Archive of Our Own ^beta

Dream always had a connection to the night. He didn’t know why, but whenever he took those long walks along the shore of the beach, he felt at home.

Something was missing in his life, something he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He couldn’t understand why he felt so miserable— he had everything that he could have wanted! He had good friends, a stable relationship, and family that supported him. He was able to do anything that he wanted in life, and anyone would kill for the privileges he had, so why did he feel so empty?

The only thing that seemed to be working was for Dream to go out at night, take long walks alone, completely distance himself from the amazing life that he was living. It had never felt like home. It was surreal, almost like a fever dream. He needed more. 

It had just started as a random urge, one to go out and let himself bask in the light of the moon. The chill of the wind wrapped around him, almost like a blanket. He felt himself being cradled from the moment he walked outside, allowing his bare feet to curl into the sand of the dunes. He walked close to the water, occasionally feeling a lap of it against his ankles. The chill ran through his body, rooting him to the ground. It reminded Dream where he was, the humanity of being able to feel, and yet it wasn’t satisfying in the slightest.

The blond sighed, eventually stopping his journey of wading through the water. He turned his head and looked out to sea, the waves moving quietly across his vision. The moon shone through the water, sliver adorning blue. It was a nice accent among the dark ocean, one that reflected in the eyes of its audience. Dream couldn’t help but feel sad that he was the only one experiencing this — that nobody else was awake at this hour to experience the beauty of the moon — but at the same time, he wanted to keep it for himself.

Time passed quicker than he could process, and before he knew it the sun was beginning to peek over the horizon. Dream was ankle-deep in water, hoodie blowing in the wind, hair gently mussed. He felt a mess but he was home, home in the middle of the night, the night that almost no-one else dared to experience.

He supposed that he had to leave now. The sun was rising, the day was about to start, and he had plans that he felt obligated to go through with. Reluctantly, he turned away from the sea, ready to return to his normal life, but something stopped him.

“Tomorrow.”

Dream whirled around, trying to figure out where the voice had come from, but he saw nothing. The only thing that was present was the rising sun, the wind rushing through his hair, the soft chirps of birds as they woke from their slumber. There was nobody around for miles, no one to speak to Dream, and yet…

This was what he was missing. 

This voice. 

He needed more.

After that night, Dream had made a vow. He would return to the beach every night, no matter how tired he was. It was his escape from the real world, a way of isolating his true personality from his fake persona, and it provided him with a brief semblance of joy.

Real joy.

Joy he hadn’t felt in ages.

So as the weeks passed, Dream returned to that same spot. He found himself arriving earlier in the evening, plans fading out with people around him, prioritizing nature above those he had grown close with. He knew they could tell he was slipping away — they had been asking about how he had been for around two months now — but he didn’t care. If anything, he found it annoying when they spoke, only focused on the one moment he looked forward to every day.

The night.

The calmness of the dark, the brightness of the moon, that voice.

That voice always kept him coming back.

Every time he watched the moon he seemed to hear it more. He could make out a low tone, one with a unique accent, words woven to him through the wind. He was getting less and less sleep but he carried on, always given strength by the mysterious deity that seemed to be watching over him. He could hear more of It, the god that he was desperately falling in love with. 

It felt silly, the fact that he barely knew It, but it was true.  

He was being serenaded by the wind, the breeze, the light of the moon. He would hear a new song every evening, one that would be sung to him throughout the various sounds of the night. It was dark and yet the stars lit his way, making sure that he had a bright path to the same spot he would stand in.

It was perfect.

“Dream,” the god whispered, his name being said like a prayer. “Tomorrow. Come back tomorrow.”

“I will,” Dream promised, watching the first hint of sun creep above the water. “I will.”

Dream hadn’t expected that day to be the worst day of his life. Everything that he knew came crumbling down around him, everything he had being warped into something corrupt. It had started when he’d come back from his trip at the sea, hearing various noises erupting from his room. When he had opened the door he had found his loving girlfriend, hair spilled across the pillow, body shielded by blankets as an unknown man rocked into her. Her nails scratched at his broad back, hands sliding over broad muscles, beautiful praises falling past her lips. 

Those praises were not for Dream. They were for another man.

Dream had kicked both her and the stranger out that day, not caring about the consequences. He had let them have a blanket and their things, things the pair had only just managed to grab in the ten minutes he gave them to get away from him. He didn’t feel particularly upset that she had cheated, only caring more about not being respected. He didn’t care for her. She could sleep with whomever she wanted, but if she were to live with him, she had to at least provide him with the respect to do it elsewhere. Unfortunately for her, she hadn’t.

Next, he had realized that his friends were badmouthing him when he was not around. This would not have necessarily been the worst thing in the world if they did not know almost every personal detail about him. Dream had never been one to hide secrets from those he cared about — or at least those he used to — so when news had gotten back to his parents that he had dated men in the past, they didn’t take it lightly.

Dream had not ever had a problem with finances, but that was mainly because his family was willing to help him pay for certain things. He had not been able to go on summer vacation without them — the beach house had been too expensive for him and his girlfriend — so he had received a very angry voicemail that morning. Dream had lost the strength to process everything, the tiredness from lack of rest just now starting to creep upon him, so when he had heard that he was to move out of the house and find a way to pay his parents back for “wasting their money on a sinner”, it felt as if they were speaking in slow motion.

Before he knew it, there was only one hour before he had to leave and figure out something on his own. He hadn’t been worried about making money — he had been on vacation, after all — so he was broke. He could only take what was rightfully his and carry it on his back, essentially being rendered homeless.

His life had been turned upside-down in a second, and he had no idea what to do. He had taken the things he possessed for granted, ignored the people in his life, and now he was being punished for doing so.

Dream knew that they blamed him for leaving them, but he didn’t blame himself. It was their fault for not being able to put up with him. It was their fault for being so immature. It was their fault for not wanting him to be happy.

He didn’t have to deal with this.

The world was a cruel place, and even the most perfect lives could be turned upside down. He knew that now.

The only thing that Dream found joy in was going out to the sea, basking in the light of the moon, experiencing the calm silence of his god. He knew that he would not be able to be around It again, having to find some cheap area to hopefully live in for the time being.

This would be his last night with his god, and he had to make the most of it.

Dream dragged his heavy backpack out to the sand, setting it down in a safe area where the water would not be able to hit it. He had left the key to the beach house on the balcony, a place he knew someone would find it. He had cut ties with his friends, responding in an eerily calm way to their laughs and snide remarks when they had called him. He hadn’t even bothered to take his phone, leaving it with the things that were not his. His parents had paid for it, and he did not doubt that they didn’t want any more contact with him after this ordeal.

This was the only thing that he felt safe doing. He had to let this god know that he was leaving.

“Hi,” Dream muttered, standing in the middle of the water once more. “I’m here. This is the last time.”

The wind wrapped around him, akin to the hesitant way it had on the first night. The hold was tight, a safe grip that Dream knew he would not fall out of. He leaned back into it, completely trusting the god to hold his weight.

“Last time? What do you mean?”

Dream grit his teeth, balling his hands into fists. “You couldn’t see for yourself?” He growled, recalling the events of the day. “You’re a god. You couldn’t see how my world crumbled around me?”

There was a noise that sounded similar to the click of a tongue, almost as if the god was mocking him. “I saw. You do not need them. You have me.”

“No,” Dream shook his head, shivering as another cold rush of wind hit his face. “I can’t stay here. I have to find a place of my own.”

The air turned hostile around him, arms pulling back from his torso. Dream cried out in surprise, parting his lips to beg them to return, but was interrupted by that same voice in his head. “This is the only place I can talk to you. It is a threshold between my world and yours. If you leave, we can no longer hold conversations.”

“You think I don’t know that?” Dream snapped, eyes narrowed. “I don’t want to leave, but I have to! I am human. I have to find a way to live on this Earth. I can’t live with the moon alone.”

“You can,” the god soothed. “You just don’t want to.”

“I can’t,” Dream’s voice cracked, tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. “I won’t be able to survive. I can’t stay; I want to, but I just—” he collapsed, the fabric of his jeans being soaked with the tide as he sat back on his knees, “can’t.”

The god said nothing for a long time, silence being shared once more. Dream sobbed softly under Its presence, hiding his face with his hands. Why did this have to be so hard? Why did he have to fall in love? Why would he much rather die than live on?

“Dream,” the god pulled him out of his thoughts, placing Its hand on his shoulder. “Do you trust me?”

Dream nodded, moving without hesitation. “More than anything,” he breathed, eyes wet with tears. 

“You want to stay?”

“Yes.”

“Then lie down.”

Dream gasped, immediately flopping onto his back. The water was cold and he wanted to pull away, but he willed himself not to. His god had to be doing this for a reason.

“I am going to pull the tide,” It explained, voice as reassuring as ever. “It will be your blanket. Do not fret. I will tell you what to do.”

Dream would never question his god. He watched with wide eyes as the moon shone brighter, seemingly showing off. The water seemed to be moving closer, washing over his body in layers. It rose higher and higher until it eventually reached his neck, stopping just before his mouth would be submerged. Dream inhaled slowly, breathing oxygen that could have been liquid if not for his merciful god.

“Now,” the god continued, waves lapping over Dream’s skin. “If I am correct, you have nothing to want on this Earth. You only want me. Yes?”

“Yes,” Dream confirmed, finding it harder to hear the god with the water in his ears.

“You don’t have to stay with mortals. You can stay with me,” the god explained, tone loving, “but your body will leave this mortal realm. You will join me in the stars. You will be My Sun.”

“Y-your sun?” Dream gasped, eyes wide. “I’ll… I’ll be a god?”

“Correct,” It confirmed, voice washing over him. “But your body must deteriorate. It is quite sad, but it must be done. However, I want to keep it for myself, so I will provide you with a beautiful burial. You must help me complete the ritual and prove your trust to be with me for the rest of time.”

The god’s words caused Dream’s anxiousness to grow. It was not that he didn’t trust his beloved, it was that he was unsure of what was beyond the world he knew. Dream had always been someone that preferred being around situations and people who he knew how to handle, and after the long day that he had been through, he would much rather not have to deal with another panic attack. He knew, however, that his god would do nothing but protect him. It only wanted the best for him. 

“Okay,” Dream agreed. The wind picked up around him, the air becoming more erratic and exciting. Dream could tell that he had pleased his god, and that was certainly enough for him. 

“Perfect. I need you to speak when I tell you to. You will say my name.” the god instructed, to which Dream’s brow furrowed.

“I don’t know your name.”

“You do. It will come to you.”

With those final words of reassurance, the water began to rise higher around Dream. He could feel the top licking at the corners of his lips, about to swallow him whole. He gasped, taking his last breath, the one which he would use to speak when allowed—

“Close your eyes. You’ll know when to speak. I can’t wait to see you, My Sun.”

Dream obediently let his eyes flutter shut, keeping his lips closed as well. He wouldn’t waste his last breath. He would keep the gift of his humanity to himself, only to be bestowed upon the god that he loved. He would let It have anything of his. It wanted his life, so he would oblige. No matter whether or not it was for the greater good, he would give himself up for his deity. It deserved everything.

Eventually, Dream began to see a semblance of a face behind his eyes. He could make out soft, brown hair, pale skin, a man —

“George,” Dream spoke a silent prayer. Water flooded his lungs, filling him up until there was no more room for oxygen. The sensation was terrifying and he almost considered pulling away, but George was here, his god, his moon, his tide, his everything. His vision was still blurry, but even seeing a glimpse of George’s true beauty was enough for him. He was able to catch those rosy lips curled up into a smile, one filled with love that outshone any mortal’s, and Dream knew he was home.

His fear was gone when his vision eventually turned black. He began to forget his name, his family, people that he once knew, but he supposed he didn’t need it. He let those memories fade, excited for the new ones that would take their place. There was only one thing on his mind before he eventually passed out.

George.

“My Love,” A familiar voice cooed, slowly bringing Dream out of slumber. “Wake up. You’re here, you’re with me.”

“Huh…?” Dream groaned, moving a hand up to his head. He blinked a few times before eventually opening his eyes all the way, being met with darkness.

Dream frowned, pushing himself up so that he was sitting. He looked around the area, trying to figure out where he was. He could not see anything in the dark, nothing but the occasional twinkle of what he assumed to be stars. He could barely remember what had happened before he had woken up, but he knew that there was not much to experience amid a dark void.

However, what Dream had failed to realize was that the darkness can sometimes hide the most beautiful secrets.

A man soon came into view, the most beautiful being that he had ever laid eyes upon. Dream’s lips parted, eyes squinting from the radiance of him. A natural silver light surrounded his figure, letting everyone within the area know who he was. The man had a tight-fitting shirt, hugging every curve and muscle on his toned body. He was not buff per se, but it was clear that he was strong, and Dream did not want to mess with him. As the man came closer, Dream could make out more details that he had missed.

First of all, the man had some sort of halo above his head. It was also silver, shaped like a crescent moon. It was not a complete cylinder, but it didn’t have to be beautiful. Stardust fell from the hovering symbol, landing and melting delicately on pretty pink cheeks and long eyelashes. As the man reached out to Dream, slender fingers beckoning for him to come closer, the sleeves of the cape he wore billowed out closer to the ground. Dream noticed that his cape was made of darkness, fading from blue material into more stars. It pooled brilliantly at the being’s feet, bringing Dream’s attention down to the dainty heels that he wore to lift himself.

Needless to say, this man was ethereal.

“My Sun,” the man said fondly, palm out towards Dream. “You have arrived.”

Dream was still confused but said nothing. He supposed that this gorgeous man would explain to him what was happening. He cautiously took his hand, letting the other pull him up onto his feet. Dream then realized that he was taller than the god, chuckling a bit at the realization, but the pretty man didn’t seem fazed.

“My name is George,” the god explained, interlocking his fingers with Dream’s larger ones. “I am the god of the Moon. I look over the mortal world when it is shrouded by darkness. I make sure the twisted game of life pans out as it should. I try to be social, but I am often alone. Not many can appreciate the beauty of the night.”

“George?” Dream mumbled, repeating his name. George smiled warmly in response, leading Dream closer to wherever he was taking them. As they walked among the stars, Dream was able to make out the outlines of different planets.

Planets.

He was in space.

“You and I knew each other,” George continued with his story, weaving in between the large spheres. He seemed indifferent to their massive size, but Dream was dumbfounded. He stopped near the planet Venus, mouth agape as he tried to comprehend her beauty, but a firm tug from George veered his focus back to the path they were on. “I knew you in your past lives, but your path never crossed with mine. We were never able to communicate… until your most recent resurrection.”

“My most recent…” Dream trailed off, not being able to comprehend what George was saying. “What?”

“Your most recent resurrection,” George repeated, sighing in relief when they began to approach what he was wanting to show Dream. Dream tilted his head back and saw a large blue planet, complete with various continents floating in the water. It was planet Earth, the planet that mortals lived on. “You were able to find a body of water that I could use. We talked. The moon can control the tide, so the further you waded into the ocean the more I got to know you. I had already fallen for you in previous lifetimes, but I thought it was never meant to be.”

“Oh,” Dream stopped when George did, standing next to the god. He turned and looked down at him, watching the trails of stardust land on various parts of his face. Dream felt an urge to place his hand on his cheek and wipe some of it away but didn’t want to touch George without his permission. He almost felt as if the god would shatter if he handled him too roughly.

“You gave up your life for me,” George stated, a wistful look in his eyes. “It was a shame, really. That version of you was the one that I had fallen the most in love with, but I suppose I have you here now. Your human body is still intact. I have provided it with a coffin made of the finest corals at the bottom of the sea.”

Dream shuddered. The idea of his corpse being preserved for the god was both endearing yet uncomfortable for him. It was nothing normal to mortals, but he supposed that he was no longer human. He was dead, but he wasn’t at the same time. He didn’t know what to call this. Purgatory? He supposed that was the best word to use.

“And now,” George turned to him, blue and silver eyes meeting green, “you are a god. You are My Sun. You are the light to my dark. There is beauty in both, and I have that in you.”

Dream’s heart melted at the story. He was a god. He was a god because of George. There was no reason for the god to lie— why would he? It sounded like he had been suffering for eons, waiting for Dream to finally like him back, and now it had happened. They were quite literally star-crossed lovers, two people from different planes that had eventually ended up together. Dream now felt less guilty about bringing George — his Moon — into his embrace, so he took the moment between them to do it.

George yelped as he felt himself being pressed into a warm chest, arms locking around his waist. Dream pressed his face into the crook of that pale neck, breathing in the musk of the god’s scent. He smelt like a mix of flowers and fresh rain, and Dream thought it was perfect. George chuckled when he got used to the hug, moving his right hand to flatten over where Dream’s heart would be. “My Sun,” he murmured.

“My Moon,” Dream replied.

“This is ours,” George turned, gesturing to the Earth, “just as you are mine. You’ll learn your place soon enough. We can both stay together, helping each other out, performing our jobs for all eternity.”

Dream turned his head, gazing at their planet. He could see pieces of himself and George. He could see green and blue, their signature colors, but he could also see two unique glows from different sides of the world.

The side that was shrouded in darkness had a mysterious silver aura.

The side that was basked in daylight was surrounded by a blinding golden hue.

It was beautiful, and yet… 

“What if I wanted it gone?” Dream wondered, brow furrowed. He didn’t care much for the mortals, he cared more about the universe as a whole, and his universe was George. He didn’t need to be babysitting humans forever, he needed to be in the arms of his loved one. 

When George began to laugh, Dream jumped. He hadn’t realized that he had spoken out loud. He turned to gaze at George, watching his Moon protectively, making sure that he was okay before eventually relaxing. “Oh, Dreamie,” George breathed, shooting him that dazzling grin. “I would burn down the world if it meant having you all to myself.”

Dream was speechless. He blinked a few more times, eventually feeling a pain in his right eye. He hissed and brought his hand up to the area, holding it there for a while. When the pain eventually subsided he pulled it back, being met with some sort of molten gold on his fingertips. 

“Ah!” George gasped, clapping his hands. “You have a gold eye! See, my left is silver! We’re matching!”

Dream bit his bottom lip, panicking just slightly, but stopped when he saw how bubbly his love was being. George truly looked ethereal in any setting. He could calm Dream down without even trying. 

Dream allowed a welcoming smile to cross his face, opening his arms for George once more. He thought back to what George had said, stating that he would be fine with watching the world crumble beneath their feet. Anything to be with Dream.

“You know,” Dream hummed, clasping both of George’s hands in his own. “What you wish to ignite must first have a spark. I am that spark. I am the flame that can help the world burn. I am Your Sun.”

George watched him in awe, pretty pink lips parted. He took in what Dream had said before eventually smiling back, as beautiful as ever. “And I am Your Moon,” he finished, turning to look at the globe. 

“We have the world, but it means nothing,” Dream observed, narrowing his eyes at the familiar waters and land masses he had learned about in high school. “Not when I already have the world in my arms.”

As if on cue, George cuddled up to him. He wrapped his arms around Dream’s torso and buried his face into his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. His heart would never stop now. He was a god.

“Dream,” George spoke, tone sweetened with sugar, “let’s burn down the world together.”

Dream nodded shortly, a silent form of consent. Without another word, the two gods approached the Earth. 

Armageddon had begun.