Work Text:
A white button-up shirt now splattered with blood, bruised knuckles, and a bloody nose. Behind the school? A boy in critical condition laying in a small pool of his own blood. A few broken ribs and bloody nose, perhaps even more.
Wilbur sighs as he grabs a damp cloth and a box of tissues. His twin behind him was taking off the bloodied shirt. "We're seniors now Tech, you promised you'd stop with the fights." As he talks Wilbur wipes the blood off his knuckles and gives the other a tissue to wipe and stop his nose from bleeding. "And during homecoming? I thought you were just going to have fun tonight." The only response is an eye roll. The brunette’s eyes connected with his brother’s. "What would mom think-" He started talking again but got cut off.
"Mom isn't here." The usually monotone voice was laced with anger now. "Besides, she'd be proud of me this time. He was trying to roofie a drink." Brown eyes find the floor, no longer wanting to look his brother in the eye.
"Techno. It's homecoming. Who would try to roofie a drink? What drinks would there be to roofie?" Wilbur asked in disbelief but Techno looked at him knowingly.
"You of all people should know what drinks. If you really don't, ask your boyfriend–no not boyfriend sorry–ask Schlatt."
It was Wilbur’s turn to roll his eyes now. "Whatever. Just be ready to explain everything to Dadza. I heard he's not too happy with you." He was smirking as he left the room.
Technoblade Sleepy let out a long sigh as he flopped back on the bed, his long, pink hair sprawling around him. After a minute or two of silence, he pulled his phone out. He put his newest playlist on shuffle and got up to take care of his hair.
Spots of it were darker with drying blood. He sat in front of a large mirror with a brush and started the tedious task of brushing through it all. Just as he was finishing there was a knock on his door. He let out a heavy sigh, mentally preparing himself for a lecture. "Come in." He answered. The door opened revealing Philza Sleepy, his father.
Phil walked into the room as a nervous Techno began the process of putting up his long hair. "I assume you know why I'm here, Technoblade." Phil's voice was stern.
Techno kept his head down, avoiding eye contact. "Yes, sir." He made sure his voice didn't come out shaky. That normally wasn't the response he would use with his dad but he acted on instincts and fear--he had enough problems with authority figures already.
"Then you already know what I'm about to say," Phil's voice softened some seeing his son's reaction. "You promised you'd stop. You were doing so good too. But what's done is done, so tell me, did you at least do it in a camera blind spot?"
Despite not looking up, Techno had a slight smirk on his face. "Of course I did. You know me, I'm a smart kid."
Phil smiled at his son. "Then explain to me what happened. Depending on the circumstances, I won't be mad." His voice was now as the pinkette knew it to be, soft but strong and kind. Techno explained his story, or as much of it as he could, part of the fight was blank in his mind. He just knows the events before, dragging the kid outside, throwing the first punch, blank, and then the kid on the ground and his nose bleeding.
Phil looked at the pink-haired boy. "Your actions are justified but you could have gone about that a much different way and you know it. You're almost an adult, you can go to jail for that. I don't want to be bailing you out at three A.M. on a Wednesday night." He paused to watch Techno nod before continuing, "With that being said, you're grounded for two weeks at least. You will not leave the house for anything other than school and if I take you. You may keep your phone but don't take it for granted, that is subject to change at any time. Got it? If I catch you sneaking out it’ll be longer." The pinkette nodded once again, finally making eye contact with his dad. "Good, there's food in the fridge if you want it. Go to bed at a good time and please remember to take your meds tomorrow." Phil left the room, closing the door behind him. Techno stood with a sigh, deciding to take a shower to get the rest of the blood out of his hair.
As he showered he went over his punishment in his head. Two weeks of staying in was fair, not much different than his normal schedule. Keeping his phone seemed fair, he doesn't do much on it anyway and it's helpful in an emergency. As he was thinking about it he heard his phone buzz on the counter. He quickly finished washing his hair and got out. He dried off his dripping hair and wet hands to grab his phone.
Techno rolled his eyes at his phone.
Technoblade turned off his phone and sighed. Dang it, Schlatt. He thought. He didn't want to go against his dad but Dream would be there. If he got caught it would be longer. He finished drying off his hair and body before going to his room to get clothes on. He ended up putting on a dark blue shirt and black jeans. It wasn’t quite his normal style, but it would work. He slipped his phone into his pocket and looked at the window. Was this the first time he was sneaking out? Absolutely not. Did he still feel bad about it? Yeah.
It was as he was crawling out the window when he remembered he'd have to walk. Phil probably took his keys, he shouldn’t need them anyway. As his feet quietly hit the grass he mentally maps his path to Schlatt’s house. He knew the way pretty well by now because of Wilbur.
You could tell which house was Schlatt’s from a mile away. Every light was on, some kind of bad party music was blaring, and there was an absurd amount of cars in front of it. Techno runs the last little bit. Jonathan Schlatt, normally known as Jshchlatt or just Schlatt, was interesting. His parents made good money and were never around. They didn’t know it but he had his own source of income that was only known by a few people. He lived in a big house and threw regular parties with bad booze and other, possibly illegal, substances.
Outside a few people are smoking, most smell like cigarettes but some didn’t, probably something from Schlatt. Techno can already hear teens yelling as he walks up to the front door. He doesn't knock, he doesn't have to, he just has to walk in. Everything is louder inside, as expected. The smell of bad beer and other cheap alcohol is strong. He texts Schlatt’s, letting him know he's there. He heard running footsteps coming closer. He moved out of the way before he could be tackled by a brown-haired boy, a little over six feet tall. Techno knew this wasn’t a friendly hug tackle. No, this was a full-on football tackle. Techno stepped out of the way and tripped him in the process. He stood over the other boy who is now on the floor. "Tsk tsk tsk. That wasn't nice Johnathan. Now, look where you are." Techno’s voice was joking and light-hearted. He was smiling.
Schlatt glared at him, getting up from the floor. His dark brown hair was shaggy, he had on a light blue turtleneck and black sweatpants. "You know not to call me that,
. Your boyfriend is in the living room, by the way." His voice was mocking in return. He looks around behind Techno. "Where's Wilby?" he asked with the realization that his crush wasn’t around.
"Okay, one, he's not my boyfriend, he's barely my friend. Two, I'm not supposed to be here, I didn’t invite him to come with me." Techno held up fingers with each point. "Now that that's said, I smell cheap booze and I've kinda had a night." Schlatt scoffs and leads him to the kitchen. There's a fridge full of bad beer and a shelf full of cheap whisky. Techno opts for the whisky, remembering the last party he tried the beer. To say it was gross was an understatement in his mind. Techno took a sip, slightly wincing inwardly at it. From the other room he heard yelling and a familiar voice curse. Schlatt laughed and Techno smiled.
"I think Dream lost the game." Schlatt scoffed, making his way into the living room. Techno shot him a confused look. "They're playing poker, I’m pretty sure Sapnap just won." They both walked into the room, watching with amusement. The pinkette watched the blonde hand some money over to a black-haired boy with a white bandana.
He caught the blonde’s eye making him excuse himself and run over. "Bacon Boy! I didn't think you would be here; without Wil even." Dream's voice was filled with happiness. It made Technos heart ache. The green-clad boy was bouncy, his ADHD meds probably wore off. "I hear you beat someone's butt." A mask covered the boy’s mouth but Techno could tell he was smiling. Dream was slowly leading him to a couch, away from his group than normal.
"And who told you that?" Techno asked with the rise of an eyebrow.
Dream laughed, "Word gets around." He answered, green eyes shining bright. "Also Wilbur immediately texted me." As they sat on the couch Dream took the other’s hands and examined the knuckles; running a finger over them and making the fingers bend to see how they moved. Techno watched as Dream brought down his mask, kissed each of the knuckles, and pulled his mask back up. He then took the drink from Techno’s other hand, took a small sip, and replaced it in the other hand. He did the same thing with the newly free hand. He examined it, he bent the fingers, then he kissed the knuckles. Dream finally looked at him, eyes still bright. "Now the bruises won't hurt as much. Wilbur said you got a bloody nose too, right?" Techno nodded in response. He could tell Dream smiled again as he leaned in, brought down the mask, and kissed the tip of his nose.
Technos cheeks flushed pink. He could see freckles peppering pail skin before the mask was brought back up. He looked away, hoping the blonde didn’t see the blush. "Go back to your friends, idiot. If you win a game I might give you a prize." He sipped his whisky.
Techno watched from a distance as Dream bluffed his way through a game but fell short in the end. At one point Schlatt sat next to him, teasing him about Dream a bit, even though he wasn't paying attention to it. After a bit Dream finally won, getting lucky with Sapnap deciding to go all in. Technos whisky was getting low and he was feeling a little tipsy. After getting his payout, Dream bound over, still bouncy but seemingly happier. Techno took his last swig of whisky, hoping it would help him stay calm with the blonde boy. "Techno," Dream called his name with a sing-songy voice. "I won a game. I want my prize now, bacon boy." Bright green eyes met brown ones. Techno wordlessly stood, grabbing the other’s hand and quietly leading him to a deserted hallway.
What am I doing? Technoblade asked himself. I should be at home in bed. I'm grounded. I'm tired. His empty cup was long abandoned on the coffee table. The blonde's hand was soft. It felt nice. He didn't have a plan for what this 'prize' would be, he just knew they had to be alone. He stopped in a dim hallway where the loud music was soft.
Seeing that they were alone, Dream took off his mask. It looked like a breath of fresh air for him. Techno took this as his chance. He didn’t plan it, it was purely on impulse, but his chapped lips pressed against a soft, star resembling cheek. Dream looked at him stunned. Techno started apologizing, saying he should have asked first only to be cut off by a soft kiss on the lips. They quickly broke away, Techno suppressing a giggle, both of them smiling.
"Are y'all like," Schlatt, who was now standing at the end of the hallway, gestured wildly, "Together?" He finished, watching as the two boys jumped at his sudden appearance. "Sorry boys didn't mean to scare you. My room is this way and someone," he glanced at Techno, "is on his way, so I kinda need it."
Techno pulled out his phone and checked the time. "You mean he's coming? F***. I need to get home." Dream, who had his mask pulled back up, looked confused. "I'll explain later, ask Schlatt for my number." Techno kissed the blonde's forehead and ran from the house.
Techno ran down the sidewalk. It was almost midnight, the air was cooler now and the moon was full and high. The pinkette was certainly no track star but he could definitely sprint when he needed to. It wasn't long before he was jumping through his window and closing it behind him. He quickly changes into different clothes, specifically ones that don't smell like alcohol. After putting on music, he lays in his bed. He put no effort into going to sleep, instead he went through the events in his head. Dream kissed him. He kissed Dream. What was he thinking? His phone buzzes beside him, pulling him out of his thoughts.
[Number]: 💚 :)
Techno smiles as he adds the number as Dreamy boy. He sends back a pink heart before turning off his phone and flipping it over.
In the morning Techno awoke to music from the room beside him. He could hear the soft guitar strums and singing. When he listened closely he could make out lyrics. "I know what you did last summer," his twin sang. "Tell me where you've been. I know what you did last summer. Look me in the eyes, my lover. I know what you did last summer." It pauses, Techno assumed it was to get the next cords but instead he switched songs. It was quiet and strangely eerie. "Got a secret, can you keep it? Swear this one you'll save." The guitar stopped, being followed by a loud sigh. It was going to be an off day for Wilbur as he was probably hungover, sore, or both.
Techno laughed at his twin before frantically searching on youtube. He found the video he was looking for. He turned his phone up all the way and played it. "She knows, she knows. And I know she knows." He paused it, having gotten the part of the song he wanted. He could hear Wilbur laughing from his room. Techno laughed too. Until his dad called his name. He cursed under his breath and ran out. "Yes, Dadza?" He stood in front of his dad, whose mid-length blonde hair was up in a messy bun.
"Someone's here to see you. Said his name is Dream." Phil said, motioning to the living room. Techno started in the direction but a hand sat on his shoulder. "This is the boy you like, yeah? Be good. Know you're lucky I don't make Wilbur babysit. I’m giving you a lot of trust here, especially after last night; don’t mess this up." Techno nodded in acknowledgment. The hand came off his shoulder and he was able to move again.
As he reached the living room he smiled. The blonde was playing on his phone, looking very focused. He threw his head back as he cursed. He caught Techno’s eye and stood up. "Oh, hi Techno. Sorry I didn't realize you were there." Techno smiled at the blonde.
"You’re fine. Do you wanna go to my room? Wil's room is right beside mine but otherwise, we'll be alone." The pink-haired boy said, holding his hand out to the blond, “If you’re ok with it.” The blonde nodded, grabbing his hand in response. He seemed relatively relaxed, which relieved Techno. He led Dream to his door, which had his name crudely written on it, and was surrounded by small drawings, both completely done in pink. The most faded drawing was of a pig, badly done with two dots and a smile for a face. The rest of them were drawings of eyes, smiles, noses, and anything else you could think of. Under all of them in red was the same signature, ‘Tommyinit’, in varying degrees of evolution. Dream traced one with his finger, seemingly enamored by them.
“Who did these?” he asked after a minute.
Techno smiled, “My little brother, Tommy. He’s been drawing on our doors since he was probably 7, he’s 13 now. It’s all over Wil and Dadza’s doors too. We all have our own colors and animals. I’m pink with a pig, Wilbur is blue with a cat, and Phil is green with a bird. Tommy said it was a crow.”
Dream laughed softly. “That’s cute. I wish I had something like that. I’m the only child,” he said. “My parents don’t even like me,” he added quietly.
“What was that?”
“Hm?” Dream cocked his head to the side like a confused dog, like he didn’t say anything.
“I thought you-” he cut himself off. “Never mind, it must have been my imagination.” Dream nodded and they both went into Techno’s room. It was a big room with a dark theme. The curtains were dark blue and closed, his bedsheets were dark blue with black accents, his walls were painted red and covered with band and movie posters. One wall had nothing but the beginning sketches of a drawing that would be painted later. Over a desk chair was a denim jacket covered in spikes, buttons, and patches. On the sicker coved desk was a stack of patches, sewing supplies, and a button machine surrounded by it’s creations. All of it was in front of a gaming PC that looked like it was built from scratch.
Dream took off his mask and did a 360 of the room while Techno plopped down on the bed. When Dream was done looking at the room he sat down next to Techno, making sure to keep some distance. He was wearing the green hoodie with a smile on it that he was known for at school and some stained blue jeans. Techno was wearing the same thing from the night before, being too tired to change out of them before going to sleep. “So, about last night,” they both started at the same time before stopping, insting that the other go first.
“I’m sorry I kissed you. I know that must have been weird and I understand if you hate me. I’m really sorry,” Dream said. He was fidgeting with bedsheets and not making eye contact.
Techno furrowed his eyebrows. “What? No that-that was fine. I was going to apologize for having to suddenly leave. What are you talking about with the kiss? I mean, I kissed back didn’t I? And I kissed you on the cheek first. You're fine, I liked the kiss actually.” One of his hands was rubbing the back of his neck or going through his hair.
“What? Thought you would be mad. I thought you only did that because of the whisky. I thought you would-” Techno cut him off with a kiss, quickly pulling away. “-hate me.” Dream finished his sentence, looking stunned at the pink haired boy who was smiling in return. “Why don’t you hate me?”
“Why would I?”
“Because…everyone I’ve ever told about something like this,” he gestured between the two of them, “has looked like they were going to stone me or something. My mother says it’s ‘ungodly’ or something like that. I just assumed you would hate me.”
The pink haired boy laughed. “Quite the opposite, actually. I was going to ask you, would you go out with me? I know we barely knew each other before last night but I really like you and was hoping you liked me too.” He was holding the others hands, using his thumb to rub the soft, pale skin.
“I-” he looked into deep brown eyes, getting lost in the search for his soul. “I would love to. The only problem might be my parents. If they found out I’d be kicked out or dead.” he tried to put a happy, joking tone behind his words but his face betrayed him, he was being serious.
“We can deal with that when the time comes. If you get kicked out I’m sure Phil would let you stay for a bit or at least do his best to help you. As long as we’re together, I promise nothing bad will happen to you. Not if I can help it.” They both smiled. Techno peppered kisses on Dreams cheeks then layed back in his bed, already exhausted for the day. Dream settled next to him, his head resting on the other's chest to listen to his heartbeat. They could have stayed like this forever but eventually Dream had to go home.
They created a routine. Every Saturday Dream would come over and they would talk for hours. During the weekdays they would see each other at school and occasionally after. During the two weeks that Techno was still grounded he would sneak out to see him but after he was ungrounded he could come and go as he pleased. When they weren't together they were texting or calling. Things were going good for the first few months–they had a bit of an unhealthy attachment style but hey, that's what you get from someone with anxiety and someone with abandonment issues.
Eventually, Techno decided that he wanted something new.
They were laying on a blanket in the grass when he turned to look at his lover. "We should have dinner with your parents. I just want to see what they're like."
"I'm not sure that's a good idea darling. My parents are brutal and protective. Even if they think you're just a friend, they will try to scare you off. You say you love me but I don’t want that put to the test."
"Come on my love, it won't be that bad. It will only be one time, just to see what we're dealing with and to see if I need to commit a felony."
"I would take that as a joke but knowing your history, I'm not sure."
They both laughed.
"Fair, but I'm not joking. I could be kidnapping, it could be murder or arson. We won't know until I meet them."
"If I agree, you have to promise not to me or get in a debate with them."
The pinkette thought for a moment. "Fine, but if sh** goes wrong and they figure it out, I'm setting up a place for you to stay and you will have a go bag at the ready."
"Ok, fine. I’ll figure out a time and day and let you know. You need to dress nice but not too nice. Send me a list of what I should have in this go bag and I’ll store it in your car.”
“Good, let me know if there’s anything I can help you with in the meantime. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
They parted with a kiss, making sure to text each other when they got home. In a couple of days Techno had an emergency bag stored in his car. He made sure it had things like a change of clothes, any medicine Dream takes, a phone charger, some cash, and anything else he might need. He had already informed Phil of the situation and a text drafted if the pull out couch needed set up.
There he was, a few days later in front of Dreams house. He was wearing a dark blue dress shirt and some nicer pants. He was nervous but wouldn’t let it show. He had to be confident for Dream. He knocked on the door which was immediately answered but Dream, no mask and dressed up. “Techno! Come in, dinner is almost ready.” The blond led him in the door, showing him where to take off his shoes and hang his jacket. “Mom, dad, Technoblade is here.” he called out, walking down the hallway. “Careful with what you say, dad is in a mood right now,” he whispered to the other.
From the end of the hallway came a taller woman with shoulder length blond hair and bright blue eyes. “Technoblade, it is so nice to finally meet you. We have heard so much about you in these past few months.” She sported a big smile and a pink dress.
“It’s nice to meet you too, ma’am. I’m glad I can finally meet the ones responsible for raising Dream.” Techno gave a polite smile while holding out his hand for a handshake that Mrs. Wastaken accepted.
They were escorted to a sitting room while they waited for the food. Dream and Techno sat close, still trying to show affection without making it obvious. The room was covered in Bible quotes and above the entrance said ‘live, laugh, love’. At one point a tall man with brown cropped hair and a mustache came in. Techno immediately stood, holding out his hand and repeating the niceties. Not too long after the call of food was sounded, making the three shuffle out of the room and to the dining room.
The boys sat close at the table, directly across from the parents that Techno had heard so much about.
“Technoblade? That's quite an odd name, do you know its origins?” Mrs. Wastaken asked as she cut up a roast.
“Oh, it isn’t my actual name, it's just a nickname I prefer more. I used to take fencing lessons and my little brother would call me ‘The Blade’ so it just evolved from that. My real name is Dave. Dave Sleepy.”
“I see. What about your hair? Why do you keep it long and pink?” She asked.
“Both things are in honor of my mother. She loved playing with my hair when I was young and her favorite color was pink.”
“Was?”
“Yes ma’am. She died when I was ten years old, almost seven years ago. My twin and I remember her best, our little brother was too young to remember.”
“Well that’s just horrible. Her soul is in a better place now.”
They continued with small talk while they ate, all the while, the teenagers were holding hands under the table or had their legs touching. They hoped the older pair didn’t see the stolen glances and blushed cheeks.
The end of the night finally came. Dream escorted Techno out the door, being followed by “drive safe” or “nice meeting you” and “come again soon” but eventually they were alone outside. After a quick check through the window, the young lovers kissed. It was broken relatively quick by Techno.
“I’ll be waiting on the corner if something happens. If not, I’ll text you in the morning. I love you.”
“I love you too, Techno.” The blond said, watching the pink haired boy walk down the sidewalk to his car.
Techno went around the block, waiting at the corner farthest from the Wastaken house. He was watching youtube to pass the time when he got the texts.
Dreamy Boy: Tech
Dreamy Boy: Tech!
Dreamy Boy: TECH
Dreamy Boy: come get me
Dreamy Boy: they saw
Dreamy Boy: i forgot there was cameras
Dreamy Boy: they kicked me out
Techno sped down the road, stopping in the middle of the road in front of his partner's house. Dream came spreading down the sidewalk, hopping into the passenger side. Techno sent Phil a message and started to the closest Walmart. “I know this seems bad darling,” he said, “but it’ll be ok. We are going to get your favorite foods and a burner phone, just in case they cancel yours. I will buy anything you want tonight but I need you to remember that you are so strong and I’m so proud of you.” The other was on the verge of tears in the passenger seat. “You’re allowed to cry honey. This is a hard thing and crying will make you feel a bit better. We can get you water while we're there.” Techno found a parking spot and reached into the back seat. “Here’s your favorite hoodie. Put it on and we’ll go in and get your favorite candies.” The crying boy nodded, putting on the hoodie and holding his boyfriend's hand as they walked into the store.
EPILOGUE
After some time Dream found a steady job, got a small apartment, and a new phone. Him and his parents never made up and he’s not sure if he wants to. Him and Techno got engaged after three years of dating but have yet to officially marry. Techno went to college as an English major but ended up dropping out and making youtube videos–he got quite popular. He learned to stop fighting while with Dream. Tommy became a famous artist, with some pieces selling for millions of dollars.. Wilbur became a famous musician, performing sold out shows. He and Schlatt didn’t stay together in the end. Schlatt was arrested in his mid-twenties for selling illegal substances. Philza’s children gave him a comfortable life and eventually he got to see his wife, who had been nicknamed the Goddess of Death, again.