For the First Time

Life can't move fast enough. Normally, the excitement of the football match would've been the highlight of my entire year, yet all I want to do is make it to Dream.
All I can do is push forward. Make it through each day, and each night, and count the days away.
At least I have a strong motivator to make it through dinner with the other YouTube All stars.
"You're amazing Karl!" Someone shouts from across the table.
I pick at my food and MrBeast sends me a sympathetic look, then joins in the hype for Karl, who truly deserves it.
"What are the plans for the MrBeast Gaming channel?" Someone asks.
The restaurant is dimly lit and the plates curve upward in a weird way. The walls are painted a charcoal grey, and there are yellow lanterns throughout the room. The place is fancy, too fancy. My stomach grumbles wishing we were at a McDonald's instead.
The guests from other tables speak loudly and all I can do is try to smile and pretend I can hear whatever conversation is going on at our table.
When all I want is to run to my room and jump in bed, waiting to see Dream's face.
"What do you think, George?" Karl asks.
"Uhhh..." I stutter. So much for staying present.
Everyone bursts out in laughter, except MrBeast who only shakes his head with a thin lined grin.
"I can tell you're thinking about something much more important. But, as I was saying, you did really well!"
"I literally tripped over someone. I sucked," I mutter, fiddling with my phone in my lap.
Some people burst out in laughter around the table, and I can feel my cheeks warm. It's going to be a long dinner.
***
MrBeast approaches me as most people disperse.
"You gonna tell him?"
I shrug. Never in my wildest dreams, no pun intended, did I expect to confide in MrBeast that I'm in love, and practically dating my best friend. Over the course of our bench time he asked questions with such kindness and it was like he could read me so well.
Jimmy throws his arm around me, which earns us a curious glance from Karl, but Jimmy holds his hand up so he gives us a moment alone.
"Look, there's gonna be a lot going on once you come to America. Remember, there's no rush for anything."
"I know," I mutter, unable to hide my temper. I cross my arms, leaning into it.
He chuckles. "Look, good things take time. You've put in so much effort already, let it play out."
"I'm going to see his face tonight."
Jimmy's eyebrows arch up. "Oh?"
I can't help but smile like a dork. "Well, don't let me keep you any longer! But promise me you'll do a dorky dance on Tiktok with me?"
I roll my eyes. "Of course I will."
"Great! Film in your room and stitch it with whatever I come up with."
***
Dream: Great moves 😏

His text comes in so quick after I post the video of me dancing like a damn fool.

Goggy: Shut up idiot
Dream: and for that, you don't get to see my face tonight.

The text strikes my heart with lightning. I knew someday my bitchy ways would get the better of me, not that I can help it. I only hope he's kidding.

Dream: Are you alive?
Goggy: you better let me see your damn face
Dream: I let Sapnap near me with scissors, I'm contemplating not showing my face to anyone, ever!

I collapse into bed hugging the ten piece nugget I ordered on the way to my room.
My phone dings again and it's a picture of a long thin hand with bright red blood covering the fingertips.
Opening my phone, I dial Dream's number and he answers immediately.
"Clay! You're bleeding!"
"I know!"
"Besides the bleeding he looks great, George!" Sapnap says in the background.
"ClAY!" Dream shouts in a mocking tone.
I laugh and scarf down a couple nuggets. "Do I get to see your face now?"
There's a long pause of silence, besides my Nugget crunching.
"Are you eating McDonald's again?" Sap asks.
"Yesssss." Then I stuff another in my mouth. "MrBeast took us to this fancy ass restaurant and I'm thankful he paid because the food was ridiculous."
"George, I'd like to show you my face when I'm not maimed."
"I didn't..." Sapnap whines.
"I bet he looks better," I answer. I throw the empty box onto the nightstand and crawl under the blanket. I should shower.
"Night Georgie," Sapnap says on the other end.
A door closes.
"Is it just us?"
Dream is unusually quiet.
"Dream?" I ask with a yawn.
I turn off the bedside lamp. I'm exhausted and all I want is sleep, well, maybe I want Dream more. To talk to me, I mean.
"Can I show you my face another day?"
"Why?" I don't hide my annoyance.
Dream sighs, his voice heavy. "I'm not ready."
"Fine," I say, realizing maybe I'm not ready either. "Can we still talk?"
Dream seems to perk at my question. "Of course! I'm just editing a video and holding Patches. She can't wait to meet you."
"I can't wait to meet her either."
Soon, I think. Soon I'll be home.
We talk late into the night, for both of us and I know I'll regret it, but it's worth losing sleep over. Dream is worth being exhausted for.