Chapter 3

                                    

                                          
Nightmare's P.O.V.
The moment I opened my eyes, I remembered what I had to prepare for. I sat up in the tree, gripped a stable branch, and let myself down from the Tree of Feelings.
My bony hand reached for my silver pocket watch tucked in my vest pocket. Checking the time: 8:27. I had a few hours to prepare for the picnic. So in the meantime, I read up on my favorite poetry book. 
When it comes to artistic expression, poetry has always held a special place in my heart. There's something about the way words can come together to evoke emotion, paint a picture, or simply convey an idea in a way that prose just can't match. I've dabbled in poetry myself over the years, and while I don't consider myself a master by any means, I find the act of writing it to be incredibly fulfilling.
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about  Ms. Y/N. I can't help but feel drawn to her, and I find myself wanting to do something special for her. That's when the idea hit me - maybe I could write her a poem? Of course, the idea is a bit intimidating. What if she doesn't like it? What if it's not good enough? But at the same time, I feel like it's worth a shot. After all, what's the worst that could happen? I think I may just have to give it a go and see how it turns out.
I reach out to grab my journal, ink, and quill from the nearby table as I hear a loud groan followed by a stretch. It's Dream, who has just woken up from his slumber. He emerges from the midst of the large flora with a burst of energy, his gold-colored cape flowing behind him as he hops out of it. The sunlight streaming through the trees illuminates his face, highlighting his gold crown and sparkling eyes.
"Good morning brother! I was thinking of heading down to the coffee shop to hang out with a few of my friends, care to join?" He asked leaning on the trunk of the tree. 
I shake my skull, "Sorry Dream, but I have stuff planned for today."
Dream had quite a surprised look on his face, "Really now?"
"Mhm,"  I said with a nod. 
Dream stood taller and straightened his vest, "Well, I'll leave you to it, " he started his walk toward the shop. 
"I'll be back by 2:00!" He yelled from a distance. Well, that sure was a perfect time. 
By now it was 9:00. It was time to start setting up for the date. Wait, was it a date? 
My face warmed up at the thought. Looking through some of Dream's stuff, that he's gotten from all his outings, I found a checkered (f/c) and white blanket. Perfect. 
Next, I need some stuff to "set the mood". Looking back I saw an old gramophone, and records to pair; now I know I've struck gold. 
Lastly, the most important part of a picnic: is the food. I'll have to go into town to get that, so I grab a few coins from Dream's stash. I don't think he'll notice for he gets gold just for saying hi to folks. 
Stuffing the currency in my pocket, I head for the town. First I venture off to a grocery store to buy some sandwiches, fruit, and drinks. After that, I go to the bakery to buy muffins. Lastly, to the flower shop. 
I scour for a bit trying to find the perfect bouquet. But what caught my eye socket was radiant (f/c) tulips. Picking up the tulips I head over to the counter and place them on the surface. 
The employee looked at me with an unsure look on her face. 
"Who are you buying these for? Yourself?" She cackled. 
Harshly placing the g on the counter I retort, "Just take the money already." Taking the flowers in hand, my confidence drained a bit. Was this even a good idea? 
Trying to shake off the bad thoughts I trekked on. After checking the time my soul dropped slightly, it was already 11:20. With a newfound panic in my soul, I rushed to the picnic spot. 
Laying out the blanket smoothly I put everything in place. The gramophone was put in a way that the music wouldn't be blasting in our, uh... ears? 
To add a final touch I wrote a small note to go with the flowers. Placing it within the bouquet after I was done. 
Making sure I looked decent I go on to the lovely lady's abode, with the bouquet in my hands. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Y/N's P.O.V.
Starring at the mirror in front of me I pad on some blush onto my cheeks. Gotta look my best for this, uh date? 
Anywho, I exit my bedroom and enter the kitchen to check on the pie I baked for this get-together. Apple pie, who doesn't love the taste of apple pie? Taking the pie from its cooling spot on the window seal. Take a quick look at the grandfather clock in the bedroom hallway: 11:40. 
Nightmare should be arriving soon. As if my thoughts were heard, a knock sounded at my front door. 
Fixing my hat and taking parasol in hand, I go into the kitchen to grab the pie and dishes to go with. 
I open the front door to the sight of a nervous skeleton holding a beautiful bouquet of my favorite flowers. 
"Oh my! These flowers are absolutely lovely! How did you know that (f/c) tulips are my favorite?"
Nightmare scratched the back of his neck, "Oh I didn't, they just looked like you."
As I walked towards him with a freshly baked pie and a set of cutlery in my hands, I noticed him staring at them intently. He then looked up at me and offered to carry them for me. I gratefully handed them over, and he deftly balanced them in his arms. I was left holding a bouquet of bright tulips instead, feeling a little lighter as we began our walk together. 
The sight that greeted me was simply breathtaking! The food was laid out in a way that was not only visually stunning but also highly appetizing. The ambiance of the place was warm and welcoming, and the overall mood was simply delightful.
Nightmare took the pie and set it down in the middle of the blanket, along with the cutlery. Nightmare took my hand and helped me sit on the comfortable blanket. 
I couldn't help but admire the beautiful flowers in my hands. As I gazed at them, I discovered a note nestled between the petals.
It read, " In an infinite flower field, I will always choose you. "
My heart fluttered, had he written this for me? I heard Nightmare setting up the gramophone. The sound of him cranking up the musical box filled my ears. 
As he turned the switch the record began to spin. Gorgeous sounds filled the air. Nightmare joined me in sitting on the blanket and we began to eat our food and conversate.
Time had surely passed, but I was having the time of my life with him. 
We were laid out on the blanket side-by-side, staring at the fluffy clouds above trying to guess their shape. Nightmare had pointed one out stating how it looked like the moon. When one cloud caught my eye, it was kind of ironic. 
My arm outstretched to the sky pointing at it, "That one looks like a heart!"  Nightmare looked at where my hand was pointing. 
"It sure does, sweetheart." At that moment I felt his fingers intertwine with mine. My gaze was directed at his, and we locked eyes. 
The way Nightmare stared at me I just knew how he felt at that moment, and I smiled. A warm feeling bloomed in my chest, just as my favorite song played on the gramophone. It was soft and quite romantic. 
I giggled slightly, "Oh, of course, my favorite song plays at this moment." 
"Well then, care for a dance?"
So of course I said yes, and we swayed to the soft sound of the song. My head rested on his shoulder. His hands gently hold my waist, and mine wrap around his body. 
When the song came to a close, we parted slightly. Nightmare held a soft smile on his face as his hand softly pulled me closer into a kiss.