George wakes up to an empty bed and a hoodie in his arms. He panics for only a few seconds before inhaling the aroma of Clay's cologne. He pulls the hoodie over his head and discards the shirt he had been wearing before. He likes the soft fabric; it's gentle over his skin.
He stretches as he sees the morning sunlight shine through the window's glass. He sighs in content before climbing out of bed and going downstairs. An aroma that reminds George of breakfast greets him as he stops at the bottom step. He grins, seeing his best friend poking at an egg with a spatula.
"Oh, hi Georgie! My parents called me this morning and said they had to go on a business trip. Because of the coronavirus, the school went ahead and cancelled so we don't have to do anymore schoolwork." He explains, buttering some toast.
"Oh okay. Does that mean you get to stay with us?" George asks, hopefully.
"I don't want to be a burden, George." Clay frowns, turning to the older more.
"What do you mean? Me and my mama talked the other day and she said you're always welcome at our home!" George mumbles.
"I just don't want to overstay my welcome, Georgie." Clay turns off the pan and walks over to his best friend, hugging him.
"Can I ask mama if you can stay? Please! For me?" He utters. Clay grins.
"Only if your mom says yes, otherwise I'm going home. I also need more clothes." Clay tells him.
"Okay— wait, do you want the hoodie back?" George asks him. Clay looks down and inspects the short of the two, a dopey smile making its was into his face. George stood in front of him, his hoodie almost reaching George's knees. Cute, Clay thinks.
"New it— it looks good on you." He mumbles into George's ear before giving him a wink. "Now go on and ask your mom!" He laughs at the blushing boy before he runs to the kitchen phone.
A few moments late, the boy returns with a huge grin on his face.
"She said yes!" He laughs. Clay grins as he hugs the boy while they spin in a few circles.
"Great! We can go to my house and pick up some clothes, perhaps?"
"Mhm." George grins.
- - -
After they finish their breakfast, the boys head off to Clay's house. George had never been inside Clay's house before, so this would be exciting.
Clay takes his larger hand and wraps it around George's smaller one without hesitation. He feels himself blush a little as George's fingers make their way in between his own.
"Here we are, in my house!" Clay grins. He turns to George who sees at the small two story home, smiling as he sees the flowers that decorate the outside. Clay notices him looking at them and says, "my mother is a gardener. She says that the house should look welcoming on the outside as well." George grins at that.
Clay goes ahead and unlocks the door, making his way inside and up the stairs. George follows him, staying close to him as if he felt safe. George sighs into the hoodie as he sits in Clay's bed, watching the taller of the two places clothes into a suitcase. He still feels so incredibly sleepy.
He opens his eyes as he feels a gentle hand nudge his left collarbone. He looks up to lazily meet Clay's forest green orbs.
"C'mon George. We can go lay back down once we get back to your house." He tells him. George nods happily. He yawns and takes the younger boy's hand as they walk down the stairs and out the door. Clay turns around and locks the door to the house before they get back into the car. George can feel his eyes close, eyelids finally giving up as he re-enters the world of sleep.
- - -
"George, c'mon buddy." A deep voice replies. George's eyes flutter open as he calmly releases a breath of air.
"I went ahead and put my stuff in your room. We can lay back down when we get back into the house."
"Promise?" George lazily responds. He feels Clay's calloused hands rub soothing circles against his softer hands.
"I promise." Clay tells him. George stretches and stands up.
"Carry." George orders softly, too sleepy to make it sound serious. Clay hums in response before picking George up and letting his wrap his short legs around his waist. George mumbles a faint 'thanks,' before they descend to George's room.
George sighs into Clay's grasp as they lay down, fluffy blankets wrapping them up into a big burrito. He nuzzled his face into Clay's chest, his breathing slowing down while he listens to dream's heartbeat.
The last thing he remembers before dozing off is feeling Clay kiss his forehead.
