Under the Apple Tree - a Crossmare fanfic

Chapter 27 - The Fallen Regent

Enjoy
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"I-Inviting them to dinner?"

"Yes, usually we do invites every so often with these people."
Nightmare responded.
"And it's my turn to invite them.."
He added, sounding annoyed.

'A royal dinner? Shouldn't be so bad, right?'

"Okay, let's do it, my Lord."

Inviting both Reaper, Geno, Error, and Dream over. That isn't so bad. If they do it every so often, then who was Cross to say no. This was for his husband.

                              ••••

"Thank you so much for having us over, your Majesty."

Cross and Nightmare stood at the front of the castle doors. Greeting those who arrived.
Which so happen to be Reaper and Geno first.

"Pleasures a-all ours "
Cross spoke softly.

"Nightmare, if I may, could I have a word?"
Reaper asked.

"Sure. Dearest, take Geno with you. We shall be a moment."

                             ••••

Walking around the castle, the pair began chatting away, not caring to sit down to the dining area just yet.

"D-Do you know what they're talking about?"
Cross asked curiously.

Genos smile faltered for a second before quickly bringing the frown up and pretending to think.

"No, your Grace. I have no idea."
Geno simply told him.

Cross found his body language alittle odd.
'Why is every so secretive these days...?'

Stepping into the garden, the pair continued talking about nothing. Geno taking the scenery in.

"Aren't these the same flowers from the royal Ball?, did you plant these."
The all white skeleton stared in awe.
"Their lovely."

"U-uh, yes, they are! I thought t-they would look pretty in the garden.. so I planted some."
Cross stuttered, he was nervous about this dinner.

Geno looked him over before humming to himself.

"Y'know Cross, you remind me of when I was younger."
Geno stated.

Cross perked up.
"Oh? H-how so?"

"I've noticed a couple of things about you. You're nervous, your stutter, your tone of voice, how you are in a crowd."
Geno sat down at a stone bench in the garden, patting the spot next to him.

Cross timidly sat down beside him.

"I've noticed something triggers you, as well as how you tend to be as close to Lord Nightmare as possible. Almost as if you're scared."

Cross was shocked.

'D-Does he notice my body language, or is it just easy to spot?'
Cross gripped his coat.
'Maybe I should hide it better...'

"It's not bad y'know."

Huh-

"I-Its not?"
Cross asked.

Geno chuckled and shook his head.
"No, in fact, that's why you remind me of myself. See, I was exactly like you when I was younger. Back when I first married Reaper atleast..."

Cross tilted his head confused. What did the other mean?
"What d-do you mean, if you don't mind me a-asking."

Geno sighed.
"It's alright. What I mean is there's a reason they call me "The 'Fallen' Regent", I didn't have a nice past."