Chapter Text
George had taken far longer than he intended. Between having no perception of time passing, throwing himself into studies, avoiding the growing suspicion from Karl, and maintaining a regular life? He just hoped it was worth it. Even if Dream was angry at him, even if he had fallen into bad habits he wouldn’t leave again. He would help his friend day in and day out, no matter what. He wanted to surprise him though, a peace gesture after their time apart. If it wasn’t for the constant eyes on him he would have still visited daily, carrying as many books as he could manage and then some more so he could help in more than one way. His list of reasons to dislike being in the spotlight only grew with every waking moment. First stop was Eret and Puffy’s castle, only one goal in mind. It was all well and good just being near Dream but after so long? He could really do with a hug. It wasn’t hard to convince them to give him permission to leave his ring, pointing out his good behaviour and help with the royal library. They were more than happy to grant him a day of freedom, no longer as cautious of their court betraying them like a certain man of green. If George was completely honest he was not sure how he had managed to hide his friendship with Dream this long, even after two years of radio silence. He stopped that thought process there, already feeling the familiar swirl of guilt resurging to chew on still healing wounds.
The next step was Talia’s bakery. Prime even zey didn’t know he knew Dream yet, he’d have to tell zem after this trip whether it was successful or not. With a small bag of coins in hand he pushed his way through the bustling crowds and towards the bakery. People were itching for a chance to visit the Summer Court, upcoming ceremony and all, but he had far more important matters to attend. The jingle of a bell alerted the Faerie behind the counter of his presence, flour covered hands waving at him as he entered.
“George! It’s been ages, where did you end up?” Zeir voice was loud, even inside the swarms of Fae outside echoed through the walls.
“Sorry Talia, I had something to do at the library and kinda forgot time existed.” They both had a small chuckle at that, Talia dusting zeirself off as George approached the counter. A small thud against wood filled the space between them, his coin bag sat steady on the wooden countertop.
“What will it be today then?” Zey automatically grabbed a paper bag, ready to fill it with fresh treats zey knew George was gonna get. He was like zeir Dream like that, it made zeir heart ache but that was a problem for later.
“The usual honey buns. I’ve missed them.” He could practically feel his mouth water at the thought of having one of zeir amazing honey buns, surprised at himself for not getting them after his studies. He could definitely tell why Dream adored them so.
“On it!” Zey seemingly danced behind the counter, ovens behind zem lighting zem up as zey passed by to grab the honey buns. Five were deposited into the bag carefully before it was wrapped closed, the bag already warm by the time it was placed in George’s hand. Money was counted, bags were tucked away, and George was on his way after a long time coming see you later. He had tried saying goodbye once before but Talia informed him of how zey disliked goodbyes, they were too final in zeir opinion. With a deep breath George pushed himself back out the door, struggling not to be swept away by the many passersby’s as he made his way to somewhere more open. It took a while but eventually an empty alleyway came into view, just big enough for what he needed. It wasn’t the most ideal spot but it would have to do. With some struggle he tore himself out of the horde’s grasp and threw himself into the alleyway, quickly making his way into the human realm whilst he still could.
He was stunned for a moment as he appeared in the human world, taking some deep breaths to try and accustom himself quickly. It was seemingly how he had left it before, a sea of flowers, the tree swing, the ground markings, the path into the forest-
Ground markings?
George didn’t hesitate to leave his ring, rushing over to the new markings. They clearly counted something, and there were a lot of them. Most even overlapped with older looking ones. It grew lazy near the end, he could see how the person clearly didn’t care anymore at that point. A it grew in his stomach as he took in this new information, eyes scanning the area as he clutched his cloak closer.
“Dream? Dream, I’m finally back!” Even though he most definitely didn’t need to yell for Dream to hear him he still did; practically screaming at the top of his lungs in hopes that his best friend would hear him and come rushing. The panic hadn’t taken over yet but he could definitely tell it was there. With what little he could remember he started the trip into the forest, desperation in his voice as he regularly called out Dream’s name.
His first stop was Dream’s area. Surely if he was hidden anywhere it would be there? With his poor memories of the paths and Dream’s old markings on the trees he found his way there, eyes darting around to see if he could spot the other. The ring had finally grown out, the hammock was covered in fallen leaves, and everything important was long gone. That definitely didn’t reassure him. Even still, he flew up into the trees in hopes of seeing something. Denial ran through his veins as he saw a very cold and unused bed, shaking hands lifting up the blanket he and Dream had shared all that long ago. He hugged it close to his chest tightly, careful when lowering himself back to the ground.
“Maybe he moved…?” As feet touched the ground he immediately took off running, heading to where he was certain the river was. He had made sure to memorize his way to the river, it was his favourite place to be other than his best friend's side. Even when his lungs ached and his vision blurred he ran, the familiar sound of the river filling his ears as he followed it up stream. Surely he had to be here?
“Dream! This isn’t funny!” He rubbed his eyes clumsily as he looked around, barely registering when he made it to the waterfall. Still nothing, or rather no one. George was desperate now, desperate to see his friend. He couldn’t have gone far! He couldn’t leave the forest, and surely he would have responded to George by now. It didn’t make sense to him, did he risk exploring the forest alone and not make it back to his ring in time?
Regret and sadness plagued him as he made his way back to his clearing, choking back tears as he hugged the blanket close.
“Was I too late?” Had he taken too long? Had Dream succumbed to the pressure? Had he found a way to leave? Was he just ignoring George? He knew how to help, but how do you help the lost.
George returned to his clearing, sitting on the swing until sundown calling out for his beloved friend in hopes that maybe he’d be heard. It wasn’t until sundown that he finally got something, even if it was nothing he would take it. A large green butterfly landed on their blanket, seemingly staring him right in the eyes.
“I miss you.” Tears were falling by this point, George staring right back at the butterfly with drooping eyes and half his face hidden by the blanket. The butterfly continued to stare but the forest came to life, whispers echoing around him but all declaring one thing in response.
‘I miss you too.’