Chapter Text
Dust was a big fan of silence, alone time, and isolation. Sometimes, it was calming to be left by yourself, without having to deal with the stress of listening to others. Unless, of course, you include paps in that, then he never was truly alone. Either way, isolation was treasured in his eyes.
So why was this stupid demon following him around the castle like a lost puppy? He was just blabbing on about something Dust didn’t care to pay attention to. It was annoying. Dust wanted to throw himself out the window. Unfortunately, he chose to live today, so that wasn’t exactly an option. He sighed deeply, rubbing his nasal bone in contemplation as Bill yammered about Ice or something like that.
He grumbled indignantly as he stepped into the kitchen, maneuvering past a confused Horror, and dramatically swung open the fridge. Dust could really use a snack right about now, he was starving. His hand pressed against the stainless steel, and he shivered. Dust never liked refrigerators, they were too cold on his bones, and for some reason, looking at it always made him off put.
Like he was forgetting an upsetting memory.
“Hey, why don’t we get something to eat, if you’re so hungry! Can’t rely on snacks to survive, now can you?” Bill gave him a grin, leaning an arm against the fridge.
“Just shut up, You’re so loud… why are you botherin’ me..”
Bill frowned playfully, and Dust barely controlled the urge to roll his eyes. “Can’t a demon hang out with his pals?”
“Since when are we pals?”
“Since now!” Bill grabbed Dust by the arm, not too tight to be alarming, but not light enough that Dust could slip out. He snapped his fingers, and Dust felt the floor slip underneath him. It didn’t feel like the normal shortcutting. No, this was nauseating.
Horror stared in confusion at the empty space Bill and Dust were, shrugged his shoulders, then continued his task at hand. He knew Dust could handle himself. He wasn’t worried in the slightest.
Feeling the floor again was disorienting, and Dust almost fell to the ground with buckled knees, if it weren’t for the hand still latched onto his upper arm.
Bill chuckled lightly, pulling him back up. “Don’t go falling for me, Ice.”
“Hilarious.” Dust rolled his eyes, stabilizing himself and finally looking at his surroundings. It looked simple enough: they were out on a street, the occasional person walking by. The sky was bright yet partially cloudy, and… were they standing in front of a McDonald’s?
“Was that seriously the best pun you could come up with?” He asked, raising a brow bone at the fast food restaurant in front of him.
Bill’s smile widened, and he finally let go of his arm. “Was the only thing that came to mind. No matter! Let’s eat!” He spun his cane, confidently marching to the building.
“I’ve been told that every time you hang out with one of us, you get food. Hungry much?” He joked sarcastically, following loosely behind Bill. He wasn’t exactly opposed to getting some food, but this was Bill. He would rather go get food with Ink or Error for fuck’s sake.
“Where I’m from, food didn’t even exist! Gotta try what I couldn’t, am I right? Besides-“ the demon turned around and gave him an inviting pat on the shoulder. Dust thought it felt forced.
“Food is the best way to makes friends, is it not?” Dust refused to admit he was correct, so remained silent. Bill took it as a win, now gently urging him forward with a guiding arm.
“Hurry on now, Ice, I know you’re hungry!” His yellow pupils seemed to become slits, almost like a cats, as he gave Dust an eerie stare. He didn’t like that stare one bit, so he relented, and yanked open the McDonald’s door.
The inside was as inviting as a McDonald’s could be, but that didn’t really matter to Dust. He’d rather just get his food and get out, as long as Bill didn’t keep him any longer. Staring at the demon felt like staring at tv static for hours, and he couldn’t help the dizziness that followed. Bill radiated a cold, incorrect aura, the kind that made you shiver. So, yes, the atmosphere of the McDonald’s didn’t matter much to Dust; it would just be tarnished by the skeleton in front of him.
The line was unsurprisingly long, and Dust bit back a sigh. Patience was never his strong suit, and it seemed like it wasn’t Bill’s either. The demon tapped his foot on the ground anxiously, spinning his cane in frustration. It was kind of a funny sight: his face was scrunched up as he occasionally summoned a pocket watch out of thin air to check the time passed. It was almost casual, he could almost imagine the demon as some normal skeleton; not a hidden danger with, terrifyingly enough, something sinister hiding under those quirked smiles and soft eyes.
Luckily, the line cleared, and they were finally able to take their orders. The cashier, who also happened to be a sans, didn’t bat an eye socket at the two, despite Dust being wanted just about everywhere for multiversal crimes, and Bill being, well Bill. He’s weird, is the best way Dust could describe it. The demon took the lead, sounding way more extroverted than what the cashier was seemingly able to handle.
“Why hello there! You seem to be having a wonderful day, kiddo! A smile like that is unforgettable!” Dust knew that Bill could tell the smile was forced. He didn’t bother to butt in the conversation.
“What would you like, sir.” The cashier said unenthusiastically, clearly not in the mood for the demon’s shenanigans. Bill smiled, and the Sans behind the counter averted his gaze. Guess Dust wasn’t the only person who was creeped out by his smile.
“Dust? What would you like?” Dust shook his head out of his daze. His name sounded strange on Bill’s tongue, like it didn’t belong. Something about the word made it feel… unnatural. It’s almost like Bill was never meant to say it.
“Uhhhhh…. I’ll jus’ get th’ 20 piece and large fries..”
“That sounds great! I’ll get the same thing too. Thanks, kid!” Bill used his strange magic that Dust didn’t quite understand, to summon a neat, un-creased, stack of this universe’s currency, and handed it to the shaken-up cashier without a pause. The amount he gave the Sans was obviously way too much to be the cost of two measly McDonald’s meals, but Dust could only assume that Bill didn’t quite care.
The cashier’s hand shook, almost like he’d never held something so valuable before. “…would you like a receipt..?”
“I don’t think that will be necessary. Thank you anyways!”
Dust couldn’t help but ignore the demon in front of him as he chatted away with the cashier, who seemed even more nervous than before. He kicked at the ground, his hands in his pockets, as he listened to paps berating him for even allowing Bill to bring him here.
Then the bell to the entrance rang. it’s a noise he’s heard a lot while standing in here, but he couldn’t help but feel different about this time. He looked over to the door, he couldn’t help it. Something was telling him that this was wrong.
He locked eyes with the guardian of positivity himself. his eyes were a dull white, and there were bags under his eyes. Even as he seemed to tense up at the sight of Dust, it looked like he was still ready to collapse. Dream looked to be at a loss for words, and if he’s being honest, Dust was too. One glance over and Dust could tell that Dream noticed his companion chatting it up casually with an exhausted cashier. Of all people to walk in the door, it just had to be Dream? Talk about having a bad day.
Dream’s fists clenched, like he was resisting the urge to summon a weapon, and remained stock still. He hadn’t left his spot from when he initially stepped inside, and Dust couldn’t help but wonder if he was scared, or perhaps… frustrated. Would he start a fight in the middle of a random ass McDonald’s? As much as Nightmare liked to villainize his brother, Dust knew that Dream had a pretty solid moral code that would prevent him from doing so.
Unfortunately for both of them, Bill noticed the scene once he finally freed the Sans behind the counter from his verbal prison.
“Who’s your pal, Ice? I’m just kidding, I know that’s you, Sun!” Bill took a step closer to the guardian, and Dream seemed to stand up straighter, looking between the other two skeletons in a weird mix of fear and confusion. Clearly, he had no idea why he would see Dust and the mysterious demon hanging out together in a McDonald’s, and Dust could silently agree that it was strange. Yet, at the same time, he was curious; why was Dream here of all places?
“Wow, I mean, this is just great! Sun, why don’t you have some lunch with us? we could use the company!”
“What??”
What!?”
Dream and Dust shouted at the same time, looking at each other, and then at Bill again. The demon didn’t falter, in fact, his smile brightened, and Dream repressed a shiver. Seeing the guardian like this… it was weird. Dust has only seen him on the battle field, where he was fighting hard along the star shits, or whatever Nightmare likes to call them. But, now that he’s just standing here… Dream looks weak. He looks tired. If Dust had any sort of compassion, he’d feel bad.
It’s a good thing he doesn’t, then.
Somehow, Bill’s charm managed to convince Dream to sit down at a table with them after he ordered and they all received their food. Dust is honestly at a loss as to how he managed that. Dream remained quiet, he sat across from the other two, and his eye sockets were trained on the both of them. Dust couldn’t help but stare right back at him with the same vigor. Bill was pretending to be oblivious to the tension, and ate his meal like it was his last supper. Dust does recall him saying something about not having food where he’s from, so he can’t really blame him.
“Sun, if you don’t mind… may I ask a question?” Bill asked cheerfully, tilting his head with false innocence.
“…Go ahead.”
“Perfect! Alright. Do you happen to know of Ink’s whereabouts?”
Dream sucked in an unnecessary breath, looking between the demon and his enemy, almost like he had not expected the question to sound so insincere, like the answer was already known between the two, yet was requested out of formality. Dust noticed that about Bill… he only seems to sugar coat the truth when it matters.
“I feel that I shouldn’t tell you. Especially after recent events…uh, I apologize, but if I may ask a question, why are you here? With him?” He pointed to Dust like it had hurt him physically to do so, and he couldn’t help but clench his fists a little tighter at the gesture. Dream might have standards, but Dust sure as hell doesn’t. This is the #1 enemy, after all. If he managed to capture or kill him right now, Nightmare would have no competition any longer.
Bill chuckled lightly, almost like he was joking with old friends. “I thought he could use a good lunch. He doesn’t eat very often. As for my affiliation, since I can tell that is where your curiosity lies, I’ll have you know this was a spur of the moment friendship, kid! You have nothing to fear; I am not plotting against you.”
Dust raised a brow bone, confused by a good portion of that statement. How did Bill even know that about him? He could only think back to the briefing Nightmare gave him, something about Bill being ‘all knowing’. Dust shook his head. Bill was a pathological liar, that much he could tell. His tone of voice made even him believe that he was not plotting against Dream. But, after hearing about his ideas, he knew that it wasn’t true. Unless, of course, the demon actually believes the false promises of glory and power he had spoken of prior.
Dream seemed to consider his next words carefully, almost as if his life depended on it. His ungloved— which Dust only noticed now— bony finger scratched against the table uncomfortably as his eyelights dimmed hazily. Dust felt as if he could flick him, and he would crumble. The guardian eventually sighed, looking between the other two like they were holding him at gunpoint. Dust could sort of see where he was coming from.
“…what am I doing here..? I-I should go-“ Dream stood abruptly, and the white pinpricks in his sockets got a little more fuzzy.
“Ah, leaving so soon, Sun?” Bill asked, unfazed and scarily sweet. Dust didn’t like it one bit. That tone of voice was all show. If only he could prove it. There was something wrong with the demon, something he’s been hiding. Dust had seen it.
“Yes. I will be leaving now.” Dream responded firmly, fists clenched. There was a light tremor racking his body, and it was obvious Dream was trying to mask it with a confident shift in his demeanor. Dust didn’t think the guardian was so… weak. He remained silent as Dream stepped away from the table, but the look he gave him spoke enough. At least, he hopes it did.
“That really is a shame….” Bill shook his head with a tsk, not bothering to see the guardian out.
“Don’t forget to order for shooting star! He asked you to get his usual before you had left, remember?” Dream stopped in his tracks, his apple-shaped soul turning prickly with sudden horror. It was impossible to guess what he was thinking, but Bill seemed perfectly capable, like he was simply reading words on a page. Dream cleared his nonexistent throat plainly, making it very painstakingly obvious he was masking a thick layer of fear under that frail positive aura.
“…of course. How could I have forgotten..?”
None of them spoke any longer, as Dream ordered for Blue and left without another word. Dust was tempted to follow Dream to wherever his destination was, maybe get some star-forsaken answers, but ultimately decided against it. It just didn’t seem like the right time at the moment. The only fact Dust clung onto, was that the aura in the air barely even shifted when he’d left.
“Let’s say you return now, yes? I have some… business here that i need to finish.”
Dust rose a brow bone, not entirely convinced of Bill’s horrendous white lie. What could he possibly have business with here? Unless… he shivered slightly. The wind pressed against his front as they strolled along the sidewalk. Dust had a sneaking suspicion that Bill picked this universe on purpose.
“Wait- is this universe where the Star’s home base is??”
“Ding ding ding! Someone’s a winner!” Bill cheered, cranking an invisible slot machine as his eyes flashed two shooting star symbols.
Wasn’t he the Ice symbol?
Somehow, the sound of a winning slot rang in his ears. Dust decided not to question these things anymore. This was the advantage Nightmare needed, and Bill led him right to it. Except… Dust had no idea where the fuck he was. Somehow, it was almost unreadable, which, shouldn’t be possible.
“Aren’t you a smart cookie? I wouldn’t expect anything less from you!”
His questioning gaze flattened into more of a frown, as refraining from violence was the hard task of the day. Seriously, where were they, and why is Bill seemingly trying to keep Dust out of it. Clearly, this “business” had to do with the Stars. Why else would he need to stay? His tightened fists shook a little more. He wants to wipe that smile right off of Bill’s face-
Dust really needs to refrain. He always jumped to violence. Getting into an altercation with the demon wouldn’t be the smartest choice, he tried to justify. And for once, his brain spoke louder than his soul, and he sighed a cold breath of air. The universe seemed to be in some sort of winter season, and the frost nipped at Dust’s fingertips. He held back a shiver as a gust of wind went right through him. Bill seemed entirely unaffected by the temperature. He walked alongside Dust, with an eerie stare that had Nightmare beat. Not once did the demon return his gaze in front of him to check where they were walking. He just… didn’t stop staring at Dust like that. He shivered again, this time, not because of the cold.
“…I s’pose I could get back to th’ castle.” He spoke slowly, shrugging his shoulders to appear indifferent. He couldn’t show how badly he wanted to get away from Bill. How did Killer like this guy again? Bill simply tilted his head, like a cat stalking its prey, and a sharp smile tightened along his skull. It made that yellow gaze look far more dangerous than what Dust had hoped.
“Of course, Ice! You must be chilled to the bone.”
“…”
“What? was I not funny enough?”
“…jus’ take me to th’ castle, please.”
Bill didn’t reply. For once, it looked like he was stumped. He snapped his fingers, and the blue flames cracked through the air and shaped the portal that was Dust’s safe haven. It seemed as though the demon wished to talk more, but he instead, clamped his mouth shut with a friendly smile. That was all Dust needed to escape this at last.
The first thing that seemed off when Dream walked up to the house, was that it was eerily quiet. Normally, he can always hear a commotion from indoors, whether it be Blue attempting karaoke, Ink throwing around their valuables, or the both of them taking a shot at the most competitive game of Just Dance that Dream has ever seen. The point being, that it was almost never quiet.
The next red flag, was that Blue did not greet Dream at the door when he walked inside. Could something have-
No. Dream needs to remain positive. That’s what he was made to do. He took a long deep breath, deciding to give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe, Ink took him somewhere? So why was that same guardian sprawling on the couch with his feet propped on the coffee table? Where was Blue?? He set the extra bag of take out on the table, and nervously approached the calm artist. Something felt thick in the air, call it intuition, or possibly, his magic, which, he distinctly noticed that it couldn’t sense Blue’s aura. Not like it was much of a difference. Each passing day, it got harder and harder to sense positivity. He refused to believe he was getting weak.
“Ink? Have you seen Blue?” Please say yes, please say yes.
“Hm? Blue? Nah, I thought he was with you!”
The pit in Dream’s non-existent stomach dropped, a sense of dread radiating through his bones. He remembered just an hour ago, when he had seen Dust, along with Bill, and that feeling of terror increased ten-fold.
“…So… you haven’t seen him..?” He spoke quietly, afraid that if he raised his voice any higher, his fears might come to life. The house suddenly felt much colder, and the walls seemed to mock him for his paranoia.
“Uhh…. Nope!”
“…I’ll go check his room…”
Dream knew that checking Blue’s room would be useless before he even stepped foot into it. His head was throbbing uncontrollably, a sheet of panic washed over any sense of rationale. Finding Blue’s room empty only stood to solidify his fears. he cradled his skull for a moment, letting that positive persona slip from his mind for just a touch of sanity. Because Dream knew there was nothing to be positive about in this situation. Blue was gone, and he had no idea where he could find him. is he even alive-?
Dream decided he couldn’t dwell on that thought any further. He had to act fast, lest he lose his companion and best friend forever. Ink might find it easy to replace Blue, but Dream wouldn’t stand it if he was able. He stood up from his crouched spot on the floor, and left the room anxiously. He could do this. Everything is all right. Blue will be home in no time.
Little did Dream know, that the very person he was so dead set on rescuing, was beyond saving. His dust, scattered in the wind in some unknown universe, the only hint that he had ever been there being the torn up blue scarf that Error had knitted him long ago, lying unmoving in the mud.