Who Lies in the End?

Ch 45: 17 "I won't. I promise."

art by: unknown (I couldn't find a name)

The walk was silent as the group of seven trekked across the plains. The moon was past its peak and dawn was soon to come within the coming hours, but the night continued to draw on for the tired party. Fundy took the lead, ensuring that the road was safe. Sapnap was behind him with Punz walking beside him. The villager had woken a while ago, tired, but determined not to be carried; however, that didn't stop Sapnap from keeping a close eye on him in case he passed out. Ranboo was walking with his bow at the ready to shoot down any phantoms that swooped too close, but he was also keeping an eye on Redne's mood. The younger ender dragon followed the small group willingly, but she would growl whenever someone got too close for her; at least, anyone who wasn't George and Dream. Those two were currently sitting on top of Redne with George in front and Dream slumped over the duke's back.

The air was thick with unanswered questions and the contemplation of the event that took place mere hours ago. No one dared to break the tentative calm, though it was fit to break at any moment. There were too many thoughts to keep in, but too much caution to attempt words; instead, they stewed in uncertainty and wariness.

Normally, Dream wouldn't mind the silence, especially after an event like that, but it was getting to him. The starry sky, the cold air, and the vast silence rung in his brain, recalling memories that he would rather not linger on right now. He wanted a distraction, and the closest thing to him was George.

"Geooooooooorge," Dream's voice was quiet, so that only his companion heard him, "Geoooooooooge," he tried again when the other didn't respond.

"What?" George sighed.

"Duck or goose?"

George stalled as his face dropped in confusion, "What?"

Dream adjusted his head so it sat on the duke's shoulder, "Duck or goose?"

Mocha eyes flickered to him with a bewildered expression, "I think you're still broken. Maybe you should rest."

"I'm not broken, I'm bored," he tightened the grip that he had on George's waist, "talk to me."

"I'm not really in the mood," George dismissed as he turned his focus on the path ahead of them. He watched as Punz began to sway, but Sapnap caught him and set him back on his feet.

"Noooooooo," Dream whined, "Come on, it's a simple question: duck or goose?"

Mocha eyes rolled, "Do I get any context for the question?"

"Nope."

"Fine," George hummed in thought, "Duck."

Dream tilted his head, "Why duck?"

George turned to Dream with an incredulous look, "I don't know, because they look cute and taste good?"

Dream loosened his grip on George so he could fully look at him, "Have you ever had goose?"

"No, I haven't," George narrowed his eyes, but there was no malice in the look.

Dream smirked, "Then that's not fair to the goose. They could taste delicious, and some of them are adorable."

George huffed and shook his head, "You didn't give me a requirement for the question. I could've said goose because they're absolutely crazy."

Dream nodded his head, "Fair, fair: so are swan though."

George turned away from Dream and the outlaw placed his head back on his shoulder. A small smile crested George's lips as he felt Dream lean against him again with his arms wrapped securely around his waist. Even though George knew it was to ensure Dream didn't fall off the dragon, the gesture made his heart flutter. He liked the feeling of having Dream close to him, and he liked the secure feeling he got while sitting in the outlaw's arms. It made his cheeks glow with happiness.