Chapter Text
George dreaded this conversation since the moment he woke up today. It was inevitable and he knew that as soon as the topic switches from his academics, it'll land on his private life. Which, if it were eventful, it wouldn't be a problem. However, George was very much single and had nothing to offer to the conversation. Which is why here he was, stabbing his chicken as if it personally wronged him and hoped the roof would collapse on him and end his suffering.
"So George…" His mother turned to him, a hopeful smile on her face. George fought the urge to roll his eyes because you'd think that a person would get bored of receiving the same negative answer in response after a couple dozen times. He loved his parents but sometimes he really wished they'd leave him alone. "...you've been attending college for three years now."
"You're getting near the end." His father chimed in and her mother nodded, gesturing at him approvingly.
"You are getting near the end." She repeated and George hummed as an answer, showing a large bite in his mouth. Choking will surely save him from answering but his eating system has not lost its touch and it safely went down his throat.
"Any relationship yet? I've seen quite a lot of pretty girls on the campus." His mother continued and George looked up with a raised eyebrow. That was another reason why he dreaded relationship questions. He hasn't came out to his parents despite knowing about himself being gay since he was thirteen.
He had a choice to make. First was to simply answer no and suffer through another set of questions about reasons why and how he should put himself more out there, be more confident and assertive. Second option was that he finally gets those words out and his parents are so stunned, they're speechless and he can finish his chicken in silence. And since he was bored and tired he went for it.
"Can't say, I've been looking at guys." He says and waits. His prediction was right, it turns out, as they stop with their mouths hanging open before exchanging looks. What he hadn't counted on was that they'd recover immediately and that he would be crushed by their weight as they hugged him.
"Oh, baby, I'm so sorry for not realizing." His mother patted his head and in the end he was the one stunned to complete silence.
"I'm sorry too, son. Thank you for telling us." He was rubbing circles on his back and George thought he was hallucinating. They weren't big on physical closeness and now here they were, embracing him as he was a moment away from dying. It was a surreal experience.
"It's ok." He said finally and they pulled back, soft looks on their faces. George went back to his chicken.
"So…" His mother shifted in her seat, expectedly, before continuing. "Any boyfriends?"
He looked up and his throat closed up. It seemed that a new wave of hope hit them and that all those times he said he wasn't dating anyone, he'd actually been lying because he wasn't out. He partly regretted his decision. It was good to be openly gay with them but he wasn't ready to disappoint them all over again.
George was an idiot. It was a fact that kept on giving at times and this was surely one of them. He thought his parents weren't going to do a deep dive into his love life if it involved a man as if their expertise isn't prying into their children's love lives. They love seeing them in love, they explained once. The next reason way he was an idiot was the next word that came out of his mouth.
"Yes." And it was out there. A lie. His parents beamed while he wanted to slap himself. He doesn't have a fucking boyfriend. Sure, he has a hopeless crush on his roommate. Straight roommate. But that's not what they're looking for and he was aware of that and still gave an affirmative answer. Maybe he should stab himself with the fork he's holding.
"Oh my God!" His mother grinned and clapped while his father nodded in approval.
Ok, this is not great but he can handle this. He'll just make up a fake boyfriend and their dating story and then go home, alone, and dwell in his guilt and mentally prepare himself to tell them next time they meet that they ended things. Voila, the end, happy ever after. Of course, the universe hated him and had other plants.
"You should invite him to our family get together for winter holidays." His father suggested and his body took a screenshot. He was so incredibly screwed, it was getting comical.
"Oh, that's a swell idea!" Her mother said. No, no it absolutely was not swell. Winter holidays were in a week and all of his friends already made plans to go back home or on a vacation so even if he asked them, they wouldn't be able to cancel and go with him. And he couldn't exactly corner a random stranger and ask him to pretend to date him.
"He has plans already." He offered, hoping it would be enough to save him.
"Oh, Easter holidays then?" No saving him. Fuck. So he either had to find someone now or someone no much longer after. And knowing his track record with relationships, it's looking bright. His mother's enthusiasm dropped and he hated himself.
"You know what? I'll ask, maybe he can change his plans." George didn't want to face the consequences of crashing their hope but his mouth just couldn't stop. He'll no doubt beat himself up when he gets home for not choosing a second option and saying they broke up by then. Why did logic come to him after he already said something? He needed a new brain.
"Please do! Notify us as soon as you can so we can make the arrangements." George smiled and nodded, his parents turning towards each other and already making plans as if it was confirmed. George, in the meantime, cursed himself with all swear words he knew. Luckily, they didn't ask for details about the boyfriend, too immersed in the fact that there just was somebody. Well, supposedly.
George needed a drink.
---
Sense of dread didn't leave him after he parted ways with parents as they dropped him off. Instead, it only grew when he now had to either find someone willing to pretend or muster enough bravery to confess. He felt dirty. He just wanted to lay in his bed and leave his consciousness until everything magically got fixed.
When he entered, another feeling hit him when he saw his roommate in bed working on something on his laptop. That in itself wouldn't be a bad thing hadn't it been for the fact that he was shirtless and wearing his sweatpants low on his hips. That motherfucker. He just had to be paired with a hot guy who he couldn't do anything with but stare at.
"Hi." He said removing his coat and scarf. With those layers removed, he noticed the coldness of the room. Why the hell did Dream need to be shirtless when it cold enough. He wasn't even hidden under the sheets.
"Hey." Dream smiled, the friendly grin that he always wore. They weren't close but George couldn't say they were on bad terms or ignoring each other. Sometimes they talked more, sometimes less or barely anything at all but they were on friendly terms. At least from his perspective. Sometimes George wished he was was an asshole so that the stupid, hopeless crush he had on him would disappear. "You look miserable."
He noticed and George snickered. Of course he'd notice and even look concerned. Of course George looked like his life crumbled. He sat down on the bed with a sigh and leaned against the wall, looking at Dream. He tried his best to keep his eyes on his face.
"I just did something stupid and didn't stop until I dug myself a grave." He said and rubbed his face as he groaned, misery hitting him again as he remembered. For a moment, there was silence as Dream moved the laptop from his lap and fully turned to George. He was grabbing the edge of the bed and George wanted to bang his head against his wall. He had beautiful hands. Really, all of him was beautiful but his eyes zeroed on his hands right now.
"Can I help?" His eyes snapped back to his face. Dream offer was genuine, he could see it on his face. George grinned bitterly, still affected by self pity and anger.
"Unless you're willing to be my boyfriend for the winter holidays, I doubt it." George didn't really mean to say it but how the day was going, he wasn't surprised he had. At this rate he might just confess to Dream that he likes him.
"What?" Dream's eyes were wide and George frowned in confusion before it dawned on him. He just came out to him too. Instead of backtracking, he crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. If he was homophobic, he'd have a good reason to end the crush.
"If you have a problem with me being gay, you're free to ask for a room transfer." He challenged and those words seemed to wake Dream up.
"No! God, no, no. That's not why-...It's not-...I'm-...I didn't mean it like that." George never heard him this panicked and he wasn't sure what to make of it. He still looked frightened like a deer caught in the headlights. George didn't have the energy to deal with possible homophobia so he decided to do something else while Dream sorts whatever he feels in his head and gets back to him.
"Whatever. I'm going to shower." And he was off, leaving the silent Dream being him.
---
Dream was an idiot. His roommate just came out to him and all he did is end up looking like a homophobic asshole. If George found him annoying before, he sure as hell despised him now. Dream wanted to scream but all he could do was wait until George came back and explain himself.
Secondly, George needed a fake boyfriend. His crush needed a fake boyfriend for the time period where Dream would be stuck alone anyway. It was a dangerous game. He could offer to be the guy and save him but there's also a big chance he'll end up heartbroken by the end of it because he'll fall deeper and George won't be interested.
Still, when George exited the bathroom with wet hair and flushed cheeks, all reason left him. This might be the only time he gets to actually spend time with him and Dream was selfish. He wanted the experience of him as his boyfriend even if it's the fake kind. Just holding his hand would be more than he'd ever get now.
"I'll do it." He stood up, moving closer into George's space who stopped in the middle of grabbing his charger and looked up. He was frowning in confusion and straightened up.
"Do what?" He turned to him, looking him up and down as if he was suspicious. Probably he was, Dream wouldn't be surprised.
"Be your boyfriend. I mean fake boyfriend. For the holiday thingy." Smooth, Dream, smooth. He watched as George just stared, not even blinking. Panic built up inside him because Dream failed to consider if George was even willing to put up with him for that.
"If this is you trying to apologize for earlier, don't bother." George said and Dream wanted to punch himself. Of course, he'd think his offer was just his way to prove he wasn't being homophobic.
"No! I mean, I'm sorry about what happened but it's not what you think." George raised his eyebrow at that, humming in response before he sat down, pulling a duvet over himself.
"I'll go take a nap." He said instead and plugged in his phone, ignoring him. Dream just needed to explain himself and yet he just stared until George looked back up at him in a way that indicated the 'why are you still here' question.
"I'm bi." That wasn't really what he should've started with but now it was out there. He gulped as George continued staring. Maybe he thought he was making it up to save his ass so Dream took a breath before he said anything. "I was just shocked because I didn't know you were gay. And I really don't have anything going on over the break so if you need help I'm in. Not that I'm only helping because I'm bored, I didn't mean it like that. I want to help because it's a right thing-...god that makes me sound pretentious. I mean-..."
"Dream!" George stood back up and Dream stopped to take a breath. He really was selling himself today, no wonder George didn't like him. He's fucking embarrassing. George probably doesn't want someone like that to fill the role.
"Thank you." George smiled and Dream stopped. He just focused on that and for the moment forgot about whatever it was he was worrying about. "I'm sorry I assumed. I had a bad day, not that that's an excuse, and thought the worst. If you really don't mind acting as my fake boyfriend for two weeks, you're invited. You'd be doing me a huge favor."
"Oh, great! Then it's settled." Dream grinned but he felt so awkward. He was so excited and tried not to show that he ended up looking uncomfortable. Seriously, fuck his brain today. "Just tell me when."
"Deal." George nodded and offered a fist for Dream to bump which he gladly did. He wasn't sure if he was weird for being so happy over the smallest touches but he was going to have to get it together if he wants to be able to handle being boyfriendly for two weeks.
"I'll tell you everything you need to know later. I'm exhausted right now." George said and slid back under the covers. Dream wondered what it would be like to cuddle him and then immediately looked away and went to his bed.
"Sounds great." He didn't need to say it so loud but here was. "Night."
It was three in the afternoon.
"Night." George said anyway and turned to face the wall, leaving Dream to freak out over the events in silence.
---
George thought he dreamt the whole thing but the note on his bedside table notified him of the reality of the events. He sat up as he read it.
Hey, I just went out to grab us some food. Hopefully you like Mexican! Anyway, this is just in case you wake up before I return so you don't think I bailed on our fake boyfriend conversation.
P.S You should give me your phone number
He never thought this would ever be a thing in his life but here Dream was buying them food and asking for his phone number. George needed to remind himself that this was a friendly offer and that they weren't actually dating but the thought of a possibility deepend his longing.
Dream was bi. In theory, he had a chance. In practice, George was sure that someone like Dream wouldn't actually be interested in someone like himself. But the spark of hope just made his crush worse. Not to mention he'll have to act all lovey-dovey with him and he is self aware enough to know that he's absolutely fucked.
"You're up!" Dream said as he entered, looking over him. George knew he looked like a mess but was now extremely aware of it. It doesn't matter , he reminded himself.
"Yeah." He had to clear his throat, his voice affected by sleep. Dream bumped into his dresser before giving George a sheepish smile. He then sat down on George's bed and pulled a container of food for each of them and utensils.
"Do you mind if we both eat here?" Dream asked and George hated how good he sometimes is. George didn't care about his sheets, he was so aware of Dream's presence and how close they were sitting that he frankly didn't care about anything else right now.
"No." He shook his head eventually and Dream relaxed, removing his jacket and shoes so he could sit cross-legged. "We need to talk anyway and it would be weird if we just yelled across the room the whole time."
"That's true." Dream shrugged and opened his container before looking at George and his. "Is that ok? I wasn't sure what exactly to get and I didn't want to wake you up."
"Don't worry, I'm fine with right about anything." George assured and took a bite. Dream didn't start on his until he gave him a clear indicator that he liked it. It was sweet. George could imagine a boyfriend Dream being super caring and he hated himself for it. Why was his brain punishing him?
"So…what's up?" Dream said eventually and George looked up to notice him staring.
"Well my parents love seeing their kids in love so they've been asking for years if I had someone." Dream nodded, showing he was following. "It's well meaning but it gets annoying when you can't say yes. So I came out and thought that that would be the end of it."
"Are the homophobic?" Dream asked with worry. With him also being part of the community, George understood his distaste at the possibility.
"No. They were shocked for a second and then immediately said to invite you to our winter get together." George explained and stopped for a second when he realized what he said. "I mean my fake boyfriend, which in this case is you."
"Right." Dream nodded, taking a bite of his food and looking unbothered. George was definitely overthinking things. "And what when we get there?"
"Undoubtedly all the possible questions about relationships will be asked. Even the uncomfortable ones." George felt hot and it wasn't from the hot sauce he was eating even if it is a good excuse for his blushing if he's called out.
"Like?" Dream asked, probably unaware of George's reaction.
"Like how we met, how long we were dating, who asked who out and such. Basically we need a proper backstory." George very pointedly avoided mentioning the uncomfortable ones but Dream had another idea.
"And the second kind?" He stopped eating and his full attention was on George which made things a lot worse.
"Uh...you know like…how was our first kiss, definitely my sister's going to ask was there tongue and…uh, the sex questions." Dream raised an eyebrow in interest and George wished to die. Of course he would be amused.
"I'm a top, right?" Dream joked and George kicked him. He erupted in laughter while George tried for his thoughts not to go in that direction.
"I hate you." He was smiling when he said it, focused on Dream's giggles to himself.
"These are gonna be fun two weeks." Dream commented and George rolled his eyes.
"To you ." George said and Dream shrugged before taking another bite.
"So what's our story?" He said after a while, hiding his mouth.
"I don't know." George shrugged. "We met at a party, you came up and flirted with me. Then you asked me out and voila, dating."
"So romantic." Dream said sarcastically before lifting a fork in his direction. "Also you don't go to parties."
"That's not true!" George objected and received a disbelieving look in return. "Ok, kinda true. I just don't like big crowds. But I still go to birthday and smaller parties."
"Fair." There was a moment of silence, Dream thinking for a second before speaking again. "You should go with me to a party today. It's my friend's birthday and it'll only be like 10 or so people. It would be good practice plus we can make our dating story somewhat real."
"You're gonna flirt with me?" George hoped it passed for teasing but he was sweating at the thought of Dream flirting with him. He'd fall spectacularly if it happened.
"I can be very smooth, I'll tell you." George didn't doubt it, he didn't doubt it for a second. Dream was charming in whatever he did. He couldn't tell him that, however.
"I'll live to see it then." George said instead before accepting what could possibly be his end. But it would be good to somewhat know what he'll be facing for two weeks. "Fine, when's the party?"
"11!" Dream seemed to beam at his answer which surprised him. George didn't think he would want someone unparty like and awkward meeting his friends but here he was. Oh no, he was meeting his friends.
"Your friends might think we're actually dating if you flirt with me." He pointed out and Dream rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, how terrible would it be if they thought I managed to score a hot guy. The horror!" He wiggled his fingers as he said the last part, making George laugh. Then he processed his words.
"You think I'm hot?" He asked and Dream looked flustered at the realisation he had said it.
"I mean yeah, objectively, you're very good looking." Dream looked over him and George smiled despite his efforts to stay nonchalant. He should say something. It would be fair to say something.
"You're good looking too. Objectively." Definitely no personal attraction to him adding to it. Definitely not.
"Thanks." He watched him scratch the back of his neck before switching the topic. "Anyway, I'm making up a story about our first date. Yours have no flair."
"You're a romantic, aren't you?" George nudged his head at him and heard him laugh.
"Maybe I just don't want you to ruin my reputation." Dream teased. "Let me guess your idea of our first date would be going to the movies and eating."
"It's a perfectly normal first date." George protested and Dream smirked at having his point proven.
"It's boring. If we're doing this then we might as well have fun with it." Dream suggested and George couldn't complain. They could come up with anything, they were lying anyway. "So I'll think of something actually good and get back to you."
"I am capable of thinking of a cool date idea." Sure, his previous dates weren't a spectacle but in theory he could probably think of something.
"Let's not risk it." Dream earned a playful punch on the shoulder. Honestly, the kicks and punches were only excuses for touching him. "Violent."
"You'll learn to deal with it." George shrugged. "By the way, how are you with children?"
"You don't have a kid, do you?" Dream asked, a smile not escaping him. "Because I'm not ready to be a father."
"No, daddy duties are not on your list of needed skills for the trip." He said and looked up to see Dream even more amused. "What?"
"Daddy duties." He grinned and George sighed and dramatically fell back on the bed.
"World, kill me now and spare me of this mystery." He heard him laugh before he was janked back up by his arm. It felt like his arm burned where he touched him and it lasted a moment longer than needed. Dream probably didn't notice that.
"I'm sorry but it was funny." Dream put his hands in his lap, making George wish he could reach out and pull them back on himself. His daydreams are going to be wild tonight. "Ok so what's the deal with children?"
"I have a younger sister, she's 15 and also my niece and nephew who are 3 and 5 respectively." George explained. "You'll undoubtedly get attacked by them so be prepared."
"I have a younger sister, I'm sure I'll be able to handle it." Dream said confidently. "How many other siblings? And how else would be there?"
"Older sister, she's 25, and that's it. And there'll be her husband and kids obviously. Grandma will be staying with us too and my extended family might drop by sometimes but that would be for a day or two at most."
"Lots of people to impress." Dream noted, less confident than before. "How big is the house we're staying at?"
"It's a villa." George watched his expression change to surprise before he nodded, impressed.
"I'm marrying rich." He said and George snickered.
"Gold digger." George threw a piece of lettuce at Dream which he happily accepted and placed on his food.
"I prefer the term trophy husband." He then gestured to himself. "Clearly I have all the attributes needed."
"Cocky."
"I have that too, yeah." Dream said casually and George wanted to die. If there's something he didn't want to think about, it's that .
"Oh my god." George groaned and hid his face in his hands while Dream laughed to himself at his own joke. "This might just be the longest two weeks of my life."
"You know what else is long?" Dream wiggled his eyebrows and George tried to keep his annoyed front so he wouldn't see how flustered he is.
"My jail sentence after I kill you?" George suggested.
"Actually I meant to say my love for you but your mind's in the gutter." Dream then leaned back and hugged himself. "I'm also starting to fear my safety."
"Right, you definitely didn't have any other implications." George shook his head. "Was that your attempt at flirting?"
"It's stupid enough to be considered charming." Dream assured while George nodded but it was clearly showing he wasn't actually agreeing.
"Whatever you say."
"Oh just you wait." Dream pointed at him. "At the party, I'm sweeping you off your feet."
"Do surprise me." They exchanged smiles and finished the rest of the meal in silence. George almost wanted to say that Dream was basically accomplishing that by existing but he wasn't about to scare him away. Dream was playing around, he wasn't actually trying to get him to like him and George had to remind himself of that. Even if he wished he wanted him.
---
Dream was panicking. All throughout the conversation he thought he was doing too much and making it weird. With it he also promised to flirt with his crush at his best friend's birthday party which said friend was aware that he had. He would not have a fun time explaining that to him. But at least he'll spend time with George and that's a positive.
His second worry was George's family. As a fake boyfriend, his mission was to impress them so George wouldn't end up looking like he has poor taste in guys. Dream didn't actually know what his taste really was but he hoped that at least partly Dream met up the criteria. He felt nervous about meeting them already.
"So…touches?" Dream missed about 90% of words needed in that question but he was nervous. His mind wandered to the idea of them kissing but Dream knew that that definitely wasn't on the table. He'll get a hand holding and hugs at most and his brain better remember that.
"Hugs and hand holding's fine." George shrugged, seemingly unphased by the idea of those things. On the other side, Dream felt elated. "I'm not a touchy person so they won't be too shocked if we're not constantly on each other."
"We should do an ice breaker." Dream said suddenly. It was really more for himself because there's no way he'll end up looking casual holding hands in front of his family without prior practice. Yes, he is aware how sad that sounds.
"Ice breaker?" No backing out now. He stood up and gestured for George to do the same.
"Please don't tell me it's a trust fall exercise because when it's your turn I will drop you." George said but stood up anyway.
"I don't know if that's your lack of strength talking or if I'm being threatened." Dream joked and felt great when George laughed.
"The former." He explained.
"Don't worry, there's no falling involved." Unless it's in love which Dream wouldn't mind if it included them both.
"Were fighting?" George said next and Dream shook his head.
"Really? One, there's a clear winner if that were the case." He gestured to himself. "Two, you need to start thinking about something else besides hurting me."
"Just because you're taller doesn't mean you'd win. I have so much rage you're not even ready." George said with a smirk.
"Remind me to never make you angry." Idea of George being mad at him certainly didn't seem appealing. He took a breath before saying his original idea and his heart sped up again. "I thought we should get familiar with our bodies. Wait, no, let me rephrase that. I think we should hug so we don't freeze if one of us does it unexpectedly."
"So we should hug each other throughout the week?" George asked and Dream didn't mind the idea at all. He meant it only for now but he prefers George's suggestion far more.
"Unexpectedly." He added and George nodded. "But let's try to do one expected one first. Unless it makes you uncomfortable, in which case forget I said anything."
"No, no it's a pretty good idea." George looked to be deep in thought. "It would be weird if we were awkward around each other for two people that are supposedly dating."
Dream's problem was that he had no problem with George touching him or himself touching George. He had to contain himself so that he doesn't end up looking predatory. But his selfishness allowed him this little offer.
"Ok, c'mon." He spread his arms wide open, trying for a comical approach to ease the tension. George stood for a moment before stepping closer and hesitantly putting his arms around his waist and looking up. God, Dream was whipped.
"This ok?" George was barely holding him so Dream took his arm and pushed them tighter around him, also making George crash against his chest.
"Just imagine you're hugging someone you like. Don't overthink." He reassured and naively hoped that George was thinking of him and not some other guy. Dream was far from calm but he didn't want George to feel unsure around him so he tried looking calm and collected. Taking a breath, he threw his arms around his shoulders and brought him as close as he could. "Good?"
"Good." George's voice was soft as he rested his head against his shoulder. Dream smiled to himself and pressed the side of his head against his. Closing his eyes, he let himself enjoy this moment.
His heart did a flip when George tightened his grip and buried his nose into his neck.