Set Fire (dreamnap)

5. summers end

Before the sun even dared to shine through the large windows of the sunroom Dream woke Sapnap. Shook and poked at his shoulder until his friend was grumbling at him to stop. He groaned out a coarse "what?" in his morning voice which admittedly caused Dreams body to jolt forward. Now's not the time for that.

He brought Sapnap out to the porch that faced the ocean. He could so clearly tell that Sapnap was still upset, still a little defensive. Not a soul is in sight, far too late for bonfires and still a little too early for surfers. Just Dream, Sapnap, and the ocean. Sapnaps curled up in a blanket on the porch stairs, only a few inches from Dream, silently observing the darkness. Trying not to doze off to the white noise of the waves crashing.

"Why did you bring me out here?"

"I couldn't sleep, and I wanted to talk to you."

"About what?" Sapnap asked, eyes still fixed ahead. Dream wishes he'd look at him.

"I'm sorry for getting upset last night. I shouldn't have said all that." Dream breathed out. Sapnap shifted, pulling his blanket further up his shoulders.

"Then why did you?" Sapnaps voice rang through the air, nearly drowned out by the ocean.

Dream considered making up something, perhaps he could just take a few steps back and lie. Avoid rejection by pretending his feelings aren't even there. "I was jealous." He says.

"Huh? You didn't have to be jealous, I wasn't interested in her. She probably would've liked talking to you more anyway." Sapnap scoffed. Dream shook his head.

"No. I was jealous of her."

Sapnap jerks his head over, looking at Dream, looking to see what he means by that. "What?"

"I always get so jealous when you talk to girls, or really just anyone who's flirting with you. I just watch and wish it was me. Have for a long time." Dream bit the inside of his cheek, he wanted to look at Sapnap but he was too scared to. Sapnap didn't say anything so Dream continued to ramble, "I've had this thing for you for like, ever. Whenever we're together I have to hold myself back. I'm not very good at it though." He scoffed at his own self awareness.

A terrifying silence creeps in. Dream lowers his head, maybe he went too far. His heart sinks to his stomach at the realization that he may have just ruined everything with his best friend. Dream was so sure, he was willing to bet that Sapnap liked him too. Dream wants to ignore the burning in his eyes, warning him that tears are going to pool and spill down his face.

"I thought I was crazy." Sapnap says, "I wasn't sure if you liked me, I thought I made it up in my head." Sapnap smiles. After a moment of fiddling his fingers he's scooting his blanketed body over to Dream and closing the gap between them. Dream allows Sapnap to fuse to his side, allows him to wrap him up with his sunburnt arms. They press their faces close, transfer heat even though they aren't cold. Sapnap pecks Dreams cheek, they both smile from ear to ear. Dream pecks Sapnaps cheek back.

Then all at once Dreams hands are holding Sapnaps face, trailing down to his jaw and neck. He asks him if its okay, Sapnap answers by leaning in. Finally Dream is at peace, something clicks in place. They're able to disappear into each other, Dream can finally kiss Sapnap without feeling like he needs to have an excuse or back up plan. Explore each other in a way they've never allowed themselves to before.

"I love you Sapnap." Dream whispers after they part.

"I love you too, so so so much."

Dream had a bad day at school. He came running to Sapnap, tears fresh on his cheeks, stuttering something about how a teacher embarrassed him in front of the whole class. He was near hysterical, Sapnap had never seen his friend like this before. The boy could hardly even speak because he wasn't getting enough oxygen into his body.

After making a scene in the hallway Sapnap wrapped his arms around Dream and walked him home. Calming him with breathing exercises and counting to ten. Speaking slow and calm as not to overwhelm Dream any more. Ditching their last period was only a small consequence of leaving the school grounds early. Sapnap couldn't care less. 10th grade could wait.

The pair stumbled into Dreams house after fumbling with the key for a few seconds and Sapnap cursing the lock under his breath, he wanted to be helpful and unlock the door for Dream but the damn key was not cooperating. Dreams parents were at work, which was probably a good thing considering the two were technically sluffing class. Sapnap dragged his friend up the stairs and to his bedroom. Asking Dream if he wants him to leave or stay. Luckily Dream had calmed down significantly on the walk there, face dry and lips patchy but breath much steadier.

"I love you Sapnap." Dream said when they were lying on top of the covers of Dreams twin sized mattress. Body heat shared as Dreams head rested on Sapnaps chest and their legs intertwined. "You're so good to me."

Sapnap melted into Dreams words, bringing his hand up to stroke the boys blond hair. It was a lot shorter when they were fifteen, that was before Dream got the confidence to grow it out. "I love you too, a lot." Sapnap whispered. He didn't let himself think about what that might mean, he didn't want to think about how the situation was oddly intimate. He just wanted to be there for his friend in any way he could. He'd sort out his own feelings later.

Because Dream had finally broke down that boundary they were then able to say it all the time. Sapnap felt his heart swell every time Dream would say I love you when they separated, or when hanging up the phone. Every chance they got, they would remind each other. Granted, they didn't really need it. Sapnap knew Dream loved him, he knows that still. But a reminder is always appreciated.

Especially when it was eventually followed by a quick peck to the lips. 

That morning on the beach Dream asked Sapnap to be his boyfriend, just as the sun peaked over the earth and illuminated the land, just as a couple surfers arrived to get in the water. By the time they were in the car driving home Dream was curled up in Sapnaps arms in the back seat, perfectly fine with having to sit there. Kisses to the back of Sapnaps hand, just because he can.

Telling George wasn't a big deal, he didn't really care. Said he knew all along, Dream blushed at that. Embarrassed that they went on as just friends for so long. Dream could've had Sapnap like this a long time ago, could've seen Sapnap like this forever ago. Better now than never, he tells Sapnap.

Filling up the remainder of their summer wasn't too difficult. Now Dream could take Sapnap to every place he thought might be a good date. Do things he'd only do with his boyfriend. George was used to feeling like a third wheel with them so not much changed for him, not much changed for their friendship. Dream and Sapnap would never do anything to make George feel too awkward or left out, and if they did George wouldn't hesitate to shout at them and threaten to leave. Maybe even cause a scene by dramatically groaning and covering his eyes. It's all in good fun.

Dream wasn't worried about going off to college. They're both going to the local community college. Dream hopes they'll eventually be able to move out of the dorms into an apartment or something, together. Maybe, they'll just have to see. No plans are too final, the only thing set in stone is their dedication to each other. Dream knows they aren't perfect, they're only humans after all, but they'll make it just fine.

They'll find ways to sneak into each others dorms and study for finals together in the library, even if they're exhausted and would rather just drop out. Dream will come to dread his 9am class, only lured out of bed by Sapnaps sweet voice promising to buy him a coffee if he gets up. Sometimes Dream will have to do the same for Sapnap, they'll be there for each other. College will tear at Sapnaps last shred of patience but Dream will be there to calm him down, soothing his tired body with gentle kissed. Exhausted and nearly broke but pretty happy nonetheless.

But with whatever happens, they will always have each other to lean on. Arms wide open and willing to love.

The End.