Pandemonium | Dream SMP

20. There's nowhere I'd rather be, sir.

"It's going to rain today," I observe wistfully, my gaze trained on the perfectly blue sky.

"Oh yeah? You do know there's not a cloud in sight, right?"

I turn to Schlatt, my expression impassive. "It'll rain."

The goat-man shrugs, pulling the door shut behind us as we exit the community house. "Sure thing, sweet cheeks. God am I glad to finally say goodbye to this dump." He shields his eyes with a hand as he glares up at the brick building. I turn and stare too, only without the glare. Despite all its downs, the house has grown on me these last few days. From that loose shutter on my window that rattles with every gust of wind to the twittering bird nest wedged in the chimney. Schlatt may call it old and gross. But all I see is personality. Little things that make it special.

"Ah, I can already feel the rich leather of that office chair." Schlatt rattles on, talking more to himself than me. "A polished mahogany desk beneath my hands. A big, bay window to my back. And of course," he sends me a smirk, one of his ears flicking, "you at my side, brightening my day."

I smile softly, my head tilting, "there's nowhere I'd rather be, sir."

Schlatt laughs and elbows me in the arm, "it's terrifying how good you are at buttering me up."

Smiling, we begin the trek across the SMP and towards L'Manburg, its flag visible even at this distance. My trident clicks against the wooden planks of prime path as we walk, its appearance more of a formality than a necessity. This is Schlatt's big day. Our big day. Everyone will be watching when he wins the election, and I want to be seen by his side, a perfect example of a perfect bodyguard. The very definition of loyalty.

I hope Dream will be watching. I want him to see that my resolve remains unbroken, even after his little speech last night. If anything, this will be the ultimate eff you.

We're early, as planned. Only Niki and one other person occupy the space of the podium grounds, decorated with even more shrubs and flowers than it had been on the day of the endorsements. Each chair is draped in ribbons mimicking the colours of the flag, and banners hang in sleek waves from the podium.

Niki turns when she hears us approaching, the large grin on her face faltering only slightly when she sees Schlatt at my side. Her hair is pulled up into a neat little bun laced with braids, squashed beneath the black of her tricorn hat. The pale blue blazer she wears matches perfectly with the blue sky. I don't know how I didn't notice before, but she looks really good in a uniform.

"Wow," I murmur, the words slipping subconsciously past my lips.

"Yeah, I suppose the place does look pretty good, doesn't it?" Schlatt nods, assuming me to be talking about the decorations. "Not bad for a ragtag nation, aye?"

"Yes, sir. Your inauguration will be one to remember." I nod along hastily.

Now isn't the time to be admiring Niki.

"I'm gonna go get a peek at the podium. See if it's really as good as it looks." Schlatt says, gazing longingly at the stage where he is to perform his presidential duties.

"I'll join you once I've done a sweep of the area, then."

Parting ways, I wait a moment before walking over to Niki and the man she's conversing with. He stands only a few inches taller than me, with dark, neat hair and a trimmed beard. He looks pleasantly average save for the blaring red of his flannel shirt, tucked beneath a set of suspenders.

"Good morning, Ares," Niki says, her eyes twinkling happily. "I was just enjoying a chat with H Bomb here. He's new to the SMP. As of today, actually."

"What a day to join us." I smile, taking his hand and shaking it.

"You're tellin' me. I feel like I've just walked into a minefield." H chuckles awkwardly. He has the face of someone who laughs a lot, and eyes that crinkle when he smiles. I imagine he's the life of the party when he attends them. That one guy who chugs a keg because he was dared to, or simply because he wants to.

The sort of guy Schlatt enjoys bullying.

Our introductions don't go much further than that as small groups of people begin filtering into L'Manburg, taking seats in the audience or remaining stood up to chat. It quickly becomes difficult to hear each other over the noise. H, wishing to mingle, bids us both a cheery goodbye and good luck before setting off to find someone new to talk to.

"I should head up to the podium now. Are you coming up too, Ares?" Niki asks, beginning a slow walk to the staircase at the base of the podium, the one that will lead her up to the decorated stage.

"I'll be up in a moment. I have something I have to take care of first."

More like someone.

Of course, I'm talking about Dream. He said he'd see me today, meaning he must be somewhere in L'Manburg. Somewhere close by. Does he plan to blend into the crowd like he did last time? Or maybe he's up on the walls, watching from a distance? Should I even try looking for him? He made it clear yesterday that he has no plans against Schlatt's life for the moment. Probably due to his strong belief that the horned man will be thrown out of the nation the moment he loses the election. If Dream doesn't want to be found, then I doubt he will. He's too light on his feet. Too quiet. Not to mention he knows this place far better than I do.

But I try, anyway. I walk a perimeter as wide as I'm willing to go around the podium, searching the skies, building tops, even the small shrubs. As expected I find nothing, not even a creeper, and make my way back to the podium stage, resigning myself to Schlatt's side for the rest of the day.

It's still just him and Niki on stage, the other presidential candidates and their running mates yet to arrive. They're talking, Schlatt with his usual pompous look while Niki nods along politely, trying to look interested. The small twitch of her eye doesn't go unnoticed, though. Niki may be sweet, kind, and one of the politest people I've ever met, but even she knows a jackass when she sees one.

Wondering if I should rescue the poor girl, my thoughts get put on hold as someone stalks past me wearing the L'Manburg uniform. I recognise the hunched posture and blonde hair immediately.

Tommy.

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Don't really have much to say today other than I love you, you're beautiful, and thank you <3