Ahhhh its time for Act II!!!! I'm actually writing this so quickly-

And school is letting out this week so I'll have even more time... although I really do need to update some of my other books before people riot 😳😳

I'm kidding ofc

TW: hospital, PTSD, rape aftermath, mention of abuse

Previously...

"It'll be ok. You're safe now, I promise. I won't ever let anyone hurt you again." George didn't smile, but I saw his eyes close peacefully. His breathing slowed, and his tense muscles relaxed, finally, as George fell asleep.

"It's going to be ok. I love you, George."

George's P.O.V.

I saw nothing but darkness. I could hear voices, but everything sounded muffled, as if I was underwater. I could feel hands on me- it was uncomfortable. Stop, please stop, don't touch me-

I gasped, opening my eyes. The world came into focus, and I didn't like it. I kicked and fought against the intruding hands, crying pathetically.

I was in so much pain. Everything hurt so bad... what did they do? What happened? Why am I here?

Where is he?

"Sir, please, we need you to calm down. You, you can help. Come here." The young doctor pointed to a figure sitting in the corner, beckoning the person closer. As they approached the bed I lay on, I could see them more clearly.

Dream. This is Dream. He's here?

"H-hi, George." I stopped kicking, staring at Dream with wide eyes. He had puffy, red cheeks, and his voice was hoarse. I wanted to ask him if he'd been crying, but I couldn't. I can't break the rules.

All the hands were off of me, thankfully. Dream hesitantly reached out, and I couldn't help but flinch away. He didn't push it, pulling his hand away.

"Sorry..." he muttered. Dream stared at me with an indescribable expression, one that I really couldn't place. I could see him fidgeting with his hands, bottom lip trembling slightly- which I was sure I was mimicking.

"Ok, young man, we need to do a quick examination. Just to check for injuries, make sure there's nothing serious. Can you tell us where you were hurt?" The doctor questioned, speaking slowly and deliberately. I shook my head quickly, feet pushing against the bed in an attempt to scramble backwards. The doctor turned to Dream, whispering something to him.

"Ok. Um, George...?" Dream asked, looking worried. "Will you let the nice doctors help you? They just want to look you over, make sure you aren't hurt bad-" I shake my head quickly, hands covering my ears.

No no no please don't touch me I don't want it don't tOUCH ME PLEASE-

"George... please?" Dream's voice was quiet, and he sounded scared. I brought my knees to my chest, wincing a little at the pain it caused. I continued shaking my head- I'll take my chances. As long as nobody touches me.

"It's alright, sir, victims of abuse often reject an examination." I wince a little at that. Abuse? They don't even know that Cole- that he-

They don't know what he did.

"Are you ok to go home with this young man here?" The doctor gestured toward Dream. I thought about it for a moment- wouldn't Cole be mad at me?

"George, Co- sorry, he isn't going to hurt you. Not anymore. He's gone, I promise." I looked up at him, frowning.

"Do you consent to this, young man? Will you allow-" The doctor glanced at Dream, waiting for him to fill in the blank.

"Clay," he informed.

"Will you allow Clay here to take you home?" I nodded slowly, not taking my eyes off of Dream. "Great, ok. Clay, a word?" The doctor took Dream away, probably to talk. I was left with a nurse, who just sat there watching me. She made me uncomfortable, but she was also far away enough so I could relax a bit.

I sighed, closing my eyes and breathing deeply. Cole is gone now. He can't hurt me. Dream wouldn't lie to me about that.

"Alright, George," the doctor came back in, Dream following close behind. "We'd like to keep you here overnight, just in case. But tomorrow you can go home with Clay." I hug my knees tightly, nodding. "That being said, I'd also like to discuss with you the idea of therapy."

My eyes go wide. Therapy?

"It's up to you, but I think you'd benefit from talking to someone about it. If you won't discuss it with one of us, then you really should do therapy. It can help you."

"So... what do you think?" Dream wondered, head tilted. "Will you please try therapy? I really think you should." I shake my head, closing my eyes. Too many people, need to be alone, please just leave me alone...

"I don't think it's very smart to turn down therapy-" Dream interrupted the doctor, speaking firmly.

"He said he didn't want to." He looked down at me, frowning slightly. "And that's ok. He doesn't have to talk to a stranger about it if he doesn't want to." I let out a shaky breath, thankful for my friend. The doctor looked a bit annoyed, but didn't push it further.

"Alright. Visiting hours end in 15 minutes. You can come back at 8 am tomorrow at the earliest to take him home." He waved his hand, the nurse following him out the door.

I was alone with Dream now. Just the two of us. Knowing that made me a little on edge.

"I'm so sorry, George," he sighed, sitting in a chair and scooting it closer to my bed. "I should've come sooner. Maybe if I had... we wouldn't be here, in the hospital," he let out a sad chuckle, completely devoid of life. "I'm sorry."

I want to tell him it's not his fault. Hell, if it wasn't for Dream, I would probably still be with Cole. Or possibly dead.

But I can't. No matter how much I want to, the words just don't find their way to me.

I'm sorry too, Dream.

I know people are probably expecting Act II to be fluffy and cute but haha not exactly

It will have fluffy parts yes but overall this is a story about trauma so... yeah enjoy <3