Chapter Text
« George Davidson. Where do I even begin? You are the most perfect being I have ever met. Since the moment you entered my life, you outshined everything else. You are my morning sun, and the stars of the night sky. I always considered myself to be good, and yet you have made me impossibly better of a man. You made me whole.
Dream spoke from the heart, as he remembers very well the moment George entered his life. It was a Tuesday, on a bright sunny day. The summer vacation had just ended and another school year had begun for the students of L'manberg. Yesterday had been back-to-school day. Students had been assigned their classes, timetable, and maybe a tour for the newbies. But that wasn't Dream's case. He was a sophom*ore.
Today, classes were officially starting. He'd rather not comment on the classmates he got. Eh, at least he got his best friend Sapnap with him. They both grew up in the country's capital city, and ever since they were eleven they were inseparable. They were those types of friends which if you were looking for one of them, then people would just tell you to look for the other as they'd be together for sure.
You would have guessed it, he loves his friends. Dearly. This is why on this wonderful Tuesday morning, first day of his sophom*ore year, he was walking to high school by his friend's side. Their first class was Geography, how cool is that? Not so cool actually.
When they arrived they had their little ritual to stop at Sapnap's locker — as it was closer to the entrance — before classes so they could wait for their other friend, Bad.
Oh, that was just a nickname! That guy may be named BadBoyHalo but he was the kindest soul ever. But this morning Bad was nowhere to be seen. It's odd, they weren't by all means early, they ran a couple minutes late actually — thanks to Sapnap having a "bad hair day"— and Bad was never late.
When Dream mentioned Bad's absence to Sapnap he got a surprising answer:
"Remember how the teacher was muttering to himself at some point during attendance yesterday? Well, there's some new guy joining our class today. He wasn't there yesterday because his flight got delayed or something"
Then Sapnap just nonchalantly turned back to his locker grabbing a couple notebooks, throwing some inside in return.
When asked how he knew all that he replied that Bad gave him all that information. And how did Bad get those informations? He had been deemed trustworthy enough by their teacher and therefore asked to give the new kid a tour to help him feel at ease in a new place.
See, told you he was the kindest soul ever.
As he got over the fact there would be no Bad today, he heard a familiar voice calling their names from not so far away. He then turned to see what it was all about, all while Sapnap's head comically peaked from behind his locker's door.
Dream smiled as he saw Bad waving at them before turning back and making some gesture to someone behind him.
That's when he acknowledged the fact someone was in fact with Bad. He tried to get a look at the person but he couldn't see much.
Though from what he got; a shorter boy was standing behind Bad, his figure being hid by their friend.
Dream got curious, that had got to be the new kid. Now he really wanted a peek.
Eh, don't blame him! Curiosity killed the cat...
But as Dream was finally about to see the boy much clearly, Bad stepped forward completely blocking his view again. Nevertheless he wasn't going to give up just yet... Until the bell rang and the students came swarming in the halls, rushing to their classes.
He was glad they didn't follow their leads that day; dashing through thick and thin to get to boring geography class.
From what he could still somehow perceive, the boy looked lost, looking left and right before he stared at the ground shielding his face with a mop of brown hair. It was almost as if he were out of place.
He could get that, moving to a new school couldn't be that easy. But he was a student of Enlighten High now, so he was rightfully in his place technically speaking.
Their school was nice, not posh or fancy, but people were educated and kind enough to understand. So surely he would shortly fit right in. Especially if he came from across the country, people would get curious.
When you came to the capital you'd never leave it. If you were born here, you'd die here. You'd understand why new blood wasn't common.
So lost in his own thoughts he nearly forgot about Bad. So when a voice rang right by his left ear he jumped a little. He must have looked stupid, like a lost puppy or something because he could clearly see Sapnap holding in a laugh, a malicious smirk on his face. In return Dream send him a stone cold glare to fight right back.
In the end Bad had just stopped in to let them know he wasn't gonna make it at lunch today. He didn't want to leave the new kid all alone.
From the precious information Bad had meticulously collected, that boy was seemingly really shy and reserved. Consequently he didn't believe he was ready to socialize with so much people at once, and it would be unfair and wrong to force the boy in that position.
They went along with it, fully grasping in the situation.
As amazing as chit chatting with his friends was, they would start to run really late if they kept going that way. So they bid farewell explaining they had to respectively run to their classes.
However they were held back by Bad asking them for one last favor, to get George to class with them. They couldn't refuse, they were kind at heart, future super heroes. Hence why Sapnap called the scared boy over with a loud voice and grand gestures. At least he was finally going to see the mysterious guy face.
On that tuesday morning, running late to his first class, on his first day of sophom*ore year, Dream would have never expected he was going to fall in love. Because that was the prettiest boy he ever saw.
Once Bad reassured the boy — now named George — he went off to class. All three of them proceeded to get to their own, Sapnap leading the group. Only then had the school day officially begun.
Whatever happened throughout the day, it was all wiped out by the souvenir of pale skin, glistening eyes, perfect brunet hair and plump pink lips.
They never got close, not even friends. They shared classes, maybe glances and that was it. He could only adore him from afar.
He was down so bad, yet he never wanted the feeling to end. Love was finally worth giving it a shot.
On his hand George also remember the first day he PROPERLY met Dream. To him it couldn't have been his first day at Enlighten high. Oh absolutly not. Their first encounter was in his mind, much more romantic.
Well, perhaps the word "romantic" wasn't quite adequate. He'd let the people be the judge of that.
Anyway, George and his family had moved to the capital of L'manberg Five months ago now. The reason wasn't necessarily financial, or an opportunistic one, no it was because most of his family was here. Surprisingly enough both his parents came from here, yet they had met each other on the west side of the country.
It was such a funny coincidence! They both came from the same place and they both decided to move to the same exact random place.
And heed his words he knows what he was saying and trust both "weird" and "random" does fit the narrative for nothing was really attractive to the west side if you came from the capital. It was calm, civilized and organized. Everything the capital was not.
His parents' very similar way of thinking had been apart from so long, but the world is one small, strange place. They were bound to meet one day. Bound to each other.
If you'd think from those fortunate events that the saying : "opposite attract", had been debunked, well on the other hand another one was proven right.
When you're born here, you'd die here.
To George it was almost scary. Was the town cursed or something? Probably not because first of all, it was scientifically impossible. Second of all, he had a way to prove it; because as much as this was big and new, he did not see himself live the rest of his days here. Or ever come back. — Because, yes, he was definitely going to leave sooner or later.
However, it was nice to have family around. And he guesses the place also had it's pros. For example the capital was home to the greatest technological, still on going, advancements and researches in the country, If not the whole world. That was pretty cool for someone as much into Science like him.
It was a great opportunity to study. Start to become someone finally.
If he didn't DIE along the way.
Like for example, just putting it out there, getting crushed by a speeding flying car while getting home from his aunt's cat café that had now become his way of income, this added to his monthly allowance.
Hypothetically of course. I mean, there was NO WAY that would happen. Obviously not. This was completely irrational. Almost laughable. The human's brain is capable of such precise and wild perspective, it's truly remarkable, fascinating even.
That never happened obviously. Because he didn't die that day. All thanks to him. The man who at this exact time, he didn't know would one day get down on one knee and promise him the whole world and more. Vowing eternal devotion through life and death, even beyond eternity itself. The man he'd die here for.
This has got to be a bit messy, right? Eh, He never was someone real neat anyway. No wonder his own mind is a mess.
It's fine, let's start this all over again step by step.
On that day George and his family had move back to the capital city precisely five months ago.
This allowed them to become closer to their own family all over again. From his father's side, to his mum's.
He had an aunt on his father sister, who owned a well known cat café in town. George liked to go there from time to time when he could. He loved cat. He even had one at home, a beautiful tabby cat with every shades of gray on his velvelty fur.
It was near his school, which was convenient, but a bit far from home. It would take a good twenty minute walk to get home from there. Not to mention that gigantic slop on the third street, leading right to the lousy and crowded avenue TDM.
As the owner's nephew, he always got a small discount and special treatment from the employees. It was like they were all one big family.
It didn't really surprise him, his aunt Flora had the sweetest soul ever. The love and care she had for the world, you'd feel in the sweet she'd bake each day.
When she didn't manage to sell everything, she'd either bring some home to her family, offer the rest to her employees, or even let the cats have a bite if they could — Although do not fret they were always kept away from chocolate and other well known dangerous ingredients such as milk — In the end if all that still didn't workout she'd would stop to donate to the homeless shelter from SMP street on her way home.
She had a husband, Roger a nice, but quite average man and three kids. Two teen girls, Lola and Lia, and one toddler, Ralphy — a sweet nickname for the name Raphael —, her only boy.
And yet even though she was now an accomplished mother with a family on her mind and a bed all to herself and her sweetheart, her nights would be dedicated to the cats back in the cafe.
The cat were kept in a special, perfectly safe room, with water fountain, food dispensers and cameras everywhere. If anything unusual were to happen, the small device on her nightstand would let her know immediately.
She had already sacrificed away so much sleepless nights on her kids, and now she had the cats. But that was okay, her years as the mother to three babies made her brain used to be subconsciously always awake, even when asleep.
Sure she was a cat's hero, but let's not forget to mention she was also the greatest aunt ever. Always the one giving the highest bills on big family events. Or the very first to wish anyone's birthday. She'd look out for her, now, old parents each Friday, allowing them a nice dinner with their grandkids.
This tradition of their even became a family tradition, meaning that everyone from his father's family was formally invited to partake in a nice dinner each Friday at George's grandparents house.
Of course the cooking was not given to one person only, especially not poor old grandma. In fact with the magnitude the situation took, they decided they'd make their own rules. Every family had to bring one dish. It could be hot, or cold food, homemade or bought, a desert or a drink. It did not matter as long as you didn't came empty handed. Finally at the end of the meal "volunteers" had to wash the dishes so the owner of the house could sleep easy.
But back to his aunt!
She was also the savior of mended heart. Listening to every lamentation, each cry, each fear and making the hurt, hurt a little less. She'd make the pain subsides or the worry fade away.
George loved her very much. Which is why he was willing to make the twenty minute walk home. — And also because of the cats, especially vanilla; a white cat with yellow aspect here and there —
So, one day when she put on the table the idea of him working here every Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning, he immediately jumped on the occasion.
You'd think it's crazy. A teen giving up their weekend to work? Especially in the mornings of all time? But let him explain!
Truly, everyone benefits here. She'd get to spend time with her favorite nephew — according to George's best judgement —
The others wouldn't be burned out by their one colleague who could not make it on those precise dates and hours, therefore making the team understaffed and overworked.
And George would get to spend time in his favorite place, finally experiencing the working world, earning money while being surrounded by adorable cats, isn't that just the dream?
It was a win-win situation however you put it. Screw those twenty minutes, and this hellish slop! — He really hated it though.
Today was a Thursday afternoon, after a school day, and George had just finished his shift. His aunt was doing the closing time today. It happened he would be put in charge of doing it, but only on rare occasion.
Work was always a great experience. He handled the afternoon rush pretty well for a newbie his age, and he had immediately fit right in with everyone. He never really messed up anyone order's and now he was even allowed to wait on tables too. But as an introvert it wasn't necessarily his favorite part of the job. Although it was good for him to step out of his comfort zone from time to time.
Today was a Thursday, and He had just pet vanilla one last goodbye as well as one last "meow" of good luck before bidding his aunt farewell as he closed the door and started his long and perilous walk home.
But today he didn't went very far however. About three minutes in, he was abruptly cut off. In the distance, somewhere he couldn't quite see, further in the street, multiple cars were beeping, honking, their alarms blaring throughout the road. And coming forward was the very distinguishable sound of police sirens.
He stopped, questioning what was happening and wether he should get back or not. He decided to keep going on, it was probably some kids playing outside. The police was there anyway, it was probably safe from here. Besides he really wanted to get home to his bed and his games.
Nevertheless, he quickly regretted not turning back when he heard heavy steps crushing the concrete, running towards him.
When he looked up he was met with some random bandit on a huge silvery metal machine, with enormous claws. It was ridiculous how badly it looked as if it were coming straight up from a spiderman comic book.
But then, they unfortunately made eye contact. He didn't have much time left to pounder when suddenly a car was lifted off of the ground and being thrown directly at him.
The car was coming dangerously fast and George had nearly no time to react, utterly confused by how the man did that. He had not even touched the car, let alone reached to it. It didn't make sense, He was the one with such capacities. Telekinesis was his thing. Therefore it was purely impossible that man had it too. Powers had no replica, everyone had their uniques owns. No one could bare the same ever. It would rip the balance and perfect harmony of the world.
But he didn't even need to save himself because just has he was about to stop the car with his own powers something, or rather someone, stopped it for him.
He dared to open his eyes and he'll never ever forget what he saw then.
Staring at him were two mesmerizing shimmering eyes. He guessed they were green, the prettiest shade he had ever seen. His rescuer had put him under his spell, he was at his mercy, captivated by his beauty.
The hood he had put on to conceal his face did no good with their proximity. He could see each delicate freckle on his warm beige face. Each curl of dirty blond hair flowing in the wind. The deep furrow of his brow in concentration. The worry on his face as his mouth went down with pursued lips. And the flex of his muscles, concealed by treacherous fabric, as he put that car back to the ground as though as it weight nothing.
Super strength. Wow that was hot. A bit basic, sure, but super hot.
Everything went so fast, less than a second perhaps, yet it's liked they had all the time they needed to communicate with each other through their eyes :
« Are you okay?
– Yes.
– Hurt?
– No.
– That's good. »
And the worry quickly washed away to let place to fluster. And fear to admiration.
When their eyes tore away from each other the mysterious boy went away, running towards the bad guy.
He watched him from his position to the ground, now hidden away behind another car. His heart was beating so fast and loud he could feel it coursing through all of his veins. It became the only thing he could hear among all the chaos.
He gripped it hard, truly feeling it now.
... So that's how love felt like?
Dream had fell first, but George fell harder.
George didn't know how to react. He felt so much at once, but couldn't put words to it. The scenario was a bit weird to say the least.
Dream was holding his hands, no he was clutching them, holding on for dear life, as if George would get taken away forever if he ever dared to let go.
He could feel his shaky breaths, and he felt scared. Was he going to propose?
No, he was breaking up with him, that was it, he got tired finally.
If George made him whole already then what was the point of keeping him around.
No, no! He was not about to lose the love of his life without a fight! ... But loving someone meant learning to let them go. Screw that, he couldn't lose Dream! He wasn't ready, he could never move on from such a perfect match, bound by heaven and all the gods from above, he was his one and only, his soulmate.
He wanted to scream and cry, laugh and yell all at the same time.
But he didn't. His voice failed him and all his stupid body was capable of letting out was one breathy, short, laugh accompanied by furrowed brows of pure confusion.
Thankfully Dream knew how to read him. He saw the worry hidden behind those eyes, the fear. It did not help calm his own nerve-wracking self, but he had to stay composed and go on. If not for himself, then for George. He'd do everything for him. He'd build their future with his own bare hands if he had to.
He took yet one last glance to the ground, looking left. One heavy breath later he was ready. He regained his composure and squeezed his boyfriend's hands, and staring in his eyes he added.
« – Maybe I should start at the very beginning of what we call "us". » He smiled.
But it wasn't that reassuring to George, so Dream went on
« – Like the first time I ever asked you out, when the narrative first started writing itself. »
After a sleepless night of tossing around George could not get the boy out of his head. He had seen him for what, three seconds? And he was already completely obsessed.
It wasn't his fault, there was just something about him. He knew him, he was sure they had already met before.
But where? He couldn't tell.
An external point of view would have made people think "it isn't that big of a deal, it's not like you'll ever met him again! Move on already, he knows you're thankful anyway". But that was stupid. It's such a basic, boring way of thinking. And those people would be missing an important detail anyway; If George had met him before, that meant he knew him from the only three places, he knows from town. And those would be :
- The cat café, it could be possible, he'll have to make sure to be hyper aware for the next few days in order to prove that tho.
- The parc next to his house, but that was very unlikely. He never had to talk to people long enough to have to look at them directly. It would only be small talk such as "sorry" or "excuse me" and such formalities.
- And finally school. Well that would be a good guess he supposes. It could be it, the thing is, he doesn't know nobody from his school. He is a complete loner who doesn't care at all!
Ugh, and he really wasn't up to analyzing people's face and risking multiple, embarrassing, eye contacts all day long for probably multiple days until he had found his lover boy yet.
Because, not only would he look like a creep — and kiss goodbye to his only hope at ever building a social life for himself along the way — but it would also be traumatizing for him.
Yeah, there was no way he was doing it. Although he wasn't going to just give up yet! He just had to think of alternatives. He could do that... Think, think, think.
Café, parc, school, parc, café, school, café, parc, school, school, café, parc.... School?
He shot up, seized his phone and turned the flash on, then ran out of bed towards his small book shelf.
He had tried at some point to organize it based of the length and width of books to maybe make it look good, but it just ended up being a mess of books scattered in every position and every place in a minimal space.
But the chaos of his room wasn't his problem, well it kinda was, because it didn't make it easier to find what he was looking for.
Although finally he got it, his hand gripping the spine of an average baby blue book with golden letters.
He didn't even care to swipe the dust away from the cover, just tearing it upon instantly to reveal the precious information it concealed.
His eye roamed carefully over each face of the book, when a page was inconclusive he turned to the next one. In the end he ended up going through almost every face of every student in his school and none of them matched.
He was ready to give up, turning to what was the last page when his eyes lit up. That was him! That was the boy who saved him. His hero.
Clay Wastaken
Well no wonder he was on the last page! Who's name start with a W anyway! It was whatever now, he was so glad he found him at last.
And he was also real thankful his parents accepted the stupid gift of last season's yearbook when they went to sign him up at Enlightened High for his new school year.
Right, because for some reason they were convinced that if they gave George that, he'd fit in much better and quicker, being able to already know the faces of his new classmates and all, getting accustomed of sorts.
He still think it's dumb, though he never expected it to actually be of use at all.
He smiled at the boy, admiring him fully one last time. He didn't look much different now than he did last year, except for the slight stubble he was now growing. He was perfect nonetheless.
He took one last glance before starting to close the book. However,he stopped mid-way, an idea coming to his mind.
He looked around for some piece of paper or something real thin he could use as a bookmark. Eventually he found some random English paper from school lying on the ground. He figured it was useless now anyway, and he'd better give this poor Edgar Allan Poe lesson a use again.
So he took the paper ripped a good bit off of it and carefully put it on the page his boy was in, that way he'd never lose him again.
After one last glance and a sigh, he neatly put the yearbook back on the shelf. It was funny how it heavily contrasted with the rest of it's environment. It became almost too easy to see the meaning behind it. He couldn't risk it. Consequently he grabbed some random books and put them up against the school yearbook to make it look less suspicious.
Once proud with his work, he went back to bed, the most beautiful dreams filling his head.
The next morning he woke up purposely early. By 5 A.M he was up, quietly sitting on his bed, the year book in his lap, concentration in his eyes. He scrolled through every pages trying to learn more from him.
So far, he had gathered the boy was the same year at him, born on the twelfth of August which made him a Leo.
It was not much, and not so useful. But it did give him some hope as according to the internet, a Scorpio and a Leo were a legendary match or something in astrology. He really didn't believe in all that but he was desperate at this point. Heck he even sacrificed his precious sleep for him! And Gods know how much he loves sleep.
That damn boy better be happy to get some recognition and not take it for granted. His heart would probably get broken if hero-boy turned out to be a total jock. But that was totally unlikely! From the three second they shared, he seemed really nice and totally his type.
He just went on and on, looking at random faces he honestly, could not give two f*ck about. Until finally he arrived to the interesting part. Group pictures! All of a sudden he became hyper aware and fully awake again.
•Chess club, nope nothing. Whatever then.
•The school band, nothing here either. That was almost too bad, a man who could play an instrument to dedicate you love song would have been the dream, but oh well.
•Cheerleading, he doubted it but who knows?
Yep, turns out he was right, hero-boy was nowhere to be seen on the cheerteam.
•Baseball team, wait, they had one in school? Didn't matter anyway there was nothing interesting to him in there.
•Basketball team, nada.
•Swimming team, same thing here.
•Drama club, and yet no Romeo to be seen.
•Origami club, was a bummer too.
Damn how many clubs were they at this school? He really ought to pay attention.
•Science club, interesting but inconclusive.
•The big double page dedicated to the (american) football team... And, well, yeah that was it. Hero-boy was right there, smiling in one of those rustic looking armor. Or whatever they called it.
So he was part of the football team. Now that was something he could work with!
He read the two pages very carefully, each informations like the most precious liquid gold. He learned the name of the team, the name of the coach, their biggest event, their many victories, for how long they've been around and finally practice hour. Now they were talking.
They'd start practicing on the school field at 6 A.M on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, then practice ended at 7:25 so student could get to class on time. How convenient.
Well those timing meant he had precisely 56minutes to get ready before practice ended. It could be his only chance to see him all day! He could not miss it. But he had time.
No he did not! He had to shower, make sure he looked good and then get to school, he better hurry and quick!
He ran to the bathroom, waking the whole family up on the way, and turned on the shower. In the meantime of waiting for hot water, he started brushing his teeth.
After a fifteen minute top shower, he threw on his school uniform and ran downstairs. He threw in two piece of bread in the toaster, and to make time go quicker, he went back upstairs to wake his mother up.
Obviously they didn't take the rushed awakening very kindly, but they didn't say anything.
Truth to be told, They were more than likely much more surprised to see their son up so early rather than mad.
Believe it or not, but usually not only did they get up first, but they also had to fight to get him out of bed.
This was almost worrisome for George's mother. For his father, it was a great opportunity, maybe he was learning finally.
Even if they had extra time to ponder they knew George wouldn't let them. Therefore the poor woman got up, disabling the couple's alarm clock, which wasn't set to ring for another 15 minutes.
« Eh, I guess we're also learning aren't we? We always complain about how late we're running, and how tomorrow we'll wake up early, leaving the rush being us, but we never did. We've got no excuse now don't we?»
Her husband sighed and sat up, rubbing his tired eyes. He looked at his wife, smiling, before shrugging. They stared at each other for a moment before she scoffed a laugh and left the room to get ready.
After all their married years, they had learned to communicate in their own way. They didn't need words. What an ancient concept.
Once the woman was all dolled up, feeling gorgeous in her own way, she went downstairs to have breakfast with her boys — she was nearly envious about how fast a boy could get ready. Society standards were a joke.
She was barely sat when a cup of almond milk coffee was pushed into her hands. The cup being freshly made was much too hot for her bare hands so she sat it back down to the table. At that exact instant one cube of sugar and a half were throw before her, followed by her favorite cutlery of silver spoon.
If she was worrisome then, she's terrified now. That wasn't any normal behavior from her son. When she asked what was all the rush about she only got mumble words of urgency as an answer. She sighed, transferring her now sugared coffee into a thermoses, kissing her husband goodbye. In return off that kiss she was handed her car keys and wallet, so she too could go get her shoes on with a clear mind.
Just as she was done buttoning her magenta colored vest, her son hurried down the stairs his school backpack in hands. She followed his every moves with her eyes, opening the door when he got near. He didn't stop once and just straight up hopped into the car.
She sat in the driver seat, trying to analyze this whole situatio. On the way to school, she noticed a couple thing.
- The hands on the boy's lap were fidgeting an awful lot.
- He constantly turned his phone on and off.
Hr best guess was that he was checking the time. But this was odd because they were really early. School started at 7:55 and it was currently 7:15.
- And finally he seemed completely lost in thought, concentrated on his own deep thinking.
It was too bad she couldn't read mind because she would have given everything to know what was going on in there. But he needed privacy and she couldn't control everything. She trusted him enough to know he wasn't doing anything stupid like drugs. They raised him better. And she would have definitely saw the signs earlier. She wasn't gonna let go of her only kid. They got lucky enough to have him. As if she would lose him on drugs and all of those craps.
The school slowly came into view. The boy looked ready to jump out at any given time. She had to scold him. Guess she wasn't that good at lecturing him out of recklessness after all. She decelerated, hitting the brakes once she was the closest to the school's doors at possible. He grabbed his backpack, throwing the car door wide open, and running out. Well he was going to run, but he did take the time to turn around, send his goodbye to his mum, and much gently close the door, contrary as to how he had opened it.
Maybe she did teach this boy right. He was so confusing with all his little secrets and outburst one random Friday morning at 5 A.M.
But back to George. He sped walk his way through the school. He did not care about other's judgment nor getting kicked out or something, it's not like they could see him anyway.
Eventually he did reach the school field. Said field was hidden behind the school main building and caged by two others smaller ones.
He offered himself to the public eye again just as he was getting through the door. Once out, he looked left and right for hero-boy, and to his luck — or maybe not — he was right there. Well he had to be because the whole team was retiring to the changing room. He nearly missed him among the crowd but then he spotted him. Don't blame him, but with those gears on they all looked the same, and height wasn't helping him either. However once the helmet was off he could see him much more clearly. He'd never missed those beautiful curls, acting as such as a golden crown. And it honestly fit him.
He wanted more than anything to run towards him and temper him in "thank you", and adoration. But first of all, it was embarrassing as hell, and second of all, the boy was already surrounded by those two other guys :
One raven hair, which he recognized from the basketball team group picture. And a brunet which he knew as Bad. He remembers him as it was he, who gave him a tour on his first day of school. He was also the only person he had ever truly socialized with.
He took a deep breath and waited for the whole team to get into the changing before crossing the field into the bleacher atop said room.
He sat alone, schooling through his socials for a good twenty five minutes. It was fine, he was getting back on the time he lost gathering his informations this morning. -Because it definitely wasn't stalking-
Only then he heard the doors opening. Each time he looked over hoping to see him. He sighed after his fifth deception, pulling a long face. When finally the door opened again, a familiar boy came out and reunited with his friend.
He watched the trio walk into the school. He stayed there until they were a good distance from him, where they wouldn't pick on he was following. Well they wouldn't know anyway.
He stood up, picking his bag from the ground, and looked around to make sure he wouldn't get spotted. Once he deemed it safe, he made himself disappear from everyone's view and started to follow the group into the school.
Turning back wouldn't be hard anyway. It's not like anyone cared about him. He was practically invisible already. He didn't have friends, and always kept to himself. Don't get him wrong! He didn't blame anybody but himself. He's the one who willingly chose, in his right mind to put himself in that position.
So lost in his, negative, thoughts he nearly missed when they all came to a stop before some lockers. It obviously was hero-boy's one as he knew the combination and started digging in.
He had come so far already, there was no turning back. Although standing in the middle of the corridor, he materialized himself to the human eye again, before confidently walking toward the dirty blonde boy.
Truth to be told he was shaking. Every nerves in his body screaming in alert. He was a mess inside. But he couldn't let it show. It was too late now anyways, because he was right behind him. Here goes nothing, or everything, fate was to decide.
He tapped his shoulder, he turned around, their eyes met and...
« - Hi. »
That night Dream could barely sleep. He had been so close to him. That look they share. It meant everything and nothing at the same time. He hated this confusing feeling.
There isn't much he could do now. So he tossed and turned until he tired himself out. Around midnight his brain had enough of torturing him and let him rest, falling into a heavy slumber.
The next day he carried on with his life. He woke up at 5:15 A.M. He got ready for practice and left his house at 5:45. He wasn't about to go over his whole morning routine, because it was pretty basic. Wash your face, eat breakfast, brush your teeth, put on deodorant, get dressed, gather school supplies. Yeah all that basic stuff.
Thankfully he had made it on time for football.
He didn't put his whole soul into warm up, he felt last day battle was enough warm up for him for at least a whole year. He was actually a little bit sore. But that wasn't the coach problem, and the man always made that very clear. If they still could voice their pain, they could throw a ball.
After training, he was joined by Sapnap and Bad as usual. They chatted a bit. Of course the first thing they had to talk about was the red bruise on his left cheeks. He thought he'd be lucky enough and manage to avoid the talk but guess not. It was bound to get him questioned eventually.
Well, now he had no choice but to come clean, so he told them about how yesterday in battle he got thrown to the ground and his cheek scrapped the pavement. Roughly.
Yeah that was just it. Talk about a battle wound. It could have been a bit more glorious than metaphorically bitting the dust.
They were aware he fought yesterday, and they couldn't really judge him. Not only was it an humble act but all of them also shared the same dream : one day they'll be the greatest super heroes of all time. Well the greatest super hero TEAM of all time. They had thought this through. They'll be called the DreamTeam one day, and people would praise their names as they made sure they can all live to see tomorrow safely.
As much as dreaming was nice and everything time kept passing, and soon enough he'll have to get to class. So he had to leave his friends in order to go and hit the shower. Once done, he got dressed in the school uniform, and they all left to go to his locker so he could gather his books and all of his other school stuff.
They chit chattered on the way there, things were going just as usual. Life really went back to normal. He nearly felt disappointed. He missed the adrenaline rush of all this already
Well he thought everything went back to how they used to be until, something broke the routine. Disrupting the course of time and all it follows.
Okay, he was over putting it. Someone just tapped his shoulder.
But when he turned around and met the eyes of a shorter, brown eyed, pale brunet, it stole his breath away, and his heart skipped a few beats.
Oh Gods, why was he here? Why was he acknowledging him? Oh my Gods, how was he supposed to act when the boy whom he saved the life of yesterday, and he also had a crush on, was just in front of him?
« – Hi. He said in a soft voice.
It's okay Dream, keep it cool.
– Hi. Can I help you?
Oh yeah you definitely sound cool right now. Good job idiot!
– Uhm, no not really. Well not anymore. You did save my life already. I, uh, I just wanted to thank you so much for yesterday. You didn't have to put yourself through so much danger to save me. And just know that I'd do anything to make it up to you. Well maybe not anything actually. He spoke, muttering the last bit.
– Oh, you really don't have to you know.
This answer got him an elbow nudge in the ribs by his best friend. As well as a dirty look saying : « Dude, you're blowing this away »
– I insist! Please, I can see you clearly got hurt. The boy pleaded, while pointing to his reddened cheek.
– That's the very least I could do right now. He added on.
From there Dream didn't know where he got the confidence from, doing what he was about to, but he did. And he was so glad he did.
Maybe it was all thanks to Sapnap and his friend's own confidence. Maybe it were those shining, hopeful, eyes. Maybe it was his own despair becoming too strong. Maybe yesterday turned him into someone new.
He truly didn't know, but you can't rewrite the past. And the opportunity was too good to pass on.
Like a douche he closed his locker, leaning on it. He turned to the boy, their height difference quite prominent in this position. How adorablew he secretly relished in it, but it was too embarrassing to be said out loud.
– Well there might be something actually. He announced.
– Sure, just name it and I'll see what I can do about it!
– How about to repay me from the oh so dangerous and heroic act I performed yesterday... You'd let me treat you Wednesday at, let's say 2 PM, to a nice lunch. Just you and me. And food... obviously.
The boy just stared blinking at him slowly. His mouth slightly agape, and his cheeks progressively turning a light shade of pink.
Now Dream felt self conscious. Maybe his whole "brave and mighty" act was just too much. For f*ck's sake, he blew his only chance didn't he? He was just about to cry, ready to die of embarrassment if he got rejected.
But he didn't want to let this show. So he kept the act up to the very end until he'd got an answer. It was too late to go back now anyway. It probably would be ten time more embarrassing.
It all came crushing down when the boy cleared his throat making himself aware again.
- Okay. Sure, That works by me, I'm free this wednesday, yeah.
Dream couldn't believe it. He was bursting with joy and excitement inside. It was a miracle he could still stand.
- Great. And uh, you should probably take my number too. He said smugly, only realizing a bit too late how he might have come off.
– So we can organize this properly, you know. Yeah... He added, slightly breaking character for a moment.
– Right! Just give me a second. As the boy looked down to grab his phone, he turned to his friend not knowing which emotion to show first.
Bad made silent claps, and Sapnap just gave him a thumb up with a "You got it. Respect, brother" face. But to be completely honest, the boy barely had any hope for his blond friend in the beginning upon seeing his silly jackass-like little act.
– Okay all set, I'm listening.
– Nice! So, it's... »
When they parted both unknowingly shared the same face and thought :
“ best day ever ”
They did have that lunch date on Wednesday at exactly 2:04 PM. They ended up at some random cheap dinner. Eh, they were teenagers, none of them could afford expensive gastronomy. But they were content with what they had. Greasy burger and fries with so much oil in them it could probably have runner a car with.
The moment they shared, the laugh they had, the memories they made, the similarities they found in each other, the looks they'd give the other. That was what truly mattered.
After that day they became close, much to his friends demise but they let it slide. It was love, they had to be proud of their boy. He finally pulled the other in. After weeks of sulking and stalking... It was fine, it wasn't much for now.
At first it was a simple hand gesture in the hallways when they'd cross path. Then it was sharing a bench and starting short conversations together.
Those talks led to a second planned meeting. A cinema date.
This lead to sitting together in class from time to time. And also during lunch. Now, this whole situation started to get a bit bothersome but still manageable.
A third date at the parc behind school. Now they'd be caught holding hands, and always muttering to the other, before they'd laugh, this stupid love struck laugh.
From this day on, They could also not count on him to sit with them at lunch no more anyway. Or any class he shared with George either.
Finally a fourth date, God knows where, lead to their first kiss and hugging in the halls. Always being stuck by the hips and calling each other's stupid nicknames like "boyfriends". Ew, romance am I right ?
George smiled, it frankly were nice memories. Treasured souvenirs that held love and unspoken promises.
« – Dream, those are really nice to remember but where are you going with all of this? George asked sweetly although worriedly.
His only response was a kiss.
– Please love let me do the talking. His lover said with a smile and gentle eyes.
The brunet man could just nod in understanding.
– Ever since that fateful day, we've been through so much. From reckless teenagers who thought they owned the world, to young adults with too big of dreams. It's true! I mean look at us! You got accepted with honors into the most prestigious sciences school of the country while I went and did sports with a football scholarship.
George smiled at him before frowning upon watching the other lose composure.
– I thought I could offer us so much but all we ended up having was that one small crappy apartment. For about two months I couldn't even provide for you, or for me. We had to live off of your scholarship and the money your parents lend us. I could have screwed us over George, deeply.
And don't blame yourself please. Even if I royally f*cked up I could have never asked you to find a job and ruin your chance of study, depriving you of the future you'd deserve.
George opened his mouth to protest but Dream fingers found his lips quicker.
– Don't bother I know. We got so lucky I found that gym coach job in time. We had our rough times sure. It happens to every couple. But we showed we weren't just "every couple", we were strong, we were meant to be George. Now I know it. Hell, deep down I think I always knew!
Tilting his head, the brunet just nodded at him.
– We put through all of this together. Not once imagining letting go. Or well, I didn't. I hoped you didn't.
He laughed when this time, his boyfriend shook his head no.
– After this whole, jobless phase we've never been better! I managed to finally provide for us, we moved out of that sh*tty place and it finally felt like I was true to my words. I gave you what you always deserved. I felt so bad before, I was so disappointed. Seeing you so miserable... it filled me with rage. Against myself! But we made it.
I know, I'm being repetitive but it's important! Dream defended when he noticed the other demeanor.
In response he also went and playfully started tickling him, grabbing his waist to trap him in.
After a short while, he let go, coming down from the high and grabbing George's left hand.
– Anyway let's move to the happy parts. We moved out, we had money, and food on the table. You finally made it through school and got a job offer in the finest laboratory ever. I watch your biggest dreams come true and I never seen you so happy. I realized that seeing this cheery glint in your eyes was all I ever needed in life without even knowing it.
Then you helped me achieve one of my dream too. You believed in me and I could begin that YouTube career as XD because of you!
You never stopped believing in me. Through the ups and downs you were there. When one day the view count went down you were there to wipe my tears. Instead, it could have been forgotten forever, the channel reduced to oblivion by one click. But thanks to you I persisted and it paid.
He smiled at him, and caressed his face softly.
They shared one moment before he went on.
– I know beginning an internet carrier as a faceless "celebrity" isn't nearly as impressive as what you did, finding new solution to improve the world, like your new found piece of tissue capable of facing any heat and what you do everyday at work too, but I'm still selfishly persuaded, that I was the one meant to be for you. And you were meant to be mine. George, I am proud of what we became, and what I hope we can keep on becoming in the future. »
He let go of his hands, stepping back one step, and reaching for his jacket's inner pockets. He went down on one knee, a midnight blue — George's favorite color — velvet box in hands, aspiration in his eyes.
« – What I mean is, George Davidson, will you marry me?
Tears fell to the ground, and a gasp pierced through the atmosphere.
– Yes! yes, yes, yes, a million times yes! He screamed jumping down in his fiancé's arms.
– Then let's get married. »
It was a bit difficult to put the ring on him when he hung on to him so tightly but he did it anyway, determined to make them now official fiancés!
They kissed the night away, forgetting about the rest of the world. It was just them, in the parc next to their old highschool, by the old oak tree, where Dream confessed to him.
They had a nice big wedding with all their friends and family. They teased their friends by saying how much faster they've been :
Sapnap had met this boy named Karl when they were sharing an apartment during college. Indeed he was dating his roommate, then what! It was much more original than your highschool sweetheart surely.
Bad, on his hand, had met this other boy named Skeppy. The group never quite understood how they met. They believed it involved some kind of prank? They really didn't know but they were happy for them anyway.
With Dream and George successful careers, money came afloat, loads of it to be honest. They used it wisely to offer themselves a humble home in one of the nicest part of the city. As well as a secret underground laboratory for George.
What, he needed it for work. He couldn't just live in his lab at the SMP corp. SMP standing for Scientific & Mechanical Progresses corporation here. It was one of the biggest in the world and which George was proud to be a part.
Now if he were so proud why would he need to hide his laboratory instead of showing it off? Because maybe he hasn't been quite true to his words. He did need to work from home, but the main reason is, what he'd build or found there entirely belonged to him. While what he made at the SMP partially belonged to corporation too. And the projects he was working on could not be risked being publicly revealed. They needed to be kept secret at all cost. And they needed to be kept his.
Nights after nights he'd worked on it. Weekends after weekends. It drove his husband nearly insane. It's like they had no "them time" no more.
But mainly it was painful to see the love of your life working themselves to death. George barely sleep or ate. Dream was beyond worried at this point. It wasn't normal to beg someone to take a break.
However since words didn't work, he had to take more drastic measures. It was not funny having to get down at 3 am through secret passages in your own house, to pick up your sleep deprived, struggling husband and force him to bed in your arms.
After a huge fight, they both came clean and found a compromise : George had to keep working but he also had to listen to everything Dream said. He wasn't trying to control his life, heck, he was even't gonna try to interfere with George's work. No, he just wanted to make sure he was safe and sane.
It took a whole three months of sacrificed night, of struggles through thick and thin in his personal life, his love life and his professional life. Not just that but, of bruised hands as well, and an overworked brain. It took becoming an emotional wreck, blurry sight and constant worry but he finally made it.
After three whole months of drudgery, toil and efforts, George sat a fair distance from his friends and husband as they all wore his meticulous labor. He watched them try it out, putting it through the tests, see if it fits. He watched the smiles on their faces and the joy they radiated.
And he couldn't help but to do just that. Unshed tears forming at the corner of his eyes. He couldn't stop staring. He laughed, it was finally done. He couldn't believe it. He had made it and it worked!
In no time he had all three coming at him hugging him and congratulating him to cheer him up. It did somewhat succeed but he knew he wasn't gonna come off from the high before a long time.
After all it wasn't everyday you'd build three handmade and custom made hero suits, of a brand new technology never once used before.
He wished more than anything to show his work to the world and the scientific community. He made a tissue able to resist any shock and completely keep a being alive. It could save so many life! Oh and he also found an off way to transfer magic directly into mechanism through a processed droplet of blood.
But he couldn't. It would put everyone at risk, especially their secret identities.
Plus, George didn't do all of this for distinction but for them. It was a challenge against himself, but it was mainly to make his best friends dreams come true.
« Go, go and be the DreamTeam, now. »
