7 Reasons to Stay DreamNotFound

When the Sun Sets on the Seventh Day

George POV

"Well, Georgie." Salty wind whipped away the dirty blond's voice. "Are we going to jump?"

This is it. Cold metal nipped the flesh of George's wrist, reality weighing heavy over him. Steady warmth enveloping his fingers reminded him of every moment that had led up to this inevitable fate. One simple decision would decide everything, and the clock was ticking to a close on their seventh day.

His mind drifted to soft looks of affection, warm arms that held him protectively against his own torment. Goofy smiles echoed with wheezy laughter, gentle comfort whispered when needed the most. A mottled brown cat rubbing against his chin with whiskers that tickled his skin. He even saw friends holding brightly colored spheres with competitive grins, and family whose lips were smeared with raspberry cheesecake. 

George turned his palm over, slowly interlacing their fingers together. His resolute eyes trailed up to meet emerald, and one single word was dropped into the chilly air. "No." 

In the darkness of approaching night around them, the sun returned in the form of a tender smile. "Oh? Do you have reasons for this? Specifically seven." 

"I do actually." The brunette murmured. "The first is our memories." 

Dream tilted his head. "Our memories?" 

"I don't want to forget them, even if other people remember, I don't want to forget." George held tight to the most intriguing seven days of his life. "And I want to make more."

"We can do that." Dream squeezed his hand, touched adoration melting his features. "We can always make more memories." 

George flushed, his face warm against the biting wind. He had to drop his eyes to their hands to think clearly. "The next reason is Patches. We can't leave her alone, and saving her made me realize how scary death can be."

"She would be very sad." The dirty blond agreed quietly. 

"I want to laugh more." George's hand trembled, each admission tumbling realization through his very core. "And see your friends again. I- I guess that's two more reasons." 

Dream rubbed soothing circles over his knuckles. "Just three more."

"There's still things I want to do. We haven't seen all the stars, and you still haven't taught me how to swim." George reminded him. "And the sixth reason... I really like your family, and I want to spend more time with them."

"What is your last reason?" 

Mocha lifted once more to meet emerald. "You." 

Pale pink lips parted, Dream's eyes widened, slowly beginning to glow with a deep spark. "Me?" 

"You." George repeated quietly. His heart thudded against his ribs, and he finally acknowledged the feeling swelling in his chest. "I've... fallen in love with you."

Emotions tumbled through glistening emerald depths. Lashes lowered, lips upturning in an expression that had George's legs trembling from the pure adoration dripping from flushed cheeks.

"Oh, George." Dream's voice was heavy with affection, lifting their cuffed hands to press the brunette's palm against his chest. "Do you remember how I said I loved someone I was too scared to reach for?"

George's breath caught, his fingers trembling over the strong pulse of the dirty blond's heart. 

"I've always loved you, I never stopped." Dream whispered, hot breath fanning against the brunette's flushed cheeks. "Even now, I just want to kiss you until you realize how much you're loved."