Forever Yours

14. Hand Holding

"Get your ass in here already George!" Dream shouted from the ocean beside the boat, treading lightly to keep his head above the water.

"I'm coming idiot" George replied with attitude, strapping a pair of goggles to his face. They were both clad in their snorkelling gear, life jackets, and green and blue swim trunks. Dream wore a goofy smile when George stood looming over the crystal waves, slight fear washing over his features.

"Don't be scared the water's warm and it's nice" Dream assured him, trying to coax the boy to come in.

"I'm not scared! Just.... preparing" George said defending himself whilst crossing his arms over his chest. Dream let out a giggle.

"Suit yourself. I'm gonna go see the fishies now" Dream's cocky tone could be heard over the slapping of the ocean against the boat. George huffed and slowly dipped a foot in as if to test the water. Very warm, he thought. With all the bravery he could muster, George plugged his nose before plunging into the depths below him. A large splash shot out from his break in the current, completely soaking Dream's head.

"George you just splashed meeeeee" He drew out in a whine when the boy came to the surface.

"Maybe you deserved it" he retorted.

Josh led the group over to the main area they'd be exploring. Bright pinks, blues and purples ripples beneath their feet, rendering most of them speechless. Josh then reiterated a short safety lesson he had told them prior, before letting the group explore in their own. Dream turned to a slightly less fearful George and outstretched his hand.

"You ready?" he questioned.

"Yeah, let's go" said George, interlocking their hands.

The pair floated on their stomachs, heads rested just below the surface so they could breathe through their snorkels. The view was even more breathtaking under the water. An array of fish and small shark swam just beneath them, seemingly following or chasing after each other. A crab was perched on top of a rock, claws snapping at bacteria or crustaceans that were close by. Dream pointed to an orange blob a few feet away, pulling George toward it. Once they were in closer range, a large starfish could be seen hugging itself to coral. George simply smiled at the boy and gave him a thumbs up.

After swimming for a while longer, George flicked his head up to the surface, hinting they take a break. Each of them took a snorkel out of their mouths, and rested their goggles on top of their heads.

"This is amazing" George stated breathlessly. His eyes shone in wonder, creating sparkles in his irises. More brown freckles appeared on his skin from the outdoors, as well as a light pink on his nose and cheeks from a developing burn. The light reflection of the waves cascaded a tint of blue onto his milky skin. Dream didn't think he could get any prettier until this moment.

"I'm glad you like it" he spoke tenderly, squeezing the palm still held in his own. He swore he could see George's skin turn rosier, though he wasn't sure if it was from him or the sun.

"Thankyou for this" he said in a quiet voice, almost as if they were sharing a secret.

"No need to thank me. I wanted to do this with you" Dream replied with a toothy grin. He didn't think twice when George treaded slightly closer to him.

After about another hour of snorkelling, the group stepped back onto the boat with wrinkled feet and greasy foreheads. It was only then that Dream finally let George's hand go, and he slightly frowned at the loss of contact. He didn't realize how simple and easy it could be being affectionate with Dream. Dream dried himself off and patted the seat beside him as the whirring of the engine started, signalling that the boat was about to leave. George sat criss cross apple sauce beside the boy, who groaned at the feeling of wetness where George's knee was overlapping his.

"What, you don't like being wet?"

"Shut up" Dream said through a grin. George really had some nerve to be that bold sometimes.

After finishing up at the main building and collecting their things, the boys retreated to the car for whatever adventure Dream had planned next.

"So.... are we going home or did you actually mean it when you said today was going to be the coolest day ever?"

"I meant it Georgie"

Dream ignored any questions about what they were going to do, and instead reversed out of the parking lot and drove toward home. Upon arriving, George quickly got out to stretch his limbs while Dream unlocked the front door. As soon as they were inside George just had to ask him the golden question once more.

"Are you gonna tell me what we're doing?"

"Fine. We're going to a nice dinner to eat proper fancy steak, unlike the one you made on your cooking stream." Dream informed him.

"I didn't pack any nice clothes Dreaammmm"

"That's why I went out early before you woke up this morning to buy you some."

Dream gestured to follow him to his room, and showed George the outfit spread out on his bed. In front of them was a pair of neatly folded straight-fitted navy blue chinos, white sneakers, and a white button up shirt. George's eyes went wide at the outfit.

"You're gonna wear this?"

"No, this is what I bought for you. I already have some stuff"

"You want me to wear this? I never really wear this kind of clothing" George said, unsure of his friend's decision.

"I thought it would be cool to dress up. We literally game for a living we never do anything like this" Dream insisted.

"Well, what're you wearing then?" George gulped nervously.

Dream strode toward his walk-in closet, pulling out tightly fitted black jeans and a baby blue longsleeve button up. A black belt and shoes that matched the Brits' were taken out of his wardrobe. George playfully huffed and grabbed his clothes, changing in his own room. Dream's mind raced at the thought of them going out for dinner together. It felt so domestic and normal, hell maybe they'd even pass for a couple. Just as he tried to calm his thoughts and finish buttoning up his shirt, George knocked at his bedroom door.

"Come in"

With a shaky hand, George slowly twisted the knob and opened the door slightly. He wasn't sure why he was so nervous for Dream to see him dressed up like this. He'd even done a stream where he wore a suit the entire time which is even fancier than what he has on now. George guesses he hadn't fully realized how much he craves to impress Dream.

"I'm ready to go" He stated, shuffling from one foot to another awkwardly.

"You look... great George" Dream smiled at him, taking in the entirety of the outfit on him. Dream knew "great" was an understatement, he looked perfect.

"Uh thanks" he replied, scratching the back of his head nervously. He tried not to stare too long at his friend, gaze dropping to the tight restriction of the pants on his thighs. He looked hot.

"Well, ready to go?" Dream asked.

George nodded in response and followed the Floridian out to the car once again, anxious for what their night would entail.
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long time, no see guys! a lot of things have been going on that have honestly made me lose motivation for this book. even writing this short chapter took a couple days but i'm pushing through to finish it. so i'm sorry for the super long wait, hopefully some of you still somewhat remember the storyline haha. love u all <3