Redefining Expectations-Insomnia Sequel

A month later, Dream's POV

"WhY d1d mY br0tHeR s3e y0u wiTh sCi bUyiNg bAndAgES?"Error asks on the phone

"He needed them. Doing studies or something later."I say

"AnD y0u hAd a liMp bEcAuSe?"

"I might've fallen when trying to help set up one of his tests. I'm fine. It's just a scratch."I say to reassure him

"OkAy...I wiLl b3 wiTh sWaP t0dAy s0 pl3as3 l3t m3 kn0w iF y0u n3ed aNyThInG, Dr3aMy."He says

"Okay, Erry."

He hangs up and I glance at Science as he snips the bandages he just wrapped around my leg.

"Soooo, am I dead or...?"

"You're fine, Sci."

"Phew, I kind of panicked when I saw his brother there. Well, this should hold your leg together and may even make it a little comfier. Can't do much about the weight but...I will run more tests on the samples I took but it will be best if you avoid any increased exposure to strong auras and emotions. I may not have many answers but I can tell that the stronger auras or emotions worsen your condition. It triggers symptoms and puts your body under stress. It could be your soul struggling under the increased pressure and your body's weakened state with its long history of wounds could be making it harder to handle. I know this is tough, but you should try to stay as calm as possible so that nothing triggers it again. I've been making a space for you to recover in if it ever worsens. Sorry that I can't offer more after the weekly meetings we've had."He says

"It's alright, Sci. I am just glad that I am not overthinking this and that this is more than just temporary readjustments. I thought there was an issue and you're confirming it. The first step to fixing an issue is knowing there is one...I really appreciate your help. I'll get home before something happens."I say

He nods, letting me go while he heads off to do some tests. I get outside and start taking a few steps away to teleport home properly...and adjust to my condition so that my limping is less obvious. I check my leg, seeing that the bandages haven't moved yet part of me is relieved that the condition hasn't spread. What happened exactly? Well, Sci was getting a few samples and running scientific mixed with medical tests to try to find answers to my ongoing issue of having sickness or painful, dizzy, moments of weakness whenever I sense more auras or emotions. While he was examining me for my soul-rate, I got hit with a wave of stronger emotions from a nearby AU and suddenly felt a lot weaker with the usual symptoms. Except this time it got worse and now my knee and part of my lower leg got turned to stone with flowers trying to fill the cracks too. My leg was going to fall apart or at least felt like it was going to crumble so he got bandages to hold it together. Given the timing and history of my symptoms being temporary, he thinks my leg may return to normal when the symptoms pass or things settle again. I just have to go home, stay calm, and don't go near AUs with strongly radiating feelings.

Should seem simple but I know it never would be so easy.

"Heeey Dream.~"A familiar voice says

Oh no....I know that voice and I know that tone...please don't tell me that Ink took that vial again!

I turn around, seeing Ink with pink-hearted eyes, confirming my concerns already.

Shit.

I quickly teleport to another AU at random, needing to get away from him ASAP. I know what this leads to and have to get away. I can't teleport too much or I'll waste my energy. He appears beside me already, grinning at me.

"Where are you going? I just want to keep you safe and let you feel some love. Give me a few minutes and it could be nice, Dream."He says

"No, Ink. I don't want to, Ink. I'm going to go home and you're going to stop overdosing on that vial...Please leave me alone."I say