The Lost Prince || Dreamnotfound

sixteen

The next morning, Dream stares up at the ceiling above him, which is adorned with centuries old paintings. He doesn't mind that George didn't wake him for training. Dream's lips are rested in a closed smile, chest full and content. He runs a hand through his hand, thinking about last night.

"Holy shit," he whispers. His words are followed by a soft, breathy laugh that makes him smile so wide his cheeks ache.

Lav nudges his leg, prodding him to get up. The griffin looks at the ceiling once, confused as to why it has captured Dream's attention.

Dream blows air through his lips, shaking his head. He's unable to shake his smile. Curious, Lavlji plops himself on his back to stare up at the ceiling. "I don't get it," Lav huffs gruffly.

"I think I love him, Lav," Dream murmurs, eyes fixated on the paintings. He's never felt this feeling in his chest, like a quiet seed that has slowly grown, blossoming into a flower that matches the colors of George's cherry cheeks in the cold. The thought brings butterflies to his stomach, flying to his throat, where Dream wants to shout his words into the mountains.

Lav purrs before falling silent, presumably listening to the steady thump of Dream's heart.

Dream realizes that this foreign feeling has been growing for a while. He didn't fall for George all at once, but slowly. He fell for George's unending patience, his gentle words, his loyalty to his home, his eyes in the firelight.

Dream's in love, and now that he's put a name to it, he knows it's true. He's wholeheartedly in love with George. It's a patient and soft feeling, like it's everlasting. His heart feels calm, settled in a way he's never felt.

He ignores the thought of what his family will think and pushes himself out of bed. Lav leaps off the bed, trotting behind Dream happily.

Dream walks outside, eyes scanning the area for George. The faint smile that had been dancing at his lips drops once he notices Kai approaching him, eyes glaring. Dream swallows, suddenly nervous.

Kai stops in front of him, practically breathing down Dream's neck. "Fight me," he growls, voice dark.

Dream knows he can't beat a warrior who has been training for years, but his pride can't say no. He juts his chin, smirking overconfidently as he replies, "As you wish."

Kai doesn't lessen his glare as he removes his armor piece by piece, rolling his head as he loosens himself up. Dream looks to his side, but Lav is nowhere to be seen. Frowning slightly, Dream barely looks up in time to catch Kai charging at him.

Dream stumbles to the side, but Kai lashes his arm out, catching Dream's shoulder. A sharp zing of pain shoots up his arm and Dream clenches his teeth.

He faces Kai, studying his opponent like George taught him. But at the mere thought of George, Dream's sidetracks, missing Kai's signal as Kai lunges with his upper body. Dream ducks his punch. He sticks his leg out and uses Kai's force against him.

Kai falls to the ground, recovering quickly. "Pathetic human," he sneers and lunges again.

Dream's head whips to the side, ears ringing. Metallic blood fills his mouth. He has to step back to avoid Kai's next jab, continuing to back further and further, trying to catch something that will give Kai away.

There, just a flicker in Kai's eyes. He looks where he wants to strike a moment before he does. Dream uses this to an advantage, and punches Kai square in his chest. With his opponent's breath knocked out of him, Dream strikes him twice in the face, a punch for each fist.

Kai stumbles back, chest heaving. He spits blood onto the cobblestone, flames igniting his eyes. Blue sparks flicker at his fingers, and Dream's eyes widen. He goes to tell Kai that isn't fair, but Kai doesn't hesitate to attack, fueled by hate and jealousy.

Dream's jaw is met with a burning hand that scorches his skin. Kai corners him against the castle wall, eyes raging. "This is for George."

Dream wants to shout that he yields, but Kai's fist rams into Dream's stomach. Dream doubles over, coughing. Kai kicks his shoulder to the ground, so Dream is on his back, defenseless. He catches a glimpse of Lavlji flying over, eyes wide in terror. On the ground, George runs. Dream can't read his expression, but George is shouting.

Kai's flaming hand splays over Dream's chest, burning through his shirt and torching Dream's chest. Kai must not hear George over his rage. He hisses, "This is what you deserve."

Overwhelmed by pain and fear, Dream's body screams at him. He's unsure if he's shouting or screaming or both, but he can feel a prickle in his chest. Something seems to unlock inside him. Dream feels a seize of intensity wash over him, so strong he is unsure of how to control it.

He passes out seconds later, a roar in his ears.

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a/n - any predictions...?

btw ur amazing