Otherwise known as Rosa’s Drink master essay on the perfection of the ship. (Trademarked….) also helped by @grayskiesandink

Important Notes: This is all MY interpretation and will not line up with everyone's opinion on the character's og versions. / always try to keep the characters accurate, but this also boils to opinion and interpretation of the characters. This is also not a ramble made to put down other ships or to make Drink seem like the "best" ship. This is all in good fun. If you don't agree with some of the stuff / say here, that's completely fine and I don't expect you to. Please remember I'm just having fun and writing the majority of this between my college classes—terribly sleep deprived. I just want an excuse to explain my thoughts on how Drink could work and how perfectly they fit together. Thank you, and happy reading!

Okay let’s address the THE FIGHT

Okay. I’m just gonna address this one first, because I know this is going to be at the forefront of everyone’s minds before we begin. What about the canon fight Dream and Ink have that seperated them and makes Dream no longer trust Ink’s intentions? I have my criticisms of the fight, and how I don’t think people portray both parties as in the wrong enough. But that’s not what this post is about. However, let’s get one thing straight. Both Ink and Dream are valid in their argument.

Ink has this role he gave himself in order to stay alive. The AUS are his life force, and if the Creators of the Multiverse get bored and leave him behind because their AUS keep getting saved, then Ink dies. And of course, he doesn’t want that. You could argue it’s a selfish reason to save one person’s life over millions, but I also see it as self preservation. Ink isn’t evil for fearing death. Ink isn’t wrong for being desperate to stay alive. There’s no other solutions that work besides fighting to keep the AUS untouched, so he has to do what he has to do. Not to mention he doesn’t WANT to see people suffer. He doesn’t get happy watching people die or get traumatized. It does make him sad seeing stories go that way, but because of his detachment, he reasons it’s just how things need to be. I would label Ink as evil if he ENJOYED what was happening, but it just isn’t like that. It’s him not interfering at all to prevent any non-written endings, which includes keeping the happy ones safe. He wants to stay alive. So he lets the creators have their way. I don’t think you can say he’s wrong for that, when we ourselves are those very creators, and he simply is the one character written to also understand our perspectives. We’ve doomed him to that role.

Dream is also not wrong for his position. Nobody would want to watch millions of people suffer and have to do nothing. Dream is able to go in and save the people within AUS, especially since he blames himself for not being able to do so with Nightmare. I can’t blame him for seeing the horrors of AUS and genuinely wanting to make a difference. It’s in his nature to protect and save. He’s a kind person who simply wants to do good. There’s no way he can be seen as wrong in this, no matter how he may react to Ink. Although I think it’s harsh of him to condemn Ink so harshly when he would know at that point about Ink’s lack of soul and where the vials come from, I completely understand where he’s coming from. His distrust to Ink is more than valid, and their morals just don’t align enough for them to work as teammates when they can’t properly game-plan during a fight.

With this said, what I do critique is the insistence that they do not somehow work it out and become friends again or more. Especially with how many connections and trust they have within one another that is unmatched to any other party in the Multiverse. Writing off a dynamic so deep and complex like this into an endless loop of disagreements is unjust. These two have way too much at stake within their friendship to simply end because of a morality fight. Hell, if Dream can withstand Nightmare’s torment for years and Insist he can do better and improve, there’s no CHANCE in hell that Dream can’t offer that grace to Ink after a simple conversation between the two, which I believe fully can happen when we analyze just how important these two are for one another.

I’m not ignoring the fight here. I simply think believing that it’s the end of these two entirely is crazy, and I’d like to prove to you all exactly why I think this in today’s essay.

TRUST

I think the most apparent and obvious reason as to why Drink is a lovely ship is the mere fact that their differences is also their greatest form of trust.

Dream has lived his life being used for the positivity he can provide via the apples, or now, himself. His aura influences every relationship he has, and he can never be sure if people's love for him is only due to the joy he brings through his soul. Dream already struggles deeply with trust after the villagers harmed him so greatly. Friendships do not come easy, and even though he has Core Frisk and Blue, there's issues with each of those connections. Frisk is a child, not a peer. Blue is a mortal, and can also be swayed, even if his positivity outshines Dream's own aura at times. Hell, he can't even touch his brother again without getting burned, and that is his only form of connection to his home and life left.

Dream has no one he can truly be himself with, and most relationships he gets into will always have a fine line of knowing that he might've caused that love by releasing too much positivity near them. If that's not a worry, then the invasion of knowing someone's feelings at all times is one. His partners or friends can never hide how they are feeling near Dream, and he always has a look into their souls, even if he doesn't want to disrespect them in such a way. It's something most would feel violated by, even if they understand Dream can't help it. You could argue his abilities are not this strong to constantly have this question hanging in the air, but even so, DREAM would think it regardless. He already loathes himself so deeply. Even if it was all in his head, it would still be a thought that plagues him. However, Ink isn't influenced. Ink has no soul. All Dream feels from Ink is blankness, because there's no aura to pick up.

Ink cannot be swayed by Dream's influence, nor will Dream be able to look into his soul and see if he's hiding he's upset. It's a wall, in a way, and though it likely would scare Dream at first, at the end of the day, it’s something comforting. Dream gets to figure out someone’s emotions by not cheating with his aura, but by genuinely knowing the person and how they tick. Dream can fully allow himself to trust in Ink’s love for him, and he can’t simply deny that Ink’s enjoyment of his company is genuine. For once, Dream would have someone he can fully rely on and trust is telling the truth about his feelings, because truly, what point would there be for Ink to lie about his own personal feelings to Dream? Especially when the fight exists. He’s not afraid of losing Dream due to his blunt ideals if that has anything to say about it, so he would have nothing to lose by being honest with Dream. And Dream knows that.

For Ink, his life is centered around choices. He picks and choses his vials, which are his emotions. Sure, they are real, but it doesn’t change the fact that he can chose certain ones to feel and ones to not. These feelings impact how he thinks of people and how he responds to things in life, and so, if he doesn’t wish to feel, he won’t. You have to be a very interesting person to gather Ink’s full attention, and for their friendship to have lasted as long as it did, it truly says a lot. Ink doesn’t get forced into loving Dream. It’s his choice. It’s his decision to move forward and be with him entirely. He actively CHOOSES to relish in the love he has for him, and though it goes against all the rules he’s made for himself, Ink still proceeds.

Dream’s self loathing can’t deny these feelings, as it would be directly denying the reality behind Ink’s vials and their importance, and he would never wish to do that. Dream has to be fully confident in Ink’s love for him to actually respect Ink as a person, which makes it all the more real. For Ink, Dream would be one of his first real connections that genuinely wishes to understand him. Dream is kind and genuine, and Ink may not deserve that at times, but he’s given it anyways. Him being paired up with someone with so much love for life, while Ink can’t understand it, is poetic in some ways. Dream is his anchor when it comes to living. Not only can Ink experience his emotions with his vials, but he can trust in someone who loves him as he is and allow himself to feel real— heartbreak, anger, pain, love. All that comes with a relationship. Dream helps him experience life. He’s the only one Ink allows himself to give in to.

If you’re doubting whether or not Ink actually does trust Dream above most others, the fact that the Star Sanses existed or that they were so close is evidence enough. Ink had no real reason to join the group, but he does anyways for many years. He knows it goes against his morals, and yet he’s working alongside them anyways. You could call that selfish, but why decide to do that anyways? Maybe, just maybe, it’s because Ink loves Dream enough to pretend and forget. To ignore their conflicts and to relish in the good times he has beside him. For someone who does not usually care for others, that commitment to sticking around is interesting. That’s not the only sign, either. Most people in media do not know where the DoodleSphere is, and if they do, they break in. However, Dream is showcased to be one of the few who genuinely knows the location and doesn’t anger Ink when he enters it, as seen in Underverse. Dream is also usually the only one who is stated to see Ink break down and shatter in stories before their fight, and Ink’s mask NEVER slips. The fact that Dream witnessed these breakdowns in Underverse or any other forms of media is crucial.

Ink trusts Dream. Which…he doesn’t usually trust anyone. And yet, he trusts him. And Dream trusts Ink’s emotions. Which not many can say the same.

EQUALS

Dream’s mere existence is not normal. I don’t think people realize how important this is to their dynamic, as I’ve never seen this discussed when Drink comes up. Dream’s AU is not a Undertale AU. It’s not even classified as a AU. It’s supposed to be a regular story, and I know that usually annoys people, but for Ink? This likely destroys his mind.

A lot of Ink’s usual interactions with other characters are surface level due to his detachment to everyone. Ink has a canon god complex, and see himself as above all the others, viewing them as nothing more than characters. His connections with others are limited, and his only close friend is his father, who is classified as his own creator. Which showcases that Ink tends to trust in those that are above the system— and on his level in a way. With Dream being from an original story, with his mother not even FROM Undertale as a whole, Ink can NOT default to his usual coping mechanisms with Dream. He can’t simply pass him off as another character he grows bored with. Dream is equal to him. His origins are from a different Multiverse entirely, and he’s not exactly supposed to be there, and yet, he is. The balance infects the Multiverse and is needed to be upkeep, making Dream find a role, like Ink had to deal with once. A protector was not needed until he made a role for himself. Dream is as real of a person that Ink will ever be able to run into, and I think it would break him a little. Ink can’t just run away this time. Dream is right in front of him, making him feel things he never usually does, and for once, he can’t stop it.

This person that he has a friendship with, being on his same level and forcing him to care— to chose to care— is something he’s not used to. We already know that Ink struggles with his attachment to his fathers because he can’t fully see them as just characters, so knowing Dream is even more self assured in that sense would force Ink to confront his love for someone. No longer can he hide behind his petty excuses and his apathy. If he loves Dream, he loves him. It’s not as easy as letting the story proceed and laying off. Dream forced himself into the story, like Ink did. If Ink belittled Dream into being a character, Ink would also have to admit he’s not above all the others as well— and that his God complex is just an excuse for his distrust towards others. So, he WOULD have to accept Dream as his equal, which causes its own issues.

If Ink wants to protect Dream, it wouldn’t be against his morals to do so. He could fully defend him and prevent things from happening to Dream, and that would shock him to his core. He could prevent a death of someone he truly loves for the first time ever. Dream doesn’t even have a canon ending written down yet, which makes his fate hang in the air. He’s already not supposed to be there, but his ending being undecided too? Being able to morph and twist however Dream wishes? Like Ink is able to? This person that teaches him about trust, understanding, love, and kindness, is the one being in the Multiverse that floats above the typical Multiverse rules Ink sets for himself. How is he not bound to trip over himself for Dream? (Lol)

Dream is quite literally the one person Ink can’t deny. The one person he can throw himself towards and never have to let go for his own “morals.” No matter the disagreements, Ink isn’t forced to stand by and let go. He can do something. He doesn’t have to just protect AUS, but Dream as well.

FRIENDSHIP

With all this said, their friendship with one another is so important for both of them to feel safe in life. While this is about their ship, them starting out as insanely close friends is an important part of their relationship as well. As I’ve stated, Ink’s never gotten a connection he can fully see as his equal, or even care for. While he canonically loves his fathers (which makes him capable of love btw…), there’s nobody else besides that. Comyet has stated that he’d be friends with Error if they ever met, but we all know that there’s some disconnection between those two. People obviously will still love that dynamic, and I don’t blame them, but with Dream and Ink, there’s a spark that they don’t really share with anyone else.

Ink can trust Dream. He can LOVE Dream. Morally and ethically in his book. He has someone he can keep around if he wishes, which means he actually has to…do that. Ink has to learn how to be a good friend if he doesn’t want to lose the only one who he can ever hide from the world with. Ink has to learn to be kinder. Which is good for his development. Because of Dream’s mere presence, Ink has to strive to better himself and understand others to keep him, as we see with the fight. He has to put effort and admit his feelings openly and trust in his vials. If he doesn’t trust in himself— if he doesn’t actually try, he could lose Dream. In the past, he could reason his efforts away with his lack of connection but Dream isn’t like that. He can’t push Dream away because for once, Ink met someone who’s everything he needs, and would likely be terrified of losing the only selfish desire that’s all his. He doesn’t have to share Dream with the Multiverse. He doesn’t have to see him as a piece of AUS. He’s real. He’s one of the only people that can be apart of INK’S story as a main character. A friend. A lover. Anything. There’s no way he would just let that go unless he really despised himself, and Ink just isn’t that self-loathing. He’s too petty and confident for that type of behavior, so he would latch on and never let go.

Meanwhile, with Dream, he’s wanted for the first time in his life. Not because of what he can provide with his aura, or his strength, but because of who he IS. Ink admires and clings to the mere identity of Dream. He loves who Dream is and THAT’S why he can’t let go, which is something Dream never would’ve experienced before. To be wanted so desperately, that your mere origin and role in the multiverse has someone wanting you? Dream is finally loved fully and honestly, from the bottom of his codes. His soul has nothing to do with it. He could be a variety of things— different in a multitude of ways and yet, Ink would still be there clinging. For once, Dream is understood. For once, Dream can trust and let himself be vulnerable. He doesn’t have to be perfect when near Ink, as Ink doesn’t care for Dream’s imperfections and loved them just as deeply. Ink’s mere solitude also makes Dream comfortable because Ink is in no place to judge if Dream gets angry and screams. If Dream one day cracks and the two fight and fight until their throats grow horse, Ink will still be there, hovering close. Dream can hurt, bite, and sob and Ink will still see him as apart of his story. Rather than forced to behave to keep from people getting hurt because of his aura, or faking a smile when he struggling because he has to be perfect, he can be ugly and mean. Ink lets Dream be an actual being.

The fact that the fight even happened? Yeah. That just…leads into this. I don’t think such a fight would happen with any other character for Dream, even when it came down to the same morals. The reason it hurts so bad is because it’s ugly. It’s messy and cruel and they likely say terrible things to one another but that’s the point. They cant do that with anyone else. Dream is ALLOWED to be mean and hold a grudge against an individual. Ink is ALLOWED to mourn and argue back and feel the horrible emotions residing within that makes him want to throw up. Ink feels alive. Dream feels alive. They feel like this because standing off and screaming their heads off is so rare for them, but needed. It completes them and makes them monsters. They may fight, avoid one another, and distrust each other, but the fact they even dare to feel the depths of such emotions is proof of their connection.

Because of this, I don’t think the fight is anything more than a bump in their friendship. There’s too much on the line— too much trust and commitment that neither fully grasp— but can’t live without. They’d end up with one another again out of want and choice. They’d make it work because they desperately NEED to, as they can’t be alone again after the beauty and love they found with one another once upon a time. It’s a feeling nobody can easily give up. Not even Ink himself, lol.

I think Ink can teach Dream that there’s positivity in even the darkest AUS, and that’s what makes it so beautiful. That even in Horrortale, Sans and Papyrus still make jokes with one another and try to find joy. The small specks of happiness in those AUS are the strongest postive feelings Dream can experience, as it’s the result of fighting for something better. Although I think Dream forever will hate negative AUS, Ink himself could teach Dream the importance of the balance and negativity. While terrible in some cases, its presence makes positivity sweeter. It could give him a greater appreciation for them— maybe understanding of Ink’s amazement with all AUS. Dream striving to understand Ink is clear, and I think he’d try even in cases like this, because he loves him. Why wouldn’t he try?

I say all of this with the idea that they don’t even have to be dating during all this. Their connection as people— finding their first true friends in one another— is something I can’t forget about in favor of their romance. They mean more to one another than just lovers.

INK IS Y/N…in a way…

Okay this is a more humorous reason, but it still aligns with the core of Ink. As I stated throughout this essay, Dream is unlike other characters due to the fact he’s not really a Undertale Multiverse character at all. He’s the guardian of positivity and is one of the strongest immortals in the multiverse. Everyone in the Multiverse loves Dream— he’s almost like a prince. Kind, handsome, and a savior to many. He’s the main hero in so many people’s stories, and for good reason. He has a genuinely kind soul and wants everyone to be happy. He also strives to see the good in even the worst people, which is a trait not many can possess. Dream stands out in the Multiverse like a sore thumb because he’s above it all, and also an influence people aren’t used to.

And then we have Ink…anti-social, blunt, loud. He’s not well liked at all by the others in the Multiverse, and he prefers it that way. It’s hard for him to find anyone who tolerates him due to his behaviors and yet….the character that is closest to a prince stereotype is the one to get drawn to him. The “prince” picks Ink and gets heavily attached. While this may sound silly, it’s actually…really important to how Ink views being picked. Ink operates on a weird understanding of typical fandom culture. He is a fanboy of Underfell Sans canonically, and he uses fandom terms when talking to people which confuses them. He’s usually used as a self-insert to make a fourth wall break joke because Ink understands the greater humor of the fandom. That’s who he is. He represents the fandom at the end of the day. Because of this, he also sees the AUS as nothing more than storybooks. He knows the troupes they follow, the story beats each may possess.

Ink know how each story may turn out because of this. He knows what’s expected of each character, and he’s the first to point out if someone is acting out of character because he STUDIES this stuff. So…for Dream to take a liking to him, knowing he fits the kind, prince stereotype? Ink is living his Y/N fantasy, and I fully believe he would get GIGGLY about it. Not only is he experiencing his own story, focused on a storybook romance, he’s dating the person that is supposed to be the most charming and sought after character. The individual that is goodness personified and incredibly handsome to anyone who passes by. Ink, a person who is so disliked, is picked by the favorite. It definitely makes him kick his feet, but it’s bound to make him feel special in some ways. The plot that was picked for him is one where he’s loved and seen as something worth sticking around for. Not just with some random character, but one that is sunshine incarnation. Ink is the opposite completely. And yet, he’s chosen. He’s picked by his “prince”. He lives out his storybook and gets the best ending possible— happily ever after with the kindest love interest you can find.

In Ink’s apathetic viewpoint, he won the lottery. He got the best ending. HE did. And it’s because Dream likes being near him. That’s bragging rights to all the other Inks who are single in their multiverses LOL.

WRAP UP

In conclusion, Drink is a mixture of trust between two individuals who never thought they’d discover such things. Dream can fully be himself with Ink, without fear of abandonment, and Ink can finally chase after someone who is his equal in all the ways that matter.

On a more personal note, Drink means so much due to them both being aroace or coded to be. Their dynamic isn’t as simple as being in love. They are one another’s greatest companions, and the connection these two have is something I cherish greatly. I cant stop thinking about them because of how beautiful their love for one another is— rich in earnest and honesty. It’s such a sweet, yet complex devotion that I have not seen displayed in any other fandom l which is why I always come back to them. There’s so much to them that I’m sure that this essay will not be the last stop of all my thoughts of them. I’ll always have more connections and links to them. And they will always find their way back to one another in all the works I write and create.

If you want a very good fanfiction that embodies all that I talked about here, I highly suggest you check out @grayskiesandink ‘s fanfiction. It is the essence of this post. Most of these points have come to be because their fic got me thinking so deeply about them, and made me realize just how connected these two are.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63163771

I love you drink. PLEASE kiss and make up ur evil evil daughter misses you

CROSS IS SO UGLY I'M CRYING

Hey guys I will try and post more often

(Please no reposts if you wanna please properly credit)

(Repost from September 3rd 2024)

Ink was made by Comyet (aka Mye Bi)

Cross was made by Jael peñaloza

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Dream fiddled with his hands as he trudged down the sidewalk. he had left Palette with Ink for the last two days, and given Ink’s forgetful nature he worried for their child’s condition.

They had only just moved to Underswap to raise their baby away from the problems of the multiverse, and yet Ink had already almost set the house ablaze.

Dream quickened his pace as their house came into view- the outside itself looked untouched, Dream could even swear it looked better than how he left it.

“Goodness, I can practically feel the anxiety seeping out of you!” Dream flinched back as he almost walked into Blue; he had been so focused on the house he hadn’t noticed the skeleton.

“My apologies-“ Dream began apologizing only to get cut off. “I get it, if I had a kid and left it with Ink I would be frightened too,” Blue raised his hand, covering the side of his mouth as he leaned closer and whispered. “Ink’s not really all-there, If y’know what I mean.”

Blue chuckled as he straightened his posture back.“Yeah, he certainly isn’t.” Dream gave a breathy laugh, looking behind Blue at the house. “Enough of that fear and Nightmare is going to find you!” Blue grinned giving Dream a pat on the back.

“I have to go get my brother- the pub is complaining again, but seriously calm down a little!,” Blue looked back at the house as he rested his hand on Dreams shoulder. “I checked on them already, everything is alright!”

Dream smiled as Blue waved him goodbye; knowing Blue had already checked on them gave Dream relief, but Blue is also famous for leaving out fine details.

Dream proceeded toward the house; grabbing the door handle only to find it locked. Ink usually didn’t lock the door- he could care less if a stranger walked in.

Dream clenched his teeth and furrowed before knocking on the door. Shuffling came from inside before he heard the lock turn- Ink opening the door with a tiny smile.

“Welcome home!” Ink greeted, bending over to plant a peck to Dreams cheek. “How’s palette? You didn’t do anything stupid, did you?” Dream shoved past the taller in search of their child. “Nope! I actually was just about to bring him to his room for bed!” Ink swooped into the living room, scooping palette into his arms.

Dream couldn’t help but notice Palettes drowsy state; the kid was always so hyperactive it was a surprise. “How did you tire him?” Dream asked as he bent down to nuzzle his son.

Ink rolled his eyes with a wide grin. “Nobody can challenge my energy! Had to make sure he could tire, he could’ve stolen my title!” Ink giggled causing Dream to smile. “I’m surprised there isn’t a scratch on him, knowing you.”

Dream leaned up and gave Ink a quick kiss before picking up the blanket and plushie from the couch, handing them to the other.

“Thank you for taking this seriously, love.”

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I love wholesome DrInk family content! Which also involves me making Ink an unrealistically good father.

Ink was more authoritative when Palette was younger, but as Palette became a teenager-

Ink developed a more permissive parenting technique while Dream kept his authority.

I haven’t posted in awhile as I haven’t had the energy to draw nor write, but I recently got the energy back!

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Ink!Sans/Ink Belongs Too | Myebi/Comyet

Dream!Sans/Dream Belongs Too | Jokublog

PaletteRoller/Palette Belongs Too | Angeutblogo