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Dream swings his arm in tandem with Joey's, walking along the pavement as his three year old chirps away.
"'N then- then the dinosaurs got blowed up by space, that's what Billy says, but in J'rassic World cartoon they are not all smashled!"
"Jurassic World is just a cartoon series Joe. They aren't real dinosaurs. Dinosaurs have been gone for years and years!" Clay smiles as he notices Joey's eyes glued on him, soaking in words. "They all got hit by a big meteor millions of years ago, and their bones are in the ground. Remember like we saw in the museum?"
"But the bones are not smashled either." Joe huffs, and his tiny face scrunches up. "It doesn' make sense daddy."
"I think they were a bit smashed, but then the scientists glued them back together. Hm. We can try and find a book or a video explaining it? I am no dino expert, not like you."
Joey giggles at that. "Yes you are! You know everythin!"
"Who told you that?" Dream snorts, and squeezes his son's hand. "I definitely do not know everything."
"Mama says - says 'daddy is a know-it-all'."
"Ohh, does he now?"
Joey nods solemnly, pauses and then looks at his feet. "Why didn' mama come to pick up?"
"Mama's been feeling very ill today. I think he's got a fever. Needs some rest. When he's better he'll pick you up from playschool again, alright?"
"When?"
"Um, I don't know honey. Soon, I'm sure." Clay looks at the little pout on Joey's lips, and scoops him up to his hip. "Hey mister. What's up?"
"... Was ill yesterday too."
Dream nods. George had been feeling under the weather for a few days now, but it's all bubbled up over the course of yesterday, when he'd thrown up a few times, as was still happening today. He's had hot flushes, headaches, and a general air of exhaustion too, and it's no surprise Joey's picked up quite how affected his mother is; they've been in tune since Joe's first syllables.
"It's okay bud. Mommy's alright. Just a bit poorly, but he'll get better. He just needs some soup and some medicine. It's nothing to worry about."
And Dream was certain about that. Very certain.
After all, George is pregnant again, and that's so much more than okay.
Sure, George hasn't technically told him yet, but Dream's no idiot. The symptoms line up with the early days of his pregnancy with Joe, same illness, same fatigue, it's just more pronounced than before.
But he's not gonna spoil George's surprise. There's bound to be a reason he hasn't said anything yet, maybe he's trying to plan a whole reveal or something.
Clay's not gonna push. He secretly knows, and that's okay. Just gives him an excuse to be more attentive to his husband.
George is up and puttering around the house when Dream and Joey arrive home, looking pale-faced and wrapped in a blanket.
He squats and cuddles Joe tightly, pressing a little kiss to his forehead, Dream watching with fondness.
One of the best things about having a family is getting to watch George and Joe interact, Dream blessed with witnessing soft domestic moments that melt his heart.
George slowly unzips Joey's coat, helping him out of it, and runs his thumb along his cheek.
"Have fun?"
Joey nods, and catches George's hand in his own. "Mhm! Ella helped me drawing. Dinosaur again."
"Ooh, I can't wait to have a look." George then yawns a bit, and rubs his eyes. "Sorry honey. I'm still feeling unwell."
"Daddy, daddy, make the magic soup!"
"I will, just lemme get my shoes off first." Dream ushers his family out of the porch, and rests a gentle hand on the small of George's back. "Want tea?"
"I could probably do with a coffee actually please." George bumps his head to Dream's shoulder affectionately, then turns back to Joey. "Let's go look at your picture, yeah?"
As his husband and son walk into the living room, Clay frowns.
Last time he checked, coffee wasn't great for pregnancies. Last time, George had avoided it, and then lamented over how much he missed the taste.
... Maybe that's only for later trimesters? George probably knows best.
So Clay flicks the kettle on, pouring out some coffee beans.
A quick google shows coffee is fine in small amounts. So it's all good.
At least, it would be. Except George has been drinking copious amounts of it over the following days.
His illness had let up, and he's back to normal, regular health.
Dream is confused to say the least.
So, one evening, when they're cuddled watching TV, he asks.
"Babe."
"Mhm?"
"Should, uh... Should you be drinking that?"
George pauses from taking a sip from his mug, and he eyes Clay carefully.
"What?"
"Yknow. You've had a lot of coffee lately, and I just-" Dream shifts uncomfortably. "Yeah."
"I literally don't know what you're talking about."
"George." Dream drags it out. "I'm worrying. I know I should totally trust your judgement on this, you know more than me, I know, I guess I'm just feeling - wary, or something."
George frowns, and scrunches his nose. "Dream."
"Yeah?"
"What the fuck do you mean?"
Clay bites his lip, then looks at the mug of coffee again. "I didn't think coffee - like, I thought it wasn't good for the baby?"
George chokes at that, and puts his cup down on the table quickly. "The what?"
Dream squirms again. "The baby."
"... Joey?"
"No." Dream raises a brow, then rests his hand over George's stomach. "This one."
For a long time they just stare at each other in silence, George looking more and more disgruntled as the seconds pass.
And Dream realises that he has made a terrible mistake.
"Clay." The brunet's gaze is cold. "If I were you, I would be very careful with what you say next."
"It's... No, no, babe, it's not- It's not a weight thing!"
George's eyes practically pop out of his head, and Dream has somehow managed to dig himself a deeper hole.
"There - There's no weight thing, it's not - You look lovely, your body is gorgeous, uh, I think you're stunning, you know that, it's not about-"
"Oh my god. What is wrong with you?" George glares at him, then looks down at his body with a small frown.
"Baby, darling, I promise it's nothing like - You were just super ill lately, and it was like all the same stuff as with Joey, and my mind kind of joined up the dots a bit wrong I guess, I- Honey. C'mon. You know I didn't mean it like that."
The silence is excruciating, and George continues his blank stare.
Then he sighs loudly.
"You... thought I was pregnant. And what? I just didn't tell you?"
"I, uh, figured you had a reason or something."
"You're so fucking stupid. I had a fever." George scoffs. "And you think that if I was pregnant, I'd be downing coffee like a maniac?"
"Um."
George picks the mug up again, and takes a long swig.
"Sorry. For assuming."
"Whatever." He rolls his eyes. "You owe me like... five breakfasts in bed."
"Of course." Dream leans in, and puts his head against George's. "I think you're really pretty. By the way. In case it wasn't-"
"The more you talk about it, the more I feel like you're overcompensating."
"Sorry."
"'S fine." George drains the last of his cup, then glances at Dream.
Dream, of course, smiles at him, because George always makes him smile.
With a small laugh, George tuts, and looks away.
"Are you disappointed?"
Clay tilts his head. "Huh?"
"That I'm not...?"
"Oh." Dream feels his little smile fade. He hadn't fully processed it. Oh.
There is no other baby. George is not pregnant.
It had just been wishful thinking.
"Um." He twists his hands together. "No. No, it's fine."
George takes one of his hands gently, prising his fingers away from each other. "Clay."
His voice is so soft, and Dream's breath hitches slightly.
This is so stupid. It's so stupid.
He squeezes his eyes shut, and turns his face away from George, trying to keep his lip from quivering.
So fucking dumb! He shouldn't be getting upset, this is ridiculous.
There was never a baby, he'd imagined it, he's being pathetic.
"Clay." George mumbles again, and then raises his hand to tip Dream's face back to his.
Dream clears his throat a few times. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
"Hey. Don't cry, silly." George cups his cheek. "It's okay. Just a little mistake. I'm not mad, I promise."
"Th- That's good. That you're not mad." Dream stumbles over his words, trying not to croak.
No second baby. No other child growing in George's belly, not another infant that Dream can cradle in nine months.
"Dream." George kisses his cheek. "Hey. C'mere, you big lug."
He wraps Dream in his arms tightly, running a hand through his hair.
There's a softness to him that remained after having Joey, less sharp edged and boney than he used to be. Dream loves it, loves how cosy and comfy their snuggling is, but right now, it only serves as a reminder to what's not to come.
He's unsure where this heartwrenching desire to have another kid has come from. When he'd first (incorrectly) put two and two together, he'd been excited, very much so, but he hadn't necessarily wanted another baby until after the false realisation.
But god, now what he wouldn't give to hold a second, tiny baby in his arms.
And then guilt crashes down in a flood. Why is he feeling so needy for this? They have Joey! Joey's an absolute little superstar, adorable and funny, Dream adores him, perfection in human form. Joey's three, he's still kind of a baby, Dream can still hold him close and tight.
Joey is so much more than enough, Dream still reels from the idea that he's the lucky one that gets to be Joe's dad, a blessed man for sure, because there's no way he could have married such a beautiful man and have such a lovely son without some form of divine intervention. They don't need another baby, fuck, George probably hasn't even thought about getting pregnant again, it had been so hellish. Dream hates remembering his screams and cries from labour the first time around.
So really, he needs to stop being selfish, and pull himself together and-
"I can practically hear you thinking." George mumbles. "You're gonna stress yourself into a breakdown if you're not careful."
Clay nods, and breathes slowly, trying to wrestle his mind back into calmness.
"If you want to have another baby, you could've just said." George whispers after a second.
Immediately, Dream snaps to attention. "What?"
"If you want another baby, you can just say that."
"Wh- Do - I don't - Do you want one?"
George stares at him like he's insane, then laughs. "Clay. I asked to try for another one last year."
"You did what?"
"Last year. Around Christmas. I said something like how nice it would be for Joey to have a little brother or sister to open presents with. And you were like 'Sapnap's enough of a child to join him' or something. I figured that was your way of shutting it down. So, I just kinda left it."
"That's what you meant?!" Dream grabs George's hands. "I thought it was- was like a joke or something, I dunno! Oh my god."
George smiles in amusement.
Dream's own beam spreads across his face, and he pulls George onto his lap.
"Georgie."
"Yeah?"
"Let's make another baby."
"Yes." George rests their noses together. "Yes please."
When they'd moved house after getting married, one of their priorities had, of course, been making sure Sapnap wouldn't be too far away.
So when Dream, George and Joey settled into their new house, Sapnap had been settling into his own that was only a few blocks away. It meant they could still hang out frequently, still see him every day or so.
And it also meant that there was always a very willing babysitter whenever needed.
Dream walks Joe round to Nick's house for the fifth time in two months; George's fertility cycles every two weeks, and neither husband is willing to have sex with Joey in the house, nor do they want to miss a window of opportunity. But this'll be the first time Joey's gone for a whole night, which is slightly stressful. It's hopefully worth it though, he and George having a whole evening without worrying about finishing on time.
Clay smiles to himself. This evening might be the one.
Obviously, he's had that thought ever since they started trying, but the hope still excites him, still flutters in his chest.
"Daddy."
"Yeah?"
"Do you think Uncle Nick will let me plays on his c'uter again?"
"If you ask nicely, I think Uncle Nick would let you do anything in the world sweetheart. Including playing on the computer." Dream turns, and hops up the steps to Sapnap's door, knocking three times.
The door swings open, and Nick beams.
"Yes! There's my favourite little guy!"
Joey laughs and runs through the doorway, giving Sapnap a brief hug.
"And I thought I was your favourite guy." Clay sighs dramatically, and follows his son inside, giving Sap an affectionate slap on the back. "Thanks for doing this. Sorry it's last minute."
"Nah dude. Joey's the only reason I still talk to your lameass."
"Pfft. Sure." Dream hands over his duffel bag, eyeing Nick carefully. "Are you sure you don't mind babysitting the whole night? We can come get him once our plans are done, it's not problem."
"Bro. Me 'n Joe will be fine! You excited to be sleeping here tonight, little dude?"
"Yes, yes. It's fun, daddy." Joey tugs on Dream's hand, and the father crouches to meet his eyeline.
"Yeah daddy. It's fine." There's a teasing scoff to Sapnap's words, and Dream rolls his eyes, ignoring him.
"You sure you'll be alright baby? Me and mommy can come get you later if you want us to. If you're not ready to sleep away from home it's-"
"Daddy. Bein' silly."
Sapnap chuckles. "Yeah idiot. Are you sure you're alright to leave him for a night?"
"Shut up Sap." Dream grunts, then squeezes Joey's hand. "It's alright if you change your mind, okay? Just tell Uncle Nick, and he'll call us. Yeah?"
"Mhm!" Joe leans against him. "Did you bring Guggo?"
"Of course. He's in the bag. So's your blanket, and some of your toys, and your pyjamas. Everything you'll need, don't worry." Dream kisses his head. "Love you bubba. I'll see you in the morning, alright?"
"Love you daddy." Joey wraps his arms around Clay's chest the best that he can, then runs off further into the house, presumably to find something interesting.
Dream straightens and looks at Nick.
Sapnap pats his shoulder gently. "I've got this. Bed before eight and a storybook, right?"
"Right. Yeah. He's had dinner too, so you don't gotta worry about that. Thank you again. For-"
"'S fine man. What are you and Gogy so busy with anyway? Not that I don't love having Joe here, I'm just wondering what you two sneaky fuckers are up to."
Dream shifts his weight from leg to leg. "Uh. Nothing in particular."
"Uh huh. Sure." Sapnap smirks. "Hope you lovebirds have fun."
Clay tuts at him. "Just remember to make sure Guggo - the plush elephant - make sure he's tucked in bed before Joey is."
"I've got this, idiot. I watched you put him to bed when he was a baby, it can't be much different."
"You'd think." Dream snorts at the comment. "If you're havin' any trouble, call me. Or George."
"I will, shut up. Stop being so overprotective." Nick claps his shoulder, and waves Dream out.
Dream's a few feet down the street when Sapnap yells "don't forget to use protection!"
Clay flips him off, but chuckles to himself.
Unlikely.
"Mm. Love you." Clay wraps his arms around George as the brunet rests his head on his bare chest, face slightly flushed.
Dream tucks a strand of hair behind George's ear, and kisses his temple, running his hand along his back. George snuggles closer to him, legs still wrapped around the blond's waist.
"Love you too." His British accent is always more obvious when he's worn out, and Dream can't get enough of it. "We definitely - 'S gotta have worked this time."
"Yeah? You reckon?" Dream flattens his palm against George's stomach. "Stupid question, but would you like, I dunno, feel it?"
"Not right away, I don't think." George mumbles, and links his hand with Clay's. "But maybe."
He always looks so gorgeous when he's blissed out, pretty brown eyes lidded, lips primed for more kisses. Dream definitely hit the husband jackpot.
He stretches his arms, trying not to jostle George too much, but the brunet lifts his head from his skin anyway, their movements synced up after so much time together. Clay smiles, and rolls George over onto his back, leaning in for another deep kiss.
"Clay." George mumbles. "No more tonight. 'M tired."
"I know. Just wanted to kiss you." Dream puckers up, exaggerating kissy noises.
George snorts, and meets his lips with his own pretty, soft ones. Dream hums, and cups his husband's cheek.
"Sleepy Gogy." He whispers teasingly. "I thought that lore arc was over."
"If you bring up Minecraft in the bedroom one more time, I will divorce you."
"No you won't." Clay nuzzles their noses together.
George sighs. "No. I won't."
Dream's about to pull up his arsenal of Minecraft related pick-up lines when his phone buzzes impatiently.
Considering only one person is allowed through do not disturb right now, he picks it up in a hurry.
"Sap?"
There's a quiet sobbing in the background, and Dream's heart wrenches.
"Uh, first of all. I'm super sorry for interrupting whatever-"
"Is Joey crying?"
At that, George sits up, shooting him a worried glance.
"Um. Yes. Not- He's not hurt! He's just... Hey bud? Joe, hey kid. Your dad's on the phone, you wanna talk to him?"
The phone changes hands, and the sniffling gets more audible, as his son starts speaking.
"Daddy! Daddy. Want you. Want mama. Come now. Come gets me." Joey wails, and Dream can visualise his distress all too vividly.
"Hey sweetheart. Hey. It's alright. I can get you, don't worry. What's up baby?"
"Want home."
"It's alright honey. Let me come and get you, alright? Mommy can talk to you while I get ready, yeah?" Dream waits for the affirmative noise, then hands the phone to George, and gets out of bed, picking his clothes up from the floor.
"Oh baby. I know. I know." George says into the phone. "Shh, it's alright. Daddy's on his way. Can you ask Uncle Nick to get all your things together? Good boy."
Dream pulls a random sweater on, then wanders out into the hall to find some shoes. He pops back into the room to kiss George's cheek quickly, and takes the phone back.
"On my way bubba. I'll be there in two minutes max, okay?" He steps out the house, and listens to quiet, shaky words.
"'M tired." Joey mumbles. He's calmed down a bit, but the sniffling is still there.
"That's because it's past your bedtime, sweetie. Don't worry. You'll be sleeping in your room in no time."
Dream talks to him all the way until he's at Sap's again, only hanging up when he makes eye contact with his son.
Instantly, Joey runs over to him as fast as a toddler can, eyes red, and Guggo clutched in his arms.
Dream catches him, and hugs him tightly, cradling his head with his hand.
"It's alright Joe. I'm here. Daddy's got you."
Joey buries his face in his shoulder.
Sapnap looks at him guiltily from the doorway.
"I'm - I'm sorry, I dunno what I did wrong." He looks genuinely upset, with his lip bitten in worry.
"Hey man. Not your fault. Not anyone's fault. Probably just sleeping away from home for the first time, hm?"
Joey nods into his shoulder, and Clay sways gently, humming softly into his son's ear.
"Seriously Nick. Don't worry. Would've happened with anyone. I'm sure you guys had fun before, right?"
Again, Joey nods and Sapnap's brow unfurrows slightly.
"Uh. Everything should be in here. If I've missed something, I'll run it over."
"Thank you. I really appreciate it man." Dream smiles at his best friend. "I'll check in tomorrow."
"Yeah. And, uh, Joey? I loved hanging with you as always buddy."
Joe mumbles sleepily in response, and Dream swings the duffel bag over his arm, and starts the journey back home after another goodbye.
"Hey. Look at the stars Joey." Clay whispers, and his son lifts his head, staring up. "They're pretty, aren't they?"
"Uh huh." His small voice is filled with wonder. "Lots."
"Yeah. Lots of stars. So, so many. Probably... more than ten zillion!"
"Daddy. Tha's silly."
"I know. But maybe." Dream shifts Joey's position on his hip. "You wanna know something?"
"Mm?"
"I love you more than all the stars in the universe."
Joey's arms wrap a bit tighter around his neck. "Love you more tha' the universes."
"Woah. That's a lot."
"Mhm." Joe yawns. "But I love mama more."
Dream snorts. "Of course, of course."
"You love mama more?"
"More than you? No way. I love your mama very, very much, but I love you a teeny weeny bit more."
"... 'M gonna tell mommy you said that."
Clay gasps dramatically, and he walks back into their house, greeted with George standing worriedly in the doorway, tension easing once he sees Joey.
Joe twists and reaches out, George taking him instantly.
"Hello my lovely." He kisses Joey's forehead. "You're home now. Let's get you to bed, hm?"
Joey nods, and curls into George, and Dream follows them into the little boy's bedroom, helping tuck him in and easing him into sleep, before the couple return to their room to do the same.
A few weeks after that night, Dream wakes up in the early morning hours when George rushes out of bed, jostling him in the hurry.
Clay squints in the dark as he tracks George's silhouette leave the room, before laying back down and closing his eyes. Probably just getting a late night snack or something.
He hears his husband's soft footsteps going right instead of down towards the kitchen. Hears the bathroom door open.
Ah. Just a toilet break.
Dream yawns as he squishes his face against his pillow, already halfway back into the world of sleep. Faintly, he registers quiet retching noises, but pays no mind to it.
The toilet flushes. Dream's nearly passed out by now, the soundscape around him blurring into nothing.
Footsteps come back, and then the warmth of George's body is back in bed.
Reflexively, Clay pulls him close, pressing a sleepy kiss to his cheekbone.
George whispers something, words unintelligible to Dream's foggy brain, so he just lets out a soft hum in response, nuzzling his face against George's chest.
For a moment, his husband's body feels all tense, so Dream makes another low noise and squeezes George tighter, trying to relax his muscles.
"-ick again." The second half of George's next sentence is easier to understand, but barely. Clay just grunts, and makes a point of snuggling into the pillow. Too early for talking.
"Dream."
That one's clear and easy. He lets out a questioning syllable in response.
"Stop squeezing, you're gonna make me sick again."
Each word is emphasised slowly, and Dream's enough of a good husband to be roused by that.
"Y' sick?"
"Mhm. Sorry I woke you up. Quit gripping me like you're tryna keep me trapped and then we can go back to sleep."
"A'ight." Clay loosens his hold, and caresses George's hip gently. "Get you some medicine?"
"Maybe some vitamin pills."
"'S not medicine, babe." Dream yawns, resting his chin George's head.
"I don't need any, I think I'm pregnant."
The words take a second to register, and then Dream's bolting upright, mouth agape.
"You - We - Baby?"
"Mm. I'll take a test tomorrow. Bedtime right now." He tugs Dream's arm, and the blond complies, laying back down.
But his mind is racing, and a large grin is stretching his face.
"You really, really think so?"
"Shh. Sleep time."
"There's another baby inside of you?"
"I'm pretty sure." George bumps their foreheads together. "We will find out for certain in the morning."
"... It technically is morning."
"I'll find out in the morning and then I'll make you wait for a week, if you try to convince me to get up and do it now." George warns.
"I changed my mind, it is very much night time and we are going to sleep." Clay can't keep the excitement out of his voice as he hurriedly agrees.
In the dark, he can see George smile faintly, and Dream pulls him in for another hug, palm resting gently on a flat stomach as he tries to will his brain to shut up and turn off so that tomorrow will come quicker.
The joy in his voice must be obvious to the viewers, but Dream can't bring himself to try and calm down for his stream.
The world feels even brighter, happy and mirthful wherever he looks, but especially when he's looking at his family.
George and Joey and baby, still so little and hidden away that there's not a single sign of them other than George's morning sickness, and those two pretty lines on the pregnancy test.
They're gonna have another baby, and life is great, perfect, Clay is quite literally the most blessed individual on the planet.
It's difficult to try and focus on Minecraft and the silly little games he's playing, but he's managing, even though every fibre of his being is desperate to just spend all of his time cuddling his darlings and never let go ever again.
Alas, promises were made, and Dream can't keep cancelling his streams, getting his followers hopes up and then letting them down. So here he is, mind wandering as he just follows Sapnap and Karl around the various maps they're on, plugging in mods or commands when he needs to.
"Karl, Karl, get the - No, what, what are you doing? No! Dude!" Sapnap's yelps barely pierce Dream's mind, and he realises he's completely missed what the aim of this minigame is.
He watches Karl's avatar jump across some blocks, Sapnap following him while placing lava everywhere.
Dream's about to try figure out what's going on, but realises a little too late he is on fire, and dies.
"Oh." He hums slightly. "Whoops."
When he respawns, he's positioned above the little arena, just watching his two friends whack each other.
"Dream." Karl tuts. "That was the worst play I have ever seen. You just stood there."
"Yeah man, what's wrong with you?"
"I'm just a bit distracted. Sorry." Clay's lips quirk into a little smile again. Of course he's distracted. He's living in true domestic bliss and-
"Dream! C'mon, are you even still there? Answer me, dickhead." Sapnap then groans as Karl crits him, sending him to join Dream above the map.
"Uh, sorry, what did you say?"
"Oh my god, this is so annoying. You're not even paying attention to your own stream, what the hell."
"You guys seein' this? Dream Minecraft, so obsessed with his own mind that he ignores not only his friends, but also his fans. This is why we as a society need to go to twitch.tv/karljacobs instead." Karl's exaggerating, but he has a point, to be fair.
Dream sighs. "Sorry. Sorry. Just, uh - Life stuff."
"I bet he's just sitting there, doodling hearts on a scrap of paper as he thinks about George." Sapnap huffs. "Pining after his own husband."
Clay glances at the pen he's holding, and the hearts in front of him. "Pfft. No."
He doesn't think he sounds convincing.
"He is! What the fuck." Karl tuts, and teleports all of their characters to a different map. "That's so disgustingly mushy."
"Maybe." Dream props his head on his palm. "Our wedding anniversary's coming up. Two years now."
"Oh god, Karl, what have you done, I'm not in the mood to listen to him being all lovesick."
"I wish I could marry him all over again." Dream ignores Nick. "Can you marry someone twice?"
"... You could get divorced and then married again." Karl offers.
"Divorced? Divorce George? No. That's dumb." Clay moves over to jump around some parkour as he talks. "I just want to be super married. Or maybe just do vows again. Vow renewal is a thing."
"Your wedding was great though. I wouldn't mind going to a second one." Sapnap pushes Dream off of a block, sending him back to the ground. "Joe could do a speech this time."
"I think he should've done a speech the first time." Karl misses a ladder jump. "Joe was robbed."
"He was one, he could only say mama and dada, and that is too much pressure to put on a child." At the mention of his son, Dream's smile widens. "He learnt how to pronounce triceratops yesterday. He's so smart."
"Doesn't get that from you." Sapnap snorts, and tries to punch Dream off the course again, but manages to fall himself. "God, you suck, I hate you."
"How is it my fault you're bad at the game?" Clay glances at his chat for the first time in a while. "Oh. You guys want DNF content? Uh... what else can I tell you? Um. I don't know."
"You could say anything about George at this point, and it would be DNF content." Karl points out.
"It's not my fault that I love to talk about my favourite people."
"Oh? You talk about me a lot then?" Sapnap snickers, then somehow manages to get Dream off the fence post he was standing on.
"No. I never talk about you, you suck, worst person ever." The blond begins to climb again. "Last night, me and George were in bed and-"
"Woah there." Karl interrupts. "That's not very PG."
"Shut up. We were just going to sleep, and-"
"Dream. Shh. It is not DNF story time."
"Yes it is. I am going to talk about how much I love George even more now, just to spite you. GeorgeNotFound is the most gorgeous, beautiful, pretty, lovely man in the whole world, and every day I wake up and I think about how great it is that I married him and-"
"Ugh. Chat, look what you've done. You have activated boring romance story mode." Sapnap makes his groan way longer than it needs to be.
"- I love him so much and-"
"Karl, how was your day?"
"- best husband ever-"
"It was good Sapnap, how was yours?"
"- so thankful to have him-"
"It was fine, until my dumb best friend started being gross and mushy."
"You're gross and mushy." Dream tuts. "When you find love, you will understand."
"Dream, I mean this in the nicest way possible, I have never met someone who was so fucking vocal about being in love." Karl, against all odds, has made it to the end of the parkour course first.
"If I wanted to hear people worship George, I'd look at Twitter." Sapnap adds. "Maybe Dream has a secret stan account."
"Ah, you got me." Dream hums. "It's @dreamwastaken."
He finishes the course, then cracks his knuckles. Right. Time to properly focus now.
"Anyway. I promise I'll pay attention now."
"About time." Sapnap sighs dramatically, then laughs.
Dream wraps his arms around George's waist, hugging him from behind as the brunet turns on the oven.
"I can cook dinner tonight, don't worry. You should just chill with Joey."
"Babe. Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I need to rest every single second of the day."
"I know that." Clay kisses the back of his neck. "I know. I'm just excited."
George huffs a laugh. "I can tell."
He twists round to face him, and Dream catches his lips at the chance. His fingers rest tenderly at George's middle.
"Love you."
"I love you too." George bumps their heads together. "Stop holding me trapped, I need to make some chips."
"Chips for dinner? Pringles or Lays?" Clay smirks as George grumbles.
"You know I'm not talking about crisps, don't be a dick."
Dream loosens his arms, and George breaks free, making his way to the freezer and pulling out a bag of fries. He bends over to grab a tray, and Dream grins, letting out a low whistle.
George laughs, and wiggles his hips side to side. "Enjoying the view?"
"Very much so." Dream admires him, letting out an exaggerated whine when George straightens back up.
"Shut up, you can worship me later. Go ask Joe if he'd prefer fish or burgers."
Dream nods, and wanders out of the kitchen and into the living room.
Joey's sitting on the floor, leaning over some paper, blue crayon clutched in his hand, tongue sticking out as he draws.
"What are you up to, little man?" Clay squats next to him, peeking at the paper.
"Drawin' mommy." Joe points at the wobbly circle with a smiley face inside.
"It looks great buddy! What's that next to him?" Dream points to the little scribble next to 'George', brown and white and squiggly.
"'S Patches!" Joey points at their cat to emphasise, Patches curled on the window sill, tail flicking lazily.
"Oh, of course, I see her now." He nods, and runs his hand through Joe's soft brown hair. He looks more and more like George every day. "You want fish or a burger with your fries?"
"Uh... Burger."
"What do we say when we want something?"
"Please." Joey adds quickly.
"Ding ding, you got it!" At his son's bright grin, Dream leans in, and kisses his forehead with a smile. "I love you."
"Love you daddy."
Dream stands back up after a tight hug, and reports back to George.
One of Dream's favourite parts about the first pregnancy was the appointments, and it was no different this time around.
He's dazzled by the ultrasounds every time, loves being able to see their child grow, become more and more human and alive every time they come in.
He caresses George's knuckles as the brunet settles on the examination table, lifting his shirt as the doctor applies gel.
"We're gonna see the baby." Clay whispers excitedly in George's ear.
He laughs. "You're acting like this has never happened before."
"Well. Not with this baby."
"True." George rubs a thumb over his waist, and looks down at his stomach. "You better be nice and clear on the screen darling."
The doctor presses the wand to his belly, and Dream sucks in a breath as the ultrasound machine fuzzes, until the static gives way to a proper image.
"There they are." George's voice goes all wondrous. "Hi baby."
And like last time, the baby's heartbeat starts thumping around the room. And also much like last time, Dream finds himself in tears again.
George starts showing properly after fifteen weeks, his gorgeous little bump beginning to press against his t-shirts.
It's adorable, Dream forgot how much he loved it when the bump is all little, and able to be cupped perfectly in his hands. Of course, he'd adored George's bump at all stages with Joey, but there's something very special about the early days.
Maybe it's because it's easily hidden away by baggy clothes, but still visible to all those who George deems worthy, Dream lucky enough to be the only right now.
The only one who gets to relish in the magnificence of George and their child, until they tell their friends.
Which is soon, actually.
George
hey can i cancel the stream tonight
sorry q
Quackity
what
why :(
George
im kinda all over the place rn and i just wanna be with joey
Sapnap
aw dude that sucks
i hope ur okay!
Karl
george :(
we r here if u need to talk!!
George
ty
its probably just hormones tho
Quackity
like?
that time of the month?
do carriers get that
George
uh fertility cycles r a thing
but thats not what im talking about
Sapnap
maybe it is old age
George
now. why would u say this
Karl
george old man confirmed
George
no >:(
im not even 30
Quackity
give it a few months
practically a grandpa
Karl
lol
anyway
i will miss u in the stream
George
thank you
also. no streams after january
Sapnap
?
quitting streaming in the new year..?
George
no
Dream
hehehe
Quackity
you cant just show up to laugh wtf
ur husband is quitting twitch
is this ur doing
did u get so possessive that u r limiting gogy content for the masses
Dream
im not possessive
georgie tell him :((
Sapnap
wait is it bc hes too old
forced into retirement
George
what the fuck is ur problem
Karl
WAIT R U FR QUITTING
George
NO
WHY R U ALL SO DRAMATIC
Dream
george what groceries do we need
George
did u forget the shopping list again
Dream
yes
Sapnap
why r we talking about groceries. dream just do ur damn shopping
and george
WHY NO STREAMS :(
George
if u could just pick up the usual fresh fruit/veg and then j's asked for some more animal crackers
Dream
yes my love
Quackity
GEORGE
R U LEAVING US IN JANUARY
Karl
we do not care for groceries.
this is the time for answers
George
shut up im looking at the shopping list
@Dream we also need more bread <3
Dream
yes darling :)
Sapnap
god u guys are so annoying
George
im putting myself on maternity leave then
are u happy now
Sapnap
uhH???
Karl
WAIT
Quackity
YOU WHAT
Dream
they dont have any cornflakes in stock
Karl
READ THE ROOM DREAM
George
get some rice crispies instead
Dream
yes sir
Sapnap
UR HAVING ANOTHER BABY??
Dream
oh
yeah :D
Quackity
w
congrats??
Karl
omg
!!
very cool
Sapnap
aw
u didnt tell me early this time :(
Dream
i wonder why.
George
anyway. yes. im pregnant again dont tell fans yet etc.
Karl
im happy for you guys!!
how far along are you?
George
15 weeks :)
got a lil bump now
all happy and healthy
Quackity
woahh
joe excited?
Dream
we havent told him yet
but i hope so
"Daddy." Joey summons his father into the corner of his room, looking a little worried.
Clay frowns, kneeling and cupping his cheek. "What's up sweetheart?"
"Daddy..." Joe says again, then glances at his door. He toddles over, and closes it to be only slightly ajar, then makes his way back to Dream.
"You alright Joe? What's goin' on?"
His son twists his fingers together, a solemn look appearing on his face. He appears to steel himself, then stares resolutely. "Somethin' wrong with mommy."
"What?"
"Saw mama cryin'." Joey's words are forlorn, his whole face crumpling. "Mommy was crying an' - an' there's a big lump on his belly, an' somethin's bad - Uncle Nick says'd to Karl you went to the doctor when he looked after me. Why is mommy - Daddy, somethin' is bad!"
At this point, he's worked himself into tears, and Clay's heart wrenches, pulling Joey into a tight hug.
"It's alright baby. Don't worry. I promise you, mommy's absolutely fine. Trust me. Mama is alright. When did you see him crying?"
"Yesterday." Joey sniffles. "You was - was doing work."
Ah. Dream knows what he's talking about. George had gotten worked up about some spilt tea, cried a bit due to his hormones getting more fierce at week sixteen, then settled down before Dream had stopped streaming, just filling him in as they went to bed.
"Does he know you saw?"
"No. I runned away." Joey bit his lip. "Didn' like it."
"Of course not. It is tough to see the people you love get upset. But if he'd known you were there, he would've been able to make sure you knew he was okay. He is okay buddy. You talked to him about your worries?"
Joe shakes his head, still clinging to Clay's shirt.
"Why don't we go talk about it with him, all together, yeah?" Clay rubs his back gently. "We can both explain it all to you properly. Yeah?"
For a while, the three year old doesn't say anything, but then nods. Dream takes his hand, and helps him walk down the stairs.
George listens with soft eyes and sympathetic nods as Joey recounts his woes, encouraged by Dream's gentle hand squeezes.
By the end, George has pulled Joe onto his lap, pressing little kisses to his forehead.
"Oh sweetheart. It's alright. I love you. Sorry I made you worry." George shifts slightly, so the Joe isn't leaning too much on his little bump. "Me and daddy have been waiting a bit to tell you some really important news. Do you wanna hear it?"
Joey glances between them both warily, lip wobbling.
Clay ruffles his hair. "Hey. It's alright. It's really, really good news."
George nods, and slowly puts his hand on the bump. "You're said you were worrying about this, right?"
"Mhm."
"It's not a lump. It's just my belly. My tummy's getting bigger, because we're having another baby."
Joe blinks. Frowns. Then scrunches his nose. "What?"
"Mommy's growing another baby for our family!" Clay prompts. "That's why we were at the doctors, and sometimes the body changes make mama a bit emotional. It's all good. You're gonna be a big brother!"
"... Why?"
And Dream hadn't exactly predicted that question. He and George had talked through possible responses, from 'how' to 'no, don't want a baby'. But 'why' had not even crossed his mind.
"Uh. What do you mean Joe?"
"Why are you havin' a baby?" Joey wriggles in George's lap. "You have me."
"That - That's true. We do have you." George hesitates. "And we love you. So much! You're the best little boy in the world, you are an absolute blessing. Me and daddy just want another baby, that's all. Do you not wanna have a little brother or sister?"
"Mm... Will they play with me?"
"Once they're old enough, yes." Dream moves a strand of Joey's hair away from his face. "The first few months, the baby might not be able to play properly. But you can still have fun together."
"And we'll still play with you too." George adds. "I might be a bit tired and we could get a little busier after the baby comes, but we will always have time for you. Don't worry about that."
"Hm. Okay!" Joey tilts his head. "So you are not sick?"
"No. Just pregnant." George smooths his top, and cups his bump. "You wanna feel?"
Joe pauses, then presses his hand to George's middle.
It's such a cute sight that Clay nearly combusts with affection. He discreetly takes a picture, then joins in, his own hand hovering over Joey's.
"You know, I talk to the baby sometimes." He looks at Joey. "They can hear us. And in a few weeks, we'll be able to feel them move!"
"When do they get here?"
"In February. So we still have your birthday and Christmas before the baby comes." George caresses Joey's cheek. "So. You alright? How you feeling about this?"
"Uhh... Good!" He pulls his hand away. "Can we have s'getti for dinner?"
"Spaghetti? Yeah, of course. No problem."
Joey beams at Dream's response, the wiggles out of George's arms. "I play now?"
"Of course sweetie. Love you." George lets him go.
It's been a while since Dream and George have had the opportunity to stream together, but with Joey being looked after by Grandma Chadson, they're finally able to hop on an alt without worrying about childcare.
It's George's account, and they're both in the same room, facecam on, huddled around the computer as they look around for things to do.
The camera's positioned so that George's bump is hidden, and Dream's keeping an eye on the viewfinder to make sure it stays that way.
"Chat, chat, we haven't exactly planned this stream out, we need suggestions. What do you guys wanna see?" George rests his chin on his hand, and Clay watches his eyes flick over the fast moving chat.
"Uh. Oh! George, did you see that one? We can play the newlywed game."
"Didn't that trend die like... years ago?"
"Well, we can bring it back." Dream squeezes George's hand. "Please? It'll be cute."
George rolls his eyes dramatically, but nods. "Alright. Alright. Fine. You guys can ask the questions."
Dream grabs two scraps of paper for them both to write their answers on.
Who made the first move?
Clay smirks as they both flip to reveal the answer to the camera.
'ME :)' and 'dream :/'
"Listen." George starts. "I know what the internet says about me. I know you're all like... 'ooh, GeorgeNotFound is emotionally stunted, ooh', but let it be known that I would've said something if I thought Dream was actually serious when he was flirting. I'm not like, too shy or flustered or whatever the thing is you guys think! I am very, uh, very confident and... I nearly made the first move, he only beat me because he has no impulse control."
"Aw, babe. I know, I probably only confessed first by like... two days."
"One day. At most."
"Of course." Clay snorts as he indulges George, completely victim to the pout on his face.
When did your partner first know they loved you?
"Uh. Is it like... when I think you first loved me?" George raises a brow. "This wording sucks, actually."
"I think so. I'll, uh, guess." Dream huffs. "Did we ever even talk about it?"
"Maybe at some point." George scratches his nose. "If I forget something, it's literally not my fault."
Under the desk, George pointedly rubs his belly. To be fair to him, this second pregnancy does seem to have scrambled his brain a bit. Dream nods in agreement.
"I know. Don't worry." Dream bites his pen, then scribbles an answer. "Ready?"
"Mhm." George turns his paper. "I - Well, the answer is obviously the very second you spoke to me. But if that very serious and completely non-joke answer is wrong, I think it might be, uh... after our first sleep call?"
Dream hums a bit. "Maybe. I think it was when we doing some coding together though? I think. I forget the exact moment... I can't remember a time where I wasn't in love with you. But you fell for me... during that one Geoguessr stream."
"What? I didn't fall in love with you on stream, idiot." George tuts. "You were just talking one night. I think Sapnap had just moved in with you. And you were like... going on about how the house is nearly full, and that the moment I'm there, it's like 'complete' or something. I made a joke about how maybe you'd want to send me back to England, and you got all serious and dumb and soft or whatever. And then I - well, yeah. Whatever."
Clay feels his whole face soften, and he has to physically stop himself from kissing George, settling for a gentle headbutt to the shoulder and a squeeze to his thigh.
"That's so cute. I love you."
George flushes. "Uh huh. Let's just - next one."
What is the happiest moment of your partner's life?
"Oh. Easy!" Dream writes the answer quickly. "It's gonna be the same for both of us, right?"
"I'd hope so." George looks at his paper. "We'll flip on three?"
He counts down.
'joe's first breath' and 'the second joe was born (not before that though)'
George looks at Dream's answer and snorts. "True. Before fucking sucked. Absolute hell."
"You were so good. Toughest guy in the universe."
"Uh huh. You wouldn't have lasted a minute of labour. Absolutely no pain tolerance."
"Exactly. You have no idea how proud I was that day."
"Can't believe I've voluntarily signed up to do it again." George yawns, and glances at chat again. "Ah, here's another one."
Who's the better kisser?
Dream laughs as he writes his answer (George, of course), and is preparing to show when he notices the wall of text start flying past at a ridiculous rate, catching excited panic and confused fluster on the words he manages to read.
"What? Why are you all freaking out?" Clay furrows his brow. "Georgie, your chat's being weird."
"Hm?" George glances at it. "Damn. That's fast. What are you guys yelling about?"
The attempt to scroll up to read it doesn't work, outpaced by the speed of typers.
"Did we say something?" Dream recounts the last few minutes in his head. "Uhh. Wait, I'll look at the playback. Gimme a second."
He pulls up George's stream on his phone, and scrubs back to a while ago, George peering over his shoulder as he does so.
"Can't believe I've voluntarily signed up to do it again." George's past self says.
"Oh fuck." Present George mumbles. And then, he ends stream without saying anything else.
@GeorgeNotFound
sorry i ended stream early i kind of panicked
@GeorgeNotFound
uh i literally hadnt planned on telling you guys for at least another month
@GeorgeNotFound
but yeah. as i accidentally mentioned, im pregnant again! family is all very excited!
@Dream
replying to @GeorgeNotFound
who is the father
@GeorgeNotFound
replying to @Dream
some random guy
@Dream
replying to @GeorgeNotFound
i hope u two are very happy
@Quackity
replying to @GeorgeNotFound
milf
@confused_twitter_user
replying to @GeorgeNotFound
wait. is dream fr not the father??
Twitter Trending
DREAMS NOT THE FATHER
Trending with: DNF over, George neg, cheating, #DNFisover
It's a little ridiculous actually. Dream had been a hundred percent certain that everyone would pick up on the joke, especially given the context of the clip, the stream having been very fluffy, far too lovey-dovey to be allowed on the internet.
George got upset when he accidentally clicked on trending, hate comments about him unavoidable.
The whole thing is stupid. Clay had been so certain that their fanbase is smart, and there are a number of people trying to convince others that it was just a joke, but not enough of them.
After making sure George was okay, Dream stops his fans before they go even more insane.
@Dream
[screenshot of the trending page]
guys.
@Dream
it was a joke?? i figured it was so obvious it didnt need a /j
@Dream
did u all just forget the dnf stream that happened barely an hour ago
@Dream
some of yall will just jump at the chance to hate on ppl. its ridiculous.
@Dream
ofc its my baby?? wtf is wrong with u guys
@Dream
ty to all those trying to talk common sense i love u
@Dream
george is the loml and i am overjoyed that we're expecting another baby!! plz dont try and ruin a very happy time for us
@twitter_hater_uhoh
replying to @Dream
you cant put it past him though. dont be mad at fans just trying to look out for you. hes always been kinda dodgy
@Dream
replying to @twitter_hater_uhoh
sorry i trust my husband and want to defend him from ppl looking for an excuse to shit on him?
@another_meanie
replying to @Dream
he could b lying tho. like. his 'joke' couldve been a confession. u never know with surprise pregnancies :/
@Dream
replying to @another_meanie
??? weve been trying for a baby for months? INSANE take, shut up
@Dream
in conclusion. george is so wonderful i love him and every single day i go to sleep grateful.
It's only a few days later that Clay wakes up in the dark to George shaking him vigorously, tears in his eyes.
Immediately, he's sitting upright, pressing a worried hand to his back.
"George? What's-"
"Something's wrong, something's wrong. Clay, Clay, I- Bleeding and- Fuck." The words are panicked, rushed, and George's breathing is far too quick.
"Hey. Hey. Easy, easy, alright? Deep breath. It's gonna be okay." Dream flicks their bedside lamp on, looking George over. "You're bleeding?"
"It's not okay, it's not! The baby - I can't feel- Fuck, I can't... Dream." And his voice is pleading, looking for a logical answer or reassurance.
When Dream opens his mouth, he can't find either.
George cries harder.
"Um - I'll... Hospital. We'll - We're going there. Uh... Nick will have to come here for Joey. Um. Oh god. George - do... how much blood?"
"I dunno." He sobs into Clay's shoulder as Dream wraps his arms around his husband tightly. "Don't know."
"That's okay. It's gonna be alright. Let me just - just call Sap. Then the doctor. And we'll... We'll work it out."
George just quivers, face buried.
Dream bounces his leg in his chair as he waits, George whisked off to a private room alone for some reason.
Google says bleeding isn't always bad. That it can happen for a variety of reasons.
It doesn't stop his heart from being in his throat, his eyes burning with tears as he tries to prepare himself for grief, but no amount of emotional preparation could make this any easier.
It's been three hours now. A nurse did pop by to tell him that George is just having a few more scans, he just has to 'wait a little longer'.
He has to stop himself from snapping about how he's already been waiting long enough.
For now, he just has to keep idling away, trying to stop his mind from spiralling. His only support right now is his best friend.
Sapnap
just a bit longer man
youll get answers soon
Dream
i cant
nick i cant
what if we lose the baby
what if i lose george too
fuck
Sapnap
sh
cant think like that dude
ur just gonna freak urself out more
Dream
what else am i supposed to think
i cant just get my fucking hopes up if its all
shit
im just so
Sapnap
hey hey
lets not
okay?
lets talk about smth else
Dream
what
i cant focus on anything rn
this is too important
u need to sleep anyway
Sapnap
dude its fine im used to pullin all nighters
i know that its gonna be a bitch to even think abt distracting urself rn
but sometimes u gotta do what u gotta do
like
what should i feed joey for breakfast
Dream
waffles
fuck
joey
hes really starting to get excited for the baby
i dont wanna even
having to tell him that would be
Sapnap
what does the hospital look like
are the walls nice
Dream
theyre fuckin walls
Sapnap
what color
Dream
like. white and creamy
Sapnap
lol
thats a horny hospital
Dream
ur so gross wtf
Sapnap
UR WORDS DUDE
Dream
fine theyre like
slightly white/beige
does that fix it
Sapnap
u know what else is beige
Dream
no
Sapnap
my penis
Dream
you should get that checked out
idiot
Sapnap
i thought beige is skin color?
Dream
NO?
wait
maybe
Sapnap
beige pink skin
is it alright if i use ur oven
Dream
yeah
wait why
Sapnap
gonna put my dick in it
OBVIOUSLY im gonna cock
fuckng dumbass
Dream
ur gonna cock??
Sapnap
COOK
Dream
uh huh
u better clean my oven before we get home
Sapnap
yes daddy dream :(
Dream
ew
nurse leading me to george now
thanks for keeping me sane
Sapnap
no prob man
love u
keep my updated
Dream
love u too
George is looking much calmer than he was, still some tear tracks on his face from before, but he's not still crying, which is a very good sign.
Regardless, Clay's at his side in an instant, swiping his thumb over his cheeks.
"It's okay." George whispers. "We're both okay."
It's a weight lifted, Dream finally able to breathe without dread in his lungs.
"Thank god. Fuck. You're both okay!" Dream allows himself to let out the tears he'd been holding in. "God. George. George, I was so scared."
"I know. Me too." George kisses him gently. "Sorry for freaking you out."
"Don't apologise. It's overwhelming, of course you were panicking. Don't worry. We're okay now." Clay rests his palm to George's bump. "We're okay now."
The doctor interrupts them to explain, in loose terms, that the bleeding was just an anomaly, and that sometimes it doesn't have a discernible cause. Which is shit, yeah, but it's okay. As long as George and the baby are alright.
With instructions to take it easy, and return if the bleeding starts up again, they are finally able to leave the hospital as the sun starts to rise.
Dream lets out a long sigh once he's behind the wheel, looking to George with soft eyes.
"Definitely feelin okay?"
"Clay, the doctor said it's all fine-"
"Mentally." He quickly adds. "If you need some time we can just drive around a bit. I can't imagine how it would've felt... having all those tests."
"Oh." George closes his eyes, and his hand moves to protectively cradle his bump. "I'm alright. They're safe. I can feel them again. So, yknow, it's - I just wanna go home. I'm tired."
"Of course." Dream nods, and checks the time, starting to drive. "I'll grab some breakfast?"
"Sounds good."
Dream spends the whole car journey with his hand practically glued to George's thigh.
It's 7 o clock by the time they get home, and Sapnap's in their kitchen, pouring some orange juice, as a very sombre looking Joey slouches on a chair.
Their arrival was quiet, giving Dream the opportunity to sneak up on them as George retires to the bedroom.
"You're awake early."
Joey startles, and whips his head round, face brightening for a second before his eyes start darting around.
"Mommy's just gone upstairs to have a little nap, buddy. Don't worry. He's okay." Clay scoops his son into his arms, swaying side to side as Joe curls into him. "How long have you two been up?"
"Half an hour." Sapnap sets Joey's juice on the table. "I, uh, did my best to try and explain. In a nice way."
"Thank you. For the last minute-"
"You don't have to thank me idiot. It's just what brothers do." Nick offers a thumb's up, which Dream returns.
"Don' wanna go t' playschool today." Joe mumbles.
"Why's that honey?" Dream tilts his head to look his son in the eyes, big and brown and watery.
"Want to stay here." The boy blinks. "With mama."
"Hm. Mama might be napping for a while." Clay caresses Joe's cheek. "I'm sorry we worried you. You don't have to go today, it's alright. You had any breakfast?"
"Uncle Nick tries to do pancakes bu' it's not like yours." And he's getting tearful. Dream's heart aches.
"I can make you some. You want some Papa Pancakes, huh?" Slowly, he rests Joey back on his chair. "Have some juice while I do that bud."
He ruffles Joe's hair, and makes his way over to the stove, where Sapnap comes up to him.
"So. George and baby 100% okay?" His question is whispered, a mindful glance to Joey as he asks.
"Yeah. Just... god, that was scary." Clay makes sure his answer is equally quiet. "Just needs to sit back a bit, rest, go back if anything else happens."
When he looks at the table, he notes Joe watching them carefully, and straightens up, nudging Sapnap with his foot.
"You know what you wanna do today, sweetheart?"
"Mm... Dunno." Joey scrunches his nose. "You doing work?"
"Not today bubba. I am free alll day." Dream pours his pancake mix. "We can watch a cartoon... or do some coloring... or read some books. Anything you want."
"Play with toys?"
"Of course baby. Of course."
@dreamwastaken
hi! me and george are going on a little mini break for a bit. theres been some stuff happening and i think we both need the rest
@dreamwastaken
I know that I'll be back and streaming a few times before baby 2 arrives! this is a v temporary thing do not worry
"Mommy!"
"Joey!"
"Your tummy is so big."
Clay snorts as George gasps dramatically, the family all huddled together in bed. The break has given them some much needed relaxation, and there haven't been any extra scares.
As twenty four weeks approaches, so too does Christmas, and Joey's buzzing as it creeps ever closer.
His joy is infectious, and spills into every action. Dream loves it, loves him, loves this domestic life they all have together.
"My tummy is regular sized." George scoffs, and pats his bump. "The baby isn't done growing yet. I'm still gonna get bigger."
"How will they get out?" Joey's eyes widen. "You going to explode?"
"No, silly." Dream puts his hand on Joe's head. "There's a special tube. You don't have to worry about any of that though. Not until you're older."
"I am older." Joey points out. "I'm four!"
"Mm, I know." George sighs. "My little boy. Four years old..."
"I can still remember when you were in mommy's tummy." Clay spreads his arms as Joey wiggles onto his lap, wrapping them around him once he's settled. "And when you were born. You were teeny tiny."
"How small?"
George moves his hands apart, remembering his size. "This small. I used to be able to hold you in one arm like this."
Joey tips his head. "Will the new baby be that small?"
"Maybe smaller, maybe bigger." Dream rubs his thumb along George's bump. "We won't know until they're here."
"At Christmas?"
"Not yet darling. Remember? Baby's coming in February."
"But that's ages away."
George nods. "I know it feels like it, but it's not really."
Joey reaches out and touches George's bump as well.
As if on cue, the baby kicks, and Dream smiles.
Time passes too quickly. Christmas is gone, and so's New Years, marching steadily towards the due date.
Dream's... feeling a little stressed.
Last month, he'd felt fine, prepared, ready to have another little one in his arms any moment.
Right now, he's panicking.
Maybe it's Joey's recent chicken pox, maybe it's the fact George is having false contractions already, maybe it's any combination of things; all Dream knows is that he feels far too unprepared, no matter how many times he cleans the nursery, or runs through the birthing plan.
"Babe." George stares at him from the bed as Clay runs about like a headless chicken as he packs the hospital bag.
"Mm?"
"C'mere idiot. You're stressing out again."
"No, no, I have to-"
"Come here."
Dream drops the bag, and sits next to his husband, hand automatically moving to his stomach. George meets it there, his palm settling over Dream's knuckles, keeping him anchored.
"Hey dumbass."
"Hi." Dream puts his head on George's shoulder. "I don't know why I'm so worried."
"That's okay. Maybe you need to start taking it easy. We've done this before Clay. We know what's coming. We're way more prepared than we were last time, and we were already pretty good then."
"I just... Want everything to be easy."
"It kind of is easy." George whispers, rubbing his thumb along Dream's hand. "It's always been easy with us. Everything turns out okay."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
Labor starts after Dream drops Joey off at kindergarten.
Labor ends after midnight.
It's always been hard to see George in pain, suffering and screaming, and it had been hell watching him writhe in discomfort as their daughter seemed to be much harder to push than Joey had.
It had been hell to see her come out of George unbreathing, face slightly blue, umbilical cord around her neck. Dream's heart had plummeted, he'd started shaking, and George was yelling with a hoarse throat, demanding he see her, demanding she be okay.
Raspy breaths and cries were choked out after the doctors unravelled the cord and tapped her foot, but they still refused to let George hold her, instead whisking her away to be hooked up to a machine, breathing apparatus, the like.
They didn't leave the hospital for two days. Over those two days, they saw their daughter only a few times through a glass pane. Dream still had yet to cradle her. George still hadn't nursed her.
George couldn't stop crying, pleading with nurses to see his baby properly, hold her close. Clay desperately asked that, at the very least could they please go into the room and see her, even if it was just for a moment.
The doctors stood firm. George cried harder. Clay struggled to remain level headed, had difficulty trying to be George's rock.
They were updated, of course they were. Doctors and nurses claimed she was getting better, then she was getting worse, she was stabilising, she was crashing....
They didn't leave hospital for two days, and over those two days, they'd already had their hearts broken a dozen times over.
But it was okay.
She was okay.
When she was finally safe and sound in George's arms, hungrily lapping up her first proper meal, Dream allowed all of the emotions he'd been pushing down to bubble to the surface, tears of anguish and fear and pure relief flooding him.
"She's alright." George warbles. "She's here, she's safe, she's alive."
"Our baby. Our little girl. Thank god." Dream's voice is cracked, and he just clutches George tightly, until their daughter is pulling away from George's chest, blinking.
"Hi gorgeous." Clay coos, sniffling. "Gave us quite a fright."
"We love you so much. So much." George whispers. "Mommy and daddy are here. We've got you. You're okay now."
She gives them a little burble in response.
Joey gasps when he sees little Bea in their mother's arms, eyes comically wide.
"That's her?"
"This is her." Dream confirms. "Your little sister. Bea."
"... Hi." He whispers. "I'm Joey. Your big brother."
George rocks her, and looks at their son. "What do you think?"
"So small." Joe stares, and shifts in Clay's lap. "Cute."
"She is cute." George agrees, and runs his hand through her wispy blonde patch of hair. "I think you two are gonna love each other very much."
"Yes." Joey turns to look at Dream. "Daddy. Do you like her?"
Clay laughs softly. "Of course I do. I love her so much. Just as much as I love you."
"... Like all the universes?"
"Like all the universes." Dream kisses his cheek, and watches his son twist back round, cooing at his sister.
@Sapnap
the idiots asked me to tweet and tell everyone that their daughter has arrived and that they will b active when they stop fussing over her
@Sapnap
i have received twelve phone calls of dream going 'my kids r so cute, theyre holding hands, george is so great etc.' help me
@Quackity
replying to @Sapnap
this isnt fair i havent had ANY calls i dont even know the babys name yet :(
@Sapnap
replying to @Quackity
they just love me more
@KarlJacobs_
replying to @Sapnap
this is CUTE ur just mean
@Sapnap
replying to @KarlJacobs_
i know. maybe i should get a baby
@Sapnap
i am going to acquire a baby
@BadBoyHalo
replying to @Sapnap
... how?
@Sapnap
replying to @BadBoyHalo
>:)