Pandemonium | Dream SMP

66. Balls.

"Hello everybody and welcome to the festival!" Schlatt greets the crowd, his arms spread wide and a smile on his face. The crowd clap, a few even whistle. Already it's off to a better start than the last time he addressed his citizens.

"He seems awfully happy today." Tubbo leans across and whispers to me, sitting to my left.

"Mm, it's nice, isn't it?" I agree, glancing to my right where Schlatt stands before his gaudy throne, addressing the crowd. He's been looking forward to this festival since he first came up with the idea. It makes me happy to see him happy.

"Today is going to be a good day." Tubbo decides and I grin, nudging his shoulder.

"Yes, it is."

Schlatt finishes his short introductory speech to the festival, and decrees that everyone must enjoy the party to its fullest. A task that, for once, the citizens of the land seem eager to carry out.

As the crowd disperse, their foldable chairs scraping across the cobbles, Schlatt huffs out a laugh and plants his hands on his hips.

"I am such a genius." He says.

"Which stall do you plan to visit first, sir? Or are you going to a game?" Fundy appears at Schlatt's side, all smiles as he accompanies the President to the stage stairs. I would follow the two, but Schlatt had made it very clear that I was to try and enjoy myself today. A quote-on-quote 'day off'.

I turn to Tubbo, about to ask if he'd like to roam the festival with me, but he's gone.

"That was quick." I marvel, looking around for even a glimpse of the boy. Maybe he already made plans with someone else?

Quackity shuffles up to me, his hands in his pockets. "Hey, you get ditched too?" He asks, trying to smile but failing. He looks miserable. Schlatt's been giving him the cold shoulder recently, so I can understand why. Fundy has become the new golden boy as of late, taking the spot where Quackity used to stand.

"Yeah, looks like it." I nod, and hold out my hand to him. "Would you like to join me instead?"

Quackity hesitates, staring at my hand. He glances up at me.

"You sure you want to hang out with me? I'm sure you could get anyone in the crowd to accompany you."

"Yes, probably. But I'm asking you." I smile.

Quackity's cheeks darken and he nods.

"Yeah, okay. But you can put that away. I am not holding your hand."

I laugh lightly and curl my hand closed.

"By the way, have you seen George?" I ask, falling into step beside the boy as we exit the podium.

"Nope. Pretty boy probably fell asleep somewhere again."

"You're probably right." I agree. "So, what do you think we should try first? Apple bobbing? Hook a duck?"

Quackity gives me a look of disgust.

"Fuck those games. I want to shoot something."

I smile. "Then shoot things we shall."

I remember walking past a stall earlier, lined with crossbows, and return to it now to find it free of people. It's one of those games where you fire little suctions cups at targets, aiming to knock them off the shelf.

"Oh hell yes." Quackity jogs the last few steps and immediately picks up a weapon, attempting to load a suction-tipped arrow into position.

Five shelves line the back wall of the stall, where a number of tin cans, fake fruit and plush toys sit ready to be shot down.