Littleverse, Meet Ink

by Cashagon

Littleverse: a multiverse in which most, if not all, of the main characters are children. Small children. Some of which have never had parents to guide them. FMD Ink: a psychopath. What will happen when these two forces meet? Well..a lot of adoption, fluff, and angst, apparently. We do not know how this happened. Go check out Clichély on AO3 and Wattpad!

19. Interlude - Vibe Check

The next day, Fresh woke up slowly. He groaned and rubbed his face, sockets squeezed shut. His skull waspounding.

"Uuugghh...musta overdid it..." Fresh rolled over and took a moment to recollect himself.

Slowly he sat up and hung his head. He felt sluggish, and honestly he could have done with more sleep. But he needed to get up. He didn't know how long he had been asleep, or even what time he went to bed, but there were still things that needed doing.

He needed to check on Ink, for starters.

Fresh sighed and rubbed his sockets. What was he going to do?

Well, he didn't have to look far to find Ink. It seemed that his slave had done a lot last night; Fresh had been changed into his pajamas at some point, and his clothes from yesterday were folded up on the end of his bed. Next to the bed, lying on the floor in what must have been a very uncomfortable position, was Ink; he had probably overworked himself last night, without Fresh to get him to take a break. Fresh couldn't help the gentle smile from forming. Despite the reasons for this situation, he couldn't help but feel like Ink genuinely cared. That not all of this was out of mere duty. He slid out of bed and sat on his knees next to Ink before laying a hand on Ink's shoulder and gently shaking it. Ink rolled over under the touch, groaning lightly; he didn't want to get up yet..it was too early...

Fresh huffed lightly and shifted, hooking his arms under Ink's back and legs. He carefully lifted the other up and moved him to the bed, tucking him in. Ink didn't wake up from the movements, only seeming to fall into a deeper sleep. In this new lighting, however, something became clear; his face was..wet. He had been crying before he had collapsed from exhaustion. Fresh frowned, wondering what had upset Ink. He had seemed fine before he had fallen asleep, from what he could remember. Fresh gently wiped away the tears with his sleeve and softly rubbed Ink's skull, same as he would for his sons when they were having a bad night.

He wondered how they were doing. He hadn't seen them since he had dropped off the furniture at the bunny household. They had been playing with the children there. Fresh sighed and stood up, leaving the room to get something for Ink. He clearly needed something to help him. Maybe something to eat? He would likely be hungry when he woke up. On the stove was a pot of chicken noodle soup, accompanied on the counter by some buttered bread and rolls, crackers, and a few seasonings; it smelled delicious. Ink must have made it while Fresh was sleeping.

"Ink...thanks, broski..." Fresh sighed with a light smile.

He got himself a bowl, some crackers, and a couple rolls. He sat down at the table to eat. If Ink had done all of this after Fresh fell asleep, then the other likely wouldn't be up for a while.

Leaving Fresh with his thoughts.

The voice was quiet, at least..it wasn't saying anything..that was a plus.

What was Fresh going to do? He was worried that any attempts he made to get Fate to learn faster would be met with resistance. He had given Gaster a rundown of what he needed the baby to learn, but there was only so much the other could teach her. She needed to learn, though. Now.

There was the issue of the corruption demons already being here. How long had they been here? How long had Fresh been possessed? He had noticed something wrong the first night with Fate, but how long before that? There was no telling.

How many of the kids were being affected right now? Were any of them being possessed? Was it already too late?

It would have been too easy to give up now. To believe it were impossible and throw in the towel.

But Fresh wasn't raised that way. He wasn't the type to give in and take it.

He narrowed his eyes at the table and clenched his fists.

He had lost one home. He wouldn't lose another.

He stood up and cleaned his dishes, putting them away. He glanced at the bowls and hummed; he should have seen if Ink was awake first, before serving a bowl for him. He headed back to his bedroom to check on him.

Ink was still asleep in Fresh's bed, shivering from what was likely another nightmare..he had many of those, it seemed. Despite his first impressions..he wasn't as mentally strong as he was physically strong. Whether his years of possession had done that or he had always been that way..he was mentally weak. That was a disadvantage in the current situation. Fresh sat down on the edge of the bed and laid his hand on Ink's arm, hoping to convey some comfort to the other. Ink relaxed a little under the touch, but not all of his shivering went away; that was likely the best Fresh would get right now, however. Fresh laid down next to Ink and wrapped his arms around him in a loose hug. Maybe this would help Ink relax. Poor guy definitely needed it. Ink's arms wrapped around Fresh, almost as if by instinct, and..Fresh was now stuck. He had been incapacitated by a sleeping Ink, and he wouldn't be able to move until Ink woke up. At least the shivering had stopped.

"Guess I'm staying here for a bit..." Fresh chuckled softly, resting his skull next to Ink's.

Yes. Yes, he was.

Ink nuzzled into Fresh's sternum as he slept, enjoying the warmth the other provided; Ink's bones, in contrast, were ice cold..there was no soul to provide him with warmth. Fresh remained there for as long as Ink needed, warming him up with his own body heat. Despite everything that was happening, this felt nice.

After a long while (a few hours), Ink finally started to stir, yawning tiredly and shifting in Fresh's arms, and Fresh blinked his eyes open, having fallen back asleep himself. He looked down at Ink sleepily, wondering for a moment how he had gotten here.

Ink, bleary-eyed, looked up at Fresh.

"Master..you're warm.." He mumbled, not noticing that he had used the incorrect title.

"I am, thank you..." Fresh sighed, deciding to let it slide for now; Ink didn't need to be scolded as soon as he woke. "Did ya sleep aight?"

"Mhm.." Ink nodded, still not having woken up fully yet; he was half-awake, and certainly half-asleep.

"I saw ya made soup and some bread. They were delicious, thank you." Fresh said quietly, letting Ink wake up in his own time.

"Welcome.." Ink yawned again, stretching his tired limbs and gradually waking up.

When he was finally all there, he stared at the ceiling for a few moments, before looking over to Fresh. Fresh..he..he was in Fresh's bed?! He was supposed to beworking!

"Did I fall asleep?" Ink inquired, sitting up quickly. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to fall asleep!"

"Yer fine, Ink. Don't worry 'bout it." Fresh laid a hand on Ink's shoulder. "Ya were on da floor when I woke, so I moved ya up 'ere. Ya did good last night."

"Oh..um..thanks." Ink looked at his master, but he couldn't smile..not after figuring things out. He..couldn't let Fresh know he knew, though..thenitwould know..and he couldn't letitknow. He thought of Fresh's possible reaction to finding the food he had made for him last night, and he finally smiled. "So..is there anything I can do for you?"

He needed to take this slowly...

"Catch me up on what I missed. 'Sides ya cookin' a five star meal, anythin' else happen while I was out?" Fresh asked, giving his own smile; he knew how to push his own worries aside for others.

"I changed and cleaned your clothes..I hope you don't mind." Ink hoped that wasn't weird in this world..other cultures apparently thought it was, for some reason, but his didn't; he didn't understand the hesitance.

"Eh, dat's aight. Da other ones were kinda..." Fresh paused, soul clenching at the memory of what happened; he hadn't gotten a good look at himself after it was all said and done, but he remembered being cold. He shook his head lightly and took a breath, putting his smile back on. "Thanks. Dat was real thoughtful o'ya."

"Of course." Ink grinned. "Do you want or need anything? I'm here to serve, after all!"

"I could go fer another bite." Fresh stood up and stretched, giving Ink a look. "An' ya need ta eat too. Ya wore ya self out yesterday."

"If you insist." Ink followed suit, getting out of bed and going to the kitchen to grab some food. "What would you like to eat?"

"I could go for more of that soup right now." Fresh yawned. "Da bread was good too."

"Very well!" Ink nodded, getting two bowls of soup and some bread and taking them to the table. "Here you go."

"Thanks, Ink." Fresh smiled, sitting down; he took the first bite, remembering how this worked.

"You're welcome!" Ink grinned, beginning to eat after his master. "So, do you have any plans for the day? Do you want me to do anything for you? You could even take a nap, if you're still tired!"

"I think I slept enough." Fresh sighed, pushing around his food in thought. "I think we should check on da kids. See how 'dere doing."

"Okay! Do you want me to go or stay here? I can stay and tidy up before you return, if you'd prefer."

"I think I'd like ya ta come wit." Fresh decided.

Even if they were both in a shaky mental state, one more so than the other, he would have preferred to keep Ink close.

"As you wish." Ink nodded. "Shall I bring anything?"

"We should pack some snacks fer dem. Also, doe's pancakes need to get used, soon...I bet da Murder Club would like dem." Fresh said thoughtfully; checking on everyone like he used to do would be a good idea - help him to touch base with them all.

"Okay." Ink nodded, before recalling what had happened with the little gang. "..I hope they're okay.."

"Same. From the updates TK has been givin' me, dey seem ta still be shaken by da event." Fresh hummed in thought. "Ya might wanna keep ya distance. Least 'til I can talk ta dem."

"I understand..should I wait outside, or something?"

"Dat would be best, yeah. We'll start wit da twins an' Fate. Since dere closer, but we'll check da Murder Club next."

"All right." Ink nodded.

"Right afta lunch." Fresh decided, glancing at the clock; it was just before noon. "Or brunch, I guess."

"I'll make sure everything's ready!" Ink stood up and picked up his dishes, which still had a good amount of food on them..

"Ink...did ya eat ya fill?" Fresh rose a brow; it seemed he was starting early with a different sort of kid.

"I don't need much." Ink assured. "I'm fine."

"Are ya still hungry?"

"...I need to clean the dishes!" Ink excused, beginning to speedwalk.

"I'm taking that as a no. Ink, sit down and finish your food." Fresh's voice made it clear that this wasn't a suggestion.

"..Yes. Fresh." Ink turned around and begrudgingly continued to eat; well, there went a perfectly good opportunity to try to help his master get rid of that parasite..

He would get it eventually.

Fresh took his time finishing his own meal, but also didn'twastetime. There was a fine balance he managed to find. When they were both finished, he stood up to take care of his plate. He paused, though, when he remembered how upset Ink had gotten. He knew part of it was the corruption demon's influence, but the rest was genuinely Ink being confused.

"...Ya finished, Ink?" He asked, hesitantly. "Mind doing the dishes before we leave?"

"Uh, sure!" Ink smiled, happy to be needed. "I can do that!"

Ink picked up all the dishes and took them to the kitchen to wash them. He was happy his master needed him; he was content.

"Thanks, broski." Fresh called out to the other; he didn't feel right making Ink do this, but he didn't want the other to feel as if he were disappointed in him.

"Of course!" Ink called back, turning on the water to start washing the dishes.

While Ink did that, Fresh went over the mental list of places they needed to visit.

First, the twins and Fate. Next, the Murder Club. Then, he needed to check on TK and Lag at the hideout - make sure they were all right. Then he needed to see how Life and Death were; those two were a bit of a mystery to him, but nonetheless his responsibility. Finally, they needed to find where Inky and Error ran off to - see what sort of mess those kids had wound up in.

Ink finished the dishes within ten minutes, and he soon came out with some food for the children, packing it into a backpack he had created.

"I'm ready!" He announced, grinning.

"Aight. Let's go den." Fresh smiled and started towards the door.

Only to remember that he was still in his pajamas.

"Knew I was forgettin' somethin'..." He laughed at himself and turned around. "One mo', broski."

"Okay!" Ink smiled, waiting patiently for his master.

Fresh changed quickly, not wanting to linger in a room by himself. He really didn't like the idea of being alone right now, as evidenced by his fingers shakily missing a button on his shirt.

"Get it together, Sans. Ya got dis. Its gonna be fine, you'll see..." Fresh muttered to himself, trying to calm himself.

Ink waited patiently outside, humming a soft tune reminiscent of waterfalls. After a moment, Fresh rejoined Ink in the living room dressed in his normal attire, glasses and spinny hat back in place.

He had a big grin, looking perfectly fine to anyone who didn't know. "Aight, let's get going, broski!"

"Okay!" Ink nodded, opening the door and holding it for his master.

"Thanks, Ink." Fresh smiled, walking out the door.

He started towards town, leading the way, and Ink followed behind, enjoying the walk. He wished he could have done something about his master's "companion," but he couldn't risk it right now; he didn't know who might have been watching..

The walk to the skeleton residence wasn't long. Soon, they were there, and Fresh knocked on the door.

Gaster answered, holding a sleepy Fate in his arms. "Fresh, it is a pleasure to see you again. Are you here for the kids?"

"Not quite. Jus' checkin' in ta see how dey was doin'."

"They are upstairs right now playing." Gaster stepped aside to let the two in, smiling at the other and saying, "Hello, Ink. How are you this fine day?"

"I'm fine!" Ink smiled, not wanting to ruin anyone else's mood.

He was glad to see the baby, though; she was cute.

Fate blinked up at Ink, and her face lit up; she reached out snd squealed happily. "Big Inky! Up!"

"All right, but Fresh and I have to go soon." Ink chuckled, taking Fate from Gaster and boucning her softly. "Have you been a good girl?"

"Yeah! I good." Fate nodded her head; she seemed to be picking up language now that she was around other people.

"That's great!" Ink patted the baby's head. "Are you having fun?"

"Mhm! Drem and Nighty pway wit me." She nodded and pointed up the stairs.

The talking had drawn the attention of the other children. Dream lit up when he saw Fresh and climbed onto the railing.

"Daddy!" He shouted, jumping off immediately after.

Fresh lunged forward and caught the giggling child. "Don' do dat! What 'ave I told ya 'bout jumpin' off things?"

"Not to?" Dream giggled in response, smiling at his Daddy's face.

Fresh sighed and pressed his forehead to Dream's. "I'm serious. Don' do dat."

"Okay, Daddy."

Ink somehow held back a chuckle, despite the urge to laugh; Dream certainly seemed eager to see Fresh again! Ink wondered if he would ever have a relationship like that...he hoped so. Inky had been somewhat like that with him, but..it had been forced; the little one hadn't had a choice. Dream had a choice with Fresh..and he had chosen to love him.

Nightmare took the stairs at a slower pace. He was careful, unlike his brother, but he still smiled at Fresh and gave him a hug when he came down. "Hi, Daddy!"

"Hey, kiddo. Havin' fun?" Fresh laid a hand on Nightmare's skull.

"Uh-huh...we played with Puffy and Vanilla."

"Dat's good. Didja..."

While Fresh caught up with the twins, Gaster's two sons came down and went to their daddy.

The Papyrus, about the same age as the twins, looked up at Ink and asked, "Hello! Who are you?"

"My name is Ink." Ink introduced, still smiling. "I'm Fresh's..new housemate."

"What's that?" The Papyrus asked.

"A housemate is someone who lives with you. For example, you are my housemate." Gaster explained simply. "We live together and are thus housemates."

"Ohhh..." The Papyrus accepted this answer.

"Yep!" Ink smiled happily. "Except I'm notreallymuch of a housemate, since I'm a lower being and therefore subserivient, but that's close enough!"

Fresh closed his sockets and sighed.

"What's that?" The Papyrus asked.

"It means its time for ice cream." Gaster said calmly.

The children gasped and ran to the the adult. Even Dream scrambled out of Fresh's arms and ran to Gaster.

Gaster chuckled and turned to the young Sans. "Vanilla, please get your brother and friends some ice cream?"

"Okay, Dad." Vanilla nodded, before leading the children to the kitchen.

Ink looked at Fresh's expression with confusion, before blinking.

"Did I say something wrong again?" He assumed, cringing a little. "I didn't think that counted! I was just stating facts..I'm sorry.."

"It's aight, jus' remember next time. Ya ain't a lower being." Fresh said, walking over.

"But Iam.."Ink looked down, sighing. "Higher beings are masters, and lower beings are slaves; that's just the way it is."

"Right...well, just be careful and don't say that around the kids. Okay?" Fresh asked.

Gaster folded his hands behind his back and watched the interaction.

"..Yes, Fresh." Ink nodded, having sensed that he had already said too much..stupid. He was sostupidsometimes.. "I apologize for my irrational behavior, and I will try to avoid it in the future."

"Yer aight. Ya didn't kno'." Fresh tried assure him.

"..I made you look bad in front of your friend." Ink stated, frowning at Gaster before looking back to Fresh. "I'm sorry."

"It's aight, Ink." Fresh laid a hand on his shoulder.

"You need not worry, Ink. I am aware of your arrangement with Fresh." Gaster smiled gently.

"..I still shouldn't have said that." Ink shook his skull. "I can punish myself again when we get home, if you still don't want to do it yourself; I know I made a mess last time, but I can do better this time! I promise!"

Wait..Ink wasn't supposed to punish himself..were those his own thoughts he was voicing..? He wished he knew; the subliminal messaging thing must have really been messing with him..

"Ink. You didn't know. You don't get punished for not knowing." Fresh looked Ink in the eye and made his words clear. "By me or yourself."

"..Yes, Fresh." Ink looked down, not wanting to argue.

It would have been best to just remain silent for now, despite how he wanted to keep going. That..wasn't he who wanted that.

Fate looked up at Ink and pat his face, babbling reassurances. It was mostly gibberish, but she was trying.

"Aight." Fresh turned to Gaster. "Da kids been good den?"

"They have been, yes. I assume you are going back out?"

"Ye. Gotta check on da kiddos out 'dere."

"I understand. I shall call Judy to assist with the children here."

"Thanks, broski. Ya a life saver." Fresh sighed.

"Of course friend." Gaster nodded.

Ink leaned into Fate's pats, using them as comfort against the thoughts invading his mind..he didn't want to lecture Fresh on the rules; that wasn't an obedient thing to do.

"Hap hap happy! Be happy!" Fate babbled.

"Aight. Imma talk ta da kiddos, an' den we gots ta go." Fresh told Gaster.

"I understand. Shall we wait out here?"

"Dat'll be aight, yeah."

Fresh left them to visit with the little ones, while Gaster and Ink remained in the living room.

"I'm not feeling very happy right now..I'm sorry." Ink sighed, before looking over to Gaster. "Do you need anything from me?"

"Understandable. Little Fate seems to be rather fond of you. Do you mind helping me with her while you are here?" Gaster asked Ink with a calm smile.

"Of course." Ink nodded. "We'll have to go soon, but I'll do what I can."

"I appreciate that, thank you." Gaster nodded.

Fate made her presence known again by patting Ink's face. She wanted him to pay attention to her.

"What do you need?" Ink looked down at the baby curiously.

"Pway? Pway wit me?" She asked.

"As you wish." Ink nodded, putting the baby down on the floor and creating a few toys for the child.

Fate cooed happily and picked up some toys to play with. She pat Ink's face with a stuffed toy, babbling away. Ink chuckled, picking up a couple toys and playing with the child; she was so cute! Fate squinted her eyes happily and bobbed her stuffed toy around, pretending it was talking. Ink copied the actions to entertain the little one; he wondered if Fresh was planning to take the children home anytime soon..

Just as Fate was stacking toys on Ink's skull, Fresh returned from the kitchen; he walked up to Ink and gave Fate a small smile. "Hey, kiddo..."

"Fesh! Up! Up!" The baby held her hands up demandingly.

"Sorry, kiddo. No can do. Gotta get going." Fresh said calmly to hide his nerves.

It was no use though; Fate knew how he felt. She dropped her hands and pouted. Ink sighed softly, standing up and giving Fate her toys back.

"I'm ready to get going." He stated, joining Fresh.

"Aight, let's head out." Fresh took Ink's hand and prepared to teleport. "See ya 'round, Gaster bro."

"Of course, Fresh. Anytime." Gaster nodded, sitting on the couch; it seemed he had taken the opportunity to get alittlepaperwork done. "And thank you, Ink, for watching Fate."

"Of course! Bye, bye!" Ink grinned, ready to go.

"Bye, bye..." Fate waved sadly; she didn't want her friend to leave.

"Catch ya on da flip side, Gaster bro!" Fresh saluted Gaster.

FRESH POOF!

Fresh and Ink appeared in the forest of Underswap, a short distance away from clubhouse. Ink looked around for a minute, before settling on looking to Fresh.

"Which way?" He asked, hoping the query would satisfy his dying urge to speak.

It didn't, but at least he had said something neutral instead of harsh..

"They're over there." Fresh pointed in the direction of the clubhouse. "I need ya ta stay 'ere fer a mo. I'll be back in a bit afta I talk ta dem. Den ya can come in."

"Okay." Ink nodded, understanding. "Do you want to take the food?"

"Hmm...yeah, could be helpful ta gettin' dem ta calm down."

"Okay." Ink gave the backpack to Fresh, before sitting down. "I'll be right here when you're ready."

"Aight. I'll be right back." Fresh said, as he shouldered the bag and walked off.

Leaving Ink alone with his thoughts.

Ink..didn't enjoy his current thoughts. He felt compelled to tackle Fresh, hold him down, and force every bit of his culture into his master..but he couldn't; he wouldn't allow that. Instead, he sat down on the forest floor and pulled his knees to his ribcage, shaking as he fought the intense temptation. Typically, demons weren't so obvious with their persuasion..but now that Ink knew that they were affecting him, they knew that he would be fighting..and the only way to convince him now would have been to break him down slowly.

Ink hoped this would all end before he gave in.

He hoped he wouldn't give in at all.

After about fifteen or so minutes, someone tapped Ink's shoulder. "Are you okay?"

The voice was painfully familiar. So young and innocent.

"Huh?" Ink blinked, shaking his skull before looking up at who had approached him.

Standing there was Inky, tilting his head to look at Ink. "Are you okay? You look cold."

"Oh..hello, Inky..I'm fine." Ink sighed, looking down and resting his head in his hands; he obviously wasnotfine.

"Why are you sad?" Inky asked, sitting next to Ink.

"..." Ink didn't want to talk about this, but..he didn't feel the urge to run after his master anymore...maybe no one was looking at him right now. "I'm..afraid.I'm afraid that something bad is gonna happen, and that it's gonna be my fault."

"What's gonna happen?" Inky asked quietly, showing a patience rarely seen on the young Guardian's face.

"..The demons are going to get Fresh.." Ink whispered, hoping no one was listening..

"They are?"Inky gasped, covering his mouth. He then blinked in confusion and looked down at his scarf; he found the note Error had left him and his sockets widened. "Oh...that's not good..."

"I know..and this is all my fault.." Ink buried his face deeper into his hands. "I'm a horrible person..."

"No! It's not your fault!" Inky hugged the adult. "You didn't do it!"

"But Idid.."Ink refuted. "I..I didn't stop them. I could have killed myself, and they wouldn't have come looking for me..."

"Umm...what if they came anyway? Then it wouldn't have been your fault. So, it wasn't." Inky frowned; he didn't like it when Ink talks like this It made him feel scared and uneasy.

"They wouldn't come if I weren't here." Ink shook his skull. "They want me back..and if they have to take over this world to get me, they'lldoit.."

"That's mean." Inky replied with childish perspective. "It still not your fault!"

"I could stop it.." Ink frowned. "I could give myself up to them.."

"What? But then they'll hurt you! And they make you mean..." Inky sat up and protested, but he got quiet on the last sentence; a part of him still remembered what had happened.

"Yes, but..I could convince them to leave you guys alone..keep you safe from them.."

"But then they'll get you again..."

"..I basically belong to them, anyway.." Ink shrugged, hugging himself. "I'm drowned in their culture and beliefs..I can'tchange.I would only make things worse in the long run..I might even actuallyconvertsomeone..I don't want to dothat!"

"But you don't want to! So-so you won't! You can do it. Iknowyou can." Inky argued; he didn't fully understand, but he was trying.

"I..probably will." Ink shook his skull. "It's not always intentional..sometimes, things just happen. I want to stop them from happening before they have achance.."

"You can't give up, though! I won't let you." Inky said stubbornly and stood up to take Ink's skull with his little hands, giving him as serious a look as the five-year-old could. "No give up. Not allowed."

"But if I don't, they're going to maim, kill, and manipulate the minds of everyone in thismultiverseto get to me!" Ink informed, trembling at the thought. "I don't..want to be responsible for that.."

"Nuh-uh! They won't! We won't let them." Inky said resolutely.

He believed firmly that they could beat the meanie corruption demons. Inky was a Guardian, after all (apparently), and Guardians protected people! He would protect everyone! Starting with Ink; he just needed Ink to not-

"Won't let who do wha'?" Fresh's voice came from behind them; he walked up to the two with a worried look.

Ink didn't raise his head to look at Fresh, completely unsurprised by the untimely appearance; he had grown used to untimely appearances by now.

"I'm just thinking of worst-case scenarios.." Ink mumbled. "How much easier it would be if I gave in..the usual.."

Fresh sighed and sat in front of the two Inks. He set the backpack down next to him; it was lighter than before. "Easier ain't always right..."

Inky glanced at Fresh before going back to hugging Ink.

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of one.." Ink reasoned, with a defeated tone.

"...Sometimes, dat's true, but only as a last resort. An' we ain't dere yet." Fresh said with a resolute expression; he refused to give up. "No matta what happens, we gonna give up. An' we'll do dis together."

He held a hand out for Ink to take. It might have sounded cheesy, but it was clear he believed it - that they still had a chance. Ink..didn't move. It was clear that he believed that he wouldn't have been getting out of this unscathed, and he thought his only option was to limit the damage. However..Fresh was still his master, and he had to accept a few things, even if he didn't believe them. Ink sighed, standing up and facing Fresh.

"How was your check-in?" He asked, changing the subject.

"...It went alright. Killer's extra stabby now, but other dan dat, dey seem aight." Fresh said, dropping the subject.; tey would be revisiting this later, however. He stood up and helped Inky to his little feet. "Dey appreciated da food. Choppy especially."

"Choppy eats a lot." Inky said seriously; without much thought, he took Ink's hand.

"Dat he does, kiddo. He's a growin' kiddo, jus' like you's." Fresh chuckled.

"Do you want to come with us?" Ink offered, tilting his skull. "We're checking on everyone."

"Yeah! Yeah!" Inky exclaimed, his mood lifting as he forgot the very serious conversation from just a moment ago. "Where we going?"

"Gotta check on TK and Lag. See how things are goin' fer dem." Fresh said, holding a hand out for each of them; Inky took his hand and swung it lightly.

Ink took Fresh's other hand and held it tightly, preparing to wind up somewhere else.

"Aight, hold on." Fresh warned them.

FRESH POOF!

Next thing they knew, they were outside the hideout TK and Lag lived at. Fresh released their hands and walked inside; the place was in the same condition it was when they left. A few toys and clothes had been left out, but it was nothing a quick pick-up couldn't fix. Ink started immediately to pick up said toys, wanting to focus on something simple for a while instead of world-changing events, and Fresh left find TK and Lag, leaving Inky with Ink. He wasn't completely sure it was a good idea, but he knew Ink wouldn't do something to purposely upset him. And hurting one of the kids definitely would.

Fresh made sure not to go too far away, though.

"What you doing?" Inky asked his older self.

"Cleaning." Ink replied, continuing to grab toys and put them in their places.

"Can I help?" Inky asked, following Ink around.

"You don't have to." Ink hummed as he tidied up. "But you can, if you want."

"Okay." Inky nodded and started picking things up and putting them where he saw Ink put them.

Ink smiled as he made sure everything was put in its place. After several minutes, the room was clean and tidy, just as Ink liked things!

"All done!" Inky cheered.

"Good job!" Ink grinned. "You're a great help, Inky; thank you!"

"Thank you! You did good too!" Inky smiled up at Ink. "What we do now?"

"Uh, well, we could either stay here or go see what Fresh and the others are up to..what do you want to do?"

"Uhhh...see what they doing." Inky decided, taking Ink's hand and starting towards the hallway.

"Okay." Ink held Inky's hand, letting the child lead the way.

Inky led the adult to the meeting room where Fresh was talking to TK. Lag seemed to have fallen asleep in a new hammock in the corner. He was curled up, as if a little chilly - probably because his blanket had fallen off. Ink went to correct that immediately, walking over to the child and covering him with a blanket, resisting the urge to do anything else as he walked back to Inky and stood up straight, as a good slave would.

Fresh looked over amd smiled at them, before turning back to TK. "So there's no sign of possession?"

"None that we can see." TK shook his head.

"Keep in mind dey may may appear perfectly normal." Fresh paused, glancing at Ink. "Well, normal fer da individual."

"It can take a while for it to be noticeable even to the victim." Ink informed. "It starts outverysubtle, sometimes. When it started for me, I didn't even notice it until it made a comment about a color I didn't like! They can be tricky.."

"And dat's when dey get funky." Fresh said knowingly, looking over at Ink again. There was a hint ofsomethingin his expression.

TK frowned and nodded. "Okay. We're supposed to have the baby check us, right?"

"We're working on it yeah. Surprise looky sees, doe. Dat way dey don' kno' that we're on ta dem."

Ink pretended not to notice Fresh's pleading expressions; Fresh wasn't aware that whatever was hurting him would have also been able to realize that Ink knew what was going on if Fresh found out, unfortunately. Ink didn't blame him; he didn't have afractionof the experience Ink had with these things.

"They also tend to go after those with weaker wills or powerful entities, either for easy victims or less opposition." Ink added; he just had to say what he would have said whether he knew Fresh was being attacked or not, and he was fairly sure he would have included that tidbit.

"What's weak willed?" Inky looked up at them, confused.

"Means a person gives in easy. Does as dey told without arguin'." Fresh explained grimly.

"Oh..." Inky looked down with a frown.

"Yeah..it can be hard." Ink sighed. "But you'll get through this..I know you will."

"Don't worry, Inky bro." TK tried to lighten the mood with a smile. "Everyone is too stubborn to go down without a fight. Heh, I know a few who might evenannoythem so much, those corruption jerks will leave them alone!"

"Really?!" Inky perked up hopefully.

"Hehe, yep! You can only listen to'Pink Fluffy Unicorns'for so long before you run away screaming." TK smirked.

Inky giggled. He spun around and started singing the repetitive song,veryoff-key, "Pink fluuuffy oony-corns dancin' on raaaainbows!~"

Fresh couldn't help but laugh even as his smile was strained. It would take a lot more than an annoying song to deal with these things.

The song would only make it worse for the kids...

Ink chuckled, smiling at Inky's antics..the child didn't deserve all this stress. Maybe this was already too much. Fresh was being victimized, Ink was being manipulated..and he had no doubt that at least one of the children was suffering. This was all his fault.

"So..does anyone want cookies?" Ink offered, trying to change the subject. "We brought some.."

"...dancing on- cookies!?" Inky zeroed in on Ink with literal stars in his eyes, jumping up and down. "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

TK chuckled and leaned back, hands in his pockets. "Yeah, I could go for a cookie."

"Me too!" Lag raised a hand, suddenly very awake.

"All right!" Ink smiled, digging into the bag that Fresh had taken a while ago (and taking it back subtly).

He pulled out several cookies for the children, before handing them out equally. Inky eagerly took his treat and scarfed it down. If one didn't know any better, one would think he were starving, when in reality, he was just messy. Meanwhile, TK and Lag took their treats in a more mature manner, munching on them leisurely.

"Thanks, dude." TK smiled lightly.

"tH-th-thAnKs."Lag...well, lagged. He smiled, though, clearly unbothered by his glitching.

"You're very welcome!" Ink smiled, happy that he was able to lighten the mood; he proceeded to look to Fresh for guidance.

"TK's got things covered 'ere. Next stop, we shou' probs find where Error is." Fresh told Ink; he turns to Inky next. "Ya kno' where he at, kiddo?"

Inky shook his head and said with his mouth full. "He weft. I dunno whare."

Fresh scrunched his brows and looked to the other two. Lag noticed and waved a hand in the air, opening a viewing portal. Through the portal, they could see a dusty Underground covered in strings.

The portal was closed as quickly as it had been opened.

Lag and TK looked uncomfortable, while Inky was confused.

"Why it snowing in the lava place?" He asked.

"There are some pretty weird AUs in the world." Ink shrugged, not having noticed that the snow wasn't snow; he was too preoccupied with his thoughts and simply took the child's words as fact. "I've seen weirder; it isn't uncommon for weather differences to be prevalent in the many different worlds in the multiverse!"

"Oh..." Inky nodded in understanding.

Fresh gave Ink a grateful look. He hadn't been sure how to explain that one.

"Can I go to the snowy lava place?" Inky asked hopefully.

TK looked uncomfortable and smiled nervously. "Might not be a good idea, bud."

"Why not?"

"How 'bout another cookie, kiddo?" Fresh offered, looking down at the child before back at Ink.

"Yeah!" Inky zeroed in on the offer, forgetting all about snowy Hotlands...

Ink nodded at Fresh, grabbing another cookie and handing it to Inky.

"Here you go." He smiled, before looking at the others. "Anyone else want another? We brought plenty!"

TK and Lag gratefully accepted another cookie.

"Thanks." TK nodded, glancing up at Ink.

"Of course." Ink nodded, happy to be of service.

"Aight, guess dat leaves checkin' on Life an' Death next." Fresh moved on. "Don' suppose ya kids kno' where ta find dem?"

"Reapertale." TK shrugged. "You can't go there, though."

"Is it nighttime there?" Ink wondered, tilting his skull.

"Huh?" TK gave him a weird look. "What?"

"Well, I just assumed that we can't go there because everyone's sleeping, right?" Ink inquired. "Is that wrong?"

TK snorted. "No...you can't go because its a closed universe. No outsiders. Not even the other Guardians can enter."

"Oh." Ink hummed. "But what if you just manipulate the code to integrate your own inside the space the universe resides in, thereby forcing relocation whether barriers exist or not? I used to do that all the time when I was locked out of places!"

"Then Death makes you a permanent guest." TK laughed, leaving out a few details for Inky's benefit.

Fresh rose a brow, getting the picture given what the kid's job was.

"..But couldn't we just relocate ourselves back outside the realm of the universe once we're done?" Ink thought. "There's no need for portals with that method, and I could theoretically disable a few things relating to the mythology factor of everything.."

"Yeah! We could do that!" Inky agreed; none it made any sense to him, but it sounded awesome!

Then again, the concept of a washing machine sounded awesome to him.

"Interestin' idea, broski, bu' I think we'll jus' giv' 'em a call." Fresh chuckled at Inky's enthusiasm. "TK, think ya can set us up?"

"Sure." TK shrugged and took out his phone to make the call.

"Or that, too." Ink mumbled. "Theboringway.."

Coding was much more fun than calling someone..especially when using ittocall someone and watching their reaction to a voice popping out of nowhere.

Soon a portal opened, and a familiar skeleton floated in, laying on his back, followed by a goat girl in a flower dress. Literally, a dress made of flowers. Ink smiled and waved silently, not wanting to call too much attention to himself; he wasn't the important one here.

"Hey, kiddos. How's it goin'?" Fresh asked them.

"We are well, thank you." Life smiled brightly, hands folded neatly in front of her.

"Work's been slow. So that's good." Death shrugged.

Ink began to look through the bag for some more cookies to give to the children, while also keeping himself away from attention. There were still two bags of cookies left - enough for Life and Death to have their share. Fresh and the kids talked about the current state of the Balance they kept, and the little ones confirmed it was still running smoothly. While they talked, Ink silently went around to hand out more cookies, not saying a word.

"Thank you!" Life chirped happily, nibbling on her cookie as the discussion continued.

Next came discussion on the corruption demons.

"They haven't killed anyone." Death shrugged, looking bored. "That's all I got."

"Glad ta hear dat...no one actin' strange? Even by a little?" Fresh rose a brow and crossed his arms.

"Nope. We asked Knowledge to keep an eye out for anything, however." Life informed them.

"'Fraid I don' kno' who dat is, but aight."

"They don't kill people." Ink chimed in, humming. "Unless they're an insurmountable threat. Then they'll occasionally pilot a body to take that person out, but it's rare."

"...Keep an eye out fer someone suddenly feeling more murdery den usual, den."

"Unnecessary, given the Murder Club is still active." Death pointed out.

"Active with what?" Inky asked, confused what everyone was talking about.

"They like to meetknifenew people." Death grinned down at him, leaning on one hand.

"Oh! They're good at making friends! Kills showed me lots of cool tricks and things." Inky informed them, completely missing the implications.

"What sort of tricks?" TK asked with a mildly concerned expression.

"I don't remember."

Ink chose not to say anything more; he didn't want to say something out of line..he was feeling too compelled to do that already, and he didn't want to risk speaking. As the children spoke, Fresh made a mental note to visit Error personally. With Fate's strong hold on him, it was unlikely the glitchy child was at risk of possession, but there was still the chance. And the kid needed someone to talk to anyway.

With all the kids on alert, surely someone would notice something off. Right? Then again, by the time they did notice, it could have been too late...

You're really overthinking this, aren't you?

Fresh's face twitched as he resisted the urge to frown.Think I preferred ya quiet.

You should be quieter; it makes you seem like analmostinteresting individual.

Ouch! Dat hurt my feelin's.Fresh rolled his eyes under the glasses. He hummed and tilted his head.Ya know...suddenly, I love the sound o' my own voice.

"Ya kids are doin' good. We should probably get going, though." Fresh turned to Ink and nodded to the door. "Been good seeing you. Take care now."

"Aww...can I come too?" Inky whined.

"Imma have to think about that. One moment." Fresh took Ink's free hand and started out of the room. "Ink, mind helpin' me think?"

Heathen.

"I don't mind if he comes along." Ink said, smiling. "He's a great kid. Or..are you not feeling well?"

"Heh...ya could say dat..." Fresh's smile twitched. Outside the room, he asked, "Wanted ta kno' how you were doin'. How ya feelin' 'round da kiddos?"

"Oh, um..I'm doing okay." Ink smiled. "Not the best, but..I'm not always this steady. I'll be fine."

"Keep me posted if dat changes. Aight? If ya need a moment, feel free ta step out."

"I will." Ink assured. "Thanks..it's nice to know someone actually cares..instead of just pretending.."

"Eh, I stink at pretendin' anyway. Keep given out hints." Fresh lowered his glasses and winked meaningfully; putting them back, he smiled gently. "But in all seriousness, I'm tryin' ta do good by ya. Ya need someone ta care. Everyone does."

"..You're the best master I've ever had." Ink admitted.

It would be a shame when he would inevitably have to give himself up to the demons..

"...I try my best." Fresh gave Ink a small smile. "Ya up ta goin' back in?"

"Yeah." Ink nodded.

"Aight. Let's go." Fresh led Ink back inside the room.

Inky was quick to greet them, running into Ink's legs and smiling up at him. "Ink! What are you doing here?"

Ink chuckled. "I'vebeenhere, silly! We came here together, you know."

"Oh. I forgot!" Inky said cheerfully, seeing no issues with that. "Can you play with me?"

"We have to go now, remember?" Ink helped, smiling. "If Fresh says it's okay, you can come with us, if you'd like to."

"Can I?!" Inky gasped, literal stars in his sockets.

Fresh chuckled. "If ya wanna, den aight."

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Inky jumped up and down, pumping his arms excitedly.

"Aight, let's get goin'." Fresh held a hand out to Inky and Ink. "Next stop, Outertale."

Inky took his hand, still bouncing on his feet, and Ink sighed a little as he took Fresh's hand, remembering what had happened last time he had been in that Outertale...but he couldn't dwell on that right now. He took a slow breath and looked up at Fresh, ready to go.

FRESH POOF!

The stars shone above their heads, twinkling as if this hadn't been the place a tragedy had almost taken place, and Fresh led them to a boulder, well away from the cliffs.

"So, where are we headed?" Ink inquired, looking around the starscape.

"TK mentioned Error likes ta come 'ere sometimes. Best ta check on him soon as he's done." Fresh said.

"Done with what?" Inky asked curiously, swinging Fresh's aarm.

"He's workin', kiddo. Error bro is a busy bee."

"Error is abee?!"

"If you canbee-lieve it." Ink giggled.

"Why didn't he tell me?" Inky's jaw dropped. This was a tragedy. An outrage. A major betrayal.

"He didn't want you making abuzzabout it!"

"I don't buzz! Error does! Because he's a bee!"

"Well,hivesaid enough." Ink giggled, clearly having fun with this.

Inky huffed and crossed his arms. "I'm not a bee..."

Fresh snorted. "Don' worry, we kno'. Come on, let's go check out da town while we wait. See how folks are doin' 'ere."

Inky huffed again, but he nodded. Waiting was boring anyways. Ink followed along, now in a substantially better mood than he had been before.

The town bustled with activity; monsters of all sorts walked the streets. Ink looked round curiously, noting differences between this Outertale and his own; this one seemed a lot less..busy.

"There aren't many tourists here.." Ink mentioned, wondering where they were..his Outertale was usually swamped with multiversal tourists.

"What's a tourist?" Inky asked.

"Someone who goes ta explor' someplace fer da fun o' it." Fresh explained.

"Ohh...this place is fun!" Inky claimed. "Why there no tourists?"

"Dunno. Guess dey didn't get da memo."

"Maybe it's because most of the usual multiversal travelers are children.." Ink thought aloud.

"Dat might hav' somthin' ta do wit it." Fresh huffed a laugh.

Speaking of children, two little skeleton children ran past the trio as they played in the star dust. Ink chuckled at the little ones, thinking about his own adult variants and all their problems..maybe being a child was better than being an adult..but Ink wouldn't know, of course..he had never been one. Fresh smiled at the kids as they ran past them. He led the group through the streets, and they got a few stares as they passed; they really stood out amongst the locals.

Fresh took them to the local restaurant, Barry's. Inside was...well, to Ink it looked like a Grillby's, but newer.

Ink hummed curiously, looking around the restaurant; it seemed nice..he liked it. He shifted his gaze to Fresh, silently asking if they were going to eat here. Fresh nodded and found them a seat at a table. A waiter came over and handed them menus, before asking them what they wanted to drink.

"Hot chocolate!" Inky demanded.

"Jus' water, thanks." Fresh requested, as he started looking at the menu.

"I don't need anything." Ink assured; good slaves didn't cost their masters.

"Sure ya don' wan' somethin' ta drink, broski?" Fresh asked Ink.

"I'm sure; I can simply code in any food I would need anyway." Ink waved him off.

Fresh gave him a look. "Neat. Order whatever ya'd like; I'm payin'."

"Can I have...cookies?" Inky asked hopefully.

"Ya already had cookies." Fresh said patiently. "Gotta eat real food."

"Cookies are real!"

"Ya kno' what I mean." Fresh shook his head in amusement.

Ink shrank a bit at Fresh's expression, sighing as he looked down to the menu. He really needed to teach his master a few things; maybe the demon attacking his master was also trying to teach him those things...maybe it wasn't such a bad thing-

No.

Demons attacking his masterwerebad things, even if they were teaching him etiquette and proper custom. It wasInk'sjob to instruct his master, nottheirs.Ink focused his mind on searching for the cheapest thing on the menu. Fresh lifted his own menu, pointing out the different options for him to choose.

"Okay.." Ink said, slowly. "I'll take the chicken nuggets."

Ink smiled at his decision; he could subtly pass all his chicken nuggets to Inky, thereby not being a burden on his master by costing him unnecessary funds! The waiter soon returned and asked for their orders.

"Ink'll have da nuggets." Fresh started.

"I want a burger!" Inky leaned over the table and claimed.

"I could go fer one too." Fresh ordered.

"Anything else?" The waiter asked, writing the orders down.

"Cookies!" Inky rose his hand.

"No cookies." Fresh lowered his hand. "How 'bout you, Ink?"

"I'm fine." Ink assured.

He didn't need to eat anything; that would have been irresponsible of him...when had he started thinking that? Wouldn't that have made all his previous meals-

Irresponsible. Ink couldn't do that to his master.

"Aight. Dat'll be all, thanks." Fresh told the waiter.

"Your orders will be ready shortly." The waiter said before leaving to fulfill the order.

"Ya ever have Barry's before, Ink?" Fresh asked, leaning back in his seat.

"Um, actually, I've never heard of it.." Ink admitted. "I'm more familiar withGrillby's.."

"Makes sense. Barry is apparently da Grillster's old man. Runs da biz while da little Grillby..."

A small, blue fire elemental ran past their table with a notepad. He ran up to another table and took someone else's order.

"Huh..cool." Ink smiled; that was interesting!

He wondered if every Asgore and Toriel in these worlds was also a child..he didn't believe many of them had parents in his world - at least, not the ones that had their stories start with the fallen human. Not many people in his world knew it, but most of the memories and people mentioned in the history books had never actually existed! They had been manufactured to provide a basis for history before the more *interesting* stories began. Ink wouldn't tell his friends that some of their memories had never actually happened, though; that would have been unnecessarily cruel.

..Whyhadn'the done that, actually? That was agreatidea!

Unaware of Ink's concerning thought patterns, Fresh continued on. "Yeah, Barry's food ain't da same as Grillby's, but ya can see where da OG flamester gets his skill from."

"Mhm." Ink nodded. "It's interesting."

Their food didn't take long. The waiter from before was quick to bring it, and he handed each of them their drinks and food.

"Thank you." Ink smiled, taking his nuggets.

"If you need anything else, just ask." The waiter said.

"Thanks, broski." Fresh said before the waiter left.

Fresh and Inky turned to eat their food, with Inky attempting to take as big a bite as possible.

"You don't want to choke, Inky." Ink warned. "Are you sure you can handle all that?"

"Ah pham pew et!" Inky insisted, trying to eat it still.

"All right." Ink shrugged, smiling.

Fresh chuckled at Inky's antics and took a bite of his own food; the burger was pretty good. Inky managed to swallow his ginormous bite and took a drink to help. He went to take another bite when his eyelights caught sight of Ink's chicken nuggets for a moment. Ink smiled at Inky, subtly sliding his nuggets over to him.

"Thank you, Ink!" Inky said loudly after he swallowed a bite.

Fresh looked over and rose a brow, but Ink just smiled innocently, letting Inky eat as many nuggets as he desired.

"Inky, if ya wan' nuggets, den we can get ya yer own. Bu' doe's are Ink's." Fresh gently grabbed Inky's hand and lowered it.

"But he gave them to me." Inky argued with a pout.

"I kno,' an' we'll get ya yer own." Fresh said patiently as he pushed the plate back to Ink.

"Aww..." Inky frowned and tried to reach for them again.

"No, Inky. Doe's ain't yers. Ink got's ta eat too."

"But I want them!"

"He can have them." Ink insisted. "I'm not very hungry, anyway."

This was right. This was the proper way to behave himself, and he would do it.

"Ink, ya haven't had anythin' since breakfast." Fresh gave him a look, before turning to Inky with a small frown. "Kiddo, ya kno' how sum yo friends get sad when dey hungry? Ya wouldn't wan' Ink ta be sad, would ya?"

Inky froze, his arm halfway reached out for a nugget. He looked up at Ink with a worried look. "But...he doesn't look sad."

"Sometimes we don' look how feel." Fresh said knowingly. "Now how's 'bout I order ya yer own nuggets?"

Inky pulled his arm back and slouched, mumbling. "Okay..."

Fresh rubbed his skull and turned to wave over the waiter, and Ink sighed; that was unfortunate. He stared down at his chicken nuggets, wondering what to do. There wasn't really anythingleftto do aside from eating them..

Ink reluctantly ate the nuggets.

The waiter came over and asked how he could help.

"Two mo' orders o' nuggets, thanks." Fresh ordered with a smile, "An' a glass o' water too."

The waiter nodded and left to fulfill the order.

"Two?"Ink asked, unsure of why Fresh was ordering more chicken nuggets..the serving sizes were generous, he thought..

"Inky ate a lot o' yers, figured ya could use a replacement." Fresh answered. "Da water is fer ya too. Hydration is important, ya kno'?"

"...Thanks." Ink sighed; how was he supposed to avoid being costly when all his plans backfired? Now he was just beingmoreof a burden on his master..what afailure.

"No prob, broski." Fresh smiled lightly.

The waiter arrived with the orders and passed them to their respective owners. Inky eagerly started stuffing nuggets into his mouth.

"Slower, kiddo. Ya gonna hurt ya self." Fresh cautioned.

Ink looked down at the extra food, thinking about what a waste he was..he would have to work harder to make up for this. Hehadto.

"If ya don' think ya can finish it all, den don' worry." Fresh said to Ink, letting him know he didn't need to eat it all. "We can order a to-go box fer da left overs."

"..That will likely be necessary." Ink sighed, nodding. "Thank you."

"'Course, broski." Fresh nodded and turned to his own food.

Inky was currently trying to see how many nuggets he could fit in his mouth, and Ink slowly ate his food, constantly thinking about what a burden he was. He couldn't spare his master some misery. He couldn't do anything right. He couldn't hold his tongue when he was supposed to. He couldn't avoid being a waste. He...

He needed to be punished. He needed to make up for his shortcomings in the only way he knew how. But..not yet. His master was watching. His master was trapped in an error of morality. His master didn't know any better. But Ink knew better, and he would keep himself accountable.

Ink ate two nuggets by the time the others were done.

"I'm full." He said, pushing the food away. "We can save those for later, or we can dispose of them if you want, mas- Fresh. Whatever you want."

Ink hated messing up. He hated it. He hated himself and everything wrong with him. He would make up for it later, though. Hehadto.

"We'll save 'em, don' worry 'bout it." Fresh tried to assure him.

Though, as he stared at Ink's full plate, he doubted Ink was full. There was something bothering him. He certainly hadn't been pleased with Fresh's order for him to eat. Was this subtle rebellion?

Hm-mm

Fresh smiled suddenly and waved down the waiter. He asked for two to-go boxes. As soon as the to-go boxes arrived, Ink shuddered involuntarily. He was...really tired, all of a sudden. He wanted to go home.

"How many more stops do we have to make?" Ink inquired, trying not to show his tiredness; it made no sense that he should be tired, but he was...maybe it was the stress of..the stress of...?

The stress ofwhat?

He couldn't remember. It probably wasn't important. The only important thing right now was being a good slave for his master.

"Jus' four more. Dere's a handful o' AUs I like ta look in on an' see how dey doin'." Fresh informed him as he puts the food away.

"Can I come?" Inky asked excitedly.

"Kiddo, ya don' even gotta ask." Fresh chuckled.

"Yay!" Inky threw his hands in the air, before grinning at Ink. "Hear that? I can come, too!"

Ink smiled at Inky, hiding his sudden change of mood. "We'll be happy to have you; you're a great friend!"

Inky giggled and ducked under the table, crawling over to Ink and hugging his waist. "You're a great friend, too!"

"Thanks." Ink hugged him back with one arm while helping Fresh with the to-go boxes with the other.

Once the food was packed up, Fresh stood up, and Inky started sliding out of the booth. The child dragged Ink with him, intent on keeping the other around. For some reason...

"Error bro should be done wit 'is work by now's." Fresh said, looking down at a small device; it looked like a video game player. He closed it and turned to the other two.

"All right." Ink nodded. "So, where to next?"

"Should be out by da ledge. Errors love da stars." Fresh walked out of the restaurant and held the door open for them. "Gonna need ta ask ya ta stayawayfrom dat ledge. Don' wan' no accidents, ya hear?"

"..I understand." Ink nodded, a bit uncomfortable about the memories the edge induced.

"Okay!" Inky nodded, oblivious to the adults' worries; he kept hold of Ink's hand and giggled as he swung it around, playing with the other's limb.

Fresh chuckled at the child and started back the way they came. Back to the ledge. When they got there, Ink made sure to stay a safe distance away from the edge, holding Inky's hand to ensure that the little one didn't get too close, either. That was a good idea, because Inky hung from his arm to try and see over the edge. They were too far away for that to make sense, but he tried anyway.

They could see a glitchy little skeleton curled up on an outcropping. He looked so small...

When Fresh started towards the other child, Inky noticed and tried to follow him, but he was still holding Ink's hand.

"It's dangerous to be too close to the edge, Inky; how about we play a game until they come over here?" Ink offered a swift compromise.

"Okay!" Inky was easily distracted by the promise of a game. "What we gonna play?"

"How about rock, paper, scissors?"

"Okay!" Inky made a fist on his hand and prepared for Ink.

Ink did the same, beginning the game.

"Rock! Paper! Scissors!" Inky hit his palm before choosing rock.

Ink, meanwhile chose paper. Lucky guess.

Inky blinked at Ink's winning hand and looked up with a serious expression. "Rematch."

"All right." Ink smiled.

Inky smacked his little fist on his hand and produced scissors this time, while Ink chose paper again.

"Ha! I win!" Inky said smugly.

"Good job!" Ink chuckled. "Rematch?"

"Okay!" Inky nodded and smacked his fist on his hand again. "Rock! Paper! Scissors!"

He chose paper this time, and so did Ink.

"...It's a tie." Inky noted. "Again!"

"All right!" Ink smiled, playing again.

For the next half hour, the two played the simple game. Inky lost count of how many wins they each had, but he cheered every time he won. But then it was time to leave. Fresh returned to their spot with hands in his pockets and a slight frown; it was gone when he noticed what they were doing.

"Hey, broskis." He greeted, in his usual upbeat tone. "Ready ta go?"

"I'm ready." Ink confirmed.

"Aight. Hold on, ya two's." Fresh held his arms out for each of them.

Ink grabbed one of his master's hands, taking one last look at the stars.

"We can come back later, if ya wanna." Fresh said lightly, looking up as well.

"That sounds nice.." Ink smiled, before looking back at his master. "I'm ready to go."

Fresh nodded and held their hands tight.

FRESH POOF!

They appeared in a snowy forest. The trees were thick, not allowing the cavern lighting to reach the multiverse travelers. The animals were quiet, as if expecting something to happen.

"Aight, you two's stick close. No wanderin'." Fresh said, while scanning the forest with caution.

"Yes, Fresh." Ink nodded, staying close to Fresh.

He wondered why Fresh was hesitant about letting Inky and Ink roam, but he wasn't going to question it; he just wanted to obey his master. That was his first and foremost priority now..nothing else.

"Okay!" Inky said brightly, swinging Fresh's arm around. "Why?"

"Dis AU ain't da safest." Fresh said simply. "Da peeps here really ain't too welcomein' ta outsiders."

"What's an outsider?"

"Us."

"What AUisthis, exactly?" Ink wondered.

Maybe it was a Horrortale, or an Underfell..those would have been his first guesses, at least.

"Underfell. Heard ya been here 'foe." Fresh commented lightly as he led them through the forest.

"I know Underfells." Ink nodded, happy that he had a better idea of what Fresh was so cautious about. "Where are we headed?"

"Dere's a spot da little one's go, ta get away fer a mo." Fresh explained, pausing and letting go of Ink's hand to hold his own up.

"What?" Inky asked loudly.

"Shhh..." Fresh scanned the trees, head snapping when he noticed movement.

Someone was watching them...

"Should I make a gift to promote peaceful behavior?" Ink inquired; he could do that easily..

"Might be helpful." Fresh nodded slowly, sights trained on where he could make out a vague shape of a person.

"All right." Ink nodded, creating..chocolate; everyone liked chocolate.

Fresh looked over and nodded in approval, before calling out to the individual. "Come on out, buddy. We got chocolate."

There was a rustling in the bushes before a young voice asked, "How I know you punks didn't poison it?"

"Did youwantus to poison it?" Ink inquired. "I could do that, if you want!"

"...Are youstupid?"

"We're not adding poison, nor does it got any." Fresh assured the kid in the bushes - because that's what it had to be. "Here, we'll even show ya. We'll take a taste."

Fresh intended to taste it himself, to show the kid it was safe; he turned to Ink to ask for a corner.

"Here you go." Ink broke off a piece and gave it to his master, smiling. "This is really good chocolate - I hope you like it!"

"I don' doubt it." Fresh nodded with a small smile, before taking a bite in plain view of the child. "Mmm...this is- Dawg! Ink ma' man! This is da bomb!"

"Is is gonna explode!?" Inky asked excitedly, literal stars in his eyes.

"No, but it tastes really good, right?" Ink grinned; he was glad his master liked it.

"Little dude, ya gotta try dis! It'll knock yo socks off!" Fresh handed the rest of his piece to Inky.

The child didn't hesitate to shove the sweet into his mouth, and his face brightened the moment it touched his tongue. "Mmm! Das sho good!"

"Right?"

The child in the trees came closer curiously and peeked around a tree. They could now see that it was a young Undyne, not older than ten.

"Do you want some, too?" Ink offered some chocolate to the child.

The Undyne crept forward, eyeing the three of them suspiciously. Suddnely, she lunged forward and snatched the chocolate before retreating to a safe distance, where she started nibbling the chocolate; her face brightened.

"It's good, right?" Ink chuckled. "It's my favorite!"

Fresh made a note that Ink could create his own chocolate, tucking that away to deal with later.

For now, there was a kiddo that needed help.

"Yeah! This stuff is awesome!" The girl exclaimed, before stuffing the rest in her mouth. "Rish iss sho gud! More!"

"I don't know your sugar tolerance level, so I can't give youtoomuch, but if you eat it slowly, you get to savor the taste for longer." Ink guided, giving the child one more candy bar. "Just don't eat it all at once, because then it won't last as long, and it will lead to inevitable sadness."

The Undyne nodded seriously and painstakingly ate the new bar slower.

Fresh huffed in amusement at the exaggerated movements. "Like it?"

The girl nodded excitedly and grinned. "Duh! Said that already."

"True dat. Whacha name, kiddo?"

"Undyne! Who're you punks?"

"Glad ya asked! I'm ya friendly neigh-bro-hood cool kid Fresh, and dee's homeslices are Inky and Ink." Fresh winked with a cheeky grin. "Dey named after each other."

Ink chuckled; he supposed, in some way, that was true. He wondered if that counted for just about everyone in the multiverses, since..

That wasn't an important train of thought; he had to focus on what was important..why did that feel harder than usual?

"Weird." Undyne commented, still nibbling her chocolate. "What are you weirdos doing here?"

"I don't know!" Inky answered with a big grin.

"Jus' checkin' in on some friends. Ya kno' where Sans and Papyrus might be?" Fresh asked as he rubbed Inky's head, causing the child to giggle.

"Why?" Undyne asked with narrowed eyes; one was cloudy and had claw marks raked over it.

"I think we're checking up on them, maybe." Ink shrugged. "If I'm allowed, I'll give them some chocolate, too, if they want it! Wait, this isn't about chocolate..why are we here, again?"

"Ye were righ' da first time. An' if dey wan' wan' any chocolate, den dey can have some." Fresh nodded.

"Yeah!" Ink nodded. "It'll be fun!"

Undyne squinted at them suspiciously and studied them thoroughly as she finished the chocolate. Deciding she could trust them, she waved for them to follow her. "Those weenies are this way."

"Aight den." Fresh nodded and started following her.

Inky moved to run ahead, but Fresh snatched him up and set the tot on his shoulders. Inky giggled, enjoying his new height. He played with the propeller on Fresh's hat with childish glee. Ink followed along, humming as he walked. He still felt..that he was forgetting something. But he couldn't recall what it was; it was probably unimportant. He shook his skull, continuing on. Undyne led the trio into a clearing, where the skeleton siblings sat.

Along with a bunch of other children...

"I don't want to get married!" The local Toriel screamed, stomping her feet.

"...O-okay..." A young ghost monster whimpered.

"Then don't. No one's forcing you,darling."Another young ghost monster said nasally.

"Mymomis!" She screeched at the top of her lungs. "And I don't want to! He's smelly!"

The little Papyrus growled under his breath and pressed his hands to his ear holes. "STOP SCREEAAAMING!"

Inky stared at the group with wide sockets, eyelights a six pointed purple star and a green swirl.

"Oh, boy..." Fresh sighed, stopping at the edge of the clearing. "Looks like trouble's a brewin'."

"I could stop it.." Ink said, wondering if that was necessary; maybe Fresh wanted to wait instead, though.

"Dependin' on what ya got in mind, broski, might be best ta let me handle it." Fresh looked at Ink from the corner of his eye.

"I was just thinking of a freeze spell.." Ink informed. "Or..is that not proper?"

"Not proper." Fresh confirmed, looking back at the kids as Undyne made her way to the center.

"SHUT UP! WE HAVE GROWN UPS!" She announced elegantly.

The Toriel stopped screaming and turned her glare to the three visitors, while the dark blue ghost monster hid behind her with a squeak.

"And who. Areyou?"The other ghost monster asked, swaying sassily.

"Name's Fresh, and dee's are my friends, Inky and Ink." He introduced them.

"Do you want some chocolate?" Ink offered, holding out several wrapped chocolate bars.

"Hmm...what kind of chocolate?" The ghost monster asked; he was a dark red with pink around his eyes.

"Thebestkind! Try it, you'll love it!" Undyne insisted.

"You ate some?"

"Yeah!"

"Hmm...all right, darling. Isupposeif she's not dead, then itmustbe safe." He floated closer and held out a nubby limb for the chocolate.

"Here you go!" Ink handed out the chocolate, smiling brightly.

The ghostly child took the chocolate and scrutinized it. After a moment, he started eating it. Pleased by the taste, he went back to the others and shared his with the other ghostly child.

"I want some too!" The Toriel exclaimed.

"ME THWEE!" The Papyrus said loudly; he marched up to Ink and held out a hand demandingly. "GIMME!"

Ink smiled, giving everyone some chocolate. This felt..nice. He liked this!

"So why's you here?" The Sans questioned them.

"We come looking for you!" Inky popped up in his face, startling him. "Hi, Fell!"

"Ah! You dumb paint splotch!" Fell stumbled back in surprise and tripped over his shoelaces.

"Oops...are you okay?" Inky tilted his head and asked.

"I'm fine! You dummy, don't sneak up like that!" Fell sat up and glared at Inky.

"Okay." Inky nodded unbothered. "Wanna play?"

"No!"

"STOP YELLING!" The Papyrus yelled.

Ink simply stood by, watching the interaction. His importance had been outlived for now, and he didn't feel as if he were supposed to do anything. He thought he would focus on something...but what? Serving his master? That must have been it; he had to think about better ways of serving his master.

"Aight, aight, kiddos...no need ta fight now." Fresh stepped between them and held his arms out. "Let's try ta get along. No need fer yellin'."

"I'M NOT YELLING!"

Fresh rose a brow at the angry toddler. "Coulda' fooled me."

Inky covered his mouth and snickered.

Ink, not paying attention to the conversation, began to think about ways to better serve his master. Would skipping out on sleep help? Probably. Eating meals took upfartoo much time...but he didn't think Fresh would let him skip them.

No, no Fresh would not. And speaking of meals...

There was a growling from the little Papyrus' belly. He looked down and back up at the adults with the most critical eye a toddler could muster, and nodding to himself, he came to a conclusion. "I'M HUNGRY. GET ME FOOD."

Fresh chuckled at the demand and turned to the other kids. "How's 'bout da rest o' ya? Ya hungry?"

There was an immediate response. With some louder than others, the children made their needs known.

"Aight, aight! We'll get ya something. Don' worry 'bout it." Fresh rose his hands to assure them.

"I brought some stuff." Ink tuned back in to the conversation, reaching into his bag. "Anyone up for..whatever I've got left?"

Ink began to take out the remaining food, hoping he had enough for the little ones. Although, that really didn't matter, since he could just create more food if he had to.

"Yeah!"

The kids ran up to him, eagerly demanding food from him.

"Okay.." Ink hummed, setting out whatever food he had left. "Don't know what's here, but it should be good for you guys, right?"

"We'll eat anything!" Undyne claimed proudly.

It was probably true.

Ink found some sandwiches, a couple bags of snacks, and a cookie. Fresh helped the kids divide the food between them fairly. They were grateful for the food and started eating; since the chocolate wasn't poisoned, they figured that the rest must be safe as well. Ink smiled, zipping the empty bag closed and continuing to stand nearby. He didn't want to get in the way of this..slaves weren't meant to engage in such events unless ordered to.

"Who are you?" Fell asked Fresh. He remembered Ink and Inky, but he'd never seen the other skeleton before.

"Name's Fresh. What's yer name?" He asked, sitting down in front of the kids.

"Ink calls me Fell. And this is Bossy." The child pointed at Inky and then the Papyrus.

"And I'm Undyne!" The girl said, before pointing to the ghost monsters. "These dorks are Blooky and Happy."

Blooky waved shyly, eating a freshly-killed ghost sandwich. Happy harumphed and ate his moodily.

"And I am Lady Toriel, of the Sleppneer House." The prissy goat girl said hautily.

Ink took note of each name and face, just in case he would have to interact with these people in the future. For now, however, he would just stay out of the way, as he was supposed to...

Even if he really wanted to talk.

"Nice ta meet ya kiddos." Fresh smiled at them. "So, watcha doin' out here? Havin' a camp out?"

After some hesitation, th children explained they were getting away from the adults. Even with the child safety laws, it wasn't safe for children to be around adults. They had to be careful.

A fact that made Fresh concerned. Especially the fact they trusted him and Ink so quickly.

Ink shrugged, understanding the hesitance. If he were a child, he wouldn't have wanted to be near people such as himself, either, since he would have probably been tortured at any point before Fresh had taken ownership of him...

He still might have been.

The visit with the Littlefell kids wasn't long, though itwasinformative. The skeleton siblings' father had finally come off the ceiling, and he was...absent. Apparently, he had left to work on some secret project the kids' weren't allowed to know about and left them to fend for themselves until he got back.

They used this opportunity to play with their friends. A chance to not be so scared.

Ink couldn't say he liked that the little ones were left by themselves, but..what could he do? He wasn't a close friend or family member; he belonged to someone else, and as such, his only duties remained elsewhere. Besides, he..wouldn't have been a good helper..he messed things up too much. The situation was far from ideal. But at least they weren't completely alone. There was the chance of they could still find someone to watch them; there were still a few monsters who were good with kids.

"Come on, let's go find ole Gerson." Fresh said, holding a hand out to one of the children.

They were uncertain, but Fresh had shown no ill will towards them. They couldn't explain it, but they felt safe around him. Something about his manner and dress put him at ease.

Ink wouldn't admit it out loud, but..Fresh made him feel safe, too. His laidback attitude, his caring nature..Ink just liked being around him..

He really shouldn't have, though.

Slaves weren't supposed to feel safe in their masters' presences..they were supposed to respect and fear them. Ink should have been on edge whenever Fresh was around and ensure that he wasn't breaking any rules as he did it. Ink..needed to stop feeling so safe. It wasn't safe; it was dangerous.

Ink was just a fool.

The visit was pretty straight forward from there. Fresh, Ink, and Inky helped the children get to Gerson, one of the few adults in Littlefell that didn't see a need to be rough with the kids. None of that harsh attitude meant to'toughen'them up. No, despite his considerable LV, the elderly turtle was surprisingly caring.

The rest of the visits went much the same. Everyone cared for and the universes' code checked for tampering or virus'.

The people of Littlehorror were fed. Choppy's little brother, Traps, was updated on the older child's status.

The Chara in Littlekiller was tracked down, and a game of tag ensued. The child refused to leave his desolate AU, but he still enjoyed company. Even if he did try to stab them-

The handful of ghost-type amalgamations in Littledust were all counted and accounted for. After an animated story time where Fresh put his acting skills to the test, the children were sent home to their parents. The barrier was down, after all.

It was well and truly late by the time the trio returned to Littletale.

Fresh yawned and flopped back on the couch, leaning back. "Man, I'm beat! What ya lot say ta orderin' pizza? Don' think we got times ta cook."

"Sounds good to me." Inky flopped down next to him with an exaggerated sigh. "I'm beat."

Fresh snorted and laid a hand on the child. "I'll bet. Ya played hard today, lil' man."

"I can make you a pizza, if you'd like!" Ink offered, hoping that would please his master. "I could just scan your code for your favorite type of pizza and copy it into reality, so everyone can have their favorite!"

"Dat's aight, Ink. I ain't too picky, an' its close ta bedtime. We best jus' order somethin'." Fresh said; honestly, he didn't want Ink to overwork himself again.

"Oh.." Ink sighed, looking down. "Okay.."

Ink probably should have expected that. He probably would have just messed it up anyway! Yeah..his master knew best..even though he didn't follow any standard protocols or guidelines. No, Ink shouldn't have been thinking like that! His master was perfect, and he clearly knew what he was doing! He just didn't trust Ink enough to-

He didn'ttrustInk?

Oh..that was how it was, wasn't it? Fresh didn't trust him. Ink..couldn't blame him for that. Ink was stupid. Ink really needed more discipline than he was currently getting, if he couldn't even be trusted to create a meal for his master..

Fresh looked up from his phone after placing the order and noticed Ink's expression; he stood up and said to Inky, "Why don' ya go play wit da twins toys? I doubt dey'd mind. Jus' down da hall, K?"

"Okay!" Inky nodded and ran off to search for the promised toys.

Alone with Ink, Fresh tucked his phone away and walked closer to the other. "Hey, Ink? What's on ya mind, broski?"

"Just my obvious lack of use." Ink said, trying to make Fresh feel better. "You're right, you know..I probably would have messed everything up. I need to try harder to make you happy, and I will; Ipromise.*

Ink smiled at Fresh, a weak determination in his eyelights.

"I just..need some time." He added. "And a lot of.." He paused in the middle of his sentence, before picking it up. "Fixing."

He had been intending to say "discipline," but..he knew that Fresh wasn't ready for that - neither to step up and do it, nor to let Ink do it willingly. Maybe someday.

"Hey, you're plenty useful, Ink." Fresh laid a hand on Ink's shoulder. "And I'd bet ya make a mean pizza! Its jus' late is all. I don' wan' ya stayin' up late again o' messin' up ya sleep schedule, ya kno'?"

"..My sleep schedule?" Ink tilted his skull in question. "But..I had plans..for tonight..I was going to do some more cleaning, and..stuff.."

"Did ya forget da bedtime I gave ya?" Fresh chuckled and wrapped his arm around Ink; it wasn't uncomfortable or threatening - quite the opposite, really. "Ya need ya sleep, too, broski. Ya ain't gonna get much done if ya fallin' over tired."

"..Sorry." Ink sighed. "I'm used to being tired. If I'm not, I feel like I haven't done enough..and I'm not tired atall.."

"Guess dat's somethin' ta get used ta." Fresh hummed. "But ya have been doin' enough, I can attest ta dat."

"..I don't think so." Ink admitted. "But I guess I'll go to bed at bedtime, if you want me to.."

"I do. Now, food'll be here soon. Did ya want ta do somethin' 'fore den?" Fresh asked. "If ya restless, maybe see what ya can get done 'fore it gets 'ere. Would ya like dat?"

"..Okay." Ink nodded; he was sure he could find something to do! Like..cleaning the oven? Sure, that could work!

"Aight." Fresh smiled gently and gave Ink a side hug before letting go. "Ya are doin' good, doe. Aight?"

"All right.." Ink nodded, hugging Fresh back.

"An' if ya need ta talk, jus' let me kno', okay?" Fresh offered, hoping knew he could trust Fresh.

"..I'd like to talk with you about some things.." Ink admitted. "But Inky's here, and..I don't want to ruin his fun."

"Aight. Hmm...think I can wear him out to an early bedtime?" Fresh wondered, glancing towards the hallway thoughtfully. "Maybe a talk in da mornin' when he's still sleepin'. Was he early or late riser when ya had 'im?"

"Uh, early." Ink answered. "He had school.."

"Ah, so dat might not work. Hmm...we'll figure it out. Kiddo might wanna go back ta Error. Seems pretty attached." Fresh hummed thoughtfully.

"They're best friends.." Ink smiled bitterly, remembering how he had made the decision to separate those two friends..aggressively.

"Hm, then he'll likely head back after a bit. We can talk then." Fresh decided, looking at Ink out of the corner of his eye. He pauses and says. "Actually...I could ask Judy ta watch little Inkster, too. She usually watches da kiddos while Gaster is at work. Bet he'd love ta play wit da twins."

Fresh nodded as he went over the options; Ink was reaching out to him, and he couldn't ignore that. He nodded to himself and said, "I'll take him over tomorrow. We can talk in the morning."

"All right.." Ink nodded, accepting his master's decision; he supposed he could wait..even though hereallydidn't want to.

Fortunately for Ink, Fresh noticed Ink's hesitation. "Would you prefer sooner? Be honest, K?"

"..." Honesty..Ink needed to be honest at all times with his master. "Yes..I would. But you don't have to, of course."

"Aight. I'll ask Judy ta come pick Inky up. I'm sure he'll love seeing the twins."

"Thank you.." Ink nodded, happy that he was going to be able to talk to his master.

"While I make the call, ya want ta say bye ta Inky? Let him kno' da change in plans." Fresh said, as he pulled out his phone.

"Okay." Ink nodded, before walking down the hall to the children's room and over to Inky. "Hey, Inky..if you don't have plans, Fresh is going to have his friend watch you for the night, and you can play with Dream and Nightmare."

"Really?!" Inky jumped up from the toys he was playing with with a big grin. "Who are they?"

He seemed to have forgotten.

"Fresh's children." Ink chuckled. "They'll be fun to play with."

"Ohhh...are you coming, too?" Inky asked, looking up at Ink hopefully;one had to wonder justhow muchhe had forgotten once the effects of the tampering wore off.

"No, sorry, Inky.." Ink shook his skull. "Just you - I have to stay with Fresh."

"Awww...but why?" Inky pouted, making grabby hands at the adult. "I want to play with you, too."

"I need to talk with Fresh about something important..I'm sorry.."

"What you gonna talk about?" Inky tilted his head, confused.

"..Life stuff." Ink kept it generalized. "It's nothing for you to worry about.

"Then why you gotta talk about it?" Inky wasreallycurious about what it was.

"..It's important to me.."

Inky gave the adult a scrutinizing look and came to a decision. He tackled Ink in a hug.

Ink smiled down at the child softly, hugging him close. "I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Okay...but then you come back and play, okay?"

"All right." Ink nodded. "I will."

Inky broke the hug after a bit and grabbed Ink's hand, dragging him to the living room.

Fresh was already there with a a couple boxes of pizza. "Ready ta go, little man."

"He can still have some pizza, right?" Ink hoped; he didn't want to keep the child from eating!

"Figured we'd send him off wit a box. Ordered some more to show up at Gaster's pad." Fresh explained, lifting one box higher.

"Oh, okay." Ink nodded; that was all right. "Should I walk him? Or teleport him?"

"Hmm...yeah, that should be aight." Fresh said, figuring Ink wouldn't risk hurting the kid. But, then again... "How's 'bout we do it together?"

Inky looked between the adults, not really caring how he got there.

"All right." Ink nodded. "Teleporting?"

"Sounds like a plan." Fresh set one box down and walked over to the two. He laid a hand on Ink's shoulder and asked, "Ready?"

Ink nodded, taking one of each of their hands before teleporting to the door of their destination.

"Here we are!" He smiled.

"Yay!" Inky cheered. Why were they happy?

Fresh knocked on the door, and Gaster answered.

"Oh, there you are. Come on in." Gaster welcomed them in.

"'Fraid Ink an' I can't stay. Thanks again fer doin' dis." Fresh smiled.

"Of course. You said Judy will be coming over to help? That's more than I need." Gaster assured him, holding a hand out to Inky as he took the pizza in the other.

"Where Dream and Nightmare?" Inky asked immediately, running past the skeleton; he was promised friends!

"They're upstairs." Gaster chuckled, watching the little one leave. "I believe we will be fine."

"Heh, guess so. See ya 'round, broski." Fresh stepped back, taking Ink's hand properly.

"Of course, Fresh."

As the door closed, Fresh teleported him and Ink back to the cabin.

FRESHPOOF!

When the duo returned to the cabin, Ink set Fresh down on the couch, before pulling up a chair and sitting across from him.

"So..what should I start with..?" Ink inquired.

"From da beginning usually works." Fresh said, brows creased. "What's up, Ink?"

"Well..I've been thinking about our relationship." Ink began. "You're my master..I'm your slave..and..I'm not really comfortable with it."

"Aight... what brought this change on?" Fresh asked, tilting his head; on the one hand, it was good for Ink to not want this..

On the other, it was disturbingly sudden. And Fresh couldn't help but notice the change in seating position.

"..You're too kind." Ink informed. "You always see me working, and then, when I mess up, you just..don't do anything. You never try to punish me for doing wrong, and you always try to make me feel like it'sokayto do wrong, when..itisn't.When I mess up, I deserve to be disciplined..and you don't discipline me. This rubber band? It doesn't hurt..not even alittle."Ink sighed, looking down. "Is it too much to ask for a small beating every once in a while to keep me in line? Heck, I'd be willing to program it into you, if you feel that you can't do it alone.."

Ink wrapped his arms around himself tightly.

"It just..feels like you don't care about me, sometimes.." He said, softly.

Fresh felt a spike of anger and unease shoot through him when Ink suggested touching his code. Nobody touched Fresh's code.No one.Especially not now. But Ink's show of vulnerability dampened those harsh emotions. He sighed as he felt bad for this; he had never meant to hurt Ink's feelings, but he couldn't give him what he wanted.

"Ink. I do care about you. That's why I don't hurt you." Fresh said gently, holding out a hand to Ink. "I know its different, but this is how I show I care."

"..I don't understand that." Ink admitted. "How can you care about something if you don't teach it what's right? That..that only breeds rebellion and hatred! I don'tunderstand!"

"Then I'llhelpya understand. And there other methods of teachin'. Gentler than what ya used ta. Think of it like..." Fresh paused, lowering his hand. "Like a difference from in culture. Da one ya used ta, I don' subscribe to.Neverwill."

If that statement sounded aimed at someone in particular, then it was.

Fresh wasn't giving in. Not even to Ink's puppy dog eyes.

Ink looked up at Fresh sadly, sighing. "..You make it sound likemyculture's something to be scorned..hated. I just..it's not horrible..it'snot.."

While Ink tried to make one defense, another joined the conversation..

You justhaveto make him doubt, don't you? Don't think you'll be able to change him..he won't listen. And if you try..well..we have our footholds infarfirmer places than yours. In fact..perhaps we canshowyou.

Once I get my hands on you and little friends...don't you dare touch him oranyoneunder my protection. You hear?Fresh knew he was no match for things; e knew there was nothing he could do about them right now, but that wouldn't stop him from trying.

"Ink, you're used to it. When ya in da thick o' it, its hard ta see where things are off." Fresh tried to reason.

Youreallyneed to learn your place..the only question is whether I should teach you myself..or haveitdo itforme..

"I know..it's just..frommyperspective,you'rethe one who's 'in the thick of it..'" Ink sighed.

"It'll take some time, but you'll see this way is better, Ink." Fresh sighed, anxiety creeping up from the demon's threats.

"..I don't see how." Ink admitted.

Trying to ignore me? How rude..I suppose you've answered that question, however; I wouldn't sleep tonight, if I were you.

The voice faded away with a low chuckle, while Ink had decided that this conversation was a lost cause.

"It's bedtime.." He said, softly, standing up with his skull hung low. "I'll get ready.."

"Aight...goodnight, Ink." Fresh stood up and laid a hand on Ink's shoulder, saying softly. "Hey, Idocare. Its just different, that's all."

"...Good night."

Ink began to walk to his room, making it rather clear that he wouldn't be sleeping in Fresh's room tonight unless Fresh ordered him to.

"Ink." Fresh called out; while he was all for giving people their personal space, he knew that would be a bad idea after that conversation. "You're sleeping with me tonight. Get changed and meet me in my room, got it?"

"..Yes, Fresh.." Ink nodded, continuing his walk.

Fresh turned and went to get ready himself, his thoughts swirling with might happen. Even without the threat, he doubted he would be able to sleep.

He was in his pajamas within minutes, hands shaking the whole time.

Ink entered the room soon enough in his own pajamas, looking at Fresh with a downtrodden expression.

"Where..should I sleep?" Ink asked, seeming rather..out of it.

"In da bed, come on. I think ya could use a cuddle." Fresh said, though he didn't think it would be too welcome. Maybehewas the one who needed a cuddle.

"Yes, Fresh." Ink didn't try to argue, only climbing into the bed next to Fresh and beginning to cuddle him.

Fresh pulled Ink closer to him and tucked Ink's head under his own, almost protectively. He whispered, "It'll be alright, Ink. We'll figure this out."

Ink sighed, resting his skull on Fresh's sternum.

"Do you hate me?" He whispered.

"I don't hate you. Ya wouldn't be here if I did." Fresh whispered, rubbing Ink's back.

"..Would you mind if I hurt myself for you?" Ink asked, quietly. "I just..needto dosomething.."

"No. Ya ain't gonna hurt ya self." Fresh said firmly. "If ya need, we can go huntin' again. But ya ain't gonna hurt ya self, ya understand?"

"I-" Ink stopped before he could say anything...or..hewasstopped..?

Ink's hands began to shake, and he..didn't seem to know what was happening.

"Wh-what..what's h-happening..?" Ink was beginning to breathe heavily; something was wrong, although it wasn't immediately apparent what it was..

"Ink?" Fresh pulled back to look Ink over, trying to figure out what was wrong; that anxiety rose again.

"S-something's in me, get it out, get it out,get it out!"Ink was hyperventilating, his fingers scratching at his skull..

Something was trying to possess him..