Ravens [Dreamnotfound/Gream]

3. A strange encounter

There was a soft rustling in the bushes. Clay crouched down and held the dagger in his right hand, watching the creature emerge slowly. It was a rabbit. The creature silently started chewing on the grass, not noticing the six foot three man watching it from afar.

He raised his hand, throwing the dagger at the creature. He jumped up, running after the weapon as it landed into the animal's body. The rabbit let out a distressed noise, making Clay hesitate before killing off the animal.

Clay spent the last hour or so gathering food and resources. He had not yet come up with a plan, but decided to be productive whilst he thought.

The trees towered over him, as he approached a clearing and placed the rabbit down. Clay sat down on a log, letting himself rest for a little while.

He was getting hungry, so Clay decided to start a fire. He collected sticks a few hours before, placing them on a pile and rubbing two of them together. A spark ignited shortly after.

He took the rabbit and impaled it, letting it cook above the fire. Clay watched the rabbit intently, making sure not to let it cook for too long. He was about to start cooking the pheasant when suddenly he heard a noise.

It sounded like footsteps. Clay instinctively reached for the dagger, holding it out in the direction of the animal. He crouched down, ready to throw it back. However, he nearly dropped the dagger when he saw a brunette boy peek his head in between the trees.

The boy's eyes fell on Clay, his confused expression changing into a shocked one. He recognised the green eyes and light freckles on Clay's cheeks. It was Dream.

Clay, however, also recognised the boy. Could it be? No way..

"George!" Clay blurted out before George said anything. The brunette paused, scrunching his nose and crinkling his eyes slightly. Then it hit him, "Clay?"

He didn't hesitate. Clay jumped up and ran at his best friend, wrapping his arms around him and knocking him down from the impact. Both of them fell, George laughing and giggling like he used to fifteen years ago. 'God, he still sounds the same,' Clay thought.

George was about to say something, before his smile faded slowly. The blonde noticed it and raised an eyebrow. "But... the murder! Clay! You're a murderer!" He choked out, his hands pushing against Clay's chest. His breath hitched.

"George, I swear I didn't do it. I.. I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time," said Clay finally, furrowing his eyebrows. George frowned, "I swear! You have to believe me."

There was an uncomfortable silence. "Oh come on now, you know I didn't do it," Clay continued, sitting up, still on top of George. George let out a sigh in defeat, rolling his eyes before cracking a small smile, "Fine, I believe you, now come here."

The two spent the next few hours chatting and catching up, laughing and grinning like total idiots. It was only until the sun started setting, that George realised he was supposed to be at the castle already.

"I have to go, Clay," said George quickly, running his hand through his brown locks. Clay nodded, before touching George's elbow lightly. George hummed in response.

"But what will we do? I mean.. you work as a guard - you're supposed to turn me in!" he exclaimed, a frown forming on his face. George bit his lip before answering, "We'll figure something out. Don't worry, we'll get through this."

George gave him a quick hug before disappearing through the trees, a small smile tugging on his face. He was still in a good mood by the time he reached the castle gates. However, that didn't last long, as he was immediately stopped by Sapnap.

"Where have you been?" the younger man inquired, a hint of anger in his voice. George was about to answer, when Sapnap took his hand, pulling him into a room which already had a few people in it. "Actually, don't answer that question. We're losing time."

The room was small and cramped, a shade of some sort of yellow, although it was hard to tell. Bad was sitting on a chair, his brown hair falling into his eyes. George waved awkwardly, earning a tiny smile from the older boy. Sapnap huffed.

"Right, we were just debating on how to catch Dream. The king should be here in a few days, so it would be optimal to get him before he returns, then we can inquire him on what to do next," he began, sitting down and kicking up his legs, his eyes locking on George, "I reckon we should head to the direction he ran to with weapons, in case he tries to attack us. No need to bring out the hounds just yet."

George swallowed nervously, his gaze shifting slightly. He pretended to be extremely interested in whatever Bad was doing. Sapnap pretended not to notice.

"I am open to suggestions on how to ambush this man. We don't know what he's capable of," Sapnap continued, resting his leg on top of the table. Bad gave him a disapproving glance, "What do you think?"

Bad paused before answering, "I believe we should use a dog. How on earth will we find Dream without one?" Sapnap nodded in thought, pushing his black hair out of his face, "We should try and go in maybe a day or t-"

Bad was interrupted by the doors opening dramatically, an exasperated Finn walking into the room and flung himself on the chair next to George. His maid outfit was covered in dirt and his hair was sticking out in odd places.

Sapnap glared at him angrily, "Ahem, don't you see we're busy here?" he snapped, gritting his teeth, clearly annoyed. Finn brushed his hair behind his ear, pursing his lips and fixing his dress, "We're in the middle of something!"

"Okay, well, don't mind me then. I just wanted to talk to someone who isn't Vince," Finn drawled, picking up a maggot from his hair and throwing it away, "I'm tired of hearing his voice for two hours straight."

Sapnap clenched his fists, exhaling slowly and rolling his eyes, turning to George and Bad, "Okay. You can stay," he muttered finally, "George, any ideas?"

"Er.. uh, not really..." George stammered, glancing around quickly. Finn raised his eyebrows, arching his back and turning his head to George with a tiny smirk. George groaned.

"Fine, let's go get him in a few days. Shouldn't be too hard, I suppose," said Sapnap, getting up and stretching his arms. As Bad started talking to Finn, George could only think of one thing.

Clay.