Chapter Text
The first thing Techno did after finishing tea was force Dream into new clothes.
Not that Dream minded, really. The material for the clothes was soft, not at all irritating, and Dream had never worn a skirt before. They were comfortable. Though they weren't really sure where Techno had even gotten a skirt. He didn't seem like the type.
The second thing Techno did was go to the garden, Dream on his tail.
Sitting in the shade watching as Techno rummaged in the dirt.
The garden consisted mostly of leafy greens and other vegetables, but there were a few flowers here and there. Ever curious, Dream questioned Techno about all of them.
Techno had camellias, zinnias, hydrangeas, and peonies. Dream's favorite, however, were the sunflowers.
They were so large and bright, how could sunflowers not be their favorite?
They were the flowers Techno had the most of, scattered about the garden. Probably because, as Techno told Dream, the seeds were edible.
This was fascinating to Dream.
"The only food I've ever had is ambrosia," Dream admitted to Techno, swinging their feet as they sat on the edge of Techno's porch.
Techno grunted, working away at a carrot, "I'll make you something new tonight." he promised.
"Really?" Dream asked, eyes squinting closed as they smiled. So far, the human world was exactly like they had expected it to be, delightful.
Techno shrugged, glancing up at Dream from his crouched position, "I mean, sure. It's not like we have to eat, but it tastes good, and it's enjoyable. We can have stew tonight."
"Okay," Dream said, breathless. A strange feeling was shimmering in their chest, nearly leaving them breathless.
//
Later, the two were seated across from each other in Techno's tiny dining room.
"Is this... pork?" Dream asked, poking at their stew.
Techno pulled a face, "No, I don't kill pigs. I'm the patron god of boars, remember?"
"Oh," Dream winced, "I didn't know that, sorry."
Techno waved them off using his spoon, "It's fine. This is beef. Cow."
"Cool!" Dream said, taking a bite. It was really good.
They'd never seen a cow. Dream had heard Tubbo, the God of harvest and agriculture, talk about them, though, and they sounded wonderful. Dream honestly felt a little bad about eating one.
Only a little, though. They did taste really good.
Techno cleared his throat between bites, "I'm going to the market tomorrow, if you want to come with. I'm assuming you want to make the most of your time while you're down here."
Dream smiled, "That'd be nice, thank you."
The pair fell back into a tense silence.
Silently, Techno cursed. He was going to have to be the mature one here, wasn't he?
"Dream, the reason I don't want you down here- It's not 'cause I don't like you, or that I don't want to spend time with you," Gods Techno hated these kids of conversations, "It's just, you know how the Elders are with you. You're different-"
Dream slammed their spoon onto the well-made wooden table, "Why am I different though, Technoblade? What makes me so special? Why do you, and George, and Wilbur and everyone else get to do what they want while I'm stuck in that stupid white room up above, constantly being monitored and never allowed to do anything!"
By the time they were finished, Dream was full blown shouting. The air around them seemed to hum, smelling of the air after a thunder storm.
Techno gazed at his friend with sad, crimson eyes, "I don't know," he said softly, because he truly didn't.
Dream sat back down, their shoulders hunting with defeat, "I just want to be normal."
"Dream..." Techno cleared his throat, uncomfortable with the atmosphere in the room, both literally and figuratively. The air was still brewing after Dream's explosion. He sighed, "Okay, here. How about, for the time that you're here, I'll do the most I can to- to make everything fun. And then you'll go back to the Elders, no complaining. Because you'll have to go back there eventually, Dream, and the longer you stay down here the angrier they're gettin.'"
Dream sighed, poking at their stew, "Alright. Can we- can we go to a tavern? One with music?"
Despite himself, Techno offered Dream a small smile, "Sure we can."
//
There were so many people in the human world. So much to do!
"Techno, look over here!" Dream called, smiling as they buzzed around the storefront of one of the many shops in the village square. This one sold pottery and stained glass - something Dream thought was just absolutely lovely, "Isn't this so pretty?"
"Very pretty," Techno said, gently taking the piece of glass from Dream's thin fingers, "But also very breakable. Be careful 'cause I'm not payin' for one of these if you break it."
"I still don't understand what's stopping me from just taking it."
"Morals, Dream," Techno said, placing the piece back down on the counter, "Morals."
"Right..."
Techno sighed at Dream's dubious response, "Do you want some food?"
Dream smiled, mood immediately brightening, "Yes!" They'd had breakfast in the morning, before they left for the village, and Dream had loved it. Bread was a wondrous invention.
Dream would have to thank the person who'd come up with it.
"After food we have to head home, though," Techno cautioned as he lead Dream away from the pottery shop, "I need to tend to the animals. And you haven't met Steve yet."
"Steve?" Dream wrinkled their nose in unfamiliarity.
Techno smiled fondly, "My dog. Herds the sheep."
Dream nodded in understanding. They'd heard Tubbo talk about sheep before, too.
//
Dream smiled as they and Techno walked down the dirt path towards Techno's house. The village wasn't too far from the cottage, about a thirty minute walk, and Dream found themself enjoying the time they got to spend with Techno.
"Techno, what is mead?" Dream asked, remembering the large barrels they'd seen earlier in the day.
The man snorted, "Not something you'll even touch if I can help it. It's a poison that humans drink to make themselves drunk. Lowers inhibitions and such. I'd cut out my own eye before I ever saw you drunk."
"Hmm," Dream hummed in agreement. That didn't sound very fun.
"The farm's a bit past the house, so you'll have to keep walkin' for a bit to find it. Shouldn't take more than ten minutes, though," Techno looked over at them, face fond as he gazed down at the smaller blonde, "Then you can meet Steve."
//
Steve was big.
In all honesty, Steve was probably too big for Dream's tastes.
They took a frightened step back as the large, white dog came charging towards the pair of dogs. Techno knelt down to meet the ball of fluff, chuckling slightly as Steve ran into his arms with enough force to knock him over.
Lovingly, Techno held Steve's face in his hands, "Hiya bud, you missed me?" He looked up at the blonde, who was staring down at him with something akin to horror and awe in their eyes, "This is Dream Exdii. Wanna say hi?"
"Uh..." Dream said nervously.
Techno patted the dog's side, "Don't worry about him, he won' bite. He's a sweet guy."
Hesitantly, Dream stuck their hand out. Steve licked at it affectionately.
A surprised giggle bubbled its way out of Dream's throat, a delighted smile crossing his feature. Hurridly, Technoblade glanced away at them and out into the fields beyond, cursing his red cheeks.
Self control, Technoblade. Self control.