Dust's POV

I laid in bed while looking at my phone. Blue was sleeping but I couldn't find the will to close my eyes. Pongo was resting at my feet, his giant body was making my legs loose their sensation of touch.

I heard the bedroom door open. Pushing myself up, I saw Sprinkles standing at the door. He was wearing pajamas and was holding one of his stuffed animals.

Me: What is it, kiddo?

Sprinkles: Fury set a box of matches on fire.

I huffed before collapsing backwards. Pongo raised his head and looked at me while tilting in curiosity.

Me: Oh my god. That boy is... something else.

Sliding out of bed, I followed my son into the kitchen to find Fury staring at a box full of fire. When he looked up to see me, he face wavered slightly.

Fury: Dad!

Me: Put it out, Pyro.

Fury looked at his brother with an angered expression.

Fury: Snitch.

They stuck their tongues out at one another but I intervened. Calmly taking the flaming box and putting it under the sick faucet, I extinguished it with water. I threw the burnt dox into the trash bin while leaning against the counter and staring at Fury. Motioning towards Sprinkles, I told him to leave the room.

Sprinkles: You're in trouble.

I gave him a glare which made him run away. Fury didn't even turn around to make eye contact with me.

Me: What did I say about starting fires?

Fury: Not to do it.

Me: And yet, you went behind my back and deliberately did it anyway. Look, I'm fine with you setting things ablaze but they have to be outside in a contained area with supervision. Not in the house with flammable objects.

Fury: Sorry.

There was a silence between us. I started walking around the living room and picking up toys that were sprawled about on the carpet.

Fury: Are you mad?

Me: No. I'm just slightly disappointed.

After finishing my task, I turned towards my son.

Me: Now. It's three in the morning, please go to bed.

Fury nodded before heading up the stairs. I heard him start to bicker with Sprinkles as they went back to their bedroom. After shaking my head, I went outside and looked at the darkened sky. The neighbors were still asleep so the surroundings were dark.

I suddenly heard Killer's front door open. He walked out with Star sitting on his shoulders.

'They're up extremely early.'

I saw them begin to walk down the sidewalk to an unknown location. So doing what normally came to me, I ran up to them. After Killer heard me, he turned around and stopped to wait for me. That's when I noticed that Star was sleeping. I whispered to him, being cautious of my volume.

Me: What are you doing up?

Killer: Oh, hey Dust. Sometimes Star can't sleep so I put him on my shoulders and go for a walk. I didn't expect him to fall back asleep as soon as I exited the house. Might as well continue it since I'm already at this point.

I walked next to him and crossed my arms while sighing.

Killer: What's got your thongs in a twist?

Me: Fury is killing me.

Killer: How so?

Me: For starters, Sprinkles woke me up and told me that Fury set a box of matches on fire. I surprised he didn't try to destroy the fire hydrant. Get his one enemy out of the way.

Killer: Did you lecture him?

Me: Just a few words before sending them back to bed. How did Ink and Error do this crap?

Killer: Gradient wasn't actually a normal kid, Dust. His was strangely well mannered for his age.

Me: Isn't he seven now?

Killer: I believe so.

We walked for a few seconds with complete silence between us. Star made some noises as he adjusted himself while wrapping his tiny arms around his father's neck to stabilize movements.

Killer: I think I'm going to turn back.

Me: Before you go, do you want to go on a hiking trip with your family and mine?

Killer: Sounds like a plan. I'll see you later then.

He waved at me as he walked back home with his sleeping child on his shoulders.

(Time Skip)

Blue put backpacks on the kids and began to tie the laces of his hiking boots. I made sure that I had everything necessary for the trip. Pongo was attached to his leash which was wrapped around my wrist.

Blue: Hey Dust.

Me: Yes?

Blue: I heard what happened this morning. Sprinkles told me.

Me: I see.

When we were ready, we walked out of the house. All there was to do now, was to wait for Killer's family. They eventually came out with their hiking stuff. Otis wouldn't be with them because his joints were too old to be walking up steep terrain.

Everyone gathered together and started walking towards the mountains. Star immediately joined my kids, playing imaginary adventures with them.

During the hike, they found large sticks which they used as swords. They jumped on rocks and ran around the trees. All of us adults had to remind them that they could hurt themselves if they weren't careful enough. Even Pongo seemed at bit on hedge about them playing on a mountain.

They finally calmed down when we stopped to take a break and eat. However, they still kept their sticks near them just in case one of them tried to pull a surprise attack.

It was serene and quiet on the top as no one dared coming up here. The kids stared at the small town in awe because they have never seen something like this before. Sprinkles came to me and motioned that he wanted to get on my shoulders. This told me that he wanted a better view. I let him climb onto my shoulders.

Sprinkles: When can we do this again, dad?

I slightly laughed at his question because...

He truly is my son

A Quick Discussion

Sorry that I have been slow. I just have been really stressed lately. This made me fall behind on my school work because I just... didn't want to do it. I'm in a darker state of mind at the moment so I wasn't into it. Sorry, I'll try and do better.

Love ya...

Bye