won't you say goodnight, so i can say goodbye

one

Three brothers, one brunette and two blonde's walk side by side to their school.

The older blonde has his arms wrapped protectively around the two younger teens, smiling slightly as the brunette rants on about his friends. Something about his best friend losing his vinyl discs? Dream doesn't really know why a 15-year-old even has those, but he won't question it. He simply engages in Tubbo's story, adding his input through questions and humming. Ranboo simply nods in confirmation, adding small details here and there when he thinks Tubbo missed something important.

"Then it turns out that Techno and Purpled had teamed up and stolen them because they thought it would be a funny prank!" Tubbo finishes his story, hands flying around as he uses them to express himself. Ranboo nods his head eagerly, looking at Dream for his reaction.

"Really?" Dream questions, "I didn't even know Techno and Purpled spoke?"

"Well, they didn't really, but then Purpled started coming over more when we hung out as a group, and you know how Phil is with opening his house to everyone," Ranboo points out, and Dream laughs in response.

"Actually, that reminds me. You two remember you're going to Phil's after school this week?" The blonde looks down to his younger brother's; the brunette nods his head frantically, a grin plastered on his face. The blonde simply raises a thumbs-up before adjusting the black and white mask on his face. "Good, I've already called Phil, so he knows and is okay with it too."

"Thank you for letting us go to their house, Dream," Tubbo beams up at the taller, and Dream feels his heart tighten. If only he knew why. He grimaces slightly, disguising it behind a smile.

"Of course, Tubs, your friend group is practically inseparable, and I know you don't have a lot of classes together, so I don't see why not."

"But like, the whole week? That's so awesome!" Ranboo adds, still fidgeting with his mask, eyebrows furrowed with annoyance as he can't seem to get it comfortable. Dream chuckles at him, unwrapping his arms from the two as he helps fix Ranboo's mask. Once satisfied, he ruffles the younger blondes hair, snickering at the whine that escapes him. Dream's arms return, squeezing both their shoulder's slightly.

"Well, it's partially because I can't get home in time to let you in since I have stuff to do after school this week. What better a week for you guys to catch up with Tommy." Dream adds, subtly reminding them why they can't actually come home after school. "But you can go home around 7, and I'll have dinner ready for you guys, so Phil doesn't need to make you guys food."

"Thanks, Dee, you're the best brother," Tubbo states, Ranboo voicing his agreement afterwards. Dream smiles, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes as he remembers one more detail he needs to remind them of. The school gates are only a few metres in front of them at this point, so he pulls the group to a stop, not wanting the other nosy students to overhear them.

"One more thing," Dream says, voice low and serious, gaining the young teen's attention instantly, "Dad will be home this week, and he'll be sleeping when you two get home. So make sure you're quiet when you come in, okay? We all know he gets cranky when he's woken up," Cranky is an understatement.

He really hopes his brothers can't hear the fear in his voice. The last thing he needs is for them to know the details about their dad. Their dad is away from home a lot, either working or sleeping around, though Dream's brother's don't need to know the last point. The man comes home drunk more often than not and has trouble... controlling his temper is the best way to put it.

Around Tubbo and Ranboo, the man simply screams and shouts verbal insults. Around Dream, though, it's a different story. He doesn't need his brother's to see that. They already see enough with the hurtful words coming from that man's mouth.