#perfect setup

Zuko or Katara vehemently insisting that ‘there’s nothing b/t us’ and ‘that’s ridiculous, we’re just friends!’

And, of course, Toph responds:

After the most recent question, DreamXD disappeared to do... whatever it did when it wasn't in the box. None of them were quite sure what that was, but it was probably off bothering Foolish, or something along those lines. Dream sat on his side against the wall, resisting the urge to play with the wooden pickaxe - he shuddered to think about what would happen if it broke, so best not to use it unless necessary. Sam and Quackity were trying to ignore each other and put up a united defense against Dream at the same time, so they accomplished neither of their two goals. The only sound was Sam chewing on a piece of stale bread.

None of them knew just how long they had been there - Dream had probably had the best internal clock out of them all, but his stint in the prison had eroded his confidence in it, not that he'd ever let them know that. No, it was best they thought him unflappable. The constant dim light above wreaked havoc on their circadian rhythm - they were in an eternal state of morning.

Then, with its characteristic flash of blinding white light and the crackle of ozone and plasma, DreamXD returned. "Hello," it said, cheerful as ever, "I'm back 😊😊😊 Did you miss me ?!?" Quackity glared at it, and opened his mouth to respond before thinking better of whatever he was about to say and snapping it shut.

"... Yes," Dream replied, careful as ever, "In fact, I have a question for you this time."

"Oh, yes, I'm sure you do, Dream," Sam said, malice dripping from his voice, "Your manipulations aren't going to work on g-"

"Really?!" DreamXD replied, "That's great! Foolish told me this therapy thing should really be a two-way conversation 😁🤣🤗 I'm glad you're taking initiative !!!"

"Yeah," Dream said flatly, pausing to cock an eyebrow at Sam. "I actually have two. No, three - first, how do we get out? Is it just who gets the most points, or do you have a different goal? Second, what are you trying to accomplish here? Third," and here Dream paused, "Why us three? I'm pretty sure everyone on the server needs... 'therapy', so why not any of them?"

/rp /dsmp

DreamXD: that’s more than one question! 😂1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ But I guess there are three of you…

Dream: are you going to answer?

DreamXD: Eh. Maybe! First, you’ll need to answer MY question:❓📋why do you think I’ve brought you here?📋❓

Quackity: Because you’re a f—I mean, because you’re bored?

Sam: (cautiously) Because you, uh, you want to help us. In your… own way.

Dream: (firmly) Because you’re enjoying this. You like watching people squirm.

DreamXD: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣👏💡👍🙂

Quackity: …so are you going to fucking answer? How do we get out? What’s the endgame here?

DreamXD: you get out when you’ve won therapy!

Sam: you mean, by winning the most points?

DreamXD: Not points! Well, not ONLY points. 💯 To win therapy, you have to… 🌩⚡️🌩…CHANGE. 🪙 Δ🛩

(A strained silence as the echo of thunder dies out. All three are frozen.)

Dream: (flat) …Alright. Change how?

DreamXD: 🤷 😇

Quackity: (sarcastically) great, yeah, change, fucking awesome, great, that really clears things up! Incredibly helpful!! Jesus!!!

Sam: Calm down, Q. Deep breath, it’s okay. We can figure it out.

Quackity: don’t touch me!

(Another long pause. DreamXD waits patiently.)

Dream: …You still didn’t answer my last question. So. Why us?

DreamXD: why you?

DreamXD: MAYBE I WAS CURIOUS ABOUT YOU.

(Another frozen moment. Everyone stares at XD. XD is staring at Dream.)

Dream: (faintly) …about me?

DreamXD: George doesn’t say much about you. 🍄 But he dreams about you. 🛌💭

Dream: …

DreamXD: SCORE: 28-27-31 (max 33)