Pithy Summary: Nocturne has to check under the bed for monsters(he kinda doesn't want to), Pandora is the mom friend Clockwork really needed and there's something really off about the Observants.
Warning: Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Implied/Reference Verbal Abuse
Word Count: 447
"Can you check under my bed for monsters, Nocturne?" begged a four year old Clockwork, dragging Nocturne in front of their bed.
The Dream Apprentice rolled his red eyes. "Don't your guardians check under the bed?" he asked in a bored voice.
Clockwork brought their hand up in thought. "I asked once but Erebus said 'Why check for one when it's right in front of me?' and then he walked out. I don't know what it means, but can you tell me?" they explained, and was soon enveloped into a bone-crushing hug by a small giantess.
"What is wrong with those Observants?!" Pandora shouted angrily. Nocturne shushed her, his tendrils ruffling slightly when she glared at him. "Don't you ever believe what those meanies tell you. You are a precious loukoumathes that's too pure for them idiot Observants. Shame on them for not loving a ghost like you. βλασφημία ηλίθιοι" She cooed lovingly in the small Time Master's ear, looking at the young dream ghost with a look that yelled, "I told you something was off about the Observants."
Nocturne rolled his red eyes, making way to remove the smaller ghost from the mini giantess' death like grip. Grabbing Clockwork's hand, he dragged them to their bed, picking them up and twirling them around before energetically tossing them on the bed. He drowned himself in his friend's exhilarated squeals, ignoring the dangerous glare Pandora gave him.
"Ready to check for the monsters little one?" asked Nocturne.
"Can you do it? They might eat me." they asked, their red eyes widening.
"Gladly." he said, crawling under Clockwork's bed. He scooted around on the floor, battling the evil dust bunnies, sneezing loudly in response. Three minutes later, he stood up on the other side of the bed in a heroic stance. "Young Clockwork, I have successfully defeated all the monsters under your bed."
"Thank you! You're the best!" said Clockwork.
"Such a brave hero." said Pandora, walking over to Nocturne. "What's this?" she asked, removing a dust bunny off his horn.
"Remnants of the bloody battle that had ensued! No evil monster shall get a hold of my friend while they are sleeping for that is the worst to be committed in all of the Zone!" declared Nocturne dramatically.
Pandora giggled, kissing his cheek. "What a brave ghost, keeping your friends safe."
Nocturne peeked inside Clockwork's room, only to see the six year old sitting on their bed glumly. He walked in, not bothering to knock, slithering across the floor to the bed.
"Ready for me to check under the bed?" asked Nocturne.
Clockwork turned, facing their friend showing their tear-stained cheeks. "You don't need to." they whispered.
"Why not?" he ventured.
"Because I'm a monster."
Notes: βλασφημία ηλίθιοι- Damn idiots (Greek)
Fin!
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