780 words. This takes place right before Cross and Chara move in with NM
Nightmare was woken up by his phone buzzing and ringing constantly. He was going to ignore them until he realized they were from Cross, and that he sounded panicked. Nightmare answered a call. "Sweetheart? Is something wrong?" He asked tiredly but with concern.
"He was drunk-" Cross coughed. His voice was shaking. "And Chara's hurt. He needs a hospital, I've already called it, I just thought I'd let you know."
Nightmare shot up. "I'll be there as soon as I can." He quickly got ready to leave and took the car. There was only one hospital close to where Cross lived so Nightmare went there. He didn't care if he was speeding.
...
When Nightmare arrived, Cross was already there, sitting in a seat close to a door that had a bright red 'EMERGENCY' sign on it. "Hey Crossy. . ."
Cross looked over. "Hey Night." He looked back at the ceiling.
"Do you know how he is?" Nightmare asked, taking Cross' hand.
"No. . ."
"I'm sure he'll be alright. Chara's strong kid." Nightmare kissed his hand.
...
Nightmare was wrong.
"Cross-?!" Nightmare turned around to face him, but Cross was speed walking away. Nightmare followed him.
"Sir, wait-" The doctor called out.
"We'll be back tomorrow!" Nightmare called back. He followed Cross to the car. Cross sat in the passenger seat and slammed the door shut. Nightmare went to the driver's seat and started driving. His phone rang. He picked it up.
"Where are you in the middle of the ni-?!"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Cross yelled.
Dream paused. "I'll explain what happened," Nightmare spoke in a shaky voice. "If it's alright with Cross." Cross nodded numbly. Nightmare sighed and began to explain. "So, where do I start, Cross and Chara have an abusive father. I let them move in, hence the random stuff all over the house. Tonight, however, their dad took it too far. . . Chara isn't coming back. . ."
Dream processed this. "O-o-oh. . . I'm so sorry. . ."
"We're driving home after Cross stormed out now."
"I understand. I'll be waiting for you."
...
"My love?" Nightmare pleaded, "Can you please open the door?" It has been at least a few days (Nightmare didn't know, he didn't bother keeping track anymore). Cross still hadn't come out of his and Nightmare's room. Nightmare had to sleep in the guest room. Now, the reason Nightmare hadn't slipped under the door was because he didn't want to disrespect Cross' privacy, but. . . Nightmare appeared on the other side of the door.
Cross was laying down with his back facing Nightmare. He walked over and found out Cross was asleep. The pillows around him were stained with what Nightmare could only guess were tears. Nightmare shook him gently. "Sweetheart. . ."
After a while, Cross opened his eyes. "Huh. . ?"
"You haven't eaten. . ."
"And I don't want to."
"Darling, please. . ."
Cross turned around to look at him. "I said I'm not-"
He went quiet as Nightmare got on his knees to practically beg, "Please. . . We both already lost Chara, I can't bear the mere thought of losing you, or seeing you ill or hurt. I promise you, I won't disturb you for the rest of the day if you eat one meal, just one. . . If not for me, then for him. . ?"
Cross was shocked. "I. . . I'll eat. . ."
Nightmare smiled. "I'll get you some food." He kissed Cross' forehead then left to go to the kitchen. "Dream?"
"Yeah, brother?"
"Can you make something to eat?"
"Did you just finish your food?"
"It's for Cross."
Dream looked surprised. "You got him to eat?"
"Mhm!" One of Nightmare's tendrils wagged. "I'm so proud of him."
Dream smiled. "That's good. I'll make something right now."
...
"Crossy. . ." Nightmare opened their door. "I have your food."
The room was empty.
"Darling?" Nightmare set the tray on the nightstand. He heard running water and went to the washroom. Cross was there, washing his face. He saw Nightmare after he dried his face and smiled slightly at him. Nightmare smiled back and kissed his cheek. "I'm so proud of you." He whispered.
"Thanks. . ." Cross' voice was raspier than usual.
"I brought your food." Nightmare took his hand and took him to the bed. He sat down next to Cross and brought the tray to his lap. "Would you eat by yourself or let me feed you?" Nightmare knew he'd likely say no, but still asked.
"I. . ." Cross looked down at his hands which were on his lap. "I'd like to be fed."
Nightmare followed his gaze and noticed how much Cross' hands were shaking. "Of course." He took a spoonful of food and held it up to Cross' mouth. He slowly took a bit of it.
It was a start.
I'm writing another one where Cross dies instead :)
