Chapter Text
Error never thought that he could like a universe as much as the original or Outertale, but something about the Fluffytale's café had grown on him. Of course it wasn't excluded from the list of filthy glitches he needed to destroy, as wasn't Outertale. But like when he stargazed, just eating some chocolate or observing the cats and their mischief became a common, relaxing activity in his breaks.
Right now, Ccino's Café was closed for the evening and Ccino was clearing away the remains of messes from the day. Ccino didn't bat a socket at Error sitting on one of the cushioned seats, munching on some dark chocolate, already used to his random arrivals. Though his tongues consuming the wrapper of the chocolate did cause some perturbed looks from the owner.
The café was a common meet up spot for him and Dream, it was safe, quiet and an overall comfy place. Error preferred to wait in the café in the evening, it meant little to no visitors and any leftover food Ccino was happy to give to them both as an evening snack. It was also peaceful without the loud chatter or children's racket, and with Glitch (his feline alternative) calmly sleeping under the table he was at (they both kept their distance from each other which Error found fine), he enjoyed the place.
Ccino walked up to him, friendly smile set on his face. "You know when Dream will arrive? It's no rush, but I was planning on heading off to sleep soon, it's been a long day."
Error shrugged, him and Ccino weren't exactly close, but managed to get along well enough with Dream's help. Ccino's AU along with Swaps and Dream's old one would be last to get erased from their Multiverse by his hand.
With a quick check of his phone, Error frowned. The time was 11:07 pm and Dream had promised to meet Error in the café at 11 after he finished his guardian duties. Dream was almost never late.
"Not su-ure. Should-d be soon t-though. I hope."
Ccino gave an understanding hum before going back to wiping the tables clean as he stifled a yawn. Error wondered when the last time the Fluffytale skeleton had had a proper night sleep, especially with the dark bags under his sockets. Though Error wasn't close enough to him to point it out and he averted his gaze from the other as Ccino began scolding one of the cats that had started to scratch some furniture. If Dream arrived he'd probably lecture Ccino on getting a better sleep schedule, as he did with Error. Not that his boyfriend was much better with his own insomnia.
Error sighed. Unlocking his phone again, he confirmed Dream hadn't sent another text after the previous one he'd sent a while ago saying he'd arrive in a couple of hours. It was very unlikely for his boyfriend to be late, and even when Dream was, he'd always let someone know beforehand. With him being late by almost ten minutes, it was beginning to make Error feel restless and he was tempted to scan through portals to check on Dream himself.
But he continued to wait, finishing his chocolate (the scraps of wrapper remaining chucked into a random AU through a portal) as well as shooing any cats that came too close. His patience eventually rewarded him.
A shaky, golden portal opened up by the café's entrance, causing some of the felines to perk up and snap their heads to it. However, Error's relief was dampened as Dream stumbled out, looking as angelic and beautiful as ever but his expression grim and vigilant.
Dream's shoulders visibility dropped as his eyelights met Errors, but the bleak expression stayed. The guardian darted to where Error was sat, in such a haste that he almost tripped over the ribbons on his cape.
"Error! Error, they know, I- I don't know how but the Multiverse knows about us! Oh and I'm so sorry for being late-" Dream began, rambling and gripping Error's shoulders as if he needed the support.
Startled, Error's mind went blank for a moment before he shook out of it and placed his hands on Dream's carefully. "Woa-ah, hold u-up and slo-ow down, Sunny-y." He interrupted in a firm voice that hopefully let Dream concentrate some more.
Dream quietly apologised as he went silent and took some breaths. As he did that and took a seat beside Error, Ccino joined the two, most likely having heard Dream's panic. The beige skeleton was rubbing his sockets tiredly but gazed down at Dream in confused sympathy, clearly wanting to question him but keeping quiet.
"Okay, you s-said somethi-ing about the Mu-ultiverse knowing-g?" Error asked once Dream had calmed and took a sip of a warm tea Ccino kindly brought over. Error found it's design amusing, a cat reaching up for a tea bag, perhaps he could gift Dream something like it some time.
Dream nodded. "Yes, sorry about my alarm, I was exposed to doubtful emotions most the day which left my own emotions uneasy. Thanks for the tea, Ccino." Ccino assured Dream it was no problem, waiting calmly for him to explain what had caused his panicked state. "Usually my work doesn't get interrupted unless Nightmare or his subordinates get involved, but today everyone's auras around me were... wary. Whispers and suspicion. Of course I was confused, but shrugged it off for the time being. Until the questions came.. all of them about if me and Error are really dating."
"W-what-?!" Error spluttered, head shooting up to stare in disbelief, "H-how do they kno-ow? We made sure to keep it-t hidden!"
Dream sighed sadly, placing his mug down. "Exactly. I quickly excused myself from that group of monsters, but it continued throughout the day. Every AU I went to, at least a few residents questioned me about if I'm actually together with 'the Destroyer'. It was hard creating a portal here with all those sceptical emotions directed towards me."
Ccino pursed his mouth with a frown, "I can promise I said nothing to any customers, I made sure nothing slipped out and to keep it a secret." He promised.
Error believed him and he knew Dream did too, Ccino was one of the most honest and morally kind monsters Error knew (out of the many murderers too though) and wouldn't reveal their secret relationship. Honestly, Error suspected Ccino was so well liked even Nightmare decided to leave his AU be, especially with the Murder Time Trio and Cross sightings at the café and their collections of food or drinks.
"Yo-ou think it could-d've been I-Ink?" Error asked bluntly.
Dream shrugged, "Maybe, but I would've thought he'd forgotten by now..."
For a while there was silence between the three as Error looked at his boyfriend, mirroring his concern and distress. When they'd began dating, him and Dream agreed to keep it a secret for a multitude of reasons; a few AUs they were accustomed to knowing wasn't all too bad, but a lot of the Multiverse was a whole other problem that would lead to many more.
Coffee's (Ccino's cat version) loud meow snapped them out of the shocked trance.
Ccino bent down and ruffled the top of Coffee's head with a fond smile - still holding his previous worry, "Yes, yes, Coffee I'll go feed you now." Ccino looked up at the two, "I'm sorry, let me just feed the cats. I hope that you can sort this out, but perhaps the Multiverse knowing about your relationship won't be all bad? It wasn't going to kept a secret forever."
Dream bid Ccino goodbye but didn't remark on his reassuring comment. Error was more annoyed than worried that their secret had been exposed, but he didn't mind too much. As Ccino had said, the fact the guardian of positivity and Destroyer were dating would never have been hidden forever. They'd hoped it could stay hidden for a while longer though. But Error did know that at least someone must've seen them or told someone.. he could figure out who and make sure their universe would get destroyed next.
Though tempted to peck Dream's skull with a kiss at the other's miserable expression, Error went for a squeeze of his phalange instead. Dream gently squeezed it back but his dim eyelights didn't brighten. Error's chest felt heavy at Dream's apprehensive look, and even when a couple of cats started to playfully attack his cape, Dream didn't react in joy as he usually would.
Error was never good with giving comfort to others, that was Dream's thing, so he just squeezed Dream's hand tighter and decided he'd offer cuddles later - that usually lifted Dream's spirits.
"We should head to the Stars base rather than keep Ccino awake here." Dream mumbled, managing to muster up a soft smile for Error.
Giving a nod, Error clicked his fingers and a portal to the Star Sanses' base opened up. Ink was never comfortable with Error having access to the abandoned AU it was in, but with Swap and Dream assuring the artist Error wouldn't destroy it, Ink gave in and stopped complaining each time Error barged in.
With Dream stroking a couple of the cats a quick goodbye (Glitch included) and placing his empty mug on the café's main counter where Ccino could put it away, they both entered through Error's glitchy portal.
And as he went through, Error crashed right into Swap. He jumped back before his haphephobia that had acted up from the unexpected contact could summon an attack to harm Swap. His fear was progressing to get better each day, especially with Dream's support, but it didn't mean it couldn't rise up and cause magic outbursts or panic attacks. But now Error could proudly say his glitches weren't as much of a bother or nuisance as they had once been.
Swap jumped back too with an apology before he spotted Dream, drawing his attention away from Error. Quickly rushing closer towards the guardian, Swap spoke rapidly, arms waving around in emphasis, "Dream! Oh thank stars you're here, it's about you and Error, a load of the Multiverse-"
"Knows. Yeah I realised..." Dream interrupted. Swap raised a surprised brow at that, as did Error. Dream must be stressed if he was interrupting others.
Swap winced and shot Error an uneasy look. "Well, yeah.. that. I found out about it when Papy asked me directly. I asked him where he'd heard about it, apparently news spreads quickly across the Multiverse."
"I may be forgetful but I think I'd remember if I spilt something like that." Ink commented, startling Error as his hidden appearance behind Swap was introduced. "Maybe a couple of people I mighttttt've accident told, but not that many it'd become Multiverse news!"
Error resisted whacking the small idiot with one of his strings, that wouldn't benefit anyone in this situation. He was still tempted. But his temptation was halted as he felt Dream's body lay on him, he wrapped his arm around Dream and felt his features relax with the other's warm smile as Dream leant his head onto Error's rib cage.
Dream rubbed his forehead with a wobbly smile, "I'm sure it wasn't any of you, sorry I'm so uneasy... my empath abilities aren't very helpful when everyone's so apprehensive around me, I'll try not to feel the same." He apologised and Error leant his head onto Dream's shoulders muttering a reminder of 'its not your fault' to him.
He instantly shot up and began glitching more rapidly, having been startled again by a new voice.
"In some way it was you, Ink, I'm afraid."
It seemed everyone else had jumped at Core Frisk's random arrival. Error's demeanour turned defensive as he glared at the Omega Timeline's creator once his socket's eyesight cleared up.
Ink huffed, elbowing Core who had appeared standing next to the Protector. "Aw man, you're kidding right?" Core shook their head, amused smile tugging at their lips as Ink slumped dramatically onto Swap in defeat.
Dream attempted to cover up his defeated expression with a friendly wave, "Hello Core, nice to see you pop in. I'm guessing you aren't here for a quick catch up though?"
Error hadn't met with Core Frisk too often, he knew about the omniscient child as did everyone who knew about the Multiverse, but the two rarely interacted. Whenever he used to join Nightmare with his 'negativity spreading', Core left the Star Sanses to deal with the actual battle while they rescued the survivors or injured. So Error didn't have much on an opinion about them, he knew they knew about him dating Dream being all omniscient, so trusted their judgement that Ink was a partial factor their secret had been revealed.
But that didn't mean Error liked Core. They were said to be omniscient and from what he knew, that was true. But even if Core was all knowing, they definitely weren't all acting. Claiming to offer a sanctuary to those who needed one, a safe haven - and yet never helped the Sanses in need beforehand like Dust, Cross, Horror and many more they never helped him either when he was trapped in the Antivoid.
Who was he to judge though, it's not like Error himself did anything to support anyone else other than himself (and perhaps Dream now). Besides, Error knew Core had at least some of the same dislike towards Error, someone as powerful with codes as he was was definitely someone Core considered a threat to the Omega Timeline. Which is exactly why Core's idea they began to explain surprised him.
"Ink let it slip to one of Nightmare's members, who in turn told Nightmare. Wanting to cause panic and confusion obviously, Nightmare spread the 'rumour' leaving the question to many if it's the truth that positivity and destruction have truly fallen in love. It's no business of mine to interfere with your relationships, Dream, and you two seem happy, I'm glad. But this revelation has also started being talked about in the Omega Timeline. Which is why I propose an idea."
Error scoffed. Of course it was Nightmare. That bastard could never leave Error to his own life, or Dream for that matter. He wondered if Core had purposely left out who of Nightmare's gang had told their boss to prevent Error getting his revenge, they'd know he'd want to.
Swap exchanged a glance with Dream, leaving Error to glare suspiciously at Core. The child didn't return his cold expression, instead with their hands behind their back returned it with an understanding smile. Error rolled his eyelights and looked to the side before their eye contact became awkward.
"What do you propose?" Dream asked cautiously, luckily seeming more relaxed.
Core gestured towards Error, "We show the Multiverse the... kinder version of Error."
Error instantly disagreed before Core could continue. "Ab-bsolutely not. First off I'm-m not 'kind', if the Multiv-verse doesn't like m-me with Dream they can suck it-t."
He managed to get a snort out of Ink but ignored it, crossing his arms in annoyance.
"Love, let's hear them out first. Please." Dream whispered to him, worry etched on his features, but also hope. Error hesitated before sighing with a small nod.
Core's expression was twisted, as if they weren't sure which one to hold. "As I was saying, if people can see Error not just as the mass murderer or world destroyer they picture him as-"
"As they-y should." Error mumbled.
"-then eventually the commotion of how Dream shouldn't be with him will hopefully die down and people will accept it." Core finished.
No one in the room seemed thrilled with the idea, Error didn't like it at all. If the Multiverse despised him more than they already did, so what?
The only reason he held his tongue, however, was because of Dream. Unlike Error, Dream entire job as a guardian revolved around the happiness of the Multiverse, and if the Multiverse started to react to him with the same distaste and wariness of Error then Dream would start to struggle.
It also meant Nightmare's reason of causing a negative stir had succeeded, as if Error needed more reasons to dislike Dream's brother.
Dream got Error's attention as he tapped him gently on the shoulder. "Are you alright with this? It may be more for my benefit, but I don't want you to do anything that doesn't suit you, we can always be patient and hope people shrug this off as a rumour or forget it instead." Dream offered.
They both knew that would be very unlikely, even if neither said so. And while Dream's sockets looked supportive, Error could see through it and the hope Dream held. Even now, when Dream knew the drawbacks that would come without accepting Core's plan, he was willing to let Error choose rather than be selfish. Error couldn't say no without feeling guilty or being extremely selfish himself.
Perhaps being able to go to an AU without getting yelled at or without everyone fleeing when they saw him wouldn't be as impossible as he'd once thought. Error would be able to show affection to Dream outside of hidden spots too... though curious eyes from others wasn't exactly what he'd want. And yet this wasn't for him, it was for who he loved.
Everyone was looking at him, ready for him to answer. Error sighed, mixing it with a groan, "Fine. I'll try be nicer. But only until people will leave us alone. Alright, Frisk?"
Error couldn't keep his annoyed look for long and his soul lightened at Dream's relived breath and 'thank you's, melting into the guardian's warm hug.
Core gave a triumph nod. "Alright. We'll try this out for a couple of weeks. I'm not telling you to change who you are completely, Error, it's not going to be like a disguise and I know I won't be able to stop you from destroying. Just try to be less destructive when around Dream or near residents."
Swap perked up with a hopeful grin, "So I can tell Paps the truth about you two? I didn't lie to him obviously, but not telling him the entire truth was still awful!"
"I suppose so." Dream answered after he finished his hug with Error, "I hope you're right Core and people will grow to stop.. um, harassing me about this. Though maybe that word's a slight overstatement." Error doubted it was. "And I hope that they'll be kinder to Error in return too!"
"I-it's no big deal if the-ey aren't, I'm used to i-it, I'll do-o this plan anyway. Just know it a-anyone does haras-ss you about this Dream-m, I won't be afraid t-to interfere." Error growled.
Core gave a strained laugh, "I'm sure that won't happen. Regardless, I'd say a good start to this idea will be for you to join Dream tomorrow with his duties. It'll make you seem friendlier."
Ink hopped up from where he'd been laying, quickly sipping a cyan vial, "Well, while this chat has been entertaining, now the plan's agreed on, I gotta go check on some codes for this Creator, 'til then!" Ink jumped backwards into one of his portals, leaving a stain of black ink on the carpet. Swap groaned muttering about how he'd have to clean it up later. The reason the base had so many stained carpets in the first place was due to Ink's arbitrarily of arrivals or departures.
Softly chuckling, Dream stood up too from where he'd been sat, offering a hand to Error who took it. "I'd be happy for Error to join me, thank you Core, sorry for the trouble."
"It's no worries, I should've stopped Nightmare from creating this mess in the first place, but I was too late. I'll be off to the Omega Timeline again, good luck and call me if you need to." The monochrome child asserted before they joined Ink in leaving the base through one of the Omega Timeline's doors.
Error realised the codes that blocked him from entering those doors were gone, Core must've been honest and was willing to let Error enter another time. He wondered what the Omega Timeline looked like, the Voices mentioned it a fair share so perhaps they'd shut up about it once he entered for the first time.
"I'll be back in a bit and leave too. I think I'll drop off at a happier AU to stock up on some of the positivity there, I'm a bit low on energy I'm afraid." Dream said.
"Alright!" Swap piped up, looking significantly happier, "Make sure to get a bite to eat too though, okay? Me and Error can cook something together to eat here." Dream stifled a laugh at whatever horrified look Error had on his face at the thought of having to eat Swap's food with him, but promised Swap he'd grab something from a shop in whichever AU he'd go to.
"Don-n't be afraid to swe-ear some sense into any more i-idiots that question-n you about th-his 'rumour'" Error added and Dream gave a half-hearted agreement with another giggle.
Dream started to open one of his portals, it looked a lot sturdier that the one Error had seen at Ccino's but it was still dim, "Alright you two, back in half an hour or so. Love you Error!"
Error didn't see Dream leave, he was too busy trying to force his embarrassed glitches that shot up, away. Swap's chortle didn't exactly help much. Still, Dream's words always left his soul warm as did any cheesy sentence or compliment whenever Dream said them to him, and Error joined in with Swap's smile.
He'd follow through with Core's plan if it meant it would benefit Dream. After all, Error owed Dream much more than the guardian would ever know and loved him just as much. He hoped Nightmare wouldn't get involved much more, but Error knew at one point he'd have to meet with the negative being - especially having put it off for so long. That was his problem though, he didn't need to drag Dream into anymore.
At least Error would get a whole day with Dream for this. An excited feeling tingled in his bones at the thought and Error continued to smile while he stared at the spot Dream had left in. Finally spending a day with his boyfriend didn't seem too bad, even if he'd have to do work with Dream, he was sure they could fit in their own time together.
Swap risked another glance to Error, the other wasn't good with cooking but was usually much better than burning a pancake and not realising it was burning, even though he was staring harshly at it. Swap coughed and pointed to it before Error burnt down their base, that was more Alphys's thing. Error muttered an apology, quickly shoving the now destroyed pancake onto his plate.
"You don't like Core's plan?" Swap asked, grimacing as Error's sockets furrowed and his grip on the frying pan hardened. He quickly loosened his grip with a sigh, placing the pan down and shoving some of the (scrambled) pancake in his mouth. Once Error finished his mouthful, he shrugged and looked up at Swap.
"I'm-m not saying it's a bad id-dea and I get why we're doing-g it. Its-'s just that we shouldn't hav-ve to do it. The fact t-the Multiverse cares so much abo-out someone's relationship-p, just because they're well kn-nown and on different si-ides to the point we h-have to do something to m-make them okay with it. It's-s stupid."
Swap turned down the heat on his own frying pan, giving a sympathetic look to Error. "I do agree, but unfortunately sometimes people don't like something just because it's going against what's normal. They see someone who destroys, don't question why or even bother to get to know you and instantly villainize you! Then however kind someone is, if they're seen all happy with the 'villain' people suspect them to be one too. But once they see you aren't as bad as some make you out to be, like I did, I'm sure things will be fine again!"
Error didn't look convinced but nodded as he took another mouthful, face scrunching up at the burnt taste.
"You thi-ink D-Dream will be alrigh-ht?" Error questioned after another mouthful.
Flipping over his pancake, Swap hummed unsurely, "I hope so... it's always been an issue to spread positivity when some dislike him, some even see him as a threat of Nightmare coming. Dream never mentions it bothering him, but it doesn't exactly make his tasks easy nor helps him mentally."
He paused to put his slightly burnt (though it looked better than most he fried) pancake on his plate. "I know you won't care about everyone knowing you're together with Dream, and trust me Dream would love for it to not be hidden either. But I'm afraid to say this isn't just about you two as messed up as that is. Nightmare did the right thing to benefit himself, the balance is already messed up and if Dream can't fix it without causing more distress then that'll mess everything up further."
Swap disliked how Dream felt he had to be the perfect image for everyone, someone without any faults that everyone loved. His friend was always put under so much pressure to be likeable that even the small mistakes Dream made, he apologised far too much for. Too many people wanted and expected too much from him. Error was right, no one should be judging his and Dream's relationship.
"I-I trust Core has g-good inten-ntions, however much I don't-t trust them. And i-if Dream's hap-ppy with the plan, I'll tr-ry my best to be nice for it-t to work." Error grumbled.
Swap smiled again, "You really do love Dream a lot, huh?"
"'Course, why-y would-dn't I?" Error agreed, and Swap smiled a bit wider at the blue he could see dusted on Error's ebony bones. Taking a bite of his pancake, Swap began choking shoving his plate back on the counter.
"Ugh, too many flower clumps-" He spluttered through his coughs, pulling a face. Error snorted and the previous tense atmosphere loosened.
"Seems lik-ke none of u-us are the best o-of cooks."
Swap puffed out his chest defensively, "You maybe not, but I the Magnificent Sans am an extremely talented cook!" He exclaimed with a pose. Until his pose crumbled as another round of coughs followed.
Error laughed again, looking at Swap with doubt and amusement, "If-f you say so 'Mag-gnificent-t Chef Swap'."
Joining in with the glitchy skeleton's laughs, Swap dumped the remainder of his pancake in the bin and instead brought out a packet of crisps from a cabinet, the appetiser would have to suffice as a meal instead. "So you'll join Dream tomorrow when he checks upon AUs? You haven't even been with us before, have you?"
"No I-I haven't, not sure how-w it'll go but I'll get to spen-nd more time with Dream. It's b-been a while since we've ha-ad a day together." Error said, his blue blush darkening.
Swap quietly chuckled, though faced away to hide a sad smile from Error. He did hope that this issue would soon be resolved, Error and Dream had just managed to overcome the previous troubles in building their relationship and things were finally looking up with the both of them happy and settled. It broke Swap's soul to see all the effort they'd put into keeping their meet-ups and dates hidden gone to waste, especially when Dream had even began to take better care of his own health with his boyfriend's help.
Well, things in their Multiverse would never be calm, especially when Nightmare was always out to taunt Dream.
As Error went back to eating the rest of his food (with some unique facial expressions along with it), Swap texted his brother asking if he wanted to spend a day in Underswap's Capital tomorrow. It was Swap's day off from any Star Sans duties and it'd be nice to spend a day with Papyrus again, one without interruptions or any need to keep things hidden (Swap didn't believe he deserved a brother as awesome as Paps a lot of the time, however lazy he acted). Maybe with some convincing or bribing with Muffets, they'd even be able to see Napstablook's newest show that was scheduled later that day!