Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Some days destroying was not all it's cracked up to be.

Don't get Error wrong, it's a thankness job and those Universes needed to taken out, as they were just taking up unnecessary space.

But sometimes battles lasted a little too long and he ends up badly injured. So with how much time and effort he puts into it, it would be nice to be appreciated once in a while.

But who in the Multiverse would ever even consider such a thing? He destroys Universes for a living. No one would let that slide even if it was the right thing to do.

At least, that what he had always assumed.

Until one day after a very long and annoying fight, he returned to the Anti-void to some flowers.

He wasn't sure what they were doing there, or if they were supposed to mean something.

So he slowly stepped up to them to scan the petals. there didn't seem to be anything wrong with them. but he also wasn't a fan of plants or anything either. They were just another thing he'll have to destroy to fix the perfect Universe.

But there also wasn't really a reason to get rid of them either. they took up such a small space in the huge Anti-void. he just decided to leave them. he'll just get rid of them once they dry up and die.

What he had not been expecting. is that's exactly when it started to became a common encounter.

Every few weeks after the old ones slowly died, new fresh flowers would show up to take their place.

He wasn't sure how to feel about it.

But he would admit, the flowers kinda started- to grow on him.

He didn't really mind seeing them everyday. they really did brighten the place up a bit with color. but not enough to end up irritating him instead.

Bleeding hearts were the first ones. in pink white and purple.

They were like the Souls of those from Universes he had strung up in his Anti-void. Just as alive, but maybe not quite as aware.

Apparently they Symbolizes positive or negative energy, so he suppose it balances itself out.

He wonders if in the beginning the Bleeding hearts just made who ever brought them here think of him or the Anti-void. but since he never got rid of them they assumed he liked them, so they decided to keep bringging flowers.

Poppies were the second. in shades of yellow orange and red, with a few blue and purple.

The middle of them made his non-existence skin crawl with how they looked like little bugs.

Apparently Symbolize Good fortune, he'll need it with how enormous the Multiverse was, and all the many outcodes trying to stop him from his goal.

Hibiscus were the third. shades of yellow orange red and pink.

They made him almost uneased by how inviting they seemed with the pollen. almost as if it was just a trap to poison any who dares take from it.

Apparently Symbolizes love of all different kind, friends family, romantic partner. It made sense with the pollen, like unconditional love, to give without expecting a return.

The thought kinda made him nauseous himself though, considering he never even met the one that been bringging the flowers. but he doubts they even knew that most if not all flowers symbolizes something.

Although the idea that they actually were picking flowers to mean something just for him made his chest bubble up with fondness. even though the likelihood of that was low.

Sunflowers were the fourth. in yellow and red.

Clearly they could make one think of the Sun, but they made him think more of the night sky with many stars.

Apparently Symbolizes Happiness, of any kind that fits your life style or mind.

He almost couldn't believe that the flowers as a whole was making him feel happier in general.

Someone had to go out of their way to pick flowers and bring them to the Anti-void. it made him feel like someone appreciated him.

Foxglove were the fifth. in just purple.

It was such a deep color, it made him think only of the parasites true form. even the spots of black and white made him think of Fresh eyes.

Apparently Symbolizes riddles and secrets, really fits this whole ordeal. should've done these in the beginning.

But as those flowers were sitting in his Anti-void for awhile, and reminding him so much of Fresh. it made him realize, No one but him and the parasite could even get into the Anti-void without help.

Which meant it had always been Fresh bringing the flowers.

But what were they supposed to mean? If they had a bad motive he'd assume it would've shown itself by now. It's not like the flowers died and were replaced in a day.

It was hard to tell time within the Anti-void. but cut flowers last around a week if not a bit longer. and new flowers only showed up after he got rid of the old ones. so it had been over a month at least.

He wanted to be mad that the parasite would even come into the Anti-void and bring plants- or anything at all. but everytime he looked at the flowers they just made him smile.

Even being worried of their actual point doesn't stop the warm cozy feeling in his chest.

It was pretty ridiculous.

So he decides to do the only logical thing. wait around for Fresh to bring new flowers and demand a answer to why he's been leaving them.

It took far longer for the other to show up then it should've in his opinion, but then again, with how time worked- or lack thereof. it might of not been long at all and just felt it.

"OI! he yells as soon as Fresh arrived, making the other joit.

"Geez bro! Ain't I da one supposed ta making ya jumply as a cat!?"

Error glared at the comment, but his expression softens the moment he sees the flowers in the other hand.

He brought daisies. in red pink and purple. they symbolizes new beginnings...

Alright...

"Why do you keep bringing me flowers?"

Fresh grins. "Just thought they could lighten up da place! So much white is totes lame!"

Well he liked the blankness, but it's not like the other was wrong. it was kind of like having a colorful painting in a museum.

"Don'these look hella killer!" The parasite brought the flowers up to his face.

He wasn't sure about that. but the before statement seemed genuine. maybe it really was that innocent. And he didn't even have it in himself to pretend to hate them.

So he just simply says. "I guess."

And if the other expression didn't look happy before, now he looked on cloud 9.

"Knew it bruh! thought ya like'm!" he sat them down gently.

There was no way Fresh hadn't figured he liked them already, since he never tossed them out before they died. but he was just going to take the fact that the other didn't immediately start teasing him over it as a blessing.

"Anyways! Dat's all imma-"

"You know flowers has meanings?"

Fresh raised a brow at the interruption.

"Sure, but dey all have their own meanings ta da individual."

"Right." He narrowed his eyes. "What do the ones you brought me mean then?"

Fresh was silent for a moment before saying. "Dat's up ta yo homeslice."

He just Scoffed. That implied it just meant nothing at all to the other. which does add up with the fact the the parasite can't feel emotions. but if it was really meaningless, why do it at all?

"Whatever, get lost." he says instead of voicing that. it's not like he wants the other to stop.

Fresh doesn't make any move to leave though.

They stare at each other for a moment.

"Sometimes someone just wants ta make someone else smile, even just for a moment. Ya dig?"

Error rolls his eyes. "Why do such a thing? You don't get anything out of it, you wouldn't even see it."

"Man- I dunno." he shrugs. "If ya figure it out, let me in on it will ya?" he asks, but poofs away before Error can even think to reply.

Sure It could make sense, if Fresh could feel.

Making others happy can make you happy. but that went with understanding of equal fulfillment and or love for one other.

The idea that the parasite still just wanted and chose to do something that could give him some joy was very strange. but at the same time. it was only a good thing on his own side.

If Fresh wanted to waste his time, who was he to care?

He really did like the flowers...

Chapter Text

There were many things Fresh never understood because he couldn't feel the same emotions that most in the Multiverse does.

And doing something for someone else without expecting something in return have always been one of the most confusing.

It made sense when you both got some kind of benefit out of it. like a trade.

But what was the point when there wasn't anything for you?

Apparently many got some kind of emotional fulfillment. So he suppose they do it for their own emotional state.

It's not like he understands that either.

Just caring about someone else's well being comes so easily to most. to the point that they'll destroy themselves with sympathy.

Why let someone besides your own misfortune ruin your day?

It was one thing if there was something they could do to change the circumstances, but most of the time there wasn't anything to be done.

Why dwell on something out of your control? He just didn't understand. Wouldn't it make more sense to move forward and plan better for the future?

Regardless...

Sometimes he did wonder what it felt like, to care for another and do something for them for no other reason other than because they would appreciate it.

There was no point for him to do something for another really, not without the emotional capability to feel what others clearly got.

but the curiosity was still there. and most of the time that really was the only motivation he could find.

So why not try it?

Sure he wouldn't get anything out of it truly. but it's not like most things would carse any harm to himself either.

Just pick something small.

Flowers were as good a choice as any right? Easy to find and stunning with color.

And he knew the perfect monster to give'm to!

Error of course!

Sure- Sure! He probably wouldn't even care about them himself. Will most likely toss'm out right away.

But with the glitch it was easy. because he knew where the other lived and he wouldn't end up having to start all over because of a reset, like most normal Universes.

Bleeding hearts were the first ones. in pink white and purple.

He thought those would be kinda funny since they were like the Souls Error collected.
Even after leaving them though their was no feeling in his empty chest.

What he wasn't expecting was for the other to actually like them though.

The flowers stayed in same place until they died. and he could've assumed that the other might've just not seen them at all, and that was the only reason they stayed.

But that wasn't the case, the other tossed them out himself.

Why would the literal destroyer of worlds would like some random flowers was beyond him. Why Error kept them he just couldn't say.

Even more bizarre, was why he himself decided to bring more.

The whole thing really was odd. Because Just as there was no reason to bring the flowers in the first place. there wasn't any real reason to stop now either. not after he knew the other liked them.

It's not like it even took him much time or effort. just pick some- fresh flowers, and put them in the Anti-void. took 10 minutes at most.

Even after Error asked him about them. And the other brought up the symbolism of the flowers, he hadn't known they had any. Just as he truly doesn't know what others got out of gifts like these.

But he continued to bring flowers.

Error didn't understand it either. but he always kept the flowers anyway.

There was just nothing to stop him from bringing them. Just as there wasn't anything for Error not to keep them.

So why not?

One day he brought Irises, apparently symbolizes wisdom and trust.

He wasn't sure if the glitch was even still looking at meanings or not. but after the other asked about it, he does usually look to see what they might say before giving them to him now.

Not that it mattered, he never picked another after knowing what they could mean.

After all. Giving gifts like flowers could mean all kinds of things, but it meant nothing coming from him.

Or in thought anyway.

Error has flowers in his hands the same day.

"Yo? Ya got flowers too? Ain't dat my job?" he questions raising a brow.

"No-" Error glares, but it softens instantly. "I mean- I can get you flowers too."

What?

Eyes widening he scans the flowers.

It made no sense.

Error knew he wouldn't appreciate it the same way. Why bother when you knew they didn't care?

Hydrangeas, they symbolizes appreciation...

"You got me flowers?" He almost whispered. "Why? I mean-" he cut himself off.

Error expression held far too much fondness, especially considering it was directed at him.

"Sometimes-" Error starts while handing him the flowers. "-People just want to do something for someone for no real reason."

Okay...?

He tries to ignored how difficult it was taking a breath, as he handed his own flowers to the other.

"Well- I- Um-" He pulls up his best grin. "Now least we both got radical flowers!"

The other actually laughs. "Yeah- but don't get used to it. picking plants isn't all that fun if you ask me."

"Dat's fine yo." He chuckles. "Wasn't expecting flowers anyways."

Error gives a very soft smile "Neither was I."

They stared at each other for another moment.

How was he supposed to react to this? They were just flowers, it was meaningless just as him giving the other flowers was.

Why didn't it feel that way?

Was that how Error felt? He did ask what the point was. they both did.

The answer was the same.

The feeling was the same.

He felt almost- appreciated?

He actually liked the flowers.

And as he gazes upon the flowers without anything more to say.

They both knew he did.