The Lost Prince || Dreamnotfound

seventeen

The feeling is the first thing that Dream feels is warmth, flowing into him like rays of sunshine.

His eyes flutter open to find George sitting on a chair next to Dream's bed, his upper body laying on the bed. His head is facing away, but his hand is clutching Dream's.

"He's sleeping," Lav coos softly from Dream's other side, his chin resting on the bed. The words make Dream blink as he realizes George has healed him.

Subconsciously, his hand twitches as he looks down at his chest. His scorched shirt is almost gone, basically the sleeves and collar are all that remain. Then he remembers.

Kai almost killed him.

His hands tighten at the thought. He doesn't want George or Lav sweeping in to save him; he can save himself.

Dream's subtle movements wake George, but Dream doesn't notice, brows furrowed in disappointment. He should be able to defend himself. Here, in a new environment with hostile opponents at every turn, Dream suddenly feels like sinking into his bed.

George's voice tries to reach Dream, but the murky waters of Dream's mind are too thick. He pulls his hand from George's, playing it off by running it through his hair.

Those who live here will always hate him. He's a part of the reason why they've lost so many friends and loved ones. He's their enemy, who, no matter the changes he might face, is related to his parents who mercilessly slaughtered village after village.

They killed George's parents. Dream's eyes squeeze shut. How can George ever love him? He wouldn't love the enemy. Dream forces himself to believe that every soft moment with George, every smile, every sneaky eye glances, every laugh has all been an illusion. Deep down, Dream knows it isn't true, but it's easier this way.

To Dream, George is a fresh start, someone good in a world full of evil and war. He's said Dream is different from his family, his blood. But Dream can't see how someone can see past that.

To George, Dream is a means to an end. He has Dream where he wants him, at the center of his home, surrounded by strong warriors, loyal till death.

The flower in Dream's chest seems to sink back, shriveling in on itself. Its withering makes Dream's throat dry. He tries to swallow the lump in his throat, but he's unsuccessful.

Dream's eyes open. He doesn't look at George, eyes going straight to Lavlji. "Let's get some air."

Lav's head lifts, and his face seem to furrow in confusion as he looks at George. George is stiff beside Dream.

"What's wrong?" George asks quietly, tone confused and searching for an answer.

Again, Dream ignores him, swinging his legs towards Lav, who backs up to give him space. Dream starts his trek to the door. "Dream, talk to me," George says. Dream can hear the hurt in his voice.

Dream pauses for a moment, but walks out the door. He isn't paying attention to notice if Lav is following.

It's easier this way, Dream convinces himself.

~

Dream is in the library because he knows George wouldn't guess him to be here.

He has new clothes, but the guilt of hurting George weighs on him heavily. Dream looks at his hands, brows pinched together.

He remembers Kai beating the shit out of him. He remembers him burning a hole in his chest. Dream presses a hand to his chest, where scarless skin remains.

He huffs in annoyance. Something doesn't make sense. Dream swears he felt something, something that stopped Kai. He's felt it before.

Dream ransacks his brain. His lips part in recollection. The night under the fireflies and fairies, when Dream asked George to show him his magic. The warmth and sense of fulfillment, it's the same thing he felt yesterday. Was it yesterday? Dream doesn't know how long he was out.