Swap is not the soft uwu version I've seen in the fandom (not my thing personally but to each their own). My Swap is sick of being babied despite being nearly 30 (human years). He wants to be treated like the adult he is but noooooooooooooooo his brother and AU baby him relentlessly. He finds solace in his lovers and vents to them the same as they vent to him.

Dust and Horror are still working through their trauma but swap helps them navigate therapy

Horror is still regaining his ability to speak clearly

Needless to say, the twins did not leave the office for quite a while, both reflecting on how horrible they'd been to Cross so soon after he finally stopped hiding from them following the original incident. They sense Cross leave the castle returning almost 3 hours later but his presence vanishes again meaning he's in the tower again. They worry about the ghost of the hanged man potentially attacking Cross. Meanwhile Cross switched to the bell tower to prevent them trying to find him again. While he knows the old groundskeeper will ward them off, he'd rather not trigger Dream's trauma again over his hurt feelings. He's still shaken up as the rejection brought all his insecurities to the surface all over again.

"Killer is loving this I'm sure…."

He mumbles flopping onto the full bed that he'd repaired once he'd found it last year. The bed had giving him another safe space for when he's too upset to be around the team. He won't bother trying to make amends only do missions and attend meals if ordered to by his paranoid boss. He saw what happened with Horror and understands why that order would be issued to him if push came to shove. He rolls off the mattress going to the small lopsided dresser to pull on his warmer pajamas as he intends to sleep up here unless he's warned there is a storm brewing. He has books and basic needs like water and snacks stowed in both towers so he can maximize the amount of time he spends away from everyone. He doesn't care if avoiding his problems is the wrong response to being hurt at this point. He is hurt and the twins did it without hesitation over Killer's silver-tongued bullshit.

Down in the castle Dust is updating Swap on the situation and venting about how angry he is with Killer.

It's so fucked up berry. I hate Killer so much for hurting Cross over his monophobia and abandonment issues. The apple dorks have yet to do anything about it UGH!

There's a brief pause before Swap replies,

For fuck's sake! This is why I push Dream to go to fucking therapy. He's never going to learn how badly his exes fucked him up until he goes…

The 3 dots appear and disappear indicating Swap is trying to piece together his thoughts,

Is Cross avoiding everyone again?

He's not anywhere we haven't looked berry. He's really upset after Dream snapped at him…

Dream snapped at him for apologizing Blue…

Error's edition to their group chat was a surprise, a welcome one but a surprise none the less.

Considering his second ex faked tears a whole fucking lot his reaction isn't surprising…Dreeeeammm…ughhhh!

Agreed.

I thirf that...

*third*

Horror added.

Phone weird?

You're doing great big guy.

Amazing job Horror.

So, I think Dream knows about Licht now…

The clock tower is actually fucking haunted?!

Yes.

I knew I felt a draft up there! Also, the windows rattled yesterday, was that his doing?

Probably…

Dust was shocked hearing Licht was that powerful and questioned why he was angry?

How long have you known about him Error?

3 months. I saw him when I was knitting up there one night…insomnia…

Insomnia is a bitch.

Horror and Swap agree on that.

Is his neck really snapped?

Yes, hangs at an angle so not an intentional lyncing most likely.

That's sad though, poor man.

Makes me curious if the bell tower is haunted too?

Error stopped replying suddenly making them worry.

You there Error?

Buggy friend?

He might have crashed. I can go check on him.

Okay berry.

Dust looks up from his phone after plugging it in wondering how many spirits linger here. He has no issue with them so long as they don't attack the team. He texts Horror inviting him for late night snuggles. Horror arrives 5 minutes later looking like an excited puppy, his eye wide and hopeful.

"Come here Horror."

Shortly after they're curled up together under the blanket with Horror purring softly as Dust rubs his crack gently.

Error is fine he just crashed from being startled by Ink.

Dust hears the ding and grabs his phone. He reads the message to Horror who looks relieved their friend is ok.

That's good berry, why was Ink there anyway?

Accidentally for once. Ink got yeeted out of an AU and crashed into the beanbag startling Error badly.

God damn. Deserved on Ink's part in my opinion. The yeet not crashing into Glitchy boy.

Lol yeah Ink deserved it for sooooo many reasons.

Not at my expense though….

Agreed you didn't deserve that, Error.

I'm gonna stay to make sure dumbass squid stays out. Not in the mood to deal with their bs.

Berry for the win.

Love you too dust bunny~

-/-

Horror nuzzles him softly and he resumes rubbing the crack in his lover's skull.

"I genuinely want to beat Killer's ass." Dust grumbles.

"Me too." Horror hums

"But it will upset our already stressed-out boss."

"Should not be dumb to Cross then."

"I know big guy. Ain't our mess to clean up though."

"Still miss Cross…" Horror mumbles.

"He shouldn't hide but I don't blame him for it knowing Killer's tendency to bully him when he fucks up." Dust sighs.

"Ghosts like Cross?"

"Maybe muffin, maybe. Least Licht has his back I think."

"Could ask to see friend?" Horror suggested.

"Worth a shot."

They settle down to sleep while Cross settled onto the bed he's dozing until a loud clatter gets his attention and he looks over to the painting as it rattles on the wall,

"Hey Jude."

End Notes:

AYO here's Jude's introduction. you'll see her more next chapter.

Everyone acknowledges that Cross hiding solves nothing including Cross himself but he has the right to process his emotions however he sees fit.

Swap does chat with his boyfriends plenty and added Error to encourage him to join in the convos they trio have. Still a ways from him joining the B plot poly but it's progress.

B plot poly nicknames:

Swap: berry or blue
Horror: muffin, big fella, teddy bear
Dust: dust bunny or bunny

Error: glitchy boy or buggy