+to build a home+ // dnf

1

It was finally the day. Both of the boys had been waiting. Of course they didn't know of the similar excitement they shared - they didn't even know of each other.

The journey itself was exhausting for the boy named George. His parents were talking constantly, asking question after question which ended up just feeling too personal. George did not want to go to this school. It was for creative people, those who like art and writing and all that bullcrap George didn't even want to think about. Art was a complete waste of time, sure he could "appreciate" it - but he wanted to do something he felt was worthwhile. He wanted to research, maybe make advancements in mankind's creations.

The journey for the nicknamed Dream, however, was silent. It was a wonder his mother had even agreed to drive him, albeit begrudgingly. Another wonder was that she was sober enough to drive. He so desperately wished they could talk, that he could burst with excitement about this new opportunity he had found himself in. When he was younger, Dream had dedicated his school life to knowing enough to get a scholarship for this school. It was a given his mother wouldn't help (or pay) but his sister had always supported him. With this comforting thought, he twiddled the bracelet on his wrist. It was slightly dumb, but the sentiment behind this bracelet with the smiley face made him feel safe.

George and his parents appeared first. Tear tracks stained the faces of the older two, George's mother fussing around all the tiny details of his clothes. He swatted her hand making her yelp and glare.

"Now, now, George! I'm just making sure you look nice on your first day!"

"Mum, I'm hardly even going anywhere! I'm just moving into the dormitory, getting settled and then having dinner," He explained, hoping this would ward her off - at least for a little bit.

"I cannot believe we won't see you for months! You will be home in time for Christmas won't you?" She questioned, almost daring him to say no by the tone of her voice.

"I will, I will." George nodded, trying to suppress his exasperation as he lifted his two, perfectly polished trunks. He felt a hand suddenly clap down onto his shoulder, making him jump more than he let on.

"Do us proud, son, and-" his father leaned down- "get yourself a nice lady, eh?" He winked, rising up again. George shifted uncomfortably.

"Okay, dad." He gave a flat smile, and waved them off as he turned onto the campus.

Dream and his mother appeared second. Only Dream exited the car, however. His mother stayed put in the front seat, examining the building with a look on her face which imitated a child being shown broccoli. Pure disgust. Dream knew it wasn't at the building though, her face constantly seemed to be contorted with abhorrence for the world around her. Sighing, he pulled out his trunk and straightened his clothes, looking at the place which would hopefully shape his dreams.

It was really a sight to behold. It was an old castle, a smaller one, but renovated to become an established school. It stood high, with windows trailing around it and nature blooming in the immediate vicinity.

Both boys met up with separate tour guides, being shown the basics. These basics being: where the classes on their timetables were; where the dorms were situated and where they would eat. Despite being shown similar places, all with worn tables and chairs and tyndall visible due to the large windows, George and Dream didn't cross paths.

As he was early, George reached the rooms faster. They were all lined down a long hallway and, due to the wealth of George's family, he had the luxury of his own personal room. He entered as the tour guide left.

Looking around, it was a quaint little room. There was, what George assumed to be, a bathroom to his left, as well as a bedframe and mattress stood in the corner with a basic desk. On the whole, the room was bare, it lacked life, almost like a prison cell. He decided to open the velvety curtains, hoping that perhaps some sunlight would help liven it up. On the bed was a large, clear package. White bedsheets and towels.

Outside the room, Dream and his tour guide passed.

"You've been roomed with another scholarship student, actually. More details of the room are pinned to the door, I'll leave you to get settled in."

"Er, right, thanks." Dream said, giving a mild grin as he looked at the door. He read, it was a general sheet, which he assumed was on everyone else's doors. At the top it stated the occupants of the room.

He saw his own name, Clay. He knew people were obviously going to use his real name, but that didn't mean he liked it all that much. From a young age he had tied that name to things which had gone wrong, going by a different name helped him feel less like everything was his fault. He was surprised to see his roommate seemed to have a similar issue. The name 'Nick' was crossed out, 'Sapnap' being written next to it in an inky scrawl.

Sighing mildly, Dream entered. "Hey, are you Sapnap?" The boy on the right-most bed looked up at him.

"That's me. You're Clay?" He answered.

"Yes, I prefer Dream, if that's alright." Dream awkwardly makes his way to the other bed, shoving his trunk under.

"You think I'd judge you for that when I go by Sapnap, Dream." They both chuckle as Dream starts unpacking, making small talk together.