Chapter Text
The whole crew was ecstatic to find out their captain was well and alive, after they exited the cave. Dream was trapped between his crew mates for a solid half an hour, as each one insisted on hugging him and crying on his shoulder. Not that he minded, it was nice to know that his crew cared for him and that he didn’t have to leave them any time soon.
Once they had all calmed down, they returned to the ship.
Eret properly cleaned and wrapped George’s hand and checked Dream over, just to make sure all of the effects of the curse were gone. Deeming him fine, Eret allowed him to return to the main deck instead of sending him off to bed to rest.
Sapnap, of course, decided that it was time for a party and everyone else agreed. Hbomb, with Jack’s help, brought all the alcohol they had on to the deck along with some food. Quackity got out his guitar, sitting down on a barrel as he started playing cheerful songs. Niki and Hannah joined him, singing along. Ranboo and Purpled sat nearby, chuckling as Eret pulled Callahan to dance with them. Hbomb grabbed Punz and pulled him to the deck to spin around, causing the young lads to laugh out loud, earning a half hearted glare from Punz. Sapnap shyly asked Karl to dance and he accepted, after glancing at Quackity for permission. Of course Quackity nodded eagerly, and demanded to get a chance to dance with Karl too, later, to which Karl happily agreed to.
Dream grinned, and turned to George who was pressed to his side, already looking up at him. It’s like the other couldn’t get his eyes off of him.
“Liking what you see?” Dream asked, voice teasing.
Blushing, George avoided his eyes, but nodded.
Feeling the warmth spread in his chest, Dream chuckled, pulling George even closer with the hand on the smaller one’s waist.
“If you’re not too tired, would you dance with me?” Dream asked quietly.
This time meeting his eyes, George nodded eagerly.
“ I’d love to .”
Dream stepped back, holding his hand out for George to take, bowing slightly. George chuckled and took his hand, letting Dream spin him around. Both of them burst out laughing. George quickly learned that Dream didn’t actually know how to dance. Since George grew up in a high ranking family, he had to learn how to dance properly, and for once he didn’t resent it.
During the more cheerful songs the two just went with the flow, holding onto each other and laughing loudly while spinning around the deck with others.
Much later, after a lot of singing, dancing, drinking and eating, the sun was already setting. At some point Hbomb had taken Quackity’s place as the musician, letting him get his dance with Karl.
Hbomb started to play a much slower song, melody drifting in the air softly. The dancing pairs slowed down.
George smiled as he glanced to the side, seeing his best friend get pulled into a slow dance with both Sapnap and Quackity, all three of them smiling fondly at each other.
A hand pressed on George’s cheek, gently turning his head to look up at Dream’s green eyes.
“Teach me how to slow dance?” Dream asked, blush creeping on his face.
“Sure!” George said, facing Dream and taking his right hand and guiding it to his waist. Then George placed his right hand onto Dream’s left one, resting his free hand on Dream’s shoulder.
“Now we can either just sway and spin around slowly,” George explained, stepping closer so their bodies were nearly touching. “Or we can waltz, it’s a bit more complicated.”
“Swaying and spinning slowly sounds good to me,” Dream hummed, tugging George closer against his chest.
“Swaying and spinning slowly it is then,” George agreed, and that’s what they did, never breaking eye contact, just smiling at each other and enjoying the peace.
I think I’m in love with him.
The party lasted late into the night even after calming down. Loud laughter turned into soft whispers and quiet chuckles. Everyone huddled together in small groups, leaning on each other and enjoying the warmth and comfort in the chill of the night.
Once the party had started to die down, Dream wordlessly pulled George to his quarters with him. George appreciated it, feeling like he was going to pass out any second now from the eventful day. His legs were burning from the strain and he was a bit cold despite clinging to Dream, who ran hot.
The quarters were nice and warm, and George couldn’t help but let out a pleased sigh as they stepped in. The lantern gave the room soft lighting, hanging vines swaying slightly as the boat rocked in the calm waves.
After taking off their boots, the two laid on the bed, George pretty much laying on top of Dream. Head tucked under Dream’s chin, arm thrown over his chest as George cuddled as close as possible. They hadn’t said anything but it came as naturally as breathing for both of them. Dream had his arms wrapped around him, face pressed into George’s hair.
Patches jumped onto the bed, circling before settling to sleep at the foot of the bed.
For a while, they just existed together, alive.
But George’s mind didn’t allow him to rest for long, his earlier realization returning and becoming all he could think of, now that he was cuddling with Dream.
I wonder if this is all just platonic to him , George wondered. He’s so touchy with everyone, how do I know what counts as romantic…?
George wanted so desperately to just tell Dream how he felt, but he couldn’t help but fear rejection. Then he’d have to go home with a broken heart.
“You’re thinking very loudly, Georgie,” Dream hummed, hand rubbing George’s back.
Pushing himself up a bit, George looked Dream in the eyes. Thinking back to all those weeks ago when Dream first rescued him, to every moment Dream held him close and comforted him, to every fun and interesting conversation they had, George decided that it would be worth the risk.
“Dream,” George said, voice barely above a whisper despite no one else being in the room.
“George,” Dream said, smiling up at him with a raised eyebrow.
“I love you.”
Dream’s smile grew, his eyes crinkling with happiness, and he placed one hand on George’s cheek.
“I love you too.”
Dream’s hand slipped behind George’s head, gently pulling him down into a kiss. It was just a soft press of lips, but to George it was heavenly as his eyes fluttered shut. They pulled back, only to start giggling as their eyes met again. Dream leaned up to peck the corner of George’s mouth, before just laying there and looking at George like he was the only thing in the world.
George settled back to lay his head on Dream’s chest, sighing contently.
“I’ll make sure you’ll never lack anything,” Dream whispered softly, kissing the top of George’s head.
George turned to look at him, with teary eyes, heart warm.
“Dream… You don’t have to give me the stars to make me happy. Just all of you. Then you’ll have all of me,” He whispered, just as softly.
Dream couldn’t help but pull George into one more kiss, holding him close.
George stared at the horizon, where he could see the hazy outlines of the town he used to call home. It didn’t seem to have changed since he had been forced to leave, months ago. The fortress stood tall at the high cliffs and George was reminded of his first meeting with Dream. He still couldn’t help but find it quite funny, and nostalgic when thinking about it.
At the very back of the town, on the hill, the familiar mansion stood tall. It had clearly been repaired since the fire, some parts newer and cleaner than the others.
Sure can repair a mansion but not look for his son. That must’ve cost him a small fortune. Good, George thought bitterly, glaring at the town as if that could set it on fire again. He felt bad for thinking that, as it wasn’t anyone else’s but his father’s fault that he felt this way.
“Are you sure about this?” Dream asked, appearing to his side, hand sneaking around George’s waist. George leaned into him, accepting the offered comfort.
“Yes. I need to let my mom and sisters know that I’m alright. And Karl too.”
“Fair. Do you want me to come with you?”
George glanced up at his lover, smiling.
“That’d be nice.”
The crew docked behind a cliff, a bit further away from the port, so the ship was hidden from the town and the navy members patrolling around.
Once it was dark, George, Dream, Karl, Sapnap and Quackity sneaked to the silent town. The streets were empty of people but voices could be heard from inside the houses and taverns. Only a few street lights and the moon in the sky illuminated their way, making it easier to hide from the guards and few people still outside.
When they reached the area reserved for the richest of the town, the group dispersed, George and Dream going towards George’s home while Karl, Sapnap and Quackity went to Karl’s.
George led Dream to the back of the mansion, where the garden was. His sisters’ rooms were on that side and no one patrolled the garden at night since technically it was impossible to get there. Luckily, George knew a hidden way in that only him and his sisters knew about.
The garden was just as well kept as George remembered, probably thanks to his mother, when they stepped in through a gap between the tall bushes. It was quiet, only faint sounds of cicadas could be heard in the night.
Walking through the maze of shaped bushes and flowers, George took in the feeling of being home. It wasn’t pleasant but not terrible either. Still, he was ready to spend the rest of his life with Dream over this any day.
“It’s a beautiful garden,” Dream whispered from behind him, stopping to smell some roses.
“It is, my mother is very proud of it,” George hummed, smiling fondly. He could recall escaping his father’s expectations many times by coming here and hiding behind the bigger rose bushes. Only his older sister or mother could ever find him, and they let him hide for a few hours before seeking him out. His father never bothered.
When they reached a small clearing in the middle of the maze, George was stopped by the sight of a stone slate in the middle of the area, surrounded with beautiful blue flowers.
“That– That wasn’t here before,” George whispered, a feeling in his gut guessing what it was.
Walking closer, George crouched in front of the stone slate, brushing the blue flowers away to read the engraving.
Rest In Peace
George Notfound, beloved son and brother
George inhaled sharply, standing up and taking a few steps back. Dream was by his side immediately, wrapping his arms around George’s middle from behind and pulling him against his chest.
“They- They think I’m-” George fumbled. He knew he shouldn’t be so surprised but it still hurt.
“Shhh love,” Dream whispered against his hair, pressing a quick kiss behind his ear.
Taking a deep breath, George attempted to calm down. He was going to let his mom and sisters know he was fine, everything was going to be fine. Maybe it was for the better if his father thought that he was dead. At least then he wouldn’t have to talk to him at all.
“Are you alright?” Dream asked after a moment, running his hands up and down George’s sides in a calming motion.
“Yeah,” George assured him, flashing him a fond smile. “Let’s keep going.”
Soon they reached the back doors of the mansion.
“That window with light blue curtains in my older sister Eliza’s room,” George whispered, pointing at the said window. “And the one with light pink is my little sister Alice’s.”
Next to him, Dream hummed.
“How are you going to get their attention? Or are we going in?”
“I’m gonna throw rocks.”
Dream turned to George, raising an eyebrow at him with an amused smirk.
George just gave him an innocent smile and started looking for pebbles to throw.
“You probably should hide, they’re gonna alert the guards if they see you,” George said, giving Dream an apologetic look, once he had enough small rocks.
“We don’t want that,” Dream agreed, stepping back to the maze so he wasn’t visible to anyone inside.
The first pebble hit its mark, Eliza’s window, easily. But there was no reaction. George tried again, and this time after a few seconds, he could see that someone lit a candle inside. To George’s surprise, his mom opened the curtains, glancing around the garden trying to find the source. Her hair was brown and curly, eyes icy blue yet they held warmth in them.
Then her eyes landed on George.
George could see the moment realization hit, her eyes wide and watering, her free hand flying to cover her mouth in shock.
Smiling softly, George waved at her. She waved back, before disappearing from the view.
A while passed, the light having disappeared from the room along with his mother, making George anxious. He glanced at Dream, who also looked concerned, hand on the hilt of his sword as he looked around, clearly expecting trouble.
Then the back doors opened, George’s mom and sisters stepping out in their nightgowns. No one else came after them, making George relax. From the corner of his eye he saw Dream disappear deeper into the shadows.
“George!!” George smiled brightly, feeling tears burning in the corners of his eyes, as he watched his family run towards him. Opening his arms, he let himself get nearly tackled to the ground by them. His mother held him tight, hand cradling the back of his head.
“Oh my boy, my little boy!” She murmured, tears rolling down her cheeks.
“Mooom,” George whined, but hugged her back just as tightly.
“Shut up Gogy,” Eliza snapped, but she was smiling widely and crying just as hard. “We thought you were dead.”
“I’m sorry about that… I promise I would’ve come back sooner if I could’ve,” George apologized.
“That’s alright. We’re just so happy you’re back home safe and sound,” His mother said.
The four of them stayed in their happy little bubble of relief for a long time, clinging to each other. It really hit George how much he had missed them.
“Can we go in now, it’s so cold out here,” Alice finally asked from where she was clinging to George from the side.
George chuckled, a sinking feeling in his gut.
“About that…”
His mother pulled back, cupping his cheeks, worried look in her eyes.
“What is it?”
“I- I met someone,” George started. “Someone who makes me happy.”
Relief filled George as soon as he saw his mom’s delighted expression.
“Is it the guy who’s lurking in the shadows over there?” Eliza asked, unbothered, as she pointed at the maze behind her.
George felt a blush take over his face as he nodded.
“Wow, your sister is a lot more aware than you, George,” Dream chuckled as he stepped out of the shadows.
Rolling his eyes, George shook his head but his smile stayed fond.
“You’re an idiot.”
“Your idiot,” Dream reminded, before taking his hat off to bow at his sisters and mother.
“Captain Dream, it is lovely to meet you, Mrs Notfound, George’s sisters, lady Eliza and lady Alice, right?”
“ The Captain Dream?” Mrs Notfound asked, glancing between the young man and her son.
“Yes indeed,” Dream affirmed.
“A pirate, really George?” Eliza asked, but she was stifling a laugh with her hand.
“He’s sweet, alright?” George grumbled, face red, avoiding eye contact with her.
“I know I might not have the best reputation,” Dream agreed. “But I swear I’m not nearly as bad as you think.”
“Dream, I don’t think that that’s helping,” George deadpanned.
Dream just flashed them a charming smile.
Turning to his mother, George tried to explain.
“Mom, I know he is a pirate, but he is also the one who saved me two years ago, when I fell from the fortress, remember? And he saved me from the pirates who attacked the town and took me, not to mention everything he did for me after that-”
“George, sweetheart, it’s alright,” his mother chuckled. “I’m not your father. I’ve seen many men, pirates and navy sailors in my life. And now, I know a good man when I see one.” She turned to Dream.
“Just keep him safe for us.”
“I will,” Dream promised, bowing again.
Smiling so widely it almost hurt, George felt relieved once again.
“Just come visit us sometimes, okay?” Eliza said, ruffling his hair. “By the way, did you happen to run into Karl? He went looking for you.”
“Yeah, he isn’t staying here either,” George chuckled, hearing Dream snort from the side.
“Oh? Is the whole crew filled with handsome guys?” George’s mother asked, amused.
“Any pretty girls?” Eliza asked.
George hummed. “There’s Niki and Hannah…”
“Where can I sign in?”
“Oh for prime’s sake Eliza, not you too,” their mother shook her head but she was smiling.
“Just joking,” Eliza assured her.
Rolling her eyes, George’s mother turned back to him.
“As long as you two are happy. I’m very glad that you came to tell us in person. I’m guessing you don’t want your father to know?”
George grimaced.
“Yeah I don’t.”
“Understandable.” She nodded.
After chatting for a little bit longer, Dream informed them that they should get going. George said his goodbyes to his mother and sisters, before leading the way back out of the garden. They met up with Karl, Sapnap and Quackity at the same place they separated, before heading back to the ship.
By the time the sun was rising, the Eye of Ender was far gone.
The next five months passed by in a flash of pure bliss for George.
Every morning, he woke up cuddled next to the love of his life, to soft morning kisses and whispers of love and affection. Every day he got to spend with his lover and friends, who had become his new family. George wouldn’t change a thing for the world.
“Georgie~”
George blinked, trying to get used to the bright morning light as he woke up. He was pleasantly warm, compared to the day before and its cold wind and rain. Today seemed to be a much warmer day.
“Georgie~” Dream repeated, pecking his cheek. “Time to wake up.”
“Mhmm, a few more minutes,” George hummed, turning to his side to snuggle against Dream’s neck, placing a kiss under his jaw. He could feel Dream’s laugh rumble in his chest.
“I thought you were excited for today?”
George opened his eyes.
“We’re there?”
Dream nodded, laughing as George pushed up. But George didn’t get far, as Dream wrapped his arms around him and pulled him back down. George found himself on his back, Dream looming over him with a mischievous grin on his handsome face.
“A few more minutes?” Dream asked.
“Oh my prime Dream, you’re an idiot,” George huffed, rolling his eyes.
“Oh George~! Come here!”
George did his best to not laugh, covering his mouth with his hands. He loved the thrill that came with the little game Dream and he came up with it a while ago. Chasing each other through the jungle of the island the crew of the Eye of Ender had docked to for now as a little vacation. It was gorgeous, with beautiful scenery, waterfalls and a refreshing oasis near the beach. Perfect.
“George~!” Dream’s voice was much closer now, but George was confident in his hiding place. He was crouching behind a waterfall, on a small cliff. There was a small cave behind him but he ignored it as it didn’t seem too deep. He wanted to be able to see Dream coming in case he figured George’s hiding place out. Sure it meant that he was drenched, his blouse and skirt sticking to his skin but George didn’t mind.
George craned his neck, trying to peek from behind the water but Dream was nowhere to be seen. Delighted, George let out a little ‘Yes!’ and he crouched back. This was going to be his new record.
He did have to admit that being drenched behind the water wall did make him cold. The water was freezing.
Just as he was about to leave his hideout, before he’d freeze, a pair of arms came from behind him and wrapped around his waist.
“Found you, Georgie~!” Dream laughed, wheezing like a kettle.
“DREAM!” George screamed, startled by his lover. “How did you get behind me?!”
“There’s a tunnel right behind my love,” Dream chuckled.
George glanced behind and past Dream, and indeed, if he squinted he could see that the cave was much deeper than he thought.
Shivering, George sighed.
“I was so close to beating my record.”
Noticing Dream’s silence, George glanced up at him. Dream had a frown on his face, lips a thin line and his eyes were on George.
“Wha- What is it?” George asked, pushing back to lean against his warm lover, placing his hands over Dream’s, still resting on George’s stomach.
“You’re drenched and cold,” Dream stated, before slipping his other arm behind George’s knees and lifting him up in bridal carry.
“Dream-!”
But Dream was having none of it, determined to get his boyfriend back to the camp, out of the wet clothes and warmed up.
George rolled his eyes, snuggling to Dream’s warm chest and playing with the longer strands of hair at the base of Dream’s neck. Smiling fondly, George felt safe and loved.
Yeah, this is where I'm meant to be.
He's a pirate, but he is my pirate.