Chapter Text
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George shakes his head, wiping his eyes and taking a deep breath. Grabbing the bucket of water, he continues his journey back to the village. The breeze is cool, but in a way when you’re sad it’s comforting.
He stares at a family of bunnies as they hop past, all so innocent and unaware of the underlying darkness that plagues the forest nearby. Needing to hurry up, wanting to avoid Rita noticing his return, he goes to the garden, collecting the carrots and wheat.
There’s a sound of a sword being drawn, catching the colorblind boy off guard and steering his attention away from the crops. A tall, blonde boy darts past one of the houses, smirking as he chases a scared cow.
He doesn’t seem to notice George’s presence, and honestly the short boy is glad. The boy looks like he’s good with that sword, and he just doesn’t have to energy to fight right now. He’s never seen him before- maybe he’s from the dessert? His sweatshirt suggests something different. Wondering if Rita knew the mysterious visitor, George turns back to the garden.
“Hello!”
“Ah!” George jumps, turning around and drawing his sword. The eyes he meets, however, don’t scream threat.
“Woah! Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you... I’m Dream.”
“D-Dream...?” Hesitantly, George drops his sword. What kind of name is Dream? Is it a nickname?
“Yep, and your are...?”
“O-Oh. I’m George...”
“Well, I’ve never seen you before George. You from around here? It’s getting late.”
“Um...” Should he really be talking to this guy? Telling him that he lives here? Rita always welcomes guest, so he supposes it’s okay. “I live here. I’m guessing you’re not from around here.”
“No, not really. I kinda bounce place to place, but I live with my friend Sapnap in the plains.” The boy- Dream- smiles, “How old are you, George?”
“T-Twenty-three... why?”
“I’m 20. My friend is 19. I was just gonna see if you wanted to hangout with us sometime? We have a small group of friends that gets together on Fridays.”
“Oh. That’s cool... I need to talk to Rita first. Make sure you guys aren’t serial killers or anything you know?”
“I can assure you, the only thing we kill are monsters- you know zombies and skeletons.”
George internally sighs, he could name a few monsters that weren’t zombies or skeletons.
“George, are you okay? You left this morning without your arm-” Rita pauses at the sight of the blonde. “Who’s this?”
“Dream, nice to meet you ma’am.” George takes a step closer to her, a fact that Dream notices and puts into a mental file to evaluate later. “I was just passing by and I saw George and wanted to say hi. Not many people my age around here.”
“Oh? Well, George appreciates it I’m sure. You’re welcome in the village anytime.”
“Thank you! I should probably get going, nighttime and all, but it was lovely meeting you guys. I could stop by Friday and get you so you could come to that hangout I was talking about?” Dream pauses, “If thats okay with you and you wanted to, of course...”
George glances up at Rita, receiving an encouraging nod. “Maybe Alyssa could join you.”
“For sure! Any of your friends are welcome.”
“Thanks, I’ll ask her. What time would you come?”
“Probably around 5:00 so we don’t accidentally get caught going at night. Sapnap and I can take you guys back here after too, so you don’t have to worry about the monsters.”
“Okay. You should get going...”
“Probably,” He smiles, “It was nice meeting you again, see you Friday!”
As soon as Dream is out of sight, George lets out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding. He stares down at his shaking hands, trying his best to conceal the inevitable panic attack. Rita gently pulls him into her arms, knowingly.
“It’s okay, Baby. Let it out. I know.” He hiccups into her chest, letting all his anxieties spill. He knows that Dream probably has pure intentions but until he’s sure the anxiety won’t leave. I guess that’s what happens when you’re hurt by the person you should trust the most for 17 years.
Eventually, the tears come to a stop and Rita is able to get a little food in his system before he falls asleep.
“Is he okay?” Alyssa asks, quietly as the older women steps out of her house.
“He’s okay. Just had a bit of a panic attack because he met this boy today and he was really nice. You twos age- but he invited George to a little thing with his friends on Friday. He actually did agree once I suggested you could tag along- I hope you don’t mind- but after he left he got upset. I hate that man for making him so scared of everything.”
“Me too. I’m really glad he said yes though. I will definitely go with him. I’m happy that he’s gonna try to go make some friends- and I’d love to meet some people our age too.”
“I’m sure, not many around here.”
“Right? Well, I should get to bed. George and I are going fishing tomorrow. Goodnight, Rita!”
“Goodnight.” She smiles as she walks away, “Alyssa?”
“Yes?”
“You’re a good friend.”
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