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The first time Dream took the quiz, it was unintentional. And it was fine. George had been an ocean away and any feelings he might've had were buried under a thick layer of denial. Or maybe not so thick according to the test displaying a cheery; "33% you're a little bit in love with your best friend"
It had been idle minded. Unthinking. He'd been half talking to George and half talking to his chat, the rest of his brain dedicated to occasionally clicking buttons. When the result had come up, he hadn't even noticed, too busy laughing at something he'd seen in chat and George had skewed in a stupid way that shouldn't have been funny.
It was George that pointed it out. "A little bit…? Dream?" There was a teasing tone from George and Dream was immediately in defense mode. "Have something to share with us?" George asked, his tone dipping lower. It was entirely teasing but his sultry tones, lightly accented, dipped into rich velvety sweetness.
Dream unwillingly shivered, staring at his computer screen to distract himself. His jaw almost dropped. The result glared back at him. A little bit in love with your best friend… Dream panicked. Was he? Did he want that? Feelings hiding beneath the surface were threatening to bubble up. He couldn't hide from this, but he could damn well try. The answer wasn't even that high. It was fine.
Dream laughed, a bit forced, a bit manic and a bit wheezy. "Hahaha… no George! What is wrong with you?" Deflect. Deflect and redirect.
George scoffed and Dream relaxed a little. When he spoke again, it was his normal voice, if not a bit annoyed and amused. "Me? I'm not the one taking a best friend love quiz." But it was light and George had laughed and Dream joined in.
"Okay, okay, well- the results must be wrong, I love you as a friend! And, I mean, who really can say what 33% even means… a-and…" he spluttered gently, trying to defend himself. "Shut up."
George just laughed harder and Dream actually managed to relax, only once the topic had changed and that stupid quiz was far behind them.
Dream would forget about this, he wouldn't dwell on a stupid website, a stupid quiz result… his stupid feelings. He could bury them, forget about them for their friendship. He didn't want to lose this. He didn't want to lose George.
And then George had moved in.
As Sapnap had so helpfully reminded him a couple months after that incident, travel was up and available again and George had managed to get his visa. Dream knew. Sapnap knew he knew… but Sapnap also knew that Dream was procrastinating. Or maybe not so much procrastinating as trying to delay the inevitable. Of course George would move in, Dream and Sapnap wanted him to move in. But panic quickly rose inside Dream. A panic he didn't want to show Sapnap and never wanted George to even discover.
Maybe Dream walked on glass after that quiz around George, maybe he'd eased up from joking flirting and maybe it was because his chest tightened a little more with each giggle, each smile, each stupid joke no one should laugh at. But it was for good reason, Dream was trying to distance himself, trying to convince himself he wasn't in love with George and falling further with each late night call that wound up with them falling asleep. Would that continue when George got here…? George in his bed, softly muttering sleepy thoughts? It was almost too much for Dream to bear.
Sapnap must've caught on that something was up, because in the following days, he forced Dream into action. They were all on a call, later at night for Sapnap and Dream and absurdly early in the morning for George yet somehow Dream was the sleepy one. Later, Dream decided Sapnap must have intentionally abused his own sleepiness.
They weren't doing much. George was "editing" i.e. claiming he was editing even though both Dream and Sapnap knew he was doing anything butー probably on tiktok instead. Dream was idly clicking through his channel stats, barely even looking at them as his lolled further and further on his arms. His eyelids were heavy as was his breath, slowly evening out as sleepiness conquered him.
Sapnap's voice came out of nowhere, swimming in Dream's ears like a warm blanket. "So, George, when are you coming over?" Tiny alarm bells were going off in Dream's brain but the drowsiness kept him unaware.
George scoffed a little amused noise. "I don't know, when will I have a room ready for me?"
Sapnap scoffed back, though jokingly. "Wow, so bossy… but bold of you to assume we don't already have one."
More alarm bells. This time Dream sleepily raised his head, trying to figure out the cause for concern.
"Huh?" Dream asked dumbly, his vision was a little bleary as he blinked at the icons of his friends.
Both of them laughed and Dream felt his cheeks warm. What had he missed?
George was like a bullet to his brain. "Well hello, sleepy head. How nice of you to join the conversation." His voice was soft, too soft. Dream was too tired for this. His heart thrummed nervously, feeling a bit like that of a panicked rabbit's. He chose to stay quiet, wait for Sapnap or George to actually answer him.
George spoke first. "My room, Dream. Is it ready yet?"
Dream's breath hitched and he knew he was screwed. "U-um, yeah. When… when are you coming?"
There was a stunned silence and Sapnap knew he was shocked Dream actually gave a proper answer and George was probably too excited to speak. He was cute like that. And with that though the feeling in his stomach sank more. Dream wouldn't last two seconds with George here. He could tell himself endlessly he wasn't in love but when George was actually here…
Dream didn't dare dwell on it.
It was a couple of moments before George spoke again, this time in an uncharacteristically nervous voice. "When, uh, can I? Move in, I mean."
Sapnap was quiet, waiting for Dream to answer. Dream half wished Sapnap would just answer for him. He had to get it over with. "Anytime you want, Georgie." If his own voice was smooth as honey, sweet as candy, Dream didn't dwell on it. If Sapnap gave him an odd look the next morning in the kitchen, he didn't see it.
Plans were made all too quickly after that. The room was properly prepared while Dream had never felt less prepared for anything in his life.
He asked Sapnap to get George from the airport. It was cowardly and probably a dick move on his part, but at this point his emotions were spilling over and overwhelming him to the point where he'd cleaned the house three times. Sapnap had almost said no before seeing the panic evident in Dream's face.
Before leaving and risking being late, Sapnap put down the keys and sat Dream down on the couch. "What's wrong? Don't say "nothing", I know you better than that. You're panicking." Sapnap set a soothing hand on his knee and Dream willed himself to calm down. "Is it your face?"
Dream was a bit taken aback. He hadn't even thought of that. "Um… not really, although now I am," he half joked, giving a strained laugh. Sapnap's hand squeezed a little.
"Dude, it'll be okay. You know we all joke but he's not gonna actually judge you. If anything he'll be too happy and excited to even function right and forget to say a single insult."
Dream rolled his eyes. "Yeah right." He smirked at Sapnap. "He'll always have one for you." That got him a punch to the shoulder. "But also… I can't see that happening." His chest felt tight. "What… what if he doesn't like-" Me? "us? And doesn't want to stay?" Sapnap didn't know about Dream's hidden feelings unless he could guess which Dream suspected he might.
It was Sapnap's turn to roll his eyes in agitation, giving a dismissive huff. "You're an idiot for even thinking that. He's moving across the ocean to come here at all… it's gonna be great, Dream. Chill."
Dream tried, he really did. He breathed deeply and was grateful when Sapnap noticed and gave him a deep breath to follow along to. He gave his friend a weak smile. "I love you, man." He really did, grateful for Sapnap, his light teasing and his grounding presence.
Sapnap grinned mischievously. "Save those words for George," he teased.
Dream gave Sapnap his own punch. "Shut up and leave, idiot. You're gonna be late."
And Sapnap was, but it seemed too soon that there was a boisterous knock at the door and Dream, swallowing his nerves.
He opened the door and for a moment George and he just stared at each other. Dream blinked, trying to process this and get it through his head that George was actually here. Actually in front of him. He didn't quite manage to sink in before the breath was knocked out of him.
Dream had to take a moment to realize what happened before looking down and seeing George buried against his chest. Dream's arms were wrapping around George tightly before he could even realize what he was doing. He held the brunet tight, tighter even as he breathed in. It wasn't a pleasant smell at all as Dream buried his nose into George's hair. It was the smell of busy airports, too much travelling and an acrid undertone of sweat as the byproduct. Dream was filled with an underlying urge to take care of him.
But that would require letting go and he wasn't quite ready to do that yet. It seemed like George wasn't ready to either, clutching even tighter at Dream's hoodie. An irritated noise brought Dream out of his reverie and looked up to see Sapnap glowering, agitated at the two blocking the door. Dream's eyes trailed down away from his sweaty, angry face and saw the reason. Sapnap was carrying two giant bags… alone. Dream snorted and Sapnap's face soured even more.
"Move lovebirds, before I dump George's shit on the ground."
Dream gave a soft laugh even with a tiny twang in his heart that the moment would have to end. He nodded to Sapnap who looked relieved and went to move out of the hold. George didn't let him go and a giddy feeling welled up inside.
"Move," Sapnap insisted and Dream shrugged apologetically with a growing grin.
"Sorry, Sap. I'm kinda stuck."
Sapnap observed the situation, stared at George with reproach, glanced at the look in Dream's eyes and sighed. He threw down the bags and Dream felt George jolt slightly at the noise, though he didn't move. Sapnap muttered something like fuck it, your problem, before moving past the two still hugging. Dream couldn't help but laugh again, although this time a little manic. He was starting to panic, drowning in his own head as endless questions of why George hadn't let go yet ravaged him.
He squeezed lightly, trying to get the brunet's attention since he seemed preoccupied acting like a barnacle. George grumpily peered up. Dream's heart thrummed nervously and he desperately hoped George couldn't hear it. "...Hey, George," Dream greeted softly, oh so sweetly once he'd heard Sapnap's footsteps fully recede. He spoke the two simple words like they were to be cherished. In a way, they were.
Dream could still barely believe that here, in his arms, was actually George. It was everything he'd ever dreamed of, even with his nerves buzzing through his veins, it was as if any anxiety burning through him like a fire was doused, put out by the calming waters that were George. The flames were stifled, put out with little more than a faint hiss as the steam and smoke rose, mingling in the air. His worries drifted away in the noxious cloud, miles away.
George offered him a small, tired smile and maybe there was still a small flame because his heart melted. Fire and water, lighting his heart aflame and dousing it before it burned through him… that was George. Dream smiled back and George's own widened in response.
"...You have a face," George commented nonchalantly and Dream realized George was staring at him, eyes never once leaving his face. The gaze roamed as if drinking in every part of Dream and he couldn't really fault George, he was kind of doing the same and he had seen his face.
"And you're really here," Dream whispered back, as if still not daring to believe it was real. George squeezed him tighter.
"Yeah…" They stayed like that, wrapped in each other's hold before finally, finally George let go and spoke up. "It's just a shame your face is so ugly." A tease. A joke. Normalcy.
Whatever they had shared was over and while Dream's heart stung with the loss, he grinned broadly before feigning outrage at the insult. He laughed a little, unable to stop himself at George's stupid antics, before gasping. "George! I'll have you know I've won Most Attractive Person in the Dream Team household two years in a row."
George smirked, grabbing the lighter of his two bags and Dream immediately grabbed the other. "Yeah. But your only competition was Sapnap..."
The insinuated insult made Dream wheeze as he started showing George to his new room.
"And well, of course, now I'm here your streak is absolutely over, Dream."
He was so confident, so bold it made Dream's heart skip a beat for a moment. Then he scoffed. "Yeah right. Keep dreaming, pretty boy." The name had slipped out, he tried to hide the way he was already mentally beating himself up for saying something so dumb. Then he heard something that distracted him, making his brain blue screen.
"Oh I will, sweetheart."
Dream physically stopped in the hallway, turning around to see if he had just imagined the daring and flirtatious response. His stomach swooped. The nickname.
George just looked back at him before raising an eyebrow. The only indication he had said anything was a small teasing smile that was just daring Dream to call him out on it. He didn't rise to the bait.
He chose not to think about that moment at all, actually. George got settled and they had dinner as the three of them that night. Sapnap seemed to be in a better mood after a nap and with the promise of food and despite the strange flirtatious moment from earlier, George was the same as ever. It was pleasant, Dream laughed along and the three of them held a mock toast to George being there, calling it his inauguration.
It was amazing but so normal that Dream was once again questioning if that moment in the hallway had happened.
They finished dinner and migrated to the couch, with George being the last one there after disappearing with some small claim of, "gotta grab something". Sapnap sighed contently as he sank into their all-too-familiar plush couch.
Dream took his usual spot beside Sapnap, preparing for cuddling with the homies. Sapnap's arm was just coming around his shoulder when he froze as he fully processed that train of thought. Oh no.
He'd been a bit antsy after that initial tender and long hug in the doorway, afraid to touch George again or make him uncomfortable or even worse fall more in love. And now… now he was about to be sandwiched between his two favorite people with no way to escape his feelings for one of them.
In a panic, Dream bolted out from under Sapnap's arm. Sapnap stared at him in mild confusion and alarm. "What?" Sapnap asked.
"Switch with me," Dream deadpanned.
Sapnap chuckled before taking in his serious expression and blanching. "Dude, what?" Sapnap questioned, tone akin to someone who had just seen a cow fall out of the sky and was now starting to wonder if aliens truly existed or if it had merely begun to rain cows.
"C'mon, Sap," Dream all but begged. "Just switch with me. I want to sit there."
"What? No." Sapnap laughed again, a little bit disbelieved and still a bit confused as he stared at Dream.
"Nick, please."
And while Sapnap raised an eyebrow at the sudden seriousness of the plea, he didn't budge. Fuck, George was going to come back any second…
In a last ditch attempt, Dream frantically started climbing over Sapnap, much to the protest of the younger. Sapnap kept questioning Dream and eventually got fed up with the lack of answers and caved. Even if he didn't move. Sapnap muttered agitated swears as the two grappled and Dream tried desperately to climb over him.
Unfortunately Dream couldn't quite force Sapnap to the middle of the couch in time and only wound up tangling their limbs as he sat in Sapnap's lap. The scene either looked raunchy or violent. Dream wasn't sure which was worse.
This thought launched him off of Sapnap as he heard footsteps approaching behind them. George.
"Dream, what the actual fuck was…" Sapnap trailed off as he followed Dream's stricken gaze to where George was lazily entering from the hallway. He'd changed into simple pjs; a shirt and shorts. Dream couldn't help the way his panicked gaze turned fond, every bit of worry evaporating as it always did in George's presence. George gave him a questioning look before looking at Sapnap.
Sapnap stared back, expression unreadable before he looked back to Dream. It was like recognition lit up in his eyes. "Oooohhhh…" Sapnap muttered and Dream felt nervous. That was never a good noise from Sapnap. Let alone when it was paired with that awful mischievous glint Dream saw in his eyes.
"Hey, George! I was thinking that Dream should sit by me then you sit on my other side! It'd be neat to sit in the middle and cuddle both of you," Sapnap called to George.
What? What the hell was Sapnap saying? If that was the case then why hadn't Sapnap just moved earlier? Dream watched Sapnap carefully, trying to figure out just exactly what maniacal plan he had in store. He was so focused on watching Sapnap that he didn't even see George's reaction before he spoke.
"Fuck no."
Dream blinked before staring at George. He took in the thinly veiled anger in George's eyes.
"So you can hog Dream all to yourself? I don't think so idiot," George explained walking over to the couch and surveying the open spot. Without another word he claimed it and snuggled into Dream's side. "Get fucked Sapnap, Dream's mine."
Dream was sure George could hear his heartbeat now, even over Sapnap's laughing and George's own giggles, gradually getting sleepier. His heart was racing fiercely and Dream was worried it was going to simply break free from his chest as George set his head down on his lap. George's fluffy brown hair obscured his face from Dream's vision, that was, until George turned to peer up at Dream.
Dream felt a beat entirely skip inside his chest.
"Is this okay?" George asked softly and belatedly Dream realized he meant laying in his lap.
Dream felt like he'd never be okay again. "Of course."
Sapnap winked at Dream, mouthing something that looked far too much like "Simp!" for his liking.
Dream didn't think he was going to last long like this.
And Dream was right. Time flew but it seemed like every single day he grew more and more in love with George. Every smile, every sleepy greeting in the kitchen and each perfectly normal interaction that he had shared before with Sapnap and felt nothing was now making his heart race. It was almost embarrassing how easy it was to fall in love with his best friend. As if something lurking beneath the surface had finally seen the sunlight streaming in and strived to breathe. Loving George felt like breathing. Easy, sweet and essential.
It was so comforting and so sweet it nearly scared Dream. But denial was a sweet way to soothe the tremors that consumed him every time he thought of George.
So… maybe he had thought it would be funny to do this on stream.
"Incredible. I can't believe it, you are infatuated with me."
Maybe he had been trying to prove something to himself.
George's voice was a sarcastic drawl, one Dream knew too well from the countless times George had done it before. Somehow it wasn't comforting this time.
Whatever Dream had been trying to do, it failed as he read the answer to himself. First in his head, then aloud, trying to convince himself it was some sort of bad joke by saying it aloud.
Dream snorted under his breath.
"That's crazy," George continued, in the same sarcastic teasing tone almost as if he didn't believe it or simply found it the funniest dumb thing on the planet.
Dream felt his body go rigid at the tone. What had he been thinking? He'd planned to do this, get some ridiculous answer and laugh about it with George but the words were cutting into his heart. He sighed dramatically, warding off his panic, his emotions to deal with better later. Knowing George was two doors away, while usually a comforting thought, wasn't helping. "...Clearly."
A brief pause. Then George said, "That's kinda cringe."
And all Dream could really do with a tightness in his chest was murmur and agreement. It wasn't a proper rejection. He knew that. He'd probably say the same thing in George's place. But the whole situation was too much. Taking the quiz… the result. The words kept ringing in his ears. No, George's words weren't ruining him at all, it was Dream's own emotions doing that; love and affection, longing and pining turning into razors he'd swallowed, tearing up everything in their path as it worked its way through his body. It was ripping him up from the inside. Thinking about George was a bittersweet thing. It soothed the pain for a moment before it came back full force.
George was always joking, always evading… but what if he acted serious for once? Could he want this? No… if he had feelings like mine he would have said somethingーdone something. These feelings would only repulse him. Who could ever want that… let alone George.
He ended the stage a little bit later. Emotions were beginning to swirl and he could feel himself fading, unable to concentrate as anxiety wracked his brain and left him borderline useless. Infatuation, maybe, infatuation, maybe, infatuation, maybe…
He didn't even get a chance to truly say bye to George, to unwrap at least a few of these feelings before he closed discord, stood up and, without thinking, left his room to go to the bathroom. He needed some water on his face. Needed to feel something other than this seemingly endless panic. He was in love, he thought. His chest tightened more. His head swam.
It was quiet in the hallway. The house that usually was so loved and well kept by Dream now seemed to be closing in on him, the silent walls suffocating. No motion stirred from the rooms nearby and Dream didn't know if he was distressed or relieved. On second thought, as he made his way to the bathroom with quivers shaking through his body and his throat closing up, feeling tight, he was definitely distressed. How could he have been so stupid? It's one thing to take a joke quiz it's another to all but confess your love on a stupid podcast. Then again, these days, with every bright flash of smile in the kitchen and in person laughter, Dream was finding it harder and harder to act like he felt nothing.
It was bound to come to a head at some point… Dream just hadn't expected it to come so soon. He hadn't expected two little words "infatuation, maybe" to send him spiraling like this. But it truly was the straw on the camel's back. How often had he seen George and Sapnap bickering in the kitchen only to wish he could swoop in and steal a kiss from George before taking him back to bed, to cuddle him in the early morning. How often did staggering guilt crush him immediately afterwards? He shouldn't be feeling like this.
That dumb quiz was right… his feelings were really complicated, constantly at war within themselves; the question of yes and no. One thing was for certain though, he'd been waiting on time, waiting for a sign, just waiting... because he was afraid of ruining this. Ruining that perfect smile and soft giggle. He'd never hear it again if he confessed… he'd never get any of that again. Dream needed to keep the friendship as what it is now.
Dream could barely process anything. He didn't realize he was in the bathroom until he felt his fists stinging from the pain of gripping the porcelain sink too hard. He looked up.
Unwilling tears had spilled out from his eyes while he'd been lost in thought. His eyes were already bloodshot. His chest rose and fell rapidly and distantly Dream was aware of his breath coming out in shuddered gasps. He rubbed angrily at his tears until his face stung, angry that his emotions had gotten the better of him like this. How was he supposed to hide it from George when he couldn't even hide it from himself?
Another wave of guilt, nausea and panic swept over him at the mere thought of George. He doubled over, letting his head dip into the empty sink. Sobs kept coming, thankfully dry but he couldn't stop the noiseーa broken and guttural sound.
"Dream?"
He froze. He tried to remember if he'd closed the door. If he locked the door. He looked over with a panicked gaze. The door was wide open.
And of course, who else would it be other than the subject of all his thoughts. The master of his misery. The bittersweet ice and fire that stung and soothed him.
George.
Without thinking, Dream slammed the door. They'd made eye contact for too long, George must have seen everything. He stifled his noises and screwed his eyes shut as he leaned against the door, sliding to the bathroom floor. He could do this. He just needed time, needed a moment to pretend like he was fine, to compose himself andー
KNOCK. KNOCK.
"Dream?" The voice came again, worried now and it just made Dream feel worse. Now he'd worried George. George knew. It was all over. He'd shown this to the one person he couldn't afford toー
"Dream? Are you okay? You weren't answering my messages…"
Fuck. If he had just been able to keep his head for more than five seconds and check his discord he could've prevented this. His breathing was ragged, but he still tried to keep it inaudible.
There were a few seconds of silence and Dream was optimistic that George had given up and left. Even if the thought was lined with an underlying pain, it would be easier to calm dow-
"Dream?"
…George hadn't left. Dream continued to try and even out his breathing, waiting with screwed up eyes, clenched in pain. He couldn't let George see this. Couldn't let his best friend see him ruined and in shambles. He couldn't show just how blatant his heart had been worn on his sleeve.
"I know you're in there. Dream, let me in." George's voice had gone no-nonsense, serious in a way Dream had rarely heard. His heart skipped a bit unpleasantly. He couldn't let George see him like this.
"F-fuck off," Dream mumbled in a shaky voice, head swimming with panic and loathing. Self loathing.
There was a scoff and Dream could feel the door being pushed against his weight.
"I'm not going anywhere until you let me in," George insisted.
Dream's foggy, panic-addled brain distantly wondered if that was a metaphor, a line that meant something deeper, a sentence to start something new- and then he felt the door shove again. No, it was literal.
Desperately, quietly, reverently as if pleading to a savior, Dream urged, "Please leave George." His body felt weak, his chest was so tight Dream feared it would implode and his brain was a mess of panicked white static and little else.
Dream must have gone limp because the next thing he knew, his body was slumping to the ground as the door finally burst open. He found George's face peering into his own, etched with concern. Dream smiled.
"You look dumb," Dream whispered lightly, trying to pretend like there weren't tear tracks staining his face. He pretended like he wasn't on the floor, like he wasn't breaking down, like everything was fine even if it was falling apart.
George frowned and more tears unwillingly slipped out. George scoffed at the sight and Dream closed his eyes tightly, not wanting to see the disapproval composing George's expression.
Dream felt himself being tugged up by the arm. For a moment he considered going slack, letting his dead weight root him to this place forever. But a stronger voice in his mind told him that this was George and at the very least, George had some say in this situation.
Perhaps George would yell at Dream about lying to him, about harboring these intense feelings, this uncontrollable affection that scared even himself. This overwhelmingly one-sided feeling. Dream would deserve every bit of vitriol, every loud word and shout aimed at him.
Dream found himself following blindly, eyes still closed as he got lost in his head. He didn't dare open his eyes until the air was knocked out of him. He was falling backwards, endlessly untilー His eyes shot open as he felt his body hit something familiar.
He looked around, dazed, and found himself on his bed. George stood beside him but seemed to be getting onto the bed and, Dream panicked as he watched, onto his lap. George was all but straddling him and effectively trapping him unless Dream bucked him off.
George's face no longer looked angry as he stared down at Dream, who realized he had been set against the pillows. George simply looked expectant. Patient and unreadable for anything other than curiosity.
"W…what are you doing?" Dream asked uncertainly.
George scoffed again but Dream realized it wasn't one of hatred but mild exasperation. "Waiting." George paused and as if seeing Dream's confusion, went on. "Mainly for you to calm down long enough to talk to me."
Dream was shocked, not expecting that answer. He felt embarrassed, mortified and… thankful. He looked away, wanting to hide his face. Online, it had been easier, hiding his heart away where every little feeling couldn't blossom through his eyes. Now, there was nowhere to hide.
Dream took in a depth breath. He held it then let it out.
Slowly, his chest loosened. His head cleared of the static and, while his eyes stung, it felt like tears weren't threatening to fall at any moment.
His skin prickled a bit as he met George's gaze, but beyond conscious or scared or distressed at his feelings, Dream felt safe. At the end of the day, no matter what he felt for George, his best friend was there for him. Dream let go of the hateful, hurtful thoughts that had kept spiraling in the bathroom and breathed.
Dream's feelings were nothing to be ashamed of. Even if George didn't return this love of his, this affection that ran bone deep, they still shared something else. A friendship so strong and steadfast, not even feelings like this would uproot it.
Dream took in another deep breath and gave George a small smile, a heads up of, "Yeah, I'm doing better." George smiled back, encouragingly and Dream felt his heart warm.
Then Dream truly processed the position they were in. He felt his cheeks heat up and he was pretty sure they were a vivid pink. Thank god George was colorblind.
"George," Dream started, trying to override his embarrassment with teasing. "Why are you on top of me?"
"Because I was worried, idiot," George huffed with a faux agitated expression. His face softened, a gentle mix of worry and care coming through. "Are you okay? What happened, Dream?"
Such a simple, innocent question and yet it pricked Dream's brain uncomfortably-threatening to send him back to a panic. But he breathed… then summoned his courage.
Inhale.
Exhale.
"George, I- I have something to tell you. It's genuine and… can you be serious about this?"
George gave a mock dramatization of thinking. "Hmm, I don't know…"
Dream fixed him with a dry look, making George cave. "Ok, ok, fine. Yes. Obviously, idiot. I'm here for you, and of course I can be serious."
"Okay… well… I- I think I like you." He didn't think so. He knew. But he didn't want to scare George off, didn't want to ruin this moment didn't-
"That's it?" George looked as though Dream had just told the most unfunny joke in the world.
Dream bristled, irritation quickly replacing any dread. "What do you mean, that's it?" he asked, aghast. Was George joking? Didn't he say he was going to be serious. "George, I just confessed my-"
Dream never got to finish his sentence. Hands gripped the sides of his face before pulling his head up. Before Dream could process what was happening, George pulled him into a kiss. Leaning into it, bringing a hand up to George's neck didn't require a single thought.
"I know, idiot," George said breathlessly with a shining smile. Dream's heart would never recover. "I thought it was kinda obvious… what we have."
Dream blushed furiously, eyebrows scrunching as he looked away in humiliation. "Well- I- how was I supposed to know?"
"Are you telling me you haven't noticed my flirting?" George deadpanned. Dream gaped.
"Your what?" Dream asked incredulously.
"I literally called you mine the very first night I got here."
"You- we- that happens all the time! Our joke-flirting! What about on stream? When you called me cringe?"
"Did you really think I was about to accept your confession live on stream?"
Dream blanched, staring at George in a new light. He could hear the embarrassment, see the faint blush on his cheeks. Dream couldn't help but smile a little giddy.
"You like me," Dream concluded proudly.
George scoffed, staring at him with a deadpan even as the pink in his cheeks betrayed him. "What gave you that notion?" he drawled. "Was it me kissing you? If so, you're really dense, Dream."
Dream grinned like the lovestruck fool he was. "I know." He gently tugged George off of him so that the brunet could be beside him on his bed.
When George was safe and secure in his arms, he tucked his nose into George's brown locks and breathed. Pine and something fruity… it was nice. Their bodies were tangled to the point where Dream could blissfully not tell where he ended and George began. It felt more like home than Dream ever knew.
The room was quiet aside from the hum of their AC, keeping them cool and preventing them from getting overwhelmed from the body heat. Dream was content to lay there forever, simply holding George like this. That's probably why it wasn't too surprising when it was George who spoke up first.
"...You know Sapnap took the same quiz later? Apparently he got 99% then claimed the quiz was rigged."
"Karl?" Dream asked.
George giggled in affirmation. "Karl."
Dream huffed a fond laugh and hugged George with a little squeeze. His heart thrummed happily as George made a content noise in response to the action. Silence befell the room yet again. The atmosphere was slowly pulling Dream into a lull, the darkness and the comfort of George almost too much to keep his eyes open.
"Hey Dream?"
Dream responded with a sleepy hum, prompting George to go on.
"Do you think this is infatuation, maybe?" George asked teasingly.
Dream flicked his nose. "Go to sleep idiot." And with a pressed kiss to the top of George's head, Dream knew it was a lot more than simple infatuation.