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alterdnbweek · 15 hours ago

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Breaking Day

Written for the dreamnblade christmas event @alterdnbweek is holding this year.

Day 21 Prompts: Healthy Start; "I can't lose you"

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The rules for becoming an admin are clear. There's tests, trials, a whole bunch of background checks and lisences you have to get, and a final one where you get a Secret and you can't let anyone learn that Secret. It doesn't matter what situation might come up, who might be asking, or how things might change if the Secret is revealed. You do not share the Secret.

Dream forces his breathing to stay steady, keeps pressing down on Techno's torso as the blood keeps seeping between his fingers. Techno's unconsious, body completely limp and his breathing shallow and ragged. The wounds are too wide, too varied for him to take care of on his own and the obsidian cell is not a suitible place to be tending them in the first place.

Revival is coiling in the back of his throat, wants to spill from his lips becuase it would help Techno. It would force the wounds to close, reverse the blood loss, have Techno back to his best state instead of this.

He has no clue what Quackity and Sam did, just that it's stopping Techno from healing. He can't even ask because Techno was already unconsious when they dumped him back in the cell. His only hope to figuring it out is to look at the wounds, but he can't. Not when every time his hands shift or his pressure lets up, more blood gushes out.

"Please don't die," he mouths to himself, shifting to try and keep his arms from giving out. "You always say you can't die so don't be a fucking liar now. You still owe me, got it. I can't lose you."

Techno's breathing only seems to get shallower, chest hardly rising under his pressing hands. Revival shoves against his lips. Trying to spill out to stop whatever is happening and he bites his tounge hard enough he tastes blood. He can't risk losing the single thing that might let him get them both out of here if Pandora's defenses shift enough.

His hand slips, blood pouring out of one gash as he scrambles to cover it again. It's slick and warm against the creeping chill spreading across Techno's skin and he has no idea how much more blood Techno can risk loosing.

There's the sound of something distant, but he ignores it. It doesn't matter if Sam or Quackity are back. It doesn't matter if someone else is being dragged into prison. It doesn't even matter if someone else is coming to visit him for some reason. All he cares about now is trying to keep Techno alive.

It's horrible because he knows there's no way he can actually do that without using Revival.

His gut is hollow as his arms keep shaking. He's not going to be able to keep the blood from spilling out for much longer and he's not sure he's going to be able to handle that.

"Holy shit!"

There's hands pressing over his, turning red from the blood and he blinks at Philza as he's shoved back.

"Heal pots! Now!" the avian snaps and there's rushing footsteps and a shattering as a thrown one breaks on the stone in between the three of them.

It doesn't look like it does anything to heal the wounds on Techno, but Dream feels better physically.

"I have more!" Nikki says, skidding to a stop at Techno's head.

He blinks, finally processing that this isn't the cell. This isn't obsidian blocks all around him bleeding lava level heat. It's stone and bricks and tourchlight and Philza, Nikki, and Ranboo closing in to help take care of Techno.

"Ranboo, take care of Dream," Philza says. "Niki, just pour all of them over him."

Ranboo tugs him away and he follows the hands in a daze as they poke at his own injuries. He opens his mouth-

Snaps it shut as Revival tries to tumble out with the blood flowing over his chin.

Ranboo whirrs, "Did- Did you bite your tounge?"

He nods slowly, eyes focusing on where Techno is still prone, still unconsious, bleeding through the cloths being pressed against his torso. Glowing health and healing potions are sitting on the surface of the red blood, pooling under and aaround their knees with each new one opened and turned over Techno.

Philza curses, "These aren't doing enough, but I don't want to risk him choking on something."

"What even happened?" Niki asks, glancing up at him.

He stares at her, wishing he had an answer and that he could feasibly say anything when Revival is trying to be shared. Niki doesn't try to press for an answer and just looks back down at Techno. She grabs a soaked piece of cloth and presses it over Philza's hands. She pulls out something small and dives back down with quick motions.

Ranboo is twitching, hands fluttering as they keep check on the various bruises and bumps littering his skin, "Do you, uh, need, need a potion?"

He shakes his head, fighting to keep from biting at his tounge again as he watches Philza and Niki keep working on helping Techno. He's not sure what exactly they're doing right now, but it's more than he was able to do.

"I'm not sure this is going to be enough," Philza says, slowly pulling his hands away. His breath hitches, but there's no sudden gush of blood which is a huge improvement over back in the cell. The potions are still shimmering on top of the blood and hopefully there's a chance their power will start working now.

Philza looks over at him, "Sorry about having to ask, mate, but think you can force all of us off ther server?"

He blinks, tilting his head in confusion and Philza adds, "Thing's are going to be really bad in about twelve hours. It'd be better if none of us are here."

"What do you mean?" Ranboo asks.

"...It's a thing. Looks nice at first, but really, really not something you want to be in when it happens," Philza says and the dancing around the explanation is familiar.

He lifts a hand, all of it shaking and hesitantly points at his clamped mouth. They stare at him, confusion on their faces as well and he gestures a bit harder. He can't open his mouth, can't risk Revival escaping to explain what he means.

Philza's expression clears, eyes widening under his hat, "Dream. If it's a fight right now, let go. I'll back you no matter what happens."

He hesitates, because it was drilled into his head before he was allowed to run this server that if he shared the Secret, he was going to be punished. But Philza looks serious in a way he hasn't since Doomsday and he is old enough to have sway on the council.

Dream opens his mouth-

"ꖎ╎⍊ᒷ."*

Tumbles from his throat and the power of it makes his head spin. Things shift around. Twisting all over the server and he can't even try to track all of it as things change.

He blinks up at the ceiling, breathing heavy and he can hear the others panting as well. There's a groan and he slowly turns his head, all of his nerves screaming that he shouldn't be moving, but it's worth it to see Techno struggling to sit up, breathing just as heavy, but without the raspy shallowness it had before. There's still a disturbing amount of blood on and around him, but he's clearly better and Dream passes out.

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*Live

AU Notes:

techno technically has a Secret, but his is a more complicated situation than being an admin. normally the obvious side of it is that he heals rapidly, but there’s more that doesn’t come out unless specific circumstances are met.

dream was only dragged through when the stasis chamber activated because the server itself was actively trying to not be destroyed and its solution was to make sure both of them got to help.

dream did allude to having a way to revive the dead and they know Tommy had the book used on him, but that’s considered okay for the people on his server to know. they just can’t know about the raw aspect of it which was what was fighting to be spoken.

This is an AU that frankly could use an entire other post just explaining the headcanon going on with how admins and Secrets work plus Techno’s whole thing in it.

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alterdnbweek · 2 days ago

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Day 6: Dancing

Ending the event organized by Sir Billiam, Hubert offers him one last dance as he noticed he was sad during the event

~ Inspired by Tales of SMP

Event hosted by @alterdnbweek

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alterdnbweek · 2 days ago

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Day 7: Fairy tale AU

Inspired by the movie Anastasia

On the night of the fall of the Romanovs, Dream (the Grand Duke) and his older brother XD (the Crown Prince) manage to escape, but Dream gets lost in the crowd. Years later, Dream does not remember her past or her family, she only keeps a necklace with the inscription "Together in Paris" Techno and Phil are looking for an actor to impersonate the Grand Duke and get the reward he offers XD, when they find Dream they convince him to go to Paris, since Dream also wants to know his past

Event hosted by @alterdnbweek

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alterdnbweek · 2 days ago

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a better proposal

the continuation of my fake marriage c!dnb au written for @alterdnbweek!

The cloak was spread out on the floor of the prison cell with one edge rolled up into the world’s most pathetic attempt at a pillow. Dream was resting his head on the lump of fabric, staring up at the ceiling, his intact leg bent at the knee and swaying back and forth. He had given up on trying to sleep and Techno had given up on trying to get him to sleep. The bags under his eyes said he needed rest but it didn’t come easy in Pandora’s Vault even for Techno who had always been proud of his ability to sleep anywhere. Techno yawned, not bothering to cover his mouth. At the sound, Dream turned his head and looked at him.

“Did I disturb you, Dream?” asked Techno with a grin.

Dream gave a quiet laugh.

“No.” The expression on Dream’s face was one Techno was familiar with and he readied himself for whatever nonsense specifically designed to make him shake his head was about to come out of Dream’s mouth. “I was just thinking…”

The grin on Techno’s face widened fondly.

“I’m sure, I’m sure.”

For a moment the tables were turned and Dream shot Techno a look before rolling his eyes.

“Fuck off, Techno, I-I am,” he said. “I was thinking, how—how did you propose to me?”

Techno blinked.

“Heh?”

The question hadn’t been what Techno was expecting and he stared at Dream who raised his shoulders in an awkward shrug before folding his hands across his stomach. His eyes were back on the ceiling.

“We’re pretending to be married, right? So, I mean, you had to propose, right?”

Glancing up at the ceiling as if he thought he could find whatever inspired Dream to go down this line of questioning, Techno mimicked his shrug.

“How d’you know I was the one to propose? Maybe you were the one,” said Techno.

Dream scoffed and rolled slightly onto his side to stare at Techno.

“It’s your idea that means you were the one to propose.”

The logic was flawless, Techno had to admit. With a groan, he stretched out onto his belly until his face was only a few inches away from Dream’s. Dream watched with what Techno thought was suspicion and a bit of eagerness.

“Alright, you’ve got a point.” Techno propped his chin up on one hand. “Lemme think. It had to be something epic, obviously.”

Dream nodded, face serious.

“Obviously.”

This close, it might have been possible to count the freckles on Dream’s cheeks and nose. He was watching Techno intently, eyes never leaving his face, and Techno felt a blush rising. The thought that they were close enough he could kiss Dream wouldn’t leave. He cleared his throat.

“It was the middle of battle. You were surrounded by enemies—”

One of Dream’s hands darted out and smacked Techno lightly on the arm.

“Hey!”

Techno caught Dream’s wrist. Dream wasn’t that much shorter than him but he had always been lithe and the starvation had taken that into painfully thin territory. Techno could wrap his fingers completely around his wrist.

“Remember, I’m the one proposin’ here, Dream, that means I get to decide.”

“Alright, fiiiine,” said Dream.

It would’ve been easy for him to tug his hand away – the grip was gentle – but he didn’t. Techno’s fingers moved upwards until he was able to lace them together with Dream’s.

“Where was I before I was so rudely interrupted?” Dream rolled his eyes and Techno grinned. “Oh right, so there you were, surrounded by enemies. I had already finished off the guys I was fightin’, obviously.”

Dream rolled his eyes again but he was smiling.

“Obviously,” he said, the sarcasm thick and amused.

Techno squeezed Dream’s hand a little.

“I saw you were in trouble and pearled right in the middle, just in time to parry a fatal blow. Together – see, I’m givin’ you some credit, Dream – we finished off the rest of ‘em just as the sun began settin’. In the orange light of the sunset, you actually looked kinda pretty.”

In the orange light of the lava, Dream did look kind of pretty, Techno thought, even with the feigned look of annoyance. He was still looking at Techno and he had leaned in closer and Techno didn’t think he had realized it.

“Then?” Dream prompted.

Techno shifted where he lay. He hadn’t realized he was staring.

“I took your hand,” he said, squeezing Dream’s hand, “and got down on one knee, askin’ you to marry me. Of course, you were ecstatic and said yes, Techno, I’ll marry you because I can’t believe someone as cool and handsome as you would want to marry a homeless guy.”

The laugh Dream gave was loud and delighted.

“Oh my god! What is wrong with you?” His voice rose and fell, squeaking out as his cheeks turned bright red. “You—That’s the worst proposal ever, Technoblade! Y-you didn’t even give me a ring or flowers or—or kiss me!”

The thought that had been stuck in Techno’s mind was white hot. He leaned in a little.

“It was the middle of a battle, Dream, I didn’t have time to stop to pick flowers, alright?”

Dream tilted his head up. His breath was warm on Techno’s face.

“Lame. I could—I could definitely do better.”

Techno’s laugh was soft and amused.

“Yeah? Alright, man, you tell me how you’d do it,” he said.

It was quiet for a moment and Techno was certain he could hear Dream’s heart racing just as quickly as his own was.

“I would’ve, like, done the whole candlelight dinner thing. I mean, I can’t really cook but whatever. I would’ve gotten you flowers,” said Dream, triumphantly, as if he had won the game they were playing.

Rubbing his thumb against Dream’s knuckle, Techno nodded slowly as he considered Dream’s words. He was considering a lot of things, like the curve of Dream’s mouth and the butterflies in his stomach. He was trying to ignore the way Dream was looking at him because he had a feeling it mirrored his own expression.

“Oh, I see, I see. You would’ve gone full rose petals on the floor, huh?” Dream didn’t answer because Techno had leaned in close enough that his snout was just barely touching the corner of his mouth. They both held perfectly still until Techno raised an eyebrow and said, “I guess you would’ve kissed me, too.”

When Dream answered, his lips brushed against Techno’s skin. He said, with no sarcasm, “Obviously.”

A shiver went down Techno’s spine and it pained him to move away.

“Y’know what, Dream? I’ll give it to ya, yours was better.”

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alterdnbweek · 2 days ago

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Day 8: Nightmare

There are secrets that Dream still hides from Techno. What is that shadow that wanders around the place?

Event hosted by @alterdnbweek

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alterdnbweek · 2 days ago

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Day 10: "I've got you"

Minecraft Manhunt: Speedrunner vs 6 Hunters

Victory for the hunters, the sixth hunter managed to hunt down the speedrunner

Event hosted by @alterdnbweek

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alterdnbweek · 2 days ago

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We've Made Our Own Dance

Written for the dreamnblade christmas event @alterdnbweek is holding this year.

Day 20 Prompts: Married; Proposal

This one was pretty fun to write. Mainly because I got to play with some interesting tropes I haven't before.

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It starts as a drunken suggestion.

They're the only ones on the balcony, everyone else having already passed out in the main room from the open bar. Dream's only on his sixth in the last six hours with a buzz going strong. He's not sure how many Techno's had, but it can't be many given the grimaces they give with each sip of their current glass.

The topic of their conversation isn't something he'd normally talk about with his closest friends let alone someone he's only known for eight hours, but the drink is enough he doesn't really care. Not when he's pretty sure that Techno has been wanting to talk about this for a while and clearly hasn't had anyone they've felt comfortable talking about it with.

He tilts his glass around, watching the drink swirl as he listens to the issues Techno's having getting the citizenship papers he needs to leave the area. The fact that they're netherborn and didn't come over until they were an adult is complicating things because of the massive differences in tracking time and lack of resources in the nether to even start figuring out the information they need to fill out. The few Techno does have, they can't figure out how to even start with because no one's ever bothered to figure out a way to convert them.

Dream's head rolls over on his neck, staring up at the pretty, wonderfully strong piglin as his thoughts slowly turn over the situation. It sucks all around and not something he's been exposed to before and he wants to help. Wants to figure out something that could help Techno get those papers, but his only reference for a nether hybrid is Sapnap who was mainly raised in the Overworld and the situation is something he's really only heard of in stories.

So maybe it shouldn't be as much of a surprise as it is when he suggests, "Would getting married help?"

Techno huffs, leaning further on the railing as they take a swig from their glass, "It's have to be an overwrolder and who'd be interested in marrying me? Not exactly the type of person someone born here would willingly do that with."

Dream blinks slowly up at them. The back drop of a starry sky as the lights from below caress the contours of their face, gleam in the half-lidded eyes. Maybe he could see people complaining about the scars, but to him, it just makes them look prettier, more gorgeous, and if he could, he-

"I would."

Techno jerks, staring at him, "Why? We just met?"

He swallows, "Because you're nice and talented and smart and I want to help and this is a way I can if you want to."

Techno grins and they talk about a few things for if they were to actually go through with this. Even as they make their way back to their rooms - they're next to each other and Dream offers his room for them to keep talking. It doesn't last for long, though, given he passes out pretty quickly after sitting on his bed.

Techno's also in the bed when he wakes up the next morning, grogy and seriously wondering if he actually suggested getting married to someone he just met, but-

He doesn't regret the suggestion. Not when Techno really is one of the most interesting people he's met in years.

Once Techno wakes up, the first words out of them is asking if Dream is serious about the suggestion to get married and Dream assures that he is.

After that is figuring out what they need to do. How to register for a marriage license, what documents Dream is going to have to get together, looking through the quickly growing requirements they have to provide proof for in order to even start the process. ("Why do we have to show proof we've been dating for at least a year?" "...I've figured out it's generally better to not ask for the reasoning") They change their plans, adjust for what they're going to have to do to get the proof since Techno can't legally leave the city ("Seriously?" "Something about not wanting me to go on a rampage? Or maybe spread illness. I wasn't great with common at the time.").

Dream has to leave, though. His job not feasible to staying in one spot for long especially while avoiding the public noticing anything strange going on.

And, well, Dream quickly realizes that he really likes Techno. The conversations they have last for hours but only feel like minutes have passed until he checks the time. Dream shares things from his own life. How things are going in his own work at random times - his favorite is trading ideas for manhunts - and when his schedule allows for a break long enough to stop back in for them to go on an official 'date'.

Techno shares as well. Pictures of things they find cool in Hypixel, complaints about the legal process, Dream's personal favorite in the war over who's a better potato farmer they got into with their neighbor, and the battles and local events they've gotten involved with.

It's enough to have Dream aching for the chance to fight Techno himself, but the timing never works out. Not when there's various reasons for Dream to avoid getting an unexplained injury or Techno has something going on themself. Stressful days, hyper focus on other things, or an injury from their own battles and events. It's still something they talk about, vague plans for the future when they have more leeway to actually plan something like that.

"You said you had a free week in the fall, right?" Techno asks, shifting something on their side of the call. "Near that big festival?"

Dream hums, "Yeah. Is that one of the options?"

"Yep. There's two. One's the day you'd get in and the second is the last day you'd be able to be here."

He squints, stares at the netherrack above him, "...Might be best to schedule the first one. Part of it's already been filling out how much travel is expected and well..."

"Still like the pictures."

"Ha, I know," he grins to himself, listening as George, Sapnap, and Bad scream in fury from a trap over his other call. "I think that lava arrow trap works great."

"Did they just trigger it?"

He shifts, peeking over the brick wall to watch the three of them diving off the bridge as the arrows keep firing, "Yep. I'm gonna have to go. Call you later?"

"I'll schedule it and text the details. Good luck."

The call ends and Dream grabs the last few blaze rods on the ground around him and bolts for the portal. It's several months away, but he's filled with excitement to the point of bursting. They're so close to finishing the solution for Techno being able to travel. He's going to have to figure out ways to travel with Techno to show him everything.

Everything goes smoothly. Nothing comes up suddenly on either of their ends, all of Dream's paperwork is gathered and submitted, the proof they needed for their relationship as well, Techno's new paperwork put through and being processed and Dream is exhausted as they stumble back into Techno's house. It's barely six in the morning and he's been awake for nearly 32 hours, but they've done it. Techno will be able to leave Hypixel. Will be able to travel with that friend of his to an SMP. Will be able to experience things that don't happen in the city. Can participate in events and tournaments beyond the borders. Can travel with Dream to see the hidden gems through the worlds.

Dream grins up at them as Techno sits on the floor, "Congrats."

Techno smiles back, "Thanks. For all of this. I know it must have stopped other chances for relationships."

He hums, slightly confused, but too tired to try and figure out what it means, "I said it was fine. Would do it again."

Techno opens their mouth, only for Dream's phone to go off and both of them look at where it's laying on the floor. He sits up, fumbling to answer it because it's George and as far as any of them know, he's passed out right now. They wouldn't be calling if it wasn't something important.

"Dream, I need you to not panic," George says as soon as he answers which is not exactly encouraging him to not panic. "I swear we had zero clue they were planning this, but you need to get your stuff and somewhere with a transport to Hypixel."

He looks between Techno who's staring at the ceiling and the very much Hypixel skyline outside the window, "Why?"

"The managers have apparently been setting up this exhibition match," George explains. "It's scheduled for tomorrow with the Beast family heir hosting. It's with this up and comer named Technoblade?"

'Did you know about this?' he mouths at Techno who shakes their head, pulling out their own comm to check their messages.

"But you need to get there before noon," George is still going. "I think they're going to try for a bit of leeway in the time just in case, but they're saying you were told and need to be there or they're cutting.... something. They didn't say what."

He blows out a breathe, "Fine. They'd better pay me back for travel."

"Trust me, I think that would be cheaper than the scandal if we come out that they didn't tell you about this match. We'll see you there. Promise."

His comm falls into his lap and he watches Techno raise an eyebrow before turning their phone to show the just in notice about a match tomorrow. They lock eyes.

"I think my managers just beat my wedding gift," he says.

Techno huffs, eyes shining, "You didn't have to do that."

Dream waves a hand, "I wanted to. It's" he looks at his duffel dumped next to Techno's door "somewhere in my bag. Anyway, who do you think screwed up the details?"

Techno shrugs, "No clue. The coordinators are pretty good about giving at least a week of notice, usually two and for this kind of thing, it would have been a month."

"Huh." He looks at his phone, "Hey, how much do you think I can get them to reimburse me for?"

They spend the next hour looking up various transportation prices to Hypixel that he could feasibly have used. He takes a screenshot of the best one, sends it to their managers, and passes out on Techno's shoulder, dreaming about the chance to fight someone he's wanted to for a long time.

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Things don't really change after they're married. They keep messaging each other, talking about their days and experiences, plans for the future and what they'd want to do again in the future. It's especially sweet when Techno spams him in the middle of the night because it's the first time they've seen snow or they found a cool rock or a vein of gold or they managed to create something they've been working planning for a long time. Dream can't help smiling at his phone when that happens, heart swelling and he has to roll around in his bed to keep from messaging something stupid.

Dream's friends have finally noticed he's messaging someone else and are trying to figure out who it is. He's not comfortable sharing details because it's not something they'd talked about before. It hadn't come up and he's not sure how to now.

On the bright side he's getting free entertainment as they're running around trying to figure out who he's texting. They think he doesn't have an in on their theories, but Tubbo is a snitch if you're willing to bribe him appropriately. The best one is that they're arguing about if it could be Techno or not because they only noticed after the exhibition match, but it was about two months later. Tubbo's screenshots he's shared are hilarious.

He mentions his idea to host an SMP to Techno first, describing his idea for it. They have a wonderful amount of suggestions for how to keep things running smoothly and to try and avoid as much hostility between the others as possible. It helps him figure out what exactly he wants to add to the SMP as well. The borders for teams aren't something he's likely to include simply because of how many issues they seem to have. Plus he knows his friends and they would abuse the system even if it wouldn't be in the same way Techno screwed the Earth SMP over. A huge part is to be willing to go with the flow of things and not get too worried about small things.

Which is huge because he knows his SMP is going to be insane before he even launches it. Having Tommy, Tubbo, and the others they bring with just makes it more so. There's no boredom at least even if he does have to change his notifications about happenings to not be spammed.

So he's pretty confused when he and George come across two yelling groups after a day of mining close to drawing weapons, calling for the other side's deaths, and Techno standing between them. Literally the only barrier stopping a blood bath from starting.

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Techno is very aware of the perception that they're considered a wildcard. It's not something they mind usually, even if people do tend to not fully understand what it means to be a wildcard.

Tommy and Wilbur are yelling, they other people are yelling. Everyone seems close to drawing weapons to kill each other and only aren't because they're standing in between the two groups. It's kind of funny watching them go at it mainly because they have zero clue what is going on. They're current idea is to message Dream to ask him to come by because this is his server, but that isn't needed as he and George stumble across them.

They catch Dream's eye at the same time someone notices he's there and part of the yelling shifts to having Techno kicked or killed. Tommy's started demanding for them to kill Dream in turn. It's funny, though it does pose a few new options.

They could leave right now, let it play as though Dream did kick them from the SMP for a future prank by showing up again. They could launch into a fight, it's always fun when they manage to make the time to fight and it has been a few months since their last one. Or-

"You know it's illegal to do that to your spouse, right?" he asks over the yelling.

The yelling stops and they watch as Dream slowly starts wheezing out laughter, tilting toward the ground.

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AU Notes:

like the only person who actually knew dream and techno were friends let alone married and that's phil. mainly because techno mentioned their plan when phil was trying to figure out a way to help get techno's paperwork through.

in this one, there's not really a translation for the gender words the piglins use as well as other netherborn and hybrids. dream was already aware of this thanks to sapnap which is why he referred to techno by they/them only (techno never said anything otherwise). techno would be good with he/him as well, but he's used to they/them since that's what dream uses and phil picked it up.

dream wasn't aware of the growing arguments between the groups because he had the notices he got as admin set to 'have they started killing each other and destroying property in a short span of time' level hence why he was confused as to why the argument was happening. wasn't as confused about techno being there because they already knew there wasn't any notice sent to him should techno join the SMP.

I have some long days of travel coming up so the next few posts might be at odd times or delayed. I do still plan on finishing this. I have the next two days nearly done - they just need proofreading - and the last three planned out fully. Have a happy holiday season!

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alterdnbweek · 2 days ago

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Where Wounds Fade (4940 words) by short_tree Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Minecraft (Video Game), Dream SMP Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Clay | Dream/Technoblade (Video Blogging RPF) Characters: Clay | Dream (Video Blogging RPF), Technoblade (Video Blogging RPF) Additional Tags: Getting Back Together, Blood and Injury, Injury Recovery, One Shot, Post-War Series: Part 10 of DnB Christmas Event 2024!!! Summary:

Two souls weathered by war find their way back to each other. Through whispered reassurances and apologies, they mend what was broken, proving that even the deepest wounds can heal in the warmth of rediscovered love.

@alterdnbweek

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alterdnbweek · 3 days ago

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Instinct and Envy (1917 words) by short_tree Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Minecraft (Video Game), Dream SMP Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Clay | Dream/Technoblade (Video Blogging RPF) Characters: Clay | Dream (Video Blogging RPF), Technoblade (Video Blogging RPF) Additional Tags: Alpha Clay | Dream (Video Blogging RPF), Alpha Technoblade (Video Blogging RPF), Omega Verse, Misunderstandings, Jealous Clay | Dream (Video Blogging RPF), Happy Ending, Scenting Series: Part 9 of DnB Christmas Event 2024!!! Summary:

Technoblade didn't notice he smelled any different until he walked into the apartment and heard a growl.

@alterdnbweek

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alterdnbweek · 3 days ago

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DnB December prompts @alterdnbweek

Day 17: Non-Human, Hurt/Comfort

Does this really count as Hurt/Comfort? Not really but it's close enough.

It would be an understatement to say that Dream was a mystery. Most people knew of him, his power, his malice, his cunning, his prowess. Most people knew his successes, his failings, his conquests, his losses. Most people knew of his general appearance, his mask, his primary color, his height, his hair color. Most people knew of his laughter, of his shouts of anger.

Few knew of his tears.

Few knew of what lies under the mask, so people speculate. Some say that his mask hides a hideous scar, maybe a missing eye, maybe half his face burned. Maybe he has some inhuman characteristic, maybe fangs, glowing markings, a third eye. Maybe he has no face, either the skin smooth without any definition or a black hole, absorbing anything that will look at his depths.

A few could guess he had freckles.

Few people knew what his eyes looked like, so people guessed. Most said that he had green eyes, to coordinate with his primary color. Some said that he has brown or black eyes, a dull color as his soul. Some said that he has some special color, maybe purple, maybe pink, maybe yellow, because he must be magical, or that he mustn't be human.

Few wonder how sharp his eyes truly are.

No one knows where he came from, so people theorize. Most see his small flat human ears and lack of hooves or claws or tail and declare him as human. A few remember when he was younger, when he trailed behind his adoptive mother, hair as soft and thick as wool, little hooves following bigger hooves and declaring him a ram. Less know of the sharpness of his eyes, the size of his fangs, the flexibility of his limbs and wonder, not daring mention anything since they’re probably wrong.

Technoblade didn't really care, to be honest.

Piglins don't usually leave the nether, whatever needs they may need, the infernal landscape offers it. Most danger can be overcomed with the tactics and numbers they're known for. Whatever the overworld may offer, piglins didn't really need it. Besides, separating a piglin from his group was a sure way to get a dead piglin, since their bond was so strong, one could die of heartbreak. And most importantly, piglin tusks were a traded item among mob hunters, so it was ill advised to leave the nether all together.

Techno was an anomaly, but if he weren't rescued by Phil when he was little, he probably wouldn't be here to complain. Doesn't change the fact that he knows intimately why full blooded piglins never leave the nether.

He doesn't really care anymore, the overworld is his home and whoever tries to say otherwise can eat his pickaxe. But he can understand the feeling of being hunted, of feeling unwelcome, of all the eyes in a room to focus on him, to analyze him, sizing him to determine what kind of monsters he must be. He doesn't care, he stopped caring about what people thought of him a long time ago, what they thought about his big tusks, his sharp hooves, his big hands, his fur-like pink hair, his red blood eyes. Of course, that changes if someone is threatening him or his loved ones. He can ignore but he will retaliate.

He knows when he's being hunted.

He can guess that Dream is feeling it too.

Techno cast his gaze on the public, the multitude of people, some paralyzed, some confused, some angry, some betrayed. The server has humans, but by a long shot is mostly populated by hybrids. That's actually one of its main characteristics, actually. A place where being human or not didn't really matter, there wasn't a line to cross, people didn't have to care about mob hunters, about people fearing your features, about people looking at you like you were some kind of attraction.

Everyone was welcomed with open arms by Dream, who most considered human.

His snow-white skin says otherwise.

He knows Quackity is talking, brandishing his axe above his head to make himself know while he extends his yellow wings as much as he can. He knows that Sam is at his side, full Warden attire, straight as a rod, looming like a dog waiting for an order, his four paws rooted to the ground. He knows Punz is growling, too long canines showing on his mostly human face, only his eyes betraying any short of doubt about his wolf blood. He knows Phil is muttering behind him, probably drawing conclusions of all this mess with one of his clawed talons on his chin, the feathers on his neck fluttering slightly.

But he can't look away from Dream.

His tan skin has been replaced by a white surface, looking like rock more than flesh, too rough to be skin. His human hands has been replaced by long claws, nails sharp as any enchanted blade, scratching the wooden path like it was made of dirt. His human feet has been replaced by clawed appendages, the only comparison he can think of is of a reptile mixed with an avian, kinda like Ranboo’s. He also has Ranboo’s tail and horns, bigger and thicker, his horns going straight up, sharp as an arrow. The only thing that remains as before, beside the general form of his body, is his hair, golden as ever, the freckles that cover his cheeks and his eyes.

Techno remembers well the first time he saw them. He broke his mask in the duel, and his green eyes stared at him in astonishment, not expecting this outcome. He remembers smiling, satisfied with the battle, and remembers that Dream copied his expression, even though he would feel justified in feeling awkward at someone looking at his too inhuman eyes. But Technoblade didn't care, he was happy to call Dream his rival, for him to fight with him, and that the blonde didn't care about his piglin blood. He isn't a hybrid, he’s full-blood, and few can stand the difference it makes.

He now sees the same eyes, confused and scared. Is not surprising he doesn't care this time either.

“He’s a Dreamon!” Tubbo exclaims, alarmed. The little ram grabs both Tommy’s and Ranboo’s hand, bringing them closer to him. Tommy looks enraged and Ranboo looks sick, probably making connections on his head too, looking at all the people that seem hostile to Dream, wondering if they would be hostile to him.

“Stay back!” Punz barked, in front of the form of Dream on the ground. He looks two seconds away from murder, the only thing keeping him in check is staying in front of the blonde to shield him from everyone’s gazes with all his body.

“I knew he was a monster!” Proclaims Quackity, cackling with force. Sam at his side looks serious, but raises his trident, probably in order to do his ‘duty as a warden’. “He must be locked up!”

“All right, that's enough.”

He can ignore, but if someone threatens his loved ones, he will retaliate.

“Techno?” Is kinda hard to picture Dream’s voice with this new form, his mouth with fangs fused on his lips, and sharp teeth behind. But when he locks eyes with the blonde, he can immediately see the warrior. He hasn't seen his eyes more than once, twice now, but he has the feeling that this is him, no doubt about it.

“Let’s go to my place, yeah? I think Steve might like you.”

He feels the burning stares of everyone on his back, specially Punz, deciding if he’s friend or foe. But right now, his focus is on Dream. He extends his hand to him, showing him his support, on anything that he decides.

He can see the hesitation, the fear, he can see how he flexes his clawed hand, careful of the nails that stab on the wood. He puts his hand delicately on his outstretched one, careful of not harming him. Techno closes his hand, he knows that his skin is hard to pierce, so it should be alright.

People are talking behind him while he helps Dream stand up. Punz is now behind him, blocking Dream from view, determining that Techno is an ally. He hears Phil backing him up, the swoosh of his wings blocking everyone. He just looks at Dream, who tries to smile at him. It’s like he has two row of teeth, his brown freckles now purple, peppering his skin. His green eyes are as sharp as the last time, like everytime he looks up, he’s daring the world itself to try and take him down.

He’s still Dream.

“I also think Carl may like you.”

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For those who have read my fanfic, this is the reveal that Dream would have of his species have he not met DreamXD, as a little treat

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alterdnbweek · 3 days ago

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Hope and Nightmares

@alterdnbweek

Day 16: Pirates AU; enemies to lovers; Day 17: Non-human; hurt/comfort;

......................

Before starting this I need to explain a little this Au!!!

This is a Crossover of the book series universe "The Guardians of Childhood" (even known as "Rise Of The Guardians").

The story takes place after the Fearlings, Shadows, and Nightmares (here for info) break from their prison and start spreading chaos and destruction in the Universe, guided by the newborn Nightmare King on the massive ship Nightmare Galleon (yes, space pirates guys).

A big thanks to @mistythedritten for the idea XD

Once again I apologize for any grammar errors, I did my best. If you don't understand something tell me so I can correct and change things 😭😭😭

..........................

The cells in the galleon were something really horrible, they were small, and cold, with nothing to lie down on, or even pass the time.

The only company were of occasional Fearlings that observed it from the shade, as a kind of exotic animal … or a delicious banquet.

"How is our dear guest doing today?", asks a hidden figure in the shadows.

"Fuck. It's here.", thinks a young man with pink hair.

Stay calm Techno, he can sense your fear. You need to be calm.

"Very well Sir Dream, but I will not lie about my review for this place, I fear you will have to settle for two stars at most", it should not be so easy to fall back into the old habits with the being in front of him

"That's not my name Sir Technoblade," said the figure, their voice closer than before

"Oh right, my apologies I had forgotten Your Highness, the name you use is "Epiales the King of Nightmares", correct?", as the young man ends the phrase, the figure finally comes out of the shade revealing a pale-ciner face, white hair, and two silver eyes (too expressive and alive for the corpse that they were using) that had some gold around the pupils.

Fun, they look like a solar eclipse. How fitting.

"Exactly, very well! I see that your brain activities are still all intact, and after weeks of torture by my Nightmares no less, I'm glad.", he said with a cheerful voice and a sweet smile, a twisted version of his original owner.

"I mean, the nightmares are surely unpleasant but, nothing that cannot be managed in the morning once awake."

"Really? Last night's screams say the opposite, but it seems that I have to commit more!", the shadow man continues with a tone typical of someone who talks about something fun to an old friend.

"Please stop."

"Oh? Do you give up then?"

"No, just… stop using his face in that way, Fearling."

"…"

"Sir Dream was… a valiant warrior and friend for many, kill him and using his corpse as a marionette is already horrible, but using his face and his voice? This is low even for demons like you!"

"You forgot some important things in your description, general."

"And, what would it be?"

"You forgot to mention "lover" and "possible future husband", those simple words were like a sword in the general's stomach.

"Dream and I are not… we weren't…", it took a lot of willpower to keep calm and continue the conversation.

"Don't lie! Not to me, not when I can sniff any idiocy is about to get out of your mouth! He was as many things for you... as you were for him."

"What would you know about these things, monster?", the pikette said the last words with all the poison and anger that the man was capable of.

"More than you give me credit, dear general," said calmly the nightmare king, with a look of something that looked like empathy, it was an odd thing to see for a dark being like him.

"Why do you tell me all this?"

"I would like to offer you an agreement, general."

"And, would it be?"

"Better accommodation, better food if possible, and in return total surrender… and a place by my side"

"Are you serious?"

"I am."

"What kind of madness makes you believe that I would accept? That I would betray my companions?!"

"Even if I said that war and carnage are not my goals in all this?"

"Oh yes, I totally believe it, and I'm sure that the inhabitants of the three planets that you devoured and drained the light do it too!"

"Planets where I left some survivors if I am not mistaken, because they were not my main goal but, as you said now, their light were. I admit that I could have gone to a frenzy but, I think it is justifiable after centuries of starving!" "Or, do you want to deny even this truth, general?"

"I'm still not betraying anyone."

"Not betray but abandon. I'm asking you to leave everything and everyone behind yes... but, not to betray them."

"And, why should I do it? What do I really earn?"

"The possibility of saving your people, and your family from me, my Fearlings, Nightmares, and Shadows who live on this ship."

"Didn't you say that war and carnage were not your goal?"

"Yes and I mean it, but this does not mean that I will not defend myself when the troops come, and they will do it soon or later… I can't run and hide forever, and when the battle will come I will not give them any mercy… not like I gave it to you. "

"Waoh, you make me feel so special", he said with sarcasm that he missed the contempt he felt for being. "If what you say is true then, what is your real goal?", even if it was a lie he could not stop the curiosity that this conversation aroused in the young general.

"My goal is to survive at the moment, to find a place far from the sight of the Lunanoffs and their followers, and perhaps to finally be able to live in peace, as far as I'm allowed."

"Living in peace, really? And, do you expect me to believe you? You Fearlings and Shadow Men don't know anything about living in peace, or respecting the life of others, or anything about human suffering, Shadow!" "Beings like you only know how to prey on the fear and the light of others, you are not able to experience the slightest human emotion!"

"If this is what you think then, why did you spare my life that day? You had me at your mercy, and you could get rid of me, so why?"

"Because killing you like that wouldn't get rid of you forever, you would have returned sooner or later, with a new body to wear maybe, and… you had his face, and I… I was unable to go all the way."

"Is this really the reason, general?"

"…"

"I'm not your enemy, despite what the Lunanoffs say, and I don't wanna be. If you help me you could save a lot of pain on both sides, Sir Technoblade."

Silence.

"Revenge will not give you back what you've already lost, how it will not give me back mine. And I think that by helping each other we can make something good… new opportunities perhaps?"

"You speak like one of those snobs who give away the hand of their own daughter in marriage, you know?", he said it as a way to mock the other.

"In a sense is what I am proposing, only that it is my hand I am giving."

"You. Are. Not. Him.", he was so close to losing himself to anger for hearing such a proposal, "YOU CAN'T REPLACE HIM!".

"And I'm not going to but... he meant a lot for you, to the point of sparing me, even now after a month of mental tortures you are willing to listen to me and talk to me as an equal rather than a mindless monster. None of your colleagues would do such a thing, and you know."

"…"

"Listen… I may not be him, or be human for that matter, but… when I took this body I assimilated the soul that lived in it, with some of its memories. The soul has become a part of me, as much I'm a part of it now."

"..."

"Your beloved Dream is not gone, not in the way you think and it may not return to you in the way it was before this but, it's still there."

"Lies, you are lying. You are trying to manipulate me"

"I wish I was, it would be simpler.", his gaze was turned down as if he was ashamed of this administration.

"Think about it, doesn't seems a little out of character for me to keep you alive, without trying even once to corrupt your core, and turn you into one of us? That, nightmares aside, I kept you as healthy as possible, and I'm having a conversation to find a mutual agreement that can satisfy both of us? " "Don't you think that perhaps just perhaps, what remains of your beloved is still here, and is influencing me?"

"…"

"I don't want to give you false hopes, I am not and I will never be Him, but this does not mean that things cannot change for the better from how they are now."

There was a silence full of waiting in the air, which was broken by pinkette.

"Time. I-I need time to think."

"Of course, I will give you three days to carefully think about my proposal, and I will try to give you lighter nightmares to allow you to think. Is this a good agreement for you?"

"Yes, yes, whatever."

"I will wait for you, call me if you need me or anything.", and after saying this the figure of the King of Nightmares loose in the shadow from which he had come.

And the general was left alone to think and reflect on the strange conversation he had with the Shadow King, leaving him with many questions and perhaps with the slightest hope of reuniting again with his beloved Dreamling.

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alterdnbweek · 3 days ago

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Fire Flashes

Written for the dreamnblade christmas event @alterdnbweek is holding this year.

Day 17 Prompts: Non-Human; Hurt Comfort

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Making sure that his territory is secure and there's nothing off about it is second nature. Dream can handle only doing smaller patrols for a while, but he has to have at least one larger patrol every month. One that stretches from the mountains to the forests to the plains and down to through the tunnels around his den. It's rare that there is anything. The closest human settlement is an easy day's flight outside of his territory and he doesn't like interacting with the annoying small things on the ground.

So seeing a burnt section of the trees is odd and gets even odder as he follows it to a charred clearing where a smoking bird dressed in gleaming fire is crashed in the center. Their wings look broken and their eyes are dull as they watch him step closer and closer.

Dream can't be certain, but he's thinks this is a phoenix. The immortal bird of fire and life crashed into his territory and seeming to have just escaped from some kind of battle or imprisonment. The stories say they heal from these sorts of wounds. That they come back from their ashes just as strong as before without any help from outsiders. There's no reason for Dream to get involved outside of making sure whatever did this to the phoenix doesn't enter his territory.

And yet-

His claws dig into the soil around the bird, turning it up as he scoops the no where as warm being into his curled paw and takes off into the air back to his den. He remembers being in that position. Alone and hurt and everyone who might have helped looking past him because he was supposed to be strong enough to take care of himself without outside help. It sucked. It hurt to see others in the same spot getting the help he needed and is a big reason he prefers to stick to himself. And right now, he can help someone else out who is probably in the same position as him.

He can feel the feathers shifting against his paw, a sharp beak resting against the edge of a scale as he flies. It doesn't take long to reach even though he's going through the physical entrance. He makes sure to be careful as he carries the phoenix through his den and to the warmest part of it.

The bird's eyes are a bit brighter as he puts them down in the sand pit he keeps for scale cleaning. The caldera underneath here is enough to keep this room almost too warm for Dream, but he thinks it should be good for a phoenix. There's more he can add, though, especially for the wings and he stalks out of the room to start dragging that in. By the time he's done, the phoenix has a few cushions, some smaller rocks tucked around for a makeshift nest, various bits of meat since Dream has no clue what they eat, and a small pile of metals and gems to make them feel better.

He tilts his head, debating if there's anything else he can get them, but nothing comes to mind. Dream looks them over and all told, they look better. The flame feathers are brighter, their eyes sharp as they stay latched on him, and their own talons scratching through the sand beneath them. Maybe for now this is all he can do.

"You aren't going to eat me?" a voice reminiscent of crackling forest fires asks.

He looks over his shoulder, wing at the phoenix who's lifted their head from the ground, "No? I want to make sure you heal. Would eating you help you heal faster?"

The phoenix tilts their head, "You could have left me there."

"There's been points I needed help and others didn't give me it because of what I am," he says. "I wasn't going to just leave you there if I could at least offer a spot for you to heal safely."

They hum and tuck their head under a wing instead of responding. He waits for a moment to see if there's going to be anything else, then turns to head to his own nest. He wants to curl up for now. Figuring out what else to do can wait until he's rested a bit.

The phoenix awake when he comes back in. Sitting up and if not for the hanging wings, they would look much like any other bird.

"Would you be willing to help set my bones?" they ask, a wing twitching.

Dream stares at the delicate thing, "Are you sure? I'm not exactly built for things like that."

Red eyes stare at him, "As long as you follow what I tell you to do, it will be fine."

And he does. Careful to do only exactly as the phoenix asks him to do which turns out to be shifting to they can shove their wings against Dream's scales and snap the bones into their place. The cracks are disturbing to hear and he keeps expecting them to stop at some point. To pull back from the pain of the task, but they don't until both wings are set into place.

At that point they nestle down into the sand, neck collapsing not long after, "Could you push the stones closer? To help with support."

He does. Adjusting them until the phoenix says they are good and he sits back on his haunches, "Do you need anything else? More food, water? I can get you some more cushions or metals if you want."

"...Techno," they say.

He blinks down at them, "What?"

"It's my name," the phoenix - Techno - explains and their eyes close as their breathing evens into sleep.

Well. He's... not sure what to do with that. His eye catches the bits of food he'd dragged in, noting that some have actually been eaten. He looks back at the sleep bird and as silently as possible turns to go start collecting some more of those items. Techno might have said they weren't interested in anything right now, but he can at least make sure he has some on hand for when they are.

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The next days follow a simple pattern of Dream checking in on Techno, helping in some way, leaving to either gather things together or take care of his own tasks, and returning to talk or read a book Techno requested. Each interaction tat goes by, though, he can't help noticing how the feathers grow more and more disheveled. His claws are built to work with feathers - they have to be - but asking to help with taking care of another's preening would be too far. He can't bring himself to offer and he hopes that his lingering attention hasn't been noticed. It would be horrible if he's making the guest who can't leave because of broken wings uncomfortable.

He scratches at his scales, looking over the rest of the room. Everything looks alright still. No cracks or twisted flows of energies. All of it looks alright to keep up the healing for them, at least.

"Dream," Techno calls, beak perched on one of the rocks when he looks over, "do you happen to have anything to help take care of feathers? Mine are getting, uncomfortable."

Dream winces slightly, knowing the exact feeling Techno means, "I don't. I use my claws when I need to take care of my feathers."

The dull red embers burst to flaring oranges and yellows as the phoenix lifts his head slightly, "You have feathers that shed? And you aren't reliant on them for flight?"

"Um. Yes? All of my-" He pauses, thinking for a moment, "All of my subspecies switches between feathers and scales. It depends on the season."

Techno hums, head lowering back to the rock though his eyes are still bright and sharp on him, "Would you be willing to help with mine?"

Dream hesitates. He's wanted to. It hurts his talons to see his guest who he's quickly viewing as a friend in what rings as an uncomfortable state of being. But preening is a thing only the closest bonds do. Family, blood friends, mates- It's not a thing to do with someone you've effectively just met no matter how close he feels to them.

On the other hand, Techno is the one who asked. The one who broke that topic in the first place and maybe it's not as big of a deal for phoenixes?

"I can," he says, slowly stepping closer. "Let me know if I do something that hurts or is uncomfortable."

It goes smoothly. Dream runs through the feathers carefully, slowly over hours to make sure he doesn't hurt Techno, but still manages to take out the ones dead and damaged. All of Techno looks better by the time he pulls back. His eyes are closed, chest expanding slow and deep with even breathes signaling sleep. Dream sinks slightly into the ground of the room, moving silently to leave. Techno still needs all the rest he can get.

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Preening is added to the rotation. Dream has to remind himself every time it is just a helping hand. That it means nothing to Techno beyond someone helping to care for the feathers he can't reach while he's recovering. For Dream it's a battle with his instincts as they say this is clearly an indication of interest beyond simple acknowledgement.

His steps are slow as he heads to the room, running through his mind about how this is nothing beyond helping someone he can. Even if Techno is wonderful to talk with, always having a perspective Dream hadn't considered or with things that change the ideas he already had. He's been able to expand the defenses of his portal so much which hasn't helped his tangled feelings, but it's somewhat easier to ignore than the preening. Hopefully Techno's feathers are well enough Dream can maybe keep the topic to defenses or the strange things other creatures do. He had no idea that humans were apparently bonded by blood like dragons.

He pauses, looking up. There's an odd feeling in the air. Not something he's ever felt before, but it doesn't feel... hostile. Bad.

Still, oddness is not always good. He stays steady in his steps as he closes the last few steps, "Techno?"

There's a singing hum, vibrating through the air. Dream pokes his head into the room not seeing any sort of threat at a quick scan so what-

Dream stares. Can feel his jaw hanging open and he can't move.

Techno is standing, perched on a few stones. He's taking up most of the sand pit area, curving back easily at the same level as Dream's shoulder if not higher as a flaring head is working along feathers. Tail feathers fanned out across the easily dozen blocks of sand and reaching the stone surrounding it. All of his feathers sweeping coils of fire crackling with wild life. The room is warmer. Almost burning even from where he's standing at the entrance. The air itself feels full of life, as though an entire forest might pop into existence at any moment.

He... He might get why someone would want to hunt a phoenix, now.

Techno's head shifts, rises clearly over Dream's height on a deceptively delicate neck. He's obviously better. The wounds vanished and not a hint of it lingering as Dream keeps staring. He's, he's going to be leaving soon. Right? He's better so there's no reason to stay. Techno can return to his own nest and Dream should be the one to ask. Make it clear he's not trying to keep him here.

"Would you mind if I stayed longer?" Techno asks, wings beating a few times before settling against his sides. There's glass drops formed where the feathers have hit.

Dream stares at him, mind struggling to catch up with the words, "What?"

"It's nice here," Techno says. "I like the feel of it. How you've shaped and taken care of it." Dream nods, words stuck in his throat and there's another vibrating hum overlapping a chirp as Techno steps closer. "Give me a tour."

And he can't say no.

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AU Notes:

dream is an ender dragon. in this one, they will grow feathers at various points much like other animals will grow thicker coats in the winter.

phoenixes are rare, only really known of in stories. it's nearly impossible to mistake one for anything else simply because of their presence. they are life. techno was injured enough most of his power was focused on keeping him alive so it wasn't present.

Hope you enjoyed!

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alterdnbweek · 3 days ago

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That Funny Little Detail

Written for the dreamnblade christmas event @alterdnbweek is holding this year.

Day 18 Prompts: Meeting Family/Friends; Family Dinner

A quick note: Dream and Techno have been together for five years in this fic.

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Techno runs the brush through blond locks, carefully working through the knots that have built up. It's a process given Dream's ignored a lot of things in the rush to get things prepared for the holiday season. The stress clear as day in him before Techno bullied him into a warm bath, an actual meal, and a break to do something that's not work.

Now, Dream is dosing against his leg, head lulled into Techno's knee as he works through the tangles. He's heavy in almost sleep and he wants to have this taken care of before he settles them somewhere to actually sleep.

A ring splits the air. Dream jolting upright and he barely manages to follow the motion to not injury him. He flails a hand toward the coffee table, grabbing his phone and answering it. Techno leans forward, resting his head on Dream's as he switches the call to speaker.

"Dream! Good you picked up!" Sapnap's voice comes through.

Techno closes his eyes, listening as Dream mumbles a response, rubbing at his eyes.

"Oh," Sapnap pauses. "Did I wake you up?"

"...No," he sighs reaching up to grab at Techno's hand. "What is it?"

"Wanted to let you know we got the plans for the holiday get together figured out. Two weeks from now. Karl wants to have those cookies you brought last year and Quackity says to bring your partner." Dream grumbles and Sapnap hurries to add, "It was a suggestion! I swear! If she's not ready yet, it's not a big deal."

"That- No," he groans, leaning back against Techno. He wraps an arm around him and Dream sighs, "I'm tired. I'll call in the morning."

Sapnap agrees and the calls ends. Techno pulls it out of his hand, placing it face down on the table, and gently pulling Dream up onto the couch, "Do you want to go this year?"

"Huh?" Dream shifts to look at him.

"You sounded annoyed," he explains, carefully running fingers through the blond locks. There's still a few knots, but he doubts he'll get back to them. "I know Phil and Kristen wouldn't mind."

He groans, shoving his face into Techno's shirt, "Mfir'd."

"Morning talk, then?" he asks.

Dream nods slightly. Techno hums, shifts them around again to pick him up and head to their room. Dream is completely limp. Not helping with anything, but also not fighting to stay awake and keep working so he gets them both into their bed, blankets tucked around them. There's a faint shifting on top as Patches, Carl, and Steve join them. Dream's already drifted off again. Techno double checks that everything is alright around them and settles down himself.

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"I mentioned something a couple months back that let them figure out I'm dating someone," Dream explains as Techno works on their breakfast. "Since then, they've been digging for information and it's annoying." he frowns, staring at the ceiling, "I think Karl might have said something to get Sapnap to back off at least. Quackity's been the one pushing more from what I've heard."

"Sounds nice," he says, nudging a plate of toast across the counter. "So do you want to go this year? You haven't met up for the last three."

"...I don't know," Dream sighs, nibbling on some toast. "I was planning on it cause, well, it has been three years and I miss getting together for the holidays, but I also don't want to spend the whole time being bugged about who I'm dating." Techno hums as he continues, "Maybe I'll tell them that they have limited questions they push past them, I'm leaving. But I just- ugh."

There's a thunk and Dream's head is resting on the counter when he turns with the plate of pancakes. One of his hands it fisted on the back of his head, blond hair straining between his fingers.

"...I could go with," he offers.

Dream jerks upright, eyes wide and mouth opening and closing. Techno continues after a moment when nothing comes out, "I don't mind, Phil and Kristen will understand, and I don't want you dealing with something uncomfortable alone."

"I- You're sure?"

He nudges the pancakes towards Dream who takes one automatically, "I'm sure. But it's only if you want to. I know you don't like the idea of people knowing we're together."

Dream looks to side, slowly chewing his pancake and Techno grabs his own to start eating. They're silent. Eating their breakfast as Dream clearly debates things in his head. Techno leaves him to that, happy to wait while he figures out what he wants to do.

"I'm going to call Sapnap back," Dream says, moving back from the counter. "See what exactly the plan is and get Karl to help grill them about what their plans for interrogation are."

He nods, "I'll check the pantry for the cookie ingredients while you're doing that. I think I need to grab more dried sprouts, but I want to double check."

Dream nods, phone already out as he vanishes to one of the other rooms. He is going to need more dried sprouts and they're low enough on several other things he grabs a paper to start a list.

He's organizing it into priority when Dream comes back without his phone, "I may have lost my phone."

"Oh?"

"Karl was out," Dream starts, "so it was Quackity and Sapnap and those two are the worst- They were really pushing bringing you instead of answering anything I was trying to ask. So I said we'd be there and, uh, threw my phone out the window."

Techno stares, "Which one?"

"The one looking over the pond," he sighs. "And it went in."

"Huh. I think we still have one of the old ones somewhere."

"Eh, they can deal. Karl and Bad both warned them already."

He hums, "Alright. Got a few things to pick up besides the sprouts if you want to come with and we can stop at Phil's and let them know."

Dream grins, "Sure. I'm going to change first, though."

-----_____-----_____-----_____-----_____-----_____-----_____-----

Two weeks later, they're in the car, Dream driving through the confusing residential streets as Techno holds his phone for the directions. The maps aren't something he's used to using, but it does work extremely well outside of the Nether. Probably because of the lack of overlap.

"It has two more turns on this," he says, squinting at the screen.

"Yeah, I know where we are," Dream says. "You can end the route."

He hums, tapping the button but not closing the app. The dot keeps moving and Dream makes the last turns without incident. There's other cars already parked nearby and he can see a few people hanging out in front of the house. Sapnap comes running, hugging Dream as soon as he's out of his door and Techno takes the time to unbuckle and double check the cookies.

They're fine and he looks up, smiling faintly as he watches Sapnap hanging off Dream's shoulder, "Why haven't you been answering anything? I've been trying to get you for the last two week! Karl kicked us both to the couch and it sucks."

"Wow. Consequences," Dream laughs. "You two pissed me off enough I threw my phone into a lake"

Sapnap's mouth opens and closes, "Dude, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to push that much. You’re both cool, though? I mean, you've only been together a couple months..."

Dream sighs, pulling his arm away as Techno pops open his door, "We're both here."

"Oh sweet! I can't wait-"

Sapnap stares at him as he closes the door again, lifting a few fingers in hello from around the container.

Dream is obviously fighting a shit-eating grin as he comes around, grabbing Techno's arm, "Come on. Let's go inside."

He follows, spotting the shocked looks on the other people hanging out in front of the house as they pass. None of them stop them and there's oddly no one else as they walk through the halls.

"I thought there were more people?" he asks.

"Oh, they're going to be in the backyard," Dream says. He pulls to a stop in the hallway, breath stuttering as he lets go of Techno's arm, "I just, need a moment."

He shuffles the containers around, wrapping an arm around him and pulling him close. Dream wraps his arms around Techno's waist with a stuttering sigh, "Sorry."

"You're good," he says. "They're digging at things you didn't want them to know about. Take whatever time you need."

"It's not even them, it's- ugh."

Techno rubs his shoulder content to stand there for however long it takes Dream to feel up to continuing. It's not long - and he suspects Dream might be pushing himself - and they're back to walking through the house to the backyard with Dream's hand on his arm. Dream's mumbling about the things that have been changed since the last time he was here while rubbing circles on his skin.

No one notices them exiting right away and they split. Techno heads to the tables of food and drinks to set the cookies down then looks around.

Dream's next to Karl and Quackity, Karl standing there with his arms crossed and Quackity nervously saying something. Probably an apology like Sapnap gave. Bad is hovering close by. He recognizes a few other faces, though can't recall their names at the moment (...thanks for the 'e''s chat. very helpful.) and they're happily talking amongst themselves.

He grabs a plate and a few things he knows Dream is going to want to have. He's happy staying to the back of things, watching everyone as they move around each other, but Dream is still clearly uncomfortable with attention being shoved on him about their relationship so he wanders over instead of staying toward the back.

Bad blinks at him, looking between Techno and Dream as Quackity stutters to a stop staring up at him.

"Yo," he says, watching amused as Quackity squeaks and stumbles back into Karl.

"Techno," Karl greets as he steadies Quackity. "How was the drive in?"

"Fine."

"Good. I suggest trying Puffy's stuffed mushrooms when she gets here. They're almost as good as your cookies."

He nods at Karl's smile, watching Bad give a double take as he passes the plate to Dream. There's a quiet pleased sound as he grabs the brownie and he can hear a faint 'what the fuck' from Quackity he chooses to ignore.

It goes pretty well from what he can tell. People come up to talk to them though it's mostly Dream doing the talking. Most of them seem surprised or shocked about something initially, though it clears up quick enough he's pretty sure it's just the fact they're attending together for the first time. No one is pushing to the point Dream starts getting anxious and he relaxes enough to join in on a game on the projector screen as they're waiting for the last few things to get plated on the tables.

Chat tenses in his head, tone shifting to something pissed off but they're mumbling and bleeding together enough he can't tell what's set them off. It doesn't have them in a frenzy at least so he just keeps a closer eye on the others just in case.

It's in time to see Karl's head snapping toward the front entrance, starting to extract himself from a conversation with Drista and Techno tilts his head the same way.

An older man ambles around the corner, a sneering smirk on his unfortunately familiar face, "Finally decided to stop back in town and refused to see me, hm?"

There's silence as everyone else snaps their attention toward him, all frozen as Dream's father walks up to him.

Techno sets his plate down as those closest to him start hissing questions about who told him, what is going on, how is he here. It's clear this wasn't planned - if it was, he'd certainly use your suggestions, chat - but that doesn't matter. Dream is not going to be stuck fighting alone when he's here.

-----_____-----_____-----_____-----_____-----_____-----_____-----

Techno's heartbeat is steady under Dream's ear. His arms are a solid weight around him and he doesn't want to move.

He knows his sperm donor was forced off the property under threats of violence and authorities being called, that he's not here anymore, but he doesn't want to come out yet. Doesn't want to have to interact with everyone who just saw how badly he dealt with a ten second interaction. Doesn't want to leave Techno's side where nothing short of the world ending would be able to reach him.

"Dream?" Bad asks. "Are you up for any food or drinks?"

He tightens his grip on Techno's shirt, ice dripping down his spine at the idea of leaving his cocoon of safety.

"...Maybe just some small bites and a cup of water," Techno says, voice vibrating through his chest and through Dream.

He can hear Bad's steps walking away, the conversations happening around further from them a low buzzing in the air, and he breaths out slowly. He really screwed up the feel of the night and not even in the way he'd been fearing.

"They aren't angry with you," Techno says, fingers running through his hair. "They're worried. Pissed that he showed up. Determined to figure out how he knew you'd be here. Punz is offering their hunting cabin if needed."

He can't help a snort at the last one. The images of the group working together to hide a body or hunt the sperm donor for sport funny enough it shuffles some of the feelings away. It's not enough for him to come out yet, but it's a start.

"I can message Niki right now. Let her know what happened."

It's tempting. Very, very tempting to let Niki know right now so she can get the legal stuff in motion as soon as possible, but-

"It's fine," Techno says, squeezing him closer. "I'm not going to let you go until you want to."

Dream breaths out. Focuses on Techno's heartbeat and the warmth around him.

**~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~**

AU Notes:

the reason dream didn't want to tell his friends/family about dating techno is because they all live in the same area that his father does. given it was an abusive upbringing in multiple ways including constant rants about how the lgbt community deserved to all die and resulted in a full on restraining order, he didn't want to deal with his father learning and causing issues

everyone at the party was in fact shocked that dream showed up with techno. not all of them were aware of them dating, but most of their knowledge of their interactions is what they consider friendly ribbing before and after they have a match with the other so seeing them not doing that was throwing them. it was worse for those who did know dream was bringing his SO.

their original plan was to spend the holiday with phil and kristen like they had the prior three years (1: actually planed, 2: stuck in quarintine, 3: freak snowstorm that trapped them for like two weeks), but the actual date hadn't been determined yet. they're still going to hang out, it's just going to be after this.

karl knew who dream was dating the entire time

Thank you for reading!

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alterdnbweek · 3 days ago

Text

creature, creature

a day late but this is something i wrote for @alterdnbweek

i just wanted to explore my idea of a more inhuman c!dream

People had told Techno that Dream was a monster, that he wasn’t human. It had seemed like the sort of rumors that would’ve been directed at him if things had gone differently. He knew, at least partially, what Dream had done and had chalked it up to that which was none of his business. The fact that Dream had never betrayed him, that he owed Dream for helping to save his life and return Carl to him was what mattered to Techno and he kept that carefully separated from all the rest.

Techno was a little surprised, then, when the platform stopped at the cell with a thud and he saw Dream without the mask and carefully constructed outfit that showed nothing for the first time.

He wasn’t human.

It was hard to tell what he was. Techno was aware of a humanoid shape pressed into the corner of cell, tucked beneath the lectern as much as possible. But it felt off. The stained and ripped orange jumpsuit didn’t quite fit.

“Dream?”

The cell swallowed the name. Techno took a couple steps forward. He could smell sweat and too much blood in the air. He knew what the stains were.

“You—You shouldn’t have come.” Dream’s voice muffled and strained. “It’s a trap.”

“I know, Dream, I know,” said Techno, crouching down close enough he could reach out and touch Dream if he wanted to. The smell of blood was stronger now. “C’mon, it’s alright. Lemme see you.”

Dream let out a shaky breath then unfurled himself from the corner.

Green, tangled hair that was more like a mane fell down in front of Dream’s face. Two white, rabbit-like ears stuck out from the top of his head, a green tuft of fur on the tip of the one that hadn’t been torn raggedly. His eyes were round and so dark Techno couldn’t determine the color though when the light from the glowstone hit them, they shone green. His nose was also rabbit-like with a little bit of green fur set above a mouth that was entirely too wide, curved upwards. The flat, round shape of his face reminded Techno of a barn owl. A long white tail, also tipped with green, was wrapped around Dream’s legs. Sitting, it was hard to judge proportions but the lankiness Dream had always possessed now made more sense. He was all arms and legs, the paw shaped hands ending in claws, and Techno was certain the fluff on his rabbit shaped feet hid similar claws. Where there wasn’t green fur, his skin was an almost iridescent white and his back seemed oddly hunched. Dream blinked and two sets of eyelids slid across his eyes.

“I know,” he started, bitterly, “I’m—”

Techno cut him off.

“Bruh, what the heck happened to you?”

The question caught Dream off-guard and he tilted his head as he fell silent. He pulled his arms to his chest. The sleeves of the jumpsuit weren’t long enough, exposing his forearms and all the cuts and scars and bruises. Dream swallowed.

“I—They’ve been torturing me.”

Techno winced slightly at the confirmation of what was obvious from merely looking at Dream. He hadn’t wanted to believe it but the bloody jumpsuit and the torn ear and all the bruises and cuts were impossible to miss. The abuse was written all over him and it was horrific. Techno didn’t know what to do or say, not with Dream’s strange face staring at him like he was expecting something bad.

“Dang,” he said, throat tight. “That sucks, man.”

A rough, annoyed laugh was pulled from Dream and he smiled, too-wide mouth full of sharp teeth, before he could stop himself.

“It’s not—I mean, yeah, it—it does suck.”

Dream’s shoulders dropped. His collarbone stuck out sharply and Techno realized he had to be terribly underweight. He started to dig into his pockets but Sam had turned them out thoroughly. Instead, he untucked his shirt, stuck his thumb into the last button hole, and tore a strip of fabric off.

“L, couldn’t be me.” The words were soft and teasing and Techno moved a little closer to Dream. “You said ‘they’, I’m guessin’ you mean Sam and Quackity.”

At the names, Dream tensed, large eyes flicking upwards, looking beyond Techno to the wall of lava as if he thought they would be summoned by mere mention. He was trembling, shifting uncomfortably where he sat.

“Y-yeah. It was—It was him. Quackity,” said Dream after a long moment. “He tried to make me write you a note but I didn’t. I swear, I didn’t, Techno.”

It was the most emotion he had shown this entire time, face twisting in desperation. His hands had twitched, starting to reach out to Techno before pulling back. Techno reached out instead and touched the side of Dream’s head. The hair beneath his palm was soft despite the matting.

“It’s okay, Dream, I believe you, alright? I believe you, man. Just let me take a look at you. You’re a mess,” he said.

Instead of responding, Dream pushed himself further out of the corner and closer to Techno. The blood on his skin was dried and crusty but Techno did his best to clean it off. The first time Techno’s fingers touched Dream’s skin, he almost recoiled; it had a strange texture, almost like a slime block but dry and warm. He thought Dream noticed the almost, saw the way he lowered his gaze, and to make up for it, Techno pressed his palm against Dream’s cheek. There were scars on his face and around his neck and long, thin scars curling around his shoulder and down his back. On his back, two oddly shaped lumps were raised against the fabric of his jumpsuit and for some reason, Techno thought of Phil. He started to pull the jumpsuit back but Dream jerked away.

“Don’t—Just, don’t, please,” he said.

Techno frowned. He wanted to know what had happened because he had an idea and he didn’t like the idea, not even a little. He knew why he had thought of Phil. Discarding the scrap of fabric, Techno tugged off his cloak.

“Alright, alright.” He wrapped the cloak around Dream’s shoulders, careful with what part of his back he rubbed his hand against. Then he pulled Dream against his side. “I’ve got ya, Dream.”

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