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Dream was rarely cold. He grew up under the soft comfort of the Floridan sun gleaming off soft tan skin. He is used to having to wear shorts and tank tops while drinking lemonade with friends and family. At times he felt as if the worst thing in life was having the air conditioning stop working. But right now, that's the last thing he thought about.
Up until now, Dream never really understood what it felt like to be huddled between bundles of blankets wishing and praying for the stupid heater to just start.
☆
Frost crept up the corners of the windows that sat just above ruffled dirty blond hair. The wind rustled recklessly outside while snow fell like a cascade dripping to the ground and slamming against the foggy window. The smell of Christmas spirit filled the air with New Year's just around the corner.
Dream rolled over with a groan, finding himself unable to fall asleep, as it was far too early and far too cold. The blonde rotated onto his stomach wrapping his arms around the pillow beneath him.
The past few days had been a blur. Sapnap had decided to head back to Texas for 2 weeks to spend the holiday with his family. This ultimately resulted in Dream and George spontaneously booking a cabin that had been chosen off Airbnb last minute. This was what led Dream here: snowed in, freezing in a random cabin on New Year’s Eve in the middle of Alaska.
He felt like he was in hell.
Dream wouldn't consider himself too much of a complainer, however, he strongly underestimated the extreme weather changes and snowfall that was to come that week (partially because he didn't check the forecast and partially because he didn't know it was possible to snow so much in one period of time).
So right now the Floridan found himself with his head tucked into his chest while cradling onto the closest source of warmth near him (which happened to be the pillow) like a baby with a blanket over his head. Green eyes squeezed shut wishing that the house would warm up eventually for his own goddamn sake.
☆
Dream felt as if he lay there for hours without any movement in the room besides the occasional teeth chatter and shiver that ran down his spine causing him to twitch. Over time, green and purple began to swirl underneath his eyelids which were squeezed shut while he held his breath. His mind was hazy and he felt as if he was floating. Slowly, as minutes passed only two words drifted through his mind that he felt he desperately needed this instant.
Fireplace. George.
That was it.
Those two words quickly flooded his mind. Fireplace. George. Fireplace. George. This beautiful melody rang through his ears because oddly enough both words meant the same thing to him.
Warmth.
Another restless groan left his lips before he felt himself quietly gasp and he rolled to the other side of the bed. Dream inhaled sharply at the sudden cold that had been let into his bubble of heat and the sudden chill left his fragile skin burning.
Dream let out a deep breath that quite frankly he wasn't even aware he was holding. Quickly his breathing picked up unlike before and heavy breaths left traces in the air with a soft white smoky mist before Dream brought his hands up to his mouth quickly breathing in and out while letting his eyelids fall closed once again.
Warmth.
With a deep breath to prepare himself, Dream lets a quiet phrase leave as he scrambles for the light green robe that he had left hanging at the foot of the bed. He swept it upwards slowly, his teeth bit at raw lips while the blond tried to slip the fabric over each arm before tying the rope that held it close to his body around his waist. Next, he slipped his feet into his pair of warm slippers, relieved that he didn't have to feel the coldness under his feet any longer.
Making his way to the door, Dream slipped out without a sound before taking steps toward the only other door that stood at the end of the hallway. Arms crossed over one another, he desperately tries to warm his hands up. Before he knew it, he was faced with a tall sturdy wooden door. A rushed hand reached forward, not being able to stand another second in the dark hallway alone.
This time, the door creaked as it slowly opened. He found himself staring at a familiar setting as he was just in. The bed was in the center of the room, and the dresser lined up against the wall where the door stood with a closet and mirror beside that.
“Dream?” A sleepy voice echoed around. The blonde’s head snapped back to where the bed sat finding now that a head peaked out from under the covers. Dream stood there for a second taking in the other.
Soft locks messily scattered over his forehead hiding his eyes, pale skin, and soft shivers ran under the blankets causing them to russell around. His frail hands clutched onto the comforter, keeping it impossibly close to himself seemingly in the same situation that Dream had just found himself in moments earlier.
“Do you need something?” George whispered again, his voice slightly louder this time.
“Sorry-” Dream started, “It's just really fucking cold, I didn’t mean to wake you up.” The silence grew louder again, which made Dream feel as if he was not welcome anymore. He figured his friend needed sleep anyway. “Sorry for bugging you I'll leav-” Dream began to turn around before he heard an unsteady voice once more.
“No,” George extended a hand out, “don't leave… please.” Dream almost felt bad for him, this room might have even been colder than his own. When he turned back around to face away from the door he was barely able to see eye bags that sat just under the olders eyes most likely from being jet lagged but also possibly from freezing.
The brit flopped back down into the covers and curled up again. Dream started to move forward, and took a few steps before finding himself at the side of the bed. He glared down before finding dark eyes looking right back up at him.
“Do you want to go downstairs, by the fireplace? It’s… probably not getting any warmer, ‘s been hours.” The question was left lingering in the air momentarily which caused a slight panic to stir inside the younger.
Had he messed up? Maybe George was comfortable; he didn't want to push him obviously. What if this was too far? George did not owe him anything, what if this was a weird thing to ask from a friend?
Before Dream could continue spiraling his thoughts were interrupted, “Only if you carry me” George held his breath appearing to be waiting for a reaction, “I'm too tired to walk.”
The blond had to pause for a second trying to recall if he had heard the other correctly. “I- I mean sure if that's what you want.” Dream could feel the blood rushing to his cheeks and he could only hope it was too dim to fully see him.
George didn't seem to notice and if he did he did not say anything because before he could instinctively protest against it he felt weak arms wrap around his neck causing him to be pulled downwards. A weak whimper left soft lips. Dream’s hands drifted hesitantly underneath the covers grabbing at small hips.
With a quick hoist, George wrapped his legs fiercely around Dream’s sun-kissed skin between the fabrics of his clothes where they slightly rode up. Dream felt as George's head dropped to his shoulder seeking warmth.
Dream inhaled sharply suddenly, very aware of how close the two sat against each other but managed to clear his mind quickly remembering why they had ended up like this.
“Hurry up idiot, I'm cold.” George strangled out.
Wordlessly uneasy legs began striding towards the door.
“You know you can touch me, right?” The brunet mumbled.
Right… Dream thought. Touch. Hold. Feel. All foreign things when it came to George.
An uncertain hand slowly traced up the other's spine before finally settling right under his shoulder blade. With the other hand, Dream wrapped it around the brunet's waist making sure he was secure enough to proceed.
Quickly a familiar door came close to them again. Dream extended out swiftly finding himself longing for the feeling of George’s presence under his fingertips once again.
“Focus” Dream mumbled to himself.
“What’d you say?” George slurred clearly, beginning to drift off into a light slumber cuddling into his neck.
“Don't worry about it, darling”
Shit. He didn't mean to say that. Dream silently prayed George would be too tired in the morning to remember this later. But in the back of his mind, he knew George would never let him live this down.
“Hmm okay if you inist” George chuckled
“Darling” he mimicked.
Dream let out a breathy laugh at that. He closed his eyes as they drifted further and further toward the living room. Dream subconsciously began to nuzzle into the warm fluff of hair near his face and let out a satisfied huff.
He felt George tense under him as if he was going to comment but ultimately decided against doing so letting the brunet slowly drift back into slumber.
They approached the couch and Dream slowly and carefully bent down moving his hand up to support George's neck before gently setting him down. Instantly ripped away from the warmth he once had, he watched in awe as George curled into a ball. Dream’s eyes darted around searching for something to help before they landed on a fluffy blanket.
Rapidly shaky hands reached forwards to grab the heat supply before opening it up about to lay it over the Brit.
Dream felt heat rise to his cheeks when he realized what George had been wearing. A dark hoodie with a white accent smile drowned the older. His hoodie.
Dream cleared his throat hoping to snap out of it and laid the dark blue blanket over the small boy below him. The Brit accepted it quickly and snuggled in deeper to the cushions, slowly nuzzling in and letting out a satisfied hum.
“Thanks” George mumbled sleepily.
Dream forced himself to turn away and make his way over to start the fireplace. On the way there he subconsciously decided before officially settling down that he would make two warm cups of hot chocolate in hopes of warming the both of them up quicker.
☆
Minutes flew and somehow he had finally managed to sort of successfully start a fire. Dream now stood in the kitchen stirring the warmed milk into the cocoa powder. Once pleased with the results he brought the spoon to the sink, setting it down carefully not to disturb George, unsure if he was still awake or not. Two hands reached forward towards the handles now making his way back to the brunet.
The blond rounds around the corner to see the brunet still right where he left him, snuggled up in the bundles of layers.
Dream stands there for a second deciding how to proceed further contemplating what to do.
Slowly he watches as the other slowly starts to stir once again with the feeling of eyes on him making him squirm.
Dream rushes over towards him, setting the cups of hot chocolate down on the coffee table before sitting down beside the top of George’s head hoping to bring at least a little comfort to the other.
A faint smile creeps up his face as he watches the brunet fall into comfortable sleep once again just from the presence of the taller.
Without much thought Dream finds himself wishing for the warm buzz that ran up his fingertips when he touched George.
He craved it.
An overly confident hand drifted forward, removing itself where it once laid over the top of his thigh. The tan skin drifted further and further towards the sleeping boy before silently resting in the soft brown locks that sat on the brunet's head.
A low hum left George's lips before he felt himself pushing into the much-welcomed warmth that slowly started to stroke his hair. George’s eyes slowly opened taking in his surroundings slowly.
“Hi beautiful, have a nice nap” Dream chuckled under his breath.
“Oh shut up,” George groaned “how long did I sleep for?”
“Not too long” Dream reassured him, quickly glancing at the clock to see it read 10:00 pm “I wouldn't let you miss new years, don't worry.”
“Oh,” George groaned once more “forgot about that”
Dream smiles before reaching over to grab the drinks he had set out for them, silently thankful they were still partially warm.
“Here, I got you this.” Dream handed the warm cup to George’s hand. He watched as the other quietly moved up to a sitting position and inspected the drink before deeming it safe and slowly took a sip.
The brunet leaned backward before finding himself leaning up against Dream seeking a sturdy structure to melt against.
Instinctively two hands wrapped around the smallers waist hoping to keep him from falling over however he found himself melting into the warm feeling that flowed just under his skin as well.
They sat like this for a while. Taking in and appreciating their presence of one another thankful that they are finally together at once. Dream gave George a little squeeze hoping his little message passed over to him.
All he could do was sit and wish George knew how much he had longed for this for so long. When thousands of miles of ocean water separated them, one might have thought that the thing Dream was most excited for when he finally got to see, feel, or even hear his best friend would be making videos together in real life or going out and visiting everyone. But selfishly the thing that had kept him up with excitement was the little moments. Being able to eat in silence on the couch knowing that they were finally only a few feet apart. The late-night conversations that were to come, where they sat just the two of them a long time past when Sapnap had called it a night, sitting in one of their beds talking about everything and anything instead of over the phone like it had once been months, weeks, or even days prior. Dream had spent years wishing, praying, and needing this and it was finally right in his grasp.
His stomach swooped when the feeling of the brunet turned sideways snuggling into his shoulder as his soft hair flopped over top of his head making him look goofy. The more he felt himself drift far away from reality because the only thing that seemed to matter was the pretty boy in his arms the more Dream realized that the cold no longer bothered him. If anything he felt hot-
Pretty
Shit.
Did Dream really think that George was pretty?
☆
“What did you say?” George felt light-headed.
Had he heard the other correctly? Did Dream really just call him pretty?
He watched through dim lamp lighting as Dream sat stunned for a few moments unsure if he had really said that out loud.
The longer the silence stretched the more George realized that quite frankly he didn't even seem to mind that much. Actually, he quite liked it.
With a foggy mind from the lack of sleep, he found himself slowly relaxing back into Dream now being content with the extended silence. The felt as Dreams' chest rose slowly then collapsed back down.
“I- I didn't mean to say that,” Dream began “really, I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you uncom-”
“You're warm” George was quick to interrupt him.
Dream tensed up from the sudden confession not sure what to do.
“What?” George listened as confusion lingered in his voice.
“I said you’re warm, I like it” George repeated.
Suddenly Dream reached down and quickly yanked George upwards so they sat closer together. George now lay straddling Dream with arms grasping around his neck.
☆
Soft lips fell right under the brunet's ear. Dream felt as his breath slowly started to pick up.
“Well guess what” Dream started, George didn't dare interrupt him. “You're warm too”
“Is that so?” George scoffed before continuing, “idiot”
“Dumbass, you ruined the moment” Dream joked.
“What moment?” George joked, “I wasn't aware we were having a moment”
Dream stilled for half of a second still on edge about how close they had become.
“You need to stop worrying so much,” George mumbled into his neck. “I can assure you if I didn't want to be here I wouldn't literally be on top of you right now cuddling with you.” George soothed his fears and Dream felt himself relax again.
“How can I not worry when you are so close to me?”
“Oooh so what I'm hearing is that I make you nervous?” George joked once again but suddenly started to worry when Dream didn't speak.
“Maybe you do” Dream settled on still weary of how fast everything had seemed to escalate.
He felt George pull upwards so they now sat eye to eye noses mere inches apart. He felt as if George stared straight through him which made him more exposed than ever.
“Well, I guess that's a good thing then,” George paused, unsure where to continue. Dream felt his body flare up in flames as he watched the brunet slowly creep closer so their noses bumped against one another. Deep brown eyes stared directly into his soul. He felt a warm breath hit his lips that had hints of vanilla lingering deep within them. Dreams' eyes widened at the startling intimacy. Green eyes dropped down to where a cold hand wrapped around his own.
"And why's that?" he couldn't help but find himself asking.
Dream’s chest felt as if it was going to explode. He held his breath in anticipation before George guided his hands over his chest and dropped it on top of his heart. The blond felt the quick consistent beat underneath his fingertips.
Dream felt a cold finger catch right below his chin snapping it back up to meet dark eyes.
Dream opened his mouth to speak, still stunned by their proximity.
"Because you make me nervous t-" George began before he was interrupted.
Their heads turned when a quiet flicker of a lamp before it went out completely. They looked around to see no other lights on as well and to see the fridge had also been turned off.
“Shit” Dream’s voice cracked before he cleared his throat. Dream silently hoped that he wasn't too flustered for George to see under the lighting of the moon that seeped through the loose cracks of the curtains.
“What should we do?” George whispered, mindful not to be too loud.
“What can we do?” Dream threw right back at him.
George collapsed back onto his chest and let out a long groan.
“Get off of me” Dream groaned, pretending to act annoyed.
“No never,” Shorter arms grabbed around him clinging on as if his life depended on it. “You're stuck with me forever, plus I'm cold.” He felt George nuzzling into his neck inhaling deeply.
“Whatever you say,” Dream let out a breathy chuckle “that's a long time you know.”
“Oh I'm very aware mister,” George went along with his sarcasm “it's too bad cause now you’re mine”
“Oh is that so?” the blond questioned.
“Yup.” George held out the p sound for much longer than needed ending it off with a popping sound.
Reluctantly Dream sighed before finally wrapping his arms around the brunet once again. One half landed into the ruffles of his loose hair cradling his head protectively. They sat in comfortable silence for what felt like hours soaking in each other's presence.
“Hey Dream,” George whispered after a few minutes, voice slightly weary unsure what his following words should be.
“Hm?” The blond hums out a soft acknowledgment.
“Can you read me a bedtime story?” George questioned before continuing, “Please? It’ll help me sleep.”
Dream sat there for a second contemplating his options.
God, he was so cute.
Dream didn't reply, how could he when the cutest Brit was clinging onto him for “heat” staring up at him.
Butterflies swarmed Dreams' insides flowing all throughout his body and his eyes softened slightly. Right then and there he came to the very conclusion he would do anything for George. Anything. Even if that meant reading a bedtime story to him as he fell asleep peacefully in his arms right before the new year.
Dream quickly glanced towards the clock and it read 11:13.
Time had seemed to fun so much faster while Dream was near the brunet.
He gave a tight squeeze to George's hips turning to his left slightly.
“Trying to cuddle with me?” George joked. Dream inhaled swiftly into the brunet's shoulder before exhaling, taking in the warm scents of vanilla lingering off him.
“So what if I am, I like being close to you.” Dream confessed, having long passed the stage of embarrassment. “Plus weren't we already doing that earlier, dumbass.”
“You didn't answer my question… about the story” George changes the subject.
“Sure,” The younger replied, “anything for you.”
Dream felt lips turn upwards into his burning skin. Everywhere George touched felt like fire against his skin burning him alive. But yet, he liked it. Within the past hour, he found himself longing for the heat that ran under his skin through his veins any second they were parted from one another.
Dream just wished they could stay like this for the rest of eternity. He needed to be close to George.
☆
Minutes flew by and soft words glided off the tip of Dream's tounge. While the story continued Dream watched as every letter left his mouth George’s head became heavier and heavier against his chest.
A warm smile grew on Dream’s face watching peace flood onto the pale skin of the other below him while he drifted away into sweet darkness. Dream paused before he reached the end of the story, aware of the fact that the older one was no longer listening. He glanced down at a discarded phone, 11:47.
It was almost the new year.
This made Dream overwhelmingly joyful. The knowledge that he could move forth into the new year with a whole new level of trust and comfort with George was the best feeling ever.
The blond slowly moved up from the couch where he once laid careful not to disturb the sleeping brunet. Once standing beside the couch an uncomforting chill ran down his spine.
Shit the heater.
Now it was never going to turn on.
The American grasped onto his robe a little tighter exhaling and watched as the icy cold air flew upwards.
The younger bent down cautiously bent down before wiggling one of his arms under George's limp legs and the other directly under his shoulder.
The Taller made it about halfway to the stars before desperate hands reached upwards wrapping around his hands and dark brown locks of hair snuggled into his robe.
“Shhh, I got you.” Dream found himself reassuring the boy in his arms.
“I know,” George half mumbled, “you are too good to me.”
Dream decided to disregard the possibility of more secretly hidden behind the depths of that message. So he stayed silent all the way up the stairs until they entered the room.
A tired hand reached out from under George's leg to open the door. It had been a long day and all Dream wanted to do was lay down and sleep. He could deal with his emotions later. How his heart swelled up when George’s honey-like voice filled his ears. He wanted nothing more in the world than to feel his best friend's hands roam his body. That was a later issue.
Right now Dream needed to focus on getting the precious boy into bed safe until tomorrow.
Dream walked over to the side of the bed and opened up the covers before carefully setting the other down and covering him back up.
Sleepy eyes stayed shut and Dream stood there for a minute taking in the beauty below him.
‘How did he get so lucky?’ he wondered.
Before he could think twice or worse stop himself he felt himself bend down and suddenly his hand reached out to sweep George’s curls out of his face. The younger leaned downwards and now warm lips traced over the skin on his forehead. Lips pursed together and he left a warm kiss on his face. He pulled back quickly, embarrassed that George might remember this later.
Dram turned around so quickly, stumbling forward and speeding towards the door.
God, why did he do that?
George please dont remember that in the morning, or in fact any of this.
“Wait,” George spoke up from his sleep.
A hand extended outwards reaching him.
Dreams topped in his tracks and mustered up all his courage within him, “yes…” he croaked out.
“Can you stay, please, I need you to stay,” George admitted.
George needed him.
Dream turned around so quickly to see George sitting up rubbing drowsy eyes and patting the bed beside him.
The younger shook his head, washing away his fears one final time before he crawled back to George like every other time.
He couldn't stay away from him. It was impossible.
Dream tried not to look too eager while jumping into the bed and getting other covers. He turned towards George where they now sat face to face.
It felt as if hours passed while they stared deep into the depths of the others eyes trying to figure out where to proceed.
“You can sleep again you know” Dream soothes him before adding, ”I didn't mean to wake you up… sor-”
“No” George cut him off, “It's okay im glad im awake with you.”
Both of their lips curved upwards glad to be in each other's presence.
Dreams breathing slightly picked up when George inched closer and closer like before.
“What time is it?” George questioned.
Dream spared a quick glance to the left before stating, “11:58”
“Almost new years, huh.” George thought aloud. “Funny how this will be our first New Years together with me in America.”
“I suppose it is… and Nick isn't even here, imagine.” This caused George to let out a chuckle.
“I remember while you were in England one time while we sat on a call, I set a reminder on my phone for new years this year hoping that you would finally be here.” Dream confesses.
“Of course you did. That’s so cute” George rolled his eyes.
“Hey, better watch your mouth before i start saying that kinda stuff back to you” Dream slightly shoved the Brit but he didn't move at all. In fact he drew closer noses bumping against one another once again. “I bet you would get all flustered” he jokes.
George however inhaled deeply and let his eyes fall shut.
Dream could swear he saw red seep into the undertones of George’s pale skin, this sent fireworks into Dream's stomach exploding with pride but he could just be seeing things.
“I'm glad I’m spending the holidays here with you” George whispered for just them to hear, “even if that means being cold as hell and snowed in without power.”
“Thank you?” Dream chucked.
The clock flickered, 11:59
“Any plans for a New Year's kiss?” Dream let out impulsively. Before inching impossibly closer.
Lips brushed against one another and Dream soaked it all in.
“Not sure, might have to go ask around the neighborhood.” George giggled.
“Mnh, that's a shame because I have someone who is definitely willing to help out.” Dream stared at George.
“Yeah,” George paused in thought before proceeding, “and who might that be.”
Ding
Dream felt himself tense under the sound. Unsure of what might happen because without even looking Dream felt the 12:00 that was being emitted from the clock burning into his skin.
Dream didn't answer, he simply stared at him. Dream watched as his face flushed with understandment. Maybe this one question wasn't able to fully soothe all of his hidden doubts, however, at the same time he felt more satisfied than ever before.
Dream felt as his heart beat out of his chest when George moved even closer. The blond reached out and cupped his cheek with one hand, then slowly brought the other one up as well. Rough thumbs glided effortlessly across the brunet's soft skin in short motions.
Dream barely managed to breathe in before George closed the distance between them, lips pressed against his own. Suddenly the world seemed to slow, Dream had never felt like this before.
Sure he had kissed his fair share of people over the years but never like this. He felt open and exposed. And the worst part was that he liked it.
It was terrifying. It was exhilarating.
A slight hint of fear flowed through this body unsure of what was happening. Dream squeezed his eyes shut firmly before he gave in. With equal force, if not stronger force the blond pushed forward and hands hurriedly rushed to grasp onto George's face.
In these short minutes, it felt as if there was nothing else but them, George and himself. Everything felt like too much, his throat started to close and he couldn’t breathe yet strangely he still wanted more.
Dream felt the small body below him twitch under his fingertips as they trailed back into messy hair. This is what he needed. He for once felt safe, comforted, and loved coarse through his system all at once. He felt free.
His body on the other hand was on fire, burning up so warm he didn’t know if his body could take it. Cold blizzard long forgotten. The only thing he could think about was George.
The way their lips crashed against one another both just as eager as the other. Their hands carefully ran across each other's hands, faces, and backs. A warm tongue prodded at his lips kindly asking permission which was granted by lips opening slightly. Dream felt seen, on display for George as he pleased and their tongues gilded against one another.
A short moment later Dream finally pulled back, breaking them apart and they both gasped much needed for air.
“Shit,” Dream breathed out in between deep inhales.
“Yeah. shit,” George repeated after him.
Dream let out a soft giggle, then inched a tad bit closer. He grabbed George and pulled him in for one more soft peck on the lips, in almost a playful manner. They pulled apart, chuckling.
Dream brought him close, letting a hand wander down to the top of his pajama pants moving up inside the layer of his hoodie and skin wanting to feel closer to the smaller.
A careful hand trailed higher and higher before reaching the top of George's spine, yanking him in one more for an extra measure. He felt George shiver below him as he traced down the knobs down his back and back up again.
“You’re so pretty,” Dream whispered deep into George's eyes and his other hand rose to tuck the strand of hair that had fallen over the olders face behind his ear, “I love you.”
Dream held his breath waiting for a reaction but quickly melted back into the sheets when he noticed a soft expression on George's face, it filled his deep chocolate eyes as they opened with curiosity and wonder.
“Dream,” George began, “I love you too.”