Tbh I really don't know where I'm going with this book

My plan only goes so far 💁

TW: panic attack, PTSD, mention of abuse

Previously...

My mind was screaming at me, telling me to do something. To tell Dream that I trusted him. To tell him to go away. Just to do something.

But I just sat there, staring blankly. I guess this is my life now, isn't it?

**Dream's P.O.V.**

"Wilbur, I'm going to check on George," I announced, standing up abruptly. He glanced at me, shrugging.

"Ok. Be careful." I nod, walking down and around the hallway to George's room.

The door was closed, not that that surprised me. I knocked quietly, calling out for him.

"Hey, George? Can I come in?" Silence. "George?" It's quiet. I want to think he's just sleeping, but I immediately imagine the worst.

"George?" I turn the door handle slowly, giving him time to prepare. I step in, seeing my best friend curled into a tight ball, crying and shaking.

Fuck fuck fuck what do I do-

I somehow find myself kneeling down next to him, being careful not to get too close. "George, can you hear me? Um... breathe, deep breaths. Like I'm doing, see?" I place a hand over my chest, taking deep, accentuated breaths.

Finally, he looks at me, and seeing the pure terror in his eyes makes me want to cry. But I can't, not until I help him. This is more important than my dumb feelings.

The stillness of his chest is getting concerning. He needs to breathe, and soon, before he passes out. "George. Breathe." We make eye contact, and I hear him suck in a shaky breath. Thank god.

"Keep breathing, just like that. You're ok. You're safe here," I murmur. He just stared at me, taking in deep breaths.

"There you go, that's good. Are you ok?" I tilt my head, looking at him. He doesn't respond- not that I really expected him to- but it would be nice to hear his voice. He glances at me nervously, scooting back further away.

"Alright... I know you're clearly not ok, but I don't really know what I can do about that. I'm really sorry, George, but I promise he won't ever hurt you again. He's going to be locked up for a long time." I pause, watching him carefully. "And I promise you, if he ever dares lay a finger on you again, I'll kill him."

I mean it, too. I don't know if George can tell, but I would do it. I would kill for him.

"You're safe here. Wilbur and I wouldn't hurt you, I promise. I hope you can believe me," I sigh, staring down at my lap. There's a random thread hanging off my shirt, and I fiddle with it a bit before adding:

"I won't let anybody hurt you anymore."

I want to be able to offer him more than just words. I want to be able to hug him and hold him in my arms. Whisper in his ear that everything will be alright. Make him feel safe and loved.

But I can't- at least, I shouldn't. I suppose it couldn't hurt to ask.

"George?" He looks up, looking at me warily. "Can I hug you?" I think I already know his answer.

There's a long pause. He seems to almost be thinking it over. But then, he shakes his head slowly, and I'm not surprised.

Although I could almost swear he looked disappointed. Or maybe I'm just imagining it.

Either way, I should probably leave him be. As much as I want to know what caused him to panic, I doubt he'll answer me- and if he does, it probably wouldn't be the truth.

Sighing, I stand back up, seeing his head shoot up to watch me. His eyes were wide, and it was almost difficult to walk out of there. But I really should let him have his alone time.

"How is he?" Wilbur wondered, sitting at the counter. I shrugged, sighing.

"Not good. He's in pretty bad shape. I mean, clearly he was being abused, but this...? It really makes me wonder..."

"To what extent the abuse was?" Wilbur finishes, frowning. "Yeah, I've been wondering the same thing. I wouldn't say I know him as well as you do, but when we hung out together a few months ago he was just so much different..." I nodded sadly.

"He used to be so talkative when we were on call... I haven't heard his voice since I got to England. God, I just miss it so much..." Wilbur raised an eyebrow, a small smile on his face.

"You like him, don't you?" I turn so quickly you would've thought my neck had snapped.

"What?"

"I'm not going to tell anyone. You feel something for him, don't you?" I hesitate before nodding, sighing softly.

"He's just so perfect... it really hurts to see him like this, Will. I just want George back. The real George." Wilbur smiles sympathetically, nodding.

"And you'll get him back. He just needs to recover first- something he needs you to help him with," Wilbur points out. "He trusted you enough to take him home after that. That has to mean something."

He has a point. I don't think George would've let just anyone have control over his safety, not after that. He had to trust me, at least a little.

"Yeah," I murmur, nodding slowly. "Yeah. You're right."

"Of course I am." Wilbur waved it off, suddenly becoming more serious. "But, Dream, there's something we need to talk about."

"Yeah? What's up, Will?" He glances to the side, sighing.

"I hate to have to do this, but I'm sure you've noticed that my apartment isn't really big enough for three people." He looks guilty, like he genuinely feels bad for this. "I'm not kicking you out- either of you- I'm just suggesting we start to think about what to do. I can only take a break from streaming for so long." I nod understandingly.

"I... I do have one idea, but I don't know how George would feel about it," I sigh.

"What is it?"

"Ok, well, I was thinking... since we probably shouldn't send George back to his apartment, he'll need somewhere to stay, right? Somewhere he can feel safe?" Wilbur nods encouragingly. "So... what if he moved to Florida? He can stay at my house, I have more than enough room, and I can keep him safe-"

"Dream." Wilbur speaks firmly, smiling. "You don't need to convince me. I think it's a great idea."

"You do?" I light up, feeling hopeful.

"Yeah. I mean, you'll have to ask George, obviously, and there'll be a lot of legal stuff to go through, but..." Wilbur shrugs. "It'll probably be good for him to be far away from all of this. Easier." I nod quickly, smiling.

"You think he'll want to?"

"I don't know. Probably?" Wilbur tilts his head, lips turning up in a small smile. "I think you should ask him."

"Yeah... yeah, I can go do that. Thanks, Will." He nods, shrugging.

"No problem."

Ooh ok, so I feel like the next part is kinda obvious (unless it isn't and it's only obvious to me bc I know what's going to happen but hey idk)

But anyway hopefully I can write faster now that I'm out of school (although I'm supposed to be looking for colleges rn (haha yikes) so idk)

Whatever idk, y'all should follow me so I can reach 1k 😳😳