Pandemonium | Dream SMP

25. I used to think you were nice.

The rain is cool against my skin as I step outside, my chin tilted back as I let the soft patter of raindrops tickle my face.

A chilly wind sends goosebumps rising across my arms, and a shiver down my back. But I don't mind. I love the cold. It reminds me of my birthplace. Of the snowy landscapes and white skies. I haven't visited my homeland in a while. Not that I ever really considered it home.

"You're not going to hurt them, are you?"

Tubbo's meek voice speaks out from behind me. He's stood just shy of the rain, taking shelter in the door of the White House, hugging his arms tightly.

I turn slowly, facing him. "I'll try not to. But that depends on them. This isn't their country anymore, Tubbo. They can't stay, as much as I'm sure you want them to."

The boy presses his lips into a thin line and doesn't respond.

Sighing, I step forward and place a hand on his shoulder, hesitant in case he pulls away. But he doesn't. Instead, he lurches forward and engulfs me in a hug. A very cold, wet hug.

"I lied. I did find them- I found Tommy." He mutters, burying his face into my shoulder.

I let out a breath, "and what did you say to him? Did you tell him to hide?"

Tubbo shakes his head, flecking water from his hair and across my cheek. "I couldn't get close. I- He heard, Ares. He heard me take the job. He thinks I've turned my back on them. He thinks I've ditched them for Schlatt." He sniffs, "No offence to you."

I smile despite myself. "No offence taken."

"Can you not just pretend to find them?" He asks hopefully. "They'll leave eventually, I'm sure of it. They just need a little time to get their things together. To think of a plan."

"I can't do that, Tubbo. I'm sorry but this is my job now, a job I plan to do to the best of my ability."

The boy sighs and finally pulls away, taking his wet warmth with him. If I wasn't soaked before then I certainly am now.

"No, you're...you're right. You're the Secretary of Defence, right? Of course you want to do your job. It suits you..." He rubs at his face with his sleeve, attempting to wipe the water out of his eyes.

"You know it's not too late to leave now and join them? You don't have to stay by Schlatt's side. I can just tell him you quit. He'll listen to me."

Tubbo smiles sadly. "I can't. If I leave then there'll be no one left on the inside. No one Wilbur and Tommy can rely on."

So that's why he agreed to be Secretary of State. He did it for Wilbur and Tommy. And yet they think he's a traitor.

I plant a hand on his shoulder, giving it a light squeeze, "don't tell me anymore, Tubbo. The less I know, the better. I may be your friend, but you need to know that my loyalties are with Schlatt. I want to support you, but there is only so much I can turn a blind eye to. Do you understand?"

He hesitates before nodding his head. "I understand. Schlatt is to you what Wilbur is to me. I...just want them to be safe."

"And I'll make sure they are safe," I assure him, giving a reassuring smile before turning and taking quick, light steps across the muddied ground.

"He's in the Embassy!" Tubbo calls out, his voice faint against the pounding of the rain.

The Embassy. Tommy's house. It's the obvious first place to check, and as such the last place you'd expect to actually find him. Not that I imagine Tommy has thought that deeply into it. That boy can barely string two thoughts together without getting distracted in between. It's one of the traits I like about him, oddly enough. He doesn't worry about the consequences of his actions. He lives entirely in the moment.