Its weird to think about but there's only a few chapters left of this book 😳🖐
After I finish it imma take a short break (again) before starting another mcyt book, probably work on some oneshots or on some of my unfinished books so I don't feel as stressed over unfinished works :/
TW: suggested symptoms of depression, mention of pills (pain meds)
Previously...
"Is that good?" Dream wondered, holding the end of the bandage.
"Yeah, thanks." Dream nodded, taping the end down against George's side. He helped George get his hoodie back on, and they were finally ready to go.
{George}
3rd Person P.O.V.
Dream parked in the lot of the gymnastics center, giving George a hand and leading him inside. They were a little early, so it was easy to find good seats together. Dream was on George's left side, wrapping an arm around the brunette's shoulders.
With a soft smile, George leaned into Dream's side, moving his broken wrist into his lap so it wouldn't get in the way. They sat like this in silence, watching the gymnasts warm up.
Niki spotted them, grinning and waving excitedly. Dream and George waved back, George blushing because he knew Niki would bring up how he and Dream were sitting.
Neither of them moved away, though. Even when the competition started, Dream and George still stayed cuddled into each other's sides. They watched as each finalist performed their beam routine, clapping politely. Well, Dream clapped for them, anyway. George couldn't.
Finally, it was Niki's turn. She stepped up, hopping onto the beam and doing a handspring. She balanced on her hands, holding a split in the air.
George watched with jealous fascination as Niki performed her routine. She was perfect, never missing a beat or losing her footing. She dismounted from the beam, landing cleanly on the mat. Niki threw her arms up, grinning up at the crowd. Her gaze met George's for a moment, and he offered her a weak smile.
Niki was one of the last gymnasts to go, so the final was over soon after. The final scores were revealed, and Niki came in second overall. George felt numb. Part of him knew he should be proud of his best friend, be happy for her, but he just couldn't feel anything but jealousy. He wanted to be the one on that podium, holding up a silver medal while the crowd cheered and clapped for him.
Dream shook George's shoulder gently, smiling down at him. The brunette buried his head into Dream's shoulder, trying to keep himself together. It hurt. Not only physically, but emotionally, knowing that he had missed his opportunity to earn a medal. After dedicating his entire life to gymnastics... this is where he ended up.
George sighed, turning his head so he could watch Niki on the podium. Today wasn't about him, it was about Niki. And she had performed her beam routine spectacularly.
Dream and George stayed back, letting the crowd clear out a little before they went to see Niki. They met her out in the hallway, Dream speaking up first.
"Congratulations! That was really good, Niki, George and I thought you were amazing," he said earnestly, squeezing George's hand gently. George squeezed Dream's hand back, smiling at the blond.
"Thanks, guys, I didn't know you were coming today!" She exclaimed, throwing her hands up a little. Niki's expression became more serious and sympathetic. "Speaking of, George, how are you feeling?" Her voice had softened considerably, and George frowned. He didn't want to be treated like he was fragile.
"I've been better," he murmured, offering up a weak smile. Dream's thumb rubbed at George's hand, offering support.
"It's good to see you up," Niki replied. "And if you're feeling up to it, would you want to go out for lunch? Both of you?" Dream and George immediately looked at each other questioningly.
"Only if you're feeling ok. Whatever you want to do, it's up to you," Dream insisted. George hesitated for a moment, before accepting Niki's offer of lunch.
They all hopped in Dream's car, letting him drive them to a medium-sized restaurant, advertising... well, none of them really knew, considering the sign was in Japanese. But it seemed like a nice place to have lunch.
They seated themselves, picking up menus and picking out something to eat. George had already started to regret agreeing to go out, because his ribs were bothering him again. Not wanting to put an end to their fun, he steeled himself, pretending he wasn't hurting as much as he was.
They ordered food, and it arrived fairly quickly. Niki and Dream were carrying the conversation, neither of them wanting to pressure George into talking.
"Hey, I gotta go to the bathroom, I'll be right back," Dream stated, standing up and leaving the table. George felt more exposed without him there.
"So, George, tell me everything! What's going on between you two?" Niki asked in a hushed whisper, looking giddy with excitement. George sighed.
"...Nothing..." Niki gave him a look. "Niki, I don't even know... he's been so nice to me, but I just can't tell what he's thinking," George frowned. "He does so many confusing things. I thought we were about to kiss earlier-"
"Wait, hold on, what?" Niki interrupted, eyebrows raised. "Don't skip over that, tell me!" George shook his head, a light smile gracing his features.
"Ugh- fine. He grabbed my chin and like... made me look up at him?" He explained, chuckling nervously. "His face was so close, and I thought he was going to kiss me..." George sighed.
"Would you kiss back if he did?"
"I-" George's gaze flickered to the bathroom door, seeing Dream walk out. He looked back at Niki, staring her dead in the eyes. "Yes."
"Hey, what're we talking about?" Dream asked, smiling charmingly.
"Oh, Niki was just asking if I was enjoying Tokyo," the brunette lied with ease. Dream nodded, sliding back into the booth next to George.
"It's pretty cool here isn't it?" He mused. Niki and George nodded in agreement. Japan truly was a cool place.
Niki and Dream fell back into conversation, George listening and nodding every once in awhile. He was doing his best to ignore the stabbing pain in his chest, but he desperately needed another dose of meds.
"Dream?" George murmured, tugging at the blond's sleeve. Dream looked at him, eyebrows raised in question. "Can we go soon?"
"Of course, Georgie. Are you ok?" He asked, concern shining through his tone.
"Mhm. My ribs just hurt a little." They hurt a lot more than "a little," but George didn't want to rush anyone. Dream stood up immediately, offering him a hand.
"Then let's go, it'll be good for you to rest. Niki, do you need a ride back to the village?" He offered.
"No, you guys can go. Feel better, George," Niki smiled sympathetically, giving them a little wave. Dream grabbed George's unbroken hand, pulling him to his feet. They walked out to the car, Dream supporting George much more than earlier that day. The smaller boy was tired and hurting, that much was obvious.
They made it to the car, George laying his head against the window and closing his eyes. Dream didn't say anything, trying not to disturb him.
They drove back to the village, Dream staying quiet. He was fairly sure George was asleep, so after parking, the blond went over to George's door, opened it, unbuckled George, and picked the sleeping boy up bridal style, being extra careful of his ribs and wrist.
Dream carried George all the way back to their room, setting him down on the bed. George stirred, blinking sleepily.
"Dream?" He slurred, a soft groan escaping his lips.
"Hey, George. Feeling alright?" Dream tilted his head, the corners of his lips curling up slightly. The brunette shrugged a little, humming. "How about I get you some painkillers and ice? We can lay together for a little while too."
"Ok." George smiled to himself while Dream grabbed stuff for him. He felt so lucky to have met the blond, even though he desperately wished for more, he didn't want to push anything, especially since Dream hadn't mentioned anything about his sexuality. George didn't want to assume.
"Here, take these." Dream handed him a fresh glass of water and two pills, which George downed gratefully. He set the glass down, letting Dream pull his hoodie off and put the ice against his skin, a thin towel in between.
"Good?" Dream asked, hands poised above George's chest.
"Yeah, thank you." Dream nodded, climbing into bed next to George. There was less hesitation before they cuddled into each other, turning the tv on.
"George, look, Tommy and Toby are playing again," Dream pointed out, one hand in George's hair. The smaller boy was partially laying on Dream, head resting on the blond's chest comfortably.
"They're so good," George murmured, watching the beach volleyball match. Tommy and Toby were up against a Ukrainian team, and it was a fairly close match so far. The Ukrainians were older and bigger than the British boys, but Tommy and Toby held their ground.
It was match point, and Ukraine was serving. Dream and George were watching with anticipation, eyes following the ball as it made contact with the Ukrainian's hand, flew through the air, and then... hit the net and fell to the sand!
"They won! Dream, they won!" George exclaimed excitedly, turning his head up to look backwards at Dream. The little smile on his face was genuine, and Dream grinned.
"They did!" On screen, Tommy and Toby were high fiving, large grins on both their faces. The Ukrainian team didn't look particularly happy, but congratulated them nevertheless.
"That was a good game," Dream commented, a soft him of agreement emitting from George.
"I'm kind of tired..." The brunette murmured, yawning. Dream turned the tv off, continuing to run his fingers through George's hair comfortingly.
"It's alright, if you need sleep, then sleep," Dream encouraged. "I'll be right here. Rest up, George."
I think part of the reason I'm always so tired is because I haven't really left my house in 2 years and now I'm going to school and interacting with people (sometimes) all day
In conclusion: people are exhausting and also I'm sleep deprived