To Protect

Chapter 10.

-DREAM POV- 

It had been a week since I'd had any social interaction whatsoever. People were avoiding me and I could see it from the way they creeped past my castle as if it was a ticking time bomb. I had only left a few times to silently watch George from afar, basking in the lingering scent of his cologne and musk in the air, ensuring he was doing okay. He mentioned me sometimes when he was alone with Sapnap and they spoke of good times. I always wanted to go running up to them and hug them but I knew I had to refrain myself. I only had as long as the invisibility potions gave me which was sometimes 3 minutes and sometimes 8 if I managed to brew a better one. I missed them so dearly. I missed everyone in all honesty.

I hadn't done anything other than that, bar taking down only half Eret's flags and putting my own green ones which branded a smiley face. The smile could bring them towards the castle. A sign of peace. I hadn't heard any news on how Eret was doing, I knew I had taken it too far. I had probably scarred Niki and Fundy.

Fundy...

He hadn't come back since the incident either which I thought he would've. He was a persistent lover and without George in my life, my bed at night was cold and lonely. I convinced myself one day he would return and make life less lonely; I could pretend he was George. Couldn't I? But no.

No one came.

I had been back to Tommy's exile place and was shocked to find he wasn't there anymore. Tubbo must have finally come and got him, told him everything, turned him against me. I waited for him to come and see me too but he never did either.

Like it was the world showing me a sign there was a knock at the door. I ran over with far too much excitement than I'd have liked to show, yanking the door open to reveal Tommy. He looked shy, small and sick. "Tommy! Where have you been man? I looked for you." I lied. I grabbed his wrist and pulled him inside, shutting the door after us. Once we were in, I was able to give him a hug knowing that no one was watching. I had been so lonely here by myself, much like Tommy probably felt when he was exiled. I know Tommy wasn't the one I had wanted to be at the door but any company was company. "How is everyone? Is Eret okay? Fundy? George? Tell me about George, Tommy. Please. Tell me he misses me. Is he still sleeping badly? I told him to meditate before bed you see Tommy, is he doing that? Does he eat normally? Is Sapnap taking care of him? He always promised if anything happened to me, he would take care of him. If he isn't taking care of him I swear to god Tommy-" He put his hands up to shush me as I realised I had barrelled him with information and questions. "Sorry..."

"Tell me it's not true Dream." He continued staring down, not wanting to look at me.

"What's not true?" I let go of his shoulders that I had a hold of.

"Tell me you didn't lie to me, manipulate me, kill Eret, hurt Fundy, hurt George, hurt Sapnap, hurt everyone?" he finally looked up at me, his eyes showed a feeling of disappointment and true pain, as if I had ripped his world apart. "Tell me you were truly my friend, Dream."

"Tommy I-" I fell silent. I couldn't think of anything to say to him. The one time I needed to speak, no words formed and a lump gathered in my throat as if my own body was telling me to shut up.

"So, it's true." He sighed, stepping back from me.

"You're quick to believe the people who exiled you and didn't come to see you Tommy." I sneered at him, losing patience quickly. I realised why not having social interactions was probably beneficial for me, I turned sour too easily.

"Dream you fucking lied to me. Tubbo never burnt his compass or moved on. He thought of me every day. I was going sick out there! I collapsed and Tubbo took me home and sat by me every minute of each day. Where were you?"