Pandemonium | Dream SMP

59. Please tell me you're not planning a public execution.

Of course news of Schlatt's 'attack' spread quickly through Manburg, as well as the new trade deal he'd established with Lemon City, Ponk's personal domain. And while I consider Ponk's presence a blessing - the guy is not only funny, but a complete delight to chat with - supplying Schlatt with unlimited potions...may not have been the best choice for our President.

Schlatt now seems to have it in his mind that not only can he continue drinking and smoking, but if he experiences the slightest bit of discomfort he can simply pop the cork of a potion bottle and start all over again.

It's troubling, and I tell Sam as much as my trident clashes with his in a shower of blue and pink sparks.

"Well what does Ponk have to say about this?" He questions coolly, his shoulders tensed as he tries to push me back with the pronged weapon.

"He warned Schlatt that the potions were simply a short term solution, but other than that hasn't made any steps to cut off the supply."

My boot slides back in the dirt as Sam gains ground, his red eyes flashing. I'm being overpowered and he knows it.

"Sounds like Ponky," he muses.

I raise an eyebrow, a smirk crossing my lips.

"Ponky?"

Realising what he'd said, Sam's pointed ears turn red and he slips, his attention breaking.

I take the break in his concentration as an opportunity and bend back at the waist, shoving my foot out and under his feet.

With me no longer resisting he goes stumbling forward, only to have his feet then fly out from under him.

He lands ungracefully on his side and I point my weapon at his throat.

"Good match," I smile, and swap my trident for an outstretched hand. "Though I probably only got this one because you got distracted."

"Ah, yeah. Doesn't change the fact you're still a good fighter, though." He concedes, accepting my hand awkwardly. His ears still glow with embarrassment and I'm sure he's extremely grateful to have a mask to hide his rosy cheeks.

"So...Ponky, huh?"

I smile slyly and Sam groans.

"Please pretend you didn't hear that. Me and Ponk have a history of dumb nicknames for each other."

"Oh? Like what?"

Sam hesitates before muttering something under his breath.

"What was that?" I press, beyond amused. Sam really is just full of surprises. I didn't know he had a bashful side to him.

"Sammy Wammy..." he repeats begrudgingly.

"Awwww," I coo, "that's so cute."

"Please don't."

"Why not? It's super sweet that you guys have nicknames for each other. The only actually cute nickname I've ever been given is Bean Sprout."

My brain goes blank as soon as I realise what I've said.

Did I just openly admit to liking Dream's nickname for me?

"Bean Sprout?" Sam muses, trying the name out, "that is pretty cute. Cause y'know, you're kinda short, like a sprout."

"Just so we're clear, you do not have permission to call me that," I state firmly, though I remain unable to hide my smile.

"Hey, as long as you don't start calling me Sammy Wammy we're good."