Chapter Text
Pepper’s alarm had gone off ages ago, and yet they lay in their bed, staring at their clock. The minutes dwindle in a flurry of light, blurring their senses as they float above reality, not yet crashing down from their slumber. There’s weakness in their legs, confining them to the tassel of blankets. The fabric weighs onto their torso and keeps them still.
They are sure that if Edge dared to peer into the bedroom, he’d make a snide comment about how it isn’t Halloween, and there’s no need to lie like a corpse. What use is a body that refuses to stir, and yet remains warm to the touch?
That could also be Pepper’s self loathing speaking. Edge would never say something like that to them.
The leftover insulin from last night’s high stays teetering on the cabinet. Their comrade in arms rots just as they do. Pepper would feel honored if their chest didn’t ache so terribly.
Perhaps it was the fight with Edge the night before. Maybe it was the stress and anxiety that took over their night research. Most likely, there was no reason. Pepper would feel this way no matter the circumstances. Today is one of those days— the ones where the edges of their vision shrouds in darkness while the color of their world drains. Their body feels like a barrel of stones, and even the simple lift of their hand has them wincing in pain and effort.
No matter how tired they are, they know they can’t sleep through the weekend this time, and they force themselves to rise, gritting their teeth. Swinging their legs over their bed, they stand and attempt to ignore the howling misery forcing tears to swell into their eyes, regret and despair clawing at their throat. They push it down, deep deep down to where they feel nothing at all and run through the motions of getting dressed and ready.
The outfit they pick out is plain, as well as the effort done to their hair, which stays messy and tangled. Rather than take a morning shower, they pray that the simple squirt of their perfume will be enough to mask the smell of rot, rubbing at the gunk in their waterline as they step outside the door.
Food can wait until the night, they decide. The consequences of such decisions fade into static.
Rather than be greeted by a heavy silence that clogs their lungs, they spy small figures darting around the rooms, chasing each other around and chatting amongst themselves. Pepper pauses, watching the list of conversations and declarations. It’s a new change of pace that Pepper realizes they’ll have to adjust to. Excitement outside their door.
Upon noticing Pepper’s appearance, the hallway’s life dims, and Pepper bites back the guilt hammering inside their soul. They hope fleetingly that their appearance doesn’t look as bad as it feels— their own skin feeling rough and hollow. They offer a timid smile to pretend.
“Good morning. It’s nice to see you all well. How was the room?”
The bitties take turns sharing looks, all apparently present and all completely ready to deliver Pepper nothing but suspicion. Some, namely Killer and Cross, are nudged out of view by Dust. Pepper doesn’t spy an intense wave of fear anymore, but distrust still holds firm around his eyelights. An opinion that Pepper cannot fault them for.
They are surprised to see the two skeletons allow Dust his chivalry, and Pepper watches them disappear behind him, their hands cradling his shoulders as they peek up with hesitation. Dust says nothing. He does not glare, but he doesn’t attempt to look anything but disgruntled.
Nightmare does enough glaring for all of them. Pepper tries to look past it.
“It was fine, thank you,” Dream answers after some silence. Pepper blinks, caught by surprise. They look down and spy the skeleton stepping into view, arms cradled behind her back as her gentle aura warms the air. “Everything was very nice.”
Pepper is thankful that they have a name for such a thing now. The aura that follows her form. Although not strong enough to sway someone too terribly, Dream bitties were said to hold a certain magic to them that would make their caretaker relax. Everyday anxieties could be soothed away with a song, or a soft hold, or even the bitties own magic. In return, the bitty was fed by the positive feedback, their magic growing stronger, all to further continue the mutualistic cycle.
Many of the forums stated a strong attachment between the two. A bond that was essential to the mental health of the bitty. When Pepper dared to look deeper, they found horror stories of Dream bitties being abandoned after their caretaker grew tired of their dependence, and the heartbreak would turn them into a bitty, very similar to Nightmare. They would be forever unable to form such a strong feeling again, and while there were some cases of partial recovery, most often, they became recluses in their new home.
It was such a popular predicament that Pepper found YouTube videos documenting the attempts of recovery. All were disheartening. Most of the bitties were constantly drifting between reality, hardly responsive to questions or concerns. They would hardly smile. Hardly move. The other bitties in the home tended to avoid them due to their depressive state, and the isolation was something the bitties almost craved. On worse occasions, they’d be violent, clawing at anyone who dared to show them kindness again.
They were a very delicate bunch. A bitty that was too easily given out when the consequences of their attachment could be so damaging. Pepper couldn’t imagine how heartless someone could be to willingly take in the being and then toss them aside, knowing what it could do. Knowing how dependent they could be.
Pepper had no plans to treat Dream in such a way. They knew the likelihood of the skeleton caring for them past politeness was slim, and the idea comforted them. As they continued their research, they tried to focus on the more positive aspects. They learned a lot that night.
Dream’s were made to be kind and gentle. They had a strong sense of justice and compassion. They were some of the sweetest bitties to come around with, and they tended to get along with almost every bitty type besides Nightmare bitties. Pepper considered themselves lucky that the pair residing under their roof appeared attached at the hip. Apparently such a phenomenon dared to be uncommon.
They also said that they were expected to be male.
Pepper did not write that part down in their notes. They didn’t need to. The memory sticks deep, and determination fills them upon meeting the eyes of the small being.
She deserves to have something good for once. Treatment that doesn’t tear her soul apart. Pepper decides on it.
They smile, small and gentle. “I'm glad to hear that. I…uhm…” They hesitate. “I do have a question for you all, if that’s alright?”
Dream nods before the others can even process the query. “Mhm?”
“I’m headed off to the store today. Edge…my uh…my friend said we’d need extra supplies with your arrival. And...I was wondering… if any of you would like to come with me?”
The room goes quiet, and Pepper holds their breath, fingers pressing into their sides as they hug their torso. Their legs feel heavy and loose, but they remain still, fighting the urge to sway until they fall. The bitties below look more than uncomfortable, thinking over the question in their heads, sharing silent conversations amongst themselves.
Pepper clears their throat. “It’s just so I know the right things to buy. I don’t really know what you all like…plus, I was hoping to buy you some furniture and appliances so you can be more comfortable.” They close their eyes, hands tightening into fists as they grab at their sweater. “I understand if you don’t want to. I don’t blame any of you. I just—“
“—I’ll go,” Dream responds, and the bitties whip around to stare. She stands proud, hands clasped as she smiles, confidence filling her entire posture. “I know what everyone here prefers. I’ve been around them plenty of time to inform you of their dislikes, as well. I’d be happy to accompany you on this trip.”
Nightmare's eye looks ready to burst with how strained it appears. “Dream,” He growls. “Don’t-“
“-I know what I’m getting into, brother.” Without a passing look, she steps right up to Pepper and grins. “This’ll be fun. It’ll be wonderful to get a break from watching over all these boys. It can be quite tiresome.”
Pepper would giggle if they weren’t so terrified of the heavy rage pointed their way. Nightmare stares the most, eyelight practically glowing with fury as Dream gestures for her to be picked up. Pepper wants to say no, to change their mind and run out of the room, but Dream’s eyelights shine, and Pepper falls weak to the display.
They bend down, scooping Dream up and letting her rest onto their shoulder. Her stance is a little unsteady, unused to being so high, but she hangs on well, excitement clear on her face.
“Are you sure you’re alright with this? This goes for all of you. I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable…”
Nightmare blinks, claws digging into his sleeves. “Actually—“
A hand gets slapped onto his teeth, loud clanking sounding through the hall. Blue stands with a grin, face as bright as the sun as he muffles Nightmare’s angry growls. “We’re all good here! Go have fun with Dream! We’ll be waiting for you to get back.”
Pepper takes that as their okay, even though they know better. They step around the bitties and head for the kitchen.
Inside waits Edge, apron already off and left on the back door coat hanger. The food he made for breakfast sits on the stove, mostly eaten with a can of magic spray next to it. Pepper relaxes.
“My apologies, Pepper,” Edge sighs as soon as he trails where they are staring. “I was…not ready for them.They devoured the plate before I could stop them.”
Pepper laughs at that, while Dream lowers her skull in embarrassment. “Don’t worry. I’m just glad it got eaten. Somebody has to around here.”
The joke doesn’t sit well.
Edge’s tough scowl falls in worry, while Dream goes utterly silent. Pepper feels sweat bead at the back of their neck, and in an attempt to de-escalate, they grab Edge’s large hand, their own becoming dwarfed in his grip. Sarcasm comes to their aid. “Let’s head out, yeah? I’m tired today. Probably good to start now so I don’t pass out in the store.”
Dream laughs, although a little unsettled, but then stops when she looks up to see Edge’s concern still on his face. Her hands tense, grasping at Pepper’s collar. “Is that common?”
Pepper is glad they can’t see her expression. “It doesn’t happen often. Not much, anyway.”
Dream doesn’t appear convinced. “But…why does it—“
“—Enough focusing on me. This day is about you all,” Pepper smiles, pulling Edge towards the door. “C’mon! I gotta get the fridge stocked.”
Pepper ignores the soft, small hand that rests against the nape of their throat, warm magic funneling through their skin. The anxiety of the day quells, and rather, Pepper moves forward with an unfamiliar sense of peace.
—
“Do you think Nightmare would like these?”
The question had been asked many times in the previous hour, and Dream can’t help but wince. The offering is nothing short but a mockery of Nightmare’s character. A stuffed bag of white, fluffy marshmallows that flops in the child’s grip every which way.
Pepper, seemingly noticing her growing exasperation, sighs and places the bag down. “Sorry. I just feel awful. Everyone else has something they’ll like and I haven’t found anything for him.”
Dream’s soul thumps at the kindness, smiling up at Pepper from her seat in the cart. “Don’t fret. Nightmare isn’t one to enjoy many things. It’s just how he was…erm. Born.” That doesn’t seem to reassure the child like Dream had hoped, and she watches Pepper’s face fall. Guilt envelops, and Dream raises her hands to placate. “…but! I know out of everyone, you’ll find something.”
When Pepper smiles at Dream, even if faked, her soul feels like it’s going to burst. The way their cheeks puff out, eyes curling along the dips of their skin. The softness of their eyes. Dream can hardly take it, and she bites back the urge to pinch at the child’s cheeks and squeal with delight.
Never has she found a human so cute. Most, if not all, rendered her disgusted. And yet, this child sits, sporting the most endearing set of eyes and smiles Dream has ever known.
She was told while she still was young that a Dream bitties sanctuary would be met alongside their owner’s joy. To find that one caretaker that satiated the hunger deep within was nothing short of a fairytale ending. It was what she was bred for. What her little soul desired more than anything. She was made to crave. She was made to bond.
For small moments of her bleak childhood within her foster home, she dared to allow herself to escape to that place— that dream. The longing of having a human companion that held her close to their chest and let her listen to their soul beat. To have someone to protect her and brighten her world. To become the sunshine she so desperately needed to continue to glow.
Nightmare used to scorn her for her blind spots, and Dream would never voice her desires out loud. But she prayed. She begged. She looked at the humans that took care of her first bundle and wondered what her future would look like. Who’d she’d bring happiness to.
Such things disappeared after she dared to step outside the norm of her breed. When she fought back and screamed instead of cried and hid. When Nightmare did not go quietly, and instead had to be pulled from her arms to be turned into a shell of himself. All for the money. All for higher sales on their cages.
Humans were nothing short of cruelty. If they could do what they did to her and her brother all for the sake of following protocol, then there was nothing to relish. They were only to taste bitter.
After years of displacement, grief, and suffering, she restricted herself to that mindset.
And yet, the intentions from the child before her were nothing short of genuine. Dream could feel it, from deep within her bones. Whenever she allowed herself to feast, even if she felt ashamed, sweetness would bloom throughout her teeth.
Their aura mimics the taste of peaches, down to the core. Every sip from their laugh is meant to be cherished, like a cold glass on a hot summer day.
The child resembles every trait of the companion Dream wished for when she was younger— the best friend to play with and to tell stories. A little, gentle, and loving human, with a smile that parts the clouds and shines down upon Dream’s face.
A hand presses against the child’s forehead, resting for a moment. The precious star pouts, dark skin wrinkling. Their perfect little eyes glance up, and Dream’s soul singes when the scent of fondness etches from their chest and leaks into her magic. It’s incredible to see— to experience.
The joys of existence. Of serenity.
“Perhaps we should head home soon. You seem…sickly…” Edge’s voice sounds, and Dream’s vision shatters.
Reality slams in hard, and the glow around the child fades away, leaving them fitted into the grocery store once more. Suddenly, her chest feels cold, heated enamourment fading into dust. Her mind takes control, and all that remains is the familiar sensation of dread.
Dream’s body stills in shock. She feels gutted. Her hands cradle her chest and feel for a wound— some sort of explanation for the leakage of emotions.
She glances up. Pepper isn’t looking at her, but Dream can spy the dullness weighing their skin. The messy tangles of their curls.
They aren’t perfect. They aren’t warm. They are just an ordinary child. A very very sweet child, but that’s all. Nothing to idolize. Nothing to pledge to.
That shouldn’t have happened. It never has happened. Dream always believed she was broken in that regard.
Her soul clenches, mourning.
She supposes she is not immune to her making after all.
She’s able to bond. She’s able to see light.
She isn’t sure how to feel about such a revelation. She files it down to discuss it with Blue and Ink in private later.
Life continues on despite the whirlwind. “You always say I’m sickly,” Pepper fires back at Edge, but Dream doesn’t miss the way their eyes flutter. Edge places a steady hand on their back. “Besides, I have to find Nightmare a treat…” They trail off, lidded eyes filling with slight panic as they glance up. “But if you wish to go...we may…My apologies…”
“—It’s alright, Pepper,” Edge soothes, hand pushing them closer to his side. “We can stay a little longer to look. ”
Pepper pauses, but a small, grateful smile breaks out on their face. Dream should be happy at the sight, potentially lost again, but she can only find it morbid that such a simple gesture has them filled with so much appreciation and surprise.
Dream, though silently scared of the massive monster, meets his sad eyelights, worry gnawing at her gut. Memories ring through her mind, reminding her of the despair and concern in Blue’s voice as he told the tale of exhaustion, flinching, and overly apologetic tones.
‘Something isn’t right with them,’ Dream recalls. ‘They aren’t seventeen. I don’t even think they are fifteen. They are hurting so much and look so young, Dream. We can’t… leave them.’
Upon hearing these words, Dream’s first instinct was to question if Blue was shifting due to his making. Such intense attachment was unlike him, and to dare suggest not fleeing was something Dream couldn’t fathom. However, a part of Dream’s soul shattered into a million pieces when he spoke.
From her first look at the child, she could see eyebags the color of stone and bruises that stained their limbs. Dream had hoped it was all a coincidence— that the child was athletic and a hard worker, but anytime they opened their mouth, Dream’s hope dwindled and dwindled.
‘They apologized and closed their eyes like they were awaiting a smack. From me! Something too tiny to even hurt them,’ Blue’s words echo through Dream’s skull, and her frown tightens.
Dream isn’t stupid. She knows fully well that a big part of her empathy could be her drift into her instincts to heal. While monsters have a bit of relatability to them, humans have nothing besides a colored soul. She knows most are rotten and hold a sick fascination with her species simply because of her size, and when not entertained, cast them aside In boredom.
But she can’t shake the warmth whenever the human smiles at her. It feels like what the older Dream bitties spoke about at her foster home— what they promised. The desire to follow their star. To trust.
However, she isn’t sure the protective feeling is also associated. Parts of her wish to rip apart whoever dared to instill this into the child. Their blood would be a well earned reward.
Perhaps another flaw of hers that would make her breeders ashamed.
Suddenly, Dream realizes she’s being lifted from the cart and rested in Pepper’s arms. The comfort she feels has her face flushing, but Pepper pays it no mind. “Is it alright if me and Dream go look around a bit? On our own?”
Edge hesitates. “Are you certain? I don’t want you falling over without me near. Your numbers are getting low.”
“I’m okay, Edge. Promise. I ate something in my room before we left, so it’s likely not accurate. Can we go, please?”
Dream and Edge meet eye contact again. In his sights, Dream can almost read a plea: take care of them the best you can.
She has no reason to, but she nods. Edge looks relieved.
With the okay from the skeleton, Pepper starts walking through the aisle, determination clear on their face. As they move, Dream notices that they are shifting from the food to a different location. Such isn't in the plans for the day. Dream can not recall being told about anything other than groceries and appliances, which already litter the cart in excess.
Fear and betrayal lace Dream’s throat, and as she’s opening her mouth to speak, they turn into an aisle and stop.
Dream’s eyelights grow.
There, lined up on the aisle, are dresses. Colorful and bright and beautiful. They spread across the store and send shivers of wonder down Dream’s spine— yearning for something she cannot have. She ponders if this is a sense of torment that Pepper is finally daring to inflict. She wouldn’t be surprised. However, she catches the sight of the aisle sign, reading that the selection proclaims to be for bitties. Not only that, but for women.
Dream’s eyelights scan the many different options, awe tingling her fingers and setting her soul racing, suspicion settling comfortably in the back of her throat. “What…why did you…?”
“Your clothes look older. Outdated.” Pepper lifts Dream up by her armpits, gently turning her so they are face to face. “You're a very pretty lady, Dream. But it seems that those imbeciles at the shop didn’t appreciate that.“
Something in the air shifts. Like fireworks set ablaze. Like a light tower guiding ships home from a rainstorm. Deep within, Dream’s chest jumps into a frenzied stream, disbelief daring her to speak. To ruin the moment and to second guess.
Pepper’s smile is a gift, even if it’s wispy and hardly present.
For Dream, it’s everything.
She can’t fight the burning in her throat, and golden tears leak from her sockets. Pepper’s smile only softens more, and Dream isn’t sure how they are even capable of looking so tender. So caring. They pull her against their chest. “You can pick out whatever you like.”
She glances around, Pepper’s heartbeat rich in her skull. “I…I don’t know what to say,” Dream warbles out, hands pushing away the tears. “I get to pick out a dress?”
Pepper’s smile falters, but not due to anger or annoyance. Dream spots sadness, and sadness only. “Oh, Dream. I’m hoping to buy you a whole wardrobe. All of you. For the others, I’m only going to be able to buy more generic outfits until I can bring them here myself, but you…” Pepper strides over to the end of the aisle, picking up a basket from its display. “…Get to pick exactly what you want, with no limit. You can buy out the whole aisle for all I care.“
Dream tries not to sob, but she fails, hiccuping as Pepper carries her to the dresses and scans the options. Dream’s vision is too blurry to see what Pepper slides off its rack, and they dangle it in front of Dream’s face until she finally blinks away her tears. She’s thrown into utter amazement.
It’s a simple yellow skirt, but never had one been so close in Dream’s life, only seeing such outfits through pictures or on other women who are treated as such. She shakes as her hands touch the fabric, and she feels like it’s the softest thing she’s felt in a long time. Another cry bubbles its way out of her before she can stop it, and she clings to the skirt like a lifeline. Pepper’s arms squeeze her tight, and their fingers brush away Dream’s tears, moving to pet the back of her head.
“We can even get some makeup,” Pepper murmurs, and Dream tries to keep from wailing. “I’m not entirely sure if skeletons wear any, but Edge knows how to do some pretty good eyeshadow so I thought…I dunno…am I wrong?”
“No!” Dream’s garbled shout startles even herself. She takes in a breath and avoids Pepper’s eyes, staring at their cheek instead. “Apologies. No, you’re not incorrect. We…skeleton bitties follow similar ideals as…skeletons themselves. Makeup helps distinguish who is a female easier. We…we use it to feel…pretty.” She sniffles, smile shaky. “I’d…I’d be able to experience that for the first time.”
Pepper looks confused for a moment. “But…you already are pretty, Dream. The prettiest girl I’ve ever seen. ”
Dream’s chest warms so much it feels more like boiling, a yellow blush scattering across her cheek bones. It’s then the light returns, and Pepper’s face is snapped back into hazy hues, leaving Dream breathless.
It’s no wonder she’s feeling this way. It’s no wonder Dream cannot resist the call. What bitty could resist such perfection? The fairytale promise come to life?
Pepper’s thin hands guide her to the shelves, and Dream lets herself be greedy.
She puts clothing after clothing in the basket, offering advice as to what the boys would like to Pepper as they too fill the space.
In the midst of her fog, Dream can’t help but watch the child’s every move.
Pepper’s face remains still and impassive, but drained all the same. It slips through Dream’s gaze and cements itself. They are impossibly skinny, with an undead tone leeching to their cheeks. Their eyes are nothing more than dull, and though Dream knows they have the capability to shine, they remain as wilted as buttercups.
And, worst of all, they are so small. So young and so weak and so tiny.
She knows then that this child is different from the other little humans who would tap on her glass cage to get her attention, and scream and complain when she wasn’t the perfect little doll for them if brought out. Those children had fat around their cheeks. Those children’s laughter sparkled their eyes and left them jumping around the store with unmatched joy.
Pepper is practically nonhuman as they come.
The child has clearly been through hell and likely is still in its midst, but Dream swears they are the gentlest soul despite it all. They give and give, and enter each conversation as if they are burdening the other participant by dating to speak. Careful and quiet— but thoughtful and hopeful. They do not focus on the horrors of the world, but rather, the potential good.
Pepper looks at her like she’s a living being— and treats her as if she’s a friend. They offer her a guiding hand, and don't sneer at her when she dares to take it.
The child is her star. They have to be. Nobody else deserves such a title after a gift like this.
It should be terrifying. Dream should push it away and run, but she can’t find herself minding one bit. It feels right— slotted into place. Something in her soul has changed, and the world has never been so colorful.
“Dream,” Pepper starts, and Dream looks up with stars in her eyes. “I think I got an idea of what to get Nightmare! Has he ever tried coffee?”
—
Cross takes in a breath, settling his nerves.
They had been waiting for what felt like hours, with each passing minute feeling more and more suffocating. It hinged in the air like smoke. Cross feared they’d choke on the tension, and Nightmare seemed just as attentive. He had taken to giving out tasks to distract them, ordering for them to clean up their scattered supplies and food. It was work nobody would’ve appreciated in any other circumstances, but for once, Cross found his bundle to be quiet.
The boss paced around the bedroom, eyes focused on the others, but deep down, Cross could tell how faraway his thoughts were. So far that he didn’t even notice when Cross slipped through the door into the hallway.
The energy was too much, and Cross needed some time to reflect. Especially on his decision from the night before.
He had racked his brain all night as to why he decided to stick it out with the human. It felt instinctive to agree, and he wasn’t sure why he would ever feel such a way. He did like the comforts of the place. The bed and room were something he was not excited about parting with. However, that didn’t feel good enough. He wondered if it was guilt over Dream’s reaction— caught up in how disheartened she was when the attention fell onto Cross. That didn’t feel quite right either, though.
It was something about that kid. They were...weird. Oddly serene. Cross had wanted to blame his instincts— as he was bred to protect and serve his caretakers with fierce loyalty, but that wasn’t the case. He hardly trusted them. Hardly took notice of them in the chaos that was their bundle. But perhaps that was what it was. The human blended in as if hardly there at all, content to sit back and watch the others live.
They did not find them boring nor something entertaining. It was like…a baby animal observing their caretakers behaviors, unsure where they fit alongside. And wasn’t that a thought— a human seeing them as something to look up to? To respect? He felt stupid for even thinking about it.
And yet, it fits. There was nothing to fear about a human child that peered down at them as if they were to be scolded. A child that hunched back as if the bitties could cause true harm.
Maybe it was pity. Maybe it was Cross knowing they could take advantage. Either were just as likely. No matter what, though, Cross was certain he didn’t make a dangerous choice. The human was meek and easily frightened. The magic build-up the others could gather in the wake of their home was too good to pass up.
Yes. That had to be it.
Just then, the door creaks from the kitchen, and Cross leaps to attention.
He sprints across the hall without a moment to waste. His brain lingers to Dream, praying to the stars that she's still alive. Not sold. Not abandoned— praying she’s okay and his vote wasn’t a stupid choice after all as he slides into the kitchen.
The scene awaiting him leaves him speechless.
He spies a bitty sitting on the kid’s shoulder, yes, but it doesn’t look like the same Dream.
This Dream sports a flowing skirt that sways below her knees, and yellow eyeshadow that glitters in the fluorescent lights above. Her smile is genuine and wide— something he hasn’t seen in a very long time from her— as she’s set down onto the counter, helping to unload some of the grocery bags that the big skeleton hustles in.
“Dream?” Cross asks, afraid of speaking too loud, coming out as a whisper. Dream looks down at him, and he can see the nerves eating her up inside.
“Cross! Um…hello.” She averts her gaze, and Cross’s fears loosen from his chest, his face softening up. “Sorry. We took longer than expected because…because of um…”
Pepper swoops into the room once more, carrying a large, heavy bag. They drop it onto the counter and what appears to be clothing tumbles out on impact. “We went clothes shopping too! Dream helped me pick out some stuff you all may like! Oh, oh! And,” Pepper grins, digging into another bag and pulling out a labeled package of…something. They bound over to where Cross stands and bend down to his level, their knees cracking as they do. Dream winces, but Pepper ignores it. “For you!”
They hold their hand out, and Cross carefully takes the package. It’s big, about the size of the bottom of his torso to the top of his skull. “Thank…you. What is it?”
Pepper’s grin grows. “Chocolate. I have a feeling you’ll love it.”
Cross isn’t so sure, and a part of him wonders if this ‘chocolate’ is a type of poison. Sensing his worries, Dream laughs. “I tried some, Cross. It’s sweet.”
Cross trusts Dream’s judgment, so he stores it easily into his inventory, watching it disappear from his hands. Perhaps he’ll eat some later when he has more downtown and the human has gone to sleep. Right now, he has to watch over Dream until the others arrive.
Almost on cue, Killer barrels into the room, sockets wide and frenzied. “Dream! Dream, are you alright—“ he skids to a halt, staring up at Dream with an awestruck expression. Dream flushes, smiling wide, and Cross can’t help but smile as well.”Holy shit! Dream, you look…awesome!”
“Thank you, Killer.” She dips her head in appreciation, attempting to remain graceful, but her walk has a little skip to it, expression far too cheerful to seem elegant.
“Where are the others?” Pepper asks, looking past Killer and seeing only an empty hall. Killer and Cross avert their sockets, staring at the floor. Pepper’s expression falters, and Cross is confused as to why they look so worried— like they care so much. “Is everything alright?”
“Nightmare is mad,” Killer says quickly, and Cross whips to face him, glaring. Killer forms a tongue just to stick it out at Cross. “He doesn’t wanna leave the room. I think he’s scared to.”
“Killer,” Cross scolds, hands clenching. “The boss doesn’t fear anything.”
When Cross looks up, he’s surprised to see Dream and Pepper exchange glances. Both look equally concerned, though Dream remains a bit more exasperated. “Well, when they are willing to come out, I got you all a bunch of clothes and treats.”
Killer perks up at that. Cross can only stare in disappointment at how easy he is to sway, and before Cross knows it, Killer is making his way towards the counter and asking to be lifted. Cross curses under his breath and follows.
Pepper wastes no time picking them up and setting them on the counter, allowing them to run to Dream and hug her tight. While Killer lets go immediately, Cross keeps her in his arms a little while longer, watching as Killer hightails it for the bags and sifts through them.
“Are you hurt at all?” Cross whispers, and Dream only looks bewildered at the question.
“Do I seem hurt in the slightest?” Her shock makes Cross’s cheeks warm with embarrassment. “I’m the happiest I’ve been in a while. Look at me.” Her smile is rich. “It was all the child’s idea to buy me this. And they even bought me more!”
Cross takes in this information, glancing at the human. They are too busy stuffing food inside the fridge to notice him, chatting with the tall skeleton with lidded eyes. They look tired— and Cross wonders how one trip to the store can exhaust them so much.
From the corner of his eye, he spies Killer staring at the human too, his expression unreadable.
“Sad, isn’t it?” Dream asks suddenly. “No child should ever look so tired.”
Though he doesn’t exactly care for the human, he can’t help but agree.
The others walk into the room shortly after, and though most are hesitant, they take Pepper’s offered gifts with grateful words. Dream’s deadpan stare is enough of a motive to be polite.
When Pepper hands Nightmare the coffee, he seems unimpressed, which dwindles Pepper’s already weak smile.
“It helps you stay awake,” Pepper attempts to amend, gaining no reaction from the bitty. “I thought…maybe…you’d like it? You seem very tired so I thought—“
“—Yes, well, it will suffice. There’s no need to further explain.”
The demand is short and simple, and it has the last remains of Pepper’s smile teetering off, leaving only shame. Cross cringes, slight pity in his soul as Pepper’s limbs shake.
At first, Cross assumes it’s from the pain of being rejected, but as he looks closer, he sees their eyes start to lose focus. Killer stands to his feet, tilting his head like a rabid dog, fingers beginning to twitch. His teeth part as if to speak, but his words stay locked away.
The human stands, and Edge stays close behind them, but it’s not enough. The skeleton only looks away for a moment, and as Killer makes a noise of warning, Pepper’s eyes roll back and their legs give out, sending them flying onto the ground.
The bundle of bitties, seated on the kitchen table, all watch Pepper land with a horrific thud. The sound sends ripples of gasps and jolts through the crowd, and then silence stifles it out. For a moment, the world seems to have toppled.
Killer’s arm shakes uncontrollably, blue magic fluttering across his fingers, and Cross can’t fathom why. Why he seemed to tell something was amiss before most.
Dream’s strangled gasp snaps Cross’s attention away. She hurries to the edge of the counter and peers over with her hands grasped against her mouth. Edge wanders to Pepper’s side quicker than Cross could blink. His large hands take hold of the child’s shoulders and he turns them slightly, scanning their body and face. Pepper’s eyes open for a moment, but there’s no alertness within. Only confusion.
“Are…are they okay?” Blue asks. He doesn’t dare move to approach Dream’s side, almost afraid.
Edge looks back at the group of them. His smile is sharp and jagged, but somehow comforting. “This…occurs quite often. I trusted them with this, and that is my fault. When they do not eat as they are supposed to, their body gets…imbalanced.” He frowns down at Pepper. “They are lucky they didn’t have a seizure…”
Cross isn’t sure what that is until Blue and Error go still. He assumes, then, the glitch attacks the two withstand are mirrors of such an event, and Cross suddenly feels sick.
Edge lifts the child up into his arms with little trouble. Cross is thankful to hear Pepper make a noise of protest. A sign of life. Edge lets out a sigh..“They are waking up, but this was a hard fall. I’ll have to take them to their doctor. You will have to be watched over by my brother in the meantime.”
“Wait! It’s— it’s that terrible? But…but can they not heal here?” Dream questions, voice teetering towards tears.
“I’m afraid not…ehm…little yellow one. This is very dangerous. Their idiotic device must’ve not updated me quick enough. Oh, how I hate these things…” He rifles through his pocket and pulls out his phone. “You’ll only be alone for a little while. Help yourself to the food and do not worry about the mess. Red will handle it.”
Before anyone can ask anymore questions, Pepper is hurried towards the door. As they walk by, Cross sees that the child’s sweater is showing a bit of their bare shoulder. He feels sick at the sight of bruises and scars, and he can tell the other notice as well, going eerily silent.
Edge pulls the fabric up to cover it, sad eyes focused on the floor as he disappears outside, slamming the door shut behind him.
The bitties say nothing for a moment. Only stare.
“This…somethings…” Dust can't finish his sentence, but they all know what he’s thinking. Even Nightmare looks uneased. He glances to meet Dream’s gaze, but all he’s greeted with is a glare.
“Still think that child is capable of hurting us?” Dream grits out, rising to her feet, pulling Blue along with her. She looks back at Ink, of who follows, quiet. Error stays close behind. The four disappear as Dream teleports somewhere else in the hall, leaving the others alone.
Silence follows, and all avoid looking at Nightmare.
“I felt something,” Killer announces. The others dare to look his way.
Nightmare raises a browbone. “What do you mean?”
“I dunno. Just…felt something wrong as soon as they got close to the door. It’s…why I ran out. Something wasn’t right.” He tightens his expression. “I…knew they were gonna pass out somehow but I don’t know…why? I just knew they would and that something was wrong with them. And…I didn’t say anything.”
His expression falters. “I didn’t…say anything.”
Nightmare doesn’t respond. Cross can tell it’s because he doesn’t know what would help. He raises a tentacle and wraps it around Killer’s arm in a dreary attempt of comfort. Killer brushes his thumb against the tar and stares off.
The festivities end quickly after. They retreat just before the newer monster can introduce himself.
Killer doesn’t speak for the rest of the night, content with sitting on the windowsill and waiting for something to appear outside. Cross, as he quietly gets ready for bed, notices when Killer perks up. From his side of the bed, Cross spies the human being guided through the garden, condition unreadable amidst the blur of the night.
Oddly, only that can allow Killer his rest.