jack manifold + MD (did i make both these things MUCH worse than they were? yes. bc thats the fun w minecraft lore. its my interpretation baby)

and yeah this is my interpretation of jack's death bc like.. tommy literally did not know that was canon at all AND if u watch the vod he apologizes immediately after soooo T-T

TRIGGER WARNINGS: self-harm, manipulation, derealization, discussions of overdosing, death, implied abuse, gore-ish

HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII I MISSED U GUYS SO MUCH!!! june has been soooo stressful T-T but anyways!! now that ive graduated hs and finished my driving course we'll be getting back to those every 2-4 day updates which im very excited for!! hope u guys like this!!!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

George was tired.

He always was, actually, but this particular fatigue weighed down on him like no other. It wasn’t the sort that made him want to sleep, that made it difficult to keep his eyes open, no; it was a sort of tiredness that he felt throughout his entire body and mind, and it hung over him like a dense cloud. Despite pinching himself repeatedly, and rubbing at his eyes, the fog wouldn’t dissipate, and he found himself trapped within it. He could barely concentrate on the screen, as though his brain was muddled and grey. His limbs were heavy and stiff, and he found that he just couldn’t think straight.

Looking over at Tommy, he wondered if the boy felt it too.

There was something about how the blond carried himself; how his shoulders were hunched, eyes half-lidded and bored, that made George think that maybe he wasn’t alone in whatever plagued him.

Tommy hadn’t looked like that before, however. Despite all the things he couldn’t remember for the life of him, and the obvious details before his face he still managed to miss, George knew for a fact that Tommy had never looked so tired before.

To be honest, George had never been fond of Tommy; and a large part of that might’ve been based on the fact that it always took him time to warm up to someone and that he and Tommy had never really spent time together, but the truth was there.

Sure, Tommy had his little gags; the way he was immediately comfortable around everyone and somehow was completely fine poking fun at someone he’d quite literally just met; and how he couldn’t get enough of the ‘Gogy’ bit.

George had never understood the kid, but he knew Tommy was anything but quiet and reserved.

Maybe that was why he couldn’t quite swallow down the bile at the back of his throat. Maybe it was because he was partially responsible.

He could forgive himself for not seeing the signs; for not seeing Dream’s true colours. He could forgive himself for never really giving a fuck about Tommy to begin with. He could forgive himself for not visiting; for not even thinking about Tommy.

But for some reason he couldn’t forgive himself for not speaking up about his house.

Within mere minutes, it had been rebuilt. Hell, George hadn’t even really cared. Sure, he was a bit annoyed, maybe a bit vengeful, but seeing it there on the screen; seeing that it was a childish prank and the consequences Tommy had suffered because of it, he’d never felt like a bigger dick.

He’d never been the most emotional person. He was actually quite the opposite, but seeing Dream raise his hand towards Tommy, hearing the vile things he spewed, it left a bitter taste in his mouth.

When lies rolled so eloquently off Dream’s tongue; preaching about how nobody cared about Tommy and how he was helping him; and watching Tommy agree, leaning into the gentle deceiving touches, it made George want to keel over.

All because of a house he’d fixed in minutes.

“George?” Karl began, eyes wide with surprise. The people in the room turned to look at him, and he belatedly realized he could feel droplets landing on his lap.

“George you’re… you’re crying.” Quackity whispered, admonished as though he’d never seen anything like it. (He hadn’t, actually. No one but Sapnap and Dream had, and George felt suddenly very vulnerable and stupid.)

George looked up, staring into wide grey eyes. Tommy was watching him quietly, lips drawn into a thin pout. his gaze zeroed in on the cut on Tommy’s nose and the faded freckles on his cheeks, letting out a tiny pathetic laugh.

“I’m sorry.” He rasped out quietly, thankful for the goggles obscuring most of his face.

Tommy quirked a brow as others turned to look at him. He looked left to right, finally coming back to stare at George with a befuddled expression.

“Are you talking to me?” The blond asked, pointing at himself. George laughed again, swallowing back his tears and nodding.

“It was a stupid reason…” George muttered, “I-I’m sorry I didn’t say so back when it was happening. I mean… It was a prank.” He looked up at Tommy, frowning deeply, “and look at what happened because I just went along with whatever Dream said…”

Tommy sucked in a sharp breath, it didn’t take a genius to figure out the man was talking about exile, and many people in the room looked taken aback.

But why wouldn’t they? The amount of times George and Tommy had spoken could be counted on one hand, and none of them had really been ‘positive’. Not only that but George was crying. George who laughed at funerals and didn’t let his friends talk seriously to him because he was scared of fucking things up.

“Dude shut the fuck up.”

George turned, eyes wide, to where Quackity was sitting. The duck hybrid was glaring, wings hiked up angrily.

“There have been so many times in the past where you could have moped around and blamed yourself for shit, and not once did I ever see you do that. You didn’t even cry when you found out we dumped your best friend in prison.” He huffed, “Of everyone involved in exile you’re probably the last one who should feel guilty, and don’t go feeling special cause it was your house; Tommy could have chosen anyone. And even if you had said something, by the next morning someone else’s house would probably have been robbed or something because we all know Tommy can’t help but get himself into shit.” Quackity sighed, running a hand down his face.

“Cut yourself from the equation, George. Dream wasn’t counting on you staying silent, he was just counting on Tommy stepping out of line.”

George was quiet, silently taking in the statement. He looked up after a few moments.

“So you don’t blame me?” He asked.

“Gogs,” Tommy butted in, staring the older man down, “I mean this in the nicest way possible, but this has nothing to do with you.”

The man in goggles let out a tiny exasperated laugh a few moments later, running a hand through his hair and slumping back in his seat. He looked over at the blond. “Sorry for that too then, I guess.” He muttered quietly, wiping away the tear residue on his cheeks. Tommy let out a loud bark of laughter.

“Leave it to George to make everythingggg about himself.” Sapnap rolled his eyes, a ghost of a smile on his face.

“I wasn’t- You know I-” George’s face grew red, “shut up Sapnap!” he hissed, sinking into his seat in shame. The room erupted into laughter. Because apparently that’s what they did at that point. They made the best out of the worst situations.

As the laughter faded George thought quietly to himself. He didn’t know why he did that. He didn’t know why he’d begun to cry of all things. He could tell you without hesitation that he wasn’t an emotional guy and that he really didn’t cry without good reason.

But maybe Tommy just did that to people.

Because watching it all unfold, George was floored by how good the kid was. How considerate he was of his older brother, how he’d come into Wilbur’s room, begging him to eat, how he’d stuck with Wilbur to end because he’d loved him, how he’d fought so fiercely in the pit to get back at Techno for Tubbo, how much he cared about L’Manberg and its citizens, how he’d given up the discs for the country, how he’d given a second life in one day for the nation, how he’d taken the full blame for exile, how he didn’t even have the heart to blame most of them for not showing up to visit.

George was starting to realize that Tommy, despite his rashness and bold behaviour, and behind his angry exterior, was a loving and giving child. Instead of the selfish and reserved little kid he’d considered him as.

Maybe that was why George felt so guilty. Because even if you’d played the smallest part in something as severe as exile, the place and time where Dream had broken Tommy, you’d carry the brunt of it on your shoulders too.

George didn’t want to see Tommy hurting anymore.

Unluckily enough for him, the screen started up once more.

He sighed, trying to prepare himself for whatever he was about to see, but in truth there would never be a way to ready yourself for the things they saw on that wretched monitor.

Tommy let out a tiny huff, wiping at the sweat on his brow. The reddish glow of the nether hung low on his skin, painting him a deep tan where in the sun he would have looked nearly transparent. Lava bubbled below him, the heat wafting up and clogging his pores. Ghasts screeched in the distance, singing their said songs.

“I’ve always thought the Nether was creepy…” Ranboo noted, staring at the screen with uncertainty.

“You’re from the End. Don’t speak on ‘creepy’.” Sapnap replied defensively.

His pupils were contracted, bags hanging heavy underneath his eyes and making him look half deranged in the low light. He was smiling shakily as he dug into the side of a large wall of netherack, humming the tune of Chirp quietly to himself. Cuts littered his skin, and there were finger shaped bruises around his wrists and forearms.

Everyone tried to ignore the elephant in the room, making an effort to move past it. They already knew what had happened in exile, there was no point in dwelling on it; especially not when Tommy so adamantly refused to speak on it.

Despite the fact that it was so uncomfortable to see, as well as painful, they chose not to comment on it.

Things were sure to get better soon.

Far behind him, a red and blue figure was approaching.

“Tommy!” Jack cried out, stepping over a large gap in the netherack, “Oi!”

Jack froze, eyes going wide. His heart rate picked up almost instantly.

He knew exactly what was about to happen.

Tommy didn’t seem to notice, completely in a daze, still grinning in a haze, head swaying back and forth as he hummed.

Jack seemed slightly amused, huffing out a bit of a breathless laugh. “Are you trying to ignore me, yeah?” He joked, moving closer.

Turn around. Jack hissed in his own head, willing his past self to back away. A part of him was surprised the scene had even been considered important enough to be added, that he had even been considered important enough to be added, and another part of him was actually quite glad the others were going to see.

He was tired of feeling like his anger wasn’t justified. It was. He was allowed to hate Tommy if he wanted to. Tommy had killed him and never even said sorry, never even apologized.

Still, Tommy said nothing, completely oblivious and immersed in his mining.

The older man was finally close enough, brow cocked in confusion at the lack of response. He frowned, watching the way Tommy completely ignored him, back turned.

Everyone else seemed mildly intrigued, not knowing what was about to come.

Tommy was cringing, but he didn’t seem all that upset. Which was… upsetting in itself. He seemed embarrassed, sure, but where was his guilt? His grief? Why didn’t he care?

Jack found himself getting all the more angry.

“Hey,” He started, “I’m talking to you, prick.” He placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder.

Tommy seized up immediately, pupils growing even smaller and eyes widening in fear. His whole body tensed as he whirled around, shoving Jack back with all his might.

Jack knew he should have looked away there. He knew he should have turned around and avoided watching his own death.

But he had to see.

The issue, however, was that they were on a ledge.

Jack’s laidback expression quickly morphed to that of shock as he lost his footing, flying into the air, plummeting below.

A large grin spread over Tommy’s face as he watched the man fall.

The tension in the room grew quickly, and almost everyone was on the edge of their seats, shocked.

Puffy looked the most taken aback, eyes wide.

Tommy recoiled at the manic look on his face.

If Jack screamed, whether in agony or fear, it wasn’t heard. There was nothing but the sight and sound of him hitting the lava and slowly sinking below its current, all while staring Tommy in the eyes.

Just like that, Jack was gone. He’d been swallowed by the magma, and it looked as if he’d never been there to begin with.

For a long, drawn out moment, Tommy only stared, falling to his knees and continuing to smile eerily.

And there was silence in the room, as everyone stared at Jack. Because what was there even to say to something like that?

The man shook, with rage or fear or panic well… he wasn’t entirely sure. The memory was replaying once again in the back of his mind, over and over and over.

What he was sure of, however, was that all eyes were on him. All these people were looking at him… And they looked like they actually cared.

So he spoke.

“Do any of you know what it feels like to fall head first into lava?” He murmured, scanning the group, voice barely above a whisper. His fists were clenched tightly at his side, and he could swear that despite the constant chill of death that he was burning.

Niki was silent at his side, tears streaming down her face as she stared at him sadly.

No one replied, and so he continued.

“You know how- how it gets harder to breathe in the Nether?” He pulled loosely at the collar of his sweater, “Well it’s a bit like that. The closer you get to the lava the more your lungs fill up with that noxious gas. You- You can’t breathe. And it evaporates everything in your body just like that.” He took a shaky breath.

Phil looked less disturbed than the others, but he seemed to be a bit apathetic to things that didn’t involve his children, so Jack didn’t really think much of it. Of course that meant Technoblade looked less than intrigued, but honestly he was even worse than Phil so that didn’t matter much either.

“And then you hit the lava.” Jack swallowed back bile, “and it’s not like hitting water, no, because lava is dense, like a fucking rock. Your bones break, they- they shatter and if you’re still alive by that point because maybe you were stupid enough to wear netherite in the Nether or something along those lines, you have to feel the heat of it.”

Sapnap seemed a bit taken aback, but perhaps that was what happened when you explained what lava did to someone who wasn’t born in it to a blazeborn. Beside him, Karl was staring in horror.

“And slowly,” Jack muttered, “slowly, your body turns to ash as you sink.”

There was silence, and no one dared to speak, and that surprised him; because when was the last time there’d been genuine contemplative silence after he spoke? When was the last time that someone had cared about what he had to say?

What surprised Jack the most, however, was the expression on Tommy’s face.

The blond looked positively nauseous, ready to keel over. His face was even paler than before, and his wide eyes were staring holes into Jack’s soul.

“...How do you know that?” Tommy whispered, something indecipherable in his tone. He looked… terrified.

“What the fuck do you mean ‘how do I know that’?” Jack grit his teeth, growing slightly defensive, “you just fucking watched me go through it!” He gestured at the screen.

Tommy swallowed thickly, shaking his head and furrowing his brow. “No…” He muttered, looking down at the ground in fear before staring back up and levelling Jack with a hard glare, “you’re- you’re lying! You have to be! You had fire resistance!”

“Who the fuck told you that!?”

“You did!” Tommy cried back, fists clenched tightly.

“When!?” Jack demanded, completely lost, “When on earth did I bloody say that!?”

“Directly after this!” Tommy pointed angrily at the screen, “Don’t- Don’t lie to me Jack I’ve had enough of that shit, okay? Don’t you fuckin… don’t do this to me !” He cursed, but the end of his line broke into a pained laugh.

Jack narrowed his eyes, ready to refute, when Puffy raised a hand.

“Watch.” She instructed firmly, “It’ll explain whatever the hell’s going on here.” And even she seemed to be unsure, a bit shaky in her ways and a weariness in her tone.

Tommy, apparently, had no problem turning back, because he seemed so sure that whatever was next would prove his point, but it was taking everything within Jack not to stand up and start screaming.

This was why he hated Tommy. Because Tommy didn’t fucking listen. He never said sorry, he killed him and never said sorry, and still had a rebuttal! Why did he look so fucking pathetic and scared when it was Jack who had died? Why was he making it about himself?

Still, Jack forced himself to clamp his mouth shut, staring forward at the screen.

And then Tommy began to laugh.

Loud and ugly laughter bubbled up from inside him, coming out in short bursts as he cackled and gasped for air. His hands, battered and bloody, came to grip at his face, pulling down and scratching at his pale skin. Large gashes opened up, rivulets of blood dripping down his chin.

Tubbo and Ranboo alike recoiled at the action, and Tommy only glared angrily at the screen.

He choked and gurgled on his own spit, pressing his forehead down into the hot netherack and screeching with laughter.

Jack paused, completely taken aback by the reaction.

He’d seen Tommy’s smile, yes, and assumed there was laughter afterwards. But not this sort. He’d thought Tommy would have laughed like usual and called him dumb, not do whatever this was.

It was actually extremely jarring to watch, and Jack felt highly uncomfortable at the whole thing.

And just as soon as it started up, he stopped; going completely and utterly silent.

Phil sent a concerned glance towards his youngest, looking physically ill.

A loud silence hung in the air. Tommy crawled over to the edge and stared down at where Jack had been just moments before, smile falling from his face. Blood dripped and dropped onto the ground, hissing and evaporating as it did, leaving a metallic smell behind.

It was fucking gruesome, and Karl gagged quietly, looking away.

“…Why did I do that?” He whispered into the open air, hands coming up to curl around his arms. He hugged himself tightly, looking as though he was about to be sick. “Did I? Did I just do that?”

Jack frowned skeptically; if Tommy was so concerned then why hadn’t there been an apology?

“There’s no way.” He muttered, staring down, “I didn’t- I didn’t mean to…”

“Yeah okay,” Jack snorted, “you ‘didn’t mean’ to push me into the lava. Sure.”

Tommy was silent for what felt like eons, staring quietly at him.

“You snuck up on me.” The blond said quietly, point blank, “I thought you were Dream.”

Jack was quiet, eyes widening by just a fraction before he levelled Tommy with a scowl. “Whatever.”

Wordlessly, he stood. He clumsily gathered himself and all but bolted in the direction of the portal, blood and tears mixing as he panted.

When he made it to the overworld it was quiet. Save for the wind rustling in the branches of the old trees and the birds chirping. The sun was setting, a golden light splaying out onto his face.

Tommy began to pace, muttering quietly to himself and chewing his bottom lip raw, blood staining his teeth as he did. He subconsciously began to pick at the scabs on his arms, breathing quickly elevating once more.

Puffy frowned, heart aching for the boy but also worrying for Jack. She wasn’t exactly sure what was going on.

“Why did I do that?” He whined, hugging himself tighter, “That wasn’t… That couldn’t have been real.”

Jack glared at the screen, trying to ignore the tugging at his chest, trying to ignore that the reason he’d been so upset in the first place was that he’d thought Tommy hadn’t cared. But it didn’t matter, did it? Because even if Tommy did care that much, he’d never apologized.

He paused, staring back into the portal, eyes murky and distant, before snapping back to reality.

“No no no no….” Tears pricked at the corner of his eyes, “No I don’t… No… It- It has to be my head messing with me again or- or…”

He hunched in on himself, still mumbling incoherent things to himself, when there was the sound of a twig breaking to his left. His head perked up, eyes wide and bloodshot, and he let his arms fall to his side.

The tension in the room picked up, and even Jack, despite his avid anger towards Tommy, felt himself worrying that Dream had entered the scene.

If there was one shared opinion in the room, it was that they all hated Dream.

“Hello?” He called out shakily, scanning the trees, “Dream…?”

“Tommy?” A voice that was absolutely not Dream’s called back. Tommy stiffened, mouth clamping shut.

Jack went very still, narrowing his eyes at the screen.

Jack poked his head out from behind a tree, slowly making his way out until he was completely visible. He looked slightly disheveled, but nothing else seemed to be out of the ordinary.

Tommy blanched almost instantly. “...Jack?” He whispered, voice cracking and eyes glassy. “Jack is that- is that you?”

Jack shifted uncomfortably in his seat, staring dumbfounded.

“Well who else would I be, dickhead?” Jack rolled his eyes.

It sounded just like him.

“No but- but I pushed you. I- I killed you!” Tommy stammered, brows furrowed.

Jack paused for a moment, looking the boy up and down. The stripes on his hoodie were in the wrong order.

It was… It was him but wrong. Just in little ways. Like how the freckle under his chin wasn’t there, or how his eyes were perfectly even despite the fact that his own were actually slightly slanted towards the left, or how the small scratch in his left lens was missing.

All little things Tommy had never noticed. All little things Jack knew too well.

“I had fire res.” He decided on finally, looking unperturbed, “but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a total dick move.” He hissed, noticing the tension loosening in Tommy’s form.

Oh. An uncertain weight settled in Jack’s stomach, and he grit his teeth. Tommy looked slightly triumphant, but more than anything, he looked saddened.

“I’m sorry,” Tommy replied at once, “I am so so sorry. You- you just startled me man, and I’ve been alone with Dream for so long that I- I just…” He sighed, rubbing at his aching temple. “...I’m sorry, Jack. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Jack sucked in a sharp breath, feeling something prick at his eyes. He cursed silently, removing his glasses to wipe at them.

All he’d ever wanted was an apology. All he’d ever wanted was for Tommy to care.

“It’s not fair,” he shook his head, laughing bitterly as he looked down, “It’s not fair!”

Puffy frowned deeply, reaching out a tentative hand. “Jack…”

“Because now I don’t-” he choked on his words, ignoring the looks he was getting as he glared at Tommy, “I don’t get to be mad at you anymore!”

Tommy blinked, furrowing his brow. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“You apologized!” Jack all but screamed, voice cracking, “you- I mean- that never happened, Tommy!”

The blond blanched, eyes widening. “...What?” He whispered.

“That wasn’t real.” Jack hissed, “I died, Tommy! You imagined that entire conversation!”

Tommy looked appalled, sweating profusely and shaking his head. No. No. No. No.

“But I don’t get to be mad because… because you did apologize to me, you just didn’t apologize to me!”

“Jack, that's enough.” Puffy stood abruptly, a sour look on her face. She spared a single glance to where Tommy was sitting, the boy looking close to throwing up, and then focused all her attention on the older man.

“What we just saw does not mean you don’t get to be angry, Jack.” She frowned, tilting her head at him sadly, “what you went through was traumatic, and whether or not Tommy meant to doesn’t change the fact that he did it.”

Tommy flinched slightly at the words, muttering more incoherent things to himself.

Jack swallowed thickly, staring up at her. “...But he- he apologized,” he managed, barely getting his voice above a whisper, “I spent so long being so mad that he never apologized but he did Puffy. He cared.”

“Jack…” Puffy murmured, looking pained, “is that really all you ever wanted?”

He stared at her for a moment, unmoving, before cursing quietly as he began to cry softly. He placed his head in his hands, shoulders shaking.

‘Switch spots with me’ Puffy mouthed to Niki. The pink haired girl sniffled, nodding and standing from her seat as the two made an awkward shuffle to exchange places.

Puffy seated herself down, turning slightly so that she was facing Jack. She frowned deeply, tearing up herself as she watched him cry.

“Jack, honey,” she began, “you deserve so much more than just to be acknowledged, okay?” She shifted slightly closer, staring sadly. He whined quietly into his hands, wiping at his tears desperately.

“I- I’m just so tired of being alone, Puffy.” He choked out, “and I don’t want to be angry anymore. I’m tired.”

Everyone else was quiet, silently eavesdropping. What else was there to do but listen?

Puffy hummed quietly, not replying as he continued to cry. She couldn’t help but be reminded of someone else at his words.

Tommy peered at them quietly, wide grey eyes staring them down. Jack sniffled loudly, raising his head and meeting the gaze almost immediately. He scowled.

“I’m sorry,” Tommy blurted out, heart practically beating out of his chest, “Jack I am so so so so so-”

“Stop it,” Jack hissed, eyes narrowed, “I know you’re sorry. That’s the issue.”

“No but I’m really truly sorry, Jack.” Tommy pressed, “like- like I don’t know how to show you I mean it I mean I- I killed you-”

“Stop it!” Jack cried, affronted, “step one to not pissing me off more would be not bring up the fact that you fucking killed me, yeah!?”

Tommy nodded enthusiastically, mouth clamped shut. Jack sighed, running a hand over his face.

“For fuck’s sake…” He muttered.

When he looked back over, Tommy was still staring at him.

“Look,” He began, flexing his hands out, “I’m… Well like- Ugh! I just… I didn’t know it was an accident… and I didn’t know you apologized, or at least tried to apologize.” He pursed his lips, “I guess I never thought about what I’d say to your apology cause I never thought you’d actually y’know… do it.”

“But I did.” The blond pointed out.

“But you did.” Jack affirmed, nodding. “But… I think- I think I’m still angry at you.”

There was a long, drawn out silence, and for a moment everyone in the room feared that Tommy was going to break out into a loud bitter spiel.

“Okay.”

Jack nearly did a double take, furrowing his brow and leaning forwards as he stared across the rows. “...What?”

“Look Jack,” Tommy sighed, “if there’s one thing I know, it’s being angry. And if you did to me what I did to you, I would be fuckin pissed.” He huffed, “I’d probably like… try to kill you or something!”

Jack laughed nervously.

“So like, what I’m saying is that I- I get it.” the blond muttered, cheeks growing slightly red, “it’s understandable or whatever.”

Jack stared, mouth agape for just a moment, before he smiled softly. “Thanks, Tom.” He said softly, feeling a warmth in his chest he hadn’t felt in a long time.

“Maybe after some time you guys can go back to being friends!” Tubbo chimed in, grinning wide.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Tubs.” Tommy made a face, “He’s still,” he gestured vaguely in Jack’s direction, “Jack Manifold, y’know?”

Jack scowled.

“Does everything nice you say have to be followed by something dickish?” He demanded, glaring. Tommy didn’t reply, only laughing loudly.

And normally, that was where Jack would’ve gotten angry. He probably would’ve thrown a fit or, well, pushed his rage down, saving it for later. But after the conversation he’d just had, it suddenly felt as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

He was still angry, of course, and the flames of the Nether would never quite stop in their desperate attempts to swallow him once more, but he felt lighter.

He felt better than he had in a very long time.

Jack looked him up and down, not saying a word.

“Whatever. Just be more careful next time.” He muttered.

Tommy beamed as the screen went dark.

“Wow, Hallucifold really let you off the hook, huh?” Fundy noted.

“That’s how you know he’s not me…” Jack muttered, rolling his eyes.

It was midday in Logstedshire, the sun beating down as the grass blew gently in the breeze. Flowers littered the fields, the blood of the cattle and other animals finally having been washed away from the rain.

Things were looking better.

Dream was standing still next to Tnret, as though he was waiting for something. He wore his usual full set of Netherite armour, tapping his foot expectantly.

The people in the room recoiled at the sight of the man. Tubbo and Ranboo alike grew defensive at the sight of the man, looking over at Tommy who seemed to be… staring almost fondly at the screen.

The two older teens shared a concerned glance.

Tommy laughed loudly as he came into view, walking up the path. Despite his faded colours, the blond hair and red shirt were unmistakable. Beside him was a man who looked eerily similar to Dream. He was shorter in stature, but he wore the same outfit. His mask, however, was painted to look like the Mexican flag, and his hair was a dark almost black where Dream’s was a light brown.

“Uhhhh, who the fuck is that?” Quackity questioned, staring at the screen with wide eyes.

“You’ve never met Mexican Dream?” George asked, leaning over.

“Uh… No?” The duck hybrid shook his head.

“Well he’s great!” Sapnap butted in, smiling wide, “kinda weird sometimes but I think you guys would get along! We should introduce you to him!”

“Haven’t seen him in a while though…” Karl hummed, deep in thought.

Tommy swallowed thickly, feeling bile rise in his throat. He remained silent.

For some reason, Tommy didn’t seem to pay Dream any mind, more focused on the man beside him. Whatever he’d said had the blond in a fit of laughter, clutching his stomach.

Dream shifted at the sight of the newcomer, quickly making his way down to greet them.

“Tommy!” He cried out, approaching the duo.

Sam glared, shoulders hiking up.

Leave. Stay away from him.

Tommy almost instantly tensed, the smile falling from his face before he plastered it right back up, shooting Dream a shaky grin. The third man looked down at him, though his expression was unreadable due to the mask.

“H-Hey Dream!” The youngest greeted, making tiny finger guns. “What’s up Big D?”

Phil sneered at the screen, looking over to his youngest.

Dream didn’t reply, looking over at the other man.

“What’s going on here?” He asked, looking between the two.

“This is Mexican Dream!” Tommy grinned wide, gesturing to the man, Mexican Dream, “MD for short!” He spared Dream a glance, “kinda funny that he’s got ‘Dream’ in his name, huh? Would you two happen to be long lost brothers or something?”

MD was silent, staring at Dream blankly.

“I don’t think they like each other very much.” Niki noted.

“Nah, they fought a lot a while back.” Sapnap nodded.

“Okay seriously where the fuck was I during this?” Quackity demanded.

“We’re… acquainted.” Dream managed, curling and uncurling his fists at his side.

“Well that’s great then!” Tommy grinned wide, “You two already know each other! Because Dream my man, this dude here, my pal MD? He’s ‘omeless.”

“Could have stayed in El Rapids…” Karl muttered, pouting slightly.

Quackity tensed at the mention, looking over at his fiance with narrowed eyes, though it went unnoticed.

“It’s true,” MD nodded, “So sad, man.”

Dream said nothing, only staring.

“So I was like,” Tommy waved his hand around in the air vaguely, “figuring I could maybe build him a place here?” He paused, “If it’s okay with you, of course!” He added in a slight panic.

Puffy glared, crossing her arms. As if Dream had any jurisdiction over Logstedshire; over Tommy.

The tallest of the three looked MD up and down, and then looked over at Tommy. He sighed. “I guess there’s no issue with it…” He agreed, “and I do want you to have more friends.”

“Well he’s definitely lying there,” Techno hummed.

“Yes!” Tommy cried excitedly, jumping in the air. As he landed he winced slightly, putting pressure on his ribs for just a moment before lighting back up. He made a beeline for the left field, gesturing for MD to follow.

Ranboo’s heart twisted slightly at the action, not liking the way Tommy seemed to be injured. Especially somewhere as delicate and painful as his ribcage.

Dream watched them quietly as they did, gaze never leaving the two.

When they were finally out of earshot, Tommy did a little spin in the grass. He kicked up some dirt before pointing to a flat space on the ground and beginning to ramble about what sort of shack they were going to build.

Quackity smiled fondly at the baseless chatter, though when he looked over at his Tommy, the smile vanished.

Tommy was staring wide eyed at the screen, brows furrowed as though he was in pain.

MD, however, seemed more focused on what was behind them. He interrupted Tommy, grabbing the boy by the wrist only to instantly let go when the blond flinched violently. Underneath his mask he frowned.

Phil’s heart broke in two at the sight, and he spared another glance towards Tommy. He wanted nothing more than to rush over and scoop up his son, to hold him tight and never let go, but he knew it was out of the question.

Tommy tried to play it off, laughing awkwardly. “What’s on your mind, Big M?”

“Is he like your fuckin Dad or something?” MD whispered quietly, staring over at Dream.

The avian went still, gritting his teeth and clenching his fists as he watched.

“What?” Tommy blinked in surprise, “No! No no no no…” He looked to be deep in thought for a moment before he returned, “he’s like… borderline my owner, I guess.” He shrugged, seemingly unbothered.

“Tommy!” Ranboo cried, eyes wide as he swiveled in his seat, getting a good look at the blond. Everyone else in the room seemed equally as shocked and appalled.

Tommy laughed nervously, giving the enderman hybrid an awkward grin. “Ello Ranboo.”

“Tommy…” Ranboo began quietly, “how could you say that? Did you- do you actually believe that?”

“Well… yeah?” The blond huffed out a laugh, “I don’t see what the big deal is, I was just stating facts- what the hell is wrong with all of you?”

He scanned the room, seeing the wide eyed stares and the tears in their gazes. He scowled.

“Not this pity shit again,” He groaned, “Don’t fuckin look at me like that!” he whined, throwing his head back.

“Tommy it’s not pity it’s- it’s genuine concern.” Sam pressed, brows creased, “you can’t honestly think referring to Dream as your owner is in any way normal, right?”

Tommy was silent, staring at the ground.

“Tommy,” Puffy began softly, “Dream wasn’t your owner, he wasn’t your friend, he was your abu-”

“Woah!” Tommy cut in with a rushed and forced laugh, grinning painfully at them all as he put his hands up, “kinda stepping into territory I told you to stay the fuck out of, yeah?”

“Tommy-”

“LaLaLaLa⁓ Can’t hear youuu⁓”

“Tommy-”

“Oh?” Tommy perked up, looking thoughtfully towards the ceiling, “the magic Drista TV is starting up again? Well we better stop talking and watch! Wouldn’t want to miss that, hmmmmm?” He opened his eyes as wide as he could, staring the older woman down.

Puffy pursed her lips, but let him have his way all the same.

“Uh huh…” Beneath his mask MD narrowed his eyes. He wasn’t quite sure what to say to that statement.

“Anyways, let's get back to work!” Tommy chirped, chipper as ever, “I want you to have somewhere cozy to sleep tonight!”

The nonchalance towards the fact that he’d just referred to Dream as his owner of all things put almost all of them on edge.

Their chatter faded into the background as they worked, Tommy gesturing wildly into the air and getting offended when MD made playful jabs at him.

Up on the hill, Dream watched over them quietly.

“Fucking creep…” Fundy muttered, arms crossed. Tommy laughed loudly.

“Well this Mexican Dream fellow seems nice.” Phil nodded, not seeing the way his youngest instantly paled.

“Darkness cannot exist without light.” Karl added.

“Are you trying to imply that this Mexican Dream guy is the Anti-Dream?” Techno cocked a brow.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” The time traveller grinned.

Wordlessly, the scene on the screen shifted, and they all turned their attention towards it.

It was dark outside, the tiny shack Tommy had built for his friend being lit by a single lantern in the middle of the floor. The two were both on the ground, sitting on the wooden floorboards, legs crossed. The crickets chirped just outside the walls.

Karl smiled at the domestic scene, feeling a bit of hope blossom in his chest.

Mexican Dream was a good guy; he’d keepy Tommy safe.

“No no no,” MD shook his head, “you gotta fold it like this.” He held out a tiny piece of pink paper, bringing it into the light of the lantern.

“Like this?” Tommy questioned, sticking out his tongue slightly as he folded his own blue paper completely wrong.

“Are you guys doing origami?” Tubbo tilted his head.

Tommy laughed sadly, nodding his head. “Yeah, MD had a shit ton of origami paper on him. Said it calmed him or whatever.”

“No man!” the older one laughed, “what the hell is that?”

“Well I dunno, Big M, I just followed your instructions!” Tommy replied in a gravelly joking tone.

Tommy felt his chest tighten as he watched.

The two of them erupted into laughter, only stopping when MD reached over, snatching the crumpled paper from Tommy’s hand and throwing it in the trash.

“That’s enough origami for tonight.” He declared.

“What the hell man!?” Tommy cried out, “I almost had me crane ready to go!”

“That was definitely not a crane.” George added, staring skeptically.

“Oh piss off!”

“Sureee you did.” Mexican Dream rolled his eyes, laughing when Tommy flipped him off.

They lapsed into a comfortable silence for just a moment before the older man looked up, staring at the blond.

“Thomas?” He began, a certain serious lilt in his tone.

Karl, George and Sapnap alike all furrowed their brows. They’d never heard him like that.

“Yeah?” Tommy tilted his head, blue-grey eyes shining in the low glow of the flame from the lantern.

Niki swallowed back something bitter at the sight of the boy in the light; trying to ignore the tears in his clothes and the bags beneath his eyes.

“Are you… Do you see anything wrong with the way that Dream guy treats you?” MD asked gently.

Yes! Puffy cheered internally, a small smile gracing her features.

Tommy wrinkled his nose, furrowing his brow and shooting the shorter a look. “Wrong? What are you talking about?”

Mexican Dream sighed, running a hand through the hair behind his mask. “I mean like, it’s not normal, dude. He… he hits you, and he takes your things, man. That’s not right.”

Keep going. Keep going!

The blond teen narrowed his eyes, shoulders hiking up slightly. “He- He does that to discipline me. There’s a reason no one comes to visit, you know? I gotta learn a lesson or two.”

“Tommy,” Phil began, “what the fuck are you talking about?”

The young blond looked back abashedly at his father. He was embarrassed. It was easier to see then, but in the moment it hadn’t felt or even sounded like abuse to him.

They probably all thought he was fucking weak and stupid.

“It’s nothing.” He dismissed, “I’m over it now.”

“Are you really?” Tubbo questioned, in that stupid casual tone that made Tommy want to wring his stupid little goat neck.

“Yes,” he hissed.

“Cause you know none of that was true, yeah? Like he was just saying that. None of it was tr-”

“Yes, Tubbo,” Tommy managed through grit teeth, “I’m aware.”

“Just checking.” Tubbo shrugged.

Despite the mask covering his features, MD looked almost… angry.

“And he’s my friend!” Tommy added enthusiastically, “he’s not doing it to hurt me! He doesn’t even want to do it!”

“Uh….”

“Shut your mouth, fox boy.” Tommy glared, cheeks tinged red with embarrassment.

“What about this Tubbo guy you always talk about?” The older man asked, “he’s your friend, yeah? Did he ever do this to you?”

Tubbo went still.

Tommy paused, swallowing thickly. Dream’s voice echoed in his head.

“Tubbo? He doesn’t care about you, Tommy! That’s why he doesn’t do this! He doesn’t care about you getting better, he doesn’t care!”

The ram-hybrid grit his teeth, glaring at the screen and once again pushing all his anger deep deep down.

“I think I’m done for tonight, actually.” Tommy smiled softly, rising from his spot on the floor and moving towards the door, “I’ll catch you tomorrow, Big M.”

And that always happened. That always fucking happened! Tommy would always shut down whenever Tubbo was brought up. He just… ended conversations without batting an eye.

Tubbo wasn’t sure how to feel about it.

Before he could get a reply, Tommy shut the door behind him, leaving MD alone in the tiny shack. The man looked down at the ground.

“I’m not gonna let that bastard get away with this…” He muttered quietly to the empty hut.

The screen went dark.

“Okay so maybe he’s the Anti-Dream.” Fundy piped up, looking thoughtful. Karl grinned.

Techno felt an odd wave of unease settle over him. The people in the room didn’t seem to realize that despite all their newfound hope, they still knew exactly how things had panned out.

Well, maybe that was a bit unfair. Technoblade actually had an upperhand. He’d seen Tommy directly after exile, and he could say with confidence that if this Mexican Dream guy had stuck around till the end, Tommy wouldn’t have looked as bad as he did when he’d holed up in Techno’s basement.

Something bad was coming, and if Tommy’s silence and body language was anything to go off of, it wouldn’t be pretty.

Still, he let himself go back to watching the screen.

It was sunny on the beach, and both Tommy and Mexican Dream were standing proudly on the sand, watching the tide come in. Dream was nowhere to be found.

“Cheers to that…” Quackity muttered quietly.

“So what’s the plan for today, Thomas?” MD asked, looking over at the boy. Tommy wavered slightly under his gaze, smiling shakily.

“Well uh- if I’m allowed I was thinking-”

“Hold up,” the older man held a hand up, interrupting him, “if you’re allowed? Dude, this is your home. You can do whatever you want!”

“You know I’m just loving this guy more and more.” Puffy smirked.

Tommy paused, actually taking what MD had said into account. He scrunched his face together, thinking deeply.

“Yeah…” He nodded pensively, “Yeah! What the fuck am I saying allowed? I’m a big man! I do what I want!”

A collective relief washed over almost the entirety of the group. Seeing a bit of Tommy come back to life after watching so much die… well it was more than needed.

“Yeahh!” Mexican Dream cried excitedly, cheering the boy on, “Attaboy!”

Tommy grinned confidently, putting his hands on his hips and staring out at the horizon. “Ohhhhh MD,” He fake-wobbled, “I’m getting my pep back bitch!” He beamed.

Ranboo smiled softly at the screen. Tubbo mirroring his expression.

They missed Tommy’s antics.

“So what are we doing today?” Mexican Dream asked, a happy lilt in his voice, he was nearly bouncing on his heels.

“We’re gonna go bug catching!” Tommy fist-pumped, grinning widely.

“Awwww.” Puffy cooed.

“Stop it!” Tommy cried, cheeks going red, “Bug catching is a manly activity!”

“Fantastic! I love it!” MD cheered, just as ready to go.

Tommy was practically dancing in place, and some of the blue had returned to his eyes. He couldn’t keep the smile off of his face, eyes crinkling at the edges.

Phil couldn’t help but grin at that.

His son always had the most beautiful smile.

“Just promise me one thing before we go,” Mexican Dream began, growing slightly serious, causing Tommy to tilt his head, smile slipping just barely, “promise me next time you see Dream, you’ll tell him what you’re doing for the day, not ask him… Yeah?”

Yes yes yes! Puffy cheered, beaming.

Tommy was silent for a moment, looking contemplative before he nodded, a genuine smile on his face.

“Okay,” he agreed, “anything for you Big M.”

Behind his mask Mexican Dream grinned wide.

Neither of them spotted the green figure watching them from the woods.

“Oh jesus…” Sapnap pulled back from the screen.

Niki shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

Tommy frowned; he’d never noticed that before.

Were there other points in time where Dream had been watching him like that?

“He was only ever here to watch me.”

After a long, long day of bug hunting, the two returned to Logstedshire; both aching and tired, but happy nonetheless. The sun was setting, and everything seemed rather… good.

While they’d freed all the bugs they’d caught, one little jumping spider with wide curious eyes and covered head to toe in peach fuzz had latched onto Tommy and refused to let go; always somehow appearing right back on his shoulder no matter how many flowers or trees they placed her down on.

Tommy had decided to name her Blue. Apparently Blue had just about every intention of coming back with them.

“She’s… cute.” Puffy tried, grinning awkwardly.

“She’s ugly as hell, actually.” Fundy muttered.

“Fundy!” Phil hissed.

None of them had noticed the way Tommy seized up as he stared at the screen.

When they got back, however, Dream was waiting, lounging just outside the area.

The mood dampened immediately.

Instantly, Tommy tensed at the sight of the man, and Blue crawled away, hiding in his hair; almost as if she could feel something sinister emanating from the man.

“Oh my god even the bugs know.” Karl whispered.

“What?” George shot him an amused glance.

“You’re right!” Fundy cried, nearly launching from his seat.

“What are you two talking about?” Sam questioned.

“Okay so like you know when storms or bad things are coming? And how bugs and animals feel it first? Like- Like they can just tell?” Karl started, eyes wide with enthusiasm.

A few of them nodded unsurely.

“Basically, Blue, our disgusting friend over there, literally sensed Dream like a fucking storm and went to hide!” Fundy added, grinning, “Even the bugs know he’s bad news!”

“I think you’re getting a bit ahead of yourself.” Niki said, trying to hide an amused smile.

“No, I'm telling you! It’s real!” Fundy pressed, Karl nodding quickly with him.

“That’s not really important though.” Phil noted.

“To you maybe.” The two glared.

Tommy was dead silent, both Ranboo and Tubbo seemed to have noticed, staring at him with concern.

Mexican Dream took a step forward, shielding the young boy slightly.

“Hi Dream!” Tommy greeted, waving a hand, “what’s up?”

The man in question was silent, and the mask covering his face made it hard to understand or tell what he might’ve been thinking. He tilted his chin up, and somehow it was easy to tell that he was looking down on them instead of up.

“I came by this morning,” He said finally, taking a step forward, “you know, like I always do… but you weren’t there, Tommy.”

And oh. Things weren’t going to be pretty… were they?

Techno prepared himself for the worst.

Tommy took a step back, eyes wide and hands trembling. He frowned deeply. “I-I’m sorry Dream I… I just wanted to show MD around… yeah?”

“And he doesn’t answer to you, man.” Mexican Dream hissed, puffing out his chest.

“Yup!” Sapnap cried excitedly, earning a few amused huffs.

Dream sighed, shaking his head. “I was afraid of this.” He muttered quietly.

“What?” Tommy looked back and forth between the two Dreams, “What do you mean? What’s happening?”

“He’s manipulating you, Tommy.” Dream replied, point blank, “we have a routine, we have a schedule dedicated to bettering you, and he took you away from it!”

“What a fucking asshole!” Quackity cried, eyes wide.

Tubbo and Ranboo glared at the screen.

Tommy frowned, looking over at the shorter man. MD nodded once at him, and he swallowed thickly, taking a deep breath.

A collective excitement grouped them all together. Because this was it, wasn’t it? Tommy would stand up to Dream and put an end to everything, finally.

“Dream,” he began, voice trembling,

Yes! Yes! Yes!

“I don’t think-”

“Think?” Dream repeated, “oh that’s rich coming from you.” he laughed, “were you thinking when you challenged me to a duel for L’Manberg? Were you thinking when you pressed that button in the control room?” He took a step forward, Tommy taking one back, “Were you thinking when you burnt down George’s house? Huh?”

Tommy paled drastically, putting up his hands to defend himself. His breathing picked up, and he could feel tears pricking at his vision.

No. Phil thought with wide eyes, heart sinking immediately. No this can’t be happening.

“Hey man back the fuck up!” MD hissed, stepping between the two. Tommy looked up, shocked.

A wave of hope passed through them. Because surely, surely, Dream would back down if there was someone to defend Tommy… right?

“This doesn’t concern you.” Dream spat, voice dangerously low. He turned back to Tommy. “Tommy, come on, you can’t trust this guy. He’s not your friend! Not like I am.”

“That’s what makes him trustworthy.” Fundy muttered.

The blond teen looked close to being ill, gaze flicking between the two men. The sun had almost completely set, and Blue was nervously scurrying around on top of his head, hidden beneath his hair.

“Oh that’s it,” MD growled, “I’ve fuckin had enough of you man!” He summoned a sword from his inventory, holding it tight.

Tubbo let out a shocked laugh, not having been expecting the action.

Tommy, however, looked close to throwing up.

Dream laughed quietly to himself, unhooking Nightmare from his belt.

“Let’s go.” He grinned.

And just like that, they were at each other’s throats. Weapons clanging together as they fought tooth and nail.

Tommy was forced to take a step back, wide eyed and in a daze.

When he came back to reality, it was nearly too late.

“Stop!” He cried out, running at the two, “Stop it!”

“Don’t get in the middle of the fight you idiot!” Jack hissed.

He looked over in confusion when he received no reply.

“Stay away, Tommy!” MD exclaimed through gritted teeth, “It’s not safe!” He parried a blow from Nightmare, straining under the weight.

And just like that, in mere seconds, it happened.

Tommy watched with wide eyes as Dream pulled back, raising his axe once more, seeing that MD didn’t have time to block the blow.

The shorter man’s body fell to the grass, thumping as he went completely still; Nightmare lodged tightly in his chest. Dream placed a foot on his shoulder, grunting as he ripped the axe out of its spot, blood spurting everywhere.

The room was completely silent.

All of their hope had been sucked away.

They stared in horror, completely dumbfounded.

“NO!” Tommy shrieked, surging forward. He fell to his knees beside the man, hands hovering uselessly over the gaping wound in his chest. “No no no no no no…”

He placed his hands over the punctured area, pressing deeply. “MD?” He cried out, “MD speak to me!”

But his hands merely sunk into the man’s chest, the wound too large, and Mexican Dream was eerily still.

“No…” Tommy muttered, eyes going wide, “No!”

That time it wasn’t only Karl and Niki who had to turn away. Many of them had to avoid watching as Tommy went almost elbow-deep into the man’s chest.

“Oh my fucking god…” Phil whispered, eyes wide.

Tommy was completely silent, shoulders shaking and teeth grit so tightly he was worried they might just fall out.

Behind him, Dream approached once more.

“What the fuck does he think he’s doing!?” Quackity exclaimed.

“Tommy I’m so sorry…” He whispered.

Instantly, Tommy whirled around, rising to his feet. There was a spark in his eyes that hadn’t been there in quite some time. Blood coated his hands, going almost halfway up his forearms as it dripped down into the grass.

“You’re sorry?” He demanded, taking a step forward, “You’re sorry!?” He turned back to the body, gesturing furiously, “You killed him, Dream!”

And where before there would have been joy or perhaps a vindictive victorious feeling at seeing Tommy scream back at Dream, by then they could only watch in complete shock.

Dream didn’t reply, only staring down at the body. A large puddle of blood was pooling beneath Mexican Dream’s corpse, and Tommy was panting, chest heaving at the outburst as tears streamed down his face.

“Tommy…” Dream began, “what are you talking about?”

Tubbo leaned forward, fully taken aback by the words.

Tommy went very still, slowly turning to look at the taller man. He stared down at the blood on his hands, and then back at Dream. “...What?” He croaked, voice cracking.

“Tommy I didn’t- I didn’t kill him!” Dream laughed incredulously, “we were- we were having a spat, sure, but I didn’t do anything to hurt him!”

“He put an axe through his chest!” Fundy all but screamed, gesturing widely.

The blond gazed over at the corpse bespeckled in blood.

“Oh Tommy…” Puffy whispered, tears streaming down her face.

“The fuck are you talking about?” He spat quietly.

“Are you feeling okay, Tommy?” The masked man tilted his head, “I think you need to sit down-”

“No!” Tommy backed away, raising his hands to defend himself, “What I need is for you to explain whatever the hell you’re saying, Dream!”

Blue was practically shaking in his hair.

“I…” The green-clad man looked down at the body. “Tommy, he died of a drug overdose. I didn’t lay a hand on him.”

Tubbo rolled his eyes. Did Dream really think that was going to work when he had literally did it in front of Tommy?

Tommy paused, raising his hands coated in blood to eye level. He glared angrily. “Very funny.” He growled.

“No Tommy, I'm serious!” Dream exclaimed, voice cracking slightly, as though he was distraught, “are you- are you seeing things again?”

Techno narrowed his eyes.

The teen blanched, eyes going wide. He stood very still for a moment, going through the motions in his head. “No.” He shook his head, “No Dream I’m- I’m quite literally covered in his blood right now! I-”

Niki frowned deeply, feeling a tug in her chest.

“What blood?”

Tommy froze completely, staring at the masked man in complete shock and disbelief.

“...What?”

Ranboo was hunched over, covered in tiny particles; all of them screaming in agony and outrage.

“Tommy,” Dream reached out, guiding him into a sitting position on the ground, “Tommy look at me” he stressed, “there’s no blood anywhere. Mexican Dream died of a drug overdose while we were fighting.”

“Wait,” George spoke up, “cause now I’m confused.”

“Yeah…” Karl admitted.

“Are we seeing something that Tommy hallucinated or is this- did this actually happen?” Sam asked quietly, a slight shakiness to his tone.

“This was real.” Drista's voice came from overhead. “Tommy didn’t hallucinate Dream killing Mexican Dream. He’s completely lucid in this memory. He’s not imagining anything.”

Almost everyone blanched, horrified at the truth, but a singular laugh rang out through the room.

Tommy was smiling to himself, bottom lip trembling.

“I knew I wasn’t crazy.” He whispered, “I knew it.”

Ranboo stared at him sadly, almost reaching out. He wanted to so badly. He wanted to hug Tommy and hold him and tell him it would be okay but he couldn’t. And once again it was all Dream’s fault.

There was silence, and Tommy swallowed thickly, rubbing his fingers together as he felt the grime.

“But there’s so much blood, Dream.” He whispered, eyes glassy.

An immortal only ever let themselves cry many times in a lifetime, but for what felt like the millionth time in one sitting, Phil felt tears streaming down his cheeks.

Ranboo dissolved into sobs, wiping away at his tears hastily.

“Where, Tommy?” The man replied, sounding close to tears. Tommy said nothing, only lifting his hands slightly, and Dream looked down at them.

“Here?” He asked, taking the bloody hands into his own, “Tommy there’s no blood.” He informed the boy, “your hands are completely clean.”

“Shut up Shut up Shut up Shut up!” Quackity all but cried, gripping furiously at his hair, completely at a loss for what else he could do.

Tommy choked on a sob, shaking his head. “Look,” he demanded, “Look!”

Sam forced himself to look away.

“I-I’m looking but I don’t see anything!” Dream cried out, panicked. He placed a hand on Tommy’s forehead, a hand covered in blood on his forehead.

The teen recoiled, letting out a panicked whine and backing away. Dream shuffled closer, bloody hand still outstretched. “There’s no blood, Tommy! I just- I need to check your temperature!”

Tommy sobbed, tears rolling down his cheeks as the older man felt his forehead. When Dream backed away he held out a closed fist.

Tubbo felt physically ill, sinking into his seat as he just… stared. He didn’t know what else to do. There was nothing he could do.

“How many fingers am I holding up?” He asked softly.

Tommy swallowed back a whine, sniffling. “None.”

Dream was very silent for a moment, not saying a word.

“...Tommy I’m holding up all five.”

Karl bit back a sob, putting his head in his hands.

It was… It was terrifying seeing just how malleable Tommy was in Dream’s grip. The man had literally brutally murdered a man in front of the kid and still somehow made Tommy feel like the crazy one.

The blond felt a wave of panic crash into him, and he shook his head furiously. “N-No! There’s- I mean- That can’t be right!”

“You’re seeing things, Tommy.” Dream said, tone soft and sad. “I don’t know what’s going on with you.”

“I’m sorry” Tommy sobbed, breathing heavily, “I-I’m sorry I don’t know! I don’t know what’s happening, Dream! ”

“Hey,” Dream began softly, reaching out, “Tommy breathe with me, you’re losing it.”

“I’m sorry,” the blond repeated, even as his vision dimmed and he found himself swaying, “I’m sorry…”

Without another word he collapsed into Dream’s chest and the screen went dark.

Complete and utter silence fell over them all.

No one dared breathe, no one dared move a muscle.

And then Ranboo looked over to his left.

“You’re smiling.” He noted, voice hoarse and trembling.

Tommy looked up at him, a pointed smile on his face. The others watched, completely entranced and involved.

“I spent so long thinking I’d imagined that entire thing.” The blond whispered, “but now I know. Now I know.” Tears pricked at his eyes, “Dream killed him. The blood was real.”

And as they basked in the uncomfortable truth, they knew that the most sickening part was that Tommy had ever believed any of it to be fake in the first place. The most horrifying part of it all was knowing that Dream had Tommy wrapped completely around his finger and completely at his mercy.

With that final push, Tommy belonged to Dream.

matt 47bats king of dramatizing events and making things angstier and way more serious than they rlly were.

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