But We're Not Normal

Problems

Once the stream ended, George could feel that Nick wanted to ask him something. "What is it?" George asked, knowing his best friend all too well. It was silent for a moment while Nick tried to find the right words. He huffed, deciding to just be blunt.

"Are things between you and Clay okay?" George looked surprised for a moment, not expecting the question.

"Yeah. I mean, I hope so?" George sounded small for a moment. "It's just stressful to have to hide away and he's caught up with work. Management won't get off his back." Nick felt a heavy sense of pity, but not for Clay.

"Are you convincing me or yourself, George?" He asked, not unkindly, more sadly. George sighed, pulling Clay's hoodie around himself tighter and resting his hand over the smiley pendant that covered his heart. The hoodie no longer smelt of Clay.

"He's just busy right now. Things will ease up soon. He said management might let him visit in a months time. We're fine." George continued and Nick knew he was more talking to himself and using talking to Nick as an excuse. He let him do it anyways, if it would help him.

"You can always talk to me, buddy. I'm not good with words but I can listen and eat ice cream with you." Nick reminded, hoping to lift George's spirits. George smiled, feeling some tension leave his shoulders.

"I know. We'll be fine. I trust Clay."

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@DOTDUpdates
@DreamWasTaken and @KeresHexxOff spotted together alone after shoot.
[an image of Dream and Keres walking side by side. Keres has a hand at Dream's elbow. Dream looks to be smiling politely but seems otherwise occupied, not listening to whatever Keres may be talking about.]
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29.8k retweets 47.7k likes
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@Dreamswife
I'll say what we're all thinking: better than George
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@OhOphelia
@DreamWasTaken please teach me how to politely not give a shit, I need it
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@Hexxed
She 🥺👉🏼👈🏼 I wish I was Dream
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@KeresHexxOff
Aabdhhdhwj, thank you ❤️
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23.2k retweets 39.9k likes

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So it seems the problems George refused to talk about were slowly building. Despite all of Clay's effort, George still often received less than kind messages and comments. Certainly not as many as when they'd first found him but there were still enough to keep George's insecurities thoroughly fed. Clay had already spoken about it and actively attempted to protect George from harm, it would be unfair of George to ask any more of him. So he wouldn't. George would handle it alone.

But, what George didn't know, was that the weight of something like this was not designed for one pair of shoulders. If he kept trying to take on all of these burdens and problems, he'd break.

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24/9/20

Clay <3
Just checking in, hope you're alright <3
6:33pm
Sorry I didn't check in sooner, I've been showing Keres around
6:33pm

Georgie 💕
It's okay, I hope you're enjoying it
6:33pm
I'm alright
6:33pm
You?
6:33pm

Clay <3
Better now I've spoken to you
6:33pm

Georgie 💕
You're so cliche
6:34pm

Clay <3
Yeah, but you love it
6:34pm

Georgie 💕
Sadly I do
6:35pm

Clay <3
Wow
6:35pm
Really feeling the love here 🥰
6:35pm
Wish I could talk more but Keres is back
6:36pm
Video call tonight?
6:36pm

Georgie 💕
If you have time
6:36pm

Clay <3
I'll make time for you, Honey bee
6:36pm

Georgie 💕
Enjoy the rest of your day <3
6:37pm

Clay <3
And you yours <3
6:37pm

Georgie 💕
I will <3
6:37pm
Seen

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One thing that had never changed, not since the very first exchanging of hellos, was Clay's frequent check ins. Clay always made an effort to check in once a day, even if it was at some ungodly hour, to make sure George was still okay. Even if the conversation never lead anywhere, George would never be able to express to Clay how grateful he was for it. It never failed to make him feel cared for.

And, just like Clay had said he would, he made time to video call George once he'd gotten back. Vincent greeted George with a wave and a polite 'How are you?' when he walked in to the frame, aiming to grab a glass of water. George echoed his greeting politely before Vincent decided it was best to stay out of the couple's way, for his own sake.

"How was the shoot?" George asked, resting his chin on his hand. Clay nodded absently for a while.

"Yeah, not bad. I wouldn't pin the Keres girl as a model though." Clay responded, settling back into the couch. George giggled and Clay realised what that sounded like. "Not that she's not good enough to be a model!" He defended quickly, only making George laugh harder. Clay groaned and dragged his hands over his face, peaking through his fingers to see George's smile.

"I mean, she doesn't act like the models we've met. She's all.. shy. Can't take a compliment. She's nice though." George smiled, nodding.

"You don't have to fit the stereotype to do the job though." George stated and Clay voiced his agreement with a thoughtful hum.

Like they always do, the two fell into warm and easy conversation about everything and yet nothing at all. And George knew then that this was why all of the problems he hid were worth it. Because, at the end of the day, Clay was his. At the end of the day, it was George picking up on Clay's whispered 'I love you' as he drifted off to sleep. At the end of the day, George knew that it was George and Clay against it all.

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I've got Sophia the first stuck in my head again smh my head

Yours, Dandelion