A day or two later, Dream's POV

I wander through an AU with my necklace on, having sensed the aura of one of Obscuro's bullies nearby. The longer my aura is hidden, the less likely I'll run into them. I still find it interesting how well Error coded it to disguise me and my aura as it even adjusted for the changes done to me. It currently has a beanie on my head where my crown is along with shades to hide my eyes, a jacket over a shirt and pants along with my wings changing color so that there's no connection made to me. Then I see a large banner hanging up between two poles reading: Pride Month Festival! Love, Fun, and Relationships for everyone! Along with it were various balloons and flags with different patterns. My gaze keeps rereading the words and taking in the sight as more people crowd into the area beyond the banner. Positivity radiates from this area and I hear nothing but joyful laughter and music playing.

Love and relationships...? Maybe this place could teach me a few things...

I wander through the crowds, taking in the sights as there are multiple stands with different items on display. Some have food, games, notes, flyers, or other things and there were sooo many flags. I find myself stuck standing beside a stand with striped flags either in black, white, grey, and purple or green listening to their speeches explaining what asexuality or aromantic experiences are...A spectrum that could combine into aroace who either don't feel attracted sexually or romantic or both...those who may prefer not to have interest in the physical parts of a "normal" relationship. I wander past each table, pausing to hear their speeches describing different experiences that are validated by the people here. I learned many different words and meanings of flags here. Allies, gay aka homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, biromantic, panromantic, trans, and all the other identities that extend or fall within it. It shows me a lot and it helped me understand or put words to the experiences I have seen. More than just "this is love" or "this isn't love" that I've heard or seen for years. Yet at the same time, I feel lost.

That doesn't stop me from taking anything they decide to hand out and some of them are things I think Error would like. Some tables handed out snacks or packages of chocolates in different wrappers of different colors and other tables gave out crafting supplies like dyed balls of yarn. I tuck the items away in a bag, glancing around for what to do next. Then a guy approaches me with a smile.

"Hello there. You seem lost. Is this your first time at an event like this?"He asks

I nod and he takes my gloved hand in his as he does a bow. He is dressed more formally than the rest of the people here with a suit and yellow crown on his head but looks like it's made of paper. He kisses my hand and grins.

"Well, I'd be happy to guide you around and make sure you have a good experience."He says

I can sense that he is genuine about this which is different than other times I've seen strangers act like this And my aura being hidden eliminates that possibility. Still, nobody really has tried this trick. I nod and he leads me away but it doesn't take long for his comments to be filled with compliments or lines similar to what Evelyn kept trying to do when I met her at the beach. But I'm in disguise so it can't be an aura or reputation attracting him. He hasn't even taken the time to ask for my name as he gives me a "tour". Is this genuine? Are these actions or conversations normal? Am I just too used to creepy questions, phrases and demands or horribly hidden plans behind sweet-sounding words and shallow praises from creeps to know what normal conversations are? Is this what Obscuro calls getting "hit on" or flirting? Does this guy already have an interest in me for some reason? Could he already be seeking a deep connection and see something worth desiring or trying? As far as I can see, he is genuine through his actions and words....Genuinely compliments the person he sees and is pulling along by the hand...Part of me wonders how easily that would change if I revealed myself and how my reputation and aura would get in the way of this. If he knew me or had an idea of me, would that interfere with his genuine actions or would the aura overpower his behavior and desires? Would he really understand why I disguise myself or would it become another transactional bond where he looked for favors instead of a connection in the slightest? Or would the whole thing be too much and would he turn away to avoid the burden of a connection to a guardian? Not that I have a deeper interest in him for a relationship....it just makes me curious how easily it would change given his quick decisions based on what he sees alone.

Then I sense that he is desiring or picturing something deeper. I also sense that I'm being watched and glance around, seeing Error watching the event from above. Then his view quickly shuts and I keep getting pulled along by this guy. I pull my hand away as the desires grow stronger from him, including the desire to remove the necklace. He hardly notices and keeps walking ahead, talking as he holds my empty glove that now returns to its golden color as it leaves the influence of the necklace's code. I keep walking through the crowds, collecting anything else I'd like. I especially kept an eye out for things Error would like after catching him watching this place.

"Hey, you! Come join us!"A friendly stranger says as a group of them sit together, waving for me to join them.

I smile, curiously sitting with them and they share some food with me. As I eat, they discuss various ideas and topics. Then they glance at me with a grin.

"You seem new around here. Where do you think you fall in this community?"One asks

"What experiences seem to match yours?"Another asks

"Ummm, I haven't considered it or had much time to consider it."I say

"Well, have you ever had celebrity crushes or had an interest in a famous person?"

Ummm, not going to say what comes to mind. I know people have felt this way about me but I've never related to that since it's usually fixed on fame or greatness or looks.

"No..."

"Have you seen someone good-looking and have the urge to ask them out?"

"No, I can't see myself doing that unless I know them. I feel more comfortable having a genuine connection before that."I say

I get handed a small flag that has a black triangle on the left side connected to a horizontal green stripe diving white at the top and grey at the bottom.

"What's this?"I ask

"A demiromantic flag for the orientation that can only be romantically attracted to someone after forming an emotional connection. You just described that."One person says

"Who would you find more attractive or prefer to go out with after forming that bond? Do you seek that with men, women, or both?"

"What do you mean?"I ask

"Hmmm...Well, if given the chance, would you build a connection to date Error or the famous actress Molly Bonita?"

"Dude you used two famous people as examples."

"Sorry, I'm used to talking about celebrity crushes."

Interesting tastes of these people...didn't expect Error to get mentioned favorably with his reputation. I may be biased with my feelings but....

"Error...I think..."I say

They smile, handing me a different flag.

"You're likely under the gay identity as well."One of them says

"But you're unlikely to get near him if you have any ideas. He seems very close to Dream instead."Another says

"Rumor has it that he destroyed an entire AU that complained that Dream's help wasn't enough. He's certainly the newest protector of Dream in his...unique ways.."

"Ooh but it's so sweet!"

"Girl, what are you on?"

"Oh come on, you can't deny that protection is a sweet way of expressing care for someone!"

"It is kind of concerning when the destroyer seems to be a better protector than an ally like Ink."

"That shouldn't be so shocking. Ink is an unpredictable mess. He isn't exactly a reliable protector."

"Crazy to imagine Error caring for a guardian of positivity."

"Are you guys forgetting the livestream? How can you miss the signs when we were stuck watching it? That destroyer seemed to know some of the most intimate details about Dream even if they were the smallest questions and showed more understanding about it. Think about it! He has to care a considerable amount to know things Dream's brother with the power to sense all negativity did not know about! To know someone better than a brother, even an estranged one, takes effort and care! There must be something there!"

They go back and forth in the debate and it honestly feels weird hearing these people debate about Error and I. The ones in denial are losing ground rapidly in the argument and I chuckle at some of the points they made. I can hardly imagine their reactions if I took this necklace off and revealed that they've been telling me why they think I'm a good match with Error. I think they'd be shocked or embarrassed.

"Have you seen how he interacts with Error? They're so comfortable with each other! My friend saw them exchanging books and chatting as if it was the most normal thing ever and said neither of them had seemed so happy before! He even heard them making plans as casually as a couple deciding the errands to run or what to grab from the store!"One says

"They're acting like they're a couple in everything but name. Who knows if they even realize how intimate they are acting or appearing? It's only a matter of time until something clicks."

"Oh I hope it does! They're so cute together!"

"Yea, I ship them. They seem to be what the other needs. Dream needs someone to be the protector instead of the protected one for once and Error definitely needs someone to give him respect and understanding. They both could give peace to each other in this multiverse. They could be emotions and logic working together."

"What's shipping?"

"It's pairing people up that you think would be a good couple. It's like matchmaking except you don't interact with them."

My face burns at the connection and listen to them discuss it more. If they knew who they really just said that to...

They continue for a few hours and then I see Evelyn, the lady from the beach day, slither closer. She locks eyes with me and grins. I get unsettled and get up, thanking them for including me but I have to go. They nod and I fly away before teleporting, swooping down to land in the antivoid. Error sits on his beanbag as I take the necklace off, smiling at him. He walks over, examining me carefully.

"Y0u'r3 miSsInG a gl0v3."He says

"Yeah I lost it at some point during something called a Pride Month Festival. It was a lot of fun. I can always grab another glove from home. I got some stuff for you from it."I say

He looks at me, seeming surprised.

"YoU g0t m3 stUfF fr0m iT?"

"Yeah, I thought you'd like them. Then I saw you watching from above briefly so I double-checked the stands for options."I say, taking out the chocolates and dyed balls of yarn.

"Y0u diDn'T hAvE t0..."

"Couldn't help it. Saw it and thought you'd like it. Maybe considering others' interests is in my code, especially the ones I care about."I say with a shrug and nervous chuckle.

He smiles, having us sit together as he sorts through the gifts. I wave to Blip and he grins with a supportive thumbs up and wink as he works on the next scrapbook section.

"WhAt wAs iT liKe?"He asks

I start describing it to him and he listens carefully.

"I think I had to get out of there eventually. There were too many feelings and desires that it was overwhelming...Good but overwhelming. Plus that lady from the beach appeared suddenly and I was not comfortable near her. She spotted me and I swear it was as if she could see through the disguise with the way she zoned in on me."

"ThAt'S n0t p0sSibLe."

"Well, I wasn't going to be felt up or have my personal space invaded by her again, disguise or not. It has only been a few days and it seems she pops up anywhere I go..."

"WeLl diD y0u liKe anY0n3 tHeRe?"He asks

"Everyone was nice and enjoying themselves. There was a really friendly guide but I went on my own after his desires became obvious...That would've been too quick for me but I understand that some like to take chances and fall quickly."I say, noticing him itching and fiddling with his hands nervously.

Is he okay...?

"WaS tHe pHys1cAl aFfEcT1oN p0oR qUaliTy f0r y0u?"He asks

I chuckle, shaking my head.

"It was ok to hold hands but the hand kisses were new and knowing that it would escalate made me uncomfortable. I didn't like where it'd go since it would mean removing the necklace and I don't think that guy would get it. Didn't want to see how it'd change if I revealed myself. The quality of touch had nothing to do with it."I say, seeing him scratch or pick at his fingers nervously.

His glitching picks up a bit, indicating stress...

"D0 yoU...d0 y0u liKe pHys1cAl aFfEcTi0n aT aLl?"

"Physical touch? Yeah. I like that. I'm sure you've seen how I like to hug friends or get hugs from Swap."I say

Error nods, then glances away as he munches on some chocolate. I feel a string wrap around my finger and glance down to see one of Error's strings carefully curling itself around my fingers gently.

"Is tHiS g0oD?"He asks

What is he...? Wait, is this connected to his questions or his stress?What is he seeking to learn from me?

"Umm...Is this a warning that I might get cocooned? Where is this coming from? I know I should've messaged you but-"I say, pausing when he shakes his head.

"I se3 pHySiCaL c0nTaCt g0eS a l0ng3r wAy iN r3laTi0nsHiPs, n0 maTtEr h0w smAlL...I....I cAn't d0 tHaT eVeN iF i wAnT t0...Is tHiS a g0oD sUbStiTuT3 f0r y0u?"Error asks, glancing at me with his face getting hints of blue sparks on his face.

Wait...he...That's what this about? Awww....

I smile wider at him after processing his words.

"Awww, Error. That's sweet but you don't need to push yourself to be like what you see. I learned that there are different forms of love and ways to express it. Not all of them involve physical touch."I say

"ReAlLy?"He asks

"Yeah, they call it love languages. Most people only consider five but some think there's a sixth. The five common ones are physical touch, acts of service, words of affirmation, quality time, and giving gifts. Some say the sixth is expressing love through food. Some people vary in languages depending on how they like to express it or receive love. Take Swap for example. He likes to use meals as the main way he expresses feelings for others when it isn't compliments. But I learned that he'd rather be the one cooking than the one cooked for. He likes receiving love through the quality of time spent with him. Obscuro seems to be a quality time type with the way that he plans activities to spend time together. Obscuro may enjoy expressing it with quality time, but he seems to love it when he gets hugs or compliments for example, which fall into different areas. Blip is definitely somewhere close to a gift love language with how he makes detailed gifts in the form of scrapbooks to express his affection. I'm partly conditioned to fit the acts of service love language since I like helping others to show that I care for them. It feels better to help my loved ones or those I care about than to have a job for strangers. The thing is that sometimes the way people express it is different from how they like to how they like to receive it. But there is more to expressing love than physical touch, Error."I explain

He stares at me, intently listening with a few nods. I seem to open his eyes to something new.

"You don't have to substitute for anything. It's just not your love language and there's nothing wrong with that."

"WhErE dO yOu tHiNk i'D fIt?"

"Hmmm....you seem to like expressing it in various ways. Quality time like spending time watching UnderNovela or reading, although that can count as how you like to receive it...but also giving thoughtful gifts. It definitely seems to be a non-verbal form of expression for you. But given how you react to others, I'd say that words of affirmation or quality time is how you enjoy receiving affection."

"HoW cAn y0u t3Ll?"

"You scold Horror and I when we try to help or do acts of service so it can't be that. I see how your face lights up when someone remembers your plans or makes plans for you. And I've seen how you're happier after getting affirmed or complimented."

"WoW, yOu rEaLlY tRiEd tO aNaLyZe mE, hUh?"

"Says the one with files on everyone sorted in your dreams with evidence and plans for each."

"DiD yOu lAnD iN mY mInD aGaIn?"

"No, I just remember what I saw."

He glances away and grumbles as his face burns.

"Want me to test that if you're so doubtful?"

He nods.

Too easy.

"Well, Error, I think you're very handsome, funny, sweet, stylish, smart, admirable, and-"

"O-oKaY! EnOuGh!"He says, hiding in his scarf

I chuckle, finding him adorable.

"There's plenty more in case you think of testing it again.~"I say

"ThEn wHaT'S yOuR pReFeRrEd lOvE lAngUaGe t0 reCiEvE iT?"He asks, a spark of determination in his eyes.

I laugh nervously now that it's turned on me. What is he planning?

"I'm probably like you and not a huge fan of acts of service. Even if I appreciate it, there's some part of me that feels unsettled as if I was a burden that generous person had to fix. I do enjoy physical affection with trusted friends or family but as much as he likes hugs, there's something deeper in people's actions that makes him feel loved. Actually, I can't really pin it down to a specific love language. I just know that I feel loved when those close to him are thoughtful and treat him with genuine affection. Whether it be Swap's food made specifically for me, my brothers' ways of planning activities or something else, it just feels nice to be thought of or considered for more than my aura. Maybe Authenticity?"I say

"Y0u dIdN't mEntIoN tHaT oNe."

"I just made it up. There's just something about having a deeper connection with others that makes a difference in my interactions. A stranger could use the words of affirmation form and compliment me all they want but I won't feel much. But if someone close to me did the exact same thing, suddenly I feel loved and cared for beyond comparison. Something deeper than a connection to my work just hits me differently..."I say, struggling to explain it without feeling dumb.

Error nods, seeming to understand.

"AnD tHe fLaGs?"

"Oh right. These actually helped me understand things. That festival has different identities for how people love and who they love with flags to symbolize them. I met a nice group of people and they explained which ones I match with using some...interesting questions. This one with the black triangle is demiromantic for those who get attracted romantically when getting a deeper connection to someone. The other flag is the gay or homosexual flag for guys who like guys..."I say

"I s3e....WhAt qUesTiOnS diD tHeY uSe?"

"Would I be into connecting with an actress or you? That quickly broke them into a debate about things that introduced me to shipping. It felt funny hearing them express their feelings and explaining their ships. They would probably be shocked if they learned that they were telling me their favorite ships or pairings....Apparently we're a popular pair for people to imagine..."I say, feeling my face burn as I rub the back of my skull nervously.

"I bEl1eVe I hAvE hEarD tHeM cAlL iT aN oTp."Blip says

Error's face burns up and Blip's comment earns him a glare. Then he glances at me and chuckles.

"WhY wOuLd aNyOnE sHiP oR sEe uS aS a CoUpLe?"He asks

I pause for a moment hearing him laugh it off. My nervous smile fades and I get this aching feeling like I just wanted to hide and I didn't even say those special three words to him.

O-oh...This made him uncomfortable...Maybe I misread the pink aura or misinterpreted it from him...I guess I should answer his question? Thank goodness I didn't mention my feelings...

"Well....they see a good connection between us. That we balance out each other well. I...don't mind it either. If I'm going to fall for anyone, I'd rather it be with someone good like you than those like that lady that make me incredibly uncomfortable...Again, that's just what I've heard when I was in disguise..."I say, trying not to make him more uncomfortable.

I jolt, hearing something snap behind me and I see Blip burning holes into the back of Error's skull with his glare. He glances at me, mouthing the words sorry before glaring at Error more.

Ummm, it suddenly feels really tense...

I get up, making sure I have everything.

"I should get going before Brother worries where I am. If I stumble across an event like that again I'll grab stuff for Blip and others. Cya later, Error."I say, waving before teleporting away.

I appear in my house, finding Obscuro chatting with Swap. Swap jolts at the sight of me and glances away as my wings fold. He has avoided any contact with me since the beach day, even if I'm the one reaching out to him.

"Oooo! Pretty flags! What are those for?"

"They're from a Pride Month Festival that I stumbled across. Apparently they're for different identities and I was given these since they suit me. The one in my left hand is demiromantic and the one in my right is the gay flag. It basically identifies me as someone who is attracted to guys but only gets romantically attracted after an emotional bond is made which explains why I'm not attracted to attractive people with looks alone. Funny how that works, huh?"I say

"That's amazing, Brother! Maybe you can take me to it! It sounds fun!"He says

Then I hear a gurgling sound like a stewing, boiling substance nearby. I glance over, seeing a puddle of goop form and Nightmare peek out of it, looking angry. A tentacle snatches Swap and pulls him through before they both disappear. Obscuro and I glance at each other, questioning what we just saw. Then I nervously crack a smile.

"I think that sounds like a good idea.  Want to help me hang these in my room?"

"Yeah, gladly before he comes back."He says, seeming a bit unsettled.

I nod, going upstairs with him.

Meanwhile with Error(R.I.P.)

"ArE yOu kiDdInG mE, BroThEr? HoW cOuLd yOu poSsIbLy sAy tHat wItH hOw oBviOuS yOu aRe?"

"WhAt? ThOsE aNomAliEs aRe wEiRd!"

Smack!

"Ow!"Error snaps as another puppet gets thrown his way.

"YoU cAnNoT poSsIbLy bE tHiS bLiNd tO thE hInTs aFtEr aLl tHaT uNdErNovElA yOu aRe wAtChiNg!"

"WhAt aRe yOu tAlkInG aBoUT?"Error asks, ducking as another six are thrown at him in blind rage.

Blip facepalms, groaning in frustration.

"DeAr sTaRs yOu rEaLlY aRe. He cAmE bY wiTh giFtS oNlY for yOu aNd whAt yOu'd liKe! He adMiTtEd tHaT yOu wErE oN hiS mInD tOo! ThEn oN tOp oF tHe cOmplImEnTs hE hAppILy fEd yOu wItH, hE tAlKed aBoUt loVe wiTh yOu! He wAs bLuShInG aNd cHoSe yOu oVeR aN aCtrEsS oR aNyOnE tHeRe! He SpEciFiCaLlY bRiNgS cHocOlAtEs iN a hEaRt sHaPeD boX! Th3 sIgNs ArE tHeRe! YeT y0u cAlL tHe iDeA oF yOu bOth tOgEtHeR riDiCuLoUs? ArE yOu tRyiNg tO rEjeCt yOuRsElf oR sOmeThInG? HoW cOmE yOu fAiL aT kEePiNg yOuR fEeLiNgS sEcReT tO eVerYonE eXcEpT fOr hIm?"Blip snaps at him

"I pAniCkEd oKaY? He sEemEd uNcoMfoRtaBlE sO I wEnT wItH iT!"

"DiD yOu sEe hIs fAcE oR hOw hE rEaCtEd wHen yOu sTaRtEd lAuGhiNg, ErRoR? THaT wAs WoRsE! He eVEn sAiD tHat hE dOeSn'T mInD tHe iDeA! WhAt dOeS ThAt tElL yOu? He sEeMed tO bE pIckInG hIs wOrDs cArEfUlLy aFtEr yOUr cOmMenT aNd yOu mAdE hIm pAnIc! I'm gOiNg tO rEsEaRcH gAy pAnIcS aNd cUrEs fOr iT."

"WhAt d0 y0u kn0w tHaT I d0n'T?"

"I pRomIsEd nOt tO sHaRe bUt ev3n iF i diDn't, i woUldN't juSt g1v3 y0u tHe aNsWeR kEy! JuSt kn0w tHaT i l3aRn3d tHe sAm3 tH1nG y0u'd kn0w iF y0u c0nNeCt d0tS! He pr3paReD t0 maKe h1s m0v3, d0n'T maK3 h1m tHiNk 0f bAcKiNg OuT nOw Or tHaT iT iS wRoNg t0 f3eL f0r th3 fiRsT tiMe!"

Then Nightmare rises from the ground with Swap in his tentacles. He sets Swap down and frowns, his tentacles twitching with anger.

"I sensed my brother's joy plummet in record time for the first time in weeks and I want to know what happened."

"He gAvE ErRoR tHiS aNd ThEn ErRoR dEcIdEd t0 dr0p th3 wOrSt sTaTeMeNt eVeR iNt0 th3 cOnvErsAtiOn. HoW c0uLd tHeY eVeR bE sEeN aS a c0uPlE By oThErS?"Blip says, glaring his brother down.

"Error!"Swap snaps

"I pAnIcKeD!"

Nightmare glances at the box of chocolates and quickly understands. He glares at the two with a frown.

"How is it that the two of you are fumbling so badly with his feelings lately? This is so ridiculous...Unbelievable. Both of you better start choosing your words more carefully again. I don't care about your excuses or reasons and how good they are. You can mean all the good you want for him but you're just causing the opposite effect. Do us all a favor and don't say the first thing that comes to mind around him for a bit, okay? Will that help you think things over? Cuz obviously your words are hurting him whether you think of it or not. Or better, don't say the dumb shit you think of in a panic! And Error, get your eyes checked or get new glasses. You cannot be this blind when it's this clear. Dream deserves to know that he has those he can trust himself and his feelings around without feeling lesser or wrong for being himself. Do I make myself clear to his closest friends?"

They both nod, getting glared down by Blip and Nightmare.

"Good."

But they weren't going to get out of there for a while.

TBC