Revenge

Chapter 7

From the outside, everything about Dream looked more or less the same. The only outward differences that Sapnap could really see were a couple of scars etched deep into his face; one running down the left side of his jawline, and another one near the right corner of his mouth. His hair was longer and his skin was a bit paler, but he still looked like the same person that Sapnap had known for a majority of his life.

But looking at him, Sapnap felt a twist of guilt deep in his stomach. It was blatantly obvious that Dream had been through more than he could even fathom over the past six months. The differences were in his cold demeanor, and the way he stared aimlessly out the window of the car as it carved a path through the city streets. He was closed off and silent for the entire drive over to his penthouse, only sparing passing glances whenever Sapnap or George tried to break the tense silence.

So while he looked the same, Sapnap knew that he was vastly different in a way that couldn't be seen by just a cursory glance.

When they arrived at the penthouse, Sapnap kept a close eye on Dream, watching as he carelessly shoved clothes and various other items into a bag. They had called the team on the way out, and upon finding out about Schlatt, Sam had told them it would be best to move out of the city. The further they got away from Technoblade, the better off they'd be. And so Sapnap, George, and Dream were all heading to a place that Dream had outside of the city limits, a safe house of sorts that was saved for moments exactly like this.

Sapnap watched as Dream disappeared back into his bedroom, exhaling a breath he hadn't even realized he had been holding as soon as Dream was out of sight. He felt movement beside him, and when he glanced over he could see George's brow furrowed in concern as he quietly muttered, "he's so different, Sapnap."

Sapnap could only nod, feeling a pull in his chest at the words. But he still felt like he needed to have a positive outlook, and so he quietly responded, "let's just give him some time. He's been through a lot, but I'm sure he'll be okay."

Sapnap didn't believe his own words, and he could tell that George didn't either. But George still nodded in response, and Sapnap tensed when he heard Dream's voice cutting through the silence unexpectantly, "how cute, the two of you are finally friends. Surprising, considering how shitty George has always been towards you, Sap."

The words were dripping with sarcasm, and Sapnap's eyes flitted over to catch the unreadable expression as it crossed over Dream's face. He felt himself tense, and he spared a quick glance in George's direction to see a dark look cross over his features.

"I made some mistakes," George responded in a low voice, "but I'm trying to be different."

Dream laughed, running his hand back through his hair as he muttered back, "some mistakes? That's a bit of an understatement, George."

George didn't respond, but Sapnap could practically feel him tense from where he stood beside him. He heard George huff out a sharp breath, feeling his own chest tighten with anticipation as George gritted out, "what the hell is your problem, Dream?"

Another cold laugh came from Dream, and he leaned against the back of the couch as if they were simply having a casual conversation. But a look of anger flashed over his face, and he dropped his voice low as he answered, "what's my problem? My problem, George, is that you left me to rot in a basement for six fucking months. You have no idea the shit I had to go through, and you just expect me to come back and be happy and grateful?"

George opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. And so Sapnap let his words fill the tense air around them, "we thought you were dead, Dream. We both saw him shoot you. How could we have known Techno had you?"