Forever Yours

13. Pretty Boy

George also reminisced on their time spent together the night before. He knew he wasn't being fair to Dream-sending mixed signals and ignoring him just to come back. He felt awful about all of it, and knew it was time to let things flow freely and allow the cards to fall where they may. George realized he overreacted when he heard Nick would be going back home to visit- coming to terms with it soon after he found out. That's why he was going to ensure the next week with Dream was spent in peace. He wouldn't upset him any longer.

His feelings about what the week would entail were further uplifted when he read out the name of their destination on the sign ahead.

"Snorkel Cove- Florida" He read aloud, "You're taking me snorkelling?!?" George's eyes instantly lit up.

"Yeah, I know you mentioned that you wanted to once or twice before on discord, so I thought it would be fun to do together" Dream responded openly, and looked away from the road ahead to glance at a man who looked like a kid on Christmas morning.

"This is so cool! You didn't have to do this for me" George spoke tenderly as guilt flooded him, knowing the tickets were probably expensive. Even though Dream was a millionaire he still didn't like others spending too much money on him.

"Of course I had to." Dream smiled reassuringly, and tossed him a wink.

"Oh wait, but I didn't bring swim-"

"I brought one for you, duh" Dream interrupted him, reaching into the back seat to pull out a bag with two swim trunks, some sunscreen, towels, water and snacks inside. Dream smiled lazily as he threw a pair of dark blue swim trunks at George's face.

"Ha-ha green and blue. You're so funny Dream" George fake laughed, gesturing to the lime green shorts poking out of the bag.

Dream ruffled George's hair, breathing out an,
"I know".

After parking and collecting their things from the car, the boys began to walk to the front entrance of the building. The hot Florida sun pricked their skin, causing beads of sweat to form on their necks. George groaned at the heat and pulled out his phone to check the weather, it was 32 degrees celsius outside.

"Wow you picked a good day for this" George stated, gesturing to the app on his phone screen.

"I don't know celsius you weirdo, we use fahrenheit here" Dream scoffed at him, swinging open the front door and holding it open for his friend. A blast of cool air showered them as they walked inside. They both awed at the decorations and murals painted all over the place. It was as if an entire aquarium surrounded them. A lady with a bright smile and jet black hair greeted them at the front desk, which happened to be shaped like a fish.

"Hi-uh, I have two tickets for snorkelling at 2pm" Dream held out his phone to show the mobile tickets, and she quickly scanned them and entered info into her computer.

"Alright, you're all set. Lockers are down the hall to the right where you can leave your belongings. There's also change rooms and washrooms there to get in your swimming outfits. When you're ready, come back out here and someone will bring you to the snorkel gear room". The lady directed them, speaking sweetly in a monotone voice as if she's stated those same words one thousand times over.

After muttering thank you's, Dream and George quickly got changed in individual rooms and met one another beside the lockers. George eyed the curves of Dream's shoulder blades through his thin white shirt as he bent down to throw their things in a locker. His swim trunks were shorter than the average pair, revealing his toned thighs. Dream could feel the stare on him but didn't question it. After putting their valuables inside, they strode to the front area with towels, sunscreen and water in hand.

A young man with light blonde hair and freckled tan skin stood in the lobby area with a clipboard waiting for them.

"Hi guys, I'm Josh and I'll be your instructor for today. We're just gonna head to the snorkel room to grab gear and go over safety precautions. Are either of you scared of swimming with sharks?" The man, Josh, looked back and forth between the two boys for answers.

"No, uh- we're good" Dream answered for the both of them, cracking a smile at the bewildered look on George's face.

"Don't worry, they're all friendly and harmless," Josh said assuringly, patting the side of George's shoulder, "now let's get on with the rest of the introduction!"

Walking towards the next room, Dream could sense the nerves settling into George. His cheeks had turned light pick and he'd began to pick at the dead skin around his nail beds. Dream grabbed one of his dainty hands and held it in his own, giving a firm squeeze. The gesture seemed to soothe George somewhat, so he held tighter and rubbed circles into the back of his thumb. George's heart was beating fast and hard at the quiet gesture, he even grew worried Dream could hear the thump of his chest. Dream definitely couldn't hear though, especially when his heart was doing just the same.

The introduction took about 45 minutes, and both boys had slumped so far into their chairs they could fall asleep. There were a few others already in the room when they had entered, who would also be a part of the group for the day. Josh remained enthusiastic the entire time, gesturing to the powerpoint displayed and going over things in detail. He spoke quickly and excitedly in an effort to keep them engaged. Dream wondered if this guy ever got tired. His hand twitched in George's grasp, and it was then he realized he'd never let his hand go. He glanced away from their hands to eye the elderly couple beside him, noticing their subtle judgement of the two with quick glares and whispered remarks. This ignited a flame in Dream's chest, so he scooted his chair closer to the boy beside him.

"You good?" George asked aloud, peeking at the blonde from the corner of his eye. He spoke in a hushed tone as to not interrupt the presentation.

"Never been better" Dream responded with a cheeky grin. George shook his head to show annoyance at the younger, ignoring the voice in his head that agreed.

Once the introduction finally ended, George stood up and stretched his legs, letting Dream's sweaty palm fall from his own. The two followed the group over to the wall where various snorkelling gear was hung. Everyone each grabbed their own pair of goggles, a snorkel and swimming flippers. Dream's feet were too big for any of the options, so Josh grabbed him an extra large pair from the back. George teased him, saying he had clown feet.

"You know what big feet means," Dream grinned, pausing to see what George would say. When George didn't answer he continued, "big shoes".

"You're actually an idiot" George giggled, pushing a palm at Dream's chest.

Once everyone was suited up and ready, the group made their way out back to a medium sized white speed boat. The ride to the coral reef area was short, and everyone peered over the edge to get a look at the activity below them. Fish of all different kinds swarmed in the water, and bright coral of various colours and shapes covered the ocean floor. Drawing his gaze away from the water, Dream's orbs settled on the Brit beside him. George's entire face was lit up with energy, and his eyes sparkled in entertainment and wonder at the ocean below. He pointed at several different fish, shouting "look at that one!", or asking Dream to describe the colours of the coral. A fluttering bolt shot through Dream's body each time he glanced back at George. He had never seen him this excited before, so happy, so blissful. It made his heart ache in contentment.

So when George paused his questioning to say,

"It's so pretty"

Dream kept his gaze locked on the boy beside him, before muttering a small,

"Yeah. It is."

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fun snorkelling will be in next chap! tysm for all the votes and reads, i never thought this many people would see, nonetheless appreciate my writing. hope u guys are having a good day or night wherever u are<3