A Dream Within A Nightmare.

[ vii ]

~ First impression going well, a little too well. . . ~

Summary: In which, everything was going smoothly as of now, even the part where meeting the villagers. But it doesn't mean that you don't have the slightest suspicion about it. . .

It was going well so far, considering that it had been some time since the first introduction and the villagers settling in the place not far where the Tree of Feelings was. Considering that you did your best to be polite and be a little friendly, not even caring if it was a fake in the first place.

While also staying by Nightmare's side almost the whole time. Since you were thinking that being near Nightmare or your brother for quite some time, would make the villagers have a hard time 'approaching' your brother.

Of course it wasn't that time, yet. So, the villagers were still 'pure' and clueless at almost everything but that didn't meant for you not to be prepared and alarmed at the same time.

But you were being honest that the villagers were friendly and was even to your brother as well, to your relief. Not being swayed that easily in reality for you.

As years go by or so, you weren't being sure considering there wasn't any calendar or anything that would notify you. Besides, you didn't want or feel doing the standard counting like writing on rocks with sticks. Anyways-

You would always give some subtle hints to Nightmare on some things that include the Tree of Feelings itself. You were having a hard time explaining and persuading him about it, but fortunately agreed in terms of your reasoning. Which were quite true since you knew and was sure about it, no doubt.

So, when villagers would ask about the Tree of Feelings, you had to do the explaining (and also changing the subject to elsewhere) whilst Nightmare was always on guard around the said tree. As if he was in lookout which he wasn't quite sure what it is, but he does trust you after all. Even though he lacks information. . .

I mean, this was for the better to not let anyone know about the Tree of Feelings or it would just progress the same as the original, which was pretty much what you were trying to avoid. Somehow. .

Shaking that thought off as you completely stayed with Nightmare almost 24/7, but of course you would go on a walk (which you were sure your subconscious saying don't). Although it was just for supplies and all, and maybe to know the villagers more while also looking out for any abnormalities happening within them.

You also kept distance from the villagers, if there was villagers inviting you and Nightmare to play or maybe some kind of event, you would always politely decline or make some reasonable excuse that was believable enough for them to understand. But of course, you also expected for a possibility when some of the excuses you made were becoming common or suspicious to villagers.

But anyhow, you'll deal with it surely. All your thinking for the past days, months, or maybe years wasn't nothing to begin with. Though, there were times when some of the villagers would spare a glance to the Tree of Feelings every now and then. And something that tells you within your SOUL that there is a growing suspicion.

You only waved each and every time while smiling to them when they did so, which they returned and gone back to the village (which you expected and wished for). Now that the problem of having known the capabilities of apples was officially on hold for a moment, that gave you a sufficient amount of time to do something else such as backups here and there.

Not to mention, you would always try for your brother, Nightmare, to open up as well as maybe spending time with each other. Since you were quite certain that even though you knew that there was bullying that is about to happen at some point and anytime, you'll use that time to be with Nightmare. So that he'll be comfortable when the time comes. But exactly. . when would time come?

Plus, you were quite annoyed a little by the fact that the villagers would visit once in a while to the Tree of Feelings, with you and Nightmare being present of course. You wouldn't know what happen as there maybe be an unexpected event that will take a turn without you knowing.

Did you forget to mention that the villagers were inviting you directly and Nightmare to the village? You were quite taken aback by it, well it was expected since they haven't known Nightmare being the Negativity Guardian along with the Tree of Feelings. So it was safe to say everything seems to be alright. .

Deciding as you looked to Nightmare who was behind you who was looking at the villagers before sensing your gaze. You silently dragged your eye lights to the villagers then back to Nightmare, trying to communicate.

Nightmare seemed reluctant enough to your understanding but. . he hasn't experienced any harassment from the villagers yet, right? Must be his introverted side, how cute. You thought for a moment while smiling fondly as you made your skeletal hand reach out to him.

He only blinked to your action before reaching out with his albeit slowly, as you pulled him softly towards you and wrapped to his arm. Pulling him closer as you made way your attention towards the villagers,

"Me and my brother would accept your invitation." You spoke while keeping a smile as Nightmare looked towards you with an unsure expression as you could only glance at him and nodded. Gesturing about something before Nightmare gave in and smiled awkwardly at the villagers nonetheless.

Back to the villagers who were happy enough as you stared indifferent towards them in secret, having your so called 'suspicion meter' raise a little but. . . You recalled that Nightmare was quite fond with books, well maybe in the fanon somehow, but unsure at the canon one.

Letting that aside, the villagers began to guide you to the village as you held Nightmare's phalanges with yours. Unintentionally almost squeezing it tightly that Nightmare began to nudge you with his other phalanges, successfully gaining your attention.

"Something bothering you brother?" Nightmare asked, whispering to only you as you could only stare at him for a good amount of seconds before shaking your skull.

"It's nothing brother." You replied whilst smiling yet again that was convincing enough for Nightmare to believe it, which to your relief he did. Focusing back to the walk ahead as you sighed to yourself.

It was as if all your worries and thoughts were being swept away by just looking at Nightmare. Because you were doing this for him, if it makes Nightmare comfortable and happy, then you wouldn't mind to even explore the whole Multiverse with him.

Not to mention that you agreed for both you and Nightmare to explore the parts of the village. You had set up some magic to the Tree of Feelings. That you were practicing for quite some time in secret and basing it from the fanon information or even videos about the former Dream himself.

Let's just say to keep the intruders out when both of the Guardians aren't present.