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George’s hair was getting long again. The once short, styled haircut he received months ago was long gone, the shaved sides buried under new fluffy hair that seems to suffocate Georges’ ears and leave him continuously wearing headbands to keep the strands from his face. Despite his fast-growing hair becoming rapidly out of control, George refuses to style it. The brown mass of hair stays as a mop, being relentlessly moved out his face, fingers carding through it, and George roughly brushing out the knots in the morning in no set direction.
Dream hated it.
Every day he has to sit through George complaining about the length of his hair, growing increasingly frustrated with the length, but not wanting to cut it short again. There’s constant clumps of hair lying in every room of their shared apartment, hairbands and rubber-bands strewn haphazardly on furniture and on the floor, brushes and broken combs lay on the bathroom sink, most resembling an unknown species found deep in the Amazon instead of the hair supplies with knots caught in the bristles.
While Dream has short hair himself, he grew up with sisters, having to help his parents do their hair when they were running late for school or when they needed an extra hand. He’s learned a lot about hair care in his years growing up, and in turn made him appreciate and take extra care of his own hair.
It was late in the morning when Dream’s eyelids cracked open, hazy vision constructing a clear view of George and his bedroom. His partner laid curled into his side, arms wrapped around Dream’s naked torso and one leg delicately laid over Dream’s. His face laid against Dream’s right pec, mouth closed and a serene look on his face as deep breaths were taken, chest slowly rising and falling. George’s unruly hair laid spread out against Dream’s chest and neck, the strands seeming to tickle the sleeping man's face as his eyelids continuously fluttered in his sleep. Continuing to watch his love sleeping peacefully against his warm body, Dream slowly lifted his left hand and reached over, gently moving the mounds of hair from George’s face, caressing his right cheek in the process. Within seconds, the man stopped his unconscious twitching and relaxed, a content sigh emitting from the now open mouth.
Dream continued to gaze at George, a welcome pain in his chest from how much love he holds for the twenty-five year old man peacefully sleeping against him. With his face now free of hair, Dream leaned down and gave a light kiss against George’s eyelids, smiling softly at them jumping in confusion over the contact.
It would be a slow day for the both of them. Dream had answered his emails yesterday and the one meeting he had today got canceled, leaving him the day to do whatever he wanted. While he’s aware there is stuff he could be doing, like editing the new Manhunt or streaming, he wanted to relax and take advantage of the rare impromptu day off. While George still laid in a deep sleep against him, Dream brought his left hand and slowly ran it up and down George’s side, Dream’s own shirt massive along the boy's frame.
The clock now read fifteen past twelve, the fresh afternoon sun using all its power to penetrate the slightly thin blinds covering the floor-to-ceiling windows. The thin rays of sunlight that slipped past the small holes in the curtains lit up the couple’s room, illuminating the ill-decorated area. The room was relatively clean with a few pairs of pants laying dormant on the floor. T-shirts and underwear played a game of peek-a-boo with one another, sleeves sticking out from under the bed and the tips of socks being seen peeking behind the armchair that rests in the corner of the room. Patches sat peacefully at the foot on the bed, grooming herself with squinted eyes. She let out a trill and rubbed her face against Dream’s leg when he moved to catch her attention. A small coo left his mouth, staring at the cat until she got comfortable once again and joined George in their land of slumber. But, unknown to Dream, his huff of affection towards Patches woke up George.
The man, now awake, resembled Patches moments ago when she was grooming herself. Half-lidded eyes gazed around the room, eyelids staying shut longer than intended whenever he blinked. It took George a minute to situate himself, his memories of the previous day flooding back to him, becoming aware of the different sensations suddenly flooding his system. He laid still against Dream, the warmth of his body causing the two to be stuck together, skin well acquainted with one another. Without moving, George was able to flicker his eyes over to the alarm clock sat on the bedside table. Considering it was still relatively early for George, his plans of falling back asleep were changed as a yawn burst its way from his mouth, alerting Dream that he was awake. The gig now up, he unstuck himself from Dream and stretched, hearing multiple joints pop and relieve tension. A sigh of content left the boy before he let out another yawn, this time moving to cover his mouth.
Now laying beside Dream, George turned his head to see the man in question already staring at him, a look of love and adoration present in his gaze. Dream’s chest rose and fell with practiced breaths as he looked upon the man who kept the younger’s heart and soul in his pocket, his eyes flitting over every part of the man in front of him as if it was the first time he laid eyes on him. George’s face began to warm with the attention, moving his gaze to the younger males hand. Reaching over, he held Dream’s right hand in his, his thumb caressing the soft skin and giving it a small squeeze. With a pang of affection, Dream changed his posture to be able to use his other hand, bringing it to card his fingers through the knotted hair. In the afternoon silence, Dream began gently detangling George’s hair, the other’s eyes closing as he pushed his head more against the larger hand on his scalp.
It wasn’t long until Dream was able to run his fingers through the other’s hair with no resistance. Removing his hand, George’s eyes lazily slotted open to stare at Dream, a soft smile on his face. Leaning over, George left a soft kiss on Dream’s lips, feeling the smile from the other blossom. Dream’s hands moved to gently rest on George’s waist, giving a small squeeze to his hips and a happy sigh left him. Lazy, soft kisses continued in the dim bedroom, giggles and small words of affection being swapped between the two. One of George’s hands rested against Dream’s neck, the other lightly resting on his stomach. Minutes passed as the two stayed in their own paradise, surrounded by the other in a comforting blanket of safety and warmth. With a happy breath, Dream leaned back and gazed at George, the man's eyes crinkled at the end from the smile on his face.
“Afternoon.” Dream’s unused voice penetrated the air around them, gliding into George's ears and leaving him with a fuzzy feeling in his chest.
“Hi.” George’s voice was no better, scratchy and dry from the prolonged hours of sleep he got from sleeping in. One final kiss was placed against his forehead before Dream sat up in the bed, raising his arms above his head to stretch and unknowingly give George a show. George sat in silence, watching as Dream rose from the bed and walked to their shared closet, the taller idly scratching at his stomach. The open door obstructed George’s view, so he patiently listened as Dream rustled through different articles of clothing, the sounds of muttering being traveled across the room. A few seconds later, Dream closed the door and threw on a loose fitting shirt, socks now adorning the males feet. With quiet steps, Dream walked over to the bed and outstretched his hand to the male still laid in bed. With only a questioning gaze, George took the other's hand and allowed him to pull him from the bed. George followed Dream, no longer being pulled but instead calming walking beside him, their fingers intertwined and shoulders bumping with each step.
The hallways of their apartment sat filled with different decorations. Plaques from each of their YouTube channels were perched against the walls, different pieces of fanart framed and hung, Polaroids of friends and family stuck to the wall, creating a serene feeling throughout the three bedroom apartment. Small tables were against every other wall, littered with baby photos and small trinkets the two most likely found one day while thrift shopping or yardsaling. Before long, the two had entered their kitchen and George was met with confusion from the scene.
Different hair supplies laid across the kitchen table and countertops, ranging from new combs and brushes, sturdy hairpins, and new bottles of a shampoo and conditioner. George looked up at Dream with one eyebrow raised in confusion, looking at the sheepish grin on his face.
"What's all this?" George let go of Dream’s hand and walked over to the table, picking up the bottles of hair supplies labeled for frizzy and untamed hair. George held up the products.
"Are you trying to tell me something?"
"I might be." Dream’s grin never left his face as he walked over to George and gently took the products from his hand. He left a soft kiss on his cheek, grabbing George’s hand and bringing him over to a chair already placed in front of the sink.
“So,” Dream began as he directed George into the chair, “From our multiple mini arguments over the past few months, you know how much I hate how you do your hair.”
“Well, I don’t know what to do with it.” George said exasperated.
“Which is why I’m here. We’re doing a hair day!”
“Yeah, no we aren’t.” George moved to get up from his chair, only to be body-blocked by Dream with his arms crossed. Rolling his eyes, George looked up at Dream, seeing his eyebrows furrowed and determination painted across his face.
“Sit. I’m doing your hair.”
“No, you aren’t. I don’t want my hair done.” With that statement, Dream let out a small laugh of irritation.
“Don’t want it done or don’t want it done by me?” George softened his defense, feeling bad at the slight hurt in Dream’s voice. He let out a sigh and reached up, pulling Dream down for a kiss, not letting go until all the tension evaporated from his body. The two stood in their kitchen, swapping loving displays of affection back and forth, quiet hums and sighs of satisfaction leaving each body. Dream now stood pliant, head rested within the crook of George’s neck, hands slightly rubbing the sides of George’s torso. Goosebumps were left in his wake. With a shudder, George spoke.
“It’s not you in particular, Dream. You know I just don’t like people in my hair.”
“But it’s me, George.” The sentence was delivered with a whine, one that Dream knew drove George slightly crazy. And slightly crazy it did, as George’s resolve dropped immediately as he refused to hear another word carried out in that tone.
“Fine, whatever. You can do my hair, nimrod.” Dream cheered. Pushing a fist into the air as George rolled his eyes, fondness dancing in his pupils.
He let Dream guide him back to the chair, pushing the wooden piece of furniture until it was flush against the kitchen countertop. A small washcloth appeared, Dream placing it on the edge of the sink so the hard material wouldn’t hurt George’s neck. Without being prompted, George laid his head back against the towel, closing his eyes. Dream couldn’t help but smile at the trust he had for him.
The next half hour was spent in silence, concentration but the same amount of relaxation permeating the apartment. Dream quietly hummed as he flipped the faucet on, setting the water to a warm temperature. He brought the retractable nozzle over and started to gently wet his lover’s hair, watching as the fluffy hair quickly became flat and drenched in water. He gently ran his fingers through the hair, feeling the softness of the strands. Reaching over to the countertop next to him, Dream opened the new bottle of shampoo and conditioner he bought. A serene moment passed as Dream smelled the product, smiling at the fresh mango and pineapple scent it gave off. Squeezing a considerable amount of shampoo in his hand, Dream set the bottle down and began to slowly massage it into George’s hair.
A hum left George, his body seeming to loosen as Dream’s large but pleasant hands massaged the shampoo into his hair. He felt boneless as Dream washed his hair, delighted as the fruity scent wafted through the kitchen. It wasn’t long until George began to feel the urge to sleep creep upon him as he put all of his trust into his boyfriend, just relaxing as he got pampered. His eyes felt heavy and worries seemed to dissipate as George fell in and out of consciousness, only being aware of his surroundings when Dream’s hands left his head or when water began to rinse his hair. Within time, George fully fell into a slumber.
Dream was grinning from ear to ear, a slight blush on his face from knowing that George trusted him enough to fall asleep while he did his hair. He couldn’t help but to leave a kiss on his nose, cooing at the involuntary twitch. His heartbeat was above average as he conditioned George’s hair, a light feeling invading all of his senses. He was careful not to make any fast movements, not wanting to wake his love unless necessary. Dream retrieved a small comb and began to softly run it through George’s hair, recollecting the conditioner that stuck to the comb and rubbing it back into the strands. He repeated this process until he was able to comb through every part of George’s hair with each sized comb he had. He rinsed the combs and then brought the sink hose to him, rinsing the conditioner from George’s hair, careful not to move the strands too much as he did not want to re-knot them. Satisfied that no more product was left in his hair, Dream turned off the water and grabbed a towel.
“Hey, George,” Dream slightly shook him, “Hey, wake up, I gotta dry your hair.”
“Mmm..?” George hummed in acknowledgement, eyes still closed. His mouth opened in a yawn as he straightened his body, arms and legs stretched out as far as they could. Once satisfied, he sighed and relaxed his body once more, opening his eyes to see Dream staring at him. George sleepily matched the smile on his face and sat up, silently giving Dream permission to continue.
Dream took his towel and began to dry his hair, pushing his fingers through as he did to make sure none of it became knotted again. Once content, he placed the towel down and nervously plugged in his clippers, grabbing his hair scissors as well. George’s eyes lazily opened at the electrical buzzing, turning to see Dream holding barber clippers in his hair. He met his gaze and raised his eyebrow in questioning.
“I know this may be a little more than what I originally said, but hear me out! I liked your hair when it got cut on stream, but I think it would’ve looked better if more was cut on the side and less was cut on the top. You know, like a buzz on the side and longer hair at the top.”
“You wanna give me a fuckboy haircut?” George spoke in a hush tone, the small twenty minute nap making him exhausted and leaving him with a heavy feeling.
“I mean…kinda? Look, it sounds bad but it’ll look good, I promise! I’ve uh-” He hesitated, voice lowering in slight embarrassment “-I’ve been watching videos and reading articles on how to do hair, especially this haircut, for a few months now, Well, since your haircutting stream, really. So I’m not going in blind! I know what I’m doing! Somewhat.”
“Okay.” Dream stopped in his tracts, nervousness being replaced with confusion at George’s pliant answer.
“Okay? You aren’t, like, scared that I’ll mess up your hair?” George slightly shook his head and opened his eyes a fraction, turning to stare at Dream in the eyes. A small smile graced his features.
“I trust you.” Warmth blossomed on Dream’s face and a pang made itself clear in his chest at George’s answer. He watched as the man turned his head back and closed his eyes again, silently waiting for Dream to start cutting his hair. With a shudder of an unknown feeling, Dream picked up the clippers and walked up to George, moving to the side of him so he could begin to cut his hair.
Clumps of hair began to surround George like some type of halo, strands falling with every swipe of the clippers and every snip of his scissors. Dream stayed concentrated, clipping with precise movements and remembering the tips he’s been studying for months for this specific hairstyle. Breaks were taken in between every odd snipping as Dream brushed or blew hair off George’s shoulders. Small spritz of water was applied to the hair when it was getting too dry, adding small amounts of leave-in conditioner in the process. Nothing but comfort and trust surrounded the pair.
An hour had passed before Dream was done. He stood up straight, ignoring the ache in his back from standing hunched over for that long. He walked around George who was now awake and analyzing Dream’s movements. He took his scissors and snipped small bits of hair he seemed to miss, re-fluffing the now dry hair in parts where it seemed to lack in volume. Once the fussing was over, he stepped back and beamed, proud at how good he did. How good George looks.
“Okay, ready to see?” Dream was practically bouncing on his heels, too giddy to feel embarrassed over George laughing at his excitement.
“Yeah, gimme the mirror.” With little hesitation, Dream handed George the mirror, silently watching the different emotions flash across his face.
Surprise, amazement, awe, confidence, there was no stop to the flurry of things George was feeling as he stared at himself in the small handheld mirror. His once mop of hair was neatly cut down on the sides, only about a centimeter long on each side. The back was also cut down to the same length, which George craned his head to see with his mouth agape in shock. Dream could only watch and giggle at George’s reactions to his hair. The middle and front of his hair was long, barely trimmed down and kept around the length George liked. It wasn’t long enough to where he had to continuously push it from his face, but it wasn’t short enough to where he couldn’t place it in a bun if it annoyed him. It was perfect.
“It’s perfect,” A surprised laugh erupted from George’s core, shaking his whole body as he was overrun with giggles, “It’s perfect. It looks so good! Holy shit, Dream, this is amazing!”
Not waiting for a response, George hurriedly set down the mirror and ran at Dream, throwing his arms around his neck. Not expecting the ambush, Dream staggered a bit but quickly regained his balance, squeezing George in a hug. The two stayed in that position for longer than both intended, just holding one another and feeling.
“I’m glad you like it. Studied for months to make sure I didn’t fuck it up.” Dream’s voice was mumbled, face buried in the boy’s hair he just spent hours styling.
“I love it. Even more knowing you did it.” George received a tight squeeze in response before being let go, his face suddenly being taken into the taller man’s grasp.
“I love you.” A kiss was given to George, leaving his face warm and heart fuzzy. He buried his face into Dream’s chest, gripping at his shirt.
“I love you too.”
With full hearts and souls overflowing with joy and love, the two released one another and walked back up to their bedroom, laying in bed and just enjoying their time together. Each knew the other held their whole being with them, and wouldn’t want it any other way.