Shoulder to Lean On

Over the Ocean Blue

George had finished his breakfast, locked his flat, and handed off Dog and Cat to his mother, who came to pick them up in her car because George did not have a car or a license. She had offered to drive him to the airport, but George had declined. He knew if his mother pestered him about his visit during the car ride he might break down. So after accepting a nice big hug (George was not a physical person, but this was his mum for crying out loud) he was stepping into an Uber and being whisked away to the airport.

During the journey, he checked Twitter and sent a few texts.

Gogy to Nickotine: On my way to the airport!

He knew that Nick wouldn't be awake to read it for several hours, but he also knew that his friend would appreciate the updates when he did finally arise. He opened Dream's contact and stared at the text history. They had still heard nothing from the Florida man. George sent another text anyway.

Gogy to Mr. Sandman: Hi Clay! I know this is crazy, but I thought you should know that I'm about to get on a flight to Orlando. I'll see you soon! :)

George scrolled through Twitter, liking Tweets and occasionally replying. He hadn't told anyone but Sapnap about his trip, and he planned on keeping it that way. Once he got to Florida and figured out what was going on, he and Sapnap agreed to tell at least BadBoyHalo what was up. Maybe others, but they weren't sure. In the meantime, Sapnap had told George to leave fielding the questions from Dream's other friends and SMP members about his absence up to him. George didn't know what Nick was telling them, but he was glad he didn't have to deal with it.

The stans, thank goodness, hadn't really noticed anything yet. Hopefully they wouldn't. Dream was usually active on Twitter at least once a day, but only 24 hours had passed since he'd last liked something and his schedule was sporadic. His lack of online presence was not suspicious enough for people to start worrying and theorizing. He hoped.

Getting his baggage checked in and boarding the plane was easier than he thought it would be. The airport wasn't super crowded, which was nice. He did have to ask for a different landmark when the kind lady at security told him to follow the red signs and not the black ones and he had to admit he couldn't tell the difference, cheeks flushed red. All in all, he got where he needed to go and now he was sitting on an airplane, earbuds in and foot tapping nervously against the ground.

Gogy to Nickotine: About to take off!

Nickotine to Gogy: Safe travels Goog! Text me when you're on the other side <3

Gogy to Nickotine: Will do! <3

A tinny voice came over the speaker's, reminding everyone to secure their luggage and fasten their seatbelts before take-off. George double checked that everything was good before hitting play on his Spotify playlist and settling back in his seat.

He was on the way to America.

##

Clay woke up a few more times. The first time, he felt well-rested enough to drag himself across the floor towards his desk. His phone was on the desk and he wanted it. However, he passed out again before he could get his hands on it.

Everything after that was a blur of dreams and reality. He didn't have another nightmare as horrid and awful as the first one. His dreams were more just....weird. More silly and goofy or slightly off and disturbing, like an episode of the Twilight Zone. Nothing horrific though, and he was thankful for that.

It had been at least 72 hours, possibly more, since he had drunk any water. He had two energy drinks in that time. It been at least 4 days since he'd eaten solid food. At least, if only another day had passed. The intermittent napping was helping a little bit, but not much. His stomach ached and his head pounded and he felt weak and useless. He knew he had to do something. He wanted to call his mom. Anyone. He had no idea how much time had passed anymore.