Restart

15

Everything was loud, a few weeks prior to current George had been in hospital. Finally, he was home.

Things had been different, today was the first time since the hospital scare that the group had been together. Dream arranged a day for them all to come over to his and Georges apartment, a few drinks, a takeaway and a much needed catch-up.

"George, are you ready? Sap just texted- he's five minutes away" Dream tumbled into the room, adjusting the belt on his jeans for the fourth time that night. Everything had to be perfect, as he'd said several times, he wanted Sapnap to know he had changed, that he was better than he had been years ago.

George did the final button of his shirt up, face turning to smile up at his partner who loomed in the hallway.

"Okay- Great! I'm going to move anything sharp or dangerous because Nelly is coming and apparently she's more of a clutz than me." He dashed off once more into the hallway. George chuckled, tightening the bracelet Dream had gave to him last week around his wrist. Dream was always giving him gifts, it had been his way of showing love and affection even since the start of their friendship, so George had various little jewellery pieces, watches, keyrings and all sorts laying around from Dreams bursts of affection. This bracelet specifically was his favourite, it was nothing too expensive or over dramatic, a single black rubber band with dreams name imprinted on it. It was something Dream had owned since his teenage years, but gave to George as a display of his affection. Something Dream had held so close to his heart something so special to him now in the possession of someone special to him.

George walked over to the dresser, opening the second drawer and pulling out an envelope after searching between folded clothes. With a deep sigh, he placed it on top of the dresser and stepped out of the bedroom, closing the door.

His chest felt tight as he headed into the living room, Dream having just opened the front door, Nelly immediately rushing in and wrapping her arms around Dream "Uncle Dream" she yelled, Dream returning a chesty laugh.

George watched Alex, Sap and Karl pour into the room, big smiles on their faces as they all began to settle on the provided chairs and couch.

"Nelly! I have a present for you" Dream gently grabbed Nellys hand leading her to the table, a gift bag sat in the middle of it.

"What is it Uncle Dream, can i open it?" She reached out for the bag, he nodded as everyone watched on curiously.

She reached into the bag pulling out a small bag of panda, smile and goggle pins. A small panda plush and a keyring for her school bag in the shape of a crescent moon.

"Thank you! I love it!" She turned, hugging Dream before running over to sit on her fathers lap.

George looked over the group a smile on his face, crossing his arms with a smile ignoring the pains growing.

Dream sat on the couch, putting an arm out, gesturing for George to come sit with him.

The group began talking about everything that had happened in their lives in the years of lost contact, Sapnap talking about the struggles of being a single father for some time and having to build his career, Alex talking about finishing law school, the top of his classes and Karl talking enthusiastically about being a stepdad and how him and Sapnap had planned to adopt another daughter in time. George watched on, Dream every so often squeezing his shoulder to comfort him, Georges eyes just bouncing between each person talking watching as smiles grew wider on their faces.

"Talking about big steps in life, it reminds me of something I have to do." Dream smiled, reaching hand into his jean pocket and pulling a velvet box out. George's heart for a moment, he could've swore it stopped beating.