We All Need a Hero - Ibis_Cus (2024)

Chapter 1: Prologue (9k words/skipable⚠️)

Chapter Text

« George Davidson. Where do I even begin? You are the most perfect being I have ever met. Since the moment you entered my life, you outshined everything else. You are my morning sun, and the stars of the night sky. I always considered myself to be good, and yet you have made me impossibly better of a man. You made me whole.

Dream spoke from the heart, as he remembers very well the moment George entered his life. It was a Tuesday, on a bright sunny day. The summer vacation had just ended and another school year had begun for the students of L'manberg. Yesterday had been back-to-school day. Students had been assigned their classes, timetable, and maybe a tour for the newbies. But that wasn't Dream's case. He was a sophom*ore.

Today, classes were officially starting. He'd rather not comment on the classmates he got. Eh, at least he got his best friend Sapnap with him. They both grew up in the country's capital city, and ever since they were eleven they were inseparable. They were those types of friends which if you were looking for one of them, then people would just tell you to look for the other as they'd be together for sure.

You would have guessed it, he loves his friends. Dearly. This is why on this wonderful Tuesday morning, first day of his sophom*ore year, he was walking to high school by his friend's side. Their first class was Geography, how cool is that? Not so cool actually.

When they arrived they had their little ritual to stop at Sapnap's locker — as it was closer to the entrance — before classes so they could wait for their other friend, Bad.

Oh, that was just a nickname! That guy may be named BadBoyHalo but he was the kindest soul ever. But this morning Bad was nowhere to be seen. It's odd, they weren't by all means early, they ran a couple minutes late actually — thanks to Sapnap having a "bad hair day"— and Bad was never late.

When Dream mentioned Bad's absence to Sapnap he got a surprising answer:

"Remember how the teacher was muttering to himself at some point during attendance yesterday? Well, there's some new guy joining our class today. He wasn't there yesterday because his flight got delayed or something"

Then Sapnap just nonchalantly turned back to his locker grabbing a couple notebooks, throwing some inside in return.

When asked how he knew all that he replied that Bad gave him all that information. And how did Bad get those informations? He had been deemed trustworthy enough by their teacher and therefore asked to give the new kid a tour to help him feel at ease in a new place.
See, told you he was the kindest soul ever.

As he got over the fact there would be no Bad today, he heard a familiar voice calling their names from not so far away. He then turned to see what it was all about, all while Sapnap's head comically peaked from behind his locker's door.
Dream smiled as he saw Bad waving at them before turning back and making some gesture to someone behind him.

That's when he acknowledged the fact someone was in fact with Bad. He tried to get a look at the person but he couldn't see much.
Though from what he got; a shorter boy was standing behind Bad, his figure being hid by their friend.
Dream got curious, that had got to be the new kid. Now he really wanted a peek.

Eh, don't blame him! Curiosity killed the cat...

But as Dream was finally about to see the boy much clearly, Bad stepped forward completely blocking his view again. Nevertheless he wasn't going to give up just yet... Until the bell rang and the students came swarming in the halls, rushing to their classes.

He was glad they didn't follow their leads that day; dashing through thick and thin to get to boring geography class.

From what he could still somehow perceive, the boy looked lost, looking left and right before he stared at the ground shielding his face with a mop of brown hair. It was almost as if he were out of place.

He could get that, moving to a new school couldn't be that easy. But he was a student of Enlighten High now, so he was rightfully in his place technically speaking.

Their school was nice, not posh or fancy, but people were educated and kind enough to understand. So surely he would shortly fit right in. Especially if he came from across the country, people would get curious.
When you came to the capital you'd never leave it. If you were born here, you'd die here. You'd understand why new blood wasn't common.

So lost in his own thoughts he nearly forgot about Bad. So when a voice rang right by his left ear he jumped a little. He must have looked stupid, like a lost puppy or something because he could clearly see Sapnap holding in a laugh, a malicious smirk on his face. In return Dream send him a stone cold glare to fight right back.

In the end Bad had just stopped in to let them know he wasn't gonna make it at lunch today. He didn't want to leave the new kid all alone.
From the precious information Bad had meticulously collected, that boy was seemingly really shy and reserved. Consequently he didn't believe he was ready to socialize with so much people at once, and it would be unfair and wrong to force the boy in that position.

They went along with it, fully grasping in the situation.

As amazing as chit chatting with his friends was, they would start to run really late if they kept going that way. So they bid farewell explaining they had to respectively run to their classes.
However they were held back by Bad asking them for one last favor, to get George to class with them. They couldn't refuse, they were kind at heart, future super heroes. Hence why Sapnap called the scared boy over with a loud voice and grand gestures. At least he was finally going to see the mysterious guy face.

On that tuesday morning, running late to his first class, on his first day of sophom*ore year, Dream would have never expected he was going to fall in love. Because that was the prettiest boy he ever saw.

Once Bad reassured the boy — now named George — he went off to class. All three of them proceeded to get to their own, Sapnap leading the group. Only then had the school day officially begun.

Whatever happened throughout the day, it was all wiped out by the souvenir of pale skin, glistening eyes, perfect brunet hair and plump pink lips.

They never got close, not even friends. They shared classes, maybe glances and that was it. He could only adore him from afar.

He was down so bad, yet he never wanted the feeling to end. Love was finally worth giving it a shot.

On his hand George also remember the first day he PROPERLY met Dream. To him it couldn't have been his first day at Enlighten high. Oh absolutly not. Their first encounter was in his mind, much more romantic.

Well, perhaps the word "romantic" wasn't quite adequate. He'd let the people be the judge of that.

Anyway, George and his family had moved to the capital of L'manberg Five months ago now. The reason wasn't necessarily financial, or an opportunistic one, no it was because most of his family was here. Surprisingly enough both his parents came from here, yet they had met each other on the west side of the country.

It was such a funny coincidence! They both came from the same place and they both decided to move to the same exact random place.
And heed his words he knows what he was saying and trust both "weird" and "random" does fit the narrative for nothing was really attractive to the west side if you came from the capital. It was calm, civilized and organized. Everything the capital was not.

His parents' very similar way of thinking had been apart from so long, but the world is one small, strange place. They were bound to meet one day. Bound to each other.

If you'd think from those fortunate events that the saying : "opposite attract", had been debunked, well on the other hand another one was proven right.

When you're born here, you'd die here.

To George it was almost scary. Was the town cursed or something? Probably not because first of all, it was scientifically impossible. Second of all, he had a way to prove it; because as much as this was big and new, he did not see himself live the rest of his days here. Or ever come back. — Because, yes, he was definitely going to leave sooner or later.

However, it was nice to have family around. And he guesses the place also had it's pros. For example the capital was home to the greatest technological, still on going, advancements and researches in the country, If not the whole world. That was pretty cool for someone as much into Science like him.

It was a great opportunity to study. Start to become someone finally.

If he didn't DIE along the way.

Like for example, just putting it out there, getting crushed by a speeding flying car while getting home from his aunt's cat café that had now become his way of income, this added to his monthly allowance.

Hypothetically of course. I mean, there was NO WAY that would happen. Obviously not. This was completely irrational. Almost laughable. The human's brain is capable of such precise and wild perspective, it's truly remarkable, fascinating even.

That never happened obviously. Because he didn't die that day. All thanks to him. The man who at this exact time, he didn't know would one day get down on one knee and promise him the whole world and more. Vowing eternal devotion through life and death, even beyond eternity itself. The man he'd die here for.

This has got to be a bit messy, right? Eh, He never was someone real neat anyway. No wonder his own mind is a mess.

It's fine, let's start this all over again step by step.

On that day George and his family had move back to the capital city precisely five months ago.

This allowed them to become closer to their own family all over again. From his father's side, to his mum's.

He had an aunt on his father sister, who owned a well known cat café in town. George liked to go there from time to time when he could. He loved cat. He even had one at home, a beautiful tabby cat with every shades of gray on his velvelty fur.

It was near his school, which was convenient, but a bit far from home. It would take a good twenty minute walk to get home from there. Not to mention that gigantic slop on the third street, leading right to the lousy and crowded avenue TDM.

As the owner's nephew, he always got a small discount and special treatment from the employees. It was like they were all one big family.

It didn't really surprise him, his aunt Flora had the sweetest soul ever. The love and care she had for the world, you'd feel in the sweet she'd bake each day.

When she didn't manage to sell everything, she'd either bring some home to her family, offer the rest to her employees, or even let the cats have a bite if they could — Although do not fret they were always kept away from chocolate and other well known dangerous ingredients such as milk — In the end if all that still didn't workout she'd would stop to donate to the homeless shelter from SMP street on her way home.

She had a husband, Roger a nice, but quite average man and three kids. Two teen girls, Lola and Lia, and one toddler, Ralphy — a sweet nickname for the name Raphael —, her only boy.

And yet even though she was now an accomplished mother with a family on her mind and a bed all to herself and her sweetheart, her nights would be dedicated to the cats back in the cafe.

The cat were kept in a special, perfectly safe room, with water fountain, food dispensers and cameras everywhere. If anything unusual were to happen, the small device on her nightstand would let her know immediately.

She had already sacrificed away so much sleepless nights on her kids, and now she had the cats. But that was okay, her years as the mother to three babies made her brain used to be subconsciously always awake, even when asleep.

Sure she was a cat's hero, but let's not forget to mention she was also the greatest aunt ever. Always the one giving the highest bills on big family events. Or the very first to wish anyone's birthday. She'd look out for her, now, old parents each Friday, allowing them a nice dinner with their grandkids.
This tradition of their even became a family tradition, meaning that everyone from his father's family was formally invited to partake in a nice dinner each Friday at George's grandparents house.
Of course the cooking was not given to one person only, especially not poor old grandma. In fact with the magnitude the situation took, they decided they'd make their own rules. Every family had to bring one dish. It could be hot, or cold food, homemade or bought, a desert or a drink. It did not matter as long as you didn't came empty handed. Finally at the end of the meal "volunteers" had to wash the dishes so the owner of the house could sleep easy.

But back to his aunt!

She was also the savior of mended heart. Listening to every lamentation, each cry, each fear and making the hurt, hurt a little less. She'd make the pain subsides or the worry fade away.

George loved her very much. Which is why he was willing to make the twenty minute walk home. — And also because of the cats, especially vanilla; a white cat with yellow aspect here and there —

So, one day when she put on the table the idea of him working here every Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning, he immediately jumped on the occasion.

You'd think it's crazy. A teen giving up their weekend to work? Especially in the mornings of all time? But let him explain!

Truly, everyone benefits here. She'd get to spend time with her favorite nephew — according to George's best judgement —
The others wouldn't be burned out by their one colleague who could not make it on those precise dates and hours, therefore making the team understaffed and overworked.
And George would get to spend time in his favorite place, finally experiencing the working world, earning money while being surrounded by adorable cats, isn't that just the dream?

It was a win-win situation however you put it. Screw those twenty minutes, and this hellish slop! — He really hated it though.

Today was a Thursday afternoon, after a school day, and George had just finished his shift. His aunt was doing the closing time today. It happened he would be put in charge of doing it, but only on rare occasion.

Work was always a great experience. He handled the afternoon rush pretty well for a newbie his age, and he had immediately fit right in with everyone. He never really messed up anyone order's and now he was even allowed to wait on tables too. But as an introvert it wasn't necessarily his favorite part of the job. Although it was good for him to step out of his comfort zone from time to time.

Today was a Thursday, and He had just pet vanilla one last goodbye as well as one last "meow" of good luck before bidding his aunt farewell as he closed the door and started his long and perilous walk home.

But today he didn't went very far however. About three minutes in, he was abruptly cut off. In the distance, somewhere he couldn't quite see, further in the street, multiple cars were beeping, honking, their alarms blaring throughout the road. And coming forward was the very distinguishable sound of police sirens.

He stopped, questioning what was happening and wether he should get back or not. He decided to keep going on, it was probably some kids playing outside. The police was there anyway, it was probably safe from here. Besides he really wanted to get home to his bed and his games.

Nevertheless, he quickly regretted not turning back when he heard heavy steps crushing the concrete, running towards him.

When he looked up he was met with some random bandit on a huge silvery metal machine, with enormous claws. It was ridiculous how badly it looked as if it were coming straight up from a spiderman comic book.

But then, they unfortunately made eye contact. He didn't have much time left to pounder when suddenly a car was lifted off of the ground and being thrown directly at him.

The car was coming dangerously fast and George had nearly no time to react, utterly confused by how the man did that. He had not even touched the car, let alone reached to it. It didn't make sense, He was the one with such capacities. Telekinesis was his thing. Therefore it was purely impossible that man had it too. Powers had no replica, everyone had their uniques owns. No one could bare the same ever. It would rip the balance and perfect harmony of the world.

But he didn't even need to save himself because just has he was about to stop the car with his own powers something, or rather someone, stopped it for him.

He dared to open his eyes and he'll never ever forget what he saw then.

Staring at him were two mesmerizing shimmering eyes. He guessed they were green, the prettiest shade he had ever seen. His rescuer had put him under his spell, he was at his mercy, captivated by his beauty.

The hood he had put on to conceal his face did no good with their proximity. He could see each delicate freckle on his warm beige face. Each curl of dirty blond hair flowing in the wind. The deep furrow of his brow in concentration. The worry on his face as his mouth went down with pursued lips. And the flex of his muscles, concealed by treacherous fabric, as he put that car back to the ground as though as it weight nothing.

Super strength. Wow that was hot. A bit basic, sure, but super hot.

Everything went so fast, less than a second perhaps, yet it's liked they had all the time they needed to communicate with each other through their eyes :

« Are you okay?
– Yes.
– Hurt?
– No.
– That's good. »

And the worry quickly washed away to let place to fluster. And fear to admiration.

When their eyes tore away from each other the mysterious boy went away, running towards the bad guy.

He watched him from his position to the ground, now hidden away behind another car. His heart was beating so fast and loud he could feel it coursing through all of his veins. It became the only thing he could hear among all the chaos.
He gripped it hard, truly feeling it now.

... So that's how love felt like?

Dream had fell first, but George fell harder.

George didn't know how to react. He felt so much at once, but couldn't put words to it. The scenario was a bit weird to say the least.

Dream was holding his hands, no he was clutching them, holding on for dear life, as if George would get taken away forever if he ever dared to let go.

He could feel his shaky breaths, and he felt scared. Was he going to propose?
No, he was breaking up with him, that was it, he got tired finally.
If George made him whole already then what was the point of keeping him around.
No, no! He was not about to lose the love of his life without a fight! ... But loving someone meant learning to let them go. Screw that, he couldn't lose Dream! He wasn't ready, he could never move on from such a perfect match, bound by heaven and all the gods from above, he was his one and only, his soulmate.

He wanted to scream and cry, laugh and yell all at the same time.
But he didn't. His voice failed him and all his stupid body was capable of letting out was one breathy, short, laugh accompanied by furrowed brows of pure confusion.

Thankfully Dream knew how to read him. He saw the worry hidden behind those eyes, the fear. It did not help calm his own nerve-wracking self, but he had to stay composed and go on. If not for himself, then for George. He'd do everything for him. He'd build their future with his own bare hands if he had to.

He took yet one last glance to the ground, looking left. One heavy breath later he was ready. He regained his composure and squeezed his boyfriend's hands, and staring in his eyes he added.

« – Maybe I should start at the very beginning of what we call "us". » He smiled.
But it wasn't that reassuring to George, so Dream went on
« – Like the first time I ever asked you out, when the narrative first started writing itself. »

After a sleepless night of tossing around George could not get the boy out of his head. He had seen him for what, three seconds? And he was already completely obsessed.

It wasn't his fault, there was just something about him. He knew him, he was sure they had already met before.
But where? He couldn't tell.

An external point of view would have made people think "it isn't that big of a deal, it's not like you'll ever met him again! Move on already, he knows you're thankful anyway". But that was stupid. It's such a basic, boring way of thinking. And those people would be missing an important detail anyway; If George had met him before, that meant he knew him from the only three places, he knows from town. And those would be :

- The cat café, it could be possible, he'll have to make sure to be hyper aware for the next few days in order to prove that tho.

- The parc next to his house, but that was very unlikely. He never had to talk to people long enough to have to look at them directly. It would only be small talk such as "sorry" or "excuse me" and such formalities.

- And finally school. Well that would be a good guess he supposes. It could be it, the thing is, he doesn't know nobody from his school. He is a complete loner who doesn't care at all!
Ugh, and he really wasn't up to analyzing people's face and risking multiple, embarrassing, eye contacts all day long for probably multiple days until he had found his lover boy yet.
Because, not only would he look like a creep — and kiss goodbye to his only hope at ever building a social life for himself along the way — but it would also be traumatizing for him.
Yeah, there was no way he was doing it. Although he wasn't going to just give up yet! He just had to think of alternatives. He could do that... Think, think, think.

Café, parc, school, parc, café, school, café, parc, school, school, café, parc.... School?

He shot up, seized his phone and turned the flash on, then ran out of bed towards his small book shelf.
He had tried at some point to organize it based of the length and width of books to maybe make it look good, but it just ended up being a mess of books scattered in every position and every place in a minimal space.
But the chaos of his room wasn't his problem, well it kinda was, because it didn't make it easier to find what he was looking for.
Although finally he got it, his hand gripping the spine of an average baby blue book with golden letters.

He didn't even care to swipe the dust away from the cover, just tearing it upon instantly to reveal the precious information it concealed.
His eye roamed carefully over each face of the book, when a page was inconclusive he turned to the next one. In the end he ended up going through almost every face of every student in his school and none of them matched.

He was ready to give up, turning to what was the last page when his eyes lit up. That was him! That was the boy who saved him. His hero.

Clay Wastaken

Well no wonder he was on the last page! Who's name start with a W anyway! It was whatever now, he was so glad he found him at last.
And he was also real thankful his parents accepted the stupid gift of last season's yearbook when they went to sign him up at Enlightened High for his new school year.

Right, because for some reason they were convinced that if they gave George that, he'd fit in much better and quicker, being able to already know the faces of his new classmates and all, getting accustomed of sorts.
He still think it's dumb, though he never expected it to actually be of use at all.

He smiled at the boy, admiring him fully one last time. He didn't look much different now than he did last year, except for the slight stubble he was now growing. He was perfect nonetheless.

He took one last glance before starting to close the book. However,he stopped mid-way, an idea coming to his mind.

He looked around for some piece of paper or something real thin he could use as a bookmark. Eventually he found some random English paper from school lying on the ground. He figured it was useless now anyway, and he'd better give this poor Edgar Allan Poe lesson a use again.

So he took the paper ripped a good bit off of it and carefully put it on the page his boy was in, that way he'd never lose him again.

After one last glance and a sigh, he neatly put the yearbook back on the shelf. It was funny how it heavily contrasted with the rest of it's environment. It became almost too easy to see the meaning behind it. He couldn't risk it. Consequently he grabbed some random books and put them up against the school yearbook to make it look less suspicious.

Once proud with his work, he went back to bed, the most beautiful dreams filling his head.

The next morning he woke up purposely early. By 5 A.M he was up, quietly sitting on his bed, the year book in his lap, concentration in his eyes. He scrolled through every pages trying to learn more from him.

So far, he had gathered the boy was the same year at him, born on the twelfth of August which made him a Leo.

It was not much, and not so useful. But it did give him some hope as according to the internet, a Scorpio and a Leo were a legendary match or something in astrology. He really didn't believe in all that but he was desperate at this point. Heck he even sacrificed his precious sleep for him! And Gods know how much he loves sleep.

That damn boy better be happy to get some recognition and not take it for granted. His heart would probably get broken if hero-boy turned out to be a total jock. But that was totally unlikely! From the three second they shared, he seemed really nice and totally his type.

He just went on and on, looking at random faces he honestly, could not give two f*ck about. Until finally he arrived to the interesting part. Group pictures! All of a sudden he became hyper aware and fully awake again.

•Chess club, nope nothing. Whatever then.
•The school band, nothing here either. That was almost too bad, a man who could play an instrument to dedicate you love song would have been the dream, but oh well.
•Cheerleading, he doubted it but who knows?
Yep, turns out he was right, hero-boy was nowhere to be seen on the cheerteam.

•Baseball team, wait, they had one in school? Didn't matter anyway there was nothing interesting to him in there.
•Basketball team, nada.
•Swimming team, same thing here.
•Drama club, and yet no Romeo to be seen.
•Origami club, was a bummer too.

Damn how many clubs were they at this school? He really ought to pay attention.

•Science club, interesting but inconclusive.
•The big double page dedicated to the (american) football team... And, well, yeah that was it. Hero-boy was right there, smiling in one of those rustic looking armor. Or whatever they called it.

So he was part of the football team. Now that was something he could work with!

He read the two pages very carefully, each informations like the most precious liquid gold. He learned the name of the team, the name of the coach, their biggest event, their many victories, for how long they've been around and finally practice hour. Now they were talking.

They'd start practicing on the school field at 6 A.M on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, then practice ended at 7:25 so student could get to class on time. How convenient.

Well those timing meant he had precisely 56minutes to get ready before practice ended. It could be his only chance to see him all day! He could not miss it. But he had time.

No he did not! He had to shower, make sure he looked good and then get to school, he better hurry and quick!

He ran to the bathroom, waking the whole family up on the way, and turned on the shower. In the meantime of waiting for hot water, he started brushing his teeth.

After a fifteen minute top shower, he threw on his school uniform and ran downstairs. He threw in two piece of bread in the toaster, and to make time go quicker, he went back upstairs to wake his mother up.
Obviously they didn't take the rushed awakening very kindly, but they didn't say anything.
Truth to be told, They were more than likely much more surprised to see their son up so early rather than mad.
Believe it or not, but usually not only did they get up first, but they also had to fight to get him out of bed.
This was almost worrisome for George's mother. For his father, it was a great opportunity, maybe he was learning finally.

Even if they had extra time to ponder they knew George wouldn't let them. Therefore the poor woman got up, disabling the couple's alarm clock, which wasn't set to ring for another 15 minutes.

« Eh, I guess we're also learning aren't we? We always complain about how late we're running, and how tomorrow we'll wake up early, leaving the rush being us, but we never did. We've got no excuse now don't we?»

Her husband sighed and sat up, rubbing his tired eyes. He looked at his wife, smiling, before shrugging. They stared at each other for a moment before she scoffed a laugh and left the room to get ready.

After all their married years, they had learned to communicate in their own way. They didn't need words. What an ancient concept.

Once the woman was all dolled up, feeling gorgeous in her own way, she went downstairs to have breakfast with her boys — she was nearly envious about how fast a boy could get ready. Society standards were a joke.

She was barely sat when a cup of almond milk coffee was pushed into her hands. The cup being freshly made was much too hot for her bare hands so she sat it back down to the table. At that exact instant one cube of sugar and a half were throw before her, followed by her favorite cutlery of silver spoon.

If she was worrisome then, she's terrified now. That wasn't any normal behavior from her son. When she asked what was all the rush about she only got mumble words of urgency as an answer. She sighed, transferring her now sugared coffee into a thermoses, kissing her husband goodbye. In return off that kiss she was handed her car keys and wallet, so she too could go get her shoes on with a clear mind.

Just as she was done buttoning her magenta colored vest, her son hurried down the stairs his school backpack in hands. She followed his every moves with her eyes, opening the door when he got near. He didn't stop once and just straight up hopped into the car.

She sat in the driver seat, trying to analyze this whole situatio. On the way to school, she noticed a couple thing.

- The hands on the boy's lap were fidgeting an awful lot.

- He constantly turned his phone on and off.
Hr best guess was that he was checking the time. But this was odd because they were really early. School started at 7:55 and it was currently 7:15.

- And finally he seemed completely lost in thought, concentrated on his own deep thinking.

It was too bad she couldn't read mind because she would have given everything to know what was going on in there. But he needed privacy and she couldn't control everything. She trusted him enough to know he wasn't doing anything stupid like drugs. They raised him better. And she would have definitely saw the signs earlier. She wasn't gonna let go of her only kid. They got lucky enough to have him. As if she would lose him on drugs and all of those craps.

The school slowly came into view. The boy looked ready to jump out at any given time. She had to scold him. Guess she wasn't that good at lecturing him out of recklessness after all. She decelerated, hitting the brakes once she was the closest to the school's doors at possible. He grabbed his backpack, throwing the car door wide open, and running out. Well he was going to run, but he did take the time to turn around, send his goodbye to his mum, and much gently close the door, contrary as to how he had opened it.

Maybe she did teach this boy right. He was so confusing with all his little secrets and outburst one random Friday morning at 5 A.M.

But back to George. He sped walk his way through the school. He did not care about other's judgment nor getting kicked out or something, it's not like they could see him anyway.

Eventually he did reach the school field. Said field was hidden behind the school main building and caged by two others smaller ones.

He offered himself to the public eye again just as he was getting through the door. Once out, he looked left and right for hero-boy, and to his luck — or maybe not — he was right there. Well he had to be because the whole team was retiring to the changing room. He nearly missed him among the crowd but then he spotted him. Don't blame him, but with those gears on they all looked the same, and height wasn't helping him either. However once the helmet was off he could see him much more clearly. He'd never missed those beautiful curls, acting as such as a golden crown. And it honestly fit him.

He wanted more than anything to run towards him and temper him in "thank you", and adoration. But first of all, it was embarrassing as hell, and second of all, the boy was already surrounded by those two other guys :

One raven hair, which he recognized from the basketball team group picture. And a brunet which he knew as Bad. He remembers him as it was he, who gave him a tour on his first day of school. He was also the only person he had ever truly socialized with.

He took a deep breath and waited for the whole team to get into the changing before crossing the field into the bleacher atop said room.

He sat alone, schooling through his socials for a good twenty five minutes. It was fine, he was getting back on the time he lost gathering his informations this morning. -Because it definitely wasn't stalking-

Only then he heard the doors opening. Each time he looked over hoping to see him. He sighed after his fifth deception, pulling a long face. When finally the door opened again, a familiar boy came out and reunited with his friend.

He watched the trio walk into the school. He stayed there until they were a good distance from him, where they wouldn't pick on he was following. Well they wouldn't know anyway.

He stood up, picking his bag from the ground, and looked around to make sure he wouldn't get spotted. Once he deemed it safe, he made himself disappear from everyone's view and started to follow the group into the school.

Turning back wouldn't be hard anyway. It's not like anyone cared about him. He was practically invisible already. He didn't have friends, and always kept to himself. Don't get him wrong! He didn't blame anybody but himself. He's the one who willingly chose, in his right mind to put himself in that position.

So lost in his, negative, thoughts he nearly missed when they all came to a stop before some lockers. It obviously was hero-boy's one as he knew the combination and started digging in.

He had come so far already, there was no turning back. Although standing in the middle of the corridor, he materialized himself to the human eye again, before confidently walking toward the dirty blonde boy.

Truth to be told he was shaking. Every nerves in his body screaming in alert. He was a mess inside. But he couldn't let it show. It was too late now anyways, because he was right behind him. Here goes nothing, or everything, fate was to decide.

He tapped his shoulder, he turned around, their eyes met and...

« - Hi. »

That night Dream could barely sleep. He had been so close to him. That look they share. It meant everything and nothing at the same time. He hated this confusing feeling.

There isn't much he could do now. So he tossed and turned until he tired himself out. Around midnight his brain had enough of torturing him and let him rest, falling into a heavy slumber.

The next day he carried on with his life. He woke up at 5:15 A.M. He got ready for practice and left his house at 5:45. He wasn't about to go over his whole morning routine, because it was pretty basic. Wash your face, eat breakfast, brush your teeth, put on deodorant, get dressed, gather school supplies. Yeah all that basic stuff.

Thankfully he had made it on time for football.
He didn't put his whole soul into warm up, he felt last day battle was enough warm up for him for at least a whole year. He was actually a little bit sore. But that wasn't the coach problem, and the man always made that very clear. If they still could voice their pain, they could throw a ball.

After training, he was joined by Sapnap and Bad as usual. They chatted a bit. Of course the first thing they had to talk about was the red bruise on his left cheeks. He thought he'd be lucky enough and manage to avoid the talk but guess not. It was bound to get him questioned eventually.

Well, now he had no choice but to come clean, so he told them about how yesterday in battle he got thrown to the ground and his cheek scrapped the pavement. Roughly.

Yeah that was just it. Talk about a battle wound. It could have been a bit more glorious than metaphorically bitting the dust.

They were aware he fought yesterday, and they couldn't really judge him. Not only was it an humble act but all of them also shared the same dream : one day they'll be the greatest super heroes of all time. Well the greatest super hero TEAM of all time. They had thought this through. They'll be called the DreamTeam one day, and people would praise their names as they made sure they can all live to see tomorrow safely.

As much as dreaming was nice and everything time kept passing, and soon enough he'll have to get to class. So he had to leave his friends in order to go and hit the shower. Once done, he got dressed in the school uniform, and they all left to go to his locker so he could gather his books and all of his other school stuff.

They chit chattered on the way there, things were going just as usual. Life really went back to normal. He nearly felt disappointed. He missed the adrenaline rush of all this already

Well he thought everything went back to how they used to be until, something broke the routine. Disrupting the course of time and all it follows.

Okay, he was over putting it. Someone just tapped his shoulder.

But when he turned around and met the eyes of a shorter, brown eyed, pale brunet, it stole his breath away, and his heart skipped a few beats.

Oh Gods, why was he here? Why was he acknowledging him? Oh my Gods, how was he supposed to act when the boy whom he saved the life of yesterday, and he also had a crush on, was just in front of him?

« – Hi. He said in a soft voice.

It's okay Dream, keep it cool.

– Hi. Can I help you?

Oh yeah you definitely sound cool right now. Good job idiot!

– Uhm, no not really. Well not anymore. You did save my life already. I, uh, I just wanted to thank you so much for yesterday. You didn't have to put yourself through so much danger to save me. And just know that I'd do anything to make it up to you. Well maybe not anything actually. He spoke, muttering the last bit.

– Oh, you really don't have to you know.

This answer got him an elbow nudge in the ribs by his best friend. As well as a dirty look saying : « Dude, you're blowing this away »

– I insist! Please, I can see you clearly got hurt. The boy pleaded, while pointing to his reddened cheek.

– That's the very least I could do right now. He added on.

From there Dream didn't know where he got the confidence from, doing what he was about to, but he did. And he was so glad he did.

Maybe it was all thanks to Sapnap and his friend's own confidence. Maybe it were those shining, hopeful, eyes. Maybe it was his own despair becoming too strong. Maybe yesterday turned him into someone new.
He truly didn't know, but you can't rewrite the past. And the opportunity was too good to pass on.

Like a douche he closed his locker, leaning on it. He turned to the boy, their height difference quite prominent in this position. How adorablew he secretly relished in it, but it was too embarrassing to be said out loud.

– Well there might be something actually. He announced.

– Sure, just name it and I'll see what I can do about it!

– How about to repay me from the oh so dangerous and heroic act I performed yesterday... You'd let me treat you Wednesday at, let's say 2 PM, to a nice lunch. Just you and me. And food... obviously.

The boy just stared blinking at him slowly. His mouth slightly agape, and his cheeks progressively turning a light shade of pink.

Now Dream felt self conscious. Maybe his whole "brave and mighty" act was just too much. For f*ck's sake, he blew his only chance didn't he? He was just about to cry, ready to die of embarrassment if he got rejected.

But he didn't want to let this show. So he kept the act up to the very end until he'd got an answer. It was too late to go back now anyway. It probably would be ten time more embarrassing.

It all came crushing down when the boy cleared his throat making himself aware again.

- Okay. Sure, That works by me, I'm free this wednesday, yeah.

Dream couldn't believe it. He was bursting with joy and excitement inside. It was a miracle he could still stand.

- Great. And uh, you should probably take my number too. He said smugly, only realizing a bit too late how he might have come off.

– So we can organize this properly, you know. Yeah... He added, slightly breaking character for a moment.

– Right! Just give me a second. As the boy looked down to grab his phone, he turned to his friend not knowing which emotion to show first.

Bad made silent claps, and Sapnap just gave him a thumb up with a "You got it. Respect, brother" face. But to be completely honest, the boy barely had any hope for his blond friend in the beginning upon seeing his silly jackass-like little act.

– Okay all set, I'm listening.

– Nice! So, it's... »

When they parted both unknowingly shared the same face and thought :

“ best day ever ”

They did have that lunch date on Wednesday at exactly 2:04 PM. They ended up at some random cheap dinner. Eh, they were teenagers, none of them could afford expensive gastronomy. But they were content with what they had. Greasy burger and fries with so much oil in them it could probably have runner a car with.

The moment they shared, the laugh they had, the memories they made, the similarities they found in each other, the looks they'd give the other. That was what truly mattered.

After that day they became close, much to his friends demise but they let it slide. It was love, they had to be proud of their boy. He finally pulled the other in. After weeks of sulking and stalking... It was fine, it wasn't much for now.

At first it was a simple hand gesture in the hallways when they'd cross path. Then it was sharing a bench and starting short conversations together.

Those talks led to a second planned meeting. A cinema date.

This lead to sitting together in class from time to time. And also during lunch. Now, this whole situation started to get a bit bothersome but still manageable.

A third date at the parc behind school. Now they'd be caught holding hands, and always muttering to the other, before they'd laugh, this stupid love struck laugh.

From this day on, They could also not count on him to sit with them at lunch no more anyway. Or any class he shared with George either.

Finally a fourth date, God knows where, lead to their first kiss and hugging in the halls. Always being stuck by the hips and calling each other's stupid nicknames like "boyfriends". Ew, romance am I right ?

George smiled, it frankly were nice memories. Treasured souvenirs that held love and unspoken promises.

« – Dream, those are really nice to remember but where are you going with all of this? George asked sweetly although worriedly.

His only response was a kiss.

– Please love let me do the talking. His lover said with a smile and gentle eyes.

The brunet man could just nod in understanding.

– Ever since that fateful day, we've been through so much. From reckless teenagers who thought they owned the world, to young adults with too big of dreams. It's true! I mean look at us! You got accepted with honors into the most prestigious sciences school of the country while I went and did sports with a football scholarship.

George smiled at him before frowning upon watching the other lose composure.

– I thought I could offer us so much but all we ended up having was that one small crappy apartment. For about two months I couldn't even provide for you, or for me. We had to live off of your scholarship and the money your parents lend us. I could have screwed us over George, deeply.
And don't blame yourself please. Even if I royally f*cked up I could have never asked you to find a job and ruin your chance of study, depriving you of the future you'd deserve.

George opened his mouth to protest but Dream fingers found his lips quicker.

– Don't bother I know. We got so lucky I found that gym coach job in time. We had our rough times sure. It happens to every couple. But we showed we weren't just "every couple", we were strong, we were meant to be George. Now I know it. Hell, deep down I think I always knew!

Tilting his head, the brunet just nodded at him.

– We put through all of this together. Not once imagining letting go. Or well, I didn't. I hoped you didn't.

He laughed when this time, his boyfriend shook his head no.

– After this whole, jobless phase we've never been better! I managed to finally provide for us, we moved out of that sh*tty place and it finally felt like I was true to my words. I gave you what you always deserved. I felt so bad before, I was so disappointed. Seeing you so miserable... it filled me with rage. Against myself! But we made it.
I know, I'm being repetitive but it's important! Dream defended when he noticed the other demeanor.
In response he also went and playfully started tickling him, grabbing his waist to trap him in.

After a short while, he let go, coming down from the high and grabbing George's left hand.

– Anyway let's move to the happy parts. We moved out, we had money, and food on the table. You finally made it through school and got a job offer in the finest laboratory ever. I watch your biggest dreams come true and I never seen you so happy. I realized that seeing this cheery glint in your eyes was all I ever needed in life without even knowing it.
Then you helped me achieve one of my dream too. You believed in me and I could begin that YouTube career as XD because of you!
You never stopped believing in me. Through the ups and downs you were there. When one day the view count went down you were there to wipe my tears. Instead, it could have been forgotten forever, the channel reduced to oblivion by one click. But thanks to you I persisted and it paid.

He smiled at him, and caressed his face softly.
They shared one moment before he went on.

– I know beginning an internet carrier as a faceless "celebrity" isn't nearly as impressive as what you did, finding new solution to improve the world, like your new found piece of tissue capable of facing any heat and what you do everyday at work too, but I'm still selfishly persuaded, that I was the one meant to be for you. And you were meant to be mine. George, I am proud of what we became, and what I hope we can keep on becoming in the future. »

He let go of his hands, stepping back one step, and reaching for his jacket's inner pockets. He went down on one knee, a midnight blue — George's favorite color — velvet box in hands, aspiration in his eyes.

« – What I mean is, George Davidson, will you marry me?

Tears fell to the ground, and a gasp pierced through the atmosphere.

– Yes! yes, yes, yes, a million times yes! He screamed jumping down in his fiancé's arms.

– Then let's get married. »

It was a bit difficult to put the ring on him when he hung on to him so tightly but he did it anyway, determined to make them now official fiancés!

They kissed the night away, forgetting about the rest of the world. It was just them, in the parc next to their old highschool, by the old oak tree, where Dream confessed to him.

They had a nice big wedding with all their friends and family. They teased their friends by saying how much faster they've been :

Sapnap had met this boy named Karl when they were sharing an apartment during college. Indeed he was dating his roommate, then what! It was much more original than your highschool sweetheart surely.

Bad, on his hand, had met this other boy named Skeppy. The group never quite understood how they met. They believed it involved some kind of prank? They really didn't know but they were happy for them anyway.

With Dream and George successful careers, money came afloat, loads of it to be honest. They used it wisely to offer themselves a humble home in one of the nicest part of the city. As well as a secret underground laboratory for George.

What, he needed it for work. He couldn't just live in his lab at the SMP corp. SMP standing for Scientific & Mechanical Progresses corporation here. It was one of the biggest in the world and which George was proud to be a part.

Now if he were so proud why would he need to hide his laboratory instead of showing it off? Because maybe he hasn't been quite true to his words. He did need to work from home, but the main reason is, what he'd build or found there entirely belonged to him. While what he made at the SMP partially belonged to corporation too. And the projects he was working on could not be risked being publicly revealed. They needed to be kept secret at all cost. And they needed to be kept his.

Nights after nights he'd worked on it. Weekends after weekends. It drove his husband nearly insane. It's like they had no "them time" no more.
But mainly it was painful to see the love of your life working themselves to death. George barely sleep or ate. Dream was beyond worried at this point. It wasn't normal to beg someone to take a break.

However since words didn't work, he had to take more drastic measures. It was not funny having to get down at 3 am through secret passages in your own house, to pick up your sleep deprived, struggling husband and force him to bed in your arms.

After a huge fight, they both came clean and found a compromise : George had to keep working but he also had to listen to everything Dream said. He wasn't trying to control his life, heck, he was even't gonna try to interfere with George's work. No, he just wanted to make sure he was safe and sane.

It took a whole three months of sacrificed night, of struggles through thick and thin in his personal life, his love life and his professional life. Not just that but, of bruised hands as well, and an overworked brain. It took becoming an emotional wreck, blurry sight and constant worry but he finally made it.

After three whole months of drudgery, toil and efforts, George sat a fair distance from his friends and husband as they all wore his meticulous labor. He watched them try it out, putting it through the tests, see if it fits. He watched the smiles on their faces and the joy they radiated.

And he couldn't help but to do just that. Unshed tears forming at the corner of his eyes. He couldn't stop staring. He laughed, it was finally done. He couldn't believe it. He had made it and it worked!

In no time he had all three coming at him hugging him and congratulating him to cheer him up. It did somewhat succeed but he knew he wasn't gonna come off from the high before a long time.

After all it wasn't everyday you'd build three handmade and custom made hero suits, of a brand new technology never once used before.

He wished more than anything to show his work to the world and the scientific community. He made a tissue able to resist any shock and completely keep a being alive. It could save so many life! Oh and he also found an off way to transfer magic directly into mechanism through a processed droplet of blood.

But he couldn't. It would put everyone at risk, especially their secret identities.
Plus, George didn't do all of this for distinction but for them. It was a challenge against himself, but it was mainly to make his best friends dreams come true.

« Go, go and be the DreamTeam, now. »

Chapter 2: Chapter One

Chapter Text

He sat his cup on the small wooden desk of the room, looking at the legacy they had build.

He focused on each picture, every details. Reliving the memories captured in those pictures, basking in the euphoric feeling the souvenirs brought back.

They had made it so far, they got a right to be proud. Today was their one year anniversary. One whole year since they became the DreamTeam.

He remembers the first time they did their big come in. An official administrative building had been put under a bomb alert : The Prefecture.

And honestly, they handled it pretty well for rookies.

They had brand new, super resistant costumes, so they didn't have to worry about getting hurt if the bomb ever did blow up on them.

Sapnap has the ability control fire so he could limit the damage of the bomb. Not to mention his supper speed came in handy to rescue the hundreds of people stuck inside.
Though they did get a bit sick from the unusual, sudden, speed of the man. Guess not everyone could handle awesomeness. It was fine, all they had to do was cooperate to be saved, and then chose wether or not they were gonna be grateful. But they usually were.

He remembers him and Sapnap acting childish though it was such a serious matter. They had this unspoken competition as to who could save more people than the other. Don't reprove them, it was their debut, they were discovering the limit of their new playground.
They were much more serious and professional now. He's glad their recklessness didn't cost anyone's safety actually. That's why he allowed himself to laugh at the memory.
Look at him being such a responsible adult.

Bad on the other hand had the opportunity to try his brand new gadget. And so with this weird paste of magically generated matter, George invented, he managed to create one those giant life saver blow out thing fireman already had. But firemen didn't make it as quick as Bad's one did. And they only had small ones compared to his friends, for clearly that would not have been enough to control the hysterical masses.
Once they had evacuated everyone Bad used his healing power to tend to the people who needed medical attention in the meantime of the absence of actual paramedic.
Bad powers were so cool, people just didn't know it yet.

He had divine power. No, like litteraly. He had half demonic power, half angelic one. This meant he had healing power to protect, but he could also obstruct the matter to create brand new and completely functional objects from what it originally was.

For example from a handful of sand he could create anything his mind could picture. A snow globe? Ironic, but he could. A WWII tank!? Well yes, but the bigger the object the more energy it took from him.
Which is why George's costumes were so amazing too. All of them were custom made, created to answer everyone specific needs. It usually meant strength reinforcement so their body and mind were much less tired from hosting and using their powers.

For example, if he understood correctly, that weird paste previously mentioned was genetically made from a drop of Bad's blood. It meant that since it was powered by magic to power the same magic, it used less physical and spiritual energy from Bad to create anything of any size. However that didn't mean he was completely invulnerable. The costume only acted like a crutch to their body, so Bad still had to be careful as to how he used his limited energy. But fortunately George could monitor everything from back home just in case, to make sure everything was safe or check whether or not they needed a little help.
Although that was then, today they proved to be completely trustworthy.

And finally there was the part he played in their first ever mission. His super strength and enlightened stamina made him capable of grabbing multiple people at once, while only needing to leave the building once or twice. Once he cleared a whole floor or his arms were too full in a way it would put people to harm it he carried one more, he would make sure to get them down Bad's thingy one by one. Then he went on. Once they located the bomb he deactivated it without any knowledge of mine clearance. How? Because of his incredible electric power. One high volt discharge and the bomb was out.

Okay and maybe just maybe he had George monitoring him to make sure he wasn't going to blow up the whole building doing so.
But with their masks constantly connected to the internet and controlled by their mind — Yeah his very impressive and bright husband also found a way to master mind controlled technology— he could have made the research by himself.
But of course his genius of a husband was quicker than a Google search away. Or well, a thought away.

He sighed in reminiscence. A smile gaining his lips. He went to the wall of recollection and unpinned the photo of this precise day.

He had neatly cut it out of a news paper, the biggest in town. At first he wanted to frame it too, but the dirty glance George sent him cut him off of that idea. And for George to find something borderline in that context, this meant it truly must have been too far, no questions asked. So instead he just tidily put it in an unused folder.

That purple folder was where all those pictures and articles were supposed to be stored but alternatively he decided to hang them up methodically in the empty room they had at the end of the first floor hall. It was time they found a use to it. They already had everything they needed, a guest room, somewhere to hit the gym from home, administrated offices to work from home in a different way this time, and a projection room (aka their living room), so yeah... This time George gave up and let him do his thing.

He redirected his attention to the picture at hands. You could see the prefecture building with firetrucks, ambulances and cops surrounding it in the background.
People were being escorted out, interrogated or blatantly staring at the scene.
On the foreground the new super hero team. You could clearly see they were young and inexperienced, but that was wonderful to look at from future him perspective.

Bad had opted for a prideful stance with his arms crossed over his chest and one leg slightly propping him up. The bright white eyes of his costume horribly reflecting from the flash of the photographer.

Sapnap went for a pretentious smirk, holding up a peace sign. And just to brag a little more he had let his hair become literal fire, matching his flame-inspired mask, and the emblem on his torso, imprinted in white fully synthetical and mechanically made fabric. He looked like a complete jackass, the kind of guy he wouldn't have trusted his life with. He wasn't sure that was the right optic for a super hero but you do you. More fame for him, sorry brother.

Also, it's not like he could really say anything. The pose he chose also gave him prejudices... He stood full height both hands on his hips.

After he had brought the freshly bought newspaper home he waited for George to be there to take a look at it.
Yes they made it to the front page but he didn't dare to look at it yet, and managed to not take a peek until now.

So when he arrived home and sat at the kitchen island urgently beckoning his husband over, the last thing he expected was backlash. While he was lost in pure Bliss and admiration George just stifled a laugh and let out a snarky comment :

« Wow first day on the job and you just had to let everyone know you married a man uh? »

He might have loved the brunet but that didn't mean he could just insult him like that. — Yes, Yes it did — So he stood up for himself and did the right thing; he smacked him in the face with the newspaper. And he also didn't pay for sushi Friday this time.

He also remembers exactly how George's laugh sounded, and that made his smile impossible brighter.

But that was the past, and if he stayed stuck there for too long he would start sulking. That just wouldn't do. Today was supposed to be a good day, a celebration ! Fans were going downtown to parade this afternoon, and the DreamTeam had to be there when it happened. It was crazy how in a year they had become a national phenomenon.

A whole parade, just for them? With cops to ensure security and stuff. Not to mention the president said he would make a speech at the end of the day too.

So indeed today was going to be a good day, filled with glee and smiles. Therefore there was no place for sulking at all. That was irrational. But he did miss the newfound adrenaline rush from when it all started. The feeling of crossing the forbidden line, tasting danger and toying with brand new things.

Don't get him wrong! He loved his job, dearly, it was everything he ever dreamed off. But let just have him his sweet nostalgia moment.

Truthfully speaking, he was never deprived of adrenaline. After all, every worthy hero team had his rival group. For them it was the Aces.
For they were four of them, all of them convinced it their superiority, ruling above all the other the way an Ace card does in a deck.

As said, they were a villain team of powered people. Their leader was said to be HannahxRose accompanied by her good friends Sylvee and Cate.

Hannah is a strong woman, who managed to elegantly fight in literal high heels just to ridiculidr them. She has long brown hair which are either straight or wavy, depending on the time of day.
From what they gathered so far her power was what she called "Rose Mania". Now that team really had some weird names but at least they made sense, somewhat... Anyway, This power consisted of her being able to sprout thick or thin vines of thorny roses out of nowhere and seemingly out of nothing. It was elegant, flowy and it made everything smell nice on the battlefield, kinda neat actually.
From what they've seen she can also use any roses, whether she was the one who made it bloom or not, to teleport. However she can only go from one flower to the other, in the end they act exactly like a portal would. They're suspicion she might also be able to use roses like cameras, meaning she can see through their eyes. But for now, it is to confirm and see to what extent it may extend to if it's true.
But just to be sure they had asked the city to ban roses as a whole, whether it be personal use or public park. No roses.
Surprisingly enough they agreed without a fuss, not liking the idea of being permanently watched over and monitored. They feared for their powers, intimacy and their people.

It made Dream kind of sad, he loves roses, and he especially loved gifting them to George, but sacrificed must be done for the greater good.

Sylvee was overall what could be called an attractive woman. Don't get idea though, he loves his husband very much and swore loyalty to him until death do them part. Because it will, there will be no divorce in this marriage.

But back to Sylvee. The supervillain girl was a platinum blond who just like Hannah seemed to quite fancy eyeliner. Good for them, Dream found it hard to master.
Now her makeup may be flawless but her style, well that was debatable. She always had on that huge, oversized puffy jacket in a khaki color. And right underneath she had on a silver dress who huged her upper body well before going down in a large skirt that ended a bit before her knee. And with that she combined white thigh eye and converse.

What was odd with that outfit was that it was plain, ordinary. She didn't look like a villain at all, but rather a random citizen harboring the street.
This attitude of an outfit tended to also be quite taunting as if she weren't taking their fights very seriously. Like she blindly trusted her best abilities.

Now you way ask, what abilities ? Well she called it "Smokey hot". Don't say he didn't warn you, those girls had a thing for weird names.
And yet again, it still made sense, as her power concisted in her being able to produce think puff of smoke in which she could disappear into. That made her translucent and therefore untouchable. She could also go through matter with that power, meaning she didn't fear walls or any restraints at all.
Just like her friend Hannah, her ability made her able to teleport of sorts.
She also had the capacity to totally blend into the shadow, meaning she could be everywhere or anywhere for as long as there were a dark spot. And now that was a pickle for you could not prevent shadows, no matter how you tried.

Then there was Cate, to put it simply she'd looked a bit like from big Hero 6. On the physical and moral aspect of things. Except she was a brunette.
And she too fought in a dress, which like Hannah, mirrored her power : lava. Yeah that's it. They really went all in for that one, sorry to disappoint.
But basically she could sprout lava from her hand whenever she wanted, and she handled it however she pleased like it was nothing.
Unlike Sapnap she probably wasn't fully vulnerable to water, if anything she could probably thrive from It from time to time.

They were sure of nothing, simply observing and theorizing.

There also was one last girl, but she was in jail already. Captain Puffy. A mad scientist noticeably from the North side seeing her accent.
Puffy started off as a genius with a great renown and promising potential. But something happened that made her switch. The nice gal started turning her back on everyone who once welcomed her in. She joined the bad guys and supplied them.

Puffy was pretty tall too, taller than her colleague at least, that's for sure.
That might come from the fact she's a sheep hybrid. And that alone already told a lot about who she is : President JSchlatt sister's.
She wanted what he has, she longed for the power and the throne. She always thought she deserved it more. And her friends agrees. The envy is more than likely what made her get to the dark side.

Now as a sheep hybrid her hair was wool. And that wool had the ability to be extra resistant capable to sustain heat, sharpness and weight. If not all at at once maybe. That element gave her extra protection, like a natural armor.
She also had enlightened senses, seeing in the dark, and a sharper hearing. She could notably jump higher, easily dodging attacks.
But it wasn't her only sheep-like features for Just like her brother she also had rams, surprisingly enough for a sheep, but this gene might come from the fact JSchlatt and her shared the same womb at once.

So lost in his own world after staring for too long, he didn't hear the knocking on the door, nor did he hear said door opening to let in someone who's light footsteps were hitting the ground in a pattern heading for his way.

He felt a hand on his shoulder rubbing it up and down in a comforting manner. He didn't jump, nor did he turn back to try and catch a glimpse of the person. He already knew who it was.
Tilting his head slightly aback and closing his eyes with a relieving sigh he let himself embrace the comfort the other brought for him.

« – Hi love.

– Hi. A soft, yet raspy from waking up, voice spoke right back.

Dream turned his head left, opening his eyes to stare at the gorgeous, although sleepy, face of his freshly woken up husband.
In order to greet him he opted for the basic couple routine, a peck on the lips and call it a day.
In return George rested his face on Dream's shoulder, clutching the man's arm the same way a sloth would to it's comfy tree branch.

– Come back to bed.

– I can't silly, I'm awake already. You know I never fall back asleep once I'm awake.

– But it's five A.M you don't need to overwork yourself on your very own day. He insisted.

– I suppose you're right.

– When am I not? The brunet quickly added before the blonde followed suite.

– Which is why I'm not doing that. He couldn't help but smile at the questioning look he received. “Oh really?” he could read in those eyes.

– I'm reminiscing every memories, every moments of this... big aventure. This has been crazy. Can you believe it? I... We became literal super heroes, we aren't afraid to hide away what we are or what we can do. We're saving people, inspiring them! They're gonna cheer for us now! But most importantly, I realized my biggest dream.

George looked up at him with the fondest eyes and smile. He didn't think no one could have more pride than him. Except maybe Sapnap, but that was the wrong kind of pride.

– And all of that thanks to you.

– That's not true. George frowned staring at the wall doing so.

Dream loved the way his eyebrows would furrow in deep reflexion. It was cute. However once he had made his mind, brown eyes shot back up to green one.

– I didn't gave you those powers. He clutched the biceps his hands were enclosing, his eyes now showing a defiant stare.

– I didn't implant those muscles in you. Or the skills, the reflexes, the thinking, the... Everything! You achieved everything all by yourselves, they're no one else to thanks but you. I just gave you guys a hand, it's the least I could do. If not for my own pride as a scientist than for my friends.

Dream smiled at that, even if he knows that in this context he shouldn't be. But it was true, he was George's best friend and George was his in his own special way. Sapnap was his best friend too, but like his brother type of best friend. Bad was the caring best friend everyone saw as the dad of the group. The fun Dad, obviously.

– Are you kidding me right now? Scoffing, he gently gripped his husband by the shoulders, making the westerner face him.

With his super strength Dream always feared he'd hurt the people around him. Especially George. He never wanted to see him in pain, from anyone else and especially not by his own hands ever.

But somehow the boy learned to make him soft.
Around him it was easy to not overdo it. He thinks the only reason it use to happen before was because of the fear, but George would wash the fear and worry away from him.

– I owe everything to you. We owe everything to you. You're the one who believed in us. George, don't ever doubt it because you're wonderful.

He took the boy's left hand caressing his ring finger. He stared at it for a second before looking back at coffee eyes.

– Do you remember what I said that day in the parc when I proposed? Or the vows I spoke at our wedding ? He stopped waiting for an answer. He received one when he saw his husband nodding back at him.

– Good but just in case let me tell you again, because I mean it. I really do. George, I was this miserable boy with too big of a dream that would have made anyone else laugh. Thankfully I had my friends, but we knew it was a long way to salvation. That was until you came along. You gave me a chance at love, at hope, and you believed in me. You actually did! You didn't laugh or went with it thinking it'll die down. No, you took it, took me as it is. We went through rough time and I always felt it was my fault, that I had failed you... But you held my hand and lead me through the dark until there was light again. That moment made me realize that I was right, you were too good for me. He laughed a sad laugh.

– Then I came to you with even more stupid ideas, but you believed in them. I risked it all because you encouraged me to, and I could have never doubted you. If you weren't accompanying me every step of the way, XD would have never been born, nor would have PandascanPvP. But today it's such an important part of me, this whole internet career thing. It's something I'm genuinely happy about.
But still, I came back to you asking for more, I had everything yet I was missing something, still not quite satisfied. I could never be satisfied.
Then You looked into me and remembered you never forgot my dream, and you turned it into our dream. You worked your magic once again, managing to fulfill my selfish wishes. All of that because you believed in me. In all of us. And if you didn't have believed in, the DreamTeam would probably never have seen the day. Like ever. Or by the time it did The Aces would probably have taken over the country already. If not the entire world.

George stared at him incredulous. Then he laughed hitting him across the chest.

– You're such an idiot.

– I haven't heard you say I'm wrong though...

– Wipe that smirk of your face. You're too full of yourself already you need to lose some. »

George had turn his back to Dream during their "argument". He rested his head against the bigger man chest, rocked by the soft heartbeat of a heart he knew belonged to him. He followed the pattern of his lover breathing, chest going up and down repetitively.
Dream hands were on his waist massaging it.
They sat together in the domestic bliss of it all, staring at the past on the wall.

Right now it was just the two of them in the comfort of their too big of a house, safely kept in a room dedicated to — one of — Dream's career.
To others it might look weird, creepy even, having such obsession with a faceless group of superheroes. But to them it was pretty fine. It was Dream personal trophy room. Their own hall of Fame.

« – Have you even eaten yet?

– I had breakfast yeah.

– A half drank cup of Jasmine tea isn't concidered a breakfast Clay.

– I had toasts too don't worry.

– Well you certainly didn't toast them because I couldn't smell anything when I came downstairs out of our room.

– 'Didn't felt like it.

– I better find that counter lingered in crumbs I'm telling you right now.

– Oh what? You're gonna get mad at me for having manners?

– No, however I can get pissed off by my husband not only lying to my face, but also being utterly reckless. Now come on, You're making me breakfast.

George then left, going back for the door. Deam wanted to tell him off, "tsk" in his face angrily in rebellion.

– What do you want ? Dream went after him.

– I'm feeling bacon and eggs. » He called from afar.

Chapter 3: Chapter Two

Chapter Text

Smell of grease and fried egg filled the air. A smell also known as : breakfast.

Two out of the three family members were currently in the kitchen.
One was by the sink drying up a now clean frying pan.
The other was sat at the kitchen island slowly picking food from the plate before him.

« – I can't believe you got me up so early. He groaned, the other rolling his eyes at the dramatic gesture, but kept silent knowing it wasn't just the end of it.

– It's been so long since I actually ever had to wake up and have breakfast this early, I think I'm gonna have a tummy ache.

– You poor baby. He stopped for a second examining his work, before deeming that pan was dried correctly. I'm sure you'll get over it. He then put the pan away in the bottom drawer it belonged to. George huffed, now only pocking his food with his fork.

– Where's your daughter anyway? I swear I saw her in our bed tonight.

Dream sat down in front of his husband, trying to find an answer to that question.

– I don't think I saw her with us when I woke up actually.

– But how, wasn't the door locked?

– Maybe you just had hallucinations. Maybe we ought to get you checked up for schizophrenia grandpa.

– Screw you, we're the same age. Anyway. I did not hallucinate! She was by the end of the bed, right between us in the crook of the cover.

– I think I went up to piss at some point last night? But I didn't see her when I got back.

– She probably got scared when you got up and you were to sleepy to notice her. One judgmental look later and he added : You poor excuse of a father.

– Oh screw you. I love my daughter very much, and you know that.

– I know. Otherwise you wouldn't have bought her her very own expensive velvety sofa, or a stupidly as-much-expensive water fountain.
He grumbled.

– The way that thing runs day and night got to be showing up on our electricity bill. I got to check it out sometime.

Dream didn't really understand why he would bring that up. Because first of all, he wasn't the one paying the bills, second of all they litteraly made enough money to not have to worry about a stupid bill.

– Who cares about the electric bill, I literally have electric powers anyway! I could easily provide for our house anyway. If not the whole neighborhood, he spoke bitterly.

– Yeah but this would look highly suspicious. A house that doesn't require electricity? They didn't even made that in the eighteenth century. Just think for a minute, you can't risk jacksh*t now that you ran that, triple life thingy.

– You're serious right now?

– Eh, if it can help healing your pride a little, your stupid powers are pretty useful to us. I mean, they're the one who provide for the lab and the HQ.

– Those are the same room anyway.

– Yeah but it sounds much less cooler. He finished his last bite food.

– I'm trying to back you up here, work with me. He said, accusingly pointing his fork at the other man.

Just as Dream was about to bit back at him with a snarky comment, a small presence decided to make themselves aware with a soft sound which immediately reached both of their ears. Both turned over the sound quickly, a gasp piercing through the air.

« – There she is! Come here baby!

– Piss off she's my kid, you'd said so yourself.

– Yes, but I'm her favorite. Ain't that right Patchy? He picked her up, rubbing her against his face. All she did in response was a small "meow".

– You should just be mine at this point, because share custody clearly doesn't work anymore.

– What I literally spoil her so much, I'm clearly the one who loves her most. Good job saying that to the judge sucker.

– She's old enough to make her own choice. She's such a smart girl. Yes, you are !

Even though they were having a "serious" conversation, he just kept swooning over his cat.

– Well, I don't know when we even decided to do share custody because she belongs to me anyway. It's my name on those adoption papers.
His tone was exactly like the one a rapper would have at the end of their inspiring speech, which was so good they dropped the mic in a cartoony manner right after.

– Yeah and you made me marry you so I got your name too idiot. What you gonna do now smart mouth? He was challenging him, provoking him a fierce look on his face.

– It's okay Georgie you can be my pet if you want to, I wouldn't mind.

He expertly used a faux lovey tone of voice to deceive him. Which evidently worked seeing pink starting to catch up on the other's face.

– What?

– I mean, if you really look at it, you kind of are already. I take care of you, I give you love and affection. I feed you, I clean up after you, I entertain you... So I wouldn't mind keep on going on but with more of an official title you know. »

The brunet didn't bother answering, too flustered and embarrassed to come with something. It wasn't his fault his cooking wasn't good. Some people just weren't made for it.
Sure he was a bit messy but he knew how to make an organized mess. And could Dream really blame him because he was asking for love from the man he married.

Dream, laughed. Taking advantage of the other demise, he picked up his empty plate to shove into the dishwasher. He evaluated the quantity inside and decided it wasn't worth running it yet. Once all of that done, he turned back to George with a smile.

He went back to the kitchen island, not sitting down, but leaning down, his head resting on his hand, propped up by his elbow. He sighed a dramatic sigh and leaned his head to the side with his eyes closed tragically.

« – I guess that's what love is all about. They were right about marriage too, it's truly a wonderful thing. Oh to be blessed and cherished by the gracious Eros.

– Well I'm about to pull an Aphrodite on you if you bring back that Percy Jackson phase of yours.

– As if Harry Potter is so much better. He grumbled.

– I'm literally packing my things and going to live with my mom.

– Fine I don't care! I'll have Patches anyway.

– No because I'm taking her.

– You're not.

– Try me. »

George held a struggling patches close to his chest, standing up from his seat. Dream smirked at him all while matching his position – although minus the cat – from the other side of the counter. Both shared a defying glare, tempting on one another. Yet not one of them moving a muscle.

Then all of a sudden in the speed of light Dream jumped across the island, his body sliding easily on its polished fake marble surface, barely giving the brunet enough time to react before he was picking him up, encaging him in a bear hug. All he had time to do was scream in fear, dropping the poor cat in his fright.

« – Well you're not going nowhere now.

– I hate so much let me go you absolute idiot!

– No, I don't think I will.

– Ugh, fine. You'd probably be completely lost without me anyway.

– I actually would. It's nice to see you care Georgie.

– Don't get your hopes up, I don't care about you, it would just look bad on my heaven application.

– “Heaven application?” Dream burst out laughing at that.

– Yeah, piss off. I'm not going to rot in hell with you, loser.

– You married a man already, you really think you gonna get into heaven?

– Yeah, that's why I'm seeking accelerated redemption. You already screwed me over when I was living, I won't let you poursue me into eternal rest.

– Oh, I'm sure, I'm sure.

– Whatever idiot... »

And then they just sat in silence. It was something they did a lot. Just existing in each other's presence. And they were quite content in doing just that.

« – Say, you've been hitting the gym of something?

– Why do you ask?

– I don't know, you just feel a bit heavier than usual.

– Wow. Good job calling me fat. He spat bitterly, feigning hurt and nonchalance.

Upon realization, Dream face dropped and he started stuttering and sputtering, trying to find a way out of the hole he had just dugg himself into.

– I would never! It's just that it seems you gained some muscles. Like genuinely when was the last time you like, asked me to open a jar for you or something like that.

– Well maybe I'm just tired of being dependant on you.

– Eh, good for you. You could be my guard at the parade I bet.

– Sure, how much do you pay.

– One shared night for one afternoon in the safety of your presence. He sang propping his husband higher in his arms in order to lodge himself in the crook of his husband

– Ew! Let me down right now you perv. You'll have to at some point anyway.

– I guess the deal is off then? » He said pathetically.

He then let go of the other, now a flustered mess and made sure he wouldn't tumble over from the sudden movement.

« – Too bad, I would have really liked it.

– Yeah, yeah. Go take a shower first then maybe you'd get some.

– Are you saying I stink?

– Yeah, that's exactly what I'm doing dreamy-poo. » He ended the discussion with a smug face.

Dream muttered a small "okay then" before kissing the top of his husband's head and heading upstairs to the bathroom.

George realized maybe he shouldn't have sent Dream off because he also needed the bathroom.
Hopefully Dream wasn't using the bathroom connected to their shared bedroom because that's exactly where he keeps his stuff.
Well, worse case scenario he'd screw drive that lock, it's not like he's never seen his own husband naked. – or vice versa.

But it probably would be better to ask first. So just that he did.

Turns out he got lucky, Dream was indeed using the bedroom's bathroom but when he called for the latter he wasn't in the shower yet. Which meant George was still able to get inside the room to collect his stuff before Dream shooed him out of the place once the steam started to fill in the room.

He couldn't blame him, waiting for the shower to heat up was already too long of a process, so when it finally reaches the perfect temperature who would even want to keep on waiting any longer? Yeah, nobody.

Only after their bathroom business were done for, is when Dream realized how much time they still had left to to kill.

He sat on the couch, staring forward, just thinking about multiple thing at once. It actually was one of the things he does best. He guesses he could just scroll on his phone or turn on the TV, try to catch on with the daily news. That way maybe he can properly organize his day?

But his thoughtful planning and boredom got abruptly cut out by an eager Patches jumping on his laps.

Obviously he immediately cooed at her and drowned her in love and affection. She started purring but wasn't quite resting yet, on the contrary she was vividly meowing.
From her demeanor he understood that the little miss was in fact hungry. He got up and headed to the kitchen, the cat immediately catching on, rushing after him.

When she was all settled to eat her spoiled princess food, Dream left for the living room again, where he's pretty sure he had left his phone on the coffee table. – And he was partially right. He did left his phone in his living, only was it not the small table before the couch where he forgot his phone, but the couch itself.

He picked it up and sat down where it once sat. He let his head fall down against the head rest of the couch, staying in that position for a second or so before he sat back up. He should probably turn the TV on, at least have some background noise. It'll make the house feel less empty.
Even if George was still up there in their bedroom doing god knows what. Plus he could catch up on the news, and do just what he planned right before. Boom, perfect plan.

There was only one flaw in his "perfect plan". The remote was all the way across the room, on the small TV stand, which itself was below the wall mounted vision box.
It was fine. Here's the perk of having stupidly pricey sh*t, you could afford to lose the remote. Why? Because he could stay lazy as long as he wanted for his phone had an application directly connected to the TV which worked the exact same as a materialized remote.

When they bought it he found it stupidly unnecessary. This kind of option was only for obnoxious snobs who couldn't bother to pickup after themselves, or even care at all.
But the TV had a very good image quality and it cost what it worthed so they went for it.

Would pulling the app out on his phone right now would make him an obnoxious snob? No it would not. Because it was one time, at 6:30 A.M He had a good excuse.

It's not like he was gonna flaunt around bragging about his trendy TV with all its included options and brand new technology.
He bet that even if he did so anyway, he'd looked stupid. For more reason than one, because for instance he's sure Bad would be one step ahead of him already.

Did the man had an even more expensive gadget? No he did not. Instead he had unique powers of goddamn creation. He could afford to lose as many remotes as he wanted without even spending a penny. Honestly the universe got lucky it was Bad who ended up with those powers because most people would have used it for pure greediness and selfishness like creating tone of money, weapons, nuclear energy, try and rule over the world... all those crazy stuff! But that would only result in absolute chaos. Eh, probably because that's exactly what those power were about. They were angelic and demonic power after all.

And so with this very good thinking Dream turned on his phone, being greeted by a picture of Patches. He put in the code, and he got greeted by yet another picture. This time it was a photo from their wedding day, the traditional photo of the groom and bride with all of their immediate family. They cheated a little bit and invited their close friends too. Just Bad and Sapnap. Dream loved that photo because everyone he cared about was right there. Except Patches. That's why she had the whole lockscreen dedicated to her.

Dream swept right twice, looking for the app and finally clicking on it once found. He accepted the stupid conditions notification popping on the screen completely blocking any visibility and pressed the power button. He watched as the TV turned on with a little noise. He looked for their box, which included a much more interesting channel than the device did on its own.

Once properly connected he went to channel number 6, the usual woman reporter being here.

Her name was Gia, she excelled in her field. She never stuttered, or got anything wrong. She stated pure fact without ever adding her opinion to it. Just a reporter should do. It wasn't a political channel, all they were meant to do was hand out the news from around the world, including the local one. So it was nice to see someone respecting that mediatic rule so well. But she was also known as the woman who was once Doctor and Captain Puffy's best friend.

However she always made it very clear she would not let her interfere with her career. She build her own legacy by herself, and the world didn't need to know about her past or ongoing relationship with this or that. If they couldn't make their own opinion about her based on herself alone then they didn't deserve her. Simple as that.

Unfortunately Dream had caught her mid sentence so he had no idea what she was talking about as of now.
He figured his next best option was looking for the sub text scrolling on the white and red lines at the bottom of the screen.
Dream always thought the color of the mediatic corporation fit them well. It looked very fancy and professional just like the rest of their public image. Just look at their stylish head reporter. Don't get any wrong idea, but if you knew her you'd just have to admit she's gorgeous stylished and, just as mentioned before, very much so dedicated to her job.

Anyway, right now she was just talking about yet another financial conflict. Some pointless fight over wheat delivery fee between Snow Chester up north, and Kinoko to the East. Kinoko was the one exporting and he guesses they just wanted to make some money. Afterall they had some debt they owed to L'manberg. It made sense why they would up their prices by 2%. They were already doing charity work by the price he saw they offered to SnowChester before.
Wow he became such an adult, getting so invested in a financial conflict. Like actually giving arguments and stuff, trying to understand and take a stand in the debate.

He sighed. He guessed it did take occupy some of his time. But a wheat war wouldn't be entertaining forever. Not to mention George would just get bored once he'll come downstairs. So he stopped paying attention to the tv, turning the volume down to ten. In this household they only allowed volume digits that ended in zero or five.

He went on his phone instead, logging on Twitter under his "professional" account : XD

He looked at some fanarts the fan made of him, funny tweets, crazy theories, random clips from his last stream getting spread around and edits of his last video play : Minecraft manhunt. He was pretty proud of this format of video. He was as skilled at the game than he was irl. So he thinks he has a right to sin. Guess George was right after all, he might be going straight downward.

He laughed at remembering his husband's antics. He was such an idiot. An "heaven application"... Gods.
But he loved that idiot so maybe he was an idiot too.

Yet, Speak of the devil and he shall rise.

Dream threw a quickly glance behind him upon hearing the stairs creaking with each step of the person it had to support the weight of on its own steps.

He quickly spotted his husband going down, and turned back to his phone waiting for the man to reach the spot next to him on the couch. It took a couple seconds but he finally made it. He let out a big sigh before allowing himself to fall into the couch, his head falling right on Dream's lap in a non hurtful and mastered way. Dream laughed softly caressing the brown curls in his reach, before getting his attention back to his phone.

George looked at what was playing on the screen, and just as Dream predicted, the man quickly got bored. He don't think they were still talking about taxes but it must have been something as equally as boring on a George's scale anywho.

Then he decided Dream was a much better view.
Though his eyes were on the screen in hands, he still noticed the stare he got from George since his phone was right above his head. Therefore Dream could slightly see him in his peripheral vision.

He drifted his attention at him, still smiling.

« – Hi.
– Hi. »

George cut short to the conversation with a yawn and a good stretch. Afterwards he readjusted his position on Dream to just stare at the wall managing to completely dismiss the TV.

« – When are the boys coming over again?

– Uhm, 9:30 I think. Then we go get lunch by 11:30 to make sure we're on time, remember? We're going to Ponk's table downton.

– Yeah I remember. I like that place, the owner is really nice.

– Didn't you fetch is number too?

– Why, Jealous?

– No. Yes, yes he was.

– It's okay you big baby. You're the only one I'd ever want.

– Good.

I would hope so. But the words were left unsaid. He didn't want George to see this terrible side of him. Pride and jealousy. He was on a roll today, what was up with him. It probably was the stress today's held.

– Well, we got... around two hours and twenty minutes before they arrive.

Wow, his husband was so smart, calculating so quickly and everything. That's lot of time. And here come the usual George sass.

– We could clean the house, or binge a serie.

– We cleaned yesterday.

Well Dream cleaned actually. He always did most of the cleaning but George still had his share, which he had to do, no questions asked. Unless he was sick or hurt obviously. He wasn't a sick twisted monster... But he wasn't an easy goer either.

– Then what do you wanna do?

– I want to watch Better Call Saul.

– Again? You know we won't be able to watch it all in only two hours and four minutes? »

But yet he didn't wait for an answer as he was already picturing his love's pleading, awfully cute, face.

While he was picking up his phone to log onto Netflix, he heard a small "yay". It was unimaginably adorable he had to say.

He played the first episode and all while it's duration the couple cuddled into each other enjoying the moment. Midway through Patches decided to join them. Now they were one small but happy family on a Sunday morning.

Life was just too good to be true. He wished it could just stay just like that forever. But there was work to be done he fears.

Chapter 4: Chapter Three

Chapter Text

He turned over in his sleep, though now much more awake than asleep. He'd say he is in that confusing feeling when you're half awake and half asleep at the same time.
But right now he wanted to be in denial and tell his body that his sleep cycle was in fact not completed at all yet.

Well that didn't work. Screw his subconscious for being stronger than his will. He groaned in displeasure against his own self; it was too early to philosophy-ing.

But how early "early" actually is? Only one way to find out now.
He begrudgingly opened his eyes attempting to rub the tiredness off of them. He looked around the room hoping that through the window he'd catch a glimpse of the outside, therefore he'd be able to theorize what time it was.

Their blinds were broken and in the mean time of their laziness they just put up black curtain to cover the light away when they slept.

Indeed fixing curtains to the wall was much more work than calling some random handyman to fix the blinds but someone insisted they didn't need one, and he would fix the blinds by himself.
Even at home he had to be this big prideful hero uh?

So in the end, fixing temporary curtains was deemed much easier than getting all the supply and energy to fix the blinds. Pretty great logic indeed.

But he guesses he can't say anything, he just went with it too. He didn't really do much to stop the man from giving into his own stubbornness.

Now he's starting to think those black curtains should just stay here because it was much more convenient to tell the time of day this way.
Like right now he could tell you it was around eight in the morning.

That was so early! It was Sunday morning, no one willingly got up so early on a Sunday morning!

Nevertheless there was no falling back asleep. In consequences he just decided he'd find another way to pass the time. He went and reached for his phone on his bedside table.
He unplugged the device and brought it right in front of his face to get it unlocked. This proved to be a stupid idea because he ended up blinded by the bright luminosity on his phone.

Checking the time he realized he was right. Or approximately right. It was precisely 8:23 in the morning. Look at him, he was so cracked though.
He laughed silently to himself as to not wake up the snoring man beside him. – Oh well, that's not true, because if it were he would have made the other sleep on the couch a long time ago but sush. Sure, Love is about getting through everything except for snoring and heavy breathing at night.

As he stared at the time he couldn't help but feel he was missing something. It made him frown, that feeling was terrible. Maybe worse than the feeling of waking up too early on a resplendent Sunday morning. But that feeling was telling him something for sure :
Yeah, he was definitely forgetting about something. But what? Did today was some kind of special day? He doesn't think he has a stream planned or neither any YouTube upload scheduled today. It wasn't any sort of anniversary either. Then what...

Oh. Yes it was in fact some sort of anniversary today. It was the guy's one year anniversary since they had became the DreamTeam.
And they were supposed to get to Dream and George's house at 9:30 so they could get some last minute check ups and a secret upgrade.

He was proud to say he was George's accomplice on that one.
He didn't really do anything because he didn't have the competences to mingle with George's new found magical modern technology, but he was deemed worthy enough to have been made aware of the man's secret plan.
And he loved the thrill of keeping the secret. Each day would go where he remembered he knew something exciting no one else did.

The three heroes had no idea they were getting a costume upgrade, in their minds it was just a regular check up followed by a friendly hang out at the team leader's house then some nice lunch before the big moment. Ah! What a bunch of nimrods.

Yeah, real funny...

... Hold on.

If it was 8:23, well maybe 8:25 now but whatever, and they had to be to the other's house by 9:30. Taking into account the fact that they still had to get ready, and then take a fifteen minutes trip to go there, therefore making them have to leave home by 9:05 then they only had approximately fourty minutes to get ready.

They were late already! Yet he could have sworn he had programmed an alarm.
His suspicions were confirmed correctly upon noticing the small clock symbol on the top of his screen next to the small time digits.

He slumped back on his bed, back flat straight to the mattress. He couldn't believe he managed to sleep through his alarm. His neighbor were so gonna kill him. He got lucky enough their roomate didn't come banging on the door to strangle them to death already.

But it's was fine no time for sulking! They still had time to get ready and, hopefully, make it on time.
He sat up, turning over to grab his pillow and hit his sleeping boyfriend right in the face as to wake him up for good.

« – Sapnap get up we're late!

– Ow! Karl what the hell?

– It's... 8:26 get the honk up or we gonna be late.

– Late for what? It's literally Sunday...

– Late for the rendez-vous we had at our best friends' house??

– Oh! Oh sh*t. »

Sapnap shot up, throwing the covers off of him and sat up on the edge of his side of the bed. He grabbed his phone and picked up his crumpled shirt from yesterday off of the floor and put it on.
After realizing Karl was right about the time of day. They had to speed up the process if they wanted to still make it on time. Good thing speed was his thing.
He went up, leaving for the bathroom first thing first.

« – Wow, not even a good morning first?

– You didn't greet me either. Oh wait yes you did, with a pillow to my face!

– Yeah and I got nothing how is that fair?

– Oh I'm sorry did you also want a f*cking pillow to your face ?

– You're so vulgar. I can't believe you managed to stay a hero for a whole year with that attitude.

– Thanks, love the attention. »

Then he left, walking right through the bedroom's door. Karl should probably do the same.
Thankfully he was one of those people with common sense who showered at night, so that was a gain of time on his part.

(I say that but I'm part of the morning shower team 💀)

Yet he still had to get dressed, do his bathroom routine, which meant do his hair, brush his teeth, apply deodorant then perfume, and take care of his beautiful face.
He wasn't the one saying that, it was Sapnap and since he spoke with he heart, or he better so, it had to be true.

Conclusion? He was stunning and the baddest bitches of them all.

Although he doesn't believe they'd have much time for breakfast.
If anything they could stop to some bakery on their way to bring something for everyone to eat, or just pillage their friend's house. They wouldn't mind at all and he knew.
Well Dream wouldn't mind, George was something else.

But there is also a huge change all of their friends already ate before hand. I mean it was George and Dream's house so they didn't have to worry about the timing and Bad was very meticulous, he would have definitely made sure both members of the household ate "the most important meal of the day" before leaving home.

Come to realize, he was craving something sweet for no reason, and he knew that amazing place a block down George's street that sold the greatest cookies ever known to mankind for the cheapest price.

That settles it, they'd just stop on their way. He'd have to tell Sapnap though, since he is most likely gonna be the one driving.
Apparently his Tesla was worth more than his own boyfriend so Karl has never been allowed to drive it but that's whatever.
Douche guy and their expensive car, it was whole different love story. One Karl could not be a part it seemed.

But anyway, ditch that car. They had more important matters at hands. For instance, if anyone wanted a coffee to start their day with, it was now or never because Dream always made it clear how badly he hated coffee.
Those precious black grains were banned from his house no matter what and under no exceptions. Like if his own mom came to visit and asked for a coffee she would just get a cup of tea, no question asked. – The funniest part is that George is the one who doesn't like tea, he's the one getting screwed over in the end.

Enough planning time, now was "get ready" time.

Karl got up, following in Sapnap's steps and went to knock on the bathroom door. Usually he would have just yelled over what needed to be said but it was still a Sunday morning and everyone was still sleeping. And at that Nolan would have really come out of his way to murder him.

Right Nolan. The guy was their roomate, he was a friend of a Karl and also his coworker from the same YouTube Channel.
Hence why they accepted the collocation. He was just a tad younger than them but that didn't mean anything towards the group relationship. Obviously he was let aware of the two boy relationship, but not Sapnap special Hobby, aka crime fighting.

Now if they had the money to live alone why did they share an apartment with some other guy giving away their couple privacy too? Well the answer was quite simple : emotional attachment.

They lived here ever since college and back then they didn't necessarily have that sweet internet remuneration, so that's all they could afford. The apartment had two room so they searched for a roomate to help them pay the rent. Before Nolan came they had two other people living with them.

One was a blonde guy blue eye that came over to the capital to start afresh. He called himself Punz and him and Sapnap always clicked.
However a bad fight about Dream trying to steal his girlfriend – weird since he was litteraly making proposal plan back then but sure, like let the man be gay – of the time or whatever broke the whole group apart.

The two ex-friends lost communication, which saddened Karl because they really went well together.
But that's life, people come and go, they'll make mistakes but those mistakes will show you who they are, who they became, who they left behind to make room for tomorow. It's sad but that's life. Sometimes it slips away from our reach and we part. That's how it goes.

At least Sapnap had him and his real friends still.

Then they shared the apartment with a girl this time, Alyssa. She was majoring to become a vet one day. Unbeknownst to them she was also a good friend of Dream actually. It was so funny when she broke the news to them. She was super nice and respectful. They had nothing to say about her except nice thing. When she left it's because she finally found another collocation with her friends. They could only wish her well, and it does happen that from time to time they contact her to see how she's doing. In the end she did become a vet and offered them a free consultation if they ever needed one in exchange for their hospitality back then.

Finally it was Nolan, who still live with them and whom he has already introduce.

And as much as the apartment was a bit old it was really convenient. They had just the space they needed, a globally good neighborhood. The place was well connected to the city with buses and tramways. They had every convenience store nearby like a supermarket, a laundrywash, a bakery or a butcher.

So they never moved because they were pretty cozy here and they build their life here. Although he knows that at some point they're gonna move anyway. Poor Alex gonna be all alone if he hasn't leave by then.

« – Say, are you feeling down for some coffee? He asked through the closed door.

Inside he could hear the sink running, he didn't get a response for a moment he supposed Sapnap had to shut the water before responding back.

– Probably not, why?

– Because we won't have time for breakfast, we'll have to stop by the bakery on Mars Street, but if we want a coffee we gotta have it at home, as you know how your best dude is on coffee.

– Okay well I don't want one, do you? And don't call him that.

– You know I won't drink that.

– Okay then no big deal, we'll just leave a little early to get a treat at that bakery you like.

– Sounds good to me. I'm gonna get dressed then I'll need the bathroom so make it quick. »

He didn't wait for an answer before leaving the conversation. Instead he went to their room to get dressed just as he said he would. He might like hidding stuff from his boyfriend but that doesn't mean he's a liar either.

Since today was a celebration he decided he would put on his greatest outfit : a colorful hoodie with the most basic light blue jeans and black converse. – And socks obviously, so he could keep on kissing the homie in a non hom*osexual way –

Just as a still slightly grumpy Sapnap came in the room, a much more joyful Karl was leaving the room. To cheer his boyfriend up, he gave him a kiss and left for the bathroom while Sapnap in turn got dressed.

Once everyone was sat in the car, having double checked they weren't missing anything and were ready to go Sapnap started the engine heading for Dream and George's house while keeping in mind to go left at the end of Independence avenue so they could stop at that bakery on Mars Street.

Seeing as it was a Sunday morning there wasn't much people on the road, which made it easier for them. At least they didn't have to worry about traffic slowing them down.

By the time they reached the bakery it was 9:11 A.M, when they went inside it was 9:12 A.M meaning they had eighteen minutes left before their little gathering. They still had seven minutes left to drive in order to reach the rest of their friends group. Thus they couldn't spend more than eleven minutes inside the bakery. In Karl's mind he was sure it would do. Well that wasn't counting on the line of people waiting to be served at the counter inside.

Sapnap groaned, deciding meanwhile being stuck in the line, he would catch up on all the internet time he lost this morning.

« – You got us in this mess, you're paying Karl.

– Yeah, yeah. » He admitted defeat while also getting his wallet out of his pocket.

He double checked the line again, as well as trying to take a peek at what they had left or what was coming. All that investigation lead him to a single realization :

They were so gonna be late, but at least he'd get his freshly baked triple chocolate cookie.

Chapter 5: Chapter Four

Chapter Text

« – We should probably get up. George said as the end credit of the episode started rolling in.

– Guess we do. What time is it now?

– Hold on... It's 9:17 we got six minutes before Bad come Knocking on our door.

– Why is he always so early anyway. Is he scared we're gonna die or something.

– Maybe, what do I know. I don't have mind reading powers.

– Believe it or not but that's a good thing. I don't think I could marry someone like that. Or just well live with them. Because like, I wouldn't automatically hate them either, everyone deserves a chance you know?

– You're so weird. What would you do then? Make them live in the garage and talk virtually through Discord?

– Why not? That's how I made most of my friends.

– Yeah but that's not how you met the most important person of your life.

– You're right. I met her after she pushed me out... He got abruptly cut off by a pissed off George.

– Don't you even dare finish that sentence... I was talking about me idiot.

– Oh really? Well maybe next time give me a factual clue. The taller teased.

– You know a divorce is only one swift of the wrist away so don't push your luck too far mister. George got up from the couch, going to stand in front of Dream and putting an accusatory finger in his face.

– Alright, Alright. How could I ever upset my lovely bride. »

Dream chuckled softly, before also getting up. He put his arms around George's shoulder putting the man's back to his chest, kissing the top of his head. All he got in response was a scoff and a roll of the other's eyes. Wow so disrespectful considering he just openly admitted his fondest and dearest love to him.

« – Instead of spitting out nonsense go in the kitchen and prepare the arrival of our guests. Could you please put drink on the island. And obviously get six glasses out of the cupboard, also placed on the island along with the drinks. »

After years of living together George had learned a thing or two. For example he would get nothing done out of Dream if he didn't ask "politely enough", which he thinks is dumb because they're married already, they owe each other domestic favors anyway!
He's pretty sure a random stranger would have found his way of asking things polite enough to execute. Did that mean he owed more polite manners to his husband than a total stranger? Well, he worded that wrong, but still, he believed Dream was absolutely idiotic. Dream knew him, so he knew George didn't, like, despise him!

Another thing George learned the hard way is that you got to be as precise as possible with the instructions you gave Dream or else he could totally screw you over, and in the end you'd be the one ending up doing all the work. Therefore there would have been no point in asking in the first place. That's also pretty stupid. But still, he loved the man.

« – Why should I be doing all the work, I'm not your butler.

Never mind, he hates him.

– Do you know where to find the files? Or how to read the statistics correctly and find a way to fix them if needed? George's sass was evident in his voice, confident in the point he just made. And he was right because Dream shamefully looked at the carpet on the floor before looking back up with a sly smile.

– Fine you win. What drinks did you have in mind?

– Let's put the alcohol aside it's too early in the morning for that.

– One would disagree, but trust me I wasn't going to even consider it. We need everyone operational today. And let's be real for a second so don't even try to deny the fact that one drink is enough to screw you over already.

– Not the point Clay. Anyway just put on the ordinary juice like apple juice, orange juice and that gross stuff Sapnap likes. What is it again? Carbonized melon water or something...

– Honey, I can assure no one drinks Carbone. I expected you of all people to know that.

– My machines drink Carbone. Or well they need so much it nearly looks as if they consumed it... But back to our guests. Just please get Juices, sodas and cold water out of the fridge. Thanks, love you.

– No problem. » Dream said watching the other walking away.

George had kissed Dream goodbye after his little rant, then ran off his lab in order to boot up his computer and load his files. It's not much but that drive was so full it could take time to sort everything out. Thankfully he knew where to search. And let's not forget about his little secret project. It just needed one last minute check up again. He wanted to make sure it was perfect, it had to be! Otherwise it was worth nothing anymore, and that meant so much effort thrown away for nothing.

However the fun part isn't reading lines of code, correlated maths equations or complicated chemical formulas, nope, the fun part was accessing the lab.

It was located beneath the house to make sure it was well hidden. It was around the size of two master bedroom. There was two ways to get into it. The main entrance located in the couple's shared office -which could also be compared to a drawing room- or the emergency entrance hidden in a closet in the downstairs hallway. It was much less practical to access hence why it was the emergency one.

To ensure security the door of their office was always locked. The only way to open it was with digital reconnaissance. Each member of the DreamTeam and their lover had their fingerprints memorized by the small undetectable device on the crease of the golden door handle.
The door of the room was also not made of wood but straight up titanium disguised as wood. Sure they could have gone bigger but they thought it was already safe enough to settle for titanium and not iridium for example.

Once you'd get inside the room all you would see is a fancy room with a luxurious crème colored carpet on the polished wooden floor. The walls were painted a Bordeaux color by the previous owners making the room look extravagant as well as intimidating. The walls on the right and the left were each decorated with imposing library shelves and one singular mural light that imitated an old burning torch.
At the back of the room was an elegant desk carved out of oak wood from the nineteenth century. It had belonged to Dream's great grandfather, who then left it to his daughter after his passing in 1927, then it was passed on to his mother, but the grieving woman couldn't handle the memories it brought back and decided to pass it on to her son believing he needed a good desk for his streaming occupation. – She was still in denial her son did internet for a living – However Dream didn't want to use a literal piece of history as his streaming desk, and thought about bigger plan for that furniture, George as much as he didn't get much say in it seeing it wasn't his heirloom, definitely agreed with this decision.
Now, sure maybe old people from the nineteen hundred wouldn't have liked their belonging passed on to gay people but, still, Dream was family. Plus it showed the family had learned to follow the morals of its time period and evolve for the best.

To match with the antique desk they had bought a velvety cautioned baroque chair, and a random green lamp they had found in an apothecary on a trip one day. And adding to the unique lightning they paired the desk with, they also made an effort to do something special in the loving memory of the deceased it had once belonged to. Therefore they always had fresh flowers put in a beautiful vase on the desk. Both the pottery and the flowers were chosen by Dream's very own mother so she could accord everything to her late mother's liking. Plus it all made the room smell good...

As much as it was impressive to see the time period changing from one room to another they weren't going to settle for quills or parchment to work, so they had to also put a computer on there. A MacBook to be more precise, because the latest product of scientific digital modernity contrasted so well with the romantic ambiance of the room. But also seeing how George was left handed they had got a super connected Bluetooth mouse. Ah, and they also needed a conventional modern printer which didn't leave ink stains everywhere with it's first impression being the Holy Bible. As well as an electric kettle in case they were thirsty or something. And lastly some premade plastic-wrapped goods bought from your local grocery store, because you could never work on an empty stomach.

But most importantly they needed a secret laboratory. And so they decided to put the entrance right here in this old red chamber. In order to reach the lab, you'd have to go to the white thermostat in the room and click on the "minus" button three times and confirm it by clicking once on the "plus" symbol.
Then all you had to do was wait for bookshelf number three on the opposite wall to put itself in the ground in order to reveal an unlocked opening in the wall.
Once this was done, you had to cross the room, then walk through said opening and march into the three meters long corridor inside the wall.
Thanks to the movement detectors the shelf would put itself back up again and the wall would close itself at once.

The path was lit by neon blue light which actually contained flows of Dream's electricity inside. It was much more convenient to use his husband's electric power because they held just the amount they needed without being overly expensive or borderline dangerous.

Back to the secret path again, all those steps wouldn't get you inside the lab yet, they would only get you through the very last one, aka, the direct opening of the laboratory.
This one worked with a code, digital recognition, facial recognition, vocal recognition and eye recognition, just to make sure someone who had stolen your identity couldn't try and get in. I
Eh, it worked in Brian De Palma's Mission Impossible movie. But they were one step ahead of the CIA because they didn't have vents opening going through the room anyway.

(Quick break from the author, basically if you didn't get it I am referring to the very first Mission : Impossible movie from Brian De Palma with Tom Cruise starring as the main role; Ethan Hunt. And basically a huge part of the movie is where his team breaks into the CIA head quarter to seal something from a room who basically have all the security I listed above but as well as lasers, noise triggering detection and room temperature detection too and their only way to get inside the room is using the vent opening on the ceiling which is protected with lasers.)

But anyway, When you had successfully opened the massive metallic door, you'd be face to face with a set of stairs and an elevator. – You could never be cautious enough.

Now only once, and only then, you have gone through either one entirely would you be granted with the automatic, yet metallic and anti-radiation, doors of George's secret laboratory and the DreamTeam official Headquarters.

Congratulations! But it wasn't that big of a deal honestly. George did all that, like, literally everyday anyway. And that's exactly what he just did actually. Yet no one ever praised him for doing so. Or making it so either??? – Which is a total lie because Dream would never let a single day go by without telling George how amazing he finds him and how much he adores him – But whatever, he didn't need the praise, the human race wasn't ready for him anyway.

If you needed to picture George's work space think of all those sci-fi movies, like Iron man where the screen is floating, light blue and touchscreen. This isn't one of George's inventions though, it's a pretty common thing nowadays in the scientific and technological community but it is only accessible to professional and certified scientists laboratory or association. And lucky enough George was a certified scientist so he bought himself one for his Personal use with his hard won money. – The DSMP Corp. Was in fact offering their employees a discount for a very specific brand of those digital screens, but he didn't like to brag about that part –

Sat against his black comfortable office chair George started to look for all the files he needed. Once he had all of them set up before him he started to read through all of them. To make sure everything was going smoothly he checked and compared every single piece of information to their original blue print which were sprawled before him on the huge desk which took the whole length of half the wall. He needed space alright? He was a bit messy so he had got to have something adequate to his way to work in the most efficient way possible.

When everything was all settled down and deemed perfect George hid the files off of the screen, replacing them by the files of their older suits with their original drawing plans and statistics.

Happy with his masterwork George left out a sigh and pushed himself away from the desk, rolling away on his little chair. Looking at his wrist he had less than one minutes before their friends were meant to be coming in. Guess Bad really did stick to the designated hour this time. That's improvement right there and George was to say the least impressed.

Now he could use his last minute and a half to check up on Dream's work and make sure he looked presentable enough. Or maybe not, Dream was a capable grown adult and he was stunning so he guesses he'll just have to get up and be ready to greet their guest in when they arrive.

Standing up with the strength of both his arms pushing him out of the chair from their place on the arm rest, George got out and stretched one last time. It was the last time you'd get him up at five something A.M on a weekend.

He looked around the room one last time doing so, trying to get down from the dizziness tiredness would give you. He noticed that the little set up they had so the group could rest was a bit messy. That couldn't do if they were going to have people around today. Look like he figure out what he would do of his last minute and twenty second left.

He crossed the room to reach the small wooden coffee table with an unpronounceable name bought from Ikea, and the large L-shaped grey sofa they had set in the room. He straightened the table's position, grabbed the dirty dishes, neatly put in a pile all the books and magazine on the center of the table, he powered the blue lava lamp on the corner of the couch and rearranged the cautions. They had bought them separately from the couch so it could march everyone. Sapnap had a red and an orange one, Bad had a deep red and a black one and Dream had a neon one as well as a light blue one. George scoffed as he put the two blue and green pillows together. It was such a silly color mix, Dream didn't even have any blue in his costume! Why did he ever marry such a weirdo.

Satisfied with his work George stood back and headed for the door of the lab again. But for real this time.

When he reached the kitchen, Dream came to his aid by grabbing half of the glass in ends to shove them in the dishwasher, George shoving in the rest of it in hands. Dream closed the machine behind him and the couple just stared at each other. George just smiled with curious eyes and Dream kissed him.

« – Good work idiot. And you thought about snacks too? Impressive. George said looking behind Dream at the set up the man made on the kitchen island.

– Why thank you my love. » Dream looked behind him once to understand the situation before smiling playfully, going along with the brunet's scenario. But he hadn't forgotten the one he played earlier too, about George being is "lovely bride" and "the most important person in his life".

George scoffed, hitting him in the chest before turning his back to him to access the sink once on both of their left.
Dream just stood there, chuckling. It something he noticed in his lover, whenever he would be done with the dishwasher he would straight up clean his hands like he had dealt with someone contaminated with the plague. It was a bit odd, and maybe a little funny, but that's what made Dream's boy so unique.

Because yeah, if you ever doubted it, that boy was his, forever and ever.

But he was cut short in his possessive reverie by the sound of knocking on their door. Dream looked at George to see if he was ready, and he turned around to see him putting down a kitchen towels down which he used to dry his hands. They stared one last time before George nodded, urging them to answer the door.

Chapter 6: Chapter Five

Chapter Text

« – Oh my gosh, Zak Behave a little! The brunet said turning over to judgementally stare at his raven haired boyfriend.

– I litteraly am, what do you mean! The other defended himself, his arms flying to the air for dramatic effect.

– Well you could at least try and look like you're being held against your will!

– I kinda am anyway. I'd rather be home. Couldn't you guys just celebrate your super awesome anniversary on your own, in your respective private circle or something?

– What! No, we're a team! Plus we said that we'd took the opportunity to announce... » However he was abruptly cut off in his annoyed rant by the sound of footsteps behind the door and the rattling of the door handle.

When the door opened he straightened up, turning right back to greet his friend with a smiling face. In all honesty it was pretty scary for Skeppy to witness how quickly Bad could just change his mood and facial expression like that.

While basking in his own confusion and concern he completly blocked out the short and formally polite discussion taking place next to him. He came back to his senses, only after getting "subtly" elbowed in the side by Bad.

He furrowed his brows muttering a small aw. When he looked back up he was met with a contorted smile and eyes that were either pleading for him to not embarrass them or yelling at him for borderline having embarrassed them already. He could have chosen to just mature up and do the right thing but instead he only stared right back in a challenging way. And if it had just been the two of them he probably would have stuck his tongue out too in the childish way he knew Bad loved and hated at the same time.

But instead after losing an eternal battle of will – which truly had only lasted an awkwardly long two seconds – he finally gave his attention to their hosts and friends.

He greeted them a simple “Hi.” then, silence. No one had answered yet. He tensed up quickly realizing he had no idea what he was supposed to say or do.

Out of the corner of his eyes he could see Bad pinching his nose and rubbing his closed eyes in disapproval. Well now he feels terrible.

In font of him Dream and George just shared a look before they burst out laughing.

What the f*ck? What could they have possibly said that responding "hi" would have made the situation so hilarious.

« – Oh poor little Skeppy you'll never change will ya? George mocked in a high pitch baby voice.
He hates when he does that. For some reason ever since he figured out his username was Skeppy he just couldn't let go of it, and he has no idea what is so funny about it, it's just a word! But George had made his life goal to constantly mock him by calling him by his internet name in a silly little voice. He found that old joke so funny when truthfully, it just isn't!
But whatever, he was better then that so he would not stoop as low as George's level and will simply not react at all. Plus, he didn't want to get his ass kicked by either Dream or Bad for saying something undesirable. Therefore, he alternatively decided to just stared at the man with flushed cheeks of a red colored embarrassment.

– We asked you how you were man. Dream eventually admitted. I guess the timing wasn't ideal, what got you so worked up anyway?

– Nothing. I'm fine, you? He quickly glanced at Bad to see he seemed somewhat satisfied with his answer but he knew he could do better. Truth to be told, Skeppy also knew that, and maybe he should have done a bit better, if just to make him proud.

– Yeah, We're good thanks. Why don't you guys just come on in?

– Oh yes, that would be lovely! » Dream opened the door wider moving to the side inviting them over. George just smiled going to stand beside the taller man, placing his right hand on the other's left shoulder.

The comparison was quite funny. Dream had broad shoulder that had the capacity to just make George's hand look smalls. That could work in Skeppy's way, now he has something to bite back if he gets one more snarky comment.

To be fair he always had something back to say but he never quite found anything that would make his teeth sink deeper in, letting his venom spill and infect the other's vein.

Okay, maybe that was a bit much. It was just playful bickering after all...

Once they stepped in the familiar home, they were led to the fine – actually messy – dark grey and white kitchen of the house. They didn't make the kitchen that way, the previous owners did, they just went with the marble themed colors to make it look nice and homey. And maybe somewhat expensive but if you asked them, it wasn't their fault it looked like that. You'd have got to blame that old retired rich couple for their gourmet taste.

On the kitchen island drinks and snacks were set up as well as six empty glasses. In a cyan plate he could see chocolate covered waffles crackers, in a blue one ladyfinger, in a white one some cigarettes cookie and finally in a black bowl some peanuts. Why? He had no idea. Maybe their rituals was to have peanuts for breakfast. Weird but sure, why not?
As for the drinks it was somewhat better, there was apple juice, orange juice, a weird pale green carton he had no idea what was inside of, and finally water.

He watched as Dream and George took a seat next to each other on the right side of the counter while he sat next to his own partner, both of them now being on the opposite of the others.

When everyone was seated, they just went over the formalities; do you want something to drink, to eat, can I serve you anything? Etc, etc...

Obviously at first you're like "No thank you" but they insist and you're like "Well okay then" because you're actually either starving or thirsty, if not both at once. And today they didn't make exception to the rules.

Bad had a water, while Skeppy had a chocolate covered waffle cracker thingy. Dream had poured everyone's drink including his own and his husband's.

Since there still two vacant seats left, they just started a random dialogue all together. Something about the weather, then random local news, and finally they just went somewhere Skeppy found himself interested in, they started talking buiseness.

Okay, maybe it was a strong way to put it, because in fact they were just discussing videos ideas, feedbacks, old projects, new projects, upcoming uploads, exchanging opinions etc... but still it was their literal job, so it was buiseness technically speaking. And they had managers and companies and professional emails and stuff so yeah... Buiseness.

Plus there was also another bright side to this whole ordeal : it was the fact George could not participate in the discussion. Most of the time he partook in conversations but in this one having studied codes or engineering could not help you. So he just sat this one out listening with a smile on his face, chipping in maybe once or twice if he could. And to Skeppy that was witnessing sweet, sweet defeat. He was basking in his, ephemeral, victory.

However right in the middle of discussing manhunt strategy, and what torments to do next to some random hundred kids, a knocked on the door could be heard.

« – I can't believe the line back there. Why was there so much people on a Sunday morning! That doesn't make sense at all!

– Well, we were one of those people so perhaps it does makes sense.

– But we have an excuse.

– Don't we all? Sapnap said tiredly while slamming the car door shut.

– You're not helping. » Karl said defiantly.

Sapnap just stared at him with tired eyes, the bags under them somehow becoming even more prominent now. Heck, he's pretty sure that line back there in the bakery took like, fifteen years off of his lifespan.

Karl stared back with curious, yet concerned, eyes. Usually by now Sapnap would have bit back with some swear words or bitchy comment like "It's my literal job but sure, loser." But instead he just sighed and hit his head back against the head rest of his seat.

« – Sorry, didn't know I was supposed to. » His voice had venom in it, and the sarcasm alike to the most deadly acid element.

Now, usually Karl would have smacked him in the arm and pretend to be offended but right now he was far too concerned as to why his boyfriend looked like a drained out single father of two, who works overtime to make the minimum amount of money to payback his failed college debt while still having to provide for his family, and drink booze every night to forget his miserable life.

Wait did that made any sense? It did in his head so it must have.

« – Are you sure you're okay?

– I don't know. I might just be cranky because I haven't eaten yet. Or I woke early on a Sunday morning. Or it could be the fact I woke up early on a Sunday morning with a pillow to my face and I haven't eaten since Saturday night. But really, I don't know so...

– Wow, okay then. Here, have your stupid chocolate croissant marbré. Karl then shoved the paper bag with the sweet inside in Sapnap's hand.

– Oh, and please don't pretend like I didn't hear you wake up at three A.M last night. Karl added on. You and I both know toilet paper doesn't make fretting plastic wrappings noises.

– f*ck you. He retorted with a mouth full of pastry already.

Karl rolled his eyes, grossed out by the sight before him. «Rude» He muttered under his breath before taking a bite of his baked good too.

It took Sapnap around a full minute before he had devoured that croissant. Once it was done, he turned on the engine, released the parking brake and hit the brake.

In the meantime Karl kept on munching his food above the bag it came from, being careful not to let any crumbs fall into his boyfriend's precious baby. He swears to everything ever deity that he might just hate that stupid car.

However it was still Sapnap's driving skill in that stupid car that would get them to their friends house in a jiffy, all safe and sane.

« – Ouch, don't swerve so hard! »

Or maybe not.

« – Right, You know I actually saw that one on reddit and thought "you know what? I should give it a try it doesn't look too difficult" and honestly that was plenty, best content I might have ever upload so far...

George smiled amused by his husband discourse. It was quite funny how absorbed he was by all this "minecraft manhunt" thing. He watched every premiere with him. They would seat together on the sofa, YouTube playing on the TV and he would watch and listen as Dream analyzed every bit of his own video. But he wasn't gonna complain because Dream was passionate, and if that made him happy, then he was happy. After all the ups and many downs life gave them, they deserved their peace and happiness too. Even if that meant living a triple life : being a husband, friend, son and brother; A famous internet personality and a renowned super hero all at once. It was quite impressive, too bad Dream couldn't see it through his perspective.

He guessed he must have been melodramatic too hard because all that thinking woke up a new found thirst in him. He reached across the counter for the apple juice and poured himself a fair amount in his glass. Once he had drunk all of the liquid in one shot, he set the glass back down. He did try and catch up with the conversation again but he was fighting a losing battle. Instead he decided to keep on losing himself in his own thoughts. His minds might have been busy but his body was not, so to distract himself and concentrate harder he started playing with the empty glass before him. He had put his index finger on the rim of it and spun it around on the marble counter in a twenty five rotation degree.

Yet while in the middle of his fun little game he heard the sound of the door knocking. He abruptly sat the glass back down and looked up a lost expression on his face. Everyone around him had seemingly done the same thing, having cut short their conversations and looking at each other silently asking who was gonna get the door.

A share glanced with Dream later and George stood up to excuse himself to the door.

As he crossed the hallway he checked for the time on his wristwatch; 9:43 A.M. Eh, not too bad, they broke a record on that one, less than fifteen minute late. Last time they were eighteen minutes behind the settled time of the hang out, so there definitely was progress here.

Opening wide the wooden door of their house, he was met with the apologetic smile of his friend face, and a not so apologetic one.

« – Wow stinknap, how did you even manage to look even worse than usual? George mocked with a vicious smile, leaning all of his body weight on the door frame.

– Oh f*ck you. Sapnap answered shoving him on his way in.

Karl just stood there and watched the whole scene play out before him, feeling a bit powerless here. Looking back at George he shot him a "sorry" smile, George just look back at him laughing, before gesturing him to come in too.

Karl let out a sigh of relief, and made his way in. Once he was in George closed the door behind him. However Karl didn't make his way towards the kitchen. It wasn't that he feared he'd lost his way, oh no, by all means he knew that house by heart. He just wanted to have a nice friendly chat with George. You know, prove they still had some manner. That was the like the least you could do when someone invited you over.

« – So how have you been doing ?

– Good, good. Yeah, about you? Did you guys fought of something to get him all moody like that?

– Nope, no fight at all, not even with Alex. I don't know honestly, he just woke up like that, he just isn't a morning person. But yeah, we've been doing okay.

– That's great! Bad and Zak are already here, obviously... But I was thinking maybe we can join them in the kitchen beforehand, let them help get Pissynap to calm down first, then we'll go down to the lab.

– Sure, your house your rule.

– Oh don't say that before Clay, he's gonna lecture you on how "immature I am" and that "I am no good at keeping a house". Can you believe that! George said outraged.

– Honestly, yes. Karl admitted. But no hard feeling man. George just gave him a defeated look, and went on.

– Okay then... Well everything is ready anyway, I did one last check and, yep we're good to go. You didn't let anything spill right?

– Nope, nothing at all. I was so good that Sapnap doesn't even have a clue something's been brewing behind his back.

– Would you talk louder will you? George said horrified, looking back at the kitchen entrance to make sure no one was getting suspicious. But good, I'm glad to see you didn't at least betray my trust.

– Of course are you kidding me? »

The sassy glance he got back in return told him everything. Karl just shook his head in disapproval and went to the kitchen, followed by George once the man had locked the front door.

When Karl reached the kitchen, he glanced inside before spotting an empty seat beside his boyfriend. The man looked less beaten up by life than he did before coming in,.which was good. So Karl went and sat there content with the situation.

Almost the second he had sat down and greeted everyone, George came in and placed himself next to Dream. Said man then went on to ask him if he desired anything to drink, or to help himself if he was hungry. He responded he'd gladly have orange juice, but explained they were full having just stopped at the bakery a block down.

Almost ten minutes passed of just chatting, and reminiscing the past and all of the memories they made during last year on the job.

It took fifteen minutes for the conversation to die down and shift somewhere profitable for Bad to spoke up. He straighten up his posture, showing he was asking for everyone attention as he was about to speak on a serious matter.

« – Speaking of which, me and Zak have something we'd like to tell you guys...

– Oh god, they're finally breaking up. Karl joked.

– About time, that Zak guy was insufferable. Sapnap added on.

– What! I'm right here! Skeppy tried to defend himself indignantly.

– No, we're not breaking up, what his wrong with you guys!

– You know what, too bad.

– Very funny Dream. Zak said.

– Let me talk you guys! Bad finally snapped.

– Sorry, sorry, we're listening don't worry.

– Thank you! Anyway, Skeppy and I, we wanted to tell you that...

Karl leaned in to Sapnap's ear and whispered : « Imagine if they're having a baby or something? Poor kid would beg to stay fatherless. » When Sapnap burst out laughing in the middle of Bad's very important confession, he concidered you couldn't be mad at him for doing so. That was good joke, anyone else would have lost it in his place. However a couple dirty look later and he was back with everyone else.

– Sorry, please continue Bad.

– Anyway, as I was saying... We're getting married. Bad said enthusiastically.

– Yeah, no, we're engaged, we haven't even started planning yet Bad. Skeppy quickly cut through the silence while it lasted.

– But isn't that exciting! » Bad clapped his hands, stood up, and looked back at all his friends. All he got was agape mouths, blown wide eyes and an ever lasting silence.

Chapter 7: Chapter Six

Chapter Text

« – Hold on, you guys are what?

– We're engaged! Zak proposed Tuesday on our anniversary. Bad said enthusiastically.

– That's great Bad! Oh my god, congratulations you guys! » George got up, hands to his mouth to cover his shock. Following in his league, Karl stood up too and went to congratulate the newly fiancés in a hug. Then Dream followed suit, stuttering now rendered speechless but a wild smile on his face.

However, Sapnap had no idea how he should have been feeling at the moment, processing every aspect and form of the situation. It isn't that he wasn't happy for them, he truly was, but he simply did not know how to take the news. It was so sudden too... Perhaps he just wasn't awake enough for this.

Finally he overcame the wave of surprise and paralysis that had taken over him and smiled at the couple, uttering words of disbelief and joyfull wishes.

« – Wait, but it wasn't you guys anniversary last Tuesday. It isn't even for a whole two month yet! Dream mentionned, cuting through the silence.

– Well that's the date of the day we officially started dating, but last Tuesday was the anniversary of our first date ever! I thought it was important to celebrate it because it's that one thing that lead to another. Isn't that just wonderfull ! The long haired brunet answered cheerfully.

– Oh wow, okay then. Dream said taken aback. You guys kept track of that? He then asked somewhat amazed.

– Yeah, why? Bad honeslty didn't know where the question was coming from, innocently he thought it was common occurence in couple.

– No, nothing man, that's impressive. I don't think I even know when our first date was, do you George?

– What? I was counting on you to do the tracking. At the question the brunet eyes went wide, he really had no idea. He believes it might have been a random day in the beginning of March.

– That was a real stupid decision, and you don't even need to marry the guy to know that. A certain someone in a cap chipped in to tease his best friend.

– Shut up Sapnap, I bet you don't even know when you took Karl out. Dream defended himself.

– Obviously he wouldn't, I'm the one who asked first. Karl was surprised they didn't know, but on one hand he knew Sapnap's pride would have never let him live it down.

With this statement Dream burst out laughing uncontrollably, doubling overhimself as his stomach started to ache. And in his demise he had no one to knock sense into him as George did just that, tears reaching his eyes. The only sympathy Sapnap got from his friend was from Bad who stared at him with big round eyes of stupor. Well "sympathy" that is if you were to ignore the chuckling raven boy behind him.

Sapnap was red in the face, eyes darting back and forth to everyone in the room as his time was running out if he were to ever find a solution out of this. But he soon came to realize he had nothing to say to defend himself at that moment; all he could do was either dwell in shame and his own embarassment, or find an equally as humiliating comeback.

– Oh shut up... » Ah, well guess he went with the first option afterall. And you could not judge him about it because the only ways he had out of it were all as pathetic. He just went and tried to lessen the damages caused to his wounden pride.

« – It's okay sappy-nappy we still love you. Afterall there's plenty of things you're good at. George teased.

– Except being the man of the relationship. Dream jokingly said under his breath.

– Dream! That's not very nice. Bad scolded.

–Yeah Dream, don't be a dick to my boyfriend. I worked very hard to get it. Karl mocked. And sure, Sapnap loved the man, but right now he might have just hated him.

– Wait, that's so funny you guys are like the babies of the group now.

– What do you mean?

– Well Dream and I went up to the ultimate step of every relationship.

– No that's divorce.

– Karl, that makes no sense, that's like the worst thing that could happen ever in a relationship, are you being serious right now?

– Yeah, no I'm not.

– So anyway on a scale of relationship milestones, Dream and I are at the top, obviously because we're the best. "We are" Dream added on, with the fondest smile. George continued in his impeccable logic : Bad and Skeppy are reaching for the high end and you guys are like, in the middle ground.

– Sure, whatever you want buddy. Sapnap said incredulously.

– Wait, that's actually kinda true Sapnap. Karl added on grabbing his boyfriend by the shoulder and staring at him with doe eyes, defending his brunet friend.

– No it's not, it's bullsh*t.

– Language! Bad gasped.

– No way, I can't believe you're gonna marry a guy who's hobbies are trapping kids and acting like a kid himself all while you're being that super peaceful and mature guy.

– I'm not like that. And Skeppy isn't either! Bad uphold with a small "yeah!" of support coming from behind him.

– You totally are Bad. Like the both of you actually.

– Okay, let's leave it that, I feel we had enough brutal revelations for today. Right Sap' ? Dream tried and ease everyone minds, before the tension became too much.

The formulation made George and Karl share a laugh because clearly, they had not seen everything yet. Today had an even bigger surprise planned for them : brand new costumes with super cool designs and amazing updates.
But on the other hand Sapnap was definitely not laughing, today was just not his day.

– Yeah you're right Dream, how about we all head down to the lab, get those check ups going then we'll go grab lunch together and cheer for you guys union yeah? George said, grabbing Dream left arm and smiling invitingly at everyone else.

– That's sounds lovely yeah.

– I could use a drink actually, today is sh... Sapnap stopped himself midway feeling the disaproving gaze of Bad's on him. Today is CRAP already. He hesitantly settled on the words.

– Yeah but just one drink right. We wanna be on our best behavior though. Dream explained, looking out for the group.

– Of course dude, I wasn't planning on getting black out drunk either don't worry man. Reassured his best friend.

– Okay... that's good.

Eventually they "high fived" it up and left it at that. Dream loved their friendship, it meant the world to him. You had no idea what it meant for him to be able to celebrate with all of them together today. This moment would be bigger than any of them and that's for sure.

– Let's head down then, shall we? » George proposed with a head tilt.

A series of security requirements later and they were all down inside George's underground laboratory which was also the heroes Head Quarter.

George was on his computer running numbers and percentages as Dream, Sapnap and Bad stood in the middle of his work space analysis getting run on, them meanwhile Skeppy and Karl were comfortably sat in neon light blue egg chair.

« – Looks good to me, now could you guys hand me your costumes transformation pieces please? » The scientist asked his eyes momentarily leaving the screen he was previously working from.

That's right, in comics you'd see the hero wearing their costume under their everyday clothes like spiderman or superman, but that was stupid. Not only was it not hygienic at all, but it could also completely ruin the whole "secret identity" part too. And like, that got to be uncomfortable as heck right? Plus they couldn't even choose to wear what they liked, always long "practical" clothes.

But anyway, he had found a solution to that problem. Instead of having to take all those unnecessary precautions, George had worked a way to make the costumes stay lodged in one article, only being able to be activated by their users and creator only. And if you were to ask "but how?", well please just don't because they were literally living in a world where some people were granted magical powers. And no one ever asked how because that was magic. No one knew where it came from and that was it. So yeah, that's actually how he did it, magic. And that was it.

Dream costume had been put in a ring since he loved those jewels so much. The design was simple, it was a plain golden band with the word "hope" engraved in it. It worked with digital recognozition, all the system powering the device were hidden within the gold. Fun fact gold was a really good electricity conductor, but it was too precious to be used as so. - And rightfully expensive too -
Also, truth to be told it had been George's favorite design because it was litteraly the easiest he had to do and put together.

Sapnap had a woven black, red and orange with some white stripes bracelet. It activated itself when Sapnap tightened it around his wrist.
The thin yarn used for the bracelet was nothing more but a cover for the microscopic copper wires composing the crafted jewelry. Said wires powered the motherboard hidden in the knot. But why was this relevant? Because the motherboard had memorized the exact registered size of Sapnap's wrist to ensure only him could use it and when it had to activate the super suit. And if Sapnap ever had an injury like a surgery, a cast or something like that then it would be a simple operation to readjust it later on.

As for Bad he just had a hidden button on the left branch of his glasses. Yeah that's it. But trust him it had been a real pain to make, even harder than Sapnap's. Do you have any idea how difficult it had been to get materials as thin, or how hard it was to manipulate them. One small mistake and he could break the components in half, losing hundreds of dollars for nothing.
Right, because that's stuff wasn't cheap either. Thankfully he managed to get his workplace to pay all of it for him, making it look as if it had been a command so he could work on his lastest approved project at the company.

Now surely you would say : but what if they lose it? Or it get stolen, worse broken? All of those objects aren't necessarily safe. Why, yes they were thank you very much. George had made them to be as if they had been glued to the heroes skin. The only people who could ever get them off were the one they had been made for.

But back to present time, George had asked of them to retrieve those for him.

« – Would it not be easier to just transform and then run some more scanners though?

– Well, I already did that. But I just want to make sure everything is hundred percent a-okay. A yearly thorough check up can only do you guys good trust me. We can't even risk a zero point something percent deficiency rate.

– Fine, you're the boss. » Sapnap said, going to losen his bracelet from his wrists.

Once George had collected all three of them, he dropped them on a white translucid glass board. When the device detected weight it turned on and started analyzing what had been put on it. Then after it was done, it transmitted the results directly to George's screen automatically. From there George was able to acess to the source of the costumes. If he wanted to he could change whatever he wanted :

He didn't like the color? That could be arranged. Someone wanted to add some accessories? No problem at all. There was a measurement correction to be done? He could just fix that right now.

Truly every possibility his mind was capable to imagine to alter the costumes, it could be done from there. However some time it would require that George would have to upload new data files to the sources, completely erasing their previous datas. Nonetheless, that was no problem at all because that's exaclty what he was about to do. He just needed to be smooth about it.

« – See guys, I told you so, I don't like what I'm seeing right now.

- How come? Is there something wrong. Dream asked worriedly.

- Yep, but it's nothing major, I'm gonna fix you that in no time don't worry. »

Good now he had a good excuse to incorporate the files for the new costumes without it being suspicious.

« – I'm just gonna have to upload those backups files, might take a minute or so but then we should be all good. He expertly lied and explained.

– Okay then, work your magic. »

Therefore all the eyes in the room had now turned to the big blue horizontal line symbolizing the download speed progression. All of them were waiting silently in anticipation.
And damn, he should play the lottery because he was pretty good at that : the download had taken precisely sixty two second. No more no, no less.

George watched as the costume's codes changed for the new one he had recently made. It took maybe three seconds then it was all set. When he was sure everything was good to go, he locked the files in and saved his work before handing back their costumes to their rightfull owner's.

« – Alright, we're good to go, try it on now. He said with a knowing smile. »

Chapter 8: Chapter Seven

Chapter Text

Upon hearing the words and watching George's gestuals the boys got a little suspicious. All three shared a knowing look without really knowing what was going on.

« – Well? We haven't got all day, chop chop. » George clapped his hands together once on each "chop" to accentuate his already bossy tone.

Nothing happened for another two whole seconds, but seeing the frustration growing on his husband face, Dream just shrugged, urging his friend to follow his lead into just transforming already.

Dream went first but got stopped by Sapnap. He shot the man a questioning look, confused by his behavior. Then Sapnap shot his eyes back down to his own hands, and Dream followed his gaze. Turned out Sapnap was doing a countdown so they would all do it together.

Dream nodded and watch the other repeat the same action to Bad. Once he had received confirmation from the other, he started the real countdown. He mouthed "on three" and silently spoke every number as he put a finger down.

When all his fingers went down they all activated their costumes together.

Dream put his left index on the ring of his left hand ring finger.
Sapnap quickly went to tie his bracelet tightly around his wrist.
And Bad just reached up to his glasses to click the power up button.

The process was quite fascinating to say the least. One of George's expertise domain was connecting technology to the mind. And it was basically how it worked.

Well, to be more precise, and yet not too much, once around the skin the small pieces he created would stuck to it's bearer's skin. No litteraly, they all had microscopic, painless, claws digging in the skin without tearing it so it could reach the blood and communicate with the body. Why? Simply because the blood in your system goes everywhere, including the brain.
And that's how he links the disguised magical gadgets to the mind. Oh and not to mention, your blood carried the magic within you, usually it is what George extracted it from.

And truly it is fascinating, you'd never imagine how much the smallest drop of your blood contain in term of magic.

But anyway.

Essentially, it was more responsive to the mind than your mind were to it. So once they got powered on, it litteraly took less than a second for the supersuit to get into action.

It would start forming from where it was activated, and spread all around the body until all of it is fully covered and protected.

George watched with a smug smile as they did so.

« – Ok we did it, now what?

– Well now you take a look in the mirror Sapnap. »

Although confused, the raven head obliged and took a look at himself in the big mirror covered wall on their left.

« – Oh what the f*ck. He muttered in stupefaction.

His costume had so definitely changed.

– Language! Bad scolded at him before turning to look at his own self.

– Wait, what the muffin ? That's why something felt different. »

Dream lost in the situation, turn to look at his friend, immediately noticing the change of appearance. He then got a glance of himself too, unintentionally.

« – What did you do? He asked his husband, somewhat in disbelief, somewhat skeptically.

– I upgraded your supersuit! It's like an anniversary gift, don't thank me. George answered with a proud grin. »

Sapnap's costume was a full-on black body suit, with a white short-sleeved shirt on top, a vibrant flame logo imprited on it. Then, he wore deep black cargo pants with two huge pockets on each leg, one on the thigh, one on the calf. Going all the way from the front of his left hip, to the back of it, hang a heavy but stylish silver chain. Truth to be told that was a weapon, it was kinda like wonder woman lasso of truth, but this time it's an expendable silver chain, able to resist any heat.
His shoes were those black and white cubics van Snickers. Simple, but they did the job. Well, those weren't vans. They just had the same design. They had been made by George's hand to be able to resist any material, and handle Sapnap's super speed, making them not only extra resistant, but also practical : for instance if Sapnap activated his full speed, the shoes would know and allow him to run on water if he had to. His hands were covered by fingerless gloves, that were of the styles boxing one would look like.
His black hair were tied with a white Bandana, somewhat ripped to add on some effect. And finally his face was hidden with a mask that imitated two flowing flames, that connected themselves to his nose. Underneath the mask, for extra security, there were permanent black face makeup splattered to style it all. But technically the mask was meant to be able to resist anything, no one except Sapnap could take it off. – If someone were to tear it, they'd just have to tear his face to at this point –

Bad went for a more simple style. Same as Sapnap, his body harbored a light black body suite, made off of George's special body-shock resistant tissue. However you could not see none of it for he had on a long cloak covering him. It was black, outlined with a crimson red color. Down on the middle, where the zipper would be, was sewn on a line in the same shade of red. And where Velcro would have been, where instead horizontal crimson lines. Bad hands were a deep grey, nearly black, and complemented with fake claws. – Really those were just tainted gothic rings – His face was the same color, his eyes were a glowing white, and two thing and expanded horn sprouted from the top of his hair, their roots hidden within the ruffle on his hair. This was his divine form. Half angel, half demon.
To his left hip a sword, purely there for design purposes, to his right a satchel.
And all around his hips, a thick and tight leather belt.
To his back a pointy tail, and two small cartoony looking, black wings floated in pure levitation. George added those upon Bad request, don't judge him, judge Bad.
Finally, to his feet, heavy combat boot.

As for Dream, George did a whole character design remake. As everyone else he has on a full on black suite. Strapped around his neck by a three small gold chain (to symbolizes the three of them), was a dark forest green cloack, the hood pull on around his head. On his chest a chest plate, thought to resemble the one a Minecraft netherite one would. On each of his shoulder, heavy shoulder pads, going up in spike like figures. On his elbow, the miniature reproduction of his chest plate. Same went for his knee and the front of his thighs.
However he still had on the black leather gloves, and the knee high leather boots.
Clamped around his forearm, two silvery craved bracelets meant to protect him.
To his back his favorite weapon of all time, Nightmare. It was a huge combat axe, but as Dream was a super hero kid look up too, he made some changes too.
For instance, now it only was a stick alike to a staff. And if Dream wanted to activate it to get his precious ace back, then all he had to do is click a small hidden button located where he usually would grip the axe from.
The double blades were purely technical but still dangerous and sharp. Trust him on that.
Going across his chest, right above the armor, was a leather straps were many potions or empty glass where put to assist Dream in his fighting.
Same as Bad, he had a belt tightly strapped on around his waist. As for the shoes, they were knee high laced leather boots designed to make the force of gravity much stronger on them to assure Dream's balance if he were to use his super strength on something extra big, like a building perhaps.

« – Holy... MUFFIN, that's actually so cool. Karl look at me! Am I hot or Am I hot? Sapnap enthusiastically exclaimed.

– Well, I'd say you look extra hot. He answered with a flirty tone.

– Yeah alright keep it in your pants because there will be no f*cking in my house. Dream said.

– Although, George! I have to say you really did outdid yourself. Dream went on, going to his husband and kissing him lovingly.

– “There will be no f*cking in my house” Yeah right, unless it's some foreigner twink ass.

– What. Excuse me?

– You're excused. Mocked Sapnap.

– Eh, don't be mad at us just because you're too broke to put a ring on it. Skeppy did so, what's your excuse?

– I'm gonna burn your ass to a crisp, don't try me.

– Okay, enough butt talking! Bad interfered angrily. How about we put those brand new toys to the test(odd wording won't you say?) t! What do you say George. He asked politely all of a sudden. It honestly was kinda scary how quickly his mood had changed from one emotion to the complete opposite in just a second.

– Why that is a wonderful idea, thank you Bad! Answered a bright red-in-the-face George. Come on boys let's get it going! He said cheerfully clicking the button on the control panel which would activate the training mode of the HQ.
Which itself meant that their usual lounge corner with the basketball hoop, the eight pool table, table football and arcade would set themselves below the surface as the previous platform they were once sat on as a ground would rotate to, in turn, give way for the platform were the training equipment.

Fifteen minute later and George, Karl and Skeppy were all comfortably sat on the lounge couch, back in the corner or the small designated space. All three of them had their eyes glued on their husband, boyfriend, friend or fiancé, watching them sweat as they were put through an intense phase of training.

Before you asked, no it was not psychological torture, it was necessary precautions. You can't send someone to go and risk their lives without proper protection.
Take the firemen for example, you wouldn't expect them to go extinguish a fire while butt-naked, right? Exactly, they had got to protect their body from the danger of the heat, the materials, the chemicals... Fun fact, George was the one who created the tissue used for their outfits – he had created a formula which had got him to build an invicible-like material – and until proven the contrary his invention was working perfectly fine.

« – How long until the phase of test is completed again? Asked Karl while resting his empty cup on the wooden coffee table by their feet.

– In just five minutes. Answered the brunet scientist once he had checked his watch.

– This is terrible. Argued Skeppy.

– No it's not. I mean a little bit yeah, but it's their every day job, it's easier for them then it be for us.

– Thanks George, I'm like, so totally reassured now. Skeppy snarled.

– No worry, I studied a bit of human psychology in Uni too. I knew that would come in handy one day. He commented jokingly, all while leaning down to also get a glass of water to mock him some more, by acting all domestic too.

– Speaking of Uni did I ever tell you about... But Karl got cut off by the sound of a blaring alarm, similar to a...

– What the honk!? Karl shouted as George had spilt some water on his knees in his surprise. The poor man choked on the water still in his mouth before being able to provide an answer. Skeppy just laughed at him, what a menace.

– Oh don't cry over spilled milk Karl! Also, What the hell! How are they done already! We're still supposed to be 3:18 seconds in. That has got to be a new record right. Let me check it. Rambled the scientific man to himself. Without waiting for any answer he just stood up and walked towards the head computer of the HQ, to check the database.

Karl rolled his eyes, muttering a small "it was water anyway" under his breath, and went for the remote controlling the training room to end the session, which was laying still on the table, right next to their water pot. Once in hand, he clicked the all too familiar button and freed the three heroes trapped in the bulletproof glass room.

When the glass retracted itself to the depth of the HQ's inner walls, the team got out and slumped into the couch. Each of them were in their designated spot, where their lover were already sat, or once sat, in.

Sapnap grabbed his water bottle and splashed it all across his face, but since he had used his fire prior to the situation, and in a larger quantity then he did with the water, it just ended up vaporising in the air before it could even reach his skin.

Bad got his water too, but went for a different approach. Roaming around in his satchel he got out a pouch filled with the special matter George had made for him in order to use his power of creation on. Thinking of which, they really needed to get that thing a name. But not right now. Instead his focus went on the matter at hand to get it to shift into ice cubes he poured in his bottle. It was a good thing they had made sure "The Thing" would be edible too, yet tasteless.

Dream on the other hand, first thing first, got the mask off and chucked half of the bottle in one go then he downed one of his potion flask. A regeneration potion he called it. Afterwards, he sat back, relaxing his muscles and shaking his head left and right to get his hair to stop bothering him. Too bad George missed that, he loved when Dream did that, he looked like a dog drying himself up. And THEN, when he was all relaxed he drank, much slowly, the other half of his bottle.

Soon enough they were joined by the George who jump down next to his sweaty husband.

« – Seventeen minutes, forty seconds and three thousandths. That's a brand new record guys! He proclaimed.

They all cheered, proud of themselves. And so did George, who got an appreciative slap on the back from Sapnap, and a hair ruffle from Dream. I mean come on, they get new equipment and then they break a record right after? It couldn't be a coincidence really, he was just that brilliant.

– Okay, okay, How about we go celebrate on lunch then?

– Good idea, I'm starving. I could destroy absolutely anything right now.

– Yeah right, but keep that for later, because first you are all taking a shower. Sapnap shouted exasperatedly, succeeding in getting his boyfriend to giggle eagerly.

– What? Oh come on, you made me shower this morning already! We're just wasting water now. Dream protested.

– Do I care? I don't think I do. The water bill is in your name anyway. Plus we all know you like getting pretty, you literally take half of the bathroom counter with all those stupid creams and body products. Sass mouthed George to his husband.

Dream gave him the angry stare, and George just shot him a playfully smile. And just like that the brunet had won the fight. He stood up, kissed his husband's "gross" – his word – cheek, and went on to get everything ready, including himself.

– You know what, f*ck you Dream. If you pass on the shower I'll take the shot. There's no way I'm gonna miss on that relaxing SPA-like shower head of yours. Sapnap defied, jumping up and rushing away from the place.

– What, Sapnap NO, you always take forever in the bathroom, God damnit! Dream yelled back.

– Yeah well beat me to it loser! He said running full speed there just to annoy him.
Dream just sighed flopping back in his seat, after all there was no way anyone would beat someone with super speed to a race.

– It's gonna be okay Dream, don't worry. Karl patted his knees, reassuring him with a playful tone.

– Why are you so sure? He mumbled grumpily. »

His friend just laughed his usually loud laugh. Which made him even more annoyed. Thankfully he had Bad to actually cheer him up with the reminder of Ponk's famous special dish, later on for the day.

Yeah, today was going to be just fine. Like come on, people making a day in your name, organizing a whole parade just for you, celebrating with your best friends in the best restaurant in town and on top of that getting new gadgets to play with? All while having the most amazing husband in the world, which had single handedly made all that possible? There was no way today could fail, no way at all.

LINK TO IMGUR DRAWING PAGE : https://imgur.com/a/Ztvavci

Chapter 9: Chapter Eight

Chapter Text

« – Ugh, look at them parading around like they own the place. I hate them so bad.

Spat a slim brunette, fire in her eyes like embers.

She was sat leg crossed on top of the other on the crimson colored chair, her upper body leaning backward to the stuck in either repulsion or indignation.

On her right, on the couch rested her two best friends on their antique grey sofa, which style came straight from the 1850s.

Everything about the house was old and rustic, from the cutlery to the tapestry. The only thing modern was the equipment they all possessed, like this stolen 4K TV powered by an honestly paid internet bill. – Though the money used was not honestly earned –

Right now what was playing on the screen was the big event of the day : the parade held in honor of the celebrating three heroes : The DreamTeam. You could see people dressed up, waving flags and color coded banners. You could hear them scream in delight and appreciation. Confettis were thrown, marches were made and chars went by along the civilians on the roads.

« – And all that just because they are the good guys, keep that in mind Cate. Hannah spoke, setting her herbal tea on the small wooden coffee table before her.

– People don't root for the bad guy do they? She added on, her voice serious and grave as she stared at Cate all the way from her leaned position back to a sitting straight one.

– What! How are we bad? That's judgmental! maybe society is the real villain.

– Cate that's the thought reasoning of vilains, we're vilains. Our right is people's wrong. Sylvee explained calmly.

– Good thing we don't care about their opinion now do we? Hannah laughed.

– Damn right we don't care.

– Well, still. What so cool about those guys anyway? » Cate begrudged.

Her eyes went back to the TV screen. Right now most channels were displaying the big parade held for the three Heroes nicknamed the DreamTeam. What a dumb name, what were we? In a cartoon. Grow up or grow old, like for f*ck sake seriously? The DreamTeam???

Their leader was some green dude who had the strength of some ripped gym-guy on steroids. His friends were a black and red demons with a hypocrital name and a firehead speedy guy.

Right now the green f*ck could be seen on screen waving to the people in the crowd, a microphone quickly being shoved under his mask-covered nose.

The woman interviewing him was probably asking idiotic question like :

« Oh Dream, what does it feel like to be a hero? Also, I think you're so hot. »

And he'd say : « Well it's awesome, everyone loves me, I pull in all the ladies I want, I don't pay taxes and I get to legally kick people's butt all day long! »

Well not really, right now he was actually crouching down before some overjoyed kid jumping up and down with a huge somewhat toothless grin.

« – Dream! You're my favorite!

– What! No way, I feel so honored. But I also feel we shouldn't let Bad and Sap' know about this... They might get jealous you know. He said the last bit while faking being secretive with a hand to his mouth to mutter his voice from others.

With the huge mask covering the integrity of his face, it was quite ridiculous if you were to ask him.

– It's okay... When I grow up I wanna be just like you! I will be super strong and I will be a superhero like you and Sapnap and BadBoyHalo! He declared with a huge grin splattered on his face.

– Well, that's a lot of work but I'm sure you can do it. And it's good to know that when I'll retire I'l have fresh blood looking over me. He chuckled patting the boy's brown hair.

– Yeah! I already have a costume see! He shouted throwing his arms in the air to put emphasis on his current outfit.

The small guy had a light shade of dark blue tee-shirt and joggings of the same color. On his torso were some bubbles designs embroidered. As for his shoes, they were white and red Velcro shoes with flashmacqueen on the side. He had a semi-long red cape tied around his neck, with a homemade mask of the same tissue around his eyes.

– Yeah, I noticed, what super power you got along with that?

– Check this out! He yelled with stars shining in his innocent eyes. Ugh... Kids. Good things she was never having those. Especially with that ex of hers.

He then closed those eyes very firmly and concentrated real hard, honestly it looked like he was about to take a massive dump. Good luck to it's mother.

Then all of a sudden when all hope was lost, something happened. The boy body was entirely covered in a thick white goo... Wait was that lotion? So that was it? He can just entirely cover himself in lotion.

– I am half man half lotion, that way I can live forever! And I wouldn't even need a astronaut combination in space ! And, and! If someone tries to punch me they will slip and fall, and I will win the fight!

– Oh, what! That is awesome, you're like, undefeatable, I think future supervillains should think twice before comitting a crime, because I know I wouldn't want such a cool guy beating me up.

Wow, he even made his language kid-friendly. How awesome can it be to have to auto-censor yourself? Here's a beneficial aspect at being a vilain : you can curse anyone out on three whole different generations and people would find it perfectly normal. Though a super hero? Nah that guy can't cuss.

– Yeah, They'll be like « Oh no! Not Slick Skin! »

Not, who? At that exact moment, when those exact words were uttered everyone fell silent. The atmosphere was thick, and the tension unbearable. All three women shared a glance before exploding into laughter at the exact same time.

“ Oh yeah, people would totally wet their pants ! From laughter ! Slick Skin! ” Hannah joked, throwing her hands around with her nail file, which nearly ended up straight into Sylvee's eye.

Thankfully not only did she miss but Sylvee had god like reflex. Just a like cat, she would sense something coming dangerously close or fast and just instantly become see through. Just one huge human-shaped puff of smoke

As for Dream he also took a second or so to collect himself before trying to come up with an answer. Thankfully he didn't have to say anything as the mother of the kid rushed to the mic saying how it was a mistake : His big brother had told the kid to name himself that as a joke and it stuck to him since, even though his parents tried to talk him out of it. She was all like « You know kids» and «boys will be boys» Yada, Yada...

Poor woman. They'd fight for people like her. How this society treats women, and anyone at the bottom chain.

But anyway, So it's a win, Ripped Grinch got to look stupid, the kid got a good laugh out of her, and the mother got totally humiliated. There's litteraly no downside to this whole situation, except that maybe it could have gone on for a little longer he was feeling bored again as the usual news started rolling back in.

« – This is boring, why do they get to do fun stuff while we're locked at the base?

– Because most people took the opportunity to either close down, or use the parade to promote themselves. Do you really want to go pavan in the streets for those guys? I mean if you want to, no one is holding you back.

– Shut up! You think I don't know stores are closed! I'm starving but no one's open to serve me! Cate complained. She was feeling up for pancakes but not the pancake mix kind they had in their cupboard.

– When are we going to break Puffy' out anyway! That would be fun. She mumbles through the hand crushing her cheek from her slacking position.

– You know when Cate. We just can't right now. Intervened Sylvee.

– Why not! Today would be the perfect day! Every officer is busy at the parade or are being their usual lazy self.

– See if you had that thought reasoning a caporal definitely had it too. Doing that would get us close to Puffy for sure, but not in a good way if you get what I mean.

– I don't fear jail! Jail fears me! She said with a sinister smile, her eyes glowing red and black, swirling like molted lava. Her hair was starting to steam, ashes flying around her.

– Right, I'm sure it does Cate... » Said Hannah purely uninterested in the whole scenario.

She had seen that girl's hair turned to lava a thousands time. She really needed to upgrade her show, it's getting boring.

In response the woman just sighed and threw herself back onto the sofa head rest. In doing so she nearly burned the chair down.

« – You really need to stop trying to set my furniture on fire.

– I didn't mean it! Plus you litteraly fried proofed everything anyway Hannah!

– Except ourselves, one of these days you're gonna burn us in our sleep if you're not careful hot head!

– Shut up, President Schlatt is about to speak. Sylvee reprimanded a cold expression harboring her face.

– Since when do you care about what Schlatt got to say. Or better yet, about politics as a whole? Asked a skeptical Hannah. She knew her best friend well enough by now.

– Well, I don't. I'm just pretty curious about what he has to say. After all he's probably playing his next campaign on that speech.

– Ah, maybe.

The nature bender powered girl said, slouching back in her seat, her gaze to the ceiling in profound reflection.

– But there is nothing he can say that is worth being heard if you asked me. She finished, her eyes going back to the screen.

– Good thing no one did. » Grumbled Cate, still sour from their earlier fight. However, just one cold glare from those piercing hot pink eyes efficiently got her to shut her mouth for good. She knew when not to push unless she wanted to be hit clear in the jaw by one thick rose. Who knows those flowers had such strength.

Once the national anthem of L'manberg was done playing on the TV and couldn't be heard anymore in the room, President Schlatt finally appeared on the screen.

He wasn't any different then usual. He stood tall, in a black suit put over a neatly ironed white shirt, and to top it all off, he wore a red tie.

He was known for being a previously raging alcoholic and quite frankly, it showed. His face was nothing but friendly and he looked like the typical guy you'd find at 4 A.M in a Casino, who had nothing let to bet but his life, his wife and kids already look lost on yet another Blackjack game.

Since he was a ram hybrid he obviously had two horn on top of his head, sprouted out of his hair, which was combed back. His eyes were naturally yellow, hence why he looked like an addict all the time. He had a messy beard and that was approximately it.

It was funny how you could end up sinking at the very bottom, but find your way to the top again. But that wasn't necessarily a good thing. I mean look at that guy, standing there grinning and arrogantly dusting off his shoulder vest.

Hannah just couldn't believe he and Puffy were related. Nevertheless share the same exact blood.

He gripped the tiny vertical mic on the stand before him, clearing his throat, he finally began speaking.

« – My dearest friends, and citizen of L'manberg. What a glorious day it is, which has brought all of us together. And all thanks to one trio, The DreamTeam.

For a Year now those three have appeared in the city always make sure with safe and sound without ever asking anything in return. They fought crime and dedicated their time and energy into protecting us. Though we have asked nothing out of anybody. One would argue all this alone is enough to call them heroes.

But though we all agree, or well most of us, that they are heroes. I think there's more to it then just throwing around a couples punches here and there and making sure the life of the public service people was lightened and ameliorated. They'd did something far greated without realizing I think. Or maybe even intend to.

They glorified the vision of the Powered people. To this day though we didn't live in shame, many of us were too scared to anything with the gift they were given. And I feel you, I'm a hybrid, I can't hide right? I mean look at these, how you gonna miss these right!

Back then, We feared we would be rejected for what we are. That some people who feel jealous and harm us. Or worse. And it could have been anyone, some with or without power. And anything could have fueled hatred. Jealousy, envy, greed, fear even. Because let's be a honest a sec. it's much more easier to give in to frustration then try and work on it when you're all alone.

I don't think anyone could blame you for giving up on something so astute. Whoever you may be. Humans, hybrids, powered...

But yeah, look at us now! Back then I was this nobody who was self convinced that Society would never want of someone like me. But today I picked up myself, never alone no, and I became president. And it was only possible because of each and everyone of you. You elected me. You chosed me as your president. You wanted me. Humans, hybrids, powered. You all came together to chose for someone who would fairly represent each and everyone of you. Which I did, I made sacrifice for the greater good, like losing my own sister. But this is not much compared to the DTeam work!

I mean, your trust alone was already such a great step forward, but now? Now that we have the DreamTeam! So much more is bound to happen. I can feel it! It's within each of us. I don't what comes next, but it is going to be something that will be remembered for years.

Without Dream, Sapnap or BadBoyHalo, who one day reunited together and decided to make the world a greater place for everyone without the selfish need to prove superiority, that our nation will grow stronger. That we can realize we nurtured something we didn't even knew existed.

We can never be thankful for their service and everything else they brought us.

May the Gods bless our glorious nation. »

« – Well Sylvee I think you won that bet. Spoke Hannah breaking the silence

– See, I told you so! Sylvee answered excitedly. You owe me a beer!

– I suppose I do then. Hannah laughed at her friend antic. Truly if you didn't know her well she'd look anything but a super vilain.

– Woo! We're getting wasted tonight ! »
She chimed, smiling wildly as she jumped up to her feet, one fist in the air, like she was partying or celebrating something big.

Soon enough, Cate joined in laughing. Hannah just shook her hand, chuckling to herself.

They didn't always get along well, but that's why they were all friends. And soon enough all the Aces would come back to their hand, and the game would be won.
Just you wait.

Chapter 10: Chapter Nine

Chapter Text

« – Today was awesome! Yelled out the blonde as he threw himself on the couch.

Back at the door, his husband chuckled locking it shut.

– I'm sure it was. But I couldn't tell, the country never organized a day in my name ever before. He answered back, taking a seat on the sofa, shuffling his husband away before sitting down, the latter putting his head on his lap, dramatically dropping down with a thump.

– Well they should. You're like, totally awesome! I mean come on... None of this would have happened without that brain of yours.

Looking up, Dream shot mesmerized eyes at George with a tooth full grin. In response the brunet looked back up down at him with even - if that was humanly possible - more softness and fondness in his brown eyes, as well as a soft laugh.

– Oh shut up you. You got to say that, I'm your husband. He joked, combing the other's hair with his fingers.

– Yeah, and I wouldn't have it any other way. » Dream confessed, getting himself up on his elbows in order to reach his lover's face and kiss it.

« – I don't think nothing could ever beat this. Muttered the smaller.

– And I think you are absolutely right. » Sincerely answered his lover, both eyes closed shut and his forehead against his.

The next morning things went back to the way they used to be :

Waking up in their shared bed at 8:30, while one was showering the other made breakfast -that is if they weren't trying to save water by showering together from time to time- Then have said breakfast together before getting ready furthermore for the day. This whole process kept them busy until 9:30, that's when they started working.

Dream would enclose himself in his office reading mails from the merch company, or looking at editors cv his manager send him -though he made it clear he was very keen on staying true to himself-. After that he would start up Minecraft and train for tricks that might come in handy for future recording. Then his friend would join starting a voice call which was his cue to start coding the next plug-in they'll use. Usually he was done with all that by 1:30 in the afternoon.

As for George, it could go either way. Option one today he was working from home either in the living room, or the kitchen, or the bedroom, or his secret home lab or the office he had paid for too... But he wasn't a difficult man, has long as he had a PC, a piece of paper and a pencil.
Now option B, he was working at the SMP laboratory and wouldn't be back home until 4 P.M

Though the couple did have breakfast and dinner together each day, they rarely shared lunch together during the days of the week.

Dream couldn't wait for George to get on lunch break at 2 PM because between 1:30 and 2:45 he had his daily workout to complete. Then at 3 o'clock sharp he was out on patrol. Don't get him wrong he loved his husband, but both parties wouldn't be too happy if he put himself in such high risk over something as little as lunch break. So they both agreed it wasn't the end of the world in they had to separate that one time of the day.

Finally when both got home from a tiring day of work balancing multiple lives at once, they would get dinner started together, have it, pretend to watch tv until 11:30 and head off to bed before finally dozing off at around 1 A.M

And then the same old routine would start over again. Just like it would today. Yesterday may have been special but today is just any another ordinary day.

Wake up, shower, breakfast, work from home -Today was also George's day working from home-, lunch, workout, patrol, more work, dinner, timeout, sleep.

Except that today, once George had watch Dream leave the house through one of the sewer-connected tunnels, he didn't get back to work like he usually would. Instead he double checked to make sure he would indeed be alone for the next hours. Once he was sure Dream was gone he closed his laptop and headed straight to his husband's indoor gym on the ground floor.

Okay, what were you thinking right now? Obviously he was not cheating! Well not on his husband at least, but one could argue working out is cheating on the way nature intended your body to look like. Eh, lucky for him he was man of science, not literature and philosophical debates. Screw you Descartes or Descola.

This little scheme of sneaking out into his originally husband's gym had been going on for at least two months, every Monday when he was supposed to be working from home. And he was truly making progress, he felt stronger, fitter, healthier. In approximately another months or so he'd be ready to achieve his master plan.

It has now been two months and three weeks, and Dream finally started to notice something. It happened on a Tuesday night when they were making dinner. George was put with easiest task, seeing how he was not trusted with cooking yet. And that task was to watch over the boiling water to make sure it wouldn't spill everywhere and make a giant mess.

They were making bologna pasta, because that was easy and they were tired. And it's good too. You could argue with the wall.

But anyway, at some point while George was mindlessly watching over the heating water, his husband came behind him and hugged him from behind. Something Dream liked to do was lift him up to the point his hair was to Dream's face and the blonde would just nuzzle him like a cat. It was an usual occurence to them but then he said something a little bit... Strange for someone with super strength.

« – You seem heavier than usual.

– Excuse me? The brunet shot back flabbergasted.

– Oh God. He rushed red in the face, realizing his mistake. I did not mean it like that, babe you're like the most perfect being in the whole world but like, I don't know. Usually you seem lighter when I lift you up like that.

– Nice save idiot. But maybe it's just you who's getting weaker and not me fatter.

– I don't think you're fat, you're factually not fat, come on you know what I meant.

– Do I now? It can not look good when someone with super inhuman strength tells you "You're heavy"

– I did not say that, I said you felt like you were heavier to me than usual. It's two very different things.

– I'm sure, I'm sure... Go back to your tomato sauce asshole.

– Whatever you say honey. » He chuckled knowing the other was not actually mad.

Outside George might have looked a little taken aback, but yet composed, but on the inside he was panicking pretty bad. This was not good, Dream was not suppose to notice anything. At all.

He's overthinking it, it was just one time, they'll get over it quickly. And screw him for paying attention to every details. It's so difficult to hide anything from that big idiot anyway.

No Like actually, it takes a whole effort to make sure Dream would not notice anything different. He remembers that one time where he won a trip on some giveaway for their anniversary. He tried not to show excitement, he hid the tickets with him constantly, hell the suitcases he has readied for them had been left at Sapnap's house to make sure Dream wouldn't suspect a thing and yet he caught up immediately and ruined the surprise.

What betrayed him well apparently “his tone was a bit more glowy than usual”; His eye bags “were a shade lighter” and Dream noticed “the height of their pile of clothes had somewhat shrunk.”
A bunch of excuses he says. Come on! There's no way he could actually notice of such small details right? Like who keeps track of their partner's eye bag shade? He married a creep, great then.

In the end Dream was extremely apologetic the whole trip, which somewhat ruined the mood sometime, but most of all they had a great time. And sure, George was a little bit disappointed but at least he knew he had a husband who cared. That was nice and they made a lot of great memories. Probably core memories even.

But yeah, all that to say, hiding stuff from Dream is difficult. Tell you what to make sure the other doesn't know he snuck inside his gym – which is technically their gym since they share the house anyway – he would take a picture of how everything was exactly left when the blonde existed the room to hit the shower.

For example, Dream would get out after leaving all of his used weights exactly how he used them during the day, so they'd be ready for when he'd need it the next day. Well those weights added up may just go to about 270kg. If you were not to use the metric system, first of all weird, second of all, that is a lot. Like seriously that would be about half of what the world record is for deadlift in the Olympics games. And listen, when they're doing the Olympics they only lift it once, Dream would just do series of around 25, than a one minute thirty second break between each series and off he goes for the day.

Now that is a bit of an unfair comparaison, anyone who is known to be powered is submitted to a mandatory test to enter the Olympics. This was put in place in order to guarantee equality between all contestant. And no one in the deadlift category had ever been known to have a power related to strength or endurance, or any kind which would give them an unfair advantage. So while the random man who worked out all of his life managed to hardly lift up 400kg and more, all Dream did is being born – which he wasn't even really the one doing it –

So yeah, obviously George wasn't going to lift 270kg, right now his max is a 10kg rod and 20kg on each side. If you do the math, he could lift 50kg. Gym dudes will laugh at him but seriously you go and do it yourself. 50kg for someone who only has two months of training is impressive in his opinion. It's his own personal success and no one can ruin that for him.

In the end you'll notice a huge difference between 270kg and 50kg. Trust it is a pretty tiring task to unweigh everything, change it, unweigh again, to weigh it again to what was originally unweighed. Thankfully George had his telekinesis to help him afterward. Because in all honesty he is not sure he could lift kilograms after kilograms right after a hour, thirty minutes gym session. On a good point this extra exercise was also putting his mind at work, because the louder the charge to lift, the more concentrated he had to be and the more energy it would take out of him.

Now, this alone should already be enough to convince you how tiring this all was, but then let him tell you about yet another difficult point : learning how to do the exercises and use the machines.

See when you workout you can't do whatever you want. You have to be precise in your movements otherwise you could be damaging your body in a way you weren't even suspecting. On the long term it could end up with a broken spine, which is something you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy.

On his luck he had a husband who had worked three years as a personal coach. On the other hand if he had asked Dream about it he would have get suspicious. If he didn't ask and just started watching him workout, he would get suspicious. Solution? Watch random tuto on youtubes and making sure to absolutely clear your history so hubby don't see a thing. Seriously imagine how embarrassing that would be for Dream if he could teach George yet George decided to trust some random on the internet. That would be pretty damaging for sure.

Okay so now he had solve problem number one and problem number two. Unto problem number three. The extra laundry working out would make.

Seeing as how Dream noticed about the clothing pile on the surprise vacation episode, George concluded a detail he could not neglect is how their drawers looked like when Dream left the house for patrol.

Here was his master plan : he bought an extra outfit he hid under his side of the mattress.
When it comes to doing the laundry he also bought an extra laundry detergent so Dream couldn't notice his going down, and he only used the washing machines they got at work. – they had been bought in case someone had to sleep over or urgently needed their blouse/clothes to get washed –

To recap it all he made sure to make the gym look untouched, the laundry look untouched, and Thankfully enough he looked just as tired as usual so he had every reasons to believe he was in the clear. I mean he got to be right?

He was not. Another two weeks later, while they were cuddling on the couch watching some random show on the tv all while actually staring at their own smaller screen in hands, Dream said something striking.

« – Your muscles feels firmer than usual. He announced while gropping his right biceps.

In response all George could do was go blank and all wide eyes. He didn't even try to free his arm yet.

– Wow Georgie, have you been hitting the gym! He asked jokingly, now poking his arm.

– In your dreams. He answered defensively, finally tearing his arm away from his husband's grip.

– Oh I'm sure, I'm sure... He said, almost seeming to be dropping it. And trust George was quite content to leave the situation at that. And yet...

– Well come to think of it when was the last time you asked me to open like, a jam for you? Or lift up a piece of furniture because your screw rolled under it?

– That's ridiculous. The last time I asked to open up a jam was three weeks ago and it was strawberry jam. However it was a pretty big pot so we have yet to finish it. And what can I say, I've just been more careful with my work tools now, sue me I guess!

– Okay, okay let's not all get all excited. I was only joking hun'.

– Hahaha... »

Reminiscing the conversation he realized how dumb he had been. Nearly three months of effort in vain. His attitude could not have looked any more suspicious. Why would George, the George he let Dream know about, react like that for being called ripped? What an idiot he was... Hopefully everything turns out fine and he can keep his little secret.

Sighing and hitting his head on his giant metallic control board, George shot one more look at the suite he had secretly been designing all this time. He closed his eyes, tiredness taking over him. It was late, and he had done everything that needed to be done for today.
He stood up and headed for the exit of the lab, but not before shooting one last glance at his now cleared board screen, which once beared a great success to come.

He was so close, he could not fail now.