A New Era

Chapter 4: Trust

    Dream briskly made his way to the cafeteria. It was lunch time and he had been cooped up in his office all day. He gave a few smiles to a few people on the way, but otherwise kept his gaze forward.

When he got to the cafeteria, he saw his brother talking with Blue and Error with a sandwich in his hand. It was a scene that was becoming more frequent as the days were passing.

"Hey guys!" Dream greeted cheerfully, gaining their attention.

One of Nightmare's tentacles materialized and sent him a wave, Error muttered his greetings while Blue gave him a bright smile. Dream grabbed something (he didn't see what) from the kiosk that had food and sat down beside his brother.

"Hey Dream," Nightmare finally said after he'd swallowed. "What was keeping you up there for so long?"

"Oh, just paperwork," Dream said, looking away.

    - Hey Dream, do mind doing some of this? We need as many hands on deck for this next festival. -

    Dream shook his head a bit to clear it and smiled. Nightmare gave a confused look while Error nodded.

    "yEAh. I GOt swAMPed tOo," Error said, looking at him sympathetically.

    - Dream, I know you're hurting and I understand. How about we go to Papyrus's? I'm sure it'll cheer you up. -

    Dream gave a kind smile, "Thanks."

"NO PRoBleM," Error said with a small smile.

"Hey Dream," Blue said, "we were talking about going for a walk in the Park later. Wanna go too?"

"It'll be good to get out of that office," Nightmare chimed in at Dream's frown. "You've been staying in there more and... more..."

- Hey Dream, how about we go to the Park? You look like you could use a break.

...

Okay Ink! Let's go! -

Dream abruptly stood up, food in hand. Nightmare stopped talking immediately while Error and Blue looked at him concernedly.

"I-I'm sorry. I'm not feeling good enough to go," Dream lied, forcing a smile. "Besides, I have way too much... work to do!"

Dream quickly walked away before Nightmare could start to comfort him. It didn't take long at all for him to reach his room. He got inside before closing the door and turning to his door so he didn't see his ruined room.

He breathed slowly. He didn't want to think of what his room looked like. Pictures scattered about along side torn clothes and destroyed furniture. Pictures of a 'friend' whom he thought he could trust. Everything else gifts from said 'friend.'

He clenched his teeth as the first tear fell before a multitude followed. He sunk to his knees, forehead leaning on the door and the tears continued to stream down his cheeks.

Ink had ruined everything he had been. He didn't know whether or not to trust others, let alone trust that he could leave the Center. It had gotten to a point that he was afraid to leave his office or his room. He hated it. Hated it. Hated it.

He opened his eyes and looked down near his hand. A piece of a torn photo sat there showing a smiling Ink with his arm around Dream. Dream scowled before grabbing the piece of paper and tearing it to shreds. He threw the strips into the air with small yell of anger.

He twisted around, curled in on himself with his back against the door, and cried into his knees. Why had Ink been so evil? Why hadn't he seen through his lies? Why had he trusted him almost blindly? Why was he so naive?