#Ngihtmare: :o really? how did you find that out?

[ancha-aus]

Sorry i got distracted by the booping haha

hihihihihi lets go :D

it speaks about how far they have come. Error's confidence. Nightmare's trust in others to make the right decision. Cross being trusting that he follows the orders and trusts people will explain it to them. That is what it is all build on and that is beautiful <3

because error KNOWS his brother and he will always love Geno and knows Geno ddin't mean to abandon him but it still happened becaus eGeno was so laserfocused. and now Geno hurt someone that is important to Error be the exact same behaviour. so Error is taking charge. And making sure they STAY seperate now.

Nightmare feels terrible. They always suported him and checked in on him. back when he was adult and when he was a child. of course he should have made sure dust was actually okay. (ccino always still did that for him. even when nightmare was older. ccino still made sure to check in with him and that he knew what was going on with nightmare. How had nightmare managed to fail this badly?) He just. doens't want to let go of dust. so he keeps hugging him. holding him. Maybe then it will be okay? then Nightmare can be sure dust is safe? Nightmare cant just tug him away with his tendrils anymore so his arms will have to do.

nightmare wanted a safe space for him and those he cared about.. He will GLADLY burn part of his hardwork if the work hadn't done what it was suposed to. create a safe space. Dust still feels bad about it.

okay but nightmare calling in dream to make sure reaper isn't just being dishonest and lying to him (again in nightmare's mind) and dream more than willing to help. Ngihtmare finally is starting to truly want to work with him and this is so important for Dream. and Dream learns slowly over the meeting something is seriously wrong. That one of the inner circle got badly hurt emotionally and mentally. Dream is curious but respects his little brother. probably after the meeting dream will hug his now little brother and mutter that he understands something serious is going on adn that nightmare is always free to tell him but that dream will trust and respect nightmare's choice (we love character development in this house so dream gets some too)

As always Ccino is Nightmare's safe space so nightmare can have aprivate breakdown by him. and ccino can help him relax and see the solution again. which helps nightmare to switch so quickly between feeling terrible and guilty and then channaling that energy into drafting the treaty thing. they have a very well working routine <3

I just love the idea of all of them reacting differently.

cross is furious and enraged and he needs to stay way from both of them or he WILL throw hands and make sure he does some serious damage.

horror feels horrible for him and just wants to cheer dust up a bit. so distraction and they go do stuf dust likes. horror will make sure to make treats the dust enjoys. they will get more horse things. get a new horse for dust to train and work with. it wil be great!

Killer is in this curious place of feeling guilty and mad. he feels guilty because him trying to help caused dust to get injured, and a serious one at that, and exposed dust to them more. and him backing up just caused dust to get in a hella toxic relationship. What if he had never tried to help? what if he had just let it be? would geno and reaper had even known about dust's interest? would they have ever grown interested in dust? Killer doesn't know the answer but fears that it would have meant that dust wouldn't have had to deal with ANY of this (he still would have. geno wanted to know magic things and reaper thought he was cute before hand. it was a matter of time.)

Dust just. wants this to disappear. he doesn't want to deal with this. he knows cross is hovering. he knows killer is walking on eggshells. he knows horror is trying to distract him and make him feel better. it works. kinda. but also doesn't because this just keeps reminding him of how dumb and stupid he ahd been. A king? and a royal mage? interested in him? HAH! He should ahve known soemthing was up.

Dust just wants things to go back to normal. to when it was easier and nicer and just relaxed. Why did he have to get a stupid crush on two people who clearly would never like him?

Reaper has it rough as he is the innocent in this. but no one knows this.

This had become his second home! With family and night who was pretty much family. He could come here and do business yet still joke with the knights. He had this adorable mysterious crush/love/future mate who he had been taking his time to court and get a feel for how his new little mate would react to a long distance relationship (reaper isn't dumb. he knows there is no way dust would ever leave his fellow knights and nightmare) only to realise... he lost all of that and just gets the fake pleasantries now because he hadn't been keeping an eye on Geno's hyperfixation tendenties. because he TRUSTED Geno with his everything and life...

worst is that reaper KNOWS geno gets like this. Geno often manupilate people to get what he wants. but he thoguht that after they spoke about this. about reaper maybe wanteding dust as another mate that geno could have been more honest... had geno not wanted reaper to court dust? had geno not liked that idea? is that why he did what he did? why hadn't geno just told him that he didn't want to add to their relationship? Reaper would ahve respected it.

Geno dealing with actual lasting consequences. He is so used to people just rolling over nad letting him do whatever. first because he had so low standing that making an issue about it would look bad on them. not him. and later because he was the royal mage and reaper's mate. it meant people just let him do stuff.

Not nightmare. Ngihtamre just straihgt up bans him from the meeting. saying he can't be trusted anymore and so he will need to leave the room. He can stay in the guest rooms but only because of his social standing and relationship to reaper. otherwise he would have been thrown into the dungeon for what he did (the dungeon bit it more implied than said. but nightmare's face and obvious rage and distaste says enough)

the extra kick that error isn't defending him. error knows him and still love shim. but error also WANTED to stay with nightmare and the knights over moving to join geno and reaper. Error choose this space and while that also hurts geno had accepted it. but it still hurts to see error agree that geno can't be trusted with teh information at this moment.

It is important that Geno isn't suddenly less loved. Reaper and Error both still love and adore him. Geno is so important to both of them. but Geno fucked up and needs to work to actually proof he didn't mean to cause harm and that he knows he shouldn't have. and prove he won't hurt htem again. and that is hard. geno is very used to do certain things a certain way and it ALWAYS worked before... why did this have to be the time it blow up in his face? (because it is the only moment it could have. because he now hurt someone who was important to him and important to the people who are important to him. it was bound to blow up in a situation like this)

Dust is just sad. not as much mad. Well he is mad but he is mad at himself for being blind. Dust knows manupilation and seducing and all the tactics. he has dealt with everything before. So why dind't he see it now? because he relaxed to much and was blinded by his own crush. stupid of him. but that is on him. not on anyone else. So Dust thinks that everyone is very much overreacting (the others actually think they are underreacting?! Dust! If you hadn't seen through it you could have ended up ina fully abusing relationship over just toxic!)

hihihi it is okay! I just want to make sure you don't expect something else or anything hahaha :D

Important plot point for the New Age AU post-story dustedafterdeath plot- (realizing now slight tw for abusive relationship???)

Geno is a manipulative bastard who exerts his skill and prowess over others. With Reaper their relationship was balanced and became healthy thanks to Reaper actually being stronger than Geno. So all of Geno's manipulation was more like an angry chihuahua barking at Reaper. They got over that stage fast.

With Dust?? He doesn't realize he can't show his interest the same way. Doesn't occur to him that Dust is "lesser" than him in every situation. Royal Mage against a Knight, the Mage has more political power. Geno has direct ties to Reaper, who they need to keep happy for Night's treaty. Geno has more technical skill w/ his magic and Dust is sure the technique and control would be enough to best his own barely controlled magic. He's physically weaker, especially after his shoulder injury. So when Geno realizes he's caught feelings he feels guilty, but doesn't stop manipulating him?? Because Reaper was fine with it, so clearly that's how romance works right?

And it is (shocker) NOT how romance works.

While Dust is being low key pampered and spoiled by Reaper (Reaper recognizes the power dynamics very vividly and I'd sure to make sure Dust knows he can say No or Stop at any moment to anything, even hand-holding or escorting, and Reaper respects it) as Reaper compliments him and gives him gifts and asks how he's been. Geno is out here hyperfixated on Dust's latent magic and is getting his way to learn more no matter the cost (which, in this case, is faking romantic interest). And Reaper doesn't realize how intense Geno is bring because he *thought* Geno would know better. And with the fragile situation, Dust doesn't speak up.

So, ofc, it all comes to a head when Geno finally realizes he's gone too far, Dust completely shuts him out. And Geno is too proud to face his consequences and come clean to Dust about his intentions. Dust, usually quiet anyways, just moves on, though he's deeply distrustful of every pampering Reaper does for him now.

It isn't until 2 days later that Error is talking with Geno (y'know, brother gossip) and Error asks how it's going with Dust.

When Geno responds that his plan fell through, Error asks for elaboration, and Geno tell him the jist. Leas Dust on, then let him down gently. But he caught feels and Dust didn't seem to like the advances so he gave up. And Error knows his brother and knows that's not the full story. So they change subjects, and Error convinces Geno to go visit the woods on the edge of town to test a new weapon of his.

But once they're out there and alone Error reads his brother the riot act because he's so furious and disappointed!!! Dust of all people?? Manipulating him??? And when Geno tries to defend himself (digging a deeper hole and processing just how awful he was himself as he says it out loud) Error just straight up pulls him into combat. (And Geno, not wanting to accidentally hurt his brother but also furious + caught up in emotion, fights back.)

They beat eachother into the trees and the rocks and just tear into eachother, but by the time the Knights arrive to see what the problem is (the cats got word to Ccino, and Ccino sent Dust and Cross to figure it out) Geno is pretty much on low hp and Error is wounded but still standing.

Error spots the Knights and basically uses his strings to slam Geno to the ground at Dust's feet. And there's this moment of frustration and sorrow that seems to pass between the three of them, before Cross (<- unaware) asks what Error was thinking!

Error just says he'll explain it later and that they can go back now. Cross should carry Geno. Error would explain to Reaper (Geno flinched at that).

They return, and Error pulls Reaper aside to mutter some things to him. Reaper seems distressed and takes Geno from Cross, but doesn't even seem bothered at seeing his lover as roughed up as he was. He excuses them away, and Dust disappears into his room.

Error hunts down Dust and chills with him a bit. Error apologizes on his brother's behalf, and Dust seems just. Out of it. He won't say it's okay, because it's not, but he won't put pressure on Error because it's definitely not the kid's fault. So he settles on a tired laugh and thanking Error for beating up his big brother for him. (Error and Geno are on level playing field. As siblings, as Royal Mages, as partners to their kings. They are evenly matched in almost every way, so Error had the power to stand up for Dust, and Dust appreciates that.)

Amd after that little interaction, Dust actually realizes he's alright. He has people who will look out for him. Who will make sure everything goes smoothly. AND after joking with Error some more? He realizes Geno just. Has weird priorities. Weird ways of showing his affection. Dust decides he won't give Geno a second shot unless he bends and gives up his weird manipulation with Dust.

It takes a few days before Geno is done wallowing and processing, but he comes to find Dust (Reaper right behind him, supposedly to keep him in line) looking like a prideful lil wet cat. He says he's sorry, and that he realizes it was shitty of him, and that he will respect it if Dust wants him and Reaper to stop bothering him.

Dust clarifies and asks if Reaper was being genuine. (He was.) And he asks of Geno would be willing to give being genuine a shot (a hesitant yes). Dust does not push them away, but he does say he is going to inform Night. He also asks them to swear that no matter where the relationship ends, they will not take it out on Nightmare. (They agree.)

Like. Reaper, the romantic who is actually kind and wants to make lasting relationships *before* acting on his desires. Vs. Geno, the guy driven by desires who seems to stumble across romance by mistake every time. Both after Dust, most emotionally bottled skeleton they've ever met? Wild.

Geno is super toxic about his relationships and doesn't even notice in my aus ig. Goofy ahh. He eventually gets his conscience back. But it's. A struggle.

In the other au I have Dust guilt-trip him into being less of an idiot. In this one I make his brother throw him around like a ragdoll. (To Error, violence is often the answer <3)

[distantwoomi]

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

!!!THIS STORY HAS A SHORT GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF VIOLENCE!!!

This Au belongs to @peasthedumb, I only own the writing. I give them 100% credit.

If you like this story go check them out, they're like my idol and Tumblr calls them my Tumblr crush-

Nightmare rose from their bed, twisting their head around to find any presence of light. As soon as they felt the warm glow they knew they were facing their window. The door was on the opposite side of the window. It wasn't that hard to navigate, their room is always tidy.

Nightmare swept their hand to the side and grabbed their glasses. They walked through their door leaving their dreaded room. They opened their eyes hearing a familiar bell ring. It was Horror's idea ao Nightmare could alert the others that they were awake.

Cross was the first out his room who went to Nightmare. Cross taps on Nightmare's shoulder receiving a small squeak. Nightmare turned and waved.

"Hey Nightmare, how are you feeling?" Nightmare tilted their thumb sideways, "Is there any way I can make you feel better?" Nightmare shook their head. Cross shrugged.

Nightmare pointed to the stairs and Cross understood. You see, ever since this one incident Nightmare has not been able to speak. I'm sure you know the Dreamtale story, Nightmare gets bullied and tortured while Dream is manipulated for positivity and blind to their sibling's torment.

Do you know the worst thing the villagers did to Nightmare? I bet you don't. They caused this. Those vile, disgusting, revolting even villagers. They grabbed Nightmare and ron off to the woods with them.

"H-Hey! W-Where are we g-going!? Wh-What do you w-want!?" Nightmare stared and the items the villagers had. A rope, taser, and bandana. Nightmare's eye-lights shrunk as they understood what would happen.

Nightmare was thrown against a tree and the villagers put the bandana around their jaw. Nightmare felt the rope loop around their neck and heard the villagers laugh.

"We're gonna play a game! Keep on tightening the rope, if you stop you get tased."

Nightmare quickly got to work tightening the rope. They felt it get too tight and took a small second to breathe. Shocks sounded and scorching pain seared Nightmare's insides. They kept going. They ended up being tasted 12 times before they passed out.

Nightmare shuddered the thoughts away and went to the kitchen. They grabbed a bell off the counter and shook it alerting the others of their location. Each bell gave off a different ringing noise.

Horror rushed downstairs, "Did you cook?" Nightmare shook their head. Horror let out a small whine. Nightmare gave a soft smile and pointed to the cabinets, "Do you want me to help?" Nightmare nodded. Horror started to help grab ingredients.

Nightmare was lucky they had their friends coworkers. They helped them during their ups and downs.

—————————————————————————————————

Nightmare shivered in their room. Winter wasn't the best holiday, hence being made of liquid and all but, there was always one thing about winter that really made Nightmare's slime crawl.

The loss of their first love.

Nightmare fell in love easily in the past, one time a girl showed them kindness and was friends with them. She stayed with them. Nightmare was absolutely starstruck.

Nightmare stumbled over to Lisa holding their hands behind their back.

"Hey Nightmare! Do you need anything?"

Nightmare nodded and revealed a bouquet of flowers. Their face glowed of soft lavender.

"O-Oh, uhm... I-I'm already in a relationship. I'm sorry."

Nightmare stared in shock, tears streamed down their cheeks and gracefully splashing after hitting the soft dew. They dropped the flowers and ran.

How could they be so stupid!? To believe somebody would love them! Why them!? They can't even speak! They can't express gratitude, affection, jo-

Warm arms embraced them, they looked up seeing Killer sitting with Dust wrapped in a blanket. Killer places a blanket on Nightmare's shoulders.

"Ngihtmare..? Is everything alright..? You're crying..." Killer asked while his voice coats with concern.

Nightmare leaned into Killer letting their tears flow.

"Do you want to write to me about it?" Nightmare shook their head, it would only be a momentary sadness. They were over her, right..?

Killer gave a soft smile and Dust gave a low grunt. Dust also had troubles with communication, he still could but chose not to at moments.

Error peeks his head in the room, "Is everything alright?"

"Aye aye Captain!" Killer exclaims.

"It's Boss, not Captain." Error massages his nosebridge.

Error sits in front of Nightmare, he would hug his friend but curse his haphephobia, "Nightmare, do you need anything?"

Nightmare shook their head and closed their eyes. They basked in the comfort feeling their burdens ease. They let out a soft sigh and started to drift off in the land of dream.

Killer held Nightmare close and softly chuckled, "Sleep well Nightlight."

Dreamtale belongs to @/jokublog

Mutemare AU belongs to @peasthedumb

I hope you enjoyed this story and please follow Peas, they make amazing art and have a powerful mind.