A nice day out is made worse with Reapers presence

Dream was anxious but looking forward to the day out with Goth. He hoped he could get closer to his brother but wanted to mainly focus on the babybones. He saw them walk out with Blue and had an unsettling feeling at the action. He caught his brother's eyelight and they moved in sync to watch. He was unsure what Goth was planning but watching them pick up a flower didn't help settle his nerves.

They stayed far enough to give a sense of privacy but when they felt the cold power coming off the babybones they moved closer. Dream saw the life be drained out of Goths surroundings and wasn't surprised at the show. Nightmare looked more shocked but Dream wasn't sure why, he surely knew who the others parent was. Goth may be a babybones but that didn't make them helpless.

"I'm glad you understand Blue. Dangerous things should be avoided after all".

He grimaced at the resignation that flowed out of Goth, even if nothing showed on their face. He did not like how Goth expected others to treat him as nothing but a weapon. He should have stepped in sooner, when Reaper admitted to not knowing how to train the other. They had done a good job at magic control but it seemed to have left scars on Goth.

He pasted a smile on his face and made sure to bump into Goth, when they got near. He didn't want the others to avoid touch with them. This child was part of his family and he would dust anyone that made Goth feel worse. He sent a warning to Nightmare but it looked like it was unneeded, as the other had put an arm around Goth.

" Let's go, little raven. I know a universe that has one of the biggest libraries in the multiverse ".

Dream smiled at seeing Goth's eye light turn into a star and Nightmares blush, at the admiration flowing out of Goth. He stepped into Nightmares portal, hating how cold it felt to his senses. He admired the size of the building they were in front of and was sure it was even bigger than the Council building. Out of the corner of his eye sockets he saw Goth's wings vibrate. The happiness exuded was wonderful and a nice boost to his magic.

" You will like the inside even more Goth. Let me show you what real fun looks like ".

Dream ignored the mocking tone directed at him and followed the two into th e building. He was even more impressed when he saw the numerous shelves stuffed with books. Goths chirps in glee made him glad he agreed to allow his brother to choose the location.

He and his brother followed behind, watching Goth pick up books on his ever growing pile. He feared it would fall over but his brothers tentacles moved to support the unstable pile. Dream spread his aura to calm the monsters who spotted Nightmare, as he just wanted a calm day out.

He ignored his brother's smug look and could already hear the other mocking him for his 'selfish use of power'. They only spent an hour inside till he convinced Goth to head out.

They sat outside, surrounded by Goths hoard of books. The other looked like a pleased bird with his new treasures and Dream couldn't help but let out a coo at the image.

Dream spent the next few hours relaxing in the sun, watching Nightmare and Goth talk about the books that were chosen. He was hopeful this could occur again when an unsavoury emotion caught his attention. Looking around he spotted Reaper watching them, with a frown on their face. It seemed even Goth spotted him as the sparkle in his eyelight dulled and his chatter died down.

-

Goth loved how his day was going but knew this was a distraction. He had no idea what for but he wouldn't mind being bribed this way again if needed. He wasn't sure why Nightmare kept making digs at Dream. Maybe it was a sibling thing? Would Dream expect him to act like that with Palette? Some of the words sounded harsh and he didn't think he could do that to the other.

He was surprised when Nightmare started questioning all the books he chose and even discussed what he had read. The interest seemed genuine and he loved talking about his hobby. The excitement drained out of him when he noticed Reaper watching nearby. Was he here to make sure he didn't hurt anyone? What did Blue say? He had stupidly forgotten this was all to keep him out the way and not out of genuine care. When Reaper noticed his stare the other quickly fled.

He thought he had given up on his parents liking him, so why did it hurt so much? He felt something break in his SOUL but he couldn't look away where the other had been. He didnt notice the tears flowing down his face or his magic screaming in pain.

Nightmare had been happy to ignore Reaper but when he felt the swift change in Goths emotions, he cursed himself. He should have made the other leave, as they only seemed to fail with their child. The crackle of Goths magic startled him as did the tears on the others' face.

" Goth, what's wrong? I'm here, please talk to me ".

Silence was his only answer and even Dream was looking scared. Then they both heard the babybones SOUL scream and felt the snap of a family bond. Nightmare felt himself pale and quickly grabbed his counterpart, making sure to put Goth between them.

" He is going into shock! Add your magic to calm his SOUL ".

He wanted to be pleased the other did not question him but was more worried at the stillness of Goth. The shaking subsided but the whipsered words were clearly heard.

"I'm so tired, please let me rest. It hurts".

Goth went limp but Nightmare held on tight. He had hoped the day would be relaxing but it seemed the universe was against them.

" Take him to Ink. He needs another bond quick and I don't want to risk our apple SOULS making things worse ".

Dream lifted Goth up and hated how small the other felt in their arms. He sometimes forgot Goth was so young, with how they presented themselves, but it had been years since Palette was this size. He opened a portal home and sat on his bed.

Gazing at the other he could see small details he had missed from afar. There were fine cracks on their bones and rubbing over their skull a fine layer of dust came off. He pulsed magic down the marriage bond and was pleased how quickly Ink arrived.

"I know you didn't want to do it like this but Reaper's bond broke".

Ink hadn't waited for Dream to finish and was already sending his magic to the others SOUL. He was pleased at how easily his magic was accepted but winced at feeling the jagged edges of Reapers bond. He poked the other stable bond and knew he would have to talk to Error about it. He didn't want to know what would happen if the other broke so soon after the first.

For now he was happy to cuddle Goth with Dream on the others side. He gently preened the babybones feathers and calmed down with the repetitive movements. He always admired Goths feathers and loved how you could see an assortment of colours in the light.

-

Error hated having to explain himself to all these monsters. He might have agreed to try a truce but he had the urge to dust everyone and hide in seclusion. If Blue tried to invite him over for friendship tacos one more time he was destroying their universe. The meeting was dull and he even saw Ink trying to not fall asleep. He didn't know why all these copies needed to know the details, nor did he care.

"How did we know this isn't a trick?! We should attack now that they are near".

Abomination 22, as he liked to call that one, was the biggest idiot so far. He was glad the others didn't agree or they would be having issues. Did they think he was that weak to be taken down by them? God he missed the Antivoid and his puppets. At least they didn't talk back to him.

" Listen abomination. If I wanted you dead you would be. If you rather i go back to like it was before you only needed to say. I'm sure I could fit your AU in my busy schedule ".

The silence was peaceful and he ignored Blue's disapproving look. The way the abomination paled was a nice touch. They couldn't have forgotten what his job was already, could they? Inks gasp attracted everyone's attention, as did the inky portal they jumped into with no warning. Now did he respect the others privacy or have a sneaky peak. He didn't even finish the thought before he opened a window, watching the Creator with Dream.

"I know you didn't want to do it like this but Reaper's bond broke".

WHAT THE FUNK?! Reaper was going at the top of the list. He was sure he could find a monster to replace them. They were no longer useful to Goth, so the last reason to keep him was gone.

He never noticed deep malice creeping into his magic and the intent sweeping through the room, as if searching for their chosen prey.

~~~~~

Goth: i am a beacon of health and positivity

Reaper: *appears*

Goth: i stand corrected