get busy waiting

ch. 1

"Yeah, so, George.."

He was already watching Dream; they were already so close, and George already knew what he was going to say. Dream made it obvious.

"I like you."

"I know."

George's reply was much like he was, quick, smug, self-satisfied when he got exactly what he expected. Exactly what he wanted.

Dream narrowed his eyes a bit, though this reaction was almost too on-brand for George that it didn't really surprise him. Still, he let out a small huff and pressed, "You didn't know."

"I did."

"Since when?"

George was laughing softly, shaking his head like he couldn't believe what a stupid question Dream just asked, "Since.. forever. You've been saying you're in love with me for years."

"I said 'I love you'," Dream corrected with a hint of exasperation, "That's different."

"Do you love me now?"

It was clear George wanted to antagonize him for reasons unknown to Dream. Well, he did know, he just didn't know why now of all times.

Though, as Dream felt his face slowly rise in heat, the redness burning across his cheeks in a similar timing to George's grin lifting higher, it was obvious.

"Not like that.. just-"

George shifted a bit closer, insisting, his eyes wide and glued on Dream's, "You love me."

He was getting a little flustered, and even though Dream could see George was doing this on purpose, his embarrassment was growing hotter, and his face right along with it. This was the first time, and definitely not the last, where Dream couldn't help but feel so.. rushed.

"No, George, listen," He placed a hand on the other's shoulder, both to hold his attention and to stop him from getting any closer, "I said I like you."

"Yeah?"

"So," Dream could feel the pout on his lips, "Say it back."

"Me?"

After releasing a long-held breath, and Dream barely refraining from shaking some sense back into George, he replied, "Yes, you."

He seemed to think over this offer for a minute, but was betrayed by the sly smile he boasted, and by his flicking eyes that displayed George already considered all of this.

"And," Georged asked pointedly, his voice low, "What would happen after I say it?"

"I don't know," Dream swallowed, getting a feeling he could never shake after this, that George was more focused on what he could get out of him more than anything, "We'll just.. yeah- be together and stuff."

"Nothing else?" George questioned, his head tilted to the side, temptation laced in his words and motions.

"You haven't even said it yet."

George let out a short breath, scrutinizing Dream for a long moment before he yielded, responding with one simple word, "Okay."

Honestly, Dream didn't think it would be this easy, his smile was bright, a little disbelieving, as he asked, "Really?"

"Yeah, we can.. whatever," George blew out, nonchalant even though it was clear he couldn't even get the proper words out without being embarrassed, so he just avoided it entirely.

But it was more than enough. Dream understood what George meant. There was plenty of time to get more out of him anyway, this was as much as a confession the other would give.