#dnbxmas24

“Did I disturb you, Dream?” asked Techno with a grin.

Dream gave a quiet laugh.

“No.” The expression on Dream’s face was one Techno was familiar with and he readied himself for whatever nonsense specifically designed to make him shake his head was about to come out of Dream’s mouth. “I was just thinking…”

The grin on Techno’s face widened fondly.

“I’m sure, I’m sure.”

For a moment the tables were turned and Dream shot Techno a look before rolling his eyes.

“Fuck off, Techno, I-I am,” he said. “I was thinking, how—how did you propose to me?”

Techno blinked.

“Heh?”

The question hadn’t been what Techno was expecting and he stared at Dream who raised his shoulders in an awkward shrug before folding his hands across his stomach. His eyes were back on the ceiling.

“We’re pretending to be married, right? So, I mean, you had to propose, right?”

Glancing up at the ceiling as if he thought he could find whatever inspired Dream to go down this line of questioning, Techno mimicked his shrug.

“How d’you know I was the one to propose? Maybe you were the one,” said Techno.

Dream scoffed and rolled slightly onto his side to stare at Techno.

“It’s your idea that means you were the one to propose.”

The logic was flawless, Techno had to admit. With a groan, he stretched out onto his belly until his face was only a few inches away from Dream’s. Dream watched with what Techno thought was suspicion and a bit of eagerness.

“Alright, you’ve got a point.” Techno propped his chin up on one hand. “Lemme think. It had to be something epic, obviously.”

Dream nodded, face serious.

“Obviously.”

This close, it might have been possible to count the freckles on Dream’s cheeks and nose. He was watching Techno intently, eyes never leaving his face, and Techno felt a blush rising. The thought that they were close enough he could kiss Dream wouldn’t leave. He cleared his throat.

“It was the middle of battle. You were surrounded by enemies—”

One of Dream’s hands darted out and smacked Techno lightly on the arm.

“Hey!”

Techno caught Dream’s wrist. Dream wasn’t that much shorter than him but he had always been lithe and the starvation had taken that into painfully thin territory. Techno could wrap his fingers completely around his wrist.

“Remember, I’m the one proposin’ here, Dream, that means I get to decide.”

“Alright, fiiiine,” said Dream.

It would’ve been easy for him to tug his hand away – the grip was gentle – but he didn’t. Techno’s fingers moved upwards until he was able to lace them together with Dream’s.

“Where was I before I was so rudely interrupted?” Dream rolled his eyes and Techno grinned. “Oh right, so there you were, surrounded by enemies. I had already finished off the guys I was fightin’, obviously.”

Dream rolled his eyes again but he was smiling.

“Obviously,” he said, the sarcasm thick and amused.

Techno squeezed Dream’s hand a little.

“I saw you were in trouble and pearled right in the middle, just in time to parry a fatal blow. Together – see, I’m givin’ you some credit, Dream – we finished off the rest of ‘em just as the sun began settin’. In the orange light of the sunset, you actually looked kinda pretty.”

In the orange light of the lava, Dream did look kind of pretty, Techno thought, even with the feigned look of annoyance. He was still looking at Techno and he had leaned in closer and Techno didn’t think he had realized it.

“Then?” Dream prompted.

Techno shifted where he lay. He hadn’t realized he was staring.

“I took your hand,” he said, squeezing Dream’s hand, “and got down on one knee, askin’ you to marry me. Of course, you were ecstatic and said yes, Techno, I’ll marry you because I can’t believe someone as cool and handsome as you would want to marry a homeless guy.”

The laugh Dream gave was loud and delighted.

“Oh my god! What is wrong with you?” His voice rose and fell, squeaking out as his cheeks turned bright red. “You—That’s the worst proposal ever, Technoblade! Y-you didn’t even give me a ring or flowers or—or kiss me!”

The thought that had been stuck in Techno’s mind was white hot. He leaned in a little.

“It was the middle of a battle, Dream, I didn’t have time to stop to pick flowers, alright?”

Dream tilted his head up. His breath was warm on Techno’s face.

“Lame. I could—I could definitely do better.”

Techno’s laugh was soft and amused.

“Yeah? Alright, man, you tell me how you’d do it,” he said.

It was quiet for a moment and Techno was certain he could hear Dream’s heart racing just as quickly as his own was.

“I would’ve, like, done the whole candlelight dinner thing. I mean, I can’t really cook but whatever. I would’ve gotten you flowers,” said Dream, triumphantly, as if he had won the game they were playing.

Rubbing his thumb against Dream’s knuckle, Techno nodded slowly as he considered Dream’s words. He was considering a lot of things, like the curve of Dream’s mouth and the butterflies in his stomach. He was trying to ignore the way Dream was looking at him because he had a feeling it mirrored his own expression.

“Oh, I see, I see. You would’ve gone full rose petals on the floor, huh?” Dream didn’t answer because Techno had leaned in close enough that his snout was just barely touching the corner of his mouth. They both held perfectly still until Techno raised an eyebrow and said, “I guess you would’ve kissed me, too.”

When Dream answered, his lips brushed against Techno’s skin. He said, with no sarcasm, “Obviously.”

A shiver went down Techno’s spine and it pained him to move away.

People had told Techno that Dream was a monster, that he wasn’t human. It had seemed like the sort of rumors that would’ve been directed at him if things had gone differently. He knew, at least partially, what Dream had done and had chalked it up to that which was none of his business. The fact that Dream had never betrayed him, that he owed Dream for helping to save his life and return Carl to him was what mattered to Techno and he kept that carefully separated from all the rest.

Techno was a little surprised, then, when the platform stopped at the cell with a thud and he saw Dream without the mask and carefully constructed outfit that showed nothing for the first time.

He wasn’t human.

It was hard to tell what he was. Techno was aware of a humanoid shape pressed into the corner of cell, tucked beneath the lectern as much as possible. But it felt off. The stained and ripped orange jumpsuit didn’t quite fit.

“Dream?”

The cell swallowed the name. Techno took a couple steps forward. He could smell sweat and too much blood in the air. He knew what the stains were.

“You—You shouldn’t have come.” Dream’s voice muffled and strained. “It’s a trap.”

“I know, Dream, I know,” said Techno, crouching down close enough he could reach out and touch Dream if he wanted to. The smell of blood was stronger now. “C’mon, it’s alright. Lemme see you.”

Dream let out a shaky breath then unfurled himself from the corner.

Green, tangled hair that was more like a mane fell down in front of Dream’s face. Two white, rabbit-like ears stuck out from the top of his head, a green tuft of fur on the tip of the one that hadn’t been torn raggedly. His eyes were round and so dark Techno couldn’t determine the color though when the light from the glowstone hit them, they shone green. His nose was also rabbit-like with a little bit of green fur set above a mouth that was entirely too wide, curved upwards. The flat, round shape of his face reminded Techno of a barn owl. A long white tail, also tipped with green, was wrapped around Dream’s legs. Sitting, it was hard to judge proportions but the lankiness Dream had always possessed now made more sense. He was all arms and legs, the paw shaped hands ending in claws, and Techno was certain the fluff on his rabbit shaped feet hid similar claws. Where there wasn’t green fur, his skin was an almost iridescent white and his back seemed oddly hunched. Dream blinked and two sets of eyelids slid across his eyes.

“I know,” he started, bitterly, “I’m—”

Techno cut him off.

“Bruh, what the heck happened to you?”

The question caught Dream off-guard and he tilted his head as he fell silent. He pulled his arms to his chest. The sleeves of the jumpsuit weren’t long enough, exposing his forearms and all the cuts and scars and bruises. Dream swallowed.

“I—They’ve been torturing me.”

Techno winced slightly at the confirmation of what was obvious from merely looking at Dream. He hadn’t wanted to believe it but the bloody jumpsuit and the torn ear and all the bruises and cuts were impossible to miss. The abuse was written all over him and it was horrific. Techno didn’t know what to do or say, not with Dream’s strange face staring at him like he was expecting something bad.

“Dang,” he said, throat tight. “That sucks, man.”

A rough, annoyed laugh was pulled from Dream and he smiled, too-wide mouth full of sharp teeth, before he could stop himself.

“It’s not—I mean, yeah, it—it does suck.”

Dream’s shoulders dropped. His collarbone stuck out sharply and Techno realized he had to be terribly underweight. He started to dig into his pockets but Sam had turned them out thoroughly. Instead, he untucked his shirt, stuck his thumb into the last button hole, and tore a strip of fabric off.

“L, couldn’t be me.” The words were soft and teasing and Techno moved a little closer to Dream. “You said ‘they’, I’m guessin’ you mean Sam and Quackity.”

At the names, Dream tensed, large eyes flicking upwards, looking beyond Techno to the wall of lava as if he thought they would be summoned by mere mention. He was trembling, shifting uncomfortably where he sat.

“Y-yeah. It was—It was him. Quackity,” said Dream after a long moment. “He tried to make me write you a note but I didn’t. I swear, I didn’t, Techno.”

It was the most emotion he had shown this entire time, face twisting in desperation. His hands had twitched, starting to reach out to Techno before pulling back. Techno reached out instead and touched the side of Dream’s head. The hair beneath his palm was soft despite the matting.

“It’s okay, Dream, I believe you, alright? I believe you, man. Just let me take a look at you. You’re a mess,” he said.

Instead of responding, Dream pushed himself further out of the corner and closer to Techno. The blood on his skin was dried and crusty but Techno did his best to clean it off. The first time Techno’s fingers touched Dream’s skin, he almost recoiled; it had a strange texture, almost like a slime block but dry and warm. He thought Dream noticed the almost, saw the way he lowered his gaze, and to make up for it, Techno pressed his palm against Dream’s cheek. There were scars on his face and around his neck and long, thin scars curling around his shoulder and down his back. On his back, two oddly shaped lumps were raised against the fabric of his jumpsuit and for some reason, Techno thought of Phil. He started to pull the jumpsuit back but Dream jerked away.

“Don’t—Just, don’t, please,” he said.

Techno frowned. He wanted to know what had happened because he had an idea and he didn’t like the idea, not even a little. He knew why he had thought of Phil. Discarding the scrap of fabric, Techno tugged off his cloak.

Commotion came from the area of the stage. It was rather easy to pick out Techno's voice among the others even with Dream and Punz's hiding spot. They had him. They would lock him on display as the anvil fell.

Dream hoped the piglin found a totem of undying with the map he gave, especially considering both their skills with maps. It wouldn't prevent him from dying, but it would prevent it from being permanent and Dream having to use an item, he'd rather keep hidden from all except for Punz for a bit longer.

They both kept watch as things progressed. Until Dream gave the signal and Punz pearled in. The surprise was working, all of them were caught off guard. Dream headed down towards Carl and guided them both to a place near the van where Techno had to spot them and would hopefully then come to him.

But instead of the green flash of life magic or the white flash from visiting death, there was a pink one. Quick and left behind a similarly coloured mist that moved through the cage and past him towards the hole where Dream had planned to lead Techno to. Where his items were.

Dream followed it closely with the horse, blocking off the entry after and ignoring the yells behind him. The mist didn't stop, heading further down to where he had placed the iron armour and other items that Techno could have used, as well as the few items that Dream had already managed to steal back from the butcher army.

The chest with Techno's name on it glowed faintly from inside before dimming.

When he opened it, the sword, Orphan Oblitorator was still faintly glowing before the glow became a shimmer similar to that of an enchantment except for the colour difference. Instead of the purple, it was the same pink as the times before. He chuckled. So undeniably Techno. He couldn't imagine anyone else with that shade.

His suspicions that formed with the mist were confirmed and he didn't know how to feel about it. Maybe relief that he's not the only one. Maybe curiosity. It didn't matter.

What mattered was getting Techno out. Especially now that the piglin couldn't really do it himself unless the sword suddenly grew two legs or wings.

Considering the height the anvil fell from, he estimated it would take more than a day for Tech to reform. A time he would need to either ensure was spent away from enemies' hands himself or have someone he could trust do it.

Phil would be a good option. A long-time and trusted friend of Technos. If only he wasn't under house arrest and it wouldn't be too risky to try breaking him out now. He'd have to wait. Punz and Sam would be other good options. Both trustworthy and dedicated. But both were busy.

He'd probably prefer to do it himself anyway.

The items left for Techno got put back into his inventory before he gently lifted the sword and put it into the sheath around his belt. It shouldn't prevent him from coming back like putting him in his inventory would. And besides, an inventory slot doesn't fit Technoblade. The sheath doesn't really either but it's at least a bit better.

"I've got you," he whispered.

Dream was about to head further down when he spotted Quackity behind him, expression first surprised then souring into anger. "What the- Dream? What the fuck. Of course. Of course, you are here. Where is Technoblade? Did you help him escape? How did- How did you do it?"

The words "I wish" were on his tongue. If he actually had managed to help him escape, if he had any plan for that, Technoblade wouldn't be recharging inside the sword right now.

Subtly he tried to remove the sword from Quackity's eyesight while starting to gesture with his hands. "You really think Techno would need my help to escape? I mean I'm flattered, y'know? But he didn't need me."

"Sure. Sure. So you have Carl just for fun. Wanted another horse whose leather can be swung in front of your face." Dream's grip on the orphan obliterator tightened, still, he refrained from swinging any weapons, least of all swinging that sword. "Where is Techno, Dream? I saw Punz. You told him to disrupt the execution, didn't you?"

"To be fair, Techno has enough to buy Punz himself. He wouldn't need me for that."

"Everyone knows how you two are working together." They know, for now, Dream thought. "So tell me where Techno is and how you helped him escape or this will get ugly. I will even let you keep the horse if you spit it out."

"Hmm. I mean this would be a lot more threatening if it wasn't coming from you." Quackity for all his skill in getting people to join his cause, wasn't a fighter. "So listen. I'm gonna go with Carl and you go back to your country. Got that?"

"I won't let you leave, Dream. Tell me where he is." Quackity demanded as he held the diamond axe pointed to him.

"No. I won't just tell you where he is even if i knew."

"Okay, that's it." Quackity ran straight at him which nearly made Dream want to chuckle. He didn't pay attention to the words exchanged after the first hit. The fight - which could barely even be called that - was over quickly. A few hits with Nightmare and the duck hybrid crumbled to the floor. Breath wheezing from how it tried to still get in air despite the slit throat.

Dream kneeled down, looking Quackity in the eyes. "Don't waste your breath."

Seconds later, the body dissolved. Slowly fading to signify the first life lost and the other two remaining. With flint and steel, he burned the scattered items, only taking those that seemed useful. Tactics from back when he was hunted more widely still were useful.

After a quick check on his surroundings to ensure no more surprise attackers, he started leading Carl again, hoping the faint whispers of "Blood for the Blood God" he could hear were just his imagination. Maybe Technoblade's influence.

At some point, the path opened up more which also meant Dream could go onto the horse again, which he did after holding out a golden apple to it. It inspected the food with a few sniffs before deeming it safe and biting into it while Dream petted it. A beautiful and strong horse. He could see why Technoblade liked it.

He settled on its back and quickly ordered it forward. The rest of the way went by in a breeze despite sticking to the Overworld. Nether travel seemed risky with how they might predict it.

The cabin was soon in view. The moon is by now high up and reflecting the sun's light down onto the world.

He stepped down and fed another golden apple to it. Ignoring background whispers of him spoiling the horse and being soft. Softwastaken. Dreamwassoft. Not the strangest of thoughts his mind summoned. Though they were annoying nonetheless.

There was no one in the cabin except for the animals and enderman Techno was housing. It felt empty without the piglin’s big figure and warm voice. He should be back soon.

But for now, he racked his brain for whatever Punz usually does if he is like this. Keep out of inventory. Keep close or hidden. Repair of broken. Wait.

Techno was still out of his inventory and in his sheat. His plan for now was to stick around till either Techno came out again or Phil escaped which he should message Punz for. See if they can figure out a way. Later.

Dream remembers feeling his surroundings when he was like the piglin is now. He mulled over it a bit as he ventured upstairs and placed Techno on the bed. The blanket was left off of him. He didn't know how, when or where Techno would form, best to keep it uncovered.

Something Punz would sometimes do is fix him if he had any rips in his other form. But Techno's sword didn't seem in need of any repairs. The blade was as sharp as ever and beautifully smooth. The handle provided a good grip even if it was a bit large for Dream. It's design still left him in awe. It was a masterpiece just like its soul.

Which made him wonder how Techno had become like this. Was he born or rather made like this? Or was he cursed like Dream? Or maybe not a curse but a connection through many battles won and much blood spilt that led to his soul possessing the sword after his death?

But if he wasn't always like this when did it change? How long has he been the spirit of a sword? Did-

A squeak interrupted his mind. Something small, furry and white peaked out from the trapdoor before scrambling further up and along till it was on the bed. Dream was about to rush forward but stopped in his tracks when he saw the fox was just curling up on top of the sword.

It was just cuddling with its owner. Wait, does it know that’s Techno? Can animals sense object’s souls when they are in the object? He’s gonna need to test this once he can. Speaking of testing, he meant to text Punz.

You whisper to Punz: did you get away?

Punz whispers to you: yes. only a few minor cuts. how about you?

You whisper to Punz: same on my end

You whisper to Punz: is phil still under house arrest?

Punz whispers to you: yes. want me to get him out?

You whisper to Punz: yes

You whisper to Punz: Techno is like me

You whisper to Punz: currently recharging on his bed

You whisper to Punz: will wait till Phil gets here or he gets back

Punz whispers to you: alright

He looked back to the bed where the fox seemed asleep by now. On the nightstand, he spotted a few trinkets. A smaller bell, a lapis lazuli, a letter, a stone that looks familiar and a book. Curious he came closer till he could make out the title. “Love Across Dimensions”. It didn’t sound like something he could see Techno read. Even more curious now, he opened it to the first few pages and quickly got even more surprised or rather confused.

It turned out to be an encyclopedia on courting rituals in different species ranging from the common human to the rarest ender dragon hybrid. There was a loose page with different hybrid species written down including dragon, goat and avian.

Dream opened the list of contents again and flipped shortly to the piglin section. He got a few sentences in before another ping got him out.

Punz whispers to you: Btw, congrats on the kill

He messaged back a quick thanks and then put the book back where it was. With nothing else to do but wait, he shifted into a wolf to better blend in just in case anyone came in.

Settled beside the bed, he keeps his ears sharp, listening for any threat.

Nothing happens for hours until the wall gets drenched in a pink hue.

Dream glances up to the bed. The sword is glowing, the fox now moved further down the bed away from it. The pink mist from before exits the sword again and shapes into a familiar form.

Technoblade groans from where he reformed again and Dream forgets for a second which shape he took and lets out a yip, drawing Techno's attention.

“Huh? You’re not one of my dogs. How did you get in here?”

Deciding he’d rather not have Techno know he’s a wolf right now, he heads straight down and out, opening the door with little issue. He hears the piglin call out for him but ignores it. If Techno knew, the shifter wouldn't hear the end of it.