The village was loud this time of year. The days grew shorter and the darkness stretched over the early hours of the morning. A cold draft would sweep under the front door and inevitably blow the fireplace out to a smoldering set of charred wood. Feet would run down the halls, covered in socks, and rushed into thicker boots. A young teen tackled his older brother and dragged him out of bed just to witness the first sign of frost on the weeds that catered to their front yard.

Soon enough, the temperature will drop and in a week's time, snow fell upon the two siblings as they threw snowballs at one another, laughing until their noses grew red and lost all feeling left in their fingertips. Dream ducked behind his own snow-crafted mound. A stack of the icy spheres laid next to him as he anticipated Tubbo's next strike. "You're going down, Tubbo. It'll be best if you surrender now!"

"Never!" He threw a few snowballs towards the fort. Dream laughed as he heard the pathetic splat behind him. He shot up, just as he was about to wind back to throw one, he was hit straight in the chest with a fastball. "Yes!" Tubbo cheered.

"No– How?" Dream cried as he collapsed dramatically to the ground. "I swear I counted that you only had three snowballs left and they hit my wall that exact amount."

Tubbo scooped up a pile of the fresh powder and dumped over Dream's head. "Well those weren't necessarily my snowballs," he grinned nodding over to a blond kid doubling over in laughter.

"For gods sake, that's not fair!" Dream whined. "You brought in reinforcements!"

"Oh yeah, Big D." Tommy added onto the pile on Dream. "Big T and I win as a team."

"Cheaters," he mumbled, getting up, along with shaking the snow that collected on his hair. "I'm going back inside," he said, "have fun getting hypothermia."

"Oh c'mon," Tubbo whined, weakly holding Dream back. "Don't be a baby."

"Nah," Tommy waved him off. "Let him cry, Big man's a sore loser!"

"Y'know, I could lock you two outside?" Dream snarked back.

In response with a quick "no thank you," the two teens practically sprinted through the front door. Dream shook his head laughing and following the two inside. He always admired the way the two effortlessly fell into the same rhythm, constantly in the same wavelength. He walked into the living room and was already hit with a pillow to the face.

"Okay!" He held his arms up, "you two need to find some sort of entertainment that doesn't involve attacking me!"

The duo looked as if they were about to respond back, but along with the sound of plates being set on the table, they darted away into the kitchen, screaming in joy, "food!"

"Gods, you two are like vultures, take a seat!" Schlatt cursed, waving them away. He looked over at Dream and nodded him over. "Kid, grab a crumb before they scarf it down in seconds."

Dream grabbed a roll and leaned back against the counter, taking note of the grey skies outside the window. "It's cold out there. Not too cold for a ride, though." He nudged his father enough to give him the hint.

Schlatt casted a side eye and rolled his eyes. "What do you say, Tubs, think we should let him invite the others?"

"Only if they don't stay for too long," he groaned. "Tommy and I enjoy tackling Dre."

He eyes Dream who nodded laughing. "I'll go grab them. George is staying at Sapnap's for the week so I won't be long."

"Yeah, just be safe."

"Of course."

The ride was quick, Sapanp home being only around the corner, he got there soon enough. He left his horse to stay put as he hopped off and ran towards the door, only managing to knock once before being tackled in hugs from his two best friends. He looked at George and was smacked in the stomach. "Bad had told me you were at the capital! Why didn't you come see me?!" he scolded.

He threw his hands up in a shield, clearly not a fan of all the hits he'd taken that day. "I came to him for help, it wasn't appropriate timing. And besides, I knew you were coming out soon enough." He explained and laughed when the only response he got was a mumble from George saying "liar."

"Why'd you have to go to Bad?" Sapnap asked

"Had to help a friend," Dream explained shortly but diverted the topic soon. "Schlatt made food and the clingy duo are kicking my ass."

"You need backup?" Sapnap nodded.

"Please," Dream chuckled. He led them out, hopping back on his horse and looking around at the freshly snow-covered area. In the corner of his eye, he spotted a small animal dash across his vision. Its fur was as pale as the area around it, but its face and body recognizable as a familiar animal. He smiled to himself and looked back at the two, "you guys ready?"

***

The pop of cider echoed through the room, followed by a collection of cheers. "The expensive stuff?" Niki commented, acknowledging the taste of the drink.

"Props of being born royalty, my friend," Eret said, gesturing around them. "And I thought it was right for the occasion, having one of my best mates back," they gestured to their ginger haired friend beside them.

All eyes turned to Fundy leaned against Niki, sipping the drink a generous amount. "I'm happy to be here, especially with you two," he eyed them both, raising his glass. The three cheered again. "I missed this."

"Blah blah," Niki faked whined, "we missed you more than you could ever imagine. Do you know how difficult it is to not have my only customer be missing? I had to actually beg Eret to stop by," she said sarcastically.

Eret shrugged, suppressing a smile and taking a sip. "The croissants held up to their reputation. Besides, it was nice of Wilbur to stop by during the afternoons. How is he by the way?" They asked, looking back at Fundy.

Early on during the time Fundy had returned, the trio had quickly decided, silently and mutually, not to ask Fundy about what happened when he was gone. Fundy honestly didn't mind talking about it, he just feared some details would be odd to say out loud. And maybe a few questions would cure their curiosity about the white tufts in his hair that had gradually appeared during the winter season.

"He's doing well, I think. Been distracted mostly," he explained shortly. "Better, at least. Me being home might be helping with that." He recalled the first few days, stuck on an awkward mental tightrope with Wilbur. Yeah, they had issues, but they were working through it. He just hoped nothing drastic was coming his way that would tip the scales.

"That's really good," Niki smiled and held his shoulder softly. " Improvement from what you told us earlier this month."

"Yeah," Fundy nodded. The group broke to silence, looking at one another again. Tiny smirks etching themselves along with their faces. "Okay, okay, I know you guys have questions."

"Thousands," Eret's deep voice raised up a bit in excitement.

Niki sat up almost immediately, quickly getting defensive. "Only if you feel comfortable enough to tell us. Listen, we can just tell that you have something on your mind, it can help if you share y'know."

"I do," Fundy nodded, laughing at the two's buzzing. "The whole thing was weird to be honest, but the only thing– the only part I can't stop thinking about..." he said, a little smile before Eret shouted.

"Oh my gosh, Fundy – fucking – Soot! Who the hell got you so fucking whipped."

"It's a guy!" Niki gasped. "Look at that smile! There's no denying it, you might as well tell us."

Fundy shook his head and clapped. "A round of applause for the most tame reactions. You two don't always have to freak out like that. Yeah, it was a guy, but we kind of departed after he brought me back home."

"Dream!" They shouted in unison, causing Fundy to go pale.

"Gossip, rumours, they go around. Especially when Dream is so up in the ranks," Eret said before tipping back the glass. "Speaking of rumours, sorry for straying from the topic, but any word on Technoblade?"

Fundy shook his head, "he's still MIA. First holidays without him. Normally he stops by for Phil, there's still time," he stated, tipping his glass to fully finish off the drink. "Can we afford refills?"

"For this occasion?" Eret questioned before scoffing. "Yeah, tonight we act like we won't regret it in the morning."

***

George and Sapnap did not only stay for a little while. By the end of the night, the two had gotten comfortable by laying in the opposite direction on the couch. Sapnap inevitably kicked the shorter one in the face multiple times. Dream himself was sat up against the edge, dozing off at the sound of the two's bickering.

It was a nice night. A homey night. A comfort night. The kind of night that he would look back at during his elder days and smile back at. Everything about that day was great and he had nothing to complain about, disregard the bruises and his wet hair from the snow fights, he felt lost in thought as he stared at the subtle flames in the fireplace.

At a rare quiet moment amidst the chaos, Tubbo came in and dragged Dream away and into the kitchen where a small pile of gifts laid. A family tradition to exchange small presents. Schlatt had opted out for himself receiving gifts many years in a row, but the two had always ignored him and found him something memorable.

Tubbo was first to receive a small pocket journal. He eyed it curiously when he unwrapped it and flipped through the blank pages. "Your brother and I thought you've spent enough time in your other book to know the whole thing by heart, we thought that maybe you should start making your own type of potions book," Schlatt explained, ruffling Tubbo's hair as he stared down with wide eyes.

The teen looked up breathless. "You mean I can actually start inventing my own potions?"

"As long as you're safe and don't harm yourself with them, then yes. You're a talented boy and go to Bad for clarification or questions, okay? Can you promise me that?"

"Oh my goodness, yes!" Tubbo dropped the journal onto the table and embraced his dad and brother with a hug. "Thank you so much!" He looked at the two and nodded. "Alright, dad and I actually decided that we're giving your gift last," he said looking at Dream. "So that means dad..."

"Your's is next," Dream finished, handing a small box to Schlatt.

The two watched in anticipation as the elder opened the small gift and raised his eyebrows at it. "I told you two not to get me a gift," he said. He reached in and looked at it curiously, holding it up, asking, "but what's with the bell?" In his hands held a small golden bell. Cheap and only really had one action.

"We thought it'd be funny since we're constantly out of the house, you can just ring the bell and we'd come running back like cats or something," Tubbo explained with an unsure expression. "Listen, Sapnap convinced us that it would be a funny gift but I think we got scammed."

Schlatt chuckled and brought his two boys in for a hug. "I love it no matter what, thanks kiddos."

Now there was one gift left on the table. It was a scroll, maybe. It was a paper rolled up and held with a piece of twine wrapped in a bow. He unwrapped it and found that it was more than one piece of paper. The first page, however, almost made him freeze in shock. It was a missing poster of him as a kid, he was young in the photo, really young, it was probably taken before he met Schlatt.

"I got it at the docks a couple weeks back. Asked if they had any old missing posters and they gave me a collection or so and that's when I found yours. I also managed to grab a boating schedule–."

"Schlatt, I don't understand," Dream interrupted, looking at the two. "I convinced myself that she's never coming back a long time ago."

"I know, kid," Schlatt said, "I know. But if this at least encourages you to find your mom again, then good. Just consider visiting the docks?"

Dream eyed the schedule. "Maybe. I just don't have any want to visit if I'm happy with my family right here. Everyone under this roof I love and wouldn't trade anything for."

"I believe you," Schlatt said quietly. He looked at his two sons and rang the bell. "Now you two go and get back with your friends. Go crazy, do something illegal for all I care. It's the holidays, have fun."

"Thank you," the two tackled him in a hug. Tubbo left running back to his room where Tommy was likely passed out. And Dream walked back into the living room where he could confirm George laid passed out. He sat back down and stared back at the fire.

He felt a knock on his head and looked up at Sapnap who stared back at him. He was wrapped up in his coat and a blanket, his hair out of his bandana and admittedly a mess as it curtained over his eyes, but still he looked over at him with questioning eyes. "What are you thinking about?" He asked in a soft tone. Dream wouldn't have guessed him being stuck in his head would be so noticeable but he shrugged looking back at the fire.

"I dunno," he answered. "Stuff."

"C'mon, I know those sad shoulders. What did Tubbo get you this year? A headless rat?" Dream wordlessly handed him the pages and waited for the response. "Your mom?" the brunet asked, recalling the story that young Dream had told him about being abandoned by the docks. "Dude, I'm never good with emotional talk, but you can count on me to be more reliable than George. If you want advice from me, then I suggest you try to find her again." He handed the pages back. "Family is family only when you want it to be. Whether it be blood or not, try to keep the ones you love close to you."

"You're such an ass," Dream said, reaching out to take the papers. He kept his head turned and slipped a hand up his mask to wipe any tears that fell from his eyes.

"Yeah, but I'm your favorite ass," he nudged him. "C'mon, if your mom is cool then I'd love to meet her, if that's alright, but if she's not then I'll kick her ass with your permission," he deadpanned.

Dream laughed, "I'm not letting you kick any mom asses."

Sapnap leaned back and cracked his knuckles. "Your loss. Oh! And the best luck you may have is during the Spring. All the ships pass by the port to supply for the Spring ball."

Dream grimaced. "That's months away."

"Perfect!" Sapnap cheered, ignoring the smack from George who irritably sunk further in the couch. "That gives you time to get in the right headspace and maybe," he shrugged, Sapnap's voice raising an octave, "just maybe getting with your boyfriend at that time?"

Dream snapped his head to Sapnap. "Who—" he paused. "Did Tubbo tell you about Fundy?!"

"Tubbo tells me a lot of things," Sapnap said as he rolled his eyes. "What I'm curious about is if you started liking the dude before or after you turned him back from a cat."

Dream sighed, leaning his head back on the couch cushions. "I don't know. When he was a fox he sometimes just cuddled up next to me and even though he was seriously just a fox, I took that immediately to heart as I also knew that he was a human," he said. "But when I saw him after he turned back to human— oh my goodness— Sapnap, he's breathtaking."

"Maybe I regret asking," Sapnap joked.

"Fine," Dream laughed, taking the hint. "The problem with him and that whole ordeal is... I'm not sure how to really do anything."

"What do you—" The two looked over at George's unconscious form, his snores interrupting their conversation. Sapnap turned back to him. "What do you mean?"

"How do I tell him that I think he's home?"

"Easy. Just say it and see where it goes. You'll ask him out and then he says yes and the next thing you know is you two move in together and get married—" Dream cringed a bit. "But not married too quickly," Sapnap corrected himself. "You know what? Just go with the flow. Find out what happens."

Dream smacked him. "You need an off button," he commented. "Try that advice on yourself and see where that takes you."

"I do," Sapnap said, "I'm literally irresistible."

"Yeah, you're something, alright," Dream laughed, blocking the light smacks from his friend. All in all turning into a small fight, awakening George with a pillow to the side of his head. Dream wouldn't trade anything for this.

***

It was a sharp knock at the door that woke Fundy up. He was never one to go overboard with any sort of intoxication, and to think he only drank sparkling cider, but last night he knew he regretted not drinking enough water to balance everything else out. The knock cut through his thoughts again.

He kicked his sheets off and stumbled through his home, all the way to the front door. He didn't bother checking through the window as he unlocked and swung his door open. At his doorstep was a young man looking at him with wide eyes and a fist held frozen in midair, likely ready to knock again.

Fundy leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms over his chest. "Good morning," he said, "what can I do for you?" He asked. Usually if someone woke him up this early in the morning, he'd hold a grudge and consider sending them a stink eye. But he can't just slam the door on a stranger that was, admittedly, quite attractive in his taste.

They cleared their throat and smiled nervously. "Hey, Fundy, I uhm..."

And in seconds Fundy connected the voice to the outfit, to the hair, to that— oh to that unmistakable smile. He prayed that his own grin didn't look creepy as he observed every aspect of Dream he could at that moment.

He saw Dream's lips moving. The same lips he could mention that he was blessed to have kissed a while ago. And he looked at every other feature. His cheeks. His– Oh gods Dream had freckles. Dream was already a treat with the mask, but having just a little peak at the view behind it, he felt as if he received the whole damn meal. At some point it grew quiet.

"Funds...?" Dream's voice rang out. Their eyes connected again and Fundy's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Please say something, you're making me nervous," he begged.

Fundy shook his head, biting his lip in thought. "Sorry, I just..." he took a deep breath taking all of Dream in again. "I wasn't listening..." he confessed, taking a punch to the gut as Dream appeared to have looked like a kicked puppy. "I'm sorry I got distracted and I should just say now that I love your smile," he said. He honestly shocked himself at his straight forwardness.

"And I love your laugh," he said. Again with the "L" word, he thought. Dream brightened up and listened as his cheeks grew red.

"I love your personality," he said. Damn it, again with that word.

"I love your awkwardness," he chuckled, poking Dream's stiff shoulder. No going back at this point.

Dream tilted his head. Fundy took in the sight from another angle, never before seeing such green eyes. Both opening their mouths at the same time with giddy smiles on their faces.

"I love you," they said at the same time. He sent a smile and Dream smiled back. The two were very unsure of where to take the next step, but whatever direction they planned to turn to, they'd go together. 

Y'ALL HOW ARE YOU!!! DRINK YOUR FRICKING WATER. GRAB A HECKIN SNACK. TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF. SELF CARE IS SO FUCKING POG. (1 chapter left)