Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Things were bad. It had been too long. They were both weak, but he at least was able to stand and walk even if his knees didn't feel like they were bending the right way. He was practically carrying Dream, whose one arm was wrapped loosely around his shoulder while his best friend hung half conscious at his side. “Come on, Dream, stay awake.” Sapnap insisted with a gentle shake and the blond groaned. 

"Sap…" His name was slurred coming from Dream's mouth. They couldn't continue like this.

Sapnap maneuvered them into an alleyway and helped Dream to the ground, hidden from the main streets behind a pile of boxes. Despite the late hour they couldn't afford to be spotted; their markings would give them away instantly. Dream had it worse, with the white tattoos all over his body almost glowing in the moonlight while Sapnap's own black markings at least didn't make him a beacon in the darkness. 

"Dream, I'm going to find someone. I'll bring them back and then we can both do it, okay?" Sapnap promised and Dream just blinked at him slowly. 

His silence was all the proof Sapnap needed to know this was dire. Dream hated reviving the randoms that Sapnap had to kill. Mostly because Sapnap had to kill them first and the Void was apparently not a pleasant place. But their blessings, their curses, their powers; however it was defined, it demanded to be used. Normal people needed food and water, and they did too to a lesser extent, but refusing to kill or revive would leave them truly weak. Sapnap was afraid to find out if it could kill them.

So, after making certain that Dream wouldn't be noticed by anyone passing by, he slipped away. There had to be someone. Preferably someone nice that he could lure back to Dream with a little bit of acting desperate and crocodile tears. Being able to play on sympathy was about the only advantage of being 13. But this late at night it was going to be gangsters and drug addicts and thieves he found, not the kind hearted.

Which meant he was going to have to drag the body back to Dream so his friend could revive whoever he killed. 

The closer alleyways were frustratingly empty and Sapnap was already getting antsy with how long he'd spent away from Dream with his friend in such a vulnerable state. Sure, Sapnap's limbs were shaking and it felt like he was walking on air cushions with how numb his feet had gone and his vision was a little wobbly and his powers were starting to reach out on their own, alerting him about nearby life forces that he could snuff out. But if anyone tried to hurt him all it would take was a touch and they'd be dead in seconds. He could make it take longer, but that just seemed so unnecessarily cruel. Dream couldn't defend himself like that.

Carefully Sapnap made his way back towards his friend, taking advantage of his new heightened awareness to search for anyone that he could wither and sate the tingling numbness spreading through his markings. Dream had it worse, with the white revival markings causing him pain if he didn't simply collapse first. It had only gotten really bad once and the sound of his best friend screaming in agony was one that would never leave him.

There was someone following him, Sapnap realized after a minute. They were trying to be subtle but with his powers reaching out so desperately it was easy for him to notice the person. It was suspicious and his paranoia made him wary, but the person was following him all the same and that meant he wouldn't have to drag their body to Dream.

"No! Get off me!" Dream's shout interrupted the quietness of deep night and Sapnap was sprinting before his friend had even finished speaking, all thoughts of the person following him forgotten. The fact he heard nothing else after that was terrifying and it took him only a matter of seconds to get back to where he'd left Dream.

The alley was much busier: a bunch of men in armored black clothes filled the space, one of whom held Dream by the arm and was carrying him towards a van that blocked the alleyway. His friend was limp, probably unconscious, and Sapnap's vision tinted black.

"Let him go!" He sprinted at the man holding Dream, using his much smaller stature to his advantage as he dodged under the people in his way. But just before he could grab the man, someone grabbed him. "No! Let me go! Don't touch him!" Sapnap screamed as he struggled, but the person lifted him from the ground easily as Dream was carried to the van.

Sapnap twisted and struggled, kicked at the person's legs since he was off the ground. He just needed to brush their bare skin and he'd be free. Just a touch and he could get to Dream. The person holding him seemed to know what he was trying to do, but didn't seem to be trying to stop him. His fingers brushed skin but the grip on him wasn't loosened. There was no draw of life, no tingling, his limbs remained numb.

It was startling enough he went still for a moment and while he was stunned someone else put a collar around his neck. It sent numbness cascading through his body, from head to toe, as he resumed his struggling though it was now impossible to tell where his limbs were without looking. "What did you do to me?" He tried to say but the words were slurred as he couldn't feel anything in his mouth.

Nobody answered as Sapnap's hands were cuffed behind his back, he could feel the pressure around his wrists, and he was carried to the van. Dream was also cuffed and collared, laying terrifyingly still on the ground in a corner behind the seats. Sapnap was tossed, he was pretty sure gently but couldn't really tell, into the same space. As their kidnappers got into the seats, he wiggled over to Dream.

His friend was still breathing, thankfully, and Sapnap nudged him with his head. "Dreamie, come on. Say something." Sapnap pleaded quietly and thankfully Dream stirred, giving a soft pained groan. Not enough to wake but it settled something in Sapnap's chest to know his friend was at least alive.

The van started moving and he fell over with a huff. He probably bruised his shoulder, but still couldn't feel a thing. He shifted until he lay on his side, his back to Dream and with the wall behind them. There wasn't much he could do with his hands bound like this and completely numb, but he grabbed as much of Dream's shirt as he could. He refused to let them be separated as a heaviness overcame him and he passed out.

Waking up was uncomfortable. He had pins and needles running painfully through his limbs. He felt stiff and sore, his shoulders both ached. Sapnap realized after a moment that his hands were no longer cuffed behind him and neither was Dream. He sat up swiftly, too quickly as the world swayed nauseatingly and he was sure for a minute that he was going to pass out.

When the feeling settled he studied where he was. It was a small room with three small mattresses with no blankets, sheets, or pillows, and a metal door. Two of the mattresses were next to each other away from the door, which was where he lay, while the third was next to the door. The floors and walls were all padded, covered in a gray slightly squishy fabric just like the beds except the mattresses were a little thicker.

Dream lay on the bed next to his and Sapnap scrambled up in a panic to check on him. He heard rattling and realized there was a chain around his ankle, connected to the wall between his mattress and Dream's. His clothes had been changed too: now he was dressed in all black, loose fitting sweatpants and a long-sleeved black tee-shirt without socks or shoes. 

Dream was much the same: his ankle chained to the wall right next to Sapnap's and the same style of soft loose fitting clothes, though his friend was dressed in white. Sapnap knelt onto Dream's mattress and gently nudged him, earning a soft groan but Dream clearly wasn't going to wake any time soon. That was probably a good thing if how numb Sapnap felt was any indication. Dream would be in so much pain if he woke up.

Sapnap settled into his friend's bed anyway and held him close. Dream hummed softly and nestled against him so Sapnap ran his fingers through his friend's hair. Someone had washed it, had probably washed them both when their clothes were changed and that was an uncomfortable thought. He held Dream a little tighter. There was nothing he could do besides wait. 

He wasn't left waiting long. 

There was a soft beeping sound from somewhere and then his whole body went numb, just like it had when the collar was first put on. Sapnap just kept his grip around Dream and didn't move as he waited for anything to happen.

The door was opened and someone, a teen no more than a year or two older than them, was brought in by two men in all black. Not an inch of skin was showing on either of them and their outfits were clearly designed to keep it that way. The teen, a brunet dressed in a tan tee-shirt and sweatpants, was shoved onto the other mattress and both his wrists were cuffed to the wall. The chains seemed much shorter than the ones around Sapnap's and Dream's ankles.

As the men in black left the brunet huffed, crossing his arms angrily, but he was ignored. The door shut with a clang. The brunet's defensive posture slumped when another soft beep rang out and abruptly Sapnap could feel his limbs again, though the rush of pins and needles left him gasping. Dream seemed to relax a little, whimpering softly even though he remained unconscious.

Sapnap just held him and waited for the feeling to ease. It didn't, not really, but it at least became easier to manage. Then Sapnap looked towards the brunet teen, who was muttering to himself and looked less than pleased about everything.

"Hey." Sapnap called and the teen's head snapped up. "What's going on? Who are you? Where are we?" Sapnap demanded and the brunet sighed heavily.

"Just got brought in, huh?" For a moment Sapnap was taken aback by the teen's British accent. "Welcome to Manburg. Think of them like an illegal underground police force for people like you. Except they're also on the wrong side of the law." Sapnap glanced at his hands, at the black markings on his skin. "Yeah, Killers and Revivers. You're lucky though; most Killers don't get a Reviver so soon after arriving." 

"He's my best friend." Sapnap spat, feeling a little bad for the misplaced anger a moment later, but the brunet just nodded in understanding.

"Brought in together then, I assume? Schlatt must be ecstatic." The brunet muttered more to himself.

"Who's Schlatt? And who are you?" Sapnap asked. Dream stirred then, with another weak pained groan, and Sapnap gently shushed him, running his fingers through his friend's hair, but it did little to ease Dream's pained expression.

"I'm George. Schlatt is the one in charge of this… prison." The brunet, George, answered.

For a moment Sapnap almost asked why they were there, but it seemed fairly obvious whoever took them did so because of their abilities. But George didn't have markings like them. "Why are you here? You don't have markings." Sapnap pointed out and George sighed heavily.

"I had just moved to this country and needed money but because I was 15 I couldn't get a regular job. I was hired by Schlatt to do some programming work. He was impressed and asked me to help create a collar that could suppress Death and Revival powers. I was told it was a voluntary thing, something to make life easier for people with markings. When I found out he was kidnapping them and using the collars to control them, I was… I'll just say upset, to put it mildly. But Schlatt couldn't let me leave with that knowledge so he made me this." George gestured to his clothes like that meant anything to Sapnap.

"I don't understand. What do your clothes have to do with this?" Sapnap asked and George looked surprised for a beat before he nodded.

"Right, newcomers. Killers like you are always dressed in black. Revivers like your friend wear white. And poor fools like me, that are meant to be killed and revived by you when Schlatt doesn't have a job for you, wear tan. Got that?" George asked and Sapnap nodded hesitantly.

"I think so. But that… doesn't that mean I'm supposed to Wither you?" Sapnap asked and George nodded. 

"I assume Wither means kills? Yes. And then he revives me. Or not, I don't think it really matters to Schlatt, but it looks like you both have gone a while without." George confirmed.

Sapnap stared at him, uncomfortable and unsure, but his powers were reaching out. He couldn't feel a thing outside the walls but George's life was pulsing in his awareness. It wasn't as bright as other people's and Sapnap realized this probably wasn't the first time George had been in this position. 

"I don't… You don't want that, though." Sapnap countered weakly and George shrugged.

"Does anyone? It's not exactly pleasant. You think I like living feeling like pieces of me have just been chipped away? But you at least seem like a decent person and it's better than you and your friend dying slow painful deaths." George answered. 

Sapnap stood, and nearly fell over as his knees didn't feel like they bent right and he couldn't feel his feet. "Sorry, I'm pretty numb." Sapnap mumbled and George's expression briefly turned sympathetic.

"It's okay. Just come over here and do it. I'd come to you, but they keep my chains too short for that. I guess so I don't attack you while you're asleep or something, I don't know." George said and Sapnap briefly chuckled but it died off quickly. There really wasn't anything funny about the situation, but what else could he do? He decided to focus on walking, wishing he had something to use as a crutch. The padded floor did not make it easier to keep his balance. At least it was a short distance.

Sapnap practically collapsed next to George and the brunet reached out, running a hand through his hair in a way that felt really nice. "Hey, you never told me your name." George mentioned softly. It felt strangely gentle and warm, like hugs from his dad. Something he hadn't felt in at least a year.

"Sapnap. I'm Sapnap, and he's Dream." He answered and George smiled at him.

"Nice to meet you Sapnap. Now kill me." George ordered and Sapnap flinched.

"Wither. Please call it withering. Just… saying I kill people makes me feel like a psycho or a serial killer or something." Sapnap corrected awkwardly. 

"Withering. Huh." George repeated before he met Sapnap's eye and that was when he realized the brunet had heterochromia. "I like it better too. Go ahead and Wither me then, Sapnap." George insisted.

Sapnap took a breath and gently pulled up George's shirt, which seemed to take the brunet by surprise. "Sorry, it's just- it's faster. The closer I am to your heart. And I need skin contact…" Sapnap mumbled and George relaxed. 

"It's okay. Just took me by surprise." The brunet answered and Sapnap nodded. His hand was hovering just above George's skin and everything in him was screaming for him to Wither George, to take his lifeforce. But it felt so strange. Knowing George was okay with this, or at least willing to do it for him and Dream, instead of some random. Knowing that George probably wasn't going to just disappear from their lives afterwards.

"Sapnap, I can see you shaking. Just do it. The waiting is worse." George insisted and that put an instant stop to his inner turmoil. He let his hand fall and the moment his skin met George's, he felt George's lifeforce being drawn into him. It certainly wasn't instant and not nearly as fast as Sapnap wished. It took a few seconds to reach George's heart and those seconds could not be pleasant for the brunet. 

But when Sapnap took his hand away, George's heart no longer beating under his palm, he felt so much better. The numbness was totally gone for the first time in days and there was energy jumping through his limbs. He felt awake and alert and alive. 

But George was dead and Dream was whimpering quietly so with his new-found energy Sapnap scooped Dream up and carried him over to George. He set Dream's hand exactly where his had been, right over George's heart, but nothing happened.

"Come on, Dream. Revive him. Please." Sapnap pleaded quietly, a stab of fear that he was too late and his friend was too out of it and that Dream was going to die and then George was going to stay dead and he'd be all alone-

Though it was significantly harder to notice without his powers reaching out in desperation, he felt when George's lifeforce came flooding back. This time even brighter than before and George started moving with a gasp. Sapnap slumped in relief as Dream stirred too, his hand falling from George's chest only to be raised to his face as the blond rubbed his eyes tiredly. "Dream, oh my god. You're okay." Sapnap pulled his friend into a tight hug, with Dream's face buried against his chest, and though it took a minute Dream hugged him back just as tight.

"Pandas?" It was somewhere between a question and a statement and Sapnap just squeezed Dream harder.

"Right here, I'm right here." Sapnap promised softly and Dream relaxed. Sapnap glanced at George, who looked a bit out of it and was studying his hands like he hadn't seen them before. "You okay, George?" Sapnap asked and the brunet nodded, quickly dropping his hand. 

"Yeah, I'm fine. Not my first trip to Limbo and I doubt it'll be my last either. You guys made it quick though, which I appreciate." George said and Sapnap smiled at him.

"Thank you for letting us." Sapnap answered and George chuckled. 

"I mean, I couldn't exactly stop you if I wanted to, but if it was going to be anyone I'm glad it was you." George said and Sapnap's smile widened. 

"Sap? Who's that?" Dream mumbled, finally pulling back from where Sapnap was clinging to him. Not that Sapnap stopped clinging, but he did shift so Dream and George could see each other.

"This is George. He let us wither and revive him." Sapnap explained and Dream looked towards the brunet.

"Oh. Thank you." Dream said softly and George shrugged. "I'm Dream."

"Sapnap mentioned. I'm George, which he also mentioned. And you don't need to thank me. I'm as much a prisoner here as you are." George said and Dream's expression dropped.

"Prisoner?" He repeated quietly and Sapnap squeezed his friend tight. He didn't know what was going to happen now, but at least they were together. And George didn't seem like a bad companion either.

Chapter Text

Sapnap's body was buzzing as he entered their room. Withering multiple people in a day always left him jittery and hyper but he hated leaving Dream alone for this long as George had been dragged off somewhere for the day too. "I'm back." Sapnap called, trying not to be too loud since Dream was always sensitive to loud noises this many days after reviving someone. 

"Welcome back." Dream answered softly and Sapnap took off his shoes, leaving them by the door before he stepped from the hallway into their living room. It was small, just big enough for a couch, a tv, and a coffee table. Just behind the couch was a kitchenette. Straight down the hall was a bathroom and a bedroom. It was cramped for three people but the apartment was a huge step up from the empty padded room they'd started out in 10 years ago. It was even a step up from the last place they'd been given that had been just a room with 3 beds and a private bathroom, almost like a hospital room except with none of the entertainment. Besides, none of them minded sharing the space.

Dream was curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket. The TV was off and the lights were low so his friend was probably dealing with a migraine. Dream was pale too, his knees pressed to his chest and arms wrapped around himself. "How are you feeling?" Sapnap asked gently as he took a seat next to Dream.

The tall blond leaned against him instantly and Sapnap ran his fingers through his friend's hair. Dream had grown it out until it brushed his shoulders, but with natural gentle waves it looked nice. Sometimes Sapnap wished he could see it like this with the sun-created highlights that had always looked so pretty when they were little. "I'm okay." Dream answered with a shrug. 

"Let me see." Sapnap insisted and Dream hesitated, which was a dead giveaway that he was in worse condition than it seemed. "Dream." He demanded, holding out his hands and finally the blond held out one of his own so it hovered over Sapnap's. It was trembling hard: it was no wonder Dream had dropped his cup so much this morning. And last night too, actually. "As soon as George gets back I'm Withering him so you can Revive him." Sapnap informed his friend, leaving no room for argument.

"No, Sap, don't. I'm fine. I can handle a couple more days." Dream insisted but Sapnap gave him a look. 

"You need to stop doing this, Dream. You can't go this long without Reviving someone." Sapnap insisted.

"Yes, I can!" Dream snapped as the sound of the front door opened.

"Jesus, today was awful. Is Sapnap back?" George's voice was a lot less quiet than Sapnap's had been and just like he suspected, Dream flinched.

"I'm back, but Dream has a migraine." Sapnap answered, as quietly as he could while still being heard, and George stepped into the living room.

"Sorry, didn't mean to be so loud." George said, much quieter as he took in Dream's posture.

"It's okay." Dream almost mumbled and George frowned.

Sapnap spoke before he could. "He needs to Revive. He's shaking really bad." 

"It has been a while and I don't think Schlatt's had him Reviving anyone." George commented as he made his way over to the kitchen counter. There was a single pill bottle there that George picked up.

The second his fingers touched the plastic Dream insisted "wait, George, don't!"

So George quickly popped the lid and immediately he could tell there was an issue. "Jesus Christ, Dream. How long have you been taking the oxycodone?" George demanded, shifting the bottle to see how many pills were left. There were a handful of them at most and far, far less than the last time he'd checked.

"Just a day." Dream answered weakly and George glared at him.

"I hope to god you're lying to me right now because if you aren't you've seriously overdosed and I'm taking you to medical." George reached for his watch to call an emergency.

"No, no, wait! Don't!" Dream tried to scramble up and Sapnap jumped up and caught him when Dream nearly fell over. "I'm sorry. It's been a week and a half. Nine days." Dream answered and Sapnap nearly dropped him as he helped his friend to sit back down.

"Dream, you can't keep doing this!" Sapnap snapped and Dream curled up into a ball again, his face hidden against his legs. "Dream, come on. There must be a reason. Will you tell us? Is this some new test of Schlatt's?" Sapnap asked. He was fighting to stay calm and gently urged Dream's head up with his fingers.

There were tears in his green eyes and Sapnap melted, pulling him into a hug. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Dream almost whimpered and Sapnap held him tighter. 

The couch shifted as George took a seat on Dream's other side and started rubbing his back. "Come on, Dream. Talk to us. Please. Is there a reason you don't want to Revive me? You know it doesn't bother me when it's you two." George insisted.

"Can't." Dream almost gasped and Sapnap shared a look with George.

"Can't what?" George asked gently.

"Can't keep Reviving you. Your soul is gonna break at some point and I can't lose you, George." Dream finally said and Sapnap froze at the realization. He couldn't believe it had taken this long. Souls that were Withered and Revived too much eventually just shattered and George had been with them for years.

George sighed heavily but smiled when Sapnap met his eyes. "If it's known it was this much of an issue I would have said something sooner, but I didn't want Manberg to find out. Dream, when you Revive me, you Revive me completely. No cracks in my soul, no missing pieces. The first time you brought me back I was shocked because I hadn't felt whole in over a year. So you don't need to worry. You're powerful enough to not only bring souls back but repair them." George explained.

Dream sniffled and pulled his head back from Sapnap's chest to look at George. "Really?" He almost whispered and George nodded.

"I wouldn't lie to you about this. And if I was wrong I don't think I'd be here to tell you this now. So seriously, stop taking the pain meds and just Revive me when you need to, okay? I won't go anywhere." George ordered and Dream nodded.

"Okay." He answered weakly and Sapnap smiled, briefly pressing his head to Dream's shoulder before he reached over the blond. George took his hand and it only took seconds for him to Wither his friend. No matter how many people he Withered, there was always something different about it when he did it to George. Maybe it was just the knowledge that George was willingly giving up his life force, a part of his soul, so that Sapnap could live off of it for a while but it felt nicer.

Dream was still sniffling as he touched George's cheek and in no time at all color had returned to both their faces, George gasping for air for a moment before his awareness set back in. Dream was still cradling his face and George leaned into the touch briefly before he stood and stretched. "Alright, now I'm hungry so I'm making dinner." The brunet announced as he walked into the kitchen.

Sapnap tightened his grip around Dream's shoulders and the blond leaned back against him. "Thank you, Sap." Dream whispered and Sapnap squeezed him.

"Any time." He answered.

Chapter Text

Sapnap groaned when an irritating beeping noise pulled him from sleep. He was warm and comfortable, cuddled up to Dream’s back and his fingers laced with George’s over Dream’s body. But the beeping did not let up and he forced himself to let go of George’s hand to grab the corded phone that permanently resided in their bedroom. “What?” He greeted tiredly. 

“The Reviver is needed. An important contractor died. His escort will be there in five minutes.” The phone was hung up immediately after and Sapnap groaned again. He put the phone back and nudged Dream. 

“Come on, Dreamie. You gotta wake up. You’ve got a job.” Sapnap insisted and Dream stirred with a groan of his own before opening his eyes. Sapnap stood and pulled Dream out of the bed. His friend yawned as Sapnap pushed him towards his wardrobe and stepped up to his own. 

“Sap? Why are you getting dressed?” Dream asked, almost mumbling in his tiredness, as he got changed and Sapnap rolled his eyes.

“I’m not letting them take you somewhere alone, idiot.” Sapnap insisted and Dream’s sleepy smile warmed his heart. It made it worth the ridiculously early morning. Dream left the bedroom first and Sapnap hurried after him. They had just gotten to the door and put on shoes when there was a soft chime though the apartment. Both of them braced as the collars were activated. 

The near total numbness was something Sapnap could never get used to, but at least it wasn’t as bad as Dream, who was doubled over in pain as he tried to stifle any sounds. He did not understand why they suppressed both their skills; sure, Sapnap could kill with a touch and would happily use it to get the three of them out of here if given the opportunity, but Dream’s powers were useless for fighting and it caused him so much pain to have them suppressed. Sapnap gently reached out and helped his friend straighten up, though Dream was leaning heavily on him. 

Their door was opened to reveal two helmeted men in the armored blacked suits. Sapnap had never seen one of their faces before and it was impossible to tell them apart. There could have been over a hundred or literally only ten and Sapnap would never know the difference. One of them grabbed Dream’s arm and tugged him out with more force than he needed to and Sapnap started forward after him, only to get shoved back by the other guard. “You aren’t needed.” He was informed. 

“Like hell I’m letting you take him without me.” Sapnap argued only to get shoved again, almost hard enough he fell. Especially since he couldn't feel if his knees were bending the right way or where the floor was under his feet.

“Sap, it’s okay. Don’t start trouble, please. I’ll be fine.” Dream promised. He hated it. He hated it with every fiber of his being but nodded anyway. 

“I hate it.” He declared out loud for good measure and Dream just smiled fondly at him before the door shut. There was a heavy clunk as it was locked, which they didn’t usually do anymore. Sapnap scoffed, kicked off his shoes, and wandered back to the bedroom. 

George was still curled up in bed, but looked up at him sleepily. “Sap? Where’s Dream?” He mumbled. 

“A contractor died so they summoned him to go Revive them. Wouldn’t let me go with.” Sapnap grumbled as he yanked off his clothes and tossed them aside. George pulled back the covers and he snuggled up to George with a sigh. 

“He’ll be fine, Sap. Schlatt won’t let anyone hurt him. Dream’s too valuable. It’s just a Revival.” George promised and Sapnap hummed. He couldn’t bring himself to relax, but George's proximity was helping and eventually he fell back asleep.

Dream was more nervous than he wanted to admit. He’d never been taken out alone before. He was escorted to the garage, past multiple other apartments that held other Witherer/Reviver duos like him and Sapnap. Most didn’t have a single permanent companion like George was for him and Sap, but they’d fought hard to keep him with them. There was a much fancier car waiting for him than usual but the blacked out windows were normal. 

He was practically shoved into the limousine-style back seat and realized right away that he wasn't alone. Seated with his back to the front of the car was a large man in a fancy suit with sideburns. Schlatt. “Sit.” Schlatt ordered and Dream quickly took a seat as far away from the older man as he could before buckling in. Schlatt tapped on the window between them and the driver and the car started moving. 

“Hello, sir.” Dream offered quietly, and immediately regretted it when Schlatt’s attention was put on him. 

“Dream. I cannot overstate how important this job is. This client paid a lot of money for this so just do what you need to do and don’t mess up. Understood?” Schlatt asked and Dream quickly nodded. 

“Yes, sir.” He answered weakly and Schlatt leaned back in his seat as he pulled out a flask. The rest of the ride was completely silent and Dream spent most of it with his eyes closed, trying not to give away how much pain he was in with his collar still active. The ride took a while, long enough Dream even briefly fell asleep though he wasn’t sleeping deeply and woke the moment they stopped moving.

Schlatt exited the car first and as soon as Dream was at the car door, he was grabbed by the arm and yanked out. At least he didn't fall but he was struggling to get his balance back as Schlatt power walked into the building and he was forced to keep up. He was only just able to see that it was an enormous stone building, an actual full-blown castle, before they were inside.

There was a butler just inside the door, who bowed his head to them. "Welcome. Their Highness is this way." The butler greeted before he started walking. There were guards all over the place, dressed in fancy looking suits, as well as people cleaning and otherwise working.

Dream was amazed at all the activity despite the early hour, but it wasn't like he could ask if this was normal. Maybe it was just because the head of the house had died. They went up a very cinematic looking staircase and were led down enough hallways that it made his head spin. Though the ever present pain might have had something to do with it too because Dream had an awful migraine continuing to build behind his eyes.

"In here." The butler opened one side of an elegant double door, revealing a spacious well decorated bedroom. It was more than twice the size of the pseudo-apartment he, Sapnap, and George lived in. The bed looked way too big for one person, but only one person lay on it. They had a more masculine body type but were wearing a pretty nightgown and there was a crown on the bedside table. 

"Their Highness Eret." The butler declared like it wasn't obvious. 

Schlatt grabbed Dream by the arm suddenly, making him jump, and half threw-half shoved him towards the bed. "Go on. Their Highness has been dead for a couple hours already. Let's not keep them waiting any longer." Schlatt ordered.

Dream approached the bed but paused before getting on. "My collar is still active. I can't…" Dream reminded carefully and Schlatt was grumbling under his breath as he pulled out a smartphone. It took a minute, but there was a soft beep and Dream nearly buckled as the pain vanished. 

His head was spinning and he had to take a moment to breathe because it had been a very long time since they'd kept the collar active for more than a handful of minutes. He felt like he was floating now that the pain had vanished. But quickly Dream shook it off and joined Eret on the bed.

Their skin was a pale gray and cold, stiff to the touch. But this was far from the worst body Dream had been confronted with (the sight of a month old body was worse than any skeleton and something he would never forget). And far from the worst he'd ever brought back. He couldn't even tell what had killed Eret. Compared to the accident victims who were more pieces than whole and the one nine day old body he'd Revived, this should be easy.

There was no real way to be respectful as he pulled down their shirt a little so he could put his hand on their chest, as close to the heart as possible. And then he stopped feeling the physical world and reached into the Void. Everyone's Void was different and its exact appearance, sometimes the general location all together, were unclear even to him. Sometimes he would feel warmth or cold, the sensation of rain on his skin or, once, fire. Occasionally he'd get a little more; a glimpse of trees or brick walls, see candles or stars. Smell food cooking or hear the ambiance. But when he reached for Eret's soul, before he could feel or see anything about their Void, a hand grabbed his and he yanked them back. 

It was an energy drain on him, since he was giving up huge chunks of his own soul to Revive another's, but he had always had extra and unlike others, his soul could regenerate on it's own. It's what gave him the ability to Revive at all. It was likely only a minute or two for the bystanders, but for him it felt like both a lifetime and an instant. Color had already returned to Eret's face when Dream opened his eyes and he could feel their Highness's pulse under his hand.

He withdrew it and carefully fixed their clothes when Eret's eyes opened. They landed on him immediately but Dream jerked in surprise when he realized they were all white. Had he messed up? If he had cost a member of the royal family their eyes…

But Eret didn't seem concerned and neither did anyone else. It didn't seem like they were blind either as they stared at him. Slowly the royal smiled at him. "I assume you were the one who Revived me?" Eret asked and Dream nodded, quickly bowing his head and moving back to give them space. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, your highness. You were dead for a while so you might be a bit sore or stiff. It shouldn't last more than a day or two." Dream offered, unsure what was the right thing to say, and Eret simply chuckled at his attempt to sound professional.

"I'll keep that in mind." Eret looked away from him, towards Schlatt, and to Dream's surprise asked "you're sure I can't buy him to keep nearby? He's very cute."

Outwardly Dream flinched but internally he was screaming. He couldn't be separated from Sapnap and George: they were a team, his family, the only ones he had left. He prayed to any deity that would listen that he would get to stay with Sapnap and George and not be sold to be kept like a pet with an occasionally useful trick. Schlatt laughed and replied "no can do, even for you, your highness. Besides, he's part of a set that I'm not inclined to split up and it would take an absurd amount to get me to part with the three of them."

"Pity." Eret answered as someone grabbed Dream's arm and pulled him from the bed. "Then I suppose you should be off. I hope not to need your services again in the near future, Schlatt, but my contact remains valid, yes?"

"Yes, your highness." Schlatt agreed with a bow and Eret hummed.

"Then you're dismissed." They waved at the door and Schlatt left. Dream was tugged along after him by one of the helmeted guards. Back through the dizzying halls and down the stairs until they reached the front door. The butler was there and opened the door for them, but it was the very tall man standing beside the butler that made Dream freeze.

Because he knew him. His blond hair was shorter than Dream remembered. His muscular build, that Dream had only just seen the beginnings of, now nicely filled out his suit. He had a chiseled face that had always looked so similar to his own. And his eyes. They were the same green eyes that Dream saw in the mirror every day. 

"Foolish?" It was a miracle anyone heard his quiet call, let alone the tall blond himself but those green eyes snapped to him and widened like saucers.

"Dream?" Their whole procession paused at his name and Dream started struggling. 

"Foolish!" He answered desperately. It was his big brother, the one he hadn't seen since he had run away at 13. Of course the guard holding onto him didn't let go and he was dragged out the front door.

Foolish rushed after them, but was stopped by another bodyguard dressed in the same suit as him. "Let me go! That's Dream, dammit! Let me go!" Foolish was shouting too. Dream didn't let up from his own struggle and he was certain he'd have bruises from how hard he was being grabbed.

He opened his mouth to shout back to Foolish when overpowering pain flooded every limb. Dream dropped to the ground with a genuine scream and clawed at the collar that had been reactivated, but his cries were ignored as he was thrown into the car. He barely felt it, too overwhelmed as all his nerves lit up. He wanted to get up, to at least get another glimpse of his brother before he was taken away, but the pain kept him writhing on the ground until he thankfully, finally, blacked out.

Sapnap hated days like this, where he was the one stuck alone in the apartment with nothing to do. It didn't happen often; his talents were useful to more people than Dream's. Or maybe he was just cheaper. Sapnap didn't know. But it was worse today with the knowledge that Dream had been taken somewhere unknown. Maybe he was overprotective but he’d take that title with pride if it meant his friends were safe.

A soft familiar beep rang out through the apartment and he ignored the sudden numbness as he scrambled to his feet. The metal door was opened almost instantly after the beep and one of the helmeted men entered carrying Dream. His friend was limp and Sapnap stumbled after them in a panic as Dream was carried into their bedroom.

"Hey! What happened to him? Is he okay?" Sapnap's questions were ignored as Dream was put on the bed and then the helmeted man left. Sapnap immediately joined Dream and though he couldn't feel it through the pins and needles he gently stroked Dream's face. The blond was tense, his expression pained, and Sapnap waited what felt like forever for the telltale beep.

Sapnap did his best to shake off the lingering numbness as Dream relaxed into the mattress. “Dream? Can you hear me?” Sapnap gently shook his friend but didn’t get a response right away. He got more desperate, shaking his friend harder, until Dream groaned. Finally his eyes opened and Sapnap slumped. “Dream, I’m so glad you’re okay.” 

“Sap?” Dream muttered as Sapnap bruised the hair off his face. 

“Right here. You’re okay. You’re safe.” Sapnap promised and Dream leaned into his touch. 

“I saw…” Dream faltered and Sapnap grew concerned as Dream looked so… lost. “Sap, I saw Foolish. He was there.” Dream almost whispered.

That stunned Sapnap into silence. He hadn’t really thought about his family in years, just as he was sure Dream hadn’t. Leaving home had been much easier for his friend than it had been for him; when Dream’s marks came in his mother all but disowned him and when Dream informed him he was going on the run Sapnap wasn’t going to let him go alone. His own marks appeared a couple months after, which kept him from going back home.

But he had always missed his dad. Missed the daily homemade pastries and hugs. Being scolded for every swear word, even if his dad was hiding a smile every time and his step-dad would curse like a sailor just to frustrate him. “How did he look?” Sapnap asked as he shoved those feelings deep inside and Dream smiled softly. 

“He looked good. I hope he didn’t get in trouble. He saw me too and was fighting to get to me.” Dream said quietly and Sapnap pulled him into a hug. 

“I’m sure Foolish will be fine.” Sapnap reassured as Dream pressed against him. Sapnap wrapped his arms around his friend. “Do you think… Do you think he’ll tell dad?” 

“If he tells mo-Puffy, she’ll tell Bad.” Dream answered and Sapnap squeezed him tighter. 

“I’ve missed him.” Sapnap admitted quietly and Dream covered his hands with his own. 

“I’m sorry. I know you left for me and then we got taken here.” Dream quietly apologized and Sapnap squeezed him. 

“I’d do it again in a heartbeat. If you had left alone you’d be dead, Dream. You’re my best friend; it would have broken my heart to lose you like that.” Sapnap reminded softly and Dream nodded.

“I know. You’re my best friend too.” Dream answered.

"I love you, man." Sapnap almost whispered and Dream twisted to bury his face into Sapnap's chest as he wrapped his arms around the ravenette.

"I love you." Dream promised.

Chapter Text

Whatever had happened with Foolish must have scared Schlatt because Dream was never allowed out anymore. Their door remained locked except for when the guards came for them. Sapnap and George were always escorted and the sad expression on Dream's face hurt every time. Sapnap didn't even know why he was being brought out; it wasn't like Schlatt had him Withering people. He hadn't been subjected to testing in years, but now it was all they wanted from him.

They had him strip down to his underwear in a brightly lit exam room and then he'd just lay there on an exam bed for hours as they studied the marks on his body. Why they had to do this in person he didn't know; one of the earliest things he remembered about Manburg was them taking detailed full body pictures of him and Dream, documenting all of their marks. It was chilly and boring and Sapnap was pretty sure the numbness from not Withering had spread to his brain because it was so easy to zone out.

After a few days, long enough Sapnap was walking awkwardly because he couldn't feel his knees or feet, the routine stopped. He was brought to a much more familiar poorly lit cement room with a man, blindfolded, gagged, and bound to a chair. Schlatt was there too, as were a few of the faceless guards. Aside from Schlatt's presence (usually it was Quackity, Schlatt's secretary who was very close to Sapnap in age, who monitored his Withering) it was a pretty normal sight.

"Sapnap." Schlatt's greeting was warm but it just made him feel uncomfortable because Schlatt was never genuine.

"Sir." Sapnap answered politely anyway. 

Schlatt held out a book, of all things, which Sapnap cautiously took. It was bound in soft red leather with a flame on the front, the same as the one on his favorite shirt. "We've been working on a little something. I want you to use your power on the book."

"Um, sir, that's…" Sapnap faltered at the look Schlatt gave him and turned his attention to the book instead. It felt so dumb. Something had to have a soul in order to be Withered and there was no life energy coming from the book. Because it's just a book. But Sapnap released a breath and tried anyway, let the familiar feeling of reaching overwhelm his senses. 

To his surprise, he could. It felt harder, so much harder than even if Sapnap was Withering someone from their toes. He had to reach and reach and reach and it felt like his fingers could just barely brush it, but there was a soul there. Sapnap almost didn't mean to, so burnt out from reaching and numb after having gone nearly a week without, that he snatched up the soul's energy on instinct. The moment feeling flooded back to his fingers and toes he dropped the book with a gasp and stumbled back.

Someone grabbed his arm. They kept him from moving further away, but felt more like an attempt to help him keep his feet. "What the fuck was that?" Sapnap asked breathlessly and Schlatt chuckled as he picked up the book.

Sapnap just watched as the older man moved over to the man in the chair, who had slumped, and checked his pulse. "Excellent work, Sapnap. This is going to change how you take soul energy." Schlatt declared.

"What?" Sapnap felt so confused and his mind was whirling at hyperspeed after the jolt of energy he'd just gotten. 

Schlatt held up the book. "You like anime, right? You watch a lot of it. Think of this as your own personal Death Note." Schlatt opened the book and there was a name written there, one Sapnap didn't know but could only assume belonged to the man he'd just Withered. The margins of the page were covered in black markings not unlike the ones on his body. 

When Sapnap reached for it Schlatt snapped the book closed and pulled it away. "Now you no longer need to touch someone to Wither them, which means your talent can finally be useful as a proper assassin."

The word made Sapnap's blood run cold. "I'm not- I just…" He stuttered and Schlatt just laughed.

"You kill people, Sapnap. And sure, sometimes it's for legal executions, but do you really think those pay well enough to provide you and Dream and especially George all the luxuries I give you?” Schlatt continued to chuckle as he left the room, leaving Sapnap feeling like the floor had dropped out from under him. The guard who was holding his arm quickly pulled him from the room and the hallways passed in a blur.

He barely heard the door opening and he was pushed, somewhat gently, into the apartment. Dream was in the living room doorway and ran up to him, pulling him into a tight hug. It was only then, surrounded by warmth, that Sapnap realized he was shaking. Slowly he brought his arms up to hold Dream back as a couple of tears fell.

"Shh, Sap, I'm here. I'm here. Tell me what I can do. Tell me what you need." Dream murmured gently and Sapnap felt himself being guided to the couch. 

He ended up basically in Dream's lap, his head buried against his friend's shoulder as he cried. Dream ran gentle fingers through his hair soothingly and began humming. Slowly Sapnap was able to breathe again and his tears slowed. Dream continued to hold him and Sapnap was very grateful for that. Finally he pulled his head up and Dream smiled at him, his friend gently wiping away the tears from his cheeks.

"Hey Sappy." Dream said and Sapnap sniffled a laugh.

"Hi. Thank you." He whispered and Dream squeezed him.

"Any time. But what happened? I don't think I've seen you cry like that in years." Dream's tone was overwhelmingly concerned and Sapnap sniffled again as he tried to keep from crying again.

"Am I a killer?" Sapnap asked softly and Dream froze, his expression giving way to confusion. "Schlatt… Schlatt called me an assassin. I don't… Dream, I don't want to be a killer." Sapnap pleaded and Dream pulled him close again.

“I don't know what to tell you, Sap, but I know you. Better than anyone. And I know that if you had any other option you wouldn't Wither." Dream answered.

"I mean, couldn't I just stop? I know it would kill me but maybe that's better. I… god, I've been killing people for years. Didn't think too hard about who they were and just assumed they were criminals on death row or that someone was reviving them or something but that's not the case at all. Is it?" Tears started falling again and Dream didn't even try to shush him this time, just ran his hands up and down Sapnap's back soothingly.

"I wish it were different, Pandas. I wish you didn't have to hurt people. That we could leave this place for good and live somewhere deep in the woods, just you, me, and George." Dream murmured but Sapnap was shaking his head and he pulled back far enough to look his friend in the eyes.

"No. No. Even if we could, you wouldn't be happy. You were built to help people Dream, in a hospital or as an emergency responder or… at a police station or something." Sapnap insisted and Dream shrugged.

"I wouldn't be unhappy being with just you two." Dream answered, with all sincerity, but again Sapnap shook his head.

"No, I can't… you're my other half, right? My Yang. The light to my dark. The life to my death. Maybe it's selfish of me to say but you counter the damage I've done. Bring people back to have a second chance to make up for all the people whose lives ended because of me." Sapnap declared almost frantically and Dream urged him forward so their foreheads were pressed together. "And you're so… you're so amazing, Dream. I can't be the thing that holds you back."

"Sapnap, no. You've never held me back, not once. You've always supported and helped me. I don't care what was offered to me, I could never leave you." Dream promised and Sapnap leaned forward, burying his face into Dream's shoulder and wrapping his arms around his friend's shoulders tightly. "We'll figure something out. I promise." Dream added softly and Sapnap just squeezed him tight like that could stop the world from ripping him away.

Chapter Text

There was a different kind of alarm going off, one Sapnap had never heard before. It was loud and irritating and immediately woke him from a deep sleep. Dream also looked disoriented from where Sapnap was pressed to his chest. George groaned from Dream's other side and his head appeared when the brunet sat up.

"What's… is that a fire alarm?" George muttered and that helped Sapnap to focus. 

"Come on, get up. If it's a fire alarm we need to evacuate, right?" Sapnap pushed at Dream as he scrambled out of the bed. 

Dream still looked half asleep when Sapnap pulled him up but they quickly left their bedroom. There wasn't smoke or heat or even loud noises, nothing to indicate there was an emergency except the incessant alarm that was already making his ears ring. Sapnap barely took the time to slip on his shoes before pulling at the door, which didn't budge at all and he swore.

"We're locked in." He informed his friends. George looked concerned, in his own subtle way, while Dream finally looked awake and was studying the door. 

"I don't… even if it's a fire this whole place is made of concrete. We won't need to worry about it coming down or spreading. Same with any kind of hurricane. Maybe flooding might be a concern, or smoke, but…" Dream shrugged and Sapnap let out a breath. 

"Actually, there's something else it could be. Hold on." George suddenly rushed back into their bedroom, leaving the two of them standing there blinking at each other.

George came back only a minute later holding something. When he held it up it just looked like two small metal chips. When neither of them reacted he rolled his eyes. "I've been working on these for a while, whenever I had spare time in the computer lab. It'll keep your collars from being activated while making them look like they've been activated when need be."

"Wait, George, how long have you had those?" Dream questioned and George sighed.

"Not as long as I would have liked. Maybe two weeks at most. But as you both know, what happens here isn't exactly legal. I heard about it from another pair I was put with before you guys: the last site had been raided by police. A lot of Revivers and Witherers were left behind with collars on and a few died before they were found." George stepped forward and Dream crouched a little to give him access to the collar.

"But I don't expect Schlatt will want to leave you two behind. While you're being moved might be your best bet for getting free." George finished before he stepped over to Sapnap and started working with his collar.

"We wouldn't leave you behind, Gogy." Sapnap promised and George shrugged. 

"I'd be fine. It's not like I'll starve and the police raid would literally be happening right now. At most it might be a couple of days before they get me out." George reminded. "Even if you have to leave me behind, it's better than either of you getting hurt. I promise you it would be fine." 

"Let's stop worrying about it. We don't know what's going to happen." Dream reminded right as there was a much more familiar beep mixed in with the alarm. Dream tensed and Sapnap took a breath, preparing for the numbness, but it didn't happen. George eyed them and Sapnap just smiled, a little bit amazed, which had the brunet relaxing. 

The door opened, making all three of them jump and the guards seemed surprised to see them lingering in the doorway too. But it didn't last long before one stepped forward, grabbing Dream's arm and pulling him from the room with a gruff "let's go".

Sapnap took George's hand and tried to follow before he could be grabbed too, but someone took a firm hold of his arm. George was grabbed as well but thankfully not separated from him as they were hurried through the halls. There were red flashing lights mixed in with the normal ones and everyone moving around seemed to be near sprinting.

There were guards everywhere, a good number of whom were dragging Revivers and Witherers. It was chaotic and busy, but Sapnap did manage to catch a glimpse of one person who knew. He wasn't a Reviver and Witherer, the tall brunet with purple and green swirls for markings. Sapnap hadn't really been able to speak to Karl much, just once for a few minutes, but the brunet noticed his gaze and smiled at him.

It was hard to tell with the pandemonium, but Sapnap was pretty sure Karl mouthed 'It'll be okay' before he was out of sight. He didn't get a chance to mouth anything back. Sapnap was dragged from the main thoroughfare and into the garage where there was a familiar car with blacked out windows, the engine running as it idled there waiting. All three of them were thrown into the back and the moment the door was shut the car was moving. 

They scrambled into seats and buckled up. The car was driving fast, taking sharp turns that had them all leaning to one side or the other. Sapnap was still holding George's hand and reached out with his free one for Dream, which the taller took. Just as Dream opened his mouth to speak, the partition between them and the front of the car opened.

"Sorry for the abrupt wakeup. We're evacuating the site so just sit tight. It's going to be a long drive." Quackity informed them from the passenger seat and Sapnap was pretty sure it was Sam, one of the only guards whose face he knew, that was driving.

"Why?" Dream asked and Quackity's smile wasn't very reassuring. 

"Don't worry about that." Quackity closed the partition and Sapnap slumped against Dream's side. Dream let go of his hand to run fingers through his hair. 

"Now what?" He asked and Dream shrugged helplessly. They both looked at George.

"The only idea I have is a dangerous one. We get Sam to crash the car." George offered and Dream winced alongside Sapnap. 

Sam suddenly cursed, so loudly they heard it in the backseat through the partition, and the car slammed to a stop hard enough Sapnap's seatbelt briefly choked him. The car was still on and idling, but at a dead stop. Sapnap pulled away from Dream to press his face to the tinted glass and realized he could very faintly see flashing red and blue on the road ahead.

"George, you were right." He almost whispered. "We've been stopped by police." 

Almost as soon as the words left his mouth there was a slightly muffled voice over a megaphone calling "this is the police! Exit the vehicle with your hands up!"

Sapnap went for the handle of the door, but no amount of pulling made it open. After a few moments he gave up. "Probably put the child safety lock on. That's what I'd do." George said and Dream pouted.

"We aren't children." Sapnap was pretty sure he heard his friend mutter to himself and had to hold back a snicker.

"I said, get out of the vehicle with your hands up!" The voice on the megaphone demanded again and following it this time was the sound of two doors being opened. It was hard to hear words, but there were loud voices coming from the front of the car. Sapnap pulled back from the door just in case someone opened it unexpectedly and not even a minute later that's exactly what happened. 

The first thing Sapnap saw was a gun and he scrambled back, basically into Dream's lap with his hands up. "I got three back here." The officer who opened the door called towards the front of the car and he backed up slightly before gesturing with the gun to a place just outside the vehicle. "Get out." 

Dream had to nudge him before Sapnap could move and he was the first one out. It was very early morning, just light enough he could see without needing a flashlight though all the policemen had them. There were at least four cars blocking the road, doors open and most with the officers standing nearby, and two more cars behind them with drivers still behind the wheel. The officer closest to them motioned to the ground and Sapnap knelt with his hands up. Dream knelt next to him and George on Dream's other side. 

"Sir, these two have markings and collars." The officer called and another man, who looked to be not much older than them with bubblegum pink hair and black markings on his face, rushed over and shoved the gun down from where it had been aimed roughly in their direction.

"These are some of the people we're trying to rescue. Stop threatening them." The pink haired officer ordered and the other quickly stepped back. The pink haired officer rolled his eyes and crouched. "I'm Police Detective Technoblade. You can relax. You're safe now."

"You promise?" Sapnap hadn't heard Dream sound so vulnerable in years and tested the waters by lowering his hand to take Dream's. Technoblade simply smiled and lifted his head, showing off a white scar around his neck that looked sickeningly like the ones he and Dream bore, though Technoblade's scar actually looked worse.

"I promise. I know from personal experience." He answered and Dream relaxed. George lowered his hands as Technoblade stood, turning towards Sam and Quackity who were pinned on either side of the car's hood with their hands cuffed. "Well, well. It's lovely to see you again, Quackity. How many years has it been? Six? That scar doesn't look faded at all." 

"Fuck off." Quackity almost growled, glaring at the officer with the damaged part of his face since his unmarred side was pressed to the car hood, and Technoblade just laughed. 

"Take these two in and make sure they don't get away. Quackity is Schlatt's right hand man." Technoblade ordered and the officers pinning the two pulled them upright and they were marched to separate cars. Technoblade turned back to Sapnap and frowned when he saw them still kneeling. 

"You can get up." He encouraged and slowly Dream did. The blond helped George while Sapnap quickly got to his feet alongside them. "Oh, right! Are your collars active?" Technoblade asked, rushed like he had suddenly remembered they existed.

"Yes but no. They look active from the outside and are technically on, but I altered them so they didn't actually suppress their abilities." George explained and Technoblade looked him over from head to toe.

"Who are you and how did you know how to do that?" Technoblade demanded, sounding much more serious and Sapnap had a sinking feeling.

"I'm George Notfound and I knew how to deactivate them because I made them. Schlatt had told me they would be worn voluntarily and I didn't know how much it affected Revivers and Witherers to have their powers suppressed." George answered, which was brushing over a lot of details but Sapnap just hoped it got the point across. Technoblade hummed, his expression stoic.

He looked about ready to gesture to another officer when Dream quickly stepped between them. "Please don't get him in trouble. George had been a captive there even longer than us and Schlatt used him to sate Revivers and Witherers when we didn't have work. He's a victim as much as we are." Dream quickly said and Technoblade softened.

"Yeah. My brother was forced to be one too." Technoblade said quietly and the pain on his face told a very clear story of what happened. "But if he's been here so long how is he still alive?"

There was a beat of silence before Sapnap said "because of Dream. He can repair revived souls."

Technoblade looked the blond over again, this time so intently Dream squirmed, before he nodded. "Okay, that's enough questions for now. I am going to have you guys brought to the station so we can get a testimony from all of you." Technoblade gestured and someone stepped forward, a very tall younger looking man wearing a mask. "Ranboo will drive you. Oh, I forgot to get your names."

"I'm Sapnap. Halo. And he's Dream." Sapnap answered, feeling dumb for a moment for almost forgetting his own last name, and Technoblade raised an eyebrow.

"Just Dream?" He questioned and the blond shrugged. "Wait, you said Halo. Is your father Bad Halo, by any chance?"

Sapnap's head snapped up and he nodded rapidly. "Yes, he is. Why? Do you know him?"

"It's largely because of him that we raided this place. But I'll let him explain it. He elected to stay at the station in case we found you." Technoblade sounded decidedly gentler and Sapnap beamed. His chest felt overwhelmingly warm. He was going to see his dad!

Ranboo started leading them over to a normal looking car, partially hidden in the trees, when Sapnap remembered. "Technoblade!" The detective turned back to look at him. "If you find a red leather book with a flame on it, it belongs to me. It's in Schlatt's possession and it's really important I get it. Please." Sapnap pleaded and to his relief Technoblade nodded.

"I'll let everyone know to keep an eye out for it." Technoblade answered and Sapnap signed in relief before he got in the car. Ranboo gently closed the door, squishing the three of them a little in the back seat, before he got into the front. It felt surreal to see the sun rising through the trees as they were driven away.

Chapter Text

Sapnap was tired and the officer sitting opposite of him, who had introduced himself what felt like forever ago as Scott Major, looked tired too. They'd been talking for hours, going over what felt like seemingly every important and unimportant detail of what had happened while he was with Manburg. There was an incomplete but very long list of kills that made Sapnap feel sick to look at, some of which he hadn't even remembered until Scott's gentle questions had brought the memories back.

When the door opened a now familiar head of pink hair looked in and Nikki smiled fondly. "I think that's enough for the day. You both look exhausted and Mr. Halo has been asking about Sapnap. We'll have to continue this tomorrow."

Sapnap stood up gratefully and stretched. Not that he's been forced to stay seated; in fact Scott had explicitly told him he could get up whenever, take breaks whenever, ask for food or water. But Sapnap couldn't shake the part of him that was scared of the idea of doing something that would get him in trouble. "Are Dream and George done too?"

"Just about. I'll let them know to wrap it up so you can all go to the hotel together." Nikki answered warmly.

"Hotel?" Sapnap questioned as he left the room bracketed by the two officers. But as similar as it was, it felt vastly different from being escorted by the guards. Warmer and safer and he didn't feel like he had to keep walking or they'd drag him. Not to mention they talked to him.

"Yeah. We'll need the three of you to stay close by at least until we can finish these initial interviews. Don't worry; a decent number of the others we rescued will also be staying there. It's all been paid for and if you want we can put your dad at the hotel too." Scott said and Sapnap relaxed as he nodded. He was really too tired to argue.

They led him through the halls, still buzzing with activity, and a glance at the clock told him it was nearly 9:30 in the evening. They paused outside a wooden door with a frosted window and Nikki broke the silence first. "This is where your dad has been waiting. It's up to you if you want to see him."

Briefly, Sapnap was terrified. He wanted Dream and George with him more than anything. Was Bad going to be angry or hate him? The thought made his eyes water and Sapnap quickly wiped them away before he nodded. "I want to see him." He insisted and the officers shared a look before Scott opened the door. 

Stepping through felt like the hardest thing he'd ever done, but the moment his dad looked up, his face older but eyes soft and familiar as they watered with tears and a warm disbelieving smile on his face, Sapnap wanted to run and hug him. "Sappy-nappy?" Bad almost whispered and he offered a weak smile.

"Hi Dad. I missed you." He answered and immediately the paper in Bad's hands was tossed aside. The tall man crossed the room in what seemed like three steps and then… He was being held. Enveloped by warmth and the familiar scent of butter and vanilla as his dad sobbed into his shoulder, gripping his clothes desperately. 

"Oh, my. You're here. You're real. I can hold you and hear you and I've missed you so, so much, Sappy." Bad could barely get the words out as he cried and his tears brought on Sapnap's own as he grabbed his father back just as desperately.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for leaving. I'm sorry for not coming back. I'm sorry for being a bad son. I'm sorry for being a killer. I'm so sorry." Sapnap was trembling and Bad's grip on his shirt tightened as his dad held him all the closer. 

"Shh, it's okay. It's not your fault. You were young and scared and I wish you'd come to me, but it's okay. I have you now and I'm not letting go ever again." Bad promised soothingly and Sapnap's sobs gave way to quiet hiccups as his dad rubbed his back.

They stayed like that until the door opened and Bad grabbed onto him so tightly it almost hurt. But it wasn't anyone coming to take them away, just George who entered the room with a lot less hesitation than Sapnap had. He seemed surprised for a moment before he hummed. "Yeah, I can see the resemblance. You both cry the same." George said and Sapnap couldn't help but laugh.

"Love you too, Gogy." He answered teasingly as he fruitlessly tried to clean up the tears and snot on his face. George sighed and picked up a tissue box before bringing it over to him. "Thanks." Sapnap whispered, much more sincerely and George just nodded.

"I'm George Notfound." The brunet added to Bad, who smiled at him. 

"Hello George. I'm Sapnap's adopted father, Badboy Halo. But just call me Bad." The black haired man greeted. Sapnap was busy blowing his nose and trying to dry his face when the door opened again. This time Dream entered the room, looking just as worn as Sapnap felt.

The tall blond brightened at the sight of Bad and his father opened his arms. Dream, despite being so much taller, melted into the hug like a child and Sapnap smiled. "Hi, Dreamie. Look how tall you got." Bad murmured and Dream laughed wetly, meaning he too was on the verge of tears. Bad stroked Dream's hair and that seemed to be all it took for the blond to break and start crying.

When Bad removed one hand from Dream’s back and offered the arm to Sapnap he was helpless to deny the offer. He latched onto his father and Dream tightly, clinging to them both. It was warm and safe and felt so much like home. He heard a huff from George’s direction before there was another person in their group hug. There was a lightness in his chest that felt dangerously like hope.

Chapter Text

Going outside was still an overwhelming experience but in the best way. Every day, after spending hours at the station doing an interview that seemed to drain every bit of his energy, Sapnap and Dream would drag George to the nearby park where nobody seemed to be and just lay in the grass. Dream liked looking at the clouds or stars, depending on when their interviews ended for the day, while Sapnap preferred to close his eyes and feel the sun or wind on his face. 

George always sat nearby, close enough he could drop pieces of grass on them and make dumb comments until Sapnap would snap. He’d scramble up to chase the British man and tackled him more than once, Dream always wheezing with laughter in the background. Bad would bring them food from one of the nearby restaurants and they'd eat right there in the grass before going back to the hotel to sleep.

Occasionally Sapnap would reach for his collar, to adjust it or because he would hear a familiar beep. He hadn’t realized it was a ringtone until Bad’s phone went off and both he and Dream braced themselves instinctively before either remembered the collars were gone. It was the first thing George had done after they left the police station the day they were freed; he got tools from somewhere and removed them and he'd even gone so far as to visit the other Witherers and Revivers at the hotel and remove theirs too. Which was how Sapnap found out Karl was also staying there.

He'd slipped over to Karl's room one night to ask what the brunet had meant when he had mouthed 'it'll be okay', only to find out the other man is a literal time-traveler and he'd known the outcome of the raid for years. Sapnap also learned that like him and Dream there were side effects to not using his powers, mostly unplanned unexpected trips through time that the brunet couldn't control, but it seemed like using his power was affecting Karl's memory. Sapnap wanted to help, but Karl simply waved him off and said "I've lived that lifetime once already, Sap, and it didn't end so well. But I think this one is going to end a bit better." Karl shooed him away and it felt oddly final.

Sapnap had been worried about frightening Bad away the day Dream woke up trembling, reminding him and George it had been a few days even before the police raid that Dream had last Revived anyone. And Sapnap felt extra bad when he remembered Dream didn’t have pain meds anymore. But Bad had simply smiled, looking almost impressed, when Sapnap Withered George in their hotel room and had looked fully awed when Dream effortlessly brought him back. 

But this was it. The last day of the initial interview, over and done. Sapnap knew there would be more. He'd been warned by Scott and Nikki that there would be months, likely even years, of talking to lawyers, of going over everything with a dozen different parties, of the actual courtroom trial, of therapy sessions (at least, Nikki and Bad were encouraging that for all of them). But for now he could go home. Dream and George had both elected to stay with Bad too and given their situation the police were working on getting George a permanent US citizenship.

Before the police could let Sapnap leave the area, he'd had to endure a very long speech going over every detail of a contract he'd then had to sign regarding who he was allowed to Wither and when and what would be considered murder. It actually seemed fair and reasonable, mostly amounting to if he Withered someone without permission it had to be an emergency and he had to get them revived as soon as possible afterwards. None of which really applied because he had Dream and George, but he paid attention anyway and signed it. Especially because the officers weren't allowed to let him leave if he didn't.

He was the last one to make it to the lobby. Dream was on his feet, obviously too filled with nerves or energy or both to sit still. George was the opposite, almost as statue-esc except for his breathing and nearly asleep as he leaned on Bad where they sat on a bench. When Sapnap entered the room with a smile Bad gently shook him awake and they stood together. Dream had stopped pacing, looking him over with a slight worry that faded when Sapnap offered a hand and linked their pinky fingers. Bad smile at the exchange and quietly said "shall we go home?"

Sapnap nodded eagerly. He was ready to be out of this building and out of the hotel. To finally not be under strict scrutiny. To not have to worry about Dream or George, about who might take them away and whether or not they would come back.

"Excuse me." All of them jumped, Sapnap briefly fighting for dominance with Dream as they both tried to get a better grip on the other's hand lest someone try to separate them. At least until he realized it was Technoblade who had spoken, now standing nearby with a slightly sheepish expression. "Sorry for startling ya. I saw you were leaving today and thought I should inform you that even though Schlatt was arrested we weren't able to find that book." The officer informed them and Sapnap shrunk, turning slightly to hide against Dream.

"Hey, it'll be okay, Sap. It's not like anyone else can use it." Dream reminded softly.

"I don't know that for sure though. What if I'm wrong or Schlatt was wrong to say it was just for me? It's a literal Death Note, Dream." Sapnap responded, his concern and fear leaking through his tone and Dream squeezed his hand and the arm around his shoulders.

"It's not like you'd be blamed for it, Sap. It wasn't your fault it was made and it certainly isn't your fault if someone else uses it." Dream insisted and he sighed.

"I know. I just… I hate it." Sapnap muttered and Dream quietly laughed. 

"Anyone would." He answered before the blond looked at Technoblade and said "Thank you, Detective." 

"We're still looking and if it comes up, here or elsewhere, you'll be informed right away." Technoblade promised and Sapnap could tell he understood why Sapnap was so upset. The officer probably did; they were both Witherers.

"Thank you." Sapnap managed to say and the pink haired officer nodded before he stepped away back into the station. There was a blond, wearing a striped bucket hat and with white Reviver markings, who was clearly waiting for him.

Dream, Bad, and George were all waiting on him and only moved towards the door after Sapnap took the first step. The street felt oddly quiet after how busy the police station always seemed to be. When the cool fresh air hit his face Sapnap took a deep breath and when he let it out he tried to let his worries go with it. He wasn’t entirely successful but there was nothing he could do about it regardless. 

A hand brushed his and he let Dream link their fingers together, this time much more soft and comforting rather than the panicked grip they’d shared back at the station. “Stop worrying, Sap. Whatever happens I’m here with you. Yin and Yang, right?” Dream echoed back to him and Sapnap squeezed his hand.

“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Sapnap answered with a genuine smile of his own.

Both of them stumbled when someone’s arms were thrown around their shoulders and George had a smug smirk on his face when Sapnap turned to see who was clinging to them. “I feel excluded.” He complained casually and Dream laughed as Sapnap let go of Dream’s hands to push the older brunet away. George danced back a few steps, still looking unbearably smug, but Dream put out an arm to keep Sapnap from chasing after him.

“George! We were having a moment!” Sapnap complained and George’s smirk grew. 

“Oh I know. Why do you think I interrupted?” George answered and Sapnap tried to push past Dream’s arm. The blond was giggling even as he held him back until Dream’s arms wrapped around him and Sapnap slumped into the hug. Dream’s head came to rest on his shoulder and Sapnap huffed quietly with indignation. 

Bad chuckled from beside them. “Well, we should get going. It’s a few hours drive to get home and it’s already going to be quite late by the time we get there.” He reminded as he started walking towards his car. Dream pulled Sapnap along without letting go of him, swaying them both as they walked and Sapnap was more than happy to let his friend continue to hold him. It was just a shame they wouldn’t be able to in the car.

Sapnap got in first and scooted to the far side of the back seat and got to watch with amusement as both Dream and George waited for the other to get in. “Dreamy, I want to sit next to you too!” Sapnap encouraged and Dream sighed before climbing in. 

“This has to be some kind of sin, making the tallest guy sit in the middle.” Dream grumbled as Sapnap happily nestled against his friend and he could hear George doing the same on the other side. Despite the heavy sigh and grumbling Dream wrapped an arm around each of them, gently nudging them into a more comfortable position and settling in to be napped on. Sapnap kept his smile to himself and happily closed his eyes to sleep the trip away.

Chapter Text

It was a quiet night at the hospital in the maternity ward. Bad had attended three births, all of which had gone well, and seeing the three new healthy babies in his ward always made him smile. There were twelve in his department total, for now since two were scheduled to go home tomorrow. So it was something of a surprise when his pager went off in the early morning hours, summoning him urgently to Room 3. 

Bad didn’t hesitate: not quite jogging, not quite running, as he hurried through the halls. Two nurses moved out of the way for him and he entered the room prepared for a screaming mother, desperate and/or passed out father, and frantic nurses. Instead the room was unnervingly quiet except for the beeping of medical equipment that he’d long since gotten so used to. Bad quickly disinfected his hands and put on gloves before he hurried over where there was a single nurse at an infant exam table, his best nurse Antfrost. 

“What’s going on?” Bad asked.

“Dr. Halo. A newborn arrival. He… he’s Black Marked.” Antfrost informed him and Bad’s heart wrenched. He looked down towards the little baby, pale skinned with a black head of hair who was squirming a little like he was having a nightmare. “It was a home birth. The midwife dropped him off. The father isn’t an option.”

Bad gently reached out to let the baby grab his gloved finger and he settled a little. “What about the mother? Is she going to be revived?” Bad asked and Antfrost looked at him with sympathy. 

“Someone would have to pay for that and the hospital certainly won’t.” Antfrost reminded quietly and Bad frowned. The baby’s eyes blinked open then, coal black but innocent and warm. He cooed at Bad and the doctor’s heart melted. “Oh I know that look. You’re really considering taking him, Dr. Halo?”

“Look at how sweet he is. It’s not his fault he was born Black Marked and if he goes into the system it won’t be easy for him. And you know how long I’ve wanted one. I have the time now that we have another maternity doctor.” Bad explained, unable to take his eyes away from the sweet baby who was yawning and leaning against his hand as he fell back asleep. “What’s his name?”

“Sapnap.” Antfrost answered. “His name is Sapnap.”

“Aw, my sweet little Sappy-nappy. I promise to always love and look after you.” Bad promised quietly. He’d give Sapnap as normal a childhood as he possibly could and when his baby’s marks came in he’d do whatever it took to keep his life happy.

Sapnap was a delightful child and Bad adored every day when he got to watch him come running home from the bus with a beaming smile. Which wasn't as often as he liked with hospital shifts often keeping him away. Sapnap would run and hug him tightly, which Bad was always more than happy to return. He'd carry Sapnap inside to have a snack and help with homework and his little Sappy-nappy would hold onto him while he cooked dinner.

But no matter how affectionate his child was with him, Sapnap didn’t ever talk about friends at school. Not until the day he came home holding hands with a slightly larger boy with dirty blond hair and an older looking lime green jacket.

“Welcome back, Sappy. Who’s this?” Bad called as they approached the front door and Sapnap pulled free from his friend as he sprinted towards the doctor.

“Bad! You’re home!” Bad scooped him up into a tight hug, cradling him close, and Sapnap’s arms were wrapped tightly around his neck.

“Yeah, Ponk was able to take my afternoon shift. I won’t be here for breakfast, though.” Bad warned and Sapnap pulled back to smile at him. Which was a change from the usual sad acceptance he got. 

“That’s okay! Dream can make breakfast for us and I can get us to the bus on time!” Sapnap promised and Bad gave him a squeeze, admiring his child’s independence as much as he wished he didn’t have to be. 

“I assume this is Dream?” Bad mentioned warmly as he looked towards the dirty blond boy, who was standing awkwardly with his hands in his pockets. 

“Yeah! This is Dream! He’s really cool! He gave me some of his Pokémon cards.” Sapnap said and Bad could only smile. Sapnap had been fascinated with everything Pokémon for almost a month so Dream's gift had surely made him Sapnap's best friend. “Dreamy, this is Bad. He’s my dad.” Sapnap startled wiggling and Bad put him down, only to blink in surprise when Sapnap ran to Dream’s side and almost cuddled up to him, wrapping his arms around the bigger boy's waist while Dream naturally wrapped an arm around Sapnap in return.

Bad knew Sapnap liked to cuddle and hold onto him, but he hadn’t expected his child to be like that around someone else. Especially someone new. Bad knelt to be on their level, but Dream kept his head down. Bad almost wanted to coo at the shyness. “Hello Dream. It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for being friends with Sapnap.” Bad said and Dream’s pale cheeks turned faintly red.

“He’s cool.” Dream answered quietly with a small smile, briefly glancing up to meet his eyes and Bad beamed. Dream had green eyes that were sharp and intelligent. Sapnap was giggling and Dream softened at the sound, smiling at his friend as his eyes went bright. 

“Why don’t we go inside? I made some treats and I'm sure Dream would like some too. Oh do you have any allergies, Dream?” Bad asked as he straightened up and the two boys followed him dutifully into the house still holding onto one another.

"No, sir." Dream answered softly as he took off his shoes and Bad smiled at him, slightly forced as something that might have been worry began building in his chest. He couldn't help it: Dream was quiet, overly polite, a little too careful about how he carried himself. It was probably an overreaction and a result of Dream just being shy but Bad couldn't help being worried about Dream's home life, if he was being properly taken care of. 

But it didn't seem to be the case. Once he got more comfortable, and especially when he didn't think Bad could hear, Dream was loud and energetic. He even pulled that same energy out of Sapnap and Bad loved seeing the two of them screaming at each other as they ran around playing in the backyard. Sapnap had been growing steadily more lethargic as he got older, a not uncommon occurrence based on what reading Bad had done about Black Marked children. 

Dream almost seems to be the opposite and Bad couldn't help but wonder if he was White Marked. It would be wonderfully lucky if Dream, the first real friend Sapnap had ever made as far as Bad knew, was a Reviver. Sapnap would never have to kill someone permanently and Bad couldn't hope for a better life for his son. And Dream certainly didn’t seem to be going anywhere soon as he was over seemingly constantly for the next three days. 

It wasn’t until an older blond boy, one who was 12 or 13 years old, came knocking at his door that Bad wondered about Dream’s home life again. “Hi. Um, I’m looking for Dream? I was told he was here.” The teen greeted. He seemed uncomfortable but relaxed a bit as Bad smiled at him. 

“And who are you?” Bad asked and he smiled back.

“My name is Foolish. I’m Dream’s brother.” Foolish explained and Bad nodded. 

“Ah, okay. Why don’t you come in and I’ll let him know you’re here.” Bad said and Foolish relaxed further. 

“Thank god. I usually wouldn’t worry but he hasn’t contacted me in a couple of days.” Foolish added as they entered the living room.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize or I would have encouraged him to contact you.” Bad said and Foolish shrugged as he shoved his hands into his pocket. 

“I mean, it’s not that big of a deal. Mom’s been away and it’s not like I haven’t gone a few days without contacting him either.” Foolish stated. 

Bad paused for a moment and Foolish stopped next to him. “Is your mom gone often?” Bad asked and again Foolish shrugged. 

“She has to for work.” Foolish answered. 

“Who takes care of you?” Bad questioned. 

“I do.” Foolish sounded defensive and Bad decided to back off for now, but he was worried. He and Dream were far too young to be left alone for days without an adult. “Can I see Dream now?”

Bad nodded and put on a smile. “Yeah, let me go grab them.” Bad left the teen standing in the living room and went upstairs where Sapnap and Dream were supposedly doing homework. Given the giggling he could hear from the room they weren’t, but it made him smile anyway. He knocked on the door and the giggled abruptly cut off. 

A few moments later it opened and Bad knew right away they hadn’t been doing homework. Sapnap looked too embarrassed and sheepish. His son had never been good at hiding when he was doing something he wasn't supposed to. At least it didn’t seem like anything he really had to worry about given that Dream was on the bed giggling and there was a video game paused on the small older TV. Bad smiled and pretended not to see it. 

“Dream, your brother is here.” Bad informed them and Dream brightened. 

“Foolish is here?” Dream all but leapt up from the bed and gently pushed past Bad to run down the stairs. Sapnap scrambled after him and Bad followed, lagging slightly behind given the children had much more energy than he did. But he did hear Dream’s excited cry of “Foolish!” and by the time he got downstairs the smaller blond was clinging to the teen. 

Sapnap looked slightly sad and Bad gently ran a hand through his child’s hair. Sapnap looked up and smiled at him and Bad quickly smiled back. A moment later there was someone holding Sapnap’s hand. Dream must have wiggled free from his brother and had a concerned look on his face as he held onto Sapnap’s hand. Sapnap smiled at the blond and Dream softened, instantly relaxing. 

“Dream, who’s this?” Foolish asked and Dream brightened. 

“This is Sapnap! He’s my best friend.” Dream declared.

“Aw, that’s sweet. It’s nice of them to look after you, isn’t it Dream?” Foolish encouraged and Dream nodded eagerly. 

“Bad is awesome!” Dream said and Bad’s heart melted at the warmness. 

“I’m sure he is. But I think we’ve bothered them long enough. Mom’s supposed to come home tomorrow so I need you to come home.” Foolish said and Dream slumped. Sapnap looked sad too and Bad gently squeezed his shoulder. 

“I’m sure Dream will be able to come back soon. He’s welcome here any time.” Bad insisted to Foolish, who simply nodded as he took hold of Dream’s hand and pulled the blond away from Sapnap. Sapnap looked almost lost and so did Dream at the separation and while Bad hated seeing his child sad he couldn’t help being happy that Sapnap had someone he cared about so much. He could only hope the blond would be back soon and fully expected nothing else.