Tommys clinic for supervillains

Chapter 18

I want you to tell me the identities of everyone in the Syndicate.

Dream's words echoed in his mind, sending a shiver down Tommy's spine as he struggled to keep his expression neutral. He could admit the truth. He didn't know the identities of anyone in the Syndicate (save for Nemesis' name), they had been so careful to keep that from him just in case a situation like this came up.

But judging by Dream's tone, the way he was leaning into Tommy like a predator assessing their prey, Tommy had a feeling he wasn't going to believe him even if he told the truth.

So instead, Tommy did the next most logical thing he could think of.

He spit on Dream's mask.

There was a heavy silence as Dream stared blankly at Tommy, Tommy's spit trailing down the front of the porcelain. Then, Dream took a deep breath and straightened up, and Tommy braced himself to be slapped. That's what they did in interrogations, right? He was probably about to get the shit slapped out of him.

Dream curled his hands into fists, but then took a second, very deliberate breath as if he was struggling to keep his composure.

"That was rude," Dream said in a flat voice.

"There's your answer," Tommy hissed, narrowing his eyes at the hero. "I'm not telling you shit, bitch."

His heart was about to beat out of his chest, and if he hadn't been tied down to the chair, he was certain he wouldn't be able to stand because his legs were shaking so badly. But Dream didn't need to know that. He didn't give a shit what the hero did to him, he wasn't going to give up his friends.

Dream let out a low chuckle, and it was bone-chilling to hear. This man was the complete opposite of the Number One Hero he'd watched give him lectures about responsibility in detention. This was the real Dream. One who was determined to get what he wanted by any means necessary.

"You're loyal. The Syndicate got lucky in finding you," Dream commented, reaching behind him for his cape. He used the edge of the dark green fabric to wipe the spit off his mask before letting it flutter back down around his ankles. "Or is it that you're afraid of them? Afraid of what they'll do to you if you reveal their secrets? Because if that's the case, Tommy, I can keep you safe. You'd never have to worry about the Syndicate again, if you were to help me."

Tommy scoffed. "I'm not afraid of them, dickwad." Maybe he had been afraid in the beginning. Afraid of saying no to their offers. Afraid of what they might do if he refused to help them. But things were different now. Tommy wasn't afraid of them at all.

But was he afraid for them? Yes. Very much so. Which was why he wasn't going to give Dream anything. Not if he could help it.

"So it's the first one then. Loyalty." Dream folded his arms across his chest. "That one's tougher. Breaking manipulation always is."

At this, Tommy frowned. "Manipulation? I haven't been manipulated."

"Yes, you have," Dream said, his tone gentle as though he were speaking to a child. "You don't realize it, but they've been manipulating you to their side. To see them as the good guys and me as the bad guy."

"Oh fuck off. You're not gonna get anywhere trying to gaslight me or whatever the fuck," Tommy snapped.

"Wh- I'm not trying to gaslight you, Tommy! I'm trying to help you!" Dream exclaimed, and there was such a genuine note of concern there that it almost made Tommy falter. "The Syndicate's been pulling you to their side. Getting you involved in something you should've never been involved in. I mean, for fuck's sake, you're just a kid!"