Six weeks later....

Time flew by quickly. A few more days of rest and Error was able to stand on three of his legs. Of course, with the fourth one broken, he still had to limp. Ink took great care making sure Error was comfortable, even going so far as to offer him privacy when he needed to go to the bathroom.

Error had gotten more used to being a dog, reluctantly though. He enjoyed being waited upon by Ink, and just spending time with the creator in general. But, he wanted to be able to return to Nightmare and the gang, participate in the games, watch the others do crazy stuff, and just all around feel at home. Like he belonged. He didn't feel entirely out of place with Ink, but he knew at the bottom of his soul that Nightmare's gang would always be his family. One he wished to see again, one day.

At the end of the six weeks, Ink took Error back to the vet clinic. While waiting, he set Error on the floor so he could explore. Instead of doing that, the pup leaned on Ink's leg, and he grinned.

"It's gonna be ok, Err- ah, Cinnamon," Ink caught himself. He wasn't sure if he could trust anyone listening.
"Once we get that cast off, you'll be able to walk normally, again!"

Error looked up at him, then rubbed his head against Ink's leg. The creator smiled, and gently massaged Error's shoulders. Soon, they were called in by the receptionist.

"Please wait in here," she said, having led them to an exam room like the one they'd been in before. "I hope Cinnamon pulls through ok."

Ink returned the smile she gave him, and watched as she left. He turned and placed Error on the counter, sighing as he sat on a chair.

"That was a stupid name, wasn't it?"

Error looked down and thought for a moment. He would've liked to be named after a delicious spice rather than a mistake. Perhaps people would like him more if they didn't associate him with being a glitch whose only goal is to massacre the multiverse. Or that was just wishful thinking. At length, he returned his gaze to Ink, and shook his head. Ink furrowed his brows in confusion.

"Did you... like the name?"

Error nodded.

"Pffft, why? Er, actually, you can't tell me. Nevermind." He let out a frustrated sigh, then placed his chin in his hands.

Chara came in and greeted them. Sitting down, she examined Error's other injuries.
"Well, his shoulders seem alright, now. I'm worried about those eyes, though. Has there been any change?"

Ink shook his head. Now that he thought about it, Error's eyes resembled how they looked when he was a skeleton. That could explain their strange appearance! He was too distracted by his thoughts to pay attention to Chara, and missed what she had said.

"Hmm? Wh-what did you say?"

"I said I may have to run a couple of scans. I want to know what's causing this, and if we can treat it. It might hinder his progress if another part of his body is working to heal something else."

Ink rubbed his cheek.
"Uh, I-I don't think that will be necessary. I kinda figured out that... that..... h-he was always like that!"
Wow, that was a terrible lie. Now she'll be suspicious.

Chara  glanced at Error, then back at Ink. Dogs are not born with this eye color, and she started to suspect this was some illegal experiment upon which Ink had unknowingly stumbled. Or maybe initiated. Either way, a red color where the eyes should be white is not normal, and letting it persist is bound to cause problems.

"I still think we should try the tests, again. I'll take an x-ray and see if that leg has healed up, ok?"

Ink nodded, and Chara took Error out of the room.

Half an hour later....

Ink sat fidgeting with his spare paintbrushes. It was taking longer than last time, and every second made Ink's soul hammer with anxiety. What if they find something else wrong with him? What if that chocolate did something genuinely damaging to his body?! What if Ink forgot something about taking care of dogs, and that led to another complication?!

Before he could continue thinking about everything that could go wrong, the door opened. Chara walked in, and Error was trotting happily at her side. Ink stood up quickly, and knelt down to pick Error up.

"Well, the tests were still inconclusive," Chara sighed resignedly. "But that leg healed up nice and strong. It took awhile to get the cast off because Cinnamon is so small, and I was paranoid that we would cut right through his tiny leg! We managed, though, and he seems as chipper as ever. Any other concerns?"

Ink shook his head, smiling. She recommended he bring Error back for a follow-up x-ray in a few weeks, and Ink only smiled wider. Now Error will be ok! At least, until Sci finishes with that antidote, that is. Chara gave him a few more warnings, then sent him off to pay for the visit. Once they were back in the Doodlesphere, Ink set Error down.

"Look at that, Error! You can walk properly, now!"

Error wagged his tail and trotted around the room, feeling much better now that the cast is off. He felt less restricted, and it seemed foreign to him to be freer than he had been in his memory. He walked up to Ink as the creator knelt down.

"Heh heh, you look so much happier!" Ink giggled as he petted Error, and the pup put his front paws on Ink's legs. Ink smiled, and continued to pet him. In a spontaneous mood, Ink suddenly kissed Error on the head, and the pup looked up at him in surprise. Ink grinned sheepishly, a rainbow blush rising to his cheeks. Error decided he would be spontaneous too, and crawled into Ink's lap and licked his cheek. Ink's blush darkened, and he laughed softly. They moved to the couch, and the two spent the rest of the afternoon and evening watching movies and eating popcorn. Ink had never felt happier, for one of his dreams was coming true. But, he was allowing himself to form a new dream: to be friends with Error, and be able to do this more often.

At Nightmare's castle....

Red huffed as Sci bustled about. He'd been roped into being the nerdy skeleton's guinea pig for six weeks straight *cough* gay *cough* *cough*-

Er, his mind would not leave the gutter. Especially after what had happened last week. Sci had lost some progress because one of the phials of healing draught had been mislabelled, and he'd tested it on Red. The potion turned out to be...

A fucking heat potion.

And oh boy, was that bad.

Sci had slapped him so hard, he resembled his name. Red had kinda, sorta, maybe, possibly... tried to bend him over the table and screw him, but luckily Dust heard Sci's cries for help. The two had trapped him in a magic-resistant cell for two days, waiting for the effects to wear off. After Red had regained his senses, he had attempted to apologize to Sci. All he got was silent treatment. Sure, it was sort of Sci's fault the potion was there in the first place - being an experiment to reverse the effects of constant heat for Underlust Sans and the monsters of his AU - but, well, Red couldn't blame him. He had assaulted him, and Sci, being the strict morality nut he was, could not forgive him. Still, Red had promised to help him, so here he was. Waiting for the next potion. In awkward silence.

".... Uh, Sci?"

No answer.

"..... Hey Sci."

"..."

"C'mon, buddy. Pal, amigo, best friend, chum, pally pal, homeslice, breadslice, dawg-"

"Trying to concentrate, here."

"Couldja maybe quit with the silent treatment? I been meanin' ta apologize fer days!"

"..."

"C'mon, don't be like that. I said I was sorry!"

Still no answer. He sighed, knowing Sci could care less. He'd never gotten Sci so riled up, and it was starting to scare him. Could he have messed up their relationship for good?! Well, it hasn't really started, but he'd hoped one day he could ask Sci out. He might never get the chance now, not with how icy Sci's demeanor had become. After a few more tense minutes, Sci spoke.

"It... wasn't your fault. I didn't... label the potions correctly. It was just... a small err-"

His nonexistent throat suddenly went dry. He closed his eyesockets and held onto the table in front of him for balance. Thankfully, that incident last week had helped him concentrate on creating an antidote for Error, but his emotional shield was beginning to crumble. He felt like he wasn't getting any closer to creating that antidote, and Red's assistance wasn't quite helping like he thought it would. Every potion he's created so far had no significant effects, and he knew he was missing something. He just couldn't determine what it was, yet. For example, he gave Red a potion that would alter his bone density, and Sci was certain that it would have the same effect as turning Error back to normal, since it had some transformational properties too. Unfortunately, the potion had no effect, and gave Red a mild stomachache.

Red stood up and walked behind Sci. The nerdy skeleton had started trembling, and he was sure Sci was holding back tears. Putting his hands on Sci's shoulders, he massaged them, working out the stress as best he could. Sci shook off his hands, took a deep breath, wiping his tears away, and turned around. Red looked sadly into his eyelights, and put his hand on his cheek.

"Your eyelights look like little white diamonds, y'know..." Red subconsciously facepalmed from how cheesy that sounded, but it was too late to take it back.

Sci gulped and lowered his eyelights. Slowly, he removed Red's hand from his cheek, then turned away. He walked over to a chair and sat down, taking off his glasses and rubbing his tired eyesockets. Maybe he needed a break. He's been working almost nonstop for six weeks, and his physical and emotional stamina were running low. He didn't think he could take any more, so he pulled himself together. Standing, he put his glasses back on and looked Red in the eye.

"I need a break. We both do. Go back to your AU, and I'll send Dust for you if I need your help again." With that, Sci walked out of the room, hesitating at the door and looking back at him. Red watched him leave, a slight ache in his soul.

"If..."

Red couldn't stop thinking about that word. He didn't say when, he said if. Meaning, he might not need Red's help anymore. Red's mouth hardened into a scowl. Well, if Sci didn't want him here, then he sure as hell wouldn't stick around. Sticking his hands in his pockets, he teleported home, preparing for a lecture from his brother about slacking off for the ten millionth time.

... ... ...

Sci opened the door to his and Papyrus' house, and faceplanted on the couch. Finally, he was away from the castle. Nightmare had been understanding enough to allow him a few days rest, and Sci would take full advantage of it. However, all he could think about was the disappointed look in Red's eyelights. He looked like he needed some rest too, so why did he look like a child who was told they weren't going to the fair?

Sci curled up on the couch, his knees tucked snugly under his chin, and sighed. Well, he did give Red the cold shoulder for longer than was necessary, but Sci wasn't going to pretend like nothing had happened at all! Red had been on the verge of... raping him! The effects of the heat potion shouldn't have been so dramatic. Maybe it was just how UnderFell monsters were built. They just have to dominate everything in their path. The thought made Sci scowl. If it hadn't been for Dust, Red would've taken advantage of him, and probably either fucked him til he passed out and left him like that, or kept on fucking him even after he was too weak to stand. Sci shivered at the idea that Red could be so cruel. How could he have been attracted to someone so... barbaric? Guess he really is a fool.

... ... ...

"I'm back!" Red yelled as he slammed the door behind him. He marched into the kitchen, rummaged around in the fridge, and pulled out a bottle of mustard. Taking a long drink, he plopped down on the couch and turned on the tv. He rolled his eyelights when Mettaton appeared on the screen, juggling chainsaws in his four hands. He growled when he saw Frisk appear next, and didn't wait to see what was going to happen next before turning the tv off. He stood up and headed to his room, hoping to take a nap before Edge got home. He was too late, because the door opened just as he was walking up the stairs.

"SANS! THERE YOU ARE!" Edge exclaimed in his rough, commanding voice. "I'VE BEEN LOOKING ALL OVER FOR YOU!!!"

"'M not in the mood, Boss...." Red continued up the stairs, not caring to look at his younger brother. But Edge persevered.

"SANS, I WANT TO KNOW WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN THESE PAST SIX WEEKS. YOU CANNOT JUST ABANDON YOUR SENTRY DUTIES LIKE THIS!"

Red stopped, but didn't turn around. Edge tried again.

"ANSWER ME, SANS."

"I was nowhere," grumbled Red.

"THAT'S NOT AN ANSWER AND YOU KNOW IT!"

"JUST SHUT UP AND LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!!!" Red stormed off to his room, leaving Edge to gape after him in shock.

Well, that could've gone better.

Edge sighed in disappointment. Red wasn't usually so... aggressive. And just because it's UnderFell does not mean that everybody is out for blood and dust and EXP. No. Edge had gone looking for Red, fearing he'd find something... unpleasant, but nothing turned up. He would've been more worried if somebody had captured him. They could kill him at any moment, and Edge would be powerless to stop them. He'd been searching for weeks, until Blueberry and Dream had paid him a surprise visit. And by that I mean, Blueberry "surprised" him so much, he jumped nearly a mile high. Once he saw that it was the short, blue-clad skeleton who called himself "the magnificent Sans," Edge recomposed himself, and asked the pair why they were there. Blueberry explained that they were there to help Edge and Red "bond." Edge asked what that meant, and that led to a plan being conjured up. He wasn't sure why he agreed to this, but his relationship with his brother can't get any worse, can it?

Apparently, yes it can. Edge sat on the couch and crossed one leg over the other, waiting for Red to come down. If Blueberry was right, his brother wouldn't stay mad at him forever.

His patience paid off about an hour later. Red trudged down, empty bottle of mustard in hand, looking like he hadn't slept in weeks. Edge immediately stood up, intending to apologize for his tactless invasion of Red's privacy, but Red beat him to it.

"S-sorry, Boss," Red croaked, his voice sounding scratchy and dry. "I-I didn't mean t-to snap atcha. I just... had a rough day..."

Edge hesitated a moment, but tried to apologize as well.
"YES, WELL, UH... I-I FORGIVE YOU AND ALL THAT, B-BUT I NEED TO... UH... WHAT I MEAN TO SAY IS.... OH, FORGET IT."

Red's brows drew together in confusion, and turned to ask what his brother meant. He was surprised to be pulled into a hug. Edge had knelt down to Red's height, and grabbed his hoodie and pulled him close.

"I'M SORRY TOO, SANS. I-I DON'T WANT TO LOSE YOU. YOU'RE MY OLDER BROTHER, AND IF IT WASN'T FOR YOU, I WOULD NEVER HAVE MADE MY DREAM OF BEING IN THE ROYAL GUARD A REALITY. PLEASE FORGIVE ME, FOR ANYTHING I HAVE SAID TO MAKE YOU DOUBT YOURSELF."

Red stood as still as a statue, still trying to process what was happening. Once he could finally grasp what was being said, he broke down, hugging his younger brother back and sobbing into his shoulder. They stayed like that for a few minutes before Red pulled away, sniffling and wiping his tears away. A huge, happy smile illuminated his face, and Edge smiled back, patting his brother's shoulder.

"Th-thanks, bro. Y-you're the coolest brother I could ever ask for."

(Frick, my UnderFell Papyrus simpness is showing, help-)

Edge chuckled, and the brothers took a seat on the couch. Edge asked him what had been bothering him, and Red recounted the incident.

"I PROPOSE YOU APOLOGIZE AND ASK THIS 'SCI' OUT ON A DATE TO PROVE YOU ARE SORRY," Edge said confidently after listening to the story. "I EVEN HAVE A HANDBOOK ON HOW TO DATE SOMEONE!"

He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small book. "How to Date: A Guide to Dating For Noobs" was the title, and Red looked at Edge, confused.

"Ya just carry that thing around in your pocket?"

Edge smirked as he thumbed through the pages.
"OF COURSE, BROTHER! I NEVER KNOW WHEN I'LL NEED TO OFFER MY EXPERTISE ON DATING, SO I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO THOSE WHO WOULD ASK OF THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE PAPYRUS HOW HE GETS SO MANY DATES. AND NOW, HERE I AM, OFFERING YOU MY BEST ADVICE!"

Red smiled gratefully, and listened to Edge's overly exaggerated explanation on how to compliment a person. At least this day wasn't complete hell.

... ... ...

Sci jolted awake when he heard the door open. He yawned and stretched, belatedly realizing he had fallen asleep on the couch in his work clothes. Not the most comfortable place to sleep, but when you're exhausted, you learn to live with it. He sat up and adjusted his glasses, smiling faintly when he saw Papyrus walk in the door.

"Hey, bro," he started, yawning again. "How was your day?"

Papyrus stopped at the sound of his brother's voice, and beamed when he saw Sci.

"OH, HELLO, BROTHER! IT'S BEEN QUITE A LONG TIME SINCE YOU'VE BEEN HOME! I WANT TO KNOW EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED!" He sat next to Sci, an eager and curious smile on his face. Sci turned away slightly to hide his blush, but that didn't stop Papyrus' curiosity. Finally, Sci conceded.

"I-I was making an antidote. For Error. Y'know how Nightmare said he couldn't have died? Yeah, well, the potion he drank turned him into a dog. And now I have to find a way to turn him back before... b-before things get worse."

Papyrus smiled sadly.
"SOUNDS LIKE QUITE AN ADVENTURE. DON'T WORRY, SANS. I BELIEVE YOU CAN DO IT! YOU JUST HAVE TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!"

"Heh, thanks, Papyrus." He got up and took his stuff downstairs to the basement. He put his briefcase down on his desk, and looked around. Same old office. Same old house. All will disappear if he can't find a way to bring back the old Error. He sighed and began picking things up. He went over to where he had set his original healing potion and stopped cold.

That was Error's coat on the chair.

With trembling hands, he picked it up and studied it. It was made of a soft, almost furry, black material. The edges were gilded with a gold fabric, and it looked as if the bottom half had been sewn onto the top. The bottom was a dark blue, almost as dark as the black, but what really stood out were the electric blue strings. They were neatly embroidered in large X's around the coat, tying the bottom to the top. Studying it further, Sci could see that these strings weren't just for show.

They were magical.

'O-oh my god,' he thought, taking tweezers and pulling one of the strings out.
'Th-this is it! This could be the breakthrough I need! Eureka!!!'

Excitedly, he placed the string in a petri dish, put it carefully in his briefcase, and gathered up his notes. He raced to the top of the steps, startling Papyrus.

"WH-WHAT IS IT, BROTHER?"

"I'VE DONE IT!!!" Sci shouted breathlessly. "I HAVE A LEAD!!!"

With that, he teleported away. Papyrus shook his head in amusement. He was used to his brother getting excited over science. Papyrus was excitable too, but only if he understands the concept. Still, he was happy that his brother isn't as gloomy now. He truly needs some joy in his life.

... ... ...

Sci took out his notes and the petri dish, and breathed in deeply to calm himself. If he knew Nightmare, he'd probably go on a murder spree sensing such immense positivity in the castle. And since Sci basically barged in uninvited, it would take all of five seconds for Nightmare to snap his neck for breaking and entering. Technically teleporting, but you get the point.

He quickly got to work, measuring magical components, heating them up, breaking them down, stabilizing them, fusing them together. And the finishing touch was to add the magical signature of the blue string. It fizzled and vaporized as Sci added it to the mix, but it fused well with the other ingredients of the potion. He swished the contents around until it turned a sky blue with hints of yellow in it, and he smiled widely.

"Hah! Hah hah! I did it! I did it!"
He twirled around, excitement and joy filling his entire being, and he put the potion down so he wouldn't accidentally drop it. He raced to the door, but bumped into Red. In his euphoria, he smiled proudly at the edgy skeleton.

"I did it! I did it!"

And, without warning, he pulled Red's head down and kissed him. When he realized what he was doing, he pulled away, blushing the deepest sapphire blue. Red was also blushing, but he smirked and pecked Sci on the cheek.

"Heh, you're still cute when you're flustered, babe."

Sci glared at him, but it wasn't harsh. Red laughed, then offered him a box of chocolates. Sci took it and put it on the table. He then turned back to Red.

"I'd like to get through please, Red."
He was fully aware he could teleport, but he didn't know the castle well enough to find out where Nightmare was. He was very eager to tell the king what he had accomplished, but Red stood in his way.

"I needja ta listen to me, first."

Sci stiffened. He didn't like where this was going, but he had no choice.

"I'm sorry fer... overpowerin' ya, Sci," Red said softly. "I-I know ya don't like when I get touchy, and I understand if ya refuse, but... I wanted to ask... are ya busy Saturday night?"

Sci's jaw fell open, and for a moment, he was at a loss. For words, for thoughts, for emotions, everything. Was Red actually asking him out?!

"Ya know, this was too sudden. I-I'll just-"

"Wait."

Red stopped and turned to face Sci. The nerdy skeleton had a hand on the back of his neck, and his eyelights darted everywhere except in Red's direction.

"I... I guess... th-this is a little sudden. But, I'm willing to give you a chance, I think. But," Sci closed his eyesockets, then opened them, a fierce glint in them. "You have a lot to make up for."

Red nodded nervously. He knew that was coming, but he was unprepared for how adamant Sci was. It kinda turned him on, but he knew he had to be serious.

"You got it, babe." He turned aside for Sci, and together they headed to the throne room. "By the way, what's gotcha so excited?"

Sci's eyelights sparkled from the rekindled joy.
"I think my experiment can cure Error!"

-----------------------------------------------------------

Hewwo! How's this for a chapter? Over 4000 words and I'm still goin'.

:D

Now that that's outta the way, I feel I must mention something. Red's behavior in the previous chapter, as well as this one, is not appropriate lover-like behavior. Sure, there are those who like dominant, predatory males, but I do not condone his actions. As long as you guys are aware of this, please do not attack me. It is a pretty common theme in romance novels that the male love interest is proud, egotistical, forceful, etc. Just know this isn't what you should look for in a romantic/sexual partner.

Unless you're into that shit, ya filthy sinnerz.

Don't worry, I'm a sinner too :3

Anyways, hope you enjoy! Cya!