You Should Have Known Better (Ink x Error Book)

Chapter 16 - Alone Time

Error and Dream had finished their movie perfectly in time when dinner was ready. Dream smiled and stood, "Come on, Error, you and your baby need to eat." He giggled. Error gave him a shy smile in return, following him. The table was set with the food already out and ready to be served. Error sat next to Dream, which was near one of the ends of the long oval shaped table. Error felt his stomach grumble, but he was too anxious to ask for food as he just sat there. People around the table were talking as food was taken. Error knew it was a serve yourself thing and that no one would think anything of it if he just took some food, but he was scared he would be in trouble. He didn't know why or who would even get him in trouble, but he felt scared and worried that anything he did could result in punishment. Dream noticed, "Oh Error, it's okay. Here, let me get some food for you." He politely did so.

Error could feel a few people wearily eyeing him and he felt a sudden strong glitch. Error whimpered and lowered himself, "ThAnK YoU, DrEAm." He smiled shyly. "Of course Error. And don't be so nervous, okay? Everyone understands that even if they don't know your reason, you have a reason to be here." Dream assured him. Error smiled a bit more, "Of CoUrSe." He did feel a bit more assured, and he began to eat. He kept catching Ink's eye when he'd look up, and everytime his appetite tried to shrink. He forced himself to keep eating though. He really wanted a healthy baby. He lowered his hand, rubbing his stomach. His baby quickly pressed against his belly to be closer to his hand. He felt tears well in his eyes before he wiped them away, continuing to eat. He was determined now. He had something to live for. His baby needed him as much as he needed them. He was going to keep them alive. He had to.

He continued to eat, anxiously glancing around every once and a while. Eventually he found his hand gripping Dream's tightly, and he was feeling much calmer. Dream had helped him so much. Dream was the only person he felt truly cared about him. He loved Dream too. Dream was beautiful and had the purest soul in the multiverse. He had continuously helped Error even while he was at his very lowest. He was comforting and sweet. He had never hurt him. He was the only person Error trusted. By the time Error zoned back into reality, he realized most of the table was gone, and Dream looked concerned. "Error... are you okay? You just dissociated pretty badly." He felt Dream squeeze his hand softly. Error looked down, realizing how hard he was gripping Dream's hand. He softened his grip, but didn't let go, still needing Dream.

"YeaH... I'm oKaY..." He smiled softly, "But... CaN WE gO BaCk To yOUr RoOm...?" Error rubbed the back of Dream's hand with his thumb. Dream smiled, "Of course Error." He stood and Error immediately followed. Dream had noticed how little Error had ate, but he didn't want to push him tonight, being able to tell how fragile and on edge he was. He didn't want Error to think he was mad at him. They went back to Dream's room, entering. Error stood awkwardly, clearly being too nervous to sit. Error rubbed his arm and looked to the side, "So... hOw LoNg haVe yoU GuYs bEeN... liViNg iN A REaL HOme WiTh ALl THesE PeoPlE...?" Error's eyes were darting around, looking at anything but Dream. "Well, ever since we made a truce with... well, you know who..." Dream walked to the bed, sitting down and licking his legs slightly, "We settled down. We've been collecting people from old ruined universes. Me and my... brother... have decided to... finally work together again to keep balance..." Dream's eyes teared up.

Error noticed and frowned, walking over. He sat down softly next to Dream, "WhAt'S WrONg...?" Dream raised his eyes to meet his, "I-I... please be honest... did Nightmare really hurt you? I know it's s-selfish to be upset, b-but the idea of my brother doing something like that to you a-all while I-I think I finally have him back... I just..." He broke into muted sobs as he covered his mouth. He turned away, shutting his eyes tightly. Error was frozen. What was he supposed to say? Dream was so upset, but Ink would kill him if he told! He had to come up with a new lie, he couldn't let Dream be so upset and lose his brother again. He glitched violently. "No... hE DiDn'T... iT WAs SOmEONe ElSe... iT... DrEAm..." He looked away, pausing for a few minutes.