(OH MY GOD I'M SORRY THIS IS SO LATE I PROMISED ON SATURDAY AND I FAILED YOU ALL FORGIVE ME!!!!!! I just got a really intense idea for this story which is why it's in three parts.)

(Don't worry, the Sub Error smut you requested is in part 3)

(Requested by Hidotcom113)

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(3rd)

Camp Whitewood was an all summer camp for ages ten to seventeen. Counselors are paired with cabins suitable to the care range. Since minimal age for counselors is sixteen, the youngest ones are paired with cabins holding ten to twelve-year-olds.

Blue was one such counselor. He was in charge of a twelve-bunk cabin for ten to twelve-year-olds and he was pumped. He had a kind and caring nature, with a tendency to see the best in everyone. He always loved children and his energy matched their own in almost every activity.

And his energy could be infectious. Even to the most stone-faced people...

--------

Arrival day came and Blue greeted each of his kids with enthusiasm, keeping an eye on the neighboring cabins. Outer waved to him occasionally, as he ran the cabin right next to Blue's: it was called Midnight Cabin while Blue's was called the Sunrise Cabin.

It was wild and hectic with people calling and kids running, counselors shouting greetings and directions to others. Exactly Blue's speed.

But for some...it was too fast. Some shy kids clung to their parents.

The shyest held tightly to his brother's hand, being led to the Midnight cabin for the summer. He was quiet and went mostly unnoticed during Arrival day, which was fine by him. He stayed in the cabin, on his bunk, hugging his homemade stuffed dolls tightly as he waited for the day to end. He wanted to go see his brother but he didn't know what cabin he went to. Nor did he want to ask anyone. He didn't want to get in the way.

So he remained still and silent until the day wore out.

--------

The day after Arrival Day everyone had to go to the hall for breakfast. Blue stood with Ink in the front, talking about the day's activities. As they spoke, both counselor and camp director surveyed the food hall, making sure everyone was okay. Nearly all the kids looked excited about the day, even the older ones.

But one kid stood out to Blue. A boy about eleven sat in the corner, staring at his plate and being so still Blue wouldn't have noticed him if he hadn't been looking for things out of the ordinary. He watched as Outer tried to talk to him, but the boy remained still and Blue never saw him speak. Outer sat for a while, trying to get his attention, but he got up. He made his way through the maze of tables while Blue asked Ink, "Who is that boy?"

"Huh?" Ink looked, a soft smile on his face at the sight, "Oh, that's Geno's little brother. His name's Error and he's very shy."

"He's not eating," Blue said simply. Ink looked sideways at him.

"How can you tell?"

"He hasn't moved let alone touched his plate the entire time we've been in the hall. He got a plate and sat down. He's been staring at his food the whole time."

Outer suddenly appeared, looking forlorn, "Ink, he won't talk to me," he said. Ink sighed.

"Did you try talking about his dolls like Geno suggested?" Outer nodded and Ink sighed again.

"First he won't talk and now he isn't eating," Ink said dimly, "These are red flags...gah, I'd hate to tell Geno about it."

"I have an idea," Blue said, looking at them. He looked at Outer, "You mind if I talk to him?"

Outer shook his head, "Go ahead. If you can get him to talk or eat, then be my guest."

"Okay, good," Blue turned in the opposite direction.

"Hey, where are you going?" Outer called. Blue looked back, a mischievous smile on his face.

"To get a cupcake and sharpie," he said, turning back around. Ink and Outer stared at him, exchanging curious, confused glances.

(Error)

I knew every detail of the untouched plate. The food was uninteresting: a small stack of pancakes with bacon and scrambled eggs. Everyone else wolfed it down vigorously but...I wasn't hungry. The idea of food just didn't appeal to me.

My cabin counselor, Outer, had tried to talk to me but I didn't want to. All I wanted was to be left alone.

Which is why I was surprised when someone I didn't recognize sat across from me. I looked up slightly, seeing a beaming smile under bright starry blue eyes. He wore a whistle and camp t-shirt. Probably another counselor...I thought.

He sat across from me, smiling. Is he waiting for something?

He slowly grabbed the edge of my plate and scooted it to the side, resting his elbows on the table as he looked at me. I looked from the plate to him. Anyone could see I wasn't eating. Any counselor would try to get me to eat.

I just stared at him as he continued to smile at me. He carefully put a cupcake on the table and slid it towards me, smiling all the while. We sat in silence for a while as he waited for something.

"Eat," he said, nodding to the cupcake. I looked down at it before pushing it away slightly.

"I'm not hungry..." I said quietly.

"Hi, Not Hungry, I'm Blue," he said, still smiling. I stared at him some more. Did he make a joke? He held out his hand and I shook it warily.

"My name is Error, not 'Not Hungry'," I corrected him quietly.

"Hi, Error," he said softly. He pushed the cupcake towards me, "Eat it. You'll like it..."

"I don't feel hungry..."

Blue pouted slightly. He sighed, sitting straighter, "I didn't want to have to do this..."

He pulled out a black marker, uncapping it and using it as a pointer.

"I'll make you a deal, Error," he said. He pointed at the cupcake, "You eat that cupcake in front of me, and I'll let you draw something on my skull."

"What?" I asked, sitting up.

"You eat that entire cupcake in front of me and you can draw something on my skull with this marker," he repeated, setting the marker between us, "But if you don't eat the cupcake by the time breakfast ends, I get to draw on your skull."

Looking from the marker to the cupcake, to the crazy counselor, I blinked.

"Seriously?"

He nodded, "I mean it. So, do we have a deal?" he smiled comfortingly at me. Something about him...I couldn't say no. Even the threat of him doodling on my head didn't faze me as much as seeing that smile disappear.

Instead of answering, I slowly reached forward and grabbed the cupcake. He watched me, that same bright, warm, homey smile on his face, as I unwrapped it and took a bite. It was very sweet and my eyes widened at the intense flavor. Before I knew it, I had finished it. Licking the frosting off my hands with a small smile I looked to see that bright smile grow wider.

"Did you like it?" he asked and I nodded before I could stop myself.

"It was really good! I haven't had any cake that good in a while..." I said, perking up slightly.

"Well, then, time for me to hold up my end of the bargain," Blue said. He handed me the marker, its cap already off, and leaned forward.

"All I ask is nothing inappropriate and no cuss words," he said.

Smiling, I leaned forward and doodled a small smiley face on his forehead. Sitting back and putting the cap on I held it out to him shyly.

"Thanks, Mr. Blue," I said.

"Oh, just Blue is fine," Blue said. He crossed his eyes trying to look at his forehead, "So, what did you draw?"

I giggled, "You'll have to find a mirror."

(Blue)

Seeing the boy smile made me happy. I stayed with him for all of the breakfast time. He giggled every time he looked at me. It made me a bit suspicious but I played with him, trying to get him to tell me. Boy, could he be tight-lipped when he wanted to be. No wonder he was Geno's brother: the boy I know can be as silent as stone when he chooses to be.

As the kids filed out of the food hall he hung back, looking apprehensive.

"Hey, Error, you okay?" I asked him, crouching next to him. He stared at the milling children.

"They're so many..." he said, his voice small again. He looked to me, a small hope in his eyes, "Are you going to come with us?"

"Yeah, I am. I run most of the games," I said, smiling at me. He smiled in relief, even though he glanced again at the number of kids.

"Why don't you head out?" the suggestion made the apprehension return, "I'll be out in a minute. I promise."

He nodded and walked out the door, continually glancing back at me. I noticed someone watching our exchange and smiled at Geno. He looked relieved, as if glad that someone was able to get through to his shy brother. He mouthed a 'thank you' to me and I was sort of surprised. Geno had a better poker face than anyone, even the lifeguard Red who plays poker, so seeing him look so relieved is humbling.

Someone came up behind me, letting out an impressed whistle.

"Thanks," Outer said as I stood. He looked at me and let out a snort.

"Uh, Blue, you got something on your face," he said, smiling.

"Oh, I know," I cocked my head, "Well, I sort of know. What is it?"

Outer snorted again. He pulled out his phone and took a picture of me. "This is gold..." he said to himself as he turned to show me the picture. It was me looking confused. A large black smiley face was on the center of my forehead and I chuckled, glancing back at Error. Outer took his phone away.

"Why do you have that on your face?" he asked, grinning.

"I made a deal," I told him, "If he ate a cupcake he'd get to draw on my face."

"A cupcake?" Outer looked skeptical.

"Hey, it worked. He ate something," I said, "and this is the first step in getting him comfortable at camp. After all, he's here all summer."

I sighed, heading for the door, "Well, got to go to the games! See ya later, Outer!"

"Bye, Blue!"

(3rd)

Blue had the smiley face on his head for a week and a half. He never attempted to wash it off. It just faded with the showers and activities he did.

Error ate a little bit. He remained very silent and Outer soon discovered that one in the handful of people he actually felt like talking to, besides his brother, was Blue. Some counselors might be discouraged but Outer was glad Error found and even sought comfort in Blue. He went to Ink to talk about moving Error to Blue's cabin but it just wouldn't work.

"Why can't we move him?" Outer asked. They were in Ink's office, decorated with random camp items and many, many art pieces Ink himself had done. Ink sighed.

"Blue's cabin is full for one," he said "Moving Error in would mean moving someone out. If it had been within the first few days I wouldn't mind the logistics but look at it this way: everyone has found friends and gotten settled in their cabins. For another, think about how nervous that boy would be if we moved him to a new room full of strangers."

Outer huffed, nodding, "I get it..."

"But if Error ever needs Blue," Ink smiled slightly, "Go and get him. Send Blue to your cabin and watch over his while he comforts Error."

"Sounds like a plan," Outer said, grinning.

"Now, get out and back to work," Ink joked. Outer nodded and left.

Since he couldn't be moved, Outer told Error that if he ever needed to talk to Blue to let him know. He would fetch Blue for him. Error smiled shyly at the idea. It was taking longer but he was slowly getting used to Outer. He wasn't as bubbly or bright as Blue but he was kind and thoughtful, not to mention soft-spoken.

The summer passed in normal fashion. Kids had fun, some got scratches or bruises, people made friends. Error didn't really make any friends besides Blue and eventually Outer. He did start to eat more as the summer neared its close.

At the final day of camp, Blue was saying goodbye to everyone when a certain kid wandered into his vision.

Error looked at his feet, shuffling slightly. Behind him, Blue could see Geno waiting with what looked like a grown woman and a young neon colored skeleton. The rest of Error's family. Blue smiled down at him, crouching to his level. Error caught his eye and a faint, almost indiscernible yellow hue graced his cheekbones.

"I just wanted to say thank you," he said softly to Blue, "I had fun talking and hanging out with you."

"It was my pleasure, Error," Blue said, "I'm glad you had fun. Are you going to come back next year?"

He nodded slightly, "Geno wants me to come by myself. And I want to make him proud."

"That's very sweet and noble of you," Blue smiled. They stood in a small silence for a while before Error shuffled his feet again.

"I guess this is goodbye..." he said, sounding disappointed.

"No, it's not goodbye. It's 'see ya later'," Blue said, smiling. Error smiled at that. He handed Blue a small note of paper with untidy handwriting.

"That's my number if you want to call sometime and talk...I really like talking to you," he said shyly. Blue took the paper from him, smiling.

"I'll be sure to call you then," he said. They lapsed into a small silence again before Error took a step back.

"I've gotta go now...see you later, Blue..."

"See ya later, Error," Blue waved, standing. Error nodded and turned away. Blue turned as well, looking for other kids in his cabin.

He thought Error had left and was surprised to feel an impact from behind. He looked down to see Error's arms around his legs. He turned in the boy's grip, crouching and hugging back.

"I'll miss you," Error muttered into Blue's shoulder. Blue chuckled.

"I'll miss you, too, but don't worry..."

"Next summer'll be here before you know it."

------

The year came and went. Blue was once again waiting excitedly as Arrival Day came to camp. He was ecstatic: his roster said he had Error in his cabin!

They had spent the year having monthly phone calls. Error would update Blue about school and Blue would do the same. And while Error never said anything, Blue learned how to tell when he was upset, angry, or happy over the phone. Sometimes their conversations would last for an hour or so as Blue would comfort Error through some hardships like test stress or new people. Sometimes Geno would pick up the phone -it was the house phone- and remain just long enough to thank Blue for being Error's friend.

Blue bounced on the balls of his feet, greeting everyone who came to camp with the same smile, still looking for Error.

As soon as he spotted him he broke into that warm smile he saved for Error. Error found him and sprinted to him, tackling him in a hug so strong he fell backward.

"I missed you!" Error said, hugging Blue tightly as he laughed. Error had grown a bit since last summer. He now hugged Blue's hips and not his legs.

"I missed you, too, Error!" Blue laughed, hugging back. Error sighed in content, feeling Blue hug him back. He laid there for a moment before remembering that he had probably crushed Blue or something and hurriedly got off his friend, a faint yellow on his cheekbones. Blue just laughed and sat up, smiling at him.

He glanced behind him to see Geno walking down, a grin on his face. He came over and tossed the duffel bag on his shoulder to Error.

"Go get settled, I need to talk to Blue," he said and Error nodded, giving Blue one last hug before going inside the cabin.

Geno helped Blue to his feet, that grin still on his face. He looked relieved, as if some burden had come off his shoulders.

"You have no idea how important that just was," he said to Blue. Blue straightened his shirt.

"What do you mean?"

"Error hasn't hugged anyone other than me or mom in maybe four years," Geno said, growing solemn, "It was a miracle he hugged you last summer. Seeing him tackle you overjoys me."

Blue blinked in surprise. Yeah, Error was quiet and kept to himself, but being that isolated? Blue hardly believed it.

"Please, whatever you're doing, keep doing it," Geno implored, "You're making so much progress with him it's amazing. I need him to get friends and have people he can talk to. He won't like it when I go to college next year because I'm the only one who really understands him."

"Is it really that bad?" Blue asked softly and Geno nodded.

"He hates strangers and doesn't really understand friends. He likes talking...but he hates opening up to others," Geno enveloped Blue in a strong grip, hugging him tightly, "Please, just help out my brother, okay? He needs you."

Blue was surprised, but hugged back, "I promise I'll keep him safe."

"Thank you," Geno whispered next to him, "Thank you so much."

(Blue)

Geno relinquished me and walked over to the cabin. Error came and gave him a goodbye hug before he left, though he walked away throwing glances over his shoulder. He must still be worried, I thought slightly sadly. Error was a kind soul but horribly, horribly shy. Though, I have noticed he has a temper. His nerves normally override it but I have seen him steam a few times and he's been angry in a few of our phone calls.

Going into the cabin I saw Error sitting on the bunk closest to my bed, his stuff already neatly put away. It might turn into a mess soon but at least he could say he tried. His eyes lit up slightly when he saw me and he stood.

"Glad to see you settled," I said, leaning on the post of the bunk. He glanced around, looking back to me.

"I didn't think I'd be this happy to come back here," he said. He gave me one of his soft, shy smiles. If I'd thought it so, I might have said he almost blushed. But the light could account for the faint yellow on his dark cheekbones.

"You finished off last year strong, Error," I said gently, "I can't wait to see what you accomplish this summer."

"I'm glad you think so much of me..." he looked down, all cheer gone, "Not many do..."

"What?"

His head glanced up, "Oh, uh, nothing. Nothing. What are we going to do today?"

I shrugged, shoving down the moment. He's probably just nervous like always, "It's Arrival Day. Not much goes on before dinner. Tomorrow is when the fun starts."

He nodded to himself, then jumped as if he'd been shocked.

"Oh! I have something for you!" he dropped to his knees and dug under his bunk for his duffel bag. I tried to peer over his shoulder, curious, but he blocked my view. He looked back up at me, hiding whatever he grabbed behind his back as a definite yellow blush lit up some of his cheeks.

"Close your eyes," he said. It was a request, not a demand, so I closed my eyes with a smile.

Something was shoved into my hand with nervous energy. I grabbed it out of reflex and stood straighter, no longer leaning on the bunk.

"You can open them now," said a small, nervous voice.

Opening my eyes I examined what he'd shoved into my hand. It was a doll.

But not just any doll. It looked like me. It was made of soft fabric, handstitched together with neat, even stitching. A smile was stitched on the face along with my bright, blue starry eyes made out of reflective fabric. I flipped it over in my hands and saw a handstitched tag reading Made by: Error.

"You made this?" I asked, holding it up and looking it over. Error nodded mutely, that yellow blush stuck on his face.

"D-do you...d-do y-you like it?" he asked, shuffling his foot and looking at the ground.

"Oh, Error," I crouched to his level and hugged him, much to his stiff surprise.

"I love it! It's beautiful," I sat back, still sitting on my heels, "You're so talented. How'd you learn to make these?"

By the stunned look on his face, I figured he didn't often get praise for making dolls. It took him a few moments to properly register my words, blinking and staring at me.

"Y-you l-love it? Really?" he asked and I nodded. He gulped, the blush getting slightly stronger as he began to fiddle with his hands. He pulled a cat's cradle sting out of his pocket to mess with it in more complex ways than I've ever seen and he wasn't even looking at his hands.

"W-well I learned h-how to sew f-from my mom and made m-my first doll for m-my little brother F-Fresh's birthday. It wasn't v-very good but he liked it so...I kept making them and got better."

"So this is your hobby?" I asked, standing up. He nodded.

"I used to make them every moment I wasn't busy, even in school, but I-I was told to stop b-because it's not a boy's hobby..." his voice grew quieter as he finished, the blush dying away.

"Well, that's no excuse," I nudged him, smiling, "You wanna know my hobby?"

He nodded, looking up at me. Leaning down I whispered, "I like to cook."

He smiled at that but I sensed a lingering melancholy. Hopefully, this summer would bump it out.

"Did you bring any materials with you?" I asked. He shook his head sadly, his shoulders slumping.

"My teacher took my travel kit..."

"Hmm..." I tapped my chin thoughtfully. An idea sparked and I grinned.

"Would you like to make dolls this summer?" I asked him. He looked up at me, a small bit of shadowed hope in his eyes.

"How would I do that? I have nothing to make them with..."

I gave him a secretive smirk, "Don't be too sure about that. Tomorrow, after breakfast, come up to me in the food hall. I have someplace to show you."

That tore a small smile from his suddenly saddened face. Soon, most of the shadows left his eyes as he became bashful once more.

"I'd like that, Blue."

--------

The next morning I watched Error carefully. It had taken a lot of work last summer to get him to eat. I wanted to see if that stuck or if the year wiped it away.

I let out a breath as I watched him take a bite. Relief washed over me. Sure, he was hesitant and probably wouldn't finish his plate, but at least he was eating.

"Was that the north wind I heard?" asked a voice who sidled up beside me. I glanced to see Ink grinning at me.

"Maybe," I said, relief heavy in my voice.

"Why so much air there, Blue?"

"Error. He's eating today."

"Really?" Ink looked over at him and sighed, "Thank goodness."

"You seem more relieved than I am," I eyed him and Ink nodded. He handed me an already opened envelope.

"Geno gave this to me," Ink said, his voice low as he crossed his arms, "He mentioned that it was private but you oughta know."

"What is it?" I began to open it but he put a hand over the letter. I looked at him, confused.

"Not here. Later. It's about Error. A warning," Ink said softly, "Geno thinks he's getting worse."

"Worse than last year?" I asked, matching Ink's serious tone.

He nodded, "Yeah. So read that later and keep a close eye on him. I'd to have to tell Geno any bad news."

"Me too. Geno asked me to keep him safe. Now I guess I know why he was so relieved that Error hugged me."

"You've got a magic touch, Blue," Ink clapped my shoulder, "Don't let Error leave it."

(3rd)

After Blue and Ink's conversation, Blue went and sat next to Error for the rest of breakfast. They talked about stuff that had happened over the year, particularly since their last phone call.

Once breakfast was over Blue led Error to a cabin with a lot of windows and colors everywhere.

"What is this place?" Error asked. Blue smiled at him.

"This is the art studio," Blue said, leading him inside. Error looked at him skeptically.

"Why would I want to be in the art studio?"

"Who doesn't want to be in the art studio?!" squeaked a woven basket. Blue and Error jumped slightly as the basket popped up behind a table. Hands reached up and lifted the basket, revealing a black-boned young skeleton with paint smeared on his face and a beaming grin.

Blue sighed, relaxing, "Reboot, what are you doing in here by yourself?"

"I'm waiting for Ink," he smiled, "I started working on a basket because I got bored."

Error had hidden behind Blue upon Reboot's sudden appearance. Blue looked at him gently.

"Error, meet Reboot. Reboot, meet Error," Blue introduced. Reboot, blushing but smiling, came forward and offered a paint-stained hand. Error took it warily, shrinking into his shell.

"Reboot, Error here likes to sew. Do you remember where the cloth and thread is?"

The boy nodded vigorously and dived into the sea of art. He came up with a large brown box and tossed it onto a table before walking to a cupboard and throwing it open. Blue watched as Error wandered over to look at the sewing supplies. He picked up a pack of needles, shaking it slightly to make it rattle. He grabbed some thread and turned to look at the selection of cloth. He looked it over and picked up a large swath, then looked at Blue with shining eyes.

"I can really use any of this?" he asked and Blue nodded.

"Any and all of it. Ink will be here to watch over you," Blue turned to leave and found himself being hugged around the middle.

"You're leaving?" Error asked, suddenly worried.

Blue crouched down to his level, "I'll be back later but I have some things to do. If you need me, Ink will send for me. But help yourself, Error. I know this is one of your favorite hobbies. Why don't you make something and show me at lunch?"

"You'll meet me for lunch?"

"Always, every day, I promise," Blue rubbed his head and stood up. Then he left Error and Reboot to their crafts.

(Error)

I settled at a desk to work in silence. With my black scraps, I wanted to make a penguin. A simple, roundish shape to refresh my skills. I finished Blue's doll at Christmas, right after my teacher took my travel kit in December.

Always aware of anyone around me, I tried to ignore the gaze of the kid Reboot. After five minutes of feeling him stare into my back, I turned. He blushed as soon as I did and focused on his basket weaving. Sighing, I turned completely and faced him until he'd look me in the eye, crossing my arms to wait.

It took less than a minute for him to glance back up and catch me watching. He froze, our gazes locked, and I cocked a browbone at him. Six minutes ago he'd been this bouncing, bright, bubbly person. Where the hell did this shy guy come from?

"I'm sorry for staring!" he blurted out in the tense silence. He blushed a navy-sky blue, watching me warily. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, "I've never seen another black skeleton before..." he explained, squinting an eye open to peer at me.

A loose, half-chuckle escaped me. Honestly, the thought never occurred to me but, "Neither have I, actually."

Both eyes opened in curiosity now, "Really?"

"Yeah. Not even my brothers have black bones. I'm the middle child of three and my other brothers are white boned," I told him. Reboot sat up, leaning forward.

"Okay, I have to know: why'd you learn to sew?" he asked, completely shifting the conversation. How fast did this kid's mind move?

"Uh..." I blinked. There really wasn't a 'why'. "My mom showed me how as a hobby because I was alone most of the time. I picked it up quickly and started making dolls. I basically made my own friends for almost a year before anyone picked up on what I did." My voice quieter and my fist curled on reflex, "Stupid idiots and their damn stereotypes. Soon as someone found out they spilled and ended one of my favorite things to do."

"While I don't like your choice of words," Reboot suddenly appeared next to me and I jumped, whipping around, "I agree with you. No one should take away someone's hobby. It's not a kind thing to do."

Staring at him with wide eyes, I blinked once, twice... "What bubbly fountain did they yank you out of?"

"What do you mean?"

"How on earth are you so nice? Nobody's nice to me, except for Blue and my brothers."

"You don't know very nice people, then," he looked genuinely pitying and some part of my shell cracked.

"Are you...are you going to be here every day?" I asked him warily. He beamed and nodded.

"Yeah! And a few others but mostly I hang out with my Uncle Ink. Why? Are you going to be here a lot?"

"Hopefully. I..." I looked at the bare beginnings of my project, "I want to make dolls again."

"Awesome!" Reboot shouted and I leaped back enough to slide off my stool and land on my butt. Reboot squeaked in shock.

"Oh my! I'm so sorry! Please don't be mad at me!" he helped me to my feet although I stood a head taller than him. I brushed some dust off myself and shook my head.

"I'm not mad. I've suffered a lot worse under actual intentions. I know you didn't mean to knock me down. It just happened."

"People actually tried to hurt you?" his voice was small.

"Tried, attempted, succeeded, failed, got away with it, anything; you name it," I flashed a false smile at him, "But don't worry, Boots. It takes a lot more to break me down," or not. But sweet, little, obviously innocent Reboot didn't need to know that.

"Ooh! I have an idea!" Reboot bounced in excitement and grabbed my arms "Teach me!"

"Huh?"

"Teach me how to make dolls!"

"...Why?"

"Because I want to learn!" Reboot insisted, "Teach me how to sew, Error! Pleeeeeaaassseeee?"

"Uh..."

"Pweeeeasse? Pretty, pretty, pretty please I beg you!"

Okay, no way was I going to say no to that face he was giving me. Pleading puppy eyes and the most adorable pout he could muster.

I sighed and patted the stool next to me, "Alright."

(3rd)

At lunch, Blue came in late. A bit winded from playing three rounds of ultimate frisbee, he stood in the doorway with hands on his hips to catch his breath, scanning the cafeteria for his favorite lone skeleton.

Only to find he wasn't alone.

Error sat with Reboot and they were laughing. Blue smiled in wonder at the two. Reboot glanced around and caught sight of him, waving from across the mess hall to call him over. With a new bounce to his step Blue essentially skipped over to the door and plopped down across from Error, grinning happily.

"Looks like someone made a friend~" he sang to Error, who blushed faintly at his voice. Error always loved hearing Blue's voice.

Reboot bounced in his seat and pulled out a barely started thing that sort of resembled a potato sack with eyes. Blue cocked his head to the side, resting his chin on his hand to prop it up.

"What's that, Reboot?" he asked, though it was unnecessary.

"Error's teaching me how to make dolls!" he said excitedly as Error blushed and looked down. He still wasn't used to the volume Reboot could occasionally produce. Reboot shoved his project to Blue, "I'm making a barn owl! Or maybe a Great Horned. Or maybe an Elf owl. I haven't decided yet but it's going to be an owl!"

"It looks like a good start," Blue said, now understanding the brown color of the scraps.

"His stitching could be more even and his cuts cleaner but otherwise it's a good start," Error said quietly, glancing up to smile at Blue. Blue smiled back, then put his arm down and leaned closer to Error.

"What are you making?"

"A penguin..." Error pulled out his own project. It was farther along than Reboots and much neater indeed. It actually looked like the beginnings of a penguin and Blue leaned back, impressed. His own doll had surprised him but he had thought that only that level of detail could come with hours upon hours of time. Not the measly three hours he'd left Error in the art room.

"That's really good, Error," he said in genuine admiration. Error only blushed more.

"Thanks, Blue. You have...no idea how much that means to me," he flashed a smile. Reboot bounced, looking with adoration at his own project.

"Error says that I learn fast and that I'll be able to do more stitches by the end of the summer! Won't that be cool?"

"I'm sure it will," Blue said. Reboot bounced some more and flung his arms round Error's neck, making him go stiff with surprise.

"He is the greatest friend I've ever had!"

Error blinked, looking at Reboot in disbelief.

"...I'm your...friend?"

----

They were indeed friends. Reboot somehow managed to be with Error for most of the summer. He became the anti-social boy's bouncing shadow. Error, although not as comfortable around Reboot as he was Blue, slowly warmed up to him. Blue's heart swelled at seeing the two grow close. He'd read Geno's letter and taken the warning inside seriously: don't leave Error alone. If Reboot, who was unaware his problems but quite bonded to Error, wasn't with him, Blue made sure either himself, Outer, or Ink was nearby. Geno hadn't said why Error needed to be watched but Blue didn't care. He would never let anything hurt Error, not even his inner demons.

As the summer wore on, it looked like whatever darkness plaguing Error dissipated. He smiled more and was eating regularly. He would correct Reboot's mistakes without remorse but Reboot never felt bad about it. He welcomed Error's criticism, though it had been reluctant in the beginning. Error had only be degraded about his hobby. Having someone actually want to learn from him was outright alien to him. Telling that someone that he was doing it wrong had been uncomfortable. He didn't want to lose his only friend by insulting him. But Reboot, after a long-winded explanation that criticism was necessary between artists for improvement, finally managed to get Error to say anything about his work. Then Error let loose all his criticisms and waited for the hit of rejection.

All he heard was, "So that's why it's falling apart..."

After that, Error gave criticism without regret and Reboot took it in stride, progressing faster than Error expected him to.

---------

The last day of camp arrived too soon for Blue's liking. He smiled at everyone but had a slightly heavy heart. Error had been growing slowly worse the past week as if knowing that the end of the summer was close brought all his inner demons back.

Blue hated to see him deteriorate after so much progress. He ached at being unable to help Error...and unwilling to ask what hurt him. He didn't want Error to know he was being observed because his brother was worried.

So, Blue lingered near Error as the day dragged on and they waited for Error's family to pick him up. Error sat cross-legged on the floor, staring at Reboot's owl doll. He'd completed it and given it to Error as a thank you present.

Blue leaned in the doorway, close by but having to watch his other kids. He glanced back at Error every so often as the number kids in the cabin dwindled. Once it was him and Error, Blue turned and sat on the bunk across from Error. The boy didn't look up, only stared at the owl.

"Life's so unfair," he said quietly. Blue seemed to sense he was speaking to him, not to himself.

"Why is life unfair?" he asked softly. Error sighed, not looking up.

"Everyone here is so nice, even to me...no one makes fun of me here...no one calls me gay for making dolls..."

Blue remained silent, sensing a chance to learn more about Error's demons.

"Here, I'm a person, a friend...not a faggot or a mistake...a condom break or an outcast..."

Each word hit me like a bullet. People actually call him those things? But he remained silent. The dam was breaking and Blue needed to let it flow.

"I belong here..." Error looked up, looking at Blue in the eye, "You showed me I belong here. You showed me I'm not an outcast. I have a family here."

Error stood and walked over to Blue, enveloping him in a hug stronger than Blue expected, "You're my family, Blue. As much as Geno and Fresh are my family."

Blue had to blink back unexpected tears as he hugged Error back.

"Thank you, Error," he said softly, "For telling me..."

A silence ensued, closely followed by gentle sobbing as Error clung to Blue.

"I don't want to leave you..." he said.

"It's okay, Error," Blue rocked him gently, "I'll only be a phone call away if you need me."

"You can't hug a phone call," Error said stiffly.

"I know, I know," Blue whispered, "But remember to call me if you need me. I'll always be there for you."

"I wish I knew how far away you lived," Error sniffed, "That's the worst part is not knowing where you are."

"Hmm..." Blue rubbed Error's back, lost in thought. An idea came to him and he pulled Error off enough to look him in the eye and smile.

"Here's an idea: how about we become penpals?"

"Penpals?"

"Yeah," Blue reached to his to his trunk and pulled out a notepad, scribbling his address on it, "We'll write to each other. That way only we get to see our words and I won't have to worry about your brother picking up the phone."

"Write? You'll write me letters?" Error looked uncertain.

"Of course! You want to know the best part?" Blue whispered secretively.

"What?" Error replied in a whisper as well.

"You can hug a letter," Blue smiled, "It's not the same but I can send you hugs all the time!"

Error's eyes went wide as he took the piece of paper with Blue's address on it. "So...I can send you things now?"

"Yes, anything you want! Of course, within my boundaries. You know my rules," Blue grinned at the boy who smiled.

"'Nothing inappropriate and no cuss words'," he echoed from their first meeting.

"And lots of smiles and maybe cupcakes," Blue added, making Error smile and blush. He flung his arms around Blue's neck.

"Thank you, Blue! This means so much to me!"

"Error?" someone called, knocking on the doorframe. Both of them looked over to see Geno, smiling in the doorway at his little brother.

"Geno!" Error broke off of Blue, "Guess what? They have supplies here! I've made three dolls this summer!"

Geno's eyes sparkled as he smiled down at Error, "That's awesome. You wanna know what's cooler?"

"What?" Error paused.

Geno pulled out a box tied with a ribbon from behind him, "Open it and see."

Error pulled the ribbon off the box and opened it. He gasped and dropped the box, pulling out what looked like patchwork satchel. He hugged Geno happily.

"You got it back! Thank you!"

Blue stood up, curious. He didn't have to ask as Error turned to him and beamed, "Geno got my travel case back! I can make dolls anywhere now!"

"That's great news, Error," Blue said. Error bounced before turning back to Geno.

"Grab your stuff, bro," Geno said, "I need to talk to Blue for a while. Just head up to the parking lot until you see a black truck with blue flames."

"Truck? We don't have a truck," Error said, confused. Geno smiled bashfully, blushing slightly and I held back surprise.

"My, uh," he coughed, glancing away, "My boyfriend does. He's, uh-hum, waiting. In his truck. For us."

I never expected the sly look Error gave his brother, "Did someone finally confess~?" he asked.

Geno coughed and shoved Error's shoulder, "Go. Now."

Error left, but with the slyest smirk a twelve-year-old could muster on his face. He looked downright evil as he passed Geno.

"Somebody confessed~ Somebody confessed~" he sang as he walked by his brother. Geno shoved his shoulder playfully.

"Get out of here!" Geno called.

As soon as Error was out of earshot, Geno turned to me. The transformation from bashful brother to serious one shocked me.

"How was he this summer?" Geno asked softly.

"He got better and better. He ate every day," I said, "he brightened up considerably, especially when I introduced him to his new friend-turned-apprentice."

Geno looked immensely relieved, "He made a friend? Thank god..."

"But this week he's been on a downhill," I added, "I don't think he wants to return to whatever's bothering him.

"There's more to it than that but you're right," Geno sighed, "Thank you for what you've done. Ink told me about your part in watching him. It means a lot knowing he has a guardian angel out here."

I blushed at the comment, "Well, it was nothing. I really like him and seeing him upset hurts. I'd do anything to help him."

A smirk flashed for half a second on Geno's face, "Either way, thank you. Not only for watching him but for being his friend and showing him his talents are worth something."

"Please, make sure he knows I'm always there for him," I said, "We've agreed to be penpals and I want him to know that he can tell me anything he feels comfortable sharing. It's often for the best to share a burden. Otherwise, it can crush someone."

"Don't worry. I'll remind him to write. He needs to work on his penmanship anyway," Geno chuckled.

He gave me a short hug before turning away. He paused at the door, gripping the frame and looking back at me with his head cocked slightly, "You know, Blue, I've never said it but you are one very special person. Especially to Error. You mean a lot to him, more so than you might suspect. Please, don't ever hurt him." His grip on the doorframe tightened enough to splinter wood with a small cracking sound and his eye flashed blue and red.

"Or else you'll regret it."