Chapter Text
It didn’t take much longer for everyone to rotate changing clothes, and even Dream was roused to change but was quick to go back to cuddling Techno, much to the pinkett's chagrin. Now dressed in soft gray joggers, and a loose blue top, he laid back onto the couch and used Techno’s legs as a pillow, smiling as Techno settled his hands in his hair again. It was his favorite thing about dropping the rivalry to cuddle or lounge around.
The causal intimacy the pinket bestowed unto him, with playing with his hair, or just rubbing soothing circles into his shoulders. Even casual handholds when emotions became too much to bear when they were younger. Dream frowned at the memories associated with that, but he was thankful that Techno had been there when he needed him, offering support that Dream needed. It was definitely something they didn’t indulge in often, too caught up in their own playful rivalry to just take a moment.
Dream relaxed as Techno’s fingers carded softly through his hair, the careful weaving as Techno attempted braiding and weaving his hair, a sign that Techno was lost in thought and needed something to keep his hands busy. The hands stilled after a couple minutes and Dream couldn’t bring himself to care about the pathetic whine he let out, begging for the soft touches again.
“Dream, please. Can we get off the couch and maybe out from under the blankets? It’s so hot.” Techno griped, scowling. He tried shifting a bit, without much triumph. The taller blonde pinning his legs to the couch that had grown hot and uncomfortable with Dream’s radiating body heat and the downy soft blankets that decorated most of the couches in the room. After several unsuccessful attempts to rouse the sleepy blond, annoyed green eyes narrowed as they made eye contact. Techno returned the glare, and bounced his leg once more to agitate Dream into compliance with his request.
“You’re so whiny, but fine. We can lay on the blow up mattress, unless you don’t wanna cuddle anymore.” Dream said, raising an eyebrow and looking up at Techno. The underlying challenge went unspoken as Techno rolled his eyes before firing back.
“I don’t know, I would hate to deprive anyone from Dream cuddles, considering we’re here for you.” Techno challenged back. Dream was mid scoff before he paused, and rethought about what Techno said.
“Wh- for me? Why?” Dream asked, voicing his thoughts.
“Because, you sometimes forget you have friends, and that we want to be there for you. Dumbass.” Alyssa scowled, speaking up. The blonde girl was lounging in one of the arm chairs, pajamas on and a fierce scowl, blue eyes narrowed in irritation.
“I didn’t forget that I have you guys!” Dream protested, sitting up .Alyssa sighed and rolled her eyes in disbelief. Swinging her legs so that she was sitting in the chair properly, she stood up and marched over, before poking Dream’s cheek, and semi-glaring at him.
“Then why didn’t you text me about last night? You passed my house and everything. I texted you, but you never responded. I tried calling you but I got voicemail. Dream, no Clay. Clay I am your friend, and I want to be there for you when you need me, but I can’t do that if you don’t let me.” Alyssa said, getting in his face and poking him. He recoiled slightly at her usage of his real name, unused to it after so long as going by Dream.
To be fair, in his sleep delirious state, the implications of his actions the past couple days had not clicked. It wasn’t excusable, yet time is linear and can not be reversed. The implications being the distancing, the quietness and just even going to the quarry by himself, with no thought process. The quarry during the day was a very lovely place to have fun, indulge in some minor illegal indulgences without prying eyes, and allowed them to shuck off some of the weight from society’s pressures.
It was a safe space, of sorts for the flock of teens. Tommy could be as loud and vivacious as he wanted with no serious repercussions. Dream could shove off the act of the overconfident and star athlete titles the school placed on him, as well as the views he was subjected to with his parents. Techno could be wild and unapologetically himself, instead of obtaining this meek, and shy persona that seemed to haunt him. He could willingly challenge Dream to duels for honor and lose graciously without people around them gawking and jeering at them.
The quarry was a freedom from the pressures of being a teenager. At least during the day. At night, the purity and rose-tinted glasses tended to fade to more sinister meanings. Despite being a public swimming hole, the quarry was home to several deaths, mostly teenagers. Past midnight was the common time, and when Dream realized this- he suddenly understood what had been the elephant in the room. Why his friends had flocked to him when he got back, why Phil was showing up more. Why they insisted on caring for him, and blowing his phone up. It had clicked, and Dream felt the color drain from his face when he realized the why behind everything.
“Alyssa, I’m sorry I didn’t reach out. I honestly didn’t intend to go to the quarry last night, I was just wanting to skate around a bit, but apparently not. I, I’m not good with reaching out to people, especially when I feel like I’m bothering them. Especially late at night.” Dream said, his anxieties from hurting his friends overtaking the extreme exhaustion and caffeine crash he was dealing with.
“It’s not just that, Clay. It's ghosting us, and not giving us anything. I swear, if something had happened, I would’ve killed you.” She said, glaring. Dream looked down, unable to combat her, or meet her eyes. Shame began to eat at him, guilt crawling up his throat at worrying them, and he hunched over.
“I’m sorry Alyssa. I am. I can’t just change who I am, or my worries overnight. I can try, but it takes a long ass time. Especially when the very thought of asking for help makes me want to curl into a ball and die, if I am being honest here.” Dream said, looking down at the walnut flooring, and ignoring the looks his friends were giving them. He could feel the burning stares of pity, worry and that only caused the guilt to increase tenfold. His lack of foresight, and bad decisions had led him to cause a rift in the trust of his friends. A tender thing he was afraid to tarnish or mar, yet there it lay, fragile, as he tried to mend it. Alyssa didn’t answer, a sigh of frustrations and concern washing over her. Dream was closing himself off, trying to minimize the dangers of his actions, no matter how unrecognized they were. Neither of them spoke for a moment, the implications hanging heavily over the group. After a minute, Sapnpa spoke up, cautiously reaching out and touching Dream’s wrist, breaking that thousand-yard-stare. Fearful and scared green eyes bore into warm indigo ones. Tentatively, Sapnap smiled and he spoke, speaking softly to ease the rising tension in Dream’s shoulder as the quiet dragged on.
“Fair enough, I suppose. How about we work on it together? Cause it’s too little, too late to get rid of us Dreamie.” Sapnap said, smiling solemnly. It was unusual to see and experience such a somber mood among this group, usually it was airy and carefree with a splash of 10 IQ moments, but they were mostly there to have fun. Some minor indulgence in illegal activities, some bad decisions and mostly just living life to the fullest, before they inevitably split away or draw apart.
“Together.” Dream said, before a huge, jaw-cracking yawn ruined the moment. The serenity, and the warmth that had blossomed between them shattered as Dream’s jaw popped several times under the intensity of the yawn racking Dream’s body.
“How are you still tired? You’ve slept all evening, except to eat and like right now.” Quackity laughed bewildered.
“I slept barely an hour, and had like seven or eight energy drinks powering me through today. The caffeine crash rocking my system right now is inhumane. Now, I am going to pass out. Don’t burn my house down, please?” Dream deadpanned, his sentences being interrupted with yawns as he wound down, eyes drooping under the weight of the exhaustion his body was experiencing.
“I’ll try and make sure they don’t. Sleep well son.” Phil said, blue eyes crinkling in warmth. Dream smiled and he cast a pout towards Sapnap.
“Homie needs a cuddle buddy.”He said.
“Gladly! C’mon Technoblade, scooch over. Dadza said it’s my turn to cuddle Dream.” Sapnap said, eagerly moving to swap placing.
“It would be my greatest pleasure. Dream, sleep well. I’m going to enjoy a solitary life, because I think my “Need For Human Contact'' meter has been maxed out for the next 300 years.” Techno said, standing up and moving a good 5 feet from everyone, on his own chair. Dream snorted before happily curling up and laying on Sanap’s lap.
“I thought you wanted to cuddle, napping on my lap isn’t really cuddling Dreamie.” Sapnap laughed, poking the blond. Annoyance flared briefly over Dream’s face, nose scrunched up in disdain as he begrudgingly allowed Sapnap to lie down next to him so they could cuddle properly.
“Sometimes you gotta cuddle the homies, y’know!” Sapnap laughed, hugging Dream around the middle.
“Ah yes, the homiesexuals are homie-ing it up. The norm with these guys.” Eret laughed, looking up from their phone and taking a picture.
“You know it baby.” Dream murmured and relaxed into the hold and allowed himself to drift back to sleep.
“So now what?” Punz asked, as the room drifted into quietness.
“I’m going to go to my house, and settle down. It’s been a long day and if you all need me, I’ll leave my phone number, but I’m trusting you guys to make good decisions.” Phil said, standing up, weariness unmasked now that he was sure that Dream would be okay.
“A terrible decision, really.” Fundy snorted, mirth twinkling in his honey brown eyes.
“Fundy, shut up. You all have a good night, stay safe, make good choices. And call me if you need anything.” Phil said, bidding them a goodnight and waving goodbye.
The silence after Phil’s departure lasted all of four seconds, before the group began to pull out the liquor in the house, gathering several mugs and glasses. Dream and Sapnap were left on the couch to sleep, Niki patting their heads softly and whispering tender ‘goodnights” as she passed. Sapnap mumbled out a goodnight as well, before he snuggled back into the couch, arms wrapped around Dream’s middle. She wanted to pull a blanket over them, but left them as they were, knowing they would most likely get too hot.
“You know what, we deserved this. Dream may not have been at the quarry to jump, but I think we should probably start staying in shifts. That way he’s not alone.” Sam proposed. He had poured some wine into a cup and just took long pulls from it. He winced at the slight acidic burn in the back of his throat, but continued to watch the group for a reaction. He was met with some head nods, and some murmurs of agreement. The rest of the bottle was distributed among the group, as they joined Sam in drinking. The vintage merlot was covered in a fine layer of dust, when they pulled it out of the cabinet, but it was quickly disregarded as they began to pour it into the glasses.
Dream’s parents didn’t exactly stock up on hard seltzers, or cheap beer. They had to take advantage of what they could, which happened to be overly expensive, unaged and improperly aerated wines and brandys. A couple bottles of vodka and whiskeys for mixers, and some old fashioned rum could be found in the recesses of the wine cellar. A couple bottles of scotch as well. A single bottle of Tequila, for some flavor.
They mixed some drinks and began chilling as if they hadn’t just had a severely emotional conversation with one of their closest friends.
“We should definitely be keeping an eye on him though, right?” Tommy asked, glaring at his cup of water. His brothers had not allowed him to drink, no matter what. And the threat of death and dismemberment kept the others from slipping him a drink in private. Quackity did slip him some of his premium green in compensation with an exaggerated wink, hinting at what was to come later that evening.
“Yeah, I have a feeling that Dream will be having dinners with us a bit more, and we’ll be having more sleepovers.” Techno nodded, an eye on Tommy’s suspicious pocketing of a bag.
“Yeah, and besides! These nights are really fun, especially because it’s too cold to actually swim at the quarry, so we can just chill here, abuse Dream’s hot tub, and his parent’s liquor.” Alyssa hummed, sipping on her homemade Screwdriver. She was seated primly on one of the marble countertops, leg crossed over her knee. Blonde hair was tied into a bun as well, as she sipped.
“True, besides I feel like we haven’t just chilled like this since school started back up.” Wilbur said, leaning against the counter. Alyssa hummed in agreement, before perching her arm on Wilbur’s head, a Cheshire grin spreading as Wilbur looked up to her.
“Well between all the AP courses, sports, practices and some of your college apps, it’s kinda been impossible.” Eret said. They hopped onto the island as well with some wine in hand and idly sipped.
“Fair enough. Hm, anyone down for abusing the hot tub tonight? Maybe let off some steam?” Fundy asked, looking towards the indoor patio, where said hot tub was located.
“I mean, why not. Sap and Dream will be out for the rest of the night, so why not. There’s more seating out there anyways.” George said, arriving from the bar, where he was making his own Screwdriver. Outfitted with an orange slice and some mint leaves as a garnish. George took a sip afterwards, trailing from the living room, where he was probably sitting with the other boys.
“You are so extra George. Mint leaves, really?” Alyssa mocked, playfully teasing him. She giggled as he stuck his tongue out and pointedly took another sip from his drink.
“Yeah, because mint is wonderful.” George shot back, smiling lightly. She snorted and went to join the rest, who were uncovering the hot tub and starting the steamers and jets. The indoor patio was cold, with the incoming winter weather, and they huddled together while waiting for the hot tub to heat up, and warm the room.
“Dream still has some swim clothes in the bathroom right?” Sam asked, looking at George and Alyssa. They nodded, while George spoke up.
“Yeah, he keeps the extra sets in the pool house bathroom, since we are usually always here to use it.” George said, pointing to the yard where the pool house lay, unlit and unused. Sam nodded his thanks before departing towards the pool house. Quackity began to unpack his bag on one of the tables nearby, pulling out little baggies, some filter paper and his lighter.
Inside the baggies were little rounds and bundles of greens and brown, curled and the heavy scent of the cannabis. A bowl was also set out, for the group to share, should they so choose.
“Come one, come all. Roll with your pleasure and payment is due by Monday morning for any and all merchandise used tonight. We may be friends, but this is my income. Friends discount included of course.” Quackity said, displaying his set up and went to start a backroll with one of the hemp wraps he usually sold.
Within minutes, the majority of smokers had congregated into the pool house. The bubbling and steaming of the hot tub filled the room, meshing with the earthly scent of the cannabis. A more subdued atmosphere blanketed the group, as they enjoyed the heady high from smoking. Several lounged in the bubbling hot tub, ash falling in the clouded water without much pomp and circumstance.
The rest of the night was spent with some idle talking, as they crowded around the hot tub, soaking up the steam as it mixed with the blue gray haze of smoke. The joints were long smoked out, but the heavy smoke remained as it hung heavy in the steamy room.
While they came down from the high, George sipped his screwdriver and cleared his throat. “Do you think he would’ve done it? Like he would’ve jumped if Phil wasn’t there?”
“I️ don’t know, George. I’d like to think not, but I️ don’t know what he would have actually done there anyways.” Sam said, shrugging. The green haired teen looked troubled as he continued to dwell on it. Puffy pat his shoulder sympathetically.
“I think Dream is gonna be okay. He’s a smart guy, and I think that as long as we reaffirm that we do give a damn about him, maybe he can remember that for next time.” She said, tossing a lock of multicolored hair over her shoulder.
“True. Battling one’s own head is a hard thing to do, especially when you are in a fragile state of mind already. I think it’s already helping him, but we just gotta be there for him.” George said.
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Despite the temporary merriment and the encompassing hug of Sapnap, Dream found himself in the deepest reaches of his mind. Flying backwards to last night, and the quarry. Ragged and ridged limestone was cold beneath his jeans and the water was so tranquil. Mockingly glittering up towards him, as he stared into it’s indigo waves. The night sky was transposed into the mirror-like surface of the water, the picture distorted with the tiny, rippling waves of the water.
Crickets chirped from trees surrounding, and the air was cold and crisp. Dream’s faded black jeans, with holes in the knees, exposed his legs to the unforgiving and unyielding chill of late autumn. And he was there. Alone.
The quiet ripples called to him, begging him to join them in the sweet serenity of the gentle push and pull of the tides. The sea grass swaddling him in a frozen embrace, given the temperatures. He pondered their calls and pleas, perched on the edge of the stone. The universe above was blank, a sheer canvas missing the bright stars that had shielded him from the water’s call. The stars had burnt out, and he was lost to the nebulous void and never ending chant of the waves below. And he fell, with not much preamble.
He let himself fall, gliding off the rocky walls, foot first in the murky waters that had called to him. The stars that shined so brightly had burnt out, irreparable in their state, much like his own. The water was cold, icy even as he broke the surface with a deep plunge. Crystalline in nature, the cold water warped Dream’s vision. Dream opened his eyes to see a montage of moments.
Yellow tape spread across the shores, with a black rubber bag that glistened in the new sunlight. Niki’s face with tears streaming down, as she sobbed. Heartbroken hazel eyes locking onto the distraught form of Tubbo, Ranboo and Tommy. The young teens were crying in pain and heartbreak, given the desperately anguished faces they held. Dream felt his heart clench at the sight, wishing and wanting to provide comfort and aid. Sam and Wilbur approached the boys, gently gathering them into the soothing hug that a Dream wished he could give them.
But he couldn't. He was rooted in his spot, forced to watch his loved ones cry over this black bag, in which it hit him. A body bag, with his body. He had died, from the dive off the quarry walls and drowned in the water. His vision was torn to his own house, and bedroom where he saw George and Sapnap embraced in a tight hug. Sniffles could be heard as they processed their own grief. Sapnap was clutching one of Dream’s hoodies, the fabric clenched into a white knuckles grip as Sapnap cried. A puddle of water slowly seeping from underneath the bed.
When his vision tore away and refocused once more, he saw Techno in a dark room, an elegant blade laid across his lap. The pink haired male was hunched over, dried tear tracks streaming down his face and he was muttering. A simple phrase, questioning in nature. “Why did you leave?” was repeated over and over. Dream had never seen Techno look so defeated, even after Dream had sliced off his long braid in a nasty fight. Though, this time there was no underlying edge of unfathomably fury and malice burning behind the blood red contacts that Techno was obsessed with in that time. Now he’s just forlorn, an aching pain in his natural brown eyes.
“Stop” he choked, begging for this torturous reel to end. More visions flashed, each more heartbreaking and with a desperate wail dying in his throat, Dream lunged forward. He gasped, shooting up, breath catching in his throat and he coughed, trying to clear the airway. He flinched, feeling a hand rubbing circles into his back, and a soft voice whispering in his ear.
“Shh, it’s gonna be okay, Dream. It was just a bad nightmare. Sh, sh, sh. You’re okay. Take a deep breath. C’mon, shhh. Take a deep breath, good.” The voice said. Dream coughed a little before following the gentle instructions. It took a few times, but eventually his hyperventilating lengthened into deep breaths as he eventually calmed down from the nightmare.
“Hey buddy, there you are! How are you?” Puffy said, a warm smile on her face. Sapnap was also sitting up, worry rampant in his dark indigo eyes. Dream nodded, steeling his nerves as he recovered from the lingering visions from his nightmare.
“I️ dunno.” Dream mumbled, voice croaking. Puffy nodded, and she palmed his cheek.
“Sounded like a nasty nightmare, but it’s okay, you’re here with us now. Isn’t that right?” Puffy asked, a genuine smile on her face. Dream nodded, wordlessly leaning into her palm against his cheek. Puffy‘s eyes brightened at the gesture and she more firmly cupped it.
“Do you want to talk about it?” She asked, after the moment passed.
“I️ mean, it’s kinda fucked up if I️’m being honest.” He said, rubbing his neck, pulling away from her.
“What part of ‘we are here for you’ did that big brain of yours miss? If you feel comfortable sharing, I️ would be happy to listen.” Puffy said.
“We all are, Dreamie. It’s a side effect of having friends.” Sapnap said, laying himself over Dream’s shoulders.
“It’s terrible, you all suck.” Dream laughed, mirth crinkling in his eyes. Sapnap and Puffy shared a grin.
“No we don’t. You love us, ya big softie.” Puffy smiled. Dream smiled back and he relaxed into the couch cushions, wiping his eyes.
“Hm, maybe too much. I was at the quarry, in my dream. The stars were lit and then they weren’t. I could hear the water, like calling my name. Then I jumped in. Drowned and then I could just see your guys’ reactions, and it hurt. I don’t want to see that again, and I’m sorry if I worried you guys.” Dream said, looking down, as he fiddled with his hands. Anxiously cracking his knuckles and repeating the hand motions, idly. Puffy frowned as he recounted the nightmare, and she gently rubbed his hand to stop the repeated motions.
“Dream, I’m sorry. I hope you know that we do love you. You’re like a brother to me, and I am glad to have met you. I just, I felt likeI needed to say that, and I know that you’re struggling, but I’m here if you need me.” Puffy said, rubbing her thumb over his knuckles.
“I know, and you’re like a sister to me. I hope you know that you’ll always be welcome here, should you need it.” Dream said, lacing his fingers with hers. Puffy smile, and she squeezed his hand.
“Thanks Dream.” She grinned, and sat up on the couch with him and Sapnap.
“Same here, dude. I’m always a phone call or a text away, even at 3am. Especially at 3am, that’s when my parents are asleep, so I can always make my way over to you.” Sapnap said, laying his head on Dream’s shoulder. Dream smiled, and laid his head against Sapnap’s.
“Thanks Pandas, I love you dude.” Dream said, closing his eyes.
“Love you too, brother. C’mon. Let’s go bother everyone. I’m sure they’re smoking right now, or getting crossed.” Sapnap said, nudging Dream to stand up.
“Dude, and they didn’t invite us. Not cool.” Dream said, mischievously.
Sure, his head was still calling him towards the quarry, but it was a mere whisper in the far reaches of his mind. Right now, he was arming his best friend, and his proverbial little sister with water guns to annoy the hell out of his other friends, while they abused his indoor patio and hot tub. And if angry shouts echoed throughout the halls of the too large house, disrupting the few that were sleeping in the various bedrooms, well who’s to ruin the fun. Right now, everything was getting better, with the support of friends and a lifetime ahead to make bad decisions. And that’s just what these kids needed, to make it through to the rest of their lives.