Chapter 19: The Deal

                                    

                                          
After the events of today, the time finally came for the day to come to a close. From chores in the garden with Horror to finding and gifting the sewing room key to Error, you had done a fair amount for one day
Everybody had gathered and eaten the meal you had once again helped Killer prepare (despite him not allowing you to). Once everyone had finished their dinner, you began gathering dishes to clean.
You never minded doing the housework, after all, it wasn't like you had much else to do. Although the boys had provided you with more entertainment than you could imagine, you never expected them to entertain you constantly, so you found other ways to keep yourself busy.
Strangely, Nightmare had been the only other person to stay back and help with the dishes, leaving the two of you alone...
Nightmare wordlessly took out a teatowel while you started scrubbing the plates and cutlery separately. The silence in the air grew tense as time went on, leaving you with this feeling of unease.
After the day you accidentally eavesdropped on Nightmare and Killer in the library, any moment you were somewhat close to Nightmare had become one of utter worry and fear.
The thoughts of betrayal, and loneliness... It was all you were reminded of when you saw his face. You had hoped that as time went on you would grow used to those thoughts and be less worried about those feelings. However, with the situation you were currently in, you felt nothing but worry....
The longer time went on and nothing happened, the more paranoid you grew.
Something was going to happen you KNEW it would.
But the longer you waited, the heavier a sadness would weigh in the back of your mind...
As these thoughts ran through your head, you watched anxiously as Nightmare dried the plates before stacking them on the counter beside him. 
The sound of the running water faded into background noise as you effectively spaced out into your thoughts. It was only when you realised how loud the silence was between you was, that you figured it might be time to speak up.
Swallowing the lump of fear that was stuck in your throat, you tried to spark a conversation.
"I appreciate the help, Nightmare." Nightmare paused and turned his skull an inch to make eye contact with you.
"However, I am more than happy to do this alone." You reminded, you enjoyed the housework. Regardless, you handed Nightmare the next clean dish for him to dry.
"I do not move without purpose, Y/N..." Nightmare spoke lowly, setting away the cutlery in its respective drawer.
"Everything I do, I do for a reason." He added
You paused, side-eye glaring at Nightmare. Although his expression remained as neutral as possible, something about the nonchalant way he stood set you off. You were scared to ask, however some part of you was deathly curious to know what he was up to. Hesitant, you took in a deep breath and...-
"What do you gain from helping me here, if I may ask?"
Nightmare remained as stoic as before, although you could've sworn you saw a quick smirk on his face.
"Well, if you must know." Nightmare paused, setting down the forks to face you. "I intend to leave this conversation with that lovely tome of yours."
You regret talking...
A sudden weight hung heavy on your soul, words deserting you.
Nightmare couldn't take it from you! No- you WOULDN'T let him take it from you... Not only had that tome been a precious heirloom that was passed down through your family, but you also weren't about to give it up for some monsters fighting a war??