Chapter Text
He gazed breathlessly at the portal his enemy had fled.
They had been fighting for nearly an entire day, nonstop. They were both to physically and mentally exhausted to continue.
Both silently agreeing to call the battle a draw.
When the portal closed he allowed himself to close his eye and let out a small wail in pain.
His aching body shaking violently.
Fuck it hurt! It was as if every bone in his body was broken.
A few tears slipped down his cheeks as he forced himself to move, ignoring the blooming burn of cracks opening as he did so.
He needed to leave, the Au was crumpling around him.
Shaking he used his waning magic to open a portal to his Void.
A little cottage stood happily in the abyss. It hadn't been there long. He'd made it at a friends request. Get him more suited to 'normal people things'.
Like eating a normal diet for a skeleton.
Sleeping on an actual bed instead of the ground.
And to shower in a bathroom instead of diving into a waterfall.
He couldn't wrap his head around why that would be important. His job is what's important. But he'll do anything to please a friend.
Especially when he considers them family.
Shaking his head he limped over to the house, closing the portal behind him.
Fumbling with his keys, he paused at the door.
A small growl left him as he shoved the key in and half fell after the opening door.
Kicking the door closed behind him he stumbled towards the bathroom, undressing as he went leaving a trail of clothes.
Finally he made it, nearly falling again as he kicked off his pants.
Panting from the pain and effort he shut and locked the door before collapsing on his knees in front of the tub. He clumsily plugged the drain and turned on the tap.
With it filling he scooted over to the drawers under the sink. He pulled out a bath-bomb.
It contained healing magic or something? All he knew is his friend told him to use one if he can't heal himself after a battle.
Guess it's a good time to use it.
Scooting back to the tub the unwrapped it and carelessly tossed it into the steamy water.
He watched drowsily as it began to bubble and cloud the water with swirls of pink and gold. Mountains of bubbles began to rise as well.
When the tub was nearly full he cut the water and forced himself up to step in.
Slowly he lowered himself, moaning shamelessly as he entered the steamy bubbly bliss.
Ok, he could admit that a bath in a tub is much more relaxing and soothing than a river or a waterfall. Especially since the water is warm and not chilly or freezing. Also you don't have the risk of being washed away.
He let him self sink into the water, only his head above, resting on the back of the tub.
Letting himself think.
Why?
Why did he have to do this to him?
Cause him so much pain and misery?
Bruise and break his bones.
Leave him in agony.
He didn't understand.
He couldn't understand.
Why wouldn't he just...
Just listen!
He sunk a bit deeper, letting his mouth be submerged.
It wasn't fair.
The bastard treats him like he's the bad guy!
He's not...
At least he thought so...
He sat up after a while, trying not to linger on those thoughts.
He grabbed a rag and carefully rubbed the wounds around his body. The bath-bomb had closed some of them and stopped most of the bleeding. He also noticed small side effects of the item was it covered the smell of blood and blended it into its pink. Making it seem like he wasn't bleeding out slightly. So that's a plus!
All wounds thoroughly washed and the bubbles gone, he stood up with a bit of effort.
He unplugged the drain with his foot before stepping out and grabbing a towel.
Humming he wrapped the cotton softness around himself like a cape and unlocked the door. Shivering at the cold air outside he shuffled out of the steamy bathroom and to his bedroom.
He entered, not bothering to lock the door behind him as he dropped his towel and turning on the light.
His room was a mess.
Different projects were scattered the floor and walls.
A dresser with most of its drawers open and overflowing with clothes stood on the left wall.
A well hung and rather large hammock in the corner of the right and back wall; blankets pilled in it like a nest.
He turned the light back off and tiptoed through the chaos, not bothering with the dresser. He could care less about clothes at the moment. All he needed was sleep!
At the last foot or so stumbled, catching himself on his makeshift bed. With lazy effort he climbed in, shoving the blankets out of his way, slipping in and then pulling them back on top of him. He stretched and flick on the AC under the window beside him.
The nice coolness under him with the soft warmth above made him melt. Humming happily at his comfort he closed his eyes, ready for a well deserved nap-
Two sharp, loud knocks made him jump a little. Eyes snapping open to look at the door.
"Are you in there?"
He growled, not wanting to deal with anything at the moment.
"No, I'm not. Don't come in and go away."
There was a short pause.
"I'm coming in."
"That's specifically what I said not to do."
His friend opened the door and flicked on the light. He was blinded for a second by the flash, groaning and retreating under his blanket nest.
"Stars, Ink, your rooms a mess!"
He grumbled, peaking back out to see Dream making his way over to him, nearly stepping on a painting. "When will you ever clean this place?"
"Never, now leave me." He growled.
Dream tilted his head, "Why are you being so... snappy today?"
"Got into a fight yesterday morning with Error. It finally ended not even an hour ago." He closing his eyes for a moment before opening them to find the other God giving him a sympathetic and slightly worried look. As if to as if he's okay.
Ink in return gave him a growl. "I don't need pity. I'm fine. I just need rest!"
Dream sighed, backing up. "Okay, okay. I came here because of an emergency meeting, but I'll leave you be seeing you like this. Call if you need anything."
Ink huffed watching Dream struggle slightly to make his way out.
Dream thankfully turned out the lights and closed the door before leaving.
He sighed, getting comfortable agin before drifting to sleep. This time uninterrupted.