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The first time Dream noticed something weird was going on with Technoblade was right after one of their matches.
Techno was opting for a more defensive style than Dream had come to expect from him. Probably since this was only a friendly bout with no real stakes, no pressure for them to get it over quickly. Dream was an endurance player - he knew how to tire his opponent out.
He feigned left, smirking beneath the mask when Techno fell for his bait. Dream tapped his wrist with the tip of his sabre. The referee called his win, raising his arm to signal their match was over. With this being Dream's fifteenth point, he had come out on top, though Techno had thirteen points so it was a close thing.
That was what Dream liked most going up against his friend. It was more of a challenge than anybody else in the club.
He let the tip of his sabre touch the mat, watching Techno do the same. His shoulders were trembling from how hard he was breathing, his chest shaking with it. He almost thought it was going to end in a stalemate.
"Well played," Techno said as he walked off the mat. Dream followed his example, glancing over his shoulder to see two other fencers take their place. Nationals were drawing close, so not only was everybody getting as much practicing in as they could manage, they were also watching other people's techniques. Dream wasn't too concerned about any of the other competitors though.
All he cared about was stealing Techoblade's title.
He reached up to undo the straps of his mask, fiddling with the buckle a bit. It was always such a pain. Techno unstrapped his own easily, pulling it up and over his head and putting it onto the bench. Then he pulled the pins out that held up his hair, shaking it loose. "Man, these things get so sweaty," he complained, brushing his bangs out of his face with a frown. He picked up his glasses to put them on.
Dream laughed at him. "Tell me about it."
"Do you need some help?" Techno asked, watching him struggle with a raised eyebrow.
"I got it!" He then proceeded to struggle with it for another solid three minutes but that was neither here nor there. By the time Dream managed to remove the mask, Techno was sitting on the bench ready to throw his water bottle at him. Dream caught it in mid-air.
"That was a pretty good match," he said. He wasn't going to rub in his victory, but he wasn't going to hide how proud he was of it either.
Techno hummed, dragging his backpack into his lap so he could grab his notebook.
"Are you going to take notes again?" Dream asked. Techno had this habit where he watched others during their bouts and wrote down either impressive techniques he would like to emulate or the other player's weaknesses. He swore it was one of his strongest assets when it came to how often he won.
Dream never quite believed it, but then again it was hard to argue with the results.
"If you know the enemy and know yourself," Techno started with a grin. Dream stopped him by elbowing him in the side.
"Yeah, yeah, you need not fear anything or whatever. You always say the same thing."
"It worked out for me so far, hasn't it?" Techno said. He was still rummaging through his backpack, looking for a pen. "How many national medals have you won again, Dream? Remind me?"
"Shut up," Dream complained. "You can't even find a pen in your own bag, how much shit have you got in there anyway?" He leaned over and pretended he was going to help Techno search, the next quip already on his lips.
And then he saw a small chair in Techno's bag.
Not just a small chair. A tiny one. Like, ridiculously tiny.
"What the fuck is that?" The question had left his mouth before he could think twice. It was just such a weird thing for Techno to randomly have with him.
"It's a chair," Techno deadpanned. "It's something people sit on. Usually has four legs and a backrest."
"I know what a chair is," Dream shot back. "Why is it so small?"
Techno rolled his eyes and pulled it from his bag. It was for all intents and purposes a very normal looking chair, though it was obviously miniature-sized. It was made of simple wood, with small screws to attach the pieces. "I made this."
"You made this?" Dream repeated. He sounded a little incredulous, like he didn't really believe Techno.
"I kick your butt in fencing all the time, you think I can't make a chair?"
"No, I know you can't make a chair. You made this?" he repeated. Dream took the chair from Techno to inspect it up close. The wood would have to be cut and whittled by hand and the screws were so tiny it would take some serious precision to get them right. He'd never even seen Techno fold a piece of paper. This kind of crafting was not his forte.
Or it didn't use to be, maybe Techno had picked it up as a new hobby.
"I picked it up as a new hobby," Techno said. He smiled when it made Dream scowl at him. Just because Techno was pretty good at reading other people's faces didn't mean he had to act like a damn mind reader.
"So, what… you're telling me you spend your free time making tiny chairs?"
"And other furniture," Techno said. "Or stuff in general. I've been trying to figure out how to make a working miniature guitar. It's harder than it sounds like."
Dream handed him the chair back, noticing that Techno was pretty careful when he wound a handkerchief around it before putting it back in his bag, in a small separate pocket so it wouldn't get damaged. Techno seemed to value what he had made a lot.
"Why?" Dream asked. He couldn't wrap his head around what he had just discovered. It felt so… out of character?
Then again, Techno and Dream had become friends after being fencing rivals since forever. Dream respected Techno and liked him, but maybe he didn't know the guy as well as he thought?
"Because it's fun," Techno said with a shrug. "What other reason could there be?"
"I don't know, maybe it's some sort of secret training you've been doing. To improve your motor skills or something like that."
"Who knows." Techno pulled out his pen and opened his notebook, flipping to a free page.
Dream frowned at him "Who knows?"
"Who knows."
"I hate you," Dream said and that made Techno laugh in his face. He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, staring at one of the matches still going on. He wasn't actually angry, mostly because he knew Techno was trying to bait him. Techno always acted like this, he was a total jackass.
Then again, what if he was lying? What if it actually was some kind of weird practice technique and this was all a lie to get Dream on the wrong track? Maybe Techno didn't want Dream to find out because he wanted to avoid Dream owning him big time during nationals next month.
What were the odds that Techno actually suddenly got into making miniatures out of nowhere? Dream had known the guy for close to a decade and Techno had never done anything outside of fencing class except sleep, eat, and play video games. Techno was still smirking from the corner of his eye and Dream huffed, opting to ignore him. He could be so insufferable sometimes!
That night when Dream was at home, he looked it up almost off-handedly. Maybe if this was actually a form of training he had missed existed, the online fencing forums would be talking about it. But after two hours and several noodle cups (Sapnap normally would cook for them both but he was off at some school outing with his university class so Dream was home alone. Nobody was around to question if five energy drinks was too much for one person) he still came up empty.
Miniature making was a hobby for old people in retirement homes or young hipsters who bought all their clothes at thrift stores. It wasn't something Technoblade should be doing.
(Was Dream looking too deeply into this? Perhaps, but Sapnap wasn't around to tell him to stop so in his defense, 90% of his impulse control was basically missing in action).
His only real theory was that it was a distraction technique. Maybe Techno was trying to get him so puzzled by this new 'hobby' of his that Dream would waste all his time trying to figure out the mystery rather than train for nationals. If that was the case, it was rather devious. But as much as Techno was known for being an honorable opponent who didn't break the rules during a match, he could be a real bastard behind the scenes. Psychological warfare was right up his alley.
So the best thing Dream could do was try and put it out of his mind altogether.
He managed to do just that for the better part of the week, until Saturday when he had to go to the sports center for fencing practice once again. His scheduled bouts were early in the morning and Techno didn't show up until later. Even then, he didn't change into his gear, opting instead to sit and take more notes.
"Since when does the great Technoblade oversleep?" Dream asked, sitting down next to him on the bench. He opened his granola bar, frowning at the seeds and nuts held together by dried honey. It looked terrible, but he had to fix his eating habits before nationals, which meant cutting back on junk food for a while.
"I had a family emergency," Techno said.
This did make Dream sit up straighter. "Is everybody alright?"
Techno looked at him. There was a small but sincere smile on his face at Dream's obvious concern. They might have always been rivals before they were friends ever since they both started fencing in their teenage years, but that didn't mean Dream would ever wish anything bad to happen. Especially since he knew how much Techno cared for his father and little brother.
"Yeah, nothing too serious. Don't worry about it."
There were bags under Techno's eyes too, Dream noticed. He nodded. "Tell me if you need help, okay?"
"Dork," Techno accused fondly.
"Shut up."
Dream watched the bout going on for a bit, peeking at the notes Techno was taking from time to time. Techno mostly commented on other people's footwork and the different methods they used to parry. At the bottom of the page, he had made a few doodles. Dream squinted at them until he realized they were drawings of a guitar, as well as a bookcase. The bookcase one specifically tried to show how one would put something like that together.
For example, if they were to make a miniature.
"You're taking this miniature-making thing very seriously," Dream said. He was more curious than ever about the true purpose of Techno's new obsession now. He'd rarely seen the other man engage with something on such a level that it would disrupt his fencing class (except maybe when Techno was still playing the violin). He was doing that when he should be taking notes? Unheard of!
Techno tapped his pen on the paper. "Didn't I already tell you it's fun?"
Dream still didn't buy it. "How did you get into this anyway? Did Phil get you into it?"
"Nah, he's more into big architecture." Techno laughed. "Fiddly things like this would drive him up the wall. A friend got me into this."
"A friend, huh?" Dream pressed.
"You don't know him."
Dream shook his head. "You're being so evasive." There was no heat behind the statement. It wasn't like Dream was actually bothered by Techno's mysterious behavior. He just hated feeling like something was up and not knowing for certain.
"It's good for my fine motor skills," Techno said. "That's not why I got into it, but if you really want a reason because otherwise you can't rest easy, there it is."
"Prick," Dream said. "You don't have to lie to me."
"I'm not. It really is good for your fine motor skills. Maybe you should try it." The bout they were watching ended and Techno put his notebook away, dragging the strap of his backpack onto his shoulder as he stood.
"You're leaving already?" Dream asked.
Techno stopped, looking down at him. There was something mischievous about his eyes like he knew that what he'd say next would annoy Dream more. "I need to get some material for my new hobby. It's time sensitive"
"I hoped we could practice together first."
"You can just admit you miss me when I'm not around, Dream." Techno had a cheeky grin on his face - one that made Dream want to punch him.
"Pft, you wish."
He watched Techno walk out of the training hall then counted to ten before grabbing his own bag and taking off after him.
If Techno thought he'd get rid of Dream that easily, he was sorely mistaken.
The best thing about your rival having dyed his hair pastel pink was that Dream had no issue following Techno out of the sports center and into town. It was a pedestrian-only neighborhood, so all he had to do was keep his distance and make sure he could duck into a store or behind a bus station every time he thought Techno would turn around. And hey, it wasn't stalking because it wasn't like he was following Techno to his house or anything. He was simply very curious.
He tracked Techno all the way to a market. It was one of those setups where people could sell their handmade stuff, reminding Dream of a garage sale. Tables with tarps over them had been laid out with all sorts of items.
Techno walked with a purpose, not meandering along the stalls slowly as some others did. He must come here often and knew exactly what he was doing, or where he was going. Dream continued to follow him, checking out each stall Techno visited.
The first sold dollhouse furniture. When doing his research, that was pretty much the main reason Dream could find as to why people got into miniature furniture making, so he wasn't surprised. Techno didn't get anything at this stall, but he looked at various items and asked some questions of the woman standing behind the table.
Dream looked over the items when Techno had passed. They were cute, but it still didn't shed any light on the matter. Was Techno making a dollhouse? Maybe he had a much younger niece or nephew who was into this stuff.
After that Techno bought some nylon string, wood, and tiny bolts from a little stall that sold crafting supplies. It was probably to make his guitar. Dream kept walking behind him, though it was a little harder to stay out of sight here since it wasn't as crowded.
Techno stopped at a stall that sold fabrics next. There was a huge plastic bin with scraps, all these smaller pieces of cotton that couldn't be used for proper clothes anymore but which people might use to make emblems and stuff. Techno dug through them for a long while as Dream stood at the opposite stall, pretending to be interested in the flowers they were selling.
"Do you think this would make a good color for the curtains?"
Dream drew up his shoulders, wishing somehow that the earth would swallow him whole and save him from having to turn around and face that he'd been caught snooping. He could pretend not to hear Techno, or maybe play it off as a coincidence.
But that'd be even more embarrassing probably.
"I think it's a bit too bright," Dream said as he walked over. "You should try a pastel color."
"That won't keep the light out," Techno said. "But I guess this could make a good tablecloth. I think he likes blue."
"'He'? The person you're making this for?"
"His name is Wilbur," Techno said. Dream frowned at the oddness of that name and Techno saw his confusion, adding: "he's not from around here."
"There's something weird going on with you." Dream picked up another fabric scrap. "Also, you should use this one."
"Thanks," Techno said. "Not gonna lie, Dream, pretty bold of you to call me weird after you stalked me across town."
"Hey! I was sure you were hiding something from me and I wasn't wrong. You still haven't actually told me why you got into miniature making. And don't try to sell me any crap about fine motor skills."
"There is one other reason," Techno admitted.
Dream waited for him to continue but he didn't. He pulled out some money to pay for the fabric he'd picked out: the blue one Dream had chosen, a goldenrod yellow one, and a pastel purple.
After a few seconds, Dream got sick of it. "And?" he pushed.
"I didn't say I would tell you." Techno's lip twitched up, amused.
Dream threw up his arms, ready to tear his hair out. "Oh fuck you, you're terrible. I bet you're just loving this."
"A little bit, yeah."
"Will you tell me if it has anything to do with fencing at least?"
Techno turned to him fully, carefully rolling the fabric up and putting it in his bag. Dream noticed the chair wasn't in there anymore, but instead he had a tiny table. He'd probably planted it there on purpose just to make Dream even more mad.
"You know what, how about I tell you if you beat me in a bout tomorrow," Techno said.
Dream perked up. "You're serious?"
"Sure. I have to get home now, but come to training tomorrow and I'll 1v1 you. If you win, I'll tell you exactly what these are for."
"Deal," Dream said immediately, holding out his hand for Techno to shake.
The other man did.
And if it was a distraction tactic after all, Techno was very much successful in his attempt. Because Dream basically did nothing except play their previous matches in his head on repeat, comparing every time he won against every time he lost. It was a pretty good mix of both, Techno and Dream were evenly matched most of the time. So more than ever, it was important for him to make sure he would come out on top tomorrow. It was his best shot to get answers.
The next morning when he walked into the hall, Techno was waiting for him with his hair already up and his fencing gear on.
"Look." What he held up in his hands had to be the most perfect replica of a guitar Dream had ever seen, scaled down so it perfectly fit into Techno's palm.
"You really did it…" Dream didn't even try to hide his amazement. His being unable to figure out the reason behind all of this aside, it was an impressive feat. And in typical Techno fashion, his rival poured his all into it. He wouldn't settle for anything less than perfection.
"It works, but it's not tuned yet," Techno said. Dream carefully moved one finger across the strings. The sound was a little shrill, but apart from that it really seemed to not have a single flaw.
Dream handed it back to him. "You really are scarily good at the most impractical things."
"Didn't you spend five weeks perfecting your recipe for homemade cat treats because you said Patches deserves better than factory-made chemical crap?"
"That's very practical," Dream said.
It had also made their kitchen smell like chicken liver for a month and Sapnap had to go out and buy a new microwave, but it was all worth it in the end.
"We're up next." Techno nodded at the mats, where a previous match was clearing out. He grabbed his sabre from next to him.
Dream reached for his mask. It was now or never.
They stood opposite each other like they had a million times before. Dream pushed his shoulders back and exhaled, preparing himself. He wouldn't let this rest. He had to win for his own peace of mind.
They saluted each other, then the referee. Dream bent his knees a little to get into position.
Fifteen points. That was all Dream needed.
The sound of the match start being called had barely faded or Techno lunged. Dream flicked his sword up to parry, surprised at the force behind Techno's attack. The other man wasn't messing around.
He answered Techno's assault in kind, right foot sliding forward over the mat as he struck for Techno's chest. Dream learned to fence with foil - it was the custom. But the sabre fit his range of motion much better. He enjoyed not being limited in which part of the blade he could use.
Sadly, Techno was pretty similar in that regard.
He countered Dream's reposte and turned the sword around. With a quick turn of the wrist, the flat end met Dream's chest. Dream cursed softly under his breath, but got back into position. Again, Techno met him with a fleche as soon as the round started.
Techno was giving it his all. He really must have something to hide.
The first round ended in a tie where they both had eight points. The second round ended with Dream two points ahead, fourteen versus Techno's twelve.
He only needed one more good stroke.
"You're really determined about this, aren't you?" Techno asked. His voice was muffled by the mask and sounded strained due to the physical exertion. It was kinda frowned upon for people to talk while fencing. But obviously Techno wouldn't give a shit about that.
"Why? Are you scared?" Dream said, taking right of way this time. Attacking first was often an advantage.
Techno sidestepped and then hit him on the elbow lightning-quick.
"Not really."
His footwork was good, maybe those notes had been helping after all. The next thrust landed right in the middle of Dream's chest, against his sternum. Nerves were making him sloppy. It wasn't like he couldn't bear losing against Techno, but for this-
Techno stepped left. Dream went to parry.
Mirroring his own move from earlier in the week, it turned out to be a feint. And Dream had no time to adjust his course, making the blow tap against his wrist with no way for him to stop it. The referee called the end of the bout. Dream hung his head.
"Don't rub it in," Dream said as they stood by the benches afterward.
"I wasn't planning to," Techno answered.
"Liar."
"Well, maybe I was planning to a little bit. But I won't add insult to injury."
Dream sighed. "Rematch?"
But Techno smiled and started packing up his stuff. "Maybe next time. Or you can just wait for nationals."
"Heh, we'll see."
Sitting on the bench again, Dream waved him off. As he watched Techno leave, he wasn't even bummed about losing. Moreso, he was annoyed he'd not found out what the miniatures were about. He pulled out his phone and opened a blank web page.
Maybe he needed firsthand experience as research instead?
He looked up 'how to make dollhouse furniture' and clicked the first tutorial that popped up.
"I'm home!" Techno announced loudly as he closed the door behind him. He couldn't hear Tommy so that probably meant the kid wasn't around. He'd be rambunctious enough to hear from a five-mile radius.
Phil called down something indistinct from up in his office, so he must be working from home again.
Putting his coat away, Techno headed straight for the kitchen. He knocked on the wall a couple of times as he walked. Wilbur probably heard him enter, but Techno wanted to make sure the borrower knew he was back.
When he got to the counter, Wilbur had come out of the wall and was running down the spiral staircase Techno had made for him. Considering the rush he was in, Techno was extra glad he'd put in railings.
"Did you finish it?" Wilbur asked excitedly.
"I don't get a hello first?" Techno put his bag down and went to retrieve the guitar.
"We literally spoke this morning." Wilbur sat down and let his legs dangle off the side of the counter. Phil hated it when he did that because it always looked like he was going to fall off. "You're only getting one hello per day."
"Ouch." The sarcasm in his voice made Wilbur laugh. "But yes, I did finish it."
Wilbur held out his arms, receiving the guitar with a beaming grin on his face which made all the effort Techno put into it worth it. After he found out how fascinated Wilbur was with human instruments, Techno vowed that a working guitar was the next thing he had to construct. It was by far his most complicated project since there were so many small details he had to get right so Wilbur could actually play it.
"Sick! Thanks, Techno." Wilbur put it in his lap carefully, holding it with such care it really almost broke Techno's heart.
He could remember so clearly what Wilbur had looked like when they first met, a small and fragile mess. Tommy had been hiding him back then because Wilbur was that scared of humans. He'd only shown himself to Tommy because of special circumstances and was deathly afraid of having anybody else see him.
Wilbur smiled at him now, showing none of the same hesitancy, and that was all Techno needed.
"What about your friend?" Wilbur asked.
With the gift delivered, Techno had thrown his bag into a corner of the room. "Hm?"
"You said there was that guy at your fencing club who was bothering you about the miniature-making. What did you tell him?"
"Oh, I told him all he needed to know," Techno said with a smile. "Knowing him, he's going to be starting his first miniature project about now."
In fact, if they met at the sports center next week, no doubt Techno would be able to exchange tips with Dream to make sure his rival didn't make the same rookie mistakes he did when he just started out.
And who knew, maybe if this would become the next thing they'd compete in, at least Techno had gotten a head start.