This song is intended to be played later in the chapter but you can play it whenever you want.

Ink's POV

I opened my eyes to see Error laying in front of me. I carefully got out of bed so I didn't wake him up. Quietly opening the door, I was met with Nightmare holding a lily. My expression immediately changed to a look of anger. He sighed heavily.

Nightmare: Look, I fucked up, I know. I want to make it up to you... please.

He offered me the flower. His eye held hopefulness. I hesitatingly grabbed it.

Me: I'll take up your offer.

Nightmare: Meet me tonight in the park at 20:00.

Suddenly, he teleported away. Where, I don't know. I admired the purple and blue petals of the lily in my hand. Nightmare knows me well. I smiled but it faded as fast as it came.

'I shouldn't have ran away.'

I regretted my decision from yesterday. He was trying to apologize and I pushed him away.

I put the flower in my scarf, letting only the petals show. Still in a sleepy state, I almost fell as I walked down the stairs. My hunger was growing so I needed to eat soon. Walking into the kitchen, I saw Horror, Dust and Dream sitting at the table. They saw me.

Me: Sup guys.

Dream: Good morning.

Horror: Morning also, Dream made some eggs. Just letting you know about that.

Dust: Yeah, they're really good. Thanks Dream.

Dream: You're welcome Dust.

Horror: Yo Ink, what's up with the flower?

I put my index finger on one of the petals.

Me: Oh, this? Nightmare gave it to me.

Horror: Ain't fair you get treated like a princess by him.

Me: He has his good moments.

Dust: Yeah, when we put our lives on the line.

Me: That's just him being our boss, Dust.

I laughed while plating myself two eggs. Since I'm different and special, I sat on the edge of the island.

We ate together and told each other of our previous missions. That all stopped when we heard Cross's voice. He yawned.

Cross: Hola everyone. Buenos días.

Horror stood up and left the room. He was the only one that hated him. Cross actually is quite a likable guy.

Dust: What the hell is wrong between you two?

Cross: I have no fucking idea. I was honestly trying to be nice when Dream, Blue and I arrived here.

Dust: Must be your Spaniard accent.

Dust laughed to himself.

Cross: Oh ha ha ha, you're so funny Dust.

He smiled as he sat down at the table.

Cross: And actually, my accent is pretty sexy. Spanish is known as a romantic language.

I laughed to myself. This is family. Dream got up and cleaned off his plate. He sat next to me and side hugged me. He leaned against me. That's something that friends do. I continued eating my eggs and listening to the conversations between Cross and Dust. Once I was done, I put my plate into the sink.

Me: Does anyone want coffee?

Everyone raised their hands.

Me: Alright then.

(Time Skip)

I gave everyone a cup and saved two for myself. I walked up the stairs, careful not to spill a single drop. I used a bit of my magic to open the my bedroom door. Error was still sleeping so I set my cup on my nightstand and lightly pushed Error awake. He groaned slightly and looked up at me.

Me: Morning sleepyhead.

He rubbed his face.

Error: Hey Ink.

His deep voice had a gravelly sound to it with the occasional glitch.

'Damn, that's hot.'

I handed him the cup and sat next him. Taking small sips of my coffee, I leaned against his shoulder. The sound of the birds chirping made the surrounding atmosphere perfect.

Error: Where did you get that flower? It looks good on you. The colors bring out your eyes.

He said without looking away from the window. Rainbow blush shaded my cheeks. No one has ever gave me that type of compliment before.

Error: Your blush as well. It's different from anyone else's. I love it.

He smiled. I gave him one back. He stared at me, yellow blush dusting his face.

Me: I gave Nightmare a second chance.

Error: ... That's good I suppose. I believe he did try to mean well. You know how he gets sometimes with his anger issues.

Me: Yeah I know. I had to deal with them my whole life.

I giggled. He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer. We stayed in silence together, enjoying each other's company.

I looked at my phone to see the time.

'10:34'

I have time to do one mission. I got out of Error's grip. I went to grab his empty cup but he pushed my hand away.

Error: It's okay. I'll take care of it.

He took mine out of my hands.

Me: Thank you.

I rushed downstairs and up the different set of stairs that led to the platform.

Me: Hello Alice.

AI: {Hello Ink. Where are we heading today?}

I doubled check my contract.

Me: Brazil.

AI: {You know the drill.}

(Time Skip)

As soon as the jet dropped itself onto the platform, I rushed to my room. I undressed and looked through my closet. I grabbed grey jeans and a sweater that shows my shoulders. Making sure I looked presentable, I teleported to the park. I walked along the dirt path, staring at the water that reflected the light from the moon.

Suddenly, someone cleared their throat. I turned my head towards of the source. In the trees, was one single icy blue eye that could scare anyone but, I was far from scared. I smiled.

Me: Hello Nightmare.

Nightmare stepped out from the shadows. He was always comfortable in the darkness. He walked up to me and outstretched his arm. I linked arms with him while he led me to a small clearing. It wasn't as beautiful as Error's spot but it was beautiful nonetheless. Next to a small part of the lake, there was a blanket that was sprawled against the ground. On it was two glasses, a wine bottle, and small snacks. Candles gave off a warm light. The part that interested me the most was the lily petals that was sprinkled everywhere.

He sat us down on the blanket. While I cherished the beautiful setting, Nightmare poured wine into our glasses. He gave me one. The cold glass sitting in my hands. I could see the moon in the red liquid.

Nightmare: You look pretty tonight.

I turned to him.

Me: Well of course I do, I'm always sexy.

I said with a snarky tone. He smiled lightly.

He pulled a flat box out from behind him. He handed it to me.

Me: What is this?

Nightmare: Open it.

I gently opened the box. Laying inside was a silver necklace. On the end was a crescent moon with a sapphire hanging from it. A pearl was attached to the emblem. I hung it around my neck.

Me: It's gorgeous. Thank you.

I hugged him and then backed away. He seemed nervous about something. He slowly pulled out another box. This time, it was a music box. He turned the small key to wind it up. He let go and music started playing from within it. He stood up.

[Intended Time to Play Music]

Nightmare: Care to dance?

He held out his hand for me to grab it. When I took hold of it, he pulled me up. We started swaying. Then it turned into something that you might see at a ball.

I started thinking as we danced together.

'I'm pretty sure this is normal, right? Just two best friends, dancing, under the moonlight, surrounded by candles and lilies. He gave me a gift. I guess Nightmare is just extra when it comes to fixing friendships.'

He spun me around. The music was mystifying and whimsical. I leaned closer to Nightmare, feeling his warmth and soul beat.

'This is normal.'

I could dance forever listening to this wonderful song. It felt like a picture was ripped from a fantasy novel. Two people enjoying each other's love. Nightmare and I... our love was platonic.

'This is normal.'

He kissed me on my forehead. His right hand holding mine while his left was on my hip. If this was a fairy world, I'm certain that tiny sparkling specks would be circling around us.

'This is normal.'

We soon stopped. We stood still, only swaying with the slightest of movement. Nightmare led us back to blanket and laid us down. I was next to him. Both of us gazed at the stars. I appreciated this little spot of town. There was no light here. Which meant that it didn't drown out any of the dullest stars.

Me: Look. Orion's belt.

I pointed at the well known constellation. Nightmare hummed in response. I kept naming different star patterns but I felt like I was being watched during it. I turned my head to see Nightmare staring me. His blue eye didn't seem as intimidating as it did usually. He had something on his mind. I pulled a penny out of my pocket.

Me: Penny for your thoughts?

Nightmare: I'm sorry for what I said yesterday. I had no right to. After you left, I realized I didn't have a true purpose of being who I was. Inside and out, I'm a terrible person but you keep me from going insane. I remember when we were kids that you would always protect me no matter what happened. You even went to the hospital because you protected me. I secretly made a promise to you that I would never let anything happen to you. But in the end, I was the one who caused your pain. I broke my only promise.

Tears started pouring down.

Nightmare: I'm sorry, Ink. I am so fucking sorry!

I held him close to me. I've never seen Nightmare this broken down before. I whispered sweet nothings to him.

Me: Shh, it's okay Nightmare. Everything is fine. I forgive you.

I kissed his nose bridge. Another sign of platonic love.

Nightmare: I want to try something.

He stopped moving for only second until he shifted into someone that I haven't seen for many years. His passive form. I nicknamed him as Night. Tears already stained his white cheeks.

Night: That's better.

He cuddled closer to me. He slowly calmed down after a few more minutes of crying and me whispering to him.

Night: You sound dead.

Me: Huh?

He poked the middle of my chest.

Night: You don't have a soul so I can't hear the beat.

Me: Oh, yeah.

Night gently held the moon pendant in his hands. He rubbed his fingers against the two minerals.

Night: You know, the pearl means purity and the sapphire means good fortune.

Me: I didn't know that.

Night rested his head. He shifted back into his corrupted form as he couldn't hold it much longer. His tendrils wrapped around me.

'Why am I so short?'

Darkness surrounded me as I felt drowsy. Nightmare must be using his magic. My eyes started closing against my own will.

Nightmare: Go to sleep Inky. I'll protect you.

I fell into a dreamless and peaceful slumber. Nightmare kissed the top of my head.

Nightmare: Love you.

[Intended Time to Stop Music]

(Time Skip)

I opened my eyes to see that I was laying in my bed. The covers were keeping me warm. The window was open, letting in the fresh air. The door opened and Error walked in. He looked upset. He was holding cups of hot choco.

Me: What's wrong?

Error: Nothing.

Error's thoughts
'Ink doesn't love me. What's the point in living? Nightmare is trying to take away Ink from me. I don't stand a chance.'

Back to Ink

He gave me a cup and kissed me deeply. He sat down while still doing it. Error's kiss was filled with longing and desperation. He was desperate about something.

Error let go so we could breathe. He leaned against my shoulder. Taking small sips, he occasionally rubbed his face against me. Error was probably a foot or two, 12 inches or 24, taller than me but he was acting so small and helpless at the moment. It pained me to see him like this. I returned his affection by kissing his head.

I thought about the event I shared with Nightmare.

'Was that a dream?'

I fell asleep in the park. However, it was fantasy-like. And... I woke up in my bed. I looked around my room when my eyes stopped on a vase with blue and purple lilies in it. The flowers were wrapped in a bouquet with a golden ribbon. A card was next to it as well as the silver moon necklace.

'So it wasn't a dream.'

I smiled. I looked at Error and it faded. He looked so sad. I hugged him. He laid his head on my lap. I sighed happily while petting him.

Me: Hey.

Error: Yeah Ink?

Me: Want to play some video games?

His head shot up. A smile creeped onto his face.

Error: Yes and I'm going to beat your ass.

I giggled and cuddled into his chest.

Me: ...

Bet

Can I indulge myself for a second? Cool. I just wanted to say that I am so proud of this book. It is currently the longest one I have. I'm going to be soft and cliche but it's because of you guys. The support that you have given is just... amazing. All of you are just amazing simply because you exist. You are awesome and beautiful. Don't let anyone say otherwise. All you kings, queens, and royals in between.

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