RealAgeAU Drabble - Alternative Path - The Cattree
Okay so. I am still editing Real Age. Of course I am. But I can't help but think about what ifs. What if the gang didn't find Nightmare on his travels? What if they didn't get to Nightmare before Nightmare went a the path they didn't expect him to do?
What if they went left where Nightmare had gone right?
This. Is about that posibility. @spotaus
Real Age AU Masterpost [Here]
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Ccino cleans the counter as he glances at the clock. It is already an hour after when he would normally show up. Ccino is going to have to accept that Nightmare isn't going to show up again.
That is the fourth week he missed now. Ccino is starting to get really worried. But it isn't like he can file a missing person report for Nightmare.
First it would be one that had to cover the whole multiverse. But well, Nightmare isn't exactly liked in the multiverse.
Which, Ccino suposes there are some reasons for. But Ccino always figured it wasn't his place to consider the actions of gods. Reaper kills people after all and no one thinks twice about it as god a dead. So why are people mad at Ngihtmare for causing negativity when he is the god of negativity?
Ccino just doesn't understand and that is why he tries to not judge and stay out of it.
He sighs as he starts to clean up the coffee machines and clean up the food. Trying to remember if he heard any gossip about large fights or battles but nothing that he can think of right away-
The door rings and Ccino looks up already halfway through his sentence "I am sorry. We are close-" Then his sight settles on the customer.
Okay! nevermind! He is very open! He shoots the small child a gentle smile "Are you lost? It is okay if you want to wait here for your parent or parents." He hasn't seen a babybones since Papyrus was still a small. He can't believe how small the little guy is.
The tiny skeleton looks dirty however. There are dirt and mud marks all over their clothes. They aren't wearing shoes and they have a very tight hold on their backpack.
A moment of silence before they speak "Hey... Ccino..." They glance to the side "I... I wasn't sure... where else to go..."
Ccino's mind pauses before something about the way the other stands reminds him oh-
Ccino feels everything in his body tense "Oh stars..." that is... Is that why...
The door!!
Ccino rushes away from the counter and towards the door. Nightmare tenses and seems to wait but Ccino rushes passed him as he closes the door and locks it. Putting the latch on for good meassure. He looks around the store and quickly closes all the curtains.
Ccino glances around before he sighs "Okay.. Okay... that should be good." He turns back to Ngihtmare. Who is still just standing there, waiting and staring silently.
Ccino can't help but stare. Nightmare remains standing right where he stopped before. He is just... How is he?
Ccino slowly goes closer as he mutters "what... What happened?"
Nightmare looks away as his grip just grows tighter around the backpack "I don't... know... I thought... I thought I managed to do it. Do what I had to and now..." He frowns as he stares at his hands, his face sad "I don't understand..."
Ccino frowns before kneeling down by him "It is okay. We can figure this out. Lets first get you out of those dirty clothes and cleaned up. Do you have a spare set with you?" Nightmare doesn't look up as he just shakes his skull.
Ccino nods "That is okay. You can borrow some of mine." He smiles as he leads him towards the door to the back.
Nightmare glances at him before glancing towards the side of the room "But... your cats?"
Ccino frowns as he looks t them before smiling at Ngihtmare "They will be fine for a little. You look like you are freezing." which Ccino knows is silly. Nightmare doens't get cold. He feels the cold of course but he doesn't truly get cooled.
Ngihtmare shrugs as he mutters "Yeah... that is still new."
alarms go off in Ccino's mind. That can't be good. He quickly leads Nightmare to the back and up the stairs to his own small apartment. he helps him to the bathroom where he grabs soaps and a warm towel.
Ngihtmare goes to undress before hissing in pain as he moves his arm wrong. ccino joins his friends side and starts to help him. It happened before that after a very bad battle that nightmare would show up by his store. asking him if he could wash up and heal for a moment.
Ccino always thought it was stupid that nightmare didn't want to appear weak in front of his team. but was touched that nightmare trusted him enough to show the weakness to. it proved that they truly are friends.
Ccino notices that Nightmare leaves the shirt under his hoody on, a much too large shirt and Ngihtmare is swimming in it, and he can't help but frown "It will be easier to clean up if you take that off... also keeping it on will not help the whole cold thing." He gets the shower head down and checks the temperature. He doesn't go for hot right away. When monsters get cold their bodies need time to slwoly warm up or risk going into shock. Ccino isn't sure if Nightmare can go into shock but quite honestly Ccino doesn't want to find out.
Nightmare pauses and frowns "I know just... Don't freak out?" He crosses his arms before freezing slightly.
Ccino grins and sits by the floor with the shower head running water "I mean. One of my best friends just showed up to my doorstep as a four year old. I think I can handle it."
Nightmare smiles a bit before sputtering "F-four?! I am not four! I am six!!" his face puffs up slightly before he frowns to himself. seemingly surprised and shocked befores peaking again "I mean! I am over 500 years old!! The body is just six!"
Yeah. Ccino has his doubts. Because he notices certain things and how Nightmare behaves now. It is slightly diferent. It is undeniably Nightmare. But it isn't how he was before. The old Nightmare would never allow himself to sputter or pout. He would not smile as easily or look away as quickly. Ngihtmare was confident, or at least knew how to fake his confidence.
This Ngihtmare is unsure. uncertain. It may be because something is affecting him. But what could be powerful enough to change and affect a god? That isn't just any magic. Only ancient and other very powerful gods should be able to do that.
Ccino doens't point out the things he saw. He doens't need Nightmare to be even more unsure about what is going on. He needs to help his friend focus so they can start to figure this out. "Six? You sound very sure on that. I would think four still wiht how small you are... maybe even three?" he grins as he winks. Making it obvious it is a joke and that he is just teasing.
Ngihtmare huffs and sputters as a tiny tiny purple blush appears... wait purple? since when is Nightmare's magic purple? It fits the eye colour but it is strange.
Nightmare mutters unhappily "It is... My body is how it was before... and before is when i was six..." he frowns as he no doubt noticed his own speak pattern.
Ccino frowns as he keeps the water running, it is fine he doesn't use a lot of water anyway, "What do you mean before? Before what?"
Nightmare frowns as he looks to his feet. then he mutters "I... I think... I am not sure... Who is was before? That body? I don't think it was mine... it was a power that i... took... And i shouldn't have had." He keeps looking down. Everything about him saying 'guilty child.' and 'regret'.
Ccino frowns. He has no doubt there is more to that story. But Nightmare is troubled. He is dealing with his body just shrinking and returning to a child state, is a child like or truly a child? Neither of them knows.
Right now. Nightmare needs a friend.
Ccino nods as he hums "Well, in that case it is best to get you washed and get you to sleep. You look exhausted Nightmare." He waits and nods to the shower "The water is warm..." he grins.
Ngihtmare frowns as he slowly pulls on the shirt "It... it happened... ages and ages ago... I think it will look worse than it is? Probably... Just don't freak out?"
ccino nods and promises easily. He will be calm and relax and not at all OH SHIT!!
That... that are open wounds and horrifing breaks on the very spine of nightmar.e How the fuck had he been standing and moving adn walking around without sobbing and screaming in pain?! Ccino can see his mana lines in that spine! It is a weak looking purple, much like his eye lights- shit Nightmare is very hurt and very low on magic.
Okay. Calm down. Deep breaths. Remember. Panic is the enemy in these type of situations.
Nightmare just stands wiht his back to him. Slowly folding the shirt and Ccino is thankful to it because by the time Nightmare glances at him, guarded and his shoulders high as if he is bracing himself, Ccino has his face calm.
He knows he looks worried. Of course he is worried. But he is calm. He won't make it a big deal if Ngihtmare doens't want to. He speaks softly "Want me to help clean your wounds? Same as we did before?"
Ccino is happy to note that it works as he had hoped. Nightmare relaxes at the reminder that they have done this before. Ccino had helped him treat his wounds before when they are at places Nightmare can't reach or check himself easily. They are friends. They are still friends. Nothing has to change.
Ngihtmare nods as he speaks "I think that is for the best..." He slowly moves into the shower and Ccino can't help but see the angry sparks of magic come off the cracks. The way the broken and split bones grind against one another as he moves.
Ccino is going to have to figure something out to convince Ngihtmare to let him help him move around because that can't be good. That has to hurt so much.
Ccino says as much "It looks very painful... I think it is best you sit down while i try to wash it a bit."
NIghtmare freezes at the first comment but eventually answers "I... I guess..." He sits down as he lets the water just fall over him. Shivering each time water goes passed the wounds. clearly hurt but he doens't even make a sound.
Ccino frowns as he starts to clean the wound. there is dirt and little sticks in those wounds. He gets some tweezers and starts to carefully and slowly remove what he can. But in the end he needs to use the water to dislodge some very stubborn pieces.
Nightmare shivers and shakes as they work but remains completely quiet.
Ccino speaks softly "I am sorry this hurts this much. It is okay... to cry."
Nightmare shakes his skull as he speaks slowly and painfully "Can't... weakness... bad... exploided..."
Ccino speaks softly "I won't... Never. We are friends Nightmare. You are one of my closest friends that I have. You helped me so much. PLease, let me help you."
Ngihtmare still isn't looking at him "It... it is... too much." his voice is so quiet.
Ccino gently holds his friend's hand "Nightmare. You helped me wiht my depression. There is no way anything you have going on is going to be too much for me. Maybe i will be confused and out of my depth. But i will not give up on trying to help you."
Nightmare is quiet for a long time before a small sobs "It hurts... so bad...."
Ccino jsut hugs him. Not caring that he will get wet and soaked. that the bathroom will be a mess. His friends needs him. Has aparently needed comfort for a very long time. and Ccino will not disappoint him.
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The shower took a long time and in the end Nightmare just looked exhausted. Ccino managed to convince him to at least help him a little as Ccino took him to his own bed. Nightmare tried to reassure him that Nightmare would be fine on the couch. Ccino had grinned adn said it would be fine. It would be like a sleepover. tehy could watch movies and eat snacks and then go to bed and sleep.
Ccino first made sure that Ngihtmare had some food and was comfortable before rushing downstairs to make sure his cats were okay and were ready for the night and to finish the last few tasks to clean up.
He made sure to leave a notice on the door that the cafe would be closed the next day. He will need to help nightmare figure out what to do next.
After it he got redressed in his own PJs and put all the clothes of them both in the washer. Making sure to use a fabric softener to make those more comfortable.
He returns to his room to see Nightmare enjoying the warm meal as one of his own cats, Noodle, has joined the small skeleton. Noodle is living up to his name as he just lays limb and stretched out by Nightmare's side.
Ccino smiles as he joins him. Having grabbed his old laptop to load up some movies he has on it "Is it okay? Sorry I only had some leftovers."
Nightmare hums as he eats another bite "It is really good. Thank you." He takes another bite of the curry and Ccino smiles. His is washed and his wounds are clean. He is eating. and they will now relax and make light conversation on what to do.
Ccino joins Nightmare agianst the headrest and puts on a movie. One about some people throwing a ring into an volcano. it is enjoyable and most important, long. Ccino puts the movie on and the two of them watch it in silence. Nightmare eats and wathes the movie with great interest while Ccino just lets him relax for a while.
Once Nightmare finishes his meal Ccino makes sure to put the plate to the side. He will clean that up in a bit.
Tey sit in silence for a while longer but Nightmare breaks it "Thank you... You... thank you..."
Ccino smiles as he leans back agianst the headrest "No worries. as i said. We are friends. Friends help each other." More thoughtful "Do you want to stay for longer? I don't have a lot of space like you had at your place." a small assumption but to be fair Nightmare did mention he made his own castle in his own hidden universe. "If you don't mind the smaller space i am happy to have you around."
Ngihtmare blinks up at him confused. sockets so big and wide and Ccino can't help but wonder who could ever hurt the other when he just looks like that. Nightmare looks abcka t the blanket "I... if... It is okay... I am sorry for just... showing up I just... didn't know where else to go..." he looks so sad.
Ccino frowns. He wants to know so badly why Nightmare isn't with his team. But if he looks this sad and confused... Maybe it didn't go well? Maybe they didn't react well to Nightmare's change in form? That could explain why nightmare was so nervous about showing himself and meeting Ccino.
Ccino smiles "Happy to have you." but more practical "We will need to figure out something to tell everyone else. I need to take you to the healers."
Ngihtmare freezes and stares at him, that is fear in those sockets "Why?" it is muttered so softly.
Ccino smiles sadly "Because your spine is very hurt Nightmare. If your spine breaks you may never be able to move your lower body or even feel it. We need to make sure it will heal okay."
Nightmare frowns a she looks away and mutters "But... Healer don't really... help..."
And isn't that just something that sketches even more of Nightmare's past? Something that had been terrifying and full or hurt everywhere. Somewhere where nightmare couldn't trust others. where he knows showing wekaness would just cause him more pain. A place where nightmare got those terrible wounds. Where nightmare has this mindset that he can't even trust those who made an oath to help to help him recover.
Ccino doesn't want to know about the place that hurt Nightmare so. That place doesn't deserve the other.
Ccino speaks softly "I get it. I know I am always scared when i go to the dentist. But I know a few healers who are really nice and honestly want to help no matter who that person is."
Ngithmare doesn't look back up "That is because they deserve it... i don't... I am not good."
and isn't that just fucking heart breaking to hear someone say? this is the most confident Ccino has heard Nightmare speak since he showed up on his doorstep and it is to say these things.
Ccino hugs his friend "You are good Nightmare."
"Everyone in the multiverse will disagree."
Ccino stubbornly just holds unto the other "Then they are all wrong." Nightmare spend so much time and effort into helping Ccino first deal with his depression and than find the help he needed. Nightmare was gentle with the cats and always made sure to pay for what he bought. He may have caused negativity but he is a god of it. Maybe he needs it to live. as far as Ccino knows Nightmare never went out to kill others or cause ruin beyond repair.
Nightmare leans into his hug "... thank you..."
Ccino smiles as he continues to hold the other.
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Toriel smiles as she nods "You are a very smart young man Midnight." she smiles as Nightmare looks down embarresed.
Ccino smiles from behind the counter as he serves someone a drink.
It had been an adjustment but it was very worth it.
In the end Ccino mad eup a story that some of his friends dropped Nightmare, going by Midnight as there are too many multiverse travlers in his universe, at his shop to watch him while they went on holiday. Ccino faked a letter and used an old phone of his to make it seem like there was a text conversation before turning the phone of the 'friend' off and locking it away.
Now Ccino is Midnights caretaker while the police searches for the neglectful parents.
some people were called to make sure Nightmare was okay and Ccino saw his chance as he spoke about how 'Midnight' had showed up at his store alone with jsut the letter. Dirty clothes and some marrow on it.
One examination wiht healers later, Ccino stayed right by Nightmare's side, it became obvious that 'Midnight''s parents were abusive and that he would not be safe wiht them anymore. Ccino offered to keep fostering and helping the babybones and after a long conversation for both Ccino and Nightmare they managed to do it.
It helped tha tNightmare jsut said he didn't feel safe with others. That he wanted to be with Ccino and that he was happy to be with Ccino and didn't want to go back to his old home.
Ccino is very happy with his perfectly clean track record and his work with fostering cats nad helping abused animals recover as it gave him the perfect file to be allowed to take care and watch over the hurt Midnight.
But Midnight needed schooling. Luckily everyone, the people helping them with all the paperwork and information and process, agreed that it would be smart for Midnight to first remain inside to recover more and to heal and process his trauma more. Ccino had easily agreed.
So now every day around eleven Toriel would come by to homeschool Midnight, which turns out Nightmare's mind reverted to child forma dn he forgot many things. Ngihtamre had been very distressed to realise he had gotten dumber. Ccino reassured him he was still smart but Nightmare didn't seem to believe it. Luckily Toriel had more luck with making Nightmare see this truth.
And once a week a healer would visit them to check Nightmare's wounds and how those were healing.
All things considered? Things were going well.
The time that the stars walked in had been very tense. Luckily Nghtmare had alreayd been behind the counter and had been hunched over his homework.
Ccino had easily distracted the three wiht options to order while Nightmare quickly dove into one of the cabinets under the counter. When asked about the babybones Ccino said he was just babysitting a friend of his. The others let it go quickly after that.
At least it made Ccino very happy Nightmare nad him had decided on a nickname for Nightmare to go by. Midnight is still pushing their luck but it is worth it as Nightmare can still go by Night this way which seems to bring him comfort.
All in all. Ccino is proud in how far they had come in the last month. He does still worry about how everyone will react if this gets out but with each day that passes. each new face that meets Midnight. They less likely it is people will look at Nightmare and see the old Nightmare. Isntead they will just soo Midnight, or jsut Night, for who he is.
A bright kid that has had a very rough start of life and just wants to be.
Ccino thinks he managed alright.
Though... He does wonder... Because people have been living him and Nightmare tiny packages. His community and friends are amazing and Ccino always has small care packages delivered to his door.
He does wonder about the ones without any names on them. Without a message or letter or anything. Ccino obviously makes sure the package is checked for anything dangerous but it is always completely safe.
Maybe some people truly just wnat to help him but not be known for it?
Ccino isn't sure. But he won't worry too much about it. He should get ready for antoher busy rush hour!
