Archive of Our Own

Dream was infuriating.

“I swear to god- stop Dream! You wouldn't!” George yelled, looking over his shoulder at the grinning blonde chasing him around the couch.

“Dream- stop!” George shouted, pushing the blonde over by the shoulder and laughing loudly when he fell on the couch with a thud.

Dram didn't listen though, just grabbed George by the waist and pulled him back down to fall on the cushion next to him. Dream pressed his hand against George's side, and he flailed. He kicked his legs out, screeching with laughter, barely trying to push the blonde off of him despite his yells.

“Shut the fuck up guys.” Came a grumble from the hallway and Dream finally released his hold and looked at a sleep rumpled Sapnap.

“It's six fucking o'clock.” Sapnap said slowly, eyes still closed.

“Sorry man.” Dream swallowed, sitting up on the couch and finally letting George sit up too, who was now breathing heavily from being fucking tickled of all things.

Sapnap eyed them both carefully, watching George's uneven breaths and Dream's flushed cheeks. 

“What were you guys even- you know what- I don't even care.” Sapnap sighed, turning his back on the living room and walking away.

George waited for him to turn the corner before he turned to the blonde with a glare.

“That was your fault.” George poked him and Dream just snorted in response.

“Was it now? If I recall, you were the one running around whining ‘oh Dream you wouldn't- you would never’.  You were asking for it George.” Dream rolled his eyes and George just scoffed at the high voice he used to imitate him.

“That's not what happened idiot.” He shook his head and crossed his arms across his chest.

It was quiet for a minute and George's breath was finally even. He eyed the pile of dishes next to the sink and the blankets littering the floor. He glanced to the blonde who's hair had seen better days, but at least he was here. To see him like that, to be able to be awake at this hour with him in person, and he just felt so- content.

“We should probably sleep.” Dream interrupted George's thoughts and stood up with a huff, he caught himself almost telling him no. He wanted to call out and ask to watch a movie- make their long night last just a little bit longer.

“It's morning now though. We should just wait- more efficient." George hopped up, chasing after the boy and stopping him with a hand on his shoulder.

The messy haired blonde turned and met his eyes with a small smile. 

“More efficient? You miss me that much George?” Dream grinned, almost cockily and George wanted to wipe that look off of him.

“No. Well. I only got here a couple weeks ago-”

“It's been close to two months.” Dream corrected.

“Semantics. Come on- lets- we can watch Netflix.” George pouted, pleading with the boy to just stay awake for a few more hours.

Dream watched him for a moment, then he released a sigh.

“One episode.”

One season later and George was finally tired. he had smartly kept the boy awake, keeping him occupied with snacks and breaks that were just tasks to get his energy back up. Maybe it was all elaborate- maybe a little too much just to keep him awake, but it felt justified to him.

He feels like he just got Dream- he didn't want to waste a moment doing boring things like sleeping anymore.

Nevertheless, he eventually did drift off and after a couple hours of much needed sleep-though it was still boring- he woke up next to the blonde and laid there for a little too long watching tik tok and listening to the blonde’s soft snores. And after his back was stiff from laying down for so long, he finally got out out of the bed and headed down to the dirty kitchen- or well used- George liked to call it. 

George rubbed his eyes sleepily as he jogged down the stairs and was met with a fully awake Sapnap hurrying around the kitchen. 

“Hey, you're up.” Sapnap smiled, pulling frozen fruit out of the freezer to add to his already half filled blender.

George hummed a response and poured himself some water, brushing shoulders with the brunette as he plopped himself on a barstool.

“You were in Dream’s room, huh?” Sapnap spoke up, glancing at him curiously and George shrugged.

“Yup, watching a show.” George answered quietly, groggy from the morning time- or his morning time, and confused by the boy's sudden curiosity.

Sapnap hadn't really cared this much before. Not enough to ask what he was doing at night, and not enough for him to know he was usually with Dream. 

“You've been in his room loads since you've been here.” Sapnap commented, pouring a splash of milk into the blender.

Okay, apparently he did know.

“Mhmm- you jealous Sap?” George joked instead of questioning why he even knew that and he just shook his head.

“No- but," Sapnap sighed, looking to George with careful eyes, "George, I've been wondering. Have you and Dream ever, I don't know, talked about-” Sapnap let out an incoherent mumble that he couldn't quite make out.

“Sapnap, spit it out.'' George demanded, sitting up straighter and watching the shorter boy with narrowed eyes.

“Have you ever talked about being together- or liking each other?” Sapnap asked like it was an innocent question. Like it was normal and George shouldn't be taken off guard that his friend thinks- oh god.

“No we haven't, why would we? What the fuck?” George laughed incredulously and Sapnap snorted.

“Don't act like it's crazy- the whole dnf shit and you guys- you guys are different.” Sapnap shrugged and George couldn't believe this.

“The dnf shit? Really? Sapnap, this is Dream we're talking about- and me.” George lowered his voice now, scared the blonde was going to over hear them.

What was Sap on about- thinking he and Dream were actually-? What the fuck.

“You guys are perfect for each other.” Sapnap mumbled and George just scoffed.

“This is- this is ridiculous.” George laughed angrily and pushed himself off his stool and stomped up the stairs to seek validation from a sleepy blonde.

George stormed into the room he was just sleeping in and shook the other boy with no care or sympathy- just shaking him awake and yelling his name.

“George stop- calm down- what.” Dream grabbed his hands and shoved him away, scooting up in the bed and opening one eye slightly to stare at him.

“What?” He asked sharply, clearly annoyed he was woken up and George couldn't even blame him, but he was too worked up to care.

“Sapnap. He thinks that we- that we like each other.” George told him, mortified, and Dream just stared confusedly.

“What?” He asked again, running a hand through messy hair and resting his head back against the headboard. George stared at the expanse of his throat, the stubble that went down and immediately shook himself out of it once he realized what he was doing.

What the hell.

“That we- want to fuck or something.” George spoke with no filter and Dream spluttered.

“What- George- he has to be kidding.” Dream’s voice was rising and George was glad he didn't feel as crazy anymore.

“He didn't sound like it.” George grumbled.

“Okay- but, George, do you like me like that?” Dream smiled and George- for some reason still unknown- raked his eyes down the blonde's long body.

He stared at his sweat clad thighs and his wrinkled sweatshirt that covered his chest and George tried to remember when he had seen him with a towel wrapped low around his waist- he needs to stop. And when he met wide green eyes he coughed.

“No- gross.” George looked away but didn't miss the way Dream cleared his throat.

“Then there's not a problem.” He answered.

“I guess not.” George frowned.

That night was awkward- to say the least.

Sapnap was sprawled out on one couch and was occasionally eying the other two that were sitting with a cushion of space between them- which to be fair- was out of the ordinary.

George hated that Sapnap had to make him think. Make him imagine Dream like that- because he knows it's weird, he knows it's wrong to even think about it as a weird hypothetical.

But now with the tension in the room and the cushion of confusion between him and Dream- it was almost impossible not to.

George has never even liked a guy before- he's barely been in a real relationship before as is, but he knows Dream likes guys. He's been progressively vocal about that in the last year and George was always so happy for him that he was figuring stuff out.

But in the last couple years all George has been thinking about is how to get here. How to be here with his two best friends, and he's never even sat down and thought about it much. He didn't think he had to.

But with Dream- he didn't see it. He couldn't see himself kissing him- or wanting him and yeah- Sapnap was crazy. Smart maybe for putting all this crap in his head, but crazy nonetheless.

Thank god- okay he didn't like Dream.

George looked over to spare a glance to Sapnap and met his eyes that were narrowed.

George glared back childishly and Sapnap just smirked and glanced over to Dream and then back to him.

George mouthed, ‘shut up’, but the brunette just laughed.

“The kid died, Sap.” Dream called out, appalled that Sap would laugh at such a scene in the movie and Sapnap looked at the TV in surprise.

“Oh shit.” He gasped dramatically and George wanted to laugh too, but was too annoyed to let himself. 

George met questioning green eyes and he just shook his head and turned before his cheeks turned pink.

“Okay,” Dream spoke up, pausing the movie with a huff and looking at the two of them, “What happened today?”

“I already told you.” George rolled his eyes and heard Sapnap let out a surprised laugh.

“That's what this is about? Over that?” Dream laughed along with Sapnap and George just groaned with a small smile.

“Sapnap thinks he knows shit- and he doesn't.” George accused, pointing over at him with a finger.

“You guys would be together in a week if I locked you in a room together.” Sapnap declared and he saw Dream’s eyes widen and look at George.

“Sapnap- what?” Dream almost whispered.

“Come on guys, you’re made for one another and you guys share a bed half the time!” Sapnap shouted out of passion and George rolled his eyes at the out of context, but still truth of what he said.

“It's just easier! We watch the same shows together.” George countered.

“Easier? George, come on. There's no way you've never even thought about doing something- making out even! There's no way that you haven't, even for one second that you were in there?” Sapnap questioned and George suddenly felt like he was under questioning, he might as well hold a lamp up to his face.

“No!” George yelled out, mostly out of instinct, and hopefully out of honesty.

“Bull. Shit.” Sapnap spat and George huffed.

And maybe out of a moment of weakness or maybe defiance, George stood up and said something so unbelievably stupid.

“I'll prove it.” He demanded.

“Prove what?” Sapnap leaned forward.

“That I don't want to be with him- that I don't like him, and that I really don't want to fucking kiss him.” George ranted and Sapnap smiled like that's just what he was waiting for.

“Ok. Christmas then. Dream goes to his mom’s for the week.” Sapnap leaned back like that was all he had to say and George just gestured with his arms for him to continue.

“Go with him. For the week- and be together.” Sapnap smiled and George just shook his head in confusion.

“Sap.” Dream spoke up after being quiet for a while and George looked at him, he had almost forgotten he was even there. Too swept up in the argument and wanting to prove him wrong.

“You know she would be okay with it Dream- and look. If nothing is going on between you guys then it's just a fun trip- nothing to worry about, right?” Sapnap asked innocently, as if he wasn’t pushing two of the most competitive guys he knows.

“I'll tell her we're dating.” Dream cuts in and George snaps his head towards him, shocked.

“Really?” He leans in, trying to read Dream's eyes for any sign of discomfort but only finds a hint of something else. Something exciting.

“I'll do it.” George agrees and Sapnap barks a laugh.

“Great- but you guys have to be together- holding hands, sharing a room- kissing if you have to. All of it.” Sapnap leaned his elbows on his knees and George felt his stomach swoop and his ears go hot.

“Right. Of course.” George nodded.

“I'm down.” Dream nodded to him and George swallowed and looked to his feet instead of the watchful eyes.

He really doesn't know what he just signed up for.

Shit. 

George didn’t know what to say. After finishing the awkward movie, George followed Dream silently to his room and shut the door quietly behind him. 

He could feel the blonde thinking and it was unnerving honestly 

“Are we really going to do this?” George spoke up and Dream just shrugged, opening a dresser drawer and digging through it 

“I don’t know why not. Do you?” Dream turned around with a pair of shorts clutched in his hand and waited for George to answer. To see if he would back out. 

He wasn’t sure if he didn’t want to back out to prove both boys wrong or if he just didn’t want to back out at all

“No, it’s not going to be weird right?”

“It probably will be. My mom won’t take much convincing though, she thinks we’ve liked each other for years.” Dream mumbled nonchalantly like that wasn’t so fucking weird. 

“What? Her too?” George asked, sitting on Dream’s bed and watching him go into the bathroom and shut the door with a click 

“Yeah. It’ll be fine, we don’t have to do anything we don’t want. This isn’t a contract George.” Dream spoke through the door and George rolled his eyes even though he couldn’t see. It was the principal of it.

“Obviously.” George mumbled, going to speak again but stopped at the sound of pants hitting the ground in the bathroom. 

It was hard to not to picture it. To imagine the blonde slipping his shorts over his bare legs. To imagine him running a hand over his beard in the mirror and debating shaving it or not.

And it was hard not to want to go in there and beg him not to. 

He looked better with it. That’s all. 

George turned to the messy bed and tried to think about the last time he slept on his own. His room has been mostly untouched since he moved in, only going in for the bathroom and his clothes that were just piled on his bed, wrinkled beyond repair. 

He never thought it was odd, them sharing a room. Just a convenience thing. It’s not like they’ve ever woken up spooning or anything- they always kept their space, sharing the blanket with little to no arguing and it was all normal. 

But maybe it’s more normal to just leave Dream’s fucking room.

“Hey Dream?” George called out. 

The bathroom door opened and Dream came out with freshly brushed teeth and a moisturized face. 

He hummed in question. 

“Is it okay that I stay in here all the time ?” George asked quietly. 

“Uh- yeah of course. You know I don’t mind.”

“You wouldn’t say if you did.” George pointed out. 

“Maybe not, but I really don’t. It’s comforting, knowing you’re there. And we were always on the phone before you moved- so I like you being here.” Dream explained and George sighed in relief. 

“Okay. Good.” He nodded, pulling down the cover and climbing into the cold bed that he hoped would warm up soon from their body heat. 

Dream followed suit and smiled at him quickly before tossing the remote over. 

“When do we leave for your moms?” George asked, shifting farther down and snuggling into one of Dream’s pillows. 

“Two days.” Dream whispered. 

“Oh.”

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Are you sure it’ll be okay if I'm there?” George asked, zipping his bag shut.

“George, she's so excited that I'm starting to feel like shit.” Dream shook his head and George laughed awkwardly.

“We’re in deep now, aren't we?”

“Afraid so.” He nodded, grabbing his own bag and George’s and heading down the stairs.

“And once I told her you had nowhere to go for Christmas, she went into full mom mode.” Dream laughed, heading out the front door and locking it behind them.

George laughed in response and squinted his eyes in the bright sun. It was odd, being sixty degrees a week before Christmas, George was trying to get in his head that it was okay to be festive without there being a chill in the air.

He turned back to Dream and noticed his soft, red Christmas sweater that had snowflakes embroidered across the collar and it suddenly felt right.

He could be festive as long as Dream was there, decked out in red and green and blasting winter wonderland through the car speakers.

This week wouldn't be weird, nothing was going to happen, Sapnap is wrong. He has to be, because this is Dream and that's all that really matters.

“Heads up, Drista is here.” Dream announces once he pulls into a driveway easily. Parking in front of a two story beachy looking house and looking over at George and he relaxed at the sight of Dream, who finally looked nervous for the first time in days.

“Oh god. This is so stressful Dream.” George buried his face in his hands for a second, groaning quietly.

“It’ll be fine. Hopefully- at least we’ll have a good story?” Dream shrugged, laughing lightly as George snorted.

“What- to tell our kids?” George joked stupidly.

Dream stared at him like he grew two heads.

“Uh- yeah. To be fair- would be a good story to tell- yeah.” Dream smiled, turning the car off and opening the door without another word.

George shook his head, trying not to linger on that thought too long and followed suit, opening his door and shielding his eyes from the sun, following the tall boy to the blue front door.

He stood at Dream's side and almost jumped when a hand came to fall on the small of his back.

George looked at him weirdly and Dream smiled confidently.

“I hate-”

“Clay!” A yell came from the opening of the door and George was met with a girl about his height, hair the same color as Dream’s and smiling widely at him with familiarity.

“And George.” She smirked, holding a hand out and George shook it carefully.

“Drista. Nice to meet you.” George nodded and she snorted loudly.

“Drista, okay. He's still calling you Dream huh? So weird.” She shook her head at both of them and opened the door so they could file in behind her to meet a gorgeous living room.

George never really imagined the other boy's childhood home, just always pictured him cuddled up in a desk chair and yelling at a computer screen.

It was all white couches and warm décor. Green plants littered every corner, and it all felt very Dream. George smiled up at the blonde for two seconds before he was met with an older woman walking toward the three of them.

“George, Clay. You're here!” She smiled wide and pulled Dream and him into a shared hug, swaying from side to side.

“I'm so happy you’ve come, George, Dream told me about you guys- and it's just so nice.” Her smile didn't falter, just green eyes boring into his own with so much happiness that this all felt like a horrible idea.

They shouldn’t have done this, they shouldn’t have let Sapnap get to them and make them agree to something so fucking dumb.

“It is, thank you for having me.” George smiled anyways, taking in her own Christmas sweater that almost matched Dream’s own.

“Clay's room is upstairs if you want to get settled, and you, leave them alone for now okay?” She pointed an accusatory finger at Drista and she held her arms up in surrender, smiling cheekily.

“If you say so mother.” She saluted sarcastically and George hid his smile from the disapproving woman.

“Stop it with the mother- it's ridiculous.” She grumbled.

Dream laughed, grabbing their bags and patting his mom on the shoulder, “I don't know mother, I kind of like it.” He added, and George couldn't help but let out small laugh.

“Go to your room.” She sighed.

“Gladly, let's go George.” He wrapped the arm around George that wasn't grabbing the two duffel bags and Drista gave them a look of mock disgust.

“Gross- keep the door open. Tell them mother!” She called out and he heard a laugh from a different room sound through the walls.

“I don't mean it like that- shut up.” Dream poked her side and she punched him back.

“Sure you didn't.” He heard mumbled as they made their way up the slightly creaking stairs and to the second door on the left.

“Here it is.” Dream greeted the room with cautious eyes and George looked around with curiosity.

There was the desk he imagined, shoved in a corner next to a dresser and a green comforter covering a small bed that he definitely barely fit in anymore. 

“Cute.” George smiled and Dream stayed quiet, sitting on his bed and letting their bags drop on the wooden floors.

“The bed is fucking small.” Dream laughed.

“Sounds like your problem.” George shrugged, noticing Dream's thinking eyes and his jumping knee.

“We have to share- so it's both of ours.” 

“What? Oh shit.” George for some reason almost forgot, they were together. Or at least had to pretend they were. And that meant sharing a bed, sleeping next to one another, and look, he knows it's nothing new, but Dream had a king sized bed back at home.

He definitely didn't have this tiny, full sized bed that he knew Dream struggled to sleep comfortably in even by himself. They were never this close, never had to be, George didn't want to be.

“We’ll make it work.” George reasoned, swallowing hard.

“Really? No arguing or arm wrestling to decide who has to sleep on the floor?” Dream asked, wide eyed.

“Do you want to do that? I'm not sleeping on the floor if I lose.” George crossed his arms and didn't miss the small smile Dream gave him.

“No, I just didn't expect you to give in.” Dream explained.

“Look where we are, what we're doing. This is nothing at this point.” George shrugged easily and Dream just stared.

“Okay, if you're sure.” Dream picked at his blanket.

“I am.” He assured.

George wasn't sure if he was as confident as he was acting. The whole bed thing, despite what he said, wasn't nothing. It was a lot, and he wasn't sure how to feel about it. How he should feel.

“Do you like it George?” Dream’s mom leaned forward, smiling eagerly as George swallowed a mouth full of mashed potatoes.

“Very good.” He mumbled, smiling despite his full mouth.

“He’s had mashed potatoes.” Drista pointed out unhelpfully and his mom rolled her eyes.

“He hasn't had mine.” She smiled easily and George just smiled carefully in return.

“Best I've had.” He complimented, and heard a sound of protest next to him.

“I thought mine were pretty good.” Dream spoke up from beside him and George laughed.

“Eh- they were fine.” He teased, narrowing his eyes at Dream and smiling softly at the blonde.

“You're an idiot.” He spoke quietly, moving an arm easily to George's hand and interlacing their fingers on the table.

George flushed embarrassedly. Dream seemed fine, annoyingly enough, smiling easily at Drista who was babbling about some girls at her school and his mom nodded and added a reply or two to the ridiculous story.

And George- he was staring at their hands. Watching Dream trail a finger across his knuckles and squeeze firmly periodically through Drsita’s story, George couldn't focus on anything else.

“George, does your family have any Christmas traditions?” Dream’s mom asked after who knows how long, sipping on her water.

“Um, besides decorating the tree, not really.” He replied, clearing his throat.

“Oh, Clay, you should take him sledding.” She nodded towards the curly headed boy and he grinned.

“Sledding? It's seventy degrees.” George stated, confused.

“We go sledding on the beach, there's this hill, it's really fun.” Dream explained and George shook his head at the thought.

“Florida people are weird.”

“Inventive.” Drista spoke up.

“You sound like Dream.” George joked.

“That's the worst thing you could have said to me.” She glared, smiling afterward and taking a mouthful of chicken with the grace of a five year old.

“George, do you want to watch a movie?” Dream whispered, leaning in close and squeezing his fingers that he almost forgot the boy had a hold of. 

“Yeah- sure.” George agreed easily, feeling weirdly agreeable because of his sweaty hand.

“We’re going to head to bed, thank you for dinner mom.” Dream smiled, pulling George up with him and finally letting go of George’s hand once they stood.

Thank god. It wasn't like he didn’t like it because he weirdly did. But the whole dinner he felt like he was in a trance, fallen into a coma just because of a hand. A nice hand to be fair.

George followed said blonde silently, not talking until he changed into sweats in the bathroom and made a spot in Dream's small bed, tucking a pillow behind his head.

“My mom really likes you, I can tell.” Dream said once he took his spot next to George, their thighs pressed together sending a warm jolt through George's stomach.

“She does? I feel like I barely said anything.” George laughed breathily, but Dream just shook his head.

“You were perfect.” He whispered, and the soft tone of his voice made George turn to meet green eyes. His breath catching at the soft eyes looking at him- different, new. 

George held eye contact for a moment, then another. Then he coughed.

“Well- the movie.” He looked away, staring at the TV that was tucked at the end of the dresser, playing a Christmas movie he didn't think he'd seen before.

They watched for a while, maybe fifteen minutes before the blonde got fidgety, like normal. George eyed him, amused, and reached a hand out to still his twitchy fingers without thinking.

Dream stilled for a moment, before grabbing the fingers and holding them wordlessly, stroking them mindlessly and holding them tight. George could barely breathe.

“You looked terrified- earlier.” The blonde spoke quietly.

“Hm?” George hummed, watching big fingers still on his hand.

“When I grabbed your hand, you looked scared. Not like we're dating.” He continued.

“Oh. I'm sorry.” He spoke dumbly, too distracted to think.

“Maybe- uh. Maybe we should- practice.” Dream stuttered and George finally started listening.

“Practice?” He asked quietly.

“Yeah- so we don't look caught off guard. Or uncomfortable.” Dream whispered, staring at George's hand that he hadn't let go of.

George wasn't sure what he was getting at, he didn't know if he wanted to find out. But his mouth seemed to do the talking for him.

“Ok. Practice what?” George spoke.

“Holding hands?” Dream offered after a beat of silence.

George squeezed Dream's hand, reminded him they already were and watched his cheeks flush red.

“Right,” he coughed, “touching- then?” He asked, leg shifting closer to his and an ankle came to stroke against his own.

George let out a shaky breath.

“Touching- like- like what?” George whispered, avoiding looking at him, eyes pointedly on the movie, breathing deep.

“Like this.” Dream wrapped an arm under George's head carefully, slowly, but deliberately until his hand reached his upper arm. He squeezed gently then ran a hand carefully down the skin under his t-shirt sleeve, leaving a trail of goose bumps behind.

He knew deep down that this was pushing it. And he knew he shouldn't be feeling whatever he was, but he decided to ignore it and just keep pushing.

“What else?” George asked. He knows he shouldn't, he knows this is weird and dumb, but-

Dream hooked their ankles together, bringing George's leg to rest slightly over his own, the warmth was nice. The way Dream’s hair tickled his ear was addicting. George hated that he never noticed his smell before, never noticed how he smelled of watermelon and mint. His hand was soft, tracing patterns now against his skin and George, he really wanted to brave a glance at him.

“This is- uh. It's something." George laughed, his cheeks pink and his hands shaking.

“Are you- are you okay with this?” Dream asked, his face was close, too close now that he turned, he could smell his fresh breath, could see the faint freckles on his cheeks. It was so distracting.

Why was this affecting him so much? He shouldn't be shaking and struggling to breathe, this was Dream. This would be over in a week and they would all laugh about this, they would. He didn't fucking like Dream, he didn't.

“It's just practice.” George shrugged, turning back to the movie and letting go of Dream's hand, pulling it back to his own lap.

It was quiet for a bit. Frighteningly so.

“Just practice.” Dream sighed, moving his leg away slowly and leaving George feeling cold.

This will be over in a week. It had to be.

George woke up on the end of the bed, one arm hanging off and the other one tucked under his head, completely dead from sleeping on it. He looked behind him sleepily and sighed in relief when he saw an empty bed.

He couldn't face Dream right now. He couldn't see his soft morning face and his rough voice. Not after yesterday, not after seeing Dream so- soft with him. It was annoying that it was making him feel shit. Making him question things he would have never felt otherwise. He's pretty sure at least.

Friend Dream and this Dream were just different. Friend Dream was always loud voices and obnoxious jokes. Full of life and harsh touches, annoying George to no end and it was the same the other way around. A friendship of teasing and care, but not this.

Not soft touches, and small smiles. No stroking against his skin that made him blush. It was so new that it felt wrong. George stroked his own arm that had been traced by Dream the night before, remembering how the comforting touch was so nice, how warm it made him feel. 

Maybe it's just been so long since he's been held that he feels like that, but as tried to imagine being like that with Sapnap- just for an experiment- he knew it was different. He couldn't feel that with Sap, that would be wrong, so wrong. 

This just felt new.

George shot up once the door opened slowly and was met with a tall blonde.

“Brought you coffee.” Dream smiled warmly, setting a steaming mug on the bedside table and George was once again met with that feeling. He hated that it was kind of exciting.

“Thank you.” George smiled, too tired for a snarky response to ease the tension.

“Want to go sledding?” Dream grinned.

The beach was warm except for the small breeze that flew through their hair. It was all beautiful, a large hill that led down to a small beach overlooking the mostly clear water. George looked up at the blonde and watched his curly hair fly in front of his eyes, large hands coming up to push it off his forehead. 

“Okay- so I’ll climb on the back since I'm heavier, and you just sit in front of me, okay?” Dream spoke over the sound of the waves and wind and George nodded, excited.

Dream climbed over the sled, legs straddling it and plopping down so he was on the edge. George followed suit, swinging a leg over and sitting down in front of the boy. 

“You have to scoot back.” Dream whispered in his ear now and George flushed, happy he couldn't see him.

George carefully slid back, his back meeting Dream’s warm front, sending a chill down his spine despite the heat from everywhere else.

“Okay, on the count of three, I'll push.” Dream whispered and George nodded readily.

“Let's go!” George yelled, tucking his feet up and grabbing onto his own knees. 

“One,” Dream’s arms wrapped around George’s waist, “Two,” Dream tucked his face over his shoulder, hair tickling his neck, “Three!” Dream shouted, his legs kicking off and curling around George's body on the sled before they hurdled down the hill.

The sled flew down the hill easily through the sand, the ocean quickly approaching them as the wind blew the sand through their messy hair. Dream’s laugh was almost deafening in his ear and George was laughing along with him loudly. They didn't stop until their breath was knocked out of them as the sled came to an abrupt stop in the wet sand, both boys falling out of the sled and toppling onto the ground with more laughter.

“Oh my god.” Dream laughed, clutching his stomach and rolling over on the sand closer to George who was still breathing hard.

“That was cool.'' George smiled, laughing again, flushing at Dream’s arm that wrapped around his stomach and then pressed to the sand on the other side of him to prop himself up.

“You have fun?” Dream’s teeth were white and perfect, staring down at George menacingly. His mouth seems to be all he could focus on. 

“Yeah.” he nodded, breathlessly.

“Sand looks good on you.” Dream commented.

“What-?” George looked at him confused but then quickly realized what he was doing.

The blonde reached a hand out and grabbed a handful of sand, bringing it right back to George and dropping it right on his chest with a wet plop.

“You fucking-”

Dream immediately screamed like a girl and jumped up, running down the beach and looking over his shoulder, laughing maniacally. George threw sand helplessly at his back, trying to catch up to the blonde.

“Stop!” He called out helplessly.

“Fine.” Dream said, stopping abruptly and way too fast for George to slow down and instead he hit his firm back with a thud.

“Ow.” George groaned, falling onto his back and he watched Dream flop down beside him, shoulders touching.

“I beat you." He breathed hard, his head turned to watch George stare right back, his green eyes had never looked so- pretty.

God, this was bad. His eyes weren't pretty, Dream wasn't pretty. Except he kind of was. Shit.

George traced his eyes down his jaw, across his eyebrows that he shouldn't be drawn to. He glanced at his lips for a second too long that Dream had to have noticed. Was this part of the deal, was he allowed to look, was he allowed to enjoy this?

Because he looked so radiant, and that realization sent warmth through his body.

He felt as hot as the sun that beamed down on them, casting the blonde in a sun kissed light that seemed to suit him so much. 

Glowing, beaming with light that he wanted to be able to enjoy.

Because he was so radiant, in every way, the curve of his smile, the creases by his eyes as he smiled over at him, the way he loved openly, he was lovely.

He never thought love could be so open until he met Dream.

He felt his stomach swoop low when Dream reached a hand over to trace his hand that was in the sand. 

Had he been feeling this- how couldn't he have noticed this feeling in his stomach. 

He always thought the myth of butterflies was too good to be true, but with the swooping he was feeling, he finally believed in something besides the boy in front of him.

George was terrified. Terrified about what this meant, if it meant anything at all. But the most terrifying thought was that Sapnap might be right. 

George was breathing hard once they made it back. George had excused himself almost immediately and locked himself in the bathroom as Dream watched him with a frown.

“Shit. Shit.” George groaned, running hands through his hair and watching himself in the mirror. He must be losing it, he must be a complete idiot for letting this whole thing work on him. Was he that easily swayed? Or was Sapnap just right?

Is it even possible that he could be feeling this so fast, how couldn't he have noticed? George thought back over the years, tried to remember every little moment where he had maybe felt something close to this. But maybe he was always reading everything wrong.

Maybe he's loved him for years. Maybe this gut feeling, the swirling and the sickness he feels has been there along and he chalked it up to what he had for dinner.

Maybe the flush he got when he looked at him a little too close was actually fondness instead of the harsh wind. 

Maybe the sadness he felt whenever he inevitably had to leave was longing instead of just being scared to be alone.

Maybe he's been in love and he’s been too fucking stupid to realize it.

George had calmed down, mostly. Him and Dream were tucked into the bed again, a movie playing in the background as they both scrolled through the phones in comfortable silence.

George wanted to convince himself he wasn't feeling anything. Because really, it was embarrassing that it only took him two days to realize Sap was right.

“Nick just asked how it's going.” Dream said. Speaking of the devil, George thought bitterly.

“Tell him to fuck off.” George grumbled, trying to spare a glance at the blonde’s phone.

He leaned in closer and stopped once he realized how close he had gotten. How he almost felt the boy's stubble against his cheek. God, what he would give to feel that- okay. How had he not realized he wanted this? Because now, with the blonde curled into bed with him, it was all he could think about. 

“He asked if we've made out yet.” Dream snorted and George just let out an awkward laugh, flushing at the thought.

“What did you say back?” George asked, faking amusement, trying so hard to not give himself away. That with one look, Dream will know what George is thinking. That he really does want to kiss him. 

“I'm still typing- calling him an idiot.” He mumbled.

George watched his side profile, watched as he took his bottom lip through his teeth, biting before he released it, his mouth looked shiny and soft.

He wanted to know, he needed to know what it felt like. What he tasted like. George was sure he would regret this, that Dream would look at him like he was disgusting, but the words just tumbled out of his mouth without remorse.

“Want to prove him wrong?” George whispered, his breathing stopped when Dream’s hands stopped typing and met his eyes.

“What?” Dream swallowed.

Shit. He knew he should stop pushing, but he really couldn't stop himself.

“Let's kiss- just to say we did it.” George shrugged, trying his best to fake nonchalance. Like he wasn't dying to press his mouth against Dream’s, like he wouldn't give up everything just to feel him. 

“Just to say we did it, huh? You really want to?” Dream whispered, his voice dropped a couple octaves and George's eyes shut against his will.

“Yeah.” He breathed, keeping his eyes closed in the tense silence, waiting for anything to happen. It was probably his fault when he felt a hand on his cheek and he jumped back slightly. His eyes shot open and green eyes looked at him for reassurance. And two seconds later, with one small look, Dream understood.

Then his lips brushed against his.

The faintest feeling, the brush of his mouth lingered there. One hand came to rest at the base of George's neck, another resting on his jaw. George breathed shakily, bringing a hand to his shoulder and holding on like a lifeline.

And then, finally, lips pressed against his own. A soft, firm pressure that George couldn't help but press into. After seconds of just the firm press of lips against his own, Dream leaned back with the soft sound of their lips separating. Dream opened his eyes to meet his brown ones, and he wanted more, more and more.

He wanted him to lean back in and keep kissing, never stop. He wanted him to cage him in and never leave this dumb, small bed.

Dream just stared at him, not leaving his position and George, he couldn't take it. Without another thought he surged forward and pressed their lips together, a hand sliding through curly hair and tugging him closer. This was more, more urgent and sure and Dream made a noise against his lips that made George open his mouth to slide his tongue against Dream’s.

Dream finally pushed George against the bed, his head resting on the pillow, and his hand trailing down the blonde's back to get him closer, he wanted him touching everywhere, wanted his firm body against him, just to feel him.

Their lips moved messily, Dream not slowing down as he stroked a hand down George's arm, back up to his jaw and angling his head up, moving down to kiss his neck. He trailed kisses from his jaw down to his collarbones, back up to his ear that had George throwing his head back with a groan.

“God- George.” Dream whispered, sucking against his neck lightly before molding their lips together easily, their tongues meeting messily with a fever that George hasn't felt before. He's never wanted to kiss someone as much as he did with Dream. He never felt quite like this, with Dream’s body pressed against him. It was too much.

“Dream, Dream.” George gasped, pulling him back by the jaw and was met with dark green eyes that just made him want to pull him back in.

“What? Are you okay?” Dream asked breathily, stroking a hand on his cheekbone with a softness that was so him.

‘Yes, yes. I just- I need, I need a second.'' George breathed, shifting carefully in his pants that are definitely tighter than they were ten minutes ago and felt Dream nod against his neck.

“That's probably a good idea.” Dream laughed breathlessly, moving back to lay next to him, leaving a kiss on his neck softly.

George sighed, stressed but yet, so content and warm. He shouldn't have kissed him, he shouldn't have done that knowing- knowing he felt more than he should. It was wrong, and weird. And it was practice for god's sake. George was stressed, because this was messy, and complicated, but George wanted to do it again.

And that thought was scary. Because it was supposed to feel weird, kissing your best friend. But this, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

“I think we should keep practicing.” Dream whispered and George couldn't help but laugh.

“Yeah?” George looked at him, secretly pleased he liked it as much as George did. He just felt completely terrified that it only meant more to him, more than ‘practice’. He let himself hope for a moment at his words. Hoped that this could be something more. But as the silence continued, George's smile fell.

Just because George came to this stupid revelation hours before, didn't mean Dream ever will. it didn't mean Dream knew what was going on in his head, and it definitely didn't mean he could ever feel anything for him at all.

George’s hope dwindled completely as Dream rolled over, wishing him a goodnight without another kiss, without another brush of his fingers against his arm. It was almost cold, and George felt a wash of disappointment flush through him. Washing away any butterflies and warmth that he had felt that day. 

And all he wanted was to chase that warmth.

George woke up with a pit in his stomach. The bed was empty once again, and George was angry, and sad, and all he wanted was to punch Sapnap in the face for making him come here. For making him want to defend himself, persuading his competitive side to come out and want to win.

He hated him, because he lost. He lost badly. 

He wanted Dream, and that was that. Because its one thing to just want to kiss someone, but that's not what George was feeling. After the blonde had turned around, acting like nothing had even changed, he knew. He knew he wants the blonde tight in his arms and to whisper against his skin. He wanted everything. It's a weird revelation to have after years of friendship. Makes you wonder if you've felt it all long or if you've fallen along the way. Trying to calculate each intention you had, if you reacted that way years ago because of jealousy or something else entirely.

If you stayed in his bed for convenience or if you just wanted to be close, if he chased Dream’s presence because it felt different than with other people. Because one truth he knows that hasn't changed, is he wants his attention more than anything. Want his eyes on him and no one else.

How has he not realized he's so possessive of the blonde. Realized that he's so beautiful. He’s so dumb, so stupid, and he felt so hopeless.

George sighed, getting up slowly and getting dressed. He took his time, brushing his teeth methodically, wasting time and procrastinating seeing the blonde.

After half an hour, he had to emerge. So he walked down the stairs quietly, meeting the living room with a blonde on the couch. Not the one he is avoiding thankfully, but a small blonde that was smiling snarkily at him.

“George, morning.” Drista smiled, setting her phone to the side.

“Hey, is Dream around?” George asked, even though he didn't really want to know, but he wasn't sure what to say.

“You'd like to know wouldn't you?” She snorted, “No, they went out for a bit.” She smiled.

“Oh.” George said dumbly.

The silence was tense for a couple minutes, George took a seat on the other couch and picked at his sweats anxiously.

“You know, I never thought you and him would get together.” Drista spoke up, making the brunette's head shoot up, eyes wide.

“Yeah?” He swallowed.

“Mhm, he talked about you so much. For years, it was annoying. He always said it wasn't like that- that you wouldn't be into him.” Drista laughed with a wave of her hand and George furrowed his brows.

“That I wouldn't be into him?” George asked, trying to confirm he heard that right. Did that mean- did that mean he felt- something?

“This was years ago to be fair, so I don't know. He definitely was crushing hard dude. It was embarrassing.” She rolled her eyes with a small smile and George did his best to return it.

Years ago, she said. Did Dream like him back then? Could that even- no. Drista must be confused, twisting his words now that she thinks they're together. There's no way.

“That sounds like him- always embarrassing.” George agreed, awkwardly coughing.

“Something we can agree on.” She nodded.

“Yeah. So-” George stated but then the front door behind him clicked and opened, revealing two blondes smiling at him.

“Hey, good morning George.” Dream’s mom smiled warmly, arms full of grocery bags and she retreated to the kitchen. Dream smiled at him too, following his mom wordlessly.

“I hate to admit it though- you guys are cute. So don't break his heart or I'll kill you. Okay, bye!” Drista waved, hurrying up the stairs and George didn't move until he heard her door shut in the distance.

This whole thing was getting complicated, his family was so nice and George felt like an imposter. He hated to think his family would hate him after this, for lying to them.

George turned around after hearing footsteps come up behind him and was met with curly hair and pretty freckles.

“How are you doing?” Dream whispered over his shoulder, felt the brush of lips against his neck that made George swoon.

“Uh- I'm fine.'' George tried to smile, turning to meet close eyes. Way too close.

“I bought a gingerbread house for us to build.” Dream plopped himself next to George easily, throwing an arm around his shoulders like it was nothing. Like this was normal and he hadn't just turned over after they had fucking kissed like it was nothing.

“Sounds like fun.” George answered distractedly, because despite how annoyed he was, all he wanted was to lean in, to connect their lips like the night before and forget everything else.

“I'm going to go wash up and then we’ll do it?” Dream grinned, standing up and leaning over him, quickly kissing his cheek and leaving without a response.

George let out a breath once he turned the corner and slumped farther into the couch.

He’d rather be in a coma at this point.

“Okay, this is so fucking messy.” George laughed, squeezing a tube of frosting on the side of the makeshift cookie wall as Dream opened the little baggies of candy, pouring them into bowls for easier use.

“You're doing it wrong.” He mumbled back at him.

“No, I'm not.'' George disagreed, smearing the frosting and holding together the walls, praying they'll stay up. 

“You are, but it's fine.” Dream smiled, a hand coming to touch his side teasingly, lovingly maybe. It was so domestic It made George want to yell at him.

“Whatever.” He mumbled back, cheeks red. 

He was now working on putting the roof on, and it was going pretty well if he did say so himself. It was slightly drooping when he was done, but Dream didn't seem to care, stepping closer to start his decorating on the side.

“You should do gumdrops.” George commented, pointing at his dumb sprinkles that he was pressing onto the roof.

“I like these.” Dream said, knocking George's hand out of the way as he went to reach for the other candy.

“The gumdrops are better.” George demanded, reaching once again and being stopped by a hand tight on his wrist.

“No they aren't George.” Dream argued, meeting his eyes with an annoyed look. It only made George want to keep pushing.

“Yes. They are, Dream.” George assured, voice serious and clear and it was making Dream- impatient. Annoyed. It was infuriatingly hot.

“God- you're such a brat.” He sighed angrily, not letting go of his wrist, instead he slightly pulled him closer, standing to full height and slightly looking down at him.

“I'm not.” George shook his head, looking up and with one small smile, stomping on Dream's foot, hard.

“Agh, George- I swear.” Dream groaned, releasing his grip, sadly, and bending over in pain.

George, still feeling ornery, reached for the bowls of sprinkles and unceremoniously dumped them over icing that had spilled around the house, creating a makeshift candy floor.

“See. Better.” George smiled and Dream looked at him like he was going to blow.

“You really want the gumdrops that bad?” Dream said, leaning close.

George nodded.

Dream looked at him and then grabbed the bowl of gumdrops, pouring them into his mouth and chewing loudly, he ate every single one, watching George the whole time who was just smirking, enjoying the sight of Dream looking so dumb.

“You think you're so smart.'' George mocked, stepping even closer, feeling the heat from the blonde's body and staying put, watching Dream swallow his last bite and frown.

“Now you can't have your stupid gumdrops and I can't have the sprinkles- it's fair. Let's call a truce.” Dream sighed, the smell of sugar coming from his lips, giving George a very very stupid idea.

“I don't know. Maybe I can still have them.” George shrugged innocently and Dream frowned again.

“You can't- I- they're gone, I'm pretty sure.” Dream stumbled, eyes raking over his face, trying to find an answer in his facial expression.

“They are- but maybe I can still taste.” George looked up and Dream let out a soft, “Oh.”

George let a hand trail to his jaw, angling his head down slowly, smelling sugar and the faint smell of minty shampoo. 

After teasing touches and brushing faces, Dream was the one to close the distance, pressing their lips together and letting their tongues meet immediately. George moaned, tasting the gumdrops and sugar on his tongue, digging his hands into a hideous Christmas sweater.

Dream pressed George against the counter, his hips pressing into his and letting hands trail down his back, resting on the curve of his ass, tugging him closer. George felt desperate, wanted Dream to lift him up and touch him, but they were in the kitchen, in his fucking mom’s house and then everything seemed to come back to him.

“Shit- your mom.” George pulled back, head falling back as lips came to kiss down his throat.

“Why are you talking about my mom right now?” Dream mumbled, making a laugh fall from George's mouth.

“Anyone could walk in.” George buried a hand in his hair, pulling him back by the roots and eyeing red lips, flushed cheeks, dark eyes.

“You're right.” Dream nodded, pressing their mouths together and kissing him deep, soft, slowly, before pulling back and resting his forehead against his shoulder.

“You're a really good kisser.” Dream whispered and George flushed at the compliment.

“You are too.” George talked quietly. 

He wanted to pull him back, wanted to keep kissing him for as long as he'd let him, but he wanted a room, needed privacy. 

“Later- we’ll uh- we’ll keep practicing?” George questioned softly, feeling Dream kiss his neck lightly.

“Yes- yes. Practice more.” Dream nodded.

They stayed like that for a moment, just Dream’s body slumped over him, holding him close and he didn't want to ever leave. Wanted to stay with sugary Dream, keep tasting him, learn what made him moan, what he liked.

George wanted to voice this- almost did, when the kitchen door swung open.

“Boys- oh. I'm sorry.” She smiled warmly, just watching their embrace that must have looked intimate, domestic maybe. 

“I was just going to start on dinner.” She spoke quietly and Dream finally removed himself from George, opting to stand next to him and wrap an arm around his back.

“You're fine, we were just heading out. I might take him to see the lights.” Dream told his mom, speaking of plans he hadn't heard about.

“Oh, yes, they're gorgeous George. You guys have fun!” She grinned widely and both flushed boys walked out to the living area.

“Uh- I'm going to grab our jackets- uh. I'll be back in a second.” Dream stuttered, avoiding eye contact and walking away without another word.

“Uh- okay.” George called out, confused at the sudden awkwardness. After making out and holding each other for who knows how long- here he was being cold. Again.

George sighed, trying to talk himself out of punching Dream, himself, or the most tempting, Sapnap.

Decked out in hoodies and hot coffees, they both walked along the gravel path. Lit up by lights hanging from tree to tree, giant Santa’s smiling wide along the path. It was festive, he’ll give him that. 

“Here, this is my favorite part.” Dream grinned, grabbing a hold of his hand and walking over the wooden bridge, a tunnel of lights surrounding it, shifting from color to color as winter wonderland played from speakers. 

George looked over to see the excited blonde, his face lit up green and red, smiling wide, letting go of his hand and pulling his phone out to take a short video. 

“Georgee.” Dream called out, turning his camera to him and he smiled softly, looking back ahead and wanting nothing more than to grab his hand again. 

“Hey, can we sit somewhere?” George spoke up. There were people all around, crowded wherever they went and George needed to sit for a minute. Collect his thoughts and breathe. 

“Yeah, come on.” Dream grabbed his hand like he read his mind and led them off the path and through the grass towards an empty bench, a small arch over it decked out in more twinkling lights. 

“Are you okay, we can leave if you want.” Dream consoled him, wrapping an arm over his shoulder and scooting closer. Must be from the cold. Chasing warmth out of only necessity. It made George angry, but when he looked at warm green eyes something else surged through him. 

He felt possessive, he had already noticed the inevitable few people staring at the blonde as they walked, hoping to get his attention and George wanted to yell at every single one of them. He wanted to tug him down and kiss him in front of everyone, he wanted everyone to know they couldn't have him. And George was taken a back for a second, realizing that feeling was always there, lingering in the background. Every time he dragged him away from a call, begged him to watch a show in his bedroom, he wanted him alone, all to himself. Nothing had really changed at all. Fuck.

“Dream.” George whispered, finally looking over at Dream and he met worried eyes. 

“Kiss me.” He urged, begging for the blonde to lean in. 

George was about to retreat, about to say he was kidding after seconds of just blank staring but then his eyes closed as lips collided with his own. 

George sighed against his mouth, relishing in the warmth of the other boy, the way he raked a hand through his hair and didn’t move back. George pushed back more, just wanting and needing, he was dizzy with want. 

“We’ve got to stop doing this in public.” Dream laughed against his lips, going back in and kissing softly. 

“I thought that was the point.” George gasped at Dream biting his lip harshly and whispering a sorry against his lips. 

“Is it?” Dream asked, not letting go of him, hands brushed down his sides and George’s couldn’t let go of his neck. 

“Just shut up.” George whispered and relaxed after he actually listened, just kissed him more and George never felt so warm. 

They had kissed for a while, hoping no one saw them, because that would be a fucking mess. They had completely forgotten about that, that people could recognize them, he was too swept up in the feelings. In Dream.

Dream had a hand on the small of his back and led them through the front door that George, regretfully, was dreading. He wanted desperately to go back to their house, to find a bedroom where they could be alone.

And maybe it was hope that made him think Dream would like that too. That this was something real. 

They walked in and the house was dark, his mom and sister assumedly in their beds already. George felt calmer, following Dream back to their room. They changed into pajamas without a word between each other. Just small glances and a smile from Dream. 

“So- uh. I liked the lights.” George commented first, staring at the blonde who looked amused. 

“You did? Is that why you insisted on making out the whole time?”  Dream laughed and George flushed. 

“I didn’t see you complaining.” George shrugged. 

“Oh, I know.” Dream smiled, stepping closer to George and grabbing his elbow lightly, tugging him a step closer.

“We’re alone now.” George pointed out dumbly. Hoping for something.

“So we are.” Dream sighed, a hand tight on his jaw leans him up and in two seconds there were lips on his. Pushing, pulling him in closer, Dream pushed George back until his thighs hit the bed, falling back with a thud. Yes.

Dream ran a hand down his side, hoisting him up farther and leaning over him, a thigh between his legs and arms propping him up over his body. 

George brought his hands to his back, sliding up his loose t-shirt and tugging him down more, sighing when his body pressed against his and George felt how hard he was against his hip. 

God, he was never going to stop wanting this, was he?

“Oh god.” George moaned, and Dream was kissing across his collarbones, sucking lightly and George wanted more skin. Wanted to see him and touch and taste. 

“Off.” George whispered, tugging off Dream’s shirt easily and dragging a hand down his chest. 

“George.” Dream pulled back and looked at him for a moment distractedly before continuing to kiss him messily, and George continued his movements, trailing a hand down through the sparse hair on his stomach, letting a finger tuck into his waistband. 

“Whoa.” Dream backed off, leaning back and staring at George with wide, dark eyes. 

“What?” George asked, confused and so so turned on. 

“You were just-“ Dream looked down to his crotch and then back to George with questioning eyes. 

“Yeah-“ George started. 

“I thought this was just- this is just practice right?” Dream shook his head in question and George went white. 

“Oh. Well- god Dream.” George huffed, pushing the blonde off of him and standing up quickly. 

“If you think this is just practice still, you’re dumber than I thought.” George spat, grabbing his hoodie and shoes and slamming the door shut behind him, not caring as to who he woke up. 

God, how could he be so fucking stupid. Thinking this was more, that Dream would want him like that. As more than a fake boyfriend and make out buddy. He felt like an idiot, felt so heartbroken that all he wanted was to run. Far away. 

He shut the front door quietly, and walked down the sidewalk, closer to the beach where they had gone sledding just a day or two before. Before he really messed things up. 

George collapsed once he hit sand and stared up at the sky. He wanted to yell at Sap, but more than that he just wanted to talk to him. 

He pulled his phone out with a huff and hit the call button on his now smarter friend's name. 

“Sap. I think I hate you.” George whispered once his friend spoke up. 

“What?” He murmured, probably waking up from sleep. 

“This is your fault, pushing me to come here and do this- knowing I was so fucking gone for him- that I loved him. You’re an ass.” George’s voice was rising, he tried to take a deep breath, tried to rationalize everything. 

“Oh shit. Well- I didn't know you loved him George.” Sapnap rushed out, sounding regretful. 

“I didn’t know either and I was fine like that! I didn’t need to know, I didn’t want to! Now everything’s fucked Sap.” George groaned, burying his head in his knees. 

“You would have known eventually. I’m sorry though.” Sapnap apologized and George took a breath. 

“I’m sorry. It’s not your fault. Kind of.” 

“I’ll take partial credit.” Sapnap snorted and George smiled despite all the annoyance and anger he was feeling. 

“So- what happened?” Sapnap asked gently. 

“A lot of kissing.” He answered bitterly. 

“Shit. Then what’s-“

“We’ve been calling it ‘practice’ .” George grumbled and he heard a sigh of realization come through the phone. 

“I thought tonight- I thought it was different.” George explained, reliving the moment- Dream‘s confused eyes and his body backing away. 

“I’m so fucking embarrassed.” George groaned. 

“It’s Dream. You guys will work it out.” Sapnap added, trying to be positive. 

“I don’t think I want to. I want him, Sap, I want everything.” George admitted, relief filling him from finally saying it out loud. 

“I’m sorry.” Sapnap whispered and George just nodded. 

He was too.  

He fell asleep on the beach. Of course he did. 

George let out a groan, pushing himself up and brushing the sand that was caked onto his cheek. 

“Oh no.” George looked at the sunrise in the distance and was flooded with remorse. He didn’t mean to fall asleep- and shit- Dream.

Yeah- his phone is dead. Shit shit. 

George stood up slowly, not even caring to shake the sand off him and jogged down the sidewalk, starting the half mile walk back to the house. 

Soon enough, he saw the familiar door and knocked on it hurriedly. Almost immediately the door swung open and he was met with Dream. 

“George.” Dream grabbed him by the shoulders and hauled him into a hug. 

“I’m sorry.” George whispered and Dream just shook his head. 

“Where did you go? I went out looking for you when you didn’t come back to the room and I couldn’t find you anywhere.” Dream ranted and George took in his red rimmed eyes and frizzy hair. 

“I went to the beach. Where we went sledding.” George told him, looking down at his damp sweats and sandy feet. 

“Idiot.” The blonde sighed, pulling him in for another hug.

He held him for a while, and George let him, let his even breaths calm his own.  

“Merry Christmas Eve by the way.” Dream whispered. 

“Is it?” George stepped back, he needed distance between them. Needed room to think. 

“Yeah, we’re going to have a big dinner, watch movies too.” Dream smiled warmly and George smiled with him. 

It sounded nice. A day full of noise and distractions from Dream. He needed that.

“Is Drista awake?” George asked, out of nowhere. 

“Uh- I think so. Why-“

“Thanks.” George left him standing dumbfounded in the living room and jogged up the steps, knocking on a door a few away from Dream’s. 

“Come in.” A voice called out and George peeked his head in to see the girl cross legged across the floor, a book open in her hands. 

“Oh. Hey George.” She greeted him, setting her book down next to her and waiting for him to do something. Or say anything really. 

“Uh- can I hide in here?” George asked quietly and she snorted loudly. 

“Away from Dream? Fine by me.” She shrugged, leaning against the side of her bed as George sat in her desk chair on the other wall. 

“Are you guys fighting?” She asked bluntly. 

“No-no. I just- this is all a bit stressful.” George half lied, relieved once she nodded with understanding. 

“Meeting the family. Sounds stressful. Mom loves you though.” She smiled and George felt red with shame and also pride.

“I’m glad. What about you- you hate me?” George joked, watching her cock an eyebrow up in mock deliberation. 

“You’re- okay. Passable. The best Clay can do by any means.” She smirked and George let out a loud laugh at that. 

“True.” He agreed, crossing his arms and wishing Dream could see that too. To feel it too. 

“Want to play switch? There’s soccer.” She asked, standing up and reaching for the controllers. 

“Football.” George corrected with a finger. 

“Oh shut up British boy.” She groaned and George laughed, grabbing a remote and forgetting about dumb Dream. At least for a bit. 

After Drista won five times, and George two, which she made him very aware of, Dream’s mom was knocking on the door and calling them downstairs. 

“I totally crushed you.” Drista said once they walked into the kitchen, knocking him in the arm and he just shook his head in amusement. 

“Whatever- you obviously have more practice.” George waved her off. 

“What did she crush you at?” Dream questioned from his spot on the other side of the bar and George looked at him and coughed awkwardly. Looks like a few hours of video games won’t in fact make him get over his best friend. Bummer. 

“Uh- soccer. Or shit- football. On the switch.” George stumbled. 

“Ha! He said soccer!” Drista shouted with joy and George threw his head back in exasperation. 

“You’re slipping George.” Dream shook his head in fake disapproval and he choked at his soft tone. 

He was slipping. Slipping farther and farther in love with the idiot blonde. 

“Yeah. My fault really.” He shrugged, eyes focusing on green eyes and red lips that were quirked up in a small smile. 

Dream’s mom came bustling in with tons of DVDs and decorative Christmas plates and scattered them across the bar. 

“Okay the cookies are in the fridge Clay, and George, since you're the guest you can pick the movie.” Dream’s mom smiled at him and moved out of the kitchen again and towards the living room. 

“DVDs? You guys are living in ancient times.” George commented, sorting through the different movie selections and picking one he liked to set it aside. 

“Yeah- it’s tradition. Gives it that Christmas feel.” Drista grinned, snatching a cookie from one of the plates that Dream was arranging the sweets on. 

“Hey-“ Dream swatted her hand away and she just laughed. Waking through the swinging door and joining her mom. 

George tensed at the sudden silence and the tension that filled the small room.

“Uh- George. Can we talk?” Dream spoke up once the kitchen was empty and George went cold. 

“Talk about what?” George played dumb, playing with the DVD in his hand and pointedly looking at the floor. 

“About last night-“

“I think they’re waiting for us,” George interrupted, “We should go out there.” George nodded, walking out of the kitchen without another glance. 

Maybe that was juvenile but George didn't care. He didn’t want to talk about it right now. Or maybe ever. 

“What did you pick George?” Drista smiled easily at him and George let the tension release from his shoulders. 

“Polar express.” He answered. 

“Sick.”

Dream joined a bit later, cookies placed on the coffee table and a warm body sunk into the spot next to him, keeping his distance for the first time in days. 

It hurt more than it should. And as if on cue with his thoughts, the blonde leaned in. 

“I think we need to be closer.” George heard whispered into his ear, they were about half way through the movie now and George let out a shaky sigh. 

“Why?” 

“Because. We’re dating and we look like we’re in a fight.” Dream spoke tensely. 

“We’re not dating. And we are.” George looked at him quickly, then back to the movie. 

“We’re fighting?” Dream whispered. 

“Mhm.” He hummed, crossing his legs under himself and tried not to look over at a pouty Dream. 

He tried not to, but then he met pouty green eyes, and caved like an idiot. 

“Here.” George held his hand out bitterly and held back his fondness when Dream smiled and interlaced their fingers. 

“Merry Christmas.” Dream leaned in, lips on his ear and George couldn’t help the goose bumps that trailed down his arms. 

“Eve.” George smiled. 

After a long dinner full of juicy turkey and warm potatoes they made their way up the stairs quietly and did their night routines. Changing and brushing their teeth before piling into the bed, and switching the lights off. 

“I need more blanket.” George complained, tugging the blanket more off of Dream so he’d be covered more and sighed, content, and then Dream huffed. 

“Stop stealing.” Dream pulled it back and George kicked his foot out, colliding with the boy's calf. 

“George- this isn’t going to work.” He sighed, “Just let me scoot over, we’ll be warmer-“

“No- stay over there.” George warned him with a glare. 

“You haven’t cared any other night- what’s gotten into you?” Dream questioned him, eyes light with desperation. 

“I don’t want to touch you.” George said slowly. 

“You- what? Is this because of yesterday?” Dream asked and George just shook his head. 

“If I touch you- I’ll kiss you.” George admitted with flushed cheeks. His heart was hammering, hands were shaking. And Dream looked at him with the calmness that was so cool it made him shiver. 

“Then kiss me.” Dream said. 

“No.” George answered, turning over and staring out towards the dark room. He could feel Dream staring. 

A hand came to his waist lightly and George was on fire. 

“Please turn around.” He whispered and George sighed, trying to will himself to stay put. To not be persuaded, he couldn’t kiss him again knowing it didn’t mean as much as it did to him. 

“I can't Dream.” George spoke quietly and when the hand slid off his waist he sighed. 

“Good night.” The blonde whispered and George just cuddled farther into his pillow and closed his eyes. 

Peppermint and hot cocoa were the first things he smelled Christmas morning. 

And unfortunately, it was the blonde, leaning over him and shaking him awake. 

“Santa came.” Dream smiled with the joy of a five year old and George whacked him with a pillow. 

“Five minutes.” George begged. 

“If you don’t get up- Drista will do something stupid.” He warned him and George smiled despite his tiredness. 

“Okay, okay.” He gave in, sitting up and allowing Dream to hand him one of his god awful sweaters to slip on and pulled him down the stairs. 

George blinked blurredly at the sight of the presents underneath the glowing tree and smiled warmly. 

“Here.” Dream handed him a mug of hot chocolate and guided him to the end of the couch to sit beside him. It was nice, a living room full of music and chocolate. It was all so comforting despite everything he was feeling.

“Present time!” Drista pumped a fist in the air and their mom chuckled, standing up and leaning down towards the tree to pick up the first present. 

George watched for a while, Dream got a sweatshirt and a bunch of candles, Drista got more games and clothes. Their mom opened a nice necklace that she seems to love. George was content with watching them all open their gifts when Dream nudged his side gently.

“Here.” Dream whispered, handing George a small present with his name written small on the corner of the paper. 

“Is this from-“

“It’s from me.” Dream smiled. 

“Oh.” George looked back to the present and opened it slowly, tearing the paper off and revealing a small box. 

He looked up wearily and saw three sets of eyes on him and he swallowed. 

George opened the box revealing a small chain, a bracelet, and looked at Dream who looked so cutely nervous. Eyes darting and fingers fidgeting.

“It’s a bracelet. You can see it- sorry. Do you like it- I wasn’t sure if you would or-“ George stopped him with a light press of a hand on his fidgety hand. 

“I do. It’s pretty cool.” George smiled wide, making Dream aware of how much he actually liked it and he could visibly see his shoulders relax. 

“I uh- I got you something too. It’s upstairs.” George told him awkwardly and got up to run and get it. It was really stupid now looking back. He got this for friend Dream, it was a dumb gift that looked so insignificant compared to his.

“Oh gosh.” George said embarrassed, grabbing the big box from the closet and hauling it down the stairs and right in front of watchful eyes.

“What the hell did you get me?” Dream laughed, helping George with the box and setting it in his lap. 

“It’s dumb.” George mumbled. 

“I’m sure-“ 

“No. It is.” George assured and Dream smiled warily. 

He opened the wrapping paper off and paused once he saw the picture that was printed on the side. 

“You got me a juicer.” He deadpanned, looking at George with raised eyebrows and a small smile. George went into defense mode.

“You like juice. And you always use that stupid handheld thing that takes ages- I just thought-“ George tried to explain his reasoning for this awful gift but Dream stopped him. 

“No, I like it George. This is actually really- it's nice. You pay attention, I didn’t know that.” Dream smiled, shaking his head in what looked like shock. 

“Of course I notice, it’s you.” George answered without thinking. It was a little too honest. 

“Oh.” Dream paused. 

“You guys are disgusting.” Drista called out from under the tree where she was opening the last gift and he just laughed. 

“I really do like this.” Dream said once again and George slapped his arm playfully. 

“Ok- you don’t have to talk it up.” George laughed and Dream shook his head. 

“I wasn't, I wasn't.” He wheezed, a hand clinging and squeezing George’s leg without thought and he didn’t even notice how much George was affected by it.  

He stared at the boy with all the affection he’s felt for probably ever. He didn’t even care about hiding it for that moment. Because he looked perfect, adorned in a fuzzy sweater and a smear of chocolate still on the corner of his mouth that he wanted to wipe away more than anything. 

And suddenly, he wanted to tell the blonde how much he felt. He needed to know, because George was sure there was no going back now. 

“Let’s talk later.” George smiled and Dream looked at him, perplexed. Wondering what the hell was going through George’s head. 

George wish he knew.

After presents, and a big lunch full of awkward stares and touches, they made their way to the same beach they had gone sledding at. The same beach that George ran to and slept on to get away from him.

And now here was, dragging Dream to the very same spot to ruin everything. 

“It’s so pretty here.” Dream sighed, sitting on the top of the hill and looking back at George with warm eyes. 

“It is.” He agreed quietly, taking a spot next to him and folding his hands in his lap. 

He had to just talk- tell him everything.

"Dream- I need to tell you- but okay, shit, that night. I- look," George took a stuttery breath, "I didn’t agree to this whole thing knowing Sapnap was right.” George started, trying to get his words and thoughts sorted but it seems he accidentally started with the most important bit. 

“What-“

"Just hang on." George closed his eyes, annoyed that he was shaking so much, annoyed he couldn't calm down. And of course Dream just knew, reaching a hand out to grab George's own, interlacing fingers and smiling softly, urging him to continue. 

George took a deep breath, looking back to the ocean, “Okay- uh, all of this practicing, it’s just been an excuse for me. You have to know that right? That I just wanted to kiss you? I didn’t know until we came, or I didn’t realize.” George stumbled through his words and felt a squeeze at his hand. 

And that pushed him to keep going.

“I really like you Dream- love you. All of it. So after the lights when I thought you felt the same- I tried to go further- and you stopped me. And it just- it broke me.” George explained, jumping when a hand came to his knee. 

"And Drista said something about you liking me- years ago. I know she was probably confused but- I let it all get to me. Let myself hope- for you." George shook his head, looked back to waiting eyes that were so patient in that moment.

“Can I talk now?” Dream smiled, letting his hand stroke his leg with ease.

“If you have to.” George grimaced, and Dream still smiled.

“When Sap was saying all that shit- I knew it was a bad idea. I already knew this would go bad.” Dream started and George deflated a bit. 

He couldn't hear this- couldn't hear Dream let him down easy. 

“And then you wanted to kiss me. You did. So I thought- in whatever way I’m going to get you- I’ll take it.” Dream sighed breathily and George met his eyes. 

Did that mean-

“And then we kept kissing and it was so nice- so good George. But I didn't want to do anything further if it might not be real. It’s just- I’ve always loved you. For years- longer than I can even remember. So please tell me you're sure- because I know I love you. I'm so fucking in love its crazy.“ Dream's hand came to rest on his jaw, a thumb stroking over his cheekbone. 

“Oh.” George spoke eloquently. 

“Yeah- oh.” Dream laughed. 

Dream loved him. He did the whole time, George was the one who was so exponentially late. 

“Kiss me then.” George demanded, leaning in closer and smiling. 

Dream fondly shook his head and pressed his lips against his. Letting them stay there, letting them just enjoy this moment. 

Enjoy the relief of George’s heartbreak, let Dream relish in something he’s wanted just as long, probably longer. 

“Just to be clear- this isn't practice right?” George smiled up at him and Dream let his head collapse against his shoulder. 

“No. You absolute idiot." Dream laughed, arms coming to wrap around his body, holding him close.

"Loved me for years, huh?" George grinned, leaning back to smile cheekily at the blonde who just rolled his eyes with a smile.

"So did you- you were just too dumb to even notice." Dream leaned in to kiss him again, a long lingering kiss that made him feel like he was floating, flying through the wind and tumbling down the hill like they did days before. Deafening laughter surrounding them in pure joy and love.

"I really do love you." George mumbled against his lips and Dream sighed slowly.

I love you too- probably too much." Dream admitted.

"That's fine- I got you a juicer so were pretty even in terms of love." George joked, eyes bright.

"I'd say that does even the score out." Dream nodded, smiling.

"Good, I cant have you winning in this relationship." George poked his chest in warning and Dream threw his head back in loud laughter.

"Okay, so we're three seconds into a relationship now and its already a competition? I wish I was surprised." Dream smiled wide, throwing his hands in the air, exasperated.

"Keeps things interesting. And since I just announced we're dating- I'm in the lead." George announced cockily and Dream just leaned in to peck his lips.

"Fine- I'll catch up, don't worry." Dream countered.

"Doubt it." George mumbled, pulling the curly boy in by the shoulders and kissing him hard. Letting every ounce of desperation he's been feeling seep out, wrapping around the two of them in soft bites and harsh tugs.

Dream kissed down his neck, like he seemed to love to do, and George definitely didn't mind either. He let his hands feel stubble that he only dreamed about and pulled him back up to press their mouths together.

"George- you know what’s funny?” Dream whispered, pulling back and mumbling against the corner of his mouth.

George hummed in question, caressing his hands through curly hair and down a warm back, pulling his warm body towards him, to feel everything. To relish in this moment of knowing this is happening. Because just knowing that this is real is enough, Dream had loved him the whole time and he was just too stupid to realize it. 

“Sapnap was right.” Dream whispered, and George laughed loudly, already coming to this conclusion way too long ago. 

“And he’ll never forget it.” George concluded.