Let's Play Pretend - by seasandsalt

Chapter 1: Day One

Quick note before you begin reading: Hey, Jupiter here. This was a fanfic that I read a long time ago and adored. I looked back for it on ao3, searched and searched, and discovered that seasandsalt (the author of this master piece) had deactivated their account. So, I've decided, to copy their story from ao3 and paste it here using the Way Back Machine (web.archive.org)

If seasandsalt ever says anything about being uncomfortable with this being here on wattpad, then I will promptly take the story down as soon as I see that they don't want it up. I'm simply posting this so that people who want to look back at it can, and those who wish to read it are able to.

Originally I wasn't even going to publish this, I just wanted it as a draft for my own archive so I could read it when I desired, but I've decided if I can read it, anyone else out there should be able to as well.

Anyways, enough from me, I hope you enjoy, happy reading <3

The sound of his text message alert shocks him and he shakes his head to clear his thoughts. It's late, nearly eleven at night, and he fumbles for his phone.

His curtains are drawn, closed tight and blocking out the outside world, and the only light in his room comes from his now-illuminated phone and the small, LED Killua light he has set up on his desk. Nick rubs at his eyes a few times and holds his phone close to his face, squinting at the words displayed on the screen.

Nick, Dream's text reads, do you want to go on a cruise?

What?

Another alert from his phone and he reads the next message his friend sent, asking him to answer quickly! before groaning and rolling over onto his side. The new side of the bed is cool and he sinks into it.

His ceiling fan rotates above him and the sound of his air conditioner is drowned out by another text from his friend. Nick, I know you're awake. Please answer, this one reads.

Nick rolls his eyes and types back a quick response, asking Dream what the hell he's talking about and telling him to go to sleep. He runs a hand through his hair before fluffing up his pillow and closing his eyes, welcoming sleep with open arms and blissfully falling into it. He's almost asleep when the phone, still in his hand, vibrates and blares out the annoying ringtone he paired with his best friend's contact.

"What are you on about, Dream?" he asks as soon as the call's connected. He doesn't bother for "hello"s or niceties - they're way past that in their friendship.

"Hi, Nick," Dream replies, voice even and cool. "How are you?"

"Dream."

"What?"

"What do you mean, 'what'? Dude, it's late, I'm tired, and you're asking me if I want to go on a cruise? What the hell is wrong with you?"

His friend laughs and Nick thinks he can hear his keys jingle in his hand. There's a beep, a ding, and the slam of a car door. Dream responds, "the question seemed pretty self-explanatory to me."

Nick groans again and sits up. His sheets are kicked down to his ankles and he swings his legs over the side of the bed, resting his feet flat against the hardwood floor of his bedroom. He leans forward and rests both elbows on his knees, holding his forehead with one hand while the other keeps the phone close to his ear. "You're serious?"

Dream's end of the call is louder, now, and Nick assumes he's using the wireless settings built into his car as he drives to his destination. He laughs again, loud and recognizable enough to be picked out through all the other noises, and says, "why wouldn't I be?"