Hey! It's me, the author again! Thank you so much for reading my story and I hope you enjoyed it.
Honestly there is SO much I can say about this fanfic. I'll list some fun facts here, explanation behind some of the chapters, the original ending, and of course Dream's playlist to George.
Original Ending:
The original ending to this story was supposed to be sad! I promised @Darkthorn63 I'd answer a comment they left in which they predicted the ending as "they shall both drown in a tight embrace until they can't anymore and drift away from each other. Gogy decides that it isn't worth it but still tries to push dream off but they both end up tumbling into the water and that is how they end up there. Dream is holding gogy tight but the currents are too strong"
It was SO HARD to resist replying to this properly! Darkthorn, you came SO CLOSE to my original ending plans. When I first got the idea for this story, I saw an image in my head of Dream pulling George away from the edge, and then falling together later in a tight embrace.
However, I really wanted to write a story that shows mental health is something you can get through, and that sometimes time and love is all you need to heal. So the idea was discarded early in the planning process, but I did write the original ending in the form of a nightmare. That's right, George's nightmare was the original ending! I'm very happy I changed the ending, as I really love the way the story ended and hope you do too. <3
Inspiration for the Story
Honestly, mental health is something so many people struggle with. Suicidal thoughts, not feeling enough, insecurities, anxieties, depression, etc. I felt like there needed to be a story out there that showed the ups and downs, the confusion mental health can inflict on a person. Something people can relate to, and the slow healing process that gives a small ray of hope.
Fun facts:
1. Karl was DNF's wedding planner! That's why he was the one to get Sapnap when George's mother tried to break into the wedding. (you dirty minded readers really thought they hooked up at their best friends' wedding I can't LMAO)
2. Sapnap and Quackity fought over best man rights before realizing they could both be a best man.
3. George was the one who proposed, and Dream cried he was so happy.
4. DNF still continues their photo album together and Dream still writes goofy comments between the pictures.
5. Monica (the bitch mom) knew about the wedding simply by word of mouth. Most weddings are known to the public, especially if a public place closes to accommodate the wedding.
6. They got married in a planetarium which is a theatre for astronomy shows and is often located in museums for astronomy.
7. George was not in love with Dream as teens. He fell in love with him in the seven days timeline. Unfortunately at the time Dream's love was unrequited, but he has George's love forever now.
8. Dream's family knew about his feelings for George, and he'd had to warn them to not tease him when he brought George to see his family. He secretly agreed to buy Drista a gift in exchange for her silence.
Chapter Breakdown of George's mental health
First Day: George is quiet, and the world is dull to him.
Second Day: He cuts himself, but later relaxes with Dream and doesn't dwell much on his mistake. He is able to relax fully with Dream because of the kindness and care the dirty blond showed to him.
Third Day: George finds comfort in Dream's presence. He experiences the fear of death for the first time, and he finds hope in life with Patches' survival.
Fourth Day: This chapter shows how mental health relapses. Despite George smiling more and laughing with Dream, he still struggles with his inner demons. He finds himself relating to music lyrics, and realizes towards the end of the chapter that he's falling in love with Dream.
Fifth Day: George is beginning to smile more, and come out of his shell. After Dream confesses to his past he feels less alone and validated. He hurts knowing the dirty blond has suffered before, and wants to be there for him as well.
Sixth Day: George confides in Dream, finally letting out all the emotions he'd bottled up. He feels lighter and enjoys hanging out with other people for once.
Seventh Day: George subconsciously doesn't want Dream to die, and he's scared of the possibility of jumping. He knows it's the seventh day. This manifests in the form of a nightmare. He realizes he's cared for by Dream, Dream's family, friends, and even Patches. He's grown to care for them too, and he wants to stay.
Future: George is truly happy. He's come a long way, and he lives life to the fullest with his husband, Dream.
I broke the chapters down to make it easier to see that mental health truly is full of ups and downs. Sometimes our reasons to stay can be something as little as wanting to see the stars to as big as finding joy in a specific person. No matter what, in the end, I promise you'll find even more reasons to stay. You're never truly alone, stay strong. <3
No Sad, Smile :)
Sweater Weather - The Neighborhood
Into Your Arms - Ava Max
Better Than One - The Score
Stand by You - Marlissa
Safe and Sound - Capital Cities
Unconditionally - Katy Perry
Before You Go - Lewis Capaldi
Message in the Bottle - Taylor Swift
Gone, Gone, Gone - Phillip Phillips
Would Anyone Care - Citizen Solider
Shivers - Ed Sheeran
Forever Winter - Taylor Swift
Mind is a Prison - Alec Benjamin
Lullaby - Nickelback
Not Alone - Red
Still Worth Fighting For - My Darkest Days
Dusk Till Dawn - Zayn ft. Sia
Stand by You - Rachel Platten
Umbrella - Rihanna
Someone - Michael Schulte
Must Have Been the Wind - Alec Benjamin
Rise - Katy Perry
Right Here - Ashes Remain
In my Blood - Shawn Mendes
Feel Good - Illenium
Down - Jay Sean
Best Part - The Score
Unbreakable - Faydee
This is Me - Greatest Showman
Home - Phillip Phillips
Ride with You - Smash Into Pieces
Rewrite the Stars - Greatest Showman
Demons - Imagine Dragons
Drag Me Down - One Direction
If We Have Each Other - Alec Benjamin
Let me know what songs this fanfic reminds you of, and any songs you think Dream would have included in the playlist!
As always, I appreciate every one of you and hope to see you in my next story! Also, I'm working on a new twitter account for my fanfics, is this something you guys are interested in? You'd be able to get updates, interact with me personally, and hear about my random fanfic ideas. Let me know your thoughts :)
YOU ARE READING
7 Reasons to Stay DreamNotFound
RomanceGeorge was tired of life, everything had gone wrong, and it all became too much. The night he attempted to end it all, a familiar face pulled him away from the edge. "Seven days." "What?" George stared in confusion at the dirty blond, noticing the...
