"Dream, c'mon!" Sapnap exclaimed, "I owe you this!"

Dream crossed his arms and shook his head. After less than a day of traveling, Sapnap and George managed to persuade him into staying at a town inn.

Sapnap was currently trying to get Dream to "party" at a local pub. The so called party was just a bunch of drunkards sluggishly dancing in the dim lighting. Everyone was human here and the stench of them was a smell Dream disliked.

Sapnap crossed his arms, mimicking Dream. He put on a faux scowl and taunted, "Can Dreamy not handle a little alcohol?" When Dream said nothing Sapnap sighed. "You're taking me to Karl, the least I can do is get you to have a little fun."

If Sapnap could feel Dream's glare from under his hood, he didn't say.

"I'll have a drink."

Dream's eyes snapped to George at the prince's statement. George smirked. "I'm not afraid of a little alcohol."

"Do what you please," Dream muttered, "but don't drink too much, we have to get up early tomorrow."

Needless to say, Sapnap and George didn't listen.

~

Dream was sitting at an empty booth, an untouched cup of beer on the table in front of him. The strum of the fiddle pulsed throughout the room; the band just started a new song. Dream sighed and slipped a hand under his hood to rub his temples.

Sapnap and George were off doing god knows what and Dream had been patiently waiting for the two to tire of the music and dancing.

Hours later, when the sun had long past set, the two were drunk out of their minds and still going at it. Dream leaned back in his seat and raised an eyebrow at the two mortals stumbling around.

George looked at Dream for the first time in hours and stumbled over, dragging Sapnap with him. They plopped into the booth seat across from him with stupid grins on their faces.

"Dreeeaam," Sapnap slurred, "why are you so boring?"

George nodded, his head bobbing drunkenly. Dream scoffed and replied, "I'm not boring, I just prefer a more conservative lifestyle."

"Boring," Sapnap muttered. "You haven't even touched your drink."

"Human alcohol has little to no effect on me," Dream said with a narrowed gaze, "besides, this stuff is disgusting as hell."

A woman, who Dream recognized as one of the workers of the bar, glared at him. Dream rolled his eyes and looked back to his friends― no, not friends― something else. Dream didn't have a word for it.

George chimed in, "You can still dance without a drink."

Dream chuckled. "I will not be dancing."

George crossed his arms in a pout and stuck his tongue out. Sapnap seemed to snap out of a trance and he got up, saying, "Later losers, I still have room for another drink."

Sapnap hoisted himself out of his seat and stumbled back to the bar counter. Dream sighed and looked back to George, who was drawing patterns on the table. The prince's head snapped up and he placed his chin on his hand, tilting his head to study Dream.

They sat wordlessly for a moment before George mumbled, "Can you pull your hood back?"

"No."

George's eyes narrowed. "Why not?"

"Because there are people everywhere and I know for a fact that Fae ears would draw attention."

"Oh," George said quietly and looked down, "I just... I like being able to see you, instead of some hooded shadow."

Dream didn't reply, watching the prince stumble over his words. George looked back up and slurred, his voice growing more and more quiet, "Do you think you'll ever show your face... to me?"

"No," Dream said, his voice harsher than he intended it to be.

"Oh," George said again. He blinked and seemed to lose his train of thought because he asked, "Why am I still alive? Why haven't you killed me?"

Dream shrugged and a smirk grew on George's face. George laughed loudly at nothing before asking, "Was I right?"

"Right about what?"

George rolled his eyes and slurred, "I provide comedic relief, right?"

"Not really."

George scoffed. "Fine, but I at least provide you with something nice to look at, yeah?"

Dream snorted and said sarcastically, "Haha, you're very funny."

George grinned and winked, the movement surprising Dream. Now that he thought about it... no. He would not allow himself to think about those things.

The prince's grin turned sleepy, his chin slipping off his hand. His head jerked up and he blinked slowly. George mumbled, "I'm tired."

"I can see that."

George smiled sheepishly and got up from the booth, about to rejoin Sapnap. Dream said, "I don't think you should drink anymore, you're about to fall over."

The prince swayed, biting his lip as he thought. "Okay," he said simply, sitting back down, but this time on Dream's side of the booth.

George leaned into Dream, his head resting on his shoulder as he mumbled something unintelligible. Dream stiffened before slowly relaxing, scanning the room for Sapnap, who was passed out at the counter.

Dream scoffed, looking down at George. He gently picked the prince up, carrying him bridal style. George mumbled something again in his sleep as he nestled his head against Dream's chest. A few weird looks were sent his way, but Dream ignored them and carried George out of the bar. He would come back for Sapnap once he dropped George off at the inn that they were staying at.

Dream walked down the streets, carrying the sleeping prince in his arms. George's hand slipped and Dream went to grab it and put it back, but George unconsciously lifted it back up, placing it on Dream's upper chest. His fingers curled in the fabric of Dream's shirt's collar and cloak and sighed softly. Dream shivered as cold fingers and knuckles brushed against the skin of his lower neck.

He held his breath the rest of the walk, eventually returning to their room at the inn. Dream set George down on the bed, gently tugging the prince's hand from his shirt. George grumbled, snuggling into the blanket Dream cautiously placed over him. Dream smiled softly, closing the door quietly behind him as he left to get Sapnap.

~

The next morning Sapnap and George awoke with hangovers and grumpy attitudes.

After Dream brought Sapnap back to the inn, he kept watch quietly. There were two beds in their room, George getting one and Sapnap getting the other. Dream sat in a chair, fidgeting with one of his daggers.

Sapnap hissed and yanked his blanket over his head when Dream pulled back the curtain to let in the morning light. George grumbled and turned over onto his side to avoid the sun. Dream rolled his eyes and said loudly, "Get up, idiots, we're leaving."

"Nooo," Sapnap protested, "I need my beauty sleep!"

Dream sighed. "I told you last night that we were leaving early. You should've listened."

Sapnap groaned loudly and said, "Fine, but only if you get breakfast."

Dream sighed again, leaving the room to get them food. He glanced backwards once to find Sapnap still hiding under the blankets and George fast asleep.

He returned minutes later with cheese sandwiches and water. Dream shut the door loudly to announce his presence, but the two mortals didn't budge. He held back another sigh of annoyance as he shook Sapnap's shoulder roughly.

Dream tossed back the blanket and waved a sandwich in front of Sapnap's face. Sapnap's eyes squinted open and the pyrokinetic sat up reluctantly, rubbing his eyes and taking the food and water. Dream walked to George's bed and gently shook the prince's shoulder.

He heard Sapnap scoff from behind him, but Dream ignored it and whispered, "Wake up, George, we're leaving soon. I have food and water if you want some."

George mumbled sleepily into his pillow, "But I wanna sleeeep."

"We have to leave―"

Dream was cut off by Sapnap, who pushed past Dream and shook George's shoulders roughly, saying, "Get off your lazy ass and wake up!"

George's eyes opened to glare at Sapnap, pushing him off and muttering, "Sorry, I wanted to enjoy sleeping in an actual bed for once."

Dream didn't blame him. They slept outdoors more often than not and sleeping on the ground wasn't comfortable. Sapnap didn't seem to care because he said, "I don't care. Dream said get up, so get up."

Sapnap angrily took a bite out of his sandwich and yanked the other out of Dream's hands, shoving it at George. The prince blinked slowly, his mouth tugging in a grin as he teased, "What's wrong? Did Sapnap wake up on the wrong side of the bed?"

Sapnap's nostrils flared and he tossed the cheese sandwich onto George's lap. He retorted, "No, I just want to leave."

George shrugged and started eating his sandwich. Dream offered him a jug of water and George took it gratefully. He hummed, "Good morning, Dream."

Dream nodded and heard Sapnap snort, giving George a look. The two finished their breakfasts feeling slightly better than how they woke up and they all left the inn, leaving the village soon after.

Their walking was routine, Dream typically in front with George and Sapnap talking behind him. Sometimes they all walked together, Dream usually in the middle even if he didn't talk much. Dream would often find entertainment in George and Sapnap's arguing.

After several hours of walking, it was soon afternoon. Dream had pulled down his hood when they left the village, now listening to the sounds of nature. They stopped at a small river for rest, mainly for the two mortals.

George and Sapnap settled quickly, the two munching on some snacks from the pack. Dream stayed standing, leaning against a tree and turning one of his daggers over in his hand. He felt George's gaze on him, but he said nothing.

"Can you teach me how to use that?" George asked, tossing his apple core into the nearest bush.

Dream tracked the apple with his eyes, glancing back at George. He asked, "Why do you want to learn?"

"I don't want to, I need to learn how to defend myself."

Sapnap huffed his assent and added, "Yeah, when I cornered you in that alley, I could tell you didn't even know how to throw a punch."

George scrunched his nose, but he didn't disagree. Dream asked, "Why don't you teach him then, Sapnap?"

"Hell naw," Sapnap said immediately, "I'll leave that to you."

Dream watched as the raven-haired mortal dozed off quickly, effectively ending their conversation. Dream glanced to George, who was looking at him expectantly.

Dream sighed. "Alright then, where do you wanna start?"

"Anywhere," George said, "as long as I learn something about how to defend myself."

Dream nodded in agreement and led George out of the small forest they were in to a small, open meadow. He took off his cloak and hung it on a passing tree branch before they exited the forest.

Being midday, the sun's rays were no friend to them, although several small clouds dotted the cerulean sky. Dream turned to face George in the middle of the meadow and studied the prince.

George looked unsure, his arms crossed and his eyes darting around the meadow, eventually focusing on Dream. His hair was a lighter brown in the sunlight and just barely drifted across his forehead. George's weight was leaned onto one foot, making it easy to knock him off balance.

"Show me how you would punch someone," Dream said, breaking the silence and gesturing with his hands.

George blinked, immediately becoming focused. He lifted his hands and curled them into fists, standing tall and balancing himself. He looked to Dream, seeming to ask for his approval.

Dream tilted his head and said, "Your thumbs go outside your fists, so you don't break them."

George corrected himself instantly, listening to Dream. Dream started walking around the prince in a slow circle, analyzing him.

Dream said, "Spread your feet until they are even with your shoulders and bend your knees slightly." George adjusted his stance and awaited further direction. Dream added, "Now when you punch, turn at an angle and use the weight and force of your body as you move forward in your swing."

Dream stopped in front of George and held his gloved hands up, saying, "Slowly go through the motion, aim for my hands."

George nodded, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration and went through the motion. Dream hummed in approval and said, "Again."

They went through the movements over and over for at least an hour until George had learned it by heart. In the heat of the day, Dream had discarded his long-sleeved shirt, keeping on his sleeveless black undershirt. George had removed his extra clothing that was only necessary for cold temperatures, currently in a light blue shirt.

"Again," Dream ordered, lifting his hands back up.

George groaned and wiped the back of his hand against his damp forehead, protesting, "Again? Why? I know how to punch now."

"You wanted to train," Dream said with a grim smile, "if you want to have more lax, ask Sapnap to teach you."

"Ugh," George said with a scoff, "but it's so hot. I'm overheating."

Dream raised an eyebrow, his hands slowly dropping to his sides. "Really?"

George paused for a moment before sighing and lifting up his hands. "Fine, if you say so."

Even though George couldn't see it, Dream grinned.

~

"Again."

It wasn't Dream who said it now, this time it was George.

Dream paused, crossing his arms. George blinked in surprise and said through gritted teeth, "C'mon, let's keep going."

"No, I don't want you to overexert yourself and get hurt."

"Dream, you wanted me to train, so let's train. Teach me more."

Dream took in the prince's stance. George's eyebrows were furrowed in determination and stubbornness and his face was red, not only from the exercise, but from the hot sun. His skin shone with sweat and his shirt was sticking to his skin. Dream assumed he looked similar.

"No," Dream repeated. "Go get some water and take a break."

George's chin lifted in defiance. "No."

"Where is this coming from?" Dream asked. "Why are you being so stubborn?"

"I need to learn how to fight."

"And I'm teaching you," Dream said slowly, "you'll learn a little bit at a time so you don't overwhelm yourself."

"Dream," George said exasperatedly, "I only know how to punch, to punch. That's it. I need to learn more."

"And you will, just not today."

George's shoulders sagged and he muttered, "I'm sick of being seen as weak."

"No one sees you as that."

"Yeah right," George said with a tired sigh, "it's what Sapnap sees, it's what you see, it's what I see."

"I don't see you as weak," Dream said, "compared to me, yeah, you are. But I'm Fae, I'm supposed to be strong and powerful. As for Sapnap... he can create and manipulate fire, which is pretty fucking awesome. And you... you say you're human, but I know you aren't. You're hiding something, but it's not my business to pry. But I know that you're not weak."

George said nothing for a long moment. His eyes left Dream's mask and looked to the ground between them. He muttered, "I― I grew up in a castle, like you already know, I'm a prince... err, sorry I was a prince. My father... wasn't always the nicest and he made it his life goal to make me know that he had power over me. I don't want to be weak anymore, I don't want to be the person he made me to be."

Dream's lips thinned as he took in all the new knowledge. He said softly, "You don't have to worry about him anymore, George, you're not a prince anymore."

George looked up, his eyes grateful. "Thank you, for letting me travel with you. I don't know where I'd be without you."

Dream shrugged and admitted, "It's nice having someone to travel and talk with again."

"Again?"

Dream stiffened as he realized his slip up. He said quickly, "Uh, don't worry about it. I used to have a partner I would travel with."

"Partner?" George asked, growing curious, "Who?"

"No one," Dream said dismissively, "let's go get some water."

George didn't make a move to head back to their camp. He said, "I wanna know."

"No," Dream said harshly, starting to get uncomfortable with the topic of conversation. Memories were starting to resurface and Dream tried to shut them out as he squeezed his eyes shut.

"Dream, who was it?"

Dream's breathing started to quicken, but George didn't seem to notice. Fragments of his life popped up in his mind, little images that threatened to break him.

'Your hands are so warm!' his lover used to exclaim as they held hands. 'Mine are always so cold, I'm glad I have yours to hold... it makes me feel so safe.'

His partner's soft laugh echoed in Dream's ears and Dream opened his eyes to look at his shaky hands, always gloved for a reason.

Dream swallowed and held back tears as the next memory came up, like there was an automatic queue.

'Y'know, I always loved how green your eyes are,' he used to say. He'd smile with honest eyes and wipe away any tears. He used to say, 'Clay, don't be afraid, we have time.'

But time was never given to them.

Because he was dead.

All because of Dream.

"He... he's gone," Dream whispered shakily.

"He?" George asked, "Who's he?"

Dream caught himself before he could say more. "It doesn't matter."

"Tell me," George pushed.

"No."

George narrowed his eyes. "I said tell me."

"And I said no," Dream replied harshly, confused at George's strange persistence.

"If you don't tell me, I'll tell Sapnap what's going to happen to him."

Dream blinked in confusion and warned, "Don't try and blackmail me, it won't work."

"Oh yeah? Maybe I'll find this Technoblade guy myself and tell him how friendly you've gotten with your target."

"Stop."

"Maybe I'll sneak off in the middle of the night. I'll leave when you finally have to sleep, when you have a nightmare." George missed Dream's flinch because he continued, taunting, "Maybe I'll finish your mission for you."

"I said stop," Dream said, his voice wavering and his hands curling into fists.

George merely blinked before saying, "I could find this he of yours and tell him how awful of a person you are. I'd tell him how you lie to get your way, even at the expense of others."

Dream flinched and shoved George to the ground, pinning him. Dream's forearm pushed into George's neck, but loose enough for him to breathe. His knees pinned George's hands to his sides and his other hand hovered above the dagger sheathed on his belt.

George grinned and he said, "Teach me how you did that."

"What?" Dream rasped. Any trace of tears in his eyes disappeared within seconds. So it was all a ruse. "You― you did that on purpose," Dream muttered, not wanting to believe it.

George shrugged. "Yeah, I'm pretty good at it, aren't I?"

Dream's shoulders sagged and he whispered, "Yeah..."

"So, will you teach me how to pin someone?"

Dream stiffened and he pushed his forearm into George's neck farther. George's eyes widened and he gasped. Dream leaned forward to mutter into his ear harshly, "I will never teach you anything ever again you filthy, manipulative piece of shit."

George's eyes widened further and Dream got up. He left and didn't turn around when George shouted, "Wait!" and then, "I'm sorry Dream!" and lastly, "I didn't mean it!"