Redefining Expectations-Insomnia Sequel

Dream's POV

Lust stops the recording and grins. He walks over to me, returning my stuff to me. Then a portal opens as I put my necklace and earring back on. Lust notices the portal and quickly backs away, turning his attention to the editors that sneaked in with him. I see Error charge through the portal, pulling me close to him once I was within arms reach. His face is consumed by a bright blue glow and his soul is beating out of his chest.

"DreAmY..."He says softly with his scarf lifted to hide his face.

"Are you alright, Error? Did something happen? I know you said you were busy today..."I ask

His face burns brighter.

"PaPs hEaRd AbOuT tHe sHoW aNd We...tUnEd iN..."He says, glancing to the side.

"Oh! Oh....When did you tune in?"I ask, wondering how much he watched.

"NeAr tHe sTaRt....YoU lo0k amAziNg bUt wHy diD yOu hAvE tO sAy aLl tHaT?"He tells me, his face burning brighter

I tilt my head, trying to understand the issue.

"All that? All of what? What I said? It's only the truth, Erry. It's only fair for the truth to be given when they're giving only lies."I say

His face burns brighter and he grumbles to himself quietly.

"I'm n0t sTuBbOrN aNd I dOn'T hAvE isSuEs rEcoGniZiNg wHaT I aM. I dO nOt gO dOwN aNy rAbBiT hOlEs."

"Says the one who overthinks things to the point of nearly crashing. You want things to be perfect but you rarely recognize that things are perfect. Aren't you the one who spent weeks wearing uncomfortable suits thinking that'd impress me? You were the one thinking that you had to impress me or be good enough when you already are, remember? Your mind goes through so many calculations that sometimes it refuses the simple answer or overlooks it. And if you're not stubborn then my eyes aren't yellow."I say

"I...I sEe yOuR pOiNt..."

I chuckle, gently kissing him on his forehead.

"I love you all the same Erry.~"

"Did y0u hAvE t0 cAlL mE sExY aND cUTe?"

"What? Are those the forbidden facts that cannot be spoken?"I ask teasingly

His face burns brighter and he glances away.

"DoN'T gEt wHy yOu'd liSt aLl tHoSe qUaLitiEs tO tHe mUlTivErSe...TeLl aNy oF tHaT..."

I pause, thinking about all the qualities I listed for him that draw me to him or any of my answers to their questions. He heard all of that and his face burning tells me that it got to him yet his refusal to let go of me tells me that it isn't bad. I grin, catching onto this. He likes it.

"They asked and I answered honestly. I see nothing wrong with that. I'm not ashamed of my love for you or our relationship, Erry. I'd gladly tell the world what makes you so special if asked. Especially if it keeps you from getting called those hurtful names like glitch or mistake. You aren't that and I'll keep saying that as long as I have to. Is something wrong? Did you not like what I said? I could name other qualities if you don't like me saying those."

His face burns brighter hearing that.

"Th-ThErE's mOrE iN tHaT hEaD oF yOuRs? WhAt aBoUt yOuR rEpuTaTiOn? I dOn'T wAnT tHoSe aNomAliEs tUrNiNg aGaInSt yOu oVeR tHiS..."

I grin wider, noticing that he didn't deny liking what I said. I gently pull one of his arms off of me so I can intertwine our hands.

"Of course there's more in this skull. Erry, if me declaring my love or beating up those idiots on the show wasn't evidence enough, let me tell you the truth. I don't care if this hurts my reputation. I'm still going to maintain my role of helping others but if this fact upsets people, then so be it. If the fact that I found happiness and fell in love with you isn't good enough or okay to others and changes how they see me, then that's that. Maybe that needed to happen instead of whatever image of perfection they might've had of me or any entitlement they felt toward me. I think I made it very clear that anyone who has a problem with us can see themselves out. If this is what crosses the line for them, maybe they should seek help elsewhere. I'm not going to let anyone decide what we are or should be, Error. I don't owe them anything and I'm here to stay as long as you'll have me."I tell him