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The moment Dream pulls into the parking spot and puts the car into park Tommy’s squirming in his seat eagerly, head turned to peek out the window in efforts to get a view of his beloved playground.
George slips out of his seat opening the door to make it to Tommy. He smiles as Tommy bounces in his seat, tugging lightly at the straps, “Now?”
The weather has been a washout for the past two weeks so Tommy didn’t get a chance to go the park like they normally do at least once every two weeks. George thinks it’s important for social interaction and just to get out in general. While kindergarten helps, this gives him room to really explore.
George laughs softly as Tommy keep squirming with anticipation, “If you keep moving like that I’ll never be able to get you out.”
Which okay, ever since they got the new car seat George swears no matter what Tommy does it’s impossible to get him in or out of the contraption. The buckles criss cross in a way the old one never did and it’s enough to give him
a headache for days. Granted from repetition and practice he’s gotten better but he’ll never understand how his husband can do it under two minutes.
Dream is standing by his side amused by the time George lifts Tommy from the seat freeing his son. He places Tommy down carefully on the concrete. Instantly, as he’s been taught, Tommy latches onto George’s hand.
After locking up the car Dream grasps Tommy’s other hand so he’s fully secure. Not that Tommy would dare run off when George is around but still, parking lots are dangerous so they like to take extra precaution.
Tommy hums happily, swinging their hands back and forth as his mind swirls with all the fun he can have.
Dream directs his gaze at George, his memory failing him, “How long are we staying again?”
George keeps his eyes on their surroundings in case a car suddenly starts backing out, “Until he tires himself out.” He shrugs nonchalantly, “It’s Saturday after all.”
Tommy pauses in his swinging as a thought crosses his mind. He looks up at George with wide questioning eyes knowing his Papa is always the one with this information. His voice is hopeful, “Is Ranboo coming?”
George shakes his head as he glances quickly at Tommy. He checked with all Tommy’s little friends and none of them could make it today unfortunately, “I talked to his Mom. They’re at his grandparents’ today.”
Tommy pouts at the news, biting the inside of his cheek. Still he’s not fully deterred. He perks up as his eyes brighten, “Tubbo?”
George sighs knowing he’s the barer of bad news, “At the doctor last time I checked.”
Tommy’s shoulders slump as he stares at the ground in disappointment. He really wanted to see his friends.
Dream chuckles at Tommy’s moping, mildly amused, “Are we not good enough hon?”
George’s eyes flash as he glares at Dream making a cut throat action with his free hand. A clear, Shut it.
Tommy looks up at Dream with confusion all over his features as he tilts his head, blond curls shifting with the movement, “What?”
George squeezes Tommy’s hands reassuringly as he smiles down at his son, “Nothing baby. Daddy’s just being silly.”
George narrows his eyes at Dream who can’t help but smirk slightly in response.
Tommy giggles as he starts to swing their arms again. He shakes his head, “Silly Daddy.”
Dream smiles fondly, mind filled with the beautiful picture George and Tommy make even when they’re laughing at his expense, “You got me.”
They make it safely from the parking lot to the playground. Trees swaying in the wind as the mulch crunches under their feet. The sounds of children laughing and screaming fills the background like a lull. George smiles as he watches several kids dart by. Tommy drags them both into the direction of his favorite place in the playground.
He points forward as he lets go of George’s hand, still dragging Dream along, “Daddy, swings, push!”
Dream tuts giving Tommy a look of disapproval, “What do we say?”
Tommy scrunches his eyebrows at first until the light bulb goes off. His smile grows as he knows they’re about to play, “Please!”
Dream hums sagely pretending he’s considering even when it’s known he’d instantly oblige to anything Tommy asks. Finally he gives in smiling as he ruffles Tommy’s hair, “Alright, since you asked so nicely.”
Tommy beams as he jumps up and down still holding Dream’s hand. He whirls his head around not having forgotten about George, “Papa watch?”
George shoots both of them a thumbs up as he shifts the snack bag against his shoulder. They like to bring some water and snacks so they can spend a little longer time at the playground.
At the confirmation Tommy readily pulls Dream to the swing set being mindful to not get hit by the other kids as his parents trained him.
Finally once they reach an empty swing Tommy struggles a bit to hop up. With gentle hands Dream steadies him. He gives Tommy a moment to situate himself before prompting, “You ready bud?”
Tommy shakes the chains with his hands, “Yes!”
He can’t wait to feel the wind tickle his face as he flies.
Tommy swings his feet as Dream pushes him at a steady pace careful of the spot he pushes Tommy’s back. Gradually Tommy gets higher and higher until he lets out spiels of giggles every time he reaches the peak. He feels like he can touch the tree, maybe even the clouds. He closes his eyes feeling the wind surround him as he keeps a tight grip on the chains.
Dream keeps a close eye on him making sure he’s doing alright while a soft smile paints his face. That is until something catches in his peripheral vision.
Where George stands in the shade under a tree there’s two women that appear to be conversing with him. If Dream strains his ears he swears he can hear their artificial laughter as one of them swats at George’s arm. Dream frowns as irritability builds in his chest. It reaches a straw as George takes a step back from them, Dream easily being able to read the amount of discomfort in his husband’s body language.
Dream puts less power into his pushes so Tommy slows down enough to be able to hear Dream as Dream raises his voice, “Are you thirsty baby? Want to get some water from Papa?”
Tommy thinks hard as the swing comes to almost a full stop, swaying lightly under his weight, “Mmm okay.”
Instead of letting Tommy hop off Dream picks him up placing Tommy on his hip. While it’s always good to get some water and make sure Tommy stays hydrated Dream can’t deny that he has ulterior motives.
Dream’s strides are quick as he makes his way to George ready to tear into the situation.
As soon as he comes into hearing distance voices shrill to his ears grate at his nerves, “So are you married? Single parent?”
George laughs awkwardly, rubbing his hand against the back of his neck, “Actually I-“
Within seconds Dream is there, breaking the aura abruptly. Immediately his free arm wraps around George’s waist to pull him close, against his side.
Dream’s smile is deadly, “Actually I’m his husband.”
The pair of women glance at each other this time them growing uncomfortable and standoffish.
George doesn’t let it bother him one bit. He gestures towards Tommy with an polite smile on his face, “And this is my son, Tommy.”
Completely oblivious to the situation unfolding Tommy waves to them, toothy smile and all, “Hi!”
One of the women smiles gently, “He’s very cute.”
Dream wants to punt kick her into the sun yet somehow he manages a smile, “Thanks.”
The other woman mutters just loud enough for them to hear, “A shame.”
In a flash her companion elbows her in the ribs, smiling in a mixture of apologetic and anxious air, “Well we’ll let you go. Have a nice day!”
George smiles good naturally happy to see them go, “You too.”
Tommy shifts in Dream’s hold tugging at his shirt, “Water?”
Dream takes a glance at George who’s already pulling a water bottle out from the bag, pawning it off to Dream.
Dream takes it and gives it to Tommy who starts taking greedy sips as if he’d just run the perimeter of the entire playground.
Dream’s sick of it. He’s so sick of it. He can’t hide his irritability. Can’t hide his displeasure as his frown intensifies, “When will it ever stop?”
George looks up at Dream with confusion painting his face. He tilts his head, “What?”
Dream’s voice comes out in a whine, it’s honestly unfair, “Everyone hits on you darling.”
George blinks taking a moment to process the words. The he scoffs waving them away, “That’s not…not everyone.”
Dream grunts as he shifts Tommy a bit against his hip. It’s enough that’s for sure, “Almost, which I don’t blame them but how do they miss the ring every time?”
Dream gestures down to George’s hand which rests by his side, “I need to buy you a bigger one.”
George scoffs at the notion knowing they don’t need to waste money like that, “Don’t you dare.”
He bites at his lip throwing Dream’s words around in his head, “Plus you’re exaggerating.”
It’s as if Dream’s been waiting his whole life to prove George wrong in that moment.
He ticks off several at ease, “Receptionist at the doctor.”
George holds firm, “Okay you got one.”
Dream has plenty in his arsenal, “The grocery clerk.”
George purses his lips. Okay maybe that’s true…but still! It’s can’t be that many people…
Dream’s eyes darken a tad as he lists the next person, “Tubbo’s Dad.”
George winces at that one. He knows Dream particularly hates that whole thing.
Dream continues in a roll feeling exasperation leak into his being, “Your new trainee.”
“Which,” he gives George a pointed look recalling his husband’s complaints that lasted for several months, “You complained about that one for ages babe.”
George shift uneasily as he notes he may be fighting a losing battle, “Alright so…that’s a few.”
Dream uses the last one to smack George over the head at the realization, “Tommy’s kindergarten teacher.”
George exhales slowly. That had been a nightmare to deal with. Perhaps he should admit defeat, “Yeah that one was a little rough.”
Dream waves a hand in the air indignant by the entire affair, “See!”
George sighs as he considers his options. His eyes find the ground as his voice is quiet, “There’s not much I can do about it.”
Dream’s smile is soft as he pulls George closer, reassuringly letting his husband know he knows it’s by no fault of his own, “I know honey. I just wish you didn’t have to go through it so often.”
George hums as he leans into Dream indulging in the embrace, a smile grows, “And this has nothing to do with how protective you are?”
Dream huffs slightly. What kind of question is that?
His words hold strong conviction, “Of course I’m protective of my family.”
George’s heart warms at Dream’s words no matter how many times he’s heard them, “Don’t worry about it Dreamy, I’ve got it handled.”
Dream seems anxious to accept the reality. He swallows thickly as he meets George’s eyes, “Alright…but I’m always here for you okay?”
George lifts a hand to cradle Dream’s cheek, “I know. And I for you.”
George leans forward on his tippy toes to peck Dream on the lips lovingly.
A little someone reminds them of their presence as a loud, “Eww,” comes from Dream’s arms.
George rolls his eyes with an amused smile on his face as Dream laughs at Tommy’s scrunched up face.
Tommy doesn’t stay hung up on it too long. He shakes the water bottle signifying he’s finished, “Thank you. All done Papa.”
George’s smile is filled with warmth as he takes it from Tommy’s small hands, “Sure baby.”
George takes a glance around before landing on Tommy again. He has a proposition he knows Tommy won’t deny, “Wanna see the slides?”
Instantly Tommy wiggles in Dream’s hold wanting to be placed down, “Yes, yes!”
With cautious movements Dream settles Tommy on the ground. Quickly Tommy scampers up to George grabbing his hand as he practically drags his Papa to the slide area.
Dream’s smile is genuine and full of absolute pure happiness. He loves his family.