Goth's POV two days later

"Gothy! Shino!"Palette exclaims, hugging us as we enter his home.

"Hey Palette! Happy birthday!"I say

"Raven even sends a gift!"Shino says, lifting a box with one hand with her gift in the other

"Ah, okay.....Thank you."He says, taking the gifts

I notice he smiles more when holding Shino's gift. Raven unsettles him clearly. I understand and shake the thought away. Today is his day and should be without trouble. I smile seeing Gradient code birthday balloons into existence and Radier had put up little streamers or signs on the ceiling and doorways wishing Palette a happy birthday.

Palette smiles as the necklace's gems twinkling around his neck. Shino hops up, strapping a birthday hat to his head. Gradient summons a tablet and readjusts his glasses.

"Okay, so I have the day planned so everything with this celebration goes smoothly without issue. First we-"He begins

As if the world heard him, trouble came as we hear a knock at the door.

"We didn't invite anyone else....That had the sense to knock..."Radier says

I cautiously open the door to see Dream on the other side.

What is he...? Oh right, he wanted Palette to get persuaded into visiting him. He's probably here since he expected a visit.

"Hello, Goth! Is Palette here?"He asks

"To be bothered by you? No, he is not."I say

"Well did he at least get my gift? Did you try to talk some sense into him as I asked?"He inquires

"I have nothing to persuade or correct him about as you had asked. So no, I didn't."I say, shutting the door

He puts his foot in the door, halting the attempt. He peeks past me and sees the decorations.

"Late celebration?"He says

"No, you failed the test that I suggested. We're going to celebrate it and you're not invited. Have a nice day."I say, pushing him out from between the door and door frame to shut the door

I lock the door as well.

"Goth...? What was that about?"Palette asks

"He tried to talk to me the other day and wanted me to persuade you into reconnecting with him. I told him to prove it with a test on his connection with you by remembering your birthday. He didn't remember it so he failed and I won't bother you with that."I say, walking away from the door

He smiles at me.

"Anyway, we will start with some nice relaxing-"Gradient says, readjusting his glasses

SLAM!

"Dang it!"He snaps as the door busts open

Radier pulls Palette and Shino close with his tentacles.

"I want to prove myself! His birthday is the perfect chance for me-Oh hey, Palette..."Dream shouts, growing quiet to greet Palette as he lets himself

It's dead quiet as they all glare Dream down. The confusion on his face was so funny that I couldn't help but laugh.

"Why is so quiet? Why are you all staring?"He asks

"Yeaaaah, taking advantage of his birthday and barging in claiming you deserve something isn't the best way to show your love and respect for Palette. It isn't the smartest either."I say

"Happy birthday my dear boy!"He says, completely dismissing what I said

He steps closer to Palette but Radier steps between them, glaring at Dream.

"Ah! You must be the nephew I hear about! I wondered what my nephews or nieces turn out to be!"He says

"And you must be trouble. Get out."Radier growls

Shino nods, pushing Dream back before getting pulled behind Radier again.

"Oh please, we could have a good time."He says

"You weren't invited and your plans are not included. Get lost."Gradient says

"Ah, you must be the brother and glitch that I was told about."Dream says, his smile faltering for a moment at the sight of Gradient

He really doesn't like him....Just because he's the son of Error....Or maybe it's the fact that he's living proof that Ink cheated on him with a glitch he despises. Whatever the history, it's ridiculous to act like this.

"Sure, whatever. Get out. Only family and friends are meant to be here and you're not family."Gradient says

Still, Dream ignores these orders.

"Oh, Palette! I am so happy to see you again! And on your big day too! The birthday before middle school! It's a big step for you! I couldn't be more proud of you! And it's so good to see that you've recovered! Please, let's just talk and you'll see that we can still be a family! This doesn't have to fail or be broken!"He cheers with exaggerated enthusiasm

"He's actually going into high school."Shino comments

"Don't talk to me about family. If you didn't want it to be like this, why'd you fail me and break our relationship? No excuses, just the truth. You cannot demand anything from me when you're the one responsible. Now, please leave."Palette says

Dream stares at him blankly, then frowns.

"Why are you wearing that necklace and hat instead of the necklace I sent you and the hat that-?"He begins

"That you refused to make for me since you were too busy going after my uncle that I had to make it myself? I'm wearing this hat instead to celebrate with Shino here putting it on me. And I wear this necklace because it's from my best bud Gothy who is actually there for me. And really? A necklace with a golden apple to remind me of the parent that's been nothing but trouble is a really poor gift. I was looking to escape the things that upset me and enjoy myself with loved ones but guess you had other plans with your grand arrival."Palette says with a sarcastic wave of his hand toward the broken door

I could see the pain in his expression as he spoke. And I see the alarm screen flashing for the system, alerting of trouble. But I guess Dream didn't since he pushed ahead.

"Was that sarcasm that you just used? You aren't happy with me?"Dream asks

"Glad that you finally caught on."He says

"Well I'm not leaving! I want to prove that I can be a good parent and won't be shut out by you! I-!"Palette

"Really ironic choice of words, Dream. Since you're an expert of shutting others out just like your friend Ink does. And I wouldn't be too sure about your stay."A voice says

I glance over to see a boy rising from a black pool of ink, forming a boy slightly taller than Gradient. A blob of his skull hovered above his head and his face from his cheeks to his eyes, nose or mouth were brightly filled with pink or yellow on his black bones. His eyes glow bright yellow with a glint of devious intentions as he smirks confidently. He wore a long scarf and multicolored clothes underneath. His jacket was dark colors with a bright pink shirt to counter it, blue shorts and nearly white slippers on his feet. Gradient smiles widely as this newcomer leans against the doorframe.

"This doesn't concern you! I'm getting my son and getting my family back!"Dream snaps, reaching for Palette

Within an instant, he was blocked by the boy turning to ink and reshaping between them.

"You can't regain what you never had. And some things that are broken can never be repaired. But do not even attempt to lay a hand on my brother."He warns Dream

"What?"Dream snaps

"Paperjam! So glad you could make it!"Radier says

"Good to see you again, PJ."Gradient says

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. A brother's birthday? Never. After all, what is family for if we're not there for each other?"PJ chuckles as he glares Dream down with his words

Palette smiles brightly, his eyes seeming to shine now. Then before anything could proceed, PJ leaps at Dream as he was reaching for an arrow and Palette. Dream gets pinned down with his arms behind his back under PJ. Then Grandpa enters.

"I'm guessing you're the person that alarm system was contacting?"PJ says

"Alarm system?!"Dream shouts

"Yes, it's to keep out nuisances like Nightmare and his brother for Palette and his family's safety. I see you caught one."Grandpa says

PJ steps back.

"Now, I'll be taking him away. You enjoy your birthday, Palette."Grandpa says, plucking Dream and carrying him away

The door is fixed and shut behind him with a snap of his fingers.

We look at each other and grin. Shino hugs PJ happily and then the birthday activities planned by Gradient. We listen to music as we talk and craft from painting to knitting or sketching. We have some snacks and then gather together to watch a movie. Gradient even planned the seating arrangement. I find myself sitting next to Palette while surrounded by them all. He pulls me close beside him as we watch the artistic animated movie. Shino loved Kitty Softpaws and PJ made impressions of Jack Horner with pies.

Yep, we watched the second Puss in Boots but it was amazing. Palette's hand falls on mine and he leans against me during some scenes. I notice it was usually when Puss and Kitty had their sweet moments and at the closing scene. I glance at him and for a moment his eye drifts to me, shaped as a heart before he focused on the movie again. Then we had cake and Palette smiles. PJ decides to sleep over in the guest room to catch up with his family here. Shino and I walk home once everything on schedule was wrapped up but I did get a hug from Palette. A tight one.

"Thank you for everything...."He whispered to me

I smile as I get inside with Shino, happy that despite Dream's intrusion he enjoyed his birthday. And he got another brother out of it.

This is wonderful! It could only get better.

TBC