Clay Was Taken

Chapter 7: Unspoken Promises

writer's note: there are a heck ton of pov changes in here, so be mindful

Dream glanced to his left, and started running as quickly as he could, hammer still in hand. 

It took George a second too long to figure out what was going on. By the time he had, Clay was several feet ahead, and he was heading towards the forest. George wasn't an idiot, and knew he was doing this because George couldn't ride his bike through the wood. Or maybe he thought that George would give up in fear of getting lost.

But that was where he was wrong. George had been looking for his friend for years, and he wasn't going to give up like that. Even if Clay did not want to be found, George would find him, and he would bring him home.

George raced after Clay, clumsily, but keeping  minimal distance, solid determination and desperation the only thing keeping him going.

Maybe Clay had changed some way over the years, but that didn't matter. If George couldn't take Clay back home, he'd at least talk to him. He'd at least get an explanation as to where he'd been all these years.

And just then, in that moment, George made an unspoken promise. 

George would not let Clay roam the woods alone for another year.

—-

Dream had lived out here, in these woods, for a couple months now, but he knew them well. He jumped over rocks and made several sharp turns, but he couldn't shake this kid. Why was he chasing him this far? This is insane. This kid is insane. Why the hell is he chasing him?

He glanced back, trying to get an idea of the boy's emotions based off of his expression.

This one glance cost Dream everything. He wouldn't be able to escape now by speed alone. But it was worth it. It was worth it because he got an idea of his pursuer. His pursuer was concerned. There was love and a want to save Dream. 

This boy must care about him. 

Or he used to care about him.

And He didn't care enough. He didn't care enough to find him two years ago. He lost his chance. 

Dream sighed, realizing he wouldn't be able to get away. He stopped. He turned around. He stared this boy straight in the eyes, trying to identify him.

------------------

Clay turned around sharply, scaring the crap out of George, and almost making him run right into Clay. 

"Clay... Clay please come back with me!" George bent down, panting and out of breath.

"I'm not Clay." Clay said, with what might be called anger in his voice. 

George started laughing. For some, ridiculous reason, he started laughing.

"haaaaa... Yeah, and I'm not George."

Clay just stared back, confused out of his mind,  but seeming to be thinking a million thoughts all at once. 

"George?"

"Yes Clay. It's me. Your best friend. We spent every day together. We were practically brothers. Come back with me. Please. We all need you. I need you. Please."

Clay simply stood still, as if contemplating what to do. Then he smiled, with what George thought was genuine joy in his eyes. 

"It's really you?"

"Yes, it is me, Clay! Come back home with me!"

"Of course, George. Of course I'll come home with you."

George ran forward, ready to hug Clay. His eyes were full of tears and his heart was full of joy. 

Finally, he had his best friend back. After what felt like years, they were back together

George hugged Clay tightly, and never wanted to let go.

It felt warm and happy.

But then George felt a hand on his neck

"I can't lose my freedom again. I can't afford to go back. I won't be Clay. Not again."

With swift movements, Dream took the hammer he was still grasping and struck George's head with it.

Before George could say a word, or even react, he was gone. 

He fell to the ground with a quiet thud.

Dream smiled to himself. Another day, and he was still okay.