Setting Sun

18 | It is | 18

George collapsed onto Dream's bed, letting the smell invade his senses, flooding his entire body with serotonin and a sense of safety. Dream laid next to him, much more carefully, though, to avoid landing on top of George. They both rolled onto their sides, staring into each other's eyes, hoping this moment would never end.

Wilbur had come by to see him before they left the hospital, and they really saw each other for the first time since George had discovered he was alive. They had hugged and Wilbur cried. Karl also hugged him when they arrived back at the apartment, long and nice. Sapnap gave him an awkward sibling side hug, but George knew that he was happy to see him up and walking around again, somewhat back to his usual self. But no one could ignore the cuts and bruises, and they all took a minute to take them in before acknowledging him.

Now he and Dream were alone again, completely alone. There were no hospital nurses observing them or any of their friends peeping in. So they savored the moment. Dream must've decided he was done with no contact, because he pulled George against him, tucking George's head against his neck and leaning his chin on George's head. They were still laying down, so this was a tad bit awkward, but neither cared. They were too happy to have the other back in their arms again.

George nuzzled his nose further into Dream collar bone, inhaling deeply and sighing at the familiar smell. He didn't miss the scent of blood and dirt and desperation from the basement.

"You wanna know what I missed most?" George murmured contently.

"Hm?" Dream sighed.

"Your smell. It's sweet and mixed with some kind of cologne, if I had to guess mahogany and teakwood. The sweet smell comes from your hair, I think, it's vanilla-y."

Dream chuckled, the movement shaking George slightly. "That's exactly right, how'd you know." George shrugged. "I missed your smell, too. I did have the hoodie I lent you to remind me of it. I think you smell like clean laundry, though how that scent clings to your skin alludes me. That and lavender."

"The lavender is my soap. I have no idea about the other thing, probably just my clothes transferring it, making it stick to whatever else I was around."

"Well, whatever it is, I love it."

"I know. Smell is a big thing for me. I don't know how you live with Sapnap, he reeks."

Dream burst out laughing, the wheezes sounding pained, like he was gasping for air but couldn't find any. He wiped a tear away from his eye, exhaling with satisfaction as the laughter died down. "Thank you, I haven't laughed like that in a while. To answer your question, it gets very difficult. I tend to stay away from his room because the stench pretty much perspires from there."

"It sweats from his room?" George giggled.

"To be honest, I don't know what that word means, I'm just trying to sound smart to match you. But also, yes, it does."

"Trust me, I noticed." They smiled at each other.

"You know, I get the feeling you would be a much better roommate. Don't get me wrong, I love Sapnap, but you're probably... cleaner."

"Very smooth, Dream. Is that your not-so-subtle attempt to ask me to move in with you?"

"Only if you say yes."

"Well, of course I want to. I don't care if it's too soon, I know I love you and I know that I want this to work out, as soon as possible. Also, I don't know if I feel comfortable going back to my apartment and being alone again just yet."

"Don't feel like you're obliged to just because you don't want to hurt my feelings. Or if you don't feel safe alone and that's the only reason, you don't have to move in, you can just stay for a little while first. Either way I'll understand and do my best to make you feel safe."