-Hero n Villain Duet- Ft. Ranboo

[Based on the song Hero n Villain Duet]

[This took place after doomsday but before the final fight]

Dream gripped his axe tighter. He was just about to enter the Nether to gather resources, but he can't help but feel like somebody was watching him. Perhaps I am a little too paranoid. He tried his best to calm down and took a few breaths. Whenever he closed his eyes, his mind would revert back to the image of Tommy, and the feeling of cold netherite against his neck. A small shiver ran down his spine. No. He was Dream. The admin. He wasn't supposed to be afraid of anything. Just as he was about to set foot in the nether portal, a voice called from behind.

"Dream!"

He'd recognize that voice anywhere. The sweet, kind, loving Ranboo that everyone adored. A part of him feels guilty for dragging Ranboo into the mess that he and Tommy had created, but he pushed that feeling back into the corner of his mind, as he whirled around to face the enderman hybrid.

"What do you want?" Dream raised his eyebrow. Whenever he saw Ranboo, he was always with the other two minors, going along with their insults. But coming to think of it, Ranboo had never insulted Dream, which he considered strange.

"What are you doing? Aren't you tired?" Ranboo asked. He had never been a fan of Dream, but he didn't really understand him either. He always has a mask on, and it was weird to see him without it. He was always throwing insults at them, and even stolen his memory book, but… why did he hate them so much? What did Tommy even do? Doesn't he get tired of always putting up a fight? Ranboo had never seen him once without his armor or weapon with him, like he's always on edge.

The question caught Dream off guard. And by a lot. Am I tired? Why does he even care? He's probably trying to act all nice and welcoming again. Yeah, that's it.

"What are you doing here? I don't think that you were invited. Here you go again, pretending like you care. When just beneath the surface, you're convinced that you're above me." Dream snarled. He didn't know why he didn't know why he added that last part though…

"Dig deep into the past. I've never been one for doing thing half-assed. If I'm here to save you, I'll be here forever. Just take my hand, I'll try my best to help…?" Ranboo wasn't sure what was wrong with him today, but a piece of him feels that even someone like Dream needs some help. After all, maybe he'll be able to learn about him more. And maybe even stop him in a peaceful way…?

Dream was beyond shocked. Wasn't he his enemy? People don't go around trying to help people trying to hurt them! Plus, Tommy and Tubbo would definitely not be happy with this, so why was he trying in the first place? Was he really just trying to get under my skin. Or did he… Dream whacked himself in the head. How could anyone on this server possibly care for him at all? And especially Ranboo? Best friends with Tubbo and Tommy? He needed to get him to back away.

"You think you're a hero…? And they'll tell you you are… So stoic and handsome! And you've come so far." Dream mocked. He couldn't understand why everyone just adores that Tommy that much. Just because he's a kid? Because he fought in a war? Because he died to save people? All of them did, and yet? As much as he wanted to deny it, he was jealous.

"You think you're a villain… But I know you're not. Under all that angst and anger is a-" Ranboo could see it in Dream's eyes now. Despite how he acts emotionless and cruel, his eyes betrayed him. All that Ranboo could see in his eyes was a longing to be understood. A longing to feel loved. And Ranboo had to help him, or else no one would.

This can't be happening. He can't be serious. He honestly doesn't think I'm a villain? After all I've done? Dream was in disbelief. He couldn't. He would never understand. He's so privileged and- cared for and- he's- he's- loved! And I'm just… hated!

"-beating human heart!"

"-DYING BROKEN HEART!"

Without him even realizing it, hot tears leaked from his emerald green eyes, leaving tear streaks on his face. He… made me cry…? I- cried…?

He cried?! Ranboo couldn't believe his eyes. Did the… the "tyrant", the "manipulator" of the Dream SMP cry?

"I recognize that you're upset…"

"I know they did you wrong-"

"OH YOU KNOW NOTHING OF ME!"

"But trust me, please believe me… This won't stop the hurt for long. We don't need to end like this! Look me in the eyes…"

A pair of green and red eyes met a pair of emerald green eyes. One of them shone concerned while the other shone distraught.

"Here comes the hero complex…"

"You call yourself a villain…"

"I know I'm a villain."

"But we know it's a disguise…"

"BUT YOU'RE THE ONE WHO LIES!"

"So you're back at it again, twisting and manipulating every word I've said…"

"Come on, you know that's not true. I'm just trying to help you… Let me help you!"

"YOU ARE NOT MY HERO! You don't know how it felt… What else could you do with the cards that I've been dealt?"

"You are not the villain. You once held their hand…"

Images of the past flashed in Dream's mind. When times used to be so simple. It was just the four of them, enjoying their time with each other. But now…?

"Stand up… Get out… Sometimes things don't go as planned…"

And with that, Dream stepped through the nether portal. Leaving Ranboo alone in the snow, contemplating their conversation.