A Tiny Error

Chapter 19

A month passed, and Ink was really starting to enjoy himself. He might've gotten bored some days when Error went off to spend some time with the Bad Sanses, but he was resourceful. It didn't take long for him to find something to do, since he could always ask Dream and Blueberry if they wanted to hang out, go to a movie, make tacos together, anything, really. He was glad to be able to do fun stuff with his friends, and it made him think less about being bored or not having anything to do while Error was gone.

Just the thought of the glitchy skeleton made him smile. He remembered a few times where Error, as a dog, would just curl up next to him as they sat on the couch, watching a movie, or Ink was sketching. His soul swelled with happiness as he thought back to how Error comforted him when he was feeling down with little nuzzles in his hand and tiny licks with his tongue. It was like receiving a hug, and Ink sighed, smiling softly at the memory. It was kind of hard to believe that Error was so kind to him, especially now as he was back to normal, after all the decades they spent as enemies.

Ink stood up from the counter and stretched. That's enough spacing out for the day. He was eager to go and find Error and see what he was up to. He whipped out his paintbrush and made a portal to Nightmare's castle, then hopped in.

He was met with chaos. He ducked as Dust threw a handful of vanilla pudding at Horror, who had successfully dodged. Ink made his way over to Error, who sat in a corner of the room, hoping to not get hit.

"Quite a party ya got going on here, Error," Ink joked, sitting next to Error.

"Yeah? Why don't we go somewhere quieter? I don't like loud parties."

Ink laughed and took Error's hand. Together, they left through a portal, leaving the rest of the gang to continue their food fight. They landed in OuterTale, and sat down at the edge of the starlit void.

"Is this better?" Ink asked. Error nodded and leaned back onto the ground, putting his hands behind his head.

"Yep. So, how's your day been?"

"Oh, y'know. The usual." Ink laid down next to Error, and the two looked up at the stars in silence. After a few minutes, Error spoke.

"Hey, Ink?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you ever wish you could go back to creating?"

Ink remained silent for a moment. Sure, he would've liked to go and create universes, again. He had so many great ideas! Some were new, and others were inspired by something he'd seen. But, he was enjoying his life now, the peace, the joy, the contentedness he felt around Error. If he went back to creating, he'd turn his back on his friendship with the former destroyer. He felt a nudge at his shoulder, and shook out of his thoughts.

"Wh-what? Sorry, I spaced out, again."

"I asked if you were ok. You seem kinda sad...."

Ink sighed and sat up, and Error followed suit. Ink put his head in his hands, rubbing the sudden fatigue he felt away.
"Error, I... I do want to go back to creating. But, I like being your friend and hanging out with you more. If I went back to creating, I wouldn't get to be around you very much. Besides, don't you... like being around me?"

He turned to Error, and the glitchy skeleton blushed. He looked down, fiddling with the sleeves of his coat. He had to admit, being around Ink was nice when they weren't trying to kill each other, and the voices hadn't bothered him in awhile. It was like he was turning over a new leaf, and he was happy.

And scared.

"W-well, yes, I do. I do like being around you. I-I just.... You don't always seem interested in what we're doing. As if you were bored."