Loyal Servant (Crossmare) (Rewrite)

Bet On Loosing Dogs

A/N
Sorry guys, I've been roleplaying on my server instead of writing my actual story. Whoops.
That and I just got a new job so I've been short on time.
...

Cross had essentially glued himself to Nightmare's side. Every step he took, Cross took as well. He just wanted to make up for all the time he hadn't been there. Even when he was greeting the others, he didn't stray far from Nightmare's side to do it. (He only got "far" away once when Ghost had tackled him back a solid few feet at one point.) Nightmare seemed very pleased with his company, constantly flashing him loving looks or brushing a tendril against him whenever someone wasn't looking.

"It makes me feel more sane to see you alive," Dust told him as they all met in the halls. Dust looked a little less exhausted now than he had while Cross was a ghost. "I was never a fan of playing the messenger anyway," He admitted with a light shrug. Killer gave Dust a friendly nudge, winning a soft smile. He held his head a little higher. "But I'd do it again. I won't shut out my friends."

"Well, I don't plan on dying anytime soon, so you shouldn't have to worry," Cross replied, petting the cougar which still circled around his legs. Eventually she trotted back over to Horror, who was undoubtedly her favorite person. Cross let out a long sigh, perfectly content. "I'm glad to be seen again."

Epic stepped forward, a lazy grin plastered to his face. "I'm glad to see who I was saving, bruh," He said, effectively causing Nightmare's tendrils to twitch in annoyance. The king had to back up when Epic decided to circle around Cross. "I think I get what all the fuss was about. You seem pretty cool," Epic told him. Cross huffed with amusement. He had been interested in meeting Epic in person.

"Why are you still here?" Nightmare questioned, stepping right back up to Cross's side the very second Epic no longer stood in his way. "Fresh seems to have disappeared on his own accord. I assumed you'd be on your way as well," He told Epic, clearly insinuating he wanted him out of the castle. Cross placed a hand to Nightmare's arm, helping to settle his nerves. The king held back any further comments, so Cross took the opportunity to speak.

"We do owe him my life," Cross pointed out. "The least we could do in return is let him stay for dinner," He suggested, Epic casting him an eager thumbs up. He's odd, but who amongst us isn't? He met Nightmare's gaze with wide pinpricks, aware he could simply beg his way through this one.

"Fine," Nightmare reluctantly agreed. "One meal," He said, holding up a finger to make his point. He then gestured to Horror and Fell. "So long as they cook it," He added, making Cross roll his eyes. He was honestly in love with Nightmare's need to add his own terms to any request. That's good enough, I suppose.

Fell and Horror exchanged looks. Horror looked pleased, while Fell held a more deadpan expression. "At least I know now to bring two fire extinguishers instead of one," He muttered.

"Three," Horror corrected, just about purring with happiness.

Cross laughed and shook his head. I'm just so relieved to be back. He looked between his friends, finding Dust and Killer were just as humored by Fell and Horror's interaction. Seeing everyone happy just made his soul's warmth double. Technically I never left home, but it sure feels like I've returned to it.

"Cross!" He heard a familiar voice yell from behind. He turned just in time for Paperjam to capture him in a tight hug. It took him a little off guard, and he ended up staring at them in surprise for a solid few seconds before he smiled and gave them a kind pat on the back. Even Nightmare looked a little charmed by their affectionate greeting. Paperjam soon pulled back, clearing their throat and attempting to play it cool again. "Sorry, ignore all that. I, uhm, missed you while you were gone," They said before they reached into their pocket and pulled out the Book of a Thousand Souls. "Here. I had been holding onto this for you."