tonight | dnf

chapter ten.

George instinctively woke up when he smelt smoke. It wasn't heavy, simply a light scent and when he was able to fully open his eyes, he saw no clouds of smoke in the room. He threw the blankets off and without bothering to stretch, he careened to the kitchen. Each step was heavy with a sleepy daze.

From the kitchen doorway he watched as Dream struggled to cook multiple things at once, twisting in every way to flip a pancake or make sure the bacon was cooking the right way. He noticed a light fog of smoke was emitting from horribly burnt and now black toast-- that wasn't even the only thing burnt. Then, he noticed his cat, sitting on the counter also watching Dream struggle with this condescending look. 

He didn't bother a "Goodmorning," or a "Hi," He simply walked around Dream and scooped up Cat, placing one two many kisses on her head before she became annoyed and managed to jump from his arms. He sighed in relief, glad to know nothing had happened to her and that she was inside for good.

"You got her back inside?" 

Dream nodded as he put the last of the bacon on a plate and turned off the burner. Surprisingly, it was the one of the few things he had managed to cook perfectly. He was still setting food on their designated platters when George lightly punched his bicep. 

"Whats all of this?" 

For the first time that morning Dream looked at George, "A sorry to follow up my actual apology." 

 George hummed and Dream set down the spatula before continuing, "Yeah, I did--do know the dude from last night and I don't know if my reasoning for lying means anything to you, but really, I am really super sorry. I need a bit but I will tell you. I'll tell you everything and I promise, everything, just give me the night." He felt a weight beginning to lift off his shoulders already, or maybe that feeling was just being able to catch his breath after speaking so fast. Either way it was a relief to him when George nodded. It didn't surprise him either. It wasn't often the universe gave out second chances, but George handed them out like a deck of cards. One after another until he thought you had enough. 

"I shouldn't have made such a big deal out of it--I don't know what got into me. So, I guess, I'm sorry too. If you don't want to--" Dream cut him off, "I want to." He kept glancing back up to meet Georges eyes and then down to his phone. He was disconnecting his airpods and searching for a song on what looked like youtube. 

The intro played and it was like a little bell dinged inside his head, alerting him that he has heard this just last night. In fact he'd never heard the song come from another voice or anywhere that wasn't Dream. In front of him Dream held out his hand with a wide grin. 

"This isn't a dancing song." 

"We can make it one."

Hesitantly, George placed his hand on top of the others gently with a playful roll of his eyes. Dream laced their fingers together and pulled him close, listening to the soft giggles he tried to hold back from him. 

"You're such an idiot." 

Dream nodded at the playful banter and snaked his arm around Georges waist to keep their bodies close as they swayed.

George hated dancing. He always had, and unless he was completely out of his mind, he'd always refuse. But standing here with Dream as beams of sunlight lit up the room and a scent better than the burnt toast filled the air was actually nice. It was a conflict in his head whether to just enjoy the moment or really hate it because he didn't know how to dance and every time he tried to take a step he'd almost crush Dreams foot. 

Dream rested his chin on the top of his head, and because of the difference in their height, it was perfect and comfortable for the both of them. He was having a victory moment. He'd just gotten George of all people to dance with him--the best part? He didn't even have to beg him, it may have been for the blunt reason he had just woken up and hadn't felt like bickering so early. Either way he was fairly content with the way today had started.

"Guess what?" Dream asked, not waiting for him to answer or hum like he always did when he didn't want to speak,"I just got you to dance."

George let go off Dreams hand and the other way so he didn't have to look at that stupid grin. He took a second look to the uneven distribution of burnt and unburnt food. His face showed anything but judgement and if anything, George found it endearing Dream attempted to cook his favorite breakfast foods. He had to admit it, the bacon and the pancakes didn't look half bad. But the eggs were undercooked and far from edible, and the charred toast somehow single handedly made the kitchen smell of smoke. 

The song ended and Dream let the music play to the next song as George grabbed two plates from the cupboard. "Not lookin' too bad. You're trying it first though." As George handed Dream his plate they both laughed, about to spend the next few hours hanging out.

-- 

The time was 1:15 AM and George was out cold again. Though he was a night owl with company, he was burnt out and exhausted. Dream just thought he'd be in his spacey and comfortable bed rather than the small couch. 

Dream sat on a recliner with his phone in hand, scrolling through his contacts and trying to ignore the whir of brassy cars passing outside. He scrolled until he saw Sapnaps contact photo and name, he pressed call and held the phone up to his ear. 

"Hello?"

"I need to talk to you, Sap. I think Techno is planning some shit." His voice was low as if he were trying to be quiet, maybe not to wake George who was right next to him with his hair in his face and arm tucked behind his head. 

Sapnap made a tut noise, "I thought you guys called truce on everything?"

"So did I, he was being all sketchy around Georges--" Dream paused moment, watching as George shifted, stretching and sprawling across the couch before settling back into a peaceful sleep. Dream thought for a second as pure silence became too loud for either of their liking. He decided to move outside and ended up in the same spot he sat in a bit ago: calling for Cat to home back and complicated too many things. 

"He was hanging around Georges house, I might be overthinking but I don't want him involved with this shit show. He doesn't deserve that."

"You really think he'd go that far?"

"Its Techno."

Sapnap shrugged, partially forgetting they weren't talking in person and he couldn't see the gestures he'd been making. He'd chosen to not bring up how Dream had said they weren't together just yesterday. He it was funny they thought they were being sneaky and how Dream double-backed on his words. He was anything but upset, though he did feel a little left out and a little bit like a third wheel in the friend group he brought together. 

"Just keep around him in case he is going to do something, I'll deal with him tomorrow."

"Sapnap you know you can't do that, I'm telling George either way, I can deal with it I just need you to have my back." Dream said.

"I said I'd deal with it." The call disconnected and Dream had even more on his brain now. 

As he stood up, ready to leave, he noticed George awkwardly standing in the doorway with his arms crossed, a fed up look on his face. Dream sighed, mentally preparing himself for the upcoming conversation and physically preparing himself for the slap he'd receive after it.