(Hey look what I remembered.)

(................. I am so sorry I forgot.)

(Also, there will be a depression and SH trigger warning. I'm warning you now and will give a warning before anything particularly bad is introduced.)

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

(Blue)

Sitting at my desk, I giggled as I opened Error's most recent letter. We had been sending letters back and forth every week, all year. He started it by sending me one since we both realized that he had forgotten to give me his address in return. So I just got it from the return address. 

His penmanship did need a LOT of work. But I could read it. Which was all that was needed. 

Error was more open in his letters than he was on the phone. It was harder to tell his emotions but over months of constant letters I slowly pieced that the more scribbly his writing, the more upset he was. 

He never put in why he was upset. If his handwriting was very bad, he would tell me the most mundane things. As if he was hiding what actually hurt him. Though I never pushed him for answers. I merely replied.

This would be my last letter before I went to camp for prep week. I'd have to tell him that. 

Unfolding Error's letter I smiled at the now familiar scrawly words. 

Dear Blue,
          Geno's home! The spring semester ended so he came home to visit. He's going to be spending the summer with Reaper though. But it's great having him home. He's staying until camp starts to see me off. 
          Fresh is two years away from being at camp. He just turned eight. He's still annoying. I don't think that he'll ever grow out of being annoying. He's always been annoying and he'll never stop. 
           I can't wait to see you. Ever since school got out I've been counting down the days until camp. I miss you. It's so boring and dull without you. Or Reboot. Or anyone from camp.

        I miss my family...
       Anyway, life hasn't offered up much since the end of school. Sorry the letter is short.
Love, Error.

I sighed softly. He's been holding so much back lately, I was worried. 

Nonetheless, I picked up my pen to write him back and grabbed my paper.

Dear Error,
          That's great that Geno's back. I know you've missed him. He's a good brother. And I'm pretty sure you're right about Fresh. Little brothers tend to be annoying. I have one of my own. 
          I can't wait to see you either! Camp will be so fun this year. But my summer will be more fun since I'm going to spend as much time as I can with you. More so than last year. 
          Speaking of camp, I am going to prep week in two days. So I won't be at home. I'll be at my camp address.
          Love, Blue. 

I don't know when we started signing our letters with love. And yet it felt right. My heart swelled with every mention of Error and I looked forward to seeing him again.

Oh this summer will be so much fun...

(3rd)

A lot can happen in a week. A lot.

Blue was young, only eighteen. And young blood has a will of its own. Such as going hot for another young blooded skeleton: Red, the lifeguard. 

As most things, it just 'sort of happened'. Blue couldn't explain his sudden fascination with him. It started with flirting on Monday and by Thursday they were making out in the laundry hall. 

He didn't have time to tell Error what had transpired. All he knew now was a fool's love. There was a string of guilt in him but he couldn't stop. Part of him didn't want to. 

And part of him had to...

--------

Arrival Day came. Blue was assigned to a new cabin, the Ruby cabin, but he still had Error in his roster. Ink ensured it. He was so excited. He bounced on his heels, giggling to himself every time someone showed up. He welcomed them brightly, each and every one.

He was busy helping a kid move in when he heard a shout, "Blue!"

Blue whipped around just in time to be hugged in the middle by a black-boned tween. He hid his face in Blue's chest, hugging him tightly.

Something was wrong. Blue hugged him back, bending slightly, "Error, is everything-"

"I missed you," Error muttered at him, interrupting him.

"I missed you, too."

They stood in silence for a bit. Glancing up, Blue saw Geno carrying a duffel bag toward them. He was grinning but it looked forced. Blue tilted his head but didn't have time to wonder about it as Error looked up at him, giving him a small smile that melted all Blue's worries away. He smiled warmly back at him. 

"You got taller," he said happily. Error nodded.

"Yeah. I've been eating..."

Blue raised a brow but said nothing. 'Eating' was better than nothing, but Error still looked a bit... underweight for Blue's tastes.

Geno showed up and handed Error his bag, "Go on, get settled..." he said softly. Error nodded and went inside. Geno looked at Blue, sighing slightly.

"He's struggling, Blue. I hope this summer helps. He's not taking the idea of ninth grade well..."

Blue pouted, biting his bottom lip in worry, "He never said anything in his letters..."

Geno shrugged, "I don't know what to say. He hasn't even told me anything is wrong. I just know it is."

They both looked inside at the boy as he claimed a bunk, putting his stuff on the bed. Without being next to Blue, his expression was flat. He was still hiding something. Blue sighed, still chewing his bottom lip. Geno got his attention again, "Blue... don't try and get him to talk. He shuts down. I tried asking him a little while ago and he stopped talking to me for two days. Just... engage him. Make sure he eats, let him do what he can.  They tried to confiscate his sewing kit again, so I know he'll want to work on that some. Maybe ask him to make some puppets. Put on a puppet show or something. Just don't let him retreat..."

Blue looked at Geno, "I promise, Geno. I'll keep him safe."

(Error)

I was happy to see Blue again. I'd really missed him. I made him another special doll but it needed some work, and I wanted it to be a surprise. So I kept it hidden as I unpacked. 

I turned around as Geno came over, giving me a hug. Humming I hugged back, nuzzling my brother. He rubbed my back, "Be good okay kiddo? I'll send you letters and see you at the end of the summer."

I nodded, "Okay, Geno."

He gave me a little smile that I tried to return. He clapped my shoulder and then left. Shadows seemed to cling to the walls as he did and I hugged myself slightly. 

The shadows retreated as Blue stepped in, beaming at me. Worries subsided as he came to me, "Hey, you all settled? I was thinking you could hang out on the porch with me and wait for everyone else..."

I nodded. Anything to spend time with Blue. He lead me outside and had me sit on the porch. He had to remain standing to greet everyone, but simply being near him was soothing. We talked about anything that came to mind. He asked me if I was excited for the camp games or if there was anything new I wanted to try. I gave some answers but I honestly didn't know what I wanted to do. All I wanted this summer was to be with Blue and maybe spend time with Reboot.

Maybe with them, everything would be okay... I'd be okay...

(3rd)

The cabin was full. The day was winding down. Blue let his campers settle in. Some introduced themselves to Error and got soft responses back. Error was extremely shy still. 

He had them follow as they went to line up for dinner. He stood just outside the line as they all grouped up, waiting for dinner to be prepared.

Red came over, grinning at Blue. He wrapped his arm around his waist and tried to lean in for something. But Blue waved him off, shaking his head.

Error was staring at them, confused. What was going on...?

The doors opened and the kids started forward. Error was pushed along with his fellow campers and didn't get the chance to question what was going on with that stranger and Blue.

Blue pulled away from Red. He had to go inside with his campers. After all, he was in charge of making sure Error actually ate some food.

(Blue)

I can't believe he tried that in front of the kids, I thought, a little huffy. It was no big deal to get handsy during prep week. We weren't surrounded by kids. But right in front of the entire camp line? Red needed to learn some boundaries. 

It was after dinner and I was calling lights out for everyone. Error had been glancing at me all night and went over to him, "Hey, you okay?"

Error looked up before giving a short nod, "Yeah, I'm okay..."

He didn't sound okay, but I didn't mention it. I just nodded, "Okay," I said softly, "I'm gonna take a late night shower okay? You be good and keep everyone in bed."

He gave another nod but didn't look up. He was holding the little stuffed animal Reboot had made for him last year. Almost snuggling it.

As soon as everyone was settled, I let my co-counselor know I was getting a late shower. Then I went to the bathroom down the street of the camp. I went to the sink, washing my face first. I looked in the mirror, feeling some sort of guilty hollow feeling bubble up. But as I saw the face behind me, it just sort of disappeared and I smiled. Turning around to face him for real, I was swept up in a kiss.

I didn't stop it this time. We were alone after all. But I didn't let it get too far and pulled back, turning my head so he couldn't do it again. He hummed and nuzzled me,  "What was the attitude at dinner, hmm?"

A scoff escaped me, "Attitude? Honestly, Red. You tried to kiss me and grab my ass in front of children. I didn't have an 'attitude'," I told him flatly, standing straighter. He was taller than me, sure, but I didn't let that make me back down, "You need to know when it's appropriate. I told you the summer would be tough because I can't just be around whenever you want me."

Red looked pouty, pulling me close, "So when can I have you, then?" He asked, trying to use that tone that made me want to melt. Fortunately, I was too stubborn for that, and placed my hand on his chest to tell him I wasn't up for it now.

"You can have me when I come find you, okay?" I told him sternly, "The kids come first. And at the end of the summer, you can have me whenever you want. Promise."

He looked really huffy. I gave him a quick little kiss, "I need a shower. I have to get back to my cabin, and you should go to bed Mr Lifeguard."

He rolled his eyes. He made me kiss him one more time, this one a little more intense, before turning and leaving me alone. I turned and grabbed my shower caddy, going to one of the shower stalls. As I turned the hot water on, something lingered in the pit of my stomach. It was an odd feeling but I shrugged it off and took my shower. A few minutes later, I was fresh and clean. Stepping out of the shower, I went back to my cabin.

I poked my head inside as I entered. Everyone was asleep. Everyone except...

"Hey..." I whispered as I went over to Error's bunk, "You should be sleeping."

Those curious colored eyes looked up, "...I was waiting for you..."

A small smile graced my face, "Thank you. I'm back now, okay? so you can go to sleep now..."

He nodded and curled up, but didn't close his eyes. I got into my own bed and looked up at him. I gave him another smile, "Go to sleep Error. I'm not going anywhere."

He nodded again. He hugged that little doll and closed his eyes. I smiled and grabbed my own doll, the special one Error had made for me last year, and held it close as I drifted off to sleep.

(Error)

I didn't sleep. I just couldn't. Something didn't feel the same. This summer wasn't starting the same. Laying still all night, with my eyes closed, listening to the soft breathing rhythm as Blue rested.

In the morning, I pretended to sleep when Blue's alarm went off. He got up and came over, gently nudging me. I stretched and sat up as he went to wake the rest of the kids. Getting out of bed to change, I didn't talk. Talking felt very hard lately. Blue was busy changing on his own to come over. But he did come over, smiling as always. When I saw him awake, it made me smile more. Smiling was hard, too. But Blue... Blue always made me smile.

Soon we were going to breakfast. I hung by Blue, keeping close to him. I just needed to be near him. He was the only good thing right now. The only thing keeping me grounded. Even in this pretty camp, the morning sun didn't seem as bright as it usually did. 

Sitting down for breakfast, Blue didn't leave me as he normally did to talk to Ink. He sat down with me, keeping me company for all of the breakfast hour. I leaned on him. I didn't feel like eating this morning. I finished my yogurt but I just couldn't eat anything else. And he didn't ask why, he didn't make me eat anything else. He just made sure I was okay.

After breakfast, we got up. Blue smiled and lead me to the craft building. Reboot was already there. And then Blue gave me a hug, "I'll see you later," he said softly. I nodded, "Are you sure you can't stay...?"

He sighed, smiling and petting my head, "I'm sorry... I have to go..." he said softly. I nodded and hugged him tighter.

Then he left. The air felt cold and it felt dull as I turned around. Reboot smiled and I tried to smile back. But everything felt heavy now. Reboot lead me to a new section, a more organized sewing section. He had done it just for me while he stayed with his uncle during prep week. I smiled briefly and sat down at it, looking through some of the boxes. But nothing stood out to me. Nothing seemed to make sense. So I spent almost two hours untangling yarn, unable to want to do anything else. Reboot sat next to me, weaving a basket. Ink was nearby, sitting at a desk and working with a few other kids. He just left me and Reboot to our own devices.

Just before lunch time, Blue returned. He smiled at me, coming over, "Hey, make anything fun?" he asked, crouching next to me. I shrugged, pointing to the basket of yarn balls.

"I untangled a lot of yarn..." I told him softly. 

His smiled flickered but he just nudged me, "Good job. Untangling can be satisfying sometimes..."

I just nodded mutely, working on yet another knot of yarn.

He hummed, "Have you thought of trying to make some puppets?" he asked. I shrugged, looking at my lap. He smiled, "Well, what if you made some puppets? We could have a puppet show at the bonfire. Me, you, Outer, Ink, Reboot... I'm sure they'd want to help if you wanted to do that..."

I shrugged again. Nothing seemed to come to mind. Nothing seemed to ask to be made. It was hard to feel like making something without any urge to create.

Blue sighed and stood, "It's lunch time. You ready to go?"

I nodded and set the yarn down, standing up. Instinct told me to lean on Blue, and I wanted to. But I didn't want to make him feel weird. So I stood kind of awkwardly. That is, until Blue wrapped his arm around me and lead me out of the crafting room.

We made it to lunch and that stranger from yesterday was hanging around. He stood and grinned when he saw Blue, walking over to him. Blue sighed and gave me a squeeze, "I'll see you inside, okay?" he said, smiling encouragingly at me. I nodded, "Okay..." 

I got in line and waited, glancing at Blue. The way he smiled at the stranger made something in the pit of my stomach pull down, making me feel heavier. They were talking and acting very friendly. He could just be a friend, right? Blue was nice to everyone. But it didn't feel or look like that. And that weird heavy thing in my stomach kept pulling. Just tugging me down.

Why did nothing feel normal anymore...?

--------

(3rd)

Three weeks passed at camp.  Error didn't make anything. He untangled every ball of yarn in the art studio and just organized the crayon and pencil bins. Reboot did his best to get Error to join him in creation. He was working on a new doll and kept showing Error.

But Error didn't engage. Nothing made him engage in art with Reboot. He was sunk deep into his thoughts. Blue would meet them for lunch every day as promised, but some days he was distracted. That stranger would sometimes hover nearby when Blue was with them. And even other days, Blue would be slightly late, and out of breath. He would smile and take them to lunch but every day Error would lose more and more interest. 

By the fourth week, Error wasn't eating again. His eye lights were dim. Blue was increasingly worried about his health and did everything to get him to eat. As did Ink and Outer. Even Reboot, young as he was, was picking up that Error was not doing well. He would offer him snacks randomly and just try to be bright as always. 

(Blue)

Something is seriously wrong... I was on my way to get Error for lunch and then I was going to make him join the afternoon games. I had to get him doing something. Error wasn't doing anything in the art studio and Ink couldn't help him one on one due to the number of art camp kids this year. 

I didn't see the figure hiding between two cabins. Suddenly, I found myself pulled off my feet into shadow. A squeak of surprise left me and I looked up, seeing bright red eyes and a cool smirk gazing down at me. Unfortunately, they didn't bring any comfort this time, just irritation.

"Red! I could've tripped!" I snapped, pulling my arm away as I steadied my legs.

He pouted and stood up, "Sorry Blue, I just-"

"Can't you see I'm in a hurry?!"

He narrowed his eyes at me, "Jeez, calm down. I just wanted a second with you. It's been days since you kissed me."

"Well I've been really busy! It's the middle of camp after all!" 

He grabbed my arm, pushing me on a wall, "Don't talk to me that way, Berry," he growled.

Suddenly something in my stomach fluttered and I huffed, shoving him back, "I told you once before, you can have something when I come to you. Because clearly you haven't got an ounce of sense in that skull of yours."

Then I marched away, leaving him stunned and standing there. I didn't care, I had to get Error and make sure he was okay.

Soon I arrived, clearing my emotions from my face and entering the art studio.

Normally, Error would look up and give me one of his shy smiles. He hasn't done that in two weeks. But still, he usually still looked up.

It's like he doesn't even see me anymore... My heart ached for the shy little boy I had befriended. He hadn't moved since I entered, didn't even shift as I went up to the table. 

With a smile, I leaned down, "Hey, Error... it's time for lunch..."

Error just sighed, standing up from his box of crayons, "...whatever..." he mumbled.

My smile stayed on my face as I felt that ache squeeze tighter. I gently lead him out of the art studio and to the cafeteria. Reboot padded along behind us, smiling at me, "Blue! Blue! Look what I made!"

He showed me a nice little popsicle stick bird house. I smiled, "that's nice, Reboot, are you going to paint it?"

He nodded, "Yes! It's for Uncle Ink's garden!" 

"That's wonderful, Reboot."

We arrived at the cafeteria and got some plates. We all sat down. Reboot began eating happily and I slowly munched my chips. Error stared at his plate with a blank look. I heard his stomach rumble loudly. It sounded painful. But he didn't touch the plate. It's like he didn't think he deserved food...

It made me want to cry. I remembered all the horrible things Error had said people called him last year when the summer was ending. Had it gotten worse? I knew Geno had gone to college the year we wrote letters. So Error had been navigating being thirteen in high school, an even more grueling place than middle school, and probably puberty without his main comfort. No wonder the letters had been getting shorter and simpler. Error had been retreating for a while now...

----

I couldn't make him do the afternoon game. He was too weak from not eating. So I sat him with Outer to hand out water to the other kids. So he was participating but not moving and exhausting himself. Outer looked puzzled and worried, but just let Error help and tried gently to talk to him. 

Then I did my job, running the games and making sure everyone understood the rules. I could feel a pair of eyes on me from one of the other rule-keepers. I did my best to ignore the stare.

It was Red, from across the field. He was still in a mood from earlier and I knew it. But I had other priorities right now than my month old boyfriend. He needed to cool off and I needed to do other things. I had a job to do.

(Error)

Nothing was worth it. I felt no spark to make anything. I finished the details on Blue's special doll the first week but nothing called out to me in the art room. Sorting things kept me busy but even that was growing less... I couldn't see any appeal anymore. 

No one made fun of me here but now I couldn't escape the thoughts. Every time I made eye contact with someone, I felt the stares and heard laughter. People talking here, it was all carefree and happy but all I heard was them. 

Bastard. Fag. Mistake. Loser. Retard. 

Gaywad. Idiot. Stupid. Fat. Lazy.

Waste of space...

Trying to eat made me sick. Nothing wanted to stay down. My bones ached and sleep evaded me. Not even Blue could break down the shadows this time...

As I watched the game on the field, Outer's voice a buzz beside me, I noticed that stupid stranger staring at Blue the whole time. His eye sockets were empty but it was obvious who he was looking at as his head followed Blue jog across the field. He looked annoyed or something. But who could be annoyed with Blue? Blue was amazing. Blue was the best.

Blue was his friend.

There was a sudden spark in his soul as he realized something. Blue was more than his friend. Geno was his friend. Reboot was his friend. Maybe even Outer and Ink were his friends. 

But Blue?

Blue was his everything.

(Blue)

I was a sweating mess at the end of the games. Everyone went to their various cabins for some rest before dinner. My cabin slowly meandered back to the building as I went to check on Error.

Turning to the water stand, I was surprised- No, shocked, really. Error was looking at me. He had his eye glowing slightly, a haze of yellow, red, and blue. His gaze was intense, not like his usual shy glance. It was rather... odd. It was trying to be mature but Error was just a sweet kid. The look was confused in my eyes, even though I felt a strong flutter in my soul and something stir. 

But I just beamed and hurried over, ignoring Red as he tried to approach. 

Error's gaze shifted from me to Red, confusing me for a bit. It went from that intense gaze to an almost hateful glare as the light got worse from his eye socket. Thankfully, neither Outer nor Red noticed. And as I finally came within talking distance, Error's eyes had calmed down. So I just went over, slightly breathless from my exercise and the little jog over here. But I beamed, "hey, water boys, I could use a drink!"

Error got up and came to me, giving me a little cup. I smiled and took it, "Thank you, Error..."

"You're welcome..." he said softly. My soul swelled. He was talking again.

With a bigger smile, "Let's go sit down for a bit. I need some rest before dinner okay?"

He nodded and I put my hand on his shoulder, leading him back to the cabin. He leaned on me, the first time in like a week, and we just went back to our cabin. 

Whatever God is smiling down on us, thank you... he's coming back to me... 

(Error)

After dinner, there was an hour of free time before lights out. I rushed from the cafeteria, where I had forced down half of a bread roll before it was too much. But it made Blue smile at me, so it was worth it. Running made the feeling worse, but I needed to get the doll. I had to give it to Blue. I needed him to see that I wasn't broken. Blue never thought I was broken, I was never a waste of space to him. Even when Blue was sometimes distracted he still came to see me.

Why didn't I see it sooner? Why did this rush of feelings come so late?

And what were these feelings?

My magic felt really funny. I didn't know how to handle it. I didn't know what these feelings were. Geno had said something that I might begin to feel new feelings, since I was 'entering adulthood' and all that. But he never said they'd be so confusing and overwhelming. 

I felt like I was going to explode in some way or another. I had to get my doll to Blue. I needed him to see I was still making things. I needed to see that happy smile. I needed one of his happy hugs.

Scrambling into the cabin, I dug around my bag. I found the doll and beamed. It was so much more detailed than the first. I embroidered details from Blue's costume picture he sent me for Halloween. He looked like he was wearing armor, cute blue boots, a nice little scarf made of silk... He looked like a superhero. My superhero...

With a surge of these weird feelings, I stood up. The doll was clutched firmly in my hand as I turned and went to hunt down Blue. My stomach growled angrily as I used energy I simply didn't have, and the bread roll threatened to come up, but I ignored all of it. I had to find him. I had to find him soon. I needed to see him.

He wasn't in the usual places. I began to worry. Where did he go? He was never this hard to find. I could always locate him when I needed him. He made sure of that...

Slowing my pace, almost dragging my feet, I began searching more slowly. 

Sweeping my gaze side to side, passing by all the cabins, all the buildings...

Then I froze.

I saw Blue. But he was being pressed against a wall by that stupid Red guy. And they were kissing. Why... why was he kissing that guy? He was a bit of a jerk.

My soul thumped hard in my chest before it just went quiet. I suddenly felt cold. Blue was holding the guy's neck. He looked relaxed. Why? Why?

Why why why why?!?!?!

"B-Blue...?" I squeaked out. I felt broken inside. I wasn't Blue's priority anymore. This is why he was late and why he was breathless and why he was so distracted.

Blue pulled back and whipped his head around. His cheeks were flushed a soft blue but his eyes looked surprised.

"Error!" he said suddenly.

Red turned as well, but he just looked annoyed, "Get lost," he said.

It was like a record scratch.

They didn't want me here. I was just in the way. 

All those confused feelings... they just... drained out of me. My head was full of a dull ringing noise. Nothing got through. The doll fell from my grasp as my eye sockets filled with tears.

Then I was running. I don't know where or why. I was just running. Tears fell down my face and the ringing got louder. I heard nothing but the pounding of my feet. I just ran.

I ran from where I wasn't wanted.

(Blue)

I was more than surprised at seeing Error. He normally went to the cabin after dinner and remained there. I was also extremely embarrassed at being caught like this.

But most of all I was hurt at the expression on Error's face. It was pure betrayal. 

Before I could gather myself, Red spoke those damned words, "Get lost."

All the color drained from Error's face. He stood there, empty looking, before he just took off. I tried to pull away, "Error, wait!"

But Red had his weight on me and it was tough to escape before Error was gone. With an angry growl, I shoved Red off and went to where he had been, watching him speed off, "ERROR!"

But he ignored me and just vanished. I whimpered, my foot nudging something, and I looked down. In the dust was a doll...

Leaning down, I picked it up, dusting it off. It was a doll of me in my soldier costume... Tears fell down my cheeks as I looked at the immense detail in the doll. The detail, the love... Error had made this just for me. I didn't think he'd made anything recently. He has been so down... but this. This was clearly meant for me, extremely special and with every single ounce of his skill. He poured his everything into this...

A hand came up on my shoulders and I shrugged it off, "Not right now," I said.

Red huffed, "Cmon, it's no big deal-"

"NO BIG DEAL?!" 

I whipped around and slapped him so hard I couldn't feel my fingers. He didn't know anything.

"That little boy has been suffering for years! I have been doing my damndest all summer to make sure he's okay! And now..." my fist shook, "Now you told him to 'get lost'?!!?! You're an idiot!"

Red tried to speak but I ignored him. Clutching the doll, I went searching for Error desperately. I jogged around, trying to see where he was. I had to find him. He had to be okay. If he ran away or got hurt, Geno would kill me. And the camp as a whole would suffer.

------

Lights out had already been called. My co counselor was in charge of my cabin. I told Ink and Outer to help me look without raising the alarm. Red was also helping, searching the wooded area. I needed him away from me right now.

It had been almost three hours since Error vanished. I was beginning to lose hope. Did he seriously run away? Down the road or deep into the woods? Or had he found the ultimate hiding spot?

(Self harm/blood warning - Skip to next -------- if needed)

My soul ached for his safe return. I was tired and went to the bathroom to wash my face. I had to stay awake and keep searching for him. I would search all night if I had to.

The water was slightly cold on my face, which was helpful. As I turned the sink off and stood up, I let out a soft breath. There was just silence. 

Except, not.

There was a noise. I heard soft, weak whimpers every few seconds. Then I jolted.

Error! 

It had to be him. My soul throbbed as I rushed to the corner handicapped shower. I whipped around the corner, flinging the curtain aside as I went in. My soul went into my throat at the sight.

Error sat there, looking stunned he had been discovered. In his hand was a small paring knife from the kitchen. Dozens of cuts ran up and down his arms. He was sitting on the floor of the shower, fully clothed, his sleeves ripped up past the elbows. His arms were so shiny with blood I could barely see just how bad the damage was. His cheeks were stained with dry tears, fresh tears still carving paths down his face.

At the sight of me, Error sat frozen. Then he started sobbing and raised the knife, moving to quickly bring it to his neck.

Leaping forward I grabbed his wrist, wrenching it away. He looked at me in pure shock, before his face scrunched up and he began sobbing harder. The knife fell from his hand with a clank as I brought him to my chest. He sobbed there, into my shirt, clutching my shorts as if I would vanish.

Reaching up, I turned on the warm water and then sat there was the shower turned on. I rubbed his back, rocking him, and watching the water rinse away all that horrible red.

"It's okay... it's okay..." I said to him, "it'll wash away... I've got you... I'm here..."

We stayed there for who knows how long, getting soaked in our clothes. I kicked the knife further away and kept rocking Error in my lap. I never once let go or made to leave. I sat there, holding my dearest friend, until he was no longer sobbing. He reduced himself to hiccups. And soon after, he was asleep. I shut off the water and looked down at him.

Then I looked at his arms. Using my bandanna, I wrapped the worst one. Then I used the remnants of his hoodie to wrap the second one. The bleeding had calmed down but was still going, despite the pressure of his arms around me for hours.

Carefully, I scooped him up and carried him to the main building. I took him to one of the private rooms for extra staff, and laid him down. I wrapped him up tightly in a blanket after securing more rags to his arms. Then I radioed Ink. 

Looking down at Error, I sniffled, "You're gonna be okay..."

----------- (Safe)(3rd)

Ink took Error from camp that night, driving to the emergency room. Blue remained, cleaning up the bed and himself before going to his cabin. He needed sleep, but he couldn't rest yet. He packed up Error's belongings for someone to come pick up. Ink had called Error's mother before leaving for the hospital.

Keeping this quiet was going to be a monumental task. But they had to just not talk about it. If anyone asked, Error got sick and went home. 

Blue was devastated. Error was in such a horrible state, he had no idea. If he had been more focused on him, this would've been avoided. 

Error woke up in the hospital, bandaged and on fluids. Ink was sitting in a chair beside him, watching him intently. Error frowned and then just laid there until his family arrived.

(Blue)

The rest of the summer was a dull blur. Even for me. 

I should've been furious at Red. I was furious with myself after all. Geno had warned me and I hadn't been serious enough.

But right now... Red was my only solace. He apologized for what happened and gave me space for a week, but after a while I couldn't take it. We started getting together more frequently. Less for kissing, and more for talking. 

My soul felt weak. Red made me feel things, but it wasn't enough. But nothing was as strong as my worry for Error.

I began writing him again, weekly like always, but I never once got a response. That made me more worried than anything. Even when he was depressed he'd send something. He never left me hanging like this...

At the end of camp, I watched all my campers go. I barely saw them, smiling a fake smile for once, as they all left and some gave me hugs. It wasn't the same. Error wasn't here to say goodbye...

So as the summer finally ended and I packed my things, Red gave me his address. We lived in the same town. So we could see each other. It brought me... something. 

I said goodbye to the cabin, and left to go through another year before I could return.

I just hoped I wasn't the only one to return.

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

(Heya People, Tex here

I am not gone! I am however deeply sorry I have not updated in some years. I have gone through a lot of personal growth and it has taken much of my mental energy to just survive. But thankfully I am feeling much better and will do my best to upload. It will not be frequent and I cannot give any dates. I have a full time job and a lot going on.

Please enjoy this second part to something I wrote so long ago. I am working on many different stories. I can only do tidbits at a time. My energy comes and goes.

Whoever reads this, thank you for your faith in me. I have felt immense guilt in not posting and not writing. But I believe in you all and you've all believed in me. Without that, I doubt I would've been able to begin again.

Thank you, everyone, from the bottom of my heart.

-Tex)