Killer's POV

Tic, tock, tic, tock...tic...tock....tic, tock, tic, tock, tic.....

Over and over again, hearing the seconds tick by. Magnus and everyone fell asleep but I am staying awake. I want to be ready if Ghastly and Radier need help or come out with Nightmare. Magnus now laid in Starfire's lap.

Tic, tock, tic, tock...tic...tock....tic, tock, tic, tock, tic.....

The door finally opens. Ghastly walks over, scooping Magnus up and sitting beside Starfire. He instantly fell asleep. Radier peeks out and pulls me into the room. My soul started pounding.

"Dad is stable again, but he is recovering. He isn't awake yet. We gave him the antidotes but his soul has to recover and fight off the lasting effects. Even when he wakes up he may not be the same. Those were strong chemicals that were in his system for a while...."He explains

I nod understanding.

"Now where do you stand? Where do your loyalties lie, Killer?"He asks me

"I am loyal to Nightmare. I stand with him."I say

"But you're friends with the guy who made the poison."He says

"Not for much longer."I say

"Please protect him then. I think it would be best for you to stay with him. Hold him close so he knows you are here for him. He really cares about you. But don't try anything with my father or I'll kill you."He says

"O-Okay."I say

"We'll take him back home and stay there to help keep an eye on him. Palette is already making meals for him."He says

"Palette?"I say

"Oh right, you don't remember the reset much, do you? Nightmare has a nephew, well, a few nephews. They are Palette and Faith. Faith is off searching for our friends, doesn't even know the situation, while Palette is here and helping out. He and Dad were very close, they didn't get along very well with Uncle Dream all the time either. So he is pretty much the nephew dedicated to helping him recover. Stories for another time. You can go to Nightmare."He explains

I smile and nod. He leaves the room. I glance over at the bed to see Nightmare in his passive form, laying there so peacefully. I come over to him, sitting beside him. Almost instantly, his hands start feeling around and grabbing me.

"Hey, Nightmare."I say

I smile forms on his face. I pull him into my lap and grip. He curls up in a ball, nuzzling his head against me.

"I got you, Nightmare. Take your time to recover. But just a warning, you have plenty of people waiting to see you when you do. You wouldn't believe the crowd outside hoping you will be okay. It's huge. And we have plenty to talk about as well. But that's for later. Right now I am here for you and that's all there is to it."I say

He grips one of my hands tightly when I say that.

Then a portal opens. In walks Color. Nightmare's smile disappears. I glare at Color with all the anger boiling in me, holding Nightmare tighter.

"Hey buddy, why haven't you answered my calls to hang out?"Color asks

"I dunno, maybe I don't want to hang out with so-called friends that go behind my back to poison my BEST FRIEND!"I snap

"I dunno what you're talking about."He says

"Don't act stupid! I know what you did! And I don't want to hear lies or excuses!"I tell him

"Fine. I'll admit that I did it. But only because I love you."He says

"DON'T GIVE ME THAT SHIT! YOU do not love me! Cause if you did, you never would've even thought of doing this! You KNOW how I feel for him and how special he is to me! So to go and try to take him from me and everyone, siding with his brother of all people, is not out of love but an attack! That is not love, that is an intention to break people! Physically and mentally! So don't even give me the love excuse! He is holding onto life because of you! His kids nearly lost a dad! My friends nearly lost him and a leader! I nearly lost him because of you! And I won't allow that to pass so easily! I won't let it slide! Get out and don't even think of calling me! I'll reach out to you if I feel like it. But expect me to NEVER see or talk to you AGAIN."I growl

He sees my rage and flees through the portal. It shuts behind him. I smile, looking at Nightmare.

"He's gone, Nightmare. He won't ever hurt you again. That's my promise."I say

He smiles again.

I kiss him softly on the head, then start rocking back and forth to soothe him but also calming myself down. I dozed off with him in my hold.
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Over the next few weeks, I stayed with him and tried to care for him the best I could. I gave him the daily injections that he needed, checked his stats, fed him through an skinny tube to keep his HP up, talked and hugged him to let him know that he's not alone. Ghastly came inside and didn't like how he was still in the clothes he wore when he was being poisoned so he changed Nightmare into different clothes. A cozy little bunny onesie. He had me put on a matching red one. He also changed the stiff bed to a much softer, cozier one for Nightmare. He added bean bag chairs and other places for us to go so Nightmare can sit in more spots when he is recovering.

I'd watch Nightmare squirm, seeming frightened or mutter insulting things about himself or other things. Sometimes he would start crying. I recall all the fears and worries he told me about. I knew the poisons still influenced him and could only imagine what he was seeing or imagining. What he's going through. But every time he insulted himself I wanted to shut him up in any way I could. I wanted to fight against whatever demons he had or tell him how wrong he was but know that he can hardly hear me in those moments. I'd kiss him on the head and that seemed to work. His face would turn a bright purple and he'd hide his face from me though. I found that adorable. He's distancing himself from me but he always made sure to hold my hand anyways. He still trusts and knows I care for him.

One day I got an idea after lacking sleep for days. I am too worried to sleep. He likes music. So one morning I went in to join him. I entered just in time to see him squirm off of the bed. I scoop him up, setting him instead on a bean bag chair to mix things up a bit. Try something different. He's been fighting the poisons on that bed for three months now. Some were starting to wonder if he will ever wake up or if he will leave us and give into the poisons. The only ones who seem to still believe in him are his kids, nephew, Starfire Error, Error's son and I. Error got through a similar situation so he finds no reason Nightmare can't do the same.

"Hey, Nighty. You feeling alright?"I ask

I've gotten away with calling him that. I have him saved as that like he has me as Killsy on his phone but he doesn't know. I'd never say to his conscious face that nickname, though. He isn't into love and that nickname seems too affectionate. Yet he seems to like it when I call him it.

He snuggles closer to me.

"You probably have heard plenty of nasty things, wanna hear something else?"I ask

He nuzzles his head against me in a nodding motion with a grin. I take it as a yes and grin. I set him down, going to shut and lock the door. These walls are luckily sound proof so it ensures that the song will be just for him. I sit down, taking him back into my lap. I play on my phone an instrumental to a song I've heard play before. I wait through the instrumental for the lines I WILL NEVER SING, then begin.

"Our every moment, I start to replay...'Cause now that they're gone..All I hear are the words that I needed to say. When you hurt under the surface..Like troubled water running cold..Well, time can heal but this won't."I sing

He cuddles closer to me.

"So, before you go~! Was there something I could've said to make your heart beat better?
If only I'd have known you had a storm to weather...So, before you go~....Was there something I could've said to make it all stop hurting? It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless!
So, before you go~............"I continue

His breathing picked up, his grip on me loosening and dropping. I hold him tight, scared that everyone else might be right. I pause to ensure he is alright, then continue.

"Our every moment, I start to replay.....But all I can think about is seeing that look on your face.~ When you hurt under the surface like troubled water running cold....Well, time can heal but this won't.....So, before you go~! Was there something I could've said to make your heart beat better? If only I'd have known you had a storm to weather....So, before you go.....Was there something I could've said or done to make it all stop hurting? It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless! So, before you go...."I sing quietly to him

I could feel his soul beating quicker.

"Color....No....."I hear him mutter, starting to tremble

I think for a moment or two. Why was I so naive to trust Color? He clearly had it out for Nightmare and yet I got the genius idea to befirend him! I thought I could be better with him and got so defensive with the warnings! Would this have happened if I saw it sooner?

I loosen my grip.

"Sorry Nightmare...."I whisper

He froze up.

"Would we be better off by now...If I'd let my walls come down? Maybe I guess we'll never know.....You know, you know.........................Before you go.....Was there something I could've said or done to make your heart beat better? If only I'd have known you had a storm to weather....So, before you go....Was there something I could've said or done to make it all stop hurting? It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless....So, before you go...."I finish singing

His arms hung low. I turn off my phone.

"I hope you liked that, Nighty. I miss you."I say softly

"You won't.....lose.......no....take him from me......I....Nnnn...."He mumbles

His face scrunches up as if he is in pain, then relaxes. A smile appears for a short second. I had no clue what was going on. Then he starts to open his eyes.

Ohmystarsohmystarsohmystarsohmystarsohmystars!

He looks down, around, very silent. Then he looks at me.

"Killer?"He says, his voice soft and sweet

He is already breaking into tears.

"I'm here, Nightmare."I say, trying to stay calm so he doesn't get even more upset

That could cause problems with recovery. Gotta be very careful with him just waking up.

"You're okay! You're really okay!"He cheers

"I should be cheering that about you."I say, trying to wipe his tears

His face turns a brighter purple as I wipe his tears, feeling his cheeks softly. He seemed to have so much to say or full of energy but I know we gotta take things slow. Don't want to risk anything with him.

"You don't know what I saw! I have plenty of reasons to have worried about you!"He tells me

"Alright then. I'm just glad you're okay."I say

"Were you the one kissing me on the head?"He asks

"Yes! You shouldn't be saying those things about yourself! I know you better than that and won't allow you to speak so badly about yourself! I don't care what anyone or anything says, I-"I tell him but get cut off

He leaned in and kissed me. HE IS KISSING ME!

My face burns up extremely, probably a bright red by now as he shuts his eyes, continuing it and wrapping his arms around my neck, pulling me deeper into it.

Where did this come from?! What is going on anymore?! D-does he like me? He's actually kissing me! Am I dreaming? Is this real?

I start trying to kiss him back, wrapping my arms around his waist. His face turns a brighter purple and he starts scratching my neck, looking distressed. I stop the kiss and look at him with concern.

"You okay, Nighty?"I ask

His face burns brighter. His face is more purple than a grape now.

"Y-You kissed back....."He says, sounding shocked

"Of course I did."I say

"You love me....?"He asks

I froze, wondering if this is a trap.

"Y-Yes....S-Sorry-"I begin

"I love you too..."He says softly

I look at him, seeing him shyly leaning against me, looking up at me cutely. He seems to realize something and pushes away, turning away from me.

"Y-Your singing was nice and I like the nickname....It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside....."He admits

Even his shy side is cute!

I lean close, resting my head on his shoulder.

"Is that so, Nighty?~"I coo

He jolts, followed by a shiver. He hides his face in his hands, but I heard a muffled squeal.

"Nighty,~ Let me see that adorable face of yours. I've waited so long to see those lovely eyes of yours again.~"I whisper to him

I hear a muffled squeal in response. I wrap my arms around his waist, gently pulling him back into my lap. Steam seemed to be coming off his skull his face was burning so much. He peeks out at me.

"What's wrong with me? I feel so weird.....I only grew weaker."He says

"Nothing is wrong with you, Nighty. You're just recovering and experiencing new things. You are not weak. You proved that by waking up despite the odds with two very strong poisons in you. Everything is going to be okay. I'll be right here every step of the way with you. Nothing will hurt you. Not if I can help it, Nighty."I say

He looks at me, sighing.

"And since when were you so smooth and seductive?"He asks

"You're finding me tempting and attractive? How interesting, Nighty. Lucky for me, I don't have to ask you anything. Cause I know exactly when you got to be so special and cute to me.~"I purr

"H-Huh?"He squeaks

"The moment I met you."I whisper

His face didn't burn much more, I'm not sure if it could. His eyes seemed to twinkle when I said that.

"And yes I mean it. I'd never lie to you, Nightmare."I say

I scoop him up and he squeaks in an adorable way.

"Cute.~"I say

His grip tightens on me.

"What's going on?"He asks

"Plenty of other people are waiting to see you awake."I say, unlocking the door and carrying him through

"I can walk...."He says

"I just don't want you to be trampled."I say

He snuggles closer into my arms.

"MAMA!"I hear a voice shout

Magnus quickly crawls over, excitedly climbing up my leg and into Nighty's arms.

"Mama."He coos softly, cuddling up against him and seeming at peace

Seconds later he is asleep.

"He hasn't slept peacefully since the incident."I say

"Aww, Magnus."He says, gently kissing Magnus on the head.

"Papas?"Ghastly says

"Guess who woke up."I say

He runs over with Radier and Palette, happily hugging us. Then the rest of the kids hear and do the same. Then our friends over here one by one and come over. It was like they were making walls or another ring connecting around each other. The Titans and all the other-multiverse friends made the final ring around us. Dream actually had the nerve to try to come over but the large amount of friends scared him off. Nightmare was shaking, clearly not ready to see him again. Everyone wanted to have a turn to independently have a moment with him and so I allowed, with his permission, them to pass him around. But of course I was watching to make sure nobody hurt or bothered him, especially Cross. Never know when he might push his luck with questions. After a bit he was returned to me with Magnus still in his arms.

Radier gives him a checkup to see what the final results are. He hid his alarm from Nighty, at least he tried to. It was clear to me something bothered him. Once everyone went away, he pulls me aside to tell me some serious news obviously.

"Those poisons took his confidence and basically all of his extroverted qualities and left his introverted qualities or inner demons. Plus side-effects are increased fear or frequent times of being down in the dumps...Probably best he hangs around all of us to regain what he lost. Shino, Gradient and I will work on some code to fix it. But on the worse side, he can't even turn into his other form, it's locked up in firewalls. Another thing to fix with code. And it erased his AU origin so-"He explains

I hear Nightmare scream.

"Other multiverses and worlds will be trying to take him into theirs...Shoot. DAD!"He says

"NIGHTY!"I yell, running to his room

I get in just in time to see a portal among dozens in the room shut. I grab Radier before he runs into one. He catches Magnus before he falls into one.

"Oh my stars, there are so many....What do we do?"I mumble, watching as only more open in his room as if looking to grab Nighty

"CODE 47N PURPLE STAGE 7!"Radier yells

Gradient and Shino run in, bringing Geno and Error with them. Radier explains what happened and they start working with code, trying to identify and locate every portal that opened, is open, or shut here that could've taken him and where they go to. E!Pap comes in and joins in. I get shut out with Magnus while they work. Then I see Dust and Blue go in and never came out. They have some plan as if expecting this to happen. Guess I should play my part. I carry Magnus away and find Ghastly in bed. I have to care for them. I lay beside him and snuggle them to sleep.

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TBC