*Trigger warning: Lime. It ended up being waaaaaay steamier than I intended, and my body was actually rejecting it halfway through XD. Like, my head refused to look down at my laptop, I was so weirded out :D*

Ink left the two when he was sure they could talk things out. He went back downstairs to the living room, where Nightmare was studying Encre's ring. The negative guardian turned it over in his hand, contemplating what or who could've made it. An idea struck him, and he tried the ring on.

"What the hell are you thinking?!" Error exclaimed, having watched him put it on. Nightmare laughed at him.

"You just watched me do it," he teased. "But, what makes me curious is the fact it turned this Encre into something that looks like me. I just wanted to see if it affects me."

Error eyed the ring warily. It could only be removed by Nightmare's soulmate, now. What, was he expecting Killer to be able to remove it? He watched in amusement as Nightmare attempted to get it off. Hah! Fat chance! But all his thoughts were thrown out the window when Nightmare removed it.

"Uh...." Nightmare put it back on, then took it back off. They stared in utter astonishment at the ring in Nightmare's hand, and he suddenly laughed. "Guess my soulmate is myself."

Error looked at Ink, and the creator shrugged. Maybe it was the similar magic? Who knows. Nevertheless, Nightmare put it back on and admired it.

"You should probably get rid of that thing," Ink suggested. "It might get into the wrong hands, and we'd have another, crazier you walking around."

Nightmare smirked at him playfully. "Aw, you don't want me around? How sad.~"

Ink pouted. "You know that's not what I meant."

"He's joking, Inky," Error put a hand on Ink's shoulder, and the creator grinned at him. He grinned back, and they got lost in each other's eyelights. After about five minutes, Nightmare groaned.

"Ugh, could you guys NOT do that?"

Ink winked at him. "Aw, is Nighty missing his lover?~"

Nightmare's cheeks lit up as he grumbled. He would never admit it, but Ink was right. He really missed Killer, and Ink and Error getting all 'lovey dovey' was making that ache in his soul grow stronger. Instead, he stood up, catching their attention.

"We should think about leaving, soon."

"Aha! I was right!"

"No, you ass. The others are probably concerned about why we're taking so long. Classic's probably just about to bring us back, right now."

Ink looked down in thought. As much as he wanted to go back home and enjoy some quality time with Error after so much has happened to them, he didn't feel like he should leave just yet. Fate and Destiny said to relax and stay awhile. There had to be something more for them, here. Otherwise, they wouldn't have said that, would they? Finally, Ink raised his eyelights to Nightmare.

"I don't think we should leave, yet. There may be something more for us to do before we go. Fate and Destiny wouldn't have said to stay longer if there wasn't a reason."

Nightmare raised a brow at the mention of the deities. "So, those glowing orbs I saw told you we need to stay longer? Great. Just great. Killer's probably got his hands full with the rest of the gang without me there to help."

Error laughed. "Well, yeah. Y'all are a bunch of children."

Nightmare glared at him, and Error laughed. Ink soon joined in when Nightmare turned his harsh gaze on him. After awhile, they settled down, and an awkward silence filled the air. Another ten minutes pass, and Fallacy and Encre came downstairs. Fallacy was smiling fondly, his eyelights following Encre like moths to a flame. Encre could feel those multicolored eyelights trained on him, and he flushed in embarrassment. Azure stood up when he saw them.

"ENCRE! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?"

Encre flinched at the loud voice of his friend. "Oh, um, y-yeah. I just... I'm a little sore. And... I'm sorry. I hurt you, and Eterna, and Neil. I shouldn't have bought that ring."

"IT IS ALRIGHT, ENCRE! AT LEAST YOU'RE BACK TO NORMAL, AND WE CAN GET BACK HOME!"

Encre laughed sadly. Azure's smile faded at the subtle change. "I... I don't think I'll be going back."

Azure's eyesockets widened. "WH-WHY NOT?"

Encre looked back at Fallacy, who nodded to him with a smile. The artist smiled back, then turned to Azure. "I want to figure things out with Fallacy. I only returned to Underville because I was getting homesick. I guess I like being out in the world rather than stuck in town all the time. And who knows? Maybe I'll come back, someday."

"B-BUT," Azure glanced briefly at Fallacy, a scowl working its way onto his face. He stepped back from Encre, a determined look on his face. "I GET IT, NOW. HE MUST HAVE PUT A SPELL ON YOU."

Encre instinctively stepped in front of Fallacy. "That's not what I-"

"IT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE!" Azure rambled, ignoring the dark looks he was getting. "DON'T WORRY, ENCRE." He drew his sword, to the shock of Encre and the disappointment of Ink, Error and Nightmare. "I'LL BREAK HIS HOLD ON YOU!"

He lunged at Fallacy, but Encre grabbed onto his wrist. They wrestled with the sword, but Encre twisted his arm. He cried out, and the sword fell to the floor. Before they could actually start throwing fists, Nightmare's tendrils pinned them down.

"As entertaining as it is watching you two fight," he drawled, a lazy grin on his face. "This is counterproductive. You were right, Ink. These guys just love getting into fights for no reason."

Azure grunted as he struggled to free himself. "HE'S UNDER A SPELL! HE COULDN'T HAVE JUST ABANDONED HIS SENSES SO QUICKLY!"

"Maybe your sense of morality isn't the same as his. And so what if he dates a guy? You don't have to approve of his choices." Nightmare raised Azure into the air, slightly choking him. A sinister smile on his face, he brought Azure closer, drinking in the negativity hungrily. "Your opinion doesn't matter if it deprives him of happiness he's obviously not getting from being friends with you."

Azure tried to get away, but the tendril held him fast. He helplessly stared into the glowing eyelight of the negative guardian, until Error stepped in.

"Let him go, Night."

Nightmare hissed at him, but obeyed. Azure held a hand around his throat, glaring up at him. Encre kneeled next to Azure, concern evident on his face. His expression saddened more when Azure turned away. He stood up and brushed himself off, a disappointed look in his eyelights. Encre sighed, but stood up as well. He backed away from Azure, cold and silent. Azure picked up his sword and sheathed it, heading back over to Eterna and Neil. They had seen what happened, and they both were very disappointed. But, it was Encre's choice. 

"Hey, Azure," Eterna said. putting a hand on the knight's shoulder. "Ya gotta respect him for being brave. I thought he might back out after learning a vampire was his soulmate, but ya gotta know it's his choice. Imagine if those legends are true, the ones where soulmates die from rejection? We'd be losing a great fighter, and an even better friend!"

She winked at Encre, and his soul swelled with joy. At least she was on his side. Fallacy laughed and shook his head. 

"I didn't think a vampire hunter of your reputation would take the side of someone associated with a vampire!"

"Whoa, hey! Don't get sappy on me!" She gave him her signature, toothy grin. "I'm still gonna huntcha and your vampire friends if ya get anywhere near my town, pal!"

Fallacy inclined his head. "I don't doubt that. I would certainly prefer if my subjects didn't try to reignite the hostilities between our lands, but it's not easy controlling complete animals." He deadpanned, and Eterna burst out laughing.

"I don't believe this! A vampire who doesn't like other vampires!"

"Hey!"

They turned their attention to the doorway to another part of the house. Jasper stood there with a bandage on his head, a frantic Suave trying to stop him. Jasper glared at Encre when he spotted him, and stormed up to him with a fiery look that faintly resembled his father. Encre backed up a bit as the prince confronted him.

"You! Look what you did to me!"

Suave cautiously went up behind him, putting a hand on his shoulder. The prince turned a vicious grimace to him, and he quickly pulled his hand away. "M-my lord, I-I think you sh-should rest-"

"Don't tell me what to do, Suave!" He whipped his head back to Encre, but Fallacy shook his head at him in warning. "Father, this mortal has caused us more than enough trouble! Aren't you going to punish him?!"

Fallacy sighed. "I think you should just calm down, Jasper."

"But Father!"

"Do not," Fallacy growled lowly. "question my orders, Jasper. Now sit down!"

Jasper slunk to an armchair, slumping into it and grumbling like the spoiled prince he was. He noticed Suave slip into a corner of the room, and a stab of guilt hit him. He would probably have to get Suave something nice to make up for his outburst.

Fallacy shook his head at his son, then smiled apologetically at his guests. "Jasper is usually more well behaved when we have guests, I assure you. It must be the wound on his head. Suave, could you please escort Jasper to his room so he can rest?"

Suave obeyed wordlessly, walking up to him and gesturing him to follow. Jasper growled, but reluctantly followed his butler out of the room. Nightmare watched them go, curiosity brewing inside him. He sensed that Suave, the guy who looked like an unfeeling animal, was displaying so many emotions, even to an untrained eye, it was easy to tell he was upset. Jasper must have hurt him deeply for this much negativity to pour from him in such large waves. It amused him, and he found himself wanting to know more. Without the others noticing, he melted into a shadow, slipping out of the room.

Fallacy sighed as he watched his son leave. He turned to Encre, who gave him a sympathetic look. They sat down on a couch opposite Azure, Neil, and Eterna, while Ink picked Error up and sat in a chair. Error squeaked and covered his face in embarrassment, which caught the attention of Fallacy and Encre. Ink laughed at their expressions of confusion.

"I used to do this all the time with Error! It's always adorable when he's like this."

Encre caught Ink's eyelights, and his confused frown turned into a wide, smug grin. He turned to Fallacy, who tilted his head, even more confused.

"Hmm," Encre put one leg over the other, and rested his chin in his hand. "I wonder how you would react if I did that to you?~"

Fallacy scoffed. "I'll bet you're not strong enough to- wha-?!"

Encre suddenly sprang up from his seat and scooped the vampire up. Fallacy held on for dear life as Encre turned to his friends, a proud look lighting up his face. Eterna was struggling to hold in laughter, Neil was staring in shock, and Azure still refused to look at him. Fallacy looked up at Encre, a slight blush on his face.

"U-uh, c-could you put me down, now?" 

Encre blushed at the pleading look Fallacy was giving him, and promptly put him down. Fallacy brushed himself off, then swept Encre off his feet. He smirked devilishly at Encre, who huffed.

"Hey! That's not fair!" Encre spied Azure looking at him faintly concerned, and Encre tried to mimic Fallacy's pleading expression. "Could you put me down, please?"

Fallacy shrugged. "Hmmm, how about... not a chance?~"

Encre frowned disapprovingly, and Fallacy chuckled. The hard glare he was giving him softened a little when he felt the rumble of the vampire's soul. Being this close, he could tell that it was strong and powerful, a little arrogant even. But there was a vulnerability to it, as well. Something that hinted at a sadness that would never truly leave. As Fallacy sat down, Encre tried to escape his grip, but the vampire king wasn't having it.

"Hey," Encre warned, pointing a finger in Fallacy's face. "We aren't at the touch-wherever-you-want phase. Now, let go."

Fallacy blinked in astonishment, then laughed. He let the artist go, an amused look on his face. "You sure? You did just pick me up for no reason."

"Yes, I'm sure," Encre crossed his arms and legs, playfully pointing his nose in the air in a haughty way. "I hardly know you." Encre glimpsed Azure looking at him, but he kept calm. Perhaps if he kept up his antics, it would warm Azure up to the idea Encre wasn't going back on his word. "So, Ink. You are dating Error, right?"

Ink had the biggest, shit-eating grin on his face as he looked down at the glitchy skeleton in his lap. Error blushed even harder, crossing his arms and burying his face in them. "Why yes, yes I am."

"Is this a regular thing where you're from? Dating someone of the same gender?"

Ink thought for a moment. "I... suppose it is. Heck, even the version of Azure where Error and I are from is dating a literal god!"

Azure perked up at that, and stared over at Ink. "WH-WHAT?"

Ink smiled. "Yeah! He and Dream are very happy with each other. But, they are the chaotic duo of the mutliverse, and they prank like it's nobody's business. So, if you were to ever end up in our multiverse, you'd better watch out!"

Azure regarded him for a minute, thinking. "WHAT'S THIS... OTHER ME LIKE?"

Ink told them about the time they all had a slumber party. He'd forgotten most of it, so Error had to fill in the gaps. Fortunately, he left out what had happened after everyone had gone to sleep, his cheeks heating up just thinking about it. Azure stayed quiet for a bit before speaking.

"I GUESS... IF YOU'RE REALLY SURE ABOUT THIS, ENCRE...."

The artist nodded, a resolute look on his face. "I'm sure."

Azure sighed. "WE ARE EXPECTED TO GIVE A REPORT-"

"Ah, ah, ah," Eterna interrupted him. "You forget, I'm the captain. Ya give your report ta me, remember?"

Azure nodded to her, and she stood up. "VERY WELL. WE SHOULD GET GOING BEFORE IT GETS DARK. EVERYONE WILL BE WONDERING WHERE WE ARE...."

Encre stood up with Azure, and offered a hug to the knight. He reluctantly accepted, giving Encre a nod.

"I'll see you again, Azure. See you too, Eterna, Neil."

"Take care, rookie," Neil patted his shoulder with his metal arm, making Encre wince. He laughed, Encre scratched his head. 

Fallacy and Encre watched them head off into the forest. Ink and Error had joined them, but they looked around when they realized something was wrong. They exchanged looks, asking each other the same question.

"Where's Nightmare?"

Meanwhile....

Jasper sat down on his bed with a growl. Suave stood far from him, glancing over at him warily every few minutes. He didn't like when Jasper was angry or upset, for he feared his temper could make him lose control. He's seen it in Fallacy, but with Jasper? Anything was possible. With how unpredictable the prince could be, Suave tried to keep on his good side as much as possible. Though, the prince's obsession with him made hiding- erm, I mean, avoiding him, difficult. 

So here he was, standing at the doorway like a personal guard, wondering what he should do. It still hurt when he thought of that vicious scowl on Jasper's face. It made him look like one of those blood-starved vampires, the ones who were known to attack anything and everything with blood. It made Suave shiver to think that Jasper would turn such ferocity on him, but he tried to hide his feelings as best he could.

After awhile, Jasper laid more comfortably on his bed, staring up at the canopy. Suave would normally try to comfort him by now, or talk to him, anything! This silence was killing him. He leaned up on his elbows, glaring at Suave.

"Are you just gonna stand there?"

Suave unwillingly flinched. He looked at Jasper, noting that he was very clearly annoyed. He cleared his throat, and hesitantly met his gaze. "I-if you would prefer, my lord, I could leave you to rest-"

"NO!"

Suave looked down as Jasper stood up. For once, he was expecting Jasper to actually hurt him. It's never happened before, but the possibility was always there. The fear grew stronger as Jasper stalked up to him. He backed away, pressing himself up against the wall as the taller vampire put both his hands on either side of Suave's head. The butler could only stare down at his shoes as Jasper scrutinized him.

"Don't leave," Jasper's voice was slightly quieter now, but Suave didn't dare look up. Jasper studied his butler sadly. Guilt ate at him like acid, and he put a hand under Suave's chin. His butler squeezed his eyesockets shut in fear, and Jasper's guilt doubled. He'd never meant to scare him. What was wrong with him?!

"I'm sorry, Suave," he began, brushing his thumb over Suave's cheek. He grinned at his short, little butler. He was adorable, and perfect for him. 

Ever since that incident with practicing magic, Jasper had kept his eyesocket on Suave. Following him around turned to talking to him, and that turned into hanging out with him, and that turned into intentionally seeking him out solely for his company. He found himself wanting to be with Suave more and more, until Suave turned eighteen. Then, his thoughts about him began to shift. Suave was an adult. That meant he could go off and marry someone. And leave Jasper all alone.

He'd tried to stop himself, there. He could feel the judgement of the older servants, who were protective of their younger coworkers. He knew he shouldn't think of Suave as anything more than a friend, so he tried to shut himself off from seeing Suave. Of course, that didn't last long. It got harder and harder to be away from Suave, and he finally confessed this to his Father. Fallacy had been understanding, and told him to just... test the waters, so to speak. If Suave liked him back, then it wouldn't be a problem. 

Now, though, it was a problem. Jasper had unintentionally frightened Suave, and he wasn't sure what he could do to make it up to him. No gift or kind gesture would be enough to save his relationship with Suave if his butler was now afraid of him. So, with the guilt tearing him apart, he made a desperate leap of faith.

Suave jolted when he felt something press against his skeletal lips. He opened his eysockets wide to find that Jasper... was kissing him! He blushed a dark blue, his heart-shaped eyelight glowing brighter. The prince pulled away, slightly embarrassed. He'd never kissed someone before, but he liked that it was Suave he shared his first kiss with. His butler seemed shocked, so he raised a brow at him.

"What?" he laughed nervously. "Vampire got your tongue?~"

Suave shook himself out of his daze and tried to regain his composure. "I-I- m-my lord, I m-must insist you get more rest-"

"Is that an order I hear?~" Jasper purred, pinning his shoulders to the wall. Suave gulped, pushing against his chest slightly.

"P-please, my lord-"

"Call me by my name. You know my name is Jasper."

Suave turned his head slightly. "U-um... J-Jasper, I do not know what has gotten into you, but I am concerned you are overtaxing yourself. Your father would be very worried that you are not trying to recover."

"Hmm," Jasper leaned his head next to Suave's neck, a smooth, dark look in his eyelights. "Just being with you makes me feel better."

Suave shuddered from the hot breath on his neck, and tried once more. His voice was quiet, pleading, and he turned Jasper's face up to his. "Jasper, please. I-I beg you. You... you are scaring me."

Jasper sighed, seeing that Suave was seriously concerned for him. He straightened up and went over to his bed, gesturing for Suave to follow. He sat down and patted next to him, and Suave joined him. His butler folded his hands in his lap, a very bright, blue blush still evident on his face. Jasper grinned and turned Suave's head to face him. 

"J-Jasper, I must insist you rest. I did what I could to bandage your wound, but it will not heal properly if you do not get some sleep." His expression was adamant, and Jasper found it hopelessly attractive.

"Alright, fine. But you're staying with me."

Before Suave could process what was happening, Jasper swept him up and laid him in the bed next to him. Suave was so shocked, he lay there completely still as Jasper took off his cloak and hung it on the coatrack near the closet. He then got into the bed with Suave, hugging his butler close. Suave grinned helplessly as Jasper pressed his head to Suave's chest, but shivered as Jasper once again leaned into his neck. He stayed absolutely still, barely able to breath as Jasper's breath tickled his neck.

The prince nuzzled into Suave's neck, eliciting a gasp from his butler. Jasper chuckled lowly, then dragged his tongue across Suave's neck up to his chin. Suave closed his eyesockets, feeling Jasper press kisses up and down his neck and trembling at the touch. Jasper's arms wrapped around Suave in a strong embrace, and he hesitantly slipped his arms around Jasper's neck.

Suddenly, Nootmare bursts in. "Y'all keepin' things PG in here, bud?"

Suave: WTF-

Jasper: GET THE FUCK OUT!!! *throws shoe*

-uh, ignore that-

Jasper soon drifts off to sleep, and Suave carefully pulls the covers over him. He steps out of the room quietly, smiling as he closes the door. He wandered down the hall, a giddy feeling in his chest. Jasper has never acted like that to him before, but he didn't mind so much. Sure, it was a bit... scary, at first, but the gentle touches were so... nice. Wonderful. Suave sighed happily, thinking back to the kiss he'd shared with his prince.

A dark chuckle made him jolt out of his fantasy, and he turned around. Leaned against a wall was Nightmare, watching him with an amused smile.

"So," he began, walking up to the butler menacingly. "You and the bratty prince, hmm?"

Suave gulped, but stood at attention. "Did you need something, sir?"

Nightmare frowned. "I asked you a question, idiot."

"I do not see how that is any of your business."

Nightmare rolled his eyelight. "Well, if there's gonna be any positive change - ugh, gross - I'll need to know if there are at least some 'mortals' willing to break this... social stigma that Encre thinks he has to follow. Ya get me?"

Suave furrowed his brows. "I do not get what you mean."

"Ugh, it just means you and Princey Boy are an example of somebody in this stupid multiverse that doesn't care what some idiots here think. Which is good. At least some of you aren't all unhappy. Dream would be proud." He smirked, and Suave shivered. He kept as calm as he could, but the threatening feeling he got from the monster in front of him made him uncomfortable. He cleared his throat.

"Can I be of any more assistance, sir?"

Nightmare laughed. "Wow, Fresh is hilarious in other multiverses! I can't wait to tell Killz when I get back home." 

With that, he walked away, leaving Suave alone in the hall. The butler breathed out in relief, and went off to find some chores to do. He certainly had some excitement happen! And now, he was sure Jasper liked him as more than a friend. It had been a suggestion by the other servants, and the older ones advised against making a move himself; if Jasper did like him, he'd show it. They had been right, and he'd never felt happier.

_______________________________________

Yo, whassup?

Sorry for being gone so long. I had some stuff to work through, and things at home are getting more and more stressful. But it's not really anything for you guys to worry about.

So, today, my brother came in my room saying my mom wanted me for something. I asked him what she wanted me for, but he didn't answer me. Since he usually does this no matter what it is, I go downstairs thinking oh, it's probably just chores or something. I go down there, and she asks, "do you want to play a game?" I got so mad, I immediately yelled, "YOU TRICKED ME!!!" and marched right back upstairs to continue this chapter.

That was about five hours ago, and I'm still mad. This is why I don't trust people: not even my own family can be trusted at this point.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter! Bai!