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…”

“You don’t need to… I can defend myself…”

“I know…”

“Please stay?”

“…”

“Please?”

“… until sunrise…”

“Thank you…”

“… love you.”

“love you too.”

*-----------*

I feel that he's. Awful at social interaction (at least at first) so he's a great choice if you're out of the house a lot!

Actually don't leave him alone-alone for too long, I feel like he has attachment issues so at first he'd be okay with alone time... apart from being emotionally unstable-

Once he warms up to you he'll probably stick around more and you'll probably start to understand what he likes and stuff, despite his lack of verbal responses

He probably doesn't like his face touched? I personally don't go with a no face Dust but I adore the idea/look so if you do, he probably doesn't want you touching his head

Maybe he'll let you pat it gently as long as you don't tug his hood off, you'll have to gain his trust first though, you can hold his itty bitty hands instead 🥺

Don't touch his scarf, if it needs cleaning he'll do it, probably in the shower or something

Most compatible with a well tended to Horror, maybe he'd be on edge with a Papy bitty so I wouldn't advise that pair up, unless you throw in a Horror!Paps, the difference is enough and similarities still comfortable, plus Horror would love his baby brother to be around and Dust could feel like this is his personal second chance (Like how Geno vibes with Papy!), though he won't say it

Edit: I think he'd be okay with Geno too actually, I don't see enough positive interaction between them D:

He'll probably vibe with Cross too but don't expect much interaction between them, again, good bitty choices if you're out of the house a lot!

If you want, you can try to pair/group him up with a Blue, he's tolerable, but make sure he doesn't overwhelm the tired man

You know these headcanons are if they potentially had their pasts played out, but if you don't wanna think they have backgrounds as bitties that's up to you

I think he'd like soft things (likes being wrapped in them for a sense of safety and support) and hate dirty places like the back of the microwave where Killer would venture into lol, only because the dirt and grime reminds him of bad stuff

Ketchup. He might want it spiked though, still, don't let him develop an addiction/habit-

I keep thinking it'd be cute if he hugs your hand/finger(s) (depending on the size you're imagining)

Probably watches TV and sleeps a lot, sluggish due to bad mental health/low motivation and poor quality sleep, this can be improved overtime if you emotionally bond with him and help him work out confronting his feelings which he tends to invalidate in his mind, he just needs some kindness guys

He's low maintenance, but he also forgets to take care of himself sometimes, you gotta make sure he's not stinky and hungry, actually, if you pair him up with a Horror bitty, he'll make sure Dust doesn't starve because that's just his moral compass y'know

Also he probably prefers hoodies and won't wear anything new/unfamiliar, especially if it makes him feel exposed

If you do get him to do more than just lay around sulking, maybe he obsesses over routines to feel a sense of predictability and has terrible paranoia, especially of unknown humans, bitty or not

Sensitive to change and may cause panic so tell him what will happen and when

For a small example, don't scoop him up without asking or warning him first

If you'll get home late, leave him a voicemail on the home phone so he's less anxious waiting

And don't invite people over or adopt new bitties without him being prepared for a new variable in the house, this might cause him to distaste the new person and be avoidant

Definitely not outgoing at all, but maybe a couple of times he'll accept some time outside the house