Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Error was extremely anxious for his little babybones first day at school— jeez —he couldn't even believe PJ (* PaperJam) was turning 6 years old soon. He had no recollection of when he was younger, if that period in time even existed for him, but he was determined to give his brat the best life ever.

With everything that has happened to them these past 3 years with the divorce, sudden need to move due to his anti-void's instability and harm it was doing to PJ. It sucked like hell to move and he could only imagine how stressful it was for his child. The anti-void was the place where they both knew as a source of comfort but now they were stuck in some neutral AU's building. Wasn't that bad compared to what others might have to deal with but he was too used to white void that a void had appeared in his stomach too.

Of all the horrible things that could happen to him, the betrayal and hurt he felt after his divorce with that squid was the worst of the worst. He only agreed to that dumb truce because he didn't want the newly weds to fight but now he only wanted to destroy that stupid truce with his bare hands but he knew the consequences. Without any allies anymore, after he left for... Love— he would be vulnerable again like he used to be when he first started. The thought made his teeth grit in anger.

It pissed him off to no end. If he could, he would go back and shake some sense into his old self.

He hated this.

Hated this sense of helplessness.

Hated this loneliness.

Hated everything.

Hated.

Hate.

The glitch leaned back into the couch, sighing as he realised he let his mind wander too far deep again, it wasn't healthy and he knew that but it was a little nice to wallow in his pain once in a while. Before PJ came back home he decided to do something to pass the time, other than crochet.

Putting his coat on and stuffing his cellular device into his pant pocket he made his way out the front door. It was about time he went grocery shopping, the AU he resided in for the time being held many outcodes and just any monster who wishes to do their own thing without the hawk-like watch of Core!Frisk. This AU in particular had an agreement to remain neutral, with none of the star sanses or bad sanses interfering with their work, even after the truce was establish the care-taker of the universe refused to lift his foot up.

It was honestly amusing, most if not all who reside here still continue to the bad stuff like raiding helpless AUs, but he had no time to worry about such things that didn't involve him he needed to prepare lunch for PJ and himself.

After living here for as long as he has the people didn't cower before him anymore, instead, they gave a polite wave to him when they saw him. At this point he had accidentally been known as the AU's 'protector' because who would dare try to be rid of an AU where the former destroyer stayed with his child. Though he must admit, the drama would reach undernovela levels.

Taking a cart and walking through the mart he looked around to figure out where he needed to go, without his glasses he lost everything was quite blurry but he could still make out some words.

Grabbing what he needed and placing the items in his trolley as he skimmed through each aisle for what he searched for. Inevitably he had to address the presence watching the back of his head. Even if he did NOT want to cause a scene or even fight he had to establish some boundaries with those around him in this small town.

"May I h3lp you?" Error question as he nonchalantly checked out the various sauces and such.

"Heh... So it is the real deal. Didn't think my brother would be doing something as domestic as shopping."

The familiar voice pricked at his SOUL like a pin carefully aimed to hit where it hurt. Turning his head around immediately he saw Geno who seemed amused to see him here. It had been ages since they last interacted, when they last met was when he was with... Ink. Maybe it's best not to think about the past right now.

Taking note of the lack of a cloaked jerked he felt a little bit at ease. Cracking a smile at his older brother there was a slight relief that clogged his systems. Even if he was sure Geno and he were not bone related in the slightest he has been calling Geno his brother since... Forever he assumes.

"Where's the little gremlin and your favourite toy? I wouldn't mind seeing them."

"I c0uld ask tHE same of you, PJ is at school c-cu1rently and he... Uhm..."

Geno immediately noticed the anxiety that laced his baby brother's voice, that usual smile on him that every skeleton had wasn't as wide anymore. Dread linger in him as he wondered what had happened to his glitchy little bro.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Error eventually bid Geno farewell, after learning Geno just needed to purchase some stuff real quick then leave and not coming to visit like he hoped, he was a bit disappointed, he wouldn't have mind if he had some company other than himself and PJ but that was besides the point.

Carrying two bags of groceries he was glad to see PJ had yet to come home, he still had time to meal prep. Initially, he never found any purpose in cooking but now that he had his pride and ego form into a little babybones he found cooking to be a little nice. Cooking reminded him of his old mess of a life with all the spills and mishaps that could happen, it was like a call back to what he used to be.

Consumed by the cooking he did not notice that his babybones had came back home already until PJ tugged on his pant leg did he look down and notice the wide smile his child possessed. It was a surprise to him because he had never seen PJ so happy before but he was still extremely glad his kid enjoyed their first day at school.

Before he could open his mouth to ask about their day PaperJam was already excitedly talking about it. Walking back and forth in the kitchen while they talked, a habit they had developed from observing Error.

"I made a fren! His name is Cresent and we played together on the swings and took turns down the slide together and—"

The glitch nodded attentively as he listened to PJ's rambling. The lack of necessary grammar to create a coherent sentence from his young one was adorable. Oh to be a child with no care in the world. Hearing the name of their new friend he was a little at ease that his child wasn't the only one with an odd name in that class. Not like he was the one he named PaperJam anyway— it was more like a suggestion from a commentator so he blames it on them.

"–he had marks on his face like you, Papa! But like- less cool and it look more like a cresent moon... Hehe! Like his name!"

Marks on his face? What a strange child... Though, he found his child's analysis of their new friend amusing. PJ always liked to comment on everything that happened around them no matter how insignificant but always found a way to make it interesting.

Error never thought he would hear of another skeleton affiliated with the moon in some way, he thought that trend had died down with the creators but apparently not. The last monster he met who was like that was... Was...

Before he knew it he accidentally cut his finger while cutting up vegetables, causing PJ to panic at the hiss he exhaled. Marrow slowly leaked from the wound, it wasn't big, but still hurt quite a bit. Washing the wound he reassured PaperJam he was fine after noticing their worried reaction. Maybe it was for the best he keeps his mind busy and preoccupied with cooking or else who knows what else might happen if he continues to use his brain.

Chapter Text

Just like every other child that has been created or born in the multiverse they had to go to school and PJ was no exception . Sure, they were powerful unlike the average SOULLING especially after being born from the multiverse’s Creator and Destroyer but they were vulnerable to emotions too. It did not help that they had to wave their Papa goodbye as they entered the school gates.

“G0 bbe brave 4 m3, ok@y?”

Error consoled his child as they continued to hold onto his pant leg and bury their face into the already torn yet patched up fabric. Though by the way PJ was holding him it might just tear again.

“But Papa—!”

The protests fell on deaf ears as they continued to argue against going to school, the glitch only continued to gently give his child a push towards the entrance. Shushing them softly. This was just as hard for Error’s poor SOUL which ached seeing his darling child whine and beg to stay with him. Something in him wanted to just keep PJ with him forever and never let them go again, ever. Despite that he knew education and social interactions were the best things for PJ right now.

“You’ll do fiin3 like yOU didd @ your1 last $school. I wwill mak3 su1e of iT..”

Softly petting his palm on the top of PJ’s skull there was a small sharp glitch which made his reflexes beg for him to remove his hand but he ignored it, knowing that he needed to be there for his babybones .

PaperJam swallowed down the sob that almost escaped their teeth, not wanting to cause his Papa more trouble than they already have, noticing how Error was having another sensitive episode but still continued to pet the top of their skull. Obviously they did not want to do this but it seems they have no choice if their sole guardian was encouraging them like this.

Immediate anxiety and dread filled their chest as they slowly took steps into the building. Being separated from their Papa had their SOUL beating twice as fast, fear shrouded them but their feet still continued to move despite the desperate pleading in their mind. It was not the first time he had been taken away from Error and the last time that happened they had to stay with...

Ink

Dad

the bastard

until their Papa was considered fit to raise them.

One could only imagine being stripped away from their parent who cared for them and being left with the worst one. The recollection of the divorce making them recoil in disgust. To think anybody could be so biased just because their Papa used to be the Destroyer...

Without even realising it they bumped shoulders with somebody. Looking to their side to immediately apologise they found that the kid had sped off before they could even open their mouth. Rude.

PaperJam eventually found their way to class and sat some where in the middle of the neatly arranged rows of 6. The tables were separated to create the look of an organised class but it proved to be difficult with a class of kindergarteners. Their previous school tried the same thing but it never worked with the rowdy bunch. Only reason they were here instead of their other school was the usual reason of course.

”We’re sorry sir but we fear your child may be a bit… Disruptive.”

“ Apologies —“

“ Our condolences —“

“ Please do understand that —“

All because of—!!

They were snapped out of their thoughts when they heard a rush of footsteps pass by them, taking a look around, they found themselves in the playground of the kindergarten in some magical mysterious way (* Don’t ask..) but they’d rather not question it. Though they were likely pushed through the crowd during their dissociative episode.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Crescent sat reading under the shade of a tree that was tucked away in the corner of the yard he and the other kids played at though he preferred to be left alone rather than play along to whatever silly game the rest made up. His father always told him it was a way of weakness. The laughter the others let out was nothing else but delusion.

Hearing a shuffling of leafs to his left he immediately fled... Upwards. Like a cat in a cartoon. Using his tendrils to lift himself up onto a branch along with his book, curious to see who was invading his spot. Peaking through the leafs without making any noise he noticed a familiar face.

It seems the kid who bumped into him earlier was the one making the noise. Breathing slowly and softly to conceal his presence he continued to examine the odd dark boned skeleton.

Leaning against the dark brown bark of the tree PJ resisted the urge to cry, instead simply letting out a sigh and bringing their knees to their chest to console themselves. Doing what their Papa taught them. Taking in deep breaths to be rid of the ache in their chest they did not even notice was there.

Furrowing his bone brow the blue one jumped down from his position, landing like a cool superhero (* The nerd has been practising), though it didn't seem to impress PJ as they crawled backwards to move away. The sudden appearance of a skeleton they have never seen before made them scarily aware of how vulnerable they were.

"Name?"

Crescent lifted a tendril up to point at the purple odd one warily. Keeping his guard up no matter what. Just like his father always told him to.

"Uhm— PJ! PaperJam..."

Paperjam had not expected their first day of school to start like this but it certainly was better than the previous ones. Breathing a sigh of relief once they realised it was just a skeleton like them. They took note of the interesting patterns on the other's face.

"Hm. Do you wish to be my ally?"

Father had always said having allies was good and certainly having the Creator's and Destroyer's child as an established companion. Although... He could've sworn Nightmare said something about the Destroyer but he just could not remember it if his life depended on it (* It kinda does).

"Like— a friend?"

"If you wish to call it that, yes."

"Okay but you have to play with me on the swings!"

That was it? Crescent had expected something more demanding or outrageously hard to get. Subduing somebody and 24k gold chocolate was definitely on that list but he wouldn't argue against a good deal.

Oh how he'd regret ever interacting with that brat.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_

"Ugh! You're pushing too softly! Harder!"

The grey skeleton groaned, getting fed up with PJ's requests and reprimands. With his tendril, he firmly gave them a push that almost knocked the other to the ground. Groaning at the harsh nature of the response to their appeal they got up and glared at Crescent.

”Get on.”

Paperjam demanded as they used all their weight to force Crescent towards the swing. Reluctantly, he sat on it, not wanting to upset his potential ally anymore than he has. Damn his emotions.

"I'll show you how to push, okay?"

The prospect of being push while on a swing made Cres panic since he has never been on one before, he could never indulge in such blatant displays of positivity. Trying to squirm off but he was too late as PJ pushed him forwards.

He could have sworn he saw stars as he almost went over the bar before gravity caught up to him and pulled him back down to the ground. All the wind in his lungs had escaped and before he knew it he was smiling. Really smiling.

"Ooh! Ooh! Let's do the slides next!"

Chapter Text

“It isn’t that cold! Come on!” The voice Crescent had started to grown accustomed to annoying him every morning called out to him.

To see a being so careless about their own health and safety… Amused him greatly.

“Must you be so careless? You could get yourself seriously sick,” He chided.

Watching as rain water soaked into their clothes and run down their face, ruining any semblance of formality they would have possessed. Of course it looked fun and of course he wanted to join in, but was it worth the harsh punishment he would receive at home? His father always told him to think before he did anything that he would not approve of, was it necessary? Yes No. would you gain anything of significance?

…

Weellll…

“You’re such a baby!” PJ pulled Cresent away from the building he was taking shelter under.

Being dry to suddenly very wet was not the greatest feeling for Cres, feeling all the uncomfortable feels of the rain, it started with his jacket getting heavier as rain filled it. Attempting to take it off he found his tentacles were suddenly refusing to move, whipping his head around he found the appendages heavy with water, making the slightest of movements difficult. With a wet plop, he chose to let his tendrils drag behind him instead.

“Your insolence shall not be forgiven. Count your days.” He warned with a snarl, though, the feeling of the rain dropping on him was surprisingly soothing.

“Do you want to lose your only ally already? The year has just started.” PJ shot back with a playful edge to it.

Crescent must admit he was at a loss of words there. Seems like the cat really got his tongue this time. Observing closely as PJ stomped in puddles without a care in the multiverse. Finding a decently clean puddle formed from the dent in the pathway he copied PJ and jumped in, finding his SOUL buzzing with excitement at it, following closely behind Cres- PJ pushed the grey skeleton into the water. After earning themselves a laugh and a pull downwards the duo soon laughed together like either of them said a hilarious joke.

It was sadly inevitable they had to part ways but the pain of loss did not subside as per usual. This time it lingered and simmered in his chest for a while as he watched PJ leave. How peculiar. Maybe it was dread over what will happen the second he stepped into the castle looking like this.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_

The soothing sound of water flowing from the sink was all that enveloped the once lively castle, instead of skeletons all that roamed the halls were just dust- not even the monster kind though, despite the lack of anything but themselves living and breathing in the overly dark themed castle they felt… Nothing. Too concerned with the dishes to hear the sound of a large door opening and closing followed by the pitter-patter of soaked footsteps walking deliberately farther away from them. Now that caught his attention.

(* Gay men do dishes/cook as their kids sneak up on them lol)

Turning around to glare at whoever attempted to sneak by him, he caught Crescent drenched from head to toe in rain water, a small bit of rage developed in him but tasting the dread in his child made him smirk just the tiniest bit from his usual down-turned smile of anger. A singular cyan eyelight stared deep into Crescent’s SOUL, as if already knowing his every regret and desire from the minute focus was laid on him. Holding his breath to not even suggest he was afraid, obviously it proved difficult.

Nightmare stalked towards their child, their soldier, their perfect little experiment, who has came back home drenched despite bringing an umbrella to school. They must figure out the reason for this anomaly to prevent any future incidents like this to happen hence forth.

“You are soaked, child.”

The spirit’s voice dripped with curiosity and sarcasm as they stopped in front of Crescent, tilting their head upwards to look down at him.

“Explain yourself.”

Crescent was very aware of their predicament and how close to danger he was in this very moment. The air was thick with the threat of punishment as the spirit awaited their child’s pathetic excuse. All he could do was bite his tongue and wait for the punishment that awaited him. Before Nightmare could open their mouth a distinct sound of a phone buzzing cut through the silence first. Noting it was not their phone they gazed at their pawn piece expectantly. Lifting the phone to his ear he answered it warily.

“Cres, you forgot your umbrella! Should I come over or hand it to you tomorrow?” PJ echoed through the phone as they fidgeted with said umbrella in their hand.

“I wouldn’t mind if you came over to hand it to me right now. I could send you the AU’s location and maybe we could have some tea to talk things over of course.” Crescent would do anything to get out of his current predicament even if he had to involve his only ally, well, that was what relationships were for, right? Helping each other out? He better pray his affiliate could… Deal… With the one he called his father.

“Wait really!? Like a… Playdate!!! Let me ask my Papa!” They almost squealed in excitement before hastily leaving the call on hold to go ask their guardian.

The spirit snarled at the obvious positivity etched into the voice of whoever was on the other line with their child. It was not something he would approve of and they were tempted to snatch the phone away but they resisted— for once— instead of their usual aggression they opted for a… Kind-er approach. Maybe his ‘brother’ was rubbing off of him more than he expected.

“Seems I expect company, hm?“

“Yes… It seems so.”

“You’re a sneaky one but I shall let this pass.”

Just like that Nightmare had left to crawl back in whatever den he had crawled out of.

Releasing a sigh he did not know he was holding he wanted to thank Paperjam for being a naive brat but he simply messaged the coordination of his AU instead, it was more like his father’s AU though but that was beside the point, at least he got out of that interaction alive and nothing inherently bad happened. Well… Not yet at least. Aware his ally’s legal guardian might not be of the same terms as his but he would worry about it later.

He has a tea party to prepare for.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_

“Wait really!? Like a… Playdate!!! Let me ask my Papa!” They almost squealed in excitement before hastily leaving the call on hold to go ask their guardian.

PJ has heard of the tall tales and mystical stories of a playdate before (* This little baby has never had friends before) but never thought they’d actually get invited to one of them with somebody who was interested in playing with them. Today was going to be the best day ever, they just knew it!

Rushing out of their room, they looked around for their Papa around the apartment. Slowing down their haste as they caught wind that their guardian was not in the usual places they suspected. Warily looking around for any signs of life at this point.

What they were unaware of though was the large shadow on the ground which was not the cause of a regular light hanging over top of them. The soft pitter-patter of wet bones against tiled floors did not go unnoticed by a rather exasperated god who was, quite literally, looking down at them.

Error scooped up a surprised little anomaly who was both delighted and wary to be in his arms like this, but on the contrary, he showed no hesitance to continue carrying his child. Adding to PJ’s excitement that today would be anything but spectacular.

“DIdn’T I tell you to-o-o g0 ch@ng3? You’re going to soak the cARpets.” He scolded softly, unable to fully go all out like some parents do when it came to discipline. How could he when his adorable babybones was clinging to him like an ant to a cube of sugar, it was adorable.

All he received in return was a small whine. Snickering at their antics he made his way to the bathroom so he could wash them.

“But— Papa!!” The child whined, gripping onto their parent’s coat to get his attention.

“WhAt is it NoW?

“Can I go to my friend’s for a playdate? Please!!!”

“You knOW whaT I saID abOUT g-GoINg ouT.”

A huff and a shuffle of clothing was all he heard, looking down he sighed when PJ’s cheeks puffed out and brows furrowed.

“FiNE yoU bRAt.” Error knew he could not withhold such an important part of his child’s development like it was an object would do no good. He could only hope nobody wants to hurt the reason he lives and breathes.

“HUZZAH!” PJ cheered, flinging their arms up with such force Error instinctively held their head back like they were a baby again.

"StOP tHRashing— you'll PUll somETHing!" Error scolded, but the twitching at the corners of his smile betrayed the softness he reserved only for them.

"I wanna wear my favourite outfit! The one with the many colours!" PJ kicked out of Error's arms mid-carry to the bathroom like a hyperactive gremlin, bolting towards their room before Error could catch them.

With a sigh, the glitches he had be repressing sizzled as static rippled through his frame. He stared at the spot where PJ had been for a long minute, arms falling to his sides.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_

The sound of teacups clinking together echoed faintly through the castle’s stone walls.
Crescent stood stiffly in the kitchen, nervously fidgeting with a set of dusty porcelain teacups that looked like they hadn’t seen use since his father declared “hospitality” a waste of time.

How could he ever look so weak in front of his confidant? Especially after suggesting such a ridiculous excuse for him to escape punishment. Grabbing the sponge which was idly waiting to be used he scrubbed off any imperfections and residue left on the cups.

"I can taste your negativity from here, son." Nightmare made their presence known with their deep gravelly voice, leaning against the entrance with his arms crossed, eye narrowing as they inspected Crescent.

"I can handle it," Crescent muttered, his voice tight, betraying the nervous beats of his SOUL. He was careful when he turned his head to look at his father. Staring at the air above their head instead of the glowing eyelight which collapsed any semblance of confidence he held.

From somewhere in the living room, which was a few steps away from the kitchen and dining hall, was the sound of a portal opening. It was an unfamiliar sound compared to what Crescent was used to, this portal was more glitchy and more akin to what a broken computer would make.

The unfamiliarity must have put his father on edge since Nightmare had taken a step forward into the kitchen as if to retreat before catching himself and remaining in the awkward pose of moving forward. Like he was waiting.

Grabbing a cloth to wipe off the excess water from the teapot, Crescent noticed a shadow approaching the kitchen. It was short and stubby like a certain someone he knew.

"Cres! There you are!" PJ's voice was filled with excitement as they rushed to their friend.

Awkwardly hugging Crescent by his side since his hands were occupied PaperJam's eyes wandered across the kitchen before landing on a brooding darkness in the corner. How had they not noticed it yet? The shadow looked a little like their friend and looked just as sad so they made an assumption.

"Oh! You must be Crescent's Dad! Hello sir," They addressed respectfully, thanks to Crescent's lessons on etiquette which he pointed out they lacked.

There was a beat of awkward silence only interrupted by the squeaking of cloth against porcelain.

Another shadow appeared by the doorway, way taller than PJ but just an inch shorter than Nightmare.

"Huff... PaaPerJAm whAt dID I saY aBOut rUnNINg inDOORS?" That voice, a familiar sound yet so ruthlessly out of reach as it trudged into the kitchen despite the exhaustion that etched through its tone.

"Error..." Nightmare's voice dropped to a solemn plea, like they were looking at their god and pleading for redemption.

But, what was a god to do when being faced with such a pitiful face versus the consequences of forgiving again. Error only allowed his gaze to linger for a moment longer before turning back to his child which was eagerly pulling their friend forward.

"Ahem... T-Thank you for coming to my..." What in the hell was this supposed to be again? It was meant to be a short meeting to delay his punishment then it turned into a tea party or playdate or whatever thanks to PJ..

"We are going to have the best time ever on this playdate! I'll help you pour the tea and everything!" PaperJam was quick to interrupt his thoughts, seriously how do they always do that, Crescent was dragged out of the kitchen by PJ which left the adults behind.

"Don't. Do NoT m@KE iT aNYmoR3 AwkWard."

"I see..."

_-_-_-_-_-_-_

The clacking of porcelain filled the rather big dining hall which looked like it could 50 people if you only counted the seats at the table. Shock had long passed by Error at the sight but PJ thought differently as they were quickly intrigued by the medieval architecture of the inside.

"Papa, look! Even the flowers are fancy!" PaperJam whispered into his ear as they pointed at the nice vase housing a bouquet of lavenders. Something in Error halted in recognition.

He remembered, the first time he gave Nightmare something. It was lavenders.

"PJ, weren't you going to help me set up?

"Eek! Coming!"

Without waiting, Error took a seat near where PJ and Cres were stationed in case his child needed assistance and refused to tell him. He has read about a child not asking their parent for help out of fear of being reprimanded or something... Was he being too harsh on PJ? Maybe he should stop calling them a brat all the time and actually show he cared, or was he too lenient?

Compared to the way other skeletons had handled their baby bones he felt he was being too soft but he didn't want to be so strict either. It was such a difficult thing, balance. No wonder it took ages to achieve it and it had to be earned by courting the destroyer of worlds—

The loud childish gasp that came from his left made him leap away from whatever horrible thoughts he was having. Whipping his head to the side his eyes immediately wandered over PJ to check for injuries, what if his child got burnt by the tea while pouring it, maybe a glass broke while setting the table, so many things could be going wrong.

Then, he noticed the dark liquid of tea fall off the table and realised it was not his child who was scared out of their wits.

"Oh no..."

It was a whisper, no, not even a whisper. It was like the wind was trying to make itself known for the first time to no success. The first instinctual thing Error did was grab the pot and move it away so it didn't spill anymore.

"OH No iNdEed, wHaT hAPpenD?" He spoke in a soft and slightly honeyed tone, at least as much as he could muster.

"Uh, the tea spilled..." A squeak was all he could hear but he simply shrugged it off as childish shyness.

"aLrigGt, I aM A bIT olD sSO 1 nEed You to hElP me cLeAN tH3 meSS oN T5E fL00R." Error promptly grabbed a few tissues and gave them to Crescent to wipe up the small puddle that had formed on the floor. The tension in the air was palpable and Error could guess who it came from, at least things relax a little thanks to his child laughing at his age.

Snapping out of his daze Cres was quick to begin wiping the floor, seemingly happy to receive this rather than yelling but Error couldn't be so quick to judge. Luckily, he raised an adorably sweet kid who assisted Cres in cleaning.

Glancing at the supposed suspect who was causing such discomfort in the child with marks on his face he realised their eyes had met awkwardly and now, his glare that he was going to shoot quietly was gone. Brushing off the pang of annoyance he noticed the glint in Nightmare's eyes was something akin to admiration, seems like the ship has found its land but he wasn't even close to such a thing, at best he is a simple pile of sand.

"We're done Papa!" A cheerful smile from his kid was just what he needed.

Patting PJ's head he opened up a small portal to throw the trash into the bin located in the kitchen. It took a bit of effort to get the kids seated and convince them he could handle the teas pouring from now on, it was especially difficult to convince Crescent, he went on about how he was the host so he should do it. Like parent like child. Error was spared more of their back-and-forth thanks to PJ dragging Cres away obliviously.

"I hadn't expected such a domestic side to you." Nightmare said, taking the cup Error had served them last.

"PpeOpLE chAnggg3."

"So why do you still look at me with such distain?"

And just like that, things became tense again. He really didn't want to fight in front of the kids but Nightmare didn't want to back down, did he?

"Oh Em Gee!! Cres, I almost forgot to give you your 'brella!"

Great! The kids were in their own little world now, so he could—

"You used to throw your trash into any UnderFell timeline.." Nightmare tried again, starting with nostalgia rather than an attack right off the bat.

Ah, well, better than before.

"YeAH, u-uSe to. C4n'T beLIevE You rEmeMbeR."

"What changed?"

"Rel4Ti0nSh1ps." He kept his eyes forward, staring at his child who was happily chatting away with their first friend in a very long while. It hurt to see but there was also something sweet about it.

"Does it have something to do with that child's father?"

The answer was clear by the silence that followed between them and the chatter of children bickering about the correct way to hold a teacup. One of them holding it extra fancy and the other holding it by its base, ignoring the handle and grabbing it like a warm mug.