Thank you again Rainbow_Meifwa for another awesome request! I hope you all enjoy and brush your teeth before you cross the road.

Nightmare sat alone in the kitchen, absentmindedly petting Keith- his and Dream's beloved (depressed) pet rock. Dream had gone out on another one of his wacky adventures with his friends: Blueberry and Ink. Nightmare didn't really know them well, but he didn't necessarily dislike them. From what he's heard and partially seen, Blueberry seems to be hyperactive and cheerful- the perfect friend for Dream. He knew Ink a little better. Ink seemed to be a bit calmer and would often share a few words with Nightmare yet he still saw the look of distrust in the artist's eyes. Besides, there was something about Ink that unnerved him- though he had no idea what exactly it was.

"At least I have you to keep me company, Keith." Nightmare mumbled, shifting his focus onto the rock. 

He would often feel overwhelmed with loneliness when Dream was gone. Maybe it was because nobody else would talk to him or because he didn't have Dream's positive aura to mix with his negative aura. Maybe he just simply missed his energetic brother. Hell if he knew. All he knew is that he wanted Dream to return soon. 

Nightmare sighed, glancing at the clock that hung on the wall beside him. It had already been a few hours so surely Dream would be back soon, right? He waited in silence for a moment, hoping to hear the front door being kicked open to signify his brother's return however it never came. Nightmare frowned, continuing to pet Keith almost frantically.

"He'll be home soon." Nightmare reassured himself.

It was another twenty or so minutes before Dream finally returned. Nightmare perked up at the sound of the door being opened and shut, surprised Dream didn't use any force like he usually did. Dismissing the thought, Nightmare stood up from where he'd been sat with Keith and exited the kitchen, trying to suppress the small smile he felt appearing.

"Hey, Dream." Nightmare greeted once he stepped into the living room. He paused, watching as his brother stiffened slightly before turning around and saying "Hello." There was no smile on his face and he seemed disheartened. Nightmare frowned, stepping a bit closer to his brother.

"What's wrong?" He asked, tilting his head slightly.

Dream blinked before trying to smile at his concerned brother. "Nothing, i was just thinking about something." He wasn't lying, his mind had been racing ever since him, Blueberry and Ink had encountered a rude monster in one of the AU's.

"Oh, what were you thinking about?" Nightmare pressed. 

"Nothing important." Dream brushed the topic off, waving his hand dismissively. 

Nightmare frowned, narrowing his eyes slightly. Something was wrong.

"Tell me." Nightmare huffed, folding his arms. Dream felt an unusual bubble of anger surge within him at Nightmare's demand. He clenched his fists.

"I don't have to tell you anything." He replied harshly, glaring at his brother.

Nightmare's eyes widened slightly, stepping back timidly. Dream seemed to suddenly realise what he was doing and softened his gaze, feeling guilty.

"I'm sorry, Night." He mumbled sheepishly. "I'm just feeling tired. I'm going to go lay down for a bit."

Nightmare frowned deeper. This wasn't like Dream at all- he never napped during the day. He remained quiet, watching as his brother turned away and headed towards the stairs, trudging up them. He wanted to follow him and find out what was bothering him yet he didn't want to be a nuisance; the way Dream looked at him just now almost scared him.

Nightmare exhaled, shambling back towards the kitchen. He took a seat at the small dining table once again and resumed petting Keith, lost in thought.

Dream pushed open his bedroom door, closing it behind him and moving towards his bed. He stumbled onto it and laid flat on his back, staring up at the ceiling. His mind kept recalling the rude monster from before. He knew he shouldn't have taken what they'd said seriously, but it made him wonder how others see him. Do all monsters and humans only see him as a childish, immature skeleton? Does Nightmare see him as childish and immature?

He let out a breath of frustration, glaring at nothing in particular. 'Maybe I am just a foolish, irresponsible skeleton.' He pondered, a wave of sadness washing over him. 'I need to start acting responsible. No more silly games.' He told himself, taking a deep breath. 

This was going to be difficult.

He didn't know how much time he'd spent in his room however apparently he spent too long as his brother was knocking on the door, calling his name out and asking if he was alright.  

"Dream?" Nightmare called out, leaning against the door. "Can I please come in?" 

Dream spared the door a glance before opening it with his telekinesis. He didn't expect Nightmare to fall forwards into the room with an 'oof'. He desperately resisted the urge to burst into laughter, keeping a straight face. Nightmare grumbled something into the teal carpet before heaving himself up, dusting down his clothes and approaching Dream worriedly. 

"Are you okay?" He asked, peering down into Dream's dull, golden-yellow eyes.

"Yeah, I just needed a nap." Dream lied. "I feel better now."

Nightmare observed him, not believing it for one second. Dream recognised the look of uncertainty in his brother's eyes and sighed.

"Night, seriously, I'm alright." He tried to reassure.

"If you say so." Nightmare eventually said after a prolonged silence. Dream gave him a small smile, sitting up on the bed and stretching his arms. 

"Let's go downstairs." Night mumbled, grabbing Dream's hand and tugging him up off the bed. Dream tilted his head slightly.

"Oh uh, okay." He answered, surprised at the sudden action. Nightmare's eyes lingered on him for a moment before he turned around and started gently pulling Dream along with him out of the room and down the stairs. 

Nightmare released his grip on Dream's hand when they entered the living room and went to take a seat on the couch, gesturing for his brother to follow. 

"Do you want to watch TV?" He asked, grabbing the remote and holding it out for Dream. The guardian of positivity stared at it for a few seconds before shaking his head 'no.' Nightmare frowned, placing the remote back down on the couch. 

"Well, I was going to read." Nightmare trailed off. "Do you want me to read to you?"

Dream did want that- but is that childish? Shouldn't he be able to read by himself? He felt a headache forming from all of the questions.

"I- yeah." He gave in, taking a seat on the couch besides Nightmare. 'You're being childish, Dream.' He mentally scolded himself.

Nightmare gave him a little smile, nodding as he reached for his book about birds- one which Dream had previously called boring.

"It's the bird book. You don't mind, do you?" Nightmare asked, opening up to the page he bookmarked. Dream glanced at the dull book. 

"I don't mind." He answered, leaning back slightly so he could see the pages. Nightmare nodded and began to read.

Dream loved his soothing voice- it could lull anyone to sleep. Usually he'd be paying close attention to everything Nightmare read out loud yet he found himself thinking back to that mean monster and what it'd said. He frowned, recalling the unwanted memory vividly. He didn't even hear Nightmare stop reading.

Nightmare observed his brother, feeling a tinge of sadness. There was clearly something upsetting him- why wouldn't he tell him? 'Does he not trust me?' he thought to himself, frowning.

"Hey, how about we play a game?" Nightmare suggested, closing his book and placing it back down where he got it from. Dream seemingly awoke from his daze and faced Nightmare, once again feeling guilt creep up his spine. He hadn't been listening to his brother read. 'Childish.' His mind taunted.

"Games are for children." Dream mumbled, feeling the familiar hot sensation of tears forming in his eye-sockets. Nightmare's eyes widened slightly at the odd response. Dream loved playing games- why is it different now?

"Dream, what the hell happened while you were out with Blueberry and Ink?" he interrogated, shifting so that he was completely facing Dream.

"Nothing." Dream stuttered, trying to avoid eye-contact. This only aggravated Nightmare. He let out a low growl, grabbing the sides of Dream's face and forcing him to look at him. Dream let out a quiet whimper.

"Something definitely happened." Nightmare huffed. "It's like a part of you has been taken away and it's driving me crazy."

Dream sniffled, tears gradually forming. Nightmare's hold softened as he noticed them, his previous anger melting away into concern.

"Dream, please." Nightmare whispered shakily. "I just want to help you."

A stray golden-yellow tear slid down Dream's cheek. He loosened, giving in.

"We were in another AU- I can't remember which one, but me and Blue were running around and playing tag." Dream started, voice wavering. "Then I accidentally bumped into a monster I didn't recognise and said sorry, but they were angry and called me and Blue childish and immature skeletons."

Nightmare's gaze softened.

"Blue didn't seem to care about what they'd said, but it made me think about how others view me." He stammered, another tear escaping from his eye-socket. "Do you think I'm childish?"

Nightmare hugged Dream, exhaling softly. He was glad it wasn't anything too serious that happened though still felt sorry for his brother.

"Dream, the child-like wonder you have is a part of who you are." Nightmare mumbled, closing his eyes in the embrace. "I don't want you to act different just because of what someone else said."

More tears began to stream down Dream's face. He shakily returned the embrace, shutting his eyes and smiling.

"Besides, I like the childish Dream- it's not a bad thing. It's cute and I actually enjoy playing with you and listening to your weird rambling about your adventures with Ink and Blue." He soothed softly. "I don't want that Dream to disappear. It's thanks to that Dream that I am actually happy."

Dream sobbed into Nightmare's shoulder, smiling brightly at his brothers words. Nightmare grinned slightly.

"Thank you." Dream managed to choke out, hugging his brother tighter. "I love you with all my heart, brother."

Nightmare blushed slightly, embarrassed. 

"You're welcome, I love you too." He stammered. "With all my heart."

Dream giggled happily. He wouldn't try and change something about him again, thanks to his beloved brother.

--End--

It took me like 2-3 hours to write 1200 words so I was like 'okay, maybe take a break you might be stressed' so I took like a 5 minute break and then wrote about 500 words in under 20 minutes what the hell