Caged Angel___Dreamnotfound

a chance

George wandered through the garden, the soft petals of the flowers brushing against his fingertips as he moved slowly from plant to plant. His mind was a swirl of confusion. Dream had created this beautiful space for him, something he never expected in a place as dark as the Nether. But as much as it touched him, it was still a reminder of his captivity—he was only free within the confines of Dream's control.

Dream watched from a distance, standing by the entrance to the garden. His sharp green eyes followed George's every movement, waiting, hoping for a reaction. This was the first time he'd put thought into something that wasn’t tied to power or possession, and he wasn’t entirely sure what to make of the feeling.

After a while, George came to a stop by the fountain, gazing at his reflection in the water. The soft, flowing sound of the fountain filled the air, momentarily soothing his troubled mind. But soon enough, reality crept back in. This was beautiful, yes, but it wasn’t enough. Nothing could be enough unless he had his freedom.

Dream stepped closer, finally breaking the silence. “Do you like it?” he asked, his voice quieter than usual, almost hesitant.

George turned, his eyes still reflecting the confusion and pain he carried inside. “It’s beautiful,” he admitted softly. “But…” He trailed off, not sure how to explain the jumble of emotions inside him. “It doesn’t change anything.”

Dream’s expression tightened, but he nodded, understanding George’s unspoken words. “I didn’t expect it to change things,” he said, his voice a touch more guarded now. “But I thought it might make your time here… easier.”

George looked down, his heart heavy. “I don’t want to get used to being here, Dream. I don’t want to stay.”

Dream’s eyes darkened, and the familiar frustration flickered in his gaze. He stepped forward, closer now, his presence almost overwhelming. “You don’t have a choice, George,” he said, his voice low, edged with something darker. “This is your life now. I’m offering you comfort, something most angels in your position would never have.”

George met his gaze, his defiance shining through his fear. “I never asked for comfort. I want to be free.”

Dream’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, it seemed like the demon lord would lose his temper. But then, his shoulders slumped ever so slightly. He sighed, running a hand through his dirty blonde hair. “Freedom…” he muttered, almost to himself. “It’s not something I can give you, George. Not when you belong to me.”

George flinched at the word. Belong. He hated it, hated the idea that his life was no longer his own. He took a shaky breath and stepped back, distancing himself from Dream.

Dream noticed the shift, his frustration growing. He had done everything he could to please George, to make him see that things didn’t have to be so bad here. But no matter what he did, it was never enough. The gifts, the garden—none of it reached the angel’s heart the way he hoped.

Silence hung between them for a long moment before Dream finally spoke again, his voice softer. “I can’t give you freedom, George. But I’ll give you this garden, and I’ll make sure you’re safe here. That’s more than any other demon would offer.”

George glanced at him, a faint sadness in his eyes. “Maybe,” he whispered. “But it doesn’t change how I feel.”

Dream exhaled, his frustration ebbing into something else—regret, perhaps. He didn’t understand it fully, but something about this angel made him wish for more. Not just for control or possession, but for something deeper.

And that terrified him.

“I’ll leave you to the garden for now,” Dream said quietly, turning away. “Take your time, George.”