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Like the way he's now finding himself cataloging George's every microhabit.

Okay, Dream can admit, that sounds a little creepy but it isn't, not really! With George across an ocean for most of their friendship Dream can't be blamed for being interested in all the small things he couldn't have noticed before!

Like the way George will scrunch up his nose if his coffee's gone cold, or how he'll make sure his shoes are perfectly aligned after he toes them off, or how he deflects questions with his full body. He'll hunch over a bit, angle himself a little, run his hand through his hair even more than usual, shifting eyes quick to find any other conversation topic in hopes of diverting attention away from his light blush.

Which, in a kind of roundabout way, brings him back to the question that his brain has, for some reason, zeroed in on today. It's.., okay it's a bit strange, it- he wants to know... he wants to know what George will do when he's asked if he's ticklish.

The thing is, he knows, Dream knows the answer already. He knows George is ticklish, courtesy of one too many competitive chess-  turned wrestling matches with Sapnap. It's not about that though. He just wants, no needs, to know how George will react to the question. (There's too many possibilites he can envision playing on loop in his head, he needs to see it for real, he needs to confirm if any of his scenarios are correct, if he was right!)

The clatter of George puttering around in the kitchen shocks him out of his own head. Dream blinks slowly, a little confused at the sudden influx of sensations as reality rushes back.

The room is a little darker than he remembers it being, dusk having passed minutes before. A lone lamp sitting in the corner illuminates the space in a low orange-golden glow, supported by the light of the TV still playing Sapnap's stream at far to high a volume. Dream winces at the noise level, fumbling for the remote, and moves to turn it down.

-Sapnap had asked him to check his stream for the audio issues he'd kept having, and, judging by the crystal-clarity of his screams, everything seems to be fine now.-

Dream sinks back into the couch as the noise reduces to a quiet muttering. The momentary peace doesn't last. Light footsteps alert him to George's approaching presence just before he rounds the corner of the couch, holding his freshly filled MrBeast cup (that he insists on using instead of a glass like a normal person).

And, apparently, just the sight of George is enough for Dream's brain to jump back on it's bullshit, ever-looping train of thought, leaving him to frantically search for ways to ask without making himself look like an idiot with zero understanding of appropriate timing.

He doesn't seem to hide it well, because George immediately notices Dream watching him a little too intently, quirking an eyebrow and sending him a questioning look while setting down his cup on the sidetable.

"'You alright?" George asks, an expression somewhere between curiosity, amusement and concern on his face. "You seem a little out of it, have for a while."

"Wha- uh yeah, I'm fine. I was just... thinking about ermm... stuff. Yeah," Dream stammers out, doing an absolutely stellar job at pretending to feel normal.

"Stuff," George repeats flatly.

"Yes, stuff. It's... not important," Dream answers the unspoken accusation hurriedly, internally praying that his lackluster response is enough to satisfy George's curiosity.

It's not. He can see George opening his mouth to prod some more, not willing to drop the subject yet, but he get's interrupted by a sudden, particularly loud yell sounding from upstairs, Sapnap's room. It echos from the TV a few seconds later, though at a much more managable volume.

They both turn to look at each other, then at the TV with raised eyebrows and matching grins, amused at their friend's overreaction as the screen displays a familiar death message.

Seemingly on to a new topic, George asks: "So, Sapnap's audio fixed itself then?", his eyes leisurely tracking the moving pixels on the screen, posture relaxed, still standing in front of the couch (and also the TV, kind of blocking Dream's view, but whatever).

"Yeah, I guess," Dream replies, a little absentmindedly, most of his higher brain function still caught up in figuring out how to slip the question 'George, are you ticklish?' into the normal conversation they were having... he can't help it, okay?

"George?" His mouth had moved without permission. Okay, well... apparently the time to slip the question into the normal conversation they were having was now, Dream decides, taking the non-commital hum from George as encouragement.

Mentally flipping through all the scenarios he'd envisioned, Dream takes a breath before finally rushing the question out all at once:

"George, hey uh- areyouticklish?"

And the reaction is...

Silence?!

George is still just looking at the TV, maybe a little more intently then before, but other then that it's almost like he didn't even ask in the first place!

Okay, this was not how Dream thought George would react. Vehement denial, or a taken-aback blush or even a dry 'What's it to you' he'd all taken into consideration, but nothing?! No, that hadn't really been part of any of the scenarios his brain had cooked up.

Dream is confused. Admittedly it was a bit of a non-segue but still.. had George maybe not heard him? He had been talking kind of fast, maybe it was that? Well, one way to find out.

"George," Dream calls again, observing the way his friend's formerly relaxed posture momentarily tenses before almost forcefully relaxing again in puzzlement.

"George. Are you ticklish?" He makes sure to speak louder and slower, enunciating his words, especially the last one, carefully.

The answering silence doesn't surprise him as much this time... and so he's able to notice some small little details he'd probably overlooked last time around.

Like the way George is tense, back straight but shoulders slightly raised like he's bracing for something. The way the fingers of his left hand are toying with the bottom of his shirt, a nervous habit of his. The way he keeps his face resolutely turned towards the TV... but Dream can now spot the blush coloring his ears and neck in subtle pink tones.

When he leans to the side a little to catch a look at his friend's expression he only manages to take in his nervous smile-bitten lip and rosy cheeks before George angles his body further towards the screen, pretending to be incredibly interested in the stream.

Dream can't keep the gleeful grin from rising on his face. Oh, this is gonna be good.

He leans back into the couch and crosses his arms in front if his chest, grin never wavering. And then he just waits. Ironically, if there's one thing George can't stand in situations like these, it's silence.

He's proven right when, after just a minute or two, George grits his teeth and throws him a glance over his shoulder. When he sees Dream already grinning at him he quickly whips his head towards the TV again, both hands now fidgeting with his shirt.

Dream does nothing but observe as George seemingly tries to build up confidence. He watches, eyebrows raised and eyes glittering amusedly, as the brunet gathers himself and spins around to the couch, taking a step to grab his MrBeast cup and raising it for a sip.

When he sets it back down he still won't meet Dream's eyes. Instead he starts talking, forcedly nonchalant, trying to change the subject. "Did you say something? Didn't catch that, sorry. Anyway I was thinking, you know how Sapnap sometim-"

"George", Dream interrupts, grin only growing on his face.

"Dream shut up, I'm trying to tell you about this new video idea I just got!" George tries to distract, faking offense. His voice wobbles. He fails.

Dream scoffs lightly at the pathetic attempt at diversion. He leans forward to poke his friend's arm, watches as his hand gets batted away immediately. Admirably George doesn't jump back, still committed to acting like he didn't hear a thing. "Look, Sapnap is- eEMmh"

Self-satisfied edge to his smile, Dream pulls back from the second poke he'd delivered, this time to George's side just under his ribs. Got him!

Dream's voice drops lower.“George.”

"What?!"

A shark-like grin. "Answer me!"

"No!" George hisses, taking a step back. "You can't make me!"

Dream's eyes light up. Now that's a challenge! Not giving George a second to prepare he sits up from the couch, grabs him by the waist and drags him down onto his lap, his friend's back to his chest. He makes sure to keep his arms tight around him, pinning the brunet's own, as he digs his chin into George's shoulder a little.

He waits for the other's surprised yell to ring out before stage-whispering "Ooh, I gotchu now!" straight into his friend's ear, delighting in the answering choked giggle and increased squirming.

Dream can't keep his own laughter down as George, realization now setting in, starts to struggle like his life depends on it, protests a constant flow of "lehet me uhuhup!", "you're suhuch an idiohohot", and the occasional "what the muffihin!". He writhes and wriggles, strains against Dream's arms and tries to buck up, only to squeak as he get's tugged right back against Dream's chest.

"Yeah, you gonna get out?" Dream teases, voice mischievous.

George gives an annoyed groan as he ceases his struggles, body slumping down in the taller's hold. He cranes his head to shoot Dream a narrow-eyed look equal parts challenge and anticipation. "You can't make me say it."

The blond quirks an eyebrow and a smile in response. "Oh, we'll see about that."

Just to tease him a little more, Dream blows a stream of air across George's neck to watch him scrunch up and shiver. Then, figuring he gave George enough time to prepare, he switches his hold to only encircle his stomach, George's arms no longer trapped but also no longer blocking any spots. He draws the circle of his arms closer again and hovers his left hand, pointer finger outstretched, near his friend's right side, his right hand mirroring the position on the other side.

With a self-satisfied twist to his smile, Dream pokes him in the side. Just once. And then he watches in amusement as George flinches away from his finger... straight into the other one already waiting for him! And then he does it again. And again.

Dream can both hear and feel the strained growl reverberating through George's chest as he tries to repress his giggling, stop his flinching and express his desire to kick Dream's ass, all at the same time.

This won't do. He switches to spidering his fingers up and down George's sides, gently vibrating the tips into the bottoms of his ribs everytime he reaches them. George throws his head back, pressing it to Dream's shoulder, his tightly shut eyes and wobbling lip a clear sign that Dream should keep going just like that.

Sure enough, it only takes a few more seconds for George to crack, hands uselessly pushing at Dream's forearms, high-pitched laughter now flowing freely. Dream squeezes him a little tighter for a second, helpless to the surge of affection rushing through him as he watches his friend curl up around his arms, happy giggles falling from his lips and bouncing around the room.

He keeps going like this for a little longer before deciding to change it up. George still owes him an aswer after all. Shifting his left arm to lock securely around the other's chest Dream moves his right hand to deliver a couple squeezes to George's thigh. The brunet nearly jumps out of his skin at the sensation, his shrill yelp making Dream's ears ring.

Scoffing teasingly, Dream lightens his touch from squeezing to simply pressing in and dragging his fingernails over the fabric of George's sweatpants. It's enough to keep him giggling, giddy and light, but it's not enough to endanger the existance of Dream's eardrums anymore, thankfully.

George jolts when Dream jumps to his hip for a few seconds, but it's only when the taller starts drumming the fingers of his left hand still holding George to his chest into his upper ribs that he chokes out a laugh, subconciously leaning to the opposite side.

"He-hey, make it stop!"

Dream smirks at the wobbly complaint.

"No."

George whines, drawing it out, pitch jumping everytime Dream hits a particularly sensitive spot. "Whyy?"

He tsks playfully. "Only you can make it stop remember? You just gotta answer me." Dream's voice drops lower. "George, are you ticklish?"

"You suhuck!" George hisses, scrunching up and shaking his head as the phantom vibrations of Dream's low question refuse to dissipate.

"What, were you hoping I'd forget this easily?" Dream chuckles. "No way!" He switches arms, his right now restraining George while his left reaches for his other thigh. Bracing himself against the initial squeal he repeats the motions and patterns he tested on George's other leg, losing himself in the other's reactions and bright giggles.

The golden-orange lamp bathing the room in a low warm glow flickers. It's now well and truly dark outside, the stars visible through the window. The glass reflects the harsh borders and bright colors of the TV,  Sapnap well into a new game by now.

Dream sighs. This is nice. He's cozy, and it's warm, George's weight on him is kinda like a heavy blanket.

A squeak ringing out right next to Dream's ear reminds him of the task at hand. Apparently the hand formerly on his friend's thigh had migrated up to his hip, lightly squeezing and poking, while he was zoned out, explaining the sudden increase in noise.

Fully zoned back in, Dream notes they way George is now pushing at his hands with a sharp playful tsk, making him freeze in his tracks. 

"C'mon now. First you refuse to answer my innocent question and now you try to escape?!" Dream teases, tone fake-incredulous and accusing.

"I'hihim n-not gohohoing to tehell you anythihiHiHING! YOUhuhu're s-sohOHO AHN- ANNOHOYIHIHIHNG!" George tries to snap, unable to keep his giggling at bay. "THihi-thIS ihis luHUDicrouh-hAH! NAHAHAH DREHEAMM!"

Dream just sighs, playing it up, the disappointed noise entirely at odds with the shark-like grin painting his features. He starts digging his fingers into George's hip and vibrates them, laughing as George interrupts the half-finished complaint he was trying to choke out with a squeal and decends into a hard giggle fit.

"You really should just answer me you know?" Dream muses after a while, deceptively innocent voice raised a little over George's laughter. "Otherwise I might have to go for your armpits."

He lightens the tickles to simple tapping over the other's hipbones while he waits for George to start talking, his wild giggles steadily calming down. But of course George refuses to answer, stubborn as ever, only knocking his head back into Dream's shoulder with a defiant huff of protest.

Dream scoffs. Alright then, he asked for it.

He shoots his hands into George's armpits without preamble, massaging muscle and bone, and is taken by surprise as George arches up immediately, body curved in a frankly impressive display of core strenght Dream didn't know he possessed. He starts squirming like crazy the second he drops back down, eyes scrunched to crescent shapes, happy cackles filling the room.

Dream huffs a small laugh himself as he tugs him back up to rest more securely against his chest. "Nope, youre not getting away!"

George doesn't appear to have heard the teasy remark, to lost in his own fullblown laughter. Dream is pretty sure that if he'd let him go now he'd just slide down like he sometimes does in his chair, laughing too hard to hold himself up.

Inching down a little to George's higher most ribs Dream starts drawing little circles, dialing the intensity back a little. He doesn't want to kill George after all, he just wants an answer. But, judging from the wide, happy smile on George's face, head once again thrown back to rest against Dream's shoulder, he doesn't mind this all that much. (Besides, Dream might be stronger than him, but if George were to throw his full weight against his hold then even Dream wouldn't be able to keep him where he didn't want to be.)

Dream keeps jumping between armpits and upper ribs for a little, content to watch George struggle a bit, before he settles on his ribs, skritching and spidering his nails over the bones and gently pressing into the spaces between them.

George falls into a frankly adorable giggle fit, voice raising in pitch and volume everytime Dream gets closer to his armpits again, the occasional loud yelp and abrupt flinch interrupting his steady flow of laughter when Dream brushes over a particularly sensitive spot. He's no longer pushing at Dream's arms now, instead just lightly holding onto them like he's grounding himself, hands subconciously clenching every now and again at the electric feeling.

The sudden thump of a door being opened with more speed and force than neccessary sounds from upstairs, followed by Sapnap's quick, heavy footsteps making their way to the upstairs bathroom. It's unexpected enough to make Dream jump a little, arms momentarily loosening and allowing George to slide down a bit. George starts with a whine, probably embarrassed at the prospect of Sapnap hearing him giggle his little heart out.

Dream tugs George securely to his chest again, movement absent-minded. He hadn't heard Sapnap close his door again, had he? An idea blossoms in his mind. He grins.

"Hey George," he starts, conversationally, moving up his ribs to just under his armpits again. The upped intensity makes George first freeze, then start squirming like a worm on a hook. His laughter comes louder and faster now, like it's crowding in his mouth before tumbling out all at once. Dream's grin widens.

"Not that your laugh isn't cute," he teases the skin where his hands are resting, eliciting a close-mouthed scream, "but you're being so loud..."

He wrangles his mischievous grin into a semblance of a pout, making sure to let it bleed into his voice. "Sapnap is streaming. You don't want chat to notice, do you?"

(Now, in truth, Dream had no idea if George was laughing loud enough to be picked up by the mic. Hell, Sapnap had probably muted it anyway! But... George's mind was probably too scrambled to even consider that.)

"Shuhut up! This is youhour fault!" George grits out, choking back his laughter, fluster bleeding into his voice. His entire face is flushed. He turns to hide it in Dream's neck with a whine when Dream comments on it, tone bright with fond glee.

George slumps against Dream's chest, halfway to boneless, only to tense back up as Dream's arms unfold and wrap back around him, warm and snug, trapping his own arms once more.

A flutter of Dream's fingers makes George bark out another laugh, following it up with a strained sound halfway between a demanding growl and flustered whine. "G-gehet out ohof my ah- mhmmy armpihits alreadeheey!"

Dream makes a small amused noise at the demand but decides to take it a little easier on him. He lets his hand rub up and down George's shaking sides, allowing his laughter to fade into chuckles, then breathy huffs, and then to a fluttery, pitchy kind of humming, still too wound up to truly settle.

"We're not done yet George. I still want that answer from you." Dream whispers, teasing quiet at the edge of his tone. The atmosphere was shifting to something softer, something he was afraid to shatter, golden-orange and warm like the glow of their lamp.

But still, that didn't mean he wouldn't get that answer from George. Softer, slower touches worked just as well as as harsher ones after all. He hummed in contemplation. If not better.

But how should he play this? Hmm. Momentarily lost in thought he didn't notice his fingers starting to trace small shapes into George's tummy, hands needing something to do. He didn't even really notice the way George pressed himself back into him, trying to escape the barely there sensations.

But what he does notice is the honest-to-God full body shiver and strangled whimper George can't suppress when Dream inclines his head in thought, stubbled cheek and chin brushing up the side of his neck. Oh. So that's the play.

"Ooh George..." he sing-songs, digging his chin into the other's shoulder, "I'm gonna make you say it.~"

"N-no you're nohoT!" George cuts himself off with a sharp gasp as Dream tightens his grip around him and then proceeds to nuzzle at his neck, stubble and all. The brunet tries to hunch up his shoulders, but Dream's face is already in the way. Dream can practically feel muffled giggles already clawing their way up George's throat.

"Yohou reheally n-ah! neehed to shahahave!" He grits out, voice wobbling dangerously. "You're like a-ahaha cahavemAH!"

Dream stills at the ridiculously high-pitched yip escaping George. So.... his ears then. He tries to suppress the mischievous grin that's blooming on his face, with little success. If this is how George reacts when Dream just grazes his ear by accident... and with his nose no less... he cannot wait to see what'll happen when he actually tries.

"No," he quips back, last-word, smile audible in his voice, "I think I like my face just fine like this, actually."

Curious, he brings a hand up and traces the shell of his ear. George lets a few giggles escape, shaking his head to get rid of the sensation and squirming so hard that Dream has to pull his hand away, needing both hands to secure his grip on him.

He's at a loss for a few seconds. He can't use his hands or he'd risk George escaping. His stubble would probably be too sharp and prickly to use on something as delicate as ears. Other options like his hair would probably be to mild, and still other's might be a little too much.

Green eyes flash, an idea suddenly forming in his head. Wait, what if...

Dream leans forward, his own head now closer to George's. George tries to crane his neck to escape him, but Dream just follows.

And then, with a voice so low he's keenly aware of the vibrations buzzing in his own ribcage he repeats his question. Directly into George's ear this time.

"George, are you ticklish?"

And his entire being scrunches.

Dream leans back a little and watches in amusement as he squirms, shoulders raised as high as they'll go, head tilted to the side, rubbing the assaulted ear on his shoulder to get rid of the phantom vibrations. Giggles flow freely from his mouth now, which is adorable, considering Dream didn't even touch him. It's enough.

"Okahahahay, oh-okahay!"

George finally gives in.

"I... I- yehes I aham. Ihi ahaham t-ticklish!" He's blushing bright red, the tips of his ears practially glowing. He's turned his head to the side, embarrassed at his admittance and his defeat, but Dream can just make out the edge of his bashful smile.

Dream huffs a laugh of his own, quietly fond. Still, he can't resist teasing just a little more while he lets his arms fall away, fingers now tracing shapes on the couch cushions. "I told you, I'd get you to say it!"

"Whahatever idiot!" George fires back, never having been a gracious loser in his life. He shakes his head, trying to get rid of the left-over tingles in his ear. When that doesn't work he brings his hand up, rubbing them away, his giggles slowly calming.

As they subside entirely George relaxes back into Dream, a content hum escaping him. He turns to the side a little, head now resting underneath Dream's chin, tugs one of the blond's hands into his own lap and starts to play with his fingers absentmindedly. There's no hesitance to be found in his easy affection. After all he had just spent the last several minutes in Dream's lap, laughing his head off.

Dream, on the other hand, suddenly grows incredibly aware of their position. It's... there's nothing wrong with it, he just... the way George fits under his chin is just... he's not used to this. He feels his ears growing warm. "Umm, are you... do... do you want to get off?"

"What?" George stops short for a second or two. Then he laughs at him, light but so, so gleeful. He flicks at Dream's palm in easy amusement. "Why would you say it like that?"

"I... wha-?!" Dream sputters, realization making his face flush. "No, that's no- I was asking if you're gonna move off my lap or not, you idiot!"

George gives a quiet noise of contemplation, teasing smile set on his lips. Dream stays as still as possible, ears still burning, as George moves to settle just beside him, legs still thrown over Dream's own, head still resting under his chin.

"This is okay," he states.

"Okay?" Dream echoes, slightly confused.

"Okay!" George confirms, self-assured, shifting a little to make himself more comfortable.

(Dream almost passes out when George starts nuzzling into the space under his chin. This is... this much affection is really not what he's used to.)

He only manages to gather himself when George yawns, eyes scrunching to crescents before he curls ever closer with a sleepy huff. The warm rush of fondness flowing through Dream's chest and trickling down his throat shakes him from his stupor. It feels like home.

Dream loops an arm around George as he slowly but surely falls asleep. His small answering noise mixes together with the low murmur of Sapnap's stream, unintelligible. The lamp flickers. Dream hugs George a little tighter, just because he can.

The golden-orange glow filling the room settles in his heart. This: warm and safe and happy, near to the people he's built his entire life around, built his entire life with, this was something he couldn't have helped but doubt he'd ever have.

God, Dream really envies Sapnap right about now. He'd chosen the perfect time to head to North Carolina to meet up with Karl, flying out the day before the storm had hit. Out of the house at just the right time. Thinking about it, he and George should've just gotten hotel rooms-

"DREAM! Pay attention to me!"

Dream startles a little as George's call catpults him out of his head. Sighing, he leans forward to close the email he'd been reading, before spinning the chair around to face George, grimacing at the feeling of his shirt sticking to his lower back. It's not like he'd been able to concentrate, anyway.

The room is just a little too warm, even with the fan on and the blinds down. It's dim, but the burning sun still finds it's way through the angled slats, painting thin lines of light on the floor and up along the walls. George is sprawled out on the bed, in shorts and a wrinkled shirt, head turned and eyes lazily fixed on Dream.

There's a sliver of skin where his shirt has ridden up, probably from when he was wriggling around earlier, trying to get comfortable.

Dream melts back into his chair. The room is warm and he is warm and he feels a little sleepy, and his thoughts come slower than usual. For a second he feels like he's wading through honey.

Maybe that's why, when he looks at George, he finds himself getting caught on that strip of bare skin. George gives an amused little cough and Dream rips his eyes away, blinking a few times as he feels warmth flood his cheeks.

There's silence for a few seconds. The fan clicks as it changes directions again.

"Dream."

When he looks back George is looking up at the ceiling. Dream's name rolls of his tongue in the same tone as before, nonchalantly demanding.

"What?"

George doesn't answer. Instead he makes some kind of vague hand movement Dream interprets as 'get over here'.

So he does, peeling himself out of his chair and taking the few steps over to the bed. God, it feels like the heat is worse standing up. He stops next to the bed, looking down at the other.

"What do you want George?" Dream asks. George is still staring at the ceiling. The fan whirrs.

"Get in bed with me."

He says it almost off-handedly, like he's talking about the weather or informing him that they're out of apple juice. The incongruity has Dream's brain playing catch-up as he feels his ears flush red in belated reaction.

"Wh- George!" He laughs, dumbfounded. "Why did you say it like that?!"

George scrunches his nose with a groan, closing his eyes like he's exasperated.

"Shut up! You know that's not what I meant," he argues. He's already a little flushed from the heat, but Dream thinks he can see the pink in his cheeks deepen.

"Do I?" Dream teases, straining to hold back his laughter. "So you don't want me in bed with you?"

Another groan answers him as George opens his eyes to glare at him through the lazy slits. Dream meets his gaze with an impish grin and watches as George heaves a put-upon sigh, head lolling to face the ceiling again. Like Dream can't see the secret smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Shut up idiot, just... lay down already."

Dream can't help but feel a little caught off-guard by the bluntness, again.

Its not that he'd thought George wasn't being serious. It's the way he's being so insistent, so direct when asking for closeness. It's a bit surprising. Unsual. Almost unlike him.

Then again... maybe the heat affects George just as much as it does him, making him more mellow, more honest. And it's not like this would be the first time they do this. Be close. Cuddle. Whatever. In fact, Dream is sure Sapnap is diligently counting each and every time he and George end up tangled together during weekly movie night for blackmail purposes.

But still, this feels a little different somehow. A little... more. He watches George watch the ceiling. Maybe it's just the heat.

He kind of feels like he's choking on the warm air.

Dream rounds the bed slowly, hesitating for a second before crawling onto the mattress. He feels a little jittery all of sudden, and he half expects George to tense up when he goes to lay down on his back, an arm's lenght away. But no, George remains sprawled out on the bed, loose-limbed, comfortable as can be.

He doesn't know if George's calmness is reassuring or daunting. If he'd rather George look a little off-balance, like how he feels right now. Maybe it wouldn't matter anyway. Dream breathes in, out, looks at the thin stripes of sunlight painting the walls and the sheets. It's warm. The room's warm.

The fan whirrs and clicks. Cool air washes over them as it turns in their direction.

Out of the corner of his eye, he notices when George finally unsticks his gaze from the ceiling. The older glances over to where Dream lies an arm's lenght away, sighs and shifts, curls himself toward him until he ends up with his forehead pressed against Dream's shoulder.

Dream can't help his shuddery exhale as a flash of fondness rushes through him. It combines with the warm air, makes him feel a little fuzzy, makes him turn to face George. The older loses his spot against Dream's shoulder and gives a little hum, displeased, adjusts himself and pushes even closer until he can rest his forehead against Dream's chest. They lie like a pair of parentheses, curled towards each other, not touching anywhere but where Dream can feel his own heartbeat resonate. Forehead to chest. Anything more would be too much in this heat. Too much in this dim, quiet room.

They're still for a few minutes. Dream studies the way the sunstripes drape over George's shoulder and sighs, content, sinks further into the mattress.

George shuffles closer to him. Dream makes room for him, drapes his arm over his shoulder without a second thought. Cool air sweeps across their legs as the fan turns to face them for a second before continuing it's arc. The heat settles back over them like a blanket, the fan's constant hum white noise in the quiet.

"Aren't you warm?"

Eventually, Dream breaks the silence. His voice is soft and low like he's chasing after it still. The question is an opening, a chance for George to draw back, to end this tranquil intimacy on his own terms.

But George just huffs like the question is ridiculous and nudges his head against Dream's chest. The action makes a lock of hair fall out of place and Dream reaches out to fix it absent-mindedly. George makes a quiet pleased noise and Dream smiles.

He shifts slightly to better brush his hand through dark hair. Reassured that George won't pull back, that he's being honest and open, or well, as open as George ever gets, he dares to voice his confusion:

"Alright, so what's this about? It's hot and normally you'd be like, complaining while sticking your head in the fridge, but instead you're... you're not usually this...", he trails off with a vague hand motion, unsure how to put their closeness and everything else into words.

"I don't know, just felt like it."

There's a pause after the curt reply, like George didn't mean for it to come out so sharp, to deflect like he always does. Dream, undeterred, can almost see him thinking, weighing how much he's comfortable divulging.

The pause drags on. Only when Dream is near ready to let it go, to accept the non-answer as the most he'll be able to get, does George add:

"Yeah it's warm, but it's not warm enough to where im like... disgustingly sweaty you know? I'm just kinda drowsy or something..." He softly pushes into Dream's fingers playing with his hair, nestles closer. "This is nice I guess."

The fan whirrs, clicks, starts up again. Repeats.

"Y'know, this reminds me of England," George says, apropos of nothing. "It was so hot inside during summer with all the insulation and no aircon." There's a pause before he mumbles something else into the fabric of Dream's shirt, something Dream has to strain to hear, but what sounds suspiciously like "at least now I'm here with you."

Dream's throat clicks as he swallows at the reminder of summers spent an ocean apart.

He sighs, then looks down at the mass of brown locks lying messy against his chest. The slow, creeping dark tendrils of his sadness dissipate as quickly as the came when another bolt of fondness shoots through him at the sight. He can't help the sappy little smile tugging at his lips as he replays George's words in his mind, once, then twice.

And he can't help the way his smile sharpens into a grin when he replays them again, an opportunity to tease and lighten the atmosphere rolled into one and hidden behind the initial high of George's admittance.

Dream nudges George with a coo, grin still on his face.

"Awwe I knew you loved me George!"

"Shut the hell up idiot."

George huffs in amusement and delivers a weak hit to his shoulder, then drops his fist back down. He turns his head and peaks up at Dream, a line of light falling over his eyes turning them honey-gold.

And once more, Dream can't help but be stunned by their closeness, heart working overdrive to process his reality. Them, no longer an ocean apart. Everything that wasn't possible before now here in his arms. George now here in his arms.

He's not quite aware that he's staring, too preoccupied with his sudden monumental realisation, but when he catches George's soft smile turn to an amused smirk he very conciously redirects his gaze across the room, trying his hardest to pretend that he's fascinated by the way the light drapes over his desk and chair like he doesn't feel the heat rising to his face.

Dream can hear George shift, can see his hand raise in his peripheral vision, but still he jumps when George's fingertips brush over his cheek suddenly, trailing up his blush-warm skin to swipe over the shell of his glowing ear.

He can't quite hold back the instinctual shiver of sensitivity, presses his head into the mattress a little while his shoulders twitch up, unwilling to shake George off but unable to endure the impossibly soft sensation.

George just laughs quietly and does it again before he drops his hand back down to the sheets between them with a faint thump. There's a swish of skin over fabric and then George knocks his knee into Dream's thigh. It's casual and easy, and it screams of a mutual want for more contact, despite the stifling heat. It's nothing if not a clear invitation. Dream slings his arm over George's side, fingertips coming to rest in the dips of his spine.

Despite all of George's earlier shifting around, his shirt had stubbornly remained ridden up, the hem bunching around his waist, much closer to his lower ribs than anywhere near his hips where it was supposed to rest. Dream's hand settles on the very edge of the fabric covering George's bare skin, tapping once and feeling a shiver run through the smaller's body.

He doesn't think anything of it, content to let the heat melt him into the sheets and slip his eyes closed, the fan providing them with white noise and the occasional rush of cool air over their sunstriped legs. It's peaceful, and the sleepiness that had been lurking around the edges of his conciousness sneaks in again.

Absent-mindedly, he begins playing with the bunched up fabric of George's shirt, tugging on it and rubbing it in between his fingertips. He feels drowsy, and when George shivers again and arches his back a little, and Dream's fingertips end up smoothing over soft skin instead of soft fabric he barely even notices.

His idle motions switch to slow and sweeping traces instinctually, someplace somewhere in the back of his mind aiming to provide George with just as much calm and tranquility as he himself is feeling right now.

Though George, for some reason, is squirming around a bit, Dream notes hazily. It's not very obvious, but it's enough to ping his subconcious:

Brown locks mussing as the older curls in on himself just slightly, now pressing the crown of his head to Dream's chest. Back arching minutely and legs a little restless, knee trembling against Dream's thigh like George is trying to keep it still. The soft rustling as smaller hands grip and release the sheets, accompanied by softer huffs of breath.

Dream, in his semi-lucid state, is honestly ready to write it off as something mundane, like George's leg falling asleep, or him holding back a sneeze from being irritated by some of the glowing gold dust motes dancing through the beams of light. So he just switches his light traces so slightly firmer ones, dragging his fingertips up George's back and gliding them back down using the smooth back of his nails to try and soothe George back to the same loose-limbed state as before.

It doesn't work.

Instead of serving to relax him it seems to do the opposite, Dream notes with a furrowed brow, as George tenses and his breathing stutters. Dream blinks his eyes open lazily and glances down at him with with blurry confusion. For a second, he contemplates if he should stop, if he's bothering him. But George is still pressed close, pressing closer, not moving away or complaining. It doesn't exactly make sense to Dream but the room is warm, and Dream feels drowsy, and if George doesn't like something he will make it known. It's a fact like any other.

So Dream continues.

Distracted, the next pass of his hand up George's back drifts higher, his fingers slipping below loose fabric on accident.

He can feel George freeze as his fingertips reach the apex of their path below his shirt, can feel him jump and gasp when he curls his fingers to glide them back down, nails scraping over his back ribs. But what really rips Dream from his sleepy semi-awareness is the way George's hands fly to curl into the fabric of Dream's own shirt at the sensation, the way he presses himself further into the embrace with a quiet whine of "Dream", wobbling like it clawed it's way out of George's throath.

Dream stills, caught off-guard by the sudden stronger reactions. It takes a few seconds for him to get to full conciousness, thoughts slowed in honey-sticky heat, but when he does, a seed of suspicion starts to grow along with the small smile on his lips. He twitches his fingers where they're still resting against George's back ribs, testing, and the responding shiver followed by George arching forward almost imperceptibly is enough to confirm his suspicions.

"Oh George..."

Dream hums the words, amused, glancing down. He can't see much beyond the mess of brown hair, but George's neck looks a little pinker than usual and he can feel him clenching the fabric of his shirt harder when Dream twitches his fingers again. It's endearing to watch him fight not to fight back.

Though, it's even more endearing to watch him jump and squeak and press even closer when Dream rakes his nails down his back in one smooth motion. He keeps them swirling in small circles near George's sides, just to feel him tremble as he tries so hard to keep soft whines and squeaks from slipping out. He doesn't quite succeed, and Dream smirks at the aborted high-pitched sounds rising above the hum of spinning fan blades. He huffs out a laugh when an unexpected squeeze to George's side makes him squeal into Dream's chest.

The movement makes a flash of pink peek out of dark messy hair and Dream's fingers search it out without even so much as a concious thought. He traces over the shell of George's flushed ear carefully and tries not to melt when George shakes his head in protest, the brightest giggles Dream has ever heard lighting up the minuscule space between them. They're so tangible that he can almost feel them against his own skin.

George ducks away with a soft squeak when Dream runs his finger over his ear again, and Dream can feel his heart squeeze in such visceral adoration that he has to stop to breathe for a second.

The fan clicks, and Dream feels just a little overwhelmed by the heat and the stillness and George. He feels like he's floating and like he's too warm and like he will collapse in on himself if this excrutiatingly soft atmosphere persists a second longer.

He looks down at George, still giggling into his chest, and solves his own problem the easiest way he can think off.

Distracting himself, being playful. Teasing.

He swipes over the shell of George's ear one last time before giving it a slight flick, both to get George's attention and to feel him jump a little.

"Hey George?" Dream starts, nonchalant.

He gets nothing but a low, cautious 'Hmm?' in response. It makes him smile.

"George~," he purrs, his smile widening as he feels him tense at his tone. He sends his fingertips to surprise-flutter over George's neck. "Aren't you... ticklish?"

The result of his teasing is a flustered, indignant mewl followed by a sharp breath like George wishes he could take the embarrassing little noise back. It's immensely satifsfying to Dream, and, as stupid as it is, it makes him feel a little more self-assured too. Still soft, but no longer untethered in the face of the fan's constant drone and the way the humidity causes the fine hair on George's nape to curl and stick to his skin.

He puts his newly-recovered balance to use immediately.

"Why aren't you moving away?" Dream asks, voice light like his fingers as they move to spider up and down the slope of George's neck. Everytime he reaches the crook where it meets the shoulder he pinches down the top of George's trapezius slightly, and everytime he gets a pathetically airy whine in response.

George just grumbles through his giggles as he scrunches his shoulders. His fist, still holding on to Dream's shirt, knocks into his stomach.

"Dreheaaam... ihit- it's too hot for thihis."

Dream purrs teasingly. "That doesn't answer my question George..."

He only gets a high-pitched, wobbly hum in response, making him scoff.

He ducks his head down, moves in closer so his breath brushes over sensitive skin. In a low, low voice he whispers, straight into George's ear:

"You know you're lucky I'm not making you admit you like this."

The answering gasp and shiver is immediate, the giggly whine takes a bit longer to work it's way out of George and into the fabric of Dream's shirt. Still there's no sign of protest as George squirms - closer, instead of further away. Dream observes it all with a fondly sharp smile. From someone as contrary as George, the lack of denial is incriminating. Basically a signed and stamped formal confession.

And so Dream is happy to keep going. He stays on George's neck for a while, fluttering his fingers up and down the tendons and blush warm skin, sometimes trailing up to his ear just to watch him shake his head when he can't take the gentle touches any longer.

When he gets bored he worms his fingers down into the space between his neck and his protectively scrunched up shoulder and wiggles them under George's jaw. The unexpectedly loud squeal it produces catches him offguard enough to make him break into laughter himself. But even through his own snickering he still notices that, though the sensation has George wriggling and unable to hold back his giggles, he still doesn't pull back.

And Dream makes sure to comment on it, voice full of playful mischief.

"Oooh, you're still not moving away George.."

"Dreheheam! Shuhut up!"

George's voice is too wobbly for him to truly succed in snapping at him, and Dream's smile grows a little, gleeful that his teasing is getting to George.

"Why?" He goads, scritching his nails along George's jaw. "I'm just pointing something ouhUT- hEhey!"

Dream flinches back with an embarrassing little squeak as a sudden wave of tingles courses through him, courtesy of George. Who had apparently decided that Dream had been getting a little too comfortable and could handle a few pokes to his unsuspecting tummy, the hands that had been holding on to his shirt conveniently already right there.

"Wh- Geheorge!"

George manages to sneak in a few more scribbles and pokes to his tummy and along his side before Dream can get a grip on his own involuntary squirming and giggling enough to snatch both of George's wrists and transfer them to one of his hands. A little flushed from the sudden attack, he holds them away from his own skin, trying to remain unaffected when George pushes against his hold, protesting, still wiggling his fingers in the direction of Dream's sensitive tummy. 'Unaffected' doesn't exactly work out for him though, body jumping and tummy sucking in on instinct when George pushes a little harder and gets his fingers dangerously close to Dream again, way to close for comfort.

"G-George stohop!" He stutters on his reprimand, embarrassingly. Dimly, he can feel George's smile widen against his sternum. That little idiot was loving this!

Dream tightens his grip around George's wrists in warning, now more determined than ever to keep the upper hand.

"Wahatch it! You and I both know that I could make this so much worse for you!"

Now, Dream is of the opinion that he can be plenty intimidating. He knows that he would certainly heed his own warning, especially if his hands were caught like George's.

But George, evidently, does not care.

"Oh yeah? And you're annoying, how about that!"

"AnnoyIHING?!" His grip on George's wrists slips for just a second at the audacity. It's enough for George to get his fingers on Dream's sides again, much to George's delight and his chagrin. He has to raise his voice over George's victorious cackling while he fights to secure his grip on his wrists again. When he succeeds, he grins.

"Okay. Now you're done."

It takes a little bit of shifting around, but he manages to wrestle both of George's wrists into the hold of his other hand, keeping them low against the mattress. He hovers his now free hand over George, grin growing sharper at his increasing protesting and squirming, before digging into his defenseless ribs without warning. He tazes there only for a moment, then jumps to squeeze at his sides, switching back and forth between the two spots for a few seconds.

It's pretty effective in cutting of George's frantic pleading, replacing it with wild laughter that only grows wilder when Dream adds his upper back to the attack, tickling along his spine and pinching the edges of his shoulderblades, pressing into the muscle below.

And still, still, even while Dream is vibrating his fingers into his ribs or squeezing his sides or scribbling over his shoulderblades, George isn't moving away. Dream can feel him flinch away from his touch, can feel his restless legs squirming against his own thigh, can feel his hands flex in his grip and his head knock against his chest from the overwhelming ticklish feeling, but still George does not draw back. His adorable perseverance almost makes Dream soften again, but there's still something he'd like to make George take back. The opportunity George gave him with his playful slight to Dream's pride was just too good to pass up:

"George! I'm not annoying! Take it back!"

It's way too fun to play up the whiny hurt in his tone, even if George probably doesn't even notice, too busy laughing his heart out to appreciate Dream's dramatics.

"Yohou ahahAHAHRE!"

"George."

Dream says it like he's disappointed, like his cheeks aren't starting to hurt from his own huge grin. He drags his hand up George's side, over his ribs and then further, slowly creeping up to his open underarm. George's knee jabs into his thigh as he jumps at the threath - it's mean and Dream knows it, but it's not like it's unprovoked. And also...

"Okay okahay you're nohOHAHAHAH- NO! DREHEheam! Yohou're nohot annoying, you're nohOT!"

... it's effective.

Dream stops his fingers' dancing over the sensitive skin between his top rib and his underarm.

"Thank you George!"

He knows he sounds way too self-satisfied, and it's proven seconds later when he hears George scoff at him through his slowly calming giggles.

(It almost makes him dig into his ribs again, but he decides to let it go. And not just because he can see the laugh lines at the corners of George's squinted eyes from his shifted position.)

He releases his grip on George's wrists and sends his other hand to trail down George's back, pressure lighter now that Dream had gotten what he wanted. He's back to tracing, absent-mindedly outlining muscle and bone with his fingertips. The unbearably light sensation makes George's fingers curl into the fabric of Dream's shirt again. Dream can't suppress his instinctual flinch, reminded of their earlier situation, but George just huffs out a quietly amused laugh and relaxes into the soft tracing, his head still pressed to Dream's chest.

After a few seconds Dream, too, relaxes, allows himself to sink into the sheets just a little, the sunstripes falling heavy over his body.

He runs his fingers over George's back, up to his bottom ribs and down to his sides, mindlessly mesmerized by the smooth skin. His nails trip over the bumps of George's spine and ribs as he slips them just barely below the hem of his bunched up shirt to play at the edges of his shoulderblades before running them back down to draw small shapes on the small of his back. Occasionally he lifts his hand to brush over his neck or his ear or play with a few strands of messy brown hair.

Through it all, George does nothing but stay close, lightly squirming and quietly huffing like he, too, doesn't want to disturb the gentle atmosphere that had settled over them again.

Only when Dream slips his nails over his bicep, up and down over soft skin and tensing muscle does George whine in protest, low and soft. Dream has to close his eyes for a second against the sudden adoration that washes through him at the noise. It makes him continue tracing over his bicep for just a few seconds longer before he trails back up to George's neck, the sensation making George sigh and shudder and nestle closer into the ever smaller space between them.

It's peaceful. Soft. The room is still warm and the fan is still droning on and on, the thin lines of sunlight shifting imperceptibly with the slow sun. The only break in the white noise are George's quiet gasps of breath everytime Dream grazes his nails over a sensitive spot. It's easy and it's calm and Dream get a little lost in his head, in the heat, hand continuing it's mindless tracing while his earlier drowsiness creeps back in.

After a while Dream pulls himself from the honey-sticky warmth of his thoughts and notices that George has started pushing at him slightly, balling his hands into fists against his chest and then releasing them again. Like a cat, Dream thinks for a second, and then immediately shushes his own head.

"What is it George," he asks softly, teasingly. Sleepily. "You want something?"

There's a pause, no response but the swish of skin over fabric as George keeps squirming lightly, Dream's nails trailing under his bunched up shirt to tap over his back ribs.

"Want me to stop?" Dream questions, and stops his fingers as if to demonstrate, fitting them into the grooves of his ribs. He can feel George's back muscles tremble under his fingertips, and the sensation makes him smile. "You should just stop me then. Or maybe move away. I'm not holding you down after all..."

(The teasing comes in a slow drawl. It's an easy out if George wants to take it. Dream wouldn't want to take it too far, at least not when they're both curled together, close of their own volition and only about two seconds away from fully melting into the sheets from the heat.)

There's another pause, stretching quiet in the humid air, until-

"No. D'n wanna." George, face still buried in Dream's chest, mumbles. And then rolls his shoulders like he's demanding for Dream to keep going. He sounds like Dream feels, a little out of it, like the softer tracing is slowly but surely lulling him to sleep, in tandem with the heat.

Dream can't hold back a small coo, endlessly endeared by George's antics. He resumes his easy tracing, drifting his fingertips over and between George's shoulderblades, flicking them up to brush over his neck in slow loops.

And out of every tease and every comment from Dream, that coo is what finally gets George to leave his hiding spot against Dream's chest and look up at him. He's squinting from a mixture of sudden brightness, sleepiness and the giddy smile he's wearing, and when he looks at Dream with such an openly happy expression and the faint imprint of the folds of Dream's shirt on his forehead, Dream suddenly feels like he might cry.

His struggle must play across his face rather obviously, eyes soft and fond smile wobbly and unhidden, because George blinks himself out of his haze momentarily, just to raise his eyebrows at him in a quiet, bright taunt. Dream can feel his face flush a little, and the sudden influx of warmth is enough to turn his smile sheepish as glances away quickly, too drowsy to be truly embarrassed but still amused at himself. He skitters his nails over George's nape in soft retaliation and George ducks back into Dream's chest dutifully, though not without sending him another teasing glance first. Dream just switches to poking along his shoulderblades with a quiet scoff, smile still on his face.

-

The fan whirrs and the lines of sunlight settle over them like a blanket. It's warm. They're close. Eventually, Dream's hand drops from where it was tracing lazy circles between George's shoulderblades, feeling too warm and heavy to continue moving. It settles comfortably over his side.

Sapnap heard giggling coming from the living room, George's mischievous cackles grabbing his attention away from the open refrigerator for a moment before turning his head back to look over the drink selection. He grabbed a Dr. Pepper and closed the door with the heel of his foot, turning around and grabbing the bag of chips from the counter with his free hand and heading towards the living room.

As he walked into the carpeted room, he stopped suddenly, brows furrowed in annoyance when he spotted a certain brunette now curled up in the corner part of the L shaped couch, bundled up in the blankets Sapnap had on moments before.

"Seriously George? I leave for five seconds and you take my spot!" He watched as the oldest boy lifted his head, giving him a warm smile with eyes squinted into the tiniest crescent moons, almost melting Sapnap for a moment before he remembered what George had done.

"I like this spot!" George leaned back into the corner of the couch, wiggling in the spot a few times to signify that he was staying there, whether Sapnap liked it or not.

"Well, don't get used to it, cause you're moving."

"What?! I'm not!"

"George...." Sapnap growled in almost a whisper, turning around and placing his can of soda and chips on the table before turning back around to face him. "I'm gonna need you to move immediately."

"And if I don't?"

"You don't wanna find out."

George simply giggled at the threat, flashing a bright smile over to Dream, who was sat on one end of the couch, watching in amusement and waiting to see how it unfolds. The brunette only sunk further down into the couch, making Sapnap scream out in what only could be described as a battle cry. Dream watched with eyes wide as saucers as Sapnap flung himself onto the couch, grabbing at George and pulling any limb he could grab onto.

"Sapnap, get off! What are you, AHA! Don't!" George squirmed around as much as he could as the younger boy climbed on top of him, leaning on his thighs and straddling his waist and grabbing at his flailing arms. In his frenzy of trying to pull George off of the couch and out of his spot, his hand grabbed at his thigh, right above the knee, making George cry out with a hard kick and effectively freezing Sapnap's movements.

"What happened-"

"Nothing!"

"But you-"

"No! I'm not!"

Sapnap was confused with George's wording until he realized what actually happened, his confused frown slowly growing into an entertained smile as he poked at the older boy's tummy, making him jolt backwards with a squeal.

"Hm, but I thought you weren't ticklish? What happened, kitten?"

George scoffed at the accusation, grabbing at Sapnap's wrists now that he had the brief opportunity to, and held them away from his body. Sapnap began to wiggle his fingers, making George burst into nervous giggles.

"I'm nohot!"

"You know it’s wrong to lie, right?"

The elder felt his cheeks growing hotter, nodding slowly as he sunk back into the couch as much as he could. He quickly wrapped his arms around himself, pulling as many blankets over himself as he could to try and prevent Sapnap from breaking through, but it was no use. In seconds he felt hands squeezing at his knees, working their way up to his thighs and causing him to kick out with a shriek.

"STOHOHOP!"

"That's adorable! But no. No I will not." Sapnap smiled sweetly down at George, who was practically laying with his back against the seat of the couch with how much he had squirmed in an attempt to escape the tickling hands.

"Plehehease!"

"Hmm...nah! I think you need to earn that spot. Don't you agree, Dream?" Sapnap turned his head briefly to catch the blonde's eye, smiling when he saw the way Dream's fingers were clenching against his own thighs.

"Oh definitely. You need to earn the spot, Georgie."

"And I know the perfect way you can!" The youngest boy giggled, turning his attention back to George for a moment before turning his body towards Dream, motioning him to come over to where they were sat. "Care to join in, Dreamie?"

"It would be my honor."

George swallowed thickly through panicked laughter, holding his hands out in front of him and waving them at the two younger boy's, pushing and grabbing at the others hands every time they went to attack.

Sapnap and Dream played this game with him for a while, just hovering their hands over George, long enough that his anticipation was through the roof and floating amongst the stars. It was only then that they finally took pity on the giggly boy, both diving in with both hands and squeezing wherever they could. George was in hysterics in minutes, kicking and screaming and begging and cackling like his life depended on it. Sapnap focused on squeezing at George's ribs while Dream's hands fit perfectly around his thighs, matching Sapnap's pace and smiling when George squealed.

“YES! YESSS!” Dream exclaimed, jumping up from his chair and accidentally pulling his headset off of his head, giggling as he somehow caught it in his right hand and leaned down to place it back over his golden curls. “I told you I’d beat you guys! Oh man, this challenge is gonna be incredible!” 

Dream, George and Sapnap were in their respective recording rooms, having just gone through two runs of the mod they recently coded for a new video idea they had, testing to make sure everything worked properly before actually filming. The initial runthrough had been successful, though Dream had won because of a mistake that the other two boys had made. They demanded a rematch, only to be met with the same ending - Dream had beaten them yet again. 

“Fuck off.” Sapnap’s annoyance seethed over the line of the discord call they were all on, making Dream break out into a satisfied grin. 

“Look, it’s not my fault you two are trash at Minecraft.” He commented, a cocky tone to his voice as he giggled. He heard George let out a groan which only further fueled him, bouncing his legs with excitement. 

“Dream, I’d be quiet if I were you.” He heard the youngest boy growl through his headphones, moving to lean against the back of his chair as the smile on his face grew. He crossed his arms across his chest, rolling his eyes at the threatening tone in Sapnap’s voice with a chuckle.

“Why? What are you gonna do, challenge me to a rematch again? Go ahead! You saw what happened last time.” Dream barked out a laugh at the thought, knowing full well that he would beat the two again. However, smile faltered when he heard a low chuckle, the sound all too familiar. 

“No, but you’re being really bold for someone within tickling distance,” The blonde’s eyes widened as he heard the younger boy’s statement, sitting up straight in his chair. “Wouldn’t you agree, George?” 

“W-What? No!” Dream grabbed at the microphone with one hand, bringing it closer to him as if that would somehow get his point across clearer.

“Oh, I definitely agree. You’ve been way too cocky today.” George’s smirk was evident in his voice, causing butterflies to erupt in Dream’s stomach. His left hand was quick to cover the area, pressing slightly in the hopes that the flutters would settle down. 

“I- No I haven’t! …Not more than normal!” Dream had paused in his wording, thinking back on the past few hours and realizing how much he had bombarded the two with insults and teases. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard the low chuckle once more, sending chills down his spine as his focus was brought back to the call. 

“I’m gonna countdown from 10.” 

“What?!”

“10…9…8…” Dream was panicking now, stuttering and fidgeting in his seat as the younger boy began counting. He knew what it meant - he had been a victim to the countdown many times, and he knew exactly what followed. 

The hair on the back of Dream’s neck stood up as he suddenly heard quick footsteps thudding down the hall, a clear indication of where they were heading. He let out a squeal as he flung the headset off of his head, still able to hear the numbers decreasing as the seconds passed. Dream was mere steps away from slamming the door shut, his arm extended to grab the door to swing it shut, when George appeared in the doorway. 

“FUCK!” Dream squealed, dodging the elder as he lunged forward and sprinted towards the bed in the corner of the recording room. He cursed himself immediately as he flung the covers off to take safety there, wrapping them around himself and tucking them in tightly so George couldn’t remove them.

“Oh Dreamie!” The sing-song tone of George’s voice made Dream cower further under the blankets, twisting his fists into them as a way to expel the tingly energy that was coursing through him. 

“Come on, don’t you wanna hang out with your best buddies?” He heard additional footsteps entering his room, listening as Sapnap joined in on the taunting. The sound of the door shutting caught his attention, letting out a shriek when he heard the lock click. 

“Nohoho! Fuck ohoff!” He spat out in response, curling up on his side as much as he could when he felt the mattress dip next to his legs, signaling that he was no longer the only one on the bed. Giggles quickly burst past his lips as he felt pokes along his sides in random patterns, the offending finger pressing in wherever it could. 

“What do we have here?” Sapnap questioned curiously, his voice coming from the end of the bed. The pokes hadn’t stopped, leading him to the conclusion that George was the one currently tickling him. 

“G-Gehehorge, stop! Gehet awahay, Sapnap!” He spoke through his giggles, wrapping his arms around himself the best he could while still securing the blanket in place with his hands. The protection Dream felt from the blanket was quickly stripped from his mind as he felt a hand wrap around his ankle, fingers skittering over his socked foot and making him kick out in a panic. 

“Nohoho! No no nohoho p-plehehease!” Dream pleaded with the younger boy, trying to kick at Sapnap but failing when the smaller boy jumped up onto the bed, straddling his legs and continuing the tickly assault on his foot. 

“It’s not my fault you’re too much of a giant to fully hide under a blanket.” Sapnap teased him, walking his fingers up onto the tops of Dream’s foot to make him squeal. He continued to try and kick his legs, squirming and pleading until the blanket was pulled from his hands, his eyes squinting from the sudden light flooding into them.

“NOHOHO! No, fuhuhuck- dohohon’t!” He began to beg once more, turning onto his back as much as he could as he attempted to wrangle both George and Sapnap’s hands in the process. Instead, his wrists were captured by Sapnap and held up against his chest, forcing Dream to sit up slightly, his back arched forward at an awkward angle. “Ow, Sahaphap, it hurts!” 

“Oops, sorry baby!” He giggled, placing a quick kiss on each wrist before bringing them down to rest on his thighs. The blonde whined as he leaned back against the mattress, biting back a smile as the stubble tickled the sensitive skin there. He readjusted himself to be more comfortable but was interrupted as George began to poke all over his torso once more.

“Stohop! Y-You don’t hahave to do this!” He tried his best to give the two his best puppy dog eyes, pouting through his laughter. The two boys above him just giggled at the suggestion, exchanging knowing smirks before turning their attention back to Dream, who was still in a fit of chirps and squeals from the pokes he was receiving. 

“Obviously we don’t have to,” George spoke, making Dream turn his head slightly to lock eyes with the elder. He felt his stomach flip as the grin on his face grew even wider. “We want to.” 

Sapnap moved as George spoke, sliding Dream’s wrists from his thighs to the bed, pressing down to secure them next to his hips as he protested. The youngest boy giggled when Dream tried to sit up again, only to be pushed back down against the duvet by George. 

“Apologize!” He demanded, using his free hand to poke into Dream’s stomach a few times, prompting the blonde to let out a yelp before falling into loud cackles. He tried his best to dodge the wiggling finger, twisting his body from side to side but quickly giving up once he realized George followed him every way that he turned. 

“I dihihidn’t do anythihihing!” 

“He can’t be serious.” He heard Sapnap mumble to George, making him shake his head back and forth slowly with a tight-lipped expression in fake disappointment.

“Dreamie, Dreamie, Dreamie. Will you ever learn?” As George let out a sigh, starting to lightly spider his fingers on either side of his tummy, still over his shirt and smiling when it seemingly drove Dream mad anyway. 

“P-Plehehease! Not thehehere!” Dream pleaded as he attempted to buck his hips up. Sapnap continued to sit sturdy on his waist, not allowing him to make his targeted movement. The youngest boy pressed his wrists down further into the bed to really emphasize on the fact he was stuck and under the mercy of his two best friends.

“Not there? Not on your ticklish little tummy? Why not, Dream?” Sapnap teased, creating a new kaleidoscope of butterflies in his stomach as he continued to laugh and writhe beneath him. 

“Thihis is sohoho cruel! I-I cahan’t move my hahahands!” He complained through his high pitched squeals, looking between the two with pleading eyes and hoping one of them would give in and end the tickling. However, the smirks that were plastered on their faces told him otherwise.

 “Awh, poor baby! You should be able to block your tummy with your hands being right there, huh?” George taunted, grabbing Dream’s attention and only continuing when the boy nodded in agreement. “It must be so much more ticklish knowing that you can’t.” 

The comment sent Dream into another fit of cackles, still trying to pull at his arms to free himself but finding it harder and harder when his strength was constantly wavering due to his laughter. 

Dream felt a cool breeze on his tummy and looked down in horror as he watched George slowly lift his shirt up, making his giggles more panicked and sporadic. He squeezed his eyes shut as George’s pointer finger poked around his belly button, making him squeak between the bright giggles the spot produced.

“Hey Dream, how much does this tickle from 1 to 10?” Following the question, George hooked a finger onto the rim of his belly button and began to lightly pull at the bottom edge. The blonde shrieked before falling into hysterics, kicking his legs against the bed as much as he could as George continued his assault on the sensitive little dip in his tummy.

“NOHOHO! Noho plehehease! Dohohon’t- Gohohod nohoho!” Dream’s laugh was high pitched and slightly raspy as George circled his finger around the rim of his belly button slowly, adding slight pressure as he went to make Dream squeal.

“I didn’t hear a number!” George spoke with mischief in his voice, the pitch higher and words drawn out to tease with a purpose. Dream lifted his head slightly to look at George, twisting his face into the best scowl he could make through his continuous laughter. The brunette laughed at that, rolling his eyes at the unnecessary aggression that Dream was trying to pull off. “Come on, pup, it’s just a simple question.” 

“FUHUHCK OFF, GEOHOHORGE!” Dream’s voice was booming through his laughter with how flustered he was becoming, feeling his cheeks heat up and cursing himself for how easily he was made to blush. The two boys above him knew all the things that make him squirm, and it seemed to him as if they were going down a list and checking each one off. He let out a quick whine after he took in a deep breath, trying to turn his body from side to side to dislodge George’s finger.

“I would just answer the question, Dream.” Sapnap chimed in as George slowly began tracing the rim of his belly button. Dream broke into loud laughter at the sensation, flexing his fingers out and back into tight fists as he squirmed. 

“NAHAHA- NOHOHO, OKAY! I- TEHEHEN! TEN!” 

George moved his finger from the edge, tracing a squiggly line towards his right hip bone. He switched his pointer finger out for his thumb as he rubbed soothing circles into the muscle, not enough pressure to tickle terribly, but enough to keep the smile on his face while also melting him into a pile of giggles.

“Good boy, Dream! Now, are you gonna apologize?

“For whahat?! I didn’t doho- nohoho wait! WAHAHAHAIT!” 

George sat up on his knees, leaning against his left hand that was still pressed into Dream’s shoulder to hold him down and using his thumb and pointer finger to knead into his lower tummy, just under his belly button. Dream howled at the action, almost immediately breaking and begging for mercy.

“OKAHAHAY OKAY! I’m sohohorry!” George slowed his pinching to a halt, keeping them pressed against the skin and turning to Sapnap to see if he accepted the apology or not. Dream’s stomach felt like a car with an overturned engine, the nervousness erupting in little bursts as Sapnap shook his head with a grin. 

“I will only accept ‘I’m sorry that I was so cocky when I’m so ticklish’, actually.” Sapnap stated simply, the smile on his face clear in his voice. He squeezed Dream’s wrists twice with a playful intent, watching as the older boy attempted to twist his arms to break free and chuckling when he realized he wasn’t able to and grunted in frustration at his defeat. 

“What?! Nohoho! I’m nohot saying that!” Dream shook his head quickly, looking at Sapnap with furrowed brows as if in disbelief. Sapnap only grinned back at him, shrugging his shoulders. Dream jolted forward when George’s finger twitched against his skin, as if it was reminding him of its presence; As if he could forget.

“No? I guess I’ll stay here, then.” George giggled as Dream’s laughter practically jumped an octave when the wiggly finger burrowed itself into his belly button, lightly tickling around the walls and just barely grazing the knot at the bottom of it. The blonde let out a high pitched scream before dissolving into silent laughter, throwing his head back against the bed with bright red cheeks. The elder watched as the blush slowly spread up to the tip of his ears and down his neck, eventually reaching his tummy. He felt an elbow lightly against his right bicep and turned his attention to Sapnap.

“Alright, I think this little goober has had enough.” George watched as Sapnap looked down at Dream with fondness in his eyes. He was very much still in hysterics as George’s finger remained where it had been, but remained still to provide the younger boy with some relief. 

“Awh but Sapnap! Look! His tummy is blushing, he loves it!” 

“He does, but even puppies who love getting tickles have their limits, don’t they baby?” Dream felt his face heat up in response to the remark, turning his head and shoulders as much as he could to hide his face in the pillows next to him. 

“Plehehease!” His muffled whines made George and Sapnap giggle, softening their demeanors and melting at how adorable the blonde was. Sapnap loosened the grip on his wrists, running his thumbs over the thin skin of his wrists as he spoke.

“You know what to say, darlin’.” He spoke in an exaggerated southern accent, making George cackle and Dream’s laughter grow louder once more. This sent Sapnap into a fit of laughter, creating a domino effect and making the boys fall into a symphony of laughter. After a few minutes, they regained their composure and were back to the task at hand.

“Well?” George prompted Dream. He heard the younger boy kick his feet a few times against the bed behind him, smiling when he let out yet another whine in disapproval. Dream stomped his foot one more time to prove his point before letting out a loud sigh, rolling his eyes at George before meeting Sapnap’s gaze.

“I’m sorry I was sohoho cocky when I’m- I’m…so-” Dream huffed out a stream of air through his nose in a mix of annoyance and embarrassment, squeezing his eyes shut before continuing. “So t-ticklish.” 

“Wow, so SO ticklish, huh?” Sapnap finally let go of Dream’s hands and moved from his place on his hips to kneel next to the blonde instead. “I already knew that, but thanks for reminding me!” 

Dream groaned through tiny giggles, immediately bringing his hands up to cover his face the minute Sapnap had freed them. He turned his body and curled forward slightly until his head pressed into Sapnap’s knee, relaxing with a sigh when the youngest boy started to card his hand through the messy curls. 

“I think we tired him out.” He heard George comment from behind him, feeling the bed dip and a sudden warmth pressed into his back. It continued to spread over his waist, only getting warmer as George’s grip around him grew tighter to pull him into a backwards hug. Dream brought his shoulder up as George buried himself into the crook of his neck, tickling Dream in the process and making him squeal. 

“More like you killed me.” Dream mumbled, leaning his head back to rest against George’s to be closer to him, still covering his face with his hands. Sapnap reached up and gripped each hand lightly, pulling them down slowly to give Dream the opportunity to stop him. 

He didn’t. 

“Oh hush, you idiot, you’re fine.” Sapnap ran a hand through his hair once more before making a move to lay down next to Dream, now wedged between his body and the wall behind him. He didn’t want to admit it, but this had been the coziest he’s felt in months. Sapnap smiled as he draped an arm over Dream, resting against George’s side in an attempt to feel connected to both boys. 

--

"Dream?" Karl's soft voice rang through the living room where Dream was sitting on the couch looking a little too sad and gloomy to not warrant Karl's curiosity. His head perked up from where it was resting on his arm that was draped over the back of the couch at the sound of his name, and he looked over at the door frame that Karl had walked through with Sapnap following suit barely seconds later, and he smiled at the other two.

"Hey," Dream greeted, blinking tiredly and watching as they both walked over towards him. Sapnap took a few quick steps to cross behind Karl, turning to sit against the edge of the couch arm, while Karl stayed standing in front of Dream. He tilted his head to be at a parallel angle to Dream's tilted head, and reached out to wrap his finger around a stray curl of hair that rested behind Dream's ear.

"You alright? What's got you all mopey, handsome?" Karl asked, smiling when the affectionate name and touch made Dream let out a soft hum. Dream's lips quirked up into a smile at the action, and he rested his head back down against his arm as Karl played with the back of his hair.

"Nothing really. I'm just bored," Dream explained, closing his eyes as he stretched his arms above his head, letting them flop back down around him after. "You guys were busy so me and George were hanging out, and then I guess he, like, got bored or something and said he was going to take a nap! Like, we weren't even done with what we were watching and he just leaves to go sleep! How fucked up is that?!" Dream explained, exaggerating his annoyance with a dramatic eye roll, and Karl and Sapnap both giggled along with him.

"No, you're right, that is super fucked up, he does that all the time!" Sapnap agreed.

"Yeah!" Karl confirmed as well, pausing for a second before smiling down at Dream. "I think we should do something about it." Dream's eyebrows raised as he looked up at Karl again, taking in his mischievous smile that made him grin more as well.

"Oh yeah?" Dream asked, now narrowing his eyes as he took in the energy of the conversation. He watched as Karl looked over to Sapnap, and they shared a borderline evil smile as well. Karl put a hand out, offering it to Dream to take, as he pulled Dream to stand up. "I feel like you guys have a way more thought out plan than I anticipated," Dream offered. Sapnap chuckled, falling back a step to be in line with him as they walked.

"Trust me, you have no idea. This is, like, Karl's specialty. You're in for a treat," Sapnap explained with a smile as they approached George's cracked open bedroom door. Karl pushed it open slowly, careful not to disturb George just yet, at the risk of putting a wrench in his own plans.

They were greeted with the sight of Patches laying at the foot of George's bed, curled up on top of one of his hoodies that was half falling off the edge. She chirped softly at them before she jumped down and trotted her way out the door, obviously disgruntled by them disturbing her sleep. Next, they were greeted by the sight of George, asleep in his bed, exactly where they expected.

As they stepped closer, they picked up on more details. George was lying on his side, the outline of his legs underneath the covers showing that one foot was just near the edge of the bed and the other was tucked up a bit further with his knee bent. The arm that was resting against the bed was straight out in front of him, fingers curled around the corner or the pillow on the other side of the bed, and his other hand was curled up near his face, half-covering his mouth. His face was also slightly flushed, and they could only imagine it was caused by the added warmth coursing through his body from the extra fluffy throw blanket that half covered his lower body on top of his comforter.

He looked comfortable, content, and… kind of adorable. If you'd asked Dream, he could've sat there staring at him until he woke up naturally.

But Dream didn't voice that opinion, because Karl began his secret plan before he got the chance.

Karl flipped up the corner of the blankets to expose George's socked foot and the few inches of skin where the cuff of his pants had slid up in his sleep. George's foot tensed at the cool air, toes curling a few times before he went still again.

Karl took this as an invitation, and smirked as he ran a finger from George's big toe to his heel.

George's foot flinched again, moving a bit more this time, and he let out a tiny sound from the back of his throat accompanied by a small breath through his nose. Karl's smile widened at the sound, but it was obvious he was looking for a bigger reaction. So, he repeated his action, continuously this time, trailing up and down George's foot over and over again.

George let out another huff of air through his nose, another noise leaving his throat, this one higher pitched than the last. His lips quivered into a smile, and he turned his head further into the pillow and pulled his hand in closer to hide his mouth. When Karl switched to scratching just at the heel of his foot for a few seconds, there was another sound, but this time it sounded suspiciously like a choked giggle. His eyelids fluttered, clearly on the verge of waking up but not quite passing the threshold yet. Instead, there was a small whine, and George's body squirmed slightly, seemingly by its own accord. His other leg slid down to his outstretched one, using that foot to partially cover the one that was being tickled and curling his toes to try to get rid of the feeling.

Karl kept pushing.

He used one finger to gently guide George's foot away, shifting them so they were flat next to each other, and he switched to dragging all ten fingers up and down either sole. He kept his touch light, made sure to use his nails, and kept his fingers in a stiff claw shape as he scratched. George stirred quite a bit more now, pushing himself to lay fully on his stomach as his entire body squirmed on his bed, movements sluggish from sleeping. His fingers gripped the edge of the pillow they hovered near, and the hand near his face moved closer to cover more of his mouth.

Despite the few giggles that fell from his mouth and the way his legs curled up to escape the feeling, he still wasn't entirely awake yet.

Apparently, this was close enough to what Karl was aiming for.

Karl moved his leg up to kneel on the bed, making sure to press his weight down slowly so he didn't alert George to his movements yet, before lifting his other knee and centering himself on George's mattress.

"George~" Karl cooed, leaning his body forward as he scooted up the bed. He used one knee to gently nudge George's thigh and push his legs apart so he could sit back on his heels between them comfortably. George let out a tiny noise of discontent at the movement and sudden voice, despite Karl speaking as softly as possible. "C'mon, George, it's time to wake up."

Then, Karl fully pushed away the covers and pulled one of George's ankles out, bending his knee so his foot was up in the air and Karl could wrap his arm around it, holding it in a firm headlock as he scratched over his heel again. This finally broke George out of his sleep, and the other three men could've absolutely fawned over him when they heard the raspy, sleepy giggles escape from behind his hand.

"Whahaha– hehe– what are you doihihing–?" George spoke through his laughter, his voice scratchy and his words coming out slurred. His toes curled tight against his foot, and his foot twisted in Karl's grip when he realized he couldn't push his leg down. "Whaha- whoho?" He blinked his eyes open further, turning his head to the side so his face was slightly out of the pillow and he could see who was currently tormenting him. Quickly after, he found himself squeezing his eyes shut and hiding his face again, when his laughter picked up as Karl's fingers trailed down towards the arch of his foot and scratched there instead. "Ah- ha! Kahaha–Karl, s-stohop!"

Karl took this opportunity to take matters even further, giggling to himself as he put his next move into action. He glanced over at Dream, who had a huge, fond smile on his face as he watched George squirm, and then at Sapnap, who shared a similar smile as he leaned his shoulder against the wall and watched Karl work. He dropped George's ankle and lifted his own knee again, throwing his leg over George's hip, and repeating the motion with his other leg so he could straddle George's lower back. George gasped and pressed his hands flat against the mattress, pushing his torso up until he could lift his head up slightly, feeling his spine arch forcibly from the weight settled on his lower back.

"Ka-Karl, wait, what are you doihing?" George asked again, obviously much more awake this time, and much more confused. His words were still laced with nervous giggles as he tried to crane his neck around far enough to make eye contact with Karl.

"George, you were supposed to keep Dream company while me and Sapnap were busy in his office. That was your job," Karl explained, mocking disappointment, and George let out a sound from the back of his throat as he shook his head a little, dropping down to his elbows as he kept himself propped up in a more comfortable position.

"It-it wasn't my job, we were just hanging out! It wasn't, like, an obligation, I just–" George tried to explain, but suddenly there were two soft hands slipping underneath his shirt and holding onto his sides. His words cut off immediately, followed by a gasp, and he nearly fell over with the way he flinched. There was another gasp and flinch as Karl softly squeezed his sides where his hands rested, then started massaging his thumbs into the tender skin on the back of his sides. "Ngh– Karl–!"

"No, I know, but you were hanging out and having a good time. And you left Dream, just to go sleep," Karl accused, still pretending to be upset, but his facade was starting to fall as he heard giggles from behind him that made him want to giggle too. George heard the sounds as well, followed by Karl giggling back at the person, and he tried pushing himself up further up to turn and see who the other person was.

"Karl!" He ended up with his body completely twisted and contorted, his left arm slipping underneath his body to the right side, and only then did he notice the two other men standing in the room as well, just watching the scene unfold from behind Karl. His jaw dropped slightly as he gasped again, face flushing bright red at the idea that Dream and Sapnap were just standing there, watching Karl tickle him awake. Karl used his twisted and stretched position as an opportunity to let one of his hands slide up onto his tummy, scratching his nails right around the center and giggling even more as George squealed and dropped down entirely, hiding his face in the pillow and pressing his stomach down to the bed. "OH– my Gohod!"

"I mean, I just can't believe you would leave Dream alone like that, I'm sure he's so upset about it," Karl said as he slid his hand back down to cup George's hip, letting his thumbs return to digging into his back, adding more pressure this time as he kept up his slow, drilling circles. George outright whined, tilting his head forward so he could press further into the pillow but he could still protest. His laughter was creeping up on him now, bubbling up in his chest and throat as the circles on his back slowly became unbearable.

"That's–!"

"He probably felt so betrayed and lonely."

"Noho!" George complained, still feeling the need to defend himself even though he was well aware they were messing with him. He made a small noise of frustration as he attempted to turn his hips to flip himself over, but the way Karl was still pinning him down made it almost impossible to move at all. Instead, he decided to try pushing himself up again, managing to turn enough to make eye contact with Dream for barely a second before Karl very suddenly drilled his thumbs directly into the very, very sensitive point on the back of his ribs. "Dream– AH, KAHARL– nahahaha!" George tried to bargain, almost immediately being cut off by his own loud yelp and the laughter that followed. His knees curled up until one foot almost hit Karl's back, before he started kicking his legs against the bed as he tried his best to squirm away. Karl kept drilling his fingers into the same spots, poking his thumbs in and out and digging in as much as possible, and George let out another loud bout of laughter as he collapsed against the bed once again. He reached his hands behind him, grabbing Karl's fingers and pulling at them desperately in an attempt to get them off his ribs as soon as possible.

"Dream, isn't that true?" Karl asked, having to raise his voice slightly for George to hear him over his own laughter.

"It's NOHOT– PLEHEHEHEASE, STOP, plehease, oh my GOHOHOD, I'm d‐ahaha- I'm dying- hehe…" George's laughter died off as Karl stopped drilling into the back of his ribs, his entire body going limp as Karl gently rubbed the area to rid him of the ghost tickles.

"It is true," Dream chimed in, smiling brightly at the situation, unable to hide it. Dream took a few steps forward, going around to the side of George's bed and tapping his shoulder so he'd turn to look at him. George did, for a second, before his cheeks flushed and he shoved his face into the pillow again. "I was so sad when you left, George, all because you wanted to sleep, really?"

"Dreheam, come ohohon–"

"I think you deserve the karma, George," Sapnap jumped in this time, earning himself a disgruntled groan from the man he directed his dig at.

"Shut up, Sapnap!" George yelled, voice muffled slightly when he dropped his head down to hide his face in his elbow. The second he heard a gasp after he spoke, he realized he fucked up.

"George!"

"N-no, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it, I'm sorry!" George backtracked immediately, his breathing getting faster as he picked his head up and whipped around to look at Sapnap. "Tell him it's fine, Sapnap, please, please tell him it's fine!"

"Hmmm… I dunno, Georgie, that was pretty rude," Sapnap agreed, putting on a fake sad voice as George whined and shook his head.

"I think you need to be taught a lesson about respecting your friends, Gogy," Karl explained as he pressed his thumbs into the dimples on George's lower back for a few seconds, smiling deviously as his giggles became frantic and his squirming and head shaking returned tenfold.

"Nohoho, stop, dohohon't do it, dohon't, please– Karl! Plehehase!" George's voice was more whiny than any of the three of them had heard it before, most likely attributed to his tiredness and embarrassment, and Dream almost felt bad for him, on the verge of intervening and telling Karl to leave him alone.

That is, until Karl cut off his line of thinking once more, and he heard the incredible laughter that came from George when Karl stuck his hands under his arms and wiggled into the sensitive skin through his t-shirt.

"NOHOHO! Oh my gohohohod, Kahaharl! Fuhuck, gehehet OHOHOFF! GET AWAHAY! Gehet OHOHOUT of thehere!" George pleaded through his still-frantic laughter as he snapped his elbows inwards and kept them pinned tightly to his sides to try to block out Karl's tickling. Sure enough, it didn't do anything to help, and he instead attempted to tense and curl up the rest of his body as well. His knees were drawn in together, his ankles crossed, and he bent his tense knees until his heels actually did make contact with the middle of Karl's back. "DREHEHEAM- Sapnahahap! Hehelp mehehehe, plehehease!"

"Help? Okay!" Sapnap piped up, ignoring George's protests of 'waitwaitwait no I take it back I take it back DON'T-' as he grabbed George's ankles and pushed his legs flat down on the bed. George attempted to kick his legs back against Sapnap's hold, but Sapnap simply sat on the bed next to his legs and held each ankle down with one hand to keep him in place. "Dream? Would you care to join?"

"NO, Dreheheheam! Plehease, Dream, please, behehe nihice!" George stammered, laughter falling back down to giggles and titters when Karl slipped his hands out from under his arms and settled for massaging the heels of his palms into George's back to give him a much needed break.

"Hmmm… I'll think about it," Dream said as he walked towards the head of the bed, kneeling down on the floor next to where George was laying and resting his cheek on one of his arms so he could look George in the eyes. George turned his head towards him, and Dream nearly cooed at the sight. His eyes were glassy and teary, no doubt from how hard he was laughing and how tight he was squeezing them shut, his cheeks were bright pink, and a dark red flush was taking over the tips of his nose and ears as well. His hair was a complete mess, soft brown waves pushed in every direction, and his expression was pleading and, frankly, a little pathetic as Dream reached out to gently comb his fingers through George's hair to fix it up a little bit. "You're so cute when you're all disheveled like this, Georgie."

"Wh–" George said with a giggle, bringing his arm up to shove his face into the crook of his elbow and hide from the attention. "Shut up!"

"It's just the truth," Dream confirmed, voice fond, as he migrated his fingers from George's hair to let the nail of his pointer finger softly trace over the shell of his warm, flushed ear.

"Nohoho, nnn– ugh, Dreheheheam!" George whined, flinching away from the traces a few times before completely melting into the bed as Dream continued. "Thihihis– that's sohoho not fahahair, yohou cahan't– you can't doho thihihis…" George's giggles increased a small amount when Dream let his fingers follow their line down behind his ear, then below to trail over the side of his neck, and then back up the line to around his ear again. He kept this path going the more George giggled and whined and melted under his touch.

"It's okay, we know you love this," Dream reassured, ignoring George's complaint of 'not true!' and gently sliding his hand over to the back of his neck. He cupped his palm over the warm skin there for a second, before letting his thumb and pointer finger play with the hair at the nape of George's neck and his middle finger gently scratched at the skin on the opposite side to keep a soft smile on his face. George hummed happily, enjoying the delicate touch, melting into it even as Karl and Sapnap decided they were bored of watching the other two act stupidly fond of each other and took matters into their own hands.

Sapnap took George's ankle– the one that Karl hadn't taken hostage at the start of this, to give George some variety– and pulled it closer to him, trailing his fingers over George's calf and watching his toes curl and flex when he couldn't pull his leg away. George's giggles started up again with full force, much more squeaky and muffled this time, and Sapnap pushed a little further by slipping two fingers into George's sock and slowly sliding it off.

"Oh, NO–!" George protested immediately, trying to sit up and squirm away, but Dream's hand and Karl sliding further up to the middle of his back kept him almost completely immobile. "Sapnap, plehease–"

"Relax, you baby, you're fine," Sapnap disregarded George's complaint, letting go of his sock as it was halfway off his foot and scratching at the sides of his bare heel. George's foot twisted and tensed wildly in his grip, his laughter turning into raspy squeals now,, but it was nothing compared to the sudden boom of laughter and return of squirming that came mere seconds later. When Sapnap looked behind him to find the cause, he noticed Karl had reached behind him to grab George's hips, forcing his fingers between his torso and the bed to press his middle and pointer fingers into the pressure points right above George's hip bones.

"KAHAHARL! I THOHOUGHT YOU WERE DOHOHONE!" George whined, his breathing becoming shaky and sharp, and Karl laughed along with him, bringing his hands in front of him to give his bottom ribs the same treatment as he leaned down to speak in his ear.

"I was gonna be, but you never know when I could start up again, right, my sweet kitten?" Karl teased, giggling into George's ear and nuzzling into his shoulder as George shook his head.

"OKAY OKAHAHAY! PLEHEHEHEASE, I CAHAHA– I CAN'T TAKE IHIT–!"

Karl finally stopped after that, sliding off George's back and sitting cross legged next to him. He tapped Sapnap's arm, hinting for him to stop as well, and Sapnap slid George's sock back on and softly placed his leg back down on the bed. Dream kept up his gentle movements, knowing they would help George calm down, and the group sat in silence for a few moments, listening to George's residual squeals of laughter as he took in heavy breaths and swallowed thickly.

"You okay, pretty boy?" Karl asked, softly patting George's back to comfort him. George nodded, humming to confirm, and he slowly lifted his head up to turn to look at him.

"I fucking hate… all of you…" He mumbled, trying to sound mean, but the blush on his face and the way his voice cracked in the middle of his sentence made it very hard.

"We know," Sapnap agreed, turning around to kneel at the edge of the bed.

George was about to continue, when suddenly, Karl jumped on top of him, wrapping his arms around George's waist and pulling him onto his side to force him to cuddle.

"Oh my god, Karl!" George yelled, caught off guard by the onslaught, but before he could truly comprehend what had happened, Karl had pulled away and leaned back up to grab Sapnap's hoodie and yank him down in between the two of them. George giggled as the bed shook from everyone's movements, and giggled more when Sapnap wrapped an arm around his waist instead. "You guys are so dumb, you're such idiots, oh my god."

"Takes one to know one, bitch," Sapnap snarled back, squeezing George to his chest and making him let out another squeaky giggle. George looked up to see Karl leaning over the two of them, and his attention was drawn back to Dream, who was still kneeling by the side of the bed.

"C'mon, handsome, you're coming up here too," Karl explained, motioning for the taller man to join them, and Dream smiled wider than before as he jumped up to climb on the bed as well. He pushed on Sapnap's arm that was around George, forcing all three of them to move back slightly, and collapsed on the bed next to George, jostling the mattress once more. "There we go, this is perfect now!"

"Yeah, soooo perfect," George grumbled, rolling his eyes even as a smile stayed glued to his face. He was met with another squeeze to his side, this one from Sapnap, and he jolted before mumbling out an apology.

“Come on, Dream- ugh, hold still! God, I’m just showing you a magic trick, you would think I was torturing you or something.” George complained with a grunt as he attempted to continue feeding the broom handle through the blonde’s left sleeve of his red Sapnap hoodie he was wearing. It should be an easy enough task for anyone to accomplish, however it was proved to be more difficult than the elder had pictured, mostly due to Dream’s constant squirming and little hops, jumping from foot to opposing foot in an last resort to try and easy the tingly feeling he got everytime George moved the pole. 

“Mhmhm! I- I’m tryihihing!” He squealed out despite trying to keep his lips together, his left foot stomping on the ground a few times when George finally was able to push the long wooden stick through to Dream’s left sleeve. He barked out another laugh, jerking to the side with a yelp as it grazed under his arm. 

“There! Finally!” George let out an exaggerated sigh, making a show of wiping the back of his hand over his forehead like he had just completed hours of heavy labor. “We could’ve had this done ages ago if you weren’t flopping around so much. You know that, right?”

Dream let out a puff of air through his bottom lip with the intent of blowing the curl away from where it had fallen over his eye, eventually flipping his head back when that didn’t work before rolling his eyes and returning his gaze towards the shorter boy who was now standing directly in front of him. “Okay! It’s not my fault, you were like, just shoving and poking a stick into me! How am I supposed to react?!” 

The younger boy could feel the heat rising in his cheeks as he watched George’s eyes form into little crescent moons when he broke out into bright giggles, high pitched and full of glee at the quick change in color on Dream’s face. 

“Well, it’s over now, right? No need to be so whiny!” Dream sputtered out little noises as he tried to form a response to that, deciding to keep his lips pressed together in a thin line when he realized anything he could say would only come out sounding even more whiny. He watched as George clasped his hands together, pressing them against his chest as he flashed Dream his teeth with the biggest, most menacing smile he could produce. It sent chills down the blonde’s back, causing him to shiver the best he could with how restrained his arms were. “So! Are you ready to see the magic trick?” 

“I…George I, I don’t knohow…wh-what is ihit?” Dream suddenly felt incredibly vulnerable, now beginning to back up slightly while trying to pull his arms down. He was leaning over from side to side as discreetly as he could, seeing if he could get the broomstick to fall out. But to his dismay it was truly wedged within his hoodie. 

“Well I’m trying to show you, silly goose!” George poked a finger into the tummy within arms reach, earning a squeak and muffled giggle in response. Dream began to back up again but George was quick to lean forward and wrap his arms around the bigger boy’s waist, holding him in place in a tight hug. “Hey! Where do you think you’re going, idiot? Be patient! I just said I’m trying to show you!”

Despite George’s questions and constricting hold on him, Dream couldn’t help but continue to struggle, still attempting to thrash even though he couldn’t budge an inch. He cursed his flusteredness for practically zapping all his strength away, turning him into nothing but putty, allowing George to mold Dream any way he wanted. 

“O-Okahahay! If…If I let you show me, do you promise to let me out right away after?” The younger boy was practically breathless already, working himself up over the possibility of this ‘magic trick’ being a guise for something much more sinister. 

“Of course, of course! Whatever you want Dream, now come back here!” George giggled quietly as Dream finally allowed himself to be pulled back to his original position in the living room, standing in the middle of the room with the afternoon sun pouring in and highlighting every freckle on his face. The brunette was briefly mesmerized before he remembered he had a task at hand. He shook his head before placing a hand on Dream’s shoulder, doing his best to hide the smirk that was threatening to break out as the younger boy jumped at the light touch.

“Okay, now for the magic trick!” George began, turning around and walking towards the couch. He stood there for a few seconds as if looking for something before he began to move pillows around, his facial expression warping slowly from a smirk to a look of confusion. 

“What is it? Did…did you lose something?” Dream asked after a few more seconds of George looking extremely puzzled. 

“Uh, yeah. One second, I need to find something…” George looked over towards where Dream was standing, leaning his head to the side slightly as if to look past him. “Might’ve dropped it over here though, lemme see.” 

The blonde watched as George walked towards him, leaning down around Dream’s feet in search of the missing item. Dream was being as patient as he could in the compromising position he was in, idly flapping his hands up and down gently every few seconds as something to do to ease his nerves; It wasn’t working, but he tried his hardest to pretend like it did anyway. He watched as George moved forward, maneuvering his way around Dream’s legs towards the back of him. Not a second later the smaller boy disappeared from his view, seemingly continuing the search for whatever he had dropped. 

“George, what did you even drop? I’m sure we have something similar somewhe-EHEHEHE!” 

“Sorry, what? I can’t hear you over your shrieking! You’re gonna have to speak a little clearer, please!”

Dream didn’t answer the boy’s request, too busy cackling while bending forward to try and block his tummy from the tickling hands that had suddenly latched on and were squeezing like it was what they were designed to do.

“What, no comments on the magic trick?” George continued to speak to Dream as if he wasn’t currently tickling him, his tone casual and playful as his hands continued their journey around the jumping tummy below his wiggling fingers. The blonde shook his head, unable to speak with how hard his laughter was pouring out of him. George gasped in fake offense, suddenly forming his hands into claws and vibrating them into the sides of his tummy. “That’s so rude, Dream!”   

“NAHAHA G-Geohohorge! Plehehease!” He begged through his laughter, trying his hardest to both escape the elder’s grasp, but also to stay still so he didn’t accidentally clobber the menace of a tickler behind him - even if he was the source of Dream’s struggling in the first place. 

“Tell me you like my magic trick!” The Brit demanded, moving his hands to vibrate dangerously close to the dip in the middle of the younger boy’s tummy. A spot they both knew Dream couldn’t handle even on the best of days. With the sudden ambush on his tummy and the flusteredness of it all, he wouldn’t stand a chance. He began to nod his head wildly, moving it so fast George swore it might snap off if he continued to do so. 

Dream attempted to speak through his laughter but was cut off as a loud squeal was ripped from him, George’s left pointer finger now wiggling at the edges of his belly button while his right hand began to gently but quickly knead below it on his lower tummy. He was pulling at his arms more than before now, trying to yank and push them down with all his might. 

“I-IHIHI LIHIHIKE IT! I LOHOHOVE IT! P-PLEHEASE STAHAHAP!” 

When George heard the strain in Dream’s laughter, noticing the younger boy teetering backwards and forwards as his knees threatened to give way, he lightened his tickles until they came to a stop, rubbing gently over the areas he had just abused with no mercy. He could see the blush dusting the tops of Dream’s ears bright red, almost letting out an audible coo at the sight. 

“Don’t worry, I’m done, I promise.” George leaned forward and wrapped his arms around Dream’s waist again, bringing his cheek to rest on Dream’s shoulder blade as he cuddled him in close. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking in the scent of the blonde’s perfume and taking in the last of the giggles. He gently loosened his grasp on the younger boy, rubbing a soothing hand on his back before walking back in front of Dream, noting how his cheeks matched the shade of his ears perfectly.

“Thahat- that wasn’t a mahahagic trick, idiot!” Dream whined through his giggles as George began to remove the broomstick, the brunette chuckling when Dream squirmed with another whine-laced giggle. 

“Okay, it might not be magic, but it definitely was a trick,” The elder snickered as he smirked up at Dream before turning on his heel, walking to the kitchen to put the broom back on its hook. He turned back towards Dream as he made his way back into the living room before plopping himself down on the couch, patting the cushion next to him to signal that he wanted the boy to come sit with him. “You were definitely tricked.”

Dream rolled his eyes with a groan as he rotated his shoulders in calming circles, making sure to stretch out any tightness he may have from the restricting predicament he had found himself in. He moved his arms around one last time before he let out a relaxed sigh, stepping forward until he reached the couch, promptly falling back into it and practically crushing George.

“Hey! Watch it!” The elder complained, pushing at Dream as he dropped his head against George’s shoulder.

“If I were you, I’d be the one watching it,” Dream spoke through a big yawn, bringing the heels of his hands to rub into his eyes until he saw the familiar kaleidoscope of colors splashing behind his eyelids whenever he pushed hard enough. “You can guarantee I’m gonna show you a ‘magic trick’ too, and this one won’t be so funny.” 

A small smile formed on Dream’s face as he could feel George swallow thickly, clearly flustered by the possibilities that he could be put in. The elder allowed Dream to drift off into a deep afternoon nap before slowly and carefully removing himself from beneath the blonde, immediately making a beeline for his room. He couldn’t take the chance of waking Dream any time soon if he wanted to survive the day. When he reached his room, he quickly closed the door behind him, locking it in the process before flopping onto his bed and crawling under the covers. 

A few hours later he woke up to a knocking on his door, head shooting up with a deep intake of breath as he processed what was happening. He didn’t remember falling asleep, but he was never one to deny himself of the much needed rest. 

“Wh- ahem- Who is it?” George called, clearing his throat as he spoke. As he was waking up, the events from earlier in the day replayed in his mind, suddenly sending a wave of nervous giddyness throughout his entire body. 

“Me, I just have a question.” He relaxed as he heard the youngest boy’s voice, getting up to open the door for Sapnap. The second the latch to the lock was turned, the door suddenly flung open, Sapnap piling in and tackling George to the ground. 

“What- Sapnap?! Get off me!” George squirmed under his grasp, only registering what was happening when he saw movement from behind the smaller boy who was straddling his waist, his hands gripping George’s wrists and holding them down. The color drained from his face as he realized that it was none other than the man he had tormented. “Wh- D-Dream?” 

“That’s right baby,” Dream smirked as he kneeled down beside George, leaning in close to his face. “And I do believe Sapnap asked you a question, didn’t he?” 

George nodded his head, his ability to speak having disappeared the second he saw the blonde curls appear in his doorway. 

“Go ahead, Sap.” 

“I’ll repeat myself, but just this once. We have a question for you!” Sapnap squeezed George’s wrists lightly to get his attention, continuing only when the brown eyes were focused on him. Dream and the curly haired brunette exchanged knowing looks, wearing matching smirks as they turned their attention back on the captured boy below them.

“...Hm?” George was practically buzzing with anticipation, not liking the direction this was headed but having no choice to participate anyway. When Sapnap finally asked, George realized his fate. He had absolutely no choice in the matter, feeling goosebumps rise on his skin when Sapnap continued.

“Is the pillow really necessary?” Dream questioned, voice slightly wavering due to his nervousness. He looked down at his own tummy, his shirt pulled to his ribs in order to reveal the pale skin beneath it. His shoulder blades were pressed into the mattress as his back arched off the edge, a pillow or two wedged beneath him to further pull his tummy taunt. He wiggled his hips back and forth to test his movement - it was more limited than he’d originally thought. 

After all, it was only George straddling his thighs. 

“Yes! It is definitely necessary,” The brunette quickly replied, leaning forward and using his pointer finger to boop Dream on the nose. “I mean, we need to have your tummy as stretched as possible!”

Dream clenched his jaw with a nose scrunch at the incredibly flustering explanation, turning his head to the side to try and hide his blushy cheeks as he squeezed his eyes shut and tried his best to ignore the elders teases. He brought his hands up to cover his face, needing a place to hide while he tried to calm his jitters the best he could.

“Yeah Dream,” he heard Sapnap from somewhere near the bottom of the bed, voice growing in volume as he walked closer and eventually took a seat on the bed next to George. “How else are we gonna give your tummy the love and attention it needs?” His question was followed up by two pokes on either side of his ribs, making sure to target the ones in the center purely because he knows they make Dream’s laughter jump in pitch. He batted the hands away with a squeal, moving them from his face to cover his torso with his arms. 

“W-Well I….I dohon’t-“

“Exactly!” the younger boy interrupted his stutters, leaning forward to crawl towards the empty area by the headrest of the bed. He took his place above Dream’s head, crossing his legs in front of him as he leaned over to smile down at the blonde, both giggling as they looked at each other from the upside down perspective.

“Besides,” George began, using his right hand to begin rubbing his palm soothingly all around Dream’s tummy, letting his fingertips drag teasingly from time to time just to hear Dream whine in an attempt to keep his giggles in. “You know why we’re here. We’re not here to wreck you, we’re here to help you!” 

“Yeah, we just want to help you feel good!” Sapnap chimed in as he leaned back and rested on his heels, running a hand gently through the sandy curls. “We know you’ve been overwhelmed lately with how busy everything’s been and with you not getting enough rest. You deserve to feel good, you deserve to relax - let us help you, okay?”

Even though he knew the two were serious, Dream still felt shivers down his spine at their reassurances. 

An hour earlier the blonde had been pacing at the top of the steps, hidden out of view in the hallway from George and Sapnap who were sitting in the living room down stairs. A hand was buried into his hair while the other one was pressed against his cheek, trying to calm his anxieties and doubts he’d been feeling lately for no particular reason. He continued to pace back and forth in the limited space he had, trying to decide if he felt it was important enough to share with his two best friends. 

When he reached the start of the steps once more while continuing his walking, he was startled when he saw Sapnap staring up at him from the bottom of the steps. Dream let out a whine but decided to follow when Sapnap asked him to, finding himself squished between the boys on the couch while he spilled out his insecurities. At the end of it, he felt incredible. Though tears were shed, they had managed to help talk through his feelings and get a lot of the tension released from his muscles due to him holding all of his stress.

It would seem that the two weren’t finished as they began peppering quick little kisses all over his cheeks, dragging him up to his own bedroom while still in a fit of giggles. 

Those were the events that led them up to this moment - Dream with the pillows under his back with a very tiny British man straddling his waist. It would’ve been comical if he weren’t so damn flustered. 

“Dream?”

“Hm?”

The call of his name pulled him out of his thoughts as he felt warm hands wrap around both of his wrists. He watched as Sapnap slowly raised them up above his head and rested them in his own lap, still holding onto them as a confirmation of what they were planning on doing. 

“He asked you a question, angel. Is it okay if we help you feel nice?” The kindness in George’s voice caught him off guard, his jaw dropping slightly before realizing and snapping it shut again when he did. The brunette laughed at that but kept his cruel teases to himself, knowing this wasn’t the time to tease him into oblivion. 

“Mm….mhm.” Dream didn’t allow himself to answer with words, knowing it would come out high pitched and absolutely wrecked. The two boys weren’t always that gentle with him, at least not like this, and he had absolutely no idea what to do with the feeling. He felt giddy and excited, but at the same time he knew what they were capable of. He knew they promised to treat him nicely, but he couldn’t help but be a little nervous anyway.

“Great! Now I can tell you about how great of a person you are while George gives your tummy a little attention.” The moment the words left Sapnap’s lips and seeped into Dream’s ears he was whining, a long high pitched squeal revealing itself at the idea of George showing his tummy any form of attention. 

“What, Sap- nahaha wahait!” Dream was rudely interrupted by an eruption of airy giggles, light and jovial as George began to peck little kisses around his tummy with no warning. 

“For what, cutie pie? I wanna tell you how much we love you! And how incredibly hard working and boss bitch you are!” George stopped the tickly kisses to bark out a laugh at Sapnap’s choice of words, rolling his eyes as he listened to the other two boys giggling before getting back to the task at hand. He felt as Dream’s tummy jumped beneath his lips, attempting to suck in his stomach but not being able to hold it down forever. It didn’t really matter though - George’s lips followed regardless. 

“Nohoho!” Dream pulled lightly at his arms that were still being held up by Sapnap, groaning when they didn’t move and the younger boy’s strength was put on display. “You’re bohohoth idiots- NO NO NO NO NOHOHO!” 

The insult that he threw at the two brunettes prompted George to take a quick inhale of air, filling his lungs as much as he could before dropping his head down and blowing a raspberry on his lower tummy. Dream was squealing, practically in stitches as he began thrashing and kicking pathetically, his laughter growing once more. 

“AHAHA OKAHAHAY! I’m sohohOHRRY!” Dream’s apology was cut off once more as George blew another quick raspberry, this time directly over the sensitive little dip in the center of his stomach. Before he could reach hysterics, George was rubbing his hand over it, doing his best to calm the tingly sensation he was still experiencing.

“George, we’re supposed to be helping him, not killing him.” Sapnap commented with a chuckle as George sat up sheepishly, wiping the back of his hand over his mouth as he shrugged his shoulders. Dream was attempting to catch his breath while the elder replied.

“I know I know, I just couldn’t help it. He insulted us! He’s the real idiot, we both know that!” George exclaimed in fake annoyance, causing Sapnap and Dream to break out into a melody of giggles. Sapnap rolled his eyes at the older boy as he gently ran his thumbs over the insides of Dream’s wrists, smiling when he heard him let out a relaxed sigh. “I promise to be gentle now, okay Dreamie?”

Dream felt the heat rise in his cheeks at the nickname that George always used to fluster him, butterflies in his stomach further heightening the sensation of the ghost tickles. He nodded his head and was sent into another flurry of giggles as George began to kiss over his lower tummy once again, the brunette giggling along with him every time Dream let out a squeak when he would kiss over the patch of skin directly under his belly button.

“Now, as I was saying before we were so rudely interrupted, you are incredible,” Sapnap suddenly continued, making a dig at the oldest boy while still rubbing his thumbs over the thin skin on his wrists. The curly haired brunette slowly began to trace his pointer fingers up Dream’s  forearms, smiling when the giggles turned into little chirpy squeaks. “You are so smart, and you’re so extremely talented, Dream.”

The blonde opened and closed his fists, not knowing what to do with them as he didn’t want to pull them away from Sapnap’s tickling fingers. While the sensation was very tickly, it also felt incredibly relaxing and he didn’t want it to end. The same sensation soon appeared on his tummy as George began lightly tracing over it, sometimes allowing a finger or two to trace over the spots he had just kissed just to make his laugh get a little louder. Dream melted into the bed at this treatment, the softness of it all turning his brain to putty as the two continued their light tickles and praises. 

“You’re such an amazing friend too, Dream. Don’t ever think you’re not. You do so much for everyone, you care so much about everyone no matter what. You really care about us all, and we feel it. And we love you just as much.” Sapnap continued speaking his train of thought, only letting up when he saw that Dream’s eyes had become glassy. He cooed at him and moved his hands from his forearms, instead guiding one through Dream’s curls once again. 

George followed Sap’s lead, slowing down his skittering fingers as he leaned back to sit up, looking down at the boy below him and also audibly cooing at how adorable he was like this. “Gosh Dream, how do you expect us not to tickle you so much when you melt so easily for us?”

His hands, now free from Sapnap’s grip, moved quickly to cover his face, groaning when he heard the other two boys laughing at the action. 

“Oh come on, baby boy, we were nice to you. It wasn’t that bad.” Sapnap purred, feeling his stubble rub across his left ear as the younger boy leaned in closer to speak. Dream let one of his hands temporarily move from his face to rub his palm at the shell of his ear, biting his lips to prevent any more laughter from escaping so he didn’t set them off again. 

“Stohohp! You’re- you’re stihihill both idiohohots!” 

The silence he was met with told Dream that he had made a big mistake. When he was about to lower his hands to see what the other boys were doing, they were pulled away by Sapnap, who had a tight grip on his wrists again. And just like before, Dream watched as he pulled them over his head, the same butterflies he felt earlier reappearing, this time doubling in the fluttery feeling. He couldn’t keep the smile off of his face as he opened his eyes to see George and Sapnap grinning down at him, clearly fueled by the reused insult he was punished for earlier in the night.

“You know, I think our little puppy here could use some more reassurance. What do you think, George?” Dream’s eyes bulged at statement, the butterflies returning once more as he looked between the two boys quickly, feeling his stomach drop as he saw how wide their smirks were.

“Absolutely.” And with that, the tickling began again. Sap continued to trace the gentlest lines up and down his forearms while George littered his tummy with kisses, using his fingertips to skitter lightly at the sides of it. Dream let out a strangled yelp at the second round of tickles, falling into bright giggles as he threw his head back against the blankets, his eyes squeezed shut as he allowed himself to melt further into the mattress.

🦙🦙🦙…

“SAPNAP! FUCK OFF!!”

Sapnap let out a pleased chuckle as yet another rather livid cry from the downstairs living room snaked its way to his room, bouncing through the hallways and curving its way up his staircase. He tapped the mute symbol on his phone again, rolling onto his stomach with a satisfied smirk.

Football season had brought about a new, novel routine to Dream and Sapnap’s home; Saturday mornings now consisted of sprawling out across the living room couches, gluing their eyes to their large, flatscreen TV, and sending out screams of ‘encouragement’ to the little men that darted around within it.

Despite its simplicity, the routine had quickly crept its way up to being one of Sapnap’s favourite past-times. The ability to cheer and scream alongside Dream always managed to enhance the already thrilling parts of the game. Each throw, dive, tackle and referee call would provoke another wave of passion to erupt into the living room, creating an atmosphere that buzzed with giddy energy, and just making Sapnap’s move to Florida feel so damn real.

Early on in the game, Sapnap had actually been downstairs cheering alongside Dream. Their teams had been paired up against each other this week, and the extra addition of their pride being on the line had upped the excitement to the max. Both their voices had grown hoarse by the second quarter, and the living room walls were practically dripping with thick layers of passion. The game was thrilling! Exhilarating even!!

Except that then Sapnap’s team had began to lose…badly…

As half time approached, the usual ‘Saturday morning’ atmosphere was found to be less and less prevalent in the air, choked by an aura that stung of far more hostility. Dream’s screams and cheers had began gnawing at Sapnap’s ego, pushing the younger dangerously close to his breaking point, and it was during this time of weakened pride that the remote resting on the armrest of the couch had caught Sapnap’s eye. The first mute symbol of the morning flashed its way onto bottom corner of the screen.

It didn’t take long for Sapnap to determine the hilarity of Dream’s reaction to having his precious football commentary ripped away from him. Especially since the man was practically bound to the invisible radius that kept him within the eye-line of his TV. The cheeky prank had turned Sapnap’s moping to cackles within seconds, and quite frankly, it was rather addicting. The first mute symbol was followed by many, many more.

As soon as the half time break rolled by, Sapnap was promptly chased up to his room; bubbly giggles and terrorizing screams rocking the hallway walls. His remote privileges were lost during the scuffle, but it didn’t take long for Sapnap to work out how to control the downstairs TV volume via a few simple taps on his phone.

He knew that he was risking another ‘light-hearted beating’ from Dream — once the end of the game finally released him from his bounding radius — but the wailing cries that curved their way through the slit in his now ajar door made it all worth it in his mind. He was quite frankly having a ball.

After nearly an hour of listening to the satisfyingly irritated screams of his housemate, the thundering sound of footsteps over his staircase finally marked the end of the god-awful game.

Sapnap wasted no time in lunging for the lock on his door, a giddy wave of adrenaline passing through him via a squeaky giggle. His fingertips were pressed to its soundproofing material within seconds, and yet to his utmost surprise, the force of another being was already felt on the other side.

“You little fuck!!”

Sapnap yelped as he was shoved back into his room, a raging set of green eyes — burning with revenge — following him in. He stumbled a couple steps back across his carpeted floor, hands assembling in front of himself in a wary defense.

“DREAM! Ihi’m sohohorry!!”

“You’re not sorry, you ruined all the best parts!!” Dream scolded. Sapnap giggled as he grappled and snatched at his hands.

“But it wahas fuhuhunny!” He reasoned, dodging and weaving around Dream’s grabs, and managing to collect up the older’s hands with his own. He only had them for a split second, but it was enough time to reach up and lightly smack Dream over the back of the head, practically digging himself his own grave…

…But that was half the fun…

“Alright, that’s it.”

“nO!!” Sapnap shrieked, gasping through giddy giggles as he was tugged into the larger man’s chest by his wrist, lifted off the ground, and flung onto his bed in the corner of the room. “Dreheheam Ihihi’m sohohorry!!” He pleaded, twisting himself against his mattress in another attempt to fight back. Dream simply placed a knee into his back.

“No you’re not!!” He snapped, rejecting Sapnap’s apology and grabbing at his left arm. He bent it behind his back, bouncing the giggly boy gently against the springs of his mattress. “You’re laughing, how do you expect me to believe you??”

Despite the prank being rather frustrating for Dream, the older boy could never really stay mad at his best friend for long. He smiled as even bubblier giggles from Sapnap nuzzled their way into his duvet.

“It wahahas fuhuhunny!!”

“You’re just mad that you were losing!!” Sapnap shook his head, pulling at the arm behind his back. Dream grinned and tightened his grip.

“But I mean… I guess if you really wanted to laugh that bad…” He mulled, a certain underlying cheek in his tone. He pulled Sapnap’s trapped arm back further, ensuring not to hurt his friend, but also allowing himself enough room to skitter his fingers up and down the brownette’s ribs and sides. Sapnap felt his blood chill.

“Wahahait!!” He choked out, twisting and turning into the patterns of his duvet cover. A fleet of squeaky, breathy giggles followed his cry, breaking their way up from his chest and dancing around his room. Dream cackled at the response.

“You wanted to laugh right??”

“Nohoho, NOhoH!! DReaHEAm!!”

On a usual day, Sapnap would consider his and Dream’s strengths to be surprisingly equal, despite Dream being a fair bit taller than him. However in this particular moment, with the dirty blonde’s hands squeezing mercilessly up and down his sides, Sapnap found that he was no match for him at all. His arm remained trapped uselessly behind his back no matter how hard he tugged.

“How funny do you think your little prank is now??” Dream crowed, slipping his leg down onto the mattress beside Sapnap to straddle him properly. “Thought it was funny to mess with me huh?!”

“Stahahap youhu fucker!!” Sapnap barked, shimmying helplessly against the new weight over his back. He kicked his legs out behind him, scuffing his knees into the bedding in hopes of gaining leverage to push Dream off.

“Thought it was funny to- ruin the game for me?” The older continued, migrating his squeezing fingers up from squishy flesh to ticklish bone. “Now look at allll this space I get to work with!!”

Sapnap tried to pull at his arm again, the giggles around his room raising in desperation as Dream’s fingers crept further and further up his ribcage. An involuntary screech joined the commotion once they reached the top, long fingers teasing at the bones just below Sapnap’s underarm.

“Nohohoho!” He squeaked, clamping his mouth shut as Dream wiggled a finger against a sliver of sensitive skin near his armpit. He held his breath, doing his best to contain the nervous giggles swirling in his chest, as well as to brace for the tickly attack. He was successful at neither of the two.

“Stahahap you little bihihihitch!!”

“Ohhh, I’m the little bitch??” Dream gasped, feigned disbelief showering over the tittering boy below. He repositioned Sapnap’s arm again, pulling him over onto his right side to expose more of his left, before digging a clawed hand into the hollow of his underarm. “I’m the little bitch?? Wanna try and say that again??”

“DReHEheAm!!” Sapnap screeched, kicking his legs and yanking at his arm. Each prod, dig and scratch at his armpit sent a new wave of incomprehensible energy to his brain, melting all words on his tongue and trampling them with loud belly laughter. He muffled as much of it as he could into his bedding, screaming into the soft fabric.

“Want to try and say that again??” Dream taunted again, giggling at Sapnap’s panicked flailing. It always melted his heart any time he got to see his best friend laugh so freely like this. Sapnap’s free fist pounded into the mattress beside him.

“Oh actually…” Dream hummed, pondering aloud. “I could even get you in this spot!”

Sapnap gasped as Dream’s hand suddenly abandoned the attack on his armpit, barely managing to catch his breath or what the older had muttered above him. He felt lightheaded and giddy, arm practically slack in Dream’s hold.

And then he felt fingers return to his stomach.

“Nohoho! No! Youhuhu fuhuhucker!!” Sapnap barked, immediately tensing his stomach as a surge of adrenaline powered through him.

It wasn’t that his stomach was a particularly bad spot; not like his armpits anyway. It was just that it was an immobilizing spot, an embarrassing one, which was arguably worse in Sapnap’s mind. His right arm was quick to rush to his tummy’s aid, trying its darndest to reach under himself and still the taunting, tapping fingers there. Dream wasn’t having any of it.

“No, you’re the fucker here!!” He snapped back, letting go of Sapnap’s wrist and wrapping an arm around the boy’s two elbows instead. He pulled them back, letting Sapnap drop to his mattress below.

A muffled yell fired it’s way into the comforter, followed by a strangled yelp as Sapnap suddenly felt himself turning.

His room spun around him, dresser, closet and hallway lights all whizzing past his field of vision; until he was greeted by the view of his ceiling, and the feeling of Dream’s chest against his back.

“NoHAhHA!!” He cried, voice embarrassingly high and squeaky. He thrashed against Dream’s hold, pulling at his arms and kicking out his legs. Another screech left his mouth as Dream threw a leg over his own, pinning him down at the knees, and consequently stretching his tummy up further to meet the hand that now wiggled tauntingly above his skin. “DrEEAAAM!! Stohohop!!”

“Nawwww what’s wrong? Why can’t I get you in this spot?” Dream crooned. His voice was awfully close to Sapnap’s ear, close enough for the beginning of a blush to tinge his skin. A closed-mouth yelp forced its way up his throat, followed by a flurry of profanities.

“Ohhh he’s mad!!”

“Youhuhuhu bIHIHitch!!” Sapnap whined, wiggling, bucking and cussing as much as his body would allow; though the fight only lasted for as long as it took Dream to start kneading into his tummy.

“NAHAHAHA!!”

A final desperate shriek paved the way for the bubbly giggles from earlier to return to their dance, welcoming any squeaks or gasps that cared to join the party. Dream’s fingers spread to include as much of Sapnap’s wobbling tummy as possible, draining the younger boy of any fight he had left in him.

“Nohohot thihihis!!” Sapnap whined, slumping helplessly back into his Dream as his stomach gave way to his giggles. He could feel a blush rising to his cheeks, the adrenaline surging through his veins only providing him with enough strength to throw his head back against Dream’s shoulder.

“Ohhhh not this? Not this??” Another whine bounced its way through his laughter as Dream chuckled against his ear. The tone was dangerous; he could hear Dream’s smile.

Dream blew a raspberry into his neck, moving to focus his attention on the lines of muscle where Sapnap’s tummy met his sides. “Is the little sapling too ticklish to have his tummy tickled?” He couldn’t help but coo; the raspberry had turned Sapnap’s laugh into squeaks, and then the changed position had enveloped them in loud belly cackles. He kneaded his hand up and down the sensitive section.

“Nawwww, listen to that laugh!!”

“Stahahap!!” Sapnap’s cheeks burned at the older boy’s tone, an embarrassed shiver running up his spine as he involuntarily melted back further into Dream’s chest.

He longed for any part of his body to gain at least some of his strength back; for his legs to push up successfully against Dream’s, or for his arms to pull hard enough and break free. He wished that the swirling warmth in his cheeks and stomach would leave and that instead the fight would return to his words.

But instead his tummy just wobbled uselessly along with his laughter.

“Aww, is it too much?” A squeal pierced his throat as Dream’s fingers suddenly switched to skitter over the middle of his tummy. High pitched, ridiculous sounding giggles poured out of him against his will. Sapnap shook his head as a few mirthful tears gathered in his eyes. “Are my tummy tickles too much to handle?”

“DREHeHeHeheheam stahahap!!”

“Is the little Sapnap just way too ticklish!?”

“Fuhuhuck off!!” Sapnap yelped, cheeks and stomach ablaze in a fluster. A grand roar amongst his laughter provided him with the energy to lift himself forwards, slowly rising up from Dream’s chest like a zombie from a grave.

Dream switched his technique again, leaping his hand down to squeeze at Sapnap’s lower tummy — a known sweet spot.

He giggled cheekily as Sapnap immediately dropped back down to his chest, twisting weakly as squeaky, tittered laughter hicupped out of him.

“Is this too embarrassing for our baby boy?” Dream murmured, ensuring to speak as directly into Sapnap’s noticeably red ear as possible.

“DOHohon’t!!” Sapnap yelped, his gut churning at the cruel use of the nickname. He screamed as Dream blew another raspberry against his neck, squeezing his eyes shut as a plague of goosebumps crawled their way over his body towards the vibrations.

“Where were you tryna go~?!” Another raspberry was blown into the side of his neck. He scrunched his shoulders up to counter the sensation, gasping through his now sporadic cackles, and then dropping them back down once even the simple task of shrugging became too difficult.

“Plehehehease stahahahap!!” He pleaded weakly, dropping his head back against Dream’s shoulder again. Dream took the opportunity to blow another raspberry into the side of his neck, and this time Sapnap snorted.

“Awwww!!”

“Nohohoho….” The coo from his celebrating friend alone was enough to make Sapnap want to disappear into the ground, but then to his absolute horror he made the exact same sound when Dream blew another raspberry into the base of his scalp.

“What about under here, hm~?”

Sapnap shook his head weakly as Dream’s fingers suddenly fluttered their way up beneath his hoodie. A silent, wheezy scream squeezed its way up from his lungs, whilst the last of his fight quite literally melted away with the walls of his gut.

Dream was barely doing anything, just simply tapping and scratching over the surface of his bare tummy, and yet Sapnap’s reaction was as though he had been shot with a tranquiliser. He fell into a snorting fit when Dream lingered over his lower tummy, and managed a desperate screech that vaguely sounded similar to the word ‘mercy’ when he the fingers pittered their way up the side of his tummy, but apart from that his laugh was barely audible.

Dream stopped once he heard a strain in Sapnap’s breathing, pulling the younger’s hoody down and rubbing away any tingles that he left behind. He let go of Sapnap’s arms, chuckling when the boy immediately leapt away from him in a huff.

Sapnap’s cheeks were burning. His eyes were still teary with mirth, and his heart still raced to keep up with his adrenaline rush. He promptly rolled overonto his stomach, sending a punch up to the vague direction of Dream’s shoulder.

“Ahahow!!”

“Fuhuhuck youhuhu duhuhude…”

He couldn’t seem to wipe his smile from his face — particularly when he heard Dream giggling beside him — so he opted for turning his head away from the older instead.

“Oh come on now… You had fun.” Sapnap flinched as Dream ruffled a hand through his hair.

“Shuhut the fuck up.” He groaned, though annoyingly enough his smile only widened.

Despite all of Sapnap’s misfortunes for the day, the Saturday morning had in fact lived up to his standards. It was just as fun and exhilarating as the rest.

George never dreamed that he could be so lucky. Laying next to Dream was something he had always thought about but wasn’t sure if it was something obtainable for him. He never expected for the two to confess their feelings on a cold winter night in December, huddled together for warmth while their heat was out. But here they were months later, still finding themselves tangled up in each other at any chance they got. No matter what the two had going on in their busy schedules, they always made time for cuddles, Dream insisting it was necessary for both of them to get their daily doses in. But George would never complain; why would he? He gets to shove his face into Dream’s neck while he tells George how important he is, how lovely he is, how he’s Dream’s. “Mine” he would always say, and the elder was always quick to respond - “yours, all yours”. George knew he’d never get tired of it. 

There was something else that had made its way into their everyday routine. Something that George never expected to adore so much, but found that he couldn’t handle going without it, not even for a day. It didn’t matter if he was on the receiving or giving end, all he knew was that he needed it; he needed the way that it would end with both of them in a messy pile of giggles and panting, each one trying to catch their own breath for different reasons. But still, they both craved it enough to work it into their day to day schedules. 

This something was tickling. 

It was kind of embarrassing, George had to admit. He was shy about this particular thing with anyone else, always finding ways to escape when his other friends would attempt to start this type of play with him, finding that he really only had a taste for it when he was with Dream. He couldn’t explain it, but it made me feel like he was floating, essentially up on Cloud 9 anytime one of them initiated it. Especially when it was Dream. 

He could be doing anything - sleeping on the couch, watching a movie in the theater room, making food, cuddling - and he was always surprised when Dream’s hands would appear seemingly out of thin air, never hearing the other approach from behind him. Dream’s hands always landed in one of two spots; his hips or his ribs. 

George had been in the kitchen, searching through the cabinets for a snack, his arms raised as he reached for the chips on one of the higher shelves. He grabbed the bag with his pointer and middle finger, barely reaching but somehow coaxing the chips to fall into his hands. He quickly dropped them on the counter with a squeal, arms shooting down to his sides when he felt two squeezes in quick succession to his ribs. 

“Dreheam!” He whined, leaning his head back against the taller boy’s shoulder as he dipped down to wrap his arms around George’s waist. Although Dream had stopped the tickling, the feelings still lingered, a few stray giggles bubbling up his throat and into the small space between them. Dream squeezed tighter, resting his chin on George’s shoulder as he swayed back and forth slightly, eyes closed as he smiled against the smaller boy’s ear. 

“Yes, my love?” Dream answered, his voice low, almost a whisper as he attempted the worst British accent George had ever heard. He rolled his eyes at the nickname, knowing Dream was kidding but feeling the butterflies erupt in his stomach regardless. The brunette whined again, Dream’s arms loosening around him briefly when George turned to face him, looking up into the bright green eyes he could finally admire up close. He was able to see the specks of gold throughout the iris, along with the little brown dot that made its home in Dream’s right eye. 

“What?” The blonde asked nervously, eyes now looking to the side as his cheeks turned a dusty pink, embarrassed at how intensely George was studying him. 

“Nothing, just fawning over you. Can I not adore my boyfriend in peace?” George giggled as Dream let out a groan, leaning forward and placing his forehead against the older boy’s shoulder. George giggled a little harder at the action, wrapping his hands around Dream’s waist and rubbing a soothing hand along his upper back. “What’s wrong, puppy, is there a problem?”

“Oh just…shut up, you little idiot.” Dream mumbled against the shirt he was currently buried in, hugging him tighter with a giggle escaping him even as he tried to sound annoyed. But George knew better - Dream was never annoyed with him. No matter how good of an actor Dream may think he is, George always knew better. 

“I’m an idiot, am I?” George lowered his voice, matching Dream’s tone from the minutes before when he was purring out his words into George’s own ear. He made sure to turn his head so that his lips were pressed against the shell of Dream’s ear as he spoke, smirking when the blonde’s shoulders came up to try and protect it. “Well, I guess you don’t want the surprise I had in mind to cheer you up.” 

“No! What surprise?” Dream stood up quickly, straightening his back and moving his arms from around George’s waist to grip his shoulders, squeezing slightly. The blonde was pouting, looking down at him with the biggest puppy eyes George had ever seen. 

“I don’t know! I’m just an idiot, remember? I forgot what the surprise was.” 

“George!” 

“What?! You’re the one who insulted me!” 

“You know I didn’t mean it!” Dream let out a huff of air in frustration, somewhere between a groan and a growl before leaning his head back against George’s shoulder, landing a little harder than intended and breaking out into bright giggles when the brunette let out a yelp. “Come on, baby, please? For me?” 

The brunette let out an exaggerated sigh, leaning his head to the side to rest against Dream’s. He hugged the taller boy tighter to him, finding it hard to keep his affection in check when he was acting this adorable. George knew that Dream knew that his little pleas always got to him, and hated that he was being molded by Dream like he was putty to get what he wanted. 

George hated that it always worked. 

“Alright you big cry baby, stand up then.” He pushed at Dream’s shoulders, chuckling when he let out a scoff at the name George had called him, the elder always using it on him whenever he was being pouty. Dream adjusted himself, reaching up to fix the Techno cat beanie that seemed to be sewn into his hair with how much he wore it. The blonde was staring down at the smaller boy, bouncing up and down on his toes as he waited for George to continue. 

“You wanna know what your surprise is?” 

“Yes please.” 

“You really wanna know?” 

“Yes! I just said I did!” 

“Are you reaaaaally sure?” 

“George!”

Dream was smiling through his words, trying to press his lips together in a straight line to seem more intimidating but failing miserably. How could he not smile every time he saw George smiling? It was contagious, spreading as easily as the common cold, and Dream caught it every single time. 

“Okahay okay! Here, you can have your surprise.” George was giggling at Dream’s impatience, wanting to drag it out more but knowing that he would be knocked down a peg or two if he tried. And he wasn’t about to open up that can of worms, at least not in that way. George was a planner, and he had already mapped out the idea for retaliation in his head. It was time to set it in motion. 

George leaned forward on his toes, pushing himself up with his lips parted slightly, puckering them when Dream’s lips moved to meet him halfway. When Dream’s eyes slipped closed George made his move, using both hands to quickly scribble into the blonde’s tummy with as much pressure as he could. 

Dream’s eyes immediately shot open, not expecting the tickly fingers against his stomach and doubling over as he laughed loudly, the cackles bouncing around the walls of the kitchen and flowing back into George’s ears. He was smiling as he continued to tickle him, leaning his head to the side and listening to Dream’s laugh like it was the best symphony he’d ever heard. 

But getting lost to the sound of Dream’s giggles was dangerous - George had learned this the hard way many times. It seemed as if he’d have to learn once again as Dream’s hands were suddenly gripping the smaller boy’s wrists together in one hand, successfully stopping the tickling as he straightened up, panting through his remaining giggles as he tried to catch his breath. The look in Dream’s eyes was intense, staring into George’s with the intent to attack. The brunette pulled at his wrists, whimpering when Dream held onto them with a tight grip. 

“D-Dreheam, let go!” George pulled at his wrists again, this time a little harder. He was surprised when he felt Dream’s grasp loosen, allowing him to pull his hands back and hold them against his chest to protect himself. Dream was still staring, looking as if he could swallow George whole if he really wanted to, but a chill ran down George’s spine as the blonde began to smirk. 

“I- Dream I’m-”

“Save it.” 

“What?! Dream, what are you-”

“George,” Dream’s stern tone of voice stopped George’s train of thought, causing his jaw to drop slightly when he saw the blonde lean in close, almost touching his nose to George’s as he continued to speak. “I suggest you run.”

The elder didn’t give himself a chance to pick a destination within the house, only worrying about getting away from Dream, letting his feet carry him wherever they go. He was sprinting towards the steps, frantic laughter exploding from him as the taller boy chased behind him. 

“Oh Geeeeorgeee~!” Dream called as he followed George up the steps, watching the brunette disappear down the hallway at the top of the steps. The blonde was chasing him, but he wasn’t in any hurry - he wanted George to think that he actually had a chance at escaping. That was one of Dream’s favorite things to do - make the lee think they have a chance, just to tear them down into tickly little bits to show them how wrong they were. 

“NOHOHOHO!” Dream heard his blaring screams echoing down the long corridor as he finally reached the top step, just in time to see George’s door slam shut. The younger man chuckled, shaking his head as he made his way down the hallway with minimal sound. 

George was panicking now, looking around his room for places to hide, knowing Dream was going to burst through his door at any second. His eyes landed on the bed as he contemplated squirming his way underneath, but he quickly changed his mind. He knew it was too obvious and he’d be found immediately. Another look around the room and he briefly thought about hiding under his desk as well, but ruled that out when he thought about how exposed he’d be. One last look and George suddenly found a worthy hiding spot - his closet. 

“Here comes the tickle monster!” 

“Shit!” he mumbled under his breath as he heard footsteps getting closer and closer to his room, surging forward and flinging the doors to his closet open before stepping inside. He made sure to close the doors softly, slowly releasing the handles until he heard them lock securely in place. George sat on the floor of his closet, crawling backwards until his body hit the wall. The sudden sound of his bedroom door opening had him flinging a hand over his mouth, eyes wide as he tried his hardest to listen and pinpoint where Dream was within his room. 

“I know you’re in here, Georgie…” He heard the blonde’s voice coming from somewhere across the room, presumably checking under the bed. A second later he heard his blankets ruffling, followed by a loud “AHA!” coming from Dream. George thanked his lucky stars he didn’t settle for his original thought for a hiding spot. 

“Looks like someone got a little smarter at hide and seek, huh?” 

George could practically hear his heart beating, feeling it pounding in his chest as he moved to clamp his free hand over his mouth as well. He was aware of his breathing and how loud it was, and tried to adjust accordingly; every inhale was shallow, and every exhale was shaky as he tried to keep the noise to a minimum. 

“I’m gonna find you, baby. You know you can’t hide from me for long.” He rolled his eyes as he heard the smirk in Dream’s voice, feeling his cheeks heat up slightly at the comment from the younger boy. George sat up slightly, trying to look through the crack of the door to see if he could see any movement when suddenly the closet doors flung open, allowing the light to pour in and reveal the brunette in his vulnerable position on the ground. 

“GOTCHA GEORGIE!” Dream was cackling like a witch, lunging forward and grabbing at George with both hands, laughing harder when George’s limbs kept evading capture. He was flailing against the carpet, kicking up and thrashing his arms in every direction to keep Dream from getting a good grip. 

“D-Dreheheam no no no! Don’t, pl-pleheHEASE DOHON’T!” 

The blonde had successfully captured one of George’s ankles, pulling it towards himself to allow his free hand to grab onto the other ankle. Dream stood up, dragging George out from the closet as the older boy shrieked and clawed at the carpet, even going as far as to grab onto the doorframe of the closet so Dream couldn’t pull him out fully. 

“So that’s how this is gonna go, hm? You’re gonna be a brat?” Dream sighed in faux disappointment, shaking his head slightly as George watched his movements with wide eyes. His chest was rising and falling at a rapid pace, the smile never leaving his face as George tried to regulate his breathing, adjusting his grip on the wooden frame as he shrugged his shoulders at Dream. 

The younger boy giggled and shrugged his shoulders back at George before using his middle fingers of both hands to trace along the arches of the smaller boy’s feet, making him kick and immediately lose his grip from the door. Dream used this opportunity to yank at his ankles once more, successfully pulling George completely out of the closet and into the center of his own room. Dream smirked down at the boy beneath him, poking a few times at the tummy that was now on full display due to his shirt being pulled up to just under his ribs from being dragged against the carpet. 

George was smacking his hands against the ground, trying to push himself up on his elbows and kick himself free, but it was all for nothing. Dream made his way from George’s ankles to straddling his hips, laughing when the elder pulled his arms back and folded them across his chest as a way to try and keep Dream from taking them. They both knew this was useless. They both went along with it anyway like it wasn’t. 

“I’ll give you five seconds to escape.” 

“Wh- Dream, what?! You’re….You’re holding mehehe down!” George looked up at Dream, seeing the mischief sparkling in his eyes as he moved and wrapped both hands around both of George’s wrists.

“Five.” 

“Dream! Nohoho! Lehet me gohoho!” 

“Four.” Dream pulled George’s wrists away from his body, chuckling quietly as he tried to keep the stern look on his face. 

“Three.” 

“Nohoho no! No, baby, Dream, plehehease!” George was squealing as Dream moved both wrists above his head, pushing them into the ground to show George how stuck he actually was. No matter how hard George yanked his arms or squirmed side to side, he made absolutely zero progress in defending himself. 

“Two….” Dream moved both of George’s wrist into one hand, using his now free hand to wiggle his fingers in a claw shape above his boyfriend’s torso. 

“Nohoho! D-Dreheheam, nohot fair!” George squeezed his eyes shut to avoid seeing the taunting hand, regretting it a second later when he felt that same hand vibrating into the right side of his ribcage, fingers making their way down the bottom set to give the sensitive skin there some attention as well. 

“One! The tickle monster is here George, I tried to warn you!” 

“NAHAHA!” George was lost in a world of hysterical laughter, the sounds of his screams and squeals making it hard to even hear Dream’s teases.

“You only have yourself to blame, babycakes!”

“EHEHEW WHAHAT?!” George scrunched up his face through his laughter at the pet name, shaking his head as Dream began to laugh along with him.

“Oh come on, it fits! You’re my baby, and you’re sweet! Like cake,” Dream knew that if George didn’t already have his eyes squeezed shut, he would’ve received a huge eye roll at the cringey remark. “Which is why it’s just so tempting to just…take a bite out of you.”

George squirmed to the side when he felt a nibble against his neck, just below his ear, making him shriek before breaking out into giggles. The brunette shook his head again, making Dream switch to wiggling a finger under his arm, making quick but light circles over the fabric of his shirt. 

“Nohoho! Nohoho Dream! Dohohon’t!” He was pulling at his wrists, kicking behind him as he tried to squirm his way out of Dream’s grip. The blonde noticed and stopped briefly, using both hands to readjust the hold before pushing them down against the carpet.

“Dreheam, come on-!” George’s words caught in his throat when opened his eyes briefly, being met with the sight of Dream’s face, much closer than he anticipated. He swallowed thickly, eyes flicking down to watch the younger boy’s smirk spread across his face. George could feel his face getting warmer, not knowing what to say now that Dream was so close. His eyes squeezed shut once more when he saw Dream lean down, feeling lips grazing against his jaw before stopping right below his ear. George squirmed with a squeak when he felt Dream press a kiss there before he continued. 

“Come on, pretty boy, you didn’t think I’d just let you get away with that, did you?” Dream’s voice was almost a whisper, sending George into a tiny fit of giggles at the feeling. He didn’t have the chance to respond, screaming out when he felt Dream’s hand scribbling against the side of his tummy, the left side of his body this time. George flung himself to the right, squealing again when the tickling hand followed his every move. 

“Dreheheheam! Nahahaha plehease!” 

George was thrashing, his fists opening and closing on their own accord. Dream’s hand never seemed to stay in one spot for long. As quickly as the tickling started on the side of his tummy, it was gone not even ten seconds later, now exploring the stretched out ribs. He felt Dream spread his fingers as far as they’d go, slotting all five finger tips between the sensitive bones before shaking his hand as fast as he could. George shrieked at that, somehow bucking his hips up enough to actually disturb Dream’s balance for a moment. 

“Oh my God, George! You just lifted me!” The blonde was laughing, stopping the tickling as he pulled himself together, allowing George to also get his breathing somewhat regulated as well. Dream sat up on his knees, scooting himself up a little higher on George’s thighs before lowering himself back down, situating himself before deciding he was ready to continue.  

George’s eyes were still closed, his head tipped back as he took in jagged breaths, when he felt a kiss against the base of his throat, making him curl in on himself. He quickly attempted to put his chin down to cover the area, but instead came to a stop against the side of Dream’s neck, unable to protect himself. George shook his head from side to side as his boyfriend shook his head, rubbing his stubble from his chin against George’s collarbone and sending him into a frenzy of frantic giggles.

“Staha-stohop!” George’s eyes flew open, laughing so hard he swore he would lose his voice after Dream was done with him. Dream sat up, leaning forward to give George a kiss when the brunette turned his head to the side with a loud whine in protest, giving Dream the angriest look he could muster up through his continuous giggles. 

The younger boy’s jaw dropped, immediately drawing butterflies out from the depths of Georges stomach, making them flutter like they were trying to force their way out of him. His giggles went silent, the two locking eyes as Dream continued to draw out the anticipation. 

When George opened his mouth to speak, Dream’s hand suddenly came back to life. Only this time, when he was expecting the hand to return to his ribs, his right hand made contact with George’s hip bone, squeezing and kneading into it with his thumb and making him squeal. His feet were stomping against the carpet, trying to push himself up by digging his heels into the carpet, but he was too weak from laughing. 

“NAHAHA!” His wrists were suddenly free and George flung them down against his sides, trapping Dream’s hands where they had migrated under his arms. The elder knew this game - it was one of his boyfriend’s signature moves whenever he got into tickle fights. No matter who it was with, he always somehow got his hands trapped under the other person’s arms. It was truly a talent George wished he possessed. 

“Oh no, baby! I’m stuck! You need to lift your arms!” Dream cried out in a fake panic, only making George laugh harder as a result of his idiotic act. 

“Y-You’re nohohot! Gehehet out!” George was squirming back and forth, head thrown back with his arms crossed over his chest, his hands gripping onto Dream’s wrists and pulling like his life depended on it. 

“Hmmm….” Dream sat back slightly, hands still kneading under George’s arms into the sensitive muscles by the fronts of them, smiling as he watched the smaller boy under him continue to laugh his heart out. “I think I’m gonna need you to lift your arms.” 

“Wh- Noho!” 

“Come on, just a little bit? I just need a little space! Then I could wiggle them free!” George let out a yelp as Dream wiggled his fingers to try and pretend to get free, continuing to poke and prod even as George agreed over and over again. 

“I said okahahahay! S-Stohohop I’ll do it!” 

Dream raised his eyebrows slightly, his hands slowly coming to a stop, no longer moving and giving George a chance to get used to the feeling for a moment. George brought his hands up to cover his face, giggling in embarrassment as Dream gave him a few words of encouragement. After a few seconds, George removed his hands from his face and squeezed his eyes shut so he couldn’t see Dream’s teasy smile. He made the jittery move of raising his arms slightly, his elbows barely above his shoulders, just becoming vulnerable, before flinging them back down when he felt fingers drilling into his top ribs. 

“DR-DREHEHE- STAHAHAP! WHY- I DIHIHID IHIHIHIT! P-PLEHEHEASE!” George could feel the wetness in the corners of his eyes as the tears started falling, his laughter finally sending him over the edge and bringing on the waterworks. Of course he wasn’t actually crying in distress, and Dream knew this, having experienced this countless times. 

“Awh baby, are you crying because of how much it tickles? My poor little kitten,” Dream teased over George’s hysterical laughter, falling forward slightly when George bent his knees, bringing them up and slamming them into Dream’s back. “Ouch okay okahay! No need to get violent!” 

“Sohohorry!” The brunette knew Dream wasn’t serious but decided to apologize anyway, hoping to give himself more of a chance of escaping sooner than later. It would seem his theory was correct, feeling Dream’s hands coming to a stop once more. Dream nodded his head and George took in a shaky breath, lifting his arms above his head slowly, making sure to use every ounce of willpower to keep them up. 

“Good boy, George. I told you that you could do it!” Dream moved his hands from under the smaller boy’s arms, grabbing onto his shoulders and pulling George up into a sitting position so the blonde could wrap his arms around him. 

“Nnnh…” The elder whined, wrapping his arms tightly around Dream’s waist and smiling into his chest when he felt two kisses placed on the top of his head. He leaned his head back, looking up at Dream and giving him a sleepy smile, eyes half closed from how exhausted he was as he continued to let out little squeaks and giggles from the leftover tickles still dancing over his skin. 

“You tired, baby? Did I go too far?” Dream’s voice lowered on the second question, letting out a sigh of relief when George immediately shook his head, letting him know that his boyfriend was truly okay. 

“I am very tired, you big bully. You just tickled me to death!” George continued to complain as Dream rolled his eyes and made a move to stand, gripping the smaller boy’s thighs and squeezing once to make him bark out a laugh before hoisting him up and moving both of them to the bed. He placed George down first, watching him make his way under the grey covers of his own bed before Dream climbed in after him. The blonde rested his head on the pillow, adjusting himself until he was in a comfortable position and giggling when George was immediately clinging to him. 

“I know I know, I’m sorry baby. You were really cute though!” Dream giggled again as George let out a whine at the compliment, hiding his face further into the younger boy’s neck. Dream ran a hand up and down George’s back, helping him calm down and allowing him to relax. Suddenly Dream gasped, startling George and making him squeak as he sat back to look at Dream with wide eyes.

“What?!” 

“I never got my surprise!” 

George broke out into giggles at the comment, rolling his eyes and lifting his left hand to run through the wild curls that were hanging over Dream’s forehead. He shook his head slowly, smiling wide as he moved his hand down to the back of the blonde’s neck, pulling him forward and connecting their lips in a quick kiss. He could feel Dream smiling against his lips, pulling back and opening his eyes to see Dream still smiling, looking at George like he was the most beautiful piece of art he’d ever seen. 

“There, you idiot. You got your surprise. Now cuddle me, I deserve it after that.” Dream giggled, pulling George back into the crook of his neck while he wrapped his arms around him again, holding him as close as he could get. 

“Alright grumpy. I’ll allow it,” George jabbed at Dream’s side, making him squeal before grabbing at the smaller boy’s hand. “Hey, don’t push it! You’re lucky I love you.” 

“Nn mmhn mm.” Dream heard a muffled reply against his neck, giggling and lifting the shoulder that George’s head rested on to get him out of his hiding spot. He of course knew that George returned the sentiment, but Dream wasn’t going to let him go that easily. 

“What George? What was that?” 

“NNh mmhhn m!” 

“Whaaaaat?”

“I love you! There, happy idiot?!” 

“With you? Always.”