Because Nightmare says so and so they have to talk about it.
Ugh.
Cross sits in a chair in the office.
He would much rather be downstairs with the bitties. The two little guys had seemed stressed and more quiet than usual and Cross wanted to fix that.
He isn’t sure what is wrong but he can probably help right?
Nightmare just sits at his office studying them both and Cross glances to the side. Killer is leaning far back in his chair and just staring up at the ceiling.
Nightmare clears his throat before speaking “It seems time we… discussed something we have been ignoring.”
Cross feels himself shrink further into the chair as he crosses his arms. Cross just knows Nightmare is looking between him and Killer.
Silence between all three of them for quite some time.
Killer groans “Fine! Okay! I admit it! I have the wooooorst crush on you both! There!”
Cross blinks and looks over with a snap and Killer is still glaring up at the ceiling. Cross is unsure what to say for a moment.
Killer must take this as a sign to continue so he continues “It is fine! Okay! I have had this crush for ages! And it is fine! I know it isn’t going to change anything!” Killer glares down at the ground as he crosses his arms, hiding his soul in the process.
Nightmare frowns “Killer…”
Killer flinches and looks to the side “… Are we done? I will stop the… whatever. I will stop…”
Cross holds up a hand “It is fine!”
Killer shrugs “No need to feel sorry Crossy. I am fine.”
Cross glares “It isn’t like that you idiot. I feel the same!” he feels embarrassed as soon as he says it but forces himself to continue “I have liked you both as well. For a long time now. It is why… It annoys me when you imply I would like someone else because I love you two so damn much…” he rubs his arm “It felt like… I dunno… that you knew and were trying to get me to see others or something…”
Cross looks up to see Killer stare at him in awe and Cross feels himself grin a tiny bit. Then he looks at Nightmare “Mare?”
Nightmare blinks at them “Yes?”
Cross frowns as he rubs his arm “So... how do you feel about… what we feel about you?” oh stars he sounds cringe.
Nightmare blinks and seems to think over his words “I am… flattered… very flattered.”
Cross frowns “You don’t feel the same?”
Nightmare frowns “That isn’t what I am saying. I feel flattered and care for you both a great deal.”
Killer frowns “But?”
Nightmare sighs as he looks at them “While I think you two should speak about your feelings and what you feel for each other and explore this I think it is for the better if I am not included in this matter.”
Killer jumps up “Why not?!”
Cross holds himself close “You don’t love us?”
Nightmare looks slightly panicked “That isn’t what I am implying. It is just… better if we try not to include me in this situation-”
“Why not?!” Killer glares and Cross nods.
Nightmare sighs as he rubs his face “I am not mortal. I am not even an actual monster or skeleton. I am a tree spirit. A being made of energy and emotion. It is not fair to take a normal relationship from you or put you in an unequal relationship-”
“That is bullshit and you know it!” Killer glares hard.
Cross shoots him a look “Kills!”
Killer continues to glare at Nightmare “No! I don’t care that you aren’t technically a skeleton. We know that! We have always known that! And unequal relationship?! Like hell!”
Nightmare sighs “You work with me and follow my orders-”
Killer throws up his arms and hands “That is work stuff! That is different! When we aren’t on missions or dealing with the council it is just us and we are equals then!”
Cross nods “I agree with Kills… please Nightmare?”
Nightmare sighs as he rubs his face and looks to the side “I am… still uncertain about this but it seems you both have already decided about this matter.” He sighs.
Cross rubs his hands “But… but do you? Do you love us?” it is different if Nightmare doesn’t feel the same. That Cross could accept. Even if it would hurt a lot.
Nightmare stares at them for a moment before smiling “I don’t think it is possible for me to not love you two.”
Cross feels himself smile as he hugs Nightmare and Killer joins in quickly. Next thing he knows is that Killer is kissing him. The kiss ends rather quickly as Killer also very quickly plants a kiss on Nightmare before pulling back with a large grin.
Nightmare chuckles and easily carries them both with his tentacles “I suppose we can try our hand at this relationship business.”
Killer snorts “Not like much is going to change. All that happened is that I now have privileges and I can kiss either of you whenever I want.” And he grins widely.
Cross laughs as he kisses Killer himself before giving Nightmare a kiss.
Cross then lays his skull on Nightmare’s shoulder and just enjoys the close contact with his new datemates for a moment.
Cross hears Killer purr loudly as he is clearly doing the same as Nightmare just holds them both close.
They share a few more kisses before making their way downstairs, well Killer and Cross do as Nightmare still needs to do some work. Killer keeps holding his hand as they walk downstairs.
Killer hums “So what could we do? Play a game? Watch some tv? Have sex?”
Cross blushes and sputters “Kills!”
Killer grins “What? Can’t a guy try?”
Cross glares as his face still feels warm “We have been dating for, and I cannot stress this enough, five minutes.”
Killer stares at him and gives a slow nod “Too soon?”
Cross nods “Yes.”
Killer laughs and nods “Fair enough!”
They get to the living room and go straight to the bitty housing.
Only to see Axe looking sadly at the door.
Killer frowns “Axe? What is wrong?”
Axe looks up at them for a moment before ignoring them as he keeps knocking on the door to one of the closed off rooms “Bunny?”
Oh stop. Just shoot him. Axe calls Renegade Bunny?! Stop! That is too cute. His soul is melting and Cross can’t handle it.
Killer lets out a coo himself as they both sit down.
Then… Cross’s smile falls. Axe keeps knocking on the door and muttering to ask Bunny to please come out and talk to him. But nothing happens. Renegade isn’t reacting at all.
Cross frowns as he looks over at Killer and sees Killer have his own worried face.
Axe lets out a soft whine as he looks helplessly at the door separating them.
Killer frowns and speaks up “Renegade? What is wrong buddy?”
No answer.
Killer frowns and Cross leans on the table with crossed arms “Maybe… didn’t you like your breakfast today?” They had had toast before but maybe it fell wrong? “Are you feeling sick? We can get you something for that.”
Still no answer and Axe isn’t even looking at them as he just keeps a hand on the door and softly whining.
Killer and Cross share a look before Killer gives a nod and runs back towards the hall, no doubt to get Nightmare.
Cross leans on the table and looks at Axe “Did something happen? Axe?”
Axe frowns as he doesn’t even look in his direction.
Cross feels… rejected… and he isn’t even sure why. The bitties… both Axe and Renegade have been comfortable and been feeling at home right? Cross isn’t sure what is wrong. Why is Renegade suddenly unhappy and-
A tentacle gives him a gentle push and Nightmare sits in Cross’s spot “Hello Axe. Can you tell me what is wrong?”
No reaction. Axe doesn’t even look up as he keeps whining at the door.
Nightmare starts to frown as he looks at the door “Renegade? Did we do something wrong?” a moment of silence “Are you hurt?” more silence “Did we hurt you?” Nightmare keeps frowning as he watches the enclosure.
Nightmare raises a hand towards the door but Axe is faster as he twists around and growls at Nightmare as he keeps his back against the door “Leave him alone!”
Nightmare blinks “We are trying to help-”
Axe keeps glaring “Don’t need it!” he turns away from Nightmare and croons at the door again and mutters so much softer and Cross needs to focus to be able to hurt him “I am here… love you… please… please bunny… please… I am sorry…”
Nightmare stands up and nudges them out “Lets give them a moment.”
Cross looks back at the bitties and Killer whines “But… but the little guys.”
Nightmare shakes his skull “They are both feeling a lot of conflicting emotions. I think us being near just makes it worse. We need to give them some space.”
Cross doesn’t like it. In matter of fact he hates it. But he nods his acceptance for now. Hopefully they will soon explain what is wrong and then they can help.
Bueno… me divertí, claro, no lo voy a negar, así que aquí les dejo algunos dibujos de la tierna y dulce historia de Pequeña sorpresa de nuestra gran autora; AnchaAUs
It is Sunday once again! That means another update! we continue with the bitties <3
First Chapter: [Here]
AO3 link: [Here]
*-------------------------------*
Life is great and perfect!
Killer is living The Life and you can’t say anything to change his mind.
How could anything be better?
He is dating the two perfect guys. Like, Killer somehow got both Cross and Nightmare? That amount of luck is probably illegal somewhere but no take backsies!
And!
And!
Just the two most adorable bitties.
Killer has even made some progress with getting to snuggle and kiss Renegade’s tiny skull! And he only got a hiss and one swipe of sharp phalanges from Renegade and only got a suspicious look of Axe in return!
That is so much progress!
It is amazing.
Killer whistles a song as he skips over to the bitty housing. A package in his hands.
Look. Don’t sue him, he just wants to see how far he can stretch his luck.
He was checking out some bitty stores in their usual neutral universe and saw so many cute outfits and he just thinks they would both look great in them!
Killer sits cross legged by the housing and grins widely.
Renegade and Axe are both relaxing by their tiny pool. Renegade looks up at him and immediately looks guarded as he eyes the box.
Killer grins and shakes it a tiny bit “I got you a present!”
Renegade keeps frowning at him. Axe looks up and stares at the box for a moment “What is it?”
Killer grins “I got you two some extra outfits!”
Axe slowly looks down at his clothes. Which are dirty.
Look. It may have been a tiny oversight to just give them a few outfits, which Killer is fixing right now!
Killer nods as he lays the box near the edge so they can easily look inside.
Killer nods “Okay. Who first? You want to go first Renegade-”
“Dust.”
Dead silence and Killer stares at Renegade “What…?” had he… just spoken? Renegade hadn’t spoken since the near soulbreak.
Renegade rolls his eye lights as he looks at him bored “I am Dust. Not Renegade.” And he looks at Axe for a moment. And raises a brow.
Axe just nods and turns “I am Horror. I don’t mind Axe too much but prefer my name.”
Killer blinks slowly.
Oh…
Oh stars…
Killer grins “Yes! Of course! Good to know!” Dust and Horror. Horror and Dust. D and H. That does fit with the writing in that bottle cap!
Killer wiggles and just grins widely at them.
Dust frowns a tiny bit and looks at Horror. Horror tilts his skull and looks at the package “What is it?”
Killer blinks before sitting up right. Right! Present!
Killer grins as he raises the present and opens it slowly, he can see Horror watch with clear interest. While Dust just glances over from the corner of his socket.
Score he got both their attention! Killer grins and raises the first bright blue jacket “Obviously. The blue jackets are already a hit. So I figured some backups would be welcome.” He hands over four copies of the jacket, all large because Horror is a big bitty and honestly it seems like Dust likes to drown in his clothes anyway.
Killer has yet to see him wear any of the stuff actually his size.
Killer grins “Also gives us the chance to wash your dirty jackets.”
Horror frowns “It is fine. We swim with them.”
Killer just stares at them but neither Horror nor Dust seem to think what Horror said was wrong.
Killer takes a deep breath “When… euh… was the last time you guys.. bathed?”
Horror tilts his skull as Dust snorts “We swam this morning.” And nods towards the pool.
The normal sized monster sighs “Yeah, no. That isn’t bathing or cleaning…” Killer wonders if he will lose a phalanges if he cleans either bitty… He thinks he will be relative safe with Horror but Dust tends to go for the kill, not to forget that Horror has been highly protective of his mate and he may attack if Dust gets taken for a bath.
Problem for future him. First clothes.
Killer shows multiple shirts and tiny pants. Most of it is large size but quite a few are also medium. He picked stuff with funny designs and also some bright coloured ones. Killer wants to see if either bitty likes those type of things and give them options. He also got quite a bit of just neutral colours in case they prefer to go with those.
All in all. Killer is very proud of himself.
He pulls out some PJs “And here some pyjamas! That way you can sleep more comfortable in softer stuff!” he hands the first few sets over. Horror tilts his skull as he feels the soft fabric before looking at Dust. Dust frowns at the t-shirt and Killer grins.
“Of course, as Dusty here prefers his hood.” Dust pulls a face at the nickname but remains quiet as Horror nuzzles him. Killer grins as he pulls out the bunny onesie “With hood!” and very cute bunny ears.
Dust stares at it before a blush covers his face and he hides more in his hood. Horror however stares with a lot of interest as he looks between the onesie and Dust.
Killer grins as he hands it over “I got a grey one! With the nickname Horror has for you I figured it would be a nice match!” Dust remains very quiet and Killer can see the tiny blush.
Killer grins “I think it would look cute! A tiny dust bunny!” Horror nods in agreement while Dust makes a very interesting high pitched noise.
Killer frowns “I was wondering. How did you even give Dust that nickname? Like… I immediately thought of dust bunny but I don’t know how often you guys have to deal with cleaning up dust bunnies and stuff from under furniture.”
Horror blinks as he looks at Dust before answering “The way he jumps.”
Killer blinks and looks at Dust “What?”
Dust shrugs but Horror nods “Jumps like a bunny.”
Killer knows his excitement is obvious “Really? Can I see? Pretty please?”
Horror turns to Dust “Please?”
Dust grumbles but gets up as he walks towards the side of the bitty housing, he looks up at the side before nodding as he crouches low and launches himself up and easily on top of the bitty housing. Dust turns to him before snorting.
Killer just stares with his mouth open. Because Dust just did the equivalent of jumping straight up the height of a two floor building, and nailing the landing with room to spare.
Horror nods “Bunny hop.”
Dust sputters and glares as the blush returns.
Killer can’t stop himself as he grabs Dust and coos at him “You are so cute! And that jump! Holy shit! That takes some serious leg strength!” Dust tries to get loose and his blush gets worse with each word Killer says.
Killer coos and puts Dust back down next to Horror, Dust is quick to let out a hiss and hide behind Horror. Still blushing madly.
Killer coos as he leans on a hand and just watches the two “No wonder you were fine outside and in the wild. You could just climb anything you wanted and launch yourself upwards. Serious strong legs there.” Dust having been a full size monster would have been terrifying.
Horror nods and nuzzles Dust “Amazing.” Dust’s blush still hasn’t gone away as he grabs his hood and pulls it even further over his skull to try and hide.
But, Killer can hear that! That very soft purr! That is Dust! Killer grins as he watches the two.
Honestly there is no denying he loves and adores the two bitties. It isn’t even a secret honestly and Killer doesn’t feel bad about it. It is hard not to love the two.
Killer is also very lucky both his partners are in agreement with Killer’s opinion and adoration for the two bitties. Killer had found Cross staring at them both wishfully before. Neither of them had said anything out loud about it before but Killer and Cross had had an understanding between them.
Nightmare ended up sighing and just pointing a chapter in the bitty care book out to them. Cross and Killer had both glanced at it before feeling embarrassed. As it was about how bitties form relationships.
Turns out. That while bitties are small, they are very much still able to consent and feel as normal sized monsters do. It is just rare that a monster or bitty grows interested in each other.
The three of them had spoken about it and how they thought about it with their own very new relationship. And all of them had agreed they wouldn’t mind to involve both bitties on whatever level they wanted. Most likely, only emotional. If they even grow interested.
So… Killer had been trying to push a bit. See where their boundaries lie.
Horror seems fine with most things as long as he gets food for himself and Dust and he gets returned to Dust in the end.
Dust is a bit trickier to figure out. He doesn’t always like being picked up but doesn’t mind getting a ride from one place to the next. He is also a lot sneaker than Killer thought he was. Killer had already tried to grab something out of a bag only to find Dust in there, without ever realising that Dust even left the bitty housing. Killer doesn’t mind being a taxi for the tiny bitty though. It just means that Dust trusts them enough to even allow himself to get near. Which must be very difficult for the previously wild bitty.
Killer watches the two take their time as they shift through all the clothes Killer left for them. Killer must admit he sneaked more cute and pretty clothes in there but that is for them to find and decide for themselves. Even if Killer thinks Horror will rock that little lumber jack outfit he sneaked in there.
Dust has actually gotten his hands on the bunny onesie and seems to stare at it as he feels the material. Horror is obviously just shifting clothes around as he keeps glancing at Dust as Dust inspects the offering.
And yeah, Killer can admit it is pretty much an offering. He just wants them both to love him like he loves them. Is that so much to ask?
Horror tilts his skull at Dust “Bunny?”
Dust seems to get out of his staring as he shrugs before pushing the onesie to the side. It is still in one piece and not pushed out of sight in some corner so Killer will take it as a success for now!
Killer takes some more time to just watch the two bitties interact and do their thing before he goes to the couch and starts up a game. He waves the controller and a second controller into their direction “If either of you want to play let me know! I will start up multiplayer and help you guys get used to the controls.” And he turns back to the game.
Killer plays a few levels as he manoeuvres his character around the dungeon. Looking for items to use and treasures to claim. He plays a few levels and gets lost in the game.
The door opens and that snaps him out of it. Killer blinks and looks around confused at the dark room.
A sigh “Killer.”
Killer looks up and sees the even darker form of Nightmare and he smiles “Mare!” he leaves the game on pause and rushes his partner and hugs him before planting a kiss on his face with a large grin.
Nightmare chuckles and holds him and nuzzles him “Hello love. It is good to see you. Please tell me you haven’t been sitting in this dark room for a long time.”
Killer blinks at him. Looks back at the room. And back at him again “It was light out when I started gaming.”
Nightmare sighs and Cross echoes the noise as he turns on the lights for the room “Seriously Kills. You got to make sure you don’t strain your eye lights so much.” Cross rubs the area under his sockets and Killer leans into the touch with a purr.
Killer hums happily “Sorry.” Even as he says it he tries to get closer for more of that fantastic affection. Cross snorts but happily hugs him as he strokes his skull. Killer sighs before asking half hearted “How did the meeting go?”
Nightmare lets out an even deeper sigh then he did before. Killer shoots him a worried look but Nightmare just shakes his skull and walks towards the kitchen. Killer shoots Cross a worried look.
Cross sighs “Same as always… Dream wanted to talk afterwards and from what I could hear Dream was… pushy about Nightmare having to let himself get purified of his corruption.” Cross shrugs at the horrified look “I know. He just… doesn’t want to hear it.”
Killer huffs as he looks at where Nightmare disappeared to “Maybe… time to bring out the big guns.”
Cross looks over with a confused look.
Killer continues “Some nice wine and cheese. We get pleasantly buzzed and lay together in his bed. Let’s go! I will grab the cheese!”
Cross snorts and nods “Okay. I will grab the wine from the cellar.” And he rushes off.
Killer grins before quickly rushing to the bitty housing. He spots the bitties in their own little storage area where they are still messing with the many clothes Killer had given them. Tomorrow he would try and bath the two and get them dressed in something clean. Killer grins at them “You two need anything? We will be busy for the rest of the evening.” Nightmare always takes the meetings with his twin hard even when he tries to act as if they don’t bother him. Killer and Cross both know it hurts their mate a lot. They will need to help him through it.
Dust frowns up at him “Why go to these meetings?”
Killer blinks “It is our job.”
Dust nods and Killer thinks that is it but then Dust continues “Find a new job.”
Horror looks curiously at Dust and Dust answers the unspoken question “Most large ones have jobs. But they can always switch jobs.” Dust nods into his direction “These meetings make them unhappy. The meetings are connected to their jobs.”
Horror lights up “Which means, to fix that unhappiness. They should change their jobs.”
Dust nods and looks at Killer “When will you switch jobs?” his voice saying the sentence as a fact more than anything.
Killer looks between he bitties. Part of him melts at the fact that these two had clearly been worried about them and had been thinking about a solution. Killer feels sad that… “It… it doesn’t work like that sadly. This isn’t a job we can quit.” Well, Cross and Killer could technically quit whenever they want. But they won’t leave Nightmare behind. Never. Nightmare helped them out of their own personal hell and never gave up on them. Like hell Killer or Cross will give up on him.
Dust frowns “I don’t understand.” He seems deeply offended be this fact.
Horror looks at him as well “Why can’t you stop when it makes you unhappy?”
Killer sighs as he sits down by them “We never really… went into detail about our work because. It gets complex. Remember how after we got you from the store” and yikes just thinking about the fact you can just buy bitties even when they are just as sentient as monsters gives Killer the creeps “We went through this glowy portal door thing?”
Both bitties nod.
Killer nods “Well… it was a portal. To another universe.” The blank looks make Killer rethink his explanation before grabbing a piece of paper “Okay. Imagine your whole life is. This line.” He draws a line. “Now. This is your life as it is now. This is who you are what you do and so this is your universe or timeline. But sometimes. There are very big choices that effect big things like… like…”
Horror nods “Dust following after me instead of staying in the forest.”
Killer grins “Exactly! That is a big choice. So, if you were to have made a different choice.” He makes another line appear halfway out of the other line and shows a split “It can cause a split in your timeline. It leads to a future that is very different from the one you have now, and most likely will make the you in this other timeline or universe another you.”
Both bitties nod again.
Killer continues “That, is what we call an alternative timeline. These splits are not always caused by your own choices either. Like, how Dust decision to follow after Horror didn’t just change Dust’s own life but also Horror’s. And, in the very long run, ours as well.”
Now it takes a moment longer for them to wrap their heads around it before nodding their understanding. Horror has taken to gripping Dust’s hand and Dust rubs Horror’s hand with his thumb, reassuring the bigger bitty.
Killer smiles “Sometimes… things are so very different that the two possible timelines don’t seem to have the same origin at all, maybe somethings look alike or seem to reference each other but it is all so fundamentally different that it just isn’t possible to be the same world. This, is what we call alternative universes.” He waits a moment “Technically, Cross and I are the same person, just from different universes.”
Dust blinks and frowns as he stares at him with disbelieve.
Killer grins “See? Our worlds were so different that there is hardly anything that truly marks us as the quote unquote same. We, those who travel the universes and meet each other, just treat it the same as meeting someone who has the same name by coincidence or who looks like you.” he shrugs.
Horror frowns “This is… interesting. But why tell us? What does that have to do with the work that makes you three unhappy?”
Killer sighs “Nightmare… Nightmare isn’t like anyone in the multiverse, the combination of universes, he is honestly one of a kind. Nightmare and Dream are twins who were born with a very specific role for the multiverse. Guardians of emotions, Nightmare guards the negative ones and Dream guards the positive ones. They… They have been through a lot and had a very bad falling out. Nightmare had been hurt very badly and took that out on Dream.” Which is honestly the easiest way to explain the situation with the villagers attacking Nightmare and the tree and Dream faulting Nightmare “And they have been at each other’s throat for centuries. Not too long ago they finally settled on a truce. They are both needed to keep the balance as there can’t be positivity without negativity and the other way around. The problem is…”
“Dream can’t accept that Nightmare is still the same Nightmare that Dream grew up with. Dream keeps trying to prove that Nightmare… That Nightmare needs curing or help to be better when Nightmare just wants to be, do his job, and be allowed to relax without having others hate him at the first sight of him…”
Killer sighs as he shakes his skull “I know it is a lot… it comes down to that, Nightmare can’t quit. He is unable to quit and… and Cross and I are not going to let him have to deal with all of that alone. He deserves better.” he deserved so much better than the past and childhood he got.
Killer looks back at the bitties and both frown back at him. In the end Horror nods “Okay. Good luck with cheering him up.” he nudges Dust “Come bunny.”
Panic goes through Killer “Wait!” both stop and look at him. Killer searches for the right words “Please… please don’t… dislike him for that…” Please. Please. Please. Killer can’t have ruined this for Nightmare. Nightmare deserves to have people like him. And the bitties had been doing just that!
Dust huffs but Horror just tilts his skull “Why would we dislike him for something he can’t change? Something that wasn’t his choice? Seems unfair.”
Dust nods in agreement but doesn’t add anything.
Killer feels relieve “Thanks you guys. You two are amazing and if you need anything you know how to get it and let me know if you guys want something from the store. I need to run now to get things.” The bitties both nod and turn back to do their own things. Killer grins as he rushes to the kitchen. He grabs the cheese and quickly cuts it in nice pieces. He also grabs some chips, crackers, and some fruits to share between him and his datemates.
Killer wishes the bitties a good night before rushing upstairs.
Back for another chapter of the bitties!! We are slowly coming to the end of this little story!! lets see how Dust will get himself out of this situation :)
First Chapter: [Here]
AO3 link: [Here]
*------------------------------*
Cross stares at Nightmare as he tries to think of how to get the message across before being as blunt about it as he dares “I should just… really go clean out my jacket. I just noticed I have dust in my jacket.” And he stares at him.
It takes Nightmare a moment but then Nightmare’s socket widens as he glances down at the pocket which still holds Cross’s hand, and the sneaky bitty. Killer looks slightly panicked as well before quickly putting a large grin on his face “Really? That must be from ages ago then!”
Cross shoots Killer a thankful look and uses the set up Killer had made him “That is what I figured. So I should really go and get it cleaned!” He can feel Dust trying to struggle out of his hand hold. Cross needs to get home as soon as he can.
Dream gives another smile “I am sure it is fine. We are halfway through this meeting anyway.”
Cross wants to hit someone. Just let him leave!
Then pure panic as he feels Dust escape his grip and moments later feels him crawl into his sleeve and up his arm. Cross can feel the tiny and light grip of the bitty as he makes his way upwards.
Seems like that now Dust is discovered he isn’t going to bother with being stealthy.
Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.
Nightmare notices his panic and nods “Very well, Killer and I have got this covered. Good luck with cleaning your jacket.”
Cross feels relieve and grabs his knife but before he can cut open a portal Dream stops him. Dream glares at Nightmare “It is fine. He can stay.”
Cross chuckles “I would really prefer to go.” Dust has reached his shoulder and is slowly making his way over his clavicle. Cross can feel how he is crawling and moving along it slowly but surely.
Nightmare glares at Dream “What does this have to do with you exactly? That makes you think you can make this decision. If Cross wishes to leave he can leave.”
Dream glares at Nightmare “Oh? So he can only leave when you say he can?”
Nightmare stares at his brother, clearly annoyed “That isn’t what I said and you should stop that bad habit where you twist my words to better fit your narrative.”
Dream looks enraged “I am worried about my friends across the multiverse. I know you don’t understand that as you can’t care about others like that.”
One of Nightmare tentacles trashes but Cross rips his arm out of Dream’s hold and glares “Stop that. I don’t fucking need your babysitting. I never wanted it either. Your interest is unwanted and honestly creepy.” He glares at Dream “And unlike you Nightmare cared enough to help Killer and me out of dying AUs. While you were too busy making friends in happy timelines.”
Dream stares at him shocked and Cross feels a tiny bit of guilt over the hurt look on his face but he steels himself. He is not going to stand by and let Dream talk shit about things he doesn’t understand.
Dream just continues to look sad “I am just trying to help.”
Killer glares harshly from Nightmare’s side “Only now it is convenient right?”
Dream flinches and looks away.
Nightmare sighs and turns to him “Cross?”
Cross nods and goes to swipe when he realises he hasn’t felt Dust move in a while. He freezes and shifts a tiny bit from side to side but… oh no. He shoots Nightmare a panicked look and glances at the ground. Where is he?!
Nightmare realises it himself and switches tracks “Are you alright? Feeling sick?”
Killer grins and puts an arm around his shoulder, easily disguising the actual thing he is doing, which is seeing if he can feel Dust anywhere “Got sick for their useless talking and bumbling? Same!” Killer shoots him a look and gives him an up and down and his sockets pinch in worry.
Oh no. That means Killer doesn’t see anything out of the ordinary. Where did Dust go?!
Cross looks up and feels his own breathing stop. Because in the back of Dream’s cape he sees Dust hang on. Cross remains frozen and doesn’t look away as Dream speaks with some of the others who have gathered.
Killer probably notices his staring “Crossy?” because a moment later Cross hears him gasp as well.
What do they do?!
Nightmare’s tentacles all trash again and Cross can only assume he spotted it as well.
Blue looks around confused “Well, seeing as we got off track anyway. Maybe we can call it for today?” he smiles.
Dream looks at him and blinks before nodding. Dust barely manages to hold on and not fall at the sudden movement. “That is for the best.”
Killer shoots them both a look before rushing forwards and grinning widely up at Dream. Dream yelps and takes a few steps back. Killer grins “Wow. So when you want a break or stop the meeting it is fine? Talk about double standards. But then again.” He grins and puts an arm around Dream before he pokes Dream in the sternum “We are used to your bullshit by now.” Dream glares and pushes him away but as he walks backwards he grabs Dust and puts both hands in his pockets.
Razz glares from where he is acting as if he is important “You are being worse than usual.”
Killer goes to speak when someone else speaks up “Just because none of you have a working brain.”
Oh no. Oh no!
Razz glares “What the fuck? Who said that?!”
And the Dust somehow pops up out of Killer’s sweater neck and attacks Razz’s face with a loud hiss and claws. Razz curses as he takes a few steps back but Killer grabs Dust again with both hands and glares at him “Why did you do that?”
Dust however keeps his skull turned to the others and growling. Clearly unhappy. Cross runs over to Killer’s side and takes the struggling bitty over “Dust don’t do that! You can end up hurt!” Dust continues to glare with his tiny adorable face right at the group.
Razz groans “What the fuck was that?!” he steps behind Blue as he keeps glaring, now blood slowly dripping down his face.
Blue gasps “Why do you three have a bitty!?”
Dead silence around them as everyone turns to stare at Dust. Cross can see that Dust just doesn’t care and continues to glare with all his might at Dream, his tiny skull still obstructed by his hood. Cross sees everyone stare and just pulls Dust closer to him, trying to keep him safe and secure.
Outer glares “I thought they weren’t allowed in a bitty universe?”
Dream frowns “We aren’t. Breaking rules and agreements there Nightmare?”
Nightmare frowns “For your information. We aren’t allowed in the universes in the positivity sphere you set up, which includes most bitty universes. We were in one of the many neutral universes where we found bitties.”
Dream huffs “I highly doubt it.”
“They are right.”
Everyone turns to Error, who is still just laying on the table looking unhappy. He doesn’t even bother to look up “While most bitties are from positive universes. There are neutral and even negative universes and timelines where they also pop up. These universes are rare and rarely have bitties that resemble other big forces in the multiverse but it is possible.” He looks up bored for a moment “A matter of chance of happening upon one of these places.” He goes glares lightly at Nightmare “Removing people from timelines however?”
Nightmare raises a brow “All of us are technically removed from our universes and traveling. They are settled in my universe.” Error frowns but gives a slow nod. He doesn’t like people moving between the different universes and settling in other timelines. Seems like the bitties leaving their universe and going to Nightmare’s universe which is completely out off the universe system is acceptable for now.
Dream glares “They still stole a bitty!”
Killer glares back “For your information we legally adopted Dust and Horror. We did all the legal steps and procedures!” Cross nods his agreement, Killer is right of course. They had to do many trainings and classes to get all the necessary information on bitties and to prove they would take good care of the bitties.
Blue raises a brow “You called them Dust and Horror… also two?” he just looks intrigued as he shoots Cross’s hands a curious look. Cross pulls Dust even closer and tries to hide him more.
Killer waves it off “Please. We called them Axe and Renegade before. Much better than the name Bitey the store gave Horror. But then Dust and Horror told us their names are that so we use those.”
Nightmare steps forwards and Cross relaxes when the tendrils hide Cross, and so Dust, from view “Either way. If the meeting is over it is time we go home. We need to return Dust to Horror and their bitty housing.”
Dream steps over “No! It can’t be healthy for bitties to be in… in… a realm of negativity!” he frowns “I am sure we can figure out where to best move them to and-”
Nightmare glares “You have no right to demand that without knowing anything about them or bitties. You didn’t even ask them what they wanted.”
Dream glares but Ink speaks up “That is an easy fix then right? Just hold that bitty out and we ask him!” he grins.
Nightmare huffs “As if I trust anyone here to not try and grab him and take him from us. No.” he opens a portal “We are leaving. Dream read those reports and figure out where to lessen the positivity. Goodbye.”
Cross rushes through the portal first and looks down at Dust “Why did you do that?!”
Dust shrugs “Curious.”
Killer glares at Dust “And attacking Razz?”
Dust hums and grins “Rude.” Then he pouts “Couldn’t get close to the other one…”
Great. Just great!
Nightmare sighs as he rubs his face “This is a mess.”
Yeah… Cross agrees with that. He walks over to the couch and sees Horror stare at Dust.
Horror hums “Got caught?” Dust just nods.
Wait a minute.
“You were in on it?!” Cross stares with betrayal at Horror even as he returns Dust to his side.
Horror blinks and nods “Yes.” Then he smiles at Dust and nuzzles him.
Nightmare frowns at them “You two know that this means that they will demand meeting you two right? They will try to take you to another world for ‘Your own good.’.”
Horror huffs “Nothing new.”
Dust nods as he snuggles closer to Horror.
Nightmare sighs as he rubs his face. Killer frowns as he sits by them “This sucks. What are we going to do? No one is going to shut up about this!”
Cross frowns as he tries to think of a solution “Well… first we can say that we don’t like taking them out of our universe. Mostly because again, bitties, they are small. We lose sight of them. So that will be a good reason as to why we won’t take them along anywhere.” He glares at Dust “Unless someone decides to give us another heart attack by sneaking out using our clothes.”
Dust stares down and shrugs before a soft mutter “Sorry…” he tugs the hood closer over his skull.
Cross feels his soul break as he leans close and gently pet the bitty “It is okay… we are just scared and worried. We don’t want to lose either of you.” Dust leans into the gentle contact and that gives Cross more happiness than he can logically explain.
Nightmare nods “We can make it so another meeting doesn’t happen. At least for a while. They can demand what they want but our reasons are sound to make it that no one will actually try to force it… But they won’t shut up about it.”
Dust and Horror share a look and Horror looks up “We can come. Tell them we want to stay here.”
Cross’s soul is going to melt with how much he loves his bitties.
Killer coos and nuzzles both of them “It is okay! Thank you, you two are just too cute!”
Maybe it will be alright?
----
It just got worse. They kept whining about meeting the bitties meeting after meeting after meeting!
Cross is this close to punching someone.
He lays his skull on the table and groans “No it isn’t safe to take them here. Yes we heard you want to meet them but it isn’t happening. Let it rest.”
Ink pouts at him “Come on! For old times sake?” and he grins.
Cross glares at Ink “You mean the time you would visit me in a broken universe. Lie about the fact you could have just helped me escape. All so I could be manipulated into kicking off the X-event? Those old times?”
Ink chuckles and nods “Yes!”
Cross hates Ink with every spec of matter that makes him him and if Cross could he would kill the artist.
Killer sighs as he leans back in his chair “And you guys say that we are the bad guys when you all can’t even understand or respect a no.” he just stares at the ceiling. Uninterested.
Cross chuckles and nobs “For real.”
Nightmare just looks annoyed. Clearly he just wants to be done with it. As he has already, multiple times, tried to get Dream to give his report over the overflux of positivity.
Dream rubs his arm “I am just worried and-”
Nightmare rubs his face “For the love of everything holy and unholy. It doesn’t matter! What I do in my own time isn’t your concern anymore. Why is it that you are so focused on what I do instead of your actual job as a guardian?”
Dream glares at the table “It is my job.”
Nightmare looks very unimpressed “Everyone knows it isn’t. You are just making excuses again to not do what you actually need to do. What. Is. The. Status. On. The. Overcharged. Positivity?”
A long silence as Dream doesn’t look up. He hugs his own arms tighter and Cross can see multiple people reach over to reassure him and shoot Nightmare dirty looks.
Dream sighs and nods “There is an overcharge and… it will take a while to clean it up.”
Nightmare raises a brow “Why?”
Dream looks to the side “Well. I have a busy schedule! I need to help so many people and everyone just needs assistance. It will just go slower instead of all in one go.”
Nightmare sighs as he rubs his face “You changed nothing. You are still skipping on your responsibilities to play nice and gain popularity.” He rises from his chair and just stares at Dream with disappointment “I don’t see why I figured you would finally take your duty more serious.”
Dream flinches “Nightmare… I didn’t.”
Nightmare shakes his skull “Don’t. We will come back after you fixed your side of the balance. I am no longer cleaning up your messes. We are leaving.”
Blue frowns “The… the meeting isn’t over yet?”
Nightmare waves him off “The part that concerned me is over. And I hardly understand why I am even here, seeing that none of you take the balance or what I say serious to begin with.”
And they leave again. And immediately all lay on the couches they can reach.
Horror looks up from the game he and Dust are playing “Rough meeting again?”
Cross groans and nods “Yeah.” Just like the other last eight had been. “They just don’t listen.”
Dust frowns as he stares at the screen “Sorry I made things harder…”
Killer coos “It is okay… you didn’t mean to.” He sighs and rubs his face “Have half the fucking mind to just let them meet you two and be done with it.”
Horror nods “We don’t mind.”
Nightmare looks worried “We will need very clear rules for you two’s safety. That you two will have to follow and listen to. Is that okay?”
Both the bitties nod.
Cross is already worried about this. He can’t help but feel like this will either go very well or very badly.
--
“…”
“…”
“This is going to be a mess.”
“Oh absolutely.”
“Think they will react well to us?”
“Maybe… if you don’t try to stab them again.”
“Hey. I didn’t stab that guy last time. I didn’t have my weapon on me.”
“The thought was there.”
“Of course it was there. They are annoying and they insulted our big mates.”
“I didn’t say I disagreed. I can maybe take my axe. Losing one finger isn’t too bad. Should be a nice warning.”
“Oh I like that! I am taking my needle. Make someone lose an eye. I can make the losing an eye for an eye joke.”
It is Sunday once again!! And to start it off I am giving you!! More Bitties :3
First Chapter: [Here]
AO3 link: [Here]
*--------------------------*
Explaining what Killer had found had caused panic with Cross but Cross had luckily been more than willing to do some light lying and manipulating to get access to the information they needed.
Nightmare is very lucky to have Cross as one of his datemates.
While Cross is out and Killer is taking a moment to shower Nightmare stays with the bitties.
Nightmare frowns as he sits in a chair nearby. Axe at this point has his skull in his own crossed arms as he still remains near the door that leads to Renegade’s room.
Nightmare takes a seat nearby as he tries to figure out what their options are when he notices something.
Something that…
Can’t be right.
Because Nightmare can’t feel anything from the room that Renegade is in.
Nightmare gets up and moves towards the roof of the housing. Cross and Killer had shown him how to put it all together and how to open parts of it in emergencies.
Axe looks up and glares as Nightmare reaches for the housing and Nightmare has to grab Axe with a tendril to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself as he tries to stop Nightmare.
Nightmare manages to click open the roof and opens the room.
Only to find an empty room, and a hole in the other wall.
Oh…
Shit.
Axe makes a loud noise of distress and Nightmare can feel the fear and horror come off the tiny guy. Nightmare however has taken to searching the living room after carefully putting Axe back in the housing “Renegade?”
He spends a good twenty minutes searching before he hears footsteps coming near “Heya Nightmare I am off to bed and- Nightmare?”
Nightmare looks up at Killer before looking back around the living room “Renegade is gone. I noticed I felt no emotions from where he should be and after checking I found a hole in the housing.”
Killer jumps up before immediately looking down and checking where he steps “Buddy?! Buddy where you at? It is okay! We just want you safe and sound!”
They search everywhere. Also taking special care to keep a close eye on Axe.
They find nothing.
Nightmare concentrates on his powers and can’t feel Renegade anywhere. Which leads to two possible conclusions. Option one, Renegade’s health had gotten worse and he isn’t able to feel emotions anymore which means he is getting to the critical stage of the soulbreak. Or two, he is outside.
Neither options Nightmare is happy with and Killer is even less once Nightmare shares it with him.
Axe just sits in the housing. Beyond sad and heartbroken and Killer actually picks him up and hugs him close as he reassures him “It is okay buddy. It is okay. We are going to find him and hold him close and make sure he knows he is safe and loved okay?” he nuzzles the bitty with the biggest care in the world before he freezes.
“That… that was the difference.”
Nightmare frowns as he looks up “Killer?”
Killer looks horrified “I nuzzle Axe all the time. I… I didn’t do that with Renegade… I figured… I figured it wouldn’t be welcome… but I would complement Axe as I nuzzle, hug and kiss his little skull…” Killer looks beyond heartbroken as he continues “Before that. We spend months just talking to Axe. Many weeks of which he didn’t even look at us beside a glance. We put in effort and time. We got him personalised gifts… Ever since they moved in we have just been…” he searches for the right words “We didn’t for Renegade! We just gave them attention at the same time and even then more to Axe because he was more willing to accept it and.” Killer looks miserable.
Nightmare quickly walks over and strokes his skull “Shh shh it is okay. We know the difference now and it isn’t too late. We just need to find him and make sure he feels loved. Cross will come back with more ways we can help him and we can make it alright.”
It seemed like such a small thing to be upset about. If you hadn’t dealt with abuse, neglect and abandonment before. Which these bitties no doubt did. And they had accidentally showed favouritism.
They hear the fizz of a portal and look over to see Cross step out holding a bunch of books “I found some things and-” Cross stops as he takes in the scene. Clear fear in his emotional field and face “What is wrong?”
Killer looks down and mutters “We can’t find Renegade anywhere…”
Which leads to all three of them searching. They first search the castle from top to bottom and find nothing.
They eventually have to conclude that Renegade isn’t inside. Which leaves the very large forest around his castle. Where it had started to rain not too long ago.
Still they search but when the lightning starts Nightmare has to call it quits for the day. Neither Cross nor Killer agree to this notion and he has to drag both back inside.
Nightmare sighs “You both are going to get sick if you stay out in this weather any longer-”
Killer throws up his hands “Which is exactly why we should continue looking! What if Renegade gets sick?!” Cross nods along clearly agreeing with him.
Nightmare shakes his skull “I don’t like it either. But Renegade knows how to survive outdoors. It is already dark and raining at the moment. We need to wait until it is light and dry, that way we will be able to search better and hopefully find him.” He rubs both their cheeks “This is a locked universe. There is nothing beyond the forest. Not to forget the only animals in that forest are Killer’s cats and those are very well raised and will be in the castle with the rain outside. He will be safe as I highly doubt he will end up hurting himself.” He nudges them to the stairs “Go take a shower and get cleaned up. I will make sure Axe has everything he needs for the night.”
Cross and Killer both look unhappy but nod and after a quick goodnight kiss they both move upstairs.
Nightmare watches them go before going to the bitty enclosure. He quickly finds Axe sitting just outside of it. Looking around anxious, all while holding that same damn bottlecap he showed them ages ago.
Nightmare leaves Axe be for now, he doesn’t want any company from him, and goes about checking if there is enough food and water available for him. Nightmare also checks if everything is locked up properly just in case. They already lost Renegade, if Axe also disappears Nightmare doubts his two datemates would be able to recover.
Who is Nightmare kidding, he would also not be able to manage losing another bitty.
Nightmare watches Axe just sit there for a moment. Watching the bitty clearly miss his bonded and partner.
Nightmare looks down at his hands “I apologise. We were supposed to take care of you two and we failed.”
Axe doesn’t even glance in his direction. Just watches the window as he hugs the bottlecap close.
Nightmare nods “I understand that you don’t wish to communicate with us anymore…” It hurts but Nightmare can accept that they lost that trust with their failure “But I swear we will find him again.” There is no alternative.
Axe remains silent.
Nightmare checks once more to make sure that the enclosure is closed before leaving the living room. He goes to his bathroom and cleans up from the day. He only focusses partly on it as most of his attention is on his extra sense as he searches for any sign of Renegade.
He finishes getting ready for bed and goes to quickly check in on his two datemates. Killer lays asleep in bed but has a troubled dream. Nightmare pets his skull and takes some of the negativity away. Killer hums and relaxes in his sleep. Nightmare smiles and leaves him be. He goes to Cross next, only to find the room empty and the window open.
Nightmare isn’t even surprised at this point.
He doesn’t even pauses as he launches himself out of the window and into a tree nearby. He focusses and quickly enough senses Cross’s worry and determination.
Nightmare is honestly not even surprised.
It only takes a moment before he finds Cross. The other is completely soaked and dripping with rain as he reaches under some roots. His jacket is covered in mud. Clearly he went straight outside after getting to his room.
Nightmare walks over to his side “Cross.”
Cross flinches as he keeps pushing mud and dirt aside “I am sure I can find him Nightmare.” he continues to dig between the roots “What if he went to hide under roots and got stuck in the mud?! I need to check! If we wait until tomorrow he may drown in mud!”
Nightmare has to physically pull Cross back and hugs him “Cross.”
Cross sobs as he hugs him back “He is already feeling hurt… I don’t… I don’t want to leave him behind Night… please… I just need to find him and everything will be okay and and.” He leans against Nightmare.
Nightmare hugs him close “You are tired Cross. You need to get some rest.”
Cross shakes his skull as he pushes away and looks into the dark forest “No it is fine! Just a bit more!”
Nightmare pulls Cross back into an embrace, he feels cold “You are exhausted and had a long day. You need your rest Cross or-”
Cross sneezes.
Nightmare sighs but knows he is smiling “You will get sick.” He honestly isn’t surprised.
Cross sniffles as he rubs his face “Just… just the rain!”
Nightmare shoots him a look “And how would that work?”
Cross sniffs as he stares at him “I want to find Renegade…”
Nightmare softly bonks their skulls together “I know. I will keep an eye out okay? And once the sun is up and the rain stopped Killer and I will continue searching while you get better.” He picks Cross up and carries him back.
Welcome back to the newest chapter of bitty adventures!
First Chapter: [Here]
AO3 link: [Here]
*----------------------*
Nightmare enters the living room early as always. The first thing he does is check in on the two bitties using his power. He senses both of them content and still asleep. Good, they need their rest. Nightmare makes his way towards the kitchen and turns on the coffee maker. It putters away as he gets out the necessities to make breakfast. Some omelettes are on the menu today and Nightmare goes about cutting the vegetables he plans on using in it and mixing up the egg and milk mixture.
Nightmare goes about making breakfast as he enjoys the silence for today. His mind silently going over what he will need to do today.
His tendrils take the coffee and fill his mug before Nightmare grabs a few cubes of sugar and milk and mixes it into the dark mixture. It instantly becomes a lot lighter and Nightmare enjoys the first sip as he finishes the first omelette.
He puts in the mixture for the second one when he hears tiny steps behind him. Nightmare takes care to cut a part off the first omelette and puts it on a very tiny plate they had managed to get their hands on. It is pretty much a tiny plate for egg shells but works for the new purpose as a giant plate for the bitties.
Nightmare turns and spots Renegade on the counter. Staring at him from the dark of his hood.
Nightmare is very lucky with his ability to see in darkness and shadows as he can make out the thoughtful face staring at him. Nightmare nods “Good morning Renegade. I apologise if I woke you.” he hands over the tiny plate.
Renegade shrugs and immediately starts eating. Grabbing the still warm egg with his hands and eating it very quickly.
Nightmare had honestly expected it to take longer for Renegade to come near them. It had taken Axe a long time before he would even truly acknowledge them and interact with them. Axe had had a certain distrust in them and had watched them for a long time.
Renegade seemed to just, not have this. Don’t misunderstand, there was no true trust that Renegade held for them. Mostly indifference with some curiosity. But no hostility or clear distrust like Axe had started with.
Nightmare assumes it is because they had already at least partly proven themselves to Axe and so Renegade had accepted them a little easier.
But neither of the bitties had confirmed this to him and so he would just wait them out.
At least Renegade seems fine and calm with the change of housing.
Or he is just acting as if he is fine and calm. Renegade hasn’t spoken to them yet but Nightmare is patient. It took Axe a long time too.
Nightmare continues cooking the breakfast for everyone “How do you like the omelette?”
Renegade pauses before he shrugs and continues eating his meal.
Nightmare nods “If you have a favourite food please do tell or let us know. That way we can implement it more. Much like we do with Axe’s fruit.”
A stab of slight annoyance.
Nightmare blinks and looks over “I am sorry. Were you annoyed by my implying you should speak or communicate or by me talking about Axe?”
Another stab of annoyance but only near the end.
Nightmare nods “Is it because I am talking about him?”
Renegade glares down at his plate but ends up shaking his tiny skull.
Nightmare frowns “Then what is bothering you?”
Renegade keeps glaring at the food in front of him before huffing and looking to the side. Nightmare keeps waiting. He knows he is pushing but maybe this way he can figure out something to help Renegade and make him feel more comfortable or at home or even heard.
Renegade taps the plate before muttering “Isn’t his name.”
Nightmare blinks as he tilts his skull slightly “Well… we know… we just realised that he didn’t enjoy being called Bitey and we wanted something to call him in the meantime.”
Renegade keeps glaring down and shrugs.
Nightmare frowns as he turns back to the food and he continues making it “If… either of you prefer we use a different name we will. We just need to know what you want to be called.” It hadn’t sat well with Nightmare that people just gave bitties names. They are monsters after all. They may be smaller but Nightmare could feel their souls and emotions and magic. They are just like other monsters, just tiny. And Nightmare thinks it is horrible that they are treated as toys and pets just because of their size. But they also hadn’t wanted to just refer to Axe as ‘A Bitty’ that had seemed too dismissive and not special. They decided on this nickname for now but apparently that brought Renegade discomfort. Which Nightmare understands, it probably felt like they were trying to erase some of Axe’s personality or identity in some way as they referred to him with a different name.
Renegade stays quiet as he eats his breakfast.
A stab of panic from the living room and Nightmare raises his voice just a tiny bit “He is in the kitchen with me.” Should Nightmare just not refer to either of them with their nicknames? Would they prefer that?
Renegade shoots him a curious look and moments later Nightmare hears running steps and a look over his shoulder confirms Axe having run into the kitchen looking around panicked. Axe spots Renegade and huffs.
Axe walks over and Nightmare holds a tendril out which Axe tries to climb but he almost slips. Nightmare is quicker and holds unto him and lifts him up the counter “Careful there.” He lets go of Axe and Axe quickly joins Renegade’s side and checks him over. Soft mutters are exchanged between the two and Nightmare chuckles as Renegade feels embarrassed by the given attention. Axe meanwhile tests the other’s arm and shoulder with care before relieve fills the other bitty.
He makes a second tiny plate for Axe and gives the second bitty his food. Nightmare makes sure to also fill up Renegade’s plate again before he turns back to preparing breakfast.
It is nice to have them relax near him and Nightmare sets the table with his tentacles as he cooks breakfast.
Cross walks in first, freshly showered after his morning workout and he smiles at the sight in the kitchen “Hey boss!” and he coos at the bitties “Hey you two. Slept alright?”
Renegade huffs and shrugs while Axe nods before taking another bite.
Cross smiles and looks at Nightmare again “Need help?”
Nightmare chuckles “I have this covered. Do you mind getting the drinks out and waking Killer?”
Cross nods “No problem!” and Cross goes to the fridge and starts to work on orange juice. Cross is quickly finished and leaves the kitchen to retrieve Killer.
A tap on the counter and Nightmare looks over “Yes Axe?”
Axe looks at where Cross left before looking back at Nightmare “Boss?” and waits.
Nightmare chuckles “A leftover nickname from a while ago. I originally hired them to help me with my work. Nowadays we all work together with the same purpose but the nickname stuck.” Maybe showing that it truly is fine to call him something other than his name will help the bitties relax about having their nicknames?
Axe considers it before nodding and turning back to the food in front of him.
Cross walks back in as he drags Killer behind him. Killer yawns widely and grins at the bitties “Hey there you two cuties. I could just eat you two up.” and he makes a kissy face towards the bitties.
Axe rolls his eye light as Renegade lets out a low hiss. Clearly not appreciating the teasing and flirty comments just yet.
Cross huffs “Don’t annoy them Killer.” And he pushes Killer to a chair.
Killer grins and winks at Cross “Don’t worry Crossy, you and boss are still my favourites.” And he makes a kissy face.
Cross freezes for a moment as he starts to blush a tiny bit “Take this serious Kills!” and he takes a seat himself.
Nightmare chuckles as he places the food on the table before looking at Axe and Renegade “Do you two wish to remain on the counter or the table?”
Axe looks at Renegade and Renegade shrugs as he takes another bite.
Axe looks back at Nightmare “Here is fine.” And he goes back to his food.
Nightmare nods and takes his own seat. It takes but a moment before all their plates are filled and everyone is eating peacefully.
They make small talk and Killer ends up starting the conversation “Do we have to do anything balance wise or are we still in the clear?”
Nightmare thinks it over for a moment “I think it is honestly going towards the negative side of things. I will have to send Dream a message to do something about it and make sure he knows not to overdo it again or risk a disbalance in the other direction.” He thinks for a moment “We will also need to check the apartments in swapfell. We have not checked the boilers in those units in a while and with winter fast approaching I want to be sure their heating and warm water is working.”
Killer nods and grins at Cross “Maybe Crossy can tell him. What with the crush and all that.” And Killer winks at Cross who sputters and waves his hands. As this happens Killer turns to Nightmare “I can check them quickly and if anything looks off make a list to send someone for maintenance.”
Cross glares at Killer “That isn’t funny Kills. And I am sure a message from Nightmare would be enough.”
Killer grins and nods “Of course of course.”
Nightmare wonders how long it would take them to actually confess. Nightmare himself would… like it very much to be more included but he is afraid of a power imbalance or them feeling like they aren’t equals. Nightmare foremost just wants them happy and hopes they can at least find that happiness together. Nightmare does selfishly hope they would remain in the castle with him, being near them is enough for Nightmare.
Killer grins at Nightmare “What do you think Nightmare?”
Nightmare raises a brow at Killer and waits a moment before answering “Dream should act once he sees my message.” And he takes another small bite and continues after chewing and swallowing it “I will drop you off in the right universe to check the boilers.”
Killer laughs as he leans against Cross “That is easier for us!”
Cross snorts as he pushes Killer to the side but he keeps smiling.
The rest of breakfast is calm and at the end Cross starts to clean up the dishes as Killer leans closer to the bitties “You two need a ride back to the living room?”
Axe nods while Renegade lets out an offended gasp. Killer however grins widely as he picks both bitties up. Renegade is quick to start kicking and hissing as Axe just relaxes in the hold and stares up at Killer with a tiny blush which is rather cute to see, his eyelight no longer just a slit but much rounder. Not as round as when he stares at Renegade but it is looking more like it.
Killer happily walks over to the living room and first puts Renegade down as he has the most issues with it before purring at Axe “Aren’t you just the most adorable little thing.” And Killer nuzzles Axe before putting him down.
Renegade immediately hugs Axe and hisses low and long. Axe blinks and nuzzles the top of Renegade’s head.
Killer coos and Nightmare walks over with a chuckle “Let them be Killer.”
Killer purring “But they are so cute! I just want to hug and nuzzle them all the time!”
Renegade looks up and glares “Go nuzzle your own mate over someone else’s!”
Silence.
Killer sputters “What?”
Renegade feels beyond done “Your own mates.” and Renegade points at Nightmare-wait!
Nightmare freezes and his tentacles spasm “We aren’t like that.”
Renegade looks very unimpressed “Suuuuuuuuure.” And he grabs Axe’s hand and drags him with him towards one of the more secure and hidden nest areas.
They are left in a silence.
Nightmare coughs “Well then… that was… something.”
Killer looks down with a blush and laughs “Hah! Yeah! Wooh! No idea how they thought that! It isn’t like we… ever! Or we feel like! Stuff!”
Nightmare frowns at Killer “Killer-”
Killer rushes out of the room “I need to go grab a thing that is somewhere not here and see the cats bye!” and he is out of the house.
Nightmare frowns before sighing. It is time they talk about the emotions that have until now been unresolved.
-------------
“… That wasn’t nice bunny.”
“He had his stupid face all over you.”
“He meant nothing with it. He just shows affection.”
After this chapter just one more and this little story is finished <3
First Chapter: [Here]
AO3 link: [Here]
*---------------------------------*
Killer doesn’t like this. But it was the only way.
Even as he keeps both Horror and Dust close the others on the council stare in slight awe.
Someone already suggested getting them tiny chairs so they can sit on the table but Horror had just said ‘No thanks.’
Fuck Killer loves those sassy little bitties.
Horror and Dust both just sit right by Killer as they ignore everyone around them. Nightmare took a book for them and the two bitties are just slowly reading the book together as the meeting continues on around them.
Blue looks across the table at them with actual hearts in his sockets “They are so cute… Can I please see them from closer?”
Killer glares “No.” Blue looks heartbroken as he stares wishfully at the two bitties.
The meeting had been going slower than usual but there were also less fights than usual. Which is nice for a change.
The only person who they had let come close had been Error. With Nightmare needing the god of destruction to stay on his good sight it would be a good show of faith and trust. They had all been ready just in case.
Error had stared at the two as the two had stared back before shrugging. He muttered something about them being smaller than his puppets before walking towards his usual spot.
Talking about spots.
Killer is sitting in the middle of Nightmare and Cross this time. As he was on bitty duty to make sure neither bitty got into trouble or anyone tried to steal them. It was working rather well so far. Killer thinks he got the best deal as he could just watch the bitties go about their business.
Even if the meeting was going on for an annoyingly long time.
Dust eventually looks up from the book and shoots Killer an annoyed look “Killer.”
Killer nods “Yeah Dusty?”
Dust pulls a face but he continues on “Are these meetings always this… useless?”
Dead silence around them and Killer grins as he shrugs “Normally there is a lot more shouting.”
Dust huffs before nodding and turning back to the book.
Dream leans a bit forwards “We just try to make sure everyone agrees and understands the decisions made.”
Dust frowns at him “Why?”
Dream grins more as he looks slightly smug “It is good to have everyone pitch in and share their opinion.”
Dust continues to stare “Why?”
Dream pauses before chuckling “It is polite.”
Dust rolls his eye lights and asks again “Why?”
Dream frowns “I… am unsure what you wish to know?”
Dust lets out a long annoyed sigh before speaking “Why bother? None of their opinions matter.”
Another long silence.
Dream stands up “Of course they do! They live in this multiverse!”
Dust tilts his skull, looking completely calm “But they don’t contribute to the balance. They don’t feel the balance. Even if they know what it is and what it implies they can’t understand it. Meaning they can’t judge correctly concerning it. Meaning this whole meeting is useless as their opinions don’t truly matter. All that will happen is that they get to judge about something they don’t understand or have knowledge about.” He looks at Horror and Horror nods and Dust moves to the next page and turns back to read.
A very long and awkward silence.
Dream shoots Nightmare a look “What did you tell them!?”
Nightmare frowns “Look at Killer. He explained the basics of these meetings and our work. Not me.”
Killer shrugs at the glare send his way but Dust looks up with his own glare “Don’t glare at Killer for speaking the truth you wish to hide.”
Again a long silence and Killer coos as he leans closer and grins widely at Dust “Aw you do care!” and he makes a kissy face at the bitty.
Dust rolls his eye lights and pushes his face away. Horror however snorts and nuzzles Dust “Calm bunny. Don’t want trouble.”
Killer must disagree because he can see that look in Dust’s sockets. Dust wants trouble, and preferably he wants to cause it. Killer is just wondering how he can help the other.
Cross coughs and tries to get the focus back on the meeting at hand but they aren’t going anywhere at the moment. Too distracted by what the bitty implied and asking Dream very specific questions. Dream tends to shoot Nightmare looks but Nightmare just shrugs and waves at Dream to answer.
The conversation goes nowhere as it very quickly becomes obvious that Dream had been leaving some information out on purpose and he doesn’t wish to discuss it. Meaning everyone is trying to get the information out of him now.
Then Ink shows up with Sci.
Dream jumps up “Ink! You are finally here! Where were you?”
Ink grins as he raises a small bottle “A present!”
Sci rubs his arm as he nods “It is a medical thing. There are many universes for bitties and in some of these the bitties wish to temporarily be bigger. They sell these growth elixirs to enable the bitties to be bigger. Ink came to me and said it may be useful to have these on hand in case the gang took the bitties along-” and Sci notices them and yelps.
Ink grins as he holds up a tiny vial “Sci recreated one! It is the first version and only short for a hour but this way the bitties can actually join in on the discussion!”
Red snorts “They seem to have been fine so far.” And he sends them a look before laying back on the table. Clearly already over it all.
Blue however looks beyond excited “Oh that is great! That way they can truly meet us without anyone having to be afraid they may get hurt in any way!”
Cross glares “We are not giving random drugs to our bitties! What the hell is wrong with you!”
Ink just stares as he tilts his skull “It is fine! Sci recreated it!”
Sci looks a lot more nervous “We haven’t… tested it yet. Maybe best to wait longer? This is just a prototype and-”
Ink marches over to them and Killer pulls both bitties close as he growls “Stay the fuck back you paint drinker.”
Cross stands between him and the artist “Back off Ink.”
Ink grins “Come on! Just a tiny sip and test!” He puts an arm around Cross “For your good old friend!”
Cross pushes him off “We are not friends. And back off.”
A pat on his hand and Killer looks down. Dust stares up at him bored “I want that vial.”
Silence.
Killer looks at the bitties panicked “No wait. Dusty. We don’t know if it is safe.” Horror also shoots Dust a worried look.
Dust hums “I will be fine. How long?”
Ink grins widely “Sci said anywhere between thirty minutes and an hour.”
Dust blinks and Killer is once again reminded that neither bitty has any sense of time beyond day and night. They just don’t bother with it.
Dust looks back up at Killer and Killer whines “Dusty…”
Dust points at the vial and waits.
Nightmare looks long at Ink “I hope you realise. That if anything happens to him. You will be punished. Badly.”
Ink chuckles “We still have the truce.”
Nightmare doesn’t even hesitate “And then the truce will be over and we will go right back to how it was before. And instead of bothering with Dream. We will be gunning right for you.”
Ink gasps “But Sci made it!”
Sci sputters but Nightmare speaks “And even Sci is telling you to not test it in this way.”
Silence as Dust still reaches for the vial Ink is holding.
Nightmare stares the artist down “So think long about this decision Ink. Because there will be consequences. And we will make sure you remember them.”
More silence but a gasp as Blue points. Killer looks down to see Dust, no longer in his hand, but on Ink’s arm before he jumps to the table, a certain vial in his hands.
Cross whines and dives after him only for Dust to bunny hop over the much larger skeleton. Holding the vial easily above his skull.
Killer has to secure his hold on Horror as Horror is also already halfway to being free “Damnit. No. Horror please stay put. Dust!”
Dust looks so goddamnit smug as he holds the vial “Mine.”
Dream looks panicked, same for Ink as Ink now no doubts realises the possible consequences while Nightmare leans a tiny bit closer but stops when Dust takes a few steps back.
“Dust. Please return that.”
Dust thinks for a moment before shaking his skull.
Nightmare nods “I understand. That is yours. But it may just hurt you instead of aid you in anyway. We can try and get a better version of the elixir? From a more trustworthy source.”
Dust seems to consider it before shaking his skull and just downing the vial.
It is empty before they know it and Dust waits.
Nothing happens and Dust huffs “Rip off.”
Killer sighs in relieve as he lays on the table “Thank everything. Come on Dusty. Please?”
Dust sighs but walks back towards him even as he drags his feet. Horror makes grabby hands at his fellow bitty but then Dust pauses and frowns as he rubs his sternum.
Cross doesn’t bother with waiting anymore and climbs on top of the table and tries to reach for Dust when a flash of red and blue covers him.
When the flash disappears there is now a normal sized skeleton sitting on the table. Rubbing his sockets and sternum.
Killer can’t help but stare because shit those tiny grey freckles are so much clearer now. The tiny ring of blue in Dust’s socket is so much clearer and lighter than Killer thought. The gradient on his hands from grey to white is much more even than he expected.
Also. Very naked. And Killer can’t help but stare in awe. He is gorgeous…
Cross gets to him first and puts his jacket around him “Dust?! Are you okay? Feeling sick? Can you move?” Killer can see that Cross doesn’t dare to touch him after putting the jacket around him. Hands hovering over the other.
Dust turns his hands this and that way before looking at the jacket curiously and putting his arms through the sleeves after which he pulls the hood up and over his skull. Dust then turns towards Cross and grins at Killer’s mate “So sweet.” And Killer can see a bit of a blush appear on Cross’s cheeks as Dust just gets up and walks to the side of the table and jumps off.
Killer gets it, Dust is pretty.
Red grins and whistles “Damn you are a looker. Can’t really see it when small but it is a very nice improvement.”
Dust looks at him. Raises a brow before flipping him the bird.
Red blinks before laughing as he leans back in the chair, obviously looking the now not small bitty up and down.
Dust huffs and makes his way towards Killer and Nightmare, a little bit shaky on his legs but doing alright. Cross quickly follows.
Ink grins and puffs up his chest “See? Completely safe!”
Nightmare glares at him before looking worried at Dust “Are you okay? Do you feel sick?”
Dust hums as he gets to Killer “ ‘M fine.” He takes Horror form Killer for a moment and the two bitties nuzzle each other and both purr. Dust’s purr is now much louder and Dust seems surprised by it for a moment while Horror looks very proud of his handy work. Dust kisses Horror’s skull before handing him back to Killer.
Killer frowns “You don’t want to keep holding him?”
Dust nods “I do. But I don’t know when I will shrink again.” And he shrugs.
Ink looks curious and Dream smiles widely as he starts to speak “Oh this is wonderful! If we can get more of those elixirs you can live on your own-”
Dust cuts Dream off mercilessly “Don’t want to.”
Dream frowns “Look. We are just trying to look out for you and-”
Dust cuts him off again “No you are not.”
Dream glares “Stop interrupting me.”
Dust crosses his arms “Stop acting as if you know what is best for me.”
Dream crosses his own arms “We are just trying to do what is best and-”
Dust tilts his skull “Why are you trying so hard to take away anything that makes your brother happy?”
Silence as Dream sputters “I- I am not-”
Dust continues “Yes you are. First, you tried to get Killer to leave Nightmare behind, something about saving him and going as far as to tell others he was being abused so they would try to get Killer to leave Nightmare. After that you tried to get Cross to leave his new home with Nightmare and Killer and join you. Not because you actually like him but because it was the ‘better option’. Then, once the truce happened you tried to convince both Killer and Cross to move and find other homes in the multiverse. Then when it turns out your brother adopted Horror and me you tried to tell him he can’t take care of us and we need to move for our own safety. And now I am a bit bigger you are trying to give me things and get me to agree to move out and live on my own and to take Horror with me.” He slowly tilts his skull “Why are you trying to make your brother miserable?”
A long silence as Dream just stares in shock.
Dust gives a slow nod “Anyway. I wanted to be big for a few reasons. First.” And he punches Dream hard enough in the face to make him fall backwards and against the table, a crack had been heard loud and clear. Dust stares down at him “That. Is for making Nightmare feel miserable and causing people to dislike him because you, Dream; can’t work together, communicate, or admit you made a mistake because you prefer to keep your perfect image over admitting you wronged your twin.”. Dust waits for a moment before saying more “Second.” He turns around and high kicks Ink straight in the jaw. He walks over to Ink and spits on him “For leaving Cross in a dying world all alone just because you wanted to kick off an apocalypse because it seemed like an interesting storyline to you.” Dust stares at the council for a moment before sneering and turning away. “Third.”
And Dust marches over to Killer and Killer blinks before two hands are on his face and- OH SHIT! Dust is kissing him. And that is tongue. Holy shit. What?!
Dust pulls back before doing the same to Nightmare and moments later to Cross. Dust steps back looking very smug “Much better. Hard to kiss our big mates when we are tiny.” And Dust looks at Cross “Can you open a portal for us?”
Cross, who just stands there blushing and staring gives a slow nod as he fumbles with his knife and cuts a portal open.
Dust just nudges Killer through it first and Killer, and Horror, are in their living room again.
Killer blinks and looks in shock at Horror. Horror looks so proud.
Killer finally finds his voice “What?”
Horror looks up and grins “Dust doesn’t like it when those he loves are hurt. He gets aggressive. He was waiting for his chance to stab Dream in the socket but this probably worked better for him.”
Killer feels his mind crash and he isn’t sure how to even react. Then he is joined by Cross and Nightmare and the portal closes. Cross stands there hiding his face while even Nightmare looks bashful.
Dust however walks around with a tiny spring in his step, looking very content as he pushes two couches together and fills the created space with blankets and pillows. Then he leads Cross into it, and then Nightmare. And lastly Killer himself.
In a matter of five minutes the now large bitty had created a nest and gotten all of them in there before getting himself comfortable laying on them. After which Dust promptly fell asleep with Horror near him also asleep.
Killer speaks up “What… what just happened?”
Cross mumbles, still blushing dark purple “I… I read about it in the books? That bitties can form emotional attachments and fall in love with normal monsters but that it is rare.” He covers his face “More… bitties make nests for their mates.”
Right!! Dust had called them his big mates. Oh fuck.
Nightmare just lays in the nest “… That… that is going to be a mess.”
Yeah… No kidding… Killer doesn’t mind it though, how can he when Dust’s warm form is curved perfectly against him.
Killer must admit it is very hard to try and focus. He doesn’t want to do anything to ruin this peace and the not so small bitty is asleep. Even if he can feel the other breath and feel the magic of the other soul so so close to his own.
Killer, Nightmare and Cross are still exploring their sexual relationship and well, apparently Killer also really wants to explore the sexual side of the possible relationship he has with the bitties.
Wait does that mean they are technically already dating in bitty relationship norms? Why did neither of them tell them?!
For now Killer tries to not let his hands wander too far over the smooth and bare bones of Dust. Killer is happy to notice that Cross seems to be having a similar crisis as he looks straight up at the ceiling and doesn’t even try to breath with Dust’s skull right by his neck.
Fuck.
Killer needs to talk with Sci about making more of that growth elixir.
