Sorry in advance for all the time skips

This chapter is really long but also very interesting :)

Italic paragraphs are George's thoughts

CW: kissing

Previously...

George clears his throat. shrugging. "Yeah, that's fine," he responds, finishing his last bite of egg.

"Great!" Sapnap claps his hands together, grinning toothily. "Let's stream."

Dream's P.O.V.

Our stream had ended around four hours ago, and it was late afternoon. George, Sapnap, and I were all sitting on the couch, lazily watching tv. Sapnap tapped my shoulder, nodding determinedly. I gave a quick nod in response- it was time to put our plan into action.

"So, guys, I was thinking... maybe we should go somewhere tonight," I suggested.

"Where?" George asked quietly, stretching his legs out. He kicked me lightly, instantly pulling his legs back and tucking them close to his body.

Oops. Oh well, I don't think Dream minded.

"It's a surprise. So, are you guys in?" I wondered.

"Yeah, sure. Why not," George replied, shrugging.

"Man, I can't. I have other plans for tonight," Sapnap lied. We both knew he didn't have plans, and that he was just saying that so George and I would be alone. It was all part of the plan.

"That's cool, Sap. You'll be there in spirit." I shrug, smiling lightly. George tilted his head, raising an eyebrow slightly.

Kinda weird that Dream didn't even question it. Why does Sapnap have plans anyway? He doesn't live around here.

I cringed internally. George was right, we were doing a bad job at lying about tonight. Quickly, I discreetly signaled to Sap to continue with the plan.

"I'm gonna get a drink, you idiots want anything?" He asked, standing up and waiting expectantly.

"Just a water," George murmured. I glanced at him, nodding in agreement.

"Make that two waters. Thanks, Pandas!" I exclaimed. From the kitchen, I could hear Sapnap grumble under his breath. There was a brief clinking sound, and then he returned with a can of soda and two glass water bottles.

"Nice, thanks." I accept a water bottle, as does George. I open it with ease- I'm used to drinking from these bottles, after all- but George is struggling.

"Need some help?" I offer, eyeing his white knuckles. He shakes his head, eyebrows furrowed in determination as he desperately grasps at the bottle top.

There's a loud popping sound, then a surprised gasp- and when I look, I see George with his arms out, hoodie soaked with water. He's frozen in place, completely baffled by what had just happened.

What...

I'm a bit thrown off as well. George reluctantly tugs his hoodie up and over his head, discarding the wet clothing with a sigh. From beside me, Sapnap nudges my shoulder, pinching the fabric of my hoodie. I take the hint, pulling my hoodie over my head and offering it to George.

What is he doing?

"Here, you can wear mine. I'll put your hoodie in the dryer." George blinks slowly, accepting my hoodie and handing his over, as if we were trading.

No way. Did Dream just give me his hoodie?

"...Thank you..." George smiles lightly, nodding. When his eyes meet mine, I can see genuine appreciation and happiness in them.

"No problem. I'll go put this in the dryer then." I stand up, hesitating for a moment before leaving the room. As I'm walking out, I hear George's thoughts once more.

Oh, his hoodie smells nice.

I chuckle to myself, smiling. I think it's going well with George so far, and as long as tonight goes well, it'll be smooth sailing. Speaking of... we should probably go soon.

From the laundry room, I pull out my phone, texting Sapnap.

Dream: ready?
sent 5:29 pm

Pandas🐼: k
Pandas🐼: I'm leaving now, come sit with gogs

sent 5:30 pm

Dream: thanks brother :)
sent 5:30 pm

Pandas🐼: ofc man
Pandas🐼: now go sit with george
Pandas🐼: simp

sent 5:30 pm

I put my phone back in my pocket, shaking my head. Sapnap is such a good friend. I'm really glad he's supportive; I was afraid that he wouldn't like third-wheeling... even more than he already has to. But he's been more than accommodating, and I appreciate him so much. I hear the front door close, telling me that Sap had left. He was on his way to set up George and I's date-that-isn't-a-date.

He'll text me when he's ready. For now, though, I'll go back to George. He's probably confused right now.

As I walk closer to the living room, I can hear some of George's thoughts weave their way into my brain.

I wonder where Sapnap's going. When's Dream coming back? They both kinda left me here...

"Hey George, sorry I took so long," I apologize, sitting down on the couch beside him. He shrugs, humming shortly.

"It's okay. Sapnap left though."

"Yeah, I heard the door." I pause, eyes darting to the side for a moment before I resumed my thought, chuckling lightly. "Guess it's just you and me then, huh?" George snorted, eyes crinkling.

"Idiot."

~

My phone buzzed, displaying a text from Sapnap.

Pandas🐼: I'm the best wingman ever. get ur mans!!!
sent 7:47 pm

Dream: THANK YOU SM
Dream: i owe you one 🙏
sent 7:47 pm

Pandas🐼: mhm. get ur asses over here then
sent 7:48 pm

I glance over at George, staring at him longingly for a moment before clearing my throat.

"Hey, remember those plans for tonight?" I wonder, smiling at George. He looks up at me, raising an eyebrow.

"You mean the plans you refuse to tell me about?" He retorts. I roll my eyes with a grin, standing up and offering him a hand.

"It's a surprise, idiot. Now c'mon! It's getting dark out."

~

I parked the car by a wooded area, getting out and waiting for George. He walked around the side of the car slowly, tilting his head as he gazed at the forest that seemingly surrounded us. I could already hear his confused and worried thoughts, worming their way into my head.

Why are we in the woods? Maybe he's actually going to murder me this time... leave my body in the forest for some poor hiker to stumble upon later...

"C'mon George!" I chirp, grabbing his wrist and leading him down a small path.

"Dream..." George warns, sounding worried and unsure. I turn to look back at him, offering my best calming smile.

"Here, just a little further..." We enter a small clearing, where Sapnap had set up our date-that-isn't-a-date. George gasps, bringing a hand up to his mouth with surprise.

Holy shit, this is beautiful... is this supposed to be a date?

"Dream..." His voice is low and breathless, eyes wide as he stares at the scene before us. Sapnap had really outdone himself- there was a medium sized blanket on the ground, with a picnic basket sitting pretty in the center. The whole scene was lit up by candles and moonlight, giving it an ethereal feel.

I totally owe Sapnap one. This is amazing.

This is the most perfect scene I have EVER seen. Dream really outdid himself.

"Do you like it?" I ask quietly, chewing on my lip. George's head whips around, eyes wide.

"'Do I like it'?" He chuckled lightly, shaking his head in disbelief. "Dream, this is... this is gorgeous." My lips curl into a grin, eyes crinkling.

"It's for you," I state, grinning goofily. George snorts softly, shaking his head and smiling brightly.

"Yeah, idiot," he replies simply. "Obviously." If it were possible to smile any more, I would. His response was just so... George.

I bow slightly, gesturing toward the picnic. George giggles, sitting down on the blanket and peeking into the basket of food. I join him, sitting closer than necessary. Y'know, for romance. Or whatever we were here for.

What an idiot. He's so cute, bringing me here. I love this already.

"You're a simp, you know that?" George teases, lightly punching my arm. I roll my eyes, scoffing playfully.

"Shut up." I grab a bread roll from the picnic basket, holding it up. "Would you care for a picnic dinner, George?"

~

We had just finished eating dinner by candlelight, and things were going great. It was starting to get colder outside- it's still winter, even in Florida- and George kept shooting glances at me.

I'm cold... I want to cuddle with Dream, he's always warm... but how do I ask?

"Hey," I start gently, catching George's attention. "It's kinda cold, maybe we should... huddle for warmth?" I suggest. It's not smooth, not in the slightest, but George doesn't seem to care. A soft smile spreads across his features, and he scoots into my side.

This is so nice.

We sit like this for a while, his body leaned up against mine. I find myself staring- George just looks so perfect in the moonlight- and he catches it, unfortunately.

"Whatcha staring at?" George asks, grinning playfully.

"You," I say truthfully. "You look so beautiful in the moonlight, George." He hums, and I can feel the vibration from where his head is leaning.

Now's my chance. Time to make a move.

"So, George..." I gently press two fingers against his chin, directing his gaze up at me. "Did you like the surprise?"

"I did," he murmurs, glancing down at my lips briefly. His cheeks are pinkish with blush, barely noticeable in the moonlight. I lean in a bit closer, also flickering my gaze down at his lips.

Are we about to kiss? Is this really happening? It's gotta be a kiss...

"George..." I feel breathless, whispers traveling on a night breeze. Our lips are impossibly close at this point. "Is this okay?"

Oh my god, he asked for consent and everything. This is so hot... everything is perfect tonight.

"Of course it's okay," George replied quietly, eyes already fluttering shut. "Please, kiss me." I don't hesitate any longer, connecting our lips in a firm, yet gentle manner. The second our lips touched, George's mind went silent. Not a single thought could be heard. It almost felt like static in my mind.

We broke apart, George grinning widely. He seems normal... but I can't hear his thoughts. Does he not like me anymore? Was the kiss that bad? I thought it was good...

"Uhm... maybe we should go back home," I suggest half-heartedly, sighing. I feel so... defeated.

"Oh... yeah, okay. It is getting late." We clean everything up quickly, packing it all away in the trunk of my car. Being around George... it hurts, sorta. It's hard to explain, but you know when a rubber band snaps against your skin? Yeah, like that. Just mental.

At least it isn't a far drive. The entire ride home is silent, and it feels so awkward to me... George, however, seems unbothered. He actually seems happy.

I pull the car into the driveway, sighing. George opens his door, but doesn't step out, hesitating. God, he's still so beautiful in the moonlight.

"Dream?" His voice pulls me back to reality. "Are you... are you coming inside?"

"Oh, yeah, I'll be there in a minute... you go ahead, I'll be right there." George nods, going inside the house. I sigh, resting my forehead against the steering wheel. I feel so defeated. I thought everything was going well, but now I can't hear George's thoughts... does he not like me anymore? Am I that bad of a kisser?

Sighing, I get out of the car, locking it behind me and heading inside. I don't go upstairs to my room- no, George is there. I'll just sit on the couch for a little bit, figure out what I'm meant to do. I can figure this out.

I actually finished writing this at like 2 am last night but I was tired and didn't want to reformat it so I just waited 💀

But yeah um updating whoo!