#alpha!dream

If there’s anything Techno had expected to happen today, it surely wasn’t this.

He had awoken with a crick in his neck from passing out over his map, its level of detail now nearly maddening as he stared down at it. He had also felt near lava-hot, a skin-prickling sensation that traveled across the surface and caused beads of sweat to form at his forehead. Maybe he had a fever?

technosick crab rave

TECHNO HULLOO

yo dadza’s like five min from your place get ready

Techno winced at the sudden loudness of the voices, but then furrowed his brow. He hadn’t known Phil was coming to visit, and surely the man would have pinged him on the communicator if it was short notice. Speaking of the device, Techno was quick to unclip it from his belt loop and switch on the power button, frowning when an angry LOW BATTERY flashed before him. He dismissed the message, and read through the pings.

(Awesamdude): hey hi does anyone have a couple stacks of spare cobble

(BadBoyHalo): Of course! Stop by the egg and I’ll give you some! :)

(Awesamdude): ,,,you know what nevermind

The piglin scoffed, scrolling with a certain looseness. Much of the messages were like this, friendly conversation and asking for favors and things he did not need to see at the moment. Chat began to grow restless, urging him out of bed and pushing him to go be productive. He waved them off, and kept scrolling through.

Ph1LzA whispered to you: hey tech im otw. No notice sorry, it’s an emergency. Keep your face covered.

What?

Techno hurriedly shoved the charging chord into the communicator and pulled himself out of bed. Cover your face- what did that mean? He buttoned up his shirt and pulled on his boots, strapping his cloak over his shoulders and looking for his gear. This was the first time in a while he had felt genuinely panicked.

outside outside look look look

“God, not now Chat! Can’t you see I’m-” Techno’s words died in his throat as his head snapped to peer out the window. He felt his face grow slack with the shock. “...busy.”

Outside and downstairs was Phil, tying up the lead of his horse to the fencepost that held up the stable. He looked to be having a bit of trouble as he was only tying it with one hand, and then the piglin noticed what- or who he was holding onto with his left arm.

Techno had met you before, once. Before L’manberg turned to be a crater in the earth. You were visiting Phil, but had your back turned to Techno and he might have thought you were someone breaking into his friend’s house. So when his axe swung around quickly to meet your neck, he had been surprised at Phil’s call of worry and defense.

“They’re a friend, Tech! Put your- dammit, just put your axe away!” He had cried, and Techno looked at him with confusion in his eyes, but slowly withdrew the weapon from your throat. And then, unexpectedly, you had begun to laugh. You forgave him as you turned around, giggles still bubbling from the throat he had nearly just cut open. Your laugh sounded like bells, Techno had thought, and put you into the back of his mind. He didn’t trust you, per say, but he realized that a friend of Phil’s is an ally to him. Besides, he had bigger tasks at hand, he couldn’t spend time worrying about you or how addicting your laugh was.

Well, look where that idea got him.

Techno grabbed a bandana from the chest behind him and held it to his face before tearing out the door, a new-found worry overtaking him. The closer he got to the pair, the more a distinct haze began to grow around his mind. His vision tunneled and he felt all his focus go onto you. You looked feverish, what little skin he could see of your face was flushed and sweaty despite the frigid temperatures of the tundra. Phil looked up and his eyes widened, hand outstretched to the Piglin as if to keep him at a distance.

Yeah, right.

He grabbed onto your shoulder and pulled you from Phil’s hold, a fierce protectiveness overtaking him. He heard Phil shout at him not to hurt you, kill you, whatever he thought Techno was about to try, but the blond saw the way Techno’s face dived into the crook of your neck, pulling your head to the side by your hair and taking a ragged breath. Philza stood stone-still, and watched the way Techno sunk to his knees. He held you like a lifeline, fingers digging into your shirt and taking greedy gulps of air. The smell of lemon and raspberries flooded Phil’s pallet as he took a step back. Techno was scenting you, he realized, memorizing as much as he could before he had to let you go. You didn’t seem to mind by the way a purr rolled itself from your chest.

Phil sighed, helping Techno to his feet. When the piglin thought he was trying to take the omega from him, he snapped his tusks at the blond and scooped you into his arms. Techno stormed back into the cottage, huffing as he did so. Phil followed close behind, watching as Techno took you up the ladder on his back and was quick to swaddle you in blankets and soft down before settling you onto the mattress. He passed out himself not long after, head thudding back against the bed from where he sat on the floor. Phil only smiled, and made his way back to the ground floor. He grabbed a pail of water and lit the fire in the hearth, trying to get a meal going before his communicator beeped menacingly at him.

Dream whispered to you: why the fuck is there an omega in my server

Clay tilted his head to the right and opened his eyes slowly, he blinked the blurriness away.

On the chair next to him sat  George.

Clay lifted his bandaged hand and rubbed his eyes to get a clearer look at the brunette.

George looked like a mess.

His hair was tousled in different directions, stands going left, right, and center. His clothes were dirty and wrinkly. His eyes were red and puffy, fresh tears rolling down them.

Yet...He still smiled.

"How are you feeling?" George asked gently, his hand rubbing soothing circles into Clay's own hand.

"I-I'm-" Clay coughed out.

George grabbed a glass of water from the nightstand next to the bed and helped Clay up, offering the glass of water to him.

"Thanks..." Clay whispered and downed the glass.

"You're welcome" George said and leaned over and pressed the 'call nurse' button beside the bed.

"w-what? Where am I?"  Clay asked, confused, and rubbed his forehead where he felt bandages.

George gently took Clay's hand in his "You're at the hospital. You...You got hurt."

Images of the nasty-smelling Alpha played in Clay's mind, George looking scared and him passing out.

Wait! George!

Clay grabbed George's hand quickly "A-are you okay? You didn't get hurt, right?" Clay asked while looking at George up and down.

"Clay-what? I'm fine! What do you mean 'are you okay?'! You got your head bashed open and you're asking if I'm okay?!" George spoke harshly.

Clay chuckled and rubbed his neck sheepishly. "Sorry, sorry! Old habit..."

Just then the nurse came in. They checked Clay's vitals and asked a few questions about his memory and health. In the end, Clay had broken a rib and gotten a small concussion on his head.

When the nurse left, the room became silent. Awkwardly so. George just sat in the chair next to the hospital bed fidgeting with the bottom of his hoodie.

The silence reminded Clay of the time after he left George. Everything had been so quiet. Even though Clay had been surrounded by people-that Clay would describe as disgusting from their views on the society-he still thought it was too quiet.

Then he looked at George more. He looked skinny, he had dark eye bags under his eyes, his hands were shaking and he looked, overall, exhausted.

Clay felt guilty.

Every time Clay had spoken to George he would always say he was tired or exhausted. He would complain about how bad his workday was or how he felt like his life was 'not there'

He would be better if you'd stayed.

He would be happy if you had stayed

He wouldn't have to worry if you had just stayed

“...I’m sorry” he whispered and looked down.

“What?” George asked, sounding confused

“...I-I’m sorry, George” Clay said.

George shuffled on the chair he sat “Clay...you don’t need to apologize...not for this”

"No, I...I'm sorry for...well, everything...For leaving you, yelling at you...I'm just...so sorry" Clay murmured

"Clay..."George sighed "I-I'm still a little on edge, you know? I-I mean it's been 8 years, and suddenly, you're just-here." George said and shrugged. "but-Clay..." George gently grabbed Clay's hand in his and looked at him in the eyes. "Don't apologize for protecting me. Don't apologize for loving me...Clay? I-I forgive you." George spoke

Clay felt hollow.

George was too good for him, he always was too good for him.

"You shouldn't" Clay said coldly

"What?"

"You shouldn't forgive me. Do you really know why I left?" Clay asked and looked at George sternly.

"Clay...I-I know what you've said already...b-but you said-"

“Then ask me why, George! Ask me why I left! Go on!” Clay yelled out.

George was quiet for a while. That is...until he spoke

"W-why...Clay? I-I don't understand..." George sounded broken, his eyes getting glassy from tears, yet, he didn't let them fall.

Clay fell silent. He didn’t know if he could tell George. Those brown eyes were filled with emotion Clay couldn’t decipher. It scared him.

"...I-I don't know" Lies

The silence was loud

George's tears fell

"...why do you still lie to me?" George whispered

Clay didn't respond

"...You-you lie, Clay. You lied when you left, you lied to me at the park...and you still...you keep lying to me..." George sobbed

Something snapped...

...Clay snapped

"I'm sorry that I wasn't enough for you!" Clay yelled, tears streaming down his face.

"I-I'm so-sorry for no-not b-being e-enough for y-you..." Clay held his head in his hands. His head hurt from crying but he couldn't stop the tears from flowing

It hurts it hurts it hurts it hur-

"...What?...C-clay? W-what do you mean?..." George whispered, looking at Clay like he had just deleted his favorite fanfic. Eyes wide with shock.

“I-I was never enough...for you. That's why I left..."

Clay stared outside from the hospital window. watching as the cars and people went by.

"Y-you were always just so beautiful, smart, kind, funny, sweet and-and just perfect! Y-you could have gotten anyone! And I mean anyone! All the Alphas and betas-and-heck! Even omegas wanted you! I-I was always amazed wh-why'd you choose someone like me. I had nothing special! I-I was nothing special! And-and still! You wanted to-to be with me!"

Clay sobbed out. He curled his fists in the light hospital sheets in a white knuckle grip.

"I-I promised I'd protect you! I p-promised that I'd become strong for you so you wouldn't have to be afraid!" Clay looked up at George.

"But...I failed, I failed you... Y-you were hurt... So, so so so so so so so badly! And- and I wasn't there to protect you! They touched you and did ho-horrible things to you! And I wasn't strong enough to protect you! I needed to become stronger for you! I-I wanted to be strong for you! I promise!" Clay yelled out. Clay hugged himself, his nails digging into his arms making them bleed a little.

"...I wanted to be a person you could be proud of. Someone you're proud to be with..."

Then his arms were ripped open and a warm body was against his. A hand was combing through Clay's hair and another one was hugging him tightly.

"You did so well, Clay. I'm so proud of you." George whispered gently.

Clay wrapped his arms around George and sobbed into his chest. George cooed at him and rocked them both side to side.

Clay felt safe. In the past 8 years, he hasn’t felt this safe.

Not when he was surrounded by people he trusted with his life, nor when he was holding a gun at his hip, no, right here. In George’s arms. Clay felt safe.

The two hugged for a while. Clay let out his frustration and fear while George just hummed and purred, letting out his calming scent to help the sobbing alpha in his arms.

After Clay's sobbing turned into quiet sniffles, George spoke...

"Clay? Look at me." Gently, George lifted Clay’s chin so they were closer together,

Clay hummed and looked at George through puffy eyes.

“Clay, listen to me closely, okay? I’ve never ever in my life been disappointed in you, Clay. All those times you thought that you weren’t enough? Were the times I questioned if you were too good for me, idiot.” George spoke gently, giving Clay a small chuckle.

“...I always thought that you were handsome, strong, kind, smart and the funniest person I’ve ever met...You were always enough for me Clay. Even though you weren't there to protect me when it happened, you were thereafter! You were there to comfort me, to wipe my tears away, and told me that it was going to be okay. You were there to whisper sweet nothings in my ear and held me close so I could fall asleep. You were there to make me food when I didn’t eat. You were there to calm me from my panic attacks, to love me, to hold and cherish me, You were there! You protected me, remember?” George asked while gently caressing Clay’s cheek.

Clay nodded his head slowly. Leaning into George’s hand.

"You were always, more than enough for me, Clay. You were my everything." George whispered.

"...C-can I h-hold you?" Clay asked sadly.

"Of course" George answered

That's how the rest of the evening went. Clay held George close and reassured himself that he was-no...he had been enough for George. That the insecurities screaming inside his head were wrong...and because he listened to them? He lost George.

Clay's mind started to spiral into what if's when Clay's phone lit up on the nightstand and his ringtone echoed in the hospital room.

Clay quickly and carefully took the phone from the stand, so he wouldn't wake up the sleeping omega in his arms.

Clay looked at the contact, smiled, and clicked 'answer'.

"Hey, man! How ar-"

"Don't you fucking start with me Clay! I was worried sick you bastard!" The voice yelled from the other side of the screen, making Clay wince.

"I'm sorry, Nick. I'm okay. I'm at the hospital at the moment."

The line was silent for a moment.  And then-

"YOU’RE AT THE HOSPITAL!? WHY!?" Nick yelled

Clay chuckled at his antics "I was at the park with George when an Alpha tried to harass George, got into a fight, and how I'm here"

"Fuck, Clay...you scared this living shit out of me...Is George okay?" Nick exhaled loudly

"Yeah, he's okay."Clay said fondly and rubbed small circles into George's back.

"He's with you...right?" Nick asked

"Yeah..." Clay smiled

"Okay. That's good...Um...Clay?"

Nick spoke quietly

"yeah? wassup?" Clay shifted a little.

And he’s been able to spend more time with his pups! And the pups have been very excited to spend time with ‘Uncle Sap’ and ‘Uncle karlos’. George had gotten at least 100 messages while at work from both of them telling him how happy they are (and proud of the nicknames the pups called them) and they would murder George if he took this away from them. George would never do it.

One evening George came home to Agnes crying on the couch because the pups had called her ‘grandma’. George had hugged and told her that she should go home to ‘grandpa’. 

She had cried more.

God, George felt like being on cloud 9. Everything was so right! Finally, after 8 years, his life seemed to finally settle!

but...in the back of George’s mind, he felt guilty.

George was able to see and experience his pups and family having fun, growing up, and making new memories...but Clay was the father of the pups...George knew he should know. He should be able to be a part of this, his family, and the pup’s life.

but Clay wasn’t a part of it.

George hadn’t still told Clay about the pups. He knows, God, He knows! He should tell Clay, but George just can’t.

Call him a pussy if you’d like. It wasn’t easy for him.

Speaking of Clay, he had asked George earlier if he could take him to the park. George had said he didn’t want to go to a park after what happened last time. Clay had just said he was all good now and there would be nothing to worry about

agreed and that’s how he found himself walking down the street towards the park. Earbuds over his ears blasting music. (A/N: Listen to “Only when I Look Into Your Eyes” by Fiji Blue)

The scenery changed around George. From the crusty-looking concrete towers to suburbs to the city. Everything looked so peaceful and calming. Before George even realized he found himself near the park's entrance.

George took off his headphones and looked around. No Clay anywhere. 

Huh. That’s strange, he’s always on time...

George looked through his messages to see if Clay had said anything about being late.

no message.

George thought for a moment and decided to wait for a few more minutes before calling Clay.

While waiting he thought about how much time has passed and how Clay’s presence has changed his mood. He was happier and relaxed.

oh geez! It’s been 20 minutes already!

Just as George was dialing Dream’s number a black BMW rolled into the parking space next to him. Out of the car stepped, wouldn’t you know it, Clay.

“Hi, George! Sorry, I’m late! I missed the bus I had to take so I had to take my car.” Clay rubbed the back of his neck and explained sheepishly.

George didn’t want to think why Clay was driving around a car that could probably pay his rent for the next 6 years. He just smiled and nodded.

“so...? Shall we go?” George said. Clay relaxed and nodded “Sure!”

The two had a nice walk. Talking about what they had done today and the past week. They also talked about stories when the two of them were separated. Clay in the ASU and George- well.Told him stories that happened, but left the pups out of them.

The two decided to stop their walk near the park lake. Looking out George could see ducks and swans swim around happily.

Everything was going good, George was having fun, but he couldn’t help but notice that Clay...was fidgety. Like he was nervous or anxious.

George was about to ask about it but Clay beat him to it.

“George?”

“Yes, Clay?” George said

“I-I um...W-what are we?” He asked while looking down.

George stopped and was about to answer until he stopped. 

What were they? They hang out. They talked on a daily basis and they had night calls where the two would fall asleep in each other's company.

George didn’t know...

“I...I don’t know” George mumbled.

“George? C-can I be real with you? For a second?” Clay asked and looked at him with wide eyes.

George nods. Clay grabs his hands in his.

“I...I’m smitten, George. I’ve fallen again and I-I think this time...it’s worse...” Clay admits

“Clay-” 

“No, let me finish” Clay cuts him off. “Since the first time, I saw you in that store after 8 years... I fell for you again. You looked so...perfect. I know that you’re not ready to forgive me yet but It’s killing me inside to not tell you. You are kind, caring, funny and so so so sweet. How could I not fall for you?” Clay said and cupped George’s cheek. “No matter what happened in the past, I know that in all those years...I never stopped loving you. Not then, not in the future, and especially not now.” 

George closed his eyes and put his hand over Clay’s on his cheek.

“...George? I-I wanted to ask. C-Can I court you again?” 

George’s eyes snapped open and he looked at Clay in the eyes. In those Green eyes that made George feel safe and loved. In those emeralds that were his home and shelter from the world. Those eyes that still loved him.

George thought about it. He thought about the things he loved about Clay. He thought about how he had missed him. How he had respected his boundaries and wants. How they had whispered jokes and sweet promises over the phone at night to each other. How Clay could make him smile no matter what. Ho thought how happy he has been since Clay came back...

 closed his eyes, and said-

“...Yes, Clay. I give you permission to court me again.” George said, smiling at Clay. “We’ll go slow, okay?” 

Clay chuckled and nodded. “We have all the time in the world” Clay started to close the gap between them, pulling George closer to his body.

George leaned towards Clay. Closing his eyes when he felt Clay’s warm breath on his cheeks.

George leaned in and-

Ring! Ring! Ring!

George’s phone rang.

“oh! um-sorry...hold on a second Clay” George said, pulling away from Clay. Clay grumbled and stared at the phone menacingly.

“Hello? This is George Davidson speaking” George said cheerily

“Is this the father of Alina and Aiden Davidson?” A female voice called out.

“Yes, it is. Who is this?” George questioned

“Good evening Mr.Davidson. This is Alyssa from the Green Sprout’s middle school speaking” The voice-Alyssa said.

“Hello, is there a problem?” 

George heard Alyssa sigh from the line. “Yes, Mr.Davidson. I am so sorry to inform you that the bus that drives your children home has been hijacked by an unknown male and has crashed.” 

George froze.

His pups...Hijacked...

George turned pale, he lifted his arm over his mouth so he wouldn’t throw up.

“...oh god.”

“George? Is everything okay? You look really pale...” Clay however next to George, his eyebrows furrowed in concern.

“A-are they okay?” George managed to whisper out while trying to suppress his sobs

“We do not know that. All we know is that the kids needing medical attention have been transported to the Redstone hospital and the unknown man has been arrested by the police. The kids that are fine are being transported back to the school for parents to pick up.”

George was now shaking “w-what d-do I do?”

Clay tried to comfort his mate. He released some calming pheromones and hugged George to his chest softly while rubbing his back.

“I recommend that you come to the school immediately to check if your children are some of the pups that were unharmed.”

“O-okay...I’ll-I’ll be there” George mumbled and clicked the end call button. George tried to get out of Clay’s strong grip but he didn’t budge

“C-Clay P-please! I-I need to-” George tried to squirm his way out.

“George! Calm down. What’s wrong? Please talk to me! You’re scaring me!” Clay yelled.

George stomped on Clay’s foot, making his release his hold on George to stumble back a little. George took his opportunity and started to run towards the park exit.

George didn’t give a shit about anyone right now. His pups might be scared, hurt, and alone! George needs them to be okay! He promised himself!

“George! Wait” Clay yelled behind him. When he noticed George ran, he also-ran. He needed answers. 

Who called George? Why did they make him so upset and scared? Why is he running? Where is he running to?

The Alpha inside Clay was purring. Mate fast, mate strong...make good pups. Clay silenced it immediately.

Clay caught up with George at the park entrance before the brunette could runoff. He grabbed the brunette’s hand and gripped it tightly.

“George! Just wait and explain!” He yelled

“Clay let me go! I have to go see them! I need to know they’re okay!” Geroge yelled back and tried to squirm away. When that didn’t work he tried to hit Clay with his fist, but Clay grabbed him before he could react. Arms crossed over his chest and his back against Clay’s chest.

“Clay! Let me go!” George yelled and tried thrashing around.

“No! Listen to me! Tell me what’s happening so I can try to help!” Clay yelled back and tightened his grip on George

George slumped in his hold and sobbed “I-I c-can’t...” He said between sobs

Clay stood there for a minute. Holding sobbing George against his chest.

He has to help!

“George, I have a car so if I need to take you somewhere, I’ll do it. You don’t have to tell me why...but please...let me help you” Clay said gently to George.

George just nodded and tried to wipe his tears away.

“You’re not gonna run away if I let you go, right?” Clay said gently and rubbed George’s inner wrists with his thumb.

“...no” George said quietly. Clay released him and George turned around.

His face and eyes were red, eyes puffy and filled with tears. Some falling from his eyes down his cheeks.

Clay cupped George’s face and kissed him on the forehead. “No matter what, I’ll be here for you.” Clay said.

George nodded and Clay took his hand. He led George to his car.

They both buckled up and George told Clay where to drive.

“The new school across the town? What about it?” Clay asked.

George didn’t answer. He just looked out of the window. Clutching his phone in a grip Clay was scared it was going to break.

Clay just decided to drive in silence.

When the two arrived at the school there were many adults standing near the drop-off area looking anxious. Clay parked his car and George bolted out. He was taking fast strides toward what looked like to be the principal.

Clay got out of the car, trying to catch up with the smaller male. George was screaming in the principal's face, fists curled tightly by his side, probably trying to contain himself from punching the poor man.

Clay could only hear the rest of the convo when he came closer to the two.

“-You fucking promised they would be safe!” George screamed.

“I-I’m so sorry! I-I didn’t know this would happen!”

“Didn’t know this would happen? What the fuck! When I agreed to let them go on the bus, you promised that “only kids and the driver are allowed on the bus” So what the fuck was that about!” George poked at the Alpha in the chest so hard the man flinched.

Clay did not want to be that man. Ever.

“I-I know! I promise I-”

Before the principal could finish, 2 gray taxis drove to the drop-off area and the second it stopped, the side door of the taxi opened and kids came out of the car. Some crying, some calm, heck! Some of them even smiling.

George looked at the principal with murder in his eyes. 

“You better pray that they are on the taxi or I will not fucking rest until you’re dead.” George growled and turned sharply towards the kids running to their parents.

George looked at every kid that came out of the cars silently, praying to any god that his kids were somewhere in there. That they haven’t been injured, that they’re okay...

The more the kids cleared out the more George lost hope. He fiddled with his hands looking at the kids hugging their parents and leaving...

Clay didn’t know what to do. He had no idea why George was so anxious or why they were here.

George’s phone rang...

A chill ran through George’s spine.

George reached with trembling hands to the back pocket of his jeans and pulled out his phone. A number he didn’t recognize. He answered.

“H-hello?”

“Hello, This is Amanda from Redstone Hospital, am I speaking to George Davidson?”

George was going to faint. His ears were ringing and the world was spinning. He was going to throw up.

Clay surged forward and hugged George. His scent was powerful, screaming of terror and fear. Clay released a heavy load of calming pheromones trying to calm the omega down from whatever he was hearing from the other side of the phone.

“y-yes...this is. H-how so?” George managed to whisper

“We are calling for the discarding of your pups, Alina and Aiden. They have been in a bus accident and have been brought here for medical care.” 

George’s breath picked up. 

“a-are t-they o-okay!?” George said loudly

“Sir, I need you to calm down. Your pups are fine. Aiden had a small cut on his side which had to be stitched up. He also got a small cut on his cheek but nothing to be concerned about. Alina suffered a blow to her left eye and a small fracture on her right arm which is being put into a cast at this moment. Both of them are ready to be picked up at the hospital.” Amanda explained calmly.

George sighed. It was a sigh of relief but it was something.

“I’ll-I’ll be there immediately” George said determinedly. They said their goodbyes and George looked up at Clay.

“C-Clay?” He asked quietly looking up at Clay, at his Alpha, biting his lip.

“George? Is everything alright? Are you okay?” He asked in a hurry, cupping George’s cheeks in his hands.

“C-could you...d-drive me somewhere?” George asked quietly.

“George...”Clay sighed. “Of course, come on” Clay grabbed George’s hand gently and led them back to the car. The two buckled up and Clay started to drive.

“Where to?” He asked

“...to the Redstone Hospital” George murmured and leaned against the window.

Clay’s eyes widened and hit the breaks.

“What!?” He yelled in shock. 

Did someone die? Did one of George’s family members get into an accident? Is George sick? What the fuck is happening!?

 “Clay...Please just drive...I can’t tell you- but I can’t te-” George started to explain when Clay cut him off

“No George! I need to fucking know because I’m so fucking lost! First, you get a phone call that makes you almost have a panic attack, then we drive to this school where you freak out and yell at the principal and then you get another phone call that actually makes you paler than a ghost! And now you’re asking me to bring you to the hospital! What is going on!?”

“I-I can’t! Clay! I know you should know! God, it’s killing me trying to tell you but I just can’t!... I know I’m making you worry but please! Please just drive! I-I need to...please, Clay” George yelled, head in his arms. Tears falling from his eyes like Niagra falls.

Clay starts the car.

The car was filled with silence. Only the sound of George’s sniffles was heard over the rumble of the motor. Clay didn’t dare utter a single word for a few minutes. However, his curiosity got the best of him...

“...at least tell me...is it bad?” Clay asked while quirking up a brow.

“Clay...I-I have two, big, little secrets. So big but little at the same time I sometimes forget how much time has really passed.”

“What? What does that even-” Clay started.

“We’re here” George said and jumped out of the car before Clay could finish.

George walked towards the hospital entrance in quick strides. Clay just managed to park his car and run after the brunette.

George was standing still looking towards the entrance.

“...George? Are you alright?”

Then he saw them. Alina and Aiden standing beside one of the nurses.

They’re fine, they’re here, you’re fine, it’s fine-

“Moom!” “Mommy!” The pups yelled when they saw George. Both of the pups ran towards George's arms.

George took off running. He had to make sure the pups were really fine. That they had been alright.

When the tree met George scooped them in his arms and he inhaled their scents.

Home, safe, safe, safe, pups safe, home, alright, fine, pups safe-

George’s knees buckled. He held the two kids in his arms and inhaled their scents as much as he could. 

"...George?"

Clay stood there frozen. Looking at crouching George hugging two children tightly.

...Mom? Did they call him mom? What?!

George released the two pups from his hold and held their cheeks in his hand. 

Aiden had a patch under his right cheek and bandages over his ribs. Alina had her whole left eye covered in bandages and her right hand was in a cast.

 Then Aiden poked George gently and pointed over his shoulder.

“Mom? Who's that man, staring at us?”

George looked over his shoulder and saw Clay, staring at him with wide eyes...

George stood up slowly, Grabbing Alina and lifting him on his hip, and taking Aidens' hand. Then he turned to Clay.

“Clay, I want you to meet my two, big little secrets. These two are Alina and Aiden.” 

Aiden hides a little more behind George and Alina waves at Clay. George smiles and looks at Clay, Green eyes meeting brown.

The next week he had been crestfallen. He thought that George wouldn’t actually meet up with him and that he had just said it to get away from Clay.

He understood this. 

He was okay with this.

But when he saw a message from an unknown number that said; “Hey. I’m ready to talk”  

Clay hadn’t smiled that wide in years.

Now, after two weeks of silence and a few text messages he had a date, place, and time where the two would meet up at. The morning had been hectic. He woke up late due to going to sleep later than he wanted, he got a shower and had a small panic attack while trying to decide what to wear. After all that he had missed the bus that would take him to the city. Dammit. So Clay took off running.

After five minutes he was here. He was sitting in a Cafe with George. He was sitting with George. He was going to talk to George. George looked down at his hands around the cup. So many things were running around in his head and he just couldn’t pick one he would be able to start from.

“I don’t...god, there’s just-so much I want to know...” George spoke finally. Not lifting his gaze from the cup.

“I-I know. Just...pick one and- and we’ll go from there. Okay? Take your time” Clay said gently.

George was quiet for a minute until he spoke. “W-why? W-why did you leave me?"

George sounded so small. His voice wavered like he has on the verge of tears.

Clay signed.

Okay. It's now or never.

 "I...I never wanted to actually leave you that night, George. When we fought that night...I-I wasn't thinking and acted horribly towards you. I yelled at you and...and...I used it on you...After I had calmed down, it was too late...and you had already left...I tried to reach you, but you had blocked me and-and I didn’t know how to find you again..." Clay spoke slowly.

George nodded. "That doesn't answer my question...Why, Clay? Why did you leave? Where did you go for all these years?"

George looked up at Clay. He took a sip of his drink and looked down again.

"I...I accepted the ASU program offer and went to the facility in New York. Remember the letter? Well, I spent five years there, training, learning and-yeah...I was there. After that I got an offer to join another program and-and I went for it.” Clay explained. 

He didn’t tell George about the program name nor the things they did to him there. He didn’t tell George how he had missed him. He didn’t tell George about how they tried to change his views about secondary genres. George didn’t deserve to know about those. 

This wasn’t about him.

 It was about George.

“And-and to why I left-...I...I just...W-well...if I'm completely honest with you...I...I don't really know. I mean I do know, but the reasons are not really good...well...they are reasons, but...not good enough ones..." Clay said he fiddled with his fingers.

"But-but I promised I'd tell you so...well...I-I guess I just...Well, I wanted to provide for you? No-I needed to provide for you." Clay said firmly he looked up at George.

"Remember when back at high school you asked me what I wanted to do in the future?"

George nodded

"Well I told you I wanted to code and start a company, but remember what you told me?" Clay asked again

"Y-yeah...I wanted to start a bookstore...with a cafe...with you..." George whispered.

"Yeah...And I saw how much you wanted it. You talked about it almost every day for 2 years! I wanted to make you happy and when you realized that we wouldn't be able to do so because of money? I just...I wanted to make money so you'd be able to make your dream come true..."

Clay took a sip of his drink and stared at the chocolate swirls going around the cup.

“I also wanted to be able to pay for our studies. I had a scholarship, fully paid, but you had to pay for everything! And-and when you told me that you got a loan to pay for them? I just-I flipped. That was a lot of money, George! And it would have meant that you would have had to pay for it later in life. I-I didn’t want you to worry about it...”

It was silent after that. Clay looked up and his face dropped.

 George was crying.

 His brows were drawn together, his lower lip trembled and fat clear tears were falling down his red cheeks. His hands were around the cup in a white knuckle grip. His shoulders were hiked up to his ears.

The sweet Lavender and Vanilla scent was now sour. Smelling like rotten flowers and burning.

 Clay’s mouth was agape

“George...?”

 “I-I waited for you...I waited for you every day...to come back home.” George spoke slowly and hiccuped. He tried to wipe his tears away with no success.

“I-I kept telling myself that you’d-you would come back! That you’d walk through the door and I-I would be able to apologize!...that you’d tell me I was enough for you! And- and that...you never meant the things you said to me that night! I-I waited for so long, Clay!” George spoke. 

Clay was about to answer but George beat him to it. His words made Clay’s breath hitch.

 “I-I started to question everything! ‘Was It me?’, ‘Did I do something wrong?’,’ Was I not good enough?’. I started to question my own values, personality, and appearance. I asked myself if I looked ugly or fat or-or if I was too annoying or did I snore too loudly. It was horrible! I-I started to ask if you ever even loved me!” George was now full-on sobbing. People were starting to look at them worriedly and carefully.

 Clay jumped to action.

 He sat down next to George and hugged him to his chest tightly. Releasing his calming scent hand running his left hand up and down his back while the other was running through his hair.

George hugged him back as tightly as he could, sobbing to Clay’s shoulder trying to contain his sobs.

Clay just held him. Humming a small tune to help the smaller. After George’s sobs turned to sniffles Clay spoke carefully.

“George...I’m so so sorry I ever made you feel that way. I didn’t leave because of you. You never did anything wrong. I left because I was being a big dumbass.” Clay spoke. He carefully lifted George’s head and cupped George’s face in his hands. Wiping the tears away with his thumb, looking at George in the eyes.

“George...you are perfect. You are beautiful, kind, funny, caring, and smart. You are worth the world and I didn’t mean anything I said that night, okay? And believe me when I say this...I loved you more than life itself. My love for you was true and, god, I’m still smitten for you...” Clay said.

George giggled a wet laugh and nuzzled his face in Clay’s hands. Placing his own above Clay’s. Closing his eyes. Clay smiled.

“I-I’m just so so so sorry, George.” Clay hung his head low.

“I...I know. I think I need more time to-you know...process all this.” George said and squeezed Clay’s hands before letting them go. 

“I-I know...It’s okay.” Clay smiled and looked up. 

 George was smiling. 

 It wasn’t a grin nor a smirk, but it was a small genuine smile.

Clay absorbed it like a drug.

 “There...there are some other questions I have but...I-I need to head home now” George spoke and gathered his things.

Clay sat up and moved back towards his seat. “Yeah. Me too...” Clay really wanted to see George again but didn’t want to push the other.

“Do you have anything next week?” George asked while he stood up.

“No-No I don’t think so...How so?” Clay asked, confused.

“Would you-I mean...Can we...meet up again?” George asked while looking down towards his shoes.

He...He wanted to meet him again? Next week?

“No-I-uh...I don’t have anything. We-we can meet up, okay? Te-text me?” He asked shyly.

George giggled a little and smiled at Clay.

“Yeah...I’ll text you...bye” George said. He turned around and walked out of the cafe.

Only after George had walked out of sight did Clay speak

 “...bye”