~five days later~
Clay's POV
"No one can save you," Nihachu jeered, "You seem to always be the hero, Dream, but what happens when there's no one here to save you?"
"...you're all alone..."
Nihachu laughed at Clay's flinch and lifted her dagger...
Clay scrambled up in bed. His chest rose and fell in ragged breaths as he sorted out where he was.
His hands trembled as he ran them through his hair. Clay glanced to his side where George was still sleeping, undisturbed by Clay's abrupt awakening.
It was dark out, the moon was slowly disappearing. George's face was illuminated by the moon's soft light. Clay sighed and brushed a lock of hair from George's forehead.
It had been a while since he'd had a nightmare.
Clay couldn't say he missed them. He was glad he didn't wake George up.
He crept quietly out of the bed and went to the bathroom to wash his face. He studied himself in the dim mirror. Clay could faintly see his scar. His hand automatically reached up to trace the long, torn flesh. It was a familiar feeling.
He had saved George's life that day and he didn't regret it.
What he did regret was not being able to save himself.
Clay tore his hand from his face and looked away from the mirror. The sight didn't bother him as much anymore, but it was still unsettling.
He tiptoed back into the bedroom. Clay froze when he remembered something.
It was George's birthday.
Clay's face broke into a smile. He had the perfect idea for a surprise. He hoped George would like it.
The sky started to lighten subtly, the room getting lighter. Clay crept up to the bed and laid behind George.
He wrapped his arm around George's middle and pulled him close. George stirred slightly.
"Good morning, George," Clay murmured into his ear.
George's eyes flew open and he shivered at Clay's soft breath. He turned his head to see Clay.
"G'morning," he mumbled sleepily.
Clay kissed his neck and George gave him a confused look. "Why are you in such a good mood? Am I missing something?"
"It's your birthday!" Clay exclaimed, "Did you forget?"
George's eyes lit up. "Oh yeah. That's today."
"Don't sound too happy," Clay chuckled sarcastically.
George sighed and turned to face him, "Can we stay in bed all day today? I don't want to be a king for today."
Clay shook his head and smiled, "I have a surprise for you."
"One that involves us staying in bed?"
Clay raised an eyebrow and smirked, "And do what?"
George blushed, "I... I mean..."
Clay grinned as he trailed off. He pressed a kiss to George's neck and murmured, "Maybe later... but I have a different surprise in mind."
George pouted for second, but stopped when Clay bit down on his neck. George inhaled sharply and lifted a hand to Clay's face.
Clay pulled his face away from George and grabbed his hand. He yanked George out of the bed.
George yelped, "Clay! What is wrong with you!"
Clay laughed as George fell into him. George shrieked when Clay lifted him up and carried him bridal style.
"C'mon George! We have big plans today." Clay said, "Get ready, we're leaving soon."
"Leaving?! Where are we going? And put me down!" George whined.
Clay sighed reluctantly and set George on the ground. "I told you, it's a surprise."
Once the two were both ready, they left the room and went to get breakfast.
George was given many birthday wishes and there were multiple banners suspended from the walls in honor of the birthday of Emberfall's king.
"Happy Birthday, George!" Tommy shouted from behind them.
Tommy and Toby came racing up to them with large grins.
"You're super old now, big man," Tommy said with a grin.
George rolled his eyes and Toby said, "I don't think you're old... maybe more like senile."
Clay burst out wheezing and George glared at them, a smile tugging at his mouth.
"Says the two toddlers." George retorted.
Tommy and Toby gasped dramatically. They looked at each other and nodded, seemingly agreeing on an unspoken topic.
"We're going to find Patches," Tommy stated, "she's clearly the better choice for company."
And with that, the twins turned on their heels and walked off. Clay looked to face an annoyed George.
"You can't even manage to be in a conversation for more than five minutes with them," Clay said with a chuckle.
"It's not my fault that they're so annoying!"
Clay held back a laugh. His almost-smile faded, however, when Wilbur came around the corner.
"Good morning King George," Wilbur greeted, "and Clay."
Clay dipped his chin in acknowledgement and George asked, "Did you need something?"
"What are the plans for Nihachu?" Wilbur asked, "We've had her and her guards here for a couple weeks now."
"We're still working on that," George said with a frown, "I'll try to come up with a solution today."
"Not today," Clay interrupted, "some other time. Today is for George... if you couldn't tell."
Clay gestured to the banners and faint music playing from another room.
Wilbur nodded reluctantly and left, sulking off to some meeting.
Ever since Clay and George had made their relationship public Wilbur had backed off of Clay. He wasn't as touchy and left Clay alone.
George made sure of that.
Clay turned to George and gave him a wide grin.
"Follow me," Clay whispered excitedly.
George didn't get a chance to respond because Clay grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the castles and to the stables. George kept pestering him with questions, but Clay ignored him and tacked up a horse.
Clay went to help George get on the horse when a familiar voice called out.
"Where are you guys going? You know you need at least one guard when leaving castle grounds." Quackity said, interrupting Clay's focus.
Clay sighed, there was no getting out of this one. Even though he was more than capable of protecting George, part of him wanted another friend.
One that would be helpful if anything went wrong... just in case Clay failed to protect George.
Quackity was a perfect fit for that job.
"Hey, Quackity!" Clay greeted, "How are you?"
George looked between them, confused. A switch flicked in Clay's head and he remembered that George didn't know Quackity because Quackity was George's night guard.
"I'm doing well. Do you mind if I join you guys?" Quackity asked, "I don't think that it's a smart idea to go alone and upset Wilbur."
Clay nodded and replied, "Yeah, you can come with us. I'm just taking George to his birthday surprise."
"Eyyyy man. That sounds special. I'll make sure to not be a hindrance." Quackity said with a wink.
Clay smiled and Quackity tacked up his own horse. He introduced George to Quackity and the two seemed to hit it off.
Clay tied a cloth around George's eyes, much to George's dismay.
Clay insisted that it was essential for his surprise and George just grumbled. George had to sit behind Clay and wrap his arms around Clay's middle to keep balance.
The two horses and their riders left the stables and headed down a familiar trail, one that George couldn't see. Clay, George, and Quackity all chatted about random things, varying from guard stuff to George teasing Quackity's beanie.
Not that he could see it anyways, he was still blindfolded.
"Claaay," George whined and poked him in his side, "where are we going?!"
"We're almost there George," Clay said with a chuckle, "you need to be patient."
George groaned loudly, making Quackity laugh, "I can give you some happy flour if that'll make you feel better!"
Clay wheezed and George snorted. "Sadly, I won't be accepting your offer. I'm happy with my life as it is."
Clay's heart warmed. Quackity just sighed in disappointment.
They neared the spot where Clay had a surprise for George. It was the meadow with the singular tree, from when Clay had opened up to George about his past and Nick. This place meant a lot to Clay, he hoped George would feel the same way.
Clay grinned as they approached the tree. It had been more than a few months since they'd been here, to George's favorite place in Emberfall.
It wasn't incredibly special, but he hoped George would like it. He hoped George would remember.
Clay halted his horse and helped George down. He stood behind George and his hands hovered over the blindfold.
"You ready?" Clay murmured.
George smiled in excitement. "Yes."
Clay held his breath as he untied the cloth from George's face.
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a/n - little bit of a cliffhanger, but it could be worse
Poor big q. Someone has to be the third wheel
RIP Sapnap :(
Anyways, I hope you all had a lovely day/night or whatever time it is for you
Stay safe and drink water!
I love you all <3