoINg tO LeAVe yoUR oFfERinGs, thEN I’lL LeAvE.” It stares at him for a moment longer before the floorboard creek again, the walls seemingly getting darker as the eyelight, which had been just above eye level, slowly starts to rise up towards the tall ceiling.
Unsure if he should be worried or confused, Error decides he’s probably overstayed his welcome and reaches into his inventory to get the offerings- some more food and candy, as well as a fancy goblet he thought looked cool- to set them out, keeping a weary socket on the spirit.
As he sets the goblet against the table, he hears a dripping sound…like thick mud hitting the wooden floor and his brow furrows- until he spots the black…something landing on the ground in front of him.
Cautiously, he follows the path up, squinting into the darkness. Slowly the single eyelight leans closer and the candle light just barely shows the outline of its face. It’s…covered in a thick goop…or maybe it is the goop, dripping off its face as its jaw hangs open unnaturally wide, almost like it's just barely staying attached.
Another growl, so deep it makes his ribcage shake, sounds through the hall. Impulsively, Error reaches up to pat it’s head. He’s honestly terrified, but in an odd.. almost detached way. He gets a small bout of dizziness as his sight flickers, the pendant growing hot again. It keeps trying to do something to him…like last time.
Much to his surprise, instead of taking his hand off like he half expected, the creature recoils just before he can make contact, hissing and making an angry clicking noise in warning.
“No HeADpaTs?” Error teases, though he pulls back and this….seems to take the other by surprise? The narrow slit of an eyelight dilates just a little, staring at his hand, before looking at the bell with another hiss.
“DoN’t dO AnyTHinG AnD I Won’T RinG It.” He states, and after a moment of debate, he puts the bell in his inventory, ready to grab it again as soon as he needs it. The spirit's eyelight widens just a bit once more and it looks back from his now empty hand to his face, not understanding. “I doN’t wAnnA HUrT yoU.”
It growls softly at him, still on guard, but at least this time his pendent doesn’t heat up. The darkness shifts as something slithers out of the darkness….a long black.. tentacle, dripping just like the spirit’s face.
“..WhAT KinD Of heNTi shIT-” Error mutters, looking between the tentacle and the spirit’s face. It watches him closely as the appendage creeps closer, weakly sliding against the ground towards his legs. “UhH..”
He uncertainly inches away from the creeping tendril, debating grabbing the bell again. His phalanges twitch at the ready and with a sudden aggressive noise, the tentacle shoots out at him, wrapping around his middle just as he pulls out the bell, making him yelp and fumble to keep from accidentally dropping it.
Error’s body feels so shockingly cold, the tendril’s chilly touch almost seeming to seep into his bones, the pendant quickly being the only warmth remaining. As soon as he gets a proper hold on the bell, he rings it loudly and practically shoves his magic out with the intent to push- not injure.
The spirit screeches, holding him as tightly as it can- Then out of nowhere, Error’s mind is flooded with images and emotions.
“Ew what is that-?” Disgust, fear, repulsion.
“Why do they hate me so much?” Lonely, afraid, rejection.
“He’s cursed by the demons! A demon prince!” Rejection, fear, self hate, confusion.
“I didn’t do anything to you-!” So much anger, so much noise, so much hate-
“Humans can be difficult…but don’t worry ____ it will be okay. You don’t have to be alone anymore.” Safe…and warm…finally okay-
‘I can’t breathe- I CAN’T BREATHE-!!’ The cushion on his face is being pressed down too hard, it hurts, someone’s holding him down, it hurts it hurts i t hurts! Stop, please stop-!
……….
….
…..
…
“The demon prince is dead~! Long live Emora!”
Error’s pounding head is the first thing he notices, and once he shifts slightly, the cold, hard surface he’s laying on is the second. He doesn’t want to open his sockets, the right side of his face aching like someone tried to crush his skull in. Ow…
“..UgH…” What even happened? The last thing he remembers was.. The spirit… oh shit the spirit-
Error jolts up- only to immediately regret the action when the pain in his skull flares white-hot. Oh fuck that hurts what the hell-? He holds a hand over his right socket, the pain mostly focused on that side of his skull, but he can’t feel any cracks or actual damage.
He can feel stinging tears gathering in his sockets as he tries to wait out the pain, a small whine slipping out of him as he cradles his skull in his hands. It hurts so bad- Even blinking hurts, what did he do-?
Error whines again as he sits for at least several minutes, the pain eventually fading into a dull ache, before he cautiously opens his sockets and raises his head to look around….He’s still in the east wing hallway, but it’s not as dark, the alter only a few feet away and….past that there’s something black laying still on the ground.
“...H-heLlO..?” Trying to avoid moving his head too much- not wanting to risk worsening the pain- he shifts to crawl over to it and honestly…he can barely believe what he’s seeing…A skeleton monster or sorts, covered in the same black goop as the spirit from before, wearing fancy old fashioned clothes, tentacles coming out of his back, one closed socket- the other hidden- and two ghost like horns that curl around the side of their skull.
Was… is that the spirit-? They.. almost look normal now…..and stupidly good looking in the face- He probably should stop staring while they’re out cold.
Should he… do something..? Hesitantly, he reaches out, gently poking the being’s arm. A tentacle beside him twitches slightly as their brow furrows…Their cold too. Not like how Killer or Horror are cold, how no matter how firmly they touch him their contact still feels faint somehow. This spirit feels solid and chilly, like the cool side of the pillow.
“HeY- ArE YOu oKaY?” Error asks, a bit louder, watching as their one visible socket slowly flutters open. Their cyan eyelight is fuzzy, shifting in and out of focus as they blink, tentacles twitching more. Error scoots back a touch, absentmindedly rubbing the aching side of his face. “H-heY THeRe.”
There’s not even a moment of silence before they suddenly show up with a harsh, ragged sounding gasp, startling Error as their hand immediately flies up to their face…their right and hidden socket. The…being’s face morphs into one of pain and fear and as they start to hyperventilate, before Error can do anything, they let out a pain and grief filled wail, curling in on themselves. The sound makes the ache in Error’s head worse, but he ignores it in favor of attempting to calm them.
“Hey h-hEy YOu’rE OkAy it’S OkaY- YoU’Re- YoU’re sAfe-” He reassures, reaching out with as much soothing intent as he can muster and gently resting a hand on their arm. Still they flinch away, whirling their skull around to look at him as their clawed hand digs through the doog into their socket. Error doesn’t know what to think of the large impact cacks littering the front of their face, the right side specifically, or how it makes the pain in his own skull ache.
“ShHh iT’s oKAy..” Error murmurs, holding up his empty palms to show he’s not a threat before getting an idea. Much like he had with the shadows, he imagines his magic flowing out to gently settle around the spirit in a cool, calm cocoon of blue. The goop covered skeleton takes a shaky breath in and stifles a sob, calming down rather quickly compared to the loud wail from before.
“..WoULd yoU LiKe a HUg?” He asks softly, holding out his arms in a mirror of his first meeting with Killer. He’s hoping for a positive reaction, but the spirit recouls instead, eyelight darting around the hallway.
“....W-who are you? Where a-am I?” Their deep voice startles him a little, quiet end nearly a whisper. Error slowly lowers his arms, keeping his hands in view.
“I’M ErRor, aNd yoU’rE In my HoMe… thOuGH I ThiNK yOu weRE heRe beFOre mE.” Error keeps his voice calm and quiet to the best of his ability, giving them a hopefully reassuring smile. They stare at him for a long moment before scowling, pulling their hand away from their socket and letting the goop cover it again.
“D-did you do this? Did you do this to me? You did d-didn’t you?” Their voice turns into a growl, Error’s smile dropping as his brows furrow in confusion.
“DId wHaT? I’vE JuST BeEn tryINg tO reFResH YouR ALtaR whEN yoU GRaBeD Me anD.. soMethINg haPpeNEd.” Error nods to said altar, regretting it when his head throbs painfully.
“Grabbed you? I’ve never seen you before, your absurd looking clothes, and odd fizzling- I would have…I…” They raise their hand to their covered socket again as their brow furrows. “Who….Do uhm…do you know who I am..?”
“I haVe no IdEA.” He says honestly, absentmindedly copying their action with his own hand to rub his temple. The not-quite headache- because it felt like more than just a simple headache- was starting to get distracting.
“....” They stare down at the ground, rubbing the same spot in much the way Error is as they try to sort through their thoughts, making their head hurt more. “...You didn’t…suffocate me with a pillow then..?”
“WhY THe heLL woULd I Do thAt-??” The glitch questions, baffled.
“T-that's the only thing I can remember…” Their cyan eyelight trembles in their socket as they press their hand further against the damaged side of their skull. “I-I couldn’t move or breath or see and they kept smalling their wait down on the pillow on my face- M-my face it hurts- ”
Error reaches out, gently grabbing their hand before they can properly react, replacing it with his own hand, pushing healing magic through it. The other jolts harshly in place at the sudden contact, gasping sharply in surprise before slowly relaxing.
“W-what are you doing-?”
“HeALinG YoU- aND keEpINg yOu frOM HuRTinG yoUrsELf fuRTher.” He states as the goop covered skeleton stares at him in disbelief.
“...That’s not- N-no one does that. No one cares what happens to me-”
“EvEN if YoU doN’t reMembER, You haVe aTtaCKeD Me twICe- oNCe wiTH my dEaD BRotHer’S VoiCe, anD ONce in ThE phYSicaL wOrLD.” Error deadpans. “StILl, I’m HEre TrYINg tO HeLp yoU bECaUSe I CaRe aBouT YOu, EVen If I DoN’t knOw yoU YeT. If yOU dOn’t beLIevE Me, ThE OTher GHosTs heRE WiLl vouCH fOr mE…”
The glitch trails off, sockets widening in realization. “Aw sHit KiLler’S GonNa KiLL me-”
“...I don’t understand- Ghosts? Are you a witch-!?” The dark beings tentacles twitch behind them, unable to move more than that though, at least from what Error can see.
“WhY DoES EveRyoNe thInk THaT-” Error mutters, exasperated. “No I’m JuST TrYiNg to heLp yOu guyS.”
“Because witches talk to ghosts- and if I am indeed a ghost, why do I still feel pain? Surely your healing magic would not work on something that is already dead.” The other scowls at him, making him look away.
“I hAVe no IdEa- I’vE BeEN stUMbliNg thROuGh aLL oF This BLinDLy aLriGht? I’m pREtTy suRe yoU WerE A GhoST EaRLieR, wHen You PuT Me tO SLeEp aNd tRiED To aTtaCK me, aND I DoN’t haVE the PoWer tO ReVIve PeoPLe, sO I doN’t kNOw whAT ElsE You coULd bE.” He defends, glitching slightly in frustration.
The dark being spiked tail flicks, equally frustrated. “This is so unnecessarily complicated- What an aggravating predicament.” They grumble, hissing at nothing in particular.
“....I’m sORrY.” Error mutters after a moment, pushing a bit more magic into the other before pulling back and curling up. The other stares at him in confusion for a moment, before huffing and looking away.
“What are you sorry for? From what you have told me this isn’t your fault. Besides, apologies are not something to be tossed around lightly.”
“FoR ALl I KnOw iT CoULd’vE BeEN mY FaULt.” Error shrugs a bit. “AnD EVeN If iT isN’t, I’m STiLL SorRY iT HaPPeNEd.”
“Hmf- Well it doesn’t matter now I suppose…It is what it is…..There is however another problem.”
“Hm?” The glitch looks back over, tilting his head slightly as the other scowls at the floor.
“....When I said I cannot remember anything but my death I meant that….quite literally.”
“..So yOU dON’t reMeMBer aNytHINg eLSe At ALl? NeiTheR BefOre oR AFter?” Error clarifies.
“No. Nothing…not even my name. Hence why I asked if you knew me.” They mumble, acting irritated to cover up the sadness in their tone.
“Oh… I’m.. SoRrY I dON’t hAVe tHe aNSweRs foR YOu.. All I KnOw iS WhAt tHe oTHerS HaVe toLD Me, buT It’S Not mUCh- jUst thAT YOu’vE BeEn heRe loNGeR ThaN ANy of thE OtHer SPirITs.”
“....It doesn’t matter. Let us just get out of this unnecessarily dark hallway. It’s unsightly.” Slowly the other stands, trying to ignore the way their legs shake and how dizzy the movement makes them.
Error stands as well, head still aching and feeling a bit shaky himself, but he still reaches out to stabilize the spirit, before grabbing the orange off of the altar to offer it to them. Though they seem lost for a moment.
“....What is this?”
“..It’S An orANgE- yoU CaN EaT It. TheRE’s aLSo cANdy iF YOu’d preFEr thAT- EVerYthiNG on thE ALtaR Is fOr yoU.” The dark being glances at the table, the candle’s flame burning a deep black as they look back at the orange and hesitantly move to take a bite out of it- only for Error to block it.
“Ah wAit soRry- LeT Me peEL it fOr yoU- It’s TechNicaLLy aLL edIBle buT thE OuTSidE Is reALly biTteR-” He explains, gently taking the orange back to peel it, putting said peel in his inventory for later. Either Horror will eat it or he’ll use it for a simmer pot later. The big skeleton really doesn’t like when they waste even the smallest amount of food-
“Oh that is a very strong smelling fruit..It is a fruit, correct?”
“MhM. They’rE PreTtY GoOD, tHoUgh I liKe thEM CuT Up beTteR BeCAuse The puLP haS A TeXtuRE I dON’t loVe.” Error takes a wedge of the orange and offers it to the other, watches as the dark being examines it, before hesitantly popping it into his mouth.
“Mm…..oh that texture is definitely odd-”
“YeAh- soMeTImEs iT MaKes mY GliTChes FLaRe uP A biT So I TeNd To jUSt aVoiD It.” He offers another wedge, before beginning to lead them down the hall.
“Ah well…..thank you for the experience…however I could not possibly take another wedge from you.” The other very politely declines without directly stating why, though with the slight scrunched up look on his face the reason is obvious. Error snorts a bit, putting the rest of the orange in his inventory.
“YoU DoN’t goTTa Be niCE AbouT It- feEL frEe to JusT SaY No.”
“...I could never be so callous as to outright refuse a….generous offer-”
“Or jUSt sAy yoU DidN’t liKe iT- I toLD yoU MysELf thAT THey AreN’t mY FaVOrite, I wOn’t bE OffENdED if yoU Don’T LiKe stuFf. KiLleR DOesN’t reALly liKe orAngES EItHeR, cOMe to ThiNk oF iT- thInks tHEy’rE Too SWeET.” Error pauses for a second once they reach the entrance of the east wing. “...HoPEfulLy he HaSn’t noTIcED Me goNe-”
He spoke too soon- The moment he steps out into the hall he is tackled to the ground by a short speeding monster, making him yelp in both surprise and pain as his head hits the ground, vision darkening for a moment from sharp pain splitting it.
“Error oh thank the stars!!!”
“..Ow…” He whines weakly, the other cringing.
“Oh shit sorry-” Killer quickly apologizes, frowning and looking a bit sheepish as he reaches out to inspect Error’s skull. “Phew- no cracks we’re good-”
“It hUrTsSs-” He keeps whining, clenching his right socket shut as he pouts up at the spirit.
“I’m sorryyyyyyy- but ya scared me! That big energy thing woke me up and ya weren't there-”
“BiG ENerGy thINg? WhAT Big EneRGy thInG?” Killer pulls away from nuzzling Error’s ribcage to frown down at him.
“I don’t know- it was like…something suddenly changed and it shifted stuff? It’s hard ta explain.”
“I.. dOn’T RemEMbeR THaT HaPPenING- dO YoU REmeMBEr thAT HaPpeNInG?” Error asks, turning to look at the other spirit, their arms crossed as they watched the interaction. Before they can respond, Killer suddenly shouts, finally having noticed the other.
“Demon-! Error what are you doing with a demon-!?”
“HeY Be nICe!” Error reprimands, flicking Killer’s forehead. “TheY’rE The sPIriT fRoM THe eASt wINg.”
“Ouch- Ru-”
“Your friend is incredibly brash.” The dark being comments offhandedly, earning himself a glare from the small ghost.
“Error, that's a demon! He’s got horns and a spike tipped tail and everything!”
“Oh- dID yoU NoT HaVe thOse beFOre?” He asks them curiously.
“I….am unsure. They don’t necessarily feel familiar if that's what you mean.”
“HuH. StILL- Be niCe KiLleR. EvEN If tHeY ARe a dEmoN noW- thOuGH I haVE No idEa How THey wENt frOM WraTHful sPIRit tO DeMon-” They can only shrug, just as clueless to the situation as he is.
“I don’t know, but he literally looks like the textbook definition of a demon-!...besides the wings, but he’s got tentacles!”
“WeLL THey haVEn’t trIEd to HurT Me oR ANytHinG-” Killer growls at the dark being, sitting over Error like a protective dog.
“Yet.”
“Oh for stars sake-”
“KiLLer- I’m fINe- iT’s FInE. CaLM dOwN.” Error says firmly, getting a hard scowl from the other.
“Don’t tell me ta calm down- Ya went behind my back and came here without me and came out with a literal demon, Error! That’s kinda a big deal-”
“I- OKaY YeAh BuT I wAs prEPaREd thIS timE-! I hAD the PeNdANt anD BeLL AnD THey woRkeD LiKe thEy wERe sUpPOseD to-”
“I promised I’d protect ya, ya ass!” Killer growls as he quickly stands up, glaring at nothing in particular as he storms off, Error sitting up as he watches him go with hurt and confusion clear on his face, genuinely not understanding why Killer is upset.
“....Well that was something.” The dark being- possibly demon- mumbles, watching the small ghost disappear.
“..I mAdE Him mAD…” Error mumbles, upset.
“Indeed…However, was that not what you expected? Earlier you said he was going to kill you.”
“YeAh… I.. I GuEss.” Error mutters, sighing a bit before pushing himself up, rubbing his skull. “ArE YOu hUnGRy? I cAN MAkE YOu soMe foOd.”
“I am a little hungry, but you don’t have to make me anything. I don’t want to owe you any more than I already do.”
“YOu dON’t owE Me anYtHIng- C’moN lEt’s geT SomE FOod in Ya.” The glitch waves off, gesturing for them to follow.
“Of course I do. From what I have gathered, whatever you did is the only reason I am acting more like….myself at the moment. So thank you.” The other walks beside him, back straight and hands held behind his back. He holds himself so proudly as he walks.
“YoU stiLL doN’T OWe mE fOr iT- I wAS jUSt trYiNG to HelP.”
“And you did, which is why I owe you. It doesn’t matter what you say I shall not be swayed.”
“I- fIne WhATevER-” Error gives in as they reach the kitchen, the taller looking around in awe.
“Oh wow, this is quite an interesting kitchen.”
“YeAH- HoRror’S BaSIcaLLy taKen ovER thE PLaCe. He teNDs tO DrIFt moRE ThaN KiLLer evEN WitH THe oFfeRINgs So hE MiGht be GoNe.”
“Drift?” They ask as they inspect the stove, tapping it with a tentacle curiously.
“It’s liKe- geTtING loSt in MeMOrieS. DisAPpeARinG FrOM the PhYsicAL wORld as yOU drIFt thrOuGh yoUr meMoRIeS uNtiL YOu geT PuLleD Out aGain. How’s A SaNDwiCh soUNd?”
“What kind of sandwich?”
“Hm… PB aNd j, NutElla, haM, vEGgie- WhATevER yoU’d liKe.” Error replies, pulling out ingredients as he talks to show them.
“Uhh….I know what ham and veggies are, but what is a PB and J? or….Nutella?”
“PeNUt bUTtEr anD JeLly- anD NuTEllA Is liKe- a YuMmY CHoColaTE spREaD. WaNnA Try soME?”
“Yes…I think I might like trying new things..”
“AlrIGht!” Error gets the bread out and makes a nutella sandwich, offering it to the possible demon and watching as they inspect it curiously.
“The bread is so soft and fluffy- like a cake. Is it cake?”
“No- ThOuGh I cAn kINdA SeE Why iT MigHt seEM liKe iT.” The dark being inspects the sandwich for only a moment longer before taking a small polite bite, chewing for a few seconds….before taking a significantly bigger bite all of the sudden, making Error snort in surprise. “I taKe iT YoU’re A FaN TheN?”
A loud rumbling purr, not unlike the growls from before in the east wing, is all he gets in response as the taller starts practically stuffing the sandwich in his face, before catching himself and pulling it away.
“.....It’s too delicious-”
“HeY I’m noT JudGINg-” Error holds back snickers at the bit of nutella on their face, automatically reaching out to wipe it off. The possible demon lets him do so with a surprised look on their face, before a soft cyan dusts their cheeks. They must be embarrassed that they got messy- they seem like the type to think cleanliness is important. “ChoCOlaTE’s mY FavORitE too.”
“I…I do not believe I have ever…had chocolate before. I think I have heard about it, but the taste is new to me.” They look away, seemingly more embarrassed.
“I hAvE SoMe noRMaL ChOColaTE BaRS iF YOu’d liKe onE- I thINk I LeFt onE In yoUR BOwl coMe TO thiNK oF It-” The taller shakes his skull as he moves to take another bite, a smaller one this time, only to suddenly grab Error and jump to the side as a long blade smashes into the ground where they were just standing.
Error yelps and glitches in surprise, the sudden movement causing his mostly forgotten headache to flare up again. A growl sounds out through the room from their attacker and it’s no one he expected- not that really expected anyone to attack them.
The little silver boned skeleton from before is giving the dark being a death glare, baring his teeth with a snarl as he lifts the double sided scythe from the cracked tile floor.
“What in the stars-?”
“ You-! ”
“HeY WaIT NoW-!” Error exclaims, scrambling out of the dark being’s hold to stand between the two, holding up his hands. The skully hisses at him, that hate filled look now aimed at him.
“Move. Don’t think I will let you get in my way.”
“YOu rUinED The tiLE! HoRrOR’s gOnNA Be sO UpseT-” Error gestures to said broken tile. “ANd WhY Are yOU aTtaCKinG THeM? THey’Re haRMleSs noW- tHeY Don’T EVen reMEmbeR ANythINg bUT theIR deATh-”
“Move. Now.”
“ No. ” He says firmly as he crosses his arms, not noticing as his magic instinctively rises to create a thin sheet between them, not unlike the cocoon he made for the possible demon- but this time with the intent to protect and defend.
With another growl the small spirit lunges, slicing at the barrier with his weapon, and Error steps back as he pulls out his strings, shooting them at the skully to tie him up. The small skeleton manages to block the attack, twirling the double bladed scythe and cutting the strings as they approach.
“Back down, Error! This is none of your business! Pesky mortal-”
“It beCAmE My bUSinESs whEn yoU CaME Out oF NowHEre aND aTtaCKeD Us! AnD RuiNEd mY TiLE! If thEy haDn’t mOVeD Me oUT of thE WaY YoU WOuld’vE Hit mE Too, sO It is My bUSiNeSs noW.” Error adds blunt bone attacks to the mix, trying to distract the other as more strings creep along the floor to latch onto his ankles.
“Oh suck it up. It’s just four tiles and you’re fine. This is between me and that thing behind you.”
“Rude-” The possible demon says with a scowl, tentacles thrashing slowly.
“HoW ABoUt yOu sUcK It uP And cALm doWn sO We cAN TaLk thiS Out-” The glitch mutters with his own scowl, before it lightens when his strings manage to make contact with the spirit, and within a moment they coil up to surround his body, latching onto him and forcing him to still- though he doesn’t touch his soul. He’s unsure if spirits even had souls.
The skully falls back onto the floor, dropping his weapon and wiggling as he tries to thrash against his new restraints.
“L-let go!!”
“No. You’RE in tIMe-oUt.” He states, careful to keep the strings from being too tight and hurting the skully, manipulating them as needed to avoid him hitting anything.
“Don’t treat me like a child you insolent insignificant mortal!” They hiss at him, full of hostility. “You know nothing! You don’t know what you are protecting! He has to pay -!”
“CoOL GrEAt- I nEVer sAid I kNeW ANythINg MiSteR HiGH aND MigHty, I sAId yOu nEed tO TaKe a BReaTh and CaLM doWn. YoU DOn’t gEt to reCKleSsly aTtaCK liKe thaT In hERe. We cAN EitHer TaLK thINgs OuT LiKe aDUlts, Or yoU’rE StaYIng IN tiMe-oUT.” Error says calmly, only his agitated glitching revealing his annoyance.
The small spirit growls at him again, eyelight sharp. “You want to talk. Would you like to talk to someone if they possessed your body and made you kill a whole bunch of people, including your own brother!? I don’t want to talk, I shouldn't have to explain myself to the likes of you-”
“AlRigHt yeAh I’ll AdmIT- wHaT THe fUCk-” Error states, giving the probably demon a look, “BuT AlsO, StOp aCtinG LIke I’m leSseR JusT BeCaUSe I CaN DiE- I’vE DOne noTHinG But bE NicE To yoU ANd aLL yoU’vE DonE Is puT Me doWN. I aLReAdy haTE MysELf eNoUGh foR THe boTH Of uS, OkaY? OKay. NoW- if YoU REaLly insiST on FIgHTinG oR WhATevEr, cAN You aT LeaST Do iT OutsIDe? WHeRe thEre iSN’t a ChaNCe oF The ONly peRSon hERe wHO cAN Die wOn’t be CoLlaTEraL?”
Error is just so done- the day has barely even begun and he’s already managed to upset two of the others, his head is killing him, and he’s exhausted from the lack of sleep- he highly doubts passing out from whatever the spirit had tried to do counts.
“I never asked for your kindness. It doesn’t make you any different then every other mortal I’ve met and you don’t deserve any of my respect. Mortals are greedy and disgusting lowlives that are too easily tainted. You all need to be eradicated before something like you turns into something like him .” The skully sneers at the dark being glaring at him, before looking back to Error. “I have tried to give mortals mercy once and that was the biggest mistake of my life. Never again. Besides, you aren’t the only person who isn’t dead.”
“I saID thE oNLy onE whO CouLd diE.” Error corrects, more hurt by the smaller’s words than he’d like to admit. “It’s GoOD tO knOw yOU thINk I’m bEtteR OfF DeAD, tHouGh. MaYBe I reALly shOulD StOP TrYIng.”
The glitch knows himself well enough that he probably won’t, even if it hurts. It wouldn’t be the first or last time, he’s sure.
“I’d JuST liKe to ReMInd yoU THaT ThoUGh yoUr feELinGs aRE VaLId, iT DoeSN’t meAN OTher pEOple’S AreN’t aS WeLL. NoW- I’m sTIckINg yoU OuTSidE To cOol oFf.” He states, voice flat as he turns to pull the skully out of the house. He just.. can’t deal with this right now- even if the spirit doesn’t know it, he’s managed to target multiple of Error’s insecurities, his words all the sharper with his defenses lowered as they’ve been over the past couple of weeks.
…He really thought he was getting through to the skully, having given several more books to him since setting up his altar. He seemed to have wanted space, so Error did his best to give it to him, only occasionally asking what he thought of the most recent books so he could pick better ones.
The small skeleton had talked to him a little bit, albeit hesitantly. It had felt like they were making slow progress…Then again people say things when they're angry…He really shouldn’t take it to heart.
Error doesn’t really hear or pay attention to what the skully is saying as he drags the other out into the guardian, making sure his thrashing won’t get him hurt before heading back inside. The strings will dissolve in a couple hours.
He really wants to sleep, cuddling with Killer sounds nice right about now… But Killer’s still mad at him… And for all he knows he’s drifting, otherwise he probably would’ve at least checked to see what the commotion in the kitchen was. Error walks by the tentacled monster without so much of a word, not really paying attention as he heads to his room.
All he can think about is laying down….and all the ways he’s already screwed up today. He just wants today to be over already- even if the sun is just barely up.
His bed somehow feels colder without Killer in it as he falls face first onto the mattress, and after a moment he decides to take the blanket and hide under the bed instead, uncaring of the dust as he curls up and hides. It feels safer down here….he hasn’t done this sense that first night…when he met Killer.
He didn’t feel the need to since he met Killer.
He’s not sure how long he lays there, stewing in his thoughts and half asleep before the bedroom door opens and a familiar pair of white bare skeleton feet walk in. Killer’s in that nightgown again..
“...Can I join you..?” It takes Error a long moment to get his voice to work.
“..I- I Th-tHoUGht yoU Were maD At mE.”
“..I’m over it. We d-do stupid shit. It happens….I-I really just wanna hold ya right now…” Error takes another minute before he manages to move, wiggling out from under the bed, a small, desperate sounding noise escaping him as he scrambles up. The moment he’s completely out from under the bed and on his feet, Killer hugs him.
The small ghost clings to him as he practically melts against him, breathing a shaky sigh of relief. He didn’t realize how much he’s come to depend on Killer until now. He really really needed this…The ghost gives him a tight squeeze, soul beating unevenly between them, before Killer pushes them down onto the bed.
Error follows without protest, laying down and nuzzling the smaller close, pressing their foreheads together. Killer chirps quietly at him, pressing right back with closed sockets as he wraps his legs around Error’s waist, as if trying to further hold him in place.
“...Sorry I yelled at ya…”
“..SoRrY For gOInG BehINd yoUr baCk…” He mumbles, curling around Killer as he closes his sockets, drained.
“...Just…don’t do it again and we’re good, ‘kay?....Tell me when you’re gonna do somethin’ stupid. I wanna be there…” Error just nods a bit in response, too tired to say anything else as he finally feels like he can relax. Killer nuzzles their foreheads together as he gives Error another squeeze, before chirping one more time. “Mm…nap sounds good…yeah..”
The glitch doesn’t reply this time, already drifting off to sleep in Killer’s safe embrace. He knows he’s okay…as long as Killer’s here..
Chapter 55: Kitty Killer (Ver. 2)
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error finds an abandoned kitten and decides he’s going to care for it.
Chapter Text
The rain is falling down heavily as Error rushes down the sidewalk, his umbrella clutched in his hands. Maybe he should have taken the weather report more seriously before going out to buy more chocolate for his stash- at least he thought to bring an umbrella this time instead of just pathetically crashing in the middle of the city when he had been caught off guard. Geno had to pick him up- he wasn’t let out of his brother’s sight for days afterwards.
His older brother is such a mom it’s ridiculous, but…he does like the attention even if he refuses to admit it. As he jumps over a puddle, nearly slipping and falling onto his tailbone, a very quiet panicked sound can just barely be heard over the rain.
Error pauses, tilting his umbrella slightly for a better view as he looks around, straining to hear anything past the sound of his glitches and the rain. His eyelights scan the quiet city street around him, before falling onto a soaked cardboard box next to an overflowing trash bin. The container is steadily filling up with water and a very weak ‘mew’ sounds from inside.
The glitch immediately moves to crouch in front of the box, moving the umbrella to cover it as he peeks inside, reaching out to move a flap out of the way. Attached to said flap, like a little leach, is the smallest little kitten he thinks he’s ever seen, their little claws holding onto the cardboard lid for dear life to try and stay afloat.
“Aw BaBy- ” Error doesn’t hesitate to carefully scoop the poor thing up, unhooking their claws from the cardboard to hold them close. The little thing immediately hooks onto his scarf, letting out the quietest scared meows as they shake and shiver, completely sopping wet.
“YOu pOoR ThinG..” Error mumbles, deciding to brave the rain for a moment as he sets aside the umbrella to use the ends of his scarf to try drying them the best he can, before placing them to nestle into the crook of his neck, carefully draping the dry parts of his scarf over them, using one hand to hold them in place as he picks the umbrella back up, glitching slightly.
They nuzzle and wiggle their way closer to his neck as they tremble like a little leaf, it makes his soul ache as he starts walking back home, moving faster in hopes of warming the little kitten up there.
“YoU’re oKAy- I goT You noW..” Error murmurs, trying to push the smallest bit of healing magic into them to hopefully help as he turns the corner.
“M-mew mew…” They’re so quiet, but their shaking lessens and he’s not sure if it’s because they’re tired or the healing magic is making them feel better. He hopes it’s the second.
“CaN KitTEns eAt moNSteR FoOd-? I hAve No iDEa HoW To geT CaT forMUla- iF thAt’s eVEn a ThinG- yoU’rE Way tOo smALl to Be ABle to EaT SoLIds- I’m goNnA Have TO cAll a VEt-” Error rambles a bit to himself as he walks, finally reaching the block his house is on. The shaking has nearly stopped as tiny claws flex against his vertebrae, that now being the only movement coming from the little kitten as their head rests against his upper collar bone. “You bEtTEr noT DIe oN mE-”
Error hurries into his house, setting aside the umbrella and quickly taking off his shoes, before moving to turn on the fire and carefully moving the kitten off of his shoulder. They breathe so slowly in his hand, their ashy gray fur all matted and dirty, the dirt almost makes their fur as dark as the black that’s on the tips of their limbs, tail, ears, and…the little tear like stripes coming down from their closed eyes and down their chin. If Error wasn’t already attached, he sure as hell is now.
“HeY LiTtle oNe..” Error softly coos, unwinding his scarf from around his neck and bundling it up in front of the fire, careful to not let it be too close, before setting the kitten in the makeshift nest, gently stroking the top of their head.
They lean up into the touch ever so slightly and one of their paws slowly kneads his scarf and it’s just soul meltingly cute. They’re just so tiny -
Yeah- he’s so keeping them.
Keeping up his gentle pets, Error pulls out his phone with his free hand, taking a quick picture before looking up the nearest vet. He’s going to have to get them in pretty quick. There’s no telling the last time they ate and knowing how much babies are supposed to eat- and how tired this little one must be- it’s better to get them fed soon instead of waiting.
Error sighs in relief when he sees the nearest one is open to emergency visits and within walking distance, but he figures it’s still probably best to call ahead, clicking on the provided number and letting it ring as he glitches anxiously.
“Hello this is Flower Fall Vet, how can I help you today?” Comes a soft female voice from the other side of the phone.
“Um- H-hi- I uH- FoUNd an ABaNdoNEd kiTteN- I- I doN’t thINk thEy’rE EVen oLd eNOuGh tO prOPerLy wAlk-”
“Oh dear- are their eye’s not open yet then?”
“I doN’T ThiNk sO? ThEy wERe soAKinG WeT aND frEeZIng- I dRiEd theM OfF thE BesT I coUld ANd I usEd a Bit oF HeaLIng mAGiC-”
“That should warm them, I recommend bringing the kitten in right away from an emergency check up and feeding. I’ll see you soon then?”
“Uh- yEaH- JuSt- juST ThoUgHt I’d cALl aHeaD.” Error replies, reluctantly stopping his pets to get up, picking up the bundle of cloth with the kitten inside.
“It is greatly appreciated. My name is Lilly and I’ll be at the front counter waiting. Thank you for calling!” With that the call ends and the kitten mews, nuzzling their face against his scarf until they find a little spot to suck on. Error gently kisses the top of their small head as he puts his phone away, turning off the fire and heading back to the front door, sliding on his shoes and grabbing his umbrella.
The walk is chilly as the sun dips down in the sky, the blanket of gray clouds getting darker and the winds rushing faster. Hopefully he can get back before the storm really hits.
Thankfully, it’s only a fifteen minute walk, though he’s shivering slightly by the end of it, having moved the kitten under his shirt and coat to better shield them from the wind. The bunny monster at the counter regards him with a smile, before quickly walking around to hand him a blanket and fretting over him like a doting parent.
“Oh dear- you must be so cold! Here take this and warm up, sweetie.”
“O-oH- uH- tH-thANks-” Error mumbles, putting his umbrella in his inventory and carefully pulling his scarf- and the kitten bundled up in it- out of his shirt. The bunny monster, Lilly he assumes, carefully takes the kitten, telling the glitch to sit down as the veterinarian in the back gives him a check up.
Error does so despite wanting to protest, feeling a touch uncomfortable without his scarf within reach and worried about the kitten. He sits there quietly, shivering a little under the blanket as he waits for what feels like forever.
Eventually though, Lilly comes back out with his scarf handing it back to him as the storm rages outside.
“The kitten is still alive, miraculously. Thanks to you he will live, however there is an infection in his little eyes. The previous owner must not have wanted to deal with it, seeing as it could have been treated after he was born.”
“WhAT shOulD I dO?” Error questions as he holds his scarf. “WiLl he Be oKaY?”
“We can stop the infection from getting to his brain and causing more damage there, however it requires surgery, his eyes will have to be removed. Otherwise he will be perfectly healthy.” Lilly smiles at him. “But whether we do the surgery at all is up to you, I do recommend it be done as soon as possible.”
“Y..YeAh- oF CouRse-” Error agrees, unused to being the one making the decisions. “CaN- uM- cAN I seE hiM?”
“Of course. Follow me.” He gets up as Lilly leads him to a room in the back where the kitten is laying in a comfortable towel, all nice and clean with a full belly. Error smiles in relief as he moves closer, reaching out to pet the little kitten. Their fur is so soft and smooth now that he’s dry and clean. The little one makes a cute sleepy mew noise as Lilly watches from the door.
“He appears to be the runt of his litter. A kind of Siamese I am not very familiar with, usually their darker coloring comes in later and they are more browns and creams then gray, but the pattern and build matches a Siamese anyway.”
“MaYbe a Mix?” Error shrugs a bit, gently cupping the kitten’s tiny little head as the smallest of purrs starts up from the little cat.
“It’s always possible. I gave him some antibiotics to slow the infection until we can do surgery tomorrow. It will be best to keep him here until then, is that alright with you?”
“Uh- suRe- jUst.. keEp Me uPdATeD? I guEsS..?” Error replies uncertainly.
“Of course! In the meantime let's get this little one registered to your name, we can give him a few needed shots, schedule later shot appointments and get his tags. What would you like to name him?”
“Uh…” Error looks at the tiny kitten, brows furrowing, before getting a stupid idea. “..KiLleR- ‘cAusE He lOoKs so VicIOus.” He states with a small grin. Lilly giggles before nodding and walking over to the laptop to get the newly named, Killer, registered.
“Alright, would you like to chip him later?”
“...YeAh- It’S ProBaBLy a GoOD idEa.”
“Alright. I schedule an appointment for his shots and the chipping, I’m sending the tagging information to the machine in the back, can I get your name and number please?”
“ErrOR QUeEn.” The glitch grabs his phone to check his number, reading it out to the bunny monster. Thankfully, it doesn't take too long for everything to be filled out and he’s given a small card with the appointment dates and times.
“Alright , you will be called when the procedure starts and when we are done tomorrow for an update. You are free to stay until 7:00, but you might want to leave before that storm gets any worse.” Error looks outside, grimacing at the sight of it practically pouring, wind blowing harshly.
“YeAh… It mIGht bE BeST to leAvE..” He reluctantly agrees, looking back down at the kitten now using his hand as a pillow. He really doesn’t want to leave them…
“Don’t worry, we will take very good care of him for the night.” Error can’t quite hold back his small sigh, and he nods and gently strokes Killer’s head with his thumb, before carefully extracting his hand. The kitten squirms in place, before calling out and very clumsily wiggling his nose around looking for Error again.
“ Aw.. ” Error practically melts, moving to continue petting him. The bunny monster giggles before quietly leaving the room as Killer tries to very sleepily crawl into Error’s hand. He gets only partially there before relaxing again to fall asleep.
Error gently nudges Killer the rest of the way onto his hand, carefully cupping him against his chest as a quiet purr escapes him. As Killer ever so quietly begins to purr back, Error simply melts. He is in love with this little kitten, he doesn’t want to leeaaaveee- especially not into the cold, harsh storm that’s outside where he’d do nothing but fret about the kitten’s safety.
He probably won’t even be able to sleep tonight…It’s a good thing he works from home and doesn’t have to get up early, maybe he can spend tomorrow buying things for Killer!
He’s going to need a litter box at some point- he’ll have to figure out how to house train him, come to think of it- and maybe some cat treats? He has no idea how to care for a kitten properly, but he’ll be damned if he doesn’t learn. Maybe he can do research to keep him busy..
Yeah…that sounds like a good idea. Stay up researching and then get everything he needs to make sure Killer is happy and healthy tomorrow, but first….he has to go home.
Error sighs again, reluctantly moving to put Killer back in the soft towel. He really should leave before the storm worsens- the last thing he needs right now is to crash somewhere from the rain. He watches for a moment as the kitten mews, kneading at the soft fabric for a moment, before he forces himself to look away.
He’ll be back tomorrow after Killer’s surgery, it will be fine…
After a long minute, Error takes his scarf and carefully arranges it around Killer, tucking it under his chin like a pillow. The towel is probably better, and he feels oddly vulnerable without his scarf, but.. It felt right, leaving a small piece of himself with the kitten. A silent promise that he’ll be back.
The little fluff ball nuzzles his head into the fabric, sniffing it clumsily until he relaxes again, inevitably falling asleep. Error pulls out his phone to take another picture, before forcing himself to turn away and walk out of the room, looking for Lilly. The bunny monster is waiting for him at the counter and she smiles kindly when he walks up to her.
“I uH- lEfT my scARf wiTH hiM- HoPE thAt’s oKay..”
“That's fine, dear. I’ll make sure you get it back when you come to pick him up tomorrow. You won’t be able to pick him up immediately after surgery, but a few hours later just so we can be sure everything went smoothly and there are no further problems. I will call you again to tell you when he is ready.”
“ALrigHt- maKeS SEnsE… I’ll.. uM.. TaLK to yOU thEn, I guEsS?” Lilly nods, giving him another smile, her pale yellow fur swaying a bit on her cheeks as she walks around the counter.
“Mhm, please be careful, the winds are really starting to pick up.”
“WiLl dO- uM- hEre’S YOur BlaNKet baCk-” Error unwraps the blanket from around his shoulders to give to the bunny monster, but she shakes her head.
“Keep it, it will keep you warm as you walk back and hopefully keep your clothes a little more dry.”
“..ALriGht.” Error hesitantly wraps the blanket back around himself, before grabbing his umbrella out of his inventory. “WisH Me luCk.”
“Will do. Be safe Error, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Lilly smiles and waves at him as he heads to the door, waving back at her before opening his umbrella and heading out to brave the cold.
~
“IS ThiS Cat tRee biG EnouGh?” Error asks himself as he looks through the reviews. The rain had yet to stop, so Error opted to shop online for most of the things he’ll need for Killer. Thankfully with his age, it’s not a huge problem that it’ll take a bit to ship.
The powdered kitten formula probably won’t get here in time though…The vet probably has some. They already called him this morning saying that they were beginning the surgery and they have yet to call him back. It’s nerve wracking.
From what he’s read, the surgery has a very low risk factor, but he’s still worried- Killer’s just so small - Something could easily happen to him. Stars, a box could kill him let alone surgery!
Error forces himself to pause and take a deep breath before he starts panicking again, sighing as he does his best to push the thoughts away. Everything will be fine. Lilly said she’ll call him the moment they are done and if there are any problems…it’s fine….He needs a better distraction.
Maybe he could call Geno? He’d try to visit, but his brother lives thirty minutes away in the opposite direction of the vet- he’d rather stay close by. Geno would like to know he has a cat, Goth would too, actually. His cute little skully nephew finished blasting from a baby bones only a few months ago- Gothy would probably love to see a kitten.
Mind made up, he pulls out his phone and goes to his brother’s contact.
“Bubbu? Is everything okay?” Damn- did he only ever call Geno when something was wrong?
“WhY HeLlo tO yoU To Gen. HoW Are yOU doIN’?” There’s a small moment of silence and he can practically feel the suspicious look he’s being given through the phone.
“What did you do? Or what’s bothering you?” Error stares at the phone in exasperated surprise.
“..HoW-”
“I’m your big brother, I know everything. Now spill the beans-” Geno is such a mom- Error rolls his eyelights even as fondness rises in his chest.
“AlriGht ALriGht- I foUnd AN aBaNDoneD KiTteN.”
“Awww- Bby-” Error snorts a bit.
“YeAh- He wAS alL AlonE In thE RaIN.. He waS FrEeZInG ANd wET- He’S- HE’s onLy a COuPLe oF WeEKs oLD, GeN.”
“I really hate people. Who could do that to such a small baby!?”
“I- I dOn’T KnoW- buT I toOK hiM To thE VEt laST niGht, aFteR I foUnd hiM. ThEy.. foUnd AN inFecTIon iN HIs eyES.. He’s IN suRGerY To gET TheM REmoVed riGht noW.” Error explains, nervously looking at the time again.
“Oh wow- I see….I’m coming over.”
“Wh-? W-wAit iT’s fiNe-” Error scrambles to reassure as another voice can be heard loudly in the background.
“Me and Gothy are coming over~! See you soon~!” And before he can say anything Geno hangs up on him.
“..FuCker-” Error mutters, putting his phone to the side with a sigh…..Geno is such a little shit. At least he’ll get to see Goth, he’s such a cute little skully. Playing with his favorite nephew will make for a good distraction, if nothing else.
What should he do now..? They’ll be here in a few minutes….Maybe he could make Goth some hot pockets? Even if it ruins the skully’s appetite a bit- he gets the right to be the fun uncle- he’s determined to be Goth’s favorite. Even if Fresh puts up a good fight.
Fresh got the kid a furby! Geno nearly took his head off- Error couldn’t even be upset about it- it was hilarious. Still, Error countered with many handmade dolls. Cute little Goth’s face lights up every time he hands him a new doll and it’s one of the cutest things he’s ever seen. He’s made one of Reaper, Geno, Goth, himself, Fresh…oh! He should make one of Killer!
He’ll have to age him up a bit, probably, but he’s sure Goth would like it. He’s never made an animal before.. Not even a few minutes after he starts picking out the yarn colors he thinks would match Killer’s furr, there’s a very excited knock at his door. Error smiles, hurrying over to open said door.
“Uncle Ewer~!” His nephew declares in excitement, immediately rushing forward to hug the glitch’s leg, who laughs as he scoops Goth up, spinning him around.
“GoTHy~!” His favorite little skully giggles, reaching out to hug him close with a very happy little purr as Geno smiles softly at them.
“Hello Error, you haven’t had lunch yet have you?” Error pauses at that, blinking dumbly at his brother. He had completely forgotten.
“...mAYbE?”
“....I’ll take that as a no. Don’t worry, I brought food.” Geno holds up a bag of take out, the younger glitch cheering as he playfully bounces and nuzzles Goth.
“He-..ck yEaH!” Error moves out of the way to let Geno in and his brother makes his way to the small dinning table to set everything up.
“Nuggies for everyone~!”
“Yaaayyyy~ Thank oo Mommy.”
“You’re welcome, honey~”
“YuMmY NUgGieS~” Error singsongs, spinning around with Goth again before setting him in the chair with a taller seat- something he bought specifically for his nephew to use. The little skully laughs in delight before very excitedly opening his box of chicken nuggets.
“Yeee~ Mommy did you get fries? Mommy?” Geno sighs in fond exasperation as he sits down, putting a small container of salted french fries in front of the little one. “Yay~!”
“YaY~” Error copies as he sits and grabs his own food, before getting back up to grab some ketchup from the fridge. The moment Goth can see what Error is doing he gets excited, demanding mustard.
“Oh dear.”
“Ah- soRrY-” Error still picks up the mustard.
“No it’s alright. I just can’t believe Goth is picking up Red’s bad habit of putting mustard on everything.” Geno tells him in exasperation.
“I beT EDge Is haVIng FuN With THaT-” Error snickers, handing Geno the bottle of mustard and sitting down to properly eat. His brother puts a small amount in the little nugget box’s lid as Goth very excitedly starts to dip his food in it.
“Oh you should have seen how angry he was. Apparently Goth put mustard on Edge’s lasagna.” The glitch snorts, bursting into a fit of laughter.
“Oh- oH M-mY FoX-” Geno snickers, glancing over at the ever oblivious skully eating his food.
“The moment we took Gothy, Edge let loose his wrath. I almost felt bad for Red~” Error just giggles.
“I bET thE WhoLE NeiGHboRHooD COuLd heAR Him-”
“With how loud Edge is? I have no doubt. Hmm…we should have a family dinner at Red and Edge’s place sometime soon. Maybe your little kitten could make friends with Doomfanger~”
“Aw tHAT WOuLd bE ADorABleeE~” Error coos, before shooting up when he remembers something. “WaIT-! I haVE A coUPle pICtuRes I hAve tO shoW YOu-”
“I wanna see da thing! Led me see led me see!” Goth whines the instant Error takes out his phone to show Geno the pictures, scrambling out of his chair and walking around to peer between them.
“Awww~ Error he’s adorable~”
“LoOk GoThy it’S A bABy kiTtY~” Error shows the picture from after Killer had been cleaned and the little skully coos, pointing at the screen.
“Oooo~! Mommy look id’s a kiddy! A bby kiddy~!”
“Yes it is, sweetheart~ Do you like the kitty?” Geno asks as he pulls Gothy up into his lap.
“Mhm! I wove da kiddy!”
“WeLL he’S GoiNG tO be My kITty sOoN, sO You’LL bE aBLe to CoMe sEe hiM WheNEVer yoU VIsiT.”
“Willwe?” Geno snorts, nuzzling his skully.
“It’s ‘really’ not ‘willwe’.” Goth puffs out his cheeks at his Mother’s correction, before trying again.
“Reewly-”
“No silly~ Reeeaallly~ Put your tongue at the top of your mouth at the L part.”
“LlllLLl-” Error demonstrates for the skully. Goth blinks for a moment, before sticking two tongues out of his mouth and blowing raspberries at Error. The glitch doesn’t hesitate to do it back with his five tongues. And thus the raspberry battle begins, Goth giggling every few blows.
“Alright alright that’s enough you two- Thank the stars Fresh isn’t here-” Error snorts and giggles, before turning to his brother with a mischievous grin and blowing a raspberry at him. “Ack-! Error you overgrown skully!!”
His brother squawks in indignation, glaring lightly at the glitch as Goth copies his uncle. “....You’re a bad influence-”
“I rEGret noTHinG-” Geno gives him a harder glare, before huffing, standing up to put Goth in his seat.
“Finish your food Gothy, okay?” The skully tries to blow raspberries at his mom, but Geno shuts that down real quick. “Nuh uh. No more, it’s time to eat.”
“HoW ‘bOuT I teLL yoU ABouT How I FouND The kiTtY YeSTerDAy?” Error asks, figuring he should probably do a bit of damage control.
“Yes! Kiddy kiddy!” Geno smiles, giving Error a small kiss on the cheek as he sits back down, the younger brother doing the same, before launching into his story. He tells his nephew all about the cute little kitten in the box and how he ran home in the rain to get them warm. Goth is completely enthralled in the tale as he eats his food, sipping on a spite once he’s done and they all decide to migrate to the living room- that's when Error gets a call from the vet.
Error scrambles to answer it, his previously forgotten anxiety rushing back as he holds the phone to his earhole, glitching slightly.
“Hello, this is Flow Fall vet, am I speaking to Error Queen?” Come Lilly’s voice.
“Y-yUp-” Error clears his throat. “ThIS is He.”
“Well I am happy to inform you that Killer is all done and doing very well! We have him resting right now with some painkillers in his system and you can’t come get him yet, but he will be perfectly fine.”
“O-oh- THAT’s gREaT-!” Error sighs in relief, sending Geno a smile. “WhEN dO yoU ThiNk I CAn piCk hIM uP?”
“Three hours or so? Give or take. It depends on how well he is recovering and honestly he is doing better already, besides being tired. He has stitches on his empty sockets so they can properly heal and so he has to wear mittens to keep from messing with them. I will better inform you of his needs during treatment when you pick him up and give you everything you need.”
“Of cOURsE- thAnk yoU So muCh.”
“No problem! I’ll update you if anything changes. See you soon, Error.”
“SeE Ya.” After a moment's hesitation, Error hangs up and sets a timer for three hours on his phone, just to make sure he doesn’t forget- though it’s not like he will.
“What did they say?” Geno asks immediately, Goth joining in.
“Is id aboud da kiddy?”
“Mhm- ThE SUrgerY wenT wELL- I’ll Be ABLe to PicK Him uP IN aBOuT thReE HourS.” Error happily reports.
“Yay! That’s awesome Error! You’re going to have a cute little kitten~ If you need anything you can always call me, like cat litter or whatever-”
“KiLler’s STill toO liTtLE To BE aBLe to USe a LItTer boX- aND I’vE ALrEaDY OrdEReD A buNCh oF THinGs- bUt THaNks~”
“Did you order pee pads? Like for the floor when he’s litterbox training?”
“YEs BuT I woN’t nEeD THem foR A moNTH or So- I’vE BeEN doINg toNs oF ReSEaRCh.”
“Wow..I’m impressed Bubbu~” Geno smiles warmly at his little brother as Goth gets himself all tangled up in a crochet blanket on the couch, making Error snicker a bit as he watches.
“I mEaN I cOUldn’T ReALly slEeP So-”
“I’m still proud of you. Actually if you didn’t sleep, maybe you can take a nap with Gothy.”
“Nu! Nu nap!”
“BuT GotHY, iF YOu taKe a NaP, thEn wHEn yOU wAKe uP wE CaN Go sEe thE KitTY.” Error tries to convince, having a feeling that his brother’s suggestion is more of a demand, based on the look on his face.
“I ged da see da kiddy!? I wanna see I wanna see!” The skully wiggles and squirms in his blanket prison, and Error goes to free him.
“YoU Can, buT OnLY if You tAKe a NaP With mE fiRSt. DeAL?” His nephew pouts hard in his hold and takes a minute to waugh his options….before nodding.
“Fine- bud I nu like id!”
“BuT You liKe thE KiTty.” Error lightly teases, the skully pouting more.
“Nu I loooovvveeee da kiddy!” They both snicker as Goth pouts hard, nuzzling his face into Error’s neck as the white little wings on his back floof up in frustration.
“YeS oF COurSE- mY BaD. YoU Love THe kiTty~” Error agrees, turning to carry his nephew to his room. Geno waves them goodbye with a small laugh as he coos and Goth waves back even as he continues to glare at the floor like a very pouty little bean.
“WaNnA SWing In the HaMmoCK?”
“OOo~! Yes pwease~!” Error laughs at Goth’s immediate mood change, before moving to have them both laying in the hammock, letting them swing gently. The adorable little skully nuzzles into him with a loud purr, little chirps sprinkled in. He gets that from Reaper- Goth is like a little bird~
Error absolutely adores his cute nephew, and he can’t help but hold him close with a wide smile as he relaxes. The gentle rocking of the hammock soothes them both, Goth’s sockets drooping as his little hands hold loosely onto Error’s jacket.
“I wove you…uncle Ewer..” The skully mumbles sleepilly, and Error yawns, exhaustion weighing on him now that his anxiety for Killer has faded.
“I loVE yoU too, GoThy~” He murmurs, giving his nephew a gentle nuzzle. In seemingly no time at all, the two fall fast asleep, snuggling each other on the hammock.
~
He was woken up by his alarm hours later and Geno offered to drive them all to the vet to pick Killer up, where Lilly gives him all the information he’ll need to make sure the kitten recovered properly from the surgery. It’s only after a proper explanation that he is led to a different back room to see his adorable little kitten, loosely wrapped up in his scarf.
“HeLlo thERe bABy~” Error coos, not hesitating to go over to gently scoop the bundle up. Killer mews and starts clumsily crawling out to lay his head on Error’s wrist, nuzzling in a happy sounding little meow.
“Hehehe~ He missed you.” Lilly coos as she stands at the door.
“He ProBABLy juSt reCOniZEs mE FrOm thE ScARf-” Error dismisses, even as he purrs loudly, cradling the little kitten close. Teenie tiny claws kneed at the side of his hand, the quietest little purr joining his as the kitten’s body rumbles a little.
“Mew mew-!”
“BaBYyy~” Error purrs back, giving Killer a gentle kiss on his head. He’s so happy his kitten is okay, perfectly healthy~ Though, he thought Lilly said there would be stitches? Humming, he tilts his head and tries to look closer at Killer. “WHerE ARe thE StiTchES?”
“Hum? What do you mean?” The bunny monster steps closer to get a good look at Killer. “Hmm…I suppose the head veterinarian decided to use healing magic? Magic has yet to be properly added to most procedures, but in emergencies they can-”
Killer opens his eyes and Lilly nearly jumps out of her fur out of startled surprise as black voids stare back at her, Error letting out a surprised, slightly nervous laugh. “O-oh dear hello-”
“Hi thERe~” The glitch coos, a touch concerned. His little kitten turns their head to him and it seems like Killer is looking at him, before they just nuzzle their head into his hand. Lilly stares in shock and confusion, before scrambling over to the computer on the counter and checking the record- looking for whatever the head veterinarian put down.
“Oh okay. Simon just changed the plan- Phew. He’s fine don’t worry. I wasn’t informed, but apparently instead of stitches at all they did indeed use healing magic so his empty sockets are completely healed and fine.”
“GaVE me a HEaRt aTtACk-” Error mutters, “Do EyESocKEts USuaLLy lOoK LiKe tHaT?”
“No…but the black is probably just what remains of dead tissue and/or scaring.It shouldn’t be a problem or harm him in any way. Though it says here you’ll have to administer an ointment to his sockets to keep the sensitive skin from drying out, which would cause irritation and then he might start to try picking at it with his claws.” Lilly gets up and looks through a few cabinets, before pulling out some kind of ointment, just like she said.
“HoW oFTen ShoULd I aPPly iT?” Error questions, idly giving Killer some pets, much to the kitten's delight.
“I would say every morning for good measure? Just a thin layer to moisturize the skin. And if you notice it dry throughout the day you can apply more. It shouldn’t hurt him at all.”
“ALriGht- soUnDs gOoD.” The glitch easily agrees, nuzzling Killer before shifting him to let the kitten rest more comfortably in his arms. Lilly pulls a bag out of her inventory and holds it out to Error.
“This is the formula powder and a few little bottles. The instructions on how to make it are on the box and you’ll have to feed him every 2-3 hours for the first week, only 4-5 meals every 24 hours. At 2 weeks old, feed him every 3-4 hours, 3 weeks old 4-6 hours.”
“GoT It- I’VE OrdEReD SomE KMR wHiCh sHoULd gEt heRe IN A FeW DAys, JuSt in CaSE.” Error carefully holds Killer in one arm to take the bag, putting it in his own inventory.
“Alright~ That’s all! You have the check up cards and formula, ointment, bottles. That should be all.” Lilly smiles warmly at him as Killer nuzzles his wrist with his little wet nose, Error giving him another light kiss.
“OkAy- tHAnk yoU So mUCh foR THe heLp.” Error says gratefully, the bunny monster’s ears perking up.
“Of course~! This is what I do….Pets are family and no animal deserves to suffer. Seeing an animal in pain makes my soul ache.” Lilly’s pinkish eyes sparkle. “I love helping them be happy!”
“It sUItS yoU.” The glitch agrees with a small smile.
“Hehehe~ Well your family is waiting for you.” Error nods in response, before turning to head out of the room and into the lobby, unable to help but grin at the sight of Geno struggling to wrangle a clearly impatient Goth.
“Uncle Ewer~! Da kiddy da kiddy I wanna seee-!”
“OkAY oKay-! BuT You gOTtA cALm DoWN FirST-” Error laughs, Goth pouting hard at him and squirming for a moment before relaxing in his moms hold.
“Mew- Meeeew-!”
“Aw I thINk He’s eXCiteD To mEeT You~” Error coos, soothingly petting the little kitten before moving close enough for his nephew to see him. The cute little skully gasps as Killer sniffs the air, his single white eyelight blowing wide with wonder.
“Woooww…his sockeds is like mine!” Goth coos in excitement as he points to his empty socket.
“ThEY arE~” Error agrees, kneeling down to Goth’s level. “If yOu PRomISe tO bE VErY ESpeCIaLLy gENtle, yOu Can PEt hIM.”
Sockets wide and a little nervous, the skully slowly reaches out one finger and brushes it over Killer's little head, prompting the kitten to lift it up into the touch.
“Mamma he’s so sooooooffffd-”
“Oh really?” Geno smiles at the adorable scene.
“MhM- ThEY goT Him NicE ANd cLeAn~” He watches as his little nephew oh so delicately strokes his kitten's head right between the ears, just barely touching him just in case. The absolutely glowing look on Goth’s face is worth every second.
“We GoTtA Go hOmE To fEeD Him- wAnNA hELp?”
“Mhm!” Goth nods excitedly as his mom takes his hand and Error gets onto his feet, cradling Killer against his chest, before they make their way back to the car and take the short drive to Error’s apartment.
“CaN YOu hElp Me tAkE THis To thE KitChen?” Error requests when Goth immediately asks how he can help as soon as they step inside. The skully very eagerly does so, carrying the bag of formula and bottles with his cheeks puffed out, his wings fluttering behind him.
“How is he so cute? Ist should be illegal-” Geno coos at his cute little kid, Error just nodding in agreement as they follow Goth into the kitchen.
“ThANks GotHy~” Error smiles as his nephew proudly sets the bag down next to the counter. “NoW, If yOu gO Sit doWn anD YoU’rE veRy sUpEr cALm aNd cARefUL, yoU CaN HoLd hIM foR Me AS I maKe his FoOD, soUNd goOd?”
Goth nods almost aggressively, before rushing over to the couch and sitting himself there, Geno enjoying the adorable display.
“KeEp aN Eye On hIM foR Me PLEaSe-” Error discreetly asks Geno, a touch nervous about letting someone else hold Killer, before turning to address the skully. “Be SuPEr dUPeR CaRefuL ALriGht? KiLler’S TinY And fRaGile.”
“Okay! I can do id!” Goth gives him a very determined look as his older brother sits down beside his nephew.
“GoOd.” Error gives Goth a nod, before smiling and gently setting Killer- still bundled up in his scarf- down into the skully’s lap. Goth immediately freezes in place with barely contained excitement, before a very quiet, muffled squeal comes out of him.
The glitch giggles a bit as he steps back, taking a quick picture before heading back to the kitchen, already sending it to Geno. Error listens to the sounds of delighted giggles and coos from the living room as he takes out the small boxes of formula and carefully reads the instructions, measuring warm water into a bottle and adding the specified amount of powdered formula, thoroughly mixing it in.
Double checking that it’s the right amount for a two week old, Error walks back into the living room. Much to his relief, Killer has barely moved in Goth’s lap, gently being petted by the happy skully with little mews and flexing of his paws.
“ALriGht I goTta TaKe thE KiTtY baCK noW And FeEd him- He’S A hUNgrY baBY~”
“Oday~!” Goth pulls his hands away and lets his uncle pick the kitten back up, who mews and wiggles in Error’s hold, prompting the glitch to nuzzle him with a purr as he sits down, keeping Killer on his stomach as he holds the bottle up to his mouth.
His adorable little kitten is quick to latch on, sucking away as his tiny little feet knead into the fabric of Error’s sweater. They all watch in adorable fascination.
“He’s so cute, Babba~”
“I kNoW RigHT~?” Error coos, smiling softly at the kitten as he gently pets him. He has fallen hard for this adorable little animal, he already knows he would do almost anything for them, to watch them grow into a sweet kitty~ The idea of taking care of another living thing, so fragile and small, makes his soul pulse warmly.
..Error really hopes he doesn’t fuck this up-
~
Geno leaves with Goth later in the day and Error spends his time just cooing over his little kitten for the next week as Killer gets better at moving. The little kitten is following him around the moment he's able to, pouncing on Error’s feet and climbing up his leg, much to the glitch’s amusement.
“WhAT aRe YoU DoiNG yoU RaScAL~?” He coos as Killer makes his way up onto his shoulder and curls up against his neck.
"Meaaaw~!"
“Oh yEaH~? You’VE beEn gEttINg gOod AT CLimBinG HAveN’t yoU~” Error sets his current crochet project- a new scarf since Killer has effectively stolen it- to the side, reaching up to pet the kitten. A loud happy purr rumbles against his vertebrae as the kitten's little wet nose brushes against the underside of his chin, and Error purrs back, gently nuzzling him.
The kitty headbutts the glitch without hesitation, before trying to nom on his jaw with their growing teeth, making him laugh.
“No FoOD foR ANoTHeR hoUr BaBY- wE DoN’t wAnNA MaKe yoU SicK Do We?”
"Meeeeew-!" Is the only response he gets, a tongue lick thrown in there for good measure as he laughs more, nuzzling Killer a little more firmly. Taking it as a challenge, the kitten pushes his forehead as hard back against Error as possible, rubbing his cheeks against the glitch.
“HeHehE~” Error scoops up Killer with a giggle, laying back and setting the kitten on his chest as he continues purring. Killer very persistently crawls up him, laying on his collar bones tucked under his chin as the fluff ball rolls onto his back and pats the glitch’s neck with his toe beans.
“I’m StILl noT FeEdinG YOu-” Error playfully pokes the kitten’s belly, tickling him gently- only to be attacked by tiny teeth. Killer uses his paws to hold his phalange for noms as he gently wiggles it, affection practically overwhelming him. Killer is just so adorably cute and clingy, he can’t get enough of the kitten.
Killer relents his failed attempts at noms and starts sucking on his phalange instead, holding it like he does the bottle as his back feet kick Error’s sleeve.
“ThAT’s noT FoOd siLLy~” He coos, gently pulling his phalange out of the kitten’s hold, before glancing at the clock. “Hm.. I sUpPosE It shOUlD be ALriGht to FeED yoU A biT EaRLy.”
“Raaaa-” Killer says as if agreeing, smacking his chin after a second and making him snort.
“C’mON-” Picking Killer back up, Error stands and heads to the kitchen to prep a bottle for him. His little kitten wiggles and squirms, ever a ball of energy and fighting to be put back down.
“I tHouGHt yoU WerE HUngrY?” Error teases, putting the hyper kitten down for a moment, freeing up his hands. He looks back up to prepare the bottle, only to stop at the sudden thump sound as Killer leaps into he side of the counter.
“Wh- KiLleR-??” A surprised laugh escapes Error even as he glitches in concern, immediately bending down to check on his kitten. But of course, like the stubborn little he is, Killer bounces right back up and starts jumping all over the place, until he lands on Error’s foot and starts attacking it like a little gremlin, the glitch just snickering as he goes back to making Killer’s formula, reassured that he’s okay.
It’s pretty easy to ignore the kitten for a few minutes as he gets it ready, Killer’s claws attached to his slippers as he finds a good spot to gnaw on them.
“ALriGhtY ThAT’s eNOuGH~” Error gently wiggles his foot, before shaking the bottle to let the kitten hear it. Killer’s ears perk up and he scrambles to get onto his feet before sinking his claws into Error’s pants to begin his epic climb, scaling the glitch’s body.
“ThAT WorkS-” Error lets Killer climb up into his arms before heading to the living room, nudging the nipple of the bottle against the kitten’s face. His little kitten very eagerly latches onto the bottle and sucks away.
“MmMmmmew~”
“SiLly hUNgrY KitTy~” Error coos as he watches Killer eat, the little kitten mewing quietly between chugs. He has such a cute little round belly- especially after he eats- it’s adorable. Much better than how thin he was when he first found him.
Killer tries to knead at the bottle, and only after maybe two minutes he pulls away to lick his mouth, having emptied the entire container.
“VErY goOd~” Error purrs, putting the bottle aside and gently rubbing Killer’s round belly. It’s so soft and warm and the kitten stretches out in his hold, before relaxing again, seemingly very comfortable laying on his back, his pink little toe beans flexing in the air.
“YoU REaDy foR A naP~?” The glitch coos, continuing to gently pet Killer as he purrs louder, so incredibly happy. His little furry baby yawns, confirming that yes, it is indeed time for a nap. Error smiles, shifting into a more comfortable position and picking his crochet back up as Killer nuzzles in closer to him, having a feeling he’ll be staying here a while.
~
As Killer gets older the still small kitten starts doing a little more wandering…and he starts to find random little tinkle spots- Specifically in one corner of his bedroom for no particular reason. Killer also seems to enjoy spreading his cat litter all over the bathroom floor, much to the glitch’s annoyance.
“YoU ArE GoINg tO be THe End oF Me-” Error sighs, laying down another pad in what he’s dubbed Killer’s Piss Corner, though it’s only a temporary solution until he gets another litter box and the rugs he’s planning to put under them. At least he doesn’t have to wipe the kitten’s butt to make him poop anymore.
Killer mews at him with an innocent look on his face as he lays on his back across Error’s bed, tail flicking slowly. He swears the cat can understand him sometimes and right now, he’s getting grinning little shit vibes.
“WhAT hAppENeD To tHE cuTe liTtle kiTtEn thAT JuSt wANteD CudDLes, Hm?” Error points an accusing phalange at Killer, walking over to gently poke him.
“Reeeooow~!” With a loud meow that sounds like a tiny roar, his cat tries to grab his hand, hooking a claw around his sleeve and pulling him closer for cheek rubs.
“TrYinG To sUCk uP to mE NoW~?” The glitch teases, petting Killer’s head and earning himself a few gentle licks and soft purrs. The kitten- well now he’s more of a cat- sits up with a big stretch, before jumping in Error’s direction and latching onto his side to climb into his shoulder.
Tucked between his neck and jaw has become Killer’s favorite spot, and sometimes Error questions how he manages to avoid slipping- or how he manages to consistently jump up despite being blind….Then again Killer runs into furniture or walls quite often when he’s not looking, usually during zoomies. It’s kind of funny, but honestly he’s worries Killer is going to hurt his little head-
“Mew~” Pulled out of his thoughts, Error gently rubs his cheek against Killer’s side.
“MeOw~”
“Meow?” A fuzzy little head perks up at him, ears forward and listening to him intently, making him laugh a bit.
“MeoW~” Killer’s ears twitch and the kitten is right up in his face, poking him lightly with his wet nose.
“Rrreeeoow~”
“MmRrr~” Error copies the trill-like noise he’s heard cats make, fighting back giggles at Killer’s reaction. His cat is so freaking cute~!
Soft fur is very aggressively rubbed against his face, Killer pressing his little body as close as he can to Error as a little paw pats his cheek.
“Mra mrawp~” This time Error can’t hold back his delighted giggles, nuzzling his kitten back just as aggressively as he purrs. He’s never purred so much in his life and every time he does, Killer purrs right back, nuzzling and rubbing against him affectionately, before licking his nasal bridge with his rough little tongue. “Merow~”
“I lOvE You toO~” Error coos, reaching up to scratch Killer under his chin, his cat leaning full heartedly into the touch with very loud and happy purrs. His little fluff ball doesn’t leave his side for the rest of the day, curling up in his lap as Error sits down to work- something he had been neglecting just a bit for the past month or so.
Thankfully the client he’s been working for is pretty lenient and didn’t seem too annoyed by the wait. Killer has Error’s old scarf wrapped around him and is lightly sucking on one of the ends as he kneads the glitch’s pants in an adorable display, and Error can’t help but pause his typing to give the kitten some pets.
“YoU’re sO PRecioUs~” His little Killer has stolen his soul and wrapped it around his little paws for safe keeping. How one animal can be so cute is simply impossible- This kitten is his life now and he has no regrets.
“Mmmerp..?”
“MhM~ My aDOrABle litTLe kitTY~” Error purrs, before making a quiet meow sound. He gets the cutest little sleepy mew back and Killer slowly rolls over against him, sinking into the space between his pelvis and ribcage.
“PfFt- whAt aRE yoU DoiNG~?” The glitch snorts in amusement as he watches Killer partially disappear under his shirt, the slightly odd feeling making him glitch a bit. The kitten lays on his back, basically laying in Error’s pelvic inlet like it’s a bowl as he starts to fall back asleep.
“ALriGht tHeN-” Error snickers a bit, fighting the urge to squirm at the ticklish sensation of Killer’s fur against his bones as he gets back to work. After about an hour, Killer starts to wiggle his cold little toe beans patting at the inside of his pelvis, making him jolt and giggle slightly, before reaching into his shirt to gently poke the kitten.
His hand is very quickly batted at, a little dark paw reaching out to try and get him before retreating back beneath his clothes.
“GoNnA HaVE to TrY hARdEr to gEt mE~” Error coos, playfully poking Killer again and just like before the kitten batts at him, sticking his head out for a moment to try and reach more, before realizing he’s been exposed and quickly retreating again.
“Meeeow!”
“MrRr~”
“Mrrrup~?” Killer sticks his head back out, ears perked up again.
“ArE My MeOWs reALly thAT intREsTIng?” The glitch questions with a snicker, before meowing again.
“MRrrrrup~” Killer comes out more to poke his little nose up at him more, reaching a paw up. Error awkwardly ducks down a bit to let Killer pat his face.
“PrRrR~”
“PRrRrrrrroooOoowwww~”
“YoU’re sO CUte~” Killer purrs loudly as he carefully grabs the sides of Error’s skull, standing up on his back legs as he licks Error’s mouth and nasal cavity in a kitty kiss, the glitch making a face even as he purrs back, kissing Killer’s little forehead.
“Mew~”
“MErRp~” Error gets very aggressive head rubs for that one, Killer basically hooking his front legs around the monster's neck and pulling himself up with very loud purrs. Error giggles, reaching up to cup the kitten in his hands, holding him up and nuzzling him.
How did he get so lucky with such a sweet affectionate cat? Killer is so sweet and gentle…and sure he accidentally scratches Error when climbing him sometimes and he has to prematuring stop noms, but Killer is so sweet otherwise! All things considered, he’s much more careful than the average cat.
“I loVE yoU SoOoo muCh~” Error purrs as cool little toe beans pat at his cheek lightly, almost like Killer is trying to get the shape of his face. With a small snicker, Error gently guides the paw up his tearmarks and to his socket, as if helping him feel his face. Killer just lets the glitch move his paw around, his toes flexing a little like a small pat.
After a moment, the kitten leans his head up to ever so lightly boop his nose against Error’s cheek, over and over.
“Aw ArE You giVInG Me kiSsES~?” Error coos, having no idea what Killer is trying to do. It’s so very cute though, whatever it is. Killer’s wet nose kind of tickles actually. “WhAt aRE you EvEN doINg?”
Error peppers a few kisses on Killer’s head either way, happy to just cuddle him. However, a ding from his computer brings him back to the screen and he remembers that he’s supposed to be working-
“Mmmrow~”
“I gOtTa Do soME moRe woRk noW, OkAY? I’Ve bEeN RUnNinG BehINd-” Killer rubs his face up under Error’s chin, his purrs making him vibrate against the glitch.
“Reeoow~” Error purrs back at him, moving the kitten to sit in his preferred spot against his neck, before reluctantly turning his attention back to his computer. Killer eventually falls back asleep on his shoulder, curled up into the crook of his neck like always as he spends a few hours finishing a few projects before deciding to be done for the day- though he has quite a bit left to do.
Checking the time he decides it’s late enough, Killer will be wanting to eat soon. Feeding Killer has actually helped keep him on a pretty good routine, his little kitten is very punctual, protesting if Error’s even a minute late. He’ll have to begin moving Killer to solids soon- having already bought step two KMR.
He stretches in his chair and Killer wakes up just enough to do the same, kneading at the scarf in his lap, before the kitten picks it up in his mouth and jumps down.
“WhAT’re YOu doINg sILLy~?” Error questions, standing up. Killer’s ears twitch towards him as the cat walks out of the room, dragging his old scarf with him into the hallway to the living room, the glitch curiously following behind.
His kitten carefull walks the hall, slowing once the floor creaks in this one spot, before turning and headbutting the side of the couch. Killer then follows the edge of the couch to get to his cat tree in the corner. He brushes against the two towers a few times, before jumping up onto the shortest one and scaling it like he does Error’s legs.
It’s honestly awe inspiring how well Killer is able to navigate the house without sight, and it’s interesting to watch him confidently move around every time without fail. Error is careful not to leave too many things around Killer could run into and has a little box for all the cats cat toys- Killer always puts them away when he’s done and it’s so odd to watch him pick up after himself. His kitty is so smart~
After Killer carefully puts the scarf away on the very top of his cat tower, he starts mewing loudly for Error to come get him from the one spot he can never get down from- yet constantly goes up to.
“AlriGhT I’m COMinG-” Error snorts as he goes to retrieve his silly kitten, rolling his eyelights in fond exasperation. Killer cuddles up to him the moment he’s in his grasp, rubbing his cheeks against the monster's chin with loud mews and little clicking noises.
“ThAT’s a NeW SOunD.” The glitch comments idly as he happily nuzzles Killer back, heading to the kitchen. “YoU ReaDY to EaT?”
“Meaawp~! Reow reoooww!”
“HehEHe~ I’ll tAKe thAT As a Yes~” He starts making Killer’s bottle with practiced ease, before remembering the semi solid cat food he bought a few days ago- thankfully before he added water- and decides to check the instructions for it. “Hmm.. hoW Do yoU FeEL aBouT SoMEthinG DifFereNT TodAY?”
“Mea?” Error grabs one of the cans of half solid food, grabbing a shallow bowl as Killer nuzzles against him. He kneels, setting the bowl down as he opens the can and pours it in, before putting Killer down next to it, deciding to wait and see what he does.
A little confused, the kitten sniffs the air, poking lightly at the cat food…before licking it curiously.
“ThEre yOU gO~ GoOD joB~” Error praises as Killer’s little ears perk up and he slowly starts to eat the food, still not entirely sure about it. “If yOu eAt aLL of It yoU CaN stILl haVe soME miLk dON’t woRrY~”
Apparently he’s supposed to feed half and half of the food and milk for about a week- it’s a bit more work, but he doesn’t mind if it’s for Killer. His little kitten turns their head up to face him, and licks some food off their nose, just before sitting up to reach for him with a needy mew.
“TheRE’s sTilL SoMe foOD leFt siLLy~” Still, Error scoops him up indulgently, sitting fully on the ground as he nuzzles the kitten, wiping some of the food off of his face.
“Mewowowow-” Killer mews at him loudly as he’s cradled.
“WhAaT? MERruP?” Error meows back. “YoU GOttA EaT JusT A litTLe moRE befOre I GivE YOu mILK.”
“Moooww-”
“JuSt a Bit?” Error dips his phalange in the substance, holding it in front of Killer’s nose. The kitten sniffs it for a moment or two until he sticks his little tongue out and licks the semi solid cat food off Error’s finger. “ThEre we gO~ NoW You cAN haVE SomE MilK~”
“Reoowwwn~!” Error laughs, before getting up to continue making Killer’s formula, picking the bowl up to wash off. His kitten’s ears twitch and flick as he moves, cuddling up against Error’s neck only to very excitedly perk up at the shaking of the bottle.
“YeS YEs C’mON~” Error walks into the living room and sits on the couch, helping Killer climb down from his shoulder. He cradles the cat like a baby in his arms, paws outstretched to grab the bottle and knead at it as he latches on. “THeRE we go~ GoOd joB~ You’Re goNnA BE sO BiG ANd sTRonG~”
He rubs Killer's little belly, not as big as it was when he was tiny, but Killer’s a bigger kitty now~ His fur is still so soft and fluffy, milk getting on his little muzzle as he chugs the bottle down. Error’s so glad his kitten is growing so well~
~
Killer continues to grow up wonderfully over the next several months, fully weaning off of the bottle and transitioning to kitten cat food, Error making sure to get him only the best. For the past few weeks he’s been introducing Killer to the outside world too. For a cat, Killer is very good on a harness and leash and when he runs errands- something Geno makes him do to get out of the house- Killer just chills on his shoulder with the harness on, his ears perked up as he sniffs and listens to all the sounds.
He is quite the charmer with almost anyone that comes by, eagerly accepting pets when Error allows them- though it’s unfortunately not all that often, with Error’s fear of risking touch and Killer’s refusal to let Error put him down. The only problem Killer has outside is sudden and loud noises, which is understandable. They both jump as a car hooks or someone yells really loud unexpectedly.
He actually got a bad scratch on his shoulder when some Karen started screaming at another mom in the park, Killer having freaked out from not just the sound but the obvious hostility.
Error had made haste to get away, fighting back a crash from the surprise and pain. If the kitten didn’t rely so heavily on his hearing to experience the world, Error would’ve tried investing in some sort of earplug for him. The scratch is healing up okay though, all it needed was some disinfectant when he got home and a bandage. For a few days Killer had kept trying to lick it like a silent apology- which, while adorable, only made risk of infection more likely, so he had done his best to dissuade the action.
Killer has been very pouty now that he can’t let him on his shoulder. Every time Error lets him Killer tries to lick the scratch no matter what he does so he just can't let Killer lay there until it’s healed. He goes to hide under his bed, desk, or even the couch every time Error tells him no.
This time, Killer had gone to sulk in his room while Error was working, likely hiding under the bed. Just like every other time, Error gives his kitten a bit of space to calm down, finishing what he’s working on, before following after him to apologize. The door creaks quietly as he pushes it the rest of the way open, expecting to see a little cat tail sticking out from under the bed.
Expect instead, Killer is on the bed…..very aggressively humping his favorite pillow-
An odd, affronted squawk leaves Error as he stares, glitching harshly in shock and a touch of embarrassment- because come on that was his favorite pillow- so caught off guard he hardly even notices as error signs fill his vision, a crash quickly sneaking up on him.
~
A loud beep sounds through the room and Killer’s fur immediately stands on end as he jumps with a started meow. He lands with his claws winking into the comforter below him and lets out an instinctive hiss, wanting to ward off the scary loud noise. A sudden thump makes him jolt in place and he shakes frozen for a long moment, before crying quietly for Error to come save him, just like he does on the tower, if not a little more scared than demanding.
However as he continues to mew and cry, Error doesn’t come to get him. Why? Error always picks him up when he asks-! Did something happen to Error? Was that what the scary sounds where-!? Concerned for his person, Killer removes his tense claws from the bed and carefully hops down, rubbing himself along the bedside table to get a better feel for where he is.
He just has to follow the buzzing and not bump into anything! Except he does bump into something…and it’s buzzing- Oh! It’s Error! He found him! Meowing and purring, Killer jumps up onto Error’s back, a little confused as to why his person is lying down- and on the floor no less! Error only lays on the carpet if he’s on the floor! Like a decent person-
With his concern returning, Killer starts mewing louder, crying and rubbing his body against the glitch to get his attention. Error always pays attention to him! Why isn’t he listening? No matter how hard he rubs or batts or licks his person doesn’t move and Killer starts to cry again.
Somethings wrong- But what’s wrong-!? Error is breathing, he’s buzzing like always, maybe a little more than usual, but that just happens sometimes, right? Right-?
The cat lays over Error’s neck and gently licks the side of his skull between crying mews, but even when he goes to lick at his person’s shoulder- where he had scratched him the other day- he gets no reaction other than the louder than normal buzzing.
‘Error I’m sorry- Is it the scratch? Did I pout for too long and someone got you? No I don’t smell anyone- but then what’s wrong-!? Error I’m so sorryyyyyyhyyy-!” Killer cries as loud as he can, nuzzling and rubbing his face against Error’s skull, desperately trying to get him to respond or wake up or something . Did he do something to make him upset-? But even when the glitch was annoyed at him, he never ignored him like this- never to such an extreme extent. Not even when he scratched him…
Did he do something really wrong? Killer just doesn’t understand…Does Error not like him anymore..? What if Error doesn’t get up-!? What if he got really hurt-?? But he doesn’t smell any blood… could the hurt be on the inside-? Is he sick??
With a small worried noise, Killer decides to go check and nuzzles his face up under the familiar feeling of the glitch’s sweater, crawling up into his ribcage. Nothing smells odd in here. There’s Error’s breathing and the buzzing…and the beating sound, no other weird noises or smells at all!
The beating does seem oddly slow, almost like how it is when Error is asleep- but Killer is pretty sure that loud thump was Error falling- he couldn’t have fallen asleep that fast right? He hadn’t seemed tired before Killer had left to pout.
Okay so…something is wrong to make Error fall down, something like sleep? And Error’s not waking up when he tries the normal stuff….What should he do to wake him up then?
Killer isn’t sure there even is anything else he can do to make Error wake up…. What if he never does? Forever stuck on the floor as Killer is helpless to do anything- Just that thought alone makes him cry loudly, mewing over and over, before he starts trying to get back out of the glitch’s ribcage, stumbling and getting stuck in his sweater before he manages to tumble out.
Crying even more, Killer turns back to nestle himself against Error’s side and under his arm, curling into a little sad ball. He’s felt something similar to this before, but he can’t remember when. Scared, lonely, sad- it was cold too, but Error is warm. So nice and warm.
After who knows how long- minutes, hours, Killer doesn’t care, he just cares that Error still wasn’t awake- another weird beep comes from his person, startling Killer, before Error finally- finally- stirs, groaning.
“Mew! Meooow! Merowrow! Meeeooowww!” He cries loudly, in both relief and wanting to get Error’s attention now that he seems to be responding.
“Wh- HUh-? K-kiLler-?” Error jolts, pulling away from Killer before slightly shaky hands pick him up, Error holding him close as he soothingly pets him. “Aw WhAT’s WroNg BAby?”
The cat uses his claws to hold onto Error like a lifeline, pressing himself as close as he can and continuing to cry and mew in distress. Thank goodness his person is okay, Error’s hugging and petting him again.
“It’S OKaY it’s oKay..~” Error murmurs, continuing to pet and nuzzle him. “I PrOBaBly sCaRed YoU, HuH?”
“Mowowow-!”
“I kNoW I’m SOrRy..” Killer can feel Error shift to stand up, his usually smooth ride jerking as the glitch stumbles slightly and the hand petting him moving away. “ShiT- Ow-”
‘Error is hurt!’ Killer thinks to himself, hugging the glitch closer as he leans his little head up to lick at the glitch’s face. Licks always make Killer feel better so they should do the same for Error!
“H-heHehe- Aw ARe yoU TRyiNg tO MaKe me fEeL BeTteR~?” Error coos, nuzzling Killer gently as he slowly makes his way- Killer’s pretty sure- to the living room, dropping down heavily onto the couch with a tired sounding sigh, his shaking hands even more obvious when he reaches up to continue petting Killer.
Worried, the cat moves up closer to wrap his body more around Error’s skull once the monster has sat down, licking his temple and holding his face, drawing a quiet snicker out of the glitch.
“‘M nK’y K’Ller…~” He mumbles, voice muffled in Killer’s chest.
“Moumoumow-” ‘No you’re not liar! Now shut up and let me love you-’
Error snorts, and though Killer has long since learned that the glitch can’t fully understand him, he relents to the kitten’s demands, carefully shifting to lay down on the couch. Killer uses the opportunity to press himself even closer, covering Error’s face in licks and kitty kisses.
“S’lly K’tTy~” Error coos, lightly nuzzling him with a quiet purr.
‘I’m not silly you’re silly- and mean! You scared me meany!’ Killer scolds between licks, pausing for a moment to rub his face aggressively against Error’s, who just giggles in response, sounding drained.
Killer eventually relaxes to just lay comfortably across the glitch’s neck, tucking his face under Error’s chin as the glitch lays a hand on him.
“...’M GoNna haVE to cALl GEn aRen’T I..” Error mutters to himself, Killer’s little toe beans patting his cheek, prompting the glitch to turn his head slightly to kiss them. “DoN’t woRrY I’m noT GoiNG ANywHEre~”
“Mowww~” Purring, the cat rubs his whiskers against Error affectionately, so happy he’s okay and not mad at him.
“I loVE yoU Too~ I’m sOrRY aBouT ScARinG YOu.” Error pets Killer with his own purr, before shifting slightly, moving one of his hands to pick something up. The cat pays it no mind, his whiskers twitching a little as he hugs Error’s skull- at least, until the glitch talks again and he hears another voice.
“HeY Gen.”
“Hay, Bubbu. What’s wrong? You sound tired..” Killer perks his head up as his ears twitch, facing the sound of the voice. He doesn’t smell anyone else-
“YeAH- I maY or May NOt haVe cRaSHed- I’m fiNe ANd aT HomE Don’T WorRy-” Who is that? Where is it coming from? Curious Killer starts wiggling a little to crouch and slowly sneak up towards the new voice, which is near Error’s chest.
“Oh thank the stars- you didn’t hit your head or crush Killer? No fractures or cracks?”
“NoT THaT I caN TEll- prETty suRE KilLer thOugHT I wAS dyinG, thOUgh.”
“Aww poor baby- I thought something similar the first time I saw you crash too- Scared the soul out of me. He’s doing okay now though, right?”
Killer brushes his whiskers lightly against the source of the sound and blinks his empty sockets in confusion. Weird- What is this thing? It's like a little box, but he can't play in it!
“YeAH. I’m PReTty suRe He’S TRyiNg to fiGUre oUT whErE YOur voICe iS COminG FrOm- oH- beFOre I ForGEt, Do yOu thINk yoU COuld COmE OVer And fEeD KilLer foR Me iN A COuPLe hoUrs? I dOn’t THinK I’m goNnA Be aBLe to moVE for THe reST of tHE DaY..” Error sounds sheepish as the hand still on the cat’s back starts petting him again.
Killer relaxes under the touch, nuzzling and batting at the phone on Error’s chest a little.
“Sure Bubbu! You rest and I’ll bring you some leftovers too, okay? Reaper can stay here with Goth for me.”
“ThANks GeN- oH leT’s noT PLaY wiTH the PHoNe KiLler-” The box thing is moved away and the cat mews in annoyance as he tries to chase after it, batting lightly in the direction it went.
“Of course! You don’t have to thank me.”
“I’Ll thANk yoU As mUcH aS I- aCk-! KiLleR thAT’s mY FaCe-!” Error protests as Killer steps on his cheek in his attempt to get the voice box. The cat turns his face down in Error’s direction, ears facing forward, before he gets a mischievous idea. Before the glitch can protest further, Killer loafs himself on Error’s face, feeling very satisfied with the muffled squawk sound his person makes.
“MmmMMr M MMmd Tm TMMm mM MmnM-” Error complains, voice incomprehensible. It’s hilarious and Killer huffs in amusement, the best he can do to sound even remotely like he’s laughing.
“Pfft- Killer's laying on your face isn’t he?”
“MHm- hM mMMmh mMN-” The glitch hums in affirmation, before saying something else- probably complaining some more- though he makes no effort to move Killer. He’s so spoiled, Error lets him do almost whatever he wants! With a pleased purr, the cat licks at the top of his person's skull, very very happy with this development.
“Hehehe~ Alright, I’ll be there in an hour and a half or so. Don’t get up or move around, love you!” And with that, Geno hangs up. The glitch just sighs, shifting again before relaxing, a still shaky hand petting him gently.
Yes- he is the best kitty and has the best person ever~ Nothing could be better than this~ Killer licks and and rubs his face against Error, before licking his paws to idly groom himself, rubbing his newly wetted paws against his face with much content purring, Error joining in on his purring after a moment.
Killer lays on the glitch’s face like a little loaf for a little while longer, before moving to Error’s chest to continue cleaning himself better, a relieved sigh leaving the glitch.
“CaN YOu noT-?” Error deadpans, patting Killer’s face. “JuSt- ShHhh LeT’s sLEep-”
The cat pouts for a moment, ears going flat against his face, but is always up for a good nap and snuggles back under the glitch’s chin, hugging his skull like he had before.
“Reoow~”
“HmM~ MrRrh~” His person trills in contentment, purring as he nuzzles Killer and relaxes. He’s always happy to make Error happy, his person is the best there ever is!
“Meerrp~” Killer licks the glitch’s cheek, before letting his body relax like a fluffy neck pillow, almost like liquid floof draped over Error’s shoulder and neck, listening as his breathing slows into quiet snores, his glitching quieting as he falls asleep- for real this time.
Chapter 56: Shattered Dreams (NSFW)
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Ink does a stupid and Dream becomes corrupted. This has severe consequences.
WARNING!! This has very explicit rape and mind control against people’s wills- they’re just tricked into believing they want it due to the nature of Shattered’s powers.
Chapter Text
Error stares down in confusion at the frantic text from Nightmare. The king barely ever actually uses his phone and it's usually to call- but the text itself is what's odd.
‘Don’t leave the antivoid the castle is on lockdown. If you see Dream it’s not him’
“WhAT-??” He questions out loud, texting the same back to Nightmare.
‘Ink somehow made a black apple and cooked it into something for Dream and now he’s lost it’
‘Genuinely what the fuck’ Error replies, before typing out another text. ‘Shouldn’t i go fix it then?’
‘No! Under no circumstances should you go near him. If you think I was bad in a corrupted mind state he is much worse. We have Cross restrained in the dungeon due to the effects of his aura and some kind of hypnotism.’ Nightmare waits a moment before texting him again. ‘I mean it, don’t interact with him.’
‘Do you want me to go over there to help-?’
“WhAT thE HeLL waS InK thiNKinG-” Error mutters to himself, baffled and concerned. The creator does stupid shit all the time, but this is beyond stupid. He didn’t even know Ink could replicate one of the apples from Dreamtale!
‘No just stay safe in the antivoid. Dream shouldn’t be able to reach you there. I’m stuck in my passive form so we’ll just have to wait and see if he calms down.’
“In aNOthEr THreE HunDReD YeARs maYBe.” He scoffs, though he just sends a ‘K’ back to Nightmare. “I’ll ProBaBLy gO InsaNE AGaiN BeForE THen-”
He’s interrupted by a familiar splat sound and he turns around on his bean bag to see the creator's body forming out of a black puddle.
“INk.” Error sighs, already annoyed. As the creator’s body solidifies, Error feels his soul stop at the very creepy almost drunk look on Ink’s face, his sockets two sickly yellow stars as he giggles.
“Ruruuuuu~ I have someone for you to meet~” Error just stares, guard instantly up as he half rises from his beanbag.
…Actually- shit- what had Nightmare said about Cross-? All of a sudden, Error is overwhelmed with a suffocating feeling of- well he’s not sure what to call it. It’s almost like happiness and excitement, but somehow wrong and twisted in a way he couldn’t explain.
He lets out a startled laugh, before slapping his hands over his mouth, brows furrowing in confusion even as strange, delighted giggles threaten to escape him.
“Aww~ Happy to see me, Error~?” Someone peeks out from behind Ink, one dark golden eyelight peaking out at him beside a razor sharp smile. Hearing the airy yet sinister voice makes him shiver for more reasons than one- much to his panic- Ink shudders too. It’s like the voice itself is laced with magic.
Error doesn’t grace them with a response, instead forcing himself to take a step back- something that takes a lot more effort than it should, keeping his hand firmly covering his mouth.
“Don’t be rude, Error dear~ Come here and say hello. I’m sure you’ll enjoy my company.” Dream steps out from behind Ink and he looks like Dream, his normal outfit, but much like Nightmare, he’s completely coated in a black tar like substance, Dream’s magic glowing a more orangish yellow instead of the usual bright golden color he usually has.
He saunters his way over to Error slowly, taking casual steps as if nothing is wrong, but the look in his eyelight says otherwise. Dream always looked sad to him when they previously met, always wanting something, longing maybe? That look has been completely replaced with a disturbing hunger, he now understands what exactly Nightmare meant when he said Dream had lost it.
Now let it be known that Error wasn’t afraid of much- other than touch and losing those he cares about- but this? This… twisted form of his best friend's twin? For reasons Error can’t articulate, it’s terrifying- the odd, almost irresistible magic baring down on him even more so.
It doesn’t feel like he’s in control of himself- the closer the corrupted guardian gets the more he wants to give into this feeling. He knows it’s wrong, his soul knows it’s wrong- but some part of him wants it. To give up control of his thoughts and feelings. Fighting is so hard and it would be so easy just to give up, to let Dream take care of him and do all the thinking instead. Surly that would be better than doing things himself where he can screw up-
“Wh- sToP THaT-t-!” Error shakes his skull as if to dislodge the thoughts, stumbling back as he raises a hand to open a portal to.. somewhere- away from here-
“Where do you think you’re going~?” In less than a second, he’s wrapped up in black tentacles, their warm embrace- a sharp contrast to Nightmare’s chilly one- forcing him to relax as his body refuses to listen to him. “You’re mine now~”
“I…” Error stubbornly tries to fight back even as he struggles under the overwhelming weight of Dream’s aura, thoroughly panicking now and feeling like he can’t quite get enough air, gasping as he glitches. It’s almost painful.
“It won’t feel so bad if you just relax. I’ll make you feel good, I promise~” The tentacles rub over his bones slowly, and he can’t quite hold back a small whine as Dream giggles behind him, nuzzling the back of his skull. “You’re going to be such a good little pet for me~ You and all your little friends~”
“N..No…” He weakly protests, feeling himself slowly caving despite his best efforts, slowly going completely limp in Dream’s hold as his breaths grow harsher- as if he were physically fighting.
The tainted guardian relishes in his struggle, nuzzling and holding him tighter as if he were a living teddy bear. “Oh yes~ And you’re going to get them for me, then they can stay with you and me forever~ A happily ever after~”
A strangled, distressed whine escapes Error against his will as his attempts to fight renew, his own destructive aura flaring in response- more powerful than Dream’s but with none of the refinement. The tainted guardian hisses as his head clears up a little, his soul torn between mourning the loss of the influence and determined to free itself.
“Fine, you want to do this the hard way? Then we’ll do this the hard way~” Much to his shock, a tentacle suddenly yanks off his shorts while another starts to pull off his jacket, scarf, and sweater, very quickly stripping him.
“Wh-whAt-?” Error’s glitches worsen as he manages to squirm- just barely. Two tentacles wrap around his ankles, pulling them apart as another binds his wrists above his skull. He dangles in the air as the corrupted guardian looks him over with that hunger in his eyelight.
“Oh don’t play dumb, I’m sure you know where this is going~” The glitch’s sockets widen in fear, and he tries harder to struggle against Dream’s tentacles.
“W-waIT doN’t-” The tainted guardian grins wide and uses his tentacles to lean up into Error’s face.
“No, you’re going to take it and love it like a good pet, just like Blue did~” Error pales, fear transforming to horror as he stares at Dream before anger rises in him, and with tremendous effort he summons a blaster, aiming it at him. The horrible creature before him grins, not unlike the look Nightmare used to make, his mouth reaches all the way up past his ear holes, rilled with shark like teeth as his socket grows impossibly wide, the narrow golden socket looking at him with mad joy.
“Do it~ Fire at me and see what will happen, I dare you~ ” The glitch falters, sweat dripping down the side of his skull as he struggles to maintain his hold on his magic. He’s never felt so afraid before- for both himself and his friends- and Dream is unpredictable in this state.
After trying for a long moment to think things through with his muddled mind, his hand twitches, and the blaster slowly turns to face himself, his grip on the magic slowly slipping.
“Aww~ Well aren’t you a knight in shining armor~ You think I’ll actually let you shoot yourself~?” Dream laughs, a horrible sound that makes his soul quiver. He doesn’t get to think about it long, before a tentacle is suddenly shoved painfully up into his pelvic inlet.
“Ah-H-!” Error cries out, glitching harshly as he jolts, the blaster vanishing as his concentration is broken. His pelvis burns for the first few seconds, the harsh movement having rubbed against the sensitive bone with no care at all- but it is very quickly soothed with a warmth, the tentacle heating up and not only easing the pain, but sending a strong pulse of pleasure rushing up his spine, his body jolting again in response as a gasp escapes him, a flush creeping over his face.
Dream’s face returns to a more monster-like shape as he rails the tentacle in and out of Error’s pelvis over and over, a strong pulse of pleasure being forced through the glitch’s body every time the appending curls inside his ribcage.
“S-st- NngH~” Moans and whines are forced out of him as he weakly tries to protest, tears gathering in his sockets.
“What a good little pet~ I wonder if my brother can feel your emotions from here. Do you think he’ll come to rescue you, or stay holed up in his little AU like a coward~?” Another appendage slowly wraps itself around his spine, like a snake slithering tightly around its prey. Error internally hopes Nightmare stays away- if the king notices in the first place- as he arches, wanting desperately to get away even as he craves for more. “Either way I get what I want~ You can only resist for so long, Error darling~ My magic is going to fill your very being and you won't be able to live without it~ Without my touch, my voice, my aura~”
“Nn..~” Error shakes his head weakly, a couple of tears dripping from his sockets. His expression makes Dream laugh and the tainted nymph lifts himself up to cup Error’s cheeks gently, like he’s holding something precious, and like the tentacle, the touch feels good, soothing him in a way he struggles to not want.
“Yes, darling~ You need me, you know you do you poor thing~ You’ve been through so much and made so many mistakes that have only hurt you and the people you care about, but don’t worry, I’ll soothe your pain~ I’ll make it all go away and make all your decisions for you, you’ll never be alone or hurt the people you love ever again~ Doesn’t that sound good~?”
“D-doN’t…” The glitch trails off with a small whine, fighting to not lean into Dream’s hold. “PR-roJEcT-”
“Hum? What was that, pet? I can’t quite hear you when you whine like a little baby bones~” Dream kisses his forehead almost affectionately, Error glaring at him.
“S..stOp ProJEcTinG o-oN Me-” The destroyer watches as Dream’s eyelight quickly narrows into a hairline slit, a low unnatural rumble emanating from the creature before him.
“ What did you just say? ” Error steals himself, looking the corrupted guardian in the eyelight.
“Y-yoU HeARd mE. It w-wASn’t yOuR FAulT.” Dream freezes in place, taken aback by Error’s words with his surprise written all over his face. The glitch takes it as a sign to continue. “N-niGHtmARe thINkS yoU’Re beTteR OFf wiTHout hiM- hE doESn’t blaME Y-yoU.”
The nymph blinks at him for a moment, before he starts to giggle, which quickly turns into a chuckle, then a laugh, then uncontrollable cackles, even worse than before. Error’s soul practically drops as he watches, any hope he might have been getting through to him being dashed.
“Ooooh I see~ You think I’m him ~ HeheheHahHAHAhahaa~”
“WhAt-??” The corrupted nymph looks back at him after getting his laughter under control, the most satisfied and sadistic looks he’s ever seen resting on the creature’s face.
“I’m not Dream~ The pathetic little guardian, constantly sacrificing his own happiness and health for everyone else's, never being able to sleep without someone to hold him, never letting anyone close in fear they will abandon him in the end, that’s who you’re looking for right~?”
“YeAH And You’RE WorSE- foRCinG EVerYOne To liKe yoU So thEy cAN’t aBAndON you.” Error retorts as he tries to tug out of the tentacles holding him, Dream- or not Dream’s- aura having become less suffocating when he was laughing.
“Exactly~” The tentacle inside him suddenly resumes its movement as the one around his spine gives him a tight squeeze. “If all everyone wanted was to use Dream for his magic then I’ll just give them what I want and take what he was too scared to~”
“M-mH~” Caught off guard, Error tries stubbornly to bite back any sounds that want to escape him, arching his back as his traitorous body makes his magic begin to pool into his pelvis.
“Since my aura isn’t going to get through to you, I’ll just override your pretty little head directly~” The nymph rubs and caresses his cheeks as the thrusting gets faster, his irritated magic making it feel even more intense as his spine is pumped in sync with the first appendage, thoroughly scattering his thoughts despite his best attempts.
“HNnGh~” Error shudders, eyelights beginning to lose focus as he squirms weakly. He can barely feel the burn of his pelvis as he’s almost overwhelmed by the repetitive rush of pleasure, though he’s certain it’s bruising.
The tip of an appendage pokes and pushes into his slightly parted teeth, forcing his mouth open wider. Error weakly tries to shake his head in an attempt to dislodge the tentacle, more tears spilling from his sockets as he pants, whining. Gentle warm hands continue to stroke his cheeks almost teasingly, offering comfort he doesn’t want but craves at the same time as the tentacle pushes its way down his throat.
“You poor thing~ It wouldn’t be so bad if you would just relax~ Give in~” Error tries to shake his head more, almost frantically, as a shudder goes through him. “Hmm…maybe you’ll feel better once you summon your ecto~”
The tentacle inside him and around his spine start to pull away, and a small, strangled whine escapes him against his will, much to the others delight. Making a sound similar to a pleased purr, one of his hands leaves the glitch’s face to trace the bruised bone of Error’s pelvic inlet as the over rubs away a few of the other’s tears.
“Don’t worry dear~ You won’t be empty for long~” Error shivers, whimpering quietly, and as soon as the corrupted guardian’s hand is far enough away his female ecto snaps into place, cunt already practically dripping with arousal- much to Error’s displeasure. “Look at you~ So ready and wet just for me~”
The corrupted nymph strokes a single phalange over the glitch’s slit, that one teasing touch making him jolt, a soft noise escaping him as he squirms. He hates how badly he wants to roll his hip into the contact, how it takes everything in him not to try.
“So needy~ I’ll take my time to enjoy you later, for now we have more important things to do~” Quickly- but thankfully not as harsh as the last time, the same tentacle from before shoves itself into his body, stretching his walls out as an overwhelming sense of pleasure and warmth overcomes him.
“MmMmm~!” Error’s eyelights roll back into his skull as he’s swept away in the sensation before he can stop himself, going practically limp as he shudders harshly, almost cumming from that alone. The tentacle wiggles and writhes inside him, rubbing against his walls in every perfect way as the not-Dream caresses his cheeks.
“Oh what a wonderful look you have in your face~ Does my pet feel good, are you enjoying yourself~?” Error tries weakly to shake his head again, but just ends up leaning into his hands as he whines and moans around the tentacle in his mouth, unconsciously trying to rock his hips further down even as he tries to fight the pleasure assaulting him. It just feels so good -
The appendage in his mouth and in his cunt start moving at the same time at an agonizingly slow snail's pace, much to Error’s simultaneous relief and disappointment, whining more. “I can make you feel this way all the time~ Safe and happy with all of your friends, you’ll never have to worry or fear losing them ever again~”
“M-mMhH~” The glitch wants to protest, to fight back about how he did not feel safe right now.. But- it’s not like Dream has actually hurt him so far…Maybe…..Maybe Dream- or not-Dream- whatever- really won’t hurt them? The guardian has always been against conflict.
“It sounds good doesn’t it~ It feels good too~ Blue wants to spend time with you later after we have everyone together~ I know how much you two love your sleep overs~” The comforting hands on his cheeks slowly slide down to his neck and shoulders, bringing the warm pleasure with them, the same kind burning in his throat and making his walls flutter desperately.
Error shivers, practically melting into the touch as the will to fight slowly drains out of him, eyelights growing fuzzier. It really does feel nice..~ The warm hands trail down his body soothingly, taking a moment to hold and roll his small breasts against his chest. That coupled with the small and slow attention of the tentacles, he can barely even muster a single thought.
“That's it, darling~ Let me take care of you~ Let me hold you and give you everything you need~ It feels so good to listen like a good boy doesn’t it~” And it does- it feels like the pleasure doubles as he gives in, an unrestrained moan spilling out of him as he goes limp, struggling to even keep his head up as he practically drowns in the sensations washing over him, unable to focus on anything else.
His soul feels like it's full of Dream’s warm magic as he lets it in. Why was he even fighting this? It feels so good- His skull feels floaty and fuzzy, but heavy at the same time, it’s amazing and he never wants it to go away. He needs more- he needs it more desperately than he’s needed anything else.
“Listen to the sound of my voice, Error darling~ You love listening to me, you love doing as you're told like a good boy, it feels so good to be a good boy, doesn’t it~?” Error whines, struggling slightly to concentrate as he nods. Of course he’ll be good- he’ll be perfect for Dream-
“Good boy~ You’re my good pet, aren’t you Error~? My sweet little pet who wants so badly to be good and listen~ Every time you do it feels good, it feels perfect, you are nothing without that warm feeling inside you~” The nymph squeezes his chest gently.
“M-mHmm~” The glitch moans, nodding again as he arches slightly into the touch, being rewarded with a slightly harder thrust and a squeeze of his chest.
“What a good pet you are for me~ I am your master and you just love me, don’t you Error~ You love your master Shattered with all of your soul, more than anything~ The thought of betraying me, of me leaving you…well…it make you want to just die ~” Error whines again, and a small part of him attempts to protest, wanting to lash out against the heavy layer of magic blanketing him, but the rest of him is too far gone to care.
“But don’t worry, darling~ I’ll never leave you, you will be with me and all of your friends forever and ever~ Safe and happy with this warmth~” The nymph- Shattered as he called himself- lets go of Error’s boobs to hold his face again, affectionately rubbing over the underside of his sockets before leaving down to gently kiss his temple. “I’m going to fill you now and when I do, all your thought, all your pain, your regrets, negative past, and your fear is going to be pushed out and replaced with my safe warmth~ But first, I want you to feel those horrible things in your soul, all of your thoughts, and doubts, fears, and worries, and push them down into your feet~”
Error frowns slightly as he struggles to figure out how to do what Shattered wants- after all, how could there be anything bad when Shattered is here? He does his best, but he only ends up unconsciously locking those things up tighter in a tiny corner of his soul, unsure how to do anything else. It’s what he’s always done.
The tainted guardian smiles almost kindly at him, kissing his skull again to push his worries away. “Just imagine it, the feeling of them traveling down your belly and down your legs into the souls of your feet, are you ready to get rid of them forever~?”
Error nods again eagerly and with a small, pleased from Shattered, the tentacles suddenly start to move in and out of him at rapid speed.
“MmMNhh~!” Error moans loudly, back arching as his walls flutter in anticipation and after only a few blissful seconds, he is flooded with a whole new wave of warmth that completely outclasses the feeling from before. If Shattered’s touch feels like warm welcoming fire of a hearth, his cum feels like liquid lava that makes his very core throb with undeniable want and craving for more. As if it feels so good his body can’t comprehend it.
It completely overwhelms his senses, unable to process anything but the pure bliss and heat that fills him. He can feel it being pumped down his throat and into his belly as his womb expands to accommodate the golden heavenly magic.
“Good boy, let my magic consume you~ Let it fill your soul, Error~ Give all of yourself to me~” Error’s pretty sure he makes some kind of noise, but he’s not certain, unable to even form any thoughts beyond the euphoria as he attempts to take in Shattered’s magic. He never wants his feeling to go away, never wants to feel cold and empty again-
“That’s my good boy, so good for me~” The corrupted guardian lowers him down to the ground and gently cradles the destroyer close, kissing his forehead as the tentacle in his mouth pulls out, allowing him to properly breathe, gasping and trembling in his hold. "That's my Error~ I'm so proud of you~ Do you feel better now~?"
Error nods shakily, curling closer to Shattered as he catches his breath. The corrupted guardian is more than pleased to hold him, rubbing his back with a soothing purr as his possessive intent creeps into every touch. He takes great pride in watching Error’s hazy eyelights gain a beautiful sheen of dark yellow, the yellow ring in his left eyelight looking like it is almost glowing.
The color looks so nice on him and has Shattered purring like a pleased Mamma cat. “Do you think you were a good pet today~?”
“Y…yeS..?” Error mumbles, a touch uncertain, that is until Shattered kisses the top of his skull.
“You’re right~ You’ve been very good for me, Error~ You like the warmth inside of you, right~?”
“Mhm~” Error purrs and Shattered purrs with him, a sound that makes him feel very pleased with himself. He’s made master happy!
“Good, anytime you feel empty or start to doubt yourself, come to me and I’ll fill you right back up, is that understood~?”
“M’kaY~” Error easily agrees, happily nuzzling Shattered. The nymphs soothingly rubs his back as they purr and Ink walks over from where he’s been very patiently waiting, to snuggle up against Shattered’s other side, getting a small kiss on the head as well.
“Hi Error~ I missed youuu~”
“YoU saW Me yESteRDayYyy~” Error teases fondly, any of the usual annoyance at the creator’s presence non-existent. Ink crawls up into Shattered’s lap to lay over Error with a happy purr, nuzzling into his chest.
“It’s not enouugghh~” Shattered chuckles, resting a hand on the arch of Ink’s back as he relaxes, pleased to see the two getting along.
“You two are cute~ Such adorable pets~” The glitch blushes in flustered joy, instinctively wanting to pout and protest as he hides his face, much to the other two skeletons' amusement. “Now Error, we need to go get the others so they can feel this good and safe too, alright~?”
The tentacle inside him pulls out, but…not all of it does. Error can still feel a large chunk inside him, keeping the warmth from leaking out. It has him shivering slightly, shifting.
“We sHoULd~!” Error agrees, wiggling in excitement. He can’t wait to show the boys how good this feels. They deserve to be happy and taken care of by master! Then everyone can be together, like the good pets they are, he just has to help master show them~
“Yeah I wanna help too~!” Ink wiggles excitedly as shattered gives them both a kiss.
“You’ll all help me, Ink go get Blue.”
“Yes master~!” The creator rolls off of Error and disappears into a puddle, the glitch snorting in faint amusement at how quickly Ink followed the order.
“Get dressed, Error. We musn’t keep them waiting.”
“OkaY MaSTer~!” For some reason, it felt a bit odd saying that, but Error just shrugs it off and wiggles out of Shattered’s hold, legs a bit shaky beneath him as he stands and goes to gather his clothes. The glitch is so excited to get everyone. Nightmare has missed his brother and Shattered is going to be the perfect protective brother for him. Maybe after they can go make Geno happy too!
Shattered stands, straightening his clothes as he mumbles quietly to himself. “See? I don’t you he would feel better after~ No harm done~” There’s no audible response from whoever he’s talking to and the tainted nymph seems very pleased. A second later, as Error slips his pants on, Ink reappears out of the puddle with Blue right beside him.
“Error! Did You Have Fun?”
“BLue!” Error hurries over- stumbling a bit- before hugging the shorter skeleton with a giggle. His second best friend- not that he would ever tell Blue that- giggles with him and hugs him close with a happy little nuzzle.
“HI~! SORRY I’M LATE!”
“It’S OKaY- yoU’rE HerE Now~” Blue purrs loudly, squeezing Error a little tighter, their ecto being squished together and making the hug even softer.
“You Too~ Master Is So Much Fun Isn’t He?”
“MhM~! We’Re goNnA GeT NigHT anD THe othErs toO!”
“Yay~! We Can Have A Big Sleep Over At My House! I’m Sure Stretch Won’t Mind!”
“Oh oh! I get to come too right, pretty pretty please-?” Ink jumps in, bouncing up and down.
“JuST doN’t kEeP Me uP WitH YOur sNOrinG-” Error teases, playfully sticking a tongue out at the creator, who pouts playfully at him.
“Cross snores louder!”
“Cross Doesn’t Sleep Talk Too, Inky~” Blue joins in on the teasing.
“YeAH no yeLliNg abOUt yoUr BRusH-” Error giggles at the mock offended look on Ink’s face, before letting go of Blue to go nuzzle him, much to the creator’s delight. Shattered watches the exchange silently with a smile on his face, before snapping his fingers to get his pets attention.
“Alright that’s enough, we’ll cuddle and talk once everyone is here together. And the we’ll show the multiverse just how much better is is to be truly happy~”
“Yaaaaaayyyy~!” Ink nuzzles Error affectionately before pulling away to bound over to their master, Blue and Error following after him.
“Oh! I shOuLD TeXt NiGht thAT we’Re coMINg- He prEFerS KnoWIng whEn I brIng peOPle aLonG.” Error turns to his beanbag to grab his phone, before pausing, brows furrowing as a thought comes to him.
“WaiT- bUt hOw wILL NigHtmaRE EaT if evERyoNe is haPpY..?” He asks, looking at Shattered for reassurance. His master, oh so kind and great, steps closer to comfort him, nuzzling their foreheads together.
“Oh don’t worry~ I would never let Nighty starve~ We’re going to make a very special place for the few people in the multiverse who don’t deserve to be happy. Like those horrible villagers who hurt us. ” Shattered kisses his nasal bridge gently and smiles. “I have everything planned out just right~”
“M’kAy~” Error relaxes, smiling back at his master before he turns again to grab his phone. There’s a whole bunch of worried messages and missed calls, Nightmare is always such a worry wart. Good thing he won’t have to worry anymore once master shows him how good they all can be.
‘Hi!’ He texts, idly wondering if Nightmare would text back or jump straight to calling. He is immediately answered of course, as his phone vibrates in his hand.
“Error! Is this you are you ok-!?”
“Wh- NiGHt caLM doWn-!” Error can’t help but giggle a bit, Blue and Ink crowding on the phone quietly as the artist stifles his own giggle.
“Don’t tell me to calm down! Why wouldn’t you text back or answer, what scared you- what’s wrong-?”
“Hm? I wAs sCAreD?” The glitch questions, brows furrowing a bit. The concept of being afraid feels so distant now. “WeLl- iT’s oKaY Now! MaSTer heLpED Me feEL beTteR.”
The line is silent for a long moment, before Nightmare curses, sounding choked up on the other end, before someone else takes the phone. “Error ya better not be all hypnotized or I'll come out there and beat you ass-!”
“Hi KiLler!” Error says cheerfully. “I’m NOt hyPNotiZed- ShaTtERed jUsT GaVe mE hiS MaGIc aND hELpeD Me feEL goOd- I juST waNTed tO leT NIGht knOw I WaS GoNna briNG hiM So he cAN help yOU guYs Too~! DoN’t worRY, iT DoesN’t haVE to bE The sAme WAy aS BluE ANd mE iF You Don’T WaNna.”
“Only if they really make it difficult and of course they won’t be harmed.” Everyone shudders as Shattered speaks, his voice alone brings a pleased feeling to his pets, the boys on the other line shivering out of fear.
“Y-yeah no we’re ain’t having any of that shit-” Dust hisses, making Error frown.
“WHy noT..? I proMIsE MaSTer is reALly niCe- LiKE NiGhtmaRe~! ExCEpt he’S WaRm inSTeAd oF coLD. He mIGht sEeM A Bit sCAry aT FIrSt bUt hE JusT WaNTs to heLp.”
“Don’t worry Error darling~ They just don’t understand, they don’t think they deserve to be truly happy~ We need to go show them otherwise.”
“Error please please don’t listen to him he’s not thinking straight-” Error whines a bit, looking between Shattered and his phone uncertainly. Of course he wants to help his master- he knows his master has to be right… but his friends sounded so upset….
“It’s alright, Error~ You didn’t think I could make you feel better before either, neither did Blue, but I did. They just don’t understand, we have to make them understand. People lash out when they're scared or have been hurt, that’s all this is. We’ll make their hurt and fear go away~” Shattered purrs, reassuring him as he holds Error gently from behind. His warm tentacles wrap around all three of his pets, rubbing and caressing them and making all three relax. “Most people are going to be like this, but we have to be strong and not give up so easily~”
“Error don’t bring him here please, his aura will be too strong for the boys to resist-” Nightmare pleads, the glitch’s frown deepening. The king sounded scared .
“BUt- wE’rE GoinG To heLP! ShATteRed jUsT WaNTs yoU To be haPpY ANd saFE With US…” Error tries to reassure.
“We are happy just the way we are, we like you being perfectly normal, having negative emotions is normal and we have to work through our feelings not cover them up.”
“That’s rich coming from you.”
“HeY HE’s goTtEn beTteR-” Error defends, frown morphing into a pout- just on the edge of a glare. Shattered pouts right back, nuzzling him with a small huff.
“This Happiness Is Better Than Normal Happiness~”
“It’s liKe… eXTra haPpiNEsS! I prOMise It’Ll be gOod, OkAY? We’Re goNnA ComE OVer noW-”
“N-no!”
“No don’t come over-!”
“They’re just being rude, we’ll make them feel better soon, come on Error.”
“I’m sORry…” Error mumbles, hesitantly raising a hand to open a portal- feeling bad for making them upset… but.. He’s doing the right thing, right…? He must be. He doubted Shattered before, but he feels good, better than good~! This has to be right. Shattered’s magic feels even better as the portal opens, making him shiver like it’s a little reward for being good.
“No!! Error please please this isn’t right.”
“Everything will be as if it meant to be, my pets~ There’s nothing for them to be scared off~”
“It’LL be AlriGht, NighT. I’ll sEe yoU In a sEConD.” Error hangs up as the portal stabilizes just outside Nightmare’s castle. “I wiSh TheY wERen’T So scARed…”
“Giving control to someone else is scary, but we’ll make their fear disappear~ It will be wonderful~” Shattered pets them all on the skull as Ink bounces up and down and Blue summons his hammer. “Now…. get them~ ”
Blue doesn’t hesitate to run through the portal and smash down the castle’s front door as Ink follows, getting a touch carried away in excitement, and Error is right behind them, a touch more sedately.
Shattered follows slowly beside him with a sharp grin, watching as the other two disappear into the halls.
“Hmm…let’s go see Cross in the dungeon. The poor thing was taken from my warmth and needs it desperately~”
“Oh yEaH- NigHT sAid sOMethINg aBouT THaT!” Error hurries a bit more as he turns to head downstairs, glad the steps were so close to the entrance. His master follows, and they quickly make their way down until they hear the frantic calling of the oreo.
“Y-you’re here you’re here-! Please make the cold go away please please I hate it-”
“Shhhhh~ I’m right here it’s ok~” Error quickly locates the keys and goes to Cross’ cell, unlocking it and the restraints around his wrists. The soldier immediately latches onto one of Shattered’s tentacles as he sobs and the nymph leans down to pat his skull soothingly. “There there, don’t worry~”
“SoRrY We toOk sO LonG CrOSs..” The glitch moves over to cuddle against the oreo, nuzzling him in hopes of comforting him. Cross very happily takes it and moves his arm to hold Error as well, nuzzling him with a long sad whine.
“See Error? They are hurting each other because they are letting their fear and lack of understanding control them, people aren’t good at thinking for themselves.” Error nods in agreement, wrapping his arms around Cross as he purrs soothingly, giving him a small squeeze.
“E-error….Did I do something wrong…? B-boss was so an-ngry..he wouldn’t listen..” Cross mumbles with a sniffle as he nuzzles the glitch’s scarf.
“No-! NiGht is JuST SCaReD- He thOUght hE wAS HeLpinG yoU- bUt it’S OkAy! MaSteR’s hEre to mAKe thiNgs BetTer!” He reassures, Shattered nodding above him.
“Cross, say Ahhh.” The soldier sniffles again, but opens his mouth wide as he pulls away from Error a little. A tentacle is stuffed gently in his mouth and he immediately starts to suck and swallow as Shatterd’s magic starts to spill from it. “Good boy~ This will keep you warm without me~”
“No moRE CoLD~” Error purrs happily.
“Exactly~ And like I told Error, if you ever feel cold or start to doubt yourself, or me, come to me and I’ll fill you up again~” Cross nods and closes his sockets as he moans, Shatterd’s magic settling in as the yellow of his eyelights glows brighter, and Error smiles widely, nuzzling closer.
When Cross is done, he has a dopey smile on his face, purring loudly as he turns back to nuzzle back against Error.
“What good boys I have~ My aura should have dazed the others, let's go make them happy too, hm~?”
“YeS~!” Error cheers, wiggling in excitement, Cross sitting up beside him with an equally excited look on his face.
“Yes, let’s go~!” Both monsters stand up quickly and Shattered pets them both on the skull with his usual sharp smile and hungry eyelight.
“You two know the gang best, so go make sure Ink and Blue have everything covered~” Error and Cross both nod, before the latter grabs the former and pulls them into a shortcut upstairs. No one’s in the living room or the kitchen, but based on the sounds upstairs they must be somewhere in Nightmare’s room.
This time they walk up the stairs, excited smiles on their faces as they hurry to the king’s room.
“InK? BLue? YOu uP HerE?” Error calls out.
“Yeah we’re here!” Ink calls. “We got Horror and Blue’s dealing with Dust, but Killer ran away with Nightmare down that hallway!” Ink sticks his head out of the king's room to point the way they are already headed, towards the library.
“OKay! I goT CRosS~!” Error happily declares, grabbing said skeleton’s hand. “We’LL geT NigHTmaRE And KiLls!”
The oreo purrs and kisses the side of his skull, before scooping Error up in his arms bridal style, making him giggle. “Ready, Ruru~?”
“MhM~!” With one more nuzzle, Cross starts running down the hall full speed, he’s the only one of them that can actually match Killer in speed alone, or at least catch up with him. The library door is cracked open when they finally reach it, the intricate engravings looking just as grand as ever.
“We’ll have to be careful not to mess anything up in here.”
“MhM- NiGHt woULd bE FeArOUs iF wE MEsSed uP His boOkS.” With a nod, Cross sets Error down and holds his hand as they quietly sneak into the library, not wanting to immediately draw hostile attention from a pissed off Killer- though Nightmare probably sensed them already anyways.
“WhErE Do yoU THiNk thEy migHt be hiDIng?” Error whispers.
“Well….Killer told me once that Night has a secret room somewhere in here. I’m not sure where though..” Cross mumbles. “This feels like a high stakes game of hide and seek-”
“Hm… seCReT RoOm…” Error walks over to the shelf he remembers Nightmare often using and starts fiddling with the books, wondering if there is some sort of latch. After several books, he grabs one over artifacts and there is a quiet click. Like something from a spy movie, the bookshelf slides back into the wall, before opening up to reveal a path downwards, made of the same intricate wooden designs of the library.
“Wooooowwww…..Nightmare’s always been flashy, huh?”
“HeHehe~ YeaH. C’mON leT’s gO Get thEM!” Error giggles excitedly, leading Cross down the revealed hallway. The soldore nuzzles into his side as they walk, the hall opening up tp a large tall corridor filled with random items in individual glass cases.
“I can’t wait until everyone’s happy with master Shattered.”
“Me tOo~” Error agrees, ignoring the small twinge in his soul.
"No more fighting or arguing or worrying about each other. It’s a dream come true!”
“It’Ll be GReAT~”
Chapter 57: Ace of (Fake) Hearts
Chapter by EclipseStoryWritter, Wairwolf44
Summary:
A creator who didn’t want to create anymore falls into a new multiverse.
I don’t think any warnings apply but I also mostly skimmed this so please let me know if I’m wrong-
Chapter Text
The creator lay abandoned in a destroyed multiverse. Fate had used him to create and create until the multiverse collapsed under its own weight. He hasn't wanted to create anything for a long time….
Even now as he lay in the void, the only survivor of his multiverse, he has no desire to create. He has no desire to start over. He doesn't want to be Fates puppet again. Destiny, however, had other plans. She wanted revenge for her child. So she opened up the void and tossed Ink into a multiverse that would give him a difficult time. Then she left him there, on Nightmare's doorstep for his hell to begin. Uncaring what happened next.
Ink decided then that he hates the deities.
He didn't get up though, having lost the will to move on his own. He has no purpose after all…He was a creator that didn't want to create anymore. Ink’s mind feels so blank and empty that he barely recognises when he’s carefully picked up, cool arms holding him with a surprising gentleness and he’s soon laid on something soft. There might be someone talking, but he can’t really tell.
Ink lays there in the comfortable coolness for what feels like forever and it’s…..actually nice, wherever his it. It isnt until something soft is pressed against his slightly open mouth and a the cool feeling filters into his body that he is suddenly more aware.
He blinks, eyelights lighting up, when did they go out? He looks around his surroundings without moving his head. That would take too much energy in his opinion. However all he can really see is one cool cyan eyelight, the off blue magic peacing into him with something behind it that he doesn’t think he’s ever seen before. The darkness around it only further enhancing it’s critical loo. Elegant and strong, reasuring….a light in the darkness just for him.
Ink’s mostly…confused, but he’s also grateful for the emotions. He might feel hopeless at the moment, however that wasn't a reason to be rude! He could appreciate the gift given to him as it is. When the light starts to pull away, Ink can’t help but whine, the cool touch to his lips leaving him.
"I don't wanna stop…-!" The light widens for a moment, before narrowing again and the comforting touch returns as cold hands cup his skull. Ink closes his sockets and leans into the touch. When was the last time anyone's been so gentle with him…? Decades…? Centuries…? He can't remember.
…He doesn’t want it to stop. He doesn’t want this comforting feeling to go away. He feels so…oddly safe, like someone cares. Gentle hands stroke his temples, going to soothingly trace the rims of his sockets and making his magic tingle pleasantly.
Please don’t leave….please..?
“Shhhhh..” A smooth, soft voice whispers against his mouth. “It’s okay. You’re okay. There’s no need to cry.”
"I'm…crying…?" He didn't realize he was…. Were his sockets wet? When did that happen??? Ink opens his sockets again and moves to snuggle the other person.
~
Nightmare holds the small creator with a frown, whispering reassurances to comfort the monster as he caresses Ink’s skull. He was surprised to find the other at his doorstep, let alone in such a state. He knew right away that this is not the god of creation, at least not the one from his multiverse.
The king couldn’t just leave him there, so he had taken Ink inside and layed the smaller down on his bed. The boys gave him all looks, but they all knew this is a stranger. Their Ink is taller-
“...You’re safe, you’re going to be okay, Ink.”
"What's the point of safe when not even the void can kill you…?" Ink asks, looking up at Nightmare with plain white eyelights. The king hums, before gently caressing Ink’s cheek.
“Safety is more than being safe from death. Safety is no fear of someone causing you pain, of hurting you, tearing you down emotionally. Somewhere you can just relax and be comfortable, not having to hide.”
"Not hiding sounds nice…"
“Well you don’t have to now.” Nightmare nuzzles the creator again, stroking the smallers cheeks with his thumbs.
Inks eyelights flicker bright for a moment. "I won't have to create anymore…? Creating nothing but copies is incredibly dull…."
“No you don’t. I would imagine that copies are incredibly boring, indeed.”
The smaller seemed to relax at that. Knowing he wouldn't have to create anymore. "The most fun I had in centuries was when everything finally collapsed."
“...I see…Is there anyone you miss?” Nightmare asks quietly.
"...Error…." The king raises a brow at Ink’s quiet response.
“Is that so?”
Ink nods. "He was the only one I could talk to about fate…"
“Mm…yes. Error is quite the good listener, isn’t he?”
"Mhm….we were both forced to do something we didn't want to do…"
“I believe you.”
"You do…?" Ink looks at Nightmare with a skeptical look. "Only Error believed I didn't want to create anymore before…"
“Hmm…well I am very good at telling when someone is lying to me and from what I can see, you are telling the truth.” The guardian’s tentacles curl and sway slowly behind him, relaxed. “Besides, you have no reason to lie to me.”
"That's true. I don’t even care enough to have a reason anyway… Are you Nightmare in this place?"
“Yes, In this multiverse my name is Nightmare. How much like the NIghtmare you might know I am unsure. You are nothing like the Ink I know, however.”
"I'm not? What's the other me like?" The guardian's face darkens, and he opts to close his sockets to prevent accidentally glaring at his guest.
“Hmm…well he is not unlike an overgrown spoiled brat who thinks he can trample and use anyone and anything as his playthings and do with them as he sees fit. He creates worlds with no sense of morals and does not care how much his creations suffer due to the circumstances he purposely puts them in. He then lies to all of his dedicated followers, playing hero by blaming me for the negative universes and gleefully tearing Error apart any chance he gets in the name of ‘justice’, when really he’s angry we are ruining his ‘games’ and that Error is destroying his ‘toys’.”
Ink snorts. "Sounds like he's still in his toddler stage. I was like that when I was only a few hundred years old…. Though I didn't beat up Error. We spared but didn't do anything that would really hurt each other. Though I stopped thinking like that when I noticed I was only creating copies and hadn't created any originals in awhile."
“Hm, well this Ink has apparently been like this ever since Error has known him and the beginning of the multiverse was several thousand years ago…There was a time he wasn’t so aggressive towards the destroyer, at least, that's what Error says. I had yet to exist back then.” Nightmare rests his skull in his hands as Ink snuggles further into him with a pout.
"Sounds to me like the main difference between me and this other Ink is that I actually grew up."
“Maybe. I do not know enough about your past to discern the difference.” The king uses his free hand to trace up the side of Ink’s skull and ever so slightly ghost the tip of his phalange around one of his ear holes, the touch slightly chiller, making the artist shiver.
"Nnn…~ Then how about we create another difference between the two of us?" The artist’s eyelights change for the first time into a lightbulb and exclamation point. For the first time in centuries he wanted to create something. "I don't want to share a name with that toddler."
“Alright, and what would you like your new name to be then?” Nightmare inquiries with a small tilt of his skull.
"Hummm…..I'm not sure…. I'm a creator that doesn't want to create…. But I'm not exactly a blank slate either…..and I don't really care for destruction… actually I like games so maybe something to do with that?" Nightmare closes his socket to think, humming quietly as his tentacles flick lightly, some laying across the bed.
“.....Ace? You’re a powerful being and a key player in any game, though your role doesn’t have to be anything in particular.”
"Ace….humm…. I like it. I'll be Ace then." It struck Ace then, that this was a whole new multiverse- no one had any expectations of him. And it was like joining a whole new game!
"Hey Nightmare?"
“Yes?” The king answers, a cool breeze gently blowing through the room from the balcony.
"Can I join your side in this game Ink plays?" He asks, the guardian giving him a long look for several moments, before grinning.
“Sure, I don’t see why not. In fact you will be a valuable asset.”
Aces face practically lights up at that as he latches onto his new purpose of sorts.
"I'm gonna change my look though. If that's ok with you…? And my fighting style too. I don’t exactly have my paintbrush anymore so…"
“Do as you wish with yourself, those decisions are completely up to you. You will be living here so I expect you to follow my rules and try to behave yourself at the least.”
"I can do that. What are the rules I need to follow? And if I find somewhere else I'd like to live, could I live there as well?"
“Of course you can. If you move away I only ask that you are always reachable should there be an emergency or you are in danger. As for the rules…hmmm I will fill you in on the basics.” Nightmare pulls out a small sheet of paper to double check it before continuing.
“There are a few attendants and servants in this castle. I fully expect you to be respectful and try not to cause them too much trouble, if you have a problem of any kind please come to me for assistance or guidance. I assign missions, but there are always extras you can come to me to request should you wish or have time to spare. You are allowed to do whatever you wish with your room, but please be respectful of common space in this castle and the other's things. I am generally lenient with my punishments, if you do something small like barging into someone's room, and there aren’t any repercussions, you are not likely to be punished, but the situation varies.”
“Do not come into my room without permission, this goes generally without saying to anyone's room, but with them the punishment is looser. I take my space very seriously. Do not go into my office without permission as well, nore ever touch anything on my desk. Most damage in the castle isn’t a big deal, but if you harm the library or the gardens your punishment will be quite severe. You have to at least come to dinner every day- unless you are out on a mission. This serves as both a checking system, making sure everyone is present and alright, while also reassuring Horror everyone is being fed. While it isn’t necessarily required I recommend you arrive for breakfast and lunch as well.”
“The training room and training ground is open for everyone, I ask that you do outside for magic attacks as I would not like to have to repair the training room…again. You are expected to do chores every week to maintain our home. There is a schedule in the dining room, you will need to be added to later. Most punishments consist of extra or unwanted chores, others are more sexual based punishments, it depends.”
"Sex is a punishment???" Aces' eyelights change to question marks in confusion. "That seems more like a reward to me…"
“I said sex based punishments, not sex as a punishment. Something more along the lines of being left ties up with a magic restricting collar and a vibrater stuck to your cock with a cock ring on for hours.” Nightmare tells him casually.
"Sounds kinky. I'll have to try it sometime. But I'll do my best to obey the rules. Oh- before I forget. Will you be providing me with emotions? Like you did earlier?"
“If it is alright with you, then yes.”
"I'd appreciate it. There's nothing worse than not being able to feel emotions…"
“I can imagine it’s not very pleasant. Just come to me if you are feeling dull at all, okay? I will take care of it.” Nightmare reassures before he starts to sit up and pull away from Ink. The artist pouts at the snuggles ending but sits up as well.
"Alright. Am I sleeping on the couch tonight? Or is there an available room?"
“There are more than enough rooms, I assure you. Why don’t we go pick you one out now and then I’ll give you a tour?”
"Please? If it's not too much trouble." Ace agreed politely.
“Of course~ Follow me.” Nightmare leads him out of the kings bedroom and into a grand hallway, Ace tries to remember the direction that take as he head down the hall that later opens up to an inside balcony overlooking the main hall as a grand staircase leads them downward onto the first floor.
"This place is a lot more elegant than the council building from my original multiverse."
“Hm, why thank you. I made it myself. Well- the castles frame was here already, but I gutted it and redid it on my own accord.”
"Impressive." Ace truly means that. To him this IS Impressive. Especially since Nightmare can’t create things like he can. The king pats the top of his skull with a tentacle as they head down to the main room and turn back behind the stares. They pass by the kitchen, the sounds of someone cooking and the smell of fresh food coming from inside.
Ace paused for a moment to look towards the kitchen, curious about what kind of food was being made, before continuing to follow Nightmare.
"Do you know what's going to be for lunch? Or dinner? I honestly don't know the time- and I've never really had anything besides Blue's tacos and nice cream before…"
“I believe Horror is making different kinds of sandwiches for lunch, based on the spicy smell, he’s making a lot today.” The new hall is simpler than the one Nightmare’s room is apart of. The doors are a little scratched up and there’s nothing in hanging on the walls, no decorations or breakables, and the name plaques on watch door tells him why. “The boys are a little messy, so please pay no attention to the marks their chaos leaves behind.”
"Is it ever repaired? Or do you leave it for ascetics?" The king sighs thirdly as he stops in front of an unclaimed room, glancing down at one of the marks on the floor.
“I have given up on repairing small scratches like this. They are bound to happen and I have better things to do.”
"Oh. Can I repair them then?"
“If you wish, though it is a waste of time.” Nightmare leads Ace into the room and it’s relatively plain, but not a bad size, with two windows on the same wall in opposite corners. There’s a bed, a dresser, and a bedside table with a lamp, a wardrobe, and a door to a bathroom. “This will be your room, Ace. Feel free to do with it as you please as long as it doesn’t disturb the others.”
Ace eyes the room, immediately coming up with ideas. He was still a creator after all, and he would love to create something original for once. Perhaps he'll mess with the physics of this room to add chaos….
First thing Ace does is wave a hand and transform the bed into a fluffy cloud bed. He then turns to Nightmare again.
"I'll finish decorating later. Is there anywhere else I need to know of?"
“I will have someone give you a proper tour later, for now you can get settled in and then head to the dining room when you hear the bell, alright?”
Ace nods. "Alright. Thanks for everything, Nightmare."
“You’re welcome, Ace. I’ll see you at lunch.”
Ace smiles at Nightmare. "See you."
As soon as Nightmare left, he got to work decorating his room. He made the floor look like the night sky of outertale. The ceiling looked like Error’s strings in the antivoid, and he made the walls look like a foggy forest. All the pictures were moving to make it seem lifelike and real. And any furniture he had he made float at random spots in the room, only his bed staying in the same place as before.
Once he’s satisfied with his room he goes about creating new clothing for himself, and using a small paintbrush to tattoo his face. He turns his ink mark look into a spade and puts a small Diamond under one of his sockets. Adding freckles to himself in the shape of clubs, he hides a heart within the group of clubs as well.
Ace changes his clothing to a silky scarf with cyan and light purple colors. A white t-shirt and some navy colored shorts. He didn't bother with shoes, only changing the color of his sock things to a lavender shade.
When the bell for lunch chimes Ace finishes up what he is doing and heads towards the dining room, repairing the walls as he walks past them. The dining room is a grand door behind the stares, the ours wide open to reveal the large table and the people sitting at it.
Nightmare is at the head of the table, of course, with Cross on one side and Killer on the other Dust and Horror sit across from each other. That's just the gang he knows, but Ace is surprised to find a few other monsters there. There's a tall Papyrus- probably Horror’s brother, a small Sans that looks like classic, but wearing a cream colored sweater and red glasses, a lab coat thrown over the back of his chair, and finally a Swapfell Sans.
All eight skeletons turn to look at him the moment he enters the room.
"I'm not late am I…?" Ace tries to play cool and not freak out about how in sink the whole gang looked at him.
"No you aren't. Everyone else was simply closer to the dining room…or teleported." Dust shrugs as Nightmare looks at him, Cross looking away. They most definitely did not shatter a plate by teleporting and startling Horror- Nope- "Take a seat and get as much food as you want, there are plenty of sandwiches."
Ace sits next to what looks to be a Science sans and puts multiple different types of sandwiches on his plate. Killer snickers, saying something to Dust as he winds up sitting in said skeleton's lap.
"Sandwiches are finger food, right? We eat them like tacos?" Horror picks up his sandwich, making sure Ace can see how he's holding it before taking a bite.
"Like…this.."
Ace watches Horror closely before nodding and trying it himself. "Wow! This is way better than tacos!"
The big skeleton nods in thanks and his brother grins wide. "THANK YOU FOR ENJOYING MY BROTHERS FOOD! HE IS AN AMAZING COOK!!"
"MY NAME IS CROOKS! IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU, NEW FRIEND!"
"I'm Ace. Nice to meet you as well Crooks. Maybe you can tell me all about your brother's amazing cooking? I'm afraid this is the first time I've eaten something besides tacos and nice cream."
"OH NO! WE MUST CORRECT THIS ATROCITY!!!" Crooks declares, before he goes into a long ramble about all the food at the table. From the different types of sandwiches, all the ingredients, the chips, and drinks, down to their nutritional value.
"Wait- what's a nutrition value?" Ace looks at Crooks with question mark eyelights.
"WELL…IT'S WHAT'S IN THE FOOD THAT HELPS WITH CERTAIN THINGS!....FOR HUMANS- TECHNICALLY IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT WE EAT, UNLESS IT'S CAFFEINATED OR SUGAR FILLED. MAGIC IS ODD."
"So if we wanted we could eat wood??? It's still technically made of magic so…." Wait, would that be eating his own magic since another him created everything here? "Actually is eating in general just me eating my own magic????"
"No. Ink’s magic creates an AU and when said AU actually starts up it becomes separate from him. However his magic, and therefore yours, has almost the same exact composition as everyday objects, hence why your magic, like ecto is a rainbow of colors." The science looking sans informs him.
"Thanks Sci! So if I ate something like wood, that's been there since the start of an AU Then I'd be eating my own magic. That's interesting to think about. And if nothing but sugar and caffeine affects us, why is eating necessary?"
“...My name is Con- not Sci. And more organic and less dense substances are more easily convertible for monster souls to take in. Sugar and caffeine are just two of several examples of drugs or toxins that can affect us as skeleton monsters specifically.”
Ace writes down Cons name on a sticky note then eats the note, much to everyone’s confusion.
"I guess that makes sense. I don’t know about this Ink, but I wanted to experience a sugar rush and what caffeine does, so I made them to affect monsters."
“Interesting-”
“I wouldn't survive without coffee-!” KIller says dramatically as he drapes himself over Dust.
"You could survive just fine, hot stuff~" Dust teases, Killer says something else and the two flirt as Con asks-
“Why did you eat a sticky note?”
"I learned a trick for remembering things. Basically if I eat something with words on it I remember it entirely. Cause my magic internalizes the words on the page and it acts like a storage file of sorts? It helps me remember small details without having to think of it. Otherwise I'd forget."
“That is quite interesting indeed~ Dust what if we mixed serum A and D, then dissolved a piece of paper with words on it?” Con asks, tilting his chair back to look at the hooded skeleton, who obviously wants to make out with Killer right now-
Dust shrugs. "It could potentially work. However, unless there's a way to eventually forget the information it could overload someone with too much information over time."
“Oh but that's part of the fun~” Con is incredibly delighted by the idea and Ace looks at the two confused.
"What are you talking about?"
“Nothing to worry your little head about.” Con stands up, his plate mostly empty as he walks out to the kitchen.
“He Is Such A Sicko.” The Swapfell sans says with a hiss.
“I think he’s fun~”
“Of course you do, Kills.” Cross rolls his eyelights.
"I'll reserve my opinion till I know him better. But so far he seems interesting."
"WELL I LIKE HIM! CON JUST HAS…..ODD HOBBIES." Crooks gets some more food. "BUT OTHER THAN THAT HE'S NICE!"
"Ha! As If." The unnamed short sans says bitterly.
"WELL HE IS TO ME AND HORROR, RIGHT BROTHER?"
"Right…"
"How are hobbies odd? I don’t understand???"
"Don't worry about it, Ace. It's none of our business what Con does in his free time, to a general extent." Nightmare huffs.
"I know that . But I'm curious-!"
"He torches and experiments on people in his AU-" Cross explains.
"War…criminals…"
"What sort of experiments?"
"All kinds." Dust says as he nuzzles Killer’s skull. "He specializes in trama and psychological torture though. Wants to find the limits of the soul and how monsters adapt to traumatic experiences."
"Sounds fun! I wonder what he would do with an artificial soul to experiment on….?"
Chapter 58: Villains and… not Quite Heroes
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Eros(Fgod Error) is a villain, and Era is constantly mistaken for him.
Chapter Text
Smoke and debris covers the destroyed portion of the city , buildings having been easily toppled over and most of the land torn apart from the epic battle between good and evil. Everyone had already been rescued, anyone alive anyway, yet Era still stands, looking over the destruction as dark clouds hang over the scenery.
Sighing heavily, Era begins carefully picking his way over the debris, wrapping his scarf up to cover his mouth and nasal cavity, wanting to avoid clogging his mana lines with dust and smoke. He should get away before people mistake him for The Destroyer again.
It is a frequent occurrence, one that makes his life so much harder than it needs to be. Why he looks so scarelly similar to one of the most known and feared villains in existence is something that confuses him. He has a very unique appearance, at least the only skeleton he’s ever seen come close to the patterns that cover his body is his own dad, if that says anything.
As he scavenges around for anything useful that was left behind, trying to be quick, he notices…a person..? A skeleton monster's foot sticking out under some rubble. They can’t be dead, they haven’t dusted-
“HoLY shIT-” Era scrambles to pull out some strings, wrapping them around the larger pieces of rubble covering the person, before grabbing the strings and slowly pulling on them, straining with the effort of pulling it off the other skeleton. It takes a few attempts, but the large chunk of a concrete wall is eventually removed.
What lies beneath however has him covering his mouth in horror. It’s The Destroyer, so broken and torn apart that he’s almost unrecognizable, if it wasn’t for the blue tear like marks on his cheeks and red and black bones, looking almost blue from all the marrow leaking from the many breaks and cracks littering their body. They glitch and fizzle erratically, red sockets filled with error signs as they lay motionless, not that it looks like they could move even if they wanted to.
How the hell aren’t they dust yet? Although it’s well known The Destroyer can live through fatal wounds, they hardly seem to be holding together at this point. Did the heroes know the villain was still here-?
Era freezes at the sound of sirens in the distance. He’s so fucked if people see him with The Destroyer- he needs to get out of here… but it just felt wrong, leaving them here, looking on the verge of dusting…
Taking a deep breath, Era quickly starts to gather up detached bones and limbs, trying not to be too put off by the fact he’s collecting body parts, before he wraps the main torso of the villain up with his strings, hoping to stop any more bleeding as he picks them up.
This is so stupid- and risky- and Era internally screams at himself as he hurries to his apartment building, thankful that almost everyone had already evacuated and that his building remained relatively untouched.
His soul eases as he closes the door to his apartment building, quickly climbing the thankfully intact staircase up to his apartment. Not allowing himself to relax quite yet, he clears off his bed and sets the other skeleton’s torso down, pulling all his extra parts out of the bag to start aligning them in place like a puzzle piece.
He has to hold back the urge to retch several times from just how horrific this is as he works, applying healing magic where he can and wrapping shattered bones up with his strings, healing gel, and bandages as he goes, cleaning everything the best he can with a damp cloth. He’s never been so glad to have bought all of those medical supplies.
Trying to reattach The Destroyer’s jaw is one of the hardest parts, but as he pops it back into place, cringing in on himself, bright blue strings, similar to his, start to leak from their sockets and begin to better meld their bones together, making him freeze as he watches. The process is slow, but with every loose bone generally in the right position the strings have an easier time pulling it all together, almost like The Destroyer's magic is sewing itself up.. like a doll.
“OkAY… Th-tHAt’s… okAY..” Era mutters, rushing slightly to put everything else together as he struggles to keep his hands from shaking.
Once everything looks like it’s connected, with a few bits still missing, he has to step out of the room and wash his hands several times, before sitting down, his soul feeling like it’s beating out of his ribcage he's so shaken. It’s just…so horrific and gruesome- he has no idea how anyone could get so terribly injured, even with the rubble that had likely landed on The Destroyer.
Not to mention the obvious harmful intent practically embedded into the others bones, he can only imagine just how painful the intent is alone. It feels so hateful and angry…so so angry….and the monster is somehow still alive to endure it all.
…Are the heroes doing this to him? They’re the only ones Era could think of- getting close enough and being strong enough to do that kind of damage….but why would they do that? They usually capture villains and criminals. Why beat the crap out of The Destroyer and then just leave them there to cause more trouble later? Based on the other scars littering their bones where it's still intact….this isn’t the first time.
“UgH-” The longer Era thinks about this, the worse it seems. He leans back against the couch, taking a shaky breath as he glitches. Even if it is the heroes’ doing, it’s not like he could do anything about it. No one would believe him, and he couldn’t just say he brought home a wanted criminal and healed them. Even if he could, while he doesn’t believe doing this to anyone is right for any reason….the skeleton lying unconscious in his bed has killed a countless number of people for a very long time.
He shakes his skull, not wanting to think about this anymore. The glitch feels beyond exhausted from the emotional stress of everything…surely he can’t just…take a nap though right..? Especially not in his still marrow-stained clothes.
…He really doesn’t want to get up- or sit up- considering he’s slowly slumped down against his couch, half laying down at this point. Maybe he can just…close his sockets for a few minutes….just a little bit…? Just.. rest for a moment, before he goes to change…
~
Eros blinks slowly, whimpering a little as he regains awareness, despite his best efforts. As usual his whole body burns and hurts horribly as his magic forces itself back together, he wishes it wouldn’t. The tall skeleton takes a moment to stare up at the ceiling in silence.
How did he get here..? He’s pretty sure Ink collapsed a building onto him during their fight, but….he’s not being crushed..at least he doesn’t think he is. With a groan, ignoring the mournful creaking of his bones, Eros slowly sits himself up, sliding his legs over the side of the bed as he looks around.
Oh, he’s in someone’s house. That’s definitely new- the building is intact and fine from what he can see and the bed is comfortable even if it is stained with his marrow. Did…someone bring him here? No, why would someone do that?
Eros stands up, his bones creaking louder in complaint as he moves to take a step, only for something in his ance to snap and he stumbles into a wall-
“HNn-nNg-” He leans against it for a moment, trying to keep himself up right as he reaches for his strings and wraps up the reopened harsh crack going up along his ankle. Sighing tiredly, he makes his way out of the bedroom, using a summoned bone as a walking stick to carry himself into the rest of the room.
A kitchen, dining room, living room- His soul drops at the sight of another skeleton, stumbling back into the kitchen counter and hissing just a little when it bumps against his spine. There’s someone else here! But….they’re sleeping….and they look just like him?
Blinking in confusion, Eros calms his soulbeat down just enough to calmly make his way over to the other monster, kneeling down to get a better look at them. Yeah, they look like him, but..without all his scaring. The other’s bones are so pretty and untouched.
Eros reaches out and slowly traces over the blue marks going down the others cheeks, feeling his own with his other hand. Why do they look like him, but…smaller?
“Mm…” The other skeleton’s face scrunches up slightly as they stir and Eros freezes in place. Maybe if he states still enough they won’t notice him.
They shift, huffing as their brows furrow, before they yawn, reaching up to rub one of their sockets as the other one blearily blinks open.
Oh nu- Eros glitches wildly as he stares with wide sockets, trying very hard not to panic. His doppelganger pauses, staring up at him in confusion for a moment, before abruptly sitting up, making him jumps a little in place.
“HeY- hOw-? WhAT- wHaT Are yOU doINg uP-? I JusT maNAgeD to piECe yoU baCk TOgeTHer go LaY BaCK doWn-” They stand up, still looking half ready to pass back out, before promptly shooing him back towards the bedroom he had woken up in. He allows them to do so with much confusion.
Why aren’t they scared or trying to attack him? That’s what usually happens so this is…definitely a first and he has no idea what's going on- He sits on the bed as the other monster gives him a huffy look, though they are clearly exhausted. Maybe that’s why they aren’t afraid?
“LaY DOwN- ‘M goNnA cHeck YoUR inJurIEs-” They mutter, grabbing the first aid kit on the edge of the bed as he hesitantly lays back. Why are they checking his injuries? They said they put him back together, but…why would they do that? He doesn’t get it.
“MakiN’ mE UsE ALl m’ bANdaGEs- WaLkin’ oN A BRokEn leG-” They grumble as they carefully start unwrapping his feet and legs, only pausing long enough to yawn.
“...WhY-y ArE YO-oU BanD-dag-giNG ME..?”
“‘CaUSe yOu’re huRt, dUm dUM.” He can only blink at the other skeleton.
“BU-uT I’M aLwAy-yS HUrT-?” The smaller version of himself just stares at him for a long moment, expression blank, before just… slowly going back to tending to his wounds. Yeah, they must be really tired. They kind of remind him of someone, but honestly he doesn’t want to bother trying to think about who. Too much effort.
Eros silently lets his smaller doppelganger patch him up, wrapping gauze around the most obvious injuries that seem the worst. The whole time Eros keeps himself still, only moving when told to to make it easier, and after about an hour, the small skeleton seems mostly satisfied- or maybe they’re too tired, looking dead on their feet.
“‘KaY- NoW ONe moRe THinG..” The other skeleton mumbles, their hands beginning to weakly glow green. Eros’ reaction is immediate, he is suddenly sitting up as he grabs ahold of the others wrist, his body glitching a little more harshly than usual.
“D-dOn’T-t.”
“H-heY- LaY BaCk doWN-” The healing magic sputters out, the smaller skeleton glitching slightly as well as their sockets widen. “I- I waS JuSt goNnA HeAL yoU a Bit- I diD It wHeN You weRE PaSseD Out-”
“Y-yOU HeAl-LeD mE..?” How is that possible? His magic rejects any foreign magic in his system, making him violently in and throw it all up immediately, not to mention the way it burns through his mana lines. “H-hoW?”
“I jUSt… dID..?” They say uncertainly, visibly confused. He frowns deeply for a long moment as he thinks to himself. It really shouldn’t be possible, but….it doesn’t matter.
“WeLl d-DOn’T-t. It-T’S A WaSTe oF-f yoUr maGiC-c.” The smaller glitch relaxes slightly, frowning tiredly at Eros.
“BuT YOu’re HUrt.” It doesn’t matter.
“I’M-m AlwaY-s Hurt. YoU ShOULD USe Your magIC ON Some-EThinG MoRe ImpoR-rtanT.”
“ThEN I’ll jUsT KeEP heALinG You.” They reply stubbornly, much to his confusion.
“N-no You Won’T.” Eros’ doppelganger cowers slowly under his gaze, looking away, but they don’t take back their words. The taller sighs tiredly, before laying back down, but instead of letting go of the other, he pulls them down with him, laying the small skeleton on the clean side of the relatively small bed as they squeak in surprise.
“WhAT-?”
“You’Re TirED.” He answers simimply, making the other lay back down when they try to sit up, making them weakly squirm in protest.
“BuT YOu’rE HuRt.” They repeat.
“It doEsn’T MaTter.” They frown harder at him, but are clearly too tired to argue further, struggling to keep their sockets open now that they’re laying down. Eros simply waits, deciding to slowly rub their chest in what is hopefully a soothing gesture until their sockets inevitably close and they fall asleep.
It’s then that he gets up and carefully makes his way out of the apartment, looking out the hallway window for anyone else…He hasn’t been called back yet, and there don’t seem to be any patrolls nearby…he could just leave, but…
He should….repay them somehow, right? He healed faster than usual because of them and they worked really hard. With another tired sigh, Eros turns around and heads back into the other apartment, closing and locking the door behind him before walking to sit himself back on the edge of the bed.
Maybe he can make them a doll before they wake up…yeah, that sounds good. Easily ignoring the pain and beyond exhaustion that is always settled into his bones, he takes out his strings and two bone constructs to begin making a stuffed doll for the seemingly nice monster.
~
Era wakes up slowly, humming sleepily as he shifts, turning to bury his face in his pillow for a moment. The soft clicking of something in the background is soothing, a loud buzzing accompanying the sound. Odd, he usually doesn’t even hear his own buzzing much anymore…
Brows furrowing in confusion, Era turns his head toward the sound, cracking open his sockets and blinking slowly at the little stuffed Era looking right back at him.
“Th’ fUck..?” Era mumbles tiredly. Is he still dreaming? No…he feels too tired to still be asleep. The stuffed doll waves its hand at him, blue strings attached to its limbs reaching up and out of sight.
Blinking hazily for a moment, he idly waves back, before following the strings up to the source as he yawns. The blue magic reaches up and wraps around a hand almost identical to his, Era’s eyelights continuing to trail up the arm until he’s staring at the back of a tall skeleton sitting at the edge of his bed.
It takes Era a second to process the fact that The Destroyer is sitting next to him, puppetting a doll of him, jolting up as he glitches in surprise.
“YoU’rE SUppOSed To be REstiNG-” He blurts and the taller monster glances at him from over their shoulder.
“I A-aM ReSTing.”
“ReSTinG moRe-” Era retorts, frowning a bit.
“...N-nO. ThiS IS EnouGH.” The Destroyer answers simply, puppetting the Era doll to boop him.
“WeLL nO WoNdER yoU’rE HUrT All thE TimE If yoU DOn’T TaKe thE TimE To heAl-” He grumbles slightly, grabbing the doll to lightly hug it against his chest. The other’s strings vanish as they pull their hand back, turning back to their lap as the clicking sound resumes.
“I-I don’T HaVE tImE.”
“..WhY Not?” Era asks hesitantly, brows furrowing as the clicking pauses for a moment.
“...Y-you wouLdn’T BelIevE m-mE If I TolD-d yoU.”
“Is iT THe hERos?” The Destroyer’s glitches spike, but they don’t answer. Instead the taller glitch turns just enough to place a knitted spider plush in front of him, using their strings to make it wave at him too.
Era decides to not push further in fear of upsetting them, gently picking up the spider to place it on his head. The toy moves around a little before the strings vanish and they pull their hand away.
“HoW ‘BoUt I chECk yoUr INjuRieS AgAin, thEN mAke uS SomE FOoD?”
“Y-yoU Don't HAvE t-tO Do th-Hat.”
“WeLL I’m gOnNa- LaY Down sO I cAN lOoK yoU OveR.” Era weakly orders, getting up and pointing at the bed to emphasize his point. The other doesn’t argue, much to his surprise, they just lay down as told, pouting lightly.
It’s… honestly kinda cute.
“ThANk yoU.” Era nods, moving over to begin looking The Destroyer’s injuries over again, applying more healing gel and rewrapping the worst of the breaks. Surprisingly, most of the smaller cracks are almost completely healed.
…He should probably get them some clothes though. These rags really aren’t leaving anything to the imagination..though they look almost exactly like him so there’s not much to imagine-
Humming, Era turns to dig through his closet, grabbing himself a change of clothes while he’s at it, before finding one of his larger hoodies. He doesn’t think he has any pants that’ll fit him, but it’s better than nothing. The Destroyer watches him curiously, now sitting up in the bed all wrapped up in bandages. He looks at least a little less like a mummy now.
“HeRE.” Era walks back over and holds out the hoodie for them. “For YOu.”
They blink at the garment for a moment as they take the held out item, looking at it funny for a moment. They remove the shredded remains of their old clothes- besides their scarf- and pull the hoodie over their head….backwards. Era has to hold back a snort.
“N-nO No thE OtheR WaY- HeRE-” The smaller glitch reaches out and gently helps them fix it. The Destroyer struggles to get their hands through the arm holes again, wiggling a little until it’s on properly.
“...S-soFt..” With a quiet trill, they nuzzle into the hoodie collar, and Era can’t help but smile a bit.
“I’m glAD yoU LiKe iT- I’m GoNnA Go chANge oUt oF THesE DirTY cloTheS ALriGHt? I’ll bE riGht bAck.” The Destroyer nods as Era leaves the room to toss his marrow and dirt stained clothes into the washer, before going to the sink to get a wet rag and wipe himself down a bit. He can shower later.
He puts on the extra change of clothes he grabbed, just something he randomly put together, before leaving. When Era comes back into his bedroom, the taller glitch is using their strings to patch up their scarf…it almost looks exactly like his and they treat it with the utmost care, similar to how he treats his own.
Although he can’t for the life of him remember how he got it, his scarf has been a comfort over the years, and Era is almost always wearing it if he can pull it off. It just feels wrong to be without it.
“So- wHaT WOuld YoU Like tO EaT?”
“HuM-m? Oh I don’T EaT.” Era pauses, staring at The Destroyer for a long moment.
“ThAT…. ThAt’S.. baD.” He states, brows furrowing as they look up at him in confusion.
“N-noT ReaLly. I Don’T GEt HUnG-gry Anymo-oRe.”
“ThAt’s hoW yoU STaRve to DeAth- fOoD HeLps you hEaL And giVEs yoU MoRe maGIc aNd sHiT- You’Re sUpPOseD To eAT.” The Destroyer shakes their skull as they finish a few more patches to their scarf.
“I c-cAN’T Die. TruST M-mE I’Ve TrIeD.” Era isn’t sure he wants to know what exactly they’re implying- he’s already holding back several mental breakdowns.
“...YoU SHouLD sTiLL eAt- iF NotHIng eLse, iT MaKes liVIng A bit MoRE BEArABle.”
“....OkaY-y..” Wrapping their scarf back around their neck, The Destroyer stands up and for the first time he gets a sense of just how…tall they are- holy shit- They may look similar to him, but they had to have at least a foot on him.
Era turns around- slightly weary of having his back to The Destroyer, though they haven’t tried to do anything so far- and leads them to the kitchen, ushering them into a chair. They sit down without complaint, the hoodie just barely managing to cover their pelvis as they move. He tries his best to ignore the haphazard creaking and groaning of their bones, clearly straining from the injuries and scaring, but they don’t even flinch or show any real sign of pain.
It’s… uncomfortable, for a lack of a better word.
“WhAt kiNd oF FoOD do You LiKe? Do yOu kNoW?” Era asks as he grabs a pot and fills it with water, planning on a gentle, simple brothy soup. If The Destroyer really hasn’t eaten as long as they say, then it'll be best to have something easy on the stomach.
“...I reM-mEmBEr-r Th-hIS thINg c-c-CAlLed…Cho-ocoLATe…? I-iF thAT’s Ok-kAy…..” The Destroyer shifts nervously, They’re…… .being oddly shy.
“ChOColaTE iS PreTty gOOd.” Error agrees, setting the pot on the stove and turning it on. While he waits for it to boil he goes to his chocolate stash, opening a couple different kinds of chocolate and grabbing only a couple squares off of them for The Destroyer to try. “YoU SHouLd prObaBLy oNly hAve a Bit FoR NOw- I dOn’t wAnT You gettinG SiCk.”
“...R-reAl-Lly..?” The Destroyer looks at him with wide sockets, their eyelights big in disbelief.
“...YeAH..? SoRry yoU CaN’t haVe mORe, bUt geTtINg siCk woULd suCk-”
“A-aR-re YoU suR-re I caN h-hAv-vE yo-OUr chOc-ColaTe…? I-I Won-N’T B-bE in T-tR-rOUb-Ble…?”
“WhY WOuLd yoU Be iN TroUBle? HeRE- tAke iT.” Era holds out the squares of chocolate and the taller takes them hesitantly, like they’re expecting to be burned. The Destroyer stares at the chocolate in his hand for a long moment before holding it to his mouth and letting his five blue tongues pick up the pieces. “HuH- yoU haVE FivE TonGUes tOo.”
As the tall monster chews he feels, so happy. It tastes just as delicious as he remembers. His strings start to run down his face as the quietest little purr makes itself known from his ribcage.
“I taKe iT yoU LIke iT~?” Era can’t help but lightly tease, smiling. He gets an affirmative ‘mhm’ from the other as they nod, swallowing the chocolate with silent tears of strings running down their cheeks, and Era’s unsure if he should be concerned or not. Were the strings their tears?
“..T-tHa-aN-N-nkYo-oU..”
“Of COurSe.” The small glitch hesitantly reaches out to place a comforting hand on The Destroyer’s arm and they flinch a little before relaxing.
“...S-soRrY..”
“Hm? WhAT foR?” Era questions, deciding to pull back at their obvious discomfort, moving to continue making the soup.
“...F-foR DEs-sTroYinG yoU-ur ToWn…A-aND BeIn-nG hEre…AND CryI-iNg…I’M-m NOt SupoS-sEd To CrY…”
“Eh- YoU LeFT mY aPaRTmeNT aLOnE aNd heROes MaKe haLF of THe cOlaTEraL AnyWaYS- aNd I BroUght yoU Here- aNd yoU doN’t nEeD To aPOLogiZe foR cRyinG. EVerYOne NeEds A GoOd cRy onCE in A whILe.” Era reassures, pulling out some veggies to chop up finely.
“Cry-YING waStes mAgiC.”
“WeLL it’S A gOoD ThinG I’m maKIng YOu foOd thAt rePLeniSHes maGIC, isN’t IT? So yoU DoN’t haVE To woRrY ABoUt iT.” The Destroyer doesn’t respond, as Era cooks. Instead they pull the strings from their cheeks away and dismiss the magic as they wait.
“DepENdinG On hOw yoUR boDY reActs to THe foOD, yOu cAn haVE soMe moRE chOColaTE afTEr, sOuNd goOd?” Era adds seasonings to the broth, stirring it as it simmers.
“Ok-kAY…” Deeming the soup cooked enough, Era uses a ladle to pour a bit into two bowls, giving one to The Destroyer before going to grab spoons. That’s when he hears a cracking sound and quickly turns to find the tall skeleton biting into the bowl-!?
“NoT THe BoWl-!” He squawks, glitching harshly in surprise and alarm. What are they thinking!? That’s ceramic! It’s not edible! The Destroyer jolts in surprise, quickly putting the bowl down, glitching harshly.
“BoWLs aReN’t eDIble TheY CaN HUrt yOu- aRE YoU OkAY-?” Era frets, hurrying over to look them over. They open their mouth for him without much prompting and he winces at the pieces of the bowl having left cuts in their tongues and mouth. Era raises a glowing green hand to heal them, it’ll be a bit harder without actually touching them, but it’s not like he’s going to stick his hand in their mouth-
A hand immediately grasps his wrist and he jolts, glitching a bit. “D-don’T”
“It’S JuST a Bit- C’mOn lET Me hELp yoU-”
“No-O. Don’T waS-sTe yoUr maGIc.”
“It’S Not a WaSTe.”
“Yes-s It iS-s.”
“I don’t thINK it IS, aNd It’s My mAGic, sO I thINk I shOUld be aBLe to Do whAt I waNT witH It.” Era retorts, glaring a bit. The Destroyer's look doesn’t waver.
“The-EN Do SomEThi-INg El-LSe. Y-yoU’rE Not G-gAnNA waSt-Te mAgIC On M-me.”
“BUt I wAnt tO.” The taller narrows their sockets at him, and Era can’t help but fidget under their gaze, mentally reminding himself that he probably shouldn’t upset the dangerous villain too much.
“Y-yoU sh-HOuldn’T…”
“I sHoULdn’T Do a Lot oF ThinGs, bUt I dO TheM AnyWaYS. I wANt to.”
“...W-whY? Wh-HY BrinG mE h-hEre? W-wHY Try T-to Fix Me? w-wHY trY To-o HeaL-l ME-e? Y-yOU KN-noW-w whO I aM WhaT I’Ve D-dON-nE. I-i’Ve Kil-lLled Mo-Ore PeopLE-e, Destr-Roy-yEd-d mo-OR-rE li-IVeS tHaN I c-cAN Cou-unT. Any-y PaIN I expIreN-ncE I-I DeseRvE. BesIDe-es, You-U Can’T HeAL So-oMEt-tHINg t-thAT’s ALre-EaDy BrOken.”
“No oNE deSERvEs to Be tHAt hUrT- iNCluDinG SomEOnE liKe yoU. AnD I cAN hEaL WhaT I dAMN weLL plEaSe.” Era huffs and The Destroyer stares at him for a moment longer, before slowly letting go of his wrist and looking away.
“....OkAY.” They sound so….tired.
After a moment, Era reaches up to gently place his hand on the other’s skull, letting his healing magic slowly flow from it. The Destroyer slowly relaxes under his hand and the softest purr starts up in their ribcage, hesitant and scared, but there.
“ThANk yoU..” Era murmurs, lightly rubbing their skull, their purr getting louder.
“F-for w-whaT..?”
“LeTtiNG me hELp.” The Destroyer gives him an incredibly confused look, before their sockets inevitably fall closed again and they lean up into his hand like a touch starved puppy, making Era smile a bit. “Hm..~ I’m ErA, By thE WaY. I doN’t thiNK I inTRodUCeD MysELf.”
“Mm’ERo-oS…” The taller mumbles, their purr getting louder the more Era pets them, the smaller glitch having to hold back the urge to coo. It’s incredibly adorable.
“NiCe To mEeT YOu, ERos.” Instead of responding with words, the smaller glitch gets the cutest little chirping sound he’s ever heard, not unlike what skullies do, and after a second, Era tries to copy it.
When he chirps Eros chirps back and they repeat the action over and over until they’re both purring and surprisingly relaxed. It’s… honestly kinda nice.
“..YoU WaNna Try eATinG SomE SOup FoR REaL Now?”
“....H-hoW Do I Do THaT Wit-tHOUt mAKIng yo-OU MAd..?”
“I wASn’T Mad. JuST wORrieD.” Era lightly corrects. “WaNT Me tO SHoW yoU?”
Eros looks away for a moment, before nodding, and Era grabs another bowl and fills it with soup, getting both of their spoons. He takes his spoon and scoops up a bit of the soup and shows Eros how to eat it, the taller following his lead…or at least tries to.
The moment Eros puts the spoon in his mouth the smaller hears the tell tale snap of said spoon breaking and he scrambles up to get it out of the other's mouth.
“DoN’t swaLlOW iT PleASe spiT It OuT-” Era does his best to keep his reaction calmer this time. Eros doesn’t jolt like he did before, thankfully, and willingly opens his mouth to hold the crushed end of the spoon out with his tongues.
“ThANk yoU.” Era takes the mangled spoon and throws it away, grabbing another one. “YoU ONly wAnt to EaT The sOuP Part, noT THe spOon. YoU doN’t neED to BitE DoWN on IT.”
“Oh-H..SorRy…” Eros hesitantly takes it and tries again, this time almost swallowing the spoon, making Era snort a bit.
“KeEp the SpOon iN the SaMe plACe anD JusT sWaLlow The soUP.” He suggests and Eros tries one more time, not trying to eat the spoon, thank the stars.
“GoOD Job~!” Era praises when they finally manage to eat a successful bite, clapping lightly. The Destroyer blushes bashfully and covers his face in his hands, peaking out at Era a little.
“I-i DiD-d IT RigHt…?” The small glitch nods happily, unable to help but lean forward to gently bonk their skulls together. It’s a shock to Eros at first, but as his eyelights grow wide in his sockets, he excitedly bonks back with a happy chirp and loud rumbling purr, a giggle escaping Era as he gives him a small nuzzle.
The next thing he knows he’s pulled into The Destroyer's lap and Eros is nuzzling and rubbing his face against him as much as possible, very affectionately. Surprised laughter bubbles out of Era as he blushes, caught off guard. This is definitely not what he was expecting from the supposedly evil villain at all.
If he had to guess, Eros just seems like a big frequently kicked puppy wanting affection. And though this entire situation is just… incredibly odd, Era is more than happy to provide that affection.
Eros holds and sniggles him for quite a while, before he decides they should probably eat their food- but when he tries to get up, the taller monster lets out a heartbroken little whine and headbutts him gently.
“I’m- I wAs juSt goINg to grAB ouR FoOD so We cAn fiNIsH eaTIng.” Era reassures as Eros nuzzles him aggressively with another noise of protest. “We gOTtA eEaAAtt-”
After a moment of hard pouting from The Destroyer, he is released, and he grabs their bowls and spoons before sitting back on his lap, holding Eros’ bowl up to him. The taller takes the offered dish and after waiting for Era to take a bite of his own food, he starts eating his own.
“DoN’t puSh yoURseLf iF You feEL siCk, ‘kAy?”
“...B-bUT You MAD-dE it foR ME?”
“YeAh- tO HeLp yoU. EaTIng toO MuCh anD GeTtinG SicK WOuld Be thE OppOSite.” Eros pouts, but sets the bowl down before nuzzling his face back into Era’s shoulder, purring quietly.
“FinE-e…b-BUt oN-nlY bEcaUSe YO-Ou SaId sO..”
“GoOd~” Era purrs, setting down his spoon in favor of drinking the rest of the soup straight from his bowl. The Destroyer happily purrs, wrapping his arms around the smaller’s waist and holding him close, feeling more content and pleased than he has in a really long time. He knows this can’t last for very long, but….it’s nice while he has it.
Era is content to let Eros cuddle him for a bit, idly reaching up to pet him like the big puppy he seems to be. He is rewarded with louder purrs and pleased chirps, Eros trying to lean up into his hand as their sockets fall closed.
It’s incredibly cute, but unfortunately Era eventually has to get up to clean his bed, lest the marrow covering his sheets begins to stain them. It’s a bit of a struggle to get Eros to let him go, but once he manages to be released from The Destroyer's grasp and make his way to his bedroom, Eros is hovering behind him.
“YoU SHouLd go ResT- sIT oN ThE coUCh oR SomEThinG.” Era suggests as he starts to strip his bed. Eros continues to stand and watch him and when he walks to the end of his bed, the taller follows him.
“WhAT Are yOU doInG?” Era can’t help but ask and The Destroyer nuzzles the top of his skull.
“B-bEin-Ng wiTh yoU-u.” A small coo leaves Era as he lightly nuzzles the taller glitch back, before he grabs his sheets and bundles them up in his arms.
“YoU SHouLD stILL reSt- iT’LL heLp yoU HeAL faSTer.”
“...D-dO I haVe To?”
“..No, I sUpPOse, thOuGH I wOuLD prEFer If yOU dID. If yoU Go SiT on thE CouCH I’ll jOIN yoU aFTer I SticK TheSE iNTo thE WaSHer.”
“B-buT I waN-n’T to Be WiTh yO-ou?” Eros insists with a sad whine.
“It’Ll be aLL oF FivE SecONds yoU DOrK~ BuT I’m NoT GoiNG To foRCe you.” Era reassures, heading to the washroom with Eros on his heels. The scary Destroyer is like a duckling following his mom- it’s way cuter than it has any right to be.
It doesn’t take him long to get the sheets in the washer and start a load, adding soap and hoping it’ll be enough to get the marrow out, before grabbing Eros’ hand and leading him to the couch. The moment they're close enough he is snatched right up as the taller sits down and sets him on their lap, purring and snuggling him again.
“I-I lIK-kE thiS~”
“ReALly? I coULdn’T TEll~” Era lightly teases as Eros nuzzles the side of his skull before he feels the other take a big long lick up his temple-
Era yelps a bit, jolting and glitching in surprise as he instinctively ducks his head. The Destroyer jumps right back in response, pulling away in confusion.
“W-whAT-?”
“DiD- diD YOu juSt liCk mE-??”
“.....YeS-s…?” Eros answers hesitantly. He’s not going to lie- he really doesn’t like when people lie-
“...WhY?”
“T-tO SHoW aFeCTio-On?”
“..ThAt-” Era cuts himself off with a snort. “LiCkinG iSn’t reaLLy seEN aS aFfeCTion-”
“It’S NOt-???” Eros asks in genuine confusion, making Era snicker.
“No- noT reALLy. At LEaSt- noT FOr skELetoNS.”
“....Am I-I noT ALloW-wED To dO-o iT THEN..?”
“YoU… cAn? I gUEsS?” Eros trills almost immediately and licks up the side of his skull, a squeak escaping Era. “N-noT ToO MuCH-”
“HoW MuC-ch IS too MUCh?”
“I’m… nOt suRE?”
“...How AbouT tHi-iS inSTeAd?” With a small chirp, Eros places a little kiss on his cheek, and he blushes.
“...Y-yEaH- ThaT’s aLRigHt.” The Destroyer wiggles in place a little, stopping once his bones start to creak, and gently starts peppers small kisses across the side of Era’s skull, chirping and purring loudly all the while as the small glitch squirming and giggling a bit, blushing brighter. This situation somehow got even more odd, but at least Eros is a sweetheart!
But that conclusion leads him down a confusing path that just…doesn’t make sense. Why wouldn’t the heroes try talking to Eros? So far the other has done basically anything he told him to do, besides letting Era heal him, but that's a whole thing all on its own. He’s pretty sure Eros would listen if the heroes tried talking to him, surely they must have made an attempt.
Eros or ‘The Destroyer’ has been the number one villain and threat to their civilization since monster magic started to reawaken after who knows how long of being dormant. Ever sense monsters and humans fully integrated into one another magic had just vanished, or at least that's what the history books say. Monsters still existed as well as hybrids- humans having eventually just become hybrids due to mating with monsters- they just couldn’t use magic attacks of any kind and monsters stopped dusting.
Then, almost one hundred years ago, magic just suddenly returned, bringing rise to The Destroyer ten years later and finally The Hero Alliance, where all the most powerful magic users band together to protect the weak…or so they’ve been told….but knowing Eros now…
Something just isn’t adding up and he’s honestly afraid to ask, but… it feels like he has to. There’s clearly something going on. The seemingly sweet monster nuzzling him and kissing his skull affectionately feels so genuine and willing to love on the first person to show him actual kindness…
It’s… worrying, and he doesn’t know what to do. What can he do? It’s not like he can protect this sweet skeleton from whatevers hurting him if he can’t protect himself. He knows what Eros is capable of, he saw the other literally destroy the city he lived in with very few buildings remaining. Era has also seen the heroes fight on TV and there’s no way he could fight them either- If someone else is doing this and it’s not the heroes then they must be strong, pulling so many different strings.
All he can think to do is to provide a sanctuary for the other skeleton- a place to rest and heal- but he knows it’s not sustainable, no matter what he does. Eros isn’t going to be able to stay here for long no matter the circumstances. If he doesn’t have to leave to be a villain any time soon then the heroes will still find him here…
“E-eRa?” He is pulled from his thoughts at Eros’ voice, looking up at him questioningly.
“Hm?” The Destroyer nuzzles the side of his skull, laying their head on his shoulder.
“...T-tHAnk-k yOu.”
“..Of coURsE.”
“R-reAlLy….No ONe b-BUt thE cHa-aRa’s And FrIsk’s haVe EvEr bEEn-n ThiS NIc-cE To mE…” Era’s brows furrow in slight confusion, before brushing it off.
“Of cOursE- It’S JuST baSIc dECency.”
“It-t iS?” Eros tilts his skull a little in confusion.
“MHm- I haVEn’t eVEn doNe aNYthiNG aLl thAT spECiaL, hoNeSTly… ThOuGh I suPpoSE KiNDneSs cAN be HaRD to cOmE By, wiTh yoUr sTATus As a viLlaIN..” Era mutters, the taller giving him a small squeeze.
“P-pEopLe WHe-erE PreTty MEaN To M-mE Even BefoRe I wAS caLL-led A VilLIan…”
“WeLL thEy’rE JusT BitCHes-”
“T-tHAt’s mEaN ERa-a-”
“TheY WEre mEaN FirSt-”
“T-to ME nOT YOu-U-”
“DoN’t caRE-” Eros huffs, before kissing the smaller’s cheek and nuzzling back into his neck, the taller’s purr rumbling against Era’s back.
“...I-I liK-kE yoU.”
“Aw thANks~ I liKe yoU TOo~” Era playfully coos, blushing a bit. Eros is too sweet and cute for his own good.
“R-re-EAlLy?.....Y-yoU LIkE Me..?”
“MhM- YoU’re NiCe anD SWeET anD PoliTe aND CuTE~!” The Destroyer’s face turns a dark blue, yellow freckles speckled around like stars across their cheeks.
“I-i’M Not CUt-TE-”
“AdORaBLe~” Era purrs, grinning up at him as his blush grows.
“N-no-”
“YuP~!” Eros pouts hard, hiding his blushing face in the smaller’s neck as he lets out a loud, long whine, Era just laughing in response. He really is adorable. A big cuddly puppy.
~
Era can never get enough of Eros’ cuteness. Over the past few days of the taller glitch staying with him his guest has been nothing but sweet if not a little clingy…okay maybe a lot clingy. He refuses to leave Era’s side as he goes about his days, almost constantly touching him and cuddling him every chance he gets, not unlike an animal that latched onto the first person to show them a hint of kindness.
He’s also noticed a few things though, like how the other really dislikes lying. Like really doesn’t like it and he somehow always knows when Era is lying, even if it’s more of a white lie. Era has no idea how he does it, but Eros gives him a hard disapproving look every time.
Another thing about Eros that he noticed in their first conversation is that he genuinely doesn’t think he deserves any form of comfort or positive attention and is completely oblivious to basic things- like how he was with eating. Era has done his best to teach him about everything he can without overwhelming him, but it can be a bit difficult at times. Like baths….oh that was an experience for sure.
The poor skeleton had never taken a proper bath or shower and a lot of things suddenly made sense. The creaking and grinding of Eros’ joints isn’t just because of all the damage and scarring, it’s also the clogged and blocked mana lines. He’s actually surprised the taller could move at all considering his limbs should be nearly completely numb- it’s no wonder he doesn’t seem to notice much pain.
So Era taught him how to properly bathe, forcing him to soak in a warm calcium bath for a few hours before showing him how to scrub his joints to clean off buildup, needing to replace the water and repeat the process a few times before they managed to get the tall glitch properly clean. By the end Eros is in awe, his joints can actually move and twist and turn smoothly! If Era thought the other was agile before he is blown out of the water by how much easier Eros can move.
How Eros was able to move at all before was endurance and pain tolerance like nothing he’s ever seen. Era decides to make him do more calcium baths soon- his bones still look fairly brittle, most likely due to both the bones healing wrong and the lack of outside magic from eating. Even if Eros is right and he won’t die of starvation, his body has still taken a toll from not getting what it needs to function properly.
If that's just his bones, Era can only imagine what Eros’ soul looks like. He hasn’t asked, especially considering he couldn’t do much to help with that part, though a part of him is morbidly curious. In fact, there are several questions he wants to ask, but he’s just not sure how Eros will react.
Why does he destroy and cause chaos? Is he being controlled? Is it just the hero’s hurting him? Where did he come from? And most importantly… what could Era do to help?
It just… it seems that Eros is the only real villain anyone ever talks about- the only one that the hero council seems to fight… It feels unfair- all of those heroes against just the one- admittedly powerful- villain.
The hero’s don’t always win- admittedly Eros gives them a run for their money sometimes, but the real fight is never broadcasted, just Eros destroying things and the hero’s swooping in to stop him, saving people, and Eros attacking them. He’s never seen them beat the crap out of Eros, not like all the injuries and old scars covering him all over from all sorts of things.
It just… doesn’t make any sense- and Era hates it. Something obviously isn’t right. Something is purposefully missing…and it has a lot to do with Eros and the heroes… He’s determined to figure it out.
As Eros stands behind him, nuzzling the back of his neck as he cooks, he hears the taller hiss as if in pain. Eros always says he’s always in pain but for him to react to it? Era immediately whirls around and The Destroyer is stumbling back with his face scrunched up and painfully gripping his ribcage over his soul.
“ErOs-?? Wh-wHaT’s wrONg?” He questions, glitching in worry, but the taller skeleton can only shake his skull, choking back a whimper. He sinks to the tile floor and curls in on himself, resting his skull against the cool surface as he trembles.
“H-hEy- I’m hERe- TeLL mE How I CaN HeLP-” Era tries to reassure, but as he moves to bend down, Eros’ trembling suddenly stops and besides his glitching. He’s abnormally still for only a second. The taller suddenly slams his skull hard against the floor, the tile cracking immediately as he does it again and again. “ErOS-!!”
“I-I-i-I’m-M so-ORr-rY-y I’M-m SoR-Rry P-pLEAS-se S-s-STo-Op-p I’m C-C-com-M-mINg-g b-bAC-Ck P-pL-l-lE-EaS-sE-” Eros glitches wildly, his words barely understandable at all, but Era can hear him holding back a sob. The Destroyer slams his skull down one more time before stopping, blue marrow staining the gray tile. Era immediately moves to heal him, glitching harshly in worry.
“Is SoMEonE- iS SomeONE cONtRollinG You? TeLl theM- tEll thEm You’ll Be aBLe wOrk BeTteR aFteR ThiS, anD THeN trY To prOvE iT- liKe hoW YoU CaN MovE BeTtEr aFTer wE clEAneD YOu- It’LL be OkAy-” He quickly mutters, taking a guess that his theory of Eros being controlled is accurate.
“I-I c-cAN’T-t…T-thE-eY’Ll bE-e mA-aD-d…”
“I’m- I’m SoRry iF Me brINgIng yoU HEre MaDe theM MaD At yoU- I doN’t wANt yoU GetTIng huRt-”
“...T-ThEy’d H-hURt-t m-m-ME-e ANy-yWAy…T-thEY JuS-sT likE t-tTO FinD R-reASon’S-s-s to-O-o…” Eros trembles, making his bones rattle softly, before he moves to stand, an unbelievably tired look on his face, completely defeated. “I-I haV-vE To g-g-GO-o noW-w…”
“...AlriGhT..” Era gently helps Eros up, his skull healed the best it can be, before pulling him to his chocolate stash, grabbing a bar of Eros’ favorite kind- the spicy one- and pressing it into his hands. “F-fOr.. foR The roAD.”
Eros looks from the chocolate to Era, before gently reaching out to cup his cheek and place a small kiss on his forehead. “T-tHaN-nk YoU ERa…”
Era smiles weakly, before pulling Eros into a tight yet gentle hug. “YoU’re ALwAyS weLCoMe heRE, aLriGHt?”
“M-mHm…b-bE SafE…p-PL-lEa-ASe…” The tall skeleton nuzzles the side of his skull carefully.
“I’ll dO My bESt.” Era agrees, before reluctantly pulling away. “YoU… sHoULd ProBaBly go BefOre thEy geT MorE MaD.”
With a small nod, Eros kisses his temple, stroking his cheek, before he runs and jumps out the open window, Era leaning out to watch him- only to get an… incredibly stupid and reckless idea. Why not just…follow him? He could find out where the puppeteer is and know more about the situation!
“I’M sO GoiNg to REgrEt thIS AreN’t I-” Era mutters to himself as he clambers out of his window and onto the stairwell, eyelights following Eros’ movements. The Destroyer moves fast across the broken terrain, easily jumping up onto building remains to get to a semi clear space.
Looking around to make sure no one’s looking, Eros shoves the chocolate bar into his mouth, only allowing himself a few seconds to savor it. Once finished he holds out his hand and a glitched opening just appears out of thin air.
Era’s sockets widen in surprise, and he glitches himself forward multiple times in an effort to catch up, panting from the exertion. He’s never glitched himself so many times in a row- Maybe he should practice a bit more.
The opening grows in size until it’s big enough for Eros to step through. The walls on the other side are sterile white and it smells distinctly of disinfectant even from this distance, making Era frown slightly as he creeps closer, trying to stay out of Eros’ notice. The Destroyer walks stiffly away from the opening, a blank and empty look on his face as he starts to make his way down the hall.
Error takes the opportunity to glitch to the opening, quietly and quickly stepping though- only to almost immediately be hit with a heavy sense of familiarity and deja-vu, almost dizzy from how powerful it is.
These almost blinding white empty halls, the near deafening silence that threatens to silence his own constant buzzing, the faint smell of disinfectant that's somehow the only thing he can smell at all, and an odd pressure on his soul that feels similar to being suffocated under a heavy presence. It’s… unnerving, and Era can’t figure out for the life of him why it feels as familiar as it does.
By the time he manages to shake himself out of it, Eros has disappeared, and he has no idea where the tall glitch might’ve gone. Not to mention the now missing portal gate thing….Oh stars-
Deciding to pick a random direction, Era starts walking, carefully peeking around corners and looking for anything that sticks out in the seemingly never ending maze of white. The only good thing is that there aren’t any cameras….obvious cameras at least.
…He hopes whoever is here doesn’t look at them often, if there are any. The glitch wanders for a while, he’s not sure exactly how long with there being no way to tell, but he eventually comes across the end of a hall with a large white metal door and a small touch screen of sorts on the wall beside it.
With nowhere else to go but forward, Era mentally shrugs and fiddles with the touchscreen, assuming it’s keeping the door locked. Although logically, he knows this is extremely reckless, he’s already in this deep- there’s no turning back at this point. Touching the screen reveals the image of a circle with a fingerprint mark- and while he doesn’t have fingerprints, he does have phalanges!
Maybe it’s dumb to try scanning a phalange, but he has nothing to lose- if it doesn’t work, and he doubts it will, he’ll just have to try hacking it. Upon pressing his right pointer finger against the touchpad however, he is surprised to hear it ding and the door just….opens.
“...HUh..” Hesitantly, Era peeks into the room, finding.. what looks like an observation room, stacks of papers organized neatly on a desk inside. Seeing it empty, Era creeps inside, quietly closing the door behind him. He makes his way over to the papers on the desk, taking a glance at the filing cabinet beside it.
Okay, first things first! Look through mysterious files and papers in weird dark room- It’s a stark contrast from the near blinding white of the halls, almost like a normal work space. Picking up the lone clipboard that had been sitting on the desk, he reads what appears to be the title of the packet of papers stapled together beneath the clipboard's grasp.
“Test subject #06; Enhancement experiment; Corruption theory.” Era hums, squinting a bit in the dim room as he attempts to look over the small script- he wishes he thought to wear his glasses…Era can only make out a few words, but all that he can read is unsettling to say the least. “Corrupt….#06...ancient magic makes…great candidate…negative emotions….influx……painful transformation….Subjects survival……”
Unnerved, Era moves to set the papers down, before changing his mind and sticking it in his inventory. Maybe they’ll come in handy later. Taking a deep breath, he looks around the room again and heads to the other side, squinting at the black window in the side of the wall, another door off to his left.
Is there even anything in there? Trying to peer in reveals nothing, and he decides to try the door. It slides open as he approaches, but what lay on the other side is…horrifying to say the least. The lights turn on, revealing a medical table of sorts, surrounded in by tables with all sorts of items, from medical tools like syringes and surgical knives, to a power saw and vials of unknown substances.
The table is stained with a dark substance, the only splotches of color being a dark cyan and hints of purple mingling with the black. And against the far back of the wall, a… person? Sits curled up.
“HeLlo..?” Era softly calls out, before he can think about it. Their details are fuzzy from this distance, but he can see them shift, bits of black and a silvery white sticking out clearly to him.
“....E-eros…?”
“I’m ErA- tHoUGh wE Do lOoK PreTty siMiLar… aRe yOu oKAy?”
“...Is that a trick question..?” Era smiles a touch sheepishly, slowly moving closer.
“SoRry- yoU ProBAbly aREn’t- I’m NoT WeARing My glASseS So yoU MoStly jUST LOoK likE a BLob to Me. LeT Me aSK a diFfeREnt quEStiON thEn: WhAT cAN I do To heLp? MiLDly reLaTed- dO You KNow a WaY OuT? I foLloWEd EroS HeRE aND I goT KiNda lOSt.”
The person is silent for a moment, more a bit of a green coming into view…no it’s cyan- “...Is this some sort of sick test or joke? Because it’s not funny.”
“NoPe I’m bEinG HOneST- thOuGH I suPpoSE I doN’t reALLy haVe a WaY To prOve iT… hM.. iF yoU heLp Me geT OuT YoU cAn coME WitH me iF You wAnt?” Era offers, pausing his creeping forward to check the ground is clean before sitting down, purposefully leaving himself completely vulnerable to the person.
Now that he’s close enough Era can tell that this person looks like a skeleton monster of sorts, this moving black substance covering their body in random patches, including the right side of their skull where a spider web of cracks stretch out across their face. One lone eyelight watches him, frazzled and tired.
It reminds him of Eros, but in a less… defeated way. He can tell they still have the spark of fight, buried deep under exhaustion and weariness.
“....Hmm..I help you leave if you help me escape?” Era gives them a smile.
“MhM. I aLSo kNoW A Bit oF HEaLinG MaGIc, so I coULd heLP WitH thAT-” The glitch cuts himself off before he can begin rambling as the small skeleton gives him a long look.
“...Alright, but first I need you to get these chains off of me..and the collar.”
“OF COuRse. CaN I coMe cloSEr?” The skeleton nods after a long moment, and Era gets up to shuffle closer, keeping his movements clear. He has to carefully step around the black goop that seemingly pools together at their sides, before reaching up to feel the lock hole keeping the chains tightly secured around the others wrists.
Frowning a bit, Era summons a small bone to try picking the lock. It, of course, doesn’t work, due to his lack of experience ever picking locks. “Hm… cAn I ToUch yoU?”
“..I suppose.” They answer quietly.
“ThIs IS goINg tO FeEl kiNDa WeIRd, oKAy?” Era doesn’t give them a chance to reply, gently grabbing their arm and glitching them both a couple feet away, the shackles falling to the ground as a wave of vertigo washes over Era. “WoAhh DiZzy-”
Something cold holds him up by his waist and the other skeleton struggles to stay upright as they stumble a little. “W-wow that is disorienting-”
“Y-yeAh- SorRy aBOuT ThaT- It jUsT SeEMed eaSIeSt-” Era mumbles, taking a second to shake off the dizziness. Glitching so much in such a short amount of time probably isn’t the best for him. The other half goopy monster shakes their skull, lightly slapping their cheeks, before turning towards the door.
“...If you can get the collar off of me I can get us out of this building. It’s keeping my magic suppressed so I can’t shadow travel.”
“ThINk I CoUld cHeW It oFf?” Era lightly jokes. “CaN I taKe a LoOK aT It?”
With a small chuckle, they nod again and lift up their chin to expose the leather collar with a red string going down the middle. The leather doesn’t seem all that special, but the string is glowing with magic and intent, possessive, twisted, and controlling.
“They’ll know the moment it comes off, so we’ll have to leave right away. We probably won’t be able to come back using my ability.”
“GoT It.” Era pulls out one of his own strings, making sure it’s full of the intent to free them, before slipping one end up under the collar, holding both ends like a strange leash. “I’m gOiNG to TrY sAwiNG thrOuGh iT- yoU MigHT WaNna grAB it.”
The other reaches up to hold the sides of the collar, keeping it in place as Era quickly begins pulling the string through it, using it like a wire saw and hoping the friction will be enough. The leather starts to fray with ease, but it’s the string they should be worried about.
“Will your magic cut through theirs?”
“I haVE nO idEa.”
“Mmm…they might feel you trying to cut it and if it fails we’re sitting ducks.”
“In thAT CaSe, I WiLl cUt thRouGH it!” Era declares, slowing down as his string approaches the red one, pumping more magic and his determination into it and making it glow a brilliant blue against the harsh red. The smaller skeleton tenses the closer it gets and the moment they touch, the room is filled with the sound of a loud snap.
Era stumbles back at the sudden lack of tension. The goop on the smallest body suddenly covers them completely and Era jumps and glitches in surprise as they seemingly grow taller in size before their form solidifies again, five thick tentacles protruding from their back.
“Much better~ Time to go.”
“O-oH- aLRiGht-” A tentacle wraps around his waist as the other grabs his hand just as an alarm starts to go off, making them both jump.
“It’s going to be cold and dark, but just relax- If you panic I could lose my hold on you.” Without another word, Era is suddenly submerged into a chilly darkness.
“Oh wHaT THe fuCk-” Era mutters, only for his voice to be swallowed up by the black. It’s like being submerged in inky black water, stretching endlessly around him. If it wasn’t for the cool grasp of someone holding his hand he would feel like he’s drowning.
Muffled sounds rush by him as the alarm slowly fades into the background, voices fly by, the sounds of a city, a forest, even the sound of someone crying. Era fights hard to keep from freaking out, remembering the person’s warning. He can’t tell how long they are in the dark, but he’s suddenly yanked back up with a loud gasp, stumbling on his feet as gravity resettles into his bones.
Only for said bones to immediately give under the weight of said gravity, knees buckling underneath him as he falls back into a cold embrace.
“Hey hey, you’re okay. It’s okay….Sorry I know it’s a shock..”
“Wh-hAt thE-e fuCK-” Era wheezes, feeling like he can’t get enough air as he glitches harshly. A hand begins to rub his back as he’s pressed against the other’s ribcage and they breath in slow, exaggerated breaths, and after a moment, Era does his best to follow. It reminds him of when Geno would coach him though his panic attacks.
It takes him several minutes to get his breathing a little more even and the now taller skeleton begins to purr soothingly. “There you go…you’ve got this..”
“I-I’M fiN-Ne-” Era mutters.
“Yeah you’re fine. We’re safe and you’re okay.” They reassure, moving their hands up to stroke the sides of his skull, Era leaning into the touch and closing his sockets for a moment.
“ArE- aRE YOu oKaY?”
“I am alright, better than I have been in sometime now that it doesn’t feel like my mana lines are being restricted.”
“Al-lriGht.. OkaY- wE’re- we’RE ALriGht…” Era mumbles, pulling away just slightly to check their surroundings. It looks like a dark abandoned building, with old cheers covering the furniture and the smell of rotting wood and dust filling the space around them. “...WhEre aRE We?”
“Well…a place with a lot of negative energy…and my old childhood home. Sorry, I couldn’t think of anything better.”
“It’s.. aLrIGht? I sUpPosE We cAN TaKe thE LoNG WaY to mY ApaRTmeNt… Um- sOrRy, I dOn’t thINk I goT YOuR NaMe..?” The taller skeleton doesn’t stop his petting, looking down at Era with that one cyan eyelight, more sharp and focused than before.
“My name is Nightmare, dear.” Era blushes slightly at the term of endearment, glancing away.
“N-niCe To mEeT YOu, NigHTmaRe. WhAT ciTy ARe wE in? My ApaRTMenT’s iN EbotT, sO- O-oR UNleSs yoU HaVee soMEwHEre tO Be?” The taller blinks down at him in mild surprise, his thumb brushing over Era’s cheek gently.
“No, I have nowhere to be. I was trapped in that lab for most of my life. There's no telling how much the world has changed in my absence. We are just outside of Ebott, on the south side of the mountain.”
“We mIGhT Be wiTHin wALkinG disTAncE-” Era pauses, realizing he’s still not supporting his own weight right now- honestly he’s not sure he could stand even if he wanted to. He used a lot of magic today. “...AcTUaLly I miGht NeED to Get My brOTheR To gIVe uS A RidE…”
“I do not mind carrying you. My tentacles are strong and you are quite small.”
“I aM NoT SmALl-” Era protests, pouting. The hand on his cheek carefully traces his tear like markings and Era has to fight back another blush.
“Fun sized then.”
“EveRYoNe knOwS FUn siZEd thInGs AReN’t aCTuaLly fuN.” He grumbles, avoiding looking at Nightmare. “BeSIdeS- iT’ll pRObaBLy be A LoNg wALk.”
Nightmare’s voice is stupidly deep and smooth, it has no right to be so… Hot isn’t the best word, but Era can’t think of anything better right now. “Hmm..how about we walk to a more normal area for your brother to pick us up? This house is pretty secluded and I doubt the road has seen much care.”
“..YeAh- thAT’s prOBaBLy a GoOd idEA- GeNO woULd ProBaBLy thINk yoU WeRE kiDNaPpinG Me oR SOmeTHinG-”
“Mmm, the last thing we need is to deal with the authorities, or an angry brother.” Nightmare nods in agreement, before sweeping Era off his feet, quite literally, cradling him in the taller’s arms in a bridal hold, the tentacle still wrapped around his waist letting go as he squeaks and glitches in surprise.
“O-oKaY THeN-” They make their way out of the building, Nightmare being careful of the rotting floor. The sky is cloudy and gray as the two step out into the overcast light of day, the forest surrounding them a little overgrows.
Nightmare takes a moment to look at their surroundings solemnly, before heading down the unkempt path towards Ebott. Era flounders a bit for something to say.
“Oh-! YoUR skUll! Do yOU sTiLL neED hEaLIng?” He asks, remembering the state Nightmare was in when he first saw him in the lab. He can’t see it now, not with the black goop covering their face like a mask, but it looked to be pretty severe before.
“No, I am afraid that particular injury can not be healed so easily. The damage you saw was only a fraction of it.”
“...ShOuLD wE Go TO a HOsPitAL-?” Era questions, looking up at the goopy skeleton in concern. The other gives him a thoughtful look before smiling just a little.
“No, It won’t kill me…and my smaller form is far too frail for me to feel comfortable revealing it to people I am unfamiliar with. Not to mention I am technically supposed to be dead. I do not want my brother to know what I have become…not until I can know he will believe me.”
“...If yoU’Re suRE…” The glitch says dubiously, though he doesn’t push.
“I am certain. I will be alright, Era. There is no need to worry for me.” Era just hums doubtfully in response. The rest of the walk is relatively quiet as they make their way down the mountain, getting a better look at the very destroyed city.
“Oh dear…”
“HuH. ThAT’s woRSe thAN I reMeMBEr.” Era mutters.
“Is the city half falling apart normal?” Nightmare asks as he scans the landscape with his single eyelight.
“FiGhts bETweEN EroS ANd thE HEroeS TenD To haVE SoMe coLlaTERaL- uSUaLLy oNLy a CouPLe BloCks Are COmPLeTEly dEStrOyed…”
“Not half of a city? Good to know… Your brother lives around here?”
“MhM- He’S CLosEr to THe oUTskIRts To aVoID ThE MaIN fiGHtiNG aREas.” Era pauses, thinking. “CoMe to THiNk oF It, EroS uSUaLLy trIEs to DIreCt thE FigHT tO MorE OpeN AReAs- anD DeSPitE aLL thE DaMAge thEre UsUALly aRen’T Any dEAthS.”
“Hmm…yes that sounds like something Eros would do. He has never liked the idea of hurting people.” Nightmare turns back towards the path and resumes walking.
“He’S SUcH a TeDdy beAR.” Era agrees.
“Very much so, a big cuddly softy.” The small glitch nods, looking back at the city with a small sigh. The walk doesn’t take much longer as Era watches the view fade in and out behind the trees until they are on an actual road. “Does this look like it will work?”
“YeAh, thIS SHOulD WoRk- tHaNK you.” Era gives Nightmare a grateful smile, before pulling out his phone from his inventory.
“Whoa, what is that?” The taller asks in confusion as he stares at the device in Era’s hands.
“A.. PhONe? It leTS yoU CaLl peOPle. Oh- By thE WaY, If hE AsKs, I CraSHeD anD THaT’s whY yoU’rE HElpinG me.” He lets Nightmare watch as he turns it on, pulling up Geno’s contact and calling him, setting it to speaker.
“It’s like the glowing things on the lab walls..” The other mumbles in surprise as the phone rings.
“Era? Are you alright? What happened?”
“WhY Is thAT AlwAyS YOur fIRst ReACtiON whEn I CaLL-” Era complains.
“Why else would you call me? I love you to death, but you’re too stubborn to call me for personal reasons without thinking you're bothering me. I practically raised you I know how you think.”
“I… YeAH ALriGht- I maY HAvE CraSHeD-” Era mumbles, flushing in embarrassment as Nightmare holds back a small chuckle.
“Are you injured? Are you in a safe place? Do you need me to come get you?”
“I’m sAFe- I gOT soMe hELp FrOm a NEw frIEnD, thoUgh I Do kINa NeEd yOu tO GeT Me, YeaH..”
“Alright, where are you and I’ll come pick you up. Do you want me to bring you to your apartment?”
“uhHh.. I’ll jUsT SenD YOu mY loCaTIoN.”
“Okay, I love you Bubbu, I’ll be right there!”
“ThANks- I loVE yoU Too~” Era hangs up and texts Geno his location.
“...You have a really good brother.” Nightmare tells him quietly.
“YeAh- hE’s TaKEn caRE of mE SinCE I waS A SkULly.. He’s GrEaT.”
“He sounds very attentive. You’re lucky.” Nightmare gives him a small smile, Era smiling back at him with an agreeing hum. They only have to wait maybe twenty minutes before Geno pulls up in Reaper's black car, rolling down the windows to peek out at them.
“Heya Bubbu, is your new friend coming?”
“MhM! ThAnkS For thE RidE GEn!” Era urges Nightmare to the car and the other very hesitantly reaches for the door handle, suppressing a surprised jolt when the door clicks open. He awkwardly gets in with Era on his lap and Geno gives his brother a raised brow look.
“THe- thE CrAsh kINda FreAKeD hiM oUt-” Era defends, blushing. Geno clearly doesn’t believe him, watching as Nightmare closes the door and shifts a little until he’s comfortable.
“Uh huh…..is he going to buckle up?” Era just does it for both of them, strapping the seatbelt over them both as Nightmare looks in in surprised confusion. He stays silent however, not wanting to be too obvious about his cluelessness. “Alright then and this guy is going home with you?”
“...YeS.” Era mutters, no longer looking at his brother. He already knows the look he’s being given. As the car starts to move, Nightmare shifts a little.
“And you said he’s a new friend, right?”
“...MHm.” The glitch hums, shrinking down slightly as he fights back another blush.
“...Okay. You are an adult and can take care of yourself…relatively.” Geno earns a glare for that. “It is none of my business…..However-”
The less glitchy skeleton suddenly stops the car, unbuckles his seatbelt and turns to fully face the two of them with a terrifying gaze, his usually white eyelight a mixture of red and blue. “If you dare hurt my little brother in any way shape or form, I will find you and tear you apart limb by limb, make sure to break every individual bone in your body, before grinding you down until you are nothing but a disgusting black puddle. Do you understand me?”
“Wh- GeNo-!” Era squawks, face bright yellow. His brother doesn’t spare him a glance as the smaller skeleton stares Nightmare down, waiting for an answer.
“I have no intention of harming your brother in any way. I owe him a great deal and only wish to repay my debt to him.” Era is internally dying at this point, raising his hands to cover his burning face. Geno hums, before sitting back in his seat and buckling himself.
“Good.” That’s all he says before they resume driving, leaving Era to stew in an embarrassed silence. His brother is such a mother hen- he’s bringing one guy home and immediately gets the shovel talk- and Era’s almost certain he’s going to get many texts over the next few hours.
Era is so very relieved when they pull up to his apartment building- or, as close as they can get anyway with some rubble blocking the road, having yet to be cleared. “Are you going to be okay, Bubbu?”
“YeS- I PrOmisE I’ll bE FiNe. I’ll keEP mY PhOne oN Me aND EveRyTHinG.” Era promises, fighting the urge to roll his eyelights. He unbuckles them and opens the door for Nightmare to get out, the goop covered skeleton still carrying him. Actually he’s surprised the goop isn’t sticking to anything despite looking like it's dripping.
“Alright…call me if you need anything! I love you!” Geno spares Nightmare a hard glare and the other simply nods in response. This time Era can’t hold back the eyelight roll.
“I wILl! I LoVE YOu to, GeN!” His brother waves to him, before hesitantly turning the car around once they close the door and driving away.
“...Well, that was an experience. I suppose you don’t bring people home often?”
“He ThINks wE’rE FucKINg-” Era sighs, incredibly done with life.
“I gathered that much. Though to be fair, it does appear that way from an outside perspective.” Nightmare turns and heads into the building, giving the closed elevator door a weird look before following Era’s guide to the stairwell door. Thankfully he’s only on the second floor- something he had done on purpose in the case of a crash and he had to get somewhere.
“YoU ALsO jusT Sat mE In yoUR laP-” A little color dust’s Nightmare’s cheeks as he huffs.
“Well my apologies, but I have never been in such a fancy automobile before. I wasn’t sure how to get in properly myself let alone put you anywhere.”
“I- faiR GeNo’s hUSbaNd is RiCh aS HEll bUt stILl-” The glitch grumbles, directing Nightmare to the door to his apartment.
“Oh? So your brother is married?” Nightmare opens the unlocked door with a tentacle, carrying Era inside and closing the door behind them.
“MhM- thEy haVE a Kid toGetHEr- a liTtlE BaByboNEs naMEd GOth.”
“Ah, Geno must make for a good mother then. Would you like me to set you down in…” Nightmare looks around his apartment and seems….at a loss. “The….couch?”
“..Uh… aRe YoU ALriGht..?” Era questions, looking around as well in confusion.
“Yes I’m fine just….everything looks so…odd. Sorry, it’s not that anything is wrong with your home, I am just….very unfamiliar with….most of the things in here.”
“WeLl, leT’s sTArt wiTh soMeTHinG SimPLe thEN- thAt’s thE COucH oVeR THerE.” Era points to said couch and Nightmare nods, walking over to sit on the soft cushions, setting Error down in his lap again, much to the glitch’s slight confusion and amusement. “AnD Now I’m iN YOur laP AGaIN.”
The taller blinks for a moment, before very quickly moving Era to sit beside him, turning away. "S-sorry!"
“PfFt-” Era snickers, playfully flopping against Nightmare. “YoU’re FinE.”
The taller huffs, his tentacles reappearing and one loosely wrapping itself around Era's waist. "...I have not had positive contact in some time and it is….nice."
“ErOs sAId soMethINg siMILaR. Do yoU LIke HEaDPaTs toO~?” Era lightly teases, reaching up to rub Nightmare’s skull. The taller raises a brow at him, but doesn’t shy away, letting Era’s hand rub over the semi smooth surface of his skull.
He can’t feel any droplets rubbing down it like he can the rest of Nightmare’s body, the only place the odd black goop covering him moves on his skull seems to be his covered socket.
“HeHeh gOoPY~” The glitch mumbles, enjoying the cool feeling as he yawns, the exhaustion from magic exertion catching up to him now that he’s in the safety of his home. Nightmare flashes him a small smile, before moving Era so his skull is resting on the goop covered skeletons lap.
“You should rest.”
“Mm.. BuT I wAs goNnA MAke yOu s’m foOd…” Era protests as Nightmare gently strokes his cheek.
“Don’t worry about me. I don’t eat traditional food anyway. Your well being is much more important right now.”
“I h’d To cONvinCe..” Era pauses with another yawn, leaning into Nightmare’s touch as he lets his sockets close for a moment. “...CoNv’ncE Er’s tO EAt toO..”
“Mmm…well you must have done a good job, but it is time to sleep now….rest.” Nightmare’s voice is soothing, the tentacle around his waist giving him a small squeeze as he nuzzles into the other's chilly touch, like the cool side of a pillow.
It doesn’t take long for Era to fall into a peaceful sleep, a quiet purr escaping him as Nightmare continues petting his skull. The goop covered skeleton stares down at him thoughtfully, tracing the details of his face with a small hum.
“...I am so thankful to have met you. Now maybe I can make things better…for everyone.”
~
“Hm..~” Era wakes up slowly, a sleepy purr bubbling out of his chest as he stretches out, before relaxing with a happy sigh. He slept so comfortably, a different kind of comfort he gets when Eros cuddles him. He gets to cuddle Eros like a teddy bear~ This though…this feels like he’s snuggling into a cooling blanket, squeezing a smooth yet squishy thing against his chest as it cradles his face. It’s nice- and Era nuzzles it as he purrs louder.
A hand gently starts to stroke the side of his skull, cool and comforting, as another purr starts up to join his own, though much deeper. It’s a touch startling- it’s definitely not Eros’ purr- but Era finds he is much too distracted nuzzling into the pets to worry too much, yawning.
“Hehehe…you are quite the cuddle bug~” The deep voice purrs, gently tracing over his ear hole before continuing down to his jawline, Era unconsciously tilts his skull with a sleepy chirp, before blearily blinking his sockets open. “Hello dear.”
He stares at a black sweater, before slowly looking up to blink at a stupidly handsome face, a single cyan eyelight looking down at him softly.
“...Hi N’gHt..” He mumbles after a long moment of remembering what happened yesterday, yawning.
“Hello. Did you sleep well?” The goop covered skeleton glances away as he closes the book Era only now notices the other is holding.
“MhM..~ HoW LonG w’S I OuT..?”
“Mmm…about 8 hours. You really needed your sleep.”
“Wh- HuH-? WhAT timE Is iT-?” Era questions, pushing himself up to look out his window in surprise. He had been making lunch when Eros had to leave and the sun had only just set by the time Geno picked them up. Now however the sun is already above the horizon and slowly moving up higher.
“I would say…about nine thirty or so. I do not see a clock on your wall however so I am unsure.”
“HaVE you Just- bEeN HerE THe wHOle timE? Did yoU sLEeP aT ALl?”
“Oh I don’t really need to sleep, it is unnecessary for my species. I took the time to read some of the few books you have here.” Nightmare tells him casually as said book is set down on the coffee table.
“Ah- Uh- ALriGht..?” Era replies, incredibly confused. The other blinks at him for a moment, before taking a guess as to why he is confused.
“Ah, you probably think I am a skeleton monster or something like that, correct?”
“I meAN.. yOu loOK liKe oNe..?”
“Indeed. That is because my weaker form was created based on a skeleton monster. I am actually a nymph also known as a nature spirit. A tree nymph to be exact. Some humans used to call us fairies or fae as well.” Era pauses, taking a second to process the new information.
“..HuH. ThAT’s.. kiNDa cOol, aCTuaLLy.”
“Cool? Like the temperature? I mean I am, but-”
“I meAN liKe- NeAT- aWSomE. ThAT kinD of COol.” He explains.
“...I do not understand. Why would cool be used as a synonym for finding something interesting?” Nightmare gives him a confused look.
“No iT’s- it’s nOT whEN soMEthINg is INtereSTinG aS MucH As…” Era pauses with a vaguely frustrated sound as he struggles to think up a proper explanation. “GoOD? Too? LikE- iN ConTExt I woULd saY I thINk iT’s coOl thaT YOu’rE A TreE NYmpH, oR thAT a Dog’S TriCks aRE coOL.”
“Hmm…alright. I suppose I understand what you mean now, why the word cool was used I will never understand however-”
“I doN’t KNow IT’s jUSt hoW iT iS-”
“Quite odd indeed.…. I expected it, but it's odd to see how things have changed since 1913…Actually, do you know what year it is?”
“SinCE NinEtEe-?? HoLY shiT YOu’re LiKe A HundREd fiFTy-”
“Really? It’s been that long? Oh dear…and technically I was born in 1873.”
“WhAT The fuCk-” Era mutters, shocked.
“What? I’m one hundred and forty-nine! Skeleton monsters typically live to be two hundred! Tree nymphs live so long they don’t have a generalized life span- My mother was older than greece!”
“StILl-! YoU PRobABly stILl reMEmbEr bEFore MoNSter MaGIc disSAPeARed- A loT Of thE OLdEr mONSteRs feLl doWN FrOM it.”
“Well technically I was there when magic was sealed-”
“It wAS sEAleD-???” Era exclaims, glitching in shock. Nightmare just keeps casually dropping important information!
“Indeed. To prevent a war between humans and monsters. Well….monsters and humans mages.”
“WhAt thE FUcK-” Era repeats empathiticly as Nightmare calmy watches his freak out.
“...Yeah. Do you want me to continue or has your mind been thoroughly blown?”
“Oh So yoU KNow WHaT It mEaNS to BLow SOMeOnES minD bUT noT CoOL-??” Era shoots back, mind indeed thoroughly blown.
“The term mind blowing has been a thing much longer than…..cool in your turms. There is quite literally a mage spell that can overload someone's brain causing their head to explode…well blood runs out of their head orifices…for humans anyway, and they die. Hence where the term mind blowing came from.”
“WhAT THe fuCk.” The glitch says yet again.
“Yes it’s pretty graphic….but effective.” Era just nods mutely.
“The seal could only have been broken once all humans were mixed with monsters and therefore there are no more pure humans. This, as I said before, was to prevent a war and monster eradication.”
“WeLL thE HumaNS stILL haD WaRS wiTH thEMseLVes sO-”
“Of course they did, they are humans. They love to throw temper tantrums and piss each other off.” Nightmare rolls his eyelight. “They feel the need to be in control of everything, that is why they either couldn't be allowed to exist or had to be integrated into monster culture. Monsters are intently peaceful creatures.”
“YeAH wE’Re mAde oF LoVE And coMpaSsiON Or whAteVEr I cAN’t reMeMBEr RiGHt noW-” Era mutters, before deciding to get up, stretching. “WeLp- I’m GonNa gO HaVE AN eXIstENtiaL CriSis ovER brEaKFaSt. WhAt kiND of FoOd do yoU LiKe?”
“I really don’t need to eat- and while you’re doing that I am going to throw in the fact that technically skeleton monsters are a kind of rock golem.” Era freezes, glitching harshly in his shock as he stares ahead blankly. “...Yeah have fun with that.”
Nightmare chuckles and pets the top of Era’s skull with a tentacle, the glitching skeleton just mechanically moving to begin making pancakes. The fae lets him be, stopping his teasing to continue reading the book from before and enjoying the relative quiet- at least, until Era suddenly drops the pan he was going to use on the stove- make the other jolt.
“I cAN’t evEN TelL ANyoNe thIS cAn I-??”
“I suppose you can. You don’t necessarily have to say you found me locked up in a lab by a crazy psycho mage though.”
“BuT I doN’t haVE ANy prOof!!” Nightmare hums as he turns the page, his eyelight scanning the book.
“Is there someone in particular you wish to tell?”
“No-? It jUSt mAKes mE AngrY-”
“That no one knows the truth? Or why magic vanished?” The nymph's voice is calm as he speaks. “A lot of monsters fell down, it’s depressing, but at least monsters still live today even if they don’t understand the reason for magics sealing.”
“ANd I’m A GodDAmn RoCK GoLLeM-!” Era exclaims, waving his hands around before getting back to the pancakes, clearly just feeling a lot of emotions. It’s amusing, but Nightmare tries not to show it.
“Indeed you are. All skeletal beasts and monsters are descendants from rock golems. They evolved to mimic the skeletal structure of other creatures, such as humans, wolves, and even bears. This allowed better movement and made them lighter yet still quite durable. Your facial structure specifically behaves a lot like soft clay that is why you can make facial expressions and your face can be squished.”
“The rest of your body and bones should do something similar if put under pressure, flexing just enough so they don’t snap like twigs, the magic lines running through your bones and connecting your joints also aids in this flexibility. You should even be able to detach limbs, even if it is uncomfortable.”
“It’s iNsANE- InSaNe I teLL yoU-!” Nightmare can’t help but chuckle at that, looking over his shoulder into the small kitchen.
“How so?”
“‘CaUSe iT is- I dUnnO sHuT Up-” Era whines, pouting at the goopy skeleton.
“Hmm…I suppose not knowing much about your own species would be insane. Technically speaking…..I suppose you also didn’t know that sunlight is very good for you? Skeleton monsters in particular?”
“WhAT? WhY? I knOW PeoPLe- mOStly HYbrIDs- cAn geT SuNBurNEd anD StuFf bUT We DoN’t haVE SkiN-”
“Well, rock golems enjoy sunbathing. Just sitting out in the sun warms their bodies and increases their rock density and durability.. This is because of how rock absorbs heat. Like hybrids, when they exercise it exhausts and tears muscle, but when it rebinds itself it is stronger than before. The same can be said for your bones in the sun. It should leave a pleasant tingly feeling after laying in the sun for a while.”
“However if you don’t have a proper intake of food the sun can have the opposite effect, because without enough outside magic to be healthy your bones are unable to properly mend themselves after sun exposure.”
“HuH- WeiRD. So sKEleTonS CaN KinDA geT sUNbURneD, bUt iT’s goOd foR Us?” Era questions, Nightmare nodding from the couch.
“Correct. However it will only burn if you are unhealthy. Sunbathing should only tingle.”
“WeIRd.” He repeats, Nightmare humming in response.
“I suppose. Skeleton monsters are quite interesting though. Monsters are in general.”
“Oh? I guESs it CoULd bE- cONSidERinG yoU’rE A NymPH oR WhaTEveR.”
“Indeed. Though the term ‘monster’ was actually created by humans as an umbrella term for all magical creatures, though after a few years friendly magics beings adopted the term. Quite fascinating isn’t it?”
“HoW Do yOU knOW ALl thIS?” Era asks as he finishes the batter and pours the first chocolate chip pancake onto the heated pan.
“My mother wrote all her knowledge over her many years of living into books in a library I can access. She wrote about the changing of the land, cultures, technology, and the evolution of sentient life. I am a very avid reader and have a good memory.”
“WoAh… dO You THiNk it MiGht stILl eXISt?”
“Of course it does, the garden of Nim is in the dream realm, anyone related to Nim, my mother, can access it. I could take you there if you would like?”
“Wh- rEALly-? HeLL yeAh! Uh- foOd fIRsT ThouGh-” Nightmare nods before standing up, walking around to peak over Era’s shoulder.
“Alright…how does this….thing work? That you are making the pancakes with?”
“Hm? ThE StoVE? WeLl- tHerE’s SomE DIffERenT KinDS, bUt thIS oNE spECifiCALly iS A GaS sTOvE. It eSSEnTiaLly haS A sTorAGe oF FLaMaBLe gaS thAT iS puShEd ouT WheN I tuRN the dIAL.” Era flips the pancake, before using the other part of the stove to show Nightmare. “AnD WheN YOu pUsH The DiAl iN LiKe thIS- It maKEs spaRKs, wHicH IS wHAT the NoiSe is, uNTil thE GaS caTChes fire.”
“Oh…well isn’t that just facinting…and incredibly dangerous. When I was small we just used magic fire stones, if you didn’t know fire magic of course, but I suppose that wasn’t an option.”
“ThEre’s ALsO EleCTric StoVES, wHiCh ruN ElecTRiciTy thRouGh coILS oF meTaL aNd hEaT thEm uP, bUt gAS sTovEs aRe CheAper.”
“So fascinating.” Nightmare looks at the stove in awe, his eyelight wide with interest, making Era snort a bit as he checks on the pancake. Deeming it cooked, he flips it onto a plate, starting another one. “Hmm…Do you like chocolate?”
“It’S My fAVoriTe- aND ErOs’, aCTuaLLy.”
“Oh? Another fascinating coincidence. You two are so unnaturally similar.”
“YeAh..” Era’s smile fades slightly. “I.. geT MisTAkeN For HIm A loT- oR, hiS viLlaIN peRSonA.
“Villain persona?” Nightmare asks quietly as he rests his skull on the smaller’s shoulder.
“Ah- wELl, Y’KnoW HoW LikE HaLf oF The cITY is DestROyeD? ErOS diD ThaT.” He replies, grimacing a bit.
“Oh…You said before that Eros fights heroes? That the damage was collateral?”
“SomE Of iT- bUt, weLL, EroS iS CaLleD ‘The DeSTroyEr’ foR A reAsON.”
“...I see….but if people mostly survive these encounters….why does fate have him destroy things? To cause panic?”
“FaTE? Is thAT WhO’s cOnTRollinG Him?” Nightmare pulls away from his place against Era’s shoulder, a cold expression on his face.
“Correct. Fate is a human mage, or she was.”
“ShE SeEms liKe A BitCh.” Era states, expression blank.
“Incredibly so. She has hated the monsters since she was a child. She and her father shared the same goal, to eliminate magical creatures from existence, or bend them to their will.”
“...WhAT the fuCk- wHaT ThE fUcK-”
“Exactly. It’s pretty messed up. In fact her and her father are why my mother and the kings had to seal magic away. Fate had been teaching and brainwashing an army of mages to take control over monster kind.”
“CaN I sTaB HEr? She sEEms PrETty sTABaBLe-” Era cuts off as he realizes that the pancake is starting to burn, panicking a bit as he quickly flips it over, frowning at the dark exterior.
“You can always try, I won’t stop you…I’ll eat that one if you want.” The other tells him, gesturing to the burnt pancake.
“HuH- yoU SUrE? It’s- I cAN juSt… thrOw IT aWaY, I guEsS.”
“Food shouldn’t be wasted. I don’t mind eating it. It’s not like it will hurt me.” Nightmare insists, a tentacle wrapping loosely around Era’s waist.
“It woN’t tASte aS GoOD, thouGh.” Era halfheartedly argues, the other side of the burnt pancake finishing cooking before he flips it on top of the first one.
“I’m fine with that. I haven’t eaten monster food for a long time so I'm sure it will be good to me either way.” Era hums, but doesn’t otherwise comment, focusing on finishing the pancakes. He made enough batter for five of them. Nightmare enjoys being close and passively watching him cook, simply relaxing against Era’s back, much like Eros did. The poor touch starved skeletons.
..Though- Era’s probably a bit touch starved as well, if only for the fact that the only touch he ever really gets is from his brothers and Goth. Which makes this even more odd- He thought maybe Eros didn’t make him glitch because their magic is similar, but Nightmare is a completely different species yet he’s been able to touch him just fine. Maybe it’s the goop?
Either way, Era can’t find he cares that much- and he just lets himself enjoy the contact that he doesn’t get to have often.
Chapter 59: Stardew Valley Crossover
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error takes over his grandfather’s farm.
Killer x Error
There’s suggestive themes and smut later in the chapter fair warning.
Chapter Text
Killer's life has been a relatively simple one. He was abandoned and taken in by an adventurer who lived up in the mountains just outside of Stardew Valley and Pelican town just on the edge of it. He was taught how to fend for himself at an early age. He could hunt and forget for himself as a skully.
When he became a skelly he was taught how to fight beasts, creatures that spawn in dungeons and forests- well everywhere, except the towns. With the cottage being outside of the magic barrier that protects town he was used to fighting slimes, but the creatures in the mines were much more of a challenge.
The adventurer died a few years before his final blasting. He's been on his own ever since. Visiting town every few days and socializing, joking and talking to the town folk.
Today though, on his way to get some breakfast he is stopped by the 'sight' of the most beautiful skeleton monster he's ever seen, standing outside of Pierre’s store and curiously reading through the requests posted by the door.
The skeleton’s magic sparks and fizzles and it's so hypnotizing, Killer can't look away, he doesn’t know how he ended up standing behind the skeleton, looking over their shoulder.
"Heya cutie~"
“Ah-!” They yelp, their magic sparking and fizzing more as they spin around to face him. He can't help but grin like an idiot.
"Sorry sorry-! I didn't mean to scare you, beautiful~ I just couldn't help but be dawn in by your pretty face~"
“U-uH- thANk yoU….?” They say uncertainly, blushing a bit.
"I've never seen ya before, you’re new right~?" Killer shoves his hands in his pockets as he takes a step back, not wanting to crowd the glitching skeleton.
“Y-yeAh. I jUSt tOoK oVEr mY GRanDfAtHer’s farM- Uh- RaINbOw FaRms?” They tilt their skull in silent questions, unsure if Killer knows what they’re talking about.
"Wait really? Ya own that overgrown farm? I remember when that old man lived there years ago. Apparently he had a problem with slimes showing up before they increased the barrier over it."
“YeAh, I InhEriTEd iT- I’m HoPinG To fiX It uP AgAIN.”
"Well, ya need any help? Anything ya need to know more about? I know the town, forest, and mountains like the back of my hand~" He puffs out his chest, placing a hand over his ribcage where his soul would be. "Oh- my name's Killer, by the way."
“I aPpRECiaTE thE OfFer- I’M ErRor. It’S NicE To meET yoU.” The skeleton- Error- gives him a small smile and Killer can’t help the way his soul flickers. With a dramatic bow he looks up and says-
“It’s nice ta meet you too, Error~” And he winks, pulling a quiet, flustered giggle out of the glitch. “See anything interesting on the board today?”
“NoT ReaLLy- tHoUgH RoBIn is ReQUesTIng soMe wOod. I was tRyINg To fiGUrE oUt iF I haD EnoUgh fRoM ALL thE TreES I’vE ChoppED.”
“Ah, yeah she requests some extra wood every so often. If ya come up short I don’t mind helping you gather the rest.”
“I aM A biT SHoRt- bUt it’S ALrigHt, yOu DoN’T haVE To.” Error tries to brush off.
“I don’t have to but I want to~ ‘Course if ya don’t want me to that's ok with me too~” Killer’s grin widens as he winks at the glitch again. “I can find over ways ta spend time with ya~”
“YoU- uM.. yoU wANt tO sPeNd tiME wiTH Me…?” Error asks, sounding genuinely surprised. For some reason it makes Killer laugh, him finding it cute.
“‘Course I do~ That’s how ya get ta know someone, right? Talkin’ to ‘em, gettin’ ta know what they like and dislike, what they do in their freetime, stuff like that~” His leg bounces in place as he talks, hand itching for his dagger. Spinning it around is a pretty bad habit of his.
“Uh- YeAH- I GuEsS YOu’rE RigHt.” Error fidgets with his hands for a moment. “TheN… W-wAnNA CoMe heLp mE CleAr OUt soMe moRE trEeS…?”
“Yeah, it sounds fun. Your farm is this way right?” Killer asks as he points to the left down to the bus stop.
‘Yes~! Victory~!’
“MhM! I shOuLD HaVe an ExTra AXe lyINg ARounD If yoU NeEd oNe.” They start walking that way, Killer having a small skip in his step as he moves.
“Thanks! I left mine back at home. I live in a cabin high up in the mountains outside of town so its a bit of a trek ta get down here.”
“Wow REaLLy? BuT isN’t THaT OutSIdE Of thE BaRrieRS?” The glitch questions, concerned, but Killer shrugs it off.
“Yeah, but it’s fine. I’m pretty used to it by now and the beasts aren’t that hard ta kill up there.” Error frowns, but seems to accept it.
“If yOuR SUre..”
“I am~ been livin’ there my whole life.” Killer can’t resist taking one of his daggers out as they pass the bus stop and twirling it in his hands absentmindedly. “Hey, where did you grow up? You don’t seem like a small towner.”
“YoU’d Be riGHt- I’m fRoM EbotT, aCtuALly.” Error only seems mildly alarmed at the sight of the dagger, calming when he realizes what Killer was doing. “UsEd tO WoRk foR JoJA, buT thEiR WorK coNdiTIOnS SuCk-”
“Oh yeah- Joja is not a great corporation. I mean the business would be good for the town, but Joja doesn’t have the town's best interests in mind- The manager of the store here pisses me off.”
“I mOvED OuT HerE To eSCaPe iT bUt IT juSt foLlowED Me-” Error laments as they reach the entrance to the farm.
“Yeah- I here they are spreading everywhere, but not much gets around in this little town so who knows- Oh wow.” Killer stops as he looks around at the farm. “Looks like a forest over here-”
“I kNoW…” Error sighs. “I oNly baRELy mANaGEd TO cLeAr a sPoT BiG EnoUgh fOR somE PaRSniPs- It’S InsANe-”
“Yeah no kidding. Jeez- and you gotta do all this yourself? This will take you forever!” Really Killer can’t believe Error does not have any kind of help with this- the whole property is a bit bigger than town square and is basically a damn forest!
“It’S… FiNe, I guESs. I mEaN It’S Not liKE I haVE ThE moNeY TO HirE Any hELp aND I dOuBt aNy of THe toWnsfOLk wANnA HElP…” Error sighs, sounding more tired than before and Killer finds himself making up his mind right then and there.
“The townsfolk probably won’t, but I’ll help ya~”
“YoU- Wh-whAT? No- nO I cOuLDn’t MaKE YOu- yoU saID It YOurselF It’LL TaKe a WHilE-” Killer grins as he turns to look at Error, his relaxed posture never changing.
“Yup~! But it’ll go by faster with some help. I can’t just leave ya ta deal with this mess lone. What kind of friend does that~?” The glitch stares at him in what could only be shock.
“We’RE… wE’rE frIEnDs..?”
“If ya wanna be.” Killer puffs out his chest again, giving Error his best british impression. “It would be an honor to be your first friend in Stardew Valley~ If you’ll have me~”
“..PfFT-” Error snorts at his antics. “I wOuLD quITe liKE thAT~”
Killer grins giddily as he jumps up on his feet, his soul pulsing in his excitement. “Awesome~! Give me that extra axe and we can get started~”
“ALriGHt- It’s JuST insIDe.” Error replies, weaving through a couple of trees to reach the house, quickly grabbing the axe. Killer starts their chopping spree by clearing a proper path to Error’s house from the little road in and a small pack to the little pond on his property.
“That way ya can fill your water bucket easier!”
“Oh- thAnKs! AcTUaLLy wHilE I’m tHInKinG AboUT it-” Error pulls out his watering can from his inventory, filling it up before he puts it back.
“Hey how much wood do we have now? I think we got a little extra. We could make a fence ta keep the weeds away from your parsnips till we can clear them all?”
“Oh ThaT’s PrOBaBLy a gOoD IdEa… I uh- HaVE no IDeA HoW to BuILd a FEncE, tHOuGH…”
“I got this then~ Don’t worry about it~” Using the wood he had gathered he made a few regular wooden fences in his crafting menu and sets up the short barrier between the uncleared farmland and Error’s parsnips. “There, now these fences will only last ya about a month, but they’ll keep any weeds from getting to your crops.”
“ThAt shOuLD Be moRe thAN ENoUgh tiME To cLeaR OUt thE wEEds- thAnk yoU.”
“No need ta thank me~ That’s just what friends do~” With a small laugh, Killer leans onto the fence before tossing the remaining wood out to Error. “Here~ You should go turn in that order before Robin closes today.”
“Oh- ARe YoU Not CoMINg wiTH?” Error asks, fumbling slightly with the wood as he sticks it into his inventory.
“Nah, Robins asshole of a husband doesn’t like me much, but if you want you can meet me in The Stardrop Saloon and have dinner with me~” Killer winks, delighting in the way it makes Error blush.
“I- I’d LiKe thAt..~” Grinning wide in excitement, Killer hops back up on his feet.
“Cool, I’ll see ya there cutie~” He skips past Error as he heads back towards town and when he’s not even to the bus stop he pumps his fist up victoriously . “Woohoooo~!!”
Error pauses where he had started heading up to Robin’s, wondering what that noise was.
~
Error hesitates just outside the tavern, fidgeting uncertainly. Killer never actually specified a time……Oh stars is he really going on a date? That’s what Kiler meant right? Asking him to dinner- that’s not normal friend behavior, right-?
Taking a deep breath, Error slowly opens the door, slipping inside. There are quite a few people already inside as music fills the Saloon, the smell of good food and drinks permeating the air. It only takes a moment to spot Killer sitting at the bar talking to Gus at the counter.
“H-hEY KiLler!” Error stammers slightly, fiddling with his phalanges as he walks up. The shorter skeleton turns and smiles happily at him, before padding the stoom beside him.
“Heya Error~! What did Robin think of your hard work?”
“Hi- I thINk shE APprECiaTED thE WOod- PaID a dECenT AMouNT.” Error slides into the seat next to Killer.
“You gonna buy more seeds with it?” Killer asks before ordering some spaghetti. “Do you want spaghetti too? It’s the special of the day~”
“SuRE thAt wORks foR Me.”
“Two spaghetti and two milks then.” Killer rests his skull on his hand as Gus goes to the kitchen and he just feels so giddy- “It was nice ta spend all day in the sun. Usually I’m in the mines or mountain forest.”
“ThERe’s MInEs-?” Error questions.
“Mhm. The town has an entrance up by Robin's place, but it’s blocked off ‘cause of a landslide. Jojo corp is taking their time getting rid of it. I get in through a different entrance that starts off on the deeper levels, it's not all that safe for beginners, but when the town entrance is cleared I can take ya in~”
“ThAT SoUndS preTty cOoL!”
"It is~!" Killer practically sparkles at seeing someone other than Abigail being interested. He swears that girl likes him way too much- bleh. "I find cool treasures and jewels and I get ta fight all kinds of beasts~”
“ThaT souNDs aWesome! I cAN’t wAiT uNTil thE MInEs oPEn up~!" Error cheers exitedly. He didn’t know Killer did something so cool.
"Me too~ It'll be easier ta get to the adventurers guild. Oh that's that I do- I'm an adventurer!"
“ReALly? I’m SUrPrisED THerE’s a GUiLd oUt hEre- thAT’s pRetTy AwSOme thOuGH.”
"Oh there's a few scattered all around the valley. There's even a few guilds. Not around this small town though." Gus gives them their food and before Error can try to pay for his meal Killer is already handing over the G.
“Wh- hEy-!” Error protests, pouting at Killer who grins cheekily at him.
"Hey I'm the one who asked ya ta dinner~ I wouldn't be a gentleman if I didn't pay~"
“I coULd’vE PaYEd…” Error grumbles, pouting more as he takes a bite of spaghetti. “Oh thIS Is pReTty GOod-”
"I know right? Gus is such a good cook~" Killer practically purrs as he eats a fork full. "I come here every day for his cooking."
Gus chuckles as he cleans a glass, setting it back down on the counter. "And here I thought you came by because you can't cook."
“YoU mIGht Be sEeING soMe moRE of Me ToO- My KitCHeN’s A DisASteR-”
"What'd you do to it-?" Killer asks curiously.
“It wAS liKe thAT WheN I gOT thEre-!” Error defends.
"Suuurreee it was~" Killer giggles as he teases Error, making him whine in protest.
“It wAsSss- OnCE I sAVe UP eNoUgh RoBIn’s hUSbaND- uHh I foRGot his NAmE- He’s gONNA cOmE Fix IT uP.”
"Hehehe~ Let's hope ya don't have ta deal with him too much. The guy’s a jackass."
"Oh be nice Killer." The blue haired girl- Emilly tells the shorter skeleton from behind the counter. "He's not that bad."
“He dIDn’T SeEm too BaD…”
"He doesn't at first, but when he saw me talking to Maru he got all defensive and the next time we were alone he straight up threatened me! And then said if I told Maru he said anything I'd regret it."
“ThAT’s… YeAh THaT’S oDd.” Error agrees, making a face, Emily doing the same.
"I know-! He was so nice to me before and it's like a flipped a switch. I'm not even into humans- No offense Emily."
"None taken!"
“YeAH THaT reALly iS WeIRd- I cAN sEe WhY YOu WoUldN’t liKe Him.”
"I don't know what his problem is- but meh. I get along with everyone else."
“ThAT’s gOod aT LeaST.” The glitch nods, before eating some more spaghetti. It's so flavorful and good. He hasn’t had spaghetti in a while.
"Have ya met everybody in town yet?"
“Uh- nOT yeT I dOn’T ThiNK… I kInDa TeNd to AvOId mOSt peOpLE sO…”
"Ah, ya don't like talking to people?" Killer asks curiously as he eats.
“I’m jUST- bAD At iT…” Error shrugs, looking away.
"Hm, you're doing pretty good to me, beautiful~" Killer purrs with a wink, before chugging half his milk down as Error blushes brightly, using his own cup of milk to try hiding it. "Sometimes ya just have ta meet the right person willing ta get ta know ya~ Speaking of which- ya got any hobbies?"
“Um- yEaH. I croCHet, maiNLy, thOuGh I sEW sOmETimEs. I aCTuaLLy maDE This.” Error holds up one end of his scarf.
"Oh yeah I thought so. It's made out of your magic right?" The glitch pauses, blinking in surprise.
“Uh- yEaH, IT is. HoW Did yoU KNoW?” Killer slurps up his noodles before smirking at Error.
"I got a special nac for picking up magic signatures, that's all~"
“ALriGht KeEP yoUR seCReTs-” Error playfully glares back at him, earning a very proud look.
"I am a man of many secrets~ It’s part of my charm~"
“I DoN’t thINk yoU NeED aNy moRe cHArM- yOu’rE ALreADy iRreSistiBLe aS It is.” Error states, before turning to polish off his spaghetti. This time it’s Killer’s turn to blush and stare in shock, his cheeks turning a cherry red- making Error do a double take when he glances back at him. “..WhAT-?”
Killer opens his mouth, but when nothing comes out he snaps it shut, only to repeat the action again until he just- “You’re perfect-”
“Wh- hUH-??” Error sputters, his yellow blush matching Killer’s. The shorter monster quickly realizes what he just said and tries to save the conversation.
“Your scarf! It’s very well crafted- I’m impressed~”
“U-uH- tH-thANk YOu-?” The glitch stammers, very confused but willing to accept the topic change. Killer can’t shake the embarrassment, making his face even hotter as he talks.
“Course, it’s beautiful~ I whittle and carve actually- with my daggers. I got a whole collection back at home.”
“Oh reALLy? ThAt’s cooL! WhAT KinD of THiNGs dO yoU MaKe?”
“Animals and beasts mostly…and cats, lots of cats. I love cats~ They’re so soft and cute and they purrrr~” Killer coos, his soul flickering at the thought of cute little fuzzy bbys~
“Oh yeaH CaTs aRE AbSoluTELy thE beSt~” Error agrees, grinning wide.
“I aspire to be that one old cat lady living in the woods- That is going to be my retirement.” Killer says with a wide smile, but he’s completely serious.
“ThAT’s aMazING- The DreAm RetIRemeNT~”
“I couldn’t agree more~ True happiness right there~ My and my fuzzy babies~!”
“WiTh thEiR cuTe aND soFt littOL heAds~ SooO cuTE~ KiNdA LikE You! YoU reMInD Me a BiT Of a CaT.” Killer blushes brighter right as it was starting to fade, soul flickering in shock.
“Y-yeah I’m pretty cute huh~?” Error freezes as he realizes what he implied, his blush brightening.
“O-oH- I dIDn’T meAN- YoU’re noT- I mEaN- yoU ArE CUtE I juSt-”
“Hehehe~ Yea I get it cutie~ Don’t get your panties in a twist~” The shorter smirks knowingly, looking very pleased by Error’s flustered reaction as the glitch buries his face in his scarf, incredibly embarrassed.
“You uh…also called me irresistible earlier~” Killer teases a little more, just soaking up the adorable glitch’s flustered face and the buzz of his magic.
“Oh my FOx I tOTallY did-” Error squeaks, “I’M SoRrY I PrOBaBLy maDE yoU UncOMfoRtaBle-”
Killer laughs, his soul an inverted heat as he thoroughly enjoys himself. Error is just too adorable. “No no I liked it~ No one’s ever flirted back before~ Even if unintentionally~”
“O-oH.. O-oKaY-” The glitch mumbles, still blushing brightly. Killer finishes his food and drink, before moving to get up.
“Does my flirting bother you, Error?”
“N-nO-! No- iT’s jUst- I’m uH- nOt usEd TO pEoPLe aCtuALly fLiRTinG WitH Me, ‘s aLL.” Error replies, scrambling to get up as well.
“Why not? You’re really adorable~” Killer shoves his hands in his pockets again, raising a bone brow at the glitch.
“A- a LOt wOuLD DisSaGRee…” The glitch mutters, blushing harder.
“Well they are obviously stupid, cause you are way too cute ta pass up~ Not ta mention your fun ta talk to~” Killer starts walking out of the Sallon, waving goodbye to Guss and Emily, leaving Error standing there awkwardly for a moment before hesitantly following.
“WeLl I’m- I’m gLaD You THinK So..”
“I don’t think, I know. Want me ta walk you home? It’s pretty dark.” Killer holds the door open as they step out onto the path, the moon shining down on them.
“I’d.. I’D LikE tHaT…~” Error agrees, not wanting the possibly-a-date to end just yet. Killer skips in excitement, walking backwards back to the farm as he talks to Error.
“What’s your favorite food?”
“Oh cHoCOlaTE foR SUrE- I’M pRoBaBLY wAy tOo oBSeSseD-” Error immediately replies. Killer has to hold back a coo.
“Oh I love chocolate too~ I’m not much of a sweets person though so I like the spicy kind. Fells chocolates?”
“ThOSe aRe mY FaVOritE- I mEaN I’m NoT SuPEr pIcKy iN GeNEraL BuT FEll’s ChOColaTes iS The aBSolUTe besT-”
“Yeesss~! They just add the spices perfectly~! The traditional spicy chocolate is my favorite, but sometime I try the ghost pepper one~”
“DaMn- sEriOUsly? I’m tOo muCh oF A WiMP foR AnYThiNG bUt thEir NOrmaL sPicY ChoCOlaTe.” Error halfheartedly laments, though he’s still smiling.
“Oh I just looovveee spicey food~ Spicey curry is my favorite~ Give me curry and some white rice and I’m all set~ I usually have to order the curry and have gus make it for me- but I can make white rice~!”
“YeAH RiCe coOkERs aRe preTtY GooD FOr thAT- I pREfeR BroWN riCe, thOUgh.”
“Oh yeah? Why?” Killer asks curiously, Error shrugging.
“I jUsT LIkE thE TexTUre BeTTer- WhiTe riCE Is eASy to OVerCoOK aNd THen It’S JusT Like- mUSh.” The glitch explains.
“But if you cook is rights its sticky and perfect for curry~”
“But iT’S stILl mUShYyy-” Error playfully whines.
“Nuuu is noooooooottt-” Killer whines back with a pout. “You just haven't had da good stuuuffffff-”
“YeAH tHaT’s pRoBablY TrUe-” Error concedes.
“Yeeee~!” Killer giggles, before stopping his backward walking to do a small victory spin. “I’ll have ta make ya some~ We could even make rice balls!”
“SuRe! It’S A daTe~!” Killer’s reaction is immediate. A wide stupid grin spreads across his face as a bright glowing blush turns his skull a cherry red.
“I can’t wait~” Error has to hold back a giddy giggle as they reach the farm’s entrance again, excited he had probably been reading things right. “Uh- welp, I’ll be seeing you tomorrow then? I’ll bring riceballs for lunch while we clear some brush?”
“YeAH- ThAT’d bE GreAt! Um… I’Ll seE yoU THeN..?” After a moment of hesitation, Error turns to properly face Killer and holds out his pinky, glitching slightly. It takes a moment for Killer to get it but he slowly lifts his hand up and wraps his pinky around Error’s, the point of contact glitching worse.
“Promise~”
“P-pRoMIs-se~!” Error grins widely, keeping their pinkies locked for a moment longer before quickly pulling away, taking a small step back. “Th-ThAnkS~”
“‘Course~ Your glitch’s tickle~” Killer takes a step back as he strops his hand, his left foot moving in place. Error can’t help but idly wonder if it’s some sort of nervous habit. “See ya tomorrow~!”
“I’Ll seE Y-yoU TheN~ HaVe a GoOd NigHt, KiLler~” He replies.
“You too~! Sleep well~!” Grinning like the happy dork he is, Killer turns on his heal and skips the other way, leaving Error smiling at his back like an idiot, before turning to head inside and doing a little happy dance.
He has a date tomorrow~! Error can’t help the childish giddy squeal that leaves him once the door closes, plopping down on his bed to squeeze his pillow, hiding his face in it. He can’t wait to tell Blue- and maybe Geno if he doesn’t get overprotective again- As flattering as it is, it’s also very annoying.
Killer is just so…What’s the word-? Amazing doesn’t feel quite right, though that’s all Error can come up with. Either way- he really likes him. His thoughts are filled with the short skeleton as he gets himself up to get ready for bed, showering, changing, and tucking himself into bed- all he can think about is Killer.
He can’t wait to see him again~
~
His alarm wakes him up at six like it does every morning and he quickly gets up to get dressed. Not feeling as tired and whiny as he usually would despite not really sleeping. He's just too excited…and nervous-
Though he’s pretty sure that he and Killer already had a date yesterday, he can’t help but be worried. What if Killer doesn't end up liking him or something? And he does something even more embarrassing-?
Error pulls his boots on before stepping outside, trying to dismiss his thoughts as he starts by watering his parsnips. It looks like they'll be ready soon. The patch of parsnips- they should only need a couple more days before he can harvest them.
When did Killer say he was coming? Lunch, right? He should have time to get some more seeds at Pierre’s for the weird apple people in the community center. Error wonders if Killer could see them- maybe it was a monster thing? He’s not sure.
There really aren't many monsters in town…actually Killer is the only other monster he's seen here so far. It's not that odd he supposes. Monsters are the minority and still mostly live around Ebott. His grandfather living out here was definitely outside of the norm.
He’s glad there’s another monster nearby- it would’ve been a bit lonely by himself, and Killer seems really awesome. He hadn’t been put off by Error’s looks or slightly antisocial demeanor- the amount of handshakes he’s had to dodge over the past couple of days is astronomical.
Oh- Killer never tried to touch him either. Not once. He kept a pretty respectful distance, save for when they met at the billboard- but he had quickly moved back after startling Error. Maybe he had noticed he was uncomfortable? Either way, Killer respected his space.
Which is a lot considering most people don't or even notice his discomfort. Killer must be very pretty observant or just good at reading people.
"Heya Error!" Error stops at the sound of Killer's voice. When has he walked into town? Oh yeah the seeds-
“Oh- Hi KiLleR!” The glitch greets back, quickly locating the owner of the voice. The shorter skeleton comes running down the steps from the park with a small basket in hand, the usual excited smile on his face. It's interesting just how animated Killer can be without eyelights.
He steps just in front of Error, not even slightly out of breath. "Hi~ Guess what I made~?"
“WhAT~?” Error plays along, grinning.
"Rice balls and suuushi~! I made sushi~! And nothing caught on fire~!" Killer is jumping up and down with nearly uncontainable excitement.
“ArE ThiNGs liGhtiNG on FirE norMAl-??” Error can’t help but question, snickering a bit. Killer looks a bit sheepish as he laughs a little.
"Yeeeaaah- I was making cereal once and it caught on fire….somehow? I didn't even have the stove on!"
“..PFfT- wHaT The hEll- So doN’t lEt you iNTo thE kitCHeN, thEn.” Error teases, giving Killer a light nudge- more of a tap, really. The shorter skeleton giggles, but nods in agreement.
"Yeah I think I might be cursed~"
“WeLL It’S A GoOD thINg I’m ALriGht iN THe kITchEN thEn~ I’Ll maKe yoU SOmEThiNG onCe I geT MinE All fiXEd up.”
“Awww~” Killer coos, a light blush on his cheekbones. “Ya gonna feed me~?”
“Of cOuRSe~! You gOT me dINnEr lAsT nigHT AnD MaDe uS LuNch- I goTtA PaY you baCK soMeHow~” He replies, moving to continue towards Pierre’s as Killer follows behind.
“You’re so kind my liege~ So giving to your humble servants~” Error snorts, blushing a bit.
“Oh hUsH-”
“As you wish my queen~” Killer chuckles, following behind Error like a duckling as he looks through some seed packets.
“Oh Killer is that you?” Both of the skeletons pause, Error glitching in surprise- and a touch of panic- as his personal space is suddenly invaded by a person brushing past him, putting themselves between him and Killer.
“O-oh yeah, hi Abigale.” He greets an equally short, purple haired human girl as she grabs ahold of his arm.
“H-hELlo..?” Error says hesitantly, taking a couple of steps back. The girl turns around and blinks at Error before giving him a small smile.
“Oh sorry. I didn’t see you there. You must be the farmer for Rainbow farm. Aww, I’m going to miss exploring there.”
“Uh… y’kNoW ThaT’s tREsPAssING, riGht?” Error can’t help but ask, finding his dislike for the human grow. Killer barely holds back a snort as the girl's smile falls.
“Mayor Lewis said it was fine and that your grandpa wouldn’t have minded too much.” She turns away from Error without another word and smiles at Killer. “Anyway, what are you doing in town? Have you found any new cool weapons in the dungeon or the crypt?”
“Uh a few, yeah.” Killer’s response is short, clearly not wanting to talk to the girl as he tries to pull his hand free. “I’m a bit busy Abigail-”
“YeAh- We’Re aCTuaLLy abouT To sTArt OUr daTE, rIGht KiLls?” Error finds himself butting in, forcing himself to ignore his glitches as he grabs Killer’s other hand, subtly tugging him away from Abigail.
The human visibly bristles and she gives Error the ugliest look. The small skeleton stares at Error in surprise before smiling, blushing a little at the glitch’s reaction. “Yeah we’re going on a date so can ya let go of me now?”
“B-but- But he’s a guy!”
“Ew- YoU’re hOmoPHoBIc?” Error looks her up and down judgmentally. “AcTUalLy, sOmE OF thAt maY Be INter-rNAlliz-ZEd. BeSIdes, SkeLETons dOn’T haVE genDErs-s- fEeL FreE To cALL me a GIrL iF thAt MaKes YOu feEL beTteR. NoW c’MoN, KiLler- I ThINk I’d rATheR geT seeDS fRom JojA MaRT.”
This time Error actually jerks Killer from Abigail’s hold, pulling him towards the door as he blinks error signs out of his vision, his hand starting to hurt from the touch. Killer quickly stumbles behind him as they leave, Abigail being left staring in stunned silence.
“Sorry Error- Hey you ok?” The smaller asks worriedly as Error lets go of his hand as soon as they’re out of sight, glitching harshly.
“Y-y-YeA-aH- s-sOR-rry I-”
“It’s fine- You did good, I’m sorry about Abigail, she’s really pushy.”
“I-iT’s Ok-kaY- jusT- t-TOuCh-” Error mutters as he leans against the store’s wall, trying to push away the panic and glitching as Killer hovers over him, making sure not to touch him.
“Sorry-”
“I- I Ch-hoSe tO GrAb-b yoUR HaNd-” Error waves off, slowly managing to get his glitches to lessen.
“Yeah, but ya only had ta deal with her cause of me.” Killer frowns- and it’s weird to see his face without a smile. “Ya sure you’re ok?”
“I’M- I’ll BE fiNe- h-hAVeN’t cRaSHeD y-yeT so wE-e’Re gOOd..” Error mumbles, straightening up.
“Ok..ya still wanna buy seeds or go rest back at the farm. We can always go get ‘em later when Abigail's not here.” Killer suggests as he steps back.
“YeAH… I guEss I CaN GeT SeEDs lAteR- iT’s noT LiKe I HavE spaCE To pLAnt THem a-aNywAYs…”
“Ok..Let’s go clear a spot for our very romantic picnic lunch instead~” Killer smiles reassuringly, changing the subject to something much more enjoyable, Error more than happy to go along with it.
“ThAt soUNds LoVEly~” Error agrees, smiling back in relief. They walk back to the farm as they talk, Killer gushing about having made an actual meal successfully. It’s honestly adorable how proud he is~
“I even caught the fish myself~! I’m not good at using a fishing rod so I just grabbed it-”
“WhAt thE Hell KiLLeR-” The glitch wheezes, laughing at the mental image of Killer just grabbing a fish out of the river.
“It was so much fun~! You should try it~! I can bring you up to the river going down the mountain where I caught it and you can just grab ‘em~! The rocks are slippery though and I totally busted my ass-”
“PfFt- I’m sOrRy bUt thAT’s juSt sO FUnNy-” Killer snickers beside him with a wide grin on his face as he says in a dramatic voice.
“Tell that to my tailbone~ I can still feel it aching-”
“Oh My fOX-” Error laughs, and Killer relishes in the sound, internally cooing at the glitch’s cuteness, before he rubs his tail bone as if in pain.
“You’re so cruel my queen~”
“Oh sHOosH-” Error whines, blushing.
“Nah, you blush is way too cute for me ta stop now~” Killer gives him a wink as they step onto the farm, Error continuing to whine. The shorter monster teases him and talks to him as they clear out a good spot for their picnic.
Killer even brought a blanket and laid it out for them. He was so excited to show Error the food. The rice balls were in all sorts of shapes, some had dried seaweed wrapped on parts of them though the rice didn’t really need it. It stuck together pretty well and was actually chewy and firm, like noodles not quite cooked all the way- not crunchy though.
The sushi had fish and avocado, and Killer told him all about how he looked up the recipe last night and was so excited to get started that he caught the fish that morning. Error wasn’t in love with the texture of the sushi, but he still eats his entire serving, Killer’s enthusiasm is infectious.
The small skeleton saves a few rice balls for while they’re working and they make way for another small patch of plants, using the wood to broaden the fence.
“So, ya gonna get strawberries at the egg festival?” Killer asks as he looks over their hard work.
“I wAS wOndERinG WheRE To gET SOmE-! ThEy’re sUPpOSed To bE ReALly eASy tO ManTAin sO I’vE WaNTed soME.” Error exclaims as Killer chuckles, leaning against the fences.
“Yeah I’m pretty sure Pierre only sells them during the egg festival in his little stand thing.”
“Of cOUrSe hE doEs-” Error halfheartedly complains.
“Hmm…You could save your G so ya can buy as many as possible. The plant shouldn’t die till the summer heat kills it so it’ll keep making strawberries for ya ta sell every few days…..I think-”
“ThAT soUnds rIGht- BuT The FesTiVaL IsN’t ‘tIL liKe- halfWAy tHrOUgH thE SeASon-” The glitch whines, dramatically flopping against one of the fence’s posts.
“Yeeeeaaah- You’d have ta wait a while. Hmmmm….uhg- I can’t wait for the upper mines ta open up again so we can go. I don’t know crap about farming-”
“HoNesTLy me NeiTHer- I’m KiNDa pLayINg thIS aLL bY EaR-” Error admits.
“Really? Why’d you come all the way out here to be a farmer then?” Killer jumps to sit up on the fence as Error sighs.
“I cOuLDn’t haNDle EBoTt aNymORe- mY joB waS TErRiBLe anD I wAS jUSt miSEraBLe-”
“Yikes- I hear big cities like that are pretty all over the place. You know with so much going on all at once. I’m pretty sure I’d get too overwhelmed.” Everything is slow and calm in Pelican town, Killer can only imagine how loud it must be based on pictures he’s seen.
“YeAH- It’S sO loUd aNd aLWaYS feELs paCKeD-” Error confirms, sticking out a tongue in displeasure.
“Bleh- I can’t even imagine it. The most packed I’ve ever felt- like with a bunch of people- was when I went on a beast raid in the catacombs and there were like….fifty adventures at most?”
“ThAT sTiLL soUndS PReTtY CrOwDed, tO Be fAIr.”
“It was a lot of people, but we took down the beast boss thing eventually. I think it would have been safer if we had more people though, we could have gotten it done faster and then everyone wouldn’t have been exhausted afterwards.”
“EvEN MoRe PeOPle? WoW- thAT SoUnds dANgerOUs…” Error says, concerned. Killer shakes it off however, swinging his legs over the other side of the fence.
“It is, but we can’t let too many high level beasts pop up down there or they could get up here. The slimes and bats may not be able ta get through the barrier but some of the stuff down in the crypt could smash it like it was made of glass.”
“I guESs…” Error reluctantly agrees, frowning a bit. “I sUPpOsE I jUSt dOn’t loVE The idEa OF yoU PutTinG YOurSElf iN daNGer- hOw CAn I dATe yoU if yoU’rE DusT?”
Killer laughs as he smiles wide at Error, before he stands up on the edge of the fence and backflips off like the show off he is. “Guess you’ll just have ta get strong and protect me, huh~?”
“Don’t worry I’ll be fine. Those kinds of quests don’t happen often, maybe once a year? I’ve been on…5 of them now? Yeah- I’ve been an adventurer sense I was a skelly~”
“A sKelLy-? ThAt sEeMs yoUNg- I thOuGHt guILds HaD an AGe liMIT..?” Error questions, still a touch concerned despite Killer’s reassurances.
“They do..I guess I wasn’t an ‘official’ adventurer, but I would go into the mine to find stuff to sell. I had ta make money somehow. The guy who adopted me was already pretty old so he didn’t make it till my last blasting.” Killer shrugs. “Humans are just fragile like that.”
“DaMn- i’m sORrY THaT HaPpeNEd to YOu..”
“It’s alright.” Killer shrugs again before his grin sharpens. “That old man went down in style~ He wouldn’t have had it any other way. Besides- he was an absolute hard ass and more stubborn skulled then me. And that's saying something. Oh stars I could tell ya so many stories of him bein’ all. ‘Now listen here boy. Ya gotta find a woman who will take care of ya when your a grumpy old coot like me! One that can cook and and take care of your kids-’”
“And then he’d lean in close and say ‘and most importantly one with the best boobs in the world~!’” Killer doubles over giggling, a bright smile on his face as Error snorts, though his smile is dimmer. “Such an old perv-”
“He sOuNds NiCE- I wiSH I cOUld’Ve meT Him.”
“Yeah, he would have annoyed the crap out of ya with sex jokes. I learned from the best~”
“Of cOUrsE-” Error playfully groans, flushing slightly as Killer giggles again.
“Hmmm~ Did you know you’re beautiful~?”
“Wh-wHaT-?” The glitch can’t help but let out a surprised, flustered giggle, his blush growing brighter. “WhErE’d tHAt cOMe fRom-?”
“From my very skilled mouth, obviously~” Killer teases with another flirtatious wink~ “Your face just looks even prettier when you blush and your glitches fizzle a little louder when you’re flustered. Your voice repeats slight when you laugh and I get to listen to it longer~”
“YoU- yOU noTicEd AlL Of tHAT…? DaNG- I duNnO If I ShoULd bE FLaTteREd oR ConcErneD..” Though, with the way Error manages to blush even brighter, it’s leaning towards the former. The short skeleton internally coos, before standing up again and dusting himself off.
“I meant every word to be flattering~ The more I get ta know ya the more I like ya~ Besides- it’s just my mind running 50 miles an hour all the time. I’ve gotten used to noticing random things about people or places or beasts. Make it kinda hard ta sleep though.”
“HuH? HoW WoUld KNoWinG THiNGs aBoUT peOPLe maKe iT HaRd to SLeEP?” Error questions, misunderstanding what Killer meant. The smaller blinks in confusion for a moment before it clicks, a small laugh leaving him.
“Oh no- Not the stuff I know. It’s uh…like my mind won’t shut off. Constantly thinking and moving and it's like it's loud inside my skull and too quiet outside when I try ta sleep. My need to move all the time doesn’t really help.” Even now his leg is bouncing up and down as he stands in place.
“Ohh thAt mAkeS MorE SEnsE- whEn THaT haPpeNS For Me I UsUAlly jUSt trY to OcCupY MysELf UntIL I’m ReaDy tO PaSs ouT- It mOStlY woRKs.” Error nods to himself as Killer hums.
“I’ll have to try that sometimes, maybe I’ll actually get a good night's sleep-”
“JuSt maKe sUre It’s SOMethINg caLM- I UsUAlly cROchEt so MaYBe yoU CoULd whITtle sOMeTHInG.” Error suggests.
“Hmmm’kay~ I shall widdle you an army of little swords~”
“YaY~” Error playfully cheers, Killer picking up his axe again.
“Ready ta clear up some more space or are you done for the day?”
“YeAH I’m ALrIGht to KeEp goiNg- maYBe wE CaN GEt sOmE More of THe aREa in fRoNt of THe hoUSe?”
“Sounds good to me!”
~
They keep going on dates over the next couple of weeks, though most of them are spent messing around on the farm, fumbling through learning how to grow different kinds of crops and clearing out more space. It isn’t anything fancy, but they both prefer it that way.
They get to talk and laugh and learn new things together and simply enjoy each other's company. It’s nice. He’s not sure how he thought he was going to do all this alone, but he’s eternally grateful for Killer’s help- it’s so much more fun with company.
Error can’t wait for their next date tomorrow. He’s sure whatever they end up doing will be fun- he enjoys any time he gets to spend with Killer. He even finally made enough money selling his crops to renovate the kitchen, so he’ll be able to finally be able to make something for him!
The glitch smiles, hugging his pillow against his chest in excitement. He can’t wait to see the look on Killer’s face when-
The whole house suddenly begins to shake, his shelves rattling as his bed creaks, making him jolt, glitching harshly in surprise and fear before he stumbles up, forcing himself to hurry outside as the ground trembles.
Oh yeah- Killer mentioned they sometimes get really big earthquakes. Still, knowing that doesn’t make him feel any better, shaking almost as much as the ground beneath him. After a few long minutes the shaking stops, the rustling tree branches stilling again, leaving Error in a jarring silence, but for the sound of his glitching and heavy breathing.
That…was absolutely terrifying. What the hell makes the earth shake again-? Error’s not sure he even cares- he has a feeling he’s not going to be sleeping anytime soon.
The next morning he is awoken by knocking on his door, making him jump. He’s actually surprised he managed to get any sleep- even if it was only a couple of hours.
"Error? You up?"
“Y-yeAH oNe- ONe seC-” He stammers, scrambling to make himself look at least slightly presentable before he opens the door.
"Morning Error- oh wow…Did the earthquake wake ya?" Killer asks in concern, immediately noticing the bags under Error’s sockets.
“FreAkED mE thE fucK Out-” The glitch mumbles, giving Killer a small smile.
"Awww…I'm sorry beautiful. It was a pretty big one for your first." Killer leans against the inside of the door, giving Error a sympathetic smile as the glitch holds back a dirty joke. "Buuut the earthquake did something awesome~"
“It bEttER bE goOd ‘cAusE ThaT ShiT waS TerRIfyiNG.” Error grumbles, the smaller monster giddily grinning at him.
"It opened the mines~!! The higher levels are open, we can go to the mines today!"
“DaNG, reALLy? ThaT’s aWSomE!” Error cheers, before yawning as Killer giggles.
"Mhm, but how about we take a nap and go later in the day? You look tired."
“I Am TirED- thE EaRThquAKe sPoOKeD Me baD ENoUgh thAt I OnlY GOt A cOuPLe hoURs of SleEp.” Error steps out of the way, inviting Killer inside.
"It was a pretty rough one, not that I don't like it right but-" The smaller laughs at his own joke as he walks inside, plopping down on Error’s bed with a yawn of his own.
“PfFt- shUT up anD ScOot-” The glitch shoos Killer to one side of the bed as he gets in next to him, too tired to really care about the smaller actually being in his bed.
"Hmm neveerrrrrr~" Killer coos as he lays on his back, tossing his jacket on the floor before stretching. "Make me shut up, cutie~"
“ShOoSh-” Error just flops his hand over Killer’s face, glitching a bit as he lets his sockets close, relaxing. The smaller can't help but ever so lightly kiss the hand, internally cooing as he closes his sockets.
"Fiiinneee~ Seeep~" The glitch hums happily in response, not bothering to move his hand as he quickly falls asleep- a stark contrast to how he had tossed and turned before Killer came over.
Even with his sockets closed the smaller watches Error, his soul fluttering at the warmth of his touch. He’s so happy that the glitch is this comfortable with him
He so badly wants to hold him and cover Error’s face in little kisses, even if he knows that probably a bit too much. It's something he can look forward to later~
After a few minutes Killer's breathing starts to even out and he moves to lace their fingers together just a little as he falls asleep, sleeping deeper than he ever has in a really long time.
~
Killer nuzzles into the warmth as he slowly starts to wake, feeling groggy. He's never wanted to not move more than he does right now. The warmth gently nuzzles him back, the faint sound of static able to be heard with the movement.
'....wait what?' At first he thinks maybe he fell asleep with Lust, but he quickly realizes who he's snuggling- well, who's snuggling him.
His face is smooshed up into Error’s rib cage, the glitch holding him tightly and squeezing him like an oversized teddy bear, occasionally giving him small nuzzles or making quiet, sleepy sounds in between soft purring that starts up when he shifts slightly.
Killer's face suddenly feels hot, looking a lot like a cherry as his own loud happy purr builds in his ribcage.
Error is cuddling him~!!! He can hear his soul beating loudly in excitement and so much adoration for this adorable dorky glitch. The light between them flickering brightly.
Stars, he’s so stupidly in love with this monster, who sleepily curls around him as he suppresses excited wiggles, huffing slightly as he stirs.
"...This is my dork-" He mumbles to himself. "I love you so much and I'll protect you forever~"
“Hmn..~” Error just hums and purrs quietly, his hold on Killer tightening slightly.
"Heh, who knew you were such a cuddle bug..~" Killer lightly kisses Error’s rib cage through his shirt, nuzzling in closer as he wiggles enough to wrap his arms around the glitch’s waist, making him purr louder as he slowly begins to wake up.
Killer shuts his mouth real quick, making himself relax again as he acts like he's still asleep. He can see the way Error’s glitching increases as he wakes up, before he opens his sockets and freezes as he processes the fact that he was cuddling Killer.
The glitches suddenly pick up and a small squeak escapes Error, his face growing a bright yellow. Killer feels Error give him a light, hesitant squeeze before the glitch tries to sneak out of his hold.
The small skeleton continues to purr, a smile on his face as he subtly moves to make it easier for Error to pull away. He never wants to forget the flustered look on the glitch’s face as he saves Error the embarrassment of him actually being awake. The poor glitch would probably just die if he knew Killer was awake-
Error manages to slip out of his hold without ‘waking’ him, and he gently tucks Killer back into the blanket, pausing for just a moment before Killer feels a light kiss on his skull.
He barely manages to keep himself from smiling like an idiot, but he can't stop his soul from flickering, the inverted heart shape pulsing with raw affection.
“Aw..~” The glitch quietly coos, giving him one last nuzzle before tiptoeing away. Killer waits for a few minutes before shifting like he’s slowly waking up.
"Mmm……Heya beautiful…~"
“Oh- heLlo sLeePYSkULl~” Error greets, voice fond as Killer blushes.
"Ya sleep good..~?"
“MhM~ PrOBaBLy thE BeSt I’vE SLePt iN WeEks- HeY How dO YoU feEL aBoUt paNCakEs?”
"Hmm goes good with coffee, but overall, meh." The adventurer stretches, his spine popping as he groans before rolling out of bed.
“Oh.” Error sounds vaguely disappointed. “WeLl.. I uH- aLReAdY staRTeD On thE BaTteR… MaYBe jUst.. baCOn aNd eGgs..?”
"Nah, pancakes are good~" The shorter reassures as he saunters over to peek around the glitch. "I bet anything you cook will be great~"
“Ah- YoU SUre? I dOn’T WAnNa maKe yOu soMethING yoU WoULdn’T LikE-” Error asks uncertainly.
"Yeah I'm sure. You can add dark chocolate chips are chocolate powder if you want to make it less sugar sweet if you want." Killer suggests, before sneaking a quick peck on Error’s cheek, making him squeak and jump, glitching slightly as he blushes.
“TH-thEy aREn’t thAT SweET-?” The glitch questions, though he follows Killer’s advice anyways.
"It’s just my preference, but I thought you'd like all the chocolate~" Killer hums as he leans onto the counter, watching Error cook. "Did we sleep all day?"
“Uhh It’S OnLY liKe foUR So Not thE WhOLe daY But A gOoD cHUnK Of iT-”
"Mmm that's good, we still got time ta get ya a sword and go to the mines. I can't wait ta show ya how ta use one. I'm a dagger person myself~"
“FoOd fiRSt thOugH-” Error says firmly, knowing his own bad habits with eating. Killer dramatically whines even as he smiles.
"Fiiinnneee~ Only cause you're making it though~"
“Yay~ I hopE YOu liKe it~”
"'Course I'll like it, gorgeous~ They'll be the best flapjacks in all da land~" Error blushes a bit.
“WeLL I dOuBt tHe Best-” Error mumbles.
"The best I tell yee~!!" Killer declares dramatically. "Songs will be written of their chocolaty goodness~”
“Uh-hUH suRE.” The glitch says sarcastically, moving over to the stove. “NoW baCK uP I dOn’t neED My kiTcHEn ligHTinG ON firE-”
He’s interrupted by the batter suddenly catching on fire, leaving him staring at it in shock as Killer’s mouth falls open.
"....I am cursed-"
“WhAT thE ACtuAL fUCk-”
"I'm sorryyyyyyyyy-!" The small monster retreats out of the kitchen and onto the bed.
“GeNUinELY wHaT THe heLL-” Error mutters. “I guESs We’Re haVINg BaCOn anD EGgs AnywAYs-”
"Cursed I tell yea-!”
“YeAH- I’d BeLiEvE IT..” The glitch agrees, throwing away the now ruined batter and pulling out eggs and bacon from the fridge.
The rest of the cooking happens normally with Killer staying out of the kitchen and instead snuggling Error’s stuffed animals and pillows.
“Ya LIkE theM?” Error asks just for something to talk about. “I maDe MoST of thEM.”
"I can tell~ They're so cute, just like you~"
“Oh sHut UP-”
"I can't, you cuteness must be praised my queen~" Error just groans in response, giving up on fighting it. "You're so pretty and adorable and dorky and gorgeous and kind and awkward and cute-"
“AaHh oKaY EnoUGH-” Error whines, face on fire.
"As you wish my queen~♡" Killer blows a kiss as he gives Error a signature wink, making him blush harder as he turns to focus on finishing the bacon.
“WhY Do yoU CaLL mE ThaT ANywAys? Do yoU ReaLLy liKe mY NaMe thaT mUCh?”
"Hum?" Killer lays upside down on Error’s bed, tilts his skull to the side as he raises a brow. "What do'ya mean?"
“My naME? ErROr QUeeN?” The glitch says, tilting his skull back. Killer takes a moment to blink at the glitch in surprise, black tar dripping up his forehead before he lets out a loud unflattering snort.
"W-wait your last name is queen~!?"
“Wh- I ThOUghT YOu KNoW ThaT-” Error blushes, a touch embarrassed as the shorter monster snickers.
"N-no no- I- oh wow that's a wild coincidence~!"
“I reGREt EVeR sAYinG ANyTHinG-”
"You really are my queeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnn~" Killer sings with a few dramatic octave changes, Error just continuing to whine over him as he plates the bacon. "My beautiful majestic dorky queeeeeeenn~!"
“ShUT UpPpp-”
"As you wish, my queen~" Killer giggles with a shit eating grin, making Error sigh.
“I haTE You.” Error deadpans, walking over with two plates and handing one to Killer. He sits up before taking it, the black goop on his sockets completely coating the inner run uncomfortably.
"Thanks beautiful~"
“YeaH YEaH-” The glitch heads back to the kitchen and grabs a hand towel, before walking back back over to Killer and holding it out for him.
The smaller sets the plate down to try and clean out his sockets, being as careful as possible, but he still flinches, jolting on the bed every time he swipes the towel.
“..WaNt soMe hELp?” Error offers, slightly hesitant. Killer pulls the towel away before he holds it out to Error with a smile.
"Sure~ My sockets are just really sensitive ‘cause of the underdeveloped mana lines."
“My EVerYThiNG iS seNsiTIVe ‘caUSe oF The GLitCHes, So I Got soMe PRaCticE.” Error lightly reassures, setting his own plate aside to take the towel, kneeling to get a better angle to dab lightly at Killer’s sockets.
He tries to stay as still as possible as Error works, flinching a little every few seconds and making Error flinch back in turn.
“THerE’s A kiNDa BiG… gLOb riGHt hERe- juSt a WarNINg.” Killer holds his breath, tensing and preparing himself as Error goes to carefully wipe it away, phalange just slightly curling against the inner rim of Killer’s socket.
He barely tugs- just ever so slightly- and Killer's reaction is immediate, a sudden and loud filthy noise. "AaaAAah~!"
Error immediately pulls away, yelping in surprise and instinctively throwing the towel at Killer’s face, blushing brightly. The smaller is just as surprised, stifling another small noise as he blushes.
"S-sorry sorry-!"
“I-I’M SorRY-y-!” Error stammers, tucking his hands back against his chest as he glitches.
"N-no no it's ok-! I'm sorry I didn't mean to uhm-" Killer’s blushing like mad as he holds his hands up trying to reassure Error in some way. "It's fine it’s fine-"
“BuT- BUt I jUsT- yOu-” The glitching skeleton just kind of waves his hands around, avoiding looking at Killer.
"It's fine- Really it's okay I-I'm not upset it's fine- I-i didn't mean to you didn’t mean to do its fine- Sorry Error, I-I really didn't mean to-"
“It’S- Y-yOu’Re oKAy- It’S- it’S FinE-”
"Yeah it's fine, I'm ok it's all okay- We're good-" Killer gives Error a smile. "Sorry I started ya so bad-"
“O-oKaY- it’S aLRiGhT-” Error mumbles, face bright yellow. After a moment Killer snickers, his smile widening.
"I can't believe that just happened- hhaha~"
“I’m soRry-” The glitch says again, grabbing his plate once more.
"Don't apologize, it's fine, really. I find it more funny than anything else." Killer reassures as he giggles, using the towel to just wipe the outside of his face before grabbing his own plate.
“Heh- It iS A bit fUNny-” Error agrees with a small chuckle, before hesitantly sitting down next to the small skeleton to start eating.
"Hmm~ Delicious bacon and eggs~! Perfect~" Killer changes the subject as he shoves a slice of bacon in his mouth, making very dramatic pleased noises that make Error blush more.
“YoU fLaTTer mE- thEY’rE SolidLy aVeraGE-"
"The best afternoon breakfast I have ever consumed~!" Killer practically inhales his food to prove his point.
“DoN’t ChOKe-” The glitch cautions, both mildly concerned and flattered. The smaller pauses to grin wide at Error, licking his lips.
"I don't choke~"
“...” Error just stares for a long moment, before bursting into giggles, snorting unflatteringly as Killer smiles. Quickly, the smaller leans forward and gives the glitch a quick kiss on the cheek, pulling away fast to continue eating his food as Error freezes, blushing brightly as he practically gapes at him.
"Hehehe~ Sorry, I just couldn't resist~ Is it too soon for kisses?" Killer asks, a little worried.
“No nO- I wAs JuST- sURprISeD- I.. I LiKe kiSsEs…” Error mumbles, face a bright yellow. Killer blushes as he watches Error’s face, before he scoots a little closer.
"Can I give ya another one then~?"
“M-Mhm..~” The glitch agrees, flusteredly avoiding eye contact as the smaller monster leans up to place another kiss on his cheek, letting this one linger for a few moments before he sits back as Error giggles, a bit giddy, before giving him a small kiss on the forehead.
"Hehehe~ You’re adorable, Error~"
“N-no YOu-“ Error shoots back, blush darkening.
"Awww~ Ya think I'm cute~?" Killer coos as he puts his empty plate aside.
“WeLL dUh- haVE yOu sEEn yoURsELf? YoU’re AdOrABle.” Error states like it’s obvious, Killer blushing more as he lays down to look up at Error.
"Would you say I'm sexy~?"
“Hmm… I’m noT sURe..~ yOu’rE HOt foR sUrE~” The glitch replies, laying down next to Killer.
"Hmm..good ta know~ You’re pretty attractive yourself~ The moment I noticed ya I was hooked~" Error huffs, flushing slightly even as he rolls his sockets.
“Y-yeAH yeAh-“ Killer sits up, leaning over Error a little as he smiles.
"I mean it, Error~ Your magic and body sparkles and fizzles so beautifully that I couldn't look away~ and your soul shines so brightly like a beacon, never flickering like mine does~"
“But I lOVe tHe wAY yOur sOuL fLiCkErs! EspeCaLly WhEn It fRoM sOmEtHIng likE thIs~” Error purrs, wiggling closer to press a small kiss to the corner of Killer’s mouth. As expected his soul contorts and flickers like the flame of a candle, taking the form of a shaky inverted heart.
"Ya play me so well~"”
“AbsoLuTEly beAUtiFul~” He gives Error a flustered laugh, cherry red dusting his cheekbones. Killer scoots a little closer until they are only a few inches apart.
"Can I give ya a real kiss~?"
“...M-mHM..~” Error nods slightly hesitantly, skull bright yellow as he glances at Killer’s lips. The smaller chuckles, his soul flickering ever so slightly.
It only takes leaning forward just a little for their mouths to meet and Killer waits for a moment before pressing more firmly, Error hesitantly kissing him back as he glitches slightly.
Said glitches make Killer giggle, the smaller begins to purr as he kisses Error just a little deeper and a little closer.
“Hm..~” Error pulls back after a moment, growing a touch overwhelmed by the sensations and Killer lets him.
"Hehehe~ Too much?"
“A- a BiT..~” The glitch murmurs, panting slightly. 'So cute~' Killer internally coos. 'Already a little out of breath~'
"You're adorable~"
“N-nO ‘M nOt-” Error whines, incredibly flustered as Killer continues to tease.
"The cutest and most adorable monster ever~ I'm so lucky~" Error just continues to whine at him, practically lighting up the room with his blush. Killer can't help but laugh more, kissing Error lightly on the forehead before he stretches. "HmmmMmnng~ So, ya still wanna go to the mines today? We'll probably get back late so if your ok with me crashin' here for the night we can go."
“HoNEsTLy iF I sLEeP As goOD As I Did EaRLieR I’m moRE thAN HaPPy tO JusT HaVe yoU MOve iN-” Error replies, leaving Killer stunned with his mouth agape. He's not against it by any means, but he’s been told he moves too fast when in a relationship- he wasn't expecting Error of all people to just dive in head first. Said glitch pauses, as if realizing the implications of his words.
“I- I MeAn- I KnOw IT’s KiNda A BiG SteP BUt We AlrEaDY sPeND So muCH tiMe toGetHEr aNd I reALly liKe YoU- bUt uH- I WaS PLaNninG On fIXiNG thE PLaCe Up moRe bEForE AsKInG YOu ‘caUSe I KnoW It haSN’t evEN beEN a MonTH-” He rambles nervously, Killer's smirk growing and growing with every word.
"I'd love ta live with ya, Error~ Honestly I tend ta move a bit fast anyway so I don't mind at all~ I really really like you, Ru~" Error sighs in relief, giving Killer a smile.
“I rEaLLy liKe yoU TOo~ I HonEStlY WOuldN’t eVen Be aBLe tO toUCh yoU If I DidN’t sO-”
"Hehehe~ Wanna officially be datemates then~?" The glitch stares at him for a moment, before grinning widely, face still flushed.
“I- I WaS HOnEStly JuSt waITinG fOr yoU To aSK~” Error hasn’t really ever been in an actual relationship before so he has no idea what the normal timeline for things is- leaving him hoping Killer was willing to make the first steps.
"I didn't wanna scare ya away if I moved too fast. I was told I get way too into things too fast and I'm too clingy and annoying and some other stupid shit….long story short I was tricked into a toxic relationship. Not important." Killer stops his rambling quickly, closing his sockets.
“WhO aRE thEy I’ll pUncH ‘em-” Error glares, upset for Killer’s sake.
"Just an asshole. He doesn't live around here anymore."
“HrMm… WeLl thEY’rE StuPID- bESidEs I’m sTUpIDly eaSy TO ReaD SINcE mY GLitCheS GIve Me aWAy- So IF I’m eVEr geNUinEly UncoMfoRTaBLe I’ll leT YOu kNOw. But yOU’rE LOveLy aNd wONdErFUl aNd ThoUGhtfUL aND KiNd, aNd yoU’vE NeVer puSheD Me oR MaDE me UncOMfoRTaBLe, aLRiGHt?”
Killer smiles and reaches over to caress the side of Error’s skull ever so lightly, not noticing how his sockets are still closed. "Yeah, thanks Ruru~"
“GoOD~” Error purrs, leaning slightly into the touch. “NoW SHaLL wE GeT ReaDY to gO INto thE MinES?”
"Yes~! Oh I'm so excited to show you! Heheheeeee~! I brought down some gear for you. It's all adjustable, just some light armor to put under your clothes. Oh- and it will fit better if you summon ecto underneath, your magic will help keep your bones protected." Killer stands up in excitement, pulling the gear out of his inventory.
“If iT MAkEs mE GLitCH I’m NoT WEaRIng iT-” Error preemptively warns, Killer turning to blink at him- opening his sockets.
"Ok- it's made out of these really strong fibers so it shouldn't be heavy or rub you the wrong way." He holds the breastplate out to Error, who takes it and rubs it between his phalanges.
“..I gUEss iT’LL WoRk- thOuGH I’m GonNa MaKE soME for MyseLF.”
"Ooo~ Personalizing it is the best part~ I could get ya a few other samples ta show ya other designs if you want. You know, ta give ya more references."
“SuRE- nOw sHoO So I CaN CHaNGe-”
"Awww~ And ta think I thought I'd get a peak~" Killer puts down a few other things as he stands- just some other small armor pieces- walking over to the bathroom. "I'm going to change in here, 'kay~?"
“AlrIGhTy~” Error singsongs back, waiting for Killer to close the door before stripping. Thankfully the armor is pretty simple. It comes with a soft undershirt to keep the armor from rubbing against his bare ecto and the breastplate cone in two halves, the back and the front plates.
Error only struggles slightly with the straps, thankfully managing to tighten them enough to be comfortable. He adds the leg straps to the outside of some legging he has, both going on the outside of his legs and two others on his arms.
Unsure what else to put on, Error just decides on putting his coat and scarf on over everything, figuring it’s good enough.
"Can I come out now?" Killer asks as he knocks on the bathroom door.
“YuP!” Error calls back. After a moment the door opens and Killer steps out to grin at him.
"Oooo~ Lookin' good Ruru~" Killer's wearing black tights and boots, his black sleeveless sweater tucked Into his tights as his fluffy hooded jacket rests a little off his shoulders, red ecto peeking through. Killer must have summoned his female ecto, that's the only thing that can explain those incredibly thick thighs and curvy waist.
“Y-yOu toO~” Error can’t help but let his gaze linger appreciatively, blushing as he realizes what he was doing. Killer notices too, and moves his jacket aside to cock out his hips from side to side, making Error blush harder as he forces himself to look away.
"Thanks~"
“S-sO- ReADy tO heAd ouT?”
"Mhm~ Let's go get ya a sword~" Killer reaches out for his hand, and after a second of hesitation, Error takes it.
“ALRigHTy~” With an excited smile, Killer gives the glitch’s hand a squeeze and takes him up to the mountain side lake.
“Oh- wE ShOUld’vE takEN My paTH heRE- So wE WouLDn’t haVE to go THroUgh TOwN-”
"Yeah but I got ta walk around holding your hand this way~ You know, show my beautiful datemate off~"
“I- Oh sHuT UP-” Error lightly shoves Killer with his shoulder, blushing.
"Hehehe~ Never, I might consider it if ya give me another kiss though~" Killer teases as they cross the little wooden bridge over the water.
“I- uH- N-nOt yeT..” Error mumbles, a touch embarrassed.
"As you wish my queen~ Now this is the cave to the mines, but we're going to get you a sword at the guild first."
“ALriGHty!” Killer walks Error only a few yards away to the small cabin that acts as the adventurers guild in town. It's kind of disappointing honestly and to top it off that wouldn't let Error inside!
So Killer went in and got a sword for him, a wooden sword.
“WiLL thIs eVEn do MucH AGaINsT bEaSts?” Error can’t help but question.
"Yeah. The ones on the top several levels are pretty weak so this should do plenty of damage. It's better than the one they tried ta make me give ya." Killer scowls at the door for a moment before leading Error back to the cave entrance.
“I dOn’T THiNK I liKe thEM mUcH-”
"Yeah the guy who runs it pisses me off. Always thinks he knows everything and bein' pushy." The smaller grumbles, stomping his feet a little in annoyance.
“PeOPLe aCtinG thaT THaT DRiVe mE nUtS- My brO uSEd tO bE Like thAT a Bit.” Error gives Killer a kiss on the skull in an attempt to appease him, the smaller stopping to blush and smile, nuzzling him in return.
"Ya have a brother?"
“TwO, aCTUalLy. I’M thE MidDLe cHILd.”
"Oooohhh- What's that like?" Killer walks over to a hole in the ground, ignoring the elevator as he starts to head down.
“It’S aNnOYinG BuT aLsO PreTty NicE- HoNEstLy GeNo PraCticALly eNDed Up raISinG Us.” Error follows Killer, glancing at the elevator curiously.
"Really? Geno's your older brother then?" The ladder is pretty narrow as they go down before it opens up into a large mud lit cavern.
“YeAH- ANd FrEsh iS My liTtLe brOTheR.”
"How old is he?" Killer waits for Error to plant his feet before drawing out a dagger, the glitch pulling out his own sword in response, glancing around.
“JuST tuRnED thIRty (17) thIS YeAr- GeNo’s in HiS siXtiEs I’m prETtY suRe.”
"Oh cool, we should be pretty close in age then~ Not that isn't matters much-...It doesn't matter, right?" The small monster whispers to Error, clearly trying to be silly.
“NAh~ I’m FOrtY-eIGht ThoUgh, if It dOEs.” Error jokes back.
"Hehe~ I'm forty-two! I was right~" Killer bends down and taps one of the small boulders on the ground and….did it just move-?
“WhAt thE-?” Error jumps as the rock suddenly spouts what seem to be crab legs, scuttling forwards.
"This is a rock crab! It hollows out strong rocks to make its shell. You can only do damage to it by hitting its legs." Killer takes a step back. "Go ahead and try."
Error looks at Killer uncertainly, before stepping forward and swiping at the crab’s legs. The screech it lets out makes him jump again and it suddenly scrambles towards him, a yelp escaping him as he wacks at it more.
Killer snorts and giggles behind him, the crap continuing its advance before- with another thwack of his wooden sword- the cram turns over dead, the shell coming off and showing the bare crab.
"You did it! T-that was-" snort "Rehehelly good- Hahaha~"
“I- sH-shUT Up-! CrABs aRe cReePY-” Error defends, blushing in embarrassment as Killer gentle kisses his cheek.
"Yeah I-I know~ Hehehe~ You did good, Ru~ I mean it~" The glitch just pouts at him, doing his best to get his blush to fade.
“WhaTEveR-” He grumbles. “Now wHaT?”
"Now we pick up the crab and continue to see what we can find!" Killer uses his knife to scoop up the beast's remains and put it in his inventory. "You can sell it to Willy for some extra G."
“Or sTIcK It iN The seLL bOx- It’D Be fuNny tO MaKe LeWIs dEaL With IT-”
"Pfft- Hahahahehe~ That would be hilarious~ Wanna see what else we got in here?"
“SuRe!” Error pulls out his pickaxe, ready to go.
They only go a few levels down, but they find all sorts of beasts. Killer teaches him how to attack duggies, and the weird…gross bugs on the upper levels- green slimes too! Error definitely prefers the slimes- the goo is gross but they’re the easiest to deal with.
They get some beast parts and copper ore- Error even finds an amethyst and by the time they get up the elevator the glitch is exhausted.
"That was fun- Whatcha think Ru?"
“I’m dEaD.” Error deadpans, arms aching. They walk back over the wooden bridge, heading up towards the back path to the farm.
"Yeah, you'll get used to it. Need ta work on your endurance. We were only down there for a few hours-" Killer stops, blinking up at a new path Error’s pretty sure he hasn't seen before.
“WhAT’s thAT?”
"Ooo~ The bath house is open again!" Killer jumps up and down excitedly before rushing up the stairs. "Error, come on!"
“UgHh-” Error groans as he trudges up the stairs behind Killer. Where his datemate gets all his energy he will never know.
At the top of the stairs is an open area with a large and rather nice looking building with train tracks and a train station behind it. Error hums curiously, he didn’t know Stardew had a train. He looks around for a moment before following Killer into the building and through one of the gender labeled doors.
“WhAT is THiS plaCe?”
"It's the bath house. The main part is this big warm bath, but there's shower rooms and a sauna too. It's really nice~" Killer kicks off his boots, letting his jacket fall to the ground as he smirks. "Usually people bring a swimsuit, but no one's ever here late at night sooooo~"
“..WHaT aRe yoU ImplyINg..?” Error questions, suspicious. Killer’s grin sharpens and he ducks behind a curtain.
"Skinny dipin'~"
“Wh- BuT-” The glitch stammers, half expecting that answer but somehow still surprised.
"Aww come on Ruru no one will see~ and you won't be able to see too muchtoo much of Mr unless you look really hard~" He can hear Killer's clothes falling to the ground, cherry red magic glowing through the curtain.
“U-uM- f-fINe- bUt- buT You Go fiRSt-” He mutters, turning around and covering his sockets.
"Ok~ See you there, cutie~" Killer steps out, his feet near silent on the tile floor as he walks over and places a light kiss against Error’s neck, making him blush brightly, fighting the urge to turn around as Killer smirks and walks out of the locker room.
Once Error is certain Killer had left, he walks behind the same curtain Killer had, taking off his clothes and debating dismissing his ecto. He- much like Killer- had gone with his female ecto, if only because it was equally as unassuming as his male ecto and he found it more comfortable.
Killer kept his ecto on right-? With how bright it is he'll probably get a peek- Not that he'll be looking-! But uh….Does he wants Killer to get a peek at how he looks..?
Error knows he’s pretty plain looking- his chest is tiny and he doesn’t have very curvy thighs or hips, though in his personal opinion his ass isn’t half bad, but it’s not like he has anything to show off….Would Killer find him boring..? Or not attractive-?
That doesn't really sound like something Killer would do, but they haven't really talked about sexy stuff besides joking around… it… should be fine.. Right…?
Making up his mind, Error keeps his ecto summoned, gathering his courage and stepping out from behind the curtain, walking over to the door- before pausing….This is fine- Its fine-
"I'm not looking~! Don't worry~!" He hears Killer call through the door, and he takes a deep breath, hesitantly opening the door and peeking in. The glitch is stunned for a moment, a gasp leaving him at the pure size of the giant steaming bath that almost fills the whole building!
The steam is thick and should actually hide them pretty well just like Killer said. On the sides of the room are small shower heads with a bucket and different soaps- there probably isn't any bone scrub….unless Killer added some at some point.
"Over here! There's some steps in on both sides!" Killer waves, covering his sockets with his hand. At the confirmation Killer wasn’t looking Error quickly darts over to the water and hops in, making a small splash.
"Hehehe~ The bath is nice huh~? It's warmed by the natural hot spring underneath here." Killer pulls his hand away as Error comes back up, refusing to let the water go lower than his chin.
“It’S LiKe a POol-”
"Uh huh~! It's so nice and relaxing after being in the dungeon all night~ I always come here afterwards~" Killer sinks down, blowing bubbles in the water as he floats away, drawing a laugh out of Error as he follows after him.
“It doEs FEeL prEtTy nICe~” Error agrees, fresh air from the skylights above making it easy to breath despite the steam.
"Mhm~ It's got a good echo too~ Good for singin' or….you know~" Killer winks, making Error blush, sinking down further into the water. "Hehehe~ I'm just playin', Ruru~"
He swims closer to place a kiss on Error’s forehead before backing up, purring softly. "You're adorable~"
“Nu yoU-” Error mumbles.
"Hehehe~ If I'm adorable then you're beautiful~"
“Nu I’m noT ShUSh-” Killer dramatically gasps, seemingly stunned.
"That's blasphemy!! You are the most beautiful monster I have ever laid my….wait I can't say eyelights….uhhh…my magic upon~! No one compares to your unique allure~" Error can’t help but snort a bit.
“SuRe KiLls- beSIdEs, yOu’rE MucH PreTtieR~” He tries to deflect.
"Nah, I'm pretty boring. I got nice thighs and backside, but my magics pretty boring, not like yours though~ I could look at you all day~"
“My GLitCHes aRe mOre oF a CUrsE THaN ANytHIng eLSe.” Error grumbles. “BesIDes- mY FeMaLE ecTo lOoKS aLmoSt thE ExaCT SaMe aS My maLE eCto iF ANyoNe’S BorINg it’S Me-”
Killer’s hands gently grab Error’s cheeks, making the glitch meet his empty sockets as he smiles.
"Error, Ruru, my precious and gorgeous datemate, you are far from boring. I think your glitches are beautiful, in fact, I love them, they make ya who ya are~ They tickle my lips when I kiss ya and the constantly buzzing helps me relax cause I know it means you're here with me~ And your voice is so special~ I know I'd be able ta hear ya in a crowd of people."
"Also- small titts are really fun ta nibble on~ I like ta think of myself as an ecto body connoisseur~ I know how to appreciate every part of ya the way ya deserve~ And if I'm bein' honest I really want ya ta sit on my face~" Error flushes a bright yellow, stammering something unintelligible as he struggles to come up with a proper response, before just whining and raising his hands to cover his face.
"Hehehe~ Ya got no doubts now right~?"
“S-sUrE..” Error mumbles, incredibly flustered.
"Good~ 'Cause I." Killer kisses Error’s hand, smirking as they glitch a little. "Love." Another kiss. "You~" and one more for good measure.
“I- I- I L-loVE yOu tOo..~” The glitch murmurs, skull on fire and fairly certain that this was the first time they had actually said that to each other. His suspensions are confirmed when Killer lets out the most giddy, high school girl giggle he's ever heard, practically vibrating in place.
"Hehehehe~! Yes yes yes yes~!!" Error can’t help but snicker at the smaller’s antics, somehow managing to blush brighter as he smiles. "I love love love love you~! Heheheeee~! My Ruru~!"
“I lOve- LOve YOu toO YoU DorK~”
"...I wanna hug ya~" Killer makes grabby hands at Error, and after a second the glitch moves closer and opens his arms a bit, forgetting that they’re still naked. Killer remembers of course, smiling like a pervert as he immediately wraps his arms around Error and squishes their chests together, making the glitch squeak.
"Hehehe~ You’re warm~"
“A-anD YOu- BoobS-s-” Error stammers, visibly short-circuiting. Killer snickers, gently running his hands up and down the glitch’s sides, giving his belly a light squeeze.
"Uh huh~ They're little over hand held size, fun ta squeeze and a good pillow~ You can use'em as stress toys too if ya want~"
“U-uM-” Error shivers slightly, hesitantly wrapping his arms around Killer, who snuggles in closer.
"Ya can touch me all ya want whenever ya want~ Even if I'm sleepin'~" The small monster peppers little kisses along Error’s neck, being careful to not move his body much in fear of overwhelming the glitch more than he already is.
“I-iF yoU MeAN thE CudDLinG ThAT wAs aN acCIDenT-” Error defends, unconsciously tilting his skull out of the way with another small shiver.
"It was adorable and I loved every second of it, but no I mean later if ya were horny and I'm asleep~" Killer takes the gesture as the ok to continue, sprinkling in small nips in with his kisses.
“O-oH..~” Error half sighs, finding himself squirming slightly and pressing closer. Killer’s hands expertly grope his soft ecto, stroking up his back while the other rubs and squeezes the little pieces of his belly the smaller can get ahold of. All while his datemate nips and sucks on his vertebrae, licking between the joints.
“MmNh~” A quiet moan slips out of Error as Killer’s ministrations effectively turn him into a slightly trembling and glitching blob of bliss, a touch overwhelmed by the sensations.
“Hmm~ I really like how good you sound~ Ya feelin’ good, Ru~?” Killer’s voice is smooth as he whispers into Error’s skull, and it takes a second for the glitch to respond with a shaky nod and hum of affirmation. “Good~ You’re supposed ta relax in a bath~”
With more small kisses all the way up Error’s neck and skull, Killer stops, headbutting the glitch as he purrs, before pulling away, making him whine a bit even as he lets him, reaching out to just hold Killer’s hand as he tries to gather himself.
“Hehe~ Sorry, I might have went a bit far, left some nice marks though~”
“YoU WHaT-?” Error’s free hand goes to his neck, attempting to feel the marks Killer left on him.
“They’re really small- I don’t think anyone will notice-” Killer says in a slightly panicked tone. Did he go too far? Like really too far-? He got a little carried away but he doesn’t want to upset Error-
“GoOD ThINg I WeAr a SCaRf.” …Though Error doesn’t seem to be all that upset- mildly exasperated at worst, to Killer’s relief.
“They look really nice on you~ Wish I could completely cover ya in them~” He lightly kisses the hand in his hold, playing it cool to try and rid himself of his anxiety as Error giggles shyly.
“SoRry- NoT QUiTe thEre YEt… MaYBe aNothER dAy..~” Killer blushes, but smiles wide in excitement.
“Yayyyy~” Killer purrs louder, giving Error a small headbutt. “Hmm~ Ready ta go home?”
“Hmm A Bit LonGEr?” Error asks, moving closer to give Killer a nuzzle. The small monster practically trills, his soul a proper soul shape as he gives Error a dreamy look.
“‘Course~ Anything for ya, my queen~”
“GoRGoUs~” Error can’t help but coo, peppering light kisses on Killer’s face. He gets to watch as his datemates skull turns a pretty shade of red, the usually smeared black lines down his face washed away by the water as Killer melts, purring like a very pleased cat. Error is sure he looks equally as pleased, the fact that he could make Killer look so happy with only some kisses doing wonders for his ego. “AbSOlUTely ADorABle~”
“Hmmmm~ You’re so kind to your servants, Ruru~”
“OKaY I CaN haNDle tHe QuEen sTuFf buT YOu’rE moRe thAN juSt a SErvaNT, ‘kaY? YoU’re My wOndERfUL daTEmaTE WhOM I LoVE.” Error states seriously, despite knowing Killer is probably just joking around.
The small monster gives him a surprised, wide eyed look, genuinely surprised by Error’s insistence. “Hehehe~ So I’m your royal knight then~?”
“Hm… I sUpPoSE ThaT WOrKs fOR noW.” Error decides, nodding to himself.
“Good~ There’s no way I could ever be as strong or leader like as a king. Who would be a good king? Definitely no one in town-” Killer gets distracted, laughing to himself as he thinks it over.
“We’LL haVE tO JusT StiCk wITh a MaTRiaRChy foR now I SuPpoSe-”
“That works for me~” Killer purrs, giving Error’s nasal bridge a quick kiss. “By the way, I wanted ta ask you something.”
“Hm? WhAt’s uP?” Error tilts his skull in question, fighting off the slight worry that rises within him.
“Just wanted ta know how ya feel about…more than one person being in a relationship- Ya know a polly- Not that I have anyone ta add I’m just curious whatcha think-”
“I meAN.. I’M noT NecESsaRILy aGAinsT iT- I gUEss..?” Though a small part of Error can’t help but worry he wasn’t enough for Killer.
“K’ay~! I’ve just always liked the idea of a polly. Big warm bone piles, lots of extra love, a lot of….fuckery~ An a whole gang ta beat someone up if they dare mess with us~ Hehehe~” Killer smiles, headbutting Error again, unaware of the glitch’s worries. “It just sounds so safe, ya know?”
“SuRe~” The glitch agrees, giving Killer a small kiss as he internally frets about not being affectionate enough. He knows his haptophobia gets in the way of things sometimes, though Killer hadn’t seemed to mind it…
The small monster closes his sockets, relaxing against Error as he breathes in deeply. “...You’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met~”
“..Aw~ I’m SuRe I’m noT THaT GrEat~” Error playfully doubts, deciding to push away his fears for the time being. Killer probably doesn’t mean for it to sound that way-
“No, I mean it~ You make me so happy and your sweet and gentle and adorably dorky~”
“Aww~ If AnYOnE’s a dORk it’s YoU-” Error pauses, “AcTUaLly nO yeAh I’m pREttY dorKY-”
“We’re both dorky~!” Killer declares, before covering Error’s face in small popper kisses and making him giggle.
“ThAT WorKs~”
“Yeee~The cute dorky farmer and the cute dorky adventurer~ Hehehe~ We are a weird duo~”
“An aDOraBle dUo~!” Error yawns. “We shOUld PRobABly StArt heADinG hoME.”
“M’kay cutie~” Killer nuzzles the glitch’s skull affectionately, continuing his purring. “Want me ta carry ya~?”
“CoULd yoU EVeN caRry mE THe whOLe waY?”
“Uhh…I don’t know. I mean it’s not that far-”
“I cAn WAlk.” Error decides, pulling Killer towards the edge of the bath with him, the small skeleton whining.
“Awww- Ruuurruuuuuu~”
“I’m Not GonNA MaKe yoU CaRry mE-”
“But I wannnaaaaaa~” Killer continues to whine, nuzzling his skull against Error’s back as they make it to the bath steps, Error turning to nuzzle him back.
“It’S FinEeeE- NoW CLosE YOur sOCkeTs So I cAN Get oUT.” Killer pouts, but does as told- being sure to actually avert his gaze as Error gets out of the bath. “ThAnKs~”
Error heads into the locker room, dismissing his ecto to mostly dry himself off before gathering his clothes and putting them on, leaving the armor off. After a few minutes Killer follows, stretching as he grabs a towel and ducks behind a different curtain to dry off and put his shorts on.
“Hey Ru? Can I have my sweater and jacket?”
“Mhm- HErE-” Error grabs the clothes and holds them out through the curtain, not looking just in case.
“Thank youuuu, beautiful~!” Killer coos as he snatches his clothes, stepping out a moment later. “Ya ready~?”
“MhM~” Killer picks up the rest of his gear, putting it in his inventory, before holding out his hands.
“Let's go home then~” The glitch takes his hand, happily swinging them as he takes the lead to walk them home. They enjoy the silence of the late night outdoors as they walk home, ignoring some of the forigable goods.
Killer puts the crab and some other stuff away in the crate, and Error decides to keep the amethyst he found.
“It’S ShinY-!” He defends when Killer gives him an amused look.
“My Ruru is sooo cute~ Like a little dragon hordin’ his shiny things~”
“ShUT uPp-”
“Soooooo cuuutteee~” Killer coos as he walks by and opens the door to the house with a yawn. “I’ma seep now~”
“WaIT fOR me-!” Error quickly follows after him, still clutching the amethyst to his chest. Killer lets him in first, the smaller dropping his jacket on the ground, kicking off his shoes on socks as he falls onto Error’s bed.
“Mmmm~ Dwagon queen Ruru~” The glitch just sighs loudly even as he grins, setting the amethyst on the nightstand before pulling off his jacket and scarf and joining Killer in the bed. “Mmm I gonna wake up ta ya snugglin’ me again~?”
“PrOBAbly- SoRry I ForGot tO MeNtioN I was a CuDdly sLeEPer-” Error sheepishly apologies.
“I love cuddles, Ruru~ I am a pretty cuddly sleeper too, so- Well I just don’t sleep well alone, I need a cuddle buddy~”
“WeLL gOod ThiNG I’m HErE THen~” The glitch purrs, lightly hugging Killer against him. His small datemate purrs with him, nuzzling in against his ribcage happily.
“Mmmmhm~ My datemate is so pretty and..” yaaawwwn- “Cute..~”
“‘NiGht, KiLls~”
“Night Ruru..~” They both quickly and peacefully fall asleep, purring contentedly as they cuddle each other.
~ (smut in this section)
Killer slowly moves in over the course of a week, and they go furniture shopping to make sure they have more storage and just make everything easier. Killer insists on using his funds more than Error’s, saying that Error’s money should go more towards the farm.
Error makes sure to whine plenty at Killer’s insistence, but eventually caved and put the money he’s been saving into getting a barn built, once they had the space cleared for it. Killer shows him a few different paths and by the time summer is over they have a few little fields with mediet sprinklers and a fenced off pasture for their new cow.
“We should get a coop next! Ya needed eggs for the community center thing those spirits want you to do right?”
“Oh YeaH- I NeEdeD MILk tOo, coMe tO THinK Of iT sO THaNks foR THe rEMinDer-” Error remembers, getting attacked with kisses and snuggles in front of the cow by Killer.
“Mine mine mine mine mine~”
“AcK-!” Error sputters and laughs in surprise, before scooping Killer up and spinning around with him.
“Aaaahahaha~! Ruuru ya makin’ me dizzy~!” Killer laughs and squeals, wrapping his arms around his datemates neck to stay close as Error giggles, stopping his spinning in favor of aggressively nuzzling Killer. “Nuzzle nuzzle nuzzle~!”
The small monster purrs loudly, grinning like the lovable dork he is before nuzzling Error back just as aggressively, before grabbing Error’s cheeks and kissing him, making him squeak and blush as he kisses him back.
“Hmmm~ Falls comin’ up~” Killer coos as he pulls away, licking his lips as he takes in Error’s flushed face.
“THe aPpLE trEe shOuld fINalLy staRT maKIng FRuiT soON~!” Error says excitedly, still blushing a bit.
“Uh huh~ That’s not the only good thing though- well I guess it’s your opinion on if you’d call it a good thing or not-”
“WhAT?” Killer smirks, nuzzling their foreheads together.
“Usually my heat starts sometime in the fall~”
“O-oH..~” Error blushes brightly, Killer gently peppering kisses on his face.
“You don’t have ta help me if ya don’t want to. I can always go stay back in my cabin-”
“No-! N-nO- I - I WaNt tO HeLp-” Error immediately protests, surprising Killer a little.
“Ya sure? Ya probably already know heats can be kinda aggressive. I don’t wanna overwhelm ya for our first time-”
“W-wELl- ThEn maYBe.. wE sHoULd um- Do thINgS… beForEhaND..?” Error offers hesitantly, incredibly flustered. His little datemate blinks at him for a moment before practically sparkling as he vibrates in Error’s hold.
“Really~!? Like really really~!?” Error grows more flustered at Killer’s obvious excitement, nodding with a small smile.
“Ok ok uhhh- top or bottom? Or both? If you don’t get tired we can do both~”
“I’m uH- NoT SurE I’d Be thAT GreAt aT ToP… Wh-whAT Do yOU WaNna Be?” Killer shrugs, nuzzling in closer to the flustered glitch.
“Honestly I’m a switch so either works for me. I love ta take it as much as I love ta dish it out~ And if you’d rather be a bottom I’m more than happy ta top ya~”
“U-uM- y-yEAh- I mEaN- YeS PLeaSe..?” Error looked about ready to die of embarrassment. “I’vE- I’ve NevEr- um- DoNe thIS… wITH sOMeONe ELsE..”
Killer smiles and wiggles a little to stand up, kissing Error’s cheek. “Yeah I could kinda tell, but that's ok~ It’s just me and I’ll make sure ya enjoy yourself, ok~?”
“O-oKaY..~” Error gives Killer a kiss on the forehead, relaxing slightly.
“We can go as fast or as slow as ya want, Ruru~ Whatever makes ya more comfortable in the moment~ First times should always be special~ That's what my friend Hearts always tells me~” Killer straightens Error’s jacket again.
“WeLL- ThEn- HOw aBoUT We fINisH THe cHorES aND THen..?” Error trails off, both hopeful and nervous all at once.
“Yeah sure~ I can milk and feed Milkshake over there is ya want ta cut some more crass ta add ta the silo.”
“ALriGhty~” Error leans down, giving Killer one last kiss before letting him go and pulling out his scythe. With a giggle, Killer runs off towards the barn, practically radiating excitement. Error can’t help but grin a bit as he goes to cut the patches of tall grass scattered around the farm, Killer’s enthusiasm infectious.
Somehow the small skeleton knows just what to do to help him feel relaxed. It happens around anyone Killer talks to. He’s so insanely good at making people feel comfortable with him, it really is impressive. Error just loves him so damn much~ He’s so lucky to have him as a datemate.
Error finishes filling the little bit of the silo that was still empty before Killer is done with Milkshake so he heads into the house to try and…be ready when Killer comes in. Should he try and dress up or something..? Maybe preemptively strip?
Yeah he can do that, clothes will just get in the way right? He’s pretty sure he doesn’t have any sexy undergarments….Killer probably does- not that they would fit him- Actually- what if Killer would rather undress him himself? The small skeleton seems like he would be into something like that, though Error’s unsure.
Maybe he should just wait on the bed? He takes off his shoes and socks fist, feeling a little awkward as he lays back, thinking…..Wait what if he smells-!? Error quickly sits up, sniffing his clothes in an attempt to check.
“Pfft- Ruru what are you doing~?” He jolts quickly looking up to find Killer leaning against the wall that separates the living room from their bedroom, and he blushes brightly at being caught.
“U-uH- WeLL- I juST” He stammers, his datemate giggling as he makes his way over, shoving his face into Error’s neck.
“Mmmm~ You smell sweet, like chocolate~ I bet ya taste like chocolate too~”
“EeP-” Error squeaks, instinctively tilting his skull out of the way as he manages to blush harder. Killer takes the opportunity to pull Error’s scarf down and lick a long stripe up from Error’s collarbone to his jaw, making him jump a bit.
“Yummy~”
“A-aa-”
“Hehehe~ Relax Ruru~” Killer chuckles as he wiggles himself onto Error’s lap, gently cupping his skull as he gives the glitch a small love filled kiss. “It’s just me~”
“I- I KnOw~” Error murmurs, nuzzling into Killer’s hands as he forces himself to calm down and relax.
“I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do and if your not ok with something you could say…uhhh…..sock~!” Error snorts at Killer’s choice of a safeword.
“I’m NoT WOrRieD AboUT THaT- I trUSt yoU~” He says, certain in this if nothing else. “ThE NERveS aRe MorE LiKe… sTaGE fRigHt..? I GuEsS…?
“Ooooh- I get it~! I was kinda like that my first time too, but Hearts didn’t know what he was doing either….But don’t worry, ya won’t do anything embarrassing~ You can do it my Ruru~” Killer smiles and gently boops the glitch, making him stick out a tongue playfully.
“OKaY BuT No maKinG FuN of ME if I Do-”
“I’ll try not too- but if I laugh it's just because you’re being cute~” Error pouts lightly in protest, though there’s no actual emotion behind it. “Hehehe~ Now- want me to very seductively undress ya~?”
“SuRe~” Error agrees, internally glad for Killer making the choice for him. Killer giggles like the little pervert he is, before sliding Error’s jacket off his shoulders and sliding a hand up the glitch’s shirt.
“You’re so pretty ya know that~?”
“Y-yeAh YEaH-” The glitch mumbles, blushing slightly as he watches Killer. The small skeletons phalanges lightly trail up his spine, being sure to strop and ever so gently caress each joint he moves over before coming up to his ribs.
“Don’t ‘yeah yeah’ me. You are wonderful Ruru~ My sweet and beautiful datemate~”
“YoU’rE- B-bETter..~” Error’s breath hitches as Killer rubs at the base of one of his floating ribs, arching slightly into the touch.
“Ooo~ Did I find a good spot~?” KIller rubs where the floating rib connects in slow circles, every third circle being more firm than the last.
“Mmn~ Y-yeAH~” Error softly moans, a shiver going down his spine. Killer purrs, continuing his rubbing as he allows his other hand to explore some of the glitch’s other ribs, slowly rocking his hips downward, making Error squirm as he tries to press into Killer’s touches.
“Hmm~ I wanna touch and mark every part of your body so everyone knows you’re mine~” Killer kisses Error gently, kicking off his shoes as he leans over to begin littering the glitch’s neck in hickies and nips, purring loudly.
“I-I’M ALl yOUrS~” Error murmurs, slipping his hands up Killer’s shirt to rub his spine, wanting to make him feel good too. His datemate shudders, purring even louder as he starts nipping a little harder.
Killer’s hands meticulously rub and stroke every possible spot on Error’s ribs, from where they connect to his spine to where they all meet at the front, drawing quiet noises of pleasure from him as he squirms and pants slightly.
“Hehehe~ You look so good like this, Ru~” Killer’s magic burns excitedly, his joints glowing a soft red as he pulls away for a moment to really get a good picture of Error’s unraveled state. “So good for me~”
“MmN~” Error whines a bit as he looks at Killer with fuzzy eyelights, his own joints glowing a light yellow.
“I’m gonna burn this image int’a my mind forever~” Killer whispers in a husky voice, before pulling Error’s scarf and jacket off, carefully setting them on the ground, The glitch’s shirt is next, he swiftly pulls it over Error’s skull, pushing him to lay back down before wiggling to lay Error back against the many pillows they have. “You’re so perfect- just- damn, Ruru~ I can’t get enough of you~”
“I LOve You~” The glitch murmurs, making grabby hands at Killer. “NoW KisS Me-”
With a small chuckle, Killer obliges, leaning down to trap Error’s mouth in a deep real kiss. “I love you too~”
Error just smiles, pulling Killer down for another kiss. The small monster decides to lick the glitch’s mouth this time, silently asking for entry. Error opens his mouth, one of his tongues snaking forward to meet Killer’s and when they touch, their magic sparks pleasantly, making them both moan.
“HmMmm~” Killer presses closer, cupping Error’s cheeks as he rubs their tongues together, relishing in his datemates taste- before pausing as another tongue joins in, and two more slipping into his mouth to explore it.
The small monster blinks in surprise, but is distracted by the tongues in question, a muffled moan leaving him as he resumes grinding down on Error, his magic ready to form as Error’s own magic sparks and gathers in his pelvis.
“HhnGh~” The glitch eventually breaks the kiss, a string of saliva connecting them as Error pants, face flushed. Killer doesn’t look much more composed, his soul flickering slowly.
“Hehe~ Phew….Ya r-really do taste..l-like chocolate~” With a loud purr, his ecto snaps into place, his cock straining against the inside of his shorts, making him shift a little uncomfortably.
“L-liKE tHe SurPRisE..~?” Error lightly teases, trembling slightly from the sensations.
“Y-yeah~ Ya didn’t tell me ya have more than o-one tongue~” Killer nuzzles their skulls together, moving to get off of Error and wiggle out of his shorts- as well as the rest of his clothes- Error moving to do the same. “You’re a real good kisser~”
“It’S A PerK oF HaVinG FivE TOngUes~”
“Hehehe~ I bet you’d be really good at eating someone out~ We should try that sometime~” Killer tosses his clothes away without much care, some of the knives in his jacket making a clattering sound when it hits the floor. “Phew- That’s much better.”
“SoMetIMeS I fORGet YOu aLWaYs HaVe kNIvEs oN yoU-” Killer giggles sheepishly, laying his skull on Error’s ribcage as he smiles.
“Yeeaaaaah- Woops- I love how my jacket doesn’t tare~”
“AnD You’RE LuCky I dOn’T MInD~” Error coos playfully.
“Hehehe~ My Ruru is the beeessssttt~” Killer purrs, nuzzling his skull under Error’s skull. “Wanna summon that pretty ecto for me~?”
Error smiles and lets his ecto snap into place, shivering a bit at the cold air against his already wet cunt. His datemate excitedly sits back up, looking him over very exaggeratingly, before grabbing ahold of his very tiny breasts.
“Awwww~! I loooveee them~! They're so cute and pinchable~!!”
“O-oH HuSh-” Error mumbles, blushing brightly as his datemate lightly pinches his nipples, tugging on them a little.
“Make me~” The glitch just whines, arching slightly as he blushes darker. Killer uses his own legs to hold Error’s apart, taking his time fondling the glitch’s boobs and leaning down to cover them in nips and kisses too, making him whine more and squirm. “You’re so cute and needy already, Ruru~ So cute~”
His nips turn into bites, winking his teeth gently into Error’s ecto all over his chest, leaving several marks before cupping one of the nipples in his mouth to suck on it, drawing a low moan out of him.
“A-aHh~” He can feel Killer smirking against his ecto, one of the smaller’s skilled phalanges sliding down his stomach and finding its way down to his clit, slowly circling just lightly enough to give him barely any stimulation. Killer’s teasing him.
“KiLlErr..~” Error can’t help but whine, trying to grind against Killer’s hand.
“Yes beautiful~? Ya want me ta fill ya already~?”
“YeSs~” The glitch moans, giving Killer his best pleading expression. His soul pangs with need, as his dick throbs, with just one adorable look Killer almost can’t hold back. Almost~
“Mind if I stretch you first or-”
“FiNee-” Error agrees, though he pouts a bit as Killer leaves a trail of kisses all the way down his body. The smaller smiles, his dick throbbing as he kisses his datemates entrance, pulling a shiver from him.
“Hmmm~ I’m going to eat you out now, ‘kay~?” Killer doesn’t wait for Error to respond before delving in, scooping up Error’s slick with his tongue and shoving it inside.
“Ah~!” Error jolts a bit in surprise, clenching down on Killer’s tongue. The smaller’s magic rubs and licks aggressively against his insides, scooping up his magic as Killer presses his face in closer and eagerly swallows as Error moans and whines, walls fluttering around his tongue.
Killer holds and strokes his thighs, lightly squishing the soft ecto before opening his mouth a little wider to suck on the glitch’s sensitive bud.
“HaAa-aH~” Error arches slightly, a gasp leaving him as his toes curl at the pleasurable sensations, gripping the sheets beneath him. Killer licks at him relentlessly, sucking every few seconds between licks.
After a minute or two one of the small monster's fingers slowly joins his tongue, wiggling around before he adds another and gently scissors Error wide open, dragging a lewd moan out of him as he glitches slightly, clenching around Killer’s phalanges.
“K-kILleR I’M- f-FUcK~”
“Come on cum for me, Ruru~” Killer says quickly before delving in again, using his fingers to stretch Error’s walls. “Cum, Error~”
It only takes a few moments longer before Error cries out, tensing and glitching as pleasure washes through him, walls clamping down on Killer’s tongue and phalanges while a small gush of slick drips out of him. His date mate eagerly laps it all up, removing his phalanges to better shove his tongue in as deeply as he can, dragging out the glitch’s climax until the glitch squirms and lightly pushes at his skull, overstimulated.
“K-Ki- FuCk-” He pants harshly, small ripples of glitches going up and down his body. HIs datemate pulls away, panting and licking his mouth as yellow magic drips down his chin. They both take a moment to gather themselves, Killer gently stroking his legs.
“You-….y-you good, Ru-?”
“Y-y-yeAH… YoU- yOU’re gOod..~” Error murmurs, giving Killer a small smile.
“H-hehehe~ I know..~” Killer wipes his chin, before moving up to be over Error, giving him a small kiss. “Feelin’ g-good..~?”
“S-sO GoOd~” The glitch agrees, kissing Killer back with a quiet purr.
“Hmmmm~ A-awesome~ So ya ready for me now t-then~?” The smaller purrs back, laying his front down on Error to better snuggle him.
“YeS PLeaSe~” A smirk makes its way onto Killer’s face and he nuzzles their skulls together as he positions his tip against the glitch’s cunt, he rubs it between Error’s puffy lips, covering it in slick, before preparing to push in.
“I love you, Ruru~ I’m gonna make sure ya know j-just how much I love you~”
“I LOve You Too~” Error squirms slightly in anticipation, trying to wiggle his hips down a bit. With a smile, Killer slowly pushes himself in, his tip easily spreading Error’s stretched walls open and making the glitch gasp a bit.
Compared to the rest of Killer his dick feels so warm, slowly sliding in against his walls and filling Error with an entirely new sensation. It doesn’t last too long though, his date mate only gets so far before the thin wall of ecto that is his virginity stops him.
“O-ok, ya know this is gonna hurt so I’ll be fast.” Error whines in protest, but he had been expecting it, so he just braces himself.
“A-aLRigHt- Get IT ovERwITh-” Killer nuzzle their foreheads together and gives Error an affectionate, deep kiss as he suddenly shoves his cock all the way in as fast as he’s willing, the barrier giving away with no resistance. Error yelps loudly into the kiss, jolting as his sockets water slightly from the sharp pain.
The smaller grabs Error’s sides and rubs his abdomen to try and soothe the pain, pushing in until their pelvises meet, only then does he break the kiss with a gasp, shuddering.
“F-fuCk oW-” Error mutters, even as the pain quickly fades to a much duller ache.
“Y-yeah I know- sorry Ru-” Resting his skull against Error’s collar bone, the smaller, soothingly rubs over the small bump in Error’s ecto his dick is causing, making him relax as the ache slowly fades into practically nothing.
“ALriGht.. I’m ALrIGht nOw..” Error breathes after a moment.
“Ya sure?” Killer nuzzles him, lightly kissing his collarbone and neck.
“MhM~” Error peppers a couple of kisses over Killer’s skull, the small monster purring loudly as his soul flickers.
“Hmmm~ Yay~ Want me ta move now~?”
“YEs PLeaSE~” Error blinks at Killer with wide sockets, expression playfully pleading. “PLeasE FUcK me~?”
The smaller visibly tenses, his soul stopping for a moment before it pulses in nearly unrestrained excitement. A wide grin spreads across Killer’s face, his purr practically roaring.
“As you wish, my queen~” He pulls back out just a little, before quickly thrusting back in, his shaft just begging for more attention- and Error is more than willing to give it in the form of his tight, warm walls.
“Hmm~” The thrusts start shallow, only pulling out a little before Killer thrusts back in, but he slowly starts pulling out a little more and a little more each time, snuggling in close to Error as the glitch’s hips rise to meet each thrust. “HnNg~ F-fUcK I lOVe yoU~”
“HmMmm~ I love you to- S-so so freaking much~!” Killer slowly speeds up as he begins to bite at the glitch’s neck, leaving marks anywhere he can reach. “My amazing a-and sweet, Ruru~ HmMm’fuck you f-feel good~”
“A-aHh~ FuCK K-kILleR~” Error moans, shuddering as he tilts his skull out of the way.
“MaAaah~ S-someday, you’re gonna be my mate~ And I’m gonna s-shower you with- HNnng~ a-affection and love until y-you can’t breath~”
“M-maTe~?” Error asks breathlessly, Killer continuing to rub his hips and middle. It all feels so good it’s almost too hard to think.
“U-uh huh~ AaAahhhh~ We’ll be mates s-someday, whenever we’re r-ready for it~!” Error giggles quietly, before being thoroughly distracted by the feeling of his steadily approaching climax. Killer refocuses on his thrusts, gripping Error’s hips tightly as he thrusts as hard and fast as he can. “I-I’ll love y-y-you forever~”
“I- H-HhAAa~!!” Error interrupts himself, moaning loudly as he’s pushed over the edge, clenching down tightly on Killer’s cock as he glitches. His date mate moans as he’s squeezed, continuing to thrust through Error’s climax as he chases his own, though it really doesn’t take much.
His thrusts become clumsy the closer he gets and after a few moments, Killer grips the glitch’s hip and hilts as far as he can go and bites Error’s neck as he body tenses, who cries out again as Killer’s hot cum fills him. It’s a high he’s never felt before, his body is tense and his bones are shaking, but the pleasure shooting up his spine is so hot and somehow that makes it feel so much better.
Killer relaxes slowly on top of him, twitching a little as he sucks on the bite, pulling a breathless whine from him and making him shudder. The smaller sucks for a good minute before letting go, licking some of the marrow away as he rests his skull again, sockets closed.
“Hmmmmm..~ So good…~”
“M-mHm..~” Error hums, still a touch out of breath as he relaxes back against the bed, wrapping his arms around Killer. The smaller is completely limp, slowly catching his breath as he relaxes against Error, quietly purring- though one arm keeps him up just enough so his soul isn’t squished between them, and after a second Error moves an arm between them to help make more of a barrier.
“I LoVE yoU~” He murmurs, giving Killer a nuzzle.
“I love you mere..~ Hmmm..you did really good..~”
“Y-yoU DId Too~ ThaT W-waS PRoBabLy thE BeST o-oRGaSAm I’vE EVer HAd-”
“Hehehe~ Good ta know I d-did ya good~ Wanted it ta be memorable~” Error tilts up Killer’s skull, leaning down slightly to give him a kiss.
“WeLL yoU Did GreAT~”
“Thanks~” Killer says with a purr as he gives Error a kiss back, he misses Error’s mouth a little, but acts like he did it on purpose- his sockets were still closed anyways. “You did nothing embarrassing, I told ya~”
“YoU TOld Me~” Error agrees with a happy sigh.
“.....Next time I still want ya ta sit on my face~”
“...PFft- Oh My GOd-” The glitch laughs, giving Killer a gentle, affectionate squeeze. “SuRE~”
“Yeeee~! I got the best datemate everrrrr~!” Killer smiles, opening his sockets to- hopefully- give Error a really cute wink and then carefully attack his face with kisses, making him laugh and grin, kissing him back.
“Hehehehe~ Ruru is the best~ The best the best the best eveeerrrrrr~!” Killer sings, relaxing a little more as he looks around again.
“YoU DOrK~” Error coos.
“Yeah, you are too~ Two adorable dorks~”
“MhM~ YoU’re MoRe oF A DOrK thOuGh-” Killer pouts, puffing out his cheeks with a whine.
“Nuuuuuu~”
“YusSss~” The glitch purrs, nuzzling Killer as the small monster whines and nuzzles into his neck, his purring gives him away though- of course he loves the attention.
“Fiinnnneee- Your dork~”
“YeSs~ All MInE~!” Killer snickers, before closing his sockets again and nuzzling in closer.
“Hmmm~ Wanna take a nap~?”
“A NaP SouNDs nICe~” Error agrees, nuzzling and kissing Killer some more before relaxing, purring.
Chapter 60: Soulmates
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
It’s pretty much just a cute soulmate AU
Error x Nightmare
Chapter Text
Error huffs, grumbling to himself as he adjusts the boxes in his arms, the items inside shifting as his sandals flop against the hot concrete of the sidewalk. He really wishes he could just drive- it would be so much easier to move his stuff and get around. Thankfully Geno was more than happy to help him move the majority of it to his new place.
His brother really is awesome. Geno had found him a decently sized place with a roommate. He won’t have to pay as much for rent and his brother even met up with said roommate to make sure they wouldn’t be a problem. Geno said they were nice.. Error would have liked to meet up with them in person beforehand, but he trusts his big brother’s judgment, even if he’s a bit nervous.
“Hey! Freaky skeleton!” Error tenses, turning his skull in the voices direction as three rather big hybrids make their way over to him. Glitching slightly, he decides then and there that he doesn’t want to deal with whatever they had planned, looking forward again and walking a bit faster.
“Hey-! I’m talking to you!” A hand firmly grabs his shoulder, pulling him back forcefully and making him stumble a few steps as harsh glitches prickle along his bones. “Whatcha running from, pipsqueak? We just wanna talk~”
“D-dOn’T to-OUcH Me-E-” Error stammers, error signs quickly beginning to appear in his sockets as he tries to jerk away, holding tightly onto his boxes. The asshole scoffs at him, but lets go, letting Error stumble back into another asshole. He barely holds back a yelp as a painful ripple of glitches goes through him, hurriedly stepping back.
“Calm down, freakazoid. We just wanna ask ya some questions~”
“I do-oN’t ha-AVe anYth-hiNG Of v-vALue On-n mE-”
“Yeah, I don’t believe you.” One of the hybrids reaches out for the box in his arms, and Error tries to pull back.
“I-it’S Ju-usT KniTtiNG ProJ-jEcTS-” He says truthfully. Anything of monetary value was either already at the house or hidden in Error’s inventory, but the boxes held several of the handmade gifts Geno had made him, as well as some of his own favorite projects- including dolls of Blue and both of his brothers.
Still, the hybrids persist, either convinced he has something or just wanting to be dickheads.
“Excuse me, but could you back the fuck off.” Another voice chimes in, grabbing the wolf hybrid by the arm and rather roughly pulling him away from Error. “Don’t worry. I’ve already called the police and the three of you will be arrested. That is if you are here when the police arrive.”
“Who the fuck are you-!? We ain’t doin’ nothing-”
“I just witnessed you three corner and try to steal from this nice monster. There is also a street camera right there for proof if you try to deny my claims.” The hybrids immediately look up towards what is indeed a camera...pointing right at them.
The tallest of them scoffs, pushing the stranger away as they leave. “We won’t forget this, skela bitch-!”
“Pfft…skela bitch…” The stranger turns, soft purple eyelights looking Error up and down with a critical eye. “They didn’t hurt you, did they?”
Error shakily opens his mouth to respond, only to freeze and glitch harshly as he feels his forearm heat up significantly, the sensation just shy of burning. Instinctively, he knows if he looked right now, the familiar, dark letters against his red bones would be glowing right now. He barely manages to keep himself from crashing right there, just staring numbly at who can only be his soulmate through the few clear gaps in his vision.
He can barely see them. Bright, kind of silvery bones that almost sparkle, relatively small stature, but taller than him, and purple eyelights that almost seem to look through him. Their presence feels….oddly calming and quiet, thought it's kind of hard to focus on something like that when he has a million thoughts racing through his head-
“...Hello? You don’t look like you’re doing well. Do you need me to call someone for you, dear?” Error flinches with a painful jolt of glitches, realizing he needs to actually respond.
“I’m f-F-fINe-e- I j-jUSt- I’m tr-RYinG-g tO G-geT To-o m-m-My nE-eW H-hoUSe…” He mumbles, struggling to keep his voice from glitching too badly.
“Let me walk you there. I don’t want those annoyances to target you again.” His soulmate glances towards where the assholes ran with a rather cold glare, before carefully taking Error’s box. “Do you mind?”
The glitch mutely shakes his head, shakily reaching up to grip at his scarf and forearm with his now free hands. They silently begin walking, his soulmate letting him lead the way as he tries to think through his racing thoughts. Even if he can’t see them very well- his soulmate is so pretty-!!
Error stops in front of what he’s pretty sure is the right house, his glitches not calming down whatsoever and making it hard to see if the number is right. He fumbles slightly as he pulls the paper with the address Geno had written, hesitantly holding it out to the other skeleton.
“S-soR-rry B-bUt I CaN-n’t sEe r-r-rEAlly weLL… iS- is th-tHIs thE saMe PL-lace aS THaT..?” He questions, the other taking his paper carefully and looking it over.
“...Uh huh. This is quite the coincidence. It seems like we’re actually roommates…who would have thought.” Once again, Error has to hold back a crash as he tries very hard to keep from outwardly panicking.
“H-hUh… hO-o-oW luCKy th-heN.”
“You’re Error, right? My name is Nightmare. It is a pleasure to meet you.” His soulmate smiles before leading him up the stairs, Error only stumbling slightly in his haste to follow. He steps inside the house after them, eyeing the couch as Nightmare continues walking down the hall to what he can only assume is going to be his room.
Error takes a moment to assess his body, cringing as he realizes he definitely wasn’t going to completely fight off the crash that’s been threatening since Nightmare first spoke to him, and he quickly makes his way over to the couch, sitting down.
He wants to wait for his soulmate to come back- to explain what’s going on- but as he sinks into the cushions, Error can’t quite fight back the oncoming crash any longer, going limp with a loud sound.
*Beeeeep*
Error.exe has crashed.
~
Nightmare sighs, setting the box down in his roommate's new room, before looking around. “Alright…do you have anything else you need help….moving..” His voice trails off as he glances behind him, finding the glitch missing.
“....Error?” Making his way back to the living room, the wooden floor creaking beneath his feet. “Error are you…Oh.”
‘The encounter must have been too much for him…’ Nightmare sighs again, frowning in worry over his new roommate. The other’s brother had told him about this happening when Error gets overwhelmed, but it's still….unsettling. He goes to grab a blanket, carefully draping it over the glitch’s shoulders without touching him, before making his way over to the kitchen.
His roommate is probably hungry by now, if what he was told about the other’s eating habits is true….It’s about lunch time anyway.
Tying on an apron and pulling out some ingredients, Nightmare gets to work, cooking up what should be a decent meal when the other awakens.
~
Rebooting…. 100%
Error groans quietly, blinking open his sockets. His whole body hurts, aching from his reboot as pixels continue to dance across his bones. Something does smell nice though..
He looks around for a moment, taking a second to figure out where he is… the new house he’s going to be sharing with his….soulmate- holy shit his soulmate-
“Ah, I see you’re awake.” That stupidly smooth voice says to him, walking around the couch and placing something down on the coffee table. “I don’t know if this will help or not, but some food might make you feel better.”
Error just stares dumbly at his soulmate- Nightmare- for a long moment, before shakily pushing himself up, the blanket that had apparently been draped over his shoulders falling into his lap. Looking at the table, he finds a big plate of….chicken alfredo. Really good looking chicken alfredo-
“Do you want chocolate milk too?”
“...ThiS IS.. foR Me?” He questions, stunned.
“Of course, who else would it be for? I have my own plate, so no need to worry. Now would you like a drink or not?” Nightmare asks insistently.
“...YeS PLease.” The glitch replies meekly. His soulmate nods and heads back to the kitchen, coming back a minute later with a big cup of chocolate milk.
“You can watch anything you like while you eat. Within reason, obviously.” Error carefully picks up the plate of food, crossing his legs and bundling the blanket on his lap to act like a makeshift table to set the plate on top.
“WhaT AboUT yoU?”
“Hum? What do you mean?” Nightmare asks while crossing his arms.
“I jUSt- doUBt yoU WaNna WaTCh m-mY ShoW? Uh-” The glitch shrugs awkwardly, looking away.
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about me. I much prefer reading over TV anyday. Any background noise you put on won't bother me.” The taller shrugs, before walking back to the kitchen, coming back with a plate of his own and sitting in a nearby recliner with a book in hand.
“...EveR HEarD Of UNdeRnovLLia?” He questions hesitantly.
“Hmm…I believe so. Is that what you would like to watch?”
“If yOu’rE OKay WitH It?”
“As I said, it really doesn’t matter to me.” Nightmare doesn’t even look up at Error as he begins reading, stopping to take a bite of his food before resuming. Hesitant, Error picks up the remote and turns on the TV, turning the channel to the one Undernovellia is normally on.
Only once he does that does he turn his attention to the food, taking a small bite….Oh it's so creamy- the genuine intent to help Error feel better is surprising as well, a small, pleased sound leaving him as he eats a larger bite, realizing just how hungry he is.
Nightmare glances up at him, watching him eat for a few minutes before looking away just as the glitch looks up. Error is just as his brother described him in.. almost excruciating detail- going as far as to give Nightmare a list of his favorite foods and what kind of textures disagree with his glitches. He had also made sure to explain how crashes often affected the glitch, so it’s good to see him at least sitting up and eating.
He honestly doesn’t mind someone who needs a bit more maintenance. It’s not abnormal for Nightmare to find himself taking care of others, Dream was also- No. No no no. He’s not here right now. Nightmare is done with him. There’s no reason to let that…asshole linger in his mind longer than necessary.
“SiN DoN’t dO It-!” Error cries out, snapping Nightmare out of his thoughts. The glitch’s eyelights are locked on the TV, his food already finished and his plate sitting on the coffee table, glass of chocolate milk clutched between his hands.
Nightmare can’t help but snort quietly, peeking over his book at the smaller, who is completely invested in his show. It is….rather adorable actually… and the small, disappointed sound Error makes when the commercials turn on certainly helps.
“Cute…~” He mumbles to himself, before closing his book and getting up to take Error’s plate. The glitch jumps and looks up at him with wide sockets at his movement, expression confused until he picks up the other’s plate.
“O-oH- I cAn- I caN Get thAT-”
“I don’t mind and you seem to be enjoying yourself.” Nightmare gives Error a small smile, heading towards the kitchen to rinse off their plates and silverware to prepare them for the dishwasher.
With his back turned, he doesn’t see the way Error’s face turns a bright yellow, the glitch quickly chugging his chocolate milk in an attempt to cool down. Nightmare smiled at him-!...he has a really nice smile….he has a really nice face- fuck his soulmate is so pretty-
Glancing at where Nightmare was rinsing the dishes, he hesitantly pulls up his sleeve, looking down at the familiar words engraved on his arm. They’re no longer purely black anymore, outlined in the same soft purple of Nightmare’s eyelights, with small swirls of a pretty teal. Even if he had doubted it before, the proof is right in front of him.
He had always wondered…what his soulmate would be like. Who the perfect person for him would be. How they would meet…Error had repeated those words to himself, over and over late at night when he couldn’t sleep.
But… Nightmare didn’t react to him- to his words. It wasn’t unheard of for soulmates to have different indicators… but one-sided soulmates exist as well… What if Nightmare already has a soulmate waiting for him out there?
The idea makes his soul ache. He’s been waiting for his soulmate….the idea of a one sided soulbond….He’ll be alone and his soulmate would be with someone else.
…He should say something to Nightmare- it’s the least he deserves- but… Error is scared. What if Nightmare confirms his suspicions. What if he…gets rejected? Error doesn’t know what he’d do with himself if that happens- he’s terrified of the possibility. It’s not like he has anywhere else he can go and…living with Nightmare after that would be…..Stop it. This isn’t helping.
He should- he should talk to Geno- and maybe Blue. He should let his brothers know he made it to Nightmare’s intact- tell them all he met his soulmate and get advice. They’ll know what to do.
“Here, don’t eat it too quickly.” Error blinks as a smaller plate is placed in front of him with- chocolate cake-!!
He practically lights up when he sees it, quickly pulling down his sleeve and grabbing the plate happily. Nightmare takes his cup, refilling it with chocolate milk and even bringing him some oreos before sitting back down, a cup of tea in hand.
“ThAnk yoU-!” Error remembers to say before digging into the slice of cake with a pleased hum, wiggling happily when the episode of Undernovellia finally continues.
“Hehe…adorable..~”
“Hm?” Error looks over at Nightmare questioningly, mouth full of cake.
“O-oh nothing. Nothing at all.” His soulmate avoids his gaze, hiding his face behind a book, much to his confusion. Still, he doesn’t pry, just going back to his show and cake.
~
When Error finally gets to his room, he sighs at the sight of all the boxes…He still has a lot of work to do. Pulling out his phone, Error doesn’t even get past the unlock screen before noticing the many messages and missed calls… Crap he was supposed to tell Geno when he got here safe-!
Not wanting to have his brother freaking out anymore, Error quickly calls him.
“Error-!!! Bubbu are you okay!? You haven’t been kidnapped, right? You’re safe and home and-”
“I’M OkAy-! I’M okaY I goT To thE HOusE iT’s jUsT bEeN A cRazY COuplE Of hoUrs I’m soRrY-” Error interrupts.
“...You’re so lucky I didn’t call the cops-”
“I dID aLmoSt gET mUggEd, tO Be faIR.”
“Excuse me-!?!? Hold up I’m coming-”
“NonOno I’m fiNE I’m FInE-! NiGhtmaRE HElpeD Me-!” Error hurries to reassure, glitching slightly in panic.
“Oh…alright, but I’m checking in on you tomorrow. So, how do you like your roommate? Is he good to you? No problems?” At this, Error falls silent, trying to figure out what to say.
“....He maDe Me fOoD.” He decides on.
“Oh yeah? Did he make something you like? He told me he isn’t a bad cook, but I didn’t try his food. Nightmare seemed pretty nice, if not a bit standoffish.”
“HE maDE cHicKEn aLfreDO- aNd caKE! He gAVe mE ChoCOlatE CaKe!...I thInk He feLT BaD I CraShEd.”
“He made you crash-!?”
“No-! No hE diDN’t dO ANythINg- It wAS thE GuYS wHo trIEd tO MuG Me, anD….” Error trails off, looking at his still covered forearm.
“As long as he didn’t hurt you….Anything else?”
“...He’S My soULmaTE.” Error manages to mutter….There’s a long silence on the other side of the phone.
“...Isn’t that supposed to be a good thing? You don’t sound very happy, Bubbu.”
“I- I doN’t knOW? He diDN’t… He hASn’t saID ANythiNG- wh-wHaT If iT’s oNE-sidED-?”
“Ah, I see….One sided soulmates are….pretty tragic, but you’ll never know if you don’t ask.” Geno tries to reassure him, but Error only whines, flopping down onto his bed and curling up.
“...You could wait. Get closer to him, see if he has a different trigger, see if you actually like his personality. You don’t have to tell him until you feel ready, Bubbu.”
“We boTh kNoW I’d jUSt psyCH MysELf uP….” Error mutters, before whining again. “He’S So pREttY Gen-”
“You’re pretty too, Bubbu. Even if you do get too afraid to tell him, if you are his soulmate then he’ll find out eventually. His trigger probably has something to do with touch. So you’ll still have to hang out with him and get used to him to find out.” Error frowns. He hadn’t thought of that. “Just try, Bubbu. It’ll be worth it.”
“...oKay..” He mumbles. “..I WaNna TeLL Him- hE DesERvES To kNow.”
“That’s your choice to make. Neither decision is bad, so just do what feels right to you, okay? Don’t worry, I’ll shower you with love tomorrow when I visit.”
“AlriGHt..” Error agrees quietly. “....He gaVe mE OReoS And CHoCOlaTE MilK Too.”
“....Yup, you found your match-”
“Did yoU Not tELl hiM-? I fiGUreD THaT’s whY he GAvE Me thE ChoCOlaTE StufF-”
“I did tell him you have a passion for chocolate and it helps you feel better, but still. He went out of his way to not only prepare food you like, but give you oreos and milk. That’s a keeper.” Error smiles a bit, pulling his sleeve down to look at the words on him again.
“Mhm~ …I ReALly hOpe iT’s noT One-sIDed..”
“Me too. You deserve to be happy with someone who loves you, Bubbu. I'm really happy for you~ You’ll have to tell me how it goes, okay?”
“Of cOUrsE-” Error scoffs, rolling his eyelights. “..I loVE you.”
“Hehe, I love you more, Bubbu~ Make sure to get your bed ready so you can sleep tonight, okay?”
“OkAY Mom .” He teases, before groaning as he painfully pushes himself up. It’s better if he gets it over with now, instead of waiting until he’s too tired.
“Shush- I’ll see you tomorrow, Bubbu.”
“See yA TOmoRroW.” He hangs up, setting his phone on the bedside table, before getting to work on making his bed. Reaching over to fit the sheets around the edges of his mattress, straining himself just a little.
A very aggressive coughing sound from the other room startles him, his attention immediately drawn to his closed door. Concerned, Error quickly makes his way out of his room, following the sound.
He finds Nightmare leaning heavily against his bed, a hand covering his mouth with a cloth as he coughs into it. Glitching slightly in worry, Error darts to the kitchen to grab a glass of water, luckily finding the cups on his first try, before hurrying back to Nightmare.
His soulmate is sitting down now, facing the door when he returns. "I-I'm fine-"
“ThAt diDn’t soUNd fiNE-” Error argues, hesitantly stepping in to offer the water. Nightmare hesitantly takes it, setting the now black stained cloth down beside him as he takes a drink.
"I…got a little lost in thought is all. This always happens." The glitch frowns in concern.
“ThAT doESn’t neCesSArilY MeAn iT’s oKAy. I sAY thE SamE THinG AboUt ToUCh aND My glITcheS, bUt thEy’RE AcTUaLLy preTty pAInful.” Error admits.
Nightmare avoids his gaze, setting the glass down on the nearby table. "Alright. I will be fine."
Error has to fight the urge to practically beam at the fact that his soulmate was willing to be honest- if only with this- but he’s not sure how well he succeeds.
“GooD- thANk yoU. Is THerE ANytHIng I cAn dO To hELp sPeED up THaT ProCEss?”
"...A distraction would be nice I suppose." The taller mumbles, and Error nods, smiling wider.
“ALriGht…. ArE YOu uP For tALkinG Or woULd yoU RaTHer I JusT RamBLE?”
“Ramble all you like, dear.” Nightmare crosses his legs, sliding the stained cloth behind him as Error flushes in pleased surprise at the pet name.
“O-oKaY- uM- lEmME KnOw iF I’m gEtTINg aNnoYINg-” Error stammers, before plopping on the ground and deciding to get right into it. “So- yOu knOW HoW I TurNEd oN UNderNovELlia EarLIEr? WeLL- iT’s aCTuaLLy mY FavORitE shOw aND I’vE ProBaBLy wATcHED evERythINg thAT’s oUT At leASt thREe timES NoW-”
“Who is your favorite character?”
“AsGOro, foR SuRE. I kNow He’s Not A GReaT HusBAnd oR EveN PerSOn in GenERaL- I Don’t BLaMe TorIEL foR LeaVinG hiM- BuT He’S SucH An INtereSTinG ChaRACter, anD I FeEL liKe he’S GEnuINely TryINg to Do bETter.”
“I see. So you like him because of his redemption arc?”
“Nope! I lIKe hiM ‘CAuSe I ThiNK he’S cOOl! AnD I DOn’t liKE Sin.”
“You don’t like the skeleton?”
“NoT At aLL- He’s Too…” Error waves a hand, trying to find the right words. “HoT And cOLd? I meAN- hE Is aLL paSiONate AnD CaRIng oNe epISOde anD THe neXt hE’s coLD And INdifFEreNt- anD He keEps tELlinG TorIEL He’LL taKe caRe of Her, bUt It feELs liKe hE JusT KeEPs gEttINg heR iNto MorE TRouBLe!”
“Ah, he does sound rather annoying. Maybe the writers are using him to try and move the story along?”
“ThEy aRE BuT THey’RE DoinG It bADly .” He complains, crossing his arms with a huff.
“Agreed. At least you’re enjoying the show. It’s good that you have something you’re so passionate about.” Nightmare smiles softly at him again, making Error feel almost giddy with joy as he blushes again.
“Y-yEah… YoU- yoU REaD, riGht? AnY BoOKs yOu paRTicULArly liKe?”
“Hmm….There is this one book. It’s about a guy who’s had it pretty rough, but always made the best out of what he had, that is until a higher being of his world chooses to forcefully ascend him into godhood.”
“He is forced to play the god of destruction, losing his old name and old identity to instead cause ‘natural’ disasters that, as expected, kill people and ruin innocent lives. There are other gods, a god of creation who uses the main character's destruction to create new things, and a god of darkness who chooses to save those unjustly judged by the world. The story is mostly about the MC trying to cope with his role and facing the hatred of the world and prejudice against him for something he has no control over.”
“WoAh… thAt soUNds reALly iNtereSTinG! WhAt’s iT cALled?” Error questions, leaning closer.
“Hmm…Good question. I haven’t actually named it yet.” Nightmare smirks, looking back at Error all smug. The glitch blinks in confusion, before realization strikes him.
“It’S YOur sTOrY-???”
“Correct~”
“ThAt’s?? So COol???”
“Pfft- You sound very unsure about that statement.” Nightmare says with a chuckle, crossing his arms.
“It iS-!” Error defends, pouting. “ThAT’s aWSomE! HoW MUch haVE YOu goT DOne?”
“Most of it. There are a few more things I want to edit in between plot points, but besides that it’s finished….and a name for the book, obviously.”
“ThAt’s sO coOL- yoU GoTta LeT Me reAD It whEn yoU’rE DoNE- iF- if thAT’s oKaY-” Error isn’t much of a fan of reading- he does enough of it staring at code- but for his soulmate, he’d try.
“If you would like then I don’t see why not. I…am rather proud of my book.”
“YoU SHouLd be! WriTinG A WhoLE bOok iS A Lot oF Work!” Nightmare’s face dusts a soft purple and he quickly turns his skull away to avoid Error’s gaze. It’s absolutely adorable holy shit-
“It’s just a hobby I do in my spare time.”
“StilL CoOL anD ImPreSsivE.” He reiterates firmly, his soulmate shifting a bit.
“If you insist…What do you do in your spare time? Your brother told me you crochet.” Now it’s Error’s turn to blush and glance away.
“Ah- YeAh. I liKe maKINg clOTheS And PupPEts wiTH my sTRingS.”
“Puppets?”
“YeAh THerE LiKe.. OnE Sec LEmmE Go gRAb onE-” Error quickly pushes himself up, gritting his teeth at the pain from the movement.
“Sit down- You obviously shouldn’t be moving around.”
“It’S FinE- I’m usED To iT.” He waves off, carefully stretching in an attempt to lessen the ache permeating his bones.
“What did you literally just tell me, Error.” Nightmare asks rhetorically, giving him a look.
“.....OkAy I ShoULdn’T Be moVINg aRouND- bUt I wANted To shOW YOu mY PuPpeTS!” Error defends, shrinking slightly under Nightmare’s gaze.
“Then sit down and I will get them for you. Just tell me which box they are in.” Nightmare stands, patting his bed. Hesitantly, Error walks over, sitting on the edge of the bed. He’s pleasantly surprised by just how soft it is, holding back the urge to just flop onto it completely.
“..ThE GoOD ONes Are iN THe BoX I cAMe hEre With- juST- uh- pleASe be caREful..”
“Of course.” Nightmare leaves the door open as he walks down the hall, giving Error a good chance to actually look around at his room. There’s a tall bookshelf near the window, a reclining chair beside it with a nice table, there’s a desk in the opposite corner, covered in papers, pens, and a laptop….and instead of a closet, Nightmare has a pretty wooden wardrobe.
It’s fairly sophisticated, and feels almost… whimsical. It’s a far cry from Error’s messy yet minimalistic style. Not to mention the many many potted plants practically everywhere in the room.
“This box, right?” Nightmare asks as he steps back in, setting the box down on the floor in front of him.
“MhM- thANks.” Error carefully slides down onto the floor for easier access, opening the box and carefully shifting through it to grab his most recent puppet of Blue, pulling out his strings to control it.
“...Oh it’s cute-” Nightmare’s eyelights visibly dilate, and Error has to fight the urge to coo.
“It’S a PupPEt oF My fRIenD. SaY Hi BLue.” Error makes the puppet walk closer and wave at Nightmare, tilting its head to make it look like it’s looking up at his soulmate.
The taller waves back at the puppet, staring in wonder. "It's so cuuutte-"
“YoU LIkE It?” The glitch asks, already coming up with a plan to make Nightmare his own puppet as he makes his friend’s puppet cover its face bashfully.
"Uh huh, it looks so well made and squishable-" Error blushes slightly, making the puppet walk up to Nightmare’s leg and tap on it, before making it raise its arms at him- the universal sign asking to be picked up.
A soft purple blush dusts Nightmare’s cheeks, and he leans down to pick the little puppet up. "...It's like a baby.."
“A biT I GueSs.” Error replies with a small shrug, the puppet patting Nightmare’s hands before Error retracts his strings, making it go limp.
"So detailed. You said this is a friend of yours?"
“YeAh- My oNLy FriEnd, reALly. I hAVe oNe oF MyseLF anD My brOTherS, toO.” Though- Error hasn’t made an updated puppet of himself in a while.
"You're talented. I'm impressed." Nightmare compliments him with a smile, Error’s face turning a bright yellow.
“It’s- iT’s a sILly liTtle HoBby-”
"Still pretty cool. Could you make one of me?"
“I wAs ALreADy plaNninG On iT.” Error admits, a touch bashful.
"Oh?" Nightmare asks with a chuckle, setting the Blue puppet down on the bed beside him.
“WeLl- yeAH. AftER I saW How MucH yoU LiKed BLue’s, I fiGUreD I’d maKe yoU One oF YOursELf. BesIDes, It’S THe leASt I cAN dO…” ‘for my soulmate.’ The words are on the tip of Error’s tongues, but he can’t quite get them to leave. “...AftER YOu heLped Me wiTH thoSE GuyS.”
"Ah, there's no need to thank me for that. I simply detest those kinds of people. Who puck on and judge others just because they are different…" His soulmate looks away, a cold expression on his face.
“WeLL I’m sTIll maKing A PuPpet foR YOu.”
"Fine by me…I'll pay you with chocolate for it." Nightmare stands before patting the bed again. "You should lay down, take a nap and I'll have dinner ready when you awake."
Error frowns slightly. A nap sounded lovely- especially if Nightmare is offering his bed like the glitch is ninety percent sure he is- but… “ArE YOu suRe? ArE You fEeliNG BeTteR? I cAN HeLp-”
"I feel much better, Error. Thank you, but you need to rest. Maybe I'll come join you when I'm done, alright?"
“..AlriGHt. THaNKs aGAin.” Error agrees softly, using the bed as support as he pushes himself up onto it, holding back a whine from the movement.
“Do you want one of your blankets?” His soulmate asks as he straightens his clothes. Error grabs the Blue puppet and hugs it as he flops down, taking a moment to appreciate the softness.
“...If iT’s nOT Too mUch TrouBLe… cOuLd yoU Get Me tHe oNE WitH staRS oN It? I thINk it’s On mY Bed.”
“It’s no trouble at all.” Nightmare flashes him another smile, before leaving the room for only a moment, coming back to drape the soft blanket over Error. “You can use the pillow closest to the door, the one closer to the window is what I sleep on.”
The glitch turns to nuzzle into the indicated pillow with a happy sigh, smiling softly.
“ThANkS ‘MaRe..” He mumbles, yawning as he realizes just how exhausted he is. Nightmare leaves the room quietly, the sounds of his cooking barely reaching Error as he drifts off to sleep.
~
The glitch slowly comes back to awareness to a soft, comfortable world, and he would have spent some time simply basking in the feeling if it weren't for the bright beam of sunlight shining directly onto his face, much to his annoyance.
He whines a little, shifting to hide his face in his pillow….only…his pillow is breathing..? Brows furrowing in sleepy confusion, Error reluctantly opens his sockets and looks at his pillow….He is so shockingly close to Nightmare’s face that his soul nearly leaps out of his ribcage-
Error only keeps himself from crashing or freaking out with the realization that they weren’t actually touching, his blanket having somehow wiggled its way between them. Still…he’s laying on his soulmate- ….Nightmare’s face looks so soft when he’s sleeping..
Blushing furiously, Error quickly- yet carefully- pushes himself off of Nightmare, trying to avoid waking him up as he moves to the edge of the bed and stretches. The ache is still there, but it’s much more bearable now. Glancing at his soulmate one more time, he hesitantly makes his way out of the room, his body glitching almost loudly.
Nightmare made some food right? Or at least he said he would. Though- what time even is it?
Error pulls out his phone to glance at the time, before doing a double take. Seven AM. He slept all afternoon into the next morning! Maybe he was more tired than he thought- Nightmare hadn’t even woken him up for dinner- unless he managed to sleep through it too?
He really hopes that isn’t the case. He would feel bad knowing he left his soulmate hanging after Nightmare went through the effort of making food for him. Maybe he could make breakfast for them? But he doesn’t want to waste the food Nightmare made…
Error is distracted from his train of thought as he walks into the kitchen, realizing he hadn’t really been in here yet- he had been distracted by his pain and worry for Nightmare when he got that glass of water.
Looking around now though…it’s surprisingly nice and very well kept. The granite countertops have been wiped clean, the stove is practically sparkling- Error’s honestly impressed.
With his initial sweep done, Error starts looking through all of the cabinets, familiarizing himself with everything and figuring out where things go. It’s all very organized and put away efficiently. There’s even a popcorn popper! He’s definitely going to be stealing that later-
Once he finishes with that, Error moves on to the pantry and fridge, curious as to what kinds of food Nightmare has, as well as seeing if there were any leftovers from whatever Nightmare had made yesterday.
The first thing he sees is an oreo cream pie- Error is sure his eyelights dilate as he looks at it, extremely tempted to take it out to try. Did Nightmare make this-? Wait- no- it’d be rude to just eat it without permission- It’s supposed to be desert, he should wait, right? What else did Nightmare make?
“Oh- SOUp.” Potato soup maybe? And bread? It actually looks pretty good- Error’s pretty sure he can heat that up in the microwave. Should he heat some up for his soulmate too? Though, it’s not much of a breakfast food…
A small whimper-like sound stops Error mid thought, his attention being drawn back to Nightmare’s bedroom. After a moment of glancing back at the fridge, Error closes it and walks back to the bedroom, worried his soulmate might have another coughing attack.
Instead however..he finds Nightmare’s brow furrowed in his sleep, a deep frown on his face as he reaches for the empty spot on the bed and grabs at the sheets with another shaky whimper.
Error stares, before hesitantly making his way over, frowning in consideration. Maybe… He takes his star blanket and uses it to create a barrier as he carefully retakes his previous sleeping position, skull resting on Nightmare’s chest.
It doesn’t even take but a few moments for his soulmate to relax again, the sad whimpers turning into soft quiet purrs. It’s honestly adorable, and Error can’t help but purr back at Nightmare, wishing he could touch him for better cuddles.
He’ll just have to work on it, get closer to Nightmare just like his big brother suggested. Then…he can see if he’s the other’s soulmate too. He really hopes he is…so so badly. Nightmare already just seems like such a perfect fit.
…He has to tell him- Error just can’t bring himself to hide something so big from someone who already feels so important to him- and he hasn’t even known Nightmare a full day yet. Maybe it's just the whole soulmate thing but…Nightmare seems like such a genuinely sweet and caring person.
Seeing him smile, even if just a little, makes his soul skip a beat and his face heat up. He wants to do everything he can to make sure he sees it more. It’s so pretty.
~
Nightmare hums, his sockets slowly fluttering open as he wakes. He slept…surprisingly well…better than he has in quite some time. He’s never been able to sleep alone….Nightmare stiffens a little at the realization, finally looking down to find his new roommate snuggling right on top of him, with a blanket between them.
He doesn’t know what to think. They only met yesterday and this is….probably highly inappropriate- Blushing a little, Nightmare begins his very very slow wiggles out from under the glitch, freezing in place every time Error so much as shifts or scrunches up his face.
He eventually manages to wiggle free without disturbing Error, the glitch just sighing and nuzzling into his blanket before relaxing fully, much to Nightmare’s relief. He sighs, watching the glitch just for a moment, before heading to the kitchen, planning to make a small breakfast.
~
Once Nightmare’s footsteps fade away, Error cracks open a socket and holds in a giggle, smiling widely. It was adorable listening to his soulmate struggle to avoid waking him. Nightmare literally stopped breathing if Error even twitched….and he got to nuzzle Nightmare’s chest some more and listen to his soulmates soul speed up~
Maybe it’s a bit shameless, but Error is not one to deny an opportunity presented to him. He gets to snuggle his soulmate and Nightmare gets a good night's sleep, it's a win win~
He hopes Nightmare will let him do this again..
Deciding it’s probably been long enough to pretend he got up on his own, Error pushes himself up, wrapping his blanket around his shoulders and putting on a hopefully sleepy expression as he shuffles over to the kitchen.
“Ah, good morning, Error. Did you sleep well?” Nightmare asks as he slides a pan of biscuits into the oven. Error just grunts in response, moving over to a barstool to sit down, acting like he usually does when he first wakes up. “I’ll take that as a yes. I’m making some biscuits for breakfast. You can use whatever you want on them. Honey, butter, jam.”
“Mmm… Th’nKS..” Error mumbles, faking a yawn as he rests his skull on the counter.
“What kind of fruit do you want?” Nightmare asks as he pulls out a cutting board.
“S..tRaWBerRIEs.” Error decides after a moment, peering up at Nightmare, before remembering to add a, “PLeAse?”
Nightmare’s face turns a bright purple, before he very quickly turns away, grabbing some strawberries out of the fridge as Error blinks in confusion. Did he do something? Is his tired expression weird?
His soulmate continues to avoid his gaze even as he washes and cuts the strawberries, making a little fruit bowl with cream and sugar for him. Error’s attention is drawn to the food as the bowl is set in front of him, thanking Nightmare as he sits up properly to eat with a happy hum.
“Make sure to mix it up. Sometimes the sugar gets stuck at the bottom.” Error nods in acknowledgement, doing so and taking a bite. “....Can….can you say please again?”
Error pauses, looking up at Nightmare in confusion.
“...PlEaSe?” He repeats hesitantly, baffled. His soulmate's face turns an even darker purple, and he looks away again, setting the cutting board in the sink.
“I-I’m gonna go take a shower, don’t let the biscuits burn, okay bye-!” Nightmare practically bolts down the hallways and into the bathroom, leaving a very confused glitch behind.
“W-waIT WheN SHouLD I taKE TheM Out-??” Error calls back, dropping his sleepy act as he looks to where his soulmate had left. Well that was…..weird. He decides to just continue eating his strawberries and keep a socket on the oven. Hopefully Nightmare set a timer for the biscuits.
~
Nightmare is so perfect- Error’s only been living here for two weeks and he’s already obsessed. His soulmate makes food for him, cleans up, and will listen to him rant about anything- he even found out that NIghtmare’s actual closet is filled with stuffed animals!
Not to mention they've been sleeping together every night.
..In the literal sense.
Unlike Error- who has a horrible sleep schedule and knows it- Nightmare tries to go to bed around eleven every night, but doesn’t seem to actually fall asleep until closer to twelve. After that point, it’s only a matter of time before Error hears his soulmate begin to make upset noises in his sleep.
Every time, Error goes over and cuddles with him- with some kind of barrier to keep them from touching- and without fail, Nightmare almost instantly calms down.
So far, Nightmare has gotten up before him every day, but he has yet to say anything about it. His soulmate seems like someone to make his displeasure known, so Error takes it to mean he doesn’t mind.
Other than taking care of him kind of like Geno used to, Nightmare actually pampers him a lot- Making him chocolate desserts and giving him an extra treat every time he does something he’s supposed to….like finally putting his room together- something that took a week to finally finish.
The proud and happy smile Error got when he showed his soulmate makes his soul thrum with joy every time he thinks about it, and Error finds himself doing more work and actually doing what he’s supposed to more often just to see that expression again. It’s honestly more rewarding than the treats will ever be- not that he’d say no to said treats.
Nightmare also seems….happier already compared to when he first arrived. More relaxed instead of uptight and stiff, like he’s ready to be attacked. It’s nice not seeing him so on guard and defensive because underneath that facade he tried to put on, Nightmare is actually a really sweet person. It’s… really nice being able to see Nightmare like that- relaxed and.. calmer, for lack of a better word.
…He really needs to tell Nightmare he’s his soulmate.
“Hm….hey Error? Do you want leftovers?” His soulmate calls from the kitchen. “I don’t really wanna cook today.”
“YoU DoN’t hAVe to mAKe eVerY MEaL foR Me yoU KNow.” Error says back, “BuT LEftOVerS sOUnd fINe, yeAH.”
Nightmare gives him a pouty look, huffing a little. “I like cooking for you, I just feel lazy today.”
“OkAY OKay-” Error pouts back at him, pushing down the desire to kiss that cute expression off of Nightmare’s face. They aren’t even dating he needs to calm down- Nightmare walks around to plop down on the couch with a huff, resting his skull in his hands as he leans against the armrest.
“....I wanna watch The Golden Girls.” His soulmate mumbles.
“GoLDen GirLs?” Error has heard Nightmare mention them a couple of times, but he hasn’t asked yet as the taller always seemed embarrassed when he saw Error within hearing distance. His soulmate glances his way, blushing brightly.
“Mhm….its an old TV series…”
“WhAt’s iT AboUt?”
“....Really badass old ladies…in a sitcom.” Nightmare can’t bear to look at him, but the other’s blush is very obvious as he glows.
“SoUNds fuN. YoU SAid yoU WaNTed To wATch iT? WhAt chANnel iS It oN?” Error questions, purposefully keeping his voice nonchalant. After all, Error’s favorite show is the spanish equivalent of a K-drama- he’s not one to judge.
“It’s not airing anymore…I have every season on DVD…”
“WhERe dO YOu kEeP It?” He asks as he gets up, already starting to look around.
“In the drawer under the TV stand- it’s next to the Switch.” Error nods and opens the indicated drawer, finding the DVD for the first season and putting it in the player, grabbing the remote and messing with the TV settings until the menu selection shows up. He should look into downloading it digitally for Nightmare.
“DoES staRtiNG At thE BEgINninG WoRk foR YOu?”
“Yes please!” His soulmate sits up eagerly, before getting flustered again and looking away. Error holds back his laughter, knowing it’d just make it worse.
“WiLL dO.” Error selects the first episode and sets down the remote, before heading to the kitchen- figuring it’s his turn to treat Nightmare. He may not be the best cook, but he can make some decent cookies- hopefully his soulmate will like them.
As he bakes, he peaks in on Nightmare here and there, finding the other completely zoned into the show, like a happy little kid as these sassy old ladies go about their daily lives. It’s not exactly Error’s style, but he’s happy Nightmare enjoys it.
He takes out the cookies and lets them cool a bit as he heats up some of last night's leftovers, portioning out two meals and putting the cookies on a plate, using some strings to help carefully balance everything as he brings it back to the living room.
Nightmare doesn’t seem to even notice him walking into the room, much to Error’s amusement as he sets the cookies on the coffee table, before waving in front of his soulmate’s face for his attention, holding a plate of food in front of him.
“Hum?” The other blinks and finally looks over to him before noticing the food. “O-oh crap I forgot to get it-!”
“DoN’t woRrY ABouT it.” Error reassures with a soft smile. “I aLSo maDE SomE ChOColaTE ChiP coOKieS- oH- aND dO You WaNt anYThinG TO drINk?”
“...Do we still have Dr.Peppers?” His soulmate asks hesitantly.
“LeMme cHEck.” Error sets Nightmare’s plate in his lap and his own on the coffee table, quickly checking the fridge.
“..We’Ve gOT TwO LeFt.” He declares, grabbing one and bringing it to the taller.
“Yeeee~ Gimme gimme-” The glitch snorts, handing the Dr. Pepper to Nightmare while being careful to avoid touching him, before doubling back to grab himself some water and finally going to join Nightmare on the couch.
Error finds himself watching Nightmare more than the TV, fascinated by the cute smile and happy look in his eyelights. He finds himself wishing he knew how to draw, wanting to capture the lovely expression. Error hardly even realizes he’s been leaning in closer until Nightmare turns to look at him.
“Hey, would you like to-” His soulmate stops as they both stare at one another, their faces so very very close, only a short breath away. Error wants to kiss him- fuck he wants to kiss him so bad- if he just leaned in a little closer..
“S-sOrRy-” Error quickly pulls back as his skull turns bright yellow, internally screaming. Nightmare does something similar, waving his hands in front of him as he blushes.
“N-no no you’re fine- I wasn’t really paying attention-”
“I dOn’T MinD- I mEaN- I- FuCk-” Error covers his mouth before he can say something more stupid, his sleeves slipping up his arms. Nightmare looks at him curiously, eyelights trailing down to the bright colored mark sticking out against Error’s red colored wrist.
“...What’s that?” Error glances down and glitches as he realizes his words are visible, trying not to panic. He hadn’t been prepared to do this today- he wasn’t ready- but… when would he get another chance like this?
“...M..mY sOUlwoRDs.” He says hesitantly, and after a moment, he pushes his sleeve up completely and holds his arm out for Nightmare to see. “I’vE… bEeN MEaNing To teLL yoU, bUt…”
Nightmare doesn’t have to look at it for long before he freezes in place, sockets widening as he stares in shock….not really sure what to think.
“I- I knOW I shOuLd’vE SaiD SOmeTHinG EaRLIer bUt I wAs.. sCAreD? AnD- d-dOn’t fEeL LikE ANythINg haS To chANge oR AnythINg iF It’S Not rECiprocAl- u-uM- I kNoW YoU NEveR REacTEd or aNythINg so iT’s- it’S OKaY If- I mEaN- JuST BecAUSe yoU’rE my sOUlmaTE DOesN’t mEaN YoU HaVE to Do AnYThinG YOu’rE UncoMForTABle wiTH-” Error tries to explain, beginning to ramble and glitch nervously as the silence from Nightmare stretches on.
Before he can say any more however, Nightmare grabs the nearest blanket and wraps him up in it, hugging him through the blanket. “I-It’s okay it’s okay! Just breathe…I’m shocked is all-”
Error stiffens slightly in surprise, before relaxing, leaning slightly into Nightmare’s hold as he takes a breath. “O-oKay..”
“...I really like you, Error. You make me feel…good about myself and I’m happy just to be around you.” Error smiles softly at that.
“I’m… I’m GLaD. I- I ReALly liKe yoU toO.” Error makes himself close his mouth before he can say something too sappy. “I.. DoN’t kNow whAT YouR TriGger iS- oR If You aLReaDY HaVe a SOulmaTe oR SomEThiNG, bUt… I.. ReALly wAnT To bE YOurs- a-aNd FOr yoU To be MinE…”
Nightmare stays quiet for a few moments, before nuzzling Error’s skull and kissing his temple softly through the blanket, making him glitch in surprise. “...I want you to be mine too..~”
“R-reAlly-?” Error asks as he looks up at Nightmare, trying to stifle the giddy excitement that begins to fill his soul. His soulmate smiles fondly at him, before kissing the side of his skull through the blanket again.
“Really…I mean every word..~” Error smiles widely, lighting up as he giddily nuzzles Nightmare, soul practically doing joyful flips in his chest. His soulmate nuzzles into his neck, with only the blanket between them.
Error doesn’t get to see the conflicted look in Nightmare’s eyelights as he’s hugged, just letting himself bask in the relief of having everything out in the open and the joy of being accepted….The snuggles are nice too.
Nightmare decides to give him a few more indirect little kisses, on his neck this time- and Error longs to remove the blanket- to feel his soulmate’s soft touches and touch him in turn. But he knows better than to try to rush anything, knowing that it’ll just set him back. Still, that doesn’t stop him from whining and squirming, pressing as close to Nightmare as he can with the thin blanket continuing to act as a barrier.
“You’re adorable~” His soulmate purrs at him, making him pout and blush, flustered.
“NuH-uH SHuT Up-”
“Hmm….No, I don’t think I will. You’re soooo cute Error~” Nightmare continues to coo, much to the glitch’s embarrassment.
“NoOoo-”
“Yuuussss~ And I get you aallll to myself~”
“YeAh YoU Do..~” Error mumbles, smiling softly as he hides his flushed face in Nightmare’s- thankfully clothed- shoulder. This worked out…way better than he was worried it would. It looks like he’ll have to tell Blue and his brothers the good news. “...’M GLaD YOu’rE My soULmaTe..~”
“Yeah…being stuck with an asshole would be pretty crappy..” Nightmare says with a huff, nuzzling him some more as he nods in response.
“So… WhAt- wHaT SHoULd I CaLL YOu? LiKe- dO YOu WaNna daTE? Or sHouLD wE KeEP THinGs the saME..?” Error asks after a moment.
“...I would love to take you out on a date, if that’s okay with you?” The glitch perks up, and he’s sure Nightmare can feel the excitement practically radiating off of him.
“YeS-! I- uM- I meAN yeS- pLEaSe.” Nightmare immediately avoids even looking his way, blushing a bright purple.
“....You need to stop saying please to me-”
“...HuH? WHy?” Error questions, tilting his head in confusion as he looks up at his soulmate.
“....It makes you too cute- I uhm….Like it too much-” Nightmare tells him quickly, making Error blush in flustered surprise, before getting a frankly devious idea.
“....PlEaSe~?” He murmurs with his best pleading voice and expression, pressing against Nightmare as best he can with the blanket still covering him. He gets to watch as his soulmate's sockets widen, his face turning an even darker purple. Without warning, a telltale snapping sound makes Nightmare jump, the other quickly pulling the blanket down over Error’s face, making him squeak and flail in surprise as he tries to escape. “Wh- HEy-!”
“I-I’m going to take a shower, I can’t believe I forgot last night, Heheh-”
“Aw CoMe baCK I Was JuST TeASing-” Error whines, before holding back a small giggle. “..PLeasE?”
Nightmare doesn’t hesitate to lightly wack his skull with a pillow, much to Error’s amusement, plopping back down on the couch beside Error as the glitch finally pulls the blanket down….his soulmate holding a pillow firmly on his lap.
Error looks between the pillow and Nightmare’s face for a moment, before shrugging and laying down, plopping his skull down on top of it, deciding it’d make a good resting place. He gets a startled squeak from Nightmare, his soulmate’s purple blush going all the way down to his shoulders.
“E-error-”
“Hm?” Error turns to look up at Nightmare curiously, idly wondering if Nightmare’s blush felt warmer than the rest of him would.
“You’re….” His soulmate sighs, tilting his head back as he closes his sockets. “...I have a boneerrrr…”
It takes Error a second to process Nightmare’s words, a bright yellow blush exploding on his face as he practically shoots up.
“S-soRry-!” He yelps, embarrassed he didn’t realize.
“I-I did say you shouldn’t say please-” Nightmare covers his face with his hands, so very very flustered.
“I- I diDN’t thINk yOU’d gEt haRd ovEr iT- ESpeCialLy whEN iT’s jUSt mE-” Error mutters, deciding to take cover in the blanket still wrapped around him. “I’m SoRry I prOBabLY MAdE YOu uNcOMFortaBLe-”
“....You’re really cute…and pretty…..and…I’m not uncomfortable….are you..?” His soulmate asks quietly. Error shakes his head, before realizing Nightmare probably couldn’t see him.
“..No.” He mumbles. “...I wAnNA TouCH YOu..”
“...I wanna touch you too…” NIghtmare responds quietly, before Error feels him shift and a soft kiss is pressed against his skull through the blanket once more. The glitch whines a bit and presses closer, so very tempted to reach out of the blanket to hold his soulmate’s face.
But… despite his longing and almost desperate desire… he’s afraid. He’s so scared he’s going to reach out to his soulmate and it’s going to hurt ….Why does he have to be like this..?
“...I should…probably go take a cold shower and you should eat before our food gets too cold.”
“Y..YeaH. ALrigHt.” Error agrees softly, peeking out of the blanket to give Nightmare a small smile. His soulmate gives him another quick kiss through the blanket before getting up, keeping a hold of the pillow as he quickly leaves the room.
The glitch’s smile fades slightly as he looks over at his half finished food, before wiggling his hands out of his blanket to make himself finish the plate. Though he’s ecstatic Nightmare reacted well to the soulmate thing, the excitement of the past half hour has made him lose his appetite.
…Maybe there’s some leftover chocolate cake-? Though- that would require him moving to check, and there were still some perfectly good cookies right here. Making up his mind, Error just grabs a couple of cookies to nibble on, thankful he did a decent job on them at least.
A small thump coming from the hallway wall startles him a little, and, a touch concerned, Error gets up and moves over to the bathroom, about to knock and call out- only to pause at the faint sound of harsh breathing he can just barely hear over the noise of water, before he hears a quiet groan.
“HnNnng~ D-damnit Error-” Nightmare mumbles in a breathy voice. Error stiffens, feeling his face heat up as he glitches harshly in shock. Nightmare is….he’s- “E-errorrr..~”
Promptly turning around, Error hurries back to the couch as error signs creep up in his vision, skull on fire. Was Nightmare- there’s no way he could seriously be- He can feel his glitches growing painful as he thinks about it, moving to hide under the blanket he had been wearing before.
He can barely hear the other now, but- Nightmare moaned his name-! There’s no mistaking it- He knows Nightmare said he popped a boner but masterbating to the thought of him-??
Error’s traitorous mind wanders slightly and the image of what he might’ve looked like appears in his mind’s eye- and it ends up being the final straw for the poor glitch, a crash overcoming him as he goes limp.
Beeeep Error.exe has crashed. Rebooting…
~
Nightmare comes out of the shower, quickly getting dressed in his bedroom before returning to the couch, looking at the rebooting glitch in confusion. “...Oh dear…”
He glances down at the table, snatching a cookie. He should reheat their food- it's definitely too cold now. Sighing slightly, he takes their plates to do just that.
Rebooting…..100%
Hearing the telltale sound of Error rebooting, Nightmare peers out of the kitchen to see the glitch glancing around and blinking in confusion.
“Error? Are you okay?” He calls from the kitchen, starting up the airfryer. Nightmare doesn’t get a response for a moment, before a sudden bang startles him, followed by a glitchy groan.
“Ow…” He quickly rushes over to the fallen glitch’s side, hovering over him with a deep frown. Error’s legs are still on top of the couch, with his upper half on the floor, just under the coffee table.
“Shit, Error-! Be careful-!”
“FuCk My heAD…” Error whines, reaching up to cradle his skull as he gingerly tries to push himself up. His soulmate holds out a hand covered in an oven mit, and Error carefully moves his legs off of the couch, taking Nightmare’s hand and pulling himself up- only to stumble as a pulse of pain and vertigo washes over him, eyelights going unfocused.
The only reason he doesn’t fall over is because of Nightmare’s arms quickly wrapping around him. “Lay down…I’m going to check the back of your skull.”
“I hiT It On th’ cOFfee TaBLe.” Error helpfully supplies as he flops bonelessly on the couch with Nightmare’s help, closing his sockets as the world seems to spin. His soulmate carefully lays him down on his front, giving him a pillow and rubbing his back as Nightmare inspecs his skull.
“...You have a hairline crack, dear…On the back of your skull. You really should be more careful…”
“I diDN’t mEan to…” Error whines, feeling something slowly drip down the side of his head- marrow, he assumes. “I’ hUrtS..”
“It’s going to be okay, just stay still for me, dear.” Nightmare tries to sooth him, lifting a hand up and hovering over the wound. A tingly cool feeling covers the back of his skull, like the feeling when you open the door to the freezer and the cold hits your face.
Error relaxes into it with a small sigh, though he doubts the healing magic will actually help that much. Still…it’s soothing. The chilly feeling numbs the pain, the thumping ache in his skull slowly fading away until it's barely even noticeable…and Nightmare resumes petting his back.
“There…does that feel better?” Error opens his socket and blinks, raising his hand to feel the back of his skull.
“...It wORkEd?” He questions, surprised.
“...Yes? I healed the crack, but you should still take it a bit slow while your magic adjusts-”
“HeALinG MAgiC NeVEr woRks oN mE- mY MagiC Can’T abSOrb iT-” Error explains, idly wiping off the bit of marrow that had leaked from the wound.
“...Well…I am your soulmate, right? Your magic shouldn’t see any difference between mine and yours? Two parts of a whole and what not..” Nightmare takes a guess, and Error pushes himself up and looks between his hand and his soulmate. If that was true, then… that means he could touch Nightmare, right..? “..Error? Are you okay, dear?”
“Y..YEah. I’m FiNe- ThaNKs.” Error says after a long moment, giving Nightmare what he hopes is a reassuring smile, hands clenching into fists as he lowers them.
“....Alright. Would you like to take a nap? You should rest for a little bit after hurting your skull like that.”
“Eh- iT’s aLmOSt TimE For BeD, iSn’t IT? I’d rATher Not MesS Up mY sleEP SchEDUle eVEn moRE-”
“Hmm…then we’ll eat first. Then we can go to bed.”
“ALrighT.”
~
Error and Nightmare don’t actually get to go out on their date until a few days later. They had been thinking about where to go and what to do, until Nightmare suggested they go antiquing- something that the glitch had easily accepted.
Error had always found thrifting and antiquing fun, ever since Geno would take them when they were little and buy both him and Fresh what felt like a bunch of clothes, changing and re-sewing them to their tastes. Even now, Error occasionally would still go in search of interesting clothes.
Right now though, he gets to watch his soulmate get excited over antique teacups and furniture. “Oh I love this one~! Look how cute it is~!?”
“DiDN’t thEy usE LeAd to gET thaT KiNd oF Red?” Error can’t help but question, though he agrees the teacup is very cute. Still, Nightmare pouts at him, looking the cup over.
“...They also used mercury for the green color-” The glitch snorts.
“YeAh THaT’d fUCk up oUr maGIc bIG timE-”
“But…it’s cute…” Nightmare whines.
“I’m suRe thERe’s oTher cuTe And leSs daNGErous oNes siLLy~” Error pulls his scarf up to cover the lower half of his face before pressing a kiss to his soulmate’s cheek through it. Nightmare’s face dusts a soft purple and he doesn’t hesitate to kiss Error’s covered face right back…over his mouth this time.
Error squeaks and blushes brightly in flustered surprise, staring at Nightmare with wide sockets. His soulmate smirks and leans over to kiss him again. “...You really are adorable~”
“..Sh-sHut up-” The glitch protests weakly, turning away and taking a second to try to cool down.
“...And pretty too~ I bet you would look very nice in a soft blue dress~” Nightmare flirts with him, making him whine quietly.
“...ShUSh-” He mutters, using the end of his scarf to bat lightly at Nightmare.
“But you’re so cuuuuttee~” His soulmate coos, much to his flustered embarrassment.
“I’m lOoKINg thRouGH thE CLotHeS-” Error declares, turning to leave as Nightmare giggles from behind, skull on fire. Though, if he happens to keep a socket out for a blue sundress, that’s for him to know.
Throughout their date, Nightmare finds himself several random plushies and a teacup set he likes- which Error is pretty sure doesn’t have any deadly materials in- but Error doesn’t find anything he’s particularly drawn to, simply entertaining himself with looking for the ugliest things he can find to show his soulmate.
“....Error what the fuck is that-?” Nightmare practically sneers down at the… thing in the glitch’s hands.
“I hAVe nO IdeA.” Is Error’s gleeful reply as he holds the fuzzy, yet spiky… ball? Maybe? Made up of the worst combination of animal patterns Error has ever seen. He’s already taken a picture to send to Fresh.
“....It needs to be burned.”
“It’S AwfUL I LoVe iT.” The glitch sets the thing back on the shelf.
“......It’s evil-”
“YeS-” Error agrees with a wide grin.
"....Why are you so cute-?" Nightmare asks with a sigh, making Error pout.
“NuH-uH SHusH-” He mutters. “..HaVe yoU FouNd whAT YOu wANteD?”
"Mhm~ Thesee adorable things are coming home with me~" He purrs, nuzzling one of the stuffed toys.
“JuST doN’t fORgeT To wASh thEM firST-” Error warns, though it’s not like germs are all that much of a concern. Still- they have no idea where anything here could’ve been, and even the thought of cuddling a stuffed animal without cleaning it first makes him glitch uncomfortably.
"Okay okay. They will be thereby washed when we get home…Hmm..do you want to order food and watch a movie when we get there?" Nightmare suggests, Error perking up slightly.
“We sHOulD GeT ChiCken nuGgeTS-”
“Pfft- Okay~ Any particular restaurant?” Error just shrugs, grinning at his soulmate. "Hmm…will Chick-fil-a do?"
“SuRe- but I WaNt a SHaKe.”
“Alright, I’ll treat you to a nice nugget meal, okay~” Nightmare asks with a soft smile, and Error can’t help but smile back, quickly putting his gloves- which he had worn for this specific reason- back on, slipping his hand into Nightmare’s. The taller squeezes their interlocked phalanges as they make their way to the checkout and begin the relatively short walk back home.
“Hmm…you’re adorable~”
“ShUDdupPpp-”
“You’ll have to make me, dear~” The glitch scowls and wacks Nightmare with his scarf again, far too flustered to rise to the challenge, much to his soulmate's amusement.
Once home they put their things away, Nightmare starting up the washer with his plushies inside.
“Alright, I’ll order food…Do you want fries too?”
“ObvIOusLY-” Error scoffs playfully.
“Okay, big 30 piece nugget, large fry, and a chocolate milkshake.”
“HeLL yeAh-” The glitch cheers quietly.
“Hmmm….but I need a reward for such a treat~” Nightmare teases, tapping his cheek.
“..DoRk.” Error mutters, blushing faintly as he pulls his scarf up again to give his soulmate another kiss. Nightmare practically preens, looking very proud of himself.
“I have been kissed by an angel~”
“ShUDdup ANd gEt mE My nUggieS-” The taller giggles even as he does as told, before putting his phone away and leaning against Error on the couch, clothed shoulder to clothed shoulder.
“So demanding, my angel~” Error just pouts at him and aggressively nuzzles against him, carefully hugging one of Nightmare’s arms. “A cuddle bug too~ Hmm…you know, I should write a poem about you~”
“A pOem?” Error questions, looking up at Nightmare. “YOu wRIte PoeTRy?”
“A little, when the desire strikes me. Do you?” The glitch makes a bit of a face.
“I sUcK aT All thAT flOWerY ShiT-” He admits.
“Hehe, It doesn’t have to be flowery, just…meaningful, even if it only means something to you.”
“Eh.” Error just shrugs, nuzzling his soulmate some more.
“...You really are adorable~” Nightmare coos, rubbing Error’s arm over his sleeve. The glitch pouts and whines some more, but melts into the touch, purring quietly. His soulmate’s own purrs softly join him, the soft petting never pausing for even a moment.
“...I’m really lucky to have met you, Error.”
“..Me tOo~” Error murmurs with a soft smile. Nightmare really is wonderful…He’s…kind of amazed he got such a perfect soulmate. So many people would be jealous- Error is.. so happy to have him.
As long as he has Nightmare….he’ll be okay. Error’s sure of it. With Nightmare by his side, he can take anything on.
~
They stay up a bit late, snuggling on the couch with their food and a show on, simply enjoying each other's company as Error slowly slumps more against Nightmare’s side, and when he looks at him again, the glitch is asleep.
Nightmare can’t help but smile fondly, squeezing Error’s gloved hand. “...I think….I really do love you..~”
He turns off the TV, before lifting his free hand to hesitantly brush a phalange over the glitch’s bare cheeks, tilting his skull up by the chin. Error won’t matter too much…right? Without thinking, he presses his mouth softly against Error’s, purring and kissing him softly.
The glitch sighs and unconsciously nuzzles slightly into the kiss, beginning to purr sleepily. He really really wants to kiss Error silly right now, but…he should stop. With a small huff, Nightmare pulls away and picks the glitch up instead, carrying him bridal style to…what is basically their bedroom now, and laying him down.
When Nightmare tries to pull away, Error latches onto him with a small whine, the cutest little pout on his sleeping face….Error is way too cute- His soul can’t take it! With a flustered noise, he crawls into the bed, holding Error close and nuzzling his skull.
“So freaking adorable-”
“Mm…~” The glitch just purrs softly and cuddles against Nightmare, a small smile on his face. The taller slowly rubs his back, placing a kiss on the glitch’s forehead as he pulls up the blankets.
“Sleep well Error..~”
~
Error wakes up slowly, stretching out with a yawn before going limp and simply basking in the comfortable warmth of sleep. Nightmare’s slow breathing, the rise and fall of his ribcage is soothing as Error dozes to his soulmate’s soulbeat.
He doesn’t even think as he rubs a hand over Nightmare’s sternum, moving to nuzzle up under his chin with a sleepy purr- before pausing at the feeling of bone against bone.
Error’s first reaction usually is to freak out and get away, but the fact that it feels the exact same as the shirt he’s resting his hand on gives him pause. If it weren't for the different texture, Error would’ve thought it was nothing- his glitches didn’t react at all.
Curious, and with no small amount of awe, Error opens his sockets and carefully sits up, looking down at Nightmare’s sleeping face and carefully, hesitantly, reaching out to cup his cheek.
It…it doesn’t hurt- Nightmare’s skull is so soft, smooth and slightly cold to the touch. Not only does it not hurt- it’s as if his soulmate is nothing more than another soft piece of fabric, or soft stuffed animal- even Geno made his glitches react, though only barely.
Error hardly even thinks about it before he’s holding Nightmare’s face in his hands, overjoyed tears gathering in his sockets as he leans down to kiss him. It feels nice, finally being able to do this.. He can touch him- he can actually touch Nightmare-!
His soulmate hums, purring quietly in his sleep as his sockets flutter open, eyelights fuzzy and tired. Error pulls back to look at him better, hiccupping softly as he tries to keep from crying from joy.
“Error…? Why are you crying..?” Nightmare reaches up, wiping away a few tears with his thumb, one hand resting on Error’s back. “Are you okay?”
Error beams, leaning down to press his forehead against his soulmate’s.
“It- IT dOesN’t hURt- I- I cAn TouCH yoU.” He says with a choked up giggle, and he can’t help but kiss Nightmare again, the other kissing him back this time with a pleased purr, rubbing his back.
“Hmmm~ Mhm..~ As long as you’re not hurt, this is quite a nice thing to wake up to-...wait did your tear marks change color-?” Nightmare asks in confusion.
“No…?” Error sniffles, reluctantly letting go of his soulmate’s face to wipe at his sockets. “ArE THeY NoT STilL BLue..?”
“I…don’t really know what color they are? They’re….brighter somehow?” Nightmare meets his eyelights again, before widening his sockets. “Oooohh your sockets are different too! Also brighter, but different…..somehow-”
Error’s brow furrows in confusion, before he holds his hand up in front of Nightmare’s face. “Do mY PhaLANgeS LoOK diFfeREnt tOo?”
“Oooooh it’s there too! On your second mandible it’s different, like your sockets. You’re like a bright pretty rainbow!”
“ThAt’s.. THaT’s rEd. CoULd yoU Not sEe iT BefORe? Or BluE?” Nightmare looks back at him, his brow furrowing a little.
“What? No, I can see red and blue, but…this can’t be red and blue- They’re so……I’m not sure how to describe it…..vibrant? Besides yellow every other color is a bit dull and grayish. Except for orange and green. They look like odd shades of yellow.”
“ThAT’s… ThaT’s noT WHaT CoLOrs loOk liKE- thEy’rE SuPposED To bE COmplETELy difFEreNt.” He thinks for a moment, before lighting up in understanding. “YoUR trIGgeR! YoU MUst HaVe thE ONe wheRE YoU CaN’t seE COlor uNTil yoU TouCh yoUR soULmaTe!!”
Nightmare’s sockets widen, staring at Error in shock. He…knew what his trigger was already, but…He didn’t think it would work- It’s so rare to have more than one soulmate. He never thought he would be so lucky as to find someone better.
“You’re my soulmate too..~”
“MhM~!” Error beams and wiggles happily, before laying back down to almost aggressively nuzzle against Nightmare, pressing kisses to his face just because he can.
Nightmare laughs, kissing him back with a loud and happy purr, rubbing his hands up Error’s shirt and sides, feeling along his ribcage as the glitch arches into the touch with a pleased hum.
“I’m So haPpy~” Error murmurs, almost giddy.
"Hehe~ I can tell, it's a very good look on you~" Error bashfully hides his face against Nightmare’s shoulder, nuzzling him as his smile just grows wider. His soulmate's phalanges dance across his spine, slowly grazing every joint and tickling the magic there, effectively turning him into a happy, purring puddle against him. “You’re so so cute, Error~”
Nightmare coos over his soulmate’s cuteness, nuzzling his skull as he continues his pets up until he’s tracing every rib on Error’s rib cage, pulling a small shiver out of him as he nuzzles closer.
“Hm..~ ‘M GlAD yoU’re My soULmaTE~”
“And I’m very glad to be yours~ You’re perfect, Ruru~”
“RurU?” Error asks, blushing brightly, Nightmare doing the same.
“S-sorry- I just thought it would be a cute nickname-”
“No nO- No I- I… liKe iT..” Error mumbles, hiding his face in his flustered embarrassment.
“Oh- okay~ It’s cute…just like you~”
“ShUT up….”
“Make me~” Nightmare teases, smirking up at him. Instead of getting more embarrassed like the day before, a contemplative expression passes over Error’s face, before he’s moving to kiss him.
At first the touch is light, gentle and affectionate, if not a bit timid. However, Error grows a little more confident as Nightmare kisses back, rubbing up and down his spine as he relaxes, pressing closer with a happy hum.
After a moment, Error even dares to deepen the kiss slightly, tilting his head for better access. A second later, his soulmate gives his mouth a small and curious lick, asking silently if they can go further.
The glitch can feel his face heating up, but he hardly hesitates as he opens his mouth and uses three of his tongues to meet Nightmare’s. Error is immediately met with a sour fruity taste and the distinct apple flavor sticking out to him. The contact has his magic sparking, but…pleasantly, not like his glitches.
“HmmMm~” Nightmare hums, pulling Error flush against him as the glitch relaxes, reaching up to hold and stroke his face, just because he can. It feels so nice, holding his soulmate like this and being held in turn, without needing to fear.
When they finally part, panting and trying to catch their breath, Nightmare smiles up at him. “I….I-I love you, Ruru..~”
Error lights up, both metaphorically and literally as he blushes brightly and smiles back at his soulmate. “I- I L..LovE You tOo..~”
Nightmare hugs him close, purring as he nuzzles and kisses Error’s skull all over. “You’re mine now, Error~”
“AnD YOu’rE MinE toO~” The glitch purrs back, joyfully soaking up the affection as he giggles. Nightmare gently petting him and touching him softly everywhere he can reach.
“You know…you can touch me all you want now~”
“If yoU’rE SugGEstinG SEx I wAnNA wAIt ‘til ToniGHt pleASe-” Is Error’s blunt reply, even as he grins and his blush grows even brighter- enough for the faint blue freckles of his magic to become visible.
Nightmare immediately snorts, giggling and covering his one flustered face with his hands- “S-stop saying please I swear-”
“BuT yoU LiKe iT dON’t yoU~?”
“Shhhhooshith-” Nightmare headbutts him, giving his nasal bridge a light kiss. “We should get some breakfast.”
“YeaH…” Error sighs, nuzzling closer.
“....I can carry you if you want~” He suggests.
“YeS-” The glitch immediately agrees, tightening his hold on his soulmate. With a small chuckle, Nightmare sits them up, wrapping Error’s legs around his waist and holding him as he carefully stands up, making his way out of the room and into the kitchen.
“I’ll reheat some biscuits, okay?”
“I’m noT LETtinG YOu go.” Error informs, more than happy where he clings to Nightmare.
Chapter 61: Error Remembers
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error remembers his life as Geno.
DestructiveDeath, Afterdeath, and Nm’s gang poly. Slight Ink x Dream
Also Ink and Error hook up later in the chapter.
Chapter Text
When Error remembers, it’s not due to some life-altering experience or adventure where he had been actively seeking his memories out. In fact- it’s due to an off-handed remark Killer makes while Error was helping the gang out during a fight.
He can’t even remember the exact words Killer had said- something about timelines while he was snarking with Blue- but something within Error had clicked, and his skull and soul exploded with white-hot pain for an unending moment, strong enough to send him to his knees. He’s pretty sure he makes some kind of noise, but the pain leaves within seconds, and in its place come memories.
He was Sans. Then he was Geno. Now he’s Error. The sudden influx of emotions comes with an odd sense of self, just as confusing as it is grounding.
"Error? Ruru, what's wrong?" Nightmare hovers over him, fretting like the worry wart he is, and Error realizes he had been moved to the back of the battle, gripping at his skull as the boys covered for them.
“I…” Error pulls his hands away and looks down at them, a part of him expecting to see white phalanges- a bleeding gash across his ribcage- the edge of a painfully familiar red scarf instead of his own blue one.
"....We're going home. Boys! Retreat!" Nightmare calls, picking Error up and opening a portal as his gang follows one by one.
“..WhAt? W-waIT I’m fiNE-!” The destroyer tries to protest, despite it being too late.
"Nope. We're done." Once everyone is inside Nightmare closes the gateway, sitting down on the couch to look Error over for injuries. "What happened?"
“I- I dOn’T KNow-? KiLler juST SaiD-” Error cuts himself off, sockets widening as he grabs the guardian’s hands. “NiGht hoLY SHit-”
"What-?" Nightmare nuzzles him, wrapping the glitch up in his tendrils. "Don't keep me waiting-"
“I ReMEmbeR- NiGht I wAs sOMeoNE beFore thE ANtivOId- I-...” Error’s face falls as he sorts through his memories, feeling off kilter. “..I HaD A mATe -”
"What…?" The gang stands around them quietly, Dust sitting down and leaning against Error’s back. "...Do you want to talk about it?"
“I- I dOn’t kNoW… It’s aLL So FreSh anD NEw bUT… noT? A-aND It’s aLL scRAmBLed uP anD It’s hARd to FocUS- FuCk I DIEd-” Error glitches slightly as he leans heavily against Dust, turning to look at him, only to freeze up at the sight of his- Papyrus’- scarf, closing his sockets against the new yet old hurt at the thought of his brother- who he hadn’t even remembered had existed until now.
"It's okay-" Nightmare gently holds his face, pressing their foreheads together with a calming purr. "Take your time..We're here for you."
Error breathes in shakily, nuzzling into Nightmare’s hands as he tries to gather himself- tries to figure out the beginning.
“....I.. cAmE FroM A CLasSic gENocidE TimELinE.” He starts after a long moment, “ThE FirST onE To sPLit fRom thE OriGINaL UnivERse- I thINk- foRMinG IntO THe AU AFterTAle.”
"...So we should share the same memories as Classic's." Killer mumbles. "And as Sci."
“..YeAh, buT EvERytHINg frOM BefOre thE ChilD feLL Is.. diSTanT. I thINk I cOUntEd fivE oR SiX hUNDreD GeNOcidE RuNs beFOre I GaVE Up couNTinG- It’S All kINda A BluR BuT I REmEMber thE NumBErs.” Error mutters, brows furrowed in thought.
"...I started counting again at some point. I got to six hundred seventy-eight, before stopping." Dust mutters.
"Six hundred sixty-seven of the kids resets, not sure how many I did.." Killer shrugs as Horror shakes his skull.
"Don't….remember." Error is quiet for a moment, before snorting quietly in realization.
“NiGht aND CrOss aRE the oNly oNEs whO AreN’t CLaSsic oFfsHOots-” Dust nuzzles his back as Killer laughs, crouching down to lay his skull in Error’s lap.
"That's because we're clearly the strongest type out there~ Other than God's obviously."
“JoKe’s on YOu I’m BoTh-” Error grins and bends down to nuzzle Killer, relaxing slightly with the extra grounding contact.
"And that's why no one messes with ya, Ru~ Except for Ink-" Killer kisses him quickly, relaxing as Horror and Cross sit down, the latter seemingly deep in thought.
“..CroSs? You GOoD?” Error questions, idly rubbing Killer’s skull.
"Y-yes I'm okay, just uh….I remember being in your situation, that all….Before the destruction of my AU…Chara made me remember all my past lives…it was uh….pretty overwhelming."
“...YeAh. BuT YOu hAD whAT- TWelVe? At leASt iT’s oNLy THreE foR Me.” Error stretches out his legs to rest them on top of Cross and Horror’s laps, his feet barely reaching the latter. “..ShoULd I KeEP GoinG?”
"If you're comfortable with it. We don't mind listening." Nightmare nuzzles him, giving Error a soft, chaste kiss.
“I thINk sAYinG It ouTLouD HelpS me ORganiZE It a BiT- EiTHer wAy, I thINK I WaS ApPRoaCHinG A thOUsaNd RuNs bEFore I WaS FinaLLy geTtinG DesPERate. I knEW iT WaS ThE Kid’S DEteRMinATion thaT LEt thEM resET, juST liKe FLoWey uSed To, sO I… toOK a riSK.” Error reaches up and scratches at his once melted socket.
“I wENt doWN to thE TruE LaB, toOK ouT My soUL aND… FiLLed mYSelF WitH DetERminATioN. ThEN I weNT to fiGHt theM.” Killer cringes and Error can feel Dust tense a bit against him. “...I thOUghT If I HaD ENouGH DT, I coULd taKE ConTROl of thE tiMELine buT.. eVen wiTH It, I coULdn’t BeAT THe hUMan. I- I DOn’t eVEn reMEmber thE FighT- jUSt thE BurNINg paIN aND NumBNEss As I TriED T-tO HolD MysELF TogeTHer. I F-feLT My HP Hit zERo whEN THeY Hit mE.
“BuT.. a-aS I meLTeD, I SaW iT- thE REseT ButTOn- I TriED DesPEraTEly to ReaCH It, bUT I coULdn’t toUCh iT. I… dON’t reMEmber eXaCTly hoW It haPpeNED, bUt NExT THinG I knoW, I’m in THe voID. WeLL- thE SAve sCReEn, tEChnicALLy- bUt it’S LinKEd dirECtly To thE VOid. My cLOthEs turNEd whITe, I Had a stILL-bleEDing gAsh iN my CHest, onLY a sHArd of a SouL WitH No HP, A-anD… hALf- haLF Of mY SkuLL hAD MelTEd anD CaVED in.” Error digs his phalanges into his socket as he trembles minutely, his glitching steadily worsening as he talks.
Nightmare gently grabs his wrists and pulls his hands away from his skull, softly kissing the glitch’s phalanges. "It's okay. Breathe, Ru."
Error sucks in a shaky breath, forcing himself to relax and focus on the grounding presence of everyone around him.
"Socket…doesn't hurt..right?" Horror asks in worry, grasping at his own before Cross catches him.
“Ph-pHAntoM paIN.” The glitch reassures, before blinking and realizing that oh- it actually does kind of hurt now from messing with it- Nightmare gives him another kiss, nuzzling him more firmly.
"Only continue if you want to." Error nods, relaxing further against everyone and going back to rubbing Killer’s skull.
“Th-tHAt waS The hARdesT PArt, I’m prEtTy suRE.” He mumbles, focusing on the feeling of his phalanges scraping gently over the smallest’s skull. “...I gREw biTteR iN The SAVE ScReEn wiTH OnlY The dARknESs aND thE LonE PaTCH of gRasS I saT On foR whO KNowS HOw LonG. I cOUldn’T HeaL NoR Die IN thE VoiD, buT My HP wAS zeRO, So If I LeFt, I wouLD DusT. I EvENtuaLLy leARneD HoW To oPEn wiNDows To peER inTo mY TimELinE, bUt thaT WaS It.”
"I see…I remember getting a report about an AU exactly like that, a copy of Aftertale that appeared quite some time ago." Nightmare hums in thought. "I hadn't thought much of it."
“ProBAbLy TO rePLaCe miNE aFTer I LefT-” Error mutters. “EitHEr waY… ThaT’s HoW I MEt ReAPer, mY…. My MAte.”
"Wait- Reaper? As in the God Of Death in Reapertale? You were mates with Death!?" Killer blinks wide eyed up at him. Most of the multiverse knows of The god of Death, but he’s not seen often if at all. Really all anyone knows of him comes from rumors.
“MhM~” Error can’t help but snicker at his reaction. “He’S A HugE FLirT aND DroVE Me aBSolUTely iNSaNE- esPecIALLy whEN He leaRNeD He coULd toUch Me wiTHouT Me dYINg. He oRigiNAlLY caME To rEaP Me, sINCe I WaS TecHNIcaLLy deAd, buT, in HIs woRDs “WhEn I LoOKed DEaTh in THe soCKet anD TolD Him tO FucK Off, hE HaD ALreADY faLLen foR me.” I’m PReTty suRE He wAs juST LonELy, liKE I wAs.”
Killer smiles, chuckling up at him. "He sounds fun~ Is he cute?"
“YeAH~ HOnEstlY YoU GUys ReMINd me oF Him in A Lot of diFfeRENt wAYs- He woULD fliRt anD GoOF aRouND A loT WhiLE stILL beINg seNSitiVe anD StuFf liKE yoU Kills, anD He’d WRaP Me uP WitH My wiNGs liKE NigHTmarE With HiS TenTACLes- hiS MaGIc iS KinDa cOol tOo- anD He’D PiCk mE Up liKe HorROr doES wiTH Us. He loOkS REaLly baDAss wHEn hE FighTs toO- liKE CroSS! And hE uSEd tO JusT FLop oN Me liKE DusT Does-” Error is grinning by the end of what had definitely become a rant at this point.
Cross huffs, off of them smiling softly. It's nice to see Error so happy. It always is. "It sounds like you still like him a lot, Ruru."
“..YeAH… I- I LiKe yoU All A LoT Too thOUgh- I’m nOT juST GoNna RuN Off oN You oR ANyThinG eVEn iF I HaD a kID witH- Oh mY GOd GOth-” Error blurts, expression growing horrified as he glitches, trying to push himself up. “I- I NeEd to fiND-”
"Whoa okay-" Killer sits up as Nightmare gently grabs Error’s hand, making him stop.
"Ruru- hold on what's wrong?"
“I-I- I HaD A baBY- b-bEForE I.. lEFt- I- fUCk ReAPer’s pRoBaBLy bEen loOKing foR Me aND It’s bEeN cENtrieS - G-goTHy miGHt noT EVen be AlivE anYMorE aND eveN If he IS He’s ProBAbly ALL grOwN Up-” The glitch rambles, distressed tears gathering in his sockets.
"Okay okay, Ru just hold on. We'll go check up on Goth soon, but you can't just go barging into your old mates home- He may not recognize you, okay,?" Nightmare moves to hold his face instead, kissing his forehead and rubbing his cheeks. Error whines and seems to deflate, slumping back down against Nightmare and Dust as he nuzzles into the former’s hands.
“I L-leFt tHeM, NIght…”
"I doubt it was on purpose, Ruru…You wouldn't abandon them, not willingly and we all know it." Error nods with a small sniffle, reaching up to scrub at his sockets.
Dust nuzzles him from behind, Cross rubbing his legs, all wanting to comfort their favorite glitch.
"Ya know, I'm excited to meet this Gothy now~ I bet they're just as pretty as you, Ru~ Are you the mom?" Killer asks, trying to lighten the mood. Much to the gang’s relief, Error manages a weak smile.
“Y-yEaH.. He hAD thE M-moST aDOraBLe liTtle wHITe wINgs..~ A-aND, whEN He waS HuNGry, he’D MaKE The cuTEst LiTtlE ChiRpINg souND wHen hE WaS HUngRy…~”
"So…he’s a good…eater?" Horror asks with a smile. "Sounds…really cute."
"Like a bird~! A dust bunny and a baby bird~" Killer giggles, getting lightly whacked by Dust. "Hehe~ And an octopus-"
Now it's Nightmare’s turn to whack him- Error snickering as his smile grows more genuine.
“YuP~ It fELt liKe hE WaS COnstANtly dEManDIng TO bE FeD At timES- aS GeNO it wAs a BIt haRD to KeEp up. I hAD BotH A DeEP maGIc stORe whILe aLSo oNLy beINg aBLe tO UsE It a biT At a TIme, aS the GaSh in mY CheST WouLDn’t stOP BleEDing. It wAS KinDA AnnOYinG aCTualLy- eITher WaY I HaD To uSe a loT Of foRMula foR Goth.”
"A very hungry baby~ Goth must be wonderful~ Hmm…how about this. Before showing up, you use one of your windows to see how the two are doing, does that sound alright?" The guardian nuzzles him firmly, and Error gratefully nuzzles him back.
“...ALriGHt. I- I CaN do THat.”
"Reaper works a lot, right? We could start with looking for him in a window. Then you could do your thing and look for Goth?" Killer suggests, and Error nods hesitantly.
“..YeAh oKay. I cAn… sTArt wITH hiS OlD HaNGouT SpoTS?” The destroyer replies, raising a hand.
The gang snuggles around him, silently watching as he opens a window, looking through one place after another. It takes checking only a few different places before he finds…not Reaper, but a small skully with a white outfit and familiar red scarf running around Life's garden. Error gasps, and his voice is a mix of both joy and sorrow when he speaks, sounding slightly choked up.
“TH-thAT’s.. THat’s My liTtle GOThy… Aw I MiSsed HiM BLaStinG IntO A sKUlly- he’S So bIG noW… BuT ALso stILl so liTtle…” Error murmurs, zooming in a bit closer on the skully as he watches wistfully.
The gang leans in to get a better look, all of them cooing over the little one. Goth's little white wings look more like an off white cream color compared to his outfit, the downy feathers fluttering as he giggles and runs, Reapertale Toriel chasing after him with a big smile.
"Oh my stars baby~" Nightmare coos, just before another skully runs into frame, tackling Goth and nuzzling his face.
"Who is that..?" Cross asks as he squints, trying to get a better look. The new kid is covered in pastel colors, a nice white button up with a blue trim, a matching hat, brown pants, and a yellow scarf..all covered in random splotches of bright colorful paint.
What catches Nightmare’s attention however is, not only the kids' yellow gloves, but his bright yellow to greenish blue star shaped eyelights.
“I duNnO- KinDA reMIndS me Of Ink, THouGh, WITh thE smUDge oN thIEr ChEek anD ScaRF.” Error replies, smiling softly. “I’m GLaD Goth HaS A FriEnd, thOUgh. ReAPer And I UsEd to WOrRy abouT THaT.”
"It is very good for a child to have friends, for their social development." Nightmare agrees, watching as the two skullies tumble around in the grass with big happy smiles. Error looks on fondly, a gentle smile on his face even as he begins to tear up, hiccupping quietly as he tries to subtly wipe his sockets.
"...Your baby is wonderful, Ru. I can't wait to meet him~" Cross leans over to nuzzle him, and it’s the final thing that breaks Error’s composure, expression crumpling as he begins to quietly cry, covering his mouth with his hands.
The group of skeletons around him don't hesitate to snuggle close, surrounding him in a safe, comforting barrier as Error is simply overwhelmed with emotions, the window closing as the glitch curls in on himself.
It's a lot to process. His life as Sans, the death of his brother Papyrus, his many isolated years in the save screen, remembering his sweet silly mate, and his amazing little Gothy- The fact that he left them for who knows how many years as Error- fuck- he loves the life he has now but he misses them so much .
His mates keep him safe and grounded as he sobs, supporting him like they always are, and the absolute adoration he feels for them just makes him cry harder, unabashedly letting them hold him as he falls apart.
Eventually, his sobbing quiets to small sniffles and hiccups, and Error rests his skull on the nearest shoulder, sockets and body feeling heavy.
"We have you, Ruru." Nightmare purrs as he kisses Error’s forehead softly. "Go to sleep, dear..~"
“...’K-kAY..” The glitch mumbles, too tired to argue as he nuzzles into his mates’ hold, grabbing onto who he hopes is Killer to cuddle like a teddy bear- though he doesn’t bother to check as he ignores the small burst of giggles and shushing, closing his sockets.
~
Error purrs, nuzzling into his cuddle buddy as he shifts a bit. Someone else shifts against his legs, and a cool appendage grips his waist more firmly in response.
He doesn't have to think about where he is, surrounded on all sides by both warm and cool touches, the air filled with the sound of his mates’ soulbeats and soft breaths. He knows, on an instinctive and soul deep level that he’s safe, and he lets himself sink into the feeling with a content sigh.
Error really does love it when they get to do this. When someone isn't out on a mission and Nightmare isn't working too late. Having all his mates in one place…well almost.
A small pang of longing hits Error as he thinks about Reaper, reluctantly opening his sockets. The thought of the family he had left behind still hurts, but everything feels much more settled than it had before, much less close to the surface.
He can only imagine how Reaper’s doing. His dorky snuggly bird, always such a goof… He must’ve been so upset when Geno disappeared.. Reaching up to rub at his sockets, Error looks around at everyone piled around him, wondering if he could manage to escape.
Dust at his front, Killer snuggling his legs, Horror behind him, Nightmare further behind him and….where's Cross? Error pushes himself up as his brows furrow in concern, searching for his missing mate.
A loud snore quickly dowses his fears, peering over the bed, he finds the big skeleton sleeping on the floor half rolled up on a blanket. Error snorts before he covers his mouth, laughing quietly as he relaxes.
He should’ve known- unless everyone cages Cross in, he has a habit of tossing and turning in his sleep, ending up on the floor more often than not. It’s so adorably different from the controlled way the guard usually holds himself while awake that no one can bring themselves to be annoyed- even when Cross occasionally manages to kick or slap someone awake.
The loud snoring seems just as out of character, but just as adorable~ With a fond smile, Error slowly starts to wiggle his way out of the bone pile, trying his best to avoid disturbing his mates as he untangles his limbs. Thankfully most of them tend to be heavy sleepers, but he still doesn’t want to accidentally wake them up.
The tentacle around his waist lets go, choosing to wrap around Dust instead…Nightmare is probably awake, but he doesn’t say anything. Error takes it as permission as he carefully slips out of bed, stepping over Cross’ sprawled out form and sneaking out of the room, only pausing to blow a silent kiss to the bed.
He quietly heads down the hall and the big flight of stairs back to the living room, plopping down on the comfortable couch. He feels almost as excited as he is anxious to see what his first mate has been up to. Hopefully Reaper isn’t working right now- it would be a lot more difficult to find him if he is.
Error first starts with the manor in his mate’s AU like he had yesterday, opening multiple windows in several different rooms in hopes of speeding the process up. He certainly isn't expecting to find Reaper as quickly as he does.
His old mate is laying in bed, staring blankly in front of him and rubbing a red sliver of fabric wrapped around his wrist. Even from a distance, Error can recognize the bit of his old scarf, and he frowns as he watches, wanting to reach out and wipe that expression off of Reaper’s face.
But… Reaper probably won’t recognize him as he is- hell- the destroyer is just as, if not more, infamous as the god of death is, and his old mate probably wouldn’t take kindly to the destroyer barging into his house with no warning.
Error can’t imagine that trying to convince Reaper that he is his long lost mate will be taken too kindly either... If some random person he's never met came in claiming to be any of his mates he would probably not be too happy about it either… Especially if they were a well known mass murderer who has a reputation of being insane.
As Reaper shifts a bit Error’s gaze is drawn to his wings….His mate’s once beautiful black wings. He'd never seen them in such a sorry state. His feathers are dull and an absolute mess, loose and broken ones shedding with every movement, with patches completely missing.
Error’s hands ache to fix it- to pull him into his arms and hold him until the deep, dark circles under his sockets disappear and a smile is able to break through the gloom that seems to radiate from him. To kiss him and promise him that he’ll never leave again- to hug his mate and child close, and introduce them to the rest of his little family.
He's sure Reaper would fit right in. With the gang’s soulbond- or whatever they call it- with Nightmare his old mate's death touch shouldn't affect them and Horror would love making food for them. Cross and Killer would love Reaper’s scythe, Nightmare would probably help him preen Reaper’s wings too! Not to mention how much fluffier their bone piles would be- and he’s sure Goth would absolutely adore all of the attention they’d be able to give him and the whole castle to explore.
Reaper would probably love the forest and garden outside, too. Despite being a god of death, his old mate used to love Life’s garden- and maybe Error’s biased, but Nightmare’s is even more impressive, and Reaper wouldn’t have to worry about killing it if he isn’t careful, with how much magic Nightmare has fed into it over the years.
It would be wonderful…He just has to convince Reaper he is who he says he is and give him time to presses everything. Being introduced to all his new mates will probably be…overwhelming. He's not sure how Reaper will react, but… there’s no way he won’t at least try to reach out to his family.
Once he does convince Reaper…he's sure his old mate will want to be a part of his new life and hopefully won't be judgmental…but knowing Reaper, he won't be.
At least… knowing the Reaper of years past. For all he knows his mate has changed over the years….Maybe…He could go there now? But how does he convince Reaper…?
Pointlessly, Error looks through his inventory for something he could use, despite knowing there won’t be anything there. Maybe he could tell Reaper about how they met..?
He could…tell him a secret or something-? Error huffs under his breath, pausing when he finds..an extra inventory slot? He's sure he didn't have a locket before..
Hesitantly, Error takes it out and tries to remember why it’s familiar, automatically pressing a bit of magic into it to open it up. Inside is a little family photo with Reaper and Geno at home, holding their brand new babybones up for the picture with big happy smiles.
“Oh..” Error remembers now- it’s the locket Reaper had given him that let him finally leave the save screen, blessed by Life to keep Geno in the same state of stasis as the void had… Error remembers updating the locket’s picture every year…
He has…so many new people he needs to add..So much time to make up for.. Error clutches the locket close as he fights the urge to burst into tears again, looking back up at Reaper through the window. His old mate still sulking in bed, having barely moved at all- and fuck if that doesn’t hurt his soul-
“...FuCk- Fuck iT-” Error mutters as he stands up, moving to open a portal. Worst case scenario Reaper hates him, right? Putting off talking to him won’t change that.
He shouldn't make them wait any longer…Reaper needs him. With determination in his soul, Error steps out onto the front door of his old home. It feels so nostalgic…Lifting his hand he hesitantly knocks.
It takes a minute, before the door opens and Reaper is looking down at him with a tired gaze.
"...What do you want, Destroyer?" Error knows that Reaper has no way of knowing it’s him, but it still hurts to hear his mate refer to him so distantly- so coldly.
“I- I…” Error finds himself struggling to speak now that he’s standing in front of his old mate. “I’m… I’m SOrRY..”
Reaper raises a bone brow, looking at him in confusion. "For what..?"
“FoR.. foR TaKIng sO LonG T-to cOMe baCk.” Shakily, Error holds out his locket, hoping- begging- that Reaper understands.
There's a long, painful moment of silence where Reaper only stares, leaving Error in suspense.
"...If this is a joke it's not fucking funny ." The death god growls, making him flinch and glitch slightly, holding back tears. Of course Reaper wouldn’t believe him-
“W-wE FirST meT iN Th-thE SaVE scReEN- YoU CaME t-tO REaP Me aND I- I P-puNCheD You iN thE FaCe.” Error lets out a wet chuckle.
“You- yOU wEre sO ShOCkeD I cOUld toUCh y-yoU… yOu jUSt lEt mE KIcK yoU OuT. AfTEr thAT, YoU J-juSt wOuldN’t leAVe mE ALonE-! Y-yOU drOvE Me INsaNE B-bUt yoU neVEr gaVE up n-nO MattER HoW MucH I TolD YoU To F-fUck oFf. At sOMe pOInt yOU bRouGht mE S-sOme cHOcoLATe cAKe f-fOR mY BirTHdaY anD w-wE SHaRed oUR FirsT kiSS… I-i’M S-sO SorRy…” Error’s eyesight blurs with tears and he becomes too choked up to talk, struggling to keep from just breaking down.
After a moment, Reaper hugs him, nuzzling his face into Error’s neck with a whisper-
"...P-please don't be lying…please…"
“...I’m NOt- I P-pROmisE I’m noT-” Error manages to swear, glitching just slightly at the familiar unfamiliar touch of his first mate. “PLeaSE- pleASe bELIeve mE-”
"I-I've been looking-" Reaper’s breath hitches and he holds Error tighter. "A-a-all over for you, Gen-"
“I’M s-So sO S-soRrY- ThE- thE ANtiVOid tOok aLL Of mY MeMOrieS I D-diDn’t knOW -” The glitch practically clings to Reaper, burying his face in his shoulder as he begins to cry. “I’m sORrY -”
His lost mate holds him tightly and Error can feel him shaking, so afraid he will vanish again with no traces to follow. Nearly every day, Reaper has been searching, never giving up on finally finding Geno. He knew he was out there…somewhere…far away.
To think Gen wasn’t so far after all, right under his nasal bridge. “..I-I love you..S-so… so much-”
“I.. I l-lOve yOU toO..” Error murmurs, voice muffled by Reaper’s cloak. Neither of them want to let go, so the death god simply picks Error up and carries him inside to snuggle on the couch, leaving a trail of feathers behind him.
“...Heh, you’re u-uhm…probably as strong as me now-”
“..S-soRrY For PRoB’ly makinG YOuR WOrk haRDer..” Error mumbles, sniffling as he tries to wipe his face clean for what feels like the fifth time in the past twenty-four hours, fighting to keep more tears from escaping his sockets.
“It’s fine…..w-well no uh..fetching souls f-from the void ‘s a pain.” Reaper gives him a wet chuckle, taking a slow breath before nuzzling the side of Error’s skull. “But i-it’s you so….Oh s-stars I missed you so much, G-gen-”
“I M-miSseD yOu toO- I waNTed tO CoMe as SoOn aS I ReMEmbEReD b-bUT eVEryTHinG WaS All jUMblEd up And I W-was A MeSs s-SO NiGHtmARe mAde me wAIt bUT- I- I CaMe As sOon aS I waS OkAY enoUgH To-”
“Nightmare huh..? I’ve heard about him and his gang, not great stuff. The Star Council does exaggerate though..” Reaper practically slumps against him, sounding even more tired now that he’s more calm.
“I’m sURe yoU HeaRD AboUT Me toO- thEY’re goOd peOPLe. NiGhtmaRE doEs whAT He haS To tO manTaIN THe baLANce.” Error defends, reaching behind Reaper to begin running his phalanges through his feathers even as he scowls.
“Y-you would know better than I do-” Reaper flinches a little as he feels along a missing patch of feathers, and Error makes sure to lighten his touch. “I don’t really care about…that multiverse stuff….I just wanted to find you.”
“Aw.. I’m… ReaLlY soRrY. I dOn’t quITE reMeMbER hoW I GoT tO THe aNTivoiD But.. I ReMEmbER TryINg to fiND yoU-” Error cuts himself off, instead focusing on pressing a bit of healing magic into a bare patch on Reaper’s wing. His mate doesn't need to know how long he had walked- how much he had screamed and cried for his mate- for anyone- to find him and save him from that white hell. If Reaper could have then he would have helped, no doubt about it.
His mate relaxes more and more, his grip never loosening. “I don’t know either..I…I came home from work…and you were gone….Gothy…Gothy was just crying in h-his crib..”
“...HoW… hoW IS hE? I- I MaNAged To sEe hiM thROuGH a WinDow yeSTErdaY iN LiFE’s gaRDen- hE’s goTteN So biG ..” Error’s voice cracks, before he takes a deep, shaky breath. Reaper nuzzles the side of his skull, placing a soft and light kiss against his temple.
“Y-yeah…he’s grown, heh…His blasting was…a few hundred years ago now. It doesn’t feel that long..” Error nuzzles Reaper back, even as he glitches. He should’ve been there- “Gothy’s doing great. He’s quiet and shy with new people, but once he warms up to someone he’s the sweetest kid you’ll ever talk to. H-he’s developed this obsession with mustard because of Red though- He thinks he needs it on everything he eats.”
“GroSs-” Error snorts, scrunching up his face. “SerIOusLY- mUStaRd of ALl thINGs-?”
“I know, trust me it was all Red. Edge was devastated-” Reaper chuckles a little, sounding...genuinely fond and happy. “...I recorded as much as I could..just for you.”
“....THaNK yoU.” Error mumbles, earnest. “I’ll neED To wATcH It wHeN I feEL A biT LesS FraGILe.”
Reaper kisses his cheek, giving the glitch a small squeeze and snuggling him close. “...I love you, Gen…I’m so h-happy I got to see you a-again..”
“I loVE YOu toO..~ I’m noT GoINg aNYWheRE.” He swears, pressing a kiss to his mate’s temple. “YoU CaN EVen coMe baCK to thE CAsTle wiTH Me! YoU AnD GOthy- evERyonE WaNts to meET you boTH-”
“Everyone? Who’s everyone? What castle?” Reaper asks in confusion, nuzzling their foreheads together.
“Ah- righT- NiGHtmaRE’s cAStle. He hAS His oWn AU THaT I’vE PuT A buNCh oF PRotECTions oN. AnD EVeRYone is hiM ANd hiS GaNG. YoU Won’T HAvE To woRrY ABouT TouCHing thEM EithER, ‘cAusE NIghT HaS A ceRTaiN KinD Of soULBonD ThaT ShoULd maKE THem IMmuNE To yoUR DeaTH TouCH LiKE He is!”
Technically, Nightmare managed to surround their souls with his corruption, due to him being unable to actually access his soul in his corrupted form. They couldn’t get it to work with Error’s soul, but he doesn’t mind much. They all want to wait until Nightmare is able to actually form a soulbond with them, but despite not being officially bonded, they’re still mates.
“....Really? They won’t die..if I touch them?” Reaper asks hesitantly, it seems too good to be true.
“TheY SHouLDn’t, nO. NigHT EvEN HaS A garDEn! He’S AlSo usED A bUNch oF HIs MAGic gROwinG It sO It prOBaBLY aLSo woN’t dIE! YoU COulD eVEn JoiN OuR CuDdle PILeS~” Error’s smile, which had been growing as he talked, fades and becomes a bit sheepish. “BuT Uh… ThERe iS One THinG You miGHt wAnnA KNow..”
“..What?” The death god asks with a tired nuzzle.
“I.. mAY Or maY NOt bE.. maTEs..? WitH ALl of THem..?” Reaper immediately freezes in place, staring at him wide eyed. He’s…honestly speechless-
“You….are mates…with all of them-? T-the whole group-??”
“I MeAN- iT’s oNLy fiVE pEOple-” Error mutters, blushing brightly. “SiX noW, wiTH YOu.”
Reaper huffs out a laugh, leaning closer to rest his forehead on Error’s shoulder. “That’s actually impressive, love….I’m kind of jealous..”
“ThEY alREaDy sEeM IntereSTed iN BrinGINg yoU INto THe fold- tHoUGh whETHer iT Be aS A mATe oR CloSE FrieND is FoR yOU All tO FigURe ouT. If yoU WaNT- I meAN- y-yOU doN’t haVE to-” Error flusteredly cuts himself off, realizing he’s probably moving a bit too fast in his excitement to have all of his mates together.
Reaper nuzzles him closer, sighing quietly. “Sounds nice…sorry I’m a bit overwhelmed…..I can barely believe I’m…holding you right now..”
“I’m NoT GoinG ANywHEre.” Error promises, pressing small kisses to Reaper’s skull. “SoRry- dO YOu wANt me tO StoP TaLKing?”
“Mm’might fall asleep if you do..” Reaper mumbles, kissing Error’s neck softly as he closes his sockets. “..I love you.”
“I loVe yoU ToO. Go To slEeP DeaR- I’LL be HerE WHen yoU WaKe.” The glitch murmurs, beginning to gently preen his mate’s wings, knowing it was a surefire way to get Reaper to sleep.
“B-but what if y-you’re not-?” The taller whines, holding him tighter.
“If I HaVE To leAVe, I’ll wAKe yoU Up, OKaY? Or juST taKE yoU WitH Me- I’m sTRonG ENouGH tO liFt yoU noW~” Error purrs, gently nudging Reaper back until he’s laying down. His tall mate continues to whine, even as he accepts his fate, snuggling Error close with the quietest of purrs.
“Gothy…might wake up soon..” The glitch waves a hand, opening a small window to where he remembers Goth’s room to be, so he can hear and grab Goth without moving.
“I’LL taKe cARe oF It- Get sOMe resT, DEar.”
“Mm…fine..” Reaper gives him another soft kiss, before passing out in no time. He’s so obviously exhausted… Fuck- when was the last time Reaper had slept for it to get this bad? Had he taken care of himself at all?
He looks like an absolute mess, even his bones look a little gray… Error gently cups Reaper’s face as he looks him over, frowning in concern and hating how long he had been gone…His absence clearly took a toll on his mate…Reaper must have been so lonely..
Does his brother still come around? Grim used to come by all the time just to see them… Though, knowing Reaper, he probably shut everyone out. Error sighs as he strokes his mates face, such a dork…he’s going to need all the comfort loves and attention…It’s a good thing that’s something the gang is pretty good at..~
Once Gothy’s awake, he’ll take them back to the castle, so the rest of his mates can meet and keep a socket on him- hopefully they aren’t freaking out that Error left. They can be so very dramatic sometimes, especially when worried. It’s kind of funny though.
The rustling of blankets catches his attention through his window and he gets to watch his adorable skully stretch with the biggest yawn.
“GooD MOrniNG~” Error can’t help but coo, before abruptly remembering he looks and sounds much different than Goth remembers- if Goth remembers him in the first place- His skully blinks his way, rubbing his sockets, before Error feels a surprising tug on his soul. He doesn’t even get to react before Goth lights up and runs through the window to him, nearly tripping over his own feet.
“Mommy~!”
“Oh-! CaREfuL BaBY-!” Error pushes himself up to properly scoop up his little skully, hugging him tightly. “YOu cAN’t jUSt thRow YOursELf ouT Of yoUR beD SiLLy-”
“I o’tay! See?” Goth giggles, hugging and nuzzling him very aggressively with a big smile. “I did a big jump, Mommy~!”
“ThAT.. thAT You diD bABy.” A smile slowly grows on Error’s face even as tears once again gather in his sockets, practically wrapping himself around Goth as he beams, pressing a kiss to the top of his skull. Goth remembered- Goth recognized him- “H-hI HoNEy.. I M-misSED you..”
“Miss’d you all da more! Dada said you be back!”
“H-hE Did, diD HE? WeLL I’m sOrRY it tOOK me So loNG tO ComE BaCK.” Error pulls back just enough to hold his son’s face, before covering him in joyful kisses. He gets a very happy squeal in return, the little fluffy wings on Goth’s back flapping behind him as he giggles.
“Mommyyyy-!”
“GoTHyyY~!” Error singsongs, pressing a big kiss to the skully’s nasal ridge before nuzzling their foreheads together, simply basking in the feeling of holding his baby again. “I loVE YoU~”
“Well I love you all da more~!” Goth insists, smiling so big as he nuzzles Error back, and the glitch has to fight the urge to burst into tears at the sight. “As you gonna helped Dada feel beder?”
“M-mHM. He’S SleEPinG RIghT NOw, sEe?” Error turns to let Goth see Reaper’s face from where they’re sitting next to him.
“Oooohhh, I not seen Dada seep, beff…befer-” Gothy’s brow furrow, not liking how the last word sounded coming out of his mouth.
“BefORe?” The glitch suggests.
“Yus! That word!” Goth beams, before reaching out and cupping Error’s face with his little hands to give his Mom a kiss on the nasal bridge.
“Aw BAby -” Error’s voice breaks as he nuzzles his baby aggressively, subtly wiping the tears from his sockets and smiling wide enough that his cheeks ache. He loves his little skully so much-
“Oh oh-! Mommy MOmmy! I gotta show you my rwoom!” Goth bounces in his arms, so very excited to show off all his cool toys and all his coloring books with his mom.
“Oh YEaH? ALriGHt oNE SeCONd-” Error pulls away and grabs a string, tying it around Reaper’s wrist. He doubts his mate will wake up for at least a day, but better safe than sorry. “YoU CaN ShoW Me yoUR rOOm reAL quICk thEN It’S BReAkfaST TimE, aLRigHt?”
“Awwww, okaaayyyy-” Goth pouts as he puffs out his cheeks. “Hurry hurry, Mommmaaaa-!”
“OKaY OkaYyyYY~!” Error swings Goth up onto his shoulders as he stands up.
“Yeee~! Momma I’m so high up~!” Goth squeals, patting the top of his skull and making him laugh.
“YoU ARe~! CaN YOu poINT mE To yoUr rOom pLEaSe? YoU CaN PuLL On mY SCaRf liKe a HOrsy!” His little skully gasps in excitement at the idea, pointing down the hall giddily as he grabs onto the scarf.
“Go horry go~! Giddyup!” Error snorts at Goth’s pronunciation, holding back snickers as he neighs and begins to run down the hallway. Once in the little skully’s room, Gothy very excitedly wiggles, trying to get down as fast as he can to show off every toy he has to Error, telling him Mom all their names and where he got them.
Error is sure to listen intently as his baby babbles endlessly about everything, half tempted to record it to show the boys. Goth’s excitement is absolutely adorable~
“An dis is Mr’ Spwinkles! ‘Cause he actually hates sprinkles-” Goth whispers the last part to him, covering the little stuffed frog's ‘ears’.
“Oh I SeE.” Error whispers back, before getting an idea. “WaNT To seE OnE Of mY ToyS?”
“Yee~! I see I see pwease Momma!” Goth drops his frog in favor of jumping up and down in excitement, and Error grins as he opens a portal to the antivoid, grabbing his puppet of ‘#13’- and damn Red’s going to be furious at him-
Gothy dramatically gasps, making grabby hands at the puppet. “Uncle Wed!”
“YuP~” Error holds the puppet out to his skully, quickly attaching some strings to it to make it hug Goth’s hand. His baby lets out the most adorable, shocked squeal, immediately hugging the doll as tightly as he can as he bounced on his feet.
“Mommy Mommy it hugged me~!!”
“Oh mY GOsh iT Did~!” The glitch grins widely as he has the doll pat Goth’s cheeks, waving when the skully looks down at it with wide sockets. Cue another happy squeal and so much bouncing.
“I love him~!!! Can I keep him, Mommy? Pwetty pweeeeaaaaaase!”
“Of coURse~ I caN MAke YOu sOMe moRe OF WhoeVEr yoU WaNT, tOO.”
“Weallwy!? Can I have a Dada one? And a Mommy one! Oh oh and a Pallwet?”
“MhM! ThOugh- wHo’s PaLLet?” Error questions, dismissing his strings and scooping his baby up again to nuzzle him.
“He’s my best fwend! He’s supew nice and pwetty and silly- Pallet is weally silly, always fogettin’ things!”
“In thAT CaSE I cAN’t waIT To mEet hiM~ I hAVe sOMe friENds tOo thaT I WaNT yoU To meET- I WaS ThinKINg wE CouLD Go hAVe breAKfaSt wiTH THem sO I cAN IntrODuce yoU. OnE Of thEM MaKes thE beST tREaTs, aNd we CouLD EVen BRinG DaDdy wiTH Us! He miGHt juST STaY aSLeeP ThouGH…”
“Yaaaay~! Tweets~!” Gothy throws his hands up in the air, practically vibrating and almost dropping his new doll, much to Error’s amusement.
“BuT YOu haVE To eAT YOuR BreAKfaSt fiRSt, deAL?”
“Awwwww, otaaayyyyyy-” Gothy pouts, puffing out his cheeks as he nuzzles into Error’s shoulder. “Can I have musdwerd?”
“...We’LL SeE- dEPEnds oN WhaT THey’rE MaKIng. LeT’s Go gRAB yoUR faTHer thEN We’LL gO, OKay?” Error picks up his son as he stands, making sure Goth has a good grip on the Red puppet.
“Yaaay~!” Goth nuzzles him some more, purring clumsily against him. Error purrs loudly in response as he takes them back to the living room, being sure to shower his little skully in affection. “Momma’s da best~!”
“AwW THanK YOu~ GoTHy’s THe bESTesT~!” Error coos, giving his baby one last nuzzle before reluctantly putting him down so he can pick up Reaper. His baby giggles, holding onto the bottom of his jacket as he adjusts his sleeping mate in his arms, careful of his wings as he opens a portal to the castle’s living room.
The delicious smell of breakfast food is the first thing to greet them, the second being Nightmare, sitting in his recliner with a book in hand.
“Greetings Error dea- Baby-” Error bursts into laughter at the way his mate’s eyelight dilates the moment it lands on Goth, his entire demeanor changing.
“Hi loVE~” The glitch carefully arranges Reaper on the thankfully empty couch, pressing a kiss to his forehead before grabbing one of the throw blankets and draping it over him.
“Don’t laugh at me-” The guardian pouts, never looking away from Goth as the skully eyes him up and down. The moment Goth sees the tentacles within arms reach, he snatches it, giggling when the appendage tickles his neck. “Ooooh my stars-”
“GoTHy, thAT’s NiGHtmaRE. WhY DOn’t YOu go SaY Hi tO Him aND SHow hiM YouR NEw tOY?” Error suggests, sitting on the ground to be on the same level as his baby.
“Otay~!” The skully very excitedly walks up to the other, climbing into Nightmare’s lap as he holds up his new doll. “I’m Gotttth!”
He struggles to say his own name, but it only makes him cuter. “I see, well I am Nightmare. It is nice to meet you~”
“Yee~! And loody! I got a Wed doll from Mommy!”
“GeNO is BeSt friENDs wiTH ThirTEen anD EDge ADopteD Me aS A BRotHeR, SO..” Error explains at Nightmare’s questioning look, shrugging a bit nervously as he remembers just how many years of harassing them he’s going to have to make up for.
“Ah, I see-”
“I gotted a best fwend too! His name is Palwet!”
“Oh really? What does he look like?” Nightmare inquires, letting Goth ramble about his best friend very enthusiastically as Error fondly watches on, stroking the stray tentacle that wanders over to him.
“-But he fowgets all da time! SO I gotta weminded him. He says his Dada does the same thing and his Mommy gets mad, but gentle mad. Cause his mommy doesn’t like yelling.”
“Oh YEah- GOthY Do yoU KnoW His PAreNTs’ naMEs?” After all, Error will need to know who to talk to if he wants to help plan playdates- even if they know who he is, hopefully Error can work something out with them-
“Uuuuhhhh I think his Dada’s name is Ink? That’s what his Mommy calls him.” Goth taps his cheek, Error and Nightmare both looking at the little one with wide sockets.
“Ink has a kid-???”
“O-oH.” Error is definitely going to interrogate the creator during their next fight- This is going to be both easier and harder than he thought. But who the fuck would Ink have a kid with?? “Do UH- dO You KnoW HIs mOMmy’s naMe? Or whAT THeY LOoK LIke?”
“Uhm…They are bwight yellwow and stuffs and a cwown! LIke a pwincess~!” Error glitches in shock as Nightmare stiffens, slowly covering Goth’s ear holes.
“ I’m going to kill a squid~ ”
“ThERe’s no WaY- thERe’s No WAy - InK??? ANd DreAM??? WitH A KiD-??” The destroyer sputters, before processing his mate’s words. “WhA- HeY No THaT’s mY JoB-!”
“Nope- I must take out the duckhead that got my brother pregnant~”
“What you saaayinnnn’-!?” Goth squirms in Nightmare’s hold, and Error gestures for his mate to let him go.
“We WeRE juST taLKing ABoUt TaLKinG TO PaLleT’s mOm anD DAd sO We cAN haVE A PLaYDate.” Error lies easily, his baby’s eyelight lighting up.
“Weally~!?”
“MhM~ It pRoBABly wON’t bE TodAY, bUT SoON.” He promises, earning himself a happy giggle and wiggle from the skully.
“Yaaaaaaaaayyy~!”
“YaYyy~” Error cheers with his son, looking up at Nightmare to give him a smile.
~
(Things and truce stuff for bby~!)
~
Error grumbles, glaring at the skeleton next to him as he sips his drink. This little shit has been poking fun at him for the past several minutes and won’t shut the fuck up-!! He doesn’t think has ever gotten on his nerves more-
“Error Error Error what’s Error thinking? He’s got his grumpy face on~”
“I ThINk yoU SHo-ouLD ShUT thE FuCk up-!” Error snaps, angrily tossing his drink back and slamming his cup down on the guardrail in front of him, glowering at Ink as he ignores the way the drink burns on the way down. He went onto the balcony for some peace and quiet- not to be harassed by the creator!
“Oh so angry~” Ink continues to tease, literally poking at Error’s side. The creator is obviously trying to be a nuisance, enjoying every reaction he can get out of the glitch. “Is the big bad destroyer maadd~?”
“ YEs - BecAUse A CerTAIN duMBaSs cREaTOr wON’t fuCK OfF-” Error growls, firmly poking Ink’s ribs and stealing his drink to nurse instead as he tries to push back the fuzziness steadily creeping on him. Maybe he shouldn’t have chugged that whole cup..
The smaller monster gasps in mock offense, trying to snatch back his cup. “Hey! That’s Ink’s! Give it back!”
“NoPE iT’s miNE noW.” Error dodges Ink’s attempts and takes a big gulp of his drink, before sticking his tongues out at the creator. With a scowl, Ink jumps up, grabbing onto Error’s shoulders and trying to climb up him just enough to tip the drink into his mouth.
“Ha~!”
“AcK-! GEt oFf mE-!” The glitch sputters, stumbling back as he tries to lift the drink out of Ink’s reach, but the creator has a strong grip on his wrist, very determined to finish it off.
“No-!” Error flails and braces himself back against the handrail to keep from falling over, Ink effectively pinning him in place before he manages to chug the last of the drink. “Ha! Ink wins Ink wins~!”
“FuCK yoU-”
“Error wishes he could fuck Ink-” The creator sticks out his tongue, letting go of Error and stumbling a bit on his feet.
“PFft y’WIsh-” The glitch mutters, the world tilting dangerously as he pushes himself up, forcing him to grab Ink’s shoulders to keep from falling. The creator grabs his jacket, huffing at Error.
“Ink betts Ink is better at it then Errorrr-” Ink shakes his skull, definitely feeling the alcohol by now. Error gets an idea that he’ll definitely regret tomorrow, but the hazy warmth settling within him takes away his impulse control, and he sways slightly as he leans down to look Ink in the sockets, grinning.
“PRovE’t, thEN.” The creator scoffs, grinning back at him.
“Fine, Ink will-” Without any hesitation, Ink grabs Error’s face and traps the destroyer in a deep kiss, not holding back a thing. Error gasps and glitches slightly in surprise, not expecting Ink to actually rise to his bait.
Ink takes the opportunity to wiggle his way into Error’s mouth, rubbing their tongues together as he tastes the same drink they had only a moment ago. A small sound escapes Error when their magic touches, before he clumsily wraps his tongues around Ink’s, pressing a couple of them into the creator’s own mouth.
It feels way better than he thought it would. Ink’s hands begin to wander, sliding down to pull up his shirt and trace his ribs, making Error shiver and suppress another noise. He sneaks his hands into Ink’s shirt and firmly squeezes his spine, phalanges scraping slightly against the vertebrae as he pulls the creator closer.
“HmMmm~” Ink moans softly as he presses into the kiss more, rubbing and squeezing Error’s ribs to get any reaction he can. Being this close…is a little intoxicating, but maybe that's just the alcohol talking- Either way it feels incredibly good.
“MmNh~” A small whine slips out of Error, his magic sparking and beginning to swirl in his pelvis as he loses focus for a moment, faltering in his ministrations. With a smirk, Ink opens a portal behind the glitch, slowly pushing him back until he falls onto his beanbag, the creator crawling on top of him. Ink never breaks their kiss, tugging on Error’s clothes as the glitch fumbles with Ink’s shirt.
Neither of them are willing to part, making it difficult to undress as Error gives up on Ink’s shirt and tries to pull off the smaller’s pants, simultaneously trying to wiggle out of his own with Ink’s help. Miraculously, they manage to very clumsily undress, at least they get their pants off-
Ink doesn’t waste a second, rubbing and wiggling his phalanges into every crevice on Error’s pelvis he can find. The glitch arches and moans loudly, magic quickly gathering in his pelvic inlet as he squirms and tries to press closer. Error feels lightheaded from the combination of the lack of air, alcohol, and stimulation, struggling to think beyond Ink’s touches and tongue invading his mouth.
When Ink pulls his hands back, Error’s female ecto summons without a thought, cunt already puffy and wet with arousal.
“Ooo~ Soooo prettyy~”
“Sh-sHUddup..” Error mumbles, hazily opening his sockets and breathing heavily once Ink breaks the kiss, pressing his thighs together. The creator gently grabs his knees, pushing his legs apart again as Ink summons his male ecto.
“Mmaake Ink~” He eyes the glitch’s entrance, and without a thought in his skull, he scoots down to lick it, sucking on Error’s clit with a purr.
“A-aAHh~ FuCk- INk~” The destroyer whines, hands scrambling to find purchase on the beanbag beneath him as his toes curl in pleasure. Ink takes his time, sliding his hands up Error’s thighs and using his thumbs to spread his lips, licking up between them more firmly and pulling a shudder from him.
Error tastes pretty good~ Like that slightly spicy chocolate he likes so much- and the needy sounds he makes are definitely a bonus.
With a few more licks for good measure, Ink crawls back up to better position himself, kissing Error deeply with a pleased purr. In one swift movement, he shoves his cock deep inside the destroyer.
“Mm-Aah~!” Error breaks the kiss as he cries out, a ripple of glitches going through him. He pulls Ink close and bites into his shoulder in retaliation, just shy of making him bleed, cunt fluttering and clenching tightly around the creator’s dick.
“H-hAaAA~!” Ink jolts, the pain only edging him on further. “F-fuuck~”
With a groan, the creator shakily starts to thrust, gripping Error’s hips, and the glitch busies himself with clumsily biting and sucking on Ink’s neck and shoulders between pants and moans, grinding down to meet each thrust.
It’s easy to get lost in the pleasure, Ink speeding up as Error is quickly brought to his first climax, and from then on everything is a pleasure-filled blur. He can’t even count how many times he cums, his mind melting into putty as he’s filled with cum over and over until neither of them can so much as move, and both of them pass out fairly quickly afterwards.
~
Ink really doesn’t wanna wake up, his body feeling sore and his head is pounding. “Mmm..Ruuu..”
“..Sh’ddp…” Error groans, flopping a hand at Ink and fumbling to grab his scarf and cover his sockets. Never before has he hated the blinding white of the antivoid so much.
“Mmm..” The squid whines, nuzzling into Error’s chest with a quiet purr. “Warrrmmmm~”
“ShHh…” The glitch hushes Ink, before grabbing him and rolling them both over so he can bury his face against his beanbag, only pausing when he feels Ink’s cock still buried in him, cunt absolutely aching. “HnNG gE’ ‘ur d’CK oUT..”
Ink huffs, pouting sleepilly even as he moves, shivering as his cock falls out limp. Unsummoning his ecto, he snuggles back into Error, who hums a vague pleased sound as he dismisses his own ecto and relaxes.
…Only, the aching doesn’t fade. Surely Ink didn’t go hard enough to bruise his pelvis that bad, right?
Huffing in annoyance, Error peeks open a socket to look down on himself despite his splitting headache- only to pause in tired confusion. He could’ve sworn he dismissed his ecto- Frowning, Error tries again, growing concerned as nothing happens.
Ink nuzzles against him more firmly, frowning a little at the growing buzz. “Error…shhhh-”
“...INk mY ECtO woN’t gO AwAY-” Error mutters, feeling much more awake. The creator blinks, before quickly sitting up, flinching a little at the movement. He stares down Error’s ecto.
“...Uh oh-” The glitch sighs heavily, burying his face again and closing his sockets as he glitches heavily. Maybe if he ignores it it’ll go away-
“...My hEAd hURTs tOO muCH FOr thIS- InK GEt mE SoMe waTER-” He mumbles, voice muffled by his beanbag. Ink doesn’t say a word as he melts into an inky puddle, coming back a few seconds later with two water bottles and some headache medicine.
Error goes for the water first, wincing as he sits up to chug half of the bottle down, keeping his sockets closed for a moment to let his magic absorb the water, his headache easing to slightly more bearable levels.
With his skull no longer quite feeling like it’s about to explode, Error takes the offered medicine and checks the label to make sure it’s safe for pregnancy, before taking a half dose to be safe. He downs the rest of the water bottle with the medicine, handing it back to Ink before flopping back down onto his beanbag, trying one last time to dismiss his ecto with no result.
“Heheh……woops-?” Ink scratches his cheek sheepishly looking away as Error’s glitching worsens.
“....GeNUinELy H-hoW THe fuCk- yo-oU NeED INteNt tO HaVE a kID-d-!” He exclaims, pointing accusingly at Ink. “ThIS is aLL YouR FaULT-”
“Yeeeaaahhh probably-” Ink giggles nervously. “This happens a lot actually-”
“WhAT The heLL.” Error deadpans, before his sockets widen in panic. “Sh-hiT- hOw Am I Go-oNna TEll mY MAT-teS-?”
“Oh yeah, Ink forgot about that. Nightmare likes kids, right?....Does this count as cheating?”
“I dON’t knOw-w-! P-prOBaBLy?? I me-e-EAn- We nEVer aCTuaLLy taLKed a-aBouT BeINg eXClusIVE-e A-aND I KnoW THe boYS slEep ARouN-n-nD SOmETimES b-buT-” Error’s glitching steadily grows worse as he panics, error signs beginning to gather in his sockets. Nightmare and Reaper in particular are going to be furious -
“E-error don’t crash!” Ink tries to nuzzle him, purring comfortingly. “It could hurt the souling-”
A small, destressed whine escapes Error, before he forces himself to take a deep breath, closing his sockets as he works to suppress his glitches. Ink continues to nuzzle him, trying to offer comfort, before a very familiar portal opens and Nightmare comes rushing into the antivoid.
The guardian wastes no time taking in what he can of the situation and deeming Ink the issue, giving the creator a deathglare as Error jolts and tries to sink into his beanbag.
“H-h-HEy NIghT…” He greets worriedly, trying to blink the error signs away as he internally panics more. Slowly, the guardian walks over as if he’s some skittish animal, gently wrapping a tentacle around his mate and pulling him closer, away from Ink, to nuzzle him. Despite his worry and fears, Error can’t help but nuzzle him back.
“What’s wrong, dear..?” Error chuckles nervously, curling up slightly as he glances at Ink for help, unsure how to even start.
“...I knocked him up.” Ink just blurts out, Nightmare freezing in place behind the glitch as Error facepalms- though at some point it turns to him hiding his face in his hands.
“W-wE DiDN’t- wELL I meAN We KinDA Did m-mEAN to BuT-t- wE-e wERe d-dRUnk An-nD I’m KinDA A h-hoRnY DRuNK b-buT AppARENtl-ly InK DoeSN’t nEeD INT-t-tENt to GEt-t soMEONe prEGNaN-nt-” Error rambles as he tries to explain, curling up tighter and his glitches starting to hurt the longer he talks.
His mate gently grabs his cheeks and stops him mid sentence with a kiss, making Error jolt in surprise, pushing Ink off the beanbag with a tentacle while he’s at it.
“..N-niGHt-?” The glitch stammers when Nightmare pulls back, looking up at him though the error signs with wide, worried sockets.
“Ru darling, I’m not upset with you. I’m not angry at you and you have done nothing wrong.” He reassures. “This is a lovely little surprise. The only person I am upset at is a particular little squid who I am going to very aggressively murder. You however, are going to go home and take a nice warm bath to relax, and calm yourself until I return.”
NIghtmare speaks in a hauntingly calm voice, his tentacles twitching as Ink slowly starts to back away.
“I-I’m fINe..” Error weakly protests even as relief fills him at his mate’s words… but still.. “....YoU SUre yOU’rE noT MAd..?”
“Not at you, dear. I don’t think I could ever be genuinely mad at you~” Nightmare kisses him softly again. “Go on home and rest. I’ll shower you in affection when I get back.”
“...I dON’t thINk I caN WAlk.” Error admits sheepishly, glancing away to check Ink’s progress on escaping. After all, it seems unfair to punish the squid for something Error initiated. His mate sighs, before picking him up, opening a portal and setting him down on the living room couch, a tentacle handing him his clothes.
“Is this alright?” Nightmare asks as Ink jumps into a puddle somewhere behind him. Error starts wiggling into his clothes, giving his mate a smile.
“YeAh, tHAnks NigHT.” The guardian leans over to give him a kiss, before looking around….and seeing that Ink is gone.
“Damn it-!!” Error gives Nightmare his best innocent look.
“So… Do yoU KnOW wheRE evERYone eLSe is?” Nightmare grumbles, stepping through and closing the portal with a huff.
“Killer and Cross are out on a mission…Dust is in his room, Horror is in the garden with Goth, and I believe Reaper is working.”
“ALriGHt- I GUesS I’ll haVE To wAIt to TelL THem, thEN.” Error replies, making grabby hands for his mate as he gently tugs on his soulbond with Reaper, letting him know he wants him but that it wasn’t urgent. Nightmare sits down and pulls him up into his lap, resting his skull on Error’s shoulder with a pout.
“I loovvveee you~”
“I loVE YOu toO~ …YOu suRE hAVing ANotHEr baBYBoneS RunNINg aROund wILL be ALriGHt? I meAn- I KNow It’S KinDA SudDEn aND wE weREn’T PlaNnING On trYIng foR A CoUPle yeARs- BuT- I WaNna keEP Them-”
“Love, I would never ask you to get rid of them dear.” Nightmare reassures as he nuzzles Error’s skull. “And I don’t mind at all~ I think having another little one will be wonderful.”
“I dIDn’t thINk yoU WOuLD I Just- woRry-” The glitch mumbles, nuzzling Nightmare back. “...I gET PreTty baD MooDSWingS ANd cRavINgs, thOUgh, sO FaIR WarNINg.”
“Moody like when you’re sleepy~?” His mate teases with a coo, making Error pout.
“Oh HUSh- aND noT QUite- moRE LiKE CryINg ‘caUSe I LovE YOu so mUCh bEFore sNAppINg aT SOmeTHing anD WaNTIng to mURDer sOMeoNe, THeN CryinG AGain ‘caUSe I FEel baD. PoOR REaPer haD To deAL WitH Me aLL By himSElf wiTH GotHY.”
“As long as you don’t kill one of us, we’ll probably be fine. Besides, you are very attractive when angry~” Nightmare purrs, peppering his face with kisses.
“ShUDduPpp-” Error whines, fighting back giggles as he squirms in the guardian’s hold.
“But you’re so cute~” He purrs, rubbing Error’s belly as he covers the glitch in gentle affection.
“NoOO-” He protests, even as he snorts and laughs, halfheartedly trying to escape. His mate only showers him in even more affection, kissing and softly nipping his neck and shoulders.
“My wonderful mate~ My sweet Ruru darling~”
“HmM~” Error shivers and relaxes against Nightmare, smiling softly. He loves when he gets to have any of his mates’ attention, especially soft and sweet like this~
“I hope you know you’re going to be showered in love once everyone finds out~”
“YOu thINk?” Error asks, though he can already imagine the kind of elaborate meals Horror will plan- and Cross will probably want to follow him around like the cute guard he is… And Dust and Killer are totally going to make fun of him- he’s… honestly unsure how Reaper will react..
His oldest mate was a bit hesitant about him being with the others at first and it took some time for him to feel comfortable. He bonded with Nightmare and Killer rather quickly, but relationship wise they are still developing as a poly.
Error doesn’t want Reaper to feel more anxious by the sudden change…again.
“Ru, it will be alright.” Error is pulled out of his thoughts as Nightmare gives him a small squeeze, realizing his anxiety had been swelling again.
“I- I KNoW-”
“Hmm..how about we change the topic a bit. I know Gothy will be excited to have a sibling~” Nightmare purrs, softly kissing his temple.
“Oh yEAh hE’s goNna BE EcstaTIc~” Error agrees happily. “He’S GOnnA BE a GReaT BiG BRotHEr~”
"I agree~ I can't wait to go baby shopping~" Nightmare’s tentacles wag, purring loudly and nuzzling the glitch more aggressively, making him giggle.
“YoU EXciTEd tO haVE anOTher bAByboNEs tO CudDLe~?”
"Mmmaybe~ I can't help it- Children are lovely~"
“I kNOw yoU Love ‘eM~” Error purrs, only slightly teasing.
"I'm going to be a mom too someday~" His mate preens, making Error smile.
“MhM~ AnD YOu’ll bE WOndERful aT IT~” The glitch purrs with a nuzzle, even as he internally pouts a bit at the reminder- He can’t believe Killer managed to call dibs- though he supposes it is fair. Killer was with Nightmare first, it fits that he be the first to give Nightmare a baby bones.
“I’ll certainly try~ And this little one will be a good fresh start for you, too.” Nightmare resumes rubbing Error’s middle in gentle circles. “You’ll get to experience all those things you missed out on with Goth.”
“..YeaH..” Error agrees, even as he frowns a bit, getting a firm kiss from his mate.
“And we’ll be with you every step of the way. You’ll do amazing, my love~”
“Of coURsE I WilL- HaVe yOU seEN GoTh hE’s wONDerfUL-” The glitch pauses, expression falling a bit. “..ThoUGh I GueSs thaT’S MorE REaPEr’s doINg- uh- NEVermINd..”
“Don’t say that. Gothy thinks the world of you and you are a wonderful mother to him. You left a big enough impact that he remembered you even as a skully.”
“I’m PReTty sURE He jUSt reCOgnizED The boND-” Error mutters, even though logically he knows his mate is right.
“Ru.” Nightmare turns his skull to give him a proper kiss. “You’re a good mom, and I know you will continue to be a good mom for this soulling too, even if you don’t think so.”
“....OkAY.” He relents softly, gently kissing Nightmare back. They cuddle and relax, simply enjoying each other's company until Horror and Goth come back inside with fresh fruits and veggies from the garden. The moment he sees his mom, the skully rushes over, eagerly showing off the potato he dug up.
“Mommy Mommy look~! I gotted a tato!”
“Oh WOw! ThaT’s sO COoL BabY~!” Error cheers, scooping Gothy up and peppering his face with playful kisses. His baby giggles and gives him messy little kisses back.
“Hehehe~! Looky Nitty look!” Goth holds his potato out for Nightmare to see, his little hands still covered in dirt.
“I see I see. It’s a very big potato. You did such a good job, hun~” The guardian coos as Error grins widely.
“DiD YOu haVE FuN HElpinG RorRY?” He asks.
“Uh huh! I gotted so many stuffs! Like tomitos, and tatos, and gween beans, and even white fowey bushy things!”
“Cauliflower….” Horror corrects with a chuckle.
“Yeah, that!”
“WoAH GoOD JOb GOthY~! WhY DOn’t yoU ANd RoRry gO CLeaN UP reAL quICk anD ComE BAck- I HaVE SomeTHIng tO TeLL YOu~” Error says the last part quietly, as if he’s saying some sort of secret. Goth giggles quietly with an excited nod before getting up and rushing over to grab the much bigger skeleton's hand, leading Horror to the kitchen.
“Let’s go hurry hurry-!”
“YoU’ll wANt tO HEar tHIS too.” The glitch confirms at Horror’s questioning look, before making a shooing gesture as he smiles. “DoN’t mAKe GOTh wAIt Too LOnG~”
With another giggle, the skully skips off, Horror smiling at the little one.
“They are so cute~”
“MhM~ I cAN’t wAIt tO See hoW GOthY WiLL reaCt~”
“He’s going to be so excited~ Are you sure we should tell them individually though?” Killer and Cross won’t be back for at least another day.
“I’m IMpaTIent.” Error admits with a slightly sheepish grin. “I wANt to TEll GotH, aT LEaSt.”
“He’ll be excited to tell Reaper. Maybe it will soften the surprise too.” The glitch cringes slightly at the reminder, glitching nervously.
“MaYBe…”
“Love, I doubt he will be angry with you.” Nightmare reminds him with a soft kiss.
“...I kNoW.” Error agrees after a moment.
Chapter 62: Error is a pokemon now
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Sorry for not posting the past few days-
also this is Fgod Error and kinda short but it’s too cute to not post in my opinion.
Chapter Text
The crippled skeleton stumbles through portal after portal, only coming to a stop when his soul throbs painfully and he can’t stay on his feet anymore. He hears something crack as he face plants, but he doesn’t move. Error lays there, magic slowly pooling around him.
He can’t move…his spine must have snapped.
“..Mew?” An odd sound comes from somewhere on his right, floating above him, before Error senses something coming closer, and something soft and fuzzy pokes the side of his skull. “Mew?”
The destroyer slowly manages to turn his head, his bones creaking and groaning from the effort. The creature in front of him is…odd. It’s covered in soft pink fur, long wide kind of rabbit-like feet, soft features, and a long tail.
“Mew!” Its large, expressive eyes seem to widen in concern when he moves, its cat-like ears pinning back as it looks him over. “Mew mew!”
It gestures for him to stay still with its small arms, before… floating? Back a bit, closing its eyes and seemingly concentrating. Strange, pink rings begin to emanate from it, washing over Error’s form. A cool feeling washes over his body, lightly numbing the pain and moving through his mana lines. What is this creature doing..?
“Mm..” The being floats around him, seemingly inspecting him based on the gentle pokes he feels on different areas of his body, before landing in front of his face again, odd rings coming from it once more. It feels even more odd the second time, his brakes adjusting and reconnecting themselves much faster than they usually do.
It’s..healing him? Why? There’s a slight pause as it inspects Error again, before it seems to see the damage on his ribs and spine, a destressed sound coming from it before the cool sensation washes over him yet again, this time much more focused on the damage.
He’s not entirely sure how many times the floating cat creature heals him before he’s able to move, slowly and carefully sitting up. He ignores the usual creaking of his bones in favor of looking himself over.
“HuH….ThANK YoU…uh….Cat?”
“Mew!” The creature floats up to his face and nuzzles his cheek, before headbutting him and trying to push him down. Error blinks in confusion, very much not understanding what's going on. Still he lets himself be pushed down, blinking at the soft creature in confusion.
“Mew. Mew mew.” It says, almost sounding scolding, before it gestures for him to stay put again and disappears in a flash of light. Error hardly gets a chance to react before its back, holding something green and something yellow in its little arms, holding them out to him.
Hesitantly, Error reaches out to take the offered items, even more baffled. “WhA-aT-t-?”
“Mew!” The creature gestures to the small items, before patting its mouth and stomach, then gestures to Error. He blinks at them, before just popping the yellow thing in his mouth and just swallowing- The being blinks back at him, tilting its head in confusion, before it gestures to the green, lumpy item.
Oh, they want him to eat it too. This one is a little bit harder to try and swallow in one go, so he actually chews it this time. He doesn’t pay much mind to the way it tastes- it’s definitely not chocolate-
“HaPpY no-Ow?” The creature chirps happily and nuzzles his cheek some more, before sitting down next to his skull, seemingly waiting for something as it watches him expectantly. He blinks at them and they blink back. “..W-wHAT?”
Error’s answered a couple of moments later when a cool sensation washes over him- similar to when the creature had healed him- but this time it seems to linger, soothing the vague burning ache that Error hadn’t even noticed that emanated from the areas Ink’s corrosive paint had hit him.
Are the weird things he ate like monster candy or something? What even is this AU???
“T-thaNKs…agaiN.” A purr comes from the creature as it gently headbutts him, tail swaying in satisfaction.
“Mew~!” A small, barely noticeable, smile tugs at the corners of his mouth and he leans up to headbut the floating creature back with a quiet coo. The being purrs louder in response, giving him a nuzzle, before gently grabbing his hand between its little paws and trying to tug him up, seemingly satisfied with his state of healing.
He sits up without complaint, before standing fully, looking down at his torn up clothes with a sigh. He just fixed these…Oh well. He might as well take the opportunity to get himself cleaned up.
“D-dO yoU knoW WheRe a WaTE-erIng hOLe is?”
“Mew?” The being pauses, tail flicking in thought, before they brighten. “Mew~!”
It suddenly flies up and hugs his face, lightly wrapping its soft tail around his neck and covering his sockets with its paws, making him jump in surprise, before the air shifts .
Error feels his whole body stiffen, slight panic gripping his soul, before he manages to keep himself from reacting further. He was just teleported. It’s fine. Why would this little thing hurt him after healing him? Nothing to worry about-
“Mew..?” The being pulls back, revealing that they were now in front of a large, clear lake. It nuzzles his cheek gently, looking concerned.
“Don’T Wor-Rry. JuS-sT scarED m-mE A LiTtle. ThaNKs.” Error nuzzles them back comfortingly, before he walks to the water's edge to undress. The creature watches him, curiously sniffing and poking at his clothes, before trying to see if it can wiggle into Error’s ribcage.
The glitch snorts in amusement as he tosses his shirt away. “C-cArEFUl-Ll not TO ToUCh mY SoUl.”
“Mew!” The creature giggles as it floats where Error’s stomach would be, curling up as their tail wags lightly in delight. “Meeww~”
“HaV-vING fuN?” Error asks with a small amused huff, carefully talking off and folding what remains of his scarf, before he steps into the water. Good, it's not salty.. The creature doesn’t bother moving as he slowly sinks down in the water, seemingly content with its new perch in his pelvis. They even dunk themself fully underwater, joyfully blowing bubbles as they continue to giggle.
“...Y-yoU’rE A BAbY~” Error coos, sitting in the shallow water to watch the little creature enjoy itself. They seem to get bored after a few minutes, wiggling out of Error’s middle to instead drape themself over his shoulders, fur somehow completely dry as their tail wraps around his neck. He doesn’t hesitate to give them a firm nuzzle, chirping at the adorable creature. “CuUuuT-te~”
“Mmmew~!” The creature chirps back, aggressively pressing their face against his as they pat his cheeks. He can’t help but chuckle quietly, nuzzling them back just as aggressively and cooing louder. Error feels so oddly relaxed around the cute little thing. It’s….really nice.
After a few minutes of aggressive nuzzles, the creature gets up and floats a couple feet further into the lake, before curling up into a ball and dropping into the water, making a big splash. With a small smile, Error takes the opportunity to dunk himself, shaking all the dust and blood off before coming back up to try and rub any remains off his bones….and that's when something lightly hits him in the side of his skull.
“WH-hA-?” Error doesn’t even get a chance to see what happened before what looks like a huge pillar of water erupts from where the creature had been floating underwater, curving past him to hit something in the distance.
He blinks, staring off in the water's direction before looking back where the soft creature was. “...WEird-”
“Mew!” The creature pokes its head out of the water, blinking at him innocently before offering him a rock they seem to have found.
“OooOoh. It-T’s VerY SmOoth.” He comments positively on the rock, not unlike he does for the Charas when he visits and they show him something cool they did.
“Mew~” They do a happy little flip when he takes the rock, splashing a bit of water on him, looking incredibly pleased with itself.
“D-diD yoU KnoW It’s S-sMOoTh bec-caAUse oF ThE watEr ErodINg It?”
“Mew?” They question, swimming closer.
“T-thE wAtER smOOtheS out tHE eDGes. I-iT’s ReaLly cOol. ThaT-t’S hoW SanD Is maDe. R-roUnded OuT pIEces Of RocK THaT HavE bE-Een maDe SmaLLer anD smalLer.” The creature dives under the water, before coming back up with their paws full of wet sand, holding it out to Error.
“Mew mew?”
“OooOOo, VeRy Nice SanD yoU HavE.” He tells the cute creature genuinely. It is a very pretty color. “D-dO yOU wanT me to haVe it?”
“Mew!” They reply brightly, nodding as their tail wags behind them. Error holds out his hand, carefully taking the little bit of sand in his palm. They purr happily, washing their little paws off in the water before nuzzling into his side and trying to help him wash his arm.
Error pulls out a patch of fabric from his inventory to keep the sand in before storing it away with the rock, not wanting to lose these gifts. “So CuUutE~”
“Meww~” The creature coos back at him, lightly licking his arm with a surprisingly rough tongue. Blinking at them, Error doesn’t even hesitate to lean down and lick all the way up the creature's forehead, his tongues just hanging out of his mouth as he sits back up.
They freeze in surprise, before just blinking dumbly at him as their own tongue sticks out of their mouth slightly, seemingly dumbfounded. Error tilts his skull, before just shoving his tongues further out of his mouth like a tentacled mass. Why?...well he’s not entirely sure either- The creature seems to find it entertaining at least, making a surprised sound before reaching up to bat at his tongues.
Much to his surprise, the tongues bat back, and Error giggles at just how silly this is. The creature squeaks and ducks to hide under the water, peering up above it to squint up at him. Error waves at them with his tongues before pulling them back into his mouth…Oh yeah, he’s supposed to be cleaning himself!
Error goes back to trying to scrub his bones clean as the creature begins to giggle again, doing their best to help him. It takes a good few minutes to really get everything off of him and out of his joints, but Error is eventually satisfied and walks back up to the shore, the creature following him out of the water.
“HmM-Mmm….I neED m-MOrE fABrIC..I doN’T Think I can SalvAg-gE thiS…aGaIN..”
“Mew?” The small being makes a confused sound, tilting its head.
“My Cl-LothEs. ThEy al-LwaYS g-gEt torN u-up whEN I f-fiGht…” Error’s expression visibly sinks, and the creature frowns in thought.
“Mew…” They float over to the treeline by the lake’s shore, cupping their paws around their mouth. “Mew!”
It seems to trigger some kind of change, as everything seems to begin moving around them, leaves rustling in the trees and water splashing in the lake. When Error looks over, he sees several… fish..? Staring at him from the water, and several strange looking birds fly out from the treeline and land in front of him.
“UHhh….Hi?” He waves at all the new critters, getting a whole chorus of noises back at him.
“Mew! Mew-mew!” The pink being flies back to him and plants itself between the others and him, seemingly upset at them.
“Pidove-pid.” One of the birds replies, getting a round of agreements.
“Mew!” Is the creature’s angry response.
“..Leavan…?” A new, bug-like being on two legs hesitantly steps between the cat and birds, the cute creature’s demeanor immediately changing.
“Mew~!” They float closer to the bi-pedal bug, gently ushering it over to Error with a happy expression. The glitch can only stare, incredibly confused. Why are some of these animals not making animal sounds….and why are there suddenly so many-!?
“....Th-hAnk YoU…?”
“Leavan-vanny.” The weird bug thing bows at him, prompting a giggle to leave the cat creature.
“Mew.” They lead the not-bug over to his ruined clothes, looking at it pleadingly. It crouches and reaches for the pile with one of its blade-like arms, glancing up at Error- seemingly for permission. The glitch only shrugs, wanting to know what they’d do….but also busy poking a red flopping fish. It feels weird- the fish also, strangely enough, seems to be enjoying the attention, making strange noises that almost sound like it’s saying ‘magic’.
“Van.” The bug gently picks up the tattered clothes, inspecting them with a critical eye. Error is no longer paying any attention. much more preoccupied with petting the fishies that are now surrounding him, butting into his hands and legs. “Leavan van-ann-anny. Leavanny!”
“HuM?” He turns back to the praying mantis looking thing. “WhaT-t-?”
“Leavanny! Le!” The bug-like creature picks up the remains of his shirt and gestures angrily with it. The pink being giggles more and curls back around his neck like they had before, nuzzling him.
“YoU’rE aDoraBle~ Hmm…I-I shoUld CalL you SomeThinG…Oh! I-I’M ErRor By thE waY. Do yoU H-havE a naME?” He asks the cat-like thing.
“Mew.” They respond, as the bug creature continues to rant, seemingly uncaring if either of them were actually paying attention.
“...I doN’t KnoW whaT M-mEW meaNs-” The cat huffs.
“Mew!”
“...YoUr NamE Is KiTty.” Error decides. The newly named Kitty facepalms, but seems to accept the name easily enough. “CaUSe yoU’Re cuTe anD Soft anD meW LiK-kE a kiTty~”
“Mew!” Kitty giggles, nodding in agreement, before annoyed chittering draws their attention back to the bug creature, who had sat down and seems to be… trying to repair Error’s clothes? With some sort of string coming from its mouth.
“Leavan-vann. Vanny.” It mutters.
“OH-h, YoU’re FIxiNG TheM? ThaN-nK yoU, Bu-ut yOU doN’t haVE to wAsTe yOUr timE WItH me-”
“Mew-!”
“Leavan-!” Both of the creatures interject at the same time, Kitty pouting at him while the praying mantis-like creature glares. Poor Error can only look at them confused.
“BuT it-T’S TruE? TheY WILl gET dam-mAgeD agaIN aNYwaY-” Kitty huffs and headbutts him, nuzzling him aggressively with an upset sound as the bug continues to stubbornly try to fix his clothes. With a small sigh, Error shrugs it off, nuzzling Kitty back as he continues to pet the fishies, birbs, and other cute creatures that come up to him. They really seem to like attention- even if Kitty pouts the entire time he gives it to the others.
“Van! Leavann~!” After a while, the bug-like creature weaves its way through the crowd of animals that has slowly been gathering around Error, proudly holding up his mended shirt and pants. The patch job is messy- white, sticky webs pressed together to form fabric that fills in the holes and holds ripped seams together- and clearly done by a more inexperienced hand, but it holds together, and it’s better than Error would have managed without supplies.
“OH wOw. YoU Did s-So GooD! V-vErY taliNTed.” Error praises sincerely. With more practice and proper lessons they could be doing some really good work for themselves. “CaN I caLl you SomeTHinG tOo? BuG-g thIng in MY HeaD FeEls meAN.”
“Leavanny~!” The bug thing puffs up proudly, before hopping in excitement as it nods.
“HmMmmm….IS..Sil-LKy okaY? You RemiN-nD me oF A Si-IlKwoRm.”
“Vannn~!” The creature- Silky- twirls happily and nods again, looking incredibly pleased as it moves closer, even as Kitty sulks against his neck. With a small laugh, Error not only reaches up to pet Kitty, but Silky as well.
“So-o CUTeeee~!”
“Mew..”
“Vann~” Both of the creatures trill and purr happily as they lean into the pets, even as Kitty continues to pout. To make up for why Kitty is upset, Error gives them a little kiss on the forehead, making them purr louder and press their head against his face.
“I hAvE THE CuteST KiT-tY And sILKy e-eVEr~”
“Mew~!” Kitty replies happily as Silky just chirrs in agreement, offering his clothes to him again. Remembering that he does indeed need to get dressed, Error gently moves Kitty, getting a protesting mew from them, before doing just that.
“ThE SilK is SofT. I lIK-ke it~”
“Leavanny~” Silky almost sounds like it is thanking him, looking a touch bashful as Kitty floats back onto his shoulders as soon as possible, playfully batting at his cheek.
“WhaT-? YOu waNT Pr-raISe Too?” Error asks in a teasing tone, giving Kitty a headbutt and chirp.
“Mewww~!” They chirp back, before sliding down from his shoulders and floating into the air, trying to shoo the other animals away.
“AwwWww…CaN-n This Fish sTAy?” Error asks, pointing to the big red one with lips. “He lIkeS MY petS….liKE a pUppY-”
The fish’s yellow whiskers wiggle as it flops happily, one of the few fish that seem to be able to leave the water- somehow.
Kitty huffs and frowns a bit as they cross their little arms, before sighing and nodding. Their eyes glow blue, and Error watches with interest as the same blue glow envelopes the fish, and it’s lifted to be set by Error’s side.
“PupPy~!” Error coos, very excitedly petting his other new friend. “HMm…I shOULD chECk WhaT WorL-lD This Is.”
The destroyer thinks he deserves at least some explanation. He’s pretty sure most of this isn’t exactly normal. So he opens up a window and starts scrolling through the code.
“PokEM-mon AU….SO ThaT’s whAT yoU aRe! PokeMOn!” All three of the pokemon around him perk up, both Kitty and Silky making noises of agreement, Puppy just flopping happily. “YoU EvEN SaY youR namEs- POkEM-mOn tyPes….I’Ve nev-vEr beEN in AN Au liKE thIS BEfore. MAybE It’s nEw?”
“The scAiLl-lINg syStem is CoOl tHough. LeVElS Are DiFf-fenT…SkiLlS, MOVeS…Huh.”
“Mew?” Kitty questions as Silky sits down next to Error, fiddling with her silk.
“WhEre I comE From WE al-lSO HAve a levEling sySTem, But its DiffErent. LV is SH-hoRt foR LeVLe OF vOIlENcE. BasICally, The MOre YoU h-hURt SOmeONe The HigH-hEr yOUr LV GOes ANd TH-hE EaSIer it IS To hURt aGAIn…” Error explains, the pokemon around him frowning.
“Meww mew?” Kitty sounds confused and concerned.
“I hAve…Very HIgH LV. I-I don’T wanT TO THoUgh-! F-fATe mAKE-es ME desTRoy WOrlDs….I’Ve HUrT-t A lOT of PeoPle….AND THeY HaTE me. TheY SHouLD. I desErvE it.”
“Mew!” Error’s face is once again covered by soft, pink fur, Kitty hugging his head best they can as the other two pokemon press into his sides, Silky hugging his arm tightly.
Error blinks in shock for a second before petting them, nuzzling Kitty the best he can with the mew on his face. He doesn’t understand why these pokemon like him so much. Error is dangerous-
“Mew!!” Kitty interrupts Error’s thoughts, pulling back enough to look him in the sockets, eyes glowing a faint blue as they concentrate.
‘Powerful… kind.. Good. Yes. Safe.’ Error is incredibly surprised, by both the skill Kitty is using and the message he receives.
“B-buT i’M not-”
“Mew!” Kitty protests out loud this time, seemingly drained from its effort to talk to him. The glitch sighs, giving the pokemon a firm nuzzle.
“OkAY, I’Ll StoP….EvEN if I Don’T Get iT.” The mew relaxes and nuzzles him back aggressively, purring as they curl around his skull. The three pokemon are very happy to simply snuggle the skeleton, earning themselves many pets in return until the sun begins to dip in the horizon. “...Do You NeEd SL-lEEp?”
“Leavannn..” Silky nods, then shrugs, and Kitty makes its best so-so motion with its paw. Puppy just continues to flop next to them.
“Mmm..I doN’T NeED TO wOrk For A B-bIT so A We caN CudDle whIle You NAp.” Error grabs Puppy, petting the fish pokemon as he stands up, leading them over to a tree, where both Kitty and Silky chase off a couple of curious bird and bug pokemon. They sit down, Error leaning against the trunk as Kitty lays on his shoulders and Silky climbs into his lap, wiggling into his arms with Puppy.
They easily get comfortable and after a few minutes…for the first time in a really long time…Error falls asleep, feeling genuinely relaxed.
~
Mew- or Kitty now, it supposes- watches quietly over everyone as they rest, curled comfortably around Error’s neck. It can put off sleeping for a couple more days before it’ll begin to lag, so it’s not too concerned with staying up to make sure everyone stays safe.
Error clearly needs the protection, even if it has the powerful aura all legendary pokemon possess. It’s new to this world and all of its wonders, even if its energy is old- far older than even Arceus- something it didn’t even know was possible before.
Kitty knows it should reach out to Laluna and Solgaleo- Error seems to be some kind of insanely powerful ultrabeast, based on what it can sense, but… Error is so fun , and it needs protection and safety, not to be banished back to its world.
Despite what Error seems to think, it’s safe and kind, and the other pokemon here clearly can feel it too, so Kitty doesn’t feel too bad about keeping this a secret, for now.
Kitty will keep Error safe if it’s the last thing it does- even if it has to fight every legend and myth out there.
Chapter 63: Soulmates with the guardians
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error goes in search of a legend.
Dream x Error x Nightmare
Chapter Text
Once upon a time in a magic forest hidden away from the seven kingdoms, a magic tree grew. A tree of all emotion. Its branches were adorned with golden apples on one side and black rotten apples on the other. Their magic fed the whole world’s feelings, both good and bad.
The tree had two guardians, twin brothers, who protected their respective sides of the tree. The positive guardian was always smiling, helping the nearby village and blessing the people with his magic….while the negative guardian stayed near the tree, only ever visiting the village to spread fear and feed off of the nightmares they caused.
The villagers, thankful to the positive guardian, decided to free their blessed positive spirit from its wretched counterpart. The poor villagers were far from prepared when the negative guardian turned into a demon, rotting the golden apples with only its touch.
Enraged, the horrible creature consumed the apples, turning the sky a deep crimson. All hope seemed lost with only one last golden apple on the tree’s branches, until the positive guardian returned. He fought the demon back, protecting the last shred of positivity. Unable to defeat him, the demon laid a curse upon him, turning his own brother to stone.
They say that in the center of the dark forest, the positive guardian still stands, frozen in place until his soulmate frees him with one touch from his stone prison.
Error had always viewed the story with a bit of skepticism- it seemed a bit odd and… one-sided, to him, but it’s not like he could talk to either guardian for their story. He knows at least part of the story is true- the negative guardian used to go out and terrorize villages, and the dark forest is widely rumored to be their territory, but… He’s not sure.
Many adventurers have tried to find the statue of the positive guardian in the past, braving the hostile forest that is said to house them, but none had succeeded. Many don’t even make it out…and the ones who do tell stories of horrible creatures that stalk them, being plagued with their greatest fears.
Error knows it’s stupid- that though he’s a decent fighter with his magic, he’s only just started adventuring himself, but as he stands at the edge of the dark forest, it feels like it’s…calling to him. With everything he needs in a few different bags, all stuffed in his inventory, Error takes a deep breath, before stepping inside.
In only the first few steps….he is completely shrouded in darkness. Error hesitates to take out his lantern, not wanting to risk burning the dense foliage, so he settles with pumping as much magic into a small blue attack as he can.
For a forest…it’s all too quiet. His footsteps sound so loud against the silence surrounding him. Error pushes past bushes and fallen branches for several minutes, before suddenly feeling a hand on his back-
Error yelps loudly, dropping his makeshift light as he glitches harshly, scrambling away as he panics. The touch doesn’t follow, thankfully, and when he turns around to glare at the offender there's…no one there.
“...ThAT’s not C-crEEpy oR ANythINg… PLeAse doN’t tOuCh mE-e, thANks.” He calls out to the forest around him, pretending he was talking to a typical person in an attempt to keep himself from freaking out. Of course, right when he turns to walk again two hands almost casually grab his ankles- “Ah-!!”
Error practically shrieks, jumping practically five feet into the air as he kicks at the hands holding him, falling back onto his ass in his panic. One of the hands lets go, but the one on his left foot doesn’t. The feeling of a hand morphs into a long mass, like a vine or tentacle wrapping tightly around his leg, creeping up his body.
“No-oPE noPE-e noPE FUcK-k oFf-!” Error yelps, summoning a sharp bone and stabbing at the vine-like thing. It seems to flinch, squeezing his leg so tightly he swears he heard his bones creak, before it lets him go, pulling back into the darkness.
Glitching, Error quickly scrambles up and away with a bit of a limp, feeling a bit bad for stabbing whatever that was but thoroughly freaked out. How long has he been in here? Thirty minutes-?? And things are already rather unnerving.
At least he hasn’t been outright attacked by a nightmarish creature like has happened to many adventurers, but he’s starting to second guess his decision to come in here. Error uses a nearby tree to better balance himself, testing out his now sore leg.
Nothing is broken, but the force was enough to hurt. He’ll probably be fine though. He just needs to be a bit more careful moving forward. His walk continues on and the small random touches continue, but whenever he looks, there’s no one there.
He very clearly feels hands damn it-! The thing that’s most confusing is, after a while, Error realizes the touches themselves aren’t making him glitch, though the surprise and building anxiety still make him have to pause several times to hold back a crash.
Still, nothing outright attacks him, so he pushes forward. He’s not too sure how long he walks, with there being no way to tell the day, but he’s starting to feel pretty tired by the time he sees light in the distance ahead.
“ALrighT… ONcE I reACh thAT I’ll tAKe a BReaK And EAt.” He mutters to himself, pushing to go a bit faster to what he hopes is a clearing. Breaking through the darkness, Error did not expect to find a garden on the other side. The sun is warm, the grass is bright and healthy, and the flowers are all vibrant and colorful, a vast contrast to the darkness in the forest.
“WoAh…” Error breathes as he looks around, carefully avoiding stepping on any of the plants. The closer he gets to the center of the garden the more he can see something gray peaking out in the bushes…and he can hardly believe what it is. Crouching down with one hand over their chest and another reaching out towards him is the statue of a skeleton monster, leaning against a very large stump.
“....TheRE’s nO WaY…” He mutters, hesitantly making his way over to the statue and kneeling in front of it to be closer to eye-level. There’s absolutely no way- if the stories were true he got here far too easily- The forest surrounding the statue is supposed to be home to the negative guardian…keeping everything away from his brother.
Even if the stories aren’t true, adventurers really do go missing going into this forest, that’s no joke. Maybe they have trouble getting out of the forest?
Looking at the statue, the guardian looks so afraid. Maybe it’s the look in their empty sockets, but maybe in those few moments before being frozen, they were calling for help. It makes Error’s soul ache, and he finds himself reaching out to the statue, oh so carefully wrapping his arms around the stone in a gentle hug- not expecting anything to happen but wanting to provide comfort all the same.
The statue's chest sinks, as if letting out a long held breath, before it sags against him. Error blinks in confusion as he looks down, only to freeze and glitch at the sight of color bleeding into the clothes under his hands. There’s no way- This statue is totally not not a statue-!
“Mm…” Despite the statue no longer being a statue, the glitches prickling over him don’t come from their points of contact, and it’s only for that reason Error isn’t scrambling away- that, and he doesn't want to startle the person.
“I-iT’s aLRigHt…” He tries to reassure even as he internally freaks out himself. The skeleton against him hums, their movements sluggish as they lift their arms in a half hug.
“..warm…”
“I’m.. GLaD..?” Error half questions, before- after a moment of debate- he rocks back on his heels, sitting down and shifting his grip on the other person to pull him in his lap, letting them rest against him. As their body sage a bit, he gets a better look at their face…This is definitely the skeleton in the statue, but their bones are…an off white, like a very very pale peachy color, so faint you only notice the difference if you really look, their getup is mostly yellow and blue, their eyelights a bright gold, very fuzzy in their sockets.
Error, not liking just how unfocused the skeleton’s gaze is, tries to push a bit of healing magic into them, not seeing any visible injuries but unsure if they’re low on magic or not. The smaller skeleton whimpers in his lap, clumsily nuzzling closer.
“T-to….it’s bright-” The glitch grabs his scarf and carefully drapes it over the other’s skull, partly covering their sockets in hopes of blocking out the sun.
“BeTter?” He asks as softly as he can. He gets a small nod in return, accompanied by a little hiccup.
“..I-I can feel..you….”
“MhM....Do YoU WAnt mE To leT Go?” Error questions, though for some reason a large part of him doesn’t want to. The small monster holds onto his shirt, trying to curl closer.
“N-no-” They practically whisper with the saddest little whimper. The glitch hugs them a little tighter, purring soothingly as he gives them a nuzzle.
“AlRIghT- I wOn’t- It’s oKAy..” Error really doesn’t like seeing them like this. He wasn’t expecting to wake them up, let alone find them immediately distressed and seemingly overwhelmed. Were they…not asleep as a statue..?
The idea that they might not have been is honestly a horrifying one- who knows how long they might have been frozen- but Error doesn’t ask, not wanting to risk upsetting them further. Instead, he focuses on trying to comfort and calm them down.
“W-where’s Nighty-?” They ask after a few minutes of quiet crying. They aren’t very good at hiding it, despite their best efforts.
“‘NiGhtY’?” Error repeats, glancing at the sun. Did they mean nighttime? Or is Nighty a person-?
“He’s my..-my brother, Nightm-mare…I heard him before…sometime before you got here.” The smaller stumbles over their words, their voice more than a little scratchy, and Error grabs a bottle of water from his inventory to offer them.
“I’m sORry- I DoN’t knOW WhERe hE Is.” The glitch replies honestly, feeling bad for not having a better answer. The small skeleton whimpers, shakily sitting up and peaking out at the area around them…they stop to stare at the stump and immediately look ready to start crying again. Concerned, Error gives them a hesitant, gentle headbut. “H-hEy- wHaT’s wROnG..?”
The skeleton nuzzles him, pointing to the stump as their bottom lip trembles. “M-momma…t-the tree-”
“I-iT’s… I’M soRrY.” Error says softly, unsure how to respond. He’s not entirely sure what the smaller is referring to, but whatever it is about the tree stump is obviously upsetting. They lean over and lay their skull against the dead wood, taking in a shaky breath.
“...It’s my fault.” The glitch wants to protest- to comfort the other, but he doesn’t even know what they’re talking about, so, reluctantly, he stays silent, soothingly rubbing their back. “I’m sorry…..I didn’t want you to see me being…s-such a crybaby.”
“It’S OkAY.” Error reassures, glad at least this he could help with. “CrYinG iS JuSt a wAY to leT OuT EmoTIonS THaT ARe tOo biG FoR YOur soUL.”
“B-but I’m not supposed to b-be sad….That’s what…” The small skeleton’s brow furrows as he frowns. “....I was told…I should just smile.”
“WhAT? ThAt’s duMb. If yoU’rE SAd thEN Be sAd- yoU’rE ALlowED to haVe EMotioNS.”
“Not negative ones, that’s what they said-”
“WeLL THaT’s stUPid. It cAN Be gOOd to FeEL NeGAtivE EMotioNs.” Error replies, having no idea who ‘they’ are, but finding he doesn’t like the sound of them.
“I-I know, but…” They sigh, nuzzling their face into their arms. “...Their reasons sound so stupid now that I know what they were doing.”
The small skeleton seems so defeated as they sit back up, giving him a small smile. “Sorry uhm…I’m Dream, the….guardian of positivity, or I was.”
“It’S NicE To meET yoU, DReAm. I’m ErRor.” Finding he still wants to be close to the other, he leans forward, bonking their foreheads together. “AnD DOn’t woRrY, yoU DOn’t haVe to foRCe yoUrsELf to SMilE For me.”
Dream nuzzles him back, seemingly relaxing a bit. “It’s nice to meet you too, Error….I’m still sorry you had to meet me like this. We wanted it to be special..”
The smaller sulks as Error’s brows furrow in slight confusion.
“WhAt do YOu mEaN?” Dream blinks at him, just as confused.
“...Soulmates?”
“....WhAT aBOut thEM?” Error asks back. The looks he gets from Dream is very mixed, the smaller trying to think of the proper words to explain.
“Uhhhh…Well….actually how do normal people know when they’ve met their soulmate?”
“ThEy doN’t- noT REaLLy, aT LEasT. A loT Of pEOplE Don’T THinK THey exISt.” Error replies with a shrug, before pausing, a blush creeping onto his face as he abruptly remembers the legend- how only the positive guardian’s soulmate could break him free. “..W-waIT- yoU ThiNk wE CouLd be-?”
“Hehe~ Oh I know we’re soulmates.” Dream giggles, a small smile on his face as his face dusts a soft gold. “You, me, and Nighty…~”
Dream glances up towards the forest, his soul sinking a bit. Error pushes away his flustered embarrassment in favor of giving Dream a comforting nuzzle.
“I- I GueSS We’ll HAvE To gO FiNd hiM, thEN.” He says easily, Dream looking back at him.
“He’s not going to make that easy for you…”
“WeLL- thIS iS SuPposED To bE His foREst, sO SuREly he’S SomeWHere ARouNd heRE.” Error replies, gesturing to the trees. “...ThoUGh, thE FOresT Is aLSo sUpPOseD To bE FiLLed wIth tErrIFyinG ANd dANgerOUs crEAtureS- I oNLy goT GrOPed bY MystERy haNDs-”
“Pfft-” Dream giggles a little, covering his mouth with his hand. “All I sense in the forest in Nightmare, no terrifying creatures…He’s over there near the treeline.”
Dream points to the left of them, but even as Error squints, he can’t see anything. He honestly didn’t really expect to, though, with his bad eyesight. “I think he’s hiding…”
“MaYBe wE CouLD YeLL foR Him? WaIT- dOEs thAt mEAn hE WaS THe onE PoKing Me-??” Error questions incredulously. Dream snorts, avoiding his gaze.
“That sounds like something he would do. He used to hide behind trees and scare me any chance he got-”
“Wh- He aLMosT MaDe mE CrAsh! SeVEraL TimES! The ToUCh diDN’t huRt bUt I StiLL haVe HAphEpHObia- It ScARed tHe cRAp ouT Of mE-” Error whines, pouting, Dream giving him a firm headbutt.
“I don’t like being scared either….I’ll be sure to give him a firm talking to.” He nods in affirmation, Error’s pout melting into a small smile as he nods back.
“GoOD- thAnkS.”
“....I’m gonna try calling him over, okay? Sorry if I’m loud-” Dream nuzzles him some more, before sitting back a bit and shakily standing on his knees. Facing the direction he pointed to, Dream takes a deep breath. “NIGHTYYYY!! Come here!!”
Error winces at the shout, glitching slightly, though he doesn’t move away. They both wait, hoping the other will show himself…..but nothing happens.
“...He’s…probably mad at me..” The glitch frowns, giving Dream a comforting nuzzle.
“..WaNT mE To TRy taLKinG To hiM?”
“...It would be nice if you could.” Dream sits back on his feet, leaning against Error a little. The glitch leans back against him, internally marveling at just how easy it is to touch the guardian.
“ALrighT- I’lL Be riGHt baCk, ‘kAy?” Dream nods as Error hesitantly moves to stand.
“Mhm.” Error smiles at him and pushes himself up, ignoring his tired and vaguely sore body at this point as he walks over to the area Dream had indicated earlier, tear marks glowing slightly as he prepares his magic. If Nightmare won’t come out, then Error will just have to drag him out.
He practically stomps into the forest, the light behind him vanishing in only a few steps. Reaching up, Error pretends to idly scratch his cheek as he looks around, ready to grab his strings in a moment’s notice as he walks deeper into the brush.
Not even a moment later, a cool hand slides up against his back- and Error snaps around, hand shooting out to grab onto the hand’s wrist and drag it closer. At the same time, he yanks out some strings, moving to wrap up- hopefully- Nightmare.
The person in his grasp yelps, stumbling forward, and Error gets a glimpse of their eyelight as their gazes meet. In an instant, that eyelight sharpens and something smacks into his other hand. Error latches onto it, using his already connected strings to wrap it up, feeling out the shape of it with his magic. It’s….a tentacle?
The long appendage thrashes, trying to shake him off as another wraps around his waist, making Error squeak in surprise.
“W-wAIt-! DreAM JuST WaNTs tO TaLK-!” Error yelps as he’s jerked around slightly, holding on tightly to the wrist in his hand as he tries to pull the other towards the garden. He gets maybe a few feet before they just stop moving. No matter how hard he pulls, they don’t budge an inch…at least he’s not being shaken anymore.
“WhAT thE FuCk-” Error huffs, wrapping his other hand around their wrist and putting all of his weight into the next tug with a strained sound. “C’mON- PleASE? He’S NoT MaD Or aNYthiNG- ARe yoU MaD At hIM?”
“None of your business.” A deep smooth voice replies and oh wow does that send a shiver of desire through Error, a faint- but obvious in the dark- blush lighting up his cheeks.
“W-wELl- cONsidERinG I’m YoUr soULmaTE, iT is KiNda mY BusNIsS- ESpecIALly ‘caUSe yOu’rE MaKIng DreAM saD By aVOidinG Him.” He shoots back.
“...You’re going to dislocate my wrist if you keep this up.” Error pouts, and though he stops trying to pull Nightmare forward, he doesn’t let go. “....You’re annoyingly persistent.”
“I gET It frOm mY DaD. NoW- ArE You ComINg oR Am I GoNna hAve To wrAP yoU Up iN A CoCooN?” He asks, making the strings wrapped around the tendril creep higher. Nightmare looks from the tentacle, to Error, before the strings start to sink through the tendril, like it’s made of mud- “WhAt thE HeLL-”
Error makes the strings jump up the tentacle, reaching what he thinks is Nightmare’s shoulders, and as soon as he gets a grasp on the other’s torso, he quickly wraps up the rest of their body, sockets stinging slightly from pulling out so many strings so quickly.
Nightmare doesn’t make any moves throughout this whole exchange, watching him with little to no care about his predicament. “Are you done yet?”
The glitch squints up at the lone eyelight he can see, and instead of answering verbally, Error just starts trying to pull them to the garden again, now able to use his magic to put more force into it. He hears the sound of wood creaking, the guardian still managing to stay put.
Nightmare sighs, and seemingly rolls his eyelight. “You can just leave with Dream now. You don’t need me too.”
“ArE YOu saYInG I caN’t hAVe boTh oF My sOUlmaTEs? Do yoU AlREadY Not liKe mE?” Error questions with a pout. “BesIDes- DreAM wANts yoU, aNd evEN If I WaS WiLlinG To leAVe yoU BehiND I DouBT DreAM WouLD.”
“He’ll get over it.” Nightmare huffs. “And no I do not dislike you.”
“TheN C’mONnn-” Error huffs back at him, planting his feet and pulling harder.
“No. I won’t be going anywhere.” Without any warning, Error feels Nightmare’s body begins to lose its shape. Logically, Error knows it's incredibly unlikely that the guardian suffers from the same condition Geno has- let alone that it’s suddenly making him melt like he has long feared his bother might- but it doesn’t stop the instinctual panic that grips his soul as he rushes forward.
“W-waIT Do-oN’t- dON-n’t mELt-!” He stammers out as he glitches harshly. Unbidden, tears that he’s too tired to hold back gather in his sockets. “D-dOn’t dIE-e oN Me DR-reAM wILL B-be sO UpseT-t-”
“What? I’m not dying-”
“Yo-oU’re-e- Y-yoU’R-re meLtINg-!” Error cries, far too tired and stressed and upset to calm himself down at this point, error signs gathering in his blurry vision. Nightmare quickly reforms, Error’s strings falling to the ground.
“W-wait wait don’t cry! I’m fine, see? Perfectly fine-” The glitch just lets out a strangled whine as he instinctively reaches out to the guardian, too distressed to do anything else. After a moment of hesitation, Nightmare hugs the glitch, nuzzling the top of his skull soothingly. “You’re okay, Error.”
“I d-dOn’T-t- I DoN-n’t w-wAnt yoU T-to DiE-” He sobs, clinging to Nightmare as exhausted, stressed tears stream down his face. Normally he’s not so emotional, but the combination of his hunger, the stress from Nightmare’s previous antics, and the bombshells of freeing Dream and discovering he has two whole soulmates- one of which is being stubborn- is all too much for him.
“I-I’m not going to die…” Nightmare sighs, slowly sitting down and situating Error in his lap, he snuggles the smaller. “I’m…relatively alright.”
“DoN’t- dOn’t diE-” The glitch buries his face in the guardian’s shoulder with a hiccup and Nightmare hesitantly begins to rub his back.
“...I won’t. Not any time soon.” He is…very unsure how to feel about this. “...I’ll take you back to Dream and then you both can head to your home, alright?”
Error shakes his head, clinging tighter to Nightmare.
“D-dON’t Go…” He croaks.
“....Why do you want me to come with you? I will be here in the forest you know.” Error just shrugs in response, nuzzling closer.
“...Well I’m not leaving the forest.” Nightmare huffs, giving Error a small squeeze….the…The snuggles are nice, but he will never admit it-!
“Th-thEN NeiTHer a-aM I.” The glitch mumbles, glaring tearily up at the guardian.
“No, you are not. There’s no food in here, you will starve to death.” Nightmare tells him plainly.
“DoN’ ca-aRE.” Error mutters back, not bothering to bring up the two weeks of saved up food he has in his inventory.
“Why do you care if I come with you or not? Dream will get over himself and move on if that’s what you’re worried about.” Error doesn’t respond, unsure how to even in the first place- even as the thought renews his tears. It’s similar to his urge to stay close to Dream- now that he has them, he doesn’t want to let either of them go. “I’m not a good person, you know. I kill almost everyone who comes in this forest and I could kill you. It wouldn’t take much~”
Error shrugs again, seemingly uncaring of the implication- though he begins to cry again, softer than before.
“..A-aM I Th-thaT Un-naPpeALinG Of A SoULmaTe…? D-dO YOu haTE DreAm..?” He asks tearfully, unable to just push his insecurities to the side like he normally would. “I- I Kn-noW I’m PrOBaBLy n-nOt w-whAT eITher oF-f YoU weR-re e-exPEcTinG b-bUt-”
“That- No no I didn’t mean it like that-! There’s nothing wrong with you at all. As for Dream…I don’t hate him….I…It’s complicated.” Nightmare takes a deep breath, nuzzling their foreheads together. “I want you both to go out and be happy. Show Dream what it’s like to be himself again, There’s no need to bother with me. It’ll only make things more difficult.”
“I… I dOn’T Th-thINk EitHeR Of Us w-wiLL Be haPpY WitHOuT YoU TH-theRE…” Error presses his own forehead against Nightmare, more tears escaping his sockets. “P-pLEaSe…?”
“Oh d-don’t make that face at me-” Nightmare tries to look away, but Error refuses to relent, expression screwing up slightly as he struggles to keep his breathing even. “I…a-alright fine. I’ll carry you back to Dream, but that’s it.”
Error relaxes minutely, and with a sniffle, he nuzzles back into Nightmare’s shoulder. With a small huff, Nightmare stands with Error in his arms, wrapped loosely in the guardian’s tentacles as Error continues to cling to him, refusing to loosen his grip.
Nightmare walks to the edge of the forest and stops, watching his twin in the center of the garden, staring out into the treeline worriedly. Error shifting and nuzzling him a bit stops his thoughts before they can truly form, and Nightmare is begrudgingly grateful. With a deep breath, he steps out before he can convince himself not to.
Dream spots them immediately and tries to scramble up onto his feet, tripping over himself, and Error glances up just enough to reveal his still teary sockets, giving the positive guardian a weak smile.
“W-what happened-? Are you both okay-?” Dream stumbles up to them, clinging to Nightmare to keep from falling.
“N-niGHtmAre meLTeD..” Error mumbles, clinging to Nightmare with one hand as he reaches out with his other to latch onto Dream, only feeling slightly embarrassed about the apparent misunderstanding- after all, he finally got both guardians together. “ReMINdeD Me… oF My b-bRothER- I ThoUGht hE WaS DyiNG..”
Nightmare sits down, keeping Dream in place with a tendril as he does so. “I am fine as you can see.”
He avoids Dream’s gaze, the smaller hesitantly reaching out to touch his face. “Nighty….y-you’re still-”
“Don’t. Just don’t Dream,” He leans away from the others touch and Dream slowly lowers his hand, staring down at his lap.
“...I’m sorry…I-I’m sorry that I…I-I didn’t noti-”
“I said don’t !” Dream flinches as surprised glitches ripple over Error. “I don’t want to hear your half-assed pity me apology.”
Error looks between the two, brows furrowing as he struggles to figure out the whole picture with the few puzzle pieces he has.
“WhAt… wHAt haPpeNEd beTWeEN yoU TwO..? ...OtHEr thAN MaYbe thE ObviOUs- bUt thE LEgenD Is cLEaRly nOT Quite TrUE, coNSidErinG YoU-” Error points at Nightmare, “ArE a bIT MeAn I ThiNK, bUt yoU OBvioUSlY aReN’t a DeMOn.”
The negative guardian smears and looks away, subtly trying to push Error off of him. The glitch only lets Nightmare push him off his lap, moving to instead cling to his arm with a small whine.
“.....Well….me and Nighty are tree nymphs. We…were made by the spirit of the tree of feelings…to protect her.” Dream glances at the stump, quickly staring back down at his lap. “She…..was our mom.”
“...Oh. I’m SoRrY For yoUR loSs.” Error mumbles, following Dream’s gaze. “It.. mUSt’vE BeEN HarD- foR BoTh oF YOu.”
Nightmare remains silent, staring blankly to the side as Dream glances his way. “It…yeah……”
The smallest of them shifts a bit, sitting a little more comfortably. “Her name was Nim. She told us to protect the ap-”
“Don’t say that word.” They both look up at him and Error can feel Nightmare…trembling. Unable to help himself, Error plasters himself to the negative guardian’s side, nuzzling him and trying to provide wordless reassurance.
“...The fruit on the tree. Not only did they represent positive and negative emotions…but anyone who eats them would be cursed and consumed by the power just one fruit held. So to protect the world and anyone who tries to eat them, we were made to keep them safe.”
“We woke up with our purpose and basic knowledge of the world and our bodies were made to look like a skelly. Mom based us off a nice skeleton monster she met a long time before making us. After our creation she became weak and went back into the tree to rest, but we could still talk to her.”
“She would tell us stories she had heard from passing adventurers and all about how our magic worked and about nymph customs. Like how me and Nighty are basically two halves of the same whole torn from a piece of her essence. Nighty read her book on everything more than I did.”
“..ShE SouNDs niCe. I wOUld’vE LovED to mEet heR.” Error replies softly. Dream nods, smiling sadly.
“She would have liked you….She’s the one who told us we had a soulmate we would meet someday. We were really excited…..Everything was really nice for a while. For the first three years it was just Nighty, Mom, and me….but a group of refugees from a problematic kingdom who didn’t like hybrids came by and moved in not too far away from the tree. They asked if they could stay and they seemed nice enough, so we agreed as long as they stayed away from the tree.”
“As they built the village I started going down to help while my brother stayed at the tree. It was new, talking to other people. I wanted to know more about them…and I was having fun…I even made some friends…”
“..I’M HeaRIng a bUT?” Error prompts quietly, glancing up at Nightmare when Dream trails off. After a long moment, Nightmare sighs.
“Our magic is based on the emotions we represent. And we execude that emotion in the form of an aura. In short, Dream’s magic makes people happy, it can’t be completely turned off and at a young age we had very little control over this. So just by being around Dream, he made them happy. He is also very proficient at healing magic.”
“As the village grew they would call him away for several hours for the stupidest of reasons. It got to the point where I wouldn’t see him for days.”
“I-I couldn’t say no! I wanted to come home, I just…t-they made it so hard-.....a-and then Nighty told me they were hurting him…” Dream whimpers and Nightmare looks away again. “I…I was so stupid. I said something stupid and-”
“You told me to stop lying and hurting myself to get your attention.” Nightmare’s tone is cold and sharp, making his twin flinch again…before nodding in shame. Error frowns heavily, nuzzling the taller some more.
“ThAT’s…” Error turns to Dream. “..Why DId yoU THiNk thaT?”
“I…I didn’t. I regretted it the moment I said it, but….I-I don’t know it’s what m-my friends told me…I guess I just..didn’t want it to be true…? Nightmare never mentioned it a-again so I thought…” Dream visibly shrinks in on himself, fiddling harshly with his gloves. “I’m sorry…”
“...Do yoU KnoW Why exACtly ThaT WaS WroNg?” Error asks when Nightmare doesn’t say anything.
“......I didn’t trust Nighty when he said he was getting hurt…and was avoiding that there was a problem….”
“MoSTly, yeS, bUT alSo- eVeN If NIghtMarE WaS JuSt doINg iT For ATteNTioN, thAt’s aN IndiCATor oF A PRoBlem iN itSelF.” The glitch explains, tightening his hold on Nightmare’s arm. A tentacle lightly starts to rub Error’s back, and despite himself, he can’t help but relax into it a touch.
“Yeah….that makes sense…” Dream mumbles, stopping his nervous fiddling to wipe away tears.
“GoOD.” Error wants to go comfort the positive guardian, but he’s not sure how- especially with Nightmare between them.
“.....A-after that….we…didn’t talk too much. The villagers were being more persistent and pushy, so I didn’t come back often…most of the time when I did Nightmare was asleep or…just wasn’t there. Then….just after our sixth birthday one of the villagers invited me to try her tea. It was fine, but I started to feel weird. Everything was fuzzy and started spinning and my body felt heavy. I couldn’t really understand what she was saying.”
“Then I felt something happen. There were a lot of people near mom and there was so much anger, hatred even. It was hard, but I got up and made my way out of the house even as the girl tried to stop me and I made my way to the tree……t-to find…uhm…..” Dream glances up at Nightmare nervously, his brother giving him a death glare and he gulps. “...There was a mob of people yelling angrily…about killing a demon…..I was trying to push past them, before I heard a horrible screaming…Nighty was screaming.”
“That’s…enough, Dream” Nightmare’s voice is harsh, barely covering the slight tremble as he speaks. Error nuzzles the goopy skeleton, reaching around him to grab Dream’s hand.
“ThEy dRugGEd you AnD TriED To KiLL NigHTmaRe? AfTer hurTInG hiM AnD MaNIpuLAtinG YoU? ThaT’s… sO FucKed Up. ArE TheY StILL aLIve ‘caUSe thE LEgeND SaID NighTMaRe KiLLed aLL oF TheM- aS He sHOulD-”
“Yes, they are dead….all of them.” The negative guardian mumbles. “There’s a lot more to it than that, but that is it, essentially.”
“GooD- fuCK thEm.”
“Language!” Dream huffs at Error, the glitch snickering unapologetically.
“EnGLish!” His smaller soulmate pouts at him, puffing out his cheeks at Error.
“So mean-” Error just grins and giggles, nuzzling further against Nightmare as he gives Dream’s hand a squeeze.
“...Can you let go of me now?” The negative guardian asks, trying to slip his arm out of Error’s hold- only for his grip to tighten.
“BuT WhY..?” He whines, expression falling.
“...Because I don’t need your comfort. Let go.” Nightmare glares down at him, slowly unwrapping his tentacles from Error and trying to pull him away with one instead.
“ThEN LeT Me gIVe yoU My aFfeCTion inSTeaD.” Error replies, stubbornly holding on.
“I don’t want that either. Dream would benefit much more than I, so let go-”
“I wAnNA GivE YOU BoTH aFfecTion- yoU’re juST THe oNe fiGHtinG It sO I goTta FocuS oN YOu-” He argues. Normally, he would respect another’s boundary- especially with something like touch- but he’s terrified of Nightmare running away and refusing to come back as soon as he lets go.
“I would really appreciate it if you just don’t.” Nightmare insists, and Error frowns.
“...WiLL You LEaVe iF I Let gO…?” The taller guardian very quickly looks away- making the glitch’s brows furrow.
“Why do you want me here anyway? You don’t know me, I’m a horrible person, I tormented you on your way here, and I very clearly do not want to be here.”
“..YoU SaiD It yoURseLf- yoU EaSIly coULD’vE KiLled mE, bUt yoU DiDn’t. YeAh, yoU TouCheD Me aND scARed Me.. buT YoU NevER aCTUaLLy puSHed me iNTo a CraSh, aNd yoU StOppeD WhEn I Did To hoLD onE bAcK… aNd yoUR ToUch leD Me HEre.” Error looks down, idly fiddling with Nightmare’s phalanges. “BeSIdes- I StaBbeD YOu sO I’d caLL It eVEn.”
“Really? That’s how low the bar is set? I didn’t kill you because I’ve been waiting for you to take Dream away so I don’t have to bother with him anymore.” Nightmare hisses as his twin shrinks in on himself. “All I want is to be left alone to rot in peace. I don’t care if we’re soulmates or not. That part of me is gone, do you understand? Dead. The Nightmare that was meant for you died centuries ago. There is nothing lovable left, so leave me be.”
“...I diDn’T ExISt cENTriEs aGo, sO thAT vERsiOn oF YOu muST NoT HaVe beEN meANt foR Me..” Error mumbles after a long moment, and though he doesn’t look up, the tears in his sockets are obvious. “We’Re aLL fuCkED Up. But… iF YoU ReaLLy thINk yoU’rE sO UnloVEABle, deSpiTE TwO PeOPLe trYinG To teLL yoU OTheRWise, thEn…. I wOn’t stOp YoU.”
The glitch doesn’t let go, he can’t quite bring himself to, but he loosens his grip enough that Nightmare could free his arm with little effort.
“I mAy noT KnoW YOu, bUt mY SoUL doeS, anD It aLReaDY LoVes yoU BOth, eVEn if YoU DOn’t…” He says truthfully. “..DreAm anD I wILL prObaBLy stILl staY HeRE A cOuplE oF DaYs- I’m TIreD, hE NeEDS tiMe tO RecovEr, aNd I Have eNouGH SuPPlieS To laST A WeEK.”
“...Do what you want.” Nightmare huffs, before standing, letting his arm slide out of Error’s hold. The glitch manages to hold back his despondent whine, but Dream loudly whimpers, grabbing one of his brother’s tentacles, only for Nightmare to yank it away with a hiss. “ Don’t touch me.”
They both stare as he turns away, a choked up sob making Dream’s ribcage shake. “N-nightmare please..p-please don’t leave-”
Error moves to hug the smaller guardian, ignoring his own tears in favor of trying to comfort Dream, soul aching painfully in his ribcage. Without a word, Nightmare disappears into the forest, only stopping when he knows they can't see him.
He lets out a shaky breath, clenching his teeth as his soul practically cries. It's…it's better this way, even if they don't believe him. For their safety…
“..I’m sORrY…” Error murmurs to Dream, pulling him close with a sniffle. The smaller skeleton nuzzles into him, unable to stop himself from crying.
"H-he hates me- I-Its my fault I'm s-sorry so I'm sorry-"
“I-iT’s oKay- I’m HeRE I’m HerE-” He reassures, voice shaky. Dream clings to him, nuzzling into the glitch’s shoulder.
"...I m-miss him…."
“..I’M SOrrY. NighTMarE DoeSN’t haTE yoU, thOugh- h-he ToLD me..”
"B-but…then w-why…? I don't u-understand!" Error gently shushes him, nuzzling their foreheads together like Nightmare had done for him.
“...I thINk He’S AFraID. He THiNks hE’s UNwoRThy oF loVE aND ThAt wE’d bE BetTEr witHOut hIM. We JuSt haVE To prOVE hiM WrOng.” He says softly, growing more confident with every word. “ThoSE BaSTards YoU TolD Me aboUT PrOBabLy maDe hIM thINk thAT, coNSidERing THe stORieS PaINt hiM As a ViLliaN…”
"But he’s not! H-he was sweet and quiet- He w-would read me stories, and he made a lullaby to sing to me when there was a thunderstorm, Nighty even made m-my cape…..it was a birthday gift…" Error nods along, fully agreeing.
“YeS, bUt… beINg tOld soMEthiNG ovER aND oVeR… iT SticKS. YoU’re thE GuARdiaN Of PosITivitY, sO YOu muSt aLwAys bE HaPpy; He’s thE GuARdiaN Of NEgatiVIty, sO He mUSt bE A tERriBLe viLLan… I’m jUst an uGly GLitcH, sO i mUSt bE WorTHlesS…” Error trails off, before shaking away any thoughts or doubts that want to form. This isn’t about him.
“You’re not ugly! I-I think you’re very pretty, Error! Pretty a-and worth everything! A-and Nighty is the sweetest m-most thoughtful person I know! He…he didn’t deserve to be treated like that…..I was supposed to p-protect him…..” Dream whimpers, nuzzling in closer. “I know…he didn’t mean to hurt me…he didn’t mean to hurt mom….it was……it wasn’t his fault.”
“DoN’t wORry AboUT me- aND He ProBaBLy blAMes hIMseLf- juSt liKe yoU Do. YoU Were bOTh kiDS - iT WaS No oNE’s fAUlt bUt thE ADultS In thAT SitUatIOn.” Error says firmly.
“W-we blasted a few months before our s-sixth birthday-”
“BlAStinG doESn’t aUTomATicaLLY mAKe yoU AN aDUlt- aNd iF I’m HeaRINg riGHt, thEN the ISsuES staRTed LoNG beFOre theN. It sEeMS yoUr bIRThdaY WaS JusT The fINaL STraW…. AnD BEsidES, aCcoRding TO The LEGenD The vILlaGErs weRE goINg to KiLL NigHTmarE- prOBaBLy whEN YOu weRE DruGgeD. I kNoW For a FaCT THaT CouLDn’t haVE BEeN YOur faULt.”
“I-I could have talked to them-”
“WoUld THeY HaVE LisTEnED?” Error interrupts, Dream taking a moment to think, before shaking his skull, nuzzling closer. “It wASn’t yoUR faULt.”
“...E-even if it didn’t work…. I should have tried…I should have been there for him w-when he needed me…..I’m a horrible soulmate…”
“I thINk YoU’rE a GReaT souLMaTe… bUt I knOw I’m noT thE OnE YoU WaNna bE HeaRINg it fROm…” Error sighs and looks out to the trees. “..FoR Now, thE PaSt is THe pASt- aLL wE CaN Do iS To tRy tO ShoW NiGHtmaRE We cARe aND AReN’t wILinG To giVE Up oN HiM.”
“....We could bribe him with a soft cute thing-” Dream pulls away enough to look at him. “Nighty loves cute things~”
“AwW We weREn’t cUTe ENougH For hIM?” Error whines playfully, giving Dream a small smile. “Do yOu thInk He’D LiKe a PupPEt? Or- dOLl- I GueSs-”
“I think he would love a doll! Nighty really liked the little dolls some of the kids in the village had.” Dream smiles back, feeling a little excited.
“PerFEcT! I’ll dO THaT THen- bUT FirsT- dO YOu wANt anYthINg to EaT? I haVEn’t eATen yET Today-”
“O-oh no, I don’t really need to eat so you should save it.” Dream waves him off, snuggling in closer to Error with a quiet purr.
“I hAve OVeR TWo weEkS wORtH of FoOD- ArE YOu sUrE You dOn’T WaNT A sAndWIcH Or sOmE CHocOLAte? EaTINg wILL heLp yoU RegAIN enERgY faSTer.” Error pulls out two of the pre-wrapped sandwiches Geno had made for him, offering one to Dream.
“....Okay…maybe just one.” The guardian hesitantly takes the sandwich, oh so gently unwrapping it.
“ThaT OnE’s peANut bUttER anD JeLLy- leMme KnOW If yOU’d raTHer haVE soMEthiNG Else- oH-! OnE Sec I GotTA Do sOmeTHinG-” Error grabs one of his special chocolate spread sandwiches from his inventory, pulling out a string and wrapping it around it, tying it up like a present, before getting up and hurrying to the edge of the forest, setting it down on a large stone.
“Is that for Nighty?” Dream asks as Error walks back to sit with him.
“MhM. I dOn’T WAnt hiM FeELinG LEft ouT.” He explains, finally unwrapping his own sandwich and beginning to eat, looking at Dream expectantly. The guardian, remembering he has his own sandwich, takes a bite…..before very enthusiastically trying to inhale it- Error practically beams, incredibly pleased with Dream’s reaction as he eats his own sandwich at a more sedate pace.
“Yummmyyy~! I’ve never tasted anything so goood~! Except maybe strawberry cake!” Dream purrs, getting jam and peanut butter all over his face as he eats enthusiastically.
“WeLL, thERe is StrAWberRY JaM In theRE- I’m gLAd yoU LiKe iT~” Error purrs back, grabbing a handkerchief to wipe the smaller’s face off. Dream fusses a little, his cheeks puffing out in a cute pout. It’s absolutely adorable, and impulsively, Error leans forward to kiss a bit of food off of the corner of Dream’s mouth.
The guardians freezes as his face immediately lights up like a rather intense glowstone, bright yellow and actually generating heat- Error squeaks as he realizes what he just did, quickly moving back as his own face lights up a bright yellow.
“S-sORrY-! I- I DiDN’t-” He yelps, only for Dream to suddenly shoot forward and give him a very fast kiss….on the mouth. Error’s skull practically burns from the strength of his blush as he freezes, glitching in shock.
“...I-I like your kisses-” Dream mumbles, avoiding Error’s gaze as he finishes his sandwich. The glitch gets ahold of himself, shyly leaning in to press a small kiss to the guardian’s temple.
“M-maYbe.. Be a Bit mORe geNTle.. bUt I LiKe youR KisSEs toO..” He mutters back, face glowing a neon yellow. Dream glances at him, seemingly debating on something before the smaller leans over to him slowly.
“..Like this..?” The kiss is firm but slow, Dream pulling away just as he starts to kiss back, and Error has to hold back a small whine that wants to leave him.
“Y-yeAH.. ThAt’S Good..~”
“So you like it~?” The smaller purrs with a small smirk on his face, and Error quickly turns his skull away, hiding his face in his scarf.
“I ALreADy saID I liKe yoUR KisSEs-”
“So I can give you all da kisses~?” Dream leans a little closer, his eyelights big yellow stars.
“I.. I GueSs..?” Error replies uncertainly, flustered. With a little chirp, Dream gives him another slow, lingering kiss, and the glitch makes sure to return it quicker this time, sockets fluttering shut. Dream’s touch is warm and pleasant, so very inviting as the little guardian leans in, gently rubbing up his arm.
Error relaxes with a pleased little sigh, wrapping his arms around Dream’s waist and pulling him closer as he begins to purr. The smaller skeleton happily scoots up to basically be over Error’s lap, deepening the kiss just a little.
“Hmm~”
“Mn..~” With Dream close like he wants, he trails his hands up, gently cupping the guardian’s face. Dream is so warm, it shouldn’t feel this nice just to touch someone. Is this what it’s like for everyone else? Just… warm and nice?
With a happy little purr, Dream breaks the kiss and nuzzles into Error’s hands. “You’re really cute, Error~”
“N-nuh-Uh-” He whines, blushing faintly as he presses their foreheads together. Dream aggressively nuzzles him, snuggling up as close as he can to the glitch.
“Yeah huuuhh~!”
“NoOoo-”
“Yuuuss~ Super cute~!” Error whines louder in protest, embarrassed. His soulmate smirks, nuzzling him more…before attacking his face with soft quick kisses, making him squeak in flustered surprise. “Hehehe~ I’m really really happy we’re soulmates!”
“..Me tOo..~” Error mumbles with a small, flustered smile. Dream continues to shower him in affection, snuggling Error until he starts to feel sluggish. The glitch purrs softly, face still bright yellow, as he subtly shifts, carefully moving Dream to rest against him as he leans back against the tree stump behind them.
With a few more nuzzles and a small yawn, Dream falls asleep against him, purring quietly. Error presses a soft kiss to Dream’s temple, before glancing up at the sky. There should be a couple more hours of daylight left, so he grabs his crochet hook from his inventory and summons some strings, deciding to start on the dolls he’s making for Nightmare.
He hadn’t….really taken in all of Nightmare's features before, too scared of the other leaving to really give it any thought. The tentacles and black tar-like substance covering him…is a little odd. Dream said they were twins, yet they are completely different.
He knows twins aren’t always identical, but.. The legend said Nightmare had transformed into a ‘demon’, and Error can’t help but wonder if he used to look different.
Maybe he’ll ask Dream in the morning, though it doesn’t really matter in the end. This is how Nightmare is now, and that’s all that Error cares about. He… might have to make up some clothes for the goopy skeleton, though. He can’t quite remember what Nightmare was wearing.
With a small shrug Error refocuses on the doll slowly coming together…..Nightmare has a really good looking face….and that voice- !
He shivers, blushing slightly as he forces his thoughts away, focusing on making the tendrils on the doll’s back….They are completely prehensile…right? Oh no no no- Error groans and hides his yellow face in his hands, being careful to not jostle Dream too much. He blames Dream-
Part of him wishes the kisses didn’t stop. Dream was in his lap! Is still practically in his lap, now that he’s thinking of it, which means he really needs to stop thinking about it- Unless he wants to pop a boner right now with Dream on him….yeah no-
How did he end up with two very attractive soulmates-?? Error whines wordlessly as he stubbornly picks the half-made doll back up. He wants to finish it before night falls- then he can give it to Nightmare in the morning.
Chapter 64: Zombie Geno
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Zombie apocalypse AU with Geno and Error.
It’s sorta incest? They’re brothers and a couple of awkward suggestive scenes happen.
Notes:
Welcome to what is becoming our yearly update spree! As always, pretty much none of what is gonna be posted is complete
Chapter Text
Error pulls another bowl of raw meat from the fridge, the bowl is large and heavy in his hands, with about maybe a pound of meat, though he’s not totally sure. He knows it will be enough to satisfy his brothers near insatiable hunger.
The reminder of Geno’s….condition brands a pang through his soul, but like always, Error ignores it in favor of climbing the stairs. The vicious snarls and growls from above don’t sound quite like other zombies, though most have their vocal cords decomposing in their throats. Unlike human or hybrid zombies, infected monster kind is more…like a wild animal then the walking dead.
Error honestly can’t decide if he prefers it that way or not. The blank lack of recognition in Geno’s gaze always hurts, the way he constantly tries so hard to escape doing nothing to help. He’s always so scared Geno is going to hurt himself by accident. It wouldn’t be the first time.
He had left his brother tied up to one of the beams on the master bedroom and found him bashing his skull against it. Error immediately stopped him, panicking and checking his infected brother's health, that is when he discovered Geno’s surprising durability and within thirty minutes the dark bruise on his skull had vanished.
Error was relieved Geno had been alright, but he has no desire to test the limits of his brother’s healing factor. He ended up tying his brother up against the couch instead so the only thing he can thrash and slam himself on is the soft cootions and many many pillows and blankets Error had gathered to try and form a nest…like what Geno used to do for him when they were little.
Maybe it’s some sort of comfort thing, more for him than Geno. On rare occasions when his older brother manages to tire himself out, he gets the chance to just hold him. Error both hates and looks forward to those moments the most, letting himself pretend for those few precious minutes that everything was still okay.
He’s gotten bitten several times for his efforts- leading to his discovery that he’s naturally immune to the zombie virus, his glitchy magic able to target the usually undetectable infection. Once his magic finds the virus it does what monster bodies do well, eliminate the harmful material.
When the virus first came into existence it couldn’t infect monsters at all, their magic based bodies much more capable of quick evolution to survive than matter based bodies- that and the infection would have to at least have a strong magical presence to infect them at all….that’s where the hybrids came in.
Hybrids between monsters and humans are very unique and each one is born a bit differently from another. Geno’s working theory was that the virus had evolved in a particularly well balanced hybrid of humans and monsters, that person or persons being the perfect catalyst for the virus's mutation into infecting a person with magic.
…Error really hopes the virus doesn’t manage to mutate again to somehow slip past his defenses. Though, a part of him finds it increasingly harder to care as he continues to fail at finding some sort of cure.
Geno’s notes are mostly just speculation, but hopefully with time…something will happen. His brother is struggling in the bindings, having managed to rub the sides of his arms raw from the strain, of course he doesn’t seem to care, continuing to snarl and growl his way.
“..H-hEy Gen…” Error does his best to keep his movements non threatening as he walks over, giving his brother a weak smile. “I gOT yoU SOmE FoOD. SoRrY i toOK so LonG- I haD To gO HuntinG For MOre MeAt.”
He isn’t expecting a response and he doesn’t get one, unless a deep growl counts. Geno is always more aggressive when he’s hungry. Error finds that he has to feed Geno about every two or three days, one pound or so of meat is always enough. Otherwise his brother is…more calm then one would expect a zombie to be.
The glitch crouches down by the side of the couch, just out of reach from Geno, and uses a pair of tongs to pick up the chunk of meat and hold it out to his brother, struggling only slightly with the awkward weight. Once close enough to his mouth the infected skeleton easily bites into the flesh, ripping it apart with startling strength that makes Error cringe, remembering the harsh bite that's still healing on his forearm surrounded by several scars.
The whole meal is very quickly and messily devoured, leaving only blood behind. It’s gruesome and gross, but…he’s grown more than a little desensitized to it, only taking a damp rag he brought up just for this and wiping off Geno’s hands and face. He gets growled at of course, for now that's all his brother will do. There’s no reason to bite with a full tummy- at least not hard.
His hand is lightly nommed like it's some sort of unspoken threat, Error just sighing a bit as he pulls back, making sure to wipe the saliva off of his hand.
“ThAnkS FoR NoT TryINg tO BitE My hANd oFf aGAin.” He mutters, sticking the bowl, rag, and tongs in his inventory to deal with later, before leaning back against the wall tiredly, sitting down fully on the ground. He…can’t keep doing this forever…what if Geno just…doesn’t get better, what will he do then? Continue to hide out in this cabin and hope for the best?
It’s….been nearly a year now since the virus took Geno away from him… And a year and a half since they both lost Fresh….
Error’s.. honestly unsure how much longer he’ll be able to keep this up. His bones have grown pale as the months have gone by, small cracks and chips covering him with several bite marks scattered across his body, mostly on his forearms. Error knows it won’t be long before he falls down at this rate, even if it’s more difficult to keep track of his glitchy HP.
He misses them..so much. They’ve always been there for him no matter what, but now that they’re not…he’s so very alone..
“F-fuCk..” Error mutters, choking up as he fights back tears. He has no idea what to do anymore- if there even is anything of worth left for him to do. It’s been the same thing every day and nothing is working, what’s the point..?
“Mmm..” Sniffling slightly, Error looks up at his brother. Geno shifts, his face scrunching up in either discomfort- or maybe pain?- something he hasn’t reacted to properly in months.
“..GeN? WhAT’s wRonG?” He watches as the infected skeleton squirms and wiggles in his bindings, definitely in pain. Something like a whimper leaves Geno’s mouth as he clenches his teeth, and Error pushes himself up to get a better look at his brother, reaching out to rub his skull in hopes of soothing him.
A bright light shines through his brother's ribcage, catching his attention. The brighter it glows the louder Geno wimpers. It feels warm, really warm….. Is that his soul?
“I-it’S OKaY GeNo. I- I Got yoU…” Error tries to reassure, panicking a touch as he watches. The infected monster struggles for a few moments longer, before his body goes limp, eyelights going out as he stills, making Error jolt and glitch harshly in fear as he quickly moves closer, automatically trying to heal him. “N-nO no nO PleAs-se-”
Panic grips his soul like a vice, his magic seeming useless to heal his brother as the other remines limp, horribly unmoving. Has the virus finally, truly killed him? Is his brother going to dust after all this time? Error and Geno never managed to see a zombie over the course of a year- he has no idea if something is going to happen-
A phalange twitches, if only barely, before his brother's sockets slowly flutter open, trying to focus on the ceiling above. “W-what the..?”
The glitch freezes, trying to blink error signs and panicked tears from his sockets as he watches Geno, hardly daring to breathe. Slowly blinking, Geno looks around, a look of confusion on his face.
“How did..? Wow I feel weird.”
“...G-g..GeN..?” Error stammers, voice breaking as more tears gather in his sockets. His big brother immediately turns his skull to look at him and this time there’s actually someone behind that gaze.
“B-bubbu? Why are you- Oh you’re so pale-” Error hardly even thinks about it as he practically launches himself at Geno, a sob pushing its way out of him. Geno’s alive, really alive and awake!! “E-error-! H-hey it’s okay, it’s okay, Bubbu…”
He tries to move his arm, but finds the restraints hindering his movements. That won’t do at all. Pulling his arm up the ropes easily give away, allowing Geno to hold and sooth his little brother.
“G-gEnO-o- y-yoU’rE Her-rE- y-yoU’Re aCT-tuaLLy HErE-” Error cries, clinging desperately to his brother.
“Yeah, I’m here, Bubbu, it’s okay…It’s okay…I’m here..” The younger brother just sobs into Geno’s shoulder, saying something indistinguishable as he trembles and glitches. Geno can only hold Error, nuzzling and rubbing his back in an effort to soothe him. A clumsy purr leaves the older’s throat, clearly out of practice.
What happened? The last thing he can remember before this was…..tying himself up to the bedpost after telling Error goodbye. He…he shouldn’t be alive right now. He turned and Error was supposed to kill his body, or at least keep him locked in a room to starve but-
Speaking of food….why does his little brother smell even more like chocolate than usual? The scent is so strong it’s practically filling his skull.
“I-I’m S-s-sORry-” Error manages to mutter between sobs, struggling to take a full breath.
“N-no no don’t be sorry you did nothing wrong-! Well you didn’t leave me like I told you too, but now's not the time-” He aggressively nuzzles into Error’s neck as the younger clings tighter to him, his shaking worsening.
“Bubbu, you need to calm down, okay?” Geno is sure to speak in a clear, calm voice. “You’ll crash if you keep this up. I want you to follow my breathing and focus on my hand on your back.”
He takes a dramatic and slow deep breath, moving his hand up Error's spine as he does so before sliding it down as he releases the breath. Error whimpers slightly as he struggles to follow his brother’s lead, breath hitching with choked back sobs and hiccups.
“I’m here.. in….. I won’t leave again Bubbu…out…… I’m so sorry..”
“‘M s-soRry..” Error mumbles, pulling back just slightly to nuzzle his forehead against Geno’s, tears continuing to drip from his sockets even as he slowly manages to calm down a bit.
“Don’t be sorry Bubbu…” He leans forward and gently kisses Error’s nasal bridge, sliding his hands up to hold and stroke at the younger's cheeks, wiping away tears. “I’m just happy you're still okay…I didn’t hurt you at all, did I?”
“..I’m F-finE-e.” Error closes his sockets and leans into his brother’s hands as he sniffles, still trembling from the sheer relief overwhelming him. Geno’s back- Geno’s finally here. All that time taking care of him wasn’t for nothing.
“...That’s not what I asked.”
“I-it dOEsn’T maTteR.” He mutters, even as his forearm burns from clinging to his brother as he has.
“Error of course it matters…..we’ll talk about it later.” Geno nuzzles his little brother's skull, kissing his nasal bridge again. “I’m just happy you’re still alive.”
Error just nods wordlessly, leaning forward to nuzzle his face into his brother’s shoulder as he hiccups. Geno slides a hand back down to rub his brother's back, nuzzling into the younger's neck….He smells so sweet.
The infected skeleton can feel his non-existent stomach growl as he takes a deep breath. So sweet…He would probably taste sweet too.
Error yelps, glitching harshly and instinctively trying to jerk away as Geno gently bites his neck, but his brother’s grip is strong and he’s held in place, a purr rumbling against him.
“Ge-gEn-” Error whines, his breathing picking up again as he struggles to keep from panicking. The tone of his brother's voice brings Geno back to reality and he very quickly pulls away, letting go of Error as he apologizes.
“I-I’m sorry, Bubbu! I don’t know what came over me- So so sorry-” Error shakes his head, letting go of Geno to cover his neck as he curls up, trying to calm himself down as he continues to glitch. Geno didn’t hurt him it’s fine-
His brother frowns deeply, very worried and confused. Why the hell did he do that? Is…is he still a zombie-?
Error breathes in shakily, wishing he hadn’t left his scarf outside- something he had begun doing after Geno had tried to strangle him with it.
“...Bubbu…” He looks up, his older brother frowning deeply. “...You’re not okay..”
“I’m F-f-fiNe-” Error stutters, unsure if he’s trying to convince himself or Geno.
“Error.” The older’s voice is stern, his hands gently sliding over the other glitch’s forearms. “It’s okay to not be okay…”
“I-iT’s JuSt… b-beEn a r-reALly loNG yeAR..” He mumbles, unable to hold back a flinch when Geno touches the most recent bite. His brother carefully looks over them, a sad and distraught look on his face.
“...B-bubbu I am…so sorry…I’m so so sorry-” Geno doesn’t have to think about it as he lifts his hand over the mark in hopes of healing it, but…nothing happens.
“I-it’S… yoU h-hAd nO ConTroL OVer iT..”
“I still hurt you, a lot- I hurt you…o-oh my stars-” Geno can’t help the tears that gather in his socket. He hurt his little brother all over. He promised he’d protect him, but he never thought he would have to protect Error from himself. The very idea of harming his little brother makes his soul ache painfully.
“I c-coULdn’t BrINg mYSeLf to StaY AwAy.” The younger glitch shakily brings his hands up to cup Geno’s face, pressing their foreheads together as the older brother starts to cry full heartedly.
“I-I hurt you I h-hurt y-y-you-”
“It’S- it’S OKaY- Y-yoU WerEN’t y-yoURseLf I dON’t blaMe yoU-” Error tries to reassure, tearing up himself.
“I-i’m sorry I’m s-so sorry, Bubbuuu..” Geno sobs, nuzzling Error as he hiccups and tries to press closer, his little brother letting him as he purrs soothingly. The sound is scratchy and rough and even quieter than normal- it’s clear Error hasn’t purred in a long time.
“It’S A-alrIGht- I L-loVE yoU-” Geno takes a shaky breath, trying to calm himself as he very clumsily purrs back, blinking away tears.
“I love y-you- l-love you too..F-forever and ever-”
“AnD I’m o-OKaY- beSIdEs, iT TurNS ouT I’m iMmuNE to THe viRUs.”
“Y-you’re what-?” Geno leans back just enough to look Error in the sockets, sniffling.
“ThE FirST TimE YOu biT Me- I- I GoT SicK foR A FeW DaYs, wiTH SimILAr sYMptOMs to WhaT YOu haD BefoRE YOu tuRnEd.” Error wipes away Geno’s tears, not quite looking at him. “..BuT- buT THen My maGIc sTarTEd aCtinG WeiRD aND eXTra GlitChy. I-iT HuRt… reAlly bAd, buT I nEVer tuRnED inTo a zOMbiE, anD I GoT BeTter… I neVer haD A ReACtioN tO any biteS AfTEr thaT.”
“So….y-your magic fought off the virus..?” Geno asks with a wide eyed look, getting a nod in return.
“I- I ThINk so.”
"...." He says nothing, resting his skull back against Error’s with a relieved sigh. "....You shouldn’t have kept me around…"
“I coULdN’t lEaVe yoU- I- I cOUldN’t J-juSt-” Error tries to defend, choking up.
"I know….it was a big ask a-and I'm sorry, but…It was just hurting you. I-I was hurting you, Bubbu….Nothing is worth that. You had no way of knowing if I would be me again-"
“I c-coULdn’T.. Y-you’Re All I HaD LEfT GeN-!” The younger glitch snaps. “...I cOuLDn’T Lose yOU Too…”
"....I-I just....I'm sorry…I love y-you.."
“I- I LovE YOu t-toO..” Error mutters, nuzzling closer. “S-soRrY For yElliNG…”
"No…it's okay…I'm not upset with you…I am…hungry though…and you smell like chocolate so we might want to find something for me to eat-" Error frowns a bit.
“I jUSt fED yoU ThoUGh…” He mutters. “Do yoU WaNT soMe moRE MeAT?”
"Fed me..? Uh….sure….Being a zombie feels weird…" Geno looks down at his own hand, flexing his phalanges.
“YeAh… I feD yoU EVerY CouPLe Of daYs.” Error reluctantly pulls away to get up. “It wAs ThE FAsTEst I coULd huNT anD TraP ANimALs foR YOu- I coULd oNly gET yoU To eAt rAw meAT.”
"Ew-" Geno cringes. It wouldn't technically be bad for a monster to eat raw meat, but it's just….gross.
“I aSsUme yoU WaNT SOmEThiNG elSe, thEN?” Error asks with a weak smile. His brother smiles back, nuzzling his skull.
"I would like that, yes, but I can get it myself. You look like you need a nap…"
“I’m ALriGht.”
"No you aren't. Your bones are ashy and you look exhausted…When was the last time you ate?" Error opens his mouth to respond, before pausing, brows furrowing in thought.
"...Yeah that's what I thought. Have you been taking care of that monster food garden we made? You should have plenty to eat if it's still working."
“It.. cOUld bE BeTter- stILL aLIve, thOUgh.”
"...I'll give it a tune up then. We'll eat and then take a nap, okay? We'll…cuddle like we used to."
“...Y-yeAh. I’d liKE thAt.” Geno nuzzles his skull, before looking back down at Error’s arms.
“...Let’s doctor these up first okay? Just some rubbing alcohol and bandages. Do we have any healing gel left?”
“No- thERe’s No bANdaGEs eiThER.” Error mumbles.
“...What about the old clothes in the closet? From the people who used to live here? We could tear the fabric and use that?”
“I coULd oNLy usE SomE Of thEm w-wIThoUt maKInG Me gliTch…”
“...Okay, we’ll do a supply run after food and a nap, okay? Or I’ll do it while you rest. Zombies might not care if I’m there.” Error immediately latches onto Geno’s hand, holding it tightly.
“D-doN’t gO-”
“O-oh Bubbu…It would just be for a few minutes…I don’t want you to be ganged up on by a bunch of zombies-”
“No yOU- yoU cAN’t pLeaSe-” The younger glitch almost begs, his hold on Geno tightening. Geno’s never been good at telling his little brother no…
“Okay okay I won’t Bubbu….I won't leave I promise….but if we go together you have to be really careful about drags, okay?”
“I kNoW GeN I- I’m nOt th-thAT ReCKlesS..” Error mutters, both of them pushing away unpleasant memories.
“I know that- I just…worry. It would be safer if you just stay here.”
“B-but- WhAT iF SoMEthiNg hApPEns-?” He questions, a hint of a whine in his voice.
“Then I’ll beat everyones asses and come back. I’m already a zombie so we don’t have to worry about me being turned.” Geno kisses Error’s nasal bridge, getting a pout.
“I’m IMmUNe rEMemBEr?”
“No, you have to worry about being mauled when you smell that delicious.” His brother boops his pouty face, making him frown.
“BuT WhaT IF yoU Get mAULeD-?” Error protests.
“Zombies don’t maul other zombies unless they are incapacitated, which I am not.” The younger glitch whines more, leaning forward to nuzzle Geno.
“...You can come with me, okay? We just need to be extra careful…” He nuzzles the younger back, purring at him. “Stay close and stay where I can see you.”
Error relaxes, a relieved sigh leaving him as he presses closer. “..OkAy. THaNk yoU…”
“...Of course, Bubbu…I know you’re capable, I…I just want to keep you safe…I failed you pretty badly, huh?”
“WhAt-? No yoU DidN’T-!” The younger glitch pulls back to glare at his brother, upset on his behalf. “Y-yoU GoT Bit iN THe fiRSt plaCe pROteCTinG Me! A-aNd I- aND I d-diDn’T LiSTen to YoU-”
“You still got hurt because of me! I’m supposed to protect you and I- I left you alone-” Error seems to falter at that, glitching slightly as he looks down. “Even if I didn’t have control, I was hunting you. You were putting yourself in danger and getting hurt and I wasn’t there to stop you, or heal you, cuddle you at night so we can sleep, remind you to eat because you always forget or don't want to get up or will just eat chocolate instead- which no, it doesn’t count as a meal, nor does a glass of chocolate milk so don’t even-”
Error pouts a touch, even as he tears up, looking back up into Geno’s watery socket. “I promised…a-after Fresh I-I…I was t-trying, but…I-I f-failed-d you both-”
“YOu… y-yOu wEre d-doINg yoU’rE BesT….” He mumbles, voice breaking. “Y-yoU Tri-TRiEd sO HaRd I-”
Geno rests his skull on Error’s shoulder, looking down in what the younger can only describe as defeat. “And I-I wasn’t enough…H-heh..My b-best j-just isn’t g-g-good enough…N-not only can I not protect you, b-but I’m a danger t-to you!”
“N-nO THaT’s- ThaT’s noT Wh-whAT I MeAnt- You- yoU’Re enOUgH-” Error tries reassuring, growing a touch distressed.
“I-i’ve been doing m-my best for my whole l-l-life but…but I fail anyway..I wasn’t enough for P-pappa, I couldn't save t-them, I c-couldn’t s-save Fresh, hell I couldn’t even save myself-”
“B-buT- bUT yoU’Re O-okaY n-noW- i-it’S Not yOur f-f-faULt-” Glitching in worry, Error pulls back enough to cup Geno’s face, unable to hold back the small whine that leaves him. He has never, in his whole life, seen Geno so vulnerable, talking so badly about himself. Is this really what he thinks? Has he just been hiding this or-?
“I-I am not okay! I-I’m such a-” His brother begins to wheeze audibly. “I-I-I c-can’t- can’t b-breath-h-”
Error pulls Geno into a soft hug, straightening up as he lightly grabs his brother’s arms and gently forces him to roll his shoulders back slightly to open up his ribcage.
“I-it’S Ok-kaY- JusT… j-juSt foLloW My b-brEAthINg y-YOu’rE ALriGht-” Error does his best to breathe slowly and deeply, not letting Geno hunch in on himself. HIs older brother whimpers against him, choking out a few small sobs as he tries to follow. It feels so….so wrong to hear Geno cry like this, for his strong big brother to feel so fragile and cracked in his hold. A strong shield finally breaking down after years and years of being baratted ruthlessly by life.
It hurts so much to hear him break- and it feels like the foundation Error’s been built upon is crumbling, but he pushes his own emotions back in favor of comforting his brother, wondering just how many times Geno might’ve done the same for him.
It takes a few minutes of gentle back rubs and slow breathing, but Geno calms, his wheezing lessening until each breath sounds relatively clear. They sit in silence, simply holding each other as they settle from the intense emotions between them.
“...I-I’m sorry….I shouldn’t have said that…” Geno whispers, and Error fights back a small whimper.
“....Y-yoU’rE ENouGh foR Me- y-yoU’ll aLWaYS Be e-eNoUGh..” He murmurs after a moment. His brother only nuzzles him after a moment, wrapping his arms up under Error’s to hold his jacket.
“..I-i’m happy you think so…”
“I Kn-knOw sO.” Error says firmly, but the older doesn’t respond this time, snuggling in closer to Error as he closes his socket, who tightens his hold on him with a nuzzle.
“...Can we take a n-nap now…?”
“SuRe- I thOuGht yoU WeRE HuNGry, thOuGH?”
“..I don’t really feel like eating anymore.” Geno nuzzles in closer.
“OkAy.” Error easily agrees, pulling his brother back down into the nest with him. “LeT’s taKE A NaP THen.”
The older snuggles into his chest, much like what he would do to Geno when he was little, and Error purrs softly as he nuzzles the top of his big brother’s skull, oh so happy to be able to do this with him again. To have his brother close for real, no fear of being bitten or attacked. Geno is really here with him..
“I love you..Bubbu..~”
“I loVE yoU too~ So daMN muCh.” Error mumbles, hugging him closer. With his brother's soul safely so close to his, they both fall asleep, the younger resting better than he has in a long time.
~
Error hums quietly in his sleep, stirring slightly at an odd, yet pleasant sensation on his neck, unconsciously tilting his head out of the way. The feeling presses closer into his vertebrae, getting a small shiver and sigh from him as it rubs and strokes between the joints.
“M..mn..~” It feels nice, even as it pulls him from his sleep, slowly bringing him to awareness. Something warm is wrapped around his waist, holding him close as the sensation on his neck continues, sucking harder and pulling a quiet noise out of him, brows furrowing in sleepy confusion. What’s going on..?
His sockets flutter open, focusing on the pillow in front of him before flowing down to the red scarf wrapped around Geno’s neck, blinking hazily for a long moment.
“...G’n..o..?” The feeling pauses before getting stronger with a loud purr, drawing a small moan and shudder from him. “Nm~ Wh-whAt ‘rE yoU Doin’..?”
Instead of a response, Geno moves up to suck in the next joint, sliding his tongue between the crack to lick at the sensitive magic, making Error squirm as his mind- still hazy from sleep- struggles slightly to process what exactly is going on.
“A-aH~ G-gEnO..~” He whines a bit, the older sucking harder before moving again, lower this time.
“Mmm..~ Chocolate..~”
“GeNnn..~” Error whines more, unconsciously pressing closer to his brother as he flushes. It feels nice, really nice as Geno squeezes his waist, purring and bouncing to different spots on his neck and collarbone slowly, sucking harshly on each spot.
“HnNg~” The younger glitch can’t help but squirm and shift a bit, beginning to pant slightly as he breathlessly moans, magic sparking with interest. The gentle attention slowly makes its way down, Geno only moving when he’s sure to taste every part of the bone in his mouth.
It’s only when his shirt is being moved down by Geno’s skull that Error manages to properly process what his brother is doing through the sleepy haze of pleasure, and he tries to pull away, but the older’s hold around his waist is unwavering as he sucks on Error’s collar bone.
“HhNn~ GeN-gEno- w-wAKe uP-” Error switches tactics, nudging Geno as he wiggles.
“Hummmm..?” With a sleepy whine, Geno opens his socket just a little. “Mmm’choco…”
“G-gEN I’m Not cHocOLaTe-” Error whines back, still flushed and out of breath.
“‘Is good..~” Ignoring him, his brother starts sucking on his collarbone again, leaving an obvious hickey, Error can only imagine he has similar marks up his neck.
“S-stOpp..~” The younger glitch can’t quite hold back the breathy moan that escapes him, pushing on Geno’s shoulder. His brother hums again before pulling away, blinking sleepilly at Error as he reaches up to rub his socket.
“Bubbuuu..?” Error just whines a touch, looking back at Geno with hazy eyelights as he tries to regain his composure. His brother is clearly not awake to know what he was doing, but it doesn’t take long for the older to become coherent. “What’s up..? Something wrong..?”
Error turns his skull to hide his yellow face in the blanket he was using as a pillow, working to suppress his excited magic, incredibly flustered, much to his brother's confusion.
“Error? Did you have a nightmare? Are you okay?” Geno worries over him, sitting up on his arm to lean over his little brother, making him squeak when he peeks up at him, trying to shrink down into the nest.
“S- y-yOU- uH-”
“I what?” Confused, Geno grabs the blanket and tries to move it away, a small yelp leaving Error as he clings to it. “Oh jeez okay I’l leave the blanket alone-”
“...Did I do something in my sleep? I didn't bite you, did I?”
“...No..” Error mumbles, before steeling himself and shifting to bare his neck for his brother to see, blushing furiously. He can feel Geno stiffen beside him, his brother's skull very quickly turning a bright beat red.
“.....I covered your neck in hickies-” The younger glitch pulls down his shirt collar a bit.
“A-anD My coLLaRBoNe..” Geno stares, completely speechless despite the whirlwind of thoughts running through his skull. His mind just isn’t cooperating, and Error just grows more flustered and embarrassed as the silence stretches on, moving to bury himself in the blankets.
“...I-i’m sorry Bubbu-” Is all he can muster up, looking away now that he can’t see the marks that make him feel….things-
“I-iT’s okAy-” Error squeaks out, blushing bright enough for it to be visible through the blankets.
“N-no it’s not I-I shouldn’t have done s-something so…inappropriate-”
“Y-yoU WEre aSleeP-”
“S-still, I clearly made you uncomfortable-!” Error somehow manages to blush harder, staying silent. He actually quite enjoyed it, but there’s no way in hell he was going to admit that. He’s not supposed to like that….kind of attention from his brother, no matter how much he’s thought about it before….the whole world fell apart. What would Geno think of him? “...So I’m sorry…It won’t happen again-”
“But- buT CuDdleS-”
“....But what if I-?” Error pokes his face out from the blankets, pouting even as he keeps blushing.
“I doN’t cARe I StiLL waNT CuddlES- I wAS DepRIVeD For a YeaR-” Geno looks away with a frown, gripping the blanket below them.
“...If you’re okay with it, then so am I…I just don’t want to make you uncomfortable with me, okay?”
“It waS a BiT WeiRD, buT I’m noT UncoMFortABle.” Error says honestly, making his brother look at him in surprise as the older blushes brighter.
“...So you…d-didn’t not like it?” The younger pauses, glitching slightly as if just realizing what his words implied.
“..M-mAybE…” Geno looks away again, his entire skull bright red.
“....We should…p-probably go get food-”
“R-riGHt- yeAH FoOD- ThAt’s- thAT’s a THinG-” Flustered and wanting to escape the situation, they both quickly get up, Error already walking to the stairs as Geno stumbles a bit, making Error pause as he looks back at him. “You oKaY?”
“I’m fine! Just..feel oddly out of practice.” The zombie shakes himself off, letting go of the wall to follow slowly after his brother.
“Ah- yeAh. You’VE BeEn.. pREtTY muCh tiEd uP In thAT RoOm thE WhoLE tiMe.. I dIDn’t eVEn thINk aboUT THaT-” Error goes back to help his big brother and Geno holds onto him as they make their way downstairs and into what was once the living room.
When they first found this place, a large nice estate surrounded by land, far away from any people, it was the perfect choice for them to set up. With the electric fences surrounding the property being powered by a generator they spruced up they are pretty well protected. The living room- main hall or whatever you want to call it- ended up becoming their workshop of sorts, filled with storage containers of all sorts and different tools so everything was out and easy to find.
It was already quite messy before Geno had been bitten, but now it almost looks like a hurricane went through, things mostly just dumped in piles. The older can’t help but cringe, the urge to clean up the mess making his phalanges twitch.
“Did I not teach you how to clean-?” Geno asks in a dumbfounded voice, making Error sheepishly shrink in on himself.
“I knOW hoW To clEaN-” He defends. “...I jUst coULd finD The moTIvaTIOn…”
“..We’ll have to turn on music and clean it later, okay?” Geno nuzzles the side of his skull, leaning into him. “So, you said the monster food garden is working somewhat? You do have enough food to eat, right?”
“YeAH.” Though that doesn’t mean he necessarily did eat. “I aLSo hoOKeD Up a FReEZer to THe geNEratOR to KeEP MeaT.”
“Oh, that’s very awesome Bubbu. Did you infuse the meat with magic so it lasts longer or…..wait…you would have had to so I could eat it, right??” Error suddenly finds the wall very interesting.
“...WeLl- I- yeAh-”
“.....What did you do exactly?” Geno raises a brow, giving Error a hard look that he very pointedly avoids.
“...So aNYwaYS WhY Don’T We gO LoOK aT thE GarDEn-!”
“Oh no, nuh uh-” Geno holds Error’s arm hostage as the younger tries to step away. “You’re not escaping this conversation.”
“It’s noTHinG ImPOrtaNT-”
“If it wasn’t important you wouldn’t be trying to hide it from me.” Geno points out with a scowl, Error fighting back a small flinch. His brother still knows him too well.
“I-it’S FiNe iT DoeSn’t maTteR.”
“Error Pixel Queen.” This time Error can’t hide the flinch, peeking up at the older. He knows that look, the ‘You better answer before I get angry’ look, as Geno taps his foot, letting go of Error to cross his arms.
“...I u-usEd mY MarROw….”
“...” Geno takes a deep breath, choosing his words carefully before responding. “...Did you do so safely? Disinfecting wounds and not using too much of your marrow?”
Sure he doesn’t like the idea, not one bit, but Error was doing everything he could to help him and Geno isn’t going to get anymore upset at him for that.
“..I oNLy uSEd eNouGH to maKe iT eDible, aNd I RinsED thEm..” Error offers his wrists, where there were some mostly healed cuts, a few scars blending into the bite marks. The sight makes Geno’s soul ache and he lifts his hands to gently rub over Error’s forearms, flashing his brother a sad smile.
“..I’m so lucky to have such a sweet little brother..~” The younger flushes slightly, stepping closer to give Geno a nuzzle.
“DoN’t aCT liKe yoU WouLDn’t do THe saME foR Me-” He mutters, getting a small chuckle from his older brother.
“I would you’re right~ I would do anything if it meant you would be safe…and happy..~”
“AnD SO WouLd I.” It’s Geno’s turn to blush this time, smiling a little more softly.
“That’s supposed to be my job, silly. Taking care of you.”
“BuT THeN whO WiLl taKE caRe oF YoU?” Error whines a bit, pouting at his brother, the older leaning closer to kiss his cheeks.
“Hmm~ So sweet and whiney~”
“Oh ShUddUP-“ The younger grumbles, blushing.
“Never~ You’re too cute not to praise~” Error has to hide his face in Geno’s shoulder to hide the smile creeping onto his face. Stars, he missed this. This pleasant warm buzzing in his soul that always makes him feel lighter when his brother is around. He loves Geno so much. “Hmm~ Okay, should we take a look at the garden? Is something wrong with the magic infusers or..?”
“TheIR oUTput is reALly loW NOw, anD I dUNno why… I leARneD SoME Of my MArroW In thE WaTEr woRkS AbouT THe sAMe, thoUGh.”
“Well you need most of your marrow inside your body, Bubbu. So no more of that.” Geno kisses his jaw lightly, holding him close as he leans against the stairs railing. “The food you have right now should be good though right? Sense monster food doesn’t expire…It may not be as nutritious, but eat as much as you can. I’ll see if my body will let me eat the vegetables and fruit or not, since even though I am awake I am very clearly still a zombie.”
“I’m not entirely sure what changes my body went through…I’ll write it all down in my journal, maybe our combined conditions can lead us to some kind of cure. The fact I am awake yet still infected at all is fascinating. I wonder what specific conditions were met to lead to my change, something most zombies clearly don’t get-” Geno rambles, his nerdy scientist side making itself known.
His brother is quite the jack of all trades- He had to learn all sorts of skills to take care of them and save money growing up, from basic electrical work, to plumbing, mechanics, financing- and of course Geno’s favorite- chemistry. The moment they had enough money to spare and Error and Fresh blasted into skeletons, Geno went to collage, somehow managing to get in with flying colors despite having had to drop out of highschool at a young age.
Neither Fresh nor Error were all that surprised, of course. They knew their big brother could do anything he put his mind to, ha always did. It was really nice to find something their big brother seemed so genuinely interested in and the knowledge helps them a lot now.
“Oh right the garden- If the output has decreased then there’s eather something wrong with the powersource, movement of power, or the infusers are damaged and need to be replaced. They could just be old since I haven’t been doing routine maintenance for a whole year…It shouldn’t be too hard to find a monster farm though and get some new ones. We’ll just go to where we got them in the first place…It’s in the opposite direction of town though….bandages and healing gel takes priority, so we’ll go get those first and…..maybe we can wrap some strong steel mesh around your arms under some bandages, sense you get bitten there the most.”
“It wAs bETweEN my aRM anD My faCE- I picKEd mY Arms-” Error defends, Geno nuzzling him aggressively.
“I know, Bubbu. I’m not upset at you, I just don’t want you to get hurt, it makes my soul ache to see you in pain. I want to find a way to lessen it, okay? Even if I can’t heal you anymore…”
“It’s okAy- yoU’Re proBAbLy juST- oUT Of praCTIce oR SOmeTHIng-” The younger tries to reassure, Geno shaking his skull.
“If that was the case I would at least feel the tingle of it in my hands when I move it, but I don’t. There’s only the strong warmth in my ribcage.” Geno lifts his hand to rub over his soul, deep in thought. “We’ll look into it later though, okay? For now we need to eat and go looking for supplies to keep you healthy.”
“...YeAh- aLRigHt.”
~
They eat some food before leaving, Geno taking the opportunity to cook a real meal for Error with what few ingredients they have. He had tried to eat it himself, but his magic almost immediately rejected it, forcibly making him throw up. It was….really gross..and left him feeling even more hungry, the odd craving to lick and suck on Error like a lollipop returning full force- even as his little brother tries to shove raw meat in his face, which he blatantly refuses.
However this leads to him somehow finding his way to the other side of Error’s neck, clinging to him as he starts to suck again, seemingly in a daze.
“WhA- GEno-??” Error sputters, shuddering and glitching slightly. All he gets is a pleased, humming purr like sound as a familiar tongue licks and worms its way between his vertebrae, pressing against the sensitive magic flowing there, drawing a low whine from him as he feels weak in the knees. “G-geN-”
The rumbling noise continues as his older brother sucks harshly on his neck, holding him around the waist. Error fumbles slightly, pulling out the chunk of meat he had put in his inventory earlier and pushing it in Geno’s face in hopes of distracting him, blushing brightly.
Much to his relief, his brother's eyelights immediately lock onto the raw meat, wasting no time pouncing and devouring it as fast as he can- similar to how he’d react before, but without any threatening growls or snarls. Error can’t help but snort a bit, already bringing out the rag to wipe off his face.
Geno takes the opportunity to snatch and lick Error’s other hand, the one that had been holding the meat, licking his phalanges clean very thoroughly before licking his own hands.
“YoU CaN JuST aSK foR MOre-” A fuzzy eyelight looks back at him, not really registering what he said, at least not until they refocus again and Geno visibly cringes.
“Ew-!! Gross gross gross why did I eat that yuck!!”
“...PfFft-” Error can’t help but burst into laughter, wheezing at the look on his brother’s face. The older scowls at him, his mouth still smeared with blood.
“Error!!! It’s not funny!!”
“You’RE THe oNe wHo waS SucKINg on mY ThroAT aGaIN-” Error teases, going to wipe off the rest of Geno’s face. His older brother blushes more, his scowl turning into more of a hard pout.
“I-I n-no-”
“I havE A NeW HicKEy to PRovE It-” The younger tilts his skull, showing Geno said hickey, much to the older’s embarrassment. He quickly shoves himself off of Error, stammering a bit.
“It- w-whatever-I’m gonna go change, who knows how long I’ve been wearing these clothes-”
“Pft- AlriGHt GeN.” Error snickers, his brother somehow managing to pout even harder as he makes his escape to their bedroom, slamming the door in flustered rage, though Error knows Geno isn’t upset at all- even if it makes him flinch slightly. Honestly- he should probably change too, but Error figures he’ll probably get dirty anyways.
When Geno comes back he’s dressed in darker colored clothes then what he would usually wear. Dark brown cargo shorts with tennis shoes and a gray hoodie with his signature red scarf, the one he always insists on wearing everyday sense Error made it for him when he was a skully. Error will never admit how happy it makes him to see Geno love it so much.
“Okay, ready to head out?”
“SurE.” His brother nuzzles him, kissing Error’s cheek gently before he takes the younger glitch’s hand and they start the long trek to town.
Error refuses to let go of Geno the whole way, far more comforted by his presence than he has any right to be. His brother is still a zombie and yet now, knowing his brother is still alive in there, still loves him and cares for him- he knows Geno won’t let him get hurt. Error trusts his brother.
They run into a zombie much sooner than either of them would have liked and Geno is quick to pull Error to the side, ducking behind an abandoned car in hopes of not being spotted. Holding their breath, the human zombie slowly shambles its way past them, never getting close enough to catch a whiff of Error’s chocolate scent. Geno isn’t entirely sure if all zombies have as good of a sense of smell as he does but…he doesn’t want to find out at the moment.
They two brothers manage to avoid further encounters, staying just off the main path. Luckily Geno smells other undead long before they see them, allowing them to dodge them fairly easily until they approach the town..
As expected, collections of undead shamble around the buildings. None of the drags seem too big, but…they can quickly gather together if attracted by loud noise or food. They need to be careful here.
As quietly and stealthily as possible, they two duck from building to building, hoping to get at least somewhat close to the hospital or some kind of clinic. The actual hospital building is infested with zombies. When the outbreak had begun, people were taken there for treatment, but of course there has yet to be a cure.
To the skeletons’ knowledge, this place has been basically abandoned by any survivors- and if there were any people left trying to find a cure, Error and Geno weren’t aware of it. At least not in this town. Any survivors would be stupid to hide out in any densely populated area, simple as that.
Much to Geno’s disdain, no healing gel is going to be found anywhere but the hospital, at least not the high grade stuff. If they want to find what they need….they’re going to have to enter the lion's den.
“ThE LoW-grAdE GeL Is fiNe Gen-” Error quietly tries to convince as they approach the hospital.
“No it’s not- what if you get seriously injured?” Geno argues, pulling Error down behind a dumpster as a drag slowly passes them by.
“ThEN We’LL fiGure SomeTHIng ouT I duNno-” The younger grumbles, his brother nuzzling his skull aggressively.
“Nu. This will be good to have on hand and we couldn’t even find normal grade healing gel- low grade is only good for small cuts and bruises.”
Chapter 65: Slime Rancher Time
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Nightmare takes the place of the game’s protagonist and has reached the ruins, where he runs into a very strange slime.
Chapter Text
Nightmare sighs, his shoulders relaxing a little as he admires the beauty of The Ruins. It really is spectacular and the view is awe inspiring. Not to mention all the new slimes he can add to his ranch! The more slimes and more plorts the better!
“EeeEE?” As he wanders around, one of said new slimes hops up to him with a curious, glitchy sound. He can’t help but stare down at them in mild surprise, they….don’t look like the other quantum slimes…..is it even a quantum slime-???
The slime is dark with reds and a bit of yellow swarming around inside of it…as well as some blue stripes coming down from its little eyes like tears. It’s not aggravated…and isn’t attacking him like a tar slime. Nightmare bends down and reaches out to lightly touch the slime's top.
“Aa-Aaa-!” The slime jumps back a bit with a surprised sound, its form glitching as it stares up at Nightmare.
“Whoa…no touching?” He asks, mostly talking to himself. “You’re an interesting little slime, huh? I wonder what plorts you make-”
The glitchy slime hops in small circles around Nightmare, looking him over with curious little sounds, before hesitantly moving closer to bump his leg.
“Oh so you can touch me, hm?” He questions, watching the slime with a smile, before he grabs the end of his vac pack to suck up the little slime- except, it cowers behind Nightmare’s legs when he turns the suction on, fiercely glaring at the end of the hose, though it doesn’t go to attack.
“...Alright- No vac pack for you then?” This slime really is odd. Most slimes quite like the vac pack, especially when he fires them out of it. It’s actually rather funny.
Watching the slime, Nightmare slowly starts to walk towards one of the floating lights that linger in this area. It makes a questioning sound, now calmer that he isn’t trying to suck it up, and follows after him. He takes it slow, making sure the slime can keep up, before he has to use his jetpack to get down to a lower area filled with puddle slimes.
The strange little slime almost seems to… whine at him, pacing the edge and looking down at him apprehensively. With a small laugh, Nightmare boosts himself back up and holds a tentacle out to the little slime. It brightens, happily wiggling for a moment before it jumps into his hold, its form glitching slightly at every point of contact.
He tries to hold it securely as he falls back to the ground, before letting go. “You’re so expressive~ It’s cute~”
The slime makes a noise of complaint when he tries to put it down, its form seeming to melt slightly so it can cling to his tentacle and make its way up to his shoulders, deciding to perch on top of Nightmare’s vacpac.
“Hehe~ Well aren’t you clingy~ Cute and small~” With a smile, Nightmare continues to explore, gathering a few quantum slimes and random plorts until it starts to get dark, only then does he make his way to the nearest warp portal. The slime on his vacpac stays quiet for the most part- only making the occasional happy sound as it nuzzles him.
Nightmare, of course, nuzzles back, rather enjoying the random affection. Here on the Far far ranch….it can get a little lonely. He does orders for people sure, but the whole area is so big that he’s never ran into someone else in person before….It makes him miss home sometimes.
They are warped back to his ranch, and stepping out into the main area, he immediately walks over to the plort board to sell his collection. The slime on his back chirps curiously, hopping onto Nightmare’s skull to try bonking the screen.
“Are you trying to eat the pictures? Sorry, they aren’t real plorts, little guy.” He tells the little slime with a small giggle. It looks confused for a moment, before pressing more firmly against the screen- hard enough that it almost looks like it’s going into it.
…Shit- wait- it is going into it-!!
Nightmare doesn’t realize what it’s doing until it’s already too late, the slime merging with the screen and beginning to happily play with the pictures of the plorts, somehow moving them around.
“......I…uhhh…..definitely not a quantum slime- Uh little slime? Can you come out?” Nightmare touches the screen, completely lost on what in the stars is happening- The glitchy slime chirps and turns to press its forehead against Nightmare’s hand, easily popping out of the screen and falling into his grasp.
He sighs in relief, holding the slime close, before he decides to reset the display, so everything is put back as he steps away. “Okay little guy. I gotta put these quantum slimes into a corral, ‘kay?”
The slime just coos back happily, looking incredibly pleased with itself as it nuzzles into Nightmare’s arms.
“You’re adorable~ I’ll have to find out more about you in the slimapedia~ Maybe you're a special pet slime? I’ve never met one so affectionate~” Nightmare purrs, nuzzling the slime back as he heads to the caves, planning to make largo phosphor and quantum slimes. The slime in his arms climbs up onto his shoulder when he goes to grab his vac to set up a new slime hutch, nuzzling the side of his skull.
The slime stays with him, being very affectionate and sweet while he does his chores, making sure all his slimes have food before he heads into bed. The slime didn’t want any of the food he offered, fruits, vegies, meat…..what could they eat-??
It isn’t until he gives up for a minute to grab himself a snack that they perk up, trying to see the chocolate in his hands.
“Hey- This is mine-” They hop a bit closer, staring at the chocolate with a familiar hungry and pleading expression- the same one most slimes wear when they see food they want. With a heavy sigh, Nightmare unwraps and hands them the chocolate. “Be grateful…This is expensive to ship.”
The slime makes a happy sound, nuzzling Nightmare’s hand before eating the entire chocolate bar in one bite. After a moment, they glow, dropping a glitchy plort that shares the same colors as them.
“Oooo~!” Excited, Nightmare sits down on his bed to examine the plort, scanning it with his wrist band. “This….is a new type of plort! So you have to be a rare slime…holy shit-”
Plorts have become the foundation for technology ever since they were discovered and every type has unique properties. Pink plorts- which are often considered the most common- alone are worth several G due to their sheer versatility, while others like radi or fire plorts are a clean source of energy. Even gold plorts can be used to make complex tech- though collectors tend to prefer buying them due to how rare they are to find.
Who knows what a completely new plort could mean for technology- Viktor would go absolutely feral for one of these…Though…he is kind of worried what that could mean for the slime. Gold slimes can’t currently be caught only due to how good they are at getting away moments after you see them, but this little guy…..he doesn’t think Victor would hurt it, but the slime just seems….more intelligent. He can’t see it doing well in a corral, let alone a lab.
Nightmare frowns a little, reaching out to lightly pet the slime. They initially flinch back a bit, glitching, before relaxing, leaning up into the pets with a pleased little rumbling sound.
“...Oh my stars you purr~!?” Nightmare eagerly purrs back, petting the slime even more as he leans over to nuzzle it, getting louder purrs in response as they more than happily return his affection.
~
Nightmare spends most of the night thinking as he pets the little slime, who eventually migrates to dozing off on his chest when he goes to lay in bed. What should he do? Making the wrong decision could end badly for the little slime, or at least…..not the greatest fate. He has to be careful who he tells until he can get some sort of legal protection for them. He definitely can’t just sell the plorts on the market..
He debates on telling Sci. There’s no doubt the scientist would want to poke and prod at this new slime the moment he realizes….Maybe he can wait until he has enough plorts to give to Sci. That way he can do something to make sure the new slime stays in his possession- for their safety of course. It has nothing to do with how cute and content they look sleeping on top of him.
As long as they eat as often as other slimes do, and he gets some more chocolate to feed them- which seems to be their preferred food- then it’ll only be a few days to get ten plorts, which should be more than enough to give to Sci. Maybe he can buy a couple different flavors and try to find what their favorite is- it would certainly speed up the process.
~
The next morning, Nightmare wakes up grumpily to his alarm, making himself get up to get started on his chores, starting by feeding his new slime some chocolate. Though- the slime seems equally reluctant to wake up, practically melting in his hold.
He sets them down in his bed with said chocolate as he heads to the bathroom to shower. He completely forgot to last night and he feels so gross-
The slime on his bed whines at being put down, lazily inching forward to eat the chocolate and producing a plort, before rolling off the bed and plopping down onto the floor to follow Nightmare. The rancher drops his clothes into the nearby hamper, before turning on the shower as he grabs a towel from under the sink.
“Hum? Oh so you’re still following me huh? I thought you were too sleepy to get up today~?” He lightly teases with a smile, getting another whine from the slime as they flop against his leg. It almost looks like they’re sleepily pouting at him.
With a small giggle, Nightmare gently picks the little slime up, petting and rubbing them as he holds them against his ribcage. “How dare you be so cute~ I simply can not resist adorable things~”
The slime purrs loudly, melting into his hold and nuzzling against his sternum with a pleased sound. Nightmare can’t help but coo, nuzzling the slime affectionately, before reaching out to check the water's temperature.
“Perfect.” Giving the slime one more nuzzle, he sets them down again and steps into the water, getting more whines as they hop off the chilly tile to instead sit on the bathmat, looking annoyed. “Oh don’t worry, I’ll be out soon.”
With a chuckle, Nightmare relaxes in the warm water, letting his corruption receide down to his soul and exposing his pearly white bones. He’s reminded of just how fragile his body is like this, feeling so much lighter now as he sighs.
The slime sitting outside his shower perks up, peeking into the shower and making a confused chirping sound when they look at him, eyes wide. Huffing quietly in amusement, Nightmare kneels down, leaning against the bathtub walls.
“It’s just me, sorry. I look pretty different, huh?” The soft voice feels so odd coming out of him now, after spending most of his time without it.
“EeEee?” They still look confused, but they hop onto the edge of the bath to nuzzle the side of Nightmare’s skull with a purr.
“Do I look silly~? Hum~?” He coos, giving the little slime a small kiss and nuzzle as he starts to pet them, making them purr louder, cooing wordlessly back at him. “Okay cutie~ I have to get cleaned up, alright?”
Nuzzling the slime firmly, Nightmare stands back up, grabbing some soap and a thin brush to begin meticulously cleaning his joints the best he can as the slime watches curiously- practically just staring at him. Nightmare doesn’t let it bother him, glancing at the slime here and there as he cleans up, before applying bone polish and then bone shine.
There was a period of time where he didn’t take care of his bones at all, never wanting to let his goopy armor down in fear of getting hurt….but after several years of trying…he can be exposed for a few minutes to clean up.
“There, all done. Am I shiny enough now?” The slime wiggles with a happy little sound, almost looking like it’s nodding. With a small laugh, Nightmare steps out over the slime, grabbing his towel to dry off as they hop onto the ground, curiously headbutting and nuzzling his legs.
He dries himself off, before picking up the slime again, walking back out into his room as he picks out his clothes and shifts back to how he was before, the slime making a surprised sound. “Alright, time to get started on chores.”
“Ah?”
“I have to take care of the other slimes on the ranch too.” He informs, setting them down again to change and put on his gear, before heading out with the slime in his arms again. “It’s a lot of work taking care of you, little buggers~”
The little slime whines at him, before stretching up to nuzzle under his chin with a cute little chirping sound. His eyelight dilates and he chirps back before he can stop himself, his face turning cyan in embarrassment. The slime in his arms seems overjoyed by his reaction, chirping again and practically bouncing in Nightmare’s hold, looking up at him excitedly.
With only a little hesitation, he chirps again, smiling at the slime as his blush grows brighter. They practically attack his face with affectionate nuzzles as they excitedly chirp and coo at him in response- if they were a skeleton, their eyelights would definitely be stars right now.
It’s beyond adorable~ He has no idea what chirping means to this slime- none of the other slimes have reacted to a chirp, he doesn’t think so anyway- Either way, their own chirps are setting off his instinct to respond, so of course Nightmare chirps again and again, adding a little trill in there for good measure as they practically beam at him.
The slime tries to trill back at him, and though the sound comes out a bit glitchy and odd, they seem quite proud of themself as they chirp some more. He can’t help but chuckle, nuzzling the slime aggressively with much affection, before he puts the slime on his shoulder to properly hold his vac pack as he goes sound picking any grown fruit on the ranch, feeding all his many corrals of slimes and collecting their plorts.
He has an auto feeder on most of the corrals as well as an auto collector, but he can never seem to get the right setting on the auto feeder. No matter how slow or how fast he sets it to, there is almost always some leftover food rotting at the bottom of the corral. Such a waste-
The slime on his shoulder seems to chat with a few of the corral slimes as he goes about his work, making the occasional odd sound and getting different responses. Strangely enough- at least, from what Nightmare can guess- they mostly seem to point out food that the other slime hadn’t noticed, or get them to give Nightmare some space.
Like the rock slimes for instance. The rock largo roll without a care, even if their spiky backs dig into him, usually leaving him with cuts every time he enters their corral. Thankfully, his corruption protects his actual body. It’s the crystal slimes that are actually hazardous. Crystal Rad Largos…. But when they so much as look at Nightmare, the slime on his shoulder puffs up and makes a threatening growl-like noise that the largos actually seem to listen to, clustering up on the opposite end of the corral from Nightmare.
It is definitely a surprise as he filters all the rotten food out of the corral, before refilling their favorite food. He knows his slimes never try to hurt him, they are just….very carefree and not quite aware of how much they can hurt him, but their antics have left him homebound for a day or two before.
On the other hand, the slime on his shoulder- that he probably needs to name- seems all too aware of the damage the other slimes can do to him, and have taken it upon themselves to be his defender. It is so very very cute and he can’t help but feel touched how much they care. He’s never met a slime so smart and affectionate. Though he has no idea why they are so attached to him. Maybe it’s because he fed them? They were determined to follow him before then too…
He’s pulled out of his thoughts by a glitchy coo from his shoulder, said slime nuzzling his cheek with a purr. “Hmm~ You’re a mysterious one, you know that~?”
Nightmare gives the slime a chirp, followed by a few more little kisses, before moving on to the rest of his slimes. It takes nearly all day just to do basic things around the ranch. With how many slimes he has now it’s no wonder- It’s a lot of work for one person.
“Finally done! Now it’s my turn to eat.” He takes the slime back inside and warms himself some leftover pasta, getting a chocolate bar for himself and the little slime. ”Hmm…I should give you a name.”
“OOo~” They coo in response, looking at the pasta and nuzzling the warmed container curiously, before getting distracted with the chocolate. Nightmare watches him as they sit on the stairs outside, the skeleton eating his pasta as he thinks.
“Mmm….what about Error? Or Glitchy? Since you glitch and error signs show up sometimes?” They sway side to side, seemingly confused by Nightmare’s words.
“Error? Do you like the name, Error?” He asks, leaning down to nuzzle the slime. “Error?”
The slime purrs and chirps in response, hopping to aggressively nuzzle Nightmare back.
“Error it is~! My Error slime~” He coos, nuzzling the slime just as aggressively, getting many happy chirps and coos back as they wiggle their way into his lap for better cuddles. With a huff, he continues his petting as he eats.
~
With a name for his slime, Nightmare continues on with his usual activities. He does chores most mornings, before adventuring out to find new slimes, unlocking puzzles and finding hidden treasures.
He often finds himself in precarious situations- like when he was running through The Mushroom Lake, dodging feral Hunter slimes left and right and nearly fell into the Slime Sea.
Thank the stars he has tentacles.
Today though, he explores slightly more peaceful areas, getting to watch Error look at just about everything in awe and curiosity- which, if they had been trapped in the ruins like the quantum slimes, then this must all be new for them.
The rocky cliffs and hot springs of Ash island, just off the coast of the Indigo Quarry, is very peaceful compared to most areas on the Far far ranch. There aren’t as many slimes some days, so little worry of a Tar forming and the constant sound of the Slime Sea is relaxing….Nightmare is actually planning on going into the hot spring, it's looking more and more appealing as they relax.
Error occupies themself with playing with the glow flowers, occasionally bringing particularly pretty ones in their mouth to give to him. It’s so very adorable, and he thanks Error every time with a little chirp and pat, getting pleased purrs and nuzzles from the slime.
“Soooo cute~” Error cheerfully hops off to collect some more flowers- though not before giving Nightmare some affection and happy chirps. With a soft smile, Nightmare finally decides to get into the hotspring, ditching his clothes in favor of sinking into the warm water, his whole body relaxing with a smooth lazy purr.
Error leaves the flowers in favor of coming over to see what Nightmare is doing, looking into the steamy water with a questioning sound. The skeleton gently pets Error, smiling softly.
“It’s warm and feels nice. Wanna try?” The slime looks uncertain, leaning into the pets as they look around at the pool, before moving closer to Nightmare. Some slimes don’t like water, not many, but some. So he doesn’t try to force Error in or anything, simply leaning against the sides of the pool to pet and snuggle the slime. If Error wants in, then Nightmare is more than happy to help them.
They certainly seem interested, if not hesitant, but they don’t make a move to get in for several minutes, just enjoying the affection Nightmare gives them. Eventually, they nuzzle into his chest, almost wrapping around his ribs slightly to hold on to him, using him like some kind of ladder to go down into the water a bit.
Nightmare giggles as he watches, ready to pull up out of the water should Error need it. The caution and thought his little slime is putting into things like this never ceases to fascinate him.
Error pauses at the warmth of the water, glitching slightly, before relaxing a bit- though they refuse to let go of Nightmare’s ribcage, seemingly wanting to avoid getting their face in the water. So with a small laugh, Nightmare leans back, using his tentacles to hold himself up in the water as he ‘floats’ on his back, with Error on his chest.
“Is that better~?” The glitchy slime relaxes their grip on Nightmare, beginning to purr softly in response. He resumes petting it again, something he’s grown very accustomed to doing over the course of the past day. He never thought he would be so attached to a slime….then again he never thought he would meet a slime so smart.
Error clearly is able to learn and understand so much, cautiously yet curiously exploring the world around them- there’s an intelligent gleam in their eyes that none of the other slimes have. Error is so very interesting….it’s nice to have a genuine companion out here. He knew doing this job would be lonely, he had welcomed that fact at the time, but after a few years……It’s nice to have someone to talk to, even if that someone doesn’t understand what he’s saying.
“You’re so cute, Error…..Thank you.” The slime tilts slightly to the side- as if they’re tilting their head- with a questioning trill. With a small huff of amusement, Nightmare headbutts the little slime, chirping softly at it. “I’m really happy I found you~”
Error perks up and joyfully chirps back at him, smushing their little face against his with a loud purr, getting a muffled laugh from the skeleton
~
A few days ago Nightmare gave Sci some of Error’s plorts. Ten, just as he had planned. The other skeleton was more than interested to look into them, asking him where they came from, but Nightmare refused to tell him. For now, it is better that no one knows about Error directly.
He’s not attached-! Just…..he likes slimes that’s all- and he’d rather not be bothered by people asking about Error right now.
Having the glitchy slime around is… nice. It’s nice to have some company as he goes about his daily tasks, and Error is surprisingly helpful with the other slimes- especially once they start picking up what certain words mean.
It’s really amazing to watch Error tell the other slimes to do something after he does and they actually do it! Most of the time- Error never ceases to amaze him, truly. And all the while, they pretty much never leave his side, almost always pressed against him in some way or form.
Except when he’s in the shower, of course. He tries to shower every night, but there are those few times he’s too tired to care, flopping down onto his bed and passing out right then and there.
Last night was one of those nights and he wakes up feeling gross and icky. With a very sleepy slime, he wastes no time getting into the bathroom and starting up the warm water like always. Error, of course, follows after him, looking a bit more awake as they watch him hop into the shower. For some reason they always seem so interested in his uncorrupted form.
He’s not entirely sure why, but who knows, maybe Error just likes shiny things. Nightmare pets the little slime before he starts his usual routine. He scrubs over his bones first, before getting started on the detailed work, using a small, thinner brush to get between his sensitive joints, being careful to not irritate his magic too much.
Nightmare doesn’t think too much about the odd sound that comes from where Error is sitting after a couple of minutes, focusing on cleaning himself and figuring the slime must’ve found something to entertain themself with, only glancing over once he finishes with one of his hands.
He immediately stiffens, freezing in place as he stares with wide sockets. Where Error was, there now sits a blobby, half melted… skeleton thing sharing the same colors as the slime. It turns its head, its entire form rippling creepily, and looks at Nightmare, pausing when it seems to realize Nightmare was looking at it.
His soul practically stops as they stare at each other, the silver-boned skeleton having no idea what to think of this horrifying thing in front of him. He’s very sure he’s making a face-
After several long seconds, the.. thing slowly starts to ripple and shift, the sound from earlier starting up again as it grows longer, joints and limbs slowly taking shape and solidifying. The pelvis and spine form first, followed by a ribcage and shoulders, legs and arms- it seems to take a bit longer for the hands and feet to form as the thing stares intensely at Nightmare.
The face ends up being last, red sockets sinking into the skull and a mouth and nasal ridge forming, and finally, navy blue tearmarks stream down the things cheeks and familiar colored eyelights flicker on.
“....Error?” Nightmare hesitantly asks, looking the newly formed skeleton up and down in shock. The skeleton looks up at the name and smiles at him, chirping in response and holding out their hands, as if showing them off. “Whoa…..whooooaaaaaa-”
Nightmare reaches out and gently presses his hand to theirs, chirping back instinctively. “Holy shit…”
The skeleton- Error-? giggles and smiles wider, fumbling to grab his hand and fiddle with it, movements slightly clumsy and uncoordinated. Nightmare leans closer, looking Error over again as they fiddle with his hand.
“Wow…I….am very sure most slimes can’t do that….Or maybe they aren’t smart enough to?” Error looks over, watching the way his mouth moves, and tries to copy him.
“An… ToOoo..?”
“Hehe~ Try Errrrror.” Nightmare tells the other, gently pointing to Error’s sternum. “You’re Error.”
“RrarRrer… EeEer.” Error huffs, pouting a bit as they try to figure it out. “ErrrAr. ERroRr..?”
“Yeah, Error~ Good job~” He coos, unable to help but headbutt the now not-slime, getting a pleased purr and wiggle in response.
“ErRor~!” They tilt their head at Nightmare and- taking a second to figure out how to move their phalanges the right way- point to his sternum in a mirror of what he had done a moment ago.
“Nightmare. Night maaaare.” He slowly mouths out slowly, tapping his own sternum and rubbing over Error’s hand.
“Nn… NitMmarE… NimARe? NNniGhtmAre!” Error figures it out a bit quicker this time, looking incredibly proud of themself. The rancher gives them many happy chirps and nuzzles, smiling softly as they purr loudly.
“You did so good! You’re a fast learner. You’re Error and I’m Nightmare.” He gestures to them both.
“ErRoR An’.. aND NiGhtmaRE~!” Error cheers, wiggling closer for more nuzzles. The silver boned skeleton laughs, leaning further over the tub to nuzzle Error just as much as the glitching skeleton wants, rubbing the others arms gently.
Nightmare almost completely forgets about his shower, that is until the water starts to get cold. “O-oh shit- hold on Error-”
He pulls away, reaching for the faucet handle as Error pushes themself up a bit, idly copying Nightmare’s words.
“On? Sshhee… shIT? ShiT HolDd ooOonnN-”
“P-pfft- sorry that’s a bad word, Error. It’s uh….a curse word.” He chuckles, turning off the water and standing to step out and grab a towel.
“BaD? BAd woRd..?” Error questions, trying to stand up as well- only to fail horribly and fall back down with a surprised squawk. Nightmare scrambles to catch them, dropping his towel in favor of holding Error instead.
“S-stars-! Be careful you’re…well I don’t know if you can get hurt like this, but you feel solid so-” With a small sigh and nuzzle, Nightmare moves to sit Error down again, the glitchy skeleton whining and pouting down at their legs.
Nightmare dries off as fast as he can, before his corruption returns to cover his bones, making it much easier to pick Error up fully, giving them a firm, affectionate headbutt that they eagerly return.
“Want some help?”
“WaNT!” They parrot, wiggling their feet as they cuddle into Nightmare’s hold. He huffs in amusement, before setting Error up on their feet, holding their spine and ribcage to keep them upright.
“Okay, now try to step forward. It’s okay to lean on me if you need.” Error awkwardly tries to straighten up, leaning back on their heels too far and forcing Nightmare to push them forward.
Just like how Error always explores the world, they are methodical with figuring out how to move, determined to first keep their balance without any help- which involved a lot of panicked arm waving, almost smacking Nightmare multiple times.
After several more attempts they both manage to stumble back into the bedroom, all of his tentacles hovering over Error to keep him from really falling. “Here, why don’t you sit down and I’ll get you some chocolate?”
“ChOColaTe?” Error perks up, having learned that word within just a couple of days as a slime.
“Uh huh~ You need your breakfast.” Making sure Error is safe on the bed, he lets go walking to the open kitchen to snag a chocolate bar, unwrapping it for Error before hand. “Here you go~”
Error bounces slightly in place in excitement, before grabbing the chocolate and opening his mouth. Nightmare can only stare in shock as five blue tongues wrap around the chocolate bar and pull it into Error’s mouth, the glitchy skeleton humming happily as they eat it whole.
Nightmare’s face turns a bright cyan and he has to very quickly shove some rather…..dirty thoughts away- Marching himself to the kitchen to make some tea. He still hasn’t gotten dressed, but it really doesn’t matter since he never sees anyone- and it’s not like Error will care, having seen him naked multiple times and currently not wearing clothes themself.
After just a few seconds, there’s a loud thump and yelp from the bedroom, and he hurries over to see Error laying face down on the floor, whining quietly.
“Oh, Error….” He gently scoops the other up, holding them securely in his tentacles, checking their skull for any damage. “What are you doing, silly?”
“WaLk… wAnt NiGHtmaRE…” Error whines, nuzzling against Nightmare, getting an amused huff from the rancher.
“I nearly forgot how adorably clingy you are~” He gives Error a little kiss on the cheek, before moving over to dig through his dresser for clothes. He finds one of his black sweaters and looks from it to Error. “Mm….this will be big on you…I should have some older clothes somewhere?”
“WaNt!” Error demands, trying to hug the soft fabric.
“Hehe~ Okay okay, Lift your arms.” Error just stares blankly at Nightmare, not knowing what his words meant and forcing him to mime it out for the other to copy. Once the glitching skeleton's arms are up, he slides the sweater down over their head, wiggling their hands through the arm’s holes. “There, how does it feel?”
Error chirps in response, waving his arms around and making the sleeves cover his hands again, pausing for a moment before pausing and turning to Nightmare, batting at his face with the end of the sleeves.
“Eep-! Oh nu you got me~” Nightmare fake shrieks, before nuzzle attacking Error and laying back on the bed to better snuggle the other, making them burst into laughter, aggressively nuzzling Nightmare back. They snuggle and attack each other with affection, before eventually relaxing, Nightmare giving the glitchy skeleton a soft chirp, getting an enthusiastic chirp and loud purrs back.
“You’re so cuuute~” He coos.
“CuTE?” Error questions with a gentle nuzzle.
“Cute~ It’s….kind of hard to explain. Something that is visibly nice to look at, but different than pretty. Not that you’re not pretty. You’re cute and pretty~”
“CuTe… GooD? NicE GOod?” Error asks, trying to connect the meaning with words they already know.
“Mhm~ Being cute is a good thing~ And nice and good are close, too.” He tries to explain, using his tentacles to get some clothes for himself.
“Hm… NiGHtmaRE CUte goOD nICe!” The rancher snorts, gently kissing Error on the nasal bridge.
“Thank you Error~ You’re cute good nice, too~” The glitchy skeleton chirps happily, a faint yellow blush spreading over their cheeks as they try to copy Nightmare’s kiss. He smiles and pulls his skull up to make it easier for them to also kiss his nasal bridge- only for their mouths to accidentally bump together.
Nightmare feels his body go rigid, freezing as his face very quickly turns a bright cyan, a shaky gasp escaping him. Error pulls back a bit with a confused sound, reaching up to poke at his blush.
“NiGhtmAre?”
“I- y-yeah sorry just…you probably shouldn’t do that- On the mouth I mean-” He tries to explain, looking away with a flustered glare.
“...Bad..?” Error asks, looking worried.
“Well….no it’s not….bad….just…It’s complicated. Slimes are….not usually considered people, like you, more like animals. We can’t kiss slimes on the mouth, just like how we shouldn't kiss animals. You’re…..in the middle so…I’m not sure what’s okay.” He struggles to explain this. It’s a broader concept than just good and nice, and though Error is picking up on words exceptionally fast, they don’t know a lot of more complex words and ideas.
“KisS..?”
“Kiss.” As an example, he kisses Error’s cheek, smiling a little as the other makes a noise of understanding. “That’s a kiss.”
“Kiss GOod.. aND BaD? SlimE KisS bAD. PErsoN?” Error struggles to put the words together, though they seem to get a vague gist of what Nightmare is saying. He nods, giving Error a nuzzle.
“Something like that, yes. Person as in…not a slime.”
“NoT SLimE.” Error pats their chest, before patting Nightmare’s chest. “PErsON?”
“A person is not a slime, but you, Error.” He gently pats the other back. “Are a slime. You make plorts when you eat and looked like a slime before.”
“NoT SLime!” Error insists, frowning as they struggle to say what they clearly want to, making a couple noises to themself. Eventually, they point to the door. “SlimE?”
“Hm? The ones outside? Those are slimes, yes.” He confirms, hoping he’s understanding, and Error perks up.
“SliMes YEs! ErROr nOT SlimE. SLimE…” Error thinks for a moment, before pushing themself up, holding up one hand and pointing to a spot in the air. “ErroR…” They draw a line down from that spot with their other hand, before stopping. “SliME!”
Nightmare hums, frowning in thought. “Are….you saying slimes….came from you? Or whatever you are?”
“CaMe froM?” Error questions, not putting down their hands.
“Like……how cubeberries come from trees.” The glitchy skeleton seems to think, needing a second to remember what cubeberries and trees were.
“TreE.. ErrOR.” Error starts, miming a tree with their hands. “CubEBeRry.” They mime a berry falling from the tree, then turn and… bury it..? miming another tree growing from that spot. “CuBebERry treE SLimE.”
“So…..you’re like a distant relative. That…would make sense. The slimes came from your species a long time ago? That’s what you’re saying, right?” He asks, trying to put his first statement into more simple terms.
“SpECieS… lliKe ErROr? SLimE SpeCIes?” Error asks, trying to get clarification.
“Error species.” He taps Error, before pointing to the door. “Slime species. Appart.” He holds his hands together and pulls them away.
“YeS! AppARt! SliMe cOMe fRom ERroR SPeCIes yEs.” Error smiles widely, incredibly pleased that they got their point across. Nightmare smiles with them, giving the other a firm headbutt and nuzzle.
“Good job~ I get it. Slimes I know of are a more….devolution of your species. You’re the people from before, right? With the buildings, ruins I found you in?”
“LoNg timE AGo ERror hoMe.” Error confirms, needing to take a guess as to what several of Nightmare’s words mean. “BuILDinGs ruINs hoMe?”
“Building means…..built thing. Like this place.” Nightmare gestures to the room around them, tapping the wall with his tentacle. “Ruins are…broken old buildings.”
“BRoKen… RuiNS ErROr hoMe LOng tiMe AGo.” The other agrees, expression drooping. With a small frown, Nightmare nuzzles them, gently rubbing their skulls together.
“...I’m sorry. You must miss it..”
“..YeS.” Error agrees, nuzzling Nightmare back and closing their sockets. “GooD TOday. NiGHtmaRE HomE.”
His soul warms at the other’s words and he can’t help but purr, headbutting the glitch again and kissing their nasal bridge. “I’m happy I make you feel at home~ ….You’re home for me too~”
Error purrs back and chirps at Nightmare in response, opening their sockets to smile at him, wiggling closer. He huffs softly in amusement, before laying them both back down again, holding Error close by the middle and nuzzling their skulls together, adding another chirp for good measure and making the other purr even louder.
“HOme~” Error coos, nuzzling Nightmare happily. It’s nice, really nice just to have Error close, holding him and nuzzling him. He gives the other another little kiss, more on their chin this time, earning a kiss back on his cheek, Error being careful to avoid his mouth.
“Hehe~ …Since I know you’re not….technically a slime. You can kiss me on the mouth- if you want-” Nightmare quietly explains, his face feeling unusually warm. Error tilts their head, brows furrowing slightly.
“NigHTmaRE WaNt?” His face gets warmer, before he glances Error’s way.
“Maybe.”
“MAybE?” Error questions.
“I- yes- If you’re okay with it. You don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Nightmare’s tentacles curl and flex nervously across the bed as he looks back over at the wall. Error hums, before gently grabbing Nightmare’s face, pulling him in to give him a gentle kiss on the mouth.
With a purr, the goop covered skeleton kisses back, keeping the kiss soft and gentle as he reaches up to pet the glitch’s face. He slowly rubs over Error’s tear marks, purring a little louder as they lightly nuzzle into the touch with a happy little hum, smiling into the kiss.
When Nightmare pulls away, just enough to break the kiss, he can’t resist the urge to chirp and trill, headbutting Error to nuzzle him aggressively.
“Hmmmmm~ I don’t wanna, but we should probably go out and feed the slimes.”
“HuNGry sLImEs.” Error agrees, nodding sagely as they move to sit up. Nightmare follows, getting up and scooping the glitch up with his tentacles, holding Error against his back.
“Is this good?”
“NoT WaLK?” Error asks, a touch confused but definitely not complaining.
“You can if you want, but it will be faster if I hold you.” He explains while grabbing his backpack, holding Error further away as he puts it on, before bringing the other close again.
“NoT WAlk goOD. WaLK…” Error pauses, thinking. “...AFteR?”
“Yeah, we can have you walk after~ It will be good practice.” With a nod and nuzzle, Nightmare heads out to get started. As always he starts by gathering the crops, refilling the auto feeders, collecting the plorts and either seeling them, or depositing them in the refinery. Nightmare repeats this process over and over with all his slime corals and by the end, he stores any leftover food in a silo in case he needs it. His last task of the day is going out to and getting materials from his extractors. They should be done by now.
“Are you okay going out like this, Error?”
“Hm?” Error pauses their messing with Nightmare’s tentacles, looking at him in confusion.
“We are going outside.” He points out to the rest of the far far range as they stand at the exit. “Is that okay? With your skeleton form?”
“Yes..?” Error replies, as if unsure why it wouldn’t be okay. “NigHT waNT ERror slIMe?”
“No, you’re perfectly fine like this….I just don’t want you to get hurt. I want to make sure that you feel safe.”
“NiGHtmarE SaFe HOme ERror saFE.” Error gives Nightmare a nuzzle and chirp. “SaFE.”
The rancher smiles, nuzzling Error back with a chirp of his own. “Okay~ Let’s go then.”
Thankfully the trip is relatively uneventful, besides a boom slime exploding a little too close to them while in the moss blanket- They didn’t get hurt though so it's fine! Nightmare gets to all his machines efficiently, with practiced ease and they make it home before dinnertime.
After getting Error some chocolate and getting some ramen for himself, they sit outside on the brick steps to eat. Error makes quick work of their chocolate just like this morning- which Nightmare is careful to avoid waiting too hard- and apparently decides they want to practice walking now, pushing themself up onto incredibly unstable legs, arms pinwheeling as they struggle to keep their balance.
Nightmare watches, resisting the urge to grab onto them to keep them steady- they made it very clear before that they wanna try it on their own.
“Be careful-”
“ErROr goOD-!” The glitch unconsciously steps back to keep their balance, only to forget about the steps still behind them, tripping with a yelp. Thankfully instead of landing on the hard steps behind them, Nightmare’s tentacles cushion their fall, preventing any real damage….though it still looks like it hurt-
“Oh Error are you okay-!?” Nightmare quickly asks, fretting over them. Error glares at the steps like they personally offended them, before pouting at Nightmare.
“...Ow.. BaD WAlk…” They whine. The goopy skeleton holds back a coo, leaning forward to headbutt the glitch.
“Awww…you’re okay dear. You can do it.” He encourages. “Do you want some help?”
“...MaYBe..” Error mutters, and Nightmare can’t help but find it funny how they use it the exact same way he had that morning. With a soft smile, he sets his food down and stands up with a tentacle firmly wrapped around Error’s waist as he grabs the other’s hands from behind.
“Okay~ Take it slow. One step at a time.”
“OnE STep..” Error repeats quietly, carefully leaning forward and taking a small step.
“There you go~ Now one more, then another, and another.” Nightmare helps guide Error, giving the glitch plenty to hold onto should they need it.
It takes several minutes, but Error eventually manages to be able to stand without needing much support, and they shoo Nightmare away to eat his food. He very hesitantly moves back to sit down and lets go of Error completely, never looking away as he eats.
Error awkwardly shuffles in little circles for a little bit, arms held out to the side, before feeling confident enough to take an actual step. They manage all of three steps before they lean too far forward, their foot slipping as they fall face first.
This time, Nightmare isn’t fast enough to catch them, but he is at their side, turning them over with a worried whine. “Oh stars, Error….are you okay?”
“...NiGHtTtt-” Error whines, pained tears gathering in their sockets as they immediately reach up to cling to Nightmare, pressing a hand over their forehead and nasal ridge. He doesn’t hesitate to cradle the glitchy skeleton, whining back at him and soothingly rubbing his back.
“Oh honey you’re okay, Error…You’re okay..you did so good. I’m so proud of you.” He reassures, reaching up to gently grab Error’s wrist and pull one of his hands away. “Let me see, Ruru. It’s okay.”
Error whines some more, but lets Nightmare move their hand, revealing a small spiderweb of hairline fractures, and a couple of spots where whatever was making Error feel like they’re made of bone is gone, revealing what looks more like the surface of the glitch’s slime form underneath.
“Oh okay uhm….let me try something, okay?” Nightmare holds his hands carefully over the damage, takes a deep soothing breath, before a tingly cool sensation gently washes over Error’s face, a soft light glowing from the other’s hand. Error relaxes and closes their sockets at the feeling, leaning into Nightmare’s touch.
“Hm.. NIce..~”
“Hmm~ I’m happy it’s working..~ I’m not very good at healing magic.” He idly rubs Error’s cheek, moving his hand to check on the healing process. Thankfully, the cracks seem to be fading, the holes smaller than before. Strangely enough, as he watches, some sort of… ooze of sorts seeps out through the cracks and gaps, filling them and.. hardening?
Error is so interesting, truly. He never ceases to amaze Nightmare in every way.
“There you go..feeling better Ru? I mean Error-”
“BeTter…” Error confirms, wiping away their tears before looking up at Nightmare in confusion. “Ru?”
Nightmare blushes a little, glancing away as he holds Error closer. “Ruru…it’s…..I thought it was a cute nickname. Ru for short.”
“NiCKnaMe… Night NIGhtmAre NIckNAme?”
“Mhm, just like that. Ruru is Error’s nickname~” He nuzzles the glitch, chirping softly at him and getting many happy chirps in reply.
“RurU GoOD YeS” Error purrs, cuddling closer. “NiGHtmaRE foOD? ErrOR Not WAlk tODay.”
“Okay, I’ll go back to eating then.” He scoops the glitch up, sitting down with Error in his lap as he picks up his ramen cup. “...Do you want to try some?”
“TrY SomE?” Error parrots, turning to nuzzle under Nightmare’s chin. He nuzzles back with a happy purr, before holding out his fork of noodles.
“Some of this? It’s ramen.” Error squints suspiciously at the ramen, before hesitantly leaning forward to take a bite, trying to eat the fork as well. “Oh Error don’t eat the metal-! Just the noodles-”
He pulls the fork away, the noodles staying in Error’s mouth as the glitch makes a face. Almost reluctantly, the slime swallows, frowning.
“...Ew-”
“Pfft- You don’t like it~?” He coos, nuzzling the glitch.
“BaD.” Error decides, pouting as he nuzzles Nightmare back.
“Hehe~ Okay~ All mine then~” He laughs, kissing Error’s cheek as he gets a bite for himself. The glitch perks up a bit, pressing a couple of kisses to Nightmare’s jaw and cheek with a quiet chirp. Huffing in amusement, Nightmare carefully sets his ramen cup aside, before pouncing on Error, nuzzling them and chirping between many kisses of affection.
“AcK-!” Error squawks and glitches in surprise, before laughing as they playfully try to squirm away. “N-niGHt-!”
“Ruruuu~” He coos, kissing a trail down to Error’s neck, nuzzling him aggressively as he snuggles on top of the smaller. “You’re so cuuuutee~”
“NiGHtTtT-” Error whines back- though they can’t hold back their happy purrs as they cuddle Nightmare back. The goopy skeleton eventually just relaxes on top of Error, nuzzling him with pleased little purrs, closing his socket.
“Hmmm~ …..I love you.”
“I LOve yoU?” Error copies, getting a soft smile from the other.
“It’s….hard to explain. Saying ‘I love you’ means….that you are important to me and I care about you a whole lot.” Nightmare tries to explain.
“Oh! LikE-” Error cuts themself off with a chirp and Nightmare blinks in surprise.
“That’s what a chirp means-?”
“ChiRp GoOD goOd yeS~” Nightmare blushes brightly at the confirmation, suddenly nuzzling Error aggressively, feeling very flustered.
“T-that makes way too much sense- Hehehe~ I love you~” He says with a chirp, making Error beam and nuzzle Nightmare firmly.
“I LOve yoU~!” They chirp back, getting several more kisses and nuzzles as they purr loudly.
Chapter 66: Vampires and Donors (NSFW)
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error ends up in the Fgod verse, but it’s a bit strange…
It’s kinda like ABO but it’s vampires and ‘donors’- I don’t know if this is from something or not but yeah.
Era x Eros, which are the same Errors as the ones in Fluffy Flowers, just a different story.
A good chunk of this is just shameless porn ngl
Chapter Text
He had slipped. Error had fucking slipped. The glitch often hangs out on the edge of Outertale, watching the stars, crocheting or even napping. His guard was down, he stood up and just…lost his balance.
The last thing Error had felt before the panic hit- before he truly realized the implications of falling into the void and please no he doesn’t want to die please not yet- was rage at how he fell. How all he did was trip over a cliff, going out with not a bang, but a whimper.
In the matter of a single moment everything around him vanishes, like the void swallowed him whole. There's not a single sound around him, even as the air is sucked out of his non-existent lungs, all while, at the same time, Error feels like he's being torn apart.
It’s terrifying and everything feels like it’s on fire. Error can’t even hear himself screaming from the pain before a freezing numbness slowly crawls up his limbs.
The void almost feels like it's creeping in, filling his being and consuming him, turning him into nothing.
Just as his thoughts start to fade, a faint light comes into view, shining brightly compared to the endless nothing surrounding him. Desperately, with the little of what’s left of him, Error reaches out and tries to get closer, pleading- begging for help.
His phalanges barely brush against the light, Error only just feels the warmth, before he's suddenly thrusted into it, landing uncomfortably onto the hard ground. He desperately gasps for air as between one moment and the next he’s instantly whole again, both hyper aware of and numb to every little sensation, leaving him a glitching, trembling heap on the ground.
The glitch wheezes and coughs as his magic tries to start back up again, to function normally even after experiencing the full force of the void.
“Oh No-! Error Are…Wait…You're Not Error.” A familiar voice runs up to him, looking over the fallen glitch in worry and confusion.
“..B..b-blUe…?” Error manages to weakly mutter, opening his sockets and struggling to get his eyelights to light up.
“You’re Okay! I'm Here, New Friend!” Carefully, Blue picks up the small glitch, holding him close as he holds back his intrigue for now. “I'll Keep You Safe.”
~
Error doesn’t remember much after that other than suddenly feeling exhausted and heavy, unable to keep his sockets open. The last thing he vaguely remembers is a faint warmth surrounding him, making him relax as he manages to catch his breath, before everything fades into a soft darkness- one infinitely more comforting than the void.
When he manages to wake again, groggy and disoriented, in the back of his mind he can't help but be thankful for all he can feel, the soft fabric of his clothes, the familiar scent of tacos, the pressure on his back, even the background noise of the fan above, it all quickly quells his worries before they even have a chance to properly register. He's not in the void anymore.
A very familiar ceiling greets him, as does the sounds of loud footsteps coming down the stairs.
“Hello New Friend! Feeling Better?”
“B-bLUe-?” Error questions as he goes to push himself up, feeling shaky and weak.
“OH Be Careful! Don't Push Yourself Too Hard! You Were Really Shaken Up.” Blue crouches down next to the couch, giving him a friendly smile.
“Uh.. Y-yEah I…” Error pauses, actually processing Blue’s words. “...‘NeW FRiENd’? Did I ENd uP In A DifFEReNt UndErsWap..?”
Blue blinks at him in mild surprise. “OH! So You Are An Outcode. Aww…I Was Kind Of Excited To Meet An AU Version Of Error. I Didn't Think You Would Be A Donor!”
“A wHAt-? WaIT- hAVe yoU MeT A VeRsioN Of Me bEFore-? WHEre- wHeRE aM I-” Firmly holding back the urge to freak out, Error opens a window to look through the code.
“You Are In Underswap #0! And I Am The Sans, Also Known As Blueberry! But Most People Call Me Blue And I Have Indeed Met A Version Of You! You're So Small Compared To Him~”
“ThAT… thAt cAn’t be RIght.. THe BLue I Know Is ALso fROm thE OriGINal UNDersWap…” Error mutters, beginning to glitch.
“Ah, I See….So…You're From A Different Multiverse Then?” Blue asks as Error’s glitching worsens.
“I… I Gu-uESs I Am…” He mutters, staring at the still open window in front of him. Frowning in worry for only a moment, Blue flashes him a smile.
“Hey, Error! Are We Friends In Your Multiverse Too?” Error jumps slightly in surprise, before closing his window. He won’t be able to find anything he doesn’t already know at this point.
“Uh… y-yEaH. I TRieD To dEStroY His AU anD AcCIdeNTAlly kiDNapPeD HIm.” He snorts quietly to himself. “..I sTILl Don’T-t kNOw hOw He puT Up wITh mY CrAnKy asS-”
“Language Mister- Hehe~ My Error Has A Similar Train Of Thought, But I Like You Both So Clearly You Can't Be That Cranky!”
“I uSEd tO Be woRSe.” Error replies with a faint smile.
“Well I Didn't Know You Then, But I Know You Now! And I like You! Since Your Friend Is Also Blue…You Can Call Me Berry!”
“It’S NIcE To mEet yoU BErry. I guESs iF THerE’s anOTher ErroR HEre YOu cAN CaLL Me…. ErA.” The newly dubbed Era decides.
“Ooo~! I Like That Name! It's Super Cool! Almost As Cool As The Magnificent Berry~!” The Underswap sans ‘Mweh heh heh's, stars in his sockets. “It Is Very Nice To Meet You Too, Era!”
Era just gives Berry an agreeing hum as he looks down at his hands, beginning to pick at his phalanges.
“...Anything I Can Do To Help You Feel Better, Friend?” Berry asks, wanting to help his guest.
“...I dON’t- I doN’t knOw..” Era admits after a long moment, not looking up. “I MEaN- I TRiP and FaLL INto thE Void, aNd maNAge To cOMe ouT In a COMpleTEly diFFerENt mULtivERse aLL TogeTHer… I dON’t- I DOn’t kNOw whAt To dO… I DOn’t eVen knOW whAt thiS PLacE Is liKE..”
“Yeah…I Don'T Know What's Different For You Compared To My Normal- But You're One Very Lucky Skeleton! Thank The Stars Ink Didn't Find You First. Unclaimed Donors Aren't Very Common.”
“‘DoNOr’- yoU CaLLed mE THat EArlieR? WhAT DOes THaT MeaN?” Berry blinks at him in confusion, then surprise.
“Oh- I Think I Already Found The Difference! Heh- A Donor Is…A Person Who Generates A Lot Of Magic To Feed Their Vampire Or Vampires. If You're Not A Donor Then You're A Vampire. Vampires Feed Of A Donor's Magic And In Return Gives The Donor Protection And Keeps Them Safe From Other Vampires! I Am Also A Donor!”
“...YoU HAve VaMPireS HEre-??” Era questions incredulously.
“Yes? About A Third Of The Population In Most AUs Are Vampires, Both Human And Monster.”
“ThAt… iSn’t noRMAl aT ALl iN My MUltiVERse. We HAVe a CoUPle oF AUs ThAT HaVE VaMPIreS Or aRE VaMpirE-cENTric, bUt iN MOsT woRLds VaMPirEs aRE JuST mYThs.” The glitch explains as he processes Berry’s words.
“Really? Huh….Vampires Are Very Common Here. Almost Every Donor Has A Vampire Companion, Otherwise Our Magic Can Build Up And We Can Die From It. It's A….Symbiotic Relationship.” Berry tells him, fully sitting down on the floor.
“WeLL I dOUbT I’m AN aCTUaL DonOr- mY MaGIc tEndS To bE GLitCHy, aNd I’m NOt suRE TRaVELing HerE WouLd chANge THat mUCh.”
“Really? You Smell Like One.” The swap sans tell him, rather intrigued. “It Should Tell You Your Class In Your Stats.”
“DoNOrs haVE A smELl?” Era questions, distracted from CHECKing himself.
“Donors Have A Strong Scent And Usually Smell Really Good, Like Food, Or A Sweet Treat. You Practically Ooze Chocolate. Vampires Have A More….Musky Smell? That's The Best Way I Can Describe It. Their Scent Is Potent Close Up, But Stays Put On Them Unless They Purposefully Mark Something Or Someone. While A Donor's Scent Lingers And Spreads, It's Much Harder To Miss. I Smell Like Blueberry Muffins!”
“HuH… wELl I Do LIkE ChoCOLAte a LOt..” Era muses as he scrolls though his stats, before freezing and glitching harshly in shock. There it is- donor, plain as day.
Had this multiverse changed his code? Maybe the void did-? To fit him into its own code? It's not necessarily unheard of but- Era has always been the exception. He’s always been the one outside of the norm- the rules never quite applying to him no matter what AU he’s in. Why is this different?
“Did You Find It?” Berry asks, though he's sure the other can already tell.
“...I.. I gUESs I Am a DONor.” Berry gives him a smile.
“It's Okay, Being A Donor Isn't Bad…Depending On The AU You're In. That's Why It's Important To Have A Vampire Bond! Dream is Mine, Technically Ink Too, But He’s Not Allowed To Mark Me. He….Has Bad Control Of His Instincts So We Have To Watch Him.”
“SoUNDs liKe thE SQuID.” Era mutters, curling up uncertainly. “WhAT.. whAt shOUld I DO? WHaT’s yoUr mULTivERse liKe?”
“Well…Vampires Run Most Things. They Have A Skill Called Dominance That Is Meant To Subdue Unruly Donors So The Vampire Can Feed, Nowadays That Ability Is Kind Of Abused By Vampire's Who Feel Entitled To Unclaimed Donors.
“In Most, If Not All, AU's, The Story Is That Vampires Took Over And The More Magic A Person Had The More Likely They Were To Survive, So Humans And Monsters Evolved To Hold And Produce More Magic- And Blood- Then What They Actually Needed. Several Hundred Years Later Aaaand This Is The Present Times In The Multiverse!”
“ThaT’s… kINda FUCkeD Up HONesTLy… ARe thE STaRs anD NighT’s GAng fiGHtinG? WhAT’s yoUR ERroR LiKe?”
“Nightmare's Gang And The Stars Are Definitely Still At Odds. We Fight All The Time, But I'm Secretly Friends With Them. They Are All Just Sweet And Misunderstood….As For Error….He's…A Big Sotie, Too Hard On Himself. I Haven't Gotten To Talk To Him In A While…”
Berry sighs, his brow furrowing as he frowns. “...Do You Have A Balance In Your Multiverse? Where The Multiverse Is Only So Big?”
“My MuLTivERse IS seLF reGUlaTIng, thANKfulLy. I mOStly deAL WitH BuGS Or gLItchES aND DEstROY aN AU WHeN it’S Too fAR goNe. INk juST heLpS CReATors WiTH THeir IDeAs.” Era informs, finally looking at Berry in concern.
“Wow…I wish our multiverse was like that.” The Swap sans looks down at his gloves, then back to Era. “Our balance completely depends on Ink and Error….mostly Error. From what he told me, our multiverse is near constant on the brink. With Ink creating so much all the time, Error has to destroy more and more, barely getting any breaks. He just barely keeps up.”
“He says….that a being named Fate won't let him stop, that this deity from beyond uses him like a tool, fixing his body every time he breaks and never letting him die…” Berry tells him with almost a whisper, as if he's worried of being heard.
Era holds back the worry that tries to rise, frowning heavily as an almost painful ripple of glitches ripples through him, horrified at the idea.
“I… I CaN DEstROy tOO.” He starts after a long moment of thought. “YOu doN’t eVEn haVe To kILL eVEryONe iF You dO It riGHt- mAKe thE AU IMploDe INstEaD Of fALL aParT-”
“NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT-!” Era flinches, glitching harshly as he looks up at Berry with wide sockets.
“S-sorry, But Ink Would Completely Eradicate You- I Know You’re Probably Really Strong, And I Don't Want This To Come Off As Me Underestimating You, But Ink Is….Cruel When He's Angry.” Berry frowns deeply- he looks so genuinely afraid…
“I- I….” Era curls further in on himself as he fights the urge to do something stupid like cry- Berry hasn’t even said anything mean. He suddenly feels incredibly weak, sitting here and cowering in a practically stranger’s house in a multiverse of terrifying familiar but oh-so-different unknowns.
“...I won't let him hurt you easily though, okay? You would be safer with Nightmare though….Would You Be Okay Going There? He Has A Big Castle And It's Very Safe! Nightmare Is Very Strong And Can Protect You Better!”
“....I PRaCTicALly liVEd THerE In MY MuLTiveRSe.” Era replies after a long moment. Maybe- if he ends up being allowed to stay- he can just lock himself in his room. He could… probably create a program to make AUs implode automatically, though it would take a few months to make.. He could give it to this place’s Error to use, so all the other would have to do is press a button. He needs to stay busy to keep from breaking down- to avoid thinking about how he probably lost his home forever because he tripped-
“Oh Good! Then You Should All Get Along! I'll Call Him Right Now!” Blue grabs a phone out of his inventory, standing up and walking into the kitchen as it rings.
“O-oH- uM- oKAY-” Era agrees belatedly- and though he knows he shouldn’t, eavesdropping is bad, he opens a tiny window to see if he can listen in, just in case.
“Hello, It's Blue….Well I Found Someone Interesting, An Alternate Version Of Error….Yeah I'm Serious! He's A Donor. I Was Hoping You Could Keep Him. Ink Will Find Him If He Stays With Me And You Know Dream Can't Keep Secrets….Okay, Cool, Thanks Friend!” Berry hangs up and sighs, frowning at the wall for a minute longer. Era closes his window, knowing he won’t get any more information.
“Well, Nightmare Said You Can Go Stay With Him! He Can Tell You All You Need To Know, But I'm Always Here If You Need Me!” Berry says as he comes in with his ever strong smile.
“A-aLRight. THankS.” Era gives the swap sans a weak smile back. “Um.. wHEre… wHErE SHouLD I Go..?”
“Hum? Oh! Don't Worry, I'm Going To Take You! Do YOu Think You Can Stand?”
“I… THinK So..? ThE VOId kINda FUcKed uP My maGIC-” Era mutters, carefully moving to get up. He still feels shaky and unbalanced, but he’s able to support his weight. Berry hovers over him a little in worry even as he pulls a little device from his pocket. With the press of a button, a portal opens to what he recognizes as Nightmare’s castle.
“HuH… NEat.” Era manages to walk a couple steps towards the portal before he stumbles, unable to regain his balance as his legs give out under him.
Familiar cool appendages wrap around him before he can get anywhere near the ground, Berry blinking in surprise.
“OH Hello Night! I Didn't Expect You To Come Here Yourself.”
“It is no trouble at all. I wasn't busy.” Era blinks for a moment himself, instinctively going limp in Nightmare’s hold before he remembers that this isn’t his Nightmare, quickly scrambling to stand up again.
Despite his attempts to stand, the tentacles easily lift him up, wrapping around him like a cocoon, and he just gives up after a second of squirming.
“That's Good At Least. Take Care Era, Nightmare! I'll See You Later!”
“Oh- OkAy- ByE BErrY.” Era replies, unable to wave with the way he’s currently wrapped up.
“Goodbye Blue “ With a smile, Berry waves and the portal closes, leaving him alone in the hallway with this Nightmare.
The guardian holds him up, looking at him curiously. “Hm….You really are a donor. Interesting.”
“I GueSs I Am, yEAh.” Era shrugs, avoiding the other’s gaze.
“...You’re suppressing a lot of emotions.” The king commentscomments before starting to walk down the hall.
“..WeLL I trIPpeD Into tHE vOiD, sOMehoW MaNAGe TO noT Die, aND eNd uP In a COmplETEly diFfeRENt mULtivERse wiTH nO IdEa hoW To geT HoMe.” The glitch mutters, hands clenching into fists before he takes a breath and forces his feelings back, stubbornly refusing to have a mental breakdown right now.
“That would do it….I will show you to your room and leave you be then. You won't be bothered till dinner, does that sound suitable?”
“....YeS PLeASe..” Era hates the way his voice cracks, grimacing and ducking his skull. A second of silence stretches on for what feels like an eternity as Era struggles to hold down the feelings that desperately want to bubble up. The tip of a tendril gently strokes his skull as Nightmare opens the door to a bedroom…very similar to his old one…if not a bit dusty.
“I hope you don't mind, this is Error’s room….but he almost never comes by. He's only stayed when unconscious so he won't care.”
“..It loOKs lIkE THe oNE I hAVe- hAD- baCK hoME.” Era mumbles as he looks around.
“...Would you like a different room?” Nightmare quietly asks.
“...No- I.. I COuld USe soMe fAMiliaRITy… If thAT’s oKay..” The glitch admits as he looks away. With a nod, Nightmare sets him down on the bed, not bothering with another word as he closes the door, casting Era into nearly complete darkness, only a little light peeking in through the makeshift curtain over a small window above the bed.
Era doesn’t bother doing anything to change that, taking off his coat and kicking off his shoes as he goes to burrow himself under the slightly dusty covers, curling up tightly. He screws his sockets shut in one last attempt to hold back his tears, a small, wounded sound escaping him before he covers his mouth.
He desperately wishes his Nightmare was here. Or any of the gang. Or Blue. Hell- even Ink would be welcome right now.
Anything would be better than people who have his family’s faces looking at him like a stranger. Treating him like he’s weak, now.
He just wants to go home, back to his room, back to his family, to his friends, his brothers, his niece and nephews……..all because he lost his footing, because he wasn’t paying attention. He would be home right now, snuggling on the couch with either Killer or Dust, waiting for Horror to finish dinner.
But now, because of his carelessness, he’s curled up crying under familiar-unfamiliar covers all alone, desperate for his family- for comfort that he can’t ask for.
…Seeing this multiverse’s Nightmare made it worse, the other’s cold gaze not greeting him with the familiar warmth he’s gotten so used to. Blue- Berry, was at least…himself around Era, if not unfamiliar. It hurts, seeing a version of his best friend with his defenses so clearly raised- even if logically he knows that there’s no reason for this Nightmare to know or trust him like Era’s does.
It doesn’t make the lonely feeling stabbing through his soul any less painful, though. He just wants to be held in familiar arms again…
The telltale sign of one of his glitching portals makes him still, muffling a hiccup in the pillow he now finds himself clutching onto as he peaks out at……
The glitching skeleton before him is tall, very tall, maybe even as tall as his Horror, but his build is lean- from what he can tell anyway.
Era squints, his bad vision and the dim lighting making his attempt to see- what has to be his alternate- very difficult. Their eyelights and glitches stick out to him the most, even as their tear-like markings glow faintly in the dark.
Era sniffles quietly, reaching up to rub his sockets as he debates leaving to go hide somewhere else. Though Nightmare had said the other Error wouldn’t mind, Era is still invading his space…
The tall skeleton moves slowly, bending down to his level, and giving the smaller glitch a little headbutt, followed by an unsteady chirp.
He has to hold back a fresh wave of tears as he shakily chirps back, being careful to gently press their foreheads together. Slowly his alternate moves closer, watching him with what Era can only describe as an exhausted gaze, never pulling their skulls apart as they nuzzle. With another sniffle, Era is being held.
His alternate’s touch is warm and gentle, and Era can’t help but lean into it with a slightly hoarse hum, breathing in the surprisingly soothing scent of charcoal with a hint of bitter chocolate as he closes his sockets for a moment, just taking it in.
The tall glitch rubs his back, giving him another unpracticed chirp and nuzzle in hopes of soothing him. It’s a bit easier to chirp back this time, Era relaxing slightly as he nuzzles in closer, his breathing slowly evening out.
This is….nice. Unexpected, but Era’s not complaining. He feels safe in the other’s hold, and with the worry and loneliness temporarily driven away, he just feels drained and tired now, relaxing further with a small sigh.
His alternate holds him a little closer, continuing to rub his back soothingly as Era’s sockets droop, a quiet purr building in his ribcage.
“Th’nKs…” He mumbles, not fighting it as he slowly begins to doze off, letting his sockets flutter shut.
~
Era whines sleepilly, nuzzling into his warm pillow, taking in the soothing scent that comes with it as he tries to hide, not really wanting to wake up yet. He’s so warm and comfortable…the gentle petting on his back is so soothing as his pillow takes a shallow breath….wait-
He forces his sockets open with a questioning sound, blinking the fuzziness out of his vision. In the dark, bright mismatched eyelights look down at him, mirroring his own as his cuddle buddy headbutts him with a clumsy chirp.
Era sleepily chips back before he yawns, reaching up to rub his sockets.
“....F-fEeliNg beT-tteR?” A voice, even more distorted than his, asks.
“MhM…” Era hums, before the past day's events hit him and he stiffens, glitching. The petting on his back speeds up, his alternate’s glitching also intensifying to match his own. In hopes of making him feel better again, the other chirps at Era with another headbutt. Era unconsciously returns it, taking a deep breath and forcing himself to relax.
“So.. yoU’rE The OTHer ErroR, thEN?”
“I Gu-uEss sO, YEs-s…?” The other glitch doesn’t sound very sure of himself. “So YoU’Re aN ErRor..?”
“YeAh uH.. YOu cAn cALL mE Era. I’m FRoM ANoTHeR MUltiVErsE.” Era introduces himself. He can’t see how the other frowns in worry, nuzzling him again a little more firmly.
“YoU-u WHer-rEN’t DraGG-ged HEre, RIGht..?”
“No..? I… feLL iNTo mY MuLTiveRSe’s vOId anD ENdeD Up heRE.” He replies, watching how the other practically sags in relief.
“Oh, OkaY- At LEaST YOu Wer-rn’T BrOUGht hEre.” He gets a slightly aggressive nuzzle, before the other moves to get up. Era whines a bit before he can stop himself, not wanting to lose the comforting touch and scent.
“WhERe aRE yoU GOinG?” He quietly asks as the other stops, giving him a little squeeze.
“JU-usT GonNA GRaB sOME ban-NDIDges anD PAtCh myS-SELf uP.” The taller tells him honestly, head butting Era again and again, with another unpractised chirp attempt. Era trills back at him with a small nuzzle, before properly processing the other’s words.
“Oh- aRE yoU HUrt-?” Era questions, hands already beginning to glow a faint green with healing magic as he goes to heal his alternate. The tall glitch quickly grabs his hands, gently holding them away as he sits up.
“DoN’t woRRy, I CAN HeAL O-on mY owN. YOu SHOU-ulDN’t-t waSTe youR ma-aGIc On me.” The other gets up before Era can say anything, and he can hear the tall glitch having to peel the covers off of him as they stick.
“I’m A DonOR sO I HAve A BUncH OF maGic-” Era tries to argue, getting up to follow him in concern. The taller glitch sits himself in the floor, grabbing something from inside the nearby drawer
“YOuR mAGIc is LOW RighT-t noW. I Get HUrt aLl thE Time so Its A wasTe to hEaL-l me.” He argues back, doing…something. Era can’t see shit-!
“I’m FinE- LEt mE HeLp clEAn aND WraP WhaTEvEr woUNds yOU haVe, aT LEaST-” The other glitch stares at him for a moment, before sighing tiredly.
“OkaY-y….CAN yoU TurN On THe LIGht?” Era grins and carefully walks over to the wall, feeling for the lightswitch and flipping on the lights once he finds it. He turns back to his alternate and his grin drops almost immediately.
The tall glitch is covered in injuries-! The most prominent being the large acid burn across his left side…the one he had been laying on. There is enough blood and dust on them that it's hard to tell what is still an injury, but it is definitely their blood-
They blink at him plainly, not even batting an eye.
“H-hOLy shIT-t aR-re yoU OKay-??” Era glitches harshly in worry, sockets wide in panic as he hurries over.
“I’M US-sed to It.” They shrug it off as they undo their scarf, carefully setting it aside before removing his tattered poor excuse for clothes.
“ThaT doeSN’t mAKe iT OKay-!! LeT ME heAL THat aCId bURn At leASt- WHy diD YOu leT Me lAy oN YOu-?!”
“BecAUse You-u WHere SaD-d…AnD cuDdleS MaK-ke PeOple fEEl beTt-tEr…..And NO heALing-” The other tells him firmly, grabbing his hands again as he tries to do so anyway.
“C’mON pLEaSe YoU’re sO HUrt-” Era whines, giving his best pleading expression.
“....No. I-iT wIll hEaL ON iTs OWn. It’S A waStE TO HeAL me. I’Ll gET HUrt RIgHt aftEr.” His alternate gives him a tired look, before slowly letting go of his hands.
“BuT It’LL HeLP wiTH Some oF THe PAin RIGht noW. I’d RAthER yoU GEt nEW iNJuRieS OVer jUSt coMPouNDIng OveR OLd onEs… PLeaSe..? JuST A biT?”
“...OkaY-y…” The taller relents, really not having the energy to bother arguing more about it. Era smiles gratefully, raising his hands and gently running them over his alternate’s left side, slowly pushing healing magic into him.
The tall monster visibly relaxes, if only a little, the raw gruesome burn slowly looking better. As it heals, fakes of dried red paint stick out against the other’s dark bones and blue magic. Very familiar red paint- paint that Ink only ever used on inanimate objects or when he’s particularly upset.
“...InK DId THis?” He asks quietly, the other looking over to him.
“MhM. HE’s CreATEd A Lot thIS WeEk, SO I’vE beEn WOrkINg. HE Was mAD He had To sTop To comE FiGht me.” The other explains, shrugging again as he starts to wrap some of his ribs, many Era only now realizes are held in place by blue strings, a part of his spine is wrapped up in them too-
Era makes a small, wounded sound in the back of his throat as he moves over to work on his ribcage, setting the bones properly beneath the strings and healing them just enough to help his alternate’s magic flow better.
“YoU-u SaiD yoU WHEre JUst GOIng tO heAL tHE buRn…” His alternate mumbles with a tired huff, but he doesn’t stop Era.
“I liED.” Era replies unapologetically. “BesIDEs, I’m NOt hEAlinG YoU fuLLy, jUSt giVing YOur mAGic a ChaNCe to NatuRALly heAL faSTer- whICh usES a Lot lEss oF My maGIc.”
“...I aLReaDy heAL fAst.” They huff, giving him a pouty look, before leaning closer to headbutt Era, ignoring the grinding creak of their bones.
“I’M ALso PRopERly seTtinG YOur bONes.” Era adds.
“ThEY do thAT on THeir oWn-” His alternate whines more with some pouty huffing and nuzzles. “WhY-y Do yoU waNT To heAL mE So mUCh?”
“BeCAusE YOu’rE HUrt, ANd I Can HELp- iF ONly a LIttLE.” He replies, nuzzling them back with a soothing purr. His half cobbled together plan to make a program the other can use to destroy suddenly rises higher on his priority list. If he does it right, they’d only have to spend a couple of seconds on each AU.
“...IF-f ItS reALly WHaT YOu waNT….Oh, NighTmaR-re bRoUGht yoU fOod.” His alternate gestures to the plate on the bedside table as he wraps up some of his injuries, before pausing….Maybe he should clean all the blood and dust off first.
“ALrigHT. I’ll MAkE SUre tO THaNk hIM in THe moRNINg.” Era ignores said food in favor of heading to the- thankfully- connected bathroom, grabbing a towel and getting it wet. “C’meRE sO I cAn cLEaN YOu uP.”
“YoU- WHat-?” The other Error blinks at him for a second, before getting up as told, the gunk between their jolts making the movement audible as they tower over Era. The smaller glitch frowns as he looks them over, before abandoning the towel in favor of turning on the bath.
“YoU’re goINg to NeED A FuLL SoaK ANd GOod sCRub.” He decides. The water and scrubbing might reopen some wounds, but cleaning out their joints will be much more helpful in the long run. The taller skeleton doesn’t argue or complain, but goes along with it, following his instructions like a child watching Era move diligently.
It’s… Honestly kind of sad, but Era makes sure to praise every time they do what he asks, getting flustered looks of awe from them as their face turns blue.
He has to replace the bath water several times before the top couple of layers of dust and marrow and paint are finally washed off of the other Error, before having them soak in the warm bath water as he gets to work gently cleaning out their joints.
They don’t say a word or even flinch when he has to scrub over any injuries- from jagged or clean breaks, to a lot of blunt force trauma and many cuts that cover their body, over layers and layers of scars. Not once do they show any sign of pain, besides maybe the small crinkle of his nasal bridge when Era gets to his spine.
“So… I ASsuME YOur nAmE IS ERroR liKe mE, bUT wOuld yOU RAthEr bE CaLLed soMEthinG ELse?” Era questions in hopes of helping to distract his alternate.
“ErRor iS FInE….I’Ve neVEr reAlly ThOUGht aBOut it. Ink JUst st-taRTed CalLing Me tHAT onE Day ANd it-T STUcK……WHaT WoULd I waNT To be CaLLed..ThOUGh…Uuhh..” The taller glitch hums, staring up at the ceiling. “....ER-rOs…?”
“EroS It iS, thEN.” Era agrees with a soft smile, finally finishing with the other’s spine. The newly named Eros nuzzles him again, this time with a small smile on his face.
“ThANk-ks..”
“Of cOURse~ NoW I’m GoNna GEt yOUr SHoULderS And neCK, thEN wE’LL RePLaCe thE WAter and USe soME BOne PoLISh oN yoU.”
“YOu don’T HAvE to- YouR bonES-s woULd LOok BEtTer thaN Mine-” Eros tries to dissuade him, but Era is having none of it.
“NoPE! BeSIdES, It’LL HelP SmOoTH oUT Old BReaKs anD ChiPS aS WeLL As maKINg THem lOOk niCE.”
“It…WIll..? I’Ve neVER us-sED any BEfore.” Eros tells him, genuinely surprised. He had thought it just made bones shiny, but…in hindsight smoothing out the jagged edges does make sense.
“YeAH. It’s Also GEntlE ON wouNDs. I’d USe somE BONe scRUb Too bUT iT’s a Bit RouGHer ANd cAN MeSs up WIth HeALinG, sO juST THe PoLIsh foR NOw.” Era replies, working on gently scrubbing at Eros’ shoulder blades.
With how much gunk that has been practically stuffed into Eros’ joints and crevices, Era can’t help but shiver at how uncomfortable it must feel. How the other was just walking around and even laying with him for so long without even making a face is just amazing.
The tall monster is very compliant as Era cleans him, moving to make it easier and being very patient. Eros watches him with what looks to be fascination and awe, flexing his newly cleaned joints in amazement.
“You WOulD prOBaBLy bENeFIt frOM a COupLE MOre sOAks anD SCrUBs, bUt I ThinK I GoT thE WOrsT Of iT.” Era sighs in relief as he finishes with Eros’ neck, going to replace the water.
“Wow…I FeEl so LIght-!” Eros looks himself over, sockets wide.
“THaT waS ProBaBLy fROm aLL of THe GUnk cLOginG YOur JoINTs, wHICh I’m SUre MAdE It haRD to mOVe.” Era explains.
“YeAH…ThAnk YOu, AGIn Era.” Eros lightly coos, leaning closer to nuzzle him again, but with a happy little trill following suit, the tall skeleton trying to get closer. Era purrs at him in response, happily nuzzling him back.
“Of COUrSe~ THaNk yoU FOr hUMorinG Me.” Era replies, before yawning as he grabs the bone polish. Eros gently grabs his hand, rubbing his wrist.
“ArE YOu tiRed? Do You nEEd to SleEP agaIN?”
“Mm… a BIt.” Era stiffles another yawn. “BuT I’LL Be aLRighT FOr a BiT LONgeR. We’RE ALmoST DoNe aNYwaYs.”
Without any thought, Eros yawns too, his fangs shooting out and retracting again as he closes his mouth, making him rub his sockets of sleepy tears. Era’s sleepiness is contagious- though the smaller glitch suddenly seems much more awake as he stares at Eros’ mouth with wide sockets, cheeks lighting up a faint yellow.
Blinking away any tears that want to form from his yawn, Eros leans closer over the tub to nuzzle Era’s face and shoulder, hiding in his scarf.
“Mmm…YO-ou SMELl lIKe chOcolATe.”
“U-uH- I’Ve- I’vE BEeN TolD-” Era mumbles, his blush darkening as he instinctively tilts his skull away. He watches, taking in a shaky breath as Eros nuzzles his face in closer, past the blue scarf around his neck and against the smaller’s vertebrae. A shiver goes up Era’s spine as he unconsciously presses closer, ignoring the way the edge of the tub digs into his ribs slightly.
“...MaY I?” Era isn’t quite sure what Eros is asking, but he doesn’t hesitate to nod, wanting the taller to do.. Something- not quite sure what. With a deep noise, almost a growl, Eros brushes his mouth over the smaller’s neck, stopping over just the right spot and giving it a small, light kiss, before opening his mouth.
Era holds back the small whine that wants to leave him as his breath hitches, reaching up to grab onto Eros’ shoulders. The sting only lasts a second as Eros bites down, his fangs sinking into Era’s neck with ease.
The smaller can’t react more beyond a flinch before the pain is quickly overshadowed by a gentle warmth, oh so slowly making its way through his magic and pulling a quiet keen from him as he relaxes, sinking into the sensation.
“Hn-nN..~” Eros leans further over the tub to better hold Era, gently petting up the smaller’s back and spine- but he barely notices, more focused on the feeling of warmth as it intensifies when Eros starts to suck. He can hear the taller swallow, the sound accompanied by another deep rumble, sending a shiver traveling up his spine.
It feels surprisingly good, and Era finds himself just melting into it, soft, pleased sounds escaping him as he begins to purr. All he can focus on is the warmth as it travels through him, heightening every touch and contact with Eros while numbing everything else out.
He can only breathe in Eros’ charcoal chocolate scent as he sinks closer, sockets going lidded and purrs growing louder. It feels so euphoric and good, so good that when Eros retracts his fangs and licks over the bite, Era can’t help but whine, even with the warmth still coursing through his mana lines.
“CHo-ocoLAte~” Era just hums in response as he blinks slowly, struggling to think past the warmth filling him. Eros gently scoops him up, every touch making him shiver as he’s set in the vampire’s lap in the empty- but still wet- bathtub. That’s when Eros starts to pet him.
He is so very aware of the hand that slides up his shirt, dancing delicately up his spine, being sure to rub over every gap in his vertebrae until the magic between them flares, making him whine breathlessly as he needily arches into the touch. Eros is hardly even doing anything, yet it feels so wonderful.
His alternate pets and rubs all the way up his spine, only stopping to trail his phalanges along Era’s ribs one by one instead, all the while the vampire is lightly kissing his face, lingering just enough for the warmth to tingle beneath his bones.
“HnGh~” This time the noise that escapes Era sounds more like a moan, flushing a bright yellow as he looks up at Eros with fuzzy, blown out eyelights, earning himself a gentle kiss on his nasal bridge.
“HI-i~”
“Hi..~” Era manages to purr back after a moment, smiling almost sleepily up at the taller- clearly still quite out of it. With a soft smile, Eros gives his little alternate a headbutt, cooing quietly at him. Era is so very adorable~
“ReAd-dY FOr yOUr nAP NOw?” Era just chirps back at him in response, nuzzling closer. With a small, pleased little trill, Eros stands, holding Era safely in his arms as he carries him back to the bedroom.
He sits himself back down, letting the smaller continue to snuggle him while he rewraps his remaining injuries, making sure his set breaks actually stay in place….for a little while anyway, before he starts to fix his clothes the best he can.
Era just nuzzles him with quiet chirps and purrs as he watches, sockets steadily drooping even as he seems to try to fight off sleep. One minute they are sitting on the floor and the next they are in the bed again, Era snuggled up as close as he can be to Eros just like before, that soothing charcoal bitter chocolatey scent filling his skull.
It’s nice and incredibly relaxing, and despite himself, it becomes harder to keep his sockets open. The gentle, soothing warmth filling him does nothing to help, even as it begins to slowly fade.
“SlEep. YOu nEed iT.” Eros encourages, placing a soft kiss on Era’s forehead. The smaller glitch instinctively listens, letting his sockets close as he sighs contently, further relaxing despite being a bit damp from Eros not drying himself off.
~
Eros lays quietly as Era snuggles against him, watching the smaller glitch rest, feeling so safe around him….He will never understand why, but at least he was able to help…and they helped him too. His bones really do feel so much better now. It must have been at least a few years since he got a deep clean like that. Usually he just jumps into a lake or something.
Era…let him feed from him too. That was mostly unintentional though, on Eros’ part. Sitting here snuggling the little glitch for hours when all he can smell is sweet creamy chocolate- it was really giving him a craving.
He used to eat actual chocolate a lot. It didn’t do anything for his hunger and always made him feel sick, but eating it was one of the few joys he got to indulge in, so he ate it anyway. #13 must have complained to Ink about it though….
With a small tired sigh, Eros lifts his hand to pet the smaller’s face, wanting to coo at the rather adorable sleepy purr and nuzzle he gets in return. If he could he would stay like this forever…but-
A jainful tug on his soul makes him gasp and flinch, the smallest of whimpers escaping through his gritted teeth. No matter how many times it happens, he will never get used to it. Begrudgingly, Eros starts to get up- only for Era to tighten his grip on the vampire with a sleepy whine, trying to cuddle closer.
The tall glitch whines quietly back at him, lightly kissing his forehead and nuzzling him firmly. Just the thought of leaving makes his soul ache- more than it already does anyway- he’s….not sure why.
Carefully, Eros slips out of his patched up jacket, keeping it held against Era as he wiggles his way out of the smaller’s hold. The small glitch continues to whine, but he lets Eros slip out of his grip, curling around his jacket instead and burying his face in it.
Eros feels bad for having to leave, but…he’ll come back when he’s done, or at least try to. With one more little kiss to Era’s forehead, Eros steps through an open portal, his soul weighing heavily in his ribcage.
~
Era wakes up with a whine, stretching out and nuzzling into the blanket he’s hugging, frowning a bit at the lack of warmth. The charcoal chocolate smell is supposed to be warm…where did..? His frown deepens as his soul aches, missing something.
Reluctantly, Era removes his face from the fabric he’s holding, looking around as he whines louder, realizing just what- or who- is missing.
“..ERos..?” He calls out, despite instinctively knowing the tall glitch isn’t here, pouting heavily. He doesn’t like just how…uncomfortable this makes him, feeling almost genuinely distressed by his cuddle buddy’s departure. He has no idea why it’s affecting him so strongly.
After moping for a little bit, he pushes himself up, relieved to see that he’s at least on a part of the bed that isn’t marrow-stained- though he’s going to need a change of clothes… at least laying on Eros didn’t get him too dirty..
Era turns towards the dresser, peaking in the drawers and finding only big sweater that ends up looking like a knitted nightgown on him- It looks a little ridiculous, and he has to bunch up the sleeves a ton to be able to grab anything, but it’s better than nothing, and he’d rather clean his clothes and the sheets sooner rather than later. He can make himself a few more outfits afterwards.
He grabs the fabric he had been cuddling when he woke up, realizing it must be Eros’ coat, and puts the patchwork garment on as well, nuzzling into the fabric and indulging in the tall glitch’s scent. It’s so unfairly soothing, easing his stress and drawing a small purr from him.
It ends up distracting him for a few minutes before he remembers what he’s doing, feeling much calmer as he goes to strip the bed, bundling the sheets and his clothes into a ball. He almost knocks over the plate of food still sitting on the bedside table, startling him a little. Oh yeah, Eros said Nightmare brought food up when they were napping…
He had been planning on trying to eat some of it after he polished Eros, but then he got distracted… Era blushes brightly at the memory, before realizing he never even got the chance to use the bone polish. Eros turned out to be…very distracting- Honestly Era isn’t even sure what had come over him-
He’ll have to use the bone polish next time, maybe some bone scrub too if Eros’ wounds heal and he doesn’t get too many more. The taller glitch’s bones had looked kind of ashen and gray from lack of care and the constant damage, they would look so much better if he had gotten to polish them like he planned. Plus, he’s sure it’d feel more comfortable to not have his clothes catching on the jagged edges of his healed wounds.
Era idly sticks the plate of untouched food in his inventory, grabbing the sheets and clothes to go wash them as he thinks. He’ll also have to work on that program…
He doesn’t realize the flaw of his plan until he’s already left his room, realizing he has no idea where the washroom is or what the rules here might be. He had been such a mess yesterday that he’s not sure if Nightmare had told him any of the rules or what he’s supposed to do- he slept through dinner-
Taking a look out a window into the garden, Era can barely see the sun's light starting to peek through the treeline. Wow, he actually slept through most of the night too. No one should be up then at least…besides maybe Nightmare….and possibly Cross-
Maybe he could find one of them and ask where the laundry room is? If NIghtmare’s awake he would be in his office and where does Cross go in the morning…..Oh! The training room! Of course that's assuming they are like his Cross and Nightmare… Or that he can find said office or training room…
“UgH thIS is A meSs..” Era mutters to himself. Maybe he can just wander around and hope he finds something? He’s pretty sure he’s on the first floor right now so he will hopefully know where he’s going, to some extent.
With a sigh, Era starts walking around down the halls at random, peaking into unlabeled rooms in hopes of finding someone, anyone really would be great. At the very least, he’s fairly sure any kind of training room or gym that might be in the castle will probably be on the bottom floor- he vaguely recalls his Nightmare talking about structural integrity and why it’s safest for the training room to be on the ground level.
As luck would have it, within the first several minutes of walking, he peaks in through a set of double doors, finding a very familiar monochrome skeleton punching the crap out of a punching bag.
Era goes to walk in, only to pause hesitantly, glitching slightly as he reminds himself that this isn’t the same Cross. The other is very focused, repeating combos over and over with impressive accuracy……wait why does he smell cookies and cream-?
Shaking the thought away, Era hesitantly walks in, knocking lightly on the wall in hopes of avoiding startling the other Cross. Panting a little, the other looks over to him, freezing in place and staring for a hot minute.
“O-oh uh, hi-! You’re the uh…other Error, right?”
“Um- YeAh. YOu cAN CaLl me ERa.” The glitch introduces, shuffling awkwardly in place. Cross matches his energy, unwrapping the bindings on his wrist as he shifts.
“Oh okay cool- I’m Cross- but you probably already know that- If it's too weird to call me that you can call me…anything you want really.”
“OrEO, THen.” Era tries to joke in an attempt to break the tension, holding the dirty sheets and clothes tighter against his chest. The other skeleton lightly laughs, giving him an awkward smile.
“So, you’re doing laundry? Do you uh,,,need help finding the laundry room?”
“I’d ApPREciaTE iT, yEAh. ErOs- yoUR ErRor- DEcidED To viSIt I GUeSs aNd aCciDEntaLLY Got mARroW ANd duST on thE SHeETs anD My clOTheS.” Era explains.
“Really? He barely ever comes by, even though we try to tell him it’s fine.” Cross puts his wraps aside, stretching his hands out before walking over to the door.
“YeAH I ThiNk hE JusT CAmE To gRAb sOMe bANdaGES bUt uH..” Era trails off as he looks away, blushing a bit as he recalls the state Eros had found him in. He’s just glad he had mostly exhausted his tears at that point. The snuggles were really nice and it's flattering to think, despite being hurt and needing help, Eros had…basically dropped everything just to make him feel better.
“Nightmare told us he found you two snuggling..~”
“Um- yEaH. I wAS… miSsINg hoME anD He wAS niCE ENouGH to CoMFOrt me.. ANd I EndED up FAlliNG AsLEeP On hiM…” Era admits shyly, blushing harder as he nuzzles down into Eros’ jacket.
“Erro- I mean Eros is pretty cool isn’t he? You must really like him to be uh…wearing his clothes like that~”
“I- I WaS JusT- I DOn’T HaVe aNY otHEr CLotHEs A-aNd-” Era sputters, skull turning a bright yellow as he tries to defend himself.
“I-it’s okay! I think it’s cute- I mean cool-! Erro- Eros-! Doesn’t really get close to anyone so…it’s just nice to know he got some snuggles. We’re always really worried about him….the only time he ever shows up is when he falls through a portal so messed up he can’t move….He’s done that twice..” Era grimaces at the thought, looking away.
“WeLL… He wAsn’T QUitE aT THat poINT- maNAGed TO cONvIncE hIM To lEt mE HeAL him ANd taKe A BaTH to cLeAN ouT hiS JoINtS.” He informs.
“You healed him-!?!” Cross practically yells, making Era jolt and glitch as the taller sputters in an attempt to correct himself. “S-sorry sorry! I just- we haven’t been able to figure out how to actually heal him with magic- Everytime we try to heal him, directly, with magic food, or even healing gel, his body rejects it and he throws all the magic up-”
“Wh- rEaLLy? I JusT USeD HeaLINg MAGic- DoES THaT MeAN hE CaN’t..” Era fumbles for what word he’s supposed to use. “...FeED fROm pEoPLe eITheR?”
“No he can’t….at least that’s what he’s told us. Nightmare’s theory is that he’s been under attack from outside magic for so long that his body rejects any outside magic completely for safety, seeing even healing magic as a threat.
“I know a starved vampire sounds pretty scary, but if you're worried about Eros losing himself to his hunger, then you don’t have to be. Boss explained that Eros kind of…got through it..? You know like when you get hungry but get so hungry you can’t feel hungry? Kind of like that. I didn’t even know vampires could do that…but I guess Eros is the exception since he can’t die.”
“I… hADn’t EvEN cONsiDErED thaT- I wAs juST wonDEring ‘CAusE Um.. I lEt hiM FeED FRom Me..” He admits, a touch embarrassed. “I dON’t thINk I SaW hiM THroWIng aNYThinG Up thOUgh?”
Cross stares at him, sockets wide. “Really-!?!?”
“Y-YEs…?” Era replies uncertainly, glitching a bit as he shrinks in on himself.
“Oh sorry again- I’m just really surprised, but I’m glad! He really needed it….thank you.” Cross stops in the middle of the hall to bow, making Era take a half step back in confusion and surprise.
“Uh- yOU’re WeLCome..? It’S Not liKe I DId ANytHIng- It’s PRobAbly jUSt ‘cAUse wE haVE siMILar MaGic oR soMEThinG-” The glitch tries to dismiss.
“He let you help him- I know it will make everyone here feel a bit better.” Cross gives him a smile, before stopping to open the laundry room door. “Here you go.”
“ThANks.” Era walks to the- thankfully empty- washer, dumping his load in and looking around for some laundry detergent. It’s on a rather tall shelf, much to his annoyance. He stands up on the tips of his toes as he tries to grab it, huffing in annoyance when he’s still too short and moving to climb up the lower shelves to get it- completely forgetting he can just use his strings.
A startled yelp from Cross nearly makes him lose his hold and Era quickly turns around to see what’s wrong. Cross’s whole face is a bright purple and he turns away quickly.
“S-sorry!!”
“Uh- It’S OKay-?” Era replies, turning back around to climb a bit higher and grabbing the detergent with a victorious sound, just glitching himself back to the ground. “GoT IT!”
He pays little mind to the very purple skeleton as he pours the detergent, followed by fabric softener, into the washing machine, starting the cycle and feeling rather proud of himself. He’s a solid eighty percent sure he put the right amount of stuff in, and he even remembered to set it to a cold cycle like his Night always tells him to!
Now what’s wrong with Cross-? For some reason, the oreo refuses to answer him when he asks, looking incredibly flustered.
Not wanting to accidentally upset Cross, Era lets it go, allowing the monochrome skeleton to change the subject towards breakfast, admitting he hadn’t eaten yet and accepting his offer to take him to the kitchen- probably to sicc Horror on him to make him eat, if he’s anything like Era’s Horror.
When they get there, everything kind of blends together. The interactions between the two skeletons are so…achingly familiar. He wonders how his family must be doing, worrying about him probably…He really hopes…he can see them again.
He’s not sure he can consider the possibility that he’ll be forever stuck here, surrounded by painfully familiar yet different faces and people, unable to go anywhere in fear of Ink finding him. He thinks he might break.
Era feels almost numb as everyone comes in for breakfast- all but Killer. Something about him being off on a mission. The others leave him alone though and he doesn’t really notice the way they keep staring, not paying any attention as he tries to work through his plate of food, constantly having to pause to push his stupidly long sleeves up.
Midway through breakfast, as he stares at his food, a glitching portal followed by clumsy flailing, startles him out of his thoughts. Era turns around just in time to watch Eros snatch him up out of his seat and carry him away into the living room, making him yelp in surprise as he tries to figure out what’s happening- though he doesn’t fight the tall glitch’s hold.
“E-error what the fuck-?” He can hear Dust ask as he stands up, completely dumbfounded. Eros plops down on the couch, Era in his lap, as he aggressively nuzzles the smaller glitch with a familiar clumsy chirp. Era doesn’t hesitate to chirp back at Eros as he gently nuzzles him back, looking him over in concern.
Blue marrow is dripping down Eros’ skull and his ribs look disfigured even through his shirt, but just like before, the big skeleton doesn’t seem bothered. He is much more focused on nuzzling and petting Era instead.
“...What is happening?” This time it’s Nightmare.
“I’m.. noT SUre?” Era replies, reaching up to pet Eros’ skull as a guise to start healing the wound best he can. He only gets a second before Eros gently grabs his wrist and pulls his hand back down, nuzzling him aggressively.
“YoU-u alREadY heaLEd me-”
“I aTE And sLEpT I HAvE More MAGic NOw-” He protests, trying to wiggle his hand free as he pouts up at the taller. He gets a rather unamused look from his alternate, who slowly lets go.
“....nO. I rEFu-use-”
“JusT ENouGH tO StoP THe BLeEDing? I pROmisE I wON’t heAL ANythING eLSe.” Era tries to plead.
“NoPe. It’LL stOP in A FeW MInut-tEs.” Eros huffs a little at him, more in a pouty way right back, all while the gang watches on in shock.
“ErOSss PLeaSeEee..?” Era whines, giving the vampire his best puppy eyes.
“......FIne…” The taller gives in easily, pouting hard. The gang is shellshocked- not that either glitch notices as Era practically lights up, immediately going to heal Eros’ skull.
“GoOD~ THaNK yoU~” He purrs, nuzzling Eros, earning himself a happy little trill. He has no idea why he likes being around Era so much, but compared to how he felt earlier, his soul is practically soaring.
“Mm-mINe.”
“YoURs?” Era questions in amusement, though he finds that he doesn’t actually mind the idea too much, despite only knowing Eros for less than a day. The other glitch feels so safe and warm and sweet- he can’t help but like Eros.
“MmmiiiIinEEe-” Era snorts, carefully relaxing against Eros as he finishes healing his skull the best he can, gently wiping away the marrow.
“SuRE~” The big skeleton chirps happily, still struggling to get the sound out very loud at all, yet somehow that only makes it more endearing. With a little happy wiggle, Eros starts peppering his face in kisses between nuzzles, very pleased with himself as Era giggles at the ticklish sensation.
The smaller glitch cleans his hands off on Eros’ still torn and stained shirt, before moving to lift it up.
“CaN I SeE YOur rIBs noW? I woN’t hEAl thEM But I WaNNa heLP seT THem.”
“OkAY…NO heALlinG-g thoUgh.” Eros confirms, before just taking off his sweater. Era keeps himself from grimacing at the sight of his ribs.
“No hEAlinG.” He agrees, regretting his promise a bit as he just gets to work, using his reinforced strings to act as splints for the shattered ribs. Eros nuzzles him as he works, watching passively, but remaining still for him.
“...MINe-” He says again, pulling a small snicker out of Era.
“Oh yEaH~?” Eros makes a deep growl-purr-like noise, just like last night, nuzzling him more as he pulls the smaller glitch closer.
“YuUussSSssss~”
“D-doRk-” Era mumbles, blushing a bit as he continues wrapping up Eros’ ribcage- which is almost completely encased in his strings at this point. He gets a huffy little pout in return, being held even closer with Eros’ arms wrapped around his hips.
“YoU doRK-” The smaller glitch snorts, deeming Eros’ ribs good enough for now and turning to better cuddle him, only to freeze at the new sensation of cloth rubbing against his pelvis, abruptly realizing he’s still not wearing pants and he’s pretty much straddling Eros’ lap at this point.
As his face is very quickly turning yellow, the taller monster is pulling him closer, his pelvic arch very firmly pressing into the other’s pants and- holy shit he swears he can feel Eros’ pelvis-!! Seemingly oblivious, his alternate nuzzle into his neck and past his scarf, that same rumbling sound making his ribcage shake as Eros rubs his back.
Despite how much he desperately wants to pull back, he can’t help but relax against Eros, hands fumbling to make sure his oversized coat and sweater is still covering everything. It’s not-
He glances over Eros’ shoulder to the other skeletons he had completely forgotten about and they very quickly look away, all blushing, including Nightmare- Era can only hope that Eros’ form and the couch helped hide him, but he has a sinking feeling that he totally just flashed everyone.
Eros chirps and headbutts him, humming in question.
“N-noTHinG-” Era squeaks out, face burning in embarrassment as he glances up at the gang again. They all very pointedly avoid his gaze, Cross sinking into his chair with Horror staying hyper focused on his food. The only one who seems unbothered is Dust, who glances up at him, smirks and looks back down again.
He finds himself incredibly relieved that this version of Killer isn’t here right now- if he’s anything like Era’s Killer, there’d be no escape from his shame.
…There still isn’t much escape, but he managed to get his ass covered and Eros is doing a stupidly good job distracting him right now. The other's breath against his neck is particularly hard to ignore- especially when Eros’ kisses over the bite he left previously, continuing to pet his back slowly as he holds back a small sound.
Despite his embarrassment, he can’t help but melt against the taller glitch, a shudder going up his spine. He wonders if the tall skeleton even knows how his touches are affecting Era, he has to right? Because Eros is just too good at it-!
Era has never known someone able to get his guard down so fast and easy, making his body melt beneath them. The only person who could come even close is his own Nightmare, but it took years to get to that point with him- he’s known Eros for less than 24 hours!
Why does Eros make him feel so safe-? Like something in his soul has been soothed and he wants Eros close….Does it have something to do with the donor and vampire thing? He has no idea if anyone else in the gang are vampires, but he didn’t feel anything similar with any of them..
Eros kisses his neck again with a little trill, pulling him closer by his waist and making his breath hitch, fighting the urge to squirm as he unconsciously bares his neck again. Eros doesn’t hesitate to sink his teeth in again and this time Era is expecting the sting that follows, his body tensing before the wonderful warmth from before begins to creep back in, easily drowning out all of his worries.
The feeling is almost addictive, the warmth creeping through his body, making him so very aware of Eros petting his spine, the taller’s ribcage pressed against his, and their pelvises nearly touching through the fabric of the other glitch’s shorts. It feels so incredibly good, and Era has to fight back the urge to mindlessly grind down against the vampire to search for more pleasurable warmth.
That would be incredibly embarrassing to do right here…..with an audience- Though as he slightly hazily looks up to check, the gang is rather quickly dispersing without a word, Horror leaving him extra food at his seat. Maybe he can convince Eros to eat some of it? Though- maybe normal food would make him sick…
Era loses track of his thoughts when Eros caresses his spine just so, ever so slightly digging the tips of his phalanges between his vertebrae, making him gasp and arch up into the touch. The taller glitch pauses for only a moment before repeating the action again, getting a similar response as digs a little further between Era’s joints with a deep pleased rumble.
“H-hNnG~” The small skeleton can’t help but keen needily as he squirms, sockets going lidded. Eros moves on to the next vertebrae down, then the next, being sure to give them all the same treatment as he drinks just enough to stave off the constant hunger in his soul before letting go, licking the bite clean as Era whines, instinctively baring his neck further in an attempt to entice him to continue feeding.
Eros can’t help but chuckle at how cute Era is being, softly kissing the bite in hopes of appeasing him, making him shiver.
“I’M-m GOod noW, tHANk yOU ERa~” He coos. Era whines some more, but accepts his answer, just nuzzling closer. With a happy chirp and very quiet- almost inaudible- purr, Eros bends to kiss and nuzzle Era’s face and skull. Every kiss lingers just a little as the vampire’s petting gets further down Era’s spine and closer to his tailbone. “So-O CuTE~”
“HaAhh~” Era moans quietly as yellow magic glows between his joints, beginning to pool in his pelvis. The warmth makes it easy, encouraging his magic to give in to the gentle pleasure it brings with every touch of Eros’ deceptively skilled hands. It feels stupidly good, and Era can’t think about anything beyond the warmth and the vampire’s touches, mindlessly trying to chase the warm pleasure as he practically clings to Eros.
“SooOOo cUTe~ MY ErA-a~” Eros purrs, kissing his nasal bridge softly just as the vampire's hands brush across his tailbone and the sensitive holes of his sacrum- and fuck it feels so good- Era can’t help but rock his hips back in an attempt for more, whining needily.
Eros presses down harder against his tailbone, pulling Era closer again. His pelvic arch is pressed against the vampire much harder than it was before, that and with the firm rubbing over the little holes in his tailbone pulls a moan from him, and he hazily tries to keep his ecto from forming at the stimulation.
The vampire pulls away enough to get a good look at him, feeling rather proud of the cute look on Era’s face. This could go…a few different ways, but….
“WhAT-t do YOU waNT Me t-TO Do, Era?”
“DoN’t sToPp-” Era whines, wiggling his hips a bit as he tries to press closer than they already are. The vampire nods, gently kissing his forehead, before reaching up and pulling a string from his own socket.
Era is none the wiser as Eros brings the string down and carefully starts to lace it through his sacrum, making him gasp and moan loudly, going practically limp against the taller skeleton.
“F-fUCk ERoS~” The slow drag of Eros’ magic through an untouched part of his pelvis is maddening, the taller slowly weaving it through loosely and tying a pretty little bow at the end, leaving Era a panting, moaning mess by the end.
“YOu cAN SuMMOn noW~” Era whines a bit as he lets his ecto form, finding it fairly easy to let the pseudo-flesh ignore the string and form around it. Maybe because Eros has similar magic to him? The bow and top of the string stick out, just enough for Eros to run his hand down it and drag another needy moan from Era. “CuuUuuuTE~ WaNNa sTay HE-erE or GO TO thE BEdrOom?”
The smaller glitch blinks uncomprehendingly for a moment. “...BbEDroOM..?”
Era gets a soft kiss on the mouth this time as Eros opens a portal and lets them fall back onto the bed, turning around quickly so Era is below him as the small glitch squeaks in surprise. Placing a hand on his middle, Eros slowly slides up, pulling Era’s shirt up to expose his chest as a deep growl like noise sounds through Eros’ ribcage, making Era shudder and arch into the touch.
As Era shivers from the chill of the air against his warm body, the vampire leans down and oh so lightly begins to leave kisses and little nips all across Era’s front, pulling needy whines from him as he squirms. Compared to the intensity of getting his sacrum laced, this almost feels teasing, leaving Era desperate for more.
As the vampire decorates his front with hickies and small bites, he lightly rubs over Era’s clit, keeping his legs apart with his own to give him the smallest amount of stimulation as he works his skull down the little glitch’s body.
Era makes sure to whine loudly in complaint as he squirms and desperately tries to grind down onto Eros’ hand, looking at the vampire pleadingly. He gets a very pleased, seductive look that goes straight to his core in return, the taller kissing down his abdomen before getting properly between his legs and licking a long stripe up his cunt, flicking his clit at the end and making him jolt.
“P-pLEasE~” Era moans, trying to wrap his thighs around Eros’ skull to pull him closer. The tall glitch happily obliges, and presses in to shove three of his tongue’s deep inside Era’s walls, licking at everything he can reach, much to Era’s joy as he keens in pleasure. “Y-yEs yES PL-leASe~!”
He can feel Eros’ tongues moving differently inside him, trying different methods at once to stimulate him as another slides up to rub and lick his clit. Era moans loudly in response, shamelessly trying to grind down onto Eros’ face, needy sounds escaping him between pants.
His alternate eagerly eats him out, stretching him and bringing him closer to the climax he so desperately craves. Just as he’s about to reach the edge, so very close- Eros pulls away. Easily pulling his legs apart again and leaving him with no stimulation at all.
“NoOo ErOS PlEaSe-” Era whines loudly, squirming desperately. “PLeaSE I’m So cLOse-”
The vampire coos at him, kissing the smaller gently as he reaches down to wiggle out of his pants his cock springing free and- holy shit- Eros is going to break him- he’s never wanted something in him so bad-
His alternate’s cock is big even for Eros’ size in general. Most notable is its length with a decent girth that he just knows is going to stretch his limits, hell it’s going to reach deep into his ribcage-!! The vampire rumbles at him again, tossing the pants away as he lines himself up, and the only thing that keeps him from tensing up is the soothing heat still traveling through him- though it’s slightly weaker than before.
Eros holds his hips firmly, kissing Era softly in hopes of distracting him just a little as he presses inside, his tip sliding in with a very audible wet noise right alongside Era’s low whine. Thanks to Eros’ prep and just how aroused Era is, it doesn’t hurt at all, but it’s definitely a stretch.
The vampire holds him firmly, slowly sliding deeper and deeper, stretching his inner walls until the tip is pressing against the entrance to his womb- they’re not even half way yet-!
“YoU-U’re DOINg SO gOod, ERa~”
“H-hOLy sHIt yoU’rE S-sO Big-” Era blurts out, filter absolutely gone. He gets a chuckle from the other glitch, Eros kissing him softly again and again.
“It’S NOt too MUCh, i-iS It~?”
“DoN’t yOU D-daRE sToP-” The smaller demands- though it comes out as more of a plea. His vampire coos with another deep rumble, continuing to press inside.
“As You WISh, MY Era~” Eros gets a lewd moan in return as Era scrambles to wrap his arms around the taller, practically clinging to him and trying to press closer. The sensation is almost overwhelming, even with Eros going so slow. He can feel every little movement so clearly- but it's not enough, he needs it- he needs more-
Mostly running on instinct at this point, Era tugs Eros down for a proper, deep kiss, needily licking at his mouth as he whines. His vampire tastes even better than he smells, that rich bitter chocolate sticking to his tongues and they sloppily interlock together, magic sparking. It all feels so good, Eros makes him feel so so good~
Era already feels on the edge of orgasm and Eros isn’t even fully sheathed in him yet- he can’t get enough of it. By the time his vampire's cock is fully inside him Era can barely think beyond needy moans and pleas. He feels soooo full, he can barely even breathe, but it’s perfect~ He wouldn’t have it any other way.
“PLeAse- PLEa-pleAsE~” Era whines breathlessly, squirming as his walls weakly flutter and clench around Eros’ cock. His vampire gives him the softest little kisses, rubbing over the rather obvious bulge he has going all the way up to his ribs.
“GOod boY~” Era shudders at the praise, needily leaning up for more kisses. “SooOoo CUte~ WanT ME TO moVE YEt?”
“Y-yEs PLeAse-” With a few more soft kisses, Eros squeezes Era’s hips and oh so slowly pulls out just enough to press back in, getting a breathless moan as Era tries to somehow grind down further onto his vampire’s dick.
Gradually Eros’ thrusts get deeper and deeper, pulling out just a little bit more each time before thrusting in firmly. He can feel every little movement throughout his whole body, making him shudder and shake despite how gentle Eros is being.
He’s so full it’s overwhelming, leaving Era unable to think about anything else beyond the steadily building pleasure, quickly approaching his peak. One thrust, two, t-three- fuck he’s so so close-
“CUM-m Era~” With one last thrust and a firm grind up, Era is cumming, tensing up and glitching with a strangled sound as pleasure overwhelms him. All while Eros continues his soft pets and kisses, rubbing up Era’s belly and shallowly thrusting to help him through his high. “GOod JoB-b, SO gOod~”
“Ha-hAAHh~” Era trembles as he slowly relaxes, fuzzy eyelights so big they practically fill his whole socket. Eros slowly comes to a stop, very happily nuzzling him with a little trill.
“FeEliNg BETTer~?” The smaller glitch hums and chirps in response, closing his sockets for a moment before he seems to realize something, looking back up at Eros.
“Y’ dIDN’ cUm yEt..?” He mumbles, wiggling a bit.
“No I DI-iDn’t, it’S OKay. I LIkE JUsT-t waTCHing yOU~” His vampire coos with a firm nuzzle. “I doN’t waNT to-o OV-verWHeLM yOU.”
“I wAnt YOu Too FEeL GooD Tooo-” Era whines, nuzzling Eros back.
“I DO-o~ YoU’Re VEry WarM ANd tiGht anD AdoraBle~” The taller smiles at him, giving him a kiss that doesn’t last quite long enough, pulling a small whine from Era as he tries to continue the kiss. Of course his vampire is happy to oblige, kissing him more firmly this time and doing it again again again, stealing Era’s breath away. “See~? AdORA-aBle~”
“HnN~” Era whines breathlessly, very much enjoying the affection and attention. With a small coo, Eros is sure to cover him in pets, kisses and soft nips, filling his senses with gentle stimulation that turns him into a purring puddle of bliss.
It feels so nice, and Era quickly forgets about his dilemma of making Eros cum as well, thoroughly distracted by the gentle affection and pleasure. Eros has him almost sleep in the matter of a few minutes. Purring, with the occasional sleepy chirp and moan.
When Eros suddenly tenses, Era stirs with a sleepy, questioning chirp.
“...SOrRy…I NeED TO-o Go…”
“NuUu-” Era whines, trying to cling to his vampire. With a small smile his face is covered in gentle kisses, giving a firm nuzzle as well.
“I’Ll bE BaCk IN a LItt-tLe wHILe…DOn’T WORry..” Eros gently pulls hands away, before unwrapping his legs from his vampire's waist to pull out, getting more sleepy whines and pouts.
“PRomiSE..?”
“....YEaH-H, I PRoMIse.” Eros says hesitantly as he pulls away and forcibly unsummons his ecto despite his still achingly hard cock. He dresses quickly, before leaning down to give the smaller a sweet soft kiss. “MInE-e~”
“YouRs~” Era easily agrees with a small smile. “C’Me bACK sO We C’n fiNIsh..~”
“OKAy-y~ I wIll~” With a few more quick kisses, Eros pulls away fully and leaves quickly through a portal to the bright antivoid, leaving Era’s body feeling empty and his soul aching. He ignores the slightly sticky mess between his legs as he rolls onto his side and curls up, nuzzling into the collar of his vampire’s jacket.
He misses Eros already…but he said he’d come back. He promised…With a tired hum, taking in that charcoal dark chocolatey smell, Era slowly lets his sockets close, his soul beat slowing as he slips into a deep, exhausted sleep.
~
Era isn’t sure how long he sleeps before he wakes up, everything feeling soft and comfortable, before he shifts and he notices the dry, sticky sensation between his- summoned- thighs, grimacing in confused annoyance.
He begrudgingly moves to sit up, kicking off the blanket he must have pulled up in his sleep. Era finds his own dried slick sticking between his legs, his stretched entrance leaving him feeling horribly empty.
He stares in shock for a long moment, before he recalls what exactly had happened and he blushes furiously, quickly closing his legs and looking around frantically- as if someone could see his disheveled state. Thankfully he is alone and no one has seen him and his….his ecto is completely littered in hickies and bites- Holy shit Eros did not hold back-
Era also realizes he’s currently sitting on a bed without sheets, remembering that he had been washing both them and his clothes- which he’s going to need if he wants to get clean- and fuck he totally just abandoned the first breakfast he had with this version of the gang to get fucked by his alternate of all people didn’t he-?
There’s no doubt in his mind they definitely know what happened…and saw much more than he ever wanted them to. This was his first impression with over half of the gang what the fuck is wrong with him-!? He genuinely doesn’t think that could have gone any worse- unless Killer was there, or he hadn’t managed to decide to go to the bedroom once his ecto had formed.
He’s usually incredibly self conscious and reserved about this kind of thing- especially with someone he’s known for all of a day- yet somehow, it’s as if his brain had just… stopped working, as soon as Eros bit him. Surely Eros…didn’t do that on purpose right? His vampire doesn’t seem like the type of person to misuse his abilities for something like sex-
Wait….his vampire?
Era knows he’s ‘unclaimed’- though he has no idea what exactly the implications of that are or how he would even go about being claimed- but that doesn’t mean Eros is going to claim him, or that he even wants to be claimed-
For some reason that thought makes his soul ache and glitch uncomfortably. Eros…makes him feel so weird, safe and secure…it’s rather alarming actually.
Who knows maybe he just really has a type- which is… himself, he supposes. This whole thing is weird and concerning as fuck- and yet somehow he’s already looking forward to when Eros comes back. Eros promised. He has to come back.
It may take a while- honestly he’s surprised Eros had shown up again as quickly as he did- but he’ll come back.
Chapter 67: A Dragon Error
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error is a small dragon that Nightmare rescues.
Planned eventual Nighterror
Chapter Text
Nightmare wasn’t expecting the dragon to stay. Being a rather young tree nymph, Nightmare has been to many places and seen many things before deciding to settle for a time in a nice little house far outside a large town. Getting supplies was easy enough and the fae is very rarely bothered.
Reinforcing his new home with magic, Nightmare built a decent living for himself, selling enchanted items here and there, gathering books, and many more blankets and pillows than he’s willing to admit having- It has been peaceful, Nightmare finds it all to easy to let each day slip by with not much thought, that is until he found a sassy little dragon that looked like it had gone through quite a beating.
Now while he doesn’t know much about dragons, the nymph is more than a little educated on many natural healing practices. Getting the creature home was the hard part- It nipped and hissed and growled with much complaint the whole way through, before seemingly accepting its fate, giving him the funniest look when he fixed it up.
Nightmare left his door and windows open, expecting the dragon to leave once they were rested, but…they didn’t. In fact, they had made themself comfortable in the little pile of blankets he had made for them to regain their strength in and just… watched him until he had left the room, before getting up and deciding to follow him around.
He tried to ignore it at first, walking around his house, storing herbs, preparing lunch- before finally glancing at the dragon. “...Are you hungry?”
Said dragon only tilts their head at him, sitting back on their hunches as they continue to watch him. He narrows his gaze and watches them as he walks into another room. He sees the way their wings droop for a moment before they stand up and stretch, trotting after him with only a slight limp in their back paw- which Nightmare was pretty sure was broken before he had healed it.
Pausing, the nymph kneels down, giving the dragon a small smile. “Would you rather I hold you? I have a few more things I need to do outside if you still want to follow me.”
The little dragon pauses as well, looking surprised as they chirp up at him, before moving closer to sniff at his face. He snickers a little, smiling brightly at the ticklish sensation.
“Hi~” They chirp again, perking up as they continue to thoroughly investigate his face, before trying to nibble at his nasal ridge. “Hehe~ I’m not food, silly.”
The dragon huffs at him, but otherwise doesn’t seem all that put out by his words, instead deciding to investigate Nightmare’s shirt.
“I must smell interesting, hum?” He inquiries, watching the adorable little dragon as they paw at the hem of his shirt. The dragon trills, discovering the neck hole in Nightmare’s shirt and curiously trying to climb into it. “Oop, okay-”
Chucking, Nightmare assists the dragon as they crawl into his shirt, seeing no problem with letting them investigate him some more. The dragon chirps more as they tumble into his shirt, smacking him in the face with their tail on the way down and forcing Nightmare to catch them lest they fall on their face.
“Y-you are clumsy- What are you doing exactly?” He inquires, not expecting an answer as he holds them until they can steady themselves, supporting them through his shirt. The little dragon just coos happily as they wiggle around, trying to climb into Nightmare’s pelvis.
“H-hey hey be careful down there- That’s sensitive-” He warns, starting to rethink letting them into his shirt at all. Thankfully, they seem to change their mind, poking their head out of the neck of his shirt with a proud sounding chirp, the tip of their fluffy tail brushing the underside of his ribs, making him shiver as his face turns purple.
“..Stop being so cute-” The dragon only chirps again as they settle down in Nightmare’s arms, an incredibly pleased air radiating from them. “Oh so you like being carried, hum~?”
Nightmare coos, unable to resist placing a little kiss on the dragon's forehead and getting an adorable little ‘mrrp’ sound from them as they nuzzle up under his chin, earning themselves many more kisses.
“You’re so cute- My soul can only take so much~” Giving the little dragon one final kiss- followed by a chirp of his own- Nightmare uses his magic to summon an extra appendage, using the tentacle to support the little dragon as he pushes them up more onto his shoulder. “I have to start bringing in the laundry now.”
The dragon looks down curiously at the new appendage holding them, tail snaking out of the bottom of Nightmare’s shirt to wrap around it as they settle against him, looking around curiously from their new vantage point. With a smile, Nightmare heads outside to his clothes line, checking to make sure the sheets and clothes are dry before starting to take them down, folding them into the backsket he left out this morning.
“They’re extra soft and smell nice now, I had been putting off doing laundry for a while.” He absentmindedly tells the dragon, who tries to sniff each piece of fabric that’s close enough for them to reach, using a paw to try to pull them closer. Nightmare takes a pillowcase down from the line and holds it up for the little dragon to investigate. “You’re so curious~”
The dragon seems to find the pillowcase acceptable after smelling it and pawing at it for a moment, chirping and looking at the next thing hanging on the line- a pair of pants- expectantly. Huffing in amusement, Nightmare folds and puts the pillowcase away before unclipping his favorite pair of pants from the line.
“You want to sniff this too?” Evidently, they do, eagerly investigating the pants with a pleased churr.
The rest of laundry passes in the same way, with the little dragon inspecting every piece of clothing and bedding before Nightmare folds them up and puts them away. It definitely takes more time than if he had dismissed the dragon's curiosity, but Nightmare finds that he really doesn’t mind it much. He rather enjoys the dragon’s chirps of approval.
With his laundry in hand, the nymph carries the basket back into the house to put everything away and remake his bed. It goes fairly quickly, the dragon not doing anything to interrupt when he puts his clothes away- but it doesn’t last long.
As soon as he starts making his bed, the dragon against his chest squirms and tries to climb out of the neck hole of his shirt again, accidentally scratching his ribs in their efforts. He jolts, hissing a little from the sting as his body stiffens.
“Outch-” Pulling at his neckline, he gives the dragons a look. “Be careful, remember?”
The dragon at least has the decency to look apologetic, trilling quietly and lightly licking his cheek before they much more carefully continue their climb. Huffing, the nymph lets go of his shirt, ready to help the dragon if need be.
“What are you doing anyway?” The dragon doesn’t reply, climbing up onto Nightmare’s shoulder before hopping off onto the bed, wings straining against the bandages Nightmare had wrapped them up in. One of them had definitely been broken and the other had a nasty looking tear in the membrane- Nightmare may have healed the worst of it up, but he’d rather they not use them until they were fully healed, or at least as long as possible.
The dragon seems to have forgotten that their wings were bound, considering the surprised squawk that left them when they continued to fall, but Nightmare’s soft bed safely catches them with a fwomp.
“Hehehe~ Are you going to investigate my bed as well, silly~?” The dragon blinks in confusion for a moment, before standing up and wading through the blankets and pillows covering Nightmare’s bed, seeming to enjoy rubbing against the soft fabrics.
The nymph moves to finish straightening the sheets around the edge of the bed, only for the little dragon to catch sight of his actions and crouch down, tail flicking behind them as their slit pupils dilate, looking not unlike a cat about to pounce. Nightmare freezes in place, waiting, slowly crouching lower as he stares at the little dragon.
After only a moment longer, they pounce! attacking both his hand and the sheet he’s holding. Jolting a little as he giggles, Nightmare ‘attacks’ the little dragon with his hands, ticking them and scratching their strong scales.
“Oh nu you got me~!” The little dragon lets out the cutest sounding war-cry as they attack his hands, trying to pin them down and gnaw at them as they squeak and growl playfully. He smiles wide, unable to help but laugh as he plays with the little dragon before accepting defeat and letting his hand be pinned. “Oh nuu you’re so strong, truly a worthy opponent~”
“Chirp~!” The dragon looks so very proud of themself as they lay over Nightmare’s wrist to keep him in place, front legs wrapped around his hand as they continue to gnaw on his phalanges.
“Hehehe~ You’re so cute~ Like a scaly cat~” Nightmare coos, wiggling his fingers and getting a squeak as they roll onto their side to better bat at him, still managing to scratch him a bit with their claws despite being gentle. Besides a small flinch, Nightmare doesn’t bat an eye, lightly nuzzling them with his hand. “Adorable~ I wonder how long you’ll want to stay..”
The dragon only trills in response, hugging Nightmare’s arm against their underside and using his hand as a pillow, blinking slowly at him. Not thinking too hard on it, Nightmare trills right back.
“Sooooo cuuuute~” Feeling like they were just trying to prove him right at this point, the little dragon begins to purr, rubbing their little head against Nightmare’s hand. His soul melting, Nightmare lets a purr bubble up in his ribcage as well, his eyelights big in his sockets. “Awwww~ Why you cutest bby~?”
“Chirp!” The little dragon gets up, still purring, and braces themself against Nightmare’s chest to reach his face, nuzzling him. He doesn’t hesitate to nuzzle back, lightly peppering little kisses on the dragon's adorable face.
“I’m in love-” The dragon just purrs loudly, thoroughly enjoying the attention as they lick and nuzzle Nightmare’s face. The nymph holds back the urge to squeal, nuzzling and pressing the little dragon closer. “My cute dragon yus yus~”
The dragon lightly bites Nightmare’s shirt, trying to tug him forward and onto the bed for better cuddles. Chuckling, Nightmare happily obliges, turning to flop on his back onto the bed, before turning onto his side and nuzzling the little dragon with much affection.
They trill happily, wiggling their way into Nightmare’s arms before turning and flopping down on their back in a mimicry of Nightmare- only to flinch when one of their wings lands badly on his arm.
“Oh be careful, little guy-” Scooping them closer, Nightmare checks their wings, just enough to make sure there’s no new damage. “You gotta let yourself heal more, silly.”
The dragon seems to pout at him, making a whiny sound as they relax in Nightmare’s hold. The nymph huffs and lightly kisses the dragon’s head. “I know you feel better, but your body needs rest.”
They make an adorable little grumbly noise as they settle down, laying down on their front this time and earning themself another kiss and chirp from the nymph. “Oh da grumpy bby~”
“Grr…” The little dragon growls playfully, before chirping back at Nightmare, nuzzling up against him.
“Hmm~ I didn’t know dragons could be so cute and snuggly~” Nightmare lightly boops the dragon, snuggling them for a little longer before sitting up. “Okay, I gotta finish making the bed.”
The small dragon squawks unhappily, using their claws to cling to Nightmare’s shirt as they try to pull him back down. Chuckling, the nymph gives them a nuzzle before gently pulling away despite their efforts.
“I’ll snuggle you more after I promise-” The dragon is visibly displeased by this, tail lashing in annoyance as they look at Nightmare. “Hehe~ So needy~”
He quickly tries to get all his pillows and blankets in order, taking off his shoes this time before laying down again. “See? All done~”
“Mmrr..” The little dragon wastes no time crawling up onto Nightmare’s chest, huffing and grumbling the entire time and sounding not unlike a displeased cat. They get many pets and scratches for their grumbling, a purr bubbling up in Nightmare’s ribcage.
“You really like snuggles huh?” He nuzzles the dragon, a soft smile on his face. “I suppose I can take a nap with you if you would like.”
The little dragon can’t seem to stay cranky under Nightmare’s affection, beginning to purr softly as they relax on top of him, stretching out and arching into the bets.
“Hmm~ Nap it is then~” Pulling up a blanket, Nightmare relaxes fully, continuing to gently stroke the little dragons back until he slowly falls into a light sleep, the small, warm weight on his chest keeping any bad dreams away.
~
Error watches as the skeleton falls asleep, content to be a blanket for the next while as he muses to himself. It’s interesting how much his perception of someone can change in such a short amount of time.
He had been terrified when the skeleton had first found him- exhausted and in pain and unable to fly after he had managed to escape some poachers, half convinced he was going to die. He thought the skeleton had been one of the poachers, thinking they had managed to catch up to him.
Error had hissed and scratched and bit as hard as he could, fighting against the skeleton and his own exhaustion, unable to use his magic, but the other had persisted. He hadn’t realized just how gentle they were being with him until he was carefully being wiped down as they tried holding him still.
It didn’t make sense- poachers weren’t nice- they weren’t gentle and soft and soothing. Even when Error managed to get a good bite in, they only continued to croon at him softly- not unlike a mother would for her chicks.
With that realization, Error… gave up. He stopped trying to fight them and gave into his exhaustion, figuring he’d either die at the hands of this skeleton or die out in the wild- he had nothing to lose. He laid still, forcing himself to at least stay awake as the skeleton cleaned him up, gave him something bitter to drink- without much choice while trying to remain gentle- and started healing his wounds, the pain ebbing down into a dull ache.
They straightened and bound his wings, did something to his paw that made the pain flare sharply before lessening, and somehow fixed up the many cuts covering him. Before, every breath in made something in his chest ache fiercely, but now he could breathe easy, only feeling sore.
Then, they just.. Set him down on a soft pile of fabric, opening a door that led outside and just… left him alone. Error laid still for a long while, he may have even fallen asleep, absentmindedly watching them walk around the house, never bothering him as he rested. He could have left several times over by now had he wished.
Eventually, the fear faded in favor of curiosity- after all, they had several chances to hurt him by now- and when they left the room he was in, Error followed, marveling at how much better he felt. At first they didn’t notice- or maybe they were ignoring him- until, while making food, they finally look his way, asking him something.
He tilts his head as he sits, trying to figure out what they asked, wondering if they had any idea he couldn’t understand them- not really. Did they want him to do something? Staring at him, the skeleton slowly walks just outside the room, never looking away as he huffs, getting back up and walking over with a bit of a limp.
He didn’t even get to them before they kneel down, holding out a hand to him.
“What?” He chirps, thoroughly confused at this point. Still, he approaches the offered hand, hesitantly sniffing it. When they don’t move, Error walks up to their face, watching their reaction carefully. He wasn’t expecting a giggle, the skeleton smiling and saying something more to him, their intent…kind.
“What..?” He repeats, and, deciding to push the boundaries, he lightly nips at the skeleton’s… nose area, getting another giggle from the skeleton, the other smiling even more at him as they say something else, very amused.
Error huffs a bit, deciding that if they weren’t going to do anything, then he wanted to figure out the soft looking pelt that they had. They do nothing to stop him as he makes the decision to climb on in, even assisting him and keeping him from falling, continuing to talk, not that he can understand a word of it.
Curious about how the skeleton worked, Error tried to climb into the gap where their stomach should be, but when their words gained a hint of warning, he decided to not push. Instead, he peeked back out of the pelt, quite enjoying just how cozy it felt.
Holding him there so he can sit comfortably, the skeleton says something more, before placing a little kiss on his forehead, cooing. A surprised sound leaves him from the action, before he tries to return the favor by nuzzling the skeleton’s chin, finding he likes this more than he thought he would. The skeleton is more than happy to pepper his face with kisses, nuzzling their faces together.
As they pet his back and stand back up, a black thing comes around from behind them and holds him in place of their arm. Maybe it’s their tail? Either way, Error wraps his own tail around it, looking around from his new perch.
Kissing him again, the skeleton chirps at him, before they start moving around again, heading outside this time. It’s actually pretty nice, being able to see things from up high without having to fly.
When the skeleton starts taking bits of fabric down from a string, Error tries to grab them, wondering what they were doing with them. He wasn’t really expecting the skeleton to hold them up to him for inspection, not seeming to mind at all. He’s not sure why they wanted him to look the fabrics over, but he makes sure to inspect each one thoroughly- even if he doesn’t really know what he’s supposed to be looking for.
It smells nice at least. Not finding anything wrong with it, the skeleton starts to fold it and put it in a woven basket, while Error eyes the next set of clothes on the line, wondering if they were going to have him inspect those as well.
He paws at them and the skeleton takes them down for him too.
This continues until there’s nothing left on the line, the skeleton saying something to him as they walk back inside the den, heading to what seems to be the nestroom.
The skeleton sets the basket down, pulling out one of the things Error inspected and wrapping it around the nesting base. Chirping wordlessly, Error wiggles his way out of the skeleton’s pelt- scratching them a little- and hops down to the nest, spreading his wings to glide-
Only to land heavily on the nest with a fwomp! Laughing, the skeleton continues adjusting their nest as Error remembers his wings were still tied up, taking a moment to gather himself before getting up and exploring the soft nest. He quite likes the texture of the things against his scales.
It had been fun playing with the skeleton- even if he accidentally hurt himself- and Error decided that cuddles were his new favorite thing. He… liked the skeleton a lot. They’ve only been kind to him. Snuggles and kisses, holding him, playing…He didn’t think he'd meet a monster so nice. At least- he thinks they’re a monster. He doesn’t actually have a way to tell for sure- other than their scent.
They have the distinct undertone of dust that monsters usually have, but there’s a strange… earthiness? That’s definitely different. Maybe that’s why they’re nicer? Whatever is different makes them nice, mhm.
Nodding to himself, Error opens his eyes to watch the other, sleeping peacefully with a hand on his back. It’s nice, relaxing..and then his stomach growls.
“Ugh..” Error groans to himself, stretching out on top of the skeleton. He doesn’t want to get up to eat- finding food is hard enough as it is and he doesn’t feel like hunting. It’s always so much work with little reward. Huffing, Error lays there for a few more minutes before finally getting up, his stomach’s continued growls leaving him with no real choice.
…Maybe the skeleton has something laying around? It can’t hurt to look at least- he doesn’t want to have to leave. He isn’t sure if the skeleton would let him back in again if he did. Making up his mind, Error starts to snoop, carefully hopping down from the nest and wandering around the skeleton’s den.
He does his best to keep from making a mess, but he still ends up knocking a couple of things down in his efforts to climb up into some higher nooks, struggling more than usual with his bound wings and sore paw and chest.
Thankfully, his efforts pay off- on a high counter, high for his standards at least, the little dragon finds a delicious looking chunk of quartz!
He doesn’t waste any time trying to figure out how to get up there without flying, jumping up and trying to dig his claws into the side of the counter to climb up. It takes a little flailing, but Error immediately goes to eat the large stone once on the counter, curling around it and eagerly biting off a large chunk of the crystal. It’s been forever since he’s found one this big, let alone a crystal so pure! It barely tastes like dirt!
“Oh no no no you can’t eat that-!” Comes the skeleton’s voice as they rush over to him, picking him and the quartz up frantically.
“Wha- hey-!” Error squawks as he flails in the skeleton’s hold, unsure what they’re freaking out about but annoyed at his meal being interrupted. The skeleton tries to pull him away from his quartz, but Error refuses, holding on tight until the skeleton is whining at him. Error whines back, stomach growling as he clings to his food. One bite wasn’t nearly enough to fill him after not eating for over a week.
Thankfully the skeleton pauses, taking a moment to look at him more…thoughtfully.
“..Are you supposed to eat rocks..?” They ask, Error not understanding a word of it other than the concerned and confused intent. Seeing as they aren’t freaking out as much anymore, Error hesitantly tries to take another bite from the quartz. He’s watched with an intensely focused gaze, before the skeleton slowly starts to stroke his back.
Error relaxes, a small purr leaving him when they don’t try to take his meal away again, eagerly crunching into the crisp crystal. Huffing, the skeleton holds him close, making their way back to the nest.
“You must have a really strong bite strength huh…Maybe you are supposed to eat rocks, you seem very happy about it.” Error just chirps wordlessly in response to their words, glad the worry is fading from their tone as he swallows his current mouthful, purring louder.
“You probably shouldn’t eat so fast though-” He lightly scolds, continuing to pet and gently stroke the dragon’s back and sides as he watches. He didn’t know some dragons could eat rocks…The nymph really should get himself some books on the subject.
The dragon, of course, doesn’t seem to care about his words, continuing to practically inhale the large crystal they’ve pretty much stolen, easily biting through the hard rock as if it’s a piece of candy. He pouts, it’s not like he doesn’t have more than enough G to buy a new one, but still-
Huffing again, Nightmare leans down to lightly kiss the little dragon again…before remembering his lunch…that he left in the kitchen-
“Crap-” Nightmare curses, setting the dragon back down on the bed as he rushes to get his own meal. Much- it seems- to the dragon’s confusion as a loud chirp comes from his room. He snatches his sandwich quickly, heading back to the bedroom as he takes a bite.
Still good~ Thankfully nothing got to it. With the windows open he honestly wouldn’t be surprised if a bird flew in. It…wouldn’t be the first time actually-
As soon as Nightmare is back in the room the dragon is chirping at him, half eaten quartz forgotten in favor of figuring out what he was doing. Nightmare chirps back with a soft smile and shows the little dragon his sandwich, taking another bite out of it with a purr. He didn’t realize how hungry he was.
The dragon sniffs at his food before seeming to realize what he’s doing, grabbing their quartz and sitting next to him to eat as well. It’s stupidly cute. Nightmare never thought he would be eating with a dragon, such an adorable little one too~
~
Nightmare goes about his day as usual, even if he finds himself carrying the little dragon as he does so. The little dragon stayed until darkness fell over the land and Nightmare had to close his door, but he left an easily accessible window open should the dragon decide to leave.
As he ate his dinner, he gave the dragon a small chunk of amethyst, just in case they were still hungry after such a big lunch. They seemed interested, but didn’t end up eating it, instead moving it to his coffee table- maybe to keep for later? Either way, he doesn’t mind, as long as the dragon is happy and full.
With his bowl empty and his belly full, Nightmare starts getting ready for bed, making his way to the bathroom to wash up before going to sleep.
Unlike the rest of the time, the little dragon doesn’t follow him in, instead sitting at the foot of his bed and staring into the distance. If he didn’t know any better, he’d say they were deep in thought. Nightmare tries to be quick with his shower, as quick as one can be with so many bone care steps he has to take to stay healthy and clean- It is quite a process.
Once dry and dressed in a nightgown, He comes back out into the room, sitting on the bed and gently petting the dragon’s back. “Ready for bed?”
After a moment, vague thoughts and intent that isn’t his presses into his mind.
‘Questioning/curious/confused?’ Nightmare blinks, looking down to stare at the dragon.
“..Was- is that you?”
‘Confusion/don’tunderstand’ Okay…how does he express sleep back- Nightmare lays down, nuzzling the dragon as he tries to concentrate.
‘...tired?’
‘sleep/darkoutnow?’ The little dragon chirps in time with their thoughts, climbing up onto him as he nods.
‘sleep..yes/stay/safe..?’ He asks, hoping he’s doing this right- though considering the way they tilt their head at him, he’s probably a bit off.
‘nestsleep/safety/question’ …Crap now he’s confused on why they’re confused.
‘Staynight/Dragonstay…question?’
‘...desire?’ Is all they ask back after a moment. Nightmare sweats nervously, so very confused.
‘...yes..?’ Somehow, the dragon seems to get something from that, and they settle down on top of Nightmare, nuzzling him with a purr. Of course the nymph purrs back, holding them close as he gets them situated on the bed with a blanket and pillows. Now comfortable, he relaxes again, laying like they did when they took a nap.
Of course he has to kiss the little dragon’s snoot goodnight, chirping and getting a cute chirp and nuzzle back, the dragon laying down fully on him.
Nightmare half expected the dragon to be gone when he woke up, but the next morning, he found himself curled around the little creature, holding them close with their little head still tucked under his chin, purring.
They seem to be lightly dozing, lifting their head with a sleepy little ‘mrrp?’ sound when he shifts.
‘awake/protectionsafe?’
“Protection..? Oh, were you protecting me, cutie~?” ‘Protectgood/muchsafe/veryhappy~’ The little dragon purrs happily, nuzzling Nightmare’s cheek as they stretch out. “Sooooo cuuuutteee~”
Cooing and chirping, Nightmare affectionately nuzzles and kisses the little dragon, so very pleased to wake up to such adorableness~
‘safety/pleased/contentment’ The dragon continues to purr, resting their head on top of his with a yawn, earning more little kisses from Nightmare as the nymph purrs with them.
“I’m in love- You’re so so cute~” The little dragon just chirps back in response, closing their eyes.
This becomes their routine every morning, lots of snuggles and kisses before eventually getting up to start the day, carrying a grumpy little dragon along with him. The dragon stays the next night and the next and the next- until it becomes expected.
The dragon makes no move to leave, and eventually, Nightmare stops leaving his window open, figuring that they will tell him if they ever want to leave. He gets rather used to carrying the dragon around, going about his day as usual, but when he has to go into town to sell his goods and hopefully buy some dragon related books, he has to leave the little guy behind- something that they were incredibly upset at.
He tried to be quick, coming back home with a bag full of books, but it took at least a few hours. “I’m so so sooo sorry-”
‘mean/lonely/howdare’ The dragon continues to sulk despite refusing to be put down, huffing. Nightmare tries to pamper them with kisses and pets, whining loudly.
“I sooorryyyyyy-” ‘nuuu/iback/nulonely’
‘aloneforever’ Is their dramatic reply as they practically attempt to merge with him. Pouting hard, Nightmare aggressively nuzzles the dragon, purring and chirping and attaching them with love and kisses!
The little dragon growls halfheartedly, visibly grumpy, but they make no move to pull away- even leaning into it.
‘Love/mine/affections’ Nightmare gets the vague impression that the dragon is grumbling wordlessly pressed into his mind, before they nuzzle him back, almost reluctantly beginning to purr.
They're just so cute~ He purrs loudly, adding gentle scratches to his nuzzles and rubs, getting to watch them just melt in his arms.
‘Love/love/love!’
‘meanylove/affection’ They reply with a huff, earning themselves even more kisses.
“Such a big baby~ Oh so clingy yus yus~” Nightmare coos. After a few more nuzzles, he sits up, carrying the dragon with him as he walks them over to his reading chair and pulls out a new book, “I’m going to make you something special~”
‘questioning/curiosity/confusion?’ He kisses the top of his dragon's head until he finds the right spell. It’s been far too long since he’s used this enchantment, he needed a refresher.
Standing again, Nightmare grabs one of his few scarfs, finding that dark blue matches his dragon well. Holding said dragon close he walks to his enchanting table, setting the scarf down on the magic circle.
‘Stay’ Propping the dragon on his shoulder, the nymph raises both hands, closing his sockets as he begins the incantation, the magic circle glowing purple. He can feel the dragon shifting on his shoulders, likely trying to get a closer look, but they thankfully don’t try to climb down, just watching as curiosity practically radiates from them.
This particular enchantment is actually rather simple at its core. He tweeks a few things, making it take a few more seconds than it would have otherwise, before the circle goes dark and he opens his sockets again.
“There all done~” Taking the scarf, Nightmare loosely wraps it around his dragon's neck, making sure its tucked in so they won’t trip on it. “What do you think?”
‘soft/strange’”WhaT is iT-? WaiT- I CaN UNderstanD you noW-??” The little dragon looks at him in clear surprise. The translation seems to fluctuate slightly in tone and volume, but otherwise seems to be working alright. Nightmare wonders if he messed up somewhere. It has been a while since he’s cast that spell- maybe it’s because they’re a dragon?
“Yup~ It’s the scarf. I enchanted it for you.”
‘confusion/surprise/confusion??’”ScarF? THis is a scarf?” They question, trying to peer down to better see the small scarf around their neck.
“Mhm~ As long as you're wearing it, any way you want, you can speak and understand any language written or spoken.” He has his own item like this, but he thought it would be better to give his dragon one for future use.
“...I LikE it. It’s sofT.” They decide, before pausing. ‘realization’“Wait- I CaN UnderstANd yoU! I havE So maNY QuesTIOns!”
“Hehe~ Ask away, dear~” Nightmare purrs, lightly kissing the little dragon as he walks back over to his chair.
“What aRe yoU? You smEll likE a monstEr but not- anD- and- Why’d yoU HeLp me? And feEd mE? ANd haVe me inSPect yoUR stuff-?” They rapidly question, getting a laugh out of the skeleton.
“Well for starters, I’m a tree nymph. A nature spirit. I just took the form of a skeleton monster.” He answers, petting the dragon’s back. “And I helped you because I could. I wanted to help you so I did.”
“BUt- whY-?? That’s noT How worKs-” They protest.
“Well what if I told you it's because you're cute and tiny~?” Nightmare coos, lightly kissing Error’s little head and getting an adorable squawk.
‘howdare/notcute/big!’“I’m noT Tiny! I’m fuLl groWn!” They whine, earning themself more kisses and quiet chirps as they squirm in Nightmare’s hold.
“You are super cute~ The cutest little dragon~ So snuggly and adorable~”
“NuH-uh-!”
“Yeah huh~” He purrs louder, nuzzling the dragon some more. “I’m in love- you’re sooooo adorable~”
‘embarrassed’“SHudduP- yoU- skelEton-” They protest some more, trying to wiggle out of Nightmare’s hold, the nymph purring and chirping even as he lets them wiggle away, the little dragon giving him a cute huffy look as they move to his lap.
“My name is Nightmare, dear~”
‘mean’”Wait- youR NAmE! I haVe onE Too! I’m ErroR!”
“It’s nice to formally meet you, Error~ I’ve just been calling you ‘my little dragon~’” Said little dragon huffs again.
“I’m Big!” Error insists, before pausing and glaring at Nightmare. “WaiT No yoU Got mE Off trAck yoU DIdn’T AnsweR My quEStionS-”
“Hum? What were the other ones?”
“WhY DO yoU ALwaYS feEd mE? I LiKe yoUR fooD BeTteR, buT I caN HunT! And YOu neVer make mE do anYTHing foR it liKe thE othErs did.” Nightmare frowns, not particularly liking that last part.
“...I don’t want you to starve, Error. If you're hungry I want you to have food and be full and happy. For as long as you're willing to stay anyway.” He huffs. “..Who are these others you speak of?”
“Hm? The peOPle who cAughT me befoRe yoU FouNd me. I liKe it here a Lot beTteR though. Why?” They question, tilting their head up at him as ‘weary/curiosity’ is pressed into Nightmare’s mind.
“Is that how you got hurt?” The nymph asks, pressing ‘worry/protective’ back to Error, watching as they relax slightly.
‘dislike/dontwantremember’“..YeAh. TheY WOuldn’T FeeD me if I Didn’T Do wHaT THey waNted- and hURt me whEn I waS EscaPIng.” Error replies after a long moment.
“...Well you won't have to deal with them ever again. If they show their uppy faces I’ll destroy them.”
‘..disbelief/surprise?’”....ReaLly?”
“Of course. You’re my friend, at least I consider you my friend. I’m not going to let some jerks mess with something that's mine.” Nightmare hisses, petting Error some more as they look up at him in surprise.
“I’m yoUrs?” They ask with a confusing jumble of overlapping emotions and intent that Nightmare can’t even begin to decipher. The nymph blushes lightly, looking away in embarrassment.
“If- you would like to be I mean- You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to-”
‘yesyesyesyesmine-’”YeAh I’d- I WanT to staY- PLease-” Practically lighting up, Nightmare scoops Error back into his arms for more nuzzles and affection.
“Of course! I’ve really enjoyed having you here~ I…suppose I didn’t realize how lonely I was before.”
‘nosadlonely/amhere’”I likE BEing herE wiTh you! You’Re warM anD HelPEd me anD feeD me anD I likE yoUr cuDdleS-” Error purrs, nuzzling Nightmare aggressively.
“Well I really like your cuddles~” The nymph purrs, trilling at Error. “I’m more than happy to take care of you and have you around as long as you're willing~ How long does your species live for?”
“We….” Error pauses. ‘confusion/forgot/manyseasons’”Uh… I DOn’t… knOw?”
“Hmm…I suppose we’ll just have to see. I only ask because…well I’m a spirit. I don’t really age.” Nightmare chuckles, lightly rubbing between Error’s wings, making the dragon melt with a purr.
“Oh.. THat souNds loNEly… It’s At leasT A few thoUSand seasonS, I think?”
“Sounds about right. Well then Error, I am very excited to spend the next few thousand years with you, as long as you will have me.”
“Mhm mE Too!” Error agrees, happily headbutting the nymph and getting a firm headbutt back.
“Hehe~ You just keep getting cuteeeerr~!”
“I’m noT CUte ShusH-”
“The cutest little dragon~ And aaaall mine for snuggles~” Nightmare teases, smiling more at the pouty huffy look and intent he’s being given.
‘flustered!’”Nuuuu-” The little dragon practically whines, standing on their hind legs to try covering Nightmare’s mouth with their paws, only for them to be nuzzles and kissed as well.
“Best snuggler yus yus~”
“YoU’re the besT SnuGglEr! You’Re wARm anD Big aNd carrY me around iN YOur pelT!”
“Pelt?” Nightmare questions, before looking down at his clothes with recognition. “Oh! My shirt. It’s made of fabric. A pelt is animal skin and fur.”
The nymph is all too eager to explain as Error starts pawing at his shirt, confusion coming from them.
“BuT- you weAr it liKE a pelT?”
“I think we have different definitions of a pelt, dear. Any piece of skin and fur from an animal is a pelt, no matter how it is worn or used. What I am currently wearing on the upper half of my body is what's called a button up, due to the many buttons going up the front. It’s made of wool, the fluff that covers a sheep's body. Brushed out, cleaned and weaved together strand by strand into this shirt.”
“A Pelt iS just somEthinG you hAve coVering yoUr body.” Error explains, sticking a paw through the gap between two buttons with a curious chirp.
“You can still call it a pelt if you want, silly~” Nightmare chuckles, booping the little dragon and getting a cute little sneeze as they continue to blindly grope around the inside of his shirt.
“You’Re weirD.” Error seems to decide, before promptly trying to shove his snout into the gap he still has his front leg in. Huffing, Nightmare undies the button right above Error. He’s not exactly shy about his bones like most might be and if Error is curious, Nightmare doesn’t see why he can’t explore and learn.
“What makes you say that?”
“‘CauSe you ARe.” Error says simply, voice slightly muffled as he wiggle his way into Nightmare’s shirt. ‘affection/content’”You’re nicE And feEd me And don’t MInd AnswErinG mY QuestioNs.”
“And that makes me weird~?” Nightmare asks with a laugh, relaxing back into his chair, ignoring the feeling of little dragon paws tapping against his bones as Error turns around in the shirt to stick his head back out of the hole.
“YuP.” The nymph smiles, unable to resist booping Error again, making him stick out his tongue.
“My cute little dragon~”
‘protest’”I’m noT CUte! Or little!”
“Yeah huh~” He chirps, getting a wordless chirp back even as the little dragon gives him the stink-eye, earning Error yet another boop. “Did you eat your lunch? I left it out for you.”
“I’m noT huNGry yeT.” Error replies, making Nightmare frown a bit in worry. For the first few days, Error had eaten every meal with him, but he’s been eating less as time has gone on- Nightmare’s pretty sure the dragon hadn’t eaten at all yesterday.
“Are you sure..?”
“YEaH- why?” The dragon asks, looking up at Nightmare. ‘confusion/concern?’
“I just want to be sure you’re eating enough…Usually small creatures have to eat a lot daily to stay healthy.” He explains.
“Oh- I’m uSed to It- anD yoUr rocks haVE a lOt oF MaGic in thEm, sO I dOn’t neEd to eaT As muCH AFteR I RepLEnisHed mY storeS. I kNoW THey’re also Hard to finD, so…” Nightmare hums, lightly petting the top of Error’s head as he relaxes in his chair.
“I can always buy more if you need them, so when you are hungry- and I don’t mean starving- eat, alright?” The dragon huffs, and, after a moment, they reluctantly wiggle out of Nightmare’s shirt to fetch the smoky quartz Nightmare had left out for him, settling down in his lap to eat it. Giving the dragon a look of approval, Nightmare continues his petting, grabbing a book off the nearby table to read.
“WhA’s thaT?” Error questions, mouth full of crystal.
“What’s what? This?” The nymph holds the book out.
“Mhm.”
“It’s a book. It has writing inside that I am reading.”
“WrItinG? ReADIng? WhaT’s thaT MEaN?” The dragon asks, sniffing at the paper curiously.
“You should be able to read it, try it for yourself.” Nightmare opens the book to the first page, lowering it for Error to easily reach. The dragon perches his front on the book, skimming it as ‘confusion/curiosity/realization’ filters into Nightmare’s mind.
“...It’s liKE it’S TAlkiNG to Me…”
“Cool huh? This is called writing, all these little symbols relate to the language we’re speaking and the sounds we make to communicate. Like this word, ‘the’, is mate from ‘T’ ‘H’ ‘E’ and with this scarf you should know what those sounds make and how they make words.”
“....I dOn’t likE It.” The dragon decides, turning away to nuzzle against Nightmare’s chest.
“Really? Hmm…I suppose suddenly being able to read would be odd…” Nightmare had to teach himself mostly after learning each sound the letters make.
“It’S WeirD.” He agrees, finishing off the rest of his crystal and wiggling back into Nightmare’s shirt.
“I suppose. I rather like reading though.” The nymph closes his book, looking at the cover. “This book is about a dragon who falls in love with a princess and kidnaps her to add her to his hoard.”
“A peRson in a HOard? ThaT souNds weiRD.”
“It is a little silly, but it's not a true story. Someone made it up and wrote it down, but it is fun to read.”
‘interesting/strange/confusion’”..Huh. Weird.” The dragon mutters.
“You know- I could write a story about you~ Error~! The magnificent little dragon that saves the world with his cuteness~!”
“StoP iT I’m noT CUte-!” Error whines, huffing up at him.
“Well I think you’re the cutest thing in the world~ But if you insist then I will stop.” Error can practically sense the smirk on Nightmare’s face, hearing the book open again as he grumbles mentally.
~
Their days blend together in simple contentment. It’s nothing crazy or exciting, but every day is enjoyable. Error eagerly lets himself be carried around as Nightmare moves around the house no matter what he’s doing and Error gets to learn more and more about the people of this time. Nightmare is sure to explain anything Error asks about and gradually these things become commonplace.
Every few days Nightmare leaves Error alone in the house- with a way to leave of course- and heads into town, insisting Error can’t come with, despite the dragon’s objections.
“Monsters and humans are afraid of dragons, someone could hurt you or get mad at me for having you.” Nightmare had explained to him and so Error didn’t push, all too aware of the damage someone can do.
It didn’t stop him from whining, though. And demanding affection when Nightmare finally gets back. HIs nymph is always more than willing to attack him with loves, cooing over him and showering him with kisses and the most thorough of pets- which Error thoroughly enjoys.
Nightmare also fairly quickly discovers that ruby is Error’s favorite gem, when he left out a ring that he had planned on enchanting. Error ate the entire thing.
This of course leads to the nymph buying Error primarily ruby, throwing in other gems or crystals just so he doesn’t get sick of the taste, while saving some gems for magic purposes and telling Error to leave them alone. Error… mostly leaves them be, but Nightmare learns to keep any diamonds in his inventory- the dragon seems to particularly like its crunchy texture.
Before they know it a little over a year has passed and it's hard to imagine life without the other.
“Hey Error~ I have a surprise for you~” Nightmare purrs, gently petting the sleeping dragon being held against his chest and getting a sleepy mental grumble from him.
‘sleepforever’ Error tries to burrow against Nightmare, curling up and tucking his head under a wing.
“Come on sleepy head, it’s super exciting~” The nymph continues to bug him, peppering little kisses against the side of Error’s face and snoot, making the small dragon bat at his face.
After a bit longer of pestering, Error finally opens his eyes, sleepily glaring at Nightmare, getting more kisses in retern.
“I gave your scarf a cool new enchantment~” He says with a smirk, making Error blink at him.
‘confusion/questioning?’
“I think you’ll like it.” Holding said scarf, Nightmare walks them over to the bedroom, carefully moving Error down onto the plush mattress as he loosely wraps the scarf around Error’s neck. “I know you don’t like it when I leave you alone and I don’t want to keep you cooped up forever soooo I thought of a way for you to experience more of the world with me~”
“HuH? How?” Error questions, reluctantly getting up and stretching with a yawn.
“All you have to do is will it so while wearing your scarf and you can turn into a skeleton monster~” Nightmare tells him simply, grinning in excitement as Error blinks, processing his words.
“WaIt- SeriOUsly-?!”’excitement/disbelief’
“Uh huh~ The enchantment is pretty complicated, but it only took a week! I’m pretty proud of it- Go ahead, test it out~” Nightmare scoots back, giving Error space and watching with eager excitement. The dragon sits down, closing his eyes as he focuses on the desire to become a skeleton like Nightmare.
An odd… fizzy feeling spreads over Error, and he can feel his form changing almost uncomfortably as the enchantment does its work. It happens so fast and before he knows it Nightmare is making very excited noises beside him, and he opens his eyes..sockets? Looking down at himself.
His current sitting position is now slightly uncomfortable with his longer legs folded awkwardly under him, but Error doesn’t focus on that, busy inspecting his new bones.
They’re a similar color to his scales- mostly black with a red ribcage and upper arms, with multicolored… fingers? Phalanges?
Unable to contain himself, Nightmare can’t resist pouncing on Error and giving him a hug, aggressively nuzzling the now skeleton.
“You’re still so cute~!!”
“Wha- HeY-!” Error protests, flailing in surprise as he falls over, getting kisses all over his face.
“Hehehe~ I’m so excited to show you new things and you're bigger for even more snuggles~!”
“I hAVe haNds thiS Is so weirD-”
“Yup~ Super cool, huh~?” Nightmare nuzzles into his chest- ribcage- purring loudly. Error wraps his arms around Nightmare, marveling that he can do that now.
“VEry cooL~” He agrees, getting many more nozzles because of course-
“Seeing things from a new perspective must be pretty cool. Maybe I should enchant something so I could be a dragon, that could be fun.” Nightmare thinks out loud, making Error perk up a bit.
“We cOUld flY togETher!” Error cheers, before getting distracted messing with his hands, experimentally grabbing Nightmare’s face. The nymph leans into the touch, smiling excitedly.
“We could! Once I learned to fly anyway-” The multicolored skeleton hums in agreement, rubbing Nightmare’s cheeks with his thumbs and marveling at the feeling, his friend thoroughly amused by his reaction. “I’m not as big as I seemed before, huh?”
“‘S weIRd- eVErythINg’s sO SmaLL Now.”
“Mhm and you were sooooo small~” Nightmare teases, getting a huffy look from Error.
“I’m A NOrmaL Size FOr my sPEcies-” He protests.
“And your species is adorably small and I love it~” The nymph shoots back, and he watches with unabashed delight as a yellow glow spreads over Error’s face. “I can actually see you blush now~ I feel so accomplished~”
“ShuDduP-” Error whines, blushing brighter as he ducks his head, letting go of Nightmare’s face to hide his own.
“Oh come on you like my pampering and you know it~” Nightmare purrs, nuzzling up under Error’s chin, feeling oh so pleased with himself. “Oh! Yeah we should get you some clothes. You can’t leave the house naked-”
“HuH? WHy not?” Error asks, peeking out from behind his hands.
“It’s seen as indecent and public nudity is actually illegal in most kingdoms.”
“ReaLLY? WHy? ThAt’s weiRd.”
“Well- skeletons don’t have it without summoning- but most people have their genitals naturally exposed and it's been culturally wrong to expose yourself to people in a normal setting for several thousand years.” Nightmare shrugs. “It’s a cultural thing.”
“HuH. ALright thEn.” Error easily accepts, copying Nightmare’s movement.
“Luckily I have an item just for this~” Nuzzling Error some more, the nymph gets up, walking out of the bedroom and leaving Error all on his lonesome- much to the current dragon’s annoyance.
Huffing to himself, Error tries to push himself up to follow after Nightmare- only to tumble off of the edge of a bed with a yelp. Nightmare rushes back in, a small necklace in hand as he huffs.
“You…probably need walking practice.”
“YOu lEFt..” Error whines, grimacing at his now aching back and head as he tries to sit up like he had seen Nightmare do. Smiling fondly, his skeleton helps him get back up, holding him upright by his ribcage.
“....I think you’re taller than me.”
“SeRIousLY-?” Error asks, excitedly trying to straighten up. Nightmare pouts hard, having to look up just a little. Error has a few inches on him…
“How dare-”
“I’m TaLLer thAn you~!!”
“Nu shoosh-” Nightmare pouts more, sitting Error back on the bed, the dragon trying to pull him down with him, making the smaller squeak. Pouting harder, Nightmare lets himself flop on top of Error, not bothering to move.
“Ass-”
“YoU LOve mE~” Error purrs, thoroughly enjoying being the one to hold Nightmare for once, even if he is being pouty.
“I wouldn’t be snuggling you if I didn’t, you dork-” Error gets an aggressively pouty nuzzle for his trouble, before Nightmare holds out the necklace he has been holding. The pendant on the end is a simple polished river rock, shining a pretty blue in the light. “Here, put this on and imagine an outfit for yourself. Even just a general idea will work.”
Despite knowing the rock won’t really taste good- copper was never his favorite- Error is half tempted to try eating it. Still, he holds back, reluctantly loosening his scarf to be able to put the necklace on, looking at Nightmare’s clothes and thinking about an outfit similar to Nightmare’s, but more comfortable and fitting his color scheme better.
In an instant, clothes form over his body, rather comfortable too even if it feels a bit odd to be wearing them- he feels like he’d like them less the more he has to wear them.
“Ooo~ You look nice~ I should take you to a clothing store so you can find what you like best when it comes to clothes. There are all sorts of different styles and fabrics.”
“ReALly? LiKe whAt?” Error asks, full of curiosity like always.
“Well…” Humming, Nightmare decides it would be easier to show than tell and carefully takes his necklace back from Error, standing back up and stepping away a bit, before putting it on himself. “There are different kind of shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts-”
Nightmare talks slower, using the necklace to show what he’s talking about. He goes from his nice button up to a more simple T-shirt, then a long sleeved shirt, a blouse, a sweater, giving Error a chance to feel the fabric before he changes again.
“WaIt waIT giMMe-” Error makes grabby hands at the necklace as soon as he feels Nightmare’s sweater. The nymph is more than happy to oblige, and Error wastes no time making his own soft, red sweater, purring happily.
“Hehe~ It looks good on you, Ru. Do you want a jacket too?”
“A jaCkeT?” The dragon questions, they switch the necklace between them again and Nightmare starts showing Error different jackets, hoods, pockets, button up jackets, fluffy ones, thin ones, anything he can think of. Eventually, Error decides on a thinner, fairly simple, and soft black jacket that goes down to his knees, colored black on the outside with a yellow inner lining.
“Oh you have taste-” Nightmare says, only half joking. Error genuinely looks good. “Pants now?”
“MhM- I waNt somEThinG LoOSer.” Error agrees, kicking his legs. Nodding, Nightmare takes the necklace again.
“Alright. There are different kinds of loose pants, or loose shorts, you could even go for a skirt if you wanted.” They do as they did with the other clothes, with Nightmare showing Error his suggestions and letting him feel the fabric, getting a better sense for what he wants.
Error eventually settles on a pair of wide pants that go down just past his knees, color scheme matching with his jacket, as well as some comfortable sandals.
“Okay lets see you move around and get a better feel for it.” Nightmare grabs Error’s hands and pulls him up to his feet, supporting the glitching monster as he stumbles-
“Oh I DOn’t liKe thiS-” Error mutters, straightening his legs and struggling to keep his balance without his wings or tail.
“You can do it, Ru~ You just need practice.” Nightmare adjusts Error upright, using one of those black tentacle things he sometimes has to make it easier for the glitch.
“It’S Too haRD-” Error whines, holding out his arms in an attempt to keep from falling.
“No, you can do it, Ru. You wanna go into town with me, right?”
“YeS..” He grumbles, pouting, earning himself a few kisses as the smaller steps back a little, continuing to hold his hands with a tentacle wrapped around his middle.
“Okay, don’t overthink standing, alright? Just feel for your center of gravity. I’m not gonna let you fall.”
“WhAt doEs thaT Even MeaN-” Error complains, wobbling as he spreads out his legs.
“Look at where I have my feet, try to make them even with your shoulders.” Nightmare suggests, finding it unfairly cute to watch Error fumble and flail a little- though he knows Error would hate him saying it out loud.
“MrmM..” Error grumbles wordlessly, doing his best to copy Nightmare’s stance.
“There you go~ Now try straightening your back a bit and try not to lean on me too much.”
“BuT I’ll faLL-” He protests.
“I’m not going to let you fall, Ruru~” Nightmare purrs, stepping closer to headbutt and nuzzle the other. “I’ve got you, silly dragon~”
Error pouts, but nuzzles Nightmare back before following his instructions, wavering slightly. The nymph encourages him, getting him more used to standing before they start taking small steps around the room, with Nightmare being sure to support Error the whole time, holding him when he stumbles.
“CaN We be DoNe I wanNA be doNe-” Error asks once he manages a couple of laps around the room.
“Course~ Wanna snuggle and nap for the rest of the day?” Nightmare asks, nuzzling him. “I can give you more kisses too if you want~”
“KisSEs-” Error immediately demands, turning to Nightmare to cling to him. Nightmare giggles, backing up to sit on the bed and pulling Error close. Of course, instead of sitting him down like Nightmare intended, the glitch flops on him, making him squeak.
“Oi-!”
“ComFY~” Error purrs, visibly holding back a smile as he nuzzles against Nightmare.
“Nuuuuu-! I’m not a pillow-!” Nightmare protests and whines, despite his squirming being minimal at best. Error is entirely unrepentant, purring loudly as he kisses Nightmare’s cheek, making the smaller shiver as he tilts his skull away. “Y-you really like being bigger than me, huh?”
Chapter 68: Error is Transmigrated
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error gets transmigrated into a romance game.
Eventual Error x everyone- Nighterror is all for now though
Chapter Text
“What’s that look for~?” Killer purrs, leaning over the counter as Error stares at him, snapping the glitch out of his stunned reverie.
“Ah- S-sORry sIR- I WAs jUSt- sURpriSEd to seE ANotHER skELetoN IN thIS aREa iS All.” Error replies, firmly shoving all of his thoughts other than his customer service persona into a mental box. “WhAt cAn I Do foR YOu?”
Killer raises a bone brow at him, before grinning a little wider. If Error has learned anything, that’s not usually a good thing for anyone on the receiving end of it.
“Hm…I’ve heard a lot about your little store. Abnormally high quality fabric and craftsmanship in such a low income area. Where did such an interesting thing like you come from, huh~?” The shorter monster leans over the counter, eyeing him up and down despite the lack of eyelights.
“No WHere ALl thaT IMpORtaNt.” Error replies, leaning back to keep Killer from accidentally touching him. “I woULdn’T caLL MysELf aLL thaT InteREstinG- I’m JUst A HumBLe taiLOR thaT HApPens to BE goOd aT His cRAft.”
“Oh yeah~?” Killer pulls out one of his many knives, twirling it around almost absentmindedly as he talks. “The capital really isn't as safe as it seems ya know~”
Knowing Killer mostly just plays with his knife for something to do with his hands- even when he frames it as an intimidation tactic- Error ignores it.
“I KNoW- bIg cITieS LIke thiS MAke iT EaSy foR DAngeROUs peOPle to HidE- buT THaNks foR THe WaRniNg.” He replies with a faint smile. “NoW- woULd yoU LIke To bUY ANythINg? Or pERhaPs plaCE A CusTOm oRDeR?”
Killer blinks at him with an unreadable expression, one Error knows he makes when he’s surprised. He’s processing.
“Huh…I don’t want anything in particular, just came ya check you out~”
“PFfT- GoOd onE.” Error snorts, shaking his head. As if he is interesting enough- or good looking enough- for Killer to actually mean that. The short skeleton was probably just bored and Error happened to be the closest target.
“Aww~ I made ya snort when I’m not even tellin’ a joke.” Killer giggles. “What’s your specialty? Specific clothes or anything?”
“I teNd tO speciALizE In eNCHanteD CLothINg- UsuAlly FOr aDVentuREs bUt I MaKe evERydaY WeaR As weLL. ThouGH, My sCArveS Are My sIGNatURe ITem.” Error gestures to what he has dubbed his ‘wall of scarves’- which is exactly what it sounds like. A large rack filled with different types of scarves covers most of the wall, all of them made entirely of his strings. Selling scarves- and some sweaters and coats- made of his strings is what got him enough money to buy the store in the first place.
“Oooh~ Cool~ What kinda stuff ya enchant into clothes?” KIller asks as he walks over to the wall of many many scarves, looking them over.
“WeLL- thE SCaRVes sPEcificaLLy aRE maDE of MaGic, sO TheY’rE ABLe to Be eNChaNted wITh juST aBout aNYTHing. THose ONes aRE MosTLy juST BaSIc dURabILitY, bUT I’vE MaDe sOMe iMBueD With heALing maGIc, whITe maGIC- sOMe haVE thE AbiLITy to GLow- TaKE yoUR picK.” Error replies.
“Ooohhhhh~ Ya got stabbing resistance too? How’s the healing magic work?” The smaller asks curiously.
“MhM- iT wORks aS MOre oF A Pain sUPpreSSant oF SOrtS uSUaLLy- bUt iT CaN SLowLY heAL sOMeonE’S HP iF GiveN ENough TIMe. It dOEsn’T aCt aS A REplaCEmenT foR ACtuaL HEaLINg maGIc oR FooD, oF COursE, sO I USuaLLy reCOMEnd thE ScaRVeS For THosE WitH ChRonIC pAIn oR SOme kINd oF DisABiliTY. I MysELf HAve oNE foR PArtiCULaRLy baD DAys.” Error grabs his own scarf from his inventory to show Killer. It’s a dark green compared to his usual blue scarf, practically brimming with healing magic.
“Huh…does it come in red? Oh! And do ya got one that like…soothes people? Can I make it do that?”
“I meAN- heALinG MAgiC ALreADy doEs thAT tO An eXTEnt, bUT yeAh I Can Do thAT. UNfoRTunaTEly thOugh THe cOLor wiLL ALwAys leAN TowARds GReEn dUE to THe naTURe of thE HEaLINg maGIc. I MIghT Be ABle tO PUll oFf PUrPLe? I CoULd do BLue foR SUre.”
“Purple, greeny blue, aaaaaand very light green?” Killer asks, leaning against the counter. “I just need the light green one ta have healing magic, the other two just chill vibes! Can I put my magic in it?”
“If YOu’d LIke, yeS. One MOMent-” Error puts away his scarf and concentrates for a moment, tearmarks glowing as he reaches up, letting a bit of healing magic gather in his hand and sockets, pulling out a light green string, before letting the healing magic fade slightly and instead focusing on the intent to calm and soothe, able to pull out a teal and violet string at the same time. “HoW Do thESe coLOrs LooK?”
“Whhooooaaaaa…Uh…good!” Killer’s grin is softer. He really is good at acting like he can see normally… oh yeah Killer can’t see color can he- whoops- “You’re quite interestin’ huh~?”
“OH iT’s juSt a BIt oF SPecialiZEd maGIC tHAT I cAN cROcheT WITh. HEre- hoW DOes THe iNTenT And MAgiC FeEL wiTH THeM? I liKe to MAKe suRE I haVE A bASeliNE mY CUstOMErs liKe.” Error offers the three strings to the small skeleton.
Killer feels them out, grinning wider. “So cool- Could I have a black and white one too, a regular one?”
“SUre- ANy paRTicuLAr paTterNS? ANd dO YOu wANt iT MaDe wiTH maGIc oR JusT ReGULar YArn?”
“Magic~ And uh…..black rim with the rest plain white? He’s basic like that~” Killer giggles, practically laying on the counter as he plays with his knife. It forces Error to take a couple of steps back in order to stay mostly out of reach, glitching slightly. He knows Killer likely won’t hurt him at this point, but he’d rather avoid getting touched.
“A-aLrighT. CUstoM sCArvEs COst ABouT TWeNty G dEPenDIng on THE LEngth, ANd I REquiRE HAlf uPFRonT, hALf uPOn coMPLetIOn. Is THaT ALrigHT With yoU?”
“Yup~ Not a problem cutie~” Error just rolls his eyelights good-naturedly.
“ANd HoW LOng WouLd yoU LIke EAch oF THem tO Be? I usUAlly reCOMmenD AboUT The sAMe hiGHt aS thE PErsoN GOinG To wEAr thEM- uNLess YOu wANt thEM PaRTicuLArlY LonG OR shoRT.” Error asks, trying to figure out a way to grab one of his order forms without touching the skeleton practically lounging on his counter.
“Hmm….Well….If it's as long as height then like…” Killer sits up and throws his knife up at one of his mostly empty walls. “That high for the light green one! And-”
Killer pulls out another knife, throwing this one a head lower, before grabbing a third knife, “That for the black and white one, that lengths for the purple one, and that for the cyan one~”
Error just deadpans at the knives now embedded into his wall, before finally snatching an order form that Killer had been laying on, using the unoccupied side of the counter to begin writing the details of the order down.
“I hOPe yoU kNow YOu aREn’t geTtiNG thOSe KNivEs baCK.” He informs. “NoW HOw thiCk aS In wARm aND THick As iN WidE WOulD you LiKe thEM to Be?”
Killer laughs, before humming in thought as he lays back down, Error glitching as he quickly moves back.
“Uhhmmm the purple one can be thinner in length, something another scarf can go over. And uh….the light green one can be..oh! Can ya actually make that into a really soft bandana instead of a scarf?” The small monster sits up again, excited by his own idea.
“SUre- As LonG As iT CAn bE MAde FrOM clOTh I CaN MAke iT.” Error replies, a touch relieved he won’t have to be making such a big scarf anymore.
“Super cool~ The black and white one can be warm and kinda big, and uhm…the cyan one can be more stylish I guess? Not really for warmth, he’s never warm.”
“OkAy- I CaN WOrk wiTH thAt.” The glitch writes everything down and does some quick calculations. “In THaT cAse, YOur toTAl wILL be… SeVEnty-sIX G- ThIRty-EIghT UpFRonT And THirTy-EiGht WHen You PIck YOur oRDer uP.”
“Kay~!” Killer reaches into his inventory and pulls out a handful of G….and then another. “Here ya go~”
Error flounders for a moment as he tries to grab the G without touching Killer, before giving up.
“U-uH- JUSt sET it ON thE CouNTer So I CaN COunT EVErytHIng ouT-” Killer gives him a look, tilting his skull, before doing as told.
“Not fond of touch, cutie?”
“Ah- uM- yEah.” Error shrugs, focusing on counting out Killer’s G. “..It HURts.”
“Oh…yikes that’s rough. Snuggles are the best~” Killer sticks out his tongue, doing the blep thing that was always one of Error’s favorite expressions.
“It’S.. fiNE- It’S ALwAYs bEen likE THis.” Error counts out thirty-eight G from the pile, pushing the rest to Killer. “CaN I GEt a Name foR THe oRDeR?”
“Killer! ‘Cause I’m always killin’ it~” The glitch snorts, writing Killer’s name down. Sure he already knew it, but it’s not like the short skeleton knows that.
“GReaT- I’LL hAVe yOUr ORdeR REaDY in FIVe bUSINesS DAys.”
“Kay~” Killer that cute blep smile, before getting up, stretching out dramatically.
“ANythINg eLSe I CaN HElp yOU wiTH?”
“Mmmmmm can ya tell me your name, beautiful~?” Error rolls his eyelights at the pet name.
“I’m ERror.” The small skeleton grins wider, before winking at him.
“See ya Error~ Later!” With that Killer leaves the glitch to his thoughts, much to Error’s relief
…A part of him still can’t believe he met a member of the main cast already-! Let alone have an actual conversation with them!
When Error first woke up on the edge of what he now knows was the Dark Forest, he hadn’t been able to do much beyond just focusing on trying to survive. He hadn’t realized where exactly he was for the first week or so.
It all looked like a generic fantasy world until he heard someone talking about the outcast prince of an all too familiar kingdom. It was hard to believe at first, but he knew this world. ‘Of Golden Hearts And Darkest Nights.’ a once crazy popular otome game set in a medieval fantasy world surrounding the main character, Frisk.
There was a bit of drama surrounding the game, mostly because all the love interests are skeletons, but Error didn’t really care enough to look into it. So what if the very human creator has a thing for skeletons? So does he- though he’s also a skeleton himself, so it’s considerably less weird for him.
Still, even with the new discovery, Error had decided in the beginning of everything that he was just going to live a simple, comfortable life here, and he refused to change his plans. So, he started selling clothes made out of his strings to make a living, quickly growing in popularity among the lower classes for his vibrant colors and affordable prices- and as soon as he had the means to, he started abusing the magic system as much as he could to make enchanted clothing.
Getting used to new ways of life haven’t really been easy, but it's been fun at times too. He’s met many different kinds of people and made a few acquaintances, one in particular being an elderly human lady. He calls her Granny G.
Wanting to live a relatively normal life as a background character, Error has been trying to avoid the main cast of the game. For a while he tried to avoid the capital all together, but….he gets the best business here- He couldn’t resist looking for a place to set up shop and when he found one for a good price in the commoner district he couldn’t pass it up.
Still- he had hoped he wouldn’t actually end up meeting any main characters. He didn’t think they would come out here just to check out his store, but…then again Killer has always been a rather curious person, especially when he’s bored.
Killer may be one of his favorite characters, but that doesn’t mean he particularly wants to interact with him more than he has to. He’d rather avoid the entire main plot if he can- no matter how much it might hurt to risk a normal ending.
…Hopefully this isn’t the start of anything.
~
“Oh I’m definitely gonna start something~” Killer says to himself, twirling another knife between his fingers. “This is gonna be so much fun~”
~
The next few days are blessedly calm- much to Error’s relief as he works on Killer’s order, having a bit of fun making very faint designs on each item and guessing who each thing is for.
The green bandana is clearly for Horror, considering the size the scarf had been before Killer changed it- and the black and white scarf is definitely for Cross with his monochrome pallet. Error is fairly certain the purple scarf is for Dust, and he makes sure to make it as thin and lightweight as possible so he can wear it under his brother’s old scarf.
The cyan scarf could be for Killer, yes, but the height he asked for it is taller than he is- and considering the color, Error is pretty sure it’s for Nightmare.
…If he puts just a bit more care into that scarf, well, no one needs to know.
He also hides everyone’s names in the faint designs he makes, just because he can. His intent isn't different so Killer won't see it and the others shouldn't be able to either. It's a cool little easter egg for himself.
He's doing a few more final little details on Nightmare’s scarf when he hears the jingling bell of the front door.
“Hi WElcOMe To GLItchEs ‘n STitcHEs HOw cAN I-” Error ties off his current knot, rattling off his usual greeting as he looks up, only to cut himself off at the sight of the person standing in front of him. The skeleton is the definition of tall, dark, and handsome, all stupidly familiar.
A dark goop like substance covers their body, seemingly rolling down but never falling off. It covers the skeleton’s right socket, a piercing cyan blue eyelight in the other. He’s not wearing a fancy outfit like Error is used to seeing, but it doesn’t matter. Nightmare looks good in everything-
Fuck- As their eyelights meet he can feel his face grow hot, and he quickly looks down at the scarf in his hands, tucking away the final loose string and clearing his throat as he tries to gather himself.
“U-uH- WHaT CAn I Do foR YOu?”
“Oh I only came to pick up a friend's order.” Holy crap Nightmare’s voice is so deep and smooth- Error is going to die at this rate-
“Oh? Wh-whAt’s- whAT’s tHE NAme iT’s UNdeR?” Error questions, doing his best to act like he doesn’t already know.
“Killer, a short skeleton monster with a stupid grin on his face. Always looks like he’s crying.” When Error played the game there were no voice overs so he never got to hear what they actually sounded like. The descriptions didn’t do Nightmare justice- It makes it stupidly hard for Error to stay in his customer service mode.
“A-aH. RIghT. THe ONe whO LEft THose KNivES in My wALL.” Error nods to the four knives Killer had thrown into his wall with a small smile, having not bothered to take them down. They added character. “I ACtuaLLy jUSt fiNIshEd wITh thE FInaL SCarF. Do YOu haVE THe fINaL PaymeNT?”
“Indeed~” Nightmare steps closer to the counter as Error tries- and probably fails- to keep from blushing harder, setting down a token bag. “Your name is Error, correct?”
“Y-yEp. THaT’s- thAT’s mE.” He replies, busying himself with packing up the order in a patchwork bag made from scraps- his own way of reducing waste.
“Where did you come from, Error?”
“Oh, NOwheRE ImpORtaNT- I DOubT YOu’vE HeARd of iT.” Knowing Nightmare can sense emotions and likely would know if he’s lying, Error does his best to keep himself calm and collected and his answers vague.
“Hmm….Do you have a family name, by chance?” The secret prince asks. Error still can't get over his voice oh stars- Trying to avoid getting too distracted by it, Error figures there’s no harm in telling him.
“It’S QUeEn, bUt I KNow iT’s a BIt oF A WeiRD ONe sO I DoN’t usE It mUCh. I JuST PRefeR ErROr.”
“Huh, Error Queen…are you from a fallen kingdom? A small one maybe?”
“No..? LiKe I SaId, YOu wouLDn’T HAve HEarD Of it.” Error replies, unsure why Nightmare would’ve come to that conclusion from his last name. The other gives him a look, intensely looking him over and most definitely not making his face hotter-
“.....How intriguing.”
“I- I CaN’t saY I aGreE, BUt iF YOu sAY So.” Stubbornly pushing away just how flustered- and maybe slightly concerned- he feels from Nightmare’s obvious curiosity, he tries to focus on taking the bag of G to count out the correct amount.
“Really? You don’t see what makes you so interesting. That seems hard to believe.” Error just shrugs in response, unsure how to respond as he puts away the money owed, grabbing a paper to make a handwritten receipt.
“I KNow I mAY soUNd aND LoOK strANge, bUt thAt’s ABouT ALL.”
“Oh you are much more interesting than that, but I’ll let it go just this once. You can call me Moon, by the way.” Nightmare smirks at him, a look that is so very different from Killer’s and much more attractive, and Error is certain his skull is bright yellow at this point.
“U-uM- W-weLL- iT’s uH- NIcE To mEeT YOu, MOon.” Error puts the receipt in the bag and pushes it and the still fairly full money pouch at Nightmare- there must be some kind of enchantment on it- avoiding looking at him. For some reason, the taller monster smirks even more.
“You know, I’m used to interesting reactions to my appearance, but yours has to be my favorite so far~” The prince purrs, leaning closer just a little as Error’s sockets widen, skull on fire as he glitches slightly.
“U-um-?” He can’t even come up with a proper response, internally screaming.
“Hmm…I like you. You’re cute~” Nightmare’s smirk grows, looking so very pleased with himself. Error swears that’s a line from the game, isn’t it? Why on earth would he be saying it to Error right now-?
“Th-tHAnkS-?” Error manages to stammer out, far too flustered and confused to try laughing it off or deflect the complement like he wants to.
“I’ll be back then~” A black tentacle had swiped the bag rather easily while he was distracted, as Nightmare turns away and leaves without another word, leaving Error staring at the door with wide, stunned sockets.
“...WHa-aT THe fuCk-k-” Did that really just happen? Error’s struggling to believe it. He swears he’s heard that line before…but where? What part of the game?
Actually- why was Nightmare even here in the first place-?? Even if the tall, dark, and handsome skeleton was Error’s favorite character- he doesn’t actually want to interact with him more than he has to. He’s trying to avoid the main plot, not hang out with the big villain of the game!
Despite Nightmare’s incredibly good looks, he is not one of the main love interests and is actually the main antagonist of the game. Nightmare, the rejected prince, turns into the demon lord and is defeated by Frisk and the main love interests. Well- in the canon ending anyway.
Dream, Nightmare’s twin, is actually the main love interest, the loved prince of the kingdom who secretly misses his brother. Blueberry, one of Dream’s best friends and personal guard, is another love interest with Ink, the royal scholar and artist, their other friend.
In the classic playthrough of the game, the main character has to pick between the three skeletons to date one, with lots of drama involved of course, and Frisk ends up accidentally helping take down the demon lord and his subordinates, leading to their capture and execution.
The game is rather tragic in several different ways. Dream never finds out that the demon lord Nightmare is his brother after all, having no clue he essentially kills his own twin. Out of the three main love interests Error would say Dream is the deepest and has the most character. It’s clear the creator really took their time with Nightmare and Dream’s dynamic even though you never see them directly interact as brothers….well, except for the bad end where Nightmare wins and kills Dream.
Honestly, Error detests both of the typical endings. He had tried so many different combinations and responses to try to get a better ending, but it took almost four playthroughs to finally end up unlocking the secret ending that the internet had lovingly dubbed the ‘Steven Universe Ending’, where everyone just makes up and becomes friends.
It’s stupidly hard to get to at first and requires you to be at specific places at specific times, but it’s the only route you can romance the villains, his favorite characters…..Nightmare specifically.
…He has no excuses for that- Nightmare is just hot! Even more so in real life… still- that doesn’t mean he wants to be anything more than a background character! Getting involved with the main plot is bound to drag him into all the choices and drama! And that’s really the last thing he wants to deal with- It will ruin the peaceful life he has planned out!
Even if he doesn’t want one of the classic endings to happen- whether it be the good or the bad one- Error also knows his own limits. Getting involved will only lead to problems he can’t solve. There just…isn’t much he can do about it. He simply has to hope they manage to work themselves out. Maybe Frisk will get his favorite ending…
How did he even draw Nightmare’s attention in the first place? What did Killer say to get him to come here in person? He’s just a humble shop owner!
Sure, his clothes tend to be of higher quality and cheaper than most other places, but that’s just because he has modern knowledge and the perk of his strings to make things easier. Maybe if someone bothered to chase after faint rumors and eyewitness accounts to follow Error’s tracks, they might figure out he had come from the Dark Forest, but there’s no way Nightmare managed that in just a few days.
Is his magic and the clothes he makes from it really that strange? Maybe he should have looked more into enchanting cloth before doing it?
Error sighs, burying his face in his hands and crouching down behind the counter, glitching slightly as he tries to gather himself. It was too late to stop now- he’s just going to have to deal with this. As long as he doesn’t get on Nightmare’s bad side somehow maybe it’ll be fine! He can only hope.
~
Nightmare comes back again- wearing his cyan scarf he made too. The prince really just pesters him, asking a lot of personal questions and making him flustered. He swears it’s on purpose!! When his back is turned Nightmare will say his name with a purposefully deeper and slower tone, which makes him glitch and blush heavily every time it happens, forcing him to fight the urge to hide.
It almost feels like some kind of first date where he’s trying to get to know someone, but knowing Nightmare’s character, it’s probably more of some kind of interrogation- even if he doesn’t know what use Nightmare might have of information like his favorite color or how his strings work.
He knows Nightmare is a very curious person, always has been- based on parts of his backstory- but the prince is spending at least an hour, maybe two in his store just talking to him. Error knows Nightmare has better things to do, like running his underground crime ring and finding ancient relics to take over the kingdom with- Why would he spend his time bothering Error?
There’s always the chance the time the game actually starts hasn’t started yet and he’s living in pregame times. Nightmare ‘disappears’ years before Frisk actually shows up after all, but still! He’s sure the prince can find some other way to occupy his time instead of wasting it talking to him.
It’s not all one sided- Error does manage to learn about Nightmare’s well known love of books and learning, but the prince is much better at dodging questions than Error ever will be, getting far more information out of him than Error did- though the glitch doesn’t try all that hard to pry.
Almost every other day, Nightmare returns to pester him, continuing with his questions and small talk. He does poke Error’s hand with a tentacle once, so very lightly, but it’s the only time the other doesn’t respect his boundaries, and he’s surprisingly quick to apologize when Error pointed it out.
It’s… nice, and the part of Error that just wants Nightmare to leave him alone grows smaller every day as he finds himself genuinely enjoying the other’s company.
Even when he was playing the game he couldn't see Nightmare as a person. Nightmare does bad things, yes, and Error doesn’t condone his behavior, but as an individual, the prince is respectable. Hurt people hurt people, and Nightmare has been hurting for a very long time. It's amazing he came out to be a decent person at all.
These traits are more prominent in the game when you see how he treats his gang of misfits. If the player goes through all the gang’s individual routs, they’ll find that they all have a story of Nightmare saving them after being broken, abandoned, ostracized, ect. They all have pasts where they were treated unfairly for one reason and another and have suffered for it, just like Nightmare himself.
The prince took pity on all of them and they have gotten better as a result, there’s even evidence to say that Nightmare himself has gotten better with the gang’s presence. It’s honestly sweet how much they care for each other, even if they don’t want to admit it. It’s even implied, depending on whose route you take, that several of them end up dating each other, and Error can’t help but think they’re all adorable with each other.
Today when he hears the bell ring he was half expecting Nightmare to come in, something he’s been looking forward to, but instead, there’s a hulking skeleton monster looming in the doorway. One with familiar blown out red eyelight, empty socket that’s scared around the edges, and a large frame.
This monster has to be Horror. Except instead of the gaping hole in his skull, Error finds the pale green bandana he made covering it up.
“...HoLY shiT YOu’rE HugE-” Even as Error takes in Horror’s appearance, he can’t quite get over just how large the other monster is, accidentally blurting out his thoughts instead of his usual practiced greeting. The big skeleton thankfully doesn’t take offense, simply nodding and making his way over to the counter and setting down a little tin.
“For…you.”
“FoR- fOR me-?” Error questions in surprise, not quite sure how to react as he hesitantly picks up the small tin to open it. The little tin is full of homemade cookies. Really nice cookies, like from his world. Most cookies commoners make are pretty bland, with things like sugar and fruits being too expensive. Only the upper and some middle class people get to have treats like these.
It’s doubly meaningful coming from Horror of all people, with how important food is to him from suffering through a harsh famine.
“O-oH THis- THis iS ToO MUcH- I diDN’t do ANythINg to DEserVE sUCh a Gift-” Error stammers out, both incredibly surprised and touched by the gesture.
“Made me…this.” Horror gestures to his bandana. “Helps with headaches…and….pain. Thank you.”
“It- iT WAs noTHinG- I MeaN IT’s lITeRALly mY JOb-”
“Please? Made them…for..you.” Error looks up at Horror, but any further protests die in his throat at the large skeleton’s almost pleading expression. Fuck- how can he say no to that?
“....ALriGHt oKAy- THouGH I REaLLy doN’t dESerVe suCh a Nice pREsenT..” Error relents, Horror practically lighting up.
“Everyone needs…something…nice some…times.”
“If YOu sAy sO.” Error can’t help but smile a bit at Horror’s happy expression, and knowing that Horror likes to see people enjoying his food, he decides to try one of the cookies. The first thing he notices is just how soft it is. Most cookies, especially commoner cookies, are hard and crunchy. It’s a pleasant surprise. It’s sweet, but not overly so, he can taste the salt just enough and….wait are there chocolate chips in here!?
Error doesn’t notice the way he starts purring as he tries to not just scarf down the rest of the cookie, overjoyed. He hasn’t been able to have chocolate since before he ended up here! Fuck- he missed it- Why does chocolate have to be such a high classed food!?
“...cute.” Error blinks, snapping out of his state of bliss as he blushes, purr puttering off as he remembers Horror is still very much here.
“A-aH- Um- TH-thEy’rE VEry gOod- ThANk yoU.”
“I own a…restaurant in..the…city square…come by any….time.” Horror smiles at him, looking very pleased with himself, and Error can’t help but smile back at him.
“A-aLRigHT. THaNks.” With nothing more than a nod and a quiet goodbye, the big skeleton leaves the shop, giving him a small wave from behind the glass that Error happily returns.
It might not be a visit from Nightmare like he had hoped, but chocolate chip cookies and seeing how sweet Horror is in person is a more than adequate trade, in Error’s opinion.
~
The rest of the day is fairly normal and Error closes without much fanfare, excited to enjoy some more cookies- having forced himself to wait until the end of the day before he gorges himself on them. It’s such a nice piece of familiarity in an almost completely new world and way of life. He’s missed it so much.
As he finishes closing up, a soft smile on his face, there’s a sudden…feeling that settles in him, like the magic on the back of his neck tingling….the feeling of being watched. It makes Error glitch slightly as he looks around, but it doesn’t seem… hostile. Maybe a bit weary?
The feeling is still off putting either way, and he has no idea where it’s coming from. Error tries to go about his normal routine, cleaning everything up and locking it all down before he heads up into his home on the second floor. Really it’s just an attic, not much, but it's big enough for him.
Thankfully, the sensation fades as he enters his room and changes into his pajamas, but as soon as he settles into his window sill to crochet and watch the sunset, tin of cookies in hand, the feeling of being watch comes back even stronger than before, much to Error’s annoyance. What could this person even want with him anyway? It’s not like he’s doing anything interesting.
Surely there’s a better way for someone to spend their night. Error tries to ignore it for a while longer, but it's making relaxing kind of difficult.
Huffily, Error shoves a cookie in his mouth and squints around both his room and outside, trying to see who exactly is watching him. It doesn’t look like there's anyone outside….he’s sure he would have heard someone come into his room. He would have seen them, right?
Frowning, he looks around harder, before impulsively looking up and practically falling out of his seat with a surprised squawk, glitching harshly at the sight of a hooded figure clinging to his ceiling. What the actual fuck-
Two eyelights stare back at him in the darkness, one larger than the other- much like his own- except it’s purple and red….very familiar too.
“...WH-wHAt thE FucK-” Error blurts, still glitching harshly. Was- is that Dust-??? What the fuck is he doing here!? Stalking him!?
“.....” The intruder continues to stare at him silently, not even slightly phased as Error stares in shock.
“...C-cOUld yOU… lEAve? PL-leASe?” Error asks helplessly after a long moment.
“.....No.” Is his response, Dust's voice rather quiet and soft….not quite what he was expecting, but it weirdly fits a calm Dust.
“..WhY??”
“....I’m investigating you.” Well- that answer isn’t worrying at all. Dust is Nightmare’s best spy and assassin- if he found something worth killing Error over, no one would know.
Slightly nervously, Error pulls himself back up into the window seal, hand bumping into the tin of cookies Horror gave him, giving him an idea.
“....WilL YOu go AWaY If I GivE YOu a CoOKie?” Error tries to offer. There’s a small moment of silence, and for a moment he thinks Dust might be contemplating the offer.
“...No. I get cookies whenever I want.” The glitch wilts in disappointment.
“..CaN YOu aT LEAsT WaTCh mE FRom liKe- ouTSidE?” He tries to bargain, maybe just a bit desperate to escape Dust’s piercing gaze. “I JuST waNTed To rElaX IN the wiNDow sILL bUt I CaN’t reALly dO THaT With THe kNOWleDGe thAT TheRE’s a STraNGEr staLKing Me oN My ceiLINg.”
“...You’re weird.” Dust tells him bluntly.
“ThANks.” Error deadpans, glitching in discomfort as he blinks away error signs. At least Dust isn’t threatening him..? “WiLL you Go aWAy noW? PlEasE?”
“....Fine.” Error blinks, and suddenly, Dust is gone.
“....WhAT thE HEll is-s mY LIFe-” He groans, burying his face in his hands as he tries to calm his glitches. Having his privacy breached like that, having a person in his house staring at him who wouldn’t leave, is so very very disturbing- his house is supposed to be his safe space dammit-!
…Did Nightmare send him? Was- he thought things were going well with the prince…His soul sinks, aching. He’s already attached, huh? Maybe.. if Nightmare didn’t show up, then he’ll likely show up tomorrow- maybe he can try to carefully ask him about it.
“....” Error sighs, feeling more upset than he probably has any right to be as he eats another cookie, trying to get back to crocheting.
However, it doesn’t last very long before Error gives up, giving into the urge to go hide in the nest of blankets he has under his bed. Maybe it’s silly, but the idea of Nightmare sending Dust bothers him more than Dust first did. It just…kinda hurts, even if it’s something Error could easily see Nightmare doing.
Maybe it’s a good thing to get a reality check like this- sure Nightmare is acting nice, but that’s all it is, an act. He needs to remember that. Nightmare just happens to be curious or suspicious of him for some reason or another and is trying to get that information out of him.
That’s….all these little visits are. Yeah…
~
Nightmare hums, staring down at his paperwork, the same paper he’s been ‘working on’ for the past hour, slowly tapping his quill…..He wants to go visit Error. The first visit was to satisfy his curiosity after what Killer told him and receiving such a well made scarf. It is truly a luxury item, and he was shocked to hear Killer bought it for so cheap in the lower ranking part of the city.
He wasn’t really expecting the shopkeeper to be so adorable- Not that anyone else needs to know he thinks as such, but it’s true. Nightmare was pleasantly surprised by not only Error’s handiwork, but the skeleton himself and his interesting reaction to Nightmare as a whole. It was very easy to tell the little glitch was very attracted to him and something about it makes him want to laugh.
The other was wear of him, obviously, but genuinely interesting to talk to. He wanted to learn more, so he came back again…and again. Nightmare found himself enjoying Error’s company and…well he didn't mind that too much either. He’s not sure what it is about Error that continues to lure him in. The cute way he explains his craft, the pretty yellow blush and little blue freckles that peak out at his teasing, the seemingly calm face Error tries to put up to cover up his blatant feelings. It’s all so very endearing.
He wanted to visit Error today, but with what little progress he’s making on his work it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen…….
~
Error ends up opening his shop later than usual the next day, Dust’s visit having seemingly triggered his glitches into being more of an annoyance than usual and making it harder than it should be to drag himself out from under his bed.
Honestly, he should probably be at least wearing his green scarf right now as he sits slumped against his counter, tired and in pain, but… he just can’t quite justify using it- he’s endured worse. The glitching will probably die down in a few hours anyways.
At least he still has some of Horror’s cookies.
The front door opens with a little jungle from the bell, and it takes a long moment and far more effort than he feels like it should for Error to lift his skull and look over, ignoring the painful ripple of glitches the action causes.
Nightmare is already standing by the counter, leaning over and looking at him with an unreadable expression. He doesn’t really look happy though.
“Are you okay, Error? What’s wrong?”
“AH-h- YeAh so-ORry NIghTmAR-re.JUsT- sOM-mETHinG HApPENe-ed laST NIgHT AnD-d iT JUst CAuSEd-d a Bit oF A FLaRe up.” Error replies, taking a second to brace himself before stubbornly sitting up, not quite able to hide a pained grimace.
“Don’t move- Just relax. I don’t need anything. You should close for the day.” Nightmare suggests, almost sounding….worried.
“I’m FIne- I’m U-uSEd tO It- HE-eRe I’LL eVeN-n p-puT On My He-eALinG SCaRf-f-” Error grabs his green scarf from his inventory and carefully trades it out for his typical dark blue scarf. He doesn’t feel like he needs it yet, but maybe it’ll keep Nightmare from thinking he has to be concerned. Of course, even as the healing magic washes over him, it really only takes the edge off of the worst of the pain, due to how all encompassing his glitches are.
“Being used to it doesn’t mean it’s okay. If someone has a high pain tolerance it doesn’t make being stabbed okay. Of having their hand cut off. ‘Oh I won’t die it’s fine’ no it’s not.” Nightmare huffs at him, his tentacles swaying faster than usual. Error swears that is also a line…and that the prince has had to say it many times before.
“HAviNG-g a flARe uP-p iSn’T ThE SaMe As THo-osE-” Error can’t help but argue. “I Re-eaLLy aM FinE I-it’S JuST A B-bit of pAIN. BeS-sIDes I’d… rATHe-er noT Be h-hoMe alONe ri-ighT Now.” Nightmare gives him a look- though what kind of look, he’s not sure.
“I’ll stay with you then. I came to talk with you anyway.”
“Oh YO-ou DOn’t hAVe T-to DO thAt- I DOn’T WAnt yOU D-dEALiN-nG WIth TH-heM If THey BRE-eaK in aGAIn-” Error tries to wave off, doing his best to sound casual as he slumps against the counter again, watching Nightmare’s reaction. He wanted to be a bit more subtle about bringing up Dust, but he’s in just a bit too much pain to be too careful with his words, and he’d rather have an answer sooner rather than later.
He gets a reaction immediately as Nightmare’s tentacles go rigid and his eyelight sharpens just enough to be noticeable. “...Did you just say someone broke in?”
“Eh-h- KinDa? HO-onEStlY I DoN’t-t eVEn kN-noW HoW THeY Got INto mY RoOm-m.” Error replies.
“They got-” Nightmare stops and sighs. “Error…that is a big deal. How are you mentioning it so casually? You do understand people are frequently kidnapped to be sold off into the slave trade, right? Especially people with unique abilities that will make them sell for more!”
Error pauses, blinking for a moment in thought. He supposes he does seem surprisingly calm for someone who shouldn’t know who Dust is… Actually, he should probably be more concerned considering he does know who Dust is, but he had spent all of his emotional energy on being upset yesterday and in pain today, so he can’t say he can feel much of anything but tired right now.
“MAyb-bE, BUt iF I L-let MYSelf fREaK-k-K OUt moRE ABoUt-t iT, I’ll C-crASh aND thAT’s Mu-ucH WOrsE TH-haN THis. BEs-siDEs, TheY DIdn’t A-aCTu-uaLLy dO AnYTHinG-g oTHeR-r th-HAn s-stARe aT Me-e anD Call mE WeIRd.” Error mutters.
“....You’re taking a break and I’m staying here. End of story.” Nightmare tells him firmly, turning around to flip the closed sign and lock the door as Error whines wordlessly, both annoyed and a little bit touched Nightmare is going through the trouble of this.
“...LEmmE KNow IF-f y’ sEe-e eYELighTS.” Error replies as he pretty much faceplants on his counter, belatedly realizing he needs to figure out a way to tell Nightmare it was just Dust. The prince jolts and looks more than ready to scoop him up, but…doesn’t, of course- though a part of Error wishes he would.
“...Did you just pass out?” He hesitantly asks, making Error snort.
“No THis jUSt h-hURTs leSs.”
“....Do you want me to take you to bed?” The prince hovers over him, it’s…kinda nice.
“I’ll bE FInE-e.” Error takes a breath and grits his teeth, before forcing himself to stand up. He manages to carefully make his way out from behind the counter before his legs suddenly glitch sharply, making him yelp as his knees buckle.
Before he can even come close to hitting the ground, Nightmare has him ensnared in tentacles, wrapped up like a loose burrito.
“You are not fine!” A bolt of instinctual panic shoots through Error as he tries to fight Nightmare’s hold, his glitches worsening in surprise, but after a moment he realizes that it… doesn’t hurt. Or at least- it doesn’t make his glitches worse than they already are, and hesitantly, he relaxes.
“....OK-kaY MAyb-bE I’m nO-ot fiNE.” Error reluctantly relents. Huffing, Nightmare turns to carry him towards the stairs in the back, looking around a little before finding them and carrying him up into his room.
“You should really take better care of yourself you know. You’re just as bad as them I swear-”
“WhO?” Error questions as Nightmare quickly finds his room and walks inside.
“Just some idiots I take care of. Absolute morons I tell you.” Nightmare huffs, before laying Error on the bed, taking off his shoes and setting them aside. “Are you comfortable? Would you like some water? I brought the cookie tin-”
Error stubbornly pushes himself up to be at least half sitting up, wearily glancing up at the ceiling despite knowing Dust won’t be there.
“Um- cOokIES- PLeAse?” Huffing more, Nightmare props up a few pillows, moving Error to lay against them more comfortably, before holding a cookie up to his mouth. “I CaN FeED mYseLF-f-”
“You’re not allowed to move. Eat the cookie.” Error pouts but obeys Nightmare’s command, eating the cookie. A tentacle gently rubs Error’s cheek, the appendage curling under his chin as it does so. “Good~”
Error feels his face heat up as he unconsciously leans into the touch, feeling flustered from the attention. He’s missed this too, just a comforting touch….No he shouldn’t think about that right now-
“...You’re rather adorable, did you know that~?”
“O-oH HUs-sh- yoU DOn’T NEeD TO ma-AKe mE FeE-el beTTeR-r-” Error mutters, blushing harder as he glances up again. Nightmare huffs, giving him an almost pouty look.
“Make you feel better? I’m doing that by feeding you cookies. I’ll have you know I don’t give out false compliments, Error dear.”
“I…IF yoU S-saY So-” Error relents, skull on fire at this point. Even if he doesn’t agree, he doesn’t feel like starting an argument.
“Hmm…you know what makes you cuter~?” Nightmare asks, letting his voice drop a few octaves and slow down, somehow even more silky smooth. Error can’t help but stare at him in flustered shock, glitching a bit more as his face somehow manages to grow even brighter.
“Wh-wHA-at-?” He squeaks out. Nightmare leans in, smirking like the smug asshole he is.
“The cute freckles on your face when you blush~”
“I- Sh-shUT-t up-” He stammers out, making Nightmare smirk even more.
“Such a cute little thing~” The prince practically purrs and…gives him a little headbutt. Error doesn’t think as he lets out a surprised chirp, before realizing what he just did, squeaking as he hides his face in his scarf in embarrassment. “See~? Adorable~”
“ShUDdUPpp-p-” Error whines, NIghtmare giving him another headbutt, nuzzling him this time- though, Error has to pull back when that proves to be just a bit too much contact, making error signs pop up in his vision. “M-meANie-”
“Sorry, you’re just so fun to tease~ You should rest now though, alright? Just relax.”
“I AM-m pE-e-ERfeCTly rELa-aXed-” Error grumbles, definitely not relaxed at all.
“You’re a very bad liar, you know.” Nightmare huffs at him. “...think I could give you a massage through your clothes? You don’t glitch much when my tentacles touch you.”
“A- a MAsSAGe-e? YOu- YO-ou DOn’T HAve-e TO do TH-haT-” Error protests as he fidgets slightly. Honestly he doesn’t know why Nightmare is going through all of this trouble in the first place- even if the flare up may or may not be his fault if he sent Dust.
“That doesn’t answer my question. Can I or can I not give you a massage?”
“...I-iF.. yoU DOn-n’T minD? I guEss-s? I DU-uNno HOw mUch-h iT’ll hE-elP BuT It pROb-baBLy-y woN’t hURt-t-” Nightmare tentacles curl into gentle loops before slowly wrapping around him, ready to pull away the moment Error needs them to. With his clothes in the way, it thankfully doesn’t make him glitch more than he already is, and he unconsciously relaxes slightly into the surprisingly soothing pressure, reminding him of a weighted blanket.
The tentacles’ movements are slow and gentle, rubbing over his bones and pressing down just enough to be felt. Though it doesn’t do much for most of the pain, it helps soothe away the lingering ache from the prolonged glitching, and Error can’t help but sigh as he leans into the touch, sockets going lidded.
“There you go~ Nothing to worry about.”
“Hm..~” One of the tendrils creeps up to cup his cheek again, and Error nuzzles it with a quiet hum, the tension slowly bleeding out of his frame as the exhaustion from both his poor night of sleep and his flare up begins creeping up on him.
A nap would be nice…yeah. Just a little nap can’t hurt…
Error slowly goes limp in Nightmare’s hold as his glitches calm slightly, sockets slipping shut as he slowly falls asleep, a faint, sleepy smile on his face.
~
‘Error really is adorable’ Nightmare thinks to himself, smiling at the cute expression Error is wearing. “Just as stubborn as the boys I swear.”
After a few moments, when he’s sure Error is asleep, he reaches out to pet the glitch’s skull, oh so lightly.
“You really should be more careful though. Drawing so much attention to yourself wasn’t the best idea.” Error begins to purr softly, nuzzling into Nightmare’s hand with a sleepy little sigh, entirely unaware of Nightmare’s words. “Hmm….I still wonder why you weren’t scared of me…such an interesting little thing~”
He leans forword and gives Error another little headbut, moving to lay beside the smaller with a small little chirp of his own, not that he will ever admit to it. Nightmare snuggles Error close….keeping him safe. He’s attached…like he is with his boys….Error is his now, no matter what anyone says.
~
Error wakes up slowly, feeling more content and comfortable than he has in days as he stretches out, nuzzling into his pillow with a lazy purr. It’s so nice and cool, a heavy blanket loosely laying over him….except…is his pillow also purring..? He thinks about it for a moment, listening carefully….and then his snuggly pillow nuzzles the top of his skull.
Almost entirely on instinct, Error jolts away, flailing in surprise as he tumbles over the side of his bed, a yelp escaping him. The fall actually doesn’t hurt, familiar tentacles breaking the impact.
“Stars Error-! You scared me, what was that for?” Nightmare pulls him back up into the bed, huffing sleepily as Error blinks dumbly at him, glitching.
“I- t-tOUch-?” He replies, his still half asleep mind struggling slightly to catch up with his body. “YOu- HUh-?”
“Hum..?” Huffing more with what has to be a sleepy pout, Nightmare lays back down, nuzzling into the pillow and pulling Error down with him. “Shhhh..”
The glitch just makes a confused sound, not fighting Nightmare’s hold as he’s laid back down, having no idea what’s going on. What is Nightmare doing in bed with him? Is he dreaming?? The prince peaks his socket open, huffing again at Error.
“...You fell asleep, so I took a nap too.” He explains.
“...OH- oKaY.” Error relaxes a bit with a yawn. “DiD… ‘nyoNe cOMe?”
“No. It’s just been you and me…You seemed like you really needed the rest.” A tentacle gently turns against his cheek again, rubbing it soothingly as Error relaxes further, nuzzling it just slightly.
“YEaH I… diDn’T SLeEP gREaT LAst niGHt ‘n GLitCHinG TaKes a LOt ouTTa mE.”
“I’m glad I made you rest then. You shouldn’t force yourself to work when you aren’t feeling well. Are you itching for G or something?”
“No I.. I JUSt…” Error trails off, unsure how to express himself. He just.. didn’t feel like he deserved the break? Was hoping Nightmare was coming for a visit? Didn’t want to hide under his bed alone with his thoughts any more?
“...It’s alright, you don’t have to explain. I am only concerned.” Nightmare leans closer to give him a small headbutt and nuzzle, pulling away quickly. “How do you feel?”
“I FeEl…” Error pauses to take stock of himself. “...BEtTer. StiLL tiReD And AChy, bUt mY GLitcHES HavE CAlmeD DOwn.”
“That’s good. I would recommend staying on bedrest for the day, let your body relax more so you will recover sooner.” Nightmare continues to pet his cheek with a tentacle, before sitting up. “Would you like some food? What have you eaten today?”
“O-oH- I’m fiNE dON’t woRry-” Error tries to deny. There’s no way he’s going to admit he’s eaten nothing but Horror’s cookies all day-
“Error this isn’t up for debate. Come on, answer the questions.” Nightmare huffs, giving him a gentle squeeze.
“I dON’t nEed ANy foOd REaLLy-”
“Would you like food and have you eaten, Error?” He asks again, giving the glitch a small, disappointed glare that he almost immediately caves to.
“I… hAD soME CooKIes..?” He offers meekly.
“.....Error….all you’ve had today….are cookies?” Nightmare asks him slowly, shaking his head in even more disappointment. “For shame, Error dear. For shame.”
“..’S NoT LIkE I HaD THe eNERGy t’ maKE ANythING…” Error weakly defends, not even noticing the term of endearment, too busy trying to sink down into his pillows as he averts his gaze.
“I will just have to make you food myself then.” Nightmare tells him firmly, leaning forward to headbutt him before getting up to stand. “Would you like for me to carry you along?”
“..If yOU DOn’t miND..?” Error asks, knowing there’s no point in trying to fight it at this point. The prince scoops him up in tentacles, wrapping him up like a comfy cocoon and holding him against Nightmare’s back.
“Comfortable?”
“MhM. ThankS..” Error mumbles, flushing. With the glitch secure, Nightmare leaves the room to find his kitchen, Error being gently pet the whole time.
It takes no time at all to get to the kitchen with how small Error’s home is, and Nightmare doesn’t waste a second going through Error’s cupboards to see what food he has. He can’t say he’s impressed.
“Do you ever go grocery shopping?” He asks the smaller.
“YeS I Do-” Error grumbles petulantly. “I WaS GOnNa gO TodAY bUt- wELl-”
“Hmm…would you still like to go? I can carry you like this, but we will get some odd looks. It would be better if I went alone-” Though Error doesn’t protest, he’s sure Nightmare can feel the way he stiffens slightly.
“N-nO YOu dON’t hAVe to GO thROugh thE TRouBLe-”
“Uh huh…I’ll bring you with me then.” Nightmare gives him a look, nuzzling him a little. “You need some food in your system.”
“It’s- IT’s oKAy- If yOU InsISt thEN I’ll jusT WaIT heRE-” Error insists, trying to squirm out of Nightmare’s hold as embarrassment and shame rise within him. Really- he’s a grown ass adult, he should be able to take care of himself, and it’s not like Dust will be coming back-
“Error…there’s nothing wrong with needing help now and then. You don’t want to be alone and that’s fine. I can take you with me.” Despite his words he does start to set Error down, not wanting the other to feel trapped in his hold.
“I… ARe yoU suRe..?” It takes a moment for Error to get his feet under him, suppressing a face at the tingly ache that always follows a flare up, grabbing one of Nightmare’s tentacles for some extra support.
“Of course. It doesn’t bother me any.” He reassures, giving Error a small smile. “I want to help.”
“...ALriGht- BuT I’m gONna WAlk.” Error relents, earning himself a huffy pout.
“..Fine, but if you need to rest then tell me.”
“I WiLL.” Error lies, Nightmare gives him a look, but says nothing as he leads Error downstairs.
“Let us be off then.”
Thankfully, the lower class market isn’t too far from Error’s shop, and most of the stalls are still open- though it’s far busier than Error is used to. He usually tries to come either first thing in the morning or late into the evening to avoid the worst of the crowds.
The idea of being bumped into by random people makes his glitches pick up, but as they approach the crowd, most of the people quickly part ways for them, giving Nightmare intimidated looks- much to Error’s confusion.
“...WhY DO thEY lOok SCaREd oF YOu?” He can’t help but ask, the prince looking at him from over his shoulder.
“Because I’m scary looking…that and my magic is dark. Which most people believe to be evil. Magic of a darker nature isn’t common for monsters. It is foreign. To these people I’m a horrible beast that must have escaped from the dark forest of something stupid like that.”
“WhAT? THaT’s dUMb. THe DArk ForESt iSn’t eVEn thAT bAd!” After all, though Error was close to the edge, who knows how long he had been unconscious when he first arrived here, and it still took him a good day or so to find his way out. He had done his best to be careful, but nothing had attacked him while he was there.
“Incredibly so, yes. I agree. These people are stupid.” Nightmare pointedly says the last sentence louder than the first, glaring at everyone around them. “Anyway, what would you like to get?”
“WeLL- I NeED VEggiEs, BReAd, MilK, anD SomE EGgs…” Error eyes the butcher stand dubiously for a moment, before deciding against buying any meat. Not only is it expensive, he doesn’t particularly trust it.
They stop by some of the fruit stands first and…well there is a very limited selection. Nightmare makes a face, sifting through all the few they have.
“....We should go to the other markets-”
“I DOn’T haVe thAt kINd oF MonEY- c’moN THis iS FInE-” Error argues, picking through the apples to find some good ones. Honestly, even some of the worse ones they have are better- and cheaper- than what someone could find in a modern grocery store.
“I’ll pay for it- I can’t possibly let you eat these.” Nightmare tells him firmly, already dragging him away with a tendril.
“WhAt- BuT THey’RE FIne-!” The glitch protests.
“I refuse to cook with such ingredients-” Nightmare insists as the fruit stands gets farther and farther away.
“BUt WhY-?” Error whines.
“I like my cooking to actually taste good.”
“Wha- BUt thIS foOD TAsTEs fiNe-!” Error squawks, offended for his fellow lower class. “I dON’t wANt yoU WaSTIng yOUR moNeY On mE-”
“I may spend my money as I wish. Consider it my treat.” Nightmare is not even slightly moved despite Error’s many protests, the glitch stumbling slightly as he struggles to keep up with the prince’s pace. “...Actually if you want we can consider it a date~”
Nightmare picks him up again, and holds Error against his back in a loose cocoon like before as the glitch blushes heavily.
“Wh- a WHaT-?”
“You heard me~” NIghtmare smirks at him, the tip of a tentacle nuzzling his cheek as another rubs his side, making him blush harder.
“Y-yOu- A DAtE-?” He stammers, wondering if he’s dreaming again. There’s no way Nightmare is actually, genuinely suggesting a date.
“Yes? Is it that hard to believe? Am I not attractive enough for you?” Nightmare asks, knowing very well how attractive Error thinks he is.
“Wh- NO YoU’re VeRY AttRActiVe-!” Error protests, before quickly covering his mouth, dying inside. Nightmare gives him the most smug look imaginable, so incredibly pleased with himself. Error tries to hide his face, but the prince uses a tendril to pull him closer and places a soft kiss on his cheek.
“I think you are too~” Error just lets out a flustered squeak, staring at Nightmare with wide sockets. “What~? Is it really that much of a surprise? You’re adorable, pretty, cute, and I enjoy your company~”
“I- W-weLL-” Error stammers a bit more, before giving up and burying his face against Nightmare’s back, far too flustered to try figuring out how to react.
“So it’s a date then~?” Nightmare asks, wanting to confirm.
“S..SUre- Y-yeAh. ‘S A DaTE.” Error mutters.
“Good~”
Chapter 69: Hanahaki
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Hanahaki but make it post apocalypse/infection AU
Geno has a pretty bad breakdown in the second half- and sorta pre-relationship incest
Geno x Error
Chapter Text
Error sighs, looking over all their supplies. They’ll need to get more food soon. They could probably make a quick run today actually. To his knowledge, no new flower patches have popped up, so it should be fairly easy.
“HeY GEn? YOu uP For HEaDing OUt toDAy?” Error asks, not looking away from his work. He and his older brother have been surviving fairly easily. For monsters the disease that’s been ravaging the planet has been found to be significantly worse and easier to contract than humans, with hybrids being the exception.
An infection of flowers that feed on magic, releasing their seeds into the air to spread soon after blooming. The disease was named Hanahaki, after the fictional disease found in pop culture…however unlike the stories, these flowers do not sprout from unrequited love.
Hanahaki had already taken root in a fast number of the population before any announcement was made. They tried to contain the spread, but it was far too late. Within a matter of weeks, maybe days, society had collapsed. For a long while it was absolute chaos. A kill or be killed world, but they persevered.
Everything started to calm down once most of the remaining survivors got infected. Without so many people to fight for supplies or angering infected, the world became….weirdly calm.
As long as they don’t provoke any of the infected still wandering around, they pose no real danger. They just have to keep their bodies covered so seeps don’t take root, avoiding all the flower patches and wearing masks just in case.
Error finally looks over at Geno when he doesn’t get a response, brows furrowing at his brother’s blank expression. “GeN?”
His brother doesn’t move or…react at all, staring blankly forward as his eyelights gradually grow more and more out of focus. Growing worried, Error reaches out to jostle Geno’s shoulder, trying to snap him out of it. After a moment, his brother jolts, startling him as Geno looks around.
“W-what-? Oh, hey Bubbu…you okay?”
“Wh- I ShouLD be ASkinG YOu thAT-!” Error exclaims, concerned. “You JUsT- sPAceD oUt lIKe nOThiNG eXIsteD-”
“...Oh..I….sorry I guess I’ve been a bit tired recently-” Geno laughs nervously, trying to come up with an excuse. He’s…been getting worse, but there’s still time- Even if it seems to be getting bad enough for Error to notice.
“...WeLl, I wAs GOInG to aSk iF YOu weRe uP FOr A sUPply run, bUt iF YOu’rE THaT TireD, thEN YOU shOUld slEeP.” The younger glitch replies, clearly skeptical of Geno’s excuse, but not prying beyond looking him over critically.
“Oh I’m not that tired- I can take a nap when we get back. I’m alright, Bubbu.” Geno gives him a smile, leaning over to headbutt and nuzzle him, which Error doesn’t hesitate to return- though his worried frown doesn’t drop.
“NaH iT’s fiNe- wE Don’T NeEd aNYthinG Too bADly. I’d rATher yoU REst.”
“I’m fine, really. Besides, going out sounds nice. We can get some fresh air and sun on our bones.” Geno argues, nuzzling him more firmly and lightly kissing his nasal bridge. “You don’t need to worry about me, Bubbu.”
“Hm..” Error frowns more, but relents. “FinE- buT IT’ll bE A ShoRT tRip aNd yoU’Re reSTinG as SoON aS We gET hoMe.”
Geno huffs, lightly covering Error’s face in kisses. “Since when can you tell me what to do? I’m the big brother, remember?”
“SiNCe yoU DecIDed TO noT GEt enoUgh sleEP anD FrEaK Me ouT.” Error retorts, huffing right back at Geno as his cheeks heat up. His brother purrs, nuzzling him more as Geno reaches up to gently hold his face, stroking his cheeks softly.
“Aww~ You’re so cute, Bubbu~”
“YeAH yeAh whATevEr-” Error mutters, blushing harder and pouting even as he melts into his brother’s touch. It’s almost unfairly comforting, Geno can soothe his soul with little effort, every touch so genuinely loving.
“My little Bubbu~” The older coos, giving him a few more soft kisses as he’s pulled closer. “After we get back I am going to attack you with snuggles~”
“...FinE As lONg As yoU’rE REstinG.” Geno nuzzles him more, before pulling away to stand, stretching out.
“HnNnnnng~ Come on, let's hurry before it gets too late.”
“ALriGht..” Error agrees, pushing himself up as well and grabbing his backpack and mask. Geno grabs his own bag and mask before gently taking Error’s hand, offering him a fond smile.
“Maybe we can find something fun too. It’ll be nice to relax a little.”
“ThaT WouLD be nicE..” The younger glitch mumbles, lightly squeezing Geno’s hand. “...MayBE We coULd stOp bY The CrAft stoRE..?”
“Oh yus~! I already know what I’m going to make you.” His brother grabs ahold of his own red scarf, the one Error clumsily made for him when he was just learning how to crochet. “I’ll make you a scarf this time~”
“ReALly? To mATch yoURs?” Error asks, perking up excitedly.
“Mhm~ Though..maybe not red. I think I’ll make it blue, the same color as your strings.”
“WeLL GooD LuCK fiNDinG THaT In a YArn thaT WoN’t mAKe me gLItcH-” With a soft smile, Geno pulls Error forward to give his temple another kiss.
“If I can’t find one I can use your strings, if you let me I mean. That way the scarf will last longer~ I can even add some of my magic to it…so you’ll always have a piece of me with you..”
“Aw yoU SaP~ YoU KNoW I’m NOt goNna BE goINg aNYWHere, riGhT?” Error questions as they leave their little safehouse. Geno resists the urge to frown as his soul aches, squeezing Error’s hand a little tighter.
“I know, but this world is unpredictable.” He offers his brother a smile, trying to keep the sadness out of his gaze. He doesn’t seem to fully succeed, considering the small frown that forms on Error’s face. “We should enjoy every moment we have.”
“..If yoU SAy so.” Geno gives his little brother another little peck, before pulling him along the same path they always take. Most of the big cities are littered with flower patches, which is why they escaped out to the countryside. There’s a small town nearby that was mostly evacuated to hospitals in the earlier spread of the disease, leaving no big flower patches in it at all.
It’s a truly great find with plenty of supplies, their favorite store of course being the crafts and art supplies store on mainstreet.
“Mmm…okay that should be enough canned soup for a while, canned fruits, veggies…Do you want to grab cereal this time while we’re here?” Error seems to debate for a moment, looking over the options, before shaking his head.
“It’s jUSt noT THe saMe wiThOUt pROPer miLK- milKShaKe stiLL IsN’t maKinG ANy.” Error replies. His brother hums as they look around the store for anything they might need and can still carry. Their inventory makes it so they can hold a lot but…there’s only so much canned food they can take.
The first thing they did when they found this store was take all the seeds they could find, even if it was in rotting produce. It’ll take a while, but someday their little garden will bear fruit!
“Maybe we should get her a boyfriend? If she has a calf she’s sure to make milk then. We’ll just have to be careful not to take too much so the baby can have some. Oh! We can even name the male Coco and their baby can be Chocolate shake!”
“Aw That’D Be ADorABLe~” Error coos, excited at the idea.
“We can go check the nearby cattle farms after this. I’m sure there’s still a few herds free grazing. We’re lucky the animal rights act took effect like it did years ago.” Human society used to be a lot more harmful to the environment, but when monsters reappeared a few hundred years ago things started to change.
It’s understandable that monsters were more empathetic than most humans when it came to the wellbeing of the animals used for agriculture. Many monsters even became farmers themselves and gave their livestock the best chances of living a good life while still producing profit on a smaller scale. Thankfully this led to livestock not needing as much monster/human intervention and being able to take relative care of themselves.
Like horses and cattle not needing hoof trimmings regularly, horned animals being able to shed their horns more easily, like goats and hogs. Of course there’s also magic infused vaccines that gave livestock a greater tolerance over infections and bacteria. Overall, animals are easier to care for and have actually done quite well without people as long as they were kept outside.
Sadly the animals that were kept in stalls and coops passed away quickly due to starvation and dehydration ...all except for a sweet horse Error found still fighting for their life while they were exploring an abandoned ranch.
Error had immediately demanded (tearfully begged) to take the horse back with them, and Geno couldn’t find a good enough reason to say no. Honestly, he thought the horse was past saving- they could barely stand- but somehow, both the horse and Error showed just how stubborn they could be, and the horse was slowly nursed back to health.
Now Beauty- named after the horse from a book Geno used to read Error when he was little- is thriving in the pasture Error and Geno had fenced off, eagerly trotting up to Error every time he visits for nuzzles and scratches, not even needing a lead to follow him around.
Despite the situation they’ve found themselves in, the two brothers have made the best of it and have stayed determined in making a new life for themselves. It’s crazy to think of how far they’ve come now. They’re almost living comfortably.
As long as they have each other, Error is sure everything will be fine.
The trip from the general store to the crafting store isn’t a long one, and Error can’t help but smile a bit as it comes into sight, far more excited to go rummaging through some yarn than he probably should be. Their old apartment was practically covered in crochet blankets, pillows, little stuffed animals, anything and everything they could think of.
It was and still is one of the brother’s favorite bonding activity to do together. Geno started teaching Error to distract him from their struggles when he was little. Geno’s was working most of the time to support them both and it helped. Even now his big brother is still taking care of him.
The thought warms his soul as he watches the craft shop go by….wait what-?
“HeY- GEn whERe aRE yoU GoInG-?” Error questions, tugging on Geno’s hand with a frown. “We juSt pASseD The cRaFT Store-”
The silence he receives in response has anxiety bubbling up in his soul again, just like earlier today.
“GENo? GeNo sTOp-!” Error digs in his heels, trying to drag Geno into a stop as he glitches in worry, but his brother presses on without a word. It’s unsettling and he refuses to think of how eerily similar it is to…to the second stage of..
“GeN SToP it-!” Panicked tears prick the corners of Error’s sockets as he yanks his hand out of Geno’s grip, wrapping his arms around him and picking him up, glitching harshly. His brother goes almost completely limp in his hold, his soul twisting in his ribcage. Geno’s skull lolls back to rest on his shoulder and still….he gives no real reaction at all.
“G-gEno- coMe- COme oN PLeaSe-” Error chokes up, sitting down on the ground and setting his brother in his lap and letting him lean against him, quickly pulling up his shirt as he frantically looks for flowers. He doesn’t want to- he’s terrified of what he might find- but he needs to know.
Horrifyingly, the flowers aren't hard to find, practically trying to fill Geno’s ribcage, collecting around his soul and slowly making their way down his spine. The roots leave little cracks and chips along Geno’s bones as they’ve expanded, it has to hurt, but Geno’s still been…
“GeN y-yOu LIaR-” Error cuts himself off with a sob as he lets go of his brother’s shirt, holding him tightly and fighting the urge to just rip all of those damn flowers from Geno’s ribcage, wanting to tear out all of the roots and burn them until nothing but ash remains for daring to take his brother away.
Once the disease has taken root in the soul though….it’s impossible to remove without permanent damage and Geno’s is already so….so damaged. His brother’s gaze is so unnaturally empty…Error hates it. Damn it Geno!
“Y-yOu cAN’t dO ThiS To M-mE GeN- yoU C-caN’t-” He cries, pressing his face into Geno’s shoulder in a pointless attempt to hide his tears as error signs gather in his sockets, pushing back a crash.
“...Bubbu..?” Error whips his head up, hold on his brother tightening as Geno’s body holds itself again. “E-error why are you crying-!? Are you okay-? Wha- when did we sit down?”
His brother grabs his face, wiping away his tears with a worried frown. Of course Geno would only be worried about him, the bastard.
“YoU- y-yOu-” He can hardly see Geno through the error signs clouding his vision, struggling to get ahold of himself enough to speak. A sudden look of understanding crosses Geno’s face and after a short moment, he nuzzles his little brother gently, softly stroking his cheeks like always…
“...I know….but I really didn’t want to make you cry..”
“Y-yoU C-cAn’t- I- I D-dOn’T-” Error just cries harder, desperately pressing into his brother’s comforting touch- touch he won’t have for much longer. Geno gently kisses his nasal bridge, something he’s done ever since Error could remember.
“...I didn’t want our last while together to be so sad. I still have time, Bubbu. I-I’m not…going a-anywhere right now..” Geno takes a deep breath as tears gather in his sockets. “I-I’m right h-here-”
“B-bUt- bUt- y-yOU w-wERe gONe an-nd I C-caN’t- I- I COuLD-dn’T-” Error stammers out, pressing his forehead against Geno’s. His big brother immediately presses back, nuzzling close and adjusting in his lap to snuggle him.
“I’m r-right here, B-bubbu. I-I’m here. I’m with y-you-” Geno presses his mouth together tightly, holding back a sob. “I d-don’t want to leave you either…If I could I…..I-I’d be with you forever, Bubbu…as long a-as you want me to be..”
“Y-yOU sHOuld’vE SaID s-soMEThinG-” Error mutters, voice shaky and weak as he struggles to stop crying. Geno takes in another shaky breath, softly kissing the corner of his sockets.
“I’m sorry, B-bubbu….but I..I didn’t want my last memories with you to be so sad…”
“Y-yoU CaN’t hiDe SEcoND st-stAGe- I- I-” Error’s breath hitches, and he just shakes his head, hugging Geno close and hiding his face in his neck. “..’S Th-thAT wHy Y-yoU WaNt tO M-maKe mE A ScARf..?”
“...Yeah…I-I’ve wanted to make you a scarf for a while, but…I never really got around to it.” His brother nuzzles him close, kissing his temple as they snuggle. “Now I have even more reason to, y-you know? Something you can h-have with you all the t-time..”
“...I-.. I’ll T-taKe cARe oF YOu… O-oNCe yOu’re… YOu’re GOne. OkaY? I-I’ll pRUne yoUR fl-fLOweRs aNd wATer yOU A-anD FinD A NicE SuNny spoT o-oUTside foR yoU…” Error mumbles, struggling to keep his voice steady as he fights the urge to just break down again, knowing he’d just end up crashing.
“Bubbu…you’ll risk being infected too if you hang around my..flower patch..” Geno holds his little brother tighter, trying his best to ignore the ache in his soul and ribs, from both the flowers…and the idea of Error being without him…Who’s going to take care of him-?
Who’s going to snuggle Error to sleep? Remind him to take a shower, brush his teeth, make him eat his food, make sure he even has food-!? Error will probably forget or leave it there until it’s inedible and get distracted with different things like he always does! Error can’t be alone!
“It’S OKaY- I’ll- I’ll kEeP YOu doWNwiNd A-aND be CArefuL w-wiTH GLovEs aNd a M-maSk- I cAN’t-” Error’s voice breaks. “I C-caN’t lOSe yoU-”
Geno nuzzles him, stroking the back of Error’s skull.
“...If you want…we can try and remove it..? I-if I’m going to die anyway…I’d rather take the chance if it means I can stay..” The younger glitch pauses, as if not having considered the option.
“YoU WOn’t- I- I WOn’t lET yoU DIe-” Error says stubbornly, getting a fond, tearful huff from his brother.
“Y-you won’t huh..?”
“MhM.. We’ll- W-wE’ll fiGUre iT Out. C-cuT BaCk thE FLowERs a-aND giVE YOu lOts oF FooD So THey cAN’t sUck yoU Dry-”
“...Okay. We’ll do that, Bubbu. Maybe my DT will be too much for the flowers. They’ve been turning red you know.” Geno takes one more breath, willing his tears away as he covers Error’s skull in soft kisses. “Do you still want to get some more yarn?”
Error thinks for a minute, before shaking his head and shrugging. “..We CaN JUSt Use M’strINgs…”
“...Okay, Bubbu…Do you want to sit here for a while longer?”
“...I WaNna go hoME.”
“Okay…” Geno gives Error a few more kisses, petting the back of his skull, before he moves to get up- however, Error stops him with a small squeeze, nuzzling him for a moment longer before he lets go, sniffling a bit and attempting to gather himself.
His brother doesn’t let go of his hand, soothingly rubbing his palm as they stand. “We can cuddle all you want when we get home, okay?”
“G-gOod. YoU PRomisED CudDLEs aNYWayS.”
“I did I did. All da cuddles for my sweet adorable little Bubbu~” Geno coos, nuzzling and kissing his face. The moment he stopped being an ass and let his brother love on him years ago, Geno has never missed an opportunity…even now.
If he had known when he was a skelly that their time together would be cut short he would have.. He could have done more- been kinder and more grateful- and more open about it.
“...I LOve yoU.” Geno blinks in mild surprise, before giving his little brother a headbutt.
“..I love you too~” His brother smiles at him with nothing but love. “You’re my whole world, you know that, Bubbu?”
“..YoU DEseRVe moRE ThaN ThaT- moRE thAn jUSt mE. I wAS aN ASs.” Error mutters, making his brother frown.
“Don’t say that. You’re more than enough for me, Bubbu. Even when you're an ass I still love absolutely everything about you. No exceptions…You’re adorable, and sweet, silly, easily distracted, an amazing cuddle buddy, creative, funny…I could never possibly describe just how much I love you..~”
“Oh HusH..” Error mumbles, blushing brightly. HIs brother smirks at him, nuzzling his skull aggressively as they start the walk home.
“Never~” The younger glitch just huffs, nuzzling Geno back as he holds his hand. The walk home itself is…uneventful, but…Error can’t stop thinking, worrying. Even if he understands Geno’s reasons, he can’t help but be upset at his brother for hiding his hanahaki…and at himself for not noticing it sooner.
Really- looking back Geno wasn’t even doing that good of a job hiding it. It was a few months ago that Geno stopped taking baths and showers with him, something they’ve done almost every night since Error could remember. He had thought it was odd at the time, but…he just assumed it was his brother's way of letting him handle himself. That it was a part of growing up.
Then, Geno wouldn’t change in front of him- and while it wasn’t necessarily a common occurrence, it was never seen as overly weird to just change if they needed to for whatever reason. He thought maybe Geno was getting shy for some reason, or thought Error thought it was weird- or something. Honestly, he couldn’t figure out why he did it, but it wasn’t too odd of a change, so he didn’t bring attention to it.
Thinking back on it now, it’s so painfully obvious Geno was hiding the budding flowers from him…How long has Geno known? A few months for sure, but if the flowers were budding already a few months ago…then why is Geno only now showing early signs of the second stage? Has he been doing something different?
From what Error can remember, a monster usually only lasts a month- maybe two if they have a deep magic reserve. Sure, humans last longer due to their physical bodies and significantly stronger souls, but Geno’s soul is damaged- if anything, he’d succumb much quicker than the average monster.
Either Geno’s been doing something to slow the hanahaki down that he doesn’t know about..or there’s just something different about Geno in particular. His brother has always been…amazingly resilient, despite the odds he manages to stay standing. Always determined to keep going.
…Maybe that’s it? Geno’s determination?...no- any average human has far more determination than Geno, even if his brother’s is unusually high for a monster. Maybe he should ask..? He wants to prune those flowers as soon as they get home anyway…maybe put some ointment on those chips and cracks too, if only to help the pain his brother is likely in.
Geno has taken care of Error for as long as he can remember- it’s time Error finally returns the favor.
~
Winky is scratching at the door before they even get to unlock it, the kitty loudly making her displeasure known as they step inside.
“Hi baaaaby~”
“We weREn’T EveN GOne thAT loNg yoU DumMy~” Error coos playfully, unable to help but smile a bit as he bends down to give the demanding cat some chin scratches.
“You two are adorable~” His brother smiles softly as he takes their food to the basement where they hide it. Just in case they do get robbed, it would be stupid to have all the food in the kitchen.
“GrAB yoURseLF a MaGIc baR ANd thE FIrsT AId kIT whILe yoU’rE DOwn THerE PLeaSE!” Error calls after him, letting Winky hop onto his shoulders before standing to head to the living room, deciding to start making a couple balls of his strings for Geno.
In only a few short minutes, his brother comes back, the medkit in hand. “What’s this for? Did you get hurt?”
“WhAT? No iT’s foR You- I’m gOnnA Try CutTIng baCK YOur HAnahAKi anD PuT SomE oINTmenT On thE CRaCKs fRom ThE FLoweR ROots. DiD You gRaB A MaGic baR?”
“Mhm, it's in my pocket.” Geno sits on the couch beside him, nuzzling firmly into his shoulder as he sets the medkit down. “...Are you sure you want to see my hanahaki..? It’s…I don’t mind doing it myself-”
“I aLREaDY saW It WheN YOu weRE ouT OF iT. LeT ME heLp.” Error demands, shooing Winky off of his shoulders and pulling up his mask. Geno does the opposite, pulling down his hood and loosening his scarf.
“Okay okay…just..be careful..It would be easier if I just remove my shirt and jacket.” Huffing, his brother quickly shrugs off his clothes, hiding a small flinch that the movement causes.
“YeS I’ll BE cArEFul.” Error agrees, fighting back the glitches that want to rise at the sight of his brother’s flower-filled ribcage. The flowers on the outside are baby blue- almost white- peonies, but it looks like they’ve been overrun by…bright red corpse flowers that get denser the closer they get to Geno’s soul.
“...TheY MAtcH yoUR maGIc.” Error says quietly, knowing he’s just pointing out the obvious as he hesitantly reaches out to touch them. His brother stays still, despite how odd it feels when Error’s phalanges brush against the petals.
“Mhm…it’s kind of creepy, huh?”
“I’d sAy thEY’re preTty, iN a moRBid Kind OF wAY, bUt thEY’re HurTing yoU, sO I doN’t liKe theM.” Error responds, pulling back to grab the small pair of scissors from the med kit. “Hm.. dO YOu thINk wEeD KiLler woULd wORk oN THem? We sHoULd go FInd a FLowER paTCh to sEe-”
“Uhh maybe-? I’m pretty sure people would have tried it already…but I suppose they are more exposed on skeleton monsters than they are on others so there’s a chance it could work.” Geno shifts a bit, shoving his hands behind him.
“I feEL liKe iT’s woRth A ShoT, aT LEaSt.” Error moves forward again, carefully grabbing the stem of one of the smaller blue flowers. “CaN.. cAN yoU FeEL thRough thEM?”
Geno presses his lips together tightly, his brow furrowing. “..Yes.”
“WhAt-?? WhY DidN’t yoU SAy aNYthiNG-???” Error immediately pulls his hands away like he had been burned, dropping the scissors.
“What-? Is it that weird..? I don’t remember anyone on the news saying they could feel through the flowers, but I thought it was normal- Well not normal, but you know what I mean. I can cut them myself though if you don’t-” Geno leans over to grab the scissors again.
“WHaT-? No dOn’T HurT YOursELf-!” The younger glitch protests, quickly snatching up the scissors to keep his brother from grabbing them.
“B-bubbu! It’s fine! I do this every so often anyway!” Geno huffs, leaning up to try and take the scissors back.
“No YOu dOn’T GEt to HUrt yOUrseLF-!” Error stubbornly curls around the scissors, glaring at Geno as he glitches. “THeY ALreADy cAUse YOu eNOuGh paIN-”
“Bubbu come on- It slows down their growth so we have to do it. It hurts but it's really not a big deal..” His brother sighs, headbutting him as Error pauses, expression faltering.
“BUt.. bUt iT hURts yoU..” Error whines, visibly distraught at the idea of being the reason his brother is in pain. Geno frowns, nuzzling closer and lightly kissing his little brother’s skull.
“I can do it, Bubbu….It’s okay. You don’t have to do it or watch. Really it’s…okay.”
“‘S nOT..” Error mutters, glaring at the flowers filling his brother’s chest. “IsN’t- iSN’t thERe soMEthiNG ElsE We cAN dO?”
“...I don’t think so. The more flowers it makes the more magic it’ll need…and the faster it spreads. It’s best if I cut them away.” Geno nuzzles him, carefully pulling him closer to kiss his forehead.
“...WhAT If…” Error pauses, pushing back his glitches as he nuzzles Geno back. “Y’kNOw hoW If yoU SLeEP weIRd aND PinCH A joiNT It cAn cUt oFf yoUR maGIc FLow? I’Ve heARd oF HuMANs wHO TieD STriNG Too TIGhtly ARouND THeiR FIngER And It JusT… diEd aNd feLL oFf. WhAT if… wHAt if We trIEd thAt..?”
“That….could work actually.” Geno nuzzles him more, headbutting his little brother with a quiet purr. “That’s a wonderful idea, Bubbu~”
Error perks up hopefully. “ReALly? It’LL proBaBLy stILL hURt untIL it GoeS NUmb liKE whEN YOur aRM goES to sLEeP But iT WouLD HopefULly bE LEss-”
“Yeah, I hope so. The flowers are…oddly sensitive. I think it’s because they're so attached to my soul.” Geno glances down at them again, frowning deeply. “Do you want me to do it or are you set on helping me?”
“I’M HeLPing yoU.” Error says firmly, sitting up and taking a breath to gather himself. “We CAn uSE My stRINgs- mAYBe iF I MaKE thEM wiTH thE riGHt INTent It’ll hELp.”
“That sounds good, Bubbu…I’m sorry you have to deal with it at all.” Geno looks away as he pets Error’s skull- only for the younger to reach up, poking him in the forehead.
“NuH-uH shUDdUP. I wANt tO HeLp yoU BEcaUSe I CaRE ABouT You, So yoU Be quiET-” He gets a small laugh out of his brother, Geno smiling fondly at him.
“Okay..~ I love you~”
“I loVE yoU Too YOu sAP~” Error purrs back teasingly, pulling back to grab some strings, focusing on the intent to get rid of the flowers. Geno softly kisses his cheek, snuggling his side with a purr of his own. Error is just so cute~! He doesn’t even have to do anything! His existence alone is adorable~ “ALriGht SCoOT BacK So I CaN STraNGle yOUr flOWeRS-”
“Pfft- First of all that’s fucking hilarious- Second, I want a kiss first.” Geno insists, earning a huffy pout from his little brother, before Error turns to press a quick kiss to his cheek, getting a huffy pout right back. “That was a sad excuse for a kiss how could you-”
“It wAS a KisS-”
“That was like a kiss a skully gives to their crush. The quickest peck ever seen-”
“Oh MY gOsh You ASkeD foR A kiSs thAT’s thE KiSs yoU GEt lEMme sTRaNGle thE FLowERs-”
“Not until I get a good kiss!” Geno insists further, holding back a giggle as he holds his pout.
“My kISs wAS PErfECtlY fiNE!” Error argues, his older brother huffing at him before grabbing the younger glitch’s face.
“I’ll show you good kisses~” Before Error can object, he’s attacked with brotherly love, making him sputter and flail.
“ACk-! GeNo-!”
“Mwah mwah mwah mwah~ My handsome little Bubbu~ Mine mine mine~” Geno coos, kissing his face aggressively.
“NoOO sTOpPp-!” Error whines, trying to turn his head away to escape the affection. Geno’s mouth meets his unexpectedly, both of them freezing for only a moment before his brother quickly pulls away with red cheeks.
“Uhh…s-sorry-” The younger just gapes at Geno for a long moment, face lighting up a bright yellow as he glitches.
“...Aa-??” He squeaks out, incredibly flustered. Geno avoids looking at him as the older sits back again.
“Y-you can uhm…strangle the flowers now-”
“U-uM- OKaY-” Still blushing furiously, Error grabs one of the strings he had made, leaning down to look for a good place to tie the string around the stems growing from Geno’s ribcage. He is gentle as he grabs one, his brother stifling a small gasp.
“SorrY-” Error mutters, carefully wrapping the thread around the stem and slowly tightening it until it digs into the plant. Geno’s bones quietly rattle as he takes a slow, deep breath, watching Error quietly. “SOrRy soRry- DoeS It hURt? I jUSt nEed To tiGHteN It A Bit mORe-”
The younger glitch makes sure the string won’t loosen as he ties it into a double knot, the string growing tighter as he secures the knot, before cutting away the extra thread.
“W-well……t-they’ve connected them t-to my soul so-” Geno shoves his hands under him again to keep from fidgeting. Error hums unhappily, frowning as he moves to another stem.
“I’m SOrRy. Is IT wORse THaN cuTtINg it?”
“Well….maybe? I would rather the pain be quick and fast….but this doesn’t technically hurt as bad-”
“YOu’Re noT MaKINg thiS ANy eASieR-” Error whines, pressing his forehead against Geno’s sternum. His brother pets his back, kissing the top of his skull.
“I’m sorry, Bubbu…I can do it on my own. You don’t have to do it if it’s too much…”
“No I’M HeLPinG.” The glitch replies firmly. “YOu’rE ALreAdy suFfeRINg eNOugh. It’S JusT… hARd, kNOwinG THis HURts yOU. BUt I FeEL LikE thIS woULd wORk beTTeR- iF OnlY FOr thE FLowERs bY YOur sOUl- sO YOu doN’t hAVe To risK DaMAGing iT.”
“Okay~ I trust you, Bubbu.” Geno nuzzles him again, before a thought crosses his mind. “....You know….if we could remove the main root from my soul you could probably just hold onto it for me. Then the flowers can’t root into it again. Maybe they would die off that way?”
“ThAt… MIghT WorK- mAYbe iF We tiE Or cuT off THe reMaINinG FLowERs ToO? So thEy dOn’t juST tRY tO LivE Off YOur MArrOW or SOmeTHing. It’D PRobABLy huRT liKE HeLL thoUgh aND I’lL HAVe to STaBILize yoUR soUL wITh heALinG MAgic… maYBe wE CouLD RaID ThE hoSPitaL AgaIN To seE If tHEy haVE An IV DriP? THaT’d bE saFEr.”
“We can try. We’ll have to be careful around all the flower patches.” Geno nuzzles Error again. “You’ll…have to keep a close eye on me when we go out…just in case..”
“...MAyBE I shOuld juSt go Out oN My oWN. YOu caN PArk YOUrsELf iN A SUnNY SPot aND WaiT FOr ME TO GeT BaCK.” Error suggests.
“Wha- No you can’t go alone! What if something happens?” Geno panics a little, grabbing Error’s face to aggressively nuzzle him.
“If sOMEthiNg dOes haPPen, aNd YOu spACe OuT AgaIN, I’d aRGUaBLy be SafEr bY MYSelf AnD NoT NeEDIng TO aLSO woRrY ABouT YOu. HonEstly wE’re LucKY I haVEn’T TrIGgeREd yoU INto aTTaCKing mE.” He argues. For a moment Geno just stares with wide sockets.
“....The thought never crossed my mind-” Genuinely he can not even consider the possibility of attacking Error, but…..now that he is thinking about it there is a good chance that could happen. Error messing with the flowers at all probably wasn’t the best idea. “And I wish it didn’t.”
“YOur bODy jUSt reACts inStincTIVely- laST timE You wERe juSt BLaNkly wALking UntiL I GRaBBed yoU- aND I’m hoNEStly suRPRiseD YoU DidN’t aTtaCK me THeN. So It’s PRobABLy beST I Go lOok foR An IV By mYSelF AnD THeN LiKe- wAIt fOR YOu tO FaLL ASleEP oR SOmethINg to SeE If I CaN ReMovE THe maIN RooT.” Error reasons, Geno can’t help but whine.
“It would….probably be good to tie me up just in case too- I don’t want to hurt you-” Just the thought makes his soul ache.
“THaT’d PRoBABly Be smARt, yeAH.” Error agrees as he reaches up to grab Geno’s face, pulling him down for nuzzles before glancing outside. “...THeRE’s pRoBablY EnouGH SUnliGHt fOR mE To gO RigHT Now. I cOUld taKE BeaUTy To maKE The trIP faSTer.”
“Okay….Just be extra careful and don’t do anything stupid-” Geno frets, always such a mother hen. He hates that Error has to take care of him at all…Maybe he’s just not used to it. No one’s taken care of him since he was little after all… though it is sweet just how willing Error is to help him, once he had calmed down from the initial scare.
“I kNOw I KnOw- I’Ll be bACk bEFore sUNDown, OKaY?” Error reassures, dismissing the string he had tied around the flower stem, figuring it’d be better if Geno was as calm as possible. The older brother twitches a little, before grabbing his shirt and jacket, putting them back on quickly before giving Error a hug.
“Okay, bubbu…I love you.”
“I lOVe yoU Too~ I prOMisE I’ll BE saFe.” The younger glitch swears, hugging Geno back before pulling away to go get Beauty ready. “WaTCh WiNky foR Me.”
“I will. She’ll be even more pampered than usual~” Geno assures him, before quickly grabbing his arm and giving his skull a quick kiss. “You better come back safe or you’ll be in big trouble-”
“I PRomiSe I WiLL- It wOn’t eVEN be A LonG TRip.” Error kisses Geno’s cheek, before heading to the door. His brother begrudgingly lets him leave with an audible whine, very worried. Even if Error isn’t going to be gone for too long…anything can happen. Especially at the hospital.
With a sign he sits himself down on the couch again, holding his scarf. “It’ll be fine…..Error is fine.”
~
It doesn’t take Error long to catch Beauty and tack him up, swinging up into the saddle he had scavenged from the same stable he had found the horse in and gently spurring him towards town, settling into a comfortable canter. The walk normally takes an hour or so, but on horseback it’ll only take about fifteen minutes. If he had walked he’d be out past dark for sure.
They learned a long time ago that infected are more likely to be aggravated at night without the sunlight the flowers make them crave, thankfully there aren’t many infected walking around anymore….Just lots of flower patches. The hospital in particular is covered in them.
He’d have to be extremely careful to avoid touching them or breathing in any of their pollen, or he’d risk getting infected too, and he needs to focus on getting Geno cured- he doesn’t want his brother fretting over him more than he already does.
His brother always seems to be worrying about him one way or another….and he refuses to admit he likes it- Geno’s attention anyway. It used to be funny seeing how Geno acts around him compared to other people. Sweet and adoring older brother one minute, unamused angry monster the next- One of his favorite memories is going out with Geno on his birthday when some random hybrid catcalled his brother.
Let’s just say Geno didn’t hesitate to rip this poor guy a new one- it was great to watch.
Though Error can’t quite deny he likes the attention, the fretting and worrying feels a bit overbearing at times- and he sometimes wishes Geno could just let himself relax for once. It got so much worse once the flowers took over.
Before everything started to go downhill, he’s sure Geno was trying to give him more independence. He was supposed to start going to collage and Geno had suggested staying in a dorm if he wanted. Saying something about making new friends. Apparently his brother had been saving money for him to do so.
Once the flowers started to spread however…..It’s safe to say Geno was hard set in Momma bear mode. It has relaxed at least a little since everything started to finally calm down again, but not to the extent it was before all of this.
Error is almost certain that the only reason Geno let him go alone is because Error had brought up the possibility of his brother hurting him. He really didn’t like the face his brother made at the possibility, to be fair he didn’t like hurting Geno either….those stupid flowers.
As the hospital comes into view, Error readjusts all his coverings before getting off of Beauty, just to be safe. This time, he has to be the one taking care of Geno.. and he refuses to fail.
~
Though it’s stressful, gathering all of the supplies he thinks he will need- and then some extra, Error manages to get everything with hardly a hitch.
Sure, he did accidentally trip and fall into a small flower patch- but he made sure that nothing stuck to his clothes, and a flower only barely brushed his wrist between the gap of his gloves and jacket- he’s sure it’s fine.
Thankfully the ride home is even less eventful with the sun slowly starting to set just as he reaches the homestead. He sets Beauty up in his pasture with some water after removing the tack and saddle, being quick to clean them off and put everything away, before heading back to the house.
“GEn I’m BAck!” Error calls out as he steps inside, looking around for his older brother. Winky is the first to greet him, meowing and headbutting his leg, but there’s no response from Geno. Damn it- did it happen again already…? Frowning and glitching, Error scoops up Winky and lets her settle on his shoulders before going on the search for his infected brother.
Thankfully, it’s not all that hard to find him, laying sprawled out in a patch of sunlight and staring blankly up at the ceiling, one of his arms curled around something that isn’t there anymore- Winky was likely cuddling with him before Error got home.
“..W-we’RE goNna HAve TO do THis sOONer rATher thaN LAter, aREn’t wE..” Error mutters, kneeling next to Geno and nudging him. “GeN? CaN YOu heAr mE?”
A quiet growl escapes his brother as Geno bares his teeth just a little, never moving from the floor as Error flinches back in surprise. When his brother doesn’t react beyond that, he hesitantly reaches out to nudge him again, earning himself another growl.
It doesn’t seem…hostile, persay. More annoyed, like what Winky does.
Despite himself, Error can’t help but snicker a bit, poking Geno’s cheek. This time, Error gets more of an annoyed yowl, followed by rumbling as Geno wrinkles his nasal bridge at him. Though Error is still a touch weary of getting attacked, it’s honestly hilarious, and he playfully sticks out a tongue at his brother as he lightly pokes him again.
He gets a look that almost looks like an angry pout, before Geno lightly nips at his phalange, licking it when he gets the chance.
“WhA- HEy-!” Error squawks, quickly pulling his hand away as he pouts right back at Geno. “HOw dARe-”
Geno, a very dazed dork- doesn’t even pull his tongue back into his mouth as he blinks up at Error slowly.
“BiTcH-” Error mutters, pouting harder. It looks like he’ll have to wait for Geno to snap out of it…Still this is…pretty funny actually. Apparently Geno isn’t an easily pissed off infected. He’s like a huffy kitty laying on the floor in the kitchen trying to soak up that warm sunlight-
As his brother's fuzzy eyelight stares at him, he just….slowly slides his red tongue further out of his mouth.
“PfFt- wHat- wHAt arE YOu doINg-?” Error desperately wishes he still had a working phone to take a picture of his brother, holding back laughter. Geno is being so dorky cute- wiggling his tongue and curling it, before he looks down at it as if just now noticing the movement, and Error can’t fight back the laughter that escapes him.
He’s never seen Geno just being so cuuuute. As he watches his brother almost sleepily investigate his tongue, Geno suddenly pauses, blinking a few times as his sockets focus.
“Mm..?”
“GeN? YOu bACk wiTh mE?” Error asks, both relieved and a bit disappointed.
“Uhm…yeah. Hi, Bubbu..” Sitting up, Geno shakes his skull, moving his tongue in his mouth for a moment in confusion, before giving Error all his attention. “Oh Bubbu! Are you okay? How did it go?”
“It wENt gOOd I’m fiNE- I haD To aVOid sOMe flOWer paTCHes tHAt BeAUty dECidED He wANteD To tRY EaTIng bUT otHER thaN THaT it wAS UneVEntfUL- aND I maNAgeD To geT EVErytHing!” Error reports happily. Sighing in relief, Geno gives him a headbutt, kissing his face softly with a happy purr.
“Good~ As long as you’re okay~ We’ll need to make dinner soon and feed the animals…Do you want me to help you with that before…?”
“No I CaN Do iT- FeEDing THe AnimALs HaS ALwAys bEeN My cHORe ANd I Don’T WaNt yoU To bE NEaR An oPEN flAMe iN CaSe yoU SPaCe ouT AGaIN. We cAN JusT HEaT up SomE SOup foR TonIGht.” Error replies, already moving to get back up. His brother follows suit, sighing as he straightens his clothes.
“Should we set everything up in the bedroom then? It’s be easy for you to keep me in place and let my body rest afterwards.”
“GoOD IDeA- I’ll Go Make sURE BeauTy aND MiLKshAke haVE FooD aND Get thE SOuP stARted.” With a nod, Geno gives his brother a few more soft kisses, nuzzling him, before Error hands him some of the things he got from the hospital, heading to the bedroom with it all.
Error puts a pot on the stove and grabs a can of spaghettios, dumping them in and setting it to slowly heat it up, glad that the gas is still working even if the electricity isn’t. He then heads outside to check that Milkshake doesn’t need anymore hay, already knowing that Beauty will be fine in the pasture and that the chickens were fed this morning.
“Mooooo!” The sweet cow calls back to him when he calls her name, getting up from where she was laying to meet him.
“HEy bABy GIRl~” Error coos, leaning down to kiss her cute nose as he pets her face. “Do YOu hAVe enOUgh fOOd~? Hm~?”
She very happily moos again, headbutting his middle and trying to nom on the edge of his jacket, earning some more aggressive scratches and pets.
“Oh YOu’Re sO SilLY YEs yoU ARe~ OnE DAy We’Re goNNa fiND YOu a BoYFrieND Mhm~” Error can’t help by babytalk the adorable cow as he walks over to check her little shelter, making sure she has enough hay to eat if she doesn’t feel like grazing.
Milkshake follows after him, shaking her head back back and forth before nuzzling into his back.
“Oh~? WOuLd yoU RathEr hAVe A GirLFriENd thEN~?” Error coos playfully as he decides she has enough hay, walking to the hose to fill the water trough. Milkshake very eagerly tries tg grab the hose from him, wanting to play her favorite game. Spray the skeletons as they try to get the hose back-
“No- NO MiLKshAKe I CaN’t PLAy TOniGHt- BaCK oFf-” Error brandashes the hose at her, making her hop back and try to sneak up on him from behind. “Nuh-Uh sHoO-!”
Milkshake stomps her hooves, jumping and shaking her head with a loud huff, making her displeasure known before trying to nip at his jacket again.
“HeY Now Be NICe- I hAVe to Do SOMeTHing IMPorTANt anD I wANt to Do iT As SooN AS PosSIBle- pLUs I LeFT diNNer oN THe sTovE. I pROmisE I’ll pLAy TomORroW OKaY? I’ll EVen BRinG YOu SomE MoLAsses.” Error tries to bribe, earning himself a huff and back leg stomp, before Milkshake relents into just nuzzling his side. Error makes sure to reward her with many pets and scratches as he’s finally able to top off the cow’s water. “I KnoW I’m soRrY, BUt GeNo’s INFeCted And I NEed To dO SOmEThinG ABouT It aS SooN AS I CaN, oKAy?”
Milkshake follows after him as he walks back to the house, mooing and shaking out her coat as she’s stopped by the fence, earning Error more huffing and hoofstomps.
“I KNoWwwW-” The glitch whines back, holding her adorable face and nuzzling her. “If EVerYThinG GoeS SMoOThly, I PRomiSE I’ll bE OUt fiRSt thiNG TomoRrOW, oKAy? I’LL bRINg mOLaSseS And BEaUTy cAN cOMe joIN uS.”
The unfairly cute cow sticks out her goofy tongue to try and lick his face, nuzzling and bonking her head against his ribcage with a loud moo.
“I LOVe yoU TOo~” Error purrs, letting her lick his cheek for a moment before pulling back. “GoODniGHt mY SwEeT GirL~”
“Mooo!” He nods her head up and down as he leaves, stomping her front feet before running back off into the field to do whatever she does to entertain herself when they aren’t around.
“ALriGht… EAsy PArT DonE.” The glitch mutters, heading back to the house. He can’t help but feel anxious, locking the door behind him before checking on the food. He’s going to have to be so very careful with Geno’s soul- if he’s not he could….Nope! He’s going to make himself crash before even trying to save Geno!
Error pauses to take a deep breath, scratching under one of his sockets and focusing on the slight pain to ground himself as he turns the stove’s heat up, stirring up the steadily warming soup. As he stares down the pan, his thoughts can’t help but wonder.
Geno is trusting him. If- No, when he removes the hanahaki from his brother’s soul, he’s going to be taking care of it. Geno is basically giving his soul to Error…It’s a lot of trust and Geno didn’t really hesitate to suggest it.
His brother, who is determined to be the one to always take care of Error, easily suggested letting him take care of his oh so fragile soul.. He’s trusting Error to protect him. He’s…not sure what to describe the feeling it gives him. Fear, happiness, love? Maybe all of the above?
Geno has always been…such a strong person to Error. When he was a skully it seemed like nothing could put his brother down or stand in his way. It was only when he got older did he see just how his big brother had been struggling. Working several jobs with really no break, Geno still found the time to bond with Error, making sure he knew he was loved and cared for.
Error’s always looked up to him- even more so once he learned just how much Geno had sacrificed for him. Honestly, he hopes to be like his big brother one day- to be as kind and caring and hard working as him. Maybe now, he can pay Geno back for everything.
He slowly stops stirring, shaking himself out of his thoughts to grab the bowls and spoons, portioning out some of the spaghettios for each of them and turning off the stove.
“..GEn- FoOD’s REaDY.” Error calls down the hallway leading to the bedroom. There’s a quiet ruffling before his brother peeks out, smiling warmly at him and walking over to give his cheek a kiss, and Error can’t help but breathe a quiet sigh of relief, a bit of tension leaving his body. He had been afraid that Geno had spaced out again.
“Thank you, Bubbu~ It smells good. I almost wish it was winter so we could sit on the cold porch and eat our spaghettios~”
“I GUeSS We’LL juSt hAVe tO CopE With bEIng inSIde.” Error replies with a faint smile, offering Geno the bowl he had prepared. His brother takes and blows on the offered bowl, giving Error another quick kiss.
“Oh what a travesty~ I really hope it snows more next winter. I will never get over watching Milkshake attack the snow with Beauty.”
“It wAS So fuNNy hoW TheY GoT THe zOoMIEs-” Error agrees as he sits at the counter to try forcing himself to eat as much as he can, nerves buzzing within him like his glitches. His brother sits down beside him, setting down the bowl of soup in favor of nuzzling him, rubbing his back in soothing circles.
“They’re pretty cute~ Muffin likes the snow too, well….sort of. For a second maybe-” The poor hen will get very excited and floof her feathers up in the snow, before quickly escaping back to her coop or on top of Milkshake.
“I HOnesTLy thINk SHe ForGeTS thE SnoW Is cOLd- eSpECiaLLy ConsIDErinG Her moLT- CuP AnD CAke dOn’t sEeM To cARe mUch.” Unlike Muffin, the other two hens are more than happy to just hang out inside their coop for most of the winter.
“It’s reeeaaally funny to watch~ I feel a little bad for laughing at her, but she freaks out every time and I can’t help it!” Just the thought gets a giggle out of Geno, before he actually starts to eat his soup. “I started knitting that scarf for you by the way. I think it’ll look very nice on you~”
“YAy THaNKs GEn~” Error purrs, getting a firm nuzzle from his brother as Geno purrs back.
“Of course~ I loooove you~”
“I LOve YOU tOo~ Now HUrRY uP ANd eaT-” His older brother huffs at him, giving him a few kisses before quickly eating his soup.
“I love you more!”
“Uh HUh sURe-” Error replies dubiously, knowing it annoys Geno. His brother gives him a look, before quietly setting his bowl down…..and attacking Error with love and kisses! “ACk-! GeN-!”
“I love you more I love you more~!” His big brother happily declares, aggressively nuzzling his face and chirping between kisses as Error squawks and flails in protest- even as he instinctively chirps back at Geno. “You’re soooo so cute~ I love love love my Bubbu with all of my soul~”
He chirps and trills a bit more at his little brother, watching Error’s cute face turn yellow.
“SHuDduPpp-” Error whines, refusing to admit he likes the attention. He only gets a soft coo from Geno, his brother snuggling him close and kissing his temple, before pulling away.
“Fine…only this once~” Huffing, Error grumpily goes back to eating, making sure to pout heavily at his brother. “You’re only making yourself cuter you know~”
“HuSH ‘s foOD TImE-” His brother giggles, but continues eating without any more remarks, taking the bowl to the sink when he’s done. Error manages to finish his food as well, though he has to force most of it down, taking his bowl to the sink as well. “...YOu reADy?”
“...Mhm…You’re pretty nervous.”
“WeLL OBviOUSly- I Don’T WaNNa meSs uP-” Geno hums, bumping their shoulders together.
“Whatever happens happens, Bubbu…But knowing you, you're not going to think about it that way.” He sighs, before gently grabbing Error’s arm, holding his little brother close. “So, I want you to know that if something goes wrong or it doesn’t work…this is our best chance. It’s a hit or miss…and if we miss, then it’s not your fault.”
“I know what that feels like. Having someone you love’s life in your hands and risking it all for a chance. It’s a lot……but in the end it’s just a chance.” Error is silent for a long moment as he leans into his brother’s hold, nuzzling him.
“...I LOvE you.” He mutters, before reluctantly pulling back. “LeT’s… lEt’s GEt thiS OVerWITh bEFOre I LoSe mY NErve.”
“...Okay.” Quietly, they head to the bedroom where everything is set up. Geno sets his scarf aside before removing his jacket and shirt, laying down on the bed on his back. “I’ll probably zone out again..”
“I goT SOmE OF thE LEaTHEr reSTraINts fROm thE HosPITaL We cAN USe.” Error replies, taking said restraints out of his inventory to tie Geno’s hands to the headrest. “ThEn I FigUReD I’D usE My sTRinGS TO juST CaCoON yoU AgaiNSt thE Bed.”
“It’s- yeah that works-” His brother shifts a bit, his face a little red. Error glances at him in slight confusion before brushing it off, tying Geno’s ankles to the foot of the bed before wrapping his strings around Geno’s body and the entire bed, careful to keep the strings only tight enough to keep him from moving much without hurting him. The older wiggles a little just to test his restraints, very intently staring in the opposite direction of his brother. “S-seems good. Yup.”
“ARe yoU SUre? ThEy’rE NOt uNCOmfoRTAble oR ANythINg?” Error asks.
“Nope! It’s not digging into my bones or anything-” Geno reassures, shaking his skull.
“ALriGHt goOD.” Error leans down to give Geno a nuzzle and soothing purr- both for himself and his brother- before getting up and grabbing the IV stand Geno had set up, checking it over and making sure it’s ready. “I diDn’T GeT ANythINg to KNocK You OUt oR Any kINd oF PaIN sTUff ‘CaUSe I DunNo hoW TO do IT And DidN’t WaNna riSk doINg somEThinG WRonG anD HUrTINg you WorSe.. Do- Do yoU WaNT SomETHinG TO biTe dOWn oN?”
“Yeah…that’s a good idea. I don’t really want to bite my tongue off.”
“ALriGht… ALriGht YeAh- uM- sTicK OR leATher?” Error asks, fiddling for a moment to make sure he knows how to remove the needle once the IV tube is in, setting the still-wrapped instruments down- as well as a couple of sharp scapulars, a pair of tweezers, and a pair of scissors.
“Mm..leather.” Geno takes a deep breath, anxiety only setting in now.
“LeATHer iT Is.” Error pulls another restraint out of his inventory, taking off the buckle and holding it up to Geno’s mouth. “I’ll- I’LL TrY To bE As cArEFul aS I CaN. SaFE WOrd iS… PiPe? You sHOulD Be ABle TO sAY THat ARounD THe LEaTHer…”
His brother nods, holding the leather strap in his mouth as he forces his body to relax, glitching slightly. Error pauses just before moving to summon Geno’s soul, hands shaking ever so slightly.
“If…I-iF This- sOMehOW- GoeS HoRriBLy wROng… I LOve YOu. I LOve YOu sO, sO MUch.” Error mumbles. His brother’s gaze softens, giving Error the best smile he can.
“I lo’ ‘u to, ‘a’a..” Error gives Geno a small, nervous smile back, takes a deep breath, and gently tries to coax out Geno’s soul. The small shard makes an attempt to come to his hand and for a moment he things it will, before being stopped by the stamps and roots that had dug their way inside, like a balloon tethered down.
Error immediately stops, having expected as much- though he had hoped that maybe it wouldn’t. Thinking for a moment, Error decides to use his strings to feel everything out, carefully slipping them between Geno’s ribs and wrapping them around his brother’s soul.
He can feel Geno's soul beating, the magic tingling against his strings. It’s an…odd feeling and based on the way Geno shivers he must feel the same.
“S-sORrY..” Error mumbles, carefully snaking his strings around everything he can feel sticking out of his brother’s soul- every little stem and vine and root- before getting the IV ready, just in case. “I ThINk.. iF I puLL iT To thE SidE I cAn SeE It..”
Geno nods, shifting a little as he takes a slow breath, and Error ever so gently pulls out Geno’s soul just around his sternum, using his strings to keep anything from tugging or catching, just barely able to pull his soul around enough to see and reach easier.
The flowers have mostly rooted themselves through the back of Geno’s soul, seeming to have used his brother's spine as a branching off point. Thankfully they don't seem to be too deeply spread inside from what Error can see. But with how small what’s left of Geno’s soul is, that's not saying too much.
If Error is careful enough, he should be able to get the worst of it out in just a couple of pulls- though he’ll have to cut away some of the stems to properly reach the back of Geno’s soul.
…He should probably insert the IV first- just in case cutting the stems causes him to lose magic. He glances up at Geno, his brother’s nasal bridge wrinkled and his eyelight starting to go fuzzy. Error is almost relieved Geno seems to be spacing out- he doesn’t want Geno to remember this.
Just knowing this is going to hurt his brother makes his soul ache….he’ll just have to be extra careful with his intent.
Taking a breath to steady himself, Error unwraps the IV needle, gently cupping his brother’s fragile soul and doing his best to be quick and careful as he inserts the IV. Geno hisses as his face scrunches up, a small whine following soon after as he tugs on his restraints.
“I kNow I KNOw I’m sORrY-” Error mutters, removing the needle while leaving the tube in, allowing the healing magic to slowly trickle in as he gently pets Geno’s skull. His brother shifts and squirms, definitely very spaced out now as he stifles a small growling noise, his soul beating a bit fast.
“ShHh iT’s oKAy I gOT Ya..” He does his best to reassure, grabbing the scissors. It’ll probably be best to just get it over with, right…? While Geno’s still spaced out….as long as he’s careful it’ll…it’ll be fine. He also has to watch his intent- He over thinking it just go for it-!
Error takes a deep breath, focusing on the intent to help, not hurt, as he opens the scissors and prepares to cut through the plants coming from the back of his brother’s soul, careful to keep the blades from even brushing against the soul itself.
“O-oKaY- okAy It’LL bE OkaY JuSt dO It… ONe.. tWo… THrEe-” Error closes the scissors, slicing through the stems surprisingly easily, the roots within Geno’s soul withering away. There’s the smallest second of silence before Geno shrieks, growling and thrashing in his restraints like a wild animal….and the flowers suddenly start to grow.
Error panics, glitching harshly as he pulls Geno’s soul away from him before the flowers can latch on again, watching fearfully as the roots dig in deeper. He’s not going to have time to be careful. Fuck- Geno’s going to die and it’ll be his fault-
His brothers growls and snarls are interrupted by gagging as a stem quickly grows, wrapping itself around his neck and going up through the small gap below his jaw into his skull, effectively blocking his airway as it tries to feed off the magic there.
Pushing back a crash, Error quickly puts Geno’s soul inside his ribcage, careful of the IV, before practically hacking away at the stems choking his brother, desperately wanting them to stop. He only just manages to keep himself from trying to rip out the flowers, not wanting to hurt his brother worse.
The damn flower had tried to wiggle its way out of Geno’s bad socket, almost too big for him to pull out. Once the flower is removed Geno can’t help but cough and gasp, a small, strained whine leaving him as the leather strip he had been biting falls to the side.
“I K-kNOw I- I Kn-noW I’m-M SoRry-” Error mutters, stubbornly ignoring the error signs that try to fill his vision in favor of focusing on cutting away the still growing flowers. Thankfully, they seem to be dying fairly quickly now that they don’t have access to Geno’s soul.
The sudden growth drastically slows down as the severed stems start to wilt. The growth did splinter some of Geno’s bones, though, mostly his ribs and leaving decently sized chips on his spine. He’s glad he had the foresight to get some of the grade A healing gel, if nothing else, but he needs to focus on killing the rest of the infection before he can begin patching his brother up.
They are pretty lucky they’re skeleton monsters. If they were almost anything else this procedure would be almost impossible without surgeon expertise. The only dissecting that actually needs to be done is…on Geno’s soul.
Though the roots buried within it seem to be withering away from the damage to the stems, he’ll still have to remove them somehow- it’s probably too much to hope that he can just pull them out. At least now it doesn’t feel like Geno’s on the verge of death…as much anyway-
His brother seems to have calmed? Really he just looks tired, still very dazed and making small whimpering noises as he removes the flowers. Error has to keep himself from crying or crashing as he continues to carefully remove flowers, feeling terrible for the pain that he’s causing, a pile steadily growing next to Geno’s tied up form
Removing the flowers slowly reveals the damage of the roots underneath and it reeeaaally looks like it hurts. Their bones really don’t seem like they are able to adjust very well to having something like the flower roots digging their way inside, having split and fractured in way more places then he first thought. How has Geno been walking around with some of these?
Sure they’ve definitely been worsened by the flows quickly growing, but the roots had already been here in the center. And Geno was just…dealing with it, tolerating the pain? Holy shit Error doesn’t know how he did it.
Finally, after what feels like a solid hour of work, Error cuts away what he’s sure is the last flower, having checked his brother over several times to be absolutely certain there weren’t any more, stuffing the flowers in a bag before sticking them in his inventory to be burned later.
Still, he doesn’t let himself relax quite yet, debating between healing Geno or working on his soul first. It’s… probably best to get the roots out of his soul first- Error doesn’t want to risk anything sprouting from it again and the last thing he needs is for it to try latching onto him if it does. That would be an entirely ne level of problematic-
Glancing up at his brother, poor Geno is out cold, his breathing shaky from the pain in his rib and spine. Hopefully Gen can get some kind of rest…but there’s a high chance he’ll wake up when Error removes the roots from his soul….Hopefully they can kind of snuggle afterwards…carefully snuggle, once Error finishes healing him.
Taking a slow deep breath, desperately trying to keep himself calm, Error grabs the medical tweezers. He lifts his shirt and carefully reaches in to grab Geno’s soul shard….He remembers when Geno first showed it to him. It’s still hard to believe his brother has been surviving on such a little thing…..No, this is his brother.
Everything his brother is….in the palm of his hand. He’s so small….just a sliver compared to Error’s soul. A large part of Error wants to just hold Geno within his own soul, keeping the small shard safe within him where anything that wanted to hurt him would have to go through Error first. He’s…not too sure Geno would let him do that though…
Error gently brushes his thumb over the little shard, careful of the roots sticking out in the back. A small, almost relieved sigh has Error looking back up at his brother, the older skeleton’s face more relaxed than before. He does it again, wanting to help his brother calm down as much as possible before he has to do the hard part.
It’s nice to see Geno’s breathing even out again, only hitching just a bit when he rubs over the small soul shard. Without thinking, Error brings the soul shard up to his face and presses a soft, affectionate kiss to its surface.
It’s smooth and Geno’s magic sparks pleasantly against his mouth. His attention is quickly drawn to Geno however, when his brother makes a small breathy noise in his sleep, a subtle shiver making his bones rattle just enough to be heard. Error stares for a moment at his brother's red face, realizing with a jolt he’s very much molesting his brother’s soul right now, his own face turning a bright yellow.
He…is not going to think to hard about why he kinda likes the look on Geno’s face- Nope- Now is not the time to think he’s cute- Error forcefully pushes the thought away, turning Geno’s soul around and grabbing the tweezers, deciding to start with the smaller, almost splinter-like roots.
They aren’t too hard to grab, but when he starts to actually pull them out, Geno starts to whine and whimper again, the roots trying to hold on even if they look pretty dead. Error, hating the pain that he’s causing his brother, shoots a bit of his glitchy magic down through the tweezers and into the roots as he works, a bit of his anger leaking through.
The roots fizzle and glitch, darkening in color before just popping right out with little resistance. Error watches it closely for a minute, just to make sure Geno’s soul is okay, tossing the root into the pile of dead flowers.
He doesn’t hesitate to use the same tactic on the rest of the roots as he works, finding it incredibly satisfying to watch the roots die by his hand. It’s what they deserve. He’s going to take great joy in burning them later.
In only a few minutes, Geno’s soul is root free, the littlest bit of soul essence leaking from a particularly big root being removed. Error gently presses healing magic into the spot, lightly pressing his hand into the tiny wound as he smiles in relief. The hardest part is over.
Geno should be completely hanahaki free. He’ll do a double check as he patches his brother up, but…this is it. Geno’s safe and alive. Error shudders as the realization sinks in, glitching harshly as he blinks back tears of relief. He can’t break down just yet- the worst of it is over but his work is far from done.
Taking a few breaths to try and calm himself, Error gently brushes his phalanges over Geno’s soul, holding back the urge to kiss it again, before carefully setting it back in his ribcage to begin the long process of cleaning, disinfecting, and healing all of Geno’s wounds, his brother still out cold.
Honestly, Error is glad Geno has been passed out for most of this- hopefully he won’t remember any of it at all. At least it seems like this went as well as it could have. He can’t ask for anything more. Geno’s soul is okay and what damage he did sustain will heal with time and rest. His brother will probably be bedridden for at least a few days to keep from irritating the wounds further, especially the ones on his spine.
The worst spot has to be where the largest root had embedded itself into Geno’s spine, having wrapped around three particular vertebrae and dug its way in through the joints between them. How his older brother was walking around with that thing in his spine is beyond him. Geno must have a really high pain tolerance…
Error is sure to wrap Geno’s spine extremely securely, going as far as to grab a thin stick to use as a brace to keep him from bending his spine too much and aggravating his injuries any further. It takes him maybe an hour or so to get everything cleaned and wrapped up, using nearly all of the healing gel tube. He grabbed a few extra just in case-
Geno is still asleep…probably from the magic depletion…..Now to go burn some flowers.
Error’s hands are slightly shaky as he pulls the flowers out of his inventory and sticks all of the plant remains he finds in the bag with him, taking the IV stand with him as he goes outside, grabbing a lighter on the way.
He makes sure to go a decent way down the road, downwind from the house and yard to make sure that the smoke won’t be able to reach it. Error glared at the damn weeds as he dumps them out in a pile, careful to ensure none of them get away as he flicks the lighter on.
It takes a frustratingly long time for the first flame to catch, but it doesn’t go out, and Error has never taken such joy in watching fire as the wretched plants slowly burn to ash. They’ll never get another ounce of Geno’s magic again, they’ll never get to take his life from Error. No fucking flowers get to take his brother away. Not now, and not ever.
Error watches as the flowers burn, only moving when they’re finally nothing but ash on the ground, burning themselves out. He kicks their remains, destroying them with a twisted joy until a smudge is the only remainder of the detestable flowers’ existence.
Feeling accomplished, Error gives the tainted ground one last ugly glare, before heading home. He is actually looking forward to pampering his brother, showering him with all the affection he deserved- carefully, of course.
Though, as soon as Error steps back inside, closing the door behind, a wave of exhaustion washes over him, and it’s only by holding himself up on the IV stand that he doesn’t end up stumbling and falling over, painful glitches rippling over as the adrenaline he had been running off of fades.
Yeah, definitely time for a nap- right here seems good- the IV to Geno’s soul can reach to the floor, so he can just.. lay down here…
~
Geno wakes to the ache in his spine he’s been feeling for a while, but it’s…significantly improved, accompanied by a few unfamiliar sensations. The soreness of his throat being one of them, but not the most noticeable. The feeling that really sticks out to him is…Error. Which sounds a little odd, but he’s not sure how else to describe it.
He can feel Error’s magic around him, like a warm familiar blanket that easily soothes his soul. Oh…that’s it. Error has his soul. He slowly opens his socket, blinking up at the ceiling that has become quite familiar over these past few years. They are so fortunate to have found this house when they did. It’s perfect. A nice little homestead they’ve made for themselves despite their situation. It makes some days almost feel normal.
With a small hum, Geno turns his skull to the side, half expecting Error to be there sleeping close, but he feels a little farther away. The pale monster is very quick to realize he’s still tied up, wiggling his hands and tugging slightly on his restraints, pointedly ignoring slight excitement the action gives him.
Sighing, Geno summons a bone construct, carefully cutting his hands free before moving on to some of Error’s strings. He’s never liked doing this the few times Error has gotten himself stuck in his own strings and this time is no exception, so he tries to cut as few as possible.
Sure he knows it doesn’t hurt Error…but the strings have always felt special to him, a little piece of his adorable little brother. When Geno has to sit up to free his feet, he can’t help but flinch, his face scrunching up, before he straightens the upper part of his spine. He should be more careful-
With his feet free, the wounded skeleton swings his legs over the edge of the bed and stands, taking a deep breath to keep from making any noise, despite the pain, and slowly makes his way out of the room. He has to pause against the door frame for a moment to catch his breath, but immediately disregards the need to breathe when he notices Error just laying on the floor!
With no hesitation, he walks over to his brother, bending down with only a small flinch to look him over. “Stars, Bubbu- What are you doing?”
At least Error isn’t hurt. He must have passed out from exhaustion and stress. Sadly this isn’t really an abnormal occurrence for Error. His little brother has never done well after a stressful situation. Knowing what to do, Geno carefully sits back up, grabbing the IV pole for extra support as he lifts his little brother with blue magic, not struggling with it much at all.
He gets Error set up in the bed, removing his shoes and jacket before laying him down. Usually he would go get a glass of water, but….he’s already getting tired again. With another sigh, Geno carefully climbs back into bed, laying flat on his back and pulling his tired brother closer.
Geno softly kisses Error’s skull after a few gentle nuzzles as a thought comes to mind. He lifts Error’s shirt, wiggling down a bit to better see their souls…before summoning Error’s, watching it for a long moment as it floats in his palm. With a yawn, he scoots back up and sets his brother's soul in his own ribcage.
Hopefully Error won’t mind if he protects him too, for tonight at least.
~
Error wakes up slowly, feeling surrounded by a familiar comforting presence, purring sleepily at the feeling as he nuzzles into his pillow. It feels so nice and comfortable..~ He never wants it to end. Another purr joins his own, nuzzling his skull with a quiet coo as he’s half held, and Error can’t help but purr louder as he presses his skull up into the touch.
“Hm…~” He’s more firmly nuzzled as his back is rubbed, a few soft kisses on his nasal bridge and closed sockets, getting a quiet whine as he scrunches his nasal bridge, sleepily trying to hide his face. There’s a familiar soft laugh that comes from in front of him, as many more soft kisses follow suit, little love filled chirps joining in.
“You’re sooo cute, Bubbu~” Error trills softly in response, before reluctantly opening his sockets and looking around in tired confusion. Hadn’t he fallen asleep by the door…? His brother nuzzles and kisses his face some more, trilling back at him. “Do you feel better now? Well rested?”
“Mm?” Error just blinks at Geno blankly for a moment. How did he get in the bedroom..? Surely he didn’t stumble in here and black out or something..? No…no he’s sure he fell asleep on the floor, definitely. Error opens his mouth to ask, only to yawn, half tempted to fall back asleep in the comforting embrace of the familiar magic still surrounding him.
“Hehe~ You did such a good job, Bubbu~ I’m so proud of you~ Still sleepy, silly~?”
“HmN… HoW’d ‘gEt ‘Ere..?” Error mumbles, sleepily wiggling closer to nuzzle their foreheads together, earning himself a nuzzle in return that makes him chirp happily.
“Well I found you passed out in front of the door, so I used my magic to take you to bed.” Geno explains, and Error hums in understanding. It’s- unfortunately- not the first time that’s happened; Error has a bad habit of passing out after stressful situations, if not crashing.
…..Wait-
“Wh- yoU aRen’T SuPposED To bE Up-!” Error squawks, suddenly feeling much more awake as he pushes himself up, remembering the state Geno was in. Even with the high-grade healing gel and Error’s best efforts to wrap everything up tightly, his brother shouldn’t be moving around for at least another day.
“Oh I’m fine! I didn’t move too much and it's not like I lifted you manually-” Geno tries to act like it’s fine- when it’s not- just like what Error does actually….huh. Well at least he knows where he gets it from. And what it feels like to be on the other side of it.
“It’S NoT FiNe YOur sPINe iS All FucKEd uP I’m gOINg to NeED To reDo yoUr baNDaGEs-” Error frets.
“You would have had to redo my bandages anyway….but okay. I’m sorry for worrying you, but I couldn’t leave you on the floor! I want snuggles!” Geno pouts, Error pouting back at him as he aggressively nuzzles him.
“JuSt dOn’t dO It AgaIN.” He mutters. “...HoW ARe yoU FeELinG?”
“Mm…better than I have for a little while. It still hurts, but not as bad as it did with the flowers….and my soul feels nice and safe~” He gives Error a cheeky smile, grabbing and rubbing his hand soothingly, the younger glitch blushing faintly.
“I- I CaN- yOU cAN HavE It bAck iF YOu wANt- I wASn’t reaLLy thINkinG WHen I TooK It But I MaNAGed To gEt riD Of aLL oF The FLowERs.”
“No it’s okay. I like where it is, if you're okay with holding it for me…besides, I…kinda took yours too-” Geno blushes, looking away in flustered embarrassment as Error blinks in surprise.
“Oh- iS thAT whAT THaT FeELinG is-? The.. SaFe MAGiC SuRrouNDIng mE?” He questions, his brother’s smile widening.
“Mhm. I hope you don’t mind. I think I was a little out of it, but uhm….well you had protected me so I wanted to protect you too.”
“AwW~” Error coos, and he can’t help but smile a bit himself.
“Yeah I know it’s sappy shoosh-” Geno huffs, aggressively nuzzling him with his face beet red.
“So cUTe~” Error continues to tease with a snicker, incredibly pleased as he nuzzles Geno back, getting a flustered whine in response.
“You’re so meeeaan-” Error just laughs in response, before moving to get up.
“I sHOulD PRobABly Go gET BreAKfaST REaDY-”
“Mmm…yeah…Wish I could help-”
“NuH-uH YOu goTTa bE REstinG So yoU CaN GeT BEtteR FaSTeR- ThE IV anD HEaLinG GeL WiLL HelP A LOt, bUt I’m cONFiniNG you tO BedREst For AT lEaSt aNOtheR DaY Or tWo.” His brother pouts heavily at him, making very dramatic huffing noises along with it.
“Fffffine- but I want kisses before you go….and you have to keep the door open!”
“OKaY okAY-” Error leans down, peppering a couple of kisses over Geno’s face with a small purr. “DoRk~”
“No you’re the dork-” His brother huffs at him again, before giving him a few soft kisses back. “I looovvveee you~”
“I LOve yoU Too~ NoW YOu reST And I’ll mAKe… EGgs? HOw’s thAt souND?”
“Good~ Clean up when you're done though.”
“YeS YEs I WiLL-” Error agrees, rolling his eyelights as he gets up and heads to the kitchen. That safe, comforting feeling around his soul persists even when he leaves Geno’s side and it’s so very nice, bringing a small smile to Error’s face as he lets himself bask in it for a moment longer, before getting to work making some simple scrambled eggs.
It smells good as he cooks, calming with only the sounds of the sizzling pan and Milshake mooing outside. However, a certain kitty decides she has to interrupt the peaceful morning…or noon- to tell Error she is very hungry.
“Oh shIT-! I fORGOt to FEeD YOu laSt niGHt-!” Error realizes guiltily, quickly finishing the eggs and covering the pan, turning the stove off to turn and pet Winky as she yells at him. “OKaY oKaY LEts gEt yoU SomE FOoD-”
Winky is on his heels the entire time he’s getting her food, yowling and yelling loud enough Geno can definitely hear her.
“HoLy cRAp gIMme fiVE seCOndS-” Error has to shove Winky’s head out of her bowl in order to actually dump the canned wet food into it, releasing her once he’s done. The kitty is immediately lapping up her meal the moment she’s given the chance, getting a fond huff from Error as he goes back to the eggs.
He plates the food and sticks the fork and pan he had used in the sink to deal with later, grabbing two more forks and walking back to the bedroom.
“Bubbuuuu~ Have you appeased da beast?”
“FoR NOw, yEAh. I’m HOnesTLy suRPrisED She DIdN’t trY To wAKe mE Up-” Error replies, setting the plates aside to help carefully prop his brother up. Geno tries to keep his upper back straight, wiggling into a more comfortable position.
“Me too…well the bedroom door was closed for a bit, but I don’t remember hearing her scratch at it though…Maybe she got stuck somewhere?” Geno suggests, getting a shrug from Error.
“No iDEa- bUt shE’s aLRiGht anD EaTIng NOw So- eH.”
“Such a whiny baby. I can hear Milkshake excited for the day. She’s so energetic~”
“YeAH I PRomISed SomE PLAytIMe wiTH BeAUty TOdaY SIncE I WoULdn’T PLaY With HEr laST NighT.” Error replies, settling next to Geno and offering him one of the plates of eggs. His brother smiles, thanking him as he takes the plate of food.
“Oooh so that’s what she’s excited about. Sometimes I swear she can understand what we’re saying. She’s so smart~”
“AnD STupiD.” Error agrees.
“Pfft- Like children. Children are so smart and yet so stupid. I love kids~” Geno coos. “You where the cutest little thing-”
“Oh HUSh-” Error protests, flushing.
“You were~! I especially loved when I was trying to get you to sleep in your own bed and you would sneak into my room, whispering loudly to see if I’m awake before sneaking in under the covers~” The younger glitch blushes harder as he wordlessly grumbles, trying to just focus on eating his food. “Hehe~....then of course there was that time you nearly downed in a glass of chocolate milk-”
“ShUDduPpp-” Error whines, pushing lightly at Geno’s face as his cheeks burn. His brother giggles, kissing his hand and laughing more when he jerks away.
“I love you~”
“YEaH YeAh shUDduP And EAt yoUr foOD-” Still laughing, his brother does as told, smirking at him every few bites just to tease him.
~
Geno is making good progress, whether it's because of the healing gel or his determination doesn’t really matter. He stayed on bedrest for two more days just like Error wanted, before he started to move around. It still isn’t the best idea for him to bend down, and he tries not to in favor of using his magic.
Other than that they go about their days like normal, if not a little closer than before. They had shyly swapped their souls back the second night, and Error had carefully removed the IV once it was empty.
It’s been wonderfully normal, Error’s worry over his brother lessening by the day as Geno steadily heals with no reappearance of hanhikai. Error can’t describe just how relieved he is, just seeing his brother move around fine and healing. This whole experience makes him appreciate the everyday moments even more than he already did before, more than happy to just bask in the knowledge that his brother is safe.
Of course, the content serenity can only last so long, and over the past couple of days, an oddly painful itching has slowly creeped up on him, starting at his left wrist and spreading over the rest of his body.
It’s been growing increasingly difficult to keep from scratching himself until he bleeds, his wrist feeling almost stiff. He’s just barely able to hide it from Geno, but he’s sure his brother is starting to grow suspicious.
Error quickly leaves the house after the older monster had made himself comfortable on the couch, continuing to knit the younger glitch a scarf. He hides behind the shed just outside the back door and scratches aggressively at his arm.
After only a few seconds he hisses in pain as it suddenly spikes and brings his arm up to his face to see how bad it is….Wait…what is..? Squinting, he moves his wrist to be more in the light…and a little…flower bud slowly pushes up from his joint, covered in his marrow..
Error feels his soul go cold, glitching harshly in shock as he stares at the deceptively harmless looking flower bud, error signs creeping into his vision. This- this can’t be happening- No no no no-
He takes a shaky breath as he fights back a crash, struggling to keep from completely freaking out.
With how hard he’s glitching, he hardly feels when the sharp pain in his wrist.. fades… and he shakily looks down, pausing in confusion. Where… where did the flower go..? Error frantically looks over his arm, pulling his sleeve up more as he panics. His eyelights just catch something falling off his arm…there's…the flower fell off..?
Error closes his sockets, counting his breaths for a moment as he forces himself to calm down, taking stock of his body. The itchy sensation is still there, but it doesn’t feel so strong that it hurts anymore. What is going on?
Another small flower bud falls to the ground, small roots too, as Error stares, confusion slowly overtaking his panic. It’s as if they’re just… falling through him- almost like when he used his magic to remove the roots from Geno’s soul.
Is it…his glitches? It’s his body disappearing and reappearing quickly so…maybe his magic just doesn’t take the flowers with it and they fall through him- After all, even if the flowers convince his soul they’re a part of him, Error’s magic is constantly trying to fight itself. The flowers likely wouldn’t be able to withstand it even if they didn’t just glitch out of him.
“T-thAT’s… oN-nE LEsS THinG To wORr-ry aBOut, I suPpoSE.” He mutters, bending down to pick the flower buds off of the ground and shoving them into his inventory to deal with later. Now…how to tell Geno…should he tell Geno? His brother would probably be relieved it doesn’t seem like he can get infected fully, but still-
…No- Geno is still recovering. He needs to focus on himself and healing, not worrying over Error’s condition. Error will just… have to wrap up his wrist for now- maybe both to make it seem less weird if Geno notices. It will help him keep from scratching his forearms raw as well.
Mind made up, Error takes a bit to gather himself and blink away the remaining error signs, before pulling down his sleeves and heading inside, making a beeline to the bedroom where they’ve been keeping their bandages.
“Dork-” Geno mumbles, rolling his eyelight as he continues to knit, very unaware of Error’s current plight.
The younger glitch can’t find the energy to retort like he usually would, instead just grabbing a roll of bandages and heading to the bathroom, closing and locking the door to make sure his brother doesn’t somehow see.
“...Bubbu? Are you okay?” Geno calls.
“Y-yUp I’m GooD!” Error replies as he starts wrapping up his wrist, trying to come up with a good excuse- but with how bad he is at lying, it’s probably best to just leave it at that….besides- Geno is very good at reading him. The less he says about it the better!
Taking a deep breath, Error checks his wrapping, pulling his sleeve back down to be sure it's not visible. He straightens his jacket and lightly slaps his cheeks, trying to seem as put together as possible, before leaving the bathroom to go join Geno on the couch like everything is normal.
His brother gives him a look, one he has gotten many many times before. Thankfully, Geno doesn’t say anything as he continues knitting and scoots closer, snuggling into Error’s side and resting his skull on the younger glitch’s shoulder.
Error blinks in confusion for a moment, before just going with it, mentally shrugging as he rests his head on top of Geno’s, pulling out some strings to play cat’s cradle. They stay like that for a little while, until his brother sets down his knitting needles, stretching his hands a bit. Once he deems them good, he gently holds Error’s good arm, seeming to absentmindedly trace Error’s joints and bones, slowly going up and sending a pleasant shiver through him.
He tries to pretend he doesn’t notice it, trying to focus on his game of cat’s cradle, but it’s hard to ignore the ever so gentle- almost ticklish- touch moving up his arm, even through his jacket. As Geno trails up oh so slowly, He turns his skull, nuzzling into Error’s neck and simply staying there.
The light touches to his arm bring all of Geno’s touches to the forefront of his spine, mainly the rise and fall of his brother's ribcage with the soft breath against his neck. As Geno’s hand gets up closer to his shoulder, the older follows along under his arm, up his collarbone and places a soft, slightly open mouthed kiss against his neck, the feeling lingering between his vertebrae.
Error can’t quite hold back the shudder that goes through him, clenching his jaw shut to keep any embarrassing sounds from slipping out, internally screaming as his face heats up. Geno’s slow, relaxed breathing keeps him from focusing on something else as his brother slowly slides his hand back down to Error’s hand, tracing his palm.
“Hmm…Are you okay, Bubbu..~?”
“Y-yEp-!” Error squeaks out, blushing harder in embarrassment. If he didn’t know any better, he’d say it felt like Geno was doing this on purpose. With a sweet smile Geno kisses his jaw this time, with that same slightly open mouth kiss that just feels different then the kisses he’s used to, but…..well not in a bad way-
Geno further takes his arm, practically hugging it to his chest as he intertwines their phalanges, his hand now in his brother's lap.
“Are you sure~? Nothing’s wrong at all?”
“M-mHm- I-I’m SUrE-” He replies, stubbornly suppressing the way his magic wants to stir in interest. Geno gives him a look again, raising a brow as he leans in closer, sliding their intertwined hands into Error’s lap instead, where he starts to trace there instead.
“Mm…I don’t believe you~” This time Error can’t bite back the small, surprised sound that leaves him as he fights the urge to squirm, unsure if he’d rather press closer or further away.
“I- I ReALly aM F-finE-” He ends up settling on trying to subtly move their hands back, unsure what exactly Geno is trying to do and not wanting to embarrass himself further by accidentally summoning his ecto.
“....You know- I thought maybe you were trying to suppress your heat again, but now I’m sure something else is up.” Geno tells him, sort of explaining his behavior as Error blushes brightly.
“Wh- I’m NOt gOiNg iNTo heAT-!” Error protests, so very flustered. Was Geno seriously trying to jumpstart his heat-?
“Then what’s wrong?” His brother asks again with a huff, nuzzling closer.
“NoTHinG- I’m PERfeCTly fiNE I PRomiSe-” Error swears. His brother gives him the infamous look, raising his brow bone yet again…before slowly sliding their hands up his leg, never looking away from him.
“W-wHAT’re YoU- GEno-” He can’t help but whine. “I R-REaLLy Am fiNe-”
“Really? You pinky promise?” His brother holds out his free hand, pinky stretched and waiting…all while their laced hands continue their slow approach- which just feels a bit mean to Error.
“Y-yeS I PiNKy pRomISe-” Error raises his free arm to wrap his pinky around Geno’s. Technically, as long as the haniaki doesn’t get any worse, he’s not lying- it’s annoying, but not overly dangerous. His brother stares for a moment, before completely backing off, even scooting back to his original spot an inch or so away and picking up his knitting.
“Okay~ If you say so, Bubbu.” Error just blinks at Geno in flustered confusion, internally dying as his face burns. Geno gets him all riled up and just pulls away-!? He didn’t know his brother could be so mean-.......Is it bad if he wishes he hadn’t stopped? Probably-
Huffing to himself, Error tries to push down his excited magic, stubbornly ignoring his thoughts as he crosses his legs. Geno glances over at him and..wait is he smirking? The ass-
“Hey, Bubbu? Did you want me to stop~?”
“SHudDUp-” Error mutters, not quite answering Geno’s question. His brother snuggles in close again, nuzzling his shoulder as he purrs.
“I don’t mind continuing if you want me to, Bubbu..~” Geno coos, making Error blush harder, holding back a whine.
“I-I’m fiNe-”
“Hmm….okay. I’ll drop it then.” Geno leans closer to kiss Error’s cheek, before relaxing again, resuming his knitting like normal.
~
After that, things go back to… normal. Error keeps his wrist wrapped and his jacket on, the painful itching slowly gets worse again, and Geno continues to heal. However…it feels different. He’s not sure how exactly, but…
Geno’s always been very affectionate, especially after his rebellious phase ended. He didn’t really think anything of it. Error always really liked Geno’s attention and still does, but…ever sense a few days ago when Geno was...teasing him he’s had very different thoughts and reactions to the affection he’s being given.
From his brother brushing against him when they walk past one another, to the kisses attacks, and even just changing in the same room- though Error’s been avoiding doing the last one more often than not lately. He doesn’t want Geno to see the bandages or any stray flowers that have been creeping up his arm.
Geno still changes through, completely unbothered as Error tries to avoid staring- Something just…changed. And he doesn’t know how to feel about it- has no idea what to do about it, though his irritation from the constant, almost burning itchiness in his arm and wrist might be making it seem bigger than it actually is.
He’s going to need to do something about the hanahaki soon, as only the occasional flower bud is falling off of him. He needs to glitch enough for it to fall out or something!....Crashing might work actually- though he’s noticed that the smaller flower buds seem to glitch with him a bit easier than the big ones. Maybe he needs to let it get bad enough before crashing, to make sure he gets everything out at once.
It’s going to be hard to hide it from Geno…
~
Error is acting super suspicious. Geno knows he’s hiding something, but what? At first he thought maybe Error was just flustered from all the teasing…that he may have taken more than a bit too far. He doesn’t want to cross any lines…but Error is still hiding something!
He pinky promised nothing was wrong! Maybe Error just doesn’t believe what’s wrong is wrong…..that’s always an option- and it wouldn’t have been the first time.
When Error was little, he had been bullied almost relentlessly by the other kids for his looks and glitching, and though it upset Error, his teacher told him it was normal. Geno hadn’t found out about it for weeks until Error broke down about why his brother always forced him to go to such a terrible place.
Geno had been horrified. His brother genuinely believed that the way he was being treated was expected. He thought Geno knew. It was hard for him to just stay and comfort Error when all he wanted to do was charge in there and….well he wanted to murder the teacher- What little LV he had sparking.
Instead, he worked with Error to gather evidence, treating the little glitch to his favorite treats in hopes of making up for the harassment he had to deal with for a few more days. He got the teacher fired and her teaching license revoked. He transferred Error to another school, being sure to talk with his new teacher beforehand and making sure Error knows to tell him these things right away.
So what if Error’s bones aren’t white? It’s always been a weird thing, mostly humans and hybrids loved to point out, just because it's not a common bone color. He….he knows it made Error’s school life difficult, his glitches didn’t help. Geno would have home schooled Error if he could have…but they didn’t have the money and he was far from qualified to do so.
No matter how much Geno- and Error- didn’t like it, it was unfortunately better for Error to go to school and deal with it. If nothing else, the other kids stopped trying to touch Error to make him crash as nothing, though they were often harsher with their words.
Error always said he could handle it, but Geno is certain it affected Error’s self image. Geno tried his best to counteract all the negative attention he was getting at school with love at home. Making sure to tell Error how much he was loved, that he’s beautiful and sweet and kind and that everyone else's opinion doesn’t matter….but there’s almost no greater impact on a developing person’s mind then the opinion of their peers.
Geno tried to give Error anything he could need…but he knows sometimes he wasn’t there when he needed to be. When he would work late and Error would walk home- his brother didn’t like the bus, understandably so. He had caught his brother crying when he got home late more than a few times.
He still wishes he could have done more. That there was something, anything he could have done.
Geno’s mind wanders back to the money their parents left behind….maybe if he had found a way to spend less of it..?...No. Every penny was used to let him qualify as an adult and keep Error out of the foster system. He doesn’t regret any of it.
Besides- it’s not like it matters now. It’s all in the past, and most of those kids are probably flower patches now. Error is able to be safe and happy and home now with him and their animals and- ironically, considering the world ended, things have been better than ever before.
He doesn’t have to work for money, he doesn’t have to worry about assholes bullying his brother, and they have almost everything they could ever want. Really the only thing they have to worry about is winter and the flowers…which they can apparently get rid of.
It feels….really nice, just being able to rest for once. This past year it’s felt like the tension he’s always carried with him since their parents death is finally going away.
However, that doesn’t mean that his worry for his little brother has lessened at all- especially with his recent behavior. Geno really does try not to worry too much- His mind immediately going back to the time Error told him he was suffocating him…Error was in a bad place at the time so…he tries not to take it to heart…emphasis on tries.
But this time Error is definitely acting suspicious! He’s been going to the bathroom at odd times of the day- usually after bed when he thinks Geno is asleep- and he’s been avoidant of letting Geno touch his left arm. He’s even started refusing to take his jacket off to sleep- or finding a long sleeve shirt to change into.
Thinking about it, he hasn’t seen Error’s exposed arms in a while- and sometimes he swears he catches glimpses of white peeking out of his left sleeve. The worst scenario comes to mind and Geno’s soul sinks.
Is Error…cutting himself? He doesn’t think Error’s done that before, but why would he be doing that now? Aren’t things better? Isn’t he doing better..?
It’s possible that it’s something else- he desperately hopes it’s something else- but Geno can’t help but think back over all of their past interactions, trying to pinpoint when and why Error might resort to that.
It wasn’t after he teased him…surely. Geno doesn’t even want to entertain the idea- He thought it was fine b-but maybe it wasn’t- Shit no no- Geno slaps his cheeks, shaking his skull as his body glitches. No spiraling. He can just ask…there’s no guarantee Error will tell him, but…maybe he can use Error’s reaction to figure things out..? After all, Error’s always been bad at lying… though it seems a bit manipulative..
He’s been trying to let Error take care of himself…or he had planned on it anyway. Before the hanahaki spread, Error was supposed to go live in a dorm for college. It wasn’t too far away so he could still get to Error quickly if need be, but…
His brother is very bad at taking care of himself…probably because Geno does most things for him. He wants Error to be a functioning adult, able to do things for himself if it comes to that. Another reason he wants Error to be more self sufficient…is because he doesn’t want this…parental authority over Error. His brother is all grown up now and they should be more like equals.
There are things children don’t tell their parents, it’s natural, but..he really shouldn’t be acting like Error’s parent anymore. It might be a silly worry to have….but he’s afraid being seen in a more parental light by his brother will dilute their relationship….make Error pull away for freedom from him. The last thing he wants is to constrict his brother's growth by being selfish.
Which is why he’s hesitant to force an answer from Error…..of course there’s also his brother's bad habit of hiding things that hurt him just because he doesn’t want Geno to worry- It’s incredibly frustrating! Geno can’t know when he should or shouldn’t let Error figure something out for himself if Error doesn’t tell anything.
But… if it really is something as serious as cutting, Error shouldn’t be without support. Making up his mind, Geno stands up, setting his nearly finished scarf aside as he heads out back to find his brother. He really hopes Error won’t lie to his face about something like this…hopefully he’s wrong.
Thankfully, it’s not hard to find Error- considering how if he’s not in the house he’s always with at least one of their animals- and it seems at the moment he’s sunbathing with Beauty, using the relaxing horse as a pillow. Though- as Geno approaches, he notices that Error seems to be.. wet? Why is he wet- and still wearing his practically soaked through jacket-? He’s going to get sick at this rate-
“Bubbu, what are you doing?” Geno deadpans, unable to help himself. “Staying in wet clothes is going to get you sick.”
“MiLKshAKe gOt mE With THe hoSe- BEsiDEs I’m dRYing oFF in THe sun!” Error exclaims as Beauty lifts his head to look at Geno, the younger glitch taking the opportunity to pet his nose, the sleeve of his jacket sliding down and revealing what definitely has to be bandages before Error pulls it back up.
Geno gives his brother a look, though he’s not too sure what it is. He just feels…sad to see his brother clearly hiding it from him.
“Error. I’m going to be blunt…are you hurting yourself?” His little brother just blinks at him for a long moment, as if surprised, before sitting up.
“WhAT-?? No-! WH-whY WOuld yoU THinK THaT-??” Error questions, looking genuinely confused, but Geno can see a bit of worry in his expression as his hand creeps over to scratch at his left wrist- the same one wrapped in bandages.
“You have your wrist bandaged and covered and you..keep scratching at it. You’re very bad at hiding things, you know…Can you please just tell me what’s wrong? Please?” He asks, pulling his scarf up to his face as Error’s expression drops and he quickly pulls his hand away.
“I’m… I’m NOt cuTtiNG MYseLF- I SwEAr.” Error tries, looking away guiltily.
“Really really..?” Geno asks again, wanting to be sure. A part of him feels bad for asking…but he can’t help but feel lied to. Even if Error didn’t mean it that way.
“ReALly reALLy.” Error swears, glancing down as he fidgets for a moment, before sighing and muttering something to himself too quiet for Geno to hear. “...HErE I’LL- I’ll PRovE IT.”
Error pulls off his wet coat and sets it on the grass next to him, revealing his left arm his wrapped almost to his shoulder, before starting to remove the bandages as Geno watches. Geno glitches anxiously, holding his scarf a little tighter until he sees the flowers- and in that moment it feels like the world is crashing down around him.
“You- Bubbu why would you hide this!?” Error flinches back a bit, glitching a bit himself as he avoids Geno’s gaze, focusing on pulling the rest of the bandages off.
“YoU- yoU WEre sT-till HeALinG-”
“And!? Error this is a big deal! Even if we have found a way to take it out, you're still being hurt!” His glitching hurts- He’s just not used to it, not like this anyway. It’s probably stupid to feel so betrayed, he did the same thing, hiding his hanahaki from Error, but he thought he was going to die! He thought the next few weeks were going to be his last and wanted to enjoy every moment.
Sure, he knows that doesn’t make it okay and he apologized for it, but- this is Error. He kneels down and gives Error a headbutt, angry tears in his sockets as his little brother stares at him with wide, shocked sockets.
“B-bubbu, when will you get you’re my world. Nothing else means more to me than you. I hate the idea of you suffering and it being completely out of my control and I know I can’t control everything, b-but let me help! Please!” Geno knows he's rambling, not giving his words much thought. His throat feels tight- “It m-makes me feel s-so so helpless…just let me do something, anything!...please..?”
“G-gEn…” Error’s voice breaks as he glitches harshly, seemingly struggling to find his words. “IT’s- I-iT’s OK-kaY-”
He shouldn’t be breaking down- This is about Error. Error’s the one hurting. This isn’t about him…Yet Geno can’t hold back a quiet sob as his breath hitches, wheezing as he wiggles closer, hugging his little brother for comfort this time..
“...Did y-you know…you were the first person to give me a headbutt..?” He sniffles, a small, wet chuckle escaping him. “You were the first person..t-to say I love you too….That’s kind of sad, huh?”
“A… a BIt.. YoU DEserVEd moRE.” Error replies, carefully holding his left arm away as he hugs Geno back, nuzzling him gently.
“..Dad and Father..weren't very good with kids…They cared…i-in their own way but….I remember after I blasted into a skelly…they left me alone all the time. They worked a lot, they were scientists and sometimes I would follow them around their lab, but they would often get mad at me and lock me in one of the lunch rooms….I felt really alone and lost- Dad could be fun sometimes…but his attention didn’t last long and…Father was very irritable. He didn’t like being disturbed….”
“I was alone until you were born…and…well after I blasted into a skelly, Dad started leaving you with me. I know it's not an excuse, but…you were the only thing I had..s-so I guess I…I got too attached..” He tries to explain, feeling horrible about it, but…he doesn’t want to push his problems onto Error, that’s not fair…maybe he’s just…he’s trying to explain why it bothers him so much-
“...H-hOw dO YOu thINk I FeLt?” Error mutters after a moment. “Y-yOU… I DOn’T EvEN ReMEmbER-r oUR paREnts- You’Re aLL I’vE E-evEr haD. I CoULdn’T EVen IMaGINe A WoRld w-wIThoUt yOU.. aND suDdENly, yoU WeRE ALreAdy faDINg AwAy… B-buT I’m- I REaLLy aM FinE, Gen.”
He nuzzles closer, taking a slow breath. “I’m sorry…I know I’m being a hypocrite, but…I wish you would have told me….”
“I kNOw… I’m sORry- I JUst- diDN’t waNt yoU FREaKInG OuT LIke THis… BEsIDes- lOOk-” Error pulls back enough for Geno to look at his arm as he continues to hold it away, and as he watches, Error’s arm glitches right where a stem is growing from his elbow, where it just… falls out.
He blinks as he stares with wide sockets. “They….wow. They're just…falling out?”
“MhM. ThAT’s hoW I AcTUaLLy goT youR roOTs oUT oF YOur soUL- I JusT PUShEd a BIt of mY maGic INto thEm aND THey juST sliD OuT. OnLy thE BIgGEr oNEs aRE GlitCHing ouT Of mE ThouGh, So I WAs gOIng tO WaIT FOr tHeM To gET BaD ENouGH BEfoRE MaKINg mYSElf cRAsh to TRy GEtTINg thEM In onE FeLL swOoP.” Error replies, picking up the flower bud and sticking it in his inventory.
“..That’s good to know…We can put some numbing cream on it to lessen the pain, okay? I know it hurts..” He nuzzles his little brother, giving him a small squeeze.
“‘S ItChy, mOStlY..” Error mumbles, though he doesn’t quite deny Geno’s words. He gives his brother a nuzzle, taking a deep breath.
“..M’sorry…for freaking out- I don’t really know why I said all that-” He kind of tries to backtrack, hiding his face in Error’s shoulder.
“It’S ALriGhT- We ALl neED to wOrD vomIT sOMetiMes.” Error reassures as he nuzzles the side of his brother’s skull.
“Still…I didn’t want to put all that on you..I’m supposed to be taking care of you-” ‘Not the other way around’ goes unsaid. He really shouldn’t dump stuff like that on Error. It’s not his responsibility to deal with Geno’s problems.
“We’Re bROthErs, arEN’t wE? We’RE suPPoseD tO heLp eACh otHeR.” Geno hums, nodding as he snuggles closer, nuzzling the side of Error’s skull.
“...You’re very wet- Milkshake got you good~”
“YEaH SHe wAS vERy pLeaSEd wITH HErselF- thE BRaT-” Error grumbles, pulling back to grab his jacket, using it as makeshift bandages.
“Did you have fun too, Beauty~?” He asks the pretty black horse, reaching out to lightly pet his neck and getting a soft nicker in return, before the horse gets up and shakes himself off, leaning down to nose at Error and Geno’s face. “Aww~ Bby~”
He coos and scratches the sides of Beauty’s face, lightly kissing the pretty horse’s nose. Beauty tends to like Error more than him, but he is always happy to receive affection from the pretty pony. Beauty lightly lips at Geno’s hands, before pulling back to try stealing Error’s jacket, much to his little brother’s annoyance.
“HeY No THaT’s mINe-!”
“Hehehe~ Looks like he still wants to play, Bubbu~”
“GIvE It baCK yoU PUnk-” Error doesn’t fight too hard to keep his jacket, letting Beauty steal it and wave it around in victory, before seemingly deciding he’s done and dropping the jacket in favor of nuzzling the younger glitch’s skull.
“You two are so cute~” Geno coos, standing back up and dusting off his pants. “You’re perfect for each other~”
“Oh sHUddUp-” Error wraps his arms around Beauty’s neck, letting the horse pull him up to his feet, before grabbing his jacket.
“Hmm…nope~ I don’t think I will.” With a small yawn, Geno stretches his arms out, being careful of his spine. “Fall’s coming soon. Do you think the green house is insulated enough?”
“It sHOulD Be, cONSidERinG iTs bASe iS THe oNe fROm thE HARdwARe stORe- ANd iF It dOEsn’T WorK, We haVe ENouGH CaNNeD FooD TO laSt a WHiLe eVEN if IT’ll suCK-”
“We won’t be doomed, I know, but it’ll be frustrating if it doesn’t work after we put so much hard work into it. We grew all those crops and we’re going to get some food out of it I swear-” Geno huffs, crossing his arms. Carrying it here and getting all the parts put together was not exactly easy- even with using Beauty to pull carts around.
“I’m sURe iT’ll woRK.” Error reassures, giving Geno a nuzzle. “LeT’s GO inSIde sO I cAN Go wRaP My aRm uP AGain-”
“Okay, and we’re putting numbing cream on it!” He insists, there’s no reason for Error to be in more pain then necessary. “Hmm..do you think they’ll grow faster if they have sunlight?”
Error pauses, looking down at his flower-covered arm- though none of them have actually bloomed yet- before shrugging.
“I mEAn- I’vE HAd IT foR LIke a WeEK anD It’S ALReaDy grOWn thiS Much. I TrIEd tO KeeP THeM CovERed to kEeP ANy flOWers THaT FaLL off FrOM TaKIng rOOt in THe groUnd.”
“Mm, okay. It’s probably for the better then.” He grabs Error’s uninfected hand as they head back home. “I wish weed killer worked on them.”
“SaMe- THey’RE sO ITchY, GeN-” Error whines, the hand in Geno’s hold twitching as if to scratch something.
“No- Don’t scratch it.” He holds his brother’s hand tighter, nuzzling his shoulder. Geno opens the door for them both, heading inside to the bedroom where they still have most of the first aid stuff. They should probably move it back to the bathroom soon. “You’re going to have to apply the numbing cream yourself.”
“BuT THeN My PHaLANges Will BE nuMB WeiRD-” Error whines. “DO wE StILL haVE GLovEs-?”
“Uhm…I think so? Hold on.” After giving his brother a kiss on the forehead he quickly checks the bathroom, finding a pack of rubber gloves under the sink. “Found them!”
Once back out of the room, he hands one to Error. “Be a little generous with it, okay? Make sure to get between the cracks.”
“YeS I KNow I KNoW-” Error replies, putting the glove on and opening the numbing cream to start applying it to his arm, staring at his wrist. Geno watches quietly, nuzzling brother’s shoulder.
“Hmm~ I’m almost done with your scarf. I really hope you like it~”
“Yay~” Error glitches as he tries to get the cream in his wrist joint, making a face, before giving up and just starting on his forearm.
“Hmmmmmmmm’guess what~?”
“Hm?”
“You’re adorable~” Geno smirks as Error’s face lights up and he gives him a glare, making the older giggle. There’s no greater joy he gets than teasing his brother.
“ShuT Up-” Error mutters, trying to scratch his arm before he catches himself, huffing as he applies more numbing cream, Geno smiling in approval.
“You can’t make me, so nope~” He continues, snuggling his brother’s side some more. “You always make the cutest little angry faces when I praise you~”
“HuSH-” Deciding he’s done with the numbing cream, Error takes off his glove and gets up to throw it away, getting a pout from Geno.
“You escape! So mean how dare-” He whines, before getting up himself. “Fine- I’ll make us lunch.”
“ALriGHt ImmA WRaP mY ArM Up.” Error replies, avoiding touching anything as he grabs bandages. With a small smile Geno walks out to the kitchen, trying not to think too hard on all he rattled off to Error before as he starts to cook.
~
Error’s content expression fades as soon as Geno has left the room, mindlessly wrapping his arm as he lets his mind drift back to his brother’s words. He had been expecting his brother to freak out- he knew despite his best efforts that it’d be impossible to hide from Geno- but… not to such an extent.
He’s not sure it was just the hanahaki that got to him, the stress probably added to it. His brother thought he might be cutting himself after all- which… does make sense, from an outside perspective. Error suddenly starts acting all suspicious and he suddenly starts wrapping his non-dominant wrist in bandages- of course that’s the conclusion Geno would reach.
There’s no telling how long Geno stressed about it, which is probably what led to his freak out….
Error is still…processing his brother's words. Geno’s never really mentioned their parents and for good reason, apparently- and the fact that it was the discovery of Error’s hanahaki is what finally made him talk about them feels.. odd, to Error.
He’s not sure if Geno was trying to somehow explain his behavior, or maybe he just started talking and couldn’t stop, but it was kind of… confusing, to Error. His brother sounded so oddly insecure and it feels like it came out of left field.
The whole thing just feels weird…what was Geno thinking about before coming out to see him? It has to be something like that right? Like he siked himself out and was already in some weird mental state before coming to ask Error what was up?
Did… did he think he might’ve done something that would cause Error to start cutting..? That’s..a rabbit hole Error really doesn’t want to entertain, but…it’s a possibility. The big question is what could Geno have thought he’d done? They’ve been doing fine sense removing Geno’s hanahaki, besides dealing with his own. Was there anything really out of place?
Error thinks back to their interactions over the past week, only to pause, frowning. Did Geno think it was when he tried to trigger Error’s heat…? Oh stars he hopes not- That is another level of bad. It would be a very good reason for Geno panicking and possibly trying to explain himself, but since Error isn’t cutting himself his brother's thoughts kind of…spilled out? It’s what makes the most sense… He didn’t mean to worry Geno so much by hiding his hanahaki..
In hindsight he probably should have realized what it looked like. Error was trying to keep Geno from worrying, but it backfired pretty bad…If Geno was thinking what Error thinks he was thinking…maybe he should reassure his brother it's not a problem? Honestly, knowing Geno he’ll continue to worry.
But how? Error idly scratches at his now bandaged arm as he tries to think of a not stupidly awkward way to bring it up, face heating up slightly. How is he supposed to tell Geno he likes that..attention from him, or at least doesn’t dislike it-? Just thinking about it makes him want to hide in embarrassment.
Maybe…he doesn’t have to say it? He could just..give Geno attention too- Error’s face feels like it’s on fire as he hides it in his hands, trying to get himself under control. Maybe… he can start small- just some lingering touches to get some confidence-
Yeah, he can do that! Just don’t overthink it and he won’t sike himself out- Maybe he can even get a funny reaction out of Geno. It would be nice to get some payback for all of the times Geno has teased him. It kinda sounds fun~ Now it’s his turn to make Geno flustered!
Feeling just a little more confident in himself, Error changes into some dry clothes and peeks out of the bedroom. He creeps down the hall to sneakily see what Geno’s doing. It looks like they’ll be having sandwiches and chips for lunch.
Straightening up and taking a breath, Error walks up behind Geno and wraps his arms around his waist, nuzzling into his brother’s neck. For a second the older glitch tenses, but it goes away as quickly as it appeared as his brother leans back against him. Error worries he might have made a wrong move before Geno relaxes, his skull tilting away just a little as the other starts to purr.
Error relaxes as well, purring back at Geno as he ignores the urge to press a kiss to his neck, deciding to go the slightly safer route by letting his good hand wander, creeping up his brother’s torso to begin tracing his ribs through his shirt. He earns himself a delightful little shiver from Geno, his ribs are probably still a bit sensitive-
His brother purrs a little louder, blushing lightly, and Error can help but smirk a bit, feeling incredibly pleased in himself. Geno chirps, leaning his skull back onto Error’s shoulder.
“You’re so cute~”
“YoU’re cUTEr~!” Error chirps back, trying to push down his blush. He’s supposed to be the one flustering Geno- not the other way around!
“Hehehe~ I loooove you, Bubbu~ But I have to say you're definitely cuter~” Geno lightly kisses Error’s jaw, smiling softly at him as he blushes harder, pouting a little.
“I loVE you Too..~” He mumbles, giving into the urge to kiss Geno’s neck as he continues to gently trace his ribs. His brother shudders harshly in response, a cute trill leaving him as he closes his sockets, and Error can’t help but kiss him again.
“Hmm~ Adorable~” Geno coos. “Are you pampering me~?”
“Hm? I’M juSt gIVINg yOU soMe aFfeCTion is ALl-” His brother smiles, lightly kissing his cheek.
“Oh yeah~? Well I'm not satisfied I want more love~”
“WhAT~? EVeN MOre?”
“Mhm~” Geno gives Error a cheeky look, turning around and nuzzling into the younger glitch’s neck this time. “You really are adorable, you know that, Bubbu~?”
“Oh shUDdup-”
“Hmm…make me~” His brother grins smugly, not sure if Error will rise to the challenge. And for a moment, Error is about to back down- before realizing this is far too good of a chance to continue his plan to give up, and he begins to gently stroke Geno’s spine.
A pretty bright red blush covers Geno’s face as he softly gasps, arching back against Error.
“HnnNnng..~” Error can’t help but purr loudly, very pleased with the results. “Errorrrr~”
His brother whines, nuzzling him firmly with a few soft kisses for good measure, earning a small shiver.
“WhAaAT~?”
“You’re teeaasing~” Geno dramatically pouts at him, making him snicker.
“I DoN’t knoW WHAt yoU’Re taLKing aBOuT~” Error purrs, before pulling back. “NOw- iT’s luNCh timE RiGHt?”
His brother makes a stunned face, before pouting hard- harder than Error’s seen him, puffed out cheeks and all. “Yeah- ….but you don't get it until I get another kiss.”
“HmmMM I SuPposE.” Error replies, leaning in to give Geno a quick kiss on the cheek. The older glitch preens, nuzzling his face aggressively, before handing him his sandwich.
“Good Bubbu~”
“YeAH yeAh sHUsh-” His brother giggles, handing him his chips too.
“Okay, let's go eat.”
Chapter 70: An Attempt At A Sorta Dreamswap AU
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error finally runs from Blue, meeting someone who has been running for far longer.
DS!Nighterror
Chapter Text
Error lets out a sigh of relief once he's far enough away from town. It feels good to hear the crunch of the old dirt trail below his feet, getting further and further away from his village and its looming walls and harsh looks with every step.
He’s tired, having spent most of the night packing up after curfew and sneaking out in the early hours of the morning, before the sun has a chance to rise- but he still cannot stop. He needs to get as far away as he can under the cover of the stars, before finding as safe a place as he can to catch a quick nap- just enough to keep him going the rest of the day.
With a tired sigh Error watches the night sky as he walks- only to trip over something in the middle of the road, causing him to yelp and fumble over himself in an attempt to stay upright.
“W-whaT the fuCk-?” Looking down, he finds he tripped over…another skeleton? Oh they have fluffy ears- Error stares in awe at the sparkly boned skeleton in rather nice, but torn up clothes. They have very big and fluffy looking ears on their skull with a thick tail sticking uncomfortably out of their pants and…..a big bite on the side of their spine, the mark very visible against their pearly white bones.
Error frowns a bit as he kneels down, summoning his meager healing magic to try helping with the bite. His mind drifts back to the stories the village elders would tell of vicious wolves and fanged creatures that would roam the night- the very reason for their high walls and village wide curfew.
He can't help but wonder as he heals the bite- enough for it not to be anything serious anyway. There are a bunch of other scratches and chips, but nothing really bad. It should be fine as long as they're washed out. Looking around, Error notices a wagon, or what remains of a wagon a few yards away…there's no horse though.
Is it this skeleton’s wagon? It would make sense, that they got attacked by…something, their horse or donkey got scared away and they were left passed out here. Looking back the way he came, Error can't help but feel antsy. He still has further to go.
…But he can’t just leave them here, where they’re all too vulnerable to another attack… Error looks over the remains of the wagon, seeing that only one of the front wheels have broken off and the upper frame has been torn and broken.
He could…. Probably fashion a makeshift handcart out of it… though it’d be better if he could find whatever animal had been pulling the wagon- sadly, they’re likely either far gone or were killed by whatever had attacked.
As he mulls over how he's going to take this little skeleton with him, a small groan catches his attention and he looks down to meet two fuzzy purple eyelights, blinking slowly at him.
“...Hum…?”
“Oh- HEllO thERe. YOu fEeL ALriGHt?” Error asks, leaning over to get a better look at their expression.
“Mm…my body aches…” The smaller monster grimaces, their ears trying to pin back and ..suddenly they look very confused? Error watches as the stranger slowly reaches up to touch the top of their head, flinching when they first make contact with their fluff. “...W-what is this..?”
“YoUR… EaRS?” He asks back, tilting his head. “I trIEd tO HEaL YOu beST I cOuLD, bUt I’m noT VerY GOoD AT heALIng MAGIc aND Don’T HAvE ANythiNG OTHer thAn bANdaGEs on Me.”
The other skeleton stares at him for a few seconds, blinking slowly, before they suddenly sit up quietly with a pained hiss, immediately regretting their decision.
“W-wOaH WOaH heY DOn’t MOvE ToO Much-” Error says belatedly, grabbing a string and wrapping it around their chest to pull them back down. “YoUR spINe iS All meSsED Up-”
“B-but I was-” They stop themselves short, looking down towards their tail- or at least trying to. “What is that-!?”
“YoUR tAIL? WHy?”
“...I have a tail too-!? What the fuck what the fuck-” The skeleton panics, struggle to understand the situation.
“WhAt-? WoaH CaLm doWn iT’s oKAy yoU’rE OKaY-” Error tries to soothe, glitching a bit. The other whines loudly at him…like a distressed puppy, it seems to catch them off guard.
Closing their sockets tightly, the shiny skeleton takes a deep breath, letting it out shakily and doing it again. After a few minutes, they look back at Error.
“..H-hi…uh..You healed me, right..?”
“As BEsT I coULd, YEaH.” He agrees, holding back the urge to pet them.
“Thanks…Uh you wouldn't happen to know where I got the ears and stuff from..do ya?” They ask, said ears adjusting to face him and they look so soft-
“ARe THey NEw? YOu haD THeM WHeN I fouND yoU.” Error informs, before pausing in thought. “ThoUGh.. thEre ARe stoRIes…”
The skeleton stills, ears trying to pin back. “No- No No no nononono-”
The other starts to panic again, very much freaking out.
“HeY- h-hEY heY iT’s OKaY- YOu’rE ALriGHt-” Error tries to keep himself from panicking as well, his hands hovering nervously, before deciding to try soothingly patting their skull.
The other pauses, looking up at him…and Error watches as their eyelights dilate, practically filling their sockets, and they nuzzle up into his hand with a happy, whiny puppy noise.
It’s absolutely adorable, and Error tries to keep himself from cooing as he pets them, being sure to scratch them behind their ears. Doing so gets loud thumps from their tail as it wags, one of their legs most definitely twitching as even more puppy whines sneak out of them.
“So cUTe..~” Error mumbles, leaning down to give the adorable puppy a headbutt. They lean up to try and headbutt him back, making a rumbling noise.
“...I have no idea what’s happening…but it feels so nice-”
“I’m PEtTIng yoU.” He informs, incredibly happy he’s not glitching right now.
“Mmmmm you’re not allowed to stop now-” The happy rumbles continue, as do their stupidly cute tail wags. “I’m Nightmare by the way-”
“ERrOr. It’S NIcE To mEeT YOu.” Error purrs happily, only to pause when he realizes just how much the sky has lightened. He should definitely get going- Error is nowhere near far away enough.
“..You okay?”
“I.. I nEeD To gO-” He mutters, tense.
“...Would you object to a travel buddy?” Nightmare offers sheepishly, making Error blink in surprise.
“...YOu suRe? I’m gOIng to SeT A KindA BRutaL PaCE For a COuple dAYs.”
“I'm a traveling scholar, I've been to many places and have awesome traveling experience~ …and based on your…lack of supplies I'm going to assume you don't? I can be helpful please take me with you!”
“I’m NOt sAYinG YOu cAN’t coMe- AnD YEaH I’m.. baSIcALly rUNninG AWay. I’m SeARChiNG foR mY BRothERs.” Error glances away, before pulling back to stand. Nightmare slowly sits up, flinching a little as he pushes through the pain to try and stand.
“Oh? W-well I can try to help. I just study and document cool stuff so….meh.” Error watches Nightmare struggle for a moment, before moving to kneel in front of him with his back turned.
“HErE- Get oN My bACK. You Don’t MAke me GLitch.” He offers, the scholar blinking at him in surprise.
“Are you sure-?”
“It’S FIne- No ofFeNSe But I’d RAtheR noT BE SloWeD DOwn By yoU OR riSKing HAvinG YOur iNJUrieS WOrsEN.” The possible werewolf huffs, giving him a pouty look.
“I'll have you know my injuries don't even hurt- I just feel really sore, like how your bones feel raw after a blasting?”
“Mmm VAguELy?” Error replies, trying to get Nightmare to hurry up and get on his back. He wants to get moving. Huffing, the other climbs up, wrapping his legs around Error’s waist and arms over his shoulders.
With a grunt of effort, Error stands up, only stumbling slightly to keep his balance, before starting off at a quick walk. Thankfully, Nightmare isn’t much heavier than a larger backpack, so it’s not too hard.
“...We have to leave my cart huh?” Nightmare states more than asks, already letting the loss.
“YeAH- THerE’s noT REaLLy aNYTHinG LEfT intacT… SOrRy.” Error replies sympathetically.
“...Good thing I have most of the stuff in my inventory, but still…” Nightmare sighs, nuzzling the side of Error’s skull, and the glitch forces himself to relax slightly.
“ThAT’s gOod, aT LEaST.”
“...So……I might now be a werewolf-” Nightmare states, trying to get himself comfortable with the idea. It needs to be said.
“...If YOu diDN’t haVE eaRs or A TaIL beFOre, It SeEMs moRE LIkeLY thAN noT.” Error agrees after a long moment.
“....It'll probably be fine….maybe- We can just say I'm a mix of a skeleton abs a wolf monster or something-”
“ThAT… mIGht wORk. I COulD ALsO MAkE YOu a HAT to cOVer YOur eARs IF you’d LikE- THeN YOu cOULd tuCk yoUR taIL in YOUr paNTs.” He suggests, pausing to haul Nightmare up a bit higher with a small huff.
“I can walk I'm sure I'll be fine-” Nightmare tries to convince him, nuzzling his skull again.
“NAh YOu’rE NOt thaT HEaVy- I’m jUSt TIReD ‘caUSe I HAvEN’t sLEpt YEt.” Error dismisses, the shorter frowning.
“Well then let me try carrying you-” Nightmare insists, making the glitch glance back at him with his own frown.
“WhAT-? No YOur sPINe Isn’t fuLLy heALed FRom thAT NaSTy biTe. We cAN JUsT Stop IN a CoUPLe hOURs- FinD A DecENt cREaK So YOu cAN riNSe oUT yoUR WOunDs whILe I TaKe a quiCk NAp.”
“But I don't even feel it anymore! Come on, I don't want to make you carry me when you're already tired.”
“NoPe I’vE COmMitED-” Error stubbornly refuses, glancing back behind them for a moment before speeding up just slightly.
“....I hope you know I'm going to pamper the shit out of you for this-” Nightmare tells him in complete seriousness, getting a snort in return.
“We HArdLy eVeN KNow EAch OThEr- At LEaSt taKE me Out To DiNNer fiRsT.” Error teases.
“Pfft- I'll do you one better and make you something~ I am a pretty decent cook~” The smaller brags, nuzzling his skull some more.
“Hmm I SuPPosE THaT’ll Do.”
“Oh you sound so excited. Thrilled even. I'm good at making traps and catching food too~”
“Oh NIcE- Do YOu kNOw HOw TO Make ONes From LIke- RoPE? I’vE Got uNLimITEd aCceSs.” Error pulls out some strings to show Nightmare as a demonstration.
“Ooo~ Yeah I do. That's pretty awesome. You can make as much of that as you want?” The smaller asks.
“My sOCKeTs wiLl gET kinDa SOrE AFter A WhilE, bUT PReTty mUCh. THey hARdly usE Up aNY Of mY MAgic.” He explains. “And ONcE I DetAch thEM, They DOn’t nEeD ANy kINd oF UpkEeP FRom mE- And I CaN ALwaYS usE THem tO FeEL anD TeLL WHerE THey aRE.”
“Super cool~ I can definitely teach ya how to use them to make traps. It's actually pretty easy.”
“NicE- I’D LiKe to Get A biT FUrtHEr bEFoRE wE SEt ANytHIng Up thOUgh.” Error replies, nervously glancing back again.
“...Yeah ‘course. Are you sure you don't want to carry ya though?” Nightmare nuzzles him again, looking back to follow Error’s gaze. “I really do feel better already.”
“NoPe I’m GooD.” He denies. He feels anxious being so exposed on the open road as the sun slowly slinks over the horizon, but he knows it’s both faster and harder to track him this way- and it’s not what he would usually do. If he has the option, he prefers to hide nearby. He should have another hour or two before his absence is noticed, and he left a note saying he was off foraging for a bit, so hopefully it’ll buy him more time.
“Alright…if you insist.” The smaller pouts, but doesn't ask again for a little while as the sun slowly rises the farther they go.
After another fifteen minutes or so of them walking in silence, Error sighs to himself. “YOu’Re… pRObaBLy gOINg to NeEd to KNow iF YOu reALly plaN On trAVEling wiTH me..”
“Hum? Know what?” The smaller asks, giving Error even more nuzzles.
“I’m… RunNIng fRom SOmeOne IN PaRTicULaR. AnD HE’s PRobaBLy goINg to ChASe aFteR Me wHILe INlisTIng hElp FrOM My ViLlaGE. He’S… nOT ALl bAD- hE PRotECts mE- thE ViLlaGE. I JUst… cOUldN’t tAke it aLL ANymoRE.” Error haltingly explains, firmly looking ahead. “YOu mIGht hAVe to DeAL wiTH him- BLue- If YOu stAy wiTH ME. I’m.. NOt verY goOd aT MOst thiNGs, BLuE PReTTy mUcH HAd TO taKe cARe Of eVERythiNG foR Me. I HOnesTLy dON’t kNOw IF I cAN PRotECt uS From Him iF It cOMes DOwN to It… So I GEt iF YOu dOn’t wANt to sticK ARouNd.”
Nightmare's frown deepens as he listens, nuzzling Error more aggressively as he huffs. “Well now I know you need me. There's no way I'm going to leave you out here alone after you helped me….besides, you're not the only one running from someone…”
“I hARdlY eVEn diD ANythiNG- ANd I THouGHt yoU WEre A TRaVEling scHOlaR?”
“I am!...a self declared traveling scholar-” Error doesn’t quite manage to hold in his snort in time, earning a very hard pout from the other. “Hey I do scholar things! I write and collect books!”
“HeY I DIdN’t SaY ANythINg-”
“You didn't have to, big meanie-” Nightmare continues to nuzzle him, being very affectionate. Despite how out of breath Error is becoming, he can’t help but purr a bit, enjoying the painless touch. Mildly embraced, Nightmare starts to purr too, headbutting his skull and nuzzling him further.
“Mm….okay put me down now. You sound like you’re dying-”
“NoPE I nEeD tO Get a HEadSTArt-”
“We will be very screwed if you pass out, and not in a good way.” Nightmare starts to squirm and wiggle, trying to escape Error’s hold.
“WHa- No I’M FinE-” Error protests, struggling to keep ahold of the possible werewolf.
“Nope I’m walking or carrying you! I can do iiiit-” The glitch’s grip slips, and he’s forced to bend down or make Nightmare fall to the ground.
Once lowered, the smaller plants his feet so Error can let go, standing up and dusting himself off.
“Sorry- but I do feel better, really.”
“FiNE..” Error mutters, pouting a bit as he rubs at his sockets, hardly taking a second to let himself catch his breath before continuing forward, dragging Nightmare with him.
Huffing, Nightmare stretches himself out, popping his spine and shoulders, before realizing the bite..really doesn't hurt anymore. Confused, he gently pokes at the spot, looking down.
“It’s gone..?”
“WhAt-?”
“What? Oh nothing-” Nightmare tries to dismiss it, not really wanting to worry the already stressed and tired glitch.
“...ARe yoU SUre?” Error questions, squinting at Nightmare.
“Yup~” With a cheeky grin, Nightmare scoops Error up in a bridal carry, nuzzling him. “Wow this is a lot easier than I thought it would be.”
“WhA- HEy PUt mE DOwN-!” Error protests, wiggling in Nightmare’s hold.
“Nope~! My turn to hold the pretty skeleton~” The smaller purrs before starting to walk again, giving the glitch a headbutt. “Kinda feel like running.”
“‘M fiNE..” Error mutter’s petulantly, slowly sagging against Nightmare against his will.
“...Okay. You’re fine then, but can I still carry you? Please?” Nightmare nuzzles Error, a little puppy dog whine slipping out of him.
“...” The glitch stares at Nightmare for a long moment, before ever so reluctantly settling down. “...FIne, I GUeSs..”
“Yaaaaay~ Can I run? I really wanna-” Nightmare is rather worried about his new…traveling companion’s state of mind, but Error is probably just tired and stressed.
“Go AHeAd.” Error agrees, resting his head on Nightmare’s shoulder as he relaxes further.
With an excited tail wag, Nightmare holds onto Error tightly, before shooting forward full speed and- Holy shit he’s going stupidly fast-!
“W-whoa-!”
“Wh-whAT thE FUcK-!” Error yelps, jolting as he wraps his arms around Nightmare’s neck to better hold on. The smaller skeleton very intently focuses on not tripping over his own feet, being careful of rocks.
“Fuck fuck fuck fuck-” It takes a good minute for Nightmare to get a grasp of his new speed, he’s not even trying to be that fast anymore-! His feet fall into a kind of rhythm and…He actually is really enjoying this. “Holy fuck this is awsome!”
“ThIS is TERriFyinG-” The glitch mutters, though he slowly manages to relax again as Nightmare finds a comfortable speed, refusing to let go.
“Heheheeee~! How fast do ya think I'm going right now? Kinda wanna see if I can beat a horse in a race-”
“No Do NOt-” Error immediately denies, though he seems to calm down a bit when he looks over Nightmare’s shoulder behind them again.
The…werewolf chuckles, nuzzling his skull again. “Relax, he isn't gonna catch up to you like this unless he has a horse and even then it will take a few hours. It'll be fine.”
“I.. I KNOw..” The glitch mutters, though he relaxes further as he tucks his skull into the crook of Nightmare’s neck, trying and failing to hold back a yawn.
“..Ya wanna take a nap? I think I can go for a while so don't worry.” Nightmare nuzzles his skull some more and the gentle affection is…nice. Different from he’s used to.
“‘M NOt..” Error pauses with another yawn, “...NOt tiREd.”
“Uh huh~ Then just…relax, okay? You're safe…” Error huffs, but as Nightmare continues to run, keeping his gait steady and even, he feels the glitch steadily going limp in his hold, and when he looks down to check on him a couple of moments later, he finds Error fast asleep.
“Hehe~ Dork..~” Nightmare lightly nuzzles the sleeping skeleton, not wanting to wake him by accident. “...You'll be fine.”
He doesn't usually keep people around, but…there's no way Nightmare is going to leave Error all alone. He clearly just…needs someone to lean on…besides, having a travel companion sounds nice..less lonely.
The werewolf runs for at least a few hours- he impresses himself honestly. Sure he has pretty great endurance but this is just unnatural. Nightmare sighs, panting a little as he finally sits down beneath a tree, hidden just off the road.
“This should be far enough…” He mumbles, glancing at Error, the glitch still fast asleep in his lap. Oh so carefully, Nightmare sets the glitch down on the grass to lay back against the tree. “I'll just change my clothes real quick-”
“Mm…” Error shifts with a sleepy grumble and small frown, but he settles back down easily enough. The poor glitch must have been really tired. Nightmare stares for a moment, worrying about the other until he takes a step back and quickly starts to undress, changing into different clothes he definitely didn't steal from a one night stand-
He barely manages to finish getting dressed before he hears a small whining sound behind him, ears perking up as he turns to see Error squinting at him with fuzzy, not quite focused eyelights, brows furrowed.
Nightmare ignores his unbuttoned shirt to quickly go back to snuggling the glitch, nuzzling Error’s skull.
“Ooh big baby~” The still half asleep glitch whines again as he nuzzles him back, pressing himself against Nightmare and almost immediately relaxing again with a small sigh. “Hehe~ Such a cute snuggle bug~”
Just because he can, Nightmare presses a cheeky kiss to Error’s temple, snuggling closer as Error stops whining in favor of sleepily purring, sockets already beginning to drift shut again now that he has what he wanted.
“...Oh my stars you're so freaking cute~” The wolf coos, his tail wagging behind him as he relaxes. Maybe a nap wouldn't be so bad. Just for a bit.
~
Everything feels peaceful as Error slowly joins the waking world, nuzzling his pillow with a little purr, comfortable and warm. He feels…safe. It's such a nice feeling to wake up to. He really doesn't want to move…
A deep rumbling noise joins his purr and he pauses, confused, before he reluctantly opens his sockets, blinking for a moment to try getting his vision to focus.
He lifts his skull a little, blinking until he sees a very floofy ear… so soft and nomable… He doesn’t think as he moves closer to nom on the ear, impulse control non-existent while he still isn’t quite fully awake.
“HnnNng..~” His pillow shifts, nuzzling further against him with a little whiny noise. Humming to himself, Error noms on the soft ear, tugging on it slightly as he closes his sockets again. “Mmm.~ Errorrrr-”
His pillow puppy whines, nuzzling his face and peppering the side of his skull with huffy kisses- much to Error’s sleepy delight as he abandons biting the ear in favor of nuzzling his cuddle buddy.
The whiney rumbles continue, growing louder as he’s softly headbutted and nuzzled back with a sleepy huff. This is the best way to wake up for sure.
Purring louder, Error opens his sockets again, looking down at... Nightmare, yawning as he nuzzles him some more.
“Mmm..sleep good?” The smaller asks quietly, yawning with a doggo huff at the end. “Mmm'yur contagious-”
“Hm..~” Error snorts as he reaches up to pet Nightmare’s ears.
“Mmmmhh..~ Shhoosh.” The wolf rumbles more, tilting his head up into the pets. “Mmmm's niice~”
“Daaa PEts~ FooOoR d’Pup~” The glitch coos sleepily, only pausing to yawn again.
Nightmare huffs, relaxing more despite himself, his tail wagging slowly as he yawns in response to Error. The ear rubs feel soooo good, relaxing and just nice, so very very nice. He can't help but close his sockets, rumbling louder and aggressively nuzzling the side of Error’s skull as the glitch happily returns the affection.
Both skeletons greatly enjoy their blissfully sleepy snuggles, refusing to fully enter the waking world for at least a few more minutes.
Eventually though, Error reluctantly forces himself to pull back, rubbing at his sockets.
“Mmm… WhA’ tIMe’s iT..?”
“Mm'don know… afternoon?... evening..?” Nightmare whines, lifting his skull up and sleepily rubbing his own sockets, yawning again. “I stopped at uhm…mid-day..”
“We sHOuld KeEP moVINg- aT LEasT FInd A GoOD plaCE to CaMp..” The glitch mumbles.
“Mmm…food first? I'm hungry.” The wolf headbutts him, nuzzling their foreheads together as Error pauses, realizing he hadn’t eaten yet today.
“..YeAh- aLRigHT.”
“Yaaaaay~ I cook I got it~” Nightmare nuzzles him some more before standing up, stumbling back a little. “I got all the stuff we need ta cook~!”
“PfFt- ALriGHt iF YOu’rE SUre-”
“Yusss~” Very excited to show off his skills, Nightmare finds a good spot not too far away to start up a nice little fire, preparing the spot there before starting it and getting everything set up.
“So, I've got bacon and eggs, and sausage!” That’s all he stole from yet another one night stand-
“THaT WoRKs foR Me.” Error agrees, moving to sit next to Nightmare. The wolf's tail starts to wag again and he leans against Error as the fire starts to heat up the pan, and he takes out his ingredients.
Error watches with interest as Nightmare cooks, realizing just how hungry he is at the smell of cooking bacon. After a few minutes, the smaller moves the food onto a plate for him.
“This good or do you want more?”
“ThiS IS fiNE- THaNks~” Error gives Nightmare a headbutt, before moving to dig into his food, getting loud tail thumps in response.
Very pleased, Nightmare starts cooking his own breakfast, filling the pan. “Yuummmm~”
“VeRy yUMmY~” Error agrees. He doesn’t love sausage, but he’s too hungry to care much.
When Nightmare finishes off his plate, he finds he's still pretty hungry…so he starts cooking what's left of the food in his inventory.
“...I’vE GoT SOMe bREaD?” The glitch offers, having finished his own food a bit ago.
“Hum? Oh I'm good I don't wanna take your food- Kinda wanting meat anyway..”
“Hm.. If yoU’Re sURe. We CAn sET uP SOme TraPs oNCe wE FinD A PLaCe to CaMp- tHoUgh I’d LiKE to gET a Bit fuRTher aNd moRe oFf THe roAd BefORe thAT.”
“Oh it's fine I don’t usually eat this much-” Nightmare goes to grab another bite but his plate is…already empty? Where did his food go??? There’s no way he already ate it all- he hardly feels any fuller.
“YOu PRobABly nEeD MorE FOod aS A WEre-” Error says reasonably, getting a long whine from the smaller
“Mmm…yeah….I wanna try chasing stuff~ I'm super fast now sooooo~” The glitch snorts.
“I sTARt wAlKing wHILe yoU Go hUNt? JuSt MAke sURe To kEeP FaIRLy clOSe To mE.” Error suggests. Nightmare leans closer to nuzzle him.
“Okay~ You’re gonna be fine here?”
“Mhm- I’ll JUsT Be heaDINg FUrtHer INto thE ForeSt fOR a CaMPsitE, aNd I cAN Tie A STRinG ARouNd yoUR wRIsT To kEeP tRAcK Of yoU.”
“Alright, be careful though ‘kay? If you need me just….scream? These ears seem to work pretty well so I'm sure I'll hear you.” Nightmare gives Error another quick headbutt and nuzzle, before standing up and giving him a smile. “I'll be back soon, okay?”
“Will Do.” Error quickly grabs a string and ties it around Nightmare’s wrist as he gets up as well, giving Nightmare one last nuzzle.
With a cute little tail wag, the werewolf runs off into the trees, rather excited.
Error spends the next couple of minutes burying their fire and doing his best to make it seem like no one had ever been there, before heading deeper into the woods, doing his best to avoid breaking any twigs or leaving any obvious footprints behind him. Logically, he knows that if Nightmare truly kept at the speed he was going, it would take several days for Blue catch up- no one owned any horses as there wasn’t much of a point when most everyone rarely left the wall- but he still can’t help but be cautious.
He…doesn’t want to face just how angry Blue no doubt is…Error really hates it when he gets angry, but…Blue always apologizes for it- and he always gets better afterwards!...for a bit, at least. Admittedly, most of the time it’s Error’s fault anyway, and it’s always for his own good, but… that doesn’t mean he has to like the punishments anyways.
Blue..is just trying to protect him, but he needs to find his brothers and Blue didn't understand, wouldn't understand. He always told Error that his wellbeing came first, that he wouldn't let Error get hurt by the awful world outside the walls.
Guilt stings his soul, weighing it down. He has to do this…He’ll make it up to Blue later. Somehow.
….At least he met Nightmare. It’s nice being able to talk to someone and touch them without pain or worry about how Blue would react.
He's very sure Blue wouldn't really like him nuzzling someone else. It sounds like a silly thought, but..Blue is just too overprotective. He means well.
Shaking his skull, Error forces himself to focus on the task at hand, ignoring how he had started picking at his phalanges again. He needs to find a good place to set up camp- preferably with a decent tree so he can string up a hammock high out of harm's way.
A nice spot to hold up for the night…Oh, that looks promising. Error carefully steps through some bushes to a little grove of trees. The trees are closer together, the brush denser, but the center is relatively empty, good for a fire with plenty of sticks around.
“Hm… THis SHOulD WOrK NicEly.” Error decides, nodding to himself before getting to work clearing out a small spot in the middle.
Error sets up the campsite, a small hole for the fire with Nightmare’s cooking stand thing- a pile of firewood, and the perfect spot for his hammock! …He wonders what Nightmare’s doing. It's been a little while.
Frowning in thought, Error closes his sockets and focuses on the string that he had tied to Nightmare’s wrist, pumping a bit more magic into it in a way that he knows will make it glow, trying to figure out its location.
…He's moving fast….is Nightmare running in circles around him? Error focuses a little more, rather confused, but..yeah, Nightmare’s running in one big circle around him. What on earth is he doing? It’s hard to tell from the movement alone if he’s still hunting or just running around like a goof.
He's not quite sure what to make of his new companion, but…Nightmare seems nice, if not a bit of a dork. Error hopes he sticks around. It's nice to just have…a friend. He thought he would be fine doing this alone, but…he really doesn't want to try.
Nightmare comes trudging out of the bushes, panting a little as he plops down on the ground, laying on his back.
“T-there’s…a l-lot of rabbits..around h-here-”
“Oh? YOu shOUld’ve BRouGHt somE BAcK For diNNer-” Error replies, walking over to pat the shorter’s head.
Huffing, Nightmare pulls two very dead rabbits from his inventory. “I u-uhm….may have eaten three of ‘em…and I don't know how to feel about it-”
Error snorts, holding his hands out for the rabbits. He may have been heavily protected by Blue, but he knew how to clean an animal.
“It’S PRoBaBLy fiNE- YOu’rE PaRt woLF noW AFter ALL.”
“Bleh-” The smaller makes a face, handing in the rabbits as he lays there. “It was raaawwwwwwwww!”
“Eh StilL TEchNICaLLy edIBLe-” Error replies, snickering at the expression Nightmare gives him.
“Never taking you somewhere fancy without some…good taste in food!”
“HEy I’vE GOt a pErfeCTly fINe tASte iN foOd- It’S Not liKE I’m thE ONe EAtinG RaW RaBBit-” Error shoots back as he pulls out a small knife he had…borrowed from Blue to start skinning the rabbits.
“Ew don't remind meee-” Nightmare whines loudly, sticking out his tongue with his big teeth showing. “I didn't realize until it was too late!”
“YOu cLEaRLy weRE hunGRy-”
“I didn't think I was that hungry…just something new to get used to I guess…”
“It’s THe wOLf iNSTINctS.” Error agrees with a wise nod, though he still looks incredibly amused by Nightmare’s horrified acceptance.
Said wolf huffs at him with a wrinkled basal bridge, before sitting up and crawling over to nestle himself against Error’s side, nuzzling and rubbing his face against the glitch. Error idly nuzzles Nightmare back as he focuses on cleaning the rabbits, keeping all of the organs he can and pulling back and getting up to dispose of the rest out of the way, before stripping the meat.
“Mm…We I think we'll reach the next town in about two days or so. We can get some supplies and what not. Or if you really don't want that guy following you I can go into the town and you stay outside? You're pretty recognizable.”
“Mm…. yEAh, thAT… MighT Be a GOoD IDea.” Error reluctantly agrees, frowning a bit.
“...Want anything in particular? We can get some extra rations, a few changes of clothes, or at least some extras, this is my extra pair. Oh! And I can get us some more money!”
“I Don’T REaLLy nEeD ANYThinG, no.” Error replies. He doesn’t want to owe Nightmare more than he already does…
“You sure? I have a tent and bedding, do you want some? I mean we'll be traveling for who knows how long and the next town after isn't very close.” Nightmare nuzzles him some more, resting his skull on Error’s shoulder.
“OTheR THaN PLeNTy oF foOD, I caN MaKe aLL thAT. YOu reALly doN’t nEeD TO gEt mE ANythiNG.”
“You sure you don't want anything for the trip?” Nightmare asks again just to be sure, wiggling up to nuzzle the side of his skull.
“I dON’t NeED aNYthinG.” Error repeats, leaning slightly into the affection even as he fights the urge to shy away. Blue only ever did this kind of thing when he wanted something from Error- or to use it as ammunition when he tried to say no to something.
Nightmare looks away, relaxing on his shoulder again. “Okay…If you're sure.”
“I’m SUre.” Error uses some leaves to wrap up the stripped meat before sticking the small package in his inventory, grimacing at the blood on his hands as he tries to figure out a way to get his canteen out without getting blood on it.
“Here.” Nightmare pulls out his own little water pouch, gently grabbing and pulling out Error’s wrists to rinse them off. “This thing is pretty cool, it's got a really nice water stone in it so it's never empty and the water is pure~”
“O-oH- THaNk yoU.” Error wastes no time scrubbing at his phalanges, trying to clean all of the little pieces of guts that had gotten in his knuckles.
“Want a little brush? To get into the cracks? It is so stupidly handy-”
“A BrUSh?” The glitch questions, confused. Grinning like an idiot, Nightmare pulls out this little bristled brush. It looks like it's made out of horse hair and some iron?
“It’s wonderful~ Here!” Hesitant, Error takes the brush, being careful as he starts cleaning his joints again. The sensation is not his favorite, but he does admit it seems to work quite well. “I know it could be softer, but then it doesn't clean as well. I stole it from this noble in…was it Dellmar? Yeah that sounds right.”
“It’s pREttY NIcE.” Error agrees. With the help of the brush, he makes quick work of cleaning off his hands, before rinsing off again, being sure to thoroughly clean the brush off.
“Yeee~ So! Whatcha wanna do now? We'll be holding up here till morning right?”
“WeLL- I WaS GoinG TO sET up My hAMmocK- aND I WaS WOndERing iF YOu coULd heLP me SEt uP a sMOke Pit? I THoUght I’d SMokE THe raBbit fOR LaTEr.”
“Yeah of course! Sounds good. Smoked rabbit is pretty delicious~” Nightmare nods, giving Error a small headbutt.
“It KeEPs pREttY WeLL ToO.” The glitch adds, nuzzling Nightmare in return.
“Mhm~ Ya wanna add seasonings to it too? I have only a little pepper and garlic, but I have lots a salt~”
“I WOuLdn’T MinD a Bit oF SaLT.” Smiling, Nightmare pulls some out of his inventory, setting it in Error’s lap, before getting up.
“Okay where do you want this smoke pit?”
“HmM PRoBAbLY by WheRE thE FirE Will bE- I CLeaREd ouT AN arEA hEre iN thE MidDLe.” Taking the salt, Error gets up as well.
“Mm'kay. We'll have a really nice campsite. Is this your first time camping?” The smaller asks as he stretches and walks over to the spot to start digging.
“YeAH. B-BLue ALwaYS saID it WAs toO DaNGErouS For Me.” Error replies.
“..I mean yeah it can be dangerous, but this Blue guy sounds reeeaaaally over controlling.” Nightmare looks up, more than a little concerned. He doesn’t know much about this. ..Blue, but Nightmare already doesn't like him.
“WhAT-? No- I MeAN- hE CaN Be a Bit oVErbeaRINg aT TimES, bUt hE’S JUst tRyINg to PRoteCt Me! AnD SOmetIMeS He cAN be A biT-...mEaN, bUt hE’s juST STreSseD FRom mANaGIng thE WholE TOwn. He reALLy doEs cARe.” Error defends, frowning. Sure, Blue would sometimes hurt him- but it was always in the heat of the moment, and he always apologized after! He didn’t mean it- and Error deserved it anyways.
Nightmare frowns even more. This sounds all too familiar.
“Error. Someone caring about you doesn't give them an excuse to…do whatever. Just because someone has good interventions, doesn't excuse the behavior. If I was stressed out or whatever, do you think that means it's okay for me to scream at you, call you names, or hurt you?” He asks.
“I mEAn.. If I DeSERveD iT…” Error trails off at the expression on Nightmare’s face, starting to pick at his phalanges. Did he say something wrong..?
With a quiet sigh, Nightmare stops digging to stand, dusting off his hands as he walks over to Error. Despite himself, Error shrinks back slightly as the smaller gets closer, flinching when he raises his hands- but Nightmare only gently cups his cheeks, pressing their foreheads together.
“No one deserves it, Error, including you.” He looks away, but nuzzles closer. “I know that's…not really an easy thing to grasp afterwards, that you're worth it, that not everything is being held above your head….but I'm not gonna do that to ya, okay?”
He looks back at the glitch, offering him a small smile. “I don't ever want to be the reason you get hurt, emotionally or physically and if for whatever reason I do hurt you, you're free to smack some sense into me for being an asshole, ‘kay? And if you're too scared to, at least tell me?...I know what it feels like so try not to worry.”
“I- I…BuT…” Error doesn’t understand- What does Nightmare even mean? Why would that even matter? “I Don’T… I DOn’t gET It.”
“You will the more you're away from that environment. It's uhm…rather….what's the word- existential crisis inducing? It was for me anyway.” Nightmare nuzzles me some more, purring soothingly.
“I'll give you…kind of a loose explanation, ‘kay? From what you've said about this Blue guy, and it hasn't been much, it sounds very much like a toxic relationship. I don't know the specifics of your situation, but I was in…a toxic relationship of my own for most of my life and it uhm…really messes with your head.
“I'm rambling, but my point is you're going to find out real quick that how this guy treated you isn't normal and good people who really do care about others don't treat people they love like that.”
“B..BUt…” Error trails off, looking down as he continues to pick at his hands. Blue… does care about him- he said so himself- he’s just a bit much at times… But… thinking about it…
Geno never quite treated him the same way, before his brothers vanished. He was still a kid- had barely blasted into a skeleton when they disappeared- but he can still remember how Geno had cared for him. His touches were always kind and loving, words caring and gentle. Even when he was upset or angry at Error, he never raised his voice or hurt him…
…A sibling’s relationship is different from a mate though, so it’s- it’s okay, isn’t it-?
“...I…no buts, okay? People who love you…I mean just because someone says they love you doesn't give them a right to hurt you, okay? Those people should make you feel safe, not on guard or afraid..” Error just looks away, frowning slightly as conflicting emotions swirl through him.
“It’s a lot at first so…don't try to get it all at once. Manipulation sticks and is pretty hard to shake off….Just know that when I give you a hug or nuzzle you it's cause I like ya, not because I want something…okay?”
“...If yOu sAY so.” Error agrees, hesitant, but… a small spark of hope ignites in his soul. With a cheeky smile, Nightmare gives him another headbutt, quickly followed by aggressive nuzzles and purring.
“So…we’re friends, right? Only if ya want I mean-”
“I’d… I’d LIkE THaT.” Error agrees with a small smile, nuzzling Nightmare back, the wolf smiling excitedly at him.
“Yusssss~! You're stuck with me now~ Hehe~ I mean like you know as long as you want me to be-”
“Pfft- SUre- I’d LIke THaT..~” The glitch replies. He gets even more nuzzles as Nightmare’s tail wags, happy puppy rumbles making it very hard not to smile.
“Yaaaay~ O-oh yeah I should finish digging the thing-” Blushing in embarrassment, Nightmare pulls away, and Error holds back a small frown at the loss of pleasant contact. If Nightmare really is telling the truth, it’s… nice, to be able to enjoy a touch just to enjoy it.
“YeAH- THaNkS.” Error watches quietly for a moment before walking over to his chosen spot for a hammock as Nightmare continues to dig and round out a decently sized hole to smoke the rabbit. He pulls out several strings before getting to work, tying up his strings much like a spider’s web as he works. Blue always found his little string hammocks annoying and messy, so he’s happy he gets to make one without worry now.
~
(Stuffs!!)
~
Error wanders through an almost uncomfortably crowded market, grateful for the hooded cloak Nightmare had gotten him to better hide his identity. It acts as a great physical barrier against those around him as he ducks and weaves carefully through people, doing his best to avoid touching anyone while he looks at the stalls and stores around him.
Nightmare had already gone off to do.. Whatever it is he does every time the visit a town, leaving Error alone to get supplies.
He's gotten a few things they needed, some seasonings, bandages, a little healing gel just in case- What else did they need?
Error pauses for a moment when he notices a cute little stand with cute crochet animals and soft, colorful scarves hanging off the side one display. He has to wiggle his way through the crowd to get a better look. There are even little potions and the creatures are so cute.
With a soft, fond smile on his face, Error’s gaze drifts up, locking into a…familiar face. It doesn't hit him right away as they dig through a basket of yarn, face scrunching up when they don't find the color they're looking for, but when it does, Error suddenly finds himself freezing up, glitching harshly.
“G-gENo-?” He blurts before he can think about it, rooted in place in shock as his brother tenses, before slowly looking up to meet his gaze.
For a few short seconds, they just stare and all Error wants to say, all that time thinking about what he would do when he found his brother rushes through his mind for what feels like forever, but all he can do is stare.
“...B-bubbu?” Before Error can do anything, Geno rushes out from behind his stall to hug him tightly, shocking the glitch out of his stupor. “O-oh my stars oh my stars I can touch you- Y-you're real-”
“Wh-wHaT-? I- GeN-?” He stammers, blinking away a few error signs that try to pop up in his vision as he hugs his big brother back, hands trembling.
Everything in his skull is a jumbled mess, but one of the first thing to come to mind is…just how nice it feels, how achingly familiar Geno holding him is. He still smells like yarn and soft flowers. He still feels safe and warm.
“You’re real you're r-real o-oh my stars Bubbu- Errorrr-rr…” Geno cries, nuzzling his skull as his hood falls down- though Error can’t bring himself to care much.
“I’m- I- I’m hEre-” Error tightens his hold on Geno as he glitches, tears gathering in his sockets. “I-iT’s OKAy-”
His brother struggles to say something back through hiccups and sobs, squeezing him tightly.
“I-I mi-is-ssed yoo-ouuu-”
“I- I M-misS-sed yOU Too- I- y-yOu-” Error gives up on saying anything else as his breath hitches, instead settling for clinging to his brother and burying his face in his shoulder, struggling to keep himself from bursting into tears as well.
Geno holds him, keeping him close for at least a few minutes before deciding to pull him in and around into the booth, sitting down and continuing to hold Error close in his lap.
“...H-how are…a-are you here, Bubbu…I-I thought…” Geno holds him tighter, nuzzling further against him.
“WhaT- wh-wHAt dO YOu mEaN? YOu ANd FReSh jUSt- y-yoU JusT DisSAPeaREd-” Error questions, finding himself more than happy to just remain in Geno’s arms as he rubs his wet sockets, having successfully managed to avoid letting more than a couple of tears escape.
“We w-what? No no we didn't-” Geno pulls away just enough to look at him, holding and rubbing his face. “We went out to pick some flowers for one of our neighbors a-and…and w-when we came back you….i-it looked like you..”
Geno struggles a little, tears gathering in his sockets again as he leans in to give Error a headbutt, looking his face over. “There was a p-pile of dust..a-a-and your jacket, a-and a knife and a letter fr-rom you-”
“Wh-wHAt-? No I- I DiDn’t- I WOUldn’T-” The glitch is horrified, pressing their foreheads together as he tries to reassure his brother that he’s here and alive. “I NEVer-”
Geno nuzzles him, sniffling and trying to hold back more tears with such a distraught look on his face. Error doesn’t like it- he wants to make it go away- to make Geno smile like he remembers.
“B-bubbuuu…I I m-missed you so s-so so much-”
“I MIsSed yOU ToO- I… m-mY MEmorIEs oF It ARe kINda fuZzY B-bUT I COuld’vE SWorN YOu jUSt- n-neVER cAMe baCK… I HAd a REaLLy bAd cRAsh a-anD DOn’t REmeMber a LOt oF It B-buT BlUE sAid… B-bLUe….” Geno wouldn’t lie about Error supposedly committing suicide- not with that heartbroken expression- but… Blue’s, he’s learning, has lied about… a lot of things..
“...Blue…? The…c-creepy kid..?” Geno makes a disturbed face. “.....He did…disappear after you, w-well we thought….” He trails off, and Error nuzzles him some more.
“He… RaREly eVEr leT Me LEaVe the houSE- let ALone thE ViLLaGE… m-mADe mE..” He shudders and shakes his head, restarting. “I.. dON’t rEMemBer HOw lONg iT’s beEN, bUT he… ‘CArED’ For ME AFteR YOu dISsaPEaRED. We… wE BEcaME maTEs. I THOugHT He lOVeD me BuT He…. he hurT mE.”
His brother gently squeezes him, before asking in an…eerily calm voice. “...Where was this village?”
“Nuh-uH We’RE STilL CudDLIng-” Error immediately refuses, clinging tighter to Geno.
“I'm gonna kill him-” Geno hisses, nuzzling Error aggressively. “My bubbu-”
“I’m NOt gOIng ANYwhERe.” He swears, smiling slightly at his brother’s protectiveness. Unlike when Blue would get.. protective over him, this actually feels safe. He knows Geno wouldn’t hurt him- wouldn’t force him to do anything against his will.
“...I love you, so so much..I'm sorry I c-couldn't keep you safe-” Geno nuzzles him some more, and Error relaxes into the affection.
“It’S oKAy- it’S Not YoUR FaULt. I L-loVE yoU ToO. I’vE BEen L-lOOkinG FoR YoU…” Error mumbles, nuzzling Geno lightly.
“By yourself..? What happened to..the creepy kid?”
“He… woulDN’t HAvE leT me LeaVE so I.. RAn. I MeT my cURreNt trAvELinG paRtNEr aND we’VE bEeN hiDIng fRoM him.”
“....Is your traveling partner nice? Are you doing okay? Eating well?” Geno asks with even more nuzzles.
“He’S rEAllY NicE- a LOt niCEr thaN BLue eVEr wAs. He DOesN’t mINd whEN I TaLK oR- or BElitTLe me foR AnyThing anD HElpS Me reMEmbEr tO TAkE CAre OF mYSelF… He DOeSn’t eveN Hit mE Or yELl whEn He gETs uPsEt- I HAd gOtTEN faR Too usED To thAT WIth BLue.. It’s BEen… nICE.” Error replies, pulling back a bit to give his brother a smile.
“....Blue is a dead man walking-” Geno vows to himself, placing a kiss on Error’s nasal bridge and making him scrunch up his face just like he would when he was little. “I'm happy you got away from him…and made a good friend.”
“Me tOo. ANd I FOUnd YOu~!”
“Yus~ My Bubbu, much cute~” Geno purrs, kissing his face some more. “Fresh is gonna be so excited to see you~”
“YoU THink? HOw iS HE dOINg? HAs hE BLAsteD INto A SKeLetON YEt?” Error asks, getting many more nuzzles.
“Mhm, he’s all grown up…and stupidly tall- He’s a giant!”
“SeRIousLY? He wAS ALreAdy tALler thAN BotH OF us-!” He complains, cuddling further against Geno.
“I know- he got all the tall genes.” His brother huffs, lightly kissing his temple. “...We should go home. I don't want people asking to buy anything while we snuggle.”
“..I gEt tO STaY WitH YOu?” Error questions, relief and joy rising within him. He doesn’t know what he would’ve done if he had to ask- let alone if Geno had said no.
“Of course you're staying with me! I don't want to..you to disappear again- I want you to stay..” Geno squeezes him again, headbutting him firmly as Error relaxes, certain his relief is showing on his face. “But uhm…just so you know…I'm living in a rather nice place..”
“REaLly? DiD YOu fiNALly mANAge To sAvE Up foR A NIcE HOusE liKe YOu wANteD?” Geno looks away nervously, giggling a little.
“Weeeell….not exactly? I uhm….I got married actually-”
“You’Re MArRIEd-???” Error exclaims- as if he hadn’t just admitted to doing basically the same thing himself. “WITh wHO-? WHaT ARe thEY liKe? ARe THey nICe? ThEY doN’t hURt yoU Or aNYThinG RighT? THey’RE noT SupPOsED to hUrt yoU-”
“He doesn't hurt me, Bubbu, I promise. Reaper is a very sweet, gentle, and loving husband. He can be a big dork, and very silly, wants all my attention and kisses~ He would never hurt me. I'd beat his ass if he tried.” Geno tells his little brother seriously, and Error finds himself relaxing at the reassurance.
“OkAY… OKay GoOd.”
“...I have another surprise for you when we get home~” Geno coos, standing up as he continues to hold Error, using his magic to start picking up his stall. The glitch just accepts that his brother isn’t going to be letting him go any time soon and he probably wouldn’t be let down even if he asked.
“YOu dO? WhAt?”
“Well it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you now would it~?” Kissing his nasal bridge again, Geno puts everything away in his inventory before leaving, nuzzling Error as they walk.
“NoOo YOu goTta TEll mE NOw I WaNna KNOwWw-” The glitch whines, squirming in Geno’s hold.
“Nope~ You have to wait, Bubbu~” His brother coos. “I'm going to take a shortcut, okay?”
“In tHe lITerAL sENSe oR-?” Error questions, instinctively tightening his hold on Geno.
“Teleport.” Geno nuzzles him, before he takes a step and they are suddenly nowhere, surrounded by nothing at all- another step and they are back in reality.
“UgH-” Error shudders and glitches as he hides his face in Geno’s shoulder, feeling vaguely nauseous and dizzy. He knows Geno’s ‘shortcuts’ didn't bother him like this, but it’s been far too long since he’s dealt with his brother’s magic.
“Sorry, Bubbu- I didn't think it would bother you…but we're here.” Geno rubs his back and starts walking towards a…huge estate!?
“...ThAT is NoT JUst A “nicE HouSe”.” Error mutters incredulously.
“Heheh…weeell I wasn't sure how else to put it.” Geno blushes, feeling rather bashful. “My mate is uhm…well he's a Duke.”
“WhAT the FUcK-” Error breathes, staring in shock. “WaIT nO WaY I THouGht yoU HAteD NoBiLity-!”
“I still don't like nobility, but Reaper is different. He actually doesn't like nobility much either.” Geno sighs as he walks in through a side door, continuing to hold his little brother, Error just wordlessly gaping at everything around them. “Actually the higher nobles really don't like me, for obvious reasons, but Reaper is very good friends with the Queen and she was more than happy to let us marry. All the other nobles can only smack talk and spread rumors…which is still troublesome, but they can't do anything else about it so...”
“...WhAT thE FucK-” THe glitch repeats dumbly.
“Hehe~ Crazy huh?” Geno takes Error up a flight of stairs, carrying him into a very large and expensive looking lounge room and sitting on a stupidly expensive looking sofa. “Wanna see my surprise now~?”
“I fEeL LIke I’m GoiNG to mESs sOMethiNG up JusT By lOOking aT it wROng-” Error mumbles, before perking up. “YEs ShoW Me-”
Grinning, Geno sets Error down beside him, despite the younger unconsciously whining, and lifts his shirt to expose his ecto belly. Error hadn’t even noticed he had it summoned, far too focused on just processing being with his brother again.
“Look closely Bubbu~” Error makes sure to pout a bit at Geno before doing what he says, leaning down for a better view as he squints, trying to find what Geno wants him to see.
Peaking through the red of Geno’s magic is a little…a souling…..A souling-!?
“YOu’Re pREgnaNT-!?!” He bursts out, sitting up abruptly in shock.
“Surpriiiise~ Even Fresh doesn't know yet, so besides Reaper you're the only one to know~”
“I’m- I’m GOinG to Be aN UNclE-? YOu’rE HAvINg a BAbY-?” This time, Error can’t quite hold back the tears as several emotions begin to overwhelm him. He’s ecstatic for his brother- so happy Geno has managed to find his happiness and safety- overjoyed to finally be here to share this with him, relieved at Geno’s easy acceptance and affection, guilty at not finding his way here sooner. It’s all just too much, spilling out of him as he clings to his brother, a small sob escaping him.
“Oh Bubbu..~” Geno coos, pulling Error back into his lap and holding him close, rubbing the younger’s back. “...I'm so happy I get to share this with you~ That I g-get…to h-have you in my life again- fuck I'm crying d-damn it-”
A wet giggle escapes Error as he nuzzles closer, smiling even as he continues to cry, soul feeling lighter than it has in years. “I-I’m S-sO HaPPy- I M-misSed YO-ou SO m-mucH-”
“H-hehe~ I missed you more, s-so so much, Bubbu~ I can't w-wait to just…show-w you things and..and I don't know- eat b-breakfast together? Snuggle a-all the time for sure-”
“S-sO mANy C-cudDLes-” Error agrees with another choked up laugh. “I cAN tEll Y-yoU All ABouT My A-aDVenTUreS LoOking For YoU GuYS a-aND iNTroduCe yOU t-to NIghTmare-”
“Is Nightmare y-your friend? The uhm…traveling partner you mentioned?” Geno kisses the side of his skull, nuzzling him aggressively again with so much loving intent that a fresh wave of tears fills Error’s sockets, and he has to fight to keep from breaking down further.
“M-mHm.”
“Heh, I bet he’s wonderful, Bubbu..~ Stars I love you-”
“I L-lOVe yoU Too. S-so MUch.” Error mumbles, nuzzling into Geno’s shoulder as he tries to get ahold of himself.
“Y-you're so cuuuute~” His brother coos, kissing the side of his skull as Error relaxes against him, basking in the attention….and then the door swings open.
“Geeenoooo~ I’m back-” They both stare at the tall skeleton in black as they walk in, who blinks at them in shock and confusion that quickly turns into hurt. “Geno…you're cheating on me..?”
The tall skeleton sounds so very heartbroken and Geno is quick to try and rectify the situation. “What-? No no, Reaper this is my little brother-”
“You’re cheating on me with your brother-!?” Reaper whimpers after a moment of processing, and Geno desperately wants to facepalm as Error struggles to decide if he wants to laugh or not.
He sets Error aside with a little headbutt and walks over to comfort his dorky distressed mate. “No, Reaper honey. No cheating at all. Just some tearful snuggles.”
Geno softly kisses the tall skeleton’s cheek as they blink away tears, eagerly snuggling into the smaller like a big baby.
“There there honey, you're the only one for me, okay~?”
“M-mhm…” Reaper agrees between sniffles, Geno smiling at his brother with a ‘See I told you’ look as Error just stares. How on earth is this some kind of high ranking duke-?
“Okay Reaps, come on. You're fine honey. You're meeting my other brother, remember?” Geno sets his mate down a bit, Reaper quickly wiping his sockets and standing upright.
“Y-yeah yeah sorry- Wait I thought Fresh was your only brother?”
Geno sighs, nuzzling the other. “Reaper, this is Error.”
“Error..? Ooooh the one who…wait what??”
“Uh- I THinK SoMEonE… mIGht’Ve fAKeD My dEAth wiThouT My kNOWledgE..” Error offers, looking away as he picks at his phalanges. With what he can remember, he’s… honestly not sure he’s ready to think about the implications of what happened.
"Oh..well uhhhhhhh….I'm happy I get to meet you. Gen talks about you a lot.” Reaper’s mate smiles at him, before walking back over to continue snuggling Error, gently grabbing his hands. “You like crocheting right? And chocolate!”
“GoT Me In ONe.” Error replies, more than happy to nuzzle back up against his brother.
“...Waaaant some hot coco-?” Reaper asks awkwardly as Geno giggles, Error visibly perking up.
“You HAvE HOt cHocOLAte-?? I haVEn’t haD Any In ForEVer-” The glitch abruptly cuts himself off, expression growing slightly guarded. “WhAt dO-.. aRE YOu gOInG To… wANt ANythINg foR It..?”
Reaper cocks his skull to the side, a little confused, before understanding comes over him. “Oh no no not at all. You're my wonderful Gen's brother and my brother in law so no way. You're welcome to anything in the kitchen that you want. We can always just buy more.”
“...ALriGht. I’d- I’d liKe thAt, thEn. I-If thAT’s oKay..?” Error asks, looking between Geno and Reaper. His brother nuzzles him with a soft purr, kissing his temple.
“It's more than okay, Bubbu. It might take some time, but I want you to feel safe here, this is your home now too after all. You do still wanna stay, right?” The glitch nods rapidly, tightening his hold on Geno.
“If- IF yoU’ll hAve mE.”
“Of course! I want to have you close and spend as much time with you as possible~!” Geno aggressively nuzzles him some more, making sure Error knows just how much he's loved as the glitch absolutely beams.
“I-I’d lIKe thAT Too..~” As the brothers snuggle Reaper mumbles something about making hot coco and disappears, getting a chuckle from his mate.
“Sorry about him, he’s not good at socializing outside of his noble act and being a big baby-”
“DoESn’t sOUnd mUch BeTTer thaN Me thEn.” Error snickers.
“Hehe~ Hopefully that means you two will get along. You’re a lot alike actually, besides Reaper being a big flirt.”
“Oh YEaH? I diDn’t tAke thAT To be YOur tYPe.” The glitch teases, getting a bright blush from his brother.
“It’s cute- He’s a big puppy-” Error just snorts in response, nuzzling Geno.
“...WheRE’s FResH?”
“He’s been working as the royal tailor’s assistant~” Geno smirks, very proud of their youngest brother.
“Oh WOw No wAY- rEAllY? THaT’s so CooL~!”
“Mhm~ He’s gotten really good at designing clothes, Bubbu~ I’m so proud of him~ You know he made some designs for you too. He even made a dress inspired by you~” Error pauses, sockets widening in surprise.
“…He dID..?” He asks, feeling more touched than he probably should be. “BuT…”
“But what..?” His brother softly asks, nuzzling him some more. After a long moment, Error just shakes his head, unsure how to even articulate his feelings. How on earth could he even ask why Fresh would do that? Would still honor his memory and design things for him that he thought he would never wear?
…It hurts to think about- to think of how much his brothers still seemed to have been mourning him even now. He’s sure his supposed suicide hurt them both immensely- he doesn’t want to cause more pain by bringing it up. Geno gently pets Error’s skull, sighing quietly as he holds the glitch tighter.
“...But you wouldn’t have been able to wear it? Yeah……Fresh told me he always wanted to design a dress for you. He said he already knew the type of dress that would flatter you the most…..He made it ‘cause he loves you.” Geno kisses his cheek, gently holding Error’s face. “Was that it? What you wanted to ask?”
The glitch nods, avoiding eye contact as he nuzzles into his brother’s hands.
“...I hOpe He’LL leT Me WeAR thEm..” He mumbles.
“Bubbu, I am sure he would be overjoyed to finally see you wear them and you will look so cute and pretty~” Geno coos, kissing Error’s skull all over. “We love you so so so so soooooo much, Bubbu~ …We’ve tried our best to include a little piece of you in every aspect of our lives because we love you. It made us feel better.”
“..I LOve yOU bOTh tOO~ I- I’vE WaNTEd To lOok FOr yOU FoR SO LOnG… I sHOuld’ve- I SHoUld’vE TriED hARdeR- SeEn tHRouGH BLuE- Or- L-leFT EArliER-” Error mutters.
“Uh uh, none of that. No “I should have’s” or “what if’s”. It’s a miracle that you found us at all, Bubbu. We’ve missed a lot with each other, yes, but you're here now, alive and well, and that’s all I could ever ask for…If you ask me though, this is the perfect time, you know why?” Geno asks as he gently strokes Error’s face, the younger glitch leaning into the affection.
“Hm? WHy?”
“Because I get to have both little brothers with me to see my baby grow up. You get to see all the special moments with me and help me take care or them~ And they get to grow up knowing their uncles, not just hearing stories.”
“..TRue~ I cAN’t wAIt.” Error mumbles, nuzzling closer with a small smile.
“Hehe~ I love you, so so so sooo much~”
“I lOVe you Too~”
“Hmm~ Oh! Put your hand on my belly.” Geno tells him excitedly, lifting his shirt up a bit again and grabbing his hand. “Send a little pulse of magic to them~”
“Uh- OKaY-?” Error concentrates, carefully pushing a bit of magic into his brother’s ecto. After a small pause there’s the smallest little push back in response, like an excited hello. “...Oh My GoSh GeNo~!”
“I know right~!? Isn’t it amazing~? I can’t wait to meet them~” Geno puts a hand on his belly beside Error’s. “They’re so small..~”
“I lOVe THem-” Error states, grinning widely as he leans down to nuzzle Geno’s ecto, sending another small pulse of magic. They respond faster this time, giving him all their attention with another little pulse, this time it's more like… “I love you!”
The glitch has to fight back the urge to cry at the pure affection from the precious little souling, swearing to himself then and there that he is going to be the best uncle ever and will protect his nibling with his life.
“ThEy’rE So cUTe-”
“They much bby~” Geno coos, loving the adorable look on Error’s face. He’s so beyond happy he gets to share this experience with his brother… “We’re naming them Goth. I feel like it fits~ Gothy~”
“AwW CUtE LitTLe GotHy~ It sEeMS yOU piCkeD A naMe pRetty QUicK.” Error playfully points out, sitting up to instead nuzzle his brother’s face. The older skeleton chuckles, quickly placing a kiss on Error’s nasal bridge.
“It came to me in a dream~ Literally- Reaper seemed to like it too, so right now that’s what we’re going with. I like it~” Geno purrs, headbutting him again. “I can’t wait till Fresh gets home~ You’re going to get even more kisses~!”
“YoU TWo aRe neVER leTtiNG Me eSCaPe aRE yoU?” Error questions, amused and not at all complaining. “I Do hAVe To MEet Up With NiGHtmaRE toMOrRow MOrnINg, thOuGH.”
“Tomorrow morning? Is he staying at an inn?”
“NaH- He USuaLLy preFErs to ‘fiND his Own lODginGs’- ESpecIAllY dURinG THe fiRSt dAY We’Re iN TOwN. I’m A soLId liKe- sIXtY PErcENt suRe he’S HoOKing UP wiTh pEOple But He miGht aLSo be hIDinG OUt in THe fOREsT foR ALonE Time. I Try NOt to PRy toO MucH.” Error replies, shrugging a bit. He’s not one to be judging Nightmare’s choices.
“I would rather it be the forest thing. Hooking up with random people all the time isn’t usually a sign of mental health.” Geno says with a frown, making Error frown a bit himself. He didn’t know that. “I’m excited to meet him though. I bet your friend is very nice.”
“He IS- I CaN’t wAIt to tEll hIM I FoUNd yoU.”
“Me too~ Will he be staying here too?” The glitch pauses.
“I’m… noT suRE. CaN HE? I’Ll haVE to ASk hIM-” Geno nuzzles him some more, purring.
“Of course he can, though it would be good if he could get a job just so he doesn’t get too comfortable, you know?”
“MaKEs sENse- THouGH thAT miGHt Be a Bit hARd foR Him- He’s… rUnNIng fRom.. HIs oWn BLue.” Error explains.
“Oh…well…maybe he can do something from home then. Does he do any crafts or make anything he can sell? I could bring you two along with me and my stand at the commoner’s market?” Geno suggests, rubbing Error’s back. It works just as well on him as it had years ago, making him relax against Geno with a small purr.
“Hmm… WeLl hE LiKEs to REaD And wrITe? AnD HE’s A SeLf pROClaIMed TraVELing SChoLAr- hE’s PReTty sMArT. HoNEsTLy I BeT He coULd hElp YOur mATe wITh bORing DUke STufF.” Error suggests, taking a guess at Reaper’s opinion of that kind of thing.
“Oh yeah? Does he know a lot about nobility then? Do you know where he comes from?”
“He DOeSn’t liKe tO TAlk aBOut iT MucH No- He KNowS a BIt AboUt NobiLIty YeaH, But I JusT FIguRe He’S PRoBaBLy sMaRt eNOugh To heLP ouT.”
“Okay, Bubbu. We’ll just have to see where it goes~” His older brother gives his face a few more kisses before setting Error down again- much to the younger glitch’s disappointment. “Come on, the hot chocolate should be done already.”
“MkAy~”
Chapter 71: Scattered
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Killer and Error are stuck trying to blend in in a medieval AU, the rest of the gang hiding out across the multiverse.
Bad guys poly, but this is mostly Error x Killer
The entire first section is smut but it can be pretty easily skipped
Chapter Text
Killer hums as he walks home, a wide grin on his face. Not only did he earn a lot of tips today, but he gpt to bash stab the crap out of the ass who thought cornering him in the alley after his shift was a good idea! All in all a good night of work.
The bar was pretty busy and his cherry red ecto still shines brightly as he unlocks and opens the door into his small shared shabby house. It’s not grand living or anything. Nothing like Nightmare’s- his Nightmare’s- castle. There’s no electricity or running water, but a small fire and small water stone is all they really need.
He tosses his bag on one of the dining chairs and stretches. “Honey I’m hoooooome~!” He calls out with a giggle.
“KiLleR?” Error steps out of the clothes room with an excited grin, still wearing his gloves and the makeup covering his tearmarks- though his smile fades slightly when he sees Killer’s ecto summoned. “..GeT A LOt of TiPs?”
“Yup~!” KIller reaches into his inventory and excitedly pulls out a pouch brimming with silver and bronze coins. “Look at all this G! They were practically begging to spend their money~”
The short skeleton walks into their bedroom and begins unbuttoning his shirt, not bothering to close the door as Error frowns slightly, happy for Killer but unable to help the slight possessive feelings that rise in him.
Why should a bunch of perverted nobodies get to see Killer’s beauty? Killer was his- no one else could have him.
Said skeleton tosses his clothes away as he stretches before turning back to Error and giving him a small kiss, snapping Error out of his line of thought, before he heads to the ‘kitchen’.
The house- like most medieval commoner housing- doesn’t have a bathroom. The only thing closest to a sink or a bathtub is the large bucket that acts as a lot of things. They fill it with water to wash clothes, bathe, clean dishes. Any plumbing needs really- beside the toilet, that’s for the outhouse. Not that they need it- thankfully.
“N-noT PUttiNg aNYthINg elSe oN-?” Error questions, definitely not staring at Killer’s butt. And Killer is definitely not aware of it as he swings his hips a little.
“No~ I’m going to take a bath~” The smaller monster shoots him a grin from over his shoulder before ducking into the open kitchen, Error pouting slightly as he follows after him, like a moth to a flame.
Upon turning the corner, Killer is bent down over the ‘tub’ as it fills with water, his soft cunt visible between strong plump thighs all for Error to see. What a view.
The glitch only just manages to stop himself from walking over and grabbing the smaller, a small whine getting caught in the back of his throat as he stares. Killer ‘glances’ over at him with a knowing smirk before slowly standing back up strait.
“Somethin’ ya want, Ruru~?”
“YoU’rE MeAn-” Error whines and Killer walks back over to the glitch, casually pressing his soft chest against him.
“Come on Ru~ Ya can touch me whenever ya want ya know~” Error doesn’t need any more encouragement, quickly taking off his gloves and pulling Killer close to rub his soft ecto. With a pleased hum, having gotten what he wanted, the small monster closes the small distance between them in a soft, loving kiss, his arms finding their way over Error’s shoulders as the glitch happily kisses him back.
Killer slowly backs them up towards the bath as they kiss, a purr bubbling up in his throat as Error easily follows, needily trying to press closer. He breaks the kiss gently, only pulling apart enough to speak.
“Wanna take a bath with me~?”
“Y-yeS PLeaSe~” Killer smirks at him as his mate slowly starts to strip him, starting with his scarf before removing his jacket and sweater and finally hooking phalanges around his waistband, and Error has to keep himself from squirming impatiently, magic already beginning to gather in his pelvis. Killer is extra slow with his pants, a devilishly cheeky smirk on his face as he kneels down to take said pants all the way to his ankles, and comes face to face with Error’s pelvis.
Without hesitation, the small monster places a deep kiss against his pelvic crest, a low, surprised keen escaping Error as he shudders. The kiss is all tongue and mouth, licking up between where the two bones are melded together before sucking on that sensitive spot, carefully removing Error’s feet from his pants as the glitch gets lost in the sensation, placing his hands on the back of Killer’s skull.
Killer licks where Error’s dick would- and will- be, sucking on the oh so sensitive bone as the glitch’s magic continues to build, focusing on that spot but unable to form anything. He really does enjoy watching Error fall apart~
“Hn-NNgH F-fuCK- KiLleR~” The glitch whines, face flushed as he shivers, feeling weak in the knees. It’s only then that said skeleton pulls away, nuzzling back into the hand on his skull as he stands up.
“Get in the bath and then I’ll really let ya get inta’ something else~” Killer pulls away- despite Error’s protests- and gets into the half filled bucket, the glitch quickly moving to follow. The water is warm, fending off the slight chill of the room as they sink into it- the water reaching just below his ribcage.
Killer almost immediately moves closer, leaning against the glitch as his hand finds and strokes Error’s pelvis, making him moan softly as he tugs Killer up for a kiss. The smaller is more than happy to comply, letting out a pleased hum as he situates himself stradling Error’s lap, purring.
“HMmNn~ F-fucK I MisSEd yoU~” Error murmurs between kisses, grinding up against Killer slightly as his ecto snaps into place. The smaller moans as he grabs the glitch’s cheeks, wiping away and smiring the makeup on his cheeks.
“I missed ya too~” kiss “So so much~” He grinds back down onto Error as they both moan, the water rippling from their movements.
“HnNGh~ M-mINe~” Error moans, reaching up to fondle Killer’s breasts, making the smaller shudder.
“In a possessive mood today~?” Killer coos, giving Error one more deep kiss before trailing the kisses up the side of his skull.
“I miSsED YOu-” The glitch whines in response, getting a small kiss on the nasal bridge from his mate.
“I missed you toooooo~ You adorable pouty bby~” Killer just gets more whines and a pout in response, just proving his point. The small skeleton grins and happily begins to cover Error’s face in small kisses, dunking his hand in the water to start wiping away the leftover smeared makeup from his mate's pretty face.
“Hmm~ I LOve YOu~”
“I love ya more~ My glitchy~” Killer coos as he peppers Error’s face in kisses and slows his grinding to more accurately rub his slit against the shaft beneath him, pulling a low groan from the glitch as he instinctively tries to thrust up slightly.
“M-mY KiLleR~” With a happy purr and wiggle, the smaller lifts himself up, reaching down in the water to hold up Error’s gold colored cock against his entrance.
“Hmmm~ How was your day~?”
“A-aRe wE SErioUSLy doINg SMall tALk riGHt nOw-?” Error sputters incredulously, unable to help but snicker a bit. He makes Killer laugh too, a small gasp interrupting his mates giggle as the smaller slowly slides down onto him.
“HmMnnng~ M-mhm~ It would be a funny meme-”
“T-tOo baD- AhHh~ PHoNes DOn’T ExiST HerE-” The glitch jokes, grinding up into Killer, making his gasp as Error’s cock slides deeper inside of him.
“HAaaAh~ Uh huh~ I m-miss laughing at- Hmmm~ cat videos~”
“MNnh~ G-goOD ThINg thE duMb PeoPLe heRE are PreTty EnteRTaiNINg-” Killer giggles again.
“H-hell yes they are~! So f-fucking stupid~” The small skeleton moans as he sinks all the way down to Error’s pelvis, enjoying the nice full feeling as his walls flutter around his mates shaft. “Hmm~ T-they’re so easy ta..ta manipulate~”
“M-mHMm~” Error’s hands find Killer’s hips, gently rubbing and squeezing as he shivers. The smaller rests his skull on Error’s shoulder as he pants, before slowly lifting himself and starting to bounce.
“I-I was- HaAaaa~ So exc-cited ta see ya today~”
“O-oH YeaH~?” The glitch questions, lightly thrusting to match Killer’s bounces, moving one hand to rub the small skeleton's clit. Killer’s breathy whining and moaning fills the room with small splashes of water.
“AaAaaah~ U-uh huh~ HmmMm~ So excited ta see my mate~ Your attention- F-fuck~ I-is my favorite~” Killer rolles his hips, struggling to get the full sentence out with Error’s very distracting touch.
“G-gOod~ NnnGHh~ I l-lOve yOU~” Error soaks up the praise, movements becoming a bit sloppy as he continues to thrust up into Killer, pressing down harder on his clit and making the smaller’s walls flutter tightly around him. They’re both so close. Just a little-
Killer moans loudly, long and drawn out as he cups Error’s cheeks. It’s a gentle climax compared to their rougher excursions, quieter, but still just as good as Error glitches, his hot magic filling Killer while he holds the small skeleton closer.
“HmMmmnNg~ Soooooo good Glitchy~ So good~” He needed this so badly. Just being so coser to his mate makes his soul feel a bit lighter and all the tension melts away from him. Tension he didn’t even know was there.
“HNnh~” Error shivers as he nuzzles Killer, idly rubbing his back as he basks in the afterglow, purring softly. Killer could fall asleep right here, listening to Error’s purring as his soul pulses evenly,matching his mates.
“..I love you too..~”
“..WaNNa taKe a NaP?” The glitch offers, knowing that even if the heating stone will keep the water warm, falling asleep in the ‘bath’ wouldn’t be good for his joints- though he’s not sure if he cares all that much. If nothing else, Killer would probably be willing to give him a back rub.
“Hmmm’maybe..~ But I need ta be cleeeeaans~” Thankfully Killer has the day off tomorrow, but he still likes to wash off the smell of the pub- due to most of the customers being humans it’s not the best scent after midnight. Neither of them are particularly fond of the smell of alcohol either.
“CleANs fIRst thEn~” Error agrees, quickly using his strings to grab the bar of soap they keep on the counter. Killer giggles against him, nuzzling into the glitch’s neck.
“Cleans meeee~”
“Hmm ALriGHt~” Lathering up the soap in the water, Error gets to work gently scrubbing Killer down, purring loudly the whole time as Killer purrs back.
It's relaxing, his mate's soft ecto moving and dipping in slightly and the soap bar slides over him. It's like a massage, and Error enjoys the simple repetitiveness of cleaning him.
Killer’s hums as he starts to drift off, willingly moving his body around as Error washes him. "Hmmm…I love it when ya touch me…~ It tickles~"
“So yoU SAy.” Is Error’s wry reply as he kisses Killer’s cheek, getting a loud and happy purr from his mate, the smaller’s soul an inverted heart. He loves seeing it like this. It’s a reminder of how much better they both are- emotionally.
Killer’s heart shaped soul used to be a rarity, but after being mates for a few years, with their little makeshift family of psychos, Killer got better. They all got better. And even if they aren’t here all together. Killer is happy with him. He makes Killer happy.
They may be stuck in hiding in an AU that neither of them particularly like, and Error has to be extremely careful with his magic, but they know that the rest of their family is at least safe, and that’s enough.
Looking away from Killer’s soul he notices his mate completely out cold, fast asleep on top of him as he purrs loudly, his soul beat matching his slow even breaths.
Chuckling softly, Error finishes cleaning off Killer, still buried inside him as he stands, picking Killer up and rinsing them both off with the water stone, before stepping out and wrapping up in the large towel he made just for this, carefully walking into the bedroom and laying down on the bed. He’ll drain the tub later.
Killer nuzzles into him with a soft purr and little chirp, curling his hand in between their chests as Error pulls the blanket up over them.
~
Error forces himself to get up the next morning, Killer still sound asleep against him. He wishes he could sleep in and technically he could- but then he wouldn't have time to get anything ready before customers start showing up at the market. He’s discovered it’s much easier when he’s actually prepared for the day, and it gives him ample time to make sure his tearmarks are truly covered with the homemade charcoal makeup.
The glitch gives Killer a quick kiss before pulling out and dismissing his ecto and getting up, happy to see his magic had already been absorbed. Killer would probably need the extra magic later to keep his ecto on- not that he'll really need to today.
The smaller shifts with a small whines as he reaches out for something. Finding Error’s pillow and stealing it for replacement cuddles as he nuzzles into the fabric. The glitch coos quietly, pulling the covers up over Killer’s shoulders and giving him one last kiss on the side of his skull, before getting ready.
He starts by getting dressed, putting on medieval style linens, loos and relatively common for commoners- if he isn't including the more personal look he's given it with his vibrant blue scarf and jacket. With dye being expensive he's not technically supposed to be able to afford it. His strings help in that department- it’s part of why he’s been getting as popular as he has.
After making sure his clothes are in order he uses their one hand held mirror to apply the makeup. Just some charcoal and some sort of plant Killer mixed into it so it appears smoother. It holds surprisingly well, though he still has to be a bit careful to keep from smudging it or rubbing it off.
Next are the gloves, completely red to blend in with his forearms and hide his multi-colored bones- with his other clothes covering the rest. The reason for hiding his features? His alternate.
These kinds of AU’s are rare and are almost unheard of, not just because there are so few of them, but also because they are technically outside of the multiverse, on the very outer edges, even farther than dead and abandoned universes like Ink’s earliest work. Only Error had really known about them, save for Fresh and Core probably-
In these AUs the outcodes of the multiverse have alternates that play different roles completely unique to any other world. Like Nightmare, Dream, the gang, and even him. All the known 'characters' of the multiverse in one story.
Error always found them interesting, though he never mentioned them. It was a good thing, too, as it let him get the gang in hiding when the Stars had overpowered them and took Nightmare’s castle. It was a surprise attack.
Things had started getting more serious in their fights and when he talked to Ink about it, he said to just play along. That he wanted to see where this arc or Era of the went. They would outlive it anyway so why not see where it went?
Error… didn’t necessarily agree, but he still went along with it. He regrets it now- unlike Ink, he was perfectly content with the little slice of life thing he had going.
It became more like a war between the two sides. That simple life being uprooted suddenly by more coordinated attacks with not just the Stars. Nightmare was suddenly much more serious about attacks and understandably so- Killer nearly lost an arm, having jumped in front of an attack meant for Dust’s skull.
The Stars were prepared and they weren't. He doubts Ink told them the location of the base- he wouldn’t have found it interesting enough. They must have found it out on their own.
It was unfortunate, but everyone is safe at least….hopefully. Nightmare is probably pissed about the castle though. The king treated it like his baby. Error couldn’t do anything about it- by the end of that battle it was all he could do to send them all to what he hoped were safe AUs.
Error sighs as he walks to his sewing room, stashing his stock for the day in his inventory before he stops in front of the bedroom door, watching Killer sleep.
He'll probably see Killer at the shop later like usual, bringing home late breakfast. Still, he flips the magic marked stone they keep next to the door- their system for letting each other know that they left. It was like a reusable note, but made mostly to let the other know they weren’t kidnapped. Sadly in this AU it wouldn’t be a surprise.
He heads out the door and into the early morning streets of the capital. The kingdom of Nega quiet so early in the morning, dew still shining in the grass, reflecting the pale subs light as he walks. It is a bit of a long stroke, but it helps him wake up as he nears the market, some other shop owners already setting up their stands.
Now they don't make enough to own an actual store- with one person making the clothes and only so much free time on his hands. But the small stall on the side of the brick road is good enough- and his bright yet affordable clothing makes most shoppers forgiving of the location.
He actually gets pretty good business. He's always wanted more time to work on his outfit making and he's even practicing a lot of clothes in the time period’s styles. It’s surprisingly fun, even if he doesn’t get to just knit as much as he’d like to.
He folds out the cloth cover and begins setting up his inventory. Hanging clothes up while keeping accessories on the table, a platform on the side of his little stall for tailoring- though it doesn’t get used much.
The glitch sits down in his stool behind the booth and simply waits as people slowly start to filter in. When he’s not talking to customers he's working on some of his unfinished pieces, hoping to finish them while he has a chance.
Not even halfway through the day, he hears a commotion only a few stalls away and a familiar voice yelling angrily. Oh no…
Ducking his skull, Error makes sure his glasses are properly stuck to his face, making sure his sockets aren’t too visible as he tries to just quietly continue working on the shirt in his hands. If he just ignores it maybe it will go away-
But of course it doesn't work as his alternate storms past, only to pause at the sight of his clothes. The 'Error' storms directly towards him before slamming his fist on the table to get his attention.
"H-hEY yoU!" The actual Error flinches, glitching slightly in surprise as he glances up at his alternate, already slightly annoyed but easily hiding it.
“WhAT CaN I dO For yoU?” His alternate is a little taken aback, but covers it up by narrowing his sockets in a hard glare as he grabs a blue scarf. Error has to hold back a scoff, knowing the act well.
He actually based the color off his own scarf, but added a yellow star on one side with wide cross stitching using white string down the side of it like it’s a shooting star leaving a trail of stardust.
The alternate holds it up, never breaking eye contact. "DID yA maKe tHis?"
“ThAT I diD. Why dO YOu aSk?” He questions, tilting his head slightly as he stares right back. The other Error sneers, almost annoyed at his own words as he says-
"H-HOw muCh fOR It-t?" Now it’s Error’s turn to be taken aback, blinking dumbly at his alternate for a moment before he manages to gather himself.
“O-oh- uh- It’S ONe goLD.” The other glitch immediately starts digging into his pocket and slams the gold coin on the counter obnoxiously, before yanking off the scarf he was already wearing. The star one is wrapped around his neck and adjusted to show off the star before his alternate suddenly nuzzles his face into it.
Error has to hold back a snort, glad that the other glitch at least seems to find the scarf just as soft as he had, putting the gold away. His alternate doesn't thank him or anything- not that he ever expected him too, but the other doesn't yell at him either, and just turns to storm off somewhere else. Honestly, Error would consider that a fairly successful interaction- though he might have to move his stall if he wants to stay out of attention.
At least he knows his fabric has alternate him's approval. He knows better than anyone that such a feat isn't easy. He can rarely even wear clothes he hasn’t made himself- as his glitches are easy to agitate depending on the texture.
Definitely a win. Maybe his other self will end up bringing in some other nobles? He's had one or two come by but….now that he’s thinking about it- the other Error is probably the highest ranking noble to buy from him. Though- his alternate is probably one of the highest ranking nobles in general, depending on his relations with Nightmare.
He hopes he never has to meet his goopy mate’s alternate. A lot of the things he hears are probably exaggerated, but it’s the fact that slaves are legal in this kingdom that makes him uncomfortable. Despite his mates past treatment of Killer, he made himself very clear when it came to the idea of slavery.
If they were expected to be treated right, Night might have been somewhat ok with it, but they aren't. In fact it is normal for a noble to to have their slave stoned in public, people more than happy to join in as punishment for whatever the owner deemed fit. The capital is the center of a slave trade organization and it's not uncommon for an abandoned child or even relatively disabled person to be snatched up and put into the slavery system.
It's one of the reasons Killer works on the farthest side of town- if anyone found out he was blind a target would be painted on his back. Killer may be capable, but it’s best to avoid any chances of being found out.
And while one person or two wouldn't be able to overpower Killer, if several big people managed to corner him all it would take is grabbing his precious exposed soul for Killer to be put out of commission. It's happened before. Killer being overwhelmed, unable to focus on every person's movements. Eventually someone got through.
That scream will forever be embedded in his mind, he knows it's the same for their other mates as well. The perpetrators had been practically instantly dusted- none of them have any plans of letting that scenario happen again, even though Killer swore up and down that he was fine afterwards.
The rest of his morning is uneventful, with common people buying different things they seem to enjoy before leaving. Only a few assholes insult his work, but not many, and Error doesn’t care for their opinions anyways.
When lunchtime rolls around Killer shows up as expected, carrying some food he must have picked up on the way. They both know he can't cook.
"Heya Ru~!"
“Hi KeiTH~” He jokes, getting a small pout before his short mate gives him a kiss, dropping the bag on the table.
"It's so funny though- Dust would laugh so hard."
“It’S HilaRIOus.” Error agrees, happily kissing Killer back as the smaller purrs.
"Hehehe~ So, how's work?"
“NoT Bad… acTUaLLy- I meT A CeRTaiN SomEOne.. He reMInDEd me OF MysELf whEN I waS YOungEr.” The glitch hints. It only takes a moment for Killer to understand, a startled snicker escaping him.
"Oh no way- How much like ya was he?"
“He’s ALmoSt thE ExaCt saME As I Was riGHt beFOre I MeT BLue, whEN I waS JUsT StaRTinG To cALm a bIT. He bOUgHt thaT SofT ScaRf wiTh the StaR IN it- puT It oN iMmedIATely.”
"Awww~ You where so cute back then~ Not that you aren't now- just more cranky cute~ Such a tsundere~" Error scoffs, rolling his eyelights as a light blush appears.
“YeAH yeaH-”
"You were thouuuughhh~ So adorably rude even though ya wanted cuddles and loove~" Killer continues to coo, lightly kissing Error’s socket before he digs into the bag and pulls out a sandwich.
“YEs I Was EmotIOnaLLy stuNTeD I knOW-” The glitch snarks back even as he turns to nuzzle Killer’s skull, his mate happily nuzzling back as he's handed a sandwich too.
"It just shows how much you've grown~ Being openly affectionate and stuff~"
“I suPpOSe~” Error hums, giving Killer a kiss on the cheek before taking his sandwich, scooting his chair back slightly and holding out an arm for Killer. The short skeleton grins before happily sitting down on his lap, nuzzling the side of his skull with a loud purr.
“ThaNKs foR LUncH KilLS~”
"No problem, thanks for the dick~" He teases, getting an exasperated sigh in return.
“I WaNT A DevORce.” Error deadpans as he opens his sandwich, getting a loud laugh from his mate. Killer nuzzles against him, cackling so loud he has to hide his face in Error’s shoulder to quiet himself, making the glitch grin as he just quietly eats his sandwich.
People stare, most of them jealous as Killer slowly calms himself, grinning like an adorable idiot as he moves to trap Error in a sweet kiss, the glitch purring loudly as he kisses him back.
“YOu’rE So cuTe~”
"Hmm~ I know~ I'm fucking fantastic~" Error just giggles in response, before silently urging Killer to eat.
When their sandwiches are gone Killer gives him a quick kiss goodbye, something about exploring the shops and seeing if they need anything. Error is a bit sad to see him go, but he agrees it’s a good idea- besides, they’ll still see each other tonight.
The rest of the day is uneventful. Regular shoppers coming in and buying something here and there- all in all not a bad day. By the time the sun starts to dip below the castle walls everyone is packing up and he starts loading things back into his inventory, taking down his display and getting ready to head home- keeping an eye out for Killer in case the small skeleton hadn’t left yet.
Right when he’s about to leave his mate comes walking down the road and immediately nuzzles into his side without a word, his usual grin a little strained.
“KiL- ..YoU OKay..?” Error questions in concern, wrapping an arm around Killer and pulling him close. The smaller nuzzles in closer, taking a moment to relax before he looks back up at Error with a smile.
"'M fine. Just an unexpected interaction shook me up a little."
“Do yOU WaNna TAlk aBOuT It?” He offers, gently moving them in the direction of home with Killer still clinging to him.
"Maybe when we get home…it's kinda stupid."
“WeLL, I’m KiNda stUPid, So I thINk iT caNCeLS out.” He tries to lightly joke as he gives his mate a nuzzle, Killer nuzzling back with a small laugh.
"Ya not stupid, Ru, but I get it. Thanks~"
“WhO’s thE ONe wHo haD No idEA I wAS ParT OF The POly- leT AlonE AWaRe anY Of yoU LiKed me.” Error deadpans.
"...You're really fucking dense- like we all fucked around witch each other, took ya on dates and kissed all the time-"
“LIkE I saID- kINda STupID-” The glitch blushes in embarrassment, slightly regretting deciding to bring that up now.
Killer giggles and kisses his temple with a grin. "It took boss being a possessive bean ta in front of Blue for ya ta get the picture. Your face was so cute~ All bright yellow and flustered so bad ya couldn't get a word out-"
“YeS YEs I KnoW- thEN I hiD In mY ANtivOId uNTil yoU DraGgeD Me ouT-” Error’s current blush reflects Killer’s description of his past self.
"Right after I kissed ya silly and then everyone attacked ya in snuggles~"
“Y-yeAh-” Error can’t help but laugh a bit. “YOu guYs thOUghT YOu haD DOnE SOmeThiNG WRonG- I FeLT ReALly baD ABouT IT-”
"We didn't want ya ta feel like ya had ta be in a relationship with us or anything. I mean- it wasn't official at all really until that conversation. We hadn't necessarily established a relationship with each other verbally. It was just an unspoken thing. Ya seemed ok with everything so we all assumed ya knew what was going on. I don't think friends usually fuck around as much as we did, ya know? Callin' each other pet names and kissing every morning. Sappy stuff ya know?"
“YOu sAY thAt liKE I kNeW WHaT A NOrmAL frIENdshIP is LiKe.” Error deadpans, before leaning down to give Killer a kiss on the top of his skull.
"Hmm~ Well I never saw ya makin' out with Blue so-"
“YoU DOn’t kNow thAT-” The look Killer gives him is priceless.
"I will kill him-"
“I’m JoKINg-!” Error quickly backtracks, holding back a snicker as Killer glares at him.
"Blue's nice and all but-” His short mate latches onto his arm with a growl. "Mine."
“DoN’t woRRy- I’m ALl yoURs~” He reassures as they approach the house. They lock the door behind them as they enter, Killer grumbling a little as he walks to their bedroom and plops himself down on it, Error following suit and pulling his mate close for cuddles.
“So- WAnNA taLk ABouT WhaTEveR HaD YoU DOwN?” Killer visibly deflates at the very mention of it and is quick to cuddle back into him.
"So….I never told anyone this….but uhm….I have an ex. Like after I fused with Chara’s hate and stuff…" Error’s brows go up in surprise, though he doesn’t say anything, just holding Killer closer and offering his silent support.
"It……didn't end very well. Ya know me…I get attached…and emotional pretty quickly….I was in a pretty bad place. Ya know with my AU and shit. And then this random Sans shows up and even though I tried ta kill him he was so nice to me. And I was lonely. He couldn't stay all the time, he had to go back to his own AU every so often. He got me into a better place for a little while……but then he started ta like….get mad at me when I was just excited ta see him and…I guess I was a little clingy."
Error’s expression slowly morphs into a frown as he listens, not liking where this was going. Seriously- Killer’s adorable excitement and happy clinginess is the best! How could someone not see that?
"We were dating at this point. And he would be sweet, but he started saying stuff about things he didn't like about me. He guilt tripped me into reviving my AU but not killing everyone, saying that now that the kid couldn't reset I could 'get back into the swing of things' but when I tried ta tell him i didn't feel like that person anymore and that i wanted ta separate myself from that part of my like he completely ignored my feelings and got pushy about it…I wanted to make him happy so I did it…It was horrible."
"He started nagging me about the different things like how gross my hate is so I tried to hide them…he said it's annoying how I ramble on and on so I tried ta stop…It just got worse and worse until I was miserable. He made me feel b-bad about being me! A-and I…..but h-he was….the only person I had………I loved him…" Killer’s voice is quiet as he begins to cry, nestling his face into Error’s ribcage as the glitch hugs him close, soothingly rubbing his back.
“I’m SO sORrY You haD TO Go thRouGH thAT- He DoESn’t DesErve yoU Or yoUR LovE, anD YOu diDn’T DesERvE foR Him tO Do thAt to yoU. You’RE PeRFecT The WaY You are.” Error quietly reassures, curling protectively around Killer and gently nuzzling him. The destroyer will definitely have a word with whoever this Sans is- in hiding or not.
The small skeleton nuzzles back with the smallest of hiccups, trying to somehow snuggle closer without squishing his soul.
"Thanks Ru..~ It was just a horrible experience. I snapped and killed everyone a-again….and he was so angry. He said he was disappointed in me. Stars that h-hurt…it still kinda hurts. I know it's stupid…..I screamed at him to leave and never come back. A few resets later, Nightmare found me."
“WhAT WaS HIs nAMe? Or MaYBe hiS AU? Y’kNow, jUsT FOr… ReaSOns.” Error asks lightly, peppering a few gentle kisses on his mate’s skull, and getting a small pleased hum back.
"..He went by Color- yes that same asshole who tried ta corner me and sent me into a panic attack in Underfell #568-"
“THaT BiTcH-? I sWeAR I’m GoINg to ACtuALly kILL Him THiS TimE-”
"I won't stop ya! But yeah that mother fucker." Killer finds Error’s hostile protectiveness both flattering and funny, he could watch this all day. "I saw his alternate today at the market…"
“I’ll KiLL boTh oF THeM-” Is Error’s immediate response, looking ready to jump out of the bed as soon as Killer lets him. His small mate giggles with a fond grin before pulling away just enough to give him a kiss.
"It's fine it's fine- I mean he didn't do anything wrong. It was just really weird and off-putting when he hit on me."
“NoPe I DefINeTLy HaVE TO kILL hiM noW- yoU’rE MinE-” The glitch declares, aggressively yet lovingly nuzzling Killer and making him snort. His small mate purrs as he laughs, cooing at Error as black makeup is smeared on his face.
"Ruuuuu~!"
“KiLlerRrr~” He coos back, grinning as the nuzzles turn into peppering kisses all over the smaller skeleton’s skull. Killer can't help but squirm and playfully try to escape, squealing between giggles as Error attacks him with gentle affection.
"Stars, I fuckin' love ya~!" Killer declares, grabbing his face to give him a quick deep kiss, leaving Error mildly dazed when he pulls back.
“I l-loVE yoU TOo~” Killer kisses him again and again with a happy and loud purr, gently stroking and rubbing the glitch’s cheeks, further smudging his makeup.
"Hmmm~ So- we've got a lot of money saved up, do ya want to keep saving it or treat ourselves on one of my days off~? We haven't gone on a date since we got here." Technically, with all the G they have from before they got here, they could be nobles. But it would be weird and catch unwanted attention if two rich people showed up out of nowhere. They don't really want the king's attention. So they work to keep busy mostly- and to keep a front, slowly adding their own G to their funds.
“Ooo~ A faNCy daTE~?”
"Fancy date~" Killer agrees with a grin. "Nice clothes and actin' all fancy~ I wanna leave the staff confused and pissed~"
“HmM~ A litTLe cHAoS- aS A TReAt~” The glitch purrs, nuzzling Killer.
"Mhm~ It'll be so funny~"
“We’LL LeAve a GooD TiP thOUgh- cUStoMEr sERvicE SUcKs.”
"Hehehe~ Ya got sympathy for 'em now?"
“JusT A BiT. I’d rATheR DesTROy AUs anY daY.” Error admits, pouting heavily. He get an amused giggle from his mate, the smaller nuzzling their faces together.
"M'kay, we'll leave a good tip for our bullshit~"
“Yay~” Error cheers. “CaN I MAke thE FaNCy clOTheS?”
"Course~ Ya know I love your magic all over me~"
“Oh MY GosH-”
"Hehehehe~ You’re so cute-" Killer’s cooing is interrupted by a firm knock at their door, making Error pout as he moves to get up.
“WHo’d Be coMiNG bY At thIS HOuR?” Killer follows after him, skipping over to the door in front of Error before he swings it open.
"I got it!" He swings the door open and he almost immediately stops, staring at the tall figure in front of him. "Oh-"
“WhO Is iT Kil…” Error trails off, glitching in surprise as he sees who’s standing in front of Killer. “..Oh-”
Cross- we'll, this AU's Cross. He’s just as unfairly big and attractive as their Cross. With muscles visible through his uniform and that usually indifferent look morphed into innocent confusion.
“H-hOw- uH- HOw cAn wE HElp yoU?” Error stammers, being the first to get ahold of himself. Killer blinks as Cross gathers himself.
"Uhm- Killer? Error-? What are you two doing???"
"What? Oh- no I'm Keith. And you're fucking gorgeous~"
“Ki- KEitH- No fLirTINg wiTH The rOyaL GUaRd-” Cross suppresses a blush, putting on a forced look of indifference.
"....I'm Cross, head of the royal guard and I'm here to ask you both questions about the murder of three men last night down by the Talltale pub."
“HuH- OKay. WoULd yoU LiKe tO CoMe iN?” Error has to keep himself from giving Killer an exasperated look. As Cross nods and walks inside. Killer had to suppress a grin.
"I just need to ask you a few questions. Are you two the only occupants of this house?" The soldier follows as they lead him to the living space, Error closing the door behind them.
"Yup! Just me and- Erin~" Killer snorts as Error sighs quietly behind him, the short skeleton plopping down on the couch in front of the fireplace.
"Alright, now where were you two last night past 11:00?" The glitch preemptively covers Killer’s mouth as the small skeleton smirks.
“We weRE At hoME.” Cross hums, sockets narrowed.
"Really? Both of you were here?"
“WeLL, KeITh haD ComE HomE AroUNd thaT TIMe at leASt. We CaN’t reALLy aFfoRd thOse faNCy miNUte clOcKs.” Error shrugs, giving Killer a look before removing his hand.
"I get off work around that time, yeah." Killer informs with a shrug.
"What route do you take home?" Cross asks and Killer explains his usual way home, completely calm as Error only half listens.
Cross asks a few more questions that Killer answers honestly, not even hiding his obvious staring. In fact he's making it obvious on purpose, considering he's blind. Error would find it funny if he wasn’t worried about getting arrested.
"Thank you for your time. And Keith, you shouldn't walk home alone late at night. Be careful."
"Thanks for the tip~" Cross takes his leave only a moment later and Killer can't help but giggle to himself.
"Stars, I miss hiiiiim!"
“UgH I foRGOt hoW Hot he IS- I wiSH wE COuld gO CUdDLe hiM-”
"Right!? He’s so firm and warm and awkward- fucking hell I wanna kiss him silly, or watch him get excited of chocolate milk!" Killer drapes himself over Error as he squishes his own face in frustration.
“I sHOuLD’vE seNT us All to THe sAmE AU-” The glitch laments.
"His big strong arms and protective hold….Horror’s coookiiiiiiinnggg and sweet gentle kisses- Night's soft plush ecto and tentacle snuggles. Dust’s cracking protective magic and napping snugggleees-"
“UgGhh I MisS ThemMmm-” Error whines, frowning deeply.
"Saaaammmee- Ya sent them in pairs of two right?"
“MhM- luCKilY. I wAs oRigiNAlly trYIng To seND You wiTH NigHT, acTUaLLy, bUt I diDN’t haVE ENouGH maGIc sO It aLL BugGEd ouT.”
"Who was gonna be with you then?" Killer asks as he lowers his hands. The silence he gets in return is telling.
"...Ru. what the hell."
“LoOK I DidN’t reALly haVe muCH Of a PLan oTheR THan ‘gEt eveRYone oUT’-” Error tries to defend.
"And be alone for who knows how long. We've been here for months! You idiot, ya would have been alone!" The glitch cringes in on himself guiltily.
“I- I WOuLd’vE FigURed iT OUt- I’vE BeEN ALonE BefOre-”
"So have I! That doesn't mean I would have missed the love and constant affection I'm used to! Ya would have been sad and not been able ta sleep because the bed’s to cold and eptysnd food wouldn't taste as good without someone ta eat with. Ya would have stopped eatin'- in fact I could bet on it! Ya would have gotten depressed and let yourself go because what's the point if I'm not doin' it for all of ya. Right?"
“...MaYBe..” Error mutters, looking away. “I jUSt.. I WanTEd tO KeEp yoU All saFe. ‘S noT LiKe it WOrKed anYWays.”
He can feel Killer’s gaze drilling into him before two hands smaller than his cup his cheeks, gently forcing him to stare back at Killer as his mate resituates himself in his lap.
"Error, we all want ya ta be safe and happy too~ Ya dorky, oblivious, destroyer~"
“YeAH yeAH…” The glitch mumbles, a small smile appearing on his face as he gives Killer a small nuzzle. The smaller monster giggles with a nuzzle back before kissing him sweetly. The moment is small and bread before Killer pulls away again, a gentle smile on his face.
"I'm happy I could be here for ya~"
“..Me tOo..~” Error quietly admits.
They snuggle quietly in the living room before Error has to get up to make something for dinner using the groceries Killer bought the same day. They eat, talk and eventually head to bed, knowing the glitch will have to get up early again tomorrow. Sometimes Error envies Killer’s night job.
~
The next morning starts much the same as yesterday as Error leaves and Killer remains fast asleep until later in the day. The small skeleton yawns as he stretches, listening as his spine pops.
Killer takes his time waking up, groggily starting to heat up some water and prepare a paper strainer for the coffee. It takes an annoying long time to make and thankfully they thought ahead, grinding up the coffee beans themselves after buying them in bulk.
It's stupidly expensive, but considering they grow in another kingdom entirely and are gard to bring thus far its understandable. Most of his morning is spent waking up, standing half asleep in the kitchen as he waits for his daily dose of caffeine. It's only after his first cup that he starts to get ready.
A soft bra, loose white shirt, black long skirt and corset to match the general style of clothing. With magic being a prominent part of this world it's always interesting to see how it diverts from the 'original medieval times. With only a few choice women's clothing being the exception. Like bras for example.
With skeleton monsters ecto being more sensitive to than humans, bras are softer than they would have been otherwise. Though that's also because seismic isn't as much of a thing. Most monsters are genderless, skeletons in particular. Whereas human women were never allowed to do something like design clothes to their preferences and experiences- men doing mostly everything including making uncomfortable clothing. People with actual experience are able to design and better accommodate for female taste.
It's nice not having to worry about stuff like that here. At least with gender- there is always some kind of generalization no matter the multiverse.
Killer wipes his face clean, getting rid of smudges before heading out, his leather boots clicking against the brick road as he runs to work. Stars, he loves running, everything flying by. He only wishes he could do flips- if only it wouldn’t catch so much attention.
Error was adamant about staying inconspicuous- especially with their already eye-catching looks. It's understandable. Making a big scene and causing trouble will only bring unwanted attention and make their stay more difficult. Which could result in Error using magic and being found by the Star council.
It's just easier to try a different live 'normally'. It's kind of fun too, at leastKiller thinks so. He honestly doesn't remember living a 'normal' life. He knows he had one, all classic Sans’ did.
He raised his brother- he knows that much, but he can't remember it. After Flowey's constant resets and torment for who knows how long it all just disappeared. Mortals like him aren't supposed to live so long, hold so many memories. There's only so much space in his skull. That time of a 'normal' life got farther away with each reset until it was gone. He couldn't remember anything before that. No childhood, no parents, nothing.
Something like casually going to the store, buying a house, getting a job- it feels new to him. A completely different life. He just wishes the rest of his mates could be here with them.
Killer walks into the pub, greeting one of his coworkers as he clocks in and starts getting to work. Honestly he loves his job, as odd as that might seem. Killer has always loved attention and when he could he used to visit Lust at the strip club, even perform with him on stage.
Of course, working at an old pub isn’t the same as a strip club, but he’s still able to attract looks and attention all the same. In fact he doubles as free entertainment!
Later in their friendship, Lust started dating Dance, Dancetale's Sans. There’s a special thing they do in that universe where they use their souls to play music. He found it interesting and asked if Dance could teach him. Not only did he make a new friend out of it, but he can now be his own show.
Dancing, singing, and serving drinks, while looking tantalizing the whole time! He is very proud of it, and his manager fucking loves him. He practically brings in customers all by himself! And considering how stupid said customers tend to be, he even gets his own free entertainment himself. Not to mention he gets a kick out of watching drunk people be drunk.
Everything is going well today for the most part. He laughed with loopy customers, roasted a few flirtatious idiots and everything was fine- that is until a familiar skeleton walks in.
The monster is tall, a bit taller than Dust, with rainbow flames of magic flickering unmistakably from the missing chunk in his skull and gash across his ribcage, the royal guard armor he wears reflecting his bright magic.
Killer’s soul stops as he stills, facing away from the door. The bustle of the pub sounding both too loud and too quiet at the same time.
'Why is he here!?' Killer internally panics, only snapped back into reality when someone calls for a drink.
Right- he's at work. He has work to do. Color isn't important right now. He'll probably just get a drink and leave. Yes-....hopefully.
So Killer tries to ignore him, but much to his displeasure the skeleton immediately tries to talk to him.
"Hey, Keith. Funny seeing you here. I didn't know you worked at…a bar-" Color's voice trails off at the sight of Killer’s ecto and for once the short skeleton is uncomfortable under someone else's gaze.
"O-oh- hi! I wasn't expecting ta see ya here either…" Oh stars someone kill him. He walks behind the bar to try and escape, but of course Color follows him..
"So, how long have you been working here? Do you usually wear such attractive outfits?"
"U-uh huh…I've been working here for a few months..and I-I wouldn't call them attractive or anythin'." He feels like his discomfort is obvious, even some of the regulars are giving them looks.
It's not like he’s saying anything bad- but-
“Aw C’moN KeITh- I’d sAY anYThINg yoU’re In loOKs ATtraCtivE~” A familiar voice calls out. Killer jolts in surprise, nearly dropping the drink he had unconsciously been preparing. He was so focused on Color he hadn’t even noticed Error come in!
The two skeletons immediately look over to the glitch as he sits down, an interesting look of distaste crossing Color’s face for only a moment before he smiles.
“J-jeez Ru! Ya scared me, but thanks~ I only look so good cause ya made it for me.”
“OnLY thE BeST For My maTE~” Error’s gaze doesn’t stray from Killer, though the emphasis is obvious and he can feel the look he’s being given from Color.
“Oh wow, I didn’t know you had a mate Keith, and you are?” The guard asks politely, still smiling.
“I’m EriN- aND You mUSt bE ThAt loVEly moNSteR My mATe toLD Me aBOut laST NigHT.” Error doesn’t even bother trying to hide the way his expression darkens as he looks at Color. The royal guard returns the sentiment with that same smile on his face, his magic flickering.
“It’s nice to meet you, Erin. You are very lucky to have such a pretty mate~ but you must know that I’m sure, with him flaunting himself around.”
“He iS QUitE BEAutIFul~” Error agrees, turning to give Killer a loving look and effectively dismissing Color. His short mate blushes and his usual grin reappears back on his face, a little less strained as he continues to make drinks.
“You’re so sweet, Ruru~” Killer coos, his inverted heart target soul pulsing with affection.
“YOu kNoW I’m jUSt teLliNg tHe trUTh, mY DeaR~ anD I loVE hoW MuCh yoU Own yoUr beAUtY, leTtiNG EVeRYonE BaSk in iT~” The last bit was definitely targeted at Color’s comment. The guard is silently seething in his seat as Killer giggles, leaning over the counter to give Error a quick kiss.
“Laying it on thick, huh~?” He whispers to the glitch before pulling away with a wide grin, Error just giving him a mischievous smile back.
“Oh so you two have been married for a while then?” Color asks, and Error rolls his eyelights before nodding.
“WhY DO you WAnNA KnoW?” The royal guard puts his hands up in surrender, looking almost sheepish. It’s quite clearly fake.
“Just making conversation, I don’t mean anything by it. Keith seems a little young to be in a life long relationship is all.” Error has to hold back a laugh at Killer’s expression.
“AsSUmiNg SOMeOne’S AgE is RUde, yOu kNOw.” Sure, Killer may only be in his forties physically, but with the oddly flowing time in the multiverse and all of the resets the small skeleton has lived through, mentally he’s probably closer to at least eighty.
“I never claimed to be polite.” Color answers. “It just makes more sense for Keith to be with someone more his age.”
“HoW OLd dO yoU ThiNK We Are?” Error can’t help but ask.
“Hmmm…Keith looks to be about 40 or 50, based on his joint glow.” Color not so subtly eyes Killer as the small skelton talks to a customer on the other side of the bar, his gaze lingering before he looks over to Error- who’s expression has gotten much darker- looking him over.
“And you are…a little harder to tell, though the scowl on your face makes you look way older than you probably are. You should smile more~”
“Oh?” Error doesn’t hesitate to put on his ‘Destroyer’ mask, grinning sharply and letting just the barest of hints of his natural destructive aura leak- just enough to let Color feel it. “ThANk yoU SO mUch FoR tHE UnNEeDEd anD UnwANteD ComMeNts, COloR. AnY MoRE YOu’d liKe To ShaRE?”
He can visibly see the guard break out in a nervous sweat- his eyelights shrinking ever so slightly. The royal guard sits up straighter on instinct before giving Error a pointed look. “No, but I do have some advice.”
Color stands up to face him, arms crossed. “You might want to start walking your mate home when you can, I have heard some creeps and unsavory people talking about him and word is spreading quickly. Apparently sex slaves sell for a good price.”
The guard says nothing more as he turns to leave, Error dropping his grin as he turns away, scoffing even as worry fills him. He easily masks it, just going back to watching Killer. Only a minute or two after Color’s departure does Killer come back, handing him a glass of milk and a cookie.
“Thanks so much Ru. I really didn’t want ta deal with him all day.”
“Of coURse~” Killer leans over to give him a kiss, before smiling as Error relaxes slightly, unaware he was even tense.
“My hero~” kiss kiss “So, the pouring rain bring ya in today?”
“YuP. I thOUghT I’d sURpriSE YoU at wORk toDaY- I’m gLAd I Did.”
“Me too. I didn’t think he’d follow me to work…”
“WaNT Me tO TaG aloNg foR THe neXt feW DaYs?” Error offers, getting a slightly surprised look from the smaller.
“That would be nice yeah, but ya sure? You’ll lose some customers, ya know.”
“Eh- thEY caN LaSt a CouPLe of DaYs.” Killer frowns a little before he leans forward again and gives Error a sweeter, longer kiss, barely resisting the urge to grab his face.
“YoU’rE MorE IMpoRTanT ANywAYs~” Error murmurs as they pull back, Killer smiling at him like a dork.
“Hmm~ I looooove you~”
“I loVE YOu too~ NoW GEt baCk to WorK BefOre yoUr boSs chEWs yoU Out-” He teases, getting a laugh from his mate before Killer hops away.
“Yeah yeah~ Hey! Who wants one more song!?” The whole bar roars with delight and Killer starts to sing. Error can see why Killer likes it, the pub is very lively. It’s definitely not Error’s preferred environment, but he can’t bring himself to mind much as he watches his mate thrive in it.
Killer sings several songs as he works,the kick back in his step as he moves swiftly around the room. None of the songs he sings exist here of course, but that is just one of the things that seems to get everyone going, each song is an experience, and Killer makes it that way.
With his soul glowing brightly to the beat as the rest of his body moves with it. Error doesn’t know where Killer gets the energy to stay so active, especially with his shallow magic pool. The glitch isn’t surprised to see his mate eating several small snacks between songs- likely to keep his ecto summoned.
Killer talks openly with most of the patrons too, answering questions with a joking tone and completely unbothered when someone says something inappropriate to him- or about him. In fact it makes him laugh and he hands the guy another drink.
It annoys Error slightly, but the way Killer smiles at him afterwards makes it worth it. By the end of the night Killer is smiling, holding his hand as he clocks out and leads the glitch out the door into the dark street. All the other patrons left a while ago, but Killer had to help clean up. No wonder he always comes home so late.
“It lOOks liKe yoU HaD A FUn shIFt- iS It aLWayS ThaT LoUd?”
“Yeah. Sometimes we get aggressive drunks and a fight breaks out, but those people aren’t allowed ta come back so it doesn’t happen too often.” Killer brushes shoulders with him as they walk, a wide smile on his face.
“I bET ThoSe aRE ALwAyS EnteRTAinINg.”
“Oh hell yes they are~! Watching people drunk off their ass trying to throw a punch? HA! They can barely stand!” Error snorts, leaning against Killer slightly with a fond smile.
“WeLL, I’m glAD You haVE FuN.” The short skeleton gives him a quick kiss as he leans back, continuing to grin.
“Mhm~ Lots of fun~ I do get attacked on the way home sometimes, but they are usually drunk so-”
“YOu wHAt-? KiLler-” Error whines, upset he hadn’t known about this beforehand, already worried about Color’s warning.
“Well- I take them out pretty easily- It didn’t seem that important. They where just idiots that got to drunk and did something stupid. Agresive stupid but stupid. It’s not like I ever got hurt.”
“I.. I GuEss…” The glitch mumbles, still concerned. Killer counters his concern with kisses, nuzzling against him.
“Besides, I highly doubt anyone here could beat me in hand to hand~”
“EVeN stUPid NumbERs cAN OVerWHelm, thOugH.” KIller blinks ‘looking’ over at him in confusion.
“What, do ya think I’m gonna be attacked by a gang or somethin’?”
“I- No- ..I DoN’t knOW- COLor jUSt… meNTioNEd soMEthiNG WOrRYing-” He mutters as Killer frowns.
“Color…? What about Color? What did he say?”
“JuST… sUPpOSedly, woRD HaS beEN ciRCulaTINg abOUt you iN.. thE SLaVe maRKet. I’m noT SUre If iT Was a THreAt or noT..” Killer’s grin is completely gone as he turns his skull to face the ground, his brow furrowed in thought.
“...Alright. I’ll be more careful.” Error just silently pulls Killer closer as they get closer to home.
“..YoU STilL HaVe thE StrINg?” The short skeleton takes a moment to fiddle with his wrist and reveal the dark blue string wrapped tightly around his wrist.
“Mhm, always.”
“GoOD.” It’s the only way that they’re pretty sure the others were safe- they knew to break the string, and Error would come. With the way things are, it’s the only solid connection the gang have right now. They’ve never been this far apart for so long.
Killer nuzzles against him as Error unlocks the door, the two skeletons walking in and almost immediately plopping down on the couch.
“I wISh we CoULd gO HOme..” Error mumbles with a sigh.
“Yeah….me too. I miss our bone piles.”
“I loVE BeINg sUFfoCAteD In thOSe-” Killer snorts.
“And boss holdin’ us on the bed with tentacle nuzzles~ And snuggling into Horror’s side~ And Cross’s tossing and turning and loud snores~” The last comment has Error snorting.
“I dOn’T THinK hE’d apPRecIATe thAT-”
“It’s so cute though~! He drools and everything~ Mouth open, loud snores~ I’ve never slept better~” Killer giggles, just thinking of their adorable big himbo as Error laughs.
“He’s such a dork~ I love it when he’s all flustered and he gets all weird and awkward~ He’s so confident fighting, and on missions, but the moment ya flirt with him that confidence is thrown out the window~!”
“It is ADoraBLe~” Error agrees, “My fAVoriTE is WheN YOu gEt hiM aLL riLEd up, THoUgh~”
“Yeeeeesss~!!” Killer agrees excitedly, a cherry red blush appearing on his face. “Ya got me horny just thinking about it~! He gets so aggressive, but so gentle and loving~ How could anyone tell that face no~?”
“PLuS hE’s goT StaMIna FOr dayS~” The glitch gives Killer a grin, “He coULd be PoUNdiNG yoU INto The BeD And BE HArdLy ouT Of breAth hIMseLF~”
“Ruuuu~!” Killer whines, resituating himself to be stradling Error. His favorite position really~ Well- one of them. “Now you’re just trying to make me needy~”
“MaYBe a BIt~” Error admits, giving Killer a nuzzle, his small mate nuzzling back with a few added kisses and a purr.
“Hmm~ Not ta mention that knot~ Being stretched out as far as ya can go while being pumped full and unable to move, body aching in the best way~”
“WeLL NOw I FeEL liKe yoU’rE JusT TryINg to GEt mE AlL hoT And NeEDy~” Error playfully accuses, blushing a bit himself.
“You started it~” Killer counters with a kiss, rocking his body a little. “I blacked out once, and woke of the that warm feeling and being so fucking full that I thought I was gonna pop like a balloon~”
“UGgHh-” Error groans with a small shiver. “OKaY oKAy yoU WIn-”
“I win what~?” His small mate smuggly asks with a knowing grin.
“YOu wiN MaKINg me NeEDy aS HEll- He neVEr diD THaT WitH MeEe-” The glitch whines. “I ThiNk He’s Too WorRIEd ABouT MakINg me CRaSh.”
“You’ll have ta ask for it when we see him again, our sweet Crossy~”
“Is IT BaD ThAt a PArT Of mE JuSt wAnts oNe oF THem TO BreAK theiR STriNG?” Error questions.
“No- cause I do tooooo- I wanna snuggle and fuck them, and kiss them, and I caaaaaannn’tt-” Killer whines loudly, Error wordlessly joining in as he nuzzles the smaller. “It’s not faaaaiirrr- I want boss ta sit on meeeee-”
The glitch pauses his whining to snort. “YoU HOrndOG-”
“You can’t judge me until you try it~ That ass is so fucking soft and I will gladly sufficate beneath it~!”
“He doES haVe a PReTtY grEaT AsS.” Error concedes, getting a small attack of kisses from Killer.
“And his boobs! Oh my stars his tits are amazing!”
“PfFft- I loVE To juSt liKe- sQuisH THem- He’S So squiSHy~”
“So squishyyy~ All of him is squishy and I love it~<3 Even his tentacles can be squishy~! I miss his squish!” Error sighs wistfully.
“I hoPE THey’re ALl doINg oKay…”
"Yeah…I hope we can see them soon….That stupid yellow dick and squid probably searched and ruined the castle……Oh shit! What if they find Blue's letters ta Night and find out he's a traitor!?"
“HiS STriNg haSn’T BeEN brOKen yeT, sO He’S… pRobABly fiNE.”
"...Maybe….What if they destroy the castle? They probably dug through our rooms and personal stuff…I bet they took all my knives…"
“ProBAbly… buT thINGs ARe rePLacEABle, eVEn iF It tAKes soME EFfoRt- yoU GUys aREn’t.” Error declares, cuddling Killer close.
"Awwwww~ You sap~" Killer coos as he snuggles even closer and nuzzles his face aggressively into Error’s neck, making the glitch giggle.
Chapter 72: To Tame a Brat (NSFW)
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Cross is sick of Error’s attitude and decides to do something about that.
Nightmare decides to take some advice from his monochrome soldier.
Error x Cross and Nighterror, though there’s some mentioned background bad guys poly
Warnings: Dubcon
Notes:
This one’s an older one but I figured I may as well post it
Chapter Text
Cross has always found Error to be infuriating. The glitch not only steals his chocolate-! But walks into the castle whenever he wants with no respect for anyone else's space! Especially Nightmare’s. The guardian saved his life, he owes everything to his king and Error doesn’t give a shit.
Error absolutely infuriates him. Destroyer or not, Error needs to learn how to show others respect, so the guard opens a portal and steps into the anti-void with a hard glare.
“WhAT dO-? Oh? CRosS?” Error questions, sitting up from where he was slouching on his beanbag, swiftly closing a window as he looks at the oreo, raising a brow at Cross’ expression. “IS thIS abOUt thE ChoCOlaTe ‘cAUse lOoK-”
Cross walks over and grabs Error by the wrist without any hesitation, making him cut himself off with a surprised sound, glitching as he tries to jerk away, glaring and reaching to grab his strings.
“DoN’t toUCh me-” Cross glares harder and snatches Error’s other wrist before he can reach his socket. In one swift movement, he picks Error up by his hands and not so gently pins him down against the anti-void floor.
“You don’t get to make the rules, Error.”
“WhAT aRe yoU-? LeT Me go!” He protests, trying to twist or wiggle away somehow as he summons some bone attacks to shoot at Cross. One of the soldier's own bone attacks defelects it, he doesn’t even look away from Error as he sits down on top of him, his scowl sharpening.
“Not until you learn some manners.” Cross’s grip tightens on Error’s wrists, easily holding them above his head with one hand as the other grabs his chin. Error glitches a bit more, trying to jerk his skull out of Cross’ hold as he bares his teeth in defiance, but the guard's grip is strong.
“YoU CAn’t teLL Me whAt To Do-” Cross tightens his hold, painfully squeezing Error’s wrists together as he looks down at the destroyer, completely unimpressed.
“You are such a little brat.” He snarls “And brats get punished for being rude, ungrateful, pains in everyone else's lives. You’re going to learn to listen, even if I have to make you.” He’s dead serious, completely done with Error’s shit as he adjusts to hold Error’s whole face by his chin and kisses him harshly.
“Mm-!” Glitching harshly in surprise, Error jolts, trying harder to escape Cross’ hold. How can one person be so strong-? He can’t even turn his skull away as the oreo holds in place without even breaking a sweat.
He kisses Error deeply, holding it for a long while before pulling away to give the destroyer a hard and serious look. “If you bite me I will bite your tongues off. Do I make myself clear?”
Error glares, panting a bit at this point and stopping his struggles in temporary defeat.
“...Yes-S.” He bites out after a moment, averting his eyelights. With the mood Cross seems to be in, he has a feeling the guard would actually follow through with that threat. Cross nods, seemingly pleased before he leans down to kiss Error again, licking at his teeth this time before forcing Error’s mouth open.
Error is admittedly tempted to bite Cross- but he holds back from doing so, instead going back to squirming as he glitches unpleasantly. The oreo’s tongue explores his mouth, leaving behind a taste of creamy chocolate pudding with maybe a glass of chocolate milk as well? It’s strange, but he finds that oddly enough he likes it- hating that he likes it. It rubs against Error’s own tongues, even sucking on them just a little.
The sensation has Error pausing a bit, a shiver going through his body as their magic almost sparks together a bit, feeling weirdly nice. Cross slowly lets go of his chin and moves his free hand to lightly caress Eror’s cheek, before sliding down to yank his sweater off, making the destroyer gasp, blushing in embarrassment as he squirms.
Cross tosses away his ripped sweater, completely exposing Error’s ribs and spine. He takes advantage of it and immediately begins to rub, stroke, and roughly pull on his ribs.
“M-mMh~” Error shudders, his struggles weakening as he glitches, surprised at how good it feels. Cross continues to rub and tug harshly, slowly moving down each rib until he gets to the glitch’s spine, a breathless whine escaping Error as he melts against his will.
Slowly, the oreo pulls away from the kiss, only slightly out of breath. “Now sit still and be a good boy, got it~?”
“O-oKaY..~” Error murmurs, a bit dazed. Still holding his hands up, Cross’s hands wanders lower and lower, slipping beneath Error’s waistband, able to feel the glitch’s magic already beginning to gather in his pelvic inlet.
“HnNgH~” Cross hums, pulling the shorts down to expose Error’s pelvis.
“I wasn’t expecting you to be so pretty.” Error blushes, weakly glaring at Cross.
“Sh-shUDdup-” Cross ignores him to play with the raw magic between his phalanges instead, treating it as if it were already a summoned entrance. Error practically keens, spine arching a bit as his magic sparks, eyelights growing fuzzy.
“What an obedient little brat~” Cross purrs, thrusting his fingers in and out of the unformed magic. “Maybe you can actually learn something.”
“HhNng fuCk~” Error moans, breath hitching as he squirms weakly. Cross’s grip on his wrists is strong, but the oreo begins to at least rub them gently, as to not cause anymore pain as he teases and flexes his fingers to mimic stretching Error open, as if he’s spreading the destroyers walls as far as they could go.
“You’re being so good~ Look at you, Error- It’s not so bad to listen now is it~?”
“HaAh~ C-cRosS~” Error whines, eyelights rolling back slightly.
“Summon your ecto, Error.” Cross commands, his voice stern, and Error glares a bit at him, before concentrating and summoning his female ecto, shuddering and glitching as he’s instantly stretched around the guard’s phalanges.
Cross starts moving his hand without a second thought, thrusting it into Error, stretching him, before doing it again. Error pants, small sounds escaping him with every small movement from Cross, a few error signs popping up in his sockets.
After a minute or two, Cross pulls his hand out, completely covered in slick. The oreo smirks and brings his hand up to his mouth to lick it clean, Error blushing brightly as he watches, cunt twitching around nothing.
“Hmm~ You taste like those chocolate bars you like so much~” Cross purrs as he licks his fingers completely clean. Once he’s done, he carefully lets go of Error’s wrists and moves to pull down his own shorts, revealing his throbbing hard cock just begging for attention..
“W-weIRd…” Error mutters, hardly bothering to move his arms as he stares, sockets wide. Once Cross’s shorts are out of the way, he removes Error’s completely and spreads the glitch’s legs wide open, situating himself between them.
“Keep your legs spread for me and I might just be gentle with you.” Error almost wants to defy Cross, but he’s not sure what Cross’ definition of not gentle might be. Still, he closes his legs just enough to be cheeky.
Cross frowns down at him before grabbing Error’s hips and suddenly flipping him over onto his front, making him yelp in surprise as he scrambles to keep from face planting. Without any warning, Cross spanks him, hard!
“Ow-!” Error yelps, glitching as he glares at Cross over his shoulder. The guard glares right back at him before grabbing and holding Error’s hips in place, positionsing his dick at the destroyer's entrance, and slowly pushing himself inside.
“B-bItcH-” Error mutters, shuddering as Cross smirks.
“You’re the bitch right now, Error~”
“BaSTaRd tH-thEn-” Cross shoves himself in half way in, making Error cut himself off with a strangled moan, clenching down on the guard’s dick.
“HmmNng~ Wow you’re tight~” Cross grips Error’s hips, pushing in even further as the glitch lets out a whine, arms shaky- forcing him to go down onto his elbows. “Good boy~”
He speeds up, thrusting into Error hard and quick as another whine escapes him at the praise- much to his embarrassment- glitching as he unconsciously rocks back into Cross’ thrusts. The guard continues to praise him here and there, thrusting faster and faster as he basically pounds the destroyer into the floor, turning Error into a moaning, glitching mess as he feels the coil in his gut tighten.
“C-crOsS~ CroSS- AhHh~ PleASe~”
“Please what, Error~?” The oreo teases, rolling his hips against Error’s cunt between thrusts. Cross earns a rueful glare from Error- though the effect is ruined by the fact that he’s drooling and his sockets are teary with pleasure.
“HnNg~ I w-waNnA CuM~” He whines. “PLeASe~” Cross smirks, rubbing his hips.
“Will you be a good boy and do as you're told~?”
“YeS- yeS PLeSe~” Feeling very proud of himself, Cross thrusts into Error as fast as he can, building up to his own climax before giving Error a light headbutt.
“Cum for me, Error~”
“AHhH~!” Almost on command, Error cries out as pleasure washes over him, glitching aggressively as he clenches down on Cross’ cock. Hilting, the guard releases his purple magic into Error’s womb, filling his little body to the brim.
“HNnnNng~ Wow, you look so good filled with my cum~” Cross doesn’t even look winded, while Error looks like a hot mess, breathing hard with error signs scattered in his sockets as he glitches, properly wrecked.
“Hnn..~” Cross snorts and swiftly picks Error up to hold him against his chest, before opening a portal to his bathroom.
“Good boy, Error~ You did good~ Now let's get you cleaned up for a nice long nap.” Error whines and pouts a bit at the praise, even as he blushes and relaxes against Cross.
“M’kAy..~” He murmurs. Cross washes them both up in a hot bath, snuggle Error with gentle affection as he scrubs the glitch clean.
For once, Error is actually receptive to the affection, leaning into Cross’ touches as he cuddles him back, the quietest of purrs coming from him. Cross then dries them both off and changes Error into a new, clean pair of clothes, and drops him off in his room in the castle.
Error whines softly as he’s set in his bed, sockets already closing as he nuzzles into his pillow, sad at the loss of cuddles. Cross pats Error’s skull, laughing a little.
“What’s with that look~?”
“CudDLeSss-”
“You want cuddles~?” Error hums in agreement, reaching out in Cross’ vague direction to make grabby hands. Ok- so maybe Error is kinda cute like this~ Cross huffs but lays down and cuddles the smaller skeleton to his chest, moving a blanket up to cover them both.
Error smiles, happily nuzzling close to Cross with a purr, before yawning. The guard smiles a little and gently rubs Error’s back and skull. Who knew Error could be so cute~ He’s like a big grumpy baby~
“Sleep well, Error.”
“Hm..~” The glitch purrs louder as he relaxes, and in just a few moments he’s asleep. Welp, it doesn’t look like Cross is getting up anytime soon. He has stuff to do…but a few more minutes shouldn’t hurt.
Unfortunately, a few minutes turns into a few hours as Cross can’t bring himself to disturb Error when he looks so happy and peaceful, the glitch’s grip tightening as his purrs start back up every time Cross shifts.
He’s too cute for this world- Exactly three hours of snuggles and the door to Error’s bedroom opens…and a face he knows all too well sneaks in on silent feet to lay on the destroyer's other side.
“So~ I see ya got a little stuck~”
“...Be quiet, Killer.” The small skeleton giggles and wraps his arms around Error from behind to nuzzle into the glitch’s neck, making Error purr sleepily with a happy little sigh.
“Damn, and here I’ve been just wasting ta shove my dick into his pretty little body~” Cross blushes at that, giving Killer a hard glare as the blind monster giggles. “His magic is so pretty though isn’t it~? So sparkly. It kinda reminds me of Dream actually, just with those specks a blue instead~”
“What’s your point?” The guard asks, though it sounds more like an annoyed demand than a question. Killer only giggles more as he lightly kisses the back of Error’s neck, who purrs louder.
“I’m just happy ta see you’ve joined our side of things is all~ Hehehe~” Cross’s sockets narrow, not really understanding Killer’s very vague comment. “He’s so cute~ I love ta tease him~ I once broke him down into a moaning mess with just my tongue, but you would know everything about that, huh Crossy~?”
The oreo blushes even more, remembering that time Killer had taken Cross’s whole length down his throat like it was nothing and suckled him dry like candy. It’s an amazing stress reliever-
“Alright I got it-!” He whisper yells, giving Killer a look as Error stirs a bit. “Everyone likes Error-! Now shut up and stop ruining cuddle time you gremlin-!” The small skeleton practically cackles and snuggles Error some more as he closes his sockets.
“Yeah yeah, I’ll stop~” Cross huffs and glares for several moments longer, before he kisses the top of Error’s skull and wraps his arms around both of them for a nap, and Error relaxes again with a small huff.
~
Nightmare tosses the struggling glitch onto his bed, a pair of tentacles still holding Error’s wrists together as he growls, annoyed and confused.
“WhAT Are yoU DOinG-??”
“Just trying something Cross suggested to me~” Nightmare says from his place at the end of the bed as his clothes melt away to reveal his goopy bones beneath. The king smirks- and oh shit wait what did Cross suggest- at Error and wiggles a tentacle up beneath his shirt.
“CroSs suGgeSTEd whAt-?” He questions, blushing as he tries to wiggle away, but a tentacle tightly wraps around his hips, holding him down as the others slither beneath his clothes and rub his bones. Nightmare grins at him in amusement and begins to crawl over the bed towards him.
“Aww~ Come on Ru~ Use that pretty little head of yours~” Error curses quietly with a shiver, glitching a bit as he scowls at Nightmare.
“He juST caUGht mE OfF guArd-” Error mutters, looking away. Nightmare leans over him and lightly nuzzles the side of his skull.
“And the next time~? Did he catch you off guard then too~?”
“I- ShUT uP-” He protests, blushing brighter. A tentacle curls itself tightly around Error’s pelvis with a squeeze, Error tensing with a badly held back moan, making Nightmare grin even wider.
“Things aren’t looking to good for you, destroyer~”
“NgH- fuCK..~” Error squirms, embarrassed. Nightmare’s tentacles curl around almost every bone in his body, weaving through his ribs and wrapping tightly around his spine. Two pull his legs apart as the first appendage rubs at his pelvic arch harshly, making Error arch with a gasp, glitching aggressively as he squirms, moaning and whining softly with each movement.
“Look at you~ Such a scary destroyer left as nothing more than a moaning mess on my bed~ Aren’t you just a beautiful sight~” Nightmare teases, purring quietly as he ever so gently nuzzles the side of Error’s skull, a stark contrast to the harsh movements of his tentacles.
“ShuDduPpp-” Error whines, turning his skull to properly glare at the king, who takes the opportunity to give him a sweet little kiss, Error’s face turning bright yellow.
“Hmm no. I don’t think I will~” With a wide grin, Nightmare thrusts a tentacle up into Error’s empty pelvis, making him yelp, feeling almost like he’s lagging for a moment as his magic automatically tries to respond, sparking and gathering in his pelvis, trying to form his ecto.
All the while, Nightmare ever so gently and affectionately kisses his skull, purring deeply as he watches Error struggle. “Use your words, Ru~ Tell me what you want~”
“Sh-sHIt~ LeT- leT Me foRm- hnGgh~ My eCto-” He whines, shuddering as he stubbornly squirms, tugging at the tentacles holding his wrists.
“What’s the magic words~?” Nightmare purrs out, Error scowling.
“..PleASe…~?”
“Good boy~” Nightmare smiles at Error and pulls all his tentacles away to give Error some breathing room, continuing to pepper his skull with kisses. The glitch shivers at the praise, his ecto snapping into place as his scowl softens into more of a pout, that Nightmare kisses gently.
“Hmm~ Oh~? What do we have here~?” The king pulls away from his face to sit up, staring down at the hard tent in Error’s pants. The glitch blushes brightly, surprised and embarrassed- he hadn’t been paying too much attention to what he summoned, just letting his magic choose. Nightmare grabs the waistband of his shorts and swiftly pulls them down to reveal his erect cock and dripping pussy. Nightmare practically cackles, blushing lightly.
“Oh Error~ You flatter me~”
“I- I wAsN’t paYInG aTtENtion shUT up-” Error protests, squirming as if trying to hide, upset at himself for getting so bliantly excited. Nightmare’s fingers ghost over the underside of his dick as he moves up to look Error in the sockets.
“You know, if you ask nicely I might just give your cock a little surprise~”
“Hn~ P-plEAse~?” He asks uncertainly after a moment, shaking slightly as his dick twitches. Nightmare smiles almost sweetly at him, a look he doesn’t get often before the king kisses him and pulls back a little.
“Watch closely~” Nightmare sits up on his knees before his whole female ecto body forms with a quiet snap sound. Error sockets widen in surprise and he can’t help but stare a bit at Nightmare’s voluptuous form, his cyan ecto glowing in contrast to Error’s yellow ecto. He’s seen Nightmare with his ecto before, but it was only once or twice and he was always clothed- but on full display, Nightmare seems almost.. softer- and insanely hot. Error suddenly feels a bit insignificant with his slim, fairly plain figure in comparison.
Nightmare gives him a knowing smirk and leans down to kiss him agins, just as gently as before. “Do you like~?”
“..HeLL yeAh-” Error can’t even pretend that he doesn’t- One of Nightmare’s tentacles begins to wag behind him, but he doesn’t seem to notice as he gives Error an incredibly smug look. A tentacle pulls Error’s shorts all the way off, followed quickly by the rest of the destroyer’s clothes before the king situates himself in Error’s stomach, his cock pressing against Nightmare’s backside.
“Do you want to touch me, Ru~?” Error’s glances at Nightmare’s chest tellingly before quickly looking away, blushing as he opens his mouth- only to close it again, staying silent. The guardian smirks even wider, before leaning down to press his breasts up against Error’s.
“Go ahead~ I don’t bite~...much~”
“..M-my haNDs-” Error mutters, squirming a bit as he arches up a bit to press against NIghtmare more. The king glances up at the tentacle holding Error’s wrists before making it let go.
“Oh yes. I almost forgot~” Error brings his hands down, hovering them uncertainly over Nightmare, wanting to touch him but feeling a bit like doing so is him giving in.
"Come on, Ru~ I don't let many look at me like this let alone touch me~ You should take advantage of this privilege~" Blushing brightly, Error hesitantly runs his hands down Nightmare’s sides, rubbing his hips and just enjoying the soft ecto for a moment. It's so plush and squishy, warm too, unlike Nightmare’s corruption that tends to be cold to the touch.
The king purrs, wiggling to press closer to Error and give him a light, gentle kiss, before rocking back against his shaft, making Error’s grip tighten as he tries to hold back a moan.
“MmnH~”
"Aaah~ You are adorable, Error~ If only you would drop that attitude of yours~ Then I could reward you like this whenever you want~" Nightmare spreads his legs out to rub his soft ecto butt harder against Error’s dick, grinding into him.
“I- I- HaAh~ D-doN’t haVe aN AtTiTUdE-” Error mutters, shuddering harshly as he reaches up to rub and feel Nightmare’s back.
His hands slide up the smooth and firm ecto, making Nightmare purr until he gets up to where the king's tentacles sprout up from just below his shoulder blades, where Error curiously goes to rub the base of them. To his knowledge, Nightmare hardly if ever lets anyone touch him there, and though Error might be about to step over a line, he’s curious.
The moment he makes contact, Nightmare squeaks before his whole body goes limp, two tentacles and all, as he purrs like a cat on catnip. Error’s sockets widen in surprise and he pulls away after a moment, not quite sure how to react.
It takes a second, but Nightmare blushes brightly, quickly looking away from Error.
"You saw nothing-!"
“...ThAt waS So cuTe-” Error blurts before he can stop himself. Nightmare bristles, blushing brighter.
"No! It was not!" Error grins, even as he blushes brighter- he hadn’t meant to say that.
“SooOo cuTE-”
"Shooshith-!"
“OkAY oKay-” Error snorts. The king glares at him, more of a pout then a glare to be honest, before he sits up and holds himself over Error’s cock, making the glitch’s breath hitch slightly in surprise.
Nightmare grins at him, holding Error's dick up right with a tentacle, before he slowly sinks down.
"HmMmm~"
“AaHh~ H-hOLy fuCk~” Error murmurs, shuddering as Nightmare’s wet warmth is slowly wrapped around him, skull bright yellow.
Nightmare's walls flutter around him as he sinks lower and lower until Error is completely sheathed inside him. He moans, taking a moment before he slowly rolls his hips against Error's pelvis.
"HaaAah~ Ruuu~"
“HnNgh~” Error moans, hands fumbling a bit as he grips the sheets under him, shivering and glitching.
"HMmMm~ Is this a new feeling for you, Error~?" Nightmare purrs and rolls his hips some more, pulling another moan from the glitch.
“Y-yeAh..~” Error admits after a moment, a touch embarrassed. Nightmare smiles at him, leaning down to press their breasts together again as he kisses Error with affection he will never admit to.
"MMmMh~ I'm glad I could be your first then~"
“M-mE ToO I guEss..~” Error mutters- and coming from him it may as well be a love confession. Off to the side, two tentacles begin to wag in excitement and Nightmare gives him the most gentle, loving smile Error has ever seen on his face before kissing him deeply, purring up a storm.
“MmNh~” Error flinches a bit in surprise, before relaxing and kissing Nightmare back. The king chirps happily, another sound he would deny if asked about it, and slowly lifts his hips up to slam himself back down, making Error jolt with a choked off sound.
“Mm~!” Nightmare shudders before repeating the movement, moaning into Error’s mouth as a tentacle begins to tease the glitch's entrance. Error gasps a bit, arching up against Nightmare as he thrusts up with the king’s bounces, his dick twitching as his cunt clenches around nothing.
Nightmare breaks the kiss to breathe, nuzzling into Error’s neck as he moans and whines. The teasing tentacle wastes no time driving itself all the way up inside Error, making him glitch, crying out in both surprise and pleasure.
“AahHh~!” The tentacle thrusts in time with Nightmare’s bouncing, making them both moan rather loudly.
"HaAAaah~! W-why don't we add another~?" A second tentacle pokes at Error’s open mouth before pushing inside. Error lets his jaw relax, idly wrapping his tongues around the tentacle with a muffled moan.
The appendage gently rubs the inside of his mouth, being careful not to hurt him. Nightmare would never really hurt him. The king purrs and moans between whines, his other tentacles moving to wrap around and rub Error’s body, squeezing them closer together.
"HnNnGAa~! I'm so close-"
“MmNnh~!” Error just moans and whines a bit in response, eyelights rolling back as he squirms, cunt and dick twitching tellingly as he approaches his peak.
After a few more seconds, Nightmare te ses, his own eyelight rolling back as he lets out a loud, pleasure filled moan. His walls clamp down, squeezing Error tightly as he grinds down as hard as he can on the glitch's cock. At the same time cyan magic cum is released from both tentacles, the fist curls up as far as it can go into Error’s cunt as the other pumps the magic down his throat.
“Mn-!” Error chokes a bit, seeing stars as he cums almost immediately, filling Nightmare with his magic as he clenches on the tentacle, struggling to swallow around the tentacle in his mouth as he glitches harshly.
"AaAaaAaahhh~ Ruruuu~♡" Nightmare relaxes against him after a moment, purring and nuzzling his neck aggressively as Error’s stomach expands a little beneath him. "Hmmmm~ Grab my arm when you're full, Ru~"
Nightmare just gets a muffled moan from the blissed out glitch beneath him, a couple error signs visible in his sockets as he shakes slightly, a bit of drool dripping down his chin.
The goopy skeleton chuckles and kisses Error’s cheek as he simply relaxes, enjoying the pleasure full buzz from his orgasam. Eventually, Error gets a hold of himself to shakily grab Nightmare’s arm, looking practically pregnant at this point as his ecto stretches to a slightly painful point.
Luckily Nightmare stops immediately and pulls the tentacle out of his mouth, letting him breathe.
"Hmmm~ You look so good like this~"
“HnNg..~” Error pants, looking dazed as he gazes up at Nightmare through the errors in his sockets. With a smile the king kisses him lightly, before pulling up off of him to make sure he doesn’t press on Error’s stomach. He rolls onto his side instead, nuzzling Error’s skull.
"Sleep~ I'll be right here the whole time~"
“Mn’Kay~” Error mumbles, letting his sockets close as he nuzzles against Nightmare, purring softly.
"Good boy~"
“Hm~” Error shivers pleasantly, drifting off to sleep, the feeling of being so full and content- even if a touch uncomfortable- making him smile just slightly.
Chapter 73: Oh no! Our Killer! It’s Broken!
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Killer dies uwu
Bad guys poly
Notes:
Another really old one and I’m not sure why we didn’t post it earlier
Chapter Text
It’s so…so cold. He’s been walking for what feels like hours, trying to find some sort of shelter, but it’s just ice and sleet as far as his magic sense can reach, even underground. H-he’s so fucking cold. Is this how humans feel in the cold? It’s like his bones are stiff, joints frozen together and every small movement sends shockwaves of pain through his body.
He doesn’t know what to do but keep walking, don’t stop, just keep going. He’s sure someone will find him soon. Dying isn’t an option. Nightmare still needs him and who’s going to make Cross relax once in a while when boss is too busy? Or be Dust’s magic outlet, or feed Horror when he’s down in the dumps? And Error, who’s gonna make him blush? That’s his job!
Shit it’s cold. Even with his hood pilled up and his hands shoved in his pockets, he’s frozen stiff. His legs shake beneath him as he trudges on, the falling snow stinging against his face. Each step is getting harder and harder to take, stepping on ice was the last straw.
He comes tumbling down on his side, falling on his leg in a horrible position. Of course it snaps. He will never admit he screamed. He can handle pain, but the cold makes it hurt so much more.
He shakily slides his arms out of his pockets, trying to get a good grip on the ice to push himself up- but he can’t stop shaking.
“AAAahg! G-get up!”
He can’t. He needs to but he can’t. This can’t be how it ends…right? Cold and alone….
“G-g-gues-ss thi-is is w-w-w-what I d-deser-rve…” What was he thinking? They shouldn't miss him…even if he knows they will. They shouldn’t. He can easily be replaced…..but he doesn’t want to let go yet…..He’s finally happy and the stupid Stars had to go and ruin it!
“S-s-sorry….C-can’t mak-ke it h-home in ti-ime f-f-for dinn-ner, R-rorry.”
His magic’s running low…he can’t see anything, he can’t move. And after a few minutes, his soul brakes like fragile glass under the pressure and the familiar feeling of dusting greets him.
Of course the damn Stars had to go and actually have a good plan for once-! While he was distracted with destroying a different AU, the gang went out to cause some negativity, and the Stars had managed to send them all to different AUs and trap them there.
And Blue wasn’t able to text him about it until he had finished up the universe he was in, so he had to search for everyone’s individual code and go from there.
He had started with Nightmare, who was stuck in one of those trap AUs where Classic pulls different versions of himself and his brother using the machine. They had split up after that, Nightmare leaving to grab Horror and Dust while he went to get Cross and Killer.
Cross was easy enough to find, but for some reason his search for Killer’s code wasn’t loading… He eventually has to narrow it down to the small skeleton’s specific jacket, which leads him to where he is now, walking through a freezing cold universe, calling out for Killer.
“KILleR! HeLLo!! CAN yOu heAR me?!” Error huffs, glitching as he wraps his scarf tighter around his neck. Toby Fox it’s cold.
“KilLERRr!!” According to the window, Killer should be within at least earshot right now, if not visible! But all he could see was a stupid greyish pile of snow with… something blue….
“No nO No no-” Error sprints to what could only be a pile of dust- hoping, pleading, that it wasn’t what he thought it was, that his blurry eyesight just made him mistaken.
He couldn’t deny what is right in front of him, though, as he collapses to his knees in front of the- Killer’s- dust, the small skeleton’s blue jacket and favorite knife unmistakably sitting on top of it.
“NonOno- K-kiLLe-ER No- hE CaN’t- yOU caN’t bE- KillER-r thIS ISn-N’t a fUnNY PraNk-” Error’s voice cracks as tears start streaming down his face, hoping that Killer would jump out from somewhere and laugh at his reaction, but knowing it wouldn’t happen.
A glitched cry of sheer anguish echoes across the frozen wasteland, no one around to hear it as Error cries his soul out.
He was too late. He was too late and Killer was dead. Oh stars- he didn’t want to tell the others- he couldn’t- No no nononono..-
*Beeeeeep*
Error.exe has crashed.
Sans sits up with a startled scream, he hasn’t woken up screaming in a while……was it all just a dream? He sags a little in relief, for a moment he really thought he had- The sound of stomping feet interrupts his thoughts, as well as a loud baging on the door followed by a voice and a phrase he knows all too well.
“BROTHER!? ARE YOU OK?”
‘No…nononono-’
“SANS? WAS IT ANOTHER NIGHTMARE?” There’s a pause on the other side of the door. “SANS I’M COMING IN!”
When Papyrus opens the door, he finds his brother curled up in the corner, eyelights extinguished as he grips his skull, phalanges digging in hard enough to make him bleed. Papyrus’ face grows sad for a moment, before he moves to his brother, kneeling in front of him.
“Sans, I Am Going To Touch You Now, Okay?”
‘This can’t be happening!! He left this behind him! He’s been gone for years! Was it even real? Did he ever actually leave-?’
Papyrus carefully and lightly grabs his brother’s hands, gently pulling them away from his head. “Brother? Can You Hear Me?” A sad defeated whimper answers him as Sans goes limp.
‘If it wasn’t real…then why does he feel so cold..?’
Papyrus gathers the small skeleton into his arms and holds him close in hopes of comforting him, and gets to work carefully healing the scratches on Sans’ skull.
‘He remembers it so vividly…it happened right..? Nightmare and the others are real aren’t they..?’ His soul feels like it might break again if they aren’t and he unconsciously turns to nuzzle into Papyrus’ chest.
“There We Go..” Papyrus quietly soothes, running his hand over Sans’ now healed skull. “Do You Want To Talk About It?”
The small skeleton shakes his head, hiding deeper into his brother's shirt. He could probably fit in Papyrus’ ribcage actually…..did he try that at some point? He feels Papyrus’ ribcage expand in a sigh, but Papyrus doesn’t try to push.
“Although I Don’t Normally Condone Laziness, I Think Just This Once I’ll Allow It. We’re Going To Stay Home And Relax Today, Okay?”
Nuzzles are his only response, his small brother shivering in his hold. Nodding as if Sans had said something, Papyrus stands up and grabs his phone to text Undyne. Once that’s done, he heads downstairs and sits on the couch, getting a blanket and tucking it around his shivering brother and himself, before turning on the TV to a random Mettaton rerun.
“Is That Any Better?”
“.....Mhm.” He still doesn’t turn on his eyelights, scared to look at everything. As if the reality of it will destroy any hope of ever going home. To his real home.
Papyrus is just glad he at least got an actual answer this time.
“...Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?” He asks softly. “I don’t know what happened, but something about you has changed, although I’m not quite sure what. Still, something has happened to my brother, and whatever it is seems to be hurting you right now… You Don’t Have To Tell Me Right Now, But I’m Here For You, Okay? I Believe In You, No Matter What.”
With his bit said, Papyrus settles down to watch the TV, not expecting Sans to really say anything, as he’s rejected every one of his past offers. It’s a bit disappointing, but he’s accepted it.
“.....Would you even believe me..?” Sans mumbles. “I…I don’t know if I believe me or not…”
“Of Course I Would Believe You! Though I’m Not Sure What Exactly You’re Talking About.” Papyrus sounded so certain…Sans shifts, wanting to hide just a little more.
“...Ok fine. It’ll probably be erased anyway.” Taking a deep breath, Sans begins telling the story of how he became Killer and his escape from the time loop, the multiverse he finds himself in, and the gang of ‘villains’ he calls family.
Papyrus was crying by the time Sans- Killer- finally stopped rambling, but he was smiling widely at his brother.
“I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR NOT BEING THERE FOR IT ALL WITH YOU, BUT I’M SO GLAD YOU MANAGED TO FIND PEOPLE TO BE WITH! DO YOU WANT ME TO CALL YOU KILLER INSTEAD OF SANS?”
The small skeleton laughs, crying a little himself. He did and didn’t expect this reaction from his little brother. “Yeah sure. Sans is a little overused nowadays anyway-”
“GASP! CAN I HAVE A NICKNAME-NAME TOO?!” Papyrus pauses, sheepishly smiling when he realizes he just interrupted Sa- Killer. But Killer just smiles back lazily.
“Sure bro. How about….Papaya?”
“Papaya…” The lanky skeleton says to himself, as if testing it out. “I LIKE IT! FROM NOW ON, I SHALL BE KNOWN AS THE GREAT PAPAYA!!”
The smaller skeleton bro can’t help but laugh, giggling with his usual sharp smile. It seems to throw Papaya off, but he’s quick to shake it off, happily grinning back “W-wow. It’s perfect~!”
“KILLER AND PAPAYA!” Papaya proclaims, before, in a genius moment of word association, he dramatically says, “THE PAPAYA KILLERS~! NO FRUIT IS SAFE FROM THEIR SLICING ABILITIES!” Honestly, is it even any surprise he’s related to Killer anymore?
“Yes~! The Papaya Killers~! Ra~!” Killer makes a small roar, baring his teeth at his little brother.
Papaya finally can’t hold in his energy anymore, and he jumps up- Killer still in his arms- with a spin, before striking a pose.
“FIRST, THE BLUEBERRIES. THEN, THE WORLD~!!”
Killer can't contain his giggles and he too strikes a pose from over Papaya’s arm, grinning wide.
“The multiverse~!”
“THE MULTIVERSE!!” It was still honestly kind of hard for Papaya to believe there were whole other worlds- universes out there, but the emotion in Killer’s voice was too real to be fake, so unless it’s proved otherwise, he will take his brother’s word for it.
“Ok! First we gotta fix the machine in the basement. It shouldn't be too hard. Once you're outcode the RESETs shouldn't affect your memory!”
“OKAY!” Papaya cheers. “…HOW WOULD WE MAKE ME AN OUTCODE, THOUGH?”
“Simple.” Killer grins at him. “We gotta get you out’a this AU for a while~”
Papaya narrows his sockets at his brother- he knows that tone of mischief anywhere. “WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING?”
“A family reunion is all~ I can’t wait for ya to meet everyone~”
“WILL WE BE ATTACKED ON SIGHT? BECAUSE YOU JUST LOOK LIKE ANY ‘CLASSIC SANS’ OUT THERE. THAT SOUNDS QUITE FUN, ACTUALLY.” Papaya, much like Blueberry, would definitely be able to hold his own in a fight- Undyne keeps holding back on him and he wouldn’t mind a good fight for once.
“Hell yeah! And it will be so much fun~!” KIller bounces a little in his brother's grasp before gasping in excitement.
“We should spar! Let’s spar right now~!”
“GASP! REALLY??! YES!!” In his excitement, Papaya does a little dance sort of thing, spinning around with Killer happily. The small skeleton wiggles, trying to get out of Papaya’s grasp. He stumbles a little before running to the kitchen, sockets still empty. He has the place memorized though so he doesn’t worry too much.
He comes back with a kitchen knife, much better than the one Chara always used. Papaya eyes the knife a bit wearily, unsure why its presence unnerved him, but shakes it off.
“ARE YOU SURE YOU DON’T WANT TO TURN ON YOUR EYELIGHTS?”
“Yeah I’m sure. I've lived like….50 or so years without them. If anything they’ll just throw me off.” He spins and twirls the knife around in his hand with practiced ease despite not seeing a damn thing.
“HMM ALRIGHT THEN!” With that, Papaya throws a weak bone attack at him (definitely not grinning like the little shit he was raised to be), just to test out the waters.
Killer doesn’t hesitate to knock the attack away in one swift, perfectly timed motion.
“That all ya got bro~?”
“PLEASE!” Papaya scoffs. “THAT WASN’T EVEN A WARM UP!”
Now confident Killer fighting blind wasn’t in any way a handicap, Papaya begins attacking in earnest- still testing out the waters slightly, but being much less hesitant. Killer grins, blocking and jumping back. He slides and jumps up on the couch, using the propulsion to attack Papaya.
The lanky skeleton blocks the attack with a long bone before sliding out of the way and letting Killer’s momentum make him fall past him, summoning more bones in the way of Killer’s trajectory. He wasn’t expecting Killer to use any of the bones to swing around, changing the direction of his moment to send his foot right into Papaya’s face.
Papaya is unable to dodge in time, and though the kick doesn’t hurt too bad all things considered, he ends up sprawled on the floor. With a cackle not unlike Killer’s, Papaya quickly hops up and dances away from his older brother, summoning another long bone attack to dual-wield them both like staffs.
“NYEH HEH HEH! THAT WAS A GOOD MOVE, BROTHER!”
Killer laughs, twirling his knife as he slowly circles Papaya. “ Thanks~ I gotta come up with something good, fighting with no magic~”
“YOU’LL HAVE TO TEACH ME SOMETIME!” Papaya replies cheerfully.
“I’m happy to! We should probably go outside before we mess up the house though-”
“PROBABLY! BUT! THIS IS FUN TOO!” Papaya jumps at Killer, swinging at him with one of the attacks as he holds the other one in front of himself protectively. Killer ducks down, suddenly pulling out a second knife. He uses one to block and hold his brother's attacks while the other swings up at Papaya’s chest, making him yelp and quickly spin his bone attack to knock the knife's off course, using the small opening to move back a bit, using the distance to his advantage.
“Woooo~ That was a close one bro~” Killer’s grin sharpens, resuming a loose stance, resembling a predator circling his prey. Papaya widens his own stance in response, orange flickering in his right eyesocket for just a moment.
The lanky skeleton hangs back, waiting for his brother to make the first move this time. And when Killer does he’s fast, seemingly teleporting over to Papaya’s front and forcing him to go on the defence, dodging and blocking and weaving around Killer’s attacks.
His brother's small size makes him hard to hit, that coupled with his agility and speed, makes him a very formidable opponent. And if he remembers right, Killer said his magic sense isn’t working meaning his brother has to be going off of sound alone. It was honestly incredibly impressive, and Papaya really hopes Killer will be willing to train him at some point.
Eventually though, Papaya’s seemingly endless stamina runs out and he has to forfeit.
“ALRIGHT KILLER! *PANT* YOU WIN! *PANT PANT*” With that, the lanky skeleton dramatically flops onto the now slightly beat up floor, breathing heavily.
Grinning, Killer relaxes, putting down his knife. He hasn’t even broken a sweat. He walks over, leaning against his brother to nuzzle him.
“Wow bro, not bad at all! Good job!” Papaya visibly brightens.
“YOU REALLY THINK SO?”
“Yeah, ‘course! Ya kept up with me for a good while. You’ve been workin’ hard. You’d do better with a more serious teacher though.” Killer slides his knife into one of his jacket pockets and sits up to grab a towel from the kitchen.
“You’re all sweaty-”
“YES WELL, SOMEBODY PUT ME THROUGH THE WRINGER.” Papaya dryly replies, making his brother chuckle. Sitting up he gratefully takes the towel from Killer, wiping off his face and skull. “I THINK I MIGHT ACTUALLY NEED TO TAKE A SHOWER THIS TIME!”
“Ya don’t wanna smell so it’s probably a good idea. I’ll pick up a little.”
“YOU? CLEANING?? I KNOW IT’S BEEN A WHILE FOR YOU BUT I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SEE THE DAY IN A MILLION YEARS!” Papaya stands up, stretching a bit.
Killer shrugs as he crouches down to pick up a few bits of the couch stuffing.
“Boss always makes us pick up the training room so I’m usd to it, only chore I can’t do is cook.” He remembers the first time he tried to cook his own food. He just went to make some cereal and somehow set the whole kitchen on fire. He doesn’t even know how that happened!!
“I SUPPOSE THAT MAKES SENSE. COOKING HAS NEVER BEEN YOUR STRONG SUIT, BROTHER!” Papaya heads upstairs to the bathroom. “IF YOU NEED ME, I WILL BE GETTING CLEAN!”
“‘Kay!” The small skeleton picks up the living room, dining room, and stairs. They're not deep cleaned by any means, but at least no one is going to trip over anything. And of course the sock by the kitchen is still sitting in its rightful place.
Papaya had finished showering and getting dressed by the time Killer’s done, and he can’t help but sigh when he sees that the sock had not moved, though there was a fond smile he was trying to hide.
“THAT IS NEVER GOING TO BE PUT AWAY, IS IT.”
“Nope~” Killer says, lounging on the only slightly torn couch as he snuggles into the blanket Papaya had brought out for them earlier.
“SIGH. I SUPPOSE I SHOULD JUST ACCEPT IT AT THIS POINT…” Papaya mutters, moving to sit down next to his brother. “ANY PLANS?”
“Hmm…Watch out for the kid, get the machine runnin’, aaand….check myself every once in a while? While training you in between!”
“THAT SOUNDS LIKE A LOT- AND WHAT DO YOU MEAN ‘CHECK YOURSELF’?”
Killer moves over to lay across Papaya’s lap, pulling the blanket up over his shoulders.
“Well it’s not hovering above my chest like it usually does and determination isn’t too good for a monster soul, it’s not just gonna go away because I died. It’ll either revert back to before or I’ll become something similar to an amalgamate, but there could be other options. This is a unique case so who knows what’ll happen.”
“I VERY MUCH DON’T LIKE THE SOUND OF THAT!” The lanky skeleton looks over Killer worriedly. “IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP WITH THAT?”
“Uhm….the check would be more effective if someone else did it so you can do that!”
Papaya sighs, accepting that for now. “ALRIGHT. DO YOU WANT TO DO ANYTHING ELSE TODAY? WHEN ARE WE GOING TO START ON THE MACHINE?”
“Hmm…That’s the most important part and it’ll take a while. I guess we could get it started right now. Just do a check up on it’s condition and stuff!”
“SURE! AND THOUGH I MAY NOT BE THE BEST AT SCIENCE-Y STUFF, BUT I’M GOOD AT PUZZLES! AND I’D SAY THE MACHINE IS PROBABLY ONE HELL OF A PUZZLE!”
“Hell yeah! Actually you’d be a really good mechanic! Science is all about little pieces fitting together so if someone took the time to explain it you’d be really good at it!”
Papaya already wasn’t half bad with mechanics- he built all of his puzzles and traps himself, after all- but the science tidbit was certainly new.
“REALLY? SO SCIENCE IS ALL JUST- ONE BIG PUZZLE??”
“One reeeeeeeeeeaaaaly big puzzle!”
“WOWIE! THAT SOUNDS INTERESTING!”
“It is! Oh I can teach you that too! At the castle probably but still! This will be so much fun!”
“NYEH HEH HEH! I CAN’T WAIT, BROTHER!” Papaya exclaims, scooping up Killer to hug him happily. The small skeleton smiles, giggling as he hugs back, nuzzling into the crook of Papaya’s neck.
“I missed ya…”
“I… Can’t Quite Say I Return The Sentiment, As I Don’t Remember You Ever Being Away… But I am certainly enjoying being able to be open like this with you.”
Killer smiles wider. “It’s ok if ya don’t remember. Ya probably wouldn’t have liked me too much back when I left. But now we get a fresh start!”
“THAT WE DO!” The lanky skeleton nuzzles Killer with a laugh, before getting up. “SHALL WE GO LOOK AT THE MACHINE?”
“Yup! Race ya there~!” Killer suddenly sits up and bolts to the basement door.
“WAIT NO FAIR-!” Papaya scrambles after his brother, grinning widely.
Sans- well, Killer, may be different now, but he was still his brother. That, if nothing else, would never change.
~
Error finally finishes the last stitch on the doll in front of him with shaking phalanges, before looking it over. Despite the fact that he was freezing and his eyesight was even more blurry than normal from his tears, it was perfect. Killer deserves nothing less.
The glitch then begins carefully scooping Killer’s… his dust into the hole he made in the back of the doll, doing his best to get every speck into it. Despite his best efforts, he knows that he missed some- he could feel its grittiness in the joints of his phalanges, a thin layer of the dust coating his hand. He couldn’t get it off. He- he didn’t- he couldn’t just wipe it off- it was Killer- but it wasn’t coming off and he could feel it and-
*Beeeeep*
Error.exe has crashed. Rebooting…
One reboot later, Error was feeling like shit- in more ways than one, now.
But… he had to finish the doll. With stiff, cold phalanges, he sews up the back of the doll. Once he’s done, he presses it against his forehead, shaking. He didn’t even know if it was from the cold anymore.
“I-I’m s-SO so-ORr-r-Ry, Ki-IL-lls.” He whispers brokenly, before carefully gathering up Killer’s coat and knife and forcing himself to his feet, staggering through a portal to his stargazing spot Outertale.
The air feels like it was on fire in comparison to the freezing AU he had just left, and Error’s legs give out on him, making him collapse to his knees. Finally, he breaks fully and he begins sobbing, holding Killer’s things to his chest like they were a precious treasure, shivering and glitching violently.
He doesn’t notice the portal beside him open immediately, not until Nightmare suits beside him and pulls the glitch into his lap.
“Hey hey…I’m here Ru..”
Nightmare cradles him, holding Error against his chest in an attempt at comfort. It just makes the glitch cry harder as he curls up around whatever he was holding, Nightmare’s touch so hot on his freezing bones that it hurts.
“I-i-I’M-m sO-oRr-r-r-RY- I’m-M S-s-sO-o sOR-r-rr-rY-”
“What are you sorry for…?” The dark king's tentacles hover over him, easing at least some of Error’s physical and emotional pain.
“Calm down Ru please…breathe with me ok? You can do that can’t you..?”
Error shakes his head with a hiccup, just curling up tighter as he tries to hold back a third crash in a row.
Nightmare frowns deeply. He had noticed it right away, but Error is so cold he feels like he’s made out of dry ice. He can feel that the glitch is in physical pain, but emotional as well. He’s suffering from grief, but…what could he be grieving over? He was supposed to be looking for….for Killer…
Gently, the guardian pries Error open, trying to get to whatever the smaller is curled around. Error resists at first, becoming visibly more distressed as he tries to protect what was left of Killer, but it quickly becomes too much.
*Beeeeeep*
Error.exe has crashed. Rebooting…
Nightmare stops as soon as he senses Error’s distress, but the damage is already done. Error sags against him and he sighs, lightly nuzzling the glitch’s skull. As much as he feels like he shouldn't take whatever Error was so desperate to protect…..he has to know…..
Slowly, the king's hand slides past Error’s arms and grabs something plush and soft, pulling it out, something inside Nightmare brakes.
This….this can’t be happening. Nightmare stares down at the doll and he can feel what's inside, there’s no denying it.
The king suddenly stands, holding onto Error and the doll tightly as he opens a portal back home. He shoves the destroyer into Dust’s arms, not giving the hooded skeleton a chance to react before he’s gone.
The Stars are going to pay for this. With their lives.
~
Error jolts up with a gasp, tears streaming down his face as he blindly scrambles up from his beanbag, stumbling and tripping through a portal to Nightmare’s castle. He ends up awkwardly sprawled out on the floor as he fails to catch himself, his body still not fully awake.
Killer only jolts a little, sure he ‘saw’ the portal open and expected Error to come through, but the destroyer doesn’t usually crash and burn like an infant trying his best to walk. He grabs some chocolate before walking over, lightly poking Error’s skull with it.
“Uh Ru? You ok there?”
Error shoots up, practically tackling Killer into a hug and clinging tightly to him, glitching and shaking.
“KilLER! Oh tHaNk FOx- yoU’rE aliVe-” The glitch’s voice breaks. Killer falls back onto his coxis with a yelp, not at all expecting Error to react to him in such a way. Nevertheless, his arms wrap around the glitch in a hug, nuzzling and rubbing his skull.
“Yeah uhm I’m fine-”
“I TH-thOUghT- I HaD A DrEAm wHEre yOU d-DIEd aND I waSn’T FAsT eNouGH aNd yoU WEre aLL ALoNe-” Error cuts himself off with a quiet sob, burying his face in Killer’s shoulder as he holds onto him like a lifeline, crying in earnest now.
The small skeleton frowns, holding Error a little closer as he kisses the side of his skull.
“Ah- ok come on, let’s uh sit on the couch ok? You can hold me all ya want.”
Error just whines in response, his grip tightening. Killer was here and he was alive and he wasn’t going to be letting him go any time soon.
Error is much stronger than he looks. Killer grunts a little, but pays it no mind, instead he starts opening the chocolate behind the destroyer's back. Error doesn’t react to the sound of the chocolate wrapper as he seems to be trying to practically merge with Killer, sniffling and doing his best to hold back his sobs.
“....Ruru. Hey, look at me glitchy.”
After a moment, Error reluctantly pulls away enough to look at Killer, eyelights wobbly and tears streaming down his face.
“I’m fine Ru~ I’m right here and I’m fine~” The small skeleton smiles softly at Error, placing a gentle kiss on his teeth.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here like I always am and I’ll come back from a mission like I always do…and if something were to happen I’d just keep going until I got back, no matter how long it takes.”
“.....PrOMisE…?” Error’s voice shakes, full of a quiet, desperate hope. Sanses don’t break their promises. So… if Killer could promise, then- then he’d have to be telling the truth, right? The small skeleton only hesitates for a second before nodding.
“Yeah I promise. I'll always come home to ya guys. It’s not like I haven’t died before.”
Error grumbles about how it wasn’t funny, going back to aggressively cuddling the small skeleton. Killer blinks at him, before falling back to lay completely on the floor.
“I wasn’t making a joke-”
“I kNow- sTILl noT FUnNy.” Error falls with him, having absolutely no plans of letting him escape, and just shifts a bit so they can both lay more comfortably. Killer huffs, before chuckling lightheartedly, resting a hand on Error’s skull as he begins to purr.
How has he never noticed how Killer smells like cinnamon and hot spice? It’s comforting, and Error nuzzles into Killer’s neck to get more of it, his glitching and shaking slowly going down as he finally truly begins to calm, slowly relaxing.
The small skeleton giggles, making his ribcage shake under Error as his smile stretches wider. It’s such a nice feeling, a nice sound.
“...I LOve yOU.” Error mutters after a minute.
Killer huffs in startled amusement before replying in a soft voice. “I love ya too~”
Error smiles softly, before everything seems to fade away and the glitch becomes aware of his body, still laying in bed.
He opens his sockets, and he finds himself still alone in Killer’s bedroom. Any happy feelings he might’ve still had disappear as he clutches a small, dust-filled, doll to his chest, tears gathering in his sockets.
He never got to tell that to Killer, did he? He loved him- he loved him so damn much and he didn’t realize it until it was too late, and now he’ll never be able to tell him.
Error starts to sob quietly as he buries his face in Killer’s pillow, the faint scent of cinnamon and spice still clinging to it no longer comforting him and just making it more painful. He can feel his soul break a little.
“PLeAs-se…” He whispers desperately. “PL-pLeaSE keEP yoUr pRomISE…”
~
Error doesn’t know how long he laid there, crying, but he finally ran out of tears and became numb, staring blankly at the wall in front of him. Even his glitching is almost nonexistent- and he looks eerily like Ink off of his paints, not reacting to anything at all.
The thing that finally rouses him is a ‘ding’ from his system, and he robotically raises a hand and opens a window.
….Huh. He never actually canceled the search for Killer’s code, and it looks like the program just found a classic. Stupid thing.
Error pauses, though, when he notices the name of the AU glitching, switching between Undertale #32 and… Killertale.
But that- it wasn’t possible! He had taken the human’s soul and trapped it in the antivoid at Killer’s request, and a quick portal shows that it still was very much there. But he knows that is Killer’s universe… and it had recently gone through a RESET…
He suddenly remembers his dream, where Killer had said he had died before… does that mean he might actually be…?
No. He- he shouldn’t be getting his hopes up, it would just hurt more in the end if he was wrong. But… if he was right.
Error abruptly sits up, gently placing Killer’s doll on the bed, before walking through a portal to the door of the skeleton brother’s house in Killer’s AU and knocking. He barely stops himself from just kicking down the door to try to find Killer.
The door swings open quickly and a particularly small Classic Sans stands on the other side, his jacket is held tightly against him and his unlit sockets, half way closed, a familiar sharp grin on his face.
“Who there~?”
Error’s breath hitches, and he glitches as he keeps himself from tackling the skeleton in front of him. Though the negative tears were missing, Error would recognize that expression anywhere- but he has to make sure.
“...K..Kil-LleR-r..?” He hates how small his voice comes out- how scared and hopeful he sounds. The Sans seems to tense, before his grin gets wider, softening ever so slightly.
“Ru? Is that you buzz-? Whoa-!”
Error doesn’t let Killer finish, throwing himself at the small skeleton in a tight hug with a relieved sob, clinging to him. Killer stumbles, catching himself on the door frame before he hugs Error back, nuzzling the glitch’s skull.
“Wow- you found me fast.”
Error pulls back just enough to look Killer in the face. “Wha-? KiL-lleR IT-t’s beEN W-wEeKS!”
“Yeah I know- I mean at first I thought everything was a dream and I never left my AU and was just fooling myself into believing I of all people could be happy, but then I told Pap what I remember and we spared and we’ve been trying to fix the machine to get back to ya and then it exploded in my face and-”
Error interrupts Killer’s ramble with a sloppy, inexperienced kiss, almost desperate in its intensity. The small skeleton gasps in surprise, before his sockets soften, eyelights glowing faintly as he moves his hands up to hold Error’s face and kiss him back.
The glitch doesn’t pull back until he’s crying too hard to properly kiss Killer, gasping and hiccuping as tears pour from his sockets.
“I L-loVE yo-oU-u- I LO-ovE YOu s-SO gOdDam-mn mUCh anD I’m sO SO-orRy I Didn’T-t fINd yoU-u iN TIM-me-”
Killer grip tightens, holding the destroyer close as he peppers his face in kisses, blushing a bluish-red.
“It’s ok I’m not upset-”
Error just cries harder, glitching as he’s overwhelmed by his warring emotions. He’s scared that this was just another dream, it feels too good to be true. The small skeleton pulls Error inside the house, failing to close the door behind him as he waddles to the couch, glancing at his brother from the kitchen archway.
Papaya makes an executive decision and goes fully into the kitchen to both give the other two some space, and make some hot chocolate- the glitchy skeleton looks like he needs it.
“I’m sorry for scarin’ ya Ru…I’m sorry I’m sorry.”
“I-iT’s not-T-T YoUr fAUlt-” In a probably stupid action, Error curls his hand into a fist and bites down hard on it, using the pain to reassure himself this was real.
“R-ru no-!” Killer grabs his hand, pulling it away and giving the glitch a kiss. “Don’t do that-!”
Error whimpers, but doesn’t resist. “I- I HAd tO MaK-ke suRe iT Was reAL..”
“...Ruru..” He knew the gang would be upset, but not this upset, he’s kind of an idiot for thinking otherwise.
“It’s real. I’m right here and you're hugging me.”
The glitch nods with a sniffle, pressing himself closer to Killer and hugging him tighter. “I l-loVE yoU.”
The smaller blushes brighter, kissing Error again. “I love ya too Ru~<3”
Error beams as his tears become relieved and so, so happy, before he hides his face in the crook of Killer’s neck, muttering ‘I love you’ over and over again like a mantra, unconsciously tapping Killer with a phalange with every word.
Killer’s face grows hot, flustered by the sudden declarations he definitely had not been expecting, not that he’s complaining. For a good few minutes they bathe in each other’s presence, until a loud boom echoes across the underground just as Papaya was coming in with drinks.
“What Was That?!” Papaya carefully sets down the drinks on the coffee table, before moving to the two small skeletons and scooping them up, ready to run at a moment's notice. Error glitches a bit but doesn’t seem to care as long as he can keep clinging to Killer.
“Is It Those Stars You Were Telling Me About, Brother?”
“Hmm…I don’t think so. They like playing hero, but I wouldn’t put it past Ink.”
“He THinKs It’S FuN TO soMetIMes cHAnGe thE GamE… aNd I DoUbt iT’s thE Gang- We’VE All juST BeEn moUrniNG-g wHILe NigHt plaNs ReVenGe.” Error pipes up, lifting his head to be easier heard. He still very much looked like a mess- a bit worse now actually- but he was smiling, albit tiredly, and his tears were finally starting to slow down, Killer gently kissing them away.
“I wouldn’t worry about it. If whoever it is comes here then we can fight. Unless ya wanna protect ‘em bro.”
“Nyeh! Well We Shall See!” With that, Papaya carries the two lovebirds (Killer never mentioned a datemate!?) out of the house, grabbing a blanket and wrapping around Killer and Error as he walks- he’s discovered that Killer now gets cold very easily.
Said skeleton feels it get colder and shivers, snuggling further into the blanket and Error, who had no complaints from this arrangement.
Papaya looks around for anything suspicious, before swiftly moving into the trees. It looks like Killer’s training was paying off- he was much more quiet and graceful sneaking around. Killer is so proud.
In the distant trees, another explosion echoes out against the ruins door.
“Oh Dear, That Doesn’t Sound Good…” Papaya mutters, speeding up a bit as he weaves through the trees.
“Yeah….wonder if it's the kid.”
“ThE KId? BuT I STill hAvE TheIR soUL- I JuSt cHecKed BEFoRe coMIng hERe.”
The small skeleton shrugs, “Ya trap the kids’ souls so they don’t RESET and bring the world back- but I RESET. I thought they would be forced back or replaced.”
Error shakes his head. “My AnTIVoiD maKes THe eXCepTIon- As loNG AS I DoN’t leT THeM ouT, thEY MaY a-AS weLL Be lOSt iN thE VOID.”
“Oh….well at least we know what it’s not!”
“Better Than Nothing!” Papaya quietly cheers, slowing to a quiet walk as they approach the ruins, looking around. Error tries to help be lookout, but his vision sucks ass when he’s not wearing his glasses and Killer can’t see. Period, so-
The best the smallest skeleton can do is hide from the cold while covering Error’s face in kisses~
It was doing quite a good job in flustering the glitch.
“Gasp! I see some movement up ahead! Try to not move too much in case I must start running.” Papaya whispers, carefully looking around a thick tree. Killer tries to stay still, but it’s not easy, so he’ll just have to distract himself with kisses, much to Error’s mixed delight and embarrassment.
A moment later, the ruins door bursts open, a blaster easily tearing through it. The overcharged magic feels familiar.
“WhO-??” Error wiggles slightly in an attempt to look around the tree, only for Papaya’s grip to tighten and keep him still. There’s the sound of crunching snow as someone steps out of the cloud of smoke and it sounds like others are behind them.
The first person Papaya sees looks similar to Killer, but has his hood up and his eyelights are blazing different colors, two more lookalikes flanking him. Papaya can’t help but feel concern for the skeleton with a large hole in his head- it looks painful. The final skeleton stood like the Doggi do when Undyne performs checks on them or orders them around- and Papaya wonders if he was maybe a part of the royal guard.
“What do they look like?” Killer whispers, pulling Error back to continue kisses! The poor glitch was never going to recover at this point-
“Well, they seem to be alternates of you like you told me abou-” He doesn’t finish his sentence as black, creeping tendrils wrap around the stone door’s remains, they curl around and crush the boulders with barely any effort.
Slowly, a goop covered sans steps out into the…well, not the light. The shadows seem to attach themselves to this entity, warping and shrouding him in darkness itself, the aura emanating from him is beyond intimidating, it’s terrifying.
And he was looking right at them.
“...Nevermind Time To Go-!” Papaya turns on his heel and starts running away, carefully holding Error and Killer to not jostle them too much.
“WhAT-? WhAt’d yoU SeE-??”
“Wait Pap what-?”
Something slams against the ground beside them, the tentacle shaking the earth itself, and Papaya scrambles the other way with a curse, sending several sharp bone attacks in the Sanses’ direction.
“We Are Being Attacked It Is Now Time To Run-!!”
His attacks seem to have done nothing as the Sanes disappear from behind him, the trees ruffling with movement. He only runs so far before a tentacle sprouts out of the ground in front of Papaya, just as large as the trees, and forcing him to stop.
Error’s sockets widen as he realizes just what he’s looking at, and he starts wiggling in Papaya’s hold, glitching as the lanky skeleton just pulls him and Killer closer to his chest.
“Wa- PuT M-mE DowN-!”
Killer grunts, confused, as more tentacles come up to wrap around Papaya’s feet, holding him down. Error squirms more as Papaya uses more sharp bones to cut and kick himself free, but when the glitch still can’t free himself, he goes limp in defeat with a whine.
One of the tendrils wrap around Error’s wrist and start trying to pull him out of the Papaya’s hold, the tall skeleton’s attempts at freeing himself proving futile. Error blinks, instead tugging his arm- and thus the tentacle- closer to him and pressing it against Killer’s cheek.
“SoMEoNe sEeMS tO HaVe foUNd uS~!”
It takes a moment, but the small skeleton smiles excitedly, giving the tentacle a kiss.
“Boss~!”
“NIgHt WhY ARe yoU AtTaCKinG Us?”
Nightmare takes form in front of them, and immediately plucks Error out of Papaya’s grasp, letting Cross hold the Papyrus at knife point. Papaya does a good job remaining unshaken, instead beginning to ask about Cross’ cool big knife.
The glitch starts struggling in the Nightmare’s hold, though, when he’s forced to let go of Killer, reaching out for him with a whine.
“H-hEY wAIT-!”
Killer falls out of Papaya’s hold and faceplants into the snow, making him gasp and struggle to scramble out of the blanket to get away from the white ice.
“C-cold!!”
The king looks at Error in confusion, glancing between him and the Sans now on the ground.
“Error, what's wrong-?”
“GimME-” The glitch fails to explain as tears begin to gather in his sockets again, more concentrated on getting Killer back and warming the shivering skeleton up. Dust walks up and grabs the back of Killer's jacket, lifting him up to inspect him.
The small monster shivers and shakes uncontrollably, from both fear and the cold. He tries to get closer to Dust recognizing his magic.
“B-bunny h-help- I-it’s cold-”
Error growls, finally just glitching away from Nightmare and grabbing Killer, before glitching them both out of reach. He’s quick to take off his coat and scarf, brushing any leftover snow off of Killer and wrapping him up. He had made his coat with temperature magic woven in, so it should help warm Killer up. Still, he holds the small skeleton closely.
Killer shivers, snuggling into Error closely as he warms up. It’s safe to say that everyone else is stunned, both by Error’s attitude and actions.
“Error, what are you doing? Come on we came to-”
“WaIT- dO YOu acTUally noT-? Holy SHIt-” Error can’t decide between finding this whole thing incredibly annoying or absolutely hilarious. Dust looks to be the only one who’s actually catching on, by the way he’s staring at Killer.
The small monster nuzzles into Error’s neck, holding onto him for dear life. The glitch turns his head to press a kiss to Killer’s temple, rubbing his back.
“It’S oKAy~ I goT Ya~” He murmurs. “ThEy’re juSt eMotIOnaL IdiOTs wHo loST all Of tHEir brAIncELls wiThOUt you.”
“Is…..is that h-him..” Dust asks hesitantly, not wanting to get his hopes up.
Error just gives Dust a knowing grin, before tilting up Killer’s to kiss him gently, partially because he wants to, and partially because the idea of the others thinking he was just kissing a random Sans is hilarious to him.
Killer kisses back with a purr, as Dust takes a step forward…and tackles them both in a hug.
“Killer you scared us you idiot!!!”
Error bursts into delighted laughter, breaking the kiss and bringing Dust into what he’s sure is about to become a cuddle pile, nuzzling both Dust and Killer in excitement. That's when it clicks for everyone else as they quickly join in, Nightmare fully releasing Papaya as his tentacles wrap around his morons instead.
“Oh my fox-”
“Killer…”
“Thank fox!”
Error is absolutely beaming as everyone drowns Killer in affection and hugs and cuddles, and Papaya grins from a bit away, letting the Sanses have their joyful reunion. The skeleton in the middle of it all purrs loudly, enjoying the comfort and warmth.
“So much better~”
Chapter 74: Geno and the Vampire Destroyer (NSFW)
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error is a vampire who hasn’t eaten in who knows how long, and Geno is eternally bleeding.
Error x Geno and Geno x Reaper
Chapter Text
Geno gasps for breath, struggling to dodge the incoming attacks being sent his way by the mystery skeleton- who somehow walked into the save screen and immediately started trying to kill him.
He’s not sure how long they’ve been fighting at this point, but the other skeleton is clearly more powerful than him- even with his Determination- and he’s starting to flag, reduced to just trying to avoid getting hit. Unfortunately, he makes a fatal mistake, stumbling and losing focus for just a moment- a moment that is more than enough for the other skeleton to slam into him painfully, pinning him to the ground and summoning a sharp, glitchy bone in their hand and raising it up to stab into him.
Geno can only stare with a wide socket as he struggles, holding his breath in wait for the killing blow. This can't possibly be how he dies! Not that he really had much to live for, but still! The bloody glitch watches as the other glitching skeleton takes a breath and raises their attack higher, before just…. freezing. Their sockets widen as their eyelights grow larger, losing some of their focus as they glance down at his eternally bleeding ribcage.
He doesn’t get much time to wonder what the fuck is going on before they’re moving down, still holding him firmly in place with one hand as the one that was holding the bone attack drops it and moves down to the bottom of his shirt.
“H-hey-” Geno wiggles, trying to free his arms while the other is distracted. He gets a low growl for his efforts, before the other glitch unceremoniously shoves his shirt up to his chin, exposing his ribs and the unhealed cut across them. “Eek-! W-what the fuck- Put that back down-!”
Geno’s face is burning as he squirms, unsure what to think of the intense look the strange monster is giving to his slash mark. He knows it's unpleasant but jeez- He tries to summon a bone attack but his magic only fizzles in his hand, making him curse under his breath.
They only pause for a moment to glare at him, seemingly not struggling at all to keep him pinned, before leaning down, their breath ghosting over his overly sensitive ribs, making him shiver. They stay still for one more tense second before Geno gets a glimpse of their tongue and they’re licking the middle of his wound.
The bloody glitch gasps, quickly holding his breath and closing his socket tight as he’s assaulted with a very new and odd sensation. It should hurt and in a way it does, his bones burning lightly as the glitching skeleton agitates his magic, but…Geno can’t bring himself to hate it- much to his concern. His whole skull is beet red as he continues to hold his breath, refusing to let any odd noises that he can feel bubbling up escape from him.
A soft- almost silent and hoarse- sounding purr begins to come from the strange skeleton as they continue to lap at his ribs, before several more tongues suddenly join the first, making Geno practically screech through his closed mouth. Despite his best efforts, the thorough tongue assault on his ribs quickly leaves Geno short of breath and he can’t help but gasp, followed by a rather embarrassing noise he will forever deny.
“H-hHAaAah~ F-fuck-” Geno squirms, stubbornly ignoring the agitated magic pooling in his pelvis. This shouldn’t feel good, what the hell is wrong with him-!? The other’s purr kicks up a notch as they latch onto one of his ribs, gently biting down with what feel like incredibly sharp fangs, before going back to what Geno is pretty sure is licking the marrow off of him, slowly making their way up his chest.
The glitching skeleton easily turns Geno into a moaning mess, squirming in place as his joints glow brightly, his ribcage rising and falling with his quick desperate breaths. He stares blearily into the endless void that stretches above him, eyelight fuzzy. The glitching skeleton never pulls far from his ribs and it's the only reason his ecto hasn’t summoned, thank the stars-
Geno should be upset about this, he knows he should, any sane person would be, but maybe his many years in the save screen have finally gotten to be too much. In all honesty, he missed the feeling of someone else’s touch, more than he thought he did. Apparently enough to enjoy what would usually be violating, he even found himself purring back, maybe a few chirps slipping past his teeth.
The other lets out a couple scratchy, unpracticed sounding chirps as they reach the top of his ribcage, nudging his scarf out of the way to nuzzle into his neck, nibbling and licking at his vertebrae, those sharp fangs almost ghosting over his bones. The bloody glitch can’t stop himself from whining, tilting his skull away as his full ecto body snaps into place over his bones. He can’t even bring himself to feel embarrassed.
“Y-you’re…so n-needy, you know that-?” They only nip him a bit harder in response, and for a second, Geno thinks they might bite him- before they pull back, looking down at his summoned ecto with a confused sound, idly rubbing his sides.
Oh he is sooo touch starved- Geno is pretty sure that shivering and arching into pets isn’t all that normal…Then again he can’t remember anyone petting him.
“MmMmhh~ T-this if your fault, don’t p-pull the- Fuuuck~ C-cute card-” They just tilt their head at him, their gaze seeming to properly focus as they blink, eyelights shrinking in their sockets.
“...W-wHat-” The other glitch glances around, brows furrowing in confusion, before they look down at him and pause, visibly processing their position. Geno gets to watch as their face turns a bright yellow, error signs gathering in their sockets, before they practically launch themself off of him with a slightly concerningly glitched screech.
“You started it-!” Geno quickly sits up, suddenly feeling like he has to defend the situation, before he fully takes in the glitch’s…glitchiness- “Whoa hey- You okay?”
“G-gEt-t aWAy-y-y-!” They snap, quickly pushing themself up and swiping their hand through the air, creating.. Some kind of portal? It looks eerily similar to Geno’s windows out of the save screen- and quickly stepping through it. Geno can hear a sound similar to a computer crashing, before the portal quickly closes, not giving him enough time to properly react.
For a long moment, Geno can only stare, now alone again in the Save Screen. The silence is deafening. Shoving down his shirt, the bloody glitch stands on shaky legs, growling in frustration as he stomps over to his comfortable patch of grass and plops himself down. The uncomfortable silence only lasts for a second as his face grows redder and redder.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me-!!” He screams as loud as he can, practically fuming as he clumsily kicks off his shorts, shoving his hand between his legs, not caring to be gentle. “Jerk jerk jerk jerk-!”
His cunt burns at the rough treatment as Geno aggressively fingers himself, his free hand gripping the soft grass below as hard as he can. How can someone just show up, get him all riled up and then leave!? The nerve! Geno curses the other skeleton under his breath, lightly panting as he desperately chases a climax.
Thankfully, it doesn’t take terribly long for him to feel himself approaching the edge- he probably would have started crying from frustration otherwise- but it still takes far too much effort on his part, in his opinion. Finally reaching that release doesn’t feel nearly as satisfying as Geno thinks it should, no matter how hard he grinds his palm against his clit.
“D-damn it- You asshole!” The glitch whimpers, begrudgingly removing his hand and curling up on his pathetic patch of grass. “I hate you…j-jerk-”
~
Geno is half asleep on his patch of grass, mindlessly watching his brother make spaghetti through one of his windows. It’s who knows how many resets now, Geno stopped keeping track a while ago. One true reset later and everything will be wiped clean, except for himself, just like last time. At least it’s a pacifist run- small mercies.
After a few more minutes, a distinct, glitchy sound comes from next to him- one that has him instantly awake, shooting up. Geno is ready to summon a blaster the moment he spots the glitchy bastard.
A portal- window?- opens up to a blindingly white place, and said glitchy bastard steps through it, immediately locking eyelights with him. Geno does his best to give them the most pissed off pouty look he can muster, hoping it can fully encompass his still very present feelings on their last encounter. They only blink at him for a moment, before scowling.
“..WhAt-?” Geno raises a brow at the other glitch, looking incredibly unamused.
“That can't possibly be a serious question.”
“WhAT-?? I WaS- I WAs HunGrY OkaY-?? AnD YOuR TouCH dIDn’t- YouR MaRrow-” They cut themself off with a growl, cheeks a faint yellow, before snapping their head up, glaring fiercely at something above them. “ShUT the FuCk Up-!””
Geno blinks, looking up at the empty void above them, before frowning back at the other glitch.
“Look I'm not even mad about boundary crossing- I've been here alone for long enough that really any touch is nice, but what I am mad about is you get my magic all riled up and then ditching!” Geno growls, standing up on his grass patch and crossing his arms as he glares. “Who the fuck does that, you ass-!?”
“I- I WaSn’t tRYinG To dO-” They gesture vaguely at him, and if Geno didn’t know better, he’d think they looked about ready to throw a temper tantrum. “ThAt! I hAVen’T BeEn aBLe to EAt pROPerlY In aT LEaSt a CEntRy AnD youR TOuCH diDn’T HurT And You SmeLLeD sO GooD And JUst- InSTincT ToOk oveR-!”
Geno wrinkles his nasal bridge at the other, before looking away with a huff.
“Well I'm still mad at you…but if you make it up to me I might feed you without putting up a fight.” He demands as if Geno doesn't definitely want the other glitch to do it again. This is the most entertaining thing he's had to do in a long while.
“I.. wHat?? ‘MaKe iT Up to YOu’??” They repeat incredulously, their glare and defensive posture dropping in favor of sheer bafflement.
“You heard me.” Gebo looks back at the other, grinning. “That’s what you came here for, right? It sounds like you can't feed from anyone else, but if you're not even gonna apologize then why should I let you?”
“ThAt’s- I’M noT- yOu-!” They growl, unable to come up with a proper argument. Thankfully, they don’t seem to want to use force again. “...WhA-aT Do yOU wANt.”
“Hmm…” Geno taps his chin, drawing it out a little. He didn't really think he'd get this far. “Can you bring me some knitting supplies? Some books and snacks? It gets reeeaaally boring here.”
“....ThaT’s iT?” They question. “AnD SErIOusLy? KniTtinG? CroCheT is INfinITely bEtTEr-”
“I didn't get the chance to try it.” Geno pouts. “But if it's so great then maybe you should teach me~”
“YeAh riGHt.” They scoff, opening a smaller portal to what looks like a craft shop, and shoving their hand through it, taking out several different balls of yarn, reluctantly grabbing a set of knitting needles, before closing it and stalking over to Geno, practically shoving the supplies in his face. “HeRe. I dON’t reAD bOoKs oR KNow WhAt moRtaLS eAT So tHis Is aLL YouR GettINg.”
“I'm technically half dead, but thanks-” He huffs, crouching down to set the stuff aside, before sitting again. “You better not ditch again.”
“WhAt yoU reALly wANteD Me To BitE YOu thAt bAD?” They mutter, crossing their arms and scowling- though they make no move to step away, gaze drifting down to Geno’s ribcage with visible want- despite their best efforts to hide it.
Geno feels his face grow warm and he looks off to the side as he mumbles. “I didn’t just want you to bite me-”
“ThEn wHaT Did yoU WaNt-?” They question with a frown, eyelights staying locked onto the marrow staining Geno’s shirt. When he glances back at them, he can almost see the way they’re holding themself back, fidgeting in place.
“Sex-” he says quickly, hiding his embarrassment behind his scarf, before he shrugs off his jacket and moves to take off his sweater, wanting to remove it before the glitchy skeleton decides to pounce.
“Wh-wHAt-??” They sputter, blushing brightly as they tear their gaze away to properly glare at him, but they’re quickly distracted by the sight of his bare ribs as he peels off his sweater, eyelights visibly dilating as they kneel down in front of him.
“I-it is perfectly reasonable to be horny after someone aggressively licking and sucking on your ribcage-!” Geno deffends, blushing all the way down to his collarbones as he closely watches the other, his soul beating loudly in anticipation.
The other glitch huffs, but doesn’t respond any further, instead scooting closer to crowd Geno back and push him down to the floor, the soft grass cushioning his back as they straddle him, holding him down once more. Something about it is a lot more intimate then the first time and Geno can feel his whole skull burning, quickly looking away in hopes of saving face.
After what feels like far too long of a pause, Geno feels them lean down and begin licking the marrow from his wound again, a purr already building in their ribcage. The tingly sensation makes Geno shudder, holding his breath again just like before. He wouldn’t want to scare them off. The.. vampire? seems oddly shy.
The other’s movements are much more sure than they were before, but their exploration of his ribs is more langued, movements slower and less frantic. They even backtrack several times to lap at new marrow that beads from the slash mark. While much more soothing and consistent, it reminds Geno far too much of gentle edging and the bloody glitch really struggles to keep himself still and quiet.
As holding his breath quickly fails him, Geno does his best to keep his noises as quiet as possible, heavy, suggestive breaths taking the place of what would otherwise be soft moans. The colorful glitch is practically laying on top of him at this point, clothed pelvises pressed together as they suck on a rib that was cut a bit deeper than the others, letting out a pleased sound as they draw more marrow from it.
“HnNng~ F-fuckin’ damnit-” Geno curses, magic eagerly sparking in his joints as his eyelights go fuzzy. Why are they so good at this-? They purr louder as they unlatch from his rib, licking it a couple more times before moving up to insistently nuzzle their face into his neck, moving his scarf out of the way and licking at the gaps between his vertebrae where his magic flares up. “MmMh~”
He tilts his skull away without much thought, more focused on keeping his ecto from forming as his own purr joins the other glitch’s. They lick and nibble at his neck some more as they shift slightly, before seemingly finding the spot they were looking for, and Geno doesn’t get much warning before they bite down on his vertebrae, their sharp fangs easily sinking into the bone.
“HaAaHh~!” Geno moans in surprise, not at all prepared for the stabbing burn that feels far better than it should, his male ecto snapping into place over his bones this time. He can’t really even be upset about it.
The other glitch makes a surprised sound, but doesn’t seem inclined to stop, instead just shifting to adjust to Geno’s hard length pressing against their pelvis, unconsciously grinding down a bit. As his magic buzzes, the bloody glitch is practically on cloud nine, his thoughts growing more fuzzy and unfocused. A desperate need for further stimulation has his cock aching, panting hard as his hand twitches, wanting nothing more than to turn the tables on the grumpy glitch.
He forces himself to hold still, not wanting them to run away again, instead trying to focus on the slightly odd sensation of his marrow slowly being drunken down by the likely vampire, a strange, pleasant warmth slowly traveling through him from the bite.
It’s barely noticeable at first, only a slight tingle making its way through his mana lines, but as the other glitch continues to drink, the feeling only gets stronger. Going from a slight buzz to a pleasant warmth, flaring up his magic as it travels down his spine and arms, easily pulling a desperate, breathless noise from him.
“F-fuck fuCk~ HaaNnG~” They only purr louder above him, one of their hands moving down to trace Geno’s side as they continue to slowly- almost absentmindedly- grind down against his clothed dick, not giving him nearly enough stimulation. It’s driving him mad-
The urge to react in some way, flip them over and have the colorful glitch be the one at his mercy is strong, but Geno is stronger. The last thing he wants is to ruin it for himself…Geno can be patient. He can wait it out, even as his dick aches and his magic sparks and buzzes along his ecto, desperate for an outlet.
“P-pleaase~” He breathlessly begs, unsure if the other can even understand him right now. They let out a muffled chirp, before almost reluctantly pulling away from his neck, licking the bite for a moment before looking up at him. Their eyelights are blown out and hazy, practically filling their sockets as they blink slowly at him, tilting their head.
Softly, Geno chirps back, leaning his skull up to lightly headbutt them as he purrs a little louder. “T-think you might be interested..~?”
Geno tries to grind up into the other a little, wiggling his hands as he lifts his skull again, managing to ever so lightly kiss the colorful skeleton. A quiet sound escapes them as they shudder, sockets fluttering shut for a moment as they kiss him back, before they pull back to look at his ecto, perking up. They lift themself off of Geno, not giving him a chance to mourn the loss of friction before they’re turning around, sitting on Geno’s chest and using their newly freed hands to tug down his shorts.
He lifts his hips up a little to make it easier for the other, kicking away his slippers as his cock is finally freed from its confines, much to his relief. The other glitch wastes no time, leaning down and wrapping their mouth around the tip of his length, careful of their fangs as they lightly suck on him.
Geno’s eyelight rolls back as he finally gets the stimulation he’s been craving, arching up a little as he reaches out to hold the other’s sides, slowly sliding his hands under their jacket and sweater.
“HmMmmh~ Y-yes just like that~” They trill softly in the back of their throat, before slowly working to swallow him down, wrapping their tongues around his cock as they go. Geno easily gets lost in the sensation, his magic throbbing and hot against the many tongues enveloping it as he moans. Wanting to give back to the grumpy monster, Geno firmly gasps their spine, slowly starting to pump it and gaging their reaction.
“Mm~” They let out a surprised moan, movements faltering for a moment as one of their fangs accidentally brushes over his dick. It doesn’t cut him, but Geno can keenly feel the sharp point against his sensitive ecto and fuck did that feel good-
A thrilling sensation rushes up his spine as he squeezes the other’s vertebrae, unable to stop the low moan that practically makes his ribcage rumble. Every little move of his hand has them jolting and making quiet, needy sounds, somehow even more sensitive than Geno is as they struggle to focus on sucking him off.
Huffing, Geno lets go to tug on the others shorts, pulling their hips closer to his skull as he does so. They pull back from his cock for a moment with a lewd sound, fumbling slightly as they sit up to make pulling their shorts off easier, whining as they look back at him.
Geno can't help but coo, wiggling their shorts down enough to kiss their tail bone. “Come on, sit up just a bit more, hun~”
They shiver with a questioning sound, but sit up further when Geno tugs them up by the back of their jacket, letting him maneuver them to properly pull off their pants. Once gone, the bloody glitch guides them back down, sliding his hand up their back to let them know they can lean forward again.
“There ya go, good job~ You can keep going now, hun~” They purr in response, not hesitating to swallow Geno’s cock down again once they’re close enough, eagerly licking off the bit of precum that had beaded at the tip. “MmMhHh~ Y-you’re doing so good~”
Geno softly praises them, as he firmly holds their hips, sliding them just close enough to licking a firm stripe up their sacrum. They jolt with a surprised yelp, their glitches picking up a bit as they do their best to look back at Geno without taking his shaft out of their mouth. He chuckles, lightly kissing the sensitive bone.
“I’ll stop if you want, okay~? I can keep going or you can summon your ecto. Whichever makes you more comfortable~” Geno gently rubs their hips, tilting his skull to the side to watch their cute flustered face. They just whine wordlessly at him, and Geno is honestly unsure if they can understand his actual words or just the intent behind them, considering how out of it they look.
Why are they sooo cute~!? Geno’s soul throbs as he rubs their hips, chirping and quietly trilling at them, before he resumes softly kissing their tailbone with the utmost care.
They relax a bit as they get used to the sensation, going back to exploring his cock with their tongues with a small purr. It feels so good~ Geno has to resist the urge to thrust up into their mouth, determined to keep himself still as he gently pampers the pretty red pelvis in front of him.
“HMmhH~ Y-you’re doing great~ So good~” They moan quietly, beginning to slowly bob their head as they use a hand to hold his cock in place, quickly figuring out that it gets the biggest reaction out of him, their magic finally beginning to react to Geno’s gentle stimulation, starting gather in their pelvic inlet.
As he moans, gradually builded to his much needed release, Geno gently starts to finger their raw magic, teasing it between his phalanges as he loosely mimics gentle thrusts in time with their head bobbing.
“AaAHh~ So so close, hun~” They whine and shiver, faltering for a moment before they pick up their pace slightly, still being incredibly careful with their fangs and refusing to let them touch Geno’s cock again, much to his disappointment. Wanting to experiment, Geno shoves his hand into the raw magic more firmly, gaging the others reaction as his cock throbs.
They jolt with a surprised moan, their top fangs scrapping over the underside of Geno’s dick just enough for it to sting a bit. The bloody glitch arches, tightening his hold on their hips as he thrusts up into their throat, unable to resist as he cums.
“HaAaHhh~! FuCk~!!” They choke slightly for a moment, before eagerly drinking down his cum, swallowing around his cock and sucking harder on him- as if trying to draw more out of him. It has his gasping for air, eyelight fuzzy as he tries to resume thrusting his hand, the pace uneven and sloppy. “G-good job good job~ H-have- Nnng~ A-all you want~”
They make quiet little pleased sounds between every swallow, not stopping even as Geno’s orgasm ends. It quickly reaches a point where it’s too much, and Geno has to tug the colorful glitch away a bit to get them to pull back and slow down- though not without several raspy sounding whines of protest from them, throat likely sore from swallowing around his length.
“Y-you're gonna make yourself sick hun.” Geno soothes, trying to gather himself as he kisses the other's pelvis tenderly. “Summon and I'll give you more magic~”
They only blink and whine again at him, clearly not understanding what he’s saying, before Geno curls his phalanges in their formless magic and slowly drags them out, making them arch with a needy sound as they seem to get the idea, their female ectobody snapping into place. Purring, Geno pulls their hips closer.
“Now should I eat you out or turn us around?” He mumbles. “Your throat needs a break.”
Using blue magic, Geno carefully flips the other glitch onto his back, quickly getting up so the colorful skeleton is laying back against the soft grass instead. He chirps and coos at them, situating himself between their legs as he leans down to softly kiss the cute monster.
They trill at him in response as they kiss him back, relaxing beneath him and closing their sockets. Geno feels his soul soften, purring a little louder as he presses his length against their entrance, sliding a hand down to stretch them a little.
There’s something so incredibly cute about the colorful glitch like this, soft and open, souping up the positive attention like a sponge. Even when they were being all grumpy, in Geno’s opinion, they were cute. He doesn’t even know their name-
They make quiet noises as he scissors them wider, kissing a little more firmly with every needy roll of their hips, before he pulls his hand away. Breaking the kiss, Geno presses himself against them again. “You’re doing great~ So good for me, hun~”
“..H..HUrRY UpP..~” They whine, face flushed and eyelights hazy- though their instinctive daze seems to have faded slightly, their need for food that was clouding their thoughts replaced by a different kind of hunger. With a chuckle, Geno kisses their nasal bridge, affectionately headbutting the needy glitch as he slowly slides his cock into their warmth.
“So needy~”
“HnGg~” They flusteredly scowl at him- or at least, Geno thinks they try to- but it only comes out as an adorable pout as they try to grind down further on him, cunt slick with their arousal. They earn themself another soft kiss and chirp as he moves just a bit faster. The last thing he wants to do is hurt them.
“Can I have a name to put to your cute face~?” They pause, blinking in surprise for a moment.
“....ErroR. Uh- ThEy/thEm.” They- Error replies after a beat. Geno smiles, nuzzling them some more as he fully hilts, lightly rolling his hips and getting a shudder and quiet moan from Error.
“Geno, I’m Geno- He/him ..or they/them I don’t mind either way.” The bloody glitch holds Error’s middle, gently petting the soft ecto there. “Did you know you’re adorable, Error~?”
“‘M NOt-” Error distractedly mutters, busy trying to grind down against Geno in search of more friction. Cooing and kissing the colorful glitch’s cheek, Geno pulls out just enough to thrust back in, grinding up before doing it again.
“Yes you are~ So grumpy and cute~ Makes me wanna kiss your pretty face~”
“ShuT- nNG~” The other’s protests fade into a moan with a particularly firm thrust of Geno’s hips.
“Cute cute cute~” Geno purrs, softly peppering kisses and affectionate nuzzles against the grumpy skeletons skull as he pulls out more and more, thrusts firm but slow.
It does a wonderful job of making Error lose focus on their annoyance, their protests falling silent in favor of moans and whines, trying to rock down into each of Geno’s thrusts.
“So responsive and sweet~ You’re doing great, hun~” Geno softly praises between breathless pants, maintaining a steady pace until he’s pulling out to the tip. Only then does he speed up, making Error gasp as they clutch at the grass beneath him, cunt already beginning to flutter and tighten tellingly.
“F-fUcK- FucK pLeASe~” Error moans, Geno nuzzling into their scarf to nip and kiss at their neck as he speeds up more, practically pounding into them.
“HnNnGgg~ A-almost~” The bloody glitch tries to keep his thrusts even as he chases his own climax, holding on tightly to Error’s hips.
“PLeaSe pLEaSe p-pleAse- biTe mE BiTe me-” Error practically begs as they’re wound up tighter and tighter, desperately grinding into each of Geno’s thrusts. With a deep, almost possessive growl, Geno wastes no time giving into Error’s demands. Choosing a nice spot on the glitch’s upper neck, the smaller bites down hard on their vertebrae.
“AaAHh~!” Error practically screams as they orgasm, clenching down hard on Geno’s cock as they arch against him, their glitches picking up to a slightly concerning level. Thankfully Geno only has to thrust two more times before cumming with the other glitch, shoving himself deep into Error’s warmth as he fills the other with the magic they had wanted so badly.
Gently sucking on the bite, Geno lightly rolls his hips, before carefully letting go to lick and kiss the new pretty bone. Error whines and shivers slightly, but tilts their head out of the way a bit more, slowly relaxing beneath Geno as they pant softly.
The bloody glitch can’t help but smile and starts to pamper the cute and colorful skeleton, kissing and nuzzling them as Geno strokes and rubs their sides, purring and chirping all the way.
“Good boy~ You were so good for me~ So sweet and soft~” He praises, resisting the urge to smirk when their walls flutter even as they give him a halfhearted pout, blushing a bright yellow.
“Sh’dDUp..” Error mutters, nuzzling Geno back and arching into his soft touches. He lightly traces their belly, from the slight bulge his cock leaves in their middle to the cute little stretch marks on their lower sides.
“But you’re so pretty~” This time, the colorful glitch just whines, blushing brighter and revealing the blue freckles that dot their face. Geno’s expression is so incredibly soft as he peppers light, care-filled kisses all over their skull, continuing to rub and pamper their yellow ecto. “So precious~ I’ll pamper you whenever you want, Error~ You’ll come back, won’t you~?”
“...I SuPPose..” Error looks away shyly, looking so adorably flustered as they try and fail to scowl, earning themselves a firm but sweet kiss from Geno.
“Oh da grumpy baby~” He coos, chirping happily at them and getting a reluctant chirp and purr in return.
“HUsH oR I’m LEaVinG-” They threaten, though they make no effort to get away.
“Fine fine, but no promises next time~” He purrs, firmly kissing the pretty glitch before he nuzzles back into their neck and kisses the bite. It’ll be hard to hide under their scarf and he may have done that on purpose~
They huff in response, before just going practically limp under him, closing their sockets and lightly nuzzling the top of their skull.
“...DoN’t tELl aNothER soUl AbouT THis oR I’m kILlinG yoU.” They mutter, getting a chuckle from Geno as he kisses their temple.
“I don’t kiss and tell, besides you’re the first person other than the kid I’ve talked to in…at least over 600 resets, not counting the true reset.”
“...DaMn.” Is all Error says after a moment, surprised.
“I stopped trying to keep count somewhere around there, I’m not counting the kid’s loads. It happens way too much to try but I’m sure that added to the time. They don’t really affect the save screen so…” Geno shrugs. “Which is why I asked for things to do. I am very very bored.”
“YoU MighT HAvE ONe oF THe hiGHesT CounTs oF REseTS foR ANy AU…”
“Oh?” Geno inquires, absentmindedly, nuzzling the glitch beneath him. “What’s the average?”
Sure Geno has never really left his AU, but he knows they exist like any good Sans. And as a Sans, he can’t help but be curious. He will always be a scientist at heart.
“A HuNDreD or So MaYBe?” Error shrugs. “I DoN’t cARe eNOugh TO paY ATteNTion- thEY’rE ALl aBOminATIons aNYwaYs.”
He hums, softly kissing the glitch’s temple. “Oh yeah?”
“ThEy SHouLDn’t eXIsT! THeY aLL geT CoRruPTeD anD ClUTteR EveRYthiNG up anD JusT-!” They cut themself off with a wordless growl or frustration, baring their fangs. “ANd THere’S JusT So maNy coPIes! No ONe neEDs 17 UnDErlusTS!”
“Yikes-” Geno makes a face, genuinely thrown off for…more than one reason. “There’s an AU called Underlust? Several of them???”
“THaT’s nOT evEn coUNtinG LusTSWaP, LusTFeLL, OutERluSt- aLL of WhiCH haVe seVEraL CopIEs-”
“Oh…Oh stars, that's a lot of AU’s already-” Geno grimaces, petting Error’s cheek. “But I’m guessing there’s way more all with unneeded copies-?”
“It’s thE wORsT-” They complain, pouting aggressively as they nuzzle into the pets. Geno has no problems petting the pouty glitch some more, using both hands to stroke and rubs his cheeks, softly purring in comfort.
“I’m sorry that does sound like a headache, hun. So much noise, so many worlds, it must be overwhelming.”
“‘N NoTHinG I dO eVeR doEs aNYthinG..” Error mumbles, the frustration that had been fueling them draining in favor of exhaustion.
“Mm…well you can relax here, it’s quiet. I’m here if you need me.” He nuzzles headbutts the other glitch affectionately, before relaxing, resting his skull on their shoulder. They hum noncommently, wrapping their arms around him and giving him a small squeeze. He returns to affection with a happy purr and trill, sliding his arms under their shoulders and nuzzling into their neck.
“Hm..~ WaRm~” They purr softly.
“Mmmhm~ Snuggles are the best~” Error hums in agreement before they fall silent for a bit, simply enjoying each other’s presence and touch. It's calming for both of them, having missed the soft content feeling of something as simple as snuggling- Error hadn’t even known it before.
Geno is practically asleep, feeling more content and present than he has in a long while, happy to listen to the soft snores that come from Error after a while.
~
Error’s visits to the save screen became the norm in no time and Geno really enjoys their time together. He’d really missed having someone to talk to or just listen to- and the touch is nice..so so nice. It makes his soul ache when Error is called away and he knows Error feels the same, even if they refuse to admit it.
His friend never wants to talk about their job, at least they try to hide the details when complaining about this guy named Ink who is apparently always getting in their way. Ink never respects Error’s personal space, is always ignoring the fact they’re upset, going out of his way to be annoying, and for some reason Ink refuses to call Error by their desired pronouns. All in all they guy sounds like a complete ass and Geno doesn’t like him. Sure they’ve never met but that’s not the point-!
Geno is protective of Error and they maintain the same general routine as Geno and the Save Screen become Error’s safe place. He’s more than happy to be that for Error, to pamper his friend…and when something new does finally happen, Geno has no idea how to tell him.
Speak of the devil- a familiar portal opens, Error hurrying through with a distinctly panicked look on their face, much to Geno’s concern.
“GEnO HElp I KIdNaPpeD SOmeONe-” Error blurts before he has a chance to ask what’s wrong. Geno blinks, stunned into silence for a good few seconds before he finds the words to respond.
“You- what-?”
“I aCcIDEntaLLy kiDnAPpeD SOMeonE ANd I CaN’t briNG Them baCK To thEIr AU ‘cAUse I-” They cut themself off, guilt flashing across their face before they turn, beginning to pace. “TheIR AU’s aLL mesSEd uP anD iT CaN’t be REseT To fiX It bECaUSe iT’s miSsinG A PaRt anD I DOn’t knoW WHaT to do-”
“Hold on hold on-” Geno holds his hands out, standing up on his feet. “How do you accidentally kidnap someone? Where are they?”
“...TIeD up iN thE ANtiVOid- anD I DidN’t reALize THey WEre stiLL taNGleD Up in My stRInGs whEn I WaS.. leAVing THeiR AU.” Nodding, Geno walks up to the other glitch, holding out his hand for Error to take if they want.
“Okay, we’ll figure this out then. You said their AU is messed up but is missing a part to Reset?”
“YeAh- a Um-” Error glances down at Geno’s scarf as they take his hand. “-COrE aSseT. It’S Not usUAllY A hUGe ProBlem, BuT wiTh thE Au MEsSed uP Like iT Is, I doN’t wAnt to TaKe anY chaNCes.”
Geno rubs their hand, giving them a gentle squeeze as he leads the other glitch over to the grass patch, sitting himself down and pulling Error into his lap for snuggles.
“Okay, and you don’t know what the missing core asset is?” He asks tentatively.
“I KnoW WhaT It iS- jUS’ noT WherE…” They pause, before shaking their head. “AcTUalLy, I cAn taKe a GUesS As to WherE, bUT iT’s noT SOmeWheRE I caN ACcesS.”
“Could there be a way for me to get it? Or can you make a new one?” He doesn’t know too much about how the Au’s coding works, but he uses what he does know to come up with suggestions as he nuzzles into Error’s shoulder, softly purring.
“No.. It’s… iT’s a PErsoN..” They mutter. Geno pulls his skull back enough to give Error a look, raising a brow at him.
“...Error…..That person you kidnapped isn’t the asset, right?”
“No-! No It’s- I HaVe thE SAns- thE PapYRus iS the ASset-” Error defends, sitting up with a pout. They earn themselves a peck on the cheek, making them blush brightly as they turn their head to aggressively nuzzle Geno, still pouting heavily.
“Oooh I see. Hmm…so the Papyrus is somewhere you can’t reach. Do you think I could go get them?”
“NoT wiTHouT DyinG- BesIDes I CaN’t eVEn opEN a POrtaL THere. I’m FUlly lOCked Out.”
“Mmm..” Nuzzling Error, the bloody glitch hums. “Okay…so we don’t have a lot of options. You can’t fix the AU without the Papyrus in the AU, but can’t get to them yourself…If we can’t find a way to get them then we’d just have to wait…but you said the antivoid is bad for most people- ‘cause you won’t let me in it soooo….We’re kinda on a time limit too, for the Sans’s sake.”
“I Don’T KNOw WHaT To dOoOo-” Error whines, “I doN’t eVEn kNOw HOw to TaKe caRe Of a MOrtaL-! HoW MucH SleEp dO THey NeeD? WhaT FooD SHoulD I geT FOr thEm? WhaT Kind oF thINgs SHouLD I geT-?”
“And that’s where I come in, Ru~” Geno coos, aggressively nuzzling the vampire. “They should sleep when they’re tired so as long as you give them a comfy spot you shouldn’t have to worry about that. For food…I guess ask what they like? As a sans I liked ketchup and fast food, but that’s not really healthy-”
“Mmm… THey’Re a SWaP, So I’m NOt suRe thEY’d liKe the saMe thinGs.. I dOn’t wanNA talK To them..” They whine some more.
“You don’t? Why not? Won’t they get scared if you leave them alone for too long?” He asks. Error grimaces, staying silent as they try to sink further into Geno’s hold, clearly hiding something. “...Error. Ruru. Bubbu.”
It’s not like the other has a full name for him to say…but all the names Geno gave them will do.
“I… M’y ‘Ve atTacKed ‘Em..” Error mutters, almost too quiet to hear. The bloody glitch raises a brow, pulling away enough to look at the vampire’s face. They look conflicted and slightly guilty, avoiding eye contact.
“Are they alive?”
“Wh- yeS..?”
“Then you need to bring them here and apologize. I want to see you do it.” Geno says firmly, leaving no room for argument. Error whines loudly in protest, trying to burrow against Geno, hiding their face. He nuzzles them, lightly kissing the top of their skull. “Ru, come on. We can’t leave them there for long, let's go.”
The other glitch huffs, but pushes themself out of Geno’s lap and gets up, opening a portal to the antivoid and grabbing something inside with his strings. They drag it through the portal with little fanfare, revealing it to be a small Sans, dressed in costume armor on top of a gray undershirt, with a blue bandana around their neck.
Their otherwise white bones have cuts and bruises from some sort of fight, probably with Error-
“E-error-? What-?” The poor monster seems really confused, maybe even a bit disoriented. The bloody glitch frowns, unable to stop himself from fretting over the smaller monster as he cautiously walks over to them.
“Hello? Uhm, Sans? Can you hear me, see me?” He asks, the Swap Sans blinking at him for a moment, before nodding.
“Y-yes! Hello! Uhm…” They look around, seemingly trying to gather their bearings. “I’m Sorry It’s Just- It’s Quiet Again So I am A Bit Startled-!”
They try to move, only to realize they are still wrapped up in Error’s strings. Geno’s brow furrows and he glances up at Error. The other glitch’s expression is… horrified, a haunted look in their sockets as they quickly dismiss the strings around the Sans.
“Y-yOu.. coULd HEaR thEm..?”
“Hum?” The small monster looks up, wiggling to try and sit up now that they're free. “Oh Error! Long TIme No See- Don’t worry I’m Not Mad! I Understand I Can Be A Lot For One Monster To Handle!”
The Sans doesn’t seem to have heard them, or is ignoring the question.
“Wh-whAt-? ThaT’s- THaT’s noT… It hASn’t bEeN THaT Long… haS It?” They stammer, hesitantly stepping closer.
“Well It Felt Like a Long Time!” The Sans laughs nervously, smile strained. “But Your Back Now! I Think- Hopefully I Am Not Imagining This Whole Thing That Would Be Disappointing-”
Okay Geno is now very concerned about this monster. “Stars- you weren't kidding about the antivoid being bad, Ru-”
“...I’m sORrY- I- I Didn’T- yoU wERen’t suPposeD To be ABle to HeaR The VOIceS Too- TiMe is WeiRD in thE ANtIVoid sO MaYbe iT wAS thAT LonG For yoU bUt- THeY DIdn’T FOlLow yoU Out riGHt-?” Error worries, kneeling down in front of the other and looking them over a bit more closely. “It wAs ONly sUPposED to bE a FeW minutES-”
“I Don’t Hear Anything Right Now….But do you mean it? It was just a few minutes?” The smaller asks, voice quieter than before. “You seemed pretty upset with me, so I was sure you had done it on purpose as like..a punishment or something.”
“I wAs uPSeT suRe, buT NoT At YOu- wHAt woULd I eveN PunISh yoU For?” Error questions, brows furrowing in confusion. “...ACtuaLLy- hOw dO YOu KNow My naMe? Did THe voiCEs teLL yoU?”
They nod, trying to hide their grimace. “Yes- Actually They Are The Ones Who Suggested It Was A Punishment Or That You Had Forgotten About Me- But You Didn’t So It’s All Good!”
…And then they glitch. It’s so slight and only for a millisecond, but they both catch it. Geno watches as Error’s glitches immediately pick up in obvious panic, swiping their hand through the air and pulling up a window of… code? And quickly scrolling through it. Though Geno doesn’t know too much about code, he can tell that when Error stops at a particular line that something is wrong with it.
“....B-bLue? ThaT’s OKaY RigHT-? It’S WhaT YOur coDE saYS- uM- dO you… feEl oKaY..? PHysicALly…?” They ask hesitantly, voice tense and guilty.
“Blue Works! And Uh…I Feel..Shaky? But That Could Be Because I Haven’t Eaten In A While! Uhh…Other Than That I Just Feel Odd. I Don’t Really Know How To Explain It OthEr Than…Like You Know When Somethings A Little Different, Tilted just A Bit Somewhere But You Can’t Tell Where? I Get That Feeling A Lot About Things At Home, But This Is The First Time I've Felt That Way About Me!”
Geno’s frown deepens and he shudders, reminded far too much of the Resets. He can’t really remember a lot of it clearly, but that sensation of waking up and something is just different and eerily similar at the same time. He’ll never forget it.
“ThAT’s… pRobABly thE ReseTs. BuT thAT’s Not ImpoRTaNt- THe ANTivOId’s STarTEd tuRNinG YOu iNTo a GLitCh.” Error explains, getting a confused look from Blue, while Geno looks on in interest.
“That’s A Bad Thing, Right?”
“It iS If yoU Don’T WaNT to BEcoME LikE GEno anD I.” The colorful glitch types a couple of things on a… magic keyboard, before frowning. “...’S Only JUsT STaRTed, sO you shOUld bE OkaY…”
Blue nods, glancing at the bloody glitch again, only now taking in his form. “This is Geno, is he your frien- OH MY STARS YOU’RE HURT!!”
Geno jolts, looking down at his red stained shirt. “O-oh no I’m okay-!”
“He cAN’t DIe Or BE HEaLEd hERe sO dOn’T BOthER trYINg.” Error replies with a shrug.
“Not that they would want me healed-” Geno mumbles, giggling under his breath as Blue hums in question and Error shoots him a betrayed, flustered look, blushing brightly.
“SHuT uP-” They hiss at Geno, before turning back to Blue. “IgNorE HIm-”
“Yeah ignore me~” The bloody glitch continues to snicker as Error gives him an embarrassed glare. Poor Blue looks so very confused.
“Uhh..As Long As You’re Okay! You Two Seem Like Really Good Friends!”
“...I GUeSs, YEaH.” The vampire grudgingly admits, hiding their yellow face in their scarf. With a fond smile, Geno sits down and leans against their side, so they know he’s there, before lightly kissing their cheek.
“Very good friends~ So far Error is my favorite person~” Geno practically brags, so very proud of himself. It’s not everyday he gets to show off his affection, in fact this is the first!
“Oh- Oooohhh~” Blue giggles, hiding his big grin beneath a blue gloved hand. “I Can See Why, Error Is Adorable~!”
“Wh-whAT-? No I’m NOt SHudDUp-!” Error protests, turning their embarrassed glare to Blue.
“I know right? Error is the cutest~ Just a big grumpy baby~” Geno coos, nuzzling into Error’s side.
“BoTh Of yOU sHUT uP-”
“Nuzzle me back and I’ll shoosh~” Geno kisses his temple again, batting his socket at the other glitch teasingly. They do so extremely aggressively, looking incredibly displeased about the entire thing. Geno on the other hand is purring up a storm- if he had a tail it would be wagging.
“You Two Are Cute~ Are You Mates? Datemates-?” Both glitches freeze, staring at Blue with wide sockets.
“...Huh-???”
“...THaT’s-! He’S NOt- I’m-” Error sputters, glitching harshly with their face on fire.
“Oh, You’re Not Mates? But You Were Kissing And Flirting? That's What The Dating Handbook Says Mates Do!” The vampire makes an adorable squeaking sound that they probably think is embarrassing, burying their face in their hands as they curl up, their glitches getting a bit worse. If Geno didn’t know that they felt responsible for figuring out what exactly to do with Blue, they almost certainly would have escaped to the antivoid by now.
“Heh- Okay let's ease off the teasing. Error is a sensitive glitch~” Geno scoots a bit closer to Blue, willing his blush away as he smiles. “It’s nice to formally meet ya, Blue. Sorry about your AU, but we were just talking about trying to find a way to fix it!
“Error wants to Reset it to undo the mess, but can't with your Papyrus missing.”
“Pappy Is Missing-!?” Blue exclaims. “How Could He Have Left Our AU?”
“SaMe wAY yoU DId- wITh heLp fROm a THirD PaRty. ProBAbly The squiD OR COre FRisK.” Error mutters, still hiding.
“Error can't reach wherever your brother is. So…we're kind of stuck?” Geno looks to Error. “Do you think we could find a way to send Blue to his Papyrus? Ink might be an ass about it, but I don't know about this…Core Frisk person.”
“No maTtER whO ToOK hIM, THeY prObaBLy toOk hiM To thE OMegA TimELIne, wHICh I caN’t eVen oPEn a PortAL to. CoRe FRisk is In cHArGe of iT aND theY SeEm aLRighT, bUt eVen iF I Did MaNAGe to HAck My waY Is, I RisK BeinG AttACked bY…. A loT Of pEoPLe wITh a GRudge AGainSt me. YouR AU Is fAR frOM thE FIrsT I’ve… viSIteD.” They respond, clearly avoiding talking about something. Geno gives them a look, but doesn’t pry. If Error doesn’t want to tell him then he’ll wait till his friend is ready.
“Well it seems Core Frisk is the best option-”
“I agree with Geno.” Comes a voice just to the bloody glitche’s side, all too familiar and making him jolt, shooting up and stumbling back with a bone attack in hand, Blue and Error look equally startled, Blue more concerned about their appearance.
The human child looks like Frisk, but is completely gray, the spots where their eyes should be completely empty and void, but despite that they smile softly, their voice soft to match.
“Sorry, it’s a bad habit of mine.” They giggle, looking from Geno to Error, giving the vampire a little wave. “Hello Error. I’m happy to see you’ve made a…friend~”
“I aM ACtuaLly GoinG TO kILl yoU ONe oF THeSe dAYs I SweAR TO God-” Error sighs, surprise fading in exchange for annoyance as they push themself up to stand by Geno, gently pushing down the hand still holding a sharpened attack. “IGnoRe thEM They’rE JUsT a bAStard-”
The child has the gall to giggle again, their joy genuine, or at least it seems like it is. Sighing in relief, Geno dismisses the attack, leaning on Error a little as his glitches buzz.
“Don’t Be Rude Error!” Blue lightly scolds. “They Apologized!”
Puffing out his chest, Blue holds out a hand to the kid. “Greetings! I Am The Magnificent Blue! He/him- It Is A Pleasure To Meet You!”
They smile, gently shaking the skeleton hand. “Hello Blue, People call me Core Frisk, but I prefer just Frisk. They/them.”
“So dOeS this MEaN YOu hAVe hiS PaPYruS?” Error questions, not at all apologetic for their behavior. The kid huffs a little, letting Blue go to face Error fully.
“Yes. He is actually looking for Blue in the omega timeline, even though I told him Blue wasn’t there.”
“So you can bring him back to his AU?” Geno asks, getting a nod.
“I can. And Error will be putting Blue back?”
“YeS. I WaSn’t EVen PLaNNing On taKIng HIm in THe fIRst plACe.” Error grouses, crossing their arms.
“Just checking.” They smile, before stepping back. “I hope you don’t mind watching Blue for me, I’ll be back soon.”
Before anyone can respond, the kid is gone.
“...Well. THaT waS EaSy.”
“Yeah..at least you don’t have to worry about it now.” Geno smiles, nuzzling Error’s skull with a soft purr.
“Yay! Papy Is Safe And I Get To Go Home! Thank You Very Much!” Error shrugs, looking away in embarrassment.
“‘S My FaULt yoU GOt inTo thiS MEsS aNYWayS..” They mumble. Blue only smiles.
“I’m Not Mad Error. You Seemed Upset And You Said Sorry. I Believe You Meant It! You're Even Going Out Of Your Way To Fix It! So As Far As The Magnificent Blue Is Concerned You’re My New Friend~”
“Wh- bUt- REaLLy-?” The glitch questions dumbly, blinking at Blue in shock.
“Of Course!” The small skeleton puffs out his chest, hands on his hips. “Despite Your Mistakes, I Like You! Everyone Messes Up And Everyone Deserves A Chance To Make Up For It.”
“...O-oH. Um…” Error doesn’t seem to know how to respond, shooting Geno a helpless glance. “...THaNk yoU..?”
With a chuckle, Geno gives Error some more nuzzles, purring quietly. “Yeah thanks Blue. Error can be a grumpy butt, but they’re a good friend~”
“Mweh heh heh~! When Everything Is Fixed You Two Should Come Over! We Can Have A Sleepover!” Blue gasps in excitement, his eyelights turning into stars. “I CAN MAKE YOU TACOS~!!”
“I.. doUBt yoUR BRothER wouLd WAnt to SeE me- beSIdeS, GEno cAn’t LEaVe the SaVe scREeN WIthouT DYinG Like- IMmeDIAtely-” Error points out.
“I come back-!” Geno reassures before Blue can fret over him- “The Save Screen doesn’t have a time flow so nothing changes or dies. Technically I am…dead? Just not fully dusted.”
“Fully Dusted-?” Blue asks, concerned.
“Well more like melted-”
“HehEHe sHOw hIM youR SocKEt-” Error interjects, snickering. Geno gives them an unamused look, Blue raising a brow- before the confused look quickly turns to horror as the bloody glitch removes the white glitch’s that had been covering his half melted socket and the partially caved in side of his skull.
“OH MY STARS-!”
“It doesn’t hurt, it's just soft like putty.”
“Please Don’t Describe It-” The colorful glitch just laughs, entirely unsympathetic to Blue’s plight. Geno covers up his socket again and Blue all but sighs in relief, giggling a little under his breath. “If We Can’t Have A Sleepover At My House Then We Should Have A Sleepover Here! I Still Wanna Make You Both My Famous Tacos!”
“I haven’t had tacos in a long time. It sounds good.”
“Ah- I… pRObaBLy wON’t bE ABLe to eAt thEm-” Error admits, shifting in place a bit.
“Why?” Blue asks innocently, with Geno snuggling more into the other glitch.
“He’s a big vampire baby.”
“Wh- GenO-” They whine, glancing at Blue in slight worry. The small skeleton blinks, before their eyelights turn into stars again.
“A Vampire? Like In The Story Books~!?” Blue is practically vibrating as he bounces in place. “Are You Afraid Of Garlic? Or Allergic To Garlic? Do I Have To Invite You Into My House-? GASP! Do you SPARKLE~!?”
“Wh- sPArKLe-??” Error repeats incredulously. “WhY THe heLL woULd I SPaRklE-”
“I Watched A Vampire Movie Called Twilight-”
“Oh stars no-” Geno immediately turns to hide on his grass patch- much to Error’s confusion and displeasure.
“TwILIghT-? …Do I EVen wANt to KnOw-” The vampire sighs more than asks.
“No- …actually now I’m gonna make you watch it with me so we can cringe together~” Geno smirks.
“YES~!!!”
“I reFUse- BesIDEs yoU HAve noTHIng tO WaTch iT With hERe-” Error refutes smugly. Geno only grins wider.
“You have a phone, don’t you~? Even if you don’t let me I’ll find a way-”
“I wILL leAVe-” They threaten.
“I’ll cry-” Geno threatens, before making grabby hands at the colorful glitch, Blue silently watching on in amusement. Error pauses, before huffing and stalking over to plop down next to him, growling in annoyance even as they nuzzle Geno.
The bloody glitch purrs like a cat on catnip, snuggling into Error as close as possible as he nuzzles their cheeks together.
“...You Two Are So Cute Oh My Stars-”
“ShuT Up yoU-” Error grumbles.
“Error is baaaaby~” Geno chirps, not even slightly ashamed by the blatant affection as he kisses and nuzzles the colorful glitch’s cute face, earning a halfhearted hiss from the grumpy, flustered vampire.
“ShUt uP BOth oF You- WheRE’s COre I’m bAnniNg yOU BaCk to YOUr AU-”
“Nuuuuuu-” Blue whines, walking up to sit on Error’s other side, an arm away just in case. “You Better Visit! Even If You Can’t Eat My Tacos!”
“...FinE.” They mutter, making no move to get closer, but also not shying away.
“YAY~! I Have Not One, But Two New Friends~!” Blue practically squeals, so very excited. It’s absolutely adorable and no one will tell Geno otherwise.
~
It takes a surprisingly long while for Core to return, not that Geno minded it all that much. Having the company has been nice and Blue reminds him a lot of Papyrus. He genuinely is looking forward to all three of them spending some time together, whenever that comes to pass.
They say their goodbyes and before he knows it it's just him and Error again. He rests his skull on the glitch’s shoulder with a sigh, closing his socket as he nuzzles in, taking a deep breath of the comforting chocolaty scent that clings to the vampire’s clothes.
Error wastes no time burrowing themself against Geno with their own small sigh, relaxing against him.
“‘S eNouGH taLKing fOR thE WeEk-” They mutter.
“Mmmhm…so much.” Geno agrees, lightly kissing Error’s collarbone as they both soak up the gentle affection, listening to their soft buzzing in the quiet of the Save Screen. Both of them enjoyed Blue being around- at least, Geno is fairly certain Error had fun despite all of their protests otherwise- but neither of them are quite able to keep up with how high energy the swapped skeleton is.
While the energetic Sans is nice, the calm from his absence is nice too and the glitches are happy to enjoy it after a day of antics… though it really doesn’t last long- as Geno is effectively tackled by a feathery fiend, being pulled away from Error with a surprised shriek.
“Oh Geeeen~” The bird purrs, nuzzling Geno’s skull with a happy chirp as the smaller squirms and glares at him. “My beloved Gen I missed youuuu~”
“R-reaper get off-! You’re heavy!” Blue strings wrap around the menace, practically throwing him away from Geno as Error is there in an instant, standing protectively in front of Geno with a dangerous sounding growl.
Reaper squawks, as Geno blinks in shock, before his whole face turns bright red and he very stubbornly ignores it in favor of sitting up to calm his friend.
“E-error it's okay-! I‘m fine-” Error only spares him a glance to quickly look him over, eyelights slits, before ignoring his words.
“DEaTh.” They hiss at Reaper, glaring fiercely. “WhAT thE HeLL aRe YOu doINg heRe.”
The bird in question ceases his half hearted wiggling to glare at Error, sneering right back to match their energy. “I should be asking you that, Error. But if you must know I’m here to visit my Gen~”
“Dumb bird-” Geno mumbles, rather embarrassed by the questioning look Error gives him.
“WhAt thE FucK doeS THaT meAn?” Before Reaper can answer, Geno is sure to interrupt, not wanting to make this look worse than it already might.
“Well- uhh…a while ago Reaper came here and uhm…tried to reap my soul- BUT! But he didn’t and I’m fine! And he’s been visiting me and being a dumb flirty bird-”
“You’re so mean Gen-” The bird pouts, with the most dramatic sad caw they’ve ever heard. Error gives him a weird look, before turning back to Geno, looking not at all reassured by the bloody glitch’s explanation.
“YoU… WHeN diD THis hAppeN? WHy diDN’t yoU SaY anyTHing?” They ask, both hurt and concern obvious in their voice. Geno frowns, shifting in place and looking away.
“I was going to- but when you visit we are usually a bit- distracted so I was struggling to find a good time to mention Reaper to you. I was going to do it this next time, but then there was the whole fiasco with Blue and you were stressed and I didn’t want to add to that-” Geno rambles a little, before he moves to stand, leaning in to give Error a headbutt. “I’m sorry, Ru. I should have mentioned it sooner, but Reaper’s just a dumb bird I mean it-”
“He’s DEaTh-” Error protests, visibly upset as they grab one of his hands. “He trIEd To rEaP you!”
“You tried to kill me when we first met too.” Geno points out, gently rubbing their hand in his before giving it a light squeeze. “And you're wonderful~ Besides he came back with chocolate!”
Reaper giggles, very proud of himself- both glitches give him a look and he quickly shuts up. “And his wings are so soft and floofy Error~”
Error frowns, stepping back from Geno and dropping his hand as they look away, hugging their arms to their chest defensively. After a long moment, the strings tying up Reaper vanish, unceremoniously dropping him on the floor, getting another squawk from the god.
“Ruru..?” Geno wants to step closer, to hold their hand, but he holds back. “..’m sorry.”
“It’S.. It’s FINe. I’M noT MaD.” They mumble, glancing between Geno and Reaper and hunching in on themself. “I sHouLd- I SHoulD gO-”
“Error you don’t have to-” Geno whines, wanting so badly to hug the other glitch. “Reaper can leave, we were snuggling-”
“I- No iT’s- I’m fINe. YoU cAn- yOU guYs cAn haNG Out-” Geno’s brow furrows and he holds back a whimper as he reaches out, but too hesitant to really touch Error.
“..A-and you’ll come back, right?” Geno doesn’t like how tight his throat feels as his soul aches with worry. He had hoped it wouldn’t upset Error so much, but- “...right?”
“I- I…” Error trails off, looking at Geno uncertainly. “...Do Y-YOu.. wANt mE To coMe bAck..?”
“Yes!” Geno stubbornly blinks away tears as he makes grabby hands at Error, looking at him with a silent plea. “Of course I want you to c-come back! If I had it my way you’d never leave and I could snuggle and love on you forever-”
Error hesitantly steps closer, before practically falling into Geno’s arms, clutching tightly to him as they bury their face into Geno’s shoulder.
“I d-DOn’t wANnA LEaVe eITHer..” They mutter, Geno nuzzling them back aggressively and holding them close, squeezing their jacket in his hands.
“...I love you..” Geno whispers as quietly as he can, glancing up at Reaper, before nuzzling his face into Error’s scarf. “I always want you around, I wanna snuggle you, and give you kisses, and pamper you, and feed you, and make you happy…’cause you're important to me, okay..?”
“I… YOu’Re imPortaNT to mE Too. I- I DonT WanT to LoSe yoU.. I loVe yOu toO…” Error mumbles, voice almost inaudible as they tighten their hold on him. He squeezes them right back, nuzzling his face further into their scarf to lightly kiss their neck, peppering his affection over the many marks he’s left over the course of their visits.
“I’m glad, cause I don’t want to lose you either….Reaper visiting me too isn’t going to change our relationship, okay? It doesn’t change the fact I care about you and still want to love on you and spend time with you. In fact I think you’d be surprised by how similar you both are- You both practically melted the first time I pet you~” Error hisses in a halfhearted complaint, before falling silent for a moment.
“...PRomISe..?”
“Yeah, I promise Ru~” Geno smiles softly, kissing the vampire's vertebrae a little more. “I never ever want you to go away, okay?”
Error just nods, relaxing against Geno for a moment, just soaking in his affection.
“....I dO HaVe tO LeaVE thOugh..” They reluctantly sigh. “‘WaS in THe miDDle oF woRk wHEn thE WHolE THing wITH BLue haPPened..”
“Aww okay…come back soon?” Geno asks, nuzzling them more aggressively.
“As sOoN As I’m DOne.” Error swears. “HaVe fUn wiTH ReaPEr- leT Me kNOw if He trIEs aNYthinG OKaY? I’ll beAT Him up-”
“Hehe~ Alright, Ru~ I’ll make sure he knows to watch himself.” Geno nuzzles Error’s cheek, quietly chirping at them with a happy little purr. “Stay safe.”
“I’ll dO My beSt.” They purr back, nuzzling him lightly before reluctantly stepping away, giving him a small smile. “SeE Ya LAteR~”
“See ya, Ru~” Geno smiles back, giving the other glitch a small wave. He still doesn’t want to let Error go..but he feels better now that they’ve talked. Error’s not going to leave him…
Once his friend is gone, Geno storms over to the pouting, very wilted looking Reaper and plops himself down on the gods lap.
“Stop being so sad it doesn’t suit your face-”
~
Error sighs in relief as they finish the last AU without running into Ink for once, wasting no time portalling back into Geno’s save screen. It’s honestly become a second home, somewhere safe they can portal to without much thought…this time though, as they step through into the black of the Save Screen, they can’t help but bristle at the sight of Death cradling his Geno.
The god glances up at him, empty sockets burrowing into their skull as Reaper huffs. “So…he doesn’t know.”
“...No, He doEsn’T.” They mutter, looking away as they step closer. Reaper makes no move to tell them otherwise, turning back to nuzzle the sleeping glitch instead.
“...I'm still kinda in shock..I didn't think I'd ever be able to touch someone.”
“Me NEitheR- thOugH I guEsS YOur reASon’s A Bit WOrsE thaN MinE.” Error sits on the outside of the grass Reaper sits in the middle of, far out of arm's reach.
“Mm..Technically I can touch the other gods, but even Asgore in my AU is afraid of me so really I can only touch my brother. We're usually rather busy though.” Reaper's wings shift and the god lightly boops Geno, watching his nasal bridge wrinkle before relaxing again. “...He's one of a kind, huh?”
“...YeAh.” They agree, curling up and resting their chin on their knees. “He’S The OnLy pErsON I coULd toUCh wiThoUt paIN In… aS LonG As I CaN ReMEmbeR.”
“Really? Huh…guess we stuck around for the same reason….He's grown on me though.” Reaper pauses, thinking. “...So he says you two aren't dating-”
“We aREn’T.” Error confirms, before shooting Reaper a look, holding back the urge to bare their fangs at him. “He’s sTILL miNe ThouGh.”
“I don’t see where it says you get to dictate who Geno goes out with.” Reaper smirks, nuzzling the top of Geno’s skull as he watches Error bristle. This time, they can’t quite hold back their irritated hiss.
“I’m NOt sAYinG He cAN’t gO OUt wiTH YOu, iF THaT’s WHaT he wAnts.”
“Then what are you saying, Error?” The death god narrows his sockets. “If we must, then I can share.”
“I’m jUSt sAYinG He wAs MiNe fiRsT, anD YOu dON’t GEt a SaY on shARing hIM.” Error glares, baring their fangs with another small hiss. Feeding from Geno and indulging in their instincts with him has been making it harder for them to hold them back. Reaper’s feathers fluff up as he smears, a deep growl bubbling up from his ribcage as he holds Geno closer.
“We’ll just have to see how Gen feels about it then, won’t we?” Error clenches their hands into fists to keep themself from physically reacting and snatching Geno out of Reaper’s arms like they want to, focusing on the ache from their sharp phalanges digging into their palms. Geno would never forgive them for starting a fight.
The two gods stare daggers at each other, with tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. They would have kept it up for who knows how long, before Geno shifts with a soft whine, immediately catching both of their attentions.
Geno slowly blinks awake, eyelight fuzzy and so very sleepy as he blinks at the ‘ceiling’, his view being taken over by a particular bird that coos at him, nuzzling his face. The small glitch’s face turns red and he shoves Reaper away with a pouty whine.
“Nuuu ‘s a dumb birb-” Error snorts a bit, even as jealousy rises within them. They want to be the only one who makes Geno blush like that.
“So meeeeaan-” The death god pouts, the look ruined by a surprisingly soft smile. “Sleepy Gen sooo cute~”
“Nuuuu shut up-” Geno hisses, even as his blush gets brighter, the bloody glitch refuses to let his sleepy glare go. He decides on a quick escape and starts wiggling out of the gods lap, fumbling a little, until he looks up and notices Error watching.
The glitch’s pouty glare is quickly replaced with a bright smile and Geno practically scrambles over to cling to the vampire with a happy chirp. “Ruru~!”
“GeNO~!” Error chirps back, all too happy to cling to Geno in return, and despite themself, they can’t help but shoot Reaper a small smug look. The god wrinkles his nasal bridge, giving them the ugliest jealous look, all while Geno purrs and nuzzles into Error happily.
“Ruuuu I missed youuu~”
“I MisSED yoU ToOo~” Error purrs back, incredibly pleased. Geno lightly kisses their cheek before fully relaxing, already falling back asleep as Reaper slowly tries to reach out to him- Error hisses in warning, tightening their hold on their bloody glitch. “MiNe.”
The winged god pouts at him, huffing and puffing while Geno hums in confusion, moving a little to look at Error. The colorful glitch just huffs, nuzzling into Geno’s neck and kissing the first bite they had left on him.
“MiNE.” They mutter, earning a shiver from the smaller glitch as Geno turns bright red.
“Shhh-!”
“MmiNE~” Error repeats, entirely unrepentant. Geno huffs and pouts at the other glitch, nuzzling them aggressively.
“You’re doing this on purpose-”
“MaYbe a biT~” They relent, glancing up at Reaper. The other god looks like he wants to growl again, but is obviously holding back for Geno’s sake. The bloody glitch glances back the way Error is looking, frowns, and looks back at Error, firmly headbutting the vampire.
“Don’ be rude-”
“BuT I gOTta Lay dOWn mY CLaIM-” Error whines, nuzzling Geno some more.
“Nu you gotta be nice-” Geno whines back, nuzzling right back as he purrs. “You're both just big babies there's no reason to be so pissy-”
“MeAn.” They grumble, pouting as they rest their chin on Geno’s shoulder. They are gently attacked with kisses as Geno purrs louder, wiggling to snuggle closer.
“Such big pissy babies trying to act all scary- You're like a territorial cat you're so pissy, Error.”
“He’s gONna SteAl yoUuUu-” Error whines, purposefully keeping their voice light so Geno won’t realize just how large of a fear it is.
“He’s not gonna steal meee-” Geno whines back, giving his silly vampire a headbut and kiss, ignoring the big bird moping on the floor. “‘Cause you’re mine, so there.”
“HrMmm fINe. BuT I sTILl doN’t liKe hiM.” They huff, getting a few more kisses.
“You'll like each other eventually~” Error hums disbelievingly, but doesn’t protest further, just hugging Geno close and basking in the affection.
“I swear I will get you both in bed together-” Geno mumbles under his breath, and Error blushes brightly as they look down at him in surprise, far too many thoughts running through their head all at once.
“YoU WhAt-??” Geno blushes, hiding his face in Error’s scarf, before looking over to the sulking bird a few feet away.
“...He’s gotta big dick and maybe I wanna take two of em-”
“I cOUldn’T TOucH HIm- wAIt- YOu’vE fucKed??” Error asks as if that wasn’t almost the first thing they had done when they officially met- Error hadn’t even known Geno’s name until halfway through.
The bloody glitch blushes brighter, Reaper perking up to listen now- much to Error’s embarrassment.
“Listen I was horny and he was being very tempting- Why, are you jelly?”
“I… MaYBe? I dUNnO-” They hold back a small, frustrated hiss at the worry that rises, thinking back to Geno’s reaction when he realized Error was there. He said he wouldn’t leave- Error has to trust him. The smaller monster nuzzles him, lightly kissing Error’s cheek.
“Thank you for caring so much, Error~ It feels really nice~”
“WhAt- To hAVe mE BeiNG a JEalouS And PRoTecTIVe aSs?” They question, raising a brow.
“Yeah~” Geno tells them honestly with a smile. “Maybe it's silly or dumb, but I think it's cute and it feels…reassuring, knowing you want me around that much. I never really thought anyone would care for me like that. I mean my AU doesn’t even realize I’m gone.”
“In THeIR deFEncE mOSt oF YOu is StILL ouT THerE-” Error replies, before pausing, tilting their head as they consider words being spoken to them. “AnD mE BEinG OvERly poSseSSIve iSn’T THe HEaLThiesT… aT LeaST, aCcoRDIng To thE VOicEs.”
“I don’t care…” Geno pouts, nuzzling him. “You and Reaper are both rather possessive…but I’m pretty sure that's because you’re both lonely babies that need lots of kisses~
“Besides! I might be the same way…” Geno laughs a little, tugging his scarf up over his face. “When I said I’d keep you here forever if I could I meant it..”
“WeLL- It’S NOt liKe I CaN ReALLy diE, sO I’m NOt GoiNG anYWheRe aNY tiME soOn.” Error reassure, nuzzling their foreheads together with a chirp. Geno chirps back of course, pressing closer with a happy purr.
“Technically I don’t either- Well more like I don’t stay dead, but still!” Error snorts before they press a kiss to Geno’s nasal ridge.
“...SoRrY foR BeinG An aSs.”
“...’m sorry too..” Reaper mumbles, still very much pouting as the two glitches look over at him. “I wasn’t exactly helping earlier-”
“Well I forgive both of you for being assholes.” Geno chirps, aggressively headbutting Error before getting up to crawl over and headbutt Reaper, making the vampire pout. “And thanks, for spending time with me.”
“PfF as IF yOU cOUld Get uS To stOp-” Error scoffs, Reaper nodding in agreement as he coos like a lovestruck pigeon.
“You’re both dorks~”
“SaYS yOu-“ Geno gasps, looking back to glare at Error as he nuzzles into pet Reaper’s wings. Geno takes great pride in making the god melt, Reaper’s wings spreading out wide as he brushes his hands through them.
“How dare-”
“WhAT I’m jUSt teLLing iT likE I SEe iT~” Error teases.
“I am not a dork that’s your job-” Geno continues to deny as he makes a feathery puddle out of the god of death, gently removing broken feathers as he does so.
“NuH-uH My JOb iS-” Error cuts themself off, glancing away and instead moving to crawl a bit closer to Geno, careful to avoid Reaper’s wings. The bloody glitch hums, not prying at all as he takes one of Reaper’s feathers and reaches out to tickle the other glitch.
“Feel the soooft~” Error hisses playfully as they duck away, batting at the feather.
“I rEFusE-”
“Nuuuu come heeree~”
“THeN StOp aTTaCKinG MeEe-” They whine back.
“...I must gather enough feathers to attack you with-” Geno mumbles with a determined look on his face.
“No yOu caN’t that’S ILLegAL-” Geno grins, resuming his preening of the death god that is now a purring cooing mess. Error is honestly a little jealous- being preened seems like a very nice experience.
“Hehe~ Look at him Ru he's a puddle~” Geno coos, a small pile of feathers growing at his side as he carefully crushes the loose keratin sheath over a big new pin feather. “This is so satisfying~ I wish you could do it with me, Ru.”
“I’d rATher NOt thANks-” They deadpan, though it does look kind of fun. Still, they’d rather not deal with the glitching the touch would cause.
“Boooo-”
Chapter 75: Cat Destroyers
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
A kind of short cute one about Era and Eros being turned into cats
Chapter Text
Error groans as he wakes up, everything absolutely aching as he lays on what he can only hazily assume is the ground. His first thought is maybe he lost a fight with Ink, it's plausible..but Error finds himself rather confused when he can't really remember fighting Ink recently.
Last he could recall, he was just hanging out in the antivoid, idly chatting with a couple of the nicer voices. He’s pretty sure a new voice had joined in and said something… kind of weird. Next thing he knows, he’s here.
Slowly blinking, Error takes in his surroundings. The familiar tall cavern of Waterfall greets him, glowing blue grass and algae clinging up the walls, lighting the space up just enough to see as the fake rain drips from the rocky ceiling. If he wasn't under a tree he wouldn't probably be soaked- small mercies, at least.
Error raises a hand to rub at his pounding skull, movements oddly stiff and awkward. Very confused, Error tries the movement again, only to find he can't really rub the back of his head at all.
“WhAt..?” Error mutters- or- tries to mutter, all that comes out of him is a strange… meow…?...Hesitantly, Error tries again, another small mew sounding just above the rain.
…There’s no way he’s meowing right now- Error looks down at his hands- his… paws..?
What the fuck- what the fuck-?? Silently panicking, Error stretches out both arms, staring in shock at the two dark grey- almost blue- furry front legs that stretch out in front of him, little cat paws spread out. He doesn’t think as he scrambles backwards, as if to escape his new limbs, only to trip on something- his tail- behind him, falling back to the ground as pain pulses through his body, making him let out a frankly pathetic mewl of pain.
This can't be happening- He’s dreaming he has to be dreaming- Era tries to convince himself, not noticing the shift of something else close by. Curling in on himself, resisting the urge to cry- can cats even cry?- something lightly brushes against the top of his head.
“Mrow?” It snaps him out of his panic, flinching back as he looks up in surprise. Leaning over him is..another cat. A very big cat- very fluffy with dark, almost reddish, fur. If it wasn't for the random patches of missing fur and scars they’re absolutely covered in- they’re even missing a good chunk of one of their ears- they'd probably be even fluffier.
Meowing back softly, the maine coon- or what he assumes has to be a maine coon- licks his forehead, leaning close to brush their noses together, whiskers twitching as they smell him. Hesitantly, he returns the gesture. Neither of them make any noise, but somehow, as he looks at the other cat, he can… almost see the words in their body- can hear them in an instinctual way in the tilt of their ears, the flick of their tail.
Hello friend safe scared pain hurt?
It’s vague, and Error’s fairly sure that only basic information could get across- much like communicating with intent- but it’s something. It takes him a moment to figure it out, but Error eventually realizes it’s easier to not think too hard about it and lean into his instincts.
Hello afraid pain confused.
He manages to respond. The bigger cat quietly purrs, as they give Error a firm headbutt and rubs, sitting down beside him with a few more comforting kitten licks.
Safe protect lost okay.
Confused confused hurt lost?
Error lets himself curl against the other cat with another quiet mew, deciding to stay laying down as he closes his eyesock-... eyes, letting his aching body rest for a moment.
Lost hurt. The other confirms, continuing to soothingly groom his head affectionately. Their rough tongue feels surprisingly nice combing through the fur on his head. Okay lost hurt okay.
Safe dry. Error purrs quietly in response, steadily managing to relax as he lays against the maine coon.
~
Eros laid there for what felt like forever yet not quite long enough, never opening his sockets. It was quiet. Sure his body and soul ache, but it's nothing out of the norm and what does feel odd…he can deal with later.
If it wasn't for the pain Eros is sure he would have floated away. No harsh tugs on his skull or voices screaming at him to get back to work… it's so… quiet.
Then he hears a soft little cry..and Eros slowly opened his sockets. What greeted him were furry paws, the sounds of soft, constant rain making his ears twitch…..His ears…?
Flexing his hand the left paw moves to match, confusing him further. Maybe he would have panicked if he could…but he’s so tired and fear takes so much energy…
There's another panicked mew and Eros looks past his paws, his eyes following the movement of a small, scared cat, their feelings so very clear to him.
Scared panic confusion pain
Slowly, Error heaves himself up onto his feet, ignoring the way some loose bones rest painfully against his new insides. He'll heal eventually..and if not then maybe he'll finally die. It's a win win.
Adjusting his walking is slow- with four legs and all- before he's close enough to lean down and lick between the other's ears.
The smaller is scared at first, quickly looking up at him before Error licks them again, hoping to comfort them as he lays down for snuggles. Snuggles always make him feel better…
Thankfully, they take his offer, lightly curling up against him as they tremble minutely, ears pinned in obvious discomfort- either from whatever is making them scared or the pain that they somehow tell him about.
Error is too tired to think much about it, so he doesn’t, instead trying to focus on making the smaller cat feel better.
Yes he hurts and he doesn't know where they are..but hopefully everything will be okay. Everything should be okay…
~
Error isn’t sure how much time passed as he lightly dozed before the worst of the pain faded to a manageable level, his head still being the worst of it, and he forces himself to open his eyes, looking over at the cat still determinedly grooming him with a small chirp.
Less hurt friend thank you.
They purr, lightly booping his nose and rubbing their faces together.
Good happy tired. They coo, holding him closer with a leg over his middle. He really is so small compared to them.
Sleep protect find food? Error offers, gently headbutting them. He has no idea if he’ll have to eat in this form, but the maine coon is terribly thin through their fuzz and he’s sure they’re in desperate need of food. He’s fairly certain that most AUs have some small, non-monster fish that live in the glowing waters of Waterfall.
No sleep. They insist, licking one of his ears, making them flick as he discovers how weird of a sensation that is. Will help.
Rest help rest sleep please please. He protests, awkwardly trying to wiggle out of their hold and headbutting them to attempt pushing them to make them fully lay down. Protect help return.
They seem to pout at him, their ears turning back before they quietly huff, laying their head down in acceptance. Error purrs loudly, headbutting and rubbing his head against them.
Good good rest yes. Thay nuzzle him back, pressing as close as they can laying down, before lightly licking him again.
Fine fine They pout harder with no argument, making Error purr louder in amusement before getting up, managing to only stumble over his own feet a couple of times as he figures out how to walk.
It’s normally not too hard to figure out what room of Waterfall he’s in, but the new perspective makes it more difficult than it usually is, even with the rain narrowing down his options. He also quickly learns that rain is the absolute worst with fur- sure it may block some of it at first, but the constant downpour quickly manages to soak him through.
Error feels like a heavy, wet rug, somewhat similar swimming in your clothes, but worse- He can't exactly remove his fur. Still, he told the other cat that he was going to get some food, so he’s going to get some goddamn food. Worst case scenario he’ll go raid the local Undyne’s house.
Scampering across the ground, shaking his feet every few steps to try and get rid of the cold water, Error checks the nearest pond. Crouching on the edge he hopes to catch just one swimming beneath the lily pads. He watches intently for movement, entirely focused on the water.
Honestly, he has no idea what he’s doing, but he’s hoping that his new body and instincts will help fill in the gaps. His tail swishes as he stares, waiting, until he finally spots movement, zeroing in on the little blue fish swimming just below the surface.
Ever so slowly, he creeps as close as he can to where the fish is without getting in the water, tensing as he adjusts his back feet for the perfect pounce, before springing forward with a large splash, blindly trying to grab the fish with his mouth and paws.
He flails, barely managing to grab the fish with his paws and bite into it as it wiggles, smacking him with its fins. Trying to stay afloat in a foreign body with a fish in his mouth- fighting him all the way- is not easy! Still, Error bites down harder, ignoring the taste of blood and the feeling of tiny bones breaking between his fangs as he stubbornly paddles to the edge of the pond, dragging himself onto the shore and sneezing out a bit of water that had managed to get up his nose.
Error refuses to let go of the fish, despite the urge to cough and gag. He had managed to catch one on his first try! He quickly trots back to where he had left the other cat, trying to avoid focusing on the fish’s steadily slowing struggles and the taste in his mouth, as well as the fact that he’s absolutely soaking wet now. The hardest part was over and now he has some food.
He thankfully didn't go too far, it's only a short sprint to the big cat, still laying under the tree, before lifting their head to look at him, meowing softly. Error lets out a muffled chirp in response, finally putting down the twitching fish and giving into the urge to spit out the blood in his mouth- an action that is a bit awkward as a cat.
Hello friend return bring food! He greets excitedly, dripping water onto the floor. They look him up and down, an ear twitching, before slowly getting to their feet.
Error watches them get closer, to better lick him apparently- like a momma cat aggressively trying to groom him.
Happy clean wet.
Lots water swim. Error agrees, trying his best to flick some of the water off of himself. Fish gift eat!
They pause their cleaning to look at the fish, then back to him.
Share? If Error could grimace as a cat, he would, ears folding back slightly.
Ate pond fish gift. He lies. He is immediately given a look- the big cat’s ears pinning back and they wrinkle their nose, seemingly disappointed in him.
Lying.
Surprise confusion…. sorry. Caught off guard by having his lie called out, Error shrinks back slightly, glancing at the dead fish. ..Okay share.
Clicking at him, the maincoon licks him again, pleased with his answer and nuzzling his head firmly. Good eat happy~
He swears they are cooing at him, before slowly pulling away to sit one one side of the fish, nibbling at it. Error sits on the other side to do the same, doing his best to avoid the fish’s bones as he forces the food down. Honestly, it doesn’t taste all that bad- maybe because he’s a cat- but the texture is far too slimy for his taste.
He glances up at the other cat every so often, finding them taking such little bites for their big size. They should be eating more…they need it.. Though, with how thin they are, it might not be a good idea to make them eat more. The last thing he wants is for them to throw up.
Error contents himself to eating around a third of the fish, using a paw to push the rest to the maine coon across from him.
They glance at the fish, then back to him before nudging it back, taking another almost polite little nibble.
Finished full yours. Error protests, pushing it back at them. Bigger need.
They tilt their head at him, ears tilting back. No need don't eat.
Need food starve! Error knows it probably seems hypocritical coming from him- after all he’s fairly sure he’s also too thin despite Horror’s best efforts to fix his eating habits- but this cat looks like they’re practically on death’s door!
No starve. They tell him, continuing their little kitten nibbles that isn't giving them anywhere near enough food. Can't.
Much small please. Error practically whines- though he still doesn’t make any actual noise- gently nosing at their all too visible ribs to emphasize his point. He has no idea what they mean by saying they can’t starve, so he just decides to dismiss it- maybe he misunderstood what they mean.
Huffing quietly, the maine coon uses a paw to scoop him up against them, holding him close and squishing him a little. They almost begrudgingly resume eating, not having the energy to argue. Error purrs quietly in relief, more than willing to let himself be squished even as he gets their fur wet.
The big cat manages to barely eat a little more than him, but not quite a full half. Given their size the whole fish should have been nothing…He’ll..have to work on getting them to eat more. He has no idea how long he'll be like this..but if he does get back to normal maybe he could adopt them? Keep them at the castle if Nightmare’s okay with it- he could probably convince him with Killer’s help.
Error wiggles out of the other cat’s hold once they’re done eating, grabbing the fish carcass to move it away from their little spot under the tree, not wanting for it to make a mess. They watch him quietly, but when he starts to get farther away, the maine coon starts to stand.
He meows around the fish in his mouth, ears twitching as he turns around. No stay move fish.
Their ears droop, but they carefully lay down again, not quite flinching but…more like they were suppressing the urge to. If Error could frown he would, and he quickly trots over to a corner of the room they’re in to drop the fish, covering it with a couple of small rocks before he makes his way back to the maine coon.
Okay hurt tired? He asks as he goes back under the cover of the tree, trying to shake off some of the water from the rain. He’s snatched up immediately, scooped close by fluffy paws, before they start to groom his face affectionately.
Always hurt always tired. They confirm casually, like it's nothing new, making Error stare up at them in shock.
No hurt no tired bad bad bad rest heal help? Error frets, already trying to see if he can use his healing magic like this.
The big cat blinks in surprise as warm healing magic makes Error’s paws glow. It tingles, dulling the pain of his aching middle. He's used to pain, but having organs, feeling his broken bones jab into his fleshy body, it's a new kind of pain he's not quite used to.
Error purrs in triumph as he immediately gets to work healing the large cat, though his joy quickly fades as he senses the extent of injuries they have- it’s a miracle that they’re up and walking and none of their organs have been pierced by their many many broken bones. It’s like someone punted them and then stomped them into the dirt-! Maybe worse!
If he were to part their fur he’s sure their skin would be purple, bruised so badly that…well really it’s a miracle they’re alive let alone conscious, moving around like they’re fine-
The big cat huffs at him again, not really wanting Error to bother healing them…but not really bothering to fight it either.
Pain help go away. He informs as he rubs up against them, focusing his healing on their ribs and spine first so they don’t puncture a lung or damage a nerve.
Hurt always. They try to explain. No point.
No hurt bad heal. Error insists, soul aching for this poor cat. Safe protect heal rest.
After a small moment they huff again, not really understanding why Error is so insistent, but just like before they don't bother to argue much, not really. They just don't seem like they have the energy to try. It's probably the only reason they are letting him help at all. It’s… honestly kind of concerning, but Error will take what he can get- though he might have to find help for them…
Error isn't sure if there is a vet in the underground, most animals are quite scarce from what he’s seen so pets would probably be kinda rare. He still doesn’t know what AU they're in either.
If he can heal though…maybe he could open a portal, or open his inventory- something to better help them. Though, he’s starting to get tired already, and he’s barely even healed the worst of the cat’s broken bones. He knows healing can be hard for him, but there’s no way he can already be low on magic-
Once his healing magic starts to flicker, the bigger cat scoops him up with their front paws, pulling him up to their neck and forcing him to lay down where they can lick his head right between his ears.
Done no more.
Help fix hurt! He protests, ears pinned as he tries to squirm out of the other cat’s hold. They are actually very strong, weirdly so in Error’s opinion. Though maybe he’s just not used to his cat strength….or lack thereof-
His new friend refuses to let him continue, putting their foot down this time as they start to fully groom his face.
“Mrrr..” Error growls in annoyance, but gives up, not wanting to risk further injuring the large cat. They seem rather pleased about it- a deep happy purr starting up in their chest as they thoroughly clean him everywhere they can reach, much like he’s a kitten. Error just lets them do as they please as he rests his head on his front paws, not quite brave enough to try grooming them back- especially with how long their fur is.
Error is pretty sure he would choke if he tried…they are pretty dirty though. Maybe the rain would help clean themselves since they seem more interested in grooming him- though he’d rather they not move, and it’s probably not a good idea for them to be too cold, considering how thin they are. If Error wasn’t still wet, he’d curl closer to try keeping them warm.
For now, Error can only lay here, letting the big cat lick his wet fur clean. Every minute or so they adjust him, rolling him onto his back to lick under his chin and chest. They are incredibly determined, and Error figures it’s best to just let them do what they want. Besides, it honestly feels kind of nice.
It's easy to let the gentle attention and soothing sound of the rain relax him, lulling his mind into a fuzzy haze, tempting him with sleep. It’s a bit chilly considering he’s still damp, but the ground is surprisingly comfortable, and Error is fairly tired from both his usage of his magic and whatever had happened to make him like this.
~
….He totally passed out. He didn’t really mean to, but the peaceful ambiance and soothing purrs and affection managed to get to him, and he has no way of telling how much time had passed when he opens his eyes again.
The maine coon is relatively relaxed, laying their head beside him, he had managed to basically cling to their face, nuzzling his head under theirs. Error nuzzles them a bit as he wakes up more, before rolling over to stretch with a yawn.
Sleep rest long? He asks.
No sleep don't sleep.. They meow softly, making Error stare at them.
Yes sleep tired rest sleep. He does his best to scold, rolling back over to lightly bat at the larger cat’s face. They only huff, licking his little paws with a pouty meow, nuzzling their head against him. It’s adorable, but Error refuses to be dissuaded, growling back at them.
He swears the big cat grumbles, nuzzling him more with a long whine-like mew, flexing their paws loosely around him. Error moves from batting at their face to gently chewing on one of their paws, pushing out his healing magic again as he does so, healing all of the little cuts and broken bones in their paws.
Error hears another huff, definitely pouting. Despite having been groomed before their nap, the big cat starts licking him again, purring quietly this time. Error gives them a look, but lets them lick him with a small huff of his own, focusing on healing them.
It's rather calming, enjoying each other's presence as they relax…well until the maine coon pauses their licking to lift their head, staring out past the rain. Then he hears it too. Footsteps.
Error immediately wiggles his way out of the other cat’s hold to stand in front of them, tense. He has no idea what to expect in this AU, but based on the state of the larger cat, it’s probably not a safe one.
As the footsteps get louder, closer, humming joins in as an all too familiar someone comes walking out of the dark.
“I got chocolate for Ruru and Crossy~ I gat cho-co laaaaaaaat~” Singing softly like the fucking dork is Killer. Of course it's Killer.
“Killer I swear to Fox-” Error mutters- though it still comes out as a meow- relaxing as he sits back down. The small skeleton would never hurt them- if anything he’ll probably help them. Killer loves cats.
His mew didn't go unheard and Killer pauses his singing to better ‘look’ around, his face practically lighting up.
“Kitties…~!” He whisper yells, not wanting to startle them. “Oh hi bbys~ Poor little thiiiings~”
Error meows a bit louder at him, turning back to the other cat to check their reaction. For an abused cat they don't seem panicking at all by Killer’s presence, just staring, giving him a nuzzle when he looks at them.
Good safe?
Good good heal food. Error reassures, nuzzling them back as he watches Killer sit down on the ground a few feet away, seemingly uncaring of his clothes getting wet.
“Haya baby..You’re friends not doin’ too hot, huh? Looks like someone's been mean to him.” Killer talks softly, leaning over and resting a hand on the ground, before opening his hand up. He has a treat- Error hardly hesitates, creeping closer as he smells it, before grabbing it out of Killer’s hand and taking it back to the maine coon, setting the treat down in front of them.
Good food try taste. The big cat huffs, pouting at him, but carefully picks up the treat. Thankfully it's small enough they don't try to share, licking their mouth when they're done.
“Such good kitties~” Error purrs happily as he headbutts the other cat, before looking up at Killer with a loud meow, trying to convey how much they could honestly use his help.
After a moment, Killer starts scooting closer, watching how they react, before doing it again until he’s just within reach. He holds his hand in front of Error’s, smiling warmly.
“You’re such a good kitty protector~” Error chirps, leaning forward to nose at Killer’s phalanges.
Hello hello friend. He greets, despite knowing the small skeleton couldn’t understand him.
Gentle stretching his hand out a little, Killer lightly pets the side of his head, chirping right back quietly.
“Such a pretty kitty~ You and your friend wanna come home with me?” Killer asks, not really expecting an answer.
Yes yes help friend safe. Error meows in agreement, nodding before he can think about how weird it probably is for a cat to nod at someone’s words. His friend blinks, before snorting, scratching under Error’s chin.
“You did not just nod I swear-” He pulls out another treat with his free hand, giving it to the big cat on his own this time.
That sniff his hand for a second, and the treat- before licking him and taking the treat to try giving it to Error. He turns his head away, ears flicking back.
No want eat yours. They whine, dragging out a long mew as they lick at one of his ears, making him huff and look back at them.
No yours. They insist.
Dislike you have. Error denies, giving them what he hopes is the cat equivalent of a glare. That earns him another unhappy, whiney mew, the big cat laying their head down and begrudgingly licking up the treat.
Killer lightly pets them both, before slowly standing, stretching his arms up above his head and pulling his phone out from his inventory. With only a few clicks of a button, he opens a portal back to the castle.
“Wait don’t go-” Error meows in protest as he gets up- Killer’s supposed to help the maine coon-! Smiling at him, the small skeleton grabs Error by the scruff of his neck, making him meow again, squirming at the uncomfortable sensation as he’s carefully moved through the portal to the castle's wooden floors.
“There ya go, baby. Stay there, okay?” Though Error knows he could trust Killer, he ignores him, trying to go back through the portal to the other cat, meowing loudly. He doesn’t want them to get scared or something.
Killer pushes Error back gently once or twice, before leaving him be in favor of petting the maine coon.
“Think you could get up, big guy? Don't think I'll be able ta pick ya up without hurting ya…” They meow softly like they had done before, even leaning into the gentle scratches and head rubs. Error relaxes at the sight, moving over to the other cat to nudge at them.
Stand friend help. They seem confused, but slowly, carefully move to stand.
Don't need help? Help you?
Yes need help! Fix hurt stop. Error insists, gently nudging them toward the portal.
Continuing to be whiny, they do as they're told, slowly making their way through the portal until they are both safely on the other side, Killer following after.
“There ya go! Safe and sound~” The small monster closes the portal and walks around to a counter in what can only be his cat room, which looks surprisingly different from an actual cat’s point of view.
Error purrs loudly as he rubs against the large cat, feeling like they got incredibly lucky running into Killer. His friend really loves taking care of cats. It's like a passion project of his.
Killer had begged Nightmare to let him use some rooms to take care of rescues. With Error and Killer’s combined effort they had managed to convince the king- Error actually helped set up a few of these rooms.
Honestly, his new friend- and Error to an extent- is exactly the kind of cat Killer would take home.
Still sopping wet, Killer starts giving them both a checkup. It starts with Error carefully being weighed, continuing on with Killer checking his teeth, and his..sex- apparently there's nothing there- Killer says something about magic based animals, but Error doesn’t quite get it.
Like a person eating lots of monster food mixed with their normal food until they are more magic than organic based. He’s not entirely sure how that works but okay- at least he won’t have to deal with a litterbox.
Killer deems him a very healthy kitty- besides needing more food- and gives him a wet treat, some little tube thing. Error finds he likes it a lot more than the fish he caught- and the only reason he doesn’t try to share with the other cat is because he is sure Killer will give them some too, and they seem to be pretty happy seeing him eat it.
Purring, Killer lightly kisses his head, cooing over his ‘cute fuzzy face’ as Killer puts it. Once he finished his treat, he was set back down on the ground and Killer gave his big kitty friend a turn.
He started by giving the big cat a chew full of healing magic..it seemed to work for a second, before the big cat threw up-
“O-oh crap- Your magic does not like that at all-”
Concern! Hurt bad heal okay? Error frets, immediately moving to the other’s side. They stand there shaking for a minute, lightly shaking their head before sitting down.
Doesn't work. Can't. They try to explain as Killer cleans the mess, thinking to himself.
“If that didn't work I probably can't use healing food…Pain medicine might work for a bit, but can they heal some of that naturally?” The healing chew has always worked for injured cats he brings in..
Magic work past? Error questions as he tries to groom the large cat’s side, though he quickly gives up when his rough tongue gets stuck in their long, tangled fur, instead opting to headbutt and nuzzle them as he activates his own healing magic.
No only yours. They nuzzle back, licking the top of his head as Killer stares in awe.
“Cats using magic…this is new- But how can you heal them, bby?” Killer gently pets his back, examining them closely. “Ya got real similar magic…but ya can't be siblings..So weird…”
Confused don’t know. Error meows at Killer, arching into the pets. Maybe it’s because they’re both cats? Killer gently kisses the top of his head, continuing his pets.
“Ya know it's times like this I really wish I had blue magic still.” The skeleton sighs. “Don't know how I'm gonna get the big guy on the scale or the bath without hurting him. Can't heal him…Mmm….”
Getting up, Killer starts doing the rest of the maine coon’s check up- what he can do anyway. Error doesn’t like anything he hears.
Not only is the damage bad physically, but the intent to hurt that clings to the wounds is so strong that Killer is surprised the big cat isn't wailing in pain and even able to move at all. It’s a miracle… or his poor friend is far too used to it.
Error practically plasters himself to the maine coon when he comes to that realization, refusing to let himself be moved beyond what’s needed for Killer to continue his checkup.
They both get gentle pets and treats when Killer finishes doing what he can do. The big cat tries to refuse the treat, but one worried and upset mew from Error and they start licking it up.. It’s honestly kind of funny- if not maybe a little sad- how easily they give in to his pleas. Error definitely sets aside that knowledge for later- if only to get them to take care of themself.
Killer, after some thinking, walks them into a different room, the grooming room. With both a pet bath and pet dryer, grooming table folded up in the corner.
“Okay, now he ta get the big guy in the bath…I'm hesitant ta pick ya up, but…” Usually cats aren't willing to use it…but Killer grabs the pet stairs anyway. It's like a stepping stool for kids, but a pet staircase for big pets instead.
Go up clean good. Error suggests as he nudges the other cat toward the steps with a small chirp. They pout some more at him, flicking their tail to make their displeasure known, before slowly climbing the ladder, Error on their heels.
Don't need.
Still good. Deserve. He replies unapologetically.
Chapter 76: Apparently Error is a Beast Tamer
Chapter by Rain_thedragon, Wairwolf44
Summary:
Error spends his time busting trafficking rings, whether they be for slaves or beasts or animals. One day, someone he’s freed follows him home.
Planned bad guys poly but it’s mostly just Killer being a flirty bird to Error
Chapter Text
Error holds his breath, unlocking as many cages as possible. Doing the slaves first and telling them to wait until the bell that signals a change in the guards’ shifts before leaving. He had tried to give himself as much time as possible to sneak around, managing to get all of his main targets.
When the bell finally rings he starts opening as many beast cages as he can, the clamor from the creatures drawing everyone’s attention towards him as he gives up on stealth, recklessly breaking open locks and doors.
He manages to open one final cage before bolting, using the crowd of escapees and beasts to his advantage- or at least trying to. He does his best to ignore everything that’s touching him as he runs, only stumbling for a moment as something soft- and honestly fairly light- slams into his back, seemingly clinging to him as he regains his footing, glitching harshly.
It’s all a blur of color and shouting and screaming and bodies pressing against Error as he rushes out of the smugglers’ camp, using his strings and swinging himself into the trees as soon as he’s able, turning around and watching through the error signs in his sockets as people and creatures alike run and fight against their captors.
Thankfully, no one who’s running seems to need any further help- everyone he let out should be able to overpower and take over the camp, freeing the few beings he couldn’t. Hopefully, they’ll be able to take it from here- Error can't help them any more.
He's always detested the slave trade. It's fucked up on so many levels in Error’s opinion. He really can't imagine owning someone like property. Sighing, from both his exhaustion and relief, Error lets his shoulders sag, leaning against the trunk of the tree he’s still perched in…and it's only then that he really takes in the feeling of something still pressing close against his back.
He had thought that surely whatever it was would have let go during the chaos, but the nuzzling and rubbing against the back of his neck says otherwise.
“C-c’MOn, RI-idE’s OVeR.” Error mutters, reaching back to try pulling what he can only assume is a creature of some sort- considering the fact that he hasn’t crashed yet- off of him.
The creature angrily chirps at him as he grabs what has to be feathers, getting his hand lightly nipped at, then skeleton kissed as an apology as he quickly lets go of the feathers, glitching in surprise.
“Uh- SoRrY sORry-!” Error twists around as far as he can, straining to get a glimpse of the creature still stubbornly clinging to his back. Black, empty sockets stare back at him as they crane their neck, feathers going up from between their sockets and up their forehead floofing up as they headbutt the glitch.
“Hoo~”
“...Hi THeRe.” He greets the.. owl harpy? They look vaguely like an owl- and possibly a male considering how small they are. They chirp and headbutt him again, rubbing their face against his before giving Error a peck on the cheek. He blushes, confused and vaguely flustered, trying to figure out why on earth they seem so intent on giving him affection. Aren’t harpies supposed to be like- aggressive?
Seemingly pleased with his reaction, Error is attacked with kisses and happy chirps from behind, much to his bafflement.
“Chirp chirp chirp~!”
“YoU Are So wEIrd-” He declares as they coo and nuzzle him. “DoN’t YOu haVE A NEsT to gO To OR sOMeTHing? I nEeD To gO HOme And I CaN’t dO THaT With a HaRPy baCkpaCK-”
The bird blinks at him with a low coo- a sound similar to a content owl’s hoot- before kissing his nasal bridge and adjusting their wings’ hold to drape over his shoulders, pressing closer.
“...Y’kNow WHaT This IS a LAteR ErrOR pRobLEm.” Error decides, idly running his phalanges through the harpy’s disheveled wing feathers as he spares the smuggler’s camp one last glance, before turning to begin making his way to where he had hidden his current camp, hopping from tree to tree. He ignores just how tired he is with practiced ease; this breakout took several days of careful planning to time everything right, and now he just wants to pack his camp up and go home.
The bird is very affectionate the whole time, never letting go and seemingly very happy with their current predicament. It's odd on…so many levels. Error doesn’t really want to think about it right now though- They aren't hurting him and seem unbothered- so he can deal with this when he has the energy.
He eventually makes his way down to the ground once he feels far away enough, struggling slightly more than usual with the unfamiliar weight on his back and wanting to make the last bit of the trip easier on himself. The harpy isn’t particularly heavy or hard to hold, but it’s still throwing his balance off.
“Chirp chirp~” The harpy kisses his face some more, pressing their little body as close as they can to his.
“ThaT CaNNot BE coMFy-” Error sighs, reaching back and smoothing his hand over the fluffy feathers on the top of their skull. He finally steps into the clearing that hides his things, uncovering his sleeping pack and flopping down on top of it with a groan.
With a startled chirp, the bird lets go of his back, their big clawed feet letting go of his shirt to walk up and sit on the back of his ribcage. They turn in a circle before sitting on him, shaking their feathers a little and finally resting their head on top of his skull.
“‘Mm NoT a NEst.” Error mutters into the ground, though it mostly just comes out as a muffled garble of sound as he refuses to lift his head. The harpy trills, their fluffy chest feathers pressing against his neck as they move to hold his skull in their wings.
“Cooo~”
“NoT an eGg eITheR.” He adds, turning his head to try to peer back at them, earning himself a few more kisses.
“Hoo hoo~” Error huffs, rolling over onto his back and letting the bird tumble off him with a surprised squawk.
They fail to stand up, giving him the most pouty look, fluffing up and scooching over to press against his side.
“Chirp!!”
“WhAt dO YOu waNt? I dON’t tHInK I gOT aNY foOd YoU caN eAt rIGht noW.” Error sighs, taking the opportunity to look the little thing over a bit more closely. They definitely look like a little owl harpy, reddish brown feathers with white spots going from between their sockets and up their skull, their wings bearing the same design with a little clawed hook all harpies have at the tip of their folded wings.
The harpy’s underbelly is a reverse of their other feathers, white with reddish brown spots, and very floofy, though Error’s eyelights are much more drawn to the glowing red target-like thing floating just in front of their chest. It pulses and flickers like candle light that could be easily blown out with a simple breath.
They coo, and his gaze is drawn back to their face. They have pale- almost light grey- bones, with big empty black sockets and this thick black tar-like substance oozing out and down their cheeks, resembling tears. It’s almost unsettling when paired with the wide, almost cheeky grin they bare, leaning forward to lightly headbut him once more.
“ArE yOU eVeN an aDUlt? Or jUSt a smallEr sPeCIes?” Error asks himself, idly raising a hand to run his phalanges through the feathers on the top of their head. They probably only come up to his chin when standing up. He watches the lean up into his touch with a happy trill and low chirps that sound similar to a purr, all their feathers fluffing up before they shake their little body and their feathers flatten again.
“..YoU’re wEIrd.” He decides, tiredly closing his sockets for a moment and fighting the desire to just pass out here. He’d much rather be home and in bed. Even though he’s a bit far, there is a chance one of the people looking for the escaped slaves or beasts might come around. A random lamia could always eat him too- He shouldn’t sleep, even though it sounds so tempting.
The harpy snuggles in close, laying their skull on his ribcage and watching him for a second…before crawling up on his chest fully, spreading their wings out as they nuzzle under his chin with persistent chirping and hooting.
“WhADdyA WaNtTt-” Error half whines, forcing his sockets open with a scowl, trying to muster up the willpower to push himself up. The bird lifts their head, stares at him for a good few seconds…before giving Error a firm peck on the mouth- making him sputter, blushing brightly in flustered surprise. “WhAt thE FUck-??”
They grin wider, making a noise that sounds far too much like a laugh, before they kiss him again! The bird lingers just a little longer, holding his skull in their wings.
“Hoo hoo hoo~”
“I s-SToP oKaY-” Error pushes them back, face on fire as he sits up. The harpy leans into his hand, willingly letting their skull fall over when Error pushes them onto their back.
“Chirp~♡”
“YoU ArE So WeIRd-” He mutters, getting up to pack up his things with a yawn. “WhY aRE yOu sTiLL heRe AnywAYs?”
“Crooooo~” The bird lays on the ground with their wings sprawled out, swinging their talons in the air with continued bird noises. So noisy- and kind of ridiculous, honestly. At least they seem to be enjoying themself?
Error ignores the harpy for the time being, uncovering his backpack and gathering the last few odds and ends scattered around the clearing that he hadn’t cleaned this morning, rolling up his sleeping pack and stuffing it into the bag.
After a minute they seem to realize he moved away and they quickly scramble up on their feet and bird waddle over to him with loud chirps, happily pressing and nuzzling against his side.
“YeS YEs Hi-” Error sighs, lightly bonking his head against theirs as he closes his backpack, hefting it onto his back. They practically beam at the attention, suddenly bending down to pick up a stick at their feet to… ‘help’?
“Chip!!”
“Uh.. THaNks?” He says uncertainly, hesitantly moving to start the trek back home. “DoN’t YOu haVE A neST To gO BaCK to Or soMEThinG?”
He can hear their big bird feet as they waddle after him, he’ll take that as a no- Why is this bird suddenly so attached to him? Harpies aren’t friendly creatures by nature, males especially. The kisses hint at some kind of… interest? But male harpies are…very aggressive when it comes to their sexual interests. It’s what common harpies are known for. It’s why the females are larger than the males and tend to be defensive and territorial.
He’s fairly certain this harpy is a male with how small they are- plus, if they were a female, they’d have already taken off to reclaim their territory- but their behavior is so odd he can’t be sure. Error isn’t exactly an expert on beasts or anything, but everyone knows about common harpies, so maybe they’re just some weird sub variant? That or they’re just kind of dumb. Maybe they hit their skull on something- Error’s train of thought is cut off by a muffled hoot right next to his ear hole, making him jump back with a startled curse, glitching harshly.
The owl harpy tilts their head at him with another coo, showing off the branches of… wild blueberries? In their mouth. When on earth did they find those-?
The bird nudges their head against his shoulder before lightly shaking the berries at him, standing up on their tippy toes.
“Uh.. ARe THoSe fOR Me..?” He questions, hesitantly taking the little branches from them. They let go and excitedly chirp at him, headbutting his shoulder and stepping around to nuzzle into his ribcage, trilling over and over. “...ThaNKs.”
Error picks one of the little berries from a branch, looking it over and making sure it’s actually a wild blueberry before popping it into his mouth. It’s actually pretty good- fresh and sweet and just the right firmness- and he can’t quite stop the pleased little trill that escapes him.
He doesn’t see the harpy light up at first, their sockets going wide as they grin big, before they pull away from their snuggles to excitedly jump up and down, flapping their wings with very loud non stop chirping.
“Chirp chirp chirp chirpchirp~!”
“O-oH Uh-” Error stammers, flushing a bit in embarrassment as he watches the elated bird, unsure why they suddenly seem so happy. The way they stomp their feet, hiding their face in their wings for a few seconds before flapping again, reminds him far too much of a few girls he saw in his short time at school, getting so excited talking about their crushes. It’s kind of hilarious and honestly a bit endearing.
Error couldn’t really hold back his small smile if he tried as he eats a few more berries. After their happy little dance, the harpy waddles back over to wrap their wings around him in a hug, nuzzling him aggressively and making many happy owl noises.
The glitch snorts, holding his blueberries out of the way and letting himself lean just slightly into the hug. The harpy’s wings feel like a nice, warm blanket around his shoulders. They’re so very affectionate, trilling and cooing between happy chirps as they nuzzle him, before leaning up on the tips of their talons to lightly kiss his face wherever they can reach.
“Coo coo coo~”
“PfFt oKaY OKay ENouGh-” Error snickers, giving them a playfully aggressive nuzzle before nudging them back. His shoulders are getting sore and he’s eager to get home. The bird whines in complaint, but doesn’t fight the push at all, stepping back to balance themselves as Error continues his walk, the harpy happily waddling along behind him like a lost duckling.
Feeling too tired for talking anymore, Error simply nibbles on his berries as they walk, listening to the background sounds of the forest. It’s calm and quiet for the next several hours of travel, but the glitch forces himself to stay alert, even as they approach a familiar section of the forest.
The harpy is rather quiet, he only really knows they’re still behind him because of their waddling feet on the ground…but at some point…they suddenly stop. Error stumbles to a stop just a couple of steps later, glitching in confusion as he turns around. Had they finally decided to leave?
The harpy stands just a couple feet away, staring off to their left..completely still..and alert. Hesitantly- almost afraid to move- Error follows their gaze. He almost doesn’t see it at first, but the moment he does, Error’s soul stops, dropping from his ribcage like a heavy stone as he stares.
It’s a pale white, almost gray, like a human whose blood has been drained out of their body- but its legs and arms are too long and eyes sunken in, glossy white in color with what he can only describe as a dead sheen as it stares back, mouth agape. It’s terrifying, and all Error can do is stare in frozen horror, glitching harshly.
There’s a long moment where nothing happens, where he’s locked in this deadly stare for what feels like forever, time dragging on and on…..It takes a step forward- Not even a moment later something flies by, knocking the creature back as it screeches.
The sound is grating and sharp, making Error’s skull rattle as he jumps, stumbling back into a tree and pressing his hands to the sides of his skull. Even when the sounds stops, Error can barely hear a thing as it quickly starts up again. He trembles in place, glitching wildly as panic grips his soul.
Is something attacking it-? He should run. He needs to run- Error looks around frantically, faltering when he doesn’t see the harpy where they were before. Fuck- he hopes they had the sense to run away- like he needs to be doing.
A shadow looms over him and Error can’t help but stiffen before trailing his gaze up to the same creature as before, but so- so much closer. With its mouth wide, everything feels slowed, as its razor sharp teeth grow closer….Oh…he’s going to die…
Just as tears gather at the corner of his sockets, vision going fuzzy while he stares death in the face, something saves him. It happens in a blink. One second the creature is about to take a bite out of his skull, and the next it's reeling back from a massive new gash in its head, something cold splattering against his front.
It’s all Error can do to fight back a crash, scrambling away and pressing himself back against the first tree he stumbles into, feeling like he can’t get enough air. He barely registers anything in front of him, not the creature or the harpy that’s nearly too fast to see, hardly visible at all behind the error signs filling his sockets.
He gives up trying to see what’s happening, clenching his sockets shut as he cowers back against the tree, rattling from how hard he’s shaking. He struggles to breath as all his focus is put on trying not to crash. Error has no clue how long he stays like that, unable to hear anything but his own glitching and rattling bones for what feels like hours on end.
It’s not until he starts feeling lightheaded from lack of air that he realizes he’s hyperventilating and he forces himself to focus on getting his breathing under control, sinking down onto the ground and curling into a little ball.
After who knows how long, something rubs up against his shoulder, and he throws himself away with a strangled yelp, stubbornly pushing away the crash that almost overcomes him as he strains to look through the glitches and error signs filling his vision.
“Hoo..” The noise is soft and strained, just barely reaching Error as he squints against the red glow of a familiar target..thing. It takes a bit longer to recognize it than he would like, but the relief that washes over him when he realizes that it’s the harpy is enough to make him burst into tears, reaching forward to bundle them into his arms and they let him.
Their soft feathers are comforting compared to the harsh sting of his glitches. They’re a bit stiff in his hold at first, before they go slack, lightly nuzzling into his shoulder with a quiet noise. Error buries his face in the feathers on the top of their skull, managing to keep his touch gentle despite wanting to just cling to them.
They… they saved his life. Fuck- he almost died and all he could do was freeze and cry like some kind of coward- they fought that- that thing. How? If they’re getting his attention, then…it's gone right? They scared it off? Surely they didn’t kill it- it was too fast- and must have been strong, right? Error couldn’t even keep up with the fight- did it manage to injure them?
Error pulls back, clumsily wiping at his sockets and trying to blink away error signs to look them over, worried they got hurt protecting him. Their wings are stained with a purple substance thats long since dried onto their..remaining feathers, matching the same stuff staining his own front. The poor harpy has a few good chunks of feathers missing now, a bright red marrow the same color as the target dying the missing patches a bright red. As Error trail’s his gaze down, the glitch can only gasp in shock. The fucking thing bit them-
It’s an ugly looking wound- he has no clue why this bird let him hug them like this. Those teeth really were no joke, it damn near ripped their side off. Error wastes no time summoning his shaky healing magic in one hand, gently pressing it to the bite and fumbling to take off his backpack off, digging through it to grab his emergency healing items.
The harpy whimpers against him, trying to nuzzle Error again while keeping their movement to a minimum, breathing shallowly. Warmth slowly covers his hand as they bleed- He’s not sure how much magic they have, but slaves aren’t usually fed very well. He doubts they have that much magic to spare.
Error grabs one of his high grade monster candies- one that cost him a fortune and is supposed to restore several hundred HP- and clumsily unwraps it, not stopping his attempts to heal them as he holds it up to their mouth.
“H-hEr-RE- ThIS S-shoULd hE-eLP.” He murmurs. Error watches the harpy whine a little, before taking the candie. They seem a little confused by the sweet treat, but the healing magic takes effect quickly, their sockets widening in surprise.
“Chirp-?” Error sighs in relief, glad that it had worked as he pulls his hand away from the now closed bite wound. The candy won’t be able to regrow their missing feathers, but at least there’s no risk of them bleeding out on him. Still, he grabs another candy to offer them, figuring they could use the extra magic- and it’s not like the healing magic works on him anyways.
The bird is thankfully more than happy to eat the second candy, happily cooing and chirping as they resume where they left off kissing his face- Error can’t help but let out a wet giggle, hugging them close once again. They’re both still alive- this silly, affectionate bird saved him. He’s so thankful they didn’t leave- stars knows what would have happened to him if he was alone.
“Coo coo chirp~” They nuzzle him aggressively, wiggling themselves closer as they hug him with their wings. Error lets himself melt into it, closing his sockets as a wave of exhaustion washes over him, now that the threat is gone and he’s no longer quite on the verge of crashing- though the second he sits down and actually processes this, he knows he’s going to crash.
The bird kisses Error a few more times between nuzzles, before trying to wiggle out of his hold. He instinctively tightens his hold on them, choking back a small whimper, before forcing himself to let them go, still trembling and glitching a bit. They coo softly at him, lightly kissing the side of his skull, before lightly biting the hem of his jacket and trying to pull Error up to his feet.
It takes him a moment to get his feet under him, grabbing his backpack and shakily getting up, ignoring the painful glitches that prickle over him. He blinks away error signs, peering through them to properly look around for the first time since the fight had started.
It doesn’t seem…too bad-? There are marks of a scuffle, from marks in the dirt to a large gash in a tree where it looks like the creature swiped at the harpy and missed. Error almost doesn’t see the purplish looking…blood? Practically splattered everywhere, blending in with the mudd. The puddle of red magic is much more noticeable and if Error had to guess, his bird had laid there for at least a minute or two before walking over to him. He’s glad they did- otherwise he likely wouldn’t have noticed them bleeding out right next to him in his panic.
Error glances down at himself, grimacing at the strange blood soaked through the front of his clothes- a weird, metallic smell he hadn’t noticed only now hitting him full force. He really hopes that washes out- he likes this outfit.
Unaware of his plight, the bird pulls Error forward, tugging him the way he had been walking originally. Guess they don’t think they should stay for long- though if the thing isn’t dead and has just been scared off, Error is inclined to agree with them.
Error stumbles forward, before focusing more on where he puts his feet, breathing in shakily.
“...Y-yOu ReALly aRE a LItT-tLe KiLLer, a-aREn’t-t yoU.” He mumbles, reaching forward to gently grab the claw of their wing so they don’t have to keep pulling him by his shirt with their mouth.
“Chirp~!” They grin big, just as cheeky as before, as if they weren't seriously injured only a few short minutes ago, before turning to continue leading Error along with that silly bird waddle.
“MaYBe th-hAT’s-s wHaT I’LL-l naMe YOu. KiLLer-r.” He snorts quietly, trying to distract himself from his own thoughts before they can form. “ThEy’lL NEvER sEe-e-E iT ComINg-”
“Chirp chirp crooooo~” The newly dubbed Killer fluffs up their feathers and shakes, floofiness going back down as they look at him excitedly. He doesn’t think they can understand him, but maybe they like their new name.
“Y-yeAh? Yo-oU LIke THaT NaM-me, KiLL-ler?” Error asks, lightly nuzzling their skull as they continue to walk.
“Hoo!” They flap a little- their free wing anyway- stomping their little chicken feet as they grin. They do decently well at keeping him distracted for the rest of the walk, with quiet chirps and sounds. Error has to guide them in new directions once or twice to head towards home and when they finally get to the door the glitch is very ready to sleep…or crash- or shower, actually.
Yeah- he’s going to continue ignoring his mind to get clean before anything else- try to wash the dried blood and marrow from Killer while he’s at it.
He unlocks his door and disables the illusion and security spells surrounding his home long enough to pull Killer inside behind him, though he locks the door and reactivates them as soon as they’re both safely inside. Error can’t quite stop himself from sagging back against the door with a slightly shaky sigh, only just having the presence of mind to keep ahold of Killer so they don’t wander off, despite their curious little hoots and coos.
He’s so damn tired- tonight was far more eventful then he wanted it to be. Killer nuzzles his skull, planting themselves snugly against his side with a coo and a few kisses. The pure affection is honestly kind of nice, and Error lets himself soak it in for a moment before forcing himself to straighten up, leading Killer to the bathroom.
The little harpy is thankfully very patient, curiously looking over the room and poking at things as Error starts up the bath. Error doesn’t hesitate to strip off his gross clothes, figuring it’ll just be easiest for both of them to bathe together- but Error is rinsing and scrubbing himself off a bit first.
With the water high enough, Error sinks into the warm water, sighing as he lets it soothe the ache in his bones. He takes a deep breath, letting his heavy sockets close for just a moment, before looking back to check on the harpy….and finding them gnawing on a soap bottle.
“...PFfT- DoN’t EAt thAt-” He snickers, taking the soap from Killer and flicking them with a bit of water, earning himself an offended squawk. Killer’s feathers floof up as they shake out before giving Error a mischievous grin, shaking their tail feathers as they crouch down.
“….WhAT aRe yOU dOIng..?” He asks suspiciously. With what sounds like a giggle, Killer suddenly jumps into the bathtub, splashing water everywhere. “AcK-! KiLLer-!!”
With some mischievous giggling, Killer shakes out their soaked feathers like a wet dog, splashing Error even more before plopping in his front. As Error scowls down at the offending bird, they stick his tongue out at him.
“BrAT- I’m GOnNA HaVe tO ReplACe THe bATh waT-teR Now ‘cAUsE-e YOu’rE aLL gROsS-!” Error complains, grabbing his water stone to spray them down, unplugging the bath to let the already brownish-purple tinted water drain away.
Killer has the gall to giggle again, scooting up just enough to give the glitch a quick kiss, much to Error’s embarrassment. The harpy looks so smug too-
“...YOu’Re-e luCKy YOu’Re cuTE aNd I’m NIcE-” He eventually huffs, lightly spraying them in the face before going back to rinsing them off. The bird screeches a little, grinning like the cheeky ass they are as they lean up into the water with a coo.
It’s hard to stay truly annoyed at them as he works to the best of his exhausted ability to clean them both off, Killer- thankfully- mostly behaving. Aside from sneaking a few more kisses and insisting on snuggles, Killer cooperates with him to get clean. The harpy looks like a drowned rat with all their droopy feathers- Error does his best to scrape off as much water as he can from them before drying them both off with towels, refusing to give the bird a chance to get any ideas about shaking off the extra water.
Killer- or course- tries anyway, shaking inside the towel and fanning his wings out as far as they can go. The towel thankfully manages to catch most of the water, but Error still makes sure to give them an unamused look before drying off as well, leaving the bathroom to grab some comfortable clothes to wear.
Big chicken- or owl, he supposes- feet follow behind him, shaking their mostly dry feathers some more until they make it to Error’s bedroom. The moment Killer spots the bed they run and jump into it, sprawling out over the cushions with a trill.
“Wh- HeY WaIT YOu’rE StILL aLL daMP-!” Error protests, though he doesn’t really have the energy to do anything to stop them. They look up at him, confused, before sitting up and walking to the edge of the bed closest to him without getting off.
“Hoo?”
“…It’s NOtHinG.” Error sighs, walking to his wardrobe and dropping the towel he had wrapped around himself, grabbing a large nightshirt to pull on. There’s a loud thump, Killer tumbling over themself as they get off the bed, talons clicking on the ground until they’re pressed up against Error’s side again.
“Chirp~” They look up at Error with a dopey grin, shaking their tail feathers as they yawn. The glitch snorts, rolling his eyelights as he gives them a nuzzle, before pulling them back to his bed, more than ready to pass out.
Once he lays down Killer is quick to get in with him, making themself comfortable on their belly, nestled into his side with one wing draped over him like an ever so slightly damp, feathered blanket. Error gets a soft peck on the cheek before they lay their skull down on his shoulder, softly trilling. Error lets himself chirp quietly in response as he just accepts his fate, closing his sockets and trying to avoid thinking about their near brush with death. He really just needs to sleep…and at least he knows this silly bird will protect him.
He can freak out tomorrow..
~
Error wakes slowly, warm and comfortable with his pillow, purring softly in contentment as he tries hard to avoid the waking world. He doesn’t wanna get up yet- he’s not ready to deal with his thoughts and the world. He curls up further under his soft blanket, ducking his skull under it to escape the light from his window.
The blanket moving barely registers in his tired mind as it folds around him just a little tighter, a soft kiss being pressed against his skull, followed by several more.
“Mm…” Error scrunches up his face, lazily batting above him in an attempt to make the kisses stop. He just wants to sleep… The offender has the audacity to coo at him, making several soft chirping noises before resting their skull against his, snuggling a little closer. Error grumbles wordlessly, shifting to burrow against his cuddle buddy and trying to use them as a shield against the world.
They’re so soft and fluffy, feathers only slightly tickling Error’s nasal bridge as he hides, listening to a faint thumping of their soul beat that stutters from time to time. He lets himself relax into it for a moment, but his body doesn’t let himself go back to sleep like he so desperately wants, much to his tired annoyance.
The glitch becomes more and more aware of his aching bones, sore from the day before. It only makes him want to sleep more, to avoid everything for just a bit longer. Unfortunately, Error is eventually forced to give in, opening his sockets with a small whine.
“Hooo~” Error is met with white fluffy chest feathers, covered in the soft red light of Killer’s…target thing, thumping and flickering quietly beside his skull, and he reluctantly pulls back from the harpy, poking his skull out from the wing that he had retreated under. Of course he is immediately greeted with another morning kiss on the forehead and a happy little trill from his bird. “Hoo hoo~”
Error responds with a quiet, wordless trill of his own, before pulling back and stretching out with a yawn, glancing at his window. It’s probably mid-morning by now. Stretching their legs out- surprisingly very long legs that were hiding under the floof- Killer wiggles up to press against Error’s back.
“Croo?”
“It’s TiMe t’ gET-t uP Now..” He mutters in response, forcing himself to get up as the harpy whines. They, of course, follow closely behind him like a duckling following their mom. Killer only slightly gets distracted by things as they walk by, before noticing Error stepping away and quickly scrambling after him. It’s honestly kind of cute and Error wouldn’t mind slowing down to let Killer wander around, but he needs some chocolate if he’s going to continue avoiding a breakdown.
Memories of that…thing from last night keep trying to remain at the forefront of his mind, only being willed away at the prospect of chocolate. Maybe he’ll melt some on top of a piece of bread for breakfast- he needs to figure out what to feed Killer as well.
Normally harpies eat fish or small animals, berries here and there too… He’s pretty sure he has some raw meat he can give them..?
“YoU hUNgRy?” He asks Killer as they reach the kitchen, wasting no time beelining it to his chocolate cupboard.
The harpy chirps curiously at him, tilting their head to the side as they make a…not a bird noise- “Hnga-”
“..WhA-?” Error glitches, staring at Killer in slightly stunned confusion. “ArE… aRE you tRYiNg tO cOPy mE?”
“W-wa!” Killer grins, stomping their talons in excitement as Error snorts.
“KiLleR.” He says slowly, pointing at the harpy.
“Ki-” The k sounds more like a clicking sound and they visibly struggle with the ‘L’s in their name, wrinkling their nasal bridge as they mess with their tongue to make the right noise.
“KiLlllLEr.” Error repeats, letting Killer see how his mouth moves.
“Ki-killer- Killer~!” The harpy stomps their feet some more on excitement, leaning up to headbutt Error as they chirp. “Killer Killer K-killer!”
“Mhm~! YOu’Re KilLEr~!” The glitch agrees with a grin, nuzzling their foreheads together. “AnD I’m ERROr.”
“Errooor?” Killer makes an attempt, giggling in excitement.
“MhM I’m ErRoR~” He replies, pointing to himself. Giddy about their new discovery, Killer nuzzles Error aggressively, continuing to stomp their feet.
“Erroor Error Error!” Error can’t help but laugh a bit himself, nuzzling them back. Their excitement is adorable. With a happy chirp, Killer gives him a quick sneaky kiss, grinning.
“Errorrr~”
“KiLleRRr~” Error coos back, watching them wiggle happily for a moment before pulling back to go search his fridge for something the harpy can eat. The cool air feels nice against his face as he scans the fridge contents. Killer is also rather interested, considering they shoving their head inside- Error has to push them back with a laugh so he can actually see, opening a drawer and pulling out a wrapped, raw steak.
He had planned on making it for dinner soon, but feeding Killer is more important. He’ll have to get more to feed Killer, Error isn’t quite sure just how much harpies eat, but-
That train of thought has him pause, setting the wrapped steak on the counter as Killer nuzzles under his arm to investigate.
When had he decided to keep Killer? Is he going to keep them-? Harpies are wild animals, essentially. Even if beast tamers exist, Error is just Error. He has no idea what he’s doing.
…Though, Killer doesn’t seem to have any intentions of leaving. Honestly, Error isn’t sure he has much of a choice when it comes to keeping them. If he tries to leave them anywhere Killer would just follow him home with his stupidly cute waddles and coos- Error might just have to deal.
Not that he’s..too opposed to it. Killer is a nice snuggle buddy and very smart for a harpy, maybe he could even teach Killer to really talk! This silly harpy protected him…it’s the least he can do, right?
Mind newly set, Error grabs a pair of gloves so he doesn’t have to touch the raw steak, before grabbing a knife to cut it open. Smelling the food, Killer chirps excitedly, trying to get in close to get a taste.
“NuH Uh wAIt waIT-” Error puts himself in the way of Killer so he can get the wrap fully off, before cutting the steak into strips. Hopefully, the harpy won’t try to rip it up and get blood all over his kitchen.
He earns himself many impatient whines and hooing- Killer trying to wiggle through his defenses to snatch a piece.
“OkAy fINe OKay-” The glitch snickers, grabbing one of the pieces and holding it in front of the impatient harpy. The food is immediately snatched and Killer damn near doesn’t chew with how fast they eat it, before plopping their feathered butt down and opening their mouth for more like a baby bird. “...YOu’Re suCH a DOrK-”
Error starts feeding the harpy the rest of the steak, knowing better than to keep them waiting too long. It’s like dropping food into a bottomless pit, each strip quickly being devoured with Killer eagerly waiting for the next even when there’s no more.
“I’m soRrY- thAT’s ALl I’vE Got.” Error says apologetically, holding out his hands so the harpy can see they’re empty. They blink at him, tilting their skull to the side, before standing and reaching up with their wings to pull Error’s hand down, trying to lick his fingers- “Wh- hEy- nO-”
He pulls his hands back, pulling off his gloves and tossing them into the trash before showing Killer. The harpy gives him a pouty look, wrinkling their nasal bridge….before trying to grab his hands again anyway!
“I’m NOt foOd.” He reminds, though he lets Killer pull his hands down with a look. Grinning again, the harpy uses their wing hooks to hold Error’s hand close. At first all they do is nuzzle and rub their face against it, but the moment Error relaxes, Killer takes the opportunity to kiss the skeleton's hand all over, making him blush brightly. “Wh- H-heY WhaT’re YOu-”
What is with this owl and kisses-? Is it a normal show of affection for harpies or something? He has a feeling it’s not, not when common harpies are concerned anyway.
After only a few more kisses, Error can’t help but jolt as Killer closes their mouth around one of the glitch’s fingers again- he pulls his hand away again, glitching slightly.
“No I’m NOt foR EaTIng-” Killer makes their displeasure known with a loud whine, trying to grab Error’s arm again.
“Error Error-!”
“YOu’LL juSt trY To eAT me aGAIn.” He accuses, before a small bang of hunger in his middle reminds him why hw\e was in the kitchen in the first place. He needs breakfast as well. Pouting hard, Killer lets their wings sag, relenting to press themself against Error’s side instead with a huff. The glitch snickers as he pets Killer’s head, before grabbing a couple of slices of bread and popping them into the toaster.
As he prepares his food Killer must have gotten bored, waddling off into the living room to continue their curious poking at things, leaving Error alone in the kitchen. Leaving Error without a distraction as he sets a small bowl with some chocolate in it next to the toaster, using the extra heat to melt it.
It leaves him waiting for a moment, picking at his phalanges as he tries to ignore the terrifying face that forces its way to the forefront of his mind. He can’t help but shudder at the memory of the… creature- the unnaturally quick way it moved, the way Error had stared into the abyss as it lunged to consume him, mouth agape- Error had gazed into the dark and it had gazed back-
A sudden, loud noise comes from in front of Error, making a strangled yelp escape him as he stumbles back, glitching harshly in his panic. He hardly even registers the pain from his elbow as he runs into his kitchen island, just sinking to the floor and feeling like he can’t get enough air.
He can’t breathe- he can’t breathe- he’s going to die the creature is going to find him and he can’t protect himself- why can’t he breathe-
“Croo? Hoo hoo-” Soft red light sticks out against the white tiles of his kitchen floor and the error signs filling his vision, making him jolt and look up quickly towards the source. For a second he thinks it’ that thing, but he is beyond relieved to find it’s just Killer- just the silly bird- it’s- he’s not in danger he needs to calm down but he still can’t breathe.
It doesn’t quite quell the building panic like it should, his bones still softly rattling, glitches picking up- and all he can do is stare stiffly at Killer like helpless prey that can’t even run.
Movement snatches his attention again from where he had resumed his spiral and this time…Error finds himself at really a loss of words. Killer shamelessly shakes their tail feathers at the glitch, wings raised above their head.
Killer dramatically turns to face him, now hiding all but their sockets behind his wings before slowly opening them, all while continuing to move their hips. It reminds Error of hula dancers and their frilly skirts- but with feathers.
Continuing to dance, Killer steps closer, coming to stand in front of the glitch. Tips of their wings at their sides, Killer fluffs themself up….and starts bouncing like a dork-
“Hoo hoo hoo hoo hoooooooo~”
“Wh-WhA-a-?” A slightly strangled laugh escapes Error as he watches Killer through the gaps in his glitches, dumbfounded. The bouncing stops and Killer starts moving their head side to side, swaying with the movement on their big chicken legs. It’s got to be the silliest thing Error has ever seen-
Grinning like a dork, his silly bird steps into his lap, continuing the head wiggles as they lay their wings over his sides, getting in close…and giving him a sweet little kiss.
“Hoo hooo~” Error blushes with a small snort, finding himself charmed at the ridiculous display. The adrenaline leaves his body as he manages to calm down- though the pain from his glitches doesn’t fade quite yet- actually he hurts a bit worse now, finally noticing his abused elbow.
“O-oH oW-“ He mutters.
Chirping, Killer kisses his cheek, lightly pressing their foreheads together with a little wiggle.
“Errorrrr~”
“HeH- h-Hi KiLl-LEr..~” Error mumbles, lightly nuzzling them. They give him a happy little trill in response, pressing closer as they pepper his skull in soft kisses wherever they can reach. This silly bird is surprisingly endearing. Killer would make for a good therapy animal- or well, therapy beast- if that’s even a thing, considering that- apparently- all Error needs to snap out of a panic attack is someone acting ridiculous.
If the next time he finds himself freaking out and Killer starts shaking their butt at him, Error might actually laugh himself out of it. Dumb dorky bird being silly- Kissing him silly too, what is up with Killer and kisses?
“Error Error Erroorrr~”
“WhAt-t iS ya GoOf~?” Error echoes Killer’s tone, thoroughly amused. The silly bird headbutts him again, grinning like a giddy dork, before giving the glitch another kiss. This time however, instead of the quick, innocent little kisses he’s been getting, Killer lingers. It leaves Error not quite sure how to react, a confused sound leaving him as he glitches slightly, before moving to pull back.
Killer lets him, thankfully, even though they have a super smug look on their face.
“Wh-whAt-?” Error asks, blushing harder. The harpy's grin only widens and they’re quick to kiss him again, pressing closer and cheekily licking at his mouth. A surprised, flustered squeak escapes him as he jolts back, unsure how to react. Is Killer actually trying to make out with him-??
His reaction has Killer pulling back, chirping softly as they lay their head on his ribcage. “Errror?”
“Uh- I’m- I’M FiNe-” He replies, nuzzling them lightly as he tries to recall what harpy courting is like. Is that why Killer stayed with him? Do they think Error is their mate or something? He can’t think of anything distinct male harpies do for courting, they’re usually too aggressive- but Error’s thinking of common harpies and Killer is…something else.
Error hums, well…what do birds usually do? Some do gifts, like shiny things or food. Then there's ma….mating dances. Like peacocks shaking their tail feathers at a female they like.
…Was that what Killer was doing?? Did they see Error panicking on the floor and decide that was really the best time to dance for him-? Killer seems like a smart harpy so surely not, right?
He looks back down at the bird from where his eyelights had wondered, Killer’s empty eyesockets staring back up at him. The bird has the gall to smile again, snuggling into him a little more.
“Hoo Error~”
“...This IS a LaTeR Me pRObLeM.” Error decides, curling around the harpy and nuzzling them firmly. They trill happily, hugging him back with their wings and nuzzling into him with as much affection they can muster. He can feel the target- probably their soul, now that he’s thinking about it- beating and flickering against his ribcage.
He sighs as he relaxes against Killer, resting his chin on top of their skull. The day has barely started and he’s already exhausted. At least he doesn’t have any real plans today…besides getting Killer some food….Oh wait food, his toast- dammit.
“UghH-” Error groans, turning to dramatically flop to the floor, getting a startled chirp out of Killer as the bird falls over with him.
“...Hoo?”
“ExIStanCE is CRueL.” He laments, flopping an arm over his sockets and letting himself lay limply on the ground for a moment. Killer wiggles their skull into the elbow of his arm, before relaxing there with a huff, wings laying limp.
“Cr-rool-”
“CrUeL.” Error repeats, though he doesn’t really have a way to explain the word to the bird. “...I sHOulD EaT..”
“Ead- eat.” Killer mimics, nuzzling his skull with a soft trill.
“MHm eAt~” He agrees, nuzzling them back before he nudges them off and moves to get up. He has some breakfast to get to.
~
Error practically rushes into town once he arrives, wanting to make this a quick trip for supplies. Killer, the dorky bird, was not happy about having to stay at home. Ever since he ran into the harpy Killer has been practically glued to his side. Can birds have separation anxiety? If they can, it definitely feels like Killer has it- though, it’s not like Error isn’t just as unhappy about being separated from him- the glitch has recently taught Killer the concept of males and females, and he was pretty insistent he was a male.
Still, he needs to get more food for the both of them, and that’s something he can only get from in town, considering he doesn’t feel up to hunt at the moment. As sweet as Killer is Error…isn’t really sure how the harpy would react to other people, or how everyone will react to Killer. With the forest so close all the townspeople are very aware of the different beasts that dwell in the magic dense woods.
Without Error being a beast tamer and Killer nt being collared and registered he doubts everyone would feel all that safe with a male harpy walking around casually. Maybe he can work on getting registered as one at some point in the future- but for now, Error is more focused on just getting his food and going home. He premade a detailed list and everything in hopes of speeding up his trip.
Navigating through the busy market and scanning the many stalls, Error is startled by a yelp, like someone had kicked a puppy. He narrows his sockets, trying to see down the dark alleyway where he could have sworn the sound had some from.
“Move it ya stupid mutt-!” Another pained yelp, this time accompanied by a snarl that can just barely be heard above the everyday bustling of town. Error- perhaps stupidly- moves without thinking, putting on a confident air as he strides into the gap between storefronts.
The alleyway starts off uncomfortably narrow, before coming to a more open space for traders to deliver their goods for sale…and it would seem some slave traders have occupied the space. Three men, two human one lizard monster hybrid, are trying and struggling to force a very big muzzled dog into a large cage on a nearby cart.
Error has never seen a direwolf in person, and while he’s sure it would be intimidating under normal circumstances, the poor beast just seems so beaten down and afraid. They are clearly exhausted, stumbling with every tug on the collar that’s far too tight around their neck, and stubbornly pulling back despite the wheezing growls that escape them. With the many other injuries Error can see staining their white gray fur purple, it really feels like a miracle the beast has any energy to fight back at all.
The rather soul wrenching sight tugs at Error’s heartstrings the way things like this always have. He will never understand how a person’s greed can lead them to viewing living beings as nothing more than another gold coin to fill their pockets. Maybe beasts aren’t monsters or humans, but they’re smart- Smarter than most give them credit for, Killer is proof of that.
The difference between a monster and a beast is blurred. Really the only thing that clearly defines them is the wild nature of their magic, the intense instinct driven behavior that makes them seem more…animalistic. They shouldn’t be treated as lesser for evolving more towards survival than growth. Error has always believed that.
“HeY!” He barks, pulling on a mask of bold confidence. “WhAT thE HeLL dO YoU THinK YOu’rE DOinG?”
All three heads turned to face him, ranging from confused and annoyed.
“The fuck does it look like we’re doin’, dipshit? Mind your own fuckin’ business.” The dark harried human hisses, grunting when the dire yanks back against the leash, earning themselves a swift kick to their muzzle.
“ThAt’s My WolF, aSsHOle. I THiNk iT Is mY BusINEsS.” Error snaps, taking a bit of a gamble as he summons a few sharp bones to hover around him. He knows better than to try playing nice- smugglers are only ever willing to listen to their own language.
They give Error the ugliest looks, the dark haired human scoffing in annoyance. After only a moment of contemplation, he sighs, letting go of the leash and hushing the other two’s protests. “Collar and mark your mutt, smallfry. Next group might not be so nice.”
The direwolf stumbles back without anything to pull against, bumping into a nearby barrel and startling themself, jolting again when the three smugglers pull out of the alleyway quickly on their cart. Seems the leader of their group didn’t think dealing with Error was worth the effort. Thank god.
Error keeps the steely look on his face until they’re out of sight, before letting his bone attacks dissipate with a relieved sigh, before turning his attention to the wolf.
“HeY THerE.” He greets, keeping his voice soft and posture nonthreatening as he holds out his hands, stepping a bit closer to them. “DoN’t woRry- The MEaN PeoplE ARe gONe.”
The wolf steps back, pressing themself against the wall with a strangled, wheezing growl as they tremble.
“Shh ShH It’S OkaY iT’s oKAy..” Error soothes, pushing his weak healing magic into his hands and reaching forward to ghost his hands over their head, healing their injuries as best as he can. He knows it’s a bad idea to corner them like this, but he needs to get that collar and muzzle off of them. “I jUSt wAnnA HEaL yoU ANd geT THaT COllAR anD mUZzlE Off, oKaY?”
They seem to relax under the warm touch of his healing magic, a small whimper leaving them as they shakily lay themselves down. Their legs practically give out under them, continuing to shake. Error holds back wounded sound at their state, instead just moving his hands down the chains and leather binding their face and neck, carefully unbuckling the collar and letting it fall to the floor, muzzle following suit.
The way the wolf takes a slow deep breath, wincing at the slight movement around their neck the actions causes, making it very clear to Error was far too tight. All the bindings were too hard in one way or another. Their neck is rubbed raw, bruised with patches of fur missing, and their poor face has deep scratches from where the metal wires on the muzzle dug into their skin, the most noticeable being the jagged cut under their right eye.
“Oh YOu PoOR thINg..” Error murmurs, ever so gently trying to heal the worst of the damage. He wishes he had bothered to bring some of his monster candy on this trip, but he had left his pack at home and emptied most of his inventory in anticipation of bringing his groceries home.
The more they seem to calm down, the more tired they become. Error can only watch the adrenaline quickly fade, their eyes drooping as they try to lean up into his hand for comfort.
“..YOu’rE saFE noW, dOn’t WOrrY.” He mumbles, gently scratching behind their ears. Maybe he can finish up the last of his shopping while they rest- get them some food too, while he’s at it. It should be…fine to leave them here for just a little while. Those guys probably won’t come back anytime soon and there shouldn't be any deliveries to the shops in the middle of the day. He’ll just have to hurry back, just in case.
Error continues to gently pet and heal them until their breathing evens out, before carefully pulling back and creeping away. He’ll have to be quick. Hopefully the butcher won’t mind him buying most of their stock-
~
Thankfully, Error manages to make fairly quick work of the rest of his shopping- though it costs a bit more than he would’ve liked- quickly making his way back to the alleyway he had left the direwolf in. Stepping into the more open space, for a moment Error thinks the direwolf might have fled. He doesn’t notice the sleeping monster right away- or, at least he thought they were a monster, at first glance.
The glitch cautiously steps closer, taking in their torn up clothes, fluffy white ears and tail…and the jagged red scar under their right socket that has yet to fully heal. Are they.. really the wolf?
Hesitantly, Error crouches down next to them and gently runs a hand over the top of their skull. He still glitches slightly, but not nearly as much as he would for a typical monster. They make a sleep rumbling sound, lifting their skull up into his hand a little as they open their sockets just enough to see Error through their fuzzy, mismatched eyelights.
“Hmf…”
“HeY THerE..~” Error murmurs, gently petting their head. They practically melt into the positive attention, eyelights dilating in their droopy sockets as their tail slowly wags. It’s unfairly cute- “YoU ALriGht thErE?”
“Mm’...tired..” They mumble, a deep rumble starting up in their ribcage as they sleepilly try their hardest to press into his hand. Error has to actively hold back a coo, petting them some more.
“ThINk yOU coULd eAt sOMethiNG? It’LL heAL thE WOrsT Of yoUr iNJUriEs beTteR THaN I evER coULd.” Error offers, pulling out a monster candy he had bought- though he couldn’t afford very good quality. Honestly, he’s kind of glad that they could understand him and talk back- Killer is still figuring out most common words.
Looking at the candy, they seem like they want to argue, but are too tired to muster up the energy to. Tentatively, they take the candy from his hand and pop it into their mouth, sighing almost immediately in relief before trying to sit up.
“WoAh woAH hEy giVe iT A seCOnd tO aBSorB-” Error lightly scolds, gently pushing them down and scratching behind their ears. “BesIDeS, I hAVe aNOTheR onE YOu GotTA eAt firsT.”
They try to whine at him, but quickly cut themselves off in favor of a happy rumble at the pets, their tail wagging some more. “But-”
“No BuTs- I aLReaDY PaID foR It And THey Don’T WOrK oN me ANywAys.” Error interrupts their protests, grabbing the other candy and giving it to them. The bigger skeleton pouts at him, but hesitantly takes the candy anyway.
“...Why did you help me..? What do you want?”
“I jUSt hELpeD ‘cAUse You wEre HUrt.” Error replies with a shrug, letting them up after looking them over, satisfied with how much the monster candy healed them. “YOu hUNgrY? I gOT You sOMe mEaT BuT I’vE GoT OTheR FooD IF yoU’d raTHer.”
“Meat-!? Where-!?” The direwolf is up so fast, giving him the biggest puppy dog eyes as their tail wags in excitement like they’ve just been told they’re getting a treat- It takes them a second to reel in their own excitement, blushing a soft lavender as they look away. “I-I mean meat please…”
“Of COurSe.” Error agrees, holding back laughter at how cute their eagerness is as he pulls a paper wrapped steak from his inventory, unwrapping it and offering it to them. “JusT Don’T EAt toO FAsT- I Don’T WAnt YoU GEtTIng siCk.”
They stare intently at the food with food with the biggest longing eyelights Error has ever seen- but they don’t move. The wolf stays firmly planted in place as they wiggle impatiently, looking from him to the food, then back again.
“...YoU CaN uH- yoU CaN eAT iT, y’KNow.” Error says after a moment- jolting in surprise when the meat is snatched, immediately being shoved into the wolf’s mouth like they’re trying to inhale it whole- “WoAh woAh wAIt HEy dOn’t cHoKe On iT-!”
He quickly tries to pull the chunk of meat away somehow, worried they were going to make themself sick. The wolf leans away with a small, possessive growl, before they suddenly stiffen completely, staring at him with wide sockets.
“..It’S- iT’s okAY.” Error tries to reassure, pulling back slightly to avoid crowding them. “CaN yoU juSt tAKe soMe smaLLer BIteS foR Me? EaT A Bit sLOwer? I’ll giVE YOu sOMe moRE if YOu dO.”
The direwolf stares for a few seconds longer, gathering themselves and pulling the stake away enough to take a more reasonable bite out of. Their face turns purple again as their tail starts to wag, small happy rumbles making themselves known between bites.
“GooD BOy~” He coos without thinking, before his face heats up as he covers his mouth. Shit that’s probably offensive as fuck-
Error wasn’t expecting the wolf's whole face to turn purple, tail thumping loudly against the stone path. They very pointedly avoid looking at him, focused on finishing their food. At least they don’t seem upset, based on how much their tail is wagging, but… he should probably still apologize, right?
“Um- s-SoRrY- I- I DiDn’t meaN To- uH- Th-THaT’s noT To SaY YOu aREn’T A GoOD bOY YOu sEem to BE a VeRY goOd BOy bUt ThaT’s P-proBaBLy dEMeaNIng- I’m JUSt goNna SHut UP noW-” Error’s face is bright yellow at this point as he sinks down into his scarf, stopping himself from rambling and embarrassing himself even more.
“I-It’s not- I u-uhm-” Error glances back up at the wolf, watching them shift as they finish the last bite of their food. “I was….Was always told I was bad, never be good enough so it’s….I like it-”
“Oh- WeLL- aLriGht theN…wHOevEr saID thAT SOunds LIke A bAStaRd.” He mutters, grabbing another, smaller cut of meat and offering it to them. This time the wolf is much more controlled when they take the offered food, watching Error closely until they have the meat in their hands.
“Y-yeah he wasn’t great- O-oh I’m- My name is Cross, by the way-”
“NiCE tO meEt yOU~ I’m ERrOr- hE/hIm.” Error introduces, giving Cross a smile.
“Oh! Can- c-can I go by he/him too-?” Cross askes almost excitedly.
“If yOU wAnt?” He replies, a touch confused.
“I just don’t like being called it- Is all-” Cross explains. “You’re the uhm..first other person I’ve talked to, besides the…other guy-”
The wolf is purposefully vague as they- he resumes munching on his food, and Error takes the hint to not push.
“ThaT’s FINe By mE- I’vE BeEN usING tHey/thEm fOR You IN My hEaD UntIL noW, bUt iF YOu liKe He/hIM mORe thAN thaT’s fiNE ToO.”
“Yes please! I like it a lot~ Thank you, Error~” The doggo preens, giving him a big smile as he licks his hand clean, tail wagging excitedly.
“YoU DoN’t haVe TO thANk Me foR ThaT- iT’s juSt basIC DeCENcy.” Error replies, unable to resist giving Cross a pat on the head. Cross’s fluffy tail thumps louder and he eagerly leans into the headpats with the cutest little deep “roof” Error has ever heard- Leaning over to give the glitch a headbutt as he happily rumbles. Error has to hold back a small laugh at the wolf’s cute actions, just petting him some more before pulling back to stand.
“YoU FeELing bETteR? I couLD pRObaBLy pATch You uP BeTteR baCK At My hoUSe, But I uNDerSTaNd iF YOu’d RaTHer leAVe.” He offers a hand to Cross.
“N-no! I wanna go! I- With you- I mean if t-that’s okay-” The wolf stammers, before remembering to take his hand and standing up with him. Cross is…tall- much bigger than Error anyway, a little over a head taller? Error only comes to his collarbone.
“I dOn’T MinD~ JuSt DoN’t piCk fIGHts wITh KiLLer PLeAse.” Error replies, squeezing Cross’ hand before gently tugging him along as he moves to head out of the village, making sure to leave through the backroads.
“Killer?” Cross asks, willingly following behind him like a lost puppy.
“He’s a HArpy wHo dECIdEd He wAS sTAyiNG wiTH mE For SomE REaSOn.” He shrugs. “HoPEfulLy He hASN’t dEStroyED the hOUse wHILe I WaS GonE..”
“A harpy?” Cross nuzzles the back of his skull, soft ears brushing against him.
“A BiRD sKEleTOn mIX.” Error explains, reaching back to lightly pet Cross as they leave the outskirts of the village.
“Oh- I like birds~ They’re pretty.” Cross is an awkward pupper, but so very cute, leaning into his pets with a very happy doggo noise.
“Mhm~” Error agrees, nuzzling Cross.
They walk in comfortable silence until they reach Error’s house, the afternoon sun hot overhead. It seems Killer hasn’t noticed he’s home yet, but Error is certain that will change once he gets closer-
Not even a few steps closer to the house and they can both hear something fall over inside, the front door jolting as something smacks into it, no doubt a particularly clingy bird.
“GiVE mE lITeRAlLy liKE FIvE moRE sEcOnDs-“ Error calls, walking to the door and unlocking it, bracing himself before he opens it. As he expected, Error is immediately tackled by a feathery birb.
Killer nearly knocks him back onto his pelvis, the harpy practically trying to merge with Error’s front as he chirps at him.
“YeS HelLO I miSseD YOu toO YOu sILLy bIRd~” Error chirps back, hugging him close and running his hands through Killer’s soft feathers. His dorky bird leans into the touch with a quick happy trill, nuzzling his ribcage aggressively.
“Error! Error Error Error Error!!!”
“KiLLer KILler KilLEr~!” The glitch parrots, nuzzling the top of Killer’s head with a laugh. The bird pouts, but nuzzles and headbutts him firmly anyway, purring loudly.
After some more firm affections, Killer tilts his skull to look behind the glitch, very curious as always.
“KiLLeR, THis IS CRosS.” Error greets, turning around with the harpy in his arms to face the wolf. Poor Cross waves shyly, shifting with a nervous air as Killer perks up and lets go of Error to waddle over to the wolf. When he gets close, Killer slows, as if he’s trying to be sneaky. Cross looks from Killer to Error, confused and anxious.
In a sudden movement, Killer smacks Cross’s side with his wing, the wolf yelping in surprise more than pain as Killer runs a few steps away.
“Wh- KiLLer Be niCE-!” Error scolds, stepping between the two before Killer can get any more ideas, but Killer is fast- faster on his feet than Error expected anyway. Running around him, the harpy swats at Cross’s side again, only taking a few steps back this time, watching Cross. The poor direwolf is so very confused- and honestly, so is Error.
“WhAT oN EaRth ARe yoU DOinG-??” He questions. Killer glances at him, before focusing on Cross again, slowly stepping closer. This time Cross steps back, tail tucked between his legs with a quiet whine. His whole body stiffens when Killer presses his skull against his side…but that’s all he does.
“...What’s happening..?”
“I hAvE No IDeA.” Error admits. “..WaNna TRy PeTtINg hiM?”
“Petting him..? Uhh….will he let me?” Cross hesitantly lifts his hand, so very slowly approaching Killer’s feathered skull and lightly brushing against him.
“Hoo?” The silly bird looks up at Cross, the doggo freezing in place as Killer presses closer, wrapping his wings round the tall beast.
“...H-hi-” Error can’t help but snicker at Cross’ reaction, walking over to give both of them some pets.
“He’s gIVinG yOU a hUg~” He playfully coos. “I tHInk He’S JUSt tRYiNg tO fIGurE yOu Out.”
Cross bends down to make pets easier for the glitch, rumbling at him as he leans into the touch, much like Killer. “He’s a weird bird-”
“He ReALlY iS- I hONeSTly sTIll hAvE nO iDea wHY He FoLloWeD me hOmE.” Error sighs, before turning his attention to his harpy. “AlRIgHt KiLleR, LeT CRoSs Go- I bEt YOu’rE hUnGrY bY nOW.”
Killer goes from being attached to Cross to clinging to Error so fast at the word hungry, aggressively nuzzling the glitch’s ribcage with a long trill of happy chirps, shaking his tail feathers.
“YEs yES fOoD tIMe-“ Error rolls his eyelights fondly, offering a hand to Cross. “C’moN- We CAn gET yOu pAtChEd uP as WeLL.”
Cross waits patiently on the couch for him as he feeds Killer, putting all the extra groceries away too while he’s at it. Though he can see the way Cross perks up at the smell of food, glancing over at him every few seconds and looking away the moment Error looks directly at him.
“YoU sTiLL hUnGry?” He asks, watching the wolf shift as Killer pauses his happy stomps to focus on the wolf as well.
“N-no-”
“YoU SUrE? I cAn CuT SOme MeAT uP For YOu aS WeLL- WouLd yOU LiKe iT CoOkeD?” Error insists.
“I-I don’t want to take advantage of you and eat all your food-” Cross fidgets with his clothes, blushing in embarrassment. Big bird feet clack against the wood flooring as Killer walks into the living room and around the couch, getting in front of Cross with a sliced cut of beef in his mouth. “H-hello again-”
Before Cross can say anything more, Killer hops up on his lap, making him yelp. Though it too is quickly silence when Killer unceremoniously, shoves the food in his mouth with a very sloppy half kiss- Error can’t help but burst into laughter at Cross’ flustered, dumbfounded expression and Killer’s obvious satisfaction, having to put down his knife to avoid cutting himself as he wheezes.
Cross flounders on the couch, hands up and very unsure to to put them as this dumb bird presses closer, smirking against his mouth. Killer is so very smug, only pulling away when the meat is gone and leaving the wolf stunned, mouth agape….and then Cross whines. Error snorts a bit, turning his face away as he forces himself to continue cutting up the meat he had been preparing for Killer.
“Chirp chirp~!” Killer runs back over to Error, leaving the wolf alone again as he presses against the glitch with a coo. “Error!”
“Hi KiLLer~ You HaVE fUn FeeDINg CroSs?” He asks, amused. Killer’s smug smirk widens, the small bird giggling as he tries to merge with Error.
“Ffffeed feed~”
“MhM fEeD CRoSs~” Error agrees, pointing at said flustered wolf. “CrOss.”
“Crrrosss~” Killer says slowly, getting a pleased nod from Error. “Crosss~!”
“VeRY GoOD~” Error praises, giving Killer another piece of meat. “NoW aCTuaLLy eAT- I’LL mAkE CrOSs hIS oWn.”
Killer pouts at him, even as he eagerly eats his food, nuzzling Error’s side as he finishes.
“Hoo~” Grinning again, Killer wraps his wings around Error, trying to pull him down.
“Hm? WhAT-?” The glitch asks, bending down, and before he can react, Killer holds Error’s skull with his wings and kisses him the same way he did Cross. Error lets out a startled yelp, cringing back at the lingering taste of raw beef. “A-aH- NoT- nOT riGHt AFteR eATing-”
“Heheheh~” Killer giggles, knowing exactly what he did, the ass-
“BleH-” Error has to pause cutting up Cross’ food to rinse out his mouth in the sink, before sticking a tongue out at Killer. The bird's grin sharpens deviously as he sticks his tongue out right back at Error.
“Menace-” Cross whispers from the couch.
“ThE BiGgeST MeNAce.” Error agrees, finally going back to the direwolf’s food. “So- CoOKed Or NaH? AnD BEfORe yOU saY ANyTHinG- YOu cAn hELp mE HuNt foR MorE FOoD laTEr iF YoU reALLy fEeL LIke YOu goTta PAY mE baCK, EVen THOugh YOu doN’t.”
“I-I’ve never had cooked food- Uhm…does it taste good? And I’ve uh…never hunted before either- but I can probably do it!” Cross fidgets with one of the couch pillows, trying to will away the blush on his face with a distraction- while very stubbornly ignoring Killer’s approach.
“I UsUALly jUSt seT Up TRaPs sO YOu cAn jusT TaG ALong. I PErsONalLY thINk COoKEd MEaT Is WaY BEtTer thAN raW, bUt KilLer TeNDs tO PRefEr iT raW UnleSs It’s fiSH- HoW ABouT I cOoK SOme sTEaK aNd PoTaTOes For YOu AnD If YOu dON’t liKe It, I’ll JUsT eaT It.” He offers.
“Yeah okay! Thanks, Error- Ack-!” Cross face plants into the couch, Killer now happily perched on his back. The harpy snickers, before training around in a circle to find the best spot and plopping himself down in the arch of Cross’ spine….Cross only whines.
“SnRk- You KNow YOu cAN kICk hiM OfF, RIghT?” Cross whines louder, lifting his skull back up just to look at Error like a kicked puppy.
“B-but he’s so smaaaaalll-” This time Error can’t quite stifle his giggles.
“I proMISe hE caN TAke It- YoU doN’t goTtA Let Him WAlK aLL oVeR YOu.” Error watches the wolf glance up at Killer, the dumb bird now preening himself while nestled in the arch of Cross’ spine, not even paying attention anymore.
Giving Error a look of confirmation, Cross reaches back and shoving Killer off of him into the floor unceremoniously. The bird squawks, flailing as he tumbles to the floor…and decides to just lay there for a minute before getting up to complain to Error.
“I dON’t KNow WHaT To TeLL Ya- YOu kINda haD It cOMINg.” Error replies to Killer’s hoots and chirps of complaint, giving Cross a reassuring smile. Cross smiles bashfully as Killer presses up against Error like usual, making his displeasure known. The glitch, of course, is entirely unsympathetic, just humming in acknowledgement when Killer pauses expectantly, cooking enough food for both himself and Cross. He’s careful to only use salt and a little bit of pepper despite wanting to add at least garlic to his food, unsure anything else would be toxic to the dire wolf.
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MISTY__CLOUD on Chapter 1 Tue 13 Feb 2024 04:07PM UTC
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MISTY__CLOUD on Chapter 1 Sun 20 Jul 2025 08:02AM UTC
Last Edited Sun 20 Jul 2025 08:03AM UTC
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