Dream was struggling.

He had no idea how he'd confront George to speak with him about feelings, or what their future could be although they were so close.

He didn't want to disturb George with an awkward or uncomfortable conversation.

Dream watched George's sleepy movements as he squirmed beside him, facing the window.

Slowly, Dream stroked his hair with one hand, bringing his hand to George's waist with the other.

He hasn't slept in hours, thinking and protesting against his own troubles thoughts.

He really likes George, that was obvious. But he was scared. Scared of fucking up, scared of the way George might think, scared of everything. He didn't want to be scared. He wanted to talk.

Dream glanced at the alarm clock.

5:22 AM

He took a deep breath, bringing attention back to George who was now making little noises, indicating he was slowly waking up.

Sleepily, he turned his body back to face Dream.

His eyes slowly opened to a squint.

"Why're you awake..?" He mumbled, resting his face on Dreams chest and bringing his hand up Dreams shirt.

"Just couldn't sleep. I'm thinking about stuff."

"What are you thinking about?"

Quietly, Dream continued to stroke George's hair.

George closed his eyes again, but he wasn't going to fall asleep.

"You."

"I really do live in your head rent free, huh?"

Dream laughed.

"Yeah, I'm not so afraid to admit that anymore."

The two spoke in low whispers.

"George?"

"What?"

"Are you okay with this?"

Silently, George sat up and rubbed his eyes, his hands pulling away from Dream.

"Okay with what?"

Dream brought up his fingers and waved them from himself to George.

"This?"

George scoffed.

"Clay, I told you. This is what I want."

He collapsed into Dreams lap, wrapping his hands around Dreams neck and sighing.

"You know how I feel about you, Clay." George's voice was in a deep whisper at this point.

Dream squeezed his lips together, tightening his arms around George's hips.

"I wanna make sure I'm giving you everything you need. I don't want you to regret this. With me."

George slowly stroked the back of Dreams hair, staring into his eyes with a small, tired smile.

"I hope you're aware I'd fucking die for you," George responded.

Both of the boys chuckled to each other, eyes still locked.

George reached his leg over, climbing off of Dreams lap and his feet colliding against the cold floor.

He swung the curtains open. It was getting light outside, but the moon still shone.

Dream watched George as he grinned, walking towards the bathroom door and quietly shutting it behind him.

Dream let out a small laugh, then peeked his head back to the window.

It wasn't much, but it was progress. He had spoken to George a little bit, although he had more questions and answers to pass.

Sometimes giving things time were good plans.

In this case, it was the best plan.

After George took a piss, he washed his hands and came back into the room, shaking them off.

He rubbed his eyes again tiredly, walking over to Dream and grabbing his hands to pull him up.

"Don't you wanna sleep for a little longer?" Dream whispered as George held his hand and lead him to the door.

"No. The longer we stay up, the more time we get together."

"What do you mean?"

George smiled, looking down at his legs.

"It was going to be a surprise, but I thought that maybe you and I could have some duo beach time this early."

———

Dream waited patiently for George by the front door, only for him to trudge out of their room wearing Dreams hoodie.

Dream couldn't help but smile, then pulled the front door open for George to walk out first.

"Lady's first."

"You're such an ass."

After they both exited, the door shut behind them. A gust of hot wind flew over, knocking Dreams fluffy hair to the other side.

George tugged Dreams arm along the pathway, all the way down to the beach side.

They stood for a second, Dream watching the waves while George watched Dream.

They fell into the most comfortable silence possible.

Dream felt warmth come over his cheeks, staining them pink. He felt so free; so alive. He was comfortable here, with George and all his friends.

He felt so safe. Safer than he's felt in a long time.

Silently, George's hand crept beside Dreams, tapping it with his pinky.

They both sighed, their fingers wrapping and lacing together. With his thumb, George traced each vein that popped on Dreams tight hand.

"You make me forget about reality," George suddenly murmured.

Dreams eyes were brought down, looking at George politely.

Their hands still held tightly together in a firm embrace.

"I can always be myself around you, you know." He added to his previous statement.

"..really?"

George quickly nodded, smiling widely with his lips shut and closed together.

"That's how I feel about you, George."

George shook away his hand, grabbing Dreams neck and pulling him into his chest for a tight, long hug which Dream accepted.

"That's how I always felt about you.."

Their hug was soon cut off by loud cheers coming from the beach house, which stood only a few feet from where they stood on the beach.

Sapnap, Karl, and Darryl stood on the front porch, shooting their arms in the air and acting like maniacs.

George started to laugh, but Dream just glared.

"You guys are such idiots!" Sapnap yelled, slapping Dreams neck.

"And really gay, too, might I add," Karl suggested, Dream shooting him a devilish look.

Darryl couldn't help but laugh as the boys argued.

Besides the annoying teasing, everything was perfect.

Hopefully it would stay this way.