Archive of Our Own

It's raining.

The sky was tar-black and the large clouds were moving towards the country. At first, it was just a small amount of raindrops, but soon enough it became hundreds. People ran for cover outside and umbrellas were opened as the clouds spat out their beads of water. Puddles began plinking as the rainfall became heavier.

Fortunately, he was one of the few people who successfully avoided the rain by taking a cover beneath one of the homeyard, clothes dry with a little stain of water on his clothes, however, the downside of it was he was forced to be stuck on that place, by Ghostbur nonetheless, until the rain stopped.

"Hello, Dream!" The ghost greeted with his usual cheerful-self. The cheerful tone he used never ceased to annoy him.

"Hello, Ghostbur." He replied shortly, nothing out of malice, but not in a friendly tone either. He didn't want to prolong their conversation, but of course, our friendly neighbor ghost here didn't understand social cues, or just didn't care at all.

"lt's been a long time since the last time we met, haven't we?" He giggled. "How are you doing, Dream?"

"Dandy." Once again, Dream replied with a short answer. From the corner of his eyes, he could see the change on his face, even if it's just for a bit. He looked down, as if someone had taken his candy. He chose to ignore it despite the dulled ache on his chest and kept his gaze forward, watching the pitter-patter of rain before him.

Perhaps this time he would leave him alone. He hoped so.

Time marches on. It was quiet between the two of them, with only the sound of rain filling the tense atmosphere between them. No one wanted to speak first, and for once Dream was glad. Sadly, it only lasted for a few minutes before Ghostbur once again began to speak.

"I like watching rain with Dadza," Ghostbur said, excitement sparked in his pale ruby eyes, "he is always telling me stories about his adventure!"

Dream only hummed in return. Ghostbur didn't like it as a second later, he was pouting. Although, that didn't hinder him from trying to make another conversation.

"I met with Tommy yesterday. He said things that I don't understand, like poggers and big man, but I–"

"Ghostbur, shut up!" That sentence Dream spitted out quickly shut Ghostbur down faster than before. Don't get him wrong, Dream loved to talk with people, but not Ghostbur. Never him. In his eyes, those innocent forms only bring him pain and regret from the past.

Once again, the world was quiet.

For some reason, it felt uncomfortable. The Ghostbur he knew was like a chatterbox, always having new topics to talk about. He started to think that maybe he was too harsh on him. Stolen glances at the ghost beside him, he realized that Ghostbur was frowned. Perhaps he was upset Dream shut him down.

However, what made Dream move his hand towards his wasn't because of that, but because Ghostbur stretched his hand towards the rain. As a result, his hand burned, proven by a thin white smoke coming from the scars.

"Ouch."

Dream quickly gripped Ghosbur's hand, pulled away from the raindrops before it got worse. "What the hell are you doing?!" He shouted in a reprimanding tone. Sure, Dream disliked the other that much, however, he couldn't stand it when he got hurt, whether it was entirely intentional or not. At the end of the day, he was what's left of Wilbur and he didn't want to lose him for a second time."

Completely oblivious to what Dream felt, Ghostbur was smiling widely. "Making you talk to me!"

He looked at him, utterly dumbfounded. Soon enough, it turned into an indignation. "What part of 'shut up' earlier did you not understand?! I don't want to talk to you, ever! Now can you just shut up and leave me alone?" He lashed out, breath ragged in exasperation. He can see how wide Ghostbur eyes were, there was a hint of him being in fear over his face.

He turned away from Ghostbur. He hoped the sky would soon be clear so he could get out of here as soon as possible and not have to deal with him any further.

Dream, do you hate me?"

"... What?"

Flabbergasted, he quickly turned around to find Ghostbur, staring deeply at him. Gloom hung over his face like a kicked puppy. "You always avoid me every time we meet. Just now, you're doing it again, see?" He pointed out.

"I know I'm not the Wilbur you know, and I'm not trying to be him! That's why, If you think that I want to be your friend because I wanted to imitate Wilbur, you are sorely mistaken! I want to be your friend because you look cool and pretty." He smiled, which made him unconsciously hold his breath. God, even his smile looks like Wilbur. "But, if you hate me, I wouldn't try to get closer to–”

"I don't hate you." Dream cut his speech short. "If that's what you've been wandering."

Ghostbur blinked. "Really? Does that mean we can be friends?"

"Doesn't mean I like you either." He added, which seemed to confuse Ghostbur more, as his eyebrow knitted together.

"Why? Am I doing something wrong to you?"

Dream shook his head. "It's complicated."

The confusion that fused more deeper than before made him Dream sighed. Of course he would be confused, it confused him as well. Dream didn't hate Wil–Ghostbur, per se, but his presence is like a constant remainder of what he had lost. Of what he could have but cannot anymore. Deep inside his heart, a part of him was glad that Ghostbur appeared. Might be this could be a chance the universe had given him to protect him and repay all of his sins.

Yet, every time he looks at Ghostbur, that nagging thought in his mind always reminds him that this wasn't the Wilbur he loved. This was only an empty shell of what once was Wilbur Soot.

Deep in thought, he didn't realize that Ghostbur had been observing him closely, from head to toe. Dream didn't notice the solemn look Ghostbur gave him until the ghost spoke.

"I think I understand." If Dream didn't wear his mask, his face would look funny right now. Eyes widened, mouth hanging like a gaping fish on land. "Why are you trying to avoid me."

His gaze remained at Dream as he continued to speak. "You loved him, didn't you?"

He was taken aback by the question. How did he know?

"I'm not–"

"You are a terrible liar, Dream. I can see you through, even if you wear that mask. This time, it was him who got shut down pretty quick. Was he that predictable?

Seeing no response from Dream, Ghostbur continued. "I didn't know what happened to Wilbur, nor I remember his death, but from the looks of it, it must be pretty bad. Because, it wasn't just you who tried to avoid me in the past. Didn't you know that Tommy also used to be like you?"

"... He did?" And here he thought, of all the people around the server, Tommy would be the only person who has nothing against Ghostbur. Maybe even relieved to see the ghost.

"Mmhm! He said, and I quote, "a poor excuse of a clone", or something like that. I don't remember." Tapping his chin, he tilted his head as if he was in thought.

"I can't blame you for not wanting to be friends with me, maybe my appearance brings back a lot of memories." Now he was playing with his fingers nervously and somehow he found that little gesture endearing. He really reminds him a lot like Wilbur. Ghostbur level Dream with a hopeful look on his eyes."But, can you at least give me a chance to be friends with you?"

He was pleading, Dream realized. The way he looked at him with those ruby eyes of his always made him longing, yet at the same time brought him comfort. Dream didn't understand why Ghostbur insisted on wanting to be friends with him. He literally pushed him away every chance he got, for God's sake! But, why does he always keep coming back, becoming more determined than before?

Dream didn't understand, probably would never get it. But, perhaps, he could let him into his life. Maybe it's time to let go of his past and move forward.

"... maybe one day, Ghostbur." Dream never see Ghostbur smiling so brightly like that over something trivial like that.

"That's enough for me!" He chirped loudly. One of his hands then pulled out something out of pocket. A blue wool was presented on his palm. "Here, have some blue." He exclaimed, cheerful as ever.

He huffed fondly, before taking the blue out of his hand.

"Thanks."

Unbeknownst to them, the rain had finally stopped. The once black sky turned into a clear one, without any cloud in sight, as if they were dispersing into thin air.

Perhaps, he could let Ghostbur into his life. Maybe not now, but in the near future.

"Do it, Dream."

"No! I-I can't do it! I can't kill you-!"

"It's okay, Dream, I know you wanted to bring him back. I'm fine with dying, really."

"But, Ghostbur-"

"I already have my fun here. Besides, I shouldn't have existed in the first place."

"N-no, I can't lose you too-!"

Sorry, Dream. I have to go. I'm glad I can meet you at last. Take care of yourself, okay Dream?"

"I'm so-sorry," sobs, "I-I'm sorry-!"

[ Ghostbur was slain by Dream ]