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The gentle rain pattered against the window that Dream rests his head against. His eyelids flutter closed, letting the noise and the soft, hardly noticeable taps of rain on glass hit against his cheek. It was almost four in the morning, and a loud batch of thunder had woken him up. Instead of just going back to bed like a normal person, he’d decided that this was the perfect opportunity to wake up his boyfriend.
He’d crawled into bed with Sapnap at first, tugging at his pajama shirt until the brunet finally caved and opened his arms to Dream, who slotted himself naturally in them. He’d nuzzled against his chest, letting his ears flatten against the top of his head as Sapnap’s chin rested atop the mop of blond hair.
“Does thunder scare you?” Sapanp had whispered, a hand moving to rest at the nape of his neck and golden hair around his finger, relishing in its softness.
The answer wasn’t a simple one. “Not when I’m with you,” Dream answers as succinctly as he can. “You make…all the scary things seem better.”
“Is that so?” He pressed a kiss right between his ears, and Dream’s smile was practically splitting. “I’m glad.” A pause passes between them along with another rumble of thunder, and Dream just hums as he buries his face into the crook of Sapnap’s neck.
When he was a kid, the thunder used to shake him to his core. The loud booms felt like gunshots echoing inside his mind; he’d tried everything to make it feel better: cowering under blankets, hiding under his bed, cowering in the corner, closing all the blinds as if the booms of thunder were the heavy footfalls of a giant that couldn’t find him if it couldn’t see in. Nothing worked. If it were storming, Dream just wouldn’t sleep. He became accustomed to it, because he had to.
Little did he know, the cure all this time had been laying right in Sapnap’s embrace. The way fingers comb through his hair, the way his kisses linger with warmth wherever they touch, the way Sapnap’s stubble brushes over his cheeks when the blond nuzzles into his shoulder. All at once, nothing seemed scary anymore; as if Sapnap himself had the power to chase away any monster, any giant, anything lurking in the darkness or faraway shadows. Sapnap brought love and light with him everywhere that he went.
Dream loved him infinitely for it.
The moment was nice, of course, until Sapnap blurts: “I love you, but I have to pee.”
Dream lets out a soft laugh, but only hugged him tighter. “‘Kay, and? Take me with you, then.”
“Dream, ew.”
“I don’t see a problem with it.”
“Of course not.” Sapnap’s hand comes up to ruffle Dream’s hair, and again his ears flatten to the sides of his head to allow him to do so. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“Hurry,” Dream coaxes, lacking the urgency in his voice. Sapnap peels the blanket off the two of them, and Dream sits up. “I’ll miss you.”
“You’ll be okay.”
“Bold claim.”
Sapnap laughs, and then he’s off to the bathroom. Dream picks himself up off the mattress and wanders over to where the curtains lay closed. Sapnap slept a lot during early hours of the night, and it was currently summer, so the sun stuck around until closer to ten pm. Blackout curtains were an investment absolutely needed for the brunet to function on enough levels of sleep.
That being said, Dream tugs the curtains over and slots himself into the bay window, where he currently resides. Lightning flashes in the sky, and without Sapnap’s arms around him, he feels the tiniest twinge of fear, but he manages. He’ll be back. Dream tugs his legs to his chest as the thunder booms overhead, resting his chin atop his knees. “Sap?” He whines. “I miss you.”
“It’s been thirty seconds,” comes the voice from the closed bathroom door.
“How long does it take you to pee?”
“You are so dramatic.”
Dream smiles, comforted by his voice. The thunder quiets almost as soon as it begins, as does Dream’s racing heart. The brunet finally comes out of the bathroom, flicking residual water droplets off his fingertips as he glances at Dream. “What’re you doing?”
“Bay window,” he replies simply.
Sapnap’s grin is goofy as he approaches, wrapping his arms around Dream’s frame and tugging him close. “You always, like, nestle there. It doesn’t even look that comfy, it’s just hard wood by a cold window.”
“Yeah, but you can draw the curtains. Look.” Dream demonstrates by wriggling out of Sapnap’s arms and drawing the curtains closed. “Now it’s all dark and…sensory happy.”
Sapnap laughs, pulling the curtain back just slightly to peer in. Dream seems to have anticipated this, because he’s already waiting and smiling back at Sapnap. The soft sound of a gentle thudding against the wood of the bay window seat resounds, and Sap tugs the curtains back the rest of the way to resume holding Dream in his arms. “You’re fucking adorable, you know that?”
“I try,” the blond jokes, resting his head against Sapnap’s chest. “I can hear your heart.”
“Good to know I’m still alive,” he retorts, and Dream giggles, letting his eyes close.
“Can you carry me?”
“What?”
“Wherever you’re going. You don’t usually stand with me unless you’re going somewhere. Wherever you’re going, carry me with you.”
“You’re like a big man-baby. You know that?”
Dream smiles, resting his chin against Sapnap’s chest and gazing up at him with all the love in the world. If an angel descended from heaven right now and told him that Sapnap was one of them, that he’d crafted the droplets of water that showered from above, the rays of sunlight that peeked through the clouds; told him that he was the one that painted every sunrise and sunset, orchestrated every symphony of birds that chirped outside their house…he’d believe them. Sapnap is ethereal, and Dream’s love for him surpasses any Earthly limitations. There’s nothing Dream wouldn’t do if the brunet so much as asked—or even if he didn’t.
“I can live with that title.” His arms outstretch. “Pick me up.”
Sapnap does as instructed, looping his own arms under Dream’s and hoisting him into his arms. He situates him so that Dream is laying leisurely in his arms like a princess, and Sapnap has access to press kisses to his forehead. Dream’s tail sways from under him, and Sapnap smiles at the draft that he feels signifying his boyfriend’s happiness, even if he can’t see the tail wagging from their position.
“Where are you going? Just back to bed?” Dream asks, resting against his chest again and peering up at him.
“Well, I was going to go make you something. A surprise. But now you’re attached to my hip, and it won’t be a surprise anymore.” The brunet’s words are light and teasing, not at all malicious, as he turns and begins heading for their bedroom door; still cracked for when Dream came parading in minutes prior.
“I like surprises,” the hybrid tries to argue.
“It’s hard to surprise you when I have to hold you at all times,” Sapnap chastises.
“Mm,” Dream hums, letting his eyelids flutter closed as Sapnap walks through the halls towards what he’s presuming is the kitchen. “I guess no surprises are a sacrifice I’m willing to make.”
“Not, just…laying in bed for five minutes while I’m right down the hall?”
“No, that’s too hard,” Dream pitifully whines, and Sapnap laughs. He feels his shoulders shake, and Dream’s head gently bobs with the motion. “Since it isn’t a surprise anyway, what’re you doing?”
“I’m making us hot cocoa. We can sit on your little bay window together with the curtains drawn. Your little sensory den. We can stay there until the storm passes. Does that sound okay?”
Dream can’t think of anything better. His smile is wide and he almost wants to cry. So overwhelmed with a love so sweet, so soft, so perfect; it was as if the angels had crafted Sapnap by hand to be the best among them. The man was a blessing, nothing less; and every day Dream wonders what exactly he did to deserve him. “That sounds perfect, Sap.”
The brunet smiles, feeling he’s done good, before moving towards the counter. He sets Dream onto it, and the blond lets out a pitiful whine. “I wish I could, like, cling to you like a koala clings to a tree.”
As Sapnap reaches up to get two mugs down from the high shelf, he laughs, “what?”
“Y’know how koalas, like, cling to trees and stuff…I wish I could do that. Cling to your waist. That way, I’d never have to leave you again.”
“I’m right here, you big baby.”
“Too far.”
Sapnap, mugs looped in his thumbs, moves over to press a kiss to Dream’s forehead. A gentle thudding emits from behind him again, and Sapnap smiles. “There. How about that?”
“That works,” Dream’s eyes crinkle at the edges with a smile so wide, and Sapnap’s chest is full of warmth. He moves over to the fridge.
“Do you want milk or water as the base for your hot chocolate?”
“Is there a difference?” Dream asks, legs kicking off the counter rhythmically.
“Milk typically makes it more…creamy, I guess? Water is the standard, though. Or, if you wanna get fancy, you can make it with water and then add milk to it after it’s all made and stuff. That’s what I do.”
“A hot chocolate connoisseur we have here,” Dream grins. “Just make it how you do, I’m sure it’s great.”
Sapnap then backs away from the fridge and heads to the sink, turning on the filtered tap and filling each glass a little over halfway full. He approaches the microwave and slots the mugs into it, setting it for two and a half minutes, before approaching Dream again. His hands settle on his hips, and he presses their foreheads together. “I love you. You know that?” He murmurs. A whisper hushed and intimate, only for them. It passes from his lips and lingers in the air, it’s presence and implications enough to make Dream’s heart flutter.
“I love you more,” Dream dares. “Did you know that?”
“No, because it’s impossible.”
“Are you calling me a liar, Sapnap?” An offended gasp. “My own boyfriend. The love of my life, accusing me of such slander. Defamation of character at its finest—I could bring you to court for this. Is that what you’re saying? Is that your final verdict? That I’m a liar?” He’s so dramatic and he knows it, but it’s funny to watch Sapnap fight a smile and fail.
“I’m saying that maybe you’re just a little dumb, pups,” Sapnap teases, gently pinching one of Dream’s ears and relishing in the small whine it elicits. “Cute. My silly boy.”
“You are so mean.”
The microwave beeps with their hot water done, ready for Sapnap to lovingly finish making their hot chocolates. “The most cruel man that ever lived,” he agrees with faux-solemn, pressing a kiss to the tip of Dream’s nose before stalking towards the microwave and opening the door.
He carefully takes the two mugs and sets them on the counter, squatting down to pull the hot cocoa powder from the cabinet under Dream’s feet. “Y’know chocolate is poisonous for dogs.”
“You trying to poison me, Sapnap?”
“No,” the brunet’s quick to reassure. “I think you’re just strong enough to take it.”
“...thank you?”
They both break into soft giggles, and Sapnap dunks two of the tablespoons into each of their glasses, pulling out a spoon and beginning to stir one, and then the other. Retreating back to the fridge, he pulls out the milk carton and adds a splash to each one.
“It smells…different,” Dream comments, and Sapnap hums in approval.
“I was wondering if you’d notice. It’s peppermint hot chocolate,” Sapnap confirms. “Do you want whipped cream, Dreamie?”
“‘Course I do, are you crazy?’
“Yeah, I figured I knew the answer to that already. No harm in asking anyway.”
Sap swaps the milk for the whipped cream in the fridge, walking over to the steaming mugs and adding some whipped cream to both. He glances at Dream for what he knows is coming, and he’s right.
“More.”
“Dream.”
“Add more whipped cream, Sapnap.”
“It’s gonna mess with the balance! It already has milk in it, you don’t want it to be too creamy or have the chocolate not be as pronounced!”
“You sound like a crazy person, add more whipped cream.”
A small sigh, and the brunet does as he’s told, all but doubling the amount of whipped topping on Dream’s mug. He practically sees the hearts in Dream’s eyes as he eyes his mug. “It’s gonna be so hard not to spill now trying to get into your little nook,” Sapnap points out.
“Well, you’re carrying me, so you better walk steadily.”
“You’re so—” Sapnap lets out a sigh, moving to slot himself between Dream’s legs and cup his cheeks in his hands. “You are such a little shit.”
Dream giggles. “Yeah? What’re you gonna do about it?”
Sapnap wraps Dream’s legs around his waist and kisses him on the counter, not missing the way Dream melts into it, just like he always does. Sapnap’s arms snake around his waist and all at once he’s pulling Dream off the counter and onto his feet. At first the blond whines, but then he erupts into a fit of giggles once more when Sapnap begins swaying with him around the kitchen.
Dancing in the dim lighting of the moon and the stovelight clock that glares an ungodly hour in the morning back at them, Sapnap dips Dream in his arms and presses a kiss to his lips. The blond’s arms loop around his neck, and Sapnap can tell he’s smiling by the curve of his lips against his own.
It’s not that he’s realizing he’s in love with Dream; no, he’s known that for years. It’s just that he doesn’t know anyone else that he would want to dance in their tiny kitchen with at five in the morning; no one else could possibly fit so perfectly in his arms than Dream. It’s just that the love he harbors for the blond all but triples every time he speaks, he laughs, he smiles, he exists. It’s that simple.
Sapnap loves Dream just for existing. He takes a moment to thank whatever exactly it was that brought Dream into his life; whatever miracle, whatever good deed he did to earn it. He wouldn’t change a single thing.
Simply: he’s in love.
He finally pulls Dream back up, cupping his cheek with his hand. “If I carry you, can you carry both mugs, babe?”
“I think that can be arranged,” Dream grins, and Sapnap sweeps him into his arms all at once, leading him over to the mugs.
Dream picks them up and rests them against his own chest as they begin to walk back towards the bedroom. “I don’t hear the storm anymore,” Dream comments as Sapnap shoulders their bedroom door open once more.
“We were too gay. We chased it away. The storm’s homophobic,” the brunet retorts, making Dream laugh again.
“I’m not so sure about that, but if that’s all it takes, we should kiss when it thunders more often.”
“I’m not opposed.”
Sapnap sets Dream down on the bay window seat, letting him adjust properly before joining him. It’s cramped, but not uncomfortable. He draws the curtains closed and darkness engulfs them; all but the moon.
The moonlight accents Dream’s hair and glistens in his eyes. Dream never stops impressing him with his beauty, even when Sapnap swears it's impossible to fall any more in love with him. Dream nudges Sapnap’s mug his way, holding his own in his hands and leaning his head against the window again.
“You’re pretty,” Sapnap comments, and Dream smiles. He watches in real time how pale pink ghosts over Dream’s cheeks, accented by the moon and paired with his freckles that stand out against his tanned skin. How, out of anyone in the world, it was Sapnap that got as lucky as to call Dream his boyfriend was beyond him. But he wouldn’t change it for the world.
“Have you seen yourself lately?” Dream shoots back, taking a sip of his hot chocolate and getting a dab of whipped cream on his nose.
Without second thought, Sapnap cups his jaw and tugs him close, pressing a kiss to the whipped cream spot to wipe it away. “I love you. My perfect boy.”
Dream’s head tips into Sapnap’s hand, eyelids closing peacefully at the gentle caressing of his thumb against Dream’s cheek. “I love you, too. So much.”
Neither of them knew how exactly they wound up waking up tangled in each other’s arms in bed hours later, but Dream’s mouth still tasted of love and whipped cream.