Redefining Expectations-Insomnia Sequel

Chapter 9: Ink's Mess and Consequences

"But what if I don't want to?"He asks

"Then you're just showing that you don't care about me."I say, slowly backing up.

There's no real way to reason with him right now and there's no way that I can run with my leg right now. Then he pulls me closer, wrapping an arm around my waist.

"Of course I care about you! I want to keep you safe and show you things nobody else has! Give you an experience others haven't. It's not like you have anyone to give you the attention I want to give you right now. It could be fun. Us just together in your living room doing what people in love do."He says

I frown. I know he's wrong about me "not having anyone" to give a certain experience or attention in the way he means but it still stings a bit. I've told him that I am dating and he's always dismissing it, speaking so low as if I can't really be worth it without my aura...Focus!

"No, Ink! That's not happening! We aren't in love and I certainly don't see you that way! This is just the vial talking!"I say

"I can at least act like it while on this vial and be genuine to you. It'd be perfect for you since you can be certain that I'm not after your aura or attracted to it. And it would keep others from harming you. So how about you just teleport us to your home so it can start?"

I shake my head, pushing him away and getting out of his grip. His dismissive words sting but I try to ignore it.

"Ink we can't do this! I'm not dealing with you on this vial again, and I have a boyfriend! Your pink vial isn't getting in the middle of it!"I say

"Oh as if you have a real boyfriend!"He says, rolling his eyes.

That stings a bit more and I feel some pain in my chest but try to ignore it. I get away from him and teleport home. I appear a few feet from the front steps, feeling a lot weaker than before. I can feel the dizziness starting and I definitely don't have the energy to teleport again. I go to the front steps but Ink blocks my way as he rises from a puddle with his brush.

"Ink please leave me alone! I don't want to go through this again! It's finally something real! I finally experienced real dates, felt real with a real lover and you're not ruining it! Right now I'm feeling sick and dizzy and you aren't helping! Just go!"

"Oh come on, Dream. I know you're not that naive. We both know what they're really after and what nobody can resist. They aren't dating you, they're dating your aura and you know it too. That's all anyone is attracted to you for like a moth to a flame. Well, except me. No soul, no aura to be attracted to. Just let me give you a taste while I can still feel this way. I'm doing you a favor like the good friend I am. I can make you feel much better if you just trust me. I really care about you."

Something in me snaps when hearing those words. Even though I know he's wrong, they still hurt. Error loves me, not my aura. Error isn't affected by my aura and he isn't after it. We make each other happy. But the words still sting because part of me knows that before Error and I connected, I would've considered Ink as right or believed that I was naive. When so many only care for my aura, it would've seemed foolish to think I'd be desired for anything more. Once again connecting my worth to my aura....hurts...But then the pain worsens beyond only emotional pain. It suddenly becomes extremely hard to breathe and something tightens by my neck. I start choking and coughing, bending down and coughing as my head starts to ache, my vision shaking as I can barely stand now. I cough up flowers and can see my arms turning grey.

"Oh shit! Dream can you hear me? I didn't realize you meant this kind of sick! What's even happening to you? Don't worry, I'll help you!"Ink says, sounding concerned.