WARNING:
MENTIONS OF ABUSE, GUILT TRIPPING, YELLING, DEPRESSION, TRAUMA, STALKING, BEING DRUGGED, AND NON-CON.
This mainly concerns Dream's first Toxic Ex.
Dream is really harsh when he's triggered/stressed. Being grabbed and moved suddenly was something his first ex did to him to control him. Even though Cross was trying to help he still hit that button hard enough to bother Dream. He also would guilt trip Dream a lot.
Nightmare is entirely useless at this point and is more angry than rational.
KILLER WON'T STOP UNTIL SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS THAT AFFECTS HIM OTHER THAN BEING CALLED AN ASSHOLE AND BEIGN REFUSED BY THE TWINS.
Dream spends the morning and early afternoon cuddling with Cross in the blanket fort while he plays guitar. Dream asks why Cross is so uneasy about talking about his hurt feelings with he and Nightmare. Cross stops playing, "I don't want to cause you stress. I also don't want to sound whiny and ungrateful to boss…" He won't meet Dream's eyes and Dream is again reminded how fragile Cross is emotionally. He touches Cross's cheek to get his love to look at him.
"Nightmare won't think you whiny or ungrateful." Cross nuzzles into his palm with a shaky sigh which tells Dream that while Cross has developed feelings towards his twin, he is still nervous he'll do something to turn Nightmare away from him. Dream doesn't press the issue snuggling back into Cross's chest with a soft yawn completely content. Cross smiles gently pulling the blanket over Dream's shoulders again. Dream smiles back before his stomach growls making him blush. Cross puts his guitar into his inventory offering Dream a hand to help him up. Dream takes his hand standing and stretching carefully. Cross folds the blankets leaving the room tidy for the next one to use it.
Cross leads Dream towards to the kitchen their fingers linked as they walk. Dream is almost glowing with joy as he talks softly with Cross. Dream senses that Nightmare is riled up as they near his study and tells Cross he is going to check on him. "Okay Dream." He replies and they part ways by the study. Dream goes into the study to talk to Nightmare while Cross goes to the kitchen to make them all a late lunch.
In the study Nightmare jumps when Dream enters having been zoned out. Dream holds out his arms for a hug easily able to tell Nightmare is upset about triggering him again, "Come here Nighty." Nightmare doesn't move looking uneasy clearly afraid he'll trigger another panic attack. Dream sighs softly going over to Nightmare pulling him into hug once he's seated on the couch beside him. Nightmare shudders as Dream rubs his back careful of his tentacles.
"I'm okay Night, you didn't know." Nightmare sniffles softly struggling with his riotous emotions. "Moonlight look at me please?" Nightmare looks up at his lover upon hearing his nickname. Dream leans down kissing his forehead, "I love you moonlight. You didn't know that phrase would cause a panic attack and I know you didn't mean harm by it. My first ex used to say that to learn where I lived then stalked me after I broke up with him. He used to call me doll and I hated it. He roofied me but thankfully Lust came and got me out of there. He punched the guy until he broke his nose."
"He roofied you?!" Nightmare asks looking horrified. "I'm so sorry sunshine." He looks ready to cry.
"I'm sorry I fell for it moonlight. I know you're not fond of Lust AUs but know the original is a close friend and helped me escape my first ex. I'm n-not ready to reveal them as I'd much rather not think of them at all. Know that I don't hold it against you when you accidentally trigger me." Nightmare finally breaks tears rolling down his cheek.
"I want them to suffer for hurting you." He mumbles as he clings to Dream who rubs his back giving him kisses and nuzzles. Nightmare hiccups.
"Please don't pick fights over them being assholes?" Dream pleads softly not wanting Nightmare to get hurt with several dangerous relics still floating around in the multiverse. Nightmare mumbles that he won't but he still wants them to suffer. Dream snorts softly, "I know you do moonlight. You can wish harm upon them all you want so long as you don't actually put yourself in harm's way." He tips Nightmare's chin up giving him a gentle kiss pressing their foreheads together after he pulls away. Nightmare wraps a tentacle around Dream's arm a weak purr coming from him as he turns his head to rub his cheek against Dream's. Dream rubs back a soft purr of his own rumbling from within his chest.
Downstairs Cross enters the kitchen with a light meal already in mind based on what he knows the twins like to eat. He learned how to make authentic ramen which he knows the twins have always secretly wanted to try. He gathers everything he needs and starts prep. He is working on the miso soup when he hears a portal open and someone land in a bedroom. He finishes the soup right as the meat finishes cooking. Once everything is finished and kitchen cleaned, he makes three bowls of ramen. He covers everything on a tray heading up to the study. Cross hopes Nightmare is feeling better as he is still uneasy that he'll do something to upset him.
He arrives to the study knocking waiting until he hears Nightmare invite him inside. He finds the twins on the couch cuddling so he sets the tray onto the coffee table uncovering the bowls of ramen. Dream's eyes light up in excitement seeing the authentic Asian cuisine Cross made for them. "I remember you both saying that you wanted to try authentic ramen…" Cross shuffles awkwardly. Nightmare sits up from Dream's lap looking at the ramen with interest. "We both have always wanted to try authentic ramen." Nightmare confirms. Cross relaxes slightly hearing this and the three settle down to eat.
Cross snaps the chopsticks he set beside his bowl apart. He shows Dream and Nightmare how to hold the chopsticks before teaching them the phrase said before meals in Japan. "Itakadismasu." They all murmur before digging in. Cross is surprisingly good with chopsticks and offers to help when he sees them fumble. Once they finish the ramen Cross picks up the tray with dirty dishes saying he has a small surprise if they're up for it. Dream nods happily with Nightmare smiling slightly as he nods as well. Cross returns to the kitchen finding that the small tart cake he slaved over missing. Upset he knows immediately knows that the one who returned was Killer because he saw Cross making it.
"So now that you've had your fun, I think it's my turn Criss Cross." Killer drawls the cake in hand. "I think this'll do nicely to make up for you skipping your mission to play with Boss and Lil Light."
Cross walks over and takes the cake, "They're not trophies." He decides to teleport to avoid Killer trying to snatch and take credit for his hard work. However, when he arrives outside the study Killer is waiting his face twisted into a snarl.
"You had a whole day with them now go back to being invisible!" Killer growls at him clearly still on the adrenalin/LV high from his mission. This behavior also means his mission ended in failure. Cross remembers that from experience when Killer was fucking his brains out. The hybrid dessert was on the plate Cross made himself as a gift for the twins, but he had gotten cold feet and never given it to them. Killer continues to scowl at him, "You have been sucking up to them up all day!" Cross blinks wondering how cooking and caring for Dream's emotional wellbeing is "sucking up" to them?
Inside the study Nightmare and Dream wonder what is keeping Cross until they feel a surge of negativity outside the door. They hear a loud crash right as Dream gets to the door. He opens it to find a smashed tart cake surrounded by broken ornate ceramic that looks like it was hand made. Cross is on the floor looking distressed while Killer looks unapologetic. Cross glares at him through tear filled eyes as he carefully gathers the broken pieces of his plate. "Guess you should've given them the plate sooner. Certainly not the only opportunity you've missed." His smile his predatory and Cross shrinks back into himself mourning the loss of all his hard work.
"That was uncalled for." Dream mutters kneeling next to Cross to comfort him and help pick up the broken ceramic. Cross sniffles looking at the tart cake that had hard to find rare ingredients he spent months gathering. Cross makes sure Dream doesn't cut his hands on the sharp edges as they clean mumbling that he' sorry about the dessert and plate like it's his fault they got ruined. "It's not your fault Cross. Maybe we can salvage the plate for another piece of art?" Cross perks up a little at the suggestion. Dream leans over and nuzzles Cross who blushes a little nuzzling back. Cross mumbles that he'll something to clean up the ruined cake before teleporting away with the broken pieces of the plate. Killer tries to cozy up to Dream but he pulls away heading back into the study repeating that what Killer did was uncalled for. He is bothered when Killer follows him into the room. "Leave Killer." Dream tells him flatly. "I don't want to talk to you."
"This isn't your office little light." Killer replies. Dream narrows his eyes. "It was just a cake and plate not my fault he was in the way."
Dream levels him with a glare, "Like I said ruining Cross's hard work over your petty jealousy was uncalled for." Nightmare hears this walking over as Dream tells Killer to leave again. Dream is shaking slightly as he continues. "You ruined his hard work for no other reason than you're jealous that he spent time with us for the first time in months! Him avoiding everyone was caused by the same petty possessive jealousy!" Killer looks at him with a smirk amused by Dream's tantrum over a plate and dumb cake. "Just leave Killer there will be no affection from me until you apologize to Cross for being an ass for NO reason." Killer's smile falls as he realizes that Dream is serious. He scowls annoyed that Cross is once again getting BETWEEN he and the twins. "Leave Killer." Dream repeats though Nightmare can sense that he's becoming uncomfortable the longer Killer stays.
"Killer." Nightmare warns an edge to his voice as he watches his twin for outward signs of distress. Dream tells Killer to leave again and again Killer ignores his demands.
"Can't kick me out of a room that isn't yours little light~" Killer smirks not seeing the subtle shift in Dream's body language. His fists are clenched as he tells Killer to leave AGAIN. That he is not going to coddle him, AGAIN. Nightmare is beginning to worry when he hears Dream's voice crack as he finishes repeating himself for the fifth time. Dream is trembling looking like he's not seeing Killer anymore. Dream is ready to scream because Killer WON'T leave after five repetitions of his refusal. He and Nightmare share the office as they both spend time in there working or chatting or relaxing.
"We share the office K-Killer therefore I c-can kick you out so leave." Dream curses himself for stuttering his clenched fists trembling. Killer's smirk hikes up higher hearing his stuttering. "You sure about that?" He asks, "YeS!" Dream yells his voice cracking again.
"Killer that's enough!" Nightmare snaps careful to keep his voice low, so he doesn't scare Dream who looks like he's about to have a panic attack from Killer's refusal to leave. Killer still doesn't read the room more focused and getting the affection he's owed after a mission. Dream shivers trying to keep himself from spiraling again so soon knowing too many drops occurring in a short period can cause memory issues.
"I want my after-mission cuddles." Killer drawls. "You owe me that much for doing your dirty work."
Nightmare bristles at this, "I give you room and board. Now leave Killer as Dream has made it clear there will be no affection for you tonight." Nightmare folds his arms to keep from physically lashing out at his right-hand man. "I owe you nothing if this is how you're going to act after one of us refuses you affection for any reason."
"That's cold boss." Killer huffs.
"Leave." Nightmare commands but Killer does not. Dream is shaking harder now memories of his second ex consistently refusing to leave him alone even after he begged and cried resurfacing in his mind. Nightmare can sense that he is extremely uncomfortable and stressed because of Killer being stubborn. He meets Dream's eyes and uncrosses his arms looking worried which helps Dream ground himself.
A soft knock at the door startles everyone shortly after and Cross pokes his head into the room. Nightmare bids him to enter the office so he comes over to the desk asking if Nightmare and Dream would like him to make some chai-mint tea? Killer scowls at him offering to pamper the twins further while he's being denied his hard-earned affection. Cross notices that Dream is shaking asking if he is all right? Dream shakes his head at Cross who remains at a distance which Dream appreciates.
Nightmare replies that he appreciates the offer, but tea is usually had later in the evening to help he and Dream wind down. "Okay boss. I hope you feel better soon Dream." Cross murmurs softly. Cross turns to leave but pauses telling Dream that he saved most of the plate and asks if the twins want to help to make something new out of it. Dream is too shaky to reply but nods glad Cross wants to spend time with he and Nightmare. Nightmare hums his tentacles curling slightly at the prospect nodding to show his interest.
Killer nearly growls in frustration which does not go unnoticed by Nightmare. "Killer you can explain to me why you failed your mission after your adrenalin high wears off. Now leave the office as I do not reward bad behavior and Dream has made it clear he does not want your company tonight."
Killer scowls angrily while Nightmare turns to Cross asking if he will need help with dinner preparations. Cross replies that he has everything he needs to make jambalaya and Dream murmurs softly that he looks forward to more of Cross's cooking. Cross blushes squeaking out a soft thank you bringing a small smile to Dream's face despite his stressed state. Cross smiles back at Dream shyly causing Dream's to widen slightly. Nightmare quietly dismisses Cross after thanking him again for making them ramen. Cross nods understanding that Dream was a bit too stressed for conversation at the moment. He turns and leaves hearing Nightmare command Killer to get the fuck out of the office again shortly after the door closes behind him. He sighs hoping Dream will be able to calm down in peace worried about him struggling with his anxiety and trauma after witnessing his episode that morning. He makes up his mind to invite the twins to help him make something out of the ruined plate tomorrow so long as he is not needed for a mission.
Cross teleports to the kitchen to start making his well-loved jambalaya pulling everything he'll need from the fridge and pantry. The team is unaware that he can cook but he plans to change that tonight by taking credit for making dinner. Much as he loathes his father, he did make a mean jambalaya when he was in timeline X. Cross is glad, he stole the recipe book before everything reset again. That book was the final middle finger to his abusive father after he was freed. The scar on his cheek was removed but it was such a large part of his image that he in a panic cut his cheek with one of Killer's knives. Dream had cried when he found him bleeding and crying as he kept trying to make it deeper. It has taken over a month for his self-inflicted injury to heal even with both twins using their magic to heal him.
He shakes his head focusing on making dinner pouring extra effort into making the jambalaya extra good. He wanted everyone to enjoy a warm meal after a hard mission even if Killer was an asshole. By 6pm Horror and Dust are back along with Error and the food is just about done. He left it to cool slightly after removing the bread bowls from the oven. He decided to tell everyone that the food is ready. He isn't surprised to hear Blue's voice when he pauses by Horror's door. "You two are sure you're, okay?" The phone was clearly on speaker. He waits for a moment then knocks calling that dinner is ready. He hears Blue tell the two to go eat and that they can talk later. The call ends and Dust calls that they'll be down once they wash up. Cross walks away knowing that they will be down considering Horror's appetite. He knocks on Error's door calling that dinner is ready receiving a soft glitchy acknowledgement in return. He takes a deep breath and heads up to tell the twins.
He doesn't make it to the door. Killer slams him against the wall by the door soul pulsing madly his face pulled into a snarl. "What the fuck are you playing at you oreo bitch?!" Killer barks. Cross squirms but meets his gaze, "I was taking care of Dream's mental health all morning t-then made them lunch while Dream calmed boss down." Killer slams his head against the wall, "The twins are MINE! Don't start trying to worm your way into a relationship that has no room for you! Go back to being out of sight where trash like you belongs!" Cross feels the sting of Killer's LV and shrinks back.
"T-They're not objects!"
"Maybe not but you blew you chances when you slept with them! You broke our agreement!"
"You're t-the one who s-said no strings!"
"Never think that means shit to anyone here! Not my fault you're attention and touch starved. No wonder your father hated your useless ass!"
"He hated everyone K-Killer! What does that have to do with anything?" Killer releases him before barking out a raspy laugh, "Dream is only humoring your puppy love because he's nice. Your puppy love makes boss sick which is why he avoids you. You're not special and they'll never love you."
Cross shoves him away and growls at him, "At least I respect their boundaries instead of acting entitled to their affection just for doing m-my damn job!" He takes a couple of deep breaths to calm his temper, so he does not trigger Dream given how shaky he was three hours ago when Cross left to make dinner. Taking one more breath he knocks on the door of the study. Nightmare calls for him to wait a moment, shortly after the door cracks open, "Yes Cross?"
"Dinner is ready boss. I already informed the others." Cross replies sensing that Dream isn't doing well. Nightmare is about to reply when Killer shoves him still angry and high on adrenaline. "Killer what the fuck!" Cross whisper-yells.
"I want to see my boyfriends and you're in my way." Killer replies.
"I just came to tell them dinner is ready." Cross grumbles.
"Fuck your cooking." Killer retorts pushing the door open despite Nightmare telling him now isn't the time for his toxic behavior. Dream looks up from the couch where he is sitting wrapped in the custom-made fleece blanket Cross got for him years ago with the Dreamtale insignia on it. "Killer please stop bothering boss and Dream. They clearly want space right now." Cross whisper-yells at Killer looking worriedly at Dream who seems tense.
"No. You got plenty of time to kiss up to them. It's my turn to be with them alone" Killer hisses at him.
"And w-we told you to f-fuck off." Dream retorts shakily.
"And you've had three hours to unwind. All I want is a kiss." Killer replies.
"No Killer." Dream replies pulling the blanket tighter around himself. Killer tries to approach, and Dream repeats his refusal looking distressed. By the third time Nightmare has had enough slamming Killer against the wall with his tentacle growling, "Dream said no Killer. Read the fucking room."
Cross had walked into the study after Killer. He watches as Dream goes tense his eyes wide and glassy. "B-boss please think about D-Dream!" He calls out quietly concerned. Nightmare pauses seeing the frightened look on Dream's face lowering Killer down. The moment the tentacle left his ribs Killer tried to approach Dream again intent on getting his kiss. Dream immediately freezes up as Killer comes at him. Cross quickly grabs Dream's arm and guides him out of Killer's reach. Killer growls only to smirk when he sees the look on Dream's face. Cross feels something hit his hand. He immediately releases Dream who is shaking from shock and fear. Cross is hit with instant regret realizing that he unintentionally triggered Dream.
"Look what you did trying to be the hero~" Killer mocks his smirk predatory.
"I'm s-sorry…I d-didn't mean…I d-didn't k-know" Cross stammers his soul pounding anxiously.
"You still upset him Cross. Your heroics made everything worse!" Nightmare snaps at him causing Cross to shrink back. "You should have left after telling us dinner was finished."
"S-sorry for caring I guess…" Cross murmurs his head hung as tears well in his sockets.
"Now you are being petty." Killer laughs.
"At least I respect their boundaries." Cross replies lifting his head to glare at Killer tearfully. That causes Dream to go into a minor panic attack as his first ex would fake tears to guilt him into doing things even if Dream didn't want to. He would also tug Dream around whenever he felt like it. He fled the office tears in his eyes.
"Now look what you did Crossy." Killer sneers making Cross feel worse.
"Leave Cross. I have no need for you to stammer useless apologies. They don't fix what you've done." Nightmare snaps at him using his tentacles to shove Cross out the door before slamming it behind him. Cross sniffles before deciding he needs to apologize to Dream for triggering him. He heads toward the stairs leading to the floor where Dream's room is wanting to at least try to make his stupid mistakes right. He goes up to Dream's room but doesn't knock feeling that it would upset Dream further.
"Go away C-cross I'm n-not in the mood!" Dream calls through the door clearly having sensed his presence.
"O-okay…I…I'm…s-sorry…." Cross turns to go away his heart heavy from guilt which he is sure isn't helping Dream at all. Dream is working through a breathing exercise when Cross says that and is immediately reminded of his second ex all over again. His soul twists and he shivers feeling angry at Cross not understanding that he actually feels guilty through his panicked haze.
"Fuck off w-with your guilt tripping stutter! J-just go away!" Dream snaps at Cross which cuts deep into his already heavy soul as he was not trying to make Dream feel guilty about being upset with him.
"You never learn Crossy. You fucked up and keep fucking up. This whole mess is ALL your fault."
Cross whirls on Killer his eyes full of unshed tears that quickly fall down his cheeks, "At least I don't antagonize other people to make myself feel better when I'm told no!" Killer looks surprised at that comment but smirks when Dream snaps, "And here I was ready to open t-the door! I expected better f-from you Cross. I was clearly wrong to t-think that you were any better than Killer!" Muffled sobs follow that statement as Cross feels his heart break a little. He shoves past Killer tears pouring down his cheeks. He pauses at the top of the staircase uttering a single word, "Fine." He teleports away leaving a shocked Killer behind. Both Dream and Nightmare feel a heavy surge of despair before Cross's emotions cut out entirely. Neither of the twins cares too caught up in their own emotions to even ponder how badly they just hurt Cross and emboldened Killer's toxicity. Everyone else sits feeling the tension in the castle rise as they lose sight of Cross's magic. Needless to say, the jambalaya went cold.