L'Manburg is eerily quiet as I step into its borders, past its black walls and billowing flag. The podium looks strange after last night. The chairs have been packed away, and the stage stands empty in the midday sun. Even though the rally was only yesterday, it already feels like a distant memory. So much has happened in such a short amount of time. And not all of it good.

The white house stands near the docks, up on a slope of land with what I imagine is a wonderful view of the ocean.

Again, the place looks quiet, and I hesitate before knocking on its doors. I receive no reply, and after a few more knocks decide to take the initiative and head on inside.

The floor is dressed in rich reds, and flowers line every dresser. The way the flowers are arranged make me think that Niki may have had a hand in decorating the place.

There's a second floor to the building, accessed by a large set of stairs. I've never been inside a white house before, but if I were to guess I'd say the main office is up there. And ultimately, Wilbur and Quackity.

I've known since arrival that Wilbur has been running L'Manburg alongside Tommy. But for some reason, I never really saw him as the nation's president. As a leader? Yes. It's clear that the people love and appreciate him. But the title 'president' just doesn't seem to suit his calm, friendly demeanour.

"You're literally admitting to using me, Wilbur!"

I jump, tripping up the last step of the stairs as a voice rocks through the second floor, ripping apart the quiet atmosphere.

"That's not what I'm saying! There'll be conditions on both sides!"

"You and I both know your conditions are shit! If you want me in, this can't be conditional!"

The voices of Wilbur and Quackity come from behind a large set of wooden doors, at the far end of the landing. Their heated argument is too loud for even the thick wood to muffle.

I approach the door quietly, feeling awkward for listening in on a conversation that has nothing to do with me. I don't know if I should knock now and interrupt, or wait out the cursing and interject at a more appropriate time.

The decision is made for me when one of the great doors suddenly swings open, revealing Quackity in its frame, one hand pressed to the wood as he stands with his back to me, facing a rather dishevelled looking Wilbur sat at a desk.

"It's clear we're not going to come to an agreement," Quackity says in a tight voice, "so either come up with a better deal or just give up."

Wilbur looks like he wants to say something, but at that moment he spots me, stood quietly outside his door. He quickly clears his throat and runs a hand through his mess of curls. "We'll try again later, then."

Quackity, noticing the male's sudden change in demeanour, glances over his shoulder. He about jumps when he sees me, looming in the shadows like a ghost.

"Sorry if I've come at a bad time," I apologise, glancing between the two. "But do you have a moment, Quackity?"

The boy blinks but slowly nods, his hand slipping from the door, "uh, yeah. Sure. I can talk."

I catch a glimpse of Wilbur's tight-lipped expression before the door shuts completely behind Quackity, blocking the acting-president from view.

"What is it? Ya need me for something?" He leans against a wall, folding his arms.

"I'm actually here on behalf of Schlatt. He'd like to talk with you if you have the time?"

At the mention of Schlatt's name, Quackity's entire face brightens, his dark eyes gleaming. "He does? Where is he? Did he say what he wants to talk about?"

I smile, "yes. The community house. And no. Although I believe it is something to do with the election."

Quackity's brows furrow for a split second as he deciphers my response, and then grins madly. "Hell yeah, baby! I'm in!" He fist pumps the air and laughs. "Ya hear that, Wilbur? Someone appreciates me!"

I wince as Quackity calls the man out, right outside his door. There's a soft thump from inside the office by what I imagine is Wilbur hitting his desk.

"You can go on ahead without me." I say to the boy, smiling, "There's still something I need to do before returning to Schlatt."

He shrugs, uncaring of what the something is I need to do, and makes his way from the building, a noticeable spring in his step.

As soon as I hear the front door shut, my smile drops, and I turn to face Wilbur's office door. This should be interesting...

An itch rises up between my shoulder blades as I approach the dark doors, and knock lightly with the back of my knuckles. The noise echoes through the empty house, only to be answered a moment later by Wilbur muttering, "Come in."

The itch grows.

I enter the office.

"Let me guess, Schlatt has a message for me?" Wilbur's tone is sour as he sits back in his chair, feet propped up on the large desk. His blazer is unbuttoned and crinkled, his eyes tired. A red mark mars the side of his left hand, of which he occasionally rubs.

"I'm here to apologise for Schlatt's behaviour."

Wilbur laughs, and then coughs. He reaches down and pulls up a guitar from behind his desk, propping it on his lap as he begins to strum mindlessly on the strings. He doesn't seem fazed by my words at all.

"Do you know how long I've known Schlatt for, Ares?"

"No, but I assume it's longer than I have?"

"Right. Right. Quite a long time, really." He plucks at a few chords before continuing. "And yet, for some reason, I keep forgetting what a backstabbing bastard he is--excuse my french."

"I've heard him called worse." I hum, watching Wilbur's fingers glide along the guitar. He seems to be proficient with the instrument.

"You see, what I'm trying to say is, Ares, is that I don't know why I was even surprised. The amount of betrayal I've had to put up with these last few months is laughable. First Eret. Then my son. And now Schlatt? Who next? Tubbo?" He shakes his head and laughs. It's a bitter laugh. "Maybe I'm just cursed." He hums under his breath.

Wilbur's head shoots up before I can say anything, and he makes direct eye contact with me. "Tell me, Ares, how many times has he betrayed you?"

I roll my shoulder, admittedly growing a little uncomfortable. Wilbur has been through a lot more than I initially thought. I see now that any attempt to apologise will be nothing but empty words to him.

"Schlatt has never betrayed me," I respond slowly, carefully. I feel like a bird who's caught the eye of a cat.

"Ah, it's just a matter of time then." He rolls his head back, gazing up at the ceiling. "You want some advice? Leave him while you still have a good head on your shoulders. Betrayal isn't a nice thing to experience. Take it from me."

For a split second, I see Dream sat in front of me, saying those same words.

Schlatt really gets around. It's almost impressive.

"I see. Thank you for your concern, Wilbur, but I can take care of myself just fine."

"Suit yourself." He shrugs and returns to playing his guitar.

Sensing the conversation is over, I make to leave the office, but stop at the door, holding it open in a hand, "that chord you're looking for? I think a D minor would sound nice."

Wilbur looks to me, surprise flicking through his eyes. He turns back to his guitar and plucks experimentally at the chord. He raises a brow in approval, and smiles.

He turns to thank me, but I'm already gone.

------------------

Thanks for all your feedback in the last chapter guys! I now know exactly what I want to do for the book. It's staying a Dream x OC, and for special milestones, I'll do oneshots, romantic and non-romantic, maybe a QnA if enough people are interested.

And just to clear something up since some of you seemed confused, the 25k special chapter was a oneshot. It is not canon in any way and Schlatt and Ares have never shared a romantic relationship. They are dating in the oneshot, not in the main story. Hope that cleared a few things up.

Here's a picture I drew of Ares with all her (borrowed) DreamTeam merch :D