(Requested by Roku-MTG)

-------

(Ink)

The ladder shook underneath me and I shot a glare at my friend Reboot, who had bumped it.

"Sorry, Ink!"

"Be careful, Boots!" I shouted, "I almost screwed up!"

Shaking my head, I went back to the mural. Reboot was working on the lower section because he was afraid of heights. It was almost finished and probably the Art Club's greatest accomplishment. Leaning back slightly, I looked at what else needed to be done. My brush hovered over the area I'd just painted and I was stretching to reach another spot when the ladder wobbled again, causing a long green streak to appear on my mural.

"Reboot!" I shouted but the ladder kept wobbling and I had to grab it, feeling my soul pulse as it tipped sideways.

"REBOOT!" I called in a panic, now falling. The ladder kept me twenty feet in the air and I was falling sideways. Vaguely I heard chuckling but I was more focused on the line of paint cans beneath me. I screamed as I fell sideways, letting go of the latter in shock.

Closing my eyes, I waited for impact...only to feel arms catch me as the ladder came crashing down. Panting, I clutched my savior, shaking.

Now I know why Boots hates heights... I thought.

"Thank you," I said breathlessly, looking up at my savior. I froze and squeaked, going stiff.

Error chuckled at my reaction, smirking at me.

"Something up, Inky~?" he asked. He cocked his head, a mock-thoughtful look on his face, "Oh wait, you were just up there, weren't you?"

My voice didn't work as I stayed stiff in his arms. He chuckled and dropped me. Squeaking again I landed on my rear, still stiff as I hit the floor. I just looked up at Error, panting like a frightened mouse, swallowing.

"Aw, he didn't land in the paint?" Error's 'friend' Eraser pouted. He came over and kicked one of the buckets over, spilling purple paint on the floor.

"Hey!" I called, gaining some courage. Error gave Eraser a glare but he was grinning.

"Nah, he fell for me instead," he said, winking at me. I could feel my face heat up and looked away. Eraser chuckled.

"Heh, cool," Eraser smirked down at me and I frowned at him, getting to my feet.

"You're going to have to clean that up, you know," I told him firmly.

He glanced at the paint, "Eh, don't feel like it." He started to walk away. Error chuckled and kicked over another can.

"Hey, get back here!" I called.

"Have fun with the cleanup, Inky~!" Error called. Both of them laughed as they left.

Grumbling I turned around and my eyes went dark. Poor little Reboot was crying, a paint can having been dumped over his head. Neon pink paint streamed down his head, staining all of his clothes.

"Oh no, Reboot!" I rushed over to him, noting the five other paint cans spilled over.

Reboot sniffed, staring in the direction of Eraser and Error.

"Why do I have to like him...?" he asked himself, sniffing and rubbing his nose. I hugged him, not caring about the paint.

"It's okay, Boots," I whispered, "Let's get you cleaned up, okay?"

He nodded, hugging me with one arm as I led him to the locker rooms.

"Why are they so mean?" he said, still sniffling.

"I don't know, Boots," I turned around, frowning at the mess they left, "I really don't know..."

(Error)

Once Ink and Reboot were out of sight and earshot I slammed my shoulder into Eraser, growling.

"Did you have to knock the ladder down? You damn near killed him!" I hissed angrily as he glared at me, rubbing his arm.

Then he smirked, "Do you like him~?"

The smirk vanished when he found himself slammed into the wall, my hand on his throat and my arm on his chest. "Watch it, Eraser," I growled in his face.

We had a stare off for a moment before I released him. He glared at me, rubbing his throat.

"Need I remind you who your only friend is?" he said bitterly. I scoffed, rolling my eyes as I continued walking.

"That's a two-way street, Race," I tossed at him. He grumbled something under his breath, walking by my side. After walking in stiff silence, Eraser sighed heavily.

"I'm sorry 'bout knocking him into the paint cans," he said reluctantly, not meeting my gaze, "But you caught him and his face was priceless..." he chuckled and I joined him.

"Yeah, it was. And I'm sort of sorry about slamming you into the wall," I told him when we calmed down.

"Sort of?"

"I'm still mad at you."

"Fair enough."

With a shrug and a companionable silence, our argument was mostly forgotten and completely ignored.

--------

Peeking into the gym the next morning, where the mural was being painted, I was sort of surprised to see Ink and Reboot asleep on the bleachers. Ink still wore an apron and Reboot was resting his head on a folded up tarp as a pillow.

Looking at the mural, I felt impressed. Not only had Ink fixed the streak of paint I caused yesterday but they had practically finished it. The paint on the floor was all clean; the wooden floor was even polished.

Have they been here all night? I asked myself, sauntering over to the sleeping artists. A small line of rainbow-colored drool dripped from Ink's mouth and I paused to take a picture. I told myself it was just for blackmail, but honestly, he looked cute with his hand resting under his head and his body slumped to show off his surprising curves. Who knew he had such a bod? I smirked at myself before kicking the metal support under their heads.

Both of them snapped awake at the loud bang created, shooting up with confusion. Reboot squeaked and fell off the bleachers while Ink blinked sleep out of his eyes, surprisingly balanced and aware for such a rude awakening.

"I'm up!" he said, looking around, "I'm-" he froze when he saw me. A faint rainbow blush crept up his cheeks and he slowly wiped the drool from his face.

"Oh, uh, h-hey, Error..." he said nervously.

Smirking, I jerked a hand towards the mural, "You two nerds been here all night?"

He nodded, yawning and glaring at me. He looked cute when he was angry and I smirked wider.

"Thanks to you, we stayed to work on it. It took us four hours to clean up the paint you spilled!" he stood up, trying to be threatening even though I was a head taller, "It took me another two to fix the mistake you caused!" he poked me in the chest, "Do you have anything to say for yourself?!"

My smirk grew wider as I leaned over him, watching as the blush got brighter.

"Yeah..." I said slowly, "You're cute when you're angry..."

Totally dumbstruck. He gaped at me, surprised and flustered at my response. We stared into each other's eyes for a long moment, before Reboot interrupted with a fearful squeak. Our heads snapped to see him pressing himself against the bleachers, Eraser and Red looming over him.

"What's wrong, Bootsy~?" Eraser smirked, leaning down to the small trembling skeleton, "Are you cornered~?" Reboot whimpered, shrinking as Eraser got closer.

"Back off!" Ink growled, rushing over and shoving Eraser back. Red and Eraser both looked shocked at his outburst. Ink glared at Eraser, heaving, "Leave him alone, you ignorant jerk!"

"I-Ink, I'm f-fine..." Reboot said, his voice small as he curled up into himself. He looked up at Eraser, a strange emotion in his eyes. Hurt mixed with...betrayal? Fear? Regret? I don't know.

"No, Reboot, he needs to stop," Ink said firmly. He shoved Eraser back again, almost knocking him off-balance, "Just leave us alone! Both of you!" he turned to me, anger in his colorful eyes, "We never did anything to you!"

All three of us watched as Ink hauled Reboot to his feet and pulled him out of the gym, stomping away in the first angry outburst I've ever seen come from him. Reboot was shaking, holding onto Ink. Before they were gone, Ink shot us the coldest look I've ever felt, hugging Reboot tight as if to say, 'mess with us again and you'll regret it'.

We were all rather stupefied. What made him snap? I've done worse things to him than this. Sure, he'd get mad and annoyed at me for a bit. But he's never been so...pissed. His first real snap came when Eraser made Reboot uncomfortable. Did he really care more about Reboot than himself?

(Ink)

Slamming my fists into a hanging sandbag was quite therapeutic. Reboot sat on a bench next to me, hugging his knees and looking forlorn as I took out my frustrations on the punching bag. My other friends like Blue and Dream questioned my martial arts training if I never fought anyone, but it was really just a stress reliever. As long as I hit the bag, I never had to actually hit anyone unless in self-defense. Which, thankfully, has never been the case.

Until today.

Cracking my neck I glared at the bag as I hit it skillfully. I had been mere moments from striking Eraser right in the jaw, maybe even bruising a rib for Red or kicking Error's knee out. And Reboot knew it.

As soon as we had left their sight he expected me to relax my grip and calm down like I always did. But I was done. Sick of letting them mess with us. What had Reboot ever done to Eraser? The poor freshman has a crush on him. That's it. Neither him nor I have ever even said a word out of line to them. It wasn't our nature to be mean or insulting. Why did it have to be theirs?

Reboot had sensed this and taken me to our safe haven, otherwise known as my garage. He sat and let me beat out my anger on my sandbag.

After a few more strikes I stopped to take a breather, grabbing the bag to stop its rocking motions and looking at Reboot. I panted slightly, but swallowed in air and went to sit beside him.

"Feel better?" he asked quietly and I nodded, taking a sip of water.

"Any one of them touches you again and they're toast," I said after I swallowed. Reboot only nodded, hugging himself tighter.

"What about you?" his voice was small.

"They provoke me, I'll react. Simple as that," I shrugged, still feeling a small burn of anger. It had died down from earlier but it wasn't gone yet.

"What about peace and nonviolence?" he said, glancing at me. I sighed, rubbing his shoulder gently.

"I said I'll react. Never said I'd straight up knock them cold," I smiled at him but Reboot only sighed, unfolding his legs out. The small sheen of barely dry tears was on his face.

"I wish I knew why he was so mean..." he said it contemplatively, "I've seen part of a nice side to him. I know he can be good. I just know it."

"Maybe you're looking for things that you want to believe..." I said, half to myself and with a slight sharpness. Reboot turned to me with his big eyes, pleading.

"Please, Ink, I have to believe this...I can't just go on thinking he's always bad."

I nodded, saying nothing and taking another sip of water. It's not as if I was oblivious to his pain. I've had a crush on Error since eighth grade and we're both juniors. In the beginning, I thought he had some good to him but over the years I haven't seen anything to prove my theories. My heart refused to let him go, though my head recurrently built up a case to hate him. Or at least ignore him...

Standing up I cracked my knuckles and started hitting my sandbag.

Have I mentioned it's therapeutic?

(Error)

I knew it was a bad idea as soon as the words left his mouth.

"I'm going to talk to Reboot," Eraser proclaimed boldly in our little haunt, the back of my dad's shop.

"You're gonna get yer ass whooped," Red said boredly, "I fold." He set his cards down and I sighed, pulling the pile of random snacks, pocket change, and a few bills towards me with a toss of a winning hand.

"I'm going to talk to Reboot and ask him straight up why Ink totally overreacted. Didn't even touch the pipsqueak. Why'd he go shouting at us?" Eraser went on, grabbing our cards and shuffling the deck. I kept my mouth shut, not wanting Eraser to jump on me for defending Ink again.

"Dunno, don't care enough to test Ink," Red said, chewing on a toothpick. Eraser eyed him, confused as he shuffled.

"Test him? How?" he started dealing, "Paint pants ain't exactly a frightening figure."

Somehow, I doubted that. The venom in Ink's parting gaze gave me pause. What made the threat solid was Red's snort and disbelieving smirk at Eraser's expense.

"Either you're denser than concrete or he's better at hiding it than I thought," he chuckled, shaking his head slightly.

"Hiding what?" I leaned forward slightly, interested now. The cards lay flat and untouched as Red chuckled to himself.

"Guess dating Baby Blue was one of the best social decisions I've ever made..." Red chuckled to himself. He looked at both of us, his gold tooth glinting.

"Go ahead and talk to Reboot," he said, smirking evilly at Eraser, "I'll be watching."

It gave Eraser pause. But as I found out much too late, it didn't deter him...

(Reboot)

I was whistling down the hall, skipping slightly. After a long session on his punching bag Ink had calmed down and we went to the art store. He bought me a set of watercolor paints as an apology for his behavior though I already forgave him. So I bought him a new sketchbook.

He told me that the rest of the work on the mural was up high, so I was now in charge of cleanup and watching the ladder. I was on my way to the gym, where Ink was waiting, when he stopped me.

A hand slammed into the locker in front of my face and I squeaked, backpedaling and following the arm to the face. If I could've, I would've paled. As it was, I swallowed hard and shrunk against the lockers.

Eraser wasn't smirking. He looked very serious and I wondered if my whistling had upset him.

"Hey, Bootsy," he said.

"H-hi, Eraser," I muttered, barely meeting his eyes.

"So, Boots, I wanted to ask," Eraser leaned on the locker in front of me, crossing his arms, "Why did Ink get so riled up yesterday?"

I started to shrug but Eraser growled, "Don't lie to me, Reboot. I know he tells you everything. So spill."

"I-I don't know-"

Eraser slammed his fist into the locker behind me, making me whimper as he towered over me, "Don't lie!"

"Please don't yell," I said softly but he ignored me and grabbed my shirt.

"I don't like liars, Boots," Eraser hissed.

"I-I'm sorry, Eraser, I-I-" I felt tears build up, "H-he's like my b-brother. He was o-only protecting me! Please d-don't hurt him!" The tears spilled.

Eraser dropped me, a shocked look on his face, "Shit, I didn't mean to make you cry. Boots, I'm-"

"Dead," said a cold voice behind him. A hand grabbed Eraser's shoulder and threw him across the hall. He slammed into the other wall of lockers, panting and wide-eyed.

I whimpered as Ink stepped in front of me. His gaze burned with fury, magic sparking in his eye sockets.

"You hear me, Eraser? You're dead!" he snapped.

"Ink, stop, please-" I said, wiping my eyes but the tears kept flowing. Ink turned to me and his gaze softened before returning to that furious glare.

He stalked over to Eraser as he gained his feet.

"Racy, look out!" I tried to warn him as Ink's fist wound up. It slammed into Eraser's chest, forcing him into the lockers with a crack so loud I flinched as the hall froze.

"I warned you!" Ink shouted, jabbing his fist into Eraser's jaw. I whimpered and ran forward, pulling at Ink's arm.

"Ink, please!"

He shoved me back, "Stay out of this, Reboot."

It hurt but I stepped back, scared of my best friend.

(Ink)

I'm sick and done. I glared down at Eraser and jabbed my fist twice into his chest in quick succession. He bent over and slipped down the lockers, groaning.

"Arrogant fool! I warned you!" I nearly screamed. I went to kick him but arms wrapped around me and I hissed, thrashing.

"You're never coming near him again, you hear me?!" I shouted, thrashing in the grip, panting in fury, "NEVER!"

"Ink, calm down, dammit!"

I froze at the voice, my fury bubbling. My thrashing redoubled as I yelled, "Let go of me! Let go!"

Error ignored my protest and dragged me away. Red filled my vision as I thrashed and squirmed against his grip.

Something cool ran down my neck and I shuddered, freezing up. Error stopped struggling to drag me somewhere, continuing to blow on my neck every time I'd start thrashing again.

I sobbed in frustration, unable to control anything as he dragged me away.

"Let me go..." I sobbed, growling slightly. I was dragged into a room and dumped on something, slumping down in defeat. I didn't even notice Error had let me go at first, just hugging myself and sobbing in anger and regret and frustration.

"I'm sorry about Eraser," Error said quietly. I looked up, not bothering to wipe my eyes. I thought he'd left me here to wallow but instead, he sat across from me on a chair. I looked down and found myself sitting on the floor couches of one of the English rooms.

Hiccuping slightly I glared at him, "I warned you not to come near him again."

Error sighed, "I know, but Eraser's skull is thicker than-"

"Don't make excuses!" I snapped, shocking him into silence, "You two have had it in for us since we were in eighth grade, Error! Don't excuse his behavior away! We've done nothing to you!"

He moved his mouth, about to speak but I cut him off and stood up, "I've never hurt you or anyone in my life! Yet I can't go a day without you doing something stupid just to annoy me!"

Error reached his feet and stood over me, about to talk but I grabbed his shirt collar and pulled him down to my level, more angry tears falling from my eyes.

"I have done everything in my power to be nice to you. I have tried being kind, I have tried avoiding you, I've tried to be your equal, I've even tried to be your lesser. Never have I given you any reason to do the things you do to me. I have never acted better than you, never degraded you, never done anything to deserve your treatment!"

I let him go and he seemed at last speechless. Crying even harder now, I turned away and crossed my arms, "Why do you hate me? All I've ever done, ever wanted to do, was love you. I've liked you for years and you don't even have the decency to give me space."

"Maybe I don't want to give you space," Error said quietly. I sniffed, laughing slightly.

"Why not? To torture me even more? You don't love me. You flirt just to bug me and I hate it," my fists curled as I gripped my arms, shaking in anger, "I-I only wanted some affection and you can't even bother to leave me alone. If you hate me so much why can't you just leave me be?"

"I..." Error paused. A hand grabbed my shoulder and I moved so fast Error didn't know what happened until I was glaring at him. The smack of my hand connecting with his face echoed in the empty room.

"Don't. Touch. Me," I growled.

"Ink, I-"

"Never come near me again," I said, my voice cold as I glared at him, feeling my heart break slowly, "Never talk to me again. Don't look at me, don't contact me, don't touch me. I never want to be near you ever again."

I pushed past him, heading for the door. I paused, turning back to glare at him.

"If either you or Eraser ever even speaks to Reboot again, I won't hesitate to send you to the hospital."

"Ink, wait..."

I left the room, heading for the office.

I'm done.

(Error)

Senior year was...lonely. After that fateful day in the hall, Ink transferred out of school. Reboot clung to Blue and Dream, sophomores turned juniors, and I kept Ink's threat in mind. I didn't talk to Reboot unless we somehow had a class together and Eraser avoided him at all costs. Ink had broken two of his ribs and bruised his jaw.

Sometimes I still feel the emotional and physical sting of Ink's slap on my face. I have neither seen nor heard anything of Ink since he left me in the classroom.

Red hung out with us more, on some sort of mission from Blue to understand us. He never told Eraser 'I told you so' about Ink. He never mentioned it. Eraser's guilt had grown so much over making Ink leave not only school but Reboot that he grew quiet around us.

Prom grew closer and at all the decorations, I hung my head. Ink had always helped with the promoting decorations and they had been beautiful. Now that he was gone it was clear that something was missing. Even though Reboot's skill was considerable, it lacked a certain liveliness that Ink's art had.

I made this happen. I ruined something beautiful.

That simple thought weighed me down like a ball and chain. It dragged behind me, always there, grating and pulling me down.

In May, with prom only a week away, I found myself wandering the mall aimlessly with Eraser and Red. Red actually had a date with Blue to prom, but neither Eraser nor I were going to go. We didn't want to see the difference Ink's absence would make in the decorations, or in Reboot's eyes.

Red entered a suit rental and Eraser and I hung out in the food court, waiting for him. We ate in silence and I took our trays to the garbage.

On my way back I bumped into someone, since I was staring at my feet, and muttered an apology before seeing paint-splattered sneakers. I paused, standing in this guy's way, blinking. Where have I seen those before?

I looked up at the guy's face and froze. As did he.

We stood in stiff silence, my soul beating rapidly. He looked beautiful, fitter than before, more filled out. Neither of us breathed as we locked gazes. Has he always been this hot?

"Error," Ink said evenly, not breaking eye contact.

"Ink..." I breathed, feeling my emotions come back in a tidal wave.

"Do you mind?" Ink said and I blinked, remembering I was standing in his way. I stepped away and he dumped his tray. He turned and was about to leave but I grabbed his wrist.

He eyed me without emotion, looking at my hand, then my face.

"Let go," he deadpanned. I swallowed, swallowing all my guilt and my pride.

"I'm sorry," I said, "For everything. I never meant to hurt you as much as I did."

Nothing. He just stared at me. He didn't even try to pull away. For all he cared, I was dead to him.

"Let. Go," he said firmly. I did, my hand falling limply to my side.

He turned away and was about to leave when I jumped in front of him.

"Will you go to prom with me?"

Real smooth, Error. Reeeaaaal smooth.

He stared at me as my soul pulsed so fast in my chest I thought it might burst. Geez, I'm an idiot. Why'd I ask? He hates me.

A minute passed in silence as I fought off my racing soul. Ink blinked at me.

"I'll think about it," he said and pushed past me.

Slightly humbled, I made my way back to the table and sat down. Eraser noticed my silence and cocked his head at me.

"Somethin' up, Error?"

"I just ran into Ink," I said numbly. He sat up.

"Did he mention Reboot?"

I shook my head, "He barely spoke to me."

Eraser sat back, "What did he say?"

Letting out a breath I thought about it, "Nothing, really. He...he was...indifferent...cold, almost."

"What did you say?"

"I apologized..." my eyes flicked to him as I added, "And asked him to prom."

"You what?!"

Nodding slowly, I sighed, "I asked him to prom."

"What did he say?"

"He...he's gonna think about it."

"So, he didn't say no..."

"But he hasn't said yes..."

--------

A week. It took a week for Ink to get back to me. I'd begun to think he'd said that just to be polite and not outright tell me no.

Standing at my locker I shut it to reveal Red's grinning face. He held up a black envelope and waved it in front of me.

"What's that?" I asked him. Red smirked, shrugging.

"Dunno. Blue told me to give it to you," he said, handing to me, "Even he doesn't really know what it is. But it's from Ink."

"Ink?" his answer, "Huh...Thanks." I took it and walked away. Red looked me over, his browbone raised.

"You didn't piss him off again, did you?"

Shaking my head I chuckled, "Geez, I hope not."

"What'd you do?"

Grinning at Red, nervous as all hell, "I asked him to prom," and opened the envelope.

(Ink)

The doorbell rang and I went to it, nervous. Taking a deep breath I opened the door.

"Hey, Error," I said, keeping my voice even.

Error stood on my doorstep, rocking on his heels. His suit was a dark navy blue and he wore a pale yellow shirt beneath it with a dark blue tie. He offered me a bouquet of colorful roses and I took them.

"Come in," I said, standing aside. He swallowed and entered my house. I set the flowers on the kitchen counter and turned to him. He looked really nervous, about as nervous as I felt. I still wasn't sure whether this was the right thing, giving him a second chance by going to prom, but to be honest...once my anger cooled down enough I actually started to miss him.

And Reboot...that had been the hardest part of leaving. We still hung out but not being there to protect him put me on edge and made me feel guilty a lot of the time.

"You look nice," Error said. I gave him a small smile.

"Thanks. I made this myself," I said, looking down at my suit. It was white with rainbow colors falling down it like melting crayons, yet it was all fabric. The colors started at the top of my shoulders and petered out toward the bottom only to be renewed on my pants in a similar pattern.

"F-For prom?" Error asked. I chuckled.

"Actually, for my cousin's wedding. But no one at school has seen me in it so win-win," I told him. He nodded to himself, smiling nervously. He offered his arm.

"So, shall we go?" he asked and I nodded, taking his arm.

"We shall," I said.

-----------

After a tense but nice dinner, Error pulled up to the school. He got out of the car but I sat still, even as he opened my door like a gentleman. He's been acting nice all evening.

I stared at the school. I haven't been inside it for over a year. The dance would be held in the gym, where my mural was. My body refused to move as memories flooded back.

Error stood there, uncertain.

"Ink?" he said softly and my gaze shifted to him, "Are you okay?"

I wanted to respond but I couldn't. How could one year make such a difference? Was this really the boy I knew?

He glanced at the school and seemed to sense my apprehension. He leaned over the door, "We can go if you want. You don't have to-"

"No," I said softly, "I do." I looked at him, then took his hand and got out of the car.

"I will never forgive myself if I don't give you a second chance, Error," I said as he stepped back to give me space. He's been distant all night, walking on thin ice around me, afraid to set me off.

So, as we walked up the steps, I took his hand in mine. One step at a time, I'd give him a chance.

(Error)

When the letter had said 'yes' I'd almost passed out. So much air had left my body in relief I felt light headed and leaned on the lockers.

Immediately I set about making plans to make sure everything was perfect. I didn't want to ruin this shot with Ink because it was most definitely my last.

When I told Eraser Ink's reply, he said nothing. But I watched as the next day he strode right up to Reboot -who was surrounded by Blue, Dream, Science, and Outer- got on his knees and asked him to prom. The entire hallway went quiet as Reboot stood still in absolute silence, Eraser on the floor, his head hanging.

No one heard his answer except Eraser, but we all knew the result. Reboot fell to his knees and hugged Eraser tightly, whispering something in his ear as all of his friends stood in complete shock. Eraser let out a choked sob and hugged the small sophomore back. Everyone knew he was apologizing.

So, as I walked hand in hand with Ink, I looked around for Eraser. I didn't see him but I felt Ink go stiff when Reboot bounded into view, dragging Eraser behind him.

When Reboot caught sight of Ink he let out a squeal so shrill I winced. He sprinted to his old friend and tackled him. I stood behind Ink to catch him so he didn't ruin his suit, but the impact forced me back anyway.

"Ink, y-you're here! You're really here!" Reboot was crying with excitement, hugging Ink tightly. Ink hugged him back, curling over the smaller protectively.

Reboot pulled away, wiping tears on his face, "When Eraser said you were coming tonight I-I didn't believe him. I haven't seen you since Christmas...I thought you moved away!"

"No, never, I could never move away. This is my home," Ink said, enveloping Reboot again. They stood in each other's embrace for a while, long enough for me and Eraser to get uncomfortable.

"Do you forgive me for leaving?" he asked. Reboot nodded, laughing and crying at the same time.

"Yes, yes, forever yes! I could never be mad at you!" he said. They finally broke away and Ink noticed Eraser. Guilt crossed his face and before Eraser even opened his mouth Ink hugged him.

"I'm so, so sorry, Eraser," he said, "I overreacted and hurt you. It was wrong and I should have talked to you."

Eraser stood, frozen in place, his mouth working around words. He finally managed to pry Ink off of him and look him in the eye, "I'm the one who needs to apologize, Ink. I let my anger issues get ahead of me and I should have been nicer to you. Can you forgive everything I've done to you?"

Ink nodded, "I'm trying, I really am. I have to forgive myself first, though. I...I heard about your trip to the hospital. I'm really so sorry for breaking your ribs."

Eraser grinned and waved it away, "Nah, I had it coming. Karma's a pain in the ass."

Ink chuckled nervously, "Yeah, it is."

--------

After that reunion, all four of us headed inside the gym. Ink paused at the doors, motioning for Eraser and Reboot to go on ahead. I stopped by his side, seeing him look into the gym as if it were a black hole.

"Does anyone hate me?" he asked dully. I let out a loose chuckle, drawing his attention.

"Hell no," I said, "If anything, they all hate me for making you leave."

"You didn't make me do anything. It was my choice."

He sounded reluctant and I sighed. Offering my hand to him I nodded inside, "May I have this dance?"

He smiled at me and took my hand, "You may."

(Ink)

Error led me to the dance floor and took my hands. As a popular hip-hop song started he grinned and started dancing. He had no idea what he was doing and I bit back a laugh at how ridiculous he looked. He saw my barely contained mirth and smirked at me.

"What? Think you can do better?" he challenged. I let out my laughter, nodding.

"Oh, definitely," I replied.

"Show me," he said, giving me the floor.

So I did. Moving my body in fluid motions I lost myself to the beat and moved through the motions my friend Dance taught me a while ago. Bending and twisting and spinning I forgot where I was and let the music consume me.

No one was around me, I was alone, lost in the world of motion. My soul felt light and for the first time this night I felt like...myself.

As I danced I closed my eyes, moving carefully and skillfully. Twirling at the end of the song I stopped and panted, my eyes still closed as I smiled.

That's when the clapping started. My eyes shot open to see Error leading the applause, looking impressed. A ring of people surrounded me and I turned, seeing everyone looking at me.

The DJ spoke up, "And in his return performance, our one and only Ink is back!"

Whoops and whistles and cheers echoed around me and I chuckled nervously. Waving shyly, I felt my face warm up.

Then two brightly colored blurs pushed past Error and I found myself pinned to the floor.

"INK!" they chorused. Blue and Dream had tackled me, laughing. Error appeared and I gratefully took his hand as my friends scrambled to their feet. He hauled me up and I stumbled, landing in his arms. He blushed faint yellow and helped me to my balance before letting go, rubbing his hands down his sides nervously.

Dream shot him a small glare before grinning at me, "You're back! You're back! You're back!"

"Did none of you believe Eraser?" I asked. Dream paused, looking at his feet.

"We haven't had much reason to trust him since you..." he trailed off. Blue rolled his eyes but looked just as bashful.

"I'll admit, I found it hard to believe even when Red told me," he said, "You've been basically missing since Christmas. All of us thought you moved away."

"I'm sorry I was absent I was...busy, with things," I looked away.

"That doesn't matter! Because now you're here! And we can party!" Blue said excitedly. They grabbed my arms and attempted to drag me off but I stood my ground.

"Look, I'd love to but I've kind of got a date," I nodded towards Error, who blushed faintly. Dream and Blue looked a bit bummed but grinned at me.

"Well, when you get a chance, come hang with us!" they said before vanishing into the crowd.

Smiling, I turned back to Error. He cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable.

"Dream hasn't really forgiven me," he said, "Blue tolerates me but I think's that mostly because Red and him are dating."

"Well," I took a breath and grabbed his hand, stepping close to him, "They'll both have to deal with you."

Error looked at our hands to my eyes, "What do you mean?"

Sighing, I started walking to the refreshment tables, bringing him with me, "I told myself to give you a second chance. From what I can tell, neither of us are the same person we were last year..."

He said nothing and I left it at that. Honestly, I wasn't sure where I was going with that but I knew one thing: this felt like redemption...for both of us.

(Error)

After some time sitting at a table in a comfortable silence, I decided to lead Ink to the dancefloor again. This time, I took his hand in my own and set my other on his waist, listening to the slow song that started. He smiled coyly at me before putting both arms on my shoulders and stepping closer to dance.

Never in a millennium would I have imagined dancing with him like this. We'd been mortal enemies a year ago. Now he was standing so close to me I could feel every single shift of his bones as we swayed. The gentle hum of his magic tingled beneath my hands: he was nervous and excited to be this close to me.

"Error, I have to tell you something before this gets too far..." Ink said softly.

"And what would that be?"

He sighed and looked away, closing his eyes, "I've been accepted to a prestigious art academy on a full scholarship."

"Ink, that's great! I'm so ha-"

"It's in Europe."

I paused, "...what?"

He nodded, looking at me. I could see the start of his rainbow-colored tears building in his eye sockets, "I applied soon after I transferred from school. I was still mad at you and just wanted to get away...I never thought I'd get in on a scholarship. It was just a chance at the time..."

We fell into a silence, still swaying. Looking at our feet I asked, "When are you leaving?"

"I'd move at the end of June."

That stung. We just tried this again and he's leaving? "How long would you be gone?"

"Four years..."

I stopped dancing, as did he. We stood in a silence, unable to look each other in the eye.

I let go of him, stepping back. He didn't try to stop me.

"Error..."

"I'll miss you."

I turned away, noticing as Ink hung his head behind me.

(Ink)

Hugging myself, I went to find Blue and Dream. I needed their help to get Error back. I wasn't going to leave him, not after tonight. Scholarship be damned: I'm staying with him.

I found them near the deserts and relaxed in relief.

"Blue, Dream, guys I need your help."

"With what? Did Error hurt you?" Dream stood up.

"No, no. In fact, I need your help to get him back," I said breathlessly.

"How'd you lose him?" Blue asked, coming to my side.

"I told him about Europe, the scholarship, the academy," I swallowed, "But I need to talk to him and I can't find him."

Blue nodded seriously, "We'll help. Go to the stage and wait for me. Dream and I will take care of the rest."

"I can't thank you enough," I said. Blue dragged Dream off and I went to the stage to wait, wondering what he had in mind.

-------

In less than five minutes Blue came back, panting slightly.

"Okay, we found him," he said, "I locked all the doors to the gym so he can't leave. Dream's keeping an eye on him. But I need to know: can you sing?"

My mind was rolling, "What?"

"Can you sing?" Blue repeated.

"Yeah, why..."

"Because I have a plan..." he dragged me up the stage and rushed by the DJ, who was my friend Dance.

"Dance, do you have..." he whispered the rest and Dance grinned, nodding enthusiastically.

Blue turned to me, "What's a love song you know really well?"

"Uh..." what's one I didn't know?

What's one I want for Error...? "'Sad Song' by We the Kings," I answered. Blue gave me an odd look but glanced at Dance, who grinned again.

Soon a microphone was shoved into my hand and Blue was telling me to sing my heart out for Error, who was being shepherded into the middle of the dance floor by Dream and Red.

The music started and I made eye contact with Error, who froze. Taking a deep breath, I started to sing.

"You...
And I...
We're like fireworks and symphonies
Exploding in the sky...
With you,
I'm alive...
Like all the missing pieces of my heart,
They finally collide...
So stop time right here
In the moonlight...
Cause I don't ever wanna close my eyes..."

I stared right at Error, unblinking as he slowly stepped forward. I hopped off the stage, not taking my eyes off him.

"Without you
I feel broke
Like I'm half of a whole
WIthout you
I've got no hand to hold...
Without you,
I feel torn
Like a sail in a storm, ohh...
Without you...
...I'm just a sad song...
I'm just a sad song..."

Error stood in front of me, maybe ten feet away. Red nudged him and handed him a microphone as well.

He took a breath and smiled at me.

"With you...
I fall...
It's like I'm leaving all my past
In silhouettes upon the wall...
With you
I'm a beautiful mess
It's like we're standing hand in hand
With all our fear upon the edge...
So stop time right here
In the moonlight
Cause I don't ever wanna close my eyes..."

We stood apart, smiling each other. I sang again as we approached each other.

"Without you,
I feel broke
Like I'm half of a whole
Without you,
I've got no hand to hold...
Without you,
I feel torn
Like a sail in a storm, ohh...
Without you...
...I'm just a sad song...
I'm just a sad song..."

Error took my hand in his.

"You're the perfect melody,
The only harmony
I wanna hear...
You're my favorite part of me,
With you standing next to me,
I've got nothing to fear..."

He smiled at me and intertwined our fingers together.

"Without you,
I feel broke
Like I'm half of a whole..."

"Without you,
I've got no hand to hold..."

"Without you,
I feel torn
Like a sail in a storm...
Without you,
I'm just a-"

"Without you,
I feel broke
Like I'm half of a whole
Without you,
I've got no hand to hold...
Without you,
I feel torn
Like a sail in a storm, ohh...
Without you..."

"I'm just a sad song..."

"I'm just a sad song..."

Wrapping my arms around his neck I ignored everyone else around me.

"I meant every word, Error," I whispered. He smiled before it flashed and he looked away.

"We shouldn't be like this if you're leaving," he said, "It'll only hurt more when you-"

"But I'm not leaving," I said and he whipped his head to look at me.

"What?"

Cupping his cheek in my hand I smiled tearfully, "I'm not going to the academy, Error. I'm staying right here."

"But the scholarship. Ink, your future-"

"Is here, in your arms, Error," I choked out a laugh, "I'm never leaving you again. I know that now. I love you and I always have."

"Ink, I- think about this, please," he looked concerned, "I don't want to ruin your life any more than I already have."

"I've made up my mind, Error," I smiled, "You are my future. I can get an art degree at some community college. I don't need to go to Europe: my entire world is right in front of me."

"So...would it be out of the question to ask you to be my boyfriend?" he blushed vibrant yellow.

"That's the only question I want to hear," I whispered. He smiled crookedly, relieved.

"You still didn't answer," he noted.

Chuckling, I tightened my arms around his neck and kissed him. His arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me up, onto my toes, kissing me back.

We broke away and I grinned, "Does that answer your question?"

"It's the only answer I was looking for," he grinned.

-----------

Error took my hand in his own while he set the other on my hip. He grinned and I smiled back lovingly.

"Time for the happy couple to do their first dance as husband and wi- er, husband!"

Error smirked and I pouted at him.

"You didn't tell him we were gay, did you?"

"Maybe~"

"You bully."

"Isn't that why you love me?"

I continued to pout at him until the music started.

'You...
And I...
We're like fireworks and symphonies
Exploding in the sky...'

Error looked down at me, bowing his head slightly.

"May I have this dance?"

"You may," I answered.

We danced for almost half the song before I leaned up and whispered.

"I love you, bully."

"And I love you, Inky~"