Tales From the Orchard

Spoil the bunch

A/N: Hello once more.

This chapter takes place during the recovery of Nightmare from Petal fall. It's a small look into the darker days Nightmare had falling back into bad habits and suicidal ideation.
Title is related to the idiom "One bad apple can spoil the bunch" and is super not clever lmao.

TW for suicidal ideation, self-deprecating, and overall dark themes.

Enjoy(?)

Dream knew it was a bad day before anyone even called for him.

He had been well enough to move from Nightmare's manor back to his shared hideout, though it wasn't really that hidden after all, with Ink. The artist had fretted over him when he had returned, but a short explanation (that Dream was certain he'd later forget) alleviated most of his concerns. His chest didn't feel as full anymore and he took that as a good sign for both himself and his brother's own condition. Things weren't perfect on the road to recovery, however.

Dream had awoken that morning to a sharp zing flashing across his soul.

Dream.

Dream sat up at the soft call to him, frowning as he placed a hand over his chest. He sent a soothing call back before rising from his bed and getting changed. He knew he had to mentally brace himself for what he was about to walk into; that call was a familiar one. He felt bad that he instantly felt exhausted and reluctant the moment he registered it, internally chastising himself for his reaction. He refused to let compassion fatigue win here.

Once he had mentally steeled himself, he opened a portal into the main lounge of his brother's home and stepped through. Killer instantly snapped to attention before easing his posture a bit as he recognized him. "Hey, Sunshine. Was about to call you actually." Killer greeted with a strained grin.

"Well, Nightmare beat you to it." Dream sighed, earning a somewhat sympathetic expression from Killer of all people.

Oh, it was that bad, was it? Dream wasn't looking forward to this.

"I think he's having some sort of delirium," Killer informed, anxiously pulling on the strings of his jacket. "He's saying things that aren't really making any sense. None of us can really understand him... and he goes from quiet and reserved to lashing out at us. He's lashing out at himself too."

Dream was more alarmed with this information, quickly striding past him. "I'm going to check on him myself. He called out to me, so maybe I can get a better idea of what's the matter." He insisted as he climbed the stairs. The effort still put a bit of pressure on his chest but it was much more bearable than before. He spotted Horror lingering outside of Nightmare's quarters, looking distressed and with a small cut on his cheek.

"Hey Horror, everything ok?" Dream questioned gently, not wanting to set the other off. Horror nodded slowly while Dream moved to heal the small wound on his face. "Did Nightmare do this?" He questioned with a sympathetic expression.

"Didn't mean it... I know." Horror muttered quietly. "He's... confused. Startled him." He rationalized, though Dream could tell the monster was still beating himself up for it.