Chapter Text
Cross swam in worried circles and Dream’s tail swished above. He was busy talking to Kelp and Blue but had mentioned there being someone else. Nightmare was nearby, his eye flicking over to the boys every now again but he appeared primarily focused on the conversation going on above. This left the boys to their own devices.
Killer tackled him, making him yelp when he bit his tail, “Killer! What the hell!?”
“We won’t be able to play fight like this once we’re up there,” he explained with a wide grin.
“Oh, so biting my tail is okay then?” he demanded, earning a sharp smile.
He was ready to grab hold and bite back when Dream ducked back under, “Killer! Get your tail up there now. You have some explaining to do.”
Killer stopped and stared up before shyly swimming up. Dream kept his glare up, quickly following behind him. Cross was far too scared to think of asking what had gone wrong.
“Wonder what that’s all about,” Dust said, swimming up beside him.
“Same. Do you really think this is a good idea?” he questioned, earning a shrug from his brother.
“Dunno. All things considered, I don’t think there’s too much risk. The human shouldn’t have much memory and Dad said he specifically commanded her to erase everything about me,” Dust explained, trying to ease the younger’s nerves. “Besides, Blue and Kelp will be helping us adjust. That includes reading and understanding customs. I think we’ll be fine.”
“I’m... ready to... learn to... cook,” Horror said, floating over before resting his skull on top of Cross’s head.
“That’s all you’ve been talking about for the past few days,” Cross said, glancing up to the other. “Guess you really must be excited for it.”
Horror h\gave a happy hum, “Yeah. I want... to make... food... for... you.”
“Thanks,” Cross said, Dust giving Horror a smile.
“Alright boys,” Dream said, swimming down to them with Killer trailing.
Killer was looking down. He had no idea what was said up there, but his brother looked embarrassed. More than embarrassed really but Cross knew better than to ask him about it right then. Maybe he’d talk later.
“You all will be staying with Blue since he has two extra guest rooms,” Dream explained, earning nods from everyone. “Now he will go into the specifics once you’re at his home but he says he will have some other house rules. I expect you boys to follow them to a T.”
“Visits will be every other week here near Kelp’s house,” Nightmare chimed in, pushing himself closer to the group. “Once the summer is over we will come to ask if you would like to come back for a time.”
“I thought we were only staying a few weeks?” Cross questioned.
“We decided to allow you the summer,” he said, nudging Nightmare who looked less than happy about the development. “Right?”
“Yes,” he said with a growl, glaring at their uncle. “You all will have to promise us that you won’t do anything stupid.”
Cross glanced at Killer who glared back. Dust gave Cross his own glance which made him look away from Killer to glare. Dream shook his head.
“The boat isn’t all that big so be careful when you board. Me and Nighty will make sure none of you drown while they help you up,” Dream continued, taking a deep breath. “This should go a lot better than last time.”
“’Should,’” Dad clarified, earning a glare from Dream.
“Let’s get this done,” he said before beginning to mutter something.
It wasn’t long before Cross’s tail became numb and a familiar splitting sensation accompanied it. He could feel the moment his gills vanished and he began to struggle. He let out a drowned yelp when one of Nightmare’s tentacles suddenly came up underneath him before he was pushed into the air. He hacked up water, hearing the others do the same.
“Hey guys,” greeted Kelp.
Cross forced himself to take a deep breath a look up, seeing Kelp giving him a lazy smile. Upon seeing him looking around, he tossed him his clothes. Cross shakily stood up on the tentacle before getting dressed. Once he got the pants on, he began trying to near the boat while putting on his shirt. He paused when he spotted a completely new face. It was a skeleton with brilliant rainbow flames pouring out of a damaged skull. He seemed focused on Killer who was saying something that Cross couldn’t quite hear.
They almost seemed to be arguing.
“Good to see you again!” Blue greeted, helping him onto the boat.
Dust had apparently already made his way in since he was sitting just beside Blue. His clothes were dripping wet but he didn’t seem to care as he slid on his gloves. Kelp handed him a towel as he turned to help Horror up.
Killer was now in the boat sitting beside the new skeleton. They didn’t appear to be glaring at each other but they didn’t appear happy either. He wondered who it was.
“Everyone good?” Dream asked, poking out of the water beside the boat.
“Looks like it,” Blue said cheerfully, tossing a towel onto Killer.
“Good. And you’re sure you can handle them?” their uncle questioned.
“Between me, Pappy, and Kelp we should have enough hands to help with everything,” Blue answered, splashing Dream. “Calm down.”
Dream shot him a playful glare before sighing, “Me and Nighty are just nervous.”
“I get it,” Kelp chimed in with a shrug. “You’re letting your kids go out to places you can’t protect them. My parents certainly got scared when I moved out here.”
Blue nodded along, “My parents too. It’s entirely fine to be worried.”
Dream took deep breaths before he shook himself, “You’re right. I trust you. I guess we should start heading out?”
Blue looked about to agree when Nightmare surfaced, forcing everyone into silence. He bent down low before gently tapping on each of the boys’ skulls, “You all be good. We’ll see you in two weeks.”
Dream nodded before they both disappeared into the water. Cross stared at where they used to be before the boat jolted.
“I’ll go ahead and drop you all off at Blue’s place,” Kelp said, moving the boat away and towards a beach.
Was this what it felt like to start a new life?