𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕄𝕖 - Ⓓ Ⓝ Ⓕ

~9~

Dream held tightly to George's hand as the doctor gave George a final lookover before he was allowed to be released from the hospital for the next two days. He watched as the doctor pressed into George's cyst – saw the way the Brit's eyes closed in pain when he was touched on his arm and abdomen, but there was nothing for Dream to do other than observe, and wait for it to be over.

The next thing the doctor wanted to check before George was discharged was his walking. They sat George on the opposite side of the room and got him to stand. He was unsteady, and it was like his feet just couldn't do what George needed them to, but George managed to grip onto Dream's arms, and made it across the room, before completely falling on top of Dream. Dream held him close, keeping him from falling over, and was surprised when he looked down to see George taking in heavy and laboured breaths from where he was pressed against his chest. This must have been a lot harder on George than Dream realised.

George leaned against Dream as he swayed, trying to fight off the lightheadedness that engulfed his mind whenever he stood, and wondered why he was so fatigued. Sure, he hasn't eaten a decent meal in a while, and yes – George did have a bad reaction to any medication the doctors gave him, but it still doesn't excuse why he feels like he was borderline about to collapse whenever he stood. It could be a psychological problem – that George had sustained some kind of mental trauma and strain from the pain he had been in, and thought that it was a plausible explanation. Maybe it's his iron deficiency or anemia, but it's never been this bad before, and he left his supplements back at home in Britain, since he always forgot to take them anyway.

When the doctor asked why he was having so much trouble, that's the excuse George gave – minus his mental state – and the doctor left it at that, taking the Brit's word for it. George noticed the way Dream looked down at him when he said that, the puzzle in his head piecing together, and George saw his eyes flash with guilt, which the brunette understood. Dream would always argue with George when he slept too much and would get frustrated if George had to leave his stream because he was so tired, but now he knows the truth, and George just about wished he didn't.

While they were signing the discharge papers, the doctor gave George two pill bottles – one prescribed for pain, and one prescribed for his iron deficiency. They thanked the doctor, and Dream watched George discreetly slip them into his pocket, and Dream couldn't help but sigh. He knew George was going to forget to take any of the medication given to him, and made a mental note to take the pills away from George so he can give them to the brunette on time, frequently, and on schedule. He didn't want George to be uncomfortable, and he was going to be sure of it. If he really needed to, Dream would carry George everywhere, and wouldn't let him leave bed unless he needed to.

Staying at the hospital was exhausting for both Dream and George, so when they finally walked out of the doors – or, well, George was wheeled out the doors while Dream walked – they couldn't help but sigh in relief. It was over. It was over, for now, at least.

Lacy walked with them to Dream's car after the younger decided that he was fit to drive them back, after all. Dream felt a lot more aware and awake now that he had gotten some shut-eye – even if it wasn't in the most bearable place – and had finished the coffee George had graced him with, and felt like he would be okay to drive George back home.

Dream wheeled George towards the passenger side of the car and opened the door for him. He offered his arm for George to hold onto for stability when he started to stand from the chair, and Dream felt warmth blossom in his chest when George rested a hand on Dream's arm for support. Slowly, he straightened his legs as he stood, leaning on Dream, and lifted his leg to step into the car. To keep himself from falling off-balance, he slid his arm up so that it was nestled around Dream's neck, and Dream leaned down with the older boy as George slowly lowered himself onto the black leather seat. When George was fully seated, Dream reached down and lifted the Brit's leg, which was still hanging outside of the car, and swung it inside. He then stood back, and gently removed George's arm from his neck, entwining their fingers together for a moment before he stepped away and closed George's door. When he turned back to the wheelchair, he smiled kindly towards Lacy, and stepped forward to shake her hand as a goodbye.

"Thanks for looking after George." Dream expressed, and he felt accomplished when he managed to make the nurse smile. It's what he lived for – making people smile.

"Look after yourself and George. I'll see you both in a few days." She replied, dropping Dream's hand and beginning to wheel the chair away. Dream gave her a final wave before walking towards the driver's side of the car, clutching the green and white blanket in his hand as he opened the door and sat down.

Once closing the door, Dream shifted in his seat before just sitting there for a moment. The silence came as a comfort to the two boys, and they both took the time to just . . . breathe. George took the moment to close his eyes, breathing deeply, and blindly outstretched his hand towards Dream. George smiled when he felt Dream's fingers brush against his own, and neither boy said anything as they clasped their hands together.

After another few minutes, George felt a familiar soft fabric lay across his body, and peeked his eyes open to see Dream deep in concentration, trying to cover George with the blanket while using his unoccupied hand, dedicated to keeping his hold on George's hand. George felt himself smile brighter at Dream's childishness and gave Dream's hand a gentle squeeze. At the motion, Dream glanced up at him, and smiled as well.

"You're cute when you smile." The dirty blonde complimented, and Dream pretended to not notice the sudden flush on George's pale cheeks. At least there was some colour on his face.

George giggled in embarrassment and turned away from Dream, hiding his face. "You're such an idiot."

Dream smiled devilishly. "I'm your idiot –."

"Dream!" George exclaimed, laughing loudly, and God – Dream missed his laugh. He missed seeing George so happy. "God, you're so silly sometimes. Just drive."

Dream's face brightened. "Oh, so I'm silly now –."

"Dream! Drive!"

"Okay, okay!"

They sat in silence for another few seconds before they both burst out laughing, the grip on each other's hands tightening, and the tension from leaving the hospital gone. Once they settled down a little, Dream was wiping tears from his eyes and catching his breath after a few killing wheezes, and George sighed and looked towards Dream with seriousness written on his expression, but a gentle and loving look in his brown eyes.

"But seriously, I really want to have a shower." George deadpanned, and Dream nodded, starting the car.

"Okay, okay, off we go," Dream cheered, pulling out of his parking spot and leaving the hospital grounds. "Bye, bye awful hospital, may you not haunt us in our dreams."

George looked over at Dream with bewilderment and shook his head, giggling. "Idiot."

Dream smirked, and turned his attention to the road. "But you love me."

"Shut up, Dream."

George smiled, and Dream felt him running his thumb across Dream's knuckles as he looked out the window, muttering a few final words that Dream barely caught onto.

"Of course I do."

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