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Emeralds
That is how he would describe Dream’s eyes. They were similar in color but his were more vibrant, full of life, and shone whenever the masked man smiled.
He doesn’t know when he would ever see those eyes again. He hopes to prime that he will see those eyes again.
-----
The first time Techno and Dream met, Dream was 8 and Techno was 9. Dream had lost his mother while out hunting for supplies to fix their ship. The sun was fast retreating, and the blond grew more and more frantic as he tried to find his mother.
"Mama! Where are you!?"
He yelled as he continued to walk further and further into the forest. Never noticing someone following him.
It wasn't until the snap of a branch did Dream turn his head, looking for the source of the sound. When he turned his head again, he was met with red eyes staring at him. He yelped, falling backwards, hands clawing at rotting foliage in a vain attempt to get away from the figure.
As the shadow stalked closer, he noticed that it was vaguely piglin shaped. His mother had refused to bring him into the Nether, so he only knew about the nether-dwellers from books he had pilfered from his mother’s collection. But he knew enough to be aware of the fact that Overworld air was toxic to the pig-like beings.
"Uhm… Hello?"
"Gold."
"What?"
"You're hair, it’s like gold."
That… that was not the first thing he expected to hear from the hybrid. He looks up to see a hoove extended out to him. When he grabs it he notices how warm it is. It doesn't burn like when one touches a fire. It's more gentle, like when he is cocooned in his mother's hair whenever he gets scared.
"I'm Dream, and you?"
The piglin thinks for a second before snorting
"Technoblade"
Dream giggles at the piglin. Techno raising a brow at the kid.
"Technoblade is a funny name"
Heat rises to Techno's cheeks and ears.
"N-no it's not! It's a scary name!"
Refutes the piglin, Dream laughing at his response.
"What are you doing here anyway?"
"Out with Phil, looking for materials to craft items."
"Phil? Who is that?"
On cue a winged hybrid lands next to the pair.
"Ah, Techno there you are, I've been looking for you- Oh" Phil looks over at the child next to Techno.
"Hey mate, who’re you?"
Dream looks up at the hybrid, his green eyes shining, mouth agape as he stares at Phil’s wings.. The last rays of sun sparkling on the beautiful plumage..
"Oh… uhm I'm Dream"
"Nice to meet you, Dream. What are you doing all the way out here?"
Dream fiddles with the hem of his hoodie, embarrassed to admit that he’s completely and utterly lost.
"Mama's ship got damaged ‘n so I came with her to look for supplies.” He pauses, staring down at the ground before mumbling “I got distracted and now I can’t find her.”
Phil smiles, gently ruffling Dream's hair,
"Well I’ve got a little campsite not far from here. How about you stay with us for the night and in the morning I'll help you get back. That sound alright, Dream?"
Dream looks up at the man and smiles, nodding enthusiastically at Phil’s suggestion. Techno watches in awe as the boy’s eyes light up, seeming to shine on their own. Dream seems nice, and for once, the voices agree with Techno’s judgement.
He decides he enjoys the company of this kid.
-----
The next time Techno and Dream saw each other was during a tournament. Dream was 15 and Techno was 16. Dream had already adopted his signature mask, and Techno didn’t recognize the blonde at first.
It wasn’t until the two were pitted against each other in the final round that the piglin hybrid finally recognized his opponent. Techno couldn't help but think it was a bit of a shame that the porcelain hid his emerald eyes.
The duel was long and both contestants were hellbent on winning, but eventually, Techno bested the blond. As the champion staggered out of the arena, he felt something tugging on his cape.
"Don't recognize me Bacon?"
He looks back at the voice, his eyes widening when he spots them without a mask. Vibrant green eyes smiling back at him.
"’Course I recognized you. Who else would wear that-” He gestured to Dream’s neon getup with mock disdain, “in public.” "
"Awww c’mon, you know you love it." The blond teased, hooking his arms around the other’s shoulders, trying to be as much of a problem as possible.
"What’s with the mask?" Techno blurts, shaking the other off and sending him tumbling into the dirt.
"Mph- ow- jeeze- yeah, the mask. It’s just, I dunno. I just don’t really like people staring at my face."
He sheepishly rubs the back of his head, Techno raises his eyebrow at the answer but doesn't press. Instead changing the subject, much to Dream’s relief.
"Anyway, you doing anything after this?"
The blond staggers to his feet, brushing the dirt off of his already stained hoodie. "No, mom's off on another adventure and I've just been bouncing around earning money where I can. Which reminds me- you just basically stole my lunch money, so…." He trails off, giving Techno a hopeful look.
"Bro imagine being poor-” Techno quips, snickering at the comical look of offense he gets from Dream. “I mean you did put up a good fight. I’ll let you join Phil and I for a bit. But this is a one time thing- Can’t have you go ruinin’ my public image.” "
"Phil's here with you? How’s he doing? Void- he must be ancient by now-"
"I mean, he still looks better than you-” Techno snarks back.
“That’s not fair- I just went ten rounds against Technoblade-”
“Have you heard of gettin’ good?” The piglin laughs, pulling Dream by the arm. “C’mon, let’s go see Phil, I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to see you haven’t gotten yourself killed yet.” "
Phil was ecstatic to see Dream, teasing Techno about how he couldn’t shut up about the charismatic boy they had met so many years ago. Both warriors turned bright red, Techno from embarrassment, and Dream from laughing too hard.
Dream stayed with the pair for a while, before heading off to see some friends. Promising them that he’ll try to meet them again, or at least send the occasional letter.
Little did they know, next time the trio would meet, it would be under far more serious circumstances..
-----
The last time Techno saw Dream was during Doomsday. Even with Dream having his mask on, he could spot his eyes. They were dull, void of all emotion. Techno worries for his friend. What could have smothered something so full of life?
He'd made a promise to those who harmed his friends. Injustice to be repaid a thousand times over. But weapons and blood could do nothing to bring back the mischievous glint in Dream’s eyes. Only time could heal those wounds. Oh what Technoblade wouldn’t give to see those eyes bright again. Eyes that were always so happy, even after battles, they would glow.
Eyes that grounded him in reality, keeping him from drowning in the constantly screaming voices.
Once Doomsday was over and L’Manberg was no more, Techno and Phil retired to the Arctic. But Techno felt guilty. He couldn’t help but worry about Dream. His friend. He’d seen how hurt he’d been, but he hadn’t offered him more than his services as a warrior. He should ask if they could spar again.
That day, Technoblade made another promise. One he hoped he could keep.
He would save Dream. He would save his friend.
And he’d be damned if he let himself fail again.