It Was Never the End DreamNotFound

Chapter 19

George POV

The Sleepy Bois made a home out of an cabin lodging area on a camp ground. Those sturdy walls rose before them now. George's nerves were tighter than a bow string as he sucked in a breath. Here we go.

Philza patted Dream's shoulder. "Relax, your killing aura is leaking out." 

George felt warmed by Philza's teasing smile. Philza was nicknamed "Dadza" by a lot of the younger members. The name originated from Tommy, whom Wilbur claimed had been calling Phil Dadza since he was five years old. The man certainly lived up to the name with his caring, comforting fatherly nature. 

Dream's head turned to Philza, and to George's surprise he nodded gratefully in return. Wilbur gave him a small nudge forward. 

The metal clasp of the gate felt cold under George's palms as he unlatched the gate. He swallowed hard against the queasy feeling in his stomach. The wooden structure creaked as it swung open. Several pairs of eyes fixed on them immediately. 

"GEORGE!" A man with messy black hair fallen loosely over a thin ribbon tackled George into a bear hug. "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'RE ALIVE BUDDY!" 

George could barely breathe in the crushing embrace. Patting Sapnap's back, he gasped out, "Let go of me dumbass." 

"NO!" Sapnap tightened his grip. "I AM GONNA CRY." 

After a lot of flailing, George finally wriggled out of Sapnap's death hold. Sapnap had always been one for bone-crushing hugs. His best friend was wearing his usual outfit: black long-sleeved shirt under a sleeveless white top with a flame on the front. Paired with it was black pants with thin chains and brown boots. 

"He almost broke my and Tommy's bones, too." Wilbur smirked as George rubbed his sides.

"IT STILL FUCKING HURTS!" Tommy barreled forward, dragging a seventeen-year-old boy with him. Dust scattered around the blond's untied sneakers.

"Shut the fuck up, I give the best hugs." Sapnap reached for Tommy, but the teen dodged.

George watched with a wince as Tommy shot towards Dream, who was standing stiffly next to Philza and Wilbur. Tommy practically tackled Dream, slinging an arm around the taller's shoulders. 

"RANBOO, RANBOO, LOOK!" Tommy ignored Dream's attempts to shove him away. "MEET MY NEW BEST FRIEND." 

Ranboo's fluffy brown hair fell over his green eyes, his mouth and nose concealed behind a black-and-white face mask. His fingers interlocked nervously, his eyes darting to Philza, who smiled reassuringly. 

"Hello." Ranboo's voice was polite. "I'm Ranboo." 

Dream pushed Tommy off, only for the blond to latch on again. Giving up, he nodded at Ranboo in greeting. Wilbur was snickering at Tommy's obnoxious behavior not directed at himself for once. 

Roused by the noise, more members of the group were emerging from their cabins. George recognized Niki's blond hair, Ponk's red hoodie, and Puffy's sleek brown hair. 

Niki smiled at George. "Good to see you. Is anyone hurt?" 

George wanted to tell her about Dream's shoulder, but knew better than to bring up the old injury in front of others. Dream wouldn't want anyone thinking he had been weakened. He grinned back. "We're fine, thank you Niki." 

Ponk ruffled George's hair and Captain Puffy gave him a much gentler hug than Sapnap's. He was touched by the gestures. Despite not knowing many members' real names, they had become close friends. Family, almost. 

"Dude, sick mask." Sapnap hesitantly walked up to Dream. "You can call me Sapnap, by the way." 

George watched as Dream nodded again. Ponk, Niki and Puffy got the same reply when they gave their greetings.