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Published:
2023-07-09
Updated:
2023-07-16
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4/6
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Magic

Chapter 4: Wedding

Summary:

Hehehe

Chapter Text

“Okay, I think I got it all.” Sapnap inspects his legs thoroughly, and has to admit, the smooth skin feels nice when he runs his hands over it.

 

“Nice!” Tina says from behind the curtain. She let herself into the bathroom and somehow it doesn’t feel as strange as Sapnap would have thought, to have her there. He can start to understand why girls like hanging out in bathrooms so much. “Wash off the hair mask and we’re done here.”

 

Sapnap obediently washes his hair and he had never felt his hair this smooth. Whatever weirdly good smelling thing Tina had lathered onto his hair is working.

 

She hands him a towel when he’s done and he steps out into the steaming room. Tina’s sat on the closed toilet seat, filing her nails. She doesn’t even look up when Sapnap slips back into his tshirt.

 

“Done?” She asks after a minute.

 

“Yeah.”

 

She swings her legs down and stands up with a small jump. “Alright! Onto the fun part!” She grabs his hand and rushes them downstairs where both of the suitcases she had brought are unpacked, at least six dresses laid out and mounds of makeup littering his coffee table. He gulps.

 

“Tina, I don’t know-“

 

“Hey,” She sits them down on the carpet. “We don’t have to do much, okay? Just relax, this is meant to be fun, I promise. If you don’t like something we don’t have to do it, yeah?”

 

He takes a deep breath. “Okay.”

 

She smiles gently. “I know this is probably weird for you.” She says and without warning starts rubbing moisturizer onto his face. “I don’t know what I’d do if I woke up with a penis.”

 

“Weird is an understatement.” Sapnap closes his eyes when Tina’s fingers wonder too close to his eyes.

 

“So… how you feeling?” She says casually, now patting something else onto his skin.

 

“About what?” He peels one eye open and watches as Tina picks up something else from her massive makeup bag.

 

“Sunscreen.” She explains. “About the whole situation?”

 

He closes his eyes again when Tina spreads the sunscreen on his skin. “I mean… it was scary at first, like, what if I’m stuck like this forever, you know? Like what if I’m just a girl for the rest of my life? I’m a Youtuber, I’d have to like, tell everyone or just never stream again which would suck ass.”

 

Tina just mutters a mhmm to say she’s still listening.

 

“But I guess I’m kind of used to it now. I wouldn’t have thought I’d enjoy having long hair but it’s kind of fun. And Dream bought me comfortable bras so my boobs don’t hurt as much when I walk. It’s not… horrible, you know?”

 

“Being a girl is awesome. This is primer, it will help the makeup stick to your skin.” Tina says with a smile. “I’m glad you’re not feeling too crappy because of the whole thing. And you can just get drunk and have fun today, while looking smoking hot, too, which is always fun. This is concealer.” She waves a small tube in front of his face. “It corrects your under eyes and any skin pigmentation.”

 

Sapnap lets her do whatever she wants. “I guess it’ll be fun to just have fun. I’ve never gone out with Dream in public before, it’ll be fun to just hang out.”

 

Tina has an unreadable gleam in her eye. “You really like him, don’t you?” It doesn’t sound like a question.

 

Sapnap can’t help his eyebrows furrowing, even when Tina flicks them to stop the creasing. “I mean… yeah.”

 

“How’s he handling the whole thing?” She starts patting the concealer into his skin.

 

“Not bad, actually. He was a little freaked out when the whole thing started but he’s been… nice with the whole thing. Him not freaking out helped me not to freaked out, to be honest.”

 

“Yeah, Dream’s a good guy.” Tina isn’t looking into his eyes, instead focusing on his skin. “You have amazing skin. How are you so hot, this is so unfair.”

 

Sapnap can’t help the blush that spreads across his cheeks. “I was hot when I was a dude too, though, right?”

 

Tina smiles so wide her teeth show. “Duh.” She reaches behind her and fishes out three tubes. “This is foundation. You don’t need much so I’m just going to do a light layer and powder it down, is that okay?”

 

“Yeah, I mean, do whatever, we might as well just go all the way.” Sapnap shrugs.

 

Tina lights up. “That’s the spirit!”

 

Sapnap almost regrets his willingness.

 

Tina is nice throughout the whole process, explaining as she goes and when she’s done Sapnap is left with a delicate layer of glitter on his eyelids and mascara, which felt weird at first but he’s getting used to it. He has to admit, Tina’s done a good job.

 

“Okay, time for hair!” Tina claps excitedly. “How do you feel about curls?”

 

Sapnap observes his reflection in the small mirror Tina handed to him. His hair has a tendency to curl slightly anyway, more wavy than anything, even when slightly damp. But Tina looks excited and she knows what she’s doing more than him. “Yeah, whatever.”

 

“Amazing. Sit here.” She pats the edge of the sofa and pulls herself up with a groan. “This is heat protectant. I’m just gonna spray it so we don’t fry your hair, okay?”

 

Tina proceeds to dry his hair thoroughly and whips out a curling iron. It doesn’t even take that long, Tina’s clearly practiced and focused enough, despite the easy conversation they’re having.

 

“Okay, all done!” Tina takes a step back to admire her handywork. “Damn, if I was a dude I’d jump your bones right now.”

 

Sapnap has to admit he looks good. His hair grazes his shoulders now that it’s curled, and Tina pinned a couple of pieces back to reveal his face more. The highlighter she put on glimmers when he turns his head. “I am a dude and I’d jump my bones.”

 

“Best part – dresses. Dream told me you’re a similar build to me so I brought all my best ones.” She makes him try them all on, but he settles on a delicate dusty pink, the fabric dripping from his shoulders into a revealing neckline, Tina had him put on a sticky bra, whatever that is, and Sapnap chooses not to think about the fact that Tina had seem him semi-naked now. The dress pools at his feet and is so delicate to the touch he can’t help but run his fingers through it.

 

“I don’t think you’ll be able to walk in heels.” Tina says as she walks around him. “What size are you?”

 

“Used to be a seven, I’m a six now.”

 

“You’re not going to squeeze into my shoes then. Do you have anything at all that could pass for formal?”

 

“Not that would go with a dress.” Sapnap turns to face her. “Why can’t I wear like sneakers or something?”

 

“Because you’ll look like a pick me girl.” Tina crosses her arms in thought. “We don’t have time to go buy shoes, do we?”

 

Just as Sapnap is about to hunt for his phone there’s a knock on the front door and a You guys ready?

 

“Dream.” Sapnap motions towards the door. “I think that’s a no.”

 

“Come in!” Tina yells as she still looks over Sapnap. “Fuck, okay, sneakers it is. Try not to show them off too much it’s not really a wedding look.”

 

“You guys done here- holy shit.”

 

Sapnap whirls around to face Dream, looking very sexy in his black suit, the flowers he’s holding dropping down to rest by his side. Sapnap raises an eyebrow.

 

“Flowers?”

 

“My mom told me I need to buy a girl flowers.” Dream says, a faint flush of pink on his cheeks. “You look… holy shit.”

 

It’s Sapnap’s turn to blush. “Thank you.” He walks closer and takes the flowers from Dream. A whole bouquet of white roses. “They’re beautiful.”

 

“This is my fairy godmother moment.” Tina says from behind him, wiping a fake tear from under her eye. “Go my Cinderella. Enjoy the ball.”

 

Sapnap can’t help the nervous chuckle. He hands the flowers back to Dream. “Here, put them in water, okay? I’m just going to grab some shoes and we can go.”

 

He doesn’t wait for a response before rushing back upstairs. His heart is beating out of his chest for some reason and staying downstairs for a second longer would have been too much for him to take. The dress is tight, but not tight enough to restrict his breathing but he still feels like he’s choking.

 

He takes a second before he slips on his least obvious pair of converse and he’s already dilly dallied for too long so he makes his way downstairs.

 

Tina is packing her stuff up, laughing at something Dream had said. They both turn to watch him take the last step and he feels strangely scrutinized.

 

“Here.” Tina hands him a purse and a small makeup bag, not unlike her own. “I’ve put some powder in the purse and some concealer for touch ups, remember how I showed you?”

 

He nods.

 

“And here you have some eyeshadows, some lipgloss and some other stuff I thought you might like. If you ever want to experiment.”

 

He’s not sure he will. He gives her a tight smile anyway. “Thank you.”

 

“You are more than welcome, Cinderella. Alright, have fun you two!” She doesn’t wait around before she shows herself out with a final bye!

 

“So…” Dream steps from foot to foot nervously. “Shall we?”

 

Sapnap nods tightly and follows Dream out to his car.

 

“You look very nice.” Dream says as they’re backing out of the driveway.

 

Sapnap’s mouth is dry. “Thanks. You too.”

 

“Music?” Dream asks after a second.

 

“Sure.”

 

Even as Dream connects his phone and selects a random playlist, one handed, which Sapnap definitely does not find hot because that is his best friend for god’s sake and he needs to get it together, the silence stretches.

 

“Good weather for a wedding.” Sapnap says just to say something because the tension is starting to get to him. He can’t help but start twisting his hands in his lap, squirming a little. When he’s sat down the bust of the dress constricts his breathing.

 

“Yeah, it is.”

 

What the fuck is going on? It had never been like this, not between them two, not even those first few days with Sapnap’s new gender. It’s strange – sombre in a way he doesn’t like.

 

They drive for a while in tense silence. Every time Sapnap opens his lips to say something words get caught in his throat and he’s left closing them again, eyes darting between Dream’s tight grip on the steering wheel and the window. They’re out on the highway now, cars whizzing past fast.

 

Has he done something? Tension only thickens when Dream clears his throat but doesn’t end up saying anything.

 

Five minutes go by.

 

Then ten.

 

Fifteen.

 

“How should I introduce myself?” Sapnap eventually asks, voice a little raspy from misuse.

 

Dream spares him a brief glance. “How do you mean?”

 

“I can’t say I’m Nick, can I?”

 

“True,” Dream takes an exit off the highway, “Niki?”

 

“A bit obvious, no?”

 

“Nikita?”

 

Sapnap cringes. “Niki it is.”

 

Dream, at last, smiles. “Relax, just be yourself. You’ve already met most of my family, it won’t be too hard to impress them.”

 

“Why should I impress them?” Sapnap raises an eyebrow.

 

The way Dream teases his bottom lip between his teeth is distracting.

 

“Dream?” Sapnap’s eyes narrow. “Who did you say I was? Exactly?”

 

Dream hesitates.

 

“Dream?”

 

“I… Might have said I’m bringing a girl.” The way Dream says it suggests he’s not being completely honest.

 

“Dude!” Sapnap whines. “That implies I’m your date, idiot.”

 

“I panicked! Mom asked why you couldn’t come so I just said I’m brining a girl. She took it to mean a date.”

 

“And you didn’t correct her?” He’s annoyed, sure, but the idea of being Dream’s date is not totally repulsive. God, what is happening?

 

“I panicked!” Dream says as they pull into a small cottage-like hotel, guests in fancy attire milling outside already. “I’m sorry, okay? Can you just… pretend for like a day? Mom was so excited when I said I’d be brining a girl, I know she worries.”

 

Dream.”

 

“Come on, please?”

 

“Don’t make me do this, come on.” Dream can’t be serious.

 

Please, dude. You know I’d do it for you.”

 

Sapnap can’t believe what is happening right now. His heart is beating too fast. “I’m not holding your hand.”

 

“That’s cool.” Dream smiles. “Thanks, dude, I owe you.” And without further warning gets out of the car.

 

“Big time.” Sapnap murmurs and follows suit. He’s thankful that at least his feet are comfortable when he sees various women struggling in their heels.

 

Dream starts walking inside and Sapnap doesn’t have much choice but to follow suit.

 

There’s too many people inside, drinks already in hand, for Sapnap to follow behind Dream easily, so wordlessly he grabs the back of Dream’s jacket and avoids his questioning gaze when he turns around. Sapnap follows behind Dream as they make it to the bar.

 

“Drink?” Dream asks over the noisy chatter.

 

“Sure.” Sapnap’s looking around. He sees some of Dream’s younger cousins running through the crowd and a couple of aunts and uncles he’s met at Christmas, but a large part of the crowd he doesn’t recognize. “Where’s your mom?”

 

Dream looks around after handing a beer to Sapnap. “Uh… not sure. You doing okay?”

 

Sapnap takes a long sip of the beer. “Yeah.”

 

“Sure? You look pale.”

 

Sapnap feels like he’s pale. He’s about to meet Dream’s entire family, as his date nonetheless. How is he meant to behave? How far do they have to take it?

 

He clears his throat. “I’m good.”

 

Without a word Dream grasps Sapnap’s free hand, just as he’s about to take a sip of his beer, stray droplets now dribbling down his chin, and pulls him through the crowd again and further into the venue.

 

The ceremony area, what Sapnap assumes must have been the hotel dining room, has been cleared of tables and chairs with white coverings now sit in rows facing a stage. There’s a few guests here and there but it’s significantly quieter. Thank god.

 

Sapnap looks around awkwardly, palms sweaty. He does recognize a few people, but aside from the wave Dream sends them no one comes up to them. Is it because of him? Surely not.

 

He clears his throat just to do something. “So… This is very classy.”

 

Dream meets his eye for a split second. “Yeah. Stacey went all out.”

 

“It’s a wedding, I should hope so.”

 

It’s tense again. This feels different than the house, even after he had been turned into a girl. It’s like there’s miles between them even though their shoulders keep brushing up against each other.

 

“You look… good.” Dream says all of a sudden. Sapnap is so startled he has to whirl around to face Dream, tearing his eyes away from a couple of kids he doesn’t recognize running around between the chairs.

 

“…Thanks?” They’re practically hiding behind the corner now, pressed up against the wall and far away from anyone who might want to come up to talk to them. He can’t tell which is worse; hiding or having to pretend he’s Dream’s date. “You do too.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

They’ve been over this already, why is Dream being so awkward? He’s fidgeting where he stands, either because he’s anxious or because his ADHD is going rampant, but either way his twitchiness is rubbing off on Sapnap and the tight ball in his stomach squeezes his diaphragm tighter.

 

“When is the ceremony meant to start?” He tries for a nonchalant kind of cool tone, but he’s not too sure he achieves it.

 

“In… fifteen minutes, but you know how wedding are.” Dream shoots him a tight smile and looks away quickly.

 

“Yeah.” Sapnap nods along. He takes a long sip of his beer and swallows. He blinks, turns to look around, the kids have disappeared off somewhere, takes another swig of the beer and blinks again.

 

What is happening to them? It had never been like this, both of them struggling to find words to even speak. What’s so different about right now? Is it the crowd? Dream hadn’t been around such large groups of people in a long while, but Sapnap had never taken him for such a shy person.

 

Is it Sapnap? They’re meant to be here as a couple, technically, is that why Dream’s so squirmy?

 

If he nudges his shoulder one more time because he’s adjusting his tie Sapnap’s going to lose it.

 

“Hey, do you want to sit down?” Dream asks. He doesn’t sound different, but the way he walks away without waiting for an answer tells Sapnap enough.


“I don’t want to be holding a beer when the bride walks in, isn’t that kind of rude?” Sapnap follows close behind, but before they can pick their seats Dream stops in front of him so suddenly that Sapnap slams into his back. “Ow! You motherfuck-“

 

“Mom!” Dream says loudly, cutting him off mid-word.

 

“Clay, honey, I didn’t see you come in!” Clay’s mom pulls Dream into a tight hug, effectively glancing over his shoulder and catching sight of Sapnap. “Oh, hello! I’m Amanda, I’m Clay’s mom. It’s so nice to meet you!”

 

She’s just as chirpy as he remembers. Amanda is quick to pull him into a tight hug, squeezing him a little as she does. She’s always been expressive that way, and it’s good, at least, she’s not treating him any different as Clay’s date.

 

“It’s lovely to meet you too. I’m Niki” He smiles politely when she lets him go.

 

“Niki.” Amanda seems to mull this over, an easy smile on her lips. “Well, I’m so happy Clay brought you, he doesn’t bring that many girls home.”

 

Mom.” Dream says in protest. Sapnap can’t help the smirk that makes its way onto his face.

 

“Oh,” Amanda tsks, “It’s okay, honey,” She leans into Sapnap like she’s telling him a secret. “If anything it’s a green flag.”

 

“Mom, oh my god!”

 

“He hasn’t told me that much about you.” Amanda continues as if she can’t see her son blush furiously from embarrassment. Sapnap can’t help but chuckle a little. “He sure as hell didn’t mention how gorgeous you are! Look at that dress, you look stunning, honey.”

 

“Thank you, ma’am.” Sapnap grins. He knows for a fact that Amanda doesn’t just call anyone honey.

 

“Well, I hope you will enjoy yourself tonight. It’s an open bar, as I see you’ve already figured out.” She shoots him a wink. “But finish up you two, the ceremony is about to start. I just saw Stace, the dress is beautiful. Here, come sit with me.” She leaves no room for protest, so Dream and Sapnap tag along behind her.

 

Dream shoots him a look and mouths I’m sorry.

 

It’s okay Sapnap mouths back. It really is. He loves Amanda, the woman almost like his second mother at this point.

 

They sit together near the front; Dream, Sapnap then his mom, quickly joined by his dad and sisters, but before they can pull Sapnap into another conversation the usher tells everyone to take their seats.

 

“Here we go.” Amanda says excitedly.

 

The groom looks nervous on the stage, but it’s not long after the bridesmaids enter that the bridal march plays and Stacey, Dream’s cousin, enters the hall and Sapnap doesn’t know much about fashion but even he has to admit she looks stunning.

 

“They look beautiful together.” Amanda whispers to him when the officiant, a woman, greets the guests.

 

“They really do.” Sapnap nods.

 

“Clay is a shy man.” Amanda isn’t even looking at him, instead smiling brightly at her sister’s daughter and her soon-to-be husband. “But from the way he looks at you I can tell he likes you.”

 

Sapnap doesn’t know what to say so he just focuses on the ceremony and fighting the blush creeping up his neck.

 

He likes him? They’re best friends, of course he likes him.

 

“What is she telling you?” Dream whispers in his other ear when the officiant pulls out the rings. Stacey starts saying her vows, voice breaking here and there either from the nerves or tears.

 

“Nothing, shh.”

 

“Sap-“

 

“Shut up.” Sapnap whispers back.

 

Stacey’s vows make him tear up a little, and he discreetly wipes under his eyes, praying his makeup isn’t smudged.

 

“Here.” Amanda hands him a tissue and he’s too choked up to thank her properly.

 

“Are you crying?” Dream leans so close to him he can actually feel his breath tickle his ear.

 

No.”


“Aw,” Dream is still too close to him, “Is Sapnap crying?”

 

“Shut up, Dream.” Sapnap whispers back but it lacks heat.

 

Dream stays silent for the rest of the ceremony, and when Stacey is carried out of the room by her new husband and the room erupts in cheers, Sapnap not so discreetly wipes under his eyes with the many tissues Amanda handed him.

 

“They look good together.” Dream says to him, breath on his neck again.

 

Sapnap nods. “They really do.”

 

Amanda turns to them with a clap. “Okay, dinner time! You two take your time, we’ll see you at the table, yeah?” She doesn’t wait for them to comment before she starts urging her daughters out of the row.

 

“Mom-“ One of the girls, Grace, starts to protest.

 

“No no no, come you guys, leave them alone.”

 

Dream’s older sister, Barb, turns around to stick her tongue out at Dream “But I want to meet the girl Clay tricked into coming-“

 

“Stop it, both of you! Come now.” Amanda grabs both of her daughter’s hands and practically pulls them away, Barb still protesting.

 

Dream’s dad turns to Sapnap with an awkward smile. “Sorry about… them. This is not how I imagined meeting my son’s girlfriend.”

 

“Dave!” Amanda calls from further away, voice nearly drowned by the sudden noise in the room.

 

“We’ll see you two later, okay? Have fun.” And with a wink, he’s gone.

 

Sapnap has nothing left to do but turn to Dream with a raised eyebrow. “Were they like this when I met them for the first time?”

 

Dream runs a hand down his face. “Definitely not.”

 

“Hey, where’s your other sister?” Sapnap asks as they follow the crowd out of the room and back to the bar. Sapnap definitely needs a drink.

 

“Tilly? She’s at camp.”

 

“What, summer camp?”

 

Dream leans on the bar and gives him a look. “No, idiot, a concentration camp. What the fuck do you mean summer camp.”

 

Sapnap rolls his eyes. “Shut up and get me another beer.”

 

“On an empty stomach?”

 

“Who are you, my mother?”

 

“Gotta look after my girl.” Dream turns back to order them another round.

 

My girl.

 

That does something to Sapnap, like a clench in his stomach he can’t chase away. Dream had been particularly careful about calling him a he but surprisingly being called his girl isn’t especially… disgusting.

 

Somewhere under the makeup and dress he’s actually starting to like being a girl.

 

God.

 

What the fuck?

 

It’s probably the situation – the wedding, the flowers everywhere, the gentle music drifting in from the other hall. Stacey got a live band, classy.

 

“Here.” Dream hands him another beer. “Let’s find our seats?”

 

It comes out like a question so Sapnap nods and follows behind to the dining hall, quickly scanning the room for Dream’s parents. The guests are starting to take their seats so Dream leads them to their table.

 

Amanda gives him a warm smile as he sits, before she frowns and glares at her son. “Did I not teach you manners? You’re meant to pull the chair out for a woman, Clay.”

 

“Mom.” Dream gives her a look.

 

“It’s really okay, ma’am.” Sapnap smiles politely.

 

“Nonsense.” Dave shakes his head. “A girl with a beer is a classy lady in my book. Son, you have to work to keep a woman.”

 

Dad.”

 

“I am loving this.” Barb says to Sapnap as she takes a seat next to him. “You’re cute, you could do far better than Clay.”

 

“Barb! Fuck me, what is wrong with you guys?” Dream is a little red in the face and it brings a wide smile to Sapnap’s.

 

“What are you doing with him?” Barb continues as if she hadn’t heard.

 

Sapnap takes a sip from his beer, enjoying the death glare Clay sends him.

 

“Barb, honey, don’t put her on the spot like that.” Amanda chastises. “So how did you two meet?”

 

Sapnap freezes. They probably should have gotten their stories straight before entering this minefield.

 

Dream’s shoulder brushes against his as he places his elbows on the table. “Um, through a mutual friend.”

 

“Oh, Nick?” Amanda sips her wine, unaware of Sapnap’s heart beating out of his chest.

 

“Uh, yeah,” Sapnap nods when Dream is silent for a second too long, “We were hanging out and… hit it off I guess.”

 

“What do you do?” Dave asks from across the table, “Do you do that internet stuff like Clay?”

 

Sapnap can’t help the smile. Internet stuff. “No, no. I’m still in college, actually.”

 

Dave nods. “Studying what?”

 

“Computer science.” It’s not technically a lie. He’s been thinking about going back to college recently.

 

“Oh, how old are you?” Dave continues.

 

Jesus, Dream really never brings girls home, huh? What is this, twenty questions?

 

“Twenty-two, sir.”

 

“Dave, sweetie, lay off her.” Amanda scolds. “I’m so sorry honey, you know how nervous parents get when they’re meeting the date.

 

“It’s really okay, ma’am.” Sapnap smiles at her because she looks genuinely worried.

 

“What’d you do to get her to go out with you?” Grace pipes up from besides Dream.

 

“Guys, seriously!” Dream starts, but is cut off by the waiters brining the first course.

 

Dinner goes by uneventfully for the most part. Sapnap is spared from answering any more questions and is instead pulled into easy conversation with Dream’s sisters as people start leaving their tables to mingle and dance.

 

“No way! And you actually went out with the guy?” He takes a sip from a cocktail that Barb ordered for him, and he has to admit, it’s much nicer than a beer.

 

“Yes! I mean, it was the lamest pick up line in existence but any guy who tries that hard means he’ll take a girl someplace nice. And I could tell it’d be nice because his watch looked like it cost more than my rent.”

 

Girls are brutal sometimes, huh?

 

“And did he take you someplace nice?”

 

“Fuck yeah. I mean, I found out he had a wife after, but at least I got some earrings out of it.” Barb sips on her own cocktail, flipping her blond hair over her shoulder as he does.

 

Sapnap whistles, low key impressed. “No kidding. A wife?”

 

“But enough about my disastrous love life.” Barb leans in close to him with a devious smile and grabs his hand. “How is dating my brother?”

 

Sapnap has to take a second to drink some more. “Honestly? We were friends for a while before we… went out so it was a bit awkward at first,” He glances behind his shoulder at Dream who’s very invested in throwing nuts at Grace, “But it’s… kind of nice.”

 

Barb squeezes his hand. “Well, Clay doesn’t have that much experience in the ladies’ department, I’m not gonna lie, but I can see he likes you. He’s never brought anyone else home.”

 

“Thanks.” Sapnap smiles and squeezes back before letting go so he can continue sipping on his drink.

 

“I have to say, I never thought I’d see my brother with someone as gorgeous as you, but-“ She raises one finger to make a point, “-he’s a good guy. And you’re pretty cool. I like you, Niki.”

 

Barb raises her glass expectantly.

 

Sapnap raises his and they clank together. “You’re pretty cool too.”

 

“Who do we have here?”

 

The voice startles Sapnap so much he’s left choking on the pink cocktail.

 

He turns around, still hacking his lungs out, to find Dream’s uncle – Richard – standing there with a beer in hand.

 

Now, Sapnap is feeling pretty tipsy at this point, but by the way Richard is standing he can tell the man is much further gone.

 

“I’m Niki, sir.” He says politely.

 

“Clay’s girlfriend.” Barb comments from next to him. Sapnap shoots her a look but Barb just smirks at him.

 

Richard gasps in surprise. “Well, look at you! How did Clay land such a hottie?”

 

“Getting creepy, Uncle Rich.” Barb warns.

 

“Hey, hey, come on, she looks like she can take a joke.” Richard pulls a chair from the other table and sits between Barb and Sapnap. “So, it’ll be you and Clay there in a couple of years, huh?”

 

Sapnap freezes.

 

It’s not like he can blame Dream’s family for being so nosey; Dream did introduce him as his girlfriend for whatever reason.

 

But then why?

 

Why not just say they’re friends? What exactly is Dream gaining from putting Sapnap on the spot like this?

 

And a wedding? They’re not even dating, not really.

 

He’s been starting at nothing for too long. Barb nudges his shoulder and startles him out of his thoughts.

 

“W-would you excuse me?” He doesn’t wait for an answer before stumbling away from the table and in the general direction of the bathrooms.

 

With shaky hands he pushes the door open to find the bathroom empty, thank god.

 

He grabs the sink with unsteady hands and thanks the Lord that Tina didn’t put him in heels. Not only would he make a fool out of himself by walking but his legs right now feel like Jell-O.

 

“Don’t freak out.” He looks at himself in the mirror.

 

There’s no denying it – he’s a girl. There’s barely any resemblance to his previous self, save for the eye and hair colour. His hair is long and smells like strawberries. His cheekbones are sharper, his nose looks smaller and he’s a girl.

 

Is he ever going to go back to normal? And worst of all – does he even want to?

 

The way his boobs feel doesn’t make him want to crawl out of his own skin anymore. It’s weird and it’s strange but it’s not wrong.

 

“Don’t freak out, don’t freak out.”

 

He’s freaking out. And now Dream’s family is talking about marriage? What are they going to do if Sapnap gets turned back, or worse, if he doesn’t? Are they going to have to keep this ruse up?

 

What are his own parents going to say? Is Sapnap, for all intents and purposes, dead?

 

“You okay in here, honey?”

 

Sapnap jumps out of his skin so hard he actually shrieks.

 

Then the entire situation dawns on him and he can’t help but laugh. “Oh my god, Amanda, you scared me.”

 

Amanda lets herself into the bathroom, making sure the door swings to a close before she comes to stand by him and look at the two of them in the mirror. Her eyes are crinkled with the faintest line of wrinkles, and her lips are turned up in a smile.

 

“What Clay’s uncle said back there... Sometimes people don’t really know how to respect boundaries. I just want you to know there’s no pressure on you two.” She’s looking at herself now, fluffing her hair a little, clearly just to avoid shining the spotlight on Sapnap.

 

“I know.” Sapnap says, voice hollow.

 

“Honey, I know it’s intimidating meeting someone’s family for the first time,” She turns to him but Sapnap can’t face her, eyes still trained on the sink, “But you’re doing great. Clay really likes you and I do too.”

 

That, at last, snags his attention.

 

“You do?”

 

Amanda looks earnest. She lets out a laugh. “Yes, honey, I do. You’re gorgeous and you’re funny and you’re clever… I mean, granted, we still don’t know each other but I want you to know that we’d like to. I don’t want you to feel like we think you guys are going to get married or anything. Clay doesn’t… introduce a lot of girls, you know?”

 

“Yeah, so I’ve been told.”

 

“That’s a good thing.” Amanda grabs his hand and gives it a squeeze. Her eyes crinkle a little more when she smiles warmly. “You’re clearly a very special girl, and my family just has a weird way of showing it. We’re happy he brought you, okay?”

 

Sapnap takes a deep breath. He shakes his head a little to clear it. “Okay.”

 

“Okay.” Amanda gives his hand one last squeeze. “Here, your mascara smudges a little.”

 

She runs a paper towel and starts dabbing at his skin gently. “You’re doing great.”

 

“Huh?”

 

Amanda holds his cheek tenderly. “Tonight. You’ve been fantastic. Barb seems to have taken a liking to you as well. I have to say, though, when I first saw you in sneakers I wasn’t convinced but I envy you your shoe choice right now, my feet are killing me.”

 

“Yeah, I didn’t think I could pull off a whole evening in heels.”

 

“I honestly don’t think I can either.” Amanda inspects his face closely. “Okay, all done. You coming or do you still need a minute?”

 

“I’ll be out in a second.” Sapnap returns the smile. “Thank you.”

 

She winks. “Anytime, honey.”

 

When he’s left alone he faces the mirror again and hates it less. He looks good, attractive in a way he’s seen girls be. He runs a hand through his curls, detangling a few. He smooths the dress and pulls out the lip gloss Tina had given him to gently dab it on his lips.

 

“Okay.” He takes a deep breath.

 

In.

 

Out.

 

He’s a girl now, at least for the foreseeable future. He’ll just have to deal with it.

 

Sapnap steps out of the bathroom in time to catch the last sunrays stray through the large windows. Guests are filling the dancefloor surely, the bride dancing happily with the groom.

 

Dream is right where Sapnap left him.

 

“You okay?” Dream stands up as soon as he catches sight of her.

 

Sapnap smiles. “Yeah.” And she really thinks she means it.

 

“Need another drink?”

 

“God, yes.”

 

And so they get a drink. And another one after that.

 

They’re sat outside the hotel on the benches wet from evening dew, laughing at something stupid Dream had said.

 

“Clay, oh my god, it’s the song! No fucking way!” Sapnap springs up from the bench. “Dream, come on!”

 

“No way did Stacey pick that song.” Dream shakes his head with a laugh as he runs after Sapnap, past a crowd of people and onto the dancefloor just as the chorus of Avril Lavigne’s Skater Girl kicks in.

 

Sapnap is drunk at this point, she knows. There’s no denying it, even as she jumps and continues to bump into Dream as they sing their hearts out, Stacey and her horde of bridesmaids losing their minds next to them to the song. The room is swaying, but between the music and the low lights and Dream grinning from ear to ear in front of her she feels amazing.

 

Lighter than she had for weeks.

 

They’re a little out of breath when the song ends, breathless giggles on their lips as they grasp onto each other for balance.

 

“I love that song.” Sapnap laughs and has to latch onto Dream as she slips on the floor.

 

“Hey! Careful!” Dream steadies her with an arm on the small of her back, sending tingles as skin meets skin. They’re standing close, close enough for Sapnap to count the freckles dotting Dream’s nose.

 

Dream’s hand is still on her back, still hot where his fingers are splayed. Their eyes meet and Sapnap’s heart stops.

 

How long will I love you?

 

“No fucking way.” Dream says, voice low, but he’s so close the words reach her even over the music. “I haven’t heard that song in years.”

 

Around them people slow down to match the song, swaying gently. Sapnap can see over Dream’s shoulder Stacey rest her head against her husband’s chest, a content smile on her lips.

 

As long as stars are above you

 

And longer if I can

 

Sapnap can feel Dream’s eyes burning a hole into hers.

 

His arm is still around her.

 

How long will I need you?

 

Wordlessly, almost like magnets, Dream steps closer into Sapnap, his other hand winding against hers and holding it so gently if Sapnap closed her eyes it could be a phantom’s touch.

 

As long as the seasons need to

 

Follow their plan

 

Eyes meet eyes. Dream’s eyes are hooded, looking down at her, expression unreadable.

 

Or maybe Sapnap’s drunk.

 

It would explain why her heart is racing a mile a minute.

 

How long will I be with you?

 

They’re inches apart. Dream’s hot breath fans her face, but no matter how much she tries she cannot pull away.

 

She should pull away.

 

As long as the sea is bound to

 

Wash upon the sand

 

They’re moving to the music, gently, and Sapnap can’t pinpoint the moment when her hand finds itself on Dream’s shoulder.

 

A faint layer of sweat dots Dream’s face, making him shine slightly as the lights dim around the room. She can no longer hear the people around them, but she can hear Dream hum the melody quietly.

 

How long will I want you?

 

There’s something strange in the air, there must be. She had never felt like this, not even drunk, not in clubs or in their living room or with George or with Karl. Dream’s hand is hot in hers, but it doesn’t feel like its close enough.

 

Her stomach feels uneasy, nervous.

 

Why is she nervous?

 

As long as you want me to

 

Dream looks calm. A strand of hair falls into his eyes so she reaches up and brushes it back.

 

It’s soft.

 

They’re just friends. Friend on a date.

 

And longer by far

 

It doesn’t feel like they’re friends. Oh, she’s so screwed.