Redefining Expectations-Insomnia Sequel

Nightmare's POV a week later

I frown, gently holding Dream's crown as I sit on the throne again. There has been no sign of him and his throne remains empty. Obscuro is so disappointed by this that he won't leave his room anymore. Blip is staying close to Error, who has been working with his strings and focusing only on that for the last few days. The reality of our situation has been really stressing him out and I haven't dared to try to stop him and face the breakdown that I know will follow. I can sense it in him and how upset he is. I know the chances are slim, but I hope Dream returns soon. Wherever he was sent, he has to return. We cannot lose him...And I don't want him to lose anyone before he returns. I don't want him to return to find our little brother or his boyfriend falling apart...Yet I sit alone on the throne, four other seats empty around me. On top of that, it's my birthday...I used to enjoy having it without sharing it with Dream, but now that sentiment has been reversed. I hate today without him. I glance up at the star carved into the ceiling and sigh.

"I wish you were here, Brother."I say, resting my head in my hand on the armrest of the throne.

The curtains get pulled open, making the star seem to shine for a moment when the sunlight hit it. I smile slightly at the sight, humming to myself. Then a guard runs in a few moments later, looking alarmed.

"Your Highness, there's a situation! A boy just fell from the sky! We caught him but he speaks utter nonsense about eyes everywhere!"

WHAT? Has Dream gone crazy and returned NOW? Why?

I glance up at the star and shake my head.

Last time I made a birthday wish, that's for sure.

"Your Majesty!"

"Lead the way."I say, getting up.

The guard leads me outside and I tense up at the sight. Twitching and pacing is the exact image of my brother...only 500 years younger...before everything fell apart...before I ate the apple and before he became a guardian for the multiverse...No, now he is just a scared little kid in an unknown environment. Perhaps deep down, this is what he always was yet could never admit or be allowed to be...with all the weight on his shoulders, he never could crack under the pressure and be scared without it being someone's problem which wasn't allowed since the expectation was for him to be problem-solver...Thinking about it just makes me even more upset. 

Then he spots me and all his fears just...slip away. I can sense them disappear as he leaps into my arms, hugging me close. Our size difference makes it seem like I'd typically be a parent hugging their kid since he's so small, yet I can feel the powerful strength in him when he squeezes onto me tighter.

"I missed you, Brother..."He sighs happily

"Are you alright?"

"You're safe...untouchable...so yes..."He says, curling up in my arms.

He stops shaking, seeming relaxed now.

"What happened to you?"

"We saw you alone and wanted to make you happy. Things are too complicated for the easy solution...so they went with a smaller one to work with later on..."

"What do you mean we?"

"Eyes are everywhere, Brother. There always are. Mine were in the ceiling's star and I couldn't fail your birthday wish, now could I? But don't worry, you'll get a proper gift soon and you'll be kept safe...you'll all be safe just as Destiny promised..."He says

I check his soul and clutch onto him tighter, pulling him close protectively when seeing only half his soul hover in his chest. He calmly places a hand on my cheek, redirecting my attention to him.