Pandemonium | Dream SMP

18. I'd give you mine but I accidentally sat on it.

I give an awkward smile and tug at my sweatshirt that has really started to live up to its name. "I was wondering if you had a spare shirt or blouse I could borrow? I had a bit of a wardrobe malfunction the other day and haven't been able to find anything suitable to wear since. I'd only need it till I find a top my size again. Would that be okay?"

Niki's face melts into a friendly smile.

"Of course it is. I can find you something right now, in fact. The bakery is closed today so I have plenty of free time for friends."

"That's why I'm here." Tubbo grins.

Following Niki back to her bakery, Tubbo tags along behind, still working on his daisy chain as I'm shown to the back of her shop and to a door that leads into the living space of her cave. It's small and cosy, filled with just as much shrubbery as the bakery itself.

"I think I have some things in here," Niki states, crossing the stone floor to go rummage through a chest.

"Uh, I think I'll go wait in the bakery." Tubbo turns and sidles awkwardly back through the door, only now realising that his presence may not be appropriate.

"Help yourself to cookies!" Niki calls over her shoulder before going straight back to searching. "Oh, here we go." She starts pulling out clothes faster than I can count, draping them over an arm until her entire limb vanishes from view.

"Ah, I only need one top..." I speak up, eyeing the tower of fabrics with unease.

"Oh, if you're worried I'll run out of clothes, don't be," Niki chuckles, "honestly I've been meaning to have a clear out. Your being here is actually perfect timing, so please, pick whatever you like."

Not wanting to turn her generous offer down and appear rude, I obediently comply and watch as she sets out the gathered items across her bedspread. There are garments of all colours. Some frilly, some lacy, some woolly. It takes me some time, but I finally settle on a few choice tops, all with plain designs and soft colours. But one, in particular, catches my eye.

"What colour would you call this?" I question, holding up the sleeveless top to my chest. It's of a stretchy material that's soft to the touch. Excellent for performing flexible stances in.

"It looks like mustard yellow to me," she responds, folding my unchosen options to go back into her storage.

Immediately my conversation with Dream comes to mind. He'd more than expressed his love for mustard the other day. What would he think of this, I wonder?

"Am I okay to wear this now?"

Niki beams, "of course you can. I'll leave the room while you change."

I wait till the door clicks shut before reaching down and tugging the green sweatshirt from my body, revealing the naked skin of my torso and bra. I take a moment to breathe, allowing the cold cave air to cool me down. I see now why Niki lives here instead of a brick house. It's cool, quiet, and a world away from the chaos outside.

I catch myself in a mirror propped beside Niki's bed, my skin coated in a clean sheen of sweat. My cheeks are flushed red from the heat, and I can only hope they aren't sunburnt.

Hesitantly, I move closer to the mirror, watching my figure grow. Small freckles and moles I hadn't seen before become more apparent. But my eyes are focused on the curve of my shoulders, following their outline and what lies beyond. If I twist my body at just the right angle I can see them—the two long, angry scars between my shoulder blades. Like someone had taken a blade to my back and cleaved off a chunk of skin.

Because they did, I think ruefully, gliding my fingers along a shoulder, just inches from the mutilation.

The loud voices of Niki and Tubbo remind me I don't have time to dawdle.

Dragging my gaze from the mirror I tug on my new top and smooth out the creases, then gather the rest of my items to my chest.

Niki and Tubbo sit on a counter behind the glass displays of cakes and pastries, eating away at a tray of cookies. Tubbo says something and Niki giggles. It's such a sweet noise that immediately puts me at ease. I wonder if I can make Niki laugh like that too?

Tubbo sees me and smiles, waving a cookie about. "I like your top! You look like a sunflower."

"Thank you." I nod, returning his smile.

"Now all you need is a flower crown. I'd give you mine but I accidentally sat on it." He holds up the remains of his daisy chain, sad and flattened.

"I can solve that."

I watch as Niki pulls open a pocket on her dress and withdraws an almost immaculate flower crown made of daisies. Stepping down from the counter she walks over and places it carefully on my head. Her fingers brush through my hair as she adjusts the floral crown, sending heat up into my chest and to my cheeks. Is this how Schlatt feels when I baby him? All warm and fuzzy inside? Now I see why he's always so affectionate. It's a nice feeling.

"Hey, that actually looks really good." Tubbo pipes up in approval, shoving another cookie into his mouth.

"Like a flower fairy," Niki agrees, stepping back to admire me.

I can't think of anything to say in response to their praise, so instead, I thank them and excuse myself from the bakery. They wave me goodbye till I'm long out of sight, hugging my bundle of clothes to my chest. I feel light. Lighter than I have in a long time. Like I could even fly...

I don't want this feeling to go away.

I...I need Schlatt to win the election.

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The election is closing in guys! :O Will Ares stay true to her word and remain loyal to Schlatt? Or will she waver? Tune in next time to find out!