Beastly Beauty

Children

Weeks had passed since Nightmare had entered the town. The town was still tense and wary of the gooey monster, not that Cross cared to mention. The only ones who seemed genuinely interested in the Nobleman, were the children.

They also snuck out freshly baked/cooked goods when the pale skeleton was about to head into the forest. They had also bombarded him with many questions about if the taller monster ate the food provided, what he did for entertainment, etc. It was cute, honestly.

It wasn't long before Cross took a group of them with him to see Nightmare. He knew it would make the other happy. After all, while the kids were asking about him, he was asking about the kids. The gooey monster had even made the grounds as safe as possible for little children. The place actually looked peaceful, like a hidden Sancturary behind the thick fog.

When the children saw it, they were amazed! Smiling and giggling at what they could see of the estate. It was cute. Then, when Nightmare saw them, he held this wonderful look of confusion as he looked between all of the children and then to Cross.

"W-What?" He muttered, then focusing back on the children, who were still smiling up at him.

The white clad blacksmith laughed a little, soon appearing by the other's side. Gently, he pressed a kiss to their cheek, wrapping his arms around their waist.

"They wanted to see you. I can't be the only one who sees how great you truly are." He chuckled at the look that Nightmare was giving him.

"Hi, Mr. Nighty!" The children called out.

A deep cyan blush bloomed over Night's face as he shyly curled himself into Cross's tiny body. He didn't know why, but having someone other than the blacksmith, was making him nervous. Yes, he knows the children won't hurt him, but he still felt shy about it all.

The children and Cross found it rather sweet to see the other like that. The children knew instantly that Nightmare wasn't anything like that had first saw or what their parents said about him. They could see that he was nothing but a sweet soul.

It wasn't long before Nightmare and the children were tending to the garden that Cross had set up. With Nightmare's control over the estate, the plants were growing quickly and beautifully in a way. It was also giving the children something to talk about so gleefully.

"You could make turnip soup!" One child suggested.

"No, that's bland! Carrot soup is better!" Another child called out.

Nightmare chuckled at them, smiling lovingly. Gently, he used his tentacles to rub against their heads, soothing any argument that was about to happen. The children purred a little at the gentle attention they were given, smiling at the at other.

"Sorry." They hummed.

The gooey monster shook his head, chuckling some. "It's fine, you both have different likes. We all can enjoy some soup later, okay?"

The little ones nodded, going back to tending to the garden. It wasn't long though that Cross called for a lunch break. After cleaning themselves up for lunch, and after said lunch, they all migrated toward the library. There, Nightmare was handing many books he hadn't touched in years.

Happily, he read the words aloud. He made silly faces, voices, even paused at times to answer any questions the youths had for him. He made sure none of his answers spoiled the story.

Cross just grinned at the sight before him. It was a beautiful sight, and it may be too early in their relationship, but the blacksmith wondered if Nightmare would act like that with their children? Would he be just as forgiving and sweet? Read them stories and teach them anything they wanted to know? Tend to the garden and house?

The mysterious monster smirked a little, licking his lips wickedly. What a thought~ He'll see it to truth~