Pandemonium | Dream SMP

02. Because you're mine.

Tommy's home is...interesting, to say the least. It's a stone build set into the side of a hill, with small windows and a low roof. I glance sidelong at Schlatt, already guessing his reaction. He's very much a man who enjoys living in the lap of luxury, so a small abode like this one is bound to be of dislike to him.

Sure enough, his lips are curled down into a frown, his eyes narrowed.

"Isn't it great? I built it myself!" Tommy boasts, flashing us a prideful grin.

"I can tell," Schlatt mutters.

"It's very well made," I say, raising my voice just enough so that Schlatt's comment can't be heard.

The horned man seems to remember himself, and quickly plasters on a fake smile, clapping his hands together. "Yes, it's wonderful, Tommy."

The blonde boy straightens up at the praise, a pleased smirk on his face. "Heh, yeah. Well, y'know, I am the greatest at everything I do."

I giggle at Tommy's bravado. He really is a confident character for someone of his age.

"The election night rally isn't for another three days," Wilbur says, earning our attention. "It would be best if you stayed within the Embassy and L'Manburg territory while you're here. Tommy has volunteered to keep an eye on you till then."

"Just think of me as your loyal servant." Tommy salutes with a grin.

I frown slightly, my head tilting. What an interesting phrase for Wilbur to use. To keep an eye on someone would suggest they might get up to no good. Could it be that Wilbur doesn't trust Schlatt as much as he shows?

The tall male notices my stare and smiles politely. I don't mirror it, but instead, turn my attention away.

"Oh, you don't have to worry about me, Wilbur. I'm sure I'll be plenty entertained in the company of Tommy and Ares here." Schlatt says, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Ares is very good at keeping me out of trouble."

An invisible spark flies between Schlatt and Wilbur, and I realise that Schlatt, too, understood the meaning behind Wilbur's words.

"I'll be aiding in the construction of the podium if you need me for anything," Wilbur says with a small nod. He glances to me once more before turning and setting off down the wooden path, back towards L'Manburg soil.

"So, Tommy."

Tommy jumps to attention at Schlatt's words, eager to carry out whatever command he may have. I feel bad for him. He holds Schlatt in such high regard, and Schlatt is taking full advantage of it. Hopefully, Tommy never finds out just what sort of man Schlatt really is.

"I'm tired from the long walk. Where can I put my feet up? You have arranged my own room, haven't you?"

Tommy hesitates for only a moment before grinning nervously, "Of course I did! What? Did you think I'd make you sleep on the sofa or something?"

I purse my lips to keep from laughing as we follow Tommy into his home. Schlatt smirks when he catches my expression. We both know that's exactly what Tommy had planned, and it becomes even more obvious as soon as we see the sofa in the corner of the front room, decked in pillows and blankets.

Schlatt is ushered into a back room, where a single bed and a couple of chests sit against the wall.

"There's only one bed, though. I didn't know anyone else was coming with you." The blonde boy admits sheepishly, looking between me and Schlatt.

A devilish smirk immediately curls across the goat-man's lips.

"Ares, why don't we-"

"I'll sleep on the floor," I interject before he can even finish his cursed suggestion.

"Tommy, do you have any spare pillows and blankets?" I ask, propping my trident against a wall to rest. Its iridescent blue looks totally out of place in the plain, stone room. Like a diamond in a coal mine.

"I'll go get some!"

Tommy rushes from the room to fetch my desired items, eager to serve.

"Well, this should be an interesting stay," Schlatt comments once the blonde boy is out of earshot. He gives the single bed a thoughtful prod, then removes his shoes, lying back into the cushions with his arms folded behind his head, his legs crossed.

"There was a fox talking to Wilbur, earlier," I say, taking a seat on one of the chests, "Who was that?"

Schlatt raises an eyebrow, one of his goat ears flicking. "Eh? Ya mean Fundy? Yeah, pretty sure he's Wilbur's son. Why? Ya like him?"

I roll my eyes at Schlatt's suggestive eyebrow wiggle. "He kept staring at me."

"Oho! Maybe he likes you!"

"No...I don't think so," I fold my arms, thoughtful. "He looked more curious than anything."

"Good, because he can't have you anyway." In one fluid movement, Schlatt is off the bed and standing in front of me, his hand holding my chin, directing my gaze up to meet his. "Because you're mine."

A soft thump has us both turn our attention to the doorway, where Tommy stands, jaw dropped, a pile of pillows and blankets at his feet.

"What the fuck?" He shrieks. "I thought you said you guys weren't married!"

"We're not married, Tommy," I say, slipping from Schlatt's grasp and moving to gather the items he'd dropped.

"Not for lack of trying," Schlatt smirks, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "How many times have you turned me down now, Ares? I know you're keeping count."

"Thirty-seven, sir." I hum, carrying the bundle of pillows and blankets to a clean corner of the room to lay them down.

"There, you see the sort of abuse I have to deal with, Tommy? Women are such cruel creatures."

Schlatt shakes his head sadly, acting like a pitiable soul. I don't buy his act for a second, but Tommy drinks it in with round, blue eyes.

Oh, dear. I really need to talk to Schlatt about brainwashing the younger generation.

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Ayyyy, told you I'd update twice weekly. Also, I adore Philza's design in this vid. Very pog.