Steeling My Heart - DreamNotFound

Chapter 4

"Dream, I really am fine, I promise. I think I'm just starting to get bored with this and that's why I'm getting distracted." I give the most convincing smile I can muster. It isn't too hard because I'm not all that bothered by it. Sure I can't get it out of my head, but it's not like that random dream is sending me into a depression. I'm merely just trying to pick it apart and figure it out. I probably only still remember it because Dream woke me up in the middle of it.

"Okay, if you say so. But if you feel like taking a break we can go grab something to eat. It's nearly 6. We could make it a date." He winks at me and begins to get up, pulling my chair out from under the desk.

"I am a bit hungry. I suppose I could do with something to eat." I let out a small giggle, but otherwise ignored the 'date' part of the equation.

"So it's a date." He smiled at me and wiggled his eyebrows. I couldn't help but smile as he grabbed both my hands, lifting me out of the chair. "Do you have anywhere in mind, or can I choose?"

"I don't really mind, it's up to you, Dream." We ran out the door and to Dream's car, trying our best not to get drenched by the rain. He quickly unlocks the doors and we both jump in. Dream's vehicle is nice, really nice. It's a 2020 black, Ford Mustang.

"Okay, since I get to choose, the bill is on me."

"What, no, we can split." I said as if it's the most obvious solution.

"Nope, it's a date remember? So I'm paying." He said, jokingly tapping the tip of my nose and laughing. He pulls his hand away just before I can smack it, so I just stick my tongue out at him in a very mature way.

~

We arrived at a pretty nice Italian restaurant. Not the ones you see in the movies where the guy proposes, but I still feel a bit underdressed. This is also a little too nice for a 'let's just go take a break and get something to eat' type of situation, especially since Dream won't just let me split the bill.

"This place is so nice. I thought we would just get some fast food. I feel so underdressed. I'm in joggers and a t-shirt for god's sake."

"It's fine George. I'm paying and you look good just like always. When was the last time you ate something besides fast food or a sandwich?" He does have a point. It's been ages since I've had a nice meal and I'm not entirely against having one with Dream.

He notices my hesitation and starts to open the door, "Exactly," he says as he walks around to my side and opens my door, urging me to get out.

"I could've gotten my own door, you know." I say, playfully scowling at him and rolling my eyes.

"Yeah, I know." He just smiles and begins walking towards the restaurant giddily.

We walk through the double door, Dream leading the way. As we walk into the front and wait to be seated, I glance around, taking in my surroundings. My mouth pulls into a grin as I observe the interior of the restaurant. The rustic theme suits the place very well. There are bricks along some of the walls and the other ones are a smooth, off white. It's the perfect mix of aged and modern. Booths line one of the walls visible, but I assume there are more in the back. Even though it seemed a bit formal, the decor gives it coffee shop vibes. The lighting provided by lightbulbs with copper cages around them hanging from the ceiling gives the place a weightless energy.

I glance up at Dream and see that he is already looking at me with adoration. I see him blush and I know redness is creeping onto my cheeks as well. A woman approaches us and we both quickly look away.

"My name is Marie and I will be your waitress tonight. Is it just the two of you?" She asks.

"Yes Ma'am." Dream answers with a polite smile.

"Table or booth?" Dream looks at me, giving me the power to decide.

"Booth, please." Marie nods and leads us to a booth in the back and hands us our menus. We both order and Marie leaves us alone.

"Thank you for bringing me here. You really didn't have to."

"I know, but I also know that you seemed a little out of it today, so I thought I could distract you." His smile could power a lighthouse capable of illuminating an entire ocean. Dream is so caring. He never fails to cheer me up when he tries and I'm so grateful to have him as my best friend. When I only smile, he continues.

"About that, are you sure everything is okay George. I don't want you to think I'm pushing you, but if talking would make you feel better, needless to say I'll listen." He gazes at me with soft eyes, but what am I supposed to tell him? Hehe yeah I had a dream last night that we were dating and living together and you were holding me in your bed, but for some reason I enjoyed the feeling and was disappointed when I woke up. I don't really know how he would take that. I know he wouldn't be disgusted by me or anything, in fact he'd be very understanding knowing him, but I have a feeling everything would be different. But as of right now I don't even know what I'm thinking about that when I don't even think I want that.

"George." The firmness of his voice ripped me from my thoughts as quickly as I had drifted into them. I glanced up at him the moment he said my name and he looked very worried, expecting me to explain. I assume he thought that my silence and concentration was a sign that I was organizing my thoughts and emotions in order to tell him.

"Oh, sorry. Yes, I promise everything is fine, I just have alot on my mind right now." You. I have a lot of you on my mind right now.

"Okay. One more question. Is it about me? Because if it is, just tell me and I'll fix it." Dammit. I know Dream is probably only referring to work, but something tells me he means anything.

"No, of course not." I am lying to him, but it's for the best. Dream can't change how he feels or how I might feel, so there's no point in telling him what's distracting me. He isn't doing anything wrong. Dream only makes a face of clear skepticism and confusion. Before he can open his mouth to question my claims, our waitress brings out our food.