King and Lionheart [Dreamnotfound AU]

Chapter 12: Vulnerable

George was in his smallest library when someone came to fetch him.

"Your highness, you wished to be informed the minute Dream returned. He is here."

"Good, thank you." George closed the book on battle strategy and gratefully stood. He walked quickly down the castle halls, fighting down the feeling of warm relief. Why do I feel like this? It's like something I thought was lost I found again.

He finally laid eyes on his thief, and it was as if all his stress dissipated. He held himself tall.

"You're in trouble."

Dream drew closer, grinning. "What kind of trouble?"

It took all of George's focus to act firm and upset.

"I ordered you to stay here, yet you left."

"So what's my punishment, highness?" Dream bowed deeply, flourishing his hands. He knew exactly how to infuriate George.

"Stop it, stand up." George shoved the letter against his chest so Dream was forced to hold it. He definitely did not notice how muscled the thief was under his shirt. And he certainly did not remember what it felt like as he drew his hand back.

Dream looked from the sealed letter to the king.

Finally, a break in his confidence. George almost smiled.

"You want me to leave again?"

"It is the job I hired you for." George couldn't look at his hurt face. He fiddled with the seam of his shirt before gathering himself again. "Do you refuse it?"

"No..." Dream lowered his eyes to the floor. "My horse is tired, could she rest here tonight?"

"Yes, I can arrange for you to borrow one of mine."

Dream was quiet again. Eventually he signed, "Thank you."

The thief turned to leave and George shut his eyes momentarily. "Wait."

Dream faced him, something lighting up his face.

"Grian wishes to check your wound. Follow me." George swept away with a turn of his cloak.

Dream caught up and leaned into his side only a second later.

"I am well healed, thanks to him."

George let nothing slip, though he found himself wanting to lean in the thief's direction.

"He will be happy to hear that."

Dream nodded. His hand brushed George's and the king closed his, walking more stiffly.

"You walk too close to me."

The thief smirked. "No I don't." He stole the circlet from George's head. "Is this a new crown?"

"Give it back!" George jumped, but the blonde held it out of his reach.

"It's pretty." He tilted it so the gems caught the light. "Dressing up? For me?"

"It has nothing to do with you!" George had backed him into a table, but Dream leaned back so George was forced to reach over him.

Dream pushed back with one hand on the brunette's chest. At once they both stilled, realising how close they were. George inhaled the barest breath of air. Dream snorted and opened his mouth-

Someone cleared their throat. The two of them immediately straightened up, George flushing deep red. He saw Techno raising an eyebrow at him.

"Dream was-"