#draz nightmare

Lord Noot stumbled, dragging a heavy weight up the stairs and looking back at the front door regularly to make sure it remained open as to not waste time waiting for someone to come to his aid if it closed. When he finally reached the top he took a few seconds to get a better grip before excitedly trotting inside the castle with his prize between his teeth.

The dragon went straight to the kitchen, hearing the noise of the pans as Horror was preparing to cook dinner. He trotted next to him and tried to catch his attention by putting a paw on his leg.

- Ouch- your claws, Noot, Horror complained as he looked down, oh, what'cha got there buddy ?

Lord Noot wagged his tail, letting the fat rabbit he had just hunt fall at the skeleton's feet. Horror kneeled down to take a look at the animal.

- Well, that's a big one, you hunt it yourself ? He pat Noot's head, hmm.. wonder if I could make a stew with it ?

Horror thought for a moment, getting up with the rabbit in hand and Noot running around his legs. He inspected the body.

- Seems healthy... what do you say, bud' ? We make a stew for the others ?

Noot barked, jumping against the cabinet door, spining excitedly. Horror chuckled seeing him so enthusiastic.

- I think I can take that for a yes.

He put the rabbit on the counter and gathered everything he needed to prepare it, all under the watchful eye of their little dragon...

The stew was ready not too long after, and soon everyone was sitting at the table enjoying the food. Lord Noot was sitting on his high chair, his bowl with his own serving of stew in front of him, but he wasn't eating for now, looking at everyone.

- This rabbit's good, I didn't even know we bought some, Dust complimented.

- We didn't, Horror answered.

The others looked up.

- You... stole it ? Cross asked, confused.

- Noot hunt it.

Dinner stopped, the three skeletons turning their gaze towards the little dragon staring at them. His tail wagged.

- ... So that's why he's been staring at us like that since we started eating, Killer figured.

Cross looked down at the meat in his plate. Was eating the prey of a dragon symbolic ? Did it mean something for them ? Did Noot own them ? Honestly, Noot already owned them more then they owned him anyway, though they didn't consider it owning him, as they weren't sure one could really own a dragon in the first place, so it probably wouldn't change much things.

Dust reached out to give Lord Noot a little scratch behind the ear, smiling as he saw him press his head against his hand.

- Well, good job, buddy, the food's good, he congratulated.

Noot purred, happy his gift had been accepted by his herd, and finally started eating too, now that everyone had been fed.

Nightmare feels his magic ache as he quickly pulls blankets and spare pillows out of the closet. He glances around his room and frowns. Trying to think of the right spot for his Rest.

His deepest secret that he never managed to stop. And this will be the first time it happens with his... friends nearby.

He is never sure if he is allowed to call them his friends. The four started out as just assisting him and working for him after all. But Nightmare likes to think they became his friends.

His first friends.

It is why it is critical they don't find out about this secret.

Just like everyone in the multiverse, they think that his dragon form is large and imposing. Intimidating and a destructive force.

Which is the perfect excuse why he doesn't use it. As it would just kill and destroy over actually creating negative emotions for him to eat.

But once in a while. His magic and energy grows too low. And he needs to recharge.

The problem is, when he is a dragon he isn't all there. His dragon form is much more emotionally guided and motivated by what it wants. No second thoughts or rational thoughts to guide it. Meaning he needs to make sure its basic needs and wants are met so it will just go to sleep and remain where Nightmare wants it to be.

He remembers how the villagers would abuse him in this form. A form were he is truly vulnerable and which doens't even understand why others are mean to it. How those villagers had ripped out his fur. How they would saw off his antlers. Rip out his claws. Not caring that it hurt him, instead just doing it all again when those things healed and grow back.

Nightmare knows... He likes to believe his friends would not hurt him. But he is afraid how they will react to see that his suposed mystical dragon shape is just useless and weak. A weakness and vulnerability he shouldn't have.

He... He can't lose their respect. That would be the first step to them leaving and him losing his first ever friends. Well aside from Dream but Dream clearly doesn't care about him anymore.

Nightmare studies to room before going towards his closet. It is small and dark and it is warm in there. That should keep it satisfied and coax it to fall asleep. He takes the time to make the perfect nest. Make sure it is soft and with a very soft blanket in it for him to roll up in.

Nightmare nods as he melts into the shadows before pausing before exiting them in the kitchen. No one here. Good. He appears silently and quickly searches for some food. He decides to go for fresh fruit and some crackers. He grabs some bowls and a water bottle as well.

He melts back into the shadows and exits in his room. He goes to the closet and puts the three bowls down. In one he puts the cut fruit. in the next the crackers. and on the other side of the little nest he puts the third bowl which he fills with water. Nightmare knows his dragon form does not like to have his food and water near one another.

Nightmare checks it once more before going to the living room to make sure they will leave him be.

All four are there watching a movie. Killer grins brightly at the sight of him "Yo 'Mare! Want to join us for the movie? We only just turned it on and can catch you up!"

Nightmare chuckles "Thank you for the invitation. But i would not want to intrude on your datenight." The four of them got together not too long ago. Nightmare feels... conflicted about it. Part of him had worried that they would not want to remain with him anymore. Seeing as he would be the fifth wheel. But they still wanted to remain near and still invite him to join in their group bonding. He is blessed to have these four as his friends.

Which is why he needs to make sure they keep liking and respecting him. He can't lose this.

They look disappointed but accept it. Nightmare continues "It is not because it doesn't sound enjoyable." He needs them to know he enjoy sbeing near them "But I am sadly unavailable for the next few days."

Dust frowns "Mission?"

Cross sits up more "Do you need help? We can get ready in a few minutes!"

Nightmare shakes his skull "It has to do with my nature. I will need to go into isolation for a few days. It is important I am not interupted in this time." the four nod. Nightmare does worry he is telling them too much information but he trusts them. They always respect his privacy.

Horror frowns as he asks the next question "Is it dangerous?"

Nightmare shakes his skull "Just a matter of gathering energy... It is a sort of... deep meditation." That is a good one. It should be boring enough to discourage them from coming near but requires focus that they know not to interrupt.

They give their okays and that they heard him. Ngihtmare nods, bids them a good night, and retires to his room. He locks his door and sighs. Okay. Time to get ready. He double checks the windows and the door again. Everythign is locked. the curtains are drawn. He turns on some music, soft that it shouldn't bother anyone but loud enough to make sure they don't hear his dragon shape make noise.

With that all done he locks the closet from the outside, to make sure his dragon remains in the spot he wants, and then teleports himself into the space. It is tight at the moment but this is the moment.

He takes a deep breath and lets his mind go blank. He focusses on that empty and exhausted feeling within him. The need to rest and stop using his magic.

The emotions he felt all around him, all form his dear friends in the living room, went mute as his pwoers retreated into himself.

Moments later. He opens his eyes.

He found himself in a dark and cozy room. a nest that smelt like himself nearby. Was this his? He climbs into it with some difficulty but it is so soft! He nuzzles the soft material and is happy to find it moveable. He manages to wiggle under the soft material and a purr starts to rise from himself to fill the small secure space.

He is safe. He is warm.

He is happy.

------

Days pass and none of them hear from their boss.

Killer frowns as he stares at the locked door to his room. He wouldn't lie and say he isn't worried. It is unlike the boss to lock himself away.

Cross frowns at the room as well "Do you think he needs more negative energy?"

Killer frowns "Maybe... but then i don't get why he didn't just plan another raid to cause some." he didn't like this. When Nightmare said he had to do his thing he expected maybe a day or two. Very maybe three. But they haven't seen Ngihtmare for five days now and they are anxious.

How can they keep getting closer to Nightmare when Ngihtmare isn't around?!

Cross looks down "What if somethign goes wrong? did he even get enough food for this stuff? What if he gets like stuck in this meditation state? When is it too long and when is it normal?"

Killer groans "I don't know Cross... Maybe... Maybe..."

Dust groans as he turns away from the tv "That is it." and he walks up the stairs.

Cross sputters and rushes after him "Dust wait!"

Dust wave shim off "I am not going to bother him. We are just going to sneak a look and than you two will calm down again."

Cross sputters and waves but doesn't actually go against it. Killer feels the same. this would help calm them a bit... He glances at Horror to see if their largest mate will stop Dust but he just watches as well.

Meaning either he is worried himself as well, or he is getting annoyed with their worrying just like Dsut.

They keep their distance as Dust listens at the room. Sockets closed as he concentrates. Dust hums softly "Hearing music." he is whispering as he checks the door carefully "And locked." he takes out lock picks and gets to work as he whispers "We will be quiet. Sneak a look. See everythign is fine. and close the door and relock it."

Killer gives a slow nod. That should work. That way they won't bother Nightmare but they will be reassured that everything is fine!

Dust manages to unlock the door and opens it just an inch. A moment of silence before he opens it a bit wider. Then he just opens the door and walks in.

Cross whisper hisses "Dust." He stresses the word.

Killer rushes after and glances aorund only to see the same thing that Dust must have seen "Room is empty."

Cross rushes after him and looks in as well "What? But... he went here right?"

Horror walks past them and joins dust's side "Strange... does smell like him..."

Dust nods as he looks around. Eyeing the area with a frown on his face.

Cross rubs his arms "Why would he leave? Do you think he like... knows and got freaked out?" he looks anxious at the very idea.

Killer shakes his skull "There is no way. We didn't change our behaviour at all." there is no way he knows about their feelings.

Dust hushes them as he concentrates.

Cross shakes his skull "But he feels what we feel right? What if he noticed the things we feel for one another is the same for him?" he looks around worrried. "Do we need to apologise? Was it inappropriote?"

Killer shakes his skull "no... No... that... that shouldn't be the case. maybe he just went to go on a negativity raid real quickly?"

Cross looks anxious "alone? We always help him. what if he is cornered and-"

"SSSH!" Dust glares at them and Killer and Cross both fall quiet.

Dust shoots them a look as he holds a finger to his mouth. The two share a glance before remaining silent.

Dust focusses his hearing before slowly inching around the room. None of them dare to move or speak as Dust slowly comes to a stop by the closet. He lays his skull against it and listens with a frown on his face. He reaches towards the key still in the lock and unlocks it slowly and quietly. He inches the door open and just freezes.

None of them move when Dust just waves them over blindly but signals to stay quiet.

Kilelr moves first and joins Dust's side and he has to cover his mouth from making noise.

Oh stars...

That is... That is...

It is a very tiny creature, smaller than any of his cats, purring softly in a small pillow and blanket nest. it is fuzzy and black fur. Large ears and small antlers by those. it has a tiny tail and it lays comfortable in a small nest with a few empty bowls nearby.

But the thing that makes Killer realise just who this is...

Is the goop over the right eye.

Killer hears horror and corss join him as well and just knows they are makign the same conclusions.

Well. It seems like they found Nightmare.

What do they do now?

WHich is when the tiny creature stretches and yawns loudly. it blinks open its giant eyes and looks at them. he finishes yawning and its tiny tongue pokes out much like one of his cats blepping. it is slightly forked and purple of colour and it seems to sparkle slightly.

Killer can't stop himself anymore as his hands nears the small head and pets right by one of his ears. Nightmare seems to freeze when the hand nears him and his soft purring stops. Then when he touches him he just sits their. Slowly leaning into the scratches as his socket closes slowly and the purr starts up again.

Oh fuck. This is the best thing ever.

Killer can't help but coo as he just picks the other up and holds him close "Oh you are so warm and soft." he coos at the slightly confused look on the tiny beings face "Look at that little face!" he grins as he see sthe paws "And the tiny beans!" he pokes one of the toebeans, which make sNightmare pull the little paw back.

Cross looks thorn "Killer? Should we really... I think... I don't think we should..." but as he stares at the large eyes stare at him he visably melts.

Dust holds his hand near and Nightmare sniffs his hand before rubbing his face and cheek against it. Killer recognises it as the cat sign for 'Mine' and Killer coos again "Yes! we are your gang and minions!" He hugs the tiny being close "Oh you are so soft and cute like this."

In the end they just. Take the boss with them. horror gets snacks ready as Cross grabs pillows nad blankets to lay him comfortably in their laps. They make sure to take turns holding him and cuddlign him as someone else gives him treats.

Nightmare, or this shape of him, seems very content to just let them as he eats the snacks and yawns qucikly. Clearly tired.

Killer doens't know why the boss needs to take this shape to gain energy but Killer is a big fan.

They turn on a movie as the cuddle together and pet the soft fur of the very sleepy tiny creature. Watching Nightmare lean into the touch and reach for the snacks when they bring those close.

It is amazing. This is the best thing ever.

------------

Something moves and falls to the ground which shakes Killer out of his sleep. He yawns and looks around annoyed before seeing the familiar gooped form of his boss. Nightmare just stands right by the couch, staring at them with his eye light smaller than a pinpoint. The small blanket they had wrapped the other into forgotten on the floor.

Killer freezes when he sees that eye focus on him. Killer is unsure what to do or say as he feels like he got caught red handed.

Does... Does ngihtmare remember?

The others clearly woke up as well as Killer can see them shoot each other uncertain look.

Cross clears his throat and tries "Euh... Ngihtmare?"

Nightmare's spine straightens as he stares ahead of himself. And then he is moving.

They hear a door slam and Killer, for the first time since they found Ngihtmare in that little closet nest, feels guilt.

Shit... They... shit...

It is safe to assume Nightmare remembers... and they just ignored every single boundary that Nightmare had set up about this.

Guardians were ancient creatures, created to protect, it wasn't rare for them to be more... creature-like than human-like, though they did have a more human form as to blend in better with the mortals, as to not scare them. The most frequent creatures were dragons, fierce and strong animals spitting fire, fearless and feared by all. Most guardians were dragon breeds.

Nightmare wasn't an exception to the rule. No one had ever seen his dragon form, but it was rumored to be gigantic, so strong it could destroy buildings with one whiplash from its tail, its fire so hot it could melt the stone of the mountains, so large it could eat you whole without needing to chew... needless to say, nobody ever tried to see the dragon, and Nightmare never had to show it to anyone, not even his own gang.

They did try to question him, curious, to beg him to show them his dragon form, but Nightmare always refused, stating that it was too dangerous and he didn't want to hurt them by accident, and, well, Nightmare was known to never lie, so they didn't push it and accepted that they would never see their boss turn into a dragon.

But fate has never been on Nightmare's side, he should have known that by now.

The balance hadn't been doing great these past few weeks, negativity levels were low, giving Dream and his team more power, making Nightmare's team struggle more to create enough negativity for the guardian. He was tired, his reserves were low, he couldn't keep pulling on them, he had to rest, to revert back to his primal form for a while and regain some energy. He didn't want to do that, he didn't want anyone to see the dragon, but if he kept delaying the tranformation he would end up reverting in a place where he wouldn't have been prepared to.

He sighed, standing up, he needed to find a hidden room in his castle where he wouldn't be bothered by anyone, a room where he could hide for a while, hopefully not too long as to not worry his teammates, maybe for a night, then he would turn back into a skeleton and act normal during the day. No one would have to see him.

Having selected and rearranged the room, he quickly made sure nobody was around and reverted to his dragon form, letting his magic wrap him in a flashing purple-ish light to reveal the beast, and laid down on his nest get some hours of rest...

Killer was the last to wake up in the morning, as usual, and went straight to the kitchen where Dust was on his phone drinking his coffee, Horror unloading the dishwasher after having programmed it to run during the night. Cross was most likely on his morning jog, honestly, how he managed to have so much energy this early in the morning was a mystery to everyone in this castle, even Nightmare didn't wake up this early, and God knew how much he hated sleeping in. Speaking of the boss, shouldn't he have been drinking his coffee too ? Killer didn't spot his mug in the sink.

- Nightmare's still sleeping ? He yawned, sitting down on his spot around the small table. Shouldn't we wake him up ?

- I already checked, he's not in his room, he probably slept in his office again, Dust replied without looking away from his phone.

It wasn't unusual for Nightmare to sleep in his office, he did tend pretty often to overwork himself.

- Mh.. I'll go see if he needs anything, Killer declared, getting up again.

As much as their boss wanted them to take care of themselves, he wasn't the best at it, "do what I say, not what I do" kind of deal, so every once in a while they would check up on him and make sure he at least slept and ate. They knew that technically he didn't need either of those, but it never hurt and was always a nice bonus for when negativity in the multiverse was low, like currently, so Killer walked all the way towards the wooden door and knocked.

- Boss ? You're in there ?

He waited, but didn't receive any answer.

- Sleeping on your desk again ? He asked more for himself, I'm coming in.

He grabbed the handle and slowly pushed the door open in case Nightmare was in fact sleeping, not wanting to make too much noise, but found the desk empty of any sleeping skeleton.

- Nightmare ?

He looked around, but the office was definitely empty. Maybe he was in his library ? Killer teleported there as it was all the way across the castle and it was still too early to walk this far in his opinion. He arrived in what surely was the biggest room of the castle and, to his surprise, it was plunged in the darkness, not one light was on, and even if Nightmare did have a better night vision than them he still turned the lights on when he was doing something as to not tire his only good eye, so the fact the room was dark was enough to tell Killer his boss wasn't there either. He teleported back in the kitchen. Cross had come back from his run and was drinking some lemon water.

- Nightmare's not there, he announced, earning three confused looks from his teammates.

- What do you mean he's not there ? Dust asked.

- I mean he's not there, I checked his office and the library and he's not in either of those, and we all know that's, like, the only rooms he spends his time in aside from the living room and his bedroom.

- Maybe he went for a walk ? Cross supposed.

- Cross, you're the only one in this castle going for a walk in the morning, Dust answered deadpanned.

- Sorry for wanting to stay in shape ? Cross frowned.

- Where could he be then... ? Horror asked, redirecting the conversation towards the principle subject: Nightmare.

Killer shrugged, he didn't see where Nightmare could have headed to, he rarely left the universe without them and usually wasn't that far in the castle so they could always reach him rapidly if there was a problem that way. So apart from the rooms he already checked ? Killer had no idea where his boss could have hidden himself, and given his weaker situation at the moment, he hoped it didn't mean anything bad...

- We should look for him... Horror finally decided for all of them, no doubt having concluded the same thing as Killer.

The others nodded and Dust got up, putting his empty cup in the sink to wash later.

- I say we all take one floor and the first to find him calls the others, Cross suggested.

- Works good for me, Killer agreed.

He saw Horror nod and Dust answered with a "sure". After agreeing on which floor everyone would go Killer teleported on the fourth one. They almsot never used that floor, the kitchen and living room they used were on the first floor as well as the training rooms, the library and the nursery, on the second floor were their bedrooms with attached bathrooms and Nightmare's office, and on the third floor were extra storage rooms and an old ball room with small saloons for the majority unused. Which left the fourth floor with its empty rooms and closets and the access to the rooftop. Needless to say, this floor would be quick to look throught.

Killer had opened half of the rooms, and still no sign of his boss, he was starting to think he did went out for a walk at this point. He stopped in front of a closet door, debating if he should open it or not, after all what would Nightmare do in a dusty closet ? But he had nothing to lose anyway, so he opened the door an looked inside. The closet was empty, aside from a pile of covers on the floor, which wouldn't have been that strange if only the covers were dirty, but they seemed clean with no particles of dust on them. Killer frowned, looking at the pile for a few seconds before crounching down and slowly reaching out to move one aside, before freezing when he saw what was underneath...

- Oh.. my.. god... he took out his phone and called the group chat, guys, guys you've gotta come see that, fourth floor, closet in the fifth corridor on the right, hurry.. !

He hung up, took two steps back, and waited for the others to arrive. They didn't take too long, alerted and worried by the call.

- What's wrong !? Did you find Nightmare !? Cross yelled after teleporting.

Killer quickly turned around with a finger in front of his mouth, inquiring them to be silent and come closer. The three shot each other worried looks before doing as told and coming next to Killer, looking inside the closet...

Under the covers was... a cat ? No, it wasn't a cat, thought it was roughly the same size, maybe slightly larger, but only a little. It had black fur, big pointy ears, a short chubby tail and two horns seemingly made of dark wood. It seemed to be asleep...

- What's this... ? Horror asked, but no one could answer.

- It's waking up... ! Dust whisper-screamed, seeing the creature start to move.

They all watched closely, ready to defend themselves if the thing attacked. The creature wiggled a little before yawning and opening its only eye, revealing a bright cyan eyelight. They knew that eyelight... the creature- ... Nightmare.. ? Slowly looked up to them, batting an ear, before sneezing due to the dust, a little blue flame coming out of its his mouth. Killer was the first to make the connection.

- Oh fuck... I think.. It's Nightmare's dragon form...

The small dragon perked his ears and looked up at him, as if recognizing his name. Cross passed out, Horror barely had time to catch him before he hit the ground.

- What.. are we supposed to do... ? Dust asked, not deviating his gaze from the small fluffy dragon.

- I have no idea... Killer admitted, just as lost as the others.

They didn't expect anything like that, it was kind of underwhelming to be honest, they were so sure their boss's dragon form was this gigantic beast he kept describing, only to be met with this fur ball instead ? He was incredibly cute, that was for sure, but they just... didn't expect that. Was it because of the lack of negativity ?

Cross came back to his senses just in time for the dragon to stand up, stretch his small and chubby legs like a cat, and trip over the covers when trying to get down, rolling forward on his back, paws in the air. He had dark purple toe beans. Cross passed out again.

The dragon rolled over on his belly, standing up again, and turned to look at them, sitting down, he seemed to analyze them.

- Uh... hi ? Killer tried with a wave and an awkward smile.

The dragon barked. God he wanted to squeeze him so badly. Was Nightmare still conscious in there or was the dragon a sort of alter-ego ? Did the dragon have Nightmare's memories ? Should they call him Nightmare too ? He did seem to recognize the name, so surely yes.

- It's uh.. Dust began, quite dirty in there, don't you want to go, like, in the living room or something ?

Nightmare looked up at him, slowly stood up, blinked, and sprinted past them.

- No wait come back ! Dust called, trying to grab him but missing.

- Does he remember the castle... ? Horror asked, holding Cross against him.

- I don't know and I don't want to wait for him to get lost ! Killer replied, teleporting in front of the dragon.

Nightmare yelped, stopping abruptly when seeing the skeleton in front of him, he slid on a good two meters before managing to run the other way around, but Dust was quicker than him this time and grabbed him before he could go full speed again. The little dragon squirmed in his hold, growling and spitting small fire balls.

- It's okay, calm down.. ! It's me, I'm not gonna hurt you.. ! Dust tried to reassure the angry dragon he held at arm's length.

Nightmare eventually calmed down, panting, no doubt still tired, and only growled with his ears down on each side of his head. Dust sighed, holding him closer to his chest to better grab him, putting an arm under his back legs.

- Oookay, everything's fine, we're just.. we're gonna go back to the living room and see what we should do.. Dust decided, heading towards the stairs with the others following him.

Everyone walked in silence, Cross having regained his consciousness, and arrived in the living room. Nightmare had stopped growling. Dust stopped in front of the couch.

- Please don't run off, he begged, slowly putting his small cargo down on the mattress.

Nightmare faced the back of the couch for a while before slowly turning around, marking a pause, and jumping from the couch. Killer caught him mid-air.

- Okay air jail for you, he declared keeping him in his arms

Nightmare whined, but didn't try to move. His fur was very soft, Killer noticed.

- So.. What should we do.. ? Horror asked, sitting down on the armchair.

Cross was still standing, staring at the dragon with a mix of awe and incredulity, Killer could understand, he too couldn't believe what he was holding at the moment. Their boss, the greatly feared Nightmare, guardian of negativity, ancient dragon breed, was not bigger than a cat and as fluffy as a plush. Why did he never tell them that ? Killer could understand not telling the multiverse, as it wouldn't have helped his image, but them ? His teammates ? His friends ? He would have thought they were well above the image, above the reputation, that he would have told them the truth. Unless this wasn't his true form but a result of his current weakness, and in that case, he didn't really want to leave the little dragon wandering in the castle on his own and risk getting hurt.

- I don't know... we should probably keep an eye on him ? I mean the castle's big and full of dangerous things and he's, well, not big, plus now's not the perfect time for him to hurt himself.

- Don't you think Nightmare will get mad that we sorta babysat him ? Cross worried.

Killer frowned for a second, not having thought of the possibility that Nightmare would be mad at them for that. He surely would, but would it be that bad ? It wasn't like they were planning on showing him to the world, just keep an eye on him until he transformed back, surely he would understand.

- Yeah well I prefer Nightmare being mad rather than him hurting himself, Dust answered before Killer could.

He simply nodded, stating he agreed with his friend.

- Hm.. you're probably right.. Cross agreed too, I'm gonna go check if I have a sweater or something to keep him warm, it's pretty cold in the castle.

- He's a dragon.. ? Horror asked, confused as to how a dragon would get cold.

- I don't want to risk it, Cross stated as he made his way towards his room.

Horror didn't insist, Cross seemed too determined anyway to get Nightmare in a sweater, and he had to admit the thought of seeing the small dragon in a little sweater was rather cute, so they all waited for the monochromatic skeleton to return. He luckily didn't take too much time.

- I've got one ! I think it was mine when I was a kid ? Anyway it should fit him well, he announced, stepping back into the living room.

Killer looked at the sweater, it was a plain black one, totally Nightmare's style.

- I'll hold him so you can put it on, Killer told him.

He sat on the couch, putting Nightmare on his laps in a sitting position, holding him by the sides, the dragon looked up at him curiously. Cross stood in front of him, rolling the sleeves of the sweater to make it easier to slip on, and gently grabbed the first paw to pass it in the first hole. Nightmare growled, his ears back, as Cross slowly manipulated him.

- It's okay, it's okay, I'm almost done.. he tried to reassure as he passed the sweater around the dragon's head.

Cross put the sweater in place, giving a little pat on Nightmare's head to congratulate him for not moving, before his gaze met his back paws. He poked the purple bean with a finger without thinking and saw Nightmare flinch and stare at his own paw with surprise.

- S-sorry, i-it was too tempting.. ! He apologized, blushing in embarrassment.

Nightmare stared for another second, then stretched his toes.

- ... I'm gonna pass out.

- Again ? Dust snorted.

- Yeah... Cross sighed, but he's so damn cute.. !

Of course, everyone agreed. This little dragon, as surprising and unfitting for Nightmare as he was, was frankly adorable with his little sweater and his big curious eyelight looking around the room. He surely rarely had the opportunity to explore the castle, but even when not knowing his surroundings very well, he didn't seem outwardly scared of them, he was cautious, but he had seemed to recognize them a little, at least enough not to attack. How much of Nightmare's memories did he have ? Killer saw him sniff a few times, did he recognize stuff through scents and that was why he knew who they were ? Because he remembered their odor and knew they were friends ? They would need to ask Nightmare, the skeleton, when he would be back. They would need to ask him a lot of things.

They all turned when they heard a grumble coming from the dragon.

- You're hungry.. ? Horror asked him with a found smile.

Nightmare looked up at him.

- Well, he did skip breakfast, Killer noted.

- What do dragons even eat ? Dust rightfully asked.

- Probably meat ? Cross answered, uncertain, I mean he's a predator so...

- I think we have some ham left... Horror thought, standing up.

He headed to the kitchen, the dragon's gaze following him until he started wiggling to be set free.

- Okay okay I'm putting you down ! Relax ! Killer quickly put him on the ground, not wanting his claws to shred him to pieces.

Nightmare sprinted to catch up to the big skeleton who had stopped to wait for his tiny boss. He chuckled when seeing him arrive and went to the fridge. The dragon went straight into the first shelf, searching for something interesting as he could smell the different foods. He unfortunately got grabbed before he could bit into a sausage and saw the door of the fridge closing in front of his eye, making him whine. He rapidly forgot about the fridge once Horror put him on a chair and handed him a piece of ham that he quickly bit into to eat with a little "nom" noise. Another piece followed after the first one and the tiny dragon happily enjoyed a full slice of ham for breakfast.

The others eventually joined them in the kitchen, wanting to see the dragon eat and just see the dragon in general as it would probably be the one and only time they would see him. The dragon looked at them for a minute before jumping down from his chair and going to explore the kitchen more in depth. He sniffed the cabinets, sniffed the table, the chairs, sniffed the trash can, frowned, sniffed the pedal, stepped on it, and jumped when the lid opened, running to hide behind the closest pair of legs he could find: Dust's. The skeleton bent down to lift him up.

- It's okay buddy, the trashcan won't hurt you, he laughed, petting the dragon's head.

Nightmare let him do so, slightly growling at the scary trashcan still.

- We're gonna go back to the living room, okay ? Dust reassured, leaving the kitchen with the two other skeletons, Horror staying to start preparing dinner as the search took a while and it was already almost noon.

Dust sat on the couch, keeping Nightmare on his laps.

- Can I pet him ? Cross asked, almost having stars in his eyes.

Dust looked up at him.

- Sure ? I mean, if he lets you.

Cross quickly nodded, crounching down in front of the dragon to let him sniff his hand in a silent demand for authorization. Nightmare looked at him, and gently headbutted his hand.

- Ooooh my God.. ! Cross exclaimed in a whisper, tearing up.

He gently scratched the little head, petting behind the ears, under the chin, ... a low rumble started to get heard.

- Oh shit.. guys he's purring.. ! Dust realized, feeling the small vibrations on his legs.

- He is ?! Killer put a hand on Nightmare's back.

He could feel the vibrations as he pat his back, near the tail as he would do with a cat. The little dragon purred louder, his eye closed. Soon he had six hands petting him. He started knitting on Dust's laps, feeling perfectly content with the attention.

- Ouch, Dust flinched, okay, sharp claws.

Killer snorted.

- You'll get used to it.

The petting session lasted until it was time for dinner, Cross and Killer went to help set up the table and Dust carefully moved Nightmare from his legs to the couch.

- We'll be right back in an instant, okay ? You can stay on the couch, he informed with a last pat on the head.

Dinner was simple, a steak with some vegetables on the side, but they all happily ate it. Horror always managed to make even the simplest meals taste delicious. Killer felt something against his leg, looking down he saw the tiny dragon standing up against his chair.

- Yeah ? Need anything ? He asked him.

The dragon looked at him, crounched down, seemed to calculate something, and jumped on his laps.

- Oh ! Well, okay then, guess you can sleep here, he chuckled.

Nightmare turned around to face the table, looking at the plate in front of him. He squinted.

- Comfortable ? Killer asked.

Nightmare only turned an ear, already focused on his plan. He slowly bent forward, eye fixated on his target, and swiftly snatched the steak in the plate before jumping off of Killer's laps and running out of the room, steak in his mouth.

- Wait, no ! Killer exclaimed, trying to grab him before he ran off, my steak !

He quickly got up to chase after the dragon, hearing the others laugh at his predicament, but the little thief was faster than him and already hid himself to eat the content of his robbery. Killer eventually had to give up and return to the table where the others weren't finish laughing.

By the time Nightmare reappeared, they had all done eating and cleaning the table. Killer glared at him.

- You stole my steak, he accused, fists on his hips.

The dragon looked up at him before headbutting his leg.

- Mowww, of course I forgive you ! Killer cooed, bending down, come here !

He lifted him up, bringing him back to the couch for another session of petting and scratching that lasted as long as Nightmare wanted it to, with the only breaks being snack breaks. The little dragon was particularly greedy and would eat just any snacks they would hand him. They had opted for a bag of dried meat, something simple they were mostly sure wouldn't hurt his stomach. They wouldn't want their tiny dragon to get sick.

They stayed with him all afternoon, letting him take naps on their jackets, the poor thing still being quite tired from the lack of negativity, and decided they would sleep I the living room this night, not wanting to leave the dragon alone.

They had brought some covers and extra pillows, Nightmare was on the couch, in a nest made of their jackets.

Cross woke up when a flash suddenly lit up the room, grumbling, he looked up to see what it was. He saw Nightmare, the skeleton, slowly rise from the couch, he seemed tensed, and in the silence of the night he could hear him hyperventilating.

- Night... ? He called in a whisper as to not wake the others up.

Nightmare's gaze shot in his direction, his pupil reduced to a trembling slit, before he backed up in a hurry, tripped on the covers and fell backward. The noise made Horror move.

- What's happening... ? He mumbled.

Nightmare quickly looked at him before rapidly teleporting away. On the second floor, the door of his room slammed shut in an loud echo, waking the two remaining skeletons up.

- W-what was that.. ? Killer asked.

- I.. Cross began, it was Nightmare, he's.. he's awake and he didn't seem very happy to see us... he briefly explained.

The air around them became colder as they all exchanged worried looks, feeling the ambient negativity in the castle thickening.

- I.. think we may have made a mistake... Dust said out loud what they were all starting to think.

- Did he look mad ? Killer asked Cross.

Cross thought for a moment.

- No... more like... scared ?

- Scared ? Why would he be scared ?

Cross shrugged, getting up, he didn't like seeing the look in his boss's eye, it wasn't right, he didn't want him to be scared of them. Why was he even scared ?

- Do you think it has to do with the dragon ? Dust questioned. I mean, he always told us he was dangerous and all, maybe he got scared that he hurt us ?

Killer frowned.

- But we're all fine, If he had hurt us he would have seen it when transforming back.

- Maybe we weren't supposed to see the dragon ?

They looked at Cross, thinking about it, it made sense as Nightmare always seemed reticent to show them his primal form.

- He was hiding... Horror finally said, looking down, a feeling of guilt emerging in his soul, and we still took him...

The others stayed silent for a moment, letting the realization settle in. Cross sat back on the couch.

- He.. He was hiding... Killer began, he was hiding and didn't want to be seen, and we still searched him and took him out of his safe spot... we... we litteraly took advantage of his current weakness to grab him and he tried to fly but we still held him... God he couldn't even talk... ! He couldn't defend himself and we forced him to be here when he was hiding for a reason... !

Killer held his head in his hands after his monolog, so deeply ashamed of himself, the other three weren't doing better. Cross sniffled.

- You're making it sound like we raped him... he whined, feeling heavy with guilt.

For a few minutes only Cross's wheeping disturbed the silence of the castle, until Killer abruptly stood up.

- We need to apologize, he declared, heading to the stairs.

Dust got up to grab his arm, stopping him.

- He probably doesn't want to be bothered right now, we should wait a moment for him to calm down before trying anything.

Killer shrugged, making Dust let go of his arm.

- I'm not gonna come in, I'm not stupid, I'm just gonna knock and apologize.

He had to, he couldn't just wait until morning, he had to let Nightmare know that he was sorry, that they were all sorry, that they didn't think and acted stupid and regretted it. He arrived in front of the door, his hand was shaking when he lifted his arm to knock.

- Boss, you're here.. ?

Nightmare flinched when he heard the knock and the voice, backing down again, his back on the wall opposed to the door, sitting on the ground. He was shaking. What did they want ? What have they done ? Why must they have to see him like that ? To see this weak and pathetic form ? The one thing he had wished to remain a secret, why did they have to open this closet ?

Nightmare was shaking, a hand covering his mouth to try and muffle his heavy breathing. He felt scared, humiliated, confused, naked almost, like all of the walls and layers he had built over time just fell down and left him in a cloud of ashes.

They had seen him, they had seen the dragon, they had seen this little creature so ridiculously small, so contemptible, so useless, they had seen the real him, the him that wasn't fierce, that wasn't big nor intimidating, the him that wasn't threatening. They had seen the truth. Now what would they do ? Would they laugh ? Would they mock him for being this pathetic ? For giving birth to such a big lie when reality was this disappointing ? Would they tell the world about him ? Would they leave him ? Would they be disgusted by such a pathetic leader ? Would they lose all respect they had for him, respect that had been build on a lie ? Would he ever be able to gain their respect again ? What if they never wanted to hear of him again ?

His soul was beating fast in his ribcage, giving him the impression it was about to explode, he heard the drumming sound in his head, making everything else sound muffled. He barely heard Killer on the other side of the door.

- We're sorry Nightmare... we really are... we should have never tried to touch you and we should have just left you alone... we really didn't think and we understand that you're mad at us, you don't have to come out if you're not ready to, but just know that we are sorry... we were jerks, we didn't mean to hurt you...

Nightmare listened, trying to focus on anything else than the tears forming in his eye. Was he honest ? Was Killer honest ? He wanted to believe it, he couldn't feel his emotions, his magic wasn't recovered enough and he was in too big of a panic state to direct it properly anyway.

He wanted to believe him so bad, to believe it was only an accident, that maybe they could still pretend as if nothing happened, but a part of him kept yelling it was a lure. It kept telling him to not take words for proof, that sooner or later they would realize he's truly pathetic and the minute the dragon wouldn't amuse them anymore they would leave. He would lose everything then. He didn't want to, he didn't want to lose them.

- Take all the time you need, we will be waiting for you when you feel ready...

He heard the footsteps go away, and finally let out a sob, choking on air. What was he supposed to do now ? He couldn't go to them anymore, he didn't want to face their gaze just yet, they would surely have questions and he didn't want to answer any of those. He couldn't go to anyone, nobody knew about his secret. He was alone, like before, like he always had been, alone to face his fears.

He should have been more careful, lock himself somewhere else, make sure nobody could reach him. He should have known it, he should have known he couldn't trust his own house, he couldn't even trust his mother's shadow when he was a kid, why would that be any different now ?

He felt stupid, he wanted to hide away and never come out, let everyone forget about him and rot in a corner where no one would see him ever again...

He stayed locked in his room for hours, which turned into a few days, he didn't count how many exactly but Horror kept leaving food platters by his door. He could hear them take turn sitting down and talking to him, telling him they were sorry, that they should have waited for him instead of forcibly taking the dragon, that they were worried about him and to please come out, they wanted to see him. His silence only worried then more, they wouldn't enter by force but if he could at least talk to them, so they would know he's fine... Nightmare felt guilty, he didn't like scaring them that way, he didn't like how ashamed of themselves they all sounded, but he just didn't have the courage to open the door. The mere thought of being the center of attention knowing what happened filled him with shame and embarrassment and he felt his soul burn.

But he had to go out. He could barely stay awake, his magic was so low, the negativity level in the multiverse only kept receding the longer he was inactive, he needed a raid, even a small one, to boost himself enough not to tranform again. And he needed them. He was to weak to go alone. Maybe after this raid he would feel a little better and wouldn't need them, but for now it wasn't the case.

He slowly got up from his bed, feeling his legs shaking under his weight, and opened his door after a long hesitation. Cross was here, standing guard, he jumped when he heard the noise and froze when seeing the skeleton. Judging by his expression, Nightmare must have looked awful. Days without taking care of yourself usually did that.

- Nightmare.. ? Are.. are you feeling okay... ? I-I mean it's a dumb question but-

- We're going on a raid... Nightmare interrupted him, his voice more hoarse than he would have wished.

Cross straightened his stance, an old habit of the soldier receiving orders.

- O-of course ! I'll go fetch the others ! Pl-please don't lock yourself back.. ! He begged before going on his quest.

Nightmare looked at him go, letting out a shaky breath.

The others arrived rapidly, and though none of them knew what to say they all looked at him with a mix of worry and relief to see him out of his room.

- Boss we- Killer began before being interrupted.

- We're going, make it fast..

They all exchanged a glance, but nobody intervened. Nightmare motioned to Cross to open a portal, he couldn't do it himself this time. The soldier did as told, and they all crossed it, Nightmare going in last. He shivered when feeling the cold air of snowdin's forest hit him, embracing himself to try and keep his little body warmth as the others were already in movement. Only Dust stayed near him. He was about to tell him to join the others but the hoodied skeleton talked first.

- It's good to see you out of your room, Night, we were all worried.. we know what we did wasn't right, and we really want to make it up to you... we care about you, 'kay ? Try not to forget that... he said before teleporting away to the others.

Nightmare stiffened when he mentioned what happened, he didn't want to think about it again, but he couldn't avoid it for all eternity. He watched them from afar, not taking part in the activity, and focused on absorbing as much negativity as possible, he had to admit they were doing a particularly good job, though it would take way more than that for him to recover all of his strength.

He let them cause chaos, coming only a little closer to get a better taste of the negativity, ignoring their worried glances each time he moved. Were they really this worried about him ?

He heard a portal open, but Cross was far from him, too far for him to hear anything, and Cross wouldn't make a portal without informing him first, which meant the portal wasn't his, and the sudden sharp pain he felt in his shoulder told him exactly who it was: Dream and his team had arrived, and he just got hit with an arrow.

He dislodged the arrow before turning, slowly, now wasn't the time, he was still too weak to fight, and if he engaged in a battle now his magic would tire out rapidly and force him to transform back, which was not an option. He took a step back, and saw his brother frown. Oh how pathetic he must have looked for Dream to spot something was wrong. But it didn't stop the guardian from attacking a second time.

The arrow got blocked by a blade, Cross was in front of him in a defensive stance, a quick glance around confirmed the others were already fighting Ink and Blue, trying to maintain them as far as possible from him.

It wasn't the first time they would protect him, but this time felt different for some reason. It was absurd, Nightmare knew there were no differences, they acted as they always acted before, but his mind couldn't help but scream at him, telling him they only protected him because they knew how weak he really was. Were they going to tell everyone about that ? Were they going to tell Dream ? Dream always tried to get him to tranform, wanting to see his dragon form, as a confirmation whether it really changed or not, were they going to tell him that he never became that gigantic beast he always described ? Were they going to reveal everything ? No, no they wouldn't, he trusted them not to, he really did... but what if they made a mistake ? What if they said it by accident and Dream heard ? What then ? Would he try even more to tire him ? Would he attack with more fierce ? Would the news spread across the multiverse ? Would he be mocked by everyone again ? What would he do if his lie crumbled, if his only defense fell down ? Where would he hide ? Could he even hide anymore ? He didn't have anywhere to go aside from his castle, but could he hide here ? Or would the castle be attacked if the people knew there wasn't any real threat ? Would he lose his home again ? Would he lose his only safe place ? Would he lose his friends... ?

He almost fell when he felt someone push him forward, a gasp of surprise leaving him as he was abruptly brought back to reality: a portal to the castle was open in front of him, Horror was behind him forcing him to move, Dust was maintaining the stars at distance with sharp bones and blasters, Killer was halfway through the portal, and Cross was next to it looking at him worryingly.

- Boss we're retreating ! Did you not hear me call you ?! He grabbed his arm to pull him in the portal.

The others rapidly followed, and Cross closed the path before anyone else could enter. They were back in the living room.

- Are you okay 'Mare ? Killer asked, coming to him to check his shoulder, you zoned out pretty hard out there... is... do you want to talk about it... ?

They were all looking at him, and he didn't know what to say. He didn't hear them call him, he didn't see Cross opening the portal and only reacted when Horror pushed him. He could have gotten them hurt because his thoughts wouldn't give him a break, and now they were worried about him again. He felt awful, he couldn't protect them in his dragon form and he could have gotten them hurt in his skeletal form. He shouldn't be with them.

- I... I'm fine, I just... I need... some time, alone... he mumbled, taking a few steps back.

He saw Horror begin to reach for him and dodged his hand, going past him to hurry to his room, not wanting to feel their gaze on him any longer. Seriously what would they think of him now ? He had sunken so low...

He didn't want to be a burden, it was really the last thing he ever wanted, especially to them, but he couldn't help but fear they would end up seeing him as one, as someone they had to protect instead of someone they could count on. He had tried to persuade himself that they would never do that, that he trusted them and that they were loyal, but these thoughts kept coming back and they wouldn't let him breath.

And now, because of these polluted thoughts, he was alone in an AU, one week after their raid, to go on a solo negativity run. He could do it himself, he didn't need them, he didn't need their protection, he didn't need them getting hurt for his sake. He would be fine, it would just be a small run, as he always did...

Killer sighed, sitting back up on the couch. Nightmare had been in his room the whole week and barely came out to eat while speaking as little as possible. He was worried about him, they all were, they didn't like that he didn't say anything. They weren't expecting a speech, but if only he could tell them how he felt so they could find a proper way to apologize instead of staying silent. All they wanted was to know what they could do for him, what he wanted, did he want them to never talk about it again ? Did he want them to leave ? Did he want them to swear their loyalty a new time ? They didn't know what he would want and they didn't want to make a mistake again by doing something wrong or inappropriate.

He was about to get up when the sound of a teleportation made him turn his head just in time to see Nightmare crashing on the floor against the armchair, panting heavily, bloody cuts everywhere on his body and arrows in his back.

- Nightmare ?! He exclaimed in chock.

He jumped up, but before he could even rush to his boss's side a blinding purple light erupted from the skeleton's body, making him put his arms in front of his face. When he put them down once the light disappeared, Nightmare wasn't there anymore and in his place laid the tiny dragon, shaking, his fur sticky with blood. The arrows were on the floor next to him, having fallen out in the transformation.

Killer approached slowly, his hands shaking too. Once the dragon spotted him he started growling, his ears flat against his neck.

- It's okay bud, I'm not gonna hurt you... he tried to reassure the dragon as he stopped moving.

The little creature just kept growling, trying to crawl away from him, shaking with all of his members.

- Kills ? I heard you scream, you okay ? Dust asked, arriving in the living room.

He rapidly spotted Nightmare and froze, seeing how the dragon's gaze locked on him.

- What happened ? Why is he hurt ? And why is he a dragon again ?

Killer tried to think, not knowing just what to do, the dragon was scared and hurt and he wanted to help him, but what if they made the same mistake as the first time ? What if they touched the dragon again and Nightmare didn't like that ?

- I- I don't know, I was on the couch and he popped out of nowhere, hurt, and he just transformed... he quickly explained, I think it's a form he takes when he's too weakened ?

The dragon tried to stand up, only to whine in pain and fall on his side again.

- We'll see that later, he needs help. Dust declared, approaching again.

Nightmare growled louder, baring his teeth as a blue light appeared in his mouth.

- It's okay, it's us, we're going to help you.. Dust began but was interrupted by a small fireball.

He jumped to the side to dodge it, noting how the dragon coughed but still prepared another ball. Dust kneeled, looking at Nightmare. Killer didn't move, his whole being was telling him to rush to his side and heal him but that would just make him panic even more and hurt himself. He let Dust try to appease the situation.

- It's okay Night, we just want to help... we'll heal those wounds and then we'll leave you alone... he talked in a soft tone.

The dragon curled further into a ball, breathing out little sparks of blue fire, he looked terrified, his one eyelight fixated on Dust. Did that mean Nightmare didn't trust them anymore ? Did that mean he was scared of them ? Killer's soul clenched at the thought.

- It's okay buddy, it's okay... he kept murmuring as he slowly approached his hand.

The dragon growled louder but didn't make any move to attack, looking back and forth between Dust and his hand until it was just in front of his face. He stared for a while before coming just a little closer, enough to sniff the fingers. Dust didn't move, letting the dragon sniff him and watching him slowly back away again, having stopped growling.

- Kills, go grab the med kit please, and warn the others, he commanded after a few seconds.

Killer nodded, quickly teleporting to the nursery and leaving Dust with Nightmare. The dragon flinched when Killer dissapeared, growling again.

- It's okay, he went to grab stuff to help you, everything's fine. He reassured.

When Killer appeared again he took the plastic case and opened it in front of him to let the dragon see its countenance, while Killer left once more to warn the two remaining skeletons that their boss was hurt and back in his dragon form, and that they should go slowly with him.

Dust took the items he needed one by one, handing each one to the dragon to let him sniff it before putting it down next to him.

- I'm gonna get closer, okay ? He warned.

He slowly approached, staying on the ground as to prevent dominating the dragon with his height. He saw him tense, a fireball starting to form in his mouth before he began coughing again, leaving him whining and shaking.

- Easy bud, easy... it's gonna sting a little, but I promise you'll feel better afterward..

He put disinfectant on a clean cloth and slowly started to clean the drying blood on the dragon's fur, clenching his teeth each time he whined in pain when Dust would clean the wounds.

- I know buddy, I know.. I don't like it either, I'm sorry... he apologized.

He didn't like hurting him, but he had to do it, he had to clean the cuts and bandage them up, he couldn't leave him like that, he just hoped Nightmare would understand...

- I'm almost done...

He finished wrapping the bandages around his paws and abdomen, careful not to tie them too tight, and backed up again. The dragon was shaking, Dust had to take his little sweater off as it was bloody and ripped, and was now curled on the cold stoned floor.

- I brought a cover...

Dust flinched, turning his head around, he didn't notice Cross arriving behind him.

- Is he okay... ? He asked with a shaky voice.

- Yeah... a little shaken up, but he'll be fine... he reassured his friend.

Cross sighed in relief, handing the thick plaid to him. Dust took it and installed it right next to Nightmare, making it so he could crawl inside and be covered.

The dragon stared at them then at the little improvised nest, sniffing the air before slowly, carefully, taking a shaky step towards it. Dust held the entrance opened for him, letting him take his time to crawl in and lay down in a comfortable position before putting the cover down. Only his head poked out. Dust wanted to give him a few pats, to scratch his ear and tell him he had been very brave not moving while he healed him, but he didn't want to risk humiliating Nightmare again, so he didn't.

Horror arrived with a bowl in his hands, Killer came to find him and told him about the situation, so he had decided to prepare something to eat for the little guy, something easy he wouldn't need to chew. He had opted for some plain biscuits broken and mixed with water to make a sort of porridge. He put the bowl down in front of the nest.

- Here, eat a little... he encouraged him, backing down.

Nightmare looked up at him before slowly straightening enough to bend forward and slowly licking the mixture, his little purple tongue looking pale.

They all stayed there, watching over the little dragon as he slept in his small nest. He looked so much smaller like that...

They didn't dare go away, but they didn't dare touch him either, all painfully aware that the last time they did that things only went downhill afterwards and that was why they were at this point now. They always made sure that at least one of them would remain relatively close in case there was a problem, and they all slept in the living room. The dragon kept watching them, not moving from his nest for the first two days, then slowly trying to walk a little, never going too far before coming back to the cover. He would sometimes sit down and look at them with what they could only describe as a pleading look, then go back to lay down when seeing they didn't move to give him what he wanted. What did he want ? They didn't know for sure, they could only assume it was for them to make the pain go away, but they couldn't really do that.

It lasted a whole week, a week of hearing the dragon cry and seeing him so sad at all time, they didn't know what to do. Cross was sitting in the couch when Nightmare got up from his nest and walked over to him, still slow, but already faster than the first days. The dragon came to him and gently headbutted his leg to gain his attention. Cross looked down.

- What's wrong ? Do you need anything ?

He glanced at his bowl, it was still half full, and his bandages were clean. The dragon whined, looking at the soldier.

- I'm sorry, I don't know how to help more...

It pained him to see the small dragon like that and being powerless to make him feel better. Nightmare lifted a paw, tapping it against the couch.

- You want to get on the couch ? He asked.

Nightmare kept looking at him, his paw against the side of the mattress.

- O-Okay, just, please don't move and be careful not to fall...

Cross bent down, very slowly grabbing the dragon by his chest and back paws to put him on the couch next to him.

- Oookay here you go...

Nightmare didn't struggle, waiting to be put down before turning and making his way towards the soldier.

- Where are you going ? Cross confusedly asked.

The dragon didn't stop, carefully climbing Cross's laps to lay down, resting his head on his paws with a little sigh. Cross froze, not daring to move. Was it a good sign ? Nightmare was the one to make the decision, did that mean it was safe ? Could he pet him without it being a bad move ? He wasn't sure, but seeing the dragon so sad was unbearable, and so he gently put a hand on his back, petting him ever so carefully. The little dragon didn't move, closing his eye, a soft purr starting to get heard. Cross was so close to crying, so close to break down completely, he was so worried about Nightmare, so scared to have ruined their relationship, he just wished he understood they meant no harm, and even now they just wanted to help him...

Nightmare didn't move from the couch for the night, rolled up against an arm rest buried under Horror's jacket, he decided he was done sleeping on the ground. They let him do so. He woke up in the morning, before everyone else. He had taken his skeletal form back and kept the jacket around his shoulders.

He looked at them sleeping. They took care of him, they healed him and kept apologizing to the dragon, not forcing any contact, letting him come to them. It... meant a lot.

When they woke up, they quickly spotted that he was back pretty rapidly as their first move in the morning was always check on him. They didn't talk however, letting him begin, not wanting to make him uncomfortable by saying something they shouldn't have when Nightmare made the effort to stay and not lock himself back in his room.

- Go on, I know you have questions... he finally said.

Killer was the first to talk.

- Why didn't you tell us about the dragon... ?

Nightmare looked at him for a moment before looking down, searching for what to say, he sighed; he owed them the truth.

- I was scared of your reaction... my... my dragon form is small, the species is just like that, and... people used that to their advantage... it's not that I didn't trust you, I just... I felt safer with a lie to protect myself...

They listened to him, nodding in understanding.

- But who would hurt such a small creature... ? Cross asked, horrified by the thought of the dragon getting hurt.

Nightmare shivered, feeling some old memories coming back to the surface.

- He's small, easy to kick and hold down... and his fur and antlers are expensive... don't ask me how I know that, please... he answered honestly.

Cross let out a gasp, not wanting to believe such atrocities could have been committed against the small dragon.

- We won't let anyone hurt you like that again, ever, Dust claimed with a resigned tone.

Nightmare looked at him. Horror agreed.

- We'll protect you, promise... no one... will touch you... he confirmed.

Nightmare let the words sink in for a moment, before feeling himself smile a little and nod.

- Thanks...

- We're sorry for what we did, we didn't mean any harm, we would never... Dust apologized again.

- I know... he chuckled, you'll have to apologize to the dragon too, he wasn't happy with the lack of attention this week..

The little commentary helped appease the tension in the air and they all could breath and talk like they all used to talk together, spending the whole morning just calmly discussing on the couches...

Nightmare would need time to get used to letting his dragon form out more often, but his friends seemed to genuinely like him very much, and the dragon liked them just as much as he liked them, so maybe it was for the greater good...

- Does he have a name ?! Killer exclaimed.

- I... don't think so ? Nightmare replied.

He never wondered if the dragon had a name of his own or if they shared the same. Not that it ever mattered.

- Can I call him Lord Noot ?! He proposed excitedly.

- No you may not, Nightmare refused.

Killer whined with a pouty face, making the others laugh.

Dust was in the living room, reading the new book he picked out on their last supply run a few days ago, when he heard rapid little steps coming at him. They were all used to it by now, Nightmare was letting his dragon form out more often now that he understood they would never judge or leave him for that. They all loved Lord Noot, Noot for short, as they all started calling him despite Nightmare's early protest, though he quite quickly got accustomed to it and sometimes called his second form by that name too.

Dust looked down to see the little black dragon arriving next to the couch, a toy in his mouth: a thick sausage made of yarn. Cross was the one to insist to get the dragon toys, claiming that he would soon get bored in this big castle without anything to play with. Nightmare had eventually accepted, on the condition that all the toys stayed in the living room, with the only exception being their own bedrooms, as he didn't want to have toys just laying anywhere in the hallways, it would have been a tripping hazard as well as a mess in general. The trip to the pet store had been planned very rapidly and they almost emptied the dog toys section as they figured cat toys would have been a little too fragile for dragon claws, even if they did fall for some toys such as a laser pointer and the sausage Noot currently had in his mouth.

- Got your sausage, Bud' ? Dust greeted the dragon.

Noot looked at him, the sausage was almost too big for his mouth, and jumped on the couch to deposit the toy on Dust's open book on his laps before jumping down again and waiting.

- Want me to throw it ?

Noot barked, his little butt shaking with anticipation as Dust took the sausage and wiggled it in the air before throwing it over his head, making him jump. The dragon missed the sausage by a few inches but quickly went after it once he landed to bring it back to Dust, jumping on the couch again.

- Good job, Buddy, Dust chuckled as he took the toy again.

He threw it again before Noot had time to jump down and watched him launched himself after the sausage, sprinting to get it back on the couch.

This little game of fetch lasted a few minutes before Noot stopped in front of his toy and slowly looked up at Dust from the floor.

- You wanna take a break ? I think you ran a marathon here.

Lord Noot kept staring for a moment, then took a step forward to be over the sausage and laid on it, rolling on his side with the toy held firmly against his chest by his two front paws. He didn't break the eye contact.

- Aw, you're so cute, Dust cooed.

He was about to take out his phone when Noot brought his back paws to the toy... and started to rapidly hit it. He kept staring right at Dust as he tried to eviscerate the sausage, his gaze planted in the skeleton's gaze.

Dust didn't dare move.

- That's... a little less cute... you're scaring me, Bud'...

The dragon kept hitting the toy, until his grip weakened and he accidently launched it forward. He stared at it for a second before jumping on the sausage again, rolling over, and getting up with the toy in his mouth to jump on the couch where Dust was still sitting silently. He let it down against his leg, turned around a few times, and finally laid against him for a little break in playtime, purring softly and happily as he had both his favorite toy and his friend near him.

Dust just kept watching him until he fell asleep and slowly reached out to pet him and hear his purring intesifiy.

- Welp... good game I guess.. ?

He picked up his book again, having put it on the side to play with Noot.

Cross and Killer sat on the couch, exhausted, they had been running after Lord Noot all day but the little thing wouldn't stay in place even though they kept telling him it was for his own good.

Noot was going outside more often now that Nightmare let him take over regularly, he liked playing in the garden and chasing mice and butterflies, especially now that it was spring and he could run through the tall grass and hide in bushes. It was nice just watching him run around and then come back to them for a nice nap in the sun, but everything couldn't stay perfect...

Noot had been... twitchy, sprinting suddenly only to stop and aggressively scratch and lick himself, he wouldn't stay in place and often woke up in a flinch. Killer knew what that meant, he had seen so many cats act that way: their little baby had fleas. He had seen the little parasites jumping from his fur, their poor boy must have caught them outside and was now being attacked and couldn't do anything about that...

They needed to help him, and so he had quickly informed Cross and they went on an emergency trip to the veterinary to buy combs and treatment for Noot. Buying what was needed was easy, the hard part was getting Noot to sit still long enough for them to brush him and get the treatment on his fur.

That had been the impossible part as Noot just kept running away and wiggling everytime they caught him, making it that they couldn't get anything done without risking hurting him or themselves.

Killer sighed.

- At this rate the fleas will have time to die of old age...

- At least they'll die... Cross replied, crunching one that he spotted on the armrest between his fingers.

The materials were on the coffee table, and Noot was nowhere to be seen.

- I at least wanted to brush him so that he could sleep better, Killer complained.

The sun was setting already, Lord Noot had probably found a spot to pass the night in and would only come out in the morning, which meant they would have to wait before trying again to brush him.

Cross eventually got up.

- I'm gonna put some more wood in the fireplace, make sure it doesn't get too cold during the night, he announced.

The days were warm, but the temperature still went quite low at night. Cross grabbed some small logs from the pile to put in the chimney, arranging them to have some medium flames, nothing that would get out of control.

He noticed the little black furball approaching and stopping next to him, looking at the fire.

- Oh hey Noot, did you finally change your mind and will let us brush yo-

Noot jumped in the fire.

- NOOT !! He yelled, making Killer jump from the couch.

- What happened ?! He asked as he came running.

Cross already shove his hands in the fire, not caring if he got burned, to grab Noot and quickly pull him out.

- I don't know ! He just jumped in !

He tried to see if the little guy was hurt but as soon as he put him on the ground he jumped right back in the fireplace.

- NO- !

Cross was about to dive back in when Killer stopped him with his arm.

- Wait, I- I think he's fine.. ?

- What do you mean he's fine ?! He's gonna get roasted ! Cross yelled, panicking.

- No but really, look, Killer insisted.

Cross turned to look at Noot, ready to grab him if he really wasn't fine, but instead he just saw him roll over on the burning charcoal, burying himself under the flames without a care in the world, he even breathed some blue fire to make the flames bigger.

The two skeletons stared for a good while before Cross eventually broke the silence.

- I keep forgetting he's a dragon and not an oversized cat.

Killer chuckled.

- Yeah me too. You burned your hands for nothing.

- Yeah... Cross sighed, feeling the sting on his fingers.

- Come, you need to put them under cool water.

Killer led him to the kitchen after having taken one last look at the purring dragon in the fire.

He let Cross pass his hands under the water as he grabbed a cloth that he handed him when he was done.

- I guess we just bought everything for nothing.

- We can still treat his fur, no fleas at all is better than letting him have so many he has to jump in the fireplace to kill them, Killer argued.

- I guess you're right.

As they went out of the kitchen again they saw the little dragon shaking the ashes out of his fur as he stepped out of the fire. They had to admit his fur looked very shiny and soft.

Noot seemed happy, totally unphased by the fact he almost gave them a heart attack.