Warnings: a little bit of abuse, swearing, not so good thoughts, Ink is an asshole, lil bit of errink (not much tho)

Type: Platonic Bittersweet (I think I went overboard with the angst)

Words: 2,9k

(If you wanted something else, then please tell me.)

●●●

It was raining.

Nightmare didn't care, the umbrella in his hand shielding him from the heavy rain. He thought it would be nice to take a walk, after all rains aren't that common around here.

It was a quiet night, giving Nightmare a feeling of uneasiness. However, it was unlikely someone would decide to do something bad to him. Dream really wanted a perfect world without negativity.

Too bad it won't happen.

Nightmare disliked the fact that his brother wanted to pursue something that was impossible to achieve. And the fact that Dream wanted Nightmare dead was...

Painful.

But it's okay. It will be okay. After Nightmare comes back to Cross and Error he would forget about everything involving Dream. It's his only escape from the cruel reality.

Dream isn't Nightmares brother, not anymore.

Nightmare sighed as he walked around, the only sound was the rain and his footsteps. It didn't appear that there was someone else, perhaps there was someone, hiding in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike Nightmare.

It's childish for Nightmare to think like that. Although, if someone wanted you dead, would you not act safe?

Nightmare doesn't seem to care anymore, not after the argument with his friends. It shouldn't have affected him, but it did.

Nightmare should stop acting pathetic and actually face Dream. But it's a stupid move, Dream wouldn't hesitate to hurt Nightmare for the perfect world without any negativity, without any pain.

"Ugh, stop thinking like that you idiot.." Nightmare mutters as he turns around, it's not safe to walk around at night. Why is he making those stupid decisions? Maybe Kevin will help Nightmare to stop feeling terrible.

Nightmare takes one last look at the sky, the moon was shining bright, almost like Dream. But it's impossible to compare Dream with something like the moon or sun, Dream doesn't deserve to be called pretty after all of the shit he did.

After everything Nightmare had to go through.

Before Nightmare could walk away, someone threw themselves at him causing Nightmare to fall over. The umbrella flew out of his hand due to the surprise.

The cold drops of rain dropped on his face as Nightmare tried to get up from the dirty ground only to be stopped by the pain of something almost crushing his leg.

"It's nice to meet you," The tone less voice made Nightmare shiver, he already knew who it was. "Really, how nice to see you after what Dream told me." Ink stared at Nightmare with no emotion, no guilt, no remorse. Just nothing.

Like always.

"Get off of me!" Nightmare shouted as loud as he could, maybe someone could hear him and help? It's pathetic thinking that, especially when Nightmare isn't liked.

Nightmare looked to his side, the umbrella was far away, out of his reach. It's impossible for him to somehow grab it, unless he used magic.

When Nightmare was about to use magic, Ink didn't like that — of course — and because of that, Ink decided to break his leg for a few seconds of pain. Or maybe a few minutes. Ink doesn't know nor care about Nightmares pain tolerance.

It was terrible.

It was agonizing.

Nightmare is unable to run away due to obvious reasons. The only thing he can do, is hope that Error or Cross, someone, anyone, hears this and comes to help him.

But it's pointless.

"How sad that no one wants to help you." Ink says, there is still no emotion on his face nor voice. He never felt guilty about what he had to do, it's not like he even could in the first place.

"Shut up!" Nightmare cried out as he tried crawling away, but to no avail.

"Why would I?" Ink says as he kicks Nightmare repeatedly before he stops to take a look around. There wasn't anyone there, it's not like anyone would even help Nightmare.

Only some weirdos and people who don't appreciate the beauty of life would.

Although, Ink isn't someone who appreciates life.

Before Nightmare could respond a blinding light made him cover his eyes. No, no, no! Not him!

"What are you doing with Nightmare." The strict voice demanded an answer from Ink, who shrugged his shoulder. Dream definitely won't let Nightmare get out of this alive. "Why didn't you inform me about catching him?" Dream glared at Ink as he crossed his arms.

"I wanted to make sure that he wouldn't escape." Ink said as he stared at Dream, not caring about the consequences of his actions. It's not like Dream would even dare to lay a finger on him.

Dream looked at Nightmare, what a pitiful sight to see. The dust on the ground was definitely Nightmares. How terrible that he will meet his end.

Dream gripped the weapon in his hands as he stared blankly at Nightmares face.

How is he supposed to kill the one he spend a lot of time with?

This is impossible.

Dream sighs, he needs to do it. For the perfect world without pain, without crying, without heartbreak.

But he can't.

Dream finds himself struggling to actually kill Nightmare, he spent a lot of time talking about how much he wanted Nightmare dead, what will happen after Nightmares death that he forgot about the hard part. Actually killing him.

Ink didn't understand.

Why didn't Dream immediately kill Nightmare? Didn't Dream talk about how he would kill Nightmare without hesitation, without any other thought.

It's pathetic seeing Dream struggle with killing the person he wanted dead for a long time.

"I can't." Dream muttered as he glared at Nightmare. Why couldn't he kill him? Is it because of all the memories? It's probably because it's late, Dream needs rest. Yeah, Dream is just tired... "Ink, you can do it or something. I need rest." Dream says and moves away from Nightmare, teleporting away to his office.

This is wrong.

He needs to kill him, Dream wants the perfect world. Who wouldn't? These people... they need Dream, they need Dreams protection. They need, deserve the perfect world without any pain nor crime.

But does Dream deserve it?

The more Dream thinks about it, the less he thinks he deserves it. Sure, he did get rid of many threats. But is killing someone he grew up with good?

It isn't.

He felt guilty. The guilt from hating someone who didn't do much other than exist.

Everyone needs a happy ending.

●

Nightmare was confused— no, scared and surprised by Dreams actions. Why did he leave him with Ink?

So, this is the end for him.

It was nice being friends with Cross and Error. Having a pet chicken was funny too, but is it too early for him to leave this world?

Yeah, maybe.

"How pathetic of Dream." Ink said out loud before looking back at Nightmare. It was clear that it was the end for him. Too bad that he wasn't able to say goodbye to Kevin and properly apologize to his friends. It sucks leaving the world without finishing some stuff.

But before Ink or Nightmare could do anything, an umbrella was thrown at Ink which was really unexpected.

Who would care enough to save Nightmare? Right nobo—

"Stay away from my friend!" The brave yet glitchy voice of Error would have pierced Nightmares ears if he had them. Since when did he get the confidence or energy to do that? It's definitely not the right moment for Nightmare to think about that.

"He's not your friend," Ink immediately answered, he's only fulfilling the orders Drean gave him. "Now, please don't throw anything else at me otherwise you will regret it." Ink glared at Error before glancing back at Nightmare, he really was planning to kill him!

Nightmare didn't know what to do, he didn't even had much of a choice of what to do. All he did was lay down and accept his fate.

Yet Error didn't accept it.

"No!" Error didn't want that. Error didn't want his friend to die, Nightmare already suffered enough. He doesn't deserve to die. The only one who does, is Dream. "Don't even try that!" Error said as he rushed to Nightmare, he didn't care whether his phobia would make it hard to defend Nightmare.

All that mattered is that Nightmare would get out of this alive.

"Why are you doing this." Ink pushed Error away, not caring about his phobia or whether he would get hurt. "Nightmare doesn't bring anything good, so why are you fighting with him." Ink didn't understand. No one liked negative emotions, why were Error and Cross helping Nightmare out?

"Why are you doing this?!" Error didn't like it. No one did. Where was Cross? Error hoped that Cross would somehow come here. "Just stop this and go away!" Error was shouting at Ink to go away from them, to leave.

Error didn't want Nightmare to die.

"Pathetic." Ink scoffed, why was Error even making a scene about this? No one liked Nightmare, no one wanted him alive. "Just leave, Nightmare will die either way." Ink says without any guilt, remorse nor sadness for the desperate Error and dying Nightmare.

"No." Error said as he stood up and faced Ink, he wasn't going to let someone stupid, someone who didn't even feel guilt kill his friend.

He wasn't.

"What are you going to do about it?"

...

Error didn't know.

"I hate you all." Error muttered as he looked at Nightmare, he was unconscious.

Was he even alive?

He needs to be.

Ink sighed. He didn't feel much, it's not like he could even feel. But seeing how Dream struggled to kill Nightmare, he knew that Dream didn't want Nightmare dead like how Dream says he does.

"I suggest you go before Blue or Dream shows up." Ink says and turns around. He will let it slide — for now, atleast —. "Be grateful." Ink added before he disappeared.

The rain hit the dusty ground that Nightmare laid on. The beautiful night became a night full of dread for both Error and Nightmare.

●

"This is great, really."

Nightmare was happy — for once — in this putrid world that Dream wanted to make better.

There's a chance, sure it's small but it's still a chance that he may reconcile with Dream.

It's exciting that Nightmare may stop living in fear, living in the shadows to not be seen by Dream or JR. It's nice to think that Nightmare will be able to talk to Dream normally, without crying or shouting.

"Well, the only problem is Blue." Error says, he really didn't like Blue. It's obvious, anyone knows that, even Blue himself. "But hey, you deserve a happy ending sooo..." Error trails off with a slight smile.

"You need a happy ending too." Cross said as he approached them with a cup of hot chocolate. Nightmares eyes light up as he saw the drink. "It's mine, don't even think about taking it." Cross commented on Nightmares behavior, causing Nightmare to roll his pupils.

"I know, I know. But Nightmare deserves it more, just like you, Cross."

"Shut up, we're all going to have a happy ending whether you like it or not."

Error sighs, he didn't want to 'argue' with them about this anymore. It was crystal clear that they weren't letting Error go without a good ending like theirs.

"So, I'm really confused about why Ink let me go." Nightmare says as he puts his hand on his chin, trying to think of a good reason why however nothing came into his pea sized brain.

"I think it's obvious." Error started as the two looked at him in surprise. "I looked really cute that day soo..." Error trailed off with a smile as Cross laughs while Nightmare shakes his head. "What? Atleast I love myself." Error rolls his pupils as he crosses his arms.

"It's not about that, I think we should stop joking right now and actually think of a good explanation."

"Nah, I agree with Error." Cross replies as he takes a sip of his hot chocolate with a smug smile. "Who can resist him? Well, maybe I and you can, but others probably can't, soo." Cross added as he glanced at Nightmares disappointed face.

"Whatever, we need a plan." Nightmare said as he then told the two some ideas he had.

"Those are not good ideas." Cross comments as he says his opinion about the ideas. Some were good, some were questionable. At the end, none of them seemed like they would work.

"Right, as if you had an idea." Nightmare responds as he sighs, this is not going to be easy. No one said it would be easy.

"Seduce Ink, then we could go to Dream and talk to him."

"No, what the hell!" Nightmare looked at Cross with a confused, but also somewhat amused stare. "We are not going to do this. I am not going to let one of you do that. No, no way." Nightmare added while trying not to die of laughter.

Error rolls his pupils as he stares at those two idiots who couldn't even think of a simple plan or an idea to start with.

"Listen clearly because I'm not going to repeat it."

●

Error glared at Cross and Nightmare who did a terrible job at hiding themselves. But most of the people here are idiots, so no one would probably notice.

They were near Dreams office, there usually isn't anyone other than Ink or Blue nearby. So that's good for them.

Dream apparently likes to have some peace and alone time from the people who seem to love and worship him.

It's understandable.

Error looked around, there wasn't anyone near so maybe Ink wasn't here—

"What are you doing here?" Inks toneless voice made Error jump, right, here comes the tough part of the plan.

"Oh, uhm..." Error looked away before glancing at the idiots who already made a quick yet as quiet as possible dash to Dreams office. When Error knows they are about to make a loud noise, he shouts. "Well, I was thinking if you would like to go somewhere!" Maybe he should have said something else. But Error didn't have much time to think.

"Okay? Why are you shouting." Ink looks at Error with a curious stare. Shit, Error thought that Ink would reject him, fuck— "Where do you want to go?"

●

While Ink was distracted, Cross and Nightmare entered Dreams office. The big window that was there for probably no good reason immediately caused them to cover their eyes.

Maybe that's the reason why that big window is there.

"What the hell are you doing here Nightmare." Dream glared at the two as he quickly stood up from his chair. He was confused as to why Nightmare was there.

"What about me? I'm here too!" Cross says, quite annoyed that he was forgotten. Although that shouldn't be his worry now.

"Shut up." Both Nightmare and Dream said it at the same time, guess they do have something in common.

"Look, Dream." Nightmare started as he backed away from the approaching Dream. "We want peace and happiness too. A perfect world without negative emotions is a cage. It's not perfect." Nightmare says as he looks at Dream, it's either life or death for Nightmare.

And he's willing to gamble.

Dream sighed.

"Everyone deserves a happy ending, right?" Dream asks with a smile as he approaches Nightmare, who was backing away as much as possible. "Well, too bad."

"Oh come on!" Cross groans as he glares at Dream, he wasn't going to let someone stupid as he ruin—

"I didn't disagree." Dream says as he puts his hands on his hips as he glanced at Cross, it was true that he didn't disagree. In fact, he did want Nightmare to have a happy ending.

But, it's not Dreams fault others don't want Nightmare to live. It never was Dreams choice to say whether Nightmare would die or live.

"Let's just..." Nightmare trailed off as he slightly smiled, maybe Dream would let them go and leave them alone. "Be happy..."

"I would love to." Dream put his hand on his chest, he really would love to be happy with the ones he liked. "But it's not my choice to make." Dream frowned as he spoke, it truly wasn't his choice.

"What do you mean by that?" Nightmare asked, isn't Dream the one who controls everything? Isn't Dream the mastermind behind eliminating the evil? Is Dream happy with this? It doesn't appear as so.

"Whether you die or live, is not my choice." Dream says, he was afraid. What if they won't like him after he let's Nightmare live? What if they will rebel, hate him after he doesn't kill Nightmare.

Dream for once, was afraid.

Cross stayed quiet, it would be better. He didn't want to interrupt their reconciling. It wouldn't be nice.

"Dream." Nightmare looked up at Dream, understanding and sympathy in his pupils, he knows how Dream feels, somewhat atleast. But Nightmare knows that everything will be fine. "Don't worry about them, it's going to be fine."

It won't be fine.

But it might be.

Dream doesn't know for sure.

He looked at Nightmare, he risked his life to talk to Dream.

It's only fair if Dream does it too.