Nightmare wished for a quiet life but was instead surrounded by chaos

—-

Nightmare never thought his life would end with him here, but he didn't regret it. Those disgusting villagers deserved everything he did to them, even if he was out of his mind at the time. The centuries passed with him growing into his new role and adding others to help him. He would never confess that seeing his brother out of stone was a relief, nor would he admit to avoiding majorly hurting the other. They might be on opposite sides but that didn't erase the care he had for his little brother.

The annoyances the other was surrounded with on the other hand was a different story. Blue was a bit too 'happy go lucky' for his tastes, but he grew to be more tolerant of him. Ink he hated with a burning passsion and couldn't wait for the day he would finally stay dead. Hearing that Dream had bonded to the soulless husk was hell and that they made a spawn was worse. He has seen Palette in person, it was like seeing sunshine personified with his idiots fathers traits.

He had lost count of the number of times the other had gotten lost in the multiverse, having to be dragged back by Dream and a grinning Ink. His nephew was a lost cause who he chose to ignore when possible.

Meeting the Destroyer was interesting, he had met many monsters and none were as unique as him. The look of utter disdain he was given, for interrupting their work, was art. As was the way Nightmare was ignored till he found a suitable bribe. He refused to admit at how long it took to be glanced at, even in indifference decades . He made sure to get a truce with Error as soon as he could, as the power the other wielded was useful and he was lonely .

He grew close to Error and enjoyed the sass the other gifted others, with no discrimination. As time went on he was concerned at the growing loneliness and yearning he felt from the other. He could never get an answer out the other but starting at the babybones in front of him, things were starting to make sense.

" Fix him! "

He was admittedly unsure if Error had finnaly snapped when he dragged a winged monster into his office. He was tensed in preparation for getting his gang away, if things turned to a fight.

" His father is an idiot. Zero self preservation instinct. Fix him ".

" Error. I have no idea who this is and... is this a child? Why are they so calm, Error? What did you do?! "

Not his finest moment but he couldn't be blamed for thinking that. The way the other was bound tight in the other's magic and impassive face did not help his stress. He thought he would have a calmer monster to talk to when Error joined but instead he got even more chaos. Rubbing his face in exhaustion he wanted the day to end already but sadly the universe cared not for his struggles.

Being introduced to the babybones was something at least, but he was wary of the reply given.

"Greetings. I am named Goth and am the overviewer for balancing SOULS. Pleasure to meet your acquaintance Destroyer and Guardian of Negativity".

This was a powerful monster and someone had made sure to train them well. He may be the Guardian of Negativity but he wasn't a demon. He could see himself in the other, when trying not to show weakness in front of the villagers. He just managed to stop a grimace from appearing.

" There is no need for formalities here Goth. Why don't you follow this shadow papyrus who will show you your room you will be staying in. I will visit to tell you the rules of your visit later ".

He needed privacy for this and was not looking forward to the fights he would inevitable be dragged into.

" He can stay and I'll make sure the boys don't do anything. You will have to deal with Reaper though. You can't avoid this forever. He will come for his child and might involve the Star sans ".

The relief pouring off the other helped make this decision easier but now he had to deal with another mouth to feed. Watching Error leave he wondered why they hadn't stayed, as he saw the others gaze lingering where Goth had gone. He got up and ordered a shadow papyrus to show him where the guest was staying. It was one of the nicer rooms and he was glad it was close to his room, in case of an emergency.

Opening the door he observed the other in silence. The way they methodically opened all the draws and cupboards, looked around then closed them was different. He watched in silence and marvelled at the joy the other expressed at looking around the room. The other surely must have one, as he looked to be in good condition but he knew abuse could hide in many ways.

" Do you like it? There are others you can choose from? "

He was impressed he didn't receive a flinch, just an impassive look. He was alarmed at how quickly the joy left to be replaced by calm.

"It's lovely thank you. What are the rules for staying here, sir?"

" No need for sir. You are not allowed to leave the castle without me or another of my choosing. You will attend all meals and don't attack others unprovoked ".

He usually had more but those were for his high LOVE members and the adults. He wasn't too worried what trouble Goth would cause but how the others would react. A nod in assent was his answer and he was unsure what to do with the other. He used a tentacle to grab the other and showed them to the living room where he sensed his team.

Opening the door he was glad there were no fights occurring, as he didn't want to scare Goth this early into his stay.

" Boys, this is Goth. He will be staying for a while. Any damage to him i will double on you. Killer, BEHAVE ".

He realised Goth had been watching the others in slight interest. Killer tried to scare the other, by throwing a knife near them, but Goth only leaned away and continued watching. He would make sure the others didn't try to push the 'fun' too much or he would have to rethink allowing the other to stay.

"A-are y-ou hung-ry Goth?"

At least Horror was acting civilised. He would have to think of something nice to reward the other.

"I am good, thank you. There is no need to feed me. My role sustains me enough".

The smile and fluttering wings didn't seem to persuade Horror of the fact. Nightmare wasn't impressed either as he 'technically' was the same, but felt much better with food.

" You will be fed Goth. This isn't negotiable ".

The placid expression in agreement was starting to annoy him. Whoever taught them that was going to be dusted violently. He felt the others anger rise as well. He started to absorb it to prevent any LOVE spikes.

Seemed there was no need to worry about Goth as the others soon included him in what they were doing. Happy at the introductions he left to his office to deal with paperwork.

-

The months passed by and not much changed with a babybones in their midst. At the beginning others tried to filter their thoughts and violent tendencies. That was thrown out the window at the frankly disturbing 'facts' Goth knew.

"It's so hard to catch rabbit monsters. They just keep getting away from me, you know?"

This was not an unusual comment by Dust, but the casual reply by Goth was.

"Shine something bright in their eyes to freeze them or make a sound like a distressed kit. They will run right too you as their instincts demand".

They had all stared as the babybones who was reading a book, seeming to see no issue with his response. It even turned into a game to see what would cause a reaction, much to Nightmares dismay.

"Hey Goth, what do human SOULS taste like?"

" Killer, stop asking everyone wh— "

"Depends on the colour. Red is usually spicy, so i would go for Blue if you dislike that"

Even Nightmare had looked unnerved at the swift answer and even worse he sensed no lie. Who was raising this child?! The game was swiftly stopped when Cross asked what dying was like.

"It really depends on how you go. The violent deaths tend to be less painful on SOULS as they understood they are dead. The quiet deaths cause confusion and need more coaxing to pass on. The best are the elderly, the SOULS of those are usually close to death before. If you really listen you can hear the song of joy of being free from their worldly issues and resting in the great beyond. I am always jealous how easily they can leave"

The wistful look and longing was disturbing for Nightmare, who felt sick at a babybones waxing poetry about their future death.

-

The questions stopped but the bonding did not. NIghtmare even saw Error on occasion, who at the start stayed in the corner watching but was pushed to be closer. Error had radiated joy at teaching the other knitting and most were shocked when he willingly touched Goth, to correct any mistakes. Nightmare clearly saw the love Error felt for their child and was exasperated when the others kept guessing why Error was nicer to Goth than them.

This routine was shattered when Red burst in and started shouting about all the plans that the Star sans had come with. Hearing an ambush had been planned for Error didn't seem to surprise the Destroyer but it enraged Nightmare.

" Good job on getting the information Red. Your AU will be greatly rewarded. Boys, we have a war to win. Let's show them what we got "

He ignored Error's protests, as they would be joining in either way. He cared for the Destroyer and did not wish that fate of fighting alone on his ally friend .

" Goth. Stay here and we will be back soon ".

Orders done he opened a portal to where the battle would take place. He would set traps up before anyone got there, as he refused to play fair with cowards. He couldn't wait to bathe in the negativity that would be produced.

~~~~~~

Nightmare: I am darkness, i am fear! I care for no one!

Goth: *walking trauma symbol*

Nightmare: So is anyone going to parent this child or do i have to do everything myself?