turned to ice (dnf) (✓ )

ten.

a/n: wow. 20k reads. you guys are insane. i love you. i never thought that this series would get so much support, it's crazy. i'm sorry this chapter took longer than i expected, but it was honestly hard to write :/ anyways, if you're in school, how's your school work going? mine is,, not great tbh lol, i've been busy with this and procrastinating. but anyways, please stay safe, stay hydrated, and get some rest <3 -chaos (psst also remember to vote and comment if you enjoy)

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word total for this chapter: 2438

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My eyes snap open, and my gaze meets the figure that's emerged from the trees. Fucking hell, this is so embarrassing.

I shove Dream off of me, and he goes willingly, his head turning to look at the stranger as well. My back presses into the rough trunk of the tree behind me, and I squint my eyes, trying to adjust to the light after having had them shut for a few moments.

"Er, I'm sorry if I was interrupting something. I heard some commotion while exploring and came to check it out. Thought it might be an animal or something." Mortification sets through me as my vision adjusts, and upon hearing the figure speak again, I realize that I know them.

"Wilbur, was it?" Dream's voice doesn't show even an ounce of embarrassment or shame, though I can feel the deep blush covering my face, humiliation running strong through my veins. I fight the urge to cover my face with my hands, and instead find use for them by crossing them protectively over my chest.

"Yes. George." He greets me with a nod, and then turns to Dream. My heart and stomach drop in unison when I realize that he doesn't have his mask on. Fuck.

"I'm assuming you're Dream." Wilbur's voice isn't judgmental as I expected it to be, and honestly, it seems almost as if he's ignoring what he stumbled upon altogether, possibly on our behalf. He seems perfectly calm, his hands tucked together behind his back, his back nearly straight as a pin.

From the corner of my eye, I see Dream move forward, getting dangerously close to Wilbur. He stands nearly in his face, having to look up slightly to maintain eye contact with the taller man. The look on Dream's face is intimidating, scary almost.

"Yes, I'm Dream." He says menacingly, his voice rough and low. Wilbur doesn't even seem to flinch as Dream stares up at him; he simply looks back down at him, his expression relaxed.

"I'm assuming that you're attempting to intimidate me into not revealing your identity." Wilbur says, still remaining completely composed. Dream seems completely taken aback by this response, and his expression falters to confusion for a moment.

I nearly laugh from the anxiousness I'm feeling, worried for Dream and what could happen.

He regains his intimidating composure, practically glaring up into Wilbur's face, "Yes. That would be ideal." Dream sounds weird, his words so formal, yet so threatening.

"Very well. I'll maintain your secret. Don't worry." Wilbur's voice is still calm, and Dream takes a step back. I can practically feel the tension release, and I take a deep breath, the pressure on my chest finally lifting. He simply nods in response, an inaudible thank you.

"Wilbur." I speak up suddenly, addressing the man directly. He turns to me, still keeping his odd stance, and tilts his head slightly, silently inquiring. "Where have you come from? And where's Technoblade?" I ask him two questions in one sentence, not being able to restrain my curiosity.

"We found it." He says, and the air seems to still. Time feels as if it's frozen, and I feel my lips part, my jaw going slightly slack.

"What do you mean, you've found it?" Dream demands, his tone still not completely friendly. I can tell that he still doesn't trust Wilbur, although Will has not given us a reason to distrust him.