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Techno sits on the couch, holding himself as small as he can tight to the armrest of the couch. After all he’s never been one for touch and the five other people on the small couch are invading a bit on his space.
But he’s also at a party. Which means everyone is in his space no matter where he goes.
But it’s not like he can leave, since he’s the designated driver for his brother and his brother’s friends… they’re lucky he likes them. If it were any other person he would’ve left without a second thought. So here he sits, awkwardly squished on the edge of a couch, guarding the can of soda he stole from the fridge a few minutes ago and watching people dance drunkenly to the song playing over the loudspeakers.
Then the song switches right as he sees him.
I talk a lot of shit when I’m drinking, baby
Him and his dumbass, but oh so slightly endearing, lime green hoodie. This time wrapped around his waist, showing off a black undershirt and a pair of the cargo joggers with his pride converse. Messy, dirty blonde hair falling ungraciously over his face, not being held back by that stupid headband with the smiley face on it that he always wears. Quite the pretty sight, his skin shining slightly from sweat in the shitty lighting and his form and face quite relaxed from the alcohol in his system.
I’m known to go a little too fast
Techno sighs and brings himself back to reality, watching with a frown as the blonde dances sloppily with George, a large smile on his face. As much as Techno hates it, he can see why Dream is dating George. The man is pretty, with his slightly messy, dark brown hair and his soft eyes, usually hidden by the black and white glasses he wears. They have similar styles, both usually wearing a sweater over a white button up with a pair of sweats, so obviously he likes that about the man. He was partnered with the brit in his English Lit class for a project they had to do and he’s got a good personality, a bit on the annoying side but that’s everyone in Techno’s eyes. Not to mention a bit loud for Techno’s taste, but with who his friends are, it works for him.
Don’t mind all my friends, I know they’re all crazy
But they’re the only friends that I have
The pinkette forces himself to look away from his pity party and look for his dear brother, only to see him and his friends doing body shots off of each other. He rolls his eyes and looks at his drink, taking a quick sip before realizing it was empty and sighing. He just wanted to leave.
I know I don’t know you
But I’d like to skip the small talk and romance, boy
With another sigh, he finally pushes himself off the too cramped couch, shuffling his way through sweaty bodies to the backyard. He pushes past Dream and George, his shoulder brushing up against the back of George’s head without him meaning to. He ignores the slight glare sent his way from the brunette in favour of continuing his mission to get fresh air, causing him to miss the green eyes following his movement for a split moment before he turns back to George.
That’s all I have to say so, baby, can we dance?
Finally making it outside, Techno leans himself against the wall, closing his eyes for a moment as he takes multiple deep breaths. After a few seconds, he stands up properly and heads to the cooler sitting near him. Rummaging through the iced drinks, he decides that one beer won’t hurt him. After all, by the time Wilbur and his friends are going to want to go home he’ll be safe to drive anyway.
Here we go again, another drink I’m caving in
Stupid word keep falling from my mouth
The pinkette sighs, opening his beer and working his way back inside, choosing to perch on a chair he found instead of on the cramped couch. Sadly, though, he’s still in view of Dream and George and their drunken, happily-in-love dancing. He knows he shouldn’t react this way, it’s his fault. If he had just talked to Dream when they first saw each other when they first became rivals, then maybe they would be closer. Then maybe Dream would be his, then maybe he wouldn’t have had to watch Dream date and break up with a bunch of shitty people.
It’s not his fault that he likes Dream, not his fault that he has since sophomore year. At first it was just liking his appearance, but then it turned into something more. Something that Techno sees as detrimental, especially to the emotionless and monotone persona he’s put up for himself. But even with his cold self, Dream has always been way too kind to him. Dream has always treated him as not only a rival, but as a friend. Damn that blonde.
I know that you mean well
Your hands were meant for someone else
His eyes are doing naughty butterflies
God, watching them hurts. He knows it shouldn’t, knows he’s running off a false fantasy. But seeing the perfection that is Dream. From his build to his agility, from his intelligence to his humour. Not to mention the fact that he is able to put up with Techno and his attitude, even matching his energy.
He knows that Dream is happy with George, that George treats him well and has a good personality. One that matches Dream’s own without having to put effort into it. Unlike with Techno, where Dream forces himself to match his energy. It’s obvious in the way that Dream talks much more than he does other people to fill the awkward silence Techno always makes.
Oh, oh, one more drink and we should go
Techno sighs, for what feels like the nth time tonight, and stands up from the chair. He heads towards the kitchen, praying that Wilbur is still there. But, just his luck, his brother is not in fact there. The pinkette sighs again and turns on his heel, going to mosey around while looking for his company. It takes a few minutes, but he finally finds Wilbur in the crowd of people. Walking over he taps the brunette on the shoulder. The taller turns his attention from the scarlet haired lady to him with a sloppy smile.
“What’s up Techno?” He asks, his voice low and rough, and his breath stinks of alcohol.
“We should leave soon, Wil.”
Oh, oh, but maybe she might like me though
“But Tech~” Wilbur whines, sliding down Techno’s side slightly, “I’m finally talking to Sally.”
“I’m sorry Wil, but I really don’t want to be here anymore.” He says, nodding in Dream and George’s general direction. Wilbur glances to where Techno gestured and obviously sees the two in question, going by the sympathetic smile Techno gets sent.
“Fine.” He smiles, “Help me round everyone up?” He turns to excuse himself to Sally, but is stopped by the pinkette.
Oh, oh, I just can’t think of what to say
“At least get her number, you idiot.” He rolls his eyes.
“Oh shit, you’re right.” Techno laughs, letting Wilbur know to meet him at the car before turning again to search for everyone else in their party.
After everyone is round up and met at the car, they all load in and Techno takes off, turning on the radio and silently driving to everyone’s respective stops. Finally Techno pulls into the parking lot of his and Wilbur’s dorm building, the both of them getting out of their car. The trip to the elevator is silent, until they actually get inside the elevator.
“I’m sorry.” Wilbur whispers, his voice low.
“What for?”
“You wouldn’t have seen all that if I hadn’t dragged you along.” Techno smiles softly, something rare, as it isn’t hard to hear the genuine guilt in his brother’s voice.
“It’s fine Wil, you wouldn’t have known.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course. It’s not your fault, you couldn’t have done anything about it.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I am.” Techno says, leaving no room for further argument. The rest of the trek to their dorms is silent, nothing awkward but more calm, something they’ve grown used to after growing up together.
Should I go, should I stay?
When Techno finally gets to his dorm room, he heads to his personal room and collapses into the shitty bed the college provided to him. It takes a few minutes, but he gets up to change, getting into a t-shirt and a pair of sweats before laying down again, this time on his phone. However, he dreads the moment he turns it on, the first notification being a text from Dream from just a few minutes ago.
Dream
i saw you left early, and you didnt even think to come say bye to me
im hurt
Techno
Sorry
I normally would have but I had to grab everyone I brought and that took a while
I just wanted to get out
Dream
nah youre fine, im just teasing
have a good rest of your night
Just can’t let him slip away
Techno
You too
Make sure you get home safe
Dream
i will
<><><><><>
I talk a lot of shit when I’m drinking, baby
I’m known to go a little to fast
Techno rolls his eyes, leaning back onto the couch and lightly tossing the controller into his lap, “Oh my god you’re such a nerd.” He says to Dream, reaching forward to grab his beer from the coffee table. Dream has been beating him super bad in Minecraft.
Dream chuckles, “It’s all the practice I’ve been doing with George.” The blonde smiles, going to reach for his own beer. The comment makes Techno wince, he’s fully aware that he’s been playing a lot with George. The brit is all he ever talks about anymore. He takes a deep breath and puts his bottle down, shaking off the thoughts with a laugh as he reaches to grab his controller, starting up a new private lobby in Hypixel.
Don’t mind all my friends, I know they’re all crazy
It takes Techno everything to not shout and get after Schlatt when he gets a private message from him. A message on Minecraft. Meaning Dream can most definitely see it.
Schlatt whispers to you: having fun playing with your bf?
“Pfft… What?” Dream wheezes out after he reads the message, “What is he talking about?”
Techno shrugs, “I dunno. It’s Schlatt, Wilbur probably said something to him and he’s blowing it out of proportion.” Dream seems to believe and the pinkette lets out a sigh of relief.
But they’re the only friends that I have
<><><><><>
I know I don't know you
“Would you like to hang out with my friends and I?” Dream asks, resting a hand on Techno’s shoulder as he hovers over the sitting man.
“What?” Techno responds, y’know… like a dumbass.
Dream just laughs, “My friends and I are going to the cafe not far from here and I wanted to invite you.”
“Who all is going?” The pinkette asks, finally turning to look at the attractive blonde, “I really feel like some of your friends don’t like me.”
“Oh, that’s dramatic.” Dream scolds softly, “You just aren’t someone they’re used to. But anyways, it’s going to be me, George, Sapnap, Karl and Quackity.”
Techno groans, “Fine, I’ll go. What time?”
“We’re gonna go after George’s afternoon class, so meet at the cafe at like 3:30? Does that sound good?” Techno nods and Dream smiles before turning and running off.
“You’re gonna be the death of me.” He mutters.
But I'd like to skip the small talk and romance, boy
Techno decides to leave his dorm at around 3:20, considering it’s a five minute walk to the cafe from his dorm building and he’s already dressed. He grabs his phone, keys, and wallet before shouting to his roommate that he’s leaving. He walks out the door and heads out the building, maneuvering through the area until he sees the cafe in view.
He heads in and looks around, seeing Dream wave to him with an obnoxious smile on his face. The pinkette sighs, quickly rebuilding his cold face and walking towards the group of people shoved tightly into a booth. He sits down next to Quackity, albeit reluctantly, and nods his hello to Dream.
“We haven’t ordered anything yet, but I can wave someone over.” The blonde says.
That's all I have to say so, baby, can we dance?
“Yeah, that’s fine.” Techno shrugs, electing to ignore the jealousy rearing its ugly head at the view of Dream and George. Currently, George is practically sitting on the blondes lap, not really paying attention to anything as he plays with the strings of Dream’s obnoxious but lovely hoodie. He also elects to ignore the glare Sapnap gives him and the fact that Quackity has practically thrown himself onto the pinkette, now whining about how Techno isn’t given him enough attention.
I was nearly in, but then came the pushy friend
Dream nods and waves towards a waiter wandering around the floor with a smile before he turns to Techno again, “So how are you doing Tech? Are your classes hard?”
Techno shrugs, “I don’t know, they can be hard, but as of right now it’s not a bother.”
“Then what have you been so busy with?”
“What do you mean?”
“You haven’t been able to hang out with me because of how busy you’ve been.”
“Oh,” Techno shrugs, “Editing is taking up a lot of my time, but I’ve been spending a lot of time planning with Wil.”
“That makes sense, what are you guys planning about, if you don’t mind telling me.”
“It’s fine. We’re just getting everything together to travel home.”
“You’re going home?” His voice sounds slightly panicked and his words pick up in pace.
“Calm down Dream,” Techno jokes, “We’re just going to visit friends and family back home. We miss everyone out there.”
The blonde lets out a sigh of relief, “Ah, that makes sense.”
“I think George was planning on going back to the UK, wasn’t he?” Sapnap asks, glare towards Techno evident and a slight growl in his voice.
Killed the vibe and took my perfect ten, away
“Yeah, I am, but I think we’d be going to different areas.” George shrugs, finally adding onto the conversation after hearing his name, “And even then, I’m going this Summer so I can take care of my parents’ house while they go on vacation.”
You know I need you, boy
“Alright, are you guys ready to order anything?” An oddly familiar voice asks, right next to the table. Techno looks up, seeing the soft expression of Niki staring back at him. They nod at each other and everyone gives their orders. Soon after Niki disappears.
The group continues to talk until Niki comes back, drinks in tow. She hands out the drinks accordingly, giving Techno’s to him last.
She places a drink down in front of him with a smile, “It’s nice to see you Techno. We’ll have to catch up before you and Wil leave.” After that, she gives him a wink and walks away. Techno rolls his eyes and picks up his cup, ignoring the winky face she drew on his cup. However, Quackity was more than willing to acknowledge the stupid little drawing.
“Oh, you got something going on with that waitress?” Immediately, the table bursts into teasing, all joking about Techno and Niki being together.
My heart's not made for someone else
Thankfully, there’s a lull in the teasing and Techno is able to get out, “God no, there’s nothing going on between Niki and I!”
“Then what’s with the winky face on the cup? And the blatant fact that she knows you well?” Dream asks, a teasing smile on his face, “Also, don’t think I didn’t see your face turn pink.”
So save me here 'cause I can barely stand
“I sincerely doubt you saw that.” Techno rolls his eyes, “That was Niki, one of Wilbur’s friends. We met her in highschool before I moved, then she and Wilbur came to America together to go to college with me.”
“Then why’d she wink? And why did Dream not see you blush?” Sapnap asks, an eyebrow raised and a skeptical look on his face.
“Because I talk to her about things?” Techno asks, “Things that I’m not close enough with you all to know. And Dream didn’t see me blush because nothing would’ve caused me to blush?”
“So you’re telling me that you don’t blush when women wink at you?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Why not?”
“‘Cause I’m gay?” He asks, an eyebrow raised and an incredulous look on his face. He lifts his drink once again, ignoring the now shocked faces of everyone at the table. Damn, he’s really doing a lot of ignoring small things today.
Oh, oh, one more drink and I should go
It takes a minute for everyone at the table to calm down. The pinkette understood, really, this was the first time he had actually confirmed and said out loud that he was gay. Before it was just a thing hanging in the air that he was most likely not into women. The conversation continues on for a while longer before Techno checks his phone. He quickly finishes off his drink and stands up, sliding his phone into his pocket, “I have to go. Thank you for inviting me.”
Dream nods, a large goofy smile on his face as he plays with George’s hair, “Alright. Thank you for hanging out with us.”
Oh, oh, but maybe she might like me though
Oh, oh, I can't take this any more
Techno nods, turning on his heel to walk away. He elects to ignore the pang in his heart at Dream’s lingering gaze as he walks out the door. There’s no chance. He knows this, but that doesn’t mean he can’t hope. Picking up his pace, he pushes past people on the sidewalk, trying to get to his dorm as fast as possible.
He really didn’t want to leave, and he didn’t have to do anything. In reality, he was just tired of seeing Dream and George sit there all lovey dovey, flirting and giggling away as they engaged in conversation with everyone else of the table, really leaving Techno out of the conversation other than Dream asking him for his opinion on some argument he had gotten himself into or something.
Should I stay? Should I go?
It just can lead back to her door
It took everything within him to not turn back around and join them back at the table. But he’s not selfish. He’s fine with Dream spending time with his friends and he’s not going to take that opportunity away. Techno can always make time with Dream later, though at this point with how often he’s been around Dream and George, he’s not sure his heart could take it.
Maybe should just distance himself from Dream for a while.
<><><><><>
I talk a lot of shit when I’m drinking, baby
“So Techno,” Schlatt starts, putting his bottle of vodka down, “How’s the whole Dream thing goin’? He your boyfriend yet?”
Techno sighs, pausing to take a sip of his own drink, “No, Schlatt. As much as I wish he was, he’s not my boyfriend.”
“Well why the hell not?” Wilbur asks, his words slurred.
“He’s dating someone Wilbur! Of course he’s not gonna date me!”
I’m known to go a little too fast
“But what if he wasn’t dating George?” A tired voice--as to whose, Techno couldn’t tell--asks him.
“He still wouldn’t date me.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m not his type, and I doubt he enjoys being around me.”
“Explain.”
Techno shrugs, “I’m awkward, don’t talk a lot, and when I do end up talking I don’t stop talking, and I feel like he’s always having to change himself around me. And I mean, like look at me. Why would anyone honestly like me?”
Don’t mind all my friends, I know they’re all crazy
“WHAT?” Schlatt shouts, “I’ve looked at you for years, you’re hot as hell!”
“So fuckin’ attractive dude!” Someone else shouts.
Wilbur nods in agreement, throwing himself onto Techno, “There’s a reason I call you my twin. I’m proud to have a fuckin’ intelligent and hot as hell brother.”
Techno shakes his head, “You guys are being dramatic.”
But they’re the only friends that I have
“Me?” Eret asks, “I’ve never been dramatic in my life.” Techno rolls his eyes with a chuckle. He can always count on his friends to make him feel better.
<><><><><>
I know I don’t know you
Techno sighs, pushing himself up from his bed. He trudges out of his room and to the front door, knowing that his roommate is asleep. Y’know, considering its 1 IN THE MORNING. He opens the door, grumbling about who could’ve been knocking at 1AM. However he freezes when he sees Dream, in all his tired glory, standing there. The pinkette takes a deep breath and tries to force himself to act a little more alive.
He moves out of the way, allowing the dirty blonde in. Dream sends a minor sleepy smile and heads in. Techno leads him to the couch and asks Dream if he wants something to drink. He may be tired, but he’s not a bad host to his guests, no matter how close he is to them. Dream nods and asks for some water, making Techno nod and walk off to the kitchen. He quickly grabs two glasses and fills them with water before making his way back into the living room, plopping next to the blonde on the couch and handing him his glass.
But I’d like to skip the small talk and romance, boy
“So,” Techno drawls out, his voice still slightly raspy from lack of use, “What brings you to my dorm in the lovely hours of the middle of the night.”
That makes Dream rub the back of his neck, “Sorry about that, it’s just Sapnap has Karl and Quackity over, and I didn’t really want to stay in our dorm.”
That’s all I have to say so, baby, can we dance
“Why didn’t you go to George?”
“Because we don’t hang out in his dorm. His roommate doesn’t like me, and it’s not like he was awake anyways.” Dream smiles, “I figured we could hang out for a bit or something until I feel the coast is clear for me to go back.”
Techno nods, “Yeah, yeah. We can do that, you wanna go to my room? That way we won’t disturb my roommate.” He stands up and guides Dream to his room.
He’s been a bad, bad boy
“Oh~ did all that talk about Sap and his boyfriend make you feel a little something?” Dream teases, wiggling his eyebrows. Techno is all of a sudden very glad of the bad lighting of his room, only having turned on the LED strips he has hanging up, as he’s pretty sure his face went bright red and the implication.
“God Dream!” Techno whisper shouts, letting go of the blonde’s wrist, “No! What the hell!” Dream very obviously thinks this is very amusing, if his wheezing is anything to go by. Although he tries to keep it quiet, which Techno appreciates.
Whispering rude things in my ear
“Calm down Tech, I’m just teasing you.” Dream says after he calms down from his kettle attack. However, he pushes himself into Techno’s chest, going on his toes to whisper directly into Techno’s ear, “Or am I?” Techno shudders as he feels the blonde’s breath flowing down his neck and he feels his muscles tense with the blonde’s body pressed so close to his own.
“D-Dream, what?” Techno whispers, not quite sure how to react. This, again, makes Dream break out into a fit of laughter.
Please say he'll break
Please say she'll change
Her mind and bring me back to her place
“You’re so easy to fluster Tech.” Dream smiles, pulling back a bit but leaving his hand on the taller’s shoulder.
“I just…” Techno let’s out, quite pathetically if you ask him, “Why?”
“Why what?”
“Just why?”
“Why am I flirting with you?” Dream asks, an eyebrow raised, “Or what?”
Techno nods dumbly, “Yeah, you have… you have George. Why flirt with me?”
“Because it’s fun?” Dream says jokingly, “And George doesn’t care.”
“Are you sure?”
I talk a lot of shit when I'm drinking, baby
“Yeah, we’ve already decided that we don’t care if each other flirts with other people as long as we know about it or something.” Dream gives him a look, “And besides, you do know I’m poly right?”
“What?” Techno asks, feeling his brain malfunction, “You… what?”
Dream smiles, “Yeah. Did you not know that?”
“No?”
“Oh, I thought everyone knew that. I’ve been out since senior year.”
“Oh, alright then…” Techno says, his brain still not quite fully functioning.
“Are you…” Dream asks, all of a sudden very reluctant, “Do you have a problem with that?”
“No!” Techno starts, a bit louder than he meant it to be. He takes a deep breath and looks at Dream properly, “No, no. I’m fine with it, I’m just… shocked.” There is a small bit of hope within Techno where he thinks there may be a chance with him, but he kills that hope with the thought that Dream would never want someone like him.
I'm known to go a little too fast (a little too fast)
“Why?”
“I just…” Techno drifts off, trying to think of an excuse.
However before he can think of something Dream is back against his body, “Is it because you like me? Because you want me and know that you’ve learned you could have me you don’t know what to say?” He pulls away, a joking smile on his face. However that expression drops slightly when he sees the bright red blush staining Techno’s cheeks and ears.
Don't mind all my friends, I know they're all crazy
But they're the only friends that I have
“You…” Dream asks, not quite sure how to react to the slightly guilty look that’s taken over his friend's face, “Wait actually?” Techno nods sheepishly, not quite sure how to react and not really wanting to face the inevitable rejection.
“You can uh, you can leave if you want.” Techno shrugs, trying to act nonchalant to the whole situation, hoping that will help the awkwardness he’s currently feeling. He’s trying his damn hardest to not slip into a panic attack, knowing that will just make everything worse. However, he can’t stop the inevitable spiral of horrid thoughts he seems to be falling into.
I know I don't know you
But I'd like to skip the small talk and romance, boy
However he’s broken from his thoughts when he feels warm hands press against his face. He refocuses his eyes, only to be staring straight into Dream’s own. Ruby eyes meeting bright emeralds.
“Hey,” Dream whispers, voice soft and caring, “You’re alright, you’re fine. Everything’s okay. I’m not gonna leave, Tech. Breathe.” It takes a minute but Techno finds the ability to nod, and he slowly starts to calm his breathing.
After a few seconds the blonde speaks up again, “Are you alright?”
Techno gulps and nods slightly, “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.”
“So…” Dream starts, trying to tread carefully so as to not panic Techno again, “You actually like me?”
“Yeah…” Techno shrugs.
“For how long?”
“Since, uh. Since sophomore year.” The pinkette responds, sounding very unsure of himself.
Dream just stares at him with quite the dumb expression on his face, “And you haven’t said anything? Tech, I like you as well.”
“Well, sorry I didn’t realize you were open to dating other people, Dream.”
Dream chuckles, “I think that’s your own fault bacon bits.” The blonde smiles softly, pulling Techno closer to him, bringing him into a soft kiss.
That's all I have to say so, baby, can we dance?