Who Lies in the End?

Ch 47: 20 "It was a good one, and I refuse to change it"

art by: umbrella_sama

Soft candle light reflected off the water's surface in the small room. Oak walls were left undecorated and the only window was shuttered off for privacy. The quartz floor was shiny with humidity from the warm water.

The moisture seeped into the walls, creating an earthy scent that mingled with the fruity smell of the soap. It wasn't Dream's first pick for scent, but there weren't many options.

He sat in the bathtub in the corner of the room. It was tucked out of sight behind a decorative screen, giving him an extra wall of privacy should anyone intrude. He was sunk down enough so the bubble-topped water came up to his shoulders; however, it wasn't the largest tub, and his long body made it hard to fit comfortably. He frowned as his knees broke above the warm water, but it was worth it to keep his neck submerged.

His thoughts were roaming in the quiet space. Long ago memories flickered in his mind, but the calm air kept them happy. Had he had the ability to sleep, he was sure that it would have taken him then and there, but it would never come.

A sigh slipped past his lips as his aching, scarred body relaxed in the warm water. Normally bathtime was short and cold since he never had the time to enjoy it, but he finally did now; honestly, it was so nice to just unwind after a trying couple of days. He still ached from the Nether, then his muscles were exhausted from Redne's attack, his body was worn out from the Creative Block, and he was mentally drained from the village trial.

For just a few minutes, he could allow himself this one pleasure.

He sunk down further, bringing the water up to his nose; however, it was blocked by the smooth, ceramic mask. As the water lapped at the white surface, Dream growled in frustration. He wanted to feel the water on his face without the mask, and he wanted to be free of its constant weight, but he knew that was a luxury he couldn't have.

Even as his fingers gripped the edge of the ceramic, his heart told him no. Seconds passed with his mind yelling at his body -to leave the mask alone- before his hand dropped into the bubbly water.

The tentative calm was interrupted as the sound of the bathroom door clicked. Quiet footsteps tapped across the quartz floor, slow and cautious.

Dream sat up in the water, his grey eyes trained on the decorative screen, "Who's there?"

"Uh," there was a pause as the footsteps stalled, "It's Bad."

Confusion furrowed Dream's brows as he tilted his head, "What are you doing?"

"Well, George told me that you were going to take a bath and I figured 'man, his clothes are going to be stained: I should wash them'. So I kinda waited and hoped that you wouldn't notice."

Dream chuckled with amusement, "Were you just going to leave me naked until my clothes were clean?"

"No!" Bad huffed, "I brought you some new stuff to wear," Bad fell silent and the sound of fabric echoed quietly in the bathroom.

Dream relaxed back in the water, feeling confident that Bad wasn't going to try anything. He was just about to slip into a daydream when he heard Bad stiffle a gag, "Everything okay?"

"Have you never washed these?! They smell awful!"

Dream blinked before bursting into laughter, "Why did you smell them?! Of course, I hardly wash those: I never have the time."

"I don't think I'll be able to get the stink out -mind if I burn these?"

"I'd rather you not," Dream smiled as he shook his head.

"What about- oh my gosh! No, you're not getting this back. It has holes, it's stained- did you try and sew this back together?!" Bad shoved his hand past the screen, keeping himself safely behind it as he display a familiar green fabric.