A Tiny Error

Chapter 17

"..."

"C'mon, buddy. Pal, amigo, best friend, chum, pally pal, homeslice, breadslice, dawg-"

"Trying to concentrate, here."

"Couldja maybe quit with the silent treatment? I been meanin' ta apologize fer days!"

"..."

"C'mon, don't be like that. I said I was sorry!"

Still no answer. He sighed, knowing Sci could care less. He'd never gotten Sci so riled up, and it was starting to scare him. Could he have messed up their relationship for good?! Well, it hasn't really started, but he'd hoped one day he could ask Sci out. He might never get the chance now, not with how icy Sci's demeanor had become. After a few more tense minutes, Sci spoke.

"It... wasn't your fault. I didn't... label the potions correctly. It was just... a small err-"

His nonexistent throat suddenly went dry. He closed his eyesockets and held onto the table in front of him for balance. Thankfully, that incident last week had helped him concentrate on creating an antidote for Error, but his emotional shield was beginning to crumble. He felt like he wasn't getting any closer to creating that antidote, and Red's assistance wasn't quite helping like he thought it would. Every potion he's created so far had no significant effects, and he knew he was missing something. He just couldn't determine what it was, yet. For example, he gave Red a potion that would alter his bone density, and Sci was certain that it would have the same effect as turning Error back to normal, since it had some transformational properties too. Unfortunately, the potion had no effect, and gave Red a mild stomachache.

Red stood up and walked behind Sci. The nerdy skeleton had started trembling, and he was sure Sci was holding back tears. Putting his hands on Sci's shoulders, he massaged them, working out the stress as best he could. Sci shook off his hands, took a deep breath, wiping his tears away, and turned around. Red looked sadly into his eyelights, and put his hand on his cheek.

"Your eyelights look like little white diamonds, y'know..." Red subconsciously facepalmed from how cheesy that sounded, but it was too late to take it back.

Sci gulped and lowered his eyelights. Slowly, he removed Red's hand from his cheek, then turned away. He walked over to a chair and sat down, taking off his glasses and rubbing his tired eyesockets. Maybe he needed a break. He's been working almost nonstop for six weeks, and his physical and emotional stamina were running low. He didn't think he could take any more, so he pulled himself together. Standing, he put his glasses back on and looked Red in the eye.

"I need a break. We both do. Go back to your AU, and I'll send Dust for you if I need your help again." With that, Sci walked out of the room, hesitating at the door and looking back at him. Red watched him leave, a slight ache in his soul.

"If..."

Red couldn't stop thinking about that word. He didn't say when, he said if. Meaning, he might not need Red's help anymore. Red's mouth hardened into a scowl. Well, if Sci didn't want him here, then he sure as hell wouldn't stick around. Sticking his hands in his pockets, he teleported home, preparing for a lecture from his brother about slacking off for the ten millionth time.

... ... ...

Sci opened the door to his and Papyrus' house, and faceplanted on the couch. Finally, he was away from the castle. Nightmare had been understanding enough to allow him a few days rest, and Sci would take full advantage of it. However, all he could think about was the disappointed look in Red's eyelights. He looked like he needed some rest too, so why did he look like a child who was told they weren't going to the fair?