Author's Note:

Hey guys! Since I've been taking so long to update this story, I figured I'd give you a little preview of what's coming in the next chapter! I'm planning to update this story before finishing the next chapter of Team Eviolite, so look forward to that. Enjoy! :)

Ruby's House, Ruby's POV:

"Ruby! Wake up sweetie! You don't want to be late for your meeting with the mayor!" My mom called for me from the living room.

Despite my desire to just ignore her and go back to sleep, I knew it would be useless, so I forced myself out of bed and stumbled groggily to the door.

My sleepiness didn't last long however, as upon opening the door I was immediately assaulted with the fantastic, almost dreamy smell of breakfast. My eyes widened with excitement as I shot off towards the kitchen, where my mom, an espeon, was preparing her famous oran berry pancakes.

After flipping the pancakes over the stove one last time with psychic and setting the plates, Mom turned to me and smiled. "Good morning sweetie! Did you sleep well last night?"

I tore my eyes away from the pancakes for a moment to look at her. "Hmm? Oh uhh, yeah. Ever since I met Dream, I haven't been able to have nightmares. I wouldn't say it's strange I guess, but then again Dream is strange." I chuckled. "Anyway, where's dad? Did he leave already?"

Mom shook her head. "Your father worked the late shift last night, so I'd imagine he's still sound asleep. Don't worry, he'll be awake in time to see you off." She reassured. "Go ahead. Eat your breakfast before it gets cold." She suggested.

My thoughts snapped back to the pancakes. "Oh yeah! What am I thinking?!" I gasped, grabbing my plate and a bottle of syrup with psychic and starting to eat. "Amazing as usual Mom! Where'd you learn to cook this good?" I smiled widely before proceeding to finish off my plate.

She chuckled. "It's a family talent. Maybe some day I'll teach you."

"Really?! That would be awesome! Thanks Mom!" Once I was finished, I levitated the syrup and my empty plate over to the cabinet and sink respectively before turning on the faucet. I gave the plate a good rinse, freeing it of any left over syrup, before placing it in the washing machine.

While I was rinsing off the utensils, there was a knock at the door. "Hmm? Who could that be this early in the morning?" Mom asked, making her way over to the door. It was strange. We didn't usually get visitors this early.

"Mrs. Jade? Huh... I could've sworn we had the address right. Do you know where Ruby lives?" At the sound of the visitor's voice, I froze. It was Dream. How'd he get my address?

"Why hello Dream. You can call me Evelyn. We're not in class." I heard her chuckle. "Anyway, this is Ruby's house. I'm guessing she didn't tell you..." She paused. "Ruby! Your friend Dream is here!" She called to me.

I sighed, placing the utensils away in the washing machine before walking over to the door. I waved to Dream. "Hey uh, Dream... Umm... Come in." I greeted him, feeling a bit awkward about the situation.

"I'll just let you two talk some things over." Mom smiled before leaving the room.

I led Dream over to a couch, where we both sat down, or rather he sat down. I kinda laid down. Nonetheless, Dream looked a bit concerned.

"So... You're adopted? Or is Mrs. Jade your real mom and I'm just missing something?" Dream spoke up, deciding to end the awkward silence that had been set upon the room.

I sighed. "No... I'm adopted. Serena's the only one who knows. I just...didn't want anyone to worry, ya know?"

Dream nodded, not saying anything at first. "I guess I understand. Having everyone worry about you would kind of get in the way..." He replied. "But ya know, that's only natural. We're your friends. We can't help it." He chuckled.

"But...Ryan. I don't want him to feel like I don't trust him. What if he thinks that I kept it a secret from him because I thought he'd go tell everyone?" I asked, worried about what could go wrong.

He shook his head. "Ruby, level with me. You like Ryan don't you?"

I looked away from him, not wanting to answer. I knew my feelings for Ryan were obvious, but I couldn't help but feel afraid.

"Don't worry. I won't tell him. You can trust me." Dream assured me.

I sighed, returning my gaze to him. "Yes. I like Ryan... He's just so funny and goofy." The thought of some of his recent misadventures made me smile. "Why anyone could find him annoying is beyond me." I shook my head. "Thanks for the concern. So, what are you doing here anyway?"

Dream shrugged. "I just figured we should all meet up somewhere before we head to the mayor's office. Still, Mrs. Jade's your mom? How hard is it to have your mom be your teacher?"

"Not too hard. It's not really any different than Serena having a principal for a mom. Though seriously, you should call her Evelyn. Serena does." Honestly the name thing didn't matter to me much, but the last thing I needed was for all my friends to refer to my mom differently.

Dream smiled. "Right... Evelyn. Though I guess that's true. Having a principal for a mom seems pretty hard too."

I nodded. "Right well... Where's Serena? Isn't she usually with you now?"

Dream looked at me for a moment before laughing. "Ruby. You know this is a dream right? You guys are still at my house."

I just stared at him, trying to figure out what he meant. "What do you mean this is a dream? It seems pretty real to me. And how are you here?"

He smirked. "Well... Did I not tell you I could go into people's dreams?"

It was then that everything clicked. Dream didn't know where I lived... "Alright Dream. Nice prank." I sighed, giving him a playful push.

He laughed. "Well can ya blame me? You were drooling on the bed."

"Hey! I was having a dream about pancakes! I can't help it!" I blushed from embarrassment. "Wait. Why didn't you wake me up?!"

"Cause then it wouldn't be fun." He chuckled.

"That's it. I'm gonna get you back for this. You just wait. Just ask Serena if you think I can't pull a prank."

Dream leaned back from me, his eyes showing signs of nervousness. "Yeah umm. Heh... Ya see..."

He suddenly vanished before I could say anything else, leaving me alone in the dream realm. "Oh come on! At least wake me up!"