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yournaothings · 3 months ago

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Living the Dream

Prologue: I Can't Save the World if I'm Not Happy Anymore

The atmosphere in the house that once was filled with positivity now was replaced by the suffocating negativity Dream always fought against. This late at night no one would be any wiser of what misery Dream was facing all on his own after yet another intense and frustrating battle against his brother. The same old thing they have been through countless times, yet there was no progress made on either of them. No one truly won during their fights. They simply would get the upper hand while the other team would slink away to lick their wounds. Every fight, every battle, every time Dream would stand before Nightmare, begging him to stop this nonsense. It all ended the same way.

Nightmare refused to give up his chaos.

Dream refused to give up on saving his brother and the Multiverse.

Nightmare was never going to come back, Dream finally caved in and believed the words the King of Negativity spat at him every time they fought one another. There wasn't anything more Dream could do. He tried everything. In the end, Dream finally realized that he was fighting a battle that he'd never win. That thought alone opened the idea to a more devastating thought; if he couldn't save his brother, what makes him think he could save the Multiverse? He was the Guardian of Positivity, yet he couldn't save anyone.

That's not true, you've saved millions-

Millions that are still fighting against their demons to this day. He didn't save them, he made their lives worse.

They're safe, making a new life, making new friends. They are healing, and that takes time.

What about Nightmare?

Time will tell, he will come around eventually.

And, if he doesn't?

. . . .

Dream heaved a heavy sigh as he gently pulled his crown from his skull and held it firmly in his hands. The gold caught what little light from the moon that flooded into his bedroom. It made the metal sparkle beautifully. It made Dream sick to his stomach; he didn't deserve to wear the crown that symbolized peace and hope. Releasing one hand, he ran his phalanges over the warm metal, feeling the smooth surface one last time before he released yet another heavy sigh and placed it gently on his bed beside his weapon and cape. Everything that was used to fight the negativity, to fight his brother. A flash of yellow and gold that brought hope and relief to the victim's tormented souls.

The items laid innocently on his bed, staring at him, judging him.

To continue to wield such items would make him a liar.

He was no Guardian.

He was no hero.

He wasn't one when it was just him and Nighty, and he wasn't one now.

Nightmare was right. It was time to give up the facade and move on.

No amount of positivity would convince him to stop and pick up his weapon once more. He wasn't fit for the job any longer. With a heavy soul, Dream turned away from the few items he abandoned on the bed and walked away. He didn't stop to look back, not once as he opened a portal and stepped through, leaving the room, the house as empty as he felt deep inside his soul. . . .

—--->

Chapter One: A New Life

The AU Dream entered was an interesting one, he had to admit. He wasn't sure if he's ever been to one like this before; honestly, he would have remembered if he had with how unique this was! An AU where humans and monsters got along so well, there were monster and human children running around- hybrids. Yes, hybrid children, and many were already in their mid-twenties!

With his hands stuffed deep inside of his jacket pockets, Dream excitedly watches all the citizens as they walk by, his eyes brightening from all of the positive aura surrounding him. Everyone was so happy and enjoying the cool weather of fall; the leaves were turning such pretty colors that dangled over the sidewalks- the public park was even more breathtaking! Dream wished he had found this place a lot earlier in his journeys, he felt so refreshed and energetic!

It didn't take long for him to decide that he would make this AU his new home. He didn't have Ink around to tell him about this AU, but he could already tell this was a good AU, a positive one. An AU where Nightmare wouldn't dare go because of all of the positivity.

Dream was safe here.

Checking everything off his mental to-do list, Dream was quick to find a home; he wanted his own house, but he was offered a nice apartment complex. It wasn’t grand or anything, not that he expected something like that. His old home was a simple one bedroom home, so this was perfect.

As he followed the real estate agent into the home, he was quick to map everything out. As soon as he walked in, to the right was the kitchen; wide space and plenty of room to cook. A little further in and to the left was the small hallway leading to the bathroom and bedroom. Heading past both the kitchen and that hallway was the living room. Thankfully, the apartment was furnished with cozy furniture so he wouldn’t have to worry about sleeping on the floor tonight.

His attention was caught by the sliding door on the opposite side of the entrance to the living room; it lead out onto a patio where there were pots of plants growing and a cute outdoor chair sitting in the corner of the patio. It overlooked the backyard that connected the rest of the community of apartments, where there were children running and playing with each other.

“It’s a lovely place.” Dream commented with a satisfied sigh. The agent smiled happily. “I’m glad you like it. Everything has been dealt with, so I will leave you to acquaint yourself with your new home.” Dream bid them goodbye before turning back to watch the children laugh and play together. This place was so peaceful; Dream wondered how he hadn’t felt such positivity before this. What a wonderful place he could have escaped to with the other Stars.

A sad smile overtook the joyous one as he thought about his friends. He wondered if they were worried about him, if they even knew he was gone yet. Was Blue and Ink looking for him? Did Core!Frisk know where he was? They always seemed to know where to find him.

Did Nightmare know he was gone? Was he happy? Or was he angry that Dream was missing?

The positive guardian shook his head, dismissing such troubling thoughts before heading back into his new home. There was much to do to make this his own; he didn’t have much money, so priorities first!

Such a silly thing, Dream laughed to himself as he made his way to the grocery store to buy some food. He didn’t really need it, he felt so full already from the AU’s positivity. But, sustenance wouldn’t hurt to have. He has been spoiled after all; Blue always brought such wonderful treats with him when they all hung out together. Perhaps this AU would have something similar?

He was correct, this AU had plenty of delicious treats and more! Dream felt a little ashamed for spending just about all of his money on such treats, but he felt that he deserved them. Ink and Blue always said he should think more of himself, “Take better care of yourself!” They would tell him. And he did! At least he tried to. Saving the Multiverse always came first. Now that he didn’t have that responsibility, he could relax a little and get what he wanted.

As he was walking home, he came to a stop in front of a small marketplace that he had overlooked on his way to the grocery store. Celestial Market It looked like a family owned little market- before Dream realized what he was doing, he stepped inside, the bell above the door chiming to let the owner know someone had entered.

“Welcome to the Celestial Market!”

The melodic voice of an older woman called from behind the counter, drawing Dream to walk in until he could see her. She faced away from him as she restocked the shelves behind the cashier counter with the individual pastries. All of them homemade, with cute little stickers with the marketplace’s name, logo, and a short description of the pastry.

Her brown (and gray) hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, yet her long, wavy hair ended at her mid-back. She stepped down from the stepstool she had been using to reach the top of the shelf and she turned to face her customer with a bright yet tired smile.

“Oh, hello! You must be new here, I haven’t seen you before.” She said with surprise, but was happy to see a new face. Dream felt himself match her own lovely smile as he nodded and introduced himself. “You’re correct, I just moved in today. My name is Dream, it’s nice to meet you.” He balanced his bag of goodies in one arm before offering his free hand in greeting.

The woman laughed softly, happy to shake his hand in greeting and introducing herself. “My name is Maria, it’s nice to meet you as well, Dream.” She released his hand and reached up to tuck a few strands of hair behind her ear. “What can I do for you, Dream? I can’t imagine you came in here to look for something.” She said, amused as she gestured to his bag of goodies.

Dream blushed, embarrassed. “Y-You’re right, I just happened to look over and saw this place. It’s easy to miss, I’m afraid.” Maria nodded, agreeing with Dream. “It is, but I have plenty of returning customers. Why don’t you have a look around. Everything here is homemade.” Dream wasn’t sure if he would purchase anything today- “I’m afraid I don’t have any money to purchase any of your goods today.” He told her, honestly.

“That’s alright, Dream.” Her soothing voice calmed his worries as she reached behind her and snatched up a little pastry she had been stocking the shelves with and handed him one. “This one is on the house, so you know what you’re missing.” She teased him with a wink. Dream’s blush darkened as he gently took the neatly wrapped pastry from her. “Y-You didn’t have to-” She waved off his worry with her hand. “Don’t worry about it, Dream. Like I said, it’s on the house.”

Tucking away the pastry, Dream glanced around, noticing how there was a lack of employees here. “Do you work alone?” He asked, starting to get worried that she was running a business all by herself. “Oh,” Maria huffed as she continued to stock her shelves. “I have my two kids help out in the mornings when it gets busy. He works at the tattoo parlor just down the street in the afternoon, and my step-daughter works at the university’s cafe during the evenings.”

“But,” Dream started slow as he wondered if the marketplace’s business wasn’t busy while her children were gone. “That leaves you all alone.” Her silence was enough of an answer. “I um,” He continued, that blush returning; he looked away, embarrassed. “If you don’t have anyone else… I am in need of a job.” Which was true. He needed the money to pay for his new home and food- ah, let’s not forget new clothes as well.

Maria laughed softly behind her hand, finding Dream’s behavior sweet. “I can offer you a job, Dream. The help will be nice. However, I’m afraid I can’t pay you for a full time job, will that be alright?” Her concern was met with his surprised enthusiasm, his golden eyes lighting up with excitement as they met her soft brown ones. “Oh! That will be fine, Maria! I will accept whatever is offered to me!” Maria laughed with such joy that it physically brightened Dream’s aura. “We’ll get you started tomorrow morning, when the kids are here. They can watch the store while I have you fill out some forms, then we’ll go from there.” Dream nodded, agreeing to these demands.

Thanking her once more for the pastry and job opportunity, Dream hurried home with his goodies.

—

Maria sighed as she finished closing up her shop and turned to walk down the street. As much as she wanted to go home and relax, she wasn’t finished with her errands for the day. The sun would set in an hour, yet she had one more place to visit. In her arms were some pastries and another “Get well soon” card.

As happy as this city was, there were still plenty of awful things happening. The hospital was always a reminder of that. Maria knew her children were already there visiting their sick friend; Norah Wendall. She had fallen ill recently, and after a few days in the hospital she had fallen into a coma. It has already been a few months since she had fallen under the coma, but there was no sign of her waking up soon. All they could do was to visit her and hope she would awake soon.

The doctor who was in charge of her stated that he was doing everything he could to help her remain comfortable. “She is still with us; have faith. She will return when she is ready.”

Felix, Norah’s step brother, did not like the doctor and swore there was something wrong with him. With their mother having passed away years ago, Maria was all the two had as a parental figure. She did her best to guide Felix during such a hard time.

The hospital staff greeted Maria happily as she entered. She returned each greeting with one of her own before stepping into the elevator. Norah was on the third floor, the elevator ride didn’t take long at all to get there. However, having to walk down a few halls to the room took her a little longer. Once she entered, she was happy to see Norah laying in her bed, sound asleep, looking peaceful.

On the sofa sat Felix and Maria’s step-daughter, Lily. She smiled lovingly to the two; Lily and Felix had been dating well before Norah fell ill, and both spoke how they would marry after Norah awoke. Maria couldn’t have been happier with the two, they were just perfect for each other.

Maria set her gifts on the bedside table before leaning down to press a soft, loving kiss to Norah’s forehead. “Hello, my sweet girl.” She greeted Norah, squeezing her hand, hoping the young woman would squeeze back. After a moment, Maria’s smile fell a little and tears filled her eyes. She glanced away from Norah to face the children; Felix looked away, his expression contorted in his pain. Lily frowned and turned her attention to her fiance, trying to comfort him. On another chair sat Kai, her son; he stood and walked over to comfort his mother.

“It’s alright, mom. We just need to give her a little more time, okay?” Kai tried to comfort his mother, who nodded. “Of course, love.” She replied before Kai led her to sit on the sofa beside his sister, then returned to his own seat.

The room fell silent for a few minutes before Maria asked Felix how he was doing. The small talk helped him from falling into a depressive state. Their soft voices filled the room; if Maria didn’t know any better, it would seem like Norah was only taking a nap and would soon awake to join their conversation.

One day. She thought to herself with a hopeful smile. One day soon.

—

Dream returned to the marketplace early in the morning, just as he was instructed. He wore jeans and a baggy sweater, with his bodysuit underneath. It was a chilly morning, even though the weather didn’t affect him like it did for others, he still felt comfortable wearing appropriate clothing.

Seven in the morning, Dream was happy to be able to meet Maria’s children! As he entered the store, he saw the young woman behind the counter, preparing the cash register for the day. She glanced up in surprise; “Oh, we’re not open yet, sir.”

“Yes,” Dream began with a smile. “Your mother- um, I mean the owner told me to come in early to fill out paperwork for a job.” The young woman gasped softly, “Oh!” She gestured towards the back where the office was. “Right, mom told us about you. She’s in the office right now.” Dream thanked her before making his way into the back and knocked on the office door- it was open, and he could see Maria going through some paperwork.

“Good morning, Dream.” She greeted with a tired smile and waved him inside. “Come on in, I’ve got everything set up for you.” He nodded and did as he was told. He sat at the desk and waited as Maria began to hand him a few pages and pen, explaining to him what she needed from him.

As he began to fill out the pages, he paused and frowned. “Um, Maria?” She raised her gaze from her own work, and met Dream’s worried gaze. “There’s a slight problem. I um, see… I’m not from this.. AU…?” He didn’t have an Identification card fit for this AU, nor did he have some of these other… identification requirements the paper was asking for.

“Oh, I see.” She paused as she thought about this dilemma. “That’s alright, dear. I’ll help you out with that, just go ahead and fill everything else out and we’ll finish that part later.” Dream nodded and turned back to the paperwork. He felt bad for needing the help to get silly ID cards so he could work legally. He never had that problem back in the Omega Timeline.

“Don’t worry about it, Dream.” Maria’s voice startled him from his thoughts. It was then when he realized that he had drifted off into his worrisome thoughts. She offered him a sweet, kind smile. “There are many monsters who travel to different Alternate Universes. You’re not the first, so we’re prepared to help in any way.”

This surprised Dream; it shouldn’t have. He wondered if that was one of the reasons why this AU was so accepting of monsters. He would have to ask later.

Maria worked on getting his information typed into the system before she wrote down a few notes. “The office isn’t open yet, but once they are, I’ll call in a request for someone to meet with you for new ID cards. They’ll help you out, I promise.” Maria assured Dream. “In the meantime, why don’t you go meet the kids? They’re curious about you, I told them you’ll be starting.”

With a nod, Dream thanked Maria and exited the office to find both the young woman and her brother at the cash register. As he drew closer, he saw they were watching a video on the young woman’s phone. Upon seeing Dream walk up, she closed the app and locked her phone, her attention turned to him. She looked at him for a moment. “So, you’re a skeleton?”

Her brother rolled his eyes and nudged her with his elbow. “Lily, come on. Don’t be rude.” Lily snickered and apologized. Dream chuckled and waved away her brother’s worries. “It’s alright, I knew she was having fun. My name is Dream, by the way. I’ll be helping your mother out with the shop.”

“Kai,” The brother was quick to introduce, he held out his hand for Dream to accept in greeting. “This is my sister, Lily. She acts like a little brat, but she is unfortunately the older sibling.” Lily stuck her tongue out at her brother, playfully smacking his arm. “I do not act like a brat.” “You do too-” “Do not!”

Dream laughed as they started a small argument. Kai was the first to break it and push Lily away. “Anyway, Dream. Why don’t I show you around the shop, show you what needs to be done and where everything goes.” With a nod, Dream followed Kai into the back.

The morning went by quickly, and before Dream knew it, he was leaving the shop with Kai leading the way to the local Social Security Office. After that, he was led to the DMV where he got a new ID card. He was offered to study for and take the driver’s test, but he said he had no interest in driving. Once he had everything he needed, Kai returned him to the shop before leaving for his other job.

Lily had already left, but had left some takeaway food for both her mother and Dream. Maria finished up the paperwork while they ate, having closed the shop for an hour so they could have a break.

“Your children are lovely, Maria.” Dream commented after he finished his meal. “They are, aren’t they?” Maria said softly, her voice some and endearing. He could feel the love she held for her two children. “I was really surprised, you know. I was worried she would hate her brother when she found out he wasn’t all human.” Dream was surprised to hear this, “Kai is a hybrid? But, I don’t sense anything different-” He also didn’t do a soul check when he had met him.

“His father was a water monster.” Maria admitted with a sad smile. “We married before monsters were truly accepted among this community. When the humans found out we had a child together, they rioted. My husband was accidentally killed. Kai never got to know his father, he only heard stories and had pictures of him.” Dream deflated at such a saddening story. “I’m so sorry to hear that, Maria.” She smiled sadly at him. “It’s alright, Dream. It’s in the past. I was a single parent to Kai for several years until I met Lily’s father. Kai was ten years old while Lily just turned thirteen. Both her father and Lily accepted us into their lives. By then, monsters were starting to mingle with humans.”

“It took years, but humans and monsters finally came together. They accepted each other and found friendship and love. I would wish for that to have happened years ago, but there were so many good memories I hold dear that I wouldn’t want to trade for the world. Kai means everything to me, then and now. The same goes for Lily. I do miss Kai’s father, but I was glad to have met Lily’s.”

“Oh,” Dream bit his tongue, not sure if he should ask about Lily’s father. “Is your… Lily’s father is not around any longer?” Maria’s smile was sad as she glanced away. “No, he’s not. He passed away a few years ago. It was from natural causes, I’m afraid. Lily took it hard, she was very close with her father.”

“It must have been so hard for you all.” Dream commented, saddened. “Are you looking for another?” Maria laughed as she sent Dream a teasing smile. “No, I’m not. Are you offering, young man?” Dream lit up so bright with his blush, he sputtered and tripped over his words. “N-No! O-Of course not! I-I was merely c-curious!” His stumbling had her laughing once more. “You’re so easily flustered, Dream. I’m only joking with you.” She chuckled before answering honestly; “I’m happy being single. I’ve accomplished so much in my life, and I’ve loved two wonderful men. It’s time to just focus on me.”

Maria’s eyes and smile softened as she got lost in her thoughts. “I am happy where I am. Besides, I’ll be too busy to go mingling with Lily about to get married.” Dream’s eyes brightened, his smile growing. “Oh? That’s wonderful news! That must be why she is so happy!”

“Yes,” Maria laughed softly. “Her fiance is a wonderful young man. It’s funny; Felix’s mother was a sorceress. She traveled to this AU, and when she found out she was pregnant, she remained to give Felix a normal life. She also passed away in the last ten years.”

Maria made a strange face, her soul twisting in unease for just a few short moments, Dream barely caught onto her worry before she continued.

“Lily’s mother also was a sorceress. But, as far as I’m aware, they always remained in this AU. Lily and her father moved here from another city. They had only been here for a month before I met her father.”

“Did Lily’s mother pass away as well?” Dream wondered, Maria shrugged. “They never really talked about her. Lily’s father always told me that her mother left to protect them. I don’t know from what, but I think they assumed she was deceased.”

“If monsters and humans were not on good terms, it wouldn’t surprise me if she fought to the death. Monsters and mages always found it difficult to get along.” Dream explained, wondering if that’s what happened. Maria hummed and nodded in agreement. She glanced down at her phone to see their break time was up.

“Are you ready?” She asked with a grin. Dream smiled in return, he jumped out of his seat with plenty of energy. “I am ready.” She laughed and led the way out of the office, closing and locking in after Dream exited, before going to open the shop back up. The rest of the day went by smoothly, with the customers coming in and meeting their newest citizen.

It wasn’t long before the city was buzzing with the newest handsome skeleton monster that worked at the Celestial Market. Business picked up once again thanks to him; everyone wanted to know more about the strange monster who showed up out of nowhere one day. While this helped business, it had everyone feeling more exhausted by the end of the work days.

Dream ate up the positivity that came with everyone coming to greet him; but answering all their questions was getting exhausting. Where did he come from? It’s too complicated to explain right now. What did he do before this? Ah, he’d rather not talk about it.

Maria was helpful and shooed the customers away from him so he could finish his stocking. On her days off, Lily would stay and scare away the overwhelming customers, having no problem yelling at them on their way out.

Two weeks had already passed by since Dream moved in, he was enjoying his time at the marketplace, which he learned was named after Maria’s late husband’s last name; Celeste. It was a cute name for the shop. Dream found it a little funny how he worked in a shop named Celestial, seeing that he had once been a part of the Star Sanses.

Stars, he missed Blue and Ink.

He missed his brother, too.

Dream shook those thoughts from his mind as he stood up from his chair on the patio. It was getting late, even though he didn’t have to work the next day, he should try and get some sleep. Well, he didn’t really need to sleep, but he has gotten used to being able to sleep properly now that he was no longer in charge of defending the multiverse-

Ah, I shouldn’t think about it. I’ll only worry more.

With a heavy sigh, Dream walked into his home, locking the sliding door and went about his way getting ready for bed.

#yournaothings #living the dream #dream sans x named reader #dream sans #undertale #undertale au #runaway dream au #runaway dream au inspired!#original characters

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