(Requested by The-Glitch-Account)

(Dom Fresh and Sub Error, whoo!)

(~ = smut)

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(Fresh)

Looking down at my new orders, I sighed. Finally, I might actually be able to do something. I won't be a screw-up or a slacker. I might learn real discipline, that thing Ink always tells me to get a grip on.

Packing the bare necessities, I made sure the duffel bag was full. Then I grabbed my favorite thing, my personal item, pausing to smile at it. It meant too much to leave behind.

Taking my duffel bag downstairs, I shot a quick text to my friends to meet me at the diner in a half an hour. I had some news for them.

(Error)

"You're what?!" I shouted, reaching my feet before knowing I moved. Fresh had called me, Ink, Geno, Geno's boyfriend Reaper, and Blue to the diner. And he had just told us why.

"I'm going into the military," Fresh said, "I've already enlisted. I even have my orders. I leave tomorrow."

He'd done all that and never even told us?! Never even told me?! The most laid-back, non-serious guy among us is joining the freaking military!?

"When did you decide to do this?" I asked, trying to keep my voice level. My fist curled at my side, stemming the shaking.

"A while ago," Fresh said, looking at me strangely, "Couple months maybe."

That stung. He never mentioned it to me...His best friend... I glared at him, shaking. Ink tried to get me to sit down but I shrugged him off. Everyone stared at me, shocked. Sure, I had a temper but I never took it out on my friends, especially not Fresh, who can annoy the living hell out of anyone.

"I thought you'd be okay with it," Fresh said, dumbstruck, "I'm finally using my potential."

A small snarl made its way onto my face, "Then you thought wrong."

"Error-" Ink tried but I was already out the door.

(Fresh)

Everyone was stunned. What just happened?

The rest of lunch was dull. No one wanted to mention Error's outburst. We shared simple pleasantries before it was time to go. I said my goodbyes and asked Ink where I might find Error.

He sighed, "Honestly I don't know. This has never happened before."

"Well, give this to him for me, will ya?" I said. Ink accepted the small package with an apologetic smile.

"I'll make sure he gets it."

"Thanks..." we stood in silence for a while.

"Well, I'll see ya later, Ink," I said. Ink sniffed once and nodded. He gave me a hug.

"I'll miss you."

"Don't worry," I grinned, "First leave I get I'll come straight back, catch up with y'all."

"I'll see you then," Ink tried to smile but it was watery. With a sigh, I stepped back. Now or never.

"Goodbye, Ink," I said.

"Bye, Fresh."

----One year later----

(Ink)

Pulling into my garage I pulled the keys and rested my head on the wheel, letting out a breath of weariness. Ever since Fresh joined the military, Error's gone AWOL, to use a military term. He left his, Blue's, and my shared apartment and took over his uncle's old trailer way up in the mountain forest. Blue and I took turns every month taking him food and supplies. I had just returned from one such trip and Error hadn't even answered the door. I just left everything on his porch.

Fresh had come once or twice on leave. Error never came down from the mountain. He wouldn't answer his phone, letters, or even a fist on the door. I doubted he even knew Fresh ever showed up.

"Oh, Error..." I sighed. No one knew why he'd been so upset. As Fresh's best friend, he should have supported his decision, not flipped out. There had to be something else behind it.

A tap on my window made me jump and beep the horn, turning to the side to see a familiar grinning face looking at me. Gasping in shock, I opened the car door and leaped on him, squealing.

"Fresh! You're home!" I said, hugging him. He had grown, getting stronger and fitter with the training at boot camp.

"Heya, Ink!" he laughed, swinging me around slightly.

He set me down and I looked him up and down, "I thought your tour wasn't over until next week."

"I may or may not have given you mildly incorrect information to surprise you," he gave me that playful, lazy grin I always loved to see.

"You lied to me," I said, frowning playfully.

"Just to have some fun, Ink," Fresh nudged me, "All those hard-asses up at base are so boring. My teammates and I have fun but they all got the heck outta dodge soon as we landed."

"Well, come on in," I said, leading him into the building, "I don't have anything prepared. I expected you next week. Blue and I were going to make you a cake. He's out shopping for it now."

"You guys really shouldn't do all that," Fresh said, though I could see how touched he was, "I'm just a friend."

"You mean a lot to us, Fresh," I said, feeling the puzzle pieces connect in my head, "Risking your life in the military. We need to make a bit of deal about your sacrifice."

"I'd feel better if you treated me like you always did. Like I'm still the annoying teen that's too adorable to ditch."

"How can I when even your lingo has changed?"

His grin faltered slightly. He cleared his throat and glanced around, "Is that a new piece?" he asked, pointing at a half-finished canvas.

"Yeah, it is," I picked it up, frowning slightly at it. Fresh noticed.

"What's it supposed to be?"

"It was going to be a present for Error but..." I sighed, feeling unbidden emotions welling up and spilling over, "He won't talk to me anymore."

"What, why?"

I sniffed, wiping my nose slightly as I put the picture down, "He won't talk to anyone. I'm worried about him, Fresh. No one's seen him in three months. I'm afraid he-he might've..."

I choked, hugging myself, "He hasn't been right since you left. You were barely gone for a week before he left us all. He retreated up into the mountains and rarely comes down here. We couldn't do anything to help him because he wouldn't talk to us. No one could reach him, not Geno, not Blue, not even me," I turned to Fresh, wiping a welling tear away, "I'm scared, Fresh."

He hugged me and I cried silently into his shirt. He was silent, morose.

"This is my fault, isn't it?" he asked and I coughed, shaking.

"I don't know. Maybe. Error won't say anything."

He squeezed me, "I need to fix this."

I coughed again, choking, "Please. Anything. Bring our friend back."

(Fresh)

Driving Ink's car up to the place he said the trailer was parked ended up being a long drive, longer than I expected. The road wound up and up and up, heading for the peak of the mountain. The trees became solely evergreens, the underbrush sparser, the rocks coarser. The road itself got rougher, less maintained, narrower.

The constant thought in the back of my mind was: I drove him to this?

After that fateful day, I never got a chance to explain it to him. Never got to say goodbye. Never got to hug him again, hold his hand. I haven't seen him in a year.

I haven't stopped thinking about him for a year and a day.

The personal item I'd brought with me everywhere sat in my side bag in the passenger seat. It reminded me of Error because he gave it to me. Not only that, he made it for me.

It'd been with me in boot camp. It'd come with me on every ride I went on. It came overseas with me. It was in my pocket when I got shot. It was in my hands when my comrade died. It was at my side when I recovered in the hospital from my wounds. It was with me in the psych ward for a month. It was the reason I never stopped.

It was the reason I always managed to come home.

My soul pulsed painfully at the thought that it was all for nothing. That my only reason for never stopping, always moving, always going, always surviving, was gone.

I may or may not have sped up a little.

---------

Reaching the old trailer, I could barely see any signs of occupation. No lights were on, but it was about one in the afternoon. There were a few clothes on the line, but they were wind battered and looked like they'd been hung maybe a week ago if not more. The porch was dirty and Ink's bags were still on it.

Getting out of the car, I saw that the only fresh tracks in the dust were Ink's footsteps. All other prints were old, maybe days old. Mud boot prints on the porch were dry and caked, cracking slightly.

My shoes made no sound on the hard dirt beneath me. I approached the porch, thoughtful.

Looking at the tracks I crouched, looking at the freshest ones besides Ink's. Following them with my eyes I saw them leading towards the woods. Standing, I followed them further to see them head down a well-worn track winding through the forest.

The tracks were maybe three days old and only going in one direction. It could mean a few things, only half of them good.

Putting my fear aside I hefted my backpack on my shoulders and followed the tracks. I'd find Error no matter what, and I'd find him today.

-------

The military did me a few favors. One of them was lengthening not only my strength but endurance and stamina. For the flatter, more visible sections of the path I maintained a steady jog and covered ground quickly. Within an hour I'd covered a fair bit of distance, following not only the prints but marks I found on trees. The prints followed a path marked with a star in a circle, while other paths with various symbols branched off.

As I followed I noticed a steady incline. I was going up, traveling higher up the mountain.

Where are you going, Error? I wondered worriedly. Inclines meant height. Height meant falls. Falls meant...

Nothing. They mean nothing. I shook off the thoughts and jogged faster.

The trees started thinning. The air grew colder, the wind stronger. Zipping up my hoodie I carried on, feeling rather than knowing I've been up here for three hours.

Craggy rocks covered in moss started appearing, getting larger the higher I went. Some of them became weatherworn, too windswept to even have moss. They got flatter.

A small shout escaped me when my foot fell through a patch of moss into a crack. It stunned me; I was actually walking on the stones. Being more careful with my feet, I found myself having to climb part of the stone, following the symbols carved into the rock since the tracks couldn't be tracked on stone.

Then the noise came.

It started as a small, indescribable noise on the wind. Something I barely registered among my own pants and grunts of exertion. It was a hint on my radar, a blip.

Then I heard it. It almost sounded like music, but I put it up to the wind at first.

At first.

The sky had grown dark, the sun setting slowly and the light fading away. Without it, climbing would be dangerous. Pausing, I dug out a flashlight from my bag and continued on, clipping the light to my belt to be hands-free.

The stars winked at me when I reached the apex of a flat stone. The music had paused long ago, so my mind told me I made it up.

I followed what appeared to be a path, the ground now flat since I was on top of a plateau. I walked, being careful about the gravel under my feet and wary of the possibility of cracks. The night breeze coldly ripped at my hoodie but I paid it no heed. I'd been in worse.

The path narrowed and began closing, confusing me as rock walls loomed above me. I reached the end and found a latter, a rope latter, leading up maybe twenty feet. To the top of another flat plateau.

Clapping my hands, I grabbed the rung and tested it. It wasn't old or worn and held my weight well, so I started to climb. When I did, I heard more of it. Music.

It sounded like... a guitar?

Then the voice hit me, deep, resonant, beautiful, and almost familiar as it sang.

'The flowers of the new
and the laughter of the past,
They're beautiful like you,
beauty unsurpassed...
Gone with a whisper,
you fall asleep like death,
Breaking through the earth,
your smile shines again...'

I've never heard the song but the voice sang with true emotion, compelling me to listen.

'My empty gratitude,
another empty thank you,
I finally learned regret,
from words I've always said.
Never meant to speak to hurt,
yet it hurt to put in words,
Goodbye wherever you are,
goodbye unbroken heart.'

Emotions stirred inside me that I've never felt yet at the same time, have been feeling all along. I followed a clear path, searching for the singer.

'In truth, I want to feel,
the truth I want to see...
I'm trying to embrace your
drifting heart and smile!

Whenever I begin to feel the burning tears
overflowing from my eyes,
I keep on looking forward at you,
hoping that your light will pass me by!
I wonder what the stars that sparkle
in your eyes are hiding from my mind,
Hiding from my open heart
and from your open heart!

Together, you and I will always be alive,
connected, close to you, I'll stay!
As long as I can hold your hand
again and again, forever, I will find my way!

You may never answer back my call
but you smile at me with grace!
And everything remains the same,
this pain I'll soon awake from!

What I see will melt all away,
With my tears...'

Cautiously I came around a bend to find Error sitting on the ground by a flame, strumming a guitar with practiced ease and skill. I never knew he played, but the song was sad and heart-wrenching as I slowly approached him, constantly aware of the deadfall edges now surrounding us. A deadly place to sing a sad song.

'A shape of broken line,
will never be the same,
It'll never find new life,
as a body of remains...
A soul without a form,
endlessly it'll chase,
But will my broken heart...
find another place?

In truth, I want to feel,
the truth I'll never see,
I'm trying to erase how far
we've walked in miles!

Whenever I begin to feel the burning tears,
as I look up at the sky,
I keep on looking forward at it,
hoping that I'll find you soon enough in time!
I wonder if the stars that sparkle
in my eyes will eventually subside,
Hiding from my endless heartbeat,
from my endless heartbeat!

Together, you and I will always be alive,
committed, close to you I'll stay,
As long as I can hold your hand,
again and again, then maybe I will find a way!
I can never travel back in time,
but you smile back at me, those days...
And everything remains the same,
this pain I'll soon awake from!

What I see will melt all away,
With my tears...

Replaying time again,
Replaying time again.

Repeating time again,
Repeating time again.

Reflected in my heart,
Reflected in my heart.

Your never-ending laughter!'

He finished the note and slammed his fist lightly on the ground.

"Gah, Fresh, why?" he sounded in pain, the pain of a broken soul. A broken heart. He resettled his guitar and strummed lightly.

Whenever I begin to feel the burning tears...

"Error," I said softly, stepping up behind him.

His grip tightened on the guitar as he whipped around, gaining his feet in one smooth movement. We stared at each for a soul-pulse, two, three...

Then he swallowed and a sad snarl twisted his face. He began playing again, pouring anger and strength into the words as he nearly shouted at me.

'Can you feel the burning tears
overflowing from my eyes?
I keep on looking forward at you,
hoping that in time your light will pass me by!
Now I know the stars that sparkle
in your eyes, are guiding me to light!
Guiding to my broken heart,
from your open heart!'

He approached me slowly, anger and sadness pouring from his eye sockets in the form of blue tears. His strumming was angry and rough, his grip tight. He pushed me back, me taking small steps from him as he approached incessantly.

'Together, you and I would always be alive,
connected, close to you, I'd stay!
Time will never hold my tears
or hold my feelings down they pour like silent rain!
All the colors forming back to life,
I knew when all remained the same!
Somehow in a finite mind,
this time I'll find my way out!

And I see I've never reached you,
And your heart!'

He reached me as my foot slipped on an edge I hadn't known I was approaching. He grabbed my hoodie and pulled my face to his, crashing our mouths together forcefully. So stunned I didn't even have time to close my eyes before I was thrown to the side, landing heavily on my rear.

"You're a goddam fool, Fresh!" Error screamed at me.

"Error, I-I-" I couldn't speak. He's been missing for three months and the first words I hear is an insult from my best friend. Right after a kiss that I was not expecting.

He fumed down at me, glaring with an unreadable intensity.

"Why are you even here?" he asked, his voice calmer but still angry.

"I, um, I..." I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry, numb from the feeling of his mouth on mine, "My tour ended. I wanted to come home and see everyone."

"You mean you were released from psych therapy early," he stated bluntly and I froze.

"H-how do you know?" I asked him, my voice shaky.

He turned around, pulling the guitar off his shoulders. "May sixth, 0323 hours, company 17 is attacked and ambushed. Nine casualties: seven injuries, two deaths. Private Fresh Underearth awarded medal for bravery and is sent to the hospital to recover from injuries sustained by gunfire. Is sent to psychological therapy for mental trauma sustained under pressure."

"The mission report...how'd you access it?" I asked, sitting up as he plopped down by the fire.

"I have my sources," he said dully.

There was a tense silence as Error adjusted the strings of his guitar. I scooted over near him, keeping the fire between us. He glanced at me, setting his guitar aside.

"Report said you were close to one of the dead soldiers," he said, "You tried to save him and managed to reduce the casualties in doing so. He died in your arms."

I nodded mutely, feeling the moment come back in waves. Gunfire, shouting, screams, searing pain in my right shoulder; all of it rushed back.

I closed my eyes, seeing my comrade's dying eyes looking back at me. Sighing, I pulled my knees to my chest.

"He was shot in the chest, close to his heart. It grazed the main artery and he bled out in a few minutes."

"I'm sorry for your loss."

We remained silent a while longer, hearing the cracking of the fire beside us.

"The attack gave me nightmares," I said softly, hiding my face away.

"Of your friend?"

"Of you," I said. Error remained quiet.

"I kept dreaming that I was the one bleeding out, that you were holding me," I picked at the ground uselessly, "That I was dying and would never see you again. All I could think about was you and how I'd never get to say goodbye..."

"Hmm..." Error replied.

We shared another silence, feeling the tension between us. Something that had never been there before. My mind kept returning to the kiss. Had it been an accident? Or on purpose?

"I haven't slept right since you left, you know," Error said.

"Really?" I looked at him, seeing him nod without looking at me.

"Every night, night after night after agonizing night, I'd dream that you'd die. You died over and over and over. You'd leave me, forever." He hugged himself tightly, "You're an idiot Fresh, and so am I. We're both just fools."

"Why do you say that?" I asked, picking at the ground again. I sensed his gaze on me and looked up.

"You're an idiot because you were too damn blind to see my feelings," he said, "and I'm a fool for believing you ever would."

"Feelings?"

He turned to face me more, "You destroyed me that day, Fresh. My life became a living hell without you. There was no more light, no more laughter, no more jokes or grins or crazy lingo. I couldn't be annoyed at you and laugh with you. You were going somewhere, putting your life at risk, and you never even told me you were going to do it! That is what hurt the most! That you never bothered to tell your best friend that you were going away!"

"I'm sorry!" I said, "For once, I thought I could do something with my life that was worthwhile! I didn't tell you because I didn't want anything to affect my decision."

"Did you even think about me when you decided to leave? Did you ever wonder what it would mean to me if you just disappeared?!"

"I wanted to prove myself! I wanted to know that I could do something!"

"Did you ever consider that you never needed to prove yourself?! Did you even bother to think that you were talented and worthy and so far out my league that I kept my mouth shut just to be your friend?!"

"YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN HAPPY FOR ME! OR AT LEAST SUPPORTIVE! LIKE A FRIEND!"

"HOW CAN I SUPPORT A DECISION THAT MIGHT KILL THE LOVE OF MY LIFE?!"

That shut me up. I froze, gaping open-mouthed at him as more tears fell down his face.

"You were always far more than a friend to me, Fresh," he said, "Every time I called myself your best friend, a part of me went cold. I didn't want to call you that. I wanted to be more, to mean more to you."

He looked away, staring at the stars, "Every night after you left I watched the stars. I kept track of where you were. I knew what part of the world you were in at that time. I knew how close to danger you'd come. I looked at every death list, fearing I'd find your name. I know about the scar on your wrist, the bullet wound in your shoulder, the crack in your sternum from a concussive explosion. I know that even though you've been through psych therapy you're fit for duty again and will be leaving soon. And you're going to keep leaving until you're killed, dismissed, or you retire."

"Error, I-"

"Don't," he turned to me, broken and helpless and stubborn, "Just don't. If you're going to keep leaving, don't say anything."

"Error..."

"Please...just... leave me alone..."

"Error, please, let me explain..."

"You've already tried. Don't bother to do it again. You never loved me and I can't stop you from going back."

"Can I at least tell you something?"

"What?"

"You were my reason, Error."

He turned to me, red-yellow eyes gleaming, "Reason for what? Leaving?"

"Coming back. Returning. Continuing. Fighting. Surviving," I pulled out the doll he made me, a gift from when we were in middle school, "I had this with me everywhere I went. You can even see the blood on it from when I got shot. It was in my pocket. Every time things got hard, impossible even, I'd hold onto this and think of you. Every time I felt like giving up, I remembered I had someone who wanted me to come home. Who never wanted me to leave. And while it stung, remembering what you said, whenever I needed you most I only ever saw your smile and your eyes, your voice asking me to come home. Come home."

I sighed, hanging my head, "Everyone had a 'sweetheart' to go home to. Sometimes I wished I did, too. I'd come home, hoping you were waiting for me, but I never found you. It wasn't until today that Ink told me where you were. They always dodged the question, gave excuses, afraid of making me feel bad. It never stopped me from hoping, though."

"What are you saying, Fresh?" his voice was thick.

"I think, Error...I think I'm saying I always loved you," I turned away, suddenly feeling guilty and ashamed for not realizing it sooner, "I was too young and too stupid to know it."

I heard shifting as Error laid down. I did, too, staring at the stars.

We laid there in the new, raw silence between us. There was a new understanding yet...neither of us knew what to do. I certainly didn't. Time passed without us noticing. We might've laid there for hours or minutes. All I know is that Error sighed heavily.

"You're a goddamn fool, Fresh."

"I know..."

"And I'm sorry about ignoring you..." another sigh, "I didn't want to face the past or the future. I couldn't stand seeing our happy past and knowing it was over. Nor could I think about a future without you."

"I couldn't imagine a life without you, Error. You're my reason for living."

"Do you forgive me, Fresh?" I heard him shift and saw him looking at me, "Can you forgive what I said? What I did?"

"Only if you can forgive me for not telling you I was leaving."

He frowned and looked away, "I'm not sure how long it will take but...I'll work on it."

"Would it help if I told you I forgave you the moment you stepped from that table?"

He looked away even more, turning his head away from me. "See what I mean? I don't deserve you."

"You deserve the world, Error. It's me who's not worthy of someone so...caring of my stupid self."

More silence. It was smoother, not as tense. It was thoughtful, introspective as we each thought this over.

"Error..."

"Yeah, Fresh?"

"Will you be my sweetheart?" I turned to him, seeing him face me, "Will you be my open arms, my waiting smile, the story I tell with a smile on my face?"

"...Are you asking what I think you're asking?"

"Be my boyfriend, Error. Be my home to come back to, my constant thoughts, the warmth I feel on a cold, lonely night. Be the person I dream of when I live in a nightmare."

"Isn't that what I already am to you?"

"Make it real. Let my thoughts be true rather than wishful thinking."

I reached over, offering my hand to him, "I love you, Error. Please don't let a bad choice on my part break us apart before we're even together."

Tentatively, he reached and curled his fingers around mine, "I love you, too, Fresh. I will. I promise. I'll come home and I'll always, always wait for you."

A smile broke my face as I laughed in relief, "Thank you, Error."

"Thank you..."

-----One Tour Later-----

(Error)

Ink bounced next to me, overjoyed. I'd actually come down from the mountain soon after Fresh returned to service. Ink hasn't been able to contain his relief and happiness that I was alive and well and back in town.

Now he bounced in excitement because Fresh was coming home again. According to his most recent letter, he had surprising news for all of us. Ink basically vibrated with excitement and I took a step away from him, worried he might implode or worse, explode into a colorful rainbow.

Nobody asked me about my reaction to his news. No one brought up my absence. No one acted like I'd vanished. They welcomed me back with open arms and beaming smiles, or in Reaper's case, a wide smirk.

Crossing my arms, I kept to myself like always. But to be honest, I'm almost as excited as Ink. This would be the first time Fresh would come home to his 'sweetheart', me.

Though I still hate waiting at the airport. Too many people.

But when his flight arrived I didn't take my eyes off the arrivals gate. Ink and the others became background noise to my focus, searching every face for him. When I found him, my soul stopped.

I've never seen him in his fatigues. It was odd, remembering the colorful guy I grew up with and seeing him in digital green camouflage, carrying a beige duffel bag on his shoulder that was half his size and maybe his own weight or more.

Ink's squeal brought me back to earth real fast when he darted away and tackled Fresh, clinging to him. Fresh had to drop his duffel bag to catch him, stumbling back slightly and laughing. A small pang of jealousy hit me and I stepped forward, seeing Fresh's eyes find mine. He gently set Ink down, peeling him off.

As soon as Ink was free I rushed forward and hugged Fresh, letting out a sigh of relief as I felt him hug back.

A small, tiny yelp escaped me as Fresh dipped me and started kissing me. I was surprised but so, so happy. His hand cupped behind my skull and I hugged his neck, kissing back with full force. I felt the smirk on his face as he kissed me right before his other hand gave a small, loving squeeze on my ass. It made me jump slightly and he chuckled, pulling away and grinning at me.

A little bit dazed I looked into his odd, quirky, lovable eyes.

"I'm home, sweetheart," he whispered as if I were the only person in the world.

"Welcome back, baby," I whispered back. Fresh, still grinning, gave me a light peck before standing me up. We just stood there in each other's arms until I heard Ink squeal in shock.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!" he shouted, staring at us, "You-him-OH MY GOD!"

"Ink, bro, calm down," Fresh hugged me possessively, "You might scare him off. He's a flighty one."

Ink closed his mouth, containing himself as he whisper-yelled, "Why didn't you tell me you two were a thing?!"

"Because I didn't want you to fangirl like you're doing now!" Fresh whisper-yelled back.

Ink ducked his head slightly, "I'm sorry. I'm just really happy you two made up!"

Rolling my eyes, I rested my head on Fresh's chest. Ink saw this and backed away, herding the others to leave us alone. Fresh rested his head on my shoulder since he was only about four inches taller than me.

"You were injured again..." I muttered unhappily.

"You're still watching my reports?"

"I need to know what happens. I'm not gonna be some helpless housewife waiting for news."

"Housewife~?"

Giving him a light smack I glared at him, "You know what I mean."

"You don't know everything, do you?" he asked, a slightly worried tint in his tone.

"I can only access so much. I mostly just read your mission reports to make sure you're okay."

"Okay," he sighed, then slung an arm around me, "But I have a question: would you ever want to be a, um, a housewife?"

A small blush crept up my cheeks. I haven't given it that much thought...

Okay, that's a lie. I have given it a lot of thought. I have been wanting to be Fresh's one and only forever. A small fantasy had bloomed when we became a couple. Of me and Fresh living together, being together, maybe even being a family...

"Maybe..." I dodged.

He chuckled nervously as we walked out together. Who knows if he meant it, but one thing was good: I had my love with me and he was okay. That was all I wanted.

(Fresh)

Ink, in classic Ink fashion, threw a party in my honor. Why? Because why not, was his answer.

All night, I thumbed the little box in my pocket. I'd gotten it online and it was waiting for me at the base. I picked it up on my way out and now it weighed heavily in my pocket.

Error hugged the wall all night. He wasn't much of a social creature but whenever I tried to join him I was pulled back into the crowd.

I just want to talk to him! I need to! The weight in my pocket grew heavier and heavier. It would become unbearable soon.

Making excuse after excuse I managed to worm my way over to Error, whose eyes shined at me hopefully.

"Hey, sweetheart," I smiled at him. He smiled softly at me, blushing a little. Grabbing his hand I glanced around before leading him to a room. We were in a guest room and I shut the door behind us, locking it. I glanced back to see Error blushing a bright yellow, looking from me to the door. He watched me nervously as I walked over and sat on the bed, sighing heavily.

I patted the spot next to me and his blush got brighter, but he sat down. Laying down I smiled tiredly at him. He was watching me with wide eyes, waiting for something.

"I wanted to talk to you," I said, stretching before sitting up.

"About what?" he asked, some of the blush dying down.

"I have a new assignment..." I looked down at my feet, "One I think you'll like..."

The blush was gone. His face had darkened somewhat.

"And what makes you say that," he said, not looking at me.

Glancing at him before looking at my feet I took a breath. I don't know why I suddenly felt so nervous but to hell with it.

"I'm being assigned to the base nearby. As a transportation specialist," I glanced to see if Error had reacted, "I'm getting a house on base and I'm allowed to let my significant other live with me."

He glanced at me as I took a breath, sliding off the bed onto my knee. He stared at me with wide, disbelieving eyes as I pulled out the box in my pocket.

"I won't be going on tours anymore," I looked up to meet his gaze, "I'll be staying right here."

"So I ask you, Error du Void," I opened the box and swallowed, "Will you marry me?"

(Error)

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod.

He looked up at me, nervous but steady, waiting. I couldn't think, couldn't breathe, couldn't function.

He was being reassigned to live here, at home. He wouldn't leave me anymore...

I didn't say anything. I just watched his eyes dart as he slowly lost confidence. Then I lunged forward and hugged him, shaking.

"Yes," I breathed, almost sobbing, "Yes, I'll marry you, you goddamned fool..."

-----Two Years Later-------

(Fresh)

It's funny, being gay. No one expects me to be gay. So everyone in the base community kept asking Error why he was there. The conversation reached a few standstills at first when he'd answer 'I'm Private Underearth's husband'.

Error, being antisocial like always, tended to stay out of the majority of community events I did not drag him to. He liked staying at home.

As time wore on we grew into a comfortable routine. We would watch the stars each night we could before going to bed. Error would make me breakfast and I was happily surprised to learn he is a way better cook than I am.

Though, attempting to call him a 'housewife' just wouldn't work. Sure he cleaned and stuff, but he wasn't idle. He had a woodworking station in the shed in the backyard. He kept up with me in my workouts. He wasn't weak and mild. Nope, he could out-bench me at weightlifting.

And his guitar. He would practice for hours on end when he was bored. Turns out, the gift I left with Ink for him all those years ago was in his guitar case. It was a picture of the two of us on the rare occasion I brought him out in public. We were at the amusement park for my birthday and I took a selfie of me in my shades and old neon clothes and Error in his highschool leatherman jacket. He was actually smiling. He kept the framed picture in the roof of his guitar case, in a little cut-out space in the felt.

The day I got bad news was one of his happy days. He still suffered from depression, the depression he's always had, but he's been recovering. He was practicing a new song for the two of us, for once not grumpy or tired.

I came home with my new temporary orders and a heavy heart. Error got up from practicing to come and sit with me, telling me about his day. I didn't listen, almost feeling like I heard ringing instead of his voice. How am I going to tell him? How? He's just forgiven himself for acting out two years ago. He just started a lower does of his anti-depression medication. He just started casually talking about family. This could ruin everything.

So I said nothing. All evening. Not over dinner, not while Error showed me his progress on the song, not while we stargazed. I couldn't bring myself to tell him that tomorrow...I wouldn't be home for a while.

It was as I stared numbly into my dresser that Error's voice, which has been buzzing and ringing all evening, finally pierced my conscious.

"Fresh, are you okay?" he asked softly, coming up beside me. I glanced behind myself, mildly startled. He was wearing an over-large t-shirt to bed and no shorts.

"Yeah, um, I'm..." I trailed off, digging a nightshirt out.

"You've been off all afternoon," Error said as I climbed into bed, "Bad day today? Did you crash into something?"

"No, I..." he snuggled up to me and I felt the weight of his body increase the weight on my heart. How? How can I tell him? How?

Sighing forcefully, I rubbed his shoulder, "I just got some temp orders today, is all."

"Oh? For what?"

"I, uh..Um, you know I'm a transport specialist, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, uh...they need me to transport...someone..."

"Who?"

"Well, I, heh," How? HOW? "A few ambassadors..."

"From where?"

"Uh, here..."

"Why do the-"

"Overseas," I said. Here comes the floodgate. I felt Error go stiff under my touch, "I'm being sent overseas to transport our ambassadors from a base to an overseas embassy."

Error sat up and I did too, feeling rather than looking at the anger on his face.

"Why you? Can't they ask anyone else?"

"They asked for me," I said, almost pleadingly, "I don't want to go, trust me. But I have to."

Error didn't meet my eyes, turning away from me, "When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow morning..."

He whipped around, "How long have you had these orders?!"

"I got them today, before I got home."

"You-You-they- why? Why you? Why can't you stay home? You promised!" his voice was strained with emotion and I felt my own guilt bubble in the pit of my soul.

"Babe, I'm sorry-"

"Don't you 'babe' me, Fresh Underearth," Error growled. He grabbed a pillow and threw in my face, "Get out."

"Error-"

"Out! You're sleeping on the couch."

"Error, I'm sorry. We always knew this was a possibility."

Nothing. Error had flipped over, crossing his arms and pulling the blanket to his chin. He ignored me and I felt the anger coming off of him in waves. I stood up, taking the pillow.

"I'm so, so sorry, Error. I never wanted this to happen."

More nothing. Error shrugged the blanket higher up, an obvious sign for me to leave. Hanging my head over my guilt, I went downstairs.

Laying down on the couch with a thin blanket and the pillow that still smelled like Error, I knew I would never fall asleep while he was angry. He sticks to promises with an iron will. He never breaks a promise...but I did. I broke my one promise, the only promise that convinced him to marry me.

That I would stop leaving.

A small tear fell down the side of my face, unbidden and unstoppable. I deserved every horrid thing Error probably thinks of me. I'm an awful husband, an awful boyfriend, and worst of all, a disgrace to best friends everywhere. I have someone so dear to me that I would rather leave this earth forever than have him hate me, and I don't deserve his silent devotion. His comfort, his love, his heart, his smile: I've earned none of it.

Another tear fell as I just laid in silent thought, wishing I could take it all back and never enlist. Then, maybe, Error would still love me...

(Error)

I cried until midnight. Darkness enveloped me as I just let my anger consume me. I felt like all my progress was worthless now. None of it mattered if he was going to put himself in danger again. To hell with those damned ambassadors! I just want my best friend, my boyfriend, my husband, my lover...I just want my Fresh to be safe and at home.

Then I kicked myself.

It wasn't his fault. He was just following orders. This time, he didn't choose to leave. He was being told to go.

Sniffling and wiping my nose, I silently made my way downstairs. It was disgraceful of me to blame him for breaking a promise when he wasn't the reason it was happening. Sure, I can be selfish and not want him to leave, but... he doesn't want to leave me again, either.

He was on his back on the couch, eyes closed softly. He looked peaceful, relaxed, laid back: like the guy I used to know.

Sometimes he showed up. He laughed and joked as I outran him in our morning run. He played little pranks on me in the shower or the kitchen. He grinned at me every time I played guitar for him. He held me every night we watched the stars. He kissed me every night.

Underneath the soldier I married was the boy I loved. And right now, neither of them wanted to be without me.

Carefully I crawled on top of him, laying on his chest and hiding my face in the crook of his neck.

I thought he was asleep until he slipped a hand around my waist and kissed the side of my skull.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," he muttered.

"I know..." I whispered. The darkness fell over us like a blanket as I shifted and looked into his eyes, "and I am, too."

A small, sad smile appeared and his odd eyes sparkled at me, "It's okay, Error..."

"It's not okay," I told him, "But it's not your fault."

He tilted my chin up, smiling handsomely, "Forgive me?"

"Always," I told him, "And I mean it this time."

He chuckled, warmly and softly, before kissing me. I kissed back, apologizing. Both of his arms wrapped around my waist as I hugged his neck.

He broke away, "I love you, sweetheart..."

"I love you, too, you goddamn fool..."

(Fresh)

Hugging him tightly I kissed him again. Our kiss was slow and sweet, careful and loving. Our mouths moved in perfect sync as we just enjoyed each other's company tonight.

I never expected him to apologize to me, let alone come downstairs to the couch where he banished me. He was famous for his grudges.

But I cherished his touch, this contact; he was special. I was his and he let me know it every day.

Our mouths opened and Error let me slip my tongue inside his mouth to explore. Touching every sensitive spot that made him moan and grunt in satisfaction. A soft sucking noise filled my head as Error sucked on my tongue, watching my eyes for reaction before closing.

We broke away for air after about five minutes, both of us breathing harder than normal but not too roughly.

Error tugged on my neck, looking into my eyes with a pleading hunger.

"I want you, now," he demanded.

Catching my breath, I met his gaze, "As you wish."

Kissing him again I rolled off the couch and teleported into our bedroom, not laying on top of Error on our bed. We continued making out at a languid pace, feeling like we had all the time in the world.

I pushed down the waistband of my night pants, not wanting to break away from Error's sweet kiss long enough to take them off completely. Error wrapped his legs around my waist as soon as I pushed my waistband far enough to expose my member.

Lining myself up I slipped inside him, hearing the tense breath he let out at the lack of preparation. But it didn't last long before he kissed me after saying, "go ahead."

Gently, I gave a short, easy thrust. It wasn't quick or needy: I took it slow, wanting to make the feeling of him around me last with a lazy, loving pace.

Error let out small sighs, hugging my neck loosely as he gripped the shoulders of my shirt. Small occasional grunts escaped me as I gently pushed myself into his warmth and wetness.

"Ah, Fresh..." Error sighed, looking at me with heartfelt love.

"I love you," I whispered, letting small grunt-ish sighs as we made love.

Error tightened his legs around me, making my lazy thrusting a little deeper, "I love you, too..."

After a fair few minutes, even with the lasting, lazy pacing, I felt myself grow close too soon. Error moaned, pulling me close with his grip around my shoulders. He panted a little, slowly arching his back as the tension grew. He groaned as I felt him tighten around.

"Fresh~" he groaned, curling his hands, grabbing fistfuls of my shirt as I kept thrusting through his sweet orgasm.

He stayed in a slightly tense position, arched into me with handfuls of my shirt, as I continued the lazy pace. My own climax neared, no matter how much I didn't want this feeling to end.

With a grunt, I paused as I released, feeling my member pulse as it shot spurts of seed into my lover. I groaned, dipping my head down as the pleasurable aftershocks of my orgasm rolled over me. Error relaxed, moaning as I filled him with warmth. Panting a little, I raised my head to meet Error's eyes.

"I love you, now and forever," I told him and he cupped my cheek, smiling sadly and sweetly at me.

"I love you, too, baby."

Letting out a happy breath I tucked my head in the crook of his neck, "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, sweetheart. Don't forget that."

"I'll try not to," Error whispered, petting my skull. I rolled to the side and Error came with me, his legs still wrapped around my waist.

"But I'm not letting go till you have to leave," he said stubbornly. Our union remained as Error snuggled up to me.

After a few quiet moments of loving silence, Error muttered, "How long will you be gone?"

"Three weeks, min," I sighed sadly, "I'll be home as soon as I can. I'll make sure we don't get stuck on any detours."

"Just come home safe," Error murmured, hugging me tightly, "I don't care if it's in three weeks or three months, just get home safely and don't do anything stupid."

A small smile made its way onto my face, "As you wish, sweetheart."

(Error)

I woke up the moment Fresh slipped out of my arms. It was five a.m. and I sighed unhappily as he slung his old beige duffel bag over his shoulder. He was in his travel fatigues again. I preferred his uniform. Although it was still camouflage it was an open overall-like uniform for his work as a transportation expert.

I pouted at him as he changed. He came over and gave me that knowing smile as I pouted at him. He leaned over me.

"I hate it just as much as you do," he whispered.

"I know..."

He gave me a sweet kiss before breaking off, "Love you, sweetheart. I'll come back as fast as I can manage."

"I love you, too, baby..."

He gave me another sweet, apologetic smile before leaving me in bed. Alone. And still pouting.

With a defeated sigh, I rolled into his leftover warm spot and went back to sleep.

--------

A knock had me waking up in a blind panic. He's been gone for less than four hours but my mind instantly jumps to bad news. I get out of bed, pulling out a lapis-colored robe and throwing it on as I slip on some red slippers and make my way downstairs. Assuming the worst, I open the door to find... Ink and Blue with a large takeout bag.

...what?

"Morning, guys..." I said, sounding very tired.

"Fresh called us this morning," Ink explained at my dumbfounded look, "Well, Blue was up at six a.m. so he called Blue. But he said he was leaving for a little while and to check up on you. So, we brought you breakfast!"

"Uh..." I rubbed my eye-socket, getting sleep out of it, "Okay. Come in."

They entered and I led them to the kitchen where Blue set down the takeout bag and began unpacking takeout boxes of pancakes, bacon, and hash browns.

"Thanks for this," I said.

"It's no problem," Ink said as he set up plates. They wouldn't let me help so I sat down as Ink made coffee and Blue made plates for each of us.

Yawning, I stretched and the front of my robe came undone. I tied it back up before Ink or Blue had a chance to turn around and see me only in an overlarge shirt that barely covered my pelvis.

Standing, I blinked tiredly and rubbed my face.

"Hey, I'm going to the bathroom, be back in a bit," I told Ink and Blue.

"Okay!" came a response. From which one? It didn't matter.

Yawning again, I pushed open the door to the bathroom and washed my face. Standing up, I sniffed my shirt and reeled. While it smelled of Fresh, it also smelled like sex and I didn't want my friends subjected to that all morning. So, I went upstairs to change.

I pulled out a plain old t-shirt and some sweatpants. I pulled on the sweatpants, then started taking off my shirt. I wasn't looking down but I caught a glance in the mirror of something that froze me in my tracks. Pulling off my shirt completely I stared in shock at what I saw.

"Error?" someone called my name but I was too distracted by the sight in the mirror.

"Error, you in here?" the door opened in the background. I heard someone step foot inside the room and pause with a gasp. I turned, seeing Ink's happy, excited eyes as he stared at me.

I couldn't help it. I broke out in a smile as well as I turned back to the mirror.

"Oh, Error, I'm so happy for you!" Ink said excitedly.

"I can't wait to tell Fresh..."

Ink blinked. "You mean...?"

I turned, grinning, "This'll be the best surprise ever."

(Fresh)

The trip lasted five weeks. By the end of the fourth I was going insane. Like every other time I was overseas, the only thought that kept me going was Error's waiting arms. Every static-filled video chat and phone call we had was precious. I kept his doll in my pocket everywhere we went, no matter what.

Thankfully, nothing happened. No bombings, no threats, no guns. Just an easy transport job taking a few high-level individuals to a couple of bases and embassies.

On the plane home, I daydreamed about coming home to Error. All my buddies that asked what I was planning on doing when I got home got the answer, 'Love my husband.'

Of course, they took that a few different ways. More than a couple smirks and knowing nods were directed at me, as well as the nudge and the wink. I mean, there would be some of that but mostly I planned on a movie night with pizza and cuddling. Only a few of the older guys really understood what I meant. I just wanted to hug my little sweetheart until he fell asleep, safe in my arms. His doll was a poor substitute for the hugs and snuggles and spooning Error gave me. Not to mention the taunting and challenges while exercising.

But if Error wanted more, well then...I wouldn't say no.

My budding excitement along with growing impatience peaked when we landed. I hated the wait for being told to get off. The delays of the crowd around me. The starts and stops at immigration. And the waiting at baggage claim for my duffel bag.

I went through all of it as hurriedly as I could, thanking my military status.

I finally managed to make my way to the exit arrivals gate. Passing through it I looked around for my sweetheart.

My soul stopped when I found him. He was standing with a grin on his face and holding a sign that said, "Welcome home dad" which confused me heavily. Ink and Blue, along with Geno and Reaper, were with him. Blue spotted me and pointed. They all caught sight of me and Error pushed forward, giving the sign to Blue as he ran forward and tackled me in a hug.

He gave me a kiss as I swung him around. I set him down, looking up with a quirked, confused brow bone.

"What's this?" I asked him, smiling.

He giggled, "Welcome home, dad."

"What...?" I half-laughed, breathless and confused. Error took my hand and slipped it under his shirt, pressing it against firm, warm magic. My eyes widened and I looked from the sign to him to the place my hand touched his magic.

"You mean...?" I swallowed, a grin twitching my face. Error nodded, tears overflowing from his eyes sockets as he laughed in happy, giddy, nervous release.

I felt my own tears build and spill over, "Seriously?"

"Really," Error nodded again, gripping my hand he still firmly pressed against the warm ectobelly he had, "Surprise, Fresh; you're gonna be a dad."

"Oh, Error..." I swept him up, laughing happily, "This is incredible!"

Error laughed with me as I spun him again. We both paused and I rested my forehead on his, grinning like a goddamn fool.

"I love you, Error."

"I love you, too, Fresh."