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.
Hello! What is this? This is something I normally only do on my AO3. My normal uplaod day is Sunday over there and I try to upload a chapter of a completed series every Sunday.
The thing is. This one is a short one and I figured everyone here could also appreciate the bitties. So I am cross posting.
The link to the AO3 story is Here.
Enjoy the bitty madness :)
---
Summary:
With the truce in place Killer, Cross and Nightmare are free to travel around the multiverse.
They never expected to come across some Bitties who proceeded to steal their souls. They hope they at least did the same in return.
*---------------------------*
Cross can honestly say he is happy with the truce.
And no Killer that has nothing to do with the fact that they now are included in the council meetings and that Dream has been talking to him again.
Cross can admit it is nice to be able to try and repair his friendship with Dream but the eye brow wiggles from Killer has to stop.
Seriously, they are skeletons how does he even do it?
Cross just loves the fact that they can now actually go to neutral universes for their shopping without having to worry that someone is going to act weird.
Well they still act weird but now they can’t refuse service as easily or raise the prices because the Stars will be mad at them.
At the moment Killer and him are doing some grocery shopping. They had found this new neutral universe and it is perfect!
The monsters were never locked underground. They are chill about skeletons. They hadn’t even met the ‘main cast’ just yet! It is a large enough universe and world that they just, hadn’t ran into their own alternative and honestly it is a nice change of pace. Cross is getting tired of always having to explain that ‘yes technically he is Sans’ and ‘No they aren’t the same person because environment and nurture affects how a person shapes,’ and ‘It is more like having the same name and coming from two different countries.’. Cross can’t even count all the times people in universes have gotten weird about their own universe version of him after meeting any of the universe travellers.
Either way he is getting off topic.
The shops are all up to date and modern and have a large amount of styles.
Hell! Even boss had been treated neutrally here!
Instead of the fear and distrusting glares shot his way, this universe had been kept completely out of the loop! Which means they just see Nightmare as just another monster. Hell at most someone asked Nightmare if he was part slime monster.
Cross had managed to keep it together but Killer had wheezed and fallen over laughing.
Cross is also unsure how Nightmare had managed to keep a straight face before giving a charming smile and telling them that he got that a lot, but that it was just an expression of magic which caused the form. The monsters who had asked had quickly apologised for being rude. Nightmare however had just continued to smile and reassured the other that it had been alright as they hadn’t meant it as rude or negative but from a place of interest and respect.
Cross sometimes wonders if the war could have been over quicker if Nightmare had used his charms instead of the intimidation strategy but he isn’t going to finish that thought.
Either way it means that Killer and Cross have been doing most of their shopping in this universe and they tended to go to the same city, mostly because they knew the way at this point and where to get the best deals.
The truce did mean they didn’t have as much… disposable income anymore. No longer going on raids cuts back a lot in your pocket money.
It isn’t as if they have issues, Nightmare is a great boss and doesn’t let them have issues like that. It just means that now they actually have to pay for everything they want and that makes them more aware of prices again.
And honestly it is worth it as Cross can just enjoy spending time with Killer and Nightmare both without someone attacking them. It gives Cross time to really enjoy the experience and their company-
A snort and Cross looks over before biting down hard to stop himself from laughing “Killer.”
Killer grins as he leans against a doorway of a random shop, a large pink feathery boa around his neck and even bigger and brighter orange sunglasses on his skull.
“Killer? You must be mistaken! I am the fabulous Killster!! The real diva of the land!”
Cross knows he is going to lose this fight, especially with some kids nearby giggling before rushing back to their parents.
Cross rolls his eye lights as he turns away and starts walking “I am leaving you! And I am not going to get those snacks you want! Or maybe I will just get the wrong ones on accident! You are soooooo picky about them!”
“Hey! You don’t mess with the Crunchables!”
Cross snorts as Killer joins his side again, sans boa and sunglasses. Hah, sans, Cross may actually get better at this punning thing.
Cross looks around and realises he walked into another street parallel to the one holding the store they had been going to. Oh well, the long way it is. It is sunny anyway and a nice day to enjoy it.
Killer catches up and huffs “You are no fun.”
Cross answers with a deadpan voice “Of course not. They don’t train humour in the army.”
Killer snorts “Explains why XGaster was such a tool.”
Cross laughs and nods. It used to hurt, thinking about his past world. But he has made peace with his loss. He has a new home now with Nightmare and Killer and he is happy.
He knows that the Stars invited him to live with them after the truce had been made but… Cross hadn’t wanted it. He had wanted to just remain with Killer and Nightmare. Cross had found a certain peace in the silent and isolated castle. A happiness with being near Nightmare and Killer.
Cross could still remember how so many had come to him. Asking him if he had been okay, if he was sure about this decision, if he was being threatened.
Funny.
How even with a truce in place and Nightmare keeping his word to the dot people still mistrusted him.
Cross remembers how he had asked Killer about it. Why everyone still looked at them in that way. While they hadn’t with Cross. Even with Cross having been the reason half the multiverse had gotten into a war and XGaster had gotten out. Killer had snorted and looked so amused as he explained “You look like a hero. You behave like people expect a hero to be. Of course you are forgiven.”
Cross hadn’t liked it at all. Because it had been Nightmare who had even figured out that Cross hadn’t been in full control of himself. Nightmare had been the one who managed to at first lock XGaster out, then later lock XChara away and later remove them completely. Making it so that Cross was truly free to be himself again.
Yet everyone acted as if it had been the Stars. All while Ink had had a direct hand in bringing XGaster back and giving him his overwrite power back.
So Cross now just ignored most people and much preferred his own home. Where people didn’t question how he felt or thought the whole time. Where he had his new family.
Killer nudges him “Hello~ Crossy boy~ time to wake up again~” and he stares at him with those dark sockets “You good…” he glances to the side and kicks a rock “Didn’t meant to… like… trigger stuff I guess.”
Cross snorts and bumps their shoulders together “Nah, just my own mind wandering.” He looks around for a distraction when he feels himself freeze.
Oh.
My.
God.
That is.
He grabs blindly and tugs hard. Killer makes a choking sound “Cross!”
Cross just keeps tugging “Kills. Kills you need to see this. Kills. This day just became amazing.”
Killer grumbles but Cross feels him freeze under his hold “Holy shit… is that a…”
“Bitty store.”
They share a look and rush over to the store.
Only to pause by the window.
“Oh my god oh my god oh my god they are so tiny!” Killer jumps in place as he has both his hands on the window as he stares at the tiny monsters.
Cross can’t actually recognise these monsters. Normally the bitty stores seem to specialise in monster types and have all kinds of bitty versions of other multiverse goers.
This seem like… just bitties. Just really tiny cute little things. Cross feels his soul melt at the sight of a tiny tiny lion like monster yawning before rolling up. A tiny shirt and pants on and all kinds of plushies around it as the bitty hugs one of them close.
Cross’s skull is turned back around and Killer stares at him with the most serious look Cross has ever seen on his face “Cross. If I don’t go in there and hold at least one bitty I will fucking die.”
Cross blinks before remembering. Bitty universes tended to not allow anyone access and least of all them. Saying it is too much of a risk to have any bitty of either the Stars or the Crescents given out. At least the Stars weren’t allowed versions of them either.
But these… these didn’t look like versions he had seen before…
Cross grins widely “You wouldn’t be able to stop me from holding one.” And he ducks under Killer’s arms and enters the shop.
A pleasant little bell rings out as Cross lets his eyes go around the store. It is chaos and overfull and should be overwhelming but it is beautiful and Cross never wants to leave.
The walls are covered with shelves and even more shelves all filled with all types of colourful items, tools, tiny house expansions. All for bitties. There is a bookshelf by the cash register that holds books all about bitty care.
But most importantly. To the other side by the window, which is cracked open to let some fresh air in. Are the bitty containers.
“Oh shit.” And Killer rushes straight there and falls to his knees to be on eye level with some of the glass containers as he coos that the miniature monsters.
Cross rushes to his side and just stares in awe.
He is unsure how long they just stare until they hear someone laugh softly behind them.
“I take you never saw a bitty before?”
Cross turns around and sees a ram monster behind him. Cross feels slightly embarrassed as he looks back at Killer, who has yet to stop staring at the bitties, before he looks back “We… we euh… We know of them of course. We just never had the chance to… see them ourselves.”
The ram laughs as they look at Killer who has actual hearts in his sockets as he stares at two tiny bitties starting to interact.
The ram looks back at him and grins “If you want you two can hold some of them.”
That shakes Killer out of his staring as he looks up in awe at the ram “We can!? But I thought… They bonded quickly and stuff?”
The ram huffs “Only when not treated right.” they look apologetic “I am sorry. I just know that a lot of people keep those poor bitties isolated. Makes them more likely to quickly bond to a new owner. But that is cruel. The little guys are happiest and healthiest if they can interact with one another and form a bond or two with fellow bitties.”
Cross nods along “I never heard that before but it makes a lot of sense.”
Killer nods “Yeah! Cats have it too! Cats bond with fellow cats! Which is why it is advised to adopt two or a bonded pair when you adopt a cat. I assume the same counts for bitties?”
The ram smiles brightly “It does! Come! I will show you some of the older bitties, they are more likely to let you hold them in peace and won’t mind it too much.” The ram leads them away from the front and to a larger container, Cross glances down and spots about sixteen bitties.
Killer gasps as he stares “They are so small.”
The ram laughs “Yeah you never get used to it.” they open the container which causes a few of the bitties to look up. The ram smiles “Hey you guys. Any of you okay with letting some new visitors hold you for a bit?”
The bitties share looks before a goat bitty rises and easily walks over to the opening and holding their arms out. The ram lowers their hand and the bitty climbs up themselves.
The ram takes the bitty out and doesn’t even close the container behind them.
Killer has his hands in a cup and the bitty is carefully transferred. Killer just stares in awe and gently pets the bitty. Cross looks nervously at the container “euh… shouldn’t you like… close that?”
The ram hums and looks over his shoulder “Oh no it is fine. Bitties, once comfortable, don’t tend to run away or explore beyond the area they see as home. I mostly keep those closed and locked to make sure customers don’t just remove bitties from their areas without permission.”
Cross nods and feels Killer nudge him with his shoulder “Cross. Cross. You gotta try this man!”
Cross looks at the ram monster and they laugh as they ask for another bitty to volunteer which another bitty answers, a dog monster bitty this time. One transfer later and Cross has an adorable tiny dog monster in his hands. Staring up at him and wagging the tiniest little tail when Cross pets him.
Eventually both bitties seem to have had enough and start to fuss, which the shop keeper sees and they quickly take the two bitties back and put them with the others. In the container one little cat like bitty runs to the goat to check them while three other dog bitties rush the returned dog bitty.
The shop keeper grins “See? Bonded pairs and groups. They are adorable when they snuggle together and sleep.” And they point to one pile of three bitties all sleeping peacefully together in the afternoon sun.
Cross can’t help but coo at the sight. Killer turns to the shopkeeper with a begging look “Can we… hold more?”
The ram laughs but nods as they keep retrieving bitties for them to hold. Cross thinks his favourite is a little cat one who had been nuzzling the tips of his phalanges, even when he got scratched by the little guy.
They spend their whole afternoon in that little shop. Talking to, holding and snuggling tiny bitties. Some are friendlier than others and Cross still isn’t sure just who his favourite is. Maybe the shy little guy that kept hiding his face. Or the sweet bitty who would hug his finger. Or the bitty that bit his phalange as soon as Cross tried to pet them. Oh Cross just can’t decide.
“Oh… my… god!”
Cross blinks away from the tiny sleeping bitty in his hands as he searches for Killer, only to see Killer disappear behind a shelf near the windows.
“Oh are you kidding me! This is the cutest ever! Hey! Sir! Can I please hold this skeleton bitty?”
Oh. My. God.
Cross very carefully returns the bitty he was holding to the right container before running towards where he saw Killer disappear. The moment he gets to Killer he saw what has the other enchanted.
Perfectly at eye level for them. Right by the window near the cracked open side. Is a container with a lone skeleton bitty inside.
The bitty is bigger than the bitties they had seen until now but that mattered very little because it was still a bitty and still not even as big than their own hands.
The little thing is munching on some pieces of fruit and seems completely uninterested in the noise they are making or the fact that Killer is pretty much plastered against the side of their cage. The little thing just munches on their fruit as they look out of the window.
Cross can’t help but notice the caved in skull and how one socket is completely black while the other socket is red with a tiny spot of black. The bitty is wearing this large, for them, jacket with a fluffy hood and some shorts.
The shopkeeper catches up to them and Cross hears them pant “Please no running in the store!”
Killer only turns a tiny bit, his own empty sockets not looking away from the bitty “Can I please hold this one? Oh they are just adorable!”
The ram monster frowns before seeing where Killer is looking and they look apologetic “Oh… euh… I am sorry but no… that little guy isn’t really for holding or anything… Not even really up for adoption for that matter.”
Cross frowns before once again noticing that the little guy is all alone… No other bitties with them. “Where is their bonded bitty?”
The ram sighs as they looks sheepish “Well, the little guy is bonded! It is just… Bitey is… bitey… and he can’t be with other bitties… Mostly because he tends to steal the food from the other bitties and stockpile it.” The ram walks over with some food and very carefully unlocks the actual little gate.
As soon as the lock unlocks the bitty turns around and the large red socket stares at the ram. Cross can see the bitty study both Cross and Killer before dismissing them and staring at the one holding the food.
The ram very slowly moves a hand closer and into the container.
The bitty glares and starts to show their fangs and a low growl starts to leave the tiny thing.
The ram speaks softly “It is okay. I know you are stressed. I am just giving you some food. I won’t take anything from you.” the ram slowly fills the food dish before the hand leaves the cage and the cage is relocked.
The bitty continues to stare at the gate for a bit before slowly rising from its spot and taking a few steps closer. He looks up to check the gate and ends up grabbing the filled dish and pulling it over with him. Back to the spot he had been sitting at. The one closest to the window.
Killer just coos loudly as he stares at the bitty. And Cross gets it. It is so fucking cute.
The ram sighs.
Cross turns to the ram and frowns “So… where is their bonded bitty? Wouldn’t the little guy feel relaxed and happy if his bonded or bondeds are near?”
The ram sighs again as they rub their face “We know! The problem is… we don’t… actually have the other bitty that he bonded with?” They wave at the open window “There is a bitty somewhere here in town… just going around in the alleyways… we don’t know who they are or how they are, they were not originally from this store to begin with!” they sigh and look sadly at the skeleton bitty “We would… like to let this little guy go to reunite with his buddy but… well… the skull, as you no doubt know better than anyone… it needs constant treatment…” they sigh sadly.
Killer frowns “Why not catch the other little guy?”
The ram chuckles “Oh we tried. We tried everything but the little guy is smart and slippery and… well… the last time we tried to catch him he made a run for it and we didn’t see him for five weeks.”
Cross feels himself freeze. Five weeks? From what he understood not being near their bonded for a few days was already rough for the bitties…
The shopkeeper sighs “This little guy was beside himself. Whining and staring out of the window. Trying to escape multiple times. Not even eating his own food and just stockpiling it all. We were so worried. When the other guy came by for a visit again we just… we decided it was for the better to just leave them an easy way to interact.” And they wave at the open window.
Killer frowns “What about cats? I thought cats hunt bitties?”
Cross feels his soul speed up with panic. There is a tiny bitty all alone outside and there are cats and what if those cats get the little guy and-
The ram holds up their hands “No! Well… yeah… But we have yet to see a cat try to get in but we have security cameras. Bitey’s friend tends to only come when there is no one in the shop at night.” they nod towards the cage where the little bitty has been sorting the food and between moving it he keeps looking up at the window, as if waiting.
Waiting for his equally tiny friend.
The ram smiles as they point back to the other bitties “Either way, this bitty isn’t for sale or adoptable. Want to look at the other bitties again? There are many more in all shapes and forms!”
Killer looks back at the tiny skeleton “Fine I guess…” he stares for a moment longer before going back to the other bitties.
They spend a while longer holding the other bitties in the store. But Cross knows his soul isn’t in it. He can’t help but keep thinking about a tiny bitty outside. All alone and having to take care of himself. About the tiny bitty who is alone in a cage, hoping for his one friend and family to come back for him, while all the other bitties dislike him. Cross is reminded of the empty space he had been, all alone. He is reminded of Killer who had been in his own dead AU for a long time. About Nightmare, who no one seemed willing to try and understand or even bother to talk to, to try and understand why he did what he had to.
Killer and him end up leaving the store in silence as they continue their track to the grocery store. They are lucky it is still open and they quickly grab the things they need. Neither of them say anything as they collect the things they need and pay.
They don’t bother to explore the streets anymore after getting the stuff they needed and Cross uses his, well it used to be XChara’s but now it is his, knife to cut a doorway for them.
They step through and Cross feels himself relax.
Home sweet home.
Hah!
Strange how before it was just a place of work but now it is his home.
Killer had called it Nightmare’s hideout once. But Cross likes to think it is more than just that now. It is their hideout, their home. A place where the multiverse can’t get to them and they can just be. A place perfectly safe with nothing that can hurt them anywhere near.
Honestly it would be the perfect place to have two tiny bitties run around, nothing would hurt them as they explore-
Cross shakes his skull and goes straight to the kitchen after entering the castle. He opens the bag and starts putting things away. Killer looks into the bags and takes out some frozen pizzas which he puts in the oven.
They are quiet as they clean up and wait for the timer to run out.
“You two are oddly quiet.”
Cross looks up as Killer grins “Sup boss!”
Nightmare rolls his eyes as he looks unimpressed “Not much of a boss anymore. Why do both of you feel disheartened? I thought you two were going to one of the universes that we had already called clean?” he frowns.
Cross feels touched by the worry as he shrugs “We did! We went to the usual place.”
Nightmare’s frown doesn’t disappear “That doesn’t explain your emotions.” he looks between the two of them.
Killer huffs as he leans on the counter with crossed arms “We were just walking through town and- Wait! Nightmare!” Killer stands upright with a large grin “They have a bitty shop in that universe!”
Nightmare blinks and looks surprised “But it is a neutral universe…”
That is when Cross remembers. Cross himself and Killer may have had the chance to see bitties once or twice from a distance… but Nightmare wouldn’t have had the chance, ever. As Nightmare at first hadn’t been able to enter positive universes and later it was just too much of a risk as he would be weaker and the Stars stronger.
Killer seems to have thought of the same conclusion as he grins widely “Mare you need to come with us next time! There were so many bitties! They were all so cute and were so well behaved but not afraid or anything and it was all clean and well taken care of!” and Killer starts explaining with wide gestures what they saw and how they held some bitties.
Cross keeps an eye on the oven and by the time Killer winds down talking the pizzas are ready for them. They all get their own and get comfortable at the table to eat their dinner.
Killer grins widely “Oh and Nightmare! They had a skeleton bitty! Not any other multiverse goer or anything! The little guy was straight up just his own person! He was cute and was just hoarding food and such a big little guy!”
Nightmare chuckles as he eats a piece “If this whole conversation is just a windup to ask if you can adopt a bitty you could have started with that.” He eats another bite.
Killer’s grin falls and he sighs “Not like it is possible… little guy isn’t up for adoption.”
Nightmare frowns “Why not?”
Killer just stares sadly at his plate and Cross speaks up “Well, bitties bond to other bitties for like stability and mental health and stuff. Well the little skeleton guy does have a bitty he is bonded to, but that bitty isn’t actually in the shop but a wild bitty.”
Nightmare stops and frowns at them “I thought bitties couldn’t live in the wild?”
Killer pouts as he lays on the table on crossed arms “They normally can’t… guess it is just a very crafty bitty.”
Cross thinks “I think there are some AUs where they can but that are the special cases. In general they can’t…” he sighs as he pushes at his pizza “We are just worried about the two little guys…”
Nightmare looks at them thoughtfully before nodding “I see. And while adopting isn’t possible you could always visit him and sponsor him.” and he eats.
Killer shoots up and stares in shock “What?”
Nightmare pauses as he looks unimpressed “You can visit the bitty still. Not to forget you may be able to make a deal with the shop that you at least adopt him in name. That way you can still spoil him but the shopkeeper will be able to make sure everything is still fine. In some places it is called sponsoring.”
Cross blinks confused “That is a thing?”
Nightmare nods “It is often done with endangered species, at least in quite a few universes. It makes the people feel more involved and attached to them. Maybe you can make a deal with the store and work something out?” and he turns back to his pizza.
Killer jumps up “Yes! We can totally do that! Oh! And tomorrow we can show you where the store is! That was you can also see the bitty!”
Nightmare chuckles “It is fine Killer.”
Killer pouts “Come on boss, it will be fun!”
Nightmare sighs as he shoots Killer a look “I thought we already agreed I am not technically your boss anymore. At most I am your landlord.”
Cross snorts “Being a landlord implies we are paying you, which we aren’t.”
Killer nods “In matter of fact you still pay us.”
Nightmare sighs but Cross can spot a small smile on the other’s face.
Cross smiles as he turns to his own food and finally eats dinner.
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.”
We are back to my upload Sunday :3 Which means more cute bitties for all of you! <3
First Chapter: [Here]
AO3 link: [Here]
*---------------------------------*
Killer can honestly say he doesn’t like humans.
And that is mostly because this stupid dumb lady doesn’t stop trying to steal their bitty!
Well she is trying to pay them money for it but it is still stealing! They said No! Leave them be!
Even going as far as to try and get Cross or Killer himself to sell little Axe to her.
Killer however can say that telling the lady that they live in a castle and that Nightmare is a land owner and landlord was very satisfying.
Though her flirting is fucking weird. The look of pure disgust on Nightmare’s face however had been amazing and hilarious. Also very reassuring but that is beside the point and only for Killer to know.
Killer grins at Axe “So what do you normally do for fun? We are trying to figure out what to get you little guys hobby wise but we keep drawing up blank.”
Axe raises a brow and raises the partly carved wood statue.
Killer nods “More tools for carving. I will try to search for tools your size for that.” And learn more about the craft as a whole. He knows there will be wood chips coming off and they will need a way to clean the bitty housing to make sure the wood chips doesn’t harm either bitty. Can they order the tiniest Roomba ever? That could work… With that in mind a bigger Roomba for the bitties to sit on like a cat would be really cute.
More screaming from the front of the store and Killer glances over before looking at Axe “I honestly don’t get why they don’t just ban that woman.” Axe nods as he looks annoyed in the same direction.
Killer chuckles “And she keeps bringing that brat too. Even after both Ramfy and Lambert told her the child isn’t welcome as they keep making a mess.” Then again, she does pay for everything each time. But Killer can only imagine the issue of having to keep restocking the store.
Honestly, normally Killer wouldn’t care if it weren’t for the fact that that idiot lady kept trying to steal their bitty. The audacity honestly.
Even worse was that it seems like the lady had more spoiled children cause now there are apparently three. The girl of before seemed to be the youngest. Either way it meant that Killer and Cross made sure to spend even more time with Axe. One of them was with him at all moments of the day. As soon as the store opens until it closes. They both do feel terrible about letting Nightmare deal alone with all his work but Nightmare reassured them that Axe’s wellbeing is more important than the work. Not to forget that Nightmare had no issues with moving the work to a later day to deal with, even if it displeases Dream.
Though… maybe that is exactly why Nightmare has no problem with it…
Axe clearly had it the roughest with all of this. The poor bitty was clearly a bit overwhelmed with all the attention and Killer tries to reassure him that he doesn’t need to push himself. That if Axe needs time to himself they understand and accept that. They just can’t risk letting that lady be alone with their bitty.
Killer just… He doesn’t trust those humans not to try something.
So he keeps watch.
Cross is out at the moment to do their actual groceries while Killer chills in the store. Glaring at this woman who is trying to steal their tiny teammate.
Surprisingly, even with the humans things had been rather calm.
Which is obviously when it all goes to shit.
It starts with loud barking outside and a loud cheer from the son that Killer had only seen in passing until now.
It sounds like something being thrown over and orders of “Catch it!” is when Killer starts to feel nervous but he can see the older girl eyeing the cage with Axe and like hell is Killer leaving his little buddy.
Then the door shoots open as a large dog skips inside trying to break and moments later a tiny form runs in full speed with another dog after it and the human cheering.
Killer knows right away who it is and he feels himself freeze.
Renegade doesn’t pause as he rushes straight to Killer and, much more important Axe. Killer doesn’t think as he kneels down and uses his arms to form a ramp going up to the cage. Renegade takes it and Killer feels tiny footsteps that run up and straight to the cage. Killer looks up and sees that Axe has forced the door open a tiny bit and Renegade slides right through it into the cage.
Killer straightens and takes the cage as a whole before either human can even try to touch it “Don’t you fuckers fucking dare.” Killer holds the cage close as he glares at the humans. Trying to radiate his LOVE as a very clear warning.
The boy huffs “Hey! I caught that bitty! That makes it mine, give it now!” The boy grins triumphally.
Killer glares and flips the brat the bird “Fuck off. That is Axe’s bonded and so automatically falls under our care by contract. You piss off entitled brat.” He looks down and feels fear pick up.
That is blood. Renegade is bleeding. The dogs… They bit him?
Lambert had been in the store today and looks worried “Oh no he is hurt. I will call in the healer and call dad!” and they rush to the counter and starts dialling numbers.
The human lady glares “That is a bitty that my son caught. Hand it over immediately.”
Killer glares and growls lowly “Fucking try it bitch.” There is no reason now to hold back anymore honestly. They got Renegade now and that had been the reason they had still been playing nice to begin with.
It would be best if they could get Renegade treatment right now but they can go to other stores in this universe to get him the treatment he needs. It will be a shame to say goodbye to this town to visit but Killer much prefers to have Renegade and Axe comfortable.
The lady glares and Killer doesn’t think as he pulls out his knife and aims it right at her throat.
There is a dead silence in the store.
Killer smirks “Fucking. Try. It.”
Silence until-
“Killer!?” Cross joins his side looking alarmed “What are you doing?!” He looks around the scene anxiously.
Killer keeps glaring at the humans he has his knife aimed at “This bitch was trying to kidnap Renegade after her fucking dogs hurt him. I think I am within my right to protect him.”
Cross blinks at him before looking down and gasping “Oh no Renegade. It is okay. We will get you looked after and then get you and Axe somewhere safe.” Cross then looks over his shoulder and glares at the humans.
Ramfy walks into the store and they end up being lead to the back where the healer had arrived. Renegade fought tooth and nail to not be removed from Axe’s side and Axe wasn’t much better as he kept trying to reach for Renegade. Biting the hands that went to pick Renegade up. Killer tried his best to keep Axe calm as Cross watched every single move the healer made near Renegade.
The first issue came with removing the poor little guy’s jacket and Killer couldn’t help but stare.
He really was a tiny skeleton as Cross had said. The little guy seemed to have a bit of a gradient of grey to white on his arms, grey near his claw tips and white halfway up his arms. One eye was red and the other was red and blue multicoloured. The grumpiest little face and very tiny grey freckles on that adorable little face.
Killer can admit he has a weakness for cute things, sue him.
Renegade manages to cause quite a bit of damage by scratching and biting but the healer seems unsurprised as they manage to get the bitty healed, dressed and back in the cage. Even with their hands now bleeding quite badly that they have to treat themselves.
Lambert looks nervous “I am so sorry miss Shar I-”
Shar shakes her head “It is fine. I expected as much from a wild bitty.” She washes and disinfects her own hands before healing herself “Now. He needs a lot of rest and most likely rehabilitation by how he acted. After that special care before he is able to be adopted.”
Ramfy nods “I expected as much and will get the right organizations informed.” Shar nods and leaves.
Ramfy turns to him and Killer pulls the cage closer to him. Ramfy sighs “I understand that this is less then you wanted but it is for the best if he is moved to the right facility to receive treatment… and with Axe being his bonded-”
Cross glares and moves in front of Killer and the cage “No. You are not taking either of them.” Killer feels his soul speed up just a tiny bit.
Ramfy frowns “We don’t want trouble and we are just trying to do what is best for the bitties.”
Cross nods “And while we understand this. I hope you understand that we find it very hard to trust strangers with our little bitties. We have already proven we know how to treat Axe right and we will do the same for Renegade.”
Ramfy sighs but Killer speaks up “Lets be honest here. Either we are leaving today with the two bitties and your okay. Or we are leaving with the two bitties without it. It doesn’t make a difference to us.”
Cross shoots him a look before speaking much more diplomatic than Killer himself did “Contract wise we are already the owners of both bitties and until the two were reunited Axe would sleep here for his emotional and mental health.” Cross smiles brightly “Which means that now they are reunited we will be taking both home and give them all the room and time they need to recover.” Cross straightens his spine as he speaks “We completed all the classes and checks about bitty care. We know which meds Axe needs to take for his skull and as skeletons we also will be perfect to make sure Renegade heals well from his injuries.”
Killer grins as he leans on his hand “Questions?”
Look, just because they did what they did to rebalance the multiverse doesn’t mean Killer isn’t a little shit and he knows it. Killer also loves to see Cross be a little heathen.
Ramfy frowns at them and seems to realise that they are in matter of fact right and are within their rights. Ramfy sighs but nods “Very well… I hope they both will be fine…” He looks seriously as them “I do think it is unwise to take them immediately. I think it would be better to give them time to socialise and rehabilitate first. However, as you said, all of you have completed the course on bitty care and proved safe for them to be near. And as you mentioned, contract wise you are their owners.” Which yikes. With them being sentient that is just weird to hear now.
Ramfy sighs but nods “Very well. But please, for their wellbeing, if there are issues or problems come ask for help or directions. I just want them to feel okay.”
Cross smiles and nods “Us too. We just want them to be happy and healthy and we will do everything we can to make it that way.” Cross and Ramfy shake hands after which Cross grins at Killer and gives him a nod.
Killer nods back as he picks up the cage. A glance inside shows that Axe is still holding Renegade as Renegade watches their every move. At least Killer thinks he is watching them as he can’t see that adorable little face under his cloak.
Cross and Killer walk out of the store together with the container holding their two bitties. Killer would skip if he wasn’t terrified of accidentally scaring the two inside the container. Well, scare Renegade that is. Axe is completely calm as he holds his tiny bonded, small hands rubbing his back and removing dirt from the other.
Stars Cross hadn’t been lying about their height difference. Just too adorable.
They know those humans are following them but they don’t care. Killer nods to Cross as soon as they turn a corner and Cross cuts open the fabric of the universe to open a portal. Killer hears the soft gasps from the bitties and Killer grins down “Neat trick isn’t it?” and he walks through, closely followed by Cross.
They appear in the living room of the castle.
Killer grins and raises the cage above his skull as he turns around very slowly “Tada! This is the living room! Everything the light touches is our domain, also what the light doesn’t touch! That door.” He looks towards said door “Leads to the kitchen and has the food inside, no worries as we will obviously bring you two food but just in case you get hungry or the munchies or just really want something specific. The door next to it leads to the dining room.” He continues with his turn “That door leads towards the grand staircase leading up to the other floors but aside from our rooms and Nightmare’s office we are rarely upstairs. The doors on the other side of the staircase lead to our training room and our storage.”
Killer walks over towards the set up bitty enclosure and starts connecting the cage, which they kind of stole… they will have to return and pay money for that, holding the bitties to the rest of the enclosure.
Then Killer sits cross legged on the floor and watches them.
Axe looks around the area with a frown as he holds the unmoving bundle of clothes that is Renegade in his arms.
Killer is unsure what to do when Cross joins his side and carefully opens the cage holding them and moves some food into the enclosure, some chicken with orange and rice it seems, the leftovers from yesterday’s takeout. Cross next dips under the table and oh Killer is very distracted by Cross’s back aimed towards him.
Killer just stares as he struggles with himself to not touch much less slap the backside he wants to touch so badly.
Then the tiny lights in the enclosure turn on and Cross gets out from under the table “There!” he smiles at Axe “Okay Axe, obviously you don’t need to rush but I will just explain, just in case okay? Each room has their own light switch to turn on and off the lights. There are about seven different bedrooms you two can chose from to sleep in or stay in. The water should work and be running but it may take a moment to warm up.” Cross pulls a face “We haven’t found a working miniature kitchen just yet but we are working on it.” he smiles “Any questions?”
Axe frowns as he looks down at Renegade but Renegade doesn’t move at all. Then he looks back up at them and shakes his skull.
Cross nods “Okay! We will just go tell Nightmare what happened okay? Take your time to get comfortable. You don’t have to worry about anything, Killer raised and trained his cats very well and they won’t bother you two either.” Cross shoots him a glare.
Killer, still in slight mourning over being unable to touch either of his roommates as he wants, turns to the bitties “Pretty much! The cats won’t hurt either of you and tend to remain outside anyway. Get some rest and take it easy!”
Killer remains sitting right there and Cross has to pull him with him before he is willing to move. Killer keeps looking over his shoulder at the enclosure. Trying to catch a glimpse of them moving but neither do.
Not… how Killer had wanted them to gain the two bitties but it will have to do. At least this way they know they are safe and sound and have nothing to worry about!
Now… time to tell Nightmare.
--
“Bunny?”
“I am sorry…”
“It wasn’t your fault… are you okay?”
“…”
“Bunny please…”
“… Shoulder hurts still.”
“Can I look?”
“…. Hm”
“Thank you…”
“No problem…”
“…”
“…”
“What if… they realise… I am… not enough? They like you… they know you… not me…”
We are back tot he bitties! Lets see what they had planned shall we?
First Chapter: [Here]
AO3 link: [Here]
*-------------------------*
Nightmare is very lucky to have his two datemates.
He may not have had a good childhood, Cross and Killer have gone as far as to call it terrible and it is saying something if those two say that.
But now? He is happy. He has those he loves near and no longer needs to fight every moment of every day.
Nightmare opens a socket and is met with the sight of Killer wrapped all around him, sound asleep. Cross is on his other side much the same. Seems like the ex-guard forgot to set his alarm. Which is good, Cross needs to relax more.
Nightmare takes his time to escape the double embrace and chuckles when both his datemates immediately start hugging and holding each other. He watches them for a moment. Both happy, healthy and safe. That is all he ever wanted for them both, and to believe they both decided to share their love with him.
Nightmare is happy with his life.
He slowly leaves his bedroom and goes down the large set of stairs. He will have to make some breakfast for them. Thank them for their support and care the night before, he had needed it.
Some days the fact that Dream will never accept him hits him harder than others. Nightmare supposes he deserves that however. It is the price he paid.
He managed to finally fight back against the abuse and free himself of the shackles that had been Dreamtale. But at the cost of the unconditional love his brother had held for him.
Ah yes, some days it is easier to accept than others.
He gets to the living room and makes his way towards the kitchen only to sigh. The light is on in the kitchen, seems like Killer forgot to shut it off the night before.
It is fine obviously. Magical castle and everything. But it is about the matter of it. Nightmare makes his way over and tries to be quiet as he moves. The bitty housing is all dark and those two are probably still asleep. He gets to the kitchen and opens the door only to pause.
The table in the kitchen is set and he can hear and see things moving on the counter.
Axe grabs one of the smaller knives and handles it easily as he chops vegetables. He pushes it all into an eggy mixture and easily balances on the side as he turns it using a whisk.
Nightmare stands frozen for a moment before quietly closing the door and moving towards a corner of the room and melts partly into the shadows, his own fascination and curiosity getting the better of him.
He is immediately rewarded as he spots Renegade moving some glasses and a large jug filled with orange liquid, orange juice probably?
It is strange to see Renegade move the tray over the floor as easily as he is until Nightmare spots the skateboard under it.
Renegade nods and jumps up unto the chair from ground floor before jumping up unto the table. Nightmare can only stare in shock. He had no idea the bitty could jump that high. Renegade turns around and throws out both hands and soft purple magic fills the air as the glasses slowly make their way upwards.
Axe turns and frowns “Careful. Don’t overdo it.”
Renegade doesn’t looks away from what he is moving “I got this.” and just as he said. All the glasses make their way up perfectly fine and the jugs with orange juice and milk join the table as well. Renegade nods and jumps back down. He lands on the floor with hardly a noise before pushing the skateboard tray combination back towards Axe on the counter.
Renegade looks up at the counter before putting his hands on his hips and Nightmare can feel the annoyance from the other. Axe doesn’t even look away from the mixture he is perfecting “Don’t be stupid. Long way.”
Renegade looks towards the side and Nightmare spots the pulled out drawers that from a makeshift staircase. So that is how they did it.
Renegade then huffs and crouches down before launching himself upwards. He just barely manages to grab the handle before he starts swinging back and forth and with a flip he launches himself up unto the counter.
The momentum made the hood fall back and Renegade stands there with a small flush of the movement and effort before he grins widely at Axe. Axe just looks at him with open disapprovement “Dangerous. Stop that.”
Renegade snorts as he walks over before leaning against the bowl “I am fine. Easy.”
Axe sighs as he shakes his hand before pointing at the pan “Need a hand.”
Renegade nods and flexes his arms out “Always.”
The two bitties afterwards move around each other and together with minimal conversation. Renegade cuts some butter to put in the pan that Axe moves around. Then they switch around to let Axe do most of the physical stuff as Renegade watches the butter melt. At some point Axe carefully spoons in some of the mixture and Renegade holds the pan still for him.
They move in perfect sync and Nightmare watches with slight awe. They moved even more in sync than Cross and Killer fought together and those two have been training excessively to move and think in sync.
Nightmare watches them move and they end up making omelettes. While those cook Renegade keeps watch and Axe pulls out a second bowl to make a new mixture. It takes Nightmare only a moment to realise he is making pancake batter.
As Axe keeps an eye on both the pans Renegade cuts and weights stuff for him and helps him put everything together. The two move and cook as if they have done it many times before and Nightmare wonders how often Renegade and Axe would sneak around the bitty store to get to the breakroom and make stuff themselves. How often they would even do these type of things in his castle.
Nightmare wonders how he can make it obvious that they are free to do it whenever they wish. Maybe Nightmare can get more ingredients. Or even look for slightly smaller and easier to use tools for the two.
Though… Nightmare does wonder why they would make so much food. Nightmare knows the two don’t eat that much.
Axe makes pancakes with slight differences. Some have chocolate chips in them. Some have nicely cut strawberries. Nightmare can see Axe put in some cinnamon into another one. Just all kinds of flavours. All going in neat little piles on the different plates that Renegade moves around per silent instruction.
Before he knows it the whole table is filled with food and the two bitties move the used dishes into the dish washer. As Axe moves some paper towels around to clean up any spills Renegade nudges stuff around in the dish washer to fit it all. He disappears into a few cabinets before returning with the detergent tablets. He puts it in before climbing up the made staircase while also closing the dishwasher with some difficulty.
Axe stops his cleaning to look over the edge of the counter “Bunny? You okay?”
Renegade groans as he pulls on the door “Am fine! Just… heavy!” but he manages to close it mostly and when he is near the top he turns on some program before pulling it shut. Renegade shoots Axe the peace sign as he lays on the counter panting.
Axe is quick to finish and walks over to Renegade to nuzzle him before easily picking him up “Thanks.”
Renegade just nuzzles Axe back “No problem.” He looks at the table “Think they will like it?”
That is when he realises it. Why there is a table set for three people. Why there is enough food to feed so many people.
Axe shrugs as he looks at the table “Think so-” and they make eye contact and Axe freezes “Oh… hello. Euh…” he looks at the table. Then at Renegade. And then back “Surprise?”
Nightmare walks over and smiles at the two, he makes sure to still give the two their space “This is a very big surprise. Thank you. You didn’t need to do any of this but we will all appreciate it a lot.”
Renegade shrugs as he just lets Axe hold him. Axe looks a bit more bashful “We… euh… I know food makes me feel better after a bad day. You had a bad day.”
Nightmare isn’t even sure how to react to that. Luckily he doesn’t need to as that is when Killer and Cross walk in.
Killer hums happily “It smells amazing in here!” He grins.
Cross looks a bit more annoyed as he shoots Nightmare a glance “You don’t have to do this Nightmare! We could have helped.”
Nightmare chuckles “Oh that is where you are wrong. You see I did not make this. You have to thank our tiny friends for that.” Nightmare smiles at the two bitties.
Killer and Cross both blink before looking at Axe and Renegade in unison.
Which, for some reason, causes Renegade to tilts his own skull at them and thinks for a moment before nodding “See it now.” and he pats Axe’s shoulder before being let down.
Cross looks confused “See what?”
Renegade rolls his eye lights as he points between Killer and Cross “Same, yet different.”
Axe nods “Multiverse sounded like a headache. So breakfast.”
Nightmare stares at them in utter confusion which he feels Cross mirror back at him. Then he slowly turns to Killer.
Killer looks sheepish “So… I tried to explain some stuff yesterday?”
They sit down together and have breakfast, Nightmare made sure both bitties join them and Killer explains what he had told the bitties. Which, turns out, to be the whole situation aside from personal details.
Killer nods before speaking “Honestly. Dust and Horror are crazy smart and we got through the explanation very quickly.” And he eats another bite before moaning “Fuck these are so good! How did you deal with the food we made when you can make this?”
Axe shrugs “Intent makes it good.”
Cross frowns “I am sorry but what are you calling them?”
Killer grins “Their own names.” And he looks at them.
Axe blinks before nodding “Oh yeah. My name is Horror. I don’t mind using Axe though.”
Renegade huffs “Dust.” And he continues to eat the omelette using his hands.
Cross blinks and glares at their mate “And how long have you known?”
Killer holds up his hands “Since yesterday! I was going to tell you but then the meeting went badly and well… yeah…” he frowns at Nightmare “Will we need to go back to the doodle sphere again?”
Nightmare sighs and nods “Sadly. I will also need to take some reports to convince them.” again.
Dust huffs “They are dumb.”
Nightmare looks at him with a frown.
Dust doesn’t look bothered as he continues speaking “You are made to do this job. Your purpose. Yet they don’t believe the very person whose job it is to do this. They are idiots.”
Horror nods his own agreement as he happily eats a whole pancake by himself. Technically the plate was shared between the bitties and Nightmare but Nightmare never was a fan of eating. He fills his mug with coffee which he makes to his taste with milk and sugar.
Nightmare chuckles “Maybe they are, sadly I still have to work with and around them to make sure everything goes smoothly.”
Dust hums before giving a nod of acceptance.
Breakfast is very nice this way. Nightmare is happy to see Axe and Rene- excuse him. Horror and Dust getting more comfortable and sure about their own places in the castle. See that they are both welcome, that all three of them welcome the two here and want them here.
It is a shame that they have the meeting to attend as Nightmare would much more prefer to spend the day in the living room with his datemates and their two bitties. Nightmare knows it is unlikely that either bitty will want more of them than what they already have. But Nightmare is happy to provide them the space they deserve to be free, happy and together.
They finish getting ready as he spots Horror just skipping through the tv channels.
Killer grins “Going to watch tv?”
Horror gives a non-committing hum as he taps for another channel.
Cross smiles at him “Well, take some time to rest and enjoy your day. When we are back we can maybe all watch a movie together? Or maybe play a few boardgames?”
Horror nods his agreement before saying goodbye with a calm ‘good luck’.
Cross cuts open a portal and they leave through it together.
The doodle sphere is… a lot. It always is. But it is the easiest place for everyone to meet up without upsetting anyone. It is one of the few times in a while that all three of them will be there as normally one of them stays behind in case the bitties needed something. But with both Horror and Dust comfortable and really settled they are fine to all three go again.
Even if that brings their own… complications.
“Cross! It is so good to see you!” Dream runs over with a smile before giving a tight smile to Nightmare “Nightmare. How… How are you?”
Nightmare would have felt threatened by Dream’s interest in Cross. If it was honest interest. Dream is mostly attracted to the happiness Cross sends out. It is much like a small beacon. And Dream feels guilty for; one, not having stepped in to save Cross from his broken universe; Two, for not stopping Ink; and three, for not stepping in earlier to help Cross with XGaster.
All that mixed together and you have Dream who is trying very hard to appease Cross.
Cross absolute disinterest and annoyance at Dream also helps reassure Nightmare that there is nothing there.
Cross gives a tight smile “Hello Dream.”
Nightmare nods in greeting “Hello, I have been well. We had a very lovely breakfast before getting here. How have you been?”
Dream’s smile falls and sends him a suspicious look “Oh, you know. Same old same old. Helping people. Going around universes. Rather boring.” A challenge in his eyes. Will you demand more information? Will you use what I told you for your plans.
It is exhausting.
Nightmare nods “Good to hear everything is calm in that case. Has everyone else arrived yet?” and he walks towards the meeting hall.
Dream goes with him but takes a while to answer “Most are here already. We are waiting for a bit more before we start, just in case someone else is planning on arriving and joining.”
Meaning everyone who will be there is already there but Dream hopes that the neutral parties will join the meeting.
Nightmare takes his own seat and sees Cross and Killer both sit by his sides. Cross official seat is actually more towards the middle between Outer and Sci but Cross refuses to sit anywhere but by them. The others had accepted that Cross wasn’t going to change seats.
Nightmare looks around. Blue and Stretch are here already, Nightmare at this point isn’t even surprised to see Stretch again, he has been joining a lot of meetings lately. Seems like these meetings will start including even more monsters. Not that it matters on the large scale of things. This council is honestly more of a joke than anything to Nightmare.
Nightmare knows that this council just exists to appease the other universes and get Dream and Ink into a better light. Many had been furious with Dream and Ink for hiding the disaster with XGaster for as long as they had and that it had taking XGaster almost destroying multiple universes before they were ever even informed of this danger.
But Nightmare knows. The real choice to everything that happens is up to Ink, Error, Dream and himself. Everyone else can give their opinion and reasons but that is it.
Nightmare glances around and sees the Outer and Sci are in their spots. Looking relaxed as ever. It seems like Red managed to make it as he talks with Blue about getting the last updates of the last few meetings. Color is also around and gives a tiny wave into Killer’s direction which he returns with a grin. And as mentioned before, Stretch is here as well by his brother and Ink and Dream seem to look around while Error looks bored about everything and as if he would rather be anywhere but there.
Fresh is near him and Nightmare figures that Fresh had been the one to drag Error out of his anti-void this time.
Two chairs are empty. Seems like neither Geno nor Classic showed up. Which is fair. Both are very stubborn about their position being neutral. Geno as he has direct ties with Reaper and Reaper just took one look at this meetings before he started laughing.
Reaper had looked at Dream and Ink and called both of them idiots for mixing up more mortals with godly business before leaving.
Geno, with his connection with Reaper, has never come to a single meeting. He got the invitation and said that he will not choice a side or mix himself with the decisions that are not his to make. He said he learned his lesson last time and isn’t about to mess with the fragile balance he managed to reach.
Classic had come to a few meetings but everyone would get more frustrated as he would just shrug at destruction. Eventually Comic told them to not bother him unless another XGaster situation happened.
Dream had tried to tell him that these meetings were to stop those and Classic had just looked at him and said that he wasn’t needed for these meetings and that if that was really the goal only four people needed to have this meeting. And then he left.
For obvious reasons, Dream hadn’t send him an invitation again.
It is nice to have others who see what he does as needed and understand the concept. Nightmare would have liked more support but understands why neither can give it or show the favouritism.
Eventually Dream sighs and nods and Ink jumps up to call a start to the meeting. They first go over how many universes have been born and how many have been destroyed since the last meeting. Error ignores the hard glares send his way at the number and calmly reminds people that if he leaves broken and half finished universes around they will start to affect and glitch up other universes. He compares it to having to cut down the diseased trees before those start affecting the healthy ones.
That part of it all is rather quick and straight to the point.
The never ending debate between positivity and negativity takes longer. So much longer.
It is just hard to explain to these monsters that the dark and ‘bad’ emotions are needed for the mental health of a monster and universe. Luckily he took reports with him and proof of what happens when an universe goes into either extreme and Dream reads the files carefully.
Everything seems to be going well. Nightmare thinks they may manage to make some progress today. Then he feels a spike of pure panic from Cross and Nightmare looks over. He can see Dream do the same with a look of worry.
Nightmare speaks first “Cross? What is wrong?”
Cross sits frozen, one of his hands in his pocket as he just seems to stare right ahead “Oh! I am fine! Just. I should go home! I just realised I really, really need to… to… wash this jacket!”
Nightmare frowns and Killer looks over with confusion as well “Crossy?”
Dream blinks before smiling “It is fine! You look great.” He looks to the side afterwards.
Nightmare rolls his eye lights before looking at Cross “What is wrong?”
Cross looks around the gathering before looking at him and giving him a tight smile “I should just… really go clean out my jacket. I just noticed I have dust in my jacket.”
Nightmare chuckles as he looks at the list Cross and Killer gave him.
Cross rubs his hands together as he stands by the exit “And remember slow movements. We have only just managed to get him to agree to some soft pets after all these weeks. And first the fruit! Only after he ate some fruit some cookies. And make sure to leave double the amount so he can put some aside for his friend and-”
Nightmare puts a hand on Cross’s shoulder and he immediately stops. Nightmare gives him a reassuring smile “I know Cross. I have helped set up the routine remember? And this is not the first time I visit him.”
Almost two months had passed and they had settled into a nice rhythm. Throughout the week Cross and Killer would manage to visit Axe, they had managed to come to an agreement for the nickname after about two weeks, at least once or twice a day. Sometimes the two go together and they then spend quite some time in the shop. Some days they can only manage a short visit. Other days they can’t go together and then one goes in the morning and the other near the end of the afternoon.
Nightmare wishes he could spend more time with their bitty but he has his work to help the balance still, not to forget his responsibilities for the universes he rules. Through ruling is a bit of an overstatement as he mainly just owns the property. Either way, usually the balance doesn’t need a lot of maintenance. Normally it goes well but some days it shifts into either direction. It helps that Dream is now also actually alert and aware and helps with the balance.
Even if Nightmare wishes Dream would stop looking at him with only regret in his soul. Even if he wishes Dream would just be willing to see his side instead of just believing himself to be correct as he is trying to increase positivity.
Well it isn’t something he can fix. Dream won’t ever be able to accept that this is who Nightmare is now and not that he is just some corruption from the apples. Nightmare has peace with it…
It doesn’t matter.
What matters now is his new… family. Cross and Killer are his family now and he is happy they decided to stay with him. Nightmare is honestly not sure what he would do with himself if they decided to leave.
Yes he knows it is slightly sad how dependent he is on the two but neither seem to mind and both seem to actually enjoy living with him.
But he is getting off topic. Today is an unusual day as it is Nightmare will be the one who visits the store alone. Nightmare had finished all of his work earlier this week and Cross and Killer had agreed to do the maintenance for their tenants. All just to enable Nightmare to spend some quality time with their bitty on his own.
He truly appreciates both of them more than he can express correctly into words.
Which means that today it will just be Nightmare and Axe. Nightmare is actually looking forwards to it. He has packed the food for Axe and a good book for himself.
He is going to spend some time interacting with the bitty and when it seems like Axe is done Nightmare will go to the park to read until it is late enough to try again with Axe.
Killer pulls on Cross’s arm “We are going to be late. It is fine. Boss got this, he kept us both alive after all.”
Cross blushes and sputters before shooting Killer a glare.
Nightmare chuckles “Have fun on your mission.” Then as an afterthought “If you find any interesting books please take them along.”
Killer grins brightly “Got it boss!” and he pulls Cross with him “Say hi to Axe for us! And tell us what he thought about the present!” and Killer tugs on Cross’s arm.
Cross huffs as he takes out his blade. He shoots Nightmare one more look but visibly relaxes when Nightmare nods at him. Cross makes a slice in the air and a portal opens. Nightmare watches them go through together and the portal mends itself shut again.
The castle is immediately too quiet.
Nightmare quickly grabs the bag he had prepared; holding the food, presents and his book, and leaves himself.
Nightmare arrives early in the neutral universe and he takes a breathe of relieve. Isolation isn’t as tempting and reassuring as it used to be.
It is very early still but Nightmare doesn’t mind. He quickly finds the same bakery as before and enters it. A quick conversation later and he managed to place an order for some fresh cinnamon rolls for Killer and some of those cube croissants for Cross. All of which Nightmare will be able to pick up later on his way home. Nightmare also takes a fresh assortment of macarons, he has taken an liking to them himself and Axe seems to enjoy them.
Nightmare is rather picky about his food. He does not enjoy the activity of chewing and most textures. These work as they are rather light but have strong flavours for him to enjoy.
With that done he makes his way to the park to read the first chapter of his book. It is an interesting tale about someone having lost their memories and going on a mission to retrieve them. Nightmare reads for some time until the sun has risen far enough to imply the store would be open.
Nightmare packs up his book and makes his way to where Axe lives. He hopes all has been going well for the bitty. There have been people in the store before that said rude things about the tall bitty and his wounds.
Nightmare can admit he is curious himself but aside from the first time that Axe pointed to the wound he hasn’t referred to it again. So none of them had mentioned it either. Nightmare knows how annoying the questions about his tendrils get and won’t subject Axe to similar questions. He will tell them when he wants to and that is fine.
He gets to the bitty store and opens the front door.
Lambert, the child of the store’s owner and future owner, looks up from a list they are making. They smile brightly at Nightmare “Nightmare! It is great to see you again!” a curious look over his shoulder before their emotions turn hopeful “You… are alone today?”
Nightmare nods “Indeed I am. I was hoping to spend more time with Axe. I brought a few things we thought he might like.”
Lambert smiles brightly as they lay their list to the side and rush to his side “Of course! Honestly I am so surprised with how quickly you are bonding with him.” they walk towards the right cage together “It is amazing to see!” Lambert plays a bit with their wool as they keep glancing at Nightmare.
Nightmare still isn’t used to having others be… happy to see him. Much less the very specific interest Lambert feels near him. Nightmare tries not to encourage it, he isn’t interested in such things… At least not from Lambert.
They get to the right cage and Nightmare feels himself smile “Hello again Axe.”
Axe sits in his usual spot near the window but does fully turn around, still sitting cross legged as he stares at Nightmare. A small smile starts to grace his face but then Axe sees Lambert and Nightmare feels the familiar annoyance and irritations return.
Nightmare turns to Lambert “I got it from here, I wouldn’t want to keep you from your work. If I have any questions I know where to find you.”
Lambert stares before blushing and smiling “Of course! Yes! Obviously!” they wait a moment longer before pointing over their shoulder “I should… do my job… have fun!” they smile brightly at Axe “Have a good day and be good little guy!” and Lambert leaves.
Nightmare turns back to Axe and chuckles at the insulted look he aims at Lambert. “Do they still annoy you?”
Axe focusses on him and takes a moment before shrugging as he looks down. He is holding a small piece of very soft wood and an even smaller needle of some kind.
Nightmare pulls over the barstool they had moved into this corner and sits on it, it makes sure he is still on eye level with Axe but now he doesn’t have to stand “What are you doing?”
Axe blinks up and raises his two hands. Showing the wood and needle, or is it a very tiny knife? Nightmare studies it. It seems parts have been carved away, interesting.
Nightmare nods as he focuses on Axe “Are you wood carving?” Axe nods and Nightmare smiles “A present of your friend? Renegade?”
Renegade had been a name that Killer thought of for Axe’s mysterious partner in crime, as Cross called him. None of them had actually seen the second bitty but tiny presents kept being exchanged between the two and all the food was being eaten so they knew the other bitty was visiting. They had decided on the name Renegade because this bitty was someone wild and rejected the way things used to be for bitties. Or that is how Killer had explained it. Axe hadn’t shown any objection to the nickname for his bonded and so they kept it up.
Axe shoots him a look at his question but nods.
Nightmare smiles “That is very thoughtful of you. What are you making at the moment?”
Axe feels unsure and embarrassed for some reason but eventually pulls over an old looking cut out of a bunny. And now that Nightmare can see the reference he can see the ears starting to take shape. Nightmare nods and tells Axe as much.
Axe looks away and a tiny blush appears at the comment.
Nightmare frowns “Did no one compliment your carvings before?” the movement is practised and skilled. There is no way that Axe hasn’t done carvings before.
Axe shrugs and points to the window. Meaning that Renegade did.
Nightmare smiles “Well, I am sure that with Renegade liking them that is all the proof necessary to prove they are good.”
Axe dugs his skull even more and more embarrassment fills the air.
Nightmare can’t help but chuckle as he turns to his bag and searches it “Talking about you, your friend and presents.” He pulls out two tiny presents. Carefully packed by Cross. He turns back towards Axe. He raises his hand towards the cage opening and pauses “May I?”
Axe looks curious at the packages before nodding. Nightmare slowly opens the cage and lowers the two presents inside. Once the packages are down he returns his hand. He doesn’t lock the cage again as he is still planning on giving food and snacks later.
Axe keeps a careful eye on him until his hand is all the way back by his side before he rises to his feet and walks over to the two presents. Axe frowns at the packages before looking back up at Nightmare.
Nightmare smiles “The one with the red ribbon is yours. The one with blue is for Renegade but we all understand if you want to check his present beforehand.”
Axe frowns but grabs Renegade’s present first and opens it carefully. Taking great care to not rip the paper or the ribbon. He folds away the paper and sliders open the matchbox they had used to conceal the present.
Axe stares in shock as he pulls out the bright blue hoody. And afterwards some pants and a warm red scarf.
Nightmare makes sure to keep his voice quiet as he speaks “We weren’t sure what size your friend is so we went for the standard size. If it is too small please tell us so we can switch it. We also figured Renegade would like some clean clothes with him roughing it up outside.”
Axe rubs the soft cotton carefully before folding it back into the matchbox and closing it, after which he takes the time to fold the packing paper back around the present and tying the ribbon again. It isn’t the same quality as it was before but it is still damn good.
Axe stares for a long time at the present. He feels confused and Nightmare is unsure about what exactly. Axe then turns to the his own present and opens it. Again with the same careful and controlled movements.
It is strange to see someone this tiny move with the care that Axe is, as if he is afraid of breaking something.
Axe finishes unpacking his present and retrieves the outfit they had picked out for him. Nightmare had notices the Axe always wore the same dirty shirt. They wanted to give him a comfortable, warm and clean outfit. Something nice to wear.
They didn’t go for anything too complex or restricting. The jacket they picked for Axe is a neutral blue, matching with the one for Renegade but instead it was filled with pure white fluff to isolate the material and keep him warm.
Nightmare knows that a headwound messes with one’s ability to regulate their warmth and with it becoming autumn they just want to make sure Axe is warm.
Axe studies the new outfit before quickly disappearing into this small hideout. Nightmare watches him disappear inside before he turns to the food he brought along.
Nightmare takes out the cut strawberries and bananas. He takes care to carefully open the cage and leaves the offering inside before removing his hand. Best to give it now before Axe returns, this way Nightmare won’t stress him with moving his hand into Axe’s space again.
Axe returns wearing the new clothes and Nightmare smiles “It fits you very well, you are a very handsome bitty.”
Axe blushes again and hides his skull in his little hood now.
Nightmare chuckles “I am happy you like it. I brought strawberries and banana today. I also brought some macarons but only after your fruits.”
Axe pulls a face and rolls his eyes. Familiar annoyance but he walks over towards the food and starts to eat, only after he carefully separated the offering into two different portions.
Nightmare watches him for a moment and Axe just ignores him. Nightmare waits until Axe is finished before asking a question that has been nagging him “Does Renegade not find enough food outside?”
Axe pauses before shooting him a frown. He shakes his skull before tilting it. Clearly confused.
Nightmare frowns “It is just. You always make sure to have a portion for him ready. I was wondering if that was because you thought he wasn’t eating enough or afraid he didn’t get enough.”
Axe frowns as he looks down at the food he prepared. Then he shrugs. Probably unable or unwilling to answer the complex answer.
Nightmare watches him for a moment before smiling “It isn’t bad in anyway of course. It is sweet you try and help him and take care of him. I am sure he appreciates your efforts a lot. I was just worried myself, that is all.” he doesn’t want to accidentally make Axe doubts his actions.
Axe waits a moment before nodding again. Afterwards he gets up and starts moving the dish with fruits over to the window spot along with the present for Renegade.
Nightmare watches him work for a moment before pulling out his book and picking up his reading again. It is nice to just have someone living and moving nearby as he reads. It is why he loves having the other skeletons in the castle as he works.
Makes him feel less alone.
A small tap on the bars and Nightmare looks over to see Axe right by his side. Axe notices he has his attention and points at the book. Nightmare blinks as he looks at it “It is a new book I started. I am still early in the story. It is about a person who lost all their memories and is on a journey to reclaim them and learn who they were. They have found another person to travel with who is looking for history on a tragedy that happened to their hometown. They are now traveling towards a mysterious labyrinth that is supposed to hold the answers.”
Axe looks considered and nods before looking away.
Nightmare frowns “If you want to, you can read along.”
Axe looks up, thinks for a moment before nodding. The next move surprises Nightmare as Axe just scales the side of the cage and uses just arm strength to get to the cage opening. He hangs on one hand and arm and pushes his hand between the bars and unlocks the small locking mechanism from the inside before holding the bar with both hands. Next he swings back and forth and just kicks the door open and afterwards he swings himself through the hole and climbs out.
Axe stands next to Nightmare, on the outside of his own cage, looking at him and waiting.
Nightmare blinks “I… I didn’t realise you could do that.”
Axe blinks and looks back at the open cage before shrugging. He takes a few steps over and sits on the side of his cage, his little legs hanging off the side of it before looking curiously at the book and back at him. Just waiting.
Nightmare changes the hold on the book a bunch and waits until he gets some kind of sigh that Axe is comfortable reading. Nightmare ends up getting a thumbs up.
The two of them read like this for a while. Nightmare taking a long time before turning each page as Axe just gives a thumbs up each time he is done reading. Axe is a slow reader but Nightmare isn’t surprised. He doubts the bitty gets a lot of chances to read things as books are slightly too big to just have in his containment. Maybe Nightmare can get some kind of small reading tablet for the bitty. Make it easier for him to read in peace.
Nightmare makes a mental note of it.
It is nice-
“Oh no! Wait! No!” Lambert rushes over and grabs Axe. Axe hisses and immediately bites which Lambert ignores as they place Axe back into the cage and locks the mechanism.
Nightmare frowns “What was that for? He was comfortable.” He places the book to the side and looks Axe over.
Axe just sits on the ground of his cage looking very annoyed as he glares at the ram monster. He feels unhappy and annoyed but luckily he seems unharmed.
Nightmare glares at Lambert “What was that for?”
Lambert looks up and rubs their hands “It is just Bitey- sorry sorry Axe tends to scare some of the other bitties if he is out and about. Not to forget that he very quickly gets a headache if he strains his eye too much and that happens with reading. It is better if he just… doesn’t you know?”
Nightmare frowns and he feels disappointment and more frustration from Axe. Nightmare tilts his skull and makes sure to look unimpressed “I hardly see the issue. Axe is very capable and seemed to enjoy the light reading we had been doing. He was also still on his cage and not anywhere closer to the other bitties than he has been.” A glance confirms that Axe looks up hopefully at him.
Lambert frowns as they look over before rubbing their hands “It is just… okay. I think I need to share a few details about Axe.”
Axe freezes and glares at Lambert. Very very unhappy.
Lambert doesn’t seem to notice “It is… about his skull situation.”
Nightmare frowns “It seems rude to talk about someone else’s health. If Axe wishes to share what happened to him he can share it when he is ready. I am not in a hurry to learn.” He is not going to betray the fragile trust he, Killer and Cross had been building with Axe.
Lambert looks apologetic “Sorry but… well… my dad said you kind of have to know so… if you can just come with me please?” they rub their hands “I figured it could wait a bit longer but if you are going to remove him from his cage you need to know.”
Nightmare thinks about telling Lambert about the fact that Axe can get himself out but thinks better of it. If Lambert doesn’t know that it may be because Axe doesn’t let them know.
Nightmare looks over at Axe “I am sorry, I will be back real soon.” He puts down the bag on his stool “Do you mind keeping an eye out on my things while I go with them?”
Axe looks up and nods his acceptance.
Nightmare follows after Lambert and they go to the counter. Nightmare frowns at Lambert “Yes? What did you need to share?”
Lambert thinks for a moment before taking a deep breath “Axe isn’t from this facility originally. He, and we think his bonded, were from a terrible place. Some cops busted the place and freed about fifty bitties all in terrible health and conditions. The exact numbers didn’t match with the numbers we got but we always figured that some went to other safe houses and recovery centers.”
Nightmare frowns “I assume his skull got injured there?”
Lambert shakes their head “No… that came later… it is just… Axe was brought to us with about ten other bitties. To rehabilitate and heal from their abuse.”
Nightmare frowns “Then I don’t see the issue?” Axe was clearly healing and getting better. Especially if his past abuse was by humans or monsters and he was now willing to interact and be near Nightmare.
Lambert rubs their face “He was always… bitey and aggressive which we knew why. The thing is, he had always been locked away and alone. We thought he didn’t have a bonded.”
Nightmare blinks “Wait, his bonded wasn’t with him?” Renegade hadn’t been with Axe?
Lambert sighs “Even the police reports never spoke of having a bitty near Axe. We thought he wasn’t bonded and so, after some time to heal and relax we gently introduced him to other bitties as that is what normally has to be done. It had looked promising at first! Axe would mostly just… ignore other bitties. He just didn’t bother with interacting with other bitties. But…
He would hoard food.”
Nightmare frowns still not seeing the problem. Axe still did that.
Lambert sighs as they look down “The other bitties didn’t like it… we hadn’t… we thought it was fine. We just gave more food and all the bitties ate enough so we didn’t think it would be a problem that Axe had a small food pile he would defend. We figured he had been starved a lot and just wanted him to feel secure…”
Lambert looks into the direction of the larger cage with many bitties.
“There was one night, and there was a loud commotion. Bitties screaming and yelling.”
Nightmare frowns as he turns fully “But they hardly ever make noise?” Bitties would normally talk to normal sized monsters and people but Nightmare had noticed most of them preferred to be quiet. Past abuse would also explain why Axe was quiet, his past owners probably didn’t allow him to speak or communicate.
Lambert nods “It is how my dad and I knew something was horribly wrong. We rushed downstairs and found a horrible scene. Axe was on the ground of the bitty housing, his skull cracked and bleeding, a large needle stolen from somewhere in the store nearby. And… another bitty, one wearing a piece of cloth with a tie used to cloak the bitty. The bitty had been stabbing another bitty repeatedly in the chest, neck and head. The other bitty wasn’t moving anymore.”
Nightmare blinks but listens.
Lambert rubs their face “We immediately removed Axe to get him to a healer and tried to catch the wild bitty, but he was slippery and immediately managed to twist out of our grip and made a run for it. We never even got to confirm what type of bitty he is.”
Lambert sighs “After returning from the healer we moved Axe into a solo container to not risk hurting him anymore and we looked at the security cams and found something shocking. Axe had been asleep and the bitty that had been killed had been the one to initiate the attack. She had climbed out of the cage and stolen a needle from our tools. Then she had climbed back in and gone straight to Axe and stabbed him through the skull.”
Lambert crosses their arms “The thing is… in the background, the whole time, you could see a tiny figure near the window, watching the other bitty go about the store. The second she got a weapon he had been working on unlocking the top window near the ceiling to get inside.”
“As she had stood over Axe he had gotten inside and went straight for the cage. He was only seconds too late to stop the attack.”
Silence around them.
Nightmare frowns “I don’t see the issue… Axe was attacked and his bonded tried to save him. Seems like rather good partner behaviour to me.”
Lambert raises their voice “A bitty was killed!”
Nightmare crosses his arms “It was a form of self-defence. Especially if they went through hell together and have been bonded since their last imprisonment. Or, Axe was only imprisoned and his bonded was still wild but still went to spend time with him.” a thought “Where were they originally from?”
Lambert thinks for a moment “A country over.”
Nightmare nods “So either, they were a bonded pair from the same hellish place… or, Axe’s bonded is a wild bitty originally from a completely different country, who willingly followed Axe all the way here to still be with him.” he tilts his skull “That are the two most likely options I see at this moment and to me that just tells me how much they care about one another.”
Lambert groans “Axe being out of his cage makes all the other bitties nervous! He caused the death of one of the bitties!”
Nightmare shakes his skull “No. The bitty who died attacked first. She started a fight with a sleeping unaggressive opponent.” He crosses his arms “She would have killed Axe if she had the chance.”
Lambert crosses their arms “I know it is just-”
Nightmare continues “And just because she was already popular in the bitty settlement and Axe wasn’t it would have gone over well. She would have probably not even received much punishment would she? It would have been seen or written off as her trying to defend her colony and community from a food scarce. All while ignoring she killed a hurt and traumatised bitty that should have not been thrown off the deep end or been left in a container with bitties that seemed to dislike him.”
More silence around them.
Nightmare stares Lambert down “I will continue to help Axe and make sure he is healthy. His health, both physical and mental is my concern foremost.” And he nods “Thank you for the information but it hardly changes anything.” And he turns away and walks back to Axe.
He gets to the cage and his stool and takes a seat. He doesn’t see Axe right away and that is fine. “I apologise for taking as long as I did.” He looks into his bag and concentrates on his magic. Axe feels insecure and ashamed. The poor guy no doubt heard most if not the full conversation.
But more curiously.
A curiosity not his own, from very high.
Nightmare keeps his face aimed downwards towards his bag but lets his eyesight find reflective surfaces.
He is very lucky.
Because he can see a very tiny cloaked figure near the top of the window. Near the ceiling window, a similar one to the one that Lambert had spoken about.
Nearby and guarding his partner it seems.
Nightmare thinks for a moment before taking his chance “Lambert told me how you got your wound.”
More shame and frustrations from Axe and clear worry from Renegade.
Nightmare makes sure to keep his voice calm “I am sorry that happened to you. That after you got to a seemingly safe space that you were hurt, especially after showing so much trust by sleeping and resting near them.” he considers his next move before going through with it as he feels his first set of words positively affect both bitties “And, I am happy to hear you have such a good bonded who immediately moved to defend you when you needed help. Those type of people can be rare to come by. I am happy you both have each other.”
That seemed to have been the right words as he feels disbelieve from two sources before Axe rushes out of his hiding hole and stares hard at him. Still distrusting and nervous and in shock but so hopeful.
Nightmare smiles “I mean it. I understand that you both are worried, especially after all that happened. But if either of you need something you can ask us and we will do our best to get it to you.”
Axe keeps frowning at him before nodding and disappearing back into his shelter. It seems like that was it for Axe for today. Nightmare risks another glance towards the ceiling window but it seems that Renegade wasn’t there anymore.
Nightmare ends up opening the cage to leave a few more macarons before rising to his feet “I will be gone for a little while but I will be back in the afternoon again.”
A small chirp answers him that he was heard and Nightmare walks out of the store for now.
It is Sunday and that means upload day!! We are back to the Bitties!
Second Chapter!
First Chapter: [Here]
AO3 link: [Here]
*--------------------------*
They got to the neutral universe bright and early.
Maybe a little too early as Killer quickly found out the store was still closed.
But that is fine! They can just… just… euh… get some things!
Nightmare chuckles “Calm down Killer. We will just walk around and see if anything has changed since I last visited.” Nightmare looks thoughtful.
Killer blinks before grinning “Yes! You haven’t been around here for a few months already! Come on! There is this breakfast bakery thing near the park now and they make amazing macarons!”
Cross frowns at him “Killer… Isn’t it early for those-”
Killer covers his mouth “Hush Crossy, we got macarons to buy and eat.”
Nightmare chuckles as his tendrils flex “Very well. Lead the way.”
Killer is quick to grab both Cross and Nightmare’s arms as he pulls them both along.
Killer isn’t sure how it all ended up being this good. He had thought that the truce would have ruined everything.
Killer had been hired to help his boss after all.
Obviously Nightmare hadn’t right away told him just why he did what he did. Back when Killer first met Nightmare he had just been one big mystery. A dark mysterious stranger who showed up in Killer’s dead world. With an open hand and an offer.
Killer had tried to attack only to very quickly find out he couldn’t defeat Nightmare. Nightmare had just looked at him, not even looking surprised. Nightmare had never lowered the open hand. The deal, a way out of this dead end.
Killer… Killer had thought Nightmare had been an illusion. And illusion made of his own broken thoughts and feelings after everything with Chara. Killer thought… Killer figured he could see where his broken mind would lead him. Let himself amuse these hallucinations.
He took the offered hand.
Only for Nightmare to pull him into a dark portal and to step out of the darkness somewhere else. So much like Killer’s own shortcuts but instead of just a blink of nothing it felt like he had travelled through very thick mist.
Only to step out right on top of grass. In the middle of a town, under the warm sun.
That… that had been the realisation that maybe this wasn’t some hallucination.
Nightmare had just said that this would be a test run, he had wanted Killer to spread negativity. Killer had been more than ready to do so until Nightmare had stopped him. No killing. Killer had been confused but made it work.
It wasn’t until much later. When Killer didn’t go into third stage as often anymore. When he got more used to being him and feeling the things he kinda felt. That Nightmare bothered to explain the balance to him. And even later for Nightmare to allow Killer to help with Nightmare’s side business.
The landlord comments are only 30% jokes after all.
Killer had been happy to help his boss. To stay by his side and never leave. Killer could honestly say he was happy there. Then the whole X event happened and they met Cross and just like Nightmare had pulled Killer from his darkness Nightmare also pulled Cross out. Even if Cross’s darkness was more of a white void.
Killer hadn’t been surprised when Cross wanted to remain, Killer had been the same.
The truce had been a problem at first. Killer knew what it would mean. Killer wouldn’t have been needed anymore. Why need someone working for you when you don’t need help keeping the balance anymore? Sure he helped with some of the management and helped research some stuff but that was hardly anything compared to the balance!
But… Nightmare never told them to leave.
Killer hadn’t dared to ask.
Cross had been braver. Asking Nightmare what they would do now. As the truce meant they wouldn’t have to do missions anymore. That the truce meant they couldn’t do raids anymore.
Nightmare had just looked at them and said it would mean they would have more freedom and time to explore some other universes. That they would actually get the chance to spend their money on things they liked to decorate their rooms or parts of the castle. That they would have time to explore areas to learn about the culture over just having to do hit and runs.
Killer and Cross had both smiled brightly. Killer has no doubts that Nightmare must think it was because of the newfound freedom.
Sure that was nice but the much more important part was that Nightmare said ‘their rooms’ and ‘their castle.’
Their home.
Killer still is unsure how he got this lucky. You would think that with karma and after what he did and the deal he made he would only get suffering and pain. Retribution for his crimes and all that jazz.
Instead?
He has a home. With two of the best people possible.
And now Killer is on his way to get breakfast with those two people before he is going to hold bitties again!
Killer has won at life and he knows it.
He skips as he sees the bakery.
Nightmare chuckles “You are in a very good mood. I can only assume the bitties are as cute as you always wished they would be?”
Cross nods “They are! I can’t wait to hold them again. I really hope we can do this sponsor thing with the little skeleton.”
Nightmare nods before looking over curious “Were you not told his name?”
Cross opens his mouth before frowning “I don’t think so? The shopkeeper called him bitey a few times but never confirmed that to be his name.” Cross frowns.
Killer grins “Don’t worry Crossy!”
Cross pulls a face “Kills. Don’t call me that.”
Killer can’t help but keep grinning, Crossy always looks cute when he pouts “We can just ask when we visit. Oh! Do you think we can buy some snacks for the little guy and offer them to him?!” Killer can’t help but jump up and down “I think a few macarons for the little guy would be great! Maybe some extra so he can share with his friend!”
Nightmare chuckles “How about… we get some extras and ask the store manager? If we get a confirmation it is allowed we can try and give the bitty a few. If they say no we can eat them ourselves later.” Nightmare looks highly amused.
Killer nods “Sounds like a plan boss!” and he rushes into the bakery.
There is quite a line but that is okay. It gives both Cross and him time to go to the display cases and look at things while Nightmare keeps their place in line.
They end up getting a few cool snacks! Cross gets this square croissant thing with a bunch of chocolate on it. Nightmare got this cherry tart. Killer himself got the most delicious looking cinnamon roll with strawberries and whipped cream! And they got a nice assortments of macarons as they had planned.
Breakfast treats in hand they make their way over to the bitty store to wait nearby.
They start eating in mostly silence and Killer decimates his meal. Ooh so good! He looks over and snorts as he sees that Cross is just looking completely blissed out with his own meal. Nightmare just seems to chew slowly as he studies the tart curiously.
Killer tilts his skull “Not good? We can get you something else to eat?”
Nightmare looks over as he finishes chewing a bite before answering “Oh it is fine. Just a curious texture I hadn’t been expecting.” More amused “And you keep forgetting that I don’t need to actually eat.”
Killer stares before remembering that fact! Right! Nightmare only started to eat meals to… to make sure that Cross and Killer would stop forgetting mealtimes…
Killer looks down “Right… right… forgot about that.”
Nightmare chuckles “No need to feel embarrassed.” He looks at his tart “I do appreciate you both trying to also look after me.”
Killer feels his face grow warm as he shrugs. His feelings a mess and feeling chaotic.
Cross finishes his own treat and looks mournful at the empty wrapper. Nightmare shakes his skull with a smile as he pats his shoulder with a tendril “If you want we can get more before we leave.” Cross blinks before giving a bright shining smile.
Killer has to look down and away as his soul does that weird little flip again.
It is fine. Don’t worry about it.
Bitty time.
He looks up and thanks his lucky stars that the sign is just changed to open instead of closed. Killer rushes over and throws open the door. “Hello!”
“Ahh! Oh! Euh… hello!” It is the ram monster again, perfect!
Killer is about to say something when a tendril nudges him to the side and Killer follows the silent order without a second thought as he steps to the side.
Nightmare enters next “I apologise for Killer. He can be enthusiastic.”
The ram blinks and stares in clear awe at Nightmare. Hah! Killer gets it. Nightmare is a sight beyond your imagination.
The ram sputters before smiling as they look to the side, a small blush starting to appear “Sure! No worries! I was just surprised! Euh… so you are their… friend? Coworker?”
Killer frowns as he recognises those sighs. Oh absolutely not! Boss is theirs!
Cross seems to notice as well as he steps over “We all live together.” and he smiles brightly.
The ram blinks “Oh… oh! Yeah. Haha! Of course! Didn’t mean anything by it… anyway! Bitties! Right!” and they look to the side and doesn’t make eye contact.
Killer grins “Yeah! We wanted to see the little skeleton bitty! Also we realised we never learned his name!” he opens the bag of snacks “We also brought snacks for him and we were wondering if we could share some and Nightmare, that is his name, mentioned that sometimes sponsoring is a thing or like documental adoption and we were wondering what the options were concerning these!”
The ram monster just stares at him looking slightly lost.
Nightmare steps forward “How about this. Let the nice monster set up the store first and just take a short look at the bitties. After that we can sit down and talk for a while.” He looks at the store keep “Is that agreeable?”
The ram nods.
Killer grins. Killer isn’t even surprised, no one stands a chance against Nightmare being charismatic.
Killer and Cross rushed over to the right cage only to find themselves cooing. The little skeleton is sound asleep and- oh god. That was a very tiny bottle cap he was holding. That hadn’t been in there the day before. The closer they looked the sweeter it became because the bottle cap had the picture of a tiny flower on it.
A bitty too small to give a flower so it gives the next best thing they can find. That is just adorable!
Also it reassured Killer that the other bitty was still out and thriving! Well maybe not thriving but alive and doing okay!
They returned to find Nightmare browsing some of the books on bitty care as the ram monster, called Lambert, had been setting things up and getting everything ready.
After joining back together they spoke about the idea that Nightmare had before and Lambert looks considering.
“We haven’t ever done anything like this before… We don’t reserve bitties either.” they look thoughtful “However, I do feel horrible about the little guy not getting a family and may never get a family because of our own policy about not splitting up bonded pairs or groups.” They tap the desk a few times and stares at the articles they had found about the sponsoring and adopting process Nightmare had mentioned.
Lambert stares at them “And you will take this seriously? This would mean that a daily visit is the least you have to do… You could pay for upgrades or special food. However if at any point you risk his health we will step in.” Lambert waits.
Nightmare nods “Sounds agreeable enough. We may not all be able to visit everyday but one of us should always be able to visit.”
Lambert frowns and nods “Especially at the start it is important. A newly adopted bitty needs a lot of love, attention and affection to help reassure them and show them that it is all okay. Adoption can actually be traumatic for them if it isn’t done right… If we want to do an adoption process but without moving his place we would have to still do the socialisation.”
Cross nods and smiles brightly “We will happily come by daily to hang out with the little guy!”
Killer nods along with Cross. Thank everything they had such a clear schedule nowadays. Boss may not be able to visit as much but Killer already knows he and Cross can come by often to bond with their little bitty!
And maybe they will get lucky and catch a glimpse of the other bitty! Killer would love to have the matching set and get them installed at home!
There is this large window in the living room which just has an empty table under it and it would be a great place to get an enormous bitty housing! And as it is the living room they can safely include the bitties for gaming and movie nights!
But that is for later.
First!
Gain the trust of the first bitty and then the little biter will tell his friend it is okay and boom! Two bitties.
Talking about biter “What even is his name?”
Lambert looks up “Oh! Euh… we don’t name the bitties. They usually have their own names or give each other names thought they rarely share those. I just call him bitey or biter because… well… he bites… hard.” They look worried “That doesn’t change anything right?”
Nightmare chuckles “We are skeletons. We will be able to withstand a few bites.”
Lambert nods before smiling “This is amazing! We were so afraid no one would ever adopt him. But this will work great!” they look down at the simplified contract they had managed to set up “I will have to talk with my boss but this is something amazing! He will probably want to speak with you as well to iron out the details but for now I don’t see why not.” They glance at the bag of snacks “What kind of snacks did you bring him? He is a bitty after all and may not able to eat everything.”
Killer grins as he opens the bag and shows the macarons but also the fruit they brought along. Lambert takes their time to check everything before nodding “This should all be good. Obviously don’t give him everything as he tends to overeat.”
Nightmare nods “We will be careful. Could you get a small package ready about bitty care? I want to make sure we are all well prepared even with supervision.”
Lambert nods “Of course sir! I will get right to that. You three feel free to hang out with your bitty.” They smile “Just be watchful for the signs of overstimulation and remember that bitey isn’t exactly fully socialised yet, he may need a long time to warm up to you.”
Cross puffs up “Of course we will!” as he says this he looks at Killer and Nightmare.
Killer grins as he shrugs “We will just not pick him up until he initiates contact and stuff. Much like a cat you got to learn their body language and the signs for what they want.” Killer has so many stray cat friends. He is great with cats and he is ready to learn all the signs of this bitty with the same amount of care as he did for his cats!
The three of them go to the right spot and Killer grins as he sees Nightmare look at the bitty in awe with a tilted skull.
“I… didn’t realise he would be this small.”
Cross giggles “It is a bitty boss.” Even so he coos at the sleepy bitty.
Which is when bitey decides it is time to wake up. He sits up. Yawns loudly before shooting them a stink eye.
Nightmare chuckles and Killer turns to look at him “What is wrong?”
Nightmare just leans a bit closer to the cage “I apologise we were loud. I hope we didn’t wake you.”
Killer freezes and a glance confirms Cross froze as well. Of course. An empath. Bitties have emotions and Nightmare can feel those. And he is a damned expert on understanding emotions.
The bitty pauses and shoots Nightmare a look over his shoulder. Then he turns back to the bottlecap he is still holding.
Nightmare looks at the bottlecap “That is a nice bottlecap… may I see it?”
The bitty immediately turns around and hides it behind his back while he growls at Nightmare with slitted eye lights.
Oh by the stars the tiny thing looks so cute when it tries to be threatening.
Nightmare shakes his skull “I apologise again. I didn’t mean I wanted to hold or take it. I just wished to see it. It looks special to you and it made me curious. That is all.”
Bitey stops growling and looks distrusting at Nightmare. He does however slowly pull the bottlecap from behind his back and shows the front, which shows a flower. Then, even more shocking. The little bitty slowly twists the bottlecap around and in the inside of it they see writing. All three of them lean in close to be able to read it.
H + D.
And a small heart around the letters.
Killer stands there in shock. He can read. The bitty can read! And his buddy can also read and write! Holy shit!
Nightmare smiles “That looks like a lovely gift. No wonder you are so happy and careful with it.”
This causes the bitty to shrug as he hugs the bottlecap close again.
Nightmare shoots Killer a look and wait.
Oh! Duh! His turn!
Killer grins as he leans closer “We got you a little something!” He opens the bag and goes to grab the macarons when he thinks better of it and grabs the fruit. He saw the little guy eat some kiwi the day before. So maybe some stuff he recognises is better to start with.
Killer raises the container and he can see that he has bitey’s attention. Killer opens the lid to the fruit and slowly reaches for the opening to the cage. As soon as he hand nears it he can see biter starting to hiss and growl again as his black dot of his eyelight thins and sharpens with aggression.
No use to back down now. Killer needs to show that he won’t hurt him by doing this. Exposure therapy.
Killer slowly moves a few pieces of fruit into the container. Bitey hisses and swipes out a hand.
Nightmare suddenly looks up and around. Killer can hear Cross ask what is wrong but Killer can’t afford to be distracted now. He is on a mission. A mission to get an adorable bitty to like him.
He releases the fruit and as soon as he does the bitty attacks and yikes okay that are very sharp teeth. Killer freezes a he grins “It is okay. I am already removing my hand. See?” he slowly rises his hand and bitey immediately lets go and grabs his hard won prizes of kiwi.
Killer removes his hand and closes the little gate thing again. Nightmare takes his hand and looks over the bite marks.
“Are you okay?”
Killer grins “Yeah I am fine. The little guy didn’t even draw blood… but… what was wrong? You were looking around?” Killer swears if the Stars show up and ruin this for them.
Nightmare looks around thoughtful “It was strange. As soon as you put your hand into that cage I felt a spike of panic but it wasn’t coming from…” Nightmare sighs in defeat “Bitey.” He then blinks and looks over at bitey “I assume you don’t like that nickname?”
Bitey has a hard glare on his face. Which power is lessened by the fact that his whole face is covered with kiwi and his cheeks are full with food. Oh what Killer wouldn’t do to be able to rub those little chubby cheeks.
Wait.
Killer looks over “He doesn’t like the nickname they gave him?”
Nightmare nods “If I am correct with guessing where the annoyance and frustration came from. Which appeared as soon as I referred to him with Bitey.” Nightmare looks curious “He seems fine with he/him which means Lambert was right about that-” more amusement “You don’t like Lambert?” this question is aimed at Bitey.
Bitey seems to stare at them for a moment before shrugging. Shrugging! Oh god he is communicating with them!
Nightmare looks very amused “Really? They seems like they care a lot and are very careful with you.”
Bitey actually pulls a face and huffs before turning back to his snack and stuffing his little face with it.
Killer can’t stand it anymore “What is he feeling?” and he stares at Nightmare.
Nightmare thinks for a moment “Mostly when we are in focus, indifference. He is clearly used to having people come by. When talking about Lambert he seems annoyed. When talking about the nickname he was given frustrated and unhappy.”
Killer frowns as he looks at bitey “So what should we call you? If you don’t like the nickname. What can we call you in the meantime?”
Bitey looks over again before looking thoughtful. He looks around his cage for a moment before getting an idea and just… points at the hole in his skull.
Okay that seems a tiny bit insensitive and Killer is called killer.
Cross seems the struggle for a moment “euh… wound?”
The bitty shakes his skull and turns back to watch the window.
Killer frowns “Hole?” another shake.
Cross and Killer frown at each other.
Nightmare chuckles “I am sure you have something in mind but it is rather hard to read that.” He looks around “How about we give you something that doesn’t refer to your injury? Or some behaviour. It seems rather rude.”
Bitey huffs and gives a roll of his eye lights before looking back outside.
Nightmare nods “I see you are done debating about this now.”
Bitey doesn’t do anything.
Killer looks outside and grins “When is your friend coming back? We would love to meet him! Especially if he is as adorable as you!”
Bitey freezes before he turns and glares with a hard look at Killer. His eye full of fire and rage. The hissing is louder than ever before.
Nightmare blinks and Cross nudges him “Nightmare?”
Nightmare searches for the right words “As soon as Killer mentioned his friend he felt panic and fear. When Killer implied his friend was cute there was… protective rage? I think.” Nightmare looks at the bitty in curiosity “We don’t want to force anything. We just wish to get to know you both and make sure you both are okay.”
Bitey huffs as he gets up, he grabs his bottlecap, and goes into a little shelter in the container.
Now that Killer thinks about it. That is the first time he ever saw him go in there.
The three of them wait for a moment longer to see if Bitey leaves his little hiding spot but he doesn’t. They eventually decide that is enough for today and they leave but not before Killer leaves a few macarons in the container.
They meet back up with Lambert, who had managed to contact their boss, and they work on the agreement, ownership and responsibility agreements. Nightmare does most of that as Cross and Killer look around the store for anything they can use to spur up little Bitey’s, name pending, cage. The two of them can also not help themselves as they buy a very large kit to start on the bitty house for in the living room. Cross had agreed with Killer that the table in the living room under the large window would be the perfect spot.
They will probably get a lot more expansions until it is perfect. Hopefully by that time he will agree to live with them and introduce his little friend to them. For now they will be patient.
----
“Are you okay?”
“You are back…”
“Of course I am back. But are you okay? I saw those strangers reach for you.”
“Weren’t reaching for me… leaving food.”
“…”
“Here. It is good.”
“… I am fine.”
“Please eat…”
“… It isn’t fair if you ask me like that H…”
“Thank you… and it is okay… they were curious.”
“About your wound I assume?”
“Actually no… They didn’t ask about it once. Not even when I gave them a setup…”
“Weird… don’t trust them…”
“I will be fine bunny…”
“I mean it H… what if they try to hurt you? I can’t fight the large ones…”
It is Sunday once more and that means we are back with the bitties!
First Chapter: [Here]
AO3 link: [Here]
*--------------------------------*
Cross feels excited!
They are three months in and Axe is finally vocalising a bit near them! It are chirps and coos and clicks and clacks!
And.
And!
Much more important!
Short words!
Like yes and no and things like that!
It seems like Nightmare had managed to charm the tiny bitty and Cross can say he is not surprised. Of course Nightmare would be able to hear everything that happened and manage to react in the exact right way.
Now little Axe was wearing the things they got for him and he didn’t even hiss at the hands coming near him anymore!
Cross leads the way to the store for their hang out. Even Nightmare is coming along today! Which makes it all three of them.
Maybe Cross is just too excited because they managed to find a tiny multimedia storage that had a good battery life and some tiny wireless earphones.
Cross had put on some of his favourite short anime series on there and Killer put a few good movies on there as well. Cross helped Nightmare getting some audio books on it as well so this should give little Axe, and Renegade, something to do!
Killer had joked about little movie dates for the two and Cross found himself agreeing to the notion. The idea of Axe with a little friend sitting in front of their gift watching a movie and eating a macaron together is too adorable for words.
They enter the shop together and greet Ramfy, the actual owner, with a wave before leaving him be. There are customers in the store today but they quickly make it over to their quiet corner and greet Axe. Who looks up and gives them a wave and click in greeting. He turns away from the window and watches them.
Cross smiles “Hey buddy, how are you feeling today?” he takes the time to move the usual fruit into the cage as well as some scones, Cross thinks they came out nicely even if he isn’t the best at baking them.
Axe thinks before making a so-so motion before pointing at his unlit socket. His other hand grabs some food and starts to nibling on it.
Killer pouts “Yikes, socket aches I take?” Axe nods and shrugs.
Cross frowns “I am sorry to hear that.”
Axe shrugs again.
Nightmare nods “I supposed you would get used to it after a while.” Axe nods and tilts his skull at them and points at them and waits.
Killer grins “Yeah sorry for not coming by with all of us in a while. Been busy with work.”
Axe tilts his skull and waits.
Cross laughs “It is a bit hard to explain…” he takes a moment to look around “And not really the… place.” He smiles at Axe, hoping the little guy will forgive them for keeping the secret.
Axe raises a brow and looks bemused but nods.
Killer jumps up “We got something for you!”
Axe blinks before looking at the food they had already moved into his cage. Then looks at them pointedly.
Killer grins “No that is just food, you get that freely. This is a gift!” and he pulls out the mediaplayer and puts it in the cage.
Axe looks at it before looking back at them as he continues to eat.
Killer blinks and starts to carefully explain how it works and how to use it. Shows it by example as he selects a book to read and Axe looks curiously at the noise coming from the ear bud but doesn’t seem as intrigued by it as they had hoped. Hopefully Renegade will like it more.
Killer pouts “You don’t like it?”
Axe looks slightly alarmed as he stares at the multimedia, then back at them and then down as he shrugs again.
Nightmare hums “It is fine. Not each little token and gift can be a hit. Maybe Renegade will like it more.”
Axe seems to think it over before nodding. He grabs another grape and starts eating it, it quickly becomes a mess.
Cross coos as he lays on his arms. Axe is just such a messy eater and it is so cute.
Killer snorts and goes to browse some of the house expansions and gasps “Guys! What about, and hear me out, a rooftop pool with a slide going to the ground level pool?”
Okay… so maybe Killer and him had been going a little insane and crazy with the bitty housing they had been setting up.
Axe tilts his skull before looking at Nightmare.
Nightmare doesn’t even look up from his book as he speaks “Depends, is this another pool or the already existing ground level pool?”
Killer grins as he holds up a large building kit “It is another tower! And we can expand the slide all the way down to the floor where we can set up a new pool!”
Cross can see it take shape and nods along “Oh! And the tower can be another bedroom!” more comfortable nests for their little bitties to sleep and rest! It is perfect!
Axe snorts as he looks at them with a raises brow.
Killer grins as he rushes over to Axe “What do you think Axe? The dark blue set or the purple? The dark blue is more neutral colours overall but the purple set only has purple highlights and the white of that one fits with the rest that we have set up so far.”
Axe rolls his eye lights as he turns away from Killer and starts eating. Cross giggles as Killer pouts at the bitty. It is amazing that Axe already knows how to deal with Killer and seems so comfortable with dealing with the other.
Killer isn’t discouraged as he goes back to the kits and compares each kit with one another and to the pictures he took of the housing they have made so far.
Cross just remains by Axe as he talks about the stuff they had been doing around their house and the places they had explored. Cross tries to not mention too much about their job and the council meetings as they get rough but some of it must have been noticed because Axe keeps shooting him worried looks.
Cross smiles “It is fine. It is just work stuff.”
Axe frowns and glances at Nightmare before back at him “How so?”
Oh stars his soft voice is just so sweet and Cross is so lucky they managed to earn his trust enough to make him feel comfortable to speak to them.
Cross sighs as he shrugs. Nightmare gives a sigh himself and gives a sad smile “Cross and Killer help me with my work, for both my jobs. One is regretfully a lot more taxing and sadly people don’t enjoy the work I do and are rather rude about their opinion about it. It is nothing we didn’t expect but we had hoped it would get better with time.”
Cross nods his agreement. He is so tired of people looking at Nightmare as if he is some kind of demon when all Nightmare does and ever did was try to keep the balance. Even with the council knowing this they still don’t take the things Nightmare says about the balance as truthful, even when Nightmare shows the notes and calculations he did on it all.
They are lucky that Dream always reads the notes and ends up agreeing but Cross is getting sick and tired of the same discussion each time they need to shift the balance again. Because each time Nightmare offers up information about the balance and the state of it Dream also just starts off not believing it. Then they have to convince him it is an issue, then he will ask for information, he will read the information and then need time to consider it, and only then they can fix things. It just wastes so much time.
Axe frowns at them before muttering “They… rude…”
Axe always speaks slowly and with easy sentences. Cross figures it is the head wound but doesn’t want to ask him in case he hurts the bitty’s feelings.
Nightmare chuckles and nods “I agree. They can be very rude. But we can’t force people to change their opinion. I just wish they would stop being as hellbent on making my job more difficult.”
Axe frowns at Nightmare. Cross isn’t sure why but Axe must have his reasons. Axe eventually nods and looks over at Killer. Who is still at the shelf. Axe points in Killer’s direction.
Nightmare chuckles “He is looking for another expansion for the housing we have set up at our home.”
It isn’t as if it is a secret that they have set up a bitty housing for Axe and his friend. That they want to take the two home and let them live with them.
Axe blushes and looks away with a shrug.
Cross smiles as he leans close to the cage “Hey no worry. We know you don’t want to move at the moment and that is okay. We get it, we also want to stay with those who are important to us.”
Nightmare blinks and shoots him a look.
Wait! No! Abort! Too honest! Too honest!
Cross sits back upright “I mean! It makes sense! To be near people you trust and feel safe near and and wait I didn’t… I mean!”
Axe nods and points as Cross, then Killer and then Nightmare “Same.” And points at himself and the latest gift from Renegade “Same.” And he looks very smug with himself.
Oh…
Oh no!
Cross feels himself blush as he sputters “No! I mean. Kinda?” oh stars how does he explain this situation?! Does Cross love Killer and Nightmare to bits? Absolutely?! Obviously?! But Nightmare and Killer don’t know that! And Cross isn’t planning on letting them know!
Axe just stares at them with a raised brow. Fully unimpressed and as if they are idiots. Axe shakes his skull and turns back to his food.
Cross groans as he rubs his face before shooting Nightmare a look. Only Nightmare is still looking at him, now with a considering look and oh please just dust him right here right now.
“Mommy look! It is a skeleton! I want a skeleton!”
Nightmare and Cross both blink and look down to see a tiny human standing by Axe’s cage. Making grabby hands at the cage and already trying to unlock the hatch keeping the cage as a whole in place.
Cross doesn’t think as he immediately places a hand on the cage to keep it in place while Nightmare uses a tendril to move the child away.
“What do you think you are doing child? You can’t just move or touch these cages.” Nightmare remains calm but Cross can see his tendrils move about ready.
The human child pouts and points at the cage “Mommy!! I want that one!” they stomp their foot “Now!”
An adult human huffs and she turns to Ramfy “Well? How expansive is that little thing?” she already takes out a wallet and a card.
Cross yelps and hugs the cage close to him as Killer gasps and rushes to their side as he glares full force at the two humans “Don’t even think about it. Axe has already been adopted by us.”
The human child pouts “But I want the tiny skeleton! I will name her miss skeleton and give her pretty dresses!” it stomps it’s foot again.
Cross can hear Axe let out a long and loud hiss at the very idea.
Ramfy walks over looking at the humans apologetic “I am very sorry. But as you can imagine, that bitty has already been adopted by these three good sirs. The reason they are still here is because of rules and regulations. Those three are his owner and I am in no position to sell you that bitty.”
Nightmare nods as he crosses his arms.
Cross looks at Axe and coos softly “It is okay Axe. No worries. They won’t take you from here.” They will make sure of it.
Axe looks anxious at the humans before giving him a tiny nod.
The child just starts screaming and stomping down “I want her I want her I want her!”
Killer glares “He isn’t a her you dumb brat. And he isn’t for sale.”
The child just screams more “Momma!! I want her!! They are mean!”
The woman huffs and looks at Nightmare “So rude. For the emotional damage you have caused and the distress I expect an apology and you will obviously give me our bitty. As owned.” And she looks at Nightmare.
Nightmare raises a brow “No.”
The human gasps “I will have you arrested and sued!”
Nightmare raises a brow “For what? Not giving you someone who you have no right too? For making sure you don’t steal a sentient creature? All while you are being recorded by the security camera that shows exactly how you reacted?” Nightmare smirks “I can see how the police will believe your version of the story over the factual information.”
The lady grumbles and glares at Nightmare “Fine. How much did you pay for that bitty? I will double it.”
Nightmare snorts “No interest.” And he turns away from the human and goes back to his stool.
The lady huffs “Triple.”
No reaction.
“Four times the original price!”
Nightmare looks over bored “Stop embarrassing yourself. There is no price I will agree to. Leave us be.”
The lady turns to Ramfy “How expansive was that bitty?” Cross notes absentmindedly that the child is still screaming and hitting the ground in a tantrum. Cross makes sure to keep a secure hold on the cage holding their tiny Axe. His hand close to the release hatch to make a break for it with their bitty if he has to.
Ramfy looks annoyed “It is not store policies to discuss prices of adopted bitties.”
The lady glares “How much?”
Ramfy sighs but shakes his head “Some people.”
Nightmare looks highly amused as he looks at Ramfy “It is alright. You can tell her, if only to make her keep her moronic mouth shut.” The lady huffs and puffs.
Ramfy looks relieved before answering “That bitty had the price of four thousand gold, not to forget many regulations you have to meet for his wellbeing and health checks. Bitty care is very serious and we have policies to make sure the bitties go to a good home.”
The lady huffs “I had people for that” then she huffs and turns to Nightmare “Fifty thousand then. I will write you a cheque right now.”
Cross can hear Axe gasp and whine in distress and he focusses on the tiny guy “Hey it is okay. No worries.”
Nightmare raises a brow “Still no.”
The human stares before glaring “Are you an idiot!? I am giving you much more money than that useless broken thing is worth! Just accept the damn money!”
Nightmare chuckles “What about us makes you think we have any need for money? We have what we need and more than enough. We are not going to give you one of our bitties. End of discussion.”
The human huffs and turns to Ramfy “My darling daughter wants that bitty. Get it to us and I will pay you handsomely.”
Ramfy shoots the woman a look “Lady I already told you. That bitty is not store property anymore. He isn’t mine to give out for adoption. I am not going to break the law to appease you. You are looking at his owners.” Ramfy looks at the child that has started to shake a shelf “If she destroys anything you have to buy it.”
The child looks up with a bright smile and rushes towards Cross and reaches for the cage holding Axe. Cross doesn’t think as he immediately unlocks the cage as a whole and jumps on top of one of the shelves, holding the cage with the very precious cargo inside and very far out of range of the stupid humans. Cross glares down at the ground as he balances on top of the shelf “Don’t even think about it you brat.”
Axe stares with his big socket in shock at Cross and Cross coos at him “It is okay Axe. We won’t let them touch you.” or even look at him if Cross gets his way.
The child continues to scream but Cross doesn’t mind, he just sits down and keeps a good hold on the cage and checks if Axe wasn’t shaken around too much.
Cross gently taps the cage and Axe stares at him. Cross keeps his voice gentle “You okay buddy? Weren’t hurt by my climb?” Axe shakes his skull as he holds the bottle cap near. Axe looks back at him but then past him and lets out a low croon.
Cross blinks as he never heard that noise before but then hears a similar sound from behind him. Cross turns around and can’t help but gasp. Because on another shelf sits another bitty, and omg they are wearing the set of clothes they got for Renegade and-
Wait.
Cross keeps his voice low and gentle “Renegade?”
The tiny bitty stares at him for a long time before nodding just enough that it is obvious with the tiny hood up.
Oh my god.
Oh stars.
Don’t mess this up Cross.
Cross looks at the cage holding Axe and looks back at Renegade “Your partner is okay…” A check to make sure nothing is going to unbalance the shelf he is on before slowly reaching the container holding Axe closer to his buddy.
Cross looks unsure at the large gap between the shelves but Renegade doesn’t seem worried as he just takes a sprinting start and jumps over the gap.
Cross moves to reach out but a hiss from Axe makes him stop and pull his hands back “Sorry sorry… just worried…” he puts the cage on the shelf in front of him. Renegade rushes to the cage side and looks at Axe. Axe meets him and oh stars Axe is so much bigger than Renegade. Cross knew that Axe was bigger than the average bitty of course but it seems like Renegade was smaller than the average bitty and the difference is just so cute!
Renegade reaches through the bars to Axe and checks his skull and- oh stars that are tiny phalanges that touch the skull.
Renegade is another skeleton and has just been… stalking around the store and building. All to guard his little friend, mate, partner, Cross still isn’t quite sure which relationship those two have.
“Yo Crossy! You can come back down with Axe now!”
Cross blinks and looks down to see Killer stare up at him.
Cross looks over to see Axe and Renegade still holding each other through the bars and Renegade seems to be slightly shaking. Axe just stares at him begging as he holds Renegade as close as he can.
Yeah, okay, they need a little while. Cross turns to Killer “In a bit Kills!”
Killer frowns up at him “Why? The humans left! All is calm again!”
Cross glances to the side for a moment before looking back at Killer “Just trust me for a bit on this!” Killer looks confused at him but nods and Cross takes the moment to carefully aim his phone at the two bitties. As soon as Axe realised that Cross was going to let them be he focussed on his bonded. Cross manages to get a good view on the two and after turning his phone silent snaps a picture. He quickly sends it to the groupchat with Nightmare and Killer before putting his phone away and just watching the two bitties interact and nuzzle each other.
Fuck they are so cute and the things that Cross would do to be allowed to hold and snuggle both of them.
A loud gasp from the floor shows that Killer checked the message and Cross grins as Killer is no doubt very jealous at the moment.
Cross however doesn’t bother to check as he just enjoys the very sweet and cute moment between the two bitties and tries to get a sneak peek at Renegade but the hood hides him a bit too well to get much more than the minute glance of before.
Well, he isn’t in a hurry. None of them are honestly.
It already shows that even Renegade trusts them more than they thought if he is already willing to be this close to Cross to check in on Axe.
Cross waits until the two bitties separate and Axe gives Renegade a few snacks through the tiny bars. Then Renegade stares at Cross for a moment longer before leaving by climbing the wall to the ceiling and disappearing into it by moving a tile that was apparently loose.
Axe looks at him in silence and Cross grins down at him “Your bonded is very smart and inventive to be this mobile.”
Axe blinks before smiling brightly and nodding.
Cross picks up the container and carefully climbs down. They put the cage back in place and say goodbye to Ramfy for now. Promising to be back the next day. Axe will need some time to unwind and relax after what happened and they don’t want to bother him as he relaxes.
The whole way home Killer bemoans the fact that he didn’t get the chance to meet Renegade but Cross knows he isn’t too seriously. Not with the fact that he bought a bunch of extra outfits and furniture; the outfits sized for smaller bitties.
They get home and eat some dinner as Cross tries to think of more ways to convince the bitties to stay with them.
Then he helps Killer to set up the new parts of the bitty housing as Nightmare shapeshifts to be about the size of a bitty to test the already installed units. Making sure everything works as it should and is stable to be in. It is peaceful and Cross hopes they will quickly have both bitties with them.
--
“… They… Are nice… I guess…”
“They like you.”
“Hah. I doubt that.”
“I am serious.”
“I know… I just think they like you… and allow me.”
