Chapter 15

As Piko left for school, Dream couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She seemed distant, not her usual vibrant self. But he didn't want to push her, so he let her go, hoping that school would cheer her up.

Dream then prepared himself for his job interview. He had always had a passion for cooking, and the thought of working on a professional cooking show excited him. Plus, his magic powers would certainly give him an edge.

As he stepped into the studio, he couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline. This was a new chapter in his life, and he was ready to embrace it with open arms.

Because that's what Dream does. He embraces new opportunities, no matter what. And sometimes, he cooks with magic, hoping to create something extraordinary.

At the interview, he could tell that the boss was hardcore. He glared down at Dream. It seemed he was looking into Dream's soul. "Why should the Great Ebott Cooking Show, or GECS, hire YOU?" He asked, sneering.

Dream was taken aback by the boss's intense demeanor, but he didn't let it deter him. He knew he was good at what he did, and he was not about to let someone's harsh exterior shake his confidence.

"I believe I have a unique perspective to bring to the Great Ebott Cooking Show," Dream began, meeting the boss's gaze directly. "Not only do I have a passion for cooking, but I also have the ability to use magic to enhance my culinary skills. This could bring a new level of creativity and innovation to the show."

Dream's voice was steady and confident, even as the boss continued to glare at him. He knew he had what it took to succeed, and he was not about to back down.

"Hmp. Well. Your hired, but if I see you putting any magic INTO to food, you're fired on the spot." The boss stood up, even MORE terrifying than before as he said "And we can put a bad review on your resume, and you'll be out of work. The entire city knows about us. You'll be rejected from every single job you try to apply to. You'll be out of options. GOT IT?"

Dream swallowed hard, the boss's threats ringing in his ears. He knew the stakes were high, but he also knew that he couldn't back down now. This was his chance to prove himself, and he wasn't about to let it slip through his fingers.

"I understand, sir," Dream replied, his voice steady despite his racing heart. "I won't let you down."

As the boss left the room, Dream took a moment to collect himself. He knew this wasn't going to be easy, but he was ready for the challenge. He would show everyone that he could succeed, with or without magic.

Dream went out of the building, and ran into Kipo. "Oh, hey Dream!"

Seeing Kipo outside the building was a pleasant surprise for Dream. Her friendly smile and cheerful greeting helped to alleviate some of the stress from his intense interview.

"Hey, Kipo," he greeted her with a smile, glad for the friendly company. "What brings you here?"

As they chatted, Dream found himself enjoying Kipo's company. She was easy to talk to, and their shared interests made their conversation flow naturally. Despite the harsh reality of his new job, Dream found himself looking forward to the new day.

As they talked, Dream kept feeling that feeling, yet he kept pushing it down. He already HAD a girlfriend. A girlfriend who was probably falling out of love and becoming more distant at the moment, a small voice at the back of his head said.

He found himself drawn to her, enjoying their conversation more than he probably should. But he quickly pushed these feelings aside. He had a girlfriend, and he was loyal to her.

However, the small voice at the back of his head wouldn't let him be. Piko had been distant lately, and he couldn't help but worry about their relationship. Was she falling out of love with him? The thought sent a pang of sadness through him.

But for now, he decided to focus on his friendship with Kipo, and his new job. He would deal with his relationship troubles later.

"Hey, can I crash at your place?" Kipo asked.

Dream was taken aback by Kipo's request. He wasn't expecting to invite someone over, especially considering the delicate situation with Piko. But looking at Kipo's hopeful face, he couldn't bring himself to say no.

"Sure, Kipo," Dream agreed, giving her a friendly smile. "But you'll have to put up with my cooking."

As they headed towards his place, Dream couldn't help but feel a strange mix of excitement and apprehension. He was looking forward to spending more time with Kipo, but he also couldn't shake off his worries about Piko.

Because that's what Dream does. He extends his hospitality, no matter what. And sometimes, he invites new complications into his life, hoping to navigate through them.

Dream enjoyed his time with Kipo, their conversation filled with laughter and shared interests. When Kipo took a selfie with him, he couldn't help but smile at the lighthearted moment.

But as Kipo left and Piko walked through the door, the smile faded from Dream's face. He was reminded of the distance that had grown between them, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He missed the closeness they used to share and hoped they could find their way back to it.

"Piko," Dream greeted her, trying to keep his tone casual. "How was school?"

"It was.... okay. I made a new friend.... sort of." She said.

Dream saw the uncertainty in Piko's eyes and felt his heart sink. The distance between them seemed to grow wider with every passing moment. But he knew he had to keep trying, for the sake of their relationship.

"That's great, Piko," he said, trying to sound enthusiastic. "I'd love to meet them sometime."

He hoped that by showing interest in her life, he could bridge the gap that had formed between them. He missed the close connection they used to share, and he was willing to do anything to get it back.

Days turned into a routine for Dream. Piko would leave, and Kipo would fill the empty space with her cheerful presence, only to leave when Piko returned. The distance between Dream and Piko seemed to grow with each passing day, and the nights were the worst. Alone in his room, Dream would find himself swirling in a sea of thoughts and emotions.

He missed Piko's warmth next to him, the soothing rhythm of her breathing, the quiet whispers they would share before drifting off to sleep. But most of all, he missed the love that used to fill their relationship, the connection that now seemed lost.

However, his thoughts were not only filled with Piko. Kipo had gradually become a constant in his life, filling his days with laughter and interesting conversations. He found himself looking forward to their chats, enjoying her company more than he had expected. And with each passing day, the feelings he had been suppressing for Kipo were growing stronger, making his heart ache with confusion.

One day, during the weekend, Piko asked him "Hey, Dream? Is it okay if maybe we... take a break?"

Dream felt his heart drop at Piko's words. He had been fearing this conversation, but hearing it out loud still felt like a punch to the gut.

"A break?" he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper. He struggled to keep his emotions in check, forcing a smile on his face. "If that's what you think is best, then...yeah. It's okay."

Inside, though, he was far from okay. The thought of losing Piko, of not being able to call her his girlfriend, hurt more than he thought it would. But he respected her decision. If she needed space, he would give it to her.

"Thanks." She said. Then she just... went out of the house. Dream didn't know what she was going to do. They'd spent so much time apart, he barely knew her and what she did during the day anymore. Kipo came over, and asked him "Woah, Dream. Are you okay? You looked like you just got punched. In the face. With a sledgehammer. And a tomato."

"No, Kipo," Dream confessed, his voice cracking. "I'm not okay."

He explained the situation to her, his words tumbling out in a rush as he revealed his heartache. Piko had asked for a break, and Dream was left feeling lost and alone.

Kipo listened carefully, her eyes filled with concern. Her presence was a comfort to Dream, a small beacon of light in the midst of his despair.

Because that's what Dream does. He shares his feelings, no matter how painful. And sometimes, he leans on his friends for support, hoping to find solace in their company.

"Piko's never been good with being in good relationships and KEEPING them good." Kipo said.

Dream's heart skipped a beat as he realized that Kipo knew Piko's name. He was sure he never mentioned it to her. His mind raced with questions. How did Kipo know Piko? What was their connection?

"Kipo," Dream asked, his voice barely a whisper. "How do you know Piko?"

He braced himself for her answer, his heart pounding in his chest. The confusion and heartache were overwhelming, but he needed to know.

"We... were friends before she fell into the underground. At least we WERE." She said. "I don't really want to talk about it. But they say a brother's blade cuts the deepest. It applies for sisters too. We were like sisters until.... Like I said, I don't want to talk about it."

Dream was taken aback by Kipo's revelation. The bond between Piko and Kipo was something he hadn't anticipated. The pain in Kipo's voice when she mentioned their falling out was evident. He understood her reluctance to share more; he too had secrets he preferred to keep buried.

"I understand, Kipo," Dream said gently. "We all have our pasts. I'm here for you, just like you've been there for me."

Despite the rocky terrain he was navigating, Dream found a strange comfort in their shared pain. It was a testament to their growing bond, a connection built on understanding and empathy.

As Dream and Kipo continued to talk, the strange feeling in his heart grew stronger. It was an undeniable attraction, a pull that he felt towards Kipo. He knew it wasn't fair to Piko, who was still figuring out her feelings. But at the same time, he couldn't deny his own emotions.

Dream found himself torn between his loyalty to Piko and his growing feelings for Kipo. The uncertainty of their break was a constant worry in the back of his mind. He wasn't sure if Piko would want to get back together, and he wasn't sure if he should wait for her.

A few days later, Dream heard a song Piko had made. It was instrumental only. It had a cello, and the cello was playing a dark song. The song seemed to sound of betrayal, loneliness, and grief. Yet a small part of it sang of isolation and independence. It was beautiful in it's own dark way.

Dream sat quietly, listening to the haunting melody of Piko's song. The rich, somber tones of the cello painted a vivid picture of her emotions - betrayal, loneliness, and grief. Yet amidst the darkness, there was a thread of something else, a subtle undercurrent of isolation and independence. It was a complex mixture that mirrored his own whirlwind of emotions.

'A dark sanctuary' The title seemed apt. It was a reflection of the dark, confused state of their relationship. But the beauty of the music struck a chord within him. It was a poignant reminder of the depth of Piko's emotions, of the woman he fell in love with.

Dream couldn't help but feel a pang of regret as he listened. He missed Piko, missed the closeness they used to share. But he also knew that they needed this break, needed time to figure out their feelings.

One day, Dream ran into Piko. Literally. Piko fell down, and her companion said "Hey! Watch it!" Her companion was Sans. Dream remembered Sans, especially because he'd made all sorts of moves one her in the underground, Before they had started dating. As Sans helped Piko up, Dream could see how much Sans STILL cared for her.

Dream's heart clenched as he watched Sans help Piko up. It was clear that Sans still held feelings for Piko. The way he looked at her, the way he cared for her, it was all too familiar.

"Sorry, Piko. I didn't see you there," Dream mumbled, his mind spinning with a whirlwind of emotions. He saw the way Piko's eyes softened when she looked at Sans, and it felt like a punch to the gut. Could it be possible that Piko had feelings for Sans too?

Dream felt a pang of jealousy, but he quickly squashed it down. It wasn't fair to Piko. She was free to feel what she wanted, to be with who she wanted.

Sans gave Dream a quick glare as Piko said "It's fine..."

"By the way, Piko," Dream nervously began, "I heard your song 'A dark sanctuary.' It's... it's beautiful."

He hoped this topic would ease the tension between them. He wanted Piko to know that despite everything, he still cared for her and appreciated her talents.

Piko looked up at him, surprise flickering in her eyes. "You... you listened to it?" Her voice was quiet, almost hesitant.

"Thanks. Sans helped me make it. Apparently their mother used to play the cello, so they had one in their basement." She said. So that's what Piko's been doing. She's been hanging out with Sans.

Dream swallowed hard at Piko's words. The thought of Piko and Sans spending time together, creating something as beautiful as 'Paint it, black.' was a tough pill to swallow. But he managed to hide his discomfort behind a smile.

"That's great," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I'm glad you've found a way to express yourself through music. It suits you."

Despite the pain, Dream couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. Piko was pursuing her passions, and that was something he could wholeheartedly support.

"Anyway, we're gonna be late for the meeting, so we should probably.... you know, GET GOING." Sans said, glaring at Dream before leading Piko away to the bus stop.

Dream watched as Sans led Piko away, a bitter taste in his mouth. But he forced a smile and waved at them, his heart aching.

"Have fun, you two!" he called after them, trying his best to sound cheerful.

As he watched the bus pull away, Dream felt a pang of loneliness. He stood there for a moment, lost in his thoughts, before turning away and heading home.

Dream was taken by surprise as Kipo suddenly tackled him into a hug. He stumbled a bit before regaining his balance and wrapping his arms around her. Despite the unexpectedness of it, the warmth of Kipo's embrace was comforting.

"Kipo?" he asked, his voice muffled against her shoulder. "What's this about?"

He could feel Kipo's laughter vibrating against him. "Just felt like hugging you, that's all," she replied, pulling back slightly to flash him a grin.

And just like that, Dream's heart felt a little lighter.

Dream watched as Piko's star rose higher and higher. Her music was everywhere, and every time he turned on the radio or scrolled through social media, he was reminded of her. It was hard, seeing her so happy with Sans, but he couldn't deny that he was proud of her.

Each new song she released was a hit, and Dream found himself listening to them, drawn in by the raw emotion and beautiful melodies. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness with each note, but he also felt a sense of admiration for Piko's talent.

And despite the pain, Dream couldn't help but feel happy for Piko. She was living her dream, and she was happy. That's all he ever wanted for her.

Dream and Kipo were waiting at the bus stop when Piko happened to walk by. He felt a familiar flutter in his stomach seeing her, but he managed to keep his composure.

"Hey, Piko," he greeted her with a smile. Kipo, standing beside him, waved at Piko enthusiastically.

Piko seemed surprised to see them, but she quickly composed herself and returned the greeting. Despite the awkwardness, Dream was glad to see Piko. It gave him a chance to show her that he was doing okay, that he was moving on, just like she was.

"Hey Dream... um, who's... this?" Piko's attention was mostly on Kipo.

"This is Kipo," Dream introduced, gesturing to his friend who was standing next to him. "She's... she's been a good friend."

Kipo waved at Piko, a friendly smile on her face. "Nice to meet you, Piko," she said, her voice warm and welcoming.

A brief silence fell over them, the air heavy with a mix of emotions. But despite the awkwardness, Dream was glad for Kipo's presence. She was a comforting figure in his life, someone who made him feel less alone.

Piko glared at Kipo. "So you're back in town, huh?" Kipo glared back. "What? Expecting me to snivel back to Ebott TOWN? You'll need to do more than THAT to get rid of me." Kipo said. Piko Sneered at her, and Kipo sneered right back.

Dream watched the exchange between Piko and Kipo, his heart sinking. He had hoped that they would get along, but it seemed like there was some unresolved tension between them.

He stepped between them, trying to defuse the situation. "Hey, let's all just calm down," he said, holding his hands up in a placating gesture. "We're all here to catch the bus, right? There's no need for any hostility."

Despite his efforts, he could feel the tension in the air. But he was determined to keep the peace.

They both scoffed a "FINE." And sat down on both sides of Dream. Dream was both glad, and scared to be sitting there because if they sat together, they'd probably tear each other apart. But he was in the middle of them tearing each other apart with their eyes, constantly glaring at each other.

Dream found himself caught between the two glaring women, an awkward smile plastered onto his face. He could feel the tension radiating off them, their eyes shooting daggers at each other over his head.

He turned his attention to Sans, grateful for the skeleton's presence. He was glad to see Piko calming down, her laughter ringing out as she traded jokes with Sans. Despite the tense situation, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at hearing Piko's laughter.

As the bus pulled away from Piko and Sans, Dream looked out the window at the newly built music studio. It was a physical testament to Piko's success, her dreams coming true. And as much as it hurt, Dream was happy for her.

He turned away from the window, a soft smile on his face. Yes, Piko had moved on. And while it stung, Dream knew he needed to do the same. He was a part of her past, and she was part of his. But they both had futures waiting for them.

The next day, Dream came back from work, and Kipo noticed how nervous he was. His boss was absolutely terrifying, and he couldn't shake his fear. "Hey Dream, you okay?"

Dream looked up from where he was staring blankly at the wall, a startled look on his face. He forced a smile, trying to reassure Kipo.

"Yeah, I'm okay," he replied, his voice not quite as steady as he would've liked. "Just... thinking about work, that's all."

Kipo gave him a concerned look, her hand reaching out to gently squeeze his shoulder. "If you need to talk about it, I'm here," she said softly.

Dream felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. He was glad to have Kipo by his side, her supportive presence helping to ease his anxiety.

Because that's what Dream does. He pushes through his fears, even when they threaten to overwhelm him. And sometimes, he relies on the help of others, hoping to find the strength to carry on.

"You just need some good insults! Trust me, I know some insults that make People so infuriated, they want to keep you around to get back at you. Here, try your best insult on me, and I'll say what your boss would say." Kipo said.

Dream looked at Kipo, a little taken aback by her suggestion. He wasn't used to resorting to insults, but he appreciated her attempt to help. He thought for a moment before speaking.

"Kipo, you're so... so... clumsy!" he stuttered out, the words feeling strange on his tongue.

Kipo burst out laughing, her laughter echoing around the room. "Oh Dream," she said, wiping tears from her eyes. "You're going to need some work."

Despite the awkwardness of the situation, Dream couldn't help but laugh along. Kipo's laughter was contagious, and he was grateful for the lighthearted moment.

"Your boss would fire you on the spot with an insult like that. Or he'd say right back: DREAM, YOU ARE A LAZY-NO-GOOD SKELETON! Or something."

Dream flinched at Kipo's imitation of his boss, the words hitting a little too close to home. He knew she was just trying to help, but it still stung to hear.

"Yeah, you're probably right," Dream said, forcing a laugh. "I'll work on my insults."

Despite his discomfort, Dream appreciated Kipo's help. She was trying to prepare him for the worst, and for that he was grateful.

Because that's what Dream does. He faces harsh realities, even when they hurt. And sometimes, he appreciates the tough love, hoping to learn and grow from it.

The next day, Dream hears Piko's new song. It... felt strange. Usually whenever she writes songs now, their independent, and strong. And a little dark. But this? This song was... Lonely. Just lonely.

"Are you somewhere feeling lonely even though she's right beside you? When she says those word to hurt you, do you read the ones I wrote you? Sometimes I start to wonder was it just a lie? If what we had was real, how could you be fine? 'Cause I'm not fine at all." The song played.

Dream listened to the song, the melancholy melody tugging at his heartstrings. The lyrics were raw and emotional, painting a picture of loneliness and regret. It was unlike anything Piko had ever written before. He could feel the pain in each word, the longing in every note.

Dream felt a pang of sadness as he listened. This was Piko's way of expressing her feelings, her way of saying that she wasn't as fine as she seemed. It made him wonder if she still thought of him, if she still missed him.

But despite the sadness, Dream couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the song. It was a testament to Piko's talent, her ability to express complex emotions through music.

Each word of the song echoed in Dream's mind, the melody intertwining with his thoughts. The lyrics seemed to mirror his own feelings, the longing, the regret, the loneliness. It was as if Piko had taken the words right out of his heart and set them to music.

Dream felt a strange sense of comfort as he listened. It was as if, through the song, Piko was reaching out to him, telling him that she wasn't as okay as she seemed. That she too, was struggling with moving on.

But despite the pain, Dream couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to Piko. Through her music, she was expressing the feelings he had been unable to put into words.

The final notes of the song hung in the air, heavy with emotion. The raw vulnerability in Piko's voice left Dream feeling exposed, as if a piece of his own heart had been laid bare for all to see.

He sat there, lost in thought, the lyrics echoing in his mind. The song was a painful reminder of their past, a testament to the love they once shared. It was a poignant expression of regret and longing, a plea for understanding.

Despite the pain, Dream couldn't help but admire Piko's courage. She had bared her soul in the song, shared her deepest emotions without any reservations. It was a display of strength and vulnerability that he couldn't help but respect.

Dream felt a pang of worry as he realized that both Kipo and Piko were missing. He had gotten so used to their presence, their absence left a noticeable void. He tried to shake off the anxiety, telling himself that they were probably just busy.

He spent the day trying not to think about it, but the worry gnawed at him. As the hours ticked by, he found himself growing more and more anxious. He couldn't help but wonder where they were, what they were doing.

Despite his worry, Dream tried to stay positive. He hoped that they were okay, that they would return soon. He knew that worrying wouldn't help, so he tried to focus on other things.

Dream's heart pounded in his chest as he approached the site of the old laboratory. The sight of the gaping hole in the earth brought back a rush of memories, some of them painful. The lab had been a symbol of progress and innovation, and now it was just a crater, a reminder of the destruction that had taken place years ago.

The sight of the smoke made him nervous. It was unusual, a sign that something was amiss. He stared at the massive hole, his mind racing with possibilities. Could it be Kipo or Piko? Or something else entirely?

Despite his fear, Dream knew he had to investigate. He couldn't just ignore the smoke, not when there was a chance that someone could be in danger.

Dream's heart skipped a beat as he saw Kipo and Piko, weapons in hand, locked in a fierce battle. The sight was shocking, the intensity of their fight making it clear that this wasn't just a disagreement.

He watched as Kipo swung her scythe with precision, her face a mask of determination. Piko countered with her sword, her movements quick and agile. Their weapons clashed, sparks flying with each strike.

Despite the fear gripping him, Dream knew he couldn't stand by and do nothing. He had to intervene, had to try and stop them before they hurt each other.

Dream's mind raced as he tried to come up with a plan. He could teleport down to the pit easily enough, but stopping Kipo and Piko without getting caught in the crossfire was a different matter entirely.

He thought about his abilities, what he could do to prevent further damage. He had a few tricks up his sleeve, but none of them seemed to be a perfect solution. Maybe he could create a barrier between them, or use his telekinesis to disarm them.

Despite the uncertainty, Dream knew he had to act fast. The longer he waited, the more chance there was of someone getting seriously hurt.

With a deep breath, Dream activated his teleportation ability. In an instant, he was at the bottom of the pit, his heart pounding in his chest as he watched the girls continue their fight, unaware of his presence.

His mind raced as he quickly put his plan into action. He focused his energy, creating a barrier of light between Kipo and Piko. The shield materialized just in time, blocking a swing from Kipo's scythe and a thrust from Piko's sword.

Startled, they both stepped back, their eyes widening in surprise as they noticed Dream. He took advantage of their surprise, using his telekinesis to disarm them, their weapons flying out of their hands and landing a safe distance away.

Dream stepping in between them. "Dream, you need to stay out of this." Piko said, a fearful expression on her face.

"No," Dream said firmly, shaking his head. "I can't stand by and let you two hurt each other."

His heart pounded as he looked at Piko and then at Kipo. Their faces were flushed from the fight, their eyes filled with a mix of anger and confusion. They looked at each other, then back at Dream, as if unsure what to do next.

Despite the tension, Dream stood his ground. He knew he couldn't let them continue their fight. He had to help them resolve their conflict peacefully.

"Then what ARE you going to do?" Kipo asked. "Try and TALK?"

"Yes, exactly that," Dream responded calmly. "We're all friends here. We should be able to talk through our problems instead of resorting to violence."

He knew it wouldn't be easy. The tension between Kipo and Piko was palpable, their emotions running high. But he also knew that fighting wasn't the solution. They needed to communicate, to express their feelings and sort through their issues.

Despite the challenge, Dream was determined. He knew they could work through this if they tried. They just needed to be willing to listen and understand.

"Fine. You see Dream, once apon a time, me and Piko-" Kipo started. "DREAM WATCH OUT!" Piko yelled.

Time seemed to slow down as Piko's warning filled the air. Dream's heart pounded in his chest as he felt Piko's arms around him, pulling him out of the path of the scythe. He barely had time to register what was happening before they were both tumbling to the ground, the scythe missing them by mere inches.