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English
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Published:
2024-01-09
Completed:
2025-07-15
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3,098
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4/4
Comments:
33
Kudos:
286
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How do you call this feeling?

Summary:

Dream decided to visit his brother after the truce

Chapter 1: How do you call this feeling?

Chapter Text

It's been about three days since the truce. But Dream still hasn't been able to muster the courage to talk to his brother - Nightmare. He was terrified to be around him. Yes, that's his brother, but he's known as the most cruel monster in the multiverse for a reason. However, after a long time, a whole 500 years of continuous and destructive war that claimed a huge number of lives, they finally achieved a truce. Dream was able to convince Nightmare that he didn't have to destroy everything on his way, to assure him that despite the Corruption surrounding him, Dream still values him.

 

Nightmare promised that he would change. The Star Sanses' reaction was predictable. They never wanted this war, they didn't want to cause pain to anyone, not even to Nightmare's gang, so after this news, they were almost bursting with happiness.Especially Blueberry, he had always seen something greater in the Bad Sanses than just merciless killers.

 

However, they were still scared. It's not easy to suddenly start trusting someone who was literally ready to turn you into dust yesterday. But Blue tried to reassure his friends that they should give them a chance.

 

And so, Dream finally decided to give them his. After gathering his thoughts and taking a deep breath, he opened a portal to DreamTale, to his brother's castle.

 

What immediately catches your eye upon entering this universe is the dark red sky. Once upon a time, it was like everywhere else - blue. But now, with the tree of feelings dead, there is no day or night here, only a bloody sky, a constant reminder of the ancient mistake made by two brothers. 

 

Upon entering the portal, Dream immediately felt weak due to the overwhelming negativity. His legs weakened, but for Dream, this feeling was familiar; over the long course of the war, he managed to somewhat adapt to negative emotions. He just needed to focus, and the sense of weakness would fade away. Following Blue's teachings of slow, deep breaths, he was able to gain control over the force of negativity. 

 

Looking around, Dream noticed not too far away the castle, his destination and his brother's home. After pausing for a moment, he headed towards the castle, thinking of a reason why he decided to disturb him. He knew Nightmare disliked being bothered over trivial matters, so simply "just to talk" was a very poor excuse. 

 

Standing next to the enormous door, probably ten times taller than Dream, he pondered for a while, timing the moment to knock. However, summoning his courage, he managed to produce three loud knocks. Not expecting it to be that loud, Dream even flinched a little, now looking at the door with apprehension. An awkward silence ensued, waiting for a response from the other side. After ten seconds without an answer, he began to worry: 'Maybe Nightmare's not home?' 'Perhaps I didn't knock loud enough?' 'Maybe he already knows it's me and just doesn't want to see me?'

 

From the stream of dark thoughts, a rustle behind the door snapped his attention. With a piercing creak, the door cracked open, revealing Cross behind it. 

 

"Ah, Dream, is that you? What are you doing here?" Cross asked with a hint of surprise, clearly not understanding why their former enemy was there. 

 

"Cross, I..." Not knowing what to say, Dream awkwardly scratched the back of his skull. "I want to visit my brother?" Dream managed to finish, unsure of how to react to the question, internally cursing himself for his foolishness. 'I definitely won't be let in now.'

 

To Dream's surprise, Cross stepped back slightly and fully opened the doors. "Okay, come in," Cross said, looking somewhat skeptical. "But just so you know, he's not in the best mood," he warned.

 

'Great' Dream sarcastically thought, silently following Cross as he led him through the dark corridors of the castle. The tiles clicked quietly underfoot, heightening Dream's already high tension. The castle wasn't just a few spacious corridors; it was literally a maze, where anyone unfamiliar could easily get lost. Dream had already managed to forget the way out several times.

 

Suddenly, Cross stopped abruptly, catching Dream off guard, nearly colliding with his guide. "You go that way," Cross pointed upstairs, "the door's right over there." The door was distinct from the others, noticeably larger and more ornate. 

 

"What about you?" Dream asked uncertainly, the prospect of going alone not appealing to him at all. 

 

"I won't risk certain death, haha!" Cross joked, not wanting to meet with Nightmare and his foul mood. "I'd rather hang out with Killer and Dusty," he said, peering into the room where Killer and Dust were sitting, trying to decide who would get the last slice of pizza. 

 

"Hey!!!" shouted Dust upon hearing Cross's teasing remark.

 

Sighing, Dream bid farewell to Cross, glancing at him as he tried to mediate between the two troublemakers.

 

After pausing for a bit longer, he made his way to the second floor toward Nightmare's room, still spinning possible excuses for his visit in his head. Unaware, he found himself standing right in front of the massive door. However, before he could even raise his fist to knock, the door swung open. Apparently, Nightmare sensed the presence of an intruder on the other side.

 

Dream was met by a single shimmering cyan eye. Upon seeing Dream, it widened slightly, clearly not expecting such an encounter. As the door opened, Nightmare stood before Dream, completely cloaked in negativity. This appearence of his brother always unnerved Dream, so he flinched slightly at the sight of the dark figure before him. Nightmare looked intently, closely examining the Guardian standing in the doorway.

 

It seemed like they would just stand there, gazing at each other, but Dream found the strength to greet Nightmare.

 

"H-hi, Night," Dream said with a weak, trembling voice. After his words, Dream shut his eyes, anticipating a sharp reaction and a stream of shouts, but they didn't come.

 

"What are you doing here?" Nightmare asked with his deep, distorted voice.

 

Deciding to tell the truth, Dream turned slightly away, nervously inspecting the edge of his cloak, afraid to meet his brother's gaze, feeling ashamed of his reason for visiting.

 

"Yes, I... I came to talk, to visit you. We do have a truce, I thought you wouldn't mind, but I see you're busy, I'll just go!!!" Dream rambled quickly, swallowing half of his words, wishing to end his torment as soon as possible.

 

As he turned away and headed toward the stairs, Dream cursed himself mentally for even thinking to come to Nightmare, especially without an invitation. 'Idiot, what was I thinking? He hates me, why did I even bother.'

 

However, much to Dream's surprise, Nightmare didn't drive him away or even get angry. Instead, he tried to soften his voice as much as his negativity allowed.

 

"Wait, don't go..." Nightmere said, waiting for Dream's reaction.

 

Dream stood frozen, slowly turned, and looked directly at his brother.

 

"I wanted to talk too," Nightmare finished the sentence.

 

Dream couldn't believe what he heard. His brother, Nightmare, wanted to talk to him, without opposing only when the Guardian of Positive Emotions was mentioned.

 

Nightmare immediately sensed the surge of positivity coming from Dream. He felt uncomfortable; his pupil began to twitch slightly more. The negativity surrounding him wanted to eliminate the source of positivity, but Nightmare suppressed that urge. He still needed to get accustomed to these new sensations to avoid lashing out at everyone he met.

 

"Why don't you come into my room?" Nightmare suggested.

 

Dream, unable to say anything due to the conflicting emotions, simply nodded and followed his brother.

 

Nightmare slowly closed the door and observed as Dream curiously examined the room. Dream's gaze darted from the dark purple walls to the desk and the bookshelf filled with books. The latter surprised Dream. He hadn't known his brother still had an interest in reading, reminiscent of their time under the tree. With interest, he began to survey all the books in Nightmare's not-so-large collection.

 

"I'm glad you still love books," Dream said in a joyful yet calm voice.

 

Nightmare didn't respond but silently watched, his tendrils behind his back clenching in approval.

 

"What did you want to talk about, Dream?" Nightmare asked, diverting attention from browsing the books.

 

A bit unsure, but Dream found the strength to respond:

 

"I... I don't know, I just want to spend some time with you," the Guardian smiled apologetically.

 

A deep chuckle echoed from Nightmare, causing a shiver down Dream's spine. However, Nightmare's next words...

 

"I do too, Dream," replied Nightmare. Dream was left breathless by that confession.

 

"R-really?" Dream decided to ask again.

 

In response, a silent nod. Dream covered his mouth with his hands, holding back a squeal of happiness.

 

Nightmare sat on his, no jokes intended, enormous bed, gesturing for Dream to sit beside him. Dream chuckled awkwardly; after Nightmare's words, he started feeling a bit lighter and more at ease.

 

Dream plopped down beside him, looking expectantly at his brother. Nightmare sighed; for a being made entirely of negativity, it was extremely difficult to say something kind or hopeful, let alone apologize. However, Nightmare couldn't allow himself to stay silent:

 

"Dream, I... I would like to apologize..." Dream abruptly looked up at his brother, a approving smile mixed with surprise on his face. This threw Nightmare off a bit, but he still continued: "To everyone: the Multiverse, your friends, but most importantly, you, Dream. I know it sounds hypocritical, especially after all I've said and done, but I just can't stay silent. I understand that forgiving all that I've done, forgetting all those lives I've destroyed, is impossible. However, I promise to change, promise to stop destroying the Multiverse. I truly want to make amends, even if you can't forgive me. I still ask for a chance for me and my subordinates, a chance for a normal life..."

 

After Nightmare's lengthy monologue, silence filled the room. Dream couldn't fully grasp what he had just heard. It all felt like a sleep about to end, leaving behind only the bitter aftertaste of an unfulfilled dream.

 

"Night... I've never held any grudge against you, you don't have to apologize..." Yellow tears peared in Dream's eyes.

 

"BULLSHIT!!" Nightmare shouted. Negativity doesn't like being contradicted, and Nightmare couldn't hold back; the tendrils behind him sharpened at the ends, ready to attack. Startled by the sharp sound, Dream flinched, looking at his brother in fear. Did he say something wrong? However, realizing his mistake, Nightmare tried to calm his guest.

 

"Damn Corruption, forgive me, I couldn't hold it back. It's not used to you yet," Nightmare said with a hint of irritation in his eye, glancing at his own body and lightly struck the tendrils behind him.

 

"You say that as if it's someone else," Dream remarked with a hint of humor.

 

"What do you mean?" Nightmare asked in confusion, looking at the Guardian sitting beside him.

 

Dream didn't respond, just sadly averted his gaze to the side.

 

Сighing heavily, Nightmare continued:

 

"I've told you before, your brother is consumed by negativity. I'm just the essence of all his negative memories. Look at me, I'm nothing like him," Nightmare said, somewhat irritated.

 

Dream, as if hoping to see his real brother, free from negativity and with bones as white as the first snow, looked over Nightmare from head to toe. Not finding a skeleton in a purple shirt, he couldn't contain himself; he began to cry quietly. The tears that had rested on his eyes slowly streamed down, leaving a light yellow trail on his skull. A tremendous flow of negativity emanated from Dream, but now, as Nightmare realized his mistakes, it didn't feel pleasantly sweet, but rather searingly painful.

 

After calming down a bit and not wanting to witness the Guardian's suffering, Nightmare decided to try to help. He had never absorbed the negative emotions of other living beings for assistance before, only for gaining more power and might. Hence, this seemed strange to him now but also felt absolutely necessary.

 

Тhe effect of his brother's magic was immediately felt by Dream, and feeling a bit calmer, he looked up with a surprised sigh.

 

"Night? Wh-what are you doing?" Dream asked uncertainly, trying to wipe away his tears with his sleeve.

 

"I'm absorbing your negative emotions," Nightmare replied calmly. "And before you say anything, no, I don't want you to suffer. I don't know, how you call this feeling, but I don't like your negativity."

 

The room was enveloped in silence again, but now it didn't feel oppressive; instead, it seemed warm and calming.

 

Along with the negativity, Nightmare absorbed a portion of Dream's magic, and now he felt fatigued. He yawned and, finding no better support, leaned slightly against Nightmare. Nightmare chuckled quietly again, but this time, having managed the negative energy, it sounded more gentle, trying not to startle Dream, who had already suffered enough.

 

"Still touch-starved?" Nightmare rhetorically asked, allowing Dream to get more comfortable. His tendrils gently wrapped around Dream, and though they were cool, Dream didn't mind. He felt pleased that his brother was trying to care for him. Nightmare, unaccustomed to physical contact, tried to appear natural, lightly stroking Dream's skull, just like he did five hundred years ago.

 

From below came the sounds of arguing and the blasters of Nightmare's subordinates. Apparently, they had determined the winner over the last slice of pizza. Nightmare would deal with those slackers later.

 

Nightmare hummed an old tune to calm Dream, and even though Nightmare didn't have a voice, Dream enjoyed it. The moment when Dream could finally relax, without fearing for his life, the lives of his friends, or the Multiverse—this long-awaited moment had finally arrived.

 

"Care," Dream whispered softly.

 

"Hmm?" Nightmere responded, puzzled.

 

"This feeling is called care..."

 

Chapter 2: Night together

Summary:

28.06.2024 - Thanks everyone for 100 kudos!!!
03.07.2024 - 1k hits its so cool!!!
22.10.2024 - 2k hits. DAMN
04.01.2025 - 200 kudos!!!
13.03.2025 - 3k hits. You guys are crazy! <3

Chapter Text

Dreamy And Nighty

P.S - I paid $60 for this commission.

Chapter 3: First ever friend!!!

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

I commissioned this artwork for $65. 🥰🥰🥰 Artist - Dina7878788 (Twitter)
This is the second artwork I commissioned for my AU, and it captures a sweet and emotional moment between Blueberry and Error.

It takes place after the truce between Nightmare and Dream, a time when Nightmare is truly trying to become kind - a protector of positive emotions. Error didn’t change because he was afraid of Nightmare turning against him. He changed because, for the first time, he understood just how horrifying his actions had been. He remembered all the a Aus he destroyed, remembered that sick satisfaction and even joy he felt while doing it. He remembered Blueberry - such a bright, naive , foolish little skeleton from Underswap - whom he once called nothing but an abomination… a creature he thought deserved to be erased simply for being too cheerful, too kind, too naive.

But now, things are different. That same “abomination” has become Error’s closest and first ever friend. Blueberry is helping Error find his way toward kindness. He teaches Error how to treat others with care, how to appreciate AUs instead of despising them. Under Ink’s guidance, Error is trying to fix what he once broke. He even tries to create his own au like Ink - though its not going very well.

In this scene, Blueberry and Error are together in the Anti-Void - Error’s eerie, endless home. Blueberry still finds this place strange and scary, but he’s trying his best to grow fond of it. Error, in turn, is trying to show affection in the only way he knows how. With his glowing threads, he weaves a little heart shape for Blueberry - a sign that he, too, can create. That his strings are not only meant to destroy.

Blueberry is tangled in those same threads - completely wrapped up, actually. But there’s no danger. Error asked for permission first. Blueberry agreed. For Error, this is a gesture of care. The strings hold Blueberry really really tight but not painfully, firmly almost completely limiting his movement. He doesn’t know how to express friendship properly yet, but he's trying. And Blueberry doesn't mind at all. He finds the sensation comforting. In fact, he’s happy to help Error learn. He knows that to Error, this is care. And when Error, with the smallest smile and his glitchy voice, calls Blueberry a "hopeless little abomination"... it doesn’t hurt anymore. Because now, he says it with joke.

Notes:

Ty for everything dear reader!!! Don't hesistate to wrire your opinion in comments!

Chapter 4: Don't worry, I've got this!

Chapter Text

This artwork is part of my AU, directly tied to this fanfic’s storyline.

Killer stands, shielding Blueberry from the ruthless assault of Shattered Dream and his twisted ally, Soulless Ink.

In my AU, everything changed when Nightmare abandoned his role as a harbinger of negativity, his desire to rule Multiverse. No longer spreading despair, he reconciled with Dream and devoted himself to helping the Multiverse instead. With negativity fading away, the multiverse flourished in an era of near-total positivity.

Unlike many other fans concepts, my AU doesn’t require an emotional balance - there are no consequences when one emotion dominates.


But not everyone welcomed this change.

If you’ve read His Story by Sariko-3 (Russian author), you may recognize the concept of Zero Infinity. I take some inspiration from that idea: just as the multiverse holds infinite AUs, there exist countless parallel Multiverses.

Shattered Dream, YanBerry, and Soulless Ink — like Nightmare's gang but on a Multiversal scale, they destroy positivity across the Multiverses — saw this utopia as an abomination. 

Much like Nightmare once sought to destroy all positive emotions in every Au, they seek to erase all traces of joy from this Multiverse. Their first target? Blueberry.

Since the truce, Blueberry has been overflowing with joy - his happiness, his innocence, kindness and naivety, his optimism, his very existence is a beacon of positivity in the multiverse. His death would send a devastating ripple through aus, breaking this newfound harmony. And so, they came for him.

This artwork shows Killer Sans protecting Blueberry. He’s determined to save Blueberry, stop him from being afraid. Blueberry means the world to him, reminds him about his brother — Papyrus. After the truce Blueberry helped, teached, Killer be kinder, gentler, and softer, but now, in this moment, Killer’s old, more crazy side is starting to show again. His excitement for battle, something he’s missed since the truce. He’s thrilled for a fight, but it’s all for the Multiverse and Blueberry. He won’t let take him, no matter what.

______


This art cost me 55$ => 2 Full Body + Gaster Blaster
If you want to make commission you can discuss things with this artist. She's really sweet <3  Yunaa 🍰 //Open Commissions//

Download art => Google Cloud Storage - Dont worry, I've got this! (3840 x 2160, 3,12 MB, .png)